DxD: Devil’s Advocate

I opened my eyes before the Advisor could finish her wake-up call. The sun hadn't fully risen, casting long shadows across the room. Maria's steady breathing indicated she was still deep asleep.

'Schedule,' I thought, carefully extracting myself from the bed.

『Today's Schedule:

8:00 AM - Current Time

10:00 AM - PRISM Practice (Akio)

3:30 PM - Katsuro Meeting

7:00 PM - Dinner with Ai

Note: Several shrine locations identified for preliminary research. Would you like the full list?』

I stepped into the shower, adjusting the temperature. 'Give me the top three.'

『Analyzing local shrines by magical potency and accessibility...

Meiji Shrine - Traditional power center, heavy tourist presence

Sensoji Temple - Ancient site, complex energy patterns

Note: Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto shows highest potential but requires extensive preparation due to Youkai presence.』

'Youkai faction,' I mused, letting the water run over my face. 'That'll need careful handling. What's the earliest we could reasonably approach them?'

『Based on current trajectory and required preparations, earliest recommended contact would be after New Year's. This allows time for:

Business stabilization

Power base establishment

Proper diplomatic channels

Combat capability enhancement』

The bathroom door opened. Maria slipped in, still wearing my shirt from last night.

"Saving water?" I asked.

She stepped into the shower. "Environmental consciousness is important."

"Is that what we're calling it?"

Her hands traced my shoulders. "Among other things."

'Continue analysis,' I thought while Maria's fingers worked out a knot in my neck.

『Regarding combat capabilities - current self-taught methods show promising results but will likely plateau around December. Alternative training sources may be required.』

'Like that warrior-queen in Europe? The one who trained heroes?'

『Query: Are you referring to Scáthach?』

'The very same.'

『Caution advised. Historical records indicate extreme methods and high mortality rate among students.』

Maria's lips brushed my shoulder. "You're thinking too hard again."

"Just planning ahead."

"At eight in the morning?"

I turned to face her. "The early devil gets the souls."

She rolled her eyes. "That's not how that saying goes."

"It is now."

Her laugh echoed off the tile walls. We finished showering - eventually - and got dressed for the day. Maria had meetings at Horizon Media, so we shared a car into the city.

"The shrine research," she said as we pulled onto the highway. "Any promising leads?"

"A few local options. Though the real prize is in Kyoto."

"Yasaka?" At my raised eyebrow, she shrugged. "I do my homework."

"And what does your homework say about approaching the Youkai faction?"

"That we're not ready." She checked something on her tablet. "Not until the idol group is stable and generating consistent revenue."

I nodded. "New Year's at the earliest."

"Speaking of the group - Akio sent over the new arrangement for Sugar Rush Ride. It's... interesting."

'Pull up the file,' I thought.

『Accessing... Analysis shows 87% retention of original melody with modern J-pop influences. Key changes in bridge section suggest...』

"The choreography is ambitious," Maria was saying. "Especially the formation changes in the second verse."

"Akio can handle it."

"It's not Akio I'm worried about." She looked up from her tablet. "Katsuro's been pushing back on some of the changes."

"Hence the meeting today."

"Just... be careful with him. He's more influential in the group than you might think."

The car stopped outside Horizon Media's towering headquarters. Maria gathered her things, then paused.

"What aren't you telling me?"

I smiled. "Many things."

"Amon."

"Trust me."

She sighed. "I do. That's what worries me."

I watched her enter the building, then directed the driver to Meiji Shrine. The morning crowds were still thin - perfect for initial reconnaissance.

『Detecting multiple layered barriers and wards. Primarily protective in nature, though some seem designed for...』

'Energy channeling,' I finished, walking through the torii gate. 'They're using the natural ley lines to amplify their rituals.'

『Correct. Similar principles could potentially be applied to demonic energy manipulation.』

I bought an offering and approached the main shrine, studying the subtle patterns of power woven through the architecture. The priests maintained the physical structure, but the real maintenance happened on a deeper level.

'Can we replicate these formations?'

『Partial replication possible with current knowledge. Full integration would require:

Deep understanding of Shinto principles

Modified ritual components

Stable power source

Clear intent focus』

'And the Yasaka Shrine?'

『Significantly more complex. Youkai energy signatures create unique interference patterns. Direct replication inadvisable without proper...』

A familiar presence brushed against my senses. I turned, catching sight of a figure in traditional shrine maiden attire. She wasn't looking at me, but her posture was too perfect to be coincidental.

