High School DxD Chapter 200: Life.5 Go, the Sekiryuutei Team!-1

All of the members of the [Sekiryuutei of the Blazing Truth] team were gathered in the Hyoudou household — in the room that belonged to me, Hyoudou Issei. Everyone showed a bitter expression. All of us were watching the news program displayed on the television screen which was being broadcast from the Underworld. —The news program was introducing us. This section was introducing the events of the World Tournament which had just started not long ago, which is why there was also some commentary on us.

"The highly anticipated hope of the Underworld, the [Sekiryuutei of the Blazing Truth] team has a proud record of three straight wins since the beginning of the qualifying round, but they always seem to have their flaws and loopholes exposed by others during the competition, and this surprising outcome has led to the emergence of disappointed opinions. Regardless of whether this is from the general public or critics, they have been on the receiving end of some harsh judgement—"

The video that was played back was of our situation during the matches. We had won three straight times to date, but…. In the recording of me that was shown, the opposing team had just revealed one of our flaws, causing us to receive an unexpected counterattack, so to be precise, we did not achieve total victories. For now, we have won matches against teams of Devils, human special ability users, and Orcs. The television program was playing back one of the areas where we did not perform well, and it was actually quite ridiculous. Playback of scenes where my attack missed, Xenovia was attacked from her blind spot, Irina was penalised for violating special rules, and so on were shown one by one. The cameras turned towards the general public who were in the audience. They also seemed to show complicated expressions on their faces.

"Since he's had a very early promotion to become a High-class Devil, we've all been looking forward to a lot. After all, the [King] Princess Rias who allowed him to grow and develop truly is incredible."

…Other teams had also been penalised for breaking the rules, and also appeared to have losses in a few aspects. My team was the only one to be presented in such a manner. The next section was an interview of a mother and her child. The child was holding a figurine of the 'Oppai Dragon' in its hands.

"My child is a fan of the 'Oppai Dragon', so we came together to cheer him on, but it feels as though every match is rather disorganised…. Watching the matches of the other young Devils is actually somewhat more comfortable."

This time it was time for the child who was a fan of mine to speak—

"I want to say that the matches of the 'Oppai Dragon' don't feel very interesting. That's because if they're not running all over the place, then they're releasing super gigantic light beams. Also, the Oppai Dragon doesn't even say oppai oppai."

That really is some merciless criticism. …They specifically chose people who cared about us, and then criticised us to such an extent. I really hate these media reporters. They even went as far as to show the criticism from the child…. The stream then returned back to the news room. The host was listening to the critics' opinions.

"Under ordinary rules, Hyoudou Issei-shi[1] relies on sheer power to supress his opponents with light blasts, but under the special rules, his actions are actually unfavourable. It is evident that Hyoudou Issei-shi, who has attained various honours in actual combat does not actually have a very good understanding of the Rating Game as it is an entirely different thing."

The critic sighed, and then continued onwards.

"After all, he was formerly a player who was a symbol of strength for the Rias Gremory team that tends to rely on power to win. When put in the position of commander like this, it's no wonder that he is unfamiliar with the rules and is unable to adapt. Not to mention that the same power-type contestant Xenovia—"

Ravel simply switched the television off, without any intention of listening to the rest of the critic's opinion.

"Even if the situation is evident, it can't really be helped."

Xenovia said bitterly.

"…Are they planning to talk about my situation next?"

"Yes, it certainly is a very ruthless critique of us one after the other."

Irina also nodded silently. Ravel summarised what had just been stated on the television program.

"What they've said is the truth. But it won't help even if we concern ourselves with the public's evaluation of us. We need to cheer up. I believe I said this before the start of the qualifying round, in order to progress into the final group, the number of wins is not an absolute condition."

"The important thing is the number of points, right?"

Ravel nodded.

"In order to enter the finals of the tournament, we must be one of the top sixteen teams by the end of the qualifiers. Points are ordered from highest to lowest, we gain points by winning, and we lose points by losing. In other words, a high score is not equivalent to the number of matches. If we were to have losses and wins continuously, then we won't be able to obtain a high score."

