Chapter 14

Issei woke up at his usual 4 AM and for a moment, muscle memory told him to get dressed for the gym and meet Ikki. Of course, reality hit and he knew that he couldn't go and if he did, he was sure that Ikki would tell Kenichi.

If not him, he was certain that Ikki might have told Hikari, if she was working this morning and word would still find its way back to Kenichi.

He let out a long, frustrated sigh and pushed himself out of bed. He dropped to the floor and began doing push‑ups that were slow and controlled, being mindful of the stitches tugging at his right side.Full novel: High School DxD: A Fighting Chance — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠

His mind replayed the tournament footage he'd watched last night, he had to use the replay link, since the stream for it had been over.

'I wasn't using my whole body… elbows, knees… I could've done more.'

He could practically feel the missed opportunities such as delivering a knee to Makoto's ribs or an elbow to break Taichi's guard. He knew that he probably could have done a tighter angle with the chokehold, angling his body in a way that would've prevented the brass knuckles from hitting him.

He rubbed the spot on his left side where the metal had slammed into him. The swelling near his eye had gone down, thankfully hidden by his bangs.

He had also done his research on muay thai, soon after learning that Kenichi had a master in that style and he knew that he wanted to learn it. He found out that it dealt with the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. He felt like this was what he was missing for himself to get stronger. Something to add to his offense than just kicks, punches, and palm strikes.

As a means to test himself, he proceeded to do standing high knee drills, however, he would place his hands at a certain level in front of him. This would be a marker for where he could use his knees, while knowing his range without aggravating the stitches on his right side.

He was also maintaining the looseness of his hips, slowly twisting them, of course wincing, when he felt the stitches sting. While he did his hip twists, he would also be doing elbow thrusts, but he couldn't go far on his right side like he could with his left side. Being injured meant being restricted, and restriction was something Issei hated more than anything.

Of course, he couldn't help but snicker when Elize had informed him that thanks to his thick skull, he didn't have a concussion. She had associated it to his stubbornness, referring to how he used to continue peeping with Matsuda and Motohama after a kendo club beatdown and after they left him for their own gain. He found it surprising how he didn't get the same thrill anymore, but it was refreshing.

He still practiced his punches and kicks in his room, he tried to do different variations of crunches. However, the stitches were a factor that hindered him, but he knew his pain tolerance.

After he worked up a sweat, he went to go shower and stripped off the bandages. Of course, he took a cold one, letting the icy water shock him awake.

Since he could not do much, he decided to check his work that would be due today as his teacher had emailed him on Friday on what he needed to study. His eyes drifted to the torn gi Setsuka had made for him.

'Debut ruined… and it was my fault.' Issei groaned to himself.

When back to review the film of the fights, he noted that he could have dodged to his left, which would have prevented both cuts to the gi. He also noted the glint at Taichi's shoes, likely where the hidden blade was located.

He knew that the cut near his eye was pretty much unavoidable as the referee was thrown into him. He could have held the referee as a meat shield, but that might have gravely injured the referee or possibly killed him, since they were not facing the oncoming blade. So he was thankful that he took the blow rather than having a dead man there.

He sighed. 'Better me than a dead ref.'

His phone buzzed and saw that it was a text from Ikki.

Ikki: Hey, man, need a ride?

Issei: No thanks, I'll walk.

Ikki: You sure?

Issei: Yeah.

Ikki: Alright. I'll tell Kisara. Otherwise she'll storm your house. You're her "little brother" now haha.

Issei stared at the message. He felt claimed again, but in the same way that Elize and Yu-Mi did. However, running into Kisara's arms was a guaranteed noogie and his body shuddered before he replied back to his senior.

Issei: That'll take some getting used to.

Ikki: Anyway, try to stay healthy.

Issei: I will.

He put his phone away and then just sat and pondered about what to do for the remaining minutes that he had left. He felt agitated about not being able to do something because of his injuries.

He hated being idle. He hated being limited. He hated being unable to train. But he had to endure it.

He dressed himself and headed downstairs to find his parents already dressed and ready for the day.

"Morning, sport." Gorou greeted. "Almost forgot that you were still here, since you’re usually at the gym still."

"Yeah…" Issei sighed. "It's boring when you're limited to what you can do." Taking his seat at the table.

"Well, now you can actually eat a full breakfast instead of rushing with a quick meal." Miki said as she placed a plate in front of him.

The plate consisted of beef, garlic rice, and a fried egg on top of the rice and on the side, there were some sliced up cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

"What's this?" Issei asked as while it kind of looked like a Japanese breakfast, it seemed unfamiliar to him.

"Tapsilog." Miki answered. "It's a classic Filipino breakfast from what I've seen. It consists of garlic rice, a fried egg, and some sort of protein. I figured I would use some of the meat that we had barbecued yesterday."

"Huh, kind of a weird name for a breakfast, but I can't really insult it, since that is their culture and language. I bet my name would probably be weird to them." Issei said as he went to take a bite out of it.

"Well, tapsilog is a combination of words, the first is "tapa", which means cured meat, the second is "sinangag", which means garlic fried rice, and the last word is "itlog", which means egg." Miki said. "At least that's what the cookbook said and I also checked a website for a second opinion, there's a variety of "silog" to make. You can also have sides of pickled papaya or a mango salad."

Issei nodded at the explanation, but he still continued to eat the food. "It's good. Thanks, kaa‑san."

"You're welcome, dear." Miki said, before going to dish her own plate. "Is your friend coming to pick you up?"

Issei shook his head. "No, I told them that I'm walking."

"You sure? We can drop you off if you like." Gorou offered.

"No thanks. I want to get my legs going." Issei declined as he informed them of his reasons.

"Don't you already do that by walking to work?" Miki asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, but I don't want to get lazy just because I'm injured."

Gorou sighed. "If you say so."

His son's stubbornness was legendary, so there would be no changing his mind.

"Oh, I made chicken tacos to add to your lunch. Since you also cook for your friend, Raichi…" Miki began to say.

"And Yuuma." Issei interrupted. "She's more of an acquaintance. She might be back today. I texted another person who had been gone and he said that he and his club should be back today."

"Oh? So we didn't meet all your friends yesterday?" Miki said with surprise that her son had even more friends, which she was glad about.

"I'm not sure if I can call Kiba a friend yet… but I think we're on the path to becoming friends." Issei told her. "However, I get this gut feeling sometimes, it's like my instincts are trying to tell me something about Kiba and his clubmates. I also get the same feeling with Yuuma and the student council, but with Yuuma, it is slowly subsiding."

"Maybe it’s because you are learning to trust." Gorou suggested.

"Your father's right. After Matsuda and Motohama, you closed yourself off. Your club mates told us yesterday how it took you a while to open up with them about your other interests."

"Mhm, that Renka girl even noted how quiet you could be, only asking questions about what she was teaching you, but never actually showing your vulnerability." Gorou said. "She was quite ecstatic that you finally did and even told us that she has gotten the benefit of receiving the massages that you used to give your mother and I. It seems like you still got it, huh?" Winking at his son.

Considering that Issei's perversion came mostly from his father, Gorou had to admit that the Chinese girl was quite attractive. A part of him was quite proud of his son for being able to get close to such a beauty.

"Well, I have been looking up some massage therapy techniques, so I could get better. Those massages were to ease you guys because of the stress that I had been causing you, due to embarrassing myself at school with my.… behavior." Issei blushed in embarrassment.

"That was just the influence of Matsuda and Motohama, I mean while you had your perversions, you never resorted to peeping until you met those two." Miki tried to say in his defense.

She knew that it was one thing to look at porn, but it was tough for Issei to make friends and he didn't meet those two until he entered middle school. She never said anything before and she knows that she should have. So now that he asked her to teach him how to cook, she was making sure that she could be more active in his growth than she was before.

"I knew it was wrong…" Issei sighed, "but at the same time, I wanted to fit in with them and became more determined to continue peeping."

"If it's one thing that your stubbornness can work with, it's your determination." Gorou said. "I'm sure you remember how you wanted to have that fight, but you were denied. If it hadn't been for those "big sisters" of yours, who knows what could have happened."

"I would've gotten my fight." Issei pouted.

It was clear that he still remembered how Shigure, Elize, and Yu-Mi immediately refuted his desire of fighting Raichi and seeing how far the gap was between them.

"Maybe so, but you likely could have sustained more injuries." Miki said. "Your opponent would have been your friend and she would have held back because of your state."

"I wouldn't have wanted her to hold back." Issei nodded in agreement.

"I know, but she would have done so and I think you would have been aggravated by that." Miki informed him.

It was no surprise that Miki knew her son quite well, considering that she had discovered his secret porn stash and never said anything. She had seen this, when she was teaching him how to cook and could tell when he was frustrated with messing up on ingredients. She also knew that he didn't like how she had been going easy on him, so she amped up her methods. As a result, Issei feared his mother in the kitchen.

"That's true, I wouldn't have wanted her to hold back against me. Well, I have other tournaments that I can finally face her in." Issei said. "That tournament also showed how much my senpais have been holding back on me. It's why I would like to keep training somehow, so I can try to close that gap."

"We understand, but don't overdo it and try to relax once in a while." Gorou said as he stood up from the table.

"Haha, I know, you know that they even got me an artwork that says that." Issei laughed. "So it's why I am going to walk to school, take a nice stroll, you know." He finished his meal and washed his plate.

"That's nice of them." Miki nodded.

"I'll see you later." Issei said as he packed up the bentos, since his mother gave him more food and he knew that he was not going to eat all of it by himself.

A part of him was sure that Raichi probably could, but he didn't want to give her all of it. He figured that he could give the extras to Elize-nee and Yu-Mi-nee, so they could try his mother's cooking. It could also be a thanks to them for patching him up and saving his parents money on medical bills.

While his mother's cooking was better than his, his parents were also people that he wanted to surpass, just in different aspects.

He waved goodbye to his parents and headed out the door. He was sure that the Shirahama patriarchs would be coming soon, so the mothers could hang out, while the fathers went to work.

The morning air was crisp.

As he walked, he thought about his parents' concerns for his injuries but at the same time, he was focused on his dream. Mitsurugi had told him that to be a man of strength, he needed to mean what he says. He remembered clearly what his master meant by that.

"Do what you say you're going to do. Accomplish your goals and people will pay attention."

Issei clenched his fists. 'I will. I have to.'

Issei felt like that should resonate with everyone as he had seen trends of people making goals for their New Year's resolution and those goals fell flat and abandoned. It made him wonder if that is why his grandfather was so adamant about that harem king dream. He then remembered where he was going and remembered the conversation that he had with those two kendo girls.

He kept walking and remembering his master, something else came to mind.

Mitsurugi constantly told him to stop caring about what other people thought as it affected his mindset. Mitsurugi even noted that his perverted self was better in this aspect than he currently was and that was not giving a fuck. Issei had to ask what he meant by that and Mitsurugi told him.

Mitsurugi's voice echoed in Issei's mind as he walked toward Kuoh Academy.

"When you stop giving a fuck, people start caring when you stop reacting to bullshit. When you stop reacting, it worries them as now they have no control over you and your emotions."

That was the thing about his master, he was blunt and back then, Issei didn't fully understand and deadpanned at the cursing. Now he did as Mitsurugi didn't care how Issei felt about the cursing to begin with, proving his point.

His old self, the loud, shameless pervert, never faltered under outside noise. Despite the beatings from the kendo club and the disgusted stares, he persevered about boasting of becoming harem king.

But that version of him was walking a path that would've ended like Taichi's being rotted by ego, blinded by obsession, spiraling into debauchery.

However, his self awareness that he gained thanks to the assistance of his new group made him realize that he was following that rule for the wrong reasons. Now he was going with a new attitude and became more self aware of what others were saying. They can talk about who he was then, but not about who he was going to be. They would see his change and try to figure out just who he was.

This went well with the fourth lesson that Mitsurugi had told him and that was being mysterious. His conversation with the two girls about his injury resonated with Mitsurugi's lesson of talking less and that correlated to being mysterious.

"We fear what we don't understand. Don't let people know everything about you. Keep them guessing as suspense can be used to your advantage."

Issei kind of knew that he failed a little bit as he did open up to his new clubmates. He wanted honest friendships with them. Hence why it took him a while to open up to them. It was easier with Elize and Yu-Mi because they were secretive in their relationship, so they could understand his trust issues.

As for talking less, Mitsurugi's words about silence still stuck with him.

"When you talk less, you keep people around you confused by making them guess what is on your mind."

Issei knew that was true as the students continued to look at him, expecting him to scream about breasts and being harem king with Matsuda and Motohama as he walked through the courtyard. However, he had not been doing that, he even apologized for the peeping, but he had no idea what to expect when he got to the school gates. He kept on looking straight, eyes forward and his breath was steady and his mind was calm as he had seen several students gasp and point at him.

'Guess those two kendo girls were right.'

It seemed that the school had expected him to have transferred, since he was not there last week. It made him wonder what rumors that Matsuda would spread about him.

Since Motohama was suspended, he figured that he would be slandering him online somehow. He was sure that Motohama would hear about what happened to his cousin and would try to get sympathy points for himself.

'Let them talk.'

He felt it before he heard it, a spike of hostile intent rushing toward him.

"YOU BASTARD!"

Issei turned his head and dodged Matsuda, while also tripping him, causing him to fall to the ground. It made Matsuda eat dirt as he scrambled up, red‑faced and shaking.

