Chapter 17

The art room was quiet in a way the rest of Kuoh Academy never was. Dusty sunlight filtered through tall windows, catching drifting motes in the air. In the far corner, behind shelves of half‑finished projects and forgotten canvases, Hyoudou Issei sat alone, molding clay with slow, deliberate movements.

It wasn't a place most students visited. Actually… it wasn't a place anyone visited. Well, one person might. But Issei doubted they'd come looking for him today.

He pressed his thumbs into the clay, shaping the spiky hair of a familiar hero. His headphones rested around his neck, music humming faintly as he worked. It allowed him to just take a break from the outside world.Full novel: High School DxD: A Fighting Chance — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠

A statue of Goku took form beneath his hands.

Issei stepped back, squinting but was assessing the situation that he was in. "…Man. That kinda sucks," he muttered.

Even now, pervert or not, people still found ways to bully him. He'd used his perversion as a shield for so long that he'd forgotten what it felt like to stand without it. If he'd ever snapped back with a "screw you guys," it would've only made things worse.

He chuckled dryly. "So this is what my parents went through, huh? Man, I'm gonna get old quick."

He returned to sculpting, letting the repetitive motions calm his mind. Somewhere out there, his friends were probably looking for him.

"I wonder what you'd do, Goku…" He shaped the clay hero's jawline. "Probably stay aloof and not let the insults get to you. But then again, you can kick anyone's ass if they tried. I'm not godly like you. I'm just… human. Not a Saiyan."

He sighed, setting Goku aside and grabbing a fresh lump of clay. This time, he began forming Vegeta's sharp features and his phone buzzed, allowing him to see the text notification.

Kenichi: Everything alright?

Issei wiped his hands and began to type out his reply to his senpai.

Issei: No, but I don't want to talk about it.

Kenichi: If you need anything, stop by the dojo.

Issei: Don't worry, I will.

Kenichi: You sure?

Issei: I need to train, senpai.

Kenichi: But you just said you weren't alright.

Issei: I guess you're right.

Kenichi: It's your choice. Remember that.

Issei: Alright.

Issei put the phone down and continued his work on the incomplete statue of Vegeta.

"Depending on the version, you'd probably kill those guys who were jeering at me… like your Majin form." He snorted but a darkness was creeping in his heart. "I wonder if I had a Majin form… Nah. Not my style. I'm not a killer."

He paused as a darker thought flickered. "…But then again..."

He shook his head violently. "No. No, I shouldn't think like that. I gotta remember what Mitsurugi-shishou taught me, what Setsuka-obasan taught me. I know who I am better than anyone. Yeah, I was a pervert, it's part of my genetics or whatever, but I am not the person who they claim I am."

He grumbled to himself about those dark thoughts invading his head and reached for his phone to play a song.

A voice interrupted him. "Oh, Hyoudou‑san, you're still here?"

Issei jolted in surprise from the unannounced call. Hiyashi‑sensei, the art teacher, stepped out of his office that was attached to the art room, wiping his hands on a cloth.

"Ah, sorry, sensei." Issei apologized before finishing up the Vegeta statue.

"No, it's fine." The teacher's eyes drifted to the statues. "My, my… this is impressive work, Hyoudou‑san."

Issei rubbed the back of his neck. "Thank you."

"Why didn't you show this side of yourself before?"

"I was… surrounded by the wrong people, Hiyashi‑sensei."

"I'll say. I suppose you've found better company now?" The art teacher asked.

Issei nodded. "Yeah. You could say that."

"If I may ask..." Hiyashi crouched to inspect the clay figures. "Where did you learn this skill from?"

"I, um, started learning, when I bought Gundam figures to build, when I was young and then translated that to clay."

"I see. Well, keep it up, maybe you can wow your peers with your skills. I hear on Parents' Day, some classes will be able to showcase their skills. However, unlike this clay, there will be some that can dry quickly."

"Oh? I think I have some at home. I needed something to do to heal from my injuries."

"Ah, the martial arts tournament, right? A couple of students were talking about it, you had mentioned it to another student. I have yet to see it, how did you do?"

Issei exhaled. "I lost."

"Last place?" The art teacher wasn't sure about Issei's prowess in martial arts and only deduced his placement based on Issei's reaction.

"No." Issei shook his head. "I made a promise to my seniors that I would never rank last, but thanks to technicalities… I won my pool."

"That's good, then."

"Not really for me. I could've done better. I let my emotions get the best of me. My opponent mocked my friends… and here at school, most of the students hate me. Without that 'shield'... my perversion... I don't have anything to protect me."

Hiyashi straightened, smiling gently. "Then perhaps it's time to spread your newfound wings."

"…Newfound wings?"

"Your artistic capabilities. Your other interests. You're more than one thing, Hyoudou‑san."

Issei turned his head to process what was said and then nodded. "Yeah, I like anime and reading manga, training, I do enjoy my job, it's part time, but my bosses are awesome. I like to do video editing and working with computers. I might build my own PC one day. I also like cooking with my kaa-san. She's a great cook, along with my obasan, who moved away when I was young."

"That's wonderful." Hiyashi gathered the statues. "I'll take these to the kiln and you can take them home with you. It'll take several hours, so I guess you can come get them after any club activities."

"Ah, okay." Issei nodded and then he remembered something. "Oh... is it alright if I send someone to come get them if I am not able to?"

"Of course."

Issei bowed slightly. "Thanks, Hiyashi‑sensei. If you don’t mind... I’d like to just clear my head."

The teacher paused at the door. "No worries, Hyoudou-san, and remember this, whatever you're going through, remember that one moment can change the day. One day can change a life, And one life can change the world." He smiled. "Think about that as you think, remember the moment that brought you here and determine how you want that moment to control your day. It will be this day that can change your life, or maybe it can be the next day, who knows."

Then he left with the statues.

Issei sat there pondering on what his sensei had said and realized that it was something that Mitsurugi might say. It made him chuckle as he felt like his master was looking out for him and speaking through other people as a medium, when he was not around.

"Shishou… you really are watching over me, huh?"

He slipped on his headphones and played a song that he felt suited the situation. It was one about scars, survival, and refusing to be defined by the past. He tapped the table in rhythm, drumming along as the chorus swelled.

As the song ramped up, Issei was drumming the table to the guitar riff, just rocking out in his head. He never noticed that someone else had entered the room. Of course, his instincts picked them up late as before he could turn, a warm hand rested gently on his shoulder.

He whipped his headphones to turn to see the smiling face of Yu-Mi. "Yu‑Mi‑nee!"

Yu‑Mi slipped into the seat beside him with the ease of someone who belonged there.

"That was quite a song," she said, crossing one leg over the other.

Issei blinked. "How did you... oh, wait. Elize‑nee told you where I was, huh?"

"Uh‑huh." She tapped his phone with a finger. "If you'd looked at your messages, you'd have seen I was already on my way."

He openep up his phone and sure enough, there were several unread texts from Elize and another from Yu-Mi herself.

Elize: Where are you?

Elize: Yu-Mi's heading to you, I figured that you had to be in the art room after your club captain came by and explained the situation.

Yu‑Mi: Elize told me what happened. Stay where you are. I'll be there shortly.

Issei winced. "Ah… sorry."

"It's alright." Yu‑Mi leaned closer, tapping the faint scar near his left eyebrow. "And you were right about that song. You're not the same Ise who walked into this school year. You've got the scars to prove it. Also, who's the band?"

"Citizen Soldier," he replied. "They're a rock band that writes about mental health. Helps me understand people better and their problems. Hard to find Japanese lyrics, though because they're a western band. And… well, I nearly got messed up and killed in that fight. The guy had weapons."

Yu‑Mi nodded slowly. "And you prevailed. But I guess one guy is different than the majority of a school, huh?"

Issei's shoulders slumped. "Yeah… I was that bad."

"No." She shook her head. "You had the wrong people. Imagine how you would've turned out if you'd stayed close to your childhood friend instead."

"He was a better friend than those two. My baa-chan assured me that Shidou understood my perversion, no thanks to my jii-chan."

"I know. You've told me before." She glanced at the table. "So? What did you make?"

"Hm?" Issei looked at her in confusion.

"You're in the art room. You definitely made something." Yu-Mi pointed out to him.

"Oh, just some statues of Goku and Vegeta."

Yu‑Mi smirked. "You're not planning to give those to Elize, are you? I think you spoiled her with Dragon Ball."

"Didn't I spoil you with Gundam?"

"Touché." She laughed softly. "But it is a compelling story."

Issei grinned. "I'm fascinated with space and robots. I can interest you in some other mecha anime if you like."

"What other ones do you have?"

"Well, I told Akeno‑senpai and Kiba‑san about Neon Genesis Evangelion. Oh! Gurren Lagann is another one to check out. I had gotten into this one called Zoids and it’s not bad but it's an old one. However, I am extremely lucky to get some figures from it. Apparently, the product line was suspended in 2004."

"Wow, really? That's surprising."

"Yeah." Issei nodded. "I'm going to cherish them, they're definitely going to be collector's item. If I find another at the store I went to, I'll get you one and we can both have collector's items of discontinued products."

Yu‑Mi ruffled his hair, making him smile despite himself. "You really do spoil me with mecha." Then her tone softened. "Now… you had a bad day. You saw how the school sees you."

Issei's voice dropped. "…Yeah."

"Then embrace it."

He blinked. "Huh?"

"Embrace the bad day. They may reveal life's deeper meaning. Gratitude turns adversity into opportunity." She explained to him.

Issei groaned. "Argh, now you sound like shishou…"

Yu‑Mi chuckled. "Think, Ise. You embrace these tough times, let the school pour insults unto you, but these tough times will unveil your true strength. You'll thank them, hence the gratitude which will shield you from the adversity, as you turn the obstacle of the student body as an opportunity to showcase your growth."

She tapped the table lightly. "For example, your tournament, sooner or later, they are going to catch wind of what you did to some of your opponents on the internet, I mean you did face a guy that was using weapons. They're going to see that video and the guy that they were saying to 'just die'... well, they'll think twice, when they know that someone may have tried to kill you and you kicked their ass."

Issei's eyes widened. "…Oh."

"So face every challenge head-on with wisdom and gratitude and turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth." She reiterated.

"I guess that makes sense."

"Look at your training for example, you want to be a strong fighter and be there for your friends, correct?"

"That's right!" Issei got pumped up.

"Well, what are your standards that you wish to live by? Look, if you want to be anything great, if you want to be successful and make a difference in this world, then it starts with aligning yourself with the standards that will get you there."

Issei nodded slowly. "So… align myself with who I want to become? My future self?"

"Correct. See? You're a smart kiddo."

"Don't call me that. Elize‑nee already does…"

"Only big sisters can call you 'kiddo.'"

Issei imagined Shigure saying it. 'Hmm, it wouldn't sound right coming out of Shigure-nee's mouth.' He just couldn't feel the familial impact that it had, when it was said by either Elize or Kisara. The emotionless delivery of the nickname from Shigure's mouth, felt flat that it made him shudder. "Yeah… that wouldn't sound right." He mumbled.

Yu‑Mi continued. "Well, going back to what I was saying, be open minded. Be respectful to new things, if it gives you a new insight and changes your beliefs, don't be afraid to take on new perspectives. Something I think some of your classmates need to learn because that is how we grow. After all, isn't that what you did yourself?"

Issei thought about what she said before he answered. "Like when I started praying because Shidou said good things would happen."

"And haven't you had good things happen to you? You got a club, new friends, a training plan, a job, a better bond with your parents…"

"And smart, awesome big sisters!" Issei interjected.

Yu‑Mi smiled warmly and laughed. "Yes, that too. You grew. They’re just afraid to see it because they’re afraid to see the change or look through your perspective."

"Like when I told the ORC to sit down and talk with me." Issei pointed out, not only regarding himself, but also Riser.

"Mhm." Yu-Mi nodded. "That is one way to put it, but they delude themselves with your former self to make themselves feel better about the troubles in their lives, so they remain stagnant."

Issei's eyes widened at that statement.

"What is it?" Yu‑Mi asked.

"That last line… it reminded me of a song that I usually sing to myself."

"Oh? You want to sing it for your nee‑san? Let me hear what you mean and get an idea on the correlation." She rested her cheek on her hand, watching him.

"Sure." Issei nodded.

While he preferred to his singing to himself, he never minded if it was one of his surrogate sisters.

Issei scrolled through his phone to find "I'm Still Here" and began to sing it for Yu-Mi, just like he had done for Genshirou and Ayase on the roof. He started off softly, making sure that his voice was steady, but the lyrics were emotional and honest to what he was feeling. Yu-Mi closed her eyes as despite the private concert from her little brother, she focused on the lyrics.

Unbeknownst to them, the girl that had once accused Issei of taking her underwear, Suzuki Hayashi, was listening in. She had been looking for Issei to apologize but she didn't know where the brunette was. She had stopped when she heard the singing and cracked the door open just enough to peek inside. She was surprised to find him, being the source of said singing, but also with an older brunette woman.

Her eyes widened. '…No way. He can sing too?' She wanted to record it but guilt stopped her, after all, she had wrongly accused him.

Sure, he may peep, but he had never considered taking a girl's underwear. There were certain lines that Issei would and would not cross. So not to provoke his potential anger, she simply listened.

When the song neared its end, she slipped away quietly. Unknown to her, Issei's instincts sensed her as he just saw the door close, so he didn't know who was there. All he knew was that someone was there and they had heard him, he didn't know if they recorded him, but only time will tell.

Yu‑Mi opened her eyes. "I guess you were right. And it's good you have that song to think about."

Issei smiled faintly. "I kinda think of it as my theme song, you know?"

"Not a bad one to have."

"Thanks."

"So what are you going to do after this?" Yu-Mi asked.

