Chapter 83 - 82

Irene - By the way, Kuroka. Did you already inform them about his arrival?

Irene asked Kuroka in case she forgot about it. They don't want Issei to arrive there and cause a commotion because everyone has been looking for him.

Well, even though only Sirzechs and co who's searching for him in secret but it's better to be safe rather than sorry. It's still too early for Issei to be exposed to the world once again.

Kuroka - Of course nya.

Kuroka nodded in affirmation. She still remembers when they met with each other again and told about the upcoming arrival of Issei, both Kunou and Yasaka beamed with anticipation.

Kunou reaction is kind of obvious with how giddy she is while jumping in place screaming "Yay! Yay!" while Yasaka seems calm enough but Kuroka could see the joy inside her eyes as well.

Kuroka told them that Issei would take her place while she's off training for the upcoming rating game. Yasaka agreed to it without thinking too deeply about it. Most of their problem that needed assistance has already been solved anyway.

Irene - Then how about telling them not to mention anything about the upcoming rating game towards him?

Kuroka - Also done nya. Although, they're kind of confused about why they shouldn't inform him about the rating game at first. But they still comply with my request regardless.

She also informed Yasaka and Kunou to keep secret about his arrival in Kyoto from anyone else.

Well, Issei would be wearing his mask anyway, and if he by chance took off his mask... There shouldn't be any trouble because he looks quite different right now.

Unless they observed him closely they shouldn't realize who he is. Issei face may change a lot compared to before but there are still some similarities. Such as his face outline and the like.

Irene - Hmm, good enough. I'm quite sure that Yasaka and Kunou would ask him some related stuff about Rias Gremory and the others but it won't matter much.

Irene guessed that Yasaka and co would ask Issei about Rias and co but it won't matter because it's only a matter of time before the whole world knows about it anyway.

Maybe Sun Wukong would realize who he is? Well, doesn't matter because he's not the type to blabber around.

Irene - Okay, you can go back to train now.

Kuroka - Sure nya~

Then Kuroka took off to train some more...

...

Issei arrived at the designated location.

When he arrived there, there are two people waiting for him over there already.

The moment he appeared he heard a childish voice which belongs to Kunou.

Kunou - Ise? Is that you?

Issei - Hn?

Issei turned towards the source of the voice and saw both Kunou and Yasaka standing nearby.

Both of them are gazing at him curiously. They're already informed that Issei should be wearing a specially designed mask but his current body build is quite different compared to the old him after all.

He looks much taller and more manly than before.

Issei at this moment is wearing a white hem shirt with a long sleeve black outer jacket with white fur on its collar and black jeans. He also wears black gloves on his hands.

His current jacket is designed by Ramius herself but made by Tio... She wanted to have a matching outfit with Issei so his current jacket looks similar to the one Ramius usually use but much longer.

If Ramius's a mini jacket then Issei is a full jacket.

Overall, he looks quite cool and stylish in both Kunou and Yasaka eyes.

Kunou at this moment is wearing her usual Miko outfit while Yasaka is wearing her yellow kimono with golden obi which is the one she wore when she first met Issei.

Kunou and Yasaka observed Issei closely and they both blushed deeply because of his current aura is much more intoxicating compared to before.

Kunou Senjutsu is still too weak to be able to fully sense Issei whole aura so she just blushed because she thought that Issei looks much more charming and cooler now...

But it's not the same for Yasaka who felt like she is almost completely intoxicated just from sensing his aura.

She almost couldn't stop herself from gluing herself into Issei just like Kuroka always did before.

Issei - Ah, it's me, Kunou, Yasaka-san.

Issei confirmed Kunou question.

When they heard their voice they're still not sure because even his voice seems different now.

Issei knows that they're still hesitating so he extended his hand and make his old <Boosted Gear> appears on his hand.

He doesn't need to use the <Boosted Gear> anymore though. He could <Boost> his power indefinitely even without it.

He possesses Ophis and Lilith <Infinity> aspect after all.

So the <Boosted Gear> is only for decoration at this point.

Only after seeing the <Boosted Gear> appearing on his hand that both Kunou and Yasaka are sure that it is indeed Issei himself. There was never the case of multiple holders of the same type of <Sacred Gear> until now that is.