"What kind of monster are you!? You couldn't take a prank, so you went after his family!?" Matsuda accused him.

"Family? You mean Motohama, right?" Issei responded, but his voice was calm.

"Who else do you think I'm talking about, asshole!? You brutalized his cousin! And he did nothing to you!" Matsuda said.

There were murmurs going around as Matsuda was making a scene with his accusations, which made Issei sigh. He knew that he would have to give reason and not let more rumors go any further than they should.

"Technically, that's not true, based on that claim." Issei replied. "I don't know what you were told by Motohama, but it was a fighting tournament? You know what that means? It means that the contestants are supposed to fight each other."

"Bullshit! No, it wasn't! You couldn't handle a harmless prank and went after his cousin and beat him up!" Matsuda tried to deny Issei's claim. "He needs orbital surgery because of you! You're nothing but a perverted bastard and I bet your parents never told you that you were a mistake!"

Issei turned away with a sigh. "Whatever."

"You don't get to walk away!"

The punch came fast—slamming directly into Issei's stitches.

Issei felt the jolt of pain, but he gritted his teeth and swung right back with his left fist. Unknown to Issei, he had put his ki into his "cobra strike" as dubbed by Ikki.

Matsuda's head was whipped to his left as spit flew from his mouth and he dropped face down to the ground. Issei exhaled and patted his bandages and groaned. He groaned because this was another part of Mitsurugi's lesson that he struggled with, controlling one's emotions.

'Damn it… lost control again.'

Mitsurugi's third lesson echoed: "There are always certain things which you can't control. The only thing you can control is how you will respond to them."

Issei looked around and could see how students were looking at him as he sneered down at the unconscious Matsuda. He couldn't control their thought process and what they thought. They did prove his point about no one caring about a pervert like how no one except Kenichi helped him, when he was down. No one was caring about Matsuda.

'Figures.'

He knew that he was going to get in trouble for using violence, but frankly, he did not care.

Mitsurugi's voice came again in his head: "Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. Choose to be a warrior, and let courage lead the way."

Issei knew what he was doing when decided to clock Matsuda, he also got that uneasy feeling. It told him that someone from either the ORC or the student council was among the crowd. They would likely report to Sona about this incident, but it was his decision. Yeah, he was pissed, but he kept his cool, until Matsuda decided to attack a second time. That was when Issei made his decision to put down Matsuda.

Let the school see him as a violent beast, he did not care, they were going to be stepping stones for him anyways. He did know that if Matsuda wasn't unconscious, Issei was going to stomp him if he tried to get up. He really thought about how he let this dude push him around and how Matsuda and Motohama could do damage to him before.

In his eyes, Issei saw the two of them as weak as they used their fear of him growing to put out slander against him with their rumors. Maybe someone who was smart enough would go back and check out the stream of the martial arts tournament that happened this past weekend.

Seeing as how no one was still coming to help out Matsuda, Issei let out a sigh and bent down to grab Matsuda by his collar. He had intentions to just drag Matsuda to the infirmary. Despite who he was, Matsuda should still receive help getting medical attention, it made Issei continue to lose faith in this school. As he began to start dragging the unconscious boy, he did see the two kendo girls that he had dubbed as Kendo Girl 1 & 2, out of the corner of his eyes.

However, he was stopped when he heard the stern voice of the student council president.

"Hyoudou‑san! Care to explain why you are dragging a student?"

Issei turned his calm stare onto the president, and it seemed that the other members, except Yuuma, were there. He simply dropped Matsuda, who groaned from the impact, but didn't wake up.

"I'm taking him to the infirmary." Issei answered. "No one else was willing to help."

Her entire council stood behind her and they all looked strangely tense.

Sona's eyes narrowed. "And how did he end up like this?"

"I did it." Issei answered. "He tried to attack me and I defended myself. First, he tried to attack me from behind, which failed. He then began to accuse me of his friend's little prank, which I took a hiatus from the school to worry about my tournament. In said tournament, I faced my tormentor's cousin. I exorcised my demons, but could not continue further." He explained, while pointing at his head bandage. "It appears he was told something different and was trying to slander my name, which has already been destroyed enough from my own past transgressions. Instead of following my path, he chose to try and bring me down to his level and he attacked again. I had enough and retaliated in kind and this is the result."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. The student council had stiffened slightly, when they heard the word "demons" as they listened to Issei's explanation.

Sona wondered what was going through Issei's mind as he stared back. Issei looked through all the members, his stare did linger on Genshirou as the blonde knew what he was thinking. Genshirou already knew not to go against Issei and this certainly showed.

Sona's gaze shifted from Issei to Matsuda's limp body and back to Issei again. It was a tense standoff between the student council and Issei, who was already preparing for a lecture about using violence.

"Um… Kaichou‑san?" A voice called out.

They turned and Issei could see that it was the girl that was dubbed "Kendo Girl 1" in his head.

"Yes?" Sona asked.

"What Hyoudou‑san said is true." The statement made Sona have her full attention.

"What do you mean, Ayatsuji‑san?" Sona had now addressed the girl by name.

Ayase Ayatsuji was another prospect that Sona had interest in as well, since she was in the kendo club as she was sensing a sacred gear in her. Sona believed that she could gain her as a knight and she could gain Issei as a rook. Sona had also seen the martial arts tournament like Rias did, she still had hope of reincarnating Issei, despite what Genshirou did.

Issei looked at the other "Yamato Nadeshiko", since she had jet black hair like Akeno-senpai. Her hair did cover her forehead and right eye, which Issei thought gave her a mysterious look.

Now that Issei could look at her in the school uniform compared to her casual clothes, he realized that she had a toned body, similar to Yuuma's. He figured that it was due to her work in the kendo club. He was a bit surprised to hear her defending him, but she never badmouthed him either. And the courtyard held its breath.

Ayase moved closer in Sona's direction, her voice steady despite the dozens of eyes on her. "Hyoudou‑san was defending himself. He was just walking toward the building when Matsuda‑san attacked him."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the courtyard.

Sona adjusted her glasses, "Is that so?" She said, studying Ayase carefully.

Ayase nodded. "Yes."

A short pause. As the two third years looked at each other and then, Sona made her decision.

"Very well." Sona sighed. "Saji‑san, please take Matsuda-san to the infirmary."

"Yes, kaichou." Genshirou said.

Genshirou moved forward, but not without keeping a cautious eye on Issei and bent down. Issei bent down as well, grabbing Matsuda under one of his arms.

Genshirou nodded. "…Thanks."

"You don't need to thank me. I'm the one who put you in this situation." Issei explained.

"Hyoudou‑san, you don't need to help." Sona tried to reason with him.

"As I told Saji-san," Issei cut in. "I am the cause of putting you and also Ayatsuji-senpai in this situation, kaichou. Besides, I was already heading to the infirmary."

Sona gave a small nod. "Very well."

Together, the two boys lifted Matsuda.

Issei winced as the strain tugged at his stitches, muttering something under his breath—something Genshirou barely caught even with his enhanced hearing.

Before they could take more than a few steps, the courtyard stirred again. Rias Gremory and Takeshi walked in arm‑in‑arm. To Issei, he knew that the yakitori lost the competition, thanks to Yuuto, since Takeshi was all over Rias now.

Genshirou grimaced for a different reason as Takeshi was flaunting his closeness to Rias, a closeness Genshirou himself envied. Still, their arrival shifted the attention away from Issei, and he silently appreciated that.

The two boys begrudgingly trudged along to take Matsuda to the infirmary, which did pique Rias' attention. She went over to Sona as the rest of her peerage followed behind her. Ayase took that time to follow after the boys and see if she could talk to Issei about his designs.

"What happened, Sona? Why are they carrying Matsuda?" Rias asked.

Sona answered. "He got into an altercation with Hyoudou‑san. And paid the price, it seems."

"An altercation between two perverts?" Takeshi raised an eyebrow.

Sona's eyes sharpened. "I’d watch my tone, if I were you, Muzai-san. I saw him in that tournament, he could drop you, too."

She said this because boxing was one thing, but Issei had shown that he was diverse in other styles than just boxing.

Rias raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Still scouting for potential pieces?"

"I was wary about Saji-san and Hyoudou-san, considering they also had an altercation, but it seems Hyoudou-san has shown no hostility yet."

"You also intend to reincarnate him?" Rias asked.

"Yes." Sona nodded.

"He seems fit for my peerage," Rias said as she crossed her arms. "Akeno and Yuuto don't mind him, but he will have to keep his perverted gaze to himself. You know how Koneko can be."

"I doubt he'd join you if you let Muzai‑san continue to mock him." Sona noted.

Asia raised her hand timidly. "He hasn't done anything perverted in class since I arrived."

"Ah, Asia‑chan, don't forget." Akeno reminded the former nun.

"Hai!" Asia nodded. She remembered what Akeno had asked her to do.

Yuuto checked the time. "School is about to start. We probably should head to our classes."

Koneko nodded silently in agreement.

Meanwhile, Issei and Genshirou continued toward the infirmary, it was silent between the two. The only sound was the distant chatter of students and the moans of pain from Matsuda. Genshirou felt awkward as he could not push Issei around as Issei had told them he would retaliate in kind.

Issei, meanwhile, felt a strange unease around Genshirou. Not hostility, just… tension.

"Um… Hyoudou‑san?" a voice called to Issei.

Issei blinked. "Hm? Oh, Ken… hngh—Ayatsuji‑senpai." He nearly called her "Kendo Girl 1", but thankfully stopped himself.

"I was wondering if you made any new designs after we left your workplace yesterday." She asked.

"No." Issei shook his head. "Just work. My family hosted a barbecue with the Shirahamas and my club members."

"Shirahama?" Ayase pondered on the name before asking. "As in Kenichi‑san's family?"

"It seems that our fathers work for the same company and our mothers get along really well." He answered back.

"I didn't know your families knew each other." Ayase said with surprise.

"They don't, they only met this past weekend and our parents just… clicked." Issei shrugged.

"I'm guessing that was at the tournament you were referring to in your argument?" She questioned.

"Uh huh." Issei nodded.

"Is that where you got your injury?" She pointed at his head bandage.

She had seen it yesterday, when she was at the Shishi-Oh, but she had never asked about it.

"Uh huh." He kept his answers short.

It was noticed by Ayase, the answers were not only short, but also controlled and guarded, which was to be expected.

Ayase hesitated, then bowed slightly. "I see. Well… it was nice talking to you."

"Um… sure."

For Ayase, she did confirm her suspicions that she had about him, but she wanted to know more. Considering that he worked at the Shishi-Oh, she wondered if he had any experience with wielding a sword. She went off to her class with more questions about Issei than answers, but she did know that he was trying to change from his perverted ways.

With Ayase gone, Genshirou wondered if this was his chance to apologize to Issei. However, something just stopped him, maybe Issei would strike him, but he wasn't feeling any hostility from Issei. Issei, on the other hand, was feeling some uneasiness around Genshirou. He thanked whatever deity as he saw Elize's office come into view.

Issei knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Elize called out from inside.

He and Genshirou entered.

"Sorry to intrude on you, Elize-sensei." Issei said.

"What did you do?" Elize's eyebrows furrowed as she looked at the two dragging in Matsuda's body.

Issei shrugged. "He attacked me, so I struck back."

"Yeesh. Go put him on that bed over there, kiddo." Elize instructed as she pointed at a bed.

Genshirou and Issei followed her instructions and proceeded to move Matsuda over to the bed that she had pointed at.

"So you knocked him unconscious, huh? Can't say I'm surprised since I saw you in action. You want me to check on your stitches?" Elize sighed.

"Oh, uh, sure." Issei nodded as he set down his briefcase and the bag of bentos.

Genshirou's eyes widened. 'Stitches?'

Issei removed his jacket, shirt, and undershirt. Elize unwrapped the bandages around his waist, revealing red‑tinged stitches.

"It's healing, which is good." Elize said as she inspected the stitches. "Let me clean it up with some alcohol and wrap you back up."

"Alright." Issei replied back as Genshirou just watched.

Genshirou was surprised but wondered how Issei needed stitches like that after a martial arts tournament. He was also surprised by how easy they ignored him. It made him feel uncomfortable, but he knew that the nurse vouched for Issei, when he had detention. So he wasn't surprised by their closeness.

Genshirou watched as Elize worked, he watched Issei tense up as Elize swabbed the stitches gently. When she was done, she lightly wrapped a bandage around his waist. She proceeded to unwrap his head bandage next and she winced.

"You need to ice this." She lightly tapped the bump, making Issei flinch. "That's exactly why. I'll write a note for you to miss your first period, so you can ice it."

"I can take it to his homeroom." Genshirou volunteered.

His presence had been ignored by the two, until he spoke up.

"Excellent." Elize went to her desk to write something and then she walked to Genshirou. "Here you go. Thanks."

"Thank you, Saji‑san." Issei said, which Genshirou noted that he said it with no hostility.

"Right." Genshirou hesitated, wanting to apologize but the moment slipped away.

He gave a nod to Issei and then left, since he needed to get to his own class as well. Of course, being part of the student council, Sona had already given word to his homeroom teacher about his absence.

Elize returned to her desk.

"So what's in the bag?" She asked.

"It's some bentos, my kaa-san made some additional chicken tacos, which you can have." Issei answered. "I made some stuffed chicken with sun dried tomatoes, spinach and mozzarella cheese. However, my kaa-san is a better cook and I would like you to try her cooking."

