Disclaimer: Just in case nobody realized I don't own nor do I claim ownership of Highschool DxD, all characters and worlds belong to their real world respective owners. I'm just having some fun, that's all.
Warning sexual content disclaimer: All characters and actions are above 18+
Highschool DxD: The Cursed King of Kuoh
S1 Ch 26: A Training Montage
The dining hall of the Gremory mountain estate felt different in the morning.
Last night, the mansion had seemed elegant—almost peaceful—with its polished wood floors, tall windows, and warm lights spilling across the open rooms. Now, however, that same elegance had been overtaken by a new purpose.
Maps had been rolled out across the center of the long dining table, notebooks and training schedules scattered around them in uneven piles while the atmosphere itself carried the weight of anticipation.
Ten days.
That's all they had.
Ten days before they stood across from Riser Phoenix and his peerage in a Rating Game none of them could afford to lose.
Rias stood at the front of the room, her posture straight, crimson hair falling neatly over her shoulders as she looked over her gathered peerage.
Unlike her usual academy uniform, she now wore Kuoh's standard P.E. outfit, though even that somehow looked refined on her. Beside her stood Akeno in identical attire, though the vice-president carried herself with her usual grace, one hand resting lightly against her hip as she observed the room with quiet amusement.
Kiba stood nearby in a dark gray tracksuit, posture so stiff and attentive he looked more like a soldier awaiting orders than a high school student.
While Asia sat near the front of the table, hands folded neatly in her lap as she listened with complete sincerity, already trying her best to absorb every word before the training had even begun.
Koneko sat furthest to the side.
A massive bowl of cookies rested in front of her, and while she continuously munched through them one after another, her eyes remained focused on Rias with surprising attentiveness.
Then there was Sukuna, and naturally, he sat the furthest away from everyone else.
He'd changed into a black tracksuit of his own, though unlike the others, he wore it with absolutely no discipline whatsoever. His chair leaned dangerously far back, both feet resting on the table as one arm hung lazily over the side.
He looked less like someone preparing for battle and more like a man trapped in a meeting he had no interest in attending.
Beside him stood Ura.
Unlike everyone else, she hadn't changed at all. Her dark blue kimono remained immaculate as always, her hands folded neatly before her while she stood slightly behind Sukuna's chair like a loyal attendant waiting for orders that may or may not come.
Rias exhaled slowly before beginning.
"Alright," she said, drawing everyone's attention. "We only have ten days, so we can't afford to waste any time. Every hour from this point forward matters."
The entire room quieted down, while Rias gestured toward the papers spread across the table.
"I've divided our training into specialized categories. Since Asia is still inexperienced in combat, the priority will be bringing her skill level closer to the rest of the peerage."
Asia straightened immediately at hearing her name.
"Koneko," Rias continued, "you'll handle hand-to-hand combat training."
Koneko nodded once, cookie halfway to her mouth.
"Kiba, you'll train her with weapons and basic swordsmanship."
"Understood," Kiba replied instantly.
"Akeno will oversee her magical training."
Akeno smiled softly. "Ara ara, I'll do my best."
Rias nodded, satisfied with her outline until—
"Pffft."
The sound cut through the room, making everyone turn.
Sukuna sat exactly where he'd been moments before, though now he wore the faintest look of disbelief as he stared toward the front of the room.
Rias's brow twitched slightly. "…Something to add, Sukuna?"
He nodded slightly.
"Yeah," he said flatly. "That's a stupid ass plan."
A check mark appeared on Rias' forehead already annoyed with her supposed pawn's blunt attitude. She crossed her arms pushing her heavy bust up.
"And why exactly is it stupid?"
Sukuna finally took his feet off the table, the chair thumping back onto all fours as he leaned forward slightly.
"Because you're trying to do too much in too little time," he replied. "The nun's a complete novice when it comes to combat." He turned slightly to Asia, "no offence."
Asia still shrank slightly at the bluntness of his words, but couldn't deny the truth in them.
"You can teach her how to throw a punch or swing a sword all you want," he continued, "but in ten days? She's not catching up to any of you. You'd have a better chance throwing coins into a wishing well and praying."
The other's eyes widened slightly at his words, with their retorts dying in her throat. After a brief moment of silence Asia finally spoke
"…I-I really don't know how to fight," she admitted quietly.
For once, however, Rias didn't immediately argue. Instead, she studied Sukuna carefully.
"…Then what would you suggest?"
That got his attention. His brow lifted slightly, genuine surprise flickering across his face as he looked at her.
"You're actually asking?"
Rias rolled her eyes. "Just answer the question."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth before he leaned back slightly in his chair.
"She's support," he said simply. "So train her like support."
The room stilled and Sukuna continued before anyone could interrupt.
"Barrier techniques, defensive magic and stamina training." He gestured lazily toward Asia. "Her Sacred Gear already makes her useful. Twilight Healing is broken in a long fight if you protect the user properly."
