Chapter 23 - Chapter 19: The Gathering of Young Devils (I) – Summer Vacation in The Underworld

Flashback, Underworld)

That day was definitely the worst day for a certain young devil as the boy lied down on the ground with wounds and blood were covering his body. A giant, crustacean creature with fire spewing out from its mouth and some of its body segments, was standing right in front of him, while its expression was unreadable, the young devil could tell that the infernal beast was growling, mocking his helpless state, taking pleasure to toy around him before landing a killing blow. As the boy struggled to get on his fours, he recalled everything he had gone through in his life.

Being born from a prestigious family that taking pride in their signature Power of Destruction, the head of the family had high expectations from the boy who was the first-born to inherit the family traits, as well to inherit the position of the family head in the future. Unfortunately, the boy failed to inherit the family's traits much to the family's disappointment. Thus, his younger half-brother was chosen to be the successor and the boy was shunned and scorned by the rest of his own family, along with his mother who was deemed to be a failure in giving birth to a worthy successor.

After being isolated to the countryside, the boy was constantly bullied by other devils due to his status as a family's disgrace. Being a caring woman, his mother advised his son to get stronger in different way. Thus, the boy began to take vigorous and strenuous training to strengthen his muscles, his joints, his bones, his entire body so he could become strong and proved his worth to the family who banished him and his mother.

However, the boy realized that his training had not been enough as he was overwhelmed by more bullies that day. The boy had fought back valiantly with his fists and body alone despite being outnumbered, and few minutes after that, things had gone down the hill. The place where the fighting took place happened to be at the edge of the forest where a dangerous beast had been sighted and the nearby populace were warned by authorities not to venture around that area. Being young and ignorant, the devils recklessly started a one-sided brawl, resulting the denizen of the forest to come out and prey on whatever unfortunate enough to be its next meal.

When the beast showed up, the bullies were panicked and found that their magic and spells could not scratch the hard shell of the beast's body. And after the beast feasted up on some of the devils, the rest quickly scrammed away in fear, leaving a beaten-up young devil behind to his own device. The beast's attention was directed at the boy, who recklessly shouted in defiance and boldly ran towards it with his fists clenched, only for the beast to swat him away easily. However, despite the huge difference in body size and strength, the boy refused to run away and he kept getting up and charged at the beast that simply overpowered him in return. The cycle repeated for several times until the young devil reached his limit.

The beast had finally had enough, and it raised its claw to put the boy out of his misery. The young devil could only stared at his incoming demise as he knew that he did not want to die, he still wanted to live with his mother, and he still had to prove his worth to his family, as tears of regrets flowed from his eyes. However, what happened next blew his mind away.

It happened so fast. A figure suddenly stepped in between him and the beast, and the boy witnessed the beast's body was suddenly obliterated and splattered towards the ground around. The man's fist was outstretched at the direction where the beast once was standing at, smoke was coming out from the fist. The man, with his bald head being his most memorable feature, clad in ragged clothes and cloak, simply relaxed his stance and strangely sighed as he looked at his smoking fist.

Who was this man? Did he come to his aid? Was he one of the famous Four Great Satan? Numerous questions swirled within the boy's mind as he kept staring at his saviour. One thing he knew, the man in front of him was someone he had trained so hard to become. There was no more hesitation. The young devil knew what he needed to do.

"Wait, please wait a second!" The man turned his head towards the boy who seemed to scream at him. "My-my name is Sairaorg Bael, and I've been wanting to be strong as you! Please take me as your disciple!"

"Sure." Then the man suddenly blinked as a sense of déjà vu washed over him. "Eh? Didn't this thing happen before?" After good few minutes, the man's brain clicked and he felt the urge to face-palm himself.

(End of Flashback)

You're weak…

That voice rang out as Issei was running desperately in a dark space, chasing after a distant figure with baldhead. The bald figure had his back towards the boy with the white cape obscuring most of his body safe for his head, and Issei barely closed the distance between him and the man.

"Wait…. Wait for me!" Issei cried out between his ragged breaths. "Don't go!" He stretched out his arm towards the man's back, but their distance was not closing at all.

Issei clicked his tongue after what it seemed like forever chasing the figure before him. He blinked when he saw the man in front of him turned his head ever so slightly, and Issei thought that he might be able to catch up at last. Only for the figure to suddenly turn around and threw his red glove-covered fist right at the boy's face. Issei could only widen his eyes at the incoming attack. And the boy opened his eyes, finding himself lying on a bed.

He was sweating, his breathing was a bit ragged but he easily stabilized it with a single, long breath. Issei then blinked when the boy noticed few different things of his dimly lighted bedroom. However, before Issei could have taken in the difference, he noticed that someone was looming over him. And that someone could be said as the most defining difference.

That defining difference was a pair of violet eyes boring into his, belonged to a girl with long black hair, Issei did not bother to see the fact that the girl before him was as nude as she was born, along with OTHER two naked girls, one had red hair while the other had blonde hair.

"Are you okay?" Akeno, who was looming over Issei, asked with concerned expression. "You looked like were having a nightmare just now…"

Issei stared at the three girls on his bed before he steadied his breathing. "Yeah… I'm fine. It's nothing serious."

"Was it about your father?"

Issei blinked when Rias, who was on his right, suddenly asked, which was quite right on the spot. Issei did not say a word as he only looked down after taking a glance at his master. "Was it that obvious?" Issei let out a bitter smile.

The girls let out a soft sigh at the same time, as Rias and Akeno also gave their own bitter smile, while Asia's concern only deepened. "It kind of was, and it's getting easier to tell." Then Issei found Asia snuggled into his left side.

"I'm sorry that I haven't been able to help much…" the former nun said. "But I promise that I won't let you face your problems alone."

Issei would be lying if he said that he was not touched, he smiled as he caressed Asia's head gently, resulting Asia to smile at the warmth of the contact. Rias and Akeno also agreed as the latter proceeded to lay her body on top of Issei's chest, while the former also proceeded to lay beside him.

"It will be fine…" The girl on Issei's chest muttered. "Because we'll be with you."

"…Sorry for worrying you girls…" Issei let out a breath, while maintaining his smile. "Damn, I feel so lame."

"Fufufu… Everyone has their own moments of weakness, Ise." Rias chided in. "But still…. Does his presence really bother you that much?"

Issei went silent for a moment before replying. "It's not like that… It's just… I found myself wanting to keep up with him, but…" Issei looked up at the ceiling and reached out his hand. "He seems so far away…" Issei finished as he clenched his hand into a fist. "And I still can't picture myself surpassing him."

"I see…" Rias lowered her gaze before she looked up again. "However, Akeno…" Rias turned to her queen with her eyebrows furrowed. "What are you doing here? When did you get into this room?"

Then Issei blinked once again to realize that, while he appreciated her presence, Akeno was not supposed to be on his bed in the first place. Looking again at Akeno's voluptuous body, Issei glad that he had gotten used to see women's naked body, courtesy of Rias and Asia. Come to think of it, since when did his bed get big enough to accommodate him, Rias, Asia and Akeno altogether? The boy finally took in his surroundings and made out that it was already in the morning, but there was still quite some time for them to sleep in. However, the boy was pretty sure that his bed was not this big, and he was pretty sure as well that his bed did not have a canopy of all things considered.

"I simply want to have a nice morning with my adorable Ise-kun, so I came in. After all, being in bed alone is lonely."

"'My'? Since when did you become Ise's master?"

Issei blinked again and he shot up from his lying position, ignoring Rias and Akeno who were starting to bicker to each other, while Asia was panicking to placate them. The boy did not remember to have a flat-screen High Definition TV in his room, he did not recall to have all kinds of the latest version of game consoles in the market, and he did not recall that his bed room was as big as his living room of his house, or what it was supposed to be.

"Even if I'm not his master, I'm his senior. It's a senior's duty to be affectionate with their junior, right?"

"Senior… I see, so that's your reasoning. This room is close to being a sanctuary for me, my only absolute healing place. Asia aside, I can't have others intrude here! This is my and Ise's room."

"Awawawa… Please calm down, Rias nee-sama! … Akeno-san!"

The boy maintained his stoic face as his brain tried to assess the situation. He then skilfully slipped out from his bed, leaving the room with the girls to their own devices, since there was no stopping those girls at that point, and ran exploring the now foreign interior of his house. The halls were clearly bigger and longer, the ornate on the walls and the doors was obviously more luxurious, and Issei finally got out to the front of the house and found that his house had become a six-story building. He even double-checked the name on the house-plate to make sure that he had not been barging into a stranger's house.

After making sure that the six-story building was indeed his house, Issei remained standing in front of his house with his eyes twitching in bewilderment. "What the hell!?"

The morning training that day was magic training, with Issei got tutored by Akeno how to regulate his reserves properly. Currently, Issei was cleaning himself at the newly renovated bathroom on the first floor. For the boy, his morning training that day was more mentally taxing than his usual muscle training. Issei let out a small breath as he drowsily brushed his teeth at the newly renovated, large basin.

"Man, whoever constructing this place should get a raise…" Issei thought as his eyes darted around the bathroom's interior, which had been more luxurious and at least as big as the whole public bathhouse in his neighbourhood, before he returned his gaze at the mirror.

Issei proceeded to rinse his mouth when suddenly a male voice was heard beside him. "Can you pass me the toothpaste?"

