I Sealed Sukuna’s Finger#501+502: Asia: Approve! What I Say Is the Rule

Bokue rarely interfered with the girls' wishes—an indisputable fact.

So this was probably his first time offering his own reference opinion at such a formal occasion.

Accept the Holy Sword. This was Bokue's suggestion.

"Accept... it?"

Irina blinked.

"Well, from my perspective I also hope you can genuinely sign this peace agreement."

Bokue still propped his cheek, voice drifting faintly.

"Otherwise constantly fighting back and forth... would also annoy me."

"I agree with this!"

Words just falling—beside the meeting table, Serafall raised her small hand high with shining eyes.

"After all, if truly constantly fighting, I'd have no time filming my magical girl TV series. So peace is definitely better."

"Serafall..."

Beside her, Sirzechs could only manage a strained smile.

Though in daily life he wasn't particularly dignified, serious, or enjoyed displaying authority—at least at formal occasions, restrain yourself slightly, right?

"Then... I'll accept it."

After brief consideration, Irina still extended her hand, accepting Mimic Holy Sword from Michael before solemnly bowing thanks.

"Thank you, Michael-sama."

"No need for thanks. As I said, the one who should apologize and thank you for forgiveness is me."

Michael's face still radiated warm gentle smile.

Then he finally looked toward Asia—still holding both hands clasped before her chest, seemingly somewhat nervous.

"Asia-san, regarding the unjust treatment you suffered, I still haven't figured out proper compensation. But if you can accept—would Asia-san be willing to reincarnate as an angel?"

"An... angel?!"

These words barely out—beside her, Irina nearly dropped the just-received Mimic Holy Sword from shock.

That was reincarnating from human to angel! Even throughout the entire Church, couldn't pick out many such cases—extremely rare.

At least so far, she'd never personally witnessed any Church believer selected for angel reincarnation.

Most believers basically stopped at exorcist level. Becoming Holy Sword wielders like her was already extremely rare. Being selected for angel reincarnation was the rarest of rare.

For Asia—previously just some remote region's Church saint—that was nearly impossible.

Using Underworld as example: originally you were just some devil squad captain within seventy-two pillar high-class devil noble territory. Then one day suddenly informed you possessed your own territory, becoming existence on equal footing with seventy-two pillar nobility.

The span between was imaginable.

"This..."

Asia obviously understood this point too. Her mouth opened slightly, eyes showing extreme shock.

To those unaware of internal circumstances, perhaps this seemed like compensatory promotion. But for Asia and Michael, so-called angel reincarnation was conversely the least important compensation.

Truly important... was vindication.

Proving she'd never betrayed the Church. Proving the Church's expulsion of her essentially stemmed from ignorant malicious slander.

Though Asia herself had said she no longer cared about what the Church did to her, as a girl with sensitive delicate thoughts—saying "no longer care" was essentially deceiving and hypnotizing herself.

Even the most carefree person, upon suffering false accusations—though usually not thinking about it felt fine—once late at night involuntarily recalling, would still feel like something stuck in the throat.

"By the way, even after reincarnating as angel, Asia-san won't be required to go to Heaven."

Michael continued sincerely.

"You, plus Irina Shidou-san and Xenovia Quarta-san can all continue living anywhere you wish—as diplomatic envoys communicating between mortal realm and Heaven."

"Plus, Asia-san, you already possess power. After reincarnating as angel, you can further strengthen your Sacred Gear usage and your own power."

Simply put—only benefits, no drawbacks.

This...

Asia still hesitated somewhat. Her gaze involuntarily glanced toward the young man's direction at the meeting table's main seat.

She also hoped Bokue could say something to her like he'd suggested to Irina earlier.

"Then agree."

Eh?

Voice came—but wasn't Bokue's voice.

Asia instinctively turned toward the sound. What met her eyes was Irina's cheerfully smiling face.

"Well, I'm just thinking Bokue would definitely say the same, right?"

After saying this, she even raised eyebrows while glancing meaningfully toward Bokue's direction.

"That naturally still depends on what Asia herself thinks."

Bokue shrugged.

"But there's no downside anyway, right?"

"Mmm..."

Hesitating slightly once more, Asia ultimately still nodded.

Indeed. This way both resolved heart knots while strengthening her abilities to help Bokue-san more. Naturally best.

