A Sudden Change in Plans

Human World, Japan, Kuoh.

Today, the last day of the term, was filled with a relaxed atmosphere. As Spring Break started the next day, the students of Kuoh Academy were in a joyous mood. Outside the school gates, James, Rias, Sona, and their peerage members were gathered. Although most of them were traveling in the same direction, Issei had to go to his own home. So, instead of walking while talking like they usually do, the group decided to discuss plans for the break at the school gate before separating.

"Starting tomorrow, we'll be heading to the underworld to train." Rias said with a serious expression on her face. "We'll return two days before the new school year starts."

"Ahh! How am I supposed to get any girls for my harem if I never have the time to look for any!?" Issei shouted while pulling at his hair with both hands.

"Ise, buddy, I don't think the time to look is your issue." James said with a wry smile. "Being honest with yourself is an admirable trait to have, but if you don't start acting more like a person and less like a dog in heat, it won't matter how much time you have to look for a second girlfriend."

Everyone nodded in response to James' advice for Issei. However, when they heard him mention a second girlfriend they were thoroughly confused. Tilting her head to the side, Rias was the first to ask what everyone else was thinking. Even Issei had no idea who his "first girlfriend" could be.

"Second girlfriend?" Rias asked in confusion. "There's no way my lust-incarnate of a servant could have even one girlfriend."

"Ouch!" Issei exclaimed as he gripped his shirt above his heart. "Club Prez, that was harsh. And don't you usually call us your 'Adorable Servants'?"

"Do you really think any part of you looks adorable?" Mizore asked with disdain. "You're more like the antithesis of the word. If it wasn't for your [Sacred Gear] … Mmph."

Before she could finish, Mizore was interrupted when James [Flash Stepped] next to her, grabbed a fistful of her hair, and pulled her into a kiss that deepened with every passing second. After about thirty seconds, James released Mizore and broke the kiss. With her eyes clouded and her tongue sticking out of her mouth, it was easy to see that Mizore had long forgotten whatever it was she was talking about before the kiss.

"Mizore, I know you don't care much for the guy." James said while shaking his head. After a brief pause to lick his lips, he continued. "But sometimes it's better to put your pretty mouth to a different use."

Rias, Sona, Akeno, Moka, Reya, Flora, Momo, and Tsubasa were all blushing furiously after seeing James' forceful kiss. Rias, Sona, Akeno, Moka, and Flora were hoping to be kissed like that themselves. Reya, Momo, and Tsubasa, who all had crushes on Yuuto were taking feverish glances at the blond boy. Tsubaki, who was not paying much attention to James' actions was hoping this little meeting would end quicker, so she could see Cu Chulainn. Meanwhile, the resident shota-con, Tomoe was considering that older boys were not so bad from time to time.

Seeing that everyone was lost in their own worlds, James decided to get everyone's attention in his favorite way.

*Clap!*

'I wonder how Auntie Venelana is doing.' James thought to himself while the group's attention gathered. 'She was busy the last time I was down in the Underworld. It feels like it's been a long time since the last time I saw her.'

Seeing that everyone was focused once again, James spoke.

"Anyway, Issei's first girlfriend is obviously his dominant hand. OH, and my peerage and I will also be going to the Underworld to train." James said with a smile. "Rias, Sona, you are both welcome to join us, if you want."

Issei felt he was about to cough up blood, while the rest of the group laughed at his expense. Then, Rias and Sona replied to the rest of James statement.

"Of course, we will." Rias said with her chest puffed out and her left hand resting on her hip.

"We'll accept your offer, as well." Sona said while adjusting her glasses. "It feels like we have been falling behind because of my duties as the heiress of House Sitri. We can use this opportunity to play a bit of catch up."

"Sounds good to me." James replied as he smiled and nodded at the two Pillar House heiresses.

With that out of the way, the group departed from the school. Shortly after they began walking, Issei separated from them as his house was in a different part of the town from the upper-class neighborhood the rest of the group lived in.

While walking back to their houses, the group chatted happily. James, Yuuto, and Tsubasa discussed sword combat. Akeno, Mizore, Moka, and Flora talked about some of the steamier nights they had spent with James. Rias, Sona, and Tsubaki discussed news from the Underworld. Momo blushed heavily as she chatted with the smiling Yuuto. Meanwhile, Tomoe was still debating with herself between shota and older boys while stealing glances at James.

Eventually, the group entered their residential area. Shortly after they did, Flora separated from the group. Not before hugging and kissing James passionately, though. After Flora's departure, the group continued toward the three mansions of the three peerages. When they drew near, James raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Oh, looks like someone is making good progress." James said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Rias asked in place of all the others.

"Follow me and you'll see." James said in a mysterious tone.

Then, the group headed toward the Alaverus residence. However, instead of entering through the front door, they circled around the house and walked into the back yard. When they arrived, they were more than a little surprised at what they saw.

Floating cross-legged in the middle of the training area behind the Alaverus mansion was a voluptuous, beautiful woman with long white hair, cat ears, and wearing a white kimono with two tails extending from her lower back. Floating around this gorgeous woman were several puffs of white flames.

"Who is that?" Moka asked with her head tilted cutely.

