(Sitri Territory)
True to Lord Sitri's word, a spot was picked out and a building was supplied. A large two story building with a massive in-door pool, spa options, cafeteria, targeting ranges, combat arenas, and rooms with state of the art exercise equipment for men and women as the bottom level with the top level having dorms for the teachers and peerage members with a game room filled with strategy focused games. No expense spared with it and no intention of actually using it beyond warming up and cooling down.
"Dad spent a fortune on that building, and you use it to cover a hole." Serafall said as she walked with her betrothed through the rocky setting of the underground training area Ichigo had dug out, complete with an artificial sky for a day/night cycle. "I was... kind of expecting something more."
"It's not really activated yet." The Shinigami returned. "I'm told that the light in here can emit a certain frequency to emulate something similar to low oxygen conditions for Devils for hypoxic training, both physically and magically."
"Your guys figured out a light frequency that can mess with Devil magic?" She asked in surprise and veiled disbelief.
"I advise you just take my word for it and don't ask how it was discovered." Ichigo warned, stilling his body from a near shiver at recalling Mayuri's experiment reports. Serafall seemed to pick up the hint and let the Shinigami continue their tour. "And don't worry about their health, the teachers I've picked out know when to push and when to stop." He reached into his Shihakusho and pulled out three dossiers, handing them to the Leviathan. She opened the first to see the profile of a bald man with red marking on the corner of his eyes. "Ikkaku Madarame, lieutenant of Squad 11; specializes in melee combat and runs a dojo in his spare time. We're assigning Tomoe and Tsubasa to him since, as the Rook and Knight, they'd do well to train under a front line melee fighter." She opened the next and saw a more rotund man with gentle gold eyes with short pink hair and a thick mustache. "Hachigen Ushoda, lieutenant of the Kido Corps; specializes in Kido and invented many new spells of the Shinigami, so it only makes sense to assign him the Bishops, Momo and Reya." She moved on to the last one and saw Esdeath. "Lieutenant of Squad 10 and an excellent all rounder. She'll be taking the rest since she knows the importance of strong minds and bodies in battle."
"And what will be your role in helping my dear little sister?" Serafall said with a pout, purposefully acting childish. "Can't spare any time for your future little sister-in-law?"
"I've got an idea for her, but I'm leaving it to be a once a week thing." The Commander admitted. "Plus, unlike Azazel, I take my job seriously." That earned a small giggle from the Leviathan before she noticed an odd scent for the otherwise barren terrain of the training ground.
"Is that what I think it is?" She asked before suddenly running ahead, jumping up and spreading her wings to fly over to- "A hot spring!" She cheered in excitement, quickly landing and crouching down to the water before sticking her hand in it. "Ahh~, so nice~." The Devil said before pulling her hand out and immediately began stripping out of her clothes. A quick sound of static alerted her that Ichigo appeared, but she didn't stop. "Care to join me?" She said, on her hands and knees and about to crawl in, showing off her naked butt and womanhood. Ichigo's response was a swift and hard smack on her ass, causing her to yelp before falling face first in the hot spring's water.
"Stop trying to tempt me into sex." The Shinigami scolded as she stood back up with an angry pout on her face and dripping wet. "We have that 'Meeting of the Young Devils' thing to go to later and if we do start fucking then we'd be at it for hours."
"So I've heard from my future sister-wives." She returned as she started rubbing her butt with a cutesy whine. "But did you have to hit me so hard~? I want you to pound my ass but not... like..." She trailed off when she finally noticed something. Ichigo hit her hard enough that she felt it reverberate throughout her entire body and she was certain she'd be completely tender where his hand hit for quite some time, but there was no sting where she felt his hand hit. She used her magic to generate two small sheets of ice that were capable of casting a reflection and used it to examine her butt, finding it without any indication that it was struck.
"This is also what I'm giving to the Sitri clan." Ichigo said, unsheathing one of his blades as Serafall dismissed the ice. "One of the greatest medical minds in Soul Society's history invented a method of hot spring bathing that can wash away injuries. See for yourself." He held out the blade to the Satan, who got the hint and willingly dragged her palm against the edge. She winced as she cut her skin before sticking her bleeding hand into the water, marveling as her wound quickly stitched itself back together and without leaving a scar. "This one is a more minor spring, mainly for recovery after combat training, but I hope this is a suitable dowry for now." She pulled her hand out and felt her healed palm, smiling the whole while.
"Definitely."
