Chapter 6

Issei returned home from the church with a heavy but strangely clearer heart.

His mother's voice drifted from the kitchen the moment he stepped inside. "Oh, Ise, welcome back, dear. How was your day?"

"Fine. Hey, kaa‑san…?"Full novel: High School DxD: A Fighting Chance — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠

She turned, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Yes?"

Issei hesitated, then asked quietly. "Did you… think I'd never get a bride if I didn't change?"

Miki blinked. "Hmm?"

"A bride. Someone who'd love me like you love tou‑san."

Miki's expression softened with guilt. "Well…"

She wanted to say his childhood friend would have loved him, but she couldn't. Not when the girl was far away in England, possibly living a new life. She was also certain that said childhood friend never corrected Issei about their gender either. Regardless, she chose an honest answer.

"No… I didn't think that. I'm sorry."

Issei shook his head and hugged her gently. "It's okay. I'm glad you're honest. And… I agree with you. I would've grown up eventually, but the damage might've already been done."

Miki frowned. "Why the question?"

Issei exhaled. "There's a new student in my class. She said she's living with a classmate of mine. It made me wonder what it would've been like if I introduced her to you and tou‑san." He grimaced. "The vision I had wasn't pretty. But I wanted your honest opinion and you gave it. The truth hurts, but sometimes you have to accept it." His voice lowered. "I was a disappointment to both of you. You only babied me because of the miscarriages."

Miki's eyes welled with tears. She looked down, ashamed. "I'm sor..."

"You don't have to apologize." He held her tighter. "But I do wish you'd been stricter with me. I know you were scared of losing me… but I needed discipline."

Miki sniffled. "Okay…"

"You were right. I was a shame to society." He admitted. "But I'm changing. That beating… it was a blessing in disguise. It showed me who my real friends are. And today… I made a new one."

Miki's tears paused. "Really?"

"Yeah. My senpai. She's helping me with Chinese kenpo. She kicked my butt today, but… she's a good friend."

Miki blinked. "She? Your friend is a girl?"

"Uh huh. And no." He already knew what his mother was thinking. "She's not going to be my bride if that's what you're thinking. But I think I'll befriend a few guys too. I just needed to open up again. After Matsuda and Motohama betrayed me… I wasn't sure I could."

Miki wiped her eyes, smiling. "That's wonderful, dear."

Issei rolled up his sleeves, revealing bruises. "They're training me hard for a tournament next month."

"Oh, my goodness, Ise!" She was shocked by the damage.

"Relax, I'm fine. I'll be stiff, but Elize‑sensei will patch me up." He smiled.

"I don't recall her being your homeroom teacher." Miki looked at her son warily.

"She's not. She's the school nurse. And I get tutored by a university professor too."

Miki chuckled. "You're making friends with adults as well."

"They're cool. I eat lunch with them. Yu‑Mi‑sensei helps me understand the samurai book I'm reading."

"The one you always carry around?" Miki asked.

"Yeah. Elize‑sensei gives health advice about the lessons too. Like cold showers."

"I assume she gave advice about teas as well."

"Yep. And I did some research on my own." He declared proudly.

He was actually putting effort into something other than breasts and frankly, it was a bit eye opening to him.

Miki sighed softly. "I'm sorry I ever thought of you as a shame to society. No mother should think that. Your father and grandfather were similar to you… though your grandfather was much worse."

Issei shrugged. "He had a lot of magazines, but I don't know if he ever peeped like I did. Or tried to. I never actually saw anything, unlike those two idiots."

"Well, don't dwell on it. Better late than never. And you're right..." She nodded. "Teenagers are rebellious."

"You still should've been stricter." Issei reminded his mother. "And baa‑chan would never let me get rebellious. You know how strict she is."

Miki laughed. "You're right. Maybe I should've sent you to her."

"Maybe. But only after Shidou left. I want to keep the memories of at least one true friend."

Miki's smile faltered. "Of course. Your grandmother loved Ir... Shidou as well." She caught herself, nervous.

She wasn't ready to reveal that Shidou was a girl. Not when Issei already blamed himself for "sending her away."

"Oh!" Issei lit up. "Speaking of the samurai book, I start my job this weekend!"

"That's right! Are you prepared?" Miki was delighted that he had gotten a job as he would learn more about responsibility.

Of course, none of them realized this was going to really change Issei's life as his boss was quite exceptional, and it would be his will that would further alter Issei's path in life.

"Yeah." Issei nodded, he was also excited to actually be earning his own money.

"Good. And I should tell you, but I'm moving forward in the interview process for my job." Miki beamed.

"That's great, kaa‑san!" Issei congratulated her as times were changing in the Hyoudou residence.

"Thank you. Now go put your things away and come down and help me set the table for dinner." She instructed.

"What are we having?" He asked, wishing that he had been able to help and learn the recipe himself.

"Cajun fried rice. I wanted to try something new." She answered.

"Oh? Maybe this weekend you can show me how to make it."

"Of course. I'll teach you anything you want in the kitchen. Remember…"

As both mother and son spoke simultaneously, "Some women like a man who can cook."

Issei grinned. "I know. You've been telling me that for weeks. Besides, when I go to college, I'll need to fend for myself."

Miki watched him head upstairs, warmth filling her chest.

He wasn't the same boy from a few weeks ago. He was changing, growing up and finding himself. As his mother, she couldn't be prouder, but she also couldn't help pondering about the vision that he told her about.

Whatever vision he had… it must've been an epiphany.

'I'm glad he got a wake‑up call. I don't think I need to be strict with him anymore. But he was right, I could've helped him sooner. Still… he's not worthless. He just never got the chance to shine. I hope he does well in that tournament.' She thought as she returned to her tasks in the kitchen, though her pace was slower than usual.

She knew her son and knew he would come down soon to help her, just like he had been doing these past few weeks.

Dinner that night was… eventful. Issei shared his epiphany with his father, and Gorou listened quietly before admitting something that made the table fall silent.

Gorou spoke up. "I did think you were the embodiment of sexual desire." He said it with a guilty laugh, but the weight behind it was real.

He blamed himself and his father, Juzo, for passing down the "Hyoudou perversion." Miki chimed in, admitting her own perversions too, which made Issei blink in disbelief.

"So… it's hereditary?" Issei asked.

"Well… it certainly runs in the family." Miki answered the question.

They all laughed, but the truth lingered. Issei worried aloud about whether his future children would inherit his perversion. He even joked about how his mother knew about his secret stash and should've sold it years ago.

"I did sell it. Just… recently." Miki responded to his joke.

"Better late than never." Issei laughed.

And so, the Hyoudou family made a pact. A pact to move away from the perversion that had shaped three generations. Gorou even vowed to call his mother and have her get rid of Juzo's massive collection.

"No, no... sell it. Like kaa‑san did. Might as well get some profit." Issei countered and Miki nodded in agreement.

With that settled, they continued dinner, talking about Issei's new friendships. As parents do, they teased him, especially when he mentioned his new senpai friend. And like Miki earlier, Gorou almost slipped about Shidou… until Miki kicked him under the table.

Despite the chaos, dinner was warm. It felt like a turning point for the Hyoudou family.

Gorou spoke about praying at a Shinto shrine after the miscarriages, begging for a child to survive. Issei thanked him for "speaking him into existence," then apologized for letting him down with his perversions and for breaking Gorou's fishing rod years ago.

Gorou burst into laughter. "So that's why you stopped fishing with me!"

They promised to go fishing again, just like old times. Miki smiled at her boys, heart full. For once, the family actually felt whole as Issei wasn't pulling away from them.

When the topic shifted to Issei's upcoming tournament, he repeated the same promise he'd given Renka.

"I won't finish last. If I don't, then I'm on the right track. If I do… then I've got a lot more work to do." Issei told them.

His parents exchanged a proud glance. Their son was changing and actually reaching a sense of maturity, his samurai book was clearly influencing him.

It was now Friday and of course, the week had been… interesting for Issei. Matsuda and Motohama spread another rumor, but this time claiming Issei forced himself on Yuuma. But Issei didn't have to lift a finger.

Yuuma herself beat the two perverts senseless and publicly corrected the rumor, telling everyone that she had offered to let Issei touch her breasts and he rejected her. The school was stunned as they didn't believe it because it was breasts, Issei wouldn't decline the prospect of being able to touch them.

Sona didn't punish Yuuma, which irritated Issei as he had gotten detention for the same thing. It also ruined Yuuma's chance to talk to him, which made her furious with her mistress.

Akeno, however, was quietly pleased as in her mind, it served the new hybrid right and she enjoyed talking to Issei whenever she caught him after training. Of course, those moments were rare and short because Issei avoided her, when he could. He didn't want to deal with Akeno's rabid fanbase.

On the bright side, Issei and Raichi Li hit it off. Despite his reputation, she treated him normally. He learned she was the school's former mascot before Koneko arrived. He also learned she was on par with Renka in Chinese kenpo.

That irritated him a little because she was now a rival to his dream. He explained his dream of becoming the best fighter in his grade, and Raichi appreciated his honesty. She told him her dream was to follow in her father's footsteps, a master of Chinese kenpo.

Issei related, sharing how he wanted to follow his father into the tech field. He also remembered Raichi was one of the girls who liked Kenichi as her interest in gardening made that obvious.

He was heading out of the locker room after training when a quiet voice called out. "Issei…"

He turned. "Hmm? Oh, Shigure‑sensei."