Asia blinked in surprise.
Sukuna tapped two fingers lightly against the table as he spoke, his tone calmer now—focused in a way the others rarely saw.
"You're all thinking too individually," he continued. "From what you've told me a Rating Game isn't about everyone being strong alone. It's about keeping your pieces alive long enough for the King to win."
Koneko and Kiba's expressions sharpened slightly,and even Akeno straightened, paying closer attention.
Sukuna pointed toward Asia again. "She stays near the backline beside the King. You keep her protected while she heals whoever gets injured badly enough to fall out of formation."
Asia listened intently now, hanging onto every word.
"She should be the last one standing before the King falls," Sukuna finished. "That's her role."
Silence immediately followed. Not the usual awkward silence that came after Sukuna spoke, the thinking kind.
Rias slowly lowered her arms, her expression becoming more thoughtful with each passing second.
Akeno broke first.
"My, my…" she said softly, smiling toward Sukuna. "Since when did you become such a tactician Sukuna?"
He shrugged.
"I've got a brain," he replied. "I just usually don't need it."
That crooked confidant grin returned.
"Most opponents aren't worth the effort of strategizing against. Easier to cut them in half and move on."
Akeno giggled softly before leaning slightly against the table. "Maybe you should've used some of that intelligence during your match against us."
The confidant grin melted off his face as he gave the devil queen a blank look.
Ignoring the exchange entirely, Rias remained deep in thought as she looked back down at the plans she'd spent hours preparing the previous night.
Then, slowly she sighed.
"…He's right." She admitted.
That admission surprised everyone more than Sukuna's actual advice had.
Rias began adjusting the papers almost immediately. "Asia's training priorities are changing. Defensive magic, endurance, support positioning, and Sacred Gear efficiency are now the focus."
Asia blinked rapidly. "R-Really?"
Rias nodded firmly. "Really."
Something brightened in Asia's expression at that—not relief exactly, but confidence. The plan suddenly felt achievable.
Rias looked back toward Sukuna. "…Anything else?"
He stared at her for a moment before snorting lightly.
"You're really making me do your job now, huh?"
"Suggestions," she prompted more sternly.
Sukuna leaned back again, though this time his eyes remained focused instead of drifting away.
"Akeno should focus on area denial and pressure," he said. "She's strongest when she controls the battlefield. Don't let her waste time trying to overpower people directly if she can force them where she wants instead."
Akeno's eyes widened slightly at the chance to keep her distance and electrocute little piggies from a distance.
"Interesting," she thought, licking her lips. "Very interesting."
"Pretty boy's fast enough already," Sukuna continued. "So stop trying to make him faster. Work on unpredictability instead. Though his biggest problem is explosive power."
Kiba frowned slightly, clearly processing the advice immediately.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked.
Sukuna turned his head slightly to the knight. "It means you hit like a bitch. That's what it means."
Kiba's gentleman mask almost broke as a vein bulged on his forehead, but Sukuna didn't care and just moved on.
"And Koneko is the opposite."
The small girl looked up from her cookies.
"She hits hard, sure," Sukuna admitted. "But she telegraphs too much when she gets serious. Work on explosive movement and speed instead of straight-line aggression."
Koneko blinked once, then slowly nodded.
Rias stared at him more openly now, as the air in the room shifted.
The lazy idiot sprawled across couches reading manga had suddenly disappeared, replaced by someone calmly dissecting their strengths and weaknesses like he'd been doing it for years.
"…You've thought about this before?" Rias asked quietly.
Sukuna shrugged again. "Not really. It's just kind of obvious."
That answer somehow annoyed her more.
Kiba finally spoke up. "What about your training?"
Immediately, Sukuna's expression flattened.
"What training? I'm already strong enough to kill the chicken so I don't have to train."
"That's not the point," Rias replied sharply.
"I disagree," he replied.
"Sukuna."
And there it was, that annoying look. The one she used when she was moments away from losing her patience entirely.
He stared at her for a second, then sighed annoyed.
"…Fine."
Everyone's posture relaxed when he relented.
"I'll help all of you with your training."
Relief visibly crossed several faces.
"But," he added, raising one finger, "I've already got my own training planned."
Something about the way he said it made the room still.
Akeno tilted her head. "And what exactly does that mean?"
Sukuna smiled, and not in the warm, reassuring way. It was the smile predators wore when they were staring at a dumb animal.
"…Something special." Was all he said.
Nobody liked that answer.
Kiba and Asia exchanged uneasy looks immediately. Koneko stopped eating entirely for the first time since the meeting started. Even Akeno's smile thinned slightly while Rias narrowed her eyes.
"…Why do I suddenly feel concerned?" she muttered.
Ura, meanwhile, simply closed her eyes briefly like she already knew exactly what he meant.
Sukuna noticed the reactions and grinned wider.
