The Hakuryuukou The Strongest DxD

Tobio Ikuse truly hadn't had an pleasant life in recent months.

He was a student at Ryoukuu High School when, a few days before a school trip on a luxury cruise liner, he came down with a severe fever.

Tobio couldn't express his frustration that day—not only because he couldn't go on a luxury trip, but also because he was supposed to go with Sae Toujou, his childhood friend and secret crush.

So, all he could do was give her an amulet his grandmother had given him and wish her good luck and a safe trip.

Four days later, Tobio saw the news that 233 of his classmates had disappeared in an accident on the luxury cruise liner. He was shocked and desperate, especially over the loss of his childhood friend and crush.

After that, Tobio and the few others who missed the trip were hounded by the media and questioned about their involvement in the incident. Eventually, they were all transferred to different schools to avoid the reporters.

Two months after his classmates' disappearance, while returning home after parting ways with a friend, Kouta, Tobio saw his best friend Sae calmly walking the streets.

Perplexed, Tobio ran after her, trying to get her attention.

But when he reached the place where he saw Sae enter, Tobio came face-to-face with Sasaki, one of his friends who had disappeared during the cruise incident.

Tobio tried to get his attention, but nothing worked as he watched Sasaki walk into the darkness.

When Tobio finally caught up to him, he could only widen his eyes in horror as he found Sasaki with a lizard-like monster chewing on a dog. Sasaki, seemingly devoid of emotion, ordered the monster to attack Tobio.

Tobio tried to fight desperately but could do nothing but flee from the monster with Sasaki. Just as he was about to be killed, he was saved by Natsume Minagawa and her hawk.

She was one of his schoolmates who hadn't gone on the school trip. She then took him to a family restaurant to calmly explain the details.

All of Tobio's former classmates had been taken by a group called the Utsusemi Agency and paired with creatures like the one with Sasaki, which were prototypes of Independent Avatar-type Sacred Gears. Since they had no names, they were called "Utsusemi."

Natsume then handed Tobio an "egg" with a glowing pulse and warned him to take care of it, as he would die without it. Natsume suggested they leave and whispered in his ear that she would come by his place later.

When Tobio arrived at his apartment, processing everything he had experienced, he placed the "egg" in the bathroom and went straight to bed, still unable to believe what was happening.

Around midnight, Tobio heard noises and suspected someone was spying on him through the window. When he checked, he noticed a boy with a giant monstrous spider clinging to the walls of his apartment building.

Tobio was startled by what he saw as the boy and spider came running after him. Naturally, Tobio tried to escape, dodging the spider's web shots.

However, just as Tobio was about to reach the door, a lone girl appeared with a giant frog in front of him, blocking his escape, and she attacked.

Cornered by the two, Tobio ran to the bathroom with the Utsusemi beasts right behind him. He managed to grab the "egg," but it seemed to have hatched. He panicked as the beasts tore through the door.

Tobio tried his best to defend himself but ended up cornered in the bathtub by the two beasts. As he panicked, Tobio had a flashback of his grandmother placing a seal on him. When he came to, he realized a blade had extended from his shadow, piercing the frog, causing the spider monster to retreat.

From his shadow emerged a small black puppy with a blade on its head. The frog monster, still conscious despite the hole in its face, attacked the puppy with its tongue, but the puppy simply jumped and sliced the frog with its blade.

As the spider monster tried to escape, the puppy generated blades on its back and chased after it.

Tobio couldn't help but express his surprise at the turn of events as the puppy swiftly defeated the spider.

The puppy then left the room, where it saw another monster and its master, Tobio. Tobio watched as the puppy faced the monster in battle, with the monster's master giving instructions.

The monster managed to take the puppy outside, leaving Tobio worried. He decided to target the master and threw a nearby pot at him. As the master fainted, Tobio ran to the balcony and saw the monster flying while holding the puppy. Suddenly, the puppy transformed into a giant blade and impaled the monster. When the blade fell and got stuck in the roof of a building, Tobio once again recalled what his grandmother had told him about the puppy long ago.

Natsume suddenly appeared, telling him his power was incredible. While showing concern and asking about his well-being, Tobio responded distractedly.

As they talked, Tobio watched Natsume pet the puppy, which had returned to its normal appearance.