He forced himself to look at her eyebrows, doing anything to avoid staring at her chest. He would have to say that hers were the biggest that he had ever seen. He wanted to smack himself to remove those perverted thoughts from his head.

"I hear you have a… bokken." She replied as she watched him.

"Yes. I was hoping to learn your style someday, if you'd train me after Renka‑senpai, Mizunuma‑senpai, and Ikki‑senpai."

Shigure tilted her head. "You want… to learn my style?"

"Well, yeah." He wanted to learn all that he could for his dream.

"You do know that… a weapon is like the fists of a karate master… or the knees of a Muay Thai boxer…"

"An extension of your body." Issei finished, which made her eyes widened slightly.

He understood more than she expected, but she was alright with that. She was also interested in the prospect of having an actual student, even though Kenichi was her student. The multi-style fighter wasn't a fan of weapons, thus he didn't often use the techniques that she taught him.

"Correct. But… if you wield a weapon to obtain power… you can never become its master. You must become… the master of your own body first." She informed him.

Issei nodded. "That makes sense. I've only looked at basic kendo stances. But I'll learn more from Renka‑senpai and boxing. I'll need to learn more about Muay Thai too. Ikki‑senpai can help with that."

"Ikki cannot… help you with Muay Thai." Shigure shook her head.

"Why not?" Issei pouted.

"While I said… Muay Thai boxing…it is not his specialty."

"Ah… then I'll ask Renka‑senpai about kicks."

Shigure studied him quietly. "You really… are serious about your training."

"Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" Issei raised an eyebrow.

Though she had a point as he could have just enjoyed seeing the girls in the club, especially the woman in front of him. However, he was finding the fun in his training and understood why Goku liked it so much.

"I guess… Kenichi did not tell you… that he didn't like training."

"Why not? How else can someone grow? Even in anime and manga, you need training to get stronger."

Shigure nodded slowly. "Everyone is… different, Issei. Follow me."

"Huh? Um, okay." He followed her into the dojo.

"Sit." Shigure commanded.

They sat across from each other.

Issei suddenly remembered something. "Oh, before I forget." He reached into his briefcase and pulled out a small bag of bread and cheese.

Shigure blinked. "What's… this?"

"For Tōchūmaru." He answered, which made said mouse perk up, sniff the food, then squeaked happily and began eating.

Shigure's eyes softened. "That was… thoughtful of you."

"I've been here a few weeks. It's the least I can do." He explained to her.

"You've also opened up… to people."

Issei blinked. "You noticed?" He didn't think that anyone would have seen that he was keeping some of his guard up.

But the thing is that they all noticed and were biding the time and giving him the space to say something to them, which he had been doing with Ikki, Renka, and now Raichi.

Shigure's eyes softened as she watched Issei lower his head. "Yes… I always said… you were hiding yourself." She tilted her head slightly. "Why? Was it because… of your beatdown?"

"It's linked to that, but… no. The two guys who tattled on me, I thought they were my friends. People I could trust. I've known them since middle school, after Shidou left."

"I'm guessing… your perversion was what you… had in common." Shigure deduced.

"Yeah. I don't even know their other interests. But Shidou and I… we enjoyed manga, games, and sleepovers. He'd be disappointed in who I became. I know it."

Shigure shook her head gently. "Not necessarily true… You were able to grow out of… your perversion… a little."

Issei chuckled weakly. "Thanks. I guess focusing on training helped. And that epiphany I had earlier this week. I needed to control my anger. I've been reading this book about the samurai mentality, it's helped a lot."

"Samurai… mentality?" Her eyes slightly narrowed because she was a kunoichi.

"Yeah. Mental toughness. Kenichi‑senpai told me my anger would get exploited in a fight. Renka‑senpai told me to put my anger into my fists. Kind of like what you said with the whole mastering my body."

Shigure nodded. "That is correct… If you put your anger… into your fists… you add more force to your strikes. You may not have noticed… but Renka had to alter how she blocked your attacks."

Issei blinked. "Really? Damn… I could've exploited that."

Shigure's lips curved into a tiny smile that was barely there, but unmistakable. "You're… learning."

Issei blushed. He had never seen her smile before. "Thanks. But I still have a long way to go."

"That's fine… There's nothing wrong with improvement. It's why the others… still train."

"I can see that." Issei nodded in agreement.

"How do you feel now… compared to a few weeks ago?" She asked.

"More confident." Issei noted, almost similar to how he was boisterous about his perverted dreams.

However, it felt different this time because he wasn't as loud as before. His perverted thoughts were more contained and to himself, instead of being shouted out.

"Probably… Ikki rubbing off on you. He's usually the most confident… of the club."

"Maybe. But after I was betrayed, I lost myself. My senpais helped me get back on track. Even with the rumors those two spread, the people here don't believe them. So… I feel safe here. Or in Elize‑sensei's office."

Shigure blinked. "You spend time with… the nurse?"

"Uh huh. She's proud I'm making friends again. And I hang out with a university professor too—she tutors me."

"I see… That explains why you're comfortable… around me."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"They must be older women… like myself."

Issei blinked. "Oh. I didn't think about that. But I guess you're right. Oh and sorry, I forgot to text my mom." He pulled out his phone, while Shigure watched him quietly.

'He's grown responsible as well.' She thought to herself.

After a moment, Issei sighed.

"Trouble with… your mother?" She asked.

"No." Issei shook his head. "Just telling her about the latest rumor Matsuda and Motohama spread."

"The one that said you… forced yourself on that girl." Shigure said as she had heard about the rumors, while running espionage of her own.

"Yeah. But she beat them up and cleared my name. And she got off scot‑free. Meanwhile, I got detention the first time and probably would've been suspended the second time. Just shows how corrupt the student council is. They won't punish their own."

Shigure's eyes narrowed slightly. 'He can sense they're devils?'

"And it's not just them. Some members of the Occult Research Club are acting too nice to me." Issei continued on.

"Which members?"

"Himejima‑senpai and Kiba‑san. I get the same feeling from them that I do from the student council." Issei told the club advisor.

"Really?" Shigure continued to listen.

"My instincts tell me to avoid them. Like they're trouble. Maybe plotting some elaborate prank. Who wouldn't want to humiliate the Perverted Beast? Those guys did it and got no punishment. That's why I kept to myself. Or stayed with Elize‑sensei, so I'd have an alibi."

"That is… understandable." Shigure nodded in agreement as by being with an adult, he could be kept out of trouble.

"But I have people here now. I'm glad I found them."

Shigure studied him. "Would you… protect them?"

Issei blinked. "Huh?"

"Would you protect them… if you could?"

"Yeah. Or at least I'd try. I don't know how far they'd go for me, but they're training me. They took a chance on me. I was just some pervert and to many, I still am. But I want to make my senpais proud. I may seem unreliable now… but I'm here. Willing and ready."

Shigure's eyes softened. "Hmm…"

Before he could react, she vanished from her spot and reappeared right in front of him.

"W‑Wha...?! How did you...?!" He fell backward in shock.

"I am a… kunoichi." She answered.

"No way…" He cursed himself for still being dense as it all made sense, considering her attire and movements.

Shigure's whole persona screamed "kunoichi", but he had been doing his best not to ogle at her.

"Some advice for sparring… Don't think of them as allies… but as enemies. It will feel more like a real fight. And remember to control your anger… Otherwise you lose more energy." She informed him.

"You're right. Renka‑senpai said I got sluggish. Giving in to frustration made it easier for her to block me."

"Have you thought about… training in water?"

"Water? What would that do?"

"It would make your strikes faster… because of the water's resistance. And it would help your endurance… by controlling your breath."

Issei's eyes widened. "I never thought of that. Thanks, Shigure‑sensei."

She nodded, glad that she could give him some advice and be a part of his journey like she was for Kenichi.

"I should get going. I start work tomorrow. I want to make a good impression."

"Work? Where do you… work?" She asked.

"Shishi‑Oh. It's run by Mitsurugi."

Shigure's expression didn't change but her aura shifted ever so slightly. "Did he… give you anything?"

"Yeah. He gave me the bushido book. And he sold me my bokken."

"Hmm… Did he say anything… about teaching you?" She questioned, wondering if it was that Mitsurugi.

"Yeah. He said if I stop by early, he'd show me."

"I see… May I see your bokken?" She requested, holding out her hand.

"I don't have it with me. But I can bring it Monday."

"That is fine. And Issei…"

"Hmm?" Issei looked at her, a part of himself wondering it was that cliche of the female proclaiming something like he had seen in anime and the eroge games that he used to play.

"Good luck… in the tournament. Maybe afterward… I can see how well you trained yourself."

"Okay. I better get going." While he was slightly disappointed about it not being the cliche, he realized that this was the first time that he actually talked to Shigure.

"Wait… I'll walk you to the gate." She offered.

"Okay. Oh and Shigure‑sensei, is it okay if I talk to you more? You're kind of reserved, but your advice helped a lot. And I don't want to be last place. I promised."

"I don't see a problem… with that. Maybe you can show me… what Mitsurugi teaches you."

"Sure! No problem!" Issei perked up, happy to get double the lessons.

However, something inside him said how his body was going to regret this, but he was optimistic that it would be worth it in the end.

They walked toward the school gate together. Shigure suddenly stiffened as she sensed the devils of the ORC nearby.

"Oh, Hyoudou‑kun. It's been a while." A male voice spoke out to Issei.

"Kiba‑san." Issei nodded at the school's prince.