"Oh relax," he said lazily, standing from his chair and stretching his arms overhead. "Worst case scenario, somebody dies."
The room froze.
Then Asia paled instantly. "W-Wait what?!"
Sukuna burst out laughing. "I'm joking."
And yet somehow—none of them were convinced.
o-O-o
Morning in the mountains was cold enough to bite.
Thin fog rolled across the open fields surrounding the Gremory estate, drifting low over the grass while the first traces of sunlight slowly crept over the distant peaks.
The mansion itself remained quiet only briefly before the sound of movement began to spread through its halls—doors sliding open, footsteps crossing polished floors, low tired voices still waking up.
Training began before breakfast.
According to Rias, discipline needed to become routine immediately if they were going to survive a Rating Game against an experienced noble peerage.
But according to Sukuna—
"This is torture! Why the hell do I have to get up so early!"
Even so, he still got up with the others.
The group gathered outside behind the mansion where the open fields stretched toward the forest line. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and damp earth while the early morning chill clung stubbornly to exposed skin.
Everyone had changed into workout attire, though the differences in personality still showed through it clearly.
The girls wore Kuoh Academy P.E. uniforms while Kiba had switched into a fitted gray tracksuit better suited for movement.
Surprisingly, Sukuna had done the same, though he somehow still managed to wear it like a man who had rolled out of bed ten minutes ago and regretted existing. The dark tracksuit hung loosely from his frame, sleeves pushed halfway up his forearms while he yawned openly without bothering to hide it.
Only Ura remained unchanged.
Her maroon kimono shifted softly in the cold breeze as she stood beside Sukuna with perfect posture, looking less like someone preparing for physical training and more like an attendant overseeing an event she had no intention of participating in personally.
Rias stood at the front of the group with her arms crossed tightly beneath her chest pushing up her considerable bust making then jiggle. She was clearly already fully awake and focused despite the early hour.
"We'll start every morning with conditioning," she announced. "Cardio first. Then bodyweight training."
Sukuna stared at her blankly for a moment.
"…You're serious?"
"Six-mile run," she continued, ignoring him completely. "Then strength and endurance exercises afterward."
Sukuna looked toward the mountains, then back toward Rias.
"…Do you think this is Rocky? Why the hell are you interrupting my beauty sleep for a training montage?"
Akeno giggled softly while Rias's eye twitched. Nevertheless they all warmed up and stretched, then went for a jog.
The run was miserable, not so much for Sukuna, but everyone else wasn't so lucky.
The trails surrounding the estate weren't made for comfort. They twisted through steep inclines and uneven terrain where loose gravel shifted beneath every step. The higher they climbed, the thinner the air became, forcing their lungs to work harder with every mile.
By the second mile Asia's breathing had already become uneven. Sweat clung to her forehead despite the cold air while her legs visibly struggled to maintain pace. Even so, she refused to complain, stubborn determination keeping her moving whenever she looked toward Rias ahead of them.
Kiba handled the terrain with practiced discipline, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the run despite the increasingly difficult path.
Koneko looked completely unaffected despite still carrying the absurdly oversized backpack strapped to her back, the thing towering over her like a mobile mountain.
They had tried to talk her out of bringing it but she insisted she'd definitely get hungry on the run.
Akeno remained graceful even while exhausted, and kept running.
Rias refused to slow down out of sheer pride.
And Sukuna—Sukuna eventually started running backward, to encourage them of course. It definitely wasn't so he could watch the girl's bountiful breasts bounce up and down.
Definitely not the reason.
"Come on," he called lazily while jogging in reverse with his hands behind his head. "At this pace the chicken's gonna die of old age before we even fight him."
Rias shot him a glare between breaths, her chest heaving up and down. "Some of us are actually training."
"You're jogging," he replied immediately. "That's not training."
Naturally, she hated how relaxed he sounded.
By the time they returned to the estate grounds, the morning sun had fully risen over the mountains. The run transitioned directly into bodyweight exercises, and whatever energy the group had left quickly disappeared beneath Rias's increasingly brutal routine.
It mostly consisted of bodyweight calisthenics exercise; pushups, pullups, squats, etc.
Asia's arms trembled violently halfway through her push-ups while sweat dripped from Kiba's jawline onto the grass beneath him. Even Akeno had begun breathing harder by the time they reached the final set.
Koneko somehow continued exercising while eating cookies between sets.
Sukuna looked mildly inconvenienced at worst.
The entire time, Ura stood calmly nearby holding towels and water bottles with the composed patience of someone overseeing children exhausting themselves for no reason.
Eventually, mercifully, the conditioning phase ended.
Rias clapped her hands together lightly. "Alright. Split into groups."
The training grounds quickly separated into different sections as everyone moved toward their assigned roles.