Kunou - Ise!

Kunou instantly jumped at Issei's embrace and hugged his waist tightly.

She's quite short compared to Issei after all so she can only reach his waist.

Yasaka also smiled at him.

Kunou hugged onto Issei happily while he nuzzled her head on his body. Her Fox ears and tail started wagging around because she's really happy right now.

He already took back his <Boosted Gear> the moment he saw Kunou jumped at him.

Issei smiled gently under his mask and started rubbing Kunou's head gently.

Kunou tail and ears started swaying even faster after she felt his touch. Yasaka felt a little jealous after seeing their interaction but she felt even happier that Issei treated her daughter this gently.

After a few minutes, Kunou finally stopped her snuggling and look up at Issei.

Kunou - Hmph! What took you so long!

She made a cute pout at Issei.

Issei - Heheh, my bad... I was a bit busy you see. But I'm here now, aren't I?

Kunou is still pouting until she got distracted by his mask.

Kunou - Ne, Ise. Why are you wearing a mask?

Kunou asked in wonder, Yasaka also felt curious about it.

Issei - Well... There's a reason for it.

Issei wasn't sure about what reason should he tell them about it...

Kunou then thought of something.

Kunou - Ah! Is it because you don't want to attract too much attention to yourself? Kuroka has also told us not to tell anyone about your arrival here.

She beamed at her claims thinking that she's right.

But she is kind of right though.

Even Yasaka thought that her daughter claim is right. Issei is quite famous after all and he's guaranteed to attract attention if his location were to be known.

If only she knows that he's beyond famous at this point...

Issei - ...Ah, you could say that.

Issei agreed to her claim.

Kunou who heard that her claim was right stuck out her chest proudly.

Kunou - Hehen~ I knew it! But... You could take off your mask off since it's just us now, right?

Kunou asked once again.

Issei - Err... Let's not...

Kunou - Ehhh, but why?

Kunou pouted at him. She wanted to see the face that she longs for and hasn't seen for a while.

Yasaka - Kunou, don't force Issei-san if he doesn't want to.

Yasaka berated her daughter gently.

Although Yasaka said that, she also wanted to see Issei's face as well.

Kunou - Muuu, Ise!

Kunou doesn't listen to her mother words. She puffed her cheeks angrily and glared at Issei.

She tries to be intimidating but it has the opposite effect and Issei thought that she's really cute instead.

Issei smiled wryly under his mask and patted Kunou's head gently.

Kunou - Humph! Don't think patting my head will ease my anger!

But your tail is wagging furiously though, Issei thought to himself.

Yasaka also covered her mouth and laughed gently seeing their interaction. They really look like brother and sister in her eyes... Nay, maybe father and daughter?

Issei - Fine, fine... As apologies, I will take off my mask...

Kunou - Really?

Issei - Um, really.

Kunou - And will you play a lot with me after this?

Issei - Yes, Kunou-hime.

Kunou - Umu, then I forgive you!

Her face turned smug since she got what she wanted.

Issei sighed gently before he took off his mask...

When both Kunou and Yasaka saw his face their eyes went wide and their bodies become frozen stiff.

Issei knows that this will happen. Now he needs to explain to both of them why his face changed a lot.

Even after he waited for a while both of them are still staring blankly at him. It's like they turned into a statue...

Issei - ...Kunou, Yasaka-san.

Issei decided to call them because at this rate they won't be going anywhere.

Kunou & Yasaka - H-Hai?!

Only after Issei called their name that both of them returned to their senses. Their body jerked in response after getting their name called and their face completely turned red this time.

Kunou - I-I-Ise, is that really you?

Issei - Yes, it is me...

Kunou - B-B-But... Y-Your face... W-What happen to your face?!

Kunou pointed at his face while stuttering. She felt like her little heart started beating erratically just from seeing his face.

Issei - What's wrong? You don't like it?

Kunou - E-Eh?! N-No! I-I-I...

She started waving around his arms and head to deny his claim and she looks completely dismayed because she thought Issei is being serious with her.

