It was Sunday afternoon and out on a quiet café patio, there were two couples sitting together, though "quiet" didn't quite fit the atmosphere around them.
On one side sat Ikki Takeda, relaxed as always, his arm casually draped behind his girlfriend. Next to him was Kaname Kugatachi, who had short brown hair, tan skin, blue eyes, and a scar on her cheek that only made her look more intimidating. Once known as Freya from the gang, Ragnarok, she carried herself with the confidence of someone who had broken bones before breakfast.
Across from them sat Kōzō Ukita, stiff as a board, and beside him was Kisara Nanjō, she was formerly codenamed Valkyrie in the same gang as Kaname. She had short, spiky red‑brown hair, sharp green eyes, and a dark cap tilted just enough to look stylish. She wasn't as busty as Kaname, but she radiated a fierce, feline charm.
"So what's this message from Kenichi about, Ikki?" Kisara asked.
"Beats me. He wants you to train Issei in leg combat." Ikki answered.
"Tch…" Ukita snorted at the thought.
"Now, now, don't get stingy, Kōzō." Ikki teased his friend.
"You would be if that pervert was around your girl." Ukita said.
"Haha, actually? No, I wouldn't." Ikki chuckled.
Kisara raised a brow. "Isn't he like Taichi?" She asked.
"Not really. Unlike Taichi, Issei has better morals and he's not going to molest a girl. He wouldn't dare look at Kaname the wrong way."
"How would you know?" Ukita asked.
"He checked his phone." Kaname responded, while enjoying her smoothie.
"What?" Kisara looked at Ikki for answers.
Ikki leaned back, hands behind his head. "You remember that video of Issei getting beaten up?"
"Haha, he had it coming." Ukita laughed.
"Don't laugh, Ukita. If I had to choose between Issei or you in a fight, I'd pick him." Ikki looked sternly at his friend.
The three stopped, when they heard Ikki say that. He was choosing a novice over his own best friend and that didn't sit well with Ukita, who came back to his senses.
"What?" Ukita felt slighted by his friend's statement.
"Listen. Those guys claimed Issei was peeping and taking pictures. When I swapped numbers with him, I checked his phone and including deleted photos. Nothing. The dude may peep, but he doesn't take pictures." Ikki informed them. "He told me straight up he'd never look at another man's woman that way. Well, unless he didn't know if she was another man's girl."
"He even called Ikki out for flirting with the gym receptionist." Kaname said, which made her boyfriend laugh.
"Hahaha, yeah. He was right. I was disrespecting you, Kaname‑chan."
"Still doesn't explain why you'd pick him over me." Ukita pressured on.
"Because you'd underestimate him. Just like we both did with Kenichi." Ikki noted as literally, the first time that they faced Kenichi, they both lost.
However, unlike Kenichi, Issei had a little more prep time and he already had a taste of what Ukita could do. This played into Issei's advantage because Ukita is not aware of what Issei has done in his boxing with Ikki and his training with Renka.
"So he's similar to Kenichi?" Kisara pondered her thoughts out loud.
"In some ways. But he also reminds me of you, Kisara." Ikki replied.
"How so?" Kisara looked at her former subordinate.
"Oi, Kōzō, remember how Kisara used to kick the hell out of the punching bag when she was worked up?" Ikki asked with a chuckle.
"Yeah?" Ukita nodded.
"Issei's the same. But with his fists. I train him in the mornings and he's grown on me. And unlike Kenichi." Ikki turned back to Kisara. "He will attack you if it means improving. He's trying to walk away from that pervert stigma."
Kisara crossed her arms. "Interesting. But why me? Why didn't Kenichi suggest his muay thai master?"
"Pretty sure Kenichi fears for Issei's life." Ikki sweat‑dropped. "Plus your Taekwondo is similar to Renka's kicking style."
"He'd need to be more flexible for my techniques." Kisara told him.
"You're not actually considering it?" Ukita looked at her with some astonishment.
"The kid hasn't done anything perverted since that beatdown a month ago. He's been training nonstop. Only Ikki, Renka, Kenichi, and Mizunuma have seen what he can do." Kisara reasoned with her boyfriend.
"Mizunuma more than Kenichi." Ikki corrected. "And before I forget... Issei's a dou type fighter like you."
"So boxing, karate, and Chinese kenpo." Kaname deduced.
"He's also getting weapons training." Ikki informed them.
"From Shigure‑sensei?" Ukita questioned.
"No…" Ikki shook his head and looked at him. "From the guy who runs Shishi‑Oh. He's supposed to be a real hardass."
"Him?" Kisara asked. "Really?"
"He's supposed to be some sort of samurai." Kaname answered. "A ronin to be exact."
"Yep. Issei said he'd get training there after getting the job. He probably just started, so he's at the basics." Ikki said.
"He's definitely offense‑oriented." Kaname noted.
"But you saw the other part of Kenichi's message, right?" Ikki looked at his club mates.
"Yeah." Kisara said and brought her tone lower. "The devils want to recruit him."
"Think he'll join?" Kaname asked her boyfriend.
Ikki smirked. "I doubt it."
"What are you smiling about?" Ukita looked at the boxing specialist.
"Because I've got someone who wants me to be proud of them."
"You mean Issei?" Kisara asked her former subordinate.
"Damn straight. Once you get to know him, he's not bad. His perversion overshadowed everything, but that beatdown knocked it out of him, or rather, knocked some sense into him as he is a little more self-aware of his actions. I even checked out that Dragon Ball stuff he talks about. That Goku dude is a beast. I get why Issei looks up to him."
Ukita leaned forward. "How about this... If Issei beats me, then Kisara can train him."
"Oh?" Ikki sounded intrigued by the bet.
"Haha, you did say you'd pick him over Ukita, didn't you, Ikki?" Kisara laughed, she wanted to see him back those words up.
"That's true." Kaname nodded in agreement.
"Well, I'm not backing out." Ikki smiled, confident as ever.
"And you can't tell him my specialty." Ukita noted to Ikki.
"I don't need to. You already exposed yourself when you flipped him on his back. You're lucky he didn't tattle to Kenichi."
"So what else can you say about him?" Kisara was intrigued about Ikki's little protege.
"Issei's instinctive. A little faster than Kenichi was back then. If his body catches up to his mind, he'll be hard to hit. I think he could dodge my illusive left if he pushed himself. And he's got more courage than Kenichi did at the start. If you challenge him, he won't back down." Ikki warned.
"If Mitsurugi is training him, he'll be taught not to back down or ever surrender." Kaname informed them, her expression hardened slightly at the name.
"Exactly. And Issei doesn't just spar with me. I've been putting him against other amateur boxers for variety. Renka was pissed I started training him before she did." Ikki responded, they heard about the guy from Saiga and the Elder.
"Why did you start training him anyway?" Kisara asked, while drinking her own smoothie.
"Because I felt like it." Ikki shrugged."Give him something to focus on. You'd be surprised what's under that exterior. He's not a bad guy. You'll see, Ukita."
"Hmm. We'll see, alright." Ukita leaned back in his seat to process what Ikki had said.
"By the way, he's a striker. And when Kisara‑chan starts training him, he'll be more versatile." Ikki had a smug expression on his face.
"You mean if I start training him." Kisara pointed out.
"No, when. " Ikki corrected. "Trust me. Once you teach him something, his mind starts working. He's found something to strive for. School may call him the Perverted Beast… But we'll be the ones to turn him into an actual beast."
Kaname raised an eyebrow at his statement. "You sure are confident about this."
"Gotta have faith in my disciple. You did with Kisara." Ikki pointed out.
"That's right." Kaname sighed. "And she beat me, too."
Kisara smirked. "You think Issei can surpass us someday?"
"Maybe." Ikki shrugged as he took a sip of his drink. "He's got a new dream. And he'll do anything to make us proud. Just watch."
"Hn. He'll still probably get last in the tournament." Ukita mocked, but there wasn't much bite to his retort.
"Haha, hell no." Ikki laughed. "I raised his confidence just enough for him to start doubting himself again. He still does that about other things though."
"Like what?" Kaname questioned.
"Well… he still thinks his perversion scared his childhood friend away. But he'll show them he's changed. He'll show the whole school. I just wanna be there to see it." Ikki relaxed in his seat.
Kisara smirked. "You talk like you've got a little brother."
"A little brother, yeah." Ikki nodded. "You'll see him that way too once you spend time with him. Once he starts asking you questions about techniques. Kenichi's lucky he found this kid."
"Well, I'll challenge him this week." Ukita stated.
"Do it soon. The sooner you lose, the sooner Kisara can help him." Ikki kept that smirk on his face.
"Your confidence in him is something else." Ukita chuckled.
"Yours will be too." Ikki replied right back.
Kaname smiled softly, curious about the boy her boyfriend spoke so highly of. Ukita also found himself intrigued despite his skepticism. And Kisara, well, the challenge of training someone like Issei was simply too tempting.
Their double date continued, but all four carried the same thought: Just how far had the so‑called Perverted Beast come?
Of course, they don't know that Ikki had watched Issei in those boxing matches and yes, Issei had gotten his ass kicked loads of times. It was never pretty, but it was giving Issei the experience of determining his opponent's reach. Furthermore, he was slowly adapting, even if his body was riddled with pain and bruises.
A few days passed since that Sunday and Issei's training continued relentlessly. He got weird looks about some of the bruises that showed on his body. Of course, those students chalked up to him getting beaten up for peeping, but they had no idea of the training that he was putting himself through.
His arms screamed in agony, but the ice baths helped. The samurai book told him pain forged mental fortitude, so he endured. Mitsurugi's sword drills were brutal. He had lost count of how many times he had to restart his swings.
Shigure, on the other hand, was terrifying in a different way. She sliced fruit literally in front of his face without touching him. Her speed and precision was unreal. He nearly wet himself the first time. Not even his perverted brain had time to process the fact that her chest bounced with every cut.
She complimented his bokken, noting its quality. But she didn't tell him he was unconsciously channeling ki into it whenever his anger spiked. She suspected Mitsurugi wanted him to discover that on his own. He was grateful for her help, even if she wasn't teaching him her style but only refining what Mitsurugi drilled into him.
He had also asked her to hold onto Akeno's artwork. Yuuto still hadn't replied, but Issei wasn't pushing it. Shigure seemed to like the art, though. Issei wondered if he should get her one too.
Sparring with Renka was different today. Her strikes were sharper. Her movements seemed more aggressive.
"Is something wrong?" Issei asked as he jumped back, barely avoiding her thrust.
She didn't answer and just kept attacking, not caring about the answer.
His arms burned from Mitsurugi's training, making it harder to block. He grimaced as he caught one of her kicks, countering with one of his own. She had helped him improve his kicks, but he still couldn't reach head height, only to her waist.
Still, Renka had to admit he was getting better at finding openings. He was instinctive, thanks to him learning to sense danger, when he had been peeping. Now those instincts were being put to a better use. However, despite all of this training, Issei was still raw and unpolished, but promising. There was still so much for Issei to cultivate and forge himself into the person that he wanted to be.
