Kuroka couldn't simply say that she was worried about her sister's safety, could she? That if Koneko remained at the center of attention for all the supernatural factions, her life would be in constant danger?
That wouldn't work. Not for a wild cat like her.
Ever since the phantoms of Takeyo's Ten Incarnations of Vishnu had manifested across this country, drawing the eyes of every major power, Kuroka had wanted to take her sister away from the brewing storm. Last time, that tricky man had interfered with her plans. This time, there would be no such obstacles.
"I don't want to go with you, Onee-sama," Koneko said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
She wanted to stay with Rias. Unlike Kuroka, who embodied the wild independence of a stray cat, Koneko was undeniably a house cat through and through, content and loyal to her chosen home.
"Nya~? This isn't something you get to decide, Shirone," Kuroka said, showing a hint of fang in her smile.
She could sense her sister's unwillingness clearly. In fact, Koneko's attitude seemed even more resolute than during their last encounter. Was it because of being saved by that man? Had he really made such an impression on her precious little sister?
Koneko remained silent, lowering her eyes slightly as her thoughts turned inward. She didn't even notice the voice that had begun echoing in her mind.
"Of course, if she wants to abduct you, you only need to call me in your heart. As long as you call me from the bottom of your heart, I will definitely respond to your call and come."
Takeyo-senpai's voice resonated through her consciousness, warm and reassuring. His words from before continued to replay in Koneko's thoughts like a protective mantra.
"Ah, Shirone? Have you decided to accept your fate?" Kuroka asked, tilting her head with a slightly confused expression.
In her understanding, shouldn't Koneko be putting up at least some token resistance right now? This unexpected acquiescence was unusual.
However, just as Kuroka spoke those words, a man's voice suddenly emanated from elsewhere in the room. A voice that Kuroka had initially found unfamiliar, but now knew all too intimately well. The voice of that troublesome young man.
"Don't worry. Even if Koneko agrees, I'll drag her back from you," Takeyo said calmly, his tone carrying absolute certainty.
"Senpai?! When did you wake up?" Koneko asked, her eyes widening with surprise and relief.
"I felt you calling me, so I woke up," Takeyo replied with a gentle smile.
Though the actual situation was slightly more complicated. He'd just recovered from Yuuma's enthusiastic ministrations when he'd sensed Koneko's distress call through the power of his Fourth Incarnation.
Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu and the God of Maintenance. The Fourth Incarnation possessed the divine ability to hear the calls of believers and appear before them in their time of need. This power bore certain similarities to the wind manipulation abilities of Verethragna, the Persian War God. The connection wasn't coincidental, as the Persian deity and Vishnu shared certain mythological origins.
"Senpai..." Koneko whispered, her nose tingling with emotion as tears threatened to spill.
He really came. Just as Senpai had promised, he'd truly sensed her call and arrived to protect her. However, a sudden realization struck Koneko at that moment. If Senpai could hear her desperate calls, did that mean he could also sense her whenever she thought about him in general?
The implications of that possibility caused her face to flush with embarrassment as various memories came rushing back.
"Shirone?! You've really gotten involved with this man?!" Kuroka exclaimed, her fur practically bristling.
After witnessing her younger sister's shy reaction, Kuroka's temper flared. Did Koneko understand how young she still was? Finding a boyfriend at her age? Wasn't she worried about the possibility of pregnancy? That would be disastrous!
Kuroka's thought process was relatively straightforward in this regard. In her mind, if someone liked another person, they would naturally want to have children with that person. It was the natural order of things for nekoshou like them.
"If Koneko agrees, I would certainly be willing," Takeyo said from his position beside the white-haired nekoshou, reaching out to gently stroke her hair.
Just as Koneko displayed an increasingly flustered expression and Kuroka looked ready to explode, Takeyo heard the familiar chime of his system.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the host for signing in! Sign-in level: Silver!]
[Sign-in location: Kuroka's bell.]
[Sign-in time limit: 1 day.]
[Remaining time: One day.]
"Let Shirone go, nya!" Kuroka hissed, deeply upset about the fact that her precious sister might have been claimed by this man.
"That's not your decision to make," Takeyo replied coolly, continuing to pat Koneko's head. "By the way, call Vali over here. I need to have him come meet someone."
His tone suggested that if Kuroka was upset, she was welcome to try fighting him. Though she might very well end up being captured and turned into a prisoner herself if she attempted it.
"Vali?! You actually know about Vali's existence?" Kuroka exclaimed in surprise.
When had Vali been exposed? Their group had never mentioned Vali before around this man, had they?