"Ara~ ara~ did you forget about your senpai as well, Hyoudou‑san?" Akeno informed him with her usual smirk.

"Oh… Himejima‑senpai." Issei greeted, hoping that he could carry on his way.

"It's not nice to leave a girl waiting, you know." She teased, which made Issei cringe a little.

He really didn't understand his senpai, but since she was one of the most popular girls in school. He knew that he had to keep his guard up around her as he felt that she was plotting something elaborate. He could see it right now, she was playing him along and then if he were to do the cliche confession, she would humiliate him in front of the school.

"Don't tease the perv, Akeno‑san." Takeshi scoffed at his club mate, which Issei agreed with the 'dark prince'.

"Hello again, Hyoudou‑san." Asia greeted the brunette.

"Nice to see you, Argento‑san." Issei nodded politely, though he couldn't help remembering the green glow from her hands and he wondered if he should tell someone.

Koneko didn't acknowledge him, so Issei didn't acknowledge her either. He simply kept his gaze forward, refusing to give them more attention than necessary.

Then the crimson‑haired girl stepped forward. "Yuuto and Akeno have talked about you. It's nice to meet you, I'm..."

"Rias Gremory." Issei instinctively stepped back as she approached.

Everyone knew who she was. His eyes flicked to her outstretched hand… then, involuntarily, to her chest.

'Himejima‑senpai is definitely bigger…Oh. She's probably as big as Shigure‑sensei.' Issei thought to himself

He stared again at Rias's hand but didn't take it. The hesitation was obvious to everyone present. Shigure's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though her expression remained unreadable. Koneko's gaze sharpened, wary of the kunoichi beside him.

"Sorry. I don't feel obligated to shake your hand. It'd be disrespectful." He finally answered.

"Oh? Why is that?" Rias was curious about his refusal.

"Why would the school's most popular girl want to shake hands with the Perverted Beast?" Issei asked her.

"At least he knows his place." Takeshi spoke nonchalantly, but not trying to be rude either.

Issei's jaw tightened as his fist clenched. A faint spark of ki flickered around him. While it was small, but unmistakable. Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Yuuto all widened their eyes and even Asia sensed something strange. And somewhere else, something unseen, another presence stirred, intrigued.

Shigure, however, already knew. 'So this is what Saiga meant…' She placed a hand on Issei's shoulder, grounding him before his anger could flare. "Go home… We'll meet again… on Monday, okay?"

Issei exhaled slowly. "Okay. Have a good weekend, Shigure‑sensei." It was if he reverted back to normal and the tension in the air had dissipated.

"You too… stay safe." Shigure nodded.

He ignored the ORC members completely and walked past them. Shigure noticed the subtle exchange of glances between Rias and Akeno.

Before Koneko could turn her attention back to her, Shigure vanished, gone in a blur of speed.

"Huh? She was just here. I wanted to ask if he joined their club." Rias was bewildered at Shigure's speed, when they turned back after they watched Issei leave.

"What does it matter?" Takeshi asked, curious about his crush's interest in Issei.

"If he has awakened something, it means he might be able to fight." Akeno answered.

"And if he can fight, he could help me with my engagement." Rias added on, which Takeshi couldn't help but nod at her reasoning.

"Though it'd be easy, we all saw how he stared at Buchou's chest." Koneko responded.

Everyone nodded.

"Right. And with his dream of being a harem king… devils can provide that." Rias nodded in her understanding to potentially recruit a new piece.

"Maybe. But maybe not. He didn't stare that much, Buchou." Yuuto noted to the group.

"If he joins, I hope you don't mind if I get a crack at him." Akeno smirked in her teasing fashion.

"You really mean that, Akeno-san?" Takeshi looked at their club's vice president.

"Ara~ ara~ the look on his face when he glared at you was so manly, Takeshi‑kun." Her statement made Rias raise an eyebrow, but she didn't say anything.

"As if he could do anything." He snorted as he knew of his own fighting prowess.

"Didn't you say humans can't hurt a low‑class devil physically?" Asia asked, a little worried for both boys, one being her crush and the other, her classmate.

Koneko nodded. "Correct."

"Maybe. But you felt it, didn't you, Koneko?" Rias asked.

"Yeah. But it was tiny. Nothing to worry about." Koneko answered.

"If we train him, it could grow."

"Unless he's too busy thinking about boobs." Takeshi sighed.

"We'll see. Maybe I can find something. Later." Akeno took off after Issei.

The others split off toward their respective homes. Akeno lived at the shrine, coincidentally in the same direction where Issei was walking.

Shigure, hidden in the shadows, listened to everything. 'So they do want to recruit him… I'll have to see what Saiga thinks.'

Issei was surprised when Akeno caught up to him. He immediately put distance between them.

"It's not nice to ditch a girl, you know." She teased, enjoying the reactions that she could get out of him.

"I wasn't ditching anyone. And I never see you walk this way. Shouldn't you be with your friends?" He answered, hoping she wouldn't see his blush.

"I live at the temple in town."

Issei blinked. "You're a priestess?"

"Something like that." Akeno answered with a smile.

'She's a true Yamato Nadeshiko…' he thought, glancing at her for the first time during their walk.

"So how about you?" Akeno asked, when she noticed his gaze on her.

"Huh?"

"You don't come to the rooftop anymore. Did you find another spot for us to talk?"

"What?"

"I thought we had a connection." Going back to her teasing.

"We had no connection, Himejima‑senpai."

"Perhaps. But if you came to the rooftop more often… maybe we might."

"Look, I don't want to get in trouble. And I can't trust you not to tell Sona-kaichou."

Akeno stopped walking. "What do I have to do to make you trust me?"

"I don't know." He shrugged, then something clicked in his mind. "May I see your temple?"

Akeno raised an eyebrow. "Hmm… sure. But on one condition."

Issei groaned internally. "What condition?"

"Lunch with me next week."

"What day?"

"All week. It takes more than a day to get to know someone."

Issei narrowed his eyes. "Why me?"

"Excuse me?"

"Look, I'm not just some pervert, alright? If you're planning to prank me, just do it now. You think I don't know what you and Kiba are doing? Acting all nice? You're planning something." Issei accused her.

"I'm not planning anything. Why would you think that?"

"Seriously? Why would one of the Onee‑samas of the school want to eat lunch with the Perverted Beast? Only reason I can think of is to humiliate me. Like those two bastards did with their rumors."

Akeno opened her mouth, but Issei snapped as he reacted first.

He grabbed her collar and slammed her against a wall. "I'm glad I didn't peep on those girls. I don't peep on another man's girl. I may have been a pervert but I have some morals!"

Akeno felt a jolt of fear. His ki spiked again and it was raw, unrefined, but powerful. Shigure sensed it from her own position, but she did not move because she could feel that it was controlled. It implied to the kunoichi that Issei wasn't any danger that he couldn't handle. Another part of Akeno… reacted differently as her thighs pressed together involuntarily.

"I… I believe you. I know you didn't peep on them. And I wouldn't desecrate the temple for a prank. You wanted to see it, you can. No conditions. It must be important to you." She kept calm, despite the situation she was in.

Issei's grip tightened for a moment. Amber brown eyes clashed with violet, both searching, testing.

Then he released her. "Okay. Lead the way." His expression remained hard and unyielding.

Akeno touched her collar to fix it, letting out a sigh of relief as she wouldn't have to use magic on the boy. 'Such a serious expression… Who knew he could have one like that.' She turned and began walking.

The silence between them was heavy. Issei messaged his mother, explaining he wanted to see the place where his father prayed for his existence. He wasn't sure if it was the same temple, but it was a start.

He chuckled to himself. He'd never prayed to become a harem king. Maybe that's why it never happened. But that dream is gone now. He had a new one.

Akeno glanced at him. "What's so funny?" She was rather surprised by how quickly he could shift his expressions and it made her wonder if he could possibly be bipolar.

"Nothing. Just an inside joke with my kaa-san."

Akeno lowered her head, her long black hair sliding forward like a curtain. "Oh…"

Issei immediately sensed the shift in her mood. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. You just… reminded me of my mother. We had our own inside humor, that's all."

Issei paused. As his mind went racing on the words that she had just said and then spoke without thinking. "She died, didn't she?"

He didn't mean to be blunt, but his curiosity simply slipped out.

Akeno nodded quietly. "Yeah."

"I'm sorry." He apologized as they reached the temple entrance and his curiosity tugged at him again. "How'd she die?"

Akeno froze as her entire body stiffened at the question, and Issei instantly knew he'd crossed a line.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. Um… where do people go to pray?" He asked.

Akeno didn't speak, she simply pointed toward a building deeper within the temple grounds.

Issei bowed his head slightly in thanks and walked off. Halfway there, he turned back and saw that Akeno still stood at the entrance. Her hair shadowed her eyes, but he could see the faint streaks of tears on her cheeks.

A heavy lump formed in his throat. 'Good job, Ise. You made her cry. I'm so stupid. Why did I have to ask about her mother? Stupid, stupid, stupid…' Internally groaning in his thoughts.

He facepalmed, berating himself silently.

Inside the prayer hall, the building was quiet and the air felt heavy, ancient, and solemn. Stone floors echoed softly beneath his steps.

'Technically… this is where I was conceived. Or somewhere like it. Tou‑san's prayers were answered. I just didn't live up to the expectations. I lived honestly… but pervertedly. I'm sorry for that, tou‑san.' Issei thought as he walked to the altar.

