Chapter 96 Deal

“These days, I’m just a lovable candy store keeper~.”

Sona stared at him and Kisuke knew those stares means that she’s pleading for more answers.

“Haah… It isn’t as easy as you thought you know…” Kisuke then lifted his right hand and opened his palm. A fluctuating hexagonal green small shield appeared on top of his palm, “This spell is called Million Escudo.”

Kisuke then lifted his left arm and pointed it sideways. A green hexagonal transparent shield one and a half meter wide appeared in front of his palm, “And this is called Escudo. Even you can easily destroy it and breach it. Million Escudo is a stack of this Escudos and took me a few years to stack one million of it. And Aika just destroyed a year worth of effort.” Kisuke explained. Although he didn’t explain that he only stack Escudo in his free time when he’s bored and nothing else to do, any Sona and the rest misunderstood it as he works very hard to complete this self-protection spell because Kisuke made a pained expression when he explained it.

“What a strange spell, like the rest of your magic. I doubt you’ll explain how it works further so I’ll stop here.” Sona fixed her glasses and continued, “Kisuke-kun, you’re strong. If you can do the same thing for an offensive spell, you’ll be able to contend against an Ultimate-Class Devil, but that’s only if you have a single opponent. If you’re besieged by multiple enemies, you’ll have a hard time getting away. So please do be careful and don’t make too many enemies.” Sona didn’t say all of these to threaten Kisuke, but to assure the two, namely Tsubaki and Akeno that he isn’t as dangerous as it seems. Truthfully, she didn’t know how strong Kisuke really is, but she needs to establish a friendly connection with him and if the two behind her are too scared to come in contact with him, that would only make it difficult for her.

Kisuke knew her intentions and played along with her as that is also his goal, “You’re right, Kaichou-chan~. I can only fight after stacking my spells, so I’ll be doomed if I run out of ammo.” Kisuke took out his fan and covered his face as he laughs.

Akeno and Tsubaki visibly sighed in relief due to Sona and Kisuke’s words, although Kisuke thought that they are too naive to easily believe that ruse.

“Moving on, let’s discuss the terms now. I presumed that you need us to keep quiet of what we witness here?” Sona pushes forward the conversation.

“Yep. What do you want in exchange for that?”

“Become my Knight.” Sona expressed her intention strongly.

Kisuke’s smile didn’t break and smiled, “No can do, Kaichou. And you know that I wouldn’t agree with that.”

Tsubaki and Akeno were shocked at Sona’s first proposal, but after thinking about it again, someone like Kisuke is very welcome in any peerage of High-Class Devils.

“Then help me one time.” Sona immediately changes her condition since she’s just trying her luck on him.

“Regarding what?” Kisuke furrowed his brows.

“I don’t have anything in particular right now, but I would like your assistance in the future.”

“I won’t do anything.”

“That’s fine. You can decide whether you want to accept my request or not when the time comes.”

“… Just that?”

“That’s everything. Knowing more about you today is enough for me.” Sona gave him a beautiful smile.

“Can I think of it as you trying to get on my good side?” Kisuke reached out his right towards Sona.

“Feel free to.” Sona smiled and shook his hand, sealing the deal.

Sona then turned to Akeno, “It’s your turn.”

Akeno nodded at her and faced Kisuke, “Please become Rias’ Knight.” Akeno, contrary to Sona’s casual demeanor, bowed down in front of him.

“I have no intention of becoming a Devil and going under someone.” Since she’s asking nicely, Kisuke answered her.

Akeno stood back up with a wry smile, “I just wanted to try my luck. Since you’re so close to Koneko, then maybe you’ll agree. I’m sorry if I offended you.” Akeno’s attitude towards Kisuke turned around but Kisuke can still see a bit of wariness from her eyes which he commended mentally.

Akeno returned to her serious expression and said, “Well then, with my real condition. I want you to stop Koneko from coming here and training her.”

