The group began walking toward the meeting room, with the various factions moving together under the watch of the Yokai guards.
Nate walked beside Kunou, while Yasaka and Lily remained near the front. Behind them came Sirzechs, Serafall, Michael, Azazel, Rias and her peerage, Tobio, and the other representatives.
As they approached the entrance to the meeting room, however, someone was already standing there.
A young man with black hair and a confident expression leaned against the wall.
He looked directly at Vali.
Then at Issei.
"You two must be the Red and White Dragon Emperors."
Issei blinked.
Vali raised an eyebrow.
Nate immediately recognized the man.
"Cao Cao."
Cao Cao rolled his eyes.
"Fine."
Issei looked at Nate, clearly confused.
"Who's this?"
Before Nate could answer, Azazel spoke up.
"This is Cao Cao. Wielder of the True Longinus, one of the Yokai Faction's strongest fighters, and the leader of HERO."
Nate slowly turned his head toward Azazel.
"...You know, you're stupid."
Azazel blinked.
"What?"
"You said HERO like it was a normal word."
Nate gestured toward Cao Cao.
"That's not Hero with a capital H because he's some kind of superhero organization."
Cao Cao folded his arms.
"Thank you."
Nate continued, "HERO is an acronym. It's the official designation of his division."
Issei looked between Cao Cao and Nate.
"Wait, Cao Cao works for the Yokai Faction now?"
"Yep."
Issei stared.
"But wasn't he originally against us? Or that's what I heard"
Cao Cao sighed.
"That is a very simplified version of events."
Nate nodded.
"Very simplified."
The situation had changed considerably after the former Hero Faction was fully absorbed into the Yokai Faction.
Rather than disbanding them, Nate had reorganized the entire organization into a specialized division within the Yokai military structure.
Their original members retained their skills, equipment, and internal structure, but they now operated under the authority of the Yokai Faction.
Cao Cao remained their leader.
And the name HERO had been retained as the division's official acronym.
Nate looked at Cao Cao.
"Besides, you guys have been doing pretty well."
Cao Cao gave a small smile.
"We've had our assignments."
Azazel looked genuinely surprised.
"So the entire Hero Faction was integrated into your military?"
Nate nodded.
"Yes."
Azazel looked at Yasaka.
"And you agreed to this?"
Yasaka smiled calmly.
"Nate believed their abilities would be useful to the United Yokai Clan."
Nate shrugged.
"They're strong, experienced, and already organized. Why throw that away?"
Cao Cao nodded approvingly.
"That was my reasoning as well."
Vali looked at Cao Cao.
"So you're working for Nate now?"
Cao Cao's expression became slightly more serious.
"I serve the Yokai Faction. Nate is its king."
Nate looked at him.
"You don't have to make it sound so formal."
Cao Cao smirked.
"You are literally the king."
Nate paused.
"...Fair."
Issei suddenly looked at Cao Cao's weapon.
"So that's the True Longinus?"
Cao Cao glanced at him.
"Yes."
Issei's eyes widened.
"That's the strongest Sacred Gear, right?"
Azazel immediately sighed.
"Here we go."
Vali's grin appeared.
"Interesting."
Nate looked at the three of them.
"Absolutely not."
Issei blinked.
"I didn't say anything!"
"You were about to."
Vali laughed.
Cao Cao looked amused.
"Perhaps this meeting will be more entertaining than I expected."
Nate stared at him.
"Please don't encourage them."
Kunou quietly giggled beside him.
"Husband, you seem to have accepted that today's meeting will be chaotic."
Nate sighed.
"I accepted that about five minutes ago."
He looked toward the meeting room.
'Now I just need everyone to behave for a few hours.'
Nate paused.
'...That's probably asking too much.'
The group finally reached the entrance to the meeting room.
The large doors swung open, revealing the spacious chamber beyond.
As everyone began taking their seats, Issei glanced toward the Yokai representatives and then back toward Cao Cao.
"Wait, I have a question. What exactly does HERO stand for?"
Nate looked at him.
"You really waited until now to ask?"
"I've been wondering!"
Nate sighed as he walked toward his seat beside Kunou.
"HERO isn't just the word 'Hero.' It's an acronym. The former Hero Faction was reorganized after joining the Yokai Faction, and Cao Cao's group became one of our specialized divisions."
Issei nodded slowly.
"So they're basically a military division?"
"Exactly."
Cao Cao walked past him and took his own seat.
"We retained our original skills and equipment while adapting to the Yokai Faction's command structure."
Nate nodded.
"And before you ask, yes, the name stayed. There was no reason to throw away an established organization name just because the faction changed."
Issei looked impressed.
"That's actually pretty cool."
Vali smirked.
"You sound like you want to join."
"Hey, I never said that!"
Koneko looked at Issei.
"You would probably get rejected."
"Why?!"
"Too much trouble."
"That's mean!"
A few people chuckled.
The atmosphere inside the room was considerably more relaxed than Nate had expected.