He knelt before the altar, instead of standing because he figured he should try a different approach on praying. If his father's prayers had been heard… maybe his own would be too.

"I don't know which Shinto god to pray to… but whoever you are, I hope you can hear me. My friend Shidou prayed to a different god, and I followed him. But my father prayed to you, whether you're Izanagi, Izanami, Amaterasu, Susano'o… or someone else." He bowed his head. "Thank you for guiding me to the right people. Kenichi‑senpai, Ikki‑senpai, Mizunuma‑senpai, Renka‑senpai… I'm enjoying martial arts. I can see why Goku likes it. I enjoy learning. I'm grateful you brought them into my life."

He exhaled slowly. "I don't know if the pervert stigma will ever disappear… but I hope it does. I want to be someone my parents can be proud of. Someone my baa‑chan can be proud of. Someone Shidou can be proud of." His voice softened. "I know I was too honest about my fascination with big breasts. I hope he forgives me. Even if he judges me… I'd understand."

He continued. "I also want to make Elize‑sensei and Yu‑Mi‑sensei proud. They didn't have to stay by my side… but they did. I want to do well by them. And by my senpais."

He took a moment to catch his breath and continue his prayer. "I start my new job tomorrow. Please help me do well. Mitsurugi‑sensei is going to teach me how to wield a bokken. Shigure‑sensei gave me good advice… I hope I can master my body like she said."

He chuckled softly. "I have so much to pray for… but mostly, thank you for giving me a chance to live." He bowed deeply.

Then he rummaged through his briefcase and pulled out a black‑and‑red headband that was patched, worn, but precious.

"This is one of the first things my baa‑chan taught me to make. I even gave one to Shidou. I don't know if he still has it… but I was proud of this." He placed it gently on the altar and then threw some yen in the offering box. "It's yours now. Thank you."

When he stepped outside, Akeno was nowhere in sight. He looked around, unsure if he should leave without saying anything.

Then he heard it as there were soft sobbing from a nearby house.

He approached quietly. His old peeping instincts, sharpened by years of avoiding beatings, helped him move silently and peeked through a window.

Akeno sat before a small shrine, crying into her hands. A framed photograph rested before her. Issei assumed that it had to be her mother. They looked nearly identical, except for the eyes. Issei's chest tightened, knowing that it was his fault that she was in this state. He had brought up a sensitive subject because he was reconnecting with his own mother.

He whispered through the glass. "I'm sorry, Himejima‑senpai…" He looked at the photo and gave it an apology. "You have a beautiful daughter. I'm sorry for making her cry. I pray she finds solace in your grace."

He gave a small wave, knowing she wouldn't see it and walked away. A pit formed in his stomach. He wanted to comfort her… but they weren't close. Not like he and Shidou had been. A hug would be inappropriate. It was too intimate. Too soon.

He could only hope to make it up to her somehow.

When he arrived home, his mother was waiting.

"What took you so long? You have work tomorrow." Miki asked, showing some concern about his tardiness.

"Sorry. I talked with my sensei after practice… then went to the temple."

"Temple?" Gorou asked, looking up at his son.

"Yeah. I wanted to visit the place where you prayed for me. And give my own thanks."

Miki narrowed her eyes. "There's more to it, isn't there?"

Issei sighed. He could never hide anything from her. "One of my senpais lives there. I reminded her of her mother… and made her cry."

"Oh my. Did you apologize?"

"No." Issei shook his head.

"Then you know what you need to do." Miki informed her son.

"Yeah. I was thinking of getting some wall art. The place looked dull. Maybe it'll brighten things up."

"That's thoughtful." Gorou nodded in agreement.

"What kind of art?" Miki asked, she was skeptical about her son getting the wrong thing.

"Acrylic, I think it's called. Easy to hang. A bit expensive, but I know a place. I'll get it after work." Issei answered.

Gorou pulled out his wallet and handed him some yen.

"What's this? I have savings." Issei asked.

"Your rude behavior stems from us. This is our apology… for not raising you right." Gorou told him.

Issei bowed deeply. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright, dear." Miki responded as she hugged him, kissing the top of his head. "Now go wash up and come down for dinner."

"Yes, ma'am."

It was very clear that at home, Miki was the one that ran the house, which neither Gorou nor Issei had any objection to.

The next morning, Issei woke early as his parents were still asleep.

He made a quick breakfast, packed leftovers for lunch, and prepared for his first day of work. He tied a rope around his bokken to sling it over his shoulder, packed a manga, and left a note for his parents. Then he hopped on his new bike and rode toward Shishi‑Oh.

The lights were already on, when he arrived. He locked his bike and approached the door and knocked.

However, to his surprise, instead of Mitsurugi's gruff voice, a woman answered. "It's open!"

Issei paused at the unfamiliar voice as he tried to register it. He tried to remember if he had seen any other females, when he had first been here. Since he assumed she must be a coworker, someone Mitsurugi had warned about his early arrival.

He opened the door and stepped inside and immediately choked. A blonde woman leaned over the counter, her halter top leaving her generous cleavage on full display beneath a loose kimono. Her posture was hunched forward, which gave him a dangerously clear view.

Issei swallowed hard as his gaze darted downward to her exposed midriff. She was toned and fit. He instinctively glanced down at his own stomach, lifting the hem of his shirt just enough to compare.

'Not bad… I'm not skinny anymore… But still have ways to go.' Thinking to himself, not noticing the woman's gaze on him.

A soft laugh snapped him out of it as he jerked his head up, startled. The woman was looking directly at him, amusement sparkling in her eyes.

She had been watching him discreetly from the moment he walked in. And she had noticed everything, from his flustered expression, his attempt to avoid staring at her chest, and even his quick comparison of their abs.

"Don't worry. In time, your abs will look better than mine." She said.

"I—I'm sorry, I was just..." Issei stammered.

"I've been expecting you. My husband told me about you. And don't be embarrassed, I already knew you'd look at my chest." Her laid back attitude reminded Issei of Elize.

"H‑Husband?" Issei spluttered and then he spotted the ring on her finger and mentally facepalmed. 'Great. I looked at another man's woman. Way to go, Ise. So much for morals.'

"Haha, you're exactly what my husband described. And don't worry, you won me a bet."

"Well… you are a beautiful woman. But I should've checked for a ring before looking. Ah, no, I shouldn't have looked at all. Sorry." He bowed deeply.

The woman smiled warmly. "I was expecting it. My name is Setsuka. You must be Hyoudou Issei."

"Yes. Mitsurugi‑shishou hired me a few weeks ago."

"I know. He told me. My husband is in the back..." She gestured to the door that was off to her side. "I'll take you to him."

"If I may ask… what are you working on?"

Setsuka lifted the papers she'd been hunched over. "Kimono designs."

Issei leaned in, eyes widening. "Whoa… these are amazing."

The designs were intricate with flowers, butterflies, moonlit mountains. Each one looked like it belonged in a museum.

"I design and sew them myself." She informed him.

"Could you teach me? I sew a little. I made a headband once, and I patched up my gi pants. My grandmother taught me the basics, but I've never worked with other materials."

Setsuka blinked, pleasantly surprised. "Oh? That's something I didn't know."

A familiar voice cut in. "And what's that?" Mitsurugi stepped out from the back room and looked at the boy. "Hyoudou. You're early."

"Good morning, Mitsurugi‑shishou." Issei bowed again. "I'm sorry for looking at your wife inappropriately. It won't happen again. I came early because you offered to teach me how to use my bokken."

"That's right, I did." Not caring about the apology because he had already expected this from the boy.

"You never told me he was interested in kenjutsu." said Setsuka.

"Well… I'm trying new things." Issei explained. "Moving away from the perverted antics I used to do. I'm rediscovering the things I liked as a kid such as manga, anime… Dragon Ball and Gundam especially."

He rubbed the back of his neck and continued on. "I loved martial arts because of Dragon Ball. And I loved robots and space battleships. But I also loved… well… big breasts. And that distracted me. After my childhood friend left, I was alone. Then I met this old guy in the park who preached about breasts being the greatest thing ever… and I spiraled."

He sighed. "I can say now they're not the best thing in the world. That dream of being a harem king which was passed down from my grandfather and ruined my reputation. I became the Perverted Beast. Shidou… my childhood friend… would be disappointed. So I want to change. I want to pursue my real interests again."

Setsuka nodded gently. "Hence the kenjutsu."

"Partly." He answered. "Two of my senseis talked about having a samurai mentality. That's how I ended up here the first time. There's also a sensei with an armed martial arts style I want to learn. Mitsurugi‑shishou gave me a book, and it's helped a lot. My grades are improving too. I'm not top of the class, but I'm above average now."

"The book has helped, good." Mitsurugi nodded, but he needs to begin work with this one. "Come, I want to show you something."

Setsuka locked the shop door and followed after them. She was interested in how Issei would react to what he was about to see.

Mitsurugi led Issei through the back room, then through a storage area far larger than expected. There was another back there, which the ronin escorted Issei through and beyond that was a gated field and a dojo with a garden.

Issei's jaw dropped. "Whoa… I didn't know this was back here."

From the front, the shop looked like it was backed into a dense forest. No one would ever guess a training ground was hidden behind it.

"It took time to build." Mitsurugi said, but he didn't mention that his wealth came from slaying supernatural beings. At least not yet.

"And I can train here?" Issei asked, he was a little giddy at the prospect.

