***
Sasuke was standing outside the house which Rias had promised him.
It was a large, six story terrace house, with a light blue exterior, a brown roof, and a balcony at the top.
I didn't ask her to build me a hotel.
***
Sasuke sat down on the bed in one of the rooms and his mind started wandering off.
He clasped his hand over his left eye.
It seems the Rinnegan's power is not fully back yet.
A lot had happened since he entered this world.
To think that there would really be Gods and Devils in this world. What a joke.
[ Hou, you look pretty hot and bothered there, brat. ]
A mysterious voice echoed inside Sasuke's head.
It was a low voice with an impact in it.
Hmph, you finally show yourself, Sasuke replied back inside his mind.
A Crimson Gauntlet appeared on Sasuke's right arm as a gigantic monster started transpiring in his head.
It had big green eyes and a jaw that went up to it's ears; protruded with sharp fangs.
A thick horn lined up on it's forehead and the scales which covered the body was red like magma.
The thick arms and legs resembled a gigantic tree.
More than that, a pair of wings that projected out from it's back made the monster look even bigger.
In front of Sasuke's eyes, there was--
A Dragon.
[ Brat, you do not seem surprised at my entrance. I'm trying to read into your thoughts but your memories are completely locked in. Interesting... ]
[ I am known as one of the Two Heavenly Dragons, the Welsh Dragon, Y Ddraig Goch. ]
And? Why did you bother to appear now?
[ Back at the park, I vaguely remember being transferred over to someone. But...my memories from before that are hazy. I only regained consciousness just a while ago]
Why are you residing inside this gauntlet?
[ At one point, while continuing my battle with my arch-rival, the Vanishing Dragon, Albion, we were interrupted by the Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels who were at war during the time. In anger, both of us attacked the leaders of the Three Factions, which led to our bodies being destroyed and our souls being sealed into two separate Sacred Gears, with me being placed inside the Sacred Gear "Boosted Gear." ]
[ Over the past centuries, many individuals have wielded the "Boosted Gear." But, out of all my past possessors, I can feel that you are someone special. ]
You mentioned another Sacred Gear. So, there is someone else who also wields a similar gauntlet?
[ Yes, the possessor of the "Divine Dividing" Sacred Gear, which houses the spirit of my arch-rival, Albion. The white one will appear before you sooner or later. He and I are destined to fight. Every single past possessor of the "Boosted Gear" and "Divine Dividing" have followed this inevitable fate. ]
Tch, another meddlesome affair.
[ By the way, in your current form, you won't be able to use much of my power ]
Sasuke glanced down at his missing left arm.
[ Without that arm, you can never achieve Balance Breaker of the Sacred Gear. It is a forbidden move and the evolved form of Sacred Gears in which their full potential can be unleashed. You will still be able to use 'Boost' but you will not be able to efficiently harness the true power of the "Boosted Gear" without that arm. ]
[ Of course, if you wish, with my power, I can produce an entirely new one for you. With your strength, you should be able to control its power. ]
My arm huh...
This is a punishment for my wrongdoings in the past.
Sasuke looked down at his missing arm again.
Is this even alright?
***
"The first thing we should do is ask Ajuka-Sama about the circumstances surrounding Sasuke-kun, since he will not be a part of our peerage in the rating games."
Kiba shifted his gaze over to Rias as he pointed out their next course of action.
"We don't have time to spare. The rating game between Riser will commence in a few days."
Rias started biting her thumb.
"Sasuke-san, don't you wish to sit down?" Asia asked Sasuke, who shook his head while leaning against a corner on the wall.
"Sasuke--"
It happened exactly when Rias spoke. A magic circle started to glow on the floor.
However, the symbol of the Gremory drawn on the magic-circle started changing into an unfamiliar pattern.
Sasuke focused his attention.
A Phoenix.
The light started blinding the room and a person stepped out from the magic circle.
FLAME!
Flames started spewing out from the magic-circle and the room was overwhelmed with heat.
However, Sasuke didn't even flinch as he continued watching.
A silhouette of a man was inside the flames.
