About an hour later, the doors from the palace's mixed onsen slowly slid open.
Arthur stepped out first with his damp crimson hair neatly tied in a ponytail.
His posture was relaxed, his free hand tucked comfortably into his pockets, and for the first time in quite a while, there wasn't a single trace of stress on his face.
He simply looked content.
Walking beside him was Valerie.
Unlike Arthur, however, the dhampir's face remained a deep crimson despite the cool afternoon breeze.
She refused to meet anyone's eyes as she quietly walked beside Arthur while both of her hands grabbed Arthur's arm.
Every few seconds, she would accidentally glance toward him, only to immediately look away again with an embarrassed squeak.
Arthur noticed it from the corner of his eye, and a smile appeared on his face.
"What's wrong, Val? Still embarrassed by what we did or by what you said while drunk?"
Valerie's face somehow became even redder.
"A-Arthur... Please don't tease me..."
She lightly tightened her grip on his arm, which made Arthur chuckle.
"Sorry."
"No, you're not."
"Yeah, you're right."
Soon enough, the two hybrid lovers finally reached the throne room once again.
Waiting inside were Yasaka and Cao Cao.
The difference was that Yasaka looked positively radiant.
Her skin sparkled while her nine tails swayed lazily behind her.
She carried an aura of someone who had just enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing afternoon.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao looked like his soul had left his body.
He sat completely motionless beside Yasaka.
His skin looked pale, his shoulders slumped, his eyes had become little more than empty white circles, and he almost resembled the infamous shriveled alien meme.
Arthur blinked.
"Cao Cao?"
No response.
Arthur slowly approached him and waved his hand in front of the poor guy.
"Cao Cao? Are you dead?"
The Heavenly Lancer slowly turned his head with all the energy of a sloth.
"...Hrrr..."
A dry wheezing sound escaped his mouth.
Silence filled the room.
"You good, buddy?"
Arthur asked and waited another few seconds.
"...Hrrrr..."
Cao Cao replied.
"..."
Arthur shrugged casually.
"Meh. Close enough."
Valerie struggled to hide her laughter, while Yasaka politely looked away, her face having a rosy color.
Arthur placed both hands on his hips while looking at his dried-up friend.
(Damn.. Cao Cao got his soul sucked out of him...)
He gave Cao Cao a firm nod of respect.
(...I'm so fucking proud.)
Ddraig sighed inside Arthur's mind.
(I refuse to comment.)
Valerie stepped forward and bowed politely toward Yasaka.
"Thank you very much for allowing us to use the hot springs, Yasaka-sama. They were just as wonderful as you said."
Yasaka smiled warmly.
"I am pleased you both enjoyed them."
She noticed Valerie's lingering blush and simply smiled knowingly without saying anything.
Arthur decided that pretending not to notice was in everyone's best interest.
He cleared his throat.
"Anyway, now that we've got that out of the way, I'd like to start the investigation. You okay with that, Yasaka-sama?"
Yasaka nodded immediately.
"Of course, Sekiryuutei-sama. It would be for the best to start as soon as possible."
She folded her hands gracefully.
"I had intended for Cao Cao to accompany you. But as you can see..."
Everyone looked toward Cao Cao.
"..." x3
"...Hrrrr..."
Cao Cao groaned again.
Arthur nodded slowly.
"Yeah... I don't think he's accompanying anyone anytime soon."
Yasaka coughed softly behind one sleeve out of mild embarrassment.
"My apologies. But it appears someone else shall have to guide you around the city."
Arthur didn't mind.
"That's fine by me. Who do you have in mind?"
Yasaka's smile became slightly mischievous.
"Oh... You've already met them."
Arthur frowned.
"Them? What does that mean?"
DxD
Arthur finally understood exactly what she meant.
Standing before him in a perfectly straight line were three familiar Oni boys.
The young green-haired Oni stood proudly in front while the red-haired and blue-haired brothers flanked him.
The moment they saw Arthur and Valerie, all three immediately bowed deeply.
"Arthur-sama! Valerie-sama! It is an honor to meet you again!" x3
Arthur raised one eyebrow, a smirk appearing on his face.
"Well, well, well. Someone's polite today."
Ichimaru immediately straightened himself before speaking with boundless enthusiasm.
"We have learned of your identity, Arthur-sama! You are Aniki's leader! The legendary Son of Satan Lucifer! The strongest Red Dragon Emperor of today! The First God Killer! The Crimson Calamity! The Hero of Avalon!"
Arthur visibly winced.
