Toshio POV
The evening air carried a weight that had nothing to do with humidity as I followed Rias through the winding paths toward Kyoto's main shrine.
The tourist crowds had thinned considerably after sunset, leaving the sacred grounds almost eerily quiet. Our footsteps—mine, Rias's, Akeno's, Kiba's, and the members of Sona's peerage—echoed softly against the stone pathways leading up to the shrine's main complex. Ahead of us, I could see Sona walking beside Serafall, one of the Four Great Satans, who was currently doting on Sona. Sona's face was red with either embarrassment or frustration. Probably both.
She still wore her magical girl costume—complete with ribbons and frills—that should have been ridiculous on someone of her position, given the situation. But the power radiating from her made it impossible to dismiss her as anything less than exactly what she was: one of the most powerful beings in the Underworld.
"Don't worry about her," Rias murmured beside me, though I caught the hint of amusement in her voice. "Serafall-sama is... unique in her presentation, but she takes diplomatic matters seriously."
"Noted," I replied quietly, adjusting the collar of the formal shirt Akeno had insisted I wear for this meeting. The dark fabric was uncomfortable after a day of casual touring, but apparently meeting the leader of the Youkai faction required a certain level of formality.
Akeno walked on my other side, her usual playfulness subdued by the gravity of the situation. She'd changed into a more traditional outfit—a dark kimono that somehow made her look even more striking than usual. Her hand brushed against mine as we walked.
The shrine complex loomed before us, its architecture illuminated by carefully placed lanterns that cast dancing shadows across the wooden structures. Unlike the tourist-heavy temples we'd visited earlier, this place felt alive with spiritual energy. It thrummed beneath my feet, pulsed in the air around us, made my senses hyperaware of everything.
I activated Energy Sense instinctively, letting my awareness expand. The leylines beneath Kyoto were impossible to miss now—massive channels of spiritual power flowing through the earth like underground rivers of pure energy. But there was something strange about them, a resonance I couldn't quite identify. It felt almost like they were... singing? Vibrating at a frequency just beyond normal perception.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Kiba said softly from behind me. "The concentration of spiritual power here is unlike anything in Kuoh. Even younger, low-class devils like me can feel the power in the air."
"It's overwhelming," I admitted. "How do the Youkai live with this constantly?"
"They're attuned to it," Rias explained as we climbed the final set of stairs leading to the main hall. "For them, this energy is as natural as breathing. It's part of what makes Kyoto so important to their faction—the leylines here are the strongest in Japan. Yasaka-sama helps channel the power of it to empower not only herself but also all of her Youkai forces."
Which made them a prime target for anyone wanting to do serious damage, I thought grimly. The demonic energy I'd sensed earlier in the day still bothered me, even though it had disappeared before I could pinpoint its source.
Rias had relayed the information to Serafall, who'd immediately alerted Yasaka (or other Youkai leadership), who dispatched Youkai scouts to investigate, but so far they'd found nothing, apparently.
I couldn't help but think it odd they weren't reacting like I was. It wasn't just the energy in the air. It would be akin to standing next to a large bonfire. The power from the leyline felt like standing next to the sun.
We reached the main hall, and I felt the temperature drop slightly as we crossed into the sacred space. The interior was vast, the ceiling disappearing into shadows above us. More lanterns provided soft illumination, revealing intricate carvings on every surface and a massive altar at the far end of the hall.
And standing before that altar, radiating power and grace in equal measure, was Yasaka.
I'd known she was beautiful—I had seen pictures in my previous life. But seeing her in person was something else entirely. She stood tall, easily matching my height, with long golden-blonde hair that cascaded past her shoulders and down her back. Her yellow kimono was immaculate, accentuating a figure that was... distracting, to say the least.
I could only blame the universe I was in as to why she thought she needed her kimono to be that low cut. But it was her eyes that caught my attention the most—piercing golden irises that seemed to see through every defense, every mask, straight to the core of who you were.
Nine golden tails swayed gently behind her, ethereal and beautiful, a visible manifestation of her immense power.
