The meeting went as Amaterasu and Yasaka had planned, except for the last moment. No one expected that Hakuryoku would be so stupid and provoke Kiyoshi instead of running away. They were not going to blame the half-demon himself for the murder. Leaving behind a man who openly threatened to kill a member of your family was idiotic.
— From now on, you should be on your guard, Kiyoshi, — Amaterasu said after listening to the retelling of what had happened. — Killing that boy made you an enemy of Azazel. Although he will not be able to openly oppose you, no one talks about behind the scenes things, — the goddess warned him. — Since you have already finished with revenge, then return to Kyoto with Shirone. It is not safe to stay in Kuoh now.
— I understand, — the half-demon completely agreed. — I will prepare everything for this in a couple of days, but I will still have to periodically appear in the city for my friend's training.
— Are you talking about Barakiel's daughter, who is in love with you? — the nine-tailed kitsune asked, hiding her smile behind her fan. — You already have two wives. Aren't you ashamed to look for another one?
— Very funny, Yasaka-san, — Kiyoshi already regretted telling them about it. — Akeno hates fallen angels and does not have positive feelings for devils, — the blond smiled in anticipation. — Therefore, by training her, I will be able to get a powerful fighter with the power of Lightning for us in the future.
— Oh, you are using the girl's affection to lure her to our side? I approve! — a gleam was visible in the eyes of the leader of the youkai. A fox-like smile appeared on the girl's face. — So my lessons were not in vain, and you have learned the cunning of the kitsune.
— Don't say it as if I am just using her, — Zankoku was indignant. — I am helping my friend get used to her power, and everything else depends on her.
— You can visit the girl and teach her, — the goddess gave permission. — If she takes our side, that's good, if not, it doesn't matter, — Amaterasu's face became serious. — However, if she goes against us, she will die! Understood?
— You don't need to worry about that, — the young man assured her. — Even though she is my friend, family comes first.
— When you visit Kuoh, beware of demons, — Yasaka looked into the eyes of the half-demon. — After the Demon Lords experienced the power of your Incinerating Hymn, they will probably consider you a threat. If not the rulers themselves, then one of the old senile ones may attack you.
— Yes. I have already thought about it.
Having finished the conversation with his superiors, Kiyoshi went home. As soon as the half-demon appeared in the room, he had to calm his cats down. The girls knew about everything that was happening thanks to Ophis, who had returned earlier, but they were still worried. Their husband's delay for a long time had seriously worried them, so they clung to the blond as soon as he returned.
It took a whole hour to completely calm the nekoshou. Now they were all on the couch. The girls were snuggled up to Kiyoshi's sides in cozy silence, and Kumiko was sleeping on his lap, purring softly.
The half-demon was happy, feeling the warmth of his loved ones. He hugged his wives tighter.
"I won't let anyone harm them. Even if I have to drown the whole world in blood, I will do it without hesitation!" — promising himself, the blond fell asleep.
***
For three days, Kiyoshi devoted himself entirely to affairs in Kuoh. After inspecting all the enterprises in Hyakki Yakou's hands, the half-demon appointed a management team and gave them a list of tasks.
Next, the blond began the promised training with Akeno. Dressed in her favorite priestess uniform, Himejima practiced controlling her innate power for two hours.
At first, the Holy Lightning did not give in to the girl, but by continuing to persist, she was able to begin to manipulate it little by little. By the end of the training, Akeno managed to regulate the strength of her lightning and the concentration of holiness in them, although this caused the half—fallen to completely exhaust herself.
— I heard from Sona that Shirone was leaving the academy, — when she was able to regain some energy, Akeno decided to bring up the topic that interested her.
— Yes. I was going to tell you about it at the end of the training, but since you already mentioned it, — Zankoku saw how the brunette was listening to him attentively. — After I dealt with Kokabiel, I have no reason to stay in the city, — a smirk appeared on the guy's face, — and after my antics during the negotiations, I may be hunted by both the fallen and the demons.
— Is it because of your Gear? — Akeno asked with a dejected voice.
— That's right, — Kiyoshi nodded. — The Incinerator Hymn is a terrifying enemy against devils. The Holy Flame can even kill Demon Lords. There's nothing to say about weaker demons. Ha-ha! — the blond couldn't help but chuckle a little. — That's why I shouldn't stay in Kuoh. Besides, your summer vacation will start soon. I don't think your 'mistress' will stay in the human world.
— Yeah, — the girl confirmed sadly. — Rias is going to spend the summer in the Underworld with her entire retinue. She mentioned something about competitions between the young heirs of the clans. She also talked about training, ha-ha-ha! — Hiejima said with complete irony. — Rias once again waited until the very end before starting to prepare. Reminds me of the situation with Raiser.
— Hmm, nothing else can be expected from this fool, — the blond looked at his cheerful friend. — Since you have already rested, let's consolidate your result today in practice.
— What do you mean? — the girl asked in bewilderment.
— In one of the cities that is under the control of Hyakki Yakou, — the young man began to explain, — a renegade demon appeared. When I learned about it in the morning, I asked not to touch him, — Kiyoshi saw Akeno's insight and repeated her sadistic smile. — Now we will go there and you will fully test your new abilities.
Having prepared the teleportation circle, the half-demon moved them to the designated city. It took a minute to contact the local branch of the gang and find out the location of the apostate.
Even without using her innate power, Himejima could easily deal with such an enemy. With the addition of Lightning Lightning, the fight turned into torture for the escaped demon. Having deprived the enemy of the ability to move, Akeno slowly increased the power of her new ability. The screams of the apostate only made the girl with a smile continue to add concentration of the holy element until the test subject died.