Rias took Asia toward the lakeside clearing where the calmer atmosphere would help with concentration and magical control. Even from a distance, Sukuna could hear Rias's patient voice explaining the fundamentals of barrier construction while Asia listened with complete earnestness.
Akeno stretched lightly near the far side of the field, preparing for her own training—
Until Sukuna called out without even looking at her.
"Ura."
The attendant turned immediately. "Yes, master?"
"You're helping thunder tits."
Akeno's smile widened immediately.
Ura's eye twitched. "…Master."
"She needs help refining her magical output," Sukuna continued lazily. "You're the best at precision control here."
Akeno placed a hand lightly against her chest. "Ara ara… how generous. To trust me with your precious attendant."
"I don't," Sukuna replied instantly.
The devil queen could only laugh.
Ura exhaled softly through her nose, clearly unhappy but unwilling to refuse a direct order.
"…Understood."
That was apparently enough encouragement for Akeno.
Within minutes she had invaded Ura's personal space completely under the guise of "instruction." Every magical correction became an excuse to lean too close, brush against her shoulder, or whisper teasing remarks directly into her ear.
"My," Akeno hummed while circling behind her, "you're surprisingly tense."
Ura ignored her, as she leaned closer anyway.
"And honestly…" her voice lowered playfully, "with the three of us together, I think we'd make quite an interesting evening."
A metal fan snapped open inches from her face, making Akeno pause.
Ura stared at her flatly over the sharpened steel. "One more word and it will be your last harlot."
Akeno only smiled wider. "Ara ara, my how scary."
From the sidelines, Sukuna watched exactly long enough to decide it was funnier not to interfere.
Slowly he made his way over to his designated group. As he approached he saw Kiba was just getting done practicing a few swings without a sword to loosen up his shoulders.
"Yo pretty boy." He called out.
Kiba immediately turned toward the voice.
Sukuna now stood near the center of the open training field, hands still buried casually inside his pockets while the mountain breeze tugged lightly at his dark tracksuit.
"You're first."
Kiba nodded once before stepping forward. Instinctively, he summoned a wooden bokken into his hand as he approached.
Sukuna stared down at it, then up at him.
"…Why?"
Kiba blinked once. "For sparring?"
"Are you planning to use that in the Rating Game?"
"…No." He said slowly
"Then stop wasting mine and everyone else's time."
Kiba hesitated briefly before dismissing the practice weapon and summoning one of his demonic swords instead. Steel formed instantly into his grasp, the blade gleaming faintly beneath the morning light.
"Much better." he nodded.
Then Sukuna spread his arms wide open. Not taking a stance, or a guard. Just an open invitation.
"Well?" he asked.
Kiba moved instantly.
His knight piece activated in a burst of speed, his body exploding forward fast enough to leave the grass beneath his feet torn apart. His opening strike targeted Sukuna's neck immediately, the blade flashing through the air with deadly precision.
Sukuna leaned backward, just as the blade approached his face. The steel passed so close to his face he could smell the metal as it sliced through the air inches from his skin.
And then—he smiled.
"Good." He whispered, satisfied with the knight's lack of hesitation, and his killer instincts.
Kiba's eyes sharpened immediately.
Without losing momentum, he dismissed the first sword and summoned another into his off-hand, transitioning instantly into a dual-wielding assault. The attacks came faster now, alternating angles and crossing trajectories designed to overwhelm defense through relentless pressure.
Sukuna decided not to block or counter.
He just moved.
Every strike missed by fractions while he flowed effortlessly between the blades like water slipping through cracks.
"Too stiff, loosen your wrists," Sukuna commented casually while avoiding another slash aimed for his ribs. "You're attacking like a textbook."
Kiba pressed harder.
"You're telegraphing the tempo."
The knight adjusted instantly, changing grips mid-combination while altering the rhythm between attacks. The difference became immediate. The strikes lost some of their polished form—but became harder to predict.
That earned a sharper grin from Sukuna.
"There you go."
Kiba lunged again, both swords thrusting forward simultaneously like twin fangs. Sukuna finally had to move properly this time, stepping sideways as the attacks passed where he'd been standing moments before.
Kiba followed immediately, pressing forward relentlessly, attacks flowing one into another as his speed continued increasing.
"Don't let me breathe," Sukuna ordered while weaving around another slash. "Disrupt my focus."
The knight obeyed.
The knight's movements became increasingly aggressive as he abandoned rigid patterns entirely. One sword replaced the other continuously while his footwork shifted unpredictably across the field.
For the first time—Sukuna was forced to give ground.
It was only slightly, but enough for the knight to see his improvements. Feeling encouraged he attacked even harder.
Then—
One of his swords shattered apart against Sukuna's backfist.
Kiba adapted instantly, transitioning smoothly into a one-blade style without losing momentum.
"Too tight," Sukuna warned suddenly.
Kiba frowned slightly.
"What?"
Suddenly Sukuna moved like a blur.