"Well, I think I will go find Genshirou in the student council and have him come pick up the statues."

"Huh?" Yu-Mi raised an eyebrow. "Why him?"

"His little brother loves Dragon Ball. I think he'll like them. I've given Genshirou my copies of the manga to give to his brother, so he could read them."

Yu‑Mi raised a brow. "Isn't he one of the ones who…"

"Yeah. But he apologized."

Her smile softened. "I guess some were willing to follow your advice. But I have a feeling, you didn’t ask for anything in return, did you?"

"No." Issei shook his head and proving her point. "Just felt like helping out another fan."

Yu‑Mi placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've got a good heart, Ise. Maybe one day the rest of the school will see it. Maybe the world."

Issei's chest warmed. "Thanks, nee‑san."

Suzuki Hayashi pressed her back against the wall beside the art room door, heart thumping.

'That's his sister!?' Suzuki thought.

The woman beside Issei looked too elegant, too composed, too normal to be related to the boy the school mocked daily. And yet… the way she spoke to him, the way he relaxed around her. It made sense to Suzuki from the conformity between the two surrogate.

Suzuki swallowed. She'd also overheard something else and that something that made her chest tighten. Issei… had done something kind for Genshirou Saji. The same Genshirou, who she'd seen shove Issei around more than once as a means to look cool in front of others.

'He still helped him…? Even after that?' She wondered if she really did have a chance to apologize.

She was lost in her thoughts that she didn’t realize that the door opened until it was too late.

"Do you need something, Hayashi‑san?" Issei asked as he stepped out with Yu‑Mi beside him, both having just finished speaking with Hiyashi‑sensei.

Suzuki jolted. "Oh, um... yeah. I owe you an apology."

Issei blinked. "For?"

"For accusing you right away. I mistook you for your friend. Or… I guess former friend."

Issei's expression didn't change much, but his voice softened. "They were never my friends, it took me a while to realize that, and by while, I mean a long while. About 3 to 4 years of my life was wasted on those two."

Suzuki winced. "I didn't know. Sorry."

"It's fine. Is that all?"

"Uh, yes. No. I mean..." She fumbled with her hands. "There are other people looking for you. And… if I may ask… when did you learn to sing?"

Issei shrugged lightly. "I just sing in the shower like everyone else. And I love singing the Dragon Ball theme." He wasn't going to tell her about the singing lessons, she didn't need to know.

"That anime?" Suzuki raised an eyebrow.

Issei nodded. "Uh‑huh."

"I see…"

Issei's eyes narrowed slightly. "Now I have a question for you. Did you record me singing?"

Suzuki's reaction was immediate. "No! You can check my phone if you want!" She thrust it toward him.

Issei waved it away. "I'll just take your word for it."

Suzuki lowered the phone, cheeks warm. "Well… I am sorry about the whole ordeal, I also had believed that your loner schtick was just a ruse, but clearly it's not. Those comments really got to you, huh?"

Issei looked down. "…Yeah. They did. Something I have to live with."

Yu‑Mi stepped forward, her presence calm but firm. "But he's not his past self. I can assure you of that."

Suzuki nodded quickly. "Right. You're his sister." Now that she had a clearer look at Yu-Mi, she was skeptical as she didn't look Japanese, but was clearly of some Asian descent. "Thank you for talking to him about his behavior. And… Hyoudou‑san… I hope you find real friends someday. Actual ones who can support you."

Issei gave a small bow. "Thanks for that, Hayashi-san, but I must get going."

"Ah, alright. And Hyoudou‑san?"

He paused. "Yeah?"

"Maybe you should sing more. I think it would help your image a little more in school." Suzuki suggested.

Issei shook his head. "No thanks. Everyone has their secrets. I'd like to keep this one as mine."

"If you say so." Suzuki frowned, but sighed. "I won't tell anyone. And… I'm sorry for putting you in that position."

Issei nodded once, then walked off toward the student council office. Suzuki watched him go, then turned to Yu‑Mi.

"Hey… if you're his older sister, why didn't you help him earlier with his perversion?" Suzuki asked.

Yu‑Mi opened her mouth but then closed it. She was going to say something about them not being blood related, but decided against it, since no one really needed to know her relationship with Issei.

Yu-Mi settled on an answer that would suffice. "I was away. But when I heard about it, I helped get him back on track along with some other people. He needed the confidence boost. Anyway, it was nice meeting you."

With that, Yu-Mi headed toward Elize's office, intent on updating her about Issei's condition. She knew he wouldn't do it himself, not when his mind was elsewhere.

Suzuki watched her leave. 'A pretty sister… and he can sing, huh? Guess there's more to Issei Hyoudou than any of us thought.' With that thought, Suzuki also left, but she did wonder when Issei would begin to reveal more traits of himself.

Yu‑Mi walked down the hall, her heels clicking softly. 'Some people aren't staying stagnant… but stay your course, Ise. Show them who you are.'

Meanwhile, Issei continued toward the student council room. The hallways were empty, thankfully. The ball tournament had kept most students occupied all day. He slipped his headphones back on.

This time, he switched to a Christian rock band, one he wondered if Shidou listened to as he remembered his friend's religion. The lyrics resonated with him about fighting through storms, refusing to break, standing tall despite pressure. He sang quietly but low‑pitched, steady, defiant. A song about resilience, about refusing to be shaken, about standing in the storm.

He felt uplifted and he had to tune his voice to sing the female parts of the song, but rather than high pitch, he maintained a low pitch. He'll follow what Yu-Mi told him and try to embrace the school's hatred towards him.

Yu‑Mi's words echoed in his mind. Embrace the bad day. Turn adversity into opportunity. Align himself with his future self. With who he wanted to be.

Although a part of him still felt like walking away, he knew that if he did that then he would be a coward. That's not something that a warrior would do, he had mentioned this to Yuuma and others before. As he was told by his master, he wasn't going to run. A warrior didn't run.

He neared the student council room. What he didn't know or rather, what he couldn't know yet, was that the devils inside had enhanced hearing. Through that enhanced hearing, the student council began to listen to Issei sing, although only Genshirou and Ayase had listened to him before. And they heard everything.

Ruruko's eyes widened. "Whoa… I didn't know he could sing."

Genshirou crossed his arms. "It's something he likes to keep private."

Tsubasa blinked. "You've heard him before?"

"Uh‑huh." Genshirou answered. "He sang to Ayatsuji‑senpai and me on the roof. The day Kaichou reincarnated her."

Ayase nodded. "That's right."

Ruruko grinned. "We should record him and get his voice out there."

"No!" Genshirou's sudden shout startled everyone.

Momo frowned. "But Gen‑kun…"

Genshirou shook his head. "Just no. If he wants it out there, he'll do it himself."

Reya folded her arms. "But it would help improve his image."

Tomoe nodded. "Yeah. You heard how the school sees him."

Genshirou folded his arms, gaze firm. "I know. But it's not our right to expose the sides of him he wants to keep hidden."

Sona nodded approvingly. "Saji is correct. If Hyoudou‑san doesn't want others to know, then we shall refrain from speaking about it."

Tsubaki adjusted her glasses. "I also suggest refraining from asking him to sing. If we do, he'll know we discovered his secret."

"Agreed. And considering that..."

A knock interrupted Sona mid‑sentence.

Genshirou stepped forward immediately. "I'll get it. You shouldn't strain your voice, Kaichou."

Sona allowed herself a small smile. "Very well." As she watched her pawn head towards the door, she was thinking to herself. 'He really is maturing. I'm looking forward to seeing you grow, Saji.'

Genshirou opened the door. "Oh, Hyoudou‑san. What can I do for you? Do you need to speak with Kaichou?"

Issei shook his head. "Ah, no. I was actually looking for you."

"Me? Uh, sure. Hang on." Genshirou turned back inside. "Kaichou, I'm stepping out for a minute."

"Very well." Sona answered as she gave a nod.

She wouldn't admit it, but even she was curious about what Issei wanted to speak with her pawn about. Even though Genshirou apologized for his behavior, she knew that neither of them were close.

She wasn't the only one thinking this as the moment the door closed behind Genshirou, several girls inside leaned forward, shamelessly trying to listen in. They wanted to hear what the school’s so-called resident “pervert” had to say to their secretary. Sona and Tsubaki stared at them with identical deadpan expressions.

Outside, Genshirou crossed his arms. "So what's up?"

Issei rubbed the back of his head. "I've got some statues that should be done by the time club activities end."

"Okay… and why are you telling me this?" Genshirou asked.

"They’re statues of Goku and Vegeta... I figured your brother would like them. They’re not colored, but they could be like collectibles or something." Issei explained.

Genshirou blinked and then smiled faintly. "Oh, cool! Yeah, he'd like that."

"I already told Hiyashi-sensei that someone would come get them, so just let him know that you’re getting them under my permission."

"Alright. And, um… thanks."

Issei waved it off. "No problem. Later." He turned to leave, but paused, glancing suspiciously at the office door. "…Hmm."

Genshirou tilted his head. "What?"

"You ever get the feeling someone's listening in on you?"

Inside the office, the girls scrambled away from the door like startled cats, hoping that Issei didn't hear them from the other side. Sona and Tsubaki watched them with thinly veiled disappointment.

Genshirou coughed. "Uh… no. Not that I can think of."

"Hmm, alright. Anyway, like I said they should be done after club activities... that’s what Hiyashi-sensei said at least."

"Got it." Genshirou nodded. "Thanks for the heads‑up."

"Yeah. See ya." Issei headed off toward the dojo for practice.

Meanwhile, Yu‑Mi sat across from Elize in the nurse's office, they were discussing what Yu-Mi had talked about with Issei.

"So? How did it go?" Elize asked.

Yu‑Mi smirked. "I got a private concert. Two songs. First one I walked in on, second one he sang for me to give me some clarification after we talked."

Elize chuckled. "That boy… Ah, when people start to hear the pipes on him…"

"That's going to be for him to decide when he wants to reveal that side of himself." Yu-Mi interrupted.

"True." Elize nodded in agreement and then asked. "Is he doing better?"

"Yes. I think he'll be alright." Yu-Mi answered.

"I'll take your word for it."

"He's heading to his club activities now."

Elize nodded. "That’s good, he’s still got fight in him."

"I’ll say. The first song he was noting how he was not his past." Yu-Mi told her.

"Well, he's not." Elize cut in.

Yu‑Mi leaned back. "Also he had made two statues of Goku and Vegeta."

Elize's eyes sparkled. "For me?"

Yu‑Mi burst into laughter. "I knew it. He's spoiled you."

Elize grinned wickedly. "If it were a mecha, you would've had him stuffed between those bazongas of yours."

Yu‑Mi's eye twitched. "You're the one usually between them. And if you keep talking like that, you might not be tonight."

"Oh, don't punish me like that~" Elize lunged forward, hugging her and shamelessly groping her chest.

"Get off!" Yu-Mi exlclaimed.

"No! Let me enjoy these melons now since I won't get to later!"

"Not during school hours, you moron!" Yu‑Mi shoved her away, cheeks red. "Now then, I have to go. I have a class that will be starting soon, so I need to get back to the university, alright?"

"Alright, but first..."

"Ah!" Yu-Mi squealed as Elize motorboated her.

"Love you." Elize gave her a quick kiss.

Yu‑Mi sighed, straightening her clothes. "Love you too…" She walked off, plotting revenge against Elize for messing up her clothes.

Elize smirked triumphantly as she knew that she got in Yu-Mi's head, plus she got a free feel of Yu-Mi's chest.

Issei, meanwhile, walked toward the dojo and caught up with Mizunuma on the way.

"Hey, Mizunuma‑senpai." He greeted.

"Oh! Issei." Mizunuma turned to who called him. "I didn't think you'd be here."

"Because of what they said?" Issei referred to the crowd that watched the dodgeball game.

Mizunuma nodded. "Yeah."

Issei smiled faintly. "I've got an awesome big sister helping me out."

"Huh? Kisara helped you?" Mizunuma was confused because he had seen Kisara and Issei was nowhere nearby.

"No, not her."

"I know it wasn’t Shigure as she couldn't find you. I think you might have made her worried, though. Surprising, considering she rarely shows emotion. But she also did say that you would be alright."

Of course, Mizunuma only assumed that Shigure didn't find Issei because she didn't return with him. She actually did as she tracked his ki, but she only watched from afar and saw that he wasn't lashing out. When she had seen Yu-Mi enter and begin talking with him, Shigure took that as her cue to leave.

Issei nodded. "Well, I am, I just gotta embrace the bad days, it will only make me more resilient. When I had my perversion, it was built up over the years, which helped make me resilient, but without it. Well, it kind of sucked, so now I have to rebuild that resilience again. It also gives me the opportunity to rebuild myself again. I had built myself up as a pervert, that was not a good idea. I have to change that."

Mizunuma blinked. "That's… an interesting way to look at things."

"Like I said... I have an awesome big sister."

"I'm guessing it was one of the women you left the tournament with your parents. Elize‑sensei or the brunette."

"Yep! They were the first to start helping me out after Kenichi-senpai helped me." Issei smiled.

Mizunuma chuckled. "Good for you." He was happy to see his junior progressing.

Issei grinned. "How are things with Hikari‑san?"

Mizunuma brightened. "We're doing well. Another date this weekend."

"Lucky. Maybe I'll get a girlfriend someday."

"Aren't you and Raichi hitting it off?"

Issei deadpanned. "Would you date your sister?"

Mizunuma choked. "Nevermind." They both laughed.

Mizunuma understood the platonic relationship between the two second years.

Then suddenly, Issei's instincts flared and he ducked. As he did, an arm swept over where his head had been. He rolled forward, spun, and found Kisara, staring at him in confusion. Ukita, Ikki, and Kaname stood behind her, equally surprised.