"Well, thank you." As she opened up the bag. "She even labeled them. Yu‑Mi will love this."

Unknown to them, outside the door, Genshirou was listening and he paused. 'He can cook?'

Then again, not many people knew about this as it was a skill that he was learning, plus he kept his social circle small. Only those that were associated with the mixed martial arts club knew about him learning this skill and his other talents that he kept hidden. Eventually, Genshirou left to go and hand the note to Issei's homeroom teacher, so Issei could have time to ice his bump.

Issei was holding the ice pack to his head, while Elize went back to Issei's side to deal with the stitches on his side.

"Thank you again for the Gundam." Issei said.

"It's no problem, so far, you are healing well. Stitches are still looking clean and no infections." Elize gave a sigh of relief.

"Nice!" He wanted to pump his fist, but feared of hurting himself, since he didn't want to aggravate the stitches.

"Let's swab and wrap you up, then get you out of here."

She moved the ice pack from his head and wiped any residue from the condensation of the ice pack. When the area was dry, she swabbed it down and lightly wrapped his head up. She then had him sit up, so she could wrap bandages around his stomach area.

"Alright, all done." Elize clapped her hands, satisfied with her work.

"Thanks, Elize‑nee."

"Don't mention it. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on sleeping beauty over there." Elize pointed at Matsuda, still unconscious on the other bed.

"Okay." Issei said as he got re-dressed. "See you later, Elize‑nee."

"Have a good day, Ise." She waved.

Issei grabbed his things and stepped out.

With that, Issei headed back to his homeroom, his appearance surprised many as they, like Ayase and the other girl, thought he transferred schools. They were surprised by his head bandage as well, but some were remembering what was said in the courtyard.

Issei silently went to see his seat as he got a nod from his teacher, which indicated that he got the permission slip for Genshirou. At some point later, Matsuda had returned to the classroom, handing his own slip, but he had a slight look of fear towards Issei. The bell rang to indicate that it was time for lunch, time flew by as Issei had missed the first period.

He was surprised to see that he didn't run into Ikki, since he knew his senpai didn't have a first period. He was going to prepare to head to Raichi's classroom, but to his surprise, he didn't get as far as he would have liked.

Thud.

A soft body collided with him and fell backward.

"Ah, sorry, Argento‑san." Issei apologized and offered her a hand.

"It's fine." Asia said, while brushing off her skirt.

Murayama and Katase rushed over.

"Asia, are you okay?" Murayama crouched down to her.

"What did the pervert do now?" Katase accused, while looking waringly at Issei.

Issei's expression didn't change.

"He didn't do anything, Katase-san. It was an accident." Asia answered.

Aika approached, smirking. "Oh? You sure you're not trying to seduce her, Hyoudou-san?"

Asia blushed, while Issei didn't simply as he picked up his bentos.

"I'm sorry, Kiryuu-san, but I have no interest in Argento-san like that." He spoke formally. "I was simply trying to help her up, since I did not see her coming and knocked her over, that's all."

The three girls blinked. His tone was flat and indifferent. Not defensive, just… done with them.

It genuinely left them surprised as he didn't ogle them, which did low key hurt the kendo duo's self-esteem, just a little. He turned to leave but was stopped again.

"W‑wait! Hyoudou‑san!" Asia called out.

Issei paused, softening his gaze for her. "Yes?" He had no intention to scare off Asia, since she did not do anything to antagonize him.

"I… um… I was wondering if you'd like to trade bentos?" Asia asked.

Murayama, Katase, and Aika froze.

"Eh!?" The Kendo duo was confused by her request.

"Hmm?" Aika simply wondered where Asia was going with this.

"You want to trade lunches…" Issei raised an eyebrow. "With me?"

"Yes." Asia answered. "I… I heard that you could cook, so I thought…"

Katase scoffed. "I doubt it."

"Maybe…" Murayama began to ponder.

"I… don't know." Even Aika was curious.

The perverted girl thought that she knew everything about Issei, but she really only knew him on the surface level.

"You really think he can cook?" Katase questioned. "All he's ever done was think about breasts or becoming harem king."

"Yeah, I want to agree with you but that look he's giving us." Murayama pointed out.

It made them stop as they noticed Issei's expression. Not angry. Not embarrassed. Just… uninterested.

"You can't be serious?" Katase said as she looked at her best friend.

Aika folded her arms. "Don't forget what happened this morning."

Murayama nodded. "Yeah… we've seen Motohama and Matsuda hit Issei before and he would still hang with them, but this time… he struck back and Matsuda practically avoided him."

"And the prank from last week." Aika added in. "We all thought he decided to transfer after that, but here he stands before us and he was innocent, Motohama was the culprit."

Katase bit her lip. "Maybe, but still…"

Issei cut through their chatter. "Sure, Asia. I probably messed up your lunch when I bumped into you and knocked you over."

He dug through his bag and pulled out the heaviest bento, the one marked with both stuffed chicken and chicken tacos.

"Here." Handing the bento over to her. "Sun‑dried tomato and spinach stuffed chicken with rice. And chicken tacos. The tacos probably taste better, since they were made by my kaa-san."

Asia's eyes widened. "Th‑thank you. And… here." She handed him her own bento.

"Thank you, Argento‑san." He nodded politely and walked off before the trio could start up again.

Asia hurried toward the ORC clubhouse, clutching the bento like a treasure. She could show that she completed the task and she was rather relieved at how easy that he accepted the trade.

However, she was curious about what Issei said and wondered if that was true about his mother being that good of a cook. As Asia, herself, had been taught by Rias on how to utilize the kitchen.

Issei headed toward Raichi's classroom, only to run into Yuuto stepping out.

"Oh, Kiba‑san. Do you have a second?"

"Of course, Hyoudou‑kun." Yuuto responded. "What is it?"

"Was Raichi in class?" Issei asked.

"Sorry, but no." Yuuto shook his head.

"Oh." Issei deflated slightly at not seeing his best friend, or rather second best friend. "Alright. Thanks."

"Hey, Hyoudou‑kun?" Yuuto spoke. "Would you like to come to the clubhouse for lunch? We could talk about..."

"Actually, I was hoping to speak with Hyoudou myself." Genshirou interrupted, but he turned to Yuuto as if asking for permission. "If you don't mind, Kiba?"

He had stepped out of the classroom with Momo, Reya, and the other council members that were in the same grade.

Issei's guard went up immediately.

"Oh? About what?" Yuuto asked with intrigue.

"It's private." Genshirou answered as he stepped up to Yuuto.

Yuuto's eyes narrowed as he felt like Sona was making moves to recruit Issei and he felt that he would need to speak with Rias.

"Oh, and Hyoudou." Genshirou turned his attention from Yuuto to Issei. "Just so you know, Yuuma wasn't in class today either."

"I see." Issei sighed. "Well then, I'm going to head out."

"Wait! I really need to speak with you." Genshirou spoke again, but he saw Issei giving a glance towards the others. "Just me. Not them."

"Gen‑kun…?" Momo said in shock, which Issei noticed the affection in her tone.

"It's fine." Genshirou placed his hands on her shoulders. "And besides, I need to do this."

That statement made Issei and Yuuto raise their eyebrows, but for different reasons.

Issei shrugged. "Fine. Let's get this over with. Oh, and Kiba‑san..." He reached into his bag and pulled out another bento. "This was for Raichi, but she's not here. So here."

"Is this…?" Yuuto began to ask.

"Stuffed chicken. I already gave one to Argento-san, since we traded earlier." Issei answered.

"Oh, Raichi did say that you made her lunches. So I'm honored to try your cooking." Yuuto noted as he accepted the bento.

"I guess it can be considered as an olive branch." Issei said. "So we can train together without any differences."

Yuuto chuckled. "I appreciate it. And… I cook too, you know."

"Really? Hmm, guess there isn't anything you can't do." Issei laughed back. "No wonder you're the prince of this place, fighting off people like me."

"I would say more of your former friends than you." Yuuto pointed out. "You're showing change, while they still remain the same."

For the student council members, they were a little wary of the beginnings of a bromance between the Prince and the Beast. It would also mean that Rias was a step closer to obtaining another piece, which did worry them a little. After all, this new version of Issei was promising to be reincarnated by their own mistress.

"Thanks for that." Issei gave a small nod. "Alright, Saji. Your move."

"Right. Follow me." Genshirou said as he led Issei away.

While they walked off, the student council members turned towards Yuuto, who also watched and was analyzing what Sona's move could be.

"Kiba‑san… did you really mean that?" Momo asked.

"Mean what?" Yuuto looked at them, wondering what they meant.

"About Hyoudou‑san changing." It was Reya that spoke next.

"Yeah, I mean…" Tsubasa began to question.

"Did you notice how he never ogled any of you, while we were talking?" Yuuto answered their question with another question.

The girls were surprised by that revelation, until one of them spoke in realization.

"Oh… you're right about that, his focus was only on you and Genshirou." Tomoe pointed out.

"You think he swings for the other team now?" Tsubasa asked.

"No, I have seen him interact with Akeno." Yuuto chuckled as they thought that Issei was into men. "So not likely, his focus was on us because we were the ones that were speaking to him. You didn't say anything, so of course, he wasn't going to focus on you."

"So we weren't worth his time?" Momo asked, feeling slightly offended.

"I guess you could say that, plus you were giving him wary looks. What did you expect?" Yuuto looked at her, wondering what her answer would be.

Reya exhaled. "I guess you're right."

"We'll head to the council room for lunch." Momo said, leaving with the other second year student council members.

Yuuto nodded and headed toward the ORC clubhouse.

Meanwhile Issei and Genshirou were down a path that was familiar to Issei, but they were stopped as they ran into some of the kendo club members. Genshirou Saji walked beside him, stiff as a board, glancing nervously at Issei every few seconds. The tension wasn't from fear of being attacked but it was fear of Issei reacting to the whispers around them.

"Is he in trouble again…?" One girl whispered among the group.

"I knew that apology was too good to be true…" Another whisper came through.

Genshirou swallowed hard. Issei didn't even blink.

His expression was flat, unreadable that if the MMA club saw it, they would say that it was a perfect imitation of Shigure's emotionless stare. If Kenichi or Kisara or anyone from the MMA club had seen him, they would've teased him relentlessly for impersonating Shigure. It would most likely be Kisara that would tease him.

'…Shigure-sensei really rubbed off on me,' Issei thought. 'She even looks like an older version of Akeno-senpai… huh.'

Before he could dwell on that dangerous thought, someone called out to the two boys.

"Hyoudou-san? Saji-san?"

Ayase Ayatsuji stepped forward from the group of kendo girls, her calm voice cutting through the whispers.

Issei was confused by her appearance, while Genshirou straightened up.

"Ayatsuji-senpai?" Issei tilted his head.

"Hello, Ayatsuji-senpai." Genshirou greeted, giving a wave.

Unlike Issei, Genshirou knew that Sona also had interest in Ayase. She had been scouting members of the kendo club and MMA club for potential recruits for their skills. Compared to Rias, who would likely seek those that are more outgoing, Sona considered the more reserved members. Of course, Issei was an exception because despite his boisterousness, he could be cultivated. The source of this chapter is NovelPing.

Ayase's eyes flicked between the two boys.

"Is Hyoudou-san in trouble?" Ayase asked Genshirou.

"No." Genshirou shook his head. "We're just going to have lunch."

"Then… may I join you?" She asked.

The kendo girls behind her froze.

"Ehh!? Ayatsuji-senpai wants to join them?" One of the kendo girls asked.

"I can understand Saji-san… but why with Hyoudou?" Another one said.

'Thank goodness for Kaichou, I mean I could have been part of the perverted trio myself, but Kaichou has kept me in check.' Genshirou gave a sigh of relief. 'I don't think these girls know just how perverted many of these guys are, we're just not as loud as Hyoudou and those other two would be.'

"Why would you want to go with them, Ayatsuji-senpai?" Murayama asked her senpai.

"Yeah, seriously." Katase was also intrigued by what her senpai would say.

Ayase ignored them as her eyes stayed on Issei, which began to make the boy nervous.

"There are things I'd like to ask you, Hyoudou-san." Ayase answered.

"Huh?" He raised an eyebrow. 'What the hell is going on today? Since when did I become Mr. Popular? I'm not Kiba or Muzai…'

He just wanted to enjoy his time with his friends. If anything, he would have spent lunch with Elize and Yu-Mi, so they could talk about Dragon Ball and Gundam, maybe even Zoids. Actually, he was thinking that would have been the better move than what he had initially planned.

Even Genshirou was confused by Ayase's request, but he was curious about what she had to ask Issei.

"Sure, you can join us." Genshirou answered and turned to Issei. "What do you say, Hyoudou?"

Issei sighed. "It doesn't matter what I say, Saji-san."

"Huh?" Genshirou was a little unused to Issei speaking formally to him.

"If I say no, those girls would accuse me of thinking that I am better than Ayatsuji-senpai for turning down her request." Issei gestured vaguely toward the kendo girls. "If I say yes, they would accuse me of trying to take advantage of her because I am a pervert. So it doesn't matter what I say."

The other kendo girls stiffened as they knew he was right, they would find a way to accuse him of something regardless of what he said. Genshirou was reminded of how Issei acted, when he was called for the prank against him. He had no interest in fighting, Issei had simply accepted the punishment, silent and resigned.

It was the same here, he had no interest in answering, thus shelling himself off and keeping his opinion to himself.

