Chapter 16 - Chapter 13: New Life and Hello

Flashback, at certain town in human world)

A figure of young girl, around 11 years old, with black hair tied in a ponytail and wearing a ragged, dirty dress was running through an empty suburban street in the dead of the night. As she ran, her breathing became heavy, bruises and dirt were covering her clothes and some of her skin; the girl did not even bother to care about the pain in her muscles. She was terrified, her mind kept telling her to survive, to keep running until she lost her pursuers, or to find a safe place to hide from those pursuers.

The girl kept running despite her exhaustion and she did not look back. Hope for her pursuers no longer chasing her, and fear for her pursuers were right behind her, were filling her mind. However, she did not hear anything behind her as far as she ran, just when she was about to stop to take a quick break…

"Over there! I saw her! That tainted child of the fallen!"

A voice was shouted through the night, and it was enough to force the little girl to run again. After another god knows how long, the girl's feet finally succumbed to the exhaustion and she fell on the ground. She tried to get back on her feet, but her strength was fading. She turned her head to look up when she felt the moonlight was obstructed by something, and she saw an imposing figure of someone in Shinto priest outfit and wore a white kabuki mask. On his hand was a sword and there were several dozens people in similar attire standing behind him.

"We've finally found you, daughter of fallen angel…" the man with a mask said with a cold tone as he took a step closer towards the girl.

The little girl could not say any word as her throat was parched from all the running, her body was shaking from fear, and she could not stand up due to exhaustion.

As she looked at her current situation, she contemplated of the past events. Why did this happen to her? What did she do? Had she ever done something wrong to these people? Did she or her parents upset them? All she could remember that she was simply living a happy life with her father and mother. Her father might not be the nicest man around, considering most of people's opinion about his kin, but her mother was the kindest woman she had ever known. Her father might be barely at home all the time due to his work, but he was an honourable man and he loved his family dearly, thus she was happy with that.

All of those happy times were gone when one night, a man claimed as her grand-uncle from her mother's family showed up at their home and attempted to kill her, saying something along that she was a 'wicked existence' and must be purged from the clan. Her father was away for work, so she and her mother were left on their own device to defend themselves. Her mother was trying her best to convince her grand-uncle to let her daughter live, but instead, the man was convinced that her mother's mind was 'corrupted' by the presence of the girl's father. Thus, the mother was murdered as she attempted to shield her daughter from her grand-uncle.

Her father just arrived right after the mother breathed her last breath, and chased out the attacker for the time being. Overwhelmed by grief, the little girl scorned her father for not being there when she and her mother needed him the most, blaming him for failing to protect his own family. The father only silent, and decided to give his daughter some space.

And back to the present. After being alone travelling and sustaining herself by helping people around, using her little knowledge of evil spirits purification she learned from her mother, she was suddenly being hunted again from people from her mother's clan. She was finally cornered, and she almost cursed her own fate, she felt that she was wrong to push her father away, but another part of her was still blaming him for her mother's death. The words that were spoken from her attacker convinced her a little that death might not be so bad.

"Now, you can join your mother on the other side!" the man said as he raised his sword. The girl could only closed her eyes in resignation on her impeding doom.

Just right before the man swung down his sword, the man's underling behind felt something was moving past them with incredible speed, towards their leader who was about to deal the finishing blow on the girl.

CRANG!

The sound of wind, as well as shattered steel echoed through the air. When the masked man knew it, he found his blade had been broken and the girl he was aiming was no longer on her previous spot.

"What the-!?"

He was baffled at the sight of a little girl suddenly vanished from his sight, and he immediately looked up and found someone, wearing a ragged cloak was crouching on the ground a bit further in front of him, with the unharmed girl in his arms.

"Who the hell are you!?" asked the one of the assailants with disbelief tone.

The little girl opened her eyes weakly after she felt that she was being swept away from her previous spot, and she felt something warm was enveloping her body. It was not the warmth of her parents, but still warm nonetheless. As her body was put slowly to the ground, the girl's consciousness was slowly fading, and the last things she remembered before falling into unconsciousness were her apparent saviour's back with his tattered cloak swayed by the wind, his bald-head shone by the moonlight, and his voice when he introduced himself.

"Just an average man who serves as an average hero."

(Scene Break)

When the girl regained her consciousness, it was already morning as she could see the sun was about to peak from the horizon and she found herself at the front terrace of an abandoned shrine. Recalling the events of last night, she widened her eyes and was about to stand, only to find that she was draped in a ragged cloth, presumably belonged to the man who saved her life, serving as a blanket. She had no idea what happened after she passed out. How did she end up in her current place? What happened to her saviour? What about her pursuers? Was her saviour alright?

The girl pondered those questions with worry. She knew well that the pursuers from her mother's clan were all seasoned fighters who had been prepared to fight forces beyond human's capabilities, and she thought that the man from last night might not be able to take on one of them, let alone taking all of them on. Whatever happened last night, it seemed that her saviour had chosen to use the old shrine as a temporary refuge, and the girl decided that she had to keep moving, with the hope that her pursuers would focus back on her and leave that kind stranger alone. She was forever grateful for the man's help, but what else could be done by now? She had felt terrible enough after the death of her mother, she would not forgive herself if she were to involve a stranger into her problems any further. After folding the cloth and put it on the wooden floor, the girl was about to leave when suddenly a red magic circle flashed on the ground in front of her, revealing two figures to appear from the light.

The first figure was a man with noble clothing, and the other was a girl around her age with red-crimson hair, wearing a cute, simple-looking dress. The girl with black hair took a step back in fear, realising what the two people before her were.

The two, especially the man seemed to notice her fear, then he put up a gentle expression as he bowed himself in greeting.

"Good morning. We're sorry for startling you but I assure you, we mean you no harm", the man explained. "Let me introduce ourselves. My name is Heinrich Cornellius Agrippa, a servant of Lord Gremory from the house of Gremory", the man introduced himself before he gestured towards the crimson haired girl beside him. "And this is my master's daughter, Rias Gremory, the future head of Gremory clan."

The girl introduced as Rias Gremory took a step forward with a friendly smile. "Hello! You can call me Rias. What's your name?"

The girl raised her eyebrows at the two strangers. She was aware that those two were devils, and influential ones. Despite the ominous aura shrouded their bodies, she sensed almost no malice nor hostility from them, as if they really meant their words of not harming her. Testing her fate, the girl swallowed a lump and she replied.

"It's… It's Himejima Akeno…" the girl replied with a hint of fear remained in her tone.

"I see… Akeno-chan, is it?" Rias took in the information. Then she widened her eyes when she looked again at Akeno's body. "Oh, my. Looks like you're hurt. Come on, we can treat your injuries in our place", Rias reached out her hand.

Akeno looked blanched and doubtful at the sudden offer. "Eh…? B-But…"

The man known as Heinrich only chuckled. "Don't need to worry, Himejima-san. Consider this our gratitude for saving our important client. Come, we'll make sure that your injuries are treated. After that, we can talk more about the details", Heinrich said as he offered his hand as well.

Later, the bald man came back to the shrine grounds with a plastic bag on his hand. Upon arriving at the spot where he left the little girl he rescued last night, he only saw his cloak was neatly folded on the floor with a little note placed on top of it. He looked around and called out to see any signs of the girl, but he found nothing. Then, he picked up the note and he sighed softly after reading it. Putting the note away, he sat down next to his cloak, took out a bread that he bought from a convenience store, and he took a bite as he stared at the breaking dawn.

(End of Flashback)

X

At Kuoh Academy, right after the legions of Kokabiel's army just fell on the school grounds, the student council, now had joined with occult research club and the Hakuryuukou (White Dragon Emperor) were watching at the reunion of the supposedly father and son. While the Hakuryuukou simply watched for amusement, the rest knew better than interfering between two of them; One who defeated a fallen angel cadre by himself, and the other one who just single-handedly decimated hundred-thousands of fallen angel army by himself.

Irina and Xenovia, who still remembered of the man who aided them few years back, were not sure what to make out of the situation.

Rias and Asia, who once saw newcomer's face from the old pictures in Hyoudou residence, were convinced that the new comer is none other than Saitama, the father of current Sekiryuutei. Asia could not help but swallow a lump from unknown nervousness.

Yuuto and Koneko, who barely knew anything, could not help but wonder about the display of strength that Saitama showed earlier. The word 'dad' that they managed to hear from Issei's mouth, gave them even more questions. And in addition, Koneko's instinct also went alert at the presence of the newcomer in front of her.