Renka deflected his kick and struck his abs with a palm. He shifted his stance, letting his shoulder take the blow, and countered with a palm strike to her hip. She blocked effortlessly and spun.
CRACK!
Her heel struck his jaw.
"Ah!" Issei clutched his jaw, breathing heavily, preparing to charge.
"Don't." Renka stopped him doing something reckless.
He froze. "Huh?"
"Ise, you were about to rush in like this..." She demonstrated his posture. "With your arms strained, I'd get space and knee you in the jaw again. Want me to?"
"No, ma'am." Issei winced, imagining the pain that he could endure from getting kneed by her.
"Good. You're lucky I even held back on the force of the kick as well, otherwise, you might not be talking. That's enough for today."
Issei frowned. "You seem off, senpai."
Renka exhaled. "Sorry. I've been thinking about the tournament."
"I promised I won't get last place."
"I know. But… I didn't want you in the tournament. And I feel bad for not telling you."
"So…" Issei shrugged.
"I've been holding back on you. And I made a promise this weekend to make sure you uphold your promise."
"That's why you're down?" Issei looked at her quizzically.
"That… and I broke your trust." Renka admitted.
"You told them about my singing?" He deadpanned.
"No! I told them about Ukita flipping you." She corrected. "It just slipped out. Sorry."
"That's it?" Issei questioned, but he wasn't angry in any way.
"You're not mad?" She half expected him to hold a grudge.
"A little. But it was gonna come out eventually." Issei shrugged, seeing that the incident wasn't really something for him to get mad over.
Renka sagged in relief. "Ahh… good. Still shouldn't have blabbed."
"Honestly, I expected it." Issei admitted.
"What!?" Renka gave him an incredulous look.
"You talk a lot, senpai." He scratched his cheek. "You kinda run your mouth sometimes."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Renka huffed.
"Like when you talked about my perversion making my childhood friend leave."
"I said I was sorry!" She waved her hands.
"I know. Just an example." Issei chuckled, then he became enamored when Renka stretched her shoulders. "Wow, you stretch like a cat."
"Haha, yeah." Renka laughed. "I do it to distract Miu. She likes cats. Helps me steal Kenichi's attention."
Issei nodded. "Um… senpai?"
"Yeah?" Renka looked at him to see what he needed.
"I can help you with that." He pointed at her form, more specifically, her shoulders.
"With what?"
"Your shoulders. Working at the restaurant, training, dealing with me, a nobody… You must be tense."
Renka blinked, processing what he said before she sighed. "You're not a nobody, Ise."
"Fine. The school pervert. Anyway, I can help. Could you lie down?"
Renka raised an eyebrow. "What are you planning?"
"Nothing!" Issei blushed as he held up his hands. "Just a shoulder massage. I used to do it for my mom when she was stressed."
Renka considered it. "A massage, huh… Alright. But don't touch anywhere you're not supposed to." Despite her joking tone, she couldn't help herself but wonder what would happen if he did.
"Understood. And even if I tried, you'd easily kick my jaw off its hinges."
She laughed at his humor as lay on her stomach, resting her head on her arms as she lied on her stomach.
Issei knelt beside her and placed his hands on her shoulders and she tensed immediately.
"Please relax. If you tense up, it'll hurt more." He advised.
"…Alright." She was slightly surprised that he seemed to know what he was doing.
He began working her shoulders and neck. Renka exhaled softly, her body loosening under his hands.
"Mm~" She moaned.
Issei stiffened at the sound. A tiny drop of blood threatened to escape his nose as he remembered scenarios like this in some of his games.
'Wow… that sounded… hot. Kenichi‑senpai is lucky…' He thought, a little envious that his senpai had someone like this pining after him.
He only hoped that there was someone out there for him as well. This, of course, caused someone in another country to sneeze and they wondered who was thinking about them. It only led to said person fantasizing about said brunette and when they would be able to reunite again.
"Lower~" She moaned again, voice husky with relief.
Issei swallowed hard and moved his hands lower, continuing the massage despite the burning pain in his arms. "Huh?"
"Go lower." She commanded.
"Oh... uh, okay. Just tell me if I touch somewhere I shouldn't." Issei told her.
"Alright." She sighed in content.
He worked his hands lower down her back, stopping at the small of it. Any further and he'd be touching her perfectly rounded backside and he wasn't suicidal enough to risk that. However, for someone who had lusted over breasts, this was his first time being able to see the behind of a girl. He could understand why there were some guys that preferred butts over breasts. He snapped out of his thoughts as despite her curvature, he remembered who he was dealing with.
The kendo girls were one thing, but Renka was an entirely different species of danger.
He smiled faintly to himself. She always said she could handle herself and after taking countless hits from her, he believed it. He shoved the tiny, perverted voice in his head into a mental trash can and kept working.
Up and down her back. Across her shoulders. Along her her sides. More than once, his fingers came dangerously close to brushing the sides of her breasts. But every time, he pulled back with iron discipline.
Renka noticed, but she didn't say anything. Although, a small smile tugged at her lips. 'Not bad, Ise.' She thought as she could feel him restraining himself.
He really was changing. Not just talking about it but actually proving it. After all, actions speak louder than words and as for the massage? A delightful bonus. Renka knew that she was definitely going to exploit this to her benefit as much as she could. His hands were skilled, shockingly so as her shoulders eventually melted under his touch. Her back loosened and her stress evaporated.
While she was wondering if she could get him to do this regularly, she sensed some people heading their way and she knew that it would put her massage on hold.
"Well, this is something." One of the newcomers said
Issei froze mid‑massage, while Renka groaned into the grass. "Ikki‑senpai?"
Ikki stood there with Ukita and the rough‑looking girl Issei had seen before.
"Hope I didn't interrupt anything." Ikki winked.
Issei being oblivious, answered of his intent. "No, I was giving Renka‑senpai a massage. She kept stretching her shoulders, so I figured she was stressed from helping me train."
Renka shot Ikki a glare sharp enough to cut steel.
"Well, you never offered me one." Ikki mock pouted, but he had a feeling that Issei was only willing to work on females.
"You never looked stressed like Renka‑senpai. But I can give you one too. I used to give my dad massages after work." Issei answered, surprising them with his gender equality.
"I thought you said you gave your mom one." Renka asked him.
"Both." He clarified. "But I haven't done it in a while, so it might not be as good. You're probably the first one I've given one to recently."
Renka stretched her back, sighing in satisfaction. "Where'd you learn that?"
"Kaa-san said I was decent, so I looked up techniques online and practiced on my parents."
"Hahaha, I'll take you up on that sometime. But I'm not here for that." Ikki laughed.
"Then what are you here for?" Issei asked.
Ukita stepped forward. "I'm here to challenge you."
"Huh?" Issei and Renka responded at the same time in confusion.
"Ikki has a lot of confidence in you and I want to see if he's full of shit." Ukita explained.
"And… her?" Issei nodded towards the girl that came with them.
She was pretty, not as busty, but still attractive nonetheless as he remembered seeing Ukita talking with her. He assumed that this might be the Kisara that he was talking to on the first day that he came to the club. The girl stepped forward, hands on hips.
"Name's Nanjō Kisara. Ikki says I should train you in Taekwondo, but only if you beat Ukita." She told him.
"Really?" Issei tilted his head.
"Got a problem being trained by a girl?" Kisara glared as she believed him to possibly be misogynistic and her glare was sharp enough to peel paint.
"No. Renka‑senpai trains me almost every day. I don't care if it's a man or woman. Training is training." Issei explained.
"How so?" Kisara softened her glare slightly.
"You'll make me stronger. Help me reach my dream." Issei told her and it was an added incentive to learn a new style.
"Huh?" Now it was Ukita and Kisara's turn to answer in sync.
"Oh yeah, you two don't know." Ikki laughed.
"Know what?" Kisara asked him.
"Issei's dream isn't to be a harem king anymore." Ikki answered his former leader.
"That's right." Renka spoke up, still feeling relaxed.
"Oh?" Kisara smirked and her eyes had a predatory gleam like a cat sizing up its prey to match her dangerous smile.
Issei shivered as he looked her over. Yeah, she wasn't as buxom as Renka but she was undeniably attractive. His gaze drifted down to her legs and he gasped.
"You checking out my girl?" Ukita growled in defense.
"Not like that!" Issei shook his head. "I mean... her quads are insane. More defined than Renka‑senpai's. Makes sense her style uses legs more than arms. That's what I need."
"Oi." Renka smacked him on the head.
"Sorry! But it's true." However, he thought privately, 'You still have an amazing figure, Renka‑senpai…'
"Haha! Ikki was right about you." Kisara laughed. "So? What's it gonna be?"
"I accept." Issei pumped his fist in excitement on taking this bet.
He swallowed hard as he was nervous but determined ashe would face a new opponent.
"Good. This'll be fun. End of the week." Ukita chuckled.
"See ya, kid." Kisara waved.
Issei pouted, which only made Kisara laughed as she and Ukita walked off.
"Good luck. If you lose, you owe me." Ikki chuckled.
"I won't. I've got a few days to heal and prepare." Issei nodded.
"Alright. See you tomorrow morning." Ikki waved and left.
Issei waved back, grimacing from his sore arms.
Renka crossed her arms. "Why'd you accept? You've only sparred with me. You don't know his style."
"Actually… I think I do." Issei informed her.
"Oh? Then what is it?" Renka raised an eyebrow, wondering if he had been paying attention.
"Judo." He answered.
Renka's eyes widened. "Wow. I underestimated you. How'd you know?"
"He judo‑flipped me on the first day. I looked up fighting styles afterward. I wanted revenge back then… but I was weak."
"You still are." She deadpanned.
"Compared to you." He deadpanned right back.
"So how's he underestimating you?" Renka was trying to figure out his logic.
"Because I've got you." Issei smiled.
"Huh?" Renka had no idea how having her helped him.
Of course, she knew that she was capable of beating Ukita if she wanted to, but she wasn't fighting this battle, this was Issei's fight.
"You've been training me. And I have the advantage in speed, thanks to you." He answered.
"Explain." She crossed her arms as he was right, but she wanted him to go further about why he would have the advantage in speed. Of course, her thoughts drifted elsewhere. 'I'm going to need more of those massages… my shoulders feel incredible.'
"You're smaller than he is, like me. You've been increasing your speed in our spars. It's helped me a lot." Issei explained.
Renka sighed and nodded at his answer. "Still… you accepted pretty fast. Aren't you scared? If you are, you should back out."
"I can't. And I am scared… but backing out would go against my dream." He protested.
"How so? You want to be the strongest fighter in your class. Fighting Ukita won't help much with that. It's Raichi you should be worried about."
"That dream's… fickle. Even if I became the strongest second‑year, then what? Do it all again in my third year?" Mitsurugi's words echoed in Issei's mind. "I need to be something more."
