One-Punch DxD: NEO
Chapter 37: New Intel

I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! XD

"…Am I hearing things wrong or is he rejecting us?" Heracles was the first to break the silence.

Jeanne and Leonardo glanced at Cao Cao.

"…Are you sure about this? Can we at least hear of your reason to refuse us?" Cao Cao asked.

Issei could feel some tension rising in the vicinity, but no hostility yet.

"Sorry if this ticks you off, but you seem to misunderstand what it means to be a hero. Heroes don't pursue glory for the hell of it, or to prove something stupid like killing a dragon just to copy an outdated trope. Your whole idea of heroism, your schemes, somewhat screams inferiority complex right there."

"Why you-!"

"Stand down, Herc!"

"But he's-!"

Heracles was about to rush towards Issei out of agitation, but a stern look from Cao Cao kept the taller man from acting out. The Greek then clicked his tongue.

Cao Cao then smiled politely towards Issei again. "Sorry about him. Carry on, please."

"For my final point…" Issei then regarded every 'hero' in the room, "My dad refused your invitation, right? That means there's a reason why he chose not to join your cause."

Cao Cao looked down, "He did join us… he really did. At first." He retorted.

"My point remains - he left you guys for a reason; and I want to at least talk this out with him." Issei replied.

The tension lingered as Issei and the Hero Faction had a stare-off for a minute. Eventually, Cao Cao sighed.

"...Trully, you inherited your father's stubbornness." Cao Cao remarked with a smile remaining on his face. "It's a shame that we won't have The Red Dragon Emperor joining us tonight. But we shall meet again."

Cao Cao then nodded at Georg, who returned the gesture. Then, the entire room was enveloped by the mystical mist that slowly obscured the five from Issei's sight.

"Oh, one more thing." Cao Cao said as he began to vanish into the mist, "In the light of our first encounter, consider this… a token of goodwill from us."

When the mist dispersed, leaving Issei alone in the restroom, Cao Cao's voice echoed.

"Watch over Irina Shidou. The eyes of the heretics are still upon her."

Issei stared at the spot where the humans once stood. He wanted to ask more of what Cao Cao meant by that, but he was too late when the mist had enveloped the entire room.

"...Fuck."

"Whew, I am stuffed." Black patted his stomach as he walked with Issei and the others. Tobio had said his goodbyes to return to the lodging he shared with Azazel in town.

"How can that tiny body store that many calories?" Xenovia asked as she stared at the black anomaly. She still had no idea what that thing was and what it could do.

"Trade secret. I turn food into power." Black smirked.

Issei knew that Black meant it literally, but she did not see him in action yet.

"Say, why are you walking with us? Don't you have a place to stay?"

The strongest exorcist was with them. Irina, Xenovia, and Asia were a little uncomfortable in his presence.

"Ahaha… funny story."

"He is broke." Genos bluntly answered for him, causing Issei, and the church trio to blink.

"...What?"

Even Black was shocked stupid at the answer. Dulio looked more sheepish as his blush slowly took over his cheeks in rosy red.

"…Yes." Dulio admitted.

"...The second strongest exorcist is broke and homeless." Koneko summarized everything she heard with utter disbelief.

"...Why are you broke? What, did you get mugged?" Issei asked Dulio.

"Uhhhh… I did spend some money trying out the street vendors…" Dulio admitted.

"I don't think food should cost that much… unless you really do have an eating disorder. A serious one." Issei remarked.

"Well, I, err…. May or may have not spent the rest of my money providing food for the homeless." Dulio sheepishly followed.

Everyone sans a smiling Haruka and stoic Genos stared at the exorcist.

"...You are a true saint, my friend." Issei concluded with a nod. "Kind of a stupid one, though. No offense."

"I walk with the Spirit of God as my guide, I would like to think." Dulio smiled.

"Not sure where that mindset will get you but try to look after yourself. Not everyone is so lucky, you know?" Issei glanced at Irina.

"Yes, you're not wrong." Dulio looked down with a tinge of guilt on his face.

"Still, you came here and wasted all of your money in one go. Why are you here again?" Issei asked for his purpose here.

"Oh, I am tasked to scout the terrain before Lord Michael arrives for the Peace Conference. Though, I ended up getting carried away with what the town can offer…" Dulio explained sheepishly.

Then, Haruka stepped in, "Well, if you don't mind, you can stay in our house, at least until you can figure something out about your lodging?"

"Do we even have enough room for one more?" Issei asked, remembering that there was still the Devil King taking residence there.

"We have enough for one whole soccer team." Haruka shrugged, prompting Issei to look at Genos, who simply nodded in confirmation.

"Why is our house a magnet for supernatural superpowers? Seriously… is it because of my dad? Is his shiny head a magnet for trouble?" Issei complained much to everyone's amusement, especially the remark on his father's baldness.

"Almost near the mark." Genos replied with a small amused smile. "Trouble always follows your father even before we met. It is his… charm."

"How'd you think we met? He ran into trouble so many times, trouble seeks to get him back." Haruka chimed in.

"I just hope trouble doesn't nuke our house to oblivion in the process. I swear, if I see one more… there's an angel at our house."

When they arrived at the front gate, they saw someone wearing a holy aura so openly that he practically glowed under the night sky.

She was the picture of heavenly beauty. She wore a revealing the whitest dress that just accentuated the shape of her figure, her lower waist covered with a long skirt that reached just above her ankles, leaving the skin of her cleavage and area around her shoulders revealed to the outside world. Her golden hair was like silk made from the finest cloth, her azure eyes like gems shining brighter than the blue sky.

Everyone could not help but stare at the beauty standing in front of the house.

Except for Dulio.

However, before the exorcist could have moved to greet her, Genos stepped forward and addressed the figure.

"Identify yourself. State your business with that house." Genos demanded - his tone was rather too formal to be considered friendly, as the prepulsor on his palm began to warm with hidden hostility.

"Um…" The woman turned to Genos.

"Please stand down, Sir Genos." Dulio walked up and placed a hand on Genos' shoulder. He then stepped towards the angel and gave a polite bow, "...Good evening, Lady Gabriel. I am sorry to be forward, but what are you doing here? I thought Lord Michael would be the one to arrive in this town?"

"Ah, you are Dulio Gesualdo, are you not?" the angel - Gabriel, smiled as she returned the greeting. "Good evening, I planned to accompany my brother to the Peace Conference. Though I decided to come here ahead of schedule… I have business with someone in this residence."

"You are looking at the residents." Genos said as he powered down his propulsors. "What is your business with us, Archangel Gabriel, The Left Hand of God?"

Issei and the others stared at Genos for introducing the woman in front of them.

"...S-Seraph? Gabriel?" Irina almost meeped at the mention. Xenovia was petrified, unable to process seeing the Seraph in person. Koneko hid behind Haruka, every devil cell in her being perturbed by the woman's presence.

Asia was stammering, unsure whether to approach her or hide like Koneko.

"Oh, um…" The angel fidgeted on her the balls of her feet. "...I am looking for the man of this household. I… have a request for him."

Issei curled a brow as he looked at Genos, who glanced back. They also turned to Black, who also shrugged in return.

"Why don't we get inside first?" Haruka then proposed. "We can continue inside. Besides, it is rude to leave a guest outside, after all."

Everyone was not sure about inviting the archangel into the household.

The Devil King alone had kept everyone's hearts pumping with nervous adrenaline.

Either way, here they were, inviting an archangel into the demesne as Haruka led her to the living room.