Striking the knight's wrist sharply, forcing his grip open. The sword flew freely in the air only for Sukuna to catch it effortlessly and press the blade against Kiba's throat before the knight could react.
"Now too loose."
Silence settled over the field as Kiba stood frozen. His chest heaving while sweat rolled down the side of his face. Across from him, Sukuna looked completely relaxed and somewhat amused.
After a moment, Sukuna lowered the blade and tossed it back to him.
Kiba caught it automatically before exhaling slowly. "…Your critique?"
Sukuna studied him carefully for a moment.
"You've got talent," he admitted. "Real talent."
That clearly surprised Kiba more than the earlier beating had.
"But your foundation's chained down by somebody else's style," Sukuna continued. "You fight like you were taught to fight. Not like you fight."
Kiba's expression shifted slightly.
"Whoever trained you drilled one specific style into your head," Sukuna continued calmly. "And now you cling to it like religion."
The words landed harder than expected. The knight looked down briefly, thoughtful now instead of defensive.
"…I'll think about it."
"You should."
The young devil hesitated before asking quietly, "Anything else?"
Sukuna snorted. "Yeah. Your arsenal sucks."
Kiba blinked.
"You're a one-trick pony," Sukuna continued bluntly. "Every solution you have boils down to charging people with swords."
"I'm a knight."
"I'm aware, but I'm also aware that you have a Sacred Gear."
Kiba paused again.
Sukuna tilted his head slightly. "From what I've seen, your Sacred Gear creates swords, right?"
"…Yes."
"Then stop limiting yourself to making them appear in your hands."
Kiba froze completely, confusion spread across his face.
"What do you mean by—"
"You'll figure it out."
Sukuna turned away before he could continue questioning him.
"Koneko."
The small girl looked up immediately.
"You're up, kitten."
Koneko quietly placed her snacks aside before stepping onto the field and pulling on her fingerless gloves. Unlike Kiba, she didn't waste time asking questions.
She simply took her stance.
Sukuna spread his arms again. "Well?"
Koneko didn't need to be told twice.
Her rook piece activated explosively as she launched forward, fists and kicks tearing through the air with enough force to shatter concrete if they connected cleanly.
None of them did.
Sukuna flowed around every strike effortlessly, weaving between punches and kicks while barely moving his feet.
"All that strength doesn't mean shit if you can't hit anything," he said casually as another punch passed inches from his face.
Koneko attacked harder, moved faster or tried to anyway.
Frustration built visibly with every failed strike. She began switching targets rapidly—head, ribs, legs—trying to overwhelm him through pressure alone.
Sukuna saw through all of it.
He caught her wrist and twisted it.
Suddenly Koneko found herself forced downward into a brutal arm lock as pain shot through her shoulder. A sharp yelp escaped her lips before she could stop it.
Sukuna leaned slightly closer behind her.
"…So weak."
Koneko's eyes widened angrily.
She lashed out with her free arm—and got kicked directly in the jaw in response.
The impact launched her backward hard enough to send her crashing against a nearby tree before collapsing into the dirt below it.
Silence once again settled over the field.
Kiba stiffened immediately, stopping himself from rushing to her side, while Sukuna simply walked toward her slowly.
Koneko coughed as she pushed herself upright, dirt clinging to her clothes while her body trembled faintly—not entirely from pain.
He eventually stopped in front of her and looked down at the coughing young girl.
"You remember our first fight?" he asked calmly.
Koneko's jaw tightened.
"You're a youkai," he continued. "So why the hell are you fighting like this?"
She said nothing as she clenched her hands tighter.
"You should be stronger than this."
Still nothing but frustration twisted visibly across her face now, teeth grinding together hard enough to creak.
Sukuna stared at her another second before shrugging.
"Fine." Then he turned and started walking away. "Let me know when you decide to stop feeling sorry for yourself."
Kiba blinked in surprise. "Wait—where are you going?"
Sukuna didn't stop walking.
"I gave you your homework already," he called back lazily. "Now do it."
He kept walking, leaving the pair alone in the field.
The knight stood there silently for a long moment afterward, replaying Sukuna's words repeatedly inside his head.
"Then stop limiting yourself," he thought.
Slowly, his gaze shifted down towards his right hand as he clenched his fits, then it slowly shifted towards Koneko.
The small girl had finally pushed herself upright again, though her body still trembled faintly. Her expression looked tight, conflicted, misty-eyed in a way she clearly hated being seen.
But seeing her like that, broken open so directly. It made something in Kiba's chest tighten painfully.
After a moment, he offered her a small, sympathetic smile, and Koneko could only nod through her tears.
o-O-o
By the time the first day of training finally came to an end, exhaustion had settled over the mountain estate like a heavy blanket.
The mansion that had seemed grand and elegant when they first arrived now felt strangely quieter, weighed down by sore muscles, lingering tension, and the realization that this was only the beginning.
