Issei looked at Rias as their group prepared to leave for Kyoto.
"So, like, why are we going to this important faction meeting?"
Rias looked at him.
"Because I am Sirzechs' little sister, and because we know Nate."
Kiba adjusted his sword before glancing at Issei.
"By 'know,' you mean Nate has trained us, helped us, and we've fought alongside him."
He paused.
Nate gave Ophis everything she had asked for: a new game, a few anime recommendations, and enough chocolate to satisfy even her rather unusual sweet tooth.
Then came the final request.
The kiss.
It was brief and gentle, but the moment it happened, Nate felt that familiar sensation around Ophis.
Infinity.
It wasn't just a feeling of power. It was as though something endless had wrapped itself around him for that single moment, an immeasurable presence that made his instincts scream while Ophis remained completely calm.
Nate slowly pulled back and stared at her.
Ophis smiled.
"Goodbye, Nate."
"Yeah. Goodbye, Ophis."
She stepped backward and a ripple of space-time opened behind her.
Before disappearing, Ophis looked at him one last time.
"Lord of Mysteries."
Nate nodded. "Yeah. Watch it. You'll probably like it."
"I will."
Then she vanished.
Nate stared at the empty space where she had been.
"...I really hope tomorrow goes normally."
It absolutely would not.
The next morning arrived.
Kyoto was already bustling with activity.
Nate stood outside the designated meeting grounds alongside Kunou, Yasaka, and Lily. The entire area had been prepared for the arrival of the Three Factions.
Kunou stood beside Nate, looking elegant and composed in her formal attire. Yasaka was checking the arrangements for what felt like the hundredth time, while Lily was doing essentially the same thing from the opposite side.
Nate quietly sipped his tea.
'At least nobody has exploded anything yet.'
Then the ground began to glow.
One magical circle appeared.
Then another.
Then another.
Within seconds, multiple enormous magical circles illuminated the ground around them, each one carrying a distinct aura.
Kunou's ears perked up.
"Here they come."
Nate lowered his teacup.
"Yep."
Yasaka immediately straightened, switching from worried mother mode to the dignified leader of the Yokai Faction.
Lily glanced toward the circles.
"So many guests."
Nate looked at the rapidly multiplying magic circles.
"That's one way of putting it."
Kunou smiled.
"Husband, you look nervous."
"I'm not nervous."
Kunou raised an eyebrow.
Nate took another sip of tea.
"I'm prepared."
Lily looked at him.
"Nate."
"Okay, I'm slightly nervous."
Yasaka sighed.
"After everything you've dealt with, this is what worries you?"
Nate stared at the magical circles.
"No. I'm worried about what everyone else is going to do."
Kunou's smile widened.
"That is a reasonable concern."
Another massive circle flared brighter than the others.
Nate slowly set his tea down.
"Here we go."
The first guests began stepping out.
The Three Factions had arrived.
"We're basically going there as witnesses to the peace treaty."
Issei nodded slowly.
"Ohhh. So we're not actually part of the negotiations?"
"No," Rias replied. "The actual leaders will handle that. We're there because Nate specifically knows us, and our presence shows that the younger generation supports this cooperation."
Akeno smiled.
"Besides, I'm rather curious about how a peace meeting between three ancient factions will go when it's being held in the territory of the Yokai King."
Koneko looked at her.
"Probably badly."
Issei frowned.
"Why?"
Koneko stared at him.
"Because you're going."
Issei's face dropped.
"Hey!"
Kiba laughed.
"She's not entirely wrong."
Rias sighed.
"Everyone, please remember what Nate told us."
Issei looked confused.
"What did he say?"
Rias gave him a serious look.
"Don't do anything dumb."
Issei raised his hands defensively.
"I wasn't planning to!"
Akeno smiled.
"That's usually when you do something dumb."
Issei looked offended.
"Why does everyone have so little faith in me?!"
Koneko answered immediately.
"Experience."
Rias covered a small smile.
"Let's just get there safely. Tomorrow could be one of the most important diplomatic meetings the supernatural world has ever seen."
