"What a match, Sirzechs. These Underworld kids are something else."
"You flatter us, Lord Odin. There'll be a few more matches before the summit begins—if you're interested, you're welcome to watch."
"Hahaha… Then I'll stick around and enjoy your hospitality a bit longer."
As the audience slowly filed out, Sirzechs kept Odin company, both still buzzing from the excitement. No question about it—after today, Rias and Sona's reputations would soar across the Underworld.
"Tenra Kamiyo, I look forward to the day I get to fight you."
"You'll get your chance, as long as you keep winning."
"Hahaha… Don't worry! I won't lose before I face you!"
After seeing Sairaorg and Seekvaira off, Tenra headed to check on Rias and her girls.
Victory had come at a cost—most of them were still receiving treatment. Tenra slipped into the Gremory peerage's infirmary and spotted Koneko and Akeno right away, both lying in bed, already patched up but still pale.
"Shirone."
Kuroka hopped off Tenra's shoulder, shifting to human form and dashing over to Koneko. Gasper, who'd been fretting at their bedside, sniffled and shuffled up to Tenra.
"T-Tenra-sama, I'm useless. I couldn't help anyone at all…"
Tenra stared, speechless. At least you know you're useless, he thought. But seeing the kid's tear-streaked face, Tenra couldn't bring himself to scold him.
"Gasper, you've still got a lot of growing to do. But me, Rias, everyone—we're waiting. Waiting for the day you become a real man."
He clapped Gasper on the shoulder, hoping the encouragement would sink in.
Tenra knew the kid desperately wanted to get stronger, to help the team. But… well…
"Waaah… Tenra-sama!"
Realizing no one had given up on him, Gasper burst into grateful sobs, rubbing his snotty face all over Tenra's shirt.
Tenra recoiled in disgust and promptly kicked him away.
"Akeno, how are you holding up?"
He moved to Akeno's bedside. Koneko was just drained, but Akeno's wounds had been serious. Even after treatment, her face was ghostly pale.
"I'm fine, Tenra."
She smiled, but Tenra could see right through it—her smile was paper-thin.
"I won't say anything. But brace yourself—Rias is on her way."
Tenra sighed and shook his head. He was angry at Akeno for what she'd done, but Rias… Rias would be furious.
Speak of the devil—the door swung open, and Rias strode in, ice-cold and unyielding.
She hadn't even changed out of her shredded battle clothes. Her aura was fierce enough to make the other girls part like the Red Sea. Tenra shot Akeno a look that said, "You're on your own," and stepped back.
No way was he getting caught in this crossfire. Rias looked positively terrifying.
Smack!
Without a word, Rias walked straight up and slapped Akeno across the face.
"Ara ara, Rias, if you're always this scary, people might start to dislike you."
Akeno just covered her cheek and smiled, unfazed.
Everyone held their breath, bracing for Rias's explosion. But instead—
"Idiot Akeno! If you ever throw yourself away like that again, I'll never forgive you—never, ever!"
Rias pulled Akeno into a tight hug, her voice trembling.
Akeno's bravado cracked. Tears welled up as guilt flooded her face.
"I'm sorry, Rias…"
No one spoke. The room was silent, but seeing the two girls clinging to each other, everyone felt a strange warmth settle in.
Tenra's lips twitched into a smile. He'd been ready to step in if Rias lost control, but clearly, she'd handled it.
He quietly ushered Gasper out, leaving the girls their space.
"Tenra-sama, where are we going?"
"Anywhere. It's girl time now—no point sticking around."
"Oh…"
Tenra and Gasper slipped out, but barely made it down the hall before running into Azazel. Trailing behind him was a bearded, middle-aged man. Tenra blinked in surprise.
"Gasper, you really are hopeless. I trained you for ages, and you still got knocked out right away."
"Azazel-sensei, I let you down…"
"Well, I underestimated your talent for being useless. But don't worry—I'll train you even harder. One day, I'll turn you into a real man."
"Thank you, Azazel-sensei! I'll work my hardest!"
"Haha… No need for thanks. If I can whip even you into shape, I'll be proud of myself."
Azazel ruffled Gasper's hair, then turned to Tenra.
"Kid, the Gremory princess and her peerage—they all okay?"
"Rias and the others are fine. Just resting," Tenra replied.
"Let me introduce you—this is my subordinate, Baraqiel. You've heard of him, right?"
Azazel gestured to the bearded man.
"Of course. Fallen Angel executive, master of lightning—and Akeno's father. My father-in-law."
Tenra nodded, smiling.
"Hahaha… You really don't hold back, do you, kid!"
"That's right—he's your father-in-law."
"Gasper, come with me. Let Tenra and his father-in-law have a little chat."
Azazel dragged Gasper off, leaving Tenra and Baraqiel standing awkwardly in the hallway.
Tenra cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Ahem… Father-in-law, care for a drink?"
Baraqiel studied Tenra for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright."
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