It's been five years.
Five long years since Andrew Hayado, my childhood friend and the closest thing I ever had to a brother, left on his insane journey through space and beyond. When he left, I was still a scrawny wannabe martial artist.
And now?
Well… I slacked off. I got killed. Reincarnated. Became a devil — a Pawn of Rias Gremory, her one and only.
Since then, I met Asia, nearly lost her, and watched her be brought back thanks to Rias' kindness.
After all that? I decided I couldn't sit on the sidelines anymore.
I pulled my old gi out from storage — the one Andrew gave me. Purple, think) like Gohan's. A gift I swore I'd earn the right to wear.
I trained. Studied the Turtle Hermit martial arts, the way we used to dream about. And now, I'm just about back to where I was when Andrew left. Maybe stronger. I can even handle more boosts from Boosted Gear than before. It's evolved, just like me.
Mom and Dad were surprised — but proud — to see me take training seriously again.
But something's been bugging me.
Rias has been… anxious lately. I can't quite figure out why.
The Knock That Changed Everything
Knock. Knock.
I was just heading toward the kitchen when I heard the door open.
Then — a voice. Familiar, confident, warm.
"Hey, is Issei around?"
My heart skipped.
No way…
I bolted down the stairs, nearly tripping over myself. And there he was — tall, tanned, and wearing a tattered orange gi with black boots and the King Kai symbol etched proudly on the back.
Standing at 6'2" (that's like… giant compared to me), he looked like a real-life anime hero.
"Andrew!"
He turned and grinned before I crashed into him with a hug.
"Ha ha! Did you miss me, brother?" he laughed, gripping my shoulder.
"You have no idea," I muttered, trying to keep my voice from cracking.
He ruffled my hair like old times. "Now come on, fill me in. But first, I gotta say hi to Mom and Dad."
Later — Our Shared Room
We sat cross-legged on our beds, staring at each other like we were still ten years old, geeking out over martial arts movies.
"You staying for good?" I asked, nervous he'd say no.
Andrew leaned back with a smirk. "I just got back and you already want me gone?"
I gave a sheepish chuckle, but he waved a hand.
"In all seriousness… yeah. Earth is my home. You guys are my home. I've grown strong enough to protect this planet — and the people I care about."
He grinned. "Also, I'm transferring into Kuoh Academy tomorrow. First-year."
My face lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Bro. That school is amazing. There's… there's boobs everywhere."
Andrew snorted. "Of course that's what you'd notice. Only you, Issei."
The Next Day — Class 1A
Teacher: "Good day, students. We have a new transfer student joining us. Please introduce yourself."
Andrew stepped to the front, waving casually.
"Hey. Name's Andrew Hayado. Pleased to meet you all."
The class erupted.
"WHAT?! The perv has a brother?!"
Even Koneko looked genuinely surprised.
Teacher: "Now now, settle down. If you have questions, raise your hands."
Koneko (calmly): "Why are you joining this late? And… are you also a pervert?"
Andrew rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Well… I've been gone a long time. Traveled the world. Fought the strongest warriors I could find. Pushed past my limits. That's why I joined late."
He smirked. "And no, I'm not a pervert. My brother got all that."
The class laughed. Koneko simply nodded.
Teacher: "You'll sit next to Koneko, since that's the only open seat."
Andrew gave a two-finger salute and took his seat.
Lunch – Occult Research Club
"Hey Prez. You called?"
Rias glanced up from her desk. Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko were already seated.
"Yes, Issei. I had a question… the transfer student. Is he related to you?"
"Yeah. He's my brother," I said with a proud smile. "He just got back from a long journey. Stronger than ever. I can't wait to spar when we get home."
Everyone looked surprised. Even Kiba raised an eyebrow.
Akeno smiled. "Why wait? Why not spar right after school — here — so we can all see?"
Rias nodded in approval. "Yes… I'd like to see how far my cute little Pawn has come. Koneko, tell him he's invited after class."
Koneko: "Understood."
After School – Behind the ORC Building
We met at the training field out back.
I stood in my red gi, fists clenched, heart pounding with excitement.
Andrew grinned as he pulled off his blazer, revealing his orange gi, weathered from years of battle. The King Kai emblem gleamed on the back. He looked like a walking legend.
Akeno: "I'll referee. First to hit the tree line wins."
We nodded.
"Ready?"
"Right!"
We shot forward — like bullets.
I went for a leg sweep, but Andrew flipped and axe-kicked my jaw, sending me spinning. I caught myself just before I hit the ground and dashed back in, fists blazing.
The blows came faster, harder. I was giving everything I had — and Andrew wasn't even breaking a sweat.
Akeno: "Wow… they're fast. Andrew's amazing."
Rias: "And he's just human… maybe."
Kiba: "Issei's holding his own, though."