'Was that how he always dealt with things?' Genshirou began to wonder. 'Was his perversion just a shell to hide behind? This is probably what Kaichou was talking about, take away the main aspect of someone and they could be cultivated and groomed into anything.'

They never knew that it was thanks to Yu-Mi, Mitsurugi, and Setsuka, Issei had a little more clarity of his actions and the actions of other people in the school. Those coincided with their opinions of him, so he knew what they would say before they would say it, hence why he was remembering the lessons from Mitsurugi and not lashing out like he did this morning.

Ayase nodded slowly. "I see."

"You can join us, Ayatsuji-senpai."Genshirou smiled. "I actually had some questions for you too."

Issei caught the look in Genshirou's eyes. 'He's probably thinking about Sona-kaichou… Poor Momo. She really likes him. Still… lucky guy. Someone likes him despite his flaws.'

It was something that Issei also wanted as well, so he only shook his head slightly. Ayase noticed and she felt like she was intruding but she also sensed disappointment in Issei's expression toward Genshirou.

"Very well. I'll see you all later," Ayase told her clubmates.

"Alright…" Murayama responded, but like her, they all stared specifically at Issei.

He didn't look back. He didn't even acknowledge them.

"Okay, follow me." Genshirou said, leading the two of them away.

It surprised the kendo club members as the pervert that peeped on them naked was showing no interest in them. It gave them some seeds of doubt that were not his worthwhile anymore. If they were not worthwhile to him then what guy would be interested in them. It was giving them some self doubt as they exchanged uneasy glances.

They also began to wonder if Issei was telling the truth in his apology and he has changed. They made a note to watch the replay of the tournament that Issei had mentioned before he took down Matsuda.

Meanwhile, Yuuto Kiba walked toward the ORC clubhouse, with the bento that had given him in hand. Issei had said that it was an olive branch, it made Yuuto wonder if it was because Issei had been giving him and Akeno some wary looks. It made Yuuto wonder sometimes if Issei was aware of the supernatural world, not knowing that it was just Issei's instincts warning him. Of course, the supernatural world is dangerous, which Yuuto can attest to, but if Issei could utilize his ki, then he would be okay as he would have support.

As he walked, he stopped by a room that was sealed and Yuuto could only let out a sigh. As it housed another of his clubmates and peerage teammates, but they had a tendency to hide themselves.

'Issei hides himself too,' Yuuto thought. 'No perverted shell anymore… but still hiding.'

However, Issei was still a teenage boy as how Issei reacted in his interactions with Akeno, which she has noted. He entered the main club room to find the other club members there.

Koneko was sitting next to Asia, who was looking at a bento box that was similar to the one Kiba was holding. Takeshi was lounging on the other sofa, while Rias was at her desk and Akeno was standing next to her.

Yuuto decided to greet them all, so make his presence known. "Hello, everyone."

"Greetings, Yuuto." Rias said as she looked up from her paperwork.

"Yo." Takeshi waved from his spot on the couch.

"Hello, Yuuto‑kun." Akeno gave him a smile.

"Hi, Kiba-san." Asia greeted.

"You can call me Yuuto, Asia-san." Yuuto smiled at her. "After all, we are clubmates."

"Hai!" Asia nodded.

Yuuto noticed the bento in her hands. "I see you also have a bento similar to mine."

Asia fidgeted. "I… I just did what Akeno-san asked me to do."

"Ara~ ara~, Asia-chan, why didn't you say anything?" Akeno turned her attention from assisting Rias with her paperwork, when Asia called her name.

Asia apologized. "I… I don't know. Sorry."

"It's fine." Akeno smiled at the former nun. "So what did Issei-kun make?"

"Sun-dried tomato and spinach stuffed chicken." Yuuto answered.

"How did you know that, Kib… Sorry, I mean Yuuto-san?" Asia asked.

"I did say that you have a bento similar to my own, Hyoudou-san gave it to me."

CRACK.

Everyone turned to the source of the sound and saw Akeno was holding a tray but it was now cracked in half.

"Oh my. How clumsy of me." Akeno apologized.

Rias had to stifle her snicker at her queen's attitude, she could understand the jealousy, but it was against Yuuto. If it was another girl, like she would have expected Akeno to go after Takeshi, but she knew that her queen didn't care for looks. After all, there were other handsome men that had tried to woo Akeno in their society and Akeno respectfully shut them all down.

It made her curious about the perverted boy that intrigued Akeno's interest, but she wasn't going to complain much, since Akeno utilized her power in the rating game. It only furthered her interest, and added in his capability of fighting now, thanks to the tutelage of the MMA club, which Rias was also watching them as well. However, it was the mystery of Mitsurugi, she was sure that she heard that name from somewhere.

Yuuto cleared his throat. "He actually wanted to give it to Raichi-san."

"That pink-haired girl in your class?" Takeshi asked, he knew about the girl from the tournament.

"Yes." Yuuto answered. "She's in the same club as Hyoudou-san."

"She's a competent fighter." Rias noted. "I wonder how she'd fare against Issei."

"The perv would lose. But…" Koneko sighed and gave her critique. "He can fight. And take a hit."

"You watched the fights?" Takeshi was surprised, since he didn't expect Koneko to watch the fights.

"Yeah." Koneko nodded. "Those guys in that mixed martial arts club are something else, but it's like they're hiding something. All of their fights, it seemed like they would only show flashes of what they could do, otherwise they held back."

"Interesting." Rias sighed, making a mental note of what Koneko had said. "Who knew we had such fighters in our school."

"Well, you may miss out." Yuuto said as he informed them. "Saji-san is having lunch with Hyoudou-san."

"So Sona is making a move already." Rias said, it was more of a statement than a question.

"I'm afraid so," Yuuto nodded. "Saji-san did say that the matter that he wanted to speak to Hyoudou-san about was private."

"A shame. It looks like we missed out on a potential prospect." Rias turned to Yuuto and Akeno. "I'm sorry, Yuuto, Akeno. I know you two didn't mind the boy…"

"We'll know more after we hang out with Issei-kun." Akeno interrupted.

"You're hanging out with him?" Takeshi raised an eyebrow at that.

"Yes." Yuuto nodded and pulled out his phone. "I should text him to remind him."

"Oh wow!" Asia exclaimed.

"What is it, Asia?" Rias showed some concern for her little sister figure.

She had been healed from the burns from Riser's fire, which could have been worse if Rias didn't withdraw her from the game. It was a wave of relief, when they had told Rias that she and Koneko would be fine as their injuries weren't life threatening. Of course, Koneko's bandages were hidden under their school uniform.

"The food!" Asia said as she opened the bento.

"Hang on, let’s heat it up a bit." Akeno quickly formed two magic circles under the bentos to warm them.

"Ah, um, you didn't need to. They were still warm." Asia said nervously about having to turn down Akeno. "These bentos… it seems that they trap heat to keep the food warm."

She was correct as Miki had warmed up the food before packing it up for Issei this morning.

Akeno blinked. "Oh."

"How fascinating." Rias said, further intrigued by Japanese technology. "I'm quite interested in what he made, since Akeno wanted to try it so badly."

"I'm sure that Takeshi could make you something." Akeno replied back.

"Sorry, but the kitchen is not my forte." Takeshi said, shaking his head.

"I can cook." Yuuto interjected.

"Not all guys are the same, Kiba." Takeshi sighed. "Guys like Hyoudou need to learn skills like cooking in order to catch up to guys like us."

"It doesn't mean that we're perfect." Yuuto tried to say.

"Perhaps, but guys envy us, girls want to be with us. What's not to love?" Takeshi asked back.

He was used to the popularity, it was like that at his former school as well. So he never minded the spotlight being on him. Of course, this was also due to the influence of his father, whose arrogance had passed down to his son. However, Takeshi never let his arrogance show against supernatural beings, since he knew how powerful they could be.

"If you say so." Yuuto said, shrugging his shoulders.

There was a reason why Yuuto was the "prince", while Takeshi was the "dark prince" of the school. Yuuto was more gentle, while Takeshi could be more abrasive, but since they had looks, people tended to overlook their personalities.

Yuuto opened his own bento. "Hmm, it does smell nice." The smell of chicken eroded his nose.

"It looks delicious as well." Akeno nodded.

The cheese was oozing out of the pockets and the rice was drizzled from the sauce that was used on the chicken.

"These tacos look well made." Asia stared in awe at them.

"Let's see…" Rias moved from her desk to sit next to Asia and gazed at the tacos. "Mmm, indeed, they do."

"They can't be that good." Takeshi said he was rather skeptical of the food and he had every right to be.

He glanced at Koneko, expecting her to agree. Koneko Toujou stared at the bento in front of her. A tiny string of drool slipped from the corner of her mouth as she looked at the stuffed chicken and the tacos.

"It… does smell nice." Koneko said as she gulped from smelling the food.

Takeshi nearly choked. "You can't be serious."

Akeno clapped her hands together, bright and cheerful. "Let's dig in~!" She provided the utensils for them all to eat the food.

Rias, Asia, Yuuto, and Akeno all echoed. "Itadakimasu."

Rias and Asia took tacos. While Yuuto, Akeno, Koneko, and Takeshi took bites of the stuffed chicken. Their eyes widened and their shoulders relaxed, while their expressions softened.

The food was actually good enough.

"Ara~ ara~… who knew he had such a skill." Akeno said with her hand resting against her cheek.

"I'll have to ask for the recipe." Yuuto nodded in agreement. " Maybe some of my clients would love this."

"You should ask him for the recipe for these tacos, try it!" Rias said as she moved from her seat next to Asia to Takeshi. "They're amazing." She held one out toward Takeshi to feed him.

Asia offered one to Koneko, so that she may try the taco, but not feeding her like Rias did for Takeshi.

"The tacos taste better." Takeshi gave his verdict on the chicken dishes.

Koneko nodded in agreement. "Mhm."

Asia was not surprised by this, while she tasted the stuffed chicken and informed them. "Hyoudou-san said his mother made the tacos. He said she's a better cook than him."

Akeno's eyes narrowed, just slightly. "I see."

"Mmm…" Rias chewed on a piece of the stuffed chicken and giving a nod of approval. "The stuffed chicken is still juicy. Not too dry either. The cheese and vegetables really complement it, along with the seasoning."

"Even if Hyoudou-san joins either peerage, we could still ask him for the recipes." Asia said, knowing that this was a pipeline to improving her own culinary skills.

"You're right!" Rias gave a nod as she would like to improve her cooking capabilities and could only hope to speak with Issei's mother one day for her expertise.

"I have to admit… he's got skill." Koneko sighed at the content of the food, but she still preferred sweets.

"Yeah…" Takeshi nodded. It's kind of weird that they're fawning over his cooking. 'I bet this is something that Hyoudou wouldn't have minded, if he found out about this. Of course, once they get the recipes, they won't need him anymore. Then he can go back to being irrelevant to our club.'

He didn't really care if Yuuto formed a friendship with the guy either. Of course, he did hate how right Issei was about him, they all did have perverted thoughts and he called them out on it.

After all, for Takeshi, he wanted to be with Rias and was a little disappointed about her engagement, but considering that she didn't like Riser. The rating game gave him a chance to fight for her, since she gave him a chance on a new life after he couldn't avenge his parents.

Koneko sensed his frustration but unlike Takeshi, she wasn't laughing at Issei anymore. It's not that she didn't like him, but she despised his perverted antics, which seemed to be waning.

'He's not the same pervert from the start of the year,' she thought. 'He's mellowed out. He's trying to grow. That deserves some respect.'

Koneko had been watching from the shadows and could see that Issei seemed to have mellowed out and was finding his own groove. She had to give him some respect for that, unlike the other two, at least he was trying to better himself as an individual.

Around the same time that Yuuto had entered the ORC, Genshirou had brought Issei and Ayase to the rooftop.

Issei blinked when he saw the rooftop. 'This is where I met Akeno-senpai…' It made sense why the path was familiar to him as Genshirou led them on.

Ayase looked equally confused.

"We can sit here." Genshirou guided them to a spot.

"Why?" Issei asked.

"Are you going to report us to the student council? We're not supposed to be up here." Ayase warned as she was skeptical about why Genshirou brought them up here.

"I know. But it's away from prying eyes and ears." Genshirou answered, which was true, since they were an uncommon trio.

He sat down and opened his lunch.

Issei, after a few moments, shrugged his shoulders and followed Genshirou's lead. Ayase decided to join as well, since Issei was going along with whatever Genshirou was doing. All three of them began to eat their lunches quietly, while Issei had an extra bento box.

He was eating the one that he received from Asia. Apparently, she had made some form of sushi, but it got jumbled up, when he accidentally knocked her down.

"That… doesn't look very appetizing." Genshirou said, when he saw the jumbled mess.

"It's not always about looks, you know." Issei replied back as he took a bite. "It still tastes good. So... you want to tell me what you brought me for?"

Genshirou gestured toward Ayase. "I think the ladies should go first."

"Huh?" Ayase was confused because it was Genshirou that guided them here, not her.

"You wanted to ask Hyoudou something." Gensirou noted.

'Yeah, I was wondering about that, myself. Thanks for the reminder, Saji.' Issei remembered her saying that.

Ayase nodded and looked at Issei. "I wanted to ask about your designs. And what inspired you to start sewing."

Genshirou blinked. "You can sew, too?"

