20th of November, Thursday (6 months before canon) Afternoon
The final bell of the day had rung, and Issei could not be happier to leave.
After enduring an entire school day of whispers, stares, and people treating him like some kind of unnatural phenomenon, he was more than ready to escape.
Yuuka and Misuki had already left the moment their meeting with the Student Council concluded, leaving Issei to suffer alone in the aftermath of today's events.
But of course fate had other plans.
Just as he reached the school gate, two shadows loomed over him.
"OI, Hyoudou!"
Issei winced as two very familiar voices called out in unison.
He turned his head, already knowing who it was.
Matsuda and Motohama. And they did not look happy.
Both of them had their arms crossed, their eyes blazing with a mix of betrayal and disbelief.
Matsuda stepped forward, jabbing a finger at Issei's chest. "You. Us. Right now. Explain. How the hell did you get a girlfriend?!"
Motohama adjusted his glasses, the lenses flashing. "It simply doesn't add up!"
Issei sighed, already over with this conversation. "I don't owe you guys an explanation."
"Yes, you do!" They both yelled.
Matsuda grabbed his shoulders, shaking him violently. "We have been best friends for years! Years and you dare hide this from us?!"
Motohama nodded gravely. "It goes against the sacred brotherhood of the Perverted Trio. To think you would betray us like this…"
Issei gritted his teeth. "First off—stop shaking me, you idiot! Second, it's not that big of a deal!"
Matsuda gasped dramatically. "Not that big of a deal?!"
Motohama stared at him, unblinking. "So you're telling me that a hot, mysterious transfer student fell for you out of nowhere, and that's not a big deal?"
Issei rolled his eyes. "I never said that! Look, if you really must know…"
He took a deep breath, thinking of a way to bullshit his way out of this. "The day I didn't come to school, I met her. And we hit it off. That's it."
Silence.
Matsuda and Motohama stared at him. Slowly, their expressions twisted into pure skepticism.
Matsuda narrowed his eyes. "…That's it?"
Motohama pushed up his glasses. "No way in hell."
Issei shrugged. "Believe what you want."
Matsuda leaned in suspiciously. "You're telling me that in one day, you magically charmed some beauty into falling for you?"
Motohama nodded. "Without any evidence, this story is full of holes."
Issei crossed his arms. "That's your problem. Not mine."
Matsuda scoffed. "HAH?! So that's how it is? You're just gonna walk off into the sunset, leaving us behind?!"
Issei gave them a flat stare. "Yes. Yes, I am."
He turned on his heel and started walking.
Matsuda and Motohama watched him go, shaking their heads.
Matsuda wiped a fake tear from his eye. "I never thought I'd see the day… The day Issei Hyoudou, would ascend to normie status and leave us in the dust."
Motohama sighed. "We are witnessing history, my friend. This is the day the Perverted Trio lost its founding member."
Matsuda clenched his fist. "No… We must uncover the truth. We must investigate!"
Motohama nodded, his glasses gleaming ominously. "For the sake of the research of getting ourselves girlfriends."
Issei, listening from a distance, shivered. 'Why do I feel like my life is about to get worse?' With that thought, he rushed home—before they could follow.
—---------------------------------
The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the park in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the grass. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze mixed with the faint chirping of cicadas, creating an atmosphere of quiet determination.
Issei grunted, pushing himself through another set of push-ups, his body already coated in sweat from the intense training session.
Beside him, Yuuka mirrored his actions, though at a slower, more controlled pace.
Unlike Issei, who wore a heavily enchanted weighted tracksuit, Yuuka's version was a lighter variant, adjusted to her current capabilities.
Even so, her determined expression showed that she was taking this training just as seriously.
—------------------------------
Not too far away, on a wooden park bench, Tamamo and Sakura sat comfortably, watching the training unfold.
Tamamo, ever the elegant woman, sipped her tea delicately, completely unfazed by the physical effort being displayed before her.
Sakura, on the other hand, had begun kicking her legs back and forth, pouting in frustration.
She fidgeted, shifting restlessly on the bench.
"This is boring." Sakura huffed, flopping backward dramatically.
Tamamo giggled, setting down her cup. "Ara~! Is little Sakura-chan already growing impatient?"
