82Humanity's Stranger
"I am not like you."
"What do you mean, darling?"
The slight smile that had appeared on her face was quickly dimmed by his serious expression. It hurt him more than he cared to admit that he would burden her at a time like this, but she deserved to know the truth.
Taking her hand and enclosing it with his bigger ones, imploring her to both believe him and allow him to tell his story in full he thought on how to break the news.
"I am old, incredibly old, older even than this city or country….
Naruto knelt before the small stone monument, his fingers tracing across the etched words. His mind was elsewhere, remembering and reminiscing. Normally he would speak a few words, silly as he usually felt while doing so, but today he wasn't alone, and so they remained in the privacy of his own mind.
He took his time nonetheless, not letting that fact bother him.
Minutes passed like that, the man behind him simply waiting a respectful distance away.
Finally Naruto exhaled a deep, shuddering breath, letting go of the emotions that had wandered to the forefront of his mind. He did not often feel his true age, time leaving no trace on his body as it passed him by. Except for his white hair, he was in his prime physically, but there were always moments like these, when the memories overwhelmed him.
Standing up he gave the stone one last look before turning around.
"What could be so important that you would come here just to deliver a job to me? Normally I deal with some kind of middleman," Naruto said, breaking the silence. The blonde man was clad in a simple robe, his stance prepared but relaxed. Though the wings were currently hidden he knew of their existence.
"Call it a passing interest, if you want. You are not an easy man to find by any means." The man still remained at a distance, but whether that was a sign of respect or caution was difficult to say.
"Passing interest or not shouldn't you be preoccupied with other, more pressing, issues?" Naruto asked, tilting his head slightly.
"I must admit you do have me at a disadvantage, I'm convinced you know exactly who I am and yet I know only of your reputation," the angel forged on, ignoring Naruto's comment entirely.
"I assumed Azazel would have told you, it's not actually much of a secret." He tended to choose his acquaintances carefully, but he had never made much of a deal out of staying unknown.
Naruto had met Azazel shortly after he fell and the leader of the Grigori knew his name. There wasn't much sense he could find in him not telling his subordinates, though perhaps Azazel was once more behaving like the man-child he really was deep down.
"Azazel didn't deem it necessary for me to know beforehand, since I was planning to meet you anyway." Despite the professional airs he tried to put on, the man was clearly not particularly happy about that fact.
Even if he had never made the acquaintance himself Naruto knew exactly who stood across from him.
Tamiel was a leader of Grigori under Azazel and he had interacted with the man's subordinates before. Whenever business was concerned, Tamiel was involved, though usually not this directly.
"If you're here I assume Azazel has a job for me? Important too, if he sent you to deliver it."
That was as true for humans as it was for every other kind of being. The more important one was, the less likely they were to take care of their problems personally.
The Gods especially were whimsical. He could attest to that personally. They had no fondness for most other creatures even if they were more than willing to use them to accomplish their own goals.
"You are aware of the current events in the Underworld?" Tamiel asked.
Naruto immediately understood what he and by extension Azazel expected of him. Tracking these things was essential for his line of work.
"The brewing Civil War? What does Azazel care about it?" he said, asking for clarification. Nobody was openly speaking about it yet, even among Devils, but it was the only reasonable explanation. Territories being fortified, alliances being renewed or dissolved between the remaining Pillars, and the rising tension between what were more and more clearly two separate camps.
"Exactly. We have a vested interest in an assured outcome. Azazel does not want the possibility of the Great War restarting," Tamiel answered.
"I assume Azazel has an offer for me?" His owrk especially did not come cheap, but Grigori certainly had the means to pay for it. Instead of answering his question Tamiel simply reached for his robe and pulled out a small wooden chest.
"We'll pay the usual rate. In addition Azazel gave me this. The fruits of his latest work," Tamiel said and extended the chest towards him.
Naruto spared the Fallen a considering glance as he stepped forwards, focusing on his extremities, looking for any twitch. The likelihood of betrayal was astronomically low, considering the situation, but he could not help but be on guard.
He accepted the chest and stopped himself from stepping back again. The thing wasn't particularly heavy. Lifting the lid made it clear why.
Nested inside the fabric-lining was a metal circlet on top of pieces of parchment. He ignored the paper for now and picked up the ring. It was light, thin, and barely big enough to fit around his wrist. Turning it in his hand he inspected the symbols etched along the surface.
Naruto knew most of them but deciphering their exact function without further inspection was beyond even his abilities.
He was sure that Azazel knew exactly how the object could be valuable to him and that the Fallen wasn't trying to trick him into a bad offer. Some individuals had tried that in the past and it hadn't ended well for them. Azazel knew as much.
He gave Tamiel a questioning glance, wordlessly asking for an explanation.
"The papers hold an explanation of the functions and limits. Azazel was quite proud when he finished this piece," Tamiel said simply. Naruto nodded his head in acceptance.
Placing the circlet back inside he skimmed over some of the lines of text. The first page was a short note addressed directly to him, while the others held detailed explanation of the exact uses and limits of the trinket.
"You can tell Azazel that he doesn't need to concern himself with the Devils, it will be taken care off," he paused, Tamiel already turning to leave. "It's Naruto."
Tamiel turned his head, confusion evident in his expression before understanding flickered across his face. He gave a brief nod of respect. With a final glance between the two of them Tamiel unfurled his wings and left the area.
Naruto followed him with his eyes for a few seconds, already going over the necessary preparations for this mission in his head. A trip back home to Japan was in order. He had spent enough time in France.
Ultimately, it hadn't taken long for everything to go to hell in the Underworld. Prideful as Devils were they didn't take kindly to disobedience, and that counted double for the descendants of the Satans.
After the Bael clan had publicly opposed them, with some of the other Pillars backing them up, fights had started to break out all over the Underworld. Though some of the Pillars had chosen to remain neutral for now it was only a matter of time before they would also be joining the fray, willing or not.
As it stood both sides of the conflict had the same number of Pillar Houses backing them. The real difference was that the Old-Satan faction held the advantage in pure numbers outside of that, which would likely be the factor deciding the outcome in the end. If the sides remained as they were and he didn't intervene, that was.
Both sides had a roughly equal number of notably promising individuals, the descendants of three of the Satans among them. All in all they were rather evenly matched for now.
How to interfere then?
He could directly go after some of the Pillar houses, but he would reserve that option for later. For now, information would probably be the best thing to give out. Going to Zekram would be more difficult than practical, but there were other candidates.
It had to be someone in a high enough position to actually put the information to good use but not so high up that they were powerful enough to make getting away a hassle.
Keeping his existence unknown wasn't the problem. Some Devils knew him and a bit more knew of him. But being discovered would bring up questions. Questions he wasn't inclined to answer truthfully, and evading questions was always better than lying. His employer's identity had to remain hidden after all.
Naruto had just the right Pillar in mind already, even if the original Head wouldn't be too happy to see him. The Phenex had never been particularly fond of him.
"And this source is credible?"
"That's the problem, I don't know the source."
"What do you mean you don't know the source? Where did you get the information from?" The confusion was evident in the first speaker's tone.
"I honestly cannot tell you were it's from. Somebody placed it on my desk while I was gone and there were no traces to indicate the identity of the intruder. I had the intel checked against our own reports, from what we know this is credible information." Both men fell silent, likely thinking of their next course of action.
"Send some willing scouts and see if we can confirm this source as reliable, there is no doubt it will be beneficial if it is." That was his cue to leave. Naruto disappeared from his hiding spot, satisfied with the developments.
As he was sneaking out of the area his thoughts turned towards his other options. What else could he do to throw a wrench in the plans of the new Beelzebub?
"Sir, we have just gotten word that our outpost in Gremory territory was attacked. From what we could gather there were no survivors." The messenger had just finished his report when the presence of his superior spiked with malice and power.
Everyone in the vicinity felt the world grow heavy. Many of the weaker soldiers fell to the ground, straining to even keep breathing.
"Damn those pesky rebels!" Beelzebub growled. There was a great crash, wood cracking and breaking, and then only angry breathing. Shalba would need a new desk.
"Get this message to Katerea, I want that Lucifuge girl here. We'll strike those traitorous cowards directly at the heart. They will know the superiority of their betters," he sneered. Naruto could imagine the ugly scowl on his face, marring the normally handsome face. He heard paper shuffling and the scribbling of a pen.
"It will be done, Lord Beelzebub." The messenger ducked out of the command tent and unfurled his wings, flying of at his top speed towards the main base of the Old-Satan Faction.
He noticed neither the eyes tracking him, nor that he was being followed.
Half an hour later the messenger Naruto was following touched down at his destination.
Stopping half a mile away from the territory Naruto realized that it wouldn't be quite as easy to interfere here. While the camp that Beelzebub and his cohorts were using had been newly constructed, and was most likely only a temporary base, this one was of the more permanent sort.
The surrounding barriers were more advanced and harder to work around. Even if he could eventually modify or break the magic it would be too late to make a difference now. Whatever was about to start would not wait for him.
When a group of powerful Devils left the territory a few hours later, his thoughts were proven right. Shalba wanted his assault to happen now, before any word could reach the other side.
One among the group stood out from the rest. Not only was she easily the most powerful of the lot, entrenched in the ranks of the Ultimate-class, but she was also young in not just appearance, as was normal for most Devils no matter their true age.
As far as Naruto had been able to ascertain from her power she had not even finished her first century, making her about the age of the younger powerhouses on the other side.
If he hurried now reaching Gremory territory to tip them off was not out of the question. Or he could just get personally involved this time. For now, following the reinforcements back to Beelzebub's was the best course of action.
After an hour of waiting within eyeshot of the camp the turbulence that he had been able to observe for that time came to an end. In organized fashion almost all of the Devils manning the outpost left for the territory of Pillar Gremory.
The new arrivals to the camp were left behind for now, though Naruto was positive that they too would be departing soon, acting as surprise reinforcements for the other troops.
None of the Devils that had left earlier, except for Beelzebub himself, were exceptionally strong. He would trust that the Gremory were able to hold their own even without being forewarned.
However, letting the new group of more powerful Devils join the fighting could spell certain doom for the Pillar. Even Sirzechs or Venelana couldn't contend with Beelzebub and these others at the same time.
When they took off some time later, Naruto followed.
After waiting the ordered thirty minutes, Grayfia and her entourage took to the skies, flying on a direct course towards the Gremory territory, to decisively strike at one of the higher-ranking Pillars among the Anti-Satan-faction.
They would be able to cover the ground towards the battleground in about 15 minutes, less if they pushed themselves. Heavy fighting was likely to be waiting for them so arriving as fresh as possible was paramount to the success of this mission.
As they left the forest that marked the early parts of their journey behind them the air noticeably shifted, and a feeling of danger permeated their surroundings. A quick look around told her that she wasn't the only one to have noticed the change. Shifting gazes and tensed shoulders were visible on all of her companions.
