While Izayoi Jin, led by curiosity and a strange confluence of circumstances, stepped onto the fiery lands of the Phoenix clan, life in Kuoh Town and beyond did not stand still. The world, having just caught its breath after tournament battles and behind-the-scenes intrigues, continued to turn, weaving new threads of fate and preparing the ground for future events.
Part 1: Asia Argento's New Path
An unusual, solemn silence reigned in the old Occult Research Club building. Sunbeams, piercing through the tall windows, illuminated the center of the room where Asia Argento stood on the soft carpet. She was pale, her green eyes wide and her hands trembling slightly, but her gaze held not only nervousness, but firm resolve.
Rias Gremory stood before her. In her hands rested a small velvet box, open, inside of which, on a silk cushion, lay a single piece—a Bishop (♝). It looked exquisite, carved from a dark, almost black material, and pulsed faintly with demonic energy.
Nearby stood the other club members: Issei, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko. They watched silently, their faces expressing support and mild excitement.
"Asia," Rias's voice was soft but firm. "Are you sure about your decision? There will be no turning back. By becoming a demon, you will forever bind your fate to us, to the Underworld. Your former faith... it may come into conflict with your new nature."
Asia took a deep breath, her gaze flitting for a moment to Issei, who smiled encouragingly, and then settling back on Rias.
"I... I am sure, Rias-san," she whispered, her voice trembling, but not from fear, rather from emotion. "I have thought a lot after everything that happened... after the Church renounced me, after the fallen attacks... You, Issei-san, all of you... you have become my family. You protected me, accepted me as I am, even with my power that others considered sinful. I want to be with you. I want to be useful. I want to be able to protect those dear to me. If I need to become a demon for that... I am ready. My faith in God... it will remain in my heart, but my path now lies with you."
Her voice rang with a sincerity that touched everyone present. Rias smiled warmly.
"Very well, Asia. Your resolve is worthy of respect. You have already proven your kindness and loyalty. We will be glad to accept you not just as someone we saved, but as a full-fledged member of our Gremory family."
She took the Bishop piece from the box.
"This piece is a symbol of your new life. The Bishop in our system represents magical potential, support, healing. Your gift, Twilight Healing, fits this role perfectly. Accept it. And know that from now on, you are Asia Argento, Bishop of Rias Gremory."
The piece in Rias's hand glowed brighter. She slowly brought it to Asia's chest. At the moment of contact, the girl's body was enveloped in a soft crimson-black glow. Asia shuddered, her eyes closed for a moment, then flew open again. The former uncertainty was gone. There was power. New, demonic, mixed with her innate holy aura.
"I... I feel it..." she whispered, looking at her hands.
"Congratulations, Asia-chan!" Issei was the first to exclaim, running up to her. "Now you're officially one of us! That's so cool!"
Akeno followed, her smile warm and sincere. "Ara-ara, welcome to the family, Asia-chan. Now you are our precious healer."
Kiba and Koneko also approached, expressing their approval with nods and restrained smiles. Koneko even offered Asia a piece of chocolate: "Here. You earned it."
Asia burst into tears, but this time they were tears of joy and relief. She hugged Issei, then Akeno, murmuring, "Thank you... thank you all..."
Rias watched the scene with a satisfied smile. Her family had grown larger. And stronger.
"Well then, since Asia is now a full member of the team," she said, once the initial emotions had settled, "it's time to think about the next step. Familiars."
Issei immediately perked up. "Familiars! Right! I've wanted a cool familiar for ages! Maybe a little dragon? Or a phoenix?"
"Don't rush, Issei," Akeno chuckled. "A familiar chooses the master. Or the master must earn it. We will travel to the Forest of Familiars in the Underworld in a few days. We need to prepare. Find out what creatures live there, what abilities they have, what is needed to tame them."
"Especially you, Asia," Kiba added, addressing her. "Your healing power might attract a specific type of familiar. Perhaps something connected to nature or light."
