Issei's POV – Two Days After the Crash
Another day of training, another day closer to getting stronger.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Issei Hyoudou walked up the steps of his house just as the sun began to set. His uniform was slightly ruffled, and his limbs ached — but it was the good kind of ache, the kind that told him he was doing something right.
As he reached the door, it opened just in time to reveal two familiar faces.
"Welcome home, Issei!" came the warm voices of Asia and Rias, standing in the doorway with bright smiles.
Issei blinked in surprise. "Oh, President! You came by today?" he asked, setting his bag down. "Is everything okay? Is there a stray devil we need to go after or something?"
It had been a while since Rias had come to check on him in person, and her sudden appearance sparked a hint of concern.
Rias shook her head softly, her long crimson hair swaying as she stepped inside.
"No, nothing like that. Actually… everyone's been noticing something different about you lately," she said, folding her arms. "You're more focused. Training harder. Spending less time with Matsuda and Motohama, and more time pushing yourself. Even Kiba and Akeno mentioned it. So, I came to check in."
She gave him a pointed look.
"Where's this sudden motivation coming from? And why does it feel like you've trained before becoming a devil? We never really asked about your past training… until now."
Issei scratched the back of his head awkwardly, glancing down at the worn orange-and-blue Turtle Hermit Gi he was wearing — a far cry from his usual school clothes.
"Well, the thing is…" he began slowly, walking into the living room. "After what happened with Asia, I realized just how powerless I really was. I couldn't protect her when it mattered most. And that… that made me feel worthless."
Asia looked at him with wide eyes, her heart clenching at his words.
"So I made a choice. No more sitting around. I want to be strong enough to protect the people I care about — no matter what comes our way."
He paused, then smiled faintly.
"Back before I became a devil, I used to train a lot. My childhood friend — Azuku — was my sparring partner. He was strong, passionate… he even made training fun. We were like brothers."
Issei's voice softened, tinged with nostalgia.
"One day, he left on a journey. Said he wanted to get stronger — to explore the world and train like the warriors in those old martial arts legends we loved. He used to write letters all the time… but then, one day, they stopped. He promised me he'd come back to Kuoh someday when he was strong enough."
He tugged slightly at the collar of his gi.
"He even left me this — one of his spare training outfits. And a stack of martial arts manuals in case I ever decided to take training seriously." He chuckled, then rubbed the back of his neck. "So… yeah. I guess I'm finally honoring that gift. After school every day, I train. I study. I do everything I can to be better."
Rias watched him silently for a moment, then nodded with a warm smile.
"This Azuku… he must have cared about you a great deal. If he ever returns, we'd love to meet the person who helped shape you into who you are now."
Issei's face lit up with hope. "Of course! If he ever comes back… I'll be proud to introduce you to my best friend."
Azuku's POV – Somewhere Above Kuoh
Far above the clouds, a lone figure flew slowly through the sky, arms crossed behind his head, eyes half-lidded in thought.
Black, spiky hair danced in the wind as Azuku let the breeze wash over him, enjoying the feeling of Earth's atmosphere again after so long in the cold vacuum of space.
Azuku (thinking):
Man, it's been years since I felt this… the air, the clouds… even the gravity feels nostalgic.
But he wasn't wasting time.
While he flew, he trained — through intense image training.
Before him appeared a figure — tall, lean, and familiar.
Future Gohan.
Azuku and the mental projection of Gohan clashed midair, fists blurring as they traded blows. A powerful uppercut sent Azuku flying back, but he caught himself, teleporting behind Gohan and striking with a roundhouse kick that sent his opponent hurtling into the air.
The imaginary battle continued for an hour, until Azuku stood alone on a grassy hillside, breathing hard but smiling.
"Still not quite there," he muttered, flexing his fingers. "But I'll get him next time."
As his scouter pinged softly, locking back onto Issei's ki signature, Azuku floated back into the sky and darted toward Kuoh, this time with purpose.
Later — At Issei's House
Landing quietly in a nearby alley, Azuku deactivated his scouter and adjusted the black gi over his armor. His boots echoed softly against the pavement as he approached the Hyoudou household.
I can sense him inside. That's definitely Issei's energy… stronger than before.
He reached the front door and knocked twice.
A moment later, a soft voice called from inside.
"Just a second~!"
When the door opened, Azuku blinked in surprise — standing before him was a blonde-haired nun in casual clothes.
That's… Asia Argento. Huh. So the whole thing with Freed already happened… which means… we're post-Asia's arc. But did the Riser stuff happen yet? I hope not. That might be a fun warm-up.
Asia tilted her head. "Um… can I help you?"
Azuku smiled politely, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"Sorry to bother you, but I could've sworn this used to be Issei Hyoudou's house. You wouldn't happen to know him, would you?"
Asia blinked, then nodded. "Yes! He lives here. Are you a friend of his?"
Azuku gave a light chuckle. "You could say that. I'm an old friend. We go way back."
"I-I'll go get him!" she said quickly, hurrying upstairs.
Azuku heard muffled footsteps and a burst of confused shouting. Then, moments later, the door swung open again — and there he was.
Issei stood in the doorway, stunned, mouth agape.
"Azuku…?"
The Saiyan grinned.
"Yo. Long time no see, best buddy. How you been?"