The rest of the week passed in a haze for Issei Hyoudou.
Maybe it was because Raichi still hadn't returned and he missed his best friend. Maybe it was because the garden clubhouse felt too quiet without her teasing him about his footwork. Either way, the days blurred together with training, school, work, and repeat. At least he could still practice the dance steps she taught him, keeping his body active and his mind from drifting too far.
As for the kendo club… they barely reacted when Ayase left. A shrug, a whisper, and then business as usual. Ayase herself took it as confirmation that Issei had been right. She had been underwhelmed there.
There was a moment when she almost challenged Murayama, just to prove a point. But she stopped herself. It wouldn't be fair anymore. Not after joining the student council. Not after being reincarnated as a devil.
She remembered crying into her father's shoulder, apologizing over and over. He only held her tighter, relieved that she was finally safe and happy. And she was, especially with the Sitri clan quietly paying off their debts and improving her father's health through their hospital network.
Whenever she saw Issei in the hallway, she waved. He waved back.
But she noticed it, the smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Half real, half something else. He was happy for her… yet his instincts prickled around her now, something that hadn't happened before.
Genshirou Saji would nod at him in passing. Issei returned it. But he didn't go to the school roof anymore, even though he had access. Instead, he stayed in the garden clubhouse, practicing dance steps alone.
Genshirou had also told him something else too and that was Yuuto was unusually despondent. Issei had asked him to check on the blonde knight, since they were in the same class and the report only deepened his concern.
Genshirou asked him if something happened, when Yuuto had gone to his house, to which Issei only gave vague answers. However, true to his word, Issei usually handed off the manga volumes to Genshirou, whenever he got his reports about Yuuto.
And then there was Renka.
As expected, she gave him an earful about what he'd said to Matsuda and the boyfriends. It took a lot to keep Issei from sighing dreamily as she yelled at him. Considering that she was his first crush, he fantasized about appeasing her with dates, but knew it wouldn't pass as she liked someone else. Issei tried explaining that Kenichi had texted him about it, but Renka wasn't having any of it.
Ikki, ever the instigator, whispered to Ukita about how it looked like a married couple's lover's quarrel.
Renka, hands on her hips, face inches from Issei's, mint on her breath, did not appreciate the commentary. Issei thought he might actually die from her verbal barrage.
But then she demanded massages as compensation and not just back massages. She was going for it all, which included the legs and feet. He accepted his fate as her personal masseuse. In return, she promised to teach him new techniques once he healed. If she could hear his heart, she would have heard it skip a beat.
He could practice some sports for the upcoming ball tournament, but nothing too intense. Elize removed the stitches on his right side by the end of the week, though the ones on his head needed more time.
Shigure, meanwhile, distracted him with lessons on wielding a karambit. It didn't strain his injuries, since it only required just his arms. She seemed pleased that he couldn't perform the spinning trick yet. It meant she could keep teaching him. She also liked to show off to him because he would be in awe of her prowess. It only made him look up to her more, but there were times that the perverted mind thought of the prospect of being alone with a busty kunoichi like the videos he used to watch. However, he was able to suppress that part of his mind and their love for weapons was also bringing the two together, slowly knitting a sibling-like bond between them.
Akeno Himejima, on the other hand, felt better than she had in months. Issei's massage had been surprisingly… heavenly. Another skill that Issei had but never showcased. Frankly, she found it funny how Issei never utilized the skill to be able touch girls and yet, he didn't. Of course, she knew that Issei wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed back then to utilize his skills for his own benefit.
Unfortunately, Akeno had to speak about Yuuto's attitude and the cause of it to Rias and the others. She also decided to leave the Yuuto statue hidden at her place, until Yuuto calmed down and realized that Issei did not mean any harm. She intended to use the statue as a gesture of Issei's friendship to Yuuto, which she hoped that he would accept.
Maybe someday she'd ask Issei to sculpt her too. She wouldn't tease him about posing naked, but the thought did cross her mind. Since she knew how wary he was about her teasing and it wouldn't bring him closer to her. It surprised her as she was never interested in men, she never really teased them either. Yet with Issei and seeing his reactions, it amused her and she wanted to see more of them and see his smile that she got to see that night, too.
Her good mood didn't go unnoticed on Friday as the club prepared to meet Sona Sitri's peerage. She mentally added "schedule another massage with Issei" to her to‑do list. If she'd known about Renka's deal, she would've demanded a leg and foot massage too. It would give her more time to talk with him and learn more of his interests.
She also needed to visit the Shishi-Oh to get her kimono repaired because she knew that she would be in more battles in oncoming future and she wanted to be ready.
The members of the ORC buzzed with quiet tension as they waited for Sona's group to arrive. Yuuto wasn't present as he'd asked to be excused.
"You've been in a good mood, Akeno‑senpai." Takeshi noted, sensing her happiness all week.
"But something is wrong with Kiba‑san…" Asia countered and it made them wonder of the cause.
"I think I can answer that." Akeno sighed, remembering what had happened.
"What made Yuuto act like this?" Rias asked, moving from her desk to the couch, so they could all be gathered in front of Akeno.
Akeno folded her hands, expression softening. "It started when we were at Issei‑kun's house on Monday…"
"I knew it." Takeshi sighed. "Once a perv, always a perv, I told you that he's nothing but trouble."
Akeno shook her head. "Actually, no. Issei‑kun and his mother were wonderful hosts to us. But we learned something about his past."
"What did you learn?" Rias looked at her queen, she didn't know about Issei's past, so she was also intrigued.
"Issei‑kun might be related to someone from the Church." Akeno said as she looked into all of their eyes.
The statement surprised all of them, being devils and all.
"What!?" Rias' voice cracked, everyone else was also shocked. "Explain, Akeno."
"Of course, Issei-kun was making this statue and Yuuto noticed a picture on Issei‑kun's desk. It was Issei‑kun, when he was young with another child, and a man he called his ojisan. The man was holding a holy sword, which got Yuuto's attention." Akeno said as her eyes slightly narrowed.
Rias pressed her hands to her face. "Oh no…" She sighed.
"What is it?" Takeshi asked with concern.
For the time that he had been part of the group, he had never really connected with Yuuto about his past. However, he had a feeling that the Church was involved and being a devil, he knew that the Church was bad news for them.
"It’s about Yuuto’s past. He was once part of a project of the Church known as the Holy Sword Project." Rias answered.
"Holy sword?" Takeshi pondered, wondering just what the Church had been up to.
His focus had mostly been on helping Rias, first with the engagement, which was now over and then helping her with her dream. Of course, he was dating her likely against devil society protocol, since he was a low class and Rias was a high class. So he had to focus on ranking up, until they could be public with their relationship. Unfortunately, they only had the support of the Gremory clan and possibly Sitri clan, but they never knew if the council would consider engaging Rias to someone else.
As a result, Rias had Sona's help with getting a similar clause that Sona had, which could help fend off other suitors.
"Yes. Yuuto is a survivor of that project, it was done several years ago inside the Christian Church that aimed to make those who can wield the holy-sword Excalibur."
"This is my first time hearing this…" Asia said, the surprise in her tone showcased that.
"It must've been a secret, if Asia didn't know. She was praised as a holy maiden." Takeshi said with a heavy sigh. "Ironic, though. They're supposed to be holier than thou, but even they got skeletons in the closet."
"Most likely." Rias nodded. "Holy swords are the ultimate weapons against us. If we, devils, touch the holy sword then we will burn ourselves. If we get cut by it, then we will be terminated without a trace. It could be called the ultimate weapon for those who believe in, well, you know who, and see devils/demons as an enemy."
"Got it." Takeshi said with a slight wince about being cut by a holy sword.
"And in regards to Excalibur, it comes up in many books here in Japan, I was quite surprised." Rias pointed out. "Although there are numerous holy swords originating from all over the world, Excalibur is the most famous one."
The door opened as Sona and most of her peerage walked in.
"A holy weapon created through magic and alchemy by those who reach the territory of… well, you know who. But holy swords choose their wielders." Sona said, having heard the last part of what Rias said.
"Correct, I hear that only one person in a decade or so gets chosen. It's good to see you again, Sona." Rias smiled faintly.
"Likewise. This is an urgent matter." Sona said.
"So what does Excalibur have to do with Kiba?" Takeshi asked. "I mean that is what the Holy Sword Project is about, right?"
"Correct." Rias nodded. "Yuuto received artificial treatment to adapt to the holy sword, specifically Excalibur."
"So he can use holy swords? Nice." Takeshi nodded as it kind of gives them an advantage like with Akeno's power.
Rias shook her head. "No. Yuuto couldn't adapt to the holy swords, but it wasn't just him. It seems like everyone who received a treatment similar to Yuuto's couldn't either."
Silence fell over the room and the weight of Yuuto's past settled like a shadow over them all.
Genshirou exhaled sharply. "Damn…"
The Sitri peerage stood in tense silence, absorbing the weight of Yuuto's past.
Rias Gremory closed her eyes, voice trembling with restrained anger. "Unfortunately… the people of the Church decided to view the ones who couldn't adapt to the holy swords as "defective products" and disposed of them."
Gasps erupted around the room.
"Oh, shit… you mean..." Takeshi's jaw dropped.
"That's right, most of the people experimented on were killed including Yuuto, all because they couldn't adapt to the holy swords."
Asia's hands flew to her mouth. "It can't be! That's not an acceptable act by those who serve Go—ah!"
A sudden headache struck her, and Takeshi quickly steadied her.
Rias continued, her voice low and bitter. "They, the people of the Church, call us devils, an evil existence, but I think the bad intentions of humans are the greatest evil in this world." She spoke with gritted teeth. "When I reincarnated Yuuto into a devil, that boy was swearing for his revenge even when he was in a critical situation. Because his talents were being used for holy swords since he was born, I wanted him to use his talents as a devil. Yuuto's talent at using swords would be a waste for only using it for holy swords."
Sona adjusted her glasses. "You're correct. Which brings me to my new piece. Ayatsuji-san, if you will."
Ayase Ayatsuji stepped forward, bowing politely. "Nice to meet you all."
Rias blinked in surprise. "You have a new piece? I didn't expect you to join the student council, Ayatsuji-san."
"Well…" Ayase cleared her throat. "Saji-san and Hyoudou-san made some compelling arguments."
The room collectively froze.
"So he does know about the supernatural?" Akeno mused.
"No, Hyoudou doesn't." Genshirou shook his head.
"But those around him might." Sona said as she began to wonder about the MMA club, but she didn't want to jump to conclusions. "Which brings me to the question, why bring up Kiba-san's past?"
Rias folded her arms. "Akeno informed me that Hyoudou-san may be related to a holy sword user."
Sona's eyes widened. "Really? That complicates things. I may have to alter my plans."
"You planned to recruit him, Kaichou?" Takeshi asked and then looked at her peerage. "How did you girls feel about that?"
The Sitri peerage members, except Genshirou and Ayase, fidgeted awkwardly at the question but they couldn't answer because they didn't know him like the aforementioned two did.
"He's not that bad, dude." Genshirou said.
"Seriously, Gen?" Takeshi raised an eyebrow.
The fact that he called him by his nickname, rather than his surname showed that Takeshi was serious about his fellow pawn's judgment.
"I had lunch with him. Ayatsuji-senpai was there too. She can confirm." Genshirou countered.
"He's right." Ayase nodded. "Once he has removed the cancer that was in his life, that being Matsuda and Motohama and talking about other things that suit his interests, he's not that bad."
"His interests are harems and breasts." Takeshi noted.
Ayase shook her head. "Not quite."
"Uh huh," Genshirou nodded. "He does enjoy martial arts, he even gave me the manga volumes of Dragon Ball for my brother to read, since he enjoys them so much."
"What, did you pay him with a nude magazine?" Takeshi was still skeptical.
"Actually, no." Genshirou shook his head in denial. "I paid nothing, he already agreed to give them during our lunch, he didn't have to since I bullied him."
"So what? He's still a pervert." Takeshi tried to justify his actions.
"Bullying is bullying, Takeshi. That doesn't make you any better."
"Whatever…" Takeshi waved his hand dismissively, while he was right, so was Genshirou.
"Say that again when he kicks your ass." Genshirou retorted.
"He won't." Takeshi scoffed.
"The dude practically trains everyday, he's in the mixed martial arts club and works on his swordsmanship. Gremory-senpai, you should know his master." Genshirou said, which now made Takeshi intrigued.
Rias blinked. "I do?"
"Yes," Sona nodded. "After doing some research, I found out where he works, it's owned by a man by the name of Heishirou Mitsurugi, you must have heard of him."
Rias stiffened. "Yes, I'm surprised that he is here, considering that I know that a holy sword was once in this area as well, it's a bit terrifying."
"Who is this guy?" Takeshi asked, now knowing of Issei's regime and that this guy had something to do with it.
"Heishirou Mitsurugi is a samurai or rather a ronin, who faced my brother and the only reason why he faced my brother was because he fought with my brother's knight, Souji Okita, who trained Yuuto." Rias answered with a little sweat, fearing for their lives.
Takeshi's eyes slightly widened and he had to admit that he was impressed and had to admit to himself that Genshirou could be right.
Sona nodded. "If Hyoudou-san is being trained by him, he can excel as a competent swordsman. I thought he was just a fighter, but Saji had informed me of his capability with a sword after I reincarnated Ayatsuji-san. That makes him more valuable, but since he knows a holy sword user that changes things."
"I agree, his usage of ki could work well and he didn't do a bad job in the tournament." Rias pointed out, which her peerage nodded, even Takeshi.
"Yes, I had to go back and look at the results, he ranked around 4th in terms of points among the second year students, though it was a small batch." Sona gave a sigh of relief. "However, his final opponent was disqualified for use of weapons, thus Hyoudou-san was the winner of his pool, so Kuoh Academy won both pools for the second year students and also for the third year students as well."
"Kenichi Shirahama, captain of the MMA club." Rias remembered, she also knew that it was Kenichi that was the first contact with Issei.
"Correct. And that brings us to why I called this meeting." Sona spoke.
She stepped forward, activating two glowing magic circles and the holographic images of Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan appeared.
"Ah, Ria-tan. How are you?" Sirzechs greeted his sister.
"So-so, did you miss me?" Serafall beamed that her sister had contacted her.
"No." Sona said with a neutral tone.
Serafall pouted dramatically.
"Good to see you, Onii-sama. But Sona contacted you." Rias returned her brother's greeting.
"This is about Kokabiel, isn't it?" Sirzechs turned to Sona.
Sona nodded. "Yes."
"What business do we have with a Cadre?" Rias asked as she was confused by the cadre's name.
"He's planning another war, if you noticed, Yuuma is not here because she has gone undercover to be by Kokabiel's side." Sona said, which Rias had already noted of the hybrid's absence. "I have already informed the Maou, but we have a temporary alliance with Azazel and some humans. Yuuma noted that Kokabiel has been stealing Excalibur fragments and she said how an exorcist will be coming here, along with a couple more after."
"Our human allies have taken on Kokabiel's forces, depleting them, so you don't have to worry about that." Sirzechs said, based on the report that he received earlier.
"Who are these allies?" Rias questioned.
"You already mentioned one." Sona told her.
Rias paled. "Heishirou Mitsurugi? Seriously?"
"Yes, and Azazel said that he has a contingency plan for Kokabiel, so the best thing that we can do is contain him." Sirzechs spoke, but there was a hint of uncertainty.
"What about the exorcists?" Rias asked.
"I suggest we stay out of their way, but we have to show that we are not on Kokabiel's side." Sona answered.
"She's right, we are not allied with the Church." Sirzechs told his sister and agreed with Sona's suggestion.
"So far, we can trust the human allies as they did take out the forces, Yuuma said Kokabiel was livid, but she gave the name of the one from the church that is working for them, his name is Valper Galiel." Serafall spoke, changing from a cheerful tone to a formal one. "When the exorcists do come to town, they will seek your presence, hear what they have to say, but like Sona said, we stay out of their way, unless they ask for our assistance. I'm sure they don't want a war and we do not want one either."
"That way, you can focus on your upcoming tournament. I wish you the best of luck, Ria-tan." Sirzechs told Rias.
"Th-thank you, Onii-sama." Rias said.
"Is that all that you needed us for, Sona?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yes, so Rias can know what is going on." Sona answered.
Rias frowned. "Why wasn't I informed of this sooner?"
Sirzechs sighed. "I wanted you to focus on your rating game against Riser, speaking of this would have only added to your stress and you might have lost."
Rias exhaled softly, shoulders relaxing just a little. "I see… I understand. Thank you."
"Until then, good luck to all of you." Sirzechs' hologram glanced around the room. "Ah, but where's Kiba‑kun?"
Rias hesitated. "He… Well, he's calming down, he just found out like we all did that someone who Sona and I were interested in recruiting could be related to a holy sword user."
Sirzechs' expression darkened. "Oh no… with Excalibur fragments out there…" A heavy sigh escaped him.
Akeno stepped forward, bowing her head. "Forgive me, Lucifer‑sama. I informed the one we've considered to reincarnate about Yuuto's past, though not in the detail Rias explained to Takeshi‑san and Asia‑chan. He seemed… conflicted."
Serafall tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, if he is related to someone from the Church and he is shocked about what happened with Kiba, then that would make sense. He probably believed that the Church were the good guys."
Akeno nodded. "To an extent, he agreed with Yuuto that he didn't know half of what the Church did."
"Hmm. So he might not be too deep in their ideology." Serafall thought out loud.
"Well, he noted how he was quite young, but the holy sword user had a child that was his best friend." Akeno informed them, which allowed them to understand Issei's connection to the church.
