DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 185: Just Politics! ] (Patreon)

Ingvild looked up at him, concern etched on her face. "Should we wait for an opportune moment to retrieve him, then?"

"No... we don't have the luxury of time. Saji needs to learn how to harness Vritra's powers. His training takes precedence over everything else. Screw it... I'll just go get him," Issei declared, determination glinting in his eyes.

As they walked together through the school, they garnered a few curious glances from fellow students. Most likely, they were wondering why Issei was not in his school uniform and why Ingvild was accompanying him.

"Should I wait near the entrance, Issei?" Ingvild asked, seeking clarification.

"Yeah... the fewer questions they ask, the better. I won't be long," Issei affirmed before they bid each other farewell, each heading towards their respective destinations.

As Issei made his way towards the Student Council room, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Rias and Akeno, who seemed visibly distressed and wore expressions of concern. Their surprise at his presence at school was evident as they looked at him.

Rias voiced her confusion, her voice tinged with worry. "Issei-kun? Why aren't you in your uniform? Kiba mentioned that you weren't in class earlier, and your human friends are absent too... Is something wrong?"

"I have something important to attend to," Issei replied cryptically, choosing not to elaborate.

"Are you searching for Sona?" Rias inquired, her curiosity piqued as she and Akeno started following him, much to his annoyance.

Ignoring their presence, Issei reached the door of the Student Council room and pushed it open without bothering to knock. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the sight of the Sitri devils engaged in what seemed like a meeting. The tension in the air indicated that Saji might have shared something with them.

Saji himself appeared startled by Issei's sudden appearance. Sona quickly addressed Issei, concern etched on her face. "Hyoudou-kun, is there something you need?"

Issei jerked his head, motioning for Saji to follow him. Without hesitation, Saji rose from his seat and walked over to Issei's side.

Confusion crossed Tsubaki's face as she asked, "Saji? Where are you going?"

"He and I have some business to take care of," Issei finally responded, his tone indicating his urgency.

Sona's worry deepened as she stood up. "Wait! You're not planning to harm him, are you?"

"I'll be fine, President," Saji reassured, offering no further explanation.

Anxiety now etched on her features, Sona implored, "Issei-san, please! Tell us what's happening."

Issei didn't acknowledge her plea, instead fixing his gaze on Saji. "What's with the somber atmosphere in here?"

"It's just politics, Issei. Kokabiel, one of the Fallen Angel Cadre, recently launched an attack on our territory in the Underworld. He had assistance from allies within the Old Satan Faction. They hunted down and killed the nine guardians who hold the key fragments to Cocytus... The Maou are concerned, and it seems we're on the brink of war. Azazel, the leader of the Fallen Angels, contacted us afterward and warned that the Gremory and Sitri heirs are now in danger from Kokabiel," Saji explained.

Issei's expression turned dangerous as he regarded Saji. "I see... Well, let's go then."

"Saji, what is this?! What's happening?! Are you in trouble? Where is Issei-san taking you?" Sona's voice trembled with worry.

Looking at his concerned friends, Saji sighed. "I'm sorry, President... I can't disclose the details. But don't worry about Kokabiel. Issei will handle him."

"Is that true?!" Sona asked, her disbelief palpable as she stared at the seemingly unconventional hero.

Issei nodded firmly. "Yes... Just stay low and don't get involved."

Confusion etched on Tsubaki's face as she interjected, "But why do you need Saji?"

"Let's go," Issei commanded, his voice brooking no argument, as he walked out of the room.

Rias and Akeno stood in the doorway, blocking the exit, but Issei paid them no heed as he walked straight through, his focus firmly set on the impending task at hand.

Ignoring the concerned voices of their friends, Saji steadfastly followed Issei down the hallway. However, Akeno couldn't hold back her curiosity and called out to them. "Please, Issei, just tell us... Is Vali Lucifer involved in all of this?"

Issei halted, his gaze turning back to Akeno. "Don't get involved, or you'll be putting your lives at risk. I won't be able to protect you if you interfere. This is dragon business..."

Akeno and Rias exchanged horrified looks as Issei indirectly confirmed their suspicions. Without uttering another word, the duo resumed their journey, leaving their friends behind.

Once Issei and Saji were out of sight, Rias and Akeno reentered the Student Council room, their minds filled with confusion and concern. Rias shook her head in disbelief. "What on earth is happening?"

Tsubaki adjusted her glasses and let out a heavy sigh. "I'm not sure, but it's genuinely worrisome to see Hyoudou-san getting involved like this. His friends didn't come to school, and he took Saji without providing any explanation."

"He explicitly told us not to interfere... But if that's the case, why does he need Genshirou-kun?" Akeno pondered aloud.

Sona paused, deep in thought. "Saji's sacred gear has a connection to the evil dragon Vritra. I recall him mentioning it as one of the five pieces."

"Considering Issei mentioned 'dragon business,' it does seem to align," Rias agreed, connecting the dots.

Momo, a hint of confusion in her voice, spoke up. "But I thought Issei-san didn't like Saji-kun. Why would he need him if he's already incredibly powerful?"

"I'm not sure, but we can't ignore this problem. We have a duty to report it to the Maou, even if Issei doesn't want us involved," Sona said solemnly, a sense of responsibility evident in her words.

Akeno expressed her distaste. "It's that Vali girl... I have a feeling she's aligned with the Old Satan Faction as well. The timing of the attack on the Cocytus guardians and the disappearance of those girls can't be a mere coincidence."