Part I:
Two weeks after the Loki incident, the Underworld's Grand Court was packed.
It wasn't often that an SS-class criminal received a public trial—usually, strays were executed on sight. But Kuroka's case was different. Her sister was part of Rias Gremory's peerage. She'd helped during the Norse attack. And most importantly, new evidence had surfaced.
The courtroom was massive, with tiered seating that could hold hundreds. At the center was a raised platform where the accused would stand, surrounded by magical barriers.
The judges' bench was occupied by three High-Class Devils:
- Lord Zephyrdor, an ancient devil with silver hair and cold eyes
- Lady Roygun Belphegor, one of the few female devil nobles with actual power
- Lord Bedeze, a portly devil known for his fair (if strict) judgments
In the audience sat the key witnesses:
- Rias and her entire peerage
- Sirzechs and Grayfia (representing the Satans)
- Serafall (because she went to everything)
- And surprisingly, Lucien Gremory, sitting in the front row with his own peerage
Kuroka was led into the courtroom in magical restraints, her two tails drooping, her usual confident smirk replaced with genuine anxiety.
She was placed on the platform, and the barriers activated—glowing red walls of energy that would prevent escape or attack.
"This court is now in session," Lord Zephyrdor announced, his voice magically amplified. "Kuroka, formerly of the Naberius clan, you stand accused of murdering your master and fleeing justice. How do you plead?"
Kuroka took a deep breath. "Guilty of killing him. Not guilty of murder."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Explain," Lady Roygun commanded.
"My master—the devil who reincarnated me and my sister—was conducting illegal experiments. Forbidden Senjutsu techniques that nearly killed me. And when I was almost broken, he decided my younger sister would make a better test subject." Kuroka's voice shook. "I killed him to protect Shirone. To save her from the same torture I endured."
"Do you have evidence of these experiments?" Lord Bedeze asked.
"I do."
A devil clerk stepped forward and activated a magical projection.
Images appeared in the air—memories extracted from Kuroka's mind (with her permission).
The audience watched in horror as the "experiments" were revealed:
Kuroka, barely sixteen, strapped to a table while her master forced Senjutsu into her body. Her screams. Her pleading. The way her body convulsed from the pain.
And then, the moment she overheard him talking to an assistant: "The subject is failing. Prepare the younger one. She's more resilient."
The moment Kuroka snapped and killed him in a desperate attack.
The courtroom was silent when the projection ended.
Even the judges looked disturbed.
"This... this is unconscionable," Lady Roygun said quietly. "If these memories are accurate—"
"They are," Sirzechs stood. "We had them verified by multiple experts. Kuroka's memories are genuine and unaltered."
"Then the question becomes," Lord Zephyrdor said, "was the killing justified? Self-defense? Defense of another?"
"It was defense of my sister!" Kuroka's voice broke. "He was going to hurt her! I couldn't let that happen!"
"Why didn't you report it to the authorities?" Lord Bedeze asked.
"Because I was a reincarnated devil! A nekomata! Who would believe me over a pureblood noble?!" Kuroka's tears were flowing now. "I killed him and ran because I knew no one would care about my reasons! I thought they'd execute me without a trial!"
"She wasn't entirely wrong," Serafall muttered. "Our justice system has... issues."
"That's an understatement," Rias added.
From the witness section, Koneko stood. "Permission to speak!"
"Granted," Lord Zephyrdor said.
Koneko walked to the center of the room, her small frame somehow commanding attention.
"My sister killed our master to protect me. I didn't know that for years. I thought she was a murderer. A monster." Koneko's voice was steady despite her tears. "But she was just scared. Just trying to save me the only way she knew how."
She turned to face Kuroka.
"I forgive you, Nee-sama."
Kuroka broke.
Full-on sobbing, her composure completely shattered.
"Shirone—I'm so sorry—I'm so sorry—"
"I know. It's okay. I know now."
The judges exchanged glances.
Lord Zephyrdor spoke. "Given the evidence presented, and the testimony of the injured party—" He gestured to Koneko, "—this court finds Kuroka not guilty of murder. However, the method of killing—while justified—was still illegal. You should have sought official channels first."
"Therefore," Lady Roygun continued, "you are sentenced to probationary reincarnation. You will serve a devil master of high standing for a minimum of ten years. Your behavior will be monitored. Any violation of devil law will result in immediate execution. Do you accept these terms?"
Kuroka wiped her tears. "Yes. I accept."
"Then this court declares—"
"Wait."
Everyone turned.
Lucien Gremory stood, his silver-white hair gleaming under the courtroom lights.
