The next day, after everything that had happened, Akuro was at school, ready to head home since classes had ended.
Issei approached Akuro, who was packing his things into his backpack.
**Issei**: Hey, Akuro! *He said, walking over.*
**Akuro**: Yo. *He said, finishing packing.*
**Issei**: Just so you know, today's club meeting is at my place. The president said the clubroom's being renovated.*
**Akuro**: Got it. Shall we? *He asked, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.*
**Issei**: Yeah, hold on a sec. *He said, looking around as if searching for someone.*
**Issei**: Hmm… There! *He said, spotting who he was looking for.*
**Issei**: Asia! *He called out.*
**Asia**: Is it time? *She asked, pausing her conversation with some girls.*
**Issei**: Yup.
Asia said goodbye to her friends and ran toward Akuro and Issei, backpack in hand.
**Akuro**: Asia, you coming with us?
**Asia**: Yes. Am I… intruding? *She asked, worried Akuro might not want her along.*
**Akuro**: Of course not! Let's go! *He said with a smile, starting to walk.*
**Asia**: H-Hai! (Y-Yes!) *She said, slightly blushing.*
Issei, Akuro, and Asia walked to Issei's house, having fun and chatting along the way.
**Akuro**: So, where are those four?
**Issei**: If you mean the ex-fallen angels, I think the president said Dohnaseek's in the Underworld handling some political stuff for her. If he stayed here just as a school counselor, he wouldn't do much. *He said, sharing what he knew.*
**Asia**: As for Raynare, Kalawarna, and Mittelt, she sent them to make contracts. They haven't been around for a few days. *She added.*
**Akuro**: Got it. Seems Rias isn't going easy on them. I almost feel bad. *He said with a comical sweatdrop.*
Due to Akuro's presence, some things had changed in this world. Rias didn't move into Issei's house like in the original story, possibly because she wasn't in love with him as expected. Akeno didn't need to drain Issei's power in a perverted way to restore his arm, thanks to Akuro healing it with a single thought. Rias had also shared what happened the previous day with everyone, with Akuro's permission, as he saw no issue. He was amused that she asked him first, unlike in some stories he'd read. When everyone learned he didn't have a Sacred Gear, their shocked faces were priceless, and Akuro couldn't stop laughing. He nearly died laughing when they heard how he spoke and acted toward the strongest Maou, Sirzechs. Issei was the most shocked and, without realizing it, was starting to admire Akuro more.
At Issei's house, everyone was gathered except the four ex-fallen angels, who were working on Rias's orders.
**Rias**: Let's start the meeting!
**Everyone**: Hai! (Yes!)
**Rias**: This month, we had…
**Rias**: Eleven contracts from Akeno.
**Akeno**: Yes.
**Rias**: Ten from Koneko.
**Koneko**: Yes.
**Rias**: Eight from Yuuto.
**Kiba**: Yes.
**Rias**: And three from Asia.
**Asia**: Yes.
**Kiba**: Great job, Asia!
**Akeno**: Ara, ara, my goodness! Not bad at all!
**Koneko**: Not bad for a newbie.
**Asia**: Thank you so much!
Asia was happy with the praise, but the person she most wanted approval from seemed distracted—Akuro, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *That anime ending was disappointing. I looked it up, and they changed a lot from the source material. Should I read the novel?* *He thought about the anime he watched last night.*
He quickly snapped out of it, aware of the conversation thanks to his powers letting him think about multiple things at once. Even while pondering the anime, he heard everything perfectly.
**Akuro**: Oh, you did great, Asia. *He finally praised her.*
**Asia**: Thank you… *She said, blushing slightly.*
**Akuro**: But Rias, what about Issei? *He asked, already knowing the answer.*
**Issei**: Uh…
**Rias**: Well, Issei…
**Rias**: Zero.
**Issei**: I'm so sorry. *He said, scratching his head.*
**Akuro**: Seriously, dude? You lost to Asia, who just joined, and with *zero*? *He said, looking at Issei with pity.*
**Issei**: Hey, stop looking at me like that! *He said, a dark shadow comically covering half his face.*
**Issei**: I'm doing my best, okay? *He said, comically hitting the floor with his fist.*
**Akuro**: Sure, sure. *He said, looking away with a skeptical expression.*
**Issei**: It's true! *He said, grabbing Akuro's collar and crying comically.*
**Everyone (except Issei and Akuro)**: Hahahahahaha!
They found Akuro and Issei's interaction hilarious until Issei's mom appeared with a tray of cookies.