She suggested they leave the area, as the Utsusemi might attack again soon, and told him to pack some essentials. Tobio agreed and wondered aloud if anyone noticed and reported the earlier commotion, but Natsume clarified that the enemies make preparations before attacking so people don't notice. She informed him she knew a place where they could hide safely. Tobio began to express doubts, but Natsume strongly convinced him.

As they left the house and walked down the road, they were confronted by another Utsusemi—a snake monster and its master. Just as Tobio and Natsume exchanged glances to decide their next move, the snake suddenly caught fire and turned to charcoal. While Tobio was surprised by the turn of events, a foreign woman dressed in a cape and pointed hat revealed herself. Tobio, perplexed, watched as she talked with Natsume, who then took one of Tobio's bags, saying they should hurry to avoid other Utsusemi.

They arrived at the place Natsume had mentioned, an apartment in a forest. She introduced the blonde foreigner as Lavinia, an ally. As Natsume inserted a DVD into a player, Tobio asked about it, and Lavinia responded that it was to explain the current situation involving him and Natsume. Tobio watched the video, recognizing many of his classmates who were supposed to be missing. Realizing this might mean Sae's safety, he began to feel renewed hope, only for it to be shattered as they were shown as Utsusemi. Tobio asked Natsume why they were being targeted, and she replied it was due to their possession of Sacred Gears. Tobio asked how she knew these things, and Natsume said she got the information from a certain Governor General she hadn't yet met, on the condition they meet to distribute the last egg. Tobio asked about the egg again, and she replied it was to draw out their inherent abilities and manifest their Sacred Gears. Tobio then asked if his classmates were still alive, and Natsume smiled and answered positively, leaving Tobio with renewed determination. Afterward, Natsume asked him to join forces with her against the Utsusemi Agency. Tobio agreed, to Natsume's delight, and she warned they would meet another ally, Kouki.

Waking up the next morning, Tobio recalled a memory of Kouki from the last time he saw him. He briefly talked with Lavinia about Kouki's and Tobio's Sacred Gears.

After finishing breakfast, they set out to find Kouki. On the way, Tobio received a micro SD card to memorize the appearances of Utsusemi they might end up fighting. She then told him to name his puppy. Upon arriving at a deserted department store, thanks to Lavinia's help, they all used communication crystals created by Lavinia and split up to search for Kouki.

Tobio moved forward and found Kouki along with his Sacred Gear. Receiving an update from Natsume along with a request to follow Kouki, they went up to the second floor, where they faced some Utsusemi in combat. After defeating them, Kouki asked Tobio why he was involved, to which Tobio indicated his desire to help his classmates. They introduced themselves and headed to the fifth floor, where they encountered more Utsusemi along with a man who introduced himself as Kazuhisa Doumon and expressed his desire to capture them for his agency. As they prepared to fight him, Tobio contacted Natsume and confirmed their status. After he and Kouki defeated some of the Utsusemi, Kazuhisa summoned a clay doll that proved too powerful for them, leading to their defeat and capture by the doll. Kazuhisa reminded Tobio of Sasaki and tried to impale him with his puppy's blade. Tobio recalled his last moments with Sasaki before the "Heavenly Aloha Incident," and Sasaki, still expressionless, begged Tobio to save him. As Tobio grew furious, Kazuhisa mentioned Sae and said she was calling his name during their experiments, inciting Tobio further. Recalling Lavinia's words about Sacred Gears becoming stronger in response to their wielder's desires, Tobio channeled his emotions, causing the puppy—later named Jin—to grow in strength and defeat the clay doll. With his own power also increasing, Tobio dispatched the remaining Utsusemi and nearly defeated Kazuhisa before Hanezu Himejima interrupted and rescued him, with their escape aided by Tobio's brief hesitation upon hearing "Himejima."

Next, Lavinia and Natsume arrived on the fifth floor, and they all headed to meet the Governor General, who delved into the current circumstances and explained their Sacred Gears. After the meeting, Tobio engaged in a discussion with everyone except the Governor General and ended up collecting Kouki's phone.

