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Issei Hyoudou is the main male protagonist of High School DxD. He is a third-year high school student at Kuoh Academy in Class 3-B and a member of the school's "Perverted Trio", a trio of the most perverted men in the entire student body.
He is the Pawn of Rias Gremory's Peerage and a member of the Occult Research Club. After the Evil Dragon War, he was promoted to the rank of a High-Class Devil, becoming the King of his own independent peerage, and is one step closer to fufilling his dream owning a harem and becoming a "Harem King".
Due to his possession of the Longinus; the Boosted Gear, which hosts the Welsh Dragon; Ddraig, Issei is the direct rival of Vali Lucifer, who is the host of the Vanishing Dragon; Albion, who is Ddraig's archrival.
Biography[]
The Red Dragon Emperor's Awakening
Issei was introduced in Volume 1 of the light novels, where he is asked by Yuuma Amano to go on a date with her. However, at the end of the date, Yuuma suddenly kills him, after revealing herself as a Fallen Angel in the process. In his dying moments, Rias Gremory arrives and saves his life, after he inadvertently summoned her whilst thinking about her. The next day, he begins to notice some strange changes within his body, he also found it strange that his two friends; Matsuda and Motohama don't remember Yuuma and her contact was removed from his phone, that night he was attacked by the Fallen Angel Dohnaseek, who critically wounds him until Rias Gremory arrives and saved him once more, she tended to his wound with her magic while lying with him bare naked in his bed, he was further shocked to hear she is a Devil. On the way to school He was met with stares of shocked and jealousy from everyone in school. He is then introduced to the other members of the Rias' Occult Research Club: Yuuto Kiba, Koneko Toujou, andAkeno Himejima and soon learned that every one of them are also Devils and her servents, including he himself when Rias saved him from his first death. Rias revealed to him the world of Devils, Angels and Fallen Angels and that the reason his girlfriend killed him was because he had what's called a Sacred Gear which made him a potential threat. With their help he was able call upon his Sacred Gear; a red gauntlet that doubles his power. Issei was initially overwhelmed, but after learning from Rias that he can one day also have his own servants, Issei then declared his dream to have his own harem, becoming a "Harem King".
His first job was to hand out leaflets to human who may want to form a pact with them and then make a pact himself, he tried to meet his first client via a transport magic circle but failed, forcing him to head over there on his bike. He met with the client; Morisawa who was originally sceptical but allowed him in but still preferred Koneko instead, they soon spend the night talking over Drag so-Ball a show they both love. Rias was angry with Issei for not forming a contract due to all of his request would result in his death, yet it lessened when he received a positive review. His next client as Mil-tan, a muscular man in a magical girl outfit who desired to be a real one, being unable to do so, they instead watched a magical girl series The following day, he meets Asia Argento, a nun, and quickly befriends her. He soon learns that she, too, possesses a Sacred Gear after using it to heal a young boy. He then guides her back to the Church, where, upon reaching near it, he gets strange chills coming from his body, forcing him to stop while Asia goes on ahead (Rias explains to him that Devils cannot go near churches as there is a risk of getting killed by the Angels' light spears).
During his first-ever battle with the Stray Devil Viser, he learns from Rias about Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno's respective traits as Knights, Rooks, and Queens, and later learns, to his disappointment, that he is a Pawn. The next night, Issei goes on another run to meet up with a client, only for the client to be killed by Freed Sellzen, a stray exorcist, upon arriving at the client's home. He is nearly overwhelmed by the berserk priest until Asia intervenes, pleading Freed to let Issei go but gets hit by him, angering Issei who fights Freed one more time but is stopped when the rest of the Occult Club intervene to bring Issei back. Fortunately, Issei eventually meets Asia again at a nearby park the next day, and the two spend the entire day together which ends with the sudden appearance of Raynare who takes Asia back after overwhelming Issei despite the latter using his Sacred Gear.
Determined to save Asia from the Fallen Angel, Issei, with Kiba and Koneko's help, manages to reach the church where Raynare is hiding while fighting Freed once more. However, it was too late and Raynare takes Asia's Twilight Healing. Escaping with Asia, Issei shares one last conversation with her who thanked Issei for being her friend as she dies in his hand. Determined to avenge Asia's death, Issei fights Raynare in a one-on-one duel, while initially having difficulties he successfully defeats her after activating his Sacred Gear, the Longinus, Boosted Gear's true ability. He then allows Rias to kill Raynare after the latter desperately begged Issei to save her, even going as far as saying she loves him, having seen through her ruse. After the battle, he was delighted after Rias revives Asia as one of her Bishops, sharing an emotional reunion with Asia. The next day, Issei was surprised to see Asia dressed in a Kuoh Academy uniform as Rias informs Issei that Asia has been transferred into the school and will be in Issei's class.
At the beginning of Volume 2, while having a dream about marrying Rias, Issei encountered a Red Dragon in that dream waking up shortly after. Following his daily training with Rias, Issei was shocked to learn from her that Asia will be moving in to stay with him as Rias successfully convinces Issei's parents to let Asia stay. A few days later, while getting used to Asia being at his house while having his usual school life and Devil's job, Issei gets a sudden visit from Rias, who asks to take her virginity much to his shock and surprise. Unfortunately, Rias' attempt was foiled with the appearance of Grayfia Lucifuge, a maid from the Gremory, who scolds Rias for attempting to break off the engagement set by her brother and father. Later on, Issei meets Riser Phenex, a man from the Phenex Clan who, to his shock, is revealed to be Rias' betrothed. When learning of Issei's dream to have a harem, Riser brings out his all female peerage and made out with some of them to rub in his face, refusing to accept him as Rias' fiance, he activated his Boosted Gear in an attempt to face Riser one-on-one but was easily defeated by one of his Pawns.
After Rias agrees to face Riser in a Rating Game with her engagement on the line, Issei and the rest of the Occult Research Club members go to a mountain to train. He later assisted Rias in her first-ever Rating Game match against Riser in a replica of the school, in which he teamed up with Koneko where he incapacitated three Pawns with his new Dress Break spell, defeated one rook with Dragon Shot and assisted in defeating five of Riser's Peerage with Kiba before going off to face Riser alongside Rias. Issei, however, was incapable of doing anything as his body reached its limit due to the burden of the boosted power that is continuously placed on his body and was nearly beaten to death by Riser, forcing Rias to resign. Later waking up in his room and being informed of Rias' defeat by Grayfia, Issei becomes frustrated and blames himself for his weakness only to be given a paper with a magic circle engraved on it by Grayfia that allowed him to warp to the Underworld. Upon arriving at the engagement party hall, Rias' brother and Satan, Sirzechs Lucifer, reveals that he set up this event as entertainment for Rias' engagement party, which allows Issei to battle Riser one more time in a one-on-one fight with Rias' engagement on the line. During the fight, Issei revealed he formulated a strategy beforehand that required giving up his arm to the Dragon in his gauntlet to use his Balance Breaker armor for a few seconds, in addition, his dragon arm can now hold a cross to use against Riser. However, his armor disappeared quicker than agreed due to still being weak, even so, he gained the upper hand by poring Holy Water that's been boosted, onto Riser. He then doused the Holy Water onto the cross and transferred his remaining power to deliver a devastating punch that knocks Riser unconsciousness and won. Taking Rias away from the ceremony on a Griffin of Sirzechs, Rias thanked Issei for what he did but worried that another arranged engagement could still occur, top which he responded with a smile that he would give up his other arm or his eyes to save her again as her pawn, a vow that led her to kiss Issei for the first time. After returning home, Rias convinces Issei's parents to let her live with them. As he and Asia help move her things, Rias offered Issei to take a bath with him and wash his back, but Asia intervened wanting to join them. As they bicker Issei wondered if it could even be possible for him to have a harem at this rate.
Birth of the Breast Dragon Emperor
In Volume 3, Issei wakes up to a chaotic morning due to a naked Rias lying with him in bed and Asia walking in. During the club meeting held in Issei's house due to the cleaning of the old school building, Issei's mother shows Issei's childhood photos to his friends; among them include a photo of Issei and his childhood friend, Irina Shidou, which has a Holy Sword in it, with Kiba seeing the photo and remembering his revenge. Later that day while the club was preparing for the ball tournament of Kuoh Academy, Issei starts to notice the change in Kiba since morning as he was spacing out to often. The next day at school, Issei learned from Matsuda and Motohama that they've been spreading rumours of him being a beast taking advantage of all the girls in the Occult Research Club, including him and Kiba being lovers which beats them for. He was then introduced to the Student Council members led by Sona Sitri, whom it was revealed is a High-Class, Pure-blooded Devil and the heiress of the Sitri Clan as well as her pawn Genshirou Saji whom he doesn't start off well. The school starts off its ball tournament, during the dodge ball match all the guys aimed at him out of jealousy, he eventually got hit in the groin because of Kiba still spacing out.
Issei confronted Kiba for his unusual behaviour pressuring him into revealing what is going on as Kiba reveals his goal in life, revenge on the Excalibur, Issei learned of the ongoing situation between Kiba and the Excalibur sword from Rias when she saw the picture with the Holy Sword. That night he also learned the history between Ddraig and the White Dragon. When Issei's left hand starts acting up and went to see Akeno to extract the excess dragon power before it transforms via sucking his finger, she then expressed her sudden interest in him after his fight with Riser she also brings up the idea of having an affair with him as she comes closer but were interrupted when Rias came in expressing her anger at them both. He later re-encounters his childhood friend, Irina and her partner Xenovia, who are exorcists under the Church's orders to retrieve the stolen Excalibur swords. The two exorcist have a meeting with the Occult Research Club to inform them not to get involved in their mission, Issei suddenly gets mad at them for calling Asia a witch for her excommunication which prompted a challenge between them with Kiba also joining in. Kiba goes up against Xenovia while Issei faced Irina, he attempts to use his dress break on Irina but lost the element of surprise when Koneko revealed it to them but yet still continue to pursue her only to accidentally use it on Asia and Koneko with whom she punched him for. Issei eventually lost when Irina was able to leave a small scratch on him with her Excalibur Mimic, meanwhile Kiba also lost his match.
Having found out about Yuuto's past, Issei decided to help the latter to overcome his past. To that end, Issei, Koneko, and Genshirou Saji went to find Irina and her partner Xenovia and made a temporary alliance with the Church Duo, where they will help the two of them to retrieve the Excaliburs in return for allowing Yuuto to destroy them. The eventually encountered both Freed Sellzen who had the stolen Excalbur Rapidly and Valper Galilei, engaging in a battle with the two of them who manages to escape with Kiba chasing after them. Their alliance was then found out by their masters and the three of them are punished for taking this action without their consent. They returned home to find Asia trying a naked apron to welcome Issei, impressed by this Rias also tries it and the two cooked dinner. That night they were met with Freed and his boss the Fallen Angel leader; Kokabiel who drop an injured Irina in front of them and challenged the Gremory Team to a fight within the grounds of Kuoh Academy. There, the Occult Research Club confronted two Cerberus' while Valper fuses the four Excaliburs, with backup from the Sitri Team who formed a barrier surrounding the school. The two massive dog were soon killed when Xenovia and Kiba arrived, Issei tranfers power to Rias who fires at Kokabiel but blocks with ease, the Fused Excalibur was already complete and given to Freed to fight them. Kiba then confronted Valper for murdering his friends when the Holy Sword project was deemed a failure, Valper that he harvested the holy factor from each of them to create a crystal that would grant anyone to use a Holy Sword which further angered Kiba Everyone was disgusted by Valper's actions as well as bared witness to Kiba achieving his Balance Breaker; from the crystal Valper threw at him. With his new power; the Holy Demonic Sword, Issei and the rest cheered him on as he and Xenovia now wielding Durandal fought against Freed and broke his sword thus defeating him. Valper was then killed by Kokabiel when the former priest a dark secret the higher ups have been hiding.
They eventually engaged Kokabiel in a battle and were overwhelmed by the latter who revealed the death of the Biblical God. This revelation shocked everyone, Issei however still stands up to him as he announces his goal to be a harem king, which Kokabiel then offers Issei to join him in exchange for all the women he could want, he's nearly tempted but brought him back to his senses by offering him to suck her breasts if he could defeat Kokabiel, this motivated Issei to gain a massive power boost from his Sacred Gear. However he could engaged, they were saved by the sudden interference of Vali Lucifer, who came to retrieve Kokabiel and Freed under Azazel's orders. Vali defeated with relative ease as he kept on absorbing his power, Issei is angry at him for costing him the chance to suck on Rias breasts, Vali prompted that he was still too weak and informed him to get stronger when they eventually have to fight each other. The school was repaired just in time for the next day, when it was revealed that Xenovia was now a member of their club and a Devil as Rias second Knight. Issei went to a karaoke bar with his friends Matsuda, Motohama, Kiryuu, Asia, Koneko and Kiba, during which Rias sent him photos of her trying on swimsuits, he then left when the girls became suspicious of him. He meets up with Kiba in the hall who came by wanting to thank him and got emotional when Issei assured that he was already forgiven. Later that day, the photo of the duet between Issei and Kiba that was taken by Kiryuu got spread around the whole school, further increasing the rumour of him and Kiba being lovers.
In Volume 4 of the light novels, Rias introduced her other Bishop, Gasper Vladi, to Issei, Asia, and Xenovia. Issei later helps in Gasper's training on how to use his Sacred Gear. Prior to the conference of the Three Factions, while visiting Akeno at the shrine she used to stay at, he receives St. George's Dragon Slayer sword, Ascalon, from the Archangel Michael, and learned of Akeno's identity. He later assisted in fending off the Khaos Brigade members who came to kill the leaders of the Three Factions during the peace negotiations, as he and Rias go to rescue Gasper who was being used by the Khaos Brigade. After successfully rescuing Gasper from the Khaos Brigade, Issei, Rias, and Gasper are surprised at the sudden betrayal of Vali Lucifer who then goes on to fight Issei. Using the bracelet given to him by Azazel, which act as a substitute for the sacrifice needed to use the Scale Mail, he begins his duel with Vali. While initially incapable of doing much against Vali, Issei uses Ascalon to break Vali's shield and manages to transfer Ddraig's power to Vali's Scale Mail, forcing it to temporarily stop its function and land an attack on Vali. Issei, however, was shocked at the recovery rate of Vali's Scale Mail and with few options left, Issei decides to take a risk by implanting Albion's power to the Boosted Gear, which was successful and created the Dividing Gear. Vali, who was interested at the situation, goes on to say that he will halve all of Issei's surroundings, which Azazel adds on that breasts will be halved as well, angering Issei to the point that he is able to overwhelm Vali in his usual Balance Breaker form. The battle, however, was ended abruptly by the sudden intrusion of Bikou who came to retrieve Vali before he could activate his Juggernaut Drive.
In Volume 5, he goes to the Underworld with Rias and his friends for the Young Devils Gathering via the Gremory private train. Upon arriving at the Gremory region, Issei, along with Rias and her peerage, is greeted by the servants of the Gremory household before meeting Rias' mother, Venelana Gremory, and nephew, Millicas Gremory. During that time, he was taught how to read and write the Devils' alphabet, proper table manners, dance classes and how to interact with people with high social status. Before the ceremony for the Young Devils Gathering, Issei meets the four other Devils that are chosen for the competition: Sairaorg Bael, Seekvaira Agares, Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, and Diodora Astaroth. After the Rating Game between Rias and Sona was determined, he was forced to train with the former Dragon King, Tannin, in one of the mountains in the Gremory region, and obtained a great stamina that he can use when he gained his Balance Breaker. Issei, however, did not attain his Balance Breaker. Later Issei and his friends accompanied to party hall of the Young Devil Gathering, there he met with Ravel Phenex who explained that Riser was no in a slump due to his defeat to him and that she was traided to her mothers peerage as a free bishop. Before leaving, Ravel suggested that he would try her homemade cake next they meet. Issei noticed Koneko running out of the party and followed her to the forest outside while accompanied by Rias along the way, within the forest they met Koneko's older sister; Kuroka, who wanted to take her back but Issei and Rias refused her. Tannin also arrived and fought against Bikou while Issei and the rest faced Kuroka, while immediately at a disadvantage Issei gained full access to his Balance Breaker after poking Rias' breasts. Their fight ended abruptly when Arthur Pendragon came to retrieve his teammates.
He then assisted Rias in her Rating Game match against Sona in a replica of their towns shopping mall. As they do a recon of the vicinity where he met with Akeno while skimming through dirty magazines, she hugged Issei and told him that he gives her courage to used her Fallen Angel abilities, they almost kissed until Koneko arrived to regroup everyone. Issei panicked thinking Koneko will beat him but instead simply asked for him to also give her courage to used her repressed power, he does so by promising to stop her should she go out of control like her sister. After the teams regroup, the game officially began with Issei partnered with Koneko and their first match ups was with Saji and Ruruko receptively.
Saji had Issei restrained with his absorption lines to his arms and easily hist him, he then blinds Issei by over charging a lamp post and shot him with a blast of energy. Saji revealed that he was absorbing his life force to empower his attacks at the cost of his life span and stamina, show casing his determination for his dream. Koneko offers her assist but Issei denied it saying it was between just them, Saji restrained Issei to the ground and fired a powerful blast at him but Issei blocked it with Dividing Gear, taking only half the damage, Issei activated his Balance Breaker to beat up Saji who still continues to stand and fight despite using up all his power until he was forced to retire. The remaining member of both teams regrouped to face each other, while he managed to defeat Saji, he lost strength in him due to blood loss which was set up as a plan by the Sitri Group to defeat Issei when Saji was taking it from him during their fight. However, Issei reveals his new move, Pailingual, which allows him to talk with female breasts and learned of the Sitri Group's strategy, he was then out of commission when Tsubaki attacked him, Asia tried to heal him but her power was reversed by Momo which also caused the both be retired. Yet Issei's ability allowed Rias' team a chance to win the match in the end and succeeded. Issei woke up in the med bay while over hearing Saji winning a medal for his tenacity in the match. Later Rias came to see him and forbade him from using Pailingual in Rating Games, yet she thanked him for they first victory, helping Akeno and Koneko overcome their fears and expressed her gratitude for being her peerage. The chief Norse god; Odin then payed them a visit and encourage them to get better through all the joy and pain they will face. The Occult Research Club left the Underworld to head back to the human world. While on the train ride back home, Issei brought up what Tannin said about gaining a harem was a waste as his ultimate goal, but Issei assured Rias that his harem with be build with those strong enough to win every Rating game. Suddenly Koneko sat on Issei's lap with her cat ears out while smiling at him "nyan" sound which caused him to fluster and the other girls jealousy. Upon their arrival, the group was surprised by the sudden appearance of Diodora Astaroth, the Devil whom Asia healed in the past, who came to propose to Asia.