I used observe, because I was curious.
{Yasaka, The Youkai Queen
Level: 261
Condition: Peak health. Worried about the demon faction movements. Curious about you and the others, happy to see Serafall.
Threat Level: SS
WARNING: Extremely powerful. Avoid confrontation at all costs.
Descriptive Insight: Kyoto's fox sovereign and Youkai Queen, composed, diplomatic, and fiercely protective of her own. She appraises you as a rare variable—disciplined power with honorable intent—and carries sincere gratitude for your past aid, tilting her toward trust and alliance.}
Since Observe hit max rank, all it did was always display the level, regardless of the the disparity between the target's and mine. Other than being a threat evaluation and minor information-gathering tool, it didn't help all that much.
Beside the blond queen stood a young girl who could only be her daughter—Kunou, if memory served. She had the same golden hair and eyes, though her features still carried the softness of youth. She wore a traditional red and white miko outfit. A single tail swished behind her, and her expression as she watched our approach was wary but curious.
"Serafall," Yasaka's voice carried across the hall—warm, melodious, but with an undercurrent of authority that commanded immediate respect. "It is good to see you again. And you've brought guests."
"Yasaka-tan! It's wonderful to see you again! And cute little Kunou too!" I was surprised to see Serafall keep up her usual childish demeanor, but I should have expected it. Kunou bristled and blushed at Serfall's remark.
"I see you haven't changed a bit, Serafall," Yasaka said, giggling slightly.
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Levia-tan?" Serfall pouted, then received a sharp elbow from Sona, which I'm sure Serafall barely felt, but still reacted to. She turned her pout toward her little sister, then cleared her throat, her demeanor shifting, the playful magical girl persona dropping away to reveal the experienced diplomat beneath.
"Yasaka-san, thank you for agreeing to meet with us on such short notice. May I introduce Rias Gremory and Sona-tan, along with members of their peerages." I couldn't help but smirk at Sona's reaction to being called that.
Rias and Sona both stepped forward, bowing with perfect formality. "It is an honor to meet you, Yasaka-sama," Rias said. "Thank you for allowing us into your territory and for your cooperation regarding the recent... incidents."
Yasaka's expression remained composed, but I caught the slight tightening around her eyes. "The honor is mine, Gremory-san, Sitri-san. Your brother and Serafall have been invaluable allies in these troubled times." Her gaze swept across our group, pausing briefly on each of us before moving on. "Please, come closer. There is much we need to discuss, and I prefer not to shout across my own shrine."
We moved forward as a group, and I became acutely aware of how young we must look to her. Yasaka had centuries of experience and had led the Youkai faction through countless challenges. We were just students playing at supernatural politics.
"This is my daughter, Kunou," Yasaka said, placing a gentle hand on the young girl's shoulder. "She is still learning the ways of diplomacy, but I thought it important she attend this meeting."
Kunou stepped forward slightly, executing a bow that was technically perfect but lacked the fluid grace of her mother's movements. "It is... nice to meet you," she said, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. Her golden eyes fixed on Rias with obvious wariness. "Mother says you are here to help protect Kyoto."
"We are," Rias confirmed with a warm smile. "Your mother and Serafall-sama have worked hard to build cooperation between our factions. We want to honor that alliance."
Kunou nodded slowly, seeming to accept this, though her posture remained guarded. I couldn't blame her—trusting devils probably went against every instinct her Youkai heritage gave her.
Yasaka's attention shifted, and I suddenly found myself the focus of those piercing golden eyes. "And you must be Toshio Amano," she said, and something in her tone made my pulse quicken. "I've heard... interesting things about you."
I bowed, trying to maintain composure despite the intensity of her gaze. "I hope they were positive, Yasaka-sama."
A smile curved her lips—knowing and slightly amused. "Serafall speaks highly of your abilities. She mentioned you were the one who discovered the massacre at Mount Kumotori, who documented everything with remarkable thoroughness despite the... disturbing nature of what you found."
"I did what needed to be done," I replied, keeping my voice respectful. "Those Youkai deserved to have their deaths recorded, their sacrifice acknowledged."