Regardless of wins and losses, all that was needed was a high score at the end in order to enter the final sixteen. Before the tournament started, I spoke with Kiba and the others about this while we were simply chatting. Ravel continued

"Everyone is somewhat jumbled together at the beginning of the qualifiers. Scores are generally the same, so for the time being, there are a lot of people who are simply observing. The real difference should appear during the middle period. From then on, the higher-ranked teams will have a clear goal, and that's when the race begins."

Also, no matter if they win or lose, the number of wins of a powerful team will definitely continue to increase, and there will inevitably be a gap between them and the weaker teams. And the time when this becomes the most evident is at the halfway mark. Rossweisse-san took over as she continued

"Towards the latter half, there may be powerful teams that deliberately abstain from participating in matches."

Ravel nodded in agreement.

"Because there are so many participating teams, it's not easy to predict which team we may go up against. If we run into a difficult team and lose, then the points that we'd have accumulated up until then will fall. That's why the score at that time will become the highest score of the team, and then all that's left will be to sit and wait for the qualifiers to end. In the latter half, trying to squeeze into the final group from a low position will probably be very difficult."

In other words, avoiding matches is also a strategy. Also, as long as we make it into the top sixteen, all we have to do is avoid any actions that will lower our points, moreover, our stamina isn't limitless either. Ravel raised her index finger.

"The most important thing in this tournament is the time when our team should participate. It is impossible to keep our physical condition and momentum in the best possible condition throughout the entire competition period. So we need to look out for opportunities to break through during the qualifiers, and then build up all our points at once. Of course, if there are matches that we can avoid, then we should do so."

We should avoid competing against the God-class beings who occupy the upper ranks. However, according to the rules of this tournament, if we run into them and have no other choice, then it'll be important to take good care of the team's overall state during that time. Ravel then turned the conversation towards me

"—Ise-sama, the idea of wanting to defeat everyone is impossible. From a social perspective, you should accept challenges from others, but your team has a limit, and if you accept every challenge, then the team will fall apart because it cannot cope. Remember that you shouldn't allow your score to decline unnecessarily. The lives of the entire team have been entrusted to you as the [King], and deciding which is a suitable match is also the responsibility of the [King]. If the occasion arises where you must decline, please be determined to do so. The primary goal here is to enter the finals."

My strategic advisor-sama truly has a perfect grasp of my psyche. I shrugged.

"Alright, I understand. Since everyone has entrusted their lives to me, I won't do anything reckless. If I think that what lies ahead is not good, I also have the tolerance to step down and retreat. But — knowing that it is a match that we must face, running away and not facing it head on is not like me…and it's not like us either, right?"

I asked my members. Xenovia folded her arms as she nodded firmly.

"As expected of Ise. That's right, when we're going to go, we should charge to the end all at once."

My [Pawn] who had been shrunk to a miniature size — Bova, seemed to have become so emotional that he shed tears.

"That's right, my lord! Ooh, this is the very reason why I became a subordinate of the Sekiryuutei!"

This dragon always has a grateful look whenever I say anything or do anything, and acts like this as well…. When I was looking for members after I had just become a high-class Devil, he appeared before me. He lowered his head and begged me several times, simply because he wanted to fight with me. He didn't ask to become one of my servants, he simply wished to become my subordinate. Since he had already said so much, it wouldn't do any good to ignore him. Moreover, he's also my great benefactor Tannin-ossan's son, so it would also be rude of me to refuse. So he was not one of my servants, but simply a subordinate. —At that time, Irina raised a question.

"Speaking of which, our [Queen]…Binsan doesn't seem to have come, could it be that she is dealing with her usual work? If I remember correctly, she is a Devil?"

Xenovia then said

"Although I only know her through Ise's introduction, she really is a figure surrounded by mystery. But she is certainly very strong."

Indeed, our [Queen]…a Devil named Bina Lessthan is a masked woman. For some reason, she appeared before me, and also for various other reasons, she eventually became our [Queen]. Of course, she isn't one of my servants, at most she would be one of my team members for this tournament. Rossweisse-san said with a bit of unease

"…I've only met her a few times, and I've also spoken with her a few times, but since I'm not clear on her true identity, I've been a bit uneasy…but she really does have experience with the Rating Games."

