The Hakuryuukou The Strongest DxD

In the grand shrine dedicated to the Sun Goddess, four people were seated.

On one side, Alexandre Ikuse maintained the gentle smile on his face, which only irritated the woman sitting across from him—the Sun Goddess Amaterasu.

Cao Cao was seated slightly behind Alex, while Yasaka was serving tea to everyone, though she served coffee to Alexandre.

Taking the cup and savoring the aroma, the White Dragon smiled in gratitude to the Youkai Queen.

"Truly my favorite, thank you so much, Yasaka," Alex gave his characteristic smile.

Yasaka nodded, smiling, knowing the favorite drink of the man before her.

In contrast, Amaterasu huffed.

"Honestly, you don't even deserve water."

While the Sun Goddess huffed in irritation, Alexandre still maintained that same infuriating smile.

She had known this man for over five years, since he was thirteen, when she first met him. At the time, she had disguised herself to avoid being recognized.

She ended up getting closer to Alexandre Ikuse than she ever had with anyone before, and three years ago, when he saved Kyoto and the Shinto Gods rewarded him, she made her greatest mistake.

She let herself be seduced by that charming smile and sweet words, and how she regretted it.

"You're awfully angry, Ama-chan. Anger isn't good for your skin."

"Don't call me that!"

Cao Cao quickly backed away as the Sun Goddess exploded in fury, her pink hair literally turning into flames while her eyes became crimson.

"Please, calm down, Lady Amaterasu. We don't want to cause damage to the shrine."

Hearing the request of her loyal friend, the Sun Goddess slowly took a deep breath, containing her anger as her appearance returned to normal.

"Why are you so angry? We were on good terms the last time we met."

"Good terms…" Cao Cao could hear the grinding of the Goddess's teeth as her eyes turned crimson again.

"The last time, you took advantage of me to steal the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan!"

Cao Cao's eyes slowly turned to Alex.

Why wasn't he surprised by this?

It was obvious that his brother would have done something like that, and the Sun Goddess's hatred seemed quite justified.

As a collector, something like the Three Treasures of Japan must have been tempting for Alexandre.

The Divine Sword Ame-no-Murakumo, obtained by the Storm God Susanoo from the body of the evil dragon Yamata no Orochi and gifted to the Goddess Amaterasu.

A Divine Sword that rivaled Caliburn, the strongest Holy Sword, capable of freely manipulating the weather, with sharpness comparable to Durandal.

Then there was Yata-no-Kagami, an ornate mirror representing the Virtue of Wisdom.

Capable of reflecting anything that comes into contact with it, such as physical or energy-based attacks, and emitting a divine light capable of purifying anything it touches.

And finally, Yasakani-no-Magatama—a necklace with a total of eight magatama, representing the Virtue of Benevolence. Each of the eight jewels contains a unique supportive power.

Each of these three divine artifacts belonged to the Sun Goddess and were treasures of Japan.

In truth, it didn't surprise Cao Cao that his brother had done something like this.

"I returned them, didn't I?"

Cao Cao blinked. His brother returned something he stole? That was rare.

"After I, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, and eight other gods cornered you."

The young Chinese man reconsidered his words. His brother was beyond redemption.

"That's a mere detail."

Alex said cheerfully as the Sun Goddess huffed indignantly.

Yasaka merely watched with amusement, knowing that their relationship was one of love and hate, especially from Amaterasu.

She hated herself for having fallen for Alex's charm, but at the same time, her love for him burned like the sun.

"But so, why did you call me? Maybe you've considered my marriage proposal?" Alex winked at the goddess. "We could catch up in your room if you'd like."

"Not in your dreams!"

The Sun Goddess exploded again, engulfed in flames, while the Hakuryuukou kept the smile on his face.

Amaterasu would give anything to wipe that damned smug smile off Alexandre's face.

But the bastard was slippery. Even when she and nine other gods cornered him, the wretch found a way to escape.

The Sun Goddess slowly took a deep breath as she calmed herself. She was here for another reason, no matter how great her desire was to incinerate that bastard's handsome face.