Akeno only stunned at the sight that saved her life those years ago. When Saitama arrived, she immediately recognised the sight of his back and his bald head. But she still needed more confirmation if the man in front of Issei was truly her saviour back then. She never forget, after the deal with Himejima clan and the meeting with Gremory clan, she kept telling herself from time to time to thank her saviour properly if they ever met again.

Sona, who found herself somewhat unable to say a single word towards either one of the two, decided to lean her head towards her old friend.

"Rias, I don't know much what really happened here, but who's that man? He just came out of the blue…" Sona asked in low voice.

The rest of student council also marvelled at the sight. They looked at Rias, want to know more about the bald man.

"That's Ise's father", Rias replied after glancing at Sona, before she returned to stare at the father and son.

Sona and the rest of her peerage, who managed to hear Rias' answer, widened their eyes at the revelation and they looked back at the father and son whom so far only stared at each other.

"Those two don't look related at all…" was pretty much what everybody else thought of Issei and Saitama upon the revelation.

Meanwhile, Saitama and Issei only kept staring at each other. Both of their expressions were unreadable. While Issei kept staring straight to his father, the said father silently took a look at his surroundings, the devils from occult research club, student council, the two exorcists, and finally on the white draconic armour.

"Oh, Valley! So Azazel sent you here, too?" Saitama called out and waved his hand nonchalantly.

The devils blanched at Saitama's laid-back attitude before they turned towards Hakuryuukou, whom seemed slightly shaking at the calling.

"Oh, for the love of…! IT'S VALI, GODDAMMIT! And shouldn't you greet your son first instead of starting mispronouncing people's names!?" the Hakuryuukou yelled back in frustration.

The others only sweat-dropped at the somewhat comical outburst.

"Ah…" was all Saitama said as his eyes set back on his son, who remained looking at him with unreadable expression, his Boosted Gear still latched on his left arm.

The Hakuryuukou only sighed deeply before he picked up Kokabiel and Freed's body. "You know what? I'm leaving. Finish your family reunion and wait until Azazel contact you again", he said as he took flight leaving academy grounds without looking back, even when Saitama protested for the Hakuryuukou to wait for him, before he returned to deal with his son.

Going back to matters at hand, Saitama was still not sure what to do as he kept staring at Issei. "He's grown…" Saitama thought as he measured his son. His mind trailed back at the little baby he saw fifteen years ago. "And hot-damn, that's one hell of a gauntlet he's got there…" Saitama looked at the Boosted Gear.

The rest of people's attention had returned back to see how the reunion would turn out. Even after the exchange between Saitama and Hakuryuukou from earlier, the tension returned as intense as previous one, and no one dared to even mutter a single word.

After what it felt to be forever, Issei finally took a step forward, with his expression unchanging, and he took more steps as he was closing in to his father. Everyone else took another breath as they were curious of what Issei was about to do.

[Partner?] Even Ddraig could not predict what his host was going to do.

Saitama simply raised his eyebrows at his approaching son. He kept the plain stoic expression on his face as Issei finally stood right in front of him.

After few seconds of another stare-down, Saitama held up his hand in greeting.

"Yo, Is-…"

BAM!

If the scene was unnerving for the spectators, the next scene simply blew them out of their minds. What happened in the reunion between father and son was the latter's left gauntlet fist was making its way right on the former's right cheek with a force enough to blew the surrounding air away as soon as the hit connected.

Everybody had various reactions. Some of them had their hands over their mouths as they gasped with wide eyes, some others gobsmacked at the spectacle, the others cringed at the sight of a man being punched in the face by Sekiryuutei.

(Scene Break)

Meanwhile, the Hakuryuukou who was hovering across the night sky suddenly halted his flight, then he turned his head towards direction of Kuoh Academy.

{What is it?} The Vanishing Dragon asked, wondering the sudden action of his host.

"I… I feel like I just missed something amusing back there…" Vali replied as he kept staring at the distance.

{So? You want to go back?}

Vali pondered for a while, looking around at his surroundings and the bodies under his arms.

"No. I've already gone this far, so I'll make it back to Azazel first. It's probably nothing important", the Hakuryuukou dismissed his thoughts and continuing his flight away from Kuoh Academy.

(Scene Break)

Saitama, while being unharmed whatsoever, only blinked twice after the punch managed to slightly jerk his head away. The punch came from his son simply surprised him, thus he could not help but being taken aback. However, he could not help but wonder about the tingling sensation at the moment his son's fist made a contact with him. It was like having your cheek being scratched, but the feeling disappeared immediately after. Soon he regained his composure as he found satisfaction in Issei's eyes for some reason, though the latter was still not smiling.

"That's for mom, you shitty old man!" Issei exclaimed with his left fist smoking from the impact. However, he furrowed his eyebrows at Saitama's condition.

"Strange… Could've sworn that I was quite serious with that punch… He didn't seemed hurt at all…"

Saitama who heard his son's claim only supressed a snort as he let out a faint smile. "Well, I guess it's my bad…" Saitama replied as he rubbed his head awkwardly. Then, looked to Issei again.

"By the way, if you honestly called that a punch, you're sorely mistaken, kiddo", Saitama said, making Issei wondered before the latter's vision suddenly went blank with a pain shot through his head.

BAM!

As the force behind a simple jab was several times more powerful from Issei's previous punch, everyone needed few seconds to finally recognise that Saitama just sent his son flipping through the air several meters high before Issei dropped to the ground with a loud thump.

"There, that's what you call a punch", was all Saitama said after his son had fallen to the ground.

"ISSEI!"

Rias, the exorcists and everyone from occult research club yelled out Issei's name in worried tone as they quickly ran towards Issei's body. The student council also followed behind them. Rias and Asia were the first to arrive and they found Issei's face with swollen eyes and blood dripping from his nose. Asia quickly put her Twilight Healing to work as Rias looked at her pawn worriedly before she, along with everyone else turned their eyes to Saitama, who remained casual.

"… What?" Saitama asked at the people who were looking at him with incredulous expressions. "Come on, I didn't hit him that hard… He's gonna wake up in no time, right kid?" Saitama called out to his son, expecting a reply.

However, no reply came out after he waited for few seconds, as the others only narrowed their eyes at Saitama .

"Ise?" Saitama called out again, but no answer came out after few more moments. Asia was still busy applying her healing properties on Issei's swelling eye.

"Err… You there, son?" now Saitama felt worried for once after a while. No reply came out from his son after more than a minute passed. At this rate, everyone including Asia was glaring at Saitama with narrowed eyes. Asia's eyes were more like being teary from worry.

The bald man's face became pale slightly as he assessed the situation.

"Shit, Haruka's gonna kill me…"

X

Compared to Saitama… You're weak…

Those words echoed within Issei as he suddenly saw the figure of his father took a glance at him, turned his back and started to walk away.

"… Dad?" Issei called out but his father's back started to get further.

"W-wait!" Issei tried to chase after him, but the distance only seemed to slowly get further away.

"Hey, wait for me!" Issei suddenly felt tired only after running for few seconds and his father only getting further and further.

"Stop, don't go!" Issei tried desperately to reach him as he kept running as hard as he could, but Saitama's figure only got smaller as their distance increased.

"No, please! Don't leave me!" Issei felt his eyes got teary. He thought of using his Longinus to double up his speed, but he could not summon its power. He felt so weak, as if his power was leaving him.

Issei could only running in vain as he saw his father's figure slowly disappeared into the distance.

"DAD!"

Issei opened his eyes, letting out a drop of tears as he found himself on the bed with his arm stretched out towards a familiar ceiling. He got up, he looked around to find that it had already afternoon and recognised he was in his bedroom before a slight migraine got on him. Rubbing his eyes and the sore spot on his head, which was hit by his father last time, Issei tried to recall what happened before he knocked out. He also found himself still clad in the same outfit before he lost his consciousness last time.

[So you're finally awake]

The sound in his head interrupted his musings. Issei immediately recognised the voice.

"Ddraig? Ugh… What happened? How long was I out? My memories were kind of fuzzy…" Issei replied in his mind. His throat was too dried for him to speak, anyway.

[… How much do you recall?]

"Um… Let's see, I came to school, I fought Kokabiel, the Hakuryuukou showed up, then…" Issei's eyes widened after a pause. "My dad came…"

[You missed the part that you socked him in the face]

Issei blinked a couple of times at Ddraig's input.

"I did?"

[Yeah, you did. Then he knocked you out in return]

"Fuck…" Issei buried his face in his hands. "Wait, how long was I out, again?"

[About that-]

"Ise-san?"