Uh-huh. We met in late March — during that time, I was busy looking for team members. And it was early April when my peerage and team first met her. There is a secret underneath her mask. At present, the only person aside from me who knows her true identity — is Ravel.

"Her strength is real. After all, the three matches so far have been good proof of that."

Just as Ravel said, Binshi's ability among the members of my team was second to none. So far in the tournament, she's been able to defeat her opponents, and unlike us, she hasn't displayed any flaws as of yet. She defeats her opponents with minimal movements, and has not received any damage so far. Even on television—

"Regarding the Sekiryuutei team's [Queen], that is, the masked player; her splendid battles are always quite stunning."

Thus, she received a favourable and positive evaluation. Nonetheless, Binshi seems to be committed to being one of our team members until the end, so the final decision was always up to the team — or perhaps subject to my own judgement. In April, I spoke with Ravel and Binshi about a variety of things. In the end, she basically left everything that was related to the competition to us. …After all, it seems like Binshi wants to see my qualities as a [King]…. As the meeting progressed, we also discussed other teams. Vali, Sairaorg-san, Sonsenpai, Dulio, Cao Cao, Ikuse-san and the others had all progressed smoothly and successfully. Seekvairsan had encountered a God-class being as soon as she entered, and despite fighting until the end, she was still defeated. All that can be said is that she was unlucky, but this was all part of the format of this tournament. The God-class beings had basically won all of their matches, but there were still teams which had yet to participate. One of those was the Heavenly Emperor's team. Was this just for observation, or was it for….

The display finally showed Rias' team. Rias had also obtained several straight wins. Compared to us, she had won much more gracefully, and had also received a highly positive evaluation. Coupled with Rias' natural popularity, the media was presenting her in a favourable manner. Ravel said

"She really is impeccable. During this time, Rias-sama has continued to obtain victories, and has been steadily building up her score."

—At this point, the video stream cut over to show Valerie, who was treating an injured Koneko-chan in the midst of a game. A Holy Grail appeared, and liquid from within it was poured onto Koneko-chan's injury. After a brief moment, the wound had healed.

"…So Valerie is a healer huh."

Ravel nodded in response to the thoughts that I had spoken aloud.

"It looks like that's another way of using the [Sephiroth Grail][2]. Its characteristics can be changed and it can also be used without affecting the user."

…Simply by producing a cup, its adjustment ability made it possible to produce a liquid that was capable of restoring team members. In this tournament, unlike its predecessor, the Rating Games, the restoration item 'Phoenix Tears' are not provided. After all, as a result of Qlippoth's influence and the destruction caused by Trihexa, 'Phoenix Tears' had been distributed everywhere, thus it was not a situation in which more could be provided. They had been replaced with recovery points throughout the tournament venues, and one's injuries could be treated by going there. Irina said

"Unlike Asia, Valerie-san does not seem to have a high rate of recovery…but I believe she has a few other tricks up her sleeve."

Well, I also agreed with that. This was an ability that was originally related to life itself. Although its ability to heal other people was similar to Asia's, that was not its actual power—. Perhaps there was also something they were hiding from us? Oh— oh—, on the other hand, Gasper's Balor had easily sent a bulky opponent flying. It seems as though that guy has succeeded the role of the power representative since I left them.

"Speaking of which, this person in Master Rias' match is rather concerning."

Xenovia was focusing on a particular person in the Rias Team. —Indeed, after Xenovia seemed troubled for a moment, she eventually added 'Master' before Rias' name. The person whom Xenovia was referring to was the new female swordsman who was a [Knight]. She had black and white streaked hair, and she was also dressed in the same battle suit that Xenovia and Irina wore as Church warriors. Asia said

"It's Rias-oneesama's swordsman…san huh. She's the one who has replaced Xenovia as the team's—"

"—Lint Selzan. Moreover, she does not appear to be a member of Rias-san's peerage."