“Akeno-senpai!?” Koneko reacted greatly at her words as she didn’t want to cut her connection with Kisuke.

“Koneko-chan, you can still live and hang out in his place and I don’t have the right to stop you from doing so. But regarding him training you, I would like you to stop. It’s too dangerous! Look what just happened!” Akeno turned to Koneko and gently explained.

“But… I still have a lot to learn from both of them.” Koneko looked down dejected. Inside, she’s feeling fear from witnessing two instances of transformation, ‘What if I can’t overcome it? Will Kisuke-senpai and Yoruichi-san confine or kill me? What if I hurt those who are important to me because I lose control of myself. What if…’ Various what ifs went through her mind cementing the already festering fear inside her.

“If you want to get stronger, I’ll ask Rias to look for someone more suitable for your skills, like someone from Kyoto’s Youkai Faction. With Rias’ connection, it’s very possible.”

“…” Koneko wanted to say something but can’t find her words.

“And besides, from today’s events, I’m sorry to be rude… But they are the type of people that would even risk their lives just to gain power. Do you really desperately need power?”

That question of hers reminded Koneko of what she is doing her. Earlier, she’s feeling confused at Akeno’s sudden declaration of stopping her from coming here. And since she has been a big sister for a big part of her life, she ended up listening to her words and almost following her because it’s always like this, and both her and Rias just wanted what’s best for her. But isn’t it about time for her to decide for what she wants regardless of their opinions? But what about her fear? She remembered the scene where Kisuke loses control and hurt Yoruichi. That time, Kisuke could forgo his concerns because there is someone he could trust with his life, and that’s exactly Koneko is looking for. Her comrades are good especially her master since she took great care of her regardless of her origin. But deep inside, Koneko knew that Rias also fears her a little due to some possibilities of losing control of herself so she couldn’t let go of everything and just trust anyone. That’s why she didn’t open up with anyone. She too wanted a kind of relationship like Kisuke and Yoruichi’s relationship. Maybe if she follows them more, she’ll know more about it and find one for herself.

Kisuke and Yoruichi already gave her a chance to become independent from them and do things on her own will. Even though she is slowly becoming dependent on them, she wanted to learn more so that one day, she can return their goodwill and more. Of course, she not being rebellious, it’s just that she knew that she couldn’t keep up this way forever and has to take a step forward for herself.

With a resolute look, Koneko faced Akeno, “Akeno-senpai, please take back your condition. I won’t stop coming here even if you hinder me.”

“But you might turn into a monster if you follow them!” Akeno said askance.

“That’s fine. They already warned me about it before then even train me for real and I already agreed to it.” Koneko is reprimanding herself inwardly as she already made her resolution, but she allowed Akeno’s words to sway her, ‘I can’t be hesitating at every step I take.’

“Why are you doing this?”

“To take back my sister!”

“Sister? What do you mean? But your sister is-” Before Akeno could finish her sentence, Kisuke suddenly interrupted her.

“That’s enough~. Here is my answer. No.”

“But-”

“If she doesn’t agree, then I’ll do the same. Just propose another one. We can’t be here forever.” Kisuke interrupted her one more time, but this time, with more force, shutting her up.

Akeno took a step back and decided not to pursue it any further. She’ll have more chance of persuading Koneko at a later time. She stayed silent for a while before opening her mouth again, “I have two conditions.”

“Two, huh. Go ahead.”

“First is I want you to help the Gremory Peerage when they are in danger one time.”

“Hmmm… Okay.” Kisuke agreed easily as he would help them anyway if they’re in deep shit because of Koneko, Asia and Issei.

“The second one is… Allow me to watch while you train Koneko.”

Kisuke didn’t answer immediately and stared at her, a trace of fear and worry is still in her eyes, “You can’t reveal anything regarding your time here.”

Akeno sighed in relief, “I accept, and thank you.” She extended her hand for a handshake and Kisuke accepted it.