She should get to the point.

"You have knowledge of the relationship between the Youkai Faction, Shinto, and the Demons?"

Alexandre raised an eyebrow at the Sun Goddess's question.

"I don't know much… but from what I know, the cousin of the 'Emperor' Diehauser Belial was in the city of Kuoh and governed it until she died in something involving exorcists."

"Yes, that was an agreement we made with the demons, but there's something more…"

"One of our clans is in the Underworld."

Amaterasu nodded as Yasaka quickly completed her Goddess's words.

"Why would a Youkai clan be in the Underworld of all places?"

Cao Cao asked, drawing everyone's attention, and for the first time, Amaterasu looked at him.

The Sun Goddess gave a slight smile to the young man. "Now that I notice, I'm sorry for ignoring you. Who might you be, young one?"

Amaterasu spoke diligently and respectfully, with a warm aura around her, maintaining the gentle image of a perfect leader.

"For me, respect is in short supply."

While Alex huffed, Amaterasu shot him a cold glare.

If it wasn't with Alexandre, the Goddess would act incredibly kind and respectful, as expected from a faction leader.

"I'm sorry, my name is Cao Cao. A pleasure to meet you."

"Such a respectful child… I hope you don't become like Alexandre Ikuse in the future."

Amaterasu murmured as the Hakuryuukou huffed.

"Can you get to the point, then?"

"The Nekomata Clan went to the Underworld some time ago. Even I don't know the reason; they ended up settling there."

"While we saw this as a sign of our trust, the demons took advantage of it—many Nekomata were kidnapped and enslaved by the demons, and recently, one of them killed their master, and it seems the blame will fall on the entire clan."

Hearing the Sun Goddess's words, for the first time in the conversation, Alexandre Ikuse had a serious look on his face.

Seeing that look, the Sun Goddess felt the lower part of her body slightly warm.

"Wrong thoughts! Don't fall for his tricks!"

"So, there's a chance the demons will massacre these Youkai… isn't there something you can do?"

"Unfortunately, no. Even if I intervene, the demons will simply pin the blame on the Nekomata. In the worst case, it could lead to a war."

"You think so? The current Maous are different from the old ones. They'd prefer to avoid a war at all costs."

"But you're forgetting something. They don't control the entire Underworld. Despite their position, they're symbolic figures, while those old demons of the 72 Pillars rule the Underworld."

Yasaka spoke softly with sadness as she sighed.

It's not that she didn't think the Demon Faction should pay for what they did, but they simply couldn't afford open action.

She is one of the strongest Youkai on the planet, even known as a Daiyoukai, but even that only places her at mid-tier Ultimate-class strength outside of Kyoto.

Within Kyoto, she can draw as much power as needed from the Ley Lines, but it's a gradual influx of power that would make any battle a war of attrition, so she could only compete with Ultimate-class to Maou-class.

A war with the demons would bring several Ultimate-class demons and even Maou-class ones. Not to mention the Super Devils Sirzechs Lucifer and Ajuka Beelzebub.

Even their alliance with the Shinto faction wouldn't prevent them from being destroyed.

"So, be direct, Amaterasu. What do you want from me?"

The golden eyes focused intensely on the amethyst ones.

"I want you to rescue the Nekomata."

With the Sun Goddess's words, the small shrine fell silent for a moment.

"Let me see if I got this right. You want me to invade the capital of the Underworld, where the Four Great Demon Kings reside, locate the place where the Youkai are being held, likely surrounded by dozens of demons, and rescue them?"

Alexandre Ikuse's voice was serious, his golden eyes devoid of any hint of jest.

"That's madness," Cao Cao exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention. "That's a suicide mission!"

"Young Cao Cao, that's…"

"Pure idiocy," the wielder of the Holy Spear interrupted Yasaka. "At best, my brother will have to fight dozens or hundreds of demons. At worst, he might have to face one, or even all four Maous!"

"How is that not a suicide mission?"

