A few days had passed since that night at the Occult Research Club, when Kaito rejected Rias Gremory's offer to become her subordinate devil. His words still echoed in Rias's ears, but Kaito felt an even clearer understanding of his ambition, which transcended any form of servitude. He continued to attend the club after school, observing and learning, listening to the club's discussions and watching Issei's repeated failures in completing devil contracts.
One evening, while the club members were engrossed in their activities, Kaito sat quietly on one of the chairs, closing his eyes slightly. He activated his (Aura Detection) skill. A network of subtle energy spread around him, allowing him to perceive what was invisible to the naked eye.
A translucent panel appeared in his internal vision, displaying details of his peers' auras:
[Rias Gremory: Very Strong Demonic Aura (King).][Akeno Himejima: Strong Demonic Aura (Queen/Priestess).][Kiba Yuuto: Moderate Demonic Aura (Knight).][Koneko Toujou: Weak Demonic Aura (Rook), but pulsing with immense physical strength.][Issei Hyoudou: Weak Demonic Aura (Pawn), unstable but pulsing with immense potential for the Boosted Gear.]
Their levels are clear now, Kaito thought. Rias and Akeno are the strongest; Kiba and Koneko possess considerable power, and Issei... his potential is truly enormous, but he needs time and guidance. This will help me understand where I stand among them, and how I can intervene intelligently.
He knew that mere observation and learning wouldn't be enough to gain the power he yearned for. He had seen the power of devils and understood the magnitude of challenges in this world. The idea of acquiring more power and control echoed in his mind like a distant echo, an ambition burning like stars in the desert night. He needed to gain more experience points, develop his skills, and strategically intervene in events to activate system quests and reap benefits, paving his own unique path.
One day, after club activities ended and before he returned to his apartment, Kaito decided to test his new skill, (Combat Intuition). He headed to a deserted back courtyard at school, a place usually unvisited.
He stood in the middle of the courtyard, closed his eyes, and focused. He activated Combat Intuition. He felt a subtle flow of energy through his body. It wasn't a feeling of physical strength, but rather a sensation of heightened awareness of his surroundings. He tossed a small stone into the air, then tried to predict its trajectory and landing. His predictions were surprisingly accurate.
"So, this is the skill..." Kaito muttered to himself. "It's not an attack, but an enhancement of the senses, an ability to read the flow of combat, anticipate an opponent's movements, and determine the best course of action. It's like an advanced survival instinct, or perhaps similar to Observation Haki from One Piece." Kaito laughed heartily and mumbled that things were getting more and more interesting.
He unleashed a series of punches and kicks into the air, trying to feel the flow of energy in his body and find the most effective "path" for his movements. It was as if he had an invisible guide telling him where to place his foot, or how to angle his punch to maximize its impact. This skill was invaluable in combat. It could transform him from an ordinary human into a formidable opponent.
After feeling somewhat fatigued from his training, Kaito stopped. He was pleased with the discovery of his new skill's potential. He knew mastering it would take time, but the beginning was promising.
Kaito returned to his apartment that night and fell into a deep, exhausted sleep. The next morning, he awoke to warm sunlight streaming through his window. It was a holiday. Kaito felt a desire to explore Kuoh Town, to see its ordinary, vibrant side after all the supernatural events he had witnessed.
Kaito decided to go out for a stroll. He put on light, comfortable clothes and stepped out onto the streets. The town was bustling with people, sounds of laughter and chatter filling the air. Modern buildings interspersed with traditional shops, and the aroma of delicious food tickled his nose. He walked through noisy markets, then into quiet neighborhoods, enjoying the general atmosphere. He felt calm and at ease in these surroundings, as if a part of him was returning to his normal life, despite his deep knowledge of what lay beneath the surface.
As he walked down a quiet street, near the public park where he had his first encounter with the stray devil, Kaito was engrossed in thoughts of how to develop his power and future strategies. He wasn't paying close attention to those around him; his footsteps were quiet, but his senses were alert for any unusual aura.