"Uh huh, I'm not just a talentless pervert, although my perversion overshadowed what I can do, so I'll take fault for that. To answer your question, it's like I told you at the shop, it was my grandmother." Issei answered and then looked at his hands. "When my grandfather was out like a light and not telling me perverse stories, I would be watching my grandmother make something. I wanted to try it and man, it sucked to get my fingers pricked. Sometimes, Shidou would laugh, but still help me get bandaged if he was around, but baa-chan usually helped out."

"Who's Shidou?" Genshirou asked. "I don't know anyone by that name."

"Not likely you will." Issei shook his head. "He moved to England. I've had doubts that it was my perversion that made him move, but my grandmother assured me that was not the case as we had both been influenced by my grandfather, me moreso, since I saw him more. He was my best friend, my first one…"

"And Raichi's the second." Genshirou noted out loud.

Issei blinked. "You overheard?"

"I overheard her say it as some asked her why she didn't have a lunch and she would say that her best friend had her covered. When I heard you asking for her, I figured that it was you." Genshirou explained.

Issei nodded at the answer.

Ayase leaned forward. "So you started sewing with your grandmother… When did you get into fashion?"

"Probably when I started working with Setsuka-san, I was intrigued by her work and I wanted to try it." Issei sighed. "You should have seen the gi that she made for me to wear at the tournament, which I got messed up, so I'll have to stitch it up."

"The tournament this past weekend? That's where you got hurt, isn't it?" Ayase continued to question him.

"Yeah." Issei faintly touched the bandage on his head.

"Not much you could've done." Genshirou said.

"You watched?" Issei asked, a little surprised.

"A little." Genshirou shrugged, while eating. "I mean you were representing our school."

"Oh, yeah, I guess you're right about that." Issei turned back to Ayase. "Anyway, Setsuka-san gave me the gi as a gift for helping her with a kimono she sold. It was half black and half silver with gold trim, it was sleeveless…"

Genshirou interjected. "Did it have red as the accent color for the inside?"

Issei blinked. "Yeah. How did you know?"

Genshirou froze. 'That kimono… Akeno wore it during the rating game… He helped with the design on that? Man, who knows what he could have grown to be if he didn't befriend those other two. I wonder when he met them.' Instead, he answered with, "I think I've seen it."

"Who was wearing it?" Ayase asked.

"Some girl. Kind of like you, senpai." Genshirou answered, not revealing Akeno's identity.

"So she might be into kendo." Issei pondered, based on what Genshirou said.

"I can ask the girls if one of them bought it." Ayase offered.

"No." Issei shook his head. "If they find out I helped design it, they'll try to return it." He didn't want to cost Setsuka any business.

Genshirou nearly choked. 'I doubt that, but if only he knew Akeno tore it during battle…'

Ayase nodded. "Very well."

"Hey, Ayatsuji-senpai…" Issei looked at her again. "I know the other kendo girls don't like me because I peeped on them. But I don't see you with them often. Shouldn't seniority make you captain over Murayama?"

Ayase flailed her hands and became flustered. "Er… I'm not that good!"

Neither boy believed her.

"You didn't join tournaments last year, but Kaichou noted your skill." Genshirou pointed out. "Hyoudou may not know it, but you should be captain and not because of seniority, but because you're talented."

Genshirou wasn't going to doubt Sona's skill, hence why he didn't believe Ayase's claim of her not being good. She most likely had skill, but she was hiding it for some reason and he didn't why, it wasn't like Sona to be wrong. He was sure that by having these two join Sona would help bolster their offensive power to take on other peerages.

Issei's eyes sparkled. "That's awesome!" His reaction was different to Genshirou's.

Ayase blushed. "Well… I do train at my father's dojo, and..."

"No way! Could I come by?" Issei asked too eagerly, before he pulled himself back. "I mean, uh... I dabble in kenjutsu."

This statement made both Ayase and Genshirou freeze.

"You do?" Genshirou asked in shock. 'I knew about the martial arts, but also sword techniques? If he joins us and works on his magic, he could be a versatile piece. Speaking of versatility…'

"Really?" Ayase asked, interrupting Genshirou's thoughts.

"Yeah." Issei nodded. "I mean Setsuka-san's husband is my master. After work, I train with him. Or with her, it depends on who's available."

Ayase's eyes widened. "I didn't know that." However, she was also thinking, 'That does make sense for the owners of that place to know a thing or two about swords and train him.'

"Neither did I…" Genshirou swallowed. 'Kaichou is going to want to know this.'

Issei shrugged. "Not many people do. I also stay after club hours with the advisor of the mixed martial arts club to train as well."

Genshirou stared. "Geez, do you ever stop training?"

"Nope." Issei shook his head. "If I want to be a strong warrior and protect my friends and loved ones, I have to stay on the grind. Even though I'm injured, I was able to do some workouts and test my limits without ripping my stitches. Hopefully, they'll be out at the end of the week. Well, the ones that are on the right side of my stomach."

Ayase frowned. "You got injured there? How?"

"Dude had some blade that he snuck in." Issei gestured to the extra bento. "You guys are welcome to try the chicken."

"Oh, okay." Ayase said as she set down her own bento and moved to collect the extra bento.

She opened it, the aroma making her eyes widen. She took half of the chicken and left the rest for Genshirou, if he wanted to have some. He wanted to see her reaction before he even tried anything as he did not know how well Issei could cook. Ayase had a similar reaction to the ORC members.

Genshirou raised a brow. "Well?"

Ayase smiled. "It's pretty good. Where'd you learn to cook?"

"My kaa-san. It's how we bonded. we had a disconnect, no thanks to my perversion. It caused her stress, but now, we found something to bond over with again. She even helped me sell all my porn." Issei laughed. "She sold something Matsuda loaned me and made him pay more than he originally paid. I'm glad to have her in my life."

Genshirou grumbled, "Must be nice…"

Issei blinked. "Sorry... I didn't know. My condolences. I hope your father..."

"No," Genshirou cut him off. "It's just me and my siblings."

"Oh, wow, man. I'm sorry to hear… um, not to bring up any bad memories, but, uh… how did they die?" Issei asked.

"Car accident." Genshirou sighed. "Then we moved in with a relative, but they passed away, too."

Ayase lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry. I lost my mother too."

Issei exhaled softly. "Any siblings?"

"No. Just me and my father."

"Damn… I'm sorry for both of you, the closest thing that I could ever come to your pain is losing my grandfather. My parents could relate, since they had two miscarriages before I was born and I was a miracle because my father prayed to the gods for my birth after the previous failed ones."

Genshirou nodded. "Damn."

However, he already knew since Sona had checked the medical records of Issei and his parents recently. Now that she had interest, she would want to see if he had any possible medical issues that may not have been in his school records.

Issei continued, "It's not as bad as what you two went through. I'm guessing you've been working hard for your siblings."

Genshirou swallowed. "About that… I think I failed them. The way I treated you, Hyoudou… you were trying to change. But on that Friday, I saw it in your eyes. You were just done."

"Yeah, I'm always going to be judged, no matter what I do. So it became pointless to keep fighting something that I won't change." Issei answered. "I'm not going to judge them as they have made their opinions, but I still have the belief that people can change. I'm trying to mature, hence why I moved myself from those two that I thought were my friends, but I was just their meat shield. My parents always felt that they were a bad influence on me as my mother noted that I didn't start peeping until I met those two. I know I had some perverted tendencies, which is no surprise as my parents kind of explained that it was hereditary and we made a family oath to change that."

"I never knew that." Ayase said.

"No one really does, we were close with Shidou's family, until they left, I do miss my obasan and ojisan." Issei said as he picked another piece of the sushi. "Shidou's mom could probably compete with my mom in terms of cooking, I hope I can see them again."

"Maybe one day, you will." Ayase tried to reassure him.

"I hope so, but my parents have met with Kenichi-senpai's parents and they have hit off. We had a barbecue yesterday to celebrate the success at the tournament, of course, Kenichi-senpai won for the third year students." Issei sighed as he remembered watching the film of his seniors. "I still have ways to go to face my senpais. It was that tournament that showed me something as there was a guy, his name was Makoto."

"What about him?" Genshirou questioned.

"Well…" Issei began to answer, until the sound of his phone buzzing interrupted what he was about to say and went to check it. "Speak of the devil, I was wondering when Kiba would text."

When Issei had said "devil", Genshirou slightly stiffened, which didn't go unnoticed by Ayase.

Genshirou raised an eyebrow. "Kiba?" Wondering when Issei got his number.

"Uh huh," Issei nodded. "Since he learned that I was into swordplay, I had suggested if we could train and spar, going against my three masters ain't easy, I can't even get a hit on them, but I am learning. It would be nice to train with someone my age and I had seen Kiba practicing, so I asked. I guess he and Akeno are coming over after school."

'Just great, it seems like Rias-senpai is also making her play. If she's using Akeno-senpai, she's likely banking on Hyoudou's perversion to get him to join. I can only hope to get at least one of them to join us.' Genshirou thought as he was taking in the information that Issei had said.

"I never knew that Kiba-san was interested in swordplay." Ayase said, as she knew that many girls in the kendo club were interested in the "prince" of the school.

"Neither did I, but he has skill from what I have seen." Issei said, remembering when he had seen Yuuto training.

"Just a random thought, but have either of you thought of joining the student council?" Genshirou spoke up, making the two look at him skeptically. "I know you and I have had our problems, Hyoudou, and I am sorry, like I said that Friday was the first time that I saw the change and looking at my past actions towards. That's not something that I want my siblings to replicate, whether you were a pervert or not, it's still bullying and it's not right. It doesn't matter what someone is, but humiliating someone is still being a bully, it doesn't make you cool."

Issei tightened his jaw, but he remained quiet and let Genshirou continue talking.

"I mean I thought I was doing people a favor and sure, others may think that as well like those guys that beat you up. They can think it's cool, but they are just as low, a bully is just as no good as a pervert. And I am sorry for that, I thought I was being cool to the girls, especially Sona, but it doesn't make me mature at all. You matured from a pervert, but I didn't mature from being a bully and that makes you better than me. If you do join the student council, I will vouch for you. We have seen improvement in your grades, which makes both of you capable of joining…"

"No." Issei interrupted.

Genshirou blinked. "Huh?"

"No thanks. I appreciate the offer, but you're the secretary." Issei smiled. "Joining the student council will slow me down from my dream. I can't fight to become a strong warrior from behind a desk, now can I?"

Unknown to Issei, his response saddened both Genshirou and Ayase as when talking with this new Issei, they felt that they could be friends. His response did make Genshirou chuckle though.

"Maybe, but maybe not. The world is a big place and the student council has connections."

"Maybe," Issei admitted. "But I do like where I am at, I enjoy training with my senpai who took me in and I will forever appreciate that." He pointed at Genshirou. "And another thing, you shouldn't focus so much on Sona-kaichou."

Genshirou stiffened. "What do you mean?"

Issei deadpanned. "Seriously? I know I am dense, but I could see it, when I heard Hanakai-san went 'Gen-kun'."

He mimicked Momo's voice, making Ayase stifle a laugh and Genshirou snicker at his impersonation.

"She doesn't sound like that," Genshirou muttered through his laughter.

"Maybe not, but still, she likes you. Man, you should ask her out."

Genshirou smirked. "Only if you ask out Yuuma when she gets back."

"Don’t need to. She offered to go see a movie, so whenever she does have the time, we will go." Issei explained to them.

Ayase blinked. "What if you have a girlfriend?" Both boys stared at her. "Sorry."

"No, you're right." Issei scratched his cheek. "It's a good question but I would explain the situation to her and to Yuuma, I do not want to look like a playboy. I saw how Gremory-senpai's ex-fiancé acted and a part of my former dream of being harem king, it's kind of how I wanted to act. Get a girlfriend and then break up with her and get another girlfriend, but that just makes me look like a dick. I saw your buddy, Takeshi, do that to Yuuma. One weekend, he's out with Yuuma, the next, he's out with Asia. She didn't deserve that and I don't deserve to treat any girl like that."

Genshirou nodded slowly. "You've done a lot of self-reflection."

"You have no idea, I talked with Renka-senpai about it, and I would rather know each girl and learn their interests. And you..." Issei pointed at Genshirou again. "You also have that brunette with twin tails crushing on you as well. So like Takeshi, who has Rias and Asia, you got Hanakai-san and um…"

"Ruruko-chan?" Genshirou questioned.

"Yeah, her, man," Issei nodded. "If I could have a girl that liked me, flaws and all, I would do anything to keep her. I don't see that with Sona-kaichou, but don't get me wrong, maybe in time, she'll come around to you, but for now…"

"What?" Genshirou asked.

"For now, just focus on what's in front of you, don't overthink it, and relax."

"That's some meaningful words there." Genshirou pointed out.

"Thanks, but it's on the wall art that my senpais gave me for my accomplishments in the tournament. I was able to watch replays, I know there's a gap between me and Raichi. Without the disqualification of the guy that had weapons on him, I only placed 4th overall." Issei said with a heavy sigh. "Someone in Raichi's pool did better than me, in terms of points, and Taichi, he held the tiebreaker over me because one of his opponents was his lackey, who I lost a point to. It was that lackey that I related more to in my former friendship with Matsuda and Motohama. They say let's go peeping and I stupidly would say okay, completely forgetting that they usually hogged the hole, so I rarely get to see anything. Makes me feel better about plugging up any holes that we used to peep with."

Genshirou blinked. "When did you become such a romantic?"

