Chapter 13: The Family Grows!

[Rias Side]

Rias and Akeno were in a forest near the church, tasked with capturing or eliminating the fallen angels outside. They'd just finished.

"Rias, the surrendering fallen angels are bound and sent to the Underworld's authorities," Akeno reported.

"Good work, Akeno. Let's back up Yuuto and the others. I'm worried about Issei he can't use his Sacred Gear," Rias said.

"Indeed," Akeno agreed.

Rias felt responsible for Issei's forced demonization, which damaged his gear despite Lord Beelzebub's adjustments. Using eight Pawn pieces and still failing showed his immense potential—likely surpassing her. But without his gear, how much could he do?

Uneasy, Rias prepared to teleport to the church when—

BOOM!

A collapse echoed from the church's direction. They sensed a dense aura.

"This aura…" Rias began.

"…Issei-kun's," Akeno finished.

Despite no Sacred Gear, his power exceeded a High-Class demon's. This fight might reveal his true strength, with Yuuto and Koneko's support. But…

"I misjudged him," Rias murmured. "He's…"

"President?" Akeno prompted.

"Let's go. Though, it'll likely be over by the time we arrive."

Issei, who are you?

[Rias Side Out]

Issei and Donasik fought briefly in the church's chapel after leaving the basement. Now, part of the church wall lay collapsed, Donasik buried in rubble.

"Guh!" Donasik coughed blood, kneeling.

"Done already?" Issei asked.

"Don't mock me, brat!" Donasik hurled a light spear.

Issei caught it, throwing it back faster. Donasik barely dodged, stunned. "How can a demon touch light!?"

"Coated my hand with ki. Not direct contact, so it's fine. Stings a bit, though," Issei explained.

Light was poison to demons, especially low-magic ones like Issei, who had minimal demonic power. Direct contact would burn him, per Rias's warning. So, he used Rengoku Keikikou to shield himself with ki.

"Doesn't matter," Issei said, stepping forward. "You hurt Asia and Rayna. You'll pay for their tears."

"Mere demon!" Donasik flew up, conjuring multiple light spears and launching them.

"They won't work!" Issei swung his arm, releasing a shockwave that deflected the spears, causing explosions. He zipped behind Donasik, grabbed his head, and slammed him into the floor, scattering blood and feathers.

"That's for Rayna's tears," Issei said.

Donasik staggered up, bloodied. "Tough bastard," Issei noted.

Roaring, Donasik formed a massive light spear, three times his size, and charged with full force.

"What!?" Donasik gasped as Issei caught the spear's tip, stopping him effortlessly.

A rookie demon halting his all-out attack? Donasik's eyes darted between Issei and the spear.

Issei crushed the spear and delivered a body blow. Bones and organs crunched. Donasik vomited blood.

"That's for Asia," Issei said. "We're done."

He sent Donasik crashing through the church's glass, collapsing against a tree, unconscious.

[Kiba Side]

After defeating the stray priests and fallen angels, Kiba, Koneko, and Miu rescued Asia and Raynare. Saving a fallen angel was unprecedented, but Miu and Asia's pleas convinced them. They went to aid Issei, but…

He didn't need help. Issei overwhelmed a powerful fallen angel, unscathed.

"Beyond expectations," Rias said, arriving.

"President, you're done?" Kiba asked.

"Yes. You and Koneko are safe good. Miu, why are you here?"

"I begged big brother to bring me. I wanted to save my friends," Miu said.

"Details later. You're unhurt?" Rias asked.

"Yes," Miu replied.

Miu was impressive, capturing fallen angels without a scratch.

"President, some are bound. Can you handle them?" Kiba asked.

"Got it. Akeno, send them to the Underworld," Rias ordered.

Akeno left to comply.

"Issei-kun's incredible," Kiba said. "No Sacred Gear, yet…"

"Exactly," Rias said. "He's surpassing High-Class demons without it."

Issei, who are you?

"Let's join him," Rias said. They headed to Issei.

[Kiba Side Out]

Issei returned with the unconscious, near-dead Donasik. He'd held back to leave the final call to Rias.

As he moved to join Kiba and the others, Asia ran up. "Issei-san!"

"You okay, Asia?" he asked.

"Yes! Everyone protected me!" she said.

"Rayna's fine too, huh?" Issei noted.

"Yeah, thanks to them," Rayna said.