"But, Ise..." Renka didn't want him to get reckless.
"Besides… this is the start of me becoming a warrior. A true warrior isn't immune to fear. A true warrior confronts fear and conquers it."
Renka raised an eyebrow. "You got that from your samurai book, didn't you?"
"Sort of. Mitsurugi‑shishou said it during training. Even though I only work weekends, two days of kenjutsu isn't enough. So I go on Tuesdays and Thursdays too. And on Mondays and Fridays, Shigure‑sensei refines what I learn. We made a schedule."
Renka stared at him for a moment, then exhaled. "You're really on that path to getting stronger, huh?"
"Yeah. I want you to be able to rely on me too, like you rely on Kenichi‑senpai."
Renka smirked. "Then maybe I should take you to my dad's acupuncture clinic."
"Your father has an acupuncture clinic and you didn't think to tell me!? Renka‑senpai, that would've helped so much... ah!" Issei groaned as his sore muscles protested.
"Whoops. Guess I forgot." She laughed. "But I can take you to someone who'll really get the kinks out."
"Were you going to go to them?" He asked.
"Not really. Why?" Renka tilted her head.
"Because then I wouldn't have needed to give you the massage." He deadpanned.
"Well, I wouldn't have known you were good with your hands. So in the end, it worked out for me." She shrugged, after all, this was a service that she didn't need to pay for.
"How?" Issei exasperated.
"I got my own masseuse now." She clapped him on the back hard.
Issei winced. "Don't expect me to do that every time."
"If you lose, I'll be expecting it. That and some mooncake, okay?" She flashed him a catlike grin that made him shiver.
"Shouldn't I give you those if I win? Since that means your teachings paid off?" Issei said, not realizing that he should have kept his mouth shut.
"Good point. Looks like win or lose, I win either way. Oh, and when I get my massages, you can sing to lighten the mood."
"Now you're getting greedy." He deadpanned.
"Haha!" Renka laughed. "Hit the showers. See you tomorrow, Ise." She walked toward the locker room, hips swaying slightly.
Issei watched her go, then shook his head. If he followed her now, she'd definitely tease him about checking her out. Still… he couldn't help but laugh. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was having fun again. Not just with Renka but with Ikki too. It felt like he was reclaiming a part of himself that his perversion and Matsuda and Motohama had buried.
He headed to the locker room, anxiety creeping in about his upcoming fight with Ukita. But Ikki's confidence in him warmed his chest. He was excited too. If he won, he'd get to learn Taekwondo, a style Kenichi never learned. He imagined Kisara's training being as brutal as Ikki's, but he felt like he was ready for it.
He checked his phone and saw a text from Yuuto.
Yuuto: Club activities are done. You can drop it off now.
Issei nodded to himself. He'd deliver the artwork, then head home. After showering, he went to the dojo to see if Shigure was still around and saw that the lights were on.
"Guess Shigure‑sensei went home… Wait, no. The dojo's still open. Maybe she stepped out? Or Renka‑senpai or Kenichi‑senpai came back for something."
"No." A voice answered back. "Just me."
"Huh!?" He spun around.
Shigure was hanging upside down from the ceiling.
"How, what... where did you come from!?" Issei asked in shock.
She dropped silently, landing on her feet like a cat. "I've always… been here."
"Oh…"
"You're here for… the artwork." She said.
"Yeah. Kiba texted me. I'll hand it off at the gate and then bail."
Shigure looked at the artwork. "She's a… lucky girl."
"How so?" Issei didn't understand what she meant.
"She gets such… a nice piece."
Issei chuckled. "If this place wasn't school property, I'd ask Kenichi‑senpai if we could hang one here."
If Issei wasn't as dense as he is, he would have realized that Shigure had indirectly declared that she wanted a piece of artwork for herself.
"It's not… school property." She informed him.
"But it's on school grounds." He argued.
"Saiga‑sama bought this… dojo. He handles… the utilities. It's under him… not them." She explained to him.
"Oh. I see. Hey, did you know Renka‑senpai's otou-san has an acupuncture clinic?"
"Yes." Shigure nodded.
"Figures. She said she'd take me somewhere else to get my nerves fixed up."
Shigure's eyes narrowed slightly. 'Is he talking about Akisame?'
Issei took her silence as a means to continue. "I hope they can help. I think I'm getting resistant to Elize‑sensei's pain cream."
That's a… good idea. We can go… after your review… with me on Friday."
"You're coming with us?" Issei asked.
"Yes… I think I know… where she's taking you… And if I'm right… I know that doctor too."
"Alright. Do you know how much they charge?" He needed to know how much that he would have to pay for the treatment.
"It depends… You'll see."
"Okay." Issei sighed. "I'll see you Friday, Shigure‑sensei. Oh, and before I forget." He opened his briefcase and pulled out a small package. "Cheese fishsticks for Tōchūmaru."
The mouse perked up instantly, drooling.
Shigure blinked. "Why are you… giving this?"
"Not a bribe. No one at home was eating them, so I figured he might as well have them."
Shigure accepted the treat. "Thanks. You know… I have a friend who feeds… pigeons in the park."
"Really? That sounds fun. As long as they don't peck you."
"You'll meet him… one day." She had foreshadowed Apachai potentially teaching Issei.
"Bye." She felt a demonic presence flare from the direction of the ORC. 'Just like he said.'
Issei approached the school gate and froze. That uneasy feeling again. The same one he got around the ORC members and the student council. Asia was the exception, since she was sweet, polite, and didn't treat him like trash but even she gave off that faint, strange aura.
Issei swallowed as it felt like something was coming. Issei stared at his phone, thumb hovering over the screen.
He typed a message to Yuuto.
Issei: You still there? Or did you leave already?
He waited for one minute, then two minutes and then five minutes. The uneasy feeling in his chest didn't fade. If anything, it grew heavier as it was like something was watching him from the shadows.
He swallowed. 'I hope nothing happened to Kiba… or Akeno-senpai. If something did… I'll never forgive myself for making her cry.'
His curiosity gnawed at him. This feeling, this instinct was something he needed to conquer too. He sighed and began to walk towards the ORC building.
However, someone else decided to make her presence known. "Hey there, stranger."
Issei groaned. "Ugh. What is it, Yuuma?"
"You've been ignoring me. Look, I know you don't like the student council..."
"Uh huh." Issei interrupted with a nod.
"I should've gotten suspended. I don't like the special treatment any more than you do." Yuuma tried to reason with him as a means to worm her way into his heart.
"And?"
Yuuma sighed dramatically. "You're not going to believe me, are you?"
"Nope. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to drop this off at the ORC." He lifted the bag containing the artwork.
"Wait! Let's just walk home. I can give it to them tomorrow for you." Her eyes flicked toward the ORC building and Issei noticed the tension in her shoulders.
"No. Kiba said it would mean more if I did it myself. Even though I did plan on just handing it to him at the school gates, he didn't answer. So I'm going to get the job done myself, so I don't have to delay it any further. Even if I don't like this feeling."
He didn't say it aloud, but he felt uneasy around Yuuma too.
"Or… we can go to the school shed and I can give you a..." She made a motion with her hand and mouth.
"What!?" He stared at her, face flushing red.
"A blowjob. Your dick, my mouth."
"I know what a blowjob is! I'm trying to understand why you're offering it so blatantly. People are going to think you're a slut or something." He shook his head.
"They already think that." Yuuma scoffed. "No one believes I offered to let you feel my tits to get your help in the park. And Saji? I bet he's just waiting for a chance to get me alone or Kaichou. Meanwhile he's got two girls who'd suck him off instantly."
"You noticed that too, huh? I kinda feel bad for Hanakai-san and Nimura-san. Especially since he's obsessed with Shitori-san."
"Oh yeah. It's sad. But funny." Yuuma smirked as she got some form of entertainment.
"Anyway, I'm going." He turned toward the ORC.
"What? You're not even going to consider it?" Yuuma was surprised that he walked away from her.
"Nope."
"Alright then... we'll do it."
"Do what?" Issei asked.
"Have sex. Unbridled, full-on naked, gratuitous sex. If you don't go to that building." Yuuma offered, she figured that would make him hers, even if the sex might not be good.
Issei stopped walking. 'Holy shit, this is my chance! I can finally lose my v-card! But then all my progress would go down the drain. It's not like she's going to date me afterwards…' He sighed. "Yuuma… sex isn't going to stop me. Don't treat it like it's meaningless. I may have been a pervert, but I'm trying to change. If you'd offered this in my first year or at the start of this school year, maybe I would've accepted. But that's not me anymore. At least, it's not who I'm trying to be."
Yuuma blinked as Issei continued on. "I want a relationship before that happens. And not after one date either. If it happens that fast, it means the girl's too easy or the guy isn't committed. Also why are you trying so hard to stop me from going to the ORC?"
"Uh… well… I…" She was more stumped by his denial, since she knew that any other guy would have accepted.
A part of her, that sadistic side of hers, wanted to pull up a random guy to show Issei what he would be missing out on, but she knows that would only push him away from her, not get her closer.
"Maybe you're getting the same feeling I am. I don't like it either. But as a warrior, I have to conquer it." He chuckled. "Honestly, I'm doing that just by talking to you." He walked off.
Yuuma stared, stunned. "H-Hey!" She hurried after him.
She had hoped to use his perversion to keep him away from the ORC but he had been able to suppress that side of himself for the most part.
She had to admit, but Matsuda, Motohama, or maybe Genshirou would've folded instantly. 'Maybe that Renka girl has something to do with it…? Are they dating? No… he never mentioned it.' Still, she couldn't deny it, she was curious and thus Issei remained her prey.
Aika Kiryuu had mentioned he was "packing," which may have been a bonus, but being endowed and not knowing how to use it doesn't make the experience better. Although her fallen angel instincts were… interested.
But right now, she was more afraid of what was happening inside the ORC.
Issei approached the front door of the ORC building and he looked around. He entered the building and did a double check on his surroundings. No Yuuto training outside. No Akeno waiting to potentially prank him.
Just silence. And that suffocating aura.
"Okay… you can do this." Talking to himself.
"Having second thoughts?" Yuuma smirked as she caught up to him.
"Somewhat."
"Come on. I'll walk home with you." She offered, believing that he would change his mind as wouldn't that be romantic? Walking home with a pretty girl.
"After I'm done here. Maybe. And also what's the catch?" Issei looked at her skeptically.
"Huh?"
"Outside, you were offering sexual favors. Now you're acting normal. So what are you planning?"
"Nothing!" She raised her hands. "Honestly, for a pervert, I'm surprised you passed up the chance to lose your virginity."
"I told you..."
"I know, I know. It's just surprising. You said you were a pervert, but I've seen you do nothing perverted. And you were honest with me when we first met, even though I was a stranger." She sighed, while thinking. 'Seriously, I'm actually considering just stripping naked and see how he reacts to that.'