Imagine the surprise of the Devils in the household when they saw the archangel, most of them backing off on devil instinct. The devil girls eyed the angel sitting in the living room from a safe distance as Asia served her tea, albeit she was trembling down to her legs, her tea cup on the constant verge of spilling.

"Thank you, Asia." Gabriel smiled beatifically.

"I-i-i-i-it's an honor, ma'am!" Asia stammered, her body was shaking since she came out of the kitchen. It was a miracle that she did not spill the drink on the way.

Rias and the others peeked from the living room entrance as Issei, Genos and Haruka entered, sitting down across Gabriel on the couch.

"So… sorry for being terse, but why are you looking for my husband?" Haruka asked as Gabriel sipped her tea.

"Ummm… it is a bit personal." Gabriel placed her cup down with a sad smile. "...There is someone I am watching over. He is in trouble…"

Issei blinked in a slight confusion, while Genos remained stoic.

"Who…?"

"I cannot say. I mean, I don't know his name." Gabriel shook her head. "He is… Complicated - a caring soul. He can be kind, especially to children. He will go out of his way to help if there's trouble in his reach. In the face of injustice, he becomes a fierce warrior. No evil can stand up to him when he moves… I…" Gabriel then composed herself when she realized that she had become a tad too excited, "He saved an orphanage from collapse during an earthquake. That orphanage is under the Vatican's supervision. The children prayed to us to look after him. I decided to take that role myself…"

Gabriel then schooled her features again. "Anyway, I would like to ask Saitama for his help. I-I don't know what happened… but it isn't his fault. I know it."

"...Why do you think that only Saitama can help you?" Genos bluntly asked.

"...Because he's the only one I know that can stand against the authority and wrath of the other gods." She answered.

In an instant, the warm atmosphere suddenly became a tense one. Issei, who had been listening, decided to interject as he walked into the living room and took a seat next to Haruka.

"Sorry for butting in, but back up a little. Do you mind telling us the whole story from the beginning?"

Gabriel regarded Issei for a second before she nodded. She cleared her throat before she began, "As I have told you earlier, this all began when we received prayers from the orphans he rescued a while ago."

"I've decided to take up the role upon myself to oversee this man's journey from time to time. It was out of curiosity at first, until I became more…. Interested in his way of life." Gabriel's face gained a faint red hue, "He kept walking without any clear destination, yet his eyes held unfaltering conviction in everything he did in his journey. It was… Lonely, yet admirable; I have come to invest myself to see how he will end up." She then shook her head slightly to get herself back on track.

Haruka's smile slowly widened.

"...You are in love, aren't you?"

Everyone was surprised at Haruka's sudden question, even more so when Gabriel blushed yet she did not say anything to deny it.

"Awawawawawawawawa!" Irina and Asia were steaming red while Xenovia cupped her mouth, the bluenette flickering her eyes at the startled Issei with a blush of her own.

Rias and the Devil girls dropped their jaws as their spirits sparked with curiosity.

"I… maybe…I-I am not sure." Gabriel stammered as she looked cute holding her lap. But her lips slowly grew into a smile, "But…. if that is the case, then I'm happy with this feeling…"

Then her smile faded.

"But… something went wrong." Gabriel's tone grew somber.

A tense silence descended in the room. Everyone listening in was amazed, a man capturing the heart of the most beautiful woman in heaven and a story unlike any other.

"...I think it is best if you meet my husband during the Peace Conference." Haruka gently smiled. "It is better if he hears it from you."

"What? No! I want to hear more! Don't just cut her off when it gets good!" Issei protested with the voice of the listeners.

"Y-Yes!" Asia joined in. The other girls nodded in agreement.

"It's getting late. You kids still have school and work to do tomorrow, right?" Haruka retorted.

"But! But… UGH!" Issei groaned.

"BOOOOOOO! WE WANT A REFUND!" Black joined in, hollering with a thumbs-down.

"Awwww." The church trio frowned as well, the disappointment shared by the devil girls.

"We can continue this conversation for another time." Gabriel amicably replied as she stood up, preparing to leave. "I hope this does not sound rude, but is it alright if I ask you to send my regards to the Devil Kings? I believe it is proper for us to meet at the appointed time."

Rias then stepped forward, "Of course, Lady Gabriel. My brother and others are still preoccupied with the preparations, but I'll be sure to send your regards."

Gabriel smiled pleasantly as she nodded, "Thank you, and…"

The Seraph's eyes then darted around, as if she was looking for something. When her eyes landed on Irina, her smile softened as she approached the girl.

Irina was not believing her eyes at first - but a few glances with Xenovia and the others, confirmed that Gabriel was indeed walking towards her. Anxiety began to fill her heart - what would someone of Gabriel's stature possibly want from her?

"Irina Shidou?"

Irina realized that the Strongest Woman in Heaven was addressing her. Gabriel was standing in front of Irina, lowering herself on a knee slightly so they could see each other on eye-level.

"Y-y-y-yes?" Irina squeaked, trying her best to appear as presentable as she could, "W-w-what is it that you need from me, Lady Gabriel?" She asked while bowing down, too nervous to look at Gabriel's face.

Then, much to everyone's surprise, and Irina's utter shock, Gabriel reached out, encircled her arms around the girl and pulled her into embrace.

"L-L-L-Lady Gabriel?!" Irina stammered in panic, her face flustering at its reddest.

"It's alright now." Gabriel's melodic tone whispered in Irina's ear. causing the girl to freeze in her embrace. "...I am so sorry for what happened. You've been very strong, my child… don't be afraid. You can let go now."

"I… but…" Irina's fright died, replaced by confusion. However, in Gabriel's motherly embrace, Irina's words died in her throat as tears started to swell. Like a dam lifting, everything was released.

Choking cries and sniffles followed by sobs, Irina buried her head into Gabriel's neck, releasing all of the sorrow she contained in her heart.

Irina let everything out, with Gabriel kept embracing her, running her hands in a comforting circle. Everyone watched with small smiles on their faces.

Eventually, Irina calmed down. Gabriel gently released Irina from her embrace, but still kept her arms around her as the angel turned to address Issei.

"The current Red Dragon Emperor, correct?"

Issei nodded politely, "Hyoudou. Issei Hyoudou."

"Mr. Hyoudou, you have my deepest gratitude for looking after this child." Gabriel smiled serenely, as she also regarded everyone else in the room, "The same also goes for all of you in this room. Irina is blessed to have such good, caring souls surrounding her."

Issei smiled back, "We're just helping a friend in need, ma'am. There's no need for thanks."

Everyone else also nodded in agreement with Issei's reply.

Gabriel smiled in satisfaction, then she returned to address Irina, who was in the middle of wiping the tears off her face. "Your road ahead is still long and hard. But I have faith that you will reach the end; with your friends beside you."

The angel then placed a soft kiss on Irina's forehead, as if to bless her.

"I'm afraid I must take my leave." Gabriel said, stepping away from Irina. "I'm looking forward to our next meeting in the Peace Conference."

Then, Gabriel unraveled her ten wings, which illuminated the already well-lit room, before she vanished in a flash of golden light.

The room remained silent for a few seconds, with everyone digesting that The Left Hand of God just dropped by. Then, Issei noticed one detail.

"Wait a second, why are you still here?" Issei asked Dulio, who had been standing and watching the entire time. "Wasn't she supposed to bring you along?"

The rest in the room also just realized that the exorcist was still with them.