Sakura crossed her arms, scowling. "Papa and Yuuka-neesan are just doing the same thing over and over! When do they fight monsters?"
She wanted to see how cool her new Papa really was.
She bet he could easily beat her old, stupid dad.
Tamamo laughed behind her sleeve. "Training is important, dear~! Even the mightiest warriors must build their strength before facing powerful foes!"
Sakura puffed up her cheeks. "Still boring."
Tamamo tapped her chin thoughtfully, then smiled.
"Well then~! How about I teach you a little magecraft to pass the time?"
Sakura's eyes widened, her boredom forgotten in an instant.
"Really?! Magic? Like BOOM and BANG?!" She mimicked throwing imaginary fireballs, just like Mama Tamamo.
Tamamo giggled. "Fufufu~! Something like that. But first, we must start with the basics."
As Tamamo began patiently explaining the fundamentals of magecraft, Sakura listened intently, all traces of boredom vanishing.
—-------------------------------
Meanwhile, Issei exhaled heavily, finishing his last rep before collapsing onto the grass, panting.
Yuuka, though also winded, sat beside him, stretching out her arms.
She shot him a smug grin. "Not bad, Issei-kun. But I think I'm catching up to you~."
Issei grunted, still catching his breath. "Pfft. Yeah, in a hundred years."
Before Yuuka could fire back, a deep, rumbling voice echoed in Issei's mind.
(That's enough for now, partner.)
Issei blinked, recognizing the ancient voice immediately. "Ddraig?"
The dragon's voice vibrated through the air.
(You've improved your stamina, but now it's time for something different. You need to tap into that internal life energy you discovered.)
Issei froze. Internal life energy? Then his eyes widened in realization.'Oh. Ki.'
A term he had heard before—even felt before—but had never explored.
Yuuka, noticing his reaction, tilted her head. "What's wrong? You look like you just remembered something stupid."
Issei sat up, rubbing his chin. "Ddraig just told me to start using my ki…"
Yuuka raised an eyebrow. "Wait. What's ki?"
Issei frowned, trying to find the right words. "It's… hard to explain. Think of it as the energy inside your body—the stuff that lets you move, breathe, and act. At least… that's what I remember from Dragon Sol."
Yuuka gave him the flattest stare imaginable. "You're seriously basing your knowledge on this from a manga?"
Issei rubbed the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "I mean, yeah? But in my defense, it's a really good training guide."
Yuuka sighed. "So let me get this straight—you actually have this 'ki' thing, and you're just now thinking of using it?"
Issei winced. "Uh… kinda? I mean, I should, but…"
His voice trailed off, memories surfacing in his mind.
—------------------------------------
During the Holy Grail War, Sherri had used her connection to the Root to download an absurd amount of martial arts knowledge directly into his brain. It was supposed to be a shortcut to learning the basics.
Instead, it almost left him brain-dead. For what felt like hours—or maybe seconds—he had been caught in a storm of flashing images, techniques, and overwhelming knowledge, his mind nearly shattering under the pressure.
Even though he had survived, he never truly processed most of it. He only retained what was necessary at the time. On how to improve his stamina and basic movements. Also how to throw a proper punch. But back then, he had no time to sit and process the information.
—-------------------------------
Yuuka watched as his expression shifted—from hesitation to determination.
"You're seriously gonna try it now, huh?"
Issei nodded. "Yeah. If I have it, I might as well use it."
Ddraig's voice rumbled with approval.
(Then focus. Feel that energy inside you, partner. Your body already holds the knowledge—you just need to bring it out.)
Issei closed his eyes, steadying his breath.
For the first time, instead of pushing himself physically, he focused inward—toward the energy buried deep within him.
"Allow me to help you find it, Master. Just breathe and focus." Sherri's voice came into his mind.
A strange, familiar warmth began to stir in his chest.
Yuuka watched quietly, arms folded.
Tamamo, still teaching Sakura, glanced over, sensing something interesting.
And so, beneath the setting sun, a new chapter of Issei Hyoudou's training began.
As a small pulse of energy rippled outward from his body—his journey to unlocking his true power had officially begun.