Something shifted in Yasaka's expression—approval, perhaps, or gratitude. "That shows wisdom beyond your years, Amano-san. Many would have simply fled from such horror. I also greatly appreciate you passing on Kenji's final words. He was a great warrior and Youkai."
"Please, call me Toshio, Yasaka-sama. I am not fond of being called my family name." It may have been a little audacious to request something from a leader of a faction, but I really didn't like formalities in reference to me. Not that I had a problem with my family name, I just didn't like being referred by it.
"Toshio, then." She giggled.
"And it was the least I could do, Yasaka-sama. I just wish I could have arrived in time to save him." I felt a spike of pain in my heart at the perfect memory of his dying in my arms. I quickly focused back on the present. I rose from my bow, only to see that Yasaka had stepped in front of me.
"On behalf of all Youkai, we thank you, Toshio." I wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, so I just nodded and lowered my head.
1 || It was only then that I realized where my eyes had landed, taking in the full impact of Yasaka's... generous figure. Her breasts were probably the biggest I'd seen in this life. The kimono really didn't leave much to the imagination, and I was apparently not as subtle as I'd thought.
Her smirk was slight but unmistakable, golden eyes glinting with amusement as she caught me looking. A small brush of red touched my cheeks, but she didn't comment on it, simply turning her attention back to the group as a whole, returning to her position in front of all of us.
Beside me, I felt Akeno's hand squeeze mine—whether in comfort or amusement, I couldn't tell. I caught Rias giving me a brief exasperated look. What'd I do?
"Please, all of you, come sit." Yasaka gestured to cushions arranged in a semicircle before the altar. "We have important matters to discuss, and I'm afraid the news is not entirely encouraging."
We settled onto the cushions, the formal seating arrangement placing me between Akeno and Kiba. Rias and Sona sat closest to Serafall, while Kunou took a position beside her mother. The young Youkai's eyes kept darting toward us, curiosity warring with caution in her expression. She clearly did not trust devils.
Once everyone was seated, Yasaka's composed demeanor grew more serious, the maternal warmth in her expression giving way to the steel of a leader facing a crisis. "I will be direct. Since the initial shrine attacks that Toshio discovered, my scouts have reported isolated demon activity throughout Kyoto. Nothing as blatant as the massacres, but... troubling nonetheless."
"What kind of activity?" Sona asked, her analytical mind already working through implications.
"Surveillance, mostly. Demons watching our patrol routes, monitoring guard rotations at various shrines and leyline nodes." Yasaka's tails swished with obvious agitation. "They're being careful—never staying in one place long enough for us to capture them, always teleporting away before we can engage. But their presence is unmistakable."
I felt that strange resonance in the leylines again, stronger now that we were in direct proximity to one of the main nodes. It was like a vibration running through my entire body, making my spiritual senses hyperaware. It was difficult to perceive anything outside of the room we were in, like it was blocking my energy sense.
"Do you have any indication of when they might strike?" Serafall asked, her voice carrying none of her usual playfulness. This was the Satan of Foreign Affairs speaking, and the weight of that authority was palpable.
"My sources suggest it will be soon," Yasaka replied. "Within the next day or two, most likely. They're waiting for something—perhaps the chaos of having so many human students in the city, making our forces spread thinner to protect them."
Rias's expression tightened. "That's what we feared. The timing of the school trip was too convenient to be coincidental."
"Indeed." Yasaka's gaze swept across all of us again, and I saw genuine concern in those golden eyes. "Which is why I'm implementing a strategic defense. The bulk of my forces will guard the main leyline shrine in central Kyoto—the most obvious target, where the leyline power is strongest and most concentrated. That's where I expect them to attack."
"And you?" Serafall asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.
"I will be defending the secondary leyline shrine with a small group of my most elite warriors." Yasaka's voice carried absolute conviction. "It's much smaller and less obvious, but it offers the best access to the entire leyline network despite its smaller size. If the demons truly understand the structure of Kyoto's spiritual power, that's where they'll eventually need to strike. The main shrine is flashier and more obvious, but the secondary node is the actual key to accessing and corrupting the entire network."