Issei wanted to tease her a little but her reaction completely beyond his expectation. So he smiled wryly before he looks at Yasaka only to find out that she has this infatuated look on her face as well.

Just like Kuroka said, if Yasaka saw Issei current face then it's almost certain that she won't be able to hold her feelings anymore.

Yasaka felt like her heart almost burst out from her chest with how fast it is beating right now. She can feel that her body started feeling really heated up just by looking at Issei.

Before, she could suppress her feelings and felt content just by teasing him most of the time. But now she's afraid if she were to teases Issei like she used to do, then she won't be able to hold back her primal desire for him.

Issei still doesn't know that Yasaka has feelings for him so he only thought that she's surprised after seeing his face.

Issei - Well, it's a long story...

Then Issei told them how come his face changed this much...

Kunou and Yasaka listened to his stories intently but their face is still red and they often dozed off while gazing at his face.

Issei doesn't tell them about Rias and co betrayal and only told them about his transformation as a Dragon with Ddraig help. He also keeps quiet about Forzelotte and co.

They're really surprised knowing that he's basically a Dragon now and not a reincarnated devil anymore. When they asked what happen to Ddraig, he told them that he's in hibernation because he's feeling too exhausted from helping him change into a Dragon.

Yasaka is already feeling suspicious beforehand because she can't sense Devil Energy inside Issei's body any longer. Now that she finds out that he basically turned into a Dragon that explains a lot...

But her adult and womanly instinct told her that it's more than just that. There must be something more that Issei doesn't inform her about it, she thought to herself.

But she won't ask her now because she has a bad foreboding that it's quite a sensitive topic. She thought maybe she should ask him about it when Kunou isn't around.

Kunou who heard that Issei is a Dragon become completely astonished.

Kunou - So you're a full-blown Dragon now, Ise?

Issei - Um, you could say that.

Kunou - Amazing!

Kunou eyes shine brightly like those of a child that just found something really cool. Well, she is a child though...

Kunou - Ne ne, can you show me your wing, Ise?

She has already seen Issei wings when he is in his Scale Mail and thought that it's really cool so she also wanted to see his current wings.

Issei - Sure.

Issei spread his wings wide and his crimson wings look really majestic and beautiful. It has some part that is armored which just add more charm and valiant look to it.

And there's also some kind of inscribing on his wings that add more mysterious air to it.

Both Kunou and Yasaka are awed and amazed after seeing his wings. It's the most beautiful and awe-inspiring thing they've ever seen, they thought to themselves.

Kunou - C-Can I touch it, Ise?

Kunou asked Issei with hopeful eyes.

Issei - Um, you can.

Issei of course granted her request. He turned around and kneeled on one knee so Kunou could reach his wings easily.

Kunou - Yay!

Then Kunou started feeling up Issei's wings to her heart content. She's having a lot of fun just from playing with his wings.

Issei looked back to see her happy face and he smiled at her reaction.

Both Kunou and Yasaka who saw his smiling face felt smitten all over again. Their eyes turned moist and blurry while looking at his smiling face.

Issei sweated a bit after seeing their infatuated face.

He doesn't know that his smile could make any woman head over heels for him no matter who they are, whether it be an Iceberg Woman, Holy Woman, Married woman, etc...

But since he rarely smiles unless to those that he considered important there aren't many outsiders ever saw his smiling face.

But even without smiling, he could still attract them though...

Even a seasoned woman such as Yasaka couldn't resist his otherworldly charm and almost lose control of herself much less a small girl like Kunou.

Kunou couldn't resist anymore and instantly latched herself on Issei's body once again. And since he's still kneeling right now, she climbed his back and put her arms around his neck to hug him tightly.

Issei - Kunou?

Issei is confused about what is Kunou doing right now but she doesn't respond to his words.

Kunou started nuzzling her whole face on Issei's back, she started smelling his scent greedily while she put her scent of her own towards Issei and then, she bites into Issei's neck gently.

*Nom*

Of course her small canine teeth won't be able to break into Issei's skin no matter how hard she tried but that's not what she's aiming for. She channeled a bit of her <Senjutsu> to the place where he's biting Issei right now.

