The crescent moon hung low in the sky, casting faint silver light through the broken windows of the abandoned warehouse. Hiro moved through the practiced motions of Shizukesa no Mai, the Dance of Silence, his feet barely making a sound on the concrete floor. After weeks of practice, he was beginning to grasp the essence of the technique—not just physical stealth, but a state of mind where one became imperceptible, like a shadow within darkness.
He paused mid-step, every muscle in his body suddenly tense. Something had changed in the air. A presence—powerful and unmistakably inhuman.
"We have company," Orochi whispered in his mind. "And not the pathetic stray from before. This one is... significant."
Hiro's hand moved to the Shadow Wolf at his side. "Where?"
"Behind you. On the rafters. He's been watching for some time."
Without showing any sign that he'd detected the intruder, Hiro continued his practice, subtly positioning himself for a better angle. Then, in one fluid motion that embodied the essence of Ikkitōsen, he drew the Shadow Wolf and pivoted, the blade flashing toward the darkened ceiling.
"You can come down now," he called, his voice echoing in the empty space. "Unless you prefer that I come up there."
A low chuckle responded from the shadows above. "Impressive reflexes. Most humans wouldn't have detected me at all."
A figure dropped from the rafters, landing with impossible lightness on the concrete floor. Tall and athletic, with silver-white hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow in the dim light. He wore a dark jacket over casual clothes, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. Despite his relaxed posture, power radiated from him in palpable waves.
"Vali Lucifer," the stranger introduced himself with a slight smirk. "Though I suspect you already knew that."
Hiro maintained his stance, the Shadow Wolf held steady between them. "Should I?"
"Perhaps not by name. But you've been watching Kuoh Academy closely these past months. You must have seen me during the incident with Kokabiel."
Hiro's eyes narrowed. Yes, he had observed from a distance as the crisis had unfolded, had seen this silver-haired youth arrive to collect the fallen Cadre. But he had kept his distance, focusing on his own training, his own goals.
"What do you want?" Hiro asked bluntly, not lowering his sword.
Vali's smirk widened slightly. "Direct. I can appreciate that." He took a step forward, seemingly unconcerned by the blade pointed at him. "I'm curious about you. A human with exceptional skill is rare enough, but a human harboring the power of a dragon..." His eyes flicked to Hiro's bare arms, where the edges of the tattoo were visible beneath his short sleeves. "Not just any dragon, either."
"He knows," Orochi hissed. "He can sense me just as I can sense what he carries."
"You carry Albion," Hiro stated, the knowledge coming from Orochi. "The White Dragon Emperor."
Vali's expression shifted to one of genuine interest. "So your dragon knows of Albion. Interesting. What else does he tell you about me?"
"That you're dangerous. That I should kill you now if I can."
A laugh burst from Vali, sharp and genuinely amused. "He's not wrong, though I doubt you could manage it." His expression turned serious. "But I'm not here to fight. I'm here to make you an offer."
Hiro didn't move. "I'm not interested."
"You haven't heard it yet."
"I work alone."
Vali moved to the side, beginning a slow circle around Hiro, who pivoted to keep him in view. "Yes, I've noticed. Very dedicated. Very... isolated." He stopped by one of the training dummies, examining the countless cuts that marked its surface. "Six months of constant training. Impressive discipline for a human. But where has it gotten you? Are you any closer to finding the Fallen Angels who killed your family?"
A cold chill ran through Hiro's body. "How do you know about that?"
"I make it my business to know things." Vali's voice was casual, as if discussing the weather. "Especially about powerful Sacred Gear users who might be... compatible with my interests."
"I have no interest in your schemes or battles."
"Don't you?" Vali raised an eyebrow. "You've been training for revenge, haven't you? Against the Fallen Angels who slaughtered your family and burned your home. That requires resources. Information. Access. Things you don't have."
Hiro's grip tightened on the Shadow Wolf. "What are you offering?"
"Join my team. We're part of an organization called the Khaos Brigade. We have operatives throughout the supernatural world, access to information networks that span across factions. We can help you find the ones responsible."
"And in return?"
"Your assistance when needed. Your power at our disposal when called upon."