"A trap," I said quietly, the tactical logic suddenly clicking into place. "You're making the main shrine look like the primary target, drawing their forces there, while you personally defend the real objective."
Yasaka's smile was approving. "Precisely. Though I prefer to think of it as strategic positioning rather than a trap. The main shrine does need defending—it's still a critical node, and an attack there would cause significant damage. But if the demons are as organized and informed as I suspect, they'll eventually realize the secondary shrine is their true target."
"That's incredibly dangerous," Rias said, concern clear in her voice. "If they do figure it out, you'll be facing their main force with only a handful of warriors."
"Which is why it's imperative that we draw attention away from that location," Yasaka replied calmly. "The demons must believe the main shrine is where they should concentrate their efforts. By the time they realize their mistake—if they realize it at all—my forces will have either repelled them or reinforcements will have arrived."
Kunou shifted beside her mother, and I saw worry flash across her young face before she quickly masked it. She'd clearly heard this plan before and didn't like it any more than we did.
"What about evacuation protocols for the human students?" Sona asked, ever the pragmatist. "If fighting breaks out at either location, we need to ensure civilian safety."
"I've coordinated with your teachers—the ones who are aware of our world," Yasaka said. "At the first sign of demonic activity, they'll move all students to designated safe zones where my Youkai can protect them while you evacuate them back to Kuoh via teleportation circles."
The leylines thrummed beneath me again, that strange resonance growing stronger. I frowned, trying to understand what I was sensing. It wasn't just power flowing through the earth—it was almost like the leylines themselves were aware, responding to the tension in the room, to the gathered supernatural beings discussing their defense.
Or maybe they were responding to something else. Something I couldn't quite perceive.
"Toshio?" Akeno's voice was quiet, meant only for me. "What's wrong?"
I realized I'd been frowning, my attention clearly divided. "The leylines," I said softly. "They feel... strange. Like they're resonating with something, but I can't figure out what."
Yasaka's golden eyes fixed on me with sudden intensity. "You can sense the leylines directly? Without specialized training?"
"I have some spiritual perception abilities," I replied carefully, not wanting to reveal too much about my various skills and their origins. "The energy here is so concentrated that it's hard not to feel it."
"Interesting." She studied me for a long moment, her tails swishing thoughtfully. "Most beings require years of practice to perceive leyline energy with any clarity. Your sensitivity is unusual for a human, even one touched by the supernatural."
I wasn't sure how to respond to that, so I simply nodded.
"What you're sensing," Yasaka continued, "is the leylines' natural response to gathered power. We're all radiating significant spiritual and demonic energy in this sacred space. The leylines react to that concentration, creating harmonic resonances. It's perfectly normal, though most cannot perceive it."
That made sense, but something about her explanation didn't quite satisfy me. The resonance I was feeling seemed more specific than just a general reaction to our presence. It felt almost... purposeful.
"Mother," Kunou spoke up suddenly, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness, "should I really stay here for this discussion? It seems like important adult matters."
Yasaka's expression softened, and she placed a gentle hand on her daughter's head. "You are the heir to the Youkai leadership, Kunou. These 'adult matters' will one day be your responsibility. It's important you learn how we handle such situations."
Kunou nodded, though she still looked uncertain. Her gaze drifted toward our group again, and I saw her studying each of us in turn. When her eyes met mine, I offered a small, reassuring smile. She blinked, surprised, then quickly looked away with a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
"If the attack does come," Kiba said, "what role would you like us to play? We're capable fighters, but we're also here primarily as students. Engaging in open combat with demons might complicate the diplomatic situation."
"A valid concern," Serafall acknowledged. "However, if demons attack Kyoto, the diplomatic situation is already complicated. At that point, your priority is survival and protecting your fellow students. If you have opportunities to gather intelligence or assist in defense without compromising your safety, that would be valuable. But you are not soldiers, and I won't ask you to fight battles meant for more experienced warriors."