"Why'd you dodge?" Kisara asked.

Issei pointed accusingly. "I've had to deal with surprise attacks from Matsuda and Motohama. So I guess my instincts just sensed danger heading my way."

"What!? How could you think that your own sister is a danger to you?" She pouted dramatically.

"Your noogies are a danger to me!" Issei argued back.

Kisara held out her arms. "Come here."

"No." Issei shook his head.

Before, if a girl as attractive as Kisara opened her arms out to him, he would have gladly hopped into them. However, this was Kisara and hopping into her arms would be nothing but danger as she had a different definition of comfort.

"Why not?" Kisara asked.

"I told you, your noogies hurt." Issei countered again.

"That's just big‑sister loving! Which you need after what those students were saying to you!" Kisara retorted, so she could give him his dose of noogies.

Issei waved it off. "It's fine. I'll build resilience."

Ikki stepped forward. "So… how are you feeling?"

Issei exhaled softly. "I'm alright."

And they believed him. Considering that they knew Issei was true to his namesake and for all his flaws, they knew that he wasn't lying to them or about his feelings. Of course, Issei had sung out his thoughts prior to meeting up with his club mates.

Ukita crossed his arms. "That's good. How'd you deal with it before?"

Issei scratched his cheek. "My perversion was like a shield. Without it, I have to rebuild myself. But like I told Mizunuma‑senpai… this is an opportunity. It didn't go my way today, but I'll be fine."

Kaname smiled gently. "That's good to hear."

Issei perked up suddenly. "Oh! Kaname‑senpai, when can I get my surfing lessons?" He remembered what she had said before the dodgeball game.

Kaname chuckled. "Your next school break."

Ikki nodded. "Yeah, we usually hit the beach then. Well, it is summer break."

"Nice!" He ducked. "Kisara‑nee!"

Kisara lunged at him with a fierce pout. "I need to build your toughness!"

Mizunuma smirked. "You did say that you need to build your resilience, so that means you have to take more noogies." He had used Issei's own words against him.

Issei groaned. "Oh…"

Kisara held out her arms. "Now come here."

Ukita snorted. "Better do as she says."

Issei shuffled forward like a condemned man. Kisara immediately pulled him into a headlock, pressing his head against her collarbone. Normally, she yanks him into her grasp, but this time, she did it more gently. That was her way to show that she cared about him, even if Issei didn't like the method.

"Isn't this better? Being in your big sister's arms again?" Kisara gave him a smile that was foreshadowing his impending future.

Issei muttered under his breath. "…Maybe a different sister."

Kisara's eye twitched. "What was that?"

"Nothing." Issei quickly answered.

"Good." And she raised her fist. "Now let us begin." She dragged him toward the dojo, giving him relentless noogies the entire way.

The others followed, laughing at the "taekwondo siblings," the affectionate nickname for the only two taekwondo practitioners in the club. Issei's groans echoed down the hall. By the time they reached the dojo entrance, Kenichi, Miu, Renka, Raichi, and Shigure were already waiting.

Kenichi waved. "Looks like everyone's here... oh, Ise, you made it."

Issei, still trapped in Kisara's grip, deadpanned. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, you said you weren't feeling alright."

Issei answered. "That was before someone talked some sense into me."

Miu stepped forward. "So how are you feeling?"

Renka frowned. "Those guys said some hateful things…"

Issei twisted out of Kisara's hold. "I'm good."

"Hey!" Kisara protested.

Raichi smirked. "Come on, you know his type. He likes big, juicy breasts like Renka‑senpai's, Miu‑senpai's, and Shigure‑sensei's."

Issei turned red instantly, while Miu covered her chest and Renka put her hands on her hips.

"Don't drag us into this!" the two females snapped.

Raichi shrugged. "Just saying."

Issei sighed. "That's another thing I need resilience for… Raichi and her jokes." He straightened. "Anyway, I'm good for training. This'll build my mental toughness. So I'll endure it and then some."

Kenichi nodded proudly. "That's good. No need to change either. Thanks to the ball tournament, I think we got our training in and we won, so I think that calls for a celebration."

Issei pointed at Renka. "Renka‑senpai won us the dodgeball tournament."

Miu shook her head. "But it was your planning that helped."

Raichi grinned. "How's the crotch doing?"

Issei blinked. "Honestly? I was so busy focusing on the jeering that I kind of forgot about the pain there. Considering that I have been moving around as well, I should be fine."

Renka clapped her hands. "We can head to my granduncle's shop for a meal."

Issei raised a hand. "Actually… could I train with you, Shigure‑sensei?"

Shigure tilted her head. "Hmm? …Okay."

Issei pumped his fist. "Sweet!"

Raichi stared. "You still want to train after getting hit in the balls?"

"Yeah. I can't stop because of a minor injury."

Ukita shook his head. "You're missing out."

"I’ll be alright, I can swing by over the weekend. I know the place. I just have a fear of Renka-senpai force feeding me and with Kisara-nee there, that is likely to happen." Issei shuddered as said females looked at him with gazes that confirmed that he was right.

Ikki laughed. "Alright, man. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

Kenichi raised his fist. "Let's go celebrate!"

Everyone cheered except Shigure, who rarely showed emotion, and Issei, who wasn't joining.

The others waved goodbye, of course, Issei gave Renka her hug and thanked her for winning them the match. She told him how it was no biggie and fixed his hair from the constant noogies he had received from Kisara. He gave Raichi a hug as well, she did tease about giving him a crotch shot, but he was not going to let that happen. Ikki gave him a brotherly hug and to let him know if he needed anything.

Everyone else got handshakes because he was not as close to them, except Kisara, who he could not escape from as she refused to be normal. Thus she pinched his cheeks, gave him another noogie, but she did fix his hair again. Miu gave him a congratulatory pat on his shoulder. Kenichi pulled him in to give him a brotherly hug to Issei's surprise.

"You did good today, Ise." Kenichi complimented him.

"Thanks."

"Keep up with that determination." Kenichi reminded him as he did want to see Issei succeed.

Issei nodded. "I just have a goal that I want to strive for, even with the so-called harem king dream that I had, I didn't really do anything to try and pursue it like I am doing this time."

"I guess that’s true," Kenichi smiled. "Look after him, Shigure."

Shigure nodded silently.

With that, everyone else took off for the day to celebrate their club’s victory in the ball tournament. Another reason Issei didn’t join them is because they did it without him after the dodgeball game. The other clubs were competing for the other places, but the MMA club had gone undefeated and secured first place.

Only Shigure, Issei, and Tōchūmaru remained. The little mouse hopped onto Issei's head.

Shigure stepped closer. "Are you… sure you're… okay?"

Issei smiled softly. "Yeah. One of my big sisters helped me. And I’m sure that you would have done the same, thank you for caring."

Shigure's cheeks tinted very faintly as she sighed. "Otouto… baka."

"Hey!"

She ignored his protest. "So what… do you want… to work on?"

Issei straightened. "You’re the fastest striker that I know of. So I'd like to work on my dodging and blocking capabilities."

Shigure blinked. "Are you… sure? You’ll have to… move your hips and… your groin injury… could impact your… speed."

Issei shrugged. "Hey, it’s the same with the jeers. I’ll have to endure the tenderness there and I know you will test my limits, Shigure-nee." New chapters come out on g.com first.

Shigure nodded once. "Alright." She placed a gentle hand on his head. "I am… glad you're… doing alright. You had me… a bit worried."

Issei's chest warmed. "I’m sorry about that, but I will put my efforts into rebuilding myself for myself. Not because of what the school thinks. The people that I care about know who I am... and who I want to become."

Shigure's eyes softened. "Good." Then she shoved him hard in the chest, which made Issei stumble back and fall to the ground. "Then get ready." Her eyes sharpened.

Issei smiled as he knew that he would be in for a challenge from his toughest big sister. Another perk of the ball tournament was that he was already dressed for training. Shigure tossed him his bokken as since they were outside, it only meant that he had more space to dodge her strikes.

Issei caught it and stood. "Right."

Shigure dashed forward with speed that made him realize just how much she held back in the dojo. He didn't think of blocking, he barely dodged or at least he thought he did. Looking down, he saw that there was a tear in his shirt, which surprised him, since Shigure wasn't using anything sharp.

He stared. "W‑wait... how?"

Shigure held up her own bokken. "I told you… anything in my hand… is a weapon."

Issei paled. "Oh shit."

Shigure tilted her head. "Do you… want to continue… or not?"

Issei raised his bokken. "No time like the pres—AH!" She smacked his shoulder before he finished. "I forgot... hngh!"

This time blocking her strike and he was sure that he saw a slight sadistic smile on her face as they locked bokken.

"This is… going to be… fun."

"Bring... ARGH!"

She kicked him in the side. "Focus."

Issei groaned, pushing himself up with his bokken. "Yeah, yeah…"

Shigure's eyes gleamed. "Don't forget… to block."

The training had begun as Issei grit his teeth as another strike slammed into his guard.

"I—hngh!" He barely managed to block. His arms trembled. 'She's not going to let me finish a sentence.'

He began to try and track her movements, but that was easier said than done because Shigure was just different when it came to speed. Shigure moved like a phantom with no wasted motion and no sound. Just speed.

'Maybe I should've gone with the others… Damn this Goku phase. I'm so screwed.'

While this would be beneficial for Issei later on, today was just not looking to be his day for training. However, this is what he chose and so he was going to finish what he started.

Rain hammered against the windows, drowning the campus in gray. Inside the ORC room, the atmosphere was just as heavy. The team was a bit disappointed as they didn't win the tournament like they had hoped for. It was evident on Rias' face as she sighed and slumped in her chair, frustration etched across her face. She was confident in them winning, but they fell to the MMA club, which only allowed them to achieve second place. Most of the club members were there, the exception being her knight, Yuuto Kiba. To add more gloom, it was now raining hard outside.

A lot of people were glad that it had begun raining after the tournament had ended. Of course, for some like Shigure and Issei, they had to move their training inside to the dojo. Other outdoor club activities were also canceled due to the weather. After some time, Yuuto walked into the club room, the reason why he took so long is because he had decided to try and find Issei to speak with him. Even though he had said that he would do what he had to do, but something about Issei's words had struck him deeply.

Issei had said that he couldn't protect himself, which Yuuto began to empathize with Issei about as he knew the feeling. Yuuto was unable to defend himself against those that were part of the Holy Sword project until his friends risked their lives for him. He pondered about Issei's performance in his tournament and him fighting for his friends, it reminded him of his former friends. He didn't need to add more people to his personal vendetta, it would just add to the list of people getting hurt. He was snapped out of his thoughts as his head got whipped to his right.

SLAP

Turning back, he saw Rias in front of him with an aggravated look on her face. The slap surprised the others that were in the room and they looked between the exchange of their mistress and knight.

"How is it? Did you wake up?" Rias asked, glaring at her knight.

The others knew that she was angry already because they had lost contention of being in first place. Even if Issei wasn't with the MMA club for the remainder of the tournament, they didn't let up. No matter how many games they played, the ORC could never overcome that loss to the MMA club. However, it was Yuuto's cooperation that hindered them as they moved forward in the tournament. Sure, he did contribute a couple of times, but most of the time, he did nothing.

It had infuriated Rias as she had gotten angry with him a couple of times, but Yuuto didn't seem to care. It slightly surprised Akeno as she had wondered where Issei had gone off to as she never saw him with the MMA club for the remainder of the tournament. However, she was still able to keep her head in the game and try to win. Takeshi would have gotten pissed if Rias didn't and to add to that fuel, despite getting slapped, Yuuto did not say anything nor express anything.

To all of them, with the sudden change, he looked like a different person, he was a good looking guy that always had a refreshing face. Suddenly, his face reverted back to his usual smiley face.

"Are you done now? The ball tournament has finished as well. We won't be practicing anymore so can I take a rest until it's night time? I'm a bit tired so I will take a break from the usual club activity. I'm sorry for my behavior this noon. Seems like I didn't feel well today." Yuuto said.

Takeshi frowned. "You've been acting weird lately."

Yuuto's smile didn't change. "That's none of your concern." His tone was ice.

Takeshi blinked. "Man… now I'm worried about you."

"Worried? Who worries about who?" Yuuto's voice was calm, but cold. "I think it's normal for devils to live how they want. Well, I think I'm at fault for not listening to my master this time."

Takeshi stared. 'What the fuck?' He shook his head. "Look, man, it's already bad enough when we are trying to form a proper group. That's how we felt after we went through that bitter loss in that dodgeball match, remember. We're supposed to be teammates and comrades."

Yuuto's smile faltered. "…Comrades."

"Yeah, comrades. I wasn't whispering."

Yuuto looked down. "Since that loss to Hyoudou‑kun… you've been angry yourself, Takeshi‑kun."

Takeshi scoffed. "Tch. You would too. Losing to a scrub like him ruins our street cred." It wasn't just about Issei, but it was losing in general, it didn't matter to who as Takeshi would have considered them a 'scrub' all the same.

Yuuto shook his head. "Perhaps. But I don't care about that. What I care about is my reason for fighting."

"Which is for Buchou, isn’t it? By the way, you didn’t do a good job today with your performance." Takeshi's eyes narrowed.

Yuuto's eyes hardened. "No. That's not my reason. It may be yours, but not mine." He lifted his head. "I'm living so I can seek my revenge. Holy Sword Excalibur. Destroying it is the reason I live." A raw, burning determination in his eyes.

The determination in Yuuto's face surprised Takeshi, for one, he had never seen it before. It wasn't there when they faced off against Riser, but he had seen it on Akeno's face. The second reason was because before he had seen it on Akeno's face, he had seen it on Issei's face in the tournament.

Of course, he had no idea what Issei was fighting for in the tournament, he just believed that it was for glory. Not knowing that it was for his friends that had been verbally attacked by those delinquents.