Several former Hero Faction members were already stationed around the chamber, acting as security alongside Yokai guards. Their presence was noticeable immediately. Humans carrying legendary weapons and Sacred Gears stood alongside Kitsune, Oni, and other Yokai, all working together as part of the same security detail.
Nate looked around.
'A few years ago, these people would've been on opposite sides.'
Now they were standing together.
That was exactly what he had wanted.
Cao Cao noticed Nate looking toward the guards.
"Everything is in order."
Nate nodded.
"Good."
One of the Hero members briefly exchanged a nod with a nearby Yokai guard before returning to his position.
Sirzechs noticed the interaction as well.
"So this is what you've built."
Nate looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
"The different factions working together."
Sirzechs glanced around the room.
"Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, Yokai, humans... everyone occupying the same room without immediately trying to kill one another."
Nate smiled faintly.
"That's the idea."
Michael took his seat.
"Then perhaps today is the beginning of something important."
Azazel leaned back in his chair.
"Let's hope nobody ruins it."
Everyone's eyes slowly drifted toward Issei.
Issei looked offended.
"Why is everyone looking at me?!"
Rias covered her face.
"I have no idea."
Kiba quietly muttered, "We do."
Nate couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright. Everyone, take your seats."
The room gradually settled down.
The representatives of the Three Factions were finally seated.
The Yokai leadership sat at the front.
Cao Cao and the HERO division stood at the perimeter as security.
Rias and her peerage were seated as witnesses.
Tobio sat near Azazel.
And Nate stood at the center of the room.
He looked around at everyone who had gathered.
For centuries, these groups had been separated by old grudges, wars, bloodlines, and fear.
Today, they were finally sitting at the same table.
Nate took a slow breath.
"Alright."
He looked toward Sirzechs, Michael, and Azazel.
"Let's begin."
The meeting room became quiet as the formal discussion finally began.
At the center of the table sat the people who would actually negotiate the treaty.
Sirzechs represented the Devils.
Michael represented the Angels.
Azazel represented the Fallen Angels.
Across from them sat Nate and Yasaka, representing the Yokai.
Kunou remained nearby as Nate's queen, while Lily stood behind him as part of the Yokai delegation.
Sirzechs opened the discussion.
"Then, as previously agreed, the purpose of today's meeting is to formally establish a lasting peace between the Three Factions. The Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels will cease hostilities against one another and work together when necessary to protect the supernatural world."
Michael nodded.
"The Great War has already taken too much from all of us. There is no reason to repeat it."
Azazel leaned back slightly.
"And with groups like the Khaos Brigade running around, continuing to fight among ourselves would only make things easier for them."
Nate nodded.
"Agreed."
Yasaka added calmly, "The Yokai Faction has no objection to the Three Factions ending their hostilities."
Sirzechs smiled.
"Good. Then we can discuss the next part."
Nate immediately narrowed his eyes.
'There it is.'
Azazel placed several documents onto the table.
"Because the Yokai are now an increasingly influential supernatural faction, we'd like to establish certain mutual obligations between the Three Factions and the Yokai."
Nate looked at the documents.
He didn't even touch them.
"No."
The room became silent.
Azazel blinked.
"We haven't even discussed the terms."
"I know."
Nate calmly folded his hands on the table.
"And I'm already saying no."
Sirzechs looked at him.
"Nate, we're not trying to impose anything unreasonable."
"I know."
Nate's tone wasn't angry.
If anything, he sounded completely calm.
That made his next words even more deliberate.
"We have never been involved in these conflicts. We've stayed neutral among the three Christian Factions' choices."
Nate looked directly at the three leaders.
"So anything this treaty says that tries to have the Yokai join those conflicts, we don't agree."
Azazel's expression became more serious.
Nate continued.
"Or are you forgetting something?"
He gestured toward the room.
"Amaterasu is allowing the three of you to have branches in Japan."
Michael remained silent.
Sirzechs listened carefully.
Azazel raised an eyebrow.
Nate leaned back slightly.
"You're guests here. Allies, yes. Friends, hopefully. But Japan isn't your territory."
Yasaka nodded.
"The Yokai have no desire to interfere with the internal affairs of the Three Factions. We expect the same courtesy in return."
Nate looked back toward the documents.
"If the treaty says the Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels won't attack one another, we'll support that."
He raised one finger.
"If it says you'll cooperate against organizations that threaten all of you, we'll support that too."
A second finger.
"If it establishes diplomatic relations and allows communication between your factions, that's fine."
A third.
"But if you're trying to turn the Yokai into a military extension of the Three Factions?"
Nate shook his head.
"No."
Azazel crossed his arms.
"What if another faction attacks the Three Factions?"
"Then that's your problem."
Issei's eyes widened from across the room.
Rias quietly whispered, "He's being very direct."
Kiba nodded.
"Extremely."
Nate continued.
"If someone attacks the Yokai, we'll defend ourselves. If someone attacks Japan, we'll defend Japan. If someone attacks one of our allies, we'll decide whether we intervene."
Sirzechs looked thoughtful.
"You want complete independence."
"Exactly."
Nate's expression softened slightly.