"Fuu, it's been a while since I came to the human world."
The man standing there was wearing a red suit with a shirt opened till his chest.
The guy started looking around the room and smirked when his eyes landed on Rias.
"Raiser Phenex."
"My lovely Rias. I came to see you."
Raiser started approaching Rias.
"Now then, Rias. Let's go and take a look at the ceremony hall. The date has already been decided so we need to check it before then."
So this is the guy engaged to Rias. No wonder she dosen't want to marry him.
Sasuke could not help but reveal a small smile from the corner of his lips.
This will be interesting.
Asia had taken a position behind Sasuke and was clutching a corner of his shirt.
- - - - -
"My, the tea made by Rias's [Queen] is superb."
"Thank you very much." Akeno lightly bowed.
Rias was sitting on the sofa while Riser carelessly sat next to her as he held her shoulders.
"Stop it already!"
Rias angry voice echoed through the room as she stood up and glared sharply at Riser.
"Raiser, I told you before. I don't intend to marry you."
"I'm going to take a husband. But, I will marry someone I want to be with."
Riser slowly shook his head while smirking.
"The entire demon world struggles to preserve the lineages of pure-blooded devils after the last war made them a rarity. Our fathers arranged this marriage for the common good."
However, Rias remained insistent.
"I won't say it twice, Raiser. I'm not going to marry you."
Hearing that, Riser suddenly became unpleasant as his eyes became sharper.
"You know, Rias. I'm the face of the Phenex family. I cannot have you sully my honor. I will bring you back to the Underworld, even if it means burning all your servants to death."
CHILLS.
Raiser's hostility and killing intent started filling the room and he made a stance against Rias.
The flames started gathering around Riser's back and formed into wings of flame. Exactly like a fire bird.
Just as Raiser was about to raise his hand against Rias, someone else had already advanced forward and gripped firmly to his hand before it could be swung down.
Raiser turned around as he looked at the culprit who actually had the audacity to stop him.
"Huh? Who the hell are you?! I'm going to beat the shit out of you." He spat.
The male culprit wearing a cloak, however, remained indifferent and composed despite the threat .
***
"Sasuke--"
"Uchiha Sasuke."
***
Raiser tried to shake off Sasuke's hand but after struggling for a while, found out he couldn't.
This guy...he totally killed all traces of his presence and approached me without even making any sound.
And...this strength...
"The rating game hasn't even started. Let's not make a scene yet."
Sasuke slowly released his grip.
However, just as Sasuke softened his grip, Raiser tried to launch a punch. At that moment--
"Raiser-sama, Sasuke-san, please calm down. If both of you were to continue, then I won't be quiet about it. For Sirzechs-sama's honor, I won't hold back."
Grayfia had emerged from another circle and Raiser started to make a serious face after hearing her quiet and intense voice.
"...To be told that by the "Strongest Queen", even I would be scared...I definitely wouldn't want to fight the people from Sirzechs-sama's group. Brat, you are lucky Grayfia-san is here." Raiser scoffed as he looked at Sasuke, who didn't even reveal the slightest emotion after being provoked.
Raiser's face started twitching.
This guy...
He pisses me off.
But, he shouldn't be a threat to me.
"Fine, we shall do it by rules of the rating game. If you win, do whatever you like. But if I win, you will marry me immediately."
Raiser then made a smirk.
"Hey Rias. Would the ones here be your servants?"
Rias twitched her eyes at his words.
"So what?"
"Then this match will be a laugh. Only your [Queen], the "Priestess of Thunder" can fight on par with my adorable servants."
Raiser pointed at Sasuke.
"You--"
"I was caught off guard just now. The next time we meet, I will definitely kill you and humiliate you in front of Rias. I will show you the true power of my Phenex Clan."
Saying that, Raiser clicked his fingers and the magic-circle started glowing on the floor again.
"Rias, the next time we meet, it will be the end of you. Then, we shall immediately hold our wedding!"
Raiser disappeared in the light of the magic-circle.
"I have to handle the preparations, then--" Grayfia also bowed to the people present and left through another magic-circle.
