Ren Takakura's impassioned plea hung heavy in the antique-filled air of the Occult Research Club room. Rias Gremory regarded him with a new level of intensity, her striking blue-green eyes searching his, gauging the depth of his resolve. Akeno Himejima's playful smile was gone, replaced by a thoughtful, almost compassionate expression. Kiba Yuuto looked at Ren with a mixture of surprise and dawning respect, while Koneko Toujou, for the first time since Ren had met her, seemed to be giving him her complete, undivided attention, her chocolate bar momentarily forgotten.
Reborn, still nestled in his carrier, was silent, though Ren could almost feel the infant hitman's keen, analytical gaze on him, assessing his every word, his every micro-expression. This was a test, Ren knew, not just of his courage, but of his ability to persuade, to lead, to inspire action – all qualities Reborn deemed essential for a Vongola boss.
Finally, Rias spoke, her voice calm but resonant with an undeniable authority. "Your conviction is… admirable, Ren Takakura. And your concern for Asia Argento is clearly genuine." She paused, exchanging a quick, almost imperceptible glance with Akeno. "The Fallen Angels operating within our territory, attempting to forcibly extract a Sacred Gear, especially one as significant as Twilight Healing, is indeed a serious matter. It is an affront to the Gremory name, and a threat to the fragile peace we strive to maintain."
Akeno nodded. "And if they succeed, such power in their hands could have… unpleasant consequences for all of us, not just the human world."
"We were already monitoring the situation at the old church," Kiba added, his tone serious. "Your information, Takakura-kun, and your personal connection to this Asia Argento, has simply… accelerated the timeline for our intervention."
Rias leaned forward, her gaze locking with Ren's. "Very well, Ren Takakura. The Occult Research Club, the Gremory Peerage, will assist you in this matter. We will investigate the church, ascertain the full extent of the Fallen Angels' plans, and if necessary, we will intervene to rescue Asia Argento and neutralize the threat to our territory."
A wave of profound relief washed over Ren, so potent it almost buckled his knees. He hadn't realized how much he'd been pinning his hopes on their agreement. "Thank you, Gremory-senpai," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you all."
"Do not thank us yet, Takakura-kun," Rias cautioned, a stern edge to her voice. "This will be dangerous. Fallen Angels are not to be underestimated, especially if they are operating in force. You will follow our lead, you will obey my commands, and you will not act recklessly. Your powers are still largely uncontrolled, and your inexperience could be a liability to yourself and to others. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Buchou," Ren said, instinctively using the respectful term Kiba and Akeno used for her. He understood the conditions. He was an unknown quantity, a volatile asset. But he was willing to do whatever it took to save Asia.
"Good," Rias said, a hint of a smile returning to her lips. "Then let us begin planning. Kiba, what is the latest intel on their numbers and defenses at the church?"
As Kiba began to outline what little information they had, Ren felt a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere. He was no longer just an outsider, an object of curiosity. He was now, however temporarily, however conditionally, part of their team, united by a shared purpose. An uneasy alliance had been forged, born of desperation and a common enemy.
From within the depths of the old church, Freed Sellzen, the Stray Exorcist, cackled with delight as he "played" with his captive, Asia Argento. He brandished his light-powered sword and his pistol, dancing around the terrified nun, his eyes gleaming with sadistic glee. "Oh, this is just too much fun, little sister!" he chortled. "Lady Raynare said I could have my fun with you before the ritual. And Freed always enjoys his playtime! You're going to make such a pretty scream when we carve that little trinket out of you!" Asia could only pray, her tears tracing paths through the grime on her face, her heart filled with a desperate, fading hope for a miracle.
Back in the ORC clubroom, the mood was grim but determined. Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and now Ren, huddled around a map of Kuoh Town, pinpointing the location of the church, discussing potential entry points, and strategizing their approach. Reborn, surprisingly, offered a few terse, insightful tactical suggestions, his baby disguise momentarily forgotten as his hitman instincts took over, much to the renewed surprise of the ORC members who were still trying to reconcile the image of the cooing infant with the sharp, strategic mind.
"The attack should be swift, precise," Reborn advised, his tiny finger tapping a weak point on the church's layout Kiba had sketched. "Infiltrate, locate the target – Asia Argento – neutralize immediate threats, and extract. Minimize prolonged engagement unless absolutely necessary. These Fallen Angels will likely have reinforcements, or a clear escape route."
Rias nodded, considering his words. "A sound assessment, Reborn-kun," she said, using the honorific with a hint of wry amusement. The baby hitman's true nature was still a puzzle, but his tactical acumen was undeniable.
As they finalized their initial plan – a reconnaissance mission first, followed by a full assault if necessary – Ren felt a mixture of fear and grim determination. He was about to willingly walk into a den of monsters, alongside a group of actual Devils, to save a girl he barely knew but felt an overwhelming need to protect. His life was unrecognizably strange, terrifyingly dangerous, but for the first time since he'd awakened in this new world, he felt a flicker of something else too: purpose. He had a role to play, a reason to fight, a reason to try and master the chaotic power thrumming within him.
The sun was beginning to set outside, casting long, ominous shadows across Kuoh Town. The night would be long, and dangerous. But Ren Takakura was no longer facing it entirely alone. He had allies, however unlikely, however demonic. And he had a mission. The rescue of Asia Argento had begun.