Disclaimer… I don't own Highschool DxD.

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'Thoughts'

"Dialogue"

"Sithis"

Harem-Yasaka(main), Ophis,

Maybes- Grayfia, Kuroka, Quetzalcoatl(From Miss Kobayashi's however OOC), Brynhildr

Possibles- Xenovia, FemVali, Kalwarner, Serafall, Seekvaira, Katerea, Tiamat, Rias, Akeno, Rossweisse

No go- Asia, Sona, Ravel, Raynare, Koneko, None of Sitiri peerage, Irina, Gabriel,

(I'm thinking about adding a different Valkyrie to this story, her name is Brynhildr… I think she would be a great addition and would help shake up the harem from the usual suspects.)

*Pm me if you want anyone else in the harem or anyone that I didn't think of. Oh, just so you readers know, I won't budge on the no goes. BTW maybes are higher than possibles on the priority list.*

Yasaka continued to relax in the warm tub, while Issei hugged her side. She looked at him with wonder for a second before asking, "Issei, what is your favorite thing in the world?"

Issei picked up his head and stared in thought for a few moments before his eyes lit up spontaneously. He whipped his head around and yelled, "Ninjas!"

"Ara~ You want to be a shinobi?"

Issei nodded his head and answered, "They're awesome, but I don't think they're around anymore…"

Noticing the slight tint of sadness in his eyes, Yasaka quickly stated, "We still use them you know. However, their lifestyle is extremely dangerous and requires intense dedication… Do you think you can do it?"

"I can! I'll be the best ninja this world has ever seen!"

Yasaka gave him a warm smile before replying, "I believe you Issei. But~ you need to get healthy. So, I'll let you leave when you've recovered. How does that sound?"

Issei nodded his head as he answered, "That's okay, I want to stay here for as long as possible anyways."

Yasaka unlatched the boy from her side, before stood up from the bath and declared, "Alright, it's time for bed. You'll be sleeping with me tonight, unless you want to sleep in a futon again." Issei's eyes widened at the prospect and jumped out of the bath as fast as possible. Yasaka smiled at his antics while followed after the boy, although at a much slower pace.

Later that night…

Yasaka had a fitful night as she watched the sleeping boy beside her. After all the revelations that came to light tonight, she finally had a chance to sort through everything. 'This boy is the reincarnation of muko, arguably the strongest being in the universe… A boy who was taken away from his life far too early, and when he returned…everything he knew crumbled around him. A child who suffered so many hardships at such an early age…' Yasaka turned around and looked at the back of the sleeping boy, she then thought of what Sithis said…about that damn Kokabiel. The thought made her gnash her teeth and unintentionally raise the hairs of her tails, but looking at the boy before her calmed her down. 'He's safe and sound,' Yasaka pulled to boy into her breasts and wrapped her tails around him while thinking, 'I will do everything within my power to give Issei the best life possible, even if it kills me.' With that final thought, Yasaka slowly drifted into the land of dreams and nightmares.

Two months later, at the base of Mount. Ōfuna

"Are you sure you didn't forget anything?" Yasaka asked with a hint of apprehension in her voice as she looked down at the Issei. Issei, the boy who somehow wormed his way into her heart and never left.

Issei looked at her with his bright smile and replied, "I think I have everything." Yasaka nodded as took in Issei for the last time… 'No! This isn't the final goodbye… He'll come back.' Yasaka steeled her nerves and pulled him into a hug. "Then it's time for you to go, the masters are waiting for you and you don't want to be late on your first day." Issei stayed in her grip for a few more seconds before pulling away, before asking, "Can you come with me?"

"No, I can't. You have to make it to the peak on your own, don't worry Issei it is an easy climb." Yasaka was silent for a moment before adding, "You'll be gone for a long time, so make sure to write to me. It'll get boring without you in the shrine." Yasaka finished with a playful smile.

Issei smiled again and replied, "I'll do my best, but I'll come home soon, then I can tell you of all my adventures!" Yasaka only lightly pushed him forward towards the path and Issei took it in stride and started to run up the trail.

When Issei entered the temple, five masters in white and black robes sat before him in the gravel courtyard, the one in the middle -who looked to be the oldest- then said, "Hyoudou Issei, we've been expecting you."

Issei cupped his hands to greet the man and replied, "Thank you for this opportunity, Master."