"Oh, um…" Dulio awkwardly looked around, before he scratched his cheek in a mild confusion. "Right, I, err…. I don't know? Maybe she never planned to stay in town, after all?"

They stared at the poor exorcist.

Then the door-bell was rang. Everyone listened to the door-bell for a second before Issei decided to get the front door.

When Issei opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of flustered-looking Gabriel. The Seraph was too embarrassed to say anything, as she fidgeted around while standing.

"...Are you looking for Dulio?" Issei decided to throw a bone, which Gabriel answered by nodding her head, refusing to meet his eyes.

"Right." Issei nodded and called inside, "Hey, Dulio! Lady Gabriel's here for ya!"

Dulio then glanced at everyone else before nodding, "Um, well…. Have a good night, everyone." He then jogged towards Issei and the flustered Seraph.

"...I'm sorry for the disturbance. Please have a good night." Gabriel quickly bowed and shut the door as soon as Dulio got out of the house.

Issei then returned to the others, who needed more time to digest what just took place.

"...Huh, that happened, alright."

"KYAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Stop screaming like a girl and fight like a man!"

"You have a cheat! Use it!"

"I'm gonna make a man out of you whether you like it or not!"

The Blacks shouted as a swarm of Black clones chased after the crossdressing half-vampire through the fields.

Days had passed since Gabriel's visit.

Issei decided to spend his free time trying to perfect his technique with Koneko, Tsubasa and one of the Black clones joining him while the sound of Gasper's cries resounded in the background. Asia was exercising, running along the field with chubby Rover and another Black joining her, Rassei squeaking as he flew beside her.

Irina and Xenovia were busy ingratiating themselves in their school life while the other Devil girls were busy preparing for the peace conference.

"What about now?" Issei asked as he assumed another stance.

"Ehhhh… too iffy. He has more oomph than that thing. You look like you're standing with sticks for legs." Black wiggled his hand for emphasis, tilting his head as he measured the angles and posture of Issei's attempt to mimic the Roaring Aura Sky Ripper Fist, at least using Black's firsthand experience with the ultimate practitioner in his glory days.

"Come on, throw me a bone." Issei sighed with slight frustration.

"I may have studied as much martial arts as I can on this rock, but trust me, I'm trying here. That guy's skills are beyond godlike." Black exasperated. "Using martial terms, his style is an ungodly combination of hard and soft fighting techniques. If your dad wasn't broken as hell, that guy would've won fair and square. Alright, try using the Roaring Aura Sky Ripping fist one more time… and why are you girls joining us? You don't know shit about our martial arts."

Koneko and Tsubasa were beside Issei, mimicking his stance and posture.

"Ise promised to show me some of his stuff." Tsubasa replied.

"It looks kind of cool, so I want in." Koneko chipped in.

Black eyed Issei, pointing a thumb at the girls.

"Let them. How's the other big bads?" Issei asked as he broke off his stance. "Think we can cut some corners if one can coach us."

"Hoh?"

Black curled an amused smile radiating with mischief.

"Be careful what you wish for. Are you sure about this, little man?" Black asked.

Koneko and Tsubasa tensed a little at the mention of the muscled demigod.

"It might be easier for you if I can test out my moves on one of them. That way you can better evaluate my progress, right?" Issei worded

"…How many Big Bads are there, by the way?" Tsubasa asked.

"Three. For now." Issei answered.

"And…"

"Silver is the weakest… I think. Don't say that in front of them if you want to keep your bones intact." Issei warned.

"Hah!" Black guffawed. "Well, it's too late though."

"What's too late?" Issei asked.

"One of them is already coming. He should be here right about…"

On cue, something heavy, large, shining gold under the sun landed before the boy and two Devil girls, crashing into the dirt and uprooting dust so high it reached the roof of the school building.

Issei smiled as the dust settled.

The other two dropped their jaws as Asia stopped jogging to see… S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NʘvᴇlFirᴇ.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"Fueeeeee?!" Asia stammered at the sight.

The golden shine was too bright as the perfect male figure rose from his kneeling, towering over the three.

"There he is. He's already in town, don't you know?" Black cackled as he waddled over and leaned his elbow against the golden one's shin, the latter, a more masculine version of Silver, crossed his arms as all eyes on the field stopped and gravitated towards the shine.

"I have been summoned." His voice was even more refined like Silver's, as Koneko and Tsubasa looked up at the taller man.

"Whoa… damn. He's shiny." Tsubasa commented with her jaw still dropped.

"FUEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?" Gasper shared Asia's reaction at the sight of the superior, masculine male. After all, it was his and Asia's first time seeing a big bad.

"Hey, Goldie. Glad to see you here." Issei greeted as he approached the shiny figure.

"It has been so long. Your height has grown since our previous encounter." Golden Sperm nodded at Issei, before he gazed at the other two. "Your little cabal of kittens are fresh. Do they have the courage to survive under my tutelage?"

Under the gaze of Goldie's imposing height, Tsubasa and Koneko could only swallow a lump.

"They are tough enough." Issei nodded at the girls, "Though, do be careful when you're whipping them into shape, will you?" He looked pointedly at the Golden Sperm.

In return, Goldie smirked, "I shall test their mettle. You, cat girl."

He pointed at Koneko.

"Show me what you can do. Hit me."

Koneko hesitantly glanced at Issei, who only nodded at her, before she returned to regard the Golden Sperm in front of her. Then, she took a deep breath, allowing her youkai features to manifest, along with a foreign energy mixed with her demonic power coating her frame.

"Fuuuu!" She breathed as she punched the masculine thing's golden abs…

"...Ow?" Koneko blinked as she retracted her fist, seeing that it was in deep pain. Her knuckles were throbbing and covered in red bruises. It was the first time she hit something… so hard that her Ki bounced back into her system.

"Hmmm. Far too weak." Golden remarked.

Tsubasa stepped up.

"My turn." Tsubasa stretched her arms up with a cocky smile. She retracted her fist as she slid a foot back, taking a deep breath.

Golden merely observed, arms crossed as she charged up her attack with every ounce of demonic power in her reserves.

"Hiyah!" Tsubasa threw a straight full-contact karate punch into Golden's abs… there was a loud crack resounding in the air.

"...Ow! Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow!" Tsubasa yelped as she looked down on her fist. It was bent in the wrong way. "What the hell?! You're hard! I thought gold is supposed to be a soft metal!" Tsubasa complained, holding her dislocated wrist as Issei snickered.

"Here, let me." Issei said as he grabbed Tsubasa's wrist. "Clench your teeth."

"What?" Tsubasa asked.

She heard a snap. Her wrist was back in proper position. The pain was another concern.

"OW! Dick!" Tsubasa cried out in pain as she waved her once-dislocated wrist. Asia ran towards her with Rassei and Chubby Rover. She immediately placed her hands on Tsubasa's wrist and started healing her injuries.

"You. Catgirl." Golden pointed at Koneko. "I've seen your fight. You move like a heavyweight wrestler when you should be using your diminutive size to your advantage and be a striker. And you."

Golden pointed at Tsubasa.

"You need to practice your basics. Throw a thousand full-power punches this instant. Against my back as your punching post." Golden ordered.

"...Seriously?" Tsubasa asked with a scowl - her wrist had been healed as she moved it around to get the feeling back.

"You wanted my guidance. Now get to it." Golden merely responded before he returned to Koneko, "As for you - yes, you need to learn how to dodge and abuse your feline celerity."

