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

Filler Chapter: Bad Influence

Morning, Outside the Casino

The morning sun was bright, casting a golden glow over the city as Toji Fushiguro and Yuuto Kiba stood outside a grand casino. The building was adorned with flashing lights and gaudy decorations, inviting patrons to try their luck.

Kiba glanced at the entrance, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Toji?"

Toji grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Trust me, bro. It's gonna be fun."

Kiba hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, let's do this."

Inside the Casino

The casino floor was buzzing with activity. The sound of slot machines, roulette wheels, and cheering patrons filled the air. Toji and Kiba navigated through the crowd, their eyes wide with amazement.

"Where do we start?" Kiba asked, trying to take it all in.

Toji smirked. "Follow my lead."

They made their way to a blackjack table, where Toji confidently placed a stack of chips. Kiba watched nervously as the dealer dealt the cards. Toji's face was a mask of concentration as he assessed his hand.

"Hit me," Toji said, his tone cool and collected.

The dealer complied, and Toji's grin widened. He revealed his cards: a perfect twenty-one. The dealer's face fell, and Toji scooped up his winnings with a triumphant laugh.

"See? Easy money," Toji said, handing Kiba some chips. "Your turn."

Kiba, emboldened by Toji's success, sat down and placed his bet. The dealer dealt the cards, and Kiba felt a rush of adrenaline. He won his first hand, then another, and another. The pair moved from table to table, their confidence growing with each win.

Hours flew by as they gambled, laughed, and reveled in their streak of luck. They tried their hand at roulette, poker, and even the slot machines. At one point, Kiba hit a jackpot, and they celebrated with high-fives and cheers.

"Man, this is amazing!" Kiba exclaimed, his face flushed with excitement.

Toji nodded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Told you it'd be fun."

Later That Day, Occult Research Club

Rias Gremory sat at her desk, reviewing some documents, when the door burst open. Toji and Kiba stumbled in, looking a bit worse for wear. Their clothes were disheveled, and there was a wild look in their eyes.

Rias raised an eyebrow. "And where have you two been?"

Toji and Kiba exchanged a nervous glance before Toji spoke up. "We, uh, went to the casino."

Rias's eyes narrowed. "The casino? And how much did you spend?"

Kiba rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Um, all of it."

Rias's expression turned stormy. "All of it? You spent your entire allowance at the casino?"

Toji shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "We had fun."

Rias stood up, her hands on her hips. "And now you want me to give you more money because you've squandered all of yours?"

Kiba opened his mouth to respond, but Rias cut him off. "Absolutely not! You two are going to have to find a way to earn that money back."

Toji tried to stifle a laugh, but Rias's glare silenced him. Akeno, who had been quietly observing from the corner, couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ara ara, it seems you two have learned an important lesson about responsibility," Akeno said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Toji and Kiba hung their heads, looking like chastened children. Rias sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Alright, here's what we'll do," Rias said, her tone firm. "You two will help with club activities and take on extra tasks until you've earned back every penny. And no more gambling."

Toji and Kiba nodded, accepting their fate. As they left the room, Akeno's laughter followed them, light and teasing.

"Next time, maybe you should stick to safer hobbies," Akeno called after them.

Toji glanced at Kiba, a rueful smile on his face. "Well, that could have gone better."

Kiba chuckled. "Yeah, but it was worth it. Thanks, Toji."

Toji shrugged. "Anytime, bro. Just maybe next time, we don't blow all our cash in one go."

As they walked away, ready to face their new responsibilities, Toji couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction. Despite the trouble, it had been a day to remember—a reminder that even in the supernatural world of devils and sacred gears, sometimes it was the simple things that brought the most joy.