Suddenly, he bumped into something soft. He felt a slight jolt, then heard a gentle thud, followed by a frightened murmur.
"Oh!"
Kaito looked down and froze for a moment, not from confusion, but from immediate recognition of the scene. A girl with long blonde hair, cascading like a golden waterfall, and clear green eyes like dewy leaves, wearing a pristine white nun's habit, had fallen to the ground. She looked incredibly innocent and gentle, like a rare flower in a world full of monsters. But, due to her sudden fall, her skirt had shifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of her pure white undergarments.
A classic ecchi moment, Kaito thought coolly, taking a quick mental note of the scene without showing any exaggerated reaction on his face. His experienced mind rapidly analyzed the situation: This was Asia Argento. The moment had arrived.
The girl looked up, her green eyes widening slightly with surprise and embarrassment, her cheeks flushing faintly. "Mi dispiace! Mi dispiace!" (I'm sorry! I'm sorry!) she said in a frightened, hesitant voice, speaking in Italian, her words carrying a faint note of desperation.
[Quest of Fate: Protect the Nun.]
[Objective: Prevent Asia Argento from falling into the trap of the Fallen Angels.]
[Reward: 300 Experience Points, Unlock Skill: (Regeneration), Unlock Skill: (Omnilingualism), Charisma +5.]
Kaito offered a slight smile, but it was full of cunning. The system was guiding him directly. He knew Asia would become an important part of his life, and of his future harem.
[New skill unlocked to help the host communicate: (Omnilingualism).][Description: Allows you to understand and speak all human languages fluently.]
Kaito felt an instant surge of information in his mind. Suddenly, the Italian words the girl had spoken were perfectly understandable, as if they were his native tongue.
"Oh, no! I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention!" Kaito said quickly, extending his hand steadily to help her up. "Are you alright?" he asked this time in fluent Italian, with a reassuring tone.
The girl's eyes widened in astonishment, and clear signs of relief appeared on her face. "You speak Italian!" Asia said, her voice almost a whisper, but carrying obvious joy. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."
"No problem," Kaito said, smiling gently. "You seem lost. Can I help you find your way?"
Asia hesitated slightly, her green eyes shifting between Kaito's face and the ground. She was so kind-hearted that she didn't want to bother others or take them out of their way to help her. Kaito understood this aspect of her well from the anime, and so he insisted she tell him if she needed help. After some silence, she said:
"Yes... I am lost," Asia said softly, looking around with some confusion, her eyes holding the look of a lost child. "I was looking for... a certain place, but I can't find my way."
"Don't worry," Kaito said, in a reassuring tone. "I can help you. My name is Kaito Yamada."
Asia looked at him, and a shy but genuine smile formed on her face. "Nice to meet you, Yamada-kun. I'm Asia Argento."
"Nice to meet you too, Asia-san," Kaito replied with a smile, having transitioned to a language more comfortable for both of them. "Would you like to take a quick tour around the city? I can show you some of the main spots, and perhaps we can find the place you're looking for."
Asia looked at him with sparkling eyes, as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Really? That would be wonderful! Thank you very much, Yamada-kun!" Her voice carried a childlike enthusiasm.
Kaito began to accompany Asia, giving her a tour around the city. He explained local landmarks, shopping areas, and parks, all in fluent Italian, as the skill had become an integral part of him. Asia listened with great interest, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, asking innocent questions. Her aura was remarkably pure and bright, completely different from the demonic or fallen angel auras he had seen. She was clearly kind-hearted, easily embarrassed by anything, and constantly apologized even for simple matters, fearing she would bother others.
"I don't want to bother you, Yamada-kun," Asia said softly, trying to avoid looking directly into his eyes, feeling a little guilty.
"Never, Asia-san," Kaito said with a smile, his voice exuding confidence and reassurance. "I'm happy to help you. The city is beautiful, and I'm enjoying the tour with you, especially when I'm walking with a kind and beautiful girl like you. You're not bothering me at all."