Hiro shook his head. "I don't trust you. And I don't work for anyone."
"With," Vali corrected. "Not for. My team operates differently than the rest of the Khaos Brigade. We each have our own goals, our own motivations. We collaborate when it serves us."
"He's telling a partial truth," Orochi observed. "The White Dragon has always been unpredictable, aligned with his own interests above all. But make no mistake—he will use you if he can."
"Why me?" Hiro asked. "There must be dozens of Sacred Gear users more powerful than I am."
"But few with your... unique situation. A human with a dragon that even Albion finds intriguing." Vali tilted his head slightly. "You've been training to master both human techniques and dragon power. Most Sacred Gear users rely entirely on their gifts, neglecting their own development. Your approach is... refreshing."
Hiro finally lowered the Shadow Wolf, though he remained ready. "Even if I were interested, I have no reason to trust you or your organization."
"Fair enough." Vali reached into his jacket and withdrew a small envelope. "Perhaps this will help."
He tossed it toward Hiro, who caught it one-handed. The envelope was sealed, unmarked.
"What is this?"
"Information. About one of the Fallen Angels involved in the attack on your family. A starting point."
Hiro stared at the envelope, temptation warring with suspicion. It could be a trap, a lie, a manipulation. Or it could be the first real lead he'd had in ten years.
"Open it," Vali encouraged. "If you find it valuable, we can continue our discussion."
After a moment's hesitation, Hiro carefully opened the envelope, keeping one eye on Vali. Inside was a single photograph and a sheet of paper with a name, location, and brief description. The photograph showed a man with sharp features and cold eyes, dressed in an expensive suit. Nothing about him screamed "supernatural," but Hiro felt a chill of recognition.
"This is..."
"Malthus. A mid-level Fallen Angel who specializes in covert operations and cleanups. He was spotted near your family's temple the night of the fire."
Hiro stared at the photograph, memories of flames and screams flooding back. Was this one of them? One of the shadows with black wings who had watched as his family burned?
"Why would you give me this?" Hiro asked, his voice tight.
"Consider it a gesture of good faith." Vali watched him with those intense blue eyes. "And a demonstration of what we can offer."
"Be wary," Orochi cautioned. "This could be fabricated. A lure to hook you."
"What if this is false?" Hiro voiced Orochi's concern.
"Verify it yourself," Vali replied with a shrug. "But I assure you, it's accurate. Malthus is currently stationed in northern Japan, acting as a liaison between certain Fallen Angel factions and human criminal organizations. The details are all there."
Hiro carefully folded the paper and tucked it away. "Even if this is genuine, it doesn't mean I'll join you."
"Of course not. Take your time. Consider your options." Vali turned as if to leave, then paused. "Oh, and one more thing. In two weeks, there's going to be a summit meeting between representatives of the three major factions—Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels. A peace conference, if you can believe it."
Hiro's eyes narrowed. "Why should I care about their politics?"
"Because," Vali said with a slight smile, "I'm supposed to accompany Azazel, the leader of the Grigori—the Fallen Angels' organization—as his bodyguard. But I'm thinking of sending a replacement."
"You can't be serious."
"Completely serious. Think about it—direct access to the highest levels of all three factions, including the very organization responsible for your family's death."
Hiro shook his head in disbelief. "Even if I wanted to, they'd never accept a random human as security for their leader."
"They would if that human was vouched for by me, and if that human possessed a dragon-type Sacred Gear." Vali's smile widened. "Azazel has a particular fascination with Sacred Gears. He'd be intrigued enough to accept the substitution, especially if I tell him I need to handle another matter."
"You want me to guard the leader of the faction I despise most?" Hiro couldn't keep the incredulity from his voice.
"I want you to position yourself at the center of supernatural politics. To establish yourself as a player in this world, not just a spectator training in an abandoned warehouse." Vali's expression turned serious. "The conference will be held at Kuoh Academy. All the major players will be there. Information you couldn't access in years of searching will be within your reach."
Hiro fell silent, considering the implications. It was madness. Suicidal, possibly. And yet...
"The White Dragon is manipulating you," Orochi warned. "But his offer has merit. Such an opportunity may not come again."