After finishing breakfast, they discussed investigating the families of the victims of the "Heavenly Aloha Incident" and the Utsusemi Agency in relation to the Five Principal Clans, after which they decided to visit Sae's house based on Natsume's intuition. Upon arriving at Sae's house, Natsume said they should split up while carrying communication crystals. Tobio searched part of the house's interior with Lavinia. They briefly met with Natsume and Kouki, who searched another part, and split up again to continue investigating. Tobio and Lavinia then noticed something on the second floor. Tobio summoned Jin and entered Sae's room. He then went to her parents' room with Lavinia, where they saw Sae standing with a slightly sinister smile. Hanezu entered and introduced himself as the leader of the Utsusemi Agency. He spoke about something regarding the Himejima Clan, which Tobio didn't understand. He then asked Tobio to help him defeat the Five Principal Clans, to which Tobio expressed his discontent. Hanezu instructed Sae to summon a large lion. As Lavinia prepared to attack Hanezu, they received information from Natsume that the house was surrounded. Tobio told her to escape with Kouki and surrendered to Hanezu along with Lavinia.

They moved to the agency's headquarters, where Tobio and Lavinia were restrained with special handcuffs. Hanezu showed them the captured relatives of the victims used to aid in their experiments. He then took them to an empty room and released Tobio, telling him they should fight. Lavinia told Tobio she wouldn't interfere directly to avoid provoking Sae. Tobio engaged in combat with Hanezu, who overpowered him. As Tobio reinforced his resolve, they were interrupted by Augusta, who expressed her desire to see the "Dog," and her disciple Walburga. As Augusta and Lavinia fought each other, the latter told Tobio to go after Sae, who had left the room with Hanezu. Tobio apologized to her and left.

Heading to Hanezu's location while dispatching Utsusemi, he encountered a Fallen Angel who introduced himself as Kokabiel, a member of the Grigori organization, and told him Hanezu's location. Finally reaching Hanezu's location, they began to fight, but Tobio was once again defeated and severely injured alongside Jin. As he shed tears and lamented his weakness, Sae suddenly regained her sense of self and stroked his head, apologizing to him. Embracing Jin, she was pierced by the blade and fainted.

And that brought the younger brother of the Hakuryuukou to the current situation. Tobio held the collapsed Sae. While smiling, Sae gently stroked the stunned Tobio's cheek.

"…Don't cry… Tobio…"

Tobio took her hand and tried to call her name, but at that moment, his voice wouldn't come out.

"…I… was happy… to see you again…"

Still smiling, her hand slipped from Tobio's.

"…"

Tobio was speechless. He kept shaking his head, unable to accept this reality. Tobio had come to rescue her. This girl named Toujou Sae.

The one he wanted to save the most. While holding the one lying there, Tobio overcame his muteness.

"…Aa… A, UAaaaaa… aaaaa…!!!"

However, that life he simply wanted to continue living. To just pass the time uneventfully, peacefully.

…But… But… merely continuing to live an ordinary daily life with Sae…

"AaaaAAAAAAAAAaaaaa...... aaAAAAAA!!!"

Everything he desired was being torn apart. Tormented by despair, Tobio wailed. As Himejima Hanezu watched this, a mysterious luminescent phenomenon emitted from his chest pocket.

Sensing this, he took out a wooden box from his chest pocket. This was what Himejima Hanezu had previously taken from Tobio at Toujou Sae's house. It was what Tobio's grandmother, Ageha, had left him.

When Himejima Hanezu opened the wooden box, inside was a tiny crystal. The crystal was emitting a bluish-white glow. Suddenly, a voice came from the crystal.

"-The fact that this seal has been undone is unfortunate, but it's clear that someone is abusing Tobio's power, or it seems a malicious supernatural intent has been inflicted on this child."

Tobio recognized the owner of that voice. It was the voice of his beloved and dear grandmother.

"…The crystal is a recording of Ikuse Tobio's grandmother, the voice of Ageha-dono?"

That's what Himejima Hanezu determined. His grandmother's voice continued to emanate from the crystal.

"-Speaking to those who have come into contact with Tobio with malicious intent. I, who have great compassion for that child, raised him to be a kind child. In any case, that child… since the time of his birth, he possessed the forbidden technique [Only an imitation of God]."

Hearing this, Himejima Hanezu's facial expression changed completely. Those eyes that had been watching with an unstable expression were now filled with astonishment.

"…!!! A Balance… Breaker…!? That's absurd…!!!"

The words from his grandmother's voice in the crystal were truly terrifying.

"-I'm informing those who approached this child with malicious intent. Having done so, since you've inflicted this child with malicious intentions, it may be good if you thoroughly experience the blade that kills gods with your own body. Even your souls will be completely severed."