I charged again, throwing a heavy right hook — Andrew sidestepped and launched me into the air.
"Is that all you've got?" he called out, smirking.
I clenched my fist. No way was I letting this end like that.
"Boost!"
The red gauntlet flared to life. Ddraig's voice echoed in my mind:
[Second Liberation. Boost!]
A wave of power surged through me. My speed doubled.
Andrew's eyes widened in excitement. "Red Dragon Emperor, huh? Awesome!"
He grinned. "I fought the White One a while back. He unlocked Balance Breaker in our match."
"WHAT?!"
He gave a wink. "Guess it's your turn now."
With a flick of his foot, he knocked me toward the trees.
BAM.
Match over.
Rias's POV
I watched quietly, arms folded.
That power… and that confidence.
He wasn't a devil. He didn't need to be.
But I couldn't help thinking—
"Maybe he'd be a good fit for my peerage."
Scene: After the Sparring Match – ORC Backyard
Issei sits on the grass, breathing hard, sweat dripping down his face. His red gauntlet flickers before vanishing. Andrew stands nearby, stretching his arms out with a satisfied grin.
Andrew (grinning):
"Not bad at all, Issei. You've definitely been putting in work since I left."
Issei (panting):
"Heh… still got beat though. You're… you're a monster, bro."
Andrew (laughs):
"Dude, you used to call me that even back in middle school. Some things never change."
Akeno approaches with a towel, handing it to Issei.
Akeno:
"Here. You both went all out, but I think you shocked us more than anyone, Andrew."
Andrew (wiping sweat from his brow):
"Thanks. It was a friendly spar, but it's been a while since I fought on Earth. Gravity feels lighter than I remembered."
Kiba (eyes narrowing curiously):
"Are you sure you're… just human?"
Andrew (smirks):
"Depends on how you define 'just.' I've trained hard. Really hard. That's all I'll say for now."
Koneko walks up beside him, holding a juice box.
Koneko (deadpan):
"You don't smell like a devil… or human. Weird."
Andrew (playfully):
"You calling me weird already? We barely know each other."
Koneko:
"…Maybe."
Issei chuckles while nursing his bruises.
Issei:
"She does that. You'll get used to it."
Rias (stepping forward with her usual grace):
"Well, I must say, Andrew, that was an impressive display. Your power, speed, and technique are… extraordinary. And no sacred gear, from what I could tell."
Andrew (bowing slightly):
"Thanks, President. I take pride in my training. I'm not special, just disciplined."
Rias (tilting her head):
"You know, with talent like that, you'd make a fine devil. Have you ever considered—"
Andrew (cuts in politely but firmly):
"I appreciate the offer. Really. But my path… it's different. I'm not looking to change what I am."
A beat of silence. Rias blinks, then gives a graceful nod.
Rias:
"I respect that. It's rare to meet someone so sure of themselves."
Andrew (smiling):
"Well, I've seen what losing your way looks like. I made sure never to forget who I am — or who I'm fighting for."
Issei glances at Andrew, remembering the whispered line earlier.
"I fought the White One a while back…"
His heart pounds a little faster.
Issei (thinking):
He said he fought Albion's host…? That's Vali, isn't it?
He wants to ask more — but now isn't the time.
Akeno (giggling):
"Quite the mysterious man. Strong, polite, and secretive. You might give Kiba competition as the school's prince."
Kiba (laughs lightly):
"Bring it on."
Andrew (chuckles):
"Sorry, but I'm just trying to pass classes and not die of boredom. Fame's not my thing."
Koneko (sipping her juice):
"So you're the perv's brother?"
Andrew (mock-offended):
"You wound me."
Issei (smirking):
"She's got a point though."
Andrew:
"Hey, I didn't say we weren't related. Just that I'm not a perv."
Akeno (teasing):
"We'll see."
Rias:
"Regardless, Andrew — thank you for entertaining our curiosity. You're welcome in the Occult Research Club anytime. Even if you don't want to be a devil… you're part of our world now."
Andrew (smiling, eyes softening):
"I appreciate that. And… I'll protect this world with you. All of you."
The air stills slightly at that promise. A simple one, but it carries weight — the kind of promise only someone who's seen battle after battle can make.
Later, Alone — Issei and Andrew Walking Home
Issei (quietly):
"You… really fought the White Dragon Emperor?"
Andrew (shrugs):
"Yeah. Wasn't exactly a picnic. He's fast. Real fast. But reckless."
Issei:
"You didn't tell the others."
Andrew:
"Not yet. They don't need to know everything. Not now. But you? You're my brother. I trust you."
Issei (smiling):
"Thanks, Andrew. Really."
Andrew:
"Just make sure you're ready next time we spar. I held back."
Issei:
"…You WHAT?!"