In Volume 6, Issei had a nightmare that Asia was marrying Diodora, he woke up in cold sweat relieved to see she's still with him in his bed. Issei and his friends accompany Rias to the television station of the Underworld for an interview for the Young Devils Tournament where they met Sairaorg and his Queen, Kuisha Abaddon, who just finished their interview and told the Gremory Team that he wants to face them with pure power only. During Rias and Diodora's scheduled Rating Game, the match was interfered by the sudden appearance of the Khaos Brigade and the revelation of Diodora's alliance with them before kidnapping Asia. The Gremory Team would then go on to defeat Diodora and his peerage and rescue Asia until the sudden appearance of Shalba Beelzebub who sends Asia to the Dimensional Gap. This act caused Issei to activate the Juggernaut Drive of the Boosted Gear, due to the negative feelings that appear after the apparent "death" of Asia and made him go berserk. He defeated Shalba, even biting off his left hand, but was incapable of stopping himself until Azazel and Sirzechs composed an Oppai Dragon song and used Rias' breasts as a switch to help him release the Juggernaut. Issei then witnessed the appearance of the Great Red, who was swimming in the Dimensional Gap, later falling unconscious. He wakes up in his room, having a discussion with Sirzechs through hologram regarding Juggernaut Drive. He then runs with Asia on their three-legged race and receives cheers from Occult Research Club members and Azazel. After winning first place, Asia tends to Issei behind the gym, where she kisses him and confesses that she loves him.
The Heroic Oppai Dragon
In Volume 7, Issei and his friends were in a big hall located at the basement of the Hyoudou residence as Azazel showed them a tokusatsu of the Oppai Dragon show based off of Issei that's currently popular with kids. Irina boasted how proud she was that her childhood friend was now famous and reminisced how they used to play heroes as kids, to which Issei complimented how she grew from a tomboy to a bishoujo, causing her embarrassment as she tried to resist his comment from causing her to fall as her wings flickered. Akeno then seductively embraced Issei from behind, reminding him of the date he promised when she defeated Diodora's peerage, a scene which caused all the girls present to glare at him menacingly. At school, Issei and his two friends agreed to go as a group for the Kyoto trip since they're disliked by girls, Kiryuu then offered her group to be paired with their as it consisted of the Church Trio girls that are friendly with. After school, Issei and his club discussed plans for the school festival but was interrupted as all their phones rang.
The group then ventured to an abandoned factory where it contained members of the Khaos Brigades Hero Faction who have been causing trouble. They fought with them who were mostly Sacred Gear users, while they knocked a few unconscious, one of the people Issei fought with a member who could control shadows, who disappeared in a flash of light. The group speculated that they were used as experiments to achieve Balance Breaker by fighting them. When they returned to the clubroom, Akeno expressed her joy that tomorrow was her date with Issei, once again causing all the girls to stare at him with killing intent. At home Koneko was using Senjutsu for her routine healing to restore Issei's life span that was cut short from using Juggernaut Drive, she pleads him to never use that form to which promised so. Koneko offered a faster method that required having sex with her, while Issei was excited at first, he decided against it believing that she should not be influenced by Rias and Akeno's erotic attempts on him, at that moment Rias and Asia overheard their conversation. Rias ordered Koneko to leave as she and Asia hold Issei to his bed and interrogated him most of the night on what their conversation was about.
Issei goes on a date with Akeno, but with their club members noticeably watching from a distance yet the two still proceeded to enjoy their time. later Akeno took the opportunity to lose them, while successful, they ended up in a street with love hotels, Issei tried to leave but Akeno told him she didn't mind going. Their day comes to an end as both of them met Odin, Rossweisse and Baraqiel, Akeno's father and Fallen Angel leader, who was serving Odin's bodyguard at that time. At Issei's home, Odin tells them that he was to meet with the Japanese Gods to form an alliance. Issei accidentally overhears Akeno arguing with her father, he was under the impression that he was a "Dragon who devours breasts for power" and wanted her away from him, she told him he had no right to speak to her that way as she blamed him for her mother's death. They both notice Issei nearby, Baraqiel attempts to punish him for eavesdropping but Akeno stood in his way told him to go away, she then embarrassed for a bit solace. The next day, the Gremory group participated in an event for the Oppai Dragon series in the Underworld sponsored by the house of Gremory. Members whose characters were used for the show were giving handshakes and autographs for fans, Ravel had also come to help with organizing the event.
Upon returning home, As Issei trained with Kiba and Gasper, they made a pact to protect the girls as the men of their group. Azazel arrived to show Oppai Dragon toy merchandise. He then suddenly gets serious and requests to leave Akeno in Issei's care as the only man she can feel supported, he question what happened between Akeno and Baraqiel, Azazel felt it best to ask Sirzechs or Garyfia instead. Over several days, the Occult Research Club would give Odin a tour around Japan, on one of their travels they were then attacked by Loki who came to kill Odin and create Ragnarok. Issei faced off against Loki in a fight but was dominated by the arrival of Fenrir who pierced through his armor with his claws while trying to save Rias. Issei and his friends were however saved by the timely arrival of Vali Lucifer and his team, which caused Loki and Fenrir to retreat. The two teams eventually decided to work together to fend off Loki and Fenrir, asking the advice of the Dragon King, Midgardsormr, on how to defeat Loki and Fenrir. Kuroka who noticed Issei was still a virgin as she offered to have sex with him so that she can give birth to strong children with Dragon aura, while he was tempted however Koneko intervened to stop her seduction.
When Grayfia came to deliver documents for the magical chain Gleipnir, Issei took this chance to ask her and Rias the details between Akeno and her father. On the night before the last stand against Loki, Akeno had come to him wanting to have sex to forget her trouble, as eager as Issei was, he rejected it saying that she would only be relived for a short time and proceeded to comfort her simply with a long hug. As Issei went to bed with Rias and Asia next to him, he had trouble sleeping, Rias who was also awake place his hand on her breast to show that she was also nervous through her racing heartbeat and also as a way to relax him, the two then shared their third kiss.
On the day of the alliance meeting, Loki arrived with his army that consisted of Fenrir, the giant wolfs sons, and clones of Midgardsormr. During the final battle against Loki, Issei wielded a replica version of Mjolnir, a hammer used by Norse God Thor. While initially incapable of fully using the Mjolnir, Issei gains the ability to use it after helping Akeno reveals her true feelings and make amends with her father through the help of the Breast Fairy send by the Chichigami, adding with the Holy Lightning of Baraqiel and Akeno and allowing them to defeat Loki. The group later returned to their clubroom where Rossweisse was left behind by Odin was made into a member of Rias peerage. At that moment, Akeno offered him a bento-box Nikujaga, as he enjoyed it, Akeno kissed Issei and confessed that she loves him in front of everyone, which only angers the other girls.
In the Extra Life of Volume 8, Issei and Rias went the Underworld and underwent a ceremony at the Ruins of Connection to test his suitability as Rias' future husband. Throughout the ceremony, Issei and Rias faced four trials set up by the Satan Rangers. In the first trial, Issei and Rias had to dance; in the second trial, they were tested on table manners; and in the third trial, on the history of the Gremory Clan and general knowledge in the Underworld, all of which they successfully passed before moving to the final trial. In the final trial, Issei was forced to fight Sirzechs/Satan Red and was completely overwhelmed by the latter, until Grayfia's advice on using Rias' breasts as a power-up allowed Issei to use one final Dragon Shot, but still lost after Sirzechs negated the attack and retreated after Issei loses consciousness. After the ceremony, Ajuka Beelzebub, one of the Four Satans and the original creator of the Evil Pieces system, remodeled Issei's Piece to adapt to the powers of Ddraig.
In Volume 9, Issei and the rest of the second-year students go to Kyoto for their school trip. In the train, Issei enters the depths of the Boosted Gear, where he meets one of the past possessors of the Boosted Gear who provides him with a box that unlocks his potential and its possibilities. During the trip, Issei was attacked by several Youkai led by Kunou, who thought that he is the one responsible for capturing her mother, Yasaka, the leader of the Youkai. While they manage to clear off the misunderstanding, Issei and his friends are soon confronted by the culprits who captured Yasaka: the Hero Faction led by Cao Cao. While the first fight was cut short by the interference of Le Fay Pendragon and Gogmagog from the Vali Team, Issei and his friends are forced to face off with the Hero Faction one more time to rescue Yasaka from them.
During the fight, after seeing one after another of his friends being defeated, Issei curses his own powerlessness again, but this time with Belzard and Elsha's advice, Issei successfully achieved the Illegal Move Triaina due to his desire to protect his friends and Rias' breasts, allowing him to change the Scale Mail armor through Promotion. With the new found power, Issei manages to temporarily overwhelm the entire Hero Faction before succumbing to the exhaustion. The team, however, was rescued by the sudden appearance of Sun Wukong who fends off the Hero Faction and using his Senjutsu to rejuvenate Issei, allowing him to use one more attack, which he landed on Cao Cao's eye. After coming back from Kyoto, the team was scolded by Rias for not calling her to help them, before Azazel tells the group that Ravel is transferring to the Kuoh Academy, much to the dismay of the girls of the Occult Research Club.
In Volume 10, after finishing another Oppai Dragon campaign, Issei and Rias met Rias' mother, Venelana, who complimented them for their hard work, before scolding Rias for her lack of progress with Issei. Rias would then attempt to seduce Issei by trying to have sex with him in the sauna room of the Hyoudou Residence. Issei, however, fails to understand and calls Rias "President", greatly saddening and angering the girl, asking him what is she to him. He later reveals to Koneko, Asia, and Akeno (who are trying to "heal" him) that his experience with Raynare made him fear women, after he planned his whole first date with her, only to be killed and treated terribly, made him afraid to call girls by their first name, and also afraid of being disliked by other girls or rejected if he showed his feelings again. The girls, however, quickly objected to this, and Raynare's "curse" is lifted from Issei's heart.
During Rias' Rating Game against Sairaorg Bael, Issei fought against Sairaorg's Bishop, Coriana Andrealphus, and Queen, Kuisha Abaddon, both of whom he defeats, before facing off against Sairaorg and his Pawn, Regulus, in the final match with Rias. During the match, Issei was doing well against Sairaorg until Sairaorg fused with Regulus to use his Balance Breaker, overwhelming Issei. Issei, however, was able to overturn the situation by gaining access to the True Queen, achieving Cardinal Crimson Promotion which combines the power of the Rook, Knight, and Bishop to his Balance Breaker armor while changing it to crimson. Using his newly acquired powers, Issei manages to fight on par with Sairaorg, successfully defeating the man in a fistfight. After Sairaorg lost consciousness, Issei hugged him, saying his thanks, before passing out. Following his victory, Issei cannot hold back his feelings for Rias and confesses to her, calling her by her first name for the first time. She accepts his feelings in tears of joy and the two officially become a couple, although it seems none of the other girls (Akeno, Xenovia, Asia, Koneko, Irina, and Ravel) have given up on Issei.
In Volume 11, Issei, like the rest of the Gremory Team, are surprised to see Ophis, accompanied by Le Fay and Kuroka, come to their house, which was set up by Azazel after Ophis claims that she wants to observe Issei. Later, Issei, Akeno, and Yuuto go to the Glasya-Labolas territory to take the promotion test to become Middle-Class Devils. While the group is resting after the test, they are ambushed by Cao Cao and Georg who came to steal Ophis' powers. The battle ended with the Gremory and Vali Teams losing to Cao Cao and Ophis' powers stolen. Both teams were then attacked by a legion of Grim Reapers and Siegfried. They eventually overcame the situation by having Issei use Rias' breasts to replenish Issei's magic and successfully force their enemy to retreat, until Shalba appeared with a kidnapped Leonardo, forcefully activating Leonardo's Balance Breaker, which creates 13 gigantic monsters to destroy the Underworld, and kidnapped Ophis.
Near the end of the volume, Issei went to rescue the kidnapped Ophis from Shalba who escaped into a crumbling dimension field. Issei eventually caught up to Shalba and the two of them fought one last time before Issei hits him with Crimson Blaster, obliterating his body and successfully killing him. During the fight, however, Shalba manages to inject an arrow infused with Samael's blood, which led to Issei's death.
In Volume 12, Issei's original body is destroyed due to Samael's curse, but he then gains another body with the help of the Great Red and Ophis. He returns and successfully saves the child who was taken hostage by Jeanne and Heracles, defeating the former easily. He has his third encounter with Cao Cao but was easily outmatched by the latter, even with Rias using her ability to recharge Issei's power, until Issei used a bullet from Gogmagog that has Samael's blood on it, on Medusa's eye, that Cao Cao was using, reversing the situation. In order to turn back the tide of battle, Cao Cao attempts to activate the Truth Idea, but unsuccessfully, as its effects depend on God's will in the Holy Spear, and it will be different depending on what the will chooses. The True Longinus has chosen the wish in Issei's heart, rather than Cao Cao's ambition, thus Cao Cao is defeated. At the end of Volume 12, Issei is officially promoted into a Middle-Class Devil, along with Akeno and Yuuto. Afterward, Rias and Issei plan on going out on a date as promised earlier, with the rest of the Occult Research Club members (including the guys, much to Issei's distress) deciding to come with.
In the Extra Life of Volume 13, Millicas goes to the Hyoudou Residence and temporarily stays with them. He later has a mock battle against Issei, Kiba, and Gasper. Despite losing to them, Issei notes that his power is extraordinary and his talent is said to be the same as that of Vali. Later, when Sirzechs asked him whether he liked Satan Red or Oppai Dragon, Millicas chose the latter. This made Sirzechs sad, and it became worse when he saw Issei and Millicas getting along. In the end, Issei calls him Millicas instead of Millicas-sama. Issei is later given a familiar, the living Norse flying ship Skíðblaðnir, by Surtr Second (which he later names Ryuuteimaru).
The Legend of Oppai Dragon and his Lively Companions
In Volume 14, Issei meets the Director of the Magician Council, Mephisto Pheles, regarding the pact between the Occult Research Club and Magicians. He later attended the negotiation with the Vampires who were led by Elmenhilde Karnstein who wanted Gasper to join her clan, the Carmilla Faction. He was completely ignored when he asked her a question due to his status as a servant. Several days later, while attending his class, Issei was attacked by three Stray Magicians who distracted him so that they could kidnap the first-year students of the Occult Research Club. He, along with the other members of the Occult Research Club and the Student Council then go to battle them and easily defeated the Stray Magicians and the Magicians from Khaos Brigade before a voice called Issei, Akeno, Xenovia, Asia, Irina, Rossweisse, Saji, and Sona to meet him. The group was sent to a "factory" built in the Dimensional Gap that was used to create artificial Phoenix Tears using clones of the Phenex Clan. After some talk with the supposed leader, he summons Grendel and Issei was forced to battle him one-on-one but was overpowered throughout the fight until he used Ascalon's Dragon Slayer abilities to turn things around. It was then that the leader of the Magicians, Euclid Lucifuge, Grayfia's younger brother, calls Grendel to retreat while revealing himself to Issei and the others.
In Volume 15, while Issei and Ravel are selecting magicians to make a pact with, Akeno, Sona, and Bennia entered his room to discuss what the Sitri and Gremory groups would do while Rias and Yuuto are in Romania. They did their discussion in the underground pool when Kuroka and Le Fay arrived and were shocked when Kuroka mentioned that they fought the Evil Dragon, Aži Dahāka. Griselda Quarta, Dulio Gesualdo, and Tobio Ikuse later arrived and asked Issei if it is okay for them to help train the group to which Issei happily agreed.
In Volume 16, Issei, along with the Occult Research Club members, Bennia, and Loup Garou went to Romania to aid Rias and Yuuto who were confined in the Tepes castle, reuniting with the two when they arrived at the castle. They were then taken to the throne room to meet the new "King", Valerie Tepes and the new mayor, Marius Tepes as the group was angered by Marius' action and the latter's claim that he could do so without fearing for his life because of his bodyguard, the Evil Dragon Crom Cruach. After the meeting was over, Issei and the others met an old man wearing a Lucifer outfit who he was shocked to learn that the man was Vali's grandfather, Rizevim Livan Lucifer and vehemently refused Rizevim's proposal to join his group.
Issei then participated in the attempt to stop the extraction of the Longinus, Sephiroth Graal, from Valerie and save her. Meeting Grendel again, Issei and his friends team up to battle Grendel in order to buy time for Rias to use her new move, in which they successfully dealt serious damage to Grendel with their combined efforts. The fight, however, ended without a clear outcome, as Crom Cruach appeared and ordered Grendel to retreat. Vali then appeared as both Issei and Vali agree to team up to face the strongest Evil Dragon. Issei in his Cardinal Crimson Queen was able to deal minor damage to Crom Cruach by using Crimson Blaster combined with Ascalon's dragon-slaying ability. The fight was stopped by Crom Cruach since he was told to stall them just for ten minutes. Issei later fought the mass-produced Evil Dragons that were rampaging at the Carmilla's castle town and was able to defeat them easily until he encountered Euclid Lucifuge. He then fought against Euclid who uses a replica of the Boosted Gear. He was overwhelmed by Euclid in his Scale Mail but was able to turn things around when he used his newly found power which allows him to create small white Dragons that can "divide" and "reflect". The fight was stopped when Rizevim and Lilith arrived and told Euclid that it is time to retreat. After returning from Romania, Issei participated in the meeting for the formation of D×D and told Ravel that he wants Le Fay to be his contracted magician.
In Volume 17, Issei was suddenly asked by Rossweisse to act as her boyfriend much to his and the other girls' surprise, the reason of which was later revealed that Rossweisse lied to her grandmother about having a boyfriend. He meets Rossweisse's grandmother, Göndul, as Rossweisse's "boyfriend". He and Rossweisse then go on a date in Tokyo which ended abruptly due to Euclid's sudden appearance. Later, Issei and his friends went to the newly built Auros Academy to help teach the children. During their stay, while Issei is having a bath, Rossweisse joins in due to no hot water in the girls bath, they talk regarding her research on Trihexa, worried that she might be taken and used by the enemy, Rossweise asks Issei to kill her if it were to happen, but he refuses to say that he will protect her. The academy was soon ambushed by Qlippoth, Issei then teams up with Nimura to fend off the mass-produced Evil Dragons before meeting up with Saji and Koneko, as the four are confronted by Grendel and Ladon who proceeds to seal Issei inside his barriers Issei helplessly looks on as Saji and the fathers of the children are attacked ruthlessly by Grendel, until Sairaorg arrives to assist as Ladon was ordered to retreat to Agreas while Grendel remained to fight Sairaorg and Issei who teamed up and successfully defeated Grendel, allowing Koneko to seal Grendel.
