01x09 - I've Begun My Training!

[bunniefuu]

You're almost there!

Just a few more feet!

Visualize, Issei!

Coming!

Rias.

Should I go get some

of those bags for him?

He'll be okay...

He needs to learn to

carry that much on his own.

On your right!

Seriously...?!

Did they give you a bag

of feathers or something?

Move it.

I hate this!

Ten days.

I think we can all

agree that's fair.

You sure?

Considering your youth

and lack of experience...

And Lord Riser's prowess...

I've decided that assigning a

handicap would be appropriate.

As much as it pains

me to admit it...

I think you may be right.

Extra time to train

would be very useful...

For all of us...

Thanks, I accept the offer.

You ready, Issei?

The purpose of this training

camp is to build your strength.

Soon... you will be stronger

than we ever imagined.

Wow...!

How beautiful!

All right, you guys.

Let's head inside and

get going on this training!

But we just got here!

That's evil and nowhere

even close to fair!

Why, thank you!

I have a question.

Y'know when you said ...

that stuff about

hating fallen angels...?

You never really

explained what happened

to make you feel that way,

and I've kinda been wondering.

Fallen angels aren't exactly my

favorite things in the world...

The truth is, I hate them.

Are you seriously asking

me about that right now?

It shouldn't matter...

All that matters is

winning this Rating Game...

We need to focus our energy

on the present--not

worry about the past...

'kay?

You're right!

Let's do this!

I am so with you.

Lesson One.

Yup. Bring it, blondie bear.

You're a little off.

Don't limit your focus

to just the sword.

Keep an eye on your opponent!

I meant to do that.

Come on, you gotta focus!

Lesson Two, it's time you both

became aware of the aura

and magic surrounding you

and tried to stream it

to a focal point.

Let the image of

light flow through you

and be released

as magical power.

I think I did it!

Awesome!

Look at you go with your

little green light...!

I think you have a lot of

natural talent for this, Asia!

Well...

She's uh... She's getting

better, that's for sure...

But she's not the only one.

Whoa...! You're quick!

And you will be too.

Once you grasp the technique,

you can control fire,

water, lightning,

and any of the other elements...

Asia, I bet this one

would be easy for you.

Wanna try?

Sure!

You, on the other hand, need

to spend a little more time

on those

concentration exercises.

I know.

Visualization is the

essence of all magic.

Think about whatever

it is you want

and see it happening

in your mind.

Kay?

Are there any rules

about what I can imagine?

Not at all.

Anything you want.

Just concentrate.

Yeah!

There ya go!

No...!

Please don't be able

to read my mind,

that's not what

I meant to think of!

What's the matter, you okay...?

Issei?

I'm fine!

I'm just focused

on magical things!

Lesson Three.

That was lame.

I wasn't finished!

You gotta aim more towards

the body's central axis

and learn to strike with

precision at your victim's core.

Screw this!

Asia's like the

manifestation queen

and I can't even control

my own imagination...!

Ugh! I suck at life!

We all have powers

that are unique to us.

Yeah, whatever...

Name one thing that I'm

better at than other people.

You're a pervert.

Thanks a lot.

But wait there's more.

You can also be a

really hard worker.

Hey, you think so...?

That's not so bad.

Thanks, Koneko!

Suck it.

Now, Lesson Four!

Can I use my powers to change?

Can we use them for cooking?

Absolutely...!

Magic comes in

handy anywhere...!

Have fun and good luck.

Okay, water... will

you please boil?

During Akeno's lesson,

the only thing I could summon

was a tiny ball of light, what'm

I supposed to do with this...?

Ahhhh, Akeno.

Now there's some ripe ones

just begging to bust free.

Sweet...!

It works on potatoes too!

Wow!

Look how good you're getting!

Yeah...

That wasn't too shabby, was it?

Maybe I was just

having a bad day earlier.

I'm so proud of you!

Wait a second...

This feels familiar...

It seems like

I've done this before?

I remember...!

With Raynare...!

