Chương 11: My Hellish Training Begins teach me how to be GREAT again Shishou!
In the mountains, were the Occult Research Club climbing towards their destination after the encounter with Riser and their new goal to complete 10 days of training to prepare for the Yakitori's Peerage. As Rias, Akeno, Asia and Raynare walked ahead wearing hiking clothes with no bags on them whatsoever looked behind themselves to cheer on a struggling Michael, who was carrying a huge backpack almost as tall and large as him.
"Hurry up, Michael, you can be quicker than that." Rias waved.
"You're almost there Michael-kun just a little more!" Akeno waved also.
"Man, what's in this thing, bowling balls? I would use my boosted gear if the Buchou would let me use it for the trip..." Michael grunts as he takes rather short struggling steps forward.
"Why do I have to carry this much while they just go on ahead and watch?" Michael growled to himself and grew a tick mark in anger.
"Um...maybe we could help Michael-san just a little?" Asia offered.
"No, don't worry if he can't even handle something as significant like this then he won't survive the training in store for him." Rias crossed her arms under her chest and shook her head.
"But it's a little hard to see him struggle this way though..." Raynare sadly looked at Michael weakly walking up the mountain.
"Oh it's fine, Michael-kun should stand to struggle a little if he wants to get stronger." Akeno smiled.
"A-Alright." Raynare hesitantly nodded and continued walking along with Asia and Akeno as Rias watched Michael's slow progress to climb up the mountain under a judgemental eye.
Walking forward while looking at the ground in exhaustion, Michael panted heavily and takes one more slow heavy step forward before he realizes the ground beneath him disappeared and changed into the sky above.
*Thud!*
"Dammit. Neh! Nyeeeh!" Michael growled to himself then flails his arms around like a tipped over turtle.
[This is sad.]
'I-I know, shut up!' Michael cried as he continued trying to get up.
Seeing the boy struggle, Rias sighed and was trapped in thought on how to help the boy, good thing she was quick to say this as she catches sight of Kiba, "Yuuto, were you able to gather some herbs for tonight's meal?"
"Wait, he had time to do that but isn't he carrying the same load as me?" Michael turns his head to see Kiba carrying twice the luggage he had while holding onto herbs.
"Yes, Buchou it was rather easy to find them due to the area's nourishing foliage." Kiba smiled and walked up the mountain with even struggling.
"What the-Grrr!" Pushing himself up with enough force, Michael was able to pick himself up and onto his knees and clenches his fist, "Is that smug bastard thinking to upstage me in front of Buchou and everyone, well I'll show him what for!"
Before he could take action a large shadow catches his sight as Michael looks to his right to see Koneko passing him with luggage about 50 times her size.
"...Please allow those who can move faster to stay in front." Koneko said while continuing ahead.
Looking at himself lagging behind, Michael simply stood up as his hair covered his eyes as he fiercely smiled, "Fine, if that's the way things are gonna be then I only have one option." Michael raises his head to shout to the heavens, "I'll just have to be the first to make it to the top before any of you!"
"ORRYYAAAH!" Michael then broke into a fast dash past Rias, Koneko, and Kiba.
"*Sigh!*" Rias simply shook her head at her pawn's obsessive compulsion to make everything a competition, but she'll have to do this unless he won't get anywhere near stronger and she'll have to try and raise up his spirits or he literally won't survive once "his" training truly begins.
Later on top of the mountain, everyone was amazed at the sight of the House of Gremory's mansion hidden inside the woods its very foundation seemed to have been created by wood itself as it stood tall and elegant.
"So we're finally here, this place will suit our needs for the next 10 days of training." Rias explained.
"Amazing..." Asia was in awe by the sight.
"Buchou." Kiba chimed.
"Hm?" Rias turns back to see Kiba bitterly smiling while pointing at Koneko, who was now carrying her huge luggage and dragging an exhausted Michael.
"Michael-senpai passed out 30 minutes ago." Koneko said.
"Uuuuurgh..." Michael muffled his tired moans into the hard ground beneath him.
"Oh dear." Rias places her hand on her forehead and sighed as Akeno beside her giggled,
"Ara Ara, it seems Michael-kun worn himself out as he kept declaring about beating everyone to the top."
"Geez this boy..." Rias shook her head then looked over to Kiba, "Yuuto, can you please take him to the male's bedroom and make sure he gets ready for today's training outside."
"Yes, Buchou." Yuuto nodded and took the unconscious Michael from Koneko's arms.
"*Mumble!* *Mumble!*" Michael grumbled in relaxation as he fell into a quick slumber.
"He's going to be like this if it's not handled, so I'll help Kiba-kun with getting him ready." Raynare grabbed Michael's other arm and dragged him inside.
"Then I'll leave it to you." Rias smiled to Raynare who smiled and nodded back, the relationship the Fallen Angel was able to create with Michael has seemed to have gotten some trust from Rias and the others to the point to where they won't suspect her of anything shady.
"Please Raynare-san be gentle with him." Asia smiled nervously.
"No promises." Raynare said.
As everyone prepared to change into the jerseys they arrived back outside waiting for Raynare and Michael to show.
"It seems they are having ore trouble than I thought." Rias crossed her arms under her chest.
"Raynare-san said she had a method she wanted to use which required me to leave the room." Kiba explained.
"I wonder what method that may be it may prove useful for me someday." Rias questioned until a loud scream which sounds like its coming from Michael resounded through the mansion.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Michael bursts through the doors to the outside while crawling, he was wearing his jersey as per instruction but also wore an expression of fear, "Get her away from me!" Michael instinctively rushed over to Koneko and wrapped his arms around her legs not much to the girl's surprise who simply looks at him with half lidded eyes.
"Michael-san are you alright!" Asia kneeled down next to Michael who began panicking even more.
"N-No more please!" Michael cried into Koneko's leg.
"Ara Ara Michael-kun you seem to be very frightened whatever could have happened?" Akeno giggled and actually enjoyed the frightened face Michael was expressing.
"Hmhmhm!" Raynare walks out wearing her jersey as well as she pulls out a needle.
"Keep her away from me!" Michael cried.
"A needle?" Rias tilts her head at it.
"Michael-san dislikes needles to an extent." Asia explained.
"Because needles are creepy and who wants to have a sharp metal object stabbed in your body its strange and painful!" Michael cried like a little child.