"I... I'll read about it," Asia nodded, wiping her tears. The new goal gave her strength.
"Excellent," Rias concluded. "Then we will dedicate the next few days to preparing for the familiar hunt. We'll study the bestiary, prepare equipment. This will be our first big joint adventure after the recent events."
The team enthusiastically began discussing the upcoming outing. Asia, though a little nervous at the thought of the Underworld, felt like part of something important, something necessary. Her new path was beginning.
Part 2: Evening Reflections of the King and Queen
That evening, after Issei and Asia had gone home, and Kiba and Koneko had left on patrol, only Rias and Akeno remained in the clubroom. The soft light of the fireplace cast warm reflections on their faces. Akeno poured fragrant tea, her movements fluid and graceful, but her eyes were thoughtful.
Rias sat in her favorite armchair, staring into the fire. The cancellation of the wedding brought immense relief, but left behind a complex tangle of emotions. Freedom had been won, but the price was high—she owed her freedom to Izayoi Jin. The one who had burst into their world, broken all the rules, and effortlessly crushed the one who seemed invincible.
"It's finally over, Rias," Akeno said quietly, placing a cup in front of her friend. "So many years of worry. No more Riser, no more coercion."
"Yes, Akeno," Rias took the cup, her fingers trembling slightly. "I am free. But... at what cost? I still can't believe Jin intervened. And how he did it..."
She recalled the fight in the arena. Jin's cold, crushing might, his contempt for the Phoenix's "immortality," the ease with which he broke bones and ignored flames. It was simultaneously awe-inspiring and terrifying.
"Ara-ara, Izayoi-kun certainly delivered a surprise," Akeno smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. "His power... it's astounding. And so different from anything I've seen. Neither demonic nor holy... something else."
"Something else," Rias repeated. "He himself is something else. Detached, indifferent to everything except boredom and... power? I tried to understand him, tried to offer him a place in my peerage, but he rejected everything. And then... he just stepped in and saved me. Why?"
"Maybe he just didn't like Riser?" Akeno suggested with a slight smirk. "Riser really does know how to be annoying. Or," her voice grew quieter, "maybe there is something... more to him than just boredom and power? Maybe he's not as indifferent as he wants to seem?"
Rias pondered. She remembered his awkwardness at Issei's house, seen through the magical screens. His refusal to finish off Riser, even after Sirzechs's intervention. There were glimpses of something... human? Or was it just another game?
"I don't know, Akeno," she admitted. "He is a riddle. A dangerous riddle. My brother is clearly interested in him, giving him a house and providing resources. Sirzechs doesn't give gifts like that for nothing. He sees some potential in Jin. Or a threat."
"Likely both," Akeno nodded. "Such power cannot go unnoticed. And many will want to acquire it. Or control it. You wanted that too, didn't you, Rias?"
Rias didn't deny it. "Yes. I wanted to see his power under the Gremory banner. It would have been... an incredible advantage. But he made it clear he submits to no one. And after he saved me... I can no longer try to force him. I am in his debt."
"Debt is a dangerous feeling, Rias," Akeno noted, her gaze serious. "Especially toward a being like him. We don't know his true motives, his limits, and we don't even know for sure if he's human. Today he saved you, but tomorrow... who knows?"
"You're right," Rias sighed. "But what can we do? He is here. He is strong. And he is... close. We must learn to coexist. And, perhaps, understand him better."
"Understand?" Akeno smiled slyly, a familiar glint in her eyes. "Ara-ara, Rias, does our mysterious Izayoi-kun evoke not only gratitude and fear in you, but also... interest of another kind?"
Rias flushed, looking away. "Don't be ridiculous, Akeno! I... I'm just trying to figure out the situation! And... Issei..."
"Oh, Issei-kun, of course," Akeno laughed her soft, enveloping laugh. "But admit it, Jin-kun is on a completely different level. Power, mystery, danger... Isn't it intriguing?"