With those last words, Yuuto felt that he could leave, so he simply walked out of the room and out of the club into the rain.

Meanwhile, Issei was catching his breath, he knew that he had some welts on his body. He was also sure that he could feel Shigure's smirk, but when he looked at her, she had no expression.

"I think… that's enough… for today."

Issei nodded weakly. "Yeah… okay. Um, Shigure‑nee?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you going to stay here? It's raining pretty hard."

Shigure tilted her head. "That's a question… you should ask… yourself. You didn't… bring an umbrella."

Issei blinked. "Oh. Right." He scratched his head. "Guess I'll have to run."

Shigure suddenly turned her head sharply. "Hmm?"

Issei frowned. "What is it?"

Shigure's eyes narrowed. "I sensed… something." She looked at him. "Get home… safely. Please."

Issei felt a strange chill. "Uh, sure. I can do that." He packed his things, strapped his bokken, and pulled on his hoodie. "I'll see you later, Shigure‑nee."

"Text… one of the others… when you get home." Shigure instructed him.

"Okay?" He wasn't sure but he felt a tinge of worry in her voice as he put on a hoodie that he had packed up. "Goodbye, nee-san."

There was a faint tremor in her voice that Issei did not detect because Shigure was never good at showing her emotions. He waved goodbye to her as he left the dojo.

Shigure watched him leave, a knot tightening in her chest. 'Why does this feel like a final goodbye…?'

Tōchūmaru squeaked in worry, while Shigure patted his head. She only sighed and went to go grab her trench coat as she would have to prepare herself for the possible danger that was out there.

As Issei had left, he stopped as he caught Yuuto leaving out of the school gate, but it surprised Issei that he had no umbrella.

'What is he doing? He'll catch a cold… Wait. He looks determined about something.' Issei narrowed his eyes. 'Maybe I should follow him.'

So with that, Issei began to keep a steady distance behind Yuuto, so he would not get spotted. However, for some reason, Yuuto just seemed too lost in thought to even care about his surroundings.

'Something's on his mind… Is it that Holy Sword stuff?' Issei continued to follow quietly, waiting for his moment to speak to the blonde prince.

The MMA gang had gone back to the estate, Ryōzanpaku, to talk about their victory with the masters. They also discussed what had happened with Issei, which the masters were impressed with his mental fortitude as he wanted to train. They made a note to speak with Mitsurugi because of his influence on the boy.

They were just waiting for Shigure's arrival, but they knew she would be late. Kensei whined about Issei getting to be with Shigure's bosoms, which earned him a whack from Renka. However, things changed as Raichi's phone began to ring and when she saw the ID, her breath hitched.

Hayato leaned forward. "What is it, Raichi?"

Her voice tightened. "It's… Freed."

Saiga's eyes sharpened. "You better answer it and put it on speaker."

Raichi nodded, slipping into assassin mode. Her cheerful face becoming calm and emotionless.

"Hello?" She answered.

Freed's voice crackled through the speaker. "Yo! I must say you did an excellent job of scouting that exorcist."

Raichi's tone was flat. "What about him?"

"Well, I couldn't help myself, so I had to go see him myself." Freed answered, and they could hear the glee in his voice.

"Did you tell Kokabiel?" Raichi asked.

Freed cackled. "Hahahaha! Of course not. But it doesn't matter anymore."

Raichi's eyes narrowed. "Why's that?"

Freed's voice dripped with sick delight. "Because I killed the exorcist. Now we just need two more Excalibur fragments. Well, technically three, but we won't need that one for a while."

Raichi shot to her feet. "You did WHAT!?"

"I killed him! Hahaha! Oh man, you should've seen him bleed. Want me to send you a photo?"

"No. What you did just made us lose our lead on the other two. Did you at least get names of who we should be looking out for?"

The room fell silent and everyone felt it. A storm was coming and they didn't know what to expect.

Freed's voice oozed through the speaker, dripping with sick amusement. "Nah, I didn't ask. It was just so fun watching him plead for his life. But I think he mentioned something about two females."

Raichi's eyes narrowed."Two females?"

"Maybe I'll have some fun with them. You and Raynare aren't putting out like you should be. Maybe if I showed you this kill, you'd reconsider?"

Everyone in Ryōzanpaku heard the leering tone but Raichi didn't flinch. She had dealt with guys like Freed in her line of work, so Freed was just another cog in the machine.

Her voice was flat. "No thanks."

Freed snorted. "Then I guess some random hooker will have to do. Maybe someone will find her body like they might find this guy."

"Wait..." Raichi's jaw tightened. "Where are you?"

"The better question is where will I be? Unless you want us to fuck on the dead body. Hahaha! Damn, I should've known you were a freak."

Raichi pinched the bridge of her nose. "Ugh. No. But thanks for the heads‑up. You can go enjoy your hookers."

"Oh, you know I will..." He paused.

Raichi's instincts sharpened. "What? What is it?"

Freed's voice brightened with twisted delight. "It seems my little priest was still alive... but no matter, he’ll die from the blood loss. But what’s even better is that a little devil boy is coming my way."

Raichi's blood ran cold. "Devil boy? Hold on, where are you?"

"Don't worry. I'll do my duty and exorcize this devil as it is my civic duty for the church. Hahaha! Toodles!" Freed cackled.

"Wait! Freed!" Raichi tried to stall him but the line went dead. She slammed her fist on the table. "Damn it!"

Akisame folded his arms. "This is not good."

Saiga nodded grimly. "Yes. But what he said matches what I was informed."

Sakaki leaned forward. "Which is?"

Saiga exhaled. "Two female exorcists are being sent from the Vatican. Unfortunately, they'll be arriving while you are at school."

Kensei perked up, wiggling his eyebrows. "Oh? So we will have to stake the station for some damsels in distress?"

Akisame sighed. "I wouldn't say that they'll be that, but we may have to assume that they have never been here before."

Sakaki shrugged. "That would make them easy to spot or they may be dumb enough to wear their church clothes."

Apachai nodded enthusiastically. "Apa! That would make it easier apa!"

Ikki frowned. "So nothing we can do about it, huh?"

Ukita clicked his tongue. "Damn."

Hayato raised his hand. "No need to get frustrated, we just need to get to them before Freed does as if they have not been here, then chances are, they are expecting their priest ally at the station."

Raichi nodded sharply. "So you would need to be on the lookout for Freed, if the female exorcists and the priest that is not here have not met, then Freed can just wait for them and they would think that he is their contact."

Miu shivered. "It would be too easy for him."

Renka crossed her arms. "Like taking candy from a baby."

Kaname stepped forward. "I can assist. Depending on the time, I can help scope out the station."

Kenichi pulled out his phone. "We should check with Chiaki and Hibiki as well, if they are not busy, that can add more numbers to surveying the station."

Akisame nodded. "That is a good idea, Kenichi."

Saiga looked over at Sakaki. "Shio, you should go with them as it is not so different from one of your security escort jobs."

Sakaki grinned. "No problem." He chugged his beer.

Kenichi dialed. "Hello?"

Hibiki's calm voice answered. "Greetings, Kenichi‑kun. How are you doing this fine late afternoon?"

Kenichi sighed. "Not good…"

Hayato gestured. "Could you put him on speakerphone, please?"

Kenichi complied. "Hibiki, you're on speaker. Is Chiaki with you?"

"Yes. One moment." Hibiki answered.

There was a click and some shuffling on the other end before someone responded.

"We can both hear you now," Chiaki said. "Do you need something, Kenichi?"

Kenichi took a breath. "Are you two free from classes tomorrow?"

Hibiki replied, "Yes, we're free."

Chiaki added, "What's going on?"

Saiga stepped closer to the phone. "It appears that Kokabiel has made his move. Raichi received a call from Freed, he informed her that he has killed the exorcist that was here and has taken his Excalibur. We are aware that two more exorcists will be coming to Kuoh tomorrow."

Kenichi continued. "We need you to head to the Kuoh station and look out for them, they are female. We do not know if they have met their exorcist contact, if not, it would give Freed the advantage, so be on the lookout for him."

Raichi typed quickly on her phone. "Sending his picture now in the group."

A ping echoed in the background on Hibiki's end.

Chiaki hummed. "Got it. Huh. He looks young."

Saiga's voice darkened. "Don’t let his age fool you, he is from the Sigurd Institution. They have become greedy."

Hibiki stiffened. "Greedy?"

Hayato explained. "The Sigurd Institution is a secret research facility, and now turned into a warrior facility with the purpose of finding the "true" descendant of Sigurd or as we know the warrior, Siegfried, your former codename, Hibiki."

Hibiki's eyes narrowed. "I see."

Saiga continued. "In addition, the descendant was meant to be able to wield the Demonic Emperor Sword, Gram. Lo and behold, they accomplished this feat, who is named Siegfried."

Chiaki asked quietly. "What happened to him?"

"He fled with a group similar to him, where they are, who knows." Saiga answered with a sigh.

Hibiki frowned. "So where did the greed come in?"

Saiga's voice turned cold. "Well, before Siegfried fled, the institution saw that they had accomplished their task, but decided to see how many descendants that they could produce."

Miu shivered. "Thus Freed was created."

Renka grimaced. "But if he's from the Church, how did he become so... unhinged?"

Kensei shrugged. "Some experiments can break and become like that. The institution was successful in putting them down. Freed was likely fine for a while, but like the greed of the institution, he also wanted power."

Akisame added, "As a result, he attacked his former mentor, David Cerro, he was the wielder of the holy sword, Galatine. Considering that Freed is not wielding the holy sword should give us some hope however, they have Valper Galilei on their side."

Saiga nodded. "He was the one that was in charge of the Holy Sword project and performed human experiments on children with one being Raichi's classmate, Yuuto Kiba."

Raichi's jaw tightened.

Saiga continued. "I can only assume that he barely escaped before he aligned himself with Rias Gremory, thus he would hate the Church for what happened to him. Unknown to him is that the Church did not approve of these experiments, which caused Valper to be excommunicated. We already know that Azazel didn't want war, but Kokabiel did. So Valper has aligned himself to the cadre, likely for revenge of his own, killing exorcists to take their Excalibur fragments."

Hibiki spoke softly. "Based on the name, I can guess that Valper would make it capable of allowing Freed to wield holy swords, so it's possible that he may have Galatine in his possession already."

Akisame nodded. "That is a possibility, however, I know David escaped but to where is unknown as the Vatican has not said anything."

Chiaki exhaled. "So we would have to get those two exorcists out of the station before Freed can get to them."

Saiga nodded. "You'll be accompanied by Kaname and Sakaki, I'll have to speak with my contacts in the Vatican to see what they know. Considering how secretive they can be, I'm not sure if we can get the names of the two exorcists out of them."

Hibiki replied, "Then I suppose we better get some rest. We don't know when they are arriving, so we may be there all day."

Saiga shook his head. "No, they are expected to arrive during school hours, which would make sense. They would not have to deal with the devils. However, they would need to in order to not cause a war, since this is enemy territory for them."

Apachai raised a hand. "Apachai can help too apa!"

Sakaki chuckled. "Sorry, big guy, but you gotta sit this one out."

Akisame added, "Kensei as well."

Kensei gasped. "What? Why?"

Renka glared. "He's got a point, father, you would just be snapping pictures of them or any female at the station."

Kensei pouted. "Oh, don't be like that, Renka, dear. There's nothing so bad about that, your boyfriend was accused of the same thing, I don't see why you can't defend me like you defend him."

Renka froze. "He's not my boyfriend! And wait... who are you talking about?" She realized that he didn't say names and she didn't want to implicate herself by saying one, but she had a feeling that he was referring to Issei.

Kensei stroked his chin with theatrical smugness. "Oh? Why your precious student, you have taken my teachings well and have passed them onto him, maybe I can bring his perversion back and possibly get a son in law."

Renka's face went crimson. "As if!"

Kensei smirked wider. "Oh, please. You think I don't hear how you sound when he gives you a massage?"

Renka froze and then exploded. "Agh!" She ripped off her bell earrings. "I can never have any privacy around you!"

Kensei puffed out his chest. "A father must do what he can to protect his child."

Raichi raised a hand casually. "Well, I mean… Ise doesn't perv when he's giving a massage. He's pretty straight‑faced when he does it."

Ikki nodded proudly. "Oh yeah. He fixed my shoulders up real good. Even showed me how to work on the lady." He wrapped an arm around Kaname.

Ukita chimed in. "Same here."

Kisara grinned wickedly. "Oh? Maybe I should get him to give me one, little brothers should please their older sisters, considering how that's where you're learning from, that would make him the master and you two the students." She flicked her hair. "Looks like he is following in his big sister's footsteps, since he has you two following him like you used to for me in Ragnarok."

Hibiki chuckled. "Those were some memories, but thanks to Kenichi, we have found a better future for most of us."

Chiaki nodded. "Yeah, but they made their choice, nothing we can do about it for now. Heck, Kenichi gave Issei the option to become better and he's thriving, right?"

Ikki scratched his cheek. "Yeah… about that…"

Ukita sighed. "School still hates him. Even though he hasn't done anything perverted."

Kaname frowned. "There were even some comments wishing death upon him."

Sakaki scoffed. "Tough crowd, it's not like they are saints themselves, I bet you some of them are jerking off or jilling to porn as we speak."

Apachai blinked. "Apa?"

Kensei patted his shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Apachai."

Kenichi folded his arms. "He came to the club for training. Said he was alright. Despite taking in all that hatred."

Miu added softly, "Shigure is with him."

Akisame nodded. "Mitsurugi has been teaching the boy."

Hibiki raised a brow, although they couldn't see it. "Mitsurugi?"

