Chương 16: The Busujima Matriarch
Despite all the beauty that surrounded me, it did not spare me from the sheer boredom that was school. It was hard, my eyes drooping closed and my mind threatening to shut off towards the end of the day. Though I wasn't the only one either, many in the class were in the same situation as myself.
Thankfully the day slowly came to an end and finally, it was all over.
With a groan I rose to my feet, arms stretching above my head. A satisfying crack reached my ears and I leg my arms drop down with a sigh. "You look tired, Mikoto." Akeno's teasing voice reached my ears. "Don't you have the stamina to last all day, such a shame?"
Oh, she's a nasty one alright.
I'd received similar comments all day and despite my giving as good as I got, she didn't stop. Akeno was anything, if not tenacious, I'll give her that.
"I do, so long as my attention is kept engaged." I shot her a smirk over my shoulder. "Sadly your boorish side is showing." With that last parting comment, I gave her a wave and left, amused with the gaze I could feel piercing into my back. The light laughter from a few nearby who had been aware of mine and Akeno's back and forth following my parting.
"I've never seen them like that," Mio spoke, catching up with me on the corridor. "They usually are friendly, but kind of distant."
An interesting thing to be sure, but more than likely I was being watched closely. I knew that Issei had something powerful, a Sacred Gear, possibly a Longinus but I couldn't remember. Either way, my sudden arrival was no doubt a cause for concern for the Devils, especially with Rias possibly having her eyes on acquiring my brother for her Peerage. Devil's always had their eyes on powerful servants, none more so than Sacred Gear wielders.
I had probably been already recognised and was being watched as a suspect. My coincidental return despite reports of my death would only further their suspicion.
Though I was far from worried, in fact, I wanted them to come after me. Not only would I get the chance to test my skills against supernatural foes, I already had a rough understanding of where I stood amongst humans but not the rest of the factions. But it would give me a chance to reveal my knowledge of who they were while also proving myself not to be a threat by not killing them.
All part of the plan to gain her trust and in turn, avoiding death at the hands of a Lucifer. My position in this world was precarious, not even my connection to Rino and the Kengan Association would save me.
Without the power to protect myself, nor the connections to do so either, I needed to make them. Continue to push my skills to the limits while making friends with those that had power or powerful allies.
"What can I say, I'm a popular guy." I sarcastically responded and to be honest, it wasn't a complete lie either. Amongst the Kengan Association, there was a whole host of characters with varying degrees of skills, histories and personality traits. Not everyone was friends with everyone, but there was a lot of respect shared between us. Respect for each other's skills, their tenacity and their drive.
It was why, despite meeting people you would hate and never get along with in the real world, you did so anyway. We came from a world that most of humanity wouldn't accept and would be looked down upon by the supernatural world due to the lack of magic we possess. So it meant that all those that participated found a mutual bond between them and found 'friends' in the most unlikely of people.
I was an asshole, plain and simple. People either loved or they hated me and more often than not, they hated me. I'm fully aware of that fact, but I can say for sure that I was not the worse guy out there.
"Speaking of popular, I heard that Saeko Busujima was asking about you?" I turned to Mio, she showing the message Yurine had sent her. "Yeah, Saeko knows that you and I are neighbours and started asking Yurine about it. Do you know why?"
"I might have an idea," I muttered. "Do you know where Saeko would be?"
Mio shrugged. "Probably at the Kendo club, if she's not there then I have no clue. Rin Tohsaka might though, she and Saeko are I guess, friends?"
"Tohsaka?" Wait, isn't that from Fate/Stay Night? Wait, does that mean the entirety of the Nasuverse is a part of this world I live in? Fuck me sideways, can this world get any more terrifying? Actually, don't answer that question, it probably is.
"Yeah, she's like the only student that constantly ties with Sona for first place. Has even beaten her a few times as well." Mio said and while I didn't know how big of a deal that was, I suppose it would be a big deal considering she did bring it up.
"If you're looking for Saeko," speak of the Devil and he will appear, there walking towards us with Rin Tohsaka, Yurine just behind her. She had a smile upon her face, coming across much like Rias and Akeno, but I could see through it easily. It was the same act I put on all the time with my family to hide what I was really thinking. "She's at the Kendo club, she asked me to let you know that she wants a rematch."
Knew it.
"I suppose I can humour her for a little while." I smiled and there was a brief break in Tohsaka's facade, a show of real amusement showing through. "Sorry, Mio, Yurine could you tell Issei I'm gonna be late."
-X- Line Break -X-
"You held back." Saeko pointed out as we walked through the streets of Kouh town.
I nodded my head. "As did you." We had both undergone the Gu Ritual, after all, meaning both of us were well beyond peak human physicality. It would be strange if two students were showcasing strength and speed to rival the greatest athletes in the world.
"Not in the same way," Saeko said, her face twisting. "Grandfather told me that I only won that fight with you back when we were children because you dedicated yourself to numerous different martial arts and because you didn't commit yourself fully. He said that if you had, I would have not stood a chance."
"Yes, well old men like him aren't always correct, even if they like to be." I doubt at this point that I could ever match Saeko in terms of swordsmanship. But I had other advantages that she didn't.
"Either way, I want another duel when we get back. No holds barred. We use everything at our disposal, everything." She stressed. "I know of your fights within the Kengan Association and the Annihilation Tournament. I want you to fight me as you fought them."
I could, but what was the point?
"And what's in it for me?" I asked and Saeko paused before smiling.
"The one thing you desire above all else. The one thing my grandfather promised you before his untimely death." She paused, her smile growing wider. "Magic."
Now that was perfect. Finally, the one thing I could use to tip the scales in my favour. I had dedicated nearly all my life to martial arts and the pursuit of its peak. All because Saechōrō had refused to give me what I wanted until I had. Now though, Saeko was willing to give me what I needed to break through that limit by giving her the fight she desired?
I'd be a fool not to take this chance.
"And what would Saechōrō say about this?" The last thing I needed, however, was for the old man to come and get in the way.
Saeko's smile became more dangerous and it intrigued me as to why. "He can't say anything from the grave." Upon seeing my raised brow, Saeko clarified further. "You're not looking at Saeko Busujima, the heiress of the Busujima Clan. You're looking at Saeko Busujima, the Matriarch of the Busujima Clan."
The meaning of her word dawned on me at that moment and despite my eyes momentarily widening, I quickly smiled. This was just too perfect, if I had known this I would have come to Kouh sooner.
"As the matriarch, what I choose to do with the clan's resources is up to me. Give me this fight and win or lose, I'll give you magic. This I swear upon my clan's name and honour " Saeko promised.
"Alright." I agreed. "I'll give you this fight. Just no backing out when you lose."
"I have no intention of doing either."
"We'll see."
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