"I figured I should say my piece before Takeshi or anyone else twisted it. But I assumed he already did, since you went on a date with him."
Yuuma frowned thoughtfully. "I see…"
"Well, let's get this over with." He headed down the eerie hall.
Seeing light underneath one of the doors, where he felt this urge and knocked on the door as Yuuma's eyes widened and she began sweating.
A man's voice answered. "Enter!"
Issei raised an eyebrow as he didn't recognize the voice but opened the door and pausing, surveying the scene.
A man in a burgundy suit stood proudly in the center of the room. Beside him were several girls, including one with drill‑like pigtails who resembled him. A maid stood silently in the back.
'What the hell? When did they get so many members? And a maid? Seriously? Are they blowing school funding on a maid? The kendo club would riot if they knew or maybe not, since they are fans of pretty much everyone in this club.' Issei was a little annoyed as in his eyes, the school might have been wasting money on the ORC.
He couldn't help but wonder if it was because it compromised of the school's most popular students and thus the school just gave them money because of that. It made him curious if learning about the supernatural was actually popular.
"Hyoudou‑kun? What are you doing here?" Yuuto said as he saw the boy enter.
"You texted me that you were done with club activities. So I came to give this to Himejima‑senpai." He held up the bag.
"Hmm? What is it?" Akeno looked at the bag.
"An apology. For making you cry last Friday. For being insensitive." Issei told her.
"Oh… you shouldn't have." She kept herself composed as to not blush because she didn't expect Issei to get something for her as an apology.
"No. I needed to. Otherwise, I'd feel guilty." He looked at the man in the suit. "May I?"
"May you what?" The man seemed intrigued about this random boy that just entered.
"Walk over and hand this to her. You seem like the guy in charge."
He sensed something strange from the man but oddly, he sensed something even stranger from the maid.
"Haha! Finally, someone who shows Riser proper respect!" The man laughed, enjoying that Issei believed himself to be the one in charge. "But don't get your hopes up."
"Hopes up for what?" Issei asked as he tried to read the room.
From the glares that were sent towards this man, Issei felt like this guy wasn't really welcomed into the ORC.
"Hmm? Oh, you don't know?" The man smirked.
"No, I don't. Oh, by the way, I'm Hyoudou Issei. Pleased to meet you." He bowed politely. Remembering the manners that had been taught to him.
"Hngh! You see how he bows to Riser?" The now named Riser spoke. "You could learn a lot from him."
Riser shot a pointed look at Takeshi.
"Grrr…" Takeshi growled in annoyance.
Riser smirked triumphantly. Issei walked over and handed the artwork to Akeno.
"It's for your temple." Issei said. "There are instructions online for how to hang it. Or Kiba-san or Muzai-san can help. If I'm allowed to visit the temple again to pray, I can help too... but only as a last resort."
"Thank you." Akeno smiled at the gesture and Issei nodded, figuring that he could go now.
"Wait!" The man held up his hand. "Show us what he got you. Riser would like to see."
Akeno hesitated, then pulled the artwork from the bag and gasps filled the room.
"Wow…" Akeno was actually surprised by it.
Even Rias leaned in, eyes widening. Riser's expression soured instantly. He didn't care if Akeno liked it, but he hated that Rias liked it. With Grayfia Lucifuge present, he couldn't simply burn it to ash.
"This is beautiful." Rias noted as she looked at the brunette. "But why did you choose this one?"
"It felt… homey. And the sky color reminded me of Himejima-senpai's eyes. Plus I had some help from Renka-senpai." Issei shrugged and turned toward the door. "Now that she has it, I'll go."
"You seem to have good taste. Tell Riser, boy... what is your dream? Do you wish to be with her? Is that why you gave her that piece?" Riser asked, so he could understand.
Issei stopped as he heard Riser's condescending tone. He also felt the tension in the room, the kind that always preceded a prank or humiliation. He steeled himself.
"At least tell me who I'm talking to." Issei requested.
"Riser shall oblige such a low request. I am Riser Phenex."
"I see. I'm guessing you're all new members of the ORC." Issei scanned the girls beside Riser, analyzing their posture, their expressions, their reactions.
Unfortunately, they misunderstood immediately and believed that he was leering at them.
"Riser-sama, this person is freaking me out~."
"Gross~."
'Huh? The fuck? I wasn't checking them out. Was I?' Issei glanced towards Yuuma but she was no help as she was stifling a laugh.
"It's probably because of his dream." Takeshi sighed, since he was going off the girls' reaction and he didn't see Issei's face. "He's likely fantasizing about you."
The girls cringed.
"Is that so?" Riser raised an eyebrow in interest.
"Quite likely." Rias sighed. "This boy's dream is to have a harem. He was probably moved after looking at your servants."
Issei's confusion twisted into a glare.
'Who the hell do they think they are? They don't know anything about me. Not my change. Not my dream. Nothing.' Issei clenched his fists.
Koneko felt it first, a small spark of ki rising from him. Akeno and Rias felt it too, just like that Friday night. Grayfia's eyes narrowed, intrigued.
"Not surprising. He was staring at your chest last Friday, Buchou." Takeshi spoke, but he was hoping that Issei would leave before Riser did anything.
"Oh? You were looking at my Rias?" Riser asked.
"Your Rias?" Issei looked on credulously at this guy, speaking as if he owned the girl.
"Yes. She and Riser are engaged." Riser answered.
"Congratulations." Issei said sarcastically.
"Why, thank you." Riser responded, not caring about Issei's tone. "But Rias is trying to opt out of the engagement."
"Why?" Issei asked, he was now curious.
Takeshi stepped forward. "You don't need to..."
"Shut up." Issei spoke, which there was a small shift in his tone and turned back to Riser. "Why doesn't she want to marry you?"
He wasn't being rude, just genuinely curious. From what he could see, Riser was handsome. Girls loved handsome guys. If Takeshi could get away with being a jerk at times, why not this guy? It made no sense.
"Why, Riser's glad you asked. You see, human..."
'You're human too, aren't you?' Issei looked bewildered as Riser continued.
"Our families made an agreement. Rias and Riser were chosen to preserve our lineages. My house is safe, Riser has older brothers. But Rias' house has only two siblings. Her brother left the house. So only Rias can inherit the House of Gremory. If she does not take a husband, her house will go extinct." Riser turned his gaze toward Rias. "Tell him, Rias. Is that what you want? To crush a household that has existed for generations?"
"I'm not going to crush my house!" Rias exclaimed. "And I'm willing to take a husband."
"To be expected! Then let's..."
"But I won't marry you, Riser. I will marry the one I acknowledge."
Riser's face twitched. Flames flickered at his fingertips, luckily, Issei was looking at Rias as she made her declaration.
Before Riser could erupt, he stopped as Issei voiced his curiosity.
"Why not?" Issei asked, looking at his senpai.
"Excuse me?" Riser was annoyed by her stubbornness.
"Sorry, not talking to you. I'm talking to her." Issei apologized and pointed at Rias. "Why won't you marry him? He made good points. And this agreement has been around for years. How long has this been arranged?"
He wanted to understand his senpai's reasoning for declining the marriage.
"For years, and I..." Rias began to say, but was cut off.
"So why didn't you do something about it back then?" He sounded rude as he interrupted.
"Well, I..." Rias tried to speak.
"I'm guessing it's because you hadn't met Muzai-san yet. Right?" Issei remembered how the two had walked together and judging from her words, Takeshi seemed like someone she acknowledged.
"Well, um…" Her hesitation and blush said everything.
"Seriously, have you even sat down with him and gotten to know him?" Issei asked as he pointed directly at Riser.
Riser smirked, pleased to have the "human" seemingly on his side. "He's right, Rias. What do you actually know about me?"
"That you're a pervert just like him." Takeshi spoke to Riser in annoyance, while he jabbed a thumb toward Issei. "Although, you're more of a playboy."
'Speak for yourself.' Issei thought with a deadpan expression as he remembered the various girls that he had seen Takeshi with, who were all in the same room
"Why? Because we like women?" Riser smirked. "Tell me, boy, do you want a harem like mine?"
"Riser-sama~!" The girls by Riser's side rejoiced.
"Ah, my sweet girls. Looking up to upper‑stream folks is what lonely ones do. Let's show them how passionate we are."
Issei blinked. 'What does that even...'
Issei never got around to finish his thought process as two girls who looked barely older than Koneko ran up to Riser and immediately began making out with him in a loud and sloppy manner. Riser moaned theatrically, tongue swirling in the first girl's mouth.
Issei's jaw dropped and his stomach churned. 'If he likes younger girls… yeah, I can see why Gremory-senpai doesn't want to marry him. He's a lolicon or worse, a pedo. I can't believe I used to want this. Sorry, jii-san… your dream dies with you. I'll find a girl who loves me for me, even when she learns about my perverted past. I hope Shidou's there so we can laugh about it like old times.'
Riser finished with the first girl and moved to the second, shooting Issei a smug look that screamed: "You'll never be able to do this."
However, Issei's look of disgust said otherwise as he glanced towards Rias, who looked… indifferent.
'Really? She doesn't care? Maybe it's a European thing. I heard she's from Scandinavia or something. Oh man… and I was hoping to see Shidou again someday. Is he like this guy too? Being a pervert is one thing, but a womanizer AND a pedophile? No thanks. Thank Kami, I changed my dream.'
Riser finally pulled away from the second girl, chuckling.
Issei looked nauseated. "I'd say that's not something I'd do in front of my fiancée. I'd be loyal to her. Honestly, Gremory-senpai is better off with Muzai-san. Even if he can be a womanizer like you because he even played around with her." Issei pointed at Yuuma, still lingering by the door. "But since Gremory-senpai doesn't seem to care, maybe she doesn't mind you flirting around. Otherwise, I'd say you're being disrespectful."
He remembered scolding Ikki for flirting with the gym receptionist despite having a girlfriend. Ikki seemed to have taken it to heart.
But Takeshi just had to open his mouth. "With how you spout about oppai and being harem king, you're practically looking up to the womanizer."
BAM!
"Takeshi-san!" Asia exclaimed.
Everyone stopped, looking in shock as Takeshi lay on the floor, clutching his face. Issei stood over him, slightly wincing from his bruises and his fist still clenched and shaking. A human had just decked a low‑class devil and it hurt.
However, those with sharper senses felt it.
'He used ki.' Grayfia noted as her eyes narrowed.
'What the hell was that? And Rias hasn't reincarnated him? With such a simple dream, he could easily be persuaded.' Riser thought as he watched with some interest.
'There it is again…' Akeno thought as she looked towards Rias.
'That's more than before…' Koneko's eye narrowed, but she was prepared to knock out Issei if given the order.
"Don't do it, Asia!" Takeshi warned.
He didn't want her to use her Sacred Gear in front of Issei. Unfortunately, Issei noticed the green glow forming around her hands disappear as she deactivated it.
'Was she going to use that healing thing again?' Issei thought, but thought none of it as he turned back to Takeshi, eyes sharp.