"I'm plenty strong." Koneko pouted.

"Your tactics do not match your strength. You rely too much on your constitution when you should move with feline grace. You won't last against someone that knows how to topple giants, like him." Goldie pointed his thumb at Issei. "Size is not a hierarchy. It is everything. It determines how you should fight and use your weight and height to your advantage. You are small, so you are light. Don't try to be heavy despite that."

In response, Koneko stared down and patted her chest.

"...Why are you looking at your nonexistent chest?" Goldie narrowed his looks before he quickly connected the dots and snorted, "Oh… so you have that kind of complex. Breast size does not determine that kind of weight I mentioned."

Koneko then blushed and glared at Golden, who looked at Issei. Issei stared at Golden as the latter gestured to the smaller girl that was looking downcast.

"Oh, um… I can help you with your footwork at least. You alright with that?" Issei offered.

"Hey, how come you offered to train with her while I'm stuck with this muscled jackass?" Tsubasa pouted, pointing at the golden statue of musculature.

"Because you need to cover your basics… So yeah, you're stuck with him. Good luck." Issei gave Tsubasa a thumbs-up, receiving a pouty look in return.

Issei offered a hand to Koneko as she blushed. The lithe cat girl took his hand, earning pouts from Asia and Tsubasa as they headed towards another open spot.

"Get to work. I am in need of a good massage." Goldie demanded Tsubasa.

Tsubasa turned to Gold, seeing his back facing towards her. She groaned, bracing herself for the pain to come.

Issei addressed Koneko while Tsubasa's grunts of pain resounded in the background.

"Right… To summarize what you need, you need three things. Speed, agility… and rhythm." Issei explained.

"A rhythm?" Koneko tilted her head cutely.

"Basically, a tempo, a pace you find yourself best in. Here, let me show you." Issei took several steps back, giving way to distance.

"The rules are simple. Try and catch me if you can." Issei wagged a finger at Koneko to have at him.

Koneko stared at Issei before she nodded. She then crouched a little, arms in groping motion as if she wanted to pounce on him.

And pounce she did at him - Koneko dashed and threw a straight punch at Issei's solar plexus. However, his center turned and recurved, her fist barely grazing even his shirt as she skid to a halt.

"Too much momentum and force." Issei commented as he looked back. Koneko regarded Issei and noticed that he was bobbing up and down on his toes.

The small Rook switched to comb attacks, throwing rapid jabs at him in several different motions and angles in her chasing Issei around. However, not even raising his hands to guard, he simply stepped, hopped, and twisted, allowing her fist to harmlessly fly past him, much to Koneko's frustration. It was akin trying to catch a floating butterfly, where Issei seemed so close in her grasp when she missed, but she did not get to touch him at all.

Eventually, Koneko noticed that Issei's feet were doing most of the work, as she then performed a soccer-kick with her leg, swiping at Issei's own.

Much to Koneko's confusion, it was as if her leg just phased through Issei's legs. Did he even move? Koneko was too agitated to even notice.

Then Issei poked his finger at Koneko's forehead - all he did was pointing his finger forward, but the girl's own momentum caused the poke to dig a little painfully into her skin, causing Koneko to flinch.

"That's enough." Issei said with a knowing smile, watching in amusement at Koneko massaging her forehead, all while glaring at him adorably. "So, what did you learn?"

Koneko continued glaring at him.

"...How did you do that?" She asked.

"Simple. I did not waste energy in my movements." Issei explained. "You throw your strikes without precision. My dad's a fan of brute force like you, but he has enough experience to make up for his… lack of tact and make use of his power and speed. Anyways, the point is, you are best when you learn to control your power. No unnecessary excess unless you got the timing right in certain situations. Questions?"

"How do I go from here…" Koneko gestured at where she stood, towards where Issei stood, "To there?"

"Practice and learn." Issei replied, "...And by practice and learn, I suggest….. Dancing."

Koneko blinked, "...Excuse me?"

"You know, dancing." Issei repeated. "Move your body in a way that doesn't involve excess strain. It is the same as finding your rhythm, or to start finding it at least. Some martial arts are based on dancing as well, though there are some with… a bit of too many wasteful movements but it is still good to get started with."

Koneko stared before she nodded slightly - she understood the logic, but was still unsure about the context.

Issei then offered his hand, prompting Koneko to blink in confusion.

"What? You don't want to dance with me?"

"What the hell?!" Tsubasa shouted in the background, lasing into Issei's skull with her angry gaze.

"Less female jealousy, more hitting. Direct your anger into your strikes if you must." Gold ordered.

Issei dismissed the background noise of Tsubasa's fist smashing Golden's broad back with futility as Koneko blushed adorably. She slowly took his hand as Issei offered his other hand. She took it as well and asked, "...Then what?"

"Follow my lead. We'll start… with the classics."

"Ise….."

The background noise continued to buzz menacingly.

"Good. Good. Channel that anger." Gold nodded. "But I can't feel anything like this. Hit harder."

Koneko felt her heart skip when Issei pulled her into a ballroom dance maneuver.

Tsubasa continued punching Gold's back as she watched the two pirouette each other, hands holding.

"Now, match your step with mine. Are you good?" Issei asked with a smile.

"Yes." Koneko nodded, albeit her face was still a tad flustered. Her instinct was serving her well enough to match the boy's pace.

"Okay, we'll pick up the pace a little. Ready?"

Koneko nodded, and she could see that the rhythm of the steps and turns became faster, but still on manageable levels. It did not take long until Koneko became accustomed to the tempo, as her steps became more confident, more fluid, and lighter.

Eventually, the dance ended as Issei suddenly stopped, before he slowly broke himself away from Koneko, who looked a little confused.

"Senpai?" a small part of Koneko wished that the dancing session would have lasted longer.

"Now, repeat those steps on your own, but put more strength into it." Issei instructed.

"...But I want to continue with you." Koneko's ears drooped.

Issei smiled as he ruffled her hair.

"I get it. But I have to go help Tsubasa before she starts shooting jealous lasers from her eyes."

Koneko then sighed in acceptance, "...Fine. But I would like you to dance with me more."

Issei snorted with amusement, "Sure thing."

Issei waved farewell to Koneko as he tended to Tsubasa.

"About time, you asshole." Tsubasa muttered as she kept punching Gold's back.

"How are you holding up?" Issei smirked.

"It hurts like hell. What the fuck is this shit, seriously, ow. My hands are delicate, you know?" Tsubasa puffed as she threw another hard right hook against Gold's spine - only for her fist to crack.

"AHG?! Why am I doing this again!?" Tsubasa shouted as she flicked her hand in pain. Asia smiled awkwardly as she tended to her broken hand.

"It's called partial training. By training at least a part of your body this way, you can reforge that part, be it a hand, elbow, or fist, into a weapon, strengthening it the more you abuse it." Issei explained.

"...That sounds…. Are you sure you're not messing with me?" Tsubasa pouted as Twilight Healing repaired her hand.

"Nope. It's true. Usually, your striking pole would be made of wood or iron and wrapped with rope, but Goldie here is quite a tank, so yeah." Issei gestured at himself, "After all, this is how he used to train me when I was younger."

"How the hell are you still alive?" She uttered with disbelief.

"Hey, that's just how badass your boyfriend is." Issei grinned cheekily, earning a slap on the arm from Tsubasa, albeit she was smiling.

"Hah… fine. I'll endure this bullshit hell. But what's next after this? Leg training?" She remarked.

