Who Would Have Thought?

The path through the Oze Range wasn't easy, but despite his age, Hachiman moved through it with surprising ease. He breathed in the fresh air, took in the vast scenery, and seemed to connect effortlessly with the natural world around him.

"You're pretty strong for a man your age," Issei remarked, catching his breath as he struggled to keep pace. "I don't think many could do this."

Hachiman chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "When you're born in the mountains and spend your whole life here, it becomes second nature. It's less of a challenge and more of a way of life."

Despite the towering heights, Hachiman walked with his hands casually crossed behind his back, his posture straight and unwavering.

"But for someone who's not used to the mountains, you're holding up pretty well," he added. "Most people would be winded by now, or at least would've stopped to lean on their climbing gear."

Issei grinned. "Guess I've got my grandparents' genes."

Hachiman nodded thoughtfully. "They always said your family was blessed with luck and happiness. I can see that for myself now."

Issei's brow furrowed slightly at that, but he nodded along. The statement felt off in a way he couldn't quite place, though he didn't press it.

"How long have you known my grandmother, Mr. Hachiman?" he asked, curious.

Hachiman rubbed his chin, thinking. "Before your mother was born. Hell, even before she met your grandfather."

Issei blinked, surprised. "Really? Were you close even back then?"

He glanced over at Hachiman, sensing an unspoken bond between the two. It made him wonder—was there something more between them?

The thought felt odd. His grandmother, with someone other than his grandfather? It was hard to imagine, but at the same time, it made sense. They'd spent so many years together, and living in such a small, remote place, it wouldn't have been out of the ordinary for feelings to have developed between them at some point.

"If you're asking about anything romantic," Hachiman said with a smile, "then no. I've always admired her for how she did what she wanted, how she stood out in a place where not many dared to. She was a bit of a rebel, you could say. And she was fascinating to watch."

Issei studied the man as he spoke, but there was no sign of anything untruthful in his expression.

"Even for her," Hachiman continued, "she saw me more like an older brother or just a good friend. That's all it was, and it's enough. A friendship without any hidden agendas—no favors, no love. That's the best kind."

Issei nodded, appreciating the sentiment. It felt like a kind of friendship everyone could hope for. And above all, he was glad to see his grandmother had someone she cared about, someone who had been there for her.

Ddraig's voice echoed in his mind. 'You're surprisingly accepting of this life.'

Issei didn't know how to respond to that. He wasn't sure if it was because he had grown comfortable with the strange world he now inhabited or if it was simply the acceptance that had always been in his nature.

The wind shifted slightly, and Hachiman spoke again, his tone a bit more serious.

"A friendship that asks for nothing in return is also why ours has lasted so long," he explained. "But over the years, it's made me want to do things for her—things she never asked for, but things I believe she deserves."

Issei's curiosity piqued. "Like what?"

They had reached a relatively flat patch of ground amidst the mountains, and Hachiman lowered himself onto a large, smooth rock with a deep breath.

"Like keeping her safe," he said, his voice soft but heavy with intent. "And the people around her."

Issei smiled, the warmth of his grandmother's well-being lingering in his chest. "That's really nice of you."

Though he understood the sentiment, he couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. An old man couldn't do much in today's world to protect someone, but it was still reassuring to know that people outside of her family cared for her safety.

But Hachiman's next words caught him off guard, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"So, tell me, Issei," Hachiman said, his voice changing, becoming more contemplative. "How do you plan on keeping her safe when you're involved in things like the supernatural and the occult?"

Issei froze mid-step, his heart pounding in his chest. The world seemed to go still for a moment, and his mind scrambled for an explanation.

"What… do you mean?" he asked, his voice uncertain. He was hesitant to reveal anything, especially about his secret life.

Ddraig's voice was eerily quiet in his mind. 'I can't read this man.' The dragon's words sent a chill down Issei's spine. If Ddraig, the mighty heavenly dragon, couldn't get a read on him, Issei didn't know what to think.

'You, the heavenly dragon, can't figure him out?' Issei asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Ddraig didn't respond, and the silence between them only deepened Issei's unease.

'If I were in my physical form, I might have sensed something, but trapped inside this gauntlet, I can barely feel a thing,' Ddraig warned. 'Be careful, Issei. Don't do anything without understanding him first.'

Issei knew better than anyone not to act without being sure of the situation.

"Issei," Hachiman sighed, his tone heavy with years of experience. "I saw you when you were born, when you first spoke, and I saw you last time you visited. But none of those moments carried the scent of devils."

'He can smell devils?' Issei asked Ddraig, but the dragon's response was a chilling silence.

Hachiman continued, "No matter how hard you try to hide it, maybe those devils around you were fooled, but not everyone's the same. Anyone beyond the level of a High-Class Devil can sense the presence you're trying to conceal."

Issei's face drained of color, and he swallowed thickly, the weight of the old man's words settling heavily on him.

'Tread carefully, kid,' Ddraig advised, his voice taut with warning.

Hachiman's eyes darkened as he pressed on. "And that presence? It's not from just any lizard. It's from something that could bring the world to its knees if it chose. A being that radiates destruction. The only dragon capable of this kind of presence is the Dragon of Domination."

The old man stood up, his movements slow and deliberate. Issei's instincts kicked in, and he immediately tensed, preparing for whatever came next.

"So tell me, Issei," Hachiman's voice was like steel now, "How do you plan to protect your grandmother when you're the Red Dragon Emperor of this generation? The very being who's the most hunted target in the supernatural world?"

Issei was at a loss for words, his mind spinning with the sudden gravity of the situation. But just as he struggled to find an answer, Ddraig finally took the reins.

"Who are you, human?" Ddraig's voice boomed from the gauntlet around Issei's arm. "And could you sense me when I was actively concealing my presence?"