Irina also looked at her thoughtfully. Speaking of which, her name is Selzan. Her face is actually quite similar to the face of that annoying guy in my memories. However, she doesn't make any vulgar facial expressions like that guy did. It seems like she just resembles Freed a lot! Her combat style also involves wielding a gun and a sword. She wielded a sword imbued with the power of light, and also used a gun as she ran about during the match. Xenovia quietly murmured

"So she's only a combatant for this tournament huh…Selzan. She and Freed should be related in some way."

Irina nodded.

"When looking at her, she really is like…. Based on this footage of the match, she doesn't seem to be as crazy as he was…. Xenovia, have you heard of her name during the time when you were still with the Church?"

In response to Irina's question, Xenovia shook her head.

"No, including Freed, I hadn't heard of them even once while I was still a Church warrior. …Could she possibly be from a secret division that has concealed her identity?"

"…Well, if I was to go to Heaven, I would probably be able to find some clues."

Irina seemed to be just as worried as Xenovia was. After all, she seemed to be from one of the warrior training facilities, she wore the same type of battle suit, and her surname was also Selzan. It was only natural to feel concerned about her. I also couldn't help feeling troubled by it. Even when I asked Rias, she replied to me with something along the lines of

"Ufufu, I won't tell you about Lint. This is a team secret, so it would be bad if I let it slip out, you know?"

However, since even Rias was giggling when she replied to me like that, it was an indication that she wasn't a particularly bad person…. Xenovia noticed something on the screen, and then pointed towards something on the television.

"Among other things, the sword of flames that this person is wielding…is purple."

Irina also murmured

"Flames of purple…purple flames…is that how it can be considered?"

Ravel seemed to have done some prior research on it, and she gave us the report to read.

"The Vatican headquarters and the Grigori; these two factions have jointly handed her over to Rias-sama. …That is to say, it's exactly the same as what you guys have guessed. That Longinus has selected its master, and it has now been transferred."

This was the girl that the Vatican and the Grigori had both entrusted Rias with. Not only was she related to Freed, she also possessed — a sword of purple flames that originated from the Longinus [Incinerate Anthem][3].

"The deeper we go, the harder it is to believe her existence. Just who is this girl…"

Xenovia placed her hand against her chin and squinted her eyes as she spoke. Rossweisse-san then said

"Regardless of what her identity is, Rias-san's team…could be described to already have the power of three Longinuses. If you leave aside the God-class beings, then she should be one of the leading teams in this tournament."

Three Longinuses—. Even though Gasper's Sacred Gear is treated as a special case, it has also been recognised as being in the same class as a Longinus.

"I heard that there is also another member present…but they haven't participated in any matches yet."

I said. According to her registration, Rias' team also has a new member as a [Pawn]. And as Rias' original [Pawn], I was rather worried about this. Ravel then said

"All we know at the moment is the name that was used during the registration process. …[Mr. Black]-san. I believe that is most likely a pseudonym. Because of the rules of this tournament, a [Pawn] with eight pieces on its own is a major threat. I wonder if it's someone that rivals a God-class being's power, or is perhaps even a god themselves…"

—They had a value of eight pieces in this tournament. Even if they were limited by the value of the [Pawn] piece, having eight pieces meant that they were incredibly strong, right…? Has Rias dragged in even the power of a god into her team? This was truly remarkable. Irina also said

"A god in Rias-san's team…. Rias-san is also the core of [DxD]. If she extended an invitation, I wonder if a god would accept…"

But Xenovia expressed her doubt on this.

"So this is the substitute for Ise? Ise has forced Rizevim into a corner, defeated a Heavenly Dragon-class Apophis, and fought against Trihexa's core in the Evil Dragon War. Even a god wouldn't be able to casually accept an invitation to replace Ise."

I felt honoured to receive such praise…but, was it really that hard to find a replacement for me? Would I be used for comparison? Well — hmm. Rossweisse-san also nodded in agreement with Xenovia's opinion.

"I also agree with Xenovisan. Ise-kun has now become a [King], but he is still Rias-san's [Pawn]. Even if it's only for this tournament, I find it hard to believe that there are gods who would readily accept being judged like this…. After all, the entire world will be comparing them to Ise-kun."

