Playing Chess With Kuroka

Izashi sat back, his arms casually draped over the back of the velvet sofa, eyes twinkling with amusement. Everything was falling into place, just as he'd predicted. The devils' greed—he had bet everything on it. He knew they couldn't resist a good deal, especially when power and pride were involved. The Phenex family, known for their arrogance and love of showing off, was no different.

Still, there was a small chance, about ten percent, that the head of the Phenex clan would throw a wrench into his plans. Maybe the old man would surprise everyone and decline the terms. That would be interesting.

He chuckled to himself, dismissing the thought. Too late for that now. His plan was in motion, and the odds were overwhelmingly in his favor.

Across the room, Rias was training harder than usual, her fiery red hair whipping around her face as she threw out spell after spell. It wasn't hard to guess what was fueling her intensity. Her frustration with the situation, her helplessness in not being able to directly aid Izashi in the upcoming rating game, was clear in every fiery blast she released. She was practically imagining each target as Riser's smug face.

Her power flared again, and Izashi watched with amusement as a particularly strong burst of energy shattered the training dummy into pieces.

"You're going to wear yourself out at this rate," he called out lazily, his voice cutting through the rhythmic sounds of her spells.

Rias glanced over her shoulder, her eyes still blazing with pent-up emotion. "I can't just sit around doing nothing, Izashi. Not when I—"

"I know," he interrupted, his tone softening. "But you've got to pace yourself. Riser isn't worth getting yourself worked up over."

She huffed, but the edge of her anger seemed to dull as she returned to her training.

A few feet away, Asia was diligently practicing with Akeno, the latter gently guiding her through the finer points of magic control. Akeno's calm, reassuring presence was a stark contrast to the fierce energy coming from Rias. Asia's magic was still rough around the edges, but Akeno's patient instruction was helping her hone her skills.

"You're getting better, Asia," Akeno encouraged, offering a soft smile as she adjusted the younger girl's stance.

Asia beamed, her eyes sparkling with hope. "Do you really think so, Akeno-senpai? I still feel so clumsy with it."

"It's all about control," Akeno explained, "and you've made a lot of progress. Keep at it."

Meanwhile, Kuroka had taken on a more hands-on approach with Koneko, though her method was... unconventional, to say the least. She was hurling rocks at her sister with alarming speed and force, testing Koneko's reflexes without holding back. Each projectile zipped through the air with deadly precision, only to be dodged or deflected by the white-haired girl.

"Come on, Koneko-chan! You've got to be faster than that, nya!" Kuroka teased, her voice filled with playful taunting.

Koneko didn't reply, her focus entirely on dodging the relentless barrage. But her thoughts were elsewhere, centered on the upcoming match. She still wasn't entirely sure of Izashi's strength, but she had witnessed firsthand his devastating control and power at the church.

He's going to wipe the floor with Riser, she thought, her lips curving into a rare smirk. Kuroka's participation only tilted the scales further. The match was as good as won in her eyes, and it was no wonder she felt no anxiety about the outcome.

The day passed swiftly, the tension gradually giving way to a quiet sense of anticipation. When word finally arrived that the head of the Phenex house had agreed to the terms of the rating game, Izashi felt the last piece of the puzzle snap into place.

"Of course, he agreed," Izashi muttered under his breath, not at all surprised. They never can resist.

The next day, the familiar sound of Grayfia's voice echoed through the air, addressing everyone with her usual formality.

"Everyone, I am Grayfia, servant of the Gremory family and the appointed judge for the rating game between the Gremory and Phenex families. After careful deliberation, it has been decided that the location for this rating game will be a replica of Kuoh Academy."

Rias stood with her peerage, her gaze focused intently on the holographic display that showed the replicated school grounds. She was anxious, despite Izashi's reassuring words from earlier. She trusted him, but there was always that lingering worry.

Izashi, on the other hand, lounged comfortably in the Occult Research Club room, watching the unfolding game with a bored expression.