Issei regroups with his allies to fend off the remaining Evil Dragons until Euclid appears and kidnaps Rossweisse as Issei and Rias proceed to pursue Euclid. Issei and Rias then confront Euclid regarding his goals as Euclid reveals that he wants to make Rossweisse his "sister" and soon after kills the magicians allied to them by changing them into living bombs, effectively destroying the school. Angered by this act, Issei proceeds to fight Euclid, successfully overpowering him after Issei manages to unlock the Longinus Smasher. After the incident with Qlippoth, which ended with Agreas getting stolen, he and his allies were informed that they are going to Heaven's side to help with something during the winter holidays.
In Volume 18, Issei went to Heaven, alongside the Gremory group. Upon their return home they meet Irina's father Touji Shidou who had come to visit, he brings them a magic doorknob that leads to an Interdimensional Room that allows Irina and Issei to have sex without her falling. While out shopping with Irina, Touji, Xenovia, and Asia, they are confronted by Masaomi Yaegaki who is wielding Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi infused with half of Yamata no Orochi's soul and seeking revenge on Touji. They all fought against Masaomi but he manages to impale Touji and poison him, he retreats as soon as reinforcements arrive. Touji who is now hospitalized explains that Masaomi was a former subordinate of his who was executed by the Church for being in a romantic relationship with a Devil named Cleria Belial. Later, Issei and the Occult Research Club meet up with Zekram Bael, he then revealed to them that he ordered with the permission of Heaven and the Church the death of the exorcist Masaomi Yaegaki and the High-Class Devil Cleria Belial in order to maintain the status quo that both sides did not want to disturb.
Issei and the rest of the Occult Research club went back to heaven after being contacted by Touji who was transferred there to be cured, he gives Irina the Holy Sword Hauteclere, he has a discussion with Issei alone asking him to take care of Irina. Later during the Qlippoth's sudden invasion on heaven, he fought against Crom Cruach in his True Queen mode, however, Issei was overwhelmed by the latter. His fight ended when Crom Cruach walked away, after losing the will to fight due to Walburga interfering with the fight. During the battle Masaomi came in to kill Touji but was saved by Issei, Irina and Xenovia, they were able to defeat him with the use of their Holy swords, and thus freeing him from the Dragon's influence, Masaomi is then killed by Rizevim which infuriates Issei as he had a slight understanding of him. Issei then proceeded to fight against the latter, however he was overwhelmed by him due to his Sacred Gear Canceler, shortly after Issei was able to use the power of "Penetrate" thanks to Ddraig diving into the depths of the Sacred Gear and recovering a portion of his lost powers, due to his newfound power Issei was able to bypass Rizevim's Sacred Gear Canceler and deal Significant damage to him. Right before Rizevim escaped with Lilith, Issei declared that the one to defeat him would be Vali. Later, Issei and Irina went out shopping, She suddenly kisses him and reveals that they've already kissed before as kids. They then meet up with Azazel in a Santa Claus outfit and recall their childhood promise to attack Santa, so with the help of Ophis, they charged at Azazel.
In the Extra Life of DX.1, Issei overhears Rias and Ravel discuss how the Gremory and Phenex Rating Game would've ended if all of Rias current Peerage took part in it, this actually gets everyone interested in finding out which leads Ravel to call Riser for a rematch with Rias which will start on their next holiday. When the Rating Game begins, Issei heads to Gym with Koneko and Xenovia where they faced against Ile, Nel, Mira, and Xuelan. He battles against Mira in his armor and wins by shooting his Dragon Shot which made her naked, before she leaves, Mira asks for his autograph for later. They leave the Gym which was soon destroyed by Akeno and met up with Kiba who goes against Karlamine, as well as Irina who to their surprise fills the place as Riser’s substitute Bishop and faces off with Xenovia. Issei meets up with Ni and Li who want a rematch with him but Koneko, wanting to see specialty in who is superior goes against them instead. Isabela, also wanting a rematch with him becomes his opponent, he fires a gigantic Dragon Shot while Isabela dodges it at first, but she is affected by Issei’s Dress Break and retired after being hit by his redirected Dragon Shot.
Issei is soon escorted by Mihae under Riser's orders to the new school building where their respected masters are, where they meet up with Asia, Gasper, and Rossweisse, Mihae allows him and Asia to pass but fights against Gasper and Rossweisse. They arrive at the rooftop where they see Riser and Rias, Riser requests to fight Issei one-on-one which he also agrees to, they both battle giving everything they’ve got with Issei using his True Queen armor, Riser states that even if he loses to him a hundred times, he is determent to defeat him one day. In the end, the victor goes to Issei and his team. A few days later, Issei again overhears Rias and Ravel discuss Sona’s match with Seekvaira Agares and ask Azazel who would win in a Scramble Flag match between them and Seekvaira which he prepares to call the House of Agares, although Issei is not overwhelmed over the idea.
In Volume 19, Issei and his club members went to Kyoto for New Year’s Day, where he and Rias meets up with Kunou and her mother Yasaka who greet their arrival, although Kunou is upset that Ophis (who she knows as Phis) didn’t come, Issei excuses it that she caught a cold. While Kunou goes to fetch a remedy, Yasaka is glad how close he is with her daughter but asks him to wait until she’s an adult, she teases that until then he can have her instead. At that moment, Kunou returns and interferes by holding onto Issei’s leg. Issei then learns of Rias' previous discussion with Yakasa about Kunou attending middle school at Kuoh Academy in the coming year. Issei heads to the top of the shrine to meet up with his friends who’re giving their prayers, although he is embarrassed by Xenovia’s request to have his children this year, starting to be half-joking while seeing his expression, her wish is actually to have smooth election win or lose and suddenly kisses him for good luck much to his surprise.
At their club room, the group discusses the changes that are happening around them such as Rias and Akeno graduating and how Le Fey and Bennia would be joining. Later, Issei watches Xenovia prepare her campaign with help from Irina, Asia, and Kiryuu who he shockingly discovers is aware that he and his friends aren’t human. Later that night, in the Hyoudou mansion's underground pool, Issei and Rias show off their new technique to members of their club, Vali’s Team, Dulio, Sister Griselda, Tobio, and others. He began rubbing sun lotion onto Rias and Akeno, catching the attention of most of the other girls who also want to take turns with him rubbing lotion on them with Ravel sorting a schedule.
The next day, the gang are visited by Vasco Strada, one of the people leading a rebelling against the Church, he gives Rias a challenge announcing a battle between them and the rebels in three days. Soon after, Tannin paid a visit to the Hyoudou Residence, asking for their assistance in looking after an egg of a rare species of Spectral Dragon and is surprised to see that Crom Cruach is the one delivering the egg, it’s revealed that he is currently under Tannin's care. On the night before the battle, Issei makes his final preparations as he meditates to allow energy to wrap itself around his body while in mid-flight above the pool with his Dragon Wings, Xenovia entered planning to do her usual routine of skinny-dipping. As they talk, Xenovia expressed her worries of being unable to surpass Sona as the Student Council President and Vasco as the wielder of Durandal. Issei then told her that she can do it and asked her why she chose to run as the Student Council President. Xenovia reasoned that she loves Kuoh Academy as it has given a lot to her and she just wants to give something back in return. Xenovia pulled Issei into the pool with her and kissed him a second time and reminded him of her intent to join his peerage once he becomes a High-class Devil.
On the day of the battle against the Church rebels, they gain assistance from the Sitri group and Brave Saints. They split into two teams to defeat the rebel leaders Vasco Strada and Ewald Cristaldi, Issei tells Kiba who requested the fight against Ewald to come back alive. Issei and most of the Gremory group along with Saji take part in the battle against Vasco who proves to be a difficult opponent to defeat even with the help of Kiba and Irina who had just come over from their previous fight and unmatched by Issei’s True Queen armor. Arthur Pendragon, who has been watching from the side, joins in and actually matches Vasco in a sword fight as everyone watches in awe, however Arthur soon leaves, not knowing why as it was something that swordsman could understand. Xenovia, who receive some insight on Durandal from Vasco, splits Excalibur from Durandal, uses both swords in tandem and defeats him. As Vasco allowed himself to be taken prisoner Walburga makes an appearance. Everyone readies their stance against Walburga who summons an army of Evil Dragons, however, to everyone’s surprise, are rendered motionless due to a barrier Rosswiesse set up, her escape route is also cut off by Tobio. Frustrated, Walburga activates her Balance Breaker that manifests the other half of Yamata no Orochi soul from her flames. Everyone gives their best against her with Issei quickly using Reflect, Penetrate, Pailingual and Dress Break on her while others inflict damage to the Evil Dragon. With Xenovia finishing it off with her new move, Cross Crisis, Walburga froze on the spot witnessing her Balance Breaker destroyed, is then hit by Issei’s Crimson Blaster, resulting in her defeat and arrest.
A few days after the battle, the final day of the candidates in the Student Council Election had begun where Saji and Xenovia won Vice-President and Student Council President respectively. Issei met up with Griselda, who came to see the election, who was moved by her “little sister’s” heartfelt speech, they are joined by Xenovia who is surprised to see Griselda and asks for permission to use the Interdimensional room which only angers her. Later, The Occult Research Club gathered in the lab where Valerie was and gave her a piece of the original holy grail that was given to them by Vasco before his arrest which in turn wakes her from her coma. When everything was going well, the group heard the news of Ravel, who had temporarily joined her Brothers Peerage in a Rating Game against Diehauser, has gone missing along with Riser and Diehauser.
In Volume 20, everyone is depressed over the disappearance of Ravel, including Raiser and Diehauser, which they believe that Qlippoth is responsible for, with suspicion of the Champion also being involved. Days later, everyone in Issei’s year have come to school to have a three-way career consultation, he explains to his mother and teacher that he plans on going to Kuoh Academy University and to work under Rias’ father as a career choice and then start his own company, which he has not discussed with his parents yet. The next day, Azazel comes to everyone with the news that Ravel and Raiser have been recovered and are currently under Ajuka’s care. The next day, Issei and Asia visit Ophis who is taking care of the Spectre Dragon egg in a vast open space underneath Kuoh Town, sitting slightly away is Crom Cruach in human form who Asia offers some Banana.
As the D×D Team prepare to depart to visit Ajuka, Issei’s dad invites him to go fishing which he declines, Azazel adviced him to spend more time with his parents when he gets the chance. They arrive at a different dimension resembling a nighttime beach with two moons where they spot Ajuka next to Ravel who is in a bed barely conscious and assures them that Raiser was sent home safely by Slash Dog’s Team. Ajuka then explains to them about his secret creation from the general public known as the King Pieces and how some top-ranked Rating Game contestants have been using them, which was proposed by the higher-ups in the Underworld, a revelation that shocked everyone present. He then explains that while also having one in possession, Diehauser has only ever used his own strength, but reveals the champion's involvement in stealing Agreas in order to pursue the truth of everything, another shocking truth revealed to everyone. Soon Ajuka receives a startling call and tells them to return home as Ophis is being attacked by an Evil Dragon. Back at the Hyoudou Residence, where Ophis is unconscienced on her bed and brutally injured from protecting the Dragon egg from Niðhöggr, further to Issei’s horror, he finds out that his parents were kidnapped by him. Infuriated, he lashes out at Crom Craunch for not being there in time which Kiba attempts to calm him down. Kuroka and Le Fay came in from the rest of Vali's Team to bring info about the location of Agreas, the hideout for Qlippoth’s base. Later on, D×D prepares to strike back as they are teleported to Agreas, with the Gremory team being the main force. As Issei’s group make their way through Agreas to rescue his parents, they come across Niðhöggr, angered at the Dragon who injured Ophis and took his family, Issei activates his True Queen armor. Along with everyone else, they attack Niðhöggr with full force with Issei and Rias using their new technique that grants Rias her own variation of the Scale Mail armor; Crimson Extinct Dragonar. However, all their efforts are useless as Niðhöggr recovers from their attacks using several vials of Phoenix Tears, which is until Crom Crauch appears and brutally beats Niðhöggr, allowing Issei and Asia to head to where their parents are, with support from all the sword wielders to fend off against any Evil Dragons in their way.
While making their way through the designated building, Issei and Asia hear Diehauser on the monitor and he reveals to the public about the truth about the death of his cousin, Cleria Belia, for knowing the existence of the King Piece. They make it to where Diehauser and Rizevim are where Issei and the sudden arrival of Vali face them respectively but are overwhelmed by their power, things got more complicated when Rizevim brought Issei’s parents to witness their son in confusion, he then has Diehauser force Issei to drink Dragons blood, turning him more Dragon-like in front of his family who were in shock, especially when Rizevim reveals to them that Issei and his friends are not human. Rizevim mocks and laughs in ridicule towards Issei, calling him a monster in front of his family, he avoids eye contact as he cries and constantly apologizes to them, afraid that they might fear and abandon him. Instead, they still believe Issei to be their son and accept him as he is, standing up against Rizevim, Issei who is touched by his parents love for him is embraced by them and Asia.
While Issei unintentionally uses Pailingual on his mother’s breasts, he sees through his parents past which shows that they had difficulty giving birth, showing how happy they were when he was born, how worried they became when he was lost from them, as well as all the moments where they were there for him. Having regained the will to fight, he battles both Rizevim and Diehauser with his family supporting him; every time he’s knocked down he manages to stand back up, Rizevim attempts to kill his family but are protected by Asia’s awakened Balance Breaker which further irritates him. Issei starts hearing Ophis’ voice who then grants him and Ddraig power, achieving a new form; Diabolos Dragon (DxD), which proves to be immune to Rizevim’s ability and was able to cause him damage. Rizevim tries to heal himself with Pheonix Tears but is betrayed by Diehauser who renders it worthless. They fight outside in mid-air; all of Rizevim’s attacks are proven useless as Issei fires a powerful blast that nearly kills Rizevim, who is now greatly injured before he teleports away. Issei confronts Diehauser over his actions and is slapped by his mother for hurting her children, Issei tells him to atone for his sins as Rias and countless others including himself who want to compete against the Champion, Diehauser asks if Issei saw his cousin's soul while in Heaven, to which he replies that she had a gentle expression, an answer that brought him to tears. Issei starts feeling pain as he coughs blood and collapses on the floor with his family rushing over to him.
In Volume 21, Following his fight against Rizevim, Issei wakes up in the hospital one week later after his previous battle. Issei also loses his ability to speak and think about breasts without feeling pain due to the after-effects of using DxD mode, which he is warned to never use again. After recuperating enough, Issei saw his parents and met up with his friends to rejoin the battle against Qlippoth, with an army of different races preparing to face off against Apophis heading to the coastal waters of Japan with an impending army of Evil Dragons, Fake Red Dragon Emperor army and one of the Imperial Beasts bodies. After retrieving the stolen Holy Grail, Issei battles Apophis one-on-one in his True Queen armor within a black barrier and faces difficulty against his Umbrakinesis that dissolves everything it touches and avoids using his DxD mode. Issei lays on the ground injured and barely able to move with both his demonic energy and stamina exhausted, he notices the amulet his mother recently gave him fall off of his tattered uniform and inside he finds a photo of him with his parents when he was 3 years old and another of all the current residence at his home. While still in pain, this gives him the will to stand and fight as he begins to recite the forbidden chant.
Issei enters his Diabolos Dragon form and is finally able to inflict damage onto Apophis, as the battle rages on, the two clashes their strongest attacks with Apophis spewing his darkness breath which Issei's overpowers with his Infinity Blaster mixed Longinus Smasher, effectively killing him. Despite so Apophis' black barrier remained, however, a luminous horned-humanoid manages to enter, Issei and Ddraig realize that it's the consciousness of Trihexa. Sirzechs then teleports to their location, who had come to fight alongside Issei, they both give it their all to exterminate Trihexa's conscious which keeps on quickly regenerating. Ddraig notices Albion's revelation and decides to unseal his original finishing move for Issei to use; Blazing Inferno of Scorching Flames, an ability that allows him to spew flames of intense magnitude. However, Trihexa was still able to survive with Issei who changes back as a result of being unable to maintain his form any longer, collapsed onto the ground spewing blood. As the last resort, Sirzechs calls his entire peerage and reveals to Issei that they along with some of the other mythology leaders will be sealing Trihexa inside an Isolated Barrier Field along with themselves, Issei lays there shocked and in awe as he watches them disappear before his eyes and loses consciousness.
Issei wakes up again in a hospital, to his surprise seeing Ophis with a voluptuous figure, Vali who was also hospitalized explains that Ophis adjusted the borrowed power by stabilizing the infinite power within him to a level that his mind and body could withstand, effectively curing him of his Dragon Deficiency and resulting her current state and thus allowing him to see and speak about breasts without pain. Vali also tells Issei about the loss of Azazel, Sirzechs and the others, while he's upset at first, Ophis and Lilith comfort him by saying that they'll always stay with him. Vali also notes that both him and Issei are able to live for a very long time and will await Azazel's return to complain to him.
In Volume 22, Issei found himself lured into a room that has the same atmosphere as the Interdimensional Room, where he finds Akeno inside. Akeno began to seduce Issei by stripping his clothes and placing his right hand on her left breast. As Akeno is about to kiss Issei, they are caught by Rias in the act. As Rias is about to give her scolding, Akeno ignores her and gives Issei a deep kiss, much to Issei's shock. An enraged Rias gives her own deep kiss to Issei and begins to seduce Issei, and places his right hand also onto her own left breast. They were interrupted by the arrival of Ravel and the Church Trio. Ravel gives the news to Issei about the Rating Game World Tournament and Rias and Akeno give a cheek kiss to Issei as they leave to find out more about the tournament. During school, Issei meets a new student and the newest member of the Student Council, Ouryuu Nakiri, who has been wanting to meet Issei for a long time as he considers him to be his role model. Issei goes together with Rias and Ravel to the Kuoh Town's underground, where he meets Bova who is the third son of Tannin and the strongest amongst his children, much to Issei's shock. Bova asks Issei to accept him as his retainer, which he asked Bova if he wants to be his servant and Bova rejected the offer knowing he wants a group of females as servants. After school, Issei goes fishing together with the Occult Research Club, the Vali Team, and his parents. Issei and Vali went to find a fishing spot where they discussed the Rating Game World Tournament and Vali's promotion to an Ultimate-Class Devil. Before the day of his promotion, Issei shows Kunou around Kuoh Academy and introduces her to Sona and Saji.