—---------------------------
The moment Issei, Yuuka, Tamamo, and Sakura stepped through the front door, the familiar scent of home washed over them—a comforting mix of fresh food, warmth, and that subtle nostalgic feeling that only home could bring.
Standing in the entryway, Miki Hyoudou and Misuki Hana welcomed them back with warm smiles.
Miki, ever the cheerful mother, clapped her hands together. "Welcome home, everyone~!"
Misuki, more composed but just as welcoming, nodded. "Did training go well?"
Issei, still feeling the lingering tingle of energy from earlier, stretched his arms before responding. "Yeah, it went pretty well."
Yuuka smirked, arms folded. "He actually started learning something new today."
Miki perked up. "Oh~? Is my son actually learning something? That's rare."
"Oi, rude!" Issei pouted.
Misuki chuckled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "That's good to hear. I'm sure all that hard work will pay off soon."
As they settled into the dining room to fill their stomachs, the conversation shifted to Yuuka's upcoming enrollment.
"Sona told me everything was approved." Yuuka said, crossing her legs as she relaxed on the couch. "I'll officially start as a second-year at Kuoh Academy on the first of December."
Issei blinked, processing that for a second. Then a smirk crept onto his face.
"Wait. I remember that you're a year above me."
Yuuka tilted her head. "Obviously? I told you my age when we left the police station."
Issei chuckled, rubbing his chin. "So does that mean I should start calling you, Senpai?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Yuuka's smug aura increased tenfold.
She leaned forward, grinning victoriously. "Oh? Finally going to give me the respect I deserve? Good. It's about time you acknowledged my superiority, Issei-kun~."
Issei rolled his eyes but couldn't help but grin. "Alright, alright. I guess I'll have to rely on my wise and mature Yuuka-Senpai from now on." He dramatically bowed.
Yuuka laughed, clearly enjoying herself. "Damn right you will." She soon went to hold the boy that saved and stole her heart.
A low "Tch." echoed from the side. Tamamo pouted, arms crossed, clearly not amused by the banter. "How frustrating~!" She huffed. "I should be the one spending all my time with darling at school!"
Miki, amused by the whole exchange, giggled.
"Fufufu~! Issei, you really are popular now, huh?"
Misuki simply smiled knowingly as she sipped her coffee.
Soon Miki's smile shifted as she sniffed the air, her nose crinkling. "Ugh. Issei, you stink."
Issei deadpanned. "…Wow. Thanks, Mom."
Miki waved him off. "Go take a bath before you stink up the whole house."
Issei sighed, too tired to argue, and dragged himself toward the bathroom.
The moment he was out of sight, Tamamo's fox ears twitched.
A devious smirk spread across her face.
Yuuka narrowed her eyes. "Oh no. I know that look."
Tamamo giggled behind her sleeve. "Ara~! I just had a wonderful idea~!"
Yuuka sighed, already sensing trouble. "Tamamo, whatever you're thinking, don't."
Tamamo ignored her, humming innocently as she twirled away toward the bathroom.
Yuuka pinched the bridge of her nose. "This damn fox…"
—------------------------------
Steam rose from the large, warm bath, enveloping Issei in pure bliss.
He leaned back against the edge, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Damn. Nothing beats a hot bath after training."
The soreness in his muscles was slowly melting away, his mind drifting into relaxation.
But then the door slid open.
Issei barely had time to react before a naked Tamamo gracefully stepped inside, her pink locks flowing down her back, her curvaceous figure illuminated by the steam.
His brain blue-screened with blood falling out of his nose..
His gaze, as if guided by fate, landed directly on her voluptuous chest.
"Thank you for the meal." Issei whispered, completely entranced.
Tamamo giggled, stepping forward. "Fufufu~! My dear husband, you truly have no shame~."
Issei grinned shamelessly. "Can you blame me?"
Tamamo tapped her chin playfully. "I suppose not~!"
She knelt behind him, grabbing a soft washcloth.
"Now, allow me to wash my dear husband's back~." Her voice was silky and teasing, and before Issei could protest, she had already started gently scrubbing his back. Her delicate fingers traced his skin, the sensation soothing.
