Vash
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Chapter 73
🕑 Added 2025-08-13 12:45:36 +0000 UTCThree days had passed since the fight.
I sat in my usual seat in Kuoh Academy's classroom, trying to focus on the teacher's lecture about classical literature while my mind wandered to more pressing matters.
My wounds from the fight had completely healed that same day, thanks to the Senzu beans—they'd worked wonders.
I'd also given Vali a Senzu bean, not caring about the number of people who'd witnessed its effects as he ate it. Everyone had been astounded—their faces a mix of disbelief and wonder as they watched his injuries vanish completely.
Azazel had been among those watching, and somehow, he was speaking to me now. Though we kept a certain distance due to our past, his scientist side couldn't help but be curious about the Senzu beans.
"Those are quite remarkable," he'd said, his eyes gleaming with interest. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to part with a few? For research purposes, of course."
I'd shaken my head firmly. "Not happening."
"Come now," Azazel had pressed, his tone almost pleading. "Name your price. I have resources you couldn't imagine."
"The answer's still no," I'd replied, crossing my arms.
His shoulders had sagged slightly at my refusal, but I could see the gears still turning in his head. That calculating look in his eyes told me he wasn't giving up—just changing tactics.
"You can't blame a guy for trying," he'd muttered, though his disappointed expression said otherwise.
Even now, sitting in this mundane classroom, I couldn't shake the feeling that our conversation was far from over.
Another thing was after the battle, Michael had approached me, saying he hoped to speak with me again in the near future. Pretty chill guy, to be honest. Even in the anime and novels, he was one of the characters I liked most in the series. I felt pity for him, really. With God's death, the responsibility of maintaining Heaven had fallen to him—no easy task. I'd had experience managing the Mishima Corporation, but Heaven itself? That was on another level entirely.
Gabriel had been with Michael too. And God, she was stunning. Divine, even. No wonder they called her the most beautiful woman in Heaven.
"Such radiance," Rossweise muttered under her breath when he saw her.
Michael had chuckled at that. "She has that effect on people."
After exchanging a few pleasantries with them, they'd left as well.
There had also been members of the supernatural community from various pantheons and factions in attendance—mostly minor ones. They'd swarmed around me afterward, flattering and sweet-talking me with honey-coated words.
A minor Greek deity had gushed about my incredible power, bowing deeply while claiming I was destined for greatness. Another had mentioned how the Mishima heir's reputation preceded me, hinting at potential future collaborations with that oily smile plastered on his face.
A representative from Chinese mythology had also stepped forward next, practically oozing false charm as he praised my display and expressed how honored his faction would be to establish stronger ties with someone of my caliber.
As the heir of the Mishima Corporation, it was my job to respond to them courteously, even when their intentions were as transparent as glass. I'd plastered on my most diplomatic smile and given measured responses, appreciating their kind words while emphasizing that the Mishima Corporation valued peaceful relations with all supernatural communities.
When they'd suggested formal meetings, I'd given them the corporate equivalent of 'don't call us, we'll call you'—promising that my people would contact theirs.
They'd all left satisfied with their brief audience, though I doubted any of them realized how little they'd actually accomplished.
Back in the classroom, I let my mind drone on while the teacher kept delivering his lesson—something I already knew. Still, I maintained the appearance of listening, nodding occasionally and keeping my eyes focused on the blackboard.
The bell's shrill ring snapped me back to singular focus as students began shuffling papers and preparing for the next period.
I watched Issei and his perverted trio talking in the classroom as usual, their conversation inevitably turning to lewd topics. Kiryuu Aika had joined in too, her own perverted nature fitting right in with the boys' antics. She was probably sharing some scandalous gossip or making her own inappropriate comments with that mischievous grin of hers.
Canon might start anytime soon. Or would it? The timeline felt uncertain now, especially with all the changes my presence had already caused.
I found myself thinking about Issei—whether I should let canon play out and allow Rias to find him, make him her servant. He was still the same hopeless pervert, completely oblivious to the supernatural world around him. He'd get excited over the smallest glimpse of skin, dream about having a harem, and remain blissfully unaware that devils, angels, and fallen angels walked among humans.
Part of me wondered if it would be kinder to let him stay ignorant a little longer. Once Rias claimed him, his normal life would be over forever. No more simple perverted fantasies—just life-and-death battles and political schemes he could barely comprehend.
But then again, wasn't that his destiny?
Still as his friend, I realized that I should give him the chance to make that decision for himself.
Speaking of which, E.V.E. was about to finish manifesting tomorrow. The same could be said for the sacred gear extractor which will finish a day after, both would help me advance my plans significantly.
Another thought crossed my mind—extracting the Boosted Gear from Issei. I could make him a normal human while claiming the Longinus for myself. After all, it was one of the strongest sacred gears on the planet, capable of incredible power.
But thinking about it more deeply, I shook my head.
Issei was my friend. I didn't want to become like those devils and fallen angels who saw people as nothing more than tools or pawns to be used. If I did that—if I stole his sacred gear just for my own benefit—what would be the difference between me and them?
The power would be useful, sure. But at what cost? My humanity? My principles?
No. I refused to go down that path, no matter how tempting the power might be.
Besides, I could recreate something similar to the Boosted Gear and more. Imagine a sacred gear with the capabilities of both the Divine Dividing and Boosted Gear combined—and then more. There were so many ideas and items I couldn't wait to create.
Unfortunately, I needed time. Badly.
Waiting for the manifested items was such a drag. My mind was buzzing with possibilities—enhanced versions of existing sacred gears, completely original creations that could revolutionize the supernatural world, technologies that could bridge the gap between human innovation and divine power.
But everything required patience, as each day felt like an eternity.