"Can we please stop adding more titles?"
Valerie smiled softly at the Oni brothers' enthusiasm.
"I don't think those titles are stopping anytime soon, Arthur."
"...Yeah, I figured."
Arthur soon noticed the thick white bandage wrapped around Ichimaru's forehead.
He pointed toward it.
"Hey, Mosshead. How's your forehead?"
Ichimaru laughed loudly before confidently giving himself a thumbs-up.
"Worry not, Arthur-sama! 'Tis but a scratch!"
Behind him, Niimaru and Sanmaru exchanged silent looks as they both recalled how their brother's forehead was bleeding like a waterfall an hour ago, but neither of them said a word.
Instead, Ichimaru suddenly remembered something.
His expression immediately became serious, and he stepped forward and then bowed deeply.
"I sincerely apologize, Arthur-sama. My behavior earlier was disgraceful. I attacked you without understanding your identity and situation. I hope you can forgive me."
Niimaru and Sanmaru bowed as well.
"We're sorry too." x2
Valerie couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for the trio and tugged on Arthur's sleeve.
Arthur understood what Valerie was trying to do, and he waved one hand dismissively.
"It's fine. You're all forgiven. Besides, I've dealt with much worse than an overenthusiastic stranger."
Ichimaru looked relieved.
"Thank you very much!"
Then he suddenly looked around.
"By the way, where's Aniki?"
"..."
Arthur went quiet for a few seconds before Valerie answered.
"He's... very tired right now."
"Oh, I see. I understand. Aniki must have been working hard to support Yasaka-sama."
Ichimaru nodded seriously.
Arthur silently coughed into his fist.
"...Something like that."
Completely oblivious to the real reason, the Oni triplets nodded sympathetically.
Arthur decided to move the conversation forward before anyone accidentally explained anything.
"So, if there's nothing else for us to do, let's begin. I need every location where these strange incidents have occurred."
Ichimaru immediately saluted.
"Right away, Arthur-sama!"
The investigation began shortly afterward.
The five traveled throughout Youkai City together.
Arthur carefully inspected site after site.
Valerie, with her gentle nature, interviewed civilians with ease.
Niimaru and Sanmaru organized witness statements from their fellow Youkai while helping translate for Valerie.
Ichimaru mostly talked... A lot.
"Arthur-sama! How did you meet Aniki?"
"Arthur-sama! Who's stronger between you and Aniki?"
"Arthur-sama! Is it true you saved Aniki from traffickers?"
"Arthur-sama! Did you really kill an Evil God?"
"Arthur-sama! Besides you and Aniki, how many Longinus users do you know?"
"Arthur-sama! Can dragons swim?"
"Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama! Arthur-sama!"
This went on for a couple of minutes until Arthur, with his left eye twitching, stopped walking.
"Mosshead."
"Yes?"
Arthur turned to face Ichimaru and crossed his arms.
"I notice your questions are mostly related to Cao Cao. How exactly did you meet him?"
When Arthur asked that, Niimaru and Sanmaru both quietly muttered in unison.
"Oh no."
"Here we go again."
Ichimaru's eyes suddenly sparkled, and he dramatically pointed toward the sky.
"I remember it like it was yesterday!"
Arthur immediately recognized that this was going to be bullshit, but listened anyway.
(This is going to be exaggerated.)
Ichimaru spread his arms dramatically.
"My brothers and I were living on the outskirts of Youkai City! I ventured alone into Kyoto! Not for myself, but to provide for my beloved brothers! But suddenly..."
Ichimaru spread his arms open in exaggeration.
"A glowing spear descended from the heavens! I looked upward, and from the rooftop stood Boss Cao Cao! He battled a terrifying Stray Devil that threatened the innocent! I watched in awe! But during the battle, a mountain of rubble collapsed and trapped Aniki beneath it!"
Valerie gasped.
"Oh my..."
Ichimaru proudly pointed at himself.
"Without hesitation, I rescued him! Together, we defeated the evil Stray Devil side by side!"
Arthur was quiet but blinked slowly.
"I... see."
Ichimaru folded his arms proudly.
"Aniki then looked at me and declared, 'Young Oni! Become my disciple! Together we shall protect both Kyoto and the Youkai Faction!' I accepted with honor! My brothers naturally joined as well! Because brothers always stick together!"
He finished with both fists proudly resting on his hips.
Valerie smiled.
"That's actually a nice story."
Arthur remained completely expressionless in silence.
"..."
"..."
"...I don't buy it."
