Training Has Begun

Hiking Trail

3rd Person POV

(Y/N) stared silently at the scenic view from the hilltop he stood upon, taking in all the fresh air and sunlight that encompassed him and his friends on this beautiful day. However, at the moment, he cared very little for the view. He was only waiting for some of his fellow devils, who were still trekking their way up the hiking trail.

"You're almost there!" His master called to one of her servants.

The silent devil glanced to the side and saw she was calling for Issei, who looked like he was about to collapse from carrying a backpack alone.

"Just a few more feet!" Rias waved.

"Visualize, Issei!" Akeno cheered as she cupped some of the flowing water from the small stone fountain.

"C-Coming!" Issei cried in exhaustion.

Feeling worried, Asia turned to Rias. "Rias? Should I go get some of those bags for him?" She asked.

"He'll be fine." (Y/N) spoke, gaining the attention of the girls that stood at the rest stop away from him. "Besides, it's high time he gets things together. Think of this as part of his training." He explained, returning to silently staring at the forest below the hillside.

"(Y/N)'s right. Issei need to learn to carry that much on his own." Rias added.

"On your right." Kiba warned, passing by the exhausted pervert with a bag similar to the size of his own.

"Seriously?!" Issei bleated. "Did they give you a bag of feathers or something?"

Almost immediately, Koneko came up from behind and passed Issei as well, carrying a bag that looked six times larger than Kiba's or Issei's. "Move it." She ordered.

Issei gasped as his legs finally gave in, sending him falling backwards, only to bounce back up on to his front and lay on the ground in defeat. "GAH!!! I hate this!" He whined.

(Y/N) only sighed at his perverted friend's childish attitude.

"Hey..."

(Y/N) looked over and saw Rias next to him, looking rather worried.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

(Y/N) looked away. "That's the fifth time you've asked me that today since we left. I promise Master, I'm fine. I just want to get started soon. The more we train, the more prepared we get to face Sir Burnt Poultry." He replied, looking back at his fellow members. "We're not too far from the place everyone! Only an hour left to go!" He called, gathering his things as he continued on his way, his friends following after him.

As everyone passed by Rias, she continued to looked melancholic at her servant.

Flashback

ORC Headquarters

"Ten days..." Said Grafiya. "I think we can all agree that's fair."

"You sure?" Rias asked, not taking her eyes off (Y/N), lying unconscious as Asia continued to heal him.

"Considering your youth and lack of experience and Lord Riser's prowess; I've decided that assigning a handicap would be appropriate." The maid claimed.

"As much as it pains me to admit it...I think you may be right." Rias admitted. "Extra time to train would be very useful for all of us. Thanks, I accept the offer." She thanked.

"Very well." Grafiya bowed. "I shall inform Sir Zechs of your decision immediately." She said, walking away from the redhead and summoning a teleportation circle. "I wish you luck Lady Rias." She bowed once more before disappearing.

As the magic circle vanished, a pained groan rattled the members of the ORC, as (Y/N) slowly rose up from the couch and rubbed his hand against his face. "What the hell happened?" He asked, only to remember instantly. "Oh...right." He said in malice.

"(Y/N)!" Cried Rias and Asia.

"Are you okay? Do you hurt anywhere?" Asia questioned frantically.

"No, I'm alright. Thanks Asia." He answered bluntly.

"How do you feel?" Asked Rias.

"Well..." (Y/N) muttered, getting up off his laying place and towards a wall, placing his hand on it. "I just found out that my master is getting married to a fucking prick. Adding to the fact that he just knocked my ass out. So yeah, I'm feeling fan-FUCKING-tastic!" He growled, creating a massive crack in the wall. "So, what the plan?" He asked, casting magic to restore the damage he just caused.

"We have ten days before the Rating Game, so we'll be using that time to train." Rias replied.

"Smart choice. We could use that to our advantage." (Y/N) said, soon turning towards his master. "And if you're really serious about training, I know somewhere we can go. It'll have everything we need. Food, water, space, heat, and most importantly, peace and quiet. No one but us will be there."

"What are you talking about man?" asked Issei.

"Remember the summer home?" (Y/N) questioned.

Issei instantly put it together and smiled. "Oh yeah! That'd be a great place. Hey Prez, we should do it!"