Two fallen angels in the room, Yuuma and Akeno, licked their lips for their own selfish reasons.
Seeing Issei take a stance over the Sekiryuutei, eyes blazing, was… intoxicating. Takeshi's nose bled and his lip was cut. His pride was hurt, but he would get over it. He should have known that Issei had a short fuse. Issei grabbed him by the collar and yanked him upright.
"As I told Gremory-senpai, I'll tell you the same thing. You've never sat down and talked with me. You only look at the outside! Just like everyone else!" Takeshi avoided his gaze, but he kind of knew that Issei was right and let him continue on his rant. "Sorry I don't have good looks like you. I wasn't born like that. But I have a heart, a better one than probably you and most people here. I don't judge like you do. Sure, I was overly perverted. But don't act like you're a saint." He shook Takeshi. "You're telling me you've never had a perverted thought? Ever? Answer me!"
Takeshi said nothing.
"That's what I thought. You're a pervert too. You're just quiet about it. I was honest about who I was." Issei shoved Takeshi back onto the couch.
Akeno and Koneko both inhaled sharply. The room was silent. Because he was right. Every person in the room had their own perversions. They just hid them. Issei had taken all the shame for being honest. And his "friends" had betrayed him for it.
"As for you, yakitori..." Issei said, not caring that he insulted someone that could burn him alive and left Riser baffled as he stiffened.
"Yakitori!?"
"Yeah. Phoenix is a firebird. Yakitori is a grilled bird. Same thing." Issei shrugged.
Even Grayfia's lips twitched upward, but something told her that she had felt a similar attitude from somewhere before.
"I'm guessing all those girls think you're a hero, huh?" Issei spoke to Riser.
"Of course." Riser snorted. "Heroes love women. That's a saying here, right?"
"Maybe. But heroes also do the right thing. My senpais? They're heroes. They took a chance on me when no one else would. They saved me from myself. Helped me find my roots again. Helped me find new dreams." Issei looked Riser dead in the eye. "But you're not a hero. Not now. Maybe someday. But not today." Issei gestured toward Akeno and Rias. "And don't worry. If they're in your harem, I'm not going after them. I don't go after another man's woman."
"Yet you peep on them." Takeshi said, rubbing his jaw.
"No, I didn't. When I realized they had boyfriends, I left. I took no pictures. I saw nothing. I can't believe you fell for rumors from those two bastards I thought were my friends." Issei exhaled to calm himself. "My only real friend moved to England. But I'm getting new ones."
"He's right." Yuuto spoke up. "I checked his phone when we exchanged numbers. No pictures. Not even deleted ones."
Takeshi's eyes widened and gave a nod, seeing that he had been duped by what Matsuda and Motohama were saying. Issei turned to leave.
"Well, I hope you enjoy your artwork, Himejima-senpai. And yakitori, if all these girls are yours, I don't know what sick freak would bang his own sister." Pointing at the girl with drill‑like pigtails.
He was unaware of the looks that he was getting from the majority of the ORC members and Grayfia as if telling him: You would be surprised.
Both drill-haired girl and Riser turned bright red.
"It's not like that!" Riser retorted.
"Right! How dare you say such things about onii-sama!? And how did you know we were related!?" The girl wanted to know.
Issei held out a hand. "Name?"
"Ravel." She answered.
"Well, Ravel‑chan… You look alike. And you carry yourselves the same way, acting like you're above everyone else. It wasn't hard to figure out." Issei explained his reasoning.
Riser watched Issei with a calculating glint in his eye. 'It sounds like he'll be a tough opponent if Rias recruits him. So he's not a bumbling idiot after all.' Riser thought, unaware of Issei's lessons with Yu-Mi, otherwise, he would still be that "bumbling idiot".
Beside him, Ravel's cheeks warmed. 'How observant…' Ravel thought with slight surprise.
Issei exhaled sharply. "Well, I'm leaving. And yakitori, believe it or not, I'm somewhat rooting for you." It made Riser start to like Issei to an extent as he continued. "Maybe you and Gremory-senpai should sit down and talk. You might find you're similar. For example, she can be self‑absorbed and thinks she's on top of the world. You seem to think the same way. Could make you a power couple."
Rias stiffened at the thought of needing to sit down with Riser, but she was surprised that he thought she was self-absorbed and tried to figure out when she gave off such an impression.
Issei never noticed her expression as he continued on. "But since you mentioned your families… this is an arranged marriage, right?"
"That is correct." Rias answered.
Riser smirked. "You say heroes do the right thing. Maybe you should help her."
Issei stared at him with a dull, unimpressed expression. "Why should I? I'm not interested in her like Muzai-san is. He can be her hero. Or better yet, you can as well. Since you could also annul this marriage because she doesn't want to marry you. You could do the right thing. Either way, the loser between you two will learn something important. Maybe you'll come back stronger."
Riser's smile twitched. "Hmm… Mira. Do it." Addressing one of the girls by his side.
"Yes, Riser-sama." A small girl stepped forward. She was childlike, petite, with a staff in hand. She spun it with practiced ease, taking a martial stance.
Issei sighed internally. 'Tch. I don't feel like fighting a kid. Maybe I can just knock the stick away and end it.' But his instincts flared as Mira lunged, aiming straight for his stomach. 'Tch, nope. Screw that.'
Annoyance surged through him. As her staff struck, Issei grabbed it mid‑swing, yanked her forward, stepped in, and drove a palm strike into her stomach, just like Mitsurugi had drilled into him.
"Guh!" She flew backward, tumbling into the other girls.
Grayfia's eyes narrowed. 'He used ki again.'
"Here." Issei tossed the staff back to Riser. "I'm guessing you're surprised, huh?"
"Hmm?" Riser hummed.
"You thought I wouldn't attack her?" Issei glared.
"Actually, I thought you couldn't. She's my weakest member."
"That's a shame. I can't grow if my opponent isn't strong enough." Issei snorted, while the girl, Mira, growl at his audacity.
Riser chuckled. "Rias and I have a competition coming up. Why don't you join her?"
"I already told you... I'm not interested in being her hero. Or anyone else's. Later." Issei walked out, leaving Yuuma behind.
From what the devils that knew him could see, something did shift inside Issei. It was like a different demeanor had surfaced.
Riser burst into laughter. "Hahahaha! How interesting."
"I'm sorry, Riser-sama…" Mira tried to apologize.
"It's fine. That boy amused Riser today." He turned to Rias. "You know, I was going to give you ten days."
"Ten days?" Rias asked.
"Yes. I was going to propose a Rating Game in ten days. We could have done it now as I'd have liked to face that boy. You should make him your rook."
Rias clenched her fists. "How many days are you giving me?"
"Let's see… It's mid‑week. So let's have our match on Saturday in two weeks." He grinned. "That gives you seventeen days. Plenty of time. And when Riser wins, we'll hold the ceremony that weekend. Riser'll even invite that boy to our wedding. He amuses Riser."
Rias' expression darkened.
"Are you against the handicap?" Riser smirked. "Is it humiliating? Rating Games aren't won with feelings alone. If you can't use your servants properly, you'll lose instantly. I've seen devils with great potential fall because they couldn't use their power."
Rias said nothing.
"Seventeen days. If it's you, you should be able to improve your servants." He extended his hand, forming a magic circle beneath him. He looked at Takeshi. "Don't disgrace Rias, pawn. Your blow is Rias' blow."
Takeshi gritted his teeth. "Duly noted."
He would prove himself. He would free Rias. He would show Riser and to Issei that he was the hero. He did consider reporting Issei's "violence" to Genshirou, but he understood that he had it coming. Of course, if he did, he had no idea how that would backfire.
"Rias, the next time we meet will be at the game." Riser vanished with his servants in a flash of light.
Issei walked away, having exited from the ORC building, heat simmering in his chest. Takeshi. Riser. And the version of himself he could have become. A playboy. A womanizer.
The shallow, empty thought of it all made Issei clench his fists. 'No. That's not me anymore.' Mitsurugi's words echoed in his mind.
He needed to get stronger to beat Ukita. He needed to find the weak points of a judo specialist. He needed to prove he was on the right path. Eventually, he would have to surpass Raichi, Mizunuma, Ikki, Renka, and Kenichi. His resolve hardened.
'I won't lose.' That was his verdict, but also Takeshi's and surprisingly, Riser's, but someone was going to have to give.
Ki flickered around Issei's fists, unnoticed by him, but not by others as he felt watched. He turned and saw nothing. He shook his head and continued his way home.
High above, hidden in the shadows, Shigure watched him go. She exhaled softly. 'Good… his aura hasn't changed. I can report that to the others.'
Grayfia stepped forward. "Ojou-sama… I believe Riser may be right."
Rias looked up sharply. "What do you mean?"
Grayfia's red eyes glimmered. "I do not know your history with that boy… but he possesses some fighting capability."
"Well, he is part of the mixed martial arts club." Yuuto answered.
"I see. He could be an asset to you, Ojou‑sama." Grayfia suggested.
"Perhaps." Rias pondered as she rubbed her chin.
"We'll be fine." Takeshi mused.
"Takeshi-san…" Asia spoke as she checked his jaw.
"I'm fine. Trust me. He got me good, I'll give him that. But it was a surprise attack. He won't help us anyway. And why were you here?" His nose and lip were already healed thanks to Asia and his attention was now turned towards Yuuma, who sneered.
"Hey, I was trying to stop him from coming here." Yuuma snorted. "I sensed your girlfriend's fiancé show up."
"Well, you certainly did a great job." Takeshi sighed in annoyance.
"Tch." Yuuma turned to Rias. "I'll let Sona know about your potential absence. Are you finishing out the week?"
"Yes. We will." Rias answered, "But after that, we'll be absent from school for training."
"I'll let her know." Yuuma nodded and left the ORC room, they could hear her footsteps sharply fading down the hall.
"We won't be able to convince Hyoudou-kun in a couple of days." Yuuto noted to the group.
"Then we don't." Rias responded, "We focus on ourselves. From this moment forward, I'm suspending all club activity. We train."
"Hai, Buchou!" Her peerage answered.
"I shall inform both households of the scheduled date, Ojou‑sama." Grayfia spoke to them.
"Thank you, Grayfia." Rias nodded towards her.
The maid bowed gracefully, summoned a magic circle, and vanished in a flash of silver light.
Takeshi clenched his fist. 'I guess I can thank Hyoudou for this opportunity. If he won't help, then I'll save Rias myself. I have the Boosted Gear. Riser doesn't know that or at least I hope he doesn't. I kind of hope that he doesn't follow through on doing the right thing. I'll train with Koneko-chan in hand‑to‑hand, and with Akeno in magic. I'll protect Rias. I'll protect Asia. Thanks, Hyoudou. I'll be the hero they need.'