Saiga explained calmly. "Heishirou Mitsurugi also known as "Hino", the "Wildfire". Married to his former rival, Setsuka. She was a vengeful woman as he killed her master, and she sought his life, hell-bent on killing him."

Miu's eyes sparkled. "So they found love through crossing blades?"

Saiga shrugged. "Perhaps, you would have to ask them. But he is not someone to trifle with. After all, he defeated the Devil King's knight, Souji Okita… And won."

Akisame added, "He is formidable. And the fact he is here is both reassuring and terrifying. He even tried to take on the Devil King himself when he came to assist his knight."

Saiga nodded. "It damaged his left side. He showed me and Azazel when he met with him."

Chiaki blinked. "And Issei is being trained by someone like that?"

Hibiki smiled faintly. "Amazing."

Raichi stretched her arms. "That's my bestie for ya. But I better go. Freed's likely to brag, but something caught his attention. It could've been Yuuto, Takeshi, or Genshirou. He said 'devil boy' before he hung up."

Kenichi sighed in relief. "That should be some relief that it wasn't Shigure."

Sakaki chuckled. "Relief for who?"

Akisame set down his cup of tea. "Freed may be a good swordsman, but he is no match for Shigure. Freed is certainly no match for Mitsurugi either, he was also known as the Oni."

Kaname blinked. "The Oni?" She was unaware of this new title that the man possessed.

Saiga nodded. "He’s basically a one man army, he’s similar to Sakaki, except he wields a sword."

Sakaki chuckled. "Maybe in terms of how he uses his aura, but he's older and more experienced than I am. You saw how he took on those fallen angels, Akisame."

Akisame nodded solemnly. "Yes. Which forced our hand to kill them, Elder."

Hayato sighed. "I should have expected as much, but not all fallen angels are like Azazel... at least. Most of the cadres are similar to him and prefer peace compared to war."

Kensei nodded. "Indeed."

Saiga turned to the phone. "Hibiki‑san, Chiaki‑san, you know what you must do. Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you, erm..." Hibiki asked, "What about Mitsuya and Shizuka?"

Chiaki added, "Shouldn't they be informed? They're part of the team."

Saiga shook his head. "Yes, they are a part of Cross Times Kiss, but they have their own mission to handle and we don't need to upset the fallen angels and the devils, when we have an unofficial truce with them."

Of course, the reality was that the two were estranged from the rest of them after what Mitsuya had done to one of the clans. Saiga couldn't excuse the actions of one of his own. Furthermore, he has not been able to contact the two after they left. They were still part of the team, but they were just distant now and possibly not in Japan.

Hayato stroked his beard. "True and considering how they are also not on good terms either, but I believe whatever happens after this, something official will need to be done."

Saiga nodded. "Especially with Yami remnants still out there."

Akisame added, "And that other organization."

Saiga's expression darkened. "Yes. Azazel must tell us more about them... the Khaos Brigade."

Hibiki sighed. "I suppose we'll keep an eye out for them at the station, too."

Saiga shook his head. "Not likely. Kokabiel is too arrogant."

Hibiki brightened suddenly. "Very well! All of you have a me‑me‑merry evening!" He sang the last words.

Chiaki chuckled. "Take care of yourselves."

Kenichi smiled. "We will and likewise to you two. Good night." He hung up the call.

Raichi grabbed her umbrella and she left to put on her shoes. "See you guys later. I'll look out for Shigure‑sensei too."

Miu waved. "Stay safe."

Raichi smirked. "I was an assassin, remember?"

Miu pouted. "I try not to remember your past."

Raichi laughed. "You and me both. See ya!"

The others gave their goodbyes to Raichi as the pink haired girl put on her hood and opened up her umbrella before dashing off into the rain. They knew that Raichi had to head back to wherever Kokabiel was located, after all, she was their informant on his plans. So she could not raise suspicions by not showing up regardless of the weather.

Hayato clapped his hands. "The rest of you stay here tonight. It'll rain all night."

Ikki nodded. "Alright."

Ukita cleaned his sunglasses. "You're the boss."

Kisara yawned and stretched herself out. "Fine by me."

Miu frowned at the window. "Dinner will get cold if Shigure doesn't return soon."

Kenichi sighed. "Yeah…"

They looked out of the window as the rain continued to hit against it and the roof. Of course, they would not be expecting from an urgent call that would soon be coming.

Prior to Freed hanging up on Raichi, Issei was maintaining his distance from Yuuto. Another perk from training with a kunoichi like Shigure, along with his former perverted antics, Issei had developed some stealth. The rain helped mask his steps, so Yuuto would not be aware that someone was following him.

'What's going through his head? It's pouring and he doesn't even have an umbrella…' Issei thought as he tightened his hood.

Ahead of him, Yuuto walked with a hollow expression. 'I fought with Buchou… for the first time… against my master who saved my life.' He sighed aloud. "What a failure as Kiba Yuuto."

Issei squinted. 'What did he say? Shit, rain is making it hard to hear, I think he said his name or something. I guess he's too formal, since he said "Kiba Yuuto", not "Yuuto Kiba", he could refer to himself informally.'

'But I never forgot my revenge toward the holy sword Excalibur.' Yuuto clenched his fists. "I was getting senile with the lifestyle at school."

Issei blinked. 'Senile? What are you talking about? Any guy would want to be in your position, Kiba, hell, even I did. Of course now, I do enjoy the new friends that I have, although it would be nice to have more friends in my grade like you, Kiba.'

Yuuto's voice softened. "I made comrades… obtained a lifestyle… received a name. A purpose from my master, Rias Gremory."

Issei's jaw dropped. 'What? Master? Name? Purpose? Rias? Is he her secret lover or something, she doesn't seem like the type, but then again, people are superficial these days. You have good looks and you can do whatever and people won't think twice about it, even if it is bad.'

Yuuto's voice darkened. "Asking for more happiness is bad. Until I achieve my purpose… I never thought I could continue living on behalf of my comrades…"

Splash.

Something alerted both Issei and Yuuto as there was a different sound of water that was different from the sound of rain.

Issei's instincts flared. 'Shit. Something could have blown my cover. And, wait… Kiba's looking into that alley... what the...?'

The danger had arrived and neither of them was ready.

Yuuto's expression twisted, not from fear, but with pure, unfiltered hatred. While Issei looked on in horror as he felt his stomach drop at what was in front of them. There was a priest in front of them or rather staggering out of the alleyway to Yuuto's left. There was blood soaking his abdomen as he struggled making his way.

Issei also noticed that something else was also around the priest's neck, he thought he saw the flash of a crystal. It was kind of evident by the cracked cross hanging around his neck. Of course, Issei did not know Yuuto's devil lineage, so he would not know that holiness in the name of God is something that Yuuto despised. He didn't know the weight of holiness to someone who had survived the Holy Sword Project.

But Issei did know one thing, the man was dying.

Issei's breath hitched. 'He's bleeding…' Looking at the man's bleeding stomach wound.

The priest seemed to reach out to Yuuto, but his eyes widened and he coughed out some blood. The priest collapsed to his knees and then his face hit the pavement, turned toward Issei, who froze up. He had just witnessed someone die in front of him and he felt like his lungs locked up that he couldn't breathe and his vision tunneled.

It was then Issei felt something familiar as his instincts went haywire. A suffocating, murderous aura.

'This bloodlust… it's the same as the one from the church… when I met Yuuma there.'

Yuuto tensed, but then reacted instantly and created a demonic sword instantly as he also felt the killing intent. He was lucky that Issei was still in shock, so he would not have seen Yuuto activate his sacred gear. Yuuto looked and saw a reflection of metal under the rain and a spark. Yuuto sensed that the killing intent was coming towards him and jumped back to avoid an oncoming slash.

A voice echoed through the downpour. "Yahoo. It's been a while."

The new voice made Issei snap out of his trance. Another priest stepped into view, this one was younger, white‑haired, smiling with a twisted delight. A long sword rested casually in his hand and the Issei also noticed that Yuuto had a sword, too.

Issei's eyes darted between the two swords. 'Who is that? Something feels different about that sword, I get a similar feeling like I do from the ORC members and student council, but it feels different. Also when did Kiba get that sword? Well, at least I can match a face to this killing intent.'

Yuuto growled. "Freed Sellzen." He had faced Freed in a previous incident, in which they faced Yuuma and her former allies, but she was spared and reincarnated into Sona's peerage.

Issei's eyes widened. 'That's his name, huh, and what's with that smile, it's ticking me off, how could he be happy about killing an ally? Is this what Kiba meant about not knowing what the church does? Do they kill off their own people like the Yakuza, taking care of no loose ends?'

Yuuto's voice was low, trembling with rage. "Looks like you are still in this town. What is your business today? I'm sorry, but I'm in a really bad mood today."

Freed laughed. A shrill, manic sound. Then he stabbed the dying priest again and again.

Issei had to watch the life leave the priest's eyes as even though he had fallen, he was barely alive. This time, Issei was sure that Freed killed the man as emphasized, then Freed drove the blade into the side of the priest's skull.

Crunch.

The sickening sound made Issei go behind the corner to vomit as quietly as he could. Thanks to Yuuto's hearing, he could barely hear the vomiting over the rain, but he heard it. He glanced his eyes over to where Issei was, but since he could not see him, Yuuto raised an eyebrow, but Freed spoke again.

"Well, that's good timing. Wonderful! In my case, I'm so happy that I'm going to shed some tears because of my reunion with you!"

Yuuto's grip tightened. 'So he still has his cocky way of talking. Seriously, he really does get on my nerves. I already hate him for being a priest.'

It was then that the long sword Freed was wielding started to emit a holy aura that was bright, sharp, and a little suffocating. Issei began to feel it while wiping his mouth as he finished puking his guts out.

'What… is that?' Issei thought, while looking on quizzically.

Yuuto's eyes widened. 'That light… that aura… that glow… I can't forget it!' His teeth gritted in anger.

Freed cackled. "I was getting bored of priest hunting, so this really is good timing. Very Good. Nice timing indeed. My Excalibur and your demonic sword, can you let me check which one is stronger? Hyahahahaha! I will repay you by killing you!"

Issei's heart plummeted. 'Priest hunting? Wait, did he go after ojisan? He's a priest, did he also attack Shidou and obasan? No, no, no, no…' His body trembled from the anger that he was feeling. 'Wait, he called that thing Excalibur, I expected it to be more majestic looking. He also called Kiba's sword demonic, if anything, I'd say his sword is demonic, the blade is twisted. The irony of that, it's the so-called priest with the demonic looking sword, but the aura, it doesn't feel demonic.'

Yuuto gritted his teeth as he tensed up as he prepared himself for whatever attack that Freed was about to dish out.

Issei clenched his fists. 'He also said that he would kill Kiba, nuh uh, he's already killed one person tonight and probably many more before. Which could include ojisan, obasan, and Shidou. No! Kiba may not see me as a friend, I may not have liked him in the beginning of the year, but…' He began to reminisce about when Yuuto and Akeno were at his house and how Yuuto was smiling and offering advice.

It felt like Issei had a friend, maybe even someone that Issei could consider as his best friend or brother as they grow together. Something that he had wished for with Shidou, but sadly, he had to move. Issei gritted his teeth as he looked on with malice at Freed, it had been a while since he glared at someone. Since Freed had the same bloodlust that he had felt, Issei felt that he had to help Yuuto stop this demented priest.

Issei's anger ignited. 'I'm not going to let you kill my friend, he may not see me as one, but I know we could be friends. You probably attacked my family already and for that, I'm going to make you pay, Freed!'

While this was happening, Freed let out a sick giggle and dashed towards Yuuto, who got himself in a defensive position. It was then that he felt it, killing intent towards himself and it wasn't Yuuto's. This shocked him slightly and it shocked Yuuto as well, who shifted his eyes to the left. Freed shifted his head to his right and was met with a spinning jump kick smashed into his face.

CRACK.

Freed flew several feet, skidding across the wet pavement.

Yuuto was just surprised as he had witnessed Issei perform a spinning jump kick to Freed's head. However, it was not just any kick, it was one that was infused with his ki. Thanks to his training with Kisara, along with his training with Shigure, he was able to dash quietly up on Freed, who maintained his focus on Yuuto. It was thanks to Yuuto keeping Freed's attention, Freed never anticipated that someone else was around.

Issei knelt beside the priest's corpse and gently removed the crystal necklace and pocketed it. 'If Freed wanted this… I can't leave it here. Maybe I can return it to the church. Or his family… if he had any.'

He closed the corpse's eyes and let out a few tears of his own that were masked by the rain. "I'm sorry…" He whispered a prayer.

Yuuto's voice cut through the rain. "Hyoudou‑kun!"

Issei stood. "Is this what you meant?"

Yuuto blinked. "Huh?"

Issei pointed at the corpse. "You told me I didn't understand what the church does. Is this what you meant? Killing their own to tie up loose ends!?"

Yuuto exhaled. "Yeah, something like that, but Hyoudou-kun, you need to get out of here."

Issei shook his head. "Sorry, but I can't do that. You may not see me as one, but you're my friend. You wouldn't have come over to my house if you weren't one. I also know a little of what you went through and looking at that sword, I think I agree with you, it needs to be destroyed."

Yuuto's eyes widened. "What?"

Issei stepped forward. "You heard me. Now..."

Freed wiped blood from his lip, grinning. "Hyahahaha! Oh man, never had I expected to run into you again, oh man, Raynare is going to be thrilled! Although I never expected you to have such force."

Issei's eyes narrowed. "You know Yuuma?" He remembered the other name that she had told him.

Freed snorted. "Ha, no, Raynare." He corrected Issei. "And you bet I do, in more ways than one"

Issei's expression darkened. "I see." He simply got into the stance that Renka had taught him.

Freed smirked. "Jealous?"

"Why would I be?"