[Well, let's have her answer for you]

Ddraig decided to let Asia to answer Issei's question when the blonde girl came in the room. She was clad in her Kuoh Academy uniform.

"Ise-san! You finally wake up!" Asia joyously ran and tackled Issei into a hug.

"Y-yeah… good morning, Asia…" Issei patted Asia's head who was clutching his torso. He tried to speak despite his parched throat. "Where are the others? What happened after I passed out?"

"Buchou-san and the others are at school, she said she had something to take care of at the club, since she's the president…" Asia said as she looked up at Issei.

"Irina-san and Xenovia-san had to report back to the Vatican after the battle, and they hoped for your well-being…" Asia's eyes got teary again. "I'm so worried that you hadn't woken up ever since Saitama-san hit you… Thank goodness you're awake…" Asia returned to bury her face in Issei's chest.

"Hang on, did she just say 'finally' earlier? Seriously, how long was I out?" Issei pondered with slightly wide eyes.

"Um… Asia, how long was I knocked out, exactly?" Issei asked the girl.

"Well…" as the girl finally let go of her hug, Asia seemed hesitant about answering. She took a glance here and there before she finally said, "About three days…"

"Three-!" then Issei dried throat finally acted up, and the boy cleared his throat before speaking again. "Actually, can you get me something to drink, please?" Issei asked as he rubbed his neck.

"Oh, yes! Right away!" Asia shot up from her spot, fetched a glass of water on the desk nearby, and she handed it over to Issei before she settled by sitting beside him. "Here you go."

Issei only nodded in gratitude and he immediately downed the glass. However…

"Oh, you're awake."

PFFT…!

Issei took a spit-take of the water inside his mouth and nose onto the floor as soon as his eyes shot out the source of the voice while coughing out the rest of his drink. At his room's door, a figure of a middle-aged man with bald head, clad in simple white T-shirt and a pair of shorts was leaning at the door frame with plain expression.

Issei's jaw dropped as he stared wide-eyed at the man, his finger pointed at him, and his jaw finally moved back as he tried to speak incoherent words while looking back and forth to Asia and Saitama.

"Wha-! Ah!? Uh? Buh…!?" Issei was too startled to say anything.

Asia quickly interjected. "Ah, Saitama-san was the one who carried you all the way back home, Ise-san. He's sorry for hitting you too hard and has talked to Haruka-san about it", Asia said with happy tone with her hands clasped together.

Issei looked at Asia with a slight disbelief look, then he turned to his father who was still remained at his spot. Issei's expression was showing that he tried to make sense of the situation, but he could not come up with anything.

Saitama only rubbed his head before he turned around to leave. "Anyway, Asia-chan is kind enough to skip her club activities to check up on you after school. If you're feeling better, come down. Haruka had prepared lunch."

Issei only stared incredulously at the doorframe where Saitama had been earlier. He rubbed his eyebrows together and took a deep breath.

"Ise-san? Are you alright?" Asia asked worriedly as she leaned in towards the boy.

Issei only smiled back at her as he patted her head again. "Yeah… I'm fine, Asia. Thanks. You can go downstairs first. I'll catch up in a minute."

Asia simply smiled back brightly before she left the room. After hearing Asia's footsteps on the stairs, Issei sighed again as rummage through his hair with both of his hands.

"By dead god… It's all real…"

[You okay there, partner?] Ddraig sympathized.

"I… Don't know…" Issei replied hesitantly.

You're weak…

Kokabiel's words echoed in his mind again, then Issei simply shrugged the thought away and he took another deep breath, before he began to prepare himself for the day.

X

The atmosphere at the dining room was… awkward, for the lack of better word. Issei and Asia were sitting next to each other on the table, while Saitama and Haruka sat side by side across them. Asia was nervous darting her gaze around Saitama and Issei, while Haruka simply smiled happily at the sight of her son and husband sitting on the same table for lunch. After few minutes that felt like forever, Saitama and Issei, strangely enough, moved in unison as they picked up their chopsticks.

""Ittadakimasu…""

Haruka and Asia, with the latter blinked in slight surprise, also followed as they began eating. While the women were eating, they noticed that Issei and Saitama were staring at each other with unreadable gaze. Not to mention, both of their movements were strangely in sync; while Saitama was reaching for ketchup, Issei also reached out for the said ketchup after Saitama, and they spiced up their side-dishes at the same manner; when Saitama was eating his own set of lunch, Issei was eating in the exactly same manner as Saitama. It was as if father and son were mirroring each other.

If it were not for the silent and tensed atmosphere, Asia would have found the sight amusing, adorable, even. However, the stare, or rather, the mild glare that was sent to each other between father and son with their unreadable expression had done nothing but making the girl more nervous. Haruka did not seemed affected at all as she kept smiling, or the woman was simply hiding it well beneath her smile.

The silence was broken only when Issei and Saitama had finished their first bowl of rice and they extended their respective bowl-in-hands towards Haruka and they spoke "Seconds" at the same time.

"Yes, yes…" Haruka playfully complied as she added more rice into the bowls.

As they resumed their eating, Saitama received a look from his still-smiling wife. Haruka's look in her eyes was urging him to say something. Saitama narrowed his eyes slightly at the gesture, but he finally complied.

"So… Ise", Saitama started. "I heard you're joining a club in school with Asia-chan… Occult Research Club, right?" Saitama said.

Issei blinked, kind of not expecting the sudden question from his father, and he only hummed affirmatively in reply.

"Mm-hm."

Saitama only nodded back, then he received another look from his wife again before he spoke another thing.

"Uh… How's your meeting with that Irina girl? She's your childhood friend, right?"

Issei swallowed the food in his mouth, then he looked down at the table, as if avoiding to look at his father.

"It's… good, I guess…" Issei replied with a hint of hesitation in his tone.

"Then… How's school?" Saitama finally went to cliché topic.

"Everything's fine. Though I ended up skipping few days thanks to a certain someone…"

Then the conversation was killed again with Issei's sarcasm as he finally turned to look at his food instead his father, whom only looked down back to his food with slightly guilty expression.

Asia could not help herself to say anything as the lunch went on with the tension remained between Issei and Saitama. She wanted to at least break the ice between the two, but being orphaned since childhood, Asia could not give any input due to her own inexperience with parents and all. Besides, she believed that it would be rude of her to interfere such a 'bonding' event.

""Thanks for the food…""

The lunch finally ended with Issei and Saitama said those words and put their eating utensils in unison as well. Asia sighed, feeling bad not being able to even relieving the tension between the family as she stood up following Issei, who was prepared to go out.

"You're leaving, already?" Haruka, who was cleaning up the dishes, asked out. "You should rest more, Ise. After all, this idiot punched you pretty hard…" the woman looked at her husband, whom looked away with more hints of guilt on his face.

Issei only smiled. "Don't worry, mom. I gotta at least show my face at school, considering I've been worrying everyone. I'll be fine with Asia here", Issei turned towards Asia whom smiled back, before he returned to his mother again.

"Besides, I think you still need more quality time with… dad here", Issei said as he sent a quick glance to Saitama.

Everyone noticed Issei swallowed a bit before he mentioned his father. Haruka and Asia could not help but worry for him. Just when Issei and Asia were about to leave, a voice suddenly called out.

"Oi, Ise", Saitama called out calmly enough. The boy in question only turned his head enough to see his father at the corner of his eyes.

"It's…" Saitama seemed trying to find his own words as he rubbed his head. "Sorry about the other night…" Saitama said awkwardly. "And, err… It's good to see you again…"

Even if Saitama tried to sound sincere, his plain facial expression ended up suggesting that he did not really mean those words. At these words, Issei only turned away. His jaw tightened, his lips twitched, Asia and Haruka could only look in concern what the boy would say in return.

"Let's go Asia", Issei simply said before he said his own goodbyes. "We're leaving!"

Nobody could tell if those words were meant towards both of his parents or his mother alone. Asia ended up just bowing politely before she rushed after Issei. The parents only looked at the direction their children left and Haruka folded her arms together before turning to stare at her husband when the sound of the door shutting was heard.

"Dear", Haruka said with a sigh and half-closed eyes. "Really, is that the best you can do?" She asked with dry tone.

At this question, Saitama only replied with a small sigh as he continued washing the dishes.

X

Meanwhile, when Issei and Asia had stepped past the house's gate, Issei stopped for a moment to look back at his home. After few seconds, Issei sighed deeply as he rummaged through his hair.

"Ise-san?"

Issei opened his eyes and he saw Asia, who was looking at him with concern.

"Are you really alright? Maybe you should stay at home, after all…" the girl asked.