**Issei's Mom**: Excuse me! *She said, entering with the tray.*
Akuro stopped teasing Issei and greeted her.
**Akuro**: Hello, sorry for the trouble. Let me take that. *He said, taking the tray from her.*
**Issei's Mom**: Oh, Issei, I see you have good friends, and all so handsome! *She said, referring mainly to Akuro and Kiba.*
**Akuro**: Haha, thanks. *He said, placing the tray on the table for everyone to help themselves.*
**Issei**: Mom, what are you doing here? *He asked, surprised she came to his room during a club meeting.*
**Issei's Mom**: I brought these cookies and…
She held a photo album—Issei's childhood pictures.
**Issei**: Huh?
**Issei's Mom**: Issei in kindergarten! *She said, showing a photo of a naked kid Issei.*
After flipping through many photos, unlike the original, Rias and Asia weren't too interested. But…
**Akuro**: HAHAHAHAHAHA, look at the size of his little thing! *He laughed so hard, tears formed in his eyes.*
**Issei**: Hey, Akuro, cut it out! *He said, red with embarrassment.*
**Akuro**: Bet it hasn't changed after all these years, hahahaha! *He burst into laughter again.*
**Issei**: T-Teme! (Y-You jerk!) *He said, even redder.*
Even Kiba, possibly influenced by Akuro, was holding back laughter, which infuriated Issei. The girls could only laugh at the scene.
Later, events unfolded as Akuro expected. Kiba saw a photo of Issei with his childhood friend, noticing a holy sword and recalling his purpose for living. Akuro observed quietly, waiting for the right moment to intervene. That night, Issei tried to form a contract and met Azazel, one of the world's strongest and leader of the fallen angels, though Issei didn't know this. He found Azazel odd but acted normally. Akuro watched from the sky, floating and listening with his powers.
That same night, Rias called her peerage to eliminate a stray demon who'd abandoned its master. She didn't invite Akuro, likely thinking his help wasn't needed. He didn't mind, observing from the sky.
He also saw Issei and Kiba's interaction, where Kiba revealed his purpose was revenge and destroying the holy sword Excalibur. He watched Kiba's brief fight with Freed, who possessed an Excalibur. Akuro confirmed Freed only remembered losing, not being utterly defeated as he was. After observing, Akuro went home.
The next morning, Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra were heading to school when they saw two hooded figures at the entrance. Sona, reading, paused and looked at them.
**Tsubaki**: President? *She asked, seeing Sona stop suddenly.*
**Sona**: A holy sword… *She whispered to herself.*
Inside the school, at the Occult Research Club, they were amazed by the renovated, spotless room.
**Asia**: Wow, it's so shiny! *She said, referring to the reflective floor.*
**Issei**: Yeah, I love the reflection! *He said, taking advantage to peek under Asia's skirt via the floor.*
**Asia**: Huh?
**Issei**: What?
**Asia**: What's that room down there? *She asked, pointing to a room sealed with yellow tape.*
**Issei**: Oh, that room's always been locked. We call it the "Forbidden Room."*
Entering the clubroom, Issei learned Kiba hadn't come to school and heard about Kiba's past from Rias. Akeno arrived with guests—Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra—who had serious matters to discuss with Rias. Sona invited her to her house to avoid interruptions, indicating the gravity of the issue.
Heading home, Issei and Asia felt an odd sensation, like when Issei met Asia at the church. Worried about his mom, Issei rushed home and found her chatting with the two hooded figures Sona and Tsubaki saw. To his shock, one was his childhood friend, Irina Shidou, revealed to be a girl, not a boy. The other girl seemed displeased with Issei and Asia's presence.
Issei called Rias to report this and learned the two would visit the clubroom after school the next day.