Right on cue, Niimaru sighed deeply.
"The real version?"
Arthur nodded and gestured the red Oni to continue.
"By all means."
Niimaru pointed directly at Ichimaru.
"Onii-san went to Kyoto to find work to earn money for buying after he ate all our groceries when he was watching American mukbang videos nonstop."
Sanmaru continued flatly.
"The rubble actually pinned Onii-san, and Aniki rescued Onii-san while single-handedly defeating the Stray Devil."
Niimaru folded his arms.
"And afterward, Onii-san begged for one whole hour to become Aniki's disciple, in which Aniki eventually accepted because he couldn't take the begging anymore."
Sanmaru shrugged.
"Niimaru and I joined too because Yasaka-sama says she would provide financial stability for Aniki's disciples."
Arthur slowly nodded.
"Yeah... That sounds about right."
Valerie looked absolutely dumbfounded.
She turned toward Ichimaru, who scratched the back of his head sheepishly before laughing awkwardly.
"To be fair... my version was way cooler."
Arthur couldn't argue with that.
"It definitely had better presentation."
The entire group had a little laugh as they continued walking through the bustling streets of Youkai City, their investigation continuing with considerably lighter spirits than before.
DxD
Hours later.
The warm amber glow of the setting sun bathed the ancient streets of Kyoto, casting long shadows over the countless shrines, lanterns, and traditional wooden buildings that lined the roads.
The bustling afternoon crowds had slowly begun thinning as tourists and locals alike made their way toward restaurants, tea houses, and homes.
The soft ringing of temple bells echoed through the city while the gentle breeze carried the comforting aroma of grilled yakitori, fresh taiyaki, roasted chestnuts, and incense drifting from nearby shrines.
After spending nearly the entire afternoon investigating countless reports across Kyoto, Arthur Pendragon had officially reached the end of his patience.
"Fucking hell..."
He let out an exhausted sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the entire day.
"What a complete waste of our time."
Leaning on a wall with both hands buried inside his hoodie pockets, Arthur stared blankly ahead.
"We've checked every reported disturbance, every single haunted alley that turned out to be two drunk tanuki fighting over sake, a mysterious individual spotted near the eastern district that ended up being somebody's obese Oni uncle, reports of an evil youkai terrorizing merchants that was actually just an old grandma yelling at people for littering..."
Valerie couldn't help giggling.
Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose.
"And don't even get me started on that 'ancient cursed shrine.'"
Ichimaru laughed nervously.
"Turns out the priest just forgot where he put the shrine keys."
Arthur slowly looked toward the soon-to-be evening sky; his left eye twitched in annoyance.
"Yasaka-sama... I'm beginning to think you're either trolling me or the asshole that's doing these incidents is incredibly good at hiding their presence."
A few meters ahead, Valerie wasn't nearly as frustrated as her lover.
She happily stood beside the three Oni brothers while they were each holding what could only be described as an absurdly oversized taiyaki.
The fish-shaped pastry was almost the size of an actual real-life tuna.
Ichimaru took a big bite from his pastry, and he sighed in satisfaction.
"I told you this shop was gonna be amazing!"
Niimaru nodded enthusiastically while eating his own taiyaki.
"They stuff the red bean filling until it literally can't hold anymore."
Sanmaru smiled.
"They are famous all over Kyoto for a reason."
Valerie's ruby eyes sparkled.
"It really is delicious!"
She carefully tore off another piece and ate it with joy.
"So fluffy, so warm, and the red bean filling is so sweet!"
Ichimaru puffed his chest proudly.
"Naturally, it is the Oni-approved certified Taiyaki Shop."
Arthur looked over.
"There's an Oni-approved certification?"
Ichimaru answered immediately.
"There is now."
Arthur stared in silence for a second before replying.
"... Fair enough."
Valerie noticed Arthur's discouraged expression.
Her smile softened as she quietly walked beside him before lifting the enormous taiyaki toward his face.
"Arthur... You look so disappointed. Are you okay?"
Arthur sighed.
"I just don't like wasting time. We came here hoping to find something connected to Gilgamesh, but instead we've been chasing ghost stories and other nonsense."
Valerie gently shook her head.
"At least we tried to help the people of Kyoto. Even if those incidents weren't connected, we still showed that we care for them. The frightened civilians can sleep peacefully, and the children can play outside without worry because of your help."
She smiled.
"I think that's still something worth being proud of."
Arthur stared at her for a moment, but then a small smile appeared.
"You're way too good for me, Val. You know that?"