"You're not going to practice kicking Goldie in the crotch if you're wondering. Your shin will break, though."

"It's true." Goldie remarked.

"Shut it, you muscle freak." She lightly punched his back.

"Heh. After you finish your thousand punch hell, we can practice together. Are you okay with that?" Issei asked.

"You are so gonna make this up for me." Tsubasa replied.

"Yeah, I hear ya. Keep up the good work, okay?" Issei finished by giving a peck on Tsubasa's cheek. Tsubasa blushed and smiled.

"Mmmmm…" Asia whimpered at the sight. Rassei cooed and nuzzled against her cheek as if to cheer her up.

"Keep up the good work too, Asia." Issei ruffled Asia's hair.

"Um…" Asia was fidgeting slightly, yet too embarrassed to even look at Issei.

"Ask the poor girl for a dinner date, for god's sake, you gigolo." Goldie groaned, but Issei had already walked away to check back on Koneko.

Asia frowned as she continued healing Tsubasa's hands.

"Don't worry. You'll get him one day." Gold flashed a big thumbs-up at the pure girl.

Asia smiled at Gold's support as Rassei cooed and rested on Asia's hair. Rover panted as he followed Issei, waddling on his stubby legs.

The training was finished for the day - Issei accompanied by Rover, was heading towards his next destination.

He received a text message from Akeno, who invited him to her house - her home before she moved to the Hyoudou Residence, as someone would like to meet him; she even provided the address of her old home for Issei to track.

Issei was a tad surprised to find that his destination turned out to be a shrine in the middle of nature - but considering what Himejima clan did for living, living in a shrine should be expected from Akeno.

Walking up a few flights of stone stairs later, Issei and Rover walked past the Toori gate, and they were greeted by the sight of Akeno in a shrine-maiden outfit - the young woman was sweeping the cobbled stone road of fallen dried leaves and twigs with a broom.

"Oh my." Akeno greeted and approached her guests, "Welcome. I'm sorry that I have yet to finish cleaning the place up. You seem to have arrived a bit earlier than expected."

"Nah, it's my fault." Issei waved off, before he looked around, "I guess the other guy isn't here, yet?"

Akeno smiled, "No, he is not. I'm still in the middle of tidying up."

Issei nodded, "Right… want some help?"

"No, no, please. You are the guest today. Guests shouldn't help clean the place they're invited to." Akeno politely rebuked.

"I insist. I don't think I can leave a girl doing chores by herself like this. Besides, it'll be faster with one more right?"

When Rover barked, Issei glanced at the dog and rectified his earlier statement, "Well, two more."

Though he wondered how Rover could contribute in his chubby state.

A few moments later, with an extra broom retrieved from the nearby shed, Issei joined Akeno sweeping the shrine's front yard with Rover following in tow.

Turns out, despite not in his top shape, Rover was still adept enough in tracking and chasing some rats and other unwanted pests off the premises. The dog also helped in disposing of the trash by using his energy breath to incinerate them to ashes which were scattered amongst the soil as fertilizer.

"How are things with your dad, Akeno?" Issei asked as they placed the brooms back into the shed.

"We've talked more after Parent day. He's still busy with work at Grigori, but he sometimes calls every now and then to check on me." Akeno replied with a fond smile. "What about you? How are things on your end?"

"Well, I suffered post-Parent day embarrassment with Rias when our 'guardians' busted out the recorded tapes and played them in the living room." Issei groused as they walked out of the shed. "Had to cover my ears to pretend that it wasn't happening, honestly. It got worse when my mom broke out the baby pictures."

Akeno giggled more as she walked past him. "Come, I believe it's almost time for our next guest to arrive."

"You're not going to tell me until the end, are you?" Issei groused even more as he followed her into the sliding doors of the shrine.

In the shrine's main hall, now clean and tidy - Issei suddenly sensed a spike of energy emerging in the room.

Even Rover also perked up as he growled, hairs standing on end.

Then, the room was illuminated by a flash of light, where another figure appeared when the light died down.

"Ah… I see." Issei understood. "...Let me guess. You specifically asked Akeno not to tell until the end… since you're afraid that I'll refuse, right? Lord Michael of Charity?"

His appearance was similar to that of Malkuth's, long blonde hair, blue eyes, an androgynous face pictured with beauty, but he was more regal, gentle. His attire was a robe that reminds Issei of the one Jesus Christ wore in one of the paintings.

"To be fair, you have good enough reasons to resent us." the Archangel Michael smiled sadly.

"Yeah, you have… two strikes on your record as heaven's manager. Before we start, I gotta ask you this before I forget. How is it? Playing God behind the veil?" Issei asked.

Michael's expression did not shift as he took Issei's attitude in stride, "More difficult than I'd ever imagined… But I cannot afford to stop now."

Akeno then decided to step-in as peace-keeper. "Shall we have a seat for now? I will prepare refreshments."

Glancing at Akeno, Issei then took a seat cross-legged on the wooden floor. Michael followed suit as they sat on the cushions prepared.

Soon, Akeno had returned with refreshments, even a plate of left-overs for Rover to feast on.

"...I once told Kokabiel that I forgave him for the bullshit he roused. I really meant it." Issei nodded to himself. "It extends to even you and the Church. Although… I am starting to have second thoughts regarding the Church. Irina does not deserve the bullshit she suffers under Valper Galilei."

Michael's smile vanished, replaced by a sad frown, "Yes…. Allowing Valper Galilei to go free after everything he had done…. The Holy Sword Project, and this incident that nearly cost us this fragile peace - is our greatest failure in maintaining our Father's teachings and belief."

"...So." Issei gestured to him. "When are you going to finally let go of this grand con? Say that the Holy Father is no more and you took his place?"

"I'm afraid that deception will have to last for a while longer." Michael shook his head, "Our power, our system is maintained by the power drawn by people's faith, which is placed upon the existence of our Father. Altering that faith is no easy task."

"...Didn't you learn the secret of attaining ultimate power from Kokabiel?" Issei asked, curling a brow. "When are you going to put that to use?"

"Assuming that what Kokabiel has achieved can be learned, how many angels might die just to be independent from Father's Original Grace? Not to mention, there are quite a number of us who don't even want to be separated from His Light in the first place."

"...What's the price for ascension?"

"...It is supposed to be a secret until the conference. But you earned the right to know." Michael closed his eyes. "...Our wings. Kokabiel severed his original wings, his ties to Heaven and our father… to attain the power he now holds."

Akeno widened her eyes. She felt the angel wing inside her twitch as she imagined the pain and suffering one must endure being forced wingless.

Issei stared at Michael. His face was stoic, but behind it, he was stunned, knowing the importance of wings in both Devil and Angel culture.

"Damn… didn't expect that… but you do know that you will need to make a play here, right?" Issei asked. "Someone's going to have to make sacrifices if you want to save the soul of God's legacy. I don't know how long it'll be before Christianity is overrun by demons in human skin."

"Demons…. You are not wrong, but I'm afraid this is not a matter that we can resolve with brute force." Michael retorted, "...This is something that we never even considered about, a fallen angel ascending back into something equal, if not above us. We will need time to understand it before taking the first step."

Issei stared at the archangel until he sighed softly, "...Well, I won't force you to rush it. I'll leave you to figure it out. Now, you said you wanted to meet me… what is this about?"

Michael's frown softened.

"...I am grateful that you forgave us for our blunders. But we never did attempt to reimburse you for the damages done."