Unless they were up against a powerful opponent, Mr. Black would not come out to fight. Perhaps I'll just look forward to that time then. …Perhaps he's the kind that doesn't care about looking forward to things, or perhaps that guy is just ridiculously strong. At that time, the program changed scenes to show Kiba instead. Kiba relied on his prided speed and swordsmanship to instantly cut down his opponents. In the footage that was played back, there was not a single person who was able to catch up to Kiba, let alone attack him. A few days before the tournament began, Kiba said to me

"I — swear that I will remain Rias-neesan's [Knight] for my entire life. Before you, I had already been recognised as Rias-neesan's [Knight]. So, now that you have your own team…from this point onwards, you and I are rivals. Even if you and I are friends, if we happen to fight, I will not hesitate to stand before you as Rias-neesan's sword."

Before I could say anything else, my friend Kiba continued

"Ise-kun, at that time, we'll both show off our true skill! —Being able to have a serious fight with you, that is something I look forward to!"

…Kiba, if I really have to fight against you or Rias…I will definitely stand up for an honest showdown. I definitely won't lose to you guys!

"—Ise-sama, Ise-sama."

Ravel pulled me back from my reminiscence of Kiba.

"Ah, oh, what is it?"

Ravel sighed.

"Really, please focus. Ise-sama is our [King], right? Even if I can give you advice, the final decision still rests in your hands."

Hahaha, our manager-sama really is strict. She actually became even stricter after becoming one of my peerage members. But this is all for my sake, so I'm counting on you, Ravel. At that time, a knocking sound reverberated over from the door. After answering, the people who came in were — Le Fay and Kunou, as well as Lilith.

"U-Umm, has your meeting concluded yet?"

Le Fay asked us nervously. She was holding a tray in her hands, on top of which was some tea.

"Oh, it's Le Fay. I was just looking for a time to take a break. Everyone, is that alright?"

When I asked, everyone smiled as they nodded. Upon seeing this, Kunou took the red tea that was on the tray and served it to everyone.

"Please have some tea, Ise."

"Oh, thank you Kunou. But, uh Lili — no, Lith."

Whilst I wasn't paying attention, Lilith sat down on my lap again. It seems that aside from Koneko-chan, the people who compete for my lap are increasing, with Ravel and Lilith now among them as well. By the way, Lilith has now been entrusted to us. Because we previously had taken care of Ophis, it naturally became the case that the Hyoudou residence became the default place for keeping someone hidden. And precisely because of this, the Ophis (Lilith) who was being controlled by Qlippoth was proclaimed to have disappeared during the battle. But going back to the main point, like Ophis' name, Lilith's name couldn't be exposed in front of Kunou, so it was shortened to Lith. Either way, the name isn't too different.

"Cake cake."

The Lilith on my lap seemed interested in the cake on the tray, and after receiving a portion from Ravel, she began to eat it in big mouthfuls. Just like Ophis, she seemed to be a big eater. The cake that Ravel had prepared for everyone was a chocolate cake.

"I also prepared a cake for everyone, so please enjoy it."

So it was Ravel who personally baked it. While Kunou tasted the cake (the edges of her mouth were stained with chocolate), she said

"That's right, constantly talking about difficult topics will only cause your brain to slow down, so we should rest a little!"

Although she said that, it was really just to vent the fact that she was unable to play with us, which is why she found an excuse to come over to us. Hahaha, Kunou really is cute.

"Le Fay, Kunou, have you gotten used to school life?"

I asked the two of them.

"Of course! I immediately made friends! I didn't think the people here were so easy to converse with."

Indeed, Kunou didn't come to the Occult Research Club after school sometimes, so she was probably playing with her friends at those times. That was good, it was good to hear that she was able to make friends. Le Fay said with a calm expression

"For me, high school life is a new starting point, and although there are a lot of areas that I'm unfamiliar with…it's all very fresh to me, so I'm enjoying it."

I then asked about the Vali team's situation.

"How about the Vali team?"

"After the new team members, the current Sha Wujing-san and the current Zhu Bajie-san joined our team, we immediately headed into a match, so it was a bit overwhelming."