"I'll think about it," Hiro finally said. "Both joining your team and this... replacement idea."
"Excellent." Vali moved toward the exit. "I'll return in three days for your answer about joining us. As for the conference, you have a week to decide. After that, arrangements would need to be made."
He paused at the door, looking back over his shoulder. "Oh, and Hiro? Verify that information I gave you. It helps to have trust in partnerships, however temporary they might be."
With that, he was gone, leaving Hiro alone with the photograph, the information, and a decision that could change everything.
For three days, Hiro barely slept. He spent hours poring over the information Vali had provided, cross-referencing it with whatever public records he could access, searching for any confirmation or contradiction. He even skipped his training routine, something he hadn't done since discovering the Shadow Wolf six months ago.
The information appeared legitimate. Malthus was real, his movements tracked through various newspaper reports of business dealings and charity functions—a perfect cover for supernatural operations.
"What will you do?" Orochi asked on the evening of the third day, as Hiro sat cross-legged on his apartment floor, the Shadow Wolf balanced across his knees, the photograph of Malthus pinned to the wall before him.
"I don't know," Hiro admitted. "Joining Vali's team goes against everything I've planned. Working alone means no compromises, no divided loyalties. But..."
"But you've reached the limits of what you can accomplish alone," Orochi finished for him. "At least for now."
Hiro nodded slowly. Six months of relentless training had strengthened him beyond what most humans could achieve. He had mastered Ikkitōsen, made significant progress with Kiba no Shippū, and begun to grasp Shizukesa no Mai. His control over Raijin had improved dramatically. But he was still no closer to finding the Fallen Angels responsible for his family's death.
Until now.
A soft knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts. Hiro tensed, reaching for the Shadow Wolf. No one ever visited him. He moved silently to the door, looking through the peephole.
Vali stood in the hallway, alone, his hands once again tucked casually in his pockets.
Hiro opened the door but blocked the entrance with his body. "You're early."
"I got bored," Vali replied with a shrug. "Have you made your decision?"
Hiro studied him for a moment before stepping aside. "Come in."
Vali entered, glancing around the spartan apartment with mild interest. His gaze settled on the photograph pinned to the wall and the papers spread beneath it. "Been doing your homework, I see."
"The information checks out, as far as I can tell."
"Of course it does. I told you it was genuine."
Hiro leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "I have conditions."
Vali raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing at his lips. "Do you, now? This should be interesting."
"First, I maintain my independence. I'll help with your operations when needed, but my primary goal remains finding and eliminating the Fallen Angels who killed my family."
"Understood. We all have our own agendas."
"Second, I want regular information updates. If your organization learns anything about the temple fire or those involved, I want to know immediately."
"Reasonable."
"Third, I won't harm humans unless absolutely necessary for self-defense."
At this, Vali actually laughed. "A moral clause? How quaint. But fine, unnecessary human casualties are inefficient anyway."
"And finally," Hiro continued, his expression hardening, "I want to meet the rest of your team before I make a final decision. I need to know who I'd be working with."
Vali considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Fair enough. They're currently stationed not far from here. We can go now, if you're ready."
Hiro glanced at the Shadow Wolf leaning against the wall. "Let me get my sword."
"You won't need it," Vali said, then smiled at Hiro's skeptical expression. "But bring it if it makes you feel better."
Twenty minutes later, they stood before an upscale high-rise apartment building in downtown Kuoh. Vali led him to a private elevator that required a key card, taking them directly to the top floor.
"A penthouse?" Hiro asked with mild surprise.
"We appreciate comfort," Vali replied as the elevator doors opened directly into a spacious, luxuriously furnished apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city.
Three individuals occupied the space, each engaged in different activities. A young man with short black hair and a mischievous expression was sprawled across a couch, tossing and catching an apple with casual precision. A handsome blond man in formal attire sat at a desk, reading what appeared to be an ancient tome. And a petite blonde girl in an elaborate gothic dress was arranging what looked suspiciously like magical components on a coffee table.
All three looked up as Vali and Hiro entered.
"Everyone," Vali announced, "this is Hiro, the potential recruit I mentioned. Hiro, meet Bikou, Arthur Pendragon, and Le Fay Pendragon."
