After three intense days of training, Kaito returned home. As he entered, he felt the weight of the silence that filled the space. Climbing the stairs, he opened the bedroom door and saw the black cat waiting for him, sitting on the windowsill.
Kaito looked at the black cat, which was intently observing the empty bowl where he had left milk before leaving. He felt as if the cat was blaming him for abandoning it, the animal's fixed and penetrating gaze intensifying this feeling.
"Don't look at me like that. I'll get you some milk," Kaito murmured as he headed to the kitchen.
Kaito opened the fridge and realized that the milk was gone. Moreover, the fridge was practically empty, with several items missing.
"Did someone rob me?" he said, looking around suspiciously.
Kaito began trying to detect signs of magic around the house. His concentration was interrupted by a strange sensation, as if a powerful presence was nearby.
Kaito frowned, feeling the energy flow around him. He returned to the bedroom, where the black cat was still sitting on the windowsill, now looking at him with a strange gleam in its eyes.
*MEOW!*
The cat made a peculiar sound, which sounded more like a disguised laugh than a simple meow. Kaito narrowed his eyes, realizing that something was wrong.
"Stop pretending. What are you?" Kaito said firmly, taking a step toward the cat.
Suddenly, a bright aura enveloped the black cat, which began to transform. The animal's body elongated and molded until a woman with long black hair and feline eyes appeared, sitting on the windowsill with a mischievous smile on her face.
Kaito took a step back, surprised. "You're the same species as Koneko," he murmured, recognizing the characteristics of the cat-woman.
She stood up gracefully, stretching her arms. "I'm Kuroka," she said with a mischievous smile. "And I was bored, so I decided to pay you a visit, nya."
Kaito kept a serious expression, but his mind was on high alert. "What do you want here?" he asked, watching Kuroka's every move.
She shrugged, still with the playful smile. "Nothing much. I just wanted to see what you were up to and maybe have some fun, nya."
Kaito continued to stare at her, trying to understand her true intentions. "If you're here to cause trouble, I can assure you that you won't be welcome."
Kuroka laughed softly, tilting her head to the side. "Don't worry. I'm not here to cause trouble... at least not for now, nya."
Kaito sighed, realizing that she wouldn't reveal her true intentions easily. "What do you really want?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Kuroka smiled, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Maybe I'm here to make an invitation, nya."
"For what?" Kaito arched an eyebrow, suspicious.
"Sex," Kuroka said with a provocative smile.
Kaito felt his demonic aura increase around him, pressing down on Kuroka with overwhelming intensity.
FWOOOSH!
"Enough of the games," Kaito said firmly, taking a step forward.
Kuroka felt Kaito's demonic aura increasing around her, pressing down on her with overwhelming intensity. 'Impressive. He is really strong,' she thought, admiring him.
"You don't need to get angry, Kaito," Kuroka said, raising her hands in a peaceful gesture. "I was just joking, nya."
Kaito maintained his serious expression, his eyes fixed on her. "So, what is the real reason for your visit?"
"I'm here to talk about the Khaos Brigade," Kuroka said, the seriousness finally taking over her tone of voice.
"Khaos Brigade?" Kaito asked, intrigued.
"It's an organization that opposes the established order among the three factions," Kuroka explained, her voice softer now. "They believe that the current balance of power is a prison and want to free everyone from the chains that bind us, nya."
Kaito frowned, pondering her words. "And why are you telling me this?"
"Because you have a unique power, Kaito. The Khaos Brigade could benefit from someone like you, and in return, you would have the freedom to seek your revenge and protect those you love without restrictions," Kuroka said, looking directly into Kaito's eyes.
Kaito remained silent, thinking about the invitation. 'Could this organization really offer what it promises? And what would be the consequences of getting involved with them?' he thought.
Kuroka observed Kaito's thoughtful expression. "You don't need to decide now, nya. Think about it. But know that the offer stands," she said, taking a step back.
With a graceful gesture, Kuroka prepared to leave. "We'll meet again, Kaito. Until then, take care, nya." And with that, she disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Kaito alone in his room.
Kaito sighed, feeling the weight of the new information. He walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the hot water run over him. The steam filled the space, creating a calm and comforting atmosphere.