"Yes, I know about him. And I have someone I'd like to introduce him to. A little companion of sorts," Takeyo said with an amused smile.
"Vali's little companion? Big brother, you're not talking about yourself, are you? Someone else?" Le Fay asked with genuine interest from her position nearby.
"That's correct," Takeyo confirmed.
His demeanor when facing Kuroka now was far more confident than during their previous encounter. Strength truly did breed confidence. With his power having risen to such heights, he no longer needed to maintain excessive caution around her.
"Hmph! Why should I take you to see Vali?!" Kuroka protested indignantly.
She attempted to activate her youjutsu technique, but discovered that her spell construct dissipated the moment she began forming it.
This young man was truly terrifying. During their last encounter, he'd needed to wave his hand to interrupt her techniques. This time, her jutsu simply dissolved under his gaze alone. The growth in his power was staggering.
"I think Vali will come to see me quite enthusiastically once he learns this news. It's one of the pieces of information he desires most," Takeyo said with certainty.
In an instant, he teleported directly to Kuroka's side using his spatial manipulation abilities. Before she could react, his hand shot out and grasped her cat tail firmly.
"Nya?! Nyaa~!" Kuroka couldn't help but cry out, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
Her strength drained away by more than half as her legs nearly gave out beneath her. This was one of the most sensitive spots for a nekoshou.
Why would he grab someone's tail?! The answer was simple. Kuroka's bell, the sign-in location, hung from that very tail.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the host for completing the location registration! Sign-in level: Silver!]
[Sign-in location: Kuroka's bell.]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the reward: Magic Feature, Absolute Defense!]
[Magic Feature, Absolute Defense: Belongs to the magical attributes of Demon King Falbium Asmodeus. This ability enhances the defensive characteristics of the user's magical power to the extreme! It ranks among the supreme magical characteristics alongside the Destruction Magic of Demon King Sirzechs and the Sea Serpent Characteristics inherited from the descendants of Demon King Leviathan.]
[Simply possessing this characteristic grants the possibility of becoming a transcendent being! Demon King Sirzechs became a transcendent through his destructive magical power that surpassed all limits, obtaining supreme attack power even among transcendent beings.]
[Ding!]
[Fusion beginning!]
The fusion process occurred rapidly.
[Fusion complete!]
In a brief span of time, Takeyo's spiritual power characteristics underwent earth-shaking changes. The Absolute Defense trait would allow him to receive unimaginable bonuses when using defensive techniques. His resistance to magical attacks would be dramatically enhanced, and his physical constitution would be further strengthened.
"Nya?! When are you going to let go?!" Kuroka yelled indignantly under Koneko's delicate and somewhat judgmental gaze.
Koneko understood what her sister was trying to convey. Her expression clearly communicated: I'll bite you if you don't release me immediately!
"When Vali arrives," Takeyo replied with an easygoing smile.
The little wild cat was brimming with untamed energy. However, before Kuroka could formulate a response, Takeyo added with calm confidence, "By the way, don't think close-quarters combat will give you any advantage. I have absolute certainty in melee range."
"Nya?!" Kuroka's eyes widened.
Under her shocked gaze, a platinum jewel materialized on Takeyo's chest, covered with an azure exterior shell that pulsed with draconic power.
[Sacred Heart of the World Dragon: Forbidden Hand!]
[Kurma Dragon Balance Breaker!]
Radiant platinum and azure light erupted outward as the young man still holding Kuroka's tail became enveloped in magnificent armor. The divine protection of the World Dragon covered his entire form.
Takeyo wasn't concerned about using the World Dragon's power exposing his identity. He was currently utilizing Ophis's template, which meant the aura he displayed was a fusion of the World Dragon's might and Ophis's infinite power. To most observers, it would simply register as a strange, powerful dragon breath rather than anything specifically identifiable.
"The aura of a dragon. A divine weapon housing dragon power that I've never encountered before," Kuroka murmured, genuine surprise coloring her voice.
She truly hadn't expected this. His draconic presence could be compared favorably to Vali's own overwhelming power.
"Okay, okay, big brother. Can you please let go of Kuroka-nee? I've already contacted Vali for you," Le Fay interjected with a helpless sigh.
There was no need to be so aggressive when they didn't have a life-and-death grudge, was there?
"Sister Le Fay is quite reasonable. She's far more obedient than this black cat," Takeyo commented, giving Kuroka's tail another playful tug to emphasize his point. The texture and feel were genuinely pleasant.