The first time my

Sacred Gear deployed!

That was easy!

I can do this!

Check it out!

I'm like a Sacred

Gear Super Freak!

I think that's enough!

Oh my goodness...!

What are we gonna

do with all of these?

Visualization is the

essence of all magic.

Let the image of

light flow through you

and be released

as magical power.

You can also be a

really hard worker.

You're a pervert

Don't you dare try to peel me.

I would never!

I'm just picturing you naked!

So how was it?

Too small.

No, I mean today.

How do you think it went...?

Did you learn anything new?

I did...

I learned I'm the

weakest link on this team.

Knowing is half the

battle, as they say.

You shouldn't feel

entirely useless, though...

Between Asia's healing powers

and your Boosted Gear, the two

of you have become assets.

Your opponent will

always be aware of this...

So I need you both to

gain at least enough power

to escape from any situation,

so that you won't slow

the rest of the team down.

Yup...

That makes sense.

Besides...

I'm the one who brought

Asia into this mess...

All I want to do is learn enough

so that I can at least protect

her if we get into trouble.

That was delicious

and filling...

I think we should

head to the baths now.

You're all going together?!

That would be the plan...

You're such a silly goose.

Would you like to come along...?

You want to see us

naked together, don't you?

I don't mind.

You, Akeno?

No, I think it sounds like fun!

We could bathe him, too!

Would you mind if he came, Asia?

I wouldn't want any of us

to feel uncomfortable.

Sure!

What about you?

I'd rather die.

Oh well, sorry!

Well that's just melodramatic.

If you peek, I'll k*ll you.

This was such a good idea.

We haven't done this in forever!

I hope it melts away some of the

fatigue of training at least.

You've all been so working hard.

I have no doubt

this will do the trick.

Sad you're not on

the Double D team?

Yeah...

I guess, a little.

Should I leave you two alone...?

You and that wall look

like you need your privacy.

Whatever!

This is part of my

training, you Idiot!

They teaching you X-ray

vision or something,

I didn't know that

was part of the routine.

Name one thing that I'm

better at than other people.

You're a pervert.

If that's what my power

is, then so be it...!

It was given to me

for a damn good reason!

That's quite a story.

Indeed.

Sounds just like Rias.

Honestly, I don't think

she has any chance of winning.

No...

That, she does not.

But you let her go through

with the training anyway?

I let her make

her own decision...

She's next in line to be head of

the house of Gremory, after all.

I seriously hope she's

capable of at least that.

As do I.

Asia...

Hey!

Issei!

What are you--

I'm sorry.

I hate to wake you up like this.

It's just that...

I need you...

You're the only one

who can help me do this.

What?

What's going on?

Just focus...

You can do this, Issei!

Oh, Issei!

I have an idea.

But I'm gonna need to

borrow some of your clothes.

I know you need this!

I just hope we have enough time!

Good question.

The answer dates

back quite a bit...

Some would say close

to an eternity ago.

Devils, Fallen Angels,

and Heavenly Angels

were at w*r...

It was a massive,

destructive three-sided battle,

which ultimately ended in

neither victory nor defeat...

Every single battle fought ended

with several of our

members wiped out or missing.

Our life spans--since devils

have very low birth rates--

are nearly eternal to

insure our population...

Yet our existence as

a species is at risk due

to the impact of that w*r.

Most of the family

lines consisted

of pureblood, upper-class devils

that made up what is

known as the Pillars.

The w*r then

claimed all but three.

Mine, which is the

House of Gremory.

Sona's, the House of Sitri.

And Riser's, the

House of Phoenix.

Out of Pillars,

we are the only survivors.

It was then that devils

first began recruiting humans

to replace the numbers

in their houses.

After that, The Rating

Game came about.

This allowed devils

that were the masters

of their households to provide

recently converted humans

with combat experience--as well

as show off their own abilities.

Nowadays it still

has quite an impact,

one's record in the Rating

Game has a huge influence

on their nobility and status.