A moment later the relative quiet of the situation was broken by the sound of leather meeting flesh only to be followed by a sickening crack as bone audibly gave way beneath superior force. Without much thought all of them scattered. Putting distance between the sound and themselves.
Without even turning around she knew that her group's number had just been reduced by one. Her senses weren't able to evaluate the assailant's strength adequately, but he was obviously powerful.
A quick turn in the air gave her a view of the plummeting corpse and the attacker falling with it. Moments later they impacted the rocky ground of the barren wasteland they had been trying to cross.
A cloud of dust was kicked up, obscuring their vision of the impact except for the spiderweb cracks now decorating the ground in all directions.
When the dust had settled, she and her companions were given their first good look at their adversary. A hood obscured the man's features from view and his body was clad in black and brown clothing that was loose enough to allow complete ease of movement but not so much as to become a hindrance.
A quick look at the corpse below him made it clear that the threat their attacker presented was a real one. The head lay at an impossible angle, the neck snapped either from the impact with the ground or the collision with their assailant. At least it had been a quick death.
Though he had engaged them it didn't seem like the man was inclined to be the aggressor any longer, instead choosing to stand on the ground looking nonchalant. The dead Devil at his feet destroyed the harmless picture.
There was no time to formulate a strategy or even communicate with her companions before the demonic energies, formerly tightly leashed spiked high, the anger and fury at the death of their comrade palpable in the air.
Grayfia had not known the man personally but the death still infuriated her. There were not many people that dared attack beings of their strength like this.
In the moment before her own potent energies rushed to the surface Grayfia got the distinct impression that the man standing beneath them, still looking just as unruffled as before, was smiling in amusement beneath the shadow of his hood.
'Predictable as always.'
As Naruto observed the group of Devils flying above him, he couldn't help but feel amused, a small grin appearing on his hooded face. Even as the demonic presences of his multiple opponents spiked one after the other, he wasn't worried.
While they weren't exactly weak compared to the vast majority of existences in this world that didn't mean they would have an easy time against him at all.
Really, if they so much as nicked him, he would never hear the end of it. If that kind of information got to the company he tended to keep among the supernatural he'd be mocked for weeks. Azazel would certainly never let it go, which was to say nothing of the more illustrious personalities in his life.
A moment later two of the six remaining Devils dove towards him while the other four prepared or flung different spells. Each and every one intended to end him as efficiently as possible.
Reaching inside of himself, not for the power that almost eagerly jumped forward ready to be used, but instead the one comparatively new to him, he began shaping the magical energies in his hand, forming them and imparting on them a nature that the Devils approaching him wouldn't be fond of.
As the yellow energy took the shape of a spear in his right hand, he took two quick steps before launching the magical projectile at the two flying towards him and at the same time, their comrades behind them.
Both approaching Devils predictably evaded the spear with relative ease, though because of that one of the ones casting a spell was forced to abandon their position to dodge.
He rushed forward, under the two Devils that were quickly closing the distance between themselves and him, a small application of chakra amplifying his speed further.
As Naruto swerved around the small-scale attacks impacting the ground around him he was acutely aware of the two others hot on his tail. They had been forced to take a sharp turn in the air from their downward path in the opposite direction, which had slowed them down for a moment, but now they were in rapid pursuit again.
Both flew close to the ground, their wings propelling them forward faster than their legs could.
Slowly, the two gained on him, closing more and more of the remaining distance with every second.
A quick repeat of earlier found another light spear in his hand. Naruto vaulted backwards over the heads of his followers and onto the back of one of them. Thrusting down, the spear of light easily penetrated flesh and bone, the light energy firmly implanted in the Devil's back as they impacted the rocky ground.
Not giving the others any time to capitalise on this Naruto once more created distance between them with a quick Shunshin, placing him next to the corpse of the Devil he had attacked in flight.
The blood curdling screams of the injured Devil could be heard for leagues in every direction, the light energy taking its poisonous effect on his body.
Immediately two of the four ranged fighters descended towards their injured comrade, among them the most powerful of the lot.
The remaining three Devils, two in the air and one on the ground, all aimed spells in his direction, though each one was now noticeably more powerful than the last had been, their evaluation of his threat level growing closer and closer to being accurate.
Instead of taking action Naruto was just fine with waiting, in the first place he was here to waste their time and not necessarily to defeat them.
The grey-haired youngster of their group coated her hands in a thick layer of demonic energy before ripping the spear out of the other Devil, her companion already busy using healing magic on the wound, accelerating the already high regeneration rate of Devils and slowly purging the light energy that had invaded the body even in that short time.
Her job done and the spear discarded to the side, she started healing the nasty burn marks on her hands that the energy had inflicted even through her own protective layer of energy.
The crippling weakness to light-based powers and abilities that was innate to Devil-kind really was a bitch to deal with against an opponent who was ready and willing to exploit it.
The two Devils that had remained in the air descended to the ground and started conversing in hushed tones with the one that had been trying to close the gap. Clearly they were trying to devise a strategy against him and one of them had even been smart enough to cast a quick spell to hide their conversation from his ears.
Naruto tried to follow along by reading their lips, but the small amount of lip movements and his admittedly poor ability when it came to doing so with the Devil language didn't give him much information to work with, making that attempt largely futile.
Instead he kept an eye on the others.
While the healer of the group seemed capable it wasn't likely that he would be able to heal his injured comrade fast enough to matter in this confrontation.
Almost another minute of waiting later and the young Devil was able to take care of her hands with her subpar abilities in healing. She joined the other three Devils and all them tensed even more as he leaned down. The small piece of paper he placed on the ground went entirely unseen, hidden by dust and rocks, and the ink flashing blue told he that everything was in order.
One of the Devils reached his breaking point earlier than the others.
With a growl that Naruto could pick out even over the distance between them demonic energy exploded from the tallest of the Devils, rising further and further before reaching its utmost limit, well situated in the ranks of the more powerful members of his species.
Seeing an orb of potent demonic energy forming in front of the Devil was his signal to move. Naruto broke into a run and started circling the group of Devils towards the right while dodging the hail of magical projectiles ranging from orbs of water and fire to simple energy attacks being fired at him.
As the intensity and strength of the hail increased, he reached the quarter-point of the circle he was tracking around his opponents. A quick application of Ice Chakra made him slide across the ground the rest of the way and five hand-seals later a wall of rock slid from stone, blocking him from his attacker's vision. He left another seal just behind the wall, making two of four.
Just as the wall was about to crumble under the continued assault Naruto cleared it in a single leap, now rushing towards his assailants, kunai and exploding tag already in hand. A simple flick of his wrist and the kunai went flying.
His target sidestepped the steel easily enough, letting the weapon harmlessly sail past them.
Just as the weapon passed one Devil Naruto's left hand formed a seal, activating the explosive tag attached to the projectile. The resulting explosion once again led to confusion among the group of Devils, a cloud of smoke obscuring their vision even if the physical damage done to them was limited.
Three Devil's immediately took to the sky to avoid being attacked under the cover of the smoke screen, leaving a single one of them alone. Naruto entered the cloud of smoke an instant later, joining the last Devil that remained inside.
A pained grunt followed by the sound of a body hitting the ground were the only noises greeting them from inside the smoke.
As the seconds began to tick by they started a hail of magical attacks on the gradually fading smoke screen, ignoring the possibility of hitting their comrade. If they didn't do anything he was dead anyway.
For a minute the magical bombardment continued, until eventually ceasing, all of them convinced that there was nothing but rubble and ruin left under the dust and smoke. An unnatural gust of wind dispersed the cloud a moment later.
Right in the middle stood their still silent assailant, completely unfazed by the barrage they had unleashed, and at his feet, face down in the dirt, was their comrade. Five small points on his head were still smoking slightly and other burns and wounds littered his body. Obviously he had been used as a shield.
The mocking quirk of the lips on the face of the man that had been holding them up for almost 15 minutes now only served to fuel their anger even further. In the end they all knew they were outmatched which made the situation even harder to accept. The only real choice they had was to abandon their mission and retreat.
They had to admit defeat. Now, to abandon their comrade or leave him to his fate? Just like all of them he was an important member of their side, easily above the power of a normal High-Class Devil and even those were in short supply.
Before they could make any decision their opponent waved his hand, a swell of unfamiliar power accompanying the movement. Their surroundings reacted instantly.
Great vortexes surrounded them, the rapid displacement of air creating a sudden, booming sound akin to an explosion. Wind was flinging them through the air, away from their opponent and towards their two occupied comrades.
After a moment they passed a barrier which stopped the wind but let them through. After righting themselves in the air all three of them landed around their healer. The ground was clearly safer than the air.
"What do we do?"
The question was on all of their minds. None of them had ever been in a situation like this. Even their stronger attacks were useless and their opponent didn't seem to be breaking a sweat.
Their attacker picked up the body at his feet and flung it in the direction that he had originally come from, the body landing some meters away from the ruins of the stonewall he had created before. When their eyes switched to him again, he was halfway submerged in the ground.
Soon he had disappeared completely between the rock and earth, leaving not a trace of his presence above ground. Tracking him was difficult but not impossible. She tried to catch onto his magical signature, where it was, where it was moving, how strong it was, but it was elusive, seeming to fight her attempts at grasping it.
Focusing further she noticed a second near identical signature had appeared and was moving at a right angle to the first. Obviously he was trying to trap them by attacking from two sides at the same time.
'No, that's too obvious.' Before Grayfia could give words to her thoughts her comrades had already moved. All four of them dashed in the direction of their fallen comrade, arriving at the same time as their opponent and an identical twin appeared at their own destinations. One of them opposite the ruin of the wall, the other opposite the body of the first causality.
Acting on her hunch she elected to fly high and away, in the direction of their opponent. Maybe the air was not safe, but her gut was telling her that the ground wasn't either. A quick glance revealed that he was forming seals again.
From her position in the air she had a much better view of the whole field, and she saw exactly what their opponent was doing. Behind the crumbled wall, at his and his doppelganger's current positions, and a bit behind their first comrade, four slips of paper were placed on the ground, evenly spaced apart and forming a simple circle. Trapping all of her comrades in its bounds.
"It's a trap!" Her comrades all turned to her and then their opponent, who was now holding the last seal, his index and middle finger extended upwards, the others curved inwards.
They tried to react, to somehow move away, but it was already too late.
"Fuin."
Everything froze with a swell of the same power from before.
Shining above her comrades was a blue dome of energy. For a moment she thought that the energy looked clustered together without rhyme or reason, but there were really signs and symbols, repeating over and over again. It seemed similar to a magic crest but used vastly different symbols.
Peering inside the dome revealed no movement at all. Not from her comrades, who had been frozen mid-motion, or even the dust that been kicked up when they had rushed to evade the trap she had called out. Clearly she should not expect any assistance from that direction.
"So, now that we finally have some peace and quiet, let's talk."