This was like a hidden dojo that he had seen the Super Sentai or Kamen Riders train in or when Goku and Vegeta were training formerly at Capsule Corp, but now they trained with Whis at Beerus' home.

"As my employee, yes. But do not tell anyone. Understood?" Mitsurugi ordered the boy.

"Yes, shishou." Issei saluted.

Mitsurugi studied him for a moment. "Before we begin, I must ask you something. You said you wanted to be the strongest in your class. Would you keep that same dream next year? Or the year after? Would you let it stagnate?"

Issei hesitated. "I… no. I wouldn't."

"Do you know what my dream was? To become the strongest warrior in history. I sought strong opponents and challenged them. I was rarely satisfied."

"He was with me." Setsuka smirked.

Mitsurugi snorted, while she chuckled.

"Is that how you two met?" Issei asked, completely missing what Setsuka had implied.

"Yes. The shop's name, Shishi‑Oh, was the name of the katana she broke in our duel." Mitsurugi answered.

"Yes, we named the shop after it. After all, it's what brought us together." Setsuka added.

"So… who won?" Issei asked.

"We both did." Mitsurugi answered.

Setsuka nodded in agreement. Of course, Mitsurugi had won the duel, but she had also learned a lesson and married him as a result.

"I see… So to be the strongest warrior in history… that sounds kind of nice." Issei pondered as it would command respect.

If he could achieve such a title, no one could insult him on the 'Perverted Beast' nickname, but if they did. He would have something to prove that he wasn't like that anymore.

"If I train you, I hope you can achieve it." Mitsurugi informed him. "Now... show me a swing of your bokken."

"Yes, shishou." Issei set down his satchel, untied the rope, and drew his bokken.

Issei stepped out into the training field, gripping his bokken with both hands. He inhaled deeply, settling into the stance he'd practiced from online videos during his free time. He didn't notice the faint frowns on both Mitsurugi and Setsuka's faces. He was close but still not quite there.

"Ha!" Issei swung forward.

Mitsurugi exhaled through his nose. "Not enough drive. Again. Lift your elbow higher, point it outward. Step forward as you swing. Drive with your whole body. Now do it again." Mitsurugi ordered.

"Y‑Yes, shishou!"

Issei's stomach twisted with nerves. He could feel frustration bubbling up, the same frustration that always whispered, "Don't screw up. Don't screw up."

He forced himself to breathe. He did it much slower this time as a means to calm his nerves.

"HA!" This time, the swing carried more conviction.

Mitsurugi nodded once. "Better. But not good enough. Again."

"I'll say." Setsuka nodded in agreement.

Issei grit his teeth. He still did it wrong. Even if it was better, it still was not good enough.

Mitsurugi stepped forward, palm out. "Bokken."

"Hai!" Issei handed it over and stepped aside.

Mitsurugi took his stance. It was the same stance Issei had attempted, however, Mitsurugi's was far more refined, grounded, and impossibly sharp. Issei watched the man's breathing. His muscles tensed… yet remained fluid.

"Hngh!" Mitsurugi grunted.

Wrrrsh!

A gust of force tore through the air.

Issei's eyes widened. He looked down at the grass and gasped. There was a clean line had been carved into the field, stretching several meters ahead.

'No way… what the hell…' Issei was bewildered at what Mitsurugi had done.

Mitsurugi lowered the bokken. "Imagine that with a real sword. Or even your fists."

Issei stared at the line in the grass, stunned. "You're saying… I can put that kind of force into my punches?"

"Yes. That anger inside you. You've been using it to hold yourself back." Mitsurugi eyed the boy up. "Let me guess… you were afraid of messing up your posture?"

Issei looked away. "…Yes. Something like that."

"Don't hold it in. Direct it at your opponent. But control it. Lose control, and you lose the fight." Mitsurugi lectured him.

Issei nodded slowly. 'Shigure‑sensei said something similar…' Issei thought.

Mitsurugi handed the bokken back. "Now come. Let's get you familiar with the shop. And Hyoudou, to make that stance natural, do one hundred swings after your shift. Then another hundred with the opposite hand. Use the stumps over there to train your strikes."

Issei glanced at the wooden posts and saw some wrapped in rope, others padded. 'Just like in those old martial arts movies…' Completely forgetting about the amount of strikes that Mitsurugi told him to do.

He bowed deeply. "Understood, Mitsurugi‑shishou."

Setsuka gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder and nudged him forward.

She watched him walk, a small smile forming. 'He has conviction. Let's hope he doesn't become a battle maniac like my husband… and remembers to enjoy his youth and life along the way.' Setsuka thought, wondering Issei really knew what he was in for.

Mitsurugi and Setsuka walked him through the basics such as register operation, inventory tracking, store layout. It was a lot to absorb in an hour, but they reassured him they'd be there to help. They handed him a work apron.

"Wear this so the customers know you're staff." Setsuka said.

Issei nodded and began walking the floor, memorizing where everything was. When the shelves were low, he restocked them. He even helped a few customers and thankfully, none from Kuoh Academy.

He breathed a sigh of relief. But that relief shattered the moment the Kendo Duo walked in.

"Hi, welcome to..." Issei stopped his introduction, when he saw who entered.

"What are you doing here?" Katase asked pointedly.

"Seriously? Now you're stalking us?" Murayama complained as they glared at him.

"No, I..." Issei tried to say that he worked there, but Katase didn't give him the chance.

"Get out so we can shop in peace." Katase retorted.

Issei frowned. It was already afternoon, and he didn't want trouble. He quietly removed his apron and walked to the back room. The girls stared, stunned, as he moved freely through the employee door.

Moments later, he emerged with his bento. "Setsuka‑sensei, I'm going for lunch."

"Come back soon~" Setsuka waved as Issei left.

Murayama and Katase exchanged looks.

"He… works here?" Murayama asked.

"Yes. Why?" Setsuka raised an eyebrow at the question.

"Sorry, miss, but he goes to our school. He's a total pervert." Katase answered.

"Oh? Really? When was the last time he got in trouble for being a pervert?"

"I, uh…" Murayama tried to respond.

"Wasn't it last week?" Katase asked her friend.

"No, that was the other two." Murayama corrected.

"…Right." Katase knew that her friend was right.

Setsuka folded her arms. "So you don't actually know." Setsuka looked at the two of them.

"Sure we do! We have a video of him getting beat up for peeping." Murayama responded as she held out her phone to show the video.

"When was this taken?" Setsuka asked.

"Almost a month ago." Katase answered.

"And has he done anything since then?" Setsuka questioned.

"…No." Murayama bowed her head in realization.

"And what about the boys who beat him? Were they punished?" Setsuka continued on.

"Not that I know of. But they should be rewarded. Someone finally put down the Perverted Beast." Katase answered.

Setsuka's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. And who handles punishment at your school?"

"The student council. Sona Shitori runs it." Murayama answered.

Setsuka's expression sharpened. 'Sona Shitori… is that her alias?' She smiled politely. "And these two boys you mentioned earlier?" Setsuka asked.

"They're the Perverted Beast's friends. Well... probably not anymore, since they filmed him getting beat up." Katase laughed.

"But he punched them the next day." Murayama added on.

"Oh yeah." Katase agreed, remembering that day.

"Issei, I assume?" Setsuka continued her questioning.

"Yeah. But it's just a trick to get our guard down so they can peep again." Murayama gave her answer to the older woman.

Setsuka sighed. "You know… you really learn who someone is when you actually sit down and talk to them."

"True, but we already know those three. They always scream their perversions. Hyoudou does it the most, he wants to be a harem king." Katase replied back.

"But he has been quiet lately…" Murayama pondered.

"Maybe there's more to him than just being a pervert. Maybe he has other interests you haven't bothered to see." Setsuka said it casually, but with a knowing smile.

After all, she'd already seen Issei's interest in sewing that very morning. His reputation didn't surprise her as Mitsurugi had warned her, and she'd even joked about it. But she'd also seen something else, it was his honesty and that was a rare thing.

Katase and Murayama blinked, stunned. Someone, an adult, no less was defending the Perverted Beast? They exchanged glances. Other than his perversion… they knew nothing about him. No one did. The only person who ever truly knew Issei Hyoudou was now living in another country.

Setsuka smirked as she watched the gears turn in their heads. Yes, Issei had run wild with his perversion. But someone had clearly talked to him. Someone had helped him change.

The girls eventually drifted off to shop for their kendo gear, still murmuring to each other.

Outside the shop, Issei finished his bento quickly. He heard muffled voices from inside but didn't bother focusing on them. He had a promise to keep. He packed up his empty box and headed toward the Chinese restaurant. He wasn't going to deny it that seeing Renka in a Chinese dress was a pleasant sight.

"Hi, welcome to... oh, Ise. What's up?" Renka greeted him.

"Hey, Renka‑senpai. Not much. I don't have my schedule yet, but I'll probably be training after my shifts."

"Not surprising. So I guess you're here to make sure I keep your singing a secret, huh?" She crossed her arms.

"Well… you also said you'd give me pointers." Issei reminded her.

"True. But now that I think about it, I give you pointers when we spar. You need to work on your lower body, gotta make it more fluid."

"Ah, yeah. Shigure‑sensei mentioned something like that."

"Good. Mizunuma and Kenichi showed you the stepping method for dodging, so you're improving. But you need your lower body for offense too."

"Shigure‑sensei mentioned Muay Thai boxing. Would that help? Otherwise, I was going to ask you to help me with kicks or something."