It was Ddraig's power that had kept Issei's Sacred Gear hidden from the devils in Kuoh, and now that presence had been uncovered.

Hachiman sighed, his tone softening. "Do not worry, Heavenly Dragon. I mean no harm. I'm simply a man concerned for his family. You know as well as I do that once the world realizes you've awakened, everyone around you will be targeted, too."

Ddraig remained silent, but Issei couldn't hold back his question any longer.

"Who... are you, Mister?" Issei's voice was shaky, uncertainty flooding him.

Hachiman met his gaze, nodding thoughtfully. "I suppose it's time you knew the truth."

With that, Hachiman slowly removed a ring adorned with a dove pattern that he wore over his little finger. As it came off, Issei froze, instinctively sensing a change in the air.

Even without using his draconic eyes, the oppressive, regal, and divine aura washed over him. He knew what it was. He knew exactly what it was.

"I should have known," Ddraig muttered, his voice filled with realization. "Someone who understands the supernatural. Someone who can sense me despite the concealment, while hiding their own presence." The dragon scoffed. "And all this time, living as an old man in the middle of nowhere."

Issei understood now. The name clicked in his mind as the overwhelming presence became clear.

<Race: Divine Being>

<Rank: Peak-Master Class>

It wasn't just any god. This was a mythological being—capable of obliterating entire landscapes with a single motion. And the being in front of him was more terrifying than anything he had imagined.

"Hachiman," Ddraig growled under his breath. "The Shinto deity of War and Archery. The protector of warriors, the guardian of the just, and the patron of one of Japan's most powerful clans."

Issei's heart pounded in his chest as the realization hit. Hachiman wasn't just a man. He was the deity. The very God of War.

The truth stood before him, and it was more than Issei could have ever expected.

"I have answered your question, Issei." The old man offered a grandfatherly smile, though the immense presence of the deity did little to calm the boy. "Now, it's your turn."

Issei bit his lip, lost in thought, trying to figure out his next move.

'Think carefully before you act, kid.'

'I am…'

He considered the situation. If Hachiman wanted to harm him, he could have easily done so by now. If he meant any ill will, he wouldn't have been looking after his grandmother, nor would he have spoken so affectionately about her.

"You wouldn't harm anyone, would you, Lord Hachiman?"

Hachiman's smile softened. "You are just as much a grandson to me as you are to her, Issei. I've watched you grow up, and I know you. Don't be afraid. You can call me grandpa, after all, I'm at that age now."

Issei looked at him with a glimmer of hope. From the way Hachiman spoke, it was clear he meant no harm.

"I'm worried, Issei," Hachiman continued. "I can protect your grandmother while she's here, but I can't protect you or your family when you live so far away. That's why I'm asking, for your own safety."

Issei took a deep breath and nodded, finally ready to speak his truth.

"I awakened this gear not long ago, Grandpa Hachiman." He spoke with respect, mindful of the honorifics despite the casual tone. "The moment it awakened, Ddraig informed me about the devils and fallen angels around my town."

'Putting everything on me, huh? Guess that makes things easier.'

"He made the active choice to hide his presence at my request," Issei explained. "With so many supernatural beings around, we couldn't risk drawing attention. I doubt anyone knows about the Red Gauntlet, but you're right—it'll be discovered sooner or later. That's why Ddraig and I were looking for a place to train, away from the eyes of the supernatural."

"Only to be found by me," Hachiman chuckled, shaking his head. "Better than being discovered by the devils, I suppose."

Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn't.

Issei wasn't so sure yet.

"You certainly need training," Hachiman said, locking eyes with the boy. "At your current level, you might be able to handle a few low-class beings, and if you risk everything, maybe even a few mid-tier ones."

'He's underestimating you.'

'But is he wrong?'

Ddraig fell silent.

It was true. Issei had never been part of the supernatural world and had no formal training. Without the Juggernaut Drive, there was no way he could stand against the powerful foes he'd soon face, at least not without dying in the process.

"Once you awaken a Sacred Gear, especially one as powerful as a Longinus, there's no running from it." Hachiman watched Issei closely, analyzing his expression. "Has Ddraig explained what a Longinus is to you?"

Issei nodded. "He has. Longinus are the peak of Sacred Gears, capable of threatening and even killing gods…" He hesitated, unsure how Hachiman might take that last part.

"Accurate," Hachiman affirmed, "but to control such power, you need training and guidance. Ddraig can teach you about the gear itself, but you need someone who can physically train you if you want to survive."

Unfortunately, Issei had no one for that.

"How often can you come here without risking your studies or drawing attention?" Hachiman asked, his tone purposeful.

Issei's eyes widened as he realized what the man was suggesting.

"Well… not this weekend, but the next weekend, I can visit," Issei said, still uncertain, but willing to take the chance.

Hachiman smiled. "Then don't miss a single day, and I'll help you stand against the supernatural. You'll be capable of protecting your family—if you're willing to train hard and not make foolish decisions."

"I…" Issei stammered, genuinely taken aback. "You're willing to train me?"

"The God of War, training a mere boy?" Ddraig chuckled, his voice filled with disbelief. "Who would have thought?"

"A mere boy who is also the host of the Red Dragon Emperor, isn't it, Ddraig?" Hachiman teased, causing the dragon to laugh louder. "And he's the grandson of an old friend. I couldn't refuse. Not if I want to keep her heart intact."

He smiled warmly. "So yes, Issei. I'm willing to train you. And that training starts today."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[[A/N: 25+ Advanced Chapters on Patreon + Other Stories: https://www.patreon.com/Greedyfrog

P.S. We have reached the second phase (Origin) of the system on Patreon.

Also, we will be diverging from the canon soon while diving into mythologies (all while carrying the canon characters.)]]