Europe, in a remote small town.
"Are you the legendary Jujutsu sorcerer who has lived for over a thousand years?"
Looking at the man who pushed open the door and walked in, Cao Cao asked thoughtfully.
"You don't look much like a human, you're more like a monster residing within a human body. No wonder you're mingling with those Cursed Spirits."
Kenjaku said, "Even if you say that, I think there's still a difference between me and Cursed Spirits."
Cao Cao crossed his arms. "I'm not interested in that. Just state your purpose. Coming all the way here to me, you must have something to say."
Kenjaku nodded. "For the sake of the development of the revival, I want to ask you to take action against a certain Devil."
"Devil?"
"Yes, a devil named Tatsuma Nakamura."
Cao Cao said, "Never heard of him."
Kenjaku said, "That's quite normal. He was originally just an ordinary person until he was turned into a devil."
Cao Cao: "?"
Is this guy here to be funny?
"Are you here to be funny?"
As if hearing Cao Cao's thoughts, a scoff sounded from not far away.
"An ordinary person who just became a Devil, how strong could he be?"
"You can't even handle this kind of trash, and you come to ask Cao Cao for help? You really have no shame."
"Heracles-san, you are mistaken."
Facing the sudden ridicule, Kenjaku was not affected in the slightest and replied with a smile, "Although Tatsuma was just an ordinary person before becoming a devil, it's different after that."
"How is it different?"
"He only used a little over a month to gain power comparable to a High-Class Devil."
"Ah?"
Heracles was stunned.
A little over a month, High-Class Devil.
Can these two phrases be linked together?
"Interesting."
Cao Cao, who had been silent since the beginning, suddenly let out a light chuckle.
"I'll give you ten more minutes. Tell me everything you know."
"No problem." Kenjaku smiled slightly.
Finally, he took the bait.
...
Night fell.
After sending Koneko out to work, Rias pulled Tatsuma away from the Occult Research Club.
"Let's go, to your place."
"Is this really okay?" Tatsuma looked at Rias with a subtle expression.
Knowing what Tatsuma was asking, Rias patted her chest and replied confidently, "Don't worry, it'll be fine. I'm just sneaking away a day early, it's not like I'm doing anything outrageous."
"Later, I'll buy some dessert for Koneko as an apology, and she'll forgive me."
Oh no, Koneko is really being manipulated.
Recalling Koneko's usual fondness for desserts, Tatsuma realized that Rias's plan had no flaws.
Ring...
Just then, a ringtone sounded from Rias's arms.
Rias took out her phone, glanced at the name on the screen, and pressed the answer button.
"Hello, what's up?"
"That fast?"
"Alright, I understand."
Ending the call with just a few words, Rias, who had just been smiling, became serious.
Tatsuma asked, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
Rias replied, "The Jujutsu higher-ups have responded."
Tatsuma asked, "What did they say?"
"They want to negotiate with you."
"Interesting."
Tatsuma raised an eyebrow, understanding why Rias's expression was so serious.
Wanting to negotiate meant that they were not prepared to meekly bow their heads and admit fault.
He asked, "Did they mention the time and place?"
"Tomorrow morning, Tokyo Jujutsu High."
"I understand."
"Tatsuma, I'll go with you tomorrow."
Rias thought for a moment and made a decision. "The reaction from them is a bit strange. To be safe, we need to prepare for the worst possible outcome."
If the stated purpose of this meeting wasn't negotiation, Rias would have even wanted to bring a few more people along.
"Alright, then it'll just be the two of us." Tatsuma didn't refuse further and agreed.
Having Rias with him wasn't a bad thing for him. On the contrary, when it came to negotiations, she was much better at it than him.
If the Jujutsu higher-ups only wanted to negotiate, then this matter could be left to Rias to handle. Conversely, if they were planning something, then it would be his turn to act.
"I hope those guys are smart."
Discussing the details of the negotiation with Rias, Tatsuma quickly returned home.
"I'm back."
"Welcome back, Master." Sakiko, who was cleaning, replied subconsciously.
However, she quickly noticed Rias, who had followed Tatsuma in, and her expression stiffened.
What's going on? There's a guest?
"Hmm? Tatsuma, you have a maid at your place?"
On the other side, Rias, who had just entered the room, also saw Sakiko.
Her thoughts about the Jujutsu higher-ups were instantly thrown to the back of her mind. Rias narrowed her eyes and appraised the other party's appearance and attire.
Hmm... a little threat, but not much.
Tatsuma said, "Sakiko is a maid I recently hired last month. Besides helping with cooking and cleaning, she's also volunteering to help me experiment with some magic and Senjutsu."
"Sakiko, this is..."
"Let me introduce myself."
Just as Tatsuma was about to introduce her to Sakiko, Rias interrupted and stepped forward, speaking to Sakiko.
"My name is Rias Gremory, and I am Tatsuma's girlfriend. Please take care of me."
"...Please take care of me." Sakiko's expression became even more rigid.
Ever since her family had problems, she had been working odd jobs to earn money. To survive, she had long since put aside her young lady's dignity and started living a simple life. However, talking to strangers while wearing a maid outfit, like she was doing now, was still a bit much for her.
"Relax, there's no need to be so nervous. Since you are Tatsuma's maid, we are all family from now on."
"Come, let's chat over there. I want to know what Tatsuma usually does at home."
Seemingly noticing Sakiko's state, Rias exchanged a look with Tatsuma, then pulled the other party to a corner to start building their relationship.
On the other side, seeing Rias successfully integrate, Tatsuma withdrew his attention and began to train.