"Oh come on, Michael-sama it isn't that bad." Raynare smiled approaching Koneko.
"Nooooooo! Stay away!" Michael cried.
"Hm? Maybe I went a little too far." Raynare looked at the sharp red colored needle she held with a frown.
"You think?" Kiba gave her a bitter smile.
"Michael-senpai..." Koneko patted Michael's head gently.
"Koneko-chan?" Michael looks up at his junior with teary eyes.
"...Your a wimp." Koneko smiled.
"Gah!" Michael stood up after taking the insult and growled, "Why would I expect you of all people to comfort me!"
Everyone laughed at Michael's antics then returned to business at hand as Michael's training has finally begun.
"Alright, everyone let's begin!" Rias declared.
"Hai Buchou!" Everyone nodded.
"First Lesson, Michael, you will be sword training with Yuuto." Rias explained, "You may never know when you may rely upon a weapon so it's best you learn the basics."
"R-Right." Michael nodded.
XXX
Standing across from each other, Kiba and Michael stood on the field holding bokuto in their hands as Kiba held one as Michael was holding two.
'Alright since the Pretty Boy is a Knight I can use this to my advantage while using two swords meaning more the damage!' Michael growled as he took a wide stance.
"Anytime your ready." Kiba narrowed his eyes at Michael.
"Hiyaaaaa!" Michael charges at Kiba while swinging his wooden swords recklessly as Kiba easily blocked each blow given to him with ease and even evade some just to prove Michael was just hitting the air in front of him.
"Your stance is way too open and you should focus and widen your line of vision instead of looking at just the opponent's sword." Kiba instructed.
"Tch, my stance is fine, see?" Michael swung his blades at Kiba at once but in one swift motion Kiba performed an upper attack under the bokuto and hit them out of Michael's hands and into the air.
"See?" Kiba sighed.
"This proves nothing!" Michael crossed his arms then gasped as he remembered the bokuto in the air falling towards him one hitting him directly on his head and one flatly landing onto him.
"Ugh!" Michael passed out after getting hit on the head.
*Thud!*
[Do you ever not get knocked out?] Ddraig groaned.
"It appears there is more work to be done." Kiba sighed.
'Your second lesson will be to control your Demonic energy, every devil must know the basics or they can hardly call themselves a devil to begin with.' Rias' words echoed through Michael's head.
"Good you two now gather your drifting aura that covers your whole body then concentrate to feel the wave of demonic power." Akeno instructed as she looked at both Michael and Asia with their eyes closed concentrating their power into masses of Demonic Power.
'Come on, you've been practicing this at school you just have to concentrate! Concentrate! Concentrate!' Michael repeated over in his head as he was having tons of trouble conjuring his power.
"I did it!" Asia smiled as she was finished creating a green mass of demonic power in her hands.
'Whoa, Asia was able to do it for the first time on her first try.' Michael looked at Asia with a smile which could mask his slight jealousy as it actually took him to 3 days to conjure his demonic power.
"Ara ara, Asia-chan you sure do have talent in using demonic power I guess your Bishop pieces only further increased your potential." Akeno complimented Asia.
"Thank you." Asia nodded happily with red cheeks.
'Damn, what's wrong with me? Asia's power looks bigger than my first attempt and I'm just lagging behind I have to do this faster!' Michael thought eagerly then concentrated felt his power manifesting into something big.
"Michael-kun, amazing!" Akeno smiled brightly.
"Huh?" Michael opened his eyes then looked at his hands to see what Akeno meant, in his hands was a mass of red demonic energy in the size of a basketball.
"I did this?" Michael gasped.
"Incredible Michael-san you were able to do it!" Asia praised Michael happily.
"Yeah, I guess I did." Michael grinned happily, "Well that's what you'd expect from me now watch this I can turn this into the element of fire!" Michael concentrated his mass of demonic power into an orb of flames.
After hearing this Akeno's eyes widened as she warned, "Michael-kun, you should wait and settle down before you attempt somet-" But it was too late the ball of flames grew unstable and began to glow brightly.
"Uh-Oh!" Michael's eyes widened.
*BANG!*
Suddenly a big red flash rang throughout the room as it shot Michael off his feet and crashing into the wall behind him, Michael slid off the wall and fell to his knees.
"Aaaah!" Michael gripped his burnt face in pain, "Why would it do that!?"
"Michael-san, are you alright here let me heal that." Asia said.
"Your hard work has taught you how to conjure magic but you still have to know control before advancing in power understood?" Akeno explained.
"Y-Yeah I'll try..." Michael sighed in disappointment, 'Man, I can't even use magic right... what's next?'
XXX
In the woods, Michael was frantically running from Koneko who was tailing after him seriously with the intent to fight.
'After that experience with Riser's Rook, you must adapt yourself to getting faster and taking the correct moment to strike understood so your Third Lesson would have to be sparing with Koneko.' Rias' voice resounded through Michael's head.
"Hmph!" Koneko picks up a rock and throws it at Michael with her inhuman strength.
*BAM!*
Michael gasps as he saw the little rock was able to knock down an entire tree.
"Holy crap." Michael stepped back then realized Koneko was right behind him cracking her knuckles.
"...Stay alert." Koneko cocked back her fist and aims it for Michael's face.
"Yikes!" Michael ducks away and hops to the side with surprising good agility.
"...Nice moves your dodging my attacks fluidly." Koneko complimented but remained in her fighting stance.
"Hah, I haven't been running from the VVV for nothing, I have to dodge their schemes to kill me to survive so don't think I'll be taken down so easily." Michael grinned.
"...Okay then." Koneko walks over to a nearby tree.
"Huh, what are you doing?" Michael was about to regret asking as Koneko grabs the trunk of the tree and rips it out of the ground and aims to throw it at Michael.
"...I'll come at you with the intent to kill, idiot-senpai." Koneko explained.
"Wait, no, that's not what I mea-!" Michael shook his head and waved his hands defensively.
*CRASH!*
Koneko threw her first tree and missed...on purpose.
"Run." Koneko warned.
"Dear god-ow help me!" Michael cried while running away.
From then on the entire spar consisted of Michael avoiding trees and trying to attack Koneko who would either take the hit and punch him or resort to burying him with uprooted trees.
XXX
For his next lesson, lesson number 4, it involved Rias personally training him, something Michael begin to greatly dislike...