Michael held out of his hands. Light congregated around his hands before it dissipated. A sword was left in his hands.

"...Is that Ascalon?" Issei stared at the holy weapon.

The sword has the appearance of a European sword with its golden pommel shaped in four dragon talons protruding from four diagonal directions with the blade inserted in the epicenter. Both sides of the blade were notched three times on both sides near the bottom and the fuller.

Michael smiled, "Azazel did well in educating you to recognize this. It is yours now." He lifted the sword to Issei, who was stunned as he stared at the legendary sword… he reached out instinctively, wrapping his fingers around the hilt, feeling the leathery grip on his skin.

He lifted it, bringing the blade to his eyes. For a moment, a sudden, indescribable chill went down his spine.

[Relax, partner. It's only natural for dragon-wielders like you to react apprehensively in the presence of a dragon-slayer weapon. I say you are doing pretty well for your first time.]

Ddraig helpfully commented.

He bobbed the sword up and down to test its weight. He lightly swung the sword to the side. The blade radiated gold in that duration.

"...It's lighter than I thought." Issei commented. He perked as he finally remembered something scratching at the back of his mind, several things.

One… he remembered that he had something of Cao Cao's. The Urn of Wei Cheng… that was meant to be in his possession. He wondered if he should feel bad about it.

Second, Cao Cao's ominous words about a way to take down Great Red.

"Say, dumb question…" Issei looked at Michael. "Is there an ultimate dragon slayer of dragon slayers out there in the world I don't know about?"

The archangel wryly smirked in a mild amusement, "First of all, it's not a stupid question - there is, as a matter of fact, a dragon slayer that surpasses Ascalon. However, I am afraid that particular knowledge is better off untouched."

"...Is it a sword? At least tell me that much." Issei asked.

Michael shook his head. "Something worse."

"Ah…" At least he had an idea. "Moving on. Are you sure it's alright to leave me with this? I know how famous this sword is." Issei asked, swinging the sword a few more times. He should try practicing with Kiba or Xenovia to test it out. He kinda wished it was a katana, but he would not complain about it… maybe he could ask Azazel to alter the shape a little.

"I am." Michael nodded his head, "After everything you have had to deal with, in the wake of our errors, this is the least we can do to make amends for our sins against your family. But if you want a friendlier, light-hearted reason… we don't want to see your father appearing at the Vatican with his compatriots like before. Probably at your mother's behest."

Issei snorted, "Yeah, that sounds crazy enough to happen." His face became more relaxed, "...Well, anything else?"

Michael looked down.

"...How is the condition of Irina Shidou?" Michael asked.

Issei sighed, "She's…. Managing so far. By the way, did you know that your sister dropped by my home last night?"

Michael sighed in return, "Yes, she was rather adamant about following me here. I hope she did not trouble you?"

Issei smiled while waving his hand, "No, no. In fact, I'm grateful for what she did for Irina. She's still not recovered yet, but she's in better shape."

"I am glad to hear it." Michael smiled, "Speaking of Irina - I have requested my brother Raphael, to aid you in your upcoming investigation and quest in curing Irina's condition. He will be ready to receive you once you arrive at the Vatican."

"Oh?" Issei quirked a brow. "I… huh… I didn't expect that." Issei rubbed his chin. "How limited are archangels when they descend to earth? I mean, what can they do? Crap, I don't know how to say this properly."

"It is alright. We angels are not allowed to meddle too much around human matters… It's to maintain the rule of Ora et Labora." Michael replied.

"Pray and work…. Right." Issei mused. "Dulio did say that you are assembling a task force to uproot the corruption left by Valper. Anyone else beside Raphael?"

"I have only sent out several invitations for candidates I have in mind, so the task force is not official yet. But I have faith that they will aid us."

"Like Vasco?" Issei guessed.

"Yes, like Vasco. But he won't be participating. The corrupt elements will look out for him the most, and what I need is guile and skill, not raw power."

Issei could not deny that logic.

"I'll be sure to make use of this gift, then." Issei returned his gaze to the weapon, before he asked again, "…Are you planning to take Kokabiel's gambit?"

Michael's face hardened, "Yes, but not without proper studies and preparations. We need to understand how it works in order to minimize casualties."

"Fair enough, but if Kokabiel can do it, so should you." Issei paused as he tried to recall what else to discuss… he remembered one thing. "Before I forget, I want to talk about Asia's excommunication. Is it possible to un-excommunicate someone?"

Michael blinked at the question, before he smiled, "It is. In fact, I've been considering inviting Asia Argento back to the church. Despite how many people branded her as a heretic, there are just as many people, if not more, who are grateful for her service and against her excommunication in the first place."

"That's… Good to hear." Issei smiled at the idea. "So I assume you will bring this up to her during the Peace Conference?"

"Now that you brought this up, I shall." Michael nodded.

"Oh, one more thing." Issei's expression then hardened one more time, "...A little bird told me that Irina is still in danger. Can you look into this for me?"

Michael frowned, "...And may I know who this little bird you spoke of?"

Issei grimaced, causing Akeno to look worriedly between the two. Should he tell Michael about this Hero Faction? While he never expressly agreed to keep their meeting a secret, there was no honor in it, especially when they gave him a tip.

It took a few seconds for Issei to come up with an alternative answer.

"I can't really tell you who they are, but this little bird is a bunch of Sacred Gear users who…. Worked with my dad once. All I heard is that the eyes of the heretics are still upon Irina… I think… they are afraid that she is living evidence… and…! Her memories are returning… could it be…"

Michael and Akeno only heard Issei's muttering, but their minds also drew a similar conclusion.

"The remnants of Valper's treachery are planning to silence Irina Shidou." Michael deduced.

"…This is bullshit." Issei cussed with disbelief. "Did he really bring her to meet his cohorts? Is he really… god damn it!" Issei slammed his fist into the wooden planks, splintering it on impact. "They already stole her innocence, and now they're planning to take her life?! Those bastards have no right!"

"They don't. But they certainly will try." Michael's voice had a tone of sadness and fury mixed in.

"This changes many things." Issei said, "Irina will have to stay in Japan. I will go to the Vatican myself."

"...I will only advise that you don't act on rash impulse." Michael implored. "I won't stop you, but I also must ask you to respect the wishes of Irina and her allies. If you want to go alone, you will need consultancy from those around you. As far as I know… do you have the makings of an inquisitor?" Michael asked.

"A…. What?" Issei blinked.

"It is an old profession that we disbanded due to… overzealousness. They were a detective force meant to root out heretics, but their zeal corrupted them into belligerent fanatics. We cast them out after the Salem Massacre incident." Michael explained.

"Oh, right. I see." Issei then stared at Michael for a second, "Well… I guess I read a lot of the Detective Conan series." He shrugged rather helplessly.

Michael and Akeno smiled at his weak defense.

"…Alright, fine. I'll talk to Irina. And I'll bring some guys I know that can help. Rover's a must though."

The dog perked his head from his empty bowl, tilting his head.

"He's the best monster bloodhound I have." He smiled as Rover waddled towards him, Issei picked him up in his arms, both smiling at Michael while Rover panted with his tongue out and tail wagging.

"I believe we should call it a day." Michael slowly rose up to his feet, "I need to return to my sister in preparing the Peace Conference. I hope we can continue this conversation after the conference, should there still be any topic you want to discuss?"

Issei stores Ascalon inside his Boosted Gear.