Issei rubbed the back of his head as his gaze darting around. "I'm fine, Asia… It's just…"

"It's about your father, isn't it?"

Issei snapped his head to see Asia who had an understanding smile on her face. "I… I don't know anything about having parents, let alone a father…" Asia looked down for a second before she returned her gaze at the boy.

"But I can tell that Saitama-san is a good person", Asia held Issei's hand gently. "Your reunion with him might not be a good one, but I'll support you until you can settle your problems with him", Asia said with a gentle determination in her eyes.

"It's never too late to make up with your parents, Ise-san. And Saitama did regret about hitting you too hard that night. I, buchou-san and everyone else will help you to go through it all! I'll do anything I can to help you make up with your father!" Asia encouraged Issei. Her grip on his hand tightened slightly from her willingness.

At Asia's words, Issei could only chuckled and he patted her head as he pulled Asia closer to him almost into a hug.

"I-! Ise-san!?" Asia stuttered in surprise. Her face was flushed from the proximity between her and Issei.

"You're really something, you know that, Asia?" Issei said as he caressed Asia's head gently. They kept their position for few moments before Issei finally let go of her.

"Thanks to you, I'm fine now", Issei said with a smile and he offered his hand.

"Come on, Asia. Let's meet the others!"

Asia nodded with a smile of her own as she took Issei's hand, and the two continued their trek towards the school.

X

Upon entering the clubroom, everyone in Occult Research Club jolted from their position as soon as they caught the sight of the pawn.

"Ise/Ise-kun/Ise-senpai!" Rias, Akeno, Yuuto and Koneko were quickly moved towards Issei.

"I'm back, everyone… Sorry for making- Ooph!" Issei's greeting was cut-off by Rias Gremory as the latter pulled the former's head into her bosoms, burying him into a hug.

"Ise… My Ise…" Rias murmured as she stroked Issei's head lovingly. "I've been so worried ever since you're passed out from… his punch."

There was a hint of distaste when Rias remembered how Saitama knocked out her precious pawn several days ago. Although it was not entirely intentional, she strongly believed that a father like Saitama was not supposed to punch his own son that hard, especially after the said father had left his own family for the last fifteen years.

"Thank you for your concern, buchou… But I'm fine now..." Issei returned the hug lightly until he patted his master's back, hinting her to let go so he could breath.

Rias let go, and when Isse was about to address the other members his eyes caught a sight of a familiar blue hair, whose owner of the said hair was sitting on one of the couches in the clubroom.

"Yo, Sekiryuutei", the owner of the blue hair greeted casually.

Issei blinked a couple of times before he simply replied, "Hey there, Xenovia. You're… here."

Xenovia blinked back, not expecting Issei's calm reaction.

"You seemed… Taking this pretty well. I was expecting you to at least surprised of my presence…"

Issei only snorted at Xenovia's comment. "Honestly? After having my daylights knocked out by my long-lost father, only to find the said father is now staying in my house after I woke up few days later? I doubt anything will surprise me anymore for today…" Issei said in exasperated tone.

Xenovia nodded in understanding, while everyone in the clubroom showed their respective amused reactions on Issei's claim.

"Speaking of, how's your father doing? And… Are you okay, now? He hit you pretty hard, after all", Xenovia asked.

At the question, Issei only looked away while rubbing his head with slight frown. Everybody's expressions showed concern at the boy's expression.

"Meh, aside from nasty migraine when I woke up, everything's fine, I guess", Issei waved off. "Rather, have you thanked him properly this time? What happened to Irina and the Excalibur swords after that? And also, why are you here in the first place?" Issei tried to change the topic.

Xenovia gave a thoughtful expression for a second.

"Well, I have thanked Saitama-dono properly this time, though…" Xenovia's expression went a bit troubled. "He still mispronounced my name…" Xenovia recalled the way the bald hero addressed her last time.

She still remembered, when Saitama just volunteered that he would be the one to carry the knocked-out Issei back home as apology, Xenovia and Irina quickly approached him to greet him. Then, with the very same, indifferent expression Saitama had been using in everyday life, Saitama simply raised his hand and called the blue haired girl as 'Xenogear' while he did not have any problem remembering Irina's name, much to Xenovia's chagrin.

"Ah…" Issei showed a pitied look. "Um… Sorry about him…" Issei said scratching his cheek.

Yuuto and Akeno only stifled a giggle at the memory.

"It's fine. I guess that's just Saitama-dono being himself…" Xenovia quickly waved it off with a small smile.

"Oh, and also, Irina had to return to Vatican to return the Excalibur fragments as well with Valper's corpse. And as for your last question…" Xenovia trailed off, and a pair of black bat wings grew out from her back.

Issei and Asia widened their eyes at the sight of Xenovia's wings. Asia covered her mouth to show her shock.

"Wha-! Are those devil wings? How did you…" then Issei blinked twice and he turned to Rias with an understanding look. "Oh…"

Rias only winked at Issei's analysis.

"Okay…" Issei turned to Xenovia again as he put one hand to his waist. "Care to explain why?"

"I've found out that God is gone…" Xenovia said as she closed her eyes, before she opened them again. "So I chose to be a devil as a self-abandonment. I received a "Knight" piece from Rias Gremory. It seems like what makes me great is my holy sword Durandal. So I was able to become a devil with 1 piece. And I was also placed in this school. From now on, I'm a 2nd year student and also a member of the Occult Research Club. Lets get along, Ise-kun." Xenovia said, while breathing with her nose.

Issei stared at Xenovia for a moment before he finally spoke.

"Um… No offense, Xenovia… But that cute way of talking doesn't suit you at all… Especially when you say it with serious face."

"Hmm… I tried to copy Irina, but I guess it won't be that easy, after all…" Xenovia said as she put a finger under her chin.

"Yeah, sorry about that…" Issei replied before he turned to Rias.

"Buchou, are you sure of reincarnating her? With such a valuable piece?" Issei asked.

"Why not? Having a wielder of the Durandal feels reliable. And in addition, my knight is now complete with two swordsmen, along with Yuuto", Rias replied as she glanced at her first knight, who smiled proudly in return.

"Yes. I'm a devil now. I can't go back. No, maybe this was a good thing. Hmm, but since God is gone, my life was a failure. But serving under a devil who was once my enemy is… Even if she is a sister of a Maou…" Xenovia added in with her gaze down-casted in slight depression, since she would not be able to pray anymore.

Issei only nodded again. He chose to believe in his master, he knew that his master is not the type who thinks about small things. Besides, having a wielder of a holy sword of Duranda's calibre would definitely strengthen the group. But speaking of holy sword…

"Wait, if you're here, and Irina-chan went back to Vatican with the fragments… What about your Durandal, then? And your Excalibur Destruction?" Issei pointed out. "And is it even alright with you to betray the Church?"

"Excalibur fragments are important artefacts of the church. It's a given that I have to return my Excalibur as well. The shattered fragments from the battle can be reconstructed by alchemy into holy swords again… And unlike the Durandal, the Excalibur fragments still have other wielders that could be chosen. Having Durandal is enough for me. When I mentioned the absence of God to them, they became silent. So I became an outsider for knowing the absence of God. The Church hates outsiders and heresy very much. Even if that person is the wielder of Durandal, they will cut them off. Exactly the same way as the incident with Asia Argento", Xenovia replied as she laughed at herself.

Asia looked down in understanding at the kindred spirit, while Issei narrowed his eyes at the Church's extremities of dealing with their so-called heretics.

"Irina… She has a stronger faith than me. At first, I was afraid what would've happened to her when she found out about the truth, but it seems thanks to you she was able to hold up. She said that she wants to have an audience with the Archangels regarding that truth." Xenovia informed with narrowed eyes.

"Although she was still disappointed that I became a devil, since she would rather have me to stay in the church…"

Issei took in the information Xenovia gave him. He wondered how the angels would react at Irina's knowledge, considering of how the leaders of the Church had treated Xenovia when she knew about the truth.

After few moments of silence, Rias finally spoke up.

"Oh, yes. The Church have made contact with us devils. More precisely, the Maou talked about this incident. They said, 'We would like to make contact with you because of unclear and dishonest actions of the fallen-angels even though we feel unsatisfactory about this'. They also apologised about Valper because it was their mistake for letting him escape in the past."

The devils in the clubroom took in Rias' information of the Church's dissatisfaction. Issei took a mental note that there would likely be some sort of a meeting between leaders of the three factions in future.

"But still", Xenovia spoke up again. "This school is truly terrifying. Because there's not only one, but two sisters of the Maou attending this school." Xenovia said with a sigh.

