Good News for Kunou on the Last Day of Their First Year

Human World, Japan, Kuoh.

Three months have passed since James and his peerage finished training with Scathach in the Land of Shadows. By the end of those ten days of training, everyone's strength increased noticeably. Mizore and Moka were now intermediate-level, high-class in strength with fighting skills that would allow them to contend with beings one level higher. Lady was now an advanced-level, middle-rank being. During her time with Scathach, she was advised to combine her hand-to-hand fighting skills and gunplay. In the end she began using a sort of variant of dual wielding gun kata. Using the pistol in her right hand primarily for offense and the submachine gun in her left as defense. Flora had also broken the threshold of middle-rank shortly after leaving Dun Scaith, currently at the peak of the initial-level. Something to take note of in her case, James gifted her a set of gauntlets and grieves enchanted with thunder. The last two members of James' peerage, Cu Chulainn and Dante have both broken into the initial-level of the ultimate-rank. in Dante's case, when using [Devil Trigger] he can fight on par with James for as long as the transformation holds out.

James, however, did not increase much in power level. He did, however, rise from the initial-level to the intermediate level- of the ultimate-rank, while wearing Scathach's seals. Instead, he spent more time helping his peerage hone their skills instead of increasing their power. Because having power is useless if you cannot properly utilize it. Guiding Moka and Flora in mixed martial arts, Helping Lady refine her gun kata by explaining more optimized attack angles and defense strategies, sparring with Cu Chulainn and Dante, refining the sword skills of the latter, and helping Mizore come up with new move sets for her ice manipulation ability. For example, James drew pictures of Haku's ice Style jutsu from Naruto, which Mizore tried implementing immediately. Though, progress has been slow.

Outside of training, the third term of the group's first year has ended. For the mid-term and final exams, the rankings between the seven in Class 1-A were the same. Sona regained her position in first place. Following her were James, Tsubaki, Reya, Rias, Akeno, and Flora, who had managed to raise her class rank to seventh.

James' stalker followed him diligently for the last three months, as well. Although James does not believe the creeper will stay hidden for much longer. During the trip to the Land of Shadows over winter break, James had mentioned the issue to Scathach. She, in turn, taught him how to intergrade his soul sight with his perception. James has yet to master the technique, but when he does, he will be able to pinpoint the location of everything with a soul that his perception can reach. Which, if pushed to the maximum, can extend to three quarters of Kuoh's surface area.

Another thing to take note of, Mizore, Moka, and Yuuto have all taken and passed the Kuoh Academy entrance exams. With Moka placing first, Yuuto placing second, and Mizore placing third. Mizore was quite upset about her placing, of course. After a few head pats and kisses, she did not find placing third so bad. If she only knew. For placing first, James rewarded Moka by eating her out until she could not speak straight for the five following hours.

Also, Cu Chulainn went on his date with Tsubaki the day they returned from Dun Scaith. From what Rias and Akeno, who thought it would be fun to spy on the couple, said. They both seemed to really enjoy themselves. They even shared their first kiss. Which everyone saw. For no reason other than poor timing. Everyone, other than Rias and Akeno had been in the Underworld, and at that moment, they teleported onto the street between James and Sona's houses. Instead of the teasing the couple expected, however, they were congratulated warmly. The teasing was simply held off until later.

Today, like they always do at the end of a term, James, Rias, Sona, Akeno, Tsubaki, Reya, and Flora were walking home together.

"So, what are your plans for the spring break, James?" Rias asked, with a slight spring in her step. She was quite happy after all, she had regained her former class rank.

"I don't really have any plans for this break." James said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Mizore and I have already finished drawing our latest manga, Soul Eater, and I don't know what else we're going to make."

"You told us that both Bleach and School Rumble will be ending during the spring break, right?" Reya asked with stars in her eyes. "I'm really looking forward to your next work, Sensei."

James smiled at Reya's enthusiasm. Rias, however, could not help poking fun at the girl, though.

"Oh, you're really looking forward to it, huh?" Rias said with a mischievous smile that resembled her mother's. "I thought you were really looking forward to the new term, so you could see Yuuto every day."

Immediately, Reya blushed from the tips of her ears all the way down her neck. She turned red so quickly, James thought she was opening the Gate of Limit. Lowering her head, Reya spoke in a voice barely louder than a whisper.

"I'm looking forward to that, too."

The whole group laughed in amusement.

"Anyway, what do the rest of you have planned?" James asked, primarily looking at Rias and Sona.

"My peerage and I will be training in the Underworld." Rias said with determination burning in her eyes. "We won't rest until I've broken this arranged marriage with that damned Riser."

"*Sigh*" Akeno sighed and pouted in response to her [King's] declaration.

Noticing this, James spoke to Rias with a smile.

"Well, since I don't have anything I want to do during the break, Maybe I can help you and your peerage train for a few days." After his words ended, James winked at Akeno discreetly.

At that, Rias and Akeno lit up with joy. Sona on the other hand was a bit dejected. Then with the flames of determination lighting up in her eyes as well, she spoke to James.

"Well, since you don't have any training to do." Sona spoke hesitantly. "Would you mind sparing me a few hours tomorrow afternoon? I would like to talk to you about something."

"Why are you asking so formally, Sona?" James said as he stopped and turned to Sona. Raising his hand, he gently caressed her face. With affection in his gaze, he continued. "Whenever you want some of my time, just ask and I'd be happy to open up my schedule for you."