(Meeting of the Young Lords)
A couple hours later and the two made their way to the old Devil capital of Luciferd where a meeting between the standing elders of the Devil nobility, the ruling Satans, and the current generation of noble heirs were to take place. The goal of this was for the young Devils to make their debut in what would be a tournament of Rating Games between them, discussing what their future goals were going to be, and generally get a feel for what the future of Devil society was going to be. The room was in the shape of a hexagon with a small incline of a few steps on one end of the room where the elders and Satans were seated. There were three desks on two sides for the elders with the center aisle leading up to the grand table where the Satans sat. Ichigo and Serafall talked about sitting in the same chair, just to really piss off the elders, but Sirzechs talked them out of it since they were already livid about Ichigo even being there. So the soul hybrid settled for a seat on the floor level near the back wall with a chair he manifested from the ambient Reishi in the building instead. He saw one lean in to another and gesture at him.
"Below the rest of us, where he belongs." He heard one whisper, causing the two to chuckle to themselves haughtily. Ichigo's response was to charge his Reiryoku into his thumb before flicking it just past the Devil's head, narrowly missing it but leaving a baseball sized hole in the wall behind him. The two looked to the Soul Reaper, who returned their gaze. The two got the idea and kept silent, though now every elder glared at him. Soon the doors began to open and the six young heirs made their way inside. Ichigo recognized Rias and Sona immediately, taking their place on the right of the group as they formed their line, while he had to review the profiles of the other four from what the Satans told him.
The next one, wearing a dark suit with a white and gray vest and bearing a physique that reminded him of Chad, was Sairaorg Bael. What he was lacking in magical power he made up for in raw physical ability, earning Ichigo's respect. After him was Seekvaira Agares, a lovely woman with greenish blonde hair and pink eyes, wearing glasses, a dark formal dress with her clan's seal, a miniskirt and thigh high boots. Then there was Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, a devil with green hair, pointed ears, tattoos on his face, dressed in a rather flashy outfit, the whole thing spelled 'attention hungry delinquent' to the hybrid and he heard nothing really flattering about him. Only half of them seemed to show any promise.
However, the last one immediately gained Ichigo's hatred, Diodora Astaroth. He looked like a gentle one, a pleasant smile, blonde hair, closed eyes, and he was dressed in a black uniform with an expensive looking fur lined cloak. His outward appearance reminded him too much of Sosuke Aizen, a true wolf in sheep's clothing, a schemer that brought down the guard of those around them in the goal to cause pain. He took a sniff of the air and was immediately assailed with the foul sickening stench of sin. The world went gray and the rusty chains of Hell manifested around Ichigo, like a swarm of snakes seeking out their prey in Diodora.
"Down Rensa Seigi." Ichigo said as a large hand slammed down next to him, leading to a thick muscular upper body with an elongated skull as a head with glowing yellow eyes. "I know and we will. But now is, unfortunately, not the time." The creature growled as the color of the world returned and the creature and chains faded, the paused world resumed as the topic went to the Rating Game tournament and then their goals for the future. Nothing really interesting, until Sona had to elaborate on her dream about a Rating Game school.
"What I have in mind is a school without barriers," Sona said, "where low class Devils and those reborn can learn." Ichigo smiled and saw Serafall nodding along proudly, a mood that shifted to annoyance and anger as the elders began to laugh and mock Sona's dream as the ambitions of a foolish child. "I'm quite serious." The Sitri heiress said, standing firm in her position as the mocking laugh turned to annoyed anger.
"Sona Sitri, if a low-class or a reborn has the talent to participate in a game, then it is the duty of the master to recognize that talent." One said in a condescending tone.
"Our society may be in a period of reform, but it simply won't do to educate the rabble as you suggest!" Another openly scolded and mocked. Then everything fell silent as an enormous pressure came crashing down on the seated elders, choking them as all eyes went to the seated Shinigami. Seekvaira, Zephyrdor, and Diodora looked at him in shock, Rias and Sona in fear after remembering what it felt like to be exposed to his Reiatsu, but Sairaorg went from shock to excitement.
"Apologies for this Sirzechs, but I do believe that an open admission of treason is deserving of execution, does it not?" Ichigo asked, not alleviating the pressure that was concentrated on the elders as he rose from his seat and approached them.
"Yes it does lord shogun Kurosaki." the Lucifer Satan answered, maintaining a neutral expression while Serafall was unashamedly smirking at what her fiance was doing. "However, I must ask you to at least explain before I agree that their mocking of Sitri's goal can count as treason." The elders struggled to turn and glare at him, causing him to scoff. "It wouldn't do to have you run from your own trial, now would it?" He asked before gesturing for Ichigo to continue.