The next day, in the clubroom after class, everyone from Rias's peerage was present except the four ex-fallen angels, still on her orders, and Kiba, who was still absent. Akuro attended at Rias's invitation, leaning against the window with arms crossed, watching the sunset.
**???**: Thank you for your cooperation. I'm Xenovia. *She said, introducing herself.*
**Irina**: I'm Irina Shidou. *She said, reintroducing herself.*
**Rias**: Why would God's servants want to meet a demon?
**Irina**: Though one is still missing, the remaining six Excaliburs are in the Church's possession. Three were stolen by fallen angels.*
**Everyone (except Akuro)**: Huh?
**Issei**: Stolen!?
**Xenovia**: We have this, the Holy Sword of Destruction, Excalibur Destruction… *She said, showing her cloth-wrapped sword.*
**Irina**: And my Holy Sword of Mimicry, Excalibur Mimic!*
**Rias**: What do you want from us?
**Xenovia**: This issue is between us and the fallen angels. We can't deal with this city's demons.*
**Rias**: You're too condescending. Think we'd ally with fallen angels to do something with the holy swords? *She asked, glaring defiantly.*
**Xenovia**: Demons hate holy swords. You're saying you're not with the fallen angels— *Rias's blue eyes flashed red with her Power of Destruction, showing her irritation.*
**Xenovia**: If needed, we'll destroy you completely, even if you're a Maou's sister.*
**Rias**: If you know that much, let me tell you one more thing: I'd never ally with a fallen angel. In the name of Gremory, I swear I'll never do anything to shame the Maous.*
**Xenovia**: Good to hear. That's all our superiors wanted. I know a Maou's sister wouldn't be so foolish.*
**Rias**: Then you know I won't ally with you and your God either, right?
**Xenovia**: Of course. We just want you to swear not to interfere.*
Akuro, more interested in the sunset, hadn't spoken but was fully aware of every word.
**Rias**: Understood.
**Xenovia**: Thank you for your patience. *She said, standing with Irina.*
**Xenovia**: We should go. *She started toward the door but stopped, looking back at Asia with a grimace.*
**Xenovia**: I've been wondering since visiting Hyoudou Issei's house. You're Asia Argento, right?
**Asia**: H-Hai. (Y-Yes.)
**Xenovia**: Never thought I'd see a witch here.*
**Irina**: You're that ex-nun who turned witch? I heard you were exiled for healing demons and fallen angels, but I didn't know you'd become a demon.*
**Asia**: I-I… *She tried to speak, gripping her skirt.*
**Issei**: Asia…
**Xenovia**: To think a saint became a demon… No one's perfect, I guess.*
**Issei**: Hey, shut up! *He was ready to charge but was stopped by Koneko.*
**Koneko**: Issei-senpai. *She said, blocking him with her arm.*
**Issei (Thinking)**: *I know I can't cause trouble with them now, but still…*
**Xenovia**: Do you still believe in our God?
**Irina**: Xenovia, she's a demon.*
**Xenovia**: Some heretics feel remorse and regain some faith. I sense that in her.*
**Irina**: Really? Hey, Asia, do you still believe in the Lord despite being a demon?
**Asia**: I can't forget. I believed in Him my whole life.*
**Xenovia**: Then let us kill you now.*
**Asia**: Huh?
**Xenovia**: No matter your sins, God will always forgive. *She began to wield her cloth-covered sword.*
**Xenovia**: I'll punish you… in God's name.*
Before Xenovia could act…
**???**: Hey, you've been spouting nonsense for a while now. *A voice drew everyone's attention.*
**Xenovia**: I noticed you there since I arrived. Who are you?
**???**: Akuro Kenshin. *He spoke for the first time.*
**Asia**: Akuro-san?
**Xenovia**: "Akuro Kenshin"? If I'm not mistaken, that's the human who recently became famous for defeating a pure-blood demon from the Underworld. That's you? *She asked, giving him a challenging look.*
**Akuro**: Yup, that's me. *He said, stepping away from the window, hands in pockets, and walking to face Xenovia and Irina.*
**Xenovia**: You're like her, a corrupted human allied with demons. *She said, making a disgusted face.*
Akuro stayed silent, staring at Xenovia emotionlessly.