Freed jeered. "She left you for me."

Issei shrugged. "Okay."

Yuuto added helpfully, "If it's any consolation, she did leave him for Takeshi."

Issei sighed. "I expected as much. Women are superficial. For them, it's all about looks, not personality."

Yuuto groaned. "Hyoudou‑kun, you need to leave. This is my..."

Issei stepped beside him. "Our fight! I got my reasons on why I need to kick his ass, which coincide on why you need to destroy that sword."

Yuuto hesitated and then nodded. "Fine."

Issei smirked. "And another thing, Kiba. I got your back, I can only hope you have mine."

Yuuto pointed his sword forward. "Just don't get in my way." Although, he did feel a small pang from Issei reverting to calling him 'Kiba'.

Issei didn't feel the same about Yuuto calling him "Hyoudou" again, since he was used to being called by his surname.

Yuuto dashed forward.

CLANG!

Issei slightly winced at the sound and moved around to search for a blind spot on Freed. He only had his fists and bokken, but that was an actual sword that Freed was wielding. He would need to use Yuuto as a distraction and try to get close, when they locked blades.

Yuuto locked blades with Freed and tried to slash with the sword in his left hand, but Freed jumped back and narrowly missed a strike from Issei. He slashed at Issei, who jumped back, but a thin line of blood appeared on Issei's right cheek. He had to dodge again as Freed dashed towards him, trying to stab him in the gut.

"Don't be afraid, if you die now, I'll be sure that Raynare and I have sex on your corpse! You'd get to know that your body was at least touched by a woman!" Freed continued to jeer at him.

Yuuto snarled. "You're focusing on the wrong thing!"

He aimed a stab at Freed's shoulder and Freed blocked, but Issei slipped into his guard.

WHAM!

His fist sank into Freed's stomach.

Freed staggered back. "Hngh—! That wasn't very nice."

Issei glared. "Don't have time to be nice. I heard what you said about priest hunting. Why would the Church allow that?"

Freed grinned. "Oh, that? Well..."

He dashed forward and sliced Issei's hood clean off.

Issei hissed as cold rain soaked his now‑exposed hair. "Shit!"

Freed lunged. "Now you're mine, ha!" His blade came down.

CLANG!

Yuuto had stepped in and blocked the overhead slash with his own blade, however, something was different. Issei noticed it, Freed was smiling as he pressed his blade against Yuuto's. Issei was wondering why Freed didn't jump back like he usually did and then he heard it through the rain pouring down.

A thin, splintering sound cut through the rain.

Krrt.

Issei's eyes widened. 'What the…?'

Cracks spider‑webbed across Yuuto's demonic sword.

Freed cackled. "Hyahaha! Get ready!" He raised his blade and hammered down blow after blow.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

It forced Yuuto to use his other blade to reinforce his defense and withhold Freed's onslaught. However, Issei saw it, as each clang rang out throughout the empty street. The more cracks that formed on Yuuto's front blade and Issei knew that it was reaching its limit.

Issei's instincts screamed. "Get back!" He grabbed Yuuto by his soaked shirt and pulled him out of the way, just as Freed's blade made contact.

KRRSSH!

Yuuto's blade had been broken and the force knocked his other blade downward. If Issei had not pulled Yuuto backwards, then it was likely that Yuuto could have been cleaved from his collarbone and shoulder on his left side.

Yuuto snarled. "I told you to stay out of my way!"

Issei shot back. "Yeah, you're welcome." Sarcasm rolling off his tongue but inside, he was thinking, 'That sword… it really pisses him off.'

Freed tilted his head mockingly. "Trouble in paradise?"

Issei ignored him. "As I was saying... about the priest hunting."

Freed shrugged. "Oh, yes, and the Church allows that, blah blah blah, you see the thing is... I'm not from the Church or rather, I left the church hyahahaha!" He cackled. "Now I can do whatever I want! Hyahahaha!"

Issei's jaw clenched. "Then tell me, did you go after a brunette priest?"

Freed blinked."You're going to have to be more specific, I've killed plenty of them and fucked plenty of them, too."

Issei's stomach twisted. "He was a middle aged man, about yay high…" Giving a height measurement with his hands. "With copper brown hair and in England."

Freed tapped his chin. "Hmm… the one I remember most from England was my mentor, David. That's when I defected. Poor bastard. Wonder if he's still alive. Maybe I'll finish the job. And if I killed any other priests like that... hey, I did you a favor! You don't have to worry about them anymore because they're dead! Hyahahaha!"

Issei's eyes darkened. "Kiba. Let's do this."

Yuuto summoned another sword, not caring if Issei saw. "Whatever."

It became a game of cat and mouse, with Yuuto keeping Freed and his blades locked in before the so-called priest would dodge out of Issei's striking range. However, Issei's instincts were flaring as if something was off. Considering that Freed kept his smile had given Issei a sense of worry. He did not want to admit Touji's name to Freed, just in case, he was still alive but Freed could go after him if he knew the name.

It's why Issei felt devoted to defeating Freed and possibly calling the authorities on the man. After all, Freed did commit murder and Yuuto could help him testify. That's what he was believing, since that is what a normal person would do. Unfortunately for him, everything that was happening around him was far from normal.

Issei's instincts prickled. 'He's planning something…'

Freed was getting slightly irritated but entertained, he wanted Yuuto to "accidentally" stab Issei. However, the brunette was timing his strikes quite well. Something Freed also feared is that if he lost his sword, well, he wasn't suited for hand-to-hand combat and Yuuto's speed would prevent him from recovering Excalibur. He had yet to use his Excalibur's abilities because he didn't want to end the fight too soon.

Every clash of the blades had forced Freed to withdraw from a strike from Issei. However, he would not get much rest as Yuuto was on him once again and because of this, he was more on the defense than the offense. If he tried to slash at Issei, Yuuto could make up ground and slash him, unless he used Excalibur Rapidly's ability. The problem with Issei for him was that he was getting closer and closer to Freed each time he and Yuuto clashed swords.

Freed never expected Issei to be a decent fighter and that had proven to be problematic. So when Issei was going in for his next strike, instead of dodging, he decided to elbow Issei with his other arm. This was another problem as since Issei faced people who were much better in hand-to-hand combat, Freed's strike looked slow.

'You're not getting away this time.' Issei ducked under the elbow, grabbed Freed's arm.

"Shit!" Freed spat.

WHAM! WHAM!

With a ki infused fist, Issei hit two punches into Freed's stomach with left arm, forcing blood from his mouth.

Freed snarled. "Damn you!"

Freed kicked Yuuto away and slashed at Issei but Issei held onto his arm, refusing to let go.

Schlick!

His blade cut into Freed's side.

Freed screamed. "AAAHHHH!" He swung wildly, while Yuuto tried to block, but the holy blade sliced into his shoulder.

"Ah!" Yuuto winced, smoke appearing from the shoulder that got cut.

Seeing Yuuto get hit made Freed grin at seeing him in pain, unfortunately, his glee was short-lived.

Issei kneed him in the ribs and then shifted his feet to deliver a kick into Freed's injured side.

Freed staggered. "Bastard!"

He reversed the grip of his sword, he hammered the sharp pommel into the side of Issei's head, which caused the scar that was there from Taichi to get reopened.

"Agh!" Blood trickled down Issei's face as he was forced to let go of Freed's arm and stumbled backwards, holding his head injury with his left arm.

Freed sneered. "You know, I don't know what priest you're worried about, but when I kill you, I'll be sure to make sure that they meet you. Better yet, if it's a female, I'll be sure to bang them before I kill them hyahaha!"

Issei's eyes burned. "Ah, bastard!"

Freed raised his sword. "Let me show you something." The blade glowed with holy light. "This is one of my Excalibur's abilities."

Issei blinked. 'Excalibur… has abilities?'

Freed smirked. "Oh? You didn't know?" Seeing the confused look on Issei's face. "How typical of devils to now let their selfish desires show."

Issei froze. 'Devil?'

Freed pointed the blade at him. "Well, you may be human, but you chose the wrong side."

Something in his tone of voice made Issei take several steps back.

Yuuto shouted. "Hyoudou‑kun!" He dashed forward to intercept.

Freed smirked. "You're getting a little slow, blondie." He dashed towards Issei, leaving an afterimage.

Issei's heart stopped. 'That speed… he's like Shigure‑nee!' His instincts screamed at him to move, but he didn't know where.

Issei didn't know why, but his legs slightly buckled and didn't feel like moving as he had some fear of the mad priest coming his way. As if his body moved on its own, he unstrapped his bokken with his right arm and placed it in a reverse grip to block. It was then that he remembered, his bokken was made of wood, while Freed's sword was an actual sword.

Issei realized the mistake a second before impact. 'Oh no...'

Freed's grin widened. "Hyahahaha!" He laughed, seeing the mistake as well and the fear that was in Issei's eyes.

He made a sideways slash at Issei's arm that wielded the bokken.

"AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!" Issei's scream tore through the rain and his bokken shattered.

There was a deep cut going from his elbow all the way to his hand, right in between his ring finger and middle finger. It felt like his arm was on fire from the pain and the heavy rain didn't help. He dropped to a knee as the blood streamed from his arm as he clutched it with his left arm, having to remove it from his head and his vision blurred.

He stared in horror at the broken pieces of his bokken, it was his prized possession, given to him by his master. The only thing left was the broken hilt that he still held in his cut hand. The pain had caused his hand to just clamp on the hilt, rather than let go, due to the searing pain. He felt a bit woozy as he looked up at Freed, who sneered down at him.

Freed loomed over him. "Look at you. On your knees like the dog you are."

Issei's eyes widened. He remembered how Taichi had called him that at the tournament and he made a swipe at Freed, who simply jumped back.

Yuuto roared. "You bastard!"

Freed simply smiled and then shifted to his left, thus Yuuto's swing hit Issei and it would have been worse had Yuuto not pulled back. As a result, Yuuto cut the inside of Issei's middle and pointer finger on his left hand.

"Hyoud—ah!" Yuuto barely blocked as Freed swung Excalibur at him, it pushed Yuuto back, but he couldn't get his footing because of the slick asphalt, so he stabbed his sword into the ground to use like a cane to stay upright.

Freed laughed. "Hyahaha! Didn't forget about you, dog of the Gremory!"

He stamped Issei's head into the pavement.

"Ah!" Issei grunted as his forehead hit the pavement, feeling the grittiness of the street below him.

Freed grabbed his hair and yanked his head up. "Look what you did to your dear friend."

Issei's eyes burned with pain and fury, showing defiance that made Freed's smile turn upside down.

Freed sneered. "You see? This is why you shouldn't trust de—Argh!" Freed's grip loosened instantly.

He let go of Issei as a strangled gasp tore from his throat as he doubled over, holding his nethers as he began to massage them. While he was monologuing, Issei had taken that moment to swing his left fist upward with every ounce of fury he had left into Freed's crotch. It was enough to get the mad priest to let go of him, but not enough to really incapacitate him.

Freed staggered back, wheezing. "You really are a no‑good bastard!" He grabbed Issei by the collar and hurled him into the side of a building.

"Argh!" Issei's right shoulder slammed into the bricks.

The pain shot down his arm, but thankfully, it wasn't dislocated. However, with the pain from the gash on said arm, his right arm burned with pain all over.

Freed straightened, still massaging his crotch. "You know… I should thank you for that. Maybe I can get Raynare and that other bitch to suck me off like the good whores they are…" He stalked toward Issei, eyes gleaming. "But first..."

He vanished, using Excalibur Rapidly, Freed flashed in front of Yuuto and decked him with a punch to the face.

"Hngh!" Yuuto's sword slipped from his hand and clattered onto the ground as he stumbled back.

Freed turned back toward Issei, licking his lips. "Now… where were we? Oh yeah. I was going to have some fun with two bitches." He rubbed his crotch. "Maybe I'll send you a video. Then you can come find me so I can kill you! Hyahaha!"

With that, he dashed towards Issei to give him another cut to maim him, but he never got the chance. One second, he was facing Issei to cut off a limb. The next second, his vision blacked from a blur of black and steel smashed into his skull.

CRACK!

Freed flew backward, crashing through a window in an explosion of glass. It was the second time that he had gotten kicked in the head by a ki infused kick.

He spat out a tooth. "Damn it! What now!?"

Issei blinked through the rain and Yuuto froze. They were shocked at who their savior was, well, Issei more than Yuuto.

Both stared at the figure standing between them and Freed. They were wearing a drenched trench coat, had their blade drawn and eyes colder than the storm.

"Shigure‑nee…" Issei whispered.

Shigure had felt something wrong the moment Issei left the dojo, a heaviness in the air and a knot in her chest. The rain had made it hard for her, so her trench coat was drenched, but she didn't care. She also noted how she never received a reply from the others that Issei made it home. She could only think that either he chose to be stubborn and not listen to her or something must have happened. Once she felt the presence of Excalibur, she took off in that direction and she also began to feel Issei's ki, flaring with fear and anger. She knew that someone must have ticked him off and he possibly bitten off more than he can chew.

Her worries were confirmed, when she had heard Issei's cry of pain going off in the night. It had made her heart stop for a brief second and made her go faster to his location. Having witnessed Freed throw off both Yuuto and Issei, she leapt into action. Unfortunately for Freed, years of kunoichi training made her silent, invisible, a shadow in the storm. Now she had her sword drawn and was glaring in the direction that she kicked Freed in.

Tōchūmaru had leapt out to try and gather the fragments of Issei's shattered bokken. Some of the smaller pieces had been washed away by the rain, but the mouse collected what he could.

Freed glared at Shigure from inside the ruined building and growled at having his fun ruined.

'That bitch is dangerous… I don't...' His thoughts were cut off and a thin line of red appeared across his neck. 'Huh?' Blood spurted from the wound.