"They all laugh at mere idea of helping the members of their kind that they consider their 'lesser', but can you honestly think about the situation of the Devil race and tell me that you can just blatantly ignore the chance and opportunity to help your species get stronger? Especially with such a simple solution?" The hybrid asked, making the Satans give the idea further thought. "Ajuka created the 'Evil Piece' system as a way to replenish the number of Devils, since you were so close to extinction as a result of that last war. A good start, but wouldn't it also make sense to help train and build them up? Give them some help to strive for their goal?"
"How... dare...!" One of the elders started before the pressure doubled, causing the labored breathing to stop entirely as they began to suffocate.
"According to them, that is pointless." Ichigo calmly continued, as if discussing the weather or having tea and not choking the life out of the Devil elders. "They seem to care less about the well being of the race as a whole and care only about their precious bloodlines. Who knows? Maybe it was this mindset that caused so many reincarnates to become strays." He finally let up his Reiatsu and the room was filled with gasping as the elders could breath again. "But, this is your decision to make, so I leave it to you."
"You... arrogant... piece of-!" One elder shouted as they regained their breaths, only to be interrupted once more.
"Be silent." Sirzechs ordered, his own tone making no room for defiance or argument. The elders held their tongues, many sweating and all glaring at the Soul Reaper, while the four Satans seemed to have a silent conversation. "Despite your opinion on the matter," Sirzechs started after a short silence, "we do not find them guilty of treason." The elders began smirking and Ichigo could see their egos inflate as they plotted on using this against him. "However, your point still stands. We cannot permit the archaic mindset of pure bloodlines to supersede the potential future of our kind, especially not after the display of so many promising reincarnated Devils I myself have seen." The four Satans rose to their feet. "Therefore, each and every one of these old fools are dismissed from their stations and duties." The elders turned to Sirzechs in disbelieving shock that shifted to fury. "They will not be permitted to select their own successors, that will be our duty, and any attempt to circumvent this decision of ours WILL be seen as the act of treason that will be punishable by death." The four proceeded down the stairs while the elders seethed. "Sona Sitri's goal of establishing a Rating Game school is approved and will be enacted on her choice. This meeting is now over." The Lucifer declared as the Satans, the young heirs, and Ichigo left the room with the Captain Commander walking among the Satans as an equal.
"This is very reminiscent of my master getting rid of the Central 46." Ichigo said, next to Sirzechs while the group began to break apart to do whatever. Only Sairaorg, Rias, and Sona continued to follow at a respectable distance.
"I'll admit my friend, that story you told me was my inspiration for this." The Lucifer admitted with a bashful smirk. "The real trick was setting a proper stage and reason to do away with them."
"If you remember the story correctly, then you know that the next part will be their attempt at a coup." The Shinigami warned, with the four Devils response being to shift from bashful to firm resolve.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that... though it would be cathartic." Sirzechs admitted, with the other three nodding with him.
"So, have you decided on the match ups?" Ichigo asked, stopping and turning to the Devils following them. To their credit, the three managed to maintain their composure. "I think they want to know." The four Satans regarded them before Sirzechs made the decision.
"First rounds: Gremory vs Sitri, Agares vs Astaroth, and Bael vs Glasya-Labolas." The others nodded in agreement.
"Thank you sirs." The three said with a bow before leaving, though Sairaorg kept his gaze on Ichigo for a bit longer.
"All of you, keep an eye on Diodora." Ichigo warned once they were alone and he opened a portal. "I don't know what he's done, but he reeks of sin." He said before disappearing into the void.
(Skipping the training arc. Party event.)
No matter how often he came to one of them, Ichigo always hated the balls and parties of 'high society', especially among the Devils. An irritating competition of wealth and status mixed with politicking filled with hidden agendas and fake flattery, course it didn't help that for the years he's attended them often involved assassination attempts and condescending tones while trying to weasel their way back into Japan. It didn't matter that this was also a dual celebration; the night before the Rating Game Tournament begins in earnest, and to formally celebrate his and Serafall's engagement.
'This cannot end fast enough.' Ichigo thought as he politely thanked another high class Devil that came to 'congratulate' him and Serafall, who was at his side. Ichigo was wearing a formal black kimono while Serafall matched him in a white one, an added middle finger to the elders as they still seethed over being booted from their positions, but they also served as armor thanks to being crafted by the master seamstress of Soul Society, Senjumaru. His eyes drifted to the assembled guests that came in from his faction in both celebration and to serve additional roles for today and tomorrow.