"I want peace. That's why I agreed to host this meeting."
He looked between the three leaders.
"But peace doesn't mean signing away our independence."
Yasaka smiled faintly.
"Nor does friendship require obedience."
That made Azazel chuckle.
"Fair enough."
Nate pointed toward the treaty documents.
"The original agreement between the Three Factions can remain exactly as intended. You three end your hostilities. You cooperate. You stop trying to kill each other every time someone crosses a border."
Sirzechs sighed.
"That is certainly the goal."
Nate smiled.
"Good."
Michael nodded.
"And the Yokai?"
Nate answered immediately.
"We'll be your allies."
He paused.
"Not your subjects."
The room went silent again.
This time, however, Sirzechs smiled.
"I believe that is a reasonable distinction."
Azazel looked at Michael.
Michael nodded.
"I agree."
Azazel looked back at Nate.
"Fine. The Yokai will not be obligated to participate in conflicts between the Three Factions."
Nate nodded.
"Good."
Azazel smiled.
"Though I'd still like to keep diplomatic cooperation open."
"Of course."
Nate relaxed slightly.
"That's what allies do."
Sirzechs looked down at the treaty.
"Then we have an agreement."
Nate nodded.
"On that part."
Azazel laughed.
"You're really going to make us negotiate every single clause, aren't you?"
Nate took another sip of tea.
"Yep."
Kunou smiled proudly beside him.
"That's my husband."
Nate glanced at her.
"Please don't make me sound more intimidating than I am."
Kunou giggled.
"You are negotiating with three supernatural superpowers."
Nate looked around the table.
"...Okay, maybe a little."
The discussions continued for some time.
Clause after clause was reviewed, adjusted, and eventually agreed upon. The core agreement remained what the Three Factions had originally wanted: the Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels would cease their hostilities, recognize one another as allies, and cooperate against threats that endangered their peoples.
Nate made sure the Yokai were not quietly folded into those obligations. They would remain an independent faction, with their own decisions and their own sovereignty.
Eventually, the final document was placed on the table.
Sirzechs looked toward Michael and Azazel.
"It appears we have reached an agreement."
Michael nodded.
"I believe so."
Azazel smiled.
"Then let's finally sign the damn thing."
Nate chuckled.
"That's probably the first thing you've said today that everyone agrees with."
Yasaka smiled as she looked over the completed treaty.
"Then let us proceed."
The leaders reached for their pens.
And then...
BOOM!
The entire building shook.
The table rattled violently.
Several people immediately stood.
Issei nearly fell out of his chair.
"What the hell was that?!"
Another explosion thundered somewhere outside.
BOOM!
Windows shook.
Yokai guards immediately moved into defensive positions.
The former HERO members reacted just as quickly, drawing their weapons and spreading throughout the room.
Cao Cao's hand moved toward the True Longinus.
Tobio's expression became serious.
Vali smiled.
"Finally."
Nate slowly stood from his chair.
His expression had changed completely.
Not fear.
Not panic.
Just focus.
Kunou immediately moved beside him.
"Husband."
"I know."
Yasaka looked toward the doors.
"Guards!"
The Yokai security forces formed a defensive perimeter around the representatives.
Sirzechs looked toward Azazel.
Azazel's relaxed expression was gone.
"That wasn't an accident."
Michael nodded.
"No."
Nate looked around the room.
'So it begins.'
He remembered the entire situation from the original story.
The Khaos Brigade's attack on the Three Factions' peace conference was one of the major turning points. In canon, their plan involved attacking the summit while Gasper was captured and forcibly used to activate his time-stopping Sacred Gear, freezing most of the people inside while the faction leaders and several powerful individuals remained active. Rias and Issei then had to rescue Gasper while the others fought the attackers.
But this time?
Gasper wasn't the same frightened, barely-controlled Bishop.
He had spent time training with Rias's peerage, Issei, Xenovia, and others, with Nate's advice helping him improve his control.
And more importantly...
He was sitting right here.
Nate glanced toward Rias.
Gasper was beside her.
His eyes widened as he realized something.
'Wait.'
'If they're following the same plan...'
Another explosion shook the building.
Gasper suddenly looked nervous.
"N-Nate?"
Nate looked toward him.
"Yeah?"
Gasper swallowed.
"I think... someone is trying to get me."
Nate's expression immediately hardened.
"...Then they picked the wrong meeting."
A massive magical circle suddenly appeared across the ceiling.
Everyone looked up.
Azazel's eyes narrowed.
"Teleportation magic."
Grayfia wasn't here to analyze it like in canon, and the Yokai security forces had already been trained to respond to dimensional disturbances.
Nate raised one hand.
"Nobody moves."
The room went silent.
His Spirit Bond began glowing around his body.
"Let them come."
Cao Cao smiled as he lowered the True Longinus into position.
"So we're finally meeting the people behind the explosions."
Nate looked toward the glowing circle.
"Yep."
He drew his sword.
"And this time..."
His eyes narrowed.
"...they're attacking my territory."
To be continue.
Hope people like this Ch and Give me power stones and enjoy