***
After Raiser had left, Rias slammed her fist against the table.
"Damn it!"
Akeno tapped Rias on the shoulder and softly spoke, "Rias, let's speak to Ajuka-sama first."
Rias turned to look at Sasuke, whose face was still completely unreadable.
She sighed.
"Alright, let's go."
***
It was late at night.
Sasuke and the Occult Research club members arrived at the location written on the memo which Kiba had gotten beforehand.
It was a town 8 stations away by train from where they were. An abandoned building located outside of town devoid of people, said to be one of the hideouts of Ajuka Beelzebub in the human world.
They finally arrived at the roof using the lift and was escorted by a female devil to a spacious garden on the rooftop.
"The Gremory group. Never thought you would be coming together--no, one of you is different."
The young man who exuded a mysterious atmosphere and beauty while sitting on a chair slowly scrutinized Sasuke.
"You are not part of their peerage..."
"The Sekiryuutei, Boosted Gear--but...I sense that you are still concealing your true power. The Boosted Gear isn't your only power, is it?"
However, Sasuke did not utter a single word.
"You have piqued my interest."
***
"Ajuka-sama."
Rias took a stepped forward and called the name of the man.
Ajuka raised his hand before Rias could say anything else.
"I think I know what you are trying to ask. The rules of the rating games have been present since it was developed. Even though I came up with the system, I can't change or bend the rules for your own personal reasons. If the Sekiryuutei isn't a part of your peerage, he can't take part in the rating games. I'm sorry."
Rias clenched her fist till the whites of her palm started showing but she managed to keep down her emotions and left after bowing. Her face was filled with a vortex of emotions, each spiralaing for dominance.
Very soon, only Sasuke and Ajuka were left on the rooftop.
Sasuke finally spoke.
"You are one of the Maou's in the Underworld, am I right?"
Rias had briefed him on the leadership status in the Underworld prior to their arrival.
Ajuka only nodded his head.
"Then, help me convey a message to Rias's brother and parents."
Ajuka's eyebrows raised.
"Hou, you are starting to turn out more interesting than I thought. Curiosity is my nature. Fine then! What message do you want me to convey to Sirzechs?"
Sasuke's lips lightly curled up.
***
The day of the rating game finally arrived and the members were lined up in the Occult Research Club room, along with Grayfia.
Rias kept stealing glances at Sasuke, who hasn't said a single word since yet.
"Hah...we can only do this without Sasuke. The absence of the Sekiryuutei will be a huge factor in our odds against Raiser but we still have to try."
Grayfia then started to explain the battle.
"When it becomes the time to start the battle, you will teleport to the battlefield through the magic-circle. The location of the place is in a different dimension used for battles. You may fight with all your power. Feel free to fight to your satisfaction," as Grayfia started her explanation, she could not help but look over at Sasuke.
To think that this man would suggest such a thing...
I can see why Ajuka is so interested in him and even Sirzechs is willing to abide by his request...
"This 'Rating Game' battle will be viewed by members of both households. Maou Lucifer-sama will also be viewing this battle. Please do not forget about it."
"Onii-sama will be there?!" Rias face started boiling red.
"It's about time. Everyone, please head to the magic-circle."
***
When everyone finally opened their eyes--
.....Huh? They started to tilt their head when they witnessed the view, appearing to be in shock except for one individual.
[Hmph, he really kept his promise.]
[This place should be in the Underworld.]
The place they had ended up in was a huge ball room, and there were many devils who were dressed up; similar to a high society party in the human world.
At that moment, another circle also materialized and Raiser stepped out with his peerage.
When his eyes landed on the surroundings, he could not help but issue out a question.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"It's an event that I organised."
A man with crimson-hair who was originally sitting at the far back walked towards the center of the ballroom.
"Onii-sama!?"
"The Sekiryuutei proposed a very interesting proposition to Ajuka. I wanted to see the power of the Dragon as well."
"What is the meaning of this, Sirzechs-sama?"
Raiser's tone was tinged with a hint of malice.