The man only nodded, before he motioned his hands before him and ordered, "Show us what you can do, then we'll decide how to train you."

Issei nodded as he walked closer to the men, he then stopped and closed his eyes, 'Sithis, what can I do?'

Sithis instantly replied, 'Take a rock in your hand and say 'destroy', you will see what happens.'

Issei opened his eyes again and picked up a pebble from the gravel, he then held the rock in his palm and said, "Destroy."

The five elder's eyes widened as they watched the pebble instantly disappear from his hand. The five looked between each other wearily, before the oldest muttered, "Yasaka spoke the truth…I should've believed her." The elders looked up to Issei before saying, "We cannot train you, Hyoudou Issei. Your abilities are unique and impossible for us to fathom, you will not reach your full potential with us."

The other elders nodded their heads, before the bald one on the right declared, "You will be training our master, he has lived for thousands of years and should know how to train you properly."

Suddenly, an extremely old man appeared before the elders. He had long white hair tied neatly behind his back and a long beard that reached his chest. The old man wore a white robe and had a blank expression. He watched Issei, he asked the elders behind him, "This is the one correct?"

The elders bowed their heads and cupped their fists as the one in the middle answered, "Yes master, this disciple was about to take him to you."

The old man nodded his head and said to Issei, "Do that again, child. I'd like to see it for myself."

Issei nodded his head as he picked up another pebble and repeated, "Destroy."

The old man's eyes widened as he watched the stone disappear, but what surprised him the most was the boy's aura, it spiked to an unfathomable level before instantly vanishing. The old man smiled and disappeared, Issei then felt a hand on his shoulder, but when he turned the old man declared, "You may call me Sensei, Muko."

Almost twelve years later in Shanghai

Issei awoke to the morning misty skyline with his ringtone blaring in his ear,

"-Buzz Buzzz- With the lights out, it's less dangerous

Here we are now, entertain us

I feel stupid and contagious -Buzz Buzzz-"

Issei sat up and answered, "Hello?"

"Hey Issei, how's the contract going so far?" Yasaka's angelic voice asked.

Issei looked at the clock on his phone then with a smile, he replied, "It's good so far, I have around ten minutes before the target arrives." He looked at the skyscraper more than half a kilometer away from his position and asked, "How are things in Kyoto?"

"*sigh* Everything is fine… I just had a break from paperwork and thought of you, it's been a while since we last spoke…"

While Issei got up, he stated, "We talked two days ago for half of the night, and I told you that I had to learn my target's schedule."

"Well, you could have called me after you were finished." He could hear her pout even over the phone.

Issei put Yasaka on the speaker as he laid down and replied, "If I called you, I would have woken you up and I not stupid enough to do that, besides I'll be back home very soon."

"Ooo~ Do you want to go out to dinner when you get back?" Yasaka asked excitedly.

"Sure..." Issei then manipulated the void into his long-range weapon, a black M14 with red accents, a Leupold VX-3i 20x50mm scope and bipod. He then continued, "Just make the reservations around dusk, so we can have some time to get ready."

"Alright… Just remember to have the money wired over."

He calibrated the scope with trained ease and replied, "Don't worry, I will. I love you and see you soon."

"Love you too. Bye~"

"Bye…" With a click, the line died as Issei saw movement in the target's office. 'Well, well, well, aren't you early today…'

The man stormed into the room with his bodyguard trailing behind him while shouting at someone else, the target pointed towards the door, and the bodyguard promptly left. The target slammed the door with quite some effort and walked towards the desk. As Issei lined up the shot, the man touched the phone on the desk, causing Issei to hesitate for a moment. The man nodded, touching the phone again, before standing up to face the window. Just as he gathered himself and stood still, Issei fired three rapid shots. One destroyed the window in an instant, the other destroyed him just as fast and the last destroyed the entirety of his desk and electronics. Issei quickly confirmed the death of the target and the destruction of the information, he then quietly said, "Return to the silence and peace of the void."

Issei got up, tossed his weapon into the air which turned into a black vapor, quickly returned to his tattoos and moved to the stairway. With a quick kick, the bucket he used to block the door was gone, and he was off the roof. After a few flights of stairs, Issei reached the first door possible and injected some of the void into it. He twisted the knob and entered another dimension, a nexus of sorts with sixteen doors and one other entrance, all of them having different styles. Issei opened the white wooden door just to the left of the center and was in his safe house in London. Issei walked into the barren kitchen, dropped his bag, he then pulled out his second phone and quickly called his current client.