Indeed, the new members of the Vali team were the current 'Sha Wujing' and the current 'Zhu Bajie'. I had also only just heard about it this Winter, and had also met the two of them. The first-generation old man Sun Wukong said that he wanted to train the two of them for the sake of inheriting the positions of 'Sha Wujing' and 'Zhu Bajie'; thus he entrusted them to Vali. They were supposedly reserve members…but it looks like they've become part of the official team for the tournament. A contemporary Journey to the West combination had been formed within Vali's team, and it would really be worth watching if they went up against the first-generation's team. I then asked Kunou.

"It seems that there are also Youkai participating in the game?"

"Uh-huh. From each of the leaders, three teams have been elected to participate in the tournament. Kyoto also has three teams. The team to which the strongest member in each area belongs is said to be strong enough to act as the leader's representative. Ise and you guys, if you encounter them, you definitely can't be careless, okay?"

Kunou said that whilst eating, but at that time, the door was opened once again.

"I, appear."

The one who had arrived was Ophis. But, she wasn't in her adult form, rather, it was the girl version of Ophis. Upon seeing that someone had arrived, Kunou also welcomed them.

"Oh, Phis-dono! Have you returned from the shrine on the rooftop[4]?"

"Sunbathing, done."

Oh, from time to time, Ophis goes to the miniature shrine that was built specifically for her on the rooftop. She really likes sunbathing up there. Everyone here also goes there occasionally to visit, and puts some money into the donation box. This is treated as pocket money for Ophis to spend. I looked at Ophis, and muttered quietly.

"…I didn't think that it was possible to revert back to this appearance."

It was exactly as I said. In order to save me, Ophis' figure and many other factors had been restricted, but…. Irina quietly told me

(This is a specially-made change that was done so that Kunou-san isn't surprised. Also, I usually find this appearance to be more calming.)

A change huh. A body transformation into a loli. Kunou would indeed be very surprised if she saw an adult version of Ophis. We were also more accustomed to her current appearance. Seeing Ophis and Lilith stand side by side — it was really hard not to laugh. Including Kunou, this was kawaii times three!

"…Also, having Ophis and Lilith stand together like this makes it feel as though nothing is out of place."

Just while I was in the midst of talking to myself as I watched this laughable scene, a magic communications circle next to Ravel's ear was deployed.

High school DxD Volume 22 illustration 3.jpg
"Ara, it's a message from the tournament's coordinators."

Oh, it's a message from the tournament.

"—Hmm. We were so immersed in our discussion that we even forget about the pairing."

Ravel quickly took out a tablet, and then logged on to the organiser's site. What was shown there was — the date of our next scheduled match, and our opponent.

"…The opposing team for our next match has already been decided."

We were all surprised upon seeing it! Ravel said

"—The team's name is [Lightning]. An entry from the Grigori…and the [King] is Barakiel-sama.

…This was the international tournament that all kinds of people had returned to compete in…! The incident that had occurred at this very moment in time finally allowed me to grasp an understanding of it; this kind of confrontation was even more realistic than I had expected! I didn't think that I would be matched against someone we were familiar with so soon! We had encountered our first major obstacle.

Part 2[edit]
After we confirmed our opponent for the next match, we went downstairs to lighten our mood. We happened to run into a familiar person speaking with Akeno-san in the living room on the first floor. The person who had come here was a well-built man — it was Barakiel-san!

"…Ah, Barakiel-san!"

I never imagined that I would come face to face with the man himself right after reading the announcement! Barakiel-san also noticed me.

"Hyoudou Issei-kun."

Based on his tone of voice, it was evident that he knew that he would be facing us in the next match, and Akeno-san also seemed to know, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet. I steadied my breathing, and then sat down on a nearby sofa.

"Did you come to see Akeno-san?"

"Yes, there were a few things that I wanted to ask about university life. But, speaking of which—"

Barakiel-san dove straight into the main topic right after the greetings were over.

"In the next match, my opponent will be you. Let's both give it all we have. As a representative of the Grigori, I will do my best to enjoy this match."

"Yes, I feel the same, I look forward to it."