"I would like to make a formal request. If the court permits."
"Speak, Lord Gremory," Lord Zephyrdor said.
"I am in need of a Bishop for my peerage. Kuroka is an SS-class devil with exceptional Senjutsu abilities. I would like to formally request that she be reincarnated as my Bishop, under my supervision."
The courtroom erupted in whispers.
"You want to take an SS-class criminal into your peerage?" Lady Roygun raised an eyebrow. "That's... bold."
"It's strategic," Lucien replied calmly. "Kuroka is powerful, experienced, and now has motivation to prove herself. Under my guidance, she could become a valuable asset. And—" He glanced at Rias, "—my aunt's peerage includes Kuroka's sister. This arrangement would allow them to maintain their relationship while ensuring supervision."
"Plus," Lucien added with a slight smile, "I need a Bishop who can handle Senjutsu. None of my current pieces have that ability."
Lord Bedeze stroked his beard. "It's unusual. But not unprecedented. Kuroka, do you accept Lord Gremory's offer?"
Kuroka looked at Lucien.
Then at Koneko.
Then back at Lucien.
"I accept. Thank you, Lord Gremory."
"Don't thank me yet," Lucien said. "I have high standards. You'll work hard in my peerage."
"I will. I promise."
"Then it's settled," Lord Zephyrdor declared. "Kuroka is hereby assigned to Lucien Gremory's peerage as his Bishop. The probationary period begins immediately. Court dismissed."
The gavel struck.
And Kuroka was free.
Well. Technically free.
But alive. And with her sister.
That was enough.
Part II:
After the trial, Koneko and Kuroka were given a private room to talk.
It was awkward at first.
They sat across from each other at a small table, neither sure what to say.
Finally, Kuroka spoke. "I know I have no right to ask this, but—can we start over? Not as we were. But... as we could be?"
Koneko was quiet for a long moment.
Then she nodded. "We can try. But you have to prove you've changed."
"I will. I'll prove it every day."
"Good."
They sat in silence a bit longer.
Then Koneko added, "Also, if you call me 'Shirone' in public, I'll hit you."
"But that's your name!"
"It WAS my name. Now I'm Koneko. Respect that."
"...Fine. Koneko." Kuroka smiled. "I can do that."
"Thank you."
Another pause.
"Can I... can I hug you?" Kuroka asked hesitantly.
Koneko considered this.
Then stood and walked around the table.
"Just this once."
They hugged.
Both sisters crying quietly.
It wasn't forgiveness. Not completely.
But it was a start.
Part III:
One week later, all the young devils of prominence received a formal invitation via magic circle:
"THE YOUNG DEVILS RATING GAME TOURNAMENT"
Purpose: To showcase the abilities of the next generation and prepare for larger competitions.
Participants:
Rias Gremory Sona Sitri Sairaorg Bael Riser Phenex (reinstated after behavior improvement) Diodora Astaroth (recently returned from abroad) Lucien Gremory Seekvaira Agares Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas (the young heir)
Format: Single elimination. Standard Rating Game rules. Matches to be held over four weeks.
Prize: Recognition, ranking points, and a favor from the Satans.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the young devil community.
At Kuoh Academy, the Occult Research Club gathered to discuss it.
"This is huge," Rias said, studying the invitation. "A formal tournament with all the major young devils participating."
"And you're in it," Ravel added excitedly. "This is your chance to prove yourself!"
"Against Sairaorg," Akeno noted. "Who is basically unbeatable."
"And my nephew," Rias added, looking at the list. "Lucien is participating too."
"Who Is he again?" Issei asked.
"Nephew although elder," Rias corrected. "Caelan is Lucien's twin. But yes, Lucien is... formidable. He's low Ultimate-class now. Probably stronger than me."
"Then you'll have to get stronger," Xenovia said simply. "We all will."
"Agreed," Kiba nodded. "This tournament is an opportunity. Let's not waste it."
"What about sensei?" Asia asked. "Will Caelan-sensei be participating?"
"He can't," Sona said, entering the room with her own peerage. "He doesn't have a peerage. You need a full team for a Rating Game."
"Couldn't he recruit one quickly?" Ravel asked.
"He could," Rias said. "But he won't. He's not interested in Rating Games or competitions. He's said so multiple times."
"Shame," Sona adjusted her glasses. "His strategic mind would make him a formidable opponent."
"Or ally," Rias pointed out. "Maybe we could ask him for training advice?"
"Good luck with that," Koneko said flatly. "He doesn't do favors."
"He might if we pay him," Sona suggested.
Everyone considered this.
"...Worth a try," Rias agreed.