"Hn…" The boy simply mumbled in return while gargling the water in his mouth as he passed the toothpaste to the person next to him, and Issei immediately did a spit-take when he finally realized who exactly the person beside him.

"Hm?" The person, the man, who was only wearing a set of pyjamas and had a bald head, only raised his eyebrows at his son who was coughing out the rest of the water before looking with incredulous eyes at him. "What's wrong?" Saitama asked while he kept brushing his teeth.

"Uh?! Buh! Wha-!?" Issei stuttered and he pointed his fingers at his father. "What the fuck are you doing here!?"

Saitama only blinked in return as he rinsed his mouth. "I'm brushing my teeth. What else do you think?" the man replied, as if it should be the most normal answer available.

"But…! I thought you left!"

"Well… Yeah, I did." Saitama scratched his head. "But then, before I could've gone too far, Sirzechs suddenly told me that he'd renovated my house, so I quickly came back to take a look around. Damn, that guy really knows nothing about holding back." Saitama finished while he looked around, still impressed at the change of his house. "Anyway, hurry and finish up. Haruka should've been waiting with breakfast by now." Saitama nonchalantly walked over and patted Issei's shoulder. The boy's expression was still baffled at his father's sudden appearance.

Few moments after Saitama had left the bathroom, Issei only let out a long sigh as he felt the incoming migraine.

[Well, that's quite a surprise for the day to begin]

"Seriously, what the fuck…!?"

(Scene Break)

Everyone in the house: Issei, Saitama, Haruka, Rias, Asia, Akeno and Xenovia were sitting on the dining table (five times wider than the previous one) with their breakfasts. Issei and Saitama were still looking around at the new interior of the house while eating their breakfasts, until the former finally spoke up. "So… To sum it up, Lord Gremory has renovated this house to accommodate everyone here, free of charge?"

Rias only nodded with a calm smile.

"While everybody's sleeping?" Saitama followed suit and got the same reply as well. That day, Saitama once again was taken aback by the wonder of magic of this new world. He wondered what would have happened if that kind of power was employed in his old world.

"I heard that our neighbour, Suzuki-san and Tamura-san have moved away. I hear that they suddenly obtained some favourable plots of land and then moved there."

At Haruka's information, Issei and Saitama inwardly agreed of how dreadful the Gremory household in more ways than one. Haruka turned to Rias after the former swallowed her food. "And Rias-chan, your cooking has become even better! This is so delicious!"

At Haruka's praise and beaming face, Rias smiled modestly. "Thank you for that, dear mother. I need to learn how to cook your son's lunch in future, after all." The girl glanced at the aforementioned boy.

Asia, being one of the girls who were aiming for Issei's attention, puffed her cheeks in defiance. "I also want to cook Ise-san's lunch as well! Ise-san, father, how's the soup today?"

The girls blinked at the fact that Asia definitely addressed Saitama as father in her question.

"It's very good. The taste even more similar like mom usually makes!" Issei replied with a smile.

Saitama also nodded and gave his two-cents. "Hm… It's good. Asia-chan will be a perfect wife one day."

The girls inwardly became wary at Asia, despite her heart of gold personality. As they watched Asia and Issei were chastising Saitama out of embarrassment, with Haruka giggled approvingly, the girls, especially Rias could see that Asia was the one who was leading at this point. And the most terrifying part was, the girl's actions were so natural that she was not even aware of it.

"Fufufu… My son sure has become popular…" Haruka said pleasantly. "And I have more daughters to boot! Akeno and Xenovia-chan… I heard there's one more person to come here, is she…?

"Koneko will be coming here as well, but apparently she has a lot to prepare before moving in. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Rias informed.

Haruka nodded in understanding. "I see… Anyway! I'm looking forward to see which one of you will be the first to bear my grandchild…" Haruka said with gleam on her eyes.

Saitama and Issei almost choked themselves with their food at Hyoudou matriarch's words. The girls showed various reactions as Rias and Asia were flushed at the notion, Akeno smiled pleasantly, while Xenovia looked somewhat determined.

"MOM!" Issei rebutted his mother. "Can we not talk about it on the dining table? Stop putting more weird ideas into their heads already! And you spoke as if I'm gonna knock them up or something…" he trailed off with his face flushed furiously along with the girls.

"Grow up, Ise…. I'm simply stating what the future holds." The mother retorted with her smile remained present. "The real problem is if you want to take responsibility or not. Besides…" Haruka turned to her husband with a gleam that made Saitama to widen his eyes and started to shake his head, as if trying to stop the woman from opening a new can of worms.

However, it was too late. "It was what your father did to me, before we finally married three months later." Haruka stated with her expressions unchanging.

Issei dropped his chopsticks while the girls turned to Saitama, who looked sideways to avoid the looks from the girls' wide eyes.

"Whoa… Wait… Hang on…" Issei held up one hand while the other was holding the side of his head. His face was contorted of that of confusion and disbelief. "So, you two…. Mom… He actually… to you….!?" After stuttering, the boy grunted, sighed deeply and he proceeded to finish his breakfast at alarming rate, at the speed that seemed to be more like 'swallowing' rather than 'chewing' properly.

Issei then spoke up again after he let out another breath. "Can we just… wrapped things up and talk about the room assignments? Please?" Issei pleaded as he felt another incoming headache that morning.

Saitama only sent a dry, deadpanned look at his wife, who only winked in return. Breakfast in that morning ended with an awkward note.

(Scene Break)

"Alright, on the first floor are the guest rooms, living room, kitchen, and Japanese-style rooms. On the second floor are the rooms of Ise, Rias-san and Asia-chan. The arrangement has the other two adjacent to Ise's room. It seems to be structured so that you can go between the rooms next to each other from inside." Haruka explained as she laid out the house's blueprint on the table. Issei could tell that it was Rias' intentions from the beginning regarding the room arrangements. The boy even considered that there might be no need for Rias to have her own room in the first place if things were to go down like this. His bedroom alone might be already enough to house everyone else.

"On the third floor are your father's and my room, the study, and the storeroom. On the fourth floor are Akeno-san's and Xenovia's rooms. There's also the room for Koneko-chan, who will be coming later."

Issei then caught Akeno was smiling at him. He blinked at how 'radiant' the queen's smile than usual, but the boy chose not to think much into it and returned a quick smile before returning to the blueprint. Unknown to him, Akeno pouted for a second before she re-joined the discussion as well.

"The fifth and sixth floors are entirely made of just vacant rooms. For the time being we intend to use them as guest rooms. Since Rias-san said she didn't mind letting anyone have the rooms except for the second floor when we asked her."

At Haruka's briefing, Rias put in her two-cents. "Yes. This is the house of Ise's mother and father. In the end, I and the others are just home-staying here."

At Rias' graceful claim, Issei blinked as he recalled that his master just said something opposite earlier, but he shrugged it off soon after.

"Oh, there's an open-air garden on the roof…" Saitama raised his eyebrows at part of the blueprint before he turned to his wife. "Haruka, do you want to plant something there?"

The said woman hummed for a second before replying. "Of course. Some vegetables and flowers would be nice. And would you like me to plant some cactus as well?"

Saitama let out a small smile at the offer. "Yeah. Thanks, Haruka."

Issei blinked at the interaction between his parents. He could understand about his mother, but his father also had a thing for gardening? And cactus? Those were things he did not expect to hear.

"In addition, we also have built it so sturdy that the house can withstand a war." Rias chided in.

Issei blinked again that his parents took it as if it was something ordinary. Shouldn't they at least take it as a joke? Perhaps both of his parents had gotten their fair share of something abnormal. Issei just hoped that his new house was not equipped with any weapons or any deadly security system.

"Then what about basements? What's in there?" Xenovia asked this time.

""Basements?"" Saitama and Issei said and turned their heads in unison at Xenovia, before the second continued. "As in plural?"

"Yeah, there are up to three underground floors." Rias confirmed. "The first underground floor is a huge spacious room. Not only can it be used as a training room, it can also be used as a movie theatre. It's also equipped with a large indoor bath. The second underground floor is used entirely for an indoor pool. It can also use warm water. In the third underground floor are a library and a storehouse."

"Ise… Saitama-dono… If you have time, I'd like to train with you later." Xenovia said with confident smile towards the two males in the room.

Issei then glanced at Saitama, who only stared impassively in return. The former had no objection to help Xenovia, but he still had not gotten used to have his father around.

Then Rias blinked as she re-read the blueprint. "Ah, one more thing… This is Azazel's idea, in case if Saitama-san and Issei were to… duke it out…" Rias looked uncertain for a second. "There's a door leading to special ground where you can train to your heart's content."

The aforementioned father and son blinked and glanced at each other, the latter narrowed his eyes before he gave a small scoff and looked away. Saitama only raised his eyebrows in confusion at his son's attitude. Haruka on the other hand, smiled as if she was expecting something in future. The other girls were amused at the spectacle.

Despite the holiday, the Occult Research Club went to school because Rias said that they needed to do a last-minute 'cleaning up' before they could officially enjoy their holiday. Currently in the clubroom, everyone was busy cleaning up windows, floors, walls, furniture, as well as sorting out books and other documents.