Issei blinked at Xenovia's words. "Two?" Issei asked around the room.

"There's another high-class devil aside from me in this school, remember?" Rias said.

Issei racked his brain for a while. Another high-class devil. Then his eyes widened at the image of the student council president. The nod from Rias when he looked her way only confirmed his thoughts.

"Ah… Hahaha…" Issei gave a dry laugh.

For him, the news about the student council president being a sister of a devil king like his master was still less surprising than his long-lost father, but slightly more surprising than Xenovia becoming a devil in its own way. On the way to the old school building, Issei also realised that the damage from the battle against Kokabiel had been repaired, which he assumed was done by devils and people related to the Maou. Issei guessed it was not too much surprise considering there were two Maou's relatives handling everything about the school.

"The truth about this incident was sent to the God-side and the devils' side by the viceroy of the fallen-angels, Azazel. The theft of the Excalibur was an action taken by Kokabiel only. The other leaders didn't know about it. He planned to break the tension between the three sides. Because he tried to start another war, he was put in the Cocytus for eternity in a frozen state." Rias explained again to her peerage.

"But it ended thanks to Ise", Rias smiled proudly at her pawn. "Though the Grigori had planned to send out one of their own to stop Kokabiel…"

"Vanishing Dragon…" Issei added.

At the title mentioned, everyone else in the room remembered of the intimidating aura that Hakuryuukou had given during his appearance. There was no doubt that the current host of Vanishing Dragon would be at least as strong as the Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei.

When the boy's thought tracked back to the figure in the white draconic armour, his mind remembered one of things the Hakuryuukou spoke about himself.

You're soft my rival.

As well as Kokabiel's.

Compared to Saitama… You're weak.

Issei's brows furrowed at the memory, but he quickly dismissed them.

"There would also be a meeting between the representatives of the angels, devils and Azazel. Apparently there is something Azazel wants to talk about. I heard that maybe Azazel would be apologizing about Kokabiel then. Though it's suspicious if Azazel would apologise."

"So there will be a meeting…" Issei confirmed his suspicion at Rias' explanation.

However, Issei caught a glimpse of disgust in Rias' tone. The pawn assumed that Azazel, the fallen angel governor was someone not well-liked by everyone.

"We were also invited to that meeting. We have to report about the incident at the meeting because we were involved."

Issei blinked and he looked towards his master again. Ever since his 'trial' during his early days as a devil, and the bold 'proclamation' during the rating game against Riser Phenex, Issei had developed a sense of wariness towards a figure of authority. The boy was aware that the people in upper echelon could crush him with a simple word of order. Sure, he could just escape, but he was not sure if he was prepared enough to live as a fugitive, and in this case, a stray.

Everyone in the clubroom showed nervous expressions knowing that they would have to attend a meeting with important leaders.

Issei attempted to lighten up his nervousness by posing Xenovia a question.

"Say, Xenovia. The Vanishing Dragon belongs to the side of fallen angels, right?"

"That's right. Azazel is gathering Sacred Gear possessors who have a Longinus. I don't know what he is thinking, but it's definitely something not good. The Vanishing Dragon is the top fighter among them. I heard that he is the fourth or fifth strongest out of all the strong people there including the leaders of Grigori. And judging how he appeared in his balance-breaker form, it's safe to assume that he's as strong as you", Xenovia replied.

"I also heard… That the Hakuryuukou had achieved his balance-breaker when he was still around 10-11 years old."

Issei's eyes widened yet again at Xenovia's input. "That young? I worked my ass off for over 7 years to achieve my own balance-breaker and that bastard mastered his balance-breaker earlier than me!?" Issei thought incredulously.

[Which means the host of white one has outclassed you in terms of his mastery over his Longinus. You better be careful, partner. Remember, there's just so many factors that can decide the victor of a battle] Ddraig reminded him.

"Yeah, thanks for the tips, Ddraig", Issei replied as he calmed down.

"…That's right", Xenovia said again, as this time she approached Asia. "I have to apologise to Asia Argento. I thoughtlessly judged you without knowing your suffering. Since God no longer exists, then the same goes with His love and blessing as well. I'm sorry, Asia Argento. Please hit me much as much as you want."

The blue-haired girl bowed his head before the blonde, like a Japanese would repent to someone. Asia looked troubled, while Issei could tell the steel expression on Xenovia's face. The boy could not help but smile a little at Xenovia's bluntness. He was aware that their first meeting was a rough one, but Issei admired that kind of earnestness displayed by the girl. The attitude of someone willing to admit their mistake when the situation demands it, truly a befitting of a knight. Issei could only admire such behaviour.

"No, I don't intend to do something like that, Xenovia-san…" Asia said after shaking her head slowly. "I'm enjoying my current lifestyle. Even though I'm a devil now, I met someone…" Asia took a glance at Issei and everyone in the clubroom. "People who are important to me. I am happy because of the place I live in now and the people I have met." Asia finished with a beautiful smile on her face.

That strong, yet kind attitude to forgive those who wronged her of the former nun, as well as the smile of which the beauty rivalled the Virgin Mary herself, was what Issei really liked about Asia as the boy smiled even wider.

Xenovia snorted with a sad smile on her face. "So only you and I are the only Christians that found out about the absence of God. I won't be able to say something like a divine punishment to you now. So a heretic huh? I was a holy sword user who was admired, but now a heretic huh. I can't forget about how their eyes and attitudes changed when they saw me…" Xenovia then started walking to the door.

"Then I'll take my leave now. There are still things I need to learn before I transferring to this school."

"U-Umm…!"

Asia stopped Xenovia before the latter could leave the room.

"This weekend Ise-san and I are going out to play with everyone. Do you want to join us, Xenovia-san?"

"Eh?"

Issei raised an eyebrow at Asia's invitation. Did they plan such a thing? When did they plan it? Issei's memory trailed back to the time when they were searching for the stolen Excalibur swords. He finally remembered that during his busy time in school, Kiryuu had once asked him and Asia to hang out on the weekend. When Issei was asked, due to his tension and thoughts over the holy swords, Issei simply dismissed them with 'yes, yes, I'll do it' without listening properly.

"Ah, that's right… Kiryuu once asked about it, didn't she?" Issei inwardly smiled wryly.

Xenovia's eyes widened at Asia's kind offer. After what she did to her, the latter still wanted to befriend her. Xenovia then shook her head with bitter smile.

"I'm sorry, I'm not interested this time. However…"

"Yes?"

"Can you take me around the school next time?"

At Xenovia's request, Asia's face beamed in joy. "Yes, I'd love to!"

Everyone smiled at the exchange, things seemed were going to be fine between the former members of the Church. Then Xenovia turned to Yuuto.

"Kiba Yuuto, I swear in the name of my holy sword, Durandal. One day I would like to have a match with your holy-demonic sword."

"Alright, I won't loose next time", Yuuto replied with a confident smile.

Issei smiled again at Yuuto's expression. It looked like something had changed inside the male knight after the incident with Excalibur and Kokabiel. After Xenovia had left the room, Rias clapped her hands to gain everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone! Now that everyone had returned, let's start club activity again!"

"YES!"

Everyone replied with energetic voice. That day, all of them laughed again.

X

By the time Rias, Issei and Asia returned home that night, they were greeted by Saitama at front of the house. The man was seen holding a bag of groceries in both of his hands.

"Oh, it's you guys. Welcome back", Saitama greeted.

Issei wanted to at least say something back, but whatever he wanted to say was forgotten when he got a look at Saitama's outfit. The man was wearing a long jeans, a pair of white sneakers, and what made Issei furrowed his eyebrows were a hoodie that Saitama wore as his top with a word 'oppai' printed on it, there was also a picture akin to woman's breasts under the word.

"Ah! Good evening, Saitama-san!" Asia greeted with a polite bow. Rias and Issei also followed suit with a nod.

"Yeah, Asia-chan, Ise, Ria-tan", Saitama casually nodded at Asia and addressed his son and his master.

Rias flinched at the name addressed to her, while Issei only gobsmacked and raised his eyebrows in surprise at his master's nickname. Rias cleared her throat as her face was flushed with embarrassment.

"Saitama-san… As I've been telling you for the past few days, please stop referring me with that name. My name is Rias…"

"Well… It's just ever since I stayed in touch with your brother, he kept telling me about you, you know. It's like he kept saying, 'Ria-tan this', 'Ria-tan that'. So… that name's already stuck in my head…" Saitama explained.

"Ugh… A-anyway, can you at least try to call me by my name, please?" Rias groaned with her face still flushed.