Yuuto stepped outside to practice with his swords. He couldn't help but wonder who was teaching Issei. If Issei mastered the basics, he'd make a good knight… or rook. He didn't know much about magic, but Issei was clearly an offensive fighter. Even if they survived this Rating Game, there would be more.
Yuuto wished Issei had joined them. It would've been nice to have someone else who liked swords.
He also couldn't help but wonder as Riser seemed interested in Issei. And since Yuuma was here… Sona might become interested too, once she heard the report.
"That's a nice picture, Akeno." Rias noted as she looked at the art with her queen.
"Thank you." Akeno said.
"I'll get you one when we win this Rating Game, Rias." Takeshi said, which made her smile.
"Thank you, Takeshi." She didn't correct him for using her name instead of her title.
She liked the way it sounded from him. Takeshi nodded and left to mentally prepare for training.
"I wish Takeshi-san would get me one…" Asia pouted.
"He'll get us both one. It'll help decorate the house." Rias said to cheer her bishop on.
"Ara~ ara~… He'll have to ask Hyoudou-kun where he got this one first."
"Easier said than done." Koneko said. "Ero-senpai's ki has gotten stronger."
"You're right. But it's not shrouding him like my cousin can do." Rias stated. "Still… he made a valid point."
"About what?" Akeno questioned.
"We all know him as the school pervert. But besides that… what do we know about him? It's the same with Riser. He's a womanizer but nothing else. We judge people too quickly. But for those already ostracized… it's different."
"Hmm." Koneko hummed as she quietly returned to her sweets.
"I wonder where I should put this." Akeno wondered out loud as she held up the artwork.
"He was right, you know." Rias said, watching her queen.
"About what?" Akeno looked at her mistress, wondering what she was implying.
"The sky." Rias nodded. "It matches your eyes."
Akeno's cheeks warmed as she had a point and did remember when Issei had looked into her eyes, when he had pressed her against a wall. It likely gave Issei the time to remember her eye color.
Issei was far more observant than anyone gave him credit for. She couldn't help but smile at the thoughtfulness behind his choice. Of course, he did seek the guidance and opinion of Renka and Yuuto before his decision was made. He hadn't meant to pry into her past but remembering her mother had been too much at the time.
The next couple of days passed quickly. It was now Friday and it would be the day of his match against Ukita. Issei sat in the gardening club, eating lunch with Raichi. It was peaceful here and away from prying eyes.
"So, how are you feeling about today?" Raichi asked as she watered the garden with practiced ease.
The club president, Izumi Yūka, allowed them to use the space freely.
"Alright, I guess. It's my first time fighting someone from the club who isn't Ikki-senpai or Renka-senpai." Issei answered before he took another bite of his lunch. "But I do want to learn Nanjō-senpai's fighting style."
"I've beaten her, you know." Raichi said, continuing to water. "Both of them, actually."
"Really? I guess Chinese kenpo is useful. I'm curious, are you stronger than Renka-senpai?" Issei asked.
"Who knows? We've fought together, but never against each other. We're trained in different styles."
"Yeah… what's your style?"
"Zui Quan and chishōken. Zui Quan is also known as the 'drunken fist.'"
"Hmm. That's not good." Issei began to wonder to Rock Lee from the Naruto series, remembering how he had something similar.
"Why's that?"
"Not for you, for your opponents. If the name means anything, your moves must be unpredictable." Issei said.
"I guess you're right." Raichi chuckled. "But Kenichi-kun countered my moves. I nearly broke my arm trying to escape his grip."
"Wow… But how did you beat Ukita-senpai?" Issei asked, hoping to get some insight.
Raichi giggled mischievously and pointed between his legs. "I squeezed what you boys have down there. Pretty hard, too."
Issei instinctively squeezed his legs together. He had never imagined his classmate capable of such brutality.
"He only did it to protect his girl." Raichi shrugged. "Kind of romantic. Though it's fun to tease Kisara-senpai."
"Her breasts."
"Huh?" Issei blinked and blushed, he couldn't help but look at Raichi's chest and wondered to himself. 'Aren't they the same size?'
"Kisara-senpai's dream is to be buxom. She doesn't like girls like Miu-senpai or Renka-senpai. Definitely not those Onee-samas."
"She's still attractive. But unlike the other three, she has a boyfriend. They don't." Issei pointed out.
"I thought you were Renka-senpai's secret boyfriend." Raichi looked confused.
"Oh no, like you, she's my friend." He shook his head quickly, hoping Raichi didn't notice the faint blush creeping up his cheeks.
"Evolved from the mentor‑student relationship, huh?" Raichi teased.
"I guess so."
"You know, you're kind of like Kenichi‑kun in some ways. Maybe she'll fall for you." Raichi shrugged.
"No way. She has feelings for Kenichi‑senpai. Besides… I want a girl who isn't from here. That way she won't know about my reputation until I tell her."
"Why would you tell her?" Raichi asked.
"Because honesty and trust are important. She can't trust me if I'm not honest with her. And I can't trust her if she's not honest with me."
Raichi smiled softly. "You know… despite your perversions, you can be pretty genuine."
"Thanks. Hey, Raichi, do you think there's a girl out there for me?" Issei wondered as someone in another country sneezed yet again.
"I think so." She switched topics with a playful grin. "Anyway, since you're usually outside with Renka‑senpai, I'll tell you this... Ukita‑senpai can be a bit slow. If you can handle taking hits from Renka‑senpai..."
"How do you know I'm the only one taking hits?" Issei retorted.
Raichi gave him a flat look that said really? Issei blushed again. He still hadn't landed a clean hit on Renka. He was finding openings, but she blocked them as fast as he spotted them.
"That's what I thought." Raichi laughed before continuing her advice. "Anyway, your smaller size gives you the speed you need."
Issei nodded as he had told Renka the same thing earlier. "Think I've got a shot?"
"Yep! I'll be honest, before, you were weak. But you've put on muscle, and you've been training with Renka‑senpai and Ikki‑senpai. Besides, we're friends. I'm more friends with you than with Ukita‑senpai. So I'll put my faith in you to win this." She gave him a bright thumb‑up.
"Thanks, Raichi‑san."
He really did enjoy her company. She was cool, calm, honest, and never judged him for his past actions. He never understood how the school chose Koneko as the mascot over her. Koneko was indifferent at best, hostile at worst. Raichi, on the other hand, had taken Kenichi's word and gotten to know him herself.
But Raichi had secrets too, ones she wasn't ready to share. Those secrets involved assassination training. A past soaked in necessity, not desire. She knew Issei wouldn't judge her… but she wasn't ready to test that yet.
"Hey, do you need help?" Issei asked.
"With watering?"
"Yeah. Lunch is almost over. I don't want you to be late." Issei offered.
"Haha, you do realize that all the times we've had lunch together, I've never been late, right?"
"Oh… I guess I forgot." He scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
"No worries." Raichi waved it off.
"Anyway, have you noticed how Fūrinji‑senpai looks oddly similar to Kiba‑san? They even have the beauty mark under their left eye."
"Now that you mention it… you're right. Think they could be related?" Raichi teased, seeing this as some good gossip for later.
Of course, she knew that it was not the case because despite their physical similarities, Raichi knew that Yuuto was of European descent, while Miu was a full-blooded Japanese. The blonde hair would make people think otherwise because blondes weren't common in Japanese people.
"I don't know. But they could be similar. Ikki‑senpai said the guys fell for Fūrinji‑senpai but moved on. And girls love Kiba‑san." Issei explained, figuring that the two blondes had some sort of gene in them.
"Well, no one's perfect, despite what people think." Raichi reminded him.
"I guess you're right."
"Anyway, you better hurry. See you at the dojo! And remember... you got this!"
"Right!" He left the gardening shed feeling lighter.
His senpais believed in him. Raichi believed in him.
For the first time in a long while… he believed in himself too.
He didn't expect to run into his senpai's girlfriend.
"Kenich—oh. Hyoudou‑san. What were you doing in the gardening shed?" Miu was surprised to see Issei.
It was ironic how he had been talking about her being related to Yuuto, when the club associated him as being related to Kenichi, if Miu had decided to focus her ki. She would have known that it wasn't Kenichi at first glance, but there are times at school, she liked to forget that she's a martial artist.
"Oh, Fūrinji‑senpai. Sorry, I was having lunch with Raichi. It keeps me away from prying eyes." Issei apologized and explained his whereabouts.
"Was Kenichi-kun with you two?" Miu asked.
"No. Wasn't he with you for lunch?" Issei was surprised because if he had a girlfriend like Miu, he'd definitely want to spend as time with her as possible.
"No… I guess I'll see him in class."
"Guess so." Issei didn't know how to carry the conversation with the blonde, but at least she wasn't looking at him in contempt.
"I also heard you have a spar against Ukita." Miu replied, remembering the others talk about it.
"I do." He nodded.
"My father has taken an interest in you. It's similar to how my grandfather took an interest in Kenichi."
"I heard your grandfather taught him. Makes me wonder, why didn't you join the mixed martial arts club, Fūrinji‑senpai?" Issei asked her.
"Why do you say that?"
"I don't know. I just get the feeling you're strong like Kenichi‑senpai. Maybe even stronger. So I figured you know what you're doing in a fight." Issei told her, this was the training of Mitsurugi in having him assess everyone because looks can be deceiving.
"Well… I've been training my whole life. So it's nice to take a break from martial arts."
"Then why the fake glasses?" Issei asked.
"You noticed?" Miu chuckled at that.
"I used to peep, senpai. Of course I'd be observant. But now that I'm not focused on women's bodies, I can observe other things." He deadpanned.
Miu sighed. "I suppose that's true."
"So why wear them? You don't need them for a normal school life."
"I've gotten used to them. It's a habit."
"Some habits are hard to get rid of. Anyway, later, senpai. Don't want to be late."
"Oh, right. And good luck." She told him.
"Um… thanks? See ya." Issei waved and then ran off to class.
It was probably the most normal conversation he'd ever had with Miu. She didn't glare or scold him. She actually talked to him. He knew she didn't like perverts as living with Kensei Ma would do that to anyone. But it was still hypocritical, considering Kenichi had his own perverted moments. Still… It was nice.
And he couldn't help but wonder how strong she really was and added her to the mental list of people he wanted to surpass someday.
Miu returned to her classroom and blinked in surprise. Kenichi was already there.
She sat beside him. "Where were you for lunch?"
"Hey, Miu. Sorry, I was in the nurse's office."
"What for? Are you hurt?" She leaned in, worried.
"I'm fine. I went to get some more information." Kenichi placed his hand on hers to assure her.
"Information? About what?" Miu looked on in curiosity.
"About Issei. Remember how Shigure said he told her he hangs out there?"
"Yeah?" Miu nodded.
"I wanted to see what he was like with them."
"And the verdict?" Miu raised an eyebrow.
She figured that it wouldn't be that bad if Issei had been able to talk to Shigure, while keeping his perversion in check.
