Chapter 96: The Calm Before the Storm - Issei’s Last Day

  The sun hung low in the sky, painting the clouds with a golden hue as the Nakama sat together, sharing stories and laughter. The day had been perfect—training, feasting, teasing, and even some lewd moments—but deep inside, Issei felt a strange unease.

  Something was wrong.

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  “Issei, why do you look so serious?” Nyx asked, leaning on his shoulder.

  “Huh? No reason,” Issei forced a grin. “Just… enjoying the moment.”

  But deep down, he knew—something was about to change.

  That night, as the campfire crackled and the group sat together under the starry sky, Issei watched each of them. Gray, arguing with Zoro over whose sword techniques were better. Sanji, desperately trying to get Nami to acknowledge his cooking. Akeno, playfully teasing Rias, who was glaring at her with a mix of annoyance and amusement.

  This was home. This was family.

  And somehow, he felt like it was slipping away.