On the day of his promotion ceremony to becoming a High-Class Devil, Issei goes together with the Occult Research Club, Rias's parents, and his parents to the Underworld. Upon arrival at the Maous' territory, Issei goes into the ceremonial hall and thinks back to his times as a Devil. Issei sees a woman who sings the Oppai Dragon song in an opera version, which leaves Issei and the others troubled except Zeoticus who is deeply moved by it. After becoming a High-Class Devil, Issei was visited by Riser and his mother Lady Phenex, who offered to trade Ravel as his first Bishop and Rias decided to trade Asia and Xenovia as his other Bishop, and his first Knight. Issei afterward meets a boy and his ally, to which Ajuka introduces the boy as Shiva, the God of Destruction and his ally Mahabali, the young prince of Asura, making Issei become quite taken aback. As the frightened Issei shake hands with Shiva and Mahabali, Shiva asks Issei if he is aiming for women or fame, which Issei answers that it is both. Earning Shiva's interest, Shiva asks Issei to join his army for a possible war against Indra, which leaves Issei and everyone greatly surprised. Mahabali then tells Issei that he and the other Asuras have already decided to join Shiva's side, and wants Issei to join them so Mahabali can fight alongside him. Issei noticed Mahabali's anger towards Indra as he shakes the ceremony room with his aura out of rage. Issei remained silent, which Shiva took it as his approval and happily pats his back. Shiva then tells Issei that the Rating Game will be named the Azazel Cup and the opponents he wishes to fight will be gathered there. Cao Cao shows up at the door who is amazed that Shiva would become fond of Issei and continues to grow every time. Cao Cao then informed Issei that he is also participating in the tournament.
On the morning of the graduation day, Issei goes together with Rias and Akeno to Kuoh Academy, going to the Occult Research Club for one last time before they leave. After the graduation ceremony, Issei proposes to Rias to which she tearfully accepts. Irina reveals to Issei that she turned down to join the Brave Saints team and happily accepted when Issei asked her to join him. Issei then informs Matsuda and Motohama about his relationship with Rias, where the news causes them to be depressed.
Red Dragon Emperor of the Blazing Truth × White Dragon Emperor of the Morning Star: The True Dragon(s) of the Kuoh Academy
Past mid-April, Issei, and Ravel arrived late to the Occult Research Club due to preparations for the tournament. In the opening ceremony of the Azazel Cup, Issei and his team arrived on Ryuuteimaru (which it has become a gigantic ship). Issei then gets greeted by his rivals with Rias proclaiming she won't lose to him, and Issei saying he won't hold back and defeat her. After ten days, Issei and his team receive bad ratings in the tournament. They were later joined by Le Fay, Kunou, and Lilith, and Issei asks if they are enjoying their school life which they agreed on. Issei then meets Akeno and Baraqiel before his match with him, Baraqiel asked Akeno who she will be cheering, she stated it will be Issei and hugged him. This caused Baraqiel to shed tears and proclaim he won't lose to Issei. Akeno then revealed her sorrowful side; wanting both Issei and Baraqiel to win and expressed her jealousy for Rias, for having a strong man who loves her. On the day of their match, Issei and Baraqiels team's arrived at the "Azazel Stadium" within the 'Fallen Angels', they played the game Object Break where the must break the most number of objects out of 13 scattered within the field. The Objects are revealed to be female statues (which Issei noted that looked similar to Akeno), as Issei and team went off into the field after going over Ravel's strategies.
An hour and a Half since Issei was exploring the western side of their territory with Bova when they heard that the Lightning Team had broken the first object but eventually were able to catch up. Issei soon came across Baraqiel who asked him how far he has gotten with Akeno, too embarrassed to say Baraqiel assumed they've done the unspeakable, even getting angry when he confirmed they have kissed and demanded that he'd take responsibility. Clad in lighting. Baraqiel charged directly towards Issei and engaged in combat all while testing his compatibility with her. Baraqiel released a single bolt of lightning towards the sky and then retreated, this was a signal to all three of his teammates to destroy the objects they had in hand near Issei which sealed him in a barrier. Ravel offered a solution to use Castling with his Rook; Rossweisse to swap place, while successful, Armaros who had planned to ambush Rossweisse was also teleported there and used his Anti-Magic on her.
Issei started to chant to enter his DxD form but for a maximum of 10 seconds, he used his wing cannons to annihilate half the field, resulting in breaking 4 Objects and retiring the enemies Rook and Bishop. Issei made his way to assist Xenovia and Irina location where they were fighting Baraqiel and two of his teammates, he soon came across several opponents until Bova arrived to stop them and let Issei proceed. When he arrived at their location, Issei then fought against Baraqiel in his Crimson armor again while explaining his relationship with as a way to agitate him to create openings to strike yet also told how he cares for her. Baraqiel responded his words that even so he has chosen Rias over her and has not considered her feelings, he grabbed Issei by the neck while weeping while telling him he should've split him and Akeno from the very begging and that she'd be happier with someone else, he then proceeded a punch that shattered his helmet. Issei then recalled all his past moments and the thought of Akeno being with someone other than him, he came to a conclusion and yelled out that he loved Akeno. Issei goes on asking Baraqiel to allow him to take responsibility, promising to always make her happy while proposing to her on the spot, this resolve had boosted Issei's power enough to defeat Baraqiel.
A few days later, Akeno clung close to Issei's side feeding him and was referring to him as "husband", this angered Rias as the two girls then argued over who would take Issei's virginity and carry his child first. Issei was then recalling when Ajuka had summoned him to his research facility after his match, he revealed he was able to communicate to Azazel and the others within the Isolated Barrier Field. Ajuka, Azazel and Sirzechs told Issei that they're establishing a secret intelligence bureau called EXE and they want Issei to be its intelligence officer, Issei wasn't sure of the position, he said he'll at least think about it. Later on, as Issei was watching the announcements for the upcoming matches, Elmenhilde had paid them a visit wanting to join their team.
In Volume 23, Issei and his team had just won another victory for their continuing winning streak, though some of them worry that things usually go wrong in situations like these and discuss possible countermeasures that could be used against or for them. Ravel then reminded Issei it was time for him to proceed with his work as a High-Class Devil. Issei and his classmates had already become third-year students, in-class Rossweisse announced the Ball Tournament coming up, with Xenovia declaring that she and her Student Council will not lose against the ORC members. After school, Issei and his peerage were doing the work as Devils at one of Azazel's labs underneath a cram school that had become Issei's office. When Asia had returned from one of her job requests, Ravel and Issei notice that Asia seemed a bit off, they hid in the storeroom and discussed that her problem may be that she's overwhelmed from being President of the ORC and must help ease her troubles. When they came out, all the girls present assumed that they've committed shameless acts within the workplace, Issei attempted to deny it while Ravel takes the thought of it into account. Elmenhilde came in to serve everyone but tripped nearly shattering the teacups until Xenovia caught them with her Excalibur Ruler.
Issei and his team set up a meeting with Dulio's team at the Hyoudou Residence VIP room, to get members of both parties acquainted with each other, though it was also used to gain an insight on their opponents. He met with some familiar and new faces, in particular with Mirana Shatarova whom Dulio hinted at having a huge bust size as a possible strategy to use against Issei when needed. Conflicted with himself, Ravel offers Issei hers breasts anytime to avoid being distracted by Mirana's. He also met with Kiyotora Shinra who was a relative of Tsubaki. Dulio's team supervisor; Rudiger Rosenkreutz arrived late to the meeting, he was able to notice that Asia had been having difficulty as a club president and advised her to open up to her friends, Ravel caught on that Rudiger was aware that Asia was a club president, exposing that he had been investigating the situation to such detail. That evening, Ravel came over to Issei's room to sleep with him in place of Rias and Akeno who was absent while excusing it as simply her role as his manager and grabbed her his hand to press against her breast. Ravel told him about the time they were caught leaving the storeroom when she answered to everyone that she would satisfy any and all of his impulsive requests, letting him know that he is her King and can do anything he wanted to her. Although their moment was interrupted when Asia also came to spend the night, Ravel attempted to explain her situation a was merely her duty when Xenovia and Irina had rushed towards Issei like ninjas. Everyone clung to Issei showing off their breasts to him and how they tried different methods in making them big, Ravel also explained that Devil's bust continues to grow even after maturing due to their Demonic energy.
Issei went to Ajuka's research facility to inform Azazel and the other of recent events, Issei also told him that he was feeling troubled with being a King and the tournament, Azazel believed that it was due to him never enjoying a battle as they were a life-threatening but assured him that the tournament was a purely a game and informed him to enjoy his youth. When Saji came over to Issei's home declaring that he won't lose to him when they face each other, Issei responded by inviting him and Vali to go fishing, ruining the former's moment. On their fishing trip, Issei conversed with the other two Dragon wielders about needing a reason for him to enjoy a fight. The trio then met with Vidar and Apollon who informed them they've joined Typhon's team and will not go easy on them when they face each other. They soon heard news about Rias current match and the reveal of her new Pawn, the three of them headed to the stadium she was in and watched the end of her match as she and her team easily overpowered an Ultimate-Class Devil's team. Two days later at their club room, Issei had Ravel to narrow the best options for new members for their team to stand a better chance, Ouryuu arrived as the best option but to everyone's surprise, Tiamat had also come by as the boy was under her care. She requested that Ddraig to return all her rare treasured items he had borrowed when he was alive, leaving the responsibility in finding them to Issei as his current host, they proposed a deal that Tiamat will allow Ouryuu to join them for as long as Issei wins the tournament and used his prized wish to grant him all of her items to return to her.
After a day of Devil work and a meeting with Ravel, Issei came to the large underground bath to cleanse himself, he washed before he could notice that Akeno had crept up behind to offer washing her "husband's" back for him. Things progressed as Akeno then offered to wash his front, as she prepared to take things even further, their moment was interrupted by Ophis, Lilith and Kunou who were playing in the bath. Issei met with Lint Sellzen in the living room who was waiting for Rias, he then came to learn from her about her relations with Freed Sellzen and Siegfried who all came from the same institute and were artificially created from the genes of Sigurd. Xenovia and Irina soon came down and spotted Issei and Lint chatting, the two became somewhat passionate over the young girl who referred to them as her senors and had come to be closely acquainted with each other and chatted before Rias would arrive. The next day Issei and his team were training in a large underground training space within the Gremory territory where he had a mock battle with Ouryuu. They were then discussing how Rudiger maybe someone difficult to deal with, Roygun had arrived on Ruval Phenex's advice to find a job, gave them the game date on Rudiger that could be helpful on their next fight. Roygun began to flirt with Issei which triggered a strong reaction from the girls present, Ravel got in the way as she recalled that Roygun was into younger men, though Issei felt a little excited over it. Roygun asks Issei if he wasn't interested in older women but answered that he was very much into them, his responses made the other girls him stinging gazes at him while Ravel continued to hold onto his arm to keep him from her. Roygun giggles as she watches the situation and then left saying she'll be rooting for them but also advice to enjoy the match no matter the outcome while giving Issei a wink.
On the day before their next match, Issei went back to Ajuka's research facility for a checked up on his Evil Pieces, he informed him that now all of them had become Mutation Pieces as an effect of his Dragon Deification. Ajuka concluded that the combination of the two could be described as a fearsome phenomenon and giving his form the power to change the world, while Issei currently cannot fully unleash it yet Ajuka can already foresee him being able to master it. He explained to Issei that if he can get Ophis and Lilith to resonate, used his pieces to unleash the power of Ophis and Great Red within himself, he will master Dragon Deification and achieve a new form known as AxA. Issei returned home as he found Asia practicing shooting hoops in secret for the school's tournament at their basement, she told him her discomfort that she feels lacking behind as the ORC President but still determined to improve herself for everyone in her own style different from Rias, Issei felt touched by this and joined her. Elmenhilde walked in on them wanting to also be of help in their training, upon overhearing Asia's conversation, she then gave a full detailed explanation for wanting to take part in the World Tournament, thus coming to an understanding. Though Issei questioned her why she wanted to join his team, Elmenhilde simply blushed while Asia scolded him for being oblivious. At that time, Xenovia and Irina had come down after their shower and decided to join them in a game of basketball, Asia then expressed how grateful she was to everyone. Ravel then quietly said to Issei that they'll use Elmenhilde for their match which Issei agreed.
On the day of the match, both teams arrived at the Ajuka Stadium in the Astaroth territory, Issei and Asia were surprised to see his father had also arrived alongside Kunou to cheer them on, though informs that his mother couldn't bear to see the fight directly instead will be watching the broadcast closely. When the two of them met with Dulio within the Stadium, he asked Issei if Asia would she be happier if she could live life as an ordinary sister, while Issei has thought so, Dulio pointed out that her current life with everyone that had been caused by the imperfection of Sacred Gears, the was same said for a few others he knows. They played the game under Rampage Ball rules, where they must find the goals that appear all over the game field and then throw the ball in. After going over last-minute strategies with Ravel, they made their way to the ball but were met with ice-cold heavy rain and lightning strikes by Dulio, the ball was fought over back and forth but Issei's team were able to score the first 5 points thanks to Ouryuu.
As the game goes on, Dulio's team exploited the weaknesses of Issei's team under Rudiger's strategies, in his case he was trapped in a bubble that showed a recording of Gabriel chaining swimsuits completely mesmerized, though he was soon broken free by the combined attacks of Ouryuu and Bova. Ravel gave Issei the signal to used his Wyverns to create a new set of Scale Mail armor for Xenovia, he then only partially transformed his arm into DxD G that send all the Angels who marked him to be sent flying by, which he used to enhance his Dress Break spell that halted Mirana's movements from a distance and stripped her of her clothes. Nearly 2 hours have passed since the game started with the scores of both parties being roughly even as everyone loses stamina. Xenovia told Issei of her trump that could boost her motivation depending on his answer, she proposed out loud that he'd take her as his bride, Irina also stepped in requesting the same. As Issei soon regains his composure, he accepted both their proposals and as if the fatigue of the two was blown away, they both gained a huge motivation as well as a massive power boost as unbelievable aura surged forth from their Holy Swords. The two swords-women fought their respected foes while also requesting the number of kids they wanted.
Issei and his team gained the last ball and headed over to the goal as Dulio's team chased after them while creating violent whether an attempt to blow them off the ground, Issei may have been tired and struggling but was still able to smile as he was finally able to enjoy a fight without the risk of lethal danger. All of a sudden, Issei hears a song inside him similar to the one Ophis and Lilith sang in the bath but now with Great Red as well. Issei's path was blocked by Dulio and the two fought with their attacks causing destruction to the field. While the ball was passed to Xenovia, Nero was able to take it and pass it to his comrades before the two of them collapsed, Issei used partial DxD only on his wing fly fast enough to snatch the ball and pass it to Rossweisse who then gave it to Bina. Just as she was about to score the winning goal, the timer went off ending the game with Dulio's team as the winners with a score of [144 – 146]. Everyone laid down on the ground tired, despite experiencing their first loss in the tournament, Issei expressed his joy in actually enjoying a fight for sport, Dulio dragged his tired body to his side and complimented him on coming in close and for all the secret techniques they pulled off. Later in the waiting room, Issei cheered up some of his teammates who were feeling down over their loss about learning from failure to improve, Issei then commented that he may have closer into achieving AxA some point during the match. Issei then took Ravel elsewhere private in the corridor for no one to see her express her sadness, he hugs her for a while to also lighten her up. Later on, Issei and some of his club members participated in the school's ball tournament in a game of basketball against Xenovia and her Student Council, he personally went up against Saji who treated it as a prelude to their upcoming match, in the end however the score was tied up. Issei walked home with Asia while the way they came across an injured boy whom Asia healed, somewhat reflecting how the two first met. Issei then made a resolve as he held Asia's shoulders and proposed to her which accepted in tears, just they were about to kiss, Xenovia and Irina sprung out from hiding after witnessing them and congratulated her as the three of them are now engaged to Issei.
While listening to the next upcoming matchups, Roygun and her peerage arrived at Issei's home pledging allegiance to Issei and his team, she explained her reason was to continue contributing to the Rating Games for she feels she has nothing if she doesn't compete.
In Volume DX.4, Issei took part in the collaboration show of Oppai Dragon and Leonis Rex. Issei was facing against Bova as Evil Dragon General Vabo but was struggling until he was aided by his former enemy Kiba as Darkness Knight Fang. Despite the assistance, Issei and Kiba were continued to struggle until another protagonist Sairaorg as Leonis Rex came to their aid and together they defeated Vabo. He later participated in the talk show with his fellow kings Rias and Sairaorg, he received a question regarding him about joining the tournament and answered that he’s happy for becoming a high-class devil and got recognition from many people. Issei then witnesses Sairaorg getting criticism about him being a cheater and suspected him using a king piece, this made him frustrated and wanted to defend Sairaorg but was stopped by Rias. The next morning, Issei joined Sairaorg on his workout and apologized for not helping him which Sairaorg was grateful but warned him not to get everyone’s bad side. While talking, Issei and Sairaorg noticed Cao Cao and became shocked that he doesn’t have his True Longinus with him. He looked at the glares between Cao Cao and Sairaorg as they challenge each other in their upcoming match. After Cao Cao left, Issei continued to do the morning run with Sairaorg and looked back at Cao Cao. On the day of Sairaorg’s and Cao Cao’s match, Issei watched the conversation between the two rivals and became greatly shocked that Cao Cao’s swears on his behalf.