"Are you sure (Y/N)?" Asked Rias.

"Of course. Besides, I go there whenever I want to train over a long break. I'll head over now to get the place ready." (Y/N) claimed, gathering his things to take his leave. "What time do you wanna start?" He asked his master.

"Around five in the morning if possible."

"Same as usual morning training time then. Got it, I'll let you know when it's ready." (Y/N) bowed. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have preparations I need to make." He said, preparing to teleport away.

"Oh, wait for me!" Asia called, gathering her thing quickly and rushing to her guardian, only to be stopped midway.

"Sorry Asia, but...I'd prefer do this alone." He said.

Asia felt practically crushed.

"I'm not trying to sound mean or anything. I just...Need to be alone for a while. I'll be home when I'm done. I'll call Arturia to come get you."

"O-Okay. I understand." She moped.

"Alright then. Bye." He said teleporting away.

Time Skip

After the hour of hiking and Issei complaining about his lungs being in different places, (Y/N) and the Occult Research Club reached the summer home of their Pawn.

"It's...So lovely here." Rias awed in admiration of the naturally beautiful scenery surrounding in which they had arrived at.

The grass was greener, the flowers were in perfect bloom, any nearby animals were in perfect health, and the water was crystal clear. It was impossible to find a single negative thing about their new environment.

"And you just happen to own this place along with your pad back in town?" The blonde Knight questioned in absolute amazement.o

"I usually come here just to get away...Usually from Issei and his friends' perverted social lives or to train in quiet. It's a good place for getting some peace and quiet."

"It'd be nice to come here again. Like when we win this Rating Game. Perhaps even for some future training." Akeno suggested.

"What do you mean?" The young devil questioned.

"We spend summers training to get stronger as too. With school, we focus on academics, so the only time we can legitimately train is when we fight stray devils, if you want to consider that." Kiba explained.

"I don't. The last time that happened, you guys were faster and stronger. And frankly, more sadistic...Akeno." (Y/N) glared, causing the raven haired beauty to giggle. "The only thing that came out of that was me learning all of your special attributes, using up most of my magical energy, and almost dying to a psychopath no less then 30 minutes later. In fact, I consider what happened at the beach more training. And I almost died...Twice." He bickered, thinking about the events that happened in the previous month.

"I'll admit that even though it wasn't a Rating Game and we all almost died; everyone did gain some experience of battling as a team. But the difference here is that those were less than intelligent beings who lived only to kill. Riser, on the other hand is fighting to exploit our weaknesses and pit fighters against them." Rias claimed.

(Y/N) sighed, slapping his cheeks and refocusing. "Okay! Let's just get unpacked first. We can discuss the more complicated stuff later. For now, let's just drop our things off, change and get started." (Y/N) said, fixing his bag's position over his shoulder and leaving for the small mansion.

"Wait, now?! But we just got here!" The brunette whined in protest. "That's evil and nowhere even close to fair!"

"I agree..." Rias blushed. "It's so hot."

"I'm a devil now Issei..." (Y/N) turned around and glared at the whining teen. "I couldn't care less. We're here for a reason, and we're going to do it. So quit whining." He ordered coldly. "C'mon, I'll show you guys to your rooms."

Time Skip

After the ladies and men were showed to their rooms, they entered and began changing into their gym attire almost immediately.

"I have a question." Issei prompted as his pants fell to the ground. "Y'know when you said...That stuff about hating fallen angels? You never really explained what happened to make you feel that way, and I've kinda been wondering."

"Are you seriously asking me about that right now? It shouldn't matter." Kiba stated rather coldly, catching the pervy teen by slight surprise. "All that matters is winning this Rating Game. We need to focus our energy on the present, not worry about the past. 'Kay?" He smiled to Issei.

Issei smiled and pumped his fists in excitement. "You're right! Let's do this! I'm so with you!" He cried, now ready to start his training.

A knock on the door erupted. "You guys ready?" (Y/N) questioned from the other side.

"Just about. We'll be done soon." Kiba replied.

"Oh crap!" Issei hurried to finish undressing and change.

"We'll be in the backyard. Just meet us there when you're done." He instructed, taking his leave to the designated meeting place.

Time Skip

After everyone had finished changing, the rendezvoused in the massively spacious backyard, ready to begin.