Sirzechs nodded slowly. "I see. Be cautious."
"I understand, Lucifer‑sama." Akeno bowed.
"Take care, everyone! I can't wait to hear how you do in the tournament!" Serafall beamed once again.
"Thank you, Onee‑sama." Sona said, sighing in relief and not annoyed by her sister's attitude.
Serafall's hologram flickered out.
"Stay safe." Sirzechs gave his final message.
"I will, Onii‑sama." Rias answered him.
He gave one last nod and then his hologram vanished.
Takeshi stretched his arms behind his head. "I don't see how we can be beaten in this tournament. I mean we're devils, after all."
Koneko didn't even look up from her snack. "You forgot that the perv clocked you and put on your ass and he's human."
Takeshi laughed. "Cold as always, Koneko-chan." It did garner a small smirk from the Gremory rook.
Genshirou raised a hand sheepishly. "That makes two of us… that got whooped by him."
Sona cleared her throat. "So there you have it and also one of the human allies that we have is actually Raichi Li."
Rias blinked. "The second‑year tournament winner?"
"And Hyoudou's best friend." Genshirou added in.
"Hmm… I wonder why she was chosen." Rias wondered.
"You know Miu Fūrinji from our grade?" Sona looked at her fellow heiress.
"Yes?" Rias nodded.
"Her father, Saiga, is the human ally leader or at least he is the one that I met with, when Yuuma volunteered to go undercover."
Genshirou pulled a folded note from his pocket.
"Raichi is also undercover as well, but she's human, so she is reporting back to Saiga, she is tasked with looking out for the exorcist." He handed the note to Sona. "She gave me this before leaving class today, it's the only day that she's shown up."
"I guess like Yuuma, she is under surveillance, but it is easier as Saiga is using another alias, which Kokabiel believes is on their side. Raichi contacting you is likely because Yuuma can't." Sona deduced, understanding why she hadn't gotten much word from Yuuma these days.
"At least she's getting stronger. She's training with Kokabiel." Genshirou informed.
Sona smirked. "Training with a Cadre… looks like I'll have stronger pawns than you, Rias."
"Hmph. We'll see about that." Rias responded
The two heiresses exchanged competitive smiles.
"Well, I suppose I'll leave you to enjoy your weekend, I look forward to facing you in the ball tournament." Sona said.
Rias turned to Ayase. "If I may ask, Ayatsuji‑san..."
"You can call me Ayase." Ayase informed Rias.
"Very well." Rias nodded. "Do you have a Sacred Gear?"
"Yes, I do." Ayase nodded.
"May I see?" Rias asked as she was curious of the power that Ayase possessed.
Ayase glanced at Sona and the Sitri heiress nodded.
Ayase reached into the air, or rather into a scarlet tear that shimmered like a wound in reality. "Turn scarlet."
From the tear, she pulled out a red shirasaya that had a scarlet blade which looked redder than sunset and also more vivid than blood. It also seemed to bring out cherry blossoms with it.
When she swung it down, there was a gust of wind that burst out. Rias, Akeno, and Koneko noticed that there was a cut in the table from where Ayase was standing.
Sona smiled proudly. "Fitting, isn't it? A katana‑style Sacred Gear."
"Yes…" Rias said as she assessed the damage of the table. "But weren't you in the kendo club before, Ayase‑san?"
"I was, but I wasn't really utilized. I spent most of my time helping at my family dojo." Ayase answered.
"However, she is quite proficient, maybe when Kiba-san is back to his old self, they could spar." Sona suggested.
"Perhaps." Rias nodded.
Tsubaki adjusted her glasses. "Do you need something, Akeno‑san?"
Akeno smiled sweetly. "Ara~ ara~, no. Why would you think that?"
"Your smile is… unsettling." Tsubaki responded.
"That's not very nice." Akeno licked her finger playfully, sending shivers through half the student council.
"You know how she can be, since she's a sadist, sorry, Tsubaki-san." Rias apologized.
"It's…" Tsubaki took a step back to get some distance from Akeno. "alright."
"Ayase‑san, what is the name of your Sacred Gear?" Rias asked Sona's knight.
Ayase answered, "Hizume."
Rias nodded. "Thank you."
She was surprised at how fitting that Ayase had such a Sacred Gear. Not only was it a katana-based one, but it was a Japanese themed one as well.
Sona began to turn heel as a means to leave. "Well, if that is all, have a good weekend."
Her peerage began filing out after her.
"Later, Saji." Takeshi waved goodbye to his fellow pawn.
"Uh huh." Genshirou waved back. "I've got a date to prepare for."
"Huh?" Takeshi blinked. 'Kaichou actually said yes…? Well, congratulations, Saji.'
Genshirou paused at the doorway. "Oh, and Himejima‑senpai?"
"Yes?" Akeno responded, turning her attention to the Sitri pawn.
"That kimono you wore in the Rating Game, the half‑black, half‑silver one?" Genshirou asked. "Or maybe it's gray."
"Ah, yes." Akeno sighed, remembering that was on her to-do list. "I need to get it fixed."
"Well, you got it from the shop that Hyoudou works at, so if his master is aware of the supernatural, he will be wary of you." Genshirou warned.
"I'll be careful." Akeno was appreciative of the warning.
"Not only that, but Hyoudou helped design that kimono." Genshirou informed her.
Akeno's eyes widened.
Ayase, who remained behind, stepped in gently. "I have seen the catalog that his boss' wife has done, there are some incredible designs. There's more to Hyoudou-san than just his perversion, you just have to dig deep to see it."
Genshirou nodded. "Yeah. He's pretty much like any other guy, he was just too vocal about his perversions, but he likes stuff like any guy would, not just women and their breasts." He looked over at Takeshi, who matched his gaze.
Takeshi gave a subtle nod as he understood what Genshirou was saying, after all, he had tried his cooking. He tightened his jaw, making him wonder how Issei's mind has been altered since his last beatdown.
Akeno tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Ah, yes, I've seen his room, he has these action figures of, I think it was… Dungam?"
Genshirou blinked. "You mean Gundam?"
"That's it," Akeno snapped her fingers in recognition. "He's quite good with his hands as well to build all of those, plus he gave me a massage."
Rias raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you're in such a good mood?"
"A great mood." Akeno corrected. "My back, shoulders, and neck have never felt better. He also made this statue, but I forgot to bring it."
Takeshi leaned forward. "You modeled for him?" He was a little surprised, since Issei could have boasted about that, but nothing was ever said.
"No," Akeno shook her head. "Yuuto did."
"So he plays for the other team?" Takeshi wondered out loud. "Then why was he peeping on girls?" With everything that he was learning, Issei was becoming more of an enigma to him.
Akeno chuckled softly as she put away the tea tray. "Oh, he definitely does not play for the other team."
She was going to keep the short bathrobe scene to herself, along with Issei's singing. She would remember his smile as he sang to himself, while he focused on the massage. She would like to see that smile again and from the talk they had in his room, she felt that dressing a bit more conservatively for bed was more appealing to him.
She knew that she had to be right as she felt he was more comfortable, although he still had an aura of uncertainty around him, it dwindled down as the massage went on. She felt disappointed in herself for falling asleep because she would have liked to talk more and it seemed the Kiba situation got to him.
Considering Issei had asked about her mother, she would not have been surprised if Issei got nosy and pressed on about Yuuto if she did not tell him.
Of course, her statement about Issei did make Takeshi ponder if the two had hooked up, which again, he was quite surprised that Issei said nothing. However, he couldn't help but wonder how that happened, since Akeno was a sadist. Regardless, if he was improving, to land someone like Akeno, who he had seen reject better looking men, he gave a silent congratulations to Issei.
Rias didn't care about the banter as she was lost in thought about working with humans. Considering what she had said about them having evil intentions being the worst type of evil in the world, it worried her.
In addition, they would be working with the fallen angels, which is troublesome as it is. She looked at Asia, who was conversing with Takeshi and Koneko, who was more focused on eating her sweets. However, she would have to tolerate it for now, for all of their sake and abide by what Sona suggested.
The next day, Issei was at work with Setsuka, he was able to bypass the looks of kendo club members that still didn't like him. They were a bit surprised by his nonchalant attitude towards them. He was still helpful to them as it was his job, but any snide remark that they made, just blew over his head.
He would follow what was taught to him and try to control what others thought they could control of him. His perverted self was able to bypass the insults, so he would have to as well.
He carried shin guards toward the back when he spotted a familiar figure.
"Shishou!" Issei called out in surprise.
Mitsurugi turned, face stern as always. "Good to see you, Issei. I watched your tournament. You're a step closer to your dream. A small step, but a step nonetheless."
"I could've done better." Issei bowed his head. "I tried to keep up with my training, but the stitches limited me."
"And the wound to your head?" Mitsurugi nodded at that bandage.
"I'll have the stitches removed on Monday morning before the ball tournament, I have gotten the gist of the sports watching my club practice."
Mitsurgui's eyes narrowed. "Other than that, what else did you do?"
"I also reviewed the tape, learning from my mistakes in the fights where I lost a point." Issei answered.
Mitsurugi nodded approvingly. "You should also review the matches that you won, you may have won the points, but it doesn't mean that you didn't make a mistake."
"I understand, shishou." Issei bowed.
"Come by after your shift." Mitsurugi instructed.
Issei nodded. "Uh, sure." A little surprised by the abrupt order.
Mitsurugi walked toward the training grounds, but Issei noticed something. Mitsurugi had a hand pressed to his side, along with a faint limp.
'What happened to him…?' Issei thought.
He grabbed the shin guards and headed back out to stock the store back up. As he was stocking, he heard the bell ring to signal that someone new had entered the shop, but he couldn't see who it was.
"Hello... oh, it's you again." Setsuka greeted whoever entered.
"Hi. I was wondering if you could help me with this." The voice sounded familiar to Issei as it raised his suspicion.
He peeked around the corner to see who it was and confirm his guess on who it could be.
"Akeno-senpai? Ayatsuji-senpai?"
Akeno smiled warmly. "Hello, Issei-kun."
Ayase nodded politely. "Hi, Hyoudou-san." Her eyes slightly narrowed. 'He still has a bit of fakeness around that I have been noticing throughout the week, I have a feeling Kiba-san had something to do with it.'
Although, it wasn't just that, but more that Issei was becoming understand the differences in energy signatures. He didn't know that they were devils, but he knew that something about them wasn't all human.
Issei's eyes widened. "That kimono…" Looking at what Akeno was holding out to Setsuka.
"Ah, yes. It got roughed up last weekend." Akeno answered.
"But that's..." Issei began to say.
"Yep. The one you helped design. And I made your gi as thanks. Oh, and more of your kimonos that you helped design were sold." Setsuka answered this time.
"Oh, that's awesome!" Issei was ecstatic that some people out there liked the designs that he helped Setsuka with.
Ayase stepped closer. "Hyoudou-san, I have a question."
"Sure, what is it?" Issei asked.
"In your catalog… do you have a design with cherry blossoms?" She asked.
Setsuka pulled out the catalog. "Hmm, I think we have a couple."
"Don't we have one that's white and pink?" Issei asked as he peered over Setsuka's shoulder.
"Yes." Setsuka nodded. "Since the petals of a cherry blossom represent purity and innocence."
"What about one that's black… with cherry blossoms?" Ayase questioned further.
"What would the connecting color be?" Setsuka asked in return, while she continued looking through her design catalog.
"Red. Like blood." Ayase answered in kind.
Akeno's eyes widened as she realized that the colors represented Ayase's sacred gear. Issei kind of shivered at the dark tone of the kimono, but he did think it would be kind of cool.
Setsuka grinned darkly. "Hmm, a darker tone to cherry blossoms, kind of like one of those samurai movies, where a battle has ended and some of the blossoms are dipped in the blood of the fallen."
Issei shivered at his boss' dark mind, but she tended to be like that at times.
Akeno licked her lips. "Ara~, something so sweet and pure falling into the blood of a helpless victim, such a tragedy, but yet… so enticing."
Issei froze. 'Was Akeno-senpai always like this…? Or did Yuuma corrupt her?' He had no idea she was a sadomasochist.
"Yes, exactly." Setsuka agreed with Akeno's statement. "Now... your names again?"
"Himejima Akeno." Akeno answered.
"Ayatsuji Ayase." Ayase gave her own name.
Setsuka blinked. "Hmm, you two look like Yamato Nadeshikos, who knew you had such dark minds and… wait, Ayatsuji?"
"Yes." Ayase nodded.
A voice came from behind.
"Really? Kaito's daughter?" Mitsurugi spoke, but his eyes narrowed slightly. 'Hmm, so she has decided to join the devils, I see.'
"Yes." Ayase nodded as she turned to him. "You know my father?"
"Who doesn't know the 'Last Samurai'?" Mitsurugi said as he crossed his arms. "How is he doing?"
'Last Samurai? I know that movie, wait… but Ayatsuji-senpai's father can't be who that movie is about.' Issei thought. 'Hang on, how is he the Last Samurai, if shishou is supposed to be a samurai, too?'
"He's recovering quite well. Thank you." Ayase answered.
Mitsurugi's eyes narrowed slightly. 'Hmm, his condition must have been drastic if she had to resort to joining a peerage and… wait, why is Azazel's daughter here? No, she looks similar, but the energy is not the same.'
Issei tapped Mitsurugi on the shoulder. "Uh, shishou, aren't you a samurai too?"
"Yes and no, I'm what you call a ronin, Issei." Mitsurugi turned to his student. "I have no master nor lord that I serve."
"Ah… so if I complete my training with you, I could be considered a samurai?"
Mitsurugi uncrossed his arms, his expression calm yet firm. "As long as you follow bushidō and its disciplines… then maybe."
Issei scratched his cheek. "Hmm… I think my perversions disqualify me. But I could be a ronin if I lost you, right, shishou?"
Setsuka leaned over the counter. "Not just him. You forget I'm your master too, even if you don't call me that." She then took the kimono from Akeno.
"That's right. You would have to lose those who have trained you in the ways of the blade." Mitsurugi informed Issei.
Issei blinked. "So if I lost you, Setsuka‑obasan… and Shigure‑nee…"
Mitsurugi and Setsuka exchanged a look. 'That name again… Shigure.'
'No wonder his striking speed has been improving.' Setsuka noted to herself, putting pieces together.
She knew that he had been training on the outside, but she didn't know how he was training.
"That's correct." Mitsurugi answered.
Akeno watched quietly. 'So he has three masters teaching him kenjutsu… and his senpais train him in hand‑to‑hand combat.'
"Ah, I see." Issei said, but then Yuuto's voice echoed in his mind.
"You can't protect everyone."
The words resonated back into Issei's mind as he clenched his fist, the action did not go unnoticed by the others. However, Akeno knew that it was Yuuto's words that were haunting Issei.
'I wouldn't be surprised if he trains harder.' Akeno thought as she saw him clench his fist.
Mitsurugi stepped closer. "Are you alright, Issei?"
Issei swallowed, glancing at his senpais. "I… I'm not. But… could I talk to you after my shift?"
Mitsurugi nodded. "Sure." He turned back to Ayase. "So, your father is doing better?"
"Yes, but he's still recovering." Ayase answered, wondering why he repeated that question.
"Hmm, perhaps I should visit him, maybe we can strike up a deal, such as supplying your dojo with shinai." Mitsurugi said, thinking of striking a business deal with Kaito.
Ayase's eyes widened. "Really? We already got support from a hospital, which will help in case someone gets injured at the dojo."
Mitsurugi paused. 'Hospital? So she joined the Sitri, that's more suitable for her, I guess. I hear that the Gremory is more of a power type, mostly offensive.' He turned to Akeno. "You look different from last time."
"Huh?" Akeno was confused because this was the first time that she had met Mitsurugi, but she was worried.
After all, this was the same man that she had recently learned defeated the knight piece of Sirzechs Lucifer. She did not understand how he kept his power so low that he could not be detected by any of them.
Issei stepped in. "Ah, you're thinking of Yuuma, shishou. Easy mistake. When senpai's hair is down, she looks a lot like her cousin… at least I think they're cousins."
'Not to mention her breasts are bigger, but the resemblance is uncanny between the two.' Setsuka thought while looking at Akeno's chest.
Mitsurugi narrowed his eyes. "I understand, forgive me." However, his thoughts portrayed a different story. 'Their energies are similar… so she's a hybrid. But whose daughter? Himejima… I heard a Cadre had a child with someone from that clan. Not Azazel. Maybe Penemue, although she has the wrong hair or maybe Penemue learned magic to grow a penis. Armaros? Tamiel? No. Kokabiel? Definitely not, unless she was a product of rape. Then… Baraqiel? Sahariel? If it's Baraqiel… that's a powerful bloodline. Holy lightning…'
Akeno felt nervous under Mitsurugi's gaze as he stared hard at her, it felt like he pierced her soul. A part of her was wondering if he was contemplating killing her and that devils were not allowed here.
Setsuka said nothing as she knew what her husband was doing as she was thinking the same thing.
The tension broke when the bell chimed, signaling that a new customer had entered.
"Yo, Hyoudou." Genshirou greeted as he walked in.
Issei peeked up. "Huh, Saji and… wow, you actually did it." Turning to see Momo Hanakai stood beside Genshirou, blushing faintly.
"Yep." Genshirou nodded. "I asked her out after our lunch. She said yes. We just had lunch, so I figured I'd show her where you work. Hey, Himejima‑senpai, Ayatsuji‑senpai."
Mitsurugi and Setsuka exchanged another silent thought. 'More devils… he's attracting the supernatural without realizing it.'
'And exorcists are coming soon… great. I wouldn't be surprised if he got involved with them, too.' Mitsurugi inwardly groaned, believing that his student may be more troublesome than he thought.
