DxD: Wrong Way

Rumble.

The tree trunks splintered, and dust flew into the air.

Hatada Tetsuya had knocked down several large trees, each as thick as three people hugging, yet he hadn't even grazed the corner of Aoki's clothes.

Panting heavily, he stopped and glared fiercely at Aoki.

"Who is a man if he hides and buries himself like a flea? Continue as before and advance head-on!"

Aoki looked at Hatada Tetsuya with contempt, as if regarding an idiot.

"You have a twisted mind; don't assume everyone is like you."

Aoki wished he could whistle a little longer; Tetsuya Hatada's second-stage transformation couldn't last much longer.

If it could, he wouldn't have resorted to using this skill after being beaten to the point of doubting his own life.

"How long can you maintain this state?"

Aoki asked while recovering his physical strength and magic power.

"If you can hold out for ten more minutes, I'll admit defeat."

Hatada Tetsuya's already ugly face grew even uglier.

He realized that Aoki was also employing an unsustainable method to avoid attacks.

While Aoki might be able to last ten minutes, he certainly couldn't; even five minutes would be pushing it.

Seeing Hatada Tetsuya's face darken brought Aoki joy.

If Tetsuya didn't say anything and attacked again, he would have to consider whether to convince him otherwise.

In truth, the magic power within Aoki wasn't enough to last for another ten minutes—at most seven or eight.

He needed to gather his strength later.

"Surrendering in the middle of battle is disgraceful," Aoki continued to stall for time.

"If you admit defeat now, we can let this matter go."

Although Tetsuya Hatada wasn't particularly bright, he wasn't stupid either; he could see that Aoki was stalling for time but genuinely didn't want to continue fighting because he simply couldn't touch Aoki.

Suppressing his anger, Hatada said, "You were the one who initiated this trouble! Do you really expect me to just let it go?"

"What? Are you expecting me to apologize?"

Aoki raised an eyebrow and calmed down slightly; it seemed like the other party was truly in trouble.

Hatada clenched his fists, desperately wanting to fight but ultimately holding back as the duration of his skill was about to expire.

"Ahem…"

The two stood there staring at each other for a moment until Hatada collapsed onto the ground, coughing up blood before slowly transforming back into human form.

"Tsk tsk, so short on time yet you still have the nerve to embarrass yourself," Aoki remarked as he kicked Hatada's leg.

After confirming that his opponent wasn't cheating and truly couldn't get up again, he felt completely relieved.

Hatada wanted to retaliate but found himself too weak even to speak.

Once the duration of his skill expired, he would be nearly incapacitated; at that point, Aoki killing him would be no different from squashing an ant.

That's why he had borrowed a donkey to go down the hill.

"It was a little exciting but not quite like bullying bad guys"

Aoki sighed with excitement.

Winning may not have looked impressive, but in the end, it was still a victory a 1v1 victory at that! As for dealing with the other two third-year students…

Keeping secrets well and preferred a long-term approach while waiting for developments.

Ignoring Tetsuya Hatada lying on the ground like a defeated dog, Aoki walked over to Hyoudou Issei, who remained stunned throughout the ordeal.

"Hyoudou-san."

"…"

"Hyoudou-san!"

"…"

"Hyoudou-san!!!"

"Ah! I'm here!"

Hyoudou Issei finally snapped back to reality with a start.

Aoki pouted; if there was no response soon enough, he would resort to physical awakening methods.

"I know today's events have greatly impacted you."

He patted Hyoudou on the shoulder with a friendly expression and added with a smile

"I still have some matters to attend to now. If you want to know anything later on, feel free to come see me tomorrow."

"Ah… oh! Don't worry; I'll keep it a secret!"

Hyoudou Issei covered his mouth seriously as if vowing confidentiality.

"Uh… Actually, it's fine if you share"

Aoki scratched his head awkwardly.

"Because no one else will believe it anyway."

Hyoudou Issei: "…"

"Of course, it's better if you keep it under wraps."

Aoki subconsciously glanced at his arm—if Sekiryuutei's caged hand hadn't completed its stay…

It was a showdown; Aoki also desired a Loginus Sacred Gear....

Unbeknownst to Hyoudou Issei what thoughts occupied Aoki's mind at that moment—he simply wanted peace and quiet at home now.

"Well… Since Uesugi-kun is still busy, I'll take my leave first. My mother is waiting for me at home for dinner."

"Oh, okay," Aoki replied casually.

"Do you need me to see you off?"

"No need!" Hyoudou Issei shook his head vigorously upon seeing blood stains on Aoki's body.

Aoki waved goodbye and turned around in search of Tetsuya Hatada again—there was no rush in dealing with the God-killing Team; settling immediate matters took precedence first.

Just as Aoki grabbed Hatada Tetsuya by the ankle and dragged him away like a lifeless dog, Hyoudou Issei turned around hesitantly.

Aoki: [?_???]

"Um… Uesugi-san? I don't know how to get out…"

Hyoudou Issei looked forlornly worried that Tetsuya Hatada might claim they were part of the same group together—if he couldn't find his way out soon enough… returning home would become impossible!

Aoki patted him reassuringly on the shoulder in understanding.

"Then come along with me."

He intended on taking Tetsuya Hatada back toward Occult Research Department for further questioning anyway.

Hyoudou Issei cautiously eyed the extremely weakened Hatada Tetsuya; upon noticing that his opponent showed no signs of resistance whatsoever—he quickly nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.

"By the way," Aoki asked casually while they walked together through idle chatter between them both: "Why were you here today with Tetsuya Hatada?"

Hyoudou Issei froze mid-step as cold sweat broke out across his forehead—if Aoki discovered that he had come here specifically intending on helping Hatada Tetsuya…

There'd be high chances he'd leave without being able-bodied afterward!

Dragging Tetsuya Hatada along behind him using only one hand left free made things all too easy for conversation purposes:

"That… um…"

After hesitating extensively without finding any good excuse whatsoever

Hyoudou Issei ultimately decided honesty would serve best instead!

Aoki didn't care one bit about whether or not Hyoudou Issei assisted Hatada during their earlier confrontation—it wouldn't make any difference in this battle regardless!

"I'll head over toward club next then," said Aoki cheerfully addressing Hyoudou once more before continuing onward ahead confidently without hesitation whatsoever!

"I know where everything else leads from here!" exclaimed Hyoudou excitedly glancing toward club building looming directly ahead nearby!

As soon as they exited magic barrier surrounding area entering campus grounds proper—he felt compelled wanting nothing more than escape fearing repercussions stemming from siding alongside Hatada Tetsuya earlier today!

After sending Hyoudou Issei away safely enough

He allowed Shinra Tsubaki along Himejima Akeno appear shortly thereafter right beside him once again!

Shinra looked confused asking curiously: "Aoki? Why didn't we reveal ourselves sooner before that person?"

"Don't we need do much help taking people away?" Himejima chimed in expressing her own curiosity too: "You should really seek treatment immediately!"

Waving dismissively while shrugging nonchalantly replied:

"It's just minor wounds—I'll manage fine! But if anyone sees us here? Word spreading could lead trouble later down line!"

"Tetsuya Hatada specifically brought an ordinary person here—it must've been part of some plan!" Though unable speak anymore due current condition

Hatada couldn't help but mentally complain hearing those words spoken aloud instead!

His thoughts became crystal clear realizing previous worries proved correct indeed…

Sure enough—a woman stood behind this cute boy after all! Hadn't been for Hyoudou Issei showing up unexpectedly?

He likely wouldn't even gotten chance engage in 1V1 match today whatsoever!

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