"Alright, now that everyone's here, we can begin." Rias proclaimed. "To start, we're going to gauge the skill level of our Pawns."

"Right." Both Issei and (Y/N) acknowledged.

"First Lesson is swordsmanship. Both of you are to spar with Kiba." Rias explained. "Issei, you're up."

"You got it!" He cheered, stepping up and grabbing a bokken.

"Lesson One." Kiba claimed.

Issei tightly gripped his wooden blade. "Yup. Bring it blondie bear." He taunted, yelling as he rushed at Kiva, swinging his sword at Kiba's with fairly poor form.

Kiba easily deflected and blocked everyone of the young man's attacks. "You're a little off." He claimed. "Don't limit your focus to just the sword. Keep an eye on your opponent!"

Issei roared, delivering a heavy downward swing, only for the blonde Knight to sidestep and knock Issei's weapon out of his hands.

"...I meant to do that." The teen said, unconvincingly.

"Come on, you gotta focus!" Kiba scolded, whacking Issei on the head with his bokken as he failed to stop it. "(Y/N), you're up!" He called, beckoning the silent and stoic young man to step forward and take his friends place for the time being.

Kiba picked up the wooden sword and handed it to (Y/N).

"Let's do this for real." He said, tossing the bokken to the side.

"What?" Kiba questioned.

"I said..." (Y/N) reached out, summoning Oblivion within his right hand through it's black fog and purple sparks. "Let's do this for real. Bring out a real sword. I'm taking this training seriously." He donned a stance and looked ready to engage.

Kiba looked at his master, who only nodded to her servant's request.

"Alright then." The Knight quickly conjured a real sword and readied himself.

The atmosphere fell silent, and the air grew cool. The only noise that echoed was the gentle breeze of a quite gust of wind.

As an air bubble popped in the nearby lake, (Y/N) vanished within the blink of an eye and reappeared in front of the surprised Knight.

'So fast!' Kiba gasped, quickly bringing his blade up to block at the last second.

With (Y/N)'s sheer force, he swiped Kiba's blade down, only to jab him in the face, dazing the blonde.

He backdashed as far as he could, only for (Y/N) to dash towards him and deliver three black lightning covered slashes, all missing by a single hair.

Kiba swung his sword, only to be blocked by the suddenly conjured Oath Maker and blocked his attack, giving (Y/N) the opportunity to uppercut Kiba, kicking him twice and sending him far.

(Y/N) rushed Kiba once more, but was blocked. Kiba disappeared behind the engaging devil and slashed him a couple times on his back, only to be blocked and parried on his last strike, knocking him off balance and allowing the black and white blade user to slash him with hellfire and wind, then both in unison; launching the Knight back once more.

The blonde quickly regained his composure and vanished as he rushed towards the dual wielder, delivering multiple blows.

"Heh, not bad." (Y/N) scoffed.

"Yeah, right back atcha." Kiba chuckled, sheathing his sword and rushing at his opposition.

(Y/N)'s blades suddenly disappeared, only for him to slam his fist into an open palm. "Let's go!" He yelled, rushing for Kiba.

The unarmed young man threw a powerful blow, only to be blocked by Kiba's newly deployed katana.

Disappearing and quickly appearing behind the sword user and delivered multiple swift kicks, finishing with a dive kick, which Kiba managed to avoid in the nick of time.

Kiba quickly unequipped his katana and summoned a strange looking blade.

Thinking very little of it, (Y/N) rushed Kiba once more, only to be evaded as the Knight backflipped, slashing (Y/N) in the process and delivering multiple cuts on his body with a powerful wind.

(Y/N) flew far at tremendous speed, quickly grabbing the ground at the most opportune time to stop himself. "Time to end this!" He conjured Oblivion once more, the blade becoming encased in a massive purple and black flame.

'I recognize that! Gotta stop him!' Kiba worried, using his wind sword to pull the flames into the void of his blade.

The flame on (Y/N) blade did not die out in the slightest, causing him to smile sinisterly. "You want it? You got it!" He launched up into the air, out of Kiba's vacuum and readying his attack as he descended.

Kiba looked up and readied himself.

"ENCHANTED HELL BLAZE!!!" (Y/N) cried, slashing his flame covered sword at Kiba, engulfing them both in a massive eruption of purple and black flames.