"I don't talk to my enemies," Grayfia replied with steel in her voice. He seemed completely unconcerned with her tone, which only served to agitate her more. Even if she wasn't the most powerful Devil, she could certainly claim to be among the strongest their side had to offer.
She glanced around the area for a moment but the second one of him was nowhere to be seen. Only a small puff of smoke remained where she had last seen the second figure standing.
"I'm not really your enemy, and what else is there to do but talk? Your friends won't be moving for a while and you can't help them as long as I'm here," he said, and seemed to be telling the truth too.
"You just killed two of my comrades, injured another, and then locked the rest inside some kind of barrier yet you are not my enemy? I find that hard to believe."
"Doesn't really matter to me what you believe. But-" After unceremoniously seating himself on the ground cross-legged he continued, "-we have time, so ask away."
It pissed her off that her opponent didn't even think of her as a potential threat. It scratched at her pride as a Lucifuge and a Devil. She wanted to lash out, but she could control herself if necessary.
"Who are you?" Her first question was as direct as it was predictable.
"You wouldn't know me. But that's not really what you want to know anyway," Naruto answered flippantly.
Seeing the muscles in her face tighten in response threatened to make a grin appear on his face. Now that the seriousness of the situation had lessened there was no reason not to have a little fun.
"What are you then? A Crow?"
"I see why you'd think that, but no, I'm no Fallen. Angel neither before you ask. I'm human, mostly."
"What business would a human have with Devils?" Incredulous didn't even begin to describe her tone of voice. Clearly she didn't buy that for a moment. Naruto did not blame her. As a general rule humanity was maddeningly weak, with a rare few exceptions.
"That's for me to stay silent on and for you to find out, Lucifuge." The rise of her shoulders told him that his information had been spot on, even if she schooled her expression impressively quickly. After a moment of deliberation Naruto continued, "I would suggest speaking with your superiors. Some of them may still know me, or have at the very least heard of me. The Devils I've had dealings with aren't really very numerous any more."
"Will you continue interfering with our interests?"
"Come now, I wouldn't be here if that wasn't the plan, no? Really, I couldn't care less about your civil war, but I have a reputation to uphold. Contract breakers aren't exactly well liked, you understand, I'm sure." Studying his opposite for a moment longer Naruto tipped his head to the side in thought.
"Why exactly do you fight anyway? I mean I get the whole family tradition thing but is there anything else to it? Rizevim isn't even participating as far as I know." Spotting the immediate tensing of her shoulders combined with her sudden scowl clued him in on how she would react even before she opened her mouth.
"Have care how you address Lord Lucifer. As a daughter of House Lucifuge I will defend his name against any slights." The narrowing of her eyes and the affront that had entered her tone told him all he needed to know.
"Oh? What are you gonna do, intimidate me? Attack me? I would advise against uttering threats you have no ability to follow through with." Among Devils she was certainly able to make threats, to almost all of them as well, but outside of the biblical factions the story changed quite a bit.
Smartly she stayed quiet after that.
"So what's your reason really? I know for sure that Rizevim isn't taking any part in this civil war and for me that would mean your family could do what they want. I mean if you guys lose, there is probably gonna be a new Lucifer eventually anyway, even if the one that takes that name didn't inherit it naturally."
"Even if Lord Lucifer does not personally take part in this war he has still allied himself with the forces fighting for the rightful Satans. In his name, do my family and others combat the pretenders."
"Well, that was nice and all but if I cared to hear that kind of thing I would have tracked down your father. And even he doesn't really mean it. Compared to him you are terrible at concealing it too," Naruto said, unconvinced. She honestly looked surprised at being called out too.
"If you cared to ask me, my money is on pride and a sense of duty, but I don't really know you personally. Believe in the old order of things? Don't care either way? Just interested in fighting? That one certainly wouldn't be the first time for your kind. Or maybe you aren't ready for such a big choice yet?" Even if the question could be interpreted as mocking his interest was sincere, though he didn't really expect her to answer, or at least not truthfully.
Shrugging his shoulders as she kept her silence Naruto changed the topic.
"No matter. Since you won't sate my curiosity I will take my leave. Despite the nature of our meeting I do wish you a pleasant day Miss Lucifuge," Naruto said and stood from his position on the ground. His respectful nod toward her was received with surprise, and after a little hesitation answered in kind.
She zoned in on the rise of his hand the moment he started moving it. Whether she truly expected an attack or was just being cautious he wasn't sure, but the rise in her demonic energy was obvious enough. Her eyes were closely following his movements, noting the position of his fingers though there was no recognition in her eyes.
His fingers now in the proper position a quick application of chakra had him moving away from the battlefield leaving her with a parting comment and a grin, "I estimate an hour."
Overlooking the battlefield from a cliff made judging the relative strength of both sides much easier. Though easier in this case didn't translate to easy. Combat involving magic tended to be more strongly affected by exceptional individuals, which was the reason for his interference in the first place.
Even in his own world a single Shinobi had had the ability to turn the tide of a battle involving thousands. He should know, that had been his role at certain points as well, and even those past feats sometimes paled in comparison to what some Devils were capable of in sheer scale.
Personally, he would call it lacking in terms of finesse, but if it worked why worry? Identifying those special individuals became a lot harder at a distance though. Of course, he had delayed the most powerful reinforcements for one side but that wouldn't necessarily guarantee victory on its own. If the other side didn't have comparable individuals themselves even the delay he had created would change nothing.
For now, leaving them without further interference and simply observing the proceedings would be best, though there was only so much time he could give them.
Even if he had estimated an hour he wouldn't stake the success of this battle on that alone. The chance that the Lucifuge girl could find some way to interfere with his seal wasn't big, but it was there. If she couldn't do it alone the weaker reinforcements that had been sent after her group would have the necessary strength in numbers to break it eventually.
Thinking back on that confrontation nearly made him shake his head.
Devils at large, while formidable in terms of raw power, weren't really all that great at actual combat. Most of them tended to rely heavily on their natural magical abilities.
Against other Devils or even many of the other supernatural creatures of this world that was enough, but there were those who you couldn't simply overwhelm with raw power. Those were the real threats, and he was one of them.
What good was control over fire magic, which in effect was not too dissimilar from what could be accomplished with the right Jutsu, except maybe for scale, if you only used that ability to throw fire directly at your foe. Some Devils eventually thought of torching the ground or cutting off escape routes, but beside that there wasn't much in terms of variety.
Maybe in a strange way most people in the supernatural world had too much 'power' when it came to that. He had certainly suffered from the same approach sometimes. As a Jinchuriki, especially of the Kyuubi, there wasn't really a fear of ever running out of chakra. So why not fling as much chakra at your enemy as possible?
That train of thought had been beaten out of him in training even if it had taken a few tries.
In comparison, the amount of destruction a normal Genin or even Chunin was capable of employing was usually limited, even when you factored in explosive seals. Jonin and especially certain parts of ANBU, that was were you got large-scale mayhem, but even that wasn't the same as what powerful supernatural creatures were capable of and used almost casually.
When an ANBU demolition team caused that kind of damage it had a specific purpose. ANBU were the best, specialists in every way, but above all else precise. If you wanted to bring down a mountain side you could simply fling as much force at it as you had access to, until you eventually reached your goal. Or you could get an earth user, analyse for the best weak points and bring the whole thing down on your enemy's heads with barely any chakra use at all.
"Really, what a mess this is gonna be."
Should be a fun few years.
Even though the sun had sunken beyond the horizon hours ago the inside of the grand hotel room was illuminated brightly, the no doubt expensive interior of the penthouse suite serving only as a backdrop to the negotiation that was about to take place between the people now entering the room.
It was just his luck that the complete glass front, more and more common in the circles his usual targets frequented, gave him a perfect view from his spot on top of a skyscraper near two kilometres away.
The first people to enter immediately started checking every corner of the suite for any potential listening devices or other dangers. After a small signal other people started entering, two of them men who were noticeably dressed in more expensive outfits.
Both of them had two visibly armed bodyguards directly following them to their destination, a sitting area dotted with couches and chairs. While both men took seats opposite of each other, only a small glass table separating them, the two men that had entered the room first were now closing the curtains, robbing him of a clear sight.
While an effective deterrent against most humans it didn't affect him the same way, the crosshair of his sniper rifle already trained on the correct spot. Factoring in both wind and distance was not necessary for someone of his abilities.
A deep breath out, in, half a breath out and now hold.
Focusing his chakra into the bullet already prepared for this occasion activated the added enchantments. Wind chakra would envelop the projectile as soon as it left the muzzle, the gun specifically modified to allow for such a feat.
One smooth motion of his index finger pulled the trigger and engaged the mechanism, a moment later the loud sound of the machine even if muffled slightly by the attached silencer echoed across the empty and quiet night sky of the city.
Not even a second later the glass of the suite exploded in a shower of sparks, the fabric of the long curtains posing no resistance to the magically enhanced high calibre projectile. The small seal placed on the underside of the couch opposite of the one his target sat on transmitted the noise inside the room to his ear before fading away moments later. Clean hit.
Slowly sitting up from his admittedly uncomfortable position lying on the concrete rooftop for the last two hours, Naruto didn't allow himself to waste any time. Remaining in position would be foolish and he would need to ensure that he left no trace behind.
He had only just moved the gun into the case next to him when the ground behind him was illuminated with the formation of a familiar magic circle. As the circle slowly took shape he gathered everything else still present, the casing of the fired bullet disappeared in his pocket while a small bottle of water and the binoculars he had used early in the night were also stowed away in the weapon case.
A quick look made it clear that nothing else was left and any remaining marks in the rooftop were removed with a quick application of earth chakra, smoothing the concrete as if it was new. The now fully formed magic circle behind him flashed brightly a moment later before revealing the person he had expected as soon as the magic circle had started appearing.
"What do you need Grayfia? You know that I'm working."
"I need your help," Grayfia said. "We have a bit of a situation on our hands that requires your expertise."
"We huh," Naruto muttered under his breath. "So do you need me or does your husband think that I would not accept if he had asked, so he sent you in his stead?" Crossing his arms in front of his chest he studied her further. "And if I accept do you need me now or can I finish work first?"
"Preferably now but the problem is relatively stable for the moment."
Nodding once in acceptance Naruto kept looking at Grayfia in silence, a slight frown on his face.
"I suggested your help," Grayfia admitted after a moment of silence. "It is technically speaking not my problem, but I would help if I could so I'm asking you to do so instead."
He could see the sincerity in her eyes. Reading her expressions had become harder over the years but he had trained her, few people had that advantage. However that meant he could also detect that there were things she wasn't telling him that he probably wouldn't be very happy about.
"Fine, since you asked I'll bite, but I don't guarantee anything until I know what I'm dealing with," Naruto relented. Picking up the weapon case with his right hand he gestured toward the magic circle with his left. "Come on, knowing you and especially Sirzechs I'll be busy for the next few hours at the very least."