After few days of the previous match, Issei watched Sona’s performance in Miracle☆Levia-tan tv show with Rias, Akeno, Ravel and their guest Seekvaira at the theater in the Hyoudou Residence. After the show, Crom surprises Issei with his arrival for more bananas, reminding Rias of their contract of him joining her team. Issei and his team gathered together in Issei’s room for their strategy meeting against Sona and her team. They noted the offensive teams are Saji, Loup, Tomoe, and Bennia while the defensive teams are Tsubasa, Momo, and the support is Reya, the newest team member Yukihiko Hoderi, and Sona. Issei finds Saji impressive because his black flames can provide support allows him to tackle rules and fields. Issei listens as Xenovia revealed that some of Sona’s peerage members have reached Balance Breaker states. They noticed Yukihiko has joined Sona’s team for the tournament as part of his training for middle school and remembered and that he was brave enough to fight Tannin. When Ravel asks Issei about Saji, he confirmed he wants to fight him one on one in order to move on and to have a rematch of their last fight. The next day at the club room, Issei and the Occult Research Club members plan to go to training camp for their summer vacation and later Xenovia appeared and asked Issei for his help to deliver the castella cake to Saji’s house. When they arrive, Issei and Xenovia meet Saji’s younger sister Kaho and his youngest brother Gengo and she revealed that she knows that Issei is the Red Dragon Emperor and Xenovia is the wielder of Durandal that she will be cheering for them in the tournament. Issei went shopping with Rias, Lint, and Kunou on their day off and when Kunou and Lint went together to the game center, Issei and Rias went to do some shopping together and expressed his happiness of going together with Rias after so long of working due to being a high-class devil. After Kunou and Lint return from the center and won their plushies they decided to go another shopping area and later Rias expresses that she would like to have one daughter something that surprises Issei but Rias predicted that their first child will be a boy.
Issei and his team arrived at the Armaros Colosseum for their match against Sona and her team. Sona congrats Issei for coming so far as a king and standing before her and her team. But she intends to defeat him so she can achieve her goals with Issei declaring that he and his team will be the one to win and ask Saji to settle the between them. Under Ravel’s instruction, Issei enters his pseudo-dragon deification and fired his infinity blaster that turned the field into a landscape and together with Irina and Rossweisse they headed to Ruruko‘s location and fought against her and Tsubasa. Ruruko tempted Issei to use dress break on her, but she uses a roundhouse kick to deflect his dress break at Irina therefore accidentally destroying her clothes instead. Issei continued his attempt to use his dress break on Ruruko again but she kicked his technique and this time it accidentally destroys Rosswiesse’s clothes, much to her dismay. Despite his failed attempts to use dress break on Ruruko, Issei still attempts to use it again until the recovery point was destroyed by Grayfia which causes Tsubasa and Rukuro to retreat. Issei, Irina, and Rossweisse return to their base and they were informed by Ouryuu that there was movement in the wasteland that was destroyed by Issei which turned out to be Saji and Issei decided to go to face him in battle but Ravel believed it was a trap until she was convinced by Bova under the condition that Issei wins the fight. Equipping his crimson armor, Issei meets up with Saji who also equipped his black armor and recalls the time he was defeated by Saji as they start to fight. They began to punch each other and continued to fight until they were beaten and bruised. Deciding to fight Saji at full strength, Issei contacted Ravel and tells her that he’s going to use his dragon deification and apologized to her for being a foolish king but Ravel understands his motivation and allows him to transform his right into Diabolos Dragon form. Issei overwhelmed Saji with his dragon deification punch which created a crater in the field and hugs him as he delivers one last punch to him so he can retire from the rating game. Issei and his team emerged victorious after Sona surrenders her match.
In Volume 24, the Gremory group visited the school pool to relax while all of while most of the girls were fighting over who should Issei apply suntan oil to first. Rias declared to go first as the one who stripped her top before anyone, Xenovia took it further by attempting to continue the baby-making practice in the storage room from last year while inviting all the members of their team to join but Rias and Akeno were against it, Xenovia then challenged Rias to a swimming contest to see who gets him. Issei then watched as everyone had fun until a topless Kuroka came from behind pressing her breasts covered in oil against his back, she then rubbed more oil all over him with her hands while licking his neck. Koneko came over to put a stop to and informed her to wait her turn like the others, though she still clung to Issei saying that she's being bullied. Issei then asked Kuroka to call him by his given name since they're living together which she takes into the suggestion, she then runs off when Ravel caught her cutting in line. Everyone then caught word that all their parents and guardians have met up at the Hyoudou Residence. Upon arriving home, Issei and everyone learned that they've all gathering was to discuss plans for the wedding ceremonies for each of his fiances, upon hearing this the girls made their requests to their parents, Kiba commented to him that there might be many VIP guests attending his wedding ceremonies and assured him that it's was normal to feel worried. Issei and his team were not only surprised that Vasco was also present but had also joined Rias' team for the tournament. His mother told him that they had to inform his grandmother but worried about how to explain the situation, his dad then brought up that his grandfather would've easily believed the existence of supernatural beings.
Issei went shopping with Ravel on the following day when they came across Bennia and Ouryuu who were looking for help as they and some of their friends where being attacked by Grim Reapers, they headed back to school to assist but as soon as he equipped his armor, the reapers immediately fled. They suspected that they worked for Thanatos and were after Koneko. That evening they brought this attention to Rias who heard a similar situation from Sairaorg with some unidentified Devils causing riots, they then received a message from Tobio who had the relevant info on the topic. Issei, Rias, Ravel, and Rossweisse with Tobio at the bar he worked the next day, they also met with Lavinia who showed Issei an old notebook of Vali's that he had written cool and deep sounding phrases that Issei has to hear from Vali in person before. Cao Cao then appeared before then with the info Tobio called everyone for, they learned that there's a faction of Grim Reapers led acting behind the scenes of the tournament, the unidentified Devils were somehow confirmed to be pure-bloods and Grim Reapers led by Hades were spotted during their riots as well as were unrelated to the ones that attacked Koneko. Back home at the VIP room, Ravel suggested that they needed to know more about Koneko's past to find out why she became a target, with Sona and Tsubaki's assistance they recommended visiting the mirror Youkai who can communicate with those who have parted. As everyone used their connections to find it, Rias reminded Issei of the branch house of Naberius that took in Koneko and Kuroka, informing him that they were obsessed with certain dark research which against the main family’s wishes continued to carry out dubious experiments.
Rias invited Issei's team for a training session to help her for the upcoming match against Vali's team, Kiba offered a mock battle with Issei after his lunch but they were suddenly attacked by Grim Reapers. Equipping his armor, Issei and everyone fought against the Reapers and demanded to know what they wanted with Koneko but simply dodged the question, he then asked if Hades was behind this but answered no as they confirmed that they follow Thanatos instead. However the Reapers had no luck obtaining their objective with the late arrival of Vasco and Crom Crauch and their leader defeated, they resorted to retreating. Back home they had Bennia call her father to find additional info on Thanatos. Issei, Rias, Akeno, and Ravel transported to an old shrine that was situated deep in the mountains of the Tohoku region in Japan to meet with the mirror Youkai. While Sona introduced the current Ungaikyo, it stated that he cannot fulfill their request due to complications but was immediately persuaded when Magari also arrived who also wanted to know the details of Koneko's past. Although the Ungaikyo informed them that the soul of Koneko's father had been placed under seal, Magari had ever one prepare a tub that would allow her to negotiate with Great King Enma but still proved to be difficult as the seal was was done by a magician using demonic energy, she added that they could get some leeway when they get the cooperation of a Satan and a magician’s association. As Rias, Akeno, Ravel, Sona, and Shinra used their own respective channels to seek help, Magari brought up that he could use the Ungaikyo to call for someone else while he waited, Rias suggested he can call his late grandfather. Issei was happy to be able to speak with his grandpa again who had been living luxuriously in Buddhist Heaven due to Issei's many victories over the year, he also meets Rias and admired hers and Akeno's chest recalling Issei wanted to marry a "onee-san" with big breast when he was younger. Their communication was about to be cut off, he assured that should anything happen he will come over to help him and leaves his parting words to Issei to feel up as many breasts as he can.
With the cooperation of the other factions, the Ungaikyo was able to bypass the seal and summon the soul of Koneko and Kuroka's father but was having trouble remembering anything, although he slowly recalls his memories as they asked him questions. They learned that he had been experimenting on artificially creating Super Devils for the branch house of Naberius as well as someone of Nebiros which greatly shocked everyone, Issei got angry with him when he found out that he did not have mutual feelings for the Nekomata that fell for him or aware that the girls she birth were even his. Furthermore, they learned that one of Koneko's hair clip ornament that was a memento from her mother had the research data on his experiment, thus explaining why she was being targeted. As their line with him was about to be disconnected, the man begged to know if his research had been successful before being cut off. After returning home, they informed all their comrades everything they had discovered while omitting any mention of her parents to Koneko, she willingly gave her hair clip that was lent to Ajuka. Le Fay and Kuroka had just returned from the depths of China’s Youkai world, they soon informed Kuroka that her sister was being attacked by Grim Reapers and will also come after her, Rias then talked to her in private about what they uncovered about her parents. That night Issei came to see Kuroka who was on the roof aware that he already knew about their past, she requested that they not tell Koneko the truth. She opened up to him about her past on how bad a human their father was and how one-sided their mother's feelings were to him and tried to get him to acknowledge their children and when they had no choice but to be servants of the Naberius house after their parents died in a lab accident. Kuroka hugged Issei and expressed that she wanted to continue living with Koneko and everyone in peace, promising to make amends for all she had done and assist them against any threat they face, he held onto her assuring that he will always protect them as they are both his family.
Issei went down to the bath where he found a naked Koneko who handed him a shampoo bottle, they talked about the tournament where Koneko expressed that she must defeat Kuroka for Rias on their next match as the best way to completely gain closure from the fear, and loneliness that she felt back when Kuroka killed her previous master, Issei responded that he'll be cheering for them both, while Koneko was glad she hoped that he would cheer for her more then Kuroka. Koneko then admitted that she suspected that Issei was aware of the truth about her parents, she assured him it was okay that he doesn't tell her for she was already happy with her current family especially with the one she loved, with that she reminded him of the proposal she made to him back during the Demonic Beast Riot and to give her an answer when she "grows bigger". Koneko stepped out of the bath knowing Rias was behind the entrance and gave her space alone with Issei. As Rias entered the bath with him, Issei also told her that he will be cheering for her, Rias winked as she undauntedly said not to hate her if she were to defeat his rival. They were about to kiss when the Church Trio had also come in and unintentionally interrupted the moment, Issei and Rias simply looked at each other and laugh. On the day of Rias and Vali's match, Issei and all their comrades acted as guards around the Fafnir Stadium within the Fallen Angels’ territory of the Underworld, against the Grim Reapers of Thanatos faction who were likely strike again. He meets for the other members of Tobio's Slash Dog team; Natsume Minagawa whose a fan of his show and Kouki Samejima who also claimed to love breasts. Issei and Ravel stood guard at the entrance while listening to the match going on, she then tugged his sleeve and pointed in the direction of Suzuka Himejima, he went over to meet with greeting her, he also recalled from Ouryuu that she was a scary person. Suzuka then introduced Seiryuu Kushihashi and Genbu Doumon were also the current heads of their respective clans, while the original came to cheer for Akeno, the three of them wanted to assist in guarding the match after asking Tobio. Suzuka then approached and whispered to Issei that she heard he had proposed to Akeno, he asked him to make her happy while recalling the trouble she went through by her predecessor, she smiles upon Issei giving a positive response. They then separated and he was back with Ravel, she determinedly said to him that she will defend her friend's important match, Issei likewise shared the same feelings.
When the Grim Reapers finally struck, as part of Ravel's plan Issei who equipped his Crimson Armor was located in a wilderness area at a far distance away from the stadium waiting for Thanatos to appear. Thanatos arrived via forced transfer against his will, Issei asked his reasons for doing this, he explained that he intended on destroying any and all research data on artificial Super Devils before Hades gets a hold on it, this included eliminating those connected to it such as Koneko and Kuroka, he also expressed interest at the chance of fighting the Red Dragon similar to his old comrade; Pluto who faced the White Dragon. Issei fired several Dragon Shots but Thanatos dodged them all at incredible speeds that left afterimages, even the ones he was able to land on appeared unaffected. Issei changed his attacks into melee while avoiding getting hit by his scythe that left large scar on the ground, although Thanatos was fast enough to avoid getting hit by his punches, little did he knew that the Grim Reaper had circled behind as he prepared to swing down his scythe, Issei managed to gain some distance when he fired his Crimson Blaster cannons in his wings. He brought out his Ascalon blade and activated his Penetrate, Thanatos immediately retreated backward as flew in closer from above and fired his cannons again, however, he missed again as he once more circled behind to strike another blow but Issei was able to block it with his blade in time. Having no other choice, Issei quipped himself with his incomplete Diabolos Dragon armor, Thanatos moved at high speed that created afterimages of himself from all directions that prepared to attack at once, Issei failed to repel them they were all able to hit him, luckily his armor appeared to be impervious to his scythe due to Ophis' power. As his countdown was nearly up, Issei attempted to finish his opponent off quickly with his cannons but Thanatos had sealed them during his last attack so he resorted to firing more consecutive enhanced Dragon Shot, Thanatos continued to outmaneuver them at high-speeds which left Issei to be cautious about where they impact to avoid hitting the barrier. His time was up as the DxD G armor was lifted and reverted back into his crimson armor while low on stamina, while Thanatos acknowledged that Issei was able to fight on equal footing against gods but pointed out his glaring weakness of having a short amount of time to use his full power, the Reaper was then finally able to slash through Issei's armor with his scythe in the abdomen but yet had effect on his soul. Ddraig informed his partner that his soul was now unaffected even by techniques of a god-class being due to Ophis especially with the inclusion of Lilith by his side made the effect even more remarkable, he speculated that she wanted to make both Issei and Vali become Dragon God-class beings.
Just as Issei was still having a difficult time with his opponent, his grandfather's soul had appeared within his Sacred much to the shock of both him and Ddraig, he explained that he was able to come over with the help of the great Shaka and assist them. As the gems of the armor begin to shine due to the old man's overflowing vigor, he reminded his grandson of the times they played together plastic models of robots and spaceships where he made up breast related techniques and told Issei that Breasts can overpower anything if he loved them enough. Suddenly the tail of his armor began to stretch and move on it's towards Rossweisse and wrap around her breasts to suck out its energy to power up a wave cannon from his wings that were now locked on Thanatos, Ddraig was still being surprised confirmed that Issei's grandfather was the one in control of them. The aforementioned deity of the Buddhist mythology had also appeared to show gratitude for Issei's song that his grandfather plays that brought joy to those who've passed on. Thanatos had noticed the deity's presence and attempted to finish Issei quickly by was unable to due to the bright halo that had appeared behind Issei from the Great Shaka. With the energy of the deity and from Rossweisse's breast converted into Demonic energy within his cannons, Issei had just enough power for a wave cannon to defeat Thanatos, calling it Nyuutron Beam Cannon. Just as Issei fired, Thanatos tried to escape it but was stopped by Grayfia and took the full blast, the Reaper laid on the ground defeated praising Issei for the fight and ridiculing Hades.
All was said and done after Thanatos was imprisoned, but Issei was upset that Rossweisse's breasts had shrunken as a result, his grandfather assured that they'll return to normal before long. His grandpa also revealed that he install various features into his Sacred Gear, such as adjusting his Pailingual to be able to contact girls from afar. With this new ability; Pai-Phone, Issei used Ravel's breasts to call Koneko and Kuroka through theirs to inform them they were now safe from their adversary. Kuroka proposed a bet with her sister, that whoever wins their fight gets to be Issei's bride, Issei himself however interjected and proposed to take them both as his brides, Koneko immediately accepted it as well as Kuroka after she had conveyed her feelings for him thus becoming engaged to him. Issei and his friends made their way to view the remainder of Rias and Vali's Rating Game and observed all the remaining matchups, one of which between Koneko and Kuroka made a new bet that the winner would take the lead in getting the first night with Issei which greatly embarrassed the latter. Issei's grandfather then prepares to say goodbye, with his partings words to Issei being to realize his harem; to propose every cute girl he meets and accept it when they propose to him, he left calling his grandson the best "Oppai Dragon". They continued to watch the game until Rias was caught in a situation where she had no choice but to surrender, resulting in a victory for Vali's Team. Issei and his friends visited Rias in the medical room with whom the latter was ashamed that her loss was witnessed by everyone, Issei then held her hand and praised Rias for her accomplishments during the game. Kuroka soon pops out hugging Issei from behind, announcing that she is now one of his fiances as well. Koneko came towards Rias and requested permission to change her name back to "Shirone", Rias allowed it and hugged her as she was happy that Koneko had finally accepted herself. Kuroka was also happy when Rias when she allowed her to use the surname "Toujou" like her sister as well, though she also expressed interest in taking the name "Hyoudou". Issei then pondered on which name to address Koneko as she replied either was fine but shyly requested him to call her Shirone in public and during ceremonies. Ravel informed Issei that after closely watching his battles, especially his most recent fight to protect those dear to him has reawakened something in her heart she had forgotten. Bina then responded to Ravel that his latest fight was something that would be categorized as Kingship as the path that their King walks upon. Koneko then came over to Issei telling him to bend down a bit to her level, to which she then gave him her first kiss, Kuroka then pulled him towards her to also kiss him. Issei was pulled back and forth while being kissed by the two sisters as the rest of his fiancéeswere also eager to kiss him, he became conflicted over his situation but then remembered his grandfather's last words to and regained his confidence to become a Harem King.
In Volume 25, Issei went to bathe together with Ophis, Lilith, and Kunou. After Ophis finish rinsing her back, she sat in front of Issei and told him to carry her on his back with Lilith and Kunou joining her to the bathtub. In the bathtub Kunou began to speak with Issei about how she wants her breast to be big as her mother’s and Issei started to have perverted thoughts of comparing her breasts to Yasaka’s large breast and wants to massage them, Kunou started to realize what he was thinking stood energetically told him to be ready when her breast gets bigger with Issei making a mischievous face told her they’re still too small causing Kunou to pounce on his face with Ophis and Lilith mimicking her to pounce on Issei as well. Issei and his team began to watch the tournament in Issei’s room and see Diehauser attaining another victory in his match and managed to win against God-class teams. They started to watch a special program called “New Faces Noticed in the Tournament” which shows a group of mysterious devils with Balberith and Verrine being one of them and saw them easily defeated ultimate-class devils and subdued god-class beings and their king is a high-class Grim Reaper from Olympus. They then watch a program called Unknown Sacred Gears featuring players with new Sacred Gears and Ravel pointing one who controls iron and electronic devices is a member of Ruval's team and Ruval also has a God from the Egyptian mythology who was known as the ancestor of the Phoenix, Bennu. Issei is later informed by Ravel that the Sacred Gear user is the king of Shooting Star team and they kept earning victories. Roygun shares information to the team about the numbers of Sacred Gears continues to increase, shocking Issei and the group and continued to share information about the research on Sacred Gears which has been done by the Seraphs and the Grigori has been able to clearly confirm that there are several species that have deviated from normal Sacred Gears. Issei and Ouryuu became astonished to learn from Roygun that Gasper got his Longinus certification, which Issei became impressed on how Roygun was able to get this info before it was announced by the Grigori and Heaven and later Issei turned his attention to Rossweisse, who was bothered due to her marriage meeting.