Akeno waved politely. "Hello, Saji‑san, Hanakai‑san."
"Hi, Momo, Genshirou." Ayase greeted in return.
"Hey…" Momo looked around and she shrank under the stares.
"I see you're finally getting your kimono fixed." Genshirou said to Akeno.
"That's right." She answered.
Issei tilted his head. "Did you go on a date with her or something?"
His tone was curious, not jealous like he would have been before.
"No?" Genshirou shook his head. "Why?"
"Because you knew of the kimono that I was talking about during our lunch," Issei explained. "So that means you saw senpai with it, unless you were on a date with someone else, senpai."
Akeno smiled. "No, no date."
"Not after your competition?" Issei questioned, but slightly surprised.
"Nope. Why? Are you asking me for one, Issei‑kun?" Akeno inwardly groaned as she had forgotten that she needed to ease up on the teasing, but Issei did walk himself into that one.
"No!" Issei flailed, face red. "I was just curious because I didn't know who bought the kimono I helped design!"
Momo blinked. "You designed that?"
"I only helped." Issei answered. "The real master is my obasan over there."
He nodded toward Setsuka.
Genshirou snapped his fingers. "Oh! That reminds me... my sister made this."
He handed Setsuka a drawing.
"How old is she?" Setsuka asked as she looked at the drawing.
"She's in middle school, from what I was told, she's about the same age as my senpai's sister." Genshirou answered.
Setsuka nodded, she had a feeling that he was talking about Honoka, who she had known about thanks to Issei talking about her.
"With these greens and blues… what was she trying to make?" Setsuka asked.
"I don't really know. When I asked, she said she wanted to wear the northern lights on a kimono." Genshirou answered.
Setsuka's eyes lit up. "Oh! Now the color scheme makes sense." Setsuka nodded and was making a mental image of what his sister was envisioning.
"How much would it cost to make?" Genshirou asked.
Setsuka tapped her chin. "Well, I would need her measurements. When do you think you can bring her in?"
"Is next weekend okay?" Genshirou asked.
"Sure, Issei will be working, so I can handle the measurements and we can discuss pricing then." Setsuka nodded.
Issei rolled his eyes. Mitsurugi shrugged knowingly as he knew how his wife could get when it comes to her kimono designs.
"Really? That's great!" Genshirou lit up. "Thanks."
Setsuka then turned to Akeno. "And I'll try to fix your kimono, Himejima‑san."
"Thank you." Akeno bowed.
Setsuka looked at Ayase. "Ayatsuji-san, could you follow me, please? I'd like to get your measurements for that cherry blossom kimono."
Ayase blinked. "Really?"
"Yes." Setsuka nodded. "You have given me some insight and I'd like your input on this kimono. After all, you did give the design concept for it."
Ayase hesitated. "I, um, well…"
"You should go." Mitsurugi grunted. "Otherwise, she won't stop pestering you otherwise."
He slipped back toward the back room and thus headed to his home that was behind the shop. Issei could see that the slight limp he had earlier was gone.
"Okay." Ayase nodded.
"Great. Follow me." Setsuka gestured for Aayse to come behind the counter. "And Ise?"
"Yes?" Issei turned his attention to his boss.
"Watch the shop." Setsuka instructed as she and Ayase headed to the back room.
"Yes, ma'am." He saluted jokingly and moved behind the counter. "I never knew you hung out with Ayatsuji‑senpai, Himej..."
"Ahem." Akeno cleared her throat.
"Force of habit." Issei apologized. "Sorry, Akeno‑senpai."
"Much better." She smiled. "We actually met in front of the store. She wanted to see more of the catalog and designs that you two made."
"It's mostly Setsuka-obasan that handles the stuff." Issei corrected. "She's a beast, always hard at work."
Momo crossed her arms. "When did you get into fashion?"
Her tone was sharper than she intended.
"I was more into sewing and stitching, fashion just came next, as it was my grandmother that got me into sewing." Issei said and then gestured to the catalog. "The fashion I could say was Setsuka-obasan, ever since I saw her designs, when I got to work here."
"And you helped design Himejima‑senpai's kimono?" Momo questioned. "That doesn't seem… plausible be—"
Issei interrupted. "Because I'm a pervert, right?"
The room fell silent as it was hard to argue with him. They knew that he was right, so they didn't say anything and kept quiet.
Issei exhaled. "That's just what everyone thinks because I was so vocal about my perversion, I get labeled and judged. Sorry, I'm not just a pervert, I'm a nerd or otaku as well. I love Dragon Ball, Gundam, and many other anime like that K-Project one that I told Kiba about."
Akeno nodded softly, remembering Issei had mentioned that anime and confirming what Issei was saying. She also noticed that Issei had referred to Yuuto by his surname, despite Yuuto saying that it was okay to call him by his first name. It was implying that the two were back to square one now.
"I like art and enjoy sculpting if I can. That came to me as I enjoyed building Gundam models, when I had free time. It was used as a distraction to keep me fascinated on something other than losing my best friend, when I was young."
Momo's eyes softened as she let him continue to let out who he was hiding underneath that perverted bravado.
"I found my interest in massage therapy again, since my senpais like them so much. So I went back to looking up techniques, so I can make the experience better for them, also my parents, since they were my first patients."
Momo blinked. "You… gave your parents massages?"
Issei leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose. "Yes. Considering they put up with my perversion twenty‑four seven, while you all only dealt with it during school hours… who do you think had it rough? Definitely them."
He smiled faintly and sadly at the memories. "I could see the stress forming because of what I was doing, so I tried to relieve that by giving them massages. It made them happy, which made me happy as they could find some relief for the troubles that I caused them. I was also at a disconnect with them, too, but cooking and fishing has helped me bond back with them."
They all watched him with soft eyes.
"That beatdown showed me something and what I wanted for my future, you know other than the harem king shtick." The comment made the other three laugh, while it was obnoxiously annoying, but it made the school quieter. "I'm inspired to want to work in technology like my father, my mother will also be going back to work and they have found friends in the Shirahamas like they did with Shidou's parents."
"Shidou?" Momo asked, as she had never heard the name before, unlike the other two.
"His childhood friend." Akeno answered, remembering Issei saying that name before.
"Ah…" Momo nodded in understanding. "I should've known you heard his story before."
"With Yuuto." Akeno pointed out, knowing that it wasn't just her.
Genshirou rubbed Momo's shoulder. "It was actually Hyoudou that made me see that you would be interested in going out with me."
Momo blinked. "Really?" She looked between her date and Issei.
Issei shrugged. "I'm not an idiot like everyone believes, I just perceive things differently, one would be romance." He pointed gently at Momo. "Despite my perversion, I would like romance one day. I've seen the way you look at Saji or call his name affectionately."
Momo's cheeks flushed as she didn't realize that she was obvious to others, except the one that she wanted to see her affections.
"I have to admit I was envious, which made me think he was stupid because he kept pining for Kaichou, when he had someone like you right in front of him."
Genshirou scratched his cheek. "He's right, it was a wake up call for me. I probably would have still been pining for Kaichou, if he didn't speak up."
Issei crossed his arms. "Which is partly Hanakai-san's fault, honestly. We're guys... we're dense. You have to be straightforward and tell us straight up that you like us or we won’t make a move. Better yet, you make the move, I don’t see why the guy has to always make the moves."
He waved a hand and gave himself a nod of approval towards something.
"It's why I give props to some of those girls that ask out Kiba. I mean batting your eyelashes and flirting around doesn't really help because some girls just use that to play with someone's feelings, which is a shitty thing to do. Guys do it as well, so I'm not forgetting the double standard." He leaned forward. "For example, let's look at sleeping partners."
"Sleeping… partners?" Momo was confused by that.
"Yeah, have you not seen some guys brag about how many women that they've slept with? If a woman does that, she's branded as a slut, which by the way, some people call Yuuma that, just because she associates with me." His eyes sharpened. "That is not cool, just because I'm a pervert, she doesn't need to be branded as a slut because she's my friend or you think that I can only get a "slut" to like me?"
He stared directly at Momo.
Momo stammered. "Um, no, I..."
"Looks like it, would you all consider Argento-san a slut because I gave her a bento? She associated with me."
"No! Well… Yuuma said that..." Momo tried to counter.
"Yeah, she only offered that because I had told her that I was a pervert, when we first met." Issei interrupted.
Genshirou blinked. "You told her that? Really?"
"Uh‑huh." Issei nodded. "If I'm going to be honest about myself, I'm going to be honest about... myself. It's literally the meaning of my name."
He deadpanned, while Akeno giggled behind her hand.
Momo lowered her head, ashamed. "Oh."
She now learned that Yuuma was trying to take advantage of his perversion to swing the situation in her favor. The fact that Issei declined also shined a bit of a new light on this Issei. This Issei… was different from the rumors.
Issei sighed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have tried to put a damper on your date."
He had seen her expression, he knew it was because of him and felt the need to apologize.
"No… it's fine." Momo shook her head and raised her hand. "I'm just taking in this new information."
"Okay." Issei nodded. "So did you take her to that shop I told you about, Saji?"
"Actually, we came to get directions from you about that." Genshirou pointed out.
"Oh, sure." Issei said.
He began explaining, using his hands to map out the streets and give them a visualization of where to go. Genshirou was taking directions and looking out the door on where to go from the Shishi-Oh.
"Thanks." Genshirou bowed.
"I'll probably go next weekend." Issei said.
Akeno tilted her head. "Why not after your shift?"
"I want to focus on the ball tournament. Help my club win."
Akeno smiled slyly. "Ara~ ara~, maybe afterwards, you can give me another massage to alleviate the soreness from all of the competition going on that day."
"After Renka-senpai has hers, she usually gets first dibs." Issei informed her and wasn't fazed by her teasing this time either. "Same with Ikki-senpai. It's the least I can do for them when they train me."
"You have a queue or something?" Momo asked.
"Not really. They just get first dibs." Issei shrugged.
The back door opened.
"We're done." Setsuka announced as she returned with Ayase. "What's this I hear about massages?"
"Ah, nothing really." Issei answered. "Senpai just asked for one to alleviate the soreness from after this tournament we have at school, which is essentially a battle of the clubs."
"I see, well, then I wouldn't mind one. You can think of it as payback for the gi." Setsuka smirked.
"I should have known that there was a catch." Issei deadpanned.
"Also... no training today." Setsuka informed him.
"What!?" Issei exclaimed. "Why not?"
"You'll learn more later" As Setsuka turned to Genshirou. "And Saji, was it?"
"Uh, yes?" The blonde teen answered.
"When you're ready to come in with your sister, let us know, okay?"
"Will do." Genshirou nodded.
Issei leaned on the counter. "Hey, how's your brother liking those volumes I gave you?"
"He loves them. Thanks for that. I'll pay you ba..."
Issei waved him off. "Glad I could help another fan out." He smiled.
The same smile that Akeno liked to see on his face, a smile that she wanted to protect. She couldn't really say that it was love, all she knew that smile seemed like something precious to her.
Setsuka noticed and chuckled inwardly. 'He's got two fallen‑angel hybrids interested in him… If Kaito's daughter joins in, that'll be two Yamato Nadeshikos too. Oh, this is going to be fun to watch.'
However, when she looked at Ayase, the girl's face was neutral. Setsuka refuted her statement about Ayase catching any feelings for Issei and she could see Issei's feelings were mutual on the matter. In fact, Issei wasn't looking any of the females affectionately, so Setsuka knew that Issei was true on his word. He wasn't big on romance at the moment and the girl that he did like actually liked someone else.
Momo watched Issei with wide eyes. 'He's really asking for nothing in return…?'
Issei waved his hand casually. "You two better finish your date." He pointed at the door behind Genshirou.
"Oh, right. And thank you again." Genshirou bowed to Setsuka, then turned to Momo. "Let's go check out that place he told us about."
"Okay. It was nice seeing you all." Momo gave a polite bow.
"You as well. I should head out too. Thank you for your time, Setsuka‑san, Hyoudou‑san." Ayase bowed.
"Same here. I need to talk about strategy with my club for the ball tournament." Akeno said.
Issei blinked. "You guys meet on weekends?"
"We're almost like family." Akeno smiled.
"Oh…" Issei understood that feeling.
He understood the feeling, but he did feel like there was more to it and wondered if the MMA club had similar situations as Akeno and Yuuto. He knew that Kenichi had told him that the MMA club was almost like family as well. He could see that it was possible that the ORC and MMA club may get along if they understood each other.
"I'll see you Monday, Issei‑kun." Akeno told him before she began to depart, snapping him out of his thoughts.
She smiled. "Thanks."
"I'll see you on Monday as well." Ayase told him.
"Alright. And I still intend to stop by your dojo. I didn't forget."
"No problem." Ayase nodded. "See you later." She followed after Akeno, leaving the shop.
Setsuka watched the two black‑haired girls leave. 'Hmm… Ayase wants friendship for now. But the hybrid... she seems to have an interest, but there is some confliction.'
Issei sighed as they were now alone again.
"Only a few more hours…" Setsuka said as she patted his shoulders.
"Yeah, no worries..." Issei thumped his chest. "I got this."
"I never doubted you." She chuckled. "Remember... after your shift, come see us."
"Will do."
With a nod, Setsuka walked to the back room, so she could begin working on Akeno's kimono and stitching it up. The hours went by smoothly for Issei, at least the other customers that came in were not from his school.
He stretched out his muscles as the work day had come and gone. He was very certain that Setsuka was not in the back room, so he felt that he should lock up the shop before he headed to his master's house.
This was his first time actually entering Mitsurugi's home. He had seen it, while he trained behind the shop, but never entered. From the outside, it looked like a traditional two-story Japanese house. However, Issei felt something from the house, he wasn't sure what it was, it felt mystical or something to him.
When he arrived at the door, Setsuka opened it up with a smile as Issei was shocked, but then he remembered.
"You sensed me coming, didn't you?" Issei deadpanned.
Setsuka smirked. "Of course. Come in." She stepped to the side and gestured for him to come inside.
He removed his shoes and stepped inside.
He was amazed by the interior as it was a blend of modern Japanese comfort and traditional elegance. But what caught his eye were the displays.
To one side, he saw two sets of authentic samurai armor. On the other side, he saw various weapons. He liked the katanas the best, since it was what he was used to as his bokken is a wooden katana. That same mystical feeling that he got from outside the house and felt drawn to it.
His hand drifted toward a katana.
"Don't touch those, boy." Mitsurugi spoke out, making Issei freeze in his tracks. "You're not ready for them yet."
Issei pouted. "Aww, but they look awesome…"
Mitsurugi sat in the living room, sipping tea.
"Come. Sit down." Mitsurugi gestured for Issei to sit across from him.
Issei bowed to his master and proceeded to take his seat, where Mitsurugi had directed him
"Tell me." Mitsurugi stared at his student. "What's been on your mind? You've had a shroud of uncertainty around you."
Issei sighed. "Am I that noticeable?"
"Only to a select few. But you managed to cover it up... just like how your perversions covered up who you were." Mitsurugi answered.
"Oh... right." Issei nodded.
Setsuka joined them, pouring tea. "So what is it that has you troubled?"
Issei took a breath. "I guess it would be my friend, well, not my friend, acquaintance, Kiba. You met him when I first came here, shishou."
Mitsurugi nodded. "The blonde boy with those two girls."
"Yeah, that's the one. I learned a little about his past, but it is somewhat connected to mine in a sense."
"How so?" Mitsurugi asked.
Issei stared into his tea. "Well, I had this uncle, surrogate uncle, his family was more like family friends to my own. That's why I call him "ojisan" and I call his wife "obasan" because we were that close. He is Shidou's father and worked for the church that's in town. However, with Kiba, I learned that the Church killed his friends and family."
Mitsurugi's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Well, Akeno-senpai said that they had this thing called the Holy sword project, which was to make people be able to wield the sword, Excalibur, you know King Arthur's sword. However, those that couldn't were killed, it seems Kiba escaped, but he has been having a need for revenge and has kept it in for so long." Issei let out a heavy sigh. "So when he saw a picture of me, Shidou, and Touji-ojisan, he kind of flipped. And then he…"
"Then he what, Ise?" Setsuka asked.
He clenched his fists. "He told me I didn't know half of what the Church did. And that I couldn't protect everyone."
Setsuka leaned forward. "And that made you doubt yourself."
"Yeah." Issei nodded. "It makes me wonder how I can be a strong warrior if I can't do that. I mean I want to help him because I would like to be his friend, but at the same time... I don't want to turn my back on Shidou, whose family is part of the church and is my friend, at least I hope they are."
Mitsurugi set down his cup. "Well, he is right, you cannot protect everyone at least by yourself. Others will have to step up as well."
"Huh..." Issei began to wonder. "I guess I never thought of it like that."
"Because you are putting the weight on your shoulders only, you won't achieve your dream that way. As a result, it has put a shroud around you, it makes you feel uncertain about yourself. Remember what I told you about negative self talk?" Mitsurugi narrowed his eyes.
"It'll only bring me down." Issei answered.
"Exactly." Mitsurugi grunted out.
"I agree." Setsuka nodded as she took a sip of her tea.
Mitsurugi leaned back. "You see, Issei, you're not where you want to be, right? You feel like you're supposed to be somewhere else."
"Yeah." Issei nodded. "Sometimes."
"Well, say you could snap your fingers and be wherever you wanted to be. I'd bet you'd still feel this way, being not in the right place."
Issei shook his head. "No, I can't just snap my fingers to get somewhere, otherwise I'd miss out on the journey."
