The Super Sentai

Crash da PARTY

Issei woke up with a start, drenched in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. The memories of the Rating Game flooded his mind, bringing with them a wave of despair. He sat up in his bed, clutching his head as he replayed the events over and over—Koneko's fall, Akeno's defeat, Yuuto's elimination, and Rias's heart-wrenching resignation. The weight of his failure pressed down on him like a suffocating blanket.

"How could I let this happen?" Issei muttered to himself, his voice thick with frustration. "Rias... I was supposed to protect you, but I couldn't do anything..."

As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, the door to his room slowly creaked open. Issei looked up, expecting to see one of his friends. Instead, the imposing figure of Grayfia, Sirzechs' Queen, stepped into the room, her expression as cold and unreadable as ever.

"Grayfia..." Issei started, but his voice trailed off as he met her steely gaze.

"Issei Hyoudou," Grayfia began, her tone formal and measured. "I have come to deliver a message from Lord Sirzechs."

Issei braced himself, knowing that whatever Sirzechs had to say couldn't be good. Grayfia raised her hand, and a small, glowing magic circle appeared in her palm.

"This magic circle will allow you to attend the Gremory-Phenex engagement party in the Underworld," she explained, handing the circle to Issei. "It is the wish of Lord Sirzechs that you be present."

Issei took the magic circle, staring at it with a mix of disbelief and resignation. The idea of attending Rias's engagement party, knowing that he had failed her, filled him with dread. How could he face her after what had happened?

Grayfia noticed the turmoil in his eyes. "Issei, this is not the end. You still have a chance to make things right."

Issei clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "But how? I couldn't even protect her when it mattered the most. I'm too weak..."

Grayfia's gaze softened, just a fraction. "Strength isn't just about power, Issei. It's about resolve, and the will to keep fighting even when the odds are against you. You have that will, and that is what makes you strong."

Before Issei could respond, the door to his room swung open again, but this time with much more force. Issei turned, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Saito stride into the room, flanked by the other Go-ongers—Koji Yamato, Virgil, and Alumi. They were dressed in casual clothes, but there was an unmistakable air of confidence and power around them.

"Saito? What are you doing here?" Issei asked, blinking in confusion.

Saito didn't answer immediately. Instead, he glanced around the room, taking in the sight of Issei's disheveled state and the gloomy atmosphere. A smirk slowly spread across his face as he turned his attention to the magic circle in Issei's hand.

"Well, well," Saito said, his tone light and teasing. "Looks like someone's been having a rough time."

Issei looked down, feeling a fresh wave of shame. "Yeah... I really messed up."

Saito crossed the room in a few quick strides and clapped a hand on Issei's shoulder, shaking him slightly. "Hey, don't go moping around like that! You're Issei Hyoudou, right? The guy who's supposed to become a Harem King?"

Issei blinked, surprised by Saito's informal and almost mocking tone. "Yeah, but—"

"No buts!" Saito interrupted, grinning as he jabbed a finger into Issei's chest. "You think power comes from sitting around and feeling sorry for yourself? Hell no! Power comes from getting up, dusting yourself off, and kicking some ass!"

Issei couldn't help but smile a little at Saito's energy, but his doubts still lingered. "But Rias... I let her down."

Saito rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh please, you're not done yet! That's why we're here, right, guys?"