Then there's a small magatama like mark appeared on the spot where she bit Issei. That Magatama like mark also resembles a Kitsune.

Yasaka finally returned to her sense after seeing what Kunou did just now and she let out a small surprised gasp.

What Kunou just did was... She's marking Issei as her potential mate... Just like how a Dragon can put a <Mark> on their mate. A Youkai such as Kunou and Yasaka aka, a Kyuubi, also has special ways to <Mark> their potential mate.

If Kuroka who was a nekoshou uses a special scent to mark their potential mate then Kunou or Yasaka which is a Kyuubi put this magatama fox-like mark on their potential mate.

(AN: Imagine a kitsune tattoo that shaped like a magatama).

Yasaka knows it's only a matter of time before Kunou going to mark Issei as her potential mate but she's still too small after all. So she never thought that it will be this soon... Not that she could blame her because she herself almost do the same thing just like Kunou just did, as in marking Issei as her potential mate.

Why potential you ask? Because just like a Dragon, they need to consummate their marriage aka had sex before the mark become permanent. After that, the female Kyuubi will belong to the one who possesses that mark and that mark will never disappear unless something "Special" happened.

And the "Special" here is obviously not a good thing...

Issei felt Kunou's bite and become even more confused but then the spot where she bites him started to feel a little ticklish.

Issei turned his head in confusion towards Yasaka because it seems Kunou is still out of it... She keeps gazing at the mark she just gave Issei with an intoxicated look on her face then she buried her head towards Issei scruff once again with a satisfied face.

Yasaka who sensed Issei's gaze on her felt her heart thumped loudly. She took a deep breath trying to regain her composure once again before she started explaining about what Kunou just did towards him...

...

Issei mouth started twitching a little when he heard Yasaka explanation. He knows that Kunou has some sort of a crush towards him but she's still too small after all.

And he only feels familial love towards her, just like how a brother loves her little sister. But if he were to tell her that then he's sure that she would feel sad so he decided to stay silent about it...

Kunou - You're not allowed to leave me now, Ise!

Kunou who's still sticking herself on Issei's back shouted that. Issei can feel that her body started trembling slightly probably afraid that he will leave her behind just like how her father did...

Yasaka also notices that and her face turned sad as well.

Kunou's mother or Yasaka ex-husband left them behind without saying a single word. And when Yasaka found him again she found out that he's with another woman...

That's when she knows that he has betrayed them. If he were to talk to them about it then they could work something out but the fact that he never says anything in the first place is a proof that he doesn't care about them, mother and daughter anymore.

Kunou was still small at that time so Yasaka decided to just tell her that her father has gone to a better place.

And a few years later, Yasaka found out that her ex-husband died because of some unknown cause.

She doesn't feel sad about his death and only feels disappointed... Disappointed towards herself for being so blind to chose that kind of man as her husband before...

Issei who felt Kunou trembling body calmly stand up and Kunou is forced to let go because of that.

Her body started trembling fiercer thinking that Issei rejected her but then she saw him turned around towards her direction with a gentle smile.

Issei then picked her body up.

Issei - Ah, I won't leave you... Here, pinky promise?

He extended his pinky finger towards Kunou.

Kunou who saw that unconsciously extended her own pinky finger and sealed their pinky finger together.

Issei smile becomes wider and finally, Kunou realized on what just happened.

Her face started scrunching up before she cried out loud and buried her head on Issei's body.

Kunou - U-Uwaaaaa!

Issei who saw that started to gently stroke her back and head.

Yasaka who's in the back who saw the whole thing covered her mouth and also cried softly. She blames herself for Kunou lack of fatherly love because she chooses that man after all.

If only she choose a better man then all this won't happen...

But she's feeling really grateful at Issei who treat them both with such kindness.

Her hidden feelings cannot be hidden anymore and she felt like a butterfly is fluttering inside her heart just from seeing Issei now.

Especially when she saw how gentle and caring Issei look right now when he's holding Kunou. It's like he becomes Kunou's father figure...

If Issei was the man she married back then... How good will it be, she thought to herself. Kunou will have a loving and caring father and she will have a great husband as well...

But... Maybe it's not too late?

