"Why are you here?"
Hikaru looked at them.
"I sensed someone using a flyer to issue a request, and I knew it must be you, Hikaru. I came here for two reasons: first, to formally apologize; second, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Sona Sitri casually glanced at Hozuki Eiko.
"Her curse has been lifted? And the thing in your hands... it's not a good item."
"Yes, it was Hikaru-san who helped."
The wavy-haired beauty spoke up.
"As for this mummified arm, Hikaru-san said that someone deliberately left it here to worsen the spirit that dwells in this place. If we take it away, it might draw those people out."
"They're the Replaced, an evil spirit group that stole my mother's spirit."
Hozuki Yayoi cast a glance at Hikaru. Seeing he was unmoved, she explained,
"Their ability is very dangerous."
The little girl gave a simple account, and Sona Sitri and Shinra Tsubaki's expressions changed.
"Taking over someone else's body and then continuing to live with their predecessor's abilities and memories? Such a thing actually exists?"
If they possessed the bodies of certain key figures in the human world or infiltrated the Underworld, it would be a huge problem.
"Don't worry. Although low-ranking devils can't stop them, they can't possess mid-level or higher devils, since your souls aren't weaker than theirs. However, if you get killed, they can still take over a high-level devil's body."
Hikaru said calmly.
"Granted, it's not like they can defeat a high-level devil, anyway."
"So, Hikaru, are you planning to use that mummified arm as bait?"
Sona Sitri asked seriously.
"I'll have my familiars and servants assist as well."
She couldn't stand the idea that this so-called The Replaced group had been quietly infiltrating under her nose.
Ending that topic, Hikaru asked, "So, what is it you wanted to discuss?"
"Here's the situation: my familiars recently discovered some stray priests and ghouls gathering near Hachiōji City. I'd like your help, if necessary."
Sona Sitri answered quickly.
"Previously, in Kuoh Town, ghouls allied themselves with fallen angels, so I'm worried they have other plans."
While she was confident she could take care of those stray priests and ghouls, her cautious nature told her there was likely a larger conspiracy behind it all. So, she planned to hold off for the time being.
"Alright."
Hikaru nodded slightly.
He more or less guessed what plot arc was coming next: the Holy Sword user and the fallen angel commander. The reason Fallen Angel Raynare and her companions came to Kuoh Town might also be due to Kokabiel. Under the commander's orders, they used the Aogiri Tree (Ghoul organization) as their lackeys, but because Tatara (the ghoul) had his own agenda, it ended in betrayal.
In other words, that fallen angel commander would be arriving soon.
What Hikaru thought about first was the difference in strength between them. Although Kokabiel got plot-killed by the White Dragon Emperor in the story, in reality, Hikaru couldn't accurately gauge the fallen angel commander's power—maybe stronger, maybe weaker. Who could say for certain?
But since he'd survived for so many years, he probably wasn't foolish. Daring to steal the church's Holy Swords and planning to kidnap Rias in an attempt to reignite war among the three factions showed he had brains, too.
Hikaru had no illusions of absolute safety. However, in a few days he would be able to test the Red Dragon Emperor's "Tyrant Dragon" form. By then, regardless of whether Kokabiel was stronger or weaker, Hikaru was certain he would win.
Hozuki Yayoi and Eiko drove away. Both women felt somewhat reluctant to part with Hikaru.
"Sis..."
The waiting Hozuki Eiko heard Yayoi's voice.
"Do you like Hikaru?"
"Huh?"
That question nearly made her swerve off the road. Hozuki Eiko quickly steadied the steering wheel. "I... This is only the second time we've met—how can I like him already?"
"So that means you do like him, right? Sis, you have my support!"
"..."
Elsewhere, Hikaru used a teleportation circle to leave Hachiōji City.
Sona Sitri watched where he disappeared and was about to leave when she heard Shinra Tsubaki speak.
"President, you seem different from before."
"In what way?"
"You smile a lot more, especially when you're with Hikaru. President, do you like him?"
Sona Sitri's figure paused slightly. She turned around and fixed Shinra Tsubaki with a steady gaze. "I won't deny I have some fondness for him, but it's still too early for me to talk about marriage. Besides... don't focus only on me. You like him too, don't you?"
Shinra Tsubaki froze. She was about to say something but was cut off.
"No need to answer directly. After all, you should know that Rias is currently his fiancée."
Shinra Tsubaki neither confirmed nor denied it. But that wouldn't be enough to make her give up.
In the Underworld, it's not uncommon for male devils to have multiple partners. Such a small obstacle could be overcome.
~~~
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