The ORC members watching the match shielded themselves behind a magic barrier as the force blew everything away, even destroying some of the mansion.

As the wind died down, the ORC looked on in worry only to see the backyard encased in hellfire, and (Y/N) holding Oblivion to a lightly wounded Kiba.

"...Yield." The victor demanded.

Kiba chuckled, having no other option left, he raised his hand in defeat. "I yield."

"Oh wow..." Asia marveled.

"That was...Insane." Issei uttered in shock.

"Everything's a total wreck." Koneko groaned.

(Y/N) swapped Oblivion for Oath Maker and raised it to the sky. "Restore!" He cried. A bright shining light gleamed brilliantly from the Azure Dragon Emperor's white sword, restorying the whole place to how it was before the battle.

The young devil extended hand hand to his fellow devil, who smiled and accepted the lift up.

Time Skip

Akeno, Issei, Asia and (Y/N) had entered the Azure Dragon Emperor's estate, beginning their next level of training and skill gauging in one of the empty rooms. "Lesson Two, it's time you all became aware of the aura and magic surrounding you and try to stream it to a focal point." Akeno instructed.

Issei reached out his hand, groaning and grunting in his struggle.

Akeno slowly walked to him and caressed his arm. "Let the image of light flow through you and be released as magical power." Akeno explained, trying to help Issei.

"I think I did it." Asia exclaimed cheerfully.

The three others devils quickly glanced over to the excited blonde, holding a newly conjured ball of green light.

"Look at you go." (Y/N) complemented. "Way to go Asia." He said, patting Asia on the head, causing the innocent devil to smile happily and giggle.

"Awesome!" Akeno boomed. "Look at you go with your little green light!" She cheered. "I think you have a lot of natural talent for this, Asia!"

Issei only looked away, smiling awkwardly. "Well...She's uh...She's getting better, that's for sure...But she's not the only one." Stuttered the brunette.

"Dude, are you jealous?" Asked (Y/N).

"N-No! I'm not jealous!" Issei retorted unconvincingly.

Afterwards, the three students were led to a table with a water bottle place on it. Only to watch Akeno make the water inside erupt into a frozen explosion.

"Woah! You're quick." Issei gasped in total surprise.

"And you will be too. Once you've grasped the technique, you can control fire, water, lightning and any of the other elements." The Priestess of Lightning claimed.

"Asia, I bet this one will be easy for you. Wanna try?" She asked her eager Junior.

"Sure!" She cheered eagerly.

"Issei, you need to spend a little more time on those concentration exercises." Akeno stressed to Issei.

He sighed in defeat. "I know." Issei groaned glumly.

"Visualization is the essence of all magic." Claimed the ravenette. "Think about whatever it is you want and see it happening in your mind. 'Kay?"

"Are there any rules about what I can imagine?" Issei inquired.

"Not at all. Anything you want. Just concentrate."

Almost instantly, Issei began staring at Akeno's chest, instantly imagining them and her naked, only to feel a fist slam into the back of his head.

"Focus, numb nuts." (Y/N) ordered.

"S-Sorry..." Issei groaned.

"(Y/N), you still haven't showed us your magical potential yet. Wanna give it a try?" His senior asked, leaning forward and showing him more of her figure, causing him to look away.

"O-Oh...Right." He stuttered. "You guys might want to step back." He cautioned, reaching his hand out. Within mere seconds, he conjured a massive black and green ball of fire.

(Y/N)'s fellow devils watched in awe by the sheer size of his fireball.

"Holly shit! It's massive!" Issei awed, shielding himself from the raging inferno.

"It's...So hot!" Asia cried, hiding behind Issei.

"(Y/N)! I think that's good! You can stop now!!" Akeno called out.

(Y/N) heard and dispersed his magic, shrinking the black and green blaze to shrink into a small flicker of light before clapping his hands, putting it out completely. "S-Sorry." He apologized. "I should've warned you guys better. You all okay?" He asked worriedly.

"I think we're good. Aisa? You alright?" Issei questioned.

"Oh yeah, I'm okay. But (Y/N) that was amazing. Being able to produce so much magical energy is amazing." Asia praised.

