Shuo's two days at the Sitri estate felt less like a visit and more like an imperial vacation. The food was exquisite, the service attentive, and the atmosphere—well, let's just say "lively" didn't begin to cover it.
News of Shuo's engagement to Rias had barely broken before Sona's parents started plotting their own "counterattack."
"If you're marrying Rias, why not Sona as well?" they'd pressed—only half joking.
The Sitris, never ones to do things by halves, even suggested, "Sona's still young, so why don't you start with our eldest, Serafall? It'll double our chances at happiness!"
The room went silent for a heartbeat, then exploded into chaos.
Serafall nearly lost it. If Sona and the others hadn't physically restrained her, she might've blasted her own father through the nearest wall.
After that debacle, Sona stuck to Shuo like glue, keeping a watchful eye on him at all times.
Which meant, much to Shuo's frustration, he hadn't managed to sneak even a single grope at Serafall in two days. For a man of his appetites, it was pure torment.
But the world didn't stop spinning. The Underworld's grandest event—the Rating Game tournament—was finally upon them.
Devil City was in full frenzy. Not just Devils, but luminaries like Michael and Azazel from Heaven and the Fallen Angels had all gathered for the spectacle.
It was the biggest event the Underworld had seen in centuries.
In the midst of the festivities, a small hand suddenly tugged at Shuo's sleeve. He turned to find Koneko Toujou, her expression uncharacteristically grave.
"Koneko-chan? What's up?"
He ruffled her snowy hair, offering a reassuring smile.
But Koneko's voice trembled. "Senpai, it's my sister. I can feel her aura—she's close."
So that's it.
No wonder Koneko looked so tense. Kuroka must have deliberately leaked her presence, luring her little sister out—just like in the original story.
Shuo nodded, instantly understanding.
"Let's go see her, then. I'll follow behind, just in case."
Koneko nodded. Together, they slipped quietly out of the city.
Not long after, Koneko reached a dense forest, eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of her sister.
A lazy, sultry voice drifted down from above.
"Shirone, long time no see, nya~"
Perched atop a thick branch, a black-haired, cat-eared beauty lounged with feline grace. Twin tails flicked idly behind her, and her figure—well, let's just say Shuo, lurking in the underbrush, had to fight to keep his blood from boiling.
Kuroka.
Koneko's infamous elder sister—master of magic, angelic spells, even divine arts. Her barrier magic was second to none, and her power easily rivaled the Maou.
"Kuroka-nee…"
Koneko's voice was heavy, her eyes conflicted.
Kuroka smiled, golden slitted eyes fixed on her little sister.
"It's really me, nya~ I only let out a tiny bit of my aura, and my precious Shirone came running. Big sister's so happy, nya!"
Still sprawled on her branch, she radiated lazy mischief.
"What are you doing here, sister?"
Koneko's tone was serious, almost accusing.
After all, Kuroka was an SS-class fugitive in the Underworld. For her to infiltrate Devil City—she had to be up to something.
Kuroka pouted, feigning innocence.
"Don't be so stiff, nya~ I came all this way just to see my cute little Shirone. I'm just curious about this big Devil gathering, that's all!"
Koneko didn't buy it for a second. She knew her sister too well.
"Kuroka-nee, what are you really after? If you won't tell me, I'm leaving."
She drew a deep breath, eyes unwavering.
Sure enough, Kuroka's confident façade faltered.
"Actually, I came to take you away, Shirone. Back then, I was so focused on escaping, I couldn't bring you with me. So this time—"
But Koneko cut her off, her voice soft but resolute.
"I already know what happened, Kuroka-nee. You killed that Devil to protect me. You left alone so I wouldn't get dragged down with you. I know everything now."
Kuroka's eyes widened in shock, her composure shattered.
She hadn't expected Koneko to know the truth. Maybe, just maybe, that was a blessing.
"Shirone, if you know the truth, then come with me. I have the strength to protect you now. I won't let you suffer anymore!"
Kuroka leapt down, landing softly before her sister, reaching out to take her away.
But a new voice cut through the tension.
"Sorry, but taking Koneko-chan isn't on the table, Kuroka."
Shuo stepped from the shadows, gaze sharp. He flicked his eyes to a spot deeper in the woods.
"And you, hiding over there—come out. Or do you want me to drag you out myself?"
Koneko's eyes widened. "There's someone else?!"
A moment later, a young man appeared behind Kuroka, hefting a red iron staff, a golden circlet gleaming on his brow.
Bikou.
A direct descendant of the Victorious Fighting Buddha, Sun Wukong. He had the blood of the strongest battle race, and wielded both the Ruyi Jingu Bang and Somersault Cloud.
Shuo grinned. "Hey, you're Bikou, right? But… where's all your fur? Isn't that a little weird for a monkey?"
Bikou nearly tripped over his own feet, shooting Shuo a look equal parts exasperated and defeated.
Normally, he was the one making fun of others. When had the tables turned?
But Bikou knew exactly who he was dealing with. He forced a wry smile.
"I never thought the legendary Shuo Nangong would know a nobody like me. I'm honored."
"What? He's Shuo Nangong?!"
Kuroka's head snapped toward Shuo, her expression frozen in disbelief.
There wasn't a soul in the Three Realms who didn't know that name.
Even within the Khaos Brigade, Shuo was at the very top of the "absolutely do not provoke" list.
As one of Vali's peerage, Kuroka knew better than most just how terrifying he was. Even with Lux at Vali's side, they'd both been utterly crushed by Shuo.
Worse, Vali and Lux were still recovering from the beating he'd given them.
And now, with rumors swirling about the dragon phantom—Shuo's true strength was said to eclipse even the Dragon Gods.
Running into him here was the last thing she'd expected.
"Kuroka, there's nowhere safer for Koneko-chan than by my side. You can't take her—and honestly, you don't have the power to."
Shuo ruffled Koneko's hair, meeting Kuroka's gaze with an easy, unyielding confidence.
Koneko, meanwhile, was blushing furiously at his casual affection, especially with her sister watching.
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