Chapter 2
The sky over the uninhabited island darkened as heavy clouds swirled, announcing an imminent storm. The sound of waves crashing against the nearby rocks filled the air, but at the center of a clearing, far from the shores, the roaring wind was no match for the echoes of fast, powerful blows.
Sengo (Senji Muramasa) stood firm, his body relaxed yet ready for any attack. His red eyes gleamed intensely, studying his opponent: a young girl with golden hair and violet eyes, Saigou Izayoi. The girl breathed deeply, fists raised, as a slight smile crossed her face.
"Is that all you've got, Izayoi?" Sengo asked, not bothering to hide the challenge in his tone.
Izayoi snorted, stepping forward. "We're just getting started!"
With an explosive movement, the girl closed the distance between them. Her first attack was a direct punch to Sengo's chest, followed by a quick spin to deliver an upward kick. However, Sengo easily anticipated both moves, dodging the punch and blocking the kick with his forearm.
"Your speed has improved," Sengo commented, sidestepping to deflect a second blow. "But you're still too predictable."
Izayoi gritted her teeth, stepping back momentarily to adjust her stance. "We'll see about that!"
The storm began to break over them, and the first drops of rain made the ground shine with a slippery sheen. Still, neither showed signs of stopping. Izayoi charged again, using a combination of rapid strikes aimed at Sengo's torso and head. He, maintaining his characteristic calm, blocked and deflected each attack with precision, as if his body moved before his mind decided to.
"Focus your energy, Izayoi," he said, deflecting a right hook with an open palm. "Don't waste strength on useless attacks."
Izayoi growled and spun, launching a side kick that Sengo barely dodged by leaning back. The kick grazed his cheek, which seemed to satisfy the girl.
"Was that a hit? I thought you were faster," Sengo said with a mocking smile.
"Shut up and fight seriously!" Izayoi shouted, her frustration obvious.
Izayoi changed strategies, stepping back to create distance. She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing her breathing, and when she opened them, there was a new glow in her violet eyes. Sengo noticed and his expression changed: he was alert.
Without warning, Izayoi lunged forward with a speed she hadn't shown before. Her fist crashed into Sengo's palm, which he barely managed to stop, but the force behind the blow pushed him back for the first time.
"That's better," Sengo murmured, adjusting his stance.
Izayoi didn't let up and continued her assault. She launched a series of high and low strikes, mixed with sweeps and spinning kicks. Sengo blocked, dodged, and countered, but each move was more challenging than the last.
"Got you now!" Izayoi shouted as she aimed a punch at Sengo's abdomen, only for him to deflect it at the last second and grab her wrist.
"Too confident," he said calmly, spinning to throw her to the ground in one fluid motion.
Izayoi landed on her back but quickly rolled to her feet, wiping mud from her face with her arm. "Again! I'm not done."
Sengo crossed his arms, watching her with interest. "That's what I want to see. Determination."
The rain now fell heavily, soaking both fighters. The ground beneath their feet turned slippery, but neither stopped. Izayoi launched another attack, this time aiming at Sengo's legs with a sweeping kick. When he jumped to avoid it, she spun, using the momentum to kick at him midair, barely grazing his side.
Sengo landed gracefully, but his smile showed he was impressed. "That was unexpected. You're improving."
Izayoi smiled, panting from the effort. "Just give me more time... and I'll surpass you."
Sengo chuckled, lowering into a stance. "Surpass me? Then you'll have to try harder. Come on, show me what you've got."
With that, the two clashed again, their movements faster and fiercer. Though it was a training session, the intensity of the fight was worthy of a real battle, and each impact echoed like thunder across the deserted island.
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The air in Takamagahara was filled with an unusual silence. The sacred fields, witnesses to Izayoi Saigou's crushing victory over the Shinto gods, remained still, as if the very sky had been stunned by the girl's display of strength. A fresh breeze caressed Izayoi's golden locks as she walked beside Senji, their steps echoing over the trampled grass.
"Well, I guess that was fun," Izayoi commented, slightly turning her head toward her mentor. A sly smile played on her lips. "Although I was expecting a little more excitement. These gods aren't as impressive as the rumors claimed."
