User blog comment:B214/Volume 23 discussion blog/@comment-201.215.165.7-20170725230720/@comment-10330822-20170726053027

I like Riser where he sits. I sort of don't like the idea of Riser being too buddy-buddy with Issei, because of the whole Rias situation. Its safe to say even though Issei is okay with Riser, the fact Riser still lusts after Rias is enough for Issei not to fully trust him like that.

Also, I really don't think he needs a group like that, his current peerage will probably do just fine. I would just add Kiba so he can fight Arthur, but Riser really isn't necessary, especially since I'd argue Ravel is better than him anyway.

Riser maybe more powerful than Ravel, but Issei's group isn't really lacking in the "power" department since he's particle a walking death-machine. Ravel's phoenix tears and strategies are far more useful than Riser's strength.