"I agree."

She said.

Michael smiled and nodded: "If that's the case, let's begin here. Won't take too long anyway."

As he spoke, he raised his hand, pressing emptily atop Asia's head. Golden warm radiance blossomed from his palm.

Whoosh—!

Breaking air sounds came. A pair of pure white wings suddenly unfurled from behind the blonde girl. A halo radiating golden radiance formed atop Asia's head.

"This way it's done."

Michael lowered his hand.

"Wow..."

Asia—not even recovered yet—curiously turned to look at wings on both sides behind her. Then she raised her hand to touch the halo atop her head, still looking completely incredulous.

"This way our household is complete."

Rias casually smiled teasingly.

But the next second, Akeno's smiling voice transmitted from beside her.

"Buchou?"

"Uh... oh, sorry Akeno."

Rias—still showing faint smile moments ago—after glancing at her good friend beside her immediately turned to apologize.

Why apologize?

This question just arose in Asia's heart. But before she could inquire why—

Just then, footsteps came from behind—outside the meeting room door's corridor—plus arriving simultaneously was a certain Fallen Angel Governor's classic middle-aged laugh.

"Sorry, sorry! You've all arrived already? I was slightly delayed by some matters—truly sorry... ara? This formation—did I miss something?"

While speaking, Azazel came to the meeting room entrance. Upon entering and looking inside, he happened to see Asia with angel wings spread plus Archangel Michael standing before the girl. He froze slightly.

"No problem. We just finished here too."

Rias was about to turn and speak, but inadvertently glimpsed her good friend's expression instantly turning cold as ice.

What's happening?

The red-haired girl looked toward the doorway.

Besides Azazel who'd just arrived, she saw behind him—as usual like a bodyguard—White Dragon Emperor Vali, plus... another somewhat taciturn middle-aged man.

<><><><><><><><>

"Since you've arrived, come in and sit."

While Azazel still lingered at the meeting room entrance, Bokue at the main seat inside spoke.

The young man's voice wasn't loud—even his tone somewhat light.

But Azazel—having just reached the meeting room entrance—immediately terminated conversation and turned back, waving with a happy smile like seeing family.

"Yo! So Bokue already arrived too. Sorry, sorry—truly made everyone wait. We're coming right now."

With that, he took the lead entering the meeting room. Behind him, the cold-expressioned silver-haired youth and taciturn middle-aged man followed closely.

...Hmm?

Bokue had already withdrawn his gaze, waiting for Azazel to be seated. But just then, he suddenly felt a gaze falling upon him.

Carrying traces of scrutiny.

??

Out of curiosity, Bokue directly followed that scrutinizing gaze backward.

What met his eyes was the taciturn middle-aged man who'd been following behind Azazel since entering.

Bokue wasn't the type who'd think others sought death from a single glance.

But using scrutinizing gazes on a never-before-met person at first meeting—what was this?

Furrowing his brow slightly, Bokue directly stopped Azazel—who'd been preparing to circle behind him toward the meeting table's other side to sit beside Michael.

"Azazel."

"Hmm? What is it, Bokue?"

Called by name, Azazel immediately stopped.

"Nothing. Just somewhat curious."

Bokue leaned his upper body back against the chair, hands interlaced before him. Raising his head toward the Fallen Angel Governor positioned directly behind him, his gaze swept past to glance at the middle-aged male Fallen Angel behind.

"Is it necessary bringing this many bodyguards? Both White Dragon Emperor and this person..."

The young man deliberately drew out his tone slightly here.

Azazel immediately understood, smiling: "Oh, actually it's like this. Sorry—kept forgetting introductions. Originally I planned only bringing Vali. As for this person, he's one of my capable subordinates named Baraqiel. Coming to Itogami Island with me this time isn't to be my bodyguard, but because of other matters."

Then he added another line.

"Ah, if Bokue thinks it won't work, I can also have him wait outside first. Signing a treaty should finish quickly anyway."

"No need."

Bokue made an "oh" sound, withdrawing his gaze and shaking his head.

"Just asking. Sit down."

"Then I'll respectfully comply."

Smiling again, Azazel circled to the meeting table's other side, coming beside Michael to pull out a chair and sit comfortably. While sitting, his mouth still muttered continuously.