The next day Issei went to the University of Kuoh Academy after school and there he meets up with Rias and Akeno who wanted to introduce him as their boyfriend to their friends at college, shocking Issei for them informing about their engagement. Issei noticed Rias’s and Akeno’s college friend’s eyes are lifeless due to Akeno using magic on them so Issei wouldn’t get exposed to the public about his engagement to Rias and Akeno. Issei speaks to Akeno about the marriage between Rossweisse and Vidar is different from Rias and Riser engagement and his enemy this time is a God instead of a member of the Phenex clan, Akeno tells Issei he became more mature than before as became calm rather than charge recklessly to Asgard to take back Rossweisse. On the day of Rossweisse marriage interview, Issei and the group went to a Japanese restaurant in Tokyo and there they greet Göndul who apologize to Issei for being unable to reject the Norse higher-up’s idea about the marriage and he witnessed the argument between Rosswiesse and Göndul and was asked by Koneko why didn’t he do perverted things to Rossweisse, shocking Issei on how bold she became after that proposal and says he if he could do perverted things he would but his status as a high-class devil, Oppai Dragon, and his participation in the International tournament made him quite busy.
Issei participates the marriage interview as the master of Rossweisse and Göndul being the representative of her family. While waiting in the seiza, Vidar arrived together with his escorts with Issei noticing his escorts are giving a strict expression to him, Rossweisse, and Göndul and their nature are divine. Vidar orders Fulla, Hlin, Gná to leave things to him and Issei formally introduces as a high-class devil and the master of Rossweisse to Vidar and began to watch the conversation between his servant and the chief-god. After Rossweisse accidentally drinks Vidar’s beer, a drunken Rossweisse hugged Issei while also telling Vidar that she will become Issei’s wife because he is a promising Oppai Dragon and he is kind to her and the Underworld is more favorable than Valhalla. A Valkyrie named Brynhildr appears from the balcony and scolds Rossweisse for being weak towards alcohol and accidentally drinking Vidar’s beer instead of her own drink. Issei and Rossweisse get shocked by Vidar’s words of being engaged to Rossweisse and loudly screams. He gets pointed by Vidar’s finger and makes a bet with Rossweisse on the line for their upcoming match in the tournament with Issei telling Vidar that Rossweisse is his precious friend and servant and doesn’t plan to give her up to the Norse God. Issei and his team gather information of Team Leisure of the Kings such as Typhon, Vidar’s abilities and calling Midgardsormr to join the team, and Apollon’s abilities. Issei’s and Rias’s team gets called by Ajuka who offered to help them get stronger in a training space and informed Issei that someone from Hindu mythology wants him to consider and asked him if it’s from Shiva which Ajuka responses it’s from Indra, much to Issei and everyone’s surprise. Cao Cao appears at the VIP room to pick up Issei under Indra’s orders to bring him to the Ocean of Milk and departed with him.
Issei and Cao Cao appeared together at the Hindu mythology’s Ocean of Milk and there he was greeted by Indra, frightening Issei and enter his fighting stance while Issei returns his greeting. Indra gets amused by Issei frightening expression and welcomes him to the Ocean of Milk and urges him to sit on a chair. As Cao Cao prepares for the preparation, Issei speaks with Indra about the tournament and they’re times where he has fun with Indra express his envious that Issei’s next opponent is Typhon. Issei continues his conversation with Indra and god of war reveals that the God-class teams in the tournament have been withdrawing due to powerful devils and the Longinus users like the fight between Vali and Crom, and the fight between Rias in Balor form against a complete Fenrir. Indra adds that Issei who harbors the power of infinite is a threat to God-class beings and him capable of blowing away an unskilled god. After Cao Cao almost finishes his preparation, Issei was told to hold the head of the legendary turtle Kurma while Cao Cao holds the tail so the snake-like dragon can wrap around the turtle’s back and being pulled reciprocally between Issei and Cao Cao, and that made the turtle rotate sideways. After finishing it, Issei was given the miracle drug Amrita by Indra was told to drink it and drinking it Issei began to feel an incredible amount of pain everywhere in his body due to the effects of the drug with Ddraig feeling the same pain. After losing consciousness due to Amrita, in his subconscious, Issei meets one of the pillar gods of ExE (Evie × Etoulde) Chichigami who came to warn him that a malevolent being may appear in his world and he’ll need to gather the twelve Chosen Heavenly Breasts in order to defeat the malevolent being. Issei wakes up with Cao Cao looking after him telling him he’s been unconscious for one day and miraculously came back fast.
In the Hyoudou Residence, Issei returns to sleep only to find Rossweisse on his bed wearing revealing lingerie and shyly asked if he’s gonna come to the bed and then Issei went to his bed and laid down. Issei was shocked about Rossweisse attempts to offer her virginity in order to break off her engagement and reveals to Issei that she doesn’t want to marry Vidar and wants to be on Issei’s side, asking him to snatch her away from the Norse chief-god. Issei reveals that he has no intention to give Rossweisse to Vidar and recalling on how he did with Euclid, hugging her telling her to believe in him. Realizing that their face was too close to each other Issei and Rossweisse backed away with their faces turning red but Rossweisse came close to Issei and gave her first kiss, much to Issei’s surprise. Before Issei and Rossweisse about to kiss again, they were interrupted when Kuroka barged into Issei’s room in order to perverted things with him after learning that Rias wasn’t coming to the residence. Koneko follows after Kuroka, apologizing to Issei for unable to stop her sister from ruining his moment with Rossweisse. Issei gets a nosebleed because Kuroka’s statement of his child will be in her belly and wants his child fast no matter what place it is and asks Issei to make a lot of children with her as she nibbles his ear. Koneko strips her outer garments and gets on top of Issei while he noted that she became bolder while Kuroka asked Rossweisse if she wants to have Issei’s child which she panicked and decided to sleep with Issei and the Nekomata sisters agrees as the four sleep with each other.
On the day of the match, Issei and his team arrived at Valhalla in Norse mythology and entered the Thor Stadium. Issei gets good lucks from Rias and her team, his father Gorou, Kunou, Ophis, and Lilith who will appear to watch Issei’s match. As the team entered the center of the stadium, Issei received cheer from the spectators from the people in Valhalla which surprises Issei because he thought he would be disrespected due to him being the Oppai Dragon. Issei watches as Team Leisure of the Kings arrives at the stadium and Typhon cheerfully shouted that his opponent is a Heavenly Dragon, as well as exchanges, gazes with Vidar. As the match started Issei went together with Irina, Xenovia, Rossweisse, Ravel, and Ouryuu on the stairway to one of the floating islands of artificial Yggdrasil and transformed into his crimson armor and watches as Xenovia, Irina, and Ouryuu decided to take on Apollon and properly introduces themselves as members of Issei and became pleased with them. As he and the team continued to reach to the top, they were stopped by the goddess Artemis with Grayfia and Asia challenging her to a battle. After continuing to the half point, Issei and his remaining team members see Typhon at the floating island wondering who will be his opponent and see Vidar inviting him to a vast floating island to be his opponent as he travels there with Ravel and Rossweisse while leaving Roygun, Bova, and Elmenhilde to deal with Typhon.
After reaching the highest floating island with Ravel and Rossweisse, Issei was greeted by Vidar and his Valkyrie Squad who suggested if he wanted to reach for the top to win but that would be considered boring by the Norse chief-god and the spectators so he offered to face Issei one on one match while Ravel and Rossweisse deal with the Valkyrie Squad. Issei begins to chat Ddraig stating this time his opponent is a God and Ddraig expressing his interest of wanting to fight Typhon after the talk Issei starts to fight Vidar by attempting to punch him but it was stopped by Vidar’s mystical boots who deflected the Issei’s blow. Chanting into his DxD form Issei noticed his countdown changed from 10 to 88 countdown and sent Vidar’s kick back with his punches and threw him off balance and as he closed the distance between them Issei summoned Ascalon to appear from his left hand and attempting to slash Vidar but he dodged the attack and jumped back as he pulled away from Ascalon and then he summoned his Ascalon II. Issei continued to overwhelm Vidar with his DxD form and his two Ascalon attacks, completely pushing him back despite being a god with Vidar also commenting his countdown has increased with Issei believing the miracle drug Amrita must’ve had an effect on him which allowed him to stay in DxD form for eighty-eight minutes thus becoming curious what would happen if his countdown reaches zero. After hearing Brynhildr and the Valkyrie Squad screaming due to learning that Rossweisse kissed Issei, Vidar whispered to him that Brynhildr and the Valkyries are virgins shocking Issei and watch Ravel and Rosswiesse defeating Brynhildr, Helmwige, Ortlinde, Grimgerde, and Schwertleite with their strategy.
As he continues his battle, Issei watches as Vidar summons Midgardsormr’s will through a magic circle to remind him of the pact they made and agrees to help him by becoming his Sacred Gear enveloped him in a silver dragon armor which he named Ragnarök Earth Berserk. Issei’s gets overwhelmed by Vidar’s incredible speed due to his armor and gets heavily injured by his signature move Fimbulvetr Shot that sends him crashing onto Yggdrasil. Typhon and Apollon arrived to assist Vidar in his fight against Issei as he complained that he can’t afford to lose otherwise Rossweisse would be forced to marry Vidar and noticed his countdown has the number 8, but Ddraig realizes what does the countdown mean as the countdown reaches zero. The gems on Issei’s armor began to glow in a deep crimson light and forming into a giant red dragon which revealed to be Ddraig himself, much to Issei’s and everyone’s shock. Issei realizes that he is still wearing his despite Ddraig being separated from him with Ddraig explaining that he still connected to him and Issei watches as Ddraig takes on Typhon and Apollon and pushed them back with his flames, Boost, and Penetrate abilities. Issei and Vidar decided to continue their fight and Issei screams to Rossweisse to give birth many of his children with Rossweisse loudly agree with Vidar became dumbfounded and burst into laughter revealing he never had any intention of marrying Rossweisse much to Issei’s surprise. They continue their battle and after a climactic clash of Issei's Infinity Blaster + Longinus Smasher and Fimbulvetr Shot combo which he eventually dodges, Vidar is finally defeated by a clever maneuver from Issei with Ascalon and Ascalon II and Issei and his team emerge victorious after Ddraig defeated Typhon. Issei and Rossweisse together looked at the artificial Yggdrasil with Rossweisse telling him with a shy expression to see the real version together with her and agrees while holding her hand.
Issei and his team celebrate their victory at the Hyoudou Residence along with his rivals teams. Vali speaks to Issei about he aims to be the winner and Issei also aims to be the winner as well but he must settle things with Vali first which his rival agrees. Issei’s other rivals such as Sairaorg, Cao Cao, Dulio, Yuuto, Crom, Tobio, Saji, and Riser comes to him and expressing their interest in wanting to fight Issei. As gets surrounded by his rivals, the Church Trio pulls him away from them and lands on Akeno’s chest but gets pulled again to Kuroka’s chest with Koneko also trying to pull Issei too. Issei’s get hugged from behind by a drunk Rossweisse and gets sent flying to Rias’s breast and they give each other congratulations as well expressing their love for each other. The other girls tell Issei to show his love for them which he does and tells them that everyone is his bride.
Issei reappeared in True Volume 1, where he was currently doing some paperwork and was informed by Ravel about Sasaki’s request and Xenovia came to inform that Morisawa has called for him. Rossweisse came and told Issei that she finished delivering the newly designed brochure and Asia asked him that she would like to receive payment and as the luggage was about to trip, Issei and his other peerage members went to help Asia. Issei attended the engagement press conference that was held at the Gremory territory and watched as Rias announced her engagement to Issei to the public and he gave out his speech to the people. After the engagement press conference, Issei was given tea by Ravel and Xenovia came to show Issei and Rias about the Underworld’s social media are trending about their engagement. Issei watched as Xenovia and Asia express their interest of wanting to have their own engagement press conference but became frightened about it and Akeno felt disappointed about not doing an engagement press conference and Koneko believed that not doing the conference doesn’t change that’s she’s Issei’s bride. Irina and Rossweisse revealed to Issei that they want to do it and will probably tell the higher-ups of Heaven and Norse, Issei became nervous after this reveal and he will need to get used to this. The next day in Kuou Academy, Issei was thinking about breasts and had less time talking with the girls because of his hard schedule from his work as Oppai Dragon and his participation in the rating game world tournament and he misses his days with the Church Trio as well misses touching Rias’s breasts. Issei became interrupted by Matsuda and Motohama who became angry with Issei after his talk about breast and continued to get closer to Asia, Xenovia, and Irina with Asia having feelings for him. Kiryuu came and asked the perverted trio if they planned to do a next peeking plan and another student named Hase came to see Matsuda and asked him if they can do something elsewhere and he agrees and left with her. Issei asked Kiryuu if Matsuda and Hase are in a relationship, which she reveals that Matsuda saved Hase when she was being hit, much to Issei’s surprise and Motohama’s despair. After school, Issei went to Morisawa‘s apartment to do his devil work after being summoned by him and discuss with him about introducing Morisawa a new girl. Issei recalls that Morisawa summoned Koneko, Xenovia, and Rossweisse to be his girlfriend but they revealed that they are already in a relationship with Issei which causes some despair to Morisawa.
After finishing several requests from Morisawa, Issei was on his bike to go home until he heard someone singing at the fountain. Issei noticed a purple-haired girl singing and felt strange as he felt healed. She stopped singing and noticed Issei and he apologized to her for interrupting her because he was drawn to her and she asked him if he’s the red dragon, shocking Issei. Issei and the girl were interrupted by a group of unidentified devils and he decided to fight the mysterious devils in his crimson armor and overwhelm them, causing them to tremble in fear. Issei asked Ddraig about his current strength which he says about on the level of a Satan-class while wearing his crimson armor, and his DxD form would put him on par with a Super Devil. After defeating the mysterious devils, Issei went to check on the girl and noticed that she was covered in blood and gave her his handkerchief to wipe off the blood and as Issei calls Rias on his phone, the girl was gone. After reporting the attack of the unidentified devils to Rias, the group began to talk about these devils and about Hades, with Koneko suggesting of sealing him away. Vasco gives out his opinions correctly believes that the devils were created by using Lilith and Rias suggest Hades has found Lilith. With the discussion, Issei went to bed and the girls started to fight off who gets to sleep him which ended with Issei sleeping with all his brides. He was later requested by Mil-tan to show him his new ice magic skills and Kiryuu appear to reveal to him that they became Lavinia’s students, so she could be helpful to Asia and her friends. Afterward, Issei and the team arrived at a certain town to confront the devils that reside there and defeat them. As they defeated the devils, Issei was reunited with the girl he met at the fountain and she started to sing which causes pain to Issei, Ddraig, and Bova but was stopped by Rossweisse who used a hypnosis spell to put her to sleep.
Returning to the Hyoudou Residence, Ajuka revealed to Issei and the group the girl is Ingvild Leviathan and she’s a descendant of the original Leviathan as well a half-human, much to the group’s shock. When Ajuka also revealed Ingvild also has sleeping sickness which Issei recalls Misla also had the same disease and further shocks the group that Ingvild also wields on the new Longinus Nereid Kyrie. Cao Cao appeared to the group and informed them that he did some investigation on Ingvild and she was kidnapped by the unknown devils, with Ajuka confirming the devils were born by Lilith. Issei became terrified when he learned Ingvild’s Nereid Kyrie can make dragons powerless or be enslaved by her voice. Issei and the others agree to Ajuka’s orders of protecting Ingvild against any enemies even if its a god. After Ingvild woke up, Issei and the others decided to take her to the beach at the unpopulated island with Rossweisse placing a barrier to prevent any intruders. Issei went to speak Ingvild and complimented her singing voice and her thanks him for bringing her to the sea, and Issei suggested he can take her to the beach again but Ingvild became doubtful of his words because she’s going to get studied however Issei believes he will take her as he is celebrity in the Underworld. Issei eventually befriended Ingvild and invited her to have lunch with him and the group until they interrupted by the arrival of the Greek primordial goddess Nyx. Attempted to use his Pailingual ability on Nyx to listen to the thoughts of her breasts, but Issei got no response as the result so decided his dress break instead but was stopped by Rias when she sensed that Nyx was waiting for him to use his technique which Nyx confirms. She revealed her clothes is Godly Virgin Killer Clothes, which shocks Issei when he learned his techniques were ineffective due to him being a virgin so he tried to fire his Dragon Shot at Nyx but took no damage. As Nyx forces Ingvild to sing, Issei and Ddraig began to feel pain because of Ingvild’s song and before Nyx leaves, she gives a warning to the group about Ingvild with Issei vowing to defeat her.
Returning to the Hyoudou Residence and informing Ajuka about Nyx’s actions, Issei was given information by Cao Cao and Tobio about the location of Nyx’s hideout. When coming up a plan to defeat Nyx, Xenovia offered to have sex with him in order for him to lose his virginity so he can defeat Nyx, which causes a protest from Irina, Akeno, Ravel, and Rias. Before leaving, Issei gave his farewell to Kunou, Ophis, and Lilith and entrusted the safety of the residence to Ouryuu and Roygun. Issei and the group arrived in Greece at one of the islands that is Nyx’s territory, the thousands of devils began to attack them as they enter the territory and decided to leave them to Kiba, Xenovia, Irina, and Lint. Entering deeper into the island and getting close to the temple, Issei and the group encountered Nyx and begins to chant to his Diabolos Dragon form and fired his massive Dragon Shot only for her to dispersed it but she was thrown back due to the shockwave of the Dragon Shot. As the devils were attempting to attack him, Issei fired another Dragon Shot at them which causes fear to the devils after witnessing his power. Issei uses the combination of Pailingual and Penetrate to try and listen to Nyx’s breast again but got no progress as the results, so he left Nyx to Rias and Rossweisse and went to ask Akeno to be his phone so he can use his Paiphone to call Ingvild which also causes happiness to her that her breast became useful like Rias. Contacting Ingvild through Akeno’s breast, Issei asked her to sing for him and his armor became powerful enough to use his Boob Power Wave to paralyzed her and destroyed her clothes with his dress break. Issei declares to Nyx he plans to have his first time with all his brides and the girls agree with his plan and later summon Ddraig to defeat Nyx with their Welsh Dragon Flare. After defeating Nyx, Issei’s Queen piece began to glow and it responds to Ingvild and asks her to become his new servants which she agrees after he lets her sing under him. Arriving at the Agares territory with his team and peerage members for the announcement of the next round matches, Issei became shocked to learned that he will be facing Rias in the first match and declared that he will defeat her in the match.