"Come on, Michael, why are you slowing down keep moving!"
"Sorry, I'll go faster!" Michael roared as he climbed up the mountain path with a large boulder attached to his back while his master sat on top of it.
"*Pant!* *Pant!*" Michael groaned as he finally made it to the top, his legs began to shake in exhaustion as he was drenched in sweat.
"Now we're done with our 12 laps around the mountain. We're now doing muscle exercises so start with push ups." Rias ordered.
"Right, I'll do my best!" Michael nodded eagerly then prepared his push ups.
"This training will help you increase your basic ability which needs more improvement." Rias stated as she props another rock on top of the one she put on earlier.
"Grugh!" Michael grunts as more weight was applied to his back.
"Now." Rias sat upon the weights, "Let's start off with 500 push ups."
"N-Ngh! Of course I'll do my best Buchou!" Michael grunted as Rias smiled down at her pawn and said,
"Good that's the spirit then I'll add on more how about 100 more?" Rias crossed her arms.
"No, I'm fine." Michael shook his head.
"Michael, do the 600 push ups." Rias said with a cute/strict tone.
"F-Fine." Michael groaned.
As all the training was completed for the day everyone returned to the mansion to eat dinner which consisted of almost everyone's help. As Rias hunted down a boar, and did some fishing for the dishes they are currently eating. As Kiba's herbs were able to bring out the flavor of the dishes.
As the foods were handmade by Akeno with the aid of Raynare.
Michael was impressed by the flavor and complimented them, "Wow this tastes great, Akeno-senpai and Raynare-chan you two would make some awesome wives!"
"Ufufu, your embarrassing me Michael-kun." Akeno smiles as she puts a hand on her cheek.
"T-Thank you, Michael-sama." Raynare blushed then looked down while muttering, "M-Michael-sama thinks I'll make an awesome wife...Michael-sama's wi- *Mumbling*"
Raynare continued to mumble to herself to the point to where she can hear herself only.
Seeing this Asia seemed to sulk at the fact Michael was praising someone else.
But unbeknownst to her Michael tried the soup and smiled happily in delight, "Wow this soup also tastes great." Looking to his side Michael saw Asia through the corner of his eye and said, "Did you make this, Asia?" Michael asked.
"Yes, Michael-san, I wanted to help out too so..." Asia fidgeted a little.
"Wow, for real you're growing to be an awesome chef Asia, it makes me glad that your living with me." Michael chuckled as he failed to notice Asia's growing blush.
"I-I'm so glad... ... then maybe I could become Michael-san's..." Asia said something quietly to herself.
"My what?" Michael questioned.
"No, it's n-nothing!" Asia waves her hands in front of her and shook her face.
'Was she just red right now, is there something spicy in the food?' Michael thought.
[Your still to weak if you couldn't fully hear what she said.]
'Hey lay off I've been doing good so far!' Michael growled.
"So Michael from today's training how would you rate yourself?" Rias asked.
"Hm?" Michael rubbed his chin, "About 5.5, I'm not really the best at the training categories so I don't really understand if I can do them all."
"I suppose that would be fair because amongst us you are the one who is both progressing and lagging behind so not that much experience has been gained for you yet." Rias nodded.
'So I'm basically the same then, huh, well that's just great.' Michael groaned.
"The members aside from you and Asia have lots of battle experience even though they haven not participated in a Rating Game yet, so they can adapt to a fight because their used to it. And since your Boosted Gear and Asia's Twilight Healing is an important factor in our teams balance of power we can't ignore the fact that the enemy will try to eliminate you two first. So that why I want you both to at least have the power to retreat from the enemy." Rias explained.
Michael looked up at Rias with a frown as Asia asked, "Run? But isn't it much easier to escape than fight?"
"Running away is also a part of the strategy. Retreating to form a new formation is also a professional way of battling. There are ways to win a match like that. However, running away with your back facing an enemy is something quite hard. If it's an enemy with roughly the same strength as you, it is easy, but showing your back to an enemy who is far superior to you is basically asking them to kill you. So being able to run away from such an enemy will also be the part of your strength. So I have to teach you and Asia the time you have to run away. Of course, I will also teach you how to fight the enemy head on." Rias said.
"Yes." Asia nodded.
"Yeah..." Michael looked to the side not as encouragingly as before as Rias took notice of this and frowned also but then perks herself up with a thought.
"So since dinner is finish let's take a bath after the meal. It's an outdoor bath so it's wonderful." Rias stood up and clapped her hands.
"Huh?" Michael looked at Rias questioningly.
"I'm sorry Michael-kun, but I'm not the kind of person to follow the leader and peek on girls, alright?" Kiba said jokingly.
"What the hell do you mean Pretty Boy?" Michael said coldly then noticed Koneko gazing at Michael with a stoic expression,
"...A moron's curiosity can lead to untimely deaths, senpai..."
"Koneko-chan?" Michael raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, Michael. Do you really want to peek at us while we're bathing?" Rias questioned as everyone turned to look at Michael.
"No, I never said that, bluntly." Michael shook his head, bluntly.
"Oh really then you wouldn't mind taking a bath with us right, because I wouldn't mind?" Rias asked.
"What?" Michael's eyes widened at that.
"How about you, Akeno?"
"I don't mind if Michael-kun comes to bathe with us, it will give me a chance to wash my adorable Kouhai's back." Akeno approved.
"Wait, I don't understand what's going on?" Michael looked around the room to see all eyes on him.
"How about you, Asia? Wouldn't you fell better to take a bath with you beloved Michael?" Rias playfully causing Asia's face to grow red from the suggestion as the Bishop gave a slight nod.
"Asia?" Michael began to sweat.
"And you Raynare, wouldn't it be fun to let Michael soak in the same bath as you as he helps wash your back and you do his?" Rias questioned the fallen angel now.
"W-Well..." Raynare twiddled with her thumbs with a face full of embarrassment, "I wouldn't mind if Michael-sama were to take a bath with us for a while."
"So now the last one, Koneko? How about i-?" Rias said but...
"...No, morons should stay morons by themselves." Koneko rejected Michael much to his confusion and somewhat relief.
'Phew, even though she insulted me I feel at ease knowing I won't get involved in something weird.' Michael sighed in relief.
"Then it's a no. Too bad, Michael." Rias chuckled with a naughty expression.