The obvious ones were his family members; Isshin in a tuxedo, Masaki in a blue and white dress, Yuzu wearing a white and pink dress, Karin dressed in her Quincy military uniform with her husband Toshiro in his Captain's outfit all talking with Sona and the rest of the Sitri family. Talking with a few other nobles was Byakuya Kuchiki and Rukia, also in their Captain garb, while Neliel and Orihime were enjoying the food while trying to keep their own white dresses clean. Esdeath was in her Shinigami outfit and staying close to the Sitri peerage members while Hachi was in a green tuxedo and trying to enjoy the music. The only other additions were the 'personal bodyguards' Ichigo had brought with him for today, two black cats with golden eyes that wandered the ballroom, and Tiamat who was on the balcony in her human form and talking with Tannin. Ikkaku was still around, but he didn't want to attend.
"How many more?" Ichigo asked as the current 'well wisher' left them, with the other three Satans, Azazel, and Michael stepping up next to them.
"None." Serafall said with a smile, sparing a glance to Hachi. The Kido master nodded and snapped his fingers, enveloping the leaders in a noise isolation barrier. "Great! Now all we have to do is pretend that we're discussing something else! Ohohohoho!" She said, laughing like an obnoxious rich girl in an anime with her hand near her mouth.
"You've been waiting to do that laugh for a while, haven't you?" Sirzechs deadpanned.
"She brings it up every time we see it. 'I'd like to do that, but I never felt like I had the right chance'." Ichigo quoted. "Anyways, what's the situation?" As he asked that, they all adopted polite smiles while the atmosphere changed to a colder feel.
"It took some doing, but I managed to piece together a team that are loyal to us and willing to follow your people's direction as a distraction unit." Falbium Asmodeus said. "They'll be ready to move out tomorrow, provided we know where they're meeting."
"Have them follow Nel." Ichigo answered. "My best stealth force members will find a proper spot to bring in the rest of the team."
"Are they the cats?" Ajuka asked, making the other Angels and Devils look at him in surprise. "It looks like they have a transformation spell on them."
"Indeed they are." Ichigo confirmed. "Yoruichi and Yuushiro Shihoin, the former and current leaders of the Onmitsukido Corps."
"Infiltrated so easily." Falbium groaned with a smile. "This is bullshit."
"Anything goes in an actual battle. The ones crying are usually the losers, and I intend to hear the Old Satan Faction weep in despair by the end of this." The hybrid darkly returned, making the others break character as they looked at him in shock before remembering he's had his own wars. Not as grand in scale but far more recent. His desire to end this Khaos Brigade conflict was probably greater than any other.
"Then let's make sure this next stage goes off without a hitch." Azazel said, taking a sip of wine from his flute glass before looking to Sirzechs. "What's the stage for the Rating Game?"
"A game of chess." Serafall started explaining. "Rias and Sona will have to play each other in chess with a timer, both having two hours for their turns. When two pieces come into conflict, then the corresponding peerage members step up to battle each other in a randomly selected game and arena. The one attacking takes an 'advantage' card while the defender takes a 'disadvantage' card, and they fight with that bonus and penalty. If the attacker wins then the defender piece is removed, but if they win then they stay. Meaning Rooks, Bishops, and Knights can have two fights minimum. The rule for defending Pawns is that two pieces are removed if they lose, since there are so many of them. The chess game timer is paused for the individual matches."
"That's definitely going to eat up the clock." Azazel noted before looking to Ichigo. "Let's hope they make it interesting enough to keep the audience's attention."
"I'm not worried. My people are fast and efficient." The Head Captain returned. "It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that a simple touch is the least the Onmitsukido would need to do to finish the job." He claimed as they finished discussing the plan for tomorrow and shifted to happier topics. As they did, Ichigo noticed Koneko chasing after a black cat with Issei following after her. One Pesquisa pulse later and he found two more presences hiding within the forest around the building. 'Interesting.' He thought as Ajuka noticed his expression.
"Do you sense something Ichigo?" He asked, getting the Satans focus back on to him.
"Yes and I plan on checking it out." Ichigo reached into a pocket and latched arms with Serafall. "I'll be leaving a body double, after my sneeze." He whispered to her as his fingers grasped a small, black, rubber ball that was a portable Gigai. He held it to his mouth and faked a sneeze, blowing the sphere full of air, his Reiryoku, and one of his Zanpakuto spirits. In the instant he did that, he immediately flashed away as a perfect replica of himself was now walking with Serafall after a short stumble. That was the last Ichigo saw of it as he was immediately at the forest's edge and delving deeper inside.