The Goddess and the Youkai fell silent at the boy's words, while Alexandre Ikuse maintained his serious gaze.

"Even if, hypothetically, Alex manages this, how would a war be avoided?"

"With the influence of a third party, the demons couldn't accuse us without proof, and if they tried, we could then count on the help of other factions."

If the demons used baseless reasons to start a war, then Heaven and Grigori wouldn't stand idly by.

"But then the blame could fall entirely on my brother, and he'd be hunted by all the demons!"

Cao Cao cursed. Amaterasu basically wanted to pin all the blame on Alex.

"If it comes to that, we of the Shinto Pantheon will dedicate all our strength and support to protect Alexandre Ikuse, and I'm certain he wouldn't die easily."

"I'm right here, you know."

Alex murmured, somewhat annoyed that they were talking as if he weren't present.

"So this is all a scheme to force Alex to join you? To have the power of a Heavenly Dragon?"

"My power is with Alex too…" Regulus murmured.

[*Mine is clearly more important,*] Albion boasted.

"Shut up, white lizard."

"I think that's enough."

Alexandre spoke, gaining the attention of everyone around him.

"Amaterasu…" the Goddess noted the way she was addressed, without the usual casual tone. "Are you sure you want to ask this of me? Don't you hate me?"

"We've had our disagreements in the past, and despite them, I'm asking for your help, to show how desperate I am."

"I know only you can do this, Alexandre Ikuse."

Hearing the Sun Goddess's words, the young man let out a sigh.

Invading the Demon Faction wasn't a big problem; he had done it before, but the mission itself was quite dangerous.

And he knew why Amaterasu was asking this of him—not just because of his skill set but also because of a Sacred Gear.

[Dimension Lost]—the Fog of Extinction.

[Dimension Lost] is one of the most coveted Sacred Gears, perhaps at the top of the list, not only for being a Longinus but because its utility is high-class. It would make any group with access to its abilities unstoppable: spatial transportation, powerful barriers, unlimited access to the Dimensional Gap, and the most terrifying aspect: breaking through any magical defense of any other faction. All this and much more is what this Longinus is capable of.

With [Dimension Lost], any desired objective would be accomplished.

Using the power of this Sacred Gear, the success rate of this mission would be much higher.

"Of course, I don't think you'd do this for free. We of the Shinto Faction will do anything to get your help."

Hearing the Goddess's words, the Hakuryuukou perked up.

Having an entire Pantheon owing him favors…

"Would you consider accepting my marriage proposal?"

"The Shinto Pantheon will do *almost* anything for you."

Alex let out a light laugh as the Sun Goddess's eyes trembled with rage.

"Well…" Alex let out a sigh. "I can't refuse the request of such a beautiful woman."

"Could you, please, at my request, kill yourself?"

"Your jokes are funny, Ama-chan!"

Cao Cao watched as Alexandre laughed and Amaterasu had flames forming in her hands.

He had the impression that it wasn't a joke.

"Alex, are you sure? Even for you, this mission is…"

"Don't worry, Cao Cao," Alexandre stood up, giving a smile. "Trust me."

"Alright, well, I'm coming with—"

"No, you're not!" Alexandre cut him off quickly. "Sorry, Cao Cao, but I'll handle this alone. I can't put you in danger."

The young wielder of [True Longinus] opened his mouth to speak but closed it, knowing how impossible it was to change Alex's mind.

Alexandre's golden eyes turned to the Sun Goddess and the Youkai Queen.

Without another word, the White Dragon's wielder left the place.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Cao Cao asked, looking at Yasaka.

"I'm sure he will."

While the Youkai Queen nodded, Amaterasu let out a grumble.

"Don't worry. I doubt he'll die. I'd find it more surprising if he died than if he completed the mission."

She herself had tried to burn Ikuse to ashes in the past.

But the bastard was good at escaping, very good.

Capturing him would be extremely difficult, and killing him even more so.

Though the Goddess spoke with disdain, both Yasaka and Cao Cao could see the smile on the Sun Goddess's face.

It seemed she didn't know how to be honest with her feelings.