Okay I think that's it.

You guys look pretty tired...

What do you say we take

a break and have some tea?

Sounds good.

I'll go make it.

Oh! Wait a minute.

I'll come help you!

Hang on, Asia.

I'm sorry about last night.

Oh, that's okay!

You're getting so much stronger!

The way that you--

I wanna keep this

just between us...

Is that cool?

Like a secret?

Yeah, I think I just

need a little more time

to perfect it on my own...

Ya know, to make

it battle ready?

Absolutely...

This new move is definitely

worth waiting for,

so you shouldn't rush...

Let me know if you need my help!

What new move?

We can't tell you yet.

I almost forgot, Asia.

I'd love to learn more

about your former

life as a Holy Sister.

You mean right now?

Let's see...

I did a lot of exorcisms

so I guess we could

talk about that...

There are two things you need.

The most important one...

is holy water...

But Devils need to be careful...

It's vital that you

never actually touch it.

Is it gonna make us melt?!

It will do something bad.

I figured that much...

I don't know why

you're leaving out

all the cool parts

of this story.

It isn't just us...

This goes for you, too.

You're a devil now, remember?

Yeah, I know...

I guess there's no point

talking about how to make it...

So let's just move on

to something else...

The second item is...

The Holy Bible...

I used to read it constantly

when I was a little girl...

It was my favorite...

but now every time

I start a verse,

I get a terrible headache

and I can't get through it!

Because you're a devil.

You're one of us now, Asia.

You should write it down.

Probably not a good idea.

I just want to read one verse!

It was always my favorite...!

Okay, here it is.

I didn't start yet!

Dear Lord, forgive me

for not reading Your words.

I promise I've tried, uh...

Why do you hate me...?!

Ow-ow-ow!

If it was anyone else,

I'd think she was doing

a bit right now, but

I guess probably not.

And Asia's stronger than I am.

If it hurts her this much,

I wonder what it'd do to me.

Issei?

Oh hey, Rias...

Why are you still up...?

Getting kinda late, isn't it?

What perfect timing...

I need to chat with you

about something anyway.

Wow.

So that's the att*ck plan?

It is...

But it's not a very

good one, I'm afraid...

According to this manual,

we still have a lot

to be worried about.

But it's gotta work, right?

You've been busting

your ass on all this.

I mean, you don't

even sleep anymore!

Doesn't matter...

We can't control what

the opponent will do...

You realize we're up

against Phoenix, right?

And let me assure you,

the name is most appropriate.

A devil...

But he is also a marquis

counted among the Pillars...

We've got our

work cut out for us.

His ability is the same as the

beast his family's named after.

Immortality.

Is that allowed...?!

How is it even possible?

It just is...

He's indestructible...

He regenerates immediately

following an att*ck

Riser's win-lose

ratio is eight to two...

However, those two

losses were accepted out

of respect for a

family he's close to...

He lost on purpose.

Ever since the Rating Game

was put into effect,

the House of Phoenix has

dominated the playing field.

They've always had

the highest score.

Can't say I'm surprised.

How are you supposed to

lose if you're immortal.

I'm so sorry, Rias!

About what?

I'm the one who told Riser

where to stick it and

now he wants to fight...

Should've kept

my fat mouth shut!

Not at all.

In fact, thanks to you, I'll

get a chance to tell my father

and the others

where to 'stick it.'

They set up this Game because

they all anticipate me losing.

And now I'll be able to change

the score and prove them wrong.

In our chess, this is

called a swindle...

or a trap-maneuver.

Yeah, well...

I'm just glad you're

not going along

with this bullshit

marriage proposal.

That takes balls.

The proposal was to the

heiress of the House of Gremory.

Because of my title, I am

not ever recognized as Rias.

The House of Gremory will

always come before me...

I've learned to adjust to it;

and make personal

decisions accordingly.

Make no mistake,

my title is something

I will always take pride in.

But when it comes to

the subject of marriage,

I want to share that with

someone who loves me as Rias--

not for how my status

can improve their life.