Renka paused. 'Muay Thai? Is Shigure planning to bring that big lug to the dojo? Ikki spars with him sometimes, but that guy is on another level… He gave Kenichi a concussion with one blow when they first trained…' Renka thought as she remembered who trained Kenichi.

A hand waved in front of her face.

"Renka‑senpai? You still there?" Issei tried to get her attention, until she grabbed his hand instantly and bent his wrist back. "Ah!" He grimaced but endured, glaring at her through the pain.

Renka smirked. "Always stay on your toes."

"Right… now can I have my hand back?" He asked, which only made her bend it a little more. "Ghh!"

"Not quite." She smiled and then she finally released him, only to hop back when he attempted a palm strike. "Gotta be quicker than that, Ise."

"I figured… Hey, do you know where I can find a body of water to train in?" He asked.

"Water? Why?"

"Shigure‑sensei said training underwater would make my strikes faster because of the resistance." He explained to her.

"Hmm… well, there's the school pool..."

"No." Issei shut that down.

"Huh? Why not?"

"They'd assume I'm peeping. I'm already the Perverted Beast. No thanks." Issei responded in a nonchalant manner.

"…Fair point. Then maybe the beach?" Renka suggested.

"Damn…Anyway, I gotta head to a shop and get something for Himejima‑senpai."

Renka raised an eyebrow. "Her? You thinking of asking her out?"

"No. I overstepped and asked something personal. Made her cry. I feel bad. Since she lives at the temple, I figured I'd get her something to brighten the place up."

Renka studied his expression. 'He'd tell me if it was something perverted. So it must've been something else…' Renka thought.

"I gotta go..." Issei turned to leave.

"Not so fast." Grabbing his collar and holding him in place. "Why don't I come with you?"

"Huh?" Issei was perplexed by her offer.

"If you're buying something for a girl, wouldn't it help to have a girl's opinion?" She gave her reasoning.

"Uh… okay." Issei couldn't argue with that logic.

"Hakubi‑jii‑san! I'm heading out!" She called out to the kitchen in the back.

"Don't be gone too long, Renka!" A voice called from the back, which Issei assumed was the aforementioned "Hakubi".

"Let's go." She tugged Issei out of the restaurant.

"Shouldn't you change?" He gestured to her Chinese dress.

He didn't want people getting the wrong idea. Although, he wasn't going to be disappointed with the view. Renka was one of the most attractive girls in behind the Onee-samas and Miu.

"Nah. So where are we going?" She walked confidently, ignoring the guys openly admiring her legs.

Issei was grateful she wasn't wearing the short version of the dress that he had seen her in previously as this one reached her ankles, hugging her figure beautifully.

"That shop over there." Issei pointed out.

Renka followed his gaze to a store filled with acrylic art.

The moment they stepped inside the art shop, Renka's eyes widened. The colors were vibrant, almost overwhelming. She'd never seen so many vivid pieces in one place.

She followed Issei as he browsed through scenic artwork. There were landscapes, video game scenes, anime characters, almost everything imaginable. Then Renka spotted a familiar face.

"Hey, isn't that the guy from your poster?" She pointed at the artwork she was looking at.

"Hmm? Oh yeah. Son Goku. But I don't think Himejima‑senpai would like that. Let's see… oh, this is nice." Issei pulled out a piece featuring a purple sky, mountains, and clouds shaped like cherry blossoms.

"Why that one?"

"Well… she lives at the temple. The scenery reminded me of it. And the sky matches her eye color. It feels peaceful like something she could look at when things get tough." Find the original chapter at g.com.

Renka blinked. "That sounds romantic. Did you fall for her? Or her big boobs?" She teased, but she was still impressed by his answer and how he put thought into his answer

She smirked as Issei's face turned red and he protested. "It's not like that, Renka‑senpai!"

"I believe you, I'm just yanking your chain." She wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pressing her chest against him without a hint of shame. "It does make me wonder what you asked her that made her cry."

Before Issei could respond, someone else greeted him. "Hello again, Hyoudou‑kun."

Issei stiffened. "Oh. Kiba‑san."

"I didn't realize you had a date with Renka‑senpai." Yuuto looked over at the Chinese girl.

"Not a date." Renka answered with a deadpan expression and Issei nodded immediately.

Yuuto was surprised and not only that, but neither were embarrassed at all.

Yuuto realized he'd misread the situation. "My apologies. It's just… her arm was around you, so I thought..."

"I might be a pervert, but that doesn't mean I can't have a friend who's a girl." Issei retorted and this time, Renka nodded in agreement.

Yuuto smiled politely, but his eyes flickered with curiosity. "I'm sorry. I noticed you in the shop earlier and remembered we talked about sword training. I hadn't heard back from you."

"Sorry, Kiba. But I'm good. Thanks for asking." Issei replied.

Yuuto blinked and even Renka frowned at that. Issei had taken a subtle step back.

"Really?" Yuuto asked.

"Yeah. I've got someone helping me already."

"I see… I thought we could hang out more. We don't see each other often in school." Yuuto replied.

"Well, you're constantly surrounded by girls. And honestly, we're in different social circles. Oh, speaking of which, you're in the same club as Himejima‑senpai." Issei had changed the subject.

"Uh… yes. Why?" Yuuto wondered what Issei needed from Akeno.

"I was going to give this to her," Issei gestured to the artwork. "But since you're here, you can do it instead." He headed toward the counter to buy the artwork.

Renka wandered off to explore the shop, fascinated by the colors and styles.

"Couldn't you just give it to her yourself?" Yuuto asked his grade mate.

"No. People would get the wrong idea. Even though it's just an apology gift."

"Apology… gift?" Yuuto was now wondering what Issei could have done as if it was something perverted, he had a feeling that Akeno would use that to make Issei flustered than get offended, despite her dislike for men.

"Yeah. I made her cry. I asked something about her mother." Issei answered.

Yuuto was shocked as he knew Akeno's past. He knew exactly why that would hurt her.

'So that explains her mood today…' Yuuto thought, remembering how somber Akeno had been acting earlier in the day.

"So? Can you give it to her?" Issei asked the blonde again.

"Huh?" Yuuto thought he had declined earlier, only to realize that he technically didn't.

"The artwork." Issei reminded him.

"Maybe… you should give it to her yourself." Yuuto suggested again.

"I think it's better if you do it." Issei had zero intention of going near the ORC as he still believed they were planning to prank him.

"It would mean more if it came from you." Yuuto explained, which Issei again couldn't beat the logic behind the answer. "Here, let me give you my number. I'll text you when we're done with club activities." He pulled out his phone.

Issei hesitated, suspicious… but complied as they exchanged numbers. When that was complete, Yuuto waved goodbye and left. Issei exhaled in relief as the uneasy feeling vanished with Yuuto's departure.

He turned to pay for the art and then he stopped. He realized that he had forgotten about something or rather, someone and then he remembered who he was thinking about.

"Wait… where'd Renka‑senpai go?"

"Right here." She answered as if she had been by his side the whole time.

"GAH!" Issei jumped. "Where'd you come from?!"

She stood behind him, smirking. "I was always nearby, little kohai." She ruffled his hair, knowing it annoyed him. "So, you're friends with the de... I mean, the pretty boy now?"

"Not really. He'll just text me when club activities are done so I can drop this off at Himejima‑senpai's place. Where'd you go?"

"Looking around. I've never seen a place like this." She took another glance around the place.

"Really?" Issei was surprised by that answer.

"Nope. Not even in China."

"China?" Issei was curious about what was there.

"It's where I'm from." She informed him.

"Oh… I never asked about you personally. Only about Chinese kenpo." Issei felt bad for not learning more about his senpai.

"It's fine. I transferred here two years ago. I tried to take Kenichi back with me. Didn't work. After my granduncle got help, I transferred here instead. He expanded his restaurant. My mom runs the one back home."

"You haven't seen your mom?" Issei frowned as he had been learning the importance one would have with a mother in their lives.

"I do. During breaks. Her and my two siblings. I have to drag my dad back with me, though."

"That's nice." He frowned slightly. "I wouldn't know how I'd feel not seeing my mom. She taught me how to cook. I feel more connected to her now… after changing my lifestyle."

"That's sweet. If you ever cook for me, don't use cilantro." She told him, while it was in a joking manner, she was serious about not liking cilantro.

"I'll just make mooncake for you. When I learn how. I owe you that much and more." Issei felt like he owed her.

"Huh? How so?" She wondered why he would say that.

"Training me in your style. Helping me with my lower body work. And giving your opinion on the artwork." He explained.

"I wouldn't say I did much." Renka shrugged. "But your reasoning was… surprisingly thoughtful."

"So I did good?" He asked in childish wonder.

"Haha. Yeah. You did." She chuckled at his reaction.

"Oh no! I have to get back to the shop! Setsuka‑sensei is going to kill me! I'd walk you back, but I don't have time. Sorry, Renka‑senpai!" He bowed deeply.

"It's fine. I don't want you getting in trouble."

"Thank you! See you later, Renka‑senpai!" He sprinted off.

"See ya!" She chuckled softly.

She glanced back at the shop. She'd definitely return as there were too many interesting pieces.

She also wondered… What would he have picked for her?

And maybe… Just maybe… She could find something to give Kenichi that would make him choose her over Miu. They weren't engaged yet. She still had a chance.