The crystal's voice continued speaking further. This time, it made a simple appeal to Tobio.

"-Tobio, I'm sorry. It must be tough. It must be frightening. I ask that you please forgive me for not passing on the truth to you sooner."

It was the usual strict but gentle voice of his grandmother. For the current Tobio, it was unmistakable.

It penetrated his mind and body more than anything else. While experiencing an optical illusion as if his grandmother were gently brushing his head, he listened intently to the crystal's voice. However,

"Tobio. You're doing fine so far, right? There's no need to be afraid anymore. No need to cry anymore. Sing. Even if you had forgotten, by now you should have remembered it. So, sing (The forbidden chant of the god)."

Hearing his grandmother's voice, a memory surfaced in Tobio's mind. A memory that had been sealed in the depths of his recollection. One day, when he was very young, Tobio was escorted to a certain shrine and instructed to do something inside the inner sanctuary.

"-Are you okay, Tobio?"

His grandmother was drawing some kind of character on young Tobio's forehead with her finger.

"-Assuming that, if you're ever truly lost, I'll teach you a 'chant' that will save you."

Beside Tobio, a large black dog was sitting there before he noticed.

"But can you keep this a secret until the last moment?"

The dog's red eyes looked at Tobio. At that moment, he realized his heart was pounding.

"Once this 'chant,' it will take everything from Tobio."

When his grandmother hugged Tobio, she taught him the "chant," speaking into his ear.

"You're not done becoming a man yet."

Then, the black dog, narrowing its red eyes, its figure faded away. That sequence of memories was what Tobio recalled at that moment. Simultaneously, the "chant" his grandmother taught him was revived in his mind. Tobio, while holding Sae and Jin, suddenly laughed.

"It's okay, Baa-chan."

"I… am finishing becoming a man…!"

"Those who stole my peace and… Sae… I won't forgive them."

"So, Baa-chan."

"I will sing."

"If they're going to attack me unreasonably, then we, we'll be unreasonable in return…!"

Finally, Tobio began to speak.

"I sing for the slaughter of a thousand humans."

Tobio and Jin were enveloped by a black mist. It gradually spread, filling the room with darkness.

"I celebrate the slaughter of ten thousand goblins."

The black mist clung to his broken arm and leg, and the pain subsided instantly.

"The name submerged in total darkness, the imitation of God that wanders the polar night."

Tobio immediately stood up. Jin, who was completely exhausted, a black shadow spread from his feet—no, he was submerged in darkness.

"Die by my black blade."

Tobio's entire body was covered in the black mist, which clung to him and was absorbed. His body transformed little by little, no longer the body of a human; he became something different from a human. More and more darkness poured out of Tobio in large quantities, forming his new appearance. With front and hind legs and a tail, he opened a massive mouth. As for what appeared beside it, there was also something like an enormous dog with black fur—no, it was a [Hound].

"To be something absurd, O God, creator of deformity."

As Tobio spoke this final verse, the jet-black [Hound] let out a piercing howl.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON"

What appeared before the eyes of Himejima Hanezu and the black lion, beside the brutal humanoid beast clad in darkness, was an immense [Hound] exhaling darkness. Himejima Hanezu, seeing the bodies of the two black beasts, was in a trance.

"…Magnificent."

To the one who spoke so, the two beasts glared with red eyes. Ikuse Tobio, who had been enveloped in clothes of darkness—the beast growled, offering a glimpse of its bare, sharp fangs.

"For the sake of killing that guy, it's fine if I become a (monster)."

**Scene Change**

After seeing Tobio's brother disappear with his wings of light, Natsume followed Cao Cao toward where Tobio was. Having run until she stood before that door, the moment Natsume touched it, she felt as if the pores all over her body had opened.

For an instant, her entire body trembled. Whatever was inside made her feel uneasy. Even though she had suppressed her presence and was accompanied by Griffon's large body, it made her whole body shake.

Swallowing hard, Natsume entered and looked around. It was an abnormal world of blades. From every part of the room's interior, countless blades sprouted. Some were straight, some curved, even some in a zigzag shape. Floating in this immense darkness was a shining light.

There was a figure illuminated by that shining light, a middle-aged man wielding a staff with a gigantic lion beside him. And then, emitting a sinister black aura, there was a pair of beasts.