"Then… Rias-chan"

Rias would like to retort again at such a nickname from Saitama, but at least that one was not as childish as the way her brother addressed her in the past. So she would have to make do with this for now.

"Have you been wearing that shirt for the whole day?" Issei finally said as he pointed at Saitama's outfit.

"Yeah, what of it?" Saitama simply replied with indifferent expression.

"Does mom know about that?"

"Well, of course she does. This is what I bought with her during our first date, after all. I never thought your mom still keeps this all these years…"

Issei's jaw dropped and he looked around to see any neighbour or people to witness such an embarrassing outfit before he turned to Rias and Asia. The two girls only shook their heads with the former placed a hand on his shoulder, as if telling him just give up and let it go.

Issei only grumbled as he face-palmed. He made a mental note to do something about that disgrace of an outfit later.

"You know what? Let's just… Get in the house, please?" Issei asked in resignation, almost pleading.

As Issei strode into the house, the two girls with him only smiled awkwardly and Saitama only followed with unchanging expression behind them.

When the four got inside the house, they were greeted by Issei's mother, whose face remained beaming with joy ever since she found her husband had come home. After few greetings, Issei, Asia and Rias prepared themselves for dinner as they went to the bedrooms, and Issei took a glance back and saw that Haruka was standing on Saitama's way when the latter was about to go to the kitchen.

"Um…. Haruka? What is it?" Saitama stared at his wife.

Haruka did not say anything as she only held her face up, closed her eyes and puckered her lips. Saitama cringed slightly when he understood what his wife was implying.

"Uh… But there are kids here…" Saitama noticed that Issei was looking at them.

"Mm!" Haruka remained unmoving as she maintained her position.

Saitama always felt reluctant to comply at the particular request, but looking back to his experience so far, if he were to refuse his wife, things would get even more troublesome for him to handle. In the end, Saitama only sighed in resignation before he sent a look to Issei, which the latter grunted and reluctantly went upstairs. However, when Issei was about to turn at the corner, curiosity overcame him and the boy decided to crouch down and sneak a peek from the corner of the stairs. His eyes widened and narrowed as he was forced to sweat-drop at the sight of his father gave his wife a light 'I'm home' kiss.

"Good grief, those guys should just go get a room…" Issei grimaced in his mind.

[Come on, partner. They're married, remember? What's so weird about a little smooch once in a while?]

"I know, but-!" Issei was interrupted and gasped at the sight that almost made his eyes jumped out of their sockets.

Haruka pouted when Saitama retracted his face back. Saitama looked at his wife's pouting face, not knowing what did he do wrong. However, before he could have asked anything, his wife suddenly grabbed his head with both of her hands, and she lunged herself at him and crashed her lips even deeper with his. Saitama was about to retaliate, but with a reason that even he could not fathom, his other instinct slowly took over as his vision became black.

Issei dropped his jaw as his skin paled significantly at the display of affection between his parents. He could not believe to see that his father's arms slowly sneaked around his mother's waist to her back, pulling her closer to him. While the boy could only see his mother's back that was embraced by Saitama's body, Issei felt he would rather gouged out his own eye balls with a spoon than kept looking the make-out session of his parents, if the boy could even move after the shock.

Just before things could get even messier, Saitama managed to grasp his rationality and pushed his wife away, not too strong but enough to gain distance. He quickly shook his head to return to reality, then he saw Haruka's face was flushed in euphoria. Saitama took a deep breath and he flicked Haruka's forehead lightly. The woman let out a yelp and she was still giggling as she rubbed her sore spot.

"Put yourself together, woman", Saitama reprimanded. "Geez, even after all these years you still barely changed at all…"

"Fufufu, same goes to you. And what was that talking after you dare to leave me and Ise alone for all these years?" Haruka said playfully.

"Oi, I sent you cash to help every month, didn't I?"

"Yes, yes. That's why our son still believe that you haven't abandoned us…" Haruka then hugged her husband. "That child will never admit it, but he actually missed you so much, you know…" she whispered.

Saitama only sighed once again as he returned the hug for a second. Then his wife quickly let go her arms and sent a quick peck on his lips. "Just don't forget to make up with him, okay? Now, go and tidy yourself up. Dinner will be ready soon", Haruka said with a wink as she walked towards the kitchen.

Staring at the retreating back of his wife, Saitama let out a small groan as he buried his face in his hands. He looked up as he reminiscing about his past comrades.

"Good grief… Look at what I've become. Genos and the others would have laughed their asses off if they were to see how I'm doing now…"

Saitama had encountered and fought against numerous types of opponents. He faced the most heinous terrorists, the fiercest of mysterious beasts and monsters, the most advanced killing machines, master of martial-arts, psychics that can throw giant buildings and blow things up with their minds alone, powerful space warlords and aliens that had destroyed planets, even the forces of nature themselves. And against those opponents, Saitama reigned supreme with the power of his fist alone. However, ever since he came to this world, he encountered even more powerful people in their own ways. Some of them have the power to kill a god itself, the others have their ways to go around his defence, and one of them practically possesses infinite power. Yet Saitama still felt confident that he could take on those people if he were to go all out.

Then again, unexpectedly for him, of all things it was a single woman that actually managed to 'dominate' over him, and the strangest thing was that he ended up willing to do anything to spend the rest of his life with her. Yes, that woman was the one who had become his wife, Hyoudou Haruka.

Saitama scoffed with a small smile at the thought and he levelled his sight again, then, his eyes met with Issei's who was still peeking out from the corner of the stairs. The look of the boy was that of an absolute horror, as his eyes wide, his lower jaw remained hanging, and his face was pale-white. The two males kept staring for a moment, with Issei's mind had shut down since the 'make-out' session had begun. After a minute, Saitama cleared his throat, looked around and just walked off to his room downstairs, leaving his son to his own device.

Issei remained unmoving in his position for several more minutes until the dragon inside him started to feel worried.

[Partner? …Partner, are you there?]

…

[Hellooo! Ddraig to Hyoudou Issei!?]

Issei did not say anything as his mind had completely shut down from the shock.

"Ise, what's wrong?"

"Ise-san?"

Rias and Asia came out from the rooms and they found Issei was crouching on the staircases with his face lost its colour and his mouth wide open, his eyes spoke as if he just witnessed something hideous.

X

It took several good minutes of snapping Issei back from his stupor until Rias had to resort to smack Issei's head with her demonic-enhanced arm. Although Issei's face remained shell-shocked even when his body finally moved to do his current chores to clean himself.

And currently, if the atmosphere was tensed enough during lunch, the atmosphere during dinner could only be described as… awkward and hostile. The hostility actually came from Issei who was glaring daggers at Saitama, who kept avoiding his son's eyes to his food instead. The girls who were looking at the spectacle could not help but confused. Issei only glared at Saitama without touching his dinner at all. Even Haruka could tell that she had to do something to help her son to reconcile with her husband.

"Ise, your food is getting cold", Haruka reminded her son.

Issei did not say anything and he picked up his chopstick and started eating, while he kept his glare on his father.

Haruka turned to look at Rias and Asia with a look that asked what was going on. The two girls however, only shrugged and shook their heads as they did not know what happened either.

On the other hand, Saitama just had no idea what he had gotten himself into.

"What a pain… Is this about earlier? I was the victim earlier, right?"

Saitama glanced at the girls, requesting 'back up'. The women glanced at each other, seeking for solution, a topic that could break the ice.

"Um!" Rias decide to take the initiative. "How's your day, Saitama-san? Haruka-san?"

"Oh, it's wonderful, Rias-chan", Haruka was thankful for the topic Rias brought up. "And didn't I tell you and Asia-chan to address me as 'mother'? You two can call my husband as 'father' as well, isn't that right, dear?" Haruka turned to her husband.

Saitama decided to play along. It was better than nothing, after all.

"Y-yeah, right. Man, Ise… You're really doing a good job giving us daughters. I never thought you have it in you, kid."

Listening to the conversation and the words from his parents, Issei blinked and his face turned flush slightly. "I… I didn't do it for you, okay? I just did it to help them, and mom seemed so happy about it…" Issei turned away.

"Good! His mood lightened up!"

"Fufufu, these past few days had been so great. I got new members for the family, my husband came home, and I got my workload reduced since I have my husband here to share the work! Not to mention, I really missed his presence so much…" Haruka got carried away with her words.

"Yeah… Sure it's good to spend more time with him, eh?" Issei's tone sounded hostile once again as he returned his glare at his father.

Rias and Asia sighed in disappointment as Issei got moody again.

"Seriously, why me!?"