"A [Rating Game] will no doubt be interesting but it will be a disadvantage for my little sister, who has no game experience to face off against Raiser-kun, a prodigy from the House of Phenex. Furthermore, the Sekiryuutei is not a part of her peerage."
Sirzechs said while putting on a smile.
Various whispers started floating around the room.
"He is not a part of Rias-sama peerage?"
"He is handsome..."
"That guy...he is not a devil?"
"Is he a human?"
"Then Sirzechs. What do you propose we do?"
A middle-aged man with crimson hair, similar in appearance to Sirzechs, asked.
"Father. Dragon versus Phoenix. Don't you think this will be the ultimate event? A battle between legendary creatures. There aren't any entertainment which can surpass this. I have also gotten the confirmation from the Phenex family. After all, they have a lot of pride in Raiser-kun that he will not lose to the Sekiryuutei."
"Dragon user-kun. I received your proposal from Ajuka. You have our permission. Raiser, are you not willing to?"
Hearing Sirzechs speak, Raiser started making a fearless smile.
"Very well. There is no way I can decline if Sirzechs-sama asks me. I have a personal grudge against this guy after all. This is the perfect opportunity."
"Sasuke, you arranged this battle with Raiser? But why? Why do this for me?"
Rias's eyes were looking at him with the presence of forming tears.
Sasuke started walking to the center of the hall.
"You remind me of my past self. That's all."
***
Sasuke and Riser were soon transported to another place.
"You will be my last flame before I settle down as a married man." Raiser declared as he faced Sasuke.
However, Sasuke was concerned with something else.
[My actions will be monitored in this fight huh...]
"Please start!"
A voice rang out and the battle began
***
"I already know all of your abilities. A Sacred Gear that keeps on doubling the power of the user, the [Boosted Gear.]"
Raiser's body started to get covered in a rainbow color aura and a giant pair of wings made up of flames appeared on his back while he howled.
He took off to the air.
"This is our clan's gallant hellfire of the Phoenix, the fire bird, the immortal bird. Take it and incinerate!"
Sasuke foresight the invoked attack and instantly escaped from the high temperature flames that was emitted from Raiser's wings.
Sasuke instantly don a cloak of lightning around his body, further augmenting his speed as he accelerated.
In a split second, he appeared in front of Raiser, who displayed apparent shock on his face.
Sasuke drew out his sword and the lightning chakra started compressing into the blade. The blade where the compressed lightning was residing...
Was slashed diagonally at Raiser.
Raiser barely moved his right arm in time and managed to block the attack.
Nonetheless--
A terrific impact was generated and he flew back a dozen of meters. Fresh blood scattered.
Sasuke took a further step forward at the direction of the blown away Raiser.
*DOSHIN!* The Earth shook.
This time, Sasuke raised his right arm that was holding the katana tightly--
And swung it down.
It was a completely dreadful slashing attack that Raiser had never experienced personally before.
How can this be...
How is a brat able to damage me?
The blade was pushed into Raiser's body diagonally starting from his shoulder but he managed to force his will and jump back before the blade could slice in further.
Raiser invoked his clan's special magic that accelerated cell renewal and restored the wounds of his body.
With his face filled with hatred, he rebounded back at Sasuke, thrusting out his fist that was covered in flames.
Sasuke didn't swing his katana completely. He immediately reversed his blade and laid in wait, able to swing a second slash any time.
Raiser's punch with its movement read, was the same as if coming to offer himself to become a sandbag.
The blade moved naturally. With a movement that didn't have even a single futility in it, Sasuke stepped forward.
Even faster than Raiser's counterattack, Sasuke swung down his second slash. Raiser was smashed to the ground before his fist could even come into contact with Sasuke.
Sasuke drew closer to Raiser while wielding the blade that still carried the compressed lightning.
Just when Raiser thought he spotted Sasuke's figure, he had already disappeared like haze and quickly approached him from outside his field of vision.
Raiser, who only relied on sight, could not foresight the presence of Sasuke and catch up to his movement.