Both of us were passionate men, who also stood as the mutual leaders of our own teams, so our competitive spirit towards each other was naturally beginning to leak out. However, Akeno-san was looking at me and Barakiel-san alternately with a troubled expression.

"Ara ara, Ise-kun actually has to compete against chichi-sama…I don't know which side I should cheer for."

Barakiel-san asked his own daughter with a hint of shyness.

"…Akeno, if you could only cheer for one side…which side would you support?"

That was the facial expression of an expectant father! I couldn't help thinking of the time when Barakiel-san cried at the graduation ceremony! As a parent, he was absolutely looking forward to hearing that his own adorable daughter was going to root for him! Akeno-san! Under such circumstances, you should cheer for your otou-san! I sent this suggestion to Akeno-san in my mind! Just think, if Akeno-san chooses me, then Barakiel-san will—.

"That's right, let me think…"

After Akeno-san seemed troubled for a moment, a mischievous smile emerged on her face, and she then pressed her body towards me — she tightly embraced me.

"Of course, it's Ise-kun ♪"

"...Uhh!"

It looked like Barakiel-san had taken a serious blow to his heart right in front of me! It had already gotten to the point that his eyeballs were popping out of his eye sockets, and several blue veins also emerged on his temple! Barakiel-san had become so angry that he couldn't help trembling! His face was also unnervingly scary! With his finger pointed at me, he furiously shouted!

"Argh, you! I definitely won't lose to you in the match, you Oppai Dragooon!"

After saying that, Barakiel-san ran off in tears! …Aaaaahhh, my rapport with the opposing team's leader has just collapsed right before the match! He'll definitely come at me with 120% of his strength in the match! Upon seeing this, an impish smile appeared on Akeno-san's face.

"Ufufu, chichi-sama, you're too adorable."

Akeno-san, you're making fun of your otou-san again…. However, Akeno-san suddenly revealed a sorrowful expression.

"…But, in reality, my feelings are complicated. Regardless of whether it's Ise-kun or chichi-sama, I want you both to win. But, since you're opponents, a victor will have to be decided…. Although there is the possibility of a draw…neither Ise-kun nor chichi-sama wishes for this outcome."

"Yeah, a winner will have to be decided since we're competing against each other. A winner will need to be decided regardless of whether it's Barakiel-san's team, or Rias' team…"

I gave a serious reply to Akeno-san. Since we were contenders, even if it was Barakiel-san, and even if it was a relative of Akeno-san, we still needed to win. If this wasn't the case, I wouldn't have any reason to form my own team. —Since I've decided to fight, I will aim for victory no matter what. This was our goal! Akeno-san's face blushed slightly, and she continued to stare at me…. All of a sudden, Akeno-san said

"…Truly, I envy Rias. She has such a strong man who can say that he wants to stay together with her forever…"

Before Akeno-san could finish what she was saying, she said "It's time for me to talk to Rias, I have to go." and then exited the living room. I wonder if I should have said that to Akeno-san today. No, it isn't a question of whether I should or not, it's something that I must say. But it was somewhat disappointing that I couldn't say it now…. …Akeno-san, in fact, I always—.

Part 3[edit]
And so, it was now the day of the game. The place that we were going to was in the Underworld — the new stadium that was built in the Fallen Angels' territory for the tournament. There was already a swarm of people within.

The name of the stadium was 'Azazel Stadium', and a bronze statue of Azazel-sensei had also been erected at the entrance. And right in the centre of the stadium were — the two teams who stood within the field. The opposing team's [King] was Barakiel-san, and their [Queen] was also a Cadre of the Grigori—.

"Griiiiigoriiiiiiiiiii! Long time no see, Oppai Dragoooon—! Guhahahahaha!"

This unique manner of speech belonged to the Cadre of special effects, Armaros-san! I never imagined that this person would participate in the tournament, and as a member of Barakiel-san's team as well! Although the other members were not Cadres, they were all high-ranking Fallen Angels who had survived a countless number of fierce battles. Just like us, the [Lightning] team had not suffered any losses so far. During the period when both teams stared off at each other, the announcer and guest commentator began their explanations over the microphone.

Chapter end