"That said," Yasaka added, her tone growing more serious, "if you do encounter demons, do not underestimate them. The Old Demon Faction is not to be trifled with. They are ancient, powerful, and absolutely ruthless. If you must engage, do so only if there's no other option, and retreat at the first opportunity."
I felt Akeno's hand tighten around mine, and when I glanced at her, I saw determination in her violet eyes. She wouldn't run from a fight if innocent people were at risk—I knew that about her. None of us would.
"We understand," Rias said formally, speaking for all of us. "Our priority is the safety of our classmates and gathering intelligence if possible. We won't take unnecessary risks."
The meeting continued for another hour, covering logistics and contingency plans with exhaustive detail. Sona proved invaluable here, her analytical mind catching potential gaps in the defensive strategy that even Yasaka's experienced generals had missed. I found myself impressed by how seriously everyone was taking this, how much effort was going into protecting not just the leylines but the innocent humans who had no idea they'd walked into a potential war zone.
Eventually, as the discussion wound down, Yasaka rose from her cushion with fluid grace. "I believe that covers everything we need to discuss tonight. Thank you all for your cooperation and for your willingness to help defend Kyoto. The alliance between our factions grows stronger with each challenge we face together."
We all stood, bowing formally. As we prepared to leave, Kunou suddenly stepped forward, her expression determined despite the nervousness in her eyes.
"Um, excuse me," she said, her voice directed at our group. "I just wanted to say... thank you. For coming here to help protect our home. I know devils and Youkai haven't always been allies, but... I'm glad you're here."
The sincerity in her words was touching, and I saw Rias's expression soften considerably. "Thank you, Kunou-san. We're honored to help."
Kunou nodded, then quickly retreated back to her mother's side, as if embarrassed by her own boldness. Yasaka smiled warmly, clearly proud of her daughter's diplomatic effort.
As we filed out of the shrine, I felt that resonance in the leylines one more time—stronger now, more insistent. I paused at the threshold, looking back at the altar where Yasaka still stood with Kunou. The golden-haired woman's tails were swaying gently, and for just a moment, I could have sworn I saw something flash across her composed features.
Then the moment passed, and we were walking back down the stone pathways toward the inn, the weight of everything we'd discussed settling heavily on my shoulders.
"Well," Akeno said quietly as we walked, "that was certainly illuminating."
"And highly concerning," I added. "The idea of Yasaka facing the main demon force with only a handful of warriors..."
"She's one of the strongest Youkai in existence," Rias reminded me, though her own voice carried a note of concern. "If anyone can hold that position, it's her. We just need to trust in her strategy and focus on our own roles."
I nodded, but the unease in my gut wouldn't fade. Something about this entire situation felt wrong, like pieces of a puzzle that almost fit together but not quite. The demonic energy I'd sensed earlier, the strange resonance in the leylines, the timing of everything—it all pointed toward something bigger than just a straightforward attack.
As we reached the inn and began saying our goodnights, I made a decision. Tomorrow, I'd spend the day keeping my Energy Sense active as much as possible, pushing my perception to its limits. If there was something we were missing, some hidden element to the demons' plan, I needed to find it before it was too late.
Because the alternative—walking blindly into whatever trap they'd prepared—was unacceptable.
As everyone was winding down and getting ready for bed, I was doing the opposite. Once people went to sleep, I was planning on sneaking out to patrol. I wasn't a devil, so I didn't have a role to fulfill. I had my own role I wanted to fulfill. The devils were more than enough to protect the students. I couldn't get what I saw at that shrine out of my head.
I needed to avenge them.
I needed to rip and tear those demons apart.
I looked over my current abilities, pulling up my status screen.
{Status
Name: Toshio Amano
Title: Fatal Survivor
Race: Human
Age: 17
Level: 46 (25/4600)
Health: 100/100
Reiryoku: 69,525→ 4,380,075/4,380,075
Ki: 100/100
Physique: S+
Zanjutsu: S+
Hohō: S+
Hakuda: A+
Spiritual Potential: B
Soul Resonance: 65%}
I was happy with my progress but also frustrated. I couldn't pass S+ without a skill unlocking my potential too. I had runestones to use too. The most notable change was my Reiryoku amount. Still under someone like Riruka, but way above Ganju. Could I be considered a seated officer in the Gotei 13?