The anticipation was killing me.
My thoughts were interrupted as Issei started talking to me. I didn't realize he was already standing in front of my desk, his usual goofy grin plastered on his face.
"Yo, Leon!" Issei said, leaning against my desk. "How was your school break, man? Did you do anything fun?"
"Mostly busy with company stuff," I replied, keeping it simple.
"Company stuff?" Motohama pushed up his glasses with a perverted gleam. "Don't tell me you were too busy to appreciate the finer things in life!"
"Yeah!" Matsuda chimed in, pumping his fist. "Please tell me you at least went to the beach or something! Think of all the beautiful women in swimsuits!"
Aika appeared behind them with that trademark smirk of hers. "Oh my, are we talking about Leon's love life? How scandalous~"
Issei's eyes lit up like Christmas morning. "Wait, wait! Did you meet any hot girls? Any romantic encounters? Summer romances are the best!"
"Come on, spill the details!" Matsuda practically bounced with excitement. "We need to live vicariously through you!"
Motohama nodded sagely. "As your fellow men of culture, it's our duty to hear about your adventures!"
I stared at them, completely deadpan. "I spent most of my time in boardroom meetings with middle-aged executives."
The perverted trio's faces fell dramatically, like their hopes and dreams had just been crushed.
"That's... that's so tragic," Issei whispered, actual tears forming in his eyes.
Of course, I hadn't told them about my relationship with Sona or Koneko. The two relationships I was navigating were hardly something I could explain to Issei and his perverted trio.
"So tragic indeed," Aika said with mock sympathy, placing a hand over her heart. "A young man in his prime, wasting away in corporate meetings instead of chasing romance!"
"This is worse than we thought," Motohama muttered, adjusting his glasses with a serious expression. "Leon's becoming a corporate slave before he's even graduated!"
Matsuda nodded gravely. "We can't let this happen! Youth is meant for passion, for adventure, for—"
"For appreciating the beauty of the opposite sex!" Issei declared dramatically, pointing at me like he was making some grand proclamation.
I kept my expression neutral, even as I thought about how wrong they were. If only they knew that the student council president and one of the most mysterious first-years were both... well, that was information they definitely couldn't handle.
"Maybe you should join us sometime," Issei suggested hopefully. "We could teach you the art of... appreciation!"
"I think I'll pass," I replied dryly, which only made their expressions grow more pitiful.
"He's too far gone," Aika sighed theatrically. "Corporate life has already claimed another victim."
"We need to stage an intervention," Motohama declared solemnly. "Before it's too late!"
"A rehabilitation program for Leon's social life!" Matsuda added with renewed enthusiasm.
Issei nodded with the determination of someone who'd just found his life's mission. "Operation: Save Leon from Corporate Boredom begins now!"
"You boys are so dramatic," Aika giggled, clearly amused by their antics.
Before I could respond to their ridiculous 'intervention' plans, the classroom door slid open with a sharp click. The teacher walked in, carrying a stack of papers and wearing his usual stern expression.
"Alright, everyone, back to your seats," he announced in a no-nonsense tone.
The perverted trio scrambled like startled cats, practically diving back to their desks. Issei shot me one last look that seemed to say 'this conversation isn't over' before hurrying to his seat.
Aika gave me a playful wink before sauntering back to her own desk, clearly enjoying the chaos she'd helped stir up.
"Today we'll be continuing our discussion on classical Japanese literature," the teacher began, turning to write on the blackboard.
I settled back into my chair, grateful for the interruption. The last thing I needed was Issei and his friends trying to 'fix' my love life when they had no idea how complicated it actually was.
Lunch arrived, and I made my way to the rooftop. It had been months since I'd had lunch on the rooftop with Koneko, but to my surprise, she wasn't alone.
Sona was also there.
Both of them sat on the usual bench, with an extra space clearly left for me between them. Koneko had her typical stoic expression, quietly unwrapping her bento, while Sona adjusted her glasses with that calm, composed demeanor she always maintained.
"You're late," Koneko said simply, not looking up from her lunch.
"I got held up by Issei and the others," I replied, settling down between them. "They're concerned about my 'tragic' love life."
Sona raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "Is that so? How ironic."
"They want to stage an intervention," I continued, opening my own lunch. "Apparently, I'm too focused on corporate work and not enough on 'appreciating the opposite sex.'"
Koneko's lips twitched slightly—the closest thing to a smile I'd see from her in public. "Foolish."
"Indeed," Sona agreed, taking a delicate bite of her food. "If only they knew how... occupied your personal life actually is."
The irony wasn't lost on any of us. Here I was, sitting between two of the most sought-after girls in the school, and my classmates thought I was hopeless with romance.
We ate our lunch together, though we kept our interactions respectful. None of the flirting that might have happened in private—I felt it was too awkward since I was still treading new ground with this whole relationship dynamic.
Still, I couldn't help but feel glad about how lucky and happy I was now. Sitting here between two incredible girls who somehow both cared about me felt almost surreal.
"Leon," Sona said, setting down her chopsticks with her usual precise movements. "I have a request."
Koneko also paused her eating, looking at me with those golden eyes. "Same."
I raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"We want you to help us train," Sona said directly. "To get stronger."
Koneko nodded in agreement.
I wasn't really surprised by their request. Rossweisse had asked me the same thing recently. The supernatural world was becoming more dangerous, and I also wanted them to be prepared for what was coming.
"Alright," I agreed. "We can work out a training schedule that works for all of us."
Both girls seemed satisfied with my answer. We finished the rest of our lunch in comfortable silence, the three of us looking out over the school grounds.
As the warning bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break, I realized that despite all the complexity and uncertainty ahead, moments like this made everything worth it.