"...Yeah, I guess we can do that." Issei sighed as he also stood up, along with Akeno, before they sent Michael to the door.

"Thank you very much for the hospitality, Ms. Himejima." Michael smiled at the young woman, who returned the gesture in kind.

"The pleasure is mine, Lord Michael."

"I am happy that I finally have this conversation with you, Issei Hyoudou."

Much to Issei and Akeno's mild surprise, the Archangel extended his hand towards the former with an expectant look in his eyes.

Issei stared between the offered hand and the look in Michael's eyes, before he smiled and shook the hand.

"Yeah, I'm glad to finally talk this out."

Despite being the de facto leader of all angels who had gone to wars, Michael's hand was surprisingly soft.

"I will see you in the Peace Conference. Goodbye for now." Michael then disappeared in a flash of golden light, leaving Issei, Akeno and Rover alone.

The room felt a little empty now that the angel left. Rover burped in Issei's arms.

Issei noticed Akeno's sigh.

"Nervous?" Issei guessed by her expression.

"…It is my first time hosting The Right Hand of God." Akeno smiled pleasantly at Issei. "Are you leaving now that he's gone?"

"Yeah. I need to update Irina and the others back home. I'm gonna have to brace myself for the backlash."

He could not imagine Irina wanting to stay after all they have been through.

"Such a shame. It seems I have overprepared… neither you nor Michael touched the snacks I prepared."

Issei saw Akeno gesturing to the table of snack food in the hosted room.

"Are you saying you want to host me for a while longer?" Issei accused playfully.

Akeno caught on as she also playfully ran her finger across her chin, giving him a sultry look "Depends… What do you intend to do if I let you stay with me longer here?"

"What else? Relaxing myself with snacks, warm drinks, and lovely company." Issei simply replied with a small grin.

Akeno hummed, as a certain gleam appeared in her lavender orbs. She walked closer towards Issei, leaning her head until her lips were next to his ear, with her eyes looking at him seductively.

"Will that be all, really?"

Then, instead of Issei, Rover barked while still in his arms.

Issei's grin widened while Akeno was looking slightly bemused at the dog's interruption. "Yep, the little guy said so. So, how do you want to kill some time?"

"So who's the strongest among the new Demons?" Issei asked, walking with Akeno and Rover paddling beside him down the street. The dog was finally shrinking down halfway to his original shape. Issei wondered how Rover would react to the dragon meat he ingested.

Akeno giggled, "You mean Devils?"

"Oh, sorry. My head is in cloud nine… though honestly, why are you called Devils in the first place? Why not demons? There are mentions of Demons in the Bible, hell lots of pop culture references have them." Issei asked.

"Hm, that's actually a good question." Akeno said thoughtfully as she tapped her finger on her chin. "…We never delved into the subject when I studied our kind's history. But I did learn that most of the knowledge and records were either lost or hidden during the Great War and Civil War."

"Sounds suspicious… Ddraig? What about you? You're as old as Christianity, right?" Issei asked to his left hand.

[True, but as long as I remember, the devils always address themselves as 'devils'. Not 'demons', even when some of them corrected those who addressed them as demons.]

"Come on, there's gotta be something. I mean, you people call Kiba's swords Demon swords for crying out loud." Issei insisted.

[To be fair, I wasn't the one who came up with the term. I just follow the trend as time flies. Dragons like me tend to live very isolated lives. I didn't interact with much of the world from that point.]

"Booo." Issei lightheartedly jeered. "I refuse to be left in the dark like this. Someone should know something about Christian Demons!"

"Did someone say, 'demons'?"

"Agh?!"

Issei jumped when Black appeared, emerging from behind a fire hydrant, smiling devilishly at them. Akeno was also surprised at the creature's sudden appearance as she muffled her gasp with one hand, while Rover simply barked with happy greetings.

"...Damn it, stop doing that!" Issei chided after sighing to calm himself down.

"You and I both know that will never happen." Black's grin grew.

"Alright, fine. How much did you hear?" Issei asked.

"Got curious when you mentioned Demons, honestly. It is a funny story when you mention them. Recently… Did you know that there's an ancient underground graveyard in Babylon that contained the bones of many Devils?" Black asked.

Issei and Akeno exchanged glances, before the former raised an eyebrow, "...And how did you know that particular information?'

"Please, I am everywhere. I have connections now, you know? I am also a one-man army archeologist here. I also teamed up with an ancient Devil historian called Tadeas that is trying to uncover the secrets of the ancient past of Devilkind… And he believed he found the location where the Garden of Eden once stood. I am also looking at the bones right, and man, you cannot believe how many Devil bones there are. No angel bones if you're wondering, just ancient devils… and bit of something else."

"And you're doing this out of the goodness of your own heart?" Issei snarked.

"Hell no, I want ancient artifacts, he's just useful for appraising stuff."

"...And what is this something else you mentioned?" Akeno asked.

"Oh, I don't know… However, the thing is… they look like Chimeras. Tadeas thinks that this might be the rediscovery of a forgotten race, but… he can't prove it. You have any idea how hard it is to prove that Chimeras are once Devils via genetics?" Black shrugged as he waddled towards them. "Oh, and the girl with the chestnut hair is waiting for you in the workshop. How's your meeting with you-know-who?"

"Seriously, how the hell am I the only one that's in the dark?" Issei asked as they walked, now a few blocks away from the mansion.

"Michael's request." Black explained. "Anyways, this time we'll be have a seafood dinner course. So back to my question, how did it go? You punched his face?"

Issei rolled his eyes at Black's accusation.

"No, we talked… and he gave me something awesome. Might gonna go ask Kiba or Xenovia for a little sparring after dinner."

They arrived at the house.

"Ohhhh. Is it a sword? Or a Longinus?" Black asked with an excited smile as the gates automatically opened.

"The former. Ascalon." Issei replied as he conjured the holy sword from the spatial dimension stored in his Boosted Gear.

"Hah!?" Black's eyes bulged at the sight of the sword. "That Ascalon? Seriously?! I thought it was lost ever since Georgy was executed! Damn, I was looking for that one. Thought it was stolen like Lobera…" Black muttered as they went inside.

"Heh, fat chance." Issei snickered as they entered the house. "Right, thanks for the treat, Akeno. I'm gonna go check on Irina."

"Okay. I need to talk to Rias. See you at dinner, Ise." Akeno gave a quick peck on Issei's cheek before she walked away.

"Quite a ladies-man now, aren't ya?" Black snarked with a teasing grin.

"Yep, compared to you, anyway." Issei returned the gesture in kind.

"Oof, shot's fired, kid… Shot's fired." Black narrowed his eyes while maintaining his grin, "...Just go see your lil' girlfriend before I decide to return fire earlier."

Issei snickered and bid the creature farewell. He continued inspecting Ascalon along the way, eyeing the holy sword with interest. He wondered how the Heavens made this sword with alchemy as the blade shone under the room light.

He dismissed the sword back into Boosted Gear as he entered the workshop.

The girl was sitting on the bed while Genos was standing beside, typing on his tablet. She immediately jumped when he entered the room.

"Ise!" Irina quickly hopped down and frisked towards him.

She threw her arms around Issei's neck and pulled him into a kiss - the boy was startled at first, but returned the kiss soon after.

"Welcome home." Irina's smile was radiating as she said those words, causing Issei's face to warm up as well.

"Welcome home, Ise." Genos stoically greeted his nephew as he approached. "Have you concluded your meeting with the Archangel Michael?"