Kenichi leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "He's definitely not perverted with them. Another teacher from the university comes over sometimes, she's friends with Elize‑sensei. She tutors Issei when he stops by and corrects his schoolwork to show him where he went wrong."
"I see." Miu nodded.
"He even got them gifts. You know those posters those two idiots tried to trash?" Kenichi asked.
"Yeah. What about them?"
"Those posters were gifts from Issei to Elize‑sensei and her friend. Apparently he got them into manga and anime."
"Huh… I didn't know that. Did he blackmail them or something?" Miu chuckled. "How'd he get them interested?"
"No blackmail." Kenichi laughed. "You know that he's not like. But he just felt comfortable talking with Elize‑sensei because she didn't judge him. She supervised his lunch detention once, and they started talking about his other interests… and how he changed his dream."
Miu blinked in confusion. "He changed his dream?"
"Yeah. And those two seem pretty fond of him now. Which explains their reactions when I told them about the tournament coming up… and his spar today."
"They got worried?"
"Yeah. And they're not the only ones." Kenichi nodded toward the window.
Miu followed his gaze.
Renka sat at her desk, chin resting on her hand, staring out the window in complete silence. No teasing or loud pestering Miu about being affectionate with Kenichi. She was just… quiet.
"What do you mean?" Miu tried to understand Renka's connection in all of this.
"She's worried." Kenichi sighed. "Especially with his spar today."
"Why would she be worried?"
"Because she trained him. This spar will show how well she's done as a teacher. Same for Ikki and Mizunuma."
"Well, she shouldn't be. He seemed confident when I saw him earlier." Miu said.
"Really?" Kenichi looked at her quizzically.
"Yeah. He was coming from the gardening shed. He said he was having lunch with Raichi."
Kenichi smiled. "That's good. It's good for him."
"Surprisingly, he noticed my glasses were fake. And he asked why I didn't join the club."
"Did he now? You didn't yell at him, did you?" Kenichi teased.
"No." Miu laughed. "I just told him I preferred a normal school life without martial arts. I think he understood."
Kenichi chuckled. "I think he just put you on his list."
"List?"
"Uh‑huh. People he wants to surpass someday." He grinned at Miu's expression. "You thought it was a perverted list, didn't you?"
"A little…" Her cheeks reddened. "But he never looked at my body. Surprisingly."
"That just proves he's honest with his morals. It's why I believed he didn't peep on those girls once he learned they had boyfriends. Well, he probably would have tried for the single ones, but I don't think he ever got a chance because of the greediness of the other two."
"Yeah… I guess you're right."
"I just hope the masters don't kill him."
"I don't think there's anything you can do about that. But then again, I'm not sure that they will have the time, since he is working with Mitsurugi."
"Yeah…" Kenichi sighed heavily as Miu giggled and rubbed his back.
She glanced again at Renka. 'She really is worried about him… but they spend the most time together, so it's not surprising.'
Classes ended, and Issei made his way to Elize's office. He always stopped by when he didn't eat lunch with her, so he knocked politely.
"Come in, kiddo!" Elize already knew it was him from how he knocked.
"Hey, Elize‑sensei. How's it going?" Issei greeted.
"I'm fine. How about you? I hear you have a spar today."
"Yeah. Against the guy who gave me that bruise on my back a few weeks ago."
"I'm not gonna have to deal with you on a stretcher, right?" Elize teased.
"I've gotten stronger, Elize‑sensei." Issei tried to flex, but winced.
"I know, kiddo." She walked up and placed her hands on his shoulders. "I don't expect you to lose. If you get bruised up, you better have done more damage to him."
"Yes, ma'am." Issei saluted to her.
"Knock 'em dead, kiddo. Well... not literally. I don't need you in jail. I enjoy our visits." Elize laughed.
"Will do." Giving her a thumbs up.
"And I'm gonna need the next few volumes of Dragon Ball."
"I'll bring them Monday."
"Don't forget Gundam." Yu‑Mi walked in, smiling warmly. "How have you been, Ise?"
"Great!" Issei hugged her without hesitation and surprisingly, it felt natural.
Not just to him, but also to Yu-Mi as she reciprocated the hug.
"I'm assuming you're making friends, since you don't come here as often." Yu-Mi pointed out.
"Yeah. I was chilling with Raichi and getting pointers for my spar." Issei told her.
"A spar against whom?" This was the first time, Yu-mi was hearing any of this.
"Ukita‑senpai. If I win, his girlfriend will teach me her fighting style." Issei answered.
"To help with your tournament, right?"
"Yeah... wait, how do you know about that?" Issei asked, looking at the two women.
"Kenichi was here asking about you." Elize answered.
"Really?" Issei was surprised about that.
"Oh yeah. He wanted to know if you came here for lunch. I told him we hang out, talk about manga and anime… or Yu‑Mi tutors you on schoolwork or that samurai book." Elize waved her hand, answering nonchalantly.
"I didn't know that…" Issei felt breathless because it was the first time that someone other than his parents were checking in on him.
"I'm just glad you're opening up to new people, Ise."
"Couldn't have done it without you two." Issei bowed. "Thank you."
"Anytime, kiddo. Now go kick some ass!" Elize cheered.
"Right!" He hugged them both and dashed out of the office.
"You were right." Yu-Mi nodded.
"Hmm?" Elize looked at her partner.
"He really is like our little brother. Take away the perversion, and he can be molded into a fine young man." Yu-Mi informed her partner.
"Then we're doing a fine job as his big sisters," Elize smiled. "Guiding him to the right people. Like Kenichi."
"I suppose so. And I think his clubmates see what we see. They're keeping him out of trouble."
"Yeah." A light bulb went off in Elize's head. "Hey, I have an idea."
"What?" Yu-Mi raised an eyebrow.
"Let's go see how he does at the tournament. It's a small batch of second‑years. He'll get through his matches quickly."
"That's… not a bad idea." Yu-Mi deduced.
"Haha! You're agreeing with me a lot lately." Elize laughed. "Guess bringing that kid into our lives was a good thing."
"Haha… I suppose you're right." Yu-Mi chuckled in response.
"Hopefully he doesn't have to come back here."
"No reports today?" Yu-Mi asked.
"Not this time." Elize stretched her arms.
"Then you get an early leave."
"Yeah." Elize nodded. "Another nurse is coming in soon."
They left the office together, laughing as they locked up and headed home.
Issei sprinted to the locker room, changed into a black muscle shirt and his stitched black gi pants, then stepped out and nearly jumped out of his skin as he exited the locker room.
"Renka‑senpai!? You scared me!"
Renka stood there, arms crossed, expression unreadable. "How are you feeling?"
"More anxious… the more you keep asking me." He answered with a chuckle.
Renka let out a small sigh as they walked toward the dojo. "I guess you've got a point."
"Yeah… but this'll be the first demon I can relinquish. Plus I get a new fighting style and... uh, senpai? You okay?" He spoke with his childish wonder.
He then noticed her eyebrow twitch.
"It's not a buffet, you know. Pick one and stick with it." Renka bonked him on the head.
"I can't do that, Renka‑senpai."
"What?"
Issei stopped walking and looked her straight in the eyes. "I can't do that. I need all the help I can get… just to be half the fighter you are. Or even the others."
Renka stopped as she processed those words. The words hit her harder than any strike she'd ever taken. Shigure's voice echoed in her mind. "He wants to be reliable to you." And she remembered Kenichi saying something similar once… but for Miu.
She didn't respond. Issei took her silence as acceptance and stepped into the dojo. His anxiety returned immediately.
Ukita stood on the mat in a karate gi, arms crossed, sunglasses hiding his eyes. Shigure waited beside him, expression unreadable, clearly acting as the referee. Ikki and Raichi gave Issei encouraging nods. Kisara smirked, arms folded, already evaluating him as a potential student.
Issei glanced at Shigure as he stepped on the mat. Her eyes were cold, sharp, and unreadable, it was something he wanted to learn. He'd need eyes like that someday.
"When one… cannot continue… or steps out of the circle… the match ends. Fighters, are you ready?" Shigure announced.
"Ready." Ukita raised his guard, it was something between boxing and judo.
"Yeah." Issei nodded, he swallowed hard and lifted his own guard, which was Ikki's boxing stance.
Behind him, Renka's glare burned into his back because he wasn't using her stance. Something that she would use to ensure that he'd pay for that later.
"Hajime." Shigure leapt back with effortless grace.
Issei and Ukita circled one another. Issei was keeping a neutral face, but his eyes were scanning Ukita’s body. He was wondering which limb that Ukita would strike with first. He could not read Ukita’s eyes because of his sunglasses, so he was not sure where he was looking to strike.
"You can give up, you know." Ukita spoke first.
Issei was a little stumped at that, so Ukita decided to elaborate.
"Come on. A pervert like you doesn't belong here." Ukita decided to rile him up, knowing that Issei had a short fuse.
He was trying to rile Issei in as the others could see as Issei’s muscles tensed up. For those that were closer to Issei, they knew how he didn’t like who he was before. Sadly, it did the trick as Issei dashed forward, the anger was etched on his face.
Ukita smirked as it worked. 'Whoa, he's fast. Renka must've worked on his speed.' Ukita thought, since he had never seen Issei train with Renka.
As Issei charged forward, he winded up his left hand with an aim towards Ukita’s face. As expected, Ukita was going to use forearm to block the strike, shifting his stance. He briefly missed the split second that Issei looked at his left side. Before Issei’s left arm could make contact with Ukita’s forearm, he shifted and swung his right fist into Ukita’s ribs.
BAM!
Kenichi's eyes widened. 'A feint? Renka didn't teach him that…' Renka's shock confirmed his suspicions.
It did mean one thing, though, Issei did not fully fall into his anger and was able to perform the move. Ukita gritted his teeth as he endured the pain on his side. Issei did not have full control of utilizing his ki, if he did, that blow would have done more damage to Ukita’s ribs. Unfortunately, Issei was within Ukita’s grasp, for him to grab Issei, turn and judo flip him onto his back.
"Ghh!" Issei groaned as pain shot through his back.
Ukita stepped back and kicked him in the ribs, flipping him over. "Not a bad punch, Ikki trained you well."
Ukita stepped forward and kicked the hunched over Issei in the stomach, making him spit out saliva.
Ukita frowned. "That can't be it."
He continued to kick Issei, before he stepped away and looked at Shigure, who was looking at Issei. To everyone’s surprise, Issei continued to get up, albeit his ribs were burning with pain. He was livid with himself, he finally got a hit in and was getting his ass kicked again. He kept going back to Ukita’s words, those words that he would be forced to live with “a pervert like him”, they were all still judging him. It was just like when he was in the ORC and Takeshi had done the same thing.
Shigure gave a nod to Ukita, as a means that he may continue, since Issei had not given up and could still continue. Just like that, Issei took another kick to his stomach, wiping the wind out of lungs. Seeing that, Ukita went to pick up Issei who was practically lifeless.
Issei's body was trembling. ‘Come on, get up, you loser! Get up! Get up! Get up! Renka-senpai can hit harder than this! So get up!’