One was a large black dog. Though no blades sprouted from its body, its face was Jin's. If the puppy had grown well, its appearance would likely be something like this.

Now the other, though it had the form of a dog, was a humanoid monster.

It had a protruding mouth like a dog's, and its ears stood up like pins. From its mouth, its bare, sharp fangs could be seen. Its arm resembled a human's but sprouted sharp claws. Its legs were identical to a dog's, only on two legs. From its back grew six tails. Apparently sensing Natsume's arrival, the man spoke while looking in her direction.

"…Minagawa Natsume, is it? Fufufu, nice of you to come. Pleasure to meet you, I'm Himejima Hanezu. I presume you've heard that name before, right?"

Himejima Hanezu. The leader of the Utsusemi Agency. Natsume understood that this was the person who appeared before Ikuse Tobio and Samejima Kouki. Himejima Hanezu turned back to the pair of black beasts.

"…You must understand a little, right?"

As for Himejima Hanezu, who asked this, floating around him were several ritual tokko implements aimed at the black beasts. These ritual instruments, possessing supernatural power, moved freely through the air as they attacked the black beasts!

"Kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL KILLLL!!!"

From the mouth of the humanoid black beast, something like a curse was being uttered. Hearing it made the mind feel strange, such was the power of the resentment in that voice. Himejima Hanezu's tokko were repelled, all failing to land a direct hit. From the ceiling, floor, and walls, numerous blades extended, causing all the tokko to be sliced. At this result, Himejima Hanezu wasn't surprised; he was in ecstasy.

"…Even my tokko was seen through, huh. Observe, Minagawa Natsume."

He pointed toward a wall with windows. In all likelihood, this was a viewing room, designed to observe the scenery outside. That scenery had been repainted black. The entire visible landscape had become a world of mountains enveloped in darkness. Even the sky's scenery had been dyed black, enveloping the entire region in jet black.

When Natsume arrived at this base, the sun was still up. It should be too early for the sun to have set! While observing, here and there, along the mountain forests, gigantic distorted blades sprouted successively. The entirety of the surroundings was being buried by the force of these strange blade-like objects. Natsume looked again toward the black beast.

Natsume had already understood. That humanoid black beast must be Tobio. In the corner of the room, she could confirm the figure of a young woman lying on the ground. Seeing this, Natsume made a rough estimate. After experiencing extreme sadness, he had—

"-turned into a beast."

Tobio stood before her in the form of a black beast. After letting out a valiant roar, the black lion sank into the shadows extending beneath its feet. Once the lion was within its shadow, the shadow spread and began advancing around the room.

As each moved with apparent independent will, Tobio merely observed patiently. Then, raising both arms high, he brought them down instantly. Immediately, countless enormous blades sprang from the floor, piercing the ceiling! Some of the blades had captured the black shadow, and the captured shadow was once again forming the body of a lion.

The lion had been pierced by the blades, but by violently shaking its massive body, it forced the destruction of the blades. Once freed, the lion ran across the floor at high speed, closing the distance to Tobio, but Tobio also vanished in an instant, and without a sound, the battle began. Tobio and the lion were moving at a speed beyond Natsume's perception as they fought.

While the two black beasts fought, there was also a jet-black [Hound] left behind, Jin, constantly pacing the room, its red eyes glowing mysteriously. With a *ZUN!* a single large, thick blade appeared behind Jin.

The black lion was pierced by it. Jin, having sensed the lion's movements, followed behind Tobio. Tobio revealed his form as he approached the lion's head. While in that pierced condition, the lion unleashed flames as it approached Tobio, but… Without any hesitation or evasion, looking straight ahead, he stabbed the flames with both sharp hands!

He continued stabbing with both hands until they reached the source of the flames coming from its mouth!

"KILL kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL KILLLL!!!"

Letting out a scream of deep resentment, Tobio thrust his hands into the mouth and tore it apart by force! The lion, its body ripped in half, fell to the ground. With the apparent death of its body, the lion melted into the darkness. Natsume was unable to watch this otherworldly spectacle without trembling. If she tried to help, she might be seen as an opponent too. Such was the degree of the terrifyingly sinister aura Tobio and Jin were releasing.

Tobio and Jin destroyed the lion. As for the next target, it seemed to be Himejima Hanezu. However, a third party appeared at that moment. Cao Cao entered the room and looked at Tobio in shock.