Two rings later, he heard, "Hello?"

"It's done. Mr. Yang and the stored information has been disposed of." Issei answered in a monotone English voice without an accent.

The client heard the robotic voice and said, "Great! That's excellent Mr. Nul, the five million has already been wired over. It's been great working with you."

"Likewise." *Click*

Issei scrolled down to another number and clicked on it.

It didn't even take a single ring before someone answered, "Nul, how is our little informant doing? Do you have some information regarding our latest contract?" A smooth, deep voice answered and asked excitedly.

With the same monotone voice, Issei replied, "I have the information you requested. David Buoy is currently living in-"

"Woah, Woah, withhold the information for now… We'll be seeing each other soon enough, so wait until then."

"And the agreed-upon amount?"

"Don't worry about the money, Nul. It's being wired to your account as we speak, all ten million."

"Good."

"Now that our current business is concluded, there is something else I need to tell you."

Issei looked at the clock on the oven, and after a moment, he replied, "What is it?"

"It's regarding another client, he wants to meet with the world-famous-"

"You know how this works Azazel, you also know how I take on contracts. I don't meet my clients, and if they wish to speak, it will be over the phone. The lowest amount I agree upon is a hundred thousand dolla-"

Issei could hear his smile over the phone as the fallen angel interrupted him again, "Yes, yes I know how you operate, Nul. Send a letter to that house in London with a phone number, name and request… But~, Yasaka is making an exception for this client. He refrained from telling me the specifics of the contract, but if I know him, he'll be dishing out tons of money. Especially if he's satisfied with the unknown commodity…"

Issei was annoyed, but couldn't voice his frustrations currently, so he just rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, "I see… So, why will you be at this meeting, are you just getting your information or being a second-rate intermediary between both parties..."

The fallen angel's voice lowered a few decibels as he replied, "Other than being an intermediary, I will be bringing forth vital information on this new contract and the supernatural in general."

"I understand, goodbye." *Click* Issei pulled up his offshore account on the to the bedroom of his safehouse and put his clothes in the dirty laundry. Issei started the shower, but before he got in, he caught his reflection in the mirror. He had grown taller again, almost 5'9 now. His hair was fresh from his recent hair cut(Looks pretty much the same without the tails on the back of the neck), his face had lost all of the baby fat as well. Scars from his training covered practically all of his body, but they were worth it. He'd been told by Yasaka that he had a very attractive body(looks like Garou from One Punch Man), he has skills that can't be replicated and he could be considered a genius by human standards. Issei was torn out of his musings by a ping from his phone. A notification stating that 15 million had been successfully transferred to his account. Issei walked over and his phone with a few taps, Issei transferred most of it over to Yasaka's account like he always did, then sent the rest to his main account. With a grin, Issei closed out of the account to take a quick shower.

10 Minutes Later…

Now washed up and dressed in a blue button-down, black slacks, and some dress shoes, Issei walked back to the front door and entered his nexus again. Pulling open the sliding door in the center, Issei appeared in Yasaka's office. Yasaka looked up from her paperwork on the low table and said, "You could've knocked."

Issei sat on the opposite mat and replied with a grin, "You know that's impossible." With a quick look across the table, he saw piles and piles of paperwork. Just looking at it all made him start sweating and with a shaky voice, Issei asked, "So…how much more do you have today?"

Yasaka looked at him with a warm smile and asked, "Ara~ are you concerned we'll miss our reservations?"

Issei shook his head as he replied sarcastically. "No, I'm just worried you'll die of boredom."

Yasaka put away what she was working on and declared, "You don't need to worry about that. If it could happen, it would've happened more than fifty years ago." Yasaka then relaxed upon her palm and asked, "Now, how about we move on to your business, what were the targets this time and how much did we get?"

Issei took a breath as he composed himself, "I'll start with the most recent, the target's name was Yang Wongsu… Mr. Yang was designing and selling nuclear warheads to the highest bidder, luckily, the people he employed were assistants and muscle, so I doubt the can continue manufacturing the warheads. As for how much we agreed on…it was 5 million." Issei finished with a small voice while looking at the floor, refusing to look at Yasaka's disappointed face.