"No joke dude." Issei added. "How'd you manage to get so strong?" He questioned.

"Chock it up to years worth of training and life or death situations." The young devil admitted. "Train hard enough and you'll be able to do that kinda stuff too."

As the devil continued to chat, Akeno continued to stare in admiration at her praised Junior. 'So much time has passed, and he's gotten so strong...Thank goodness.' She smiled, her magenta eyes glistening as she looked on. 'Still...I wish...I wish he-'

Time Skip

"Lesson Three." The Rook stated, knocking Issei into a tree. "That was lame." She and (Y/N) mocked in unison.

Issei struggled standing back up, only to run at the two powerhouses. "I wasn't finished!" He yelled, only to be evaded and roundhouse kicked in the back of the head by his friend and put into a choke hold by the loli with her legs.

"You gotta aim more towards the body's central axis and learn to strike with precision at your victims core." Instructed Koneko, turning to her side and tightening her hold on the pervert's neck.

Time Skip

The sun began to finally set, and Issei had made no progress whatsoever. Quickly being chucked out of the forest in which he and his friend and Koneko were sparing, he released a heavy defeated groan. "SCREW THIS!" He roared. "Asia and (Y/N) are like manifestation masters and I can't even control my own imagination!" He cried, groaning once more. "I suck at life."

"Dude, you're not going to get super strong overnight." (Y/N) claimed as he came out of the forest along with Koneko.

"Says you..." Issei scoffed.

"Yeah, says me. You think I woke up with the strength and skills I have?" The (H/C) young devil goaded. "Because I didn't. I had to work hard for a long time to be where I am."

"He's right..." Koneko added. "Everything takes effort. And besides, we all have powers that are unique to us." She explained.

"Yeah whatever..." Huffed the pervert as he looked up at his superiors. "Name one thing I'm better at than other people."

Both Koneko and (Y/N) simply looked at each other before answering him. "You're a pervert." They chastsized in unison.

"Thanks a lot..."

"But...!" (Y/N) added.

"But what?" Questioned Issei.

"You're a really hard worker and you actually care about other people." (Y/N) smiled.

"You think so?" Issei asked, rather happy with his childhood friend's remark. "That's not so bad! Thanks man!"

"Sure. Now come on, show me what you can really do." He beckoned, giving a confident smile and waving his hand.

Issei rose back up and lunged at the two melee fighters back into the forest.

"Suck it." Koneko said before hitting issei once more, knocking him out.

Time Skip

The white haired loli sat patiently atop a tree branch, waiting for her sparring partner to return.

"Hey!" He called, coming out of the woodworks and into Koneko's view as she hopped down. "Sorry to keep you waiting." He apologize.

Koneko shook her head. "No sweat." She said bluntly. "You sure you wanna keep going by yourself?" She asked.

"Wouldn't really be called training if I decided to take it easy. Come on!" (Y/N) cried, quickly dawning a fighting stance with his Blazblue.

"Okay. But just know you asked for this." Koneko reminded as she grabbed a nearby tree, ripping it out of the ground and easily threw it at her senior, only for him to punch through it, breaking it in two. She rushed at him, sending multiple punches and kicks at his direction, only for each one to be parried and blocked.

Seeing and opening, (Y/N) threw a vicious punch at Koneko only for her to duck under and grab his arm, punching him in the side and spinning him around, quickly letting go and tossing him to a tree. He recovered in mid launch, stopping on the tree and rocketing back to the Rook who threw him, delivering a solid right hook followed my a hook kick, sending her flying into a nearby tree.

She struggled to stand back up, only to stumble and fall once more.

"You're good Koneko, but I've got a few more years on you when it comes to fighting." (Y/N) claimed.

Koneko shook her head, clearing her mind as she hopped back up, running towards her senior and delivering rapid speed punches, all being blocked with easy succession.

"Your tenacity is admirable, but that alone won't help you win in a fight."

Koneko clicked her tongue, quickly kicking (Y/N) in the jaw, stunning him.

Shaking it off, he grabbed her arms and spun her, delivering a powerful force palm, followed by a sledgehammer and an upwards axe-kick. As she flew up into the air, (Y/N) teleported beside her and delivered a ferocious punch to her cheek, sending her rocketing down back to the ground.