"Thank you, Naruto." Even though he could hear her honest sincerity he couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes.
"Save it for when I actually did anything beyond accepting to take a look." A step and a turn and they were standing next to each other in the circle that had started glowing again. "So what does Sirzechs need me for?"
Grayfia started channeling her demonic energy into the circle at their feet before answering.
"Well, it's not directly his problem either."
An asking look in her direction was the last thing that passed between them before they were sucked into the circle and transported to the Underworld.
A quick look at his surroundings catalogued all entrances more out of habit then any real caution. If Grayfia did truly wish him ill she would face him in battle. The relatively small room, at least compared to the usual for Devils, was almost barren except for a single wooden door directly opposite them.
Following Grayfia as she headed out of the room Naruto placed his free hand in his pocket. As she opened the door and bid him to step through he got a good look at this problem.
'I shouldn't even be surprised any more, and yet I still am.'
Sprawled on the ground in the middle of a magic circle decorating almost the entire floor of the room he had entered was a girl. The clothing spoke of a student, the condition of some magical struggles, maybe 13 or 14 years old. A quick feel of his surroundings revealed the purpose of the circle the girl was placed in. All magical energies within were being held in place by force.
Even if it wasn't the best work he had seen from Grayfia it had most likely been created under duress, the still unstable energies in the girl spoke volumes. Even dulled by the seal his magical senses could detect both holy and demonic energy in her.
Sirzechs sat on the opposite side of the room, in a separate part of the greater circle meant to fuel the magic being enacted directly around the unconscious black-haired girl.
"You wanna explain now?" Naruto said. A turn of his head revealed Grayfia now sitting in a similar position as her husband on the side of the room they had just entered from.
Sirzechs now looked visibly less strained, even though his senses told him that the Lucifer was nowhere near empty. Continuously powering magic or seals of this scale and power was never comfortable, especially when the seal hadn't been fine-tuned.
"The girl is a fallen/human-hybrid. Rias wanted to reincarnate her as a Devil and her queen after recently being presented with her own set of Evil Pieces," Grayfia answered.
"And you just thought that whatever Ajuka invents is gonna always work out fine? Mixing holy and demonic energies in the same vessel is hard enough even under controlled conditions. She is a growing hybrid as is, her power is already not completely stable at that age," Naruto retorted harshly.
A mix of both energies was rare, though it was possible since they essentially weren't really separate. They were different, like colours of light, but at their core they were still the same thing. Otherwise that type of hybrid would have never been possible in the past. The Nephilim were no more but they had been such a fusion, though they had been born that way.
"I was not involved in the decision." And if that wasn't Grayfia's way of saying, 'We will talk about this more later.', he didn't know what was. For a moment he almost pitied the current Lucifer. Grayfia could be downright vicious if she wanted to be, but as it was most likely Sirzechs' fault that it had come to this in the first place, there would be no sympathy from Naruto either.
"Sirzechs' idiocy then I suppose? Whatever, the situation is as it is. Is Rias here? I may need her to stabilize the girl." Walking to the edge of the affected area Naruto crouched down and took another look at the exact mechanics of the circle.
After two minutes of studying all the relevant parts and double checking just to make sure, Naruto got to work. Focusing chakra into the tip of his index finger he began drawing additional seals on top of the ones already in place. First he needed to isolate the centre portion of the seal, hindering most of the energy from either leaving or entering.
While the other parts had been necessary for maintaining the effect for a prolonged period of time, especially when setting the circle up on the fly, he didn't need it to be able to do that any more. The stop-gap he intended to set up now would need maybe half an hour. Whatever he could do afterwards wasn't assured yet and would definitely take longer.
After doing a full circle and drawing his own seals around the outer edge of the established ones, and then checking again if everything was correct, Naruto sat down in front of the girl. A smaller, much simpler circle of seals around himself connected him to the one he had drawn.
Hands now in front of his chest Naruto formed the ram-seal, helping him in drawing out his chakra, slowly, carefully. Seals needed precision more than power.
Taking over established seals could be done in two ways, completely overwhelming the established seal with your own power or integrating the present mechanics into your own seal work. The second method was usually a lot harder, but Grayfia hadn't needed to protect her own work from outside interference in this instance so the process was made much simpler for him.
The differences between his own seal-work and the magic circles used by most magic users didn't matter in this instance either. Usually combining both types of script restricted you more then it helped, but his own seal wasn't very complicated. It also helped that Grayfia wasn't using her magical energies to maintain control, simply yielding it to him as soon as his chakra prodded at the mechanism.
A moment later the outer portions of the circle dimmed, no longer active, and then quickly vanished. The quiet sound of relief from behind him and the theatrical performance going on in front of his eyes made it apparent that the other two adults in the room were no longer feeling the strain of actively maintaining the magic circle.
Naruto increased his own output of chakra, the full strain of maintaining the current state landing on his own reserves. His hands released the seal they had been holding.
The seal was his now, following his commands and needs so long as he had the necessary chakra to maintain it. With his reserves Naruto could keep that up for more than a day if needs be.
Stepping into the inner circle, where the girl that had been completely inert just moments before was now breathing heavily, Naruto sat down next to her before raising one hand above her head.
"Did you give her anything? And did she suddenly lose control of her energies or was it a gradual process?" One hand on her forehead and the other moving over multiple spots all over her body he checked the flow of her internal energies.
"Nothing and sudden," Grayfia answered without fanfare. She clearly was aware that this situation still called for prudence, though she had never really struggled with that to begin with.
Nodding once to indicate that he had heard her answer, he moved his left hand over the girl's stomach. Magical energies originated in the soul, tethered to the body through the brain and the magical core in the stomach.
Right now the Evil Piece inside the girl, fuelled by the demonic energy of her King, was trying to change her body, as it was designed to do, while her own innate light energy was trying to ward of the transformation. Even fallen angels possessed light energy in their bodies, though the details differed slightly from the light energy present in a true angel.
For now the only thing he could do without any preparation was stopping the process cold. There were technically other options, but the girl wouldn't survive those as she currently was.
Luckily Rias was still young and therefore weak. Unfortunately she had inherited the same Power of Destruction that had made her brother feared on the battlefield, so simply using his own chakra as a small barrier around the Evil Piece wouldn't hold for long, though maybe long enough to start on a long-term solution.
"Tell your sister to suppress her own energy as much as she can, what I'm about to do won't hold for long but it will stabilize her and give us the opportunity and time to work on a real solution. Prepare for a long night."
Seeing Sirzechs leave the room in the direction that he could sense Rias in, Naruto got to work.
From one moment to the next Naruto was aware of his surroundings. The sunlight drifting onto his face through the window of his bedroom, the covers on his body, the warm body cuddled into him, breathing still slow and deep. Obviously she was still asleep.
Opening his eyes he checked the sun, visible from his window. He usually woke up early, still a reminder of his childhood and the training that even now affected his life so many centuries later, and he always woke up earlier then the person currently sharing his bed, though that also had other reasons. Trying to get up without waking her up was once again a trial in and of itself but in the end his arm was free and he was ready to start the day.
Stretching his arms Naruto moved towards the shower in the adjacent room while grabbing a change of clothes on the way there.
A quick shower later the white-haired Shinobi stepped back into his bedroom, an unbuttoned shirt and a black pair of pants already thrown on. In contrast to when he had left earlier the single remaining occupant of the room was no longer asleep but instead stretching her arms far above her head, the movement drawing attention to her generous figure.
"I didn't mean to wake you up." Continuing further into the room as he buttoned his shirt Naruto watched her finish her full-body stretch before collapsing back onto the mattress from his peripheral vision.
"Don't worry," she answered, her voice still a bit rough from just waking up. For a moment it seemed as if Kuroka was about to continue talking but instead a big yawn split the air and she abandoned that idea to make herself comfortable again, eyes closed and head once more deposited on the pillow.
"You want breakfast now or should I come wake you up again in an hour?" Having buttoned up his shirt and put on a tie and a wristwatch Naruto made to leave the room, asking his question without looking back.
"We have time for that?" The hopeful tone in her voice would have made him roll his eyes if he wasn't already accustomed to her love for sleeping or laying around. She was still better than an actual cat in that regard anyway.
"I'd like to get to Kuoh before eight if we can. It is a school-day for the children there. We are gonna need about an hour by car so we still have some time, I need to do some paperwork anyway."
Looking over his shoulder Naruto could spot the exact moment that Kuroka made her decision. Her posture, which until now had indicated that she was about to really get up even if reluctantly, immediately relaxed and she seemed to bury further into the soft bed.
He couldn't quite suppress a small, amused smile, "In an hour then."
Opening the door he made to step out when another thought occurred to him. Handle in hand and door held ajar, Naruto addressed Kuroka again. "When you get dressed maybe pick something less… exposing then usual, it is a school we are visiting."
Seeing her turn towards him only to childishly stick her tongue out only made him chuckle. Naruto stepped out, closing the door behind him. Running a hand through his hair, he moved towards his office. Paperwork awaited him.
In the end the whole trip hadn't taken quite as long as he had predicted. Traffic had been manageable and he may or may not have driven a bit faster then strictly allowed, not that anybody would be able to remember it.
Pulling into the correct street Naruto stopped the car right in front of the entrance of the school grounds. Turning the key to quiet the engine he turned to the side to face his companion after a moment of silence.
"You ready?" Even though he had made it a question it was very clear to him that Kuroka was nervous. Her fingers were fiddling with the hem of her clothes, though Naruto knew it wasn't her physical appearance she was nervous about. Slowly she turned her head to look at him.
"She deserves this, to know the truth and to hear it from me," Kuroka said, though she seemed no more sure than before.
At that he could only nod. "Yes she does, but that doesn't mean it has to be here or now."
For a moment it seemed as if Kuroka would respond but in the end she stayed silent, facing the front again. Still debating in her head if she should go through with this. The complicated expression on her face was a rarity but entirely understandable considering the situation.
Whatever she chose to do today he would support her in any way he could. Kuroka did truly love her sister, almost like a mother did her children. Leaving her behind, uncertain of her future, had been hard and for months after that Kuroka had been consumed with guilt.
Taking the blame for everything that had happened. Becoming a Stray and fleeing before anybody could associate Shirone directly with her actions. It had all been a hasty decision, but one driven by the need to protect her sister at all cost.
However hasty the decision may have been, in the end Kuroka had succeeded in her goals. Shirone had been saved from those that had threatened her, had been taking in by the Gremory, certainly a good place all things considered, and Kuroka had found a way to evade capture and too much confrontation.
It had been a week later that she had contacted him, not that she had known who he was back then. He had offered his assistance to the Yokai centuries in the past, to repay the assistance he had received himself. In return for services rendered he would be available for help, in any way possible should any of them require it.
Like a family tradition the way to contact him had been passed down from parents to children, if ever they truly saw no way to deal with the trouble that awaited them.