Warm light spilled across the polished floors of the dining hall while the faint sounds of insects echoed from the forests outside the massive windows. Beyond the glass, the mountains had already disappeared into darkness, the only illumination coming from the moon hanging high above the treeline.
Still despite the bruises and complaints, the first day had produced results.
Asia had successfully formed her first independent barrier shortly before dinner. It had only lasted several seconds before collapsing, but for the first time since arriving at the mansion, the former nun had looked genuinely confident in herself.
The moment the shimmering shield had stabilized around her, her entire face had lit up with pride so pure that even Sukuna hadn't found it in himself to mock her for it.
Akeno's magical output had become noticeably sharper as well. After suffering under Ura's merciless lessons on control and efficiency all day, her lightning no longer exploded outward with wasteful force. The attacks had become denser, and more precise.
Kiba, meanwhile, had barely spoken through the latter half of the afternoon. Ever since his spar with Sukuna, the knight had remained buried inside his own thoughts, repeatedly experimenting with different sword grips and summoning patterns while trying to decipher what Sukuna had meant regarding his Sacred Gear.
Only Koneko seemed unchanged.
Or rather more closed off.
The small girl sat quietly at the far side of the dining table now, an oversized hoodie swallowing her frame while she silently ate without looking at anyone directly. Every now and then her eyes drifted unconsciously toward Sukuna before immediately darting away again.
The memory of his words clearly still lingered.
"You should be stronger than this."
The dining room itself carried a comforting warmth after the brutal training outside. Steam rose from the various dishes spread across the long table while soft golden lights illuminated the dark wood and stone interior of the mansion.
Dinner had been prepared by the estate staff for everyone except Sukuna.
Naturally, Ura had prepared his meal personally.
A large plate of honey garlic glazed salmon rested before him, the fish coated in a glossy glaze that shimmered beneath the lights.
The scent alone was enough to make everyone else at the table glance toward it repeatedly despite themselves. Garlic, butter, honey, and herbs blended together into something rich enough to dominate the room entirely.
Sukuna cut into the salmon lazily with his chopsticks, taking a bite before pausing for a brief second.
Then he glanced toward Ura standing nearby.
"This is good."
The attendant's posture straightened ever so slightly.
"Thank you, master."
Her tone remained calm, but there was a faint note of satisfaction beneath it that only someone paying close attention would notice.
Unfortunately for them, the others were paying attention.
Asia openly stared at the food with wide eyes, while Kiba looked mildly interested.
Even Akeno's gaze lingered on the plate a second too long before she sighed dramatically and rested her cheek against her hand.
"My, how cruel," she murmured softly. "To let us smell something so delicious while refusing to share."
Ura looked at her without expression.
"I would sooner poison you."
Akeno laughed immediately. "Such hostility."
Rias pinched the bridge of her nose while Sukuna snorted into his food. The meal continued with varying levels of dignity after that.
Asia repeatedly attempted to keep conversation alive despite the lingering fatigue hanging over the table, while Kiba quietly answered where he could between thoughts clearly still focused on his training. Akeno continued provoking Ura every chance she got purely because she enjoyed the reactions, while Koneko remained mostly silent throughout.
Sukuna himself looked perfectly relaxed, eating calmly while occasionally throwing out comments about "cutting the chicken in half" as a perfectly acceptable battle strategy.
Eventually, however, dinner came to an end.
Rias rose from her seat at the head of the table with a slow exhale, stretching slightly before addressing the group.
"Alright," she said. "Everyone needs a bath after today."
Immediate agreement followed and even Sukuna didn't argue with that one.
The group slowly dispersed from the dining hall, exhaustion dragging at their movements as they made their way toward the bath area connected to the estate. The changing rooms separated into men's and women's entrances, though given the day they'd had, nobody particularly cared about appearances anymore.
The girls finished changing first.
Steam drifted through the open stone pathways leading toward the outdoor bath while the warm scent of mineral water and cedar filled the air. The massive stone bath sat beneath the open night sky, moonlight reflecting softly across the surface of the water while steam curled upward into the cold mountain air.
Asia slowly sank into the water with a relieved squeak, the heat immediately easing the soreness in her muscles. Nearby, Rias leaned back against the stone edge of the bath with her eyes half closed while Akeno stretched her arms lazily across the water's surface.
Koneko sat furthest from everyone else, mostly hidden behind drifting steam.
For a brief moment, the atmosphere almost became peaceful. Then two familiar voices echoed down the stone hallway leading toward the bath.
The girls turned, and froze.
Sukuna walked into the women's bath area wearing nothing except a towel loosely tied around his waist while Ura followed calmly beside him as if nothing about the situation was unusual.
The two continued their conversation casually while entering.
"…The ritual itself isn't the problem," Sukuna was saying. "Controlling the damn elephant afterward is the annoying part."