In True Volume 2, Issei was dreaming about himself in the wedding ceremony and being congratulated by Sona, Sairaorg, and Seekvaira for him marrying his brides: Rias, Akeno, Asia, Xenovia, Irina, Koneko, Kuroka, Rossweisse, Le Fay, Elmenhilde, Ingvild and reminded by Ravel that the group of brides is ready, which revealed to be Kunou, Yasaka, and Roygun and then Issei was told by Rias that he still has many brides that are going to attend the wedding ceremony. Issei started to think about his first night with girls until Chichigami came to remind him about the threat that is approaching his world and he needs to collect the Heavenly Breasts. Waking up from his dream, Issei started to do his morning training with Ravel, Ouryuu, Bova, and Ingvild. Issei became concerned about Elmenhilde’s condition when she became exhausted and begun to look after Ingvild to see how she was doing because of the sleeping disease. Asia arrived to give Issei and the others tea so they decided to end the training and rested, he later told Ingvild that her devil job has been decided.
Issei accompanied Ingvild after her demonic power was too vast for her to control, they meet up with Lavinia and her thanks Ingvild for coming to help her with a request. Issei thanks Lavinia for taking care of Kiryuu and Mil-tan, he became disturbed when he learned that Kiryuu is trying to learn romance-related magic. Under Lavinia’s request, Issei and Ingvild begin help Vali move into his new room and was reunited with one of his fans Natsume. Issei and Vali started to chat with each other after Vali noticed the similarities between himself and Ingvild, Issei was asked if plans to use her for the tournament, which he was uncertain of. Vali reminded Issei that his next opponent is Rias and he revealed that he has no plans to hold back against her and told Vali not to lose against Sun Wukong. Issei was later scolded by Natsume for talking too much with Vali and asked him to help them with the moving and after finishing the job, Issei and Ingvild returned to the Hyoudou office. Issei started to do his Oppai Dragon show with Yuuto as his ally to defeat Bavo. When they defeated Bavo, his ally Marshal Phenex arrived to assist Bavo with Issei trying to attack him, but was blown away by the gunpowder. Issei was being stomped by Riser until Rias arrives to assist him in defeating Riser. After taking a break from the show, Issei and Yuuto started to talk about Rias’s performance in the show, which reminded them about the engagement party and how Riser was acting like a bad guy. Issei was reminded by Yuuto about the tournament starting soon and he will become his enemy during the match as he is Rias’s knight. He received a fan letter by Ravel, which was from the Netherworld that was sent by Balberith, who became interested in the Oppai Dragon show and wishes Issei to become his father. Issei became touched by the letter so he decided to sent his reply and give him tickets and a hat, Which Ravel agrees so they can repair the relationship between them and the Netherworld. Issei and his team along with Rias team watched the match between Indra and his team against Mahabali and his Asura team with Indra emerging as the victor. The night before training, Issei was hugged by Akeno and went to take a bath and then was lured into Akeno’s erotic room to be seduced by Akeno and Koneko because of the separation of their training until they interrupted by Rias and the other girls, and thus they decided to sleep together with Issei in his room.
In the morning, Issei went with his peerage and team members to their training camp at the mountain and became amazed at the size of a three-story mansion. After putting away their luggage, Issei and his team began their training by themselves, with Issei started climbing a mountain and with being accompanied by Ouryuu and Bova to the top and witness the view of the scenery and the training between his team members such as Xenovia, Irina, Grayfia, and Roygun. Issei, Ouryuu, and Bova started to climb down the mountain and caught a glimpse of Ingvild’s training, who formed a Eastern Dragon that was made of water and worriedly asked Ravel about Ingvild not joining the next match, which she confirmed that her Sacred Gear is still unable and her evil piece are too high and started to take a break from their training after Ingvild started to feel drowsy and started to eat their snacks and continued their training at night. The team started eating their morning breakfast and continued their training, with Issei wearing his armor in the mountain to boost his stamina and finishing their training, they watched the match between Sairaorg and his team against Team Shooting Star, with Sairaorg emerging as the victor of the match. After watching the match, Issei went to take a bath in the hot spring and was unaware that Grayfia was there and told him about his upcoming date with Rias, and they began talk about her intentions on making him a Satan, despite telling her he’s not interested on becoming a Satan. Grayfia still intended to stay with Issei until he is interested on becoming a Satan because he considered a hero after he saved the Underworld many times, which Issei questioned if this was her wish or Sirzechs wish, which she revealed to be both. Issei decided to reject the idea on becoming a Satan after recalling Sirzechs telling him to watch over Rias, Grayfia, and Millicas and tells her to watch over Millicas, which causes Grayfia to leave the hot spring sadly and was joined later by Asia, Xenovia, and Irina after they saw Grayfia leave and became suspicious when they think Issei was doing something intimately with Grayfia until Ravel stopped them, later Issei called Ravel to his room to explained everything about Grayfia, who became worried about her condition.
After finishing the training, Issei goes on a date with Rias to Tokyo and started to go shopping at Shibuya, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, and eventually went to seaside park in Odaiba. Issei thought about getting a driver license after considering their dates will be far away, but Rias assures him that she and the other girls aren’t forcing him to get a license. Issei thought about riding a Gryphon in the Underworld to Rias’s place, but Rias laughed by telling him the nobles don’t go on Gryphon dates, which he joked about telling her to go on a Gryphon date to Shibuya and Harajuku, much to Rias’s amusement. Rias asked Issei if he plans to defeat her in their upcoming match, which he agrees in order to show his progress and remembered about becoming the strongest Pawn, much to Rias’s satisfaction. Issei and Rias shook hands and continued their date, going to Odaiba shopping at Dungampace for a limited edition of Dungam that Seekvaira requested to Issei.
Issei and his team traveled to the Oppai Dragon Stadium in the Gremory territory for their match against Rias and her team, they eventually meet up with his parents in the VIP room to watch their match and meet their bodyguard Mitsuya Kanzaki for the first time and watch the hostility between him and his junior Ouryuu until they left to their match, and with Issei noticing Mitsuya smiling at him. When the match started, Issei and his team were transported to the artificial Hyoudou Residence as their HQ and went to the basement to avoid long-ranged attacks and began to discuss about their strategy. After hearing Bova’s retirement because of the ambush set by Rias in her Balor form, Yuuto and Lint, he watched as the injured Roygun went to take all three of them by herself, he became concerned and wanted to assist her until he was stopped by Ravel because Rias will plans to use her third eye to stop time on Issei and decided to back to the basement to discuss a new strategy. Wearing his crimson armor, Issei and Grayfia finally confronted Rias and Yuuto and agrees to accompanied his rival to settle the score as Rias wanted to fight Grayfia. Arriving at their destination, Issei entered his Dragon Deification form and began his fight with Yuuto and easily matches his speed as they clash with their respective swords, and as Yuuto activates his Balance Breaker Glory Drag Trooper to summon armored knights and each of them held Balmung, Nothung, Dáinsleif, and Tyrfing, Issei was forced defend himself and fighting them at the same time until Yuuto found an opening and gets slashed by his Gram, but it was unable to destroy his Dragon Deification armor. As Yuuto uses his boosters from his back and shoes, Issei had trouble following his movements and took damage every time he attacked, using his prediction, he manage use Transfer on Yuuto to increase that causes him to crash into a carpark, despite the damage he taken, Yuuto summoned countless number of Holy Demonic Swords around Issei, but he used both of Ascalons to destroy all of them. Issei defeats Yuuto in their fight as he launches his Dragon Shot at him and later he was confronted by Crom, who has finished his fight with Asia and Fafnir, as the countdown reaches zero for Ddraig manifest into battle, he urged Issei to fight Rias as he holds off Crom.
Issei arrived to Rias’s location and made the same act as he did during the rating game against Riser, which causes Rias to laugh as she remembered those lines, as she entered her Forbidden Invade Balor the Princess form, Issei and Rias began their fight by shooting each other with their demonic power and tried to use Penetrate to hear her breast thoughts, but ended up hear both voices from Rias and Gasper. He used his Dress Break DxD to destroy her darkness clothing, but they reattached themselves back to Rias as she summons a giant bullet of her destructive demonic power and responded back firing a gigantic Dragon Shot. Coming up with a strategy, Issei use his Dress Break DxD on Rias again to destroy darkness clothing and attach his tail to Rias’s breasts to absorb her breast energy to activate his Nyuutron Beam Cannon and defeat her and Gasper, winning the match, and he sees a injured Ddraig return and shared a fist bump with him. Both teams celebrated at the living room of the Hyoudou Residence and Issei was congratulated by Rias and the team members encouraged him to keep winning matches, they later watch the match between Team Babel Belial and Black Satan of Darkness Dragon King, with Diehauser winning the match. They noticed during the recording that Balberith was using Issei’s Oppai Dragon fighting style that caused to lose and Issei was asked by Ouryuu about Grayfia and responded she won’t be able participate in the next match, which Roygun believes the rumor about her resting in the Gremory castle is true. Issei remember about the second year students school trip and told Ingvild that Kyoto is a fun place and urge her to have fun there and revealed he has a Oppai Dragon show in the other side of Kyoto for the Youkai.
In True Volume 3, Issei was approached by a drunken Rossweisse to seduce him in his room after feeling lonely upon their separation on their trip to Kyoto. As Issei was being kissed by Rossweisse, she used her magic to create shackles on his arms and legs in order to have sex with him and have him become the father of their children and they heard a another voice which it was Yasaka, who was watching the scene with interest as she wants to have a child with Issei. After Rossweisse fell asleep due to drinking too much, Issei made a sigh of relief and watched as Yasaka started to undress herself to have sex with him and have his child in Rossweisse’s place until they were interrupted by Kunou and Rias. Issei asked Rias’s help to break shackles that was still attached to his arms and legs, but she tells him to deal with them as he is King, which he agrees because he is Rossweisse’s King and watch as Rossweisse talks in her sleep. In the meeting of the Occult Research Club, they began to discuss about a program for the autumn event and school festival, and after the meeting, Issei went with Rias and Ravel to the Grigori’s establishment to hear about Ryuuteimaru, who has entered a cocoon state. They meet up with Shemhazai and later Seekvaira, who has joined the research team and led them to sides of Ryuuteimaru to show them thruster-like protrusions have appeared there and it’s becoming more of a flying unit. Issei becomes surprise of the appearance of Ophis, Lilith, and the Spectre Dragon at the Grigori’s establishment after sensing the mix energies of hers, Great Red, and Issei. The group started to talk about their trip to Kyoto and he asked Koneko about her first destination, which she revealed to be Uji and planned with Ravel about eating japanese matcha sweets while visiting the Mimuroji temple. As Ravel was getting worried about Issei, Rias, and the others doing the show on the even without her, they encourage her to enjoy the school trip and tells Ingvild to enjoy in Kyoto with Ravel and Koneko. Issei became fascinated after hearing Roygun is becoming a temporary school nurse at Kuoh Academy and she was wearing a white gown and miniskirt, and started to think about injured himself on purpose to go to the school infirmary, reading his thoughts, Roygun ask him to come to the nurse office and stating that she can heal a virginity until they were interrupted by Rias.
On the day of the school trip to Kyoto, Issei tells Rossweisse, Ouryuu, and Roygun to contact him if dangers come and whispers to Rossweisse to go easy on the alcohol, much to her embarrassment. He tells Ingvild to enjoy the trip and converses with Ouryuu about what he heard about the incident with the Hero Faction from the Five Principal Clans’ side and they are going to cooperate with them. Issei became surprised by the appearance of the Slash Dog and Hero Faction teams gathering on the Shinkansen platform and revealed they will be acting as their escorts and Urakyoto’s security, Cao Cao tells him that he wants to apologize to Yasaka and Kunou for the trouble he caused. When the group arrived at Kyoto, they were greeted by Yasaka and the Youkai residents and they went to a giant mansion to meet up with Suzaku and Sun Wukong to talk about the Five Principle Clans offering their full support to Urakyoto and Enma not joining the Rulers of Hell alliance. Issei made his vow to protect Kunou, Yasaka, and the Youkai residents from the threats and as Cao Cao and his team apologized to Yasaka for their actions they caused, Issei encouraged her to forgive them and will give them a beating if they cause trouble again. After the meeting, Issei and the girls went to do shopping and remembering Ravel’s advice, he was about to use his Harem Credit Card to buy something for Rias, she insisted that he buy something for Asia and the others, and they were joined by Kunou and Yasaka after learning that they were shopping because Kunou wanted to go with Issei at the mansion and was battering tatami with her hands and feet, much to her embarrassment. They took a break to eat matcha sweet at a Matcha Café and Issei gave hairpins that he secretly bought to Kunou and Yasaka, leaving them embarrassed and dumbfounded, and later went with Rias to other places to talk about how he is the type that is liked by older women such as Rias, Akeno, Rossweisse, Roygun, and later Yasaka. They meet up with Akeno, Elmenhilde, and Lint to continue going around the town to have fun sightseeing. When the group was divided, Issei and his group came under attack hooded figures, which are revealed to be Gressil and Sonneillon, who wanted to fight against them as a commemoration before fighting Enma. Issei was being charged by Gressil and transformed into his crimson armor to dodge his attack and countered him by punching in the face. He engage in a close-quarters combat with Gressil and successfully hits him with aura-filled punches and kicks, but his armor was destroyed after he was hit in the right chest, he received aid by Akeno by firing her holy lightning on Gressil. After watching the fight between Yuuto and Sonneillon, Gressil tells Issei that Sonneillon is the worst kid even among the team and their leader Zeno always told them that they have talent, but don’t have experience, leading Issei to realize that they attacked him and his group for more experience, which Gressil admits it because the DxD team are The strongest fighting group. Wearing his crimson armor again, Issei summoned his two Ascalons from his gauntlets to slash Gressil, but he dodge it and was about to punch him until Issei used his Tail Blade to strike Gressil’s right shoulder. Issei fired his boost-enhanced giant Dragon Shot that created a explosion and sent Gressil flying, he then started thinking of using his Transfer to power up Yasaka to help her preserve the space until he saw Gressil coming towards him barbarically and dodge his attack, he fired his mini Dragon Shots at him, but Gressil scattered them with his tackle and tried to used his Ascalon to impale him in the stomach, but only managed to prick him, with Gressil telling him that his attacks won’t work on him if they don’t exceed Satan-class beings and attempted to headbutt Issei, crossing his arms to defend himself and firing his boost-enhanced Dragon Shots that sent Gressil flying, but only did a little damage, with Akeno assisting by using her holy lightning to struck him until Gressil revealed that her lightning did not work because his body has remembered it, leading Issei and Akeno to realize that his specialty is Resistance. While thinking of a strategy against Gressil’s Resistance, Sonneillon yells at Gressil to remove their limiters because he is angered by his opponents and believing the higher-ups will forgive them them as long they don’t destroy the whole Kyoto, leading Gressil to agree with him until the Hero Faction arrived to assist Issei and his group, forcing the devil duo to retreat for now and agrees with Yasaka about making a plan.
Issei and Rias meet up with the second year students at the Kyoto Sirzechs Hotel while in disguise to inform them of the recent attack of Gressil and Sonniellon, and later answered Ouryuu’s question about their goal, which is to annoy them and King Enma in Kyoto. Gasper asked them if the person behind the attacks is a primordial god, which they confirmed that is Erebus, the Olympian God of Darkness, after analyzing the spells that were cast around Kyoto, as well as the magic circles that Gressil and Sonniellon used. When Rias summons Georg to use his Dimension Lost to create a pseudo space of the hotel’s cafe to avoid of the spies that are lurking in the hotel, which they reveal to the second year group that it’s the Hidden Khaos Brigade. As Rias gives the orders to the second year students to protect Kyoto from a possible separate group from Erebus’ group, Issei tells Ingvild that a harsh battle is coming and she can wait in the hotel if she thinks it’s impossible for her to fight, but she insisted that she’ll participate as it's fate as she is one of his peerage members, agreeing to determination and tells her to listen to Ravel. After the meeting, Issei and Rias went to the mansion in order to discuss about the plan to deal with Erebus’ group and he meets up with Cao Cao at the high ground in the garden’s end and they discuss about humans and supernatural beings and that Cao Cao can use his spear to protect someone. Continuing their conversation, Issei became shocked when Cao Cao asked him to be his friend and they later watched Heracles wearing a General Evil Dragon Bavo mask and playing with the Youkai children. Yuuto came to tell Issei that Rias wants them to do a dry-run before the battle and he curiously asked Yuuto about his fight with Sonneillon, he revealed that they were enjoying the trip of Kyoto. Later Issei went to the large bath of the mansion and was surprise that Yasaka joined and engulfed him in her breasts and she revealed that she was planning to clean herself before visiting his room. He thought he entered a mixed bath, but she told him that he’s in the female bath and her attendant was being considerate that he wishes to bathe with his brides. After remembering Yasaka was planning to visit his room, Issei was pushed down to the stone floor to reveal to him that she wishes to help increase his fighting by being his sexual partner and clings to him, and whispered to him that Kunou wanted a younger sibling. Issei was then being kissed by Yasaka until Kunou, Rias, and Akeno catches the scene, later she tells Issei that they will have sex someday.
On the day of the battle against Erebus and his group, Issei finished changing and meets with Kunou in the hallway where she entrusted Kyoto and Urakyoto to him, which he pats her head and tells her that he will defeat the primordial god to do his events and noticed the amulet that was given to her by Ophis. Issei and the others gathered at the mansion for the battle and they were transported to the barrier after Georg was spotted by Erebus.