She headed back to the restaurant, already thinking about the masters' meeting tonight. What would they think of Issei? What would her father think? And what would Issei learn from Mitsurugi?

Issei ran the whole way back, several minutes late. He burst through the door, panting.

"Oh? Look who finally showed up."

"I'm sorry! I was with my senpai, then I went to get a gift for someone I made cry, then her clubmate showed up and..." Issei began to explain himself.

"Hahaha! I don't care if you want to spend time with your girlfriend." Setuka laughed.

"I don't have a girlfriend, Setsuka‑sensei."

"Just roll with it. Besides, I would've told you to stay out anyway. Those two girls left five minutes ago. They really bother you, huh?"

"It's not their fault. I was overly perverted. You even saw it as I checked out your chest this morning. I was too stupid to realize what was going on around me. But I met people who guided me. And I talked with my parents. I don't blame the girls for how they acted… But it sucks when I'm trying to change and not everyone sees it."

Setsuka's expression softened. "I see. So what did you get?"

"Huh?"

"For your girlfriend. The thing you're holding. Must be important if you were late." Setsuka said, while gesturing to the bag he was holding.

"Not my girlfriend. But I got her this artwork. I made her cry by asking something personal about her family. I was insensitive. So I hope this makes up for it."

Setsuka examined the piece. "How nice. Hmm… the purple matches my outfit. Are you sure you didn't buy it for me so I wouldn't penalize you?" She smirked.

"I wish I'd thought of that…"

"I think she'll like it. It's a good gift. Hopefully she forgives you."

"Thanks." Issei felt good as he had gotten a second opinion on the artwork that he had chosen.

"Now hurry up and get back to work." She ordered.

"Hai, sensei!" He rushed to the back room to store the artwork and put on his apron.

'What a lively kid. No wonder he was oblivious to his own perversion, judging from what those girls told me. Either way, he's turning over a new leaf… and he really is true to his name. I wonder what will happen if he inherits your dream, dear.' Setsuka thought.

"Hey, Setsuka‑sensei…" Issei called out.

"Hmm?" She looked up as he stepped out of the back room.

"I've been meaning to ask… you're not from around here, are you? I mean, not originally from Japan." Issei clarified his question.

"Well… yes and no." She drawled out, enjoying his sense of confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't born in Japan, but I was raised here. I have Portuguese roots, but as you can see from my hair, my family was from England." She explained.

"Oh." His mouth fell open slightly.

"What is it?"

"It's just… I have a friend who moved to England. I want to visit them someday. I just… hope I'm not a disappointment." Issei felt timid about speaking on the subject.

"Because of your perversion?" She reasoned.

"Yeah…" Issei nodded.

"When they see the new and improved you, I'm sure they'll be pleased you're maturing." Setsuka said to cheer him up.

"Thanks, sensei."

"Go finish your shift. You can train afterward."

"Hai!"

The hours passed quickly. Issei worked the floor, restocked shelves, and learned the layout of the store. Whenever something caught his eye, he'd pause, absorbing information like a sponge, before snapping back to greet customers.

Setsuka watched him from the counter. She could see that he was earnest, curious, and surprisingly diligent.

"How's he doing?" Mitsurugi asked as he emerged from the back room.

"Fine. He was a little late from lunch." Setsuka answered, while keeping her eyes trained on their new employee.

"I'm guessing he bought that artwork I saw in the back?" Mitsurugi said.

"Yes. An apology gift." Setsuka told him.

"Hmm. Too vibrant for my taste."

"He's not gifting it to you, dear." She chuckled at the prospect of Issei handing something like that to her husband.

"We'll have to teach him punctuality." Mitsurugi shook head, seeing that Issei was late on his first lunch break.

"I don't think that'll be a problem. You'll see." Setsuka reassured him.

"I hope you're right."

"You think he'll want to take on your dream?"

Mitsurugi crossed his arms. "It's better than being stuck with that perverted stigma forever. You felt it, didn't you? His ki is unlocked by anger, whether at himself or others. He needs to use it like the weapon it is. He'll go far. I'll handle his kenjutsu. Saiga's kids can handle his martial arts. And he can use the posts in the back to train his strikes."

"You're quite determined." Setsuka was interested as to why her husband had decided on this boy of all people.

"He wants to be somebody. So we'll make him somebody." Mitsurugi told her and effectively setting Issei's path, even though he wasn't aware of it.

"I suppose you're right." Setsuka sighed.

Mitsurugi raised his voice. "Hyoudou! Your shift's done. Come to the back and bring your bokken!"

"Hai, shishou!" Issei glanced at Setsuka, who only smiled and shrugged.

He gulped, but he knew this would help him. He grabbed his bokken, texted his mother, removed his apron, and stepped into the training field.

When Issei got to the open space dojo in the back, something in the air had shifted. The fear that he had been dreading was back tenfold and he knew that there was no turning back. Well, he could, but it would make him a coward and that was something that he did not want to be called.

"Get in your stance!" Mitsurugi ordered.

"Hai!" Issei did as he was told.

"You will do one hundred swings with proper structure. If you fail, you start over. Then you switch your stance and repeat. Begin!"Mitsurugi watched as Issei began his swings.

"Hai!" Issei inhaled, steadied himself, and swung. "One! Two..."

"Elbow up! Again!" Mitsurugi instructed.

"One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Ni..."

"Step forward! Drive your sword! Again!" Mitsurugi interrupted again.

"One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten! Eleven! Twelve!"

He continued, sweat forming, muscles burning. He focused on his elbow, his stance, his step, everything that Mitsurugi was drilling into him. He wasn't learning flashy combos. He was learning the foundation.

Setsuka watched from the side, smiling softly as Mitsurugi barked another correction. 'Maybe I can teach him ki control… once Heishirou thinks he's ready.' She went to fetch water as she knew that they would need it.

For Issei, it was going to be to hydrate his muscles because he was guaranteed to sore and possibly may not move his arms the next day. For her husband, the water would be to clear his throat. She knew that he was going to be doing a lot of yelling because Issei was a novice. However, Issei's determination to not fail might be the boy's saving grace.

While Issei trained under Mitsurugi's strict eye, another gathering took place. Saiga, Kenichi, Miu and Renka sat in a large tatami room and they were joined by familiar figures. The Ryōzanpaku masters, the ones who taught Kenichi all that he knows in martial arts.

The Fūrinji estate, although it was commonly known as the new Ryōzanpaku, had been rebuilt and expanded thanks to Saiga's connections and wealth. The dojo grounds were now a blend of tradition and luxury.

The first was the karate master, Shio Sakaki, who was a tall, tan, muscular man with a scar across his nose. Next was Apachai Hopachai, the Muay Thai master, a towering, silver‑haired man with a deceptively gentle attitude despite his monstrous strength. Then came Akisame Kōetsuji, the jujutsu master, he was leaner than the others, with messy black hair, a refined mustache, and calm white eyes. He was a man of many talents, as Kenichi knew all too well. The next master seated in the room was the infamous lecher of Chinese kenpo, Kensei Ma, Renka's father. He was the shortest of the master, balding beneath his hat, and eternally suspicious, he was a master of soft‑form Chinese kenpo… and a master of peeping.

Miu had long since learned to keep him away from Kenichi's room. Renka had yet to perfect the art of beating her father senseless whenever necessary. Miu suspected that Kenichi chose Renka to mentor Issei because she had experience dealing with a pervert at home. At least Kensei never peeped on his own daughter.

Shigure was also present and the youngest of the masters. As always, she was quiet, unreadable, and perched like a shadow in the corner. She lived at the estate, though she was rarely seen. Normally she ate alone, but tonight she had been summoned by the Elder.

The Elder, Hayato Fūrinji, sat at the head of the room. If Sakaki and Apachai were tall, Hayato was a giant. He had a long, blonde beard and long, blonde hair. Despite being over ninety, his body was carved from steel, and his presence alone could silence a battlefield.

"Well now… it's rare for all of us to gather like this." Hayato started as he looked around.

"Yeah, what's the big idea?" Sakaki responded, annoyed as he couldn't enjoy his booze.

"That would be my doing." Saiga apologized. "I met a boy at Kenichi's school."

"Oh?" Akisame looked at his student with intrigue.

"He's a second‑year. His name is Issei Hyoudou." Kenichi answered.

"Hyoudou… 'honest soldier.' What made you take interest in him?" Akisame asked, turning to Saiga.

"His desire to be something more."

"He's a pervert like Kensei. But Kensei is probably worse." Miu added on with a sigh.

"Unfortunately." Renka said as she shot her father a glare.

"Now, now, I can't be that bad..." Kensei responded, trying to defend himself, while he pulled out a camera.

SHNK!

A knife embedded itself in the lens.

"Aaaah! Not the lens, Shigure!" Kensei whined about his destroyed property.

Shigure didn't even look up.

"Hmm. What's he like... aside from the pervert part?" Hayato asked.

"Honestly… he's kind of like me." Kenichi answered.

"Like you now, or like you at the beginning?" Sakaki shrugged with indifference.

"Kenichi was very weak back then, apapapa." Apachai gave his two cents.

"Apachai‑sensei!" Kenichi sighed and looked at Renka. "Renka?"

"He trains with Ikki in the mornings on boxing. But he was absent from the club for two weeks. There was… an incident." Renka explained.

"Issei unlocked his ki through anger. His former friends were trashing his stuff." Kenichi gave his report.