Ura nodded thoughtfully beside him. "The spirit likely requires mental domination before physical submission."
Asia squealed loudly. "S-Sukuna?!"
Koneko immediately sank deeper into the water, face bright red, while Akeno nearly burst into laughter.
Sukuna blinked at them in confusion. "…What?"
"You're in the women's bath," Rias pointed out, though she sounded far more amused than upset.
Sukuna looked around once, then shrugged.
"…Bathing is bathing."
Akeno laughed openly now while even Rias shook her head helplessly.
"You really don't care about boundaries at all, do you?"
"Nope."
And with that, he simply entered the bath.
The outdoor stone bath was large enough that the addition barely crowded anyone. Steam drifted upward around them while the cool night air contrasted sharply against the heat of the water.
Koneko and Asia relocated themselves immediately, as far from Sukuna as physically possible.
Rias and Akeno didn't bother just sitting in front of him with their naked bodies on complete display.
Sukuna leaned back against the stone edge with a relaxed sigh while Ura settled quietly beside him, her expression calm despite the chaos around them.
For several moments, silence settled comfortably over the bath. The sounds of water, insects, and distant wind through the trees filled the quiet while steam curled lazily around them beneath the moonlight.
Eventually, Rias opened one eye slightly.
"We should discuss tomorrow's training—"
"No."
Rias blinked. "…No?"
Sukuna didn't even open his eyes. "I'm relaxing."
Akeno giggled softly across from him. "My, how lazy."
"Correct."
Akeno slowly drifted closer through the water, her giant breasts floating on top of the water, the movement smooth and tempting before she rested one arm along the stone edge near him.
"You know," she murmured playfully, "for someone so lazy, you certainly worked Kiba very hard today."
"He needed it."
"And Koneko?"
Sukuna finally opened one eye slightly toward the small girl avoiding his gaze across the bath.
"She needed it too. Maybe more than anyone besides Asia."
Koneko stiffened faintly, while Akeno studied him for another moment before leaning just a little closer, enough for her breast to squish against his body beneath the water.
"And what exactly do you need, Sukuna?"
His mouth curved faintly. "Depends."
"On?"
"How long you can go before you faint."
Akeno, surprised by his boldness, blushed slightly, before breaking into a soft giggle. She leaned into Sukuna more, letting both of her breasts press against his body. Across from them Rias failed to suppress a small blush of her own.
The bath continued peacefully after that.
At least for the most part.
Asia nearly melted into the water entirely at one point when Akeno rested her chin against Sukuna's shoulder while teasing him openly under the water tracing her finger dangerously close to Sukuna jr, while Koneko spent almost the entire bath refusing to look in their direction whatsoever.
Eventually, however, exhaustion won out, and one by one they returned to their rooms while the mansion itself slowly settled into silence.
o-O-o
Hours later, the estate had become completely still.
Moonlight spilled through the massive windows lining the hallways while the mountain wind whispered softly through the trees outside.
Inside his room, Sukuna carefully slipped from the bed without waking Ura beside him. The attendant remained asleep beneath the blankets, dark hair spread loosely across the pillow while the slow rise and fall of her breathing filled the otherwise quiet room.
Sukuna tugged a loose shirt over himself before leaving.
He was hungry again.
The kitchen remained dark except for the pale silver moonlight pouring across the counters when he entered. He opened the refrigerator lazily, staring inside while debating whether leftover salmon counted as breakfast food.
Then soft footsteps echoed behind him, making him glance back.
Rias descended the staircase wearing a long sheer purple nightgown that completely exposed her pink nipples, and wore a pair of fake glasses perched lightly on her nose. The moonlight softened her appearance considerably, making her look less like a devil heiress and more like a tired girl who couldn't sleep.
The sight surprised him slightly.
"…Couldn't sleep?" she asked quietly.
"Just hungry."
Rias giggled softly as she approached the kitchen island.
"I'm sure you worked up quite the appetite."
Sukuna raised a brow.
"The amount of noise Ura was making," she continued teasingly, "I'd imagine you got quite a workout."
Sukuna leaned casually against the counter.
"You know," he said lazily, "if you ever want to join instead of eavesdropping outside my room, you've got an open invitation."
Rias nearly choked.
"I-I was not eavesdropping!"
"Uh huh."
The utterly unconvinced look on his face only made her blush harder. To her credit, she recovered quickly enough to clear her throat and change the subject.
"…I was reviewing strategies."
Sukuna grabbed a drink from the fridge. "Still thinking about the game?"
"Yes." Something in her tone shifted slightly.
"We should talk anyway," she admitted. "Your suggestions earlier today were actually useful."
Together, the two made their way outside into the estate gardens.
Moonlight illuminated the stone pathways beautifully while flowers and carefully trimmed hedges glowed silver beneath the night sky. The distant sound of water from the nearby lake echoed softly through the garden, creating an atmosphere far calmer than the tension-filled mansion interior.