"Exactly, but the journey applies to many things. The point is you can't get so hung up on where you'd rather be that you forget how to make the most of where you are." Mitsurugi was pleased that Issei was understanding the lesson.
"Hence… the journey." The gears in Issei's head were turning.
"Yes. But what are you doing on that journey?" Mitsurugi asked.
"Well, I train, and work, and train, and go to school, and train."
Setsuka smirked. "Sounds like a lot of training."
"I want to be a strong warrior…" Issei began to answer.
"But you are not making the most of your life, if you are stuck in a bubble of training. Take a break from worrying about what you can't control, live a little." Mitsurugi informed him.
Of course, in actuality, Mitsurugi didn't mind that Issei trained, injured or not. However if he didn't say something, then he would have to face Setsuka's maternal instincts.
"What I can't control…?" Issei questioned.
"Kiba." Mitsurugi answered. "You can't control his feelings on the matter, eventually, he'll burn out. Revenge can be a fickle thing, considering how long he has held it in. Although he does have a justifiable cause."
Setsuka folded her hands neatly on her lap. "Indeed. You can help him from the sidelines, but don't force anything, so don't worry so much on the matter. Although you are worried, don't let it distract you either. I hear you have a ball tournament coming up in school."
Issei nodded. "Yeah. It's a battle of the clubs. My first time, since I finally joined one."
"So worry about that. Kiba's problems can bring down his club, he's in a club, right?"
"Yeah." Issei nodded. "The same one as Akeno-senpai."
"Okay, let them try to worry about it." Setsuka advised. "Since his issues will affect them and if it becomes troublesome, like say they turn on him. You can be the shoulder that he needs."
"It'll help me become his friend." Issei clenched his fist. "However, if he tries anything against Shidou or his family… there'll be hell to pay."
Mitsurugi chuckled. "I expect nothing less from you."
Unknown to Issei, he had given Mitsurugi the incentives needed to continue fueling his training in different ways. Those incentives could possibly break Issei as they would be the means for him to get stronger.
Issei took a sip of tea and blinked. "Setsuka‑obasan, you'll have to teach me how to make your tea. It's better than Akeno‑senpai's."
Setsuka laughed. "I'll teach you one day. Maybe when you bring a girl over."
Issei tilted his head. "What?"
"My husband told you to live a little, didn't he? That means to try finding a girl, maybe bring her in with training with you."
Issei scratched his cheek. "I don't know what girl would be interested in training with me, maybe except Ayatsuji-senpai, but I don't really know of anyone else."
"Perhaps you'll get more suitors after you show off in the ball tournament." Setsuka teased.
"I'm not trying to show off to get girls." Issei shook his head. "Maybe at the beginning of the year, when I wanted to be harem king, sure, but now… I just want my club to win."
Mitsurugi nodded at his student's answer. "Then have fun in the tournament, live a little, Issei. Make your journey to your dream worthwhile. I will always be here to train you."
He was rather pleased that he had shifted Issei's desire, instilling lessons for Issei to improve on himself.
"As will I." Setsuka gave her support.
"I'm sure your seniors will be there to help you as well." Mitsurugi added in.
Issei nodded. "Yeah."
He thought back to the barbecue, even what Haruo talked about the Shinpaku Alliance and their divisions, well, if he joined of course.
"By the way, I found those headbands you were making." Setsuka informed him.
Issei nearly choked. "You found them!?"
"You can't hide anything from me in this shop, dear."
Mitsurugi scoffed. "I would know."
Issei grimaced. 'Like how my kaa-san knew where my secret stash of porn was the whole time or when Shidou's mom knew where I hid my sacred Super Sentai action figure. Man, I can't get away with anything with the mother figures in my life.'
"Why were you practicing in secret?" Setsuka asked. "I could've helped you, you know?"
"Sorry…" Issei bowed his head. "With all the work that you do on the kimonos, I didn't want to add on to it, although I may ask for help on fixing my gi, since it got cut up a bit."
"Well, Ise, you can always ask me for help. You're like a son to me, and a mother is always willing to help out their child." Setsuka assured him.
Issei's chest tightened. "I'll… keep that in mind." He finished his tea.
"Of course, you can always pay me back with some shoulder massages." Her tone shifted from caring to playful. "They can get stiff from all the work that gets done at the sewing machine. Plus from what I hear, you're pretty good."
"Well, I tried to learn what I can do to help others." Issei sighed.
"I can tell, mother's intuition, probably like your mother is wondering where you are."
Issei gasped. "Oh no! I forgot to text her!"
He pulled out his phone. Sure enough, he had a few text messages from his mother about where he was.
Setsuka laughed. "Come on, I'll walk you out."
As they approached the door, Issei paused. "If I may ask, shishou... are you alright?"
"Hmm?" Mitsurugi raised an eyebrow.
"You had a slight limp, when I spoke with you earlier and then it kind of disappeared. It was when you came back out to front, when Ayatsuji-senpai and Akeno-senpai were here"
Mitsurugi waved a hand."Ah, yes, I just needed a walk to get my joints right, that is all." While he was thinking. 'Good, he's becoming more observant, I didn't think he would notice the limp, I had to use some healing magic to get myself healed up.'
"Alright… if you say so."
It was clear to Mitsurugi and Setsuka that Issei wasn't really convinced, but he accepted the answer.
Mitsurugi stood up and walked to Issei, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Remember what I said, Issei. Make the most of where you are now."
"I will, shishou. Thank you."
After he put on his shoes, Setsuka escorted him through the training area, back into the shop. After that, she unlocked the front door for him to exit.
"Thanks again, Setsuka‑obasan." Issei bowed to her.
"Of course, and remember…" Setsuka poked him in the forehead. "Learn to live a little. If you get too busy tomorrow, I can finish up your headbands for you."
"I think I can handle it. But thanks." Issei replied.
"Take care."
She hugged him and Issei hugged back, then unlocked his bike.
He was about to leave when Setsuka called back out to him.
"Oh and Ise?" He turned back to her. "When the world feels heavy... try to reconnect with nature. I know you felt down about your losses in the tournament. I have been there before, we all lose at something, as you can see, I get my hands dirty in the garden or soaking up the quiet. Nature has a way of healing wounds and restoring balance, I'm sure this Kiba will need that reset in time. With how conflicted you feel, try going on hikes or something, okay?"
Issei nodded. "I'll try hiking or something."
"And you can always ask for help, we may be your bosses, but I do mean it, when I said that you are a son I never had."
It shook Issei a little, but he nodded silently, he didn't really know what to say to that, but it did feel nice, knowing that he had someone like her.
It definitely would keep him from falling to his perverted self again, along with the other older women that he has met. Setsuka watched him leave as he rode off home and when he was out of view, she locked the store back up and rejoined her husband in their home.
"He's gone?" Mitsurugi asked, upon sensing his wife's presence when she entered their home.
"Yes, he has." Setsuka nodded. "He really is something."
"He is that way because we're building him." Mitsurugi noted.
"I'm aware, since you have instilled your dream into him. I'm sure you would be pleased in training someone to become what you strived to be."
Mitsurugi exhaled. "I suppose, after all, at the start of his school year, he was undesirable."
"I wouldn't say he's that anymore as he has some interest." Setsuka informed.
"He likely would have had some interest if he had a sacred gear."
"Perhaps, it is surprising that you want him to ease up on training, when you never did." Setsuka smiled, knowing what he was going to say.
"Well, you have hounded me about it and besides, to be young is an extraordinary gift, he should make the most of it." Mitsurugi retorted back.
"See, he is the son we never had, you've implanted your dream on him." Setsuka said. "After all, you saw yourself within him. Perhaps, his grandfather thought the same."
Mitsurugi snorted lightly. "Hmm, I'm sure his grandfather would still be proud of him, even if he didn't become a harem king and his father named him Issei, so he could live an honest life. If he can do that, I'm sure that they would be proud as he is growing."
"And we get to be part of that growth. Would you be proud if he didn't achieve your dream?" Setsuka answered.
"As his master, I will be proud of his oncoming achievements, but only time can tell. He's not on the level of Azazel's Slash Dog team nor is he on the level of his seniors in schools." Mitsurugi stretched his shoulders.
"Yet his determination will make him undeniable in aiming to surpass them."
Mitsurugi nodded. "Indeed."
Setsuka leaned forward, concern softening her expression. "So what happened?"
Mitsurugi exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "I had a near run‑in with Kokabiel. He didn't see me, but I had no intention of facing him right after killing off the stragglers from his forces. It wasn't part of Hayato's plan."
Setsuka's eyes narrowed. "So he attacked blindly."
"Yes." Mitsurugi nodded. "Out of rage of his fallen forces, I got out of there quickly, I had only gone back to investigate. I thought I would run into Azazel's forces, but I guess he is still interrogating anyone else who may be Kokabiel's inside man in Grigori."
"I'd say that's a relief." Setsuka sighed. "I don't suppose that you believe the devils can handle things now."
Mitsurugi shook his head. "He's still a cadre and Excalibur is still powerful, however, the one that they are using to wield it... well, he's not able to fully control it, maybe a fragment or two."
"Well, rest for now, you're going to need it, when you want to face Kokabiel. I know you are itching to fight him." Satsuka said. "I don't know why Hayato wanted you to hold back, when you could have ended it then and there."
Mitsurugi chuckled. "You know me too well."
"I wouldn't be your wife if I didn't." Setsuka laughed alongside him.
The middle‑aged couple shared a quiet moment, basking in each other's presence. They will have to see what happens with Kokabiel, but they knew the devils in the area were not strong enough. So when Hayato decided on it, Mitsurugi would take matters into his own hands and put Kokabiel down. Of course, Azazel would need to decide if he wanted his fellow cadre dead or alive.
The rest of the weekend had gone by, Issei was able to finish his headbands as he had stayed late to finish them. Setsuka thought they were simple enough as they were white with bold red kanji. The kanji wrote out "MMA Club" as it was their representation and to show unity.
Issei felt that having it would show unity in the club, there was only one other person that knew of this side project and that was Honoka. She promised to keep it a secret, unless she got one, too.
Now it was Monday, the day of the ball tournament, the school grounds buzzed with excitement. From the looks of it, they would be facing the photography club in baseball. Issei was looking forward to this as he could beat Matsuda.
However, after that, they would have dodgeball against the ORC or one could call it the "cool kids" club. Since they barely get any new members and house all of the popular people. The top two Onee-samas, the two "princes", the kind angel, and the mascot.
Issei really didn't care, he was sure that it would be a lose-lose situation for their club because each person of the ORC had its own fanbase. He kind of wished that he got Akeno's number to possibly know who they would send out. He already didn't feel like texting Yuuto, not since the spat they had in his room.
For Issei, he was currently in Elize's office, Ikki was also with him
"All done." Elize said.
She stepped back, having removed the stitches from Issei's head.
"Not a bad scar, man." Ikki pointed out.
"Makes you look rugged. You'll be fine." Elize added on. "Besides, your bangs will hide it."
Issei groaned. "Aw, man, I wish you didn't say that…"
"Why's that?" Elize asked as she began to clean up
Ikki burst out laughing. "Because his "Kisara-nee" loves to give him noogies and now she can go full throttle since he has no more stitches on his head."
Issei slumped. "Please don't give her ideas…"
"Oh?" Elize smirked. "Maybe I should give you noogies too."
Issei held up his hand. "Please don't, one sister giving me noogies is bad enough."
"That's what older siblings do." Ikki chuckled.
"I don't see Kenichi‑senpai giving Honoka noogies." Issei deadpanned.
"You forgot that he would never lay a hand on a girl, the man sticks to his principles." Ikki pointed out.
Issei sighed. "I guess."
"Well, you better get to your club to strategize, good luck in the tournament and try not to get hurt. Be sure to hydrate as well, it'll help keep you from cramping." Elize advised.
"Yes, ma'am." Ikki and Issei answered the nurse.
Elize ruffled Issei's hair as he left.
"Grr…" Issei grumbled as he fixed his hair, while they walked to the dojo.
"Looks like your family's growing." Ikki laughed. "How many big sisters do you have now?"
"About four or five…" Issei answered.
"Maybe that's why your mom was so happy, having some daughters for girl time, you already know Kisara is not as close with her parents."
Issei blinked. "I'm aware, but now that you mention it, it's not just my kaa-san, but my tou-san as well. I feel like they're hiding something from me all of last week. Maybe Kenichi-senpai will know something, since our moms are practically inseparable now."
"Maybe…" Ikki could only nod.
In the dojo, the rest of the MMA club had met up, but they were not discussing the ball tournament. They were talking about what Raichi had learned, which regarded Kokabiel and also the exorcist he was looking for.
"So you found the exorcist?" Kenichi asked Raichi.
"Yeah." Raichi answered with a heavy sigh. "I let Saiga-sama know, but I also had to inform Freed, since he was with me. Yuuma was doing her training with Kokabiel, refining her light spears and combat experience."
"Does she know about us?" Kenichi asked.
"Yeah, but from what I have noticed, she hasn't said anything to her mistress about the rest of you, otherwise, Sona would be on to you." Raichi answered. "However, considering how smart Kaichou is, she's probably wary of you. Not sure on the Gremory's front, but she would likely know about the temporary alliance. Although, the Gremory is a little more reckless and she would have said something by now to you."
"True." Kisara nodded.
"So what happens with the exorcist?" Ukita asked.
"Yeah." Renka said. "Since my father and the other masters went to handle Kokabiel's forces, they're still recuperating."
"And Shigure has to be here, since she is our advisor and advisors need to be present for their clubs." Kenichi sighed.
"So we might take the L on this one." Kisara groaned.
"Not quite, but the possibility is there." Kenichi informed them.
"Oh, he should also be getting back up." Raichi told them.
"Really?" Kenichi asked.
"Yeah." Raichi nodded. "But they won't get here till tomorrow, there was a delay in their flight. At least that was what I saw when I had checked on the flight details, that seemed to be coming from airports in Italy."
"So our guy has to survive… what? Twenty‑four more hours?" Ukita looked at his clubmates.
"Seems like it." Mizunuma said. "However, that's just the lowest amount, since there are multiple flights and we don't have any names."
"Damn." Kenichi groaned. "Not much we can do. If we interfere, we blow Raichi's cover."
"Kokabiel is more focused on the devils than he is with the humans. I have to be wary, he may come after me, when he gets what he wants." Raichi told them.
"Then be ready to fall back. The priest might contact Saiga about your extraction." Kenichi warned her.
Raichi stretched her arms behind her head. "Will do."
Everyone suddenly felt a familiar pressure. Two distinct ki signatures were approaching the dojo and they knew that it was Ikki and Issei.
Kenichi turned toward the entrance.
"Hey, you two." He greeted.
"Yo." Ikki waved.
"Hey… um, Kenichi‑senpai?" Issei asked.
Kenichi raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"
Issei hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Has your kaa-san said anything to you?"
Kenichi raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"Well, my kaa-san, she's been giddy for the last week, both of my parents actually. Ikki-senpai has also noticed it, so I thought you might know something." Issei said.
Kenichi frowned thoughtfully. "Hmm, sorry, no, I also am not at my house often."
"Yeah, he basically lives at Ryōzanpaku with Miu and me." Renka added.
"I see…" Issei nodded and then looked away.
This prevented them from seeing the small frown on his face.
Kenichi clapped his hands. "Alright! We've got the Photography Club in baseball."
"This is gonna be fun." Ikki pumped his fists.
Kisara grinned and wrapped an arm around Issei's neck, pulling him close. "Oh yeah. Plus we've got our secret weapon."
"So who's in?" Ukita asked.
"Well…" Kenichi pondered. "The photography club is mostly guys, so Mizunuma, Ukita, Ikki, Issei and I are up."
"Ugh." Kisara groaned.
"I know. But it's our first time against an all‑guy club. We need five guys." Kenichi tried to reason with her.
"This is why I prefer tournaments." Kisara snorted. "They don't care if you're a guy or girl... if you've got skill, they’ll want to see you fight."
"Don't worry, babe. You can knock out some ORC chicks out in dodgeball." Ukita massaged her shoulders.
"Yeah. Release all your fury on their wobbly melons you'll never have." Raichi smirked at her.
"Why, you little bitch! Come here!" Kisara was enraged as she lunged towards the Chinese assassin, but Raichi dodged effortlessly.
"It's true, Kisara." Raichi continued to tease. "You can't deny it."
"We'll see about that!" Kisara retorted back.
"Maybe you should save your energy…" Mizunuma tried to make peace between the two, but…
Kisara roared. "Stay out of this!"
"Hai!" Mizunuma shrank back, sweating.
"Ukita." Kenichi requested as he rubbed his temples.
"On it." Ukita moved forward.
He grabbed Kisara before she could murder Raichi.
Issei cleared his throat. "Um… I made these headbands for us as a team."
He held out neatly embroidered white headbands with red kanji: MMA Club.
"Whoa, thanks!" Kenichi was surprised as he was handed one, but Issei handed him two more. "What are these for?"
"It’s for Miu-senpai." Issei answered. "I know she’s not officially in our club, but she is kind of like a club member and the other one is for Honoka-chan, I kind of owed it to her."
"Wow… you weren't kidding about your sewing skills." Renka noted as she received one. "These are really well made."
"Yeah, dude." Ikki said, while getting his own headband.
"We'll definitely look like a team." Mizunuma said, obtaining his own.
"That's our kohai." Kisara piped up before her tone shifted. "Unlike some people."
She glared at Raichi.
"Hey, I knew he had skills before you did." Raichi snorted back.
Issei rubbed the back of his head. "Hehe… thanks. I've been practicing secretly. I wanted to get better at it."
"Along with his cooking." Raichi added on.