She started gazing at Issei's face like a maiden in love... She felt her body becomes lighter now that she accepted her feelings towards Issei.

She won't care if people were to judge her because of their age difference, both of them will have a long life anyway so age won't be a problem at this point... All she wanted now is to be with Issei forever together with Kunou, she's sure that Kunou will understand her feelings...

She wipes her tears away and looks at both Issei and Kunou with a happy smile on her face.

Even now Issei still keeps gently stroking Kunou's head and back gently without minding his clothes becomes wet from her tears.

...

After a while, Kunou has finally stopped crying but she still hugged Issei tightly inside his embrace.

Yasaka - Kunou, it's about time you get down from Ise-san, isn't it?

Kunou - ...No.

She is being spoiled and buried her face at Issei's chest without any sign of letting go.

But Issei doesn't realize the new way Yasaka calling him since he doesn't really care what others call him as long as it's not too formal.

She usually called him by "Issei-san" and not "Ise-san", it's kind of more intimate compared to before.

Issei - It's fine, Yasaka-san.

Issei dismissed Yasaka words.

Issei - Now, Kunou... Where do you want us to go?

Issei promised to bring her to play around after all.

Kunou started thinking before she looks at Yasaka.

Kunou - ...Hahaue, can I show Ise around Kyoto?

She asked for Yasaka permission.

Yasaka - Umm, as long as Ise-san is fine with it then I'm okay with it too... And I'm sure Ise-san would protect you no matter what happens. Right, Ise-san?

Issei - Um, I will. Not a single hair of her will come to harm.

Issei answered with absolute certainty.

Yasaka asked Issei even though she already knew the answer to it and sure enough his answer doesn't disappoint her.

She smiled even more brightly after hearing his words and giggled happily.

Yasaka - Ufufufu, hearing your words certainly put me at ease. Now, Kunou, don't cause trouble for Ise-san, okay?

Kunou - Un!

Finally, Kunou smiled once again.

Yasaka - Then, Ise-san, I leave her in your care.

She bowed slightly towards Issei.

Issei - Ah. You can leave her to me.

Issei nodded at her.

Kunou then gets down from Issei's hold and pulled his hand excitedly.

Kunou - Come on, Ise! I'll show you all the places people aren't supposed to see!

She's finally back to her cheerful self.

With that, they leave the premises...

Yasaka smiled gently seeing them took off.

Then, they spent a few hours of the late morning and into the early afternoon, viewing all of the sights she promised to show him on his return to Kyoto. She took Issei to the spots that were closest, but as the time passed they just moved further and further into Kyoto, all the while holding hands.

They went to the bamboo forest, the waterfall, etc... Until they return to the civilized area once again.

They're having so much fun together.

All the bystanders keep looking at them because Issei is not wearing his mask and in the eyes of the onlookers they look like a brother and sister.

Issei hid their presence a bit so people can still see them but they couldn't see his face accurately.

It's like when they tried to peer through his face it kind of obscure on their eyes.

At least that's the case for normal human but for the supernatural beings such as the Youkai, etc. They blushed deeply thinking just who is he but thankfully it has effects on them to a certain extent as well.

If not then Issei and Kunou would be followed around by a bunch of women like a parade. Perhaps it will even look like a Hyakki Yako... Even now there are some girls following them around.

They saw the little princess with him so they're quite hesitant to just come up to them fearing that they're going to interrupt something.

Some tried to take pictures of Issei but it will turn blurry whenever they do that. They're confused on why does this happen but there's nothing they can do about it...

The weaker individuals can't sense Issei aura or power at all while the one that has decent power can slightly tell that he has the best aura they've ever felt.

As Irene and Kuroka speculated. There won't be many people that will recognize who he is unless they observe him closely and intently.

They went to a lot of secret places that aren't supposed to be visited but with Issei being with her there won't be any problem.

Anyone who has ill intent towards Kunou can forget about hurting even a single hair of her just like Issei promised to Yasaka before. Heck, they won't even be able to get close...

There are some who tried to do something towards Kunou but they died without even knowing how they died in the first place. Their bodies also disappear into nothingness without anyone noticing it.

The last thing they see before their demise is Issei's cold gaze at them and then their vision went black.

