The gentle orange glow of the setting sun bathed Kuoh Academy in a warm light, casting long shadows across the campus. Most students had already left for the day, their chatter fading into the distance as the school grounds grew quieter. The faint sound of birds chirping in the trees near the old schoolhouse added to the tranquil atmosphere.
Rias Gremory and Himejima Akeno walked side by side toward the old building. Akeno carried herself with her usual grace, her long, dark hair swaying gently with each step, while Rias exuded her natural confidence, her crimson locks catching the sunlight. The two shared a comfortable silence for a moment before Akeno broke it with a teasing smile.
"So, Rias, any second thoughts about your decision to focus on training instead of recruiting?" she asked, her voice carrying a playful lilt.
Rias glanced at her friend, a slight frown crossing her face. "Not really. It's the right choice, even if it's not easiest. But I'll admit, I'm still a little uncertain about how to approach it."
Akeno chuckled softly. "That's why you have me. I'll make sure we stay on track. Besides," she added with a mischievous glint, "it'll be nice to see everyone sweat a little for a change."
Rias rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You enjoy this far too much."
They continued their walk, the old schoolhouse looming closer. Unlike the main buildings, it had a slightly eerie charm, with its weathered exterior and ivy creeping along the walls. Yet, it held a special significance for the Occult Research Club, serving as their base of operations and a haven for Rias and her peerage.
They spotted two familiar figures waiting just outside the clubroom door as they approached the entrance. Kiba Yuuto stood casually with his arms crossed, his blonde hair catching the sunlight, while Toujou Koneko leaned against the wall. Her petite frame was relaxed, but her sharp eyes were ever observant.
"Good evening, Yuuto, Koneko," Rias greeted warmly, her voice carrying an air of authority tempered with kindness.
Kiba straightened up, offering a polite smile. "Good evening, Buchou. Akeno-senpai."
Koneko gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "Good evening."
Akeno's smile widened as she waved at them. "It's good to see you both. Have you been waiting long?"
"Not really," Kiba replied. "We finished our classes early and decided to wait here."
Rias nodded approvingly before stepping forward to unlock the clubroom door. The familiar creak of the hinges echoed softly as she pushed it open, revealing the cozy interior of the Occult Research Club. The room was furnished with comfortable chairs, a large wooden desk at the center, bookshelves lined with ancient tomes, and a small table with a tea set in one corner.
Rias stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the room. Everything was in its usual place, a testament to Akeno's meticulous care. She moved to her desk and settled into her chair, exhaling softly as she leaned back. Meanwhile, Akeno busied herself preparing tea for everyone, her movements precise and graceful.
A few minutes later, Akeno placed a steaming cup of tea in front of each member, earning murmurs of thanks. Kiba took his cup with a polite nod, while Koneko simply reached for hers and sipped it quietly, her expression as neutral as ever. Once Akeno had served everyone, she took her seat beside Rias.
Rias let her gaze drift over her peerage, a small smile playing on her lips. She felt a surge of pride as she looked at them—each had their strengths and quirks, but they were united under her banner. However, she knew unity alone wouldn't be enough for the challenges ahead.
Clearing her throat, she straightened in her chair. "Thank you all for being here. There's something important I want to discuss that will shape how we move forward in the future."
Kiba and Koneko exchanged curious glances but said nothing, waiting for her to continue. Akeno, ever the supportive friend, offered an encouraging smile.
Rias took a deep breath before speaking. "Starting today and for the foreseeable future, we'll dedicate more time to training. I've realized that while we've made progress, we're not yet where we need strength and preparedness. If we want to achieve our goals, we must push ourselves harder."
Kiba's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "Training?" he repeated, his tone polite but curious. "I don't mean to question your decision, Buchou, but this is the first time you've emphasized it like this. May I ask what brought this on?"
Rias met his gaze, her expression steady. "It's about the future," she explained. "You all know how important it is for me to break free from my engagement with Riser. To do that, I must prove that my peerage and I are strong enough to stand independently. That means we can't just rely on recruiting new members—we need to grow stronger ourselves."
Kiba nodded thoughtfully, his respect for Rias evident in his expression. "I see. That's a noble goal. I'll do my best to support you."
Koneko, who had been quietly sipping her tea, set her cup down and looked at Rias. "What about recruiting, Buchou?" she asked in her usual blunt manner. "You were considering that boy, Hyoudou-senpai."
At the mention of Issei's name, Kiba's expression shifted, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "Ah, Hyoudou-kun. The rumors about him certainly make him... memorable."
Rias sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Yes, about that. I've been reconsidering my decision to recruit him. His Sacred Gear is undeniably powerful, but his reputation is... concerning."
Koneko nodded in agreement, her sharp gaze unwavering. "He's a pervert," she stated flatly.
Kiba chuckled awkwardly. "That's putting it mildly. But I understand your hesitation, Buchou. If you're uncertain about him, it's better to wait until you're sure."
Rias looked around the room, her eyes lingering on each member. "Does anyone have any objections to this decision? If you believe recruiting him is worth the risk, I will hear you out."
Silence filled the room as her peerage considered her words. Akeno, who had been watching the exchange with quiet amusement, finally spoke up. "I think your instincts are correct, Rias. If Hyoudou-kun isn't the right fit, it's better to focus on ourselves for now."
Koneko and Kiba nodded in agreement, their expressions serious. Seeing no objections, Rias felt a wave of relief. She had been worried that her hesitation about Issei might be seen as indecision, but her peerage's support reassured her that she was making the right choice.
"Thank you," Rias said, her voice warm. "I'm glad we're all on the same page. Let's focus on our individual tasks for now, but keep this in mind—training starts this Saturday."
The declaration set the tone for the days ahead. Kiba's eyes lit up with determination, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he processed the news. Koneko, as stoic as ever, gave a small nod, her golden eyes betraying a flicker of focus and resolve. Akeno, seated gracefully beside Rias, maintained her signature serene smile, though the glint in her violet eyes hinted at her anticipation for what was to come.
As the club members discussed their plans for the week leading up to their training, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Casual chatter gave way to purposeful conversation, the weight of Rias's decision invigorating them with a shared sense of direction.
Rias couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence as she looked at her peerage. This wasn't just about training—it was about building a future, strengthening their bonds, and preparing for the battles ahead. Together, they would rise to meet every challenge.
For now, the week stretched before them as an opportunity to prepare. But come Saturday, their journey toward becoming an even stronger peerage would truly begin.