As the water fell, Kaito thought about Kuroka's invitation. 'The Khaos Brigade... it could be an opportunity, but also a great risk,' he reflected, trying to weigh the pros and cons.
Finishing his shower, Kaito dried himself slowly, enjoying the moment of tranquility. He dressed in an elegant black suit, carefully adjusting his tie. 'She was spying on me for a while with the information she had,' Kaito thought as he adjusted the suit in the mirror.
Ready to face the next challenge, Kaito teleported to the Occult Research Club.
Occult Research Club
Kaito materialized in the center of the Occult Research Club room, where Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba were already gathered. The atmosphere was tense and expectant. Rias was seated in the center of a large sofa, with Akeno by her side. Koneko was relaxed on another nearby sofa, while Kiba stood, watching intently.
"Kaito, you're here," Rias said, standing up with a smile.
"Sorry for the delay," Kaito replied, giving a slight nod.
Rias nodded, her expression serious. "Let's go to the Rating Game arena."
With a smooth movement, Rias activated a larger magic circle, enveloping the entire group. In an instant, they disappeared from the Occult Research Club and materialized in the Rating Game arena.
Rating Game Arena
The arena was a perfect replica of the school, with all the details meticulously recreated. The group dispersed, observing the familiar environment, but now laden with much greater significance.
Kaito felt the presence of someone powerful approaching. He looked around and saw a man with red hair and an imposing aura walking toward him.
"That's Sirzechs," Akeno murmured to Kaito.
Sirzechs stopped in front of the group, his gaze serene and penetrating. "Welcome to the Rating Game arena. I hope everyone is prepared."
Kaito stepped forward, keeping his gaze fixed on Sirzechs. "We are ready to face Riser and his Peerage."
Grayfia, who was standing next to Sirzechs, looked sternly at Kaito. "That's not the way to speak to Sirzechs-sama," she said firmly.
"Calm down, Grayfia," Sirzechs said, raising his hand to calm her. "Kaito is just showing confidence, and that's something we need right now."
Grayfia nodded but kept her serious expression. "As you wish, Sirzechs-sama."
Sirzechs turned his gaze back to Kaito, assessing him closely. "Kaito, it's good to see that you are determined. But remember, this game is not just about brute strength. Strategy and teamwork are crucial."
Kaito nodded, understanding the depth of the advice. "Understood, Sirzechs-sama. We will do our best."
Sirzechs smiled slightly, satisfied with Kaito's response. He then turned to the group. "This is a decisive moment. Make the most of your abilities and, above all, protect each other."
Kaito felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Rias, who smiled at him, conveying confidence. "We're in this together," she said, her voice soft but firm.
"Yes, we are," Kaito responded, feeling energized by the group's unity.
As the final preparations were made, Sirzechs asked to speak with Kaito privately. They moved away from the group, finding a more secluded corner in the arena.
"Kaito," Sirzechs began, with a serious expression. "There's something you need to know. This Rating Game is not just a regular dispute. It has the potential to change many things in the underworld."
Kaito nodded, attentive to Sirzechs' words. "I understand. What exactly is at stake here?"
"If you defeat Riser," Sirzechs said, his voice low but laden with importance, "you will not only free Rias from the marriage contract but also gain a significant promotion and your own Evil Pieces."
"This is the deal!" Kaito said as he looked directly at Sirzechs, his determination clear in his eyes.
"Furthermore, Kaito," Sirzechs said, stepping forward, his hands crossed behind his back, "if you win against Riser, I will give you a unique opportunity, something that could change your future in the underworld."
"What?" Kaito asked, frowning slightly, curious and eager to know more.
Sirzechs smiled slightly, conveying an air of mystery. "You will know at the right moment. Just focus on winning the Rating Game. I trust your ability."
With that, Sirzechs walked away, the enigmatic smile still on his face. Kaito watched as he rejoined Grayfia and the other members of the group.
"Kaito," Rias called, approaching. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes," Kaito replied, turning to her. "Let's do our best. We have a lot at stake."
Rias nodded, her eyes shining with a mix of determination and hope.
The group prepared for the start of the Rating Game, their minds focused on the challenge ahead. Each one knew the importance of victory, not just for Rias but for everyone involved.
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