— U-fu-fu, — the sadistic part of the half—fallen was completely satisfied. — It was a great practice. Thank you, Kiyoshi.
— No need, — the blond waved it off. He not only got rid of the annoying bug on his territory, but also enjoyed a pleasant sight. — Just lucky. He would have had to be killed anyway, but this way he became an excellent material for your practice.
Their conversation was interrupted by Zankoku's phone ringtone.
— What happened, Shin? — the young man asked his deputy. — I was only gone for a few hours.
— Our guys from India just contacted me, — Kiyoshi dropped his cheerful tone after hearing this, concentrating on his friend's words. — The Indian Pantheon contacted them, politely asking them through their servants to leave their territory if they don't want to stay there forever.
This information made the young man frown and fall silent. After a couple of minutes, he finished his thoughts.
— Let them go home. We have neither the strength nor the reason to quarrel with the Indians, — the blond announced his decision. — Also send two additional teams to Russia. Let them thoroughly and without haste check everything they can.
— I understand you. See you later.
Hanging up, the half-demon sighed heavily. His search was almost over. If they didn't find any leads on Russian territory, Kiyoshi would have no choice but to give up. The possibility of strengthening himself seemed unlikely before, and now even more so.
— Are you okay? You don't look so good, — Himejima asked worriedly.
— No need to worry. It's a work issue, — feeling the sincere concern in Akeno's words, all the negativity of the half-demon disappeared. Zankoku smiled tenderly at the girl. — Of course, it's unpleasant, but nothing serious that can harm me, — having said this, he gently ruffled the brunette's hair. — Let's end it here and meet next week.
— Uh-huh, — Akeno answered happily, hiding her blush.
After sending his friend back to Kuoh, Kiyoshi moved to his home. Entering the living room, he found their pet dragon. Ophis sat on the couch and giggled periodically while eating cookies.
— Why so cheerful? — asked the young man, taking a seat next to her. — Did you decide to try cookies with a special flavor?
— No, hee-hee, — the girl tried to control herself, but it didn't work out very well. — I just recently returned from a meeting of my "interest group" as you call it.
—Tell me.
***
POV Ophis
Today I received messages about the gathering of the Chaos Brigade, initiated by the faction of the old Lords. Having changed my appearance to a child, I quickly appear in the castle where the meeting is planned.
Noticing me, most of those present shuddered and began to greet me. All these false words and noticeable fear in my eyes are incredibly infuriating, but I can't get out of character. Now I am a naive and slow-witted creature, who for a simple promise to help gave part of her power. Finding the prepared throne, I took my seat.
Finally, the meeting began. The main topic was the attack on the Biblical factions during the signing of the peace treaty, as well as the strength of Kiyoshi Zankoku.
— I have heard rumors, — one of the leaders of the old Lords began, — that Katerea did not die at the hands of the faction leaders, but was eaten alive by a black snake that she swallowed.
A whisper began to circulate around the room. What they heard made most of them look in horror at the emotionless girl who sat on the throne and watched the assembled people unblinkingly.
— S-sorry, Ophis-sama, — a stuttering voice came from the crowd. As soon as Ouroboros's empty eyes looked at him, the man swallowed loudly. — T-tell me, did you really kill Katerea?
Seeing such a reaction, I could not help but mock. For a minute, we simply looked at each other. This mage was already shaking in fear, but I took pity on him and answered:
— Yes. I did it.
Ha-ha-ha! I barely held back my laughter, looking at the frightened faces. A short answer from a creature that could kill them with the power of thought scared the people around me.
— Ophis-sama, can you tell me the reason for your actions? — the descendant of Asmodeus asked, gathering his courage.
— I can, — another half minute of silence added a lot of excitement. — I came to watch my subordinate fight. During the fight, she said that she was not going to help me defeat the stupid Red and was just using me, — my words made the demons widen their eyes in shock, — so I punished her. Are you not going to help me restore silence either? Should I kill you?
Taunting them, imitating my former image, is so funny. All these emotions when they try to find the words and justify themselves — cool! It seems that Kiyoshi is a bad influence on me.
— N-no! What are you saying, — Cruzerey Asmodeus frantically tried to avoid the fate of Katerea. — All of us will certainly help you in the fight against Great Red, Ophis-sama.
— When will you attack? — I cornered him with just one question.
— It's... we...
My mockery was interrupted by one impudent voice.
— You don't have to worry, Ophis—sama. We are already preparing for this and will defeat Great Red in three months.
— Okay, — the only thing I could answer without raising suspicion.
Lucifer's fucking miscarriage! This Rizevim is the most cunning and vile of all the rabble gathered here. Not only is he deceiving me, but he also wants to harm the great god Infinite Dragon. Unforgivable! I just want to take and kill the bastard. But this is too merciful for him. I want to completely destroy all his plans. Let his dream disappear right before his eyes. And only at the moment of greatest despair will I cut short his miserable life. Hmm. Kiyoshi really is a bad influence on me.
If you have ruined my mood, then it is worth ruining it for others!
— I will wait for it, — my words made everyone shudder. — If you have deceived me, then I will punish you as well.
Having given a good incentive to these deceivers, I returned home.
***
— This relic of the past overlords is up to something and perhaps you are their target, — I decided to warn the impudent blond. — The brother of one of the current Satans has also joined them.
— Who is it?
— I think this boy's name was Diadora, — it was not easy to remember the name of this insignificant bat. — A rather nasty guy.
— Thank you for the information. I will owe you, — Kiyoshi answered with a smile.
— Then you owe me a big cake! Chocolate!
— Ha-ha! Okay, sweet tooth, — this impudent fellow patted me on the head. — You'll have a cake.