"…This is… the Balance Breaker… This terrifying thing is the Black Blade Dog God… Alex, you spoke of a cute puppy, but this…" Cao Cao was visibly shocked.

What stood before him was completely different from Alex's Balance Breaker. It lacked that aura of pure power, instead radiating an aura of pure, devastating darkness that sought to consume everything.

"Repainting the surrounding landscape while transforming into a black beast, huh. Man, that I'd end up encountering a Longinus with such a dark history."

As he said this, a man's figure was revealed at that moment, a beard growing on his chin. The suit he wore was very disheveled, giving him a strong impression.

Looking at Natsume, the man introduced himself.

"Pleasure to meet you, Minagawa Natsume. I'm Azazel, the Governor General."

This man was the Governor General. Despite finally meeting the person she only knew by voice, this wasn't a situation where Natsume became particularly emotional. To begin with, they still had to find some way to stop Ikuse Tobio, who was before their eyes.

"Looks like we have one extra guest," Azazel said, focusing on Cao Cao, who narrowed his eyes and gripped his Houtengeki tighter.

The Governor General then addressed Himejima Hanezu.

"Yo, chief engineer-dono."

"!!… Grigori, huh."

"How about it? Your power is quite irregular, isn't it?"

The Governor General's tone was cynical.

"…This is the 'Dog,' isn't it? The sole incarnation that fells gods… it must be the Black Blade Dog."

"Ahh, that's right. That's the correct understanding. Its black blade is said to cut even gods. However, in any case, I heard the boy was born naturally, able to express the Sacred Gear."

"That's not something particularly rare? The case of a being born naturally with it—"

The Governor General continued Himejima Hanezu's words.

"Yeah, that's right. Ikuse Tobio was someone who naturally born like that."

"For such a thing to be possible…"

"It's not that irregular."

The Governor General continued.

"Tobio's grandmother placed a seal on her grandson, who was born naturally with power to break the world's balance. You casually came into contact with it in such a reckless and rude manner. You wanted to see, didn't you? Abandoning everything to see this form, right? That comes at a price. It's nice to have the chance to enjoy the possibility of seeing you torn apart."

Hearing this, Himejima Hanezu sneered.

"…Kukuku, whether it's the case of the [lightning] or this case, the Himejima lineage is cursed, Oji-ue…!!"

That contempt was a level of ugliness he hadn't shown until now, yet he wore a satisfied smile. Himejima Hanezu took a step forward. His expression was one of satisfaction.

"It should be possible for you with one of those sinister blades."

He took a step toward Tobio, then another. Again, he launched the tokko, and again, they were completely cut down.

He also attacked with the staff in his hands, but a blade was produced from the shadow beneath Jin's feet, slicing both arms. Despite losing his arms, Himejima Hanezu approached again. Tobio calmly slashed horizontally with his arm.

Approaching until he was right before his eyes, Himejima Hanezu spoke.

"The Five Principal Clans, the Himejima, destroy them."

Announcing this, Himejima Hanezu's head flew in an arc after being severed from his body by a blade protruding from the ground. The black lion, Himejima Hanezu—both were defeated by Tobio and Jin.

Immediately appearing, Lavinia had arrived, completely worn out.

"I'm a bit late, Natsume."

"Lavinia!"

The two exchanged a brief reunion greeting. Lavinia spoke to the Governor General—the so-called Azazel.

"For you to show your honored face is a big deal, Governor General Azazel."

As she said this, she looked at the completely transformed Tobio.

"…I see, this is the big problem."

Having just seen it, Lavinia seemed to understand what had happened. Azazel then asked.

"Lavinia… Did those guys escape?"

Lavinia sighed.

"I feel very regretful."

"No, from the start, I understood they'd be extremely troublesome."

"I see, but who's this kid?" Lavinia asked, looking at Cao Cao beside them.

"I don't know the answer to that," Azazel said.

"My name is Cao Cao," the wielder of the Supreme Longinus said. "I came here to help at the request of a friend."

"Friend?" Azazel asked.

"Can that wait for another time, right?" Cao Cao said, raising Houtengeki. "We have something bigger at hand."

Everyone looked to see Tobio's beastly form glaring at them with sinister eyes.

