Chapter 10: Rias’ determination

Underworld, Gremory Territory, Training Ground.

It has been a week since Ryuken had his argument with Rias. Rias has been avoiding him ever since. Ryuken knows his words from that evening hurt Rias, her pride more than anything else. But he also knew that if Rias continued the way she was, it would hurt her more in the long run.

Because of that, Ryuken has push the event to the back of his mind. If Rias is the same girl that he knows her to be, she will bounce back from this. Even if her reason for doing so is just so she can shove it in his face later. If she is unable to overcome it, however, Ryuken would be disappointed and would have to rethink his request to join her peerage. So, until Rias is ready to move forward from that evening, Ryuken has decided to give her space to think.

Right now, Ryuken is training with the [Knight] of Rias' older brother's peerage, Souji Okita. Ryuken has released his [Sacred Gear], [Blade Blacksmith]. Today's training is a [Sacred Gear] endurance test. Ryuken and Souji have been free-sparring while Ryuken uses his [Sacred Gear] for as long as he is able, without the use of his bloodline ability. Meaning, Ryuken must maintain a holy sword made with [Blade Blacksmith] at all times. And even if his sword were to break, a new one must be created immediately.

[Blade Blacksmith] is a [Sacred Gear] that gives its wielder the ability to summon holy swords. This ability Synergizes well with the Senbonzakura bloodline, as the objects that are broken down into Cherry blossom petals must belong to the user. And what better objects to use with this ability than a sword that is connected to the user's soul.

Ryuken's [Blade Blacksmith] is a bit different than usual, though. Normally, the holy swords [Blade Blacksmith] creates are double-edged western swords. But in Ryuken's case, all the swords created are swords of Japanese design. Katana, Tachi, Odachi, Nodachi, Kodachi, if you can think of it, Ryuken can make it. Usually, changes like these occur when the wielder of a [Sacred Gear] has a thought process that is far removed from the norm. And Ryuken has a very Ryuken-like thought process that made this change possible.

'My sword must be a katana, Senbonzakura must scatter from a katana. Byakuya Kuchiki would cry if I used his technique with a western sword.'

This thought was formed when Ryuken was setting the parameters for his new incarnation during his integration process. Somehow, it managed to imprint itself onto his soul, since he should have forgotten all memories pertaining to this worldline during his integration.

As of now, Ryuken has been sparring with Souji for 57 minutes. Unbeknownst to Ryuken, the target time for today's training is an hour. Ryuken, with sweat trailing down his face, is fiercely trading sword swings with Souji. Ryuken, with his holy sword, is swapping between offense and defense. Trying his best not to take damage, as each strike taken drains his stamina, which in turn shortens the time he can keep going. And Souji, with his demonic power enhanced wooden sword, casually blocks and parries Ryuken's strikes while occasionally throwing in his own attacks and counterattacks.

Souji has been amazed by Ryuken's rate of improvement. To keep Ryuken in the dark about his own improvements, Souji has increased his own ability proportionally to Ryuken's growth. Another method Souji has chosen to employ when training Ryuken is making the boy wear weights that only affect the wearer, at all times, even outside of training. And without warning or an explanation as to why, Souji will increase the weights Ryuken has to bear at his own discretion.

In actuality, Souji only increases Ryuken's load when Ryuken has begun to get used to the strain the weights add to his body. The plan is to have Ryuken wear these weights for 2 years. The downside to this training, is that Ryuken will more than likely be unable to control his physical strength immediately after removing the weights. Which would mean Ryuken would then be subjected to physical power and demonic power control training.

It has now been an hour and 14 minutes since the endurance test started. Ryuken is currently down to a knee attempting to stand and recreate his sword, which broke in his last sword clash with Souji. With a flash of light, a new sword begins to form in his right hand. But before it can form completely, the light shatters and Ryuken falls to the ground, face down. For the last 17 minutes, Souji increased the intensity of his offensive. Because of this, Ryuken is currently unable to move.

"Well, it looks like you've reached your limit." Said Souji as he walked over to Ryuken's side. "When you can move again, you can head home for the day. I shall see you hear again tomorrow."

"Damn it, you're not even sweating yet." Complained Ryuken.

"With enough energy to complain, it seems you will be up on your feet soon." Said Souji, chuckling at Ryuken's coming situation. "I'll be taking my leave, do not forget to analyze our spar while it is still fresh in your memory."

"Yes, sir." Replied Ryuken in a lifeless tone.

Ryuken continued to lay on the ground listening to Souji's receding footsteps.

"Damn it, other than my junk, is there anywhere he didn't hit me?" Ryuken asked himself.

While still unable to move, Ryuken began reviewing the spar in his mind. After a few minutes, Ryuken was pulled from his meditation when he heard footsteps coming nearer.

'Did Okita-Sensei forget something?'

The footsteps came to a stop less than a foot from Ryuken's left side. Then Ryuken heard a voice that he had not heard for a week.

"You look terrible."

Ryuken smiled at the dry tone.

"You would to, if Okita-Sensei beat you up for over an hour nonstop." Replied Ryuken.

"You know I am still angry, right?"

"I... figured." Said Ryuken as he mustered all his recently recovered strength and rolled over onto his back so he could look at the new arrival.

"Hey Riri, how have you been? Asked Ryuken with a big goofy grin.

Rias sighed at Ryuken's my pace attitude.

"Not good, I have been angry since we last spoke." Replied Rias. "As I am sure you are aware."

"I am." Said Ryuken with a calm smile.

"I have been angry with myself ever since I took the time to think over what you said to me." Said Rias, continuing after a brief pause. "Therefore, I'd like to apologize for my words and actions."

After speaking her apology, Rias bowed with sincerity.

"Hahahaha!!! I knew you would overcome this!" Exclaimed Ryuken. "The Rias I know would never be stopped in place for long."

Rias flushed lightly at Ryuken's faith in her. She then shook her head and faked a cough to hide her embarrassment.

"Now, I'd like to ask you again for your help to get out of this marriage." Asked Rias in a formal tone.

"Oh, and how would you like me to help?" Ryuken asked in anticipation.

Rias took a deep breath to firm up her resolve and said, "I want you to help me get stronger. Not only me, but everyone who joins my peerage in the future."

With flames of determination burning in her eyes, Rias continued, "So I can challenge Riser to a [Rating Game]. And when I win, I will demand that this engagement be canceled.

Ryuken could see Rias' determination, but he had to ask, "Are you sure? This won't be easy. By the time you're ready, Riser will have probably participated in a hand full of games, or more."

"I am aware of that." Replied Rias. "But even if I have to marry Riser, it will only happen after I've done everything I can in opposition."

"Hahahahahahaha!" Ryuken laughed loudly then suddenly flipped up to his feet. "Good, I'm in. As long as you don't give up, I'll always have your back."

Before Rias could celebrate making up with Ryuken and Taking her first step to fight back against the plans of her elders, Ryuken fell to the ground face first. Seeing this, Rias panicked.

"Ryu-Kun! Are you all right!""

"Damn, I got too excited." Muttered Ryuken before losing consciousness.

"Ryu-Kun! Wake up! Screamed Rias worriedly. "Someone! Is anyone there!? Ryu-Kun, please, wake up."

Ryu-Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!!!"