Rias didn't answer, only gripping her cup tighter. Her feelings were mixed. Relief at her freedom, gratitude to her savior, fear of his power, irritation at his independence, and... yes, perhaps Akeno was right. Curiosity. Strong, almost irresistible curiosity about this strange guy who had turned her world upside down.
"He's with the Phoenixes now," Rias changed the subject. "I hope he doesn't cause too much trouble there. And comes back in one piece."
"I think he's in no danger," Akeno shrugged. "Rather, it's the Phoenixes who should be worried. But yes, it will be interesting to see how his visit ends."
They fell silent, watching the fire. Two friends, King and Queen, bound by years of friendship and shared trials. They had been through much, but the appearance of Izayoi Jin was a new, unpredictable challenge for them. And how he would influence their future, their relationships, their world—remained anyone's guess.
Part 3: Student Council Strategies
A businesslike atmosphere reigned in the Kuoh Academy Student Council office. Sona Sitri, the president, sat at her desk, reviewing reports. Beside her stood her loyal vice-president, Tsubaki Shinra, with her ever-present folder. Other council members were also present—Saji Genshirou (Sona's Pawn), Tomoe Meguri (Knight), and others.
"So, to summarize," Sona began in her level, calm voice. "Open conflict was avoided, largely thanks to the intervention of... Izayoi Jin."
"The appearance of such power could not go unnoticed. Rumors of him have already reached the highest circles of the Underworld. And the fact that he remains independent makes him an extremely attractive target for many clans," Tsubaki noted, adjusting her glasses.
Sona nodded. "That is precisely what I wanted to discuss. Izayoi Jin. He is an anomaly. His power does not fit into any framework known to us. He is not a demon, not an angel, not fallen. He defeated Riser Phoenix playfully. He is capable of resisting magic and possesses monstrous physical might. At the same time, he does not seek power, does not seek patronage, rejects any attempts to recruit him. He is a 'free agent' of incredible power, located in our territory."
"And what are we going to do about it?" Saji asked, scratching the back of his head. "We can't just ignore him, can we?"
"Ignore—no," Sona replied. "That would be foolish. He could become our strongest ally, or our biggest problem if provoked or if he decides to act on his own without regard for the rules."
"Is the Sitri clan interested in establishing contact?" Tomoe clarified.
"My family has always valued stability and strong, but predictable, allies," Sona pursed her lips. "Jin is unpredictable. But his power... it could be a deciding factor in the future. So yes, the Sitri clan is interested. But we must act with extreme caution. A direct offer to join the peerage, as others have tried, he will reject. Offering him money or titles is pointless, considering Sirzechs Lucifer has already provided him with everything he needs."
"Then how?" Tsubaki asked.
"We need to find another approach," Sona tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the desk. "Not try to 'buy' or 'tame' him. But try to... engage him. Involve him in our activities. Not as a servant, but as... a partner? Or at least as a valuable independent ally whose interests align with ours—maintaining order."
"Offer him a spot on the Student Council?" Saji smirked. "I can just picture Jin sorting papers or checking uniforms!"
"Not literally," Sona allowed herself a slight smile. "But we could offer him... a special status. For example, 'Independent Security Consultant' to the Student Council. It imposes no direct obligations on him, but gives him an official position, access to our information, and the ability to coordinate with us in case of a threat. It will flatter his ego and show that we respect his independence but value his strength."
"Clever, Kaichou," Tsubaki nodded. "That might work. At least it's better than just waiting for someone else to poach him or for him to cause trouble on his own."
"And if he refuses?" Tomoe asked.
"Then we simply continue to observe and maintain a friendly neutrality," Sona answered. "The main thing is not to make him an enemy. But I think the offer of an official, yet non-binding status might interest him. It gives him legitimacy and access to resources without infringing on his freedom."
"Good plan," Saji agreed. "When are you going to offer it?"
"Not now," Sona shook her head. "Let things settle down a bit. Let him get used to his new house, deal with the visit to the Phoenixes. And then, at the right moment, I'll talk to him. Carefully, without pressure."