Kiba nodded.
"And this time, let's try not to accidentally start another war."
Everyone went silent.
Issei slowly looked around.
"...Was that actually a problem last time?"
Rias sighed.
"Issei."
"Right. Right. I'll behave."
Rias wasn't convinced.
Neither was anyone else.
Elsewhere, far from Kyoto, the Khaos Brigade was gathered.
Their preparations were already underway.
The upcoming peace meeting between the Three Factions had given them exactly the opportunity they had been waiting for.
A meeting where the leaders of the Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels would all gather in one place.
A perfect target.
And at the center of their plan was Ophis.
The Infinite Dragon God sat quietly while the others discussed their strategy.
One of the Khaos Brigade members spread a map across the table.
"The meeting will take place in Kyoto, inside the territory controlled by the Yokai King."
Another member nodded.
"That means security will be substantial."
"Which is why we won't attack immediately."
The others looked toward him.
"Our objective is Ophis' plan. We infiltrate the meeting, create enough chaos to distract the faction leaders, and then use the opportunity to accomplish what we came here to do."
Someone frowned.
"But the Yokai King is going to be there."
That caused the room to become noticeably quieter.
Nate had already built a reputation among the supernatural factions.
He had united multiple Yokai clans.
He had defeated powerful opponents.
And, more importantly, he had a habit of showing up whenever someone thought they had everything under control.
One of the members sighed.
"How strong is he?"
"We don't know."
Another member answered.
"That's the problem."
Meanwhile, Ophis simply sat there.
Completely uninterested in their concern.
One of the Khaos Brigade members turned toward her.
"Lord Ophis, are you certain this is the best opportunity?"
Ophis nodded.
"Yes."
"Then we'll proceed."
The meeting continued.
Plans were discussed.
Routes were established.
Disguises were prepared.
Contingencies were created.
Back in Kyoto, Nate was sitting quietly with a cup of tea, enjoying one of the few peaceful moments he'd had all day.
He took a sip.
"Finally. Some peace and quiet."
A ripple suddenly appeared in the space beside him.
Nate nearly spat out his tea.
"What the hell?!"
The ripple expanded, and Ophis casually stepped out of it as though she had simply walked through an open doorway.
Nate stumbled backward.
"Jesus, stop doing that!"
Ophis looked at him with a small smile.
"No."
Nate stared at her.
"...You enjoy scaring me, don't you?"
Ophis nodded.
"Yes."
Nate sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"Let me guess. You're doing your Demon Lord thing again?"
Ophis nodded.
"Yes."
Nate's shoulders dropped.
"As if I needed another headache before this meeting."
Ophis tilted her head.
"Why?"
"Because tomorrow, the Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels are all coming here for a peace meeting."
Ophis nodded.
"I know."
Nate blinked.
"You know?"
"Yes."
"How?"
Ophis simply pointed upward.
Nate looked up.
There was nothing there.
He looked back at her.
"...Never mind."
He took another sip of tea.
"Anyway, why are you like this?"
Ophis sat down beside him.
"Like what?"
"You know exactly what I mean."
Nate gestured toward her.
"You could literally tell everyone who you are. Instead, you're pretending to be some terrifying Demon Lord while the Khaos Brigade runs around thinking you're trying to cause the apocalypse."
Ophis smiled.
"They are fun."
Nate stared at her.
"...You're enjoying this."
"Yes."
Nate sighed.
"Of course you are."
Ophis looked at him.
"Tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"I will be there."
Nate immediately looked suspicious.
"You're not planning anything stupid, are you?"
Ophis shook her head.
"No."
Nate narrowed his eyes.
"That's exactly what someone planning something stupid would say."
Ophis smiled.
"I will not hurt anyone."
Nate relaxed slightly.
"Good."
Ophis continued.
"Unless they attack me."
Nate's expression flattened again.
"That's not reassuring."
Ophis leaned back.
"I want you to defeat me."
Nate nearly dropped his tea.
"...You couldn't have phrased that in a less suspicious way?"