"N-No, it's fine I'll somehow manage." Michael chuckled.
"So then I'll guess we'll have to bathe together Michael-kun. Will you let me wash your back?" Kiba smiled and placed a hand on Michael's shoulder as Michael looked at Kiba with an alarmed face then back to the leaving girls.
"Wait, Koneko-chan could you reconsider-?"
"...No."
*Slam!*
Once the door slammed Michael was left alone in the room with. Kiba.
"So shall we get going?" Kiba asked.
"Damn you life," Michael fell on all fours and pounded the floor with his fist, "Damn you to hell!"
*Crack!*
"And damn you life for breaking my favorite hand is there no limit to your destruction!?" Michael cried.
"Er...Michael-kun are you coming?" Kiba asked.
"...Fine..." Michael shrugged and left the dinning room.
The next day of training, Michael was a little groggy because of the extra training he had to do at night by Buchou as she was extremely tough on Michael as she even said that last night might've been his true last supper whatever that meant but he knew it wasn't good.
Now it was time to train the mind as everyone gathered in the living room to learn more about the many races of the supernatural such as Angels, Devils and Fallen Angels. Such as the Devil's Greatest Enemy Angels who are led by God and his Seraphim: Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel.
As the Devil leaders were of course Lucifer-sama, Beelzebub-sama, and Asmodeus-sama as the last Maou is a female devil known as Leviathan-sama.
And lastly Raynare explained the leaders of the Fallen Angels who are known as the Grigori. As their Governor is Azazel someone Raynare once took affection upon before meeting Michael, Vice-governor Shemhaza as the other leaders names were Armaros, Barakiel, Tamiel, Benemue, Kokabiel and Shariel as these were known as Cadre highly ranked Fallen Angels. There was one more name Raynare wanted to say but held herself back sadly as the name sounded like her but with a "Raym..."
As lastly Asia began her lesson about exorcists such as their two types which are either fathers who exorcise devils with holy water and holy exorcists who have been given divine protection to purge devils from the world. As they are given the power of light as evidenced from Raynare showing a light spear for example. Then Asia began talking about the trait of Holy Water and looked sad when she explained she could not touch it or her skin will get harmed.
The saddest part was when she explained reading the bible would give her extreme headaches especially when she reads just one word. She attempted to read it again but still the effects were painful to her as she received massive headaches but she wouldn't stop there as she would try to pray to god to forgive her but she only got hurt even more which made Michael sweatdrop.
"So now since we're done let's head back to training everyone." Rias said.
"Right!" Everyone nodded.
"But you Michael, your training today will last for the whole remainder of the trip." Rias explained.
"It will?" Michael asked.
"Oh, you'll find out once your teacher arrives." Rias smiles.
"Teacher?" Michael tilts his head.
"That'll be me, Mr. Welsh Dragon." A voice chuckled next to Michael.
"Huh?" Michael's eyes bugged out as he saw the man from the clubroom stand next to him while leaning himself on his shoulder as he misses the sight of a small gold magic circle disappearing.
"Nice to meet you again, Sekiryuutei. I hope your injuries have gotten better." Kai smiled, "Because I'm going to teach you how to fight the correct way."
"Um, Buchou." Michael looks over to Rias and points at Kai, "Who is this?"
"Wait, you don't know who I am? Well then I guess I'm not as popular as I thought." Kai chuckled with a joyful smile as he wrapped his arm around Michael's neck.
"Michael this here is the Underworld's Strongest Male Queen, Son Kai a Master Martial Artist of his generation and an Ultimate-Class Devil whose power is on par with the Maou's Lucifer-sama and Beelzebub-sama." Rias explained.
"Really?" Michael gasped as he stared at Kai's smiling face.
"Yep, that's me but that's only one of my many titles ya know." Kai grinned as he expected someone else to reveal something about him.
"He also goes by the name of [Monkey of Destruction] because of his destructive tendencies in battle and his mischievous demeanor." Akeno smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you once more, Kai-sama." Akeno bowed to the man as everyone but Michael and Asia followed in suit.
"No need to be formal, I may be in a higher class than you all, but I'd rather be treated casually then normal like home." Kai chuckled as he placed his staff onto his shoulder then catches sight of Koneko and smiles, "Oi! Koneko-chan its been a while nice to see you've been well."
"Yes, Kai-sama it's nice to see you as well." Koneko actually showed a genuine smile on her face just by greeting the man. Michael grabbed his chest in pain knowing he had never made his kouhai smile like that for him even once.
"And it looks like we have a Fallen Angel amongst us." Kai looks over to Raynare who was rather frightened the devil might see her as a threat but Kai simply chuckled and said, "Loosen up, I can tell your a nice person and besides I have no reason to eliminate someone who hasn't dealt a terrible offense to me...yet."
Raynare shivered at that and nodded, "T-Thank you."
"Wait, so he's going to train me?" Michael asked.
"But of course he offered to do it himself." Rias nodded.
"But why would an Ultimate Class Devil wanna train me?" Michael asked pointing to himself.
"Kai-sama is a devil who enjoys entertainments that benefit him and fights and he rarely interacts with anyone he wouldn't find fun but he takes interest in those he does and makes sure to get something fun out of interacting with them in return." Akeno explained, "He's the very definition of a True Devil."
"Amazing..." Asia looked at Kai in awe.
'So I'm just entertainment for the guy?' Michael looked at Kai and deadpanned.
"Correct!" Kai nodded then turned to Michael, "Michael Hanamura."
"!" Michael turned to Kai and looked serious.
"From this moment onward you are to be my student meaning right here and now you are completely mine, I mean if Gremory-sama wouldn't mind." Kai looks back at Rias who nods in agreement.
"Correct apart from me you can have full authority over him." Rias nodded.
"Wait, full authority?" Michael gasped as he just felt like he was sold away like some byproduct.
"Great." Kai opened his hand towards Michael and said, "Close your eyes."
"Uh...alright." Michael closed his eyes as Kai then fired out a colorful beam at Michael which envelops the boy until it disappears with sparkles along with Michael's past outfit.
"Whoa..." Michael looked at himself to see he was wearing a Red Gi tied to the waist with a dark green sash with the symbol of "Kai" as he wore martial art shoes along with and green wrist bands.
"My clothing feels so much lighter now." Michael smiled as he hopped up and down to show what he meant.