"Now... what's the most efficient way to end this?" he mused aloud, more to himself than anyone else. "Should I just bulldoze my way through and crush them all? Or maybe let them come to me, get a little warm-up before taking down Riser... Nah, too boring."

His gaze shifted towards Kuroka, who was sitting nearby with her usual mischievous smile. "Hey, Kuroka-chan, feel like having some fun?"

The cat-like devil perked up immediately, her ears twitching in excitement. "Nya~! Do I ever say no to fun? What's the plan, Izashi?"

Izashi's grin widened as he leaned in and outlined his plan in a few quick words. By the time he finished, Kuroka's smile had grown even more devilish.

"Oooh, I like it, nya~!" she purred, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement.

Izashi gave her a quick pat on the head. "Then get to work."

Without another word, Kuroka vanished from the room, leaving Izashi to set up a chessboard on the table in front of him. He moved the pieces into place, then waited, a soft hum of anticipation in the air.

About fifteen minutes later, Kuroka reappeared, looking quite pleased with herself.

"All set, nya~!" she announced, hopping into the chair across from Izashi.

Izashi raised an eyebrow. "So, what'll it be? White or black?"

"Black, of course, nya~!" she replied with a playful grin.

Izashi nodded, moving his white pawn forward to start the game. They quickly became engrossed in their match, the outside world slipping away as their focus narrowed to the chessboard. Kuroka, though skilled, was no match for Izashi, who had already beaten Rias countless times and was known for his strategic mind.

Back in the replicated Kuoh Academy, Kuroka's clone appeared in the school gym, her figure flickering in and out of the dim light as she toyed with two of Riser's pawns and his rook. She stood there, arms crossed, a cocky smile playing on her lips.

"Let's play a game," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Catch me, and I'll retire from the match. Simple, right?"

Riser's peerage exchanged glances, clearly insulted by her arrogance. They were outnumbering her, and they had their pride to uphold. Surely, they could take down one stray cat.

"Too easy," one of them sneered, and they all launched themselves at her.

But Kuroka was quick, her form darting through the gymnasium with fluid grace. Every attack they hurled at her missed by mere inches, her movements so effortless it was as if she were mocking them with every dodge.

"Too slow, nya~!" she taunted, dancing around their spells with a smirk.

Riser's peerage grew more frustrated with each passing second. No matter how hard they tried, Kuroka remained untouchable, her sly grin only growing wider as time went on. Exhaustion began to set in, their attacks slowing, becoming sloppier, while Kuroka remained as elusive as ever.

After two hours of fruitless chasing, Riser's team was spent, panting and on the verge of collapse. Meanwhile, back in the clubroom, Kuroka was in the middle of throwing a playful tantrum.

"Nooo~! Another match, nya~!" she whined, slamming her hands on the table. "I'm not convinced by my loss! One more game, and this time I won't make any mistakes, nya!"

Izashi sighed, clearly entertained but a bit tired after winning ten consecutive matches. "Kuroka-chan, chess isn't just about observation. You have to anticipate every move your opponent makes. You need to trap them before they even realize they're caught."

He suddenly turned his gaze toward the door, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"And speaking of being caught, isn't that right, Riser Phenex?"

The door swung open, revealing Riser standing there, his expression caught between arrogance and shock. He hadn't expected Izashi to notice him so soon. He tossed his head back, his fiery hair gleaming in the dim light as he tried to maintain his cool composure.

"I suppose it was smart to let my peerage deal with that Neko girl while I handle you myself," Riser began smugly, oblivious to the fact that Kuroka was sitting right in front of him.

Izashi and Kuroka exchanged amused glances, the latter's eyes twinkling with mischief. Leaning back in her chair, she grinned at Riser, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she purred, "What's wrong, nya~? Cat got your tongue?"

Riser blinked, finally noticing Kuroka lounging comfortably across from Izashi. His smug demeanor faltered, and for the first time in a long while, the Phoenix heir found himself at a loss for words.