She looked at her subordinates.
"Our task is to ensure Izayoi Jin sees us not as just another set of manipulators, but as reliable partners who respect his power and freedom. That is the best way to keep him on our side. Or at least not against us."
The Student Council noted the plan. The game for influence over Kuoh Town's biggest anomaly continued, but the Sitri clan had decided to choose a subtler strategy.
Part 4: View from Grigori
Somewhere in the depths of the Underworld, in the sector allocated to the Fallen Angel organization Grigori, a unique atmosphere prevailed. Unlike the pompous palaces of demons or the shining halls of angels, Grigori headquarters looked more like a giant, chaotic laboratory combined with a military base. Corridors were cluttered with strange devices, the air smelled of ozone and chemical reagents, and dismantled mechanisms and piles of paper lay in the corners.
In one office, buried under reports, artifacts of dubious origin, and empty sake bottles, sat he. Azazel. Governor General of Grigori. A Fallen Angel with twelve black wings and a reputation as a genius scientist, an unrivaled pervert, and a most dangerous schemer.
He lounged in his chair, feet on the desk, scanning a report on a holographic display with obvious boredom. A young, pretty fallen angel researcher bustled nearby, trying to tidy up the desk.
"Azazel-sama, how long are you going to keep scattering these reports?" she sighed, gathering papers. "Shemhazai-sama will scold you again."
"Ah, Shemhazai is always grumbling," Azazel waved a hand, his gaze sliding over the researcher's figure with frank interest. "It would be better if you, Mika-chan, helped me relax after exhausting mental work. How about a little... experiment to study the aerodynamics of your wings in a horizontal position?"
The girl blushed and threw a folder at him. "Azazel-sama! Stop it! We have work!"
"Boring work," he sighed, dodging the folder. "Reports, analyses, Kokabiel up to something again... It's much more interesting to study Sacred Gears. Or charming creatures like you."
He winked at her, but then immediately grew serious, returning his gaze to the display.
"Speaking of Kokabiel. That idiot has completely lost his marbles. Not only did he try to start a war in Kuoh, he was playing some secret games of his own. I intercepted some of his encrypted dispatches. And you know what I found?"
The researcher, still annoyed but intrigued, came closer. "What, Azazel-sama? His plans to destroy the world again?"
"Worse," Azazel brought up several lines of incomprehensible code and a couple of blurry images on the screen. "It seems he got interested in young boys, or stumbled onto something... or someone... very strange in that Kuoh place."
He magnified a part of the text.
"Look. 'Unidentified subject. Threat class—unknown, presumably EX. Physical parameters—off the charts. Magic resistance—absolute or near to it. Ability—annihilation of energy attacks, nature unknown. Code name—'Anomaly Jin'.' And further—reports on the failed attacks of his agents, including Raynare and Kalawarner. Seems this 'Jin' tossed his best dogs aside like toys."
Azazel rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his usual playfulness gone, replaced by the sharp interest of a researcher.
"'Anomaly Jin'... A blond guy, judging by the fragmented descriptions. Appeared recently. Not a demon, not an angel. A power that neutralizes our... Neutralizes holy energy, possesses absurd physical might... This doesn't look like any known Sacred Gear. Even Longinus don't work like that. What is it?"
He enlarged one of the blurry images—a silhouette of a guy standing over a defeated fallen angel. The quality was terrible, but the general features could be made out.
"Interesting... Very interesting..." Azazel muttered. "Kokabiel, the idiot, stumbled onto something truly unique and didn't even realize what he was dealing with. And now this 'anomaly' is wandering around Gremory and Sitri territory. We'll need to take a closer look at this guy. Maybe he's the key to something new. Or just a ticking time bomb that will blow everything to hell. Either way..."—he smiled slyly, looking like himself again—"...this promises to be damn fascinating! Mika-chan, find me everything known about this Izayoi Jin! And bring more sake! Research requires inspiration!"