Yasaka's deadpan look wasn't of intense disappointment or anger, but when she saw the look on his face, thoughts of reprimanding him disappeared without a trace. With her beautiful voice, she said, "Look at me Issei," When she had his full attention she continued, "It's alright, this was your first time negotiating a contract and 5 million is a large sum, but you could've demanded 10 million for this target. So... for the time being, I'll continue to be your negotiator." As she finished, Yasaka's beautiful smile returned.

Issei's smile returned as well, and he replied, "...Okay."

"So what about the reconnaissance work for Azazel?"

"He was looking for the new Red Dragon Emperor, but because that asshole Azazel only gave me his name, it took me almost two weeks to find him even with my abilities." The 'asshole' title for the fallen angel earned a small giggle from Yasaka. Issei blushed a little at the ethereal sight, but quickly continued, "The target's name is David Buoy, he lives in San Francisco with his mother, father and older sister. He is still young, only 14 years old." Issei rubbed his chin as he continued, "From his pampered lifestyle, I doubt he'll awaken his powers in his lifetime. Unless of course, something unforeseeable happens, like a certain fallen angel doing something to bring out his sacred gear."

When Yasaka saw Issei fall into a contemplative mood, she added, "I think your hunch is certainly plausible and if I had to guess Azazel's motives, I'd say he is planning to increase the power of the Grigori with the dragon emperors…"

"So he has the White Dragon Emperor under him as well?" Issei asked with raised eyebrows.

Yasaka nodded her head, "It isn't a well-known fact, but some of the leaders of the big three know he has mentored her since she was banished from her family."

As Issei thought it through, he stated, "It makes sense, have both Dragon Emperors would bolster their forces considerably. Their only problems would be their intense hatred and the Juggernaut Drive." Issei's eyes suddenly widened as he remembered his conversation with the Cadre, he then asked, "By the way, I heard from Azazel that there is a contract coming up that you signed off on…"

Yasaka nodded and replied, "There is, it'll be our biggest contract to date, so I expect you to be on your best behavior."

"Azazel also told me I have to meet the client in person. Who could be so important that they can bypass my conditions on a whim?" Issei asked with a leveled gaze.

Yasaka met his gaze and declared, "I won't give any information on the target, nor the contract today, but if you're on your best behavior tonight and tomorrow, I'll at least tell you who issued the contract."

Issei turned away from the kitsune with a small pout, while saying, "Fine…"

Yasaka then got up from her mat and declared, "Hey, cheer up, we have a very special date in a few hours."

Issei returned the smile and nodded.

"Now come on, we have some time before our reservations, so let's walk through the bamboo forest and talk a for a while…" Yasaka ordered with a devilish smile as she pulled him to his feet.

10 a.m, atop The Toranomon Hills in Tokyo…

It was a beautiful, sunny day as two figures sat at a table on the grand terrace of the penthouse. Another figure stood behind the two as they looked out to the bustling city below. The man with vivid crimson hair looked down to his phone and muttered, "They're late. I thought you said this person is punctual, Azazel."

"He's not only punctual but through as well. Although, I can understand his apprehension for this meeting, you are demanding quite a lot from him Sirzechs. Don't doubt his abilities, however, his moniker is feared throughout the natural and supernatural for a reason."

Sirzechs almost disregarded the man's words, but replied, "I know his reputation, and I've heard of some of his feats; however, I'll give him 5 more minutes. If he doesn't come, I'll find someone else."

"That's fine, but-" Azazel was interrupted by…something appearing beside him. The six eyes snapped to it and watched with rapt attention, eagerly awaiting the legendary assassin.

Issei stared at the clock on his phone and released a sigh of annoyance, he looked back at Yasaka who was fixing the collar of his button-down and asked, "Is all of this really necessary? Why should I conform to some being that believes he's above me?"

Yasaka gave him a mild glare, and with a similar huff of annoyance, she replied, "I can't believe you want to talk about this again… That 'being' as you've taken to calling him is Sirzechs Lucifer and is the strongest devil in the supernatural world. So please treat him with some respect, for me." The look Yasaka gave him melted all retorts Issei could think of. With a quick nod, the two stood side by side. With a slice through the space before them, a black, oozing doorway tore open before them, showing the two the agreed upon location. Yasaka grabbed Issei's arm and the two walked through.