"And massages. Which I'll need after this tournament." Renka chimed in.
She yanked Issei into her chest, trapping his arm between her breasts.
"Can I just make you a mooncake instead?" Issei asked, his body stiffened at the feeling of her breasts against him.
"You can do both." Renka said, not caring about the countertrade.
"There's no point arguing with you…" Issei sighed.
Renka smirked. "You're just figuring that out now?"
"No…" Issei shook his head. "But I always have hope."
"Oh, you poor soul." Raichi facepalmed. "My dear best friend."
Everyone nodded sympathetically, they felt pity for him as they knew Renka won't change, she was stubborn like that.
Issei removed himself from Renka's grip and turned to Shigure. "Here you go, Shigure‑ne... ah, sensei."
"Hmm… thank you." Shigure took the headband.
She tied the headband on immediately, then patted his head.
"And I didn't forget you, Tōchūmaru." Issei said.
The mouse squeaked happily as Issei tied a tiny headband around him.
Kenichi pumped his fist. "Alright, it looks like we are ready to go, so let's win this thing!"
"Yeah!" The club, not including Shigure, pumped their fists as well.
For Issei, he really did feel like he was in a new place for him to belong and to grow. He had more people beside him, not instigating his perversion like Matsuda and Motohama. These were his friends and to some extent, his family now.
As they headed out, Shigure gently tugged Issei's sleeve. She may not show it, but she held the most concern for him in the club.
She looked at him with quiet seriousness. "Try not… to overdo it… okay?"
Issei smiled softly. "I won't. If I did, you wouldn't train me and I can't have that. And I need you if I want to reach my dream."
Shigure nodded and patted his head again. "Otouto… baka."
Issei stiffened up, he felt his heart beat fast and a blush emerged on his face. 'Did she just call me "otouto"? Does that mean I can call her Shigure‑nee now? Alright! I don't know why they call Akeno-senpai and Gremory-senpai the "Onee-samas", when I got the best ones!'
He shook his head, smiling. Another big sister… Someone to help continue to guide him. He didn't mind that at all.
They reached the baseball field, where the photography club was already there, of course some were taking pictures of the girls. Issei didn't see what the issue was, since the girls, at least for his club, were dressed in their casual training attire, not the school PE uniforms.
It made Issei begin to wonder how perverted other people were now that he thought about it. The skirts for the girls were short and the "shorts" looked more like spandex of a leotard. Compared to the guys that actually got to wear shorts or pants.
'Who designed these?' Issei wondered.
He was beginning to think that he didn't get into so much trouble as he should have with Matsuda and Motohama because someone in the school administration was a pervert themselves. It did make him feel bad for the girls of the school and disappointed in himself because of how they had to dress.
It made it look like they were meant to be ogled and also he didn't think they felt comfortable in the school's PE outfits. It's probably why Raichi, Renka, and Kisara forgoed the PE uniforms and used something that they were more comfortable with.
The MMA club scanned the Photography Club.
'Which one of them has a hidden ability…?' Issei thought.
Ever since Akeno had told him that everyone in her club was sporty, which included Asia, he knew looks could be deceiving. If it was based on looks, then the MMA club was the clear winner, especially with a guy like Ukita, who looked like he had muscles that could hit home runs.
Kenichi gathered them. "Alright, Ikki, you're going to start us off. Then Mizunuma, you're going second. Issei, you're third, then after that, it's me, and finally, you go, Ukita. They're already shaking from seeing you."
That made Ukita smirked.
"Since it's only five on five, it's going to be rough. One person per base and a pitcher." Mizunuma said.
"Yeah." Kenichi nodded. "I'm surprised that they had this for clubs with low numbers, if they had a girl then they could have had an outfielder."
"Why not just let them add whoever?" Issei suggested. "I mean Renka-senpai, Kisara-nee, and Raichi are not worried about these guys, so let them add three more to secure the outfield."
He also had a feeling that some of those guys would just ogle the girls anyways, so they shouldn't mind seeing them in action.
Kenichi blinked. "You know what? Yeah, I guess you're right, hang on, I'll go ask." He jogged off.
"Man, I hope they add three more, we can decimate these guys." Ukita said as he cracked his knuckles.
"We're going to have to strategize about where to hit the ball." Mizunuma told them as he scouted the field.
"Hmm, I wonder why they are looking at us like that?" Ikki pondered as he stared at their opponents.
"Not us." Issei sighed. "They're looking at me."
"Seems like they're whispering something…" Ukita said, when suddenly…
"SO WHAT IF WE ARE?!" They heard Renka yell out.
They also hear Raichi was laughing, along with Kisara, who was also restraining Renka. Shigure remained emotionless, but wasn't phased by the commotion happening beside her.
"I wonder what happened over there?" Ikki crossed his arms.
Kenichi returned. "Okay, guys, so they accepted the terms, so Mizunuma, could you get the girls?"
"On it." Mizunuma nodded.
"This makes things easier." Ukita chuckled. "The girls were part of our plan."
"It does change the batting order." Kenichi sighed.
"Meh, not by much." Ikki laughed.
"Yeah, Kisara will go before Issei and Raichi will go after Issei, Renka will go after me." Kenichi gave out the new batting order.
Mizunuma returned with the girls. "We're back."
"So what's going on?" Kisara said, while stifling her laughter.
"I think we should ask you that, what happened over there?" Ikki asked.
"Ha!" Raichi laughed. "Someone took things the wrong way as to what they were implying."
She nodded toward Renka, who was still fuming.
"Ise's former douchebag friends who are jealous are still spreading rumors about him." Kisara told them.
Raichi crossed her arms, smirking like a fox who'd found a henhouse. "Like how he sunk his filthy fangs into me and has his way with me during lunch."
Kisara snorted. "Or how he drags Renka off for after‑school 'lessons' for a never‑ending hell."
Ikki burst out laughing. "So that's why we heard her yell 'So what if we are.' I wonder how they'll feel when they learn it's Renka dragging him into hell, not the other way around."
Renka puffed her cheeks. "I was just trying to defend my kohai! I didn't even realize the sexual innuendo until after!"
THUD.
They all looked over to see that Issei had fainted from shock, feeling that his life was over.
Renka winced. "Okay… maybe I made it worse."
Mitsurugi would have berated him for letting this get to him.
Eventually, Issei sat up, sighing like a man who had seen the end of days.
"You alright there?" Ikki asked with a smile.
"Yeah… just shocked. Now I have to worry about Renka‑senpai's fanboys thinking I'm doing inappropriate things with her. Which I'm not." Issei answered as he rubbed his face. "Her response only added more fuel to the fire, but I realized earlier that I shouldn't let this get to me, it's what I should have expected from those guys. They can never leave me alone and can't seem to do something with their own lives, so they want to stoop me back down to their level."
His voice softened. "It only reminds me more and more why I wish Shidou had never left."
Kenichi placed a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be alright, Ise."
Issei nodded. "I know it will, there was some western song, I don't know what the singer said much, but the chorus went "I know it hurts sometimes but you'll get over it". I'll get over these rumors, I have to, otherwise I won't be able to grow."
Ukita grinned. "True words, man."
Raichi gave him a thumbs‑up. "We'll be with you every step of the way."
Kisara cracked her knuckles. "But if you wanna clobber someone, go ahead."
Issei's eyes darkened. "I will. Starting with Matsuda and his club."
His expression was so emotionless that even Ukita shivered.
Kenichi deadpanned. "Ise, we don't need another Shigure."
"Huh?" Issei reverted to a childish pout. "But she makes it look cool…"
The club burst into laughter.
"Alright! Let's gear up and whoop some ass!" Ikki exclaimed.
"Yeah!" Everyone else cheered.
Shigure merely just looked at her club's enthusiasm, but she wasn't complaining about it. She had also seen several other members of the photography club taking pictures of her. This was likely due to her wearing her normal pink kimono outfit, which did show off her figure. She would have attacked like she normally does when Kensei does something similar, but she couldn't make a scene. At least not for now.
The club headed toward the field.
Renka slowed her pace and approached Issei.
"Hey… sorry about earlier." She said.
Issei blinked. "For what?"
"I let my temper get the best of me, but they were so annoying and you're doing all that you can to change from your old ways. So I didn't like it when I heard you getting bad mouthed again."
"Thanks for that. It's nice to know that someone has my back." Issei smiled softly. 'Not only that, but when she gets angry... it's like Chi-Chi from Dragon Ball.'
Renka smirked. "Of course. And don't worry about the massage. I think I owe you one now for making your life a little bit more difficult now."
"I'll keep that in mind. But for now… let's win this." Holding out his hand.
"Right." She agreed, shaking hands with him as they rejoined the others.
Kenichi clapped his hands. "Alright, so let's go over the order again, Ikki, you're first, then Mizunuma, Kisara, Issei, Raichi, me, Renka, and then Ukita, anyone got a problem with that?"
"Nope." Kisara held up her hands. "Works for me."
"Same here." Raichi agreed.
"I'm good." Reka shrugged.
"Alright, Ikki, you're aiming for a double, a single is fine, but don't push it." Kenichi gave instructions.
They had spent the week learning about the possible sports that they would play and prepared for them.
"Got it." Ikki gave him a thumbs up.
"But depending on their speed, you can go for the third. But with how fast they get their hands to their cameras, they may be quick at passing." Kenichi noted, he knew from experience with his time with Kensei.
Ikki nodded. "Yeah, I'll watch for that."
"Okay, after that, Mizunuma, you go for anything, a double brings Ikki home, allowing Kisara to go for whatever she wants." Kenichi continued to give orders on how they would play this. "Also miss the first pitch, let them think we can't play. Same with you, Kisara, miss that first pitch, rile up their egos a little bit."
"Ha! You got it." Kisara smirked.
"If they taunt you, show it, let them think they are getting to you and then blow them away."
"Sounds easy enough." Kisara winked at Issei. "Don't worry, my dear little brother, you get to watch a professional at work."
Issei deadpanned. "Oh, yay." The sarcasm rolled off his tongue.
Similar to Shigure, Kisara was more exaggerated about showing off in front of him. If there was one person who enjoyed treating him like a little sibling, it was Kisara with her constant noogies. Of course, Ikki had explained it to him that she never had a younger sibling either like Miu. She was definitely the most hands-on of the "sisters" that he developed over his time at his new club.
Everyone laughed at the pair. Ukita wasn't jealous as Ikki had told him about the gym sessions, so did Kisara. She really did feel like Issei was her long lost brother and Issei did feel like Kisara was probably one of his lost siblings that was a miscarriage.
Instead of going to their family, she went to another one.
"Okay, let's win this." Kenichi nodded as he looked at his club.
The MMA Club tied on their headbands.
Seeing them come out with their headbands on, Shigure made sure Tōchūmaru's small headband was still on. The mouse began to cheer or squeak happily for the club, while she simply reached up to touch her own headband.
She was aware of the other members of the photography club. However she was giving off a chilling aura, daring anyone of them to try to take her picture. She was well prepared to throw the shuriken that she snuck in at their cameras.
Ikki went up to bat and he had a smirk on his face, which was typical as he was always the confident one. To his amusement, Matsuda was the pitcher, which made it all the better. Not for him, but more for Issei because he could stare down one of the people that set him on a dangerous path. The whistle blew for the game to start and Matsuda threw out the first pitch.
'What a slow pitch, but oh well, Kenichi said to boost their ego a little.' Ikki thought as he swung late on purpose.
"Strike one!" The umpire announced.
The Photography Club cheered, while Ikki, seemingly in frustration.
Matsuda, feeling a little more confident, threw his next pitch and Ikki swung in a spot that would get him the double in the right outfield.
CRACK.
Hearing the crack of the bat hit the ball, Ikki took off running. The ball landed in the outfield as someone ran to get it, the person had decent speed, however, they were slow on throwing it. Ikki, being as confident as ever, burned past first and second, heading to third.
"Hold it!" Kenichi called out.
Ikki skidded to a stop at third.
Kenichi could see that Ikki was tempted to run for home, but he decided against it as Matsuda had the ball now. Mizunuma stepped up to the plate and got ready to bat, his aim was going to be third base, it could get him a double, but it meant Ikki was stuck there.
Matsuda threw the pitch, which Mizunuma missed, but just like Ikki, hit it on the second pitch. The ball soared over Ikki's head, nearly taking him out. Ikki was stunned at Mizunuma's aim and had to yell at his clubmate for nearly hitting him.
"Watch it, will ya!?" Ikki called out.
"Sorry!" Mizunuma apologized as he ran to first base.
He stayed there as he saw that the photography club threw it to their player at second base, unfortunately because of his aim at Ikki, the boxer didn't run for home base.
Kisara stepped up with a smirk and gave a wink to Issei that told him to watch her.
Matsuda snickered. "Easy out."
First pitch, Kisara missed on purpose. The second pitch, she missed again. There were some cheers from the photography club of how they needed one more pitch for a strikeout and Kisara was fuming.
"Don't feel too bad about it. I mean you are a girl after all." Matsuda jeered, while Kisara fumed.
Issei's eyes narrowed. 'Huh, so he is a sexist, that's a bit surprising, I thought he would love women, since he is a pervert like I was, but then again, he did threaten to rape a girl in his head. I didn't even think like that, sex is supposed to be consensual, not one sided.'
The next pitch was coming, and Kisara's eyes were burning. Issei watched Kisara's face turn a dangerous shade of red. Her fists trembled, her jaw was clenched.
'She's gonna explode—!' Issei thought.
Issei took a step forward but Renka grabbed his arm and yanked him back.
"Relax. You're overthinking again."
It made his eyes widen in shock. Her words hit him harder than any punch and he looked back at Kisara.
Despite her furious blush, the corner of Kisara's lips curled upward. A predator's smile. Unfortunately, Matsuda didn't notice. He wound up for what he thought would be an easy strikeout. Big mistake.
"HHHHAAAAA!" Kisara roared.
BAM!
The ball rocketed off her bat like a cannon shot.
It soared over Matsuda's head... Over the outfield... Over the fence... And out of the school grounds entirely.
A perfect home run and the crowd that was present gasped.
Kenichi blinked. "Not what I expected."
"What did you expect?" Raichi asked.
"A triple at best." Kenichi said and then pointed where the ball flew off to. "Not… that."
"You underestimated Kisara's anger." Renka said as she crossed her arms.
"Way to go, babe!" Ukita cheered on.
He scooped Kisara into a celebratory hug, when she came around to the home plate.
They were up three points now, thanks to the home run by Kisara, it did make Matsuda a little pissed. However, it all changed, when he saw that Issei was preparing to gear up to bat.
His expression changed from annoyance to pure venom. It didn't go unnoticed by Kenichi.
Kenichi patted Issei's back. "You know what? I know I said don't get revenge, but I think you can take him out. How did you ever become friends with him in the first place?"
Issei sighed. "I wonder that myself, I know my perversion got reignited by that old man, but I didn't really make any other friends until middle school, where I met him, he and Motohama got me into peeping. It's why I wished Shidou was here, he was kind of my moral compass, even though we got into lots of trouble."
Kenichi chuckled. "I've heard, your mother talked about it, you two were little troublemakers."
"Yeah." Issei nodded. "Before you guys, he was my best friend."
"Then make him proud and put that douchebag down." Kenichi clapped Issei on the back.
Issei nodded. "I will."
He stepped up to the plate.
Matsuda sneered. "Well, well, look who decided to show their face, how's peeping on the girls of your club or better yet how are those after school lessons, the Perverted Beast you just couldn't stop, could you?"
Issei didn't flinch. "How's spreading those rumors, I seem to be living rent free in your head."
"The rumors are doing great, anything to bring down your reputation even more."
Issei's eyes hardened. "So it's nothing but jealousy. I try to make a better life for myself and you try to make me look worse than I really am. I began to pursue my other interests that people don't know that I have and you couldn't do the same. There's more to this life than breasts and harems, Matsuda."
Matsuda's smirk faltered as Issei carried on.
"There's hardships, there are friendships, I was a loyal friend to you, but you never were my friend, I was used by you and Motohama as a meat shield and you shamelessly spread rumors about me to make yourself feel better. You do nothing but bully me to make yourself feel better, but at the end of the day, you'll feel what I felt, when you turned your back on me."
Matsuda scoffed. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
Issei's voice dropped to a chilling calm. "You'll see."
Matsuda clicked his tongue. "Tch. You can't do shit and never will."
He threw the pitch, which wound up being one of the worst mistakes of his life.
BAM!
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Matsuda cried out.
The ball slammed directly into his left eye. He collapsed, rolling on the ground, clutching his face. The ball rolled to a stop beside him.
Issei didn't even look at him. "As I said you will feel what I felt and that is pain."
He walked the bases calmly, silently, like a man delivering judgment. No one dared to stop him. No one dared to pick up the ball as he reached home plate.
He did see Shigure pump her fist in a silent cheer for his achievement and he slightly smiled and waved to her and Tōchūmaru. He also saw that Kaname came by as well, of course, she kept her distance from the mouse.
Ikki grinned. "Alright, man."
Kisara whistled. "He's down for the count."
"That's how it's done." Raichi said as she and Issei did their handshake.
"Mhm." Renka nodded.
"Feel better now?" Mizunuma asked.
"Yeah." Issei exhaled. "But that's just one of the two."
Kenichi sighed. "Well, what's done is done, but you know he will come back for you."
"Probably." Issei said as he turned back to Matsuda. "But not today."
They watched some other photography members help Matsuda off the field.
Ikki clapped Issei on the back. "If any consolation, based on marks on the left side, yours looks better, the scar looks badass!"
From what the MMA club members could see is that Matsuda's left eye was already swelling. He was still groaning in pain as he was taken away, Issei did not feel bad about it.