Valerie blushed.
"I-I simply think you shouldn't be too hard on yourself."
She raised the giant taiyaki again.
"Here... You looked hungry."
Arthur tilted his head.
"Hm?"
He chuckled.
"You're offering me your precious taiyaki?"
She nodded without hesitation.
"You've shared food with me countless times. It's only fair I return the gesture."
Arthur leaned forward.
"Well then. Don't mind if I do."
He took a sizable bite.
*Crunch.*
The crispy outer shell cracked perfectly before revealing an absurd amount of warm, sweet red bean filling.
Arthur's eyes widened.
"Holy shit."
Ichimaru grinned.
"I know, right?"
Arthur took another bite.
"This is actually pretty tasty."
Niimaru folded his arms proudly.
"We knew you'd like it."
Sanmaru nodded.
"It's one of our favorite shops, after all."
Arthur swallowed before smiling at Valerie.
"Thanks, Val."
She beamed.
"You're welcome."
After another few moments of rest, Arthur dusted off his hands.
"Alright, everybody. We're calling it for the evening."
He looked toward everyone.
Ichimaru blinked.
"Already?"
Arthur nodded.
"We've exhausted every lead Yasaka gave us. If something is going on, it isn't happening out in the open."
Valerie agreed.
"We should go back to the palace and report back to Yasaka-sama."
Niimaru nodded.
"Sounds good, Valerie-sama."
Sanmaru stretched.
"My feet are killing me."
Ichimaru groaned dramatically.
"I've sweated more today than I have all month under Aniki's tutelage."
Arthur smirked.
"Good for you for meeting Cao Cao first. Because if I were your Aniki, then you'll be sleeping with every bone in your body broken from my training regime."
Ichimaru looked horrified at what Arthur said.
"Aniki's leader is a demon..."
This made Valerie and the other two Oni laugh a bit.
The group began making their way back toward the hidden entrance leading into Youkai City.
The evening streetlights began glowing over countless people.
Kyoto somehow became even more beautiful after sunset.
Arthur quietly reached into his hoodie pocket before pulling out his flip phone.
"Let's see how everyone else is doing."
He quickly sent several messages.
"Status report. Meeting point changed. Regroup at Yasaka Shrine tonight instead of Tokyo Tower. Reply when available."
He pressed send.
"And... Done."
Barely thirty seconds later, his phone began vibrating, and the screen showed the Caller ID.
Italian Go/Jo (Dulio)
Arthur answered professionally.
"Thank you for choosing the Bisexual Beastiality Company (BBC). How can we help you, dear customer?"
This made Valerie and the TTT look at him weirdly.
"YO, ARTHUR! How's it going, junior?"
Immediately, Dulio's cheerful voice came blasting through the speaker.
Arthur smiled.
"Dulio. How's the investigation?"
Dulio replied with a chuckle.
"Oh, well... we're doing surprisingly well!"
A deafening explosion erupted through the phone.
*BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!**
Arthur pulled the phone slightly away from his ear.
"What was that?"
Heracles' voice roared somewhere in the distance.
"STOP RUNNING AWAY AND FIGHT ME LIKE MEN, YOU RANCID CHICKEN PUSSIES!"
Another explosion.
*BOOOOOOM!!*
Regulus growled in annoyance.
"Pathetic. Not one of these glorified pets is considered a threat."
Arthur blinked.
"What exactly are you two doing?"
Dulio laughed.
"We found one of Gilgamesh's safehouses."
Arthur immediately became interested.
"You found something good in there?"
"Yep."
Another scream echoed.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"
Followed by another massive detonation.
Heracles laughed maniacally.
"THAT'S RIGHT! SCREAM HARDER, BITCHES! I LOVE THE SOUNDS OF EXPLOSIONS AND TERROR IN THE EVENING!"
Arthur could almost picture the scene.
Heracles charging headfirst through the building, Regulus mauling everything unfortunate enough to exist nearby, and meanwhile... Dulio calmly narrated everything.
"Sorry about pausing for a second... I just drowned another group of idiots."
Arthur blinked as he heard rushing water from the other side.
"Are you for real?"
"Oh for real, real."
Then several terrified screams.
"PLEASE HAVE MERCY!"
"I DON'T WANNA DIE!"
Dulio hummed happily.
"They're surprisingly weak swimmers."
"..."
Arthur went quiet for a second before sighing.
*Sigh.*
"Please tell me you've left one survivor at the very least."
Dulio then replied.
