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"So, the Devil Faction wants to form an alliance with us Youkai? That's certainly something I was not expecting to ever hear, especially considering the already brewing tensions between our two factions."
The one who spoke these words are Nurarihyon, a Daiyoukai like Yasaka who has the appearance of a short elderly man with a gourd-shaped head. He's the leader of the East Youkai Faction.
While briefly discussing the potential alliance, Yasaka figured it would be best for Nurarihyon to be present as well. Not that Rias minded.
The older Youkai male had been getting a shoulder massage by one of his pretty subordinates prior to this.
"I can understand your surprise Nurarihyon-san, but understand that the Devils who are causing problems with the Youkai Faction are those of the Old Satan Faction. I know it sounds like a cheap excuse, however it's the truth." Rias replied calmly.
Right now she, Nurarihyon, Yasaka and Kunou were all sitting down at a table in the dining area. Breakfast was being served even though it was already the afternoon.
Kunou tried hard to keep herself from blushing, earlier she unintentionally caught a glimpse of both her mother and friend's morning activities. She honestly didn't know whether to feel shocked, awkward or jealous.
"Yes I'm well aware, yet that doesn't make it easy to accept given that we Youkai are the ones suffering constant losses. So I'm quite curious as to why you Devils want us as allies, and what are the benefits of doing so?" Nurarihyon asked.
"I'm quite curious as well Rias-chan." Yasaka added in, looking at her lover with a curious expression.
"It's pretty simple, Devils don't have a good reputation as I'm sure you're well aware. It's not an exaggeration to say most supernatural factions either hate us or see us as annoying pests. If not for the strength of my brother Satan Lucifer and the other Satans, the Devil Faction by now would've suffered numerous attacks over the centuries from other factions. I can guarantee Hades for example, would not waste an opportunity to strike if something were to happen to even 1 of the Satans. Because of this, the Satans have decided that the Devil Faction needs to rebrand our public image. They do not want another war which could lead to many young Devil children ending up as unnecessary casualties. We've already lost too many due to the last two previous wars." Rias explained in detail.
Both Yasaka and Nurarihyon nodded, waiting for Rias to continue.
"All in all, the Satans want peace. Originally they were going to try to contact Grigori and Heaven in order first within the near future. However I suggested that we become allies with your faction first. As for benefits…well I'm sure you all have heard of the House of Gremory's Senzu Beans?" Rias said, already knowing the answer.
The two leaders and Kunou's eyes widened in understanding.
Of course they know of the Senzu Beans, who in the supernatural world hasn't? Over the last few years, word about them had spread out pretty quick with various factions learning of this existence. Unfortunately unless going through the black market or stealing, no other faction can get access to them regularly. Hell, they can't even figure out how to replicate the ones that they do come across. Azazel has been trying to crack the secret to beans for awhile now with no success.
It makes the other factions curious since while the beans have obvious powerful healing capabilities, no one can sense the magic within them. They look, smell, taste and feel like regular beans.
Immediately after learning the powerful effects, many wondered if the Gremory were purposely trying to antagonize the Phenex Clan.
Especially with the current rumors of the Phenex Clan that's been going around lately.
"I see…that's not a bad deal at all." Yasaka said. It goes without saying that having direct access to Senzu Beans will greatly benefit the Youkai Faction.
"Also I will be willing to make the Youkai Faction stronger by not only making Yasaka and Kunou stronger but I will also release Shuten Douji, Otakemau and Tamamo-no-Mae from the Five Principal Clans. This way you guys won't be seen as an easy target any longer." Rias added to sweeten the deal.
Now this really got their attention, if those three were back within the Youkai Faction….are the Devils really willing to be so generous to them? Just for an alliance?
"This…!…" Nurarihyon couldn't help but be shocked.
"If we can get those three back, our faction will be much better off. But Rias-chan this sounds too good to be true, there must be something else you want out of us?" Yasaka narrowed her eyes.
"Outside of no longer having tension and maybe some other tradable products that we can trade…we want a real genuine partnership and friendship with your faction. I can assure you that the Old Satan Faction will be taken care of in due time. However you are right, there is something else but this one is actually something more akin to a personal favor that I personally want to request." Rias replied in a serious tone.
"A personal favor? Ha! Who would've thought that the sister of Satan Lucifer would want a personal favor from us?" Nurarihyon chuckled.
"It's a pretty simple favor that will also benefit the Youkai Faction as a whole Nurarihyon-san." Rias also chucked.
"What is the favor you want to request Rias-chan, I promise as long as it doesn't negatively affect my people and land. I will try my best to help you, we owe you a great deal after all." Yasaka said to her lover.
"No you don't, trust me you have already repaid me for that Yasaka-hime~." Rias teased the older woman.
Yasaka blushed slightly, as well as Kunou.
"Anyways, what I want is for the Youkai Faction to cut ties with the Shinto Pantheon." Rias said with a smile, she wants to cause some chaos to some arrogant gods.
Just beat up a few and put enough fear in their spirits to make them submit.
Nurarihyon "…."
Yasaka "…."
Kunou "…."
"WHAT?!?!?!"