'The Nakiri clan won't like the fact that there's an Oni with the same name as them.' I thought to myself when I heard her name.
"Greetings to you as well, I'm Savion Astaroth" I introduced myself.
"What have you called me out for young devil?"
Didn't I just tell you my name? Oh whatever.
"When I heard that a wandering Yokai, who is currently not affiliated with any faction was taking up residence here, I just had to see and try if I could make him or her join mine." I said directly and truthfully.
It seems she's was a not expecting that answer considering the surprised look on her face.
"I've heard of devils having the method to turn other species into devils, is that what you want with me?" she asked in a curious tone.
I was sure she'll be a lot more agitated or even angry not curious.
"Indeed I do" I replied, then I decided to fully explain what evil pieces and peerage are, including rating games.
"That is very unique and interesting, so to make it short, you want me to pledge loyalty to you and serve you as a member of your peerage? That's quite forward of you" she commented, sounding somewhat amused and annoyed at the same time.
"I've heard it's sometimes better to be forward and honest when it concerns with the things you want"
"The question is little devil, are you strong enough to have someone like me under you? And even if you are, do you have the commanding ability to lead such a group to greatness?" she ask, this time completely serious.
"Why don't you join me and find out?"
I asked with a smile.
"Nice try" She replied giggling a little.
"At least I tried" I shrugged.
"How about this, why don't you prove to me that you are strong enough, I don't expect you beat me, you're still young after all, but if you manage to impress me, I'll think about it."
She may seem unassuming but I can tell she's strong, this will be fun.
"If I win?" I ask with a smile.
"If you do manage to win, all you have to do is have at least 2 more members, that will prove to me that you have the ability to lead, then I'll join" she said confidently.
"That's good and all, but what will you do if you're the one that disappoint?" I ask with a smile.
She just stared at me for a bit and just burst out laughing.
"Oh, I assure you, I won't disappoint" she grinned.
"We'll see" was all I said as I take position.
...
She slowly unsheath the swords on her back, one red, the other one black. They were honestly quite beautiful.
"Ready or not here I come" was all she said as she jump and slashed down.
I was able to sidestep and manage to get a hold of her and threw her hard towards the trees.
*Crack*Thud*
I wasn't giving her any chance to recover as I immediately blasted a water dragon towards her but she was able to stand her ground and block it with her swords.
"I admit, I underestimated you." she said and immediately lunged towards me with even greater speed.
"You're quite fast for someone quite young" she commented as I continue to dodge and throw out attacks of my own, I have absolutely no time to have a conversation.
I flew back and immediately tried trapping her in a water sphere, but she was able to spin her way out as she continued her assult.
'She's a lot stronger than she looks' I thought as I had to block one of her attack mid air causing me crash down among the trees.
She'll be a perfect rook, she's already so fast so she won't be suffering the usual speed weakness most rooks have.
"Come on use those weapons of yours" she said wiping away sweat from her forehead, panting a little.
'Good, it's working' I thought.
"Hmm, well you ask for it, don't be disappointed if the fight ended a little too soon." I said as took Bonnie out and immediately shoot a beam towards her.
She was able to block it but was pushed back a little and I can tell she was surprised by the power.
"So you're able to block one, let's see how you deal with 500 of those" I said as I use the move I simply called 'Barrage.'
Her eyes widen in surprised and she did something I did not expect, a wall of white flames suddenly erupted in front of her which manage to block most of them.
"It's been a while since I've seen my own blood" she commented panting heavily as she looks at her arms and legs, and as she wiped her sweat from her face and she suddenly look at me in surprised.
"I don't know how but you're increasing the heat around here aren't you?"
I did not expect her to notice it so soon.
"Also, just how much are you holding back?" she asked.
"I can ask you the same question?" I replied back
She just smiled "We're not fighting to the death" was her reply. "But I suggest we get serious a bit" she continued
I nodded in agreement as hundreds of water spears formed behind me as I pulled out Clyde. She's physically stronger but that's all the advantage she has over me. I can overwhelm her.
She also got on a stance as her red sword start to glow molten red.
...
Sizzling sounds could be heard all around us as water meets super heated sword.
'She still haven't use that black sword except for blocking, I need to be careful as I don't know what it does' I thought as I continue firing at her.
Muddy ground and scorching trees surrounds us as we continue our fight.
At this point we're both pretty banged up, with me having cut and burn wounds around my arms, chest and legs.
She's just filled with burn wounds and small cut wounds all over her arms and legs as well. She's also wet, which is ultimately somewhat distracting.
We've been at it for at least two hours now, and during that time I decided to completely switch tactics and decided to lower the temperature which is now around -110°c and with her being all wet and sweaty making her even more cold, she going to drop soon.
"Shit" I cursed out loud as I held up Bonnie and Clyde to block one of her strike but this time she attacked with the black swords.
"Huh?"
I immediately cast my water dragon spell along with a lightning spell, shocking her and I was able to gain some distance
"That other swords of yours, it isn't made to cut" I commented as I look at the two guns in my hands that are currently heavier than before.
She just smirked.
'I can't let her hit me again, it's time to end it.' I thought as I quickly flew up and use barrage making her block. I immediately use that chance to summon enough water around for her and since she was too tired as hypothermia was setting in and was unable to move away fast enough and I was freeze her inplace.
And with Bonnie firmly aimed at her head I manage to scrape a win.
...
"I do not want to be up against you in a fight to the death." she commented shivering a little as I melt off the ice and remove the waters from her clothes to prevent further increase in hypothermia.
"There were a few times you have the chance to instantly killed me, if you weren't holding back." she continued.
"And you hardly use those unique flames of yours, as well as the black sword" I commented as I pointed toward the sword.
"It would have ended too soon if I were to immobilize you"
"So, the red one burns and the black one increases the weight of those that it struck.
She nodded "These two are special, they are made from a special metal and the horns of my ancestors, and it is how they got their abilities" she informed me.
"Shōdo sakusen" she said holding the red sword "Sekai no omomi" she continued as she hold up the black sword.
'Scorching earth and weight of the world' Badass name I thought.
"So, did I impress you enough" I asked with a smirk.
She looked at me and nodded her head with a small smile on her face.
"Indeed you have,I will join you Astaroth-san" she said holding out her hand.
"Thank you" was all I said as I shook her hand
"But remember the deal" she remind me.
'Don't worry I will, you are way too good to pass up on' I thought as I nodded in agreement.
"Which piece will you use on me?" she asked curiously.
"I was considering the rook piece, considering just how fast you are, you'll be able to fully utilize the increase in strength without the weakness that most rooks have, which is the lack of speed."
"That's perfect, I'm completely fine with it" she answered. "Then all I have to do is get stronger while I await your return" she continued.
"No, come with me, I'm currently staying in the Nurarihyon clan mansion for training, I'm sure they wouldn't mind, right old man?"
"Huh? what do mea--"
"Sure why not, we need to get both of you healed up anyway" said Nurarihyon as he appeared right behind me. "I'm surprised you were able to sense that I was there."
"I'm quite surprised myself, I guess the adrenaline haven't passed" I commented. Plus, this isn't home, where I can let my guard down completely.
"Are you sure?" Nakiri-san asked the old man.
"Yea I'm sure, you could join in on his training as well, I can tell how close you are to unlocking Touki" he commented.
She seems to ponder for a moment and she answers in agreement and we went our way to the mansion.
I just got myself not only a future peerage member but a training partner as well.
Nice.
.
.
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The first member is now semi-acquired. They will now be training in attaining Touki together.
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The fight scenes sucks, I just hope I get better at it.
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No chapter will be out tomorrow since it's a sunday.