Teaching two or three beginners as a way to relax his mind after constantly fending off daily "temptations" was sothing Ren Kuroda didn't mind.
But teaching a whole crowd?
That was a different story entirely.
That kind of thing would be exhausting.
Besides, each of them had completely different specialties and traits. If he were to guide their training properly, there was no way he could just lump them all together and let them figure it out on their own.
Ren wanted to send them away.
Unfortunately, judging by the way they were all dressed in athletic gear, looking fired up and ready for a full session, it was obvious they had no intention of leaving anyti soon.
"Ren-sensei, please—we're asking you seriously."
Rias stepped forward, bowing earnestly along with the others.
"Tomorrow is the Three Factions peace conference. And the first Rating Ga for the new generation of devils is approaching. We want to seize every chance we have to grow stronger.
"If you only teach Issei and the others, wouldn't that be a bit unfair? We're your students too, aren't we? Please guide our training as well."
Looking at the group bowing in front of him so sincerely, Ren had the sudden urge to point out sothing very important—
He was being paid by Kuoh Academy.
And his official position was P.E. teacher.
According to the faculty handbook, he was indeed supposed to lead by example and guide students…
But nowhere did it say a gym teacher had to teach them how to fight supernatural battles.
After their relentless and heartfelt pleas, Rias didn't even bother waiting for Ren's answer.
With practiced familiarity, she led Akeno and the others straight into the concealed barrier.
She had been here once before, so the unusual space no longer surprised her.
But for Issei and the rest—
The mont they stepped inside and saw the environnt transform instantly, their faces lit up with astonishnt.
"Well, if it isn't the young lady of the Gremory house."
A familiar voice rang out.
"Tomorrow is the Three Factions peace conference. As the host responsible for security, shouldn't you be busy preparing? What brings you here instead?"
Yasaka's tone was polite—but the lack of warmth was unmistakable.
After just one day of teaching at Kuoh Academy, she had already gathered quite a bit of information.
Ren, with his gentle personality and striking looks, was extrely popular among the students.
But from Yasaka's perspective, the two greatest "threats" were Rias and Sona.
And based on reports from her undercover "agent"—her daughter Kunou—she also knew that Ren had a good relationship with both of them.
They even had each other's contact information.
"Good evening, Lady Yasaka," Rias greeted politely, presenting a carefully prepared gift. "We ca tonight because Ren-sensei agreed to guide our training. Sorry to intrude so late."
But as a woman, Rias could clearly sense sothing—
The supre leader of the Kyoto yokai seed to harbor an unusually strong hostility toward her.
Stronger than before.
The last ti they t, it hadn't been this intense.
Rias had originally assud that the earlier tension was due to their differing positions—or perhaps sothing she had said.
That was why she had brought a gift this ti.
And yet, instead of improving, the hostility had only deepened.
"Ren-sensei is really dedicated to his role as a teacher, isn't he?"
Yasaka smiled faintly, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.
"To think he would go out of his way to guide Rias and the others in their training… When there are so many subordinates in this household who admire him, I've never once seen him show that kind of interest."
Her tone had shifted.
There was unmistakable jealousy woven into her words.
In Yasaka's eyes, this only elevated Rias's threat level even further.
After all—Ren was willing to train devils, yet he hadn't taken the initiative to train his own people.
"I wouldn't mind training my own," Ren replied calmly. "But do any of them actually want to get stronger?"
He gave Yasaka a pointed look.
"If they keep going weak in the knees or tripping over nothing, I'm not sure I'd be able to keep myself in check."
At that, even Yasaka looked a little embarrassed.
She shot a slightly exasperated glance in the direction of the mansion, clearly frustrated with her overly enthusiastic beast-eared maids.
They were supposed to be yokai—yet their attempts at seduction were so clumsy and forced.
Even soone as straightforward as Ren could see right through them.
After all—
Who breaks ten cups a day?
And who coincidentally trips and falls every single day?
Falling would be one thing—but every ti, they sohow managed to fall toward him.
Was he gravity itself?
Even more ridiculous—
One maid would "accidentally" break a teacup in front of him, and just minutes later, another would trip in almost the exact sa spot.
What kind of incompetent maids were these?
They were yokai—far stronger than ordinary humans. Even in an earthquake, things wouldn't be that absurd.
At this point, with Rias and her group clearly determined to stay no matter what—
Ren let out a long sigh.
In the end, he relented.
"Fine. I'll give all of you so basic guidance."
Not to be outdone, Yasaka imdiately dragged Kunou along, changed into athletic wear, and joined the training as well.
—
The session began.
Kiba and Xenovia were the simplest to handle.
Ren had them spar against each other, quickly identifying flaws in their techniques and pointing out areas for improvent.
Next ca Issei and the vampire Gasper.
Their physical conditioning was far too poor.
Ren didn't even hesitate—he sent them straight into basic endurance training. Only after reaching a certain standard would they move on to the next stage.
Rias and Akeno were a different case.
Both possessed imnse power—
But one couldn't control it properly, while the other subconsciously resisted her own strength.
Ren couldn't help much with psychological barriers.
He didn't know enough about their pasts.
But when it ca to control—
That, he understood well.
He set up special targets for them.
These targets had extrely fragile cores. If struck with excessive force, they would shatter instantly.
Their task was simple:
Destroy all the targets within a set ti—
Without damaging the cores.
For Kunou and Asia, their aptitude for magical techniques was excellent.
But their raw power was too weak.
Ren handed them several "demonic power crystals" and "spiritual power crystals," instructing them to absorb and refine them.
As for Yasaka—
She was already at the level of a Dragon King.
Her magical power and combat experience were more than sufficient. Having her join the training would only throw things off balance.
But to keep her from sulking, Ren taught her several practical techniques from the Kidō Compendium.
Before long, Yasaka was completely absorbed in learning this new system of spells.
Finally—
There was Koneko.
Ren turned to her with a serious expression.
"You're a nekomata, aren't you? And not just any—you're of the nekomata sage lineage."
He paused thoughtfully.
"Given your role as a 'Rook,' I could teach you so physical combat techniques…"
"But as a nekomata…"
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"I happen to know soone who's far more suited to teaching you than I am."
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