"…Hah, of course you know."

"Wait, you were meeting… Lord Michael?" Irina, however, did not know.

Issei stared at Genos.

"…I thought Haruka informed everyone." Genos assumed.

"What? Was it when she called everyone over? Wait, I was in the bathroom!" Irina pouted.

"Alright, alright." Issei placated, "Anyway, yes - I met with Archangel Michael. But what about you? Heard you were looking for me."

"Oh, right! I want to show you this!" Irina shifted her head, allowing Issei to look at her hair.

Issei did so, and he noticed - instead of her usual scrunchies, both of Irina's twintails were being held by some sort of hair ornaments. Not to mention, the shape was very angular, no smooth curves, looking like it was made from refined pixel bits. Circuits ran across the exterior from one length of the end to the other end in a random interconnecting pattern.

When Issei turned to look at Irina's face, her smile screamed, 'how do I look?' repeatedly.

"They look sci-fi, but they're great on you." Issei complimented.

"That's because those are the implants I decided to implement." Genos interjected. "I've chosen to use something that can be easily removed, considering we are going to investigate for her cure."

"I see…" Issei nodded before he addressed Irina again, "How do they feel?"

"I feel… like myself!" Irina chirped. "I don't feel the headaches anymore! The constant itch at the back of my head is gone! Well, it is still there, but I feel fine, finally!"

"Okay…. And what if she wants to wash her hair in the shower? Are they really that easy to remove?" Issei asked again.

Genos nodded, "It is. Although I highly recommend drying your hair properly first before you put it back on." The cyborg instructed the girl.

Issei did not argue.

Dinner would arrive soon - He hoped that Irina would at least understand when he broke the ice.

"Come on, Iri. Wanna go do a group study in my room after dinner?" Issei asked, earning a nod from her.

Issei led her out of the room hand in hand. His head returned to cloud nine as he wondered what else he needed to cover…

oXo

"How was your training with Goldie?" Issei asked Tsubasa at the dinner table.

Black was not lying when he talked about the seafood special. Alongside the various exotic fish dishes like eels and seaweed-decorated carp, there was a giant lobster in the middle. He had a feeling that Rias' parents were involved in this.

Tsubasa only sighed as she could barely use her hands to handle the utensils, "Ise, I love you and all, but seriously, how the hell are you still alive?"

"Perseverance…. With maybe several vials of Phoenix Tears as well." Issei shrugged, before he turned to the creature, "How was she coming along?"

"Honest opinion, I'm surprised she thinks she can go compete in a political chess gladiator game like this," Black gave his blunt thoughts.

"Ah. Have Goldie keep up the good work."

"Issei…" Tsubasa pouted at him.

"So, Asia, how about you? How's your day?" Issei ignored Tsubasa and changed to Asia.

"Um… After Tsubasa finished training, Black… Gold showed me how to run better." Asia's smile went wry as she said so.

"...Right, how's Rassei?" Issei then changed the subject.

Asia's expression brightened up at the mention of her new pet-dragon, "Oh, he's doing well! He's sweet, and he learned so fast for a dragon that's less than a week old!"

"What did he learn?" Issei asked.

"Um, he… well, he can shoot lightning out of his mouth! Though he killed a beetle because he was hungry… and he ate it," Asia said. Rassei chirped beside Chubby Rover before he resumed eating his fish in his bowl.

"How fast can a dragon mature, anyways?" Issei asked the dragon in his left arm.

[Dragons tend to mature slowly, but depending on the conditions, their growth can accelerate.]

"What sort of conditions?" Rias asked with curiosity.

[Nutrition is a primary factor. Battle growth is another… the rest is unknown. I am not a foremost expert in dragon biology. But eventually in the later stages we will eventually be able to evolve out of our need for food and drink.]

Issei chewed on his deep fried crab meat as he pondered how he should break the ice.

"...Everyone." Issei eventually called out to all at the table. "I have an important announcement to make regarding my future choices."

Issei took a deep breath as all eyes converged onto him. He closed his eyes as he prepared for the backlash.

"I have decided to go to the Vatican without you, Irina."

The table became silent for a few seconds after Issei's announcement, until Irina slammed her hands on the table, rattling the nearby plates and glasses.

"What do you mean, I can't go with you?!"

Of course she would reject his notion.

"Irina… how much did you remember? Is there anyone else besides Valper you met in the Vatican?" Issei asked.

"Of course there is! There's…." Irina suddenly paused, before her expression contorted into thoughtful - not the type that caught the meaning behind Issei's intention, more like she was struggling to remember.

"...Iri. There are still people coming after you… your life is being targeted even as we speak. I cannot take you with me knowing that you might be killed."

Irina frowned, looking down at her lap without saying anything.

"Ise, how do you know if others are targeting her?" Xenovia asked.

"It's an intel I got during my talk with Michael. We can't confirm who yet, but Michael has prepared a taskforce to help us to uproot Valper's left-over cohorts. In fact, I won't be surprised if some of them are among the upper echelons, and currently looking for an excuse to arrest Irina as we speak."

"That's…! Why would they arrest Irina in the first place!? She's a victim as much as everyone else!" Xenovia protested.

"Yeah, I get what you mean - but as much as I hate to admit it; Irina was, technically speaking, working under Valper… Brainwashing or not, knowing the political bullshit I went through with the fat bastard, they'll just try to arrest Irina because she was Valper's pupil. Almost makes me want to curse them with the damn Monkey's Paw if they ever try that bullshit with me again…" Issei groused in the last part.

"Careful with what you wish for, kiddo." Black remarked from his seat, munching on some tuna. "All of this shit is already close to hitting the fan. Don't throw a cursed wishing hand into the mix or everything will get nuked over."

Issei sighed as he replied, "Hah… Yes, yes. I just hate politics so much right now… but returning to the discussion, I think it is better if you stay here, Irina, where it is safer than Heaven." He turned to his old friend, who was still hanging her head. "...Irina?"

"...I have to go with you." Irina clenched her hands on her shirt. "I… ever since… all I have done is being a burden. I… I am an exorcist, a servant of God… once… but I can't live with myself if all I am is just a victim of a cruel man. I need to go with you Issei… I can't forgive myself if I don't do something, anything to return all the kindness you gave me."

Issei then put his hand on her shoulder, "...If you really want to return the kindness, then I want you to stay safe."

"...But I want to be more than just safe… I want to be with you." Irina looked him in the eyes. "...Because I love you."

Her words were completely unfair against his attempt at logic, forcing him into a precarious position that choked all forms of reason.

Worse, he could see that the others, his mother and uncle included, were looking at him with expectations to make the right choice, even though the choice wasn't right by all means in the face of logic.

Issei then regarded Irina's expression again, trying to find something that he could exploit in order to convince her to stay behind.

He looked at Xenovia, asking her with his eyes to help convince her friend to stay.

"...What will it take to convince you to take Irina along?" Xenovia asked.

You're supposed to be on my side - Issei scrunched his features at Xenovia's betrayal.

He looked at everyone else. They were eyeing him expectantly. Issei flashed a look at his mother, his last hope… and she was giving him the eyes.

"Damn it, seriously?! You're doing this to me!?" Issei slammed his face onto the table, earning smiles from everyone, even Irina

"...Fine. If you're going to be like this, I'll let you come. On one condition." Issei looked up at his childhood friend. "You're gonna have to prove it to me you have what it takes."

Have a happy holiday! ^_^

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