Reborn of The Mercenary: [Toji Fushiguro x Highschool DxD]

Filler chapter: Unhealthy Habits

Late Afternoon, Kuoh Town

The sun was setting over Kuoh Town, casting a warm glow on the streets. Rias Gremory and her peerage were on a mission—a mission to find Toji Fushiguro. For the past few hours, they had scoured the town, checking all the usual places he might be, but so far, their search had been fruitless.

"This is getting ridiculous," Akeno Himejima said, a hint of frustration in her voice. "We've looked everywhere he usually goes. Where could he be?"

Rias sighed, her crimson hair flowing behind her as she led the group. "I have no idea, but we need to find him. He can't just disappear like this."

Koneko, who had been scanning the area with her keen senses, suddenly perked up. "I think I found him. This way."

The group followed Koneko's lead, winding through the streets until they arrived at a rather unexpected location—a casino.

"A casino?" Kiba blinked in surprise. "Why would Toji be here?"

"Let's find out," Rias said, her eyes narrowing. They entered the casino, the sounds of slot machines and the clinking of chips filling the air.

Inside the Casino

As they navigated through the crowded casino floor, it didn't take long to spot Toji. He was at a poker table, completely engrossed in the game. A pile of chips sat in front of him, and he seemed to be on a winning streak.

"That's where he's been?" Akeno muttered, her frustration growing. "Gambling?"

Rias's eyes flashed with irritation. "Toji!"

Toji looked up from his cards, a smirk playing on his lips. "Hey, guys. What brings you here?"

"We've been looking for you all day!" Rias snapped. "What are you doing here?"

"Just... enjoying a little downtime," Toji replied nonchalantly, placing his cards down and raking in another pot of chips.

Akeno crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "We were worried about you. You should have told us where you were going."

Toji shrugged. "Didn't think it was a big deal."

"A big deal?" Rias's frustration hit its peak. "You're part of my peerage now. You can't just disappear without telling anyone!"

Toji stood up, pocketing his winnings. "Alright, alright. I'll keep that in mind next time."

As they turned to leave, Toji felt a sudden jolt of electricity coursing through his body. "Ow! What the—?"

Akeno smiled sweetly, her hand crackling with electricity. "That's for making us worry."

Before Toji could react, Rias stepped forward, her eyes glowing with a fiery intensity. "And this is for wasting our time."

A burst of flames engulfed Toji, singeing his clothes but leaving him otherwise unharmed. He yelped, more in surprise than pain. "Hey! Okay, okay, I get it. No more disappearing acts."

Kiba chuckled, watching the scene unfold. "Looks like Toji learned his lesson."

Koneko nodded, a rare smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe."

As they left the casino, Toji rubbed the back of his head, feeling the residual tingles of Akeno's electricity. "You guys really know how to get your point across."

Rias smirked. "Just remember, Toji. You're one of us now. We look out for each other."

Toji gave a nod, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Got it. No more casinos without telling you first."

With that, the group headed back to Kuoh Academy, the sun finally setting on a day filled with unexpected twists and a few laughs.