"I understand the situation, but I can't forgive that woman for threatening my Ise."
Rias shot a sharp glare at Irina. A crimson aura burst forth from her body, her hair floating as she emanated an intimidating presence.
"Rias, I know you're angry, but Irina is my precious childhood friend!"
Issei deliberately raised his voice so Rias would hear him.
Rias slowly calmed herself. The crimson aura surrounding her body faded before disappearing completely.
"Ara~ ara~ ufufu..."
Akeno released a chilling aura from her body, her laughter sounding unusually sadistic.
Koneko puffed out her cheeks, staring at Irina's body before comparing it to her own—especially their chests, where the difference was painfully obvious.
Asia wasn't here, so she wouldn't get jealous.
On the other hand, Kiba kept his mouth tightly shut while glaring intensely at Xenovia and Irina.
If no one else were here, Kiba would have already attacked them.
"Xenovia, Irina, I have a proposal for you."
"A proposal?"
"Yes. You intend to retrieve the holy sword that was stolen, right?"
Xenovia nodded with a calm expression.
"What if the holy sword were destroyed?"
"We can restore it to its original state, so that wouldn't be a problem."
Issei nodded, then turned his gaze toward Kiba.
Kiba froze, understanding Issei's intention.
"Issei-kun!"
Issei smiled, waved his hand, and said to Xenovia,
"In that case, let us help you. My friend, Kiba Yuuto, holds deep resentment toward holy swords. I want him to be given the chance to destroy the stolen holy sword."
Xenovia blinked her golden eyes and stared straight at Kiba Yuuto.
"I don't mind, but can he really destroy a holy sword?"
Xenovia's tone was slightly dismissive, as if deliberately provoking Kiba's anger.
Issei remained calm and replied casually,
"Why don't you try fighting him?"
"Is that acceptable?" Xenovia looked at Rias.
Rias nodded and said,
"If it's Ise's decision, then it's my decision as well."
"You two are really close. Could it be that the reason you became a devil was because of Rias Gremory?"
Xenovia asked with a wicked smile.
Issei noticed Xenovia's intent, but he had no intention of denying it.
"Half true."
"What?!"
Irina stood up angrily, glaring at Rias with hatred.
"I challenge you! If I win, give my Issei back!"
Irina shouted as she drew Excalibur Mimic.
Rias once again released a crimson aura from her body.
"Very well. But if I win, you must stop interfering with Ise."
Rias's voice was cold, with not a hint of kindness in her eyes.
"I'm not afraid!"
Irina puffed out her chest, refusing to back down even though her opponent was a high-ranking devil.
"You two, don't go too far. No matter what happens, I'll stay with both of you."
"Ise, stay out of this,"
Rias said firmly in a flat, icy tone.
"She's right, Issei-kun. No matter what, I'll bring you back to the right path, Issei-kun!"
When two women fight over a man, they become terrifying—especially when both are possessive.
Following the original story, Rias was indeed very possessive of Issei, especially whenever Akeno teased him.
Even though the situation was different now, Rias's possessiveness was still understandable.
On the other hand, Irina's behavior was suspicious, since her current relationship with Issei was only that of childhood friends.
In what world would a childhood friend be this possessive without romantic feelings?
Issei realized this, leaving him feeling helpless.
'Back when I played with Irina, I didn't even have an Ultimate Skill yet.'
'This girl's feelings for you are pure. She truly loves you, unlike other women.'
'I know, but—'
'Forget it. You really are a sinful man. By the way, your master's feelings didn't grow because of the Ultimate Skill either.'
'Eh? What do you mean?'
'The same thing happened with the blonde woman, the petite white-haired woman, and the tall black-haired woman.'
'Wait, answer my earlier question!'
'I'll explain later. For now, watch them carefully so they don't kill each other.'
Following Ddraig's advice, Issei regained his focus and seriously observed the battle between Irina and Rias.
... .. .
To be continued...