Ophis blinked.
"No."
Nate sighed.
"Fine. I'll play along. But we're doing this without actually killing anyone."
Ophis nodded happily.
"Okay."
Nate looked at her.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
Ophis' smile grew slightly wider.
"Because it will be fun."
Nate stared at her for several seconds.
Then he took another sip of tea.
'Tomorrow is going to be a disaster.'
Nate then looked at her, already knowing there was probably going to be a ridiculous price attached to whatever Ophis wanted. "So, what's gonna take you to leave?"
Ophis looked at him completely seriously.
"A new game. New anime recommendations, because Great Red keeps asking for them. Chocolate. And a kiss."
Nate blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then he sighed. 'Of course. Why did I even ask?'
"For the anime, there is this new one out called Lord of Mysteries."
Ophis's eyes immediately lit up. "Interesting."
"You haven't even asked what it's about."
"I trust your recommendations."
Nate stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. "That's somehow more pressure."
Ophis tilted her head. "Game?"
"I'll find you one."
"Chocolate?"
"I have some."
"And the kiss?"
Nate paused.
Ophis simply stared at him with that same completely emotionless expression.
Nate sighed again. "Fine."
Ophis smiled.
Nate pointed at her. "But you're leaving afterward."
"Yes."
"Actually leaving."
"Yes."
"No appearing in my room tomorrow morning."
"No."
"No appearing during the peace meeting."
Ophis thought about it.
"...Maybe."
Nate's eye twitched. "Ophis."
"I will try."
"That's not reassuring."
Ophis simply smiled wider.
Nate looked toward the ceiling. 'Tomorrow is going to be a disaster.'
The first magical circle erupted with light.
Several figures stepped through, their presence immediately making the atmosphere heavier.
Nate recognized the Devil delegation first.
Sirzechs Lucifer stepped out calmly, followed by Serafall Leviathan, who immediately looked around with wide eyes.
"Kyoto!" Serafall exclaimed happily. "It's so pretty!"
Nate stared at her.
"You've been here before."
"I know! But now I'm here for diplomacy!"
Sirzechs smiled faintly. "Serafall."
She immediately straightened.
"Right. Serious meeting."
Nate couldn't help but smile. "Good morning, Sirzechs."
"Good morning, Nate. Thank you for allowing us to hold this meeting here."
Nate nodded. "You're welcome. And before you ask, yes, the Yokai Faction is prepared to host everyone."
Yasaka stepped forward gracefully.
"Welcome to Kyoto. We hope today's meeting will mark the beginning of a lasting peace between our factions."
Sirzechs bowed his head respectfully.
"We appreciate your hospitality."
Another magical circle activated.
This time, a group of Angels emerged.
Michael stepped forward, his expression calm and peaceful as he surveyed the gathering.
Nate had seen powerful beings before.
He had fought monsters, ancient Yokai, and even Alucard.
But Michael's presence was different.
There was no hostility behind it.
Just an overwhelming sense of authority.
Michael looked toward Nate and smiled.
"So, you are the Child of Prophecy."
Nate blinked.
"Yeah."
Michael's smile widened slightly.
"I have heard much about you."
Nate rubbed the back of his head.
"Hopefully nothing too embarrassing."
Kunou leaned closer.
"I could provide several examples."
Nate looked at her.
"Please don't."
Kunou giggled.
A third magical circle appeared.
Black wings emerged from the light.
The Fallen Angels had arrived.
Azazel stepped through first, adjusting his coat as he looked around.
"Huh. Nice place."
Nate stared at him.
"You're Azazel."
Azazel raised an eyebrow.
"You know me?"
Nate immediately realized his mistake.
"Serafall mentioned you."
Serafall looked at him.
"I did?"
"Probably."
Azazel narrowed his eyes.
"Interesting."
Nate smiled awkwardly.
'That was almost bad.'
Azazel looked around at the assembled leaders.
"So this is where we're finally doing this."
Sirzechs nodded.
"The three factions have agreed to negotiate."