(Y/N) slowly descended back down to the Rook's level, who managed to stand up once again, dusting herself off. "So what now? You wanna keep going?" He asked.

"Fo sho." Chimed Koneko, slamming one of her fists into an open palm, cracking her knuckles in the process. "I'm just getting started." She said confidently, quickly drawing a fighting stance once more.

(Y/N) chuckled, restancing himself. "Alright then. Gimme everything you've got!" He beckoned.

"Suck it." Said Koneko.

The two charged at each other once again, clashing with one another for an endless amounts of time.

Kitchen

"Now, Lesson Four!" Said Rias.

Issei looked down, seeing his pink and red apron he was wearing. "Can I use my powers to change?" He groused.

"Can we use them for cooking?" Asia asked.

"Absolutely!" Rias beamed. "Magic comes in handy anywhere."

Issei only sighed, quickly realising that (Y/N) wasn't present. "Hey, where's (Y/N)? Shouldn't he be here too?" He questioned.

"Actually, when he dropped you off he said he and Koneko were gonna train for a bit longer. They'll be back when they get tired I'm sure." Rias said, soon taking her leave. "Well, have fun and good luck." She waved.

"Okay, water...Will you please boil?" Asia asked, hovering her hand over a large pot full of water, suddenly steaming and boiling with conjured heat.

She smiled happily while Issei sulked.

He sighed as he held an onion, staring at it blankly. 'During Akeno's training, the only thing I could summon was a tiny ball of light, what am I supposed to do with this...?' He questioned, quickly thinking of Akeno and her her voluptuous breasts, instantly smiling and laughing moronically. 'Ah, Akeno. Now there's some ripe ones just begging to bust free!' He grinned.

Unbeknownst to him, the union suddenly peeled within his hand, shocking him and Asia both. He grabbed a nearby potato, thinking of Akeno's breasts once more, causing it to peel naked as well. "Sweet!" He cheered. "It works on potatoes too!"

"Wow!" Asia cheered. "Look how good you're getting!"

Issei smiled confidently. "Yeah, that wasn't too shabby, was it? Maybe I was just having a bad day earlier." Suddenly, a familiar feeling came to Issei mind, reminding him of something. "Wait a second...This feels familiar...It seems like I've done this before..." He pondered, thinking once more about Akeno's breasts, peeling another onion. "I remember! The first time my Sacred Gear deployed!" The brunette boomed in excitement. "That was easy! All I have to do is remember the feeling! I can do this!" He cried, simply glancing at a group of nearby onions, peeling them clean as well. "Check it out!" He said, peeling some potatoes. "I'm like a Sacred Gear Super Freak!" He cackled in joy.

"I think that's enough!" Asia cried, snapping Issei out of his peeling frenzy.

They looked all around (Y/N)'s kitchen, the place covered with shreds of potato and onion skins.

"Oh my goodness..." Asia worried.

"What in world happened in here?" Asked a familiar voice.

The two devils turned to the direction of the voice, seeing (Y/N) in the doorway with Koneko riding piggyback, both covered in dirt, blood, scratches and bruises.

"Hey man, 'bout time you got back." The pervert greeted.

(Y/N) said nothing in response to Issei greeting and looked at all the peeling in his kitchen. "...I am NOT cleaning this up. Not by myself. I hope you know that."

"Y-Yeah, Sorry." He bowed glumly.

"Anyways; Asia, mind healing Koneko? She really went through the ringer." He smiled, turning and letting Koneko down.

"You've been through just as much dill weed." She jabbed, gently hopping down and out of (Y/N)'s supportive hold.

"True, but I can heal myself. And as far as I'm aware of, you can't." He asserted. "Stop being so stubborn and let Asia heal you." The Azure Dragon Emperor advised, patting Koneko on the head and smiling. "We'll spar more later, just rest up for the night."

Koneko only stared blankly at her senior, a soft and gentle blush growing onto her cheeks. "...Fine." She said, walking over to Asia and letting herself be healed.

"Okay, so..." He stated, looking at all the potatoes and onions everywhere. "Guess we're having potatoes and onions tonight." He said, rolling up his sleeves and grabbing a nearby apron. "Let me handle this."

Time Skip

After dinner was made, everyone regrouped into the dinning room and ate the massive spread of potato and onion made dishes (Y/N) and the others prepared.