"Ah! Nyaa?! Didn't you say you'd contact Vali?! Why are you still pulling my tail?!" Kuroka protested with bared fangs.
"Because your tail feels very comfortable," Takeyo replied matter-of-factly, completely ignoring the strange look Koneko was directing at him.
It felt good, so touching it more was perfectly reasonable, wasn't it?
"Nyaa~!" Kuroka's indignant cry was cut short.
A blue magic circle suddenly spread across the floor of the room, crackling with spatial energy. From within its glow, a silver-haired young man stepped through, his hands casually tucked into his trouser pockets as his sharp eyes immediately fixed on Takeyo with keen interest.
Following close behind him was a blond man whose hand rested alertly on the scabbard at his waist.
"So, I'm here. What did you want to tell me?" Vali asked, his voice carrying a barely suppressed excitement for battle.
Seeing Vali's arrival, Takeyo reluctantly released Kuroka's tail. He then produced a small toy from his pocket with a mischievous grin.
The legendary cat teaser. Extraordinarily lethal to all beings with feline attributes.
"Go play with this. I have business to discuss with Vali," Takeyo said casually, tossing the toy in Kuroka's direction.
"Huh?!" Kuroka wanted to protest.
However, she found her attention completely captured by the dangling toy in Takeyo's hand. When he threw it across the room, she pounced forward as though her cat instincts had completely taken over her rational mind.
Another figure shared the exact same reaction. The two sisters collided mid-air as they both lunged for the cat toy simultaneously.
"Onee-sama?" "Shirone?"
Both nekoshou stared at each other in mutual surprise, neither having noticed that her sister was also chasing after the toy until the moment of impact.
"Oh my..." Le Fay watched the two sisters with barely concealed amusement.
What exactly was the charm of that toy? Could it really make them both pounce on it without hesitation like that?
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Takeyo turned his full attention to the newly arrived Vali. There was no need for unnecessary small talk.
"You said you wanted me to meet someone? It shouldn't be you, should it?" Vali's eyes blazed with fighting spirit as he assessed the armored figure before him.
He desperately wanted to gauge the strength of the person standing in front of him. Judging from the aura alone, this was definitely no weakling. An urge to immediately begin combat was rising within him.
"Of course not. You'll know very soon," Takeyo replied with an enigmatic smile.
He activated the ability of his God's Chess Pieces: Familia Transfer. Under the King's command, all members of his peerage could be instantly summoned to his side regardless of distance.
"Huh? Eh? What?!" A confused male voice rang out.
"Boom!"
After a brilliant flash of golden light filled the room, Issei Hyoudou fell from thin air with a pained yelp.
"Boss?! Boss, if you're going to summon me, at least give me some warning first! Ow!" Issei complained while rubbing his head where it had struck the floor.
He felt as though his skull had been twisted like a screw cap.
"PARTNER!" A deep draconic voice suddenly roared.
In the next instant, everything changed. Green and blue radiance erupted from both Issei and Vali respectively. The Boosted Gear materialized on Issei's left arm while the Divine Dividing manifested as luminous wings on Vali's back.
The Red Dragon Emperor and the White Dragon Emperor had sensed each other's presence. The eternal rivals were finally meeting face to face.
"It's been a long time, Ddraig," a refined voice spoke from Vali's Sacred Gear.
"Ah, Albion. We meet again," Ddraig responded with equal gravity.
Upon hearing the words of the Two Heavenly Dragons, Vali immediately locked his battle-hungry gaze onto Issei. His entire being radiated killing intent and excitement.
Takeyo, for his part, remained unconcerned with the rising tension. After all, what could possibly attract his attention better than watching these two rivals finally confront each other?
"Issei, this is your fated enemy. The current White Dragon Emperor, Vali," Takeyo introduced them with an amused tone.
He'd noticed the way Issei was staring at Vali with a peculiar intensity. Unlike Vali's straightforward battle lust, Issei's gaze carried a different kind of fervor. Takeyo could guess what thoughts were running through his pawn's mind, though he suspected Vali hadn't picked up on the true nature of that stare yet. If he had, his excited expression might have transformed into something quite different.
Vali clearly believed Issei shared his enthusiasm for their destined confrontation.
"This is my fated rival, Vali..." Issei repeated slowly, his eyes still fixed on the silver-haired young man.
His gaze then shifted to Takeyo's magnificent armored form.
"Oh man, Boss! Your armor looks so incredibly cool!" Issei exclaimed with genuine admiration.
Issei hadn't yet reached the Balance Breaker stage himself, so he remained unaware that he too possessed a Red Dragon Emperor armor waiting to be unlocked.