"Now let's go to the area where you'll train." Kai smiled and places a hand on Michael's shoulder.
"Right." Michael nodded then turned back to everyone, "Well, I'm off."
"Be careful, Michael-san!" Asia waved.
"Please don't do anything stupid to hurt yourself!" Raynare waved.
"Bye, Michael-kun." Kiba still gave Michael a pretty boy smile.
"Take care." Akeno smiled.
"Yes, Michael you must work hard understood?" Rias said sternly while crossing her arms.
Suddenly Michael remembered those very words Riser said to him,
"Remember this Rias' [Pawn] each blow you take is a blow for Rias don't forget that."
"Yeah, I'll try my best." Michael nodded while staring at Rias determinedly, "I'll do my best for you and everyone, Buchou so leave it to me Bet on it!"
Then Koneko walked up to Michael and tugged on his shirt.
"Are you also here to see me off, Koneko-chan?" Michael smiled.
Koneko shook her head and said, "...I just wanted to see your face one more time before you disappear, Senpai."
Michael froze up, "Wait, what does that me-?"
Interrupting Michael, Kai grabbed the boy's head and waved goodbye to the Gremory Family, "Well I hope you all work hard see ya!" Suddenly both Michael's and his body slowly began to fade away.
"Wait, Koneko-chan, what do you mean!?" Michael cried to Koneko but it was too late.
*Flash!*
Both Kai and Michael disappeared in a flash of light as their body particles are now traveling near the speed of light.
In the woods nearby, in the sky, was Kai who was quick to unfold his devil wings and fly as for Michael...
*Thud!*
"Geh! Son of a-!" Michael falls directly on his face and picks himself up, "What just happened?"
"Oh, nothing." Kai floated downwards to the ground and smiled, "Our body particles separated and traveled at the speed of light to teleport us here as I virtually bent space to my liking."
"Wait, you can do that?" Michael gasped then jumped up, "That's like some Dragon Ball Z shit!" Michael gasped.
"Dragon Ball Z, huh?" Kai crossed his arms, "Either way that doesn't matter, let me see your right hand."
Michael looked at his bandaged arm then back to Kai as he stretched out to the man.
"Release." Kai used a hand sign to dispel the gold aura wrapped around the aura as it slipped off Michael's arm and fell to the ground as Michael's human hand reverts back to that of a dragon's.
"My arm!" Michael gasped.
"It seems that I was able to suppress the dragon power after all. It may be strong, but the Ki that I used to imbue the bandages were that of a high level." Kai picked up the bandages and rolled it up.
"Wait, so you were the one who put this on me!?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, didn't you know?" Kai asked.
"No, how would I?" Michael asked.
"Because the original Welsh Dragon knew all about it after your encounter with Tiamat." Kai explained.
"Wait, Ddraig knew about th-? Wait how do you know about Tiamat!?" Michael started to bug out by these unanswered question.
"Hehe! Well, you see I was curious about your power before so I observed you and kind of tested your strength by sicking her on you... Yeah, thinking about it... Maybe that was a bad idea." Kai scratched his cheek.
"I almost died because of you!" Michael shouted.
"Ah! Almost, so you can forgive me, right?" Kai smiles.
"No I can't!" Michael shook his head.
"Oh, come on it was ages ago." Kai gestured his hand by rolling his wrist.
"That was two days ago!" Michael exclaimed.
[You may have almost died, but you were able to at least get some experience from it.] Ddraig said out loud for Kai to hear.
"Ddraig?" Michael questioned.
"Oh, is that the welsh dragon spirit? Hi Mr. Original how is it in that Sacred Gear?" Kai asked.
[A little cramp and somewhat empty possibly a result of Michael's small brain.]
"Oi, no one's asking you to stay in me and besides I thought we were partners." Michael said with half lidded eyes.
"Wow, you two really seem to be the best of friends huh?" Kai chuckled.
"No, he's a pain in the ass with all his lecturing and stupid scolding." Michael shook his head.
[At least I don't pass out every hour of the day.]
"Hey, I thought you would be quiet about that!" Michael shouted.
"This is going to be so much fun..."
Kai simply cackled at their argument until it was finally time to get serious.
"Alright, first off let me introduce myself again, my name is Son Kai, how's it going. Now my goal this week is to increase your skills in combat." Kai smiled.
"Skill?" Michael blinked.
"Yes, from what I saw you are just terrible at fighting, so your prowess in combat needs improving and also your attitude could do with a lot of fixing as well." Kai explained, "I know you dislike Riser-san, but you should understand he's cocky because of his talent while you don't have any."
'By the way he's using Riser-san disrespectfully, I can tell he hates the douche too.' Michael thought.
"H-Hey, I can be talented." Michael clenched his fist and growled, "Because I the Great Mi-!" Michael stopped himself then looked down, "Never mind."
Taking notice of this Kai looked surprised then smiled, "Talent may be good, but it could only get you so far in a battle which is why training is necessary for a fit and better fighter."
"Next are your flaws, you were too cocky even though your weak when fighting Riser-san's Rook, but you made up for that with spirit, correct? So have you ever been in a battle which took long for you to even throw a hit before you finally did and change the course of the fight?"
[Yes, he had before when he encountered a Fallen Angel and took a vicious beating before striking back and knocking him out and this was all when he was just a human.]
"Really!? Well then that's great because now I can see even more value in ya, and why Rias-sama chose you for her pawn." Kai smiled then smirked, "Then this will be interesting them."
"Huh?" Michael blinked.
Kai raised his finger at Michael and shot a magic seal onto his arms and legs making them incredibly heavy.
"Urh!" Michael fell to one knee due to the seal's heavy pressure on him.
"Too make your skill better you'll have to work with weights on." Kai explained, "Now from this point on, you'll refer to me as your Shishou."
"But I can barely move." Michael grunts.
*Snap!*
Kai snapped his fingers and created a huge barrier surrounding the area completely blocking out everything on the outside by being in another portion of space.
"Now we can go all out without disturbing the others." Kai taps his staff on his shoulder.
"Ngh!" Michael stood up trembling while trying to stand, "Man, this is heavy!"
[Do not worry, Partner I will assist you in your training as well so you can at least learn to control the power of the dragon within you.]