Saitama narrowed his eyes at his wife after he complained inwardly, whom actually did not know what made her son being grumpy in the first place. Her words that reminded Issei of the married couple's earlier make-out session were purely accidental.

"Anyway", the Hyoudou matriarch spoke up, gaining the attention of everyone again. "Tell me, how are your days and your club activities? My husband also told me that you kids had some kind of a match when you went for your club field-trip."

At the question, everyone's eyes shot up. What Haruka mentioned was definitely about their training camp and the rating game with Riser Phenex. The three devils then turned their gazes to Saitama, who was glancing at his wife as well. Apparently, Haruka had chosen an unexpected topic.

"Hm? What's with that look?" suddenly, everyone's eyes returned to Haruka, who remained calm.

"Um… Haruka-san, about that field trip and game…"

"Call me mother, and you don't need to hide it, Rias-chan…" Haruka interrupted softly. Her eyes closed for a moment before she opened them calmly. "I always know, that you girls are more than meets the eye and my son is also a part of your world", Haruka said with kind face.

Rias, Asia and Issei were not sure what to say or do at that point as their gaze darted around in guilt for concealing the truth.

"It's fine", Haruka's next words pulled the devils attention back to her. "Ever since I met my husband, I've been aware that there's a hidden side world that I can't ever go to, the world where my husband always fight for what he believes in", Haruka placed her hand on her husband's, resulting Saitama's look at his wife to soften.

"I don't care who or what you are, I won't pry and will respect your privacy. But please…" Haruka looked straight into Rias and Asia's eyes. "Take care of my son."

"Mom…"

Issei was touched by his mother's words of understanding. Rias and Asia could not help but admire the maturity of Issei's mother.

"Don't need to worry, mother", Rias replied with determined smile. "Ise is a part of my family too. I'll never let anything bad happen to him."

"I-I also will take care of Ise-san. He's my friend, after all!"

"Thank you… It means so much to me", Haruka finished with her genuine smile. "Now then, tell me in a bit more detail how's my son doing in that game", Haruka leaned in towards the girls with excitement.

Rias, Asia and Issei was still believe that it was unnecessary to tell Haruka about the violent part, so they decided to describe the game more like a sport competition rather than a mock war. Of course, they skipped the part where Issei shouted out his bold proclamation. As Issei got embarrassed being hailed as the key to the victory and the champion of Gremory, the heavy atmosphere from earlier was completely forgotten. Saitama could only impressed at the turn out of events.

"Changing the tides of the atmosphere with such approach of having conversation… As expected of Haruka!" Saitama nodded as his respect and admiration to his wife increased by folds.

Thinking that the coast was clear, Saitama decided to join the talk.

"I've watched the recording of your game with your brother, Rias-chan", Saitama chided in, receiving a look from the others. "And you did well in there, Ise…"

At his father's words, Issei's cheek gained a faint shade of pink as he looked away. "Well… I did it for the sake of my master and my friends, I didn't do it for you or anything…"

The three females of the house could not help but amused at Issei's reaction. While Haruka was glad that her husband and son were starting to get closer, Rias and Asia felt that they just found another side of Issei that they never knew of.

However, Issei suddenly frozen and he turned to Saitama with dreaded look.

"W-wait a second", Issei's voice became shaky. "If you've watched the recording… Does it mean that you saw everything?"

Rias and Asia also frozen for a second at Issei's question before their expression turned to a dreaded realisation as well. Haruka on the other hand, only got curious at the question.

"Yep, every single event. In fact, I got my favourite part saved in here", Saitama picked out a cell-phone and he played a voice recorder.

"RIAS GREMORY-SAMA'S VIRGINITY BELONGS TO ME!"

The three devils gobsmacked at Issei's voice recorded during their first rating game, while Haruka covered her mouth to supress her gasp at her son's voice from the recording. Asia's eyes got teary as she recalled Issei's 'proposal' to Rias, while the mentioned two's faces were burning red.

Ddraig did not bother to hider his amusement as he roared in laughter in Issei's mindscape.

"I never got bored whenever I heard this part with Sirzechs. Seriously, kid… You really made my day that time", Saitama said in amusement.

However, Saitama's musing was interrupted when Issei's chopsticks broke from the boy's hands as he slammed the table when he stood up.

"Dad…" Issei said in a dark tone. "I won't say this again… Delete that recording now…." He said with his fuming face. The boy was at the verge of going berserk.

"Eh?"

Saitama had not realised that he just made a bad move. He looked around to see Rias and Asia were looking at him with less intense gaze, but their expressions were demanding the same thing as Issei.

"Ise…"

Suddenly, Haruka's voice made Issei flinched and the boy turned his head mechanically as he expected at least an upset look from his mother. However, he got the exact opposite instead.

Haruka's eyes were glittering and her face had a proud smile on it. She stuck her thumb out and said the words that probably would hurt Issei's conscience.

"Good job."

GYAAAARGHH!

At the two words, Issei finally snapped as a scream of frustration echoed from Hyoudou residence, followed by sounds of the panicking girls, clattering and couple of shattering noises as the dinner turned into a brawl between father and son. The result of the chaos was never brought up, but at that night, Rias and Haruka had to apologise to the neighbouring houses for the ruckus the males of the house had caused.

X

"…Remember day we dreamt, and it's painful for me. I could see your face, I could hear your voice…~"

Inside a karaoke box, Issei just finished singing the song 'Reluctant Heroes' while Matsuda and Motohama kept booing him, demanding to switch with them, Kiryuu and Asia just cheered for him, Koneko was focusing more on the snacks and food on the table, and Yuuto just sipped his coffee elegantly. The next day after the chaotic dinner was the weekend where Issei, Asia, and apparently Yuuto and Koneko as well, were going to hang out with Matsuda, Motohama, and Kiryuu. After spending half of the day playing bowling, shopping, getting Asia to wear a gothic-lolita outfit in courtesy of Kiryuu, which Issei somewhat ended up appreciating it, they decided to spend the rest of the day by singing and relaxing in a karaoke box. Issei wanted to invite Saji as well, considering the hang out session to be as well as a celebration for Search and Destroy party during Excalibur fiasco, but the other guy said that he was forbidden by Sona to play around with opposite sex, much to Saji's dismay. Issei came to pity his fellow pawn for his amount of work and discipline.

Motohama and Matsuda started a duet as Issei returned to his seat. He dropped his shoulders as he still felt exhausted from last night. Never in his life he had been so exhausted before, right after sleeping for several days, and he had already exhausted again after not even 24 hours had past. And Issei blamed all of it on his father. He looked around and found that neither Asia, Koneko or Yuuto had sung yet. When Issei was about to persuade at least one of the three to sing, his cell-phone rang out and he looked at the screen. It was a message from Rias.

'Currently picking a swimsuit. I will choose the one that you will like'

The message also had a heart mark at the end. Issei pondered for a moment. His master mentioned in the morning that she had her own plans with Akeno that day. But the question for him was, if they were shopping for swimsuits, why would they bother to match his taste? Issei would prefer those girls to pick the swimsuits of their own taste.

Then, when Issei chose to take a sip of his soft drink, a photo was sent to his cell-phone.

PFFT…!

Issei spit out his drink again as his eyes bulged out when he saw the content of the picture. Apparently it was a photo of Rias and Akeno in their choice of swimsuits in the changing room, and the two girls were using rather erotic poses.

"Ise-kun? Are you okay?"

Yuuto's voice caused Issei to immediately hide his cell-phone and he quickly turned towards the pretty boy.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine, Kiba."

"Are you sure? Your face is red…"

Just as Yuuto said Issei felt his face rather hot.

"W-well… I guess I sang too much earlier? Hahaha…"

"Ise-senpai, are you perhaps having lewd thoughts?" Koneko asked this time.

Issei frantically shook his head.

"Dear, no, no, no, no. Why would I think of that?"

"Because there's blood dripping from your nose", Koneko pointed out with stoic, judging face.

Issei touched his nose, and he did spot a blood.

"Ahahaha, it seemed the wound from my dad last time was acting up again. Don't worry about it…"

"Ise-san, if you're wounded you should've told me. I'll take care of it immediately!" Asia added as she noticed Issei's predicament.

"Say, Hyoudou-kun… I saw the size of your crotch is…" Kiryuu chided in with her lewd expression, which only made things worse for Issei.

"I'll be in the washroom! Later!" Issei immediately got up and ran out from the karaoke room, leaving the others with their questions unanswered.

"Suspicious…" was all Koneko commented after Issei left the room.