Issei was done with Matsuda's taunting, he was lucky that Motohama was still suspended, but he knew that the two would plot revenge at some point. After all, if they could spread rumors about him, steal someone's underwear to frame him, who knows what else they had planned.
"Now let's go win this thing!" Renka cried out.
The MMA club cheered on and the photography club knew that this wasn't a battle that they were going to be winning.
They were right as the Photography Club never stood a chance. The MMA club was more in sync with each other. They were too fast, too coordinated, and above all else, they were too athletic. They knew where to throw the ball to get someone out of the game and defend the bases. They knew where to hit the ball to keep their team from ever getting out. They toyed with the Photography Club by missing the first pitch, then crushing the next.
Issei was marveled by Kenichi's strategy as he would still have some of them miss a pitch to make the photography club feel a little better. However, those hopes were quickly dashed by the batter getting their teammate to home base or scoring a home run themselves.
The mixed martial arts club was just better athletically than the photography club. They didn't want to remember this blowout, but not only a blowout, but a shutout as well.
Of course, Issei could see that some of the guys were distracted by the girls' assets, whether it was their legs or Renka's breasts. He could tell when a guy was leering, after all, he was perverted, too, like any teenage boy.
It was sad for those that checked out Kisara, since they would either get punished by her or Ukita. He believed that he was sure some of the guys were expecting him to defend either Raichi or Renka from their looks, but he didn't need to.
He knew that he had faith that they could defend themselves against them and unlike the photography club, they knew how to fight.
Ikki stretched. "Whoo! That was a nice warm up, get some conditioning in, running around these bases."
"Man, we could've broken 100 if they let us." Ukita grumbled.
"Yeah! What's the big idea? Ending the game so early." Renka huffed in annoyance.
"I think 48–0 is enough." Kenichi sighed, seeing that his club members were too thrilled about throttling the photography club.
"Kick ass and take names, that's what we do, but we were so close to a perfect score, just a few more home runs…" Raichi said.
This made her, Renka, Ikki, Ukita, and Kisara all sigh dramatically, while Kenichi had a sweatdrop.
'I guess it's a good thing that I stopped us from getting that 69 score. I know that's what they wanted. Man, even though Ise is dropping his own perversion, they're letting their own begin to come out again.' Kenichi thought.
"I felt kinda bad… but we needed the win." Mizunuma gave his thoughts.
"Our next challenge will be tougher, so get ready, we're on break." Kenichi warned them.
Ikki waved. "Hey, babe! You made it!"
Kaname approached and kissed him.
"Not a bad performance." Kaname complimented them.
Shigure stepped forward. "You could've… scored more points."
Kenichi laughed. "I guess, but then the game would be over quicker, I think this will get them to be more in shape, they didn't practice like we did."
Kaname turned to Issei. "You got some good aim there, Issei. Hitting that dude with the ball, I'm guessing that was one of the guys that you thought was a friend."
Issei nodded. "Yeah, his name's Matsuda, he once played sports, but then his perversion came in, just like mine. We both lost track of our other interests. I was able to find mine again, but he was further down the path then I was, him and Motohama. They gave orders and I just followed along like a dumb dog."
He smiled. "But as for my aim, I have Shigure-nee to thank for that when she taught me how to throw shurikens."
Then his expression turned aghast as he realized that Shigure was right there.
Kenichi smiled. 'There's the slip‑up.'
Shigure's face remained passive as she didn't mind the new title and in their teaching sessions, she did feel like she was teaching her little brother if she had one. However, Issei took her expressionless face as one of displeasure and he thought he saw her eyes narrow slightly.
The others were stifling their laughter as they already knew that Issei considered Shigure as his big sister, but now he officially called it to her face. He also forgot about how she did call him little brother earlier.
"I—I'm gonna go check out the, uh… competition!" Issei bolted from the field, at least until he could no longer feel Shigure's gaze on him.
Shigure tilted her head. "Hmm?" Then she sighed. "Otouto… baka."
Kenichi chuckled. "He misunderstood your expression, Shigure. If you like the nickname, you gotta be more affectionate."
"Yeah." Renka laughed. "He probably thinks that you were unhappy about it."
"Hey, remember, social skills is not her strong suit, it's the same with the other masters." Raichi shrugged. "Well, maybe except Renka's dad."
Considering how unlike the other masters, Kensei had children and a wife in another country.
"It's all good." Ikki laughed as he wrapped his arm around Kaname. "Let's go find Miu's club. We'll grab Issei later."
"Yeah." Ukita nodded in agreement. "We can get Issei later, he's just spooked by Shigure."
Shigure blinked. "Why would he… be spooked by me?"
Kenichi sighed. "You have got to work on your expressions, Shigure."
Tōchūmaru nodded on top of Shigure's head in agreement.
"Huh?" Shigure tilted her head.
Then silently followed the others toward Miu's club and to see how she was doing in the tournament, Tōchūmaru perched proudly atop her head.
Meanwhile, Issei felt like the coast was clear and gave a sigh of relief of not being within Shigure's radius for now.
'I'm safe… for now.' He thought.
He began to gather his surroundings, he heard some commotion at the tennis courts. It seemed like it must have been big, since it was a decent crowd. The commotion was pretty loud as he got closer, it echoed from the tennis courts. There was cheering, screaming, and chanting. However, he did see a flash of red and only one person had that type of color.
'Rias Gremory.' He thought and decided to scout his future dodgeball opponents. 'I wonder who she's facing…'
He didn't have to wonder for long.
"Kaichou‑samaaaaa! Kyaaaa!" The third year girls screamed out.
Issei deadpanned. 'That explains it.'
Since he now knew that Rias was facing Sona, the student council president.
On one side, Takeshi was screaming his lungs out. "Buchouuuuu! You can do it!"
'No surprise there. I mean if I had a girlfriend like Gremory-senpai, I would cheer her on, too.' Issei thought with a nod.
On the other side, Genshirou was waving a giant "Student Council" flag. "Kaichouuuu! Please winnnnnn!"
'Ah, I guess he still has a crush on her. Wait a minute, he has Hanakai-san next to him and the student council seems way more supportive.' Issei noticed how they had a swinging flag that had the writing "Student Council" on it.
The ORC, however, was… subdued, they weren't as cheerful as Takeshi. Then again, Rias was his girlfriend, so it made sense for him to cheer. It was the fact that he seemed to be the only one cheering on his president, which made it kind of weird. Of course, Takeshi's fanbase only swooned over him and how supportive he was being.
After all, he was the "dark prince" and she was the "princess" of the school. It reminded him of the princess eroge that he used to play, but he also realized now that wasn't what he was looking for anymore. Issei noticed Asia was cheering, but not as loudly, Yuuto seemed lost in thought. Koneko seemed to be eating sweets, but maintained her nonchalant attitude.
He was rather confused and realized that Akeno was missing and that seemed odd.
'I thought she was Gremory-senpai's best friend.' Issei thought until he felt a presence that was near him and from experience, it was familiar to him.
Feeling the hairs on his neck rise up, Issei quickly turned to his right, feeling as said presence came by.
"Ara~ ara~, I thought I'd have the jump on you."
"Hey, senpai." Issei greeted before turning attention back to the tennis match.
In his brief glance, he did take note that Akeno was not wearing the traditional PE bottoms, but chose to wear black leggings instead, which accentuated her legs well.
"Here I come, Sona!" Rias called out.
"Yes, you may, Rias!" Sona countered to her opponent.
Akeno giggled. "Both of them are really getting into the match, huh?"
"I guess." Issei shrugged.
"Take this! Shitori‑style spin‑ball!" Sona cried out as she served the ball.
The ball was sent rocketing toward Rias.
"Too naive! Take this, Gremory‑style counter!" Rias prepared to hit the ball back with her racket.
But the ball changed its direction and went down.
Issei narrowed his eyes. "What the…?"
"15–30!" The umpire announced.
"Damn it! It's Kaichou's point!" Takeshi cursed.
The student council erupted in cheers.
Issei noticed that Ayase was looking much happier in her new club; he had seen hints of sadness in her eyes before, when she was with the kendo club.
Akeno noticed his gaze. "She's fitting in nicely. You did a good job in helping them recruit a member." She smiled.
"Glad I could help someone." Issei replied back, of course, remembering how no one came to help him, until Kenichi came along.
His eyes shifted to Yuuto and sighed.
"You are doing well, Sona. It's to be expected from my rival." Rias gave her praise to the student council president.
"Ufufu~. Rias, you haven't forgotten the promise where the loser has to pay for the udon with all the toppings at Kobashiya, have you?" Sona smirked back.
"Yes, I haven't. It will be my shame if you taste that before me. That's why I will definitely win! Did you know that I have 108 styles of demonic ball?" Rias said with a smirk of her own.
"Demonic ball…?" Issei asked as he looked at Akeno.
"I guess it's a new playing style." Akeno answered.
Issei nodded at the answer, but he wasn't fully convinced, but for now, decided to let it go. 'Maybe it's something that's in one of those sports anime that I didn't feel like watching.'
"I will accept that challenge. I will hit back all the balls that come into my 'Shitori-Zone'." Sona declared.
"That… might get taken out of context." Issei deadpanned, while Akeno giggled but he didn't pay attention to her. "But udon does sound good. Maybe I'll ask kaa‑san to look up a recipe."
"Well, I certainly wouldn't mind trying your udon." Akeno tried teasing, which only backfired against her.
"Senpai, please don't ever say that again to me. Remember, double standard." Issei reminded her.
The teasing was rather annoying to him, he felt like she was only trying to instigate his perversion. He knew that if he acted like this, he would be ostracized like he already was and continued to be deemed as a shitty pervert. It irritated him that she could get a pass being perverted, not just her, but also Aika as well.
If she wanted to act like that, she could do it with her annoying fan club that was in the club, so he would have less trouble in life.
"Oh, right." Akeno nodded, remembering his disdain. "So why are you here? Not to greet me, I assume."
"I actually came to check out the competition, you are my club's opponent in dodgeball." He answered, keeping his attention on the tennis match.
"That's right, I nearly forgot. Say... Issei-kun, would you like to make a bet with me?" Akeno proposed.
"No thanks." He waved her off immediately.
He didn't want to potentially owe any more favors than he already did to his club members.
"Why not? It could be fun, you're not scared, are you?" Her teasing came again.
However, this time, it wasn't to instigate his perversion, but rather to stroke his ego. From what she knew about men, she figured that she target their egos as a means to get them to submit to what she wanted. Of course, that would have worked on the previous Issei, but the one that was being trained under Mitsurugi was a different factor.
"Actually, I am." His answer surprised her as he continued. "And bets aren't really my thing."
"Why's that?" Akeno raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Shidou." He said simply.
"Your childhood friend?" She asked.
"Uh huh." Issei sighed. "We'd always compete in the games we played. Sometimes it would be who gets to decide what we eat for lunch or dessert, I lost many slices of cheesecake."
A somewhat depressive aura fell around Issei as he remembered all those cheesecake slices that could have been his. If Akeno understood the meaning of his words, she would have known that he revealed to her his favorite dessert.
Akeno laughed. "Ara~ ara~, I never knew." So she proposed something else. "We can bet on something else other than food."
"No, bets only benefit one party, not all sides. It would become infuriating for one side or the losing sides, and the bets would continue on." Issei shook his head. "I'm already losing to Shidou, so I cannot enter a bet with you until I even the score with him first."
Akeno pouted. "If you say, I thought this bet would benefit both of us."
"How..."
He was about to ask what she could offer that would benefit the both of them in a bet. Since in his eyes, if he won said bet, he would be harassed by her fan club of guys and girls. If he lost said bet, he would be mocked by said fan club. Dealing with Akeno was a lose-lose situation for him, but he could only get a word out until he was interrupted.
"There you are!" Renka called out, she appeared on Issei's left, hands on her hips. "I was wondering where you went. Talking with the enemy, I see."
"Sorry, Renka‑senpai." He apologized. "We were just chatting, she was going to wager something."
"Oh? What?" Renka turned her attention to Akeno, eyeing her up and down.
"I don't know." Issei shrugged as he asked, "Akeno‑senpai, how would it benefit both of us?"
"Well, our clubs would get to be much closer for a start." Akeno answered.
"Um, okay? But I don't see how that would help, you guys study the supernatural, we train in martial arts, unless you guys find some supernatural martial arts style, I don't think we would be close." Issei nodded toward Takeshi and Koneko, who were now looking in their direction. "Besides, your comrades over there don't like me, remember?"
Akeno sighed. "I suppose you're right, even though they did like your cooking, maybe they could sit down and..."
"They'll never do that, senpai." Issei interrupted. "The majority of this school won't do that, so they will never know the other side of me or who I am on a deeper level, only what they see on the surface."
He hoped that his response would get her to understand his point of view on his situation here at school.
Akeno's eyes dimmed. "Yeah…" She understood his position, but a part of her felt that he was being a little hypocritical.
Renka tugged his sleeve. "Well, we have to go."
"You can go, Renka-senpai." Issei said. "I'd like to say hi to Ayatsuji-senpai first. I owe her an apology as I have yet to show up to her family dojo, when I said I would so I could train. Did you know that her father was called the Last Samurai? That's a cool nickname!"
Both third years could see him light up, when he mentioned Ayase's father's nickname. They already knew that he liked it better than his own.
"Yeah, I guess it is." Renka sighed, she wasn't going to argue further with Issei because he was stubborn like her. "Fine. Just be careful, alright?" She cupped his face gently.
The contact made Issei blush and his heart was beating faster.
Akeno blinked. 'Is she going to kiss him?'
She did not know that Issei was wondering the same thing, but he was more in denial because he believed that Renka liked Kenichi.
"I will." Issei answered as his heart calmed down and he turned to Akeno. "See you at dodgeball, Akeno‑senpai."
"See you then." Akeno waved as she watched him walk away.
She then turned her attention to Renka, who was already eyeing her down. Violet eyes locked with deep purple ones, neither one of them said anything to each other. Eventually, Renka turned her heel and walked away.
Akeno's eyes drifted down Renka's figure. 'I definitely have her beat in bust size, but our curves are essentially the same and she has a more toned lower body. Issei-kun did say that he didn't mind legs, hmm, maybe it's her butt.' She glanced at her own. 'I'll have to do more training there. I guess there may be some truth to those rumors about her and Issei-kun. But then again, they are being spread by his former friends, so maybe not. Regardless, given how he looked at her, she is the one that Issei-kun seems to like. I wonder if she knows that or is she just using him for her own amusement. Maybe the cupping of his cheek was just a ploy.'
She chuckled to herself and walked back to her club.
Meanwhile, Issei made it to the student council side, where Genshirou was the first to spot him.
"Hey, Hyoudou." Genshirou called out.
"Hello, Saji, how was your date?" Issei waved.
Genshirou smiled at Momo. "I think we had a great time."
"Thank you for directing us to that shop. How did you find it?" Momo asked.
"I told you, I'm an otaku." Issei shrugged. "Despite my perversion, I still love anime and went seeking for artwork. I stumbled upon that place, but I didn't have the money, which I am thankful for my job."
"A job does help one learn about responsibility." Momo nodded in understanding.
Issei nodded. "Yeah." He then turned to Ayase. "Oh, Ayatsuji-senpai, I'm sorry that I haven't stopped by your family dojo."
"Oh, it's fine, you're always welcome to stop by. But you and…" Ayase nodded towards the ORC's side. "Kiba-san. Did something happen between you two?"
"Yeah, after he visited your place, he's been like that." Tsubasa pointed out.
They watched Issei's fist clench.
Issei exhaled slowly. "Some words were said… and I hope I can prove him wrong, but lately, I've been thinking that he may be right."
Reya turned toward him, concern was in her eyes. "What did he say?"
Issei looked at his clenched fist. "He talked about me not being able to protect everyone, now I will fight for my friends, hell, I fought for those two bastards against my parents, but… that was my one regret."
The student council members listened quietly.
"My parents told me that they were a bad influence on me and I didn't listen because I believed they were my friends, but they weren't. What friend uses another as a meat shield? Or spread rumors about someone without any truth?" His voice hardened. "A real friend wouldn't do that, I found my friends in the MMA club, who helped guide me from that path of depravity and look at the other interests that I've had, which I told you two at the shop"
He glanced at Genshirou and Momo. "I'm a fucking soldier, it's in my damn last name, and to be told that I will not be able to protect my friends and fight for them, that's a stab at who I am and I can't have that." A cold aura radiated off him. "I want to help Kiba. At the same time, I want to be his friend and help him out, but he threatened my childhood friend and his family. I cannot stand for that, but I will try to help him if I can, but I will still defend Shidou. You're not going to talk shit about my friends and get away with it."
That last sentence sent a small chill down the student council members' spine, especially with his cold stare when he said it. Tsubaki, who had been listening in, while watching the tennis match, also felt a slight chill. For Genshirou, who watched the tournament and saw Issei get pissed at those guys, he knew that Issei was a man of his word.
Genshirou raised both hands. "We get it, we get it. No need to glare at us." He didn't want to be on the other side of one of Issei's punches again.
Issei relaxed slightly, giving a nod. He knew that they could see his stance on his friends and they did wonder that maybe he could be a viable teammate for them.
A loud CRASH echoed from the tennis court.
They all looked at the tennis court, they had almost forgotten that the tennis match was still going on. It certainly had been going on for a while as both Rias' and Sona's rackets broke. As a result, both were rewarded with first place in this round of the tournament.
"Looks like they're done." Issei said. "I have to go get ready, later, and I will try to make it to the dojo, Ayatsuji-senpai" He jogged off to go find his club.