Kai then gave Michael a serious glance and said, "But before we begin I must warn you, I won't be so lenient like your master, as soon as we begin I will be attacking you non-stop for 3 days straight until your break period for a day, then we'll continue from there. But I see no point in forcing you to train if your not motivated to do so, do you accept this training or will you return to your friends?"
'Buchou... she's given me many things... Friends, opportunities and happiness, and what have I paid her back with? Nothing! I'm not so great as I thought I was at all!'
'But...!' Michael looked down in thought and remembered his defeat at the hands of Isabela and the face of Riser who laughed at his dream given to him by Rias, 'I can't let that bastard get away with mocking me and because of him Buchou can't be free to choose her own choices that's why-!'
Michael widened his legs and raised up his fists.
"I accept the challenge!" Michael declared, "I won't fall, I will be great and make Buchou proud of the one Pawn that she's got!"
"Good answer!" Kai smirked then raised his hand, "Then ready. set. GO!" Kai flicked his wrist in front of him while imbuing it with a gold aura as the ground in front of Michael crumbled and picked up tons of dirt.
"Ngh!" Michael covered his eyes and stepped back, "What is he doing?"
"Y'know your open, right?" Kai said behind Michael.
"Wha-!"
"Extend!"
*Don!*
Getting jabbed in the back by Kai's staff, Michael was sent flying by the man's surprise attack.
"Too slow." Kai tsks as he stabs his staff into the ground.
"Urgh!" Michael falls forward and groans.
"Get ready because this is only the beginning." Kai lunged at Michael.
"Ngh!" Michael raised his arms to block the attack.
"Hmph!" Kai fired out rapid punches into Michael's guard.
'Gah! His punches sting really bad.' Michael thought.
*BAM!*
*THUD!*
*BAM!*
*THUD!*
*BAM!*
'How come he's still going at it?' Michael grunts.
Michael stayed in place and continued to block the attacks as Kai's face turned disappointed.
"You still haven't figured out your mistake yet, so I'll take action." Kai sighed.
"!" Michael's eyes widened as Kai's punches stopped once the man took a step back.
"Your lower body's-!" Kai fires a punch directly to Michael gut.
*BAM!*
"Guaagh!" Michael coughed up a little blood by the impact.
"Open." Kai explained then raises his fist for an uppercut against Michael's chin.
*BAM!*
"Uaaargh!" Michael grunts in pain as he was sent flying in the air.
But he wouldn't touch the ground without some help, as Kai jumped after him and slammed the back of his heel into Michael's side and sends him crashing down into the ground which creates a powerful shockwave which shook the ground and create a large crater where Michael stood.
"Argh!" Michael picks himself up onto all fours, "This guy is strong and fast too, what sort of training did he do?"
Landing next to Michael, Kai folds his arms behind his back and smiled, "Come on we're just getting started with our warm-up before I start to get a little serious."
'He's not even serious yet?" Michael's eyes widened.
"Michael-san, come on do I have to poke you with a STICK!" Kai raises his leg and kicks Michael out of the crater and into the air.
Wincing in pain Michael looked to his Boosted Gear/Dragon Arm and clenched his right fist.
"Here's another one!" Kai jumps up to Michael's level and fires a punch towards the boy's face. Though this was stopped upon Michael grabbing the man's fist and cocking his own back.
"Gotcha!"
*BAM!*
Michael leans forward and slams his fist into Kai's face as the man simply stayed in place in the air and grabbed Michael's arm and held him out as he unfurled his wings.
"Wha...?" Michael's eyes widened.
Kai was floating in the air staring at Michael with a smile without flinching in pain by the punch.
"Nice punch I almost felt it. Almost." Kai complimented.
"Man...I wasn't able to get you to flinch back." Michael pouted then grinned, "That means I have a new goal by the end of this, Shishou!"
"And what's that?" Kai asked.
"By the end of this week's training, I'll prove I can be a Maou in the making by making an Ultimate-Class feel the pain of my fist!" Michael declared.
"Nice goal, but do you really think you can do something like that?" Kai raises one hand and places it onto Michael's chest as it emitted a sharp golden aura, "Your basically saying the impossible."
"It's not impossible because I'm going to do it!" Michael said seriously, "You'll never know unless you try!"
"Hm? I suppose so." Kai smiled then tilted his head, "Then I guess we can skip our warm-up to train then." Kai's hand glew brighter as Michael simply gritted his teeth and looked at the man's hand.
"Bring it!" Michael roared.
*BOOM!*
And from that day on, Michael begun his Hellish Training with his new mentor, Son Kai for those three days and started to develop his skills in basic combat and power. He's grown more adept in controlling Demonic Power to an Amateur's extent as his experience with combat is only growing each time he faces his teacher in a one on one brawl constantly. There were times when Michael would think he would die due to his teacher's brutal attacks and cruel punishments such as:
"If you can't lay even a single blow on me you cannot eat for the entire day."
or...
"For each hit you take you'll have to do 200 push-ups understood.'
Each of those 3 days were true hell itself in a nutshell but finally he was able to make it to the resting period of his training on Day 5.
"Hyah!" Michael lunges at Kai and punches the man's face.
"Too simple!" Kai caught the punch and gripped onto the fist.
"Hmph!" Michael raises his knee and swings it for Kai's head.
"!" Kai swings his head back and releases the fist.
Twisting around Michael concentrates his demonic power to conjure two spiraling flames in his hands as he throws them at Kai quickly.
"Dragon Flare!"
*Fwoosh!*
Kai smiled and swiped the back of his hand towards the ground and created another dirt cloud to pick up and distinguish the flames, but even with the dirt cloud Michael still jumped through it and fired many punches at Kai non-stop.
"Good! Good, your focusing your punches real nicely than before but your hitting where I am instead where I'm going to be!" Kai dodged each punch easily side to then thrusts his finger towards Michael's head and tapped his forehead.
"Whoa!" Michael was then pushed back by a massive force and tumbled onto the ground, "That was nothing..."
"I guess your right I mean if you can handle me at more than 4 %." Kai explained with a little hint that he would go that far.
"You know what today Shishou I'll let you off because now I want to enjoy my day off." Michael chuckled.
*Pants!*
On the ground in the woods was a panting, bruised and beaten Michael looking at the sky while sticking out his tongue in exhaustion. His Gi was still in tact as a couple of rips and tears were seen on the legs and top of it. Michael's body was able to grow some muscle as his arms and abdominal muscles look a little more sturdy.