The woman was behind him, he had used Rapidly's ability to dodge her strike, if not, he was sure that she would decapitate him.

"Damn it all!" Freed threw several light grenades, blinding the area with holy flashes, and leapt out the back window, while clutching his neck, he fled into the storm. "Consider yourselves lucky!"

He took off immediately using Rapidly again because where he had been standing was cleaved by Shigure's sword. He looked back to see her ice cold stare at him and he thought the rain was supposed to be cold. He was grateful that she didn't take off running after him, she was fast and if he stayed, then he was dead especially if the Gremory knight recovered.

Shigure didn't chase, Not because she couldn't but because she felt something far more important behind her.

When Shigure was sure that she could not sense Freed as he took off for his base, she turned her attention to Issei. Shigure sheathed her sword and rushed to him. She knelt, checking his pulse, placing a trembling hand on his cheek.

"Otouto…"

Issei's eyes fluttered. "Nee… san…" His breathing was ragged.

Tōchūmaru squeaked by Issei's side to let her know he could watch him as she quickly went over to Yuuto.

"Can you… stand?"

Yuuto nodded, though his jaw was bruised. "I'm fine. But we lost him."

Shigure nodded. "Help me… with Ise."

"Why? I need to go after Freed and…"

Shigure shook her head."You'll get your… revenge. Not now… not tonight. But you will." She pointed at Issei. "Help me… with your friend. And my… otouto."

Yuuto blinked. 'Otouto? I didn't know he had a sister, now that I'm seeing her up close, she does look a little like Akeno-senpai.'

Shigure walked to the priest's corpse, lifting him effortlessly onto her shoulders and she walked back to Yuuto. "You can… use your legs… right?"

"Yeah." Yuuto nodded.

"Pick him… up." She pointed at Issei, who had passed out. "And follow… me."

Yuuto hesitated. "Tch… why?"

"You can get… patched up." She retrieved Issei's scattered belongings that he placed down before he had attacked Freed.

When she returned, Yuuto had Issei in a fireman's carry, she noted how he still clutched on to the remains of his bokken, despite being unconscious. Tōchūmaru was also inside Yuuto's collar to shield himself from the rain. The mouse still had the broken pieces that he could carry and it seemed Yuuto didn't mind the mouse.

Shigure nodded. "Try and… keep up." She sprinted into the rain.

Yuuto followed. "Wait up!" As he ran, he noticed something glowing faintly near her ear. 'What, she can use magic? Does that mean Issei knows magic? She also used ki on Freed? Who is she?'

Shigure activated a communication circle. "Get the... clinic ready."

Akisame's voice answered. "Shigure? What's going on?"

"We have a… casualty. And two… injured." She responded.

"Who's hurt?" Akisame asked again.

Shigure's voice sharpened. "Akisame! Get the clinic ready! Ise's hurt!"

"Very well." Akisame acknowledged, disconnecting the call as he understood that when Shigure spoke fluidly, it was something serious.

Yuuto stared. "You can use magic!?"

"Yes." Shigure answered without looking at him.

"Can Hyoudou-kun?"

"No… he doesn't… know about… your world."

"My world?" Yuuto asked.

"The supernatural."

As they continued sprinting in the rain to get to Akisame's clinic that was near Ryōzanpaku. Something that Issei was not aware of when she took him there the first time. Yuuto was lost in thought as they ran, he was surprised at how fast the woman was as well.

"Who else knows?" Yuuto asked the woman.

"You'll see." Shigure said.

With that, they continued to run in silence, the rain helped wash away the blood and cleaned up the wound. Yuuto did ponder about Issei and why he came to help him.

They reached the compound. He was surprised by the structure that they had pulled up against and was surprised when Shigure jumped over the fence. He followed suit, still carrying Issei and saw Shigure run to a building that had lights on.

He was even more surprised when the door to the building was opened up by a black haired man with white eyes, who stood waiting.

Yuuto shivered. 'How did he know we were coming? The rain should've masked our steps…' He saw the man usher them inside.

Shigure rushed inside and Yuuto followed.

"This way," Akisame said, guiding them to the back.

Another man in Chinese clothing and a hat waited. "Set him down here," Kensei instructed.

Yuuto laid Issei on the bed.

Akisame pointed to another seat. "Sit here. We'll patch you up."

Yuuto frowned. "Who are you people?"

Kensei grinned. "Allies." He began removing Issei's soaked shirt.

Akisame asked calmly, "You want to tell us what happened?"

Yuuto exhaled. "We were attacked, that priest was attacked and ran into me, he collapsed and then Freed came and stabbed him multiple times. Freed and I were about to clash, but Hyoudou-kun kicked him. I didn't know he was there as I was going through my own problems."

Akisame nodded. "You mean your revenge?"

Yuuto stiffened. "Yeah… how did..."

"It doesn't matter how I know. Now... take off your shirt, so I can look at that cut on your shoulder."

Yuuto scowled. "I'll be fine."

"You'll give your opponent a weak spot if you don't get it healed up."

Yuuto sighed. "Fine." He removed his shirt, following Akisame's instructions.

Kensei examined Issei's hand, trying to pry the broken hilt free. "Hmm… how did you two work together?"

Yuuto blinked. "Huh?"

Kensei smiled knowingly. "You two worked together, didn't you?"

Yuuto exhaled slowly, eyes drifting toward the unconscious boy on the bed. "I guess so," he admitted. "Since Freed had one sword, Excalibur, whenever I locked blades with him, Hyoudou‑kun would get in close. If Freed tried to slash at him, I had a chance to counterattack… and maybe destroy that sword."

Akisame nodded thoughtfully. "So you had similar goals, then?"

Yuuto hesitated as Issei's words echoed in his mind: "I have my reasons for destroying that sword."

He wondered if it had to do with Yuuma, he knew that Issei and Raichi had a friendship with the now hybrid. However, he remembered Issei asking about Freed priest hunting and remembered the picture that he had seen while at Issei's house.

'Does Issei think Freed killed that man? Did Freed actually do it? I wouldn't put it past him… So Issei was also looking for revenge as well?' Yuuto finally answered. "…Maybe."

Akisame dipped a cotton swab in alcohol. "I see, well, this will sting a bit." He knew that Yuuto should be grateful because the holy sword only left a cut on him and didn't fully do enough to incapacitate him permanently.

Yuuto winced as the disinfectant touched his shoulder.

"Now to bandage you up." Akisame told him.

Yuuto held still as the martial artist wrapped his wound with practiced precision.

Yuuto glanced toward Issei again. "So you know my story."

Akisame nodded. "The Holy Sword Project. Yes. And no, I'm not part of the Church. But I understand your hatred for Excalibur."

Yuuto's eyes hardened. "So you'll stay out of my way."

Kensei chuckled. "Of course. But he might not." He nodded toward Issei, who was bandaged by Kensei from his elbow to fingertips.

The fingers individually wrapped up, so Issei still had mobility to said hand. His head was wrapped, and he was breathing shallow but steady.

The fingers on his left hand that had been cut from Yuuto's accidental strike were also bandaged up.

Underneath the bandages, he had some stitches on the cut on his arm and had his head injury stitched again and bandaged up. Shigure was now showered and beside Issei's bed, watching him, along with her mouse.

Yuuto frowned. "Why?"

Saiga stepped forward, arms crossed. "Because you're friends. At least, he thinks so. And Issei has a knack for loyalty... to anyone he perceives as a friend."

Yuuto turned to see what almost looked like an older version of himself, but with shaggier hair. "Is that why he doesn't hang out with Matsuda and Motohama anymore?"

Saiga's eyes narrowed. "They were never his friends. They used him as a meat shield, and he even admitted that those two got him into peeping. Despite his perversion, he was like anyone else, until those two came into his life."

Yuuto grimaced. "I know he talked about a childhood friend and he threatened me if I did anything to them, he would come after me."

Saiga chuckled. "That's to be expected. He did the same thing in his tournament."

Yuuto nodded. "I know. I saw."

Saiga's expression softened. "Will you be alright?"

Yuuto was slightly shocked by the question. "Huh?"

"I asked if you would be alright." Saiga repeated. "Considering that you were seeking revenge for your fallen comrades."

Yuuto growled. "What's it matter to you?"

Saiga's gaze sharpened. "What if I told you the man responsible for their deaths is involved with Freed?"

Yuuto froze. "What!?"

Akisame sighed. "Saiga…"

"We're in a temporary truce," Saiga replied. "He deserves to know." He turned back to Yuuto. "He is here, but I ask that you be patient, so I can ensure that he reveals himself to you."

Yuuto clenched his fists. "You sure?"

"I have one of my people working on the inside, you know them, but I won't tell you who they are. Otherwise you will blow the whole operation and they would be compromised." Saiga informed him.

Yuuto's jaw tightened as it irritated him of being told to, he felt that it was impeding on his revenge.

Saiga continued. "He'll get his comeuppance and yes, I know you have been patient long enough, but now is the time for him to no longer hide in the shadows. Take some time off from school and clear your head if you must. Your time will come, I can assure you of that."

Yuuto swallowed as Saiga's gaze was heavy and commanding. He felt that he had no choice but to comply with his orders.

Yuuto nodded. "…Fine. I'll do that."

Akisame handed him his shirt. "Here's your shirt, it's all dried now."

Yuuto blinked. "When did...?"

"When you took it off, I had passed it to Shigure, since her clothes were also wet." Akisame explained to the blonde teenager.

Yuuto slipped it on. "Thanks."

Saiga approached with an umbrella. "Do you need a ride? I can have a car escort you back home."

"No thanks." Yuuto shook his head.

"Ah, right, your knight speed, well, then at least take this to keep you somewhat dry." Saiga offered the umbrella.

Yuuto accepted it. "Um, thanks."

Before Yuuto left, he looked back at Issei and gave a silent thank you with a nod to the unconscious brunette. He was not sure what to think of Issei, but a part of him feared that he may lose another person. Maybe when he accomplishes his reason for living, he would try to further his friendship with Issei and maybe do some training together.

As he exited the back room, he was surprised to find some of the others from the MMA club there. They looked at him expectantly and it made him wary of what they knew. Renka and Kisara glared at him, while Ikki and Ukita looked concerned and looking at Kenichi, Yuuto was sure that he could pass as Issei's older brother.

Yuuto bowed his head slightly. "Thanks… for helping him."

Ikki blinked. "Huh?"

Kenichi stepped forward. "Could you explain?"

Yuuto sighed. "You already know how he's a pervert and that's all everyone sees, so thanks for bringing out his other qualities. You're a better friend than I ever could be, have a good evening."

Miu smiled warmly. "You as well."

For a moment, Yuuto froze. 'She… looks like she could be my older sister…'

While he did consider Rias and Akeno to be like older sisters, despite their beauty, Yuuto never really had any romantic attachments to them. Considering that Miu possessed a similar aura to those two and despite being Japanese, he felt that sibling familiarity. He never had siblings of his own, so it made sense on how the blonde man looked similar to him.

With a slight blush, Yuuto exited the clinic and opened up his umbrella. "Thanks and also give him my thanks as well." Those were his parting words to group before dashing off into the rain.

Inside, Akisame was speaking to Gorou on the phone and explaining the situation. As a concerned father, Gorou was freaking out and asking for the address of the clinic. However, Akisame declined the stressed out father.

"No, you cannot drive here in this weather," Akisame insisted. "He is safe. Someone experienced will bring him home once he wakes."

Saiga stepped out. "I'll get a car ready for him." He exited the room to be met by the club members, who had been waiting on the status of the club's "little brother."

Renka rushed forward."How is he?"

Kensei answered. "Well, it seems that his scar on his head was reopened and it's a long cut on his arm, but he can still use it."

Ikki sighed. "That's a relief."

Kenichi shook his head. "I wouldn't be so sure."

Kisara frowned. "What do you mean?"

Kenichi crossed his arms. "He lost."

Ukita shrugged. "So?"

Kenichi sighed. "You know how Ise gets after a loss, he's going to start training again. He's going to put blame on himself and get going at training as soon as he can get his legs under him."

Miu nodded in agreement. "That's right, when Kenichi first lost to Ryutaro, he got back to his training again and normally, Kenichi didn't like to train."

Kenichi groaned. "Why must you expose me like that, Miu…"

She giggled. "Sorry." She rubbed the back of her head.

Saiga stepped in. "I think you should all get some rest. He'll need some space and he'll see you tomorrow."

Kisara pouted. "What? We can't see him now?"

Akisame chuckled. "Oh, you can, but you know Shigure is quite protective of things she's fond of."

Kenichi nodded. "She does view him as a little brother, I guess that makes sense." Even though they would mean no harm to Issei, Shigure would watch them like a hawk and strike, if necessary.

Ukita sighed. "Damn."

Akisame gestured. "But if it helps you, you can see him. He's still unconscious, but he'll be fine."

The club entered quietly to see their junior.

Kensei folded his arms. "What do you think Mitsurugi will do?"

Saiga smirked. "Train him harder and not because he wants to, it's because Issei will ask for it. I won't be surprised if he asks Shigure for it as well."

Akisame nodded. "I agree, considering the similarities to Kenichi, I can see him doing just that. I would hate for something to happen to a fellow sculptor."

Saiga's eyes narrowed. "However, I think it's nearing time to bring him in."

Kensei blinked. "In?"

Saiga nodded. "To Ryōzanpaku, maybe after this Kokabiel incident, but at some point... he will refine his martial art skills. He's learning from his senpai, and they are all high-class disciples in their arts and nearing mastery. His ki training is going to be essential, I would not be surprised if Mitsurugi and Setsuka are doing something about that as it's flowing a little more in his system."

Akisame smiled faintly. "His ki flow has increased."

Saiga folded his arms. "Yes. The boy is changing."