"Okay, but I'll be looking forward to hearing about it later. Now, Lavinia, lend me your power to restrain Tobio," Azazel requested, and the witch nodded.

"Actually, that's not necessary," Cao Cao said, drawing everyone's attention. "He's already here."

Before Azazel and the others could ask what Cao Cao meant, a loud boom caught their attention.

The building shook as the ceiling was destroyed, shaking everything. From the massive hole in the ceiling emerged an immense white light that forced all the darkness generated by Tobio to retreat.

What emerged from the light was a white dragon armor with blue jewels and two large wings with "feathers" of light on its back.

Azazel's eyes widened at what he saw, as he clearly recognized it.

"This is… [Divine Dividing Balance Breaker]… The Hakuryuukou…" Azazel murmured, surprised.

"Longinus…" Lavinia was the next to grasp the meaning of Azazel's words.

"You were taking your time, Alex," Cao Cao said, smiling.

Alex, equipped with his Balance Breaker, merely let out a laugh.

"Sorry, I ended up dealing with members of the Five Clans who were here, so I was delayed. I had to activate the Balance Breaker to move faster," Alex replied calmly.

"Alex…? Alexandre Ikuse?" Natsume wondered as she saw the white armor.

"Ikuse…" Lavinia murmured, surprised.

"I see, I heard that Tobio Ikuse had a brother and that they were separated at birth… This explains everything. He was also born with a Longinus and the ability to express it to its fullest potential," Azazel murmured to himself, looking at the Hakuryuukou. "Honestly, these two brothers are terrifying."

Alex's eyes turned to Tobio, who was completely deranged.

"Kill, kill, kill, KILL, KILL, KILL, kill, kill, kill, kill, KILL, KILL, KILL, kill, kill, kill, kill, KILL, KILL, KILL, kill, kill, kill, kill, KILL, KILL, KILL, KILLLL!!!"

An intense wave of murderous intent emanated from Tobio and Jin as their red eyes glowed, and the darkness around them began to grow even more.

"Seeing you in such a state saddens me, Tobio," Alex murmured. "Don't worry, I will save you."

In response, Tobio roared as he charged through the shadows with such speed that both seemed as one, a massive twisted black blade forming on his arm as he aimed to cut Alex in half.

Alex instantly vanished in a flash of white light, reappearing behind Tobio. His fist, covered in the white light of his [White Dragon Slayer Magic], struck the massive werewolf, sending him flying.

Though Tobio's power in this form couldn't be underestimated, the difference between him and Alex was vast as the sky and earth. While one had mastered his Balance Breaker, the other had only recently entered it and had already lost his sanity.

Seeing Tobio sent flying, Jin emerged from the shadows, attempting to attack Alex.

The Hakuryuukou extended his hand, sending a beam of light from his [White Dragon Slayer Magic] that sent the dog flying, while a magic circle appeared on the ground, trapping Jin.

Alex immediately turned his gaze to Tobio, who was getting up.

Extending his hand, Alex activated his Sacred Gear's power.

[Divide!]

Before everyone's eyes, the darkness permeating the room suddenly diminished.

"What's that?" Natsume asked, not understanding.

"The power of the Hakuryuukou. The Sacred Gear [Divine Dividing] has the ability to cut the target's power in half and add the severed power to its wielder," Azazel explained, surprising Lavinia and Natsume with the power.

Under Tobio's command, all the twisted blades and swords advanced toward Alex, but the magical aura released by the Hakuryuukou crushed any blade that approached.

"I'm sorry, Tobio, but I can't let you stay like this any longer. It could be too dangerous for you."

Alex prepared himself, the aura of his Sacred Gear intensifying further.

[Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!]

Before everyone's eyes, Tobio's dark aura slowly vanished as it was repeatedly divided by Alex's power until it finally disappeared, revealing Tobio's unconscious body, now without the Balance Breaker.

Alex calmly floated to his brother's unconscious body as his Balance Breaker dissipated and his Sacred Gear deactivated.

"Hakuryuukou…" Azazel called Alex's attention.

The White Dragon picked up his brother's body while looking at Azazel.

"Governor General Azazel… my brother ended up in this state thanks to your irresponsible plans," Alex said, narrowing his eyes.

"We'll have a lot to talk about."

Azazel couldn't help the shiver that ran down his spine as he met those golden eyes.

He had a feeling the conversation wouldn't be very pleasant for him.