"If your sister did all of that to protect you… then everything makes sense."

Rias spoke softly, her calm voice weaving gently into the silence.

"After the incident, there was a quiet internal investigation. We found traces of evidence supporting the theory. That household was dismantled and judged within the Underworld's system. But… to avoid political and social fallout, the details were never made public."

"Experiments like that... yeah, they're not uncommon," Akira added with a quiet nod.

Human experimentation wasn't something unheard of in this world. Even the Church, wrapped in its holy image, was far from clean.

Take the Holy Sword Project, for example—where children with potential compatibility were selected, then forced through painful experiments to fuse with Sacred Swords.

The project had since been refined and "standardized," but its early stages were nothing less than blood-soaked sacrifices.

Nowhere was truly "pure." Not Heaven, not the Angels. Even they had their sins.

Just look at Asia Argento. Cast out of the Church by none other than Archangel Michael himself—her Sacred Gear, Smile of the Holy Mother, deemed too precious and too dangerous. For the sake of balance, she was exiled… and nearly killed by Fallen Angels.

"Why… Buchou… why didn't you ever tell me?" Koneko's voice trembled.

"And… why is my sister still labeled a criminal in the Underworld?"

"Koneko… it's complicated," Rias replied gently. "The family that raised you had strong ties to certain political factions. Even my brother—a Maou—couldn't intervene easily. All we could do… was protect you."

"…Onee-sama…"

At last, the tears she had held back for so long began to fall.

One by one, they streamed down her cheeks—crystalline droplets of pain, regret, and longing.

And for the first time, something changed in the atmosphere around them. A subtle warmth spread through the space, soft and quiet.

As if the invisible wall around Koneko's heart… had finally begun to crack.

Akira said nothing in response to Rias' words. He just stood there, silent.

Because while most of what Rias said was true… it wasn't the whole truth.

Seventy percent fact.

Thirty percent omission.

The deeper reality behind it—the shadowy involvement of the Underworld's higher circles—couldn't be denied.

Those experiments were likely never the ambition of one family alone. No, they were part of something broader. A systematic and organized effort, likely backed—at least quietly—by elite figures.

To claim that Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the most powerful beings in existence, lacked the power to intervene... was a stretch.

Sirzechs' true strength rivaled the likes of a God of Destruction. Even the most stubborn High-Class Devils and political councils moved carefully around him.

If he truly wanted to shut down those experiments… he could've done it.

But he didn't.

Not because he couldn't.

But because there was no reason urgent enough—for him—to get directly involved.

And perhaps... just perhaps... to allow Rias to gain a powerful Rook. A loyal one. A broken girl with nowhere else to go, who would cling to Rias like a lifeline.

In Devil society, reputation meant everything. Kuroka's murder of her master had nearly dragged Koneko down with her. Even as a child, Koneko had been viewed with suspicion. With contempt.

But Rias… she extended her hand anyway.

In the midst of prejudice and fear, she offered warmth.

And from that kindness, unwavering loyalty was born. A bond stronger than any contract—a peerage member willing to risk everything for her King.

Akira understood that. Deeply.

And because he understood, he chose to say nothing more.

If he had been in Sirzechs' place… he might have made the same choice.

Supporting your little sister by placing someone truly devoted at her side?

Strategically, it made perfect sense.

Then suddenly—

A ripple in the air.

From within Koneko, still held in Rias' arms, a powerful surge of Youki burst forth—natural and unrestrained.

Like a dam finally breaking, the energy that had been suppressed for so long came pouring out.

It wasn't wild or violent. Instead, it flowed with gentle harmony, resonating with the surrounding nature—as if the earth itself welcomed its return.

The essence of the wild. The whisper of forest winds. The heartbeat of spring soil.

It was pure Youkai energy—refined, controlled, and deeply rooted in the natural world.

And with that, Koneko's strength skyrocketed—shattering the limits she'd placed on herself for so long.

Snow-white cat ears emerged atop her head, twitching slightly. A fluffy tail of the same color swayed behind her.

This was her true form.

Koneko—descendant of the Nekomata, the last of her kind—had finally begun to accept the heritage she once feared.

But this transformation didn't spark chaos. No.

It brought peace.

It was as if the power sleeping deep within her had finally been acknowledged—and welcomed.

In the middle of the field, under the astonished gazes of everyone present, Akira stood quietly.

Watching it all unfold.

Finally…

She'd let it out.

A small smile formed on his lips.

To some, it might seem like just a small step forward.

But for Koneko…

It was a giant leap toward a future no longer shadowed by fear.

She was no longer a frightened girl, hiding behind walls of silence and trauma.

She was beginning to stand—

On her own two feet.

With her own strength.

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