As the ORC continued to eat, (Y/N) couldn't help but feel the strangest feeling of unrestrained lust coming from his right. He looked over and saw the pervert staring at the girls, undressing each and every one of them with his eyes. As he and Asia cooked, Issei told Koneko and him about his new powers. However, no one really approved.

Once Koneko saw Issei's gaze fall onto her, she instantly stared at him disapprovingly. "Don't you dare try to peel me." She scowled.

Issei jumped, raising his hands in submission. "I would never!" He denied. "I'm just picturing you naked!" The teen laughed awkwardly.

"That doesn't sound any better." The (H/C) young devil mumbled.

"So how was it?" Rias asked the two boys.

"Too small." Issei claimed bluntly, earning an elbow to his ribs by (Y/N).

"She meant the training, dude."

"Yeah, how did you two think it went? Did you two learn anything new?" Asked the redhead.

"I did..." The brunette sighed in defeat. "I learned I'm the weakest link on this team." He admitted. "That and (Y/N)'s super OP."

"I wouldn't say Overpowered, I just train a lot and put effort into things." Claimed the young devil. "Besides, anyone could do what I do, it just takes time, energy and motivation."

Rias only giggled at the two devil-dragon hybrids exchange. "Knowing is half the battle, as they say."

"G.I. Joe~" (Y/N) sang quietly, earning some giggles and chuckles from his little joke.

"You shouldn't feel entirely useless though..." Rias added. "Between Asia's healing powers, your Boosted Gear and (Y/N)'s Swords of Order and Limit Breaker, the three of you have become assets. Your opponents will always be aware of this so I need both you and Asia to gain at least enough power to escape from any situation so that you won't slow the rest of the team down."

"Yup...That makes sense.." Issei grimaced as Asia nodded.

"Harsh but fair. That is harsh but fair." (Y/N) admitted, scratching the back of his head. 'Even so, I'm the one who brought Asia and the others into this mess...I need to get stronger so I can protect them when the time comes.' He declared to himself.

"So, what about you (Y/N)?" Asked the ravenette from across the table.

"Hm?"

"How'd you feel about today?" She asked once more.

"Well, nothing really different from what I already knew. But I do know what I have to focus on." He claimed.

"Oh? And what's that?" Rias asked as her interest piqued.

"Sorry, but it's a surprise." (Y/N) declined to share.

"Oh well, that's a shame." Rias said as she rose up from her seat. "Well, thank you Asia, (Y/N), dinner was delicious and filling." She thanked.

"F'sho." (Y/N) said, giving a thumbs up.

"I think we should head to the baths now." Rias chirped, instantly getting Issei excited.

"You're all going together?" (Y/N) questioned with a raised brow.

"That would be the plan. You're such a silly goose." She giggled. "Would you like to come along? I don't mind." She smiled.

(Y/N) stared at Rias in silence, his cheeks blushing. "...What?"

"WHAT?!" Issei roared in jealousy.

"I uh...I think I'm good." (Y/N) hesitated, his face turning redder and redder my the second.

"If it'll make you feel better, we can put it to a group vote."

"What? No I-I don't really-" Stuttered the flustered devil.

"You Akeno?" The redhead asked the ravenette.

She giggled happily. "Sure, I think it sounds like fun. We could bathe him, too!" She suggested, making the flustered devil even more red in the face.

"R-Really...I just-" (Y/N) coraked, trying to get a word out.

"Would you mind if he came Asia? I wouldn't want any of us to feel uncomfortable." The Princess of Ruin claimed.

"Sure!" Asia beamed with no hesitation, earning a shocked look from the devil-dragon hybrid.

"(Y/N), you lucky bastard!!!" Cried Issei as he pulled on his napkin with his teeth.

"What about you Koneko?" Rias asked, completely putting (Y/N) at ease.

'And...discussion over.' He sighed in relief. 'No way Koneko would be okay with this.'

"...If it's (Y/N), then it's fine."

(Y/N) flung his arms up in defeated protest. "WHY?!" He questioned.

"Now that's just melodramatic." Smiled Rias. "Well, there you have it. Come on (Y/N), let's get that body cleaned." Rias prompted, only to see (Y/N) taking massive gulps of water from his glass.