Her wounds were gone, likely healed by Asia. Rias appeared.

"Good work, Issei," she said.

"Sorry for acting alone," he replied.

"It's fine. You're safe. He's the mastermind?" Rias eyed Donasik.

"Yeah. Barely alive. I'll leave his fate to you," Issei said.

"He'll go to the Underworld authorities," Rias decided. "Killing him here, in front of a former subordinate, feels wrong." She glanced at Rayna.

"President, about Rayna…" Issei began.

"I know. Miu and Asia explained. I'll question her, then release her. Normally, we wouldn't, but…" Rias considered their feelings.

She addressed Rayna. "Raynare, right? You'll stay with us a bit longer. Okay?"

"Y-Yes," Rayna stammered.

"As for the nun, we'll protect her. Sorry, but we can't leave her after this," Rias told Asia.

"N-No, thank you!" Asia bowed.

Rias chuckled. "Relax, both of you. I judge people fairly, despite the demon-fallen angel divide."

"Y-Yes!" they replied.

Donasik, healed by Asia, was sent to the Underworld for judgment. Rayna returned to the fallen angels' territory to report to Azazel, despite Issei's suggestion to stay. They exchanged contacts, though cross-faction communication was risky.

Asia was taken in by Rias and would stay at her house tonight. Issei covered for Miu, claiming her late father was a mage. The club didn't pry, to his relief.

The incident was resolved.

The Next Morning

Issei chatted with Matsuda and Motohama, waiting for class. The teacher, Sakata, entered.

"Settle down! Motohama, hide that dirty magazine!"

"Yes, sir," Motohama said.

"Attendance time. Answer loudly," Sakata said.

A student raised a hand. "Sakata-sensei."

"What, Shimura?"

"That's a Jump magazine, not the attendance book."

"Whoops, my bad," Sakata said.

Wrong size, dude!

Their teacher was absurdly unprofessional. After attendance, he announced, "We've got a transfer student. Come in!"

The class buzzed. A girl, please! A cute one!

The door opened. Issei gaped. "Huh?"

It was Asia long blonde hair, green eyes. They'd just met yesterday!

"Liar! Why's she here!?" Issei thought.

"Introduce yourself," Sakata said.

"I'm Asia Argento! I'm new to Japan but want to get along with everyone. Nice to meet you!" she said.

"YEAH!" the boys cheered. Asia's cuteness had them hyped.

Then, Asia dropped a bomb. "Also, I'm homestaying at Issei-san's house. Please take care of me, Issei-san!"

"WHAT!?" the class roared.

Nobody told me! Issei glanced at Miu, who mouthed "Sorry" with clasped hands. She knew!? Did Mom and Dad approve? Not that I mind!

"Uh, yeah! Nice to have you, Asia!" Issei managed.

The boys chased him during break, as expected.

After School

In the clubroom with Miu and Asia, Issei learned Rias had contacted Miu about Asia's homestay last night. Rias tried calling him, but he was asleep. Miu forgot to tell him. His parents, informed of Asia's situation, welcomed her.

"Sorry, big brother," Miu said.

"No big deal. My fault too. Asia's stay is a great surprise," Issei said, patting her head.

Then, a question. "Asia, are you… a demon now?" Her aura felt demonic all morning.

"You noticed?" she said.

"Why'd you turn her, President?" Issei asked, doubting Rias acted selfishly.

Asia answered. "I asked her to."

"You did?" Issei said.

"Yes. I wanted to stay with you, Issei-san. Rias-san offered other paths, but I chose this to be with you."

Issei blushed. Bold move, Asia! I'm flattered!

Miu puffed her cheeks. "Big brother…"

Jealous? You're still my only sister! He patted her head to cheer her up.

"That's the deal," Rias said. "Issei, Miu, take care of Asia. Her stuff arrives at your house tomorrow. I'll visit to greet your parents."

"Got it, President," Issei said.

"Okay. Asia-san, let's get along!" Miu added.

"Yes, please!" Asia replied.

Akeno brought a cake. "Time for Asia's welcome party. Just my homemade cake, though…" Rias blushed.

Blushing Rias is cute! Homemade cake? Thrilling!

Asia joined as Rias's Bishop, becoming not just a teammate but family. Issei's parents and Miu were thrilled, as was he.

Asia's arrival gave Issei another reason to protect. It's tough, but having something to protect is happiness.