Akisame folded his arms, expression calm but firm. "Don't forget training in magic," he added. "If he wants to achieve his dream, he'll need that as well."

Saiga nodded. "Indeed. His path will require more than fists and ki. Even ki refinement has limits without balance."

At the Hyoudou residence, while the storm outside hammered against the windows, the real storm was inside the Hyoudou home. Gorou was currently trying to calm down his distraught wife as she tried and failed to steady her breathing. She had been trying to contact Issei and see where he was. When he had informed her of what Akisame had told him, she freaked out.

Miki's voice cracked. "What do you mean he was attacked!?"

Gorou swallowed. "That's… what I was told."

"So where is he, Gorou!? Where's my baby!?"

"He's fine. Just resting. You need to cal..."

"Don't you dare tell me to calm down!" Her voice broke into a sob. "We already lost two children… I'm not going to lose my third! Get the car keys!"

Gorou tightened his hold. "Not in this weather! They said a car will bring him home." Miki collapsed into his chest, shaking, while sobbing.

The rain outside didn't help, while Gorou stroked her back gently, silently praying that whoever was driving would get to them safely with their son. He also prayed that they get back home to their own family as well.

Eventually, Miki disengaged herself from her husband, wiping her eyes. She grabbed her phone with trembling hands and dialed.

"Hello?" A voice responded.

"Mizuki…" Miki sniffled.

"Miki? What's wrong?"

"Ise was attacked."

A sharp inhale. "What!? By who?"

"I don't know, Gorou was on the phone with the doctor, they say he's fine and they will bring him home. I guess because we are too emotionally distraught to drive." Miki answered with shaky breath.

Mizuki sighed softly. "You probably are. At least your child is still in the same town as you."

Miki blinked. "Irina's not with you?"

"No, she has gone to the Vatican, that's in Italy, ever since she's turned 14, she's usually been there. Sometimes she stays but she's mostly there."

Miki's voice softened. "I didn't know… How do you cope with that?"

"Well, I have a restaurant to run and I have to have faith in her that she will be alright." A gentle pause. "Ise's strong, you and Gorou may have prayed for him, but he survived the childbirth. Have faith in him and he will return to you."

Miki exhaled shakily. "Okay… I'll try."

"Trust me, you'll see, anyway, Irina and her friend are supposed to arrive tomorrow afternoon on your time. Since I told you that Irina's not in England, expect the flight to be from Italy. It's a 12 and a half hour flight."

"So they would be leaving in a few hours then." Miki sniffled.

"Yes, Touji also sent out notification to the Vatican that you would be accommodating Irina and her friend. I believe they felt relieved as it would save them money, is Gorou still picking them up?"

"Erm, let me check." Miki turned and called out to her husband. "Gorou!"

"Yes?" Gorou responded.

"You're still getting Irina-chan and her friend, right?" Miki asked.

Gorou nodded. "Of course, tomorrow around noon is when they're coming in, so I'm working from home."

"Okay." Miki nodded and returned to the phone. "Yes, he is." She responded to Mizuki.

"Alright and thank you. You never know, maybe Irina can help cheer up Ise." Mizuki answered, and Miki could hear the smile in her voice.

"Maybe… I'll talk to you later, Mizuki." Miki sighed.

"Alright, and remember to have faith." Mizuki reminded her friend.

"I will. Bye."

"Bye."

The two mothers hung up with Miki wiping her eyes as she waited patiently, pacing anxiously for her son to come back home.

About 45 minutes later, they heard a car drive up into their driveway, headlights swept across the window and a car door closed. Miki bolted for the door, barely slipping on her shoes, nearly running into Issei as she flung the door open.

"Oh God, Ise! You're okay, you're okay!" Her son stood there, drenched, exhausted, bandaged but alive. She crashed into him, hugging him tightly.

Issei smiled weakly. "Hey, kaa‑san. I missed you too."

She pulled back, eyes fierce. "I told you to text me when you were going to be late!"

"I know, I know, but can we get out of the rain first?" Issei asked tiredly.

"Right! I don't want you catching a cold..." Her eyes dropped to his bandaged hand. "What happened to your hand!?"

Issei sighed. "Out of the rain first, kaa‑san." He had to pull her inside the house.

"Alright." Miki resigned.

Gorou rushed over. "Ise! You're okay!"

"Yeah. I'm good." Issei said, but they could tell how dejected he was.

"What happened? Why were you attacked?" Gorou rattled on questions to his son.

Issei hesitated, then answered simply. "I was helping a friend."

Miki blinked. "What?"

"My friend was going to be attacked and I stepped in, I wasn't going to let him get hurt." Issei said again with more clarification.

His parents looked at each other, but they knew that this was their son and he would do something like that. They remembered how he was as a child and how he defended Matsuda and Motohama against them, when they told him that they weren't good influences. Unfortunately, he had inherited their stubbornness, so they couldn't really do much and let him be, rather than being more strict.

Gorou frowned. "Is your friend alright? We'll need to press charges, do you remember what they looked like? Who attacked you and your friend?"

Issei shook his head. "Kiba's fine, he was gone before I woke up, he texted me that he was okay, see?" He pulled out his phone and showed them the messages.

Gorou nodded slowly. "And what about the charges?"

Issei's expression darkened. "I… don't think that'll work."

Miki's voice rose. "Why not!?"

Issei looked down. "Something about the guy that did it. He felt unnatural and he mentioned something about hunting priests. It reminded me about ojisan, he was a priest, wasn't he?"

Both parents froze at the question.

Miki swallowed. "…Yes."

Issei clenched his bandaged hand lightly. "Is he okay? I know we were close with them… so why haven't we kept in contact? It's been eleven years."

Gorou placed a steady hand on his son's shoulder. "Ise, they're fine. I can assure you of that."

Issei frowned. "How?"

Miki stepped forward. "I was just on the phone with your obasan."

Issei blinked. "Really?"

"Yes." Miki nodded. "Now get out of those cold clothes and take a warm bath. I don't want you catching a cold."

Gorou added with a small smile, "We also have a surprise for you."

Issei tilted his head. "Surprise?"

"Yes. It'll be here when you come back from school." Gorou answered him.

Issei sighed and lifted the broken remains of his bokken. "I need to stop by the shop. If it wasn't for this, the cut on my arm would've been worse."

Miki's eyes softened with worry. "Is that what happened to your hand?"

"Yeah. It starts from my hand and ends at my elbow. But I can still use it, it's just..." He wiggled his fingers and wincing, while doing so. "...a little painful."

Miki frowned. "Can you still bathe with it?"

"Yeah, I can." Issei nodded. "I better go change, soggy clothes aren't fun to be in."

Gorou chuckled. "I bet."

Miki kissed his cheek. "Relax yourself. I'll reheat your dinner, okay?"

Issei paused at the stairs. "Thanks, kaa‑san. And… also to both of you, thank you for not giving up on me like many people have."

Gorou sighed. "Well, your perversion is kind of my fault, despite my father being perverted as well, I should have done something to prevent it from happening to you."

Miki raised her hand. "It's both of our perversions, even I had some myself and you know Shidou's parents had their own… quirks as well, not as much, but it was there."

Issei blinked. "I didn't know."

Miki smiled gently. "Well, when you're with someone you love, you're going to want to do perverted things with them and fantasize about them."

Issei scratched his cheek. "Wouldn't that be lust? I mean… I told you about that premonition where you two called me the manifestation of that sin."

Gorou sighed. "We already talked about that. We didn't want to lose you. So… you were kind of spoiled."

Issei lowered his head. "Which only caused you both embarrassment. I'm sorry."

Miki pointed toward the stairs. "You'll be even more sorry if you don't get your butt upstairs, bathe, and get into warm clothes, young man."

"Yes ma'am!" Issei gave his mother a mock salute, taking off his shoes and bolting up the stairs.

Miki sighed. "He still has that habit."

Gorou raised a brow. "Which one?"

"You know, not forgiving himself when he does something wrong. He's still saying sorry for our perversion which was passed down to him. He blames himself for the notoriety that he has given himself for the troubles that his perversion has caused. You saw the pain and regret on his face, he blames himself for it, I hope Mizuki was right."

Gorou tilted his head. "About?"

"She said that maybe Irina can cheer him up."

Gorou smiled faintly. "I hope so. They really were the best of friends."

Miki chuckled softly. "Yeah… our pesky little troublemakers." She walked toward the kitchen to warm Issei's dinner. But a thought crossed her mind. 'I wonder if he'll notice the feminine products in the bathroom.'

Unfortunately, she forgot that her son can still be quite dense thus Issei did not notice the feminine products nor was he aware that the guest room had been set up for someone.

While Japan approached 11 p.m., Italy basked in the late afternoon sun. Inside the bustling Rome Fiumicino Airport, it seemed a bit weird for Xenovia and Irina as they were dressed in casual clothes, rather than their exorcist garbs and robes. However, this was instructed by their mentor, Ewald Cristaldi, who was ranked as the third highest official in the Church. Ewald held the rank of Cardinal Deacon, he was a middle aged man with black hair and was dressed in church vestments.

Ewald's voice was solemn. "You understand your assignment?"

"Yes, Deacon," both girls answered.

"Good." Ewald nodded. "Now I fear we have lost contact with Warrior DeAngelo, it's best to assume that he has died. I cannot guarantee that you will survive this mission either."

Xenovia bowed her head. "We will succeed, Deacon."

"And I expect you to, I hope you have learned the customs of Japan, Warrior Xenovia."

"Yes." Xenovia nodded. "Sister Griselda thought it would be best for me to stay with my partner in England. She and her family have taught me what I needed to know."

"Good. And Warrior Irina…" Ewald turned to the other girl.

If one could look closely, there was a slight disdain in his eyes, but it went unnoticed by the two girls.

Irina straightened. "Yes, Deacon?"

"It's a good thing that you are from Japan." Ewald noted. "We were also informed by your father that you will have a place to stay, which does save us some money, but we have prepared some Japanese yen for you, just in case."

Irina blinked. "My father? What did papa do?"

"Yes." Ewald gave a nod of respect to the man. "He ensured that you would have a means of transportation as well, and that you are in good hands."

Irina looked away. "I… wasn't aware of this." She was still surprised that her father had taken the precautions for her.

Normally, he didn't, but considering that this mission was a little more personal, he had to step in somehow.

Ewald gave a small shrug. "I guess he wanted to surprise you both that things were taken care of for the both of you."

Xenovia nodded. "That was thoughtful of him."

Ewald nodded in agreement. "Well, it just shows a concerned father making sure that his family is taken care of."

Irina's eyes softened. "I see…"

Ewald continued. "When you arrive in Kuoh, get your bearings checked and if you are able to find Warrior DeAngelo, let us know. Try not to cause trouble either, you are entering devil territory, so you will be required to establish contact with those in charge. If they so much as show that they are involved with the theft of the Excalibur fragments, exorcize them." He paused. "I should warn you though that the two devils in charge are the little sisters of two Maous, so proceed with caution."

Both girls nodded. "Understood, Deacon!"

"Good, now your flight is preparing to board soon, may God bless you on your travels."

They bowed as the Deacon bestow his blessings unto them.

Irina hesitated. "Deacon… did my father ever say who would be staying with?"

"Yes. A family friend." That was all Ewald said.

Irina's eyes widened. 'Family friend? Could it be…?'

Ewald raised a finger. "Now remember, this is not a vacation. I'm sure you would not mind seeing old friends, Warrior Irina, but remember this is not a vacation."

Irina nodded. "I understand, Deacon." However, her mind was elsewhere, once again, in her fantasies.

Ewald could see it and internally groaned because her father does the same thing of being lost in a daydream.

Xenovia bowed again. "Thank you, once again, Deacon." They walked toward their gate.

Considering how Rome Fiumicino Airport was the busiest airport in the country, it helped the Vatican and Church had connections to them. This is what allowed Xenovia and Irina to get through security, considering that Xenovia had a package that needed special clearance, which the Church provided. Of course, the two teenagers did not see the Deacon pull out a cell phone and call someone.

A voice answered. "Hello?"

Ewald spoke quietly. "They are heading your way."

The voice on the other end shifted, smoothly transitioning from Japanese to Italian, as if slipping into a second skin.

"I understand," the caller said. "But I see you won't be telling me any names."

Ewald's expression didn't change. "Be considerate that I followed your advice to have them dress casually so they can remain inconspicuous."

A faint hum of approval. "That's nice to hear. But I should inform you… something has happened tonight."

Ewald's brows furrowed. "What is it?"

There was a pause, followed by a heavy sigh, which was foreboding that Ewald was expecting the worst of the worst.

"One of your priests was killed tonight." The caller answered.

Ewald closed his eyes briefly. "I assume you know who did it."

"Yes. It was the rogue priest, Freed Sellzen."

Ewald's voice hardened. "And you're sure of this?"

"Yes. Considering that I had the witnesses present moments ago."

A long silence followed as Ewald felt like that there was more that wasn't being said to him and it made him wonder what else, the caller was hiding.

Finally, Ewald exhaled. "I'll take your word for it… for now, Saiga."

Saiga's tone softened, just slightly. "Thank you, when your exorcists complete their mission... I shall send his body back with them, so you may have a burial for him."

Ewald nodded his head, even though Saiga could not see it. "That is much appreciated. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Cardinal Deacon."

Ewald straightened. "I shall let you go. It is late in your area. Have a good night, and God bless."

The call ended.

Ewald lowered the phone, watching through the glass as Irina and Xenovia boarded their flight. The two young warriors stepping into the jaws of devil territory.

He clasped his hands behind his back. 'I pray you know what you're doing, Saiga.'

He turned and walked away, robes swaying with each step, leaving behind the echo of a prayer swallowed by the vastness of Rome's busiest airport.