Even though Kyoto is quite peaceful already ever since Yasaka cemented her position as the Yokai faction leader, there's still some of them that are not satisfied with it.

So it's not surprising there will be someone who wanted to kidnap Kunou and use her to blackmail Yasaka. They thought it's a one in a lifetime chance to get her now considering she's alone with some unknown man.

But unknown to them that man is the last man they shouldn't have provoked... Now their lives have been forfeited because of it...

Yasaka already knows that Issei is really strong at this point because she can't sense his power at all. She could sense his intoxicating aura but that's about it.

She thought that Issei becomes a lot stronger compared to before so she's quite certain that Issei will be able to protect Kunou from any harm.

That's why she doesn't send any guard with them and also she doesn't want the guards to bother their little date.

At some point, Kunou asked Issei to carry her while she pointed towards the location she wanted to go. Issei obeys her every demand and request as long as it's not too over the line.

They played to their heart content until night falls.

Issei - So, where should we go next?

Issei asked Kunou with his ever-present gentle smile.

Kunou's face is still a bit red whenever she looks at Issei's smiling face. She never felt this happy for an entire day before.

Kunou - U-Umm, we should return, it's getting late... Hahaue must be worried if we went out for too long.

She reluctantly said that with a sad face.

Issei who saw that called her name.

Issei - Kunou...

She looks up at him and Issei patted her head gently.

Issei - Let's play again tomorrow.

Her eyes widened before a smile appeared on her face once again. Issei could see a little bit of tears welled up at the corner of her eyes before she grinned widely at him.

Kunou - Un!

With that, they returned home to Yasaka's castle.

...

Upon their arrival in the Yasaka's castle gate, they are greeted by the guards. They've been informed about Kunou's arrival along with her escort by Yasaka but they don't know just who is the man that currently holding their little princess.

But they just obeyed Yasaka command and welcomed both Issei and Kunou back.

The moment they stepped on the front door of the castle entrance they saw Yasaka waiting for them with a happy smile on her face.

After a bit of conversation, Yasaka brought Issei towards the dining room.

They had dinner together with just the 3 of them. Just like one happy family.

Yasaka and Kunou usually ate with her retainer and clansmen but this time she wanted to have dinner with just the 3 of them.

Kunou was sitting on Issei's right while Yasaka was sitting on his left.

Kunou - A-Ano, I-Ise!

Issei - Hm?

Issei looked down to his right and sees Kunou nervously looking at him while she held up some food with her chopsticks.

Kunou - A-Aaah.

Issei - Oh? Aaah...

Issei was a little surprised seeing Kunou wanted to feed him but he went along with her wish and open his mouth to receive it.

Issei - Mm, it's delicious. Thank you, Kunou.

Kunou smiled brightly at his reaction then Issei patted her head gently as thanks.

Yasaka - Ufufufu~

Yasaka giggled gently seeing their interaction.

Yasaka - Then let me feed you as well, Ise-san... Aaah~

Yasaka then does the same as Kunou just did and picked up some food with her own chopsticks and tried to feed Issei as well.

Issei - Eh? Err...

Issei wasn't sure on how he supposed to react to this... If it's Kunou he's still fine since but it's a little embarrassing having Yasaka who's an adult to feed him as well.

Kunou who saw that puffed her cheeks at Yasaka but after seeing the expecting gaze Yasaka currently had she doesn't try to stop her. To a certain extent, Kunou could tell that Yasaka holds some kind of special feeling towards Issei just like her.

She's just afraid that Issei would choose Yasaka over her so that's why she often interfere whenever Yasaka tried to flirt around with Issei.

But after the initial promise she had with Issei this morning, she doesn't feel the need to be afraid anymore. She just wishes that she could grow up faster so her breasts could go bigger just like her mother though...

It's no secret that Issei loves boobs after all... That's why he's called the Oppai Dragon, no?

Issei wanted to say something but after seeing Yasaka's expectant gaze he gave up and obeyed her wish as well.

After she successfully fed Issei, Yasaka becomes happier then she put one of her hands on her cheek and giggled joyfully.

Yasaka - Ehehehe