Rias noticed the change in Koneko's expression and felt a headache coming on. Are you specifically here to mess with my members' mental health? She half-expected him to pull out another letter. But Rias highly doubted that the illiterate-looking Stray Devil sister of Koneko's would ever write a letter.
Besides, if Rhode really produced a letter from Kuroka, his identity would become even more suspicious. Kuroka was currently an SS-class Stray Devil on the Underworld's most-wanted list, meaning she had killed at least two High-class Devils. If she were caught, it would be immediate execution.
"I don't like her," Koneko replied firmly, her body shivering slightly.
"Meow?!" The black cat lounging on Asia's lap suddenly looked up and let out a cry.
Rhode, having anticipated this, reached down and stroked the cat's head, forcefully petting her back into submission. "I suppose that makes sense. After all, she's mischievous and likes to hiss; she doesn't treat anyone like a master at all. You're so well-behaved, Koneko; it's only natural you wouldn't like a sister like that."
He gave a light chuckle and nodded. Sensing the cat beneath his hand starting to push back, he applied more pressure to keep her down.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Koneko asked coldly. She felt like Rhode was mocking her past. Even if she disliked her sister, she wouldn't take kindly to an outsider talking about her like that.
"Nothing much. It's just that when I was in Kyoto, I saw an injured black cat. she said she had a sister named Shirone who worked for a Devil. I figured she meant you."
Hearing that the "black cat" had been injured, Koneko's expression softened momentarily, and she looked at Rhode as if wanting to ask more, but she held back.
"Koneko, let's go," Rias said, seeing her member's emotional state. She immediately activated the teleportation circle and left, giving Rhode no chance to say "wait" a third time.
Once Rias and her group were gone, Rhode released his hold on Kuroka. With a burst of white light, the black cat instantly transformed into a beautiful young woman in a black kimono. She turned to Rhode, fuming.
"Why didn't you let me transform, nya?! Shirone was right there, nya!"
"You said you'd help me, nya! Are you going back on your word now, nya?!"
"I knew it! You're just like those stinky Devils, always breaking promises! Fine, I'll go by myself, nya!"
Seeing Shirone had made Kuroka's emotions run wild. She had wanted to reveal herself and reunite with her sister, but Rhode had suppressed her until they left. She scrambled to chase after them. However, she noticed that Rhode didn't even try to stop her. Instead, he just leaned back comfortably on the sofa between Asia and Lavinia, looking quite content.
"What's wrong? Aren't you going to chase them?"
"I am going to chase them, nya! But aren't you supposed to stand up and stop me, nya?" Kuroka blinked, looking confused.
"No need. If you want to go, go. Just be prepared to stay on the wanted list forever. Then it won't just be one stray black cat, but a white one added to the list too. Besides, I highly doubt Koneko wants to go with you right now."
Kuroka fell silent. She had heard Koneko's reaction. After she had killed her master, she had fled for her life and failed to take Koneko with her.
"I... I didn't mean to, nya! I had just killed that bad guy and other Devils were closing in! If I had stayed a second longer, I wouldn't have escaped, nya! If I had gone back for Shirone, we both would have been executed! By leaving alone, I could take all the blame myself... I didn't mean to abandon her, nya!"
Kuroka only had Shirone left in this world; she would never intentionally harm her sister. Rhode knew this, but reality was often harsher than ideals. Kuroka was a Nekomata, but she was still a cat at heart. And cats have their own "logic." Back then, Kuroka had been young and impulsive; provoked by her master, she had gone into a "feral" mode, her instincts taking over. Rhode believed she loved her sister, but she likely hadn't thought things through in the heat of the moment. By the time she realized her mistake, it was too late.
"If you try to reunite now, it will only deepen the misunderstanding," Rhode added. "And Rias isn't just going to let you take Shirone away. But if you can build a relationship with them first, you can explain everything properly in due time."
"Fine, I'll listen to you, nya," Kuroka said, drooping her head dejectedly.
"That's right, Miss Kuroka! If you're patient, I'm sure your sister will accept you again!" Asia cheered from the side.
"Now then, let's discuss the fact that you just hissed at me," Rhode said, a "kind" smile appearing on his face.
He couldn't be soft on a hissing cat, or she'd start thinking she was the master of the house.
"Eh? That... that was an accident, nya! I didn't mean it, nya!"
"I think you 'accidentally' meant it on purpose."
"Nooooo, nya!"
The night grew quiet. Fortunately, the soundproofing of the house was excellent; otherwise, anyone hearing Kuroka's cries might have thought a murder was taking place.
Half an hour later, Rhode rubbed his aching hands. Looking at Kuroka—who was now back in her black cat form, her bottom sore and red as she huddled tearfully in Asia's arms—he looked satisfied.
"If you do it again, the punishment time doubles. Also, from now on, no fish for a week."
"What?! No! Anything but that, nya!" Kuroka wailed, her cries more tragic than ever.
Rhode had no sympathy. If she dared to hiss today, she'd be trying to walk all over him tomorrow. She needed proper discipline. After dealing with her, Rhode picked a bedroom and went to sleep. He had a busy few days ahead; he might as well get some rest while there were no active quests.
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High School DxD : Reincarnated into the Multiverse, but it's High School DxD (131 Chapters – Ongoing)
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