[Kiba's Perspective]
We had redeployed from the Underworld to the Human World—specifically, an uninhabited island off the coast of Japan. Under the shroud of midnight, the forces gathered on the shore, the rhythmic sound of waves masking the tension of an army preparing for war.
The assembly was a testament to how high the stakes had become: the Gremory and Sitri peerages, the delegation from Heaven, Reya-san, and Issei-kun's own peerage.
And then, there was Yaegaki-san.
He stood apart from the rest, eyes narrowed as he stared at the "Gate" looming in the distant sky. He ran a hand over the hilt of the Amenomurakumo-no-Tsurugi at his hip before tightening his grip into a white-knuckled fist.
"Clereway... I'm going to fight," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the wind. "For the city you loved. For the home we shared..."
He looked up at the stars and closed his eyes for a brief moment of prayer. The vengeful fire that once consumed him was gone; in its place was a clear, sharp focus on the future.
Maurice-san walked up to him and slung a heavy arm over his shoulder. "Don't go getting all stiff on us now. You aren't fighting this one alone, you know?"
"Thank you. You were... his subordinate, weren't you?" Yaegaki asked.
"Yeah. I'm Hyoudou Issei's 'Rook.' I'm also the guy who taught him everything he knows about the sword—basically his master."
"I see... so you are the one who shaped him."
"Anyway," Maurice grunted, "we're going out for drinks when this is over."
"Pardon?"
"Don't 'pardon' me. We're going drinking. It's decided. A promise between men."
Yaegaki blinked, completely caught off guard. "I... ah... why so suddenly?"
Maurice grinned, though his eyes remained serious. "A man who breaks a promise isn't a man at all. If you want to keep your word, you've got no choice but to survive this mess. I don't care if you were dead once or whatever—you're staying alive this time. No self-sacrificing bullshit. Got it?"
It was a blunt, forceful way of putting it, but I smiled. It was so typical of Maurice-san.
After a moment of stunned silence, Yaegaki let out a soft, genuine laugh. "I see. You really are his master. You're just like him. Though... I should warn you, I'm a lightweight."
"Hah! Well, we can't have that. I'll just have to train your liver along with your spirit!"
The two of them laughed, and the suffocating gloom that usually clung to Yaegaki-san seemed to lift. Seeing them together, the resemblance to Issei-kun was undeniable.
Aside from Nina-san, who lacked combat power, and Issei-kun himself, who remained in a deep slumber, the rest of the Red Dragon Emperor's peerage was fully accounted for.
"Walkure-san, are you joining the front lines as well?" I asked.
Indeed, Walkure-san—one of Issei-kun's 'Pawns'—stood among us, dressed in her usual, immaculate maid uniform. During the Agreas incident, she had stayed behind to guard Nina-san, making this her official debut on the battlefield.
"I am," she replied with her trademark stoicism. "I have been granted the honor of being Issei-sama's servant. Though... I take it my attire is a point of concern for you all?"
Nearly everyone in the vicinity nodded in unison.
It was a maid outfit, after all. Not exactly standard tactical gear for a war against ancient dragons.
"Please, do not trouble yourselves," Walkure said smoothly. "This garment is quite practical. It allows for a vast array of concealed weaponry."
To demonstrate, she reached into the folds of her skirt and produced a heavy flail. Then came kunai, grappling hooks, talismans, daggers, poisoned needles, and finally, a full-sized naginata.
Rias looked on, utterly speechless. "Just how much are you hiding in there? Did that naginata really fit under your skirt?"
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