He exhaled heavily and slammed the glass cup onto the table, sighing after calming himself. "Sorry, while I appreciate the offer...not really..." He murmured in between his statement. "I'm gonna have to pass." He said, getting up from the table and collecting the dirty dishes. "Besides, I'm nowhere near done training today..." He claimed in a dark tone.

"But-" Rias began to protest, but was silenced by her servant.

"You guys go ahead, I'll bathe later." He said, putting another dish atop the pile in his hand. "I'm not stopping until I can feel my bones break."

The others just looked at each other in worry, not sure of how to talk (Y/N) into resting.

"Okay then..." Said Rias. "We'll leave you to it. Just...don't overwork yourself." She requested.

"Wouldn't be called training if I took things easy..." He countered.

Time Skip

Outdoor Bath

The ladies of the Gremory Peerage sighed in relaxation and relief of the stress of today's escapades fade away.

Akeno moaned in delight. "This was such a good idea. We haven't done this in forever!" She claimed happily.

"I hope it melts away some of the fatigue of training at least." Admitted Rias. "You've all been working so hard." She claimed, suddenly hearing an explosion of black and purple fire erupt off in the distance in the forest, followed by loud grunts and roars with more and more magical powers being released, as well as some trees crashing down.

"Some more than others..." Worried Akeno as she looked on at the carnage her Junior was causing. "He's pushing himself so hard."

Rias looked down at the water, feeling a slight hint of guilt sting within her heart. "I wish he would learn how to take it easy."

"Yeah, same here. Poor thing."

As the King and Queen of the Peerage looked out towards the ongoing devastation, Asia glanced over to them and the loud noises from within the forest, only to look back down to her assets and sigh in defeat.

"Sad you're not on the Double D team?" Asked Koneko as she continued to clean herself.

"Yeah..." She admitted. "I guess a little." She laughed awkwardly.

From the other side of the bath, Issei stared at the wall intensely, breathing heavily and smiling perversely.

"Should I leave you two alone?" Asked Kiba. "You and that wall look like you need your privacy."

"Whatever!" Issei barked. "This is part of my training, you idiot!" He claimed, quickly going back to staring at the wall.

"They teaching you X-ray vision or something? I didn't know that was part of the routine."

Issei only growled, leaning closer to the wall, remembering what (Y/N) told him earlier in the day. "If that's what my power is, then so be it! It was given to me for a damn good reason!" He roared, increasing the intensity of his lustful stare.

As the pervert continued his 'so called' training, another roar and explosion erupted from the forest.

Kiba watched and began to ponder. "Hey Issei..."

"WHAT?!"

"Has (Y/N) always been like this?" He questioned, getting the perverted teen to calm down.

"...Yeah, he has." He said, walking away from the wall and taking a seat inside the water next to Kiba. "Like I said before, once he gets his mind on something, there's no way to talk him out of it. He'll keep pushing himself to the point where he'll break. Either through his goal or himself." Issei explained solemnly. "Honestly, the only way to get him to listen to reason is to beat 'em into submission, but even that's a death sentence in it of itself."

"I see. That's not exactly healthy." Kiba claimed.

"Even I know that. But he hasn't had anyone to tell him to set limits for himself."

"What do you mean?" The Knight questioned.

"...(Y/N) doesn't have any parents." The brunette stated, earning a surprised look from the blonde. "Ever since I've known him, he's always been alone. That's why me and my parents always check in with him from time to time; to make sure he's doing okay, 'cause he's never had any parental support. At least none I've ever heard of."

"What about Nurse Hasegawa?"

"I'm not really sure what their relationship is exactly. But, from what I can remember, she and him have known eachother since...an incident." Issei mumbled.

"What happened" Kiba asked.

"Sorry, but I don't think (Y/N) would like me talking about it." Denied Issei. "It's pretty personal."

"So is everything else you've said."

"It's gruesome and dark too."

"Oh..." Kiba fell silent, picking up on what Issei was trying to convey. "I see..."

"Listen, if you wanna learn more about the guy, then I'd recommend you ask him this stuff yourself." Issei claimed. "Now, if you don't mind..." He rushed back over to the wall and began staring intensely at it once again. "I must continue my training!" He roared once again.

"And...he's back." Kiba sweatdropped.