Sona blushed even harder than Reya did earlier thanks to James' public display of affection. Rias, Akeno, and Flora were burning with jealousy, wishing to be in Sona's place. Meanwhile, Reya's blush had returned as she imagined herself and Yuuto replacing Sona and James. Tsubaki, on the other hand, was grumbling internally about how awkward Cu Chulainn was, with a bright smile and a light blush on her own face.

Unable to take it anymore, Flora wrapped her arms and sizable breasts around James' free arm and spoke.

"James, when you go to help with Rias and Akeno's training, take me with you, please." Flora said with upturned eyes and a beautiful smile. "I'd like to work with Akeno some more. She helped me a lot in manipulating lightning. Well, thunder in my case, but you get it."

Unfortunately, Flora was unable to withstand manipulating lightning. As a devil, her physique is naturally weak to the light element. And as it turns out, lightning is a compound element. With the combination of light and thunder, lightning is created.

"Sure, I don't mind." James replied with a smile. "Do you mind helping her out, Akeno?"

"Of course not." Akeno said with a sweet smile. "Teaching Flora has helped me recognize some of my own flaws. So, I'm just as grateful as she is."

"Thank you, Akeno." Flora said with a smile. Releasing James arm, she then rushed over to Akeno and gave her a big hug.

James' eyes lit up when he saw their rather ample assets pressed against each other. Noticing James' excitement, Flora and Akeno made eye contact for a moment, then they both turned to James and smiled seductively. Seeing this, Rias could tell what would happen, for at least one night, after James helped her and her peerage with their training. She did not, however, flare up with anger. The day James reprimanded her, he left a mark on her. And every time she thinks about it, she has a new damp spot in her panties.

Tearing his eyes away from the tantalizing view with great difficulty, James turned his attention to Tsubaki and Reya.

"And what do you two plan on doing over the break?" James asked curiously. The slight teasing smile could not be hidden, though.

The girls looked at each other for a moment before Tsubaki was the first to respond.

"I plan to train..."

"Date."

"...with Cu Chulainn when I have free time." Tsubaki said while adjusting her glasses and ignoring Akeno's interruption. Though her cheeks did redden a bit. "Otherwise, I will be assisting Sona with her matters."

Chuckling James nodded at Tsubaki's response and Akeno's interruption. Then, he turned his attention to Reya.

"And you?" James asked with a smile still present on his face.

"Well..." Reya replied awkwardly. "Serafall-Sama said she wanted to train me in magic, personally, over the break."

"Oh? That's a great opportunity. Why do you look so reluctant?" James asked with curiosity.

"Well, the thing is..." Reya began to reply hesitantly.

"It's okay, Reya." Sona said, interrupting her stammering [Bishop]. "Elder Sister said she wants to prove that she's a better teacher than Grayfia."

*Smack!*

Bringing his right fist down into his left palm, James' eyes lit up with comprehension.

"I get it!" James exclaimed, then with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he turned to Sona and continued. "I can hear Sera-Tan now. 'There's no way I'll let So-Tan's mage class be weaker than the one Grayfia-Chan taught!' That should be about what she said, right?"

From the way Sona blushed and pouted, James did not even need her to answer his question. Because of that, he laughed uproariously while they were walking through James, Sona, and flora's neighborhood. Eventually, Flora split from the group, heading to her own home. Shortly after, James, Rias and Akeno separated from Sona, Tsubaki, and Reyya when they reached their houses.

"See you tomorrow, Sona." James said while waving his hand.

After a short wave in return, the two groups entered the two houses. When James entered his house, he, Rias, and Akeno took their shoes off at the entrance while James announced his return.

"Honey~, I'm home~!" James shouted loud enough to reach everyone in the house.

"Really? I love Lucy?" rias asked in confusion.

"It's a classic." James said with no shame.

"Fufufu." Akeno giggled in her signature way with a hand covering her mouth.

Not long after James announced his return, a little blonde missile with fox ears and tails flew toward the entrance. Her target lock was clearly locked on James. Catching the girl, James spoke.

"Hey, Kunou. What's got you so excited?"

With a happy smile on her face, Kunou replied. "A letter from Mommy came today!"

"That's great." James said happily. "What did it say?"

"Mommy said that her work was almost over." Kunou said while clapping her hands in joy. "And she asked you, Rias-Oneesan, and Sona-Oneesan to bring me home with you when you go to Kyoto during your class trip."

"She's well informed." Rias said with a smile. "I guess that makes sense, though. We are, more or less, renting Kuoh from her faction."

"Whatever the reason, I think tonight is a great night to celebrate. Right, Kunou?" James said, lifting Kunou up over his head.

"Yeah!!!" Kunou shouted in joy, raising her hands over her head happily.

"I'll call Sona, Tsubaki, Reya, and Flora." Akeno said, fishing her smartphone out of her pocket.

"Thanks, Akeno." James said while smiling in Akeno's direction.

Not wanting to seem useless, Rias frantically racked her brain for something she could do to add to the celebration. Her eyes lit up when she had an idea.

"Should I get Koneko, Yuuto, and gasper?" Rias asked as she raised a finger to her chin.

"No need." Venelana said with a smile, walking out from the living room. "They're already here."

Rias looked at her mother and pouted. Venelana's smile widened seeing her daughter's reaction. Eventually, the whole group that vacationed in Martinique came together and celebrated Kunou's good news until the wee hours of the morning.