The man on the couch—Bikou—sat up with sudden interest. "So this is the dragon guy? Doesn't look like much."
Arthur closed his book and stood, offering a formal bow. "A pleasure to meet you. Please excuse Bikou's manners, or rather, his lack thereof."
Le Fay gave a small curtsy. "Hello! It's nice to meet another Sacred Gear user!"
Hiro inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment but remained guarded. "I'm still considering Vali's offer."
"Smart kid," Bikou commented, biting into his apple. "Always negotiate before signing up for potential world-ending chaos."
"Ignore him," Arthur advised. "Bikou enjoys exaggerating for effect."
Vali moved further into the room. "Hiro possesses a dragon-type Sacred Gear. A powerful one."
"Ooh, another dragon," Le Fay said with enthusiasm. "Just like you and Issei Hyoudou!"
"Not exactly," Vali corrected. "His is... different. Possibly older."
Bikou whistled. "Older than Divine Dividing and Boosted Gear? That's a rare find."
Hiro remained silent, observing the dynamics between the team members. They were clearly comfortable with each other, despite their diverse personalities. There was a casual confidence about them that spoke of significant power and experience.
"The monkey king. The descendant of King Arthur. A witch from the Pendragon family. And the host of the White Dragon Emperor," Orochi noted. "A formidable group indeed."
"So what's your story?" Bikou asked, tossing his apple core aside and leaning forward. "Vali said something about revenge against Fallen Angels?"
"My family was killed by them," Hiro replied tersely. "I intend to find those responsible."
"Ah, a classic revenge quest." Bikou nodded appreciatively. "Always a solid motivation."
Arthur shot him a disapproving look before addressing Hiro. "Family vengeance is indeed a worthy cause. The Pendragon line has its own history of such matters."
"Vali mentioned you might join us for the Three Factions meeting," Le Fay said, looking up from her magical components. "That would be so exciting! I've been wanting to study the magical protections they'll be using."
Hiro glanced at Vali. "I haven't agreed to that yet."
"But you're considering it," Vali said confidently.
"It sounds insane," Bikou chimed in. "Sending a guy with a grudge against Fallen Angels to guard their leader? I like it!"
"It's not without risk," Arthur acknowledged. "But potentially valuable for all parties involved."
Hiro took in their responses, their casual acceptance of such an audacious plan. These were people who operated outside normal boundaries, who saw the supernatural world as their playground.
"What do you think?" Orochi asked silently.
"They're powerful. Dangerous. But potentially useful," Hiro responded mentally.
"And Vali?"
"He has his own agenda. But for now, our interests align."
Hiro took a breath, his decision crystallizing. "I accept your offer to join the team," he said aloud to Vali. "Under the conditions we discussed."
Vali nodded, satisfaction evident in his expression. "Welcome aboard. And the summit meeting?"
Hiro hesitated, then committed. "I'll do that too. But I'll need details, preparations."
"Of course," Vali agreed. "We'll arrange a meeting with Azazel tomorrow. He'll want to assess you himself before accepting the substitution."
A chill ran through Hiro at the thought of meeting the leader of the Fallen Angels. The leader of those who had murdered his family. Could he maintain his composure? Could he play this role?
"You can," Orochi assured him. "And you must, if you wish to advance your goals."
"Fine," Hiro said. "Tomorrow then."
Bikou clapped his hands once. "This is getting interesting! A new teammate and a spy mission all in one day."
"Not a spy mission," Arthur corrected. "A strategic positioning."
Le Fay smiled brightly. "I can help you prepare some defensive magic, if you'd like. Just in case!"
As the others began discussing logistics, Hiro stood slightly apart, watching them. He had trained for months in isolation, focused solely on developing his own strength. Now he had allied himself with powerful beings from the supernatural world, committed to a dangerous charade that would place him at the center of faction politics.
Everything was changing. And as Vali caught his eye from across the room, offering a knowing smile, Hiro wondered if he had just made the best decision of his life—or the worst.