He tried to counter by wrapping the flames around his body to prevent Sasuke's sword from cutting through him but--
Sasuke's right hand accelerated even further. The excessive speed caused the number of attacks to increase as though they split countlessly. The silver sword thrusted intensely and Raiser could only endure the attacks as wounds kept appearing on his body while his magic desperately tried to keep up with regenerating.
Raiser condensed the flames around his arms and legs as he tried to swing down his attacks on Sasuke.
Sasuke was superior in speed, and he dodged the attacks effortlessly, unnerving Raiser as he kept hitting through empty air.
A red gauntlet appeared on Sasuke's right arm and a sound came out.
[Boost!!! Boost!!!]
Sasuke felt his lightning cloak being further layered up with reinforcement and acceleration. It was a strengthening on top of a layer of strengthening--
[So that's the ability of this Sacred Gear...Interesting...]
Sasuke's speed increased dramatically.
Violent blade struck down Raiser's body without even giving him time to run away. Raiser's face, arms and legs that were knocked onto the ground were buried. That was just how hard the attack was.
It's might was like thunder itself. And then it didn't stop with one attack. The blow kept coming like a wind god--
It was like a hail of blizzard blowing with the force that made Raiser unable to open his eyes.
Raiser, who was struck to the ground was further hit with a down swing--up swing--down swing--up swing... ...the ground was turning into a widening crater due to the shock-wave.
[NUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! DON'T FUCK WITH ME!]
"I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU. I WILL BEAT YOU WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE!"
Both of Raiser's wings started enlarging and the avatar of the immortal bird was floating; it liberated all of the flame in its body and turned into a small pseudo sun. That energy of light and heat possessed directionality and it advanced in Sasuke's direction.
A large fire bird came swooping down at Sasuke.
"Water Release : Water Formation Wall(Suiton : Suijinheki)!"
Sasuke launched a stream of water from his mouth at the ground, which started circling around him, rising upwards to create a wall.
The two opposing elements came into contact, neutralized; and the fire bird was instantly vaporized.
"What is that?! Just what did you do! That is not the power of the Boosted Gear."
An unpleasant sweat flowed down Raiser's forehead.
"Water Release : Water Colliding Wave(Suiton : Suishoha)!"
From behind Sasuke, a gigantic tidal wave was forming from the water released earlier and started to create a spiraling vortex.
The tidal wave swallowed Raiser and smashed him into the walls of the dead end.
Sasuke then took his sword that was still shrouded in lightning and stabbed it into the ground.
The high concentration of lightning started to produce a sound reminiscent of many birds chirping; and charged in a straight line towards Raiser.
"GUAHHHHH!!!"
Smoke rose up from Raiser's body.
His wings of flame had disappeared after sustaining repeated severe injuries from Sasuke's continuous onslaught.
However, his wounds still regenerated slowly.
"I WILL KILL YOU! I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!"
A flame in the amount that was incomparable from before was completely covering Raiser's whole body.
Excessively large amounts of flame-
Raiser manipulated the flames with his will and stretched the flame like a net to his surroundings in a 360° angle.
"DIE!"
However, Sasuke simply stood there as he slowly closed his right eye.
Seeing this, Raiser started taunting Sasuke.
"HUH? ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE UP? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING TO ACCOMPLISH BY CLOSING YOUR EYE? YOU THINK I WOULD LET YOU OFF IF YOU DO THAT?! DIE BY MY FLAMES!"
[Let's see if he can still regenerate after this.]
Sasuke remained impervious to his insult as he replied with a single sentence.
"Raiser Phenex--"
"I will show you the definition of real flames."
***
The air around Sasuke started changing and the temperature momentarily dropped; causing a chill down Raiser's spine.
Back at the dining hall, the members of the distinguished devil families were all looking at the battle scene, confused at the actions of Sasuke.
"Has Sasuke-kun given up?" Akeno looked over at Rias, who was displaying all sorts of emotions on her face.
"Sasuke..."
***
"OI! WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?! I AM GOING TO BURN YOU COMPLETELY!"
The wall of flames came advancing towards Sasuke and it was at that moment, Sasuke opened his right eye-
"Amaterasu!(Heavenly illumination)"
Amaterasu--
Black flames that were produced at the focal point of the user's vision.