Issei twisted his body in Ukita’s grasp and hit Ukita in the face, knocking the sunglasses off. He continued to slam his fist into Ukita’s face, but Ukita’s grip remained on his body as he prepared to throw Issei out of the circle. As Ukita lifted Issei over, Issei whacked him in the back of the neck, slightly stunning Ukita, but it made him drop Issei.
Issei collapsed on the mat, but as he got up, Ukita ducked down and swung his fist into the side of Issei’s head. It sent Issei flying to the other side, but not out of bounds. He got up and Ukita began to laugh, as Issei looked to see him looking back at him.
Ukita laughed. "Hah! I guess you got some grit after all. Maybe the kendo club and those guys must have helped toughen you up a bit. I guess Renka did as well, but it won’t be enough." He charged forward, he was going for a kick with his right leg.
Issei was preparing himself, however, he noticed the twitch in Ukita’s hips and realized that it was a feint. He shifted into the takusousho stance, catching the actual attack leg, which was Ukita’s left leg. He grunted in pain as the impact slid Issei backward toward the edge, but he still held onto Ukita's leg.
"Do you know how many people judge me?" Issei spoke, tightening his grip on the leg underneath his right arm.
"Huh?" Ukita wondered, trying to stabilize his balance.
"I've been judged! Over and over and over again!" Issei struck Ukita's hamstring.
With each word, Issei sent strikes into Ukita’s hamstring, who grimaced in pain.
"I know it was my fault, but despite me trying to change, I still get judged! Do you have any idea what that’s like!?" Issei seethed as now it was a ki-enhanced blow that he sent to the hamstring.
Ukita grimaced, trying to yank his leg free. "Hngh! Let go!"
Unfortunately, for Ukita, Issei had been training with Renka, who had more leg strength. Issei held onto the leg as he began to stand up slowly, making Ukita begin to hop on one foot. Due to his stature, with his leg on Issei’s shoulder, he didn’t have the leg strength to yank it off.
"This school calls me the Perverted Beast… but I'll be a different kind of beast. I have to be!" Issei slammed another fist into Ukita's hamstring and shoved him back.
He began heaving air into his lungs as Ukita was a big man, so holding that amount of weight was tough on Issei. Ukita stumbled backwards, but when he planted his left leg, he grimaced. Just like that, they all see Issei’s eyes shift to that leg, they could see that blood was in the water. Issei had created a weak spot on Ukita, a spot for him to target. Even worse, Ukita needed his legs to plant them, in order to throw Issei.
Raichi could see a little of herself in Issei, she was similar like this, when she was in a fight. It was something that she had talked with him about, there’s just this zone that you fall into. Issei had fallen into that zone, she wasn’t sure if he could see her, but she gave a nod to him, it was time to end it. Kenichi and Renka could see Issei’s body shake in anger, at his opponent and himself. It was also shaking from the pain that he was feeling, but that anger outweighed the pain.
He was going to charge forward, but he stopped himself and cooled himself down, getting back into his stance. If all he saw was red, he would slip up and make a mistake, he could not be reckless. Although he didn’t look at her, he still gave himself a mental note.
He inhaled sharply. 'Calm down. Keep it cool like Shigure‑sensei. I've got a target now.'
"Damn." Ukita grunted, he didn’t want to say it, but he had underestimated Issei’s grit and endurance to pain.
"I’m sorry, Ukita-senpai." Issei apologized, which confused Ukita.
"Huh?" Ukita was perplexed by the apology.
"I’m… I’m… I have to win." Issei said through deep breaths.
Ukita chuckled despite the pain. "Haha… Ikki's confidence rubbed off on you, huh?" He stood, gritting his teeth. "Come on then."
Issei crept forward, keeping watch of Ukita’s left leg, knowing that he had a target. Ukita also knew it and he believed Issei’s words, the second year had to be a different kind of beast. He could only chuckle to himself as he prepared himself for Issei’s onslaught that was to come.
Issei kept coming closer, but also angling himself to strike at Ukita’s left leg and Ukita grimaced as he stepped back instinctively. He had done so subconsciously because he usually did so with his left leg. The grimace was all Issei needed as he rushed for that leg. Ukita went to defend the leg, but Issei started hitting him with body shots like Ikki had shown him and used a palm strike to push Ukita back.
WHAM!
Ukita staggered back, pain shooting up his left leg. "Ugh! Ah!"
He tried to grab onto Issei, but Issei delivered a palm strike uppercut to Ukita’s jaw.
CRACK!
The palm‑strike uppercut snapped Ukita's jaw upward, forcing his gaze to the ceiling and making his senpai clench his teeth.
"Ha!" Issei roared, driving a punch deep into Ukita's stomach.
It made the larger teen get folded forward, breath exploding from his lungs.
It was game over for Ukita as Issei gave a left hook that was clean, sharp, and vicious as he drove forward with it into Ukita’s temple. That left hook was almost similar to Ikki’s illusive left, as his senpai smirked at seeing the punch. Ukita’s head whipped to his left as he slumped to the mat, groaning in pain. That punch had given him a throbbing headache as he tried to sit up. He barely registered the shadow looming over him as Issei had a punch that was aimed at the back of his head.
Luckily, for him, Shigure stopped it as she saw the punch had ki enhanced in it. Her hand snapped around Issei's wrist, Issei couldn't budge because her grip was like iron. Issei looked confused at his sensei, but her eyes were colder than steel. Ukita looked at Shigure and Issei and he could tell that she had stopped Issei from doing something that could have been dangerous.
Ukita let out a breathless laugh as he sat up, holding his head. "I give… haha. You do belong here, Hyoudou. Good to see you're making something of yourself."
"Huh?" Coming out of this foggy daze that he seemed to be in.
"I underestimated you. Ikki told me not to and that was my mistake. I tried to piss you off so you'd lose control… but you reeled yourself in. Sorry about that."
Shigure raised her voice, it was calm, but firm. "Winner of this match… Hyoudou Issei." She still held his fist and still kept her gaze on him without blinking.
When he turned back to her, he slightly withered under her gaze. She slowly let go of his hands and stepped her buxom body away from him, her eyes never leaving his.
Issei swallowed as her gaze felt like a blade pressed to his throat. 'I must've screwed up… didn't I?'
Only when she was certain he had calmed down did she release his hand and step back, her expression unreadable.
"Told you you could do it." Raichi said as she nudged Issei gently, careful of his ribs.
"Thanks." Issei nodded.
"Good job, Issei. Way to find an opening." Kenichi congratulated him.
"Thanks, senpai."
"Haha! Ikki was right about you." Kisara walked up and ruffled his hair without hesitation. "I'll see you on Monday. You definitely need some offense with those legs."
"Hai, senpai... ah!" Issei's excitement made him forget his ribs for a moment, and pain shot through his side.
"That left hook was clean, Ise." Ikki noted as he helped Ukita to his feet.
"He learned from the best." Ukita chuckled.
"As he should." Ikki laughed as he pumped a fist.
"Way to go, Issei." Mizunuma said, supporting Ukita from the other side as they began to take him to the nurse's office.
What they all didn’t know was that Shigure was speaking with Miu, who had recorded the spar. She was going to take it back to the masters for them to review. However, Shigure planned to take Issei somewhere to heal, a place that Miu was familiar with.
"Well… I guess my teachings paid off." Renka gives him a clap for his progress.
"Spent a lot of time trying to catch your kicks... and taking them."
"Unfortunately, it means I missed out on my prize." She sighed dramatically.
"Uh… sorry, senpai." Issei laughed awkwardly.
"Prize?" Raichi wondered in interest.
"Oh… I owed her mooncake and some other stuff if I lost." Issei answered, he did not mention the massages or singing.
"Ah." Raichi nodded in understanding.
Before the conversation could continue.
"Issei." Shigure interrupted. "Come with me." She had returned from speaking with Miu.
"O‑okay." Issei was nervous, feeling a chill run down his spine.
"Where are you taking him, Shigure‑sensei?" Kenichi asked.
"To heal." Shigure answered.
Kenichi stiffened. "Heal? You don't mean..."
"Yes." She nodded.
Renka stepped forward. "But..."
"He needs… to heal." Shigure responded. "Ice baths and ointments can only do so much."
"Maybe I should learn my father's technique in the medical field." Renka wondered out loud.
"Your dad's a doctor?" Issei asked.
"Something like that." Renka waved it off.
"Go get your things…" Shigure commanded. "No need to change… Just grab your stuff… and come."
"R‑right." Issei fidgeted. "I'll… see you guys later."
"Yeah, see ya." Raichi waved.
"Try to survive." Renka smiled sweetly.
"W‑what do you mean by that, Renka‑senpai…?" asked Issei, fear was evident in his tone.
"You'll see." Her smile didn't fade.
To Issei, seeing someone smile was a sight to see, it would liven up the room and he loved seeing Renka’s smile as she joked while they trained. This time, he felt a sense of dread, like he did when he first visited her family restaurant. His dread made Renka and Raichi confused, while Kenichi chuckled nervously, he remembered having those same premonitions that Issei was having. Issei could not say anything as he slowly walked out of the dojo with one thought on his mind.
'Shigure‑sensei is going to kill me.' Issei thought as he walked out of the dojo like a man marching to his execution.
"Was it something I said?" Renka tilted her head in confusion at Issei's reaction.
"It likely was," Kenichi sighed. "But he'll figure out what you meant about 'survival' soon enough."
"Oh. Oops." Renka chuckled nervously
"So you taught him the takusousho stance." Kenichi questioned.
"Duh. You forget I'm also my father's disciple?" She rolled her eyes.
"Sometimes, yeah." Kenichi nodded guiltily.
"But I think Shigure‑sensei saw something." Renka pondered.
"When she stopped him?" Kenichi asked as he would have done so if Shigure wasn't present.
"Yeah." Renka noted. "He was building up ki. It wouldn't have killed Ukita… but it would've given him quite a concussion."
"Perhaps. Although his back was turned to us, we could not fully determine where Issei was aiming for." Raichi informed them.
"We'll know next time we see him." Kenichi told them. "For now, why don't you two spar?"
"Hai!" Both Chinese specialists answered as they moved to a mat and got into their respective stances.
"You know, Ise wondered who was better between us in Chinese kenpo." Raichi smirked. "Why don't we give him an answer?"
"If you insist." Renka responded with a smirk of her own as they clashed instantly.
Kenichi watched from the side and looked at all the others, he knew that Ikki and Mizunuma would get back. It was likely that Kisara would stay with Ukita at the nurse’s office and then take him to their shared apartment. He knew that most of the former members of the group, Ragnarok, stayed in touch, but now he could only think of his protege.
But Kenichi's thoughts drifted to Issei. ‘It may be extremely painful, but don’t worry. Shishou will have your body feeling good as new, until they break it down again, when they train you, Issei. But you’ll be fine for now… I hope.’