Senji let out a quiet sigh, though there was amusement in his tone. "Maybe you should learn to temper your expectations. Not everyone can match your standards… or your punches."
Izayoi chuckled softly, intertwining her hands behind her head as she kept walking. "I suppose that means I'm amazing. Should I start charging fees for every god I beat?"
"If you do that, you'll run out of opponents," Senji replied with a smile, looking out toward the horizon. "Though I have to admit, watching you fight was quite entertaining."
The young girl quickly spun around to walk backward, her violet eyes gleaming mischievously. "Entertaining? Is that all you have to say? Come on, Senji, admit it: I impressed you."
Senji observed her in silence for a moment before shrugging. "Maybe a little," he finally admitted, although the gleam in his eyes revealed more than his words.
Izayoi laughed again, enjoying the moment. "I knew you couldn't resist. Alright, now that we're done here, what's next? Because if we go straight to the airport, I swear I'll die of boredom."
.
.
.
Their journey back took them to a small village near the outskirts of Takamagahara—a quiet place with cobblestone streets and traditional houses adorned with red and white lanterns. The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly prepared food that made Izayoi's stomach growl.
"How about we stop here?" she suggested, her tone full of enthusiasm. "I need to recharge after all that action."
"Recharge?" Senji repeated, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you were just warming up."
"Exactly! Which means I still have room to eat everything I can," Izayoi declared proudly, pointing toward a traditional restaurant at the end of the street.
Without waiting for a response, she dragged him toward the place—cozy, with low tables and a simple but charming decor. As soon as they sat down, Izayoi began ordering an absurd amount of food: ramen, sushi, tempura, onigiri, and even a special house dish.
"You planning to eat all that by yourself?" Senji asked, leaning back as he watched her with a mix of amusement and resignation.
"Of course," Izayoi replied without hesitation. "You wouldn't want me to go hungry, would you?"
Senji let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. "Do what you want. Just don't complain if you run out of space for dessert."
As Izayoi devoured her food with enthusiasm, Senji allowed himself a moment to observe her. There was something fascinating about her boundless energy, about how she could go from being an unstoppable force in battle to a carefree young girl who enjoyed life's simple pleasures. It was a reminder of how far she had come—and how much farther she could still go.
"What are you looking at?" Izayoi asked, noticing his gaze. Her tone was casual, but there was a hint of curiosity.
"Just thinking," Senji replied, taking a sip of tea. "You're chaos, Izayoi. But necessary chaos."
She narrowed her eyes at him, but a smile tugged at her lips. "That sounds like a compliment. Are you okay, Senji? You're not usually this sentimental."
"Maybe the atmosphere is getting to me," he replied in a laid-back tone, though he didn't deny her claim.
Izayoi shrugged and returned her focus to her food, letting the moment pass without further comment. For her, Senji's words were a reminder that, though their relationship was often filled with teasing and challenges, there was also a deep mutual respect that connected them.
After stuffing herself with an impressive amount of food, Izayoi stepped out of the restaurant with a satisfied smile, stretching under the warm sunset light. Senji, walking beside her, looked just as relaxed, though much more moderate in his behavior.
"Well, I think I'm ready for whatever comes next," Izayoi declared, gazing up at the sky. "I hope it's something exciting. I hate boring trips."
"Patience, Izayoi," Senji replied, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Sometimes, rest is just as important as action. Learn to enjoy it."
She glanced at him sideways, frowning slightly. "That sounds like something an old man who doesn't want to move would say."
Senji let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "It's something a mentor would say when his student needs to learn to pace herself."
Izayoi scoffed, but didn't argue. Despite her confidence and strength, she had learned to recognize the wisdom behind Senji's words—even if she often liked to challenge them for fun.
The road to the airport led them along a quiet path on the outskirts of the village, where the sunset painted the horizon in warm tones. As they walked, the bond between them showed in the comfortable silence they shared. They didn't need words to understand that their connection went beyond training—it was a bond forged through discipline and mutual respect between mentor and student.
Senji glanced at her from the corner of his eye as they walked, noting the vibrant energy she still radiated despite the exhausting day.
"You did well today, Izayoi," he finally said, breaking the silence.