Even though he had made that promise long ago he had always intended to keep it for as long as he was capable of doing so. Until now he had never failed to do so. Admittedly, his services had not been required often, twice a century at most.
While he had slipped into reminiscing Kuroka had continued her silent contemplation. Reaching over he gently pried her fingers away from their fiddling before taking her hand into his larger one. As she once again looked at him he started slowly running his thumb along the back of her hand.
"Kuroka," Naruto said, trying to show support but not letting her drop her gaze either. "I did not mean to question your actions. Whatever you choose to do, I'm right here."
A moment of silence passed between them before Naruto could see her relax a bit, the small frown that had worked it's way onto her face fading away.
"Yes, I know," Kuroka answered, a small lopsided smile appearing on her face. Seeing that Naruto couldn't stop a corner of his mouth from tilting upwards as well.
Giving her hand a squeeze Naruto let go and stepped out of the car. A quick look around showed that some of the students walking around were already giving the vehicle interested looks, which seemed to only increase in intensity after he had stepped out. Walking around the front before stopping on the other side Naruto opened the passenger door.
As soon as the door was opened Kuroka stepped out as well, immediately hooking an arm around one of his own after he had closed the door behind her. The two of them were garnering a lot of looks now, though that was only to be expected.
Most students in this complex were entirely normal, and even disregarding their appearance both Naruto and Kuroka had a presence about them by virtue of their supernatural powers that was hard to ignore, even if the students didn't actually know what it was that was drawing their attention.
First stop: student council.
Issei had been in a pretty good mood recently. That is, until the situation last night. For a bit it had really seemed as if he would be able to lose his virginity to Buchou. However then that incredibly hot maid had interrupted them. For a bit he had been too overwhelmed by the great Oppai on display right in front of him but eventually he had remembered what had been said.
Even if Rias had said to forget about it, the whole exchange had been stuck in his head for the whole night, repeating in his dream until he wasn't quite sure which version had really happened. The desperation on her face when she had surprised him in his room was still overwhelming for him.
Then there was that voice he had heard a night prior to that. His partner, the one from his Sacred Gear. So much had happened in just a few days.
He had asked Asia if she had noticed anything off in the time, but the newest member of the club hadn't had much input. She had only recently gotten to know all the other members after all.
Asking Kiba hadn't helped either. While the pretty boy hadn't known precisely what was going on he had said that Akeno or Rias would likely tell them if it was truly urgent. Just as the school grounds came into sight Kiba had stopped. A moment later Issei started focused on his surroundings.
In front of the entrance to the school, right there on the street, was a car he had never seen before. Not only was parking not even allowed right there, but the car seemed to exude a weird presence all its own.
A quick look behind him showed that Kiba was also looking at the vehicle with narrowed eyes, likely picking up much more from the whole situation than he was able to. As he was still looking at the blonde knight he could see his eyes wander in the direction of the clubroom, where they widened slightly with trepidation.
Putting his meagre sensing abilities to the test Issei tried his best to pick up on what Kiba had noticed, but he couldn't feel anything. His range was still not big enough.
Kiba's muttered, "What is going on?" followed shortly by surprised exclamation from Asia made Issei turn his focus to the new school building. He couldn't sense anything. Resolving to get to the club room as quickly as possible he sped up, Kiba and Asia right behind him.
It didn't take long to make it to the old school building. A quick knock on the correct door later and the three of them were entering their club room, where they were greeted by Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and surprisingly the maid from last night.
"Grayfia-san?!"
As Asia threw him a questioning look and Kiba looked at him in confusion, the attention of those already in the room turned to three of them. The maid offered a nod in greeting while Rias addressed the three of them after standing up from her seated position behind her desk.
"Looks like you are all here now."
"Milady, should I expla-," Grayfia's question was interrupted by a raised arm from Rias, signalling for her silence.
The three of them had stepped into the room proper, closing the door behind them. Koneko, who had been sitting on one of the couches threw a nod in Kiba's direction while still maintaining her stoic and quiet persona. Either she knew what was going on already, as Issei suspected Kiba did, or she was simply unfazed by the occasion as was the norm.
"The truth is-" Before Rias was able to finish her statement the room was lit up by the orange glow of an appearing magic crest, followed moments later by a brilliant display of orange flames engulfing half of that side of the room. Asia had grabbed onto Issei's arm for support while most of the people in the room looked on in surprise.
The flames disappeared and a blonde man remained in their place.
"Phenex!" Kiba shouted in surprise, breaking the ensuing silence and throwing up even more questions for Issei.
Dressed in a red blazer with a white shirt underneath, the top button undone in a casually confident way that Issei couldn't hope to imitate, the blonde man cut quite the striking figure. Issei already disliked him.
Turning towards them all, the man addressed the room.
"I haven't been to the human world in a while," the man said and threw a dismissive glance around the room before zeroing in on Rias and continuing, "but I have come for you now, my love."
"Who-" before Issei could the voice the question on the tip of his tongue the tension that had appeared in the room was dispelled by a sharp knock on the door.
Looking around Issei could see confused expressions on all of the people in the room, excluding Grayfia who while looking in the direction of the newest addition to the room seemed to ignore him entirely, almost as if she was trying to look through him.
After several seconds had passed in silence Rias seemed to remember her role and answered the knock, a slight questioning lilt to her voice, "Enter?"
The attention of everyone in the room was on the door as it was slowly opened, revealing two people standing in the doorway. Issei's focus was immediately on the woman.
Long black hair, hourglass figure, and amazing Breasts even if they were hidden from view by an outfit similar in style to the man next to her. A quick swipe of his hand got rid of the small amount of blood dripping from his nose.
Issei was able to slowly drag his gaze away from the woman and to the side, to the person that had just opened the door. Looking at the man, who currently had his eyes focused somewhere else, made Issei draw some parallels between him and the blonde guy that had appeared before.
Both had blue eyes, exuded confidence, were taller than him and were even dressed somewhat similarly. Beyond those similarities, however, the differences were more important. A shock of white hair crowned the new man's head in place of the blonde hair on the other. Both of them were taller than everyone else in the room but the white-haired man still had the blonde one beat even if only slightly.
Their clothing while somewhat similar also differed in the details. The blonde man's attire looked very casual with the blazer and top button undone, the other was more … professional maybe? What the hell did he know about fashion. White shirt, tie and a waistcoat as if he was some gentleman from England or somewhere. Thrown over his arm was what looked like a coat-
In that moment the man's eyes turned on him and his body reacted. Primal instincts older than any ability to reason were activated without any conscious thought on Issei's part. Instantly it felt as if every muscle in his body had seized up, allowing neither breath nor movement. He had never wondered what paralysis would feel like, but right now he was sure it must be like this.
Issei could feel his own heartbeat loudly echoing in his head. It was the only sound he could still hear, and even that was slowly losing it's momentum. Trying against all hope to hold on just a little longer. Every thought in his mind, every instinct in his body was telling him to flee, to make a run for it, to put as much distance as he could between him and whoever, whatever this man was.
And slowly another feeling developed, as if peeking out of the darkness his thoughts were now consumed by. Another way out of this, to simply end it right here, right now, no matter what every sliver of thought he could still work up was telling him. Simply submit to this feeling, this presence. To curl up on the floor and let everything fade.
In that moment Issei thought he knew exactly how prey must feel in the presence of it's predator. Every cell of his body was screaming at him in horror but his body refused any command, nothing would answer the slowly quieting scream for escape in his own mind.
Agonizingly slowly a single second ticked by, though to him it felt like he had been standing there for at least a week, when his thoughts were suddenly invaded.
'Partner, snap out of it!'
It didn't matter to him where the voice had come from or really anything regarding it. It was as if a spell had been broken and all his focus was on the sweet feeling of air in his lungs and his pulse thundering back into existence, as he almost collapsed on the floor, barely managing to catch himself on his knees.
Harsh, panting breaths escaped his mouth, greedily sucking in lungful after lungful and he realised that his face was slick with sweat. Judging by the loud exclamations he had the attention of the entire room.
"Issei!"
"Issei-san!"
However right now Issei couldn't really hear any of them, didn't really understand the words. Nothing could reach him right now. His senses still nothing but background noise to his heartbeat and breathing. 'What...what was that?'
'What doesn't matter right now, you'd better get a grip quickly boy.'
That voice again, the same one from one night ago, that had introduced itself as his partner. His sacred gear. As his breathing slowly regulated itself and it became easier to focus on his surroundings Issei spared his left hand a glance though nothing happened in response. Slowly he forced himself upright with Asia's assistance, who was continuing to worriedly fuss even after she had helped him sit down on one of the couches.
"Well, that certainly was underwhelming." Looking up at the man that had addressed the room Issei was careful to avoid matching his gaze, reluctant to experience a repeat of whatever had just happened.
The two newcomers took steps into the room, the man dipping his head in greeting in the direction of Grayfia before addressing Akeno. His female companion was still focused entirely on the small form of Koneko seated on one of the couches. Neither of them seemed to be paying any of the other people in the room any mind.
"Akeno, I trust that there have been no complications since I last saw you?"
"No, Naruto-sensei." Immediately some heads turned towards the black-haired queen. Notably neither Rias nor Grayfia visibly reacted to her words, obviously already aware of whatever the man was talking about.
"Good, good." Stopping next to the blonde man he continued. "It seems like we came at an inopportune time but my business really is quite important so I hope it won't be a bother if we stay here while you discuss whatever important things you are meeting for, Riser-kun, Rias?"
Getting his breathing under control again, though he could still feel his heart beating faster than normal, meant that Issei was able to more closely study everyone. Rias and the now revealed Riser seemed honestly confused, if not baffled by the interruption, and his King was still sending him worried glances. Kiba seemed equally confused though he was also clearly tense, analysing his surroundings as if the situation could devolve into combat in a moment.
Akeno looked somehow both annoyed and positively surprised. Asia was still worrying, clearly ignoring most of the things going on around them, her focus entirely on him. The one that was most off-putting was surprisingly Koneko. Issei wasn't sure if he had ever seen the white-haired girl show this much emotion. Though to be fair he hadn't really interacted with her that much yet.
Her eyes were wide, focused on the woman accompanying this Naruto guy, while her mouth had dropped open in a display of shock that was unlike the tiny rook. Clearly those two knew each other already.
"I...I guess so? Though it is a rather private matter." Rias' answer was what once again turned his focus to the three new people in the room. His king sounded hesitant which was quite unlike her, the complicated expression on her face a stark change from her resolute if not cold demeanour from before.
"That is true but we are already aware of the situation. Your marriage is known to many even outside of the Underworld. That is what you are meeting for, no?"
Well, that sounded kind of reasonable rig-
Marriage?!
For one moment Issei's mind blanked completely again. He must have misheard right? Surely not. Just as he opened his mouth to question the newcomer, someone else did that very thing.