After Issei was teleported to northern part of pseudo Urakyoto alongside the remaining members of his peerage, the Gremory peerage, Yasaka and her Youkai, who began fighting against the artificial Devils. Issei was told by Rias and Yasaka to deal with Erebus as they could handle the rest to which Issei agreed to as he flew towards the altar while reciting his Dragon Deification chant.
As Issei approached Erebus, Issei asked him if he has any intention of surrendering, Erebus replied that Issei is the hated dragon that soiled his little sister and it would be better if he disappeared as the two engaged each other in combat. As the two fought Erebus inquired that despite Issei's strength that why is he pretending to be a children's hero instead of trying to become King of the World and destroy the other mythological systems. Issei replied that Devils, Fallen Angels, and Dragons are all companions and how amazing that is and that as the Oppai Dragon, he will definitely beat the bastards that endanger children as he unleashed Infinity Blaster to defeat Erebus. But Erebus enveloped Issei in a dark aura as Issei retaliated with a Dragon Shot and Issei tied the passed-out Erebus with a special magic rope so that he wouldn't be able to escape. After confirming their victory, Kiba noticed that Issei's jewels were darkened and Issei couldn't hear Ddraig's voice anymore as the group sensed a earthquake and the pseudo space became filled with darkness which captured all Issei's comrades.
As Issei tried to fly away and rescue his comrades, he was pulled down by a gravitational force and was also forced down onto the ground and captured by the darkness as well. Tartarus revealed himself and explained his plan of capturing and sealing the Longinus possessors in the Abyss as Issei tried desperately to summon Ddraig only for Tartarus to reveal that due to Erebus using a darkness incantation, Ddraig would not be able to appear for the time being giving Tartarus enough time to seal the Longinus possessors. As Kunou showed her determination to stand up against Tartarus, her necklace sparkled in a jet-black color as Ophis and Lilith appeared next to Kunou and Ophis told Tartarus to stop bullying Kunou and Issei as they are her precious friends. Tartarus wanted to fight Ophis but Ophis said she and Lilith won’t fight Tartarus as she told Issei that she brought it and Ryuuteimaru appeared in the crack of the pseudo space. Seekvaira contacted Issei and told him he must pilot Ryuuteimaru by combining with it as Ophis and Lilith freed Issei from the darkness restraining him.
As Issei began piloting Ryuuteimaru, Issei was able to combine with Ryuuteimaru to create a new form "Apocalypse AnswerArms" as Issei engaged Tartarus in combat. Issei defended against Tartarus' attacks by using Revelation Barrier, shielding Ryuuteimaru from damage and retailed with Revelation All-Range Blaster, piercing through Tartarus' defensive magic circles and blowing away half of his body which he regenerated. Tartarus attempted to corner Issei in close quarters combat, thinking that Ryuuteimaru wouldn't be able to respond to it since it is too large but Issei countered with his Revelation Blade as he unleashed 4 Apocalypse Ascalons to cut off Tartarus' tentacles. Issei chastised Tartarus, telling him if he truly is a God then he should save those who are weak as Tartarus rebuked him, stating that Greek Gods are filled with love and madness with Issei replying that he will just have to defeat Tartarus, with a voice agreeing with him as Issei noticed that Ddraig was able to materialize. Issei and Ddraig teamed up against Tartatrus as Issei used Apocalypse Ascalons to thrust into Tartarus to prevent him from escaping as Issei and Ddraig finished him off by combining Revelation All-Range Blaster and Ddraig's flame breath.
In True Volume 4, Issei and his friends traveled to the Lucifer Stadium to watch the match between Team White Dragon Emperor of the Morning Star and Team Journey to the West, which ended in Vali’s victory after Bikou and Sha Wujing defeated Sun Wukong. After watching the match, they went to pay Kuroka a visit at the infirmary after she was removed from the match and later went to the luxury hotel in the old capital of Lucifaad, speaking with Ravel about his early promotion to Ultimate-class devil despite a year hasn’t passed. After the discussion of the promotions, Issei went together with Ravel, Rossweisse, and Ingvild to the elevator to visit Le Fay about their contract and was joined by a hooded figure, where she asked Issei if he’s enjoying his life. The group were suddenly attacked by a red dragon that resembled Ddraig and the hooded figure, where she pierced Issei's arm with a holy nail and chased after them until Le Fay and Gogmagog arrived to assist them, forcing them to retreat and her identity was exposed after Irina’s Holy Sword aura wave removed her hood.
After the attack of Fake Ddraig and the hooded girl, Issei and the others returned to the Hyoudou Residence and went to take a bath in the big bath to think about the attack, and after he was joined by his brides in the bath, Issei began to be embarrassed and shy seeing their naked bodies, much to the shocked and depression of his brides. After the bath, Issei decided to stop being Oppai Dragon so he can be normal hero, but Rias assured him that he and Oppai Dragon are one of the same, but Issei felt embarrassed after hearing the word breast. The girls began to test Issei’s abilities of his Boosted Gear, which appeared to be normal and later his perverted techniques like Dress Break and Pailingual, only to fail after they appeared to have no effect on them. When they asked about him marrying them, Issei energetically told them that he still plans to marry them and become a Harem King and they all give him big hugs and kisses. He then told Ravel that she is his precious manager and to stay by his side, and becomes embarrassed when Kuroka tells him that he can’t have a child with her in his condition. Before departuring to England, Issei entrusted the safety of Kuoh Town to Ouryuu and Roygun as they will be cooperating with the Five Great Clans and the agents of the Three Great Powers. After arriving in England, the group meets the CIA agent and a member of Team Phoenix Magnus Rose to discuss about Meredith Ordinton and the safety of the Pendragon family. Issei greets Sairaorg as he arrived, but he frowned at him after sensing his atmosphere as Issei assured that he was okay until Xenovia said breast, embarrassingly scolded her for that and revealing his current condition. The group eventually arrived at Irina’s house that became their base and reunited with Irina’s parents and the remaining members of the Vali Team, where Issei has greeted Vali, but he also noticed the change of his atmosphere. When Crom also arrived at Irina’s house, Issei asked about what happened to Bova, which he revealed that he sent him to the Dragon Range for training, making Issei, Vali, Ddraig, Albion, and Sairaorg interested on finding it. Issei asked about Balberith being on the surface or underground, which Magnus confirmed him being on both until Bennia clarified to them about Balberith being Hades from her father Orcus. When Magnus talks about Hades’ and Angra Mainyu’s opponents, Issei and Vali believes it is them and they will be supported by Fenrir, Gogmagog, Lavinia , Ravel, Asia, Ingvild, Lint and Bennia. The group meets Uther Pendragon, who arrived to give his thanks to Team DxD for accepting his request and greeted Issei and Ddraig.
Before beginning the operation of their plan, the group noticed the Fake Heavenly Dragons appearing in the skies over London, exposing themselves to the human citizens. As they started to begin their operation, Issei and Vali started entering their Diabolos Dragon forms to summon their respective dragons and they started to feel nostalgic after seeing the skies of their home, and later they encouraged their partners to win against their opponents. As they arrived at the underground of London, the group encountered the large crowd of artificial Devils and Grim Reapers to fight against them, and Sairaorg tells Issei to let out his battle cry as they begin to fight. The artificial Devils and Grim Reapers began to fear them after witnessing their overwhelming strength, and later Issei and the group then noticed Balberith destroying the ice pillars, entrusting Sairaorg and Yuuto to fight against him as Issei and Vali headed to Hades’ and Angra Mainyu’s location. Issei arrived together with Vali, Fenrir, and Gogmagog to Hades’ temple and the two gods appeared before them to reveal that they don’t plan to surrender to them. As they begin to fight, Issei and Gogmagog fight against Angra as they began to overwhelm him until Angra takes advantage of Issei’s current condition by transforming into a beautiful woman with long black hair to torture him and made it worse by becoming a naked woman. Angra began to attack by unleashing his countless elemental magic circles enhanced by his godly aura on Issei, but he was protected by Gogmagog shielding him and receiving big amount of damage.
Issei started to regain his love for breasts after remembering the breasts of Rias, Asia, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Irina, Ravel, Rossweisse, Kuroka, Le Fay, Grayfia, Yasaka, Kunou, Ophis and Lilith. He then hears the voice of Ophis and they begin to chant his True Dragon Deification form as Angra senses his aura of a Devil, Dragon, and God. Issei began to use Penetrate and Pailingual on Angra to find out about his plan, and started to punch through his defensive magic circles and landed his punch on Angra, causing him to be blown to the ground. The enraged Angra delopyed his countless magic circles on Issei until he destroyed them with his Ascalon blades and slashed him. Issei defeated Angra by unleashing both Infinity Blaster and Longinus Smasher which swallowed him. Issei went to assist Vali against Hades as the members of Team DxD and their allies arrived to give their assistance as Issei and Vali made powerful kicks enhanced by their aura on Hades, successfully defeating him. Issei was greeted by the girls and revealed that he is back to normal as the Oppai Dragon to the girls happiness and later greeted by Ddraig.
After the battle, Issei and the members of DxD received their promotions, where Issei and Vali received their new ranking promotions as Special-class Devils and Ajuka said they’re recognized as Super Devils, he received Bennia as his second Knight from Sona, and he and the group become shocked to learn from Xenovia that she plans to add Balberith and Verrine to her peerage. After the promotions, Issei, Le Fay, and Ravel began to discuss about the magician contract, which Issei revealed that he would like to be with Le Fay, much to her embarrassment and received a scolding from Ravel. Changing the subject, Issei asked about Gogmagog and learned that it’s being repaired at the Grigori insistute by Seekvaira. The members of Team DxD and their allies began to party for their victory and Issei was approached by Le Fay, revealing that she also wants to stay by his side as his exclusive magician.
Personality[]
Issei is initially shown to be ignorant, self-centered, arrogant, and his ongoing perverted nature, often to make lecherous fantasies, and utterly obsessed with women's breasts and having his own harem. This has caused him to be instantly labeled as a pervert among the girls of Kuoh Academy and has gained him notoriety for being one of the members of Kuoh Academy's Perverted Trio.
Despite his pervertedness, Issei is courageous, selfless and unwaveringly determined to protect those who are important to him, despite almost dying by the hands of his opponents. Having great kindness, Issei is also very caring, "putting his nose into other people's business" as he helped Yuuto Kiba, Koneko Toujou, and Akeno Himejima overcome their fears and hatred of their mournful past. Due to this, he gained strong friendship from his comrades and affection from most girls of the Occult Research Club and a strong sense of friendship with higher-up Devils like Rias' family; they have told him to use the same titles for them as Rias (Father, Mother, Brother, etc.), yet he still remains the same.
He has a habit as mentioned by his mother of not forgiving himself if he does something wrong: always saying sorry if said thing is mentioned, and showing an expression of pain and regret. He is also fiercely loyal to his comrades and is always willing to stand up for them. Issei's kindness also have a positive influence on others including former enemies. When Issei suggested to Cao Cao to use his True Longinus to help and protect people, Cao Cao acknowledged had he and Siegfried met and befriend Issei earlier, they would not have ended up becoming terrorists in the Khaos Brigade. Another sign of his kind nature is that despite wanting to lose his virginity, Issei refuses to take advantage of women when they are upset, even if they themselves are willing to. This happened when Akeno appeared in front of him naked and wanted to have sex to forget about her sad past and her father. However, Issei refused, knowing it will just hurt her more, and put her clothes back on and hugged her to comfort her.
After his murder by Raynare, Issei had developed a fear of admitting his feelings to the girls, as he thought it would cause them to turn their backs on him. This would also cause him to become oblivious to the feelings of the girls around him (save for Rias after his confession), often believing they are simply teasing him. He acknowledged that this would never happen, but it was still an intense fear. It is also why he was so insistent on trying to lose his virginity, as he believed that no woman would ever want to be in a true relationship with him and that him having sex was the best he could hope to achieve as a sense of relief. Despite that, even when the girls of the Occult Research Club such as Akeno or Xenovia propositioned him into making love to them, Issei would always initially hold himself back, as he would sometimes look at them with a frightened gaze, a fact which Akeno, Asia and Koneko later noticed. In Volume 10, his fears were finally brought to attention when Akeno, Asia, and Koneko confronted him alone and helped him by getting him to admit his feelings and assuring him that they would always love him and so would Rias. This inspired him to finally confesses his love for her which she reciprocated, effectively helping Issei move past his fears. Even with the knowledge that the girls do have romantic affection for him, he still has problems acknowledging some of their ongoing rivalries, an example being who gets to sit on his lap.
In reality, Issei has an innocent side; he is a boy who yearns for love and a true relationship, a side which he only shows to women who can see past his perverted exterior and love him for who he is and who he, in turn, has affections for. He shows this side to the girls of the Occult Research Club, for instance on his date with Akeno or when Rias takes him out on dates.
Initially, after reincarnating as a devil, he set about his desire for a harem as his initial goal, by having his peerage become his harem. After the Rating Game against Sona and Saji, he slightly changed the goal to having a harem peerage that wouldn't lose to anyone. Among his other goals include competing in Rating Games and making Rias the Champion of the Rating Games by becoming the "Ultimate Pawn" alongside Kiba, who promised to become the "Ultimate Knight" with him and his desire to become the Champion of the Rating Games himself after he obtains his own peerage. He is also deeply invested in his rivalry with Vali Lucifer, his Heavenly Dragon counterpart, as Issei promised to get stronger and defeat him, with the both of them reaffirming their promise to fight each other some day multiple times during the series and Vali suggesting that Issei create his own team like Vali which is different from his peerage. Their rivalry would heat up after the both of them enter the Azazel Cup, with Issei creating his own team, "Team Red Dragon Emperor of the Blazing Truth", to try to win the Cup and defeat Vali during the tournament. After the two of them passed the preliminary rounds, the two expressed their desire to continue their initial fight as the both of them promised not to lose until they meet each other in the Cup.
As revealed by Shiva, Issei has a deep desire for peace which is further strengthened by him being the "child" of Great Red and Ophis, as Issei seems incapable of realizing his dream of becoming a Harem King until he obtains peace with his own hands. Due to experiencing intense fights in which he nearly died, Issei affirms his desire to create a world without war and protect his companions even if his enemy is a God.
While initially shown to be unable to understand the appeal of fighting, Shiva reveals that Issei has developed fondness of fighting strong opponents with strong beliefs, with Issei himself confirming that he has come to like defeating strong opponents as equally as groping female breasts. While Issei is shown to like battling strong opponents, at first he was unable to truly "enjoy" a fight (except his match with Sairaorg) due them mostly being life-threatening fights. This began to change after his match with Dulio, as he realized that competing in the Azazel Cup is mostly sport rather than a serious fight.
Issei is shown to admire strong individuals who have strong beliefs and convictions, seeing them as targets for him to catch up to. He is shown to admire Sairaorg Bael, after witnessing his strength and noble splendor and that respect intensified after learning that Sairaorg was talentless like him, as he noted their similar fighting styles. Due to his interest in Rating Games, he has developed a admiration towards Diehauser Belial and Rudiger Rosenkreutz, due to them being the Top 10 Rating Game players, with Issei especially admiring Rudiger Rosenkreutz; as he was a reincarnated devil like Issei himself. As Dragon, he is shown to admire Tannin, admiring his strength and his desire to help other Dragon as Issei considers him the true Dragon King due to his splendor, and Crom Cruach, due to his overwhelming power and his pride as dragon. While he was initially exasperated and annoyed by Fafnir and his panties fetish, Issei is shown to have developed a respect for him after he witnessed Fafnir's willpower and determination to protect Asia from Rizevim.
Issei is noted be be a very friendly person, able to become friends with anyone. Azazel stated that he has the ability to win over the trust of others easily and doesn't discriminate against anyone as others can feel at ease with him due to him not resenting anyone, with Azazel calling that ability a talent of Issei's. Issei's ability to attract companions, allies and enemies is further enhanced by him being the Red Dragon Emperor. According to Cao Cao, despite Issei's lack of natural talent and demonic power, Issei's ability to attract others by holding dragon powers is top notch compared to previous Red Dragon Emperors, as Cao Cao believes that Issei will become the most dangerous Red Dragon Emperor. His ability to obtain the trust of other is so great that the residual memories of the past Red Dragon Emperors sacrificed themselves to protect him from Samael's curse. After coming back from the dead with by using Great Red and Ophis' power, Cao Cao commented that Issei's power to attract the strong is scary due to it attracting powerful beings like the Dragon Gods to aid him. According to Azazel, Issei makes a lot of irregular phenomena occur, for instance; a lot of Sacred Gear possessors near Issei were able to awaken irregular Balance Breakers (such as Yuuto, Gasper and Saji). Ophis stated that Issei is as strong as the number of companions he has. According to Azazel, Issei has the natural ability to make supernatural girls fall in love with him, while Millarca Vordenburg stated that most of the men who meet Issei become fascinated with him.
While initially being confused by his popularity among the devil children due to Oppai Dragon, Issei eventually embraced the role of being the Oppai Dragon and began acting as a hero for the children as was demonstrated in Volume 10, where he carried the wishes of child fans during his match with Sairaorg Bael, promising to defeat him for the sake of Rias and the children who believed in him. Issei has placed the his desire to protect the children of the Underworld and of the other factions as one of his goals as seen when he defeated various foes who threatened the children and their dreams such as Shalba Beelzebub, Grendel, and Erebus. In fact, due to Shalba's insanity and him promising to kill the children of the Underworld for rejecting him as a Satan, Issei killed him to stop his malice from reaching the children.
In battle, Issei is sometimes very stubborn, and due to his emotions, he often charges ahead towards his enemies without a second thought whenever his comrades are insulted, treated badly, or easily defeated. Azazel has stated that it is one of Issei's bad habits. Lately, he has started to become more tactical in his battles, using technique-type strategies to defeat opponents, as shown when he used the abilities of the Wyverns in a unique way to defeat Euclid.
Issei also displays strong moral principles, as seen when he initially refused to actually kill his enemies. Even after killing Shalba Beelzebub, Issei still rarely ever kills his enemies and prefers to either let others do so or simply let them face arrest. While Issei can carry grudges, he is not above forgiving his enemies and becoming friends with them due to his kindness, as seen with Riser, Kuroka, Vali and Cao Cao.
During his time with Sora, Issei no longer have the perverted thoughts in his mind as he is now serious yet still have the sense of humor when it comes to toying with the villains.
Story of joining Sora's Team[]
He was invited by Sora as he wants to protect the innocent.