(Inside the Forest)
"Hello, Shirone." Said a woman with long black hair, golden cat eyes, black furred cat ears on her head, and two black cat tails. She wore a black kimono that hung loosely on her shoulders and breasts, threatening to expose her large chest to the world, with a yellow obi belt and a large gold beads with an ornate head piece on her hair. She was perched on a tree branch, trying to appear calm but was agitated and ready to bolt as she stared down on the Rook of the Gremory peerage. "Did you miss me?"
"Big sister Kuroka." Koneko whispered in shock at seeing her sister again after nearly ten years, ever since she killed her Devil master and fled which led to the attempted Nekomata Genocide. The cat Youkai turned Devil was wearing a sleeveless dress with long gloves that reached passed her elbows, having just come from the party after seeing a black cat she recognized as her sister's familiar. She took a breath and steeled her gaze at her sister. "I know what the Naberius clan did." She told the other Devil, if Kuroka was surprised then she didn't show it. "But I want to hear it from you. Why did you go rogue and turn into a Stray Devil?"
"To protect you." Kuroka answered without hesitation, jumping down to her sister's level. "As I grew in power, my former master wished to subject you to those cruel experiments in the hope of manufacturing powerful Devils." Her expression softened as she tried approaching Koneko, only to stop as the white cat Devil took a step back. "I wanted to take you with me, but I couldn't get to you and had to flee. I'm... happy. To see you looking so good." Koneko smiled back to her sister, but didn't lower her guard.
"I was lucky to be taken in by a very kind master." The Gremory Rook said, stepping back as Bikou suddenly appeared next to her sister, in his armor with staff in hand.
"Come on Kuroka, hurry it up!" He said, scanning around the forest, clearly scared of something. "Arthur was very clear! Get in, grab her, get out, no time for happy reunions!" Kuroka took her comrade's agitated advice and got to the point of her visit.
"Shirone, I'm here to take you back." She said with finality, shocking the younger Nekomata. "The Gremory family did well by you so far, but I can't trust them with your safety anymore. Not with how vindictive the rest of Devil kind can be and especially not after that mess with Kokabiel. I'll admit that most of that is my fault, but I refuse to trust you in the hands of such weaklings. Or are you going to try and prove me wrong!?" She called out to a bush, causing Issei and Rias to reveal themselves. Issei was in a dark suit while Rias was in an elegant red dress with a dark pink, and both were glaring daggers at Kuroka. "Youkai have a similar sensory ability to the members of the Gotei, you can't hide from me."
"I'm getting rather sick of everyone reminding me about that incident." Rias practically growled as she glowed with Devil magic while Issei activated his Boosted Gear. "But I'm even more fed up with people thinking they can take away my precious household members. First Gasper and now Koneko?"
"The Gremory family has my thanks for protecting her, but she's my precious little sister." Kuroka returned, herself glowing a deep blue. "I won't be content unless I know she's safe."
"No time for banter Red Dragon," Bikou said as he swung his staff and forced the Gremory members to jump apart as he cratered the ground, "but we're on a time clock!" He charged at Issei, forcing the Devil on the defensive, his Sacred Gear not fully activating as a result of being at a crossroads. He was forced to split his focus between hearing Ddraig's voice advising him and avoiding the Monkey Demon's attacks. He spared a quick glance to Rias, only to find her on her hands and knees and coughing up blood. Kuroka was standing over her while carrying an unconscious Koneko in her arms with a dense black fog around them.
"I'm sorry." She said, actually sounding sincere. "But I don't have the time to take it easy on you. If you don't move much, than you can probably survive my poison mist until help actually arrives." She turned around and started walking away, Rias trying desperately to charge an attack before stumbling. As that was happening, Issei was frozen in place out of shock at seeing what happened to his beloved Rias, leaving him easy prey for Bikou to bash his head and knock him to the King of the peerage.
"Do yourselves a favor and stay down." The Monkey said as he rushed to his comrade's side. "Arthur! Get us out of here!" Issei could only watch helplessly, his vision swimming and blood flowing from his crown as he saw a blade cutting through the air and opening a hole in dimensional space.
"He's not here?" A young man, probably Arthur, said as he stepped out of the tear and started looking about frantically. He had blonde hair with a small braid on his left side and was wearing a business suit with glasses on his face, which was a mask of anxiousness as he kept scanning the forest. At his side was a two handed long sword with a simple cross-guard while in his hand was another similar blade with a more elaborate cross-guard, but both swords gave off a powerful holy aura that made Issei's head throb just by looking at it. "Then we lucked out, let's go." He ordered, as they turned but found the tear had sealed. "DAMN IT! I lost my focus!" Arthur cursed as he rose his blade to make another cut, starting to sweat nervously.