While Rias was filling up some leftover files, she caught her pawn was humming a song while sorting out the bookshelves. "I don't know that you sing, Ise." Rias commented, resulting the pawn to stop his humming and turned his head to his master. "I never heard that before, what song was that?"

The others, who also caught the sound of Issei's humming, also stopped their chores and looked at Issei with curious looks. The boy in question glanced at everyone before he scratched his cheek in slight embarrassment. "Well… I don't know, actually." His first answer received odd looks from everyone. "It's just something I recalled from my childhood, and I found humming this song can help me relax sometimes… Am I disturbing you guys?"

"No, it's nothing like that." Rias shook her head while smiling. "It's just that you're surprisingly pretty good at singing."

"You should've seen Issei sang during our hang-out at the Karaoke, buchou." Yuuto interjected with teasing smile. "He was one helluva singer."

The knight's remark caused Issei to send the former a dry smile and deadpanned look, while Asia and Koneko nodded in agreement and Xenovia looked at Issei in curiosity.

"Hoo?" Akeno voiced her wonder. "Ufufu, I'd love to bring your together with me to karaoke sometimes, Ise-kun… Just the two of us, then we can have some other fun in the room…" Akeno licked her lips suggestively, resulting Issei to sweat-drop, but the queen quickly moved on as soon as Rias and Asia's glare were pointed at her. "Anyway, are you sure that you don't remember that song?"

Issei went silent in thought for a moment before he shook his head. "No, sorry. I just suddenly like to hum this song before I knew it."

"Moving on", Rias immediately changed the topic as she put away the last paper on her desk. "Ise, do you have any plans for summer vacation?"

Issei blinked and he went into thinking again. His past summer vacations were spent either by going with his mother or his classmates. He expected that he would have gone with his friends again to either beach or mountains, or perhaps, strangely enough, with both of his parents since his father had come home much to his mother's delight. However, those plans had yet been official for this year. "No, I guess I don't have any plans for this summer."

"I see, because I plan to go back to my home in the underworld during the vacation. You as well with the rest will accompany me as my servants." Rias explained. "That's right, this will be the first time for you, Asia and Xenovia to visit the underworld, correct?"

"Y-Yes! I'm nervous about going to hell while alive! I-I thought I'd like to go there with the intention of dying!" Asia nodded at Rias' question.

Issei inwardly snorted at Asia's innocence. While Xenovia's remark on the other hand was too serious for him. "Yes. I've been interested in the underworld, in hell for a long time. However, for the sake of going to heaven, I had to serve the Lord…But now that I'm a Devil, there shouldn't be any possibility of me going to heaven…I feel irony in setting foot in the same world as those who have been sent to hell as divine punishment. Hell, huh… It suits a former believer who became a Devil."

"We will spend the remainder of the summer holidays there until after the 20th of August. It seems like we'll be returning here at the end of the month. The plan is to train and attend various kinds of events at the underworld."

At Rias' explanation of the schedule, Issei remembered something. "Then, Azazel-sensei…" Issei then turned his head towards a seat. "Are you going to follow as well?"

Everyone in the room blinked at Issei's question. The question was not about someone, but it was directed right at the aforementioned person. All heads then turned towards the direction Issei pointed and saw a man with black hair and golden bangs was sitting at the corner of the room.

"Yeah, I'm also going to the underworld." The person, Azazel replied casually.

"W-Where did you come in from?" Rias stood up from her seat and asked incredulously.

"Why are you so surprised? That Sekiryuutei saw me came in from the front door, right?"

Issei only nodded and he noticed everyone was eying him. "I didn't even feel his presence. How did you do that, Ise-kun?" Yuuto voiced his feelings.

"Well…. Earlier, I just caught him silently walked in and he gestured me to ignore him for a moment…" Issei smiled sheepishly.

"And that also means you guys lack training." Azazel interjected. "However, I'm still quite sure that Ise-kun will be the first to notice my presence even if he did not catch me coming in. More importantly…" the fallen angel stood up. "You kids are returning to the underworld, right? Then, I'll go too. I'm your teacher, after all."

Then Rias asked after everyone seemed to agree with Azazel coming along. "Then, shall we make the travel reservations for you?"

"Yes, please do. It's my first time entering the Underworld through the Devils' route. I'm looking forward to it. Since, I usually use the route of the Fallen Angels' side."

Seeing that everyone was on the same page, Issei thought that going to the underworld might be good in another way. Considering his relationship with his father was still awkward, for the lack of better term, Issei did not want to imagine what would have happened if he were to travel along with his father. Besides, his mother would definitely want some quality time with his father (though Issei found himself shuddering at the idea). The boy believed that the summer vacation this year would only about his friends, devils and definitely no bald human around him.

However, for a second, Issei caught Koneko's expression was kind of depressed, but the rook soon turned steely as she clenched her fists.

X

It was the day of the departure. The Occult Research Club, clad in Kuoh Academy's summer uniform, and Azazel were standing at the train station's platform. Apparently, the devil's route between human world and underworld was some kind of a secret underground platform that could only be accessed by high-class devils, completely unseen by normal humans.

As everyone was waiting for their train to be ready, Issei leaned his head to whisper to Yuuto. "Is it just me, or is this like a Harry Potter rip-off?"

Yuuto only giggled silently before replying. "It's actually different, but I know what you mean. I also thought of that when I happened to watch the first instalment. I even once wondered which one was the first to come up with this idea."

The boy's chatter was ended as Rias turned to address her peerage. "Alright everyone, it's time. Let's get going." Everyone then replied in affirmative and followed the king dutifully into the train.

(Scene Break)

As the train began to move, The Occult Research Club was sitting at the centre of the train. Everyone was gathering in the middle while Azazel immediately went to sleep at the corner. As Issei took a glance at the window, he found that the train was moving inside something like a dark tunnel. Seeing that there was nothing to see, Issei turned towards his friends.

"Say, how long until we get there?"

Akeno was the one to reply. "We'll arrive in about an hour. Since it seems that this train passes through the dimensional barrier using official means before it eventually arrives at the Underworld."

Issei nodded in understanding before he asked again. "Then, what about teleportation? Isn't it possible for us just to teleport to our destination?"

"Normally, it's fine. But new household devils like Ise-kun, Asia-chan and Xenovia have to enter via official route at least once, otherwise you'll be charged for illegally entering. There are few protocols you need to follow before you're allowed to travel via teleportation."

Issei nodded again when suddenly the door opened and an elderly man showed up. He had a dandy look and wore a suit that perfectly pressed on his body. "Princess, I have come to inform you that we'll be arriving at the Gremory station shortly." The man addressed the Gremory heiress politely.

Rias nodded at the old man before she turned to her peerage. "Thank you. Everyone, let me introduce you our train conductor, Reynaldo."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance." The aforementioned man bowed.

Issei, Asia and Xenovia also stood up to return the courtesy. "My name is Asia Argento, Rias Gremory-sama's bishop. Nice to meet you, too."

"I'm Xenovia, Rias Gremory-sama's knight. Please treat me well as well."

"I'm Hyoudou Issei, Rias Gremory-sama's pawn. I'll be in your care."

When the pawn introduced himself. Reynaldo raised his eyebrows. "Hyoudou…?" The old man found the name to ring a bell, then he started to chuckle after a second. "Ho-ho-ho… I sure have lived a long life, to be able to meet the son of Maou-sama's friend."

Everyone blinked at Reynaldo's words, but it was Issei who got the most curious. "You… You know my father?"

"Why, indeed, I do know your father. Even if you don't share your father's looks, I can tell that you're definitely his son…" Reynaldo mused, as if he was reminiscing an old memory. "Your father once rode this same train along with the Four Great Satan. Ho-ho-ho… I still remember how lively the journey back then…"

[Wow… your father REALLY has met lots of people, partner…] Ddraig commented in Issei's mindscape.

While Reynaldo was reminiscing, everyone sans Azazel had their own imaginations about how that trip ended up, since they were aware the rocky relationship between Saitama and the Leviathan. The moment soon ended as the train conductor snapped out of his reverie and took out a strange-looking device from his coat. "Anyway, I need to register the new devils into our database. Please stand still for a moment."

Issei, Asia and Xenovia obeyed as Reynaldo held the machine in front of each of them and the device let out a sound. And the session ended not long afterwards. "Alright, your evil pieces and identities have been recorded in our database. Now you can all est and relax until we arrive at the scheduled station. There are also beds to sleep in and places where you can have a meal, so please use them until we reach our destination."

Rias and the others nodded in gratitude before the former carried on. "Thank you. Is Azazel next…?" When she trailed off to look at the man in question, Azazel was still sleeping soundly. Everyone else sighed and shook their heads warily as they were amazed at the nerve Azazel had within the territory of his former natural enemies.

"Ho-ho-ho. The Governor of the Fallen Angels truly is a peaceful person." Reynaldo on the other hand, simply laughed pleasantly.

(Scene Break)

"We will momentarily be breaking through the dimensional wall. We will momentarily be breaking through the dimensional wall."

Everyone stopped their activities to pass time when they heard the announcement. Rias then turned to address her newest servants. "Go open the window and look outside."

Issei blinked at Rias' words that hinted that something big was waiting for them, the three moved to the window and as soon as the window was opened, a wave of fresh air could be felt, and the scenery had changed from dark tunnel into a massive landscape.