"Oh my, truly nostalgic, Michael. We haven't sat at the same table for who knows how long."

"Eh? Really?"

The golden-haired twelve-winged Archangel looked puzzled.

"My impression is last month when you came discussing peace talks with me, we just..."

"Oh, saying it that way is true too."

Azazel slapped his forehead with a laugh.

"Though truly surprising. Previously everyone fought tooth and nail daily. Never expected we'd ultimately still have a day sitting down shaking hands reconciling."

"Though true, doing this is indeed the solution most aligned with our respective interests."

Michael's face still radiated gentle smile.

"Exactly so."

Words just falling—Sirzechs, who'd been silent since earlier, also spoke.

"After all, besides us, this world still has many other mythological systems. Prolonged war benefits none of us—only gives others opportunities to exploit."

"Precisely! If constantly fighting wars, definitely I'd have no time filming magical girl series! Your sister takes this seriously!"

Serafall clenched her small fists earnestly, mind still dwelling on her beloved magical girl series.

Haah~

Bokue covered his mouth, yawning silently before lightly snapping fingers.

Snap.

Like magic—with the snap, a contract materialized from thin air in the young man's hand under [Matter Reconstruction]'s power.

Plus, four ballpoint pens appeared simultaneously.

"Next, just sign your names on it."

Bokue tossed ballpoint pens along the tabletop—one per person rolling before the other four. Then he pushed the contract toward Sirzechs.

Though the contract hadn't reached his own position, currently not one person at tableside was weak. With Azazel's eyesight, forget across one table—even separated by kilometers, he could still clearly see the paper's text.

Only one short line: [May the Underworld, Heaven, and Fallen Angels coexist peacefully hereafter.]

"This... truly quite a simple contract."

Azazel stroked his chin's short beard teasingly.

"Plus, the wording feels slightly soft. Feels like it could be more forceful, then add more stipulations and such. Otherwise, if accidentally exploited for loopholes later..."

The Fallen Angel Governor's words stopped here—suddenly no longer continuing.

Because he discovered Bokue at the main seat looking sideways at him.

"Want to try exploiting loopholes now?"

"Mmm... no thanks."

❁❁❁❁

The Three Factions conference continued. Meanwhile, at the Keystone Gate's peak in central Itogami Island—Yasaka Shrine.

Autumn morning's bright sunlight transmitted through paper windows into the Japanese-style room. Yasaka—originally holding Female Physiological Knowledge while conducting bridal training for her daughter—suddenly felt inexplicable fluctuations. She couldn't help stopping her explanation, raising her head somewhat stunned.

"What's wrong, Mom?"

Kunou had been listening with great interest. Seeing her mother suddenly stop with some vigilance, she also puzzledly looked around.

But Yasaka didn't immediately answer. Just muttered puzzledly.

"Strange, why did the barrier suddenly..."

Then the golden-haired beautiful woman suddenly rose, setting down her book and walking to the room entrance. Pulling open the door, she raised her voice slightly toward another bedroom directly connected through the outside corridor interior.

"Sister! I have urgent business—must immediately go to Bokue's side! Please watch the house first!"

After speaking, as if extremely urgent, unable to wait for Hagoromo-Gitsune's reply, she vanished from the shrine in a flash.

Scene switch—the second after leaving the shrine, Yasaka had already appeared in Saikai Academy's meeting room.

The golden-haired beautiful woman's sudden appearance made Bokue—originally at the meeting table's main seat waiting for Michael and others to sign the contract one by one—instinctively direct his gaze.

"Eh? Why did you suddenly come over, Yasaka-neesan?"

"Problem occurred. For unknown reasons, my barrier originally covering all Itogami Island was suddenly infiltrated just now..."

Yasaka rapidly came beside the young man. Having walked too urgently, she even accidentally bumped into Kuroka—also standing behind Bokue.

This made the nekomata girl immediately furrow her brows slightly. Her two cat tails behind swayed displeasedly.

"Hey hey, don't push me. First come, first served, understand..."

Words unfinished—outside the meeting room window, the sky instantly darkened.

Massive spatial magic power fluctuations spread above Itogami Island. Countless teleportation magic circles simultaneously deployed in the sky above, blocking out sun and sky.