The black flames produced from Sasuke's right Mangekyo started devouring Raiser's flame as though burning through paper.
"WHAT THE...?!"
Within seconds, Raiser's flames were completely burned out and the black flames dropped onto the ground, continuing to burn away.
Sasuke then shifted his sight towards Raiser and the black flames followed his field of vision.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!"
Raiser tried desperately to escape but the black flames persistently followed him and he was soon completely enveloped in black flames like a cocoon--
"ARGHHHH!!!!! GET IT OFF ME!!! GET IT OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Even though his body tried desperately in vain to repair the burned cells, the produced black flames didn't let go of its target and continued burning away; that was truly the flames of hell.
Raiser squirmed in agony as he felt as though the flames were penetrating all the way into his soul.
....What is this.
No...this is a different dimension in terms of high temperature....
How can I, the heir of the Phenex clan, get burned by fire?!
Raiser managed to squeeze out a few words.
"Th...That eye of yours...you...just what are you...?"
Sasuke slowly took a few steps forward.
"With your high regenerative capabilities, you might barely survive. But, once ignited, it will continue burning for seven days and seven nights; no amount of water can put out these flames."
Sasuke then glared at Raiser.
"Raiser Phenex, the amount of pain you will suffer through these seven days will make you wish you were dead."
***
The spectators were shocked beyond belief.
A member of the Phenex clan was actually defeated with flames?!
How could such a thing even happen?
Sirzechs looked at the screen on display and could not help but reveal a smile.
"Ajuka was right. This man certainly is interesting. That eye of his--"
Various conversation started igniting in the dining hall.
"The heir of the Phenex clan lost to the Sekiryuutei?"
"Incredible. He put out the flames with even more flames."
"But--I didn't even see him really use the power of the Boosted Gear. Does this mean his power is not from the Sacred Gear?"
"Just what were those black flames?!"
***
Sasuke took one last glance at Raiser who was still enshrouded and engulfed by black flames.
A portal then appeared in front of Raiser and a young girl, with long blonde hair tied into twin-tails shaped like large drill-like curls, appeared.
"Onii-sama!"
She spread her arms wide as though to cover for him.
However, Sasuke simply turned around and closed his eyes.
"I suggest you do not head near those flames."
The girl's face reddened for a second as Sasuke left such parting words and the field started to crumble.
***
The medical personnel had to enclose Raiser, who was still writhing in agony, inside a special barrier as they led him away.
"Sekiryuutei--"
"No, Sasuke-kun. What do you want as a reward for winning?" Sirzechs asked Sasuke, who was the winner of the battle.
"Sirzechs-sama?!"
The relatives started criticizing at Sirzechs offer. However--
"It is fitting since he is the winner. We have to honor that. Now then...I can give you anything. Money? Or perhaps the most beautiful woman?"
Sirzechs asked Sasuke, ignoring the voices of the others around him.
Sasuke looked to the man at the side of Sirzechs; a dandy man with crimson hair.
"Listen to your daughter's wishes."
Rias father didn't say anything and closed his eyes.
The surrounding people could only react in disbelief.
That's all he is asking? He could have wished for something more grand! Is he crazy or just plain stupid?
At the side, Rias's face was suddenly kissed pink like a spring rose as she gazed over at Sasuke.
***
In a mysterious hideout:
"Vali--"A beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure; long black hair with split bangs, wearing a black Kimono, passed over a file to a young man.
"Here is the report you requested, Nyaa", the girl spoke with an alluring voice.
The young man called Vali; had light silver hair, hazel eyes, and was wearing a dark green V-neck shirt, with a high collared black leather jacket over it.
"Thank you, Kuroka."
"Hou, so this is the Sekiryuutei. Black flames that were powerful enough to burn through even the flames of the Phenex family..."
A smile started to spread across Vali's face as he continued reading the report.
"It seems his power does not even rely on the Boosted Gear. HAHAHA! This should be the first time a possessor of the Boosted Gear has not relied on its power. This man is already strong without the Sacred Gear. If he were to fully master the powers of the Boosted Gear--he will clearly be unstoppable..."