**Xenovia**: What are you—
**Akuro**: Who are you to judge me or Asia? *He asked indifferently, still emotionless.*
**Xenovia**: Huh? What are you—
**Akuro**: You're judging Asia and me like you're better than us. It seems you're judging Asia for not being as pure as she should be. But look at you, acting arrogant just because you wield holy swords. That alone shows you're not so pure—sinners like any human or being. No one is sinless or completely innocent. And you think you have the right to judge Asia or me? You're not God, so stop being hypocritical, you wretches. *He vented, his last words laced with anger, his face now showing it.*
Everyone was shocked. Rias's peerage, especially Asia, was moved positively, while Xenovia and Irina were displeased.
**Xenovia**: I see I'll have to cleanse you of your sins. *She said, gripping her cloth-covered holy sword, fuming.*
**Akuro**: I've heard those words before, and trust me, the last guy who said them didn't fare well. *He said, recalling Freed.*
**Xenovia**: I'll handle him. *She said to Irina, who was also upset by his words.*
**Irina**: Fine. *She said casually, confident Xenovia would deal with him.*
**Akuro**: Oh, you wanna fight? Bring it. *He said with a savage smile and a menacing glint in his eyes.*
**Rias**: Hey, you two, stop— *She tried to calm them, but it was too late.*
Xenovia lunged at Akuro with her sword. He kept his hands in his pockets. Everyone watching was worried, but it was unnecessary.
**Xenovia**: Huh?
Her sword stopped centimeters from Akuro's body, held by just two fingers, his other hand still in his pocket. Any guy witnessing this would think…
**Issei (Thinking)**: *That's so badass!* *He thought, seeing Akuro's composure.*
Akuro's hand was coated in black—Armament Haki. He pressed the sword slightly, and Xenovia, feeling an odd sensation, pulled back.
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *Her battle instincts aren't bad. If she hadn't pulled back, I'd have shattered her sword.* *He thought, lowering his arm. He didn't need to block, as even if the sword touched him, it would break against an Infinityverse God's body.*
**Xenovia (Thinking)**: *What was that feeling?*
**Xenovia**: I see the rumors weren't lies. You're strong. *She said, taking it seriously and unwrapping her Excalibur.*
**Akuro**: Wish I could say the same about you. *He said, clearly provoking her.*
**???**: I'll fight too.
**Everyone (except Akuro)**: Huh?
**Xenovia**: Who are you?
**???**: Your senior.
**Rias**: Yuuto? *She said, revealing it was Kiba.*
Outside the clubroom, on the grounds in front, Akuro and Kiba faced Xenovia and Irina.
**Akuro**: This brings back memories. Last time I fought here, it was against you. Who'd have thought I'd now be fighting with you instead of against you? *He said indifferently.*
**Kiba**: Yes, but now I have a goal beyond just testing someone's strength. *He said, eyes fixed on the swords the girls wielded.*
**Xenovia**: Let's begin.
Xenovia and Irina removed their cloaks, revealing tight black outfits. Issei got a nosebleed and a perverted look, quickly earning a punch from Koneko.
**Akeno**: Is it okay? Should we be fighting Church affiliates on our own?
**Rias**: This is just an unofficial duel.
**Rias**: And I'm not too worried about Akuro…
*Flashback*
**Sirzechs**: "If I fought him, I'd need to be ready to lose at least an arm and a leg."
*End Flashback*
**Rias (Thinking)**: *Someone who even my brother admits would be hard to defeat… I don't see him being at risk against them.* *She thought, recalling Sirzechs's words.*
**Rias**: But Yuuto… *She said, looking at him with concern.*
**Irina**: If our superiors find out, we're in trouble. *She said, revealing her Excalibur Mimic's form.*
**Xenovia**: I'll try not to kill anyone. *She said, unwrapping her Excalibur Destruction.*
**Akuro**: Don't be so cocky, or the shock of losing will hit hard. *He said, taunting as he summoned his favorite sword, Tensa Zangetsu.*
**Kiba**: I've finally found what I've longed to destroy. *He said, activating his Sacred Gear.*
Without further delay, both sides charged, ready for a grand clash of swordsmen.
**To be continued…**