Issei relaxed under her touch, letting out a sigh. "Damn, Tamamo. You're really good at this."
Tamamo leaned closer, her warm breath tickling his ear. "Ara~? Does my darling enjoy being pampered by his beloved wife?"
Issei smirked. "Who wouldn't?"
She giggled, pressing a soft kiss against his shoulder. To another closer to his neck.
Issei felt heat rise to his face, but he didn't move away. Instead he moved to face his beloved wife. His hand instinctively reached back, grazing against her thigh.
Tamamo hummed approvingly. "My, my~! Such a bold move, darling~."
Issei chuckled. "Can you blame me?"
Tamamo smiled, pressing her forehead against his. "Not at all~."
Their lips met in a slow, teasing kiss—one that carried affection, mischief, and the promise of more to come.
Steam swirled around them, the warmth of the bath paling in comparison to the warmth between them.
—------------------------------
Yuuka seated on the couch, arms crossed tightly, her foot tapping aggressively against the floor, Yuuka glared upstairs at the hallway leading to the bathroom.
Sakura, nestled beside her on the couch, hugged a plushie, blinking up at Yuuka with wide, curious eyes as she waited for the two to leave the bath.
"Ne, Yuuka-neesan, why do you look so angry?"
Yuuka's eye twitched.
"Because that damn fox is winning."
Sakura tilted her head. "Winning what?"
Yuuka opened her mouth—then closed it, groaning into her hands. "You'll understand when you're older, kiddo."
Sakura pouted. "I'm not a kid!"
Misuki, who had been reading a book, smiled knowingly. "Fufu~ Tamamo is certainly… proactive, isn't she?"
Yuuka snapped her head toward her mother. "You're not helping."
Miki, watching the exchange, grinned mischievously. "Ara~! Should we be preparing for grandkids soon?"
Yuuka choked on air. "What, NO!"
Misuki, perfectly composed, continued reading her book. "It's certainly a possibility, considering Tamamo's persistence."
Yuuka's eye twitched harder. She had to do something.
—- —- —- —- —--
The bathroom was thick with steam, the warm water swirling lazily around Issei and Tamamo as they remained locked in a teasing embrace.
Tamamo's fingertips ghosted over his skin, her golden eyes half-lidded as she traced small circles on his chest. "Ara~! My darling seems quite flustered~!" She giggled. "Could it be that I've finally tamed you?"
Issei grinned lazily, his fingers trailing up her thigh. "Tamed? I dunno, Tamamo. Maybe I'm the one taming you."
Tamamo's ears twitched, a delighted hum escaping her lips. "Fufufu~! My husband is getting bold! I approve~."
Issei leaned in, his lips hovering just over hers.
But just as they were about to connect again—
BAM! BAM! BAM!
The bathroom door rattled violently as someone pounded their fist against it.
"OI! YOU'VE BEEN IN THERE TOO LONG!"
Both Issei and Tamamo froze.
That voice. Yuuka.
She sounded pissed.
Issei and Tamamo exchanged glances.
Then—
"We're busy!" Tamamo called sweetly, her voice absolutely dripping with smugness.
Issei barely had a second to react before the door shook again, this time with more force.
"GET YOUR ASSES OUT OF THERE RIGHT NOW!" Yuuka roared.
Issei gulped.
Tamamo just laughed.
The bathroom door slammed open with a force that nearly ripped it off its hinges.
Issei barely had time to register the danger before—
"GET YOUR ASS OUT OF HERE, HYODOU!" Yuuka stormed in, her blue eyes blazing, her face red with a mix of anger, embarrassment, and pure territorial jealousy.
Tamamo, still comfortably pressed against Issei's chest, simply tilted her head, completely unfazed. "Ara~! Is someone jealous~?" She teased, her fluffy ears twitching with amusement.
Yuuka ignored her. She was here for one reason.
And that reason was currently naked and dazed, trapped by the fox.
Before Issei could react—
YANK!
"GAH—!"
Yuuka grabbed his ear, dragging him out of the bath like a misbehaving child.
Water splashed everywhere, and Issei was half-wet, half-confused, and 100% terrified.
—------------------------------
Down the hall, Miki and Misuki paused mid-conversation, hearing the commotion.