"I-I did it!" Michael chuckled heavily.
Standing over Michael was Kai who was looking at the teen with an impressed smile, "You sure did but you were only able to learn the basics while you still lack control of your other power as the Welsh Dragon."
"But all that matters is I did it!" Michael sat up and clenched his fists, "I can feel that I've gotten stronger and besides maybe I don't need my Boosted Gear at all." Michael concentrated a little and began to saw a regular amount of white aura seeping out of him, "See? It's supposed to be like this right?"
"Yes, but it's still small compared to regular users of the power." Kai nodded.
"Meh! It doesn't matter because with this I can beat Riser without worrying about his flames." Michael chuckled and looked at his hands, "Yeah that's right everyone the one and only Michael Hanamura is back and Greater than ever!"
[Your getting too cocky, Michael you may have improved but you should factor in everything before getting so snug.]
"But it's true, I think I'm good enough to do it by myself." Michael retorts.
'He's getting cocky again this isn't good... What should I do before he gets a big head?' Kai thought, he knew those he grow overconfident like him will fall harder to the ground the fastest so he needs to think of a way to motivate him once more, 'I'll think of something when he comes back.'
"Alright training is dismissed for now you have the rest of the day to yourself." Kai sighed and snapped his fingers as he let the barrier down.
But as he did Michael then looked up at the sky, it wasn't day it was night!
"Oi! Shishou what is this?" Michael shouted while pointing at the sky.
"The moon and some stars." Kai answered bluntly.
"Don't screw with me!" Michael growled, "You said I would get a break today now its night!"
Kai simply looked to the side with half lidded eyes and said, "It's not my problem its your day off."
"Ngh!" Michael clenched his fist as tears streamed down his eyes, "I almost died constantly every second I've been with you and the least you couldn't do was tell me that my day off just began!?"
"Like I said not my problem." Kai shrugged then waved goodbye, "Haha! Well see you later in 5 hours."
"Wait, I only have five hours!?" Michael gasped.
...
"Stratus!" Kai jumped high in the air and hopped on a purple flying cloud coming for him.
Michael just watched the man zoom off into the night sky with his jaw comfortably on the floor.
[Well, if it makes you feel better the mansion is only 5 miles away it will probably take you about 5 hou-]
Michael's eyes narrowed at his dragon arm.
[Running will only take you 4 hours.]
"Fine, lets do this." Michael sighed in defeat and began running towards the Gremory Mansion, "I can't wait to see everyone again they must all be up worrying about me."
Upon arriving, Michael sees the mansion's lights were all turned off signifying no one was awake.
"Seriously?" Michael groaned as he dragged his feet, while walking to the stone Pergola at the back of the garden.
"Finally some rest!" Michael slumped onto one of the steps and breathed out exhaustedly.
'Man, this was just my day off too and I really wanted to see Buchou and the others before I continue.' Michael thought.
"Michael you're here?" A voice coming from the side grasped Michael's attention as he looks to the side to see Rias wearing a red negligee and reading glasses as her hair was tied back.
"Buchou!" Michael smiled excitedly and picks himself up as he rushes to the crimson haired girl, "I'm back!"
"I can see that, but may I ask why?" Rias asked.
"Well today was supposed to be my day off, but Shishou messed me up and forgot to tell me." Michael scratched his cheek.
"You mean, Kai? Well he does live up to his name I can tell you that." Rias smiled as she continued reading a book presumably on the Rating Games.
"So you have bad eyes, huh?" Michael asked.
"Oh these? No, these are just for looks I can think more clearly while having them on. Fufufu, this is proof that I have been in this world a little too long." Rias fixed her glasses.
"Well if it makes you feel better even when I'm not wearing them..." Michael dug through his Gi to pull out his goggles, "I keep them with me at all times."
"You sure do love those, don't you?" Rias smiled.
"Of course, it's a special something from one of my past friends, well you could also say he was a douche too but meh...he's okay." Michael chuckled.
"Well then I wouldn't mind meeting him one day." Rias went back to studying.
"So are you studying about the Game?" Michael asked.
"Yes, as this book is the only thing that will give me a peace of mind." Rias closed her book and sighed.
"Huh, how can something with paper do that?" Michael folded his arms behind his head and yawned. He doesn't really like to read that's why he has Saji to do the reading for him.
"This book is important because it holds research that High Class Devils such as what our opponent is but our issue isn't just our opponent but what family he's from." Rias rubbed her chin.
"You mean Fedex?" Michael questioned.
"No, its Phoenix and yes." Rias nodded.
"Well that Yakitori used flames so is he like a bird that belches flames?" Michael chuckled.
Rias simply picks up a book and opens it while facing it to Michael, the page showed a fire bird with its winds spread out.
"A long time ago the mystical beast, Phoenix, was looked upon by humans as a bird that governs life. It was so looked upon that it left it legend in many countries in the human world where it's told that the tears of the Phoenix can heal any wounds, and the blood that flows within its body can give eternal youth to those that drink it." Rias said as she closes the book.
"Wait, so does that mean that Bastard is related to-?" Michael took the book and opened it back to the page.
"Yes, the humans named the Devils' Phoenix as "Phenex" to distinguish it from the mystical beast Phoenix, however the mystical beast Phoenix has the same ability as Raiser's clan. In other words immortality. That's the opponent we must fight someone against."
"Whoa, being immortal...oh well, I'll still kick his ass." Michael shrugged and closed the book as Rias giggled.
"You can try, but they're basically invincible. Even if you attack them, their wounds will heal right away. Their flames won't even leave a bone left. Eight wins and two losses. This is the record that Riser has at the official "Rating Game". He fought ten times and won eight matches. He lost two of the match on purpose as kindness to one of the households he is close to. In reality, he won all of his matches. He already became a candidate to obtain a title in the official game."
"So, doesn't matter. He's a guy like me whether or not he's immortal, he must have a weakness somewhere so I'll get him." Michael explained, "And besides I know we can do it." Michael looked at Rias and gave her a determined smile.
"Right..." Rias looked off to the side still thinking of her problem.
'Wait, I think I know the issue here the Buchou is sad because-! Riser!" Michael growled.