Issei smiled faintly. "Always was. Like I said I wish I could have a girl that would love me, despite my flaws. Like Hanakai-san does with you."

The rooftop breeze carried the scent of lunch and early summer as Genshirou leaned back on his hands, eyeing Issei with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

"Huh… so the so‑called pervert actually yearns for love and a real relationship." Genshirou muttered it half to himself, half to Ayase.

Ayase folded her arms, her expression calm but thoughtful. "It appears so. Every girl has thoughts of romance… I suppose he's no different."

Genshirou exhaled sharply. "So this is the real Issei Hyoudou… then why the perverted exterior?"

Issei blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? Oh, honestly, I don't know. Maybe because it's hereditary? But looking at things… I don't think I can get a committed relationship. Maybe just losing my virginity would give me some kind of satisfaction."

Ayase shook her head. "It won't feel meaningful."

"Maybe not," Issei admitted, shrugging, "but it's better than nothing."

Ayase's gaze softened. "I heard about you plugging the hole. It was a good gesture… shows you're changing. Maybe there's still hope for you."

Issei coughed, embarrassed, and quickly changed the subject. "A‑Anyway, Ayatsuji‑senpai, maybe you should join the student council."

Ayase blinked. "Why do you think that?"

Genshirou, already reaching for the other half of the chicken, chimed in. "Yeah, why?"

Issei pointed at him. "You said she wasn't in any tournaments last year."

Ayase looked down. "I was helping out at the dojo."

"Right. And with the student council, you could get connections to help your dojo's business. Unless you plan on joining tournaments again."

Ayase hesitated. "I… didn't plan on it."

But Issei caught the flicker in her eyes. "Ayatsuji‑senpai?"

"Yes?"

"Do you feel undermined by the kendo club?" Issei asked and she nodded silently. "Then maybe you should get a change of scenery. If they don't appreciate you, why stay?"

Ayase looked genuinely surprised. "You think so?"

"Yeah. Besides, I want to spar with someone new. Saji‑san says you're skilled, and I believe him. I need opponents like you if I'm going to get better and..."

"Oh shit! This is good!" Genshirou blurted out mid‑bite, eyes widening at the flavor. Both Ayase and Issei stared at him. He froze. "…Sorry."

Issei deadpanned. "I'm trying to get you a new member, you do realize that, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. But props to your mom for teaching you how to cook."

Issei sighed. "Right."

Ayase suddenly straightened. "Okay."

"Huh?" Issei and Genshirou said in unison.

"I'll accept the offer. The kendo club hasn't been fun anyway. I would like to get to know Shinra-san a little better and other girls that are in my grade like her and Kaichou-san."

Genshirou grinned. "Rias‑senpai and Akeno‑senpai are pretty close to Kaichou and Tsubaki‑senpai."

"I've talked to them a little in class," Ayase said. "I hope we get along."

"Nice!" Genshirou pumped a fist.

Ayase turned to Issei. "However, you'll have to uphold your end, Hyoudou‑san."

"Of course. I can even bring Kiba so you have another training partner."

"Okay then."

However, what Issei did not know is that Ayase was aware of the devils and she had discussed making a contract with one to help her family dojo. It was something that she had talked about with her father and he had given her his support. He knew that she was stubborn and was willing to do whatever she could to help their dojo.

Now she had the opportunity to do so and maybe gain some new friends as Issei was right, she wasn't really used in the kendo club. Even if the other girls were cordial to her, she didn't feel like she fit in with them.

And Issei… unintentionally gave her the perfect opportunity to leave and move towards something greater.

Genshirou let out a relieved sigh. 'Man… he actually helped me recruit someone.'

While he also did not know that she knew their secret, Issei had given some good reasons with the connections that the student council or rather, the Sitri clan, had. It would help boost the dojo’s reputation as well.

Suddenly, Issei began humming softly, eyes drifting toward the sky and enjoying the gentle breeze.

Ayase tilted her head. "What is that?"

"Hmm?" Issei turned his attention to her.

"That tune you were humming."

"Oh. It's a song that reminds me of who I am. Helps block out the outside noise."

Genshirou raised a brow. "Outside noise?"

"Uh‑huh. Like the kendo club still throwing jabs at me. Here... listen." Issei pulled out his phone and played "I'm Still Here" on low volume. The guitar chords washed over the rooftop, and Issei closed his eyes, letting the world fade.

Then he began to sing, lost in his own little world.

Ayase and Genshirou exchanged a startled look. His voice wasn't loud, but it was decent, thanks to those secret singing lessons. The lyrics fit him almost too well. They were kind of understanding how it resonated to him and why he sticks with it as his tune through his progress in life. When the song finally ended as Issei looked to the sky, hearing those last strums of the guitar and like Renka, Genshirou snapped him out of his thoughts.

Genshirou snapped his fingers. "Whoa."

Issei jolted. "Huh, oh shit. Not again." He facepalmed for his negligence of not being aware of his surroundings with others around.

"Again?" Ayase asked, wondering when this has happened.

"I get lost in a song and forget that there are others around me. I kind of don’t want people to hear me singing." Issei explained, even wondering if he got it from his friend.

He remembered how Shidou would go off in a daze sometimes, daydreaming about something until Issei would snap them out of it. It was one of the qualities that Shidou got from their own parents, specifically Issei's ojisan.

"Why hide it?" Genshirou asked. "That would show others that you’re more than just a pervert, man!"

Issei shook his head. "I doubt it."

Genshirou wanted to argue, but Ayase's subtle shake of the head stopped him. He remembered that Friday. Issei didn't have that much faith in the school to see him differently. They would never think he would change or grow, a part of him felt honored that Issei would show this side of himself. Now he was beginning to understand that the perversion Issei had was his armor. It wasn’t the best type of armor, but it was what protected him. It made Genshirou wonder how those comments really made Issei, but it was his perversion that answered.

Seeing that Issei did not have much faith in the school, it was similar to his view of relationships and what he was yearning for. Genshirou was beginning to feel that training was now Issei's new armor.

Genshirou decided to test his theory. "Hey, Hyoudou. How often do you train?"

Issei counted on his fingers. "Before my injury, I went to the gym at 4:15 AM with Ikki‑senpai for boxing. These past weeks, I've been doing taekwondo with Kisara‑senpai at the same time. Afternoons on weekdays are Chinese martial arts with Renka‑senpai. Sometimes karate with Mizunuma‑senpai or Kenichi‑senpai. Any time that I finish with work, I get trained in kenjutsu by Mitsurugi-shishou. And on Mondays and Fridays, I work with Shigure-sensei, the advisor of the mixed martial arts club, on refining my kenjutsu skills. She works on my swing speed, pivoting, being able to adjust my grip, stuff like that."

Genshirou's soul left his body. 'Holy shit. I was right. Thank goodness he's injured or doesn't know about phoenix tears, otherwise, he'd never rest.'

"But I'm still finding ways to agitate my stitches so I can keep training." Issei's voice interrupted his thoughts.

'Nevermind.' Genshirou deadpanned.

Ayase blinked. "Why do you train so much?"

Issei brightened instantly. "Well, other than my dream, one of the people I look up to is Goku."

"From the Dragon Ball manga?" Ayase asked.

Issei's eyes sparkled like a kid at a festival. "You know it?!" He leaned in close, completely unaware of Ayase's sudden blush.

Genshirou was noticing how that fascination that Issei had when talking about perverted things was the same fascination that he was having now when talking about this manga. Genshirou was aware of the manga as his little brother liked it as well. He could not help but realize that Issei could actually be what some considered to be a nerd as he liked anime and manga.

"My brother likes that stuff," Genshirou added.

Issei turned to him. "Really? What about you two?"

Ayase fidgeted. "I… don't mind it."

"Never got into it," Genshirou admitted. "But I always tried to get a manga volume for him if I could."

Issei grinned. "Let me know, which ones that he has, whatever one he is missing, I can hand it to you to give to him."

"Seriously?" Genshirou was bewildered by the offer.

"Yeah, it’s no biggie. I’ve already caught up on the series, plus I don’t need to loan out to Elize-sensei. She seems to have picked up her own copies."

As something that Issei remembered, when he was taken to Yu-Mi and Elize's apartment was that they each stacked up on the manga volumes that he introduced them to. It also explained why they no longer were asking him for the next volume. Since they each made way more than him, they were able to bolster up their manga collection relatively quickly.

Ayase blinked. "Elize‑sensei likes Dragon Ball?"

Issei rubbed the back of his neck as he explained, his voice casual but sincere. "I guess so. After she helped heal me up when I got beaten up, Elize‑sensei became my supervisor during lunch detentions. We started talking about my other interests, and I showed her the manga. She got into it… and she's the one who encouraged me to join the mixed martial arts club after Kenichi‑senpai invited me."

Genshirou blinked. "I didn't know that."

Issei held out his phone. "Let's exchange contact info. Whatever volumes your brother doesn't have, I'll check my collection and bring them tomorrow."

"Sure." Genshirou nodded.

As the two exchanged contact information.

While Genshirou typed his contact information, he felt something twist in his chest. 'This guy… after everything I did to him… he still helps me?' Issei Hyoudou, the school pervert and being an otaku, was turning out to be someone with a surprisingly big heart.

Anyone else wouldn't have given a damn about helping him out if he bullied them like he did to Issei. He had to give respect to Issei for that because he was given a chance to make his brother happy.

Ayase hesitated before stepping closer. "Um… is it okay if we exchange contact information too? So you don't show up unannounced at the dojo and… so I can talk about kimono designs and…"

"Okay!" Issei immediately took his phone back from Genshirou and handed it to her. "It'll make planning easier. And it'd be cool to talk about kimono designs with someone at school."

Ayase's cheeks warmed slightly at his enthusiasm.

For a moment, Issei's "armor" slipped completely. No perversion, no bravado, just a boy who liked sewing, cooking, manga, and helping people. He was enjoying the other interests that he had in life and the time that he was spending with his family. Seeing how he had learned of another fan of Dragon Ball, he was ecstatic to help them out, especially a young one.

He had no idea how grateful Genshirou was to him for doing this gesture for his little brother. It was part of Issei's selfless nature to help someone out, even though no one had the heart to help him out until he met Kenichi and his group, along with Elize and Yu-Mi.

Once Ayase finished entering her number and gave Issei his phone back, while Issei returned hers, Genshirou leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Hey, Hyoudou… what else do you like?"

Issei blinked. "Huh?"

Ayase clarified. "He means your other interests. You told us you like sewing, cooking, training… and I guess singing too."

Issei nodded. "Ah. Well, I also like sculpting. It helped me learn patience for sewing. Clay doesn't prick you like needles do… but it does get stuck under your nails." This chapter is updated first at NovelPing.

Genshirou stared. "Seriously? Sculpting?"

"Yeah. I also like Gundam, so I built plastic models when I had the free time. Eventually I wanted to build things from scratch. I took a break from sewing, so sculpting filled the gap. If you don't believe me, you can ask Kenichi‑senpai. I made a dog statue for his sister. She's really nice."

"How old is she?" Genshirou asked.

"Middle school, I think."

"Oh. So is mine, she's part of the middle school division."

Issei smiled softly. "Wow… you've got a brother and sister. That's nice." He glanced at the clock tower and packed up his bentos. "Lunch is almost over. We should go."

Ayase nodded. "You're right."

Genshirou turned to her. "Ayatsuji‑senpai, please come to the student council office after school."

"Oh, okay. Sure."

Then he called out, "And Hyoudou..."

Issei paused at the door. "What?"

Genshirou tossed something toward him.

Issei caught it easily and looked at it with confusion. "…A key?"

"If you noticed, we changed the rooftop door locks that goes up here after your confession. Kaichou felt the need to lock this up, but I made a copy of my key, so you can still come up here." Genshirou explained.

Issei frowned. "Okay? But why?"

Genshirou crossed his arms. "Like you told Kiba,think of it as an olive branch. And like I said earlier… sorry. I think you come up here to escape before you have to go back to whatever you deal with here in school."

Issei narrowed his eyes. "How do I know you won't tell your 'dearly beloved' president?" The sarcasm was thick.

Genshirou smirked. "Well, like you, I need to expand my horizons. I'm going to ask Momo out and see where it goes."

Issei blinked. "There's a shop that sells acrylic art. Maybe she could use some decorating. Uh… have you been to her place?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"So you can know if she does need decorating and what kind of wall art would look good in her place." Issei told him.

Genshirou nodded. "Good idea. I'll also prove we're on a date by stopping by your workplace."

Issei deadpanned. "You don't need to do that."

Ayase giggled quietly. Watching the two banter made her feel… comfortable. Maybe she could have male friends. Both of them were different from what she expected. She got to see more of Issei that had been locked away and got to know more about Genshirou, who would be her future teammate.

Issei waved. "Alright, I'm leaving. Good luck on your date, Saji‑san."

"Thanks. Hey, wait! You don't need to be so formal with me, dude!" Genshirou called out, but Issei was already gone.

Ayase bowed slightly. "I'll see you after school, Saji‑san."

Once she left, Genshirou waited until the door shut, when he was sure that she was out of earshot.

Then he pumped his fist. "Yes!"

Issei headed back toward his classroom, only to nearly collide with a familiar group.

"There you are!" Renka exclaimed.

"Hey, Renka‑senpai." Issei gave her a quick hug.

He had a mental note that as long as he showed Renka some form of affection, she wouldn't get pissed about being ignored.

Kenichi waved. "We were looking for you, Ise."