However, Kuroka was seemingly worried as she voiced her concern.
"Aren't you worried you will lose to him, Vali?"
However, a fearless smile formed on his face instead.
"Worried? I, Vali Lucifer, only seek strong opponents. That is my goal in life. The Sekiryuutei--To think that my rival of destiny would be such a strong character. This makes me very excited!"
Vali looked upwards as he declared.
***
"Uchiha Sasuke--"
"I'm looking forward to the day we meet."
***
"Unnn... ..."
A seductive voice echoed through the room.
The next thing Sasuke knew, he felt a soft sensation on his chest.
[What the...]
When he opened his eyes; sleeping on top of him, was a naked crimson haired woman, who was using Sasuke as her hug-pillow!
***
Lets go back to a few days after the incident with Raiser--
"So, like how I just explained, I, Rias Gremory, will also be living in this house. I might be inexperienced but please take care of me."
At the living room where Sasuke was staying, a crimson hair beauty was greeting him.
"No."
Came the immediate reply.
"There is no reason for you to stay here."
Rias then revealed a sly smile.
"This house was built by the Gremory family. So basically, I have the rights to live here. And, we plan to make this house our base of operations. Onii-sama acknowledges your strength and both my parents also agree. They were the ones who paid for this house anyways."
"So, please take care of me from now on. Don't worry, we will be sleeping in seperate rooms." Rias lowered her head again as she smiled.
***
Back to the present--
"Nnn...oh, you're awake?"
The girl slowly rubbed her eyes as she lifted her body up and her two massive melons swayed like soft pudding.
"Get off me."
Sasuke pushed the girl away as he got off the bed.
"What do you think you are doing?" His tone was tinged with harshness as he questioned Rias.
"Hmm...I'm sorry. I felt like sleeping while using you as my hugging pillow. I came in after you went to sleep. After all, this is meant to deepen our bonds."
However, Rias was met with a very cold reply.
"There is no need to deepen our bonds. What I did against Raiser Phenex was my own personal judgement."
"Hai...Hai..."
Rias continued, "Sasuke, I have not mentioned it all this time because we only met and I have no rights to ask about your past. But now, I feel I can ask this question--"
"Sasuke, what happened to your left arm?"
Rias looked at Sasuke with meaningful eyes, awaiting his answer.
"This..."
"This is my punishment for some things I did in the past." Saying that, Sasuke turned around.
Rias sighed as she watched his back leave the room, her thoughts filled with curiosity over Sasuke's past.
***
After Sasuke defeated Raiser, the engagement between the House of Gremory and the House of Phoenix was cancelled.
Raiser suffered through 7 days and 7 nights of hell just as Sasuke explained to him and his body was still in a pretty bad shape.
***
As Sasuke headed to the living room, he recalled to what Ddraig had said to him before.
[To fight strong foes that are attracted to power. That's the path of those who possess the dragon-emperor. Eventually, the white one will appear before you. Every single past possessor of the "Boosted Gear" and "Diving Dividing" have followed this inevitable fate.]
Sasuke then harked his thoughts to another thing Ddraig had mentioned.
[Of course, if you wish, I can produce an entirely new one for you. With your strength, you should be able to control its power.]
The sleeve of Sasuke's missing arm swayed slightly as a light breeze entered.
***
"This place is in ruins," a beautiful young woman with chestnut hair and violet eyes, hair tied into two pony tails, exclaimed as she surveyed the sanctuary.
"I heard that there was a disturbance here recently, caused by a fallen angel and the human who possesses the Boosted Gear."
Another voice echoed in the abandoned church.
This one belonged to a young woman with chin-length blue hair and brown eyes.
"It's getting late. But, are you sure we are supposed to be meeting here, Irina?"
The girl named Irina then swept her hair to the side.
"There's no way I'd be wrong! I spent time here with my parents as a child after all, Xenovia."
She took out a worn out picture that showed a young girl and boy playing together in a room.
However, behind those two kids in the photo--
***
Was a sword.