Michael added calmly, "And hopefully, this time, there will be no one attempting to destroy the world halfway through the discussion."
Everyone became quiet.
Nate slowly looked toward Azazel.
Azazel slowly looked toward Nate.
Nate raised an eyebrow.
"...Why are you looking at me?"
Azazel grinned.
"Just making sure."
Nate sighed.
"Fair."
Behind them, another magical circle activated.
Nate recognized the aura immediately.
"Wait."
Kunou looked at him.
"Husband?"
Nate's eyes widened.
"That's not one of the Three Factions."
The magical circle became brighter.
Several people instinctively prepared themselves.
Yasaka's expression hardened.
Lily reached for her weapon.
Nate stepped forward.
Then a familiar group appeared.
Rias Gremory and her peerage emerged from the circle.
Issei immediately looked around.
"Whoa..."
Kiba followed, then Akeno and Koneko.
Rias spotted Nate and smiled.
"Good morning, Nate."
Nate relaxed.
"Oh. It's you guys."
Issei pointed at himself.
"That's your reaction?!"
"You aren't one of the Three Factions."
Rias folded her arms.
"I'm Sirzechs' sister, remember?"
Nate nodded.
"Right."
Kiba added, "And Nate trained us, so we're here as witnesses and representatives of the younger generation."
Michael looked toward the group.
"A reasonable choice."
Issei grinned.
"So basically, we're important."
Koneko immediately grabbed the back of his shirt.
"Don't ruin it."
Issei stopped.
"...Right."
Nate sighed.
'This meeting hasn't even started, and I'm already worried.'
Nate then looked toward the young man standing beside Azazel. He had short black hair, pale gray eyes, and a noticeably serious expression.
Nate pointed toward him. "Who's that?"
The young man stepped forward and gave Nate a polite nod.
"I am Tobio Ikuse. Though most people know me as Slash/Dog."
Nate blinked.
For a few seconds, he simply stared at Tobio.
'Right.'
'The other series made by the DxD creator.'
'SLASH/DOG.'
'How the hell did I forget about this for, like, sixteen years?'
Nate mentally went through what he remembered.
'Tobio Ikuse. Himejima descendant. Canis Lykaon. Grigori agent. Works with Azazel.'
'Yep. Definitely him.'
Outwardly, however, Nate simply smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Tobio."
Tobio nodded. "Likewise. I've heard quite a bit about you."
Nate raised an eyebrow.
"Hopefully good things."
Azazel immediately chuckled.
"Mostly."
Nate slowly turned toward him.
"Mostly?"
Azazel grinned.
"You've caused quite a few incidents."
"I was sixteen."
"You still are."
Nate paused.
"...Fair."
Kunou covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Tobio looked between them before asking, "You're really the Yokai King?"
Nate nodded.
"Apparently."
Tobio's expression became slightly more serious.
"I've heard about what happened with the Ningyo Kingdom."
Nate's expression softened.
"They agreed to join the United Yokai Clan."
Tobio nodded.
"That's impressive. Bringing different supernatural groups together isn't easy."
Nate glanced toward the gathering leaders.
"That's why we're here."
His eyes moved across the Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, and the other supernatural representatives.
"Hopefully, today we can prove that different factions don't have to keep fighting just because we've been doing it for centuries."
Tobio smiled faintly.
"I hope so too."
Azazel folded his arms.
"That's exactly why I brought Tobio. He's spent plenty of time dealing with supernatural conflicts. Having someone like him here gives us another perspective."
Nate nodded.
"Then welcome to Kyoto, Slash/Dog."
Tobio gave him another polite nod.
"Thank you."
Nate looked around at the gathering once more.
Then his eyes narrowed.
'Okay.'
'The Three Factions are here.'
'Rias and her peerage are here.'
'Tobio is here.'
'Ophis is probably somewhere doing something suspicious.'
Nate slowly sighed.
'And Khaos Brigade is probably planning something stupid.'
He took another sip of tea.
'Yep. Definitely going to be a long day.'
To be continue
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