C31:-HSDxD_FanFic_Meliodas

31. The Truth about Kuroka’s actions.

│1st Person POV of Meliodas│

[Underworld Realm, Zagan Territory, Border Guard Outpost…]

As we reached the top of the watchtower, the view of the vast Zagan Clan border stretched out before us. The edges of the farmlands blended into dense forests that marked the outskirts of our territory. Beyond the trees, the faint shimmer of magic barriers hinted at the invisible boundary lines that separated us from neighboring regions.

It didn’t take long after that for the group of High-Class Devils to emerge from the forest. Among them, a single figure stood out, radiating an aura of authority and arrogance.

The moment they breached the magical barriers, an alarm resonated throughout the outpost. However, thanks to Momo’s prior instructions, the alarm was swiftly deactivated, and no response team was dispatched to investigate.

The border barriers were designed solely to serve as detection systems, alerting the outpost to any unauthorized presence.

Deploying barriers capable of actively repelling Hell Beasts or other threats would require an immense amount of resources to sustain, making such measures impractical for widespread implementation.

Instead, the current system prioritized efficiency and relied on stationed guards to address any intrusions at a moment's notice.

“Stay here and observe,” I instructed Momo, glancing back at her. “This won’t take long.”

Before she could respond, I vanished in a flash of light, reappearing on the ground a bit far from the group. They froze as they sensed my presence, their confident steps faltering slightly when they realized who stood before them.

Although I had never revealed even a fraction of my true strength, the Underworld widely regarded my power to be at least on par with the High-Ultimate Class. This belief largely stemmed from Ajuka’s comment years ago, noting that my Demonic Power reserves had already approached the level of a Low-Ultimate Class Devil when I was just seven years old.

This reputation alone was enough to make this ragtag group of High-Class Devils uneasy the moment they laid eyes on me.

For a few moments, I simply observed them in silence, my gaze steady and unreadable. The tension in the air grew thicker with each passing second as they shifted uncomfortably under my scrutiny.

Some exchanged nervous glances, while others tried to maintain a facade of confidence, though the apprehension in their eyes betrayed them.

Finally, one of them, a tall Devil with burnt-orange hair and an insignia of the Naberius Clan embroidered on his cloak, stepped forward. He tried to mask his unease with a forced smile, bowing slightly before attempting to speak.

However, I didn’t allow him to speak. Keeping my hands casually tucked in my pockets, I began to close the distance between us with slow, deliberate steps.

At the same time, I unleashed a wave of Conqueror’s Haki, letting its oppressive aura radiate outward. With each step forward, I subtly increased the intensity, ensuring it pressed down on them with crushing weight while maintaining precise control to prevent them from losing consciousness.

The effect was immediate. The air grew heavy, and the surrounding terrain started to get damaged with cracks appearing on the trees, and even the ground beneath began fracturing.

A few among the group visibly flinched at this, their knees buckling, while others broke into a cold sweat. The confidence they once attempted to project crumbled as they struggled to even stand against the sheer force of my presence.

The crimson-haired Devil, now visibly trembling, tried to speak again, but his voice faltered, and no words came out. His companions weren’t faring any better either.

By the time I stopped a few paces away, all of them were forced to their knees, blood streaming from their noses, ears, and mouths. Their trembling bodies spoke of their agony, and their wide, terrified eyes begged for mercy as they couldn’t summon the strength to ask for it aloud.

I let the silence stretch for a moment longer, as I looked each of them in the eyes with an indifferent expression on my face.

Finally, I spoke up, my tone calm yet filled with authority, “It would take less than a second to snuff out your lives with just my aura. Keep this fact in mind the next time you even consider crossing my path.”

Before they could muster a response or even comprehend the gravity of my words, I intensified the pressure of my Conqueror’s Haki. The force was overwhelming—slamming them against the ground with a thunderous impact. Their bodies went limp as they succumbed to unconsciousness, leaving the forest in eerie silence once more.

Using Telekinesis, I lifted their limp bodies and effortlessly hurled them beyond the barrier.

In the next moment, I appeared beside Momo and instructed, “Keep watch over them until they regain consciousness and depart.”

“Understood, Master Meliodas,” Momo responded with a sharp nod, promptly reaching out to her subordinates to ensure the orders were executed.

‘Boss, Kuroka has been located. She’s now at XXXXXXX.’

Upon receiving this message from Aurora, I didn’t waste a moment to prepare the Teleportation Spell. At the same time, I looked at Momo and said, “I'll be on my way now. If anything comes up, reach out to me directly.”

Without waiting for a response, I activated the spell, and in the blink of an eye, I appeared near the location Aurora had reported.

Looking around, I surveyed the area casually. The environment was dense with towering trees and thick foliage, typical of a remote area of the Underworld.

Using my Observation Haki and Senjutsu, I detected the presence of a Nekoshou a few dozen meters away. Her heightened vigilance and tense posture suggested she was already aware of my arrival and was carefully assessing the situation.

I started making my way toward her, each step breaking the stillness of the forest as the faint sound of my footsteps echoed through the quiet surroundings.

Soon enough, her figure came into view. She was perched low on the ground, her ears twitching slightly as her sharp golden eyes tracked my approach. Her dark hair framed her feline features, and her two tails swished with a mix of tension and readiness.

Stopping a short distance away, I held my hands out in a non-threatening manner and spoke in a calm, steady voice, “I’m not here to harm you. I simply wish to talk.”

Kuroka stayed quiet, her sharp golden eyes fixed on me. She didn’t make a move to attack, likely because her experience with Senjutsu had already told her she was no match for me. Initiating a fight wouldn’t be in her best interest.