They discussed strategy first; formations, positioning, fallback plans, etc.
Rias listened more carefully now whenever Sukuna spoke, no longer dismissing his ideas simply because they came from him. His suggestions were brutal sometimes, but effective.
Eventually, the conversation drifted back toward Riser and his supposed immortality. The moment the topic surfaced, Sukuna snorted.
"There's no such thing as immortals."
Rias laughed softly beside him. "You really refuse to let that go."
"Because it's stupid."
"And you're stubborn."
"So are you."
That earned another laugh from her before the amusement gradually faded from her expression.
"…Honestly," she admitted quietly, "I think my family expects me to fail."
Sukuna glanced toward her.
"The Rating Game," she continued softly. "I think they only approved it because they believe losing will force me to accept the marriage."
Her smile became faint.
"But I'll prove them wrong."
Sukuna listened silently before finally asking, "Why did the marriage even happen?"
Rias exhaled slowly.
"After the Great War, the number of pure-blooded devils declined heavily," she explained quietly. "Political marriages between noble houses became common."
Her gaze drifted toward the flowers lining the path.
"House Phoenix and House Gremory forming ties benefits both families."
Sukuna looked unimpressed immediately."That's dumb."
Rias laughed weakly despite herself before her expression softened further.
"You know," she said quietly, "I think people stopped seeing me as Rias a long time ago."
The words lingered heavily between them.
"They see the heir of house Gremory," she continued. "A title. A political asset. Someone who represents expectations before anything else."
Her smile became sadder now.
"And I do love my family and I'm proud of being a Gremory." She paused. "But when it comes to marriage…" her voice softened further, "I wanted it to be with someone who loved me. Not my name."
Silence followed, then slowly Sukuna walked towards her.
"Maybe that's unrealistic," she admitted. "History certainly doesn't favor it."
He stopped walking as she finished, before reaching out and lightly flicked her forehead.
Rias blinked in surprise. "What was that for?"
"That's ridiculous."
He looked out across the moonlit garden as he spoke.
"All these titles. Positions. Rules." His lip curled faintly. "People grouping together trying to decide what everyone else should do."
He scoffed.
"It's bullshit."
Rias stared at him quietly.
"If somebody tries forcing you into a life you hate," he continued calmly, "then kill them."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"And if the next person tries too?" His smile sharpened faintly. "Kill them too."
Moonlight reflected sharply in his eyes when he finally looked at her directly.
"And if your whole family keeps trying?" he continued. "Burn the whole damn thing down and make your own path."
Rias stood completely silent. No one had ever spoken to her like that before, then his expression softened slightly.
"And for the record," he added quietly, "I don't see the useless Gremory title when I look at you."
Rias's breath caught faintly.
"To me," he continued lazily, "you're just Rias. The annoying spoiled princess that wouldn't leave me alone."
Her face flushed bright red instantly.
"…Idiot."
But her voice sounded weak and she moved towards him.
"…Sukuna."
He turned and looked towards her.Then suddenly she stepped forward and pulled his head tightly against her chest.
"Thank you," she whispered softly.
Sukuna froze briefly in confusion before awkwardly allowing it. Enjoying the elastic softness on both sides of his head that were even softer than Ura's.
Eventually, she pulled away again.
The moment lingered quietly between them before Sukuna finally asked—
"…What's Koneko's deal?"
Rias stiffened immediately.
"She's a youkai," he continued. "But she fights like she's terrified of herself."
Rias looked away.
"…Before joining my peerage, Koneko belonged to another devil."
Sukuna remained silent.
"Her older sister lost control of her senjutsu power," Rias continued quietly. "She went berserk and killed their master."
Understanding settled immediately across Sukuna's face.
"…I see," he contemplated her words. "She's afraid she'll do the same thing."
Rias nodded slowly.
Then Sukuna spoke again. "I can fix that."
Rias blinked. "…You can?"
"Probably." His words were less reassuring. "But it's going to be painful so I'm going to need you to trust me."
Rias immediately looked concerned again. "Emotinoally or physically painful?"
Sukuna smirked slightly. "Yes."
That answer worried her even more. Eventually the pair turned back toward the mansion.
"We should get some sleep," Rias murmured softly. "Tomorrow's going to be difficult enough as it is."
"You're probably right."
They walked quietly through the dark hallways together until Sukuna suddenly glanced sideways toward her.
"You can still join me and Ura if you want."
Rias smirked and then, completely unexpectedly—
"Sure," she replied.
Making Sukuna blinked.
Rias smiled smugly at his surprise as she continued walking beside him through the dark hallway.
"Oh?" she teased softly. "Don't chicken out now."
And together the two disappeared deeper into the mansion making their way towards Sukuna's room.
A/N: If you like this story and what to read ahead chapters 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 are already available for Patrons.
Just go to to Google and type in RoguePrince69 and click the link.