"If Kenichi hadn't reached him in time, who knows what would've happened. We all sensed it, the surge of ki when he went for the finishing blow." Miu noted.

"Fascinating. How strong is he now?" Akisame seemed interested.

"Probably a little stronger than I was when I started." Kenichi answered. "But not by much."

"Ikki hits him hard during training. He even wears a weighted vest." Renka remembered how Ikki spoke of his morning sessions with Issei.

"Mizunuma and I teach him karate basics, but he adapts better to Chinese kenpo. Renka's been training him." Kenichi continued on.

"He should also… begin training with Mitsurugi." Shigure spoke up as she looked down at them from the ceiling.

"What?" Saiga asked as he heard the name.

"Oh, did you not help him get the job at Shishi‑Oh, otou‑sama?" Miu asked.

"No. So Mitsurugi is training him?" Saiga sighed as this changed everything.

"Yes. But he will tell me… what he learns. I can correct him."Shigure answered.

"Hmm. Mitsurugi sought to become the strongest warrior." Hayato stroked his beard.

"Apachai can help him! Especially if he's learning boxing, apapa!" The muay thai master was excited about having another student.

"His lower body is still… stiff. Apachai could help him… with Muay Thai." Shigure responded.

"Absolutely not!" Kenichi blurted out as he slammed his hands on the table. "He'll die! I almost died when Apachai trained me!"

"Apa…" A dark aura of sadness surrounded Apachai.

"If he needs lower‑body work, I'll ask Kisara." Kenichi tried to reason.

"Not sure that's wise. Ukita judo‑flipped him on the first day." Renka said.

"WHAT!? Why didn't you tell me!?" Kenichi looked at her.

"He told me not to. I'm not betraying my kohai's trust. He's finally opening up to me." Renka responded.

"Aww, do you like him, Renka?" Miu teased her rival.

"I don't know what you're talking about, bimbo. I have Kenichi." Renka retorted as she immediately wrapped herself around Kenichi's arm.

"Hey! Get your own man!" Miu retaliated and yanked Kenichi back.

"Hmm… I suppose Kisara could work." Shigure digested this information.

"Also… when did you talk with him, Shigure?" Miu asked.

"Yesterday. He wanted to learn… my style. But I will be checking… what Mitsurugi teaches him. However… the devils are interested… in recruiting him. I overheard them." Shigure answered.

A ripple of tension passed through the room.

"That's not good." Saiga thought out loud.

"Do you know which ones, Shigure?" Kenichi asked the weapons mistress.

"The redhead." She said.

"So… the Gremory." Kenichi noted

"Not surprising. She's preparing to escape an arranged marriage scheduled for the end of the year. However… her time has been cut short." Saiga responded.

"How so?" Miu asked.

"I've heard the bird is displeased with how close she's getting to the black‑haired boy." Hayato spoke.

"The Sekiryuutei." Saiga knew who his father was talking about.

"Indeed." Hayato nodded.

"So the phoenix is pushing the engagement forward. Even if she recruits Issei, she won't have enough time to train him." Saiga warned. "Not even with Mitsurugi's expertise."

"She won't. Issei doesn't… like Takeshi. He's like the others." Shigure informed them.

"What do you mean, Shigure?" Miu, curious about why she would say that.

"His name… Takeshi… only sees Issei… the way you do, Miu. Only for his perverted exterior. Which he… doesn't seem to have… for the moment." The kunoichi explained.

"How can you be so sure?"

"He was with me after… training with Renka. He talked with me. Not once… did he look at me pervertedly."

"What? He opened up to you after one conversation? It took me weeks!" Renka exclaimed, she was jealous that Issei was comfortable with the others, but she was the one that was with him the most.

"Because he has experience… speaking with older women. He spends lunch with… the school nurse." Shigure said as if that would make Renka feel any better.

Of course, she did have a point as lectures with his mother, Elize, and Yu-Mi had made Issei more comfortable speaking with older women and thus it was easier to speak with Shigure. For girls around his own age, he's only experienced contempt from them because of his actions, so it made sense that he would be a little withdrawn from teenage girls. Unfortunately for Issei, Renka was persistent, similar to other girls such as Raichi and Yuuma.

"Perhaps you should bring him to my clinic instead. I can heal him much faster." Akisame informed them.

"Ah, I didn't think of that. He has a somewhat decent pain tolerance... probably from all the beatings from the kendo club." Renka thought out loud.

Every master's eyes lit up at once, when they heard this information. Kenichi shivered, when he saw those looks, it was the same looks that they had given him.

"At least he won't… run away like Kenichi did." Shigure gave more information.

The gleam in the masters' eyes intensified as they knew that they could break him down and build him up. However, they could only do that if they get the clearance from Mitsurugi because the ronin now had first dibs on the boy.

"Well, let's see how he performs in the tournament before we decide anything. But I am disappointed that none of you noticed." Saiga told them.

"Noticed what?" Miu asked.

"A cadre has entered this domain." Akisame spoke.

"WHAT!?" Kenichi shouted.

"Hahaha, calm down. It's just Azazel." Hayato laughed.

"Their leader!?" Miu was shocked at this revelation.

"Relax. He's only watching the Sekiryuutei. He gets excited about Sacred Gears. If Gremory wants another chance of winning, she'll need him to unlock his Balance Breaker." Saiga spoke, but they could tell that he had said "another".

"Easier said than done. But doesn't he have his other team out there? Team Slash Dog?"

"Ahh, such lovely women in that squad. The buxom Lavinia and Natsume… The exotic Shigune… And that cutie Sae..." Kensei droned with a perverted expression before he was interrupted by his daughter.

SMACK.

"Shut it." Renka had smacked him in the head. "Actually… I remembered something. Since Slash Dog is tied to the Himejima clan... Apparently Issei got nosy and asked Akeno about her mom. I heard him talking with Kiba Yuuto in an art shop we visited."

Miu's expression darkened as she knew all too well the pain of losing a mother. Saiga noticed his daughter's frown.

"A tragedy indeed." Hayato nodded in understanding.

"It must have been. When she followed him home after… he and I encountered them. Issei feels they may be planning something… against him. But also… he gets an uneasy feeling from them." Shigure told them.

"So he can sense auras? Hah! This kid might be fun, just like Kenichi." Sakaki laughed.

"Are those the instincts you mentioned, Saiga?" Hayato asked.

"Yes. But with Mitsurugi involved… I wonder if Issei will become like Mitsuya and..." Saiga had begun to say.

"He won't." Shigure interrupted.

The room fell silent.

"Hmm?"

"Apa?"

"Oh?"

"Explain, Shigure." Akisame questioned.

"Issei is… the anti‑Mitsuya. He wants to prove himself… And make his senpais proud." Shigure looked at Kenichi, Renka, and Miu. "You took… a chance on him. He told me… he feels unreliable. If he takes on Mitsurugi's dream… He'll do it to… show you that you can trust him. He'll want to be the strongest warrior… Or at least one of them… To prove he is someone… you can depend on. Someone who hopes for peace… rather than despair."

"Wow… I didn't know that." Kenichi was surprised by his kohai's conviction and he looked genuinely touched.

Because he had essentially helped save Issei's life and pulled him away from an unfulfilling path that would take him nowhere

"Then I better get him working on leg techniques." Renka sighed.

"He needs flexibility and looseness!" Kenichi noted to the girl.

"I have just the contraption for that. You remember it, don't you, Kenichi?" Akisame reminded his student.

"I… uh…" Kenichi remembered the machine and blushed as he also remembered Miu's breasts pressed against his back.

The feeling of her chest had distracted him so much that the contraption wound up making him do a full split. He shivered at the memory of the pain that he felt that day. He almost wanted to chuckle because he and Issei were definitely similar and he was sure that if Issei was in his shoes, the same result would occur. However, instead of Miu pressing down, Kenichi was sure that Renka would be the one trying to assist Issei with performing the splits.

"We'll see him in action during the tournament. How many second‑years are participating?" Hayato clapped his hands.

"Ten. But most participants are third‑years. Raichi will probably win among the second‑years." Kenichi answered.

"I bet this kid gets last place." Sakaki smirked.

Renka's glare could have killed a man. "He won't."

"What was that?" Sakaki looked at her in annoyance.

"He won't get last. He promised me he wouldn't. Even though I didn't want him in the tournament… I'll train him so he keeps that promise." Renka assured the karate master, who chuckled.

"Hahaha, then it's settled." Saiga laughed.

"Indeed." Hayato smiled as hee was eager to meet this Issei.

"I wonder what kind of woman he likes,,," Kensei thought out loud, only to earn himself another smack.

SMACK.

"Oh, shut it." Renka scoffed.

"Since Mitsurugi was a samurai… Perhaps I can teach him some philosophy." Akisame pondered.

"He's been reading a samurai book. It's helped him calm his anger." Kenichi told his master.

"Splendid. I hope he can handle the same punishment you did, Kenichi‑kun." Akisame informed his student.

"I think he might." kenichi sighed.

"Apachai wants to teach him Muay Thai! Apa!" Apachai beamed, especially since Shigure had mentioned that Issei should learn it.

"Something tells me he'd look forward to it." Kenichi groaned at his masters' enthusiasm.

"Hahaha! Then let's drink to celebrate!" Sakaki raised a bottle of beer.

Kenichi sighed as Miu patted his back. 'I shall pray for you, Issei‑kun…' Kenichi thought of his kohai.

The masters cheered, already imagining the brutal training they would unleash on their new potential disciple.