Otherwise, they may as

well marry the House.

I understand that history

is not in my favor,

and the idea of love

may just remain a dream.

But it's one I'd like to keep.

Whatever!

I like you and I don't care

what your name is!

I like you for who you are!

The Gremory name

doesn't define you...

It's just an empty

title and anyone

who thinks otherwise

doesn't know you.

You're incredible...

I mean, come on...

Look at everything

that you've done for me...

I just hope someday

I can pay you back.

What...?

What happened...?

Did I say something wrong again?

Of course not.

It's nothing.

Anyway, the point is:

If we're going to fight,

we're going to win.

I know you're called

the Princess of Ruin

and the Empress

of Annihilation...

Nobody earns themselves

nicknames like that

if they're easy to

b*at, am I right...?

There's no way a guy named after

a bird can stand up to you.

Not true.

My powers are strong

but I can't heal

myself the way he can.

My strength lies

in my entire team

and our ability

to fight together...

which means I need

never battle alone.

When I fight,

Gremory fights with me...

but if I lose,

Gremory does as well.

Winning is the only option.

You're amazing.

I can't imagine

that kind of strength.

I keep trying to make

you proud, but I'm just...

a failure!

No, you're not.

It's really okay.

I need to start accepting it...

The signs have always been

there, I just refused to see.

Even with the Sacred Gear,

I've been the least

useful to you...

That says a lot,

don't you think?

I keep throwing myself into

things as if I can help...

and I end up making

everything worse.

You don't need me...

I mean I'm just...

a freaking loser!

That's not true, Issei.

You just lack confidence.

But don't worry...

that's something I'll be more

than happy to help you with.

What are you saying?

You'll know soon.

But for now, go get some rest...

Both your body and mind have

been through a lot today...

I'll stay by your side

until you fall asleep.

It's going to be okay, Issei...

You have my word...

You will come to

believe in yourself.

You're gonna need to

use your Boosted Gear...

Can you handle it?

Of course, but you said not to

use it during training camp...

You change your mind?

You weren't supposed to use

it without my permission...

Kiba, would you mind

partnering with him?

No. Not at all.

I'm not going easy on you.

Neither am I...!

Boosted Gear!

Go!

Boost!

Good, now again!

Go!

Boost!

You can do better!

More!

Boost!

Great!

Keep it going!

Boosted Gear!

Boost!

Keep it up, Issei!

Boost!

Boost!

Again!

Boosted Gear, Go!

Give me more!

We can do this!

Boost!

Twelve power-ups in a row

that's a record, isn't it?

Alright, stop...!

Can you see how

far you've come...?

You've never been able

to endure this much power

for this long in the past.

The results of your training

were abundantly clear just then.

Holy crap!

Let's keep moving!

All right...

Boosted Gear!

expl*si*n!

What's he doing?

Perfecting a new

call, it seems...

This should allow him

to gather all the

power in his body

and unleash it in

one massive blow.

You're up, Kiba!

Okay, Issei, try using

it all on him, now!

What? That's all I have?

Trust yourself!

Looks like it worked.

You broke the mountain.

I can't believe that

came out of Issei.

Woah...

That did a lot more

than I thought it would.

Issei...!

Are you okay?

Looks like he used up all of

his strength on that last one...

So what do you think...?

He's improving, isn't he?

I'll say...

I didn't expect him

to be that strong.

That last move was way better

than anything he's

ever thrown at me.

Issei!

You have become the

linchpin of this Game.

Your att*ck will critically

affect the direction

in which this

competition moves...

Trust in us...

and more importantly,

you must trust in yourself.

I trust you...

And I know I can handle this!

He can do this.

You're incredible...

I mean, come on...

Look at everything that

you've done for me...

I just hope I can pay you back.

Rias...

I want you to know

I could die happy right now...

This is one of the

top ten moments of my life.

Why on Earth are you crying?

I did it!

Rise and shine and

go kick some ass!