"Ooooooohh!" Issei could not help but amazed at the scenery despite the purple sky. Asia, who was standing next to him, was also excited as she kept crying words 'amazing' at the scenery.

"I present you the Gremory territory." Rias said proudly.

Issei then turned to his master. "Gremory…? Then, all of this belong to your family, ojou-sama?"

Rias nodded before she spoke again. "Actually, Ise… Can you address me as 'buchou' during our stay? Please?"

Issei blinked as he wondered at his master's reasoning. The whole thing about 'ojou-sama' was actually a spur of a moment, the boy honestly did not expect his master to allow him to address her in such a way during his first day as a devil. But looking from another point of view, it might be strange if other people caught him addressing Rias as 'ojou-sama' while the others addressed her as 'buchou' in the first place, so Issei came up with a conclusion.

"As you wish, buchou." Issei obeyed with a smile. "By the way, how large is the Gremory territory?"

"Hmm… I guess it's around the size of Honshu."

Issei only blinked while he put on a frozen smile. "Okay…" He turned to look at the scenery again while his expression did not change at all due to the shock.

"Yes, I'm almost forgot." Rias placed her fist on her palm. "Ise, Asia and Xenovia will be given a plot of land from Gremory territory as my new servants. Yuuto, Akeno, Koneko and Gasper each have their own territory for a while now."

The said three new servants only blinked once again as Rias showed a holographic map made by magic at the centre of the room. "The red areas are places that have already been taken, so they're no good, but anywhere else is okay. Now then, please point at the land you like. I'll give it to you."

And until the train arrived, Issei kept contemplating what kind of land he would pick for himself.

"We will soon be arriving at the Gremory main residence, thank you for riding this train. We will soon be arriving at the Gremory main residence, thank you for riding this train."

"Alright, that's our stop. Let's go everyone." Rias instructed her peerage as she stood up.

Everyone followed and proceeded to get out with their luggage. However…

"Azazel-sensei, are you not getting off?" Issei asked to the fallen angel who chose to stay behind.

"Nah, I plan to keep going through Gremory territory like this and go to the Maou's territory. I have a meeting with Sirzechs and the others there. A so-called 'invitation'. Since it faces the main residence of the Gremory's, I'll come after I go see them and finish my greetings." Azazel waved off from his seat.

Then everyone sent their goodbyes as they got off the train. "Then, see you later, sensei."

"Send my regards to my brother for me, Azazel."

Azazel did not say anything but waved his hand in return. The rest of the trip was truly eventful for Issei, Asia and Xenovia. As Issei, Rias, Asia, Akeno, Xenovia and Grayfia were sitting in a carriage moving towards the Gremory's residence, the pawn recalled the event that had transpired during their arrival at the train station. Issei could not forget the spectacular sight of the fireworks, the soldiers firing off gun-salute to the sky and numerous orchestra bands and many more only to welcome their mistress' homecoming. He even remembered Gasper was scared out of his wits at the sight of so many people. While Issei was still baffled how extravagant their arrival had been, he saw a huge structure coming into view.

"Buchou, I take that it's your home?" Issei pointed at the structure that happened to be a castle.

"Yes, that's the main residences of one of my homes." Issei blinked yet again at his master's answer while he kept his eyes fixated at a behemoth of a building.

['Homes'? As in plural?]

"I believe she said so, Ddraig."

[Hot-damn, rich kids indeed.]

Issei inwardly nodded in agreement and looking back at the short conversation with the train conductor, the boy wondered if his father also visited this kind of place in the past. The trip in the carriage ended as soon as they arrived at the main gate of the residence. Led by Grayfia, the Occult Research Club proceeded on the red carpet and they walked on the path created by another line of maids and butlers. When they were in the mid-way, suddenly a small silhouette broke out from the line of maids and ran towards Rias.

"Rias-nee-sama! Welcome back!"

Issei and everyone then saw a cute young boy with short crimson red hair and blue-green eyes came and embraced their King.

"Millicas! It's been a long time, you've grown so much!" Rias greeted back as she returned the embrace.

"Millicas? That name sounds familiar somehow…" Issei was the one to voice his curiosity. "Um, buchou… This child is…?"

Rias turned to everyone and introduced the boy. "Issei, Asia and Xenovia, this is Millicas Gremory. The son of my brother, Sirzechs Lucifer-sama; He's my nephew."

Then Issei's brain clicked. He recalled that Sirzechs had mentioned about his son during his visit to his house.

"Come on, Millicas. Greet them. These are the new members of my group."

At Rias' instruction, Millicas nodded and turned to face everyone. "How do you do, everyone. I am Millicas Gremory, nice to meet you."

"My name is Asia Argento. Nice to meet you too, Millicas-san."

"I'm Xenovia. Nice to meet you"

"I'm Hyoudou Issei. Nice to meet you, too."

When the youngest-looking boy took the new members' introductions, his eyes widened at the mention of Issei's name. Then his expression turned into that of excitement. "Uwaaah… Amazing! So Saitama-san really has his own family!" Then he turned towards Grayfia with glittering eyes. "Mother, look, look! It's Saitama's son!"

Issei only laughed and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, while the others looked at him with amused looks. With his image of Saitama to be an irresponsible man who tended to do as he likes, Issei wondered if his father could be a likeable person.

"Yes, he is Saitama-sama's son. And Millicas-sama, didn't I tell you not to address me as mother while I'm on duty? Please remember that currently I'm the head-maid of the Gremory family. Now, everyone is tired from the trip from human world. They should rest until dinner." Grayfia politely reprimanded her son, who pouted in return.

"Okay…" Issei raised his eyebrow at how serious Grayfia about her profession than he originally thought.

"Ah, but I'd like to greet my father and mother after coming home as well."

Grayfia turned to Rias this time. "Unfortunately, the master is out at present. He's expected to return by this evening. He said that he would meet together with you while dining with everyone together at supper. But your mother is inside, she's been expecting you."

"I see. Let's go inside the residence, then." Rias invited her peerage as she walked inside with Millicas holding her hand. The others followed her dutifully from behind.

After trekking through a large hallway, the group finally arrived at another large room, when a new voice was heard. "Oh my, Rias. So you've returned."

Everyone turned towards the source of the voice which belonged to a woman; a beautiful woman who was very much like Rias, only with shorter brown hair and purple eyes. Everyone also noted that the woman's age appearance was not much different from Rias and her peereage themselves.

Then, before Issei could have made any assumption about the woman's identity, Rias immediately addressed the woman with a smile of her own. "Mother. I've returned home."

Issei blinked again at that. So many surprises for the day ever since he began his trip from his house to the underworld. However, this one did not really surprise him. Considering that his own mother looked at least ten years younger than her actual age, Issei could take Rias' mother's appearance quite well.

Then Rias' mother took a glance at her daughter's peerage and her eyes stopped at the boy with brown hair. "Oh, Rias. Is this the rumoured Hyoudou Issei?"

Issei blinked and this time, he took the initiative to introduce himself to save his master's time. "Pleased to meet you, ma'am. My name is Hyoudou Issei. I've been in your daughter and my master's care for some time now." The boy gave a polite bow.

The Gremory matriarch nodded in content and Issei could tell that the older woman was giving an evaluative look. "Hmm… Strong, lean body… So you're Saitama's son." Rias' mother said with her smile remained present on her face. "While I can tell that you're his son, I honestly was expecting your head to have… Less hair."

At the woman's remark, Issei had to hold down his frown from showing up while his friends behind him were trying hard to hold down their laughs and giggles when the image of bald Issei came to mind. However, Issei could hear that Ddraig was laughing hard in his mind.

"Fufufufu, please forgive me. I'm just so curious to see the son of my son's friend. It's not that your father is unpleasant, but I can't help but to note that you're exceeding my expectations as his son." Then the woman gave a polite, small bow as well. "Nice to meet you, I'm Rias's mother, Venelana Gremory. Please treat me well from now on, Hyoudou Issei-kun."

(Scene Break)

"Please enjoy yourselves without holding back."

Several hours after the meeting with Rias' mother, everyone was sitting in the dining room after being assigned into their respective bedrooms. Issei recalled that even his newly renovated bedroom at his home was still pale in comparison with the bedroom in the real castle. The room for each person was so big, even Asia and Xenovia requested Grayfia for them to sleep in the same room as Issei (he did not mind at all), saying that their rooms were too big for them to sleep in.

Now, in the dining room, before them, high-class extravagant meals complete with set of cutlery was prepared on the large mahogany table. Everyone then proceeded to eat their dinner at the words of Lord Gremory. Issei never once had such a high-class cuisine served before him. He did not know how to enjoy the meal before him without embarrassing his master. He did know a little bit of table manners, but he only knew that he should not rest his arms on the table while eating, and that was it. He did not know the rest.

Issei then took a deep breath quietly and he took a glance at everyone. The boy was aware that it was not the time for him to get panic. If he did not know what he should have done in his situation, he only had to learn quickly from the others. After all, during his first days awakening his Boosted Gear, Ddraig once taught him how to learn from his surroundings. Darting his eyes around the occupants of the dining table, Issei picked up his fork and knife and began to imitate the other's movements and how they ate as best as he could. He knew that his movements were sloppy and rather awkward, but seeing that nobody was saying anything, he could assume that he did well so far.