"You dare?! You dare interrupt me, to involve yourself in the matters of nobility? This is not only a matter of the Pillars but one between only me and my fiancee." The blonde man had seemingly run out of patience and snapped. The person he had addressed on the other hand only raised an eyebrow, not bothered in the slightest.
"Yes, I dare. Unfortunately you have become involved through sheer happenstance and I do apologize for the inconvenience, but my own affairs concern Rias even if only by association. And aren't you judging too quickly? I do not believe we have personally had the pleasure." Instead of further addressing the outraged blonde, Naruto turned back toward Rias.
"However since the lady has already given her permission we shall remain. Do not worry, our presence won't disrupt proceedings much. You'll barely know we are here."
Seemingly finished saying his piece the two simply walked to one side of the room. A moment later a couch identical to the others in the room appeared behind them and they sat down.
For a moment the room was held in awkward silence. Slowly the blonde man lost the irritated twist to his lips and focused back on Rias, completely disregarding the interruption as if it had never happened. The two apparently engaged Devils started talking again, shortly interrupted by Akeno's offer of tea. As she left to prepare the beverages Riser seated himself on one of the empty couches before inviting Rias to join him.
Even Issei was able to notice the tense air between the two, frayed as his concentration still was.
'Underwhelming honestly doesn't even cover it.'
Naruto hadn't expected much, the wielder of the Boosted Gear was young yet, and only recently reincarnated and informed of the supernatural to boot, but even so….
Well, no use complaining about it. In time the boy would obtain power in any case, not that it would matter should it come down to it. He had learned enough about those that housed one of the Heavenly Dragons. Ddraig or Albion themselves, that would be cause for some concern, but their wielders? Even in the future they wouldn't present a personal threat.
Naruto put it out of his mind and observed the room at large, and all of its occupants. Even if most of them weren't a threat, the other occupants of the room were certainly interesting.
A former nun turned Devil, the churches failed experiment, a currently stable Fallen/Devil hybrid, one of the few remaining Nekousho, Ddraig's current host, the Gremory/Bael girl; that Power of Destruction really was one nasty piece of work, a Phenex, and the Queen of Lucifer himself. Though that part was not what made Grayfia truly interesting.
However, interesting only got you so far, and the 'discussion' currently going on between the two engaged Devils exemplified at least one area in which they were still lacking. It seemed like both of them had chosen to continue from where they had been interrupted by his arrival.
"I told you already Riser, I don't intend to marry you."
"Rias, I don't believe you are in any position to be this selfish, our fathers arranged this matter years ago, whether we will marry or not is not up for discussion. This is a part of our duties as pure-blooded Devils." Riser's tone was rather calm if not outright flippant, clearly her denial was neither unexpected nor truly bothersome to him.
"And I believe that my family is rushing the matter too much, I will take a husband eventually, but he will be of my own choosing," Rias said in turn. Standing and turning away she crossed her arms.
Riser stood in kind and irritation once again leaked onto his face. Even if it wasn't unexpected, Rias' continuous refusal to even entertain the thought clearly grated on the blonde's nerves.
The two of them really acted more like children then people on the cusp of adulthood, and if Naruto read the almost imperceptible lines of Grayfia's face correctly she agreed with his him, though she would never say so in their presence. She had always been devoted to her duties in that way.
Stealing a glance at his companion as Riser grabbed his fiance by the chin and made her face him made Kuroka's current state of mind obvious to him. It had been years since she had seen little Shirone and he did not doubt that there was considerable amount of mixed feelings currently going through her mind.
Relief, for knowing, finally truly knowing, that her sister had survived. Regret, for the way the two of them had parted and the fact that Shirone did not know what had truly forced her sister's hand and likely harboured less then positive feelings towards Kuroka now. Worry, for the reaction she would get when they would finally have time to talk, and buried beneath all of it the glimmers of affections likely unseen by anyone else that looked.
Snaking an arm around her waist he lightly pulled her body against his, in an attempt to show both affection and support, which earned a quick grateful glance before her focus once again rested on Shirone.
Kuroka did love her younger sister, as both an older sister and, as she had once admitted to him on a late night some time after they had gotten to know each other better, in some ways also as a mother.
Yokai may have long lifespans but Kuroka was old enough that in the past she could have been Shirone's mother in terms of age difference. Though such things had become exceptionally rare nowadays. When their mother had died she had found herself fulfilling both roles.
Well, it was a matter for later, after the two young Devils had finished.
"You know, Rias, I am the face of the Phenex Pillar. I will not continue suffering your disrespect or insults to my honour," Riser said, face now so close the two of them were almost touching, his hand still on Rias' chin. Turning a dismissive look on the Gremory peerage he continued, "I'll take you back to the Underworld myself, even if it means burning all of your servants to ash."
Demonic Energy was increasingly filling the immediate surroundings of the two, the fire-flavored renewing energy unique to the Phenex family and their namesake, and the dark, dark power of destruction of the Bael and now also Gremory.
Drama and entertainment? Who was to say there was no potential in this meeting for some enjoyment?
But even if a spat between the two held the possibility of being amusing it would only delay his own and Kuroka's business further.
Naruto threw a glance towards Grayfia and a silent conversation, involving an offer to handle the issue from his side and a polite refusal from hers, later the grey-haired Queen disrupted the building energies with her own. A nifty trick, though much harder to use against those with true control over their powers.
Unlike the two powers she had disrupted, both clearly coloured by the nature of their user's abilities Grayfia's own lacked such an easily detectable marker. Instead there was only a deep cloying darkness, cold not in the way his own abilities sometimes were, but more in the absence of light and heat, the chill of shadow and darkness and not of Ice.
Naruto could spot the goosebumps on most of the rooms occupants and barely suppressed a small grin. He had trained her well but Grayfia had always taken what she was taught further than others.
"Please calm yourselves, Lady Gremory, Lord Phenex. As I am here in my King's stead I do not intend to stand idly by should anything unfortunate occur," Grayfia interrupted. She had not raised her voice but she did not need to. Both of the young pure-bloods clearly understood just what the outcome would be should it really come to an altercation.
Riser recovered his unflappable air rather quickly, his former irritation seemingly forgotten in the face of the danger he could potentially be in. He was accustomed to power, he and Rias both, even if they seemed to overestimate their own.
"When the mightiest queen says so, I have no choice but to oblige."
"If the two of you are unable to come to an accord and insist on your positions, you're welcome to settle the issue through a Rating Game," Grayfia continued, ignoring the quip. Rias seemed surprised at the opportunity while her newest servants seemed a bit confused.
As Rias' knight started on an explanation of Rating Games, how some of them still did not know even this was beyond him, Riser's look went from unbothered to confident. As far as Naruto knew Riser was the more experienced duellist between the two. Not surprising, seeing he was both older and didn't waste his time by going to school in the human world.
"I have played many a time and won almost as often, while you are not even an officially qualified player, Rias dearest," Riser said, the glance he sent Rias indicating that he did not afford her any chance to actually win against him. "Just to be certain are these all of your servants, Rias?"
"What if they are?" Rias challenged, seemingly similarly confident in her chances, even if she had to know that realistically they were miniscule at best.
Riser seemed to see her bluster for what it was and laughed in amusement, with undertones of pride and malice hidden beneath. With a snap of his fingers a new magic circle appeared in the room, glowing with the orange demonic energy of the Phenex Pillar.
"I have 15, in other words, a full set."
A scream of flames later and fifteen newcomers stood in the room, all of them girls and most of them dressed in a way only Kuroka would call decent. Naruto couldn't quite hold back an eye-roll. He should have honestly expected this.
"Beauties?! 15 beautiful girls?! Unbelievable!" Issei exclaimed in the ensuing silence. Of course the boy only cared about that.
What else had he expected? No matter the numerical disadvantage, no matter that Naruto could feel that Issei was outclassed in terms of power by most of the newcomers. No, what mattered was only that they were girls and how they looked.
Truly hopeless, and if he hadn't thought so already the tears now streaming down the boy's face as he complained about the unfairness of it all certainly made that abundantly clear.
Even Riser seemed disturbed by the sobbing going on, quietly asking Rias what it was all about.
"His dream is to form a harem." And if that wasn't quiet frustration tinged with embarrassment in her voice Naruto would give up all of his hard-earned wisdom of the Shinobi Arts.
"Ha! Is that so? Yubelluna!" Riser exclaimed, calling his Queen to his side. Gone was any semblance of the almost normal young man he had shown for just one moment and in it's place was once again the proud, if not arrogant, Phenex boy.
"Yes, Riser."
The purple-haired young woman walked towards her King, stopped right in front of him, and then the two of them started making out right then and there. Riser obviously wasn't shy about the whole thing either, groping his servant with abandon, clearly putting on a show.
Amusing as that was, however, seeing Grayfia having to almost physically restrain herself from putting a hand to her forehead to try and massage away the annoyance easily topped it. Judging by the frigid glance he earned from her a moment later, she knew that he was enjoying this and she would get him back for this later.
The small genjutsu, made to allow the other occupants of the room to more easily ignore him and Kuroka, wouldn't stop anyone who was truly looking for them in particular. It did not stop Shirone from still having most of her focus on her sister either.
"You will never be able to do things like this, you lowly imp," Riser said, still fondling his servant while he addressed Issei.
"Shut up! I can tell you'll flirt with other girls even after marrying our president. You promiscuous chicken-shit!"
Hearing that almost gave him whiplash. That was the boy's problem? Didn't Rias just say he dreamed of having a harem. How exactly did he think he'd get there? Judging by some of the glances Issei earned Naruto wasn't the only one who thought the boy hadn't quite thought out the whole harem idea.
"Don't you know your place?" Riser clearly didn't think it was quite as unimportant. Directing a blazing glare at the boy his demonic energy started unintentionally climbing again.
"All I'm aware of is my position-"
"Stop, Issei!"
"-as Buchou's servant!" Issei finished, seemingly truly angry with Riser. Left hand raised, a green glow enveloped the limb for a moment, and then the Boosted Gear was revealed in all its glory. The red gauntlet inlaid with green jewels covered his entire forearm and hand, though even with his sacred gear Issei himself wasn't a force even a well-trained human was incapable of overcoming.
"We don't need a stupid game! I'll bring all of you down right here!"
"Boost!" With a shout Issei launched himself forward, Riser the obvious target.
The blonde in comparison didn't seem concerned at all. If anything he only got even more irritated. The only question was, was he irritated enough to outright kill the boy?
"Mira!" From the back of the group of servants a blue-haired staff-wielding girl rushed to intercept, stopping for one moment as Issei did the same.
"This small girl? I can't really attack her," Issei muttered under his breath. Before he had the time to even react, the 'small girl' had struck him in the stomach with the end of her staff, launching him into the ceiling.
So not only was the boy slow and weak but he was also thoughtless and stupid? This was just great, at this rate he may actually feel bad if he was forced to kill the boy later on.