Ikki added, "Yeah, Elize-sensei said you weren’t with her when we checked, but she said to stop by and pick up your bento box."

Kisara immediately hooked an arm around his neck, pulling him into a headlock. "Cooking for your big sisters, huh? What are you making for me?"

Issei wheezed. "I'm… working on it…"

"Good boy." She patted his head while the others laughed.

Kenichi grinned. "He probably can do it at the next barbecue. It seems our moms have been talking."

Issei sighed. "Go figure."

Miu stepped forward, bright-eyed. "Oh! I tried that honey chipotle steak recipe you gave me."

"Yeah?" Issei asked as he was curious about their take on the recipe.

Kenichi nodded. "We had it for lunch. It was great."

Issei smiled. "Then thank my kaa‑san. Everything I know in the kitchen is from her. Um… Kisara‑sen..."

"Hn?" Kisara tightened her bicep around his neck.

Issei tapped her arm. "Nee… Kisara‑nee."

"Hmm? What's up?" Kisara asked, now that she was addressed properly.

"Could you let go of me, please?"

Kisara smirked. "I don't know…"

Renka stepped in, clasping her hands and tilting her head. "Pretty please, nya~" She wiggled her hair tips like cat ears.

"Ah!" Kisara and Miu squealed, instantly distracted by Renka's adorable cat act, while acting like cats themselves.

Issei finally inhaled deeply, freed at last. He glanced at Renka and mouthed, thank you. She winked back.

Renka's fingers slid off Issei's shoulder, but not before she shot him a sly smirk, one that clearly said: You owe me big time.

Issei gulped. 'Great… she's going to cash that in later.'

Kenichi clapped his hands together. "Anyway! We also need to talk about the Ball Tournament."

Ukita perked up. "Oh yeah!"

Issei blinked. "Ball Tournament?"

Ikki nodded. "Yeah. Since this is your first time in a club, you wouldn't know. It's a battle between clubs."

Kenichi grinned. "That’s right, it’s one of the school’s biggest events. We’re going to be playing ball related sports, you know baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis."

Issei's jaw dropped. "What? We just got out of a tournament! I hope I get these stitches out in time… I want to participate."

Kenichi gave him a thumbs‑up. "It’s what we’re hoping for, you’re our secret player. I think you got time because it’s next week."

Ikki nodded. "Uh‑huh."

Issei frowned. "I don't get it. How am I your secret player?"

Renka slipped away from Miu and Kisara and wrapped her arm around Issei's shoulders. "Because we're taking advantage of the school thinking you're just a pervert. If they didn't watch the tournament, they don't know you can kick butt."

Issei raised a brow. "Wouldn't we be going against Miu‑senpai too?"

Miu snapped out of her cat‑mode. "Looks like it."

Issei glanced at Kenichi, who was standing suspiciously far away from her. "Why are you over there, Kenichi‑senpai?" He had noticed that his senpai was away from his girlfriend, rather than close to her like Ukita was with Kisara.

Kenichi coughed. "Well… Miu has a habit of flipping people over her shoulder when she gets excited. You've experienced it, remember?"

Issei stared. "Including her own boyfriend?"

"Uh‑huh." Kenichi deadpanned, while Ikki and Ukita snickered.

Miu puffed her cheeks. "I said I was sorry! I just can't help it sometimes."

Kenichi wrapped an arm around her waist. "I know. But you really don't know how to hold back your strength… still love you though."

Renka gagged dramatically. "Blegh!"

Issei burst out laughing, and Miu shot Renka a glare. Renka only smiled wider as someone appreciated her humor.

Kenichi checked the time. "Bell's about to ring. We'll talk later, Ise."

Issei raised a hand. "Hey, uh, before you go... has Raichi contacted you? I heard she wasn’t in class."

Miu nodded. "She's handling an assignment. Remember I told you that my father talked to her about something, while we were at the barbecue."

"Oh yeah… I just didn't think she'd miss school."

Kenichi shrugged. "It happens. Anyway, we'll talk later."

Issei added, "I might not be around after school. I will stop by, but I know that if I go to the dojo, I will want to train."

Ukita crossed his arms. "Can't have you doing that yet."

Issei smirked. "But if I don't, you'll beat me and avenge your loss."

Ukita smirked back. "Maybe."

Kenichi placed a hand on Issei's shoulder. "You said we need to rely on each other. So rely on us to make you rest. You need to be ready for the Ball Tournament."

Issei sighed. "If you say so."

Renka squeezed him reassuringly. "The week will fly by before you know it."

"If you say so…" Issei said again and shrugged, pouting slightly.

The group chuckled. He really did act like the pouty little brother they'd all grown fond of. Renka stroked his hair and gently pulled his head onto her shoulder, which did make the boy slightly blush.

'Wow, I never really been this close to a girl before. I wonder if this is how other couples feel like being next to their significant other.' Issei thought to himself, until Renka's voice reached his ears again.

"You'll be alright." She said, giving him one last pat on the back.

'Ah, yeah. Friendzoned. I forgot, she likes Kenichi.' Issei sighed, but didn't show his sadness.

Kenichi waved. "See you after school."

Issei waved back as they headed to their classroom.

There were some students who gossiped about his interaction with them, but Issei didn’t care as he went to his seat.

"Why is Hyoudou with them?"

"Did he bribe them?"

"Is he stalking them?"

He sensed someone approaching and turned to see Asia holding out a bento.

"Here's your bento, Hyoudou‑san."

Issei smiled. "Thanks, I hope you enjoyed the food."

Asia nodded shyly. "I did. And the tacos too."

Issei chuckled. "The tacos were better than the stuffed chicken, right?"

"Um… yes."

"That's my kaa‑san for you. No surprise she beat me. If she made the stuffed chicken, it'd taste way better than mine." Issei laughed again.

His laughter surprised Asia as she had never heard him laugh or smile before, so this was a first to her. Normally, he would stare out the window with an indifferent look or be lost in thought about something. Not only that, but she noticed how he spoke with pride, when he talked about his mother.

Before she could comment, Aika suddenly appeared behind them.

"Wow, Asia, you're still alive and not puking in a toilet. I guess Hyoudou's cooking got thrown out and you ate something else."

Asia shook her head. "No, I had his cooking. It was good."

Aika raised a brow. "Oh? Is that how you're planning to woo her, Hyoudou?"

Asia blushed. "It's not like that, Aika‑san."

Issei didn't even flinch. "Woo who? She's interested in Takeshi. She offered an exchange since I messed up her lunch when I knocked her down. But the food was good, thank you, Argento‑san. I don't see why you want to instigate something that isn't there, Kiryuu‑san."

Aika choked. "Er... uh..."

She expected him to get flustered or defensive. Instead, he was… indifferent. It was something that left her unable to speak.

Katase and Murayama walked in and immediately noticed Aika's stunned expression.

Murayama narrowed her eyes. "What did you do now, Hyoudou?"

Issei didn't look up. "Nothing that concerns you."

Katase scoffed. "So, Asia, how bad was his cooking?"

Asia shook her head. "It wasn't bad at all."

"Huh?" both girls said.

Katase smirked. "So you didn't even try it? Ha! Your cooking wasn’t even worth trying, Hyoudou."

Asia frowned. "I did try it. And it was good."

Murayama stared. "You're joking."

"No. You can ask Kiba‑san too."

Katase's jaw dropped. "What?"

"Hyoudou‑san gave him a bento as well. We both liked it."

Murayama crossed her arms. "I don't believe that."

Katase nodded. "Same."

Aika sighed, rubbing her temples. "Believe whatever you want to believe... but I get a dreaded feeling that we may be wrong."

She begrudgingly went to her seat.

Murayama blinked. "What was that about?"

Katase shrugged. "No idea."

Asia placed Issei's bento on his desk. "Sorry for the interruption, Hyoudou‑san."

Issei nodded. "Thanks. And here's your bento."

He handed hers back, finally reaching for his own.

Asia bowed her head slightly. "Thank you… um, have a good day."

She hurried back to her seat, cheeks still pink. In her embarrassment from the earlier teasing, she completely forgot to ask Issei for the recipe.

As she left, the kendo duo shot Issei a pair of condescending stares before sitting down, their expressions dripping with superiority.

Issei exhaled quietly. 'At least Saji‑san acknowledged his bullying… but these two? They can't even admit their own.' He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. 'I honestly don't get these girls. I stopped peeping on them and I apologized. I barely even acknowledge them anymore. Looking at them now… I don't know why I ever peeped on them. They're so full of themselves it makes them less attractive.'

His thoughts grew sharper.

'Maybe that’s why Matsuda and Motohama liked peeping on them because they’re also so full of themselves. And those girls never covered the holes either. It's like they wanted to get peeped on, so they could have an excuse to beat up on others.'

He tapped his desk lightly.

'I know Matsuda, Motohama, and I were caught because of the constant arguing of who gets to look. But it wouldn’t surprise me if there were others peeping but stayed silent. I guess it shows the double standard that goes on around here.'

He settled back into his seat and checked his phone and saw no response from Raichi.

'I hope she's alright.'

Genshirou walked into his classroom feeling… oddly good. For once, he felt like he could actually make his siblings happy. He forgot to tell Issei that the reason that he wanted to stop by his workplace was to see the designs as he knew that his sister was interested in fashion as well.

He was pulled from his thoughts as the student council members gathered around him.

"So?" Momo asked.

Genshirou blinked. "So what?" Her voice snapping him out of his mood.

Tsubasa leaned forward. "How was your lunch?"

Genshirou rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm still processing it… but I think we got a new member."

Tomoe's eyes widened. "Really?"

Reya frowned slightly. "You actually recruited him?"

Genshirou shook his head. "No. I didn't recruit Hyoudou. He helped me get a new member, though."

Unbeknownst to them, Yuuto was sitting a few desks away, listening in.

'So Kaichou tried to recruit Issei… but failed. I suppose that's good, that means we still have a chance. However…' Yuuto was processing the information.

He was glad that they didn’t succeed but he was curious about who Issei helped Sona gain instead.

Tomoe tilted her head. "He helped you?"

Reya asked, "So who is it?"

Genshirou smirked. "The other one that Kaichou was scouting as a possible knight piece."

Tsubasa nearly choked. "Whoa, are you serious?"

Tomoe brightened. "So I won't be the only knight anymore."

Genshirou nodded. "Yeah. But Hyoudou helped. The Gremory might get him though. And man… he's different."

Momo raised a brow. "Different how?"

Genshirou shrugged. "We can thank the president of the mixed martial arts club for that. But Hyoudou is a… nerd. Believe it or not."

Reya blinked. "What do you mean?"

Tomoe frowned. "That doesn't sound like him."

Genshirou leaned back. "It is. Always was. Underneath that perverted exterior is just a regular guy with a ton of interests. You know I found out he’s a fan of Dragon Ball, my brother likes that stuff."

Tsubasa raised a brow. "And what does that have to do with Hyoudou?"

Genshirou sighed. "He said he'd give me whatever volumes my brother hasn't read. For free. Just so Gengo could enjoy them. Considering how I treated him… he didn't have to do that." He placed his hands on his head, voice trembling slightly. "Never saying that I owed him anything. He gave me a chance to make my brother happy."

The council members exchanged looks. They knew how much Genshirou's siblings meant to him. Momo gently rubbed his back.

Yuuto smiled faintly. 'Issei… you're showing more of yourself. Good.'

Genshirou continued, "You should've heard him talk about his baa-chan and kaa-san. How he had bonds with them. Like did you know Hyoudou can cook?"

Tomoe blinked. "Him? Are you sure?"

Reya shook her head. "That doesn't sound vey believable."

Yuuto finally joined the conversation. "It's true. He gave me a bento earlier, remember?" He turned to Genshirou. "Stuffed chicken, right?"

Genshirou nodded. "Yeah. His kaa-san taught him well. Tsubasa, you were there that day when the nurse complimented his cooking."

Yuuto added, "He even told Asia that his mother was a better cook. She had chicken tacos his mother made and they were better than the stuffed chicken. Asia told us."

Tsubasa blinked. "So your whole club tried his food?"

Yuuto nodded. "Yes. Even Takeshi‑kun and Koneko‑chan admitted it was good. They said the tacos were better, which makes sense."

Genshirou smirked. "You're probably going to get the recipe from him, huh? Since you're hanging out with him after school."

Reya nodded slowly. "So that's why you said the Gremory might get him."

Tomoe sighed. "Dang."

Yuuto raised his hand. "I’m going to only hang out with him, along with Akeno. I'm not trying to recruit him for Buchou. But I certainly wouldn’t mind him as a fellow knight. Although he works just as well to be a rook."

Tsubasa blinked. "Knight?"

"Yeah." Genshirou nodded. "From what he told me, Hyoudou trains at least four times a day in kenjutsu. No rest days. Even injured, he's thinking about training. If he's not doing it physically, he's doing it mentally. He basically swapped his perversion for training."

Momo's eyes widened. "How often does he train?"

Genshirou counted on his fingers. "Pretty much every day. I said four days a week because he works for his master on weekends, but he trains with him afterwards. Mondays and Fridays he trains with his club advisor after practice. Weekday mornings he goes to the gym for boxing or taekwondo with his senpais. Afternoons are Chinese martial arts and sometimes karate."

Tsubasa whistled. "Damn. Dude's a machine."

Tomoe nodded. "Training twice a day? Sometimes three?"