As Issei exited the portal, he felt three different gazes penetrating him. One, who he assumed was Azazel watched him with a look that seemed like he was a lab rat being studied. The other should be the aforementioned client, Sirzechs Gremory, or Lucifer depending on who you ask. Who looked at Issei with content and annoyance. The last, but certainly not least, was a gorgeous woman. Long silver hair, a perfectly sculpted face with high cheekbones, blood-red eyes, an athletic yet incredibly voluptuous body and boasting fantastic strength. The way she hid her gaze is impressive, but for Issei, it was simple to decipher. What her gaze held however, was confusing him slightly. There was anger, anticipation, uncertainty, and the slightest hint of lust. Issei noticed all of this as he gazed upon the three, all the while walking towards the table with Yasaka.

When two took their seats, Issei relaxed slightly, before turning to Azazel and asking in perfect English, "I'd assume you'd like the information I have on the target, Azazel?"

The fallen angel in question shrugged off his stupor with practiced ease and replied, "Yes, I believe we can start with that. What have you learned about this generation's Red Dragon Emperor?"

Issei just nodded his head and began, "His name is David Buoy as you know already know and he lives in San Francisco with his family." When he saw the Cadre nod, he continued, "His family consists of Aron Buoy, his father, and a successful neurosurgeon. He graduated from Stanford University a year earlier than his wife. Ruth Buoy, who is a stay at home mother. Surprisingly, the two are happily married, considering the circumstances surrounding their extended family." Issei let the first bit of information sink in for a second, "His eldest sister, Annie Buoy, who is currently a sophomore at UCLA and is trying to get a degree in computer science. She currently lives in Los Angeles, but she returns home often. His second sister, Grace Buoy, is about to graduate from High School and attend the same university. Lastly, this generations' wielder of the Boosted Gear is fourteen years old and is currently preparing for the entrance exam for Bellarmine College Preparatory." Issei looked at the two clients at the table and watched their expressions. Sirzechs looked at Azazel with a twinge of acceptance, while Azazel just showed an amused grin. The fallen angel looked back at Issei and said, "Just what I'd expect from you, Nul. However, what is this boy's potential like, is he capable of awakening Ddraig?"

Issei shook his head as he answered, "No." He then elaborated, "Due to his current lifestyle and living conditions, it will be nigh impossible. I'd have to guess the most stressful thing he'll go through will be trying to get into college." He then cast a side glance at the Fallen Angel and stated, "Unless, a certain faction leader decides to do something about it."

Azazel rolled his eyes as he turned to look at the Devil King and said, "Well, Sirzechs, you have your information, I expect to get those Pheonix tears as soon as possible."

Sirzechs smiled as he replied, "Don't worry Azazel, you'll have your tears within the week. I just need to fill out the paperwork when I return."

The Devil King then leveled his gaze at Issei, "I believe it is time for some introductions, although I doubt they are truly needed." He then put his hand on his chest and declared, "I am Sirzechs Lucifer of the residing Devil Kings, formerly Sirzechs Gremory." He then motioned to the woman in the maid outfit behind him, "And this is Grayfia Lucifuge, the head of my household maids." He motioned at Azazel, "You two already seem acquainted, so introductions aren't necessary."

Yasaka held her hand to Issei, signifying it was her time to speak and announced, "You three already know who I am." She then motioned to Issei, "This is Hyoudou Issei. To the natural and supernatural worlds, he is known as Nul."

When Sirzechs heard the name, his eyes widened slightly, he then leveled his gaze at Issei, who met his gaze without the slightest hesitation. They stared at each other for almost thirty seconds, before Sirzechs surprisingly broke his stare first. He started to lightly drum his finger on the table as he stated, "You must have confidence in your abilities to challenge the gaze of a Devil King… Though that's to be expected from a man whose claimed to have killed a god."

Issei remained impassive at the probe and replied, "I'm not here to prove myself to you nor boast of my accomplishments, Unk Cekula is dead and won't return. Just another contract completed."

Nearly everyone at the table stared in shock at the words, Yasaka, looked at Issei with pride. Sirzechs let out a bellowing laugh and stated, "I like this one!" The devil king's eyes became serious as he inquired, "Now tell me, if someone were to...perhaps...put a contract on my head, what would be your price?"

Without a second of hesitation, Issei replied, "Hundred Billion."

Sirzechs raised his eyebrow and stated, "Many people can come up with that sum…"

Issei stuck his arms to his sides and made a slicing motion in the air, before taking out a bottle and five ice filled glasses from the ink. While pouring a glass for himself, he declared, "That may be true, however, you come as a packaged deal and not many people can offer Four Hundred Billion."