Immediately, Asia's cheeks turned a deep crimson, her green eyes widened in astonishment, and she quickly lowered her head, her voice barely audible. "O-Oh... I... Thank you, Yamada-kun," she murmured, as if unable to process the sudden compliment. Embarrassment seemed to completely overwhelm her as she tried to touch her flushed face.
Kaito and Asia's tour of the city continued until the sun completely set, leaving behind a horizon embroidered with twilight colors. Kaito enjoyed her innocent company, and he observed her closely, seeing the inherent vulnerability that made her a target, and the purity that made him want to protect her. They talked about many things: her past life in the church, why she came to Japan, and her desire to help people. He listened attentively, realizing how pure and kind she was.
As the city lights began to twinkle and Kaito realized night was casting its shadows, it was time for his next step. He knew Asia would return to the abandoned church, a place of real danger for her.
"Asia-san, it's getting late," Kaito said with feigned concern, as the sky turned a deep navy blue. "The church you're looking for... is it very far?"
"Yes, it's on the outskirts of the city," Asia said, a faint look of tiredness on her face. "I should go back now. I don't want to be more of a burden to you. You can show me the way, and I'll continue alone." Sadness was evident when she said this; after spending a day with Kaito, she felt for the first time like a young girl not obligated by things beyond her capacity. She had enjoyed talking with him greatly.
"Don't ever say that, Asia-san," Kaito said, his eyes reflecting a genuine kindness mixed with feigned seriousness. "In fact, I'm truly worried about you. The city can be dangerous at night, especially in remote areas, and the church you mentioned... I've heard some stories about it; it doesn't seem completely safe. And you... you look too tired to find your way again."
Asia looked at him questioningly, then a flicker of fear appeared in her eyes. "Dangerous?"
"Yes," Kaito confirmed, in a hushed tone, but adding a touch of gravity. "But don't worry. My apartment is very close by, and it's completely safe. In fact, I'd like to ask you something, if it wouldn't bother you."
Asia looked at him with curiosity. She trusted him as a friend. "What, Yamada-kun?"
"I... I'm very interested in the church, and in your faith, Asia-san," Kaito said, a warm smile spreading across his face, trying to look like he was asking for a favor. "I've never met a nun like you before, and I find your stories about helping people in the church very inspiring. Could... could you stay with me tonight? We can talk more about it, and you can explain some things to me. And that way, I'll also be assured that you're safe. I know you might be worried, but this would make me feel much more at ease."
Asia hesitated. Her kindness prevented her from imposing herself on others, but the idea of helping someone, especially a kind person like Yamada-kun who seemed genuinely interested in her faith, appealed to her. She felt comfortable in his presence, and besides, the fear of the unknown and the night was overwhelming. "O-Okay... if you're sure I won't cause you any trouble, and that you're really interested..."
"I'm absolutely sure, and Asia-san, you won't cause any trouble at all," Kaito confirmed with a warm smile, feeling triumphant. His plan had succeeded perfectly, for he knew Asia was a very kind girl who didn't suspect others, even healing an injured devil.
"Thank you... Thank you very much, Yamada-kun," Asia said, a wide, grateful smile forming on her face, her green eyes gleaming with tears.
Kaito led Asia towards his apartment. Upon their arrival, Asia's eyes widened with veiled admiration as she looked at the small, clean apartment. It was neatly arranged and radiated warmth, unlike the places she was used to in the church, which were often cold and austere.
"Wow... It's... very beautiful, Yamada-kun," Asia said softly, her gaze wandering around, an expression of innocent wonder on her face. "I'm sorry to bother you."
"Never, Asia-san. Please, come in and sit," Kaito said with a smile, then gestured to the sofa. "Make yourself at home."
Then, after Asia had sat down, Kaito added in a friendly tone: "Asia-san, you must be tired and hungry after such a long day. Would you like a warm bath and a light dinner? I can prepare both for you."
Asia looked at him in surprise, then her face turned red again. "A... bath? Dinner? Oh, Yamada-kun, I don't want to cause you such trouble!"