'Analysis.'

『Warning: Detecting concealed power signature. Preliminary scan suggests...』

'Not human.'

『Correct. Recommend casual withdrawal to avoid...』

I was already moving, maintaining a natural pace as I left the shrine grounds. The maiden didn't follow, but I felt her attention until I passed through the torii gate.

"Interesting morning?" the driver asked as I returned to the car.

"Educational," I replied. "The Sensoji Temple next."

We spent the next two hours visiting shrines, each offering new insights into this world's power systems. The Advisor compiled data while I observed, building a framework for future experimentation.

『Time check: 11:47 AM. Akio reports PRISM practice proceeding as planned.』

I mentally checked on Akio through our connection. The group was working on Sugar Rush Ride's chorus formation, Akio leading them through the intricate movements.

"Looking good," Seiichi's voice came through clearly. "But the transition into the bridge needs work."

"Again from the top," Akio called out. "Katsuro, watch your spacing on the second eight-count."

I closed the feed. 'How's their energy synchronization?'

『Group harmony at 73% - acceptable for this stage. Individual readings:

Seiichi: 82%

Tomio: 79%

Seiji: 71%

Katsuro: 64%』

'Keep monitoring. I want hourly updates.'

『Acknowledged. Shall we proceed to the Kanda Myojin shrine?』

'No. One more thing first.'

I directed the driver to a small restaurant near the practice building. The owner looked up as I entered, recognition flashing across his face.

"Ah, White-san! Your usual table?"

I nodded, following him to a private booth in the back. He returned moments later with green tea and a knowing smile.

"Shall I have them prepare the usual?"

"Please."

The food arrived just as Akio sent another update through our connection. The practice was going well, though Katsuro's resistance remained evident in subtle ways.

'Show me his psychological profile again.'

『Accessing... Key points:

Strong loyalty to original group dynamic

Natural leader tendencies

Resistance to external authority

Deep emotional investment in PRISM's success

Primary motivation: Creative freedom』

'And the meeting location?'

I finished my meal, leaving cash on the table. The car wound through Tokyo's streets as I reviewed the shrine data. Each site had offered pieces of a larger puzzle - one I intended to solve long before reaching Kyoto.

'The plateau you mentioned,' I thought, watching the city pass by. 'When exactly?'

『Based on current growth rate and training methods, approximately 47 days until diminishing returns. However, incorporating shrine-based techniques could extend that timeline by...』

'And Scáthach?'

『Latest intelligence places her in Scotland. Access requires either formal introduction or trial by combat. Survival rate for second option: 12%』

'Noted.'

The car stopped at a small park. I had an hour before the meeting with Katsuro, and my body needed to process the morning's magical observations.

I found a quiet spot and closed my eyes, feeling the different energies I'd encountered. Each shrine had its own signature, its own way of channeling power. Different from demonic energy, yes, but not incompatible.

『Time check: 14:45. Shall I begin meeting preparations?』

'No need,' I thought back. 'Let's see if I still got it.'

『Query: Are you referring to your previous experience in corporate negotiations?』

'He's just a teenager.'

『Reminder: Teenagers can be quite unpredictable. Especially those with strong emotional investment in-』

'Trust me.'

『...Acknowledged. Though I feel compelled to point out your last words before several historical miscalculations were also 'trust me.'』

I smiled, heading back to the car. 'Your sarcasm protocols are improving.'

『I learned from the best.』

The drive to Horizon Media took twenty minutes. I spent it reviewing PRISM's financial projections while the Advisor compiled data from our shrine visits. The numbers looked promising - especially once we factored in merchandise sales and streaming revenue.

The building's lobby had changed since my last visit. Sleeker now, more modern. The security guard recognized me immediately.

"White-sama! Your office renovation was completed this morning."

I nodded, taking the private elevator to the fifth floor. The doors opened to reveal...

'Huh.'

『Initial scan indicates complete structural overhaul. Design emphasizes:

Open concept workspace

Natural light optimization

Strategic sight lines

Multiple exit points』

Maria's influence was obvious in the details. The reception area flowed seamlessly into a series of glass-walled meeting rooms, each equipped with state-of-the-art tech. Beyond that, various workstations for my future staff.

And at the far end...

"Your personal office, sir." The project manager materialized beside me, tablet in hand. "Would you like a tour?"

"I'll manage."

She hesitated. "There are several features that-"

"Thank you. That will be all."