"I felt uneasy when my father announced that Riser was to be my fiancé, but I think I know why he did. It's probably because he knew I wouldn't be able to do anything about and this match I believe they expect me to win." Rias was looking at the night sky.
"..." Michael looked serious as he listened.
"When the Rating Games became popular the House of Phoenix were able to easily climb up in popularity and rank. Not too many devils were able to match them when introduced this family is truly a terrifying force to be dealt with. Immortality is a true terror to face."
Rias stopped then continued, "Our chances of winning may be slim, but there is a way consisting of crushing his mind because just because his body is immortal doesn't mean his mind is. We either need the power of a God-Class or save our stamina to when Riser is to the point of mentally collapsing."
"Buchou?"
"What is it?"
"Why do you hate Riser so much or maybe why do you hate the whole marriage thing?" Michael questioned.
Rias sighs then stands up,
"I am a Gremory."
"Yeah, I know that." Michael nodded.
"No, I wasn't re-introducing myself. I am a devil from the House of Gremory and that name will follow me to wherever I go."
"You don't like it." Michael tilts his head.
"No, I'm actually quite proud of my title. It's just that it's a burden to me because everyone looks at me for Rias from the Gremory. I'm not allowed to have them look at me as Rias. That's why I love being in the human world. They don't know I'm a Devil from the Gremory household. They look at me for who I am its a feeling I appreciate a feeling I find hard to receive in the Devil society. The only time I can enjoy my life as me is in this world." Rias looked towards the night sky with a faraway look with rather sad eyes. As Michael looked at her with a frown which was contorted in confusion.
'I don't think I can understand anything like that because, I never had anyone care for my status or care about my last name like its some big deal since I'm not that popular, but I have some people who matter to me as I am to them so I feel we sort of relate a little.' Michael clenched his fist and looked down, 'That's why I'll do my best to cheer her up, The Gr- ...The Great Michael Hanamura will not back down.'
"I want to be with someone I love as me not as Rias Gremory, but just as Rias. It may be a small dream but it's something I want to achieve but sadly Riser just sees me as Rias Gremory and only loves me as Rias Gremory. That's why I despise it. The title of Gremory is always put before my own feelings. But I'll still hold onto the dream I have."
Michael lowered his head and let his eyes be covered by his hair.
"Buchou, forgive me for this." Michael said.
"Huh?" Rias looks downwards to Michael who picks his head up to look Rias in the eyes seriously.
"I like Rias as Rias."
As those words left Michael's mouth, Rias' eyes widened and looked at Michael in wonder.
Michael continued,
"I like Rias because she gave me a new drive to be better, I like Rias because she gave me the chance to have new friends, I like Rias because she's trying to help someone as annoying as me, I like Rias because she brought back Asia and gave Raynare a new chance, I like Rias because she gave me a dream to protect, I like Rias because s-she's...!" Michael was stuck at the last part and didn't want to continue saying all the things in his head then he realized he had to say just one sentence, "I like Rias because she's RIAS!"
Rias' face then turned red without Michael's notice as he was in the middle of his speech.
"Buchou, you're a genius and someone who brightens my day every time I see you smile, and if your gonna be sad over some jerk forcing you to marry him, then I'll take matters into my own hand and beat him up because as your pawn, I won't allow such a guy to be with you!" Michael jabs his fist forward and points it to Rias,
"I promise, no, I swear to you this! To protect that smile I, Michael Hanamura will kick Riser's ass so far that you'll be free to be with whoever you want to be with!" Michael declared.
"!" Rias gasps as a slight blush was apparent on her cheeks.
Suddenly, Ddraig spoke up,
[It's time to leave, Kai will arrive soon at any moment.]
"Right." Michael nodded then turned around and ran into the woods while looking back at Rias, "See ya, Buchou I swear to be stronger to make up for all you did for me!"
Rias continued to look at Michael's back even before he disappeared into the woods, so stunned that her expression remained locked in surprise save for the small tint of red in her cheeks that slowly grew.
XXX
While dashing through the woods with all his might, Michael came to realize something.
"I'm not good enough yet."
[Hm?]
"I'm not strong enough, The current me hasn't grown yet. I may have gotten a bit better at fighting, but me as Michael Hanamura isn't enough that's why I'll start drawing out the dragon power within the Boosted Gear." Michael said seriously.
[Kukukuku!]
"What's so funny?"
[Nothing, I'm just surprised how you've changed character like this is all.]
"Whatever, I never wanted your opinion anyways." Michael spat as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, "I have to get strong faster, I need a way to do it."
[Hey, Partner...]
"Yeah?" Michael asked.
[Wanna do something stupid?]
"Ddraig, come on, man, you should know better than to ask me tha-YES!"
In the early morning on the training grounds was a yawning, Kai, who had just arrived early to wait for his student, who was probably a little bitter about missing out on his day off. He was actually kind of lenient right now and decided to let him stay there for a while before calling him back, but all these thoughts were pushed aside as he sees a meditating Michael, in the middle of the field.
'This is...interesting...' Kai smirked and rubbed his chin.
"Wow, your early Michael-san. I thought you were going to play hooky and make me come get you from your friends?" Kai asked.
"No, I don't want to show them the current me right now, I'm still weak and I need more power to accomplish what I need to do." Michael crossed his arms and kept his eyes shut.
Whistling, Kai clapped, "Looks like you saved me the trouble of beating that into you, so have you taken Ddraig's advice to practice using your dragon power?" Kai asked.
"Yes and no." Michael said.
"Hm?" Kai raised an eyebrow.
"If I try to control the little amount of Dragon's Power I have, then it won't be enough which is why I have to release it all and think things as I go along."
"I'm afraid something like that is suicidal, Michael-san. If you tried that, then you'd be overwhelmed by the ferrocious power of the Welsh Dragon."
"Like I said I'll think things through later, which is why I need your help, Shishou." Michael then raised his head.
"And that is?" Kai was a little worried for the boy but strangely excited about him going full power.
Michael stood up and grew ready in a stance. His eyes narrowed as he grit his teeth, "I want you to try and kill me!"
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
Retribrutus
Retribrutus Next Chapter- It's time to show the results of my training! Rating Game here I come!
Thanks for reading and I hoped you guys enjoyed the chapter!
And in case you didn't know I based Son Kai off of Son Goku from Dragon Ball Z, so I hope you like his character!
Well, I hope you have a nice day and please be safe!
See ya!
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