Miki sighed, taking a sip of her tea. "Ah, young love~."
Misuki simply closed her eyes, a small smile forming. "I expected this."
Miki tilted her head. "Should we stop them?"
Misuki opened one eye, watching Yuuka drag Issei down the hall, completely naked. "No. This is good for them."
Miki nodded sagely. "I guess we should let them settle matters between themselves."
Then they both went back to their conversation as if nothing happened.
—------------------------------
After dragging Issei back to his room, Yuuka slammed the door shut before releasing him.
Thud.
Issei, still dripping wet, barely had time to catch his breath before Yuuka turned around and immediately blushed.
Because he was still completely naked.
Yuuka's entire face burned as her eyes widened in realization. "C-CLOTHES! NOW!"
Issei, still recovering, gave her a confused look. "Huh?" Then he noticed. "…Oh."
A brief moment of silence.
Yuuka whipped her head around. "DON'T JUST STAND THERE! GET DRESSED!"
A few seconds later
Once Issei was properly clothed, Yuuka exhaled deeply, trying to calm her heartbeat.
Then—without warning—she lunged at him.
Issei barely had time to react before he was pinned to the bed, Yuuka straddling his lap, her hands firmly gripping his shoulders.
Her eyes locked onto his, her cheeks still dusted pink.
"Listen, Issei." Her voice was serious, but slightly shaky.
Issei blinked. "Uh… y-yeah?"
Yuuka took a deep breath, trying to gather her words. "Tamamo… is not fair."
Issei blinked again. "Huh?"
Yuuka huffed, looking away for a moment. "I was first, damn it! I was the one who actually liked you before all of this. And now Tamamo is all over you, doing things I'm not ready for." Her fingers tightened slightly on his shoulders. "It's not fair."
Issei stared at her, processing her words carefully. Then, slowly, he relaxed, bringing his hands up to gently hold her waist. "Hey… I get it." His voice was soft, reassuring.
Yuuka's shoulders tensed slightly.
"I don't want you to feel like you have to rush anything." His gaze was sincere. "I don't want you to feel pressured. I can wait until your ready."
Yuuka's eyes widened slightly, her lips parting as if caught off guard. Then, slowly, she relaxed. Her grip on his shoulders loosened, and she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. "Thanks." She whispered.
Issei smiled. "Of course."
For a moment, they just stayed like that, their breaths mixing, their heartbeats syncing.
"Issei."
"Yeah?"
Yuuka lifted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "Have you ever had sex?"
Issei froze. His brain short-circuited. Then, slowly, his face turned bright red. "W-WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT?!"
Yuuka rolled her eyes. "Just answer me, dumbass."
Issei gulped, his gaze shifting slightly. "Of course not! Like you said… you were the first girl who ever actually liked me."
Yuuka stared at him.
Then, to his absolute confusion, she smiled.
Not her usual teasing smirk. Not her playful grin. A real, genuine smile.
"Good."
Issei tilted his head. "…Good?"
Yuuka nodded, her fingers lightly tracing his collarbone. "Then promise me something."
Issei swallowed. "Uh… promise what?"
Yuuka leaned in, her voice soft, but filled with emotion. "Promise me… that I'll be your first."
The air grew still.
Issei stared at her, his mind racing.
Tamamo was already ready. If he said yes, he was essentially choosing Yuuka over Tamamo in this regard.It was a difficult decision.
But he looked at Yuuka. The girl who first accepted him. The girl who stood by his side. The girl who challenged him, teased him, but also understood him.
Slowly, he exhaled.
Then, with a small, but firm nod. "I promise."
Yuuka's eyes softened, her smile growing warmer.
Then she leaned in again, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his lips.
—-----------------------
Miki took a sip of her tea. "So… do you think they're having a heart-to-heart or…?"
Misuki, flipping a page in her book, replied without looking up. "They're bonding. Let them be."
Sakura blinked. "Ne, Mama, what does 'having your first' mean?"
Miki and Misuki froze.
Then, at the exact same time—
"Ask again when you're older."
Sakura pouted. "That's what Yuuka-neesan said earlier too!"
Miki grinned. "That means it's an important life lesson!"