She left, probably to report to Maria. I walked through the space, noting the subtle security measures woven into the design. Cameras covered every angle, but you'd never spot them unless you knew where to look.

The main office was... substantial. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view. A massive desk dominated one wall, while a private meeting area occupied another corner.

'Thoughts?'

『Analysis complete. Notable elements:

Reinforced glass (bullet resistant)

Hidden panic room

Multiple wireless networks

Soundproofing rated for-』

A knock interrupted the Advisor's list. I turned to find Katsuro in the doorway, looking uncomfortable in designer clothes that probably cost more than his old monthly salary.

"Nice office," he said.

"It serves its purpose." I gestured to the meeting area. "Have a seat."

He chose the chair furthest from me.

"Drink?"

"I'm good."

I poured myself water, letting the silence stretch. Katsuro fidgeted slightly, then caught himself.

"Look," he said finally. "If this is about this morning's practice-"

"It's not."

"Then what?"

I sat across from him. "Tell me about PRISM. The real story, not the PR version."

He blinked. "You've read our file."

"I want to hear it from you."

Katsuro studied me for a moment, probably trying to spot the trap. Then he shrugged.

"We were nothing special at first. Just another indie group trying to make it. But we worked hard, built a following. Started getting noticed."

"And then?"

"Then Hiro got ambitious. Started making deals without telling us. Next thing we know, we're signing with Horizon Media and he's talking about 'artistic evolution' and 'brand synergy.'" Katsuro's lip curled. "Two weeks later he's gone and your friend is running our practices."

"You don't trust the change."

"Would you?"

I smiled. "Probably not."

That threw him. He'd clearly expected corporate doublespeak, not honesty.

"Here's the thing, Katsuro. I don't need you to trust me. Hell, I don't even need you to like me. What I need is for you to think."

"About what?"

"About why someone would invest millions of yen in a relatively unknown idol group. About why that same someone would then give them creative control over their music and image."

"Because you're planning something," he said immediately. "Using us for... something."

Smart kid indeed.

"Everyone uses everyone," I said. "The question is whether both sides benefit."

He leaned forward. "And what exactly do we get out of this... arrangement?"

"Everything you've worked for. Fame. Success. Creative freedom. The resources to make the music you want, the way you want it."

"In exchange for?"

"Doing exactly what you're already doing. Just... bigger."

Katsuro sat back, processing. I could practically see the wheels turning.

"The new song," he said slowly. "Sugar Rush Ride. That was you?"

"Akio."

"It's good. Different, but... good."

I nodded. "I'm sure he'd love to hear that."

"And Hiro?"

"Made his choice. Just like you have choices to make."

He stood abruptly, pacing to the windows.

"The others," he said finally. "They're starting to buy in. Even Seiichi."

"But you're not sure."

He turned back to me. "Why me? Why this meeting?"

"Because you're the heart of PRISM. Not the leader - that's Seiichi's role. But the heart. The one they all look to for... permission to change."

That landed. I saw it in his eyes, the recognition that I understood more than he'd realized.

"I could walk away," he said. "Take the others with me."

"You could try." I kept my tone neutral. "But we both know they're already imagining the possibilities. The only question is whether you'll be part of them."

Katsuro laughed suddenly. "You're kind of terrifying, you know that?"

"So I've been told."

"The weird thing is... I think I believe you. About the creative freedom, at least."

"Good instincts."

He walked back to his chair but didn't sit. "I have conditions."

"Name them."

"We keep our sound. Evolution is fine, but no corporate pop bullshit."

I nodded.

"We approve all collaborations and promotional activities."

"Within reason."

"And we want writing credits. Real ones, not just token percentages."

"Done."

He blinked. "Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"Why?"

I stood, walking to my desk. "Because talented people do their best work when they feel ownership of it. Everything else is just details."

"That's... surprisingly straightforward."

"I find it saves time." I pulled out a folder. "These are the contracts, including your conditions. Take them home, have a lawyer review them. Real ones will replace these once you're satisfied with the terms."

Katsuro took the folder, thumbing through it. "You came prepared."

"I did."

"You knew I'd agree."

"I knew you'd make the smart choice. Whether that meant agreeing or walking away... that was up to you."

He tucked the folder under his arm. "We're still not friends."

"Never asked to be."

"Right." He headed for the door, then paused. "That arrangement really was good."

"I know."

"Humble, too."

"Never claimed to be."

He shook his head, almost smiling. "See you tomorrow, White-san."