A moment after the pity squad had arrived to fuss and worry, Issei fell unconscious. Obviously the chance that Rias would beat Riser in a Rating Game was even lower then Naruto had initially thought.
"Really, that is supposed to be the wielder of the Boosted Gear? Who knew he would be such a worthless guy," Riser said, unknowingly echoing his thoughts.
"Alright. Let's settle this with a Rating Game," Rias countered, her voice resolute as she lowered Issei back to the ground after quickly checking him over.
Judging by the reactions in the room her peerage wasn't quite on the same page as their king.
"Understood, preparations will be made to hold the game in ten days time." Ever dutiful, Grayfia ignored most of what had happened.
With a chuckle Riser turned towards his peerage, clearly intent on leaving now that his business was done. He didn't even break his stride as Rias addressed him again.
"Riser. I swear, I'll blast you away!"
"I'm looking forward to it, my love," Riser answered, still unbothered. "We'll meet again for the game then."
Turning around, his peerage positioned to teleport away in a magic circle, Riser's taunting smirk was directed at only Rias.
There was one little thing Naruto did want to say though. Remembering long blonde hair, a fire that had truly been indistinguishable from that of a phoenix, and quiet, intimate moments centuries past. He had only said he wouldn't disrupt the meeting much, after all.
"Riser-kun."
Just as the magic circle started expanding below their feet it stopped, or well, froze in place would be more apt.
Now all eyes were on him. The small genjutsu he had woven to make them less obtrusive dispelled a moment before.
Glancing at Grayfia for a moment, a silent apology in his eyes, even though he knew she had been tempted to do the exact thing he was about to do, Naruto focused on Riser.
"Son of a Pillar and a pure-blood you are, Riser, but whatever your personal inclination I do know your mother, Lady Layla, and I do know that she taught you manners. The more accomplished duellist and more powerful you may indeed be, but Rias is the heir to Pillar Gremory. I know that you know just what happens when this marriage goes through. As long as she acts within her station as heir she deserves the respect of that station. The Phenex may be a powerful family but Rias' outranks yours and you are only a third son."
At the last bit Naruto could see the twitch on Riser's face, however arrogant the boy may be he would not act now, even after something like that. He was not a complete fool.
"If you will not act as your station and name demand don't be surprised if you are treated as if you lacked the very same. Tell your mother 'Snowfeather' sends his regards. That will be all. Excuse my interruption, both of you," Naruto said, clear finality ringing in his voice and dismissing the Phenex Devil from the room.
The look on Riser's face was certainly complicated now and then the magic circle finally continued expanding and started to glow a bright orange. Irritation and anger were to be expected, confusion was a most likely result of the last part, but he could see at least some contemplation in the young Devil's eyes. It may be enough.
Naruto wouldn't get his hopes up however. Some people needed to get certain things beaten out of them and no amount of talking would suffice.
After the magic circle was consumed in another cry of orange flames only the Gremory Peerage, Grayfia, Kuroka and himself remained in the room. Grayfia seemed intent on staying, even if her business was technically over, still a silent figure next to Rias' desk. Shirone and Kuroka were still mostly focused on each other, though he knew Kuroka at least still kept careful track of her surroundings.
Issei still unconscious. The nun, Asia Argento, at his side already using what was obviously her Sacred Gear to heal his injuries though he remained unconscious for now. Yuuto, still were he had been when the two of them had entered the room, carefully looking them over. Akeno, close to her King, quietly devoted and ready for anything. And Rias herself still next to Issei, though she had made some room when Asia had joined her, with her attention entirely on Naruto.
Unsurprising really. She did know of him and his help with Akeno, though not much, and he had just kind of helped her out.
"Far be it for me to involve myself even further in the matters of Devil nobility than I already have, but I will say it anyway. Hyoudou-san won't be doing a lot of talking for now after all." A quick, frustrated glance at the Sacred Gear wielder and then he was focused on Rias again.
"I know your brother certainly doesn't show it, but your parents were never ones to hide their political acumen, maybe Zeoticus and Venelana have grown soft after the Civil War, it wouldn't be the first time I have seen something like it but I do doubt it. How old are you now Rias? 18? Certainly old enough to start acting like an adult, or at the very least to try." One long-suffering breath out and he continued.
"Having said that, I have to ask. Do you use your head for anything besides as a place to have that Gremory hair grow from?"
Judging by the perplexed look and slowly growing anger on her face the last thing Rias had expected were insults or a lecture. A few moments of silence later he kept going.
"Because, since you so clearly seem to be against the current arrangement between Pillars Gremory and Phenex for whatever reason, and with the tools you do have access to, how is it that nothing has been done? That nothing seems to have changed? Or have you always gambled on the possibility that you will beat a stronger, more experienced opponent in a martial contest that was unlikely to be offered as an opportunity? Young and prideful you and Riser might be, but neither of you is that foolish. Even in a months time your chances would still be too low to be a reasonable gamble."
The look in Grayfia's eyes was clear. She may not approve of what he said or how he had said it, but she did agree. Which begged the question, if Grayfia and presumably Sirzechs were of the same mind as he was, why was nothing any different?
Idiotic as Sirzechs could be, especially about his sister, he was not scared of acting and he never had been. Zeoticus and Venelana then? Well, it was possible that Rias was alone in her disagreement with the arrangement. As much as her parents did care about her, and they truly did, that Naruto knew, maybe they simply saw the whole thing as necessary.
Slight irritation bleeding into his voice at the continued silence, Naruto spoke, "Well?" he gave her a look, demanding an answer from the Gremory heiress. Judging by the looks he was getting from the Gremory Peerage they were not happy with him. Neither was the heiress herself for that matter. White-knuckled grip on her arms, a tightening around her eyes and slowly rising demonic power. Definitely not happy.
"That you would disrespect me like this, in my own territory to boot?"
He wasn't about to give her any ground, not like this anyway. "In the human world, among Devils you may have partial ownership of this city but I couldn't care less. At most Angels and Fallen would actually care about it and I am neither, girl," Naruto countered sharply. Taking a deep breath he relaxed slightly.
Frustration aside this was neither helping nor truly fair. She was still a child, in all the ways that mattered to him, and harping on about her foolishness as one was less than appropriate. Allowing children their foolishness was the duty of their elders, even if there was no familial connection between them.
"Be that as it may, I did not come here to discuss what you have or haven't done and you are right in saying that it is in the end a private matter. This is neither truly the time or place for such a discussion." He lowered his head in apology. The fact that the demonic energy in the room had stopped increasing was indication enough that Rias was at least slightly mollified by his words.
"As I said there is some business I have with you, or more accurately your Pawn. However there is another matter between us." A quick gesture of his hand towards Kuroka. "Allow me to introduce, Kuroka, formerly a Bishop in the Peerage of a member of Pillar Naberius, and more importantly the elder sister of your Rook, Shirone."
Ignoring the looks they both received he continued, his arm moving from one to the next as he introduced them, "Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, Yuuto Kiba, Asia Argento, Issei Hyoudou, and Grayfia Lucifuge." From the corner of his eyes he could see Kuroka measure up the different people one after another, lingering longer on Grayfia then the others, understandably.
The reactions varied but Rias and Shirone were the most obvious. While Shirone's more stoic expression faded into a compromise between some fear and anger her King went from contemplation to indignation, even if she was still obviously apprehensive.
She may not have known Kuroka personally before this, but she had undoubtedly known of her. SS-Class Stray Devils were rare enough and this one had a personal connection to one of her servants. Rias may not have identified Kuroka from appearance alone, especially when her more esoteric features were currently hidden, but with a name Rias was quick to catch on.
The tension from before was eclipsed in an instant, even if Rias seemed entirely aware of what she was up against and how compared to this, her chances against Riser were incredibly high, that clearly did not deter her.
Her hand engulfed in her Power of Destruction and her crimson locks waving in the slight winds being produced by the flaring of her power, Rias cut quite a striking figure. Proud stance, one hand raised in front of her Rook, as if to shield her, Rias appeared ready for combat.
"You are aware that Kuroka is a wanted Stray Devil?"
"I am aware that she was labelled as such, but whatever her status, that is not what she is here for," Naruto answered, not at all bothered. Glancing at Kuroka he invited her to explain herself.
"I don't intend to harm anyone here, little Rias. I only want to talk to my sister."
Judging by their expressions the others either didn't believe Kuroka, didn't really have enough context to understand what was going on, or simply didn't care. Giving them a moment of thought as Rias relaxed her magical power slightly, Naruto forged on.
"We only ask that you consider, Shirone, Rias." Seeing their nods, even if they were a bit hesitant, he turned his attention to Issei, still unconscious on the ground where he had landed, though his injuries were completely healed.
Well, that wouldn't do. Giving Kuroka's hands a small squeeze Naruto stood up. Ignoring the looks he got he walked over to the unconscious Pawn. Crouching down opposite of Asia he looked over the boy.
There was a lot of things you could tell even by only superficially inspecting a body. A youthful face, still clearly showing signs of the boy's young age. An untrained body, no signs of true muscle mass, the hands of a civilian and a body that was still, well, awkward. The boy was still in that weird stage of puberty, where your limbs weren't quite proportioned right though he was clearly growing out of it. A year, two at most and that at least would have changed.
All in all, nothing impressive.
Focusing for a moment on the boy's left hand, free of the red gauntlet he had summoned before, revealed some other information to Naruto. He could feel Ddraig awake in the Boosted Gear, possibly aware of his presence, and the dragon likely knew why Naruto was here. He could also feel the connection between the Sacred Gear and Issei.
Weak and fragile still, a result of the recent awakening of the Gear no doubt. He had interacted with every single wielder of the Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing, which made detecting certain things simpler. If you knew what could be, it was easier to discern what was.
Looking up at the nun on the other side of Issei, still quietly worried about the boy even if she knew that he was no longer injured, he met a face full of innocence underlaid with that stubborn determination to help common in those that called the healing arts their own. Tsunade herself had exhibited the same, even if it was often buried under mountains of grief or more often frustration, especially when Jiraiya had been involved.
Gesturing towards Issei he addressed the nun, acutely aware that the whole Peerage were watching him like hawks, still suspicious of his intentions and actions. "May I?"
It seemed to take a moment before the blonde girl understood what he meant, followed by a short considering look. Maybe she wasn't quite as naive as she first appeared. At her nod of acceptance he flicked a glance upwards, where Rias was standing close behind her bishop. Seeing the redhead echo the gesture after a moment of thought, Naruto quickly considered his options.
He needed the boy awake and he was unconscious. There were several ways to rectify that, but which to choose? He may not like any of the things he had seen of the boy until now but Issei hadn't really done anything to personally earn his ire, so there wasn't any real reason to be overly mean now.
Slowly, he placed two fingers on the boy's forehead. The slightest sliver of chakra escaped him, telling him more then he had been able to discern before. The Evil Pieces inside him, their current state, Issei's truly pitiful magical reserves and his Sacred Gear. But that was for later.