"No way, [Senjutsu]?" Mizore asked, surprised.

"Is that... Koneko?" Rias asked with a hand covering her mouth in surprise.

Hearing that, everyone's eyes opened wide. Everyone except James, that is. He simply nodded his head in response. With his arms crossed, James spoke.

"I always knew the Kitty Cat was talented, but three months?" James said with a smile. As his smile turned into something battle hungry, he continued. "She's gonna be really fun to fight in the future."

At that, everyone shook their heads. Then, they looked back toward the floating Koneko. Eventually, they noticed someone was walking toward them. When they turned their attention to the approaching presence, they saw the pink-haired Oni, Shuna.

"Welcome home, James-Sama." Shuna said with a polite bow of her head, before greeting the rest of the group. "It seems you've come back in time to see Koneko's breakthrough."

James smiled at the smiling Oni girl. Then almost subconsciously, he placed his hand on top of her head and began to pat it.

"You've done a great job training Koneko, Shuna." James said with a smile, continuing the head pats. "Also, I've decided to accept both you and Shion into my peerage. If your desires have not changed, that is."

Hearing that, Shuna was pulled out of her blissful state. She then bowed her head once again and spoke.

"Thank you James-Sama. I am honored." Shuna said with a beautiful smile on her face.

"*Sigh* How many times have I said it? It's okay to be more relaxed." James said with a sigh while shaking his head. "Anyway, could you let Shion know as well?"

"Of course, James-Sama." Shuna said with a nod. "I'll inform her once Koneko stabilizes."

With that, Shuna received congratulations from everyone present. After the round of vigorous congratulations, Reya asked the question that was on her mind.

"I understand that Koneko-Chan has unlocked her [Senjutsu]." Reya said with confusion in her tone. "But why is she so much... bigger?"

The group then turned their attention back to Koneko. Then they noticed that she had grown quite a bit. Not only in height, but her breasts could now rival Tsubaki's in size. They might even be bigger.

"If I had to hazard a guess..." Shuna said while contemplating the situation. "Most likely, because she has been suppressing her natural [Senjutsu] affinity, she stunted her own growth."

"So, in other words, it's kinda like when a mal-nourished child starts to eat properly." James said while stroking his chin. "Does that mean we should expect a rapid growth spirt from the Kitty Cat?"

"More or less." Shuna replied. "The form you see in front of you is what she should look like after that rapid growth is complete."

"Ugh." Rias grunted while rubbing her head.

"What's the matter, Rias?" Sona asked her friend curiously.

"When Issei sees this, that idiot is going to lose his mind." Rias said while shaking her head.

Hearing that, everyone nodded in unison. Eventually, Koneko stabilized and was lowered to the ground. Opening her eyes shortly after that, she noticed the white aura surrounding her body, then she saw the tufts of white flames floating around her. After that, she noticed that she now had two tails. Lastly, she noticed her new... proportions.

"Is this... really me?" Koneko questioned rhetorically.

"That's right, Kitty Cat." James said as he and the rest of the group approached. When they were close enough, James patted her head and continued. "Congratulations, you've completely overcome the shadow that held you back from becoming stronger."

Unlike her usual stoic expression, Koneko was now smiling brightly after hearing James' congratulation. Then, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest.

"Thank you, James-Nii." Koneko said quietly as she used James' chest to hide her tears.

In response, James simply continued to smile while patting Koneko's head. Eventually, Koneko reverted to her normal size. At that moment, James realized that she had fallen asleep.

"I guess using that power really takes a lot out of her, huh?" Rias said, also starting to pat the head of her adorable servant.

"Until her body adapts to her [Senjutsu], rather, until her body finishes its growth." Shuna explained. "This transformation will put a lot of strain on her. She should have no issue using touki once she masters it, though."

Rias nodded at the explanation. Meanwhile, James handed Koneko to Yuuto. Shuna then returned to the mansion in order to find Shion. After that, Rias, Sona, and their peerages readied themselves to return to their own homes.

"Well, I guess we'll see you again tomorrow morning, James." Rias said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to the training."

"I bet you are." James said with a smile. "You're really close to breaking through to the ultimate-rank, aren't you? If you work hard and have a little luck, you should be able to make it before you have to fight Riser."

"That's what I'm aiming for." Rias said with a nod.

"Just make sure you don't let it slip carelessly, if you do." Sona said with a serious expression on her face.

I know. I know." Rias said while waving her hand dismissively.

"I hope so." Sona said with a shrug of her shoulders. Then, she turned her attention to James. "I'll see you tomorrow as well, James."

Then, Sona closed the distance with James and planted a kiss on his cheek. Before Rias, Sona, and their peerages could leave, however, Dante and Lady appeared before them in the backyard of the mansion.

"Dante, Lady, what's up?" James asked seriously, after noticing the serious expressions on the duo's faces.

"James, we found them." Dante said without beating around the bush as he glanced at Mizore.

With a savage, bloodthirsty smile on his face, James turned to the two Pillar Houses Heiresses and spoke.

"There's been a change of plans." James said. "We've got a little revenge to enact. So, we'll probably see you a few days later than planned."