The girl turned to him, surprised by the compliment. Though she often joked about her abilities, sincere praise from Senji always carried weight.
"Was that a compliment? I should write it down—it doesn't happen every day."
"Enjoy it while it lasts," he replied with a slight smile. "I don't plan on making it a habit."
They both laughed softly, their voices blending with the whispering wind and the distant chirping of crickets. As they continued on their path, Izayoi couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation for what would come next. With Senji as her guide, she knew the challenges would only grow greater—but she also knew she was ready to face them.
The sun finished sinking beyond the horizon, leaving the sky blanketed with stars as the two of them moved forward to their next destination, leaving Takamagahara behind—a conquered battlefield and one more lesson in their journey.
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The Gremory territory, known for its vast and majestic landscapes, shimmered under a crimson sky, with the towers of the family castle casting long shadows over the perfectly kept gardens. In an open hall with a view of the horizon, four young demons were gathered, relaxed in a space that contrasted with their imposing ambitions.
Rias Gremory, the youngest of the group, lounged comfortably in an armchair, her long red hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders. With a cup of tea in hand, she observed the others with a serene smile, letting the conversation flow.
Beside her, Alexander Gremory, her older brother, sat with his arms crossed, his crimson hair and violet eyes reflecting a calm intensity. Despite his relaxed posture, the energy around him was palpable—as if he was ready to stand and lead at any moment.
In front of them, Esdeath Leviathan leaned back in her chair, her light-blue hair glowing under the soft light of magical lamps. The daughter of Serafall held a crystal glass with ice, swirling it slowly as a light yet dangerous smile played on her lips. At her side, Sairaorg Bael—the heir to the Bael clan and cousin of Rias and Alexander—sat with a straight posture, his muscles tense even at rest, and an expression both serene and intense, echoing his reputation as a fierce warrior.
Until that moment, the conversation had been light—an exchange of anecdotes and family jokes.
"So, Rias," Sairaorg began, his deep voice breaking the quiet murmur of the room, "how long do you plan on staying on the sidelines before you start taking things seriously?"
Rias raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "On the sidelines? In case you've forgotten, Sairaorg, not all of us are obsessed with training until our bodies collapse."
"Maybe you should try it," he replied with a teasing smile. "You'd be surprised what you can achieve when you push past your limits."
Esdeath chuckled softly, lifting her glass. "Come on, Sairaorg, don't be so hard on her. Not everyone has your talent for turning every conversation into a physical challenge."
"Esdeath's right," Alexander added, leaning forward. "Besides, the real battlefield for us won't be only physical. If we want to make it to the Top 10 of the Rating Games, we'll need more than brute strength."
The air in the room shifted slightly at that statement. The Rating Games weren't a trivial topic, and each of them knew that reaching the Top 10 wasn't just a symbol of prestige—it was a declaration of supremacy in the Underworld.
"The Rating Games," Esdeath murmured, her smile fading as her icy-blue eyes gained a glint of cold sharpness. "The place where names are forged… and destroyed."
Sairaorg nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. "That's exactly why I train the way I do. I don't plan to be just another pampered noble relying on his family name. If I'm going to conquer that stage, it'll be with my strength—not my lineage."
"Same goes for me," said Alexander firmly. "Even though I'm a Gremory, I have no interest in hiding behind our name. I want the Underworld to respect me for who I am—not where I come from."
Rias looked at them both, her light smile giving way to a more serious expression. "And what if we fail? What if we don't go as far as we think we can?"
"Then we get up and try again," Alexander replied without hesitation. "Failure is only the end if you decide it is."
Esdeath swirled her glass, watching the ice clink softly. "Failure isn't an option for us. The four of us are destined for great things. We know it—and the Underworld will know it too."
Rias sighed and leaned back, letting her companions' words settle in the air. "I guess that means I can't keep taking it easy, huh? Wouldn't want to be left behind while you guys are parading at the top."
"Finally, some competitive spirit," Sairaorg teased, leaning forward with a grin. "Maybe there's hope for you after all, cousin."
The conversation continued, flowing between jokes and strategies, but one thing was clear: the four of them shared a common goal—one that pushed them beyond their limits. Though each had their own approach and style, the ambition to reach the Top 10 of the Rating Games united them in a way few could understand.