"If that's the case, you can achieve this as well. After you and the White Dragon Emperor both reach your Balance Breaker forms, you'll have similar appearances," Takeyo explained.
"Really?! Hey, Vali, would you mind demonstrating for my rival here?" Takeyo asked, turning to the battle-crazed White Dragon Emperor.
Vali's eyes gleamed with anticipation and challenge. Whether dealing with battle maniacs like Vali or perverts like Issei, Takeyo found both types somewhat intimidating in their intensity. Still, he supposed it was fitting to let someone like Issei, who had his own unique obsessions, deal with a combat fanatic like Vali.
At this moment in time, Vali remained blissfully unaware of just how terrifying Issei's particular brand of persistence could become when properly motivated.
All Vali knew was that he wanted to fight. Right now.
Terrifying spiritual power erupted from his body, causing the very air to distort.
[Vanishing Dragon Balance Breaker!] Albion's voice rang out, activated through the sacred mechanism established by the God of the Bible.
[Forbidden Hand: Divine Dividing Scale Mail!]
Vali's body became encased in brilliant blue gems and gleaming silver-white armor that covered him from head to toe.
"Gulp..." Issei swallowed hard.
Feeling the overwhelming fighting spirit radiating from the White Dragon Emperor's armored form, Issei's throat went dry. However, he immediately overcame his initial fear through the sheer force of his powerful desires and obsessions. His determination burned bright despite the intimidating display before him.
"I didn't expect to encounter you so soon," Ddraig sighed heavily from within the Boosted Gear.
He'd originally planned to spend at least a month attempting to help Issei reach the Balance Breaker state. He hadn't anticipated being forcibly summoned by Takeyo for this confrontation before adequate preparation could be made.
There was a hint of resentment in Ddraig's tone, directed squarely at Takeyo. Troublemaker! I'm not ready yet! Why are you rushing things?!
After finally encountering a host with suitable talent, Ddraig certainly hadn't expected that the powerful ally he'd thought he could rely on would essentially sell him out like this.
"Issei, you can achieve the same form we're wearing. All you need is a strong enough obsession in your heart. The Sacred Gear will respond to your thoughts and desires," Takeyo said, positioning himself between Issei and Vali before the latter could attack.
If he didn't intervene, Vali would almost certainly strike immediately.
"Huh?! I can reach that level too?" Issei pointed at himself in disbelief.
His mind raced. It made sense, didn't it? If Albion, who was Ddraig's eternal rival, could manifest such incredible weaponry, then Ddraig should possess something equivalent. He just hadn't reached that stage yet.
"You can definitely reach it! As long as you want it badly enough!" Takeyo declared with absolute conviction.
Issei Hyoudou was genuinely powerful. Truly, genuinely powerful. His strength lay in his inner obsessions and the countless possibilities that could bloom from his determination. In the later timeline, he would even merge with his mount dragon, forming the Apocalypse Answer Arms known as AxA, which possessed the theoretical potential to destroy stars. He shared the same fundamental nature as the being called DxD, the Red Dragon God Emperor.
Of course, even if Issei eventually became the Red Dragon God Emperor, Takeyo could still slap him down with ease if he wanted to. That much was certain.
"Vali, I have a question for you," Takeyo said, turning his attention to the silver-haired Dragon Emperor.
After successfully establishing Issei's goal, it was time to set up the stakes for this confrontation.
"What is it?" Vali asked slowly, his entire body practically vibrating with suppressed excitement.
"If Issei manages to defeat you, will you listen to him?" Takeyo asked with a knowing smile.
"Can he actually beat me?" Vali responded, though his tone carried genuine anticipation.
He was certainly looking forward to discovering what combat capabilities the Red Dragon Emperor possessed. However, he didn't believe for a moment that this intermediate-class devil could actually defeat him. When Issei had been summoned, Vali had immediately assessed his opponent's power level and found it wanting.
"Let's not discuss whether he can beat you or not. What I'm asking is: if he does manage to defeat you, would he have the right to give you orders?" Takeyo pressed.
"The victor has the right to dispose of the loser. That's a natural principle," Vali stated matter-of-factly.
Meanwhile, Albion, the White Dragon dwelling within him, experienced a profoundly ominous premonition.
"Did you hear that, Issei? The winner gets to decide what happens to the loser," Takeyo said, turning to his pawn with meaningful emphasis.
"Yes! Boss, I understand!" Issei replied excitedly, his eyes now blazing with newfound determination.