"Obviously, Arthur. We need people to interrogate, after all."
Another explosion.
Heracles yelled.
"I FOUND THEIR SEX DUNGEON!"
Arthur sighed.
"Of course you did."
Dulio continued.
"By the way, we also found something pretty interesting while bullying these losers."
Arthur's expression sharpened.
"What is it?"
Dulio looked toward the background.
"Nah. I'll explain when we get back. But let's just say... there's gonna be a LOT of Pokémon battles in the future."
Arthur nodded.
"Understood. Don't die along the way."
Dulio laughed.
"No promises."
Arthur smiled.
"Have fun."
"You too!"
The call ended, and almost immediately, his phone rang again.
Arthur looked at the caller ID.
Snow Angel (Lavinia)
A smile instinctively appeared.
He answered.
"Hey, Lav."
Lavinia's gentle voice immediately soothed him.
"Hello, Art. How are you and Valerie doing?"
Arthur glanced toward the blonde Dhampir happily sharing stories with the Oni brothers.
"We're good. We met Cao Cao in Kyoto."
Lavinia giggled.
"Oh? And?"
Arthur smiled.
"We also met Kyoto's Youkai Leader, Yasaka. She's nice, and is very... well-endowed... if you know what I mean."
Lavinia giggled from the other side.
"Anyway. We're heading back to meet up with Yasaka. What about you, Lav?"
Lavinia hummed.
"Well... Little Vali and I have had quite the interesting discovery this afternoon."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? And that is?"
"We met someone. Someone who specifically asked to meet you."
Arthur became curious.
"Really?"
Behind Lavinia, Vali's voice echoed loudly through the phone.
"COME ON! IS THAT ALL YOU CAN DO?!"
Arthur heard explosions.
Metal clashing, glass breaking, and Vali sounded ecstatic.
"Hahaha! You're finally making this interesting!"
Arthur blinked.
"Is Vali fighting somebody?"
Lavinia answered casually.
"Mhm. He insisted, and the person obliged."
Arthur sighed.
"Naturally."
Lavinia smiled.
"Anyway, me, little Vali, and our visitor are gonna be a little late."
Arthur nodded.
"That's cool. Take your time, Lav."
There was a brief silence, but then Arthur spoke softly.
"Anyway, I gotta go now... I love you, Lavinia."
Lavinia's smile instantly from the other side.
"I love you too, Arthur."
The call ended.
A few moments later, a text notification appeared.
Siegfried's Woman (Jeanne)
Arthur opened it.
"Still investigating Shinjuku. No leads. Siegfried broke a rich brat's car. Rich brat tried to use this to get into my pants. Sieg kicked his balls until they cracked. We'll be late."
Arthur smiled.
"Sounds about right."
He typed back.
"Be careful. Meeting point remains Yasaka Shrine. Tell Sieg to make the rick brat do a flip."
A reply came instantly.
"Too late."
Arthur smirked as he slipped his phone back into his pocket.
"Now that it's all settled, I wonder how my clones are doing?"
With that thought, Arthur continued walking after Valerie and the Oni brothers.
But what he didn't realize was that someone had quietly passed them only moments earlier.
A hooded feminine figure stopped walking and slowly turned her head just enough to watch Arthur's back disappear into the crowd.
The calm breeze gently stirred the loose strands of platinum-blonde hair hidden beneath her hood.
"Hm..."
A small smile formed beneath her hood.
"So that's Arthur Pendragon... The strongest Red Dragon Emperor of today... The infamous son of Sirzechs Lucifer... The first Longinus User to ever kill a God..."
She observed him for another second.
Then, to her own surprise, she quietly admitted.
"...He's rather handsome."
Another feminine voice echoed from a nearby alleyway.
"Charlemagne. You coming or what?"
The hooded woman calmly turned.
Waiting behind the alley stood another cloaked figure.
Charlemagne nodded once.
"I'm coming, I'm coming."
She took one last glance toward Arthur's disappearing figure.
(A descendant of King Arthur himself...And the current wielder of Excalibur...)
Her fingers unconsciously brushed against the hilt of the sword hidden beneath her cloak.
A faint smile appeared.
(I wonder... Would my blade be able to match his Excalibur?)
Without another word, the two cloaked figures disappeared into the darkening streets of Kyoto.
DxD
Hello readers!
Does anybody know where I can rewatch the entire RWBY series for free, including Ice Queendom and Justice League?
Because the website I used to watch RWBY years back has decided it no longer exists.
Thank you, everyone, and see you later!