While Issei took a sip of his drink, Azazel grabbed the bottle and saw the label. With wide eyes, he asked, "How the hell did you get a bottle of J. Wray & Nephew rum from the 40s? All four unopened bottles were auctioned away years ago."

Issei simply glanced at him and replied, "I have my ways…" He then turned back to the silent Devil King and asked, "Now that the small talk is over, what is this contract I've heard about?"

Sirzechs disregarded the question and asked the fallen angel, "It's a little early for drinks, don't you think?"

Azazel met his gaze with a grin and answered, "Maybe, but this stuff is liquid gold. It'd be a shame not to drink it when offered."

Issei watched as annoyance danced across the devil's eyes, before he met his eyes again and replied, "The contract is for the protection of my little Rias. There have been stirrings in her territory and I'm afraid she might get hurt… Your primary objective is to ensure her safety. Her peerage is secondary."

Issei's eyebrow rose as he asked, "Is Rias to know of this contract?"

"No, she is not. I'd recommend joining her peerage, but I suspect you'd decline that offer. So, you'll just have to settle for joining her… 'club' so to speak and keeping an eye on her in the shadows. If she does catch onto you, just point her to me and I'll either give her the truth or a viable excuse."

Issei thought it over for a moment, before he asked, "How long will the contract be in effect?"

Sirzechs held up two fingers and answered, "Two years. After that, you can return to your other clients." He then continued, "However, she is in highschool at the moment. So, you'll have to enroll as well. The new year will begin around five months from now, so that should be enough time to prepare for this contract."

Issei's gaze sharply turned to Yasaka and he asked through gritted teeth, "Is this why you didn't tell me about the contract last night?"

Yasaka nodded, "Yes. I believe this will be a benefit for you. Just think of this contract like a prolonged vacation."

Sirzechs then interjected, "You may name your price as well."

Issei looked back at the devil and stated, "Then it'll be twenty billion. You'll pay in regular increments at the first of every month."

With a nod, the devil king replied, "That's fine"

Issei then turned to Azazel and asked, "Has there been any word on Kokabiel?"

The fallen angel and devil's eyes widened in surprise at the question, but Azazel just set down his drink and answered, "There hasn't and that's what worries me." He then looked to Sirzechs, who nodded and continued, "This ties into the contract as well. We've both heard that he has been in Miss Gremory's territory for almost a month now. We don't know what he's doing, but I'd wager it has to do with sparking another great war."

"I see… Then I'd be correct to assume you don't want me to kill him as soon as I arrive?"

The fallen angel just nodded while bringing his glass up and replying, "I know you two have some bad blood, but Kokabiel is still my subordinate, not to mention a Cadre. If he is killed before he betrays me, my faction will think I'm weak and they stop listening to me." After a long sip from his glass, he continued, "It would not only create a rift and fuel uncertainty in the faction, but would leave us vulnerable to opposing factions. I will only ask you to keep your eyes and ears open to any further developments he makes. But~, if he takes any steps to jeopardize the fragile balance of the big three, you have my permission to 'apprehend' him." Azazel finished with air quotes.

Sirzechs then added, "It's imperative he remains alive for questioning, however, if he loses an arm or a leg, I won't bat an eye."

Issei swirled the rum in the glass while thinking over the situation for a moment, then with a grin, the glass and everything it contained were destroyed. But before he could answer, he heard Sithis say, "Calm, Issei. There is more to this situation than they're letting on… Prob some more, maybe they'll let us be the executioner…"

Issei thought over it for another second before asking, "And what happens after the interrogation? Will he be killed, or will he pay with imprisonment?"

At that moment, both Azazel and Sirzechs realized this isn't someone to be played with. Judging by his unfathomably deep aura that appeared instantly, then disappeared just as fast, both beings thought the same thing, 'This is a monster.'

The Cadre cleared his throat and replied promptly, "Should he do something stupid, he's supposed to be imprisoned, however, I believe I can make an exception in this situation."

With a nod, Issei stated, "Good, I believe we have a deal then. Contact me after the interrogations are finished and you won't have to worry about the bastard again."

Sirzechs' expression blackened before he asked, "Hyoudou-san, what did you do just now?"