As the night went on, the lights of the Gremory castle reflected against the crimson sky, and the sound of laughter and voices echoed through the hall. Though the road ahead was hard and full of uncertainty, the four young demons knew they were destined to leave their mark on the Underworld—not as heirs of noble families, but as monsters who would redefine what it meant to be a demon.
Side Story: Couple?
It was a typical day at Kyoto High School. Senji Muramasa, known for his strict discipline as the P.E. teacher of Class 2-A, stood on the sports field, giving instructions to his students. With his serious expression and usual sports attire, Senji commanded respect (and a bit of fear) among the students. Everything was proceeding normally—until the routine was interrupted by an unexpected "rival."
Just a few days ago, Serafall Leviathan—better known as Serafall Shitori in the human world—had joined the school as the new P.E. teacher for Class 2-B. With her long black hair tied in an elegant low bun and wearing sportswear that matched her natural charm, Serafall quickly won over the hearts of the students. Since her arrival, not a day had passed without her finding some excuse to approach Senji, always calling him by a nickname he couldn't stand.
"Senji-chan~!" Serafall sang from the far end of the hallway, making Senji tense instantly.
The corridor filled with whispers and giggles from the students. It was hard to ignore how much attention Serafall had drawn. She approached with a playful smile, her bright eyes always hiding some kind of mischief.
"Senji-chan, wouldn't you like to be my Queen?" she asked softly, leaning in just enough for her sweet perfume to envelop him.
Senji clenched his teeth, clearly irritated. "I already told you no," he replied firmly, crossing his arms. His voice echoed down the hall, and the students erupted into murmurs and gasps.
"What?! He rejected Serafall-sensei?"
"No way! They look perfect together!"
"Come on, Senji-sensei! Give her a chance!"
Senji frowned and walked away quickly, trying to ignore the students who were now turning the scene into the beginning of a rom-com that, to him, didn't exist at all. But to the students, it was all unfolding like a romantic comedy about to bloom.
Later, on the sports field, both classes were gathered for a joint session. The students were excited—especially because their favorite teachers were present. Senji, trying to stay focused, was giving instructions to his group when he heard Serafall's cheerful voice approaching.
"Senji-chan~!" she called out, completely ignoring his annoyed expression. "I was thinking... how about we play a basketball match? You versus me. That way, we can see which class is the best—2-A or 2-B."
Senji turned to her, catching the basketball Serafall had thrown. He hesitated for a moment, not wanting to get dragged into her antics. "I'm not here to play, Serafall-sensei."
"Oh, come on, Senji-chan~! The students want to see their teachers in action, right?" she said with a wink, while the students started chanting their names.
"Senji-sensei! Serafall-sensei! Match! Match!"
With a resigned sigh, Senji finally gave in, unable to resist the peer pressure. "Fine. But just one match," he said, giving Serafall a challenging look.
The game began with palpable tension. Senji and Serafall faced off like eternal rivals. From the first serve, it was clear that both were extraordinary in skill and physical prowess. Serafall displayed astounding agility, moving with elegance and speed, while Senji—strong and precise—blocked every scoring attempt.
The students watched in awe as their teachers moved across the court like a perfect choreography. As time passed, neither of them managed to score a single point. The scoreboard remained at zero, making the match even more exciting.
"Amazing! I can't believe they're still tied!"
"It's like they're made for each other!"
"Come on, Senji-sensei! Don't give up!"
Finally, the whistle blew, signaling the end of the game. The result: a perfect tie—zero to zero.
Serafall, slightly panting but with a triumphant smile, approached Senji. "I have to say, Senji-chan. You're better than I expected."
Senji simply looked at her, trying not to show his frustration. "You're not bad yourself... for a newbie."
The students erupted in applause and cheers, interpreting the scene as a romantic moment.
"Kyaa! They're flirting!"
"Senji-sensei and Serafall-sensei are the perfect couple!"
"We'll see each other in the next class, Senji-chan~," Serafall teased, giving him a playful pat on the shoulder before walking away with a giggle—leaving Senji frowning and surrounded by students whispering nonstop about their "romance."