"It's no trouble at all," Kaito said with a reassuring smile, heading towards the bathroom. "It will be ready in minutes. You can relax a bit."
While Asia still felt embarrassed, she couldn't deny her exhaustion. She allowed herself to relax on the sofa for a bit while Kaito prepared the bath. Minutes later, Kaito called her. The bathroom was filled with warm steam, and the bathwater emitted a pleasant scent. Kaito had placed a clean towel and soap beside it.
"Here it is, Asia-san. Take your time," Kaito said, then withdrew to go to the kitchen.
After a while, Asia emerged from the bath, her hair wet, her face radiant with comfort, but still feeling shy. She was wearing her still-damp clothes.
"Are you alright, Asia-san?" Kaito asked, looking at her from the kitchen.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Yamada-kun. It was a very warm and lovely bath," Asia said, lowering her head slightly.
"Your dinner is ready too," Kaito said, offering her a simple but delicious dish: some rice and steamed vegetables.
Asia sat at the table and slowly began to eat, a look of happiness on her face. "It's very delicious, Yamada-kun."
"You're welcome," Kaito said, eating his own dinner. He felt satisfied seeing her comfortable and happy.
After dinner, Kaito looked for a comfortable place for Asia to sleep. He didn't have a guest room, so he decided to prepare his own futon for her in the living room. He brought out the futon, carefully laid it out, then placed a clean pillow and a warm blanket on it.
"You can sleep here, Asia-san," Kaito said, his eyes reflecting genuine concern for her comfort. "It's very comfortable."
Asia looked at the futon, then at Kaito, a deep blush on her face. "I... I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. And thank you, Yamada-kun. You're so kind," she murmured, looking down shyly. She looked like she wanted to disappear on the spot.
"Don't worry at all," Kaito said, smiling calmly. "Sleep well, Asia-san. Last night was tiring for you."
After making sure Asia was comfortable, Kaito retreated to his own room. He was satisfied with his first step. He had protected Asia from imminent danger that night, and now she was under his roof, safe.
The next morning, Kaito woke up early. He prepared a light breakfast for himself and Asia. When Asia woke up, she looked refreshed, but embarrassment still enveloped her from spending the night in a stranger's house.
"Good morning, Yamada-kun," Asia said softly.
"Good morning, Asia-san," Kaito replied with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I slept very well. Thank you!" Asia said, nodding enthusiastically. "I'll go to the church now. Thank you for everything!"
"One moment, Asia-san," Kaito said, as he put on his school uniform. "The church you're looking for is in a remote area. The road there isn't completely safe. I think I should take you there."
Asia looked at him questioningly. "But... won't you be late for school, Yamada-kun?"
"Don't worry about that," Kaito said, giving a warm smile. "Actually, I have some important business to take care of near that area after school today. So, if you wait for me until the end of the school day, we can go together. It will be a safer path for you, and I can make sure you arrive safely. I know the place well. I don't want you to risk going alone."
Asia hesitated slightly, but Kaito's words seemed logical and reassuring. "If you're sure, Yamada-kun..."
"Absolutely. It won't be any trouble at all," Kaito affirmed, his eyes holding gentle insistence. "Wait at home and relax after school ends. We'll go together."
"Thank you... Thank you very much, Yamada-kun!" Asia said, a wide, grateful smile spreading across her face.
Kaito returned to Kuoh Academy, feeling satisfied. His plan had succeeded perfectly. Asia wouldn't go to the church alone today.
As he sat in the club later that day, listening to Issei talk about his dreams of becoming a "harem king," Kaito thought about his own goals. A harem... yes, a large one. Kaito smiled internally. But not a harem built on perversion, but on genuine bonds and mutual strength, on appreciation and respect. And I'll start with Asia, my innocent angel, for a kind and pure girl like her doesn't deserve a pervert like Issei.
The atmosphere in the club was quiet, but Kaito felt a rising tension in the air, like the calm before a storm. He knew the storm was coming, and he had to be ready for whatever lay ahead.