Genshirou shrugged. "He looks up to Goku. And that guy trains nonstop from what I remember. Hyoudou's bummed that he can't train because of his injury."

Yuuto nodded. "Yeah. It was from the tournament."

Genshirou sighed. "I saw."

Momo leaned forward. "You watched it?"

Tsubasa asked, "Aw, man, I wanted to watch that. How was it?"

Genshirou smirked. "Hyoudou can kick ass. That training isn't for show."

Yuuto's eyes gleamed. "I can't wait to work with him on swordsmanship."

Genshirou added, "Someone else might join in too."

Yuuto nodded. "Your possible new knight. I look forward to meeting them."

Reya suddenly straightened. "Sensei's coming."

Tomoe stood. "We better get back to our seats."

They all began to move except Momo, since she sat next to Genshirou anyways. It was then that he was reminded about what Issei had said about Momo.

As the teacher entered, Genshirou glanced at Momo.

Issei's words echoed in his mind. "Look right in front of you."

Genshirou swallowed. "Hey, Momo?"

Momo blinked, caught completely off guard. "Yes?"

Genshirou inhaled, steadying himself. "Would you… like to go out with me this weekend?"

The question hit her like a spell. Her cheeks flushed instantly.

"M‑Me? Are you sure? I mean…"

Genshirou met her eyes directly. "Yes, I mean you. Not Kaichou. You."

Momo's breath caught. "…Um, sure."

"Cool." He smiled.

Around them, the other student council members exchanged knowing smiles. They had all seen Momo's quiet affection for Genshirou. It was an affection he had been too blinded by his devotion to Sona to notice. They also felt that maybe he will recognize Ruruko's feelings as well.

Either way, they were happy for their friend as maybe they could build something off of this. Maybe now he would finally see what was right in front of him.

Yuuto, listening from a few desks away, hid a small smirk behind his hand. 'I wonder if Hyoudou‑kun had something to do with this.'

He knew Genshirou's infatuation with Sona mirrored Takeshi's infatuation with Rias. The two pawns even had a running bet about who could get closer to their mistress. Takeshi had clearly won, since Rias was far more affectionate than Sona ever was.

Genshirou glanced at Momo again, warmth in his eyes and smiled at her. 'Looks like you were right, Hyoudou.'

Momo blushed deeper but smiled back.

A clash of light echoed through the abandoned warehouse.

Kokabiel was clashing light swords with Yuuma, she was on the offensive and Kokabiel was effortlessly defending against her. He kept his malicious smile as he blocked a slash from her. It was still a short time, but Yuuma's light sword was still rugged as the light wasn't fully stabilized.

Kokabiel decided that he had enough for today and parried Yuuma's next slash that was aimed at his head, which shattered her light sword.

Yuuma gasped. "Huh?"

Kokabiel chuckled. "Your light isn't fully stabilized. But you've gotten better."

Freed twirled his own blade. "Haha! It'll never be as strong as my Excalibur."

Kokabiel didn't even look at him. "Of course not. You only have two fragments. The Church is so graciously sending us three. Unfortunately, the sixth and seventh fragments would be tough to collect."

Yuuma frowned. "Why?"

Kokabiel folded his arms. "Because one’s with the Pendragon family and the other is still with the church in their stronghold."

Yuuma tilted her head. "So what's the problem?"

"For one, we don’t have the firepower to take on a stronghold. Two, the Pendragons are not a family that I want to deal with, considering that they are in possession of another holy sword." Kokabiel grimaced.

Freed perked up. "What sword is that?"

Kokabiel smirked. "It seems your former mentor didn’t teach you anything, Freed. The Pendragon family is in control of Caliburn, it is the strongest holy sword to exist."

Yuuma's eyes widened. "What does it do?"

"It can tear through space itself, opening up portals that lead to different locations."

Freed clicked his tongue. "Tch."

Kokabiel's eyes narrowed. "Watch your tone, Freed."

At that moment, Valper entered with another figure.

"Ah," Kokabiel said, "our new recruit has arrived."

Valper bowed slightly. "Apologies for the delay. I contacted a representative from Yami."

Yuuma stiffened. "Yami?"

Valper nodded. "A worldwide organization that is full of martial artists, they use their skills to gain power. This is Raichi, she is part of their subdivision called Yomi, which is made up of apprentices from the masters, who dubbed themselves as the One Shadow Nine Fists."

Yuuma's breath hitched as there was only one Raichi that she knew and looking at the build of the other figure, she had a sense of dread.

Raichi was decked in a tight red battle outfit along with a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, a groin pad, and knee pads. In addition, she was also wearing gloves, goggles, and boots, which gave her a skater-like appearance.

Raichi bowed. "It is an honor to meet you, Lord Kokabiel."

Freed scoffed. "So what's she here for?"

Raichi answered calmly. "I will be keeping the devils in check, making sure that they are not aware of Lord Kokabiel’s plans. I will also be scouting for the exorcist that is supposed to make their way here."

Freed grinned. "Ha! I can handle the devils."

"Maybe, but they will sense you coming because you’re holding that..." Raichi pointed at his Excalibur. "And it doesn’t look like you want to let go of it anytime soon.."

Kokabiel nodded. "She’s right, Freed. Excalibur possesses a good amount of holy energy that they may sense you coming. Raichi can impersonate a high school student and keep tabs on the heiresses. She can also scout the exorcist and he would be none the wiser, thinking that she is just another human, if she ever gets spotted by them."

He gestured around the room.

"Valper, while also human, has small traces of holy energy thanks to his experimentations. Raynare and I are fallen angels, albeit Raynare is a hybrid now and her mistress, who is supposed to be smart, is none the wiser."

Yuuma smirked, keeping up with her role, so they all could see the sinister smirk that was similar to Kokabiel's own smirk. Raichi tilted her head in Yuuma's direction, but showed no outward emotion.

"Azazel is such a fool, but with Kokabiel-sama in charge... we will show the other factions why we should have won the war." Yuuma stated.

Kokabiel laughed. "Well spoken. And once we get those devils to remove your evil piece, you'll return to your true fallen angel glory."

Yuuma's eyes gleamed. "I can feel it already."

Kokabiel turned to Valper. "Valper, what is the status of our outposts?"

Valper shook his head. "No reports. I've heard nothing from them."

Kokabiel frowned. "That's not good." He turned to Yuuma. "Raynare, accompany our guest to your quarters, she shall stay with you."

He pointed at the others. "Valper, you're with me. We'll check the north and west outposts. Freed, you'll go to the south and east ones and to satiate your lust, you can pick up a whore or two."

Freed cackled. "Why bother? When I got that sexy piece of ass right there!" He pointed Excalibur from Yuuma to Raichi. "Even better, Valper brought another one. You may not got much up top like Raynare, but I'm sure it won't matter much when you wrap those legs around me."

Raichi cut him off coldly. "My legs may wrap around you but not in the way you're imagining."

Freed grinned. "We'll see."

Valper stepped forward. "I'll advise you not to touch her, you don't know the connections that Yami has if one of their own is sexually assaulted, the consequences will be… dire."

Kokabiel nodded. "He's right, Freed. You'll have to keep it in your pants for now."

Freed clicked his tongue. "Tch. Whatever."

Kokabiel grabbed Yuuma's arm and whispered in her ear. "If that human double‑crosses us… kill her."

Yuuma whispered back with a sinister smile. "Whether she does or not… I was going to kill her anyway."

It made Kokabiel smile seeing that sinister look in Yuuma's eye as he felt that Raichi's days were numbered. However, the intent was directed towards him, not realizing that the two females were playing for the other team.

"Let's go, Valper. Freed!" Kokabiel ordered.

Freed groaned. "Yeah, yeah."

"I'll send you to the south part of the city, Freed. From there, you will go to the outpost." Kokabiel told him.

A magic circle flared beneath Freed, transporting him away.

"We’ll head to the north first, Valper." Kokabiel said through gritted teeth.

"Understood." Valper nodded as another circle took them away.

Leaving only the two girls.

Yuuma turned to Raichi with a seductive smile. "Come on. I'll show you where you're staying."

The moment Yuuma closed the door behind them, her expression shifted to something subtle and calculated. This entire performance was for one purpose which was to fool any cameras Kokabiel might have hidden. As a reincarnated devil under a devil Kokabiel planned to kill, she knew better than to assume he wasn't watching her.

Raichi raised a brow at Yuuma's exaggerated sway of the hips but said nothing, simply following her down the dim hallway. Yuuma kept up the act from seductive glances and playful compliments to brushing her fingers along Raichi's arm. Raichi responded only with polite nods and nothing more.

When they reached Yuuma's makeshift room in the warehouse, she tossed her hair dramatically. She certainly missed the apartment that Sona had provided for her.

"So…" She slowly unzipped her suit in pure theatrics. "I'm going to shower. Want to join me?"

There was a twinkle in her eye. Not that kind of twinkle that one was anticipating as it was a signal.

Raichi understood immediately. "Sure. Why not."

She set down her gear and began undressing as well, matching Yuuma's act with practiced neutrality.

Yuuma smiled, an exaggerated, sultry smile meant for any hidden lens. Together, they stepped into the makeshift bathroom, steam quickly filling the space. Yuuma got close to Raichi and if there was anyone watching, it may look like they were getting intimate, but that was not the case.

The moment the steam thickened enough to obscure them, Yuuma leaned in close and whispered, "What are you doing here?"

Raichi didn't flinch. "Assignment from Saiga‑sama. That idiot priest still thinks Saiga‑sama is part of Yami. He left the organization long ago. He already told me that you're undercover, so your secret is safe with me."

Yuuma blinked. "So you knew about the supernatural?"

"Yep. Most of us in our club do."

Yuuma hesitated. "Does Issei…?"

Raichi shook her head. "No. But he'll be involved soon enough at some point."

Yuuma sighed. "Let me guess, his boss?"

"Oh yeah." Raichi lathered shampoo into her hair. "According to Saiga‑sama, he's raising Ise to fulfill his dream."

Yuuma frowned. "Well... we got issues. As you know, an exorcist is coming, so that’s how the Church is involved."

Raichi nodded. "Yeah, Valper briefed me. This is so screwed up like seriously... another war?"

"Yeah, unfortunately."

Raichi paused. "Hey, has Kokabiel ever spoken about the Khaos Brigade?"

Yuuma blinked. "Hmm? No, not that I heard of."

She felt like she had heard that name from somewhere, either from Azazel or Shemhazai.

"I see..." Raichi pondered. "So it’s possible that Kokabiel is working for his own means."

Yuuma sighed. "Seems like it. Hang on, I need to contact Sona."

She summoned a small communication circle.

"Hello?" Sona's voice came through the communication circle.

"It's me," Yuuma whispered. "We've got an issue."

"Go on."

"Be on the lookout for an exorcist. Kokabiel has stolen Excalibur fragments, that’s how the Church is involved and they are sending exorcists here. The first one should be around at some point this week and he’s likely scouting the area." Yuuma notified her mistress.

"I see."

Yuuma continued, "It appears that Saiga has sent Raichi as his cover agent, using his alias with his former organization, Yami."

Sona's voice sharpened. "Raichi?"

"Yes. Raichi Li. She's in my class. She knows about the supernatural."

"This is... an interesting development. Very well. I'll be on the lookout for the exorcist. I also need to meet with Rias. And we have a new member joining us."

Yuuma raised a brow. "Is it Issei?"

Raichi paused mid‑rinse, suddenly listening more closely.

"No," Sona replied. "But according to Saji, Hyoudou-san had something to do with recruiting this member."

Yuuma smirked. "How interesting."

"Yes, it is, but sadly, this is not looking good. Does Kokabiel have any troops?" Sona asked her pawn.

"He left to go check his outposts outside the city."

Raichi snorted softly. "He won't find anyone."

Yuuma glanced at her. "What's that?"

"He won’t have any troops. Saiga-sama sent the masters and Ise’s boss to handle them."

Yuuma relayed it. "Raichi says Saiga already took care of Kokabiel's troops."

"Really?" Sona exhaled. "That simplifies things. So we only need to worry about Kokabiel, Freed…"

"And Valper Galiel," Yuuma added. "He's a former priest."

Sona hummed. "Hmm… where have I heard that name before."

Yuuma continued, "Beats me, but he must have done some messed up shit because now Freed is capable of wielding the Excalibur fragments. Though, Kokabiel will not be going after the seventh one."

"Why won't he go after the seventh one?" Sona asked.

"It's protected by the Pendragon family in England."

Sona clicked her tongue. "So he can’t complete the full Excalibur, but then again, if that priest could allow Freed to wield the fragments, maybe he only needs the six to bring out the full capabilities of the Excalibur." She paused. "Alright, keep me posted, when you can and stay on your guard."

"Will do." Yuuma replied back and the communication circle faded.

Raichi rinsed off the last of the shampoo and soap off her body. "It seems we got a lot on our hands, also I will be going to school. I can’t track the devils without being there."

Yuuma nodded. "I understand."

"Good luck to you" Raichi stepped out of the shower, drying off. "I’m going to go set up and begin investigating the city. Maybe I will find out where this exorcist will want to set up shop."

Yuuma smirked. "Well, you can avoid the love hotels."

Raichi chuckled. "Good to know."

"Good luck."

Raichi nodded once and left the room, her footsteps fading down the hall. She wouldn't kill anyone. She was only here to scout, observe, and protect.

Both girls knew the truth: They had to stay off Kokabiel's radar. And they had to protect their friends, no matter what.