Speaking of, Issei noticed that Koneko had not touched her meal even once. The boy found it strange, considering that Koneko tended to have so much appetite, and her odd behaviour since the other day was starting to bug him. When the rook's eyes met the pawn's, the latter silently gestured the former to eat her food, but Koneko simply averted her eyes while remained expressionless.

However, Issei's built-up worry was interrupted by Lord Gremory's another announcement. "I understand that some of you might be having a hard time adjusting yourselves with the environment here, but please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. Our housemaids will see through your needs right away." Then he turned towards Issei. "By the way, Hyoudou Issei-kun."

Issei quickly swallowed the food in his mouth. "…Yes?"

"You may call me father-in-law from today on."

Issei only blinked several times before he said, "Excuse me?"

However, before Issei's confusion could be answered, Venelana had already chided her husband. "Dear, you're being too fast. There's such a thing as order first."

"Ah, yes. You're right. But still, crimson and red… Don't you think those two sound so compatible?"

"I know, I know. But it's still too early for them."

"Forgive me, it seems I became too hasty yet again…" Lord Gremory sighed in defeat. "And speaking of, don't you have something to say to him as well, dear wife?"

Venelana nodded before she turned to Issei. "Hyoudou Issei-san. Is it fine if I can call you Issei-san?"

"Yes, of course." Issei agreed at the request.

"Will you be staying here for a while?"

"Yes. As long as my master… Rias-sama stays here, I also will be staying here as her servant."

"I see. That's perfect. Since I have to have you acquire gentlemanly behaviour as well. You'll study manners a little while here."

BANG!

Before Issei could have expressed his confusion, Rias immediately slammed her hands on the table as she stood up. "Father! Mother! I've been listening quietly until now, but what kind of thing are you trying to advance while leaving me out of it!?"

At her daughter's complaint, Venelana narrowed her eyes and her smile was no longer present. "Be silent, Rias. You already canceled your engagement with Riser, remember? The fact that we just permitted it should be thought of as special treatment. How much effort do you think your father and Sirzechs had to put in in order to take care of things with the other high-class devils? Do you know that he told one noble that 'My selfish daughter cancelled her engagement using the legendary dragon'? You may be the younger sister of the Lucifer, but there is still a limit." Venelana scolded Rias with calm tone.

Issei would like to voice his opinion that he would gladly help his master to be away from men like Riser Phenex, but he knew better than butting in carelessly into other people's business. The Sekiryuutei could only watch in silence for the time being.

"Onii-sama has nothing to-!" Rias' attempt to talk back was cut off by her mother.

"You mean Sirzechs is unrelated to what you do? Officially, that is true. However, everyone sees you as the Maou's younger sister. Right now, when the three great powers have formed an alliance, your position is known even by the lower classes of the other powers. You can't behave selfishly as you have in the past. And, above all else, everyone will pay attention to you from now on. Rias, you have been placed into that kind of position, you know? There will be no second instance of that kind of selfishness. Do not carry any spoiled thoughts. Understood?"

Rias did not have any words to retort back simply slumped back to her seat in defeat, then Venelana let out a sigh before she returned to address the rest of others. "I'm sorry for the unsightly display. Getting back to the topic, you will go through special training during your stay here, Issei-san. Since, you have to experience the upper society and nobility even if only a little."

Issei then held up his hand. "Not that I mind, but… Why me?"

Venelana only smiled at the boy's question. "It's because you are the last bit of selfishness of my daughter, the next family head. As parents we bear the responsibility right until the end."

Issei then turned to his master, who looked away with flustered face. The boy's face began to flush as well as he somewhat got a vague idea where things might end up, but he soon dismissed the thought and decided to go with the flow for the time being.

It was the day after Rias and her peerage had arrived at the underworld. Currently Issei and Millicas were sitting next to each other inside a study room with an elderly man acting as their tutor. The boy found that devil's language ability only applied for human's native language, while he still had to learn devil's native language from scratch. So far, the boy was barely keeping up with the lecture that was being hammered into his head.

"Young master, have you memorized the Devil Alphabet?" the tutor turned around from the board towards Issei.

The boy blinked at his tutor before replying. "Are… You asking me or him?" Issei asked, pointing to Millicas beside him. The latter giggled at Issei's joke while the tutor only raised his eyebrows, not showing much reaction. Knowing that his tutor demanded answer, Issei rubbed the back of his neck and simply showed his paper. "I don't know if I'm doing this right. Can you take a look at it?"

The tutor only nodded, took Issei's paper and had a thorough look at it. He seemed to write something, presumably correcting whatever Issei had written, and he gave it back to the boy. "You're getting into it, young master. Your writings are still rough, so you need to learn writing more neatly. Otherwise other people might misinterpret your writings."

"Okay, thanks. By the way, why are you calling me 'young master'? You don't have to call me that."

"Moving on, let's speak about the history of the Gremory family next."

Issei's eyes became deadpanned at his tutor and he leaned his head towards the younger boy beside him. "Millicas-san, did he just ignore me?" Issei whispered, receiving a sheepish smile from the redhead. Come to think of it again, Issei wondered again why he had to study together with Millicas while everyone else was having fun sightseeing around Gremory territory in the first place.

However, Issei's musing was interrupted when the door suddenly opened and Venelana came into view. "Grandmother!" Millicas then quickly approached and greeted his 'grandmother'. Issei still actually amused at the fact that a beautiful, young-looking woman like Venerana was being called 'grandmother'.

"Issei-san, Millicas. How is the progress of your studies?" Venelana asked as she patted her grandson's head gently. Then she came between Issei and the tutor with gentle smile on her face. She took a glance at Issei's notes and gave an understanding nod. "Hmm…. You're making a good start here, keep it up."

"Very well, Issei-san. I believe you should get ready and wait for Rias to return. Since there is a customary function for the gathering of young devils in the Maou's territory today." Issei then nodded affirmatively at Venelana's words.

(Scene Break)

It was the time where Rias and her peerage had to attend the gathering as well as meeting with the devil kings. They took the train from the Gremory station towards the underworld's old capital Luciferd. However, as soon as the peerage stepped in to the urban area of the capital, they were swarmed by mobs of people, men and women, screaming towards the group, particularly at Rias Gremory.

"Kyaaah! Rias hime-samaaaaaaa!"

Issei winced at the high-pitched cheer that sounded almost busted his eardrums. Gasper immediately went panic and shrieked in fear before he hid behind Issei. According to Akeno, with her beautiful looks, as well as her status as the Lucifer's younger sister, Rias Gremory had been a target of admiration among low to middle class devils. Thus, in order to avoid the crowd and anymore uproar, Rias and her peerage decided to switch over to use underground subway train and the master immediately arranged a private train to a pair of black-suited men. Of course, before they left for the underground train, Rias waved her hand with a strained smile on her face at a group of men among the crowd whom cheered at her. Issei inwardly proud and admitted that his master was truly popular whether it was in human world or underworld.

Around five minutes later, Rias peerage finally arrived at the basement of the biggest building in the city, which was supposed to be the meeting place for the gathering of young devils, old families, and other elites. They went via elevator towards the top floor, and Rias gave her peerage a warning while they were still in the elevator.

"Everyone, I'll say it one more time. No matter what happens, stay in a calm state of mind. No matter what is said, don't start a fight. —The people above are our future rivals. We mustn't show an unsightly form."

Everyone nodded resolutely at their king's words filled with fighting spirit. When they arrived at their floor, they stepped into a wide hall and greeted by an employee who gave a bow towards Rias and the other guests. "Welcome, Gremory-sama. Please come this way."

Everyone followed the said employee and after going down a certain passage, they were met with a group of people standing in front of them. Rias apparently recognized one of those people.

"Sairaorg!" Rias approached an individual who happened to be a handsome young man with short black hair and violet eyes. He was very tall and had a muscular build.

"It's been a while, Rias." The man called as Sairaorg then greeted back with his smile and shook hands with Rias.

"Yes, I missed you. I'm glad to see you're doing well. That's right, there are new additions in my peerage who you haven't met yet." Then Rias turned to her peerage. "Everyone, this is Sairaorg Bael, my cousin on my mother's side."

On cue, the man introduced himself. "Sairaorg Bael, the next head of Bael family at your service."

Issei widened his eyes slightly at the mention of Sairaorg's surname. He remembered the name from his last lecture, being the name who bears the title 'Great King' next after the Satan. The new members of Rias' peerage immediately introduced themselves and Sairaorg's eyes widened when he heard Issei's name.

"Hyoudou? …I see! So you are sensei's son!" Sairaorg then proceeded to shake Issei's hand eagerly. The latter blinked incredulously at the word 'sensei'. "I only have been hearing news and rumours, but I'm honoured to finally be able to meet with the son of my teacher! I'm looking forward to cross-fist with you if we have the chance!"

"Err… Y-yeah, sure…?" Everyone from Rias Gremory's peerage along with the group behind Sairaorg had become interested at the interaction. Issei himself was dumb-founded at the treatment he received from a strong-looking guy such as Sairaorg. "Eh? What? 'Sensei'? What the hell is he talking about?!"

Feeling that she needed to change the topic, Rias proceeded to continue her conversation with her cousin. "Um… By the way, Sairaorg. What are you doing in a passage like this?"