Tsubasa exhaled. "Well… that was something."
"Yeah. Wait... what other interests does he have?" Ruruko asked.
Genshirou smiled. "You know those Dragon Ball volumes that I gave to Gengo?"
"Yeah?" Ruruko had a feeling where this was going.
"They came from Hyoudou." Genshirou said.
"What'd he ask for in return?" Ruruko asked.
Momo shook her head. "Nothing. When we stopped by where he worked, he just asked if Gengo was enjoying them, saying that he was happy to help out another fan."
"But I did give him something. He didn't ask for it, but I still gave it away." Genshirou shrugged.
"What?" Tsubasa looked at her fellow council member.
"I gave him a copy of my key to the roof." He answered.
"WHAT!?" The other student council members exclaimed.
Tsubaki nearly dropped her clipboard. "How could you do such a thing!?" She said as she marched over to them.
"I don't know, it just felt right. The dude felt at peace up there. If I get punished, so be it." Genshirou answered.
It was a little surprising to the other student council members to see Genshirou rebel in a way against Sona's orders.
Tsubaki sighed. "Very well, I won't say anything. But only because that action may lead to him trusting us and we may be able to recruit him."
Tsubasa grinned. "Huh. Who knew you could be cool, Tsubaki‑senpai?"
The others giggled.
"I can be cool!" Tsubaki claimed, but she did have a blush as her serious facade cracked.
"We know, senpai~." Ruruko teased as they all snickered again.
Tsubaki pouted as she was more of a stickler to the rules like Sona was, so they never really saw her as cool, so to speak. However, she had a small amount of hope that Issei could help her crush. She just didn't know that Yuuto had interest in her as well, the only ones that did were Issei and Akeno.
The biggest upside to recruiting Issei would be amplifying their offensive power. It would include him and his sword skills, Genshirou, Ayase, and herself with her naginata skills. However, her priorities were not only Yuuto, but also Yuuma, who could be killed, if she gets discovered.
In the gymnasium, Issei had met up with his club and they were stretching to prepare for the dodgeball match. It seemed that a crowd was forming to watch this match.
"You guys got some fans to watch this match." Ukita said as he looked at the crowd.
He wasn't participating in the match because he was too big of a target, so he could easily be taken out.
"Yeah, so what do we got?" Ikki asked.
Kenichi read from the roster. "Well, let's see the ORC has Yuuto Kiba, Asia Argento, Takeshi Muzai, Koneko Toujou, Akeno Himejima, and Rias Gremory. That's two guys and four girls."
Renka crossed her arms. "So are we playing fair? We only have three girls, unless you want to include Shigure, but anything in her hands is a weapon, she might kill someone."
Issei gulped, becoming nervous at the mention of Shigure.
Kenichi grinned. "I had a plan about that."
"You do?" Raichi looked at him quizzically.
"Yep! It's me!" Miu appeared wearing the MMA headband.
"Is that allowed?" Kisara asked, wondering if they were breaking any rules.
Of course, she really didn't care, she wanted to win as much as anyone in the club and frankly, didn't mind putting down the most popular club in the school.
"She might as well be a temporary member, since she also hangs out with us." Kenichi said.
"Plus my gymnastics club is aware, since they know I already date Kenichi, and I skip some days to hang out with you guys, so they assume that I am part of your club." Miu added on.
"There's also no rule about helping out other clubs." Kenichi smirked.
Even if they won and someone wanted to put an asterisk to their win, he could prove that Miu was listed as a club member anyways. He already knew the reason why Miu chose to not be a full time member as she wanted her own peace away from martial arts, which was gymnastics.
Ikki nodded. "So which guys are going out there?"
"You already know I'm not." Ukita backed out. "Too big a target."
"Which would leave Kenichi, Ikki, Issei, and myself." Mizunuma said.
Ikki frowned. "Are you good with that, Kenichi? I mean you never would raise your hand against a girl."
"But he could play defense like catching the balls, plus he did come up with our strategy in the baseball game." Issei suggested going in defense of his older brother figure.
"Fair enough, then you should be out there with him." Ikki told his junior.
"Me?" Issei asked in shock of why he should be nominated.
"Yeah, you can work well with either Raichi or Renka." Mizunuma noted, since Renka spends time with Issei to train him and Raichi eats lunch with him.
"That is true, we are best friends after all." Raichi nodded in approval and offered Issei a fist bump.
"He'd also work well with Kisara, since he trains with her in the mornings." Ukita said in agreement.
"I also train with Ikki-senpai, wouldn't he work?" Issei offered, unsure if it would be wise for him to be out there.
"Maybe." Miu nodded in understanding, which made Issei sigh, until she continued. "But he doesn't work well with me, since I train with Kenichi and Renka does as well, sometimes."
"And I have trained with you a little, Issei. You have some similarities to Renka, which helps." Kenichi said.
"So it helps us be interchangeable, I can swap back on defense with Kenichi, catching balls or using a ball to block incoming ones." Renka noted.
"But I don't work well with Miu-senpai, we've never trained with each other." Issei deflected in the hopes that he could sit this one out.
"You'd be amazed at how adaptable I am." Miu smiled.
"Hate to say it, but she's right." Kisara told him.
Issei sighed. "I guess I'll be the meat shield."
"What do you mean?" Kenichi asked, but he had a feeling of what he was implying.
"You'll see." Issei's shoulders slumped.
It was not a surprise to the MMA club members that Issei had an inferiority complex and never felt that he was good enough. They knew the reasons for his singing, but overall, his boisterous claims of being harem king covered up his person well. It was always the question that irked in the back of his mind on him being good enough, it still haunts him to this day. His encounters with Makoto and Taichi also reinforced the question.
Raichi pointed. "Why is she wearing bloomers?"
They looked over to see Asia was wearing bloomers, she seemed embarrassed as her face was red. Looking over, Issei could see the glint in Aika's eyes as she snickered watching Asia try to impress Takeshi.
Issei pointed at Aika. "There's your answer."
"What about her?" Kisara was confused.
"Aika's perverted, too, she's like the opposite of Motohama. If he could determine the three sizes of a girl from his glasses, Aika can determine a dude's dick size with her own. She's likely teaching Asia things, well, perverted things to get Takeshi to like her." Issei answered.
Renka snorted. "Seems like he has the hots for the redhead, though." She remembered seeing Takeshi and Rias walk to school arm in arm.
"I wouldn't be so sure. I had seen him on a date with Asia, when apparently, he was still with Yuuma." Issei said.
"So he's a player?" Raichi asked.
"Maybe, maybe not, they could have agreed to be with him, thus be his harem, but he's not paying attention to her as much." Issei shrugged. "I think she's trying too hard and should just be herself, not someone else because that is a little shallow if she is copying someone else to get his attention."
Miu nodded. "That makes... sense."
It's kind of surprising to them that he would say that, since he wasn't fully himself as there was more to him than just his perversion. At the same time, they could see that he wasn't judgmental of Takeshi, if he had a harem and that was showing he was being more mature. They wouldn't be surprised if his inferiority complex also affected his mind as Takeshi was gifted in terms of looks, compared to Issei.
Ukita stretched. "Well, we're going to head to the stands where Kaname and Shigure are." He gave Kisara a hug before heading off.
"Good luck to you guys." Ikki gave them all fist bumps before he departed.
"Go win it!" Mizunuma cheered them on.
"You betcha!" Raichi gave Mizunuma a high five.
Kenichi clapped his hands. "Rules are simple, you can only be knocked out if the ball hits you. You can catch it, but that won't eliminate the other player. You can get a ball knocked out of your hands, but if it doesn't touch you, you're good."
The team nodded.
The crowd roared as the ORC entered the gym. Various students were cheering them on, since it was the club that was composed of the most popular students.
The match was about to begin.
Issei raised his hand. "Should we try to target one person at a time, thus giving them no chance of defense?"
Miu nodded in agreement. "That's a good strategy, focus firing on someone."
Kenichi nodded thoughtfully. "The downside is using all of our ammunition on one person."
Issei shook his head. "Not quite, since there are six balls and we are able to get three, there can be two that fire. However, we should not show that we are focus firing on one person. Thus the other person should feint on someone else but actually fire at the person that the first person is aiming for. So in case the target is beginning to dodge the first ball..."
Kenichi snapped his fingers. "They won't be able to dodge the second one."
Kisara grinned. "Nice, but who should the attackers be?"
Issei pointed at each one of them. "Well, it would be all of us. Though, Kenichi-senpai, I think with how you were able to call out when we should go from base to base in baseball. You should be able to call out on when someone is gunning for one of us. I can be on the front lines as I'll be an easy target."
Raichi blinked. "Why?"
Issei simply pointed at the crowd.
"Aim for Hyoudou!" A male student shouted.
"Yeah! Aim for him!" A female student cried in agreement.
More voices joined in.
Issei shrugged. "See? They'll be incited to go for me, especially Takeshi."
The MMA club collectively sweatdropped as they felt like they could hear the students' thoughts, they could feel their evil intentions. As if requesting for head shots on Issei, doing it for the sake of "Rias-oneesama" and "Akeno-oneesama", someone said that they should kill him, so they could be the loli-con in the school.
That made no sense, unless they were calling Raichi a loli, but she wasn't that short to be considered one, unless they were talking about her breast size. The MMA club could see that they were between a rock and a hard place. It did irritate them that several students wanted them to betray Issei and hit him as well.
The MMA club exchanged looks of pity.
'No wonder he hates this school, ever since that incident, he has yet to do anything perverted.' Kenichi thought.
'Even when I vouched for him, still nothing, I get that Rias and Akeno are popular school idols, but we could get hate for hitting them. I know females would get pissed if Kiba-san gets hit, same with Muzai-san.' Miu expressed her thoughts.
'Koneko's the loli, but as the school mascot we would feel bad about hitting her and Asia is supposedly the number one beautiful girl in the second year.' Raichi thought as she processed on who would need to be targeted.
'Damn, little bro… no wonder you took that suspension. How do you put up with this?' Kisara thought as she looked at Issei.
It also irked her that they couldn't have met years ago, then she would have taken him under her wing and he would have never met Matsuda and Motohama. As a result, she also wouldn't have needed Taichi in their group and wouldn't have had to deal with his betrayal down the line either. Of course, she knew that there were other factors that led Issei down his perverted path, but she could have mitigated some, if not, most if the two of them knew each other earlier in their lives.
In the stands, the student council could hear the jeers of the students towards the former boisterous, perverted brunette that took all in with a stoic expression.
"Man, a person can change, but people are too damn blind to see it, how does he keep it all in?" Genshirou said as he looked around.
Reya tilted her head. "Keep what in?"
Sona adjusted her glasses. "His anger, given his training, Hyoudou-san could probably beat anyone who is jeering at him. His ki is just bubbling on the inside, he walked away from his perversion, but that is all anyone will ever see him for. He will have to do something drastic, maybe we should put out the results of the tournament."
Tsubasa frowned. "It's possible, but the journalism club could omit his name or not give him his credit."
"She's right." Tsubaki agreed.
Sona sighed. "Perhaps, I guess it will only be a matter of time."
"Before what, Kaichou?" Reya asked.
Sona answered. "Before he breaks... after all, he is only human."
Meanwhile Ukita, Kaname, and Ikki were a bit surprised by the jeers, but they could only sigh, even if their own irritation was growing. Part of Ukita wanted to say that Issei had beaten him, but he knew that they wouldn't believe him.
Shigure merely leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, eyes locked on Issei. As if feeling her gaze, Issei turned to look at her. She mouthed two words: It's… okay.
Issei nodded and faced forward again.
Shigure exhaled softly. "He's… fine."
Ukita blinked and looked at their advisor. "What was that?"
"I said my… otouto is fine." Shigure reiterated, calm as ever.
Ikki leaned back."I'm just taking her word for it."
Kaname looked at him in amusement and curiosity. "Why's that?"
"I'd also like to know your reason for saying that." Mizunuma said.
"Because Shigure said so, plus his ki calmed down, I mean it does suck that he gets all this hate, but it's why he has his interests to keep him in check from losing himself. Besides, unlike before, he has us, too." Ikki answered and then pointed at the court. "Look, he's strategizing something with the others, too. He's gotten smarter. We're going to win this." He placed his arm around Kaname.
The group looked at the members of their club that was participating and could see that it was Issei that was doing most of the talking. They could see that Kenichi would say something every now and then. The guys understood that Issei was implementing a strategy that they used in the video games that they began playing together.
Ukita chuckled. "You're always so confident about him."
"I have to be. He's my student. And since no one else will be." Ikki stood, cupped his hands around his mouth, and yelled. "You got this, Ise!"
Ukita joined in. "Yeah, kick their asses!"
Mizunuma stood too. "Win it for the club!"
As the two stood up and yelled their support for their club member, it only made Kaname chuckle at their antics. So she also stood up as well and yelled out something to give Issei a little more incentive.
"Oi, Issei! If you don't win this, kiss those surfing lessons goodbye!"
Issei looked stunned, but he smiled at the challenge and pumped his fist towards them.
"You got it, senpai!" Issei shouted back, accepting the challenge.
Their support did cause some students to look at them quizzically, but they were surprised by who was talking. They knew of Ikki and Ukita, which caused some students to murmur on how he knew them.
"Why are Ikki and Ukita cheering for him?" Some students mumbled as they looked around at each other.
They knew that Ikki and Ukita were popular among the third year boys and they were cheering on the school pervert. It didn't seem right to them, it made them rather confused and it didn't help that the muscled, tanned beauty that was Kaname was also cheering him on. They were confused about the surfing lessons that she mentioned as well.
Sona smiled faintly as the jeers softened. "Hyoudou-san was with the wrong crowd, upon meeting Matsuda and Motohama, whenever that was. You give him the right people and he can be molded and flourish, he just needs the right guidance."
Ayase cupped her hands. "You can do it, Issei!" The other student council members looked at her weirdly and she noticed the stares and answered in a calm manner. "Sorry, I view him as a friend and figured I should lend my support."
Genshirou grinned. "Come on, give us a good show, Hyoudou!" Now the student council members looked at him for an explanation. "What? This is what it's all about, right? Competition."
Tsubaki nodded. "He's right."
Soon, the other members also gave their support for both clubs to give them a good match. The jeers mostly subsided, turning into cheers for a good match. Though a few stubborn voices still targeted Issei.
Of course, despite the cheers, Issei remained focused on speaking his plan to the team and making sure they understood what he was telling them.
"Alright, that's the plan. Any questions?" Issei asked as he looked at each one of them in the huddle.
Kenichi grinned. "Nope. Sounds good to me."
Kisara cracked her knuckles. "Oh yeah, let's show those idiots who they're dealing with."
Miu gave a thumbs‑up. "Yeah!"
Renka pointed at her headband. "You don't mess with the MMA club for a reason."
Raichi did her handshake with Issei. "Let's do it!"
They turned to face the ORC, with all of them having smiles on their faces, feeling confident. Akeno could see the similarities between Kenichi and Issei, but she was more intrigued about Issei and his smile. The more she saw it, she saw a smile that she found herself wanting to protect. She gave a smile back before setting her eyes on Renka, her smile turning to a smirk as did Renka's.
The referee blew the whistle for the match to start and just as Issei predicted, they were able to get three balls. Raichi, Renka, and Kisara were able to get one, while Issei, Miu, and Kenichi hung back.
Based on the jeers of the crowd, they roared for his blood, but Issei ignored them. He already knew that he was a target, so he opted to be the sacrifice. He also knew that Takeshi and Koneko wouldn't pass on the opportunity to aim for him.
'Let them aim for me. That's the plan.' Issei had a subtle nod as he knew it would fall into his plan.
After all, the girls had fans of their own, Raichi was the former mascot, Renka and Miu could have been considered other Onee-samas behind the big 4 in Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki. Kisara was a badass chick that you didn't want to mess with, plus she was another Onee-sama to be considered.
Meanwhile, Kenichi was average, but his popularity grew as not only was he dating Miu, but also his prowess in martial arts. Issei, well, was the Perverted Beast and the rumors by Matsuda and Motohama didn't help his case, but as the saying goes, action speaks louder than words.
As noted before, Takeshi and Koneko had a ball, but so did Rias, she was given one by Takeshi. Those on the MMA club noted that Takeshi seemed a little faster than before. Whatever he did, he did get scolded by Rias, Issei couldn't make out what they were saying, but the others knew that he used his pawn pieces promotion. He saw Takeshi give a nod to Koneko and he kept his eyes on them as the standoff continued.
Issei narrowed his eyes. "3–2!" He called out, when he saw Rias prepare to take aim.
Raichi and Kisara gave a nod as Raichi prepared to throw the ball at Asia, which Takeshi picked up on.
Takeshi reacted instantly. "Asia!"
However, Akeno saw that Kisara was aiming at Rias, so in the process, she dove for Rias.
"Get down!"
By tackling Rias, Akeno messed up Rias' shot, but also saved her from getting eliminated. However, they were still vulnerable as they saw Raichi's ball heading towards them. It got deflected by Koneko, who used her ball as a shield.
"Thanks for the save, you two!" Rias gave her thanks as she brushed herself off.
Akeno smirked. 'So that's how you want to play, Issei-kun, but what do those numbers mean?'
Takeshi threw his ball at Issei, who dodged it, while dodging it, but he also saw Koneko's ball and knew he could not dodge it at the angle that he was at.
BAM!
Koneko's ball went flying back as it was hit by another ball, which was thrown by Renka, who defended Issei. Issei gave her a thumbs up and got up quickly.