I kept my gaze steady as I raised my right hand to the side. With a simple thought, I gathered life energy into my palm and released it in a controlled burst, the force rippling through the air and lighting up the dark forest for a moment.

BOOM—!!

A massive crater now marred the ground a few hundred meters to my right, the surrounding trees completely obliterated.

“As you can see, I know how to use Senjutsu too and I am rather proficient in it, if I do say so myself,” I said calmly, drawing Kuroka’s attention back to me. "And I can tell that you haven’t been corrupted by the world’s malice or lost your mind. So, tell me—why did you kill your King?"

Her ears flicked, and her tail swished behind her, a subtle reaction that showed she was considering my words. She still didn’t speak, but her guarded posture eased just slightly, a small sign I might be getting through to her.

“I’m not here to hurt you, Kuroka,” I added, my tone softer but firm. “I just want to know the truth. And maybe, I can even help you and your sister get out of this situation.”

“My sister? What happened to Shirone?!” Kuroka’s voice finally broke through the silence, filled with panic and desperation as her eyes widened in alarm.

“She’s been captured by the Naberius Clan,” I explained, “They’ve called for a Council Meeting where they intend to hold her accountable for your actions. Their plan is to label her as a future threat and execute her under that pretense.”

Kuroka’s agitation grew visibly, her hands balling into fists as her tail lashed behind her. The worry in her eyes deepened, replaced by a flicker of rage. “Those bastards… Shirone had nothing to do with this! She’s just a child! She wasn’t even in the Peerage of that bastard!”

I nodded, my expression calm as I responded, “Which is exactly why I’m here as I sensed something amiss with the situation.

“Not just me, even the Satans sensed that something about this incident is fishy, but to help you sisters, I need your cooperation.”

Taking a deep breath, Kuroka steadied her emotions, an easy feat for her because of her mastery of Senjutsu. Her agitated aura shifted to one of calm determination as she locked eyes with me, nodding slightly before beginning to explain.

As her words unfolded, it became clear that my hypothesis was correct.

Kuroka’s King had been conducting experiments on her with the aim of researching ways to create Super Devils like Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Rizevim Livan Lucifer.

These experiments pushed Kuroka to her limits, forcing her to delve deeply into her natural talent in the arts of Senjutsu and Youjutsu. The rapid development of her Demonic Power and Life Force was not born of opportunity but of necessity—a survival mechanism to endure the torment she had been subjected to.

The breaking point came when her King turned his attention to Shirone. His intent was to subject the younger Nekoshou to similar experiments, hoping to force her to awaken her own latent talent in Senjutsu.

However, Shirone’s young age meant that she wasn’t quite capable of tapping into her potential as a Nekoshou to handle the malice of the world, risking the chance of going out of control.

Kuroka’s voice trembled slightly as she recounted the moment she decided to act, “I couldn’t let that happen. Shirone… She's just a child. I had to protect her. So, I killed him. I didn’t have a choice.”

Her golden eyes, once alight with fury, now reflected a mix of sadness and resolve. It was clear she had no regrets about protecting her sister, even if it meant becoming a fugitive.

I nodded in understanding. “You did what you had to do. No one can fault you for protecting your family, especially from such monstrosity. But now, we have to ensure Shirone’s safety and end this farce.”

Kuroka’s gaze hardened, her tail swishing behind her as she straightened her posture. “Tell me what needs to be done. I’ll do anything to save her.”

Looking into her eyes, I began explaining my plan.

=+=+=+=< Scene Break >=+=+=+=

[A few hours later…]

│1st Person POV of Meliodas │

[Underworld Realm, New Lilith, Lucifer’s Castle, Devil Courtroom…]

As the herald proclaimed the commencement of the meeting, the newly appointed Lord of the Naberius Clan stood and strode confidently to the center stage.

He launched into a lengthy monologue, passionately decrying the grievous offense committed against the late Lord Naberius.

However, I didn’t pay any attention to him as I was focused on listening to Aurora’s report on Shirone’s current condition.

I had given her the task of investigating Shirone’s situation, to confirm that she hadn’t been harmed while being kept in captivity by the Naberius Clan.

Fortunately, the Naberius Clan didn’t seem to be that retarded as Shirone was fine, physically at least. However, mentally, she was still in shock at her sister’s actions.

Otherwise, the Naberius Clan might find themselves in need of yet another replacement for their leadership in the near future.

As Aurora finished her report, a faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips, ‘It seems that my plan wasn’t necessary after all.’

I finally turned my attention to Lord Naberius, and it seemed he had finished his lengthy monologue. “Great Satans, I respectfully request your permission to present the Nekoshou,” he said with a bow.

When Lord Naberius glanced up, Sirzechs nodded without saying anything, a silent gesture that clearly conveyed his thoughts on the absurdity of the situation.

Lord Naberius shifted uneasily, clearly caught off guard by Sirzechs' silence. He quickly motioned toward the herald standing by the doors.

The herald promptly announced, “Bring in the Nekoshou.”

A moment later, the courtroom doors creaked open, and two Devils, wearing the Naberius Clan's insignia, entered. They were escorting a young girl, who appeared to be about ten years old.

Her white hair and golden eyes stood out, but it was her vacant expression that clearly revealed the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.

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A/N: Finally, I reached the point of introducing Kuroka in this fic. Serafall, Kuroka, and Suzaku are me favorite Waifu from High School DxD world.

Serafall has been a constant presence from the start and from this chapter onward, Kuroka will also receive some love from me.

Now, only Suzaku remains. However, it will be at least another ten chapters before she makes an appearance.

Nevertheless, in celebration of Kuroka's first appearance in this fic, take these top-tier materials.

If you see any mistakes, don't hesitate to point them out.

Good day. See ya guys later.