Reiryoku Mana Refinement and Reiryoku Dominion had been stubborn, the former at Rank 9 and the latter at Rank 7. They hadn't moved. It was maddening, because I didn't know what to do or what I was missing to budge them. Getting those to max rank had to be withholding something tremendous.
I also created a few new skills and spells that should make up any difference in power I may be lacking. I also made great progress with my sword style. Sparring helped the most in that regard, Shinken no Tenketsu" – True Sword of the Celestial Pulse reaching Rank 5.
I was confident I could deal with any Ghom level threats.
Just as I was about to leave, I heard a quiet knock at my door. Knowing who it was, I had a pretty good feeling why she was there.
As soon as I opened the door, lips were on mine, pushing me back into the room, the door closing behind her. I pulled away, steadying her with my hands.
"Well hi to you as well, Akeno," I snorted.
"Not touching you today has been torture, and not—"
"The good kind, I know," I finished her amused. "I feel the same way." I pecked her on the lips. She looked down at my attire then, noticing I was ready for anything but sleep.
"You bad boy~," she playfully slapped my chest. "You were planning on sneaking out weren't you?"
"Potentially."
"Wherever to? Maybe, to peak on Yasaka?" She smirked at me. Before I could respond, she continued. "I saw you looking at her beautifully big tits." To emphasize her point, she groped her own through her disheveled kimono. Why was she still wearing that?
"What of it? They were difficult not to notice." I tried to loosely defend, pulling her into me by her waist.
"I got maternal vibes from her. You think she'd let both of us suck a tit?" Her antics got a genuine laugh out of me. So far, Akeno was the only person who could do that.
"I don't know, Akeno-dearest; we should go ask her."
"Unfortunely, she's at the other shrine, otherwise I might have actually been tempted~." Geez, this woman was horny.
"I guess we'll have to make do with yours." Before she could respond, I moved her kimono and lace bra aside, taking a nipple in my mouth, causing her to moan.
"What, ah, where were you going?" she asked between moans as I continued my ministrations.
"Look around," I responded, then pulled her nipple slightly with my teeth, causing her to gasp. We moved to the futon, her pushing me on my back.
"Well since you want to look at big tits so bad," she shrugged the top of her kimono off and removed her bra, "how about you feel these instead?" My cock was out almost immediately, then enveloped by her generous bosom. As she squeezed me between her breasts, she let her drool fall onto my tip, lubing the area.
2 || "I can't get enough of your cock, Toshi-kun~." She started moving her tits up and down my full length, it being long enough for her to take the tip into her mouth at the same time. I laid my head back in pleasure.
"It's okay Toshi-kun, you can imagine I'm Yasaka, with her giant tits getting fucked by your cock~." Despite her comment, I could only focus on Akeno. This woman was unreal. Truly only something out of a borderline hentai anime.
"Akeno…" As I felt my climax approaching, I grabbed fistfuls of her hair, moved her back, and shoved my entire length down her throat. Her eyes crossed as I came, likely cumming herself. I lifted her head off of me and shifted us so I was on top of her, ready to continue.
"Careful Toshi-kun~, the other students might hear," she said while catching her breath.
"Yeah you'd like that wouldn't you?" Her eyes filled with ecstasy answered my question. Just as I was about to enter her, there was a spike of power that set off my energy sense, causing me to snap my head over to the window, stopping me in my tracks.
Realizing my attention was shifted, Akeno sobered up a little. "Toshio, what's wrong?"
"The shrine…" I got up and started to get dressed again. Akeno quickly followed, obviously still expecting more information.
"I think it's being attacked. I'm going to help," I said with a tone of finality in case she wanted to dissuade me. I wasn't sure what Rias had commanded her. I noticed her determined expression.
"I'm coming with you."