Sairaorg finally let go of Issei's hand. The latter could tell from the grip alone that Sairaorg was not someone to be trifled with. However, after putting the two on two together from Sairaorg's introduction, Issei's mind arrived at somewhat disturbing conclusion.

"Ah, about that… We came out here because it's so idiotic in there."

"…Idiotic? Have the other members also arrived then?"

"Agares and Astaroth have already arrived. Zephyrdol came last. Immediately after he arrived, Zephyrdol and Agares started arguing." Sairaorg's expression then became bitter.

As if on cue, suddenly a booming sound was heard from the nearby room, followed by a tremor that shook the hallway.

"The hell!?"

"This is why I advised not meeting each other before the official meeting…" Sairaorg sighed before he followed Rias who had already run towards the room with her peerage.

When everyone got in the room where the sound came from, they found the said room had become a complete mess. All tables, chairs and decorations had been destroyed. In the middle of the room two groups of people were glaring at each opposing party with their weapons and magic readied to strike their necks. One side was made of evil-looking, goblin-like devils. The other side seemed to be made of relatively ordinary devils. However, there was a table safe from the destruction at the corner of the room and one man was calmly drinking tea in the midst of the chaos.

A female devil, who happened to be the leader of one of opposing groups, started to speak with cold tone. She was a young woman around her late teens. She wears glasses and has a cold, sharp gaze. She was wearing a blue robe that exposed very little skin. "Zephyrdol, can you not help starting a fight at a place like this? Do you want to die? Do you really want to die? Even if I kill you, I won't be blamed by the people on top."

The leader of the group with goblin-like devils, Zephyrdol, replied with different kind of hostility. The leader was a man with lots of black magic-like tattoos on his face and on his upper body. He had blue hair that stands on its end. He was also wearing ornaments on his pants as they sounded to jingle and clank. "Hah! I'll say it again, bitch! I said that I'd teach you in one shot in a private room with great trouble! The Agares' lady really doesn't like being without her guards, now does she? Heh, is that why you're still a virgin who hasn't let a man come near her till now!? Geez, all the women of families of the Maous stink of virgins and are unbearable! That's why I said that I'd do a formal opening ceremony for you!"

"Uwah… Does he kiss his mother with that mouth? And take a look at those tattoos…" Issei commented in his mind. However, the boy felt the urge that he had to do something before things could have gone even more ugly.

"Gya, gya, gya, gya. How can it be so noisy here…?" everyone snapped their heads towards Issei who nonchalantly stepped in. The fool's approach had become his favourite method when it came to these kinds of thing. "…Are you guys in heat or something?"

Rias was about to stop her pawn, but she found Sairaorg put his hand in front of her, keeping her from interfering. Rias noted that Sairaorg's expression was that of expectation.

"And who the fuck are you!?" Zephyrdol asked with venom in his voice. The lady with glasses also stared at Issei incredulously.

Ignoring the tattooed man's question, Issei continued his rant. "Listen here, nii-chan and nee-chan. If you guys want to fight you shouldn't do it half-assedly in this room. Instead, go all the way outside where you don't have to cost the manager for the things you've broken here."

"Hey! Answer me, you asshole!" Zephyrdol then lunged towards Issei with his fist ready in a fit of rage.

But Issei did not seem to panic at all. "My name is Hyoudou Issei…." Then he gave a bow, or rather, a head-butt right at the incoming fist. "Nice to meet you!"

CRACK!

The sound was heard when Issei's forehead collided with Zephyrdol's punch. However, much to everyone's surpise, it was the latter who cried in pain as he pulled back his broken hand and took few steps back. Issei on the other hand, not even a mark was seen on his forehead.

"Agh! You bastard…!" Zephyrdol was angered further by Issei's head-butt, and began to use magic to retaliate. However, Sairaorg decided to step in as he immediately sent Zephyrdol flying towards a wall with a single straight punch.

Issei blinked when he saw the wall where Zephyrdol flew turned into a crater from the sheer force of the impact. He turned around to see Sairaorg gave him a quick, approving smile and addressed the rest in the room, especially Zephyrdol's peerage who was growling in anger towards the well-built man.

"Devils of Glasya-Labolas, I won't tolerate anymore unsightly behaviour in this room. I suggest you should attend your master now, the important function will be starting soon, so make sure your master recovers first." The group of goblins noticed the point and immediately turned to look after their downed master. Then Sairaorg turned to address the lady with glasses. "Seekvaira, princess of Agares family. There's still time, put your make-up on again. It wouldn't do to attend the function while wearing something so bad."

The lady, Seekvaira, glanced at Issei first with wary looks before she returned her gaze at Sairaorg, then she nodded and retreated towards her own peerage. After making sure that the situation had calmed down, Sairaorg then addressed his own peerage. "Call the staff. The hall is too messed up now, how can I be able to have tea with Rias like this?" then one of his peerage immediately left to fulfil the order. Then Sairaorg turned towards Issei. "As expected from Saitama-sensei's son. That's quite an impressive display you showed earlier."

"So he really was talking about that guy earlier!?" Issei inwardly screamed as his conclusion had been confirmed.

Rias and her peerage then approached the two men as well. Knowing Issei long enough, only Asia was kind enough to at least ask if Issei's forehead was hurting.

"Sairaorg, what did you mean back then? Why did you address my servant's father as your teacher?"

"Because it's thanks to his guidance I managed to make it to this point. Perhaps calling him sensei was stretching it a bit, since we didn't spend time long enough, but I still see him as the one who made me into the man I am now."

Issei put up a thoughtful expression for a moment, imagining his father to be a teacher figure. However, the image just could not come up properly in his mind. Then his musings were halted when Sona Sitri peerage came into the room, as well as the employee from earlier showed up to announce that the next event was going to take place.

The time went by, it was already night time in the underworld (despite the purple sky) and Issei was going to enter the hot spring in the Gremory's family residence. As he took off his clothes, Issei recalled the meeting that took place that day.

The meeting was hosted by the Four Great Satan themselves, along with other elderly and noble devils who served as advisors. He recalled each of the young devils from the waiting room who introduced themselves (aside from Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri); Sairaorg Bael (Great King), Seekvaira Agares (Archduke), Diodora Astaroth and Zephyrdol Glasya-Labolas.

Aside from Sairaorg Bael, Issei remembered the name of Astaroth and Glasya-Labolas, since two of the Four Great Satan once were the member of those said clans. However, the elders from devil king's side mentioned that the original successor of Glasya-Labolas clan was dead due to a freak accident. What bothered Issei more was the vibe he got from Diodora Astaroth. Issei could have sworn that despite the gentle smile that Diodora presented all the time, the latter had sent a couple of strange glances at Asia.

Issei's eyes hardened at the memory where Sirzechs Lucifer announced that Rating Games would be held among the young devils for them to raise power before their official debut. However, what really concerned him was the mention of Khaos Brigade, as well as at the prospect where the young devils, including his master, might have to face them sooner or later. The boy wondered how dangerous they were. That question also led to another question whether his father had even encountered one of them during his travels, and with several assumptions, Issei somehow ended up with a question: how strong was his father?

Then again, Issei remembered the feeling of admiration he felt when Sairaorg proclaimed that he wished to be a devil king when the young devils were asked about their future goals. What made Issei admired Sairaorg's goal was because the latter's sense of duty rather than his mere desires. The other young devils, including Rias Gremory's goals were rather… mundane compared to Sairaorg. Nevertheless, Issei would definitely help his master with his friends to be the top ranker in Rating Games. The boy also made a note to himself to set a higher goal for himself. Simply surpassing his father's strength would not do anymore.

However, Issei grimaced when he remembered how other noble devils mocked Sona Sitri's goal. Issei personally found the student council president's ambition to be at least as admirable as Sairaorg's, to make a Rating Game School that accepts all devils from all class and status, without discrimination. Even Saji had shown his passion and determination in supporting his master. However, the long-tradition of devils society would always make it hard for Sona's idea to come true, considering the devils were still strongly influenced by the traditionalists. Then, thanks to Leviathan's interference in defence of her sister (much to the latter's embarrassment) and the Lucifer's as well, it was decided that a rating game would be held between Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri.

Issei smirked in anticipation as he finally set to enter the hot spring.

(Scene Break)

Issei, Yuuto and Azazel were immersing themselves inside the nice hot water of Gremory's hot spring that was modelled after the Japanese traditional hot spring. Azazel was humming a tune while soaking his twelve black wings. "Hahaha, now this is what I call life. Moreover, when it comes to the distinguished Gremory family's private hot spring, one of the best in the Underworld, a great spring is also a great spring."

"Ise-kun, shall I wash your back?"

Issei would have not mind about the offer, if Yuuto were to ask normally. The knight's blushing face was creeping the pawn out somehow. To avoid any more awkwardness, Issei then looked around to notice one member was missing.

"Say, I thought I was the last to come in. Where's Gasper?"

Before anyone could have replied, Issei then spotted the dhampir was loitering around the entrance from embarrassment. "Hey, Gya-suke! Don't just stand there and come in here!" Issei rose out from the water and walked towards Gasper, who let out a shriek in return.

When Issei got a good look on his junior, he furrowed his eyebrows slightly. "Gasper, why are you putting up your towel up to your chest?"