Something he noticed was that Yuuto was still lost in thought as he had not moved since the start of the match. He stood there, vacant, as if the world around him had gone silent. Now the tides shifted as both sides had three balls, however, the one that Rias tried to throw was in no man's land in the middle, but more on the MMA side. Another ball was near Yuuto's foot, but he didn't go for it.
Raichi had the ball that Takeshi had thrown, while Koneko had retrieved the ball she had thrown. Takeshi had the ball that Kisara had thrown, which was recovered by Asia.
Issei scanned the field and saw that he couldn't go for Rias, who had Akeno hovered protectively near her. It was the same with Asia, who was protected by Takeshi. He wondered if Yuuto was protected by Koneko, so he decided to test out the theory. Only one way to find out.
Issei inhaled. "Four low—five, five—six!"
Kisara's eyes sharpened. "On it!"
She sprinted for the ball in no man's land. Koneko's attention snapped toward her. Raichi, already reading the play, aimed to hurl her ball straight at Yuuto, which Takeshi noticed.
"Kiba!" Takeshi called out and went to help his male teammate.
However, Renka threw the ball at Takeshi's ankle, tripping him, however, the ball hit the ground first, so he wasn't eliminated. However, for Yuuto…
Thud.
He was eliminated as the ball that Raichi threw struck him cleanly in the side. It seemed to snap him out of whatever he was thinking about.
Yuuto blinked, as if waking from a dream. "Ah… Takeshi‑kun?" He looked down to see that Takeshi had fallen in front of him.
"Don't 'Takeshi‑kun' me! You got eliminated!" Takeshi told him in frustration, since they were down a man.
"Oh. I see." Yuuto nodded.
On the MMA side, they briefly celebrated their small victory, however, there was one small detail. While Kisara did get Koneko's attention, she did not throw her ball. So as a result, Koneko turned, eyes narrowing and utilized her rook strength.
WHOOSH—BAM!
Her ball rocketed straight into Issei's crotch.
"AGHHHH!"
He flew backward, slammed into the wall, and crumpled.
"ISE!/ISSEI!" His club members cried out.
Many male students, even if they didn't like Issei. Despite being similar to him, they clutched their own balls and winced.
Kisara's eyes went blood‑red. "You bitch!"
She retrieved the ball in no man's land and kicked it at Koneko.
Knowing that Koneko was a devil, Kisara utilized ki into her kick, making it much faster. Koneko didn't have time to block as she was blasted in the head by the ball.
BAM!
At the same time, she got hit by a ball that Renka threw with ki. This double impact got Koneko knocked out of the game, while Kisara and Renka gave a fierce thumbs up to each other.
"Kisara, look out!" Kenichi called out.
Kisara turned back to dodge one ball, but was not able to dodge the other as she got eliminated. She was the first one on their side to be eliminated as it turns out, since to the others' surprise, Issei wasn't out. Issei, still on the ground, managed to catch the ball that possibly destroyed his lineage, if his hands didn't cushion the blow somewhat. He flashed Miu a "3" with his fingers and gave her the ball, which she quickly threw at Rias and Akeno, at least that it was they thought.
Miu's throw had so much spin to it that it curved around Rias and Akeno, which surprised them, and smacked Asia square in the back.
"Ah!" Asia screamed from the impact of the hit as it made her fall forward.
"Asia!" Rias and Akeno exclaimed, seeing her fall.
"Damn it! Akeno! Buchou! Look out!" Takeshi cried out to them.
The two turned back to see Raichi had recovered the balls that they had thrown at Kisara and threw them at the two Onee-samas. However, to many surprise, Akeno reacted instantly and executed a graceful backflip, catching one ball mid‑air. Rias wasn't so lucky as the other ball struck her in the stomach. She was impressed by Akeno showing off her new athleticism that she gained while training for the rating game against Riser.
"Buchou!" Takeshi called out to her, seeing that she had been eliminated.
Takeshi was enraged by his teammates dropping and went to throw the ball at Raichi, since she eliminated Rias. However, his ball got ricocheted by a ball that Renka threw. Kenichi threw his ball at Takeshi, since his focus was Raichi. While Takeshi got eliminated by Kenichi, Akeno seized her opening and her spin‑throw cut through the air.
"Gah!" Issei yelled out as it slammed into his shoulder.
Akeno giggled. "Ara~ ara~, I guess you were right about not taking that bet, Issei-kun."
The crowd cheered as Issei was eliminated, while the MMA side gritted their teeth. For Issei, he felt a shiver down his spine as Akeno looked at him like he was prey, but at the same time, she looked like a dark angel to him. She was holding a ball in each hand, approached the center line, two balls in hand, with a smile that was dark and sweet. A smile that reminded Issei of Yuuma as Akeno casually tossed one ball in her hand.
"I should have known you were the mastermind." She stared Issei down as he limped off the court.
"Huh?" Issei was confused, but the look in Akeno's eyes showed that she figured him out.
"You were calling the shots, your first command was the number 'three' and then 'two'. Based on how we were standing, Asia was three and Rias was two, correct?" She explained, while Issei grit his teeth, but Akeno continued, voice playful. "You then said 'four low', the four was for Takeshi and he was hit in the ankle. Koneko-chan was number five, you said her number twice to make sure that she had a lock on whoever, which was Kisara, wasn't it?"
Issei continued to say nothing as he knew that Akeno had figured it all out, though she was a little mad that she didn't figure it out sooner.
She leaned forward. "Six was obviously Yuuto, since he was on the other end, which means… that I'm number one, that's awfully nice of you. A pity that you never called my number."
Issei had to deadpan that she was upset about that, the others had to sweatdrop about that as well. He gave a silent count on her number, hence why Raichi aimed at her and Rias. However, Issei wasn't going to tell her that or confirm that what she had mostly said was true.
"However…" Akeno began to say, but then she suddenly threw a ball at Miu.
Miu dodged effortlessly, but the throw also forced Renka to move out of the way as Miu dodged in her direction.
"Hey! Watch it!" Renka warned her blonde teammate.
Akeno smirked as that was just the diversion that she needed to strike down Raichi, who was distracted from the first throw. Her second ball shot out and Raichi, mid‑movement, didn't see it coming.
"Eh—?" Raichi was surprised that she let herself get distracted.
Kenichi was as well, so he also forgot that Akeno had a second ball to throw. He was distracted by Raichi's elimination, and didn't see the follow‑up either. Renka threw a ball back at Akeno, who dodged with a tilt of her head and then jumped to the side to avoid Miu's throw.
Raichi pouted about being eliminated, but accepted her fate and shrugged it off as she went to the side. Now all that remained was Kenichi, Renka, and Miu for the MMA club, but only Akeno remained for the ORC. Renka and Miu knew that it was essentially 2 on 1 as Kenichi would not throw a ball at Akeno or any girl.
Renka stepped forward. "Miu, stand back."
"Huh? But we can take her together." Miu questioned her supposed rival's instructions.
"I know. But this feels… personal between me and her." Renka answered as she stared down Akeno, who was staring right back.
Kenichi blinked. "How so?"
"I don't know... it just feels like it. Just let me have this." Renka answered as she never took her eyes off Akeno.
Miu nodded. "Alright, if you say so." She moved back, next to Kenichi.
The crowd cheered at the prospect of the two beautiful girls going at it. Of course, there were more cheers for Akeno as she was ranked higher than Renka. Issei felt a change on the field as he took an ice pack from Raichi for his crotch.
Takeshi, Rias, and Asia cheered for Akeno, but the odds were against her, if Miu or Kenichi interfered. However, Miu and Kenichi were more about honor and would respect Renka's wish.
Akeno licked her fingers. "This should be fun." The seductive action of her licking her fingers only made her fanboys cheer louder.
Issei sighed with a deadpan expression. 'Double standard strikes again… I wouldn't be surprised if some of them got a boner. I probably might have, too, if my balls weren't aching and not like Renka.'
Renka smirked."You're right about that. Let's go!"
They threw simultaneously, which caused the balls to collide in mid-air.
BAM!
As the collision struck throughout the gym, neither Akeno nor Renka paused. As they threw another ball at each other, which led to each one of them dodging. The two continued to recycle the balls that they threw at each other, some strikes made Kenichi and Miu have to dodge, so they didn't get eliminated. There were several other collisions between the balls as the crowd was enamored between the fast paced throws.
Koneko watched from the sidelines, rubbing her bruised head. She didn’t think that she would invoke their anger, but she did not think it was Issei that came up with the plan on how to target them. She did look over at the MMA side and realized something.
'So they all use ki… and Ero-senpai came up with the plan?' She thought.
It did make her curious on how far he could go, he was smarter than she had given him credit for.
Rias folded her arms, impressed as she had also noticed the ki in the strikes of the MMA club, she already knew that they were capable fighters after watching the tournament that they had.
'Numbering the targets… clever. And using decoys… I'm quite surprised, Hyoudou-san. You're certainly different from how you were earlier. I wonder where you learned that tactic.' Rias thought.
She had to give her props to the brunette, since he developed the targeting system by listing them as numbers. So by not saying their names, they wouldn't know who the MMA club was targeting and they would utilize one person as the decoy, while another was the shooter. She could see how it worked as Akeno defended her, while Takeshi defended Asia. She thought she wouldn't have to worry about Yuuto or Koneko, but she was wrong about her knight.
Akeno and Renka kept dueling it out and Rias was impressed by her queen's athletic ability. Neither of the two seemed to be getting tired, but sadly, something had to give as the two made another throw at each other.
While the balls looked like they were on another collision course with each other, they skimmed past each other. Renka's eyes widened slightly in shock as she thought that they would collide like she aimed for it to.
THUD.
Instead, the two balls had their trajectory changed, thus both girls got hit in the shoulder, resulting in a double elimination.
Both girls sank to their knees upon realization of what just happened. Akeno was disappointed because she had lost for her club and for being defeated. It was the same feeling for Renka, who was frustrated because she miscalculated and messed up on her shot.
But Kenichi and Miu rushed forward, pulling Renka into a celebratory hug, thus her sadness was short-lived.
"You won it for us, Renka." Kenichi said.
"Way to go!" Miu exclaimed.
"Alright!" Kisara was pumped up for their victory.
"We did it!" Raichi jumped up.
The MMA club erupted in victory.
"We won! Ah! Still tender…" Issei tried to cheer, but winced as he adjusted the ice pack on his lap.
Raichi burst into laughter beside him. "What'd you expect by taking a shot to the family jewels!"
Ikki had come down from the stands and slapped him on the back. "Way to go, guys!"
"Good job!" Mizunuma congratulated them.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Ukita picked up Kisara for a hug.
Kaname crossed her arms, smiling faintly. 'Not bad, kid. That strategy was all you.'
Shigure simply clapped, while Tōchūmaru cheered from her bosom as he couldn't stay on her head. As it would have freaked some of the other students out that there was a lady with a mouse on her head.
Both clubs gathered at center court for the handshake.
Akeno took Renka's hand with a teasing smile. "If you don't ever want him, we'll take him."
"I think he's happy where he is." Renka countered.
Rias shook Kenichi's hand. "Congratulations."
"You too." Kenichi responded as the two club presidents shook hands.
Kenichi noted that there was a little sadness in her eyes, which he believed that she must have been overconfident because they were devils. That was a factor but also because of her victory to Riser, she took the competition more confidently.
They just faced the wrong club in this tournament. If it was any other club, they likely would have let the ORC club walk over them because of their popular status of housing two Onee-samas, the princes, the mascot, and the angel.
But the MMA club didn't care about popularity, considering that Issei called to target Rias first, and just wanted to win. It didn't matter who was in front of them.
Koneko stepped up to Issei. "Not bad."
"Than—"
"For a pervert." Takeshi muttered it low, just for Issei.
Takeshi was remembering when he had lost his boxing spars against his father and how he treated him after. Since then, Takeshi vowed to never lose and even in the past, he was a sore loser because of the training that he did with his father. So he figured that he might as well, get the last laugh and insult his opponent to make them lash out, but to his surprise…
"Yeah, sure." Issei sighed.
He moved on without reacting. Even Koneko was surprised by his lack of reaction, but thanks to her devil hearing, she did hear what Takeshi said. She was aware of this side of Takeshi, when they trained together, so she wasn't surprised by this as he was never about losing.
Kisara extended her hand to Takeshi. "Let's do it again sometime."
"Whatever." He didn't shake her hand as he was incensed about winning and they failed.
He wanted his club to go undefeated, but that would no longer be the case.
"Sore loser." Kisara grunted in annoyance.
Despite the insult, Issei approached him anyway.
"Congratulations, Muzai‑san."
"Shut up, I highly doubt that someone like you came up with a strategy like that.." Takeshi said.
Even though Issei meant no ill will and Takeshi wasn't thinking straight because he was still lost on the thought of losing. While he was still in this thought, he felt that Issei was mocking him since he, the 'dark prince', lost to the Perverted Beast.
"Well, I..." Issei wanted to say he took inspiration from Kenichi's baseball plan.
"Just shut up." Takeshi slapped Issei's hand away. "Stupid pervert. Just get out of here!"
"Hey!" Renka called out, but Kenichi held her back.
Rias frowned. "Takeshi, that was uncalled for."
Even Koneko nodded.
Takeshi sneered, but hearing Rias' voice snapped him from his dark thoughts about losing once again. Initially, Takeshi felt that it was okay and that Koneko would agree with him, but Koneko gave respect when it's due. Unfortunately, Takeshi's sneer had brought back some of the jeers from the other students and reignited them against Issei. Takeshi was horrified by how he acted and he was now hearing the insults that rained down on someone because of his actions.
"Sorry, Hyoudou‑san…" Asia tried to apologize.
"It's fine. It's… fine."
They were all surprised as Issei turned on his expressionless face and just turned to leave the gym, while students mocked him. Sona just sighed as this was a regression from what had just transpired. They didn't know that Issei understood Takeshi's aggression towards him as Issei, himself, didn't like to lose.
Sona sighed. "A regression… after all that progress." Seeing how the crowd turned back to how they were before the match started.
"Asia, please go with Takeshi to the club." Rias ordered, she didn't want the MMA club to start attacking her pawn.
While Takeshi was physically capable, she highly doubted that he could take them all on, especially knowing that they could use ki.
"But…" Takeshi tried to plead his case.
He didn't fully mean to lash out against Issei, but his anger didn't allow him to see clearly and Issei had already left, so he could not apologize. In addition, he was berated by Ddraig about his anger getting the best of him, but he did understand. Unfortunately, it brought down the jeers on Issei, while he might have deserved them for his past transgressions. He hadn't done anything perverted in a long while.
Thanks to those rumors spread and his past reputation didn't help, so everyone still only saw the pervert. Considering that Takeshi was popular, they would follow his word, so when he lashed out, it gave everyone else the okay to further bully and insult Issei. It is as Sona had said, only so much that a person can take and Issei no longer had his perversion as a shield.
"Let's go." Koneko grabbed Takeshi, while he was in shock, and dragged him out to another exit of the gym with Asia following.
"Sorry about that." Rias bowed for her pawn's behavior.
"It's fine, no one likes to lose. He's just competitive." Kenichi said. "I think Issei understands that as well."
"Hopefully, this doesn't affect either one of our clubs." Akeno hoped.
"Tell your guy to smarten up. Seriously, we got Issei to change." Kisara scoffed. "But I guess because when you have good looks, you think you can do whatever you want."
Since she saw Issei as her family, an insult against him is an insult against her, so others would need to start treading lightly, as Kisara had a short fuse.
"Thanks for the fun match, though." Raichi told the ORC.
"Yeah." Miu nodded.
"If I may ask, why do you have matching headbands?" Rias asked.
"Ise made them for us, wanted for us to show unity." Renka informed her.
"Yeah." Kenichi nodded in agreement.
"I see, I guess we needed that type of mindset." Rias said, but she was proud that Issei had experienced some growth from his perverted ways with his peeping.
Of course, she knew that she wasn't part of his growth, but nonetheless, she was fascinated to see human growth.
Meanwhile Issei had walked out of the gym and in the process, he encountered Yuuto, who was there.
"You were right." Issei told him.
Yuuto blinked. "Hm? Oh… it's you. Can't handle the jeering?" He snorted.
Upon seeing Issei, he had reverted back to how he was, when they had faced each other in Issei's room. He expected that Issei would react the same way that he did, when Yuuto called out wanting to take out church members for his revenge. However, just like those in the gym, Issei's reaction surprised him as well.
"No, I guess not." Issei chuckled sadly. "I used my perversion as a shield. To protect myself from the insults."
Yuuto narrowed his eyes. "And?"
Issei looked him dead in the eyes. "You said that I couldn't protect everyone and you're right because how can I protect anyone… if I can't even protect myself."
A single tear slid down his cheek.
It made Yuuto's eyes widen as he didn't realize how hard his words struck Issei that day. He had been so consumed with himself and his revenge, but he never thought about those around him.
By the time he came to, he realized that Issei had left, leaving him alone again. He wondered where the brunette went, he could only sigh not seeing the visage of Issei around.
Yuuto stood alone in the hallway. 'Where did he go…?' He began to question if he had hallucinated Issei's appearance.
He couldn't think much on the matter as Rias and Akeno exited the gym.
"Yuuto, when you're showered, come meet at the club, we need to talk." Rias instructed as she had expressed her disappointment in him.
"Hai, Buchou." Yuuto bowed as the Gremory king and queen walked past him.
Akeno paused beside him. "He still wants to be your friend, you know." She felt that Issei did want to be his friend, and help make up for all the friends that Yuuto had lost.
Yuuto stiffened at those parting words. 'Maybe… Sorry, Issei. But I have to do what I have to do.'
He turned and walked toward the showers to think about his plan, before meeting with the others at the club.