He had dealt with enough injuries in his long life. Waking someone from unconsciousness, especially since there weren't any remaining physical ailments to consider, was more than simple. A small, quiet spark probed at the boy's mind, bringing him on the path to wakefulness.
Removing his hand Naruto stood and made some room. Issei started to stir and the other members of the Peerage quickly crowded around the slowly waking Pawn.
"Issei!"
Relief rang clearly in their voices, even if it was still shadowed by apprehension. Naruto could not blame them for it, none of them truly knew him after all. He allowed them a few moments of fussing and scolding, mostly filled with confusion for Issei, the boy not quite remembering just what had happened before he fell unconscious.
"If you are finished, there is something I meant to get to. The All-Father knows that we have already wasted enough time."
After a bit of confusion, talking and explanations they were seated again. Rias and Issei on one couch, Naruto on the opposite one and Grayfia standing to the side but between them. Rias' Peerage were standing behind her while Kuroka was still sitting on the conjured couch to the side of the room.
Ideally Shirone and Kuroka could have talked right now but Rias allowing that conversation without Grayfia there to stop anything unfortunate from happening was not possible. Of course Kuroka didn't intend anything like that but Rias had neither any reason to trust that intent nor was she foolish enough to allow it despite that.
Since Grayfia served a similar function in this conversation and she couldn't be in two places at once the conversation between sisters would have to wait.
Sipping at the tea Akeno had prepared before, even if it had gone cold in the meantime, Naruto eyed Issei. The boy still seemed a bit confused, understandably, and quietly unsettled, probably a result of both the whole situation and their interaction at the beginning.
After letting him squirm for a bit longer Naruto set down the cup.
"It really is quite good tea." Akeno bowed in thanks while Naruto continued. "Issei Hyoudou, you are the current wielder of the Boosted Gear. If you do not yet know what that entails I will tell you now." He had the rapt of attention of the whole room now.
"I have interacted with every known wielder of the Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing and in total the most lethal thing to those people has not been each other or anything else, but me." He could see the children react, first with surprise and then slowly dawning horror as they understood the implications of what he had said.
Before any complaints were spoken he raised his hand, asking for their silence for now and continued, "Which is not say that I have slaughtered them for simply existing. I have done with them as I am currently doing with you, tried to talk and to determine whether action on my part is necessary. As long as you do not give me cause to act we will have no quarrel with each other."
That seemed to placate everyone, even if only slightly.
"So Hyoudou-san, you find yourself in the position of harbouring the Dragon of Domination, what then do you intend to do? What are your ambitions? What is it that drives you deep down?"
For a moment it honestly seemed like Issei was seriously considering his questions. Glancing around, his eyes landed on his King, earning an encouraging nod from her before his focus shifted slightly. A moment of thought later he answered.
"I want to keep my friends safe I guess, I want to help Buchou,...and-"
When Issei failed to continue, Naruto interrupted, "What else then, spit it out."
"-I-" Issei started, beginning to shake, his hands balled into fists in front of him.
"-I will become a Harem-King!" Issei shouted, fist raised to the sky his eyes focused to the side, on what was clearly his King's chest. Most of the others reacted like they were already used to this, exasperation clear on their faces.
"Pervert," Shirone muttered from behind, disgust audible in her voice.
"And is that a dragon's greed, a teenager's foolishness or a personal inclination talking?" Naruto wasn't impressed or dissuaded. The whole thing may seem innocent but as long as he didn't know just what Issei was ready to do to achieve his dreams he wouldn't take the chance, any chance.
If anything Issei seemed honestly affronted by his question. Dragging his eyes away from their previous target seemed to take extraordinary effort but the boy still looked at Naruto as if he was the odd one in this situation.
"How could you ever ask such a question?! To be surrounded by wonderful Breasts day and night, to bask in their presence?! What greater dream could there be?!" Fist raised in front of his face his eyes almost seemed to sparkle as he continued.
The small sneer on Shirone's face spoke of disgust and the others weren't much better, though more along the lines of shock and embarrassment.
'This is just wonderful, isn't it?' The boy seemed ready to keep up his tirade for the whole day, no doubt further devaluing him in the eyes of most females in the vicinity if he did. At least this part seemed honestly personal.
"Before you make more of a fool of yourself than you already have, I would advise that you listen to what I say."
A small spike of his killing intent shut Issei up again.
"In any case my true target in this whole affair is Ddraig himself and not you directly. As you are the current owner of the Boosted Gear, you not only wield some of his power but you are also the easiest possible path for Ddraig to escape his confinement. That is what I will stop, no matter the fashion that he tries to accomplish it in. Live your life free of actions that would enable that in any way and you will have no quarrel with me." Shrugging his shoulders Naruto continued, cold steel in his voice.
"Should you, on the other hand, aid Ddraig in any way, and I do stress any way, then I will stop you and that possibility in whatever manner I see fit. I promise you, no amount of distance or power, no matter your connections or the possible consequences to my own person in the aftermath, will be able to stop me from carrying out that task. I assure you, I have grown incredibly proficient at it over the centuries."
It was more than an hour later that Naruto and Kuroka left the building, Grayfia trailing next to them. For now they remained in silence. Naruto didn't know if Grayfia had something specific she wanted or if she was simply making sure that they really did leave before she did so herself but he didn't say anything for now. He hadn't been in the room with Kuroka and Shirone but it was obvious that Kuroka was still contemplating what had been said between the two sisters.
Halfway across the grounds it was Grayfia that broke the silence, her red eyes trained on him and her amusement plain.
"So, Snowfeather?" Grayfia asked, suppressed laughter in her voice.
"Ugh," Naruto groaned. "I knew I shouldn't have said anything." Even though he was looking at Grayfia Naruto could feel Kuroka's attention move to the conversation.
"What, embarrassed now? I didn't realize there was reason to doubt the Phenex lineage," Grayfia said, one hand raised to cover her open mouth in mock-surprise.
"I should've never told you that story," he muttered under his breath.
"Ohh?" sounded from behind him, Kuroka breaking her silence at hearing what sounded like juicy teasing material. Naruto couldn't quite stop himself from rolling his eyes and explained.
"I've had, well, let's call it interactions with Pillar Phenex for almost as long as the Pillars exist and-," Naruto began before he was interrupted by Grayfia, a teasing grin visible.
"Well, that answered everything."
"-and got to know Layla one of those times. It was a relatively calm period at the end of your Civil War and we happened to meet. She was part of the few Extra Demons of Pillar Phenex, though most of them don't exist any more," he continued, unwilling to subject himself to more teasing.
"We spent some time together but her family had been considering matches for her for a while already. Eventually they found a suitable one. Marrying into the Phenex from their clan? Her family would have been fools to decline. We stayed good friends afterwards but I haven't seen her for a while. I'm not even sure she'll still remember me, it's been at least a hundred years since we last met."
"Well as long as we don't have to worry about any of Riser's siblings spontaneously manifesting the ability to cause an Ice Age I guess it's not important for now."
"You are too kind," Naruto dead-panned in response. He heard Kuroka suppressing giggles.
"Naturally, as the wife of Lucifer and a daughter of Lucifuge it is only proper that my gracious nature shine through while talking to those of lesser standing," Grayfia answered, the faux-haughty tone she used unusually playful for her normal standards.
Naruto could only chuckle quietly, shortly joined by Grayfia herself.
"Really where did the boy learn that stuff, I don't think even Zekram was this bad at his worst."
The merry silence between them lasted a few seconds longer before they reached the gate. All three of them stopped and waited. Grayfia clearly had something she wanted and it seemed now was the time she would get to the more serious matters.
"So, how did you do it? As far as I knew it wasn't possible in the first place." She had noticed then. He had expected as much.
"Oh it wasn't quite as complicated as I initially assumed. Ajuka may have done a good job designing them but in the end I've had more than a few centuries to theorise and experiment."
His left hand reached towards his pocket, bringing out the object concealed within. Grayfia had followed the movement with her eyes and immediately zeroed in on the black chess piece now held in his hand.
The bishop piece looked like any other ordinary chess piece but all three of them could feel that while it was entirely inert right now, it had not been this way in the past. Instead of the demonic energy usually exuded by an Evil Piece, this one only gave a passive impression of the same thing. Like the energies formerly contained within had left behind an imprint in the piece that even now coloured it's existence to a slight degree.
Turning the bishop between his fingers a few times Naruto handed it to Kuroka.
"That's the one I could recover, the other one didn't take the process as well. It turned to dust upon exit." Shrugging his shoulder to make it clear that he didn't particularly care about that turn of events Naruto continued. "As for how exactly it is done, it's a complicated process better discussed in different circumstances."
What Grayfia did not know she could not be asked to reveal. Asking her to lie about or conceal things like that for his sake was not something he was in the habit of doing.
"Would you make it clear to any enthusiasts what the consequences of continued action will be?"
Grayfia simply nodded her head. Easily accepting the warning hidden within his words. She knew where his priorities were. Naruto did not doubt that she had understood the moment he and Kuroka had entered together.
For a few moments silence reigned between them. All three of them reflecting on certain events of the day. He was the one that broke the silence this time.
"How long do you give Rias?"
"Three days at the latest," Grayfia answered immediately, her tone matter-of-fact. That earned her raised eyebrows from him and Kuroka both.
"Oh? Really? I was about to say five days myself. She seemed more prideful than that. Something we should know about little Rias?" Kuroka interjected for the first time, an impish grin growing on her face, "Maybe a fixation on light hair?"
At the last part her attention shifted to him, or more specifically his hair, for a moment.
"But then, how would we explain her Queen?"
"I don't think she has enough pieces for that kind of conclusion yet. It could still be Japanese names though," Naruto pondered in a similar, slightly mocking tone of voice.
"If that is case we will have to look out and prepare, maybe Rias seeks to claim both of us as pieces," he continued. The faux-serious expression on his face coupled with his tone made Grayfia sigh in defeat. Perhaps they were on to something here. Grayfia would know after all.
"Anyway, do you still have work to do or are you free for today Grayfia?"
While talking Naruto had already turned to exit the gate, Kuroka at his side. He turned his head back towards her as he fished for the key in his pocket.
Grayfia pondered his question for a moment, clearly juggling her many duties before coming to a conclusion.
"Other than informing Sirzechs of how everything went today, there is nothing particularly pressing. What did you have in mind?"
"Well, we were planning to visit a hot spring. Want to join us?" Naruto asked. Stopping in front of the car he opened the door for Kuroka before glancing back at Grayfia.
Seeing her hesitate slightly he rolled his eyes and added on, "You can call Sirzechs from the car if it's this pressing, or meet us there if you want. I'll give you the address."
I hope you enjoyed. Don't expect updates for this stoy with any kind of consistency or speed. I have two more chapters roughly finished but not edited and my main focus is on A Song of Magic for now. I