"It's-it's embarrassing…." Gasper turned away with flustered face. "Please don't look at me like that…"

"Why are you embarrassed? It's not like you have any boobs to hide from anyone!" Then Issei proceeded to take Gasper's hand and throw him right into the water. "Man up and enjoy the spring!"

As soon as Gasper's entire body was dipped in the water, the boy let out a girlish scream as he tried to withstand the heat. "Nooooooooo! It's hoooooot! I'm meltiiiiiiing! Ise-senpai is perverteeeeeeed!"

"Ise, you can't sexually harass Gasper, you know?" Issei then turned to the wall that divided the male and female baths where his master's voice could be heard from, followed by the other girls' giggles.

"I'm not!" Issei simply shouted back and he shook his head in exasperation as he joined the other males back in the spring.

"Say, Ise." Azazel began a conversation. "How are things with Saitama?"

Issei glanced at Azazel before replying with a sigh. "…Fine, I guess." Issei's gaze turned downwards as he slightly drowned himself further into the water.

"Have you tried using the device I installed in your new training room?" the fallen angel smirked.

"Ah, you mean that door? I took a quick look at it on the other day. But sensei… Is that door…?"

Then Azazel's smirk grew into a grin. "Yep, I made it based on Doraemon's Anywhere Door. Considering your father's strength, it would be wise to take your sparring session with him somewhere far from home, no? Otherwise your father might end up destroying the house many times over."

Issei only sighed while getting Azazel's point. Speaking of his father, however. "Azazel… What do you know about him?"

"Hm? You mean Saitama?" Azazel then raised his eyebrows at Issei's nod. "Curious, ain't we? Well, what do you want to know?"

"Well… I'm not sure actually…" Issei looked to the side. "I once asked my mom about him, and she only said that my old man just came out of nowhere. You're the type who observe people a lot, aren't you? And since you spent a lot of time with him, I thought you may know a thing or two about his background."

Azazel blinked at the question before he smiled. "Well… For Saitama's background and history… It's not for me to disclose. You should ask him yourself." Azazel then leaned back to the wall. "But if you want to know about your father's strength… I can only say that his power is a complete mystery."

Issei, now with Yuuto and Gasper, furrowed their eyebrows in curiosity. "Mystery…?"

"Yeah. I mean, I've seen many occasions where your father managed to defeat his opponents with a single punch, you know? It didn't matter mortals or not, one punch was all he took to end the fight. Hell, I even once witnessed him defeated a god in a one-on-one before. Such a power was way too powerful to be possessed by a human. I tried to research the origins of Saitama's power, but so far I can only make speculations. Is it his genes? Is it something that had been dormant for a long time then awakened by strenuous and vigorous training? Like a Longinus, perhaps? Who knows? I tried to con him into my guinea pig once and he grinded me to the ground in retaliation. But in the end, it was as if Saitama houses a god inside his body. That's just how ridiculous your father is."

Everyone's expression turned to that of awe and bewilderment. One punch? Defeating a god? His father was capable to do such a thing with his fist alone? As much as unbelievable as it sounded, it was way too stupid for Azazel to spew such a lie, but it was too surreal to be called the truth as well. Issei clenched both of his fists under the water in determination, he would definitely find out from his father, one way or another.

"Anyway, Ise." Azazel's expression then turned lewd. "Have you rubbed Rias' breasts?"

The previous atmosphere immediately disappeared and Issei could only deadpanned at the question. "…What?"

The next day, everyone, clad in jerseys, gathered in the Gremory's residence large garden. Azazel, clad in jerseys as well, was reading several documents in his hands before he began to talk. "Let me say this first. What I'm going to tell you now is a training menu that focuses on things in the immediate future. There are people who produce good results immediately, but there are also those who have no choice but to look at things in the long run. However, you are all growing young people. Even if you mistake your direction, you will grow well. Now then, first is Rias, you."

Azazel turned his gaze to the Gremory heiress. "From the beginning, you have been a high-spec devil with everything, including talent, physical ability and magic power. Even if you live normally as you currently are, those traits will rise and you'll become a candidate for being a highest-grade devil when you become an adult. However, your wish is to become stronger than you would in that future, right?"

"Yes, I don't intend to lose to anyone." Rias nodded resolutely. She steeled her mind even harder when she remembered her defeat from Kokabiel.

"Then, follow the training recorded on this sheet exactly, even all the way up to the battle day." Azazel gave Rias a piece of paper.

The girl looked over her training regiment and she turned back towards the Governor with puzzled looks. "…But, this training doesn't seem all that special, though?"

"You got it, basic training is fine for you. According to the data I got from your brother, your performance during the mock Rating Game with Riser Phenex has shown that you pretty much have collected everything. That's why your power can only be raised by basic practice. The problem is the quality of the King. Over time, the King seeks brains more than strength. You know that even if they're not good at magic, devils can climb to the top with a good head and cleverness, right? Learn all you can about the Rating Games until the deadline. Drive everything, from game documented images to documented data, into your head. What a King needs are the thought, quick-wittiness and judgment to defeat any kind of situation. It's your job to make sure that your group's servant devils can display their power to the fullest. However, also remember that, until the actual game, you won't be able to know what will happen. It's the same as a battlefield."

Then Azazel carried on with the briefing. "Next is Akeno."

"…Yes." The queen replied with rather sullen tone.

Ignoring the tone Akeno had used to reply him, Azazel moved on. "You must accept the blood that flows within you."

Akeno's eyes widened slightly before she frowned. Nevertheless, Azazel kept going on. "I've seen the recording of your performance with the game against Phenex. You did win, but what the hell was that? With your original specs, you should have been able to easily defeat the enemy Queen. Why didn't you use your Fallen Angel powers? You limited yourself to only thunder. If you don't add light onto thunder and make lightning, you can't display your true power."

"…I can do just fine even if I don't depend on that kind of power."

Issei recalled how Akeno had barely won against the bomb queen. It was thanks to Issei's idea for the training camp that Akeno managed to strengthen herself further, but in the end, Azazel had a valid point. The girl had to accept herself and move forward.

"Don't deny yourself. What will you do if you can't accept yourself? In the end, the only thing you can rely on is your own body, right? Denying yourself makes you weak. Accept everything about yourself, even the tough and painful things. Your weakness is your current self. Overcome it by the day of the battle. If not, you will become a mere obstruction in future battles. The Priestess of Thunder must become the Priestess of Lightning as well." Azazel concluded as he handed the paper.

Akeno accepted the paper without any objection, albeit begrudgingly. It seemed the girl realized that she had just to suck it up.

Then Azazel moved on to Kiba Yuuto. "Next is Kiba. First, you must maintain Balance Breaker for a full day. If you get used to it, you'll be able to maintain it for a full day in your actual battle form. Your objective is to continue that and to become able to maintain that state for the length of a day. After that, you'll be able to become sufficiently strong by doing basic training like Rias. I'll teach you man-to-man how to handle sword-type Sacred Gears later." When Azazel gave Yuuto his training regiment, the former seemed to remember another thing. "By the way, I heard you'll train under your teacher again for the sword training?"

"Yes, I plan to be taught from scratch again." Yuuto confirmed as he took the paper.

Then Azazel moved to the other knight of the group. "For Xenovia, To be able to use Durandal better than you do now…you need to be able to use another holy sword."

Xenovia blinked at the mention of another holy sword as she received her own paper. "Another holy sword?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of that." Azazel smirked in return. "Next is Gasper."

"Y-Yes!" Gasper replied nervously. Azazel only sighed at the attitude.

"Don't be so frightened. Your biggest obstacle is that fear. You need to train your mind and body that fears everything from scratch. From the start, the specs with your bloodline and your Sacred Gear are substantial. Skill improvement of your bishop special characteristics and your magic will also support you greatly. Since I've constructed an exclusive 'Hikikomori Escape Plan' program, you must first put on a proper attitude as much as possible. Even if going out in public entirely is impossible for you, make sure that your movements aren't dull."

"Yeeeeeeeeeeeees! I'll try to obtain a spirit that goes for broke!"

Leaving the pessimistic answer for the time being, Azazel turned to the other bishop. "Next is… Asia. You will also improve your body and magic with basic training. Also, your main task will be to strengthen your Sacred Gear."

Asia nodded resolutely, but Issei had another thing to say. "Isn't Asia's Twilight Healing already the best? She can heal everything besides sickness and stamina just by touching."

"I get what you mean. The speed of her recovery ability is great. However, the problem is the "touching" part. She can't heal if she doesn't expressly go into close range if an ally is injured."

Everyone nodded in understanding at what Azazel was tyring to imply. "Is it possible to extend the range of Twilight Healing, then?"

"Exactly. However, there are few other implications. Since Sacred Gears respond to the user's feelings, Asia will have to learn how to master-control her gear. Asia's kind nature will end up healing both allies and enemies alike, and we certainly can't have that. For that, I recommend that Asia should learn how to fire her healing power like a projectile."

Everyone then widened their eyes in approval at Azazel's conclusion. If Asia managed to learn such a thing, it would increase the efficiency of the team. "I-I understand! I'll do my best!" Asia responded with even more resolve in her voice.

"Next is Koneko." Azazel proceeded to the rook. "You have nothing to be criticised about, as you possess the elementary traits of offence and defence as a Rook. Your physical ability is also not a problem. However, there are those better at offence in Rias' group than a Rook like you, namely Ise, Kiba and Xenovia. Ise and Kiba already have their brutal Sacred Gears with their Balance Breakers in tow and Xenovia has her Durandal."