Yasaka turned to Issei, who was about to answer with a lie, but she cut him off when she grabbed his hand and said, "I believe you cam tell them." When she had Issei's full attention, she continued, "I believe these three can keep it confidential, especially when they understand the ramifications of exposing it." With a quick glare at the other three around the table, she let go of his hand.

With a nod, Issei turned back to the others and declared, "Hyoudou Issei is just my human name… My true name is Sithis."

Azazel jumped to his feet and gained some distance from him, while Grayfia's face visibly turned to shock and unconsciously taking a step back. Sirzechs, however, just narrowed his eyes dangerously and didn't move. Azazel was the first to respond, saying, "T-that's impossible! Sithis and YHWH killed each other. Everyone knows that!"

"While it is true that all six of us 'died' together during that time… I was able to reincarnate."

With a strange glint in his eye, Sirzechs asked, "So, you know what happened to the great four?"

"Great four?" Issei replied with a scoff. "Beelzebub was easily the worst of the four and was useless. Asmodeus wasn't much better… The dumb brute over played his hand when though he had YHWH on the ropes. Leviathan's mastery over every element was impressive, but sacrificing himself for the Morning Star over an attack that wouldn't have killed him was just idiotic. Then there was Lucifer. The real Lucifer," Issei leveled a harsh gaze to the red devil and continued, "He was very impressive during his final moments, however, his growing insanity and bloodlust inhibited his judgement, he was quickly killed soon after." Issei glanced at the three and assessed their reactions. Sirzechs Gremory looked annoyed and slightly shocked. Grayfia face returned to its impassive state, but her eyes were incredibly distraught. While Azazel had a mix of shock and eagerness in his eyes. Issei then continued, "YHWH was extremely durable and persistent. It also boasted an extremely diverse set of abilities, these were the reasons why the fight took almost two days. Anyways, at the end of our fight, I finally destroyed it, but it cursed me in the process. A nasty little curse to be sure, but one I was capable of escaping."

Azazel calmed down and muttered, "So, it's true… You truly saw-"

"How do I compare to the original?" Sirzechs quickly interrupted with confidence lacing his voice.

"I don't know. I'd have to see you go all out to have an accurate comparison. I can say, however, that you're slightly better at destruction than him."

"Then I'll show you, I'm genuinely curious."

Issei just shrugged and replied, "If you desire to show me, then I'll watch, but I'm just here for the negotiations."

"I see, Grayfia?" The maid put the contract before him and Sirzechs continued, "Then we're in luck. All you have to do is sign at the bottom, your human name will suffice." He finished while pushing the contract and a pen to their side of the table.

Yasaka grabbed the contract and read through it's contents for some minutes before putting it before Issei, and declaring, "Everything looks good, just sign on the dotted line."

Without hesitation, Issei signed his name and passed the contract back to the devil. Sirzechs handed the paper back to Grayfia and said, "Now that the negotiations have been settled, I humbly invite all of you to my personal estate, where we can conduct the test."

Yasaka stood up and announced, "I apologize, but I cannot come. I have urgent meetings to attend to soon."

The two faction leaders nodded while Issei said, "Alright, I'll come back after this is over."

"That's fine, but I'll be in meetings all afternoon. So, I suggest you check the London house and decline any contracts before you come home."

With a nod, Issei stood up from his seat and walked around the table towards the maid. Azazel walked over as well and stared at Issei like he was a priceless relic, but Issei just ignored the fallen angel and awaited the change of scenery. Suddenly, Sirzechs and Issei were standing in a massive domed room. Issei's eyes widened as he declared, "That was impressive. I didn't even see her cast a magic circle."

Sirzechs nodded his head, before reappearing on the other side of the room and replying, "I agree, Grayfia has always been incredible in that regard." The devil then looked towards Issei and declared, "Let's begin this test, Sithis. However, a word of warning. When I enter my true form, I lose control of my emotions and instincts, so I might try to attack you. Don't take it personally." Sirzechs finished with a smile.

Issei just shrugged and replied, "It doesn't matter, however... I have a warning for you as well. Do not touch me under any circumstances. If you do… Well I'm sure you can piece it together." Issei then levitated above the ground and flew higher. Suddenly, Issei stopped midair and a sphere of a black transparent liquid closely surrounded him. He then gestured with his hand and declared, "You may begin."

Oh boy… Trying to power through writer's block has been impossible.

For those who are wondering about The Guardian of Their Dreams, don't worry, the next chapters on the horizon.