The following day found Hiro standing in an upscale hotel suite, facing the being he had sworn to destroy. Azazel, Governor General of the Fallen Angels, was not what Hiro had expected. Dressed in a casual yukata, with golden-banged dark hair and a goatee, he looked more like a laid-back businessman than the leader of a supernatural faction.
"So you're Vali's substitute," Azazel said, studying Hiro with sharp, intelligent eyes. "He tells me you possess a dragon-type Sacred Gear. Mind if I take a look?"
Hiro glanced at Vali, who gave a slight nod. Cautiously, Hiro removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, revealing the intricate tattoo that covered his arms—part of the larger design that spread across his back and chest.
Azazel's eyes widened with genuine interest. "Fascinating. I've never seen a Sacred Gear manifest quite like this." He approached, examining the pattern without touching. "And you can materialize a weapon from this?"
"Yes," Hiro confirmed, keeping his voice neutral despite the rage simmering beneath the surface. This man represented everything he hated, yet here he was, playing along with Vali's scheme.
"Show me," Azazel requested, stepping back to give Hiro space.
Hiro concentrated on Raijin, channeling energy into his right arm. With a flash of blue light and a crackling of electricity, the katana materialized in his hand, its electric blue blade humming with power.
"Remarkable," Azazel breathed, his face alight with scholarly enthusiasm. "A lightning-attribute dragon weapon. The materialization is clean, stable. You've clearly been training with it."
"He has," Vali confirmed. "Hiro is quite dedicated to mastering his abilities."
Azazel circled Hiro, observing Raijin from different angles. "What's the dragon's name?"
Hiro hesitated, looking to Vali again.
"That's part of why I thought you'd find him interesting," Vali interjected smoothly. "He's still discovering the nature of his Sacred Gear. I thought you might enjoy helping him understand it better."
A gleam appeared in Azazel's eyes—the look of a researcher presented with a fascinating new specimen. "Indeed I would. Sacred Gears are my specialty, after all." He addressed Hiro directly. "How long can you maintain the manifestation?"
"About twenty minutes at full power," Hiro answered truthfully. "Longer if I conserve energy."
"Impressive for a self-taught user." Azazel nodded approvingly. "Very well, I accept the substitution. You'll accompany me to the summit meeting next week." He glanced at Vali. "Though I'm still curious about what urgent business requires your attention, Vali."
"Nothing that need concern you," Vali replied with his usual cryptic smile. "Just some personal matters to attend to."
Azazel looked as if he might press the issue, then shrugged. "Your secrets are your own, as always. Just make sure they don't interfere with our larger goals."
"Of course not," Vali assured him.
Azazel turned back to Hiro. "The summit will be held at Kuoh Academy. You'll need to familiarize yourself with the security protocols and the layout. I'll have the details sent to you."
Hiro allowed Raijin to dissipate, the blue blade dissolving into particles of light. "I understand."
"Good." Azazel moved to a nearby table where a bottle of sake and several cups were arranged. "Now, shall we drink to our new arrangement?"
"I don't drink," Hiro declined politely.
Azazel raised an eyebrow, then laughed. "Disciplined in all things, I see. I like that." He poured himself a cup. "To new alliances, then."
As Azazel drank, Hiro caught Vali watching him with an amused expression. They both knew this "alliance" was a facade, a means to an end. Hiro was infiltrating the heart of supernatural politics, positioning himself to gather information that would lead him to his true targets.
And as he stood in that hotel suite, face to face with the leader of the Fallen Angels, Hiro felt a shift within himself. The path of isolation had served its purpose, building his strength and focus. But now a new phase had begun—one that would require different skills, different strategies.
The hunt was evolving. And so was he.
"Remember why you're doing this," Orochi cautioned in his mind. "Don't lose yourself in their games."
"I won't," Hiro silently replied. "Everything I do, every move I make, has one purpose. Vengeance."
As Azazel and Vali discussed the details of the upcoming summit, Hiro maintained his composed facade. But behind his calm expression, his mind was already planning, calculating, preparing.
The Three Factions summit would bring together Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels in an unprecedented peace conference. And Hiro—the vessel of Yamata no Orochi, the inheritor of the Kuro Okami-Ryū, and now the newest member of Vali's team—would be at the center of it all.