"…Yes, I know." Koneko replied with frustrated tone. Issei wondered if it had something to do with her odd behaviour for the past few days.

"Your case is similar with Akeno. You need to release the power you've personally sealed. If you don't accept yourself, big growth won't be possible for you."

Koneko only took her paper from Azazel without a word. Issei then put a hand on her shoulder and gave her an encouraging nod. But the girl only looked away with stern expression.

"Uh… Did I just step on a land-mine?" Issei nervously blinked at the rook's reaction.

[Sure you did, partner…. Sure you did…] Ddraig nodded sagely in agreement.

"The last is Ise. Let's see…" Azazel scratched his head as he looked over the files. "You pretty much are the strongest in the group here. I heard that you've trained your body ever since you're ten, correct?" Azazel then received a nod from the pawn. "You've covered most of the things, but… I forgot to ask this, how long can you maintain your Scale Mail?"

Issei was about to answer by raising his finger, but then he shut his mouth as he wondered again. "Err… I actually never thought about it." Then Issei turned to his left arm. "Ddraig, if you don't mind?"

A green light glowed from the back of Issei's hand and Ddraig's voice could be heard by everyone. [Hmm…. Considering how large his reserve and the way my host abused its usage so far… I'd say he could last around a week or two]

"Hmm… Not bad, but not good enough if you compare yourself to Vali. That guy can maintain his Balance Breaker for a month." Azazel nodded.

Issei inwardly clicked his tongue. After all, he did have a hard time during the fight against the Hakuryuukou last time.

"So we really need to work on your magic department." Azazel concluded. "I heard that you've received some training from Akeno here. Akeno, how did the training go?"

Akeno tapped her chin. "Hm… Last time, his control over his reserve was still rough, but he's definitely improving." She said with a small smile.

"Well, whatever. Your training had been decided anyway." Azazel shrugged before he suddenly sensed something and looked up at the sky. "Ah, he's here."

Everyone followed Azazel's gaze towards the sky and all eyes were widened at the sight of a gigantic, purple western dragon, about fifteen meters tall. "Um, guys…? Is-is that…?" Issei became somehow nervous as he pointed his finger at the dragon.

"Yeah, Ise. A real life dragon." Azazel confirmed as he noticed that the dragon was looking at him.

"Azazel… You sure have some nerve openly entering devil territory." The dragon said with booming, yet calm voice.

"Hah, I've properly gotten the personal permission of the devil king and have entered this territory fairly, you know?" Azazel shrugged despite the intimidating figure before him. "And Tannin, I believe he's the one you've been looking forward to meet." The fallen angel pointed his thumb at Issei who only blinked in confusion. "Ise, let me introduce you the Blaze Meteor Dragon Tannin, he's formerly one of Six Great Dragon Kings now Five, and currently a reincarnated, ultimate-class devil. And Tannin, this guy is Hyoudou Issei, the current Red Dragon Emperor."

The dragon, now known as Tannin, peered down on Issei before giving a nod. "I see that you are Hyoudou Saitama's son… So that news is true, that man's son is the latest host of the Welsh Dragon."

When he heard the name of his father being mentioned, Issei rolled his eyes as he fought the urge to sigh exasperatedly. Of course, his father had encountered and acquainted with angels, fallen angels and devils, fought a god as unbelievable as it sounded, so why should he surprised if his father knew one or two friggin' dragons?

"Ddraig, are you there? Can you hear me?" Tannin then asked.

The green glow appeared again from Issei's left hand and the Welsh Dragon replied. [Yeah. It's been a while, Tannin]

"Wait, so you two know each other?" Issei asked, looking around between Tannin and his hand.

[Yes. As Azazel has said, there was originally Six Great Dragon Kings, with Tannin as one of them before he turned into a devil, making six dragon kings into five. This guy is the same one recorded in the bible.]

"Tannin here has volunteered himself to send you to your training grounds." Azazel spoke, causing Issei to look at Tannin.

"Um… Is it really alright, Tannin-san? To come all this way…" Issei asked nervously.

"Kukuku… It's fine. I also want to see how Saitama's son looks like, so I'm simply returning the favour. Come, hop on." Tannin replied with a chuckle and lowered his body for Issei to ride.

The pawn looked over to his master who gave a nod. "Well, then… Don't mind if I do." Then Issei hopped on to Tannin's back.

"The training period is about 20 days in human world time. I expect everyone to make improvements by then. And Ise!" Azazel called out as Tannin stood up in preparation of departure. The former tossed something at Issei who caught it and saw a ring. "That ring is to seal your Sacred Gear and you are to put it on for the first 10 days. In other words, you're not allowed to use Boosted Gear for that period of time."

Issei raised his eyebrows at the instruction and he took another glance at the ring. He then closed his eyes for few seconds and he opened them again to give a resolute bow before put the ring on his middle finger. However, the boy was still a bit curious about the thing.

"Ddraig, can you still hear me?" the boy asked in his mindscape.

[Yeah… I can hear you just fine. But that ring from Azazel really works. There are bunch of seals appeared here and you won't be able to use my power unless the ring is removed. Are you sure about this?]

"Yeah, I guess I can vaguely tell the purpose of this training method. Sorry, Ddraig. For the time being you'll have to stay put until further notice."

[Nah, that's fine. Then I guess I'll just go to sleep. Make sure to go out there and kick some ass, partner] then Ddraig went to slumber.

"Well then, everyone! I'll be going for a while!" Issei then turned to his friends.

"Ise, do your best!" Rias cheered his pawn while giving a thumbs-up. The others also gave him cheers and words of encouragement.

"Yeah, good luck to you guys too!"

"After 10 days, you can take off that ring and you'll receive the next instruction! Just do your best to stay alive!" Azazel sent his last words.

"Got it!"

"Well, let's be off!" Tannin roared and finally took off, leaving the rest of devils and the fallen angel towards the sky.

When Issei and Tannin were out of sight, Rias then turned to Azazel. "By the way, Azazel, where is Tannin taking Ise to?"

Azazel only smirked at the question, and when he replied the details regarding the venue etc., Rias' face suddenly went pale as well as the others, sans Asia and Xenovia who looked confused and worried at the same time.

"Wha-! Are you out of your mind!? Why would you send my Ise to a place like that!?" Rias asked furiously.

"Relax. You know how tough that guy is, training in that place won't be enough to kill him. Besides, I already paid that guy to supervise him, so it's going to be fine. Don't worry."

Rias was about to retort, but she finally let out a deep sigh and she gazed towards the direction where Tannin had flew to with worried eyes.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait…" Issei said as he held up his hand and rubbed his forehead with the other. The boy could not believe what Tannin just revealed to him. "So, you're saying that my pops once came to the underworld with me when I was still a baby? And he encountered Tiamat-san and you during that time!?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier about the fact that I have known your existence and your father for quite some time now. I still remembered him carrying you in his arms when we parted ways. The phenomenon that happened to your father was something that only occurred once every hundred years. Your father was just incredibly unfortunate to get 'spirited away' along with you."

Issei's jaw dropped during his conversation with the former dragon king. Now everything had been brought to light when he felt nostalgic when he set his foot on the underworld forest during his search for a familiar. His father actually brought, or rather, accidentally dragged him along to the friggin' underworld? Did his mother know about this? His headache somehow got worse as more questions about his father came to his mind.

"…Well, just ask your father for more details if you really want to know." Then Tannin finally landed at the edge of a forested area. "We've arrived here."

Issei snapped out of his musings and he jumped down from the dragon's back. "Alright, I'm ready now. I'll be in your care, old man Tannin!" Issei bowed in respect.

"Hm? Who said that I'll be the one to train you?" Tannin asked, not being bothered at being called 'old man'.

"Eh?" Issei looked up with confused look. "Uh, but I thought that…?"

"I simply wanted to see you in person and volunteered myself to take you here." Tannin then turned around to leave. "Azazel had assigned someone else to be your teacher. Just keep going straight into that forest and you'll find a clearing along with your teacher there. Now go, time is the essence here." Then Tannin took of to the sky and sent his goodbyes. "All the best for your training, Hyoudou Issei!"

"Err… Okay." Issei gave a dumb-founded look when Tannin had flown far away. Taking another breath, Issei then patted both of his cheeks as he resolved himself and proceeded into the dark forest.

As Issei kept trekking his way through bushes, vines and trees, Issei felt bad vibes from his surroundings. Not only the forest felt more eerie than the Forest of Familiars, he could have sworn he saw couple of glowing red eyes between the trees around him.

No, that was not quite right about his location. If he recalled during his trip on Tannin's back, the forest he was in was actually the deepest and isolated part of Forest of Familiars. Issei could feel that there was something lurking in the darkness, but what made Issei more worried was the teacher that had been assigned to train him. He wondered who it would be.

"Oh, you gotta be shittin' me!" When Issei arrived at the appointed clearing, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped once again at the man who was supposed to train him. "Why the fuck are you here!? POPS!"

In the middle of the clearing, Saitama was sitting in front of a bon-fire, cooking a marsh-mellow. The man spotted Issei was gapping at him and he simply held out his free hand to greet his son. "What's up?"

To be Continued…