Outside of the room, Issei made sure that nobody was following him, and he took another look at his cell-phone again. Unknown to Issei, day by day he got more and more interested of women's body, especially if it involved his master and girls from his group. However, Issei always tried his best to hold down his teenage hormone and keep himself together. Having named as a pervert would be bad enough for him, and he was sure as hell did not want to imagine what his father would comment about it.

But again in the end, Issei still chose to save the sexy picture of his master, as well as his queen into his memory card and continued his stride to the washroom to cool off his head.

When Issei got out from the washroom, he found Yuuto was sitting on the nearby chair outside their booked room. Raising his eyebrows, Issei approached the knight.

"'Sup, Kiba?"

"Ise-kun", Yuuto nodded at Issei.

"Why are you outside? Did something happen there?" Issei asked as he looked at the room's door.

Yuuto seemed to think for a moment before he simply shrugged.

"Yes, you can say that something did happen."

Issei took a seat next to the knight and he released a deep sigh as his body leaned forward and he rested his arms on his lap.

"Something's been bothering you, correct?" Yuuto asked.

Issei took a glance at the knight who was looking at him.

"Nah, everything's fine. Just tired…" Issei waved off.

"You know, I've been meaning to give you my gratitude", Yuuto's next words made Issei looked up at the knight. "Thank you", Yuuto said bowing his head slightly.

"Don't mind about it, everyone had forgiven you, after all", Issei replied with a smile. "We're a team, remember? Don't forget, Kiba. If you got yourself in a deep trouble, just shout out and I, and everyone else will rush to aid you. And in return… I'll expect the same thing from you, okay?" Issei said with a playful grin.

"Ise-kun…"

"Oi, oi… What's with those tears? You're a man! Man up!" Issei sent few jabs on Yuuto's shoulder. The knight simply chuckled as he wiped his tears away.

After they laughed together for few moments, they fell again into comfortable silence.

"So, mind telling me what's bothering you?"

Issei glanced again at Yuuto, whom kept his eyes at the blank space before him.

"I told you I'm fine, didn't I?"

"Well… It's up to you, I don't even know if I can help. But I'm more than happy to listen, you know?" Yuuto glanced back at Issei.

The two boys stared at each other for a moment, until Issei let out a sigh.

"Well, I guess… I'm just so exhausting in such a short time…."

"Is this about your father?" Yuuto raised one of his eyebrows.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Everyone else in the club are aware, you know. After all, your reunion with him didn't end with a good impression."

Issei sighed again at the fact. "Imagine, Kiba…" he started.

"You're asleep for 3 days, you woke up, and at the end of that same day, you already felt as if your life had been drained out of you?"

Issei recalled back the events he went through ever since his father came home. There surely were one or two events that Issei would rather forget.

"Whoa, that must be hard…" Yuuto commented in understanding.

"You have no idea, my friend…" Issei shook his head in resignation.

"…So? How are things with your father now?"

"Well, for now he helps my mom with house chores, watches over the house, there's still nothing notable, actually", Issei shrugged. "Although his attitude pisses me off…" Issei clenched his fist at the part.

"But still…" Yuuto interjected. "Isn't it good to have your family whole again?"

"Of course it's good! I mean, my mom's so ecstatic about it."

"Well, are you?"

Issei blinked and he turned to see Yuuto was looking right into his eyes.

"Are you happy that your father came home?"

Issei pondered for a moment, his head darted around, and he finally ran his hand through his hair as his face gained a faint shade of red.

"Well…" Issei covered the lower half of his face. "I'm… happy, kind of…"

At this point, Yuuto blinked as he just saw an unexpected side of his friend. He usually found Issei to be rather collected, but seeing him flustered was really new to him.

"Still, though!" Issei said again. "Everything just happened so sudden! I'd been planning to set a trip to find him, and suddenly he just fell down from the sky in front of you? Who could've seen that coming!?" Issei complained.

"And another thing, knocking your daylights out for 3 days is definitely not something you'll expect from your long-lost relative."

Yuuto's mouth opened in 'o' shape before he nodded.

"You… have a point there, actually", then Yuuto giggled, receiving a look from Issei. "Anyway, with all things being said and done, you just have to take your time, right?"

Issei raised his eyebrows as Yuuto placed his hand on his shoulder.

"I… might not know anything about your circumstances, since I don't have a parent. But I guess because of that, I'm going to say this; your father has returned here. You should cherish him while you still can."

Issei looked away in contemplation. "Well… I guess I can give it a shot… It's just that… He kind of annoys me in more ways than one…"

Yuuto laughed lightly at Issei's words. "Hahaha, like I said, take your time. In fact, if you ever need help, I got your back. Everyone from the club are also willing to help too."

Issei could not help but snort at Yuuto's encouragement. "You know, Asia just told me about the same thing yesterday", Issei raised up his fist, which Yuuto responded in kind before they bumped them together. "Thanks, Kiba."

"No, it's the least I can do after what you've done for me."

Then both of them laughed again for a moment before they decided to join the others back in the karaoke.

X

It was later in evening, the sky had dyed in orange shade as the sun began to set.

"Did you have fun, Asia?" Issei said as he and Asia side by side to their home.

Asia was still wearing the gothic-lolita outfit that Kiryuu bought for her, which Issei still found really cute on her. Both of them were holding a shopping bag with souvenirs and clothes.

"Yes, today was so much fun, Ise-san!" Asia replied cheerfully. "Um… Are you alright, now? You seemed a bit down earlier…" then Asia's face turned bitter.

"Yeah, I'm fine now, Asia…" Issei said as he caressed Asia's head, much to the girl's pleasure. "Ah, ojou-sama!"

Right on cue, Issei and Asia saw Rias who was holding a small shopping bag, presumably a swimsuit that she picked out earlier.

"Ise, Asia. Are you guys done with your hang-out today?"

"Yes! Ise and I were having so much fun with Kiba-san, Koneko-chan and everyone else! We also bought bunch of things!" Asia gestured her shopping bag.

"Ufufu, glad that you're having fun. Let's go home now, shall we?" Rias started to walk, prompting the other two to follow her. The three walked with Issei between the two girls.

On the way, Rias leaned in and whisper to Issei's ears. "Wait until I show you my swimsuit…" Rias said with sensual tone, which made Issei swallowed a lump with flushed face.

The rest of the way went normally. Asia asked Issei about his flushed face, Issei denied nervously, etc. By the time they finished chatting, they had already arrived at Hyoudou residence.

"Come on in, I'm actually starving for dinner", Issei went inside the house followed by the girls.

Once inside, Issei put off his shoes and he quickly strode to the living room.

"Mom, I'm ho-!"

Issei's greeting was died down at the sight that would forever remain at the depth of his mind. He dropped his shopping bag to the floor, colours were drained from his skin, his eyes shot up open, and his jaw dropped to the floor. He wanted to scream, to yell, but his throat felt so dry all of a sudden as there was no voice coming out.

Even Ddraig in Issei's mind could not help but being shocked as well.

[Holy crap…]

Saitama was sitting on the couch, with his wife straddling on his lap. A trail of saliva could be seen between their mouths as Haruka's flushed face was only few centimeters away from her husband's. The Hyoudou matriarch's blouse was already half opened revealing her shoulders, her usual ponytail hair had been undone, and her hands were about to rip open Saitama's T-shirt. In summary, it was a very compromising position.

Rias and Asia who wondered about what happened had differing reactions when they came upon the sight of dishevelled state of the married couple. Both of their faces flushed red immediately as Rias quickly covered Asia's eyes to see more, though it was already too late for that.

"Oh, dear… It seems we took our time too long…" Haruka simply giggled with almost no sign of remorse or shame on her face.

"Dammit, woman. This is why I told you it's a bad idea!" Saitama said with exasperated tone as he leaned back in resignation. Even all of this was too tiresome for a man of Saitama's calibre.

Rias only let out a deep sigh at the parents antic, Asia's body was trembling as she tried her best not to cry in panic by putting her hands on her mouth, while Issei was still pointing his trembling finger and looked around between the girls and his parents, his eyes still shot open and his mouth was moving incoherently, his voice died in his throat, and cold sweat was pouring down on his face.

"Uh… Ah…. Haa….."

After muttering in despair, Issei finally could only do one thing at such occasion: shamelessly collapsed to the floor and passed out, again.

"Ise/Ise-san!"

Later that night, for the sake of Issei's sanity, everyone in the house agreed to make the boy believes that everything he saw earlier was nothing but a nasty dream. Even Ddraig, who was not directly a part of the conversation decided to keep quiet as well.

To be continued…