Issei sat on his bed, staring at the purple gi Andrew had left him years ago. His fingers traced the fabric—worn but well-maintained.
It's been five years.
Five long years since Andrew Hayado, his childhood friend and the closest thing he ever had to a brother, left on his insane journey through space and beyond. When he left, Issei was still a scrawny wannabe martial artist.
And now?
Well… he slacked off. He got killed. Reincarnated. Became a devil—a Pawn of Rias Gremory, her one and only.
Since then, he met Asia, nearly lost her, and watched her be brought back thanks to Rias' kindness.
After all that? He decided he couldn't sit on the sidelines anymore.
He pulled his old gi out from storage—the one Andrew gave him. Purple, like Gohan's. A gift he swore he'd earn the right to wear.
He trained. Studied the Turtle Hermit martial arts, the way they used to dream about. And now, he was just about back to where he was when Andrew left. Maybe stronger. He could even handle more boosts from Boosted Gear than before. It had evolved, just like him.
Mom and Dad were surprised—but proud—to see him take training seriously again.
But something had been bugging him.
Rias had been… anxious lately. He couldn't quite figure out why.
[The Knock That Changed Everything]
Knock. Knock.
Issei was just heading toward the kitchen when he heard the door open.
Then—a voice. Familiar, confident, warm.
Andrew: "Hey, is Issei around?"
Issei's heart skipped.
No way…
He bolted down the stairs, nearly tripping over himself. And there he was—tall, tanned, and wearing a tattered orange gi with black boots and the King Kai symbol etched proudly on the back.
Standing at 6'2", he looked like a real-life anime hero.
Issei: "Andrew!"
Andrew turned and grinned before Issei crashed into him with a hug.
Andrew: "Ha ha! Did you miss me, brother?"
Issei: (voice cracking slightly) "You have no idea."
Andrew ruffled Issei's hair like old times. "Now come on, fill me in. But first, I gotta say hi to Mom and Dad."
[Later - Their Shared Room]
They sat cross-legged on their beds, staring at each other like they were still ten years old, geeking out over martial arts movies.
Issei: "You staying for good?"
Andrew leaned back with a smirk. "I just got back and you already want me gone?"
Issei gave a sheepish chuckle, but Andrew waved a hand.
Andrew: "In all seriousness… yeah. Earth is my home. You guys are my home. I've grown strong enough to protect this planet—and the people I care about."
He grinned. "Also, I'm transferring into Kuoh Academy tomorrow. First-year."
Issei's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
Issei: "Bro. That school is amazing. There's… there's boobs everywhere."
Andrew snorted. "Of course that's what you'd notice. Only you, Issei."
Class 1A - Next Day]
Teacher: "Good day, students. We have a new transfer student joining us. Please introduce yourself."
Andrew stepped to the front, waving casually.
Andrew: "Hey. Name's Andrew Hayado. Pleased to meet you all."
The class erupted.
Random Student: "WHAT?! The perv has a brother?!"
Even Koneko looked genuinely surprised.
Teacher: "Now now, settle down. If you have questions, raise your hands."
Koneko: (calmly) "Why are you joining this late? And… are you also a pervert?"
Andrew rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Andrew: "Well… I've been gone a long time. Traveled the world. Fought the strongest warriors I could find. Pushed past my limits. That's why I joined late."
He smirked. "And no, I'm not a pervert. My brother got all that."
The class laughed. Koneko simply nodded.
Teacher: "You'll sit next to Koneko, since that's the only open seat."
Andrew gave a two-finger salute and took his seat.
[Lunch - Occult Research Club]
Issei: "Hey Prez. You called?"
Rias glanced up from her desk. Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko were already seated.
Rias: "Yes, Issei. I had a question… the transfer student. Is he related to you?"
Issei: "Yeah. He's my brother. He just got back from a long journey. Stronger than ever. I can't wait to spar when we get home."
Everyone looked surprised. Even Kiba raised an eyebrow.
Akeno: "Why wait? Why not spar right after school—here—so we can all see?"
Rias nodded in approval. "Yes… I'd like to see how far my cute little Pawn has come. Koneko, tell him he's invited after class."
Koneko: "Understood."
[After School - Behind the ORC Building]
They met at the training field out back.
Issei stood in his purple gi, fists clenched, heart pounding with excitement.
Andrew grinned as he pulled off his blazer, revealing his orange gi, weathered from years of battle. The King Kai emblem gleamed on the back. He looked like a walking legend.
Akeno: "I'll referee. First to hit the tree line wins."
They nodded.
Akeno: "Ready?"
Both: "Right!"
They shot forward—like bullets.
Issei went for a leg sweep, but Andrew flipped and axe-kicked his jaw, sending him spinning. Issei caught himself just before he hit the ground and dashed back in, fists blazing.
The blows came faster, harder. Issei was giving everything he had—and Andrew wasn't even breaking a sweat.
Akeno: "Wow… they're fast. Andrew's amazing."
Rias: "And he's just human… maybe."
Kiba: "Issei's holding his own, though."
Issei charged again, throwing a heavy right hook—Andrew sidestepped and launched him into the air.
Andrew: (calling out, smirking) "Is that all you've got?"
Issei clenched his fist. No way was he letting this end like that.
Issei: "Boost!"
The red gauntlet flared to life. Ddraig's voice echoed:
[Boost!]
A wave of power surged through him. His speed doubled.
Andrew's eyes widened in excitement. "Red Dragon Emperor, huh? Awesome!"
He grinned. "I fought the White One a while back. He unlocked Balance Breaker in our match."
Issei: "WHAT?!"
Andrew gave a wink. "Guess it's your turn now."
With a flick of his foot, he knocked Issei toward the trees.
BAM.
Match over.
[Rias's POV]
She watched quietly, arms folded.
That power… and that confidence. He wasn't a devil. He didn't need to be. But I couldn't help thinking—
"Maybe he'd be a good fit for my peerage."