'Damn it.' Issei cursed, frustrated at his own weakness despite the twenty days of training under the Dragon King turned Devil Tannin. If he had his Balance Breaker, this fight would've gone differently, he just knew it. Instead, he was about to lose another friend, the Gremory Peerage was about to lose a precious family member and he couldn't do anything. He needed strength, he needed power, he needed- "PREZ! LET ME POKE YOUR NIPPLES!" He shouted loudly, causing everyone to stop and look at him with incredulous expressions, even Koneko woke up to that. There was a loud crack that rang throughout the forest, but that was ignored.
"What?" Kuroka and Rias asked while Issei forced himself to his knees and helped his King to hers.
"Please! I know if I poke your boobs, I can save Koneko!" He said with a completely serious and determined look... that everyone felt disgust and pity for.
"Seriously. What the hell?" Kuroka asked again.
"I heard from Vali that he had to threaten tits before getting the Red Dragon to become an actual challenge." Bikou said, still processing what they just heard. "I just thought he was shitting me."
"He's an irredeemable pervert big sister." Koneko said, causing Kuroka to cradle her sister closer.
"Now I really can't leave you with them." The black cat said as she created a wall of earth and roots between her group and Issei. "Let's get back to leaving." Rias looked at Issei before sighing and moving her dress's chest window to free her breasts, the cold air causing her pink nipples to become erect and protrude.
"Do it." She ordered, losing any shame or embarrassment if it meant saving her precious household member. "Poke both of them, right now." Issei merely nodded, most of his lustful thoughts gone for once as his main focus was on helping his kouhai. With steeled determination, he pressed both of his index fingers against her nipples. Rias let out a small mew of delight before Issei's fingers sank into her bountiful chest and making her moan out in pleasure. That music soothed his soul and allowed him to understand an ancient truth of the universe... not really, but that's what it felt like to him.
"Welsh Dragon! Balance Breaker!" Issei announced as he was now clad in a red draconic armor, his powers growing immensely, and now ready for the next round. "Dragon shot!" He called out, firing a blast of crimson energy at the wall. The wall was easily disintegrated by Issei's power, causing him to smirk under his armored mask. That smirk turned to dismay as the energy was reflected back, causing him to grab Rias and dive out of the way. "What the hell!?" The Red Dragon cursed, looking back to see Arthur with one of his swords held out and the man looking disappointed.
"Let me give you some advice, fancy tools and natural talent are only as strong as the one wielding them." He said, lowering the sword and turning back around. "Until and unless you truly understand that Sacred Gear and yourself, then you have no right to call yourself strong or even capable of protecting anything. A very brutal teacher I had made sure to drill that into my head."
"I wasn't that bad, was I Arthur?" Ichigo asked, suddenly appearing in front of the swordsman. Arthur proceeded to let out a scream of terror as Bikou and Kuroka got ready to fight with their staff and magic respectfully. Arthur immediately swung his blade at the Captain Commander, an act of pure reflex, one that would prove useless as Ichigo casually caught the blade with three of his fingers. The next thing the three members of the Khaos Brigade would know was the cold grip of death as they saw Arthur nearly cut in half, Bikou's head punched so hard that it snapped clean off, and Kuroka's throat ripped out. Within an instant, they were all killed, and helpless to do anything as they dropped to their knees and were brought back to reality. They were all still alive and Ichigo held Arthur's blade, examining the Holy Sword. "Isn't this Caliburn?" He asked, not getting an immediate answer as the three were still processing their near death experience. When the hybrid noticed this, he snapped his fingers in front of his former student. "Arthur. Answer my question."
"Ye-yes. That's the sword known as the strongest of the Holy Swords." Said the heir of the Pendragon bloodline, still shaken from old traumas coming back from his youth. "I... I also found the lost Excalibur Fragment, Excalibur Ruler." He wanted to hold his tongue, knowing this knowledge could be used against him, but he couldn't help himself. Almost ten years since he last saw his former swordsman instructor and he was back to being a helpless child in front of him, eager to please and avoid punishment for whatever wrong he had done. Which was around the same time he realized that Ichigo was probably pissed that he joined a terrorist group.
"Well, at least they were recovered." Ichigo said, presenting the blade back to his student. "By the way, how are your sisters?"
"Le Fay joined me in the Khaos Brigade." Arthur answered, taking the sword back with shaking hands and unaware of Ichigo now slipping on a black glove. "Artoria and I dueled for Caliburn and I haven't see her since. I did hear she took the Rhongomyniad when she ran off." Ichigo hummed in thought, before quickly smacking Arthur across the face with enough force that he fell to the ground.
"First, I'm proud that you have remembered my lessons in swordplay and are continuing to improve yourself." The Shinigami said as Arthur got back to his knees, holding his stinging face. "Second, I'm less happy that we're now on opposite sides. Give me reason to and I will not hesitate. Understood?"
"Yes, Sensei." He said, sounding defeated. Ichigo nodded and made his way to Kuroka, who was still holding Koneko in a protective manner. Despite the fear and understanding of just how outclassed she was, she kept an animalistic glare of slitted eyes and a bared snarl that dared him to try and hurt her sister.
"I understand your concern, and you have every right to be worried." He told her, not in an authoritative tone but one of understanding and sympathy. "I was in your position once, and I fought like hell to make sure my younger sisters were safe as well." He knelt down to her level, Kuroka hissed but didn't back away. "Shirone is safe in the Gremory household, no other Devils care about their servants nearly as much. Everyone learned the truth about what the Naberius family was doing, and while you are still a wanted Stray Devil, that's mainly out of concern that you'd attack others mindlessly. Your sister is useless as a target to those idiots... besides, I know for a fact that they hate me almost as much as they do the Biblical God." He held out his arms. "So don't worry. She'll be fine." She kept snarling, until a pair of hands touched her face. Her expression softened and she looked down to her sister, smiling up to her with her own white cat ears out.
"Sister, I'll be fine." She told the black cat. "I'm glad to know the truth, but my place is with the Gremory family." Kuroka's glare faded, shifting to reluctance and worry, but she ultimately released her sister. Koneko got to her feet and walked toward Rias, who was watching the display with Issei.
"You've gotten so strong Shirone." Kuroka whispered with pride, her eyes tearing up as she watched her sister reunite with her peerage. She eventually tore her gaze back to Ichigo, who gently placed his gloved hand on her chin.
"I can make this promise." He said, Kuroka noticing a dull burn from his gloved hand. "You will be able to fully reunite with your sister, but be more careful so I won't have to do something far more drastic." He released her and walked over to Bikou, and just immediately punched him in the face. "Don't got anything for you." He said as the monkey laid unconscious on the ground. "Alright, take your friends and go Arthur."
"Thank you Sensei." The swordsman said as he and Kuroka rose to their feet, the cat Devil picking up their downed companion as Arthur cut open a portal. Ichigo nodded as they departed before flashing away himself, leaving Rias and her two household members alone.
"Wha- What was that!?" The Gremory heiress shouted, shooting up to her feet. "He had them on their knees and he just let them go!? How long was he here anyway!?" She kept ranting and raging while Koneko and Issei just stood by and watched.
(Back at the party)
"For real, why did you let them go Ichigo? Why didn't you step in sooner?" Michael asked as Ichigo returned to the party, now nearing its end, and filled in the rest of the Biblical Faction leaders on what had transpired. It seemed like no one noticed that he left at all, though Ajuka did admit there was a few close calls during the mandatory dance that Serafall and Ichigo had to do. Apparently dancing with a puppet is a little awkward.
"Simply because something told me that it would have been for the best if I let them push Issei and then let them go." Ichigo answered, not admitting that Uryu sent him a text stating 'Don't step in until after Issei does his poke'. "They don't actively seek destruction, they seek challenge and excitement, more neutral than actively malicious. That's something we can use to our advantage since they can be just as much potential allies as they are confirmed enemies.
"Being a little risky, don'cha think?" Azazel asked with a smirk as he drank some wine. "Unless there's another ulterior motive you have." Everyone was silent as they waited for Ichigo's response. "You bugged them with that Surveillance Bacteria stuff, didn't you?"
"Of course I did." He casually admitted. "It was a sensible decision; scare them into submission, infect them, and then let them run off. Now we have a way of keeping tabs on some of the Khaos Brigade."
"You're a little scary, you know that right?" Sirzechs admitted.
"Let's remember to get along." Ichigo returned with a smile, dropping it as his instincts flared up. He turned his head toward the balcony and threw his hand up, catching an arrow with a gleaming silver arrowhead and lightly colored shaft with gray feathers on the end. There was a shock wave from the arrow's flight and sudden stop as the energy empowering it fully discharged, a strong wind blowing throughout the room and creating a large mess. 'This arrow... looks like she's here.' He thought as the Satans were resolving the panic. Ichigo aided this by unleashing his Reiatsu until everyone calmed down. "Sorry about that, but we have some guests that we need to go greet." He announced as he wordlessly cast two Horin Kido spells, catching each leader present in a cord of energy light before flashing away with them in tow.
(Extra Content)
The Training of the Sitri
Tomoe Meguri and Tsubasa Yura were subjected to sparring matches with Ikkaku Madarame; building experience, stamina, and endurance after some general harsh physical conditioning to build strength and speed that the whole Peerage had to do. Momo Hanakai and Reya Kusaka were often trapped in various Kido barriers and binds that they needed to dispel with as little magic as possible while trying to stop him from casting the next spell, which was next to impossible given the distance he maintained and the speed at which he cast Kido. Sona Sitri, Tsubaki Shinra, Genshiro Saji, and Ruruko Nimura was subjected to Esdeath's tender mercy, usually sparring as well until she got a proper feel for the group. Ruruko was left on her own with a bunch of random tools and gadgets, considered the weakest link and told to fix it herself since the other three had more potential and thus more priority. Sona and Tsubaki were made to spar against each other with various goals and restrictions during said matches, but after that Sona was made to play and win in various strategy and luck based games while Tsubaki got some extra training under Ikkaku since their main weapons were polarms. Saji found himself pushed to the brink of death literally every day.
The once a week sessions with Ichigo comprised of exposing them to the weight of his Reiatsu and making them envision and experience their own deaths time and time again until they could stand to face him. When it was just him and Sona then he would unsheathe his Zanpakuto Kagutsuchi and forced her to counter his flames with her water. Eventually he presented her with a sword specially crafted to enhance aquatic powers and began training her in swordplay. Twenty days passed with minimal rest for all of them, just enough to keep them from breaking down completely while Soul Society's medical technology kept them physically fit and healthy.
Party conversations
Tiamat and Tannin
"Should we be concerned that this Soul Society has the means to restore you to godhood?" The Dragon King turned Devil asked the Dragon Goddess, him in his full form and stature while she was in her human appearance garbed in a V-neck sea green gown with an aqua sash from her left shoulder to her right hip. "What else could they be capable of and are you sure they're trustworthy?"
"My case is rather unique Tannin and yes, they are trustworthy." Tiamat answered, drinking her wine from a flute glass. "And you should see it for yourself, their own Dragon Restoration project. While they are lacking in 'intelligent' Dragons, they are doing what they can with our more animalistic kin and those mutated by Draconic energy. I've even been helping but it's more akin to an insect hive with me, waiting for my nests to be completed by my workers before I start breeding again."
"So how long before we can expect new members of our kind?" The Blaze Meteor Dragon as continued, idly wondering if he could request their aid in manufacturing the Dragon Apples that so many of their kind need to survive.
"Well they're working on growing a new tree in their 'Shadow Karakura' and a new mountain in the Soul Society, both to serve as my new nesting sites, but neither are ready yet. Though, I do have a mate in mind to sire the next generation." She said, making Tannin look over to Ichigo.
"Are you sure? I'm not doubting his strength, but maybe his intentions."
"I see a lot of my brother in him." She defended. "Besides, I already ensured that they wouldn't abuse the Dragons in exchange for my aid. Besides, you're too young to know, but the Balance of Souls supersedes everything else. It's in everyone's best interests to make sure it stays balanced, and that counts for all races. Dragons included."
"Hmm. Then I'll take your word for it." Tannin acquiesced, deciding to enlist their aid with the Dragon Fruit. "Now, if I may be so bold as to ask for help in a certain matter."
Issei and Saji
"Our game's soon." Saji said, sitting back to back with Issei during the party.
"Yeah." Issei agreed, feeling the determination in his friend's tone.
"I've been training."
"My too. Spent my days on a mountain getting chased by a Dragon." Issei boasted, confident that his training was harsher. When he received no response, he turned to look at Saji and came face to face with a dead eyed expression that only spoke of horror.
"Issei, you see that tall Shinigami woman with the icy blue hair?" The student council member asked as he pointed out the Squad 10 lieutenant. "Her name is Esdeath Partas Kurosaki, one of the wives of Captain Commander Kurosaki. She was my teacher." Hearing that filled Issei with indignation as he forgot the tormented look on Saji's face.
"Wha!? You got to train under a babe like tha-"
"I would've traded places with you in a heartbeat if it meant getting away from her." The other Pawn interrupted. "I don't know how hard you THINK you had it, but one of the first things she said to me was that she was very familiar with how far to bend someone." Issei looked at Saji's face again and felt like he was seeing a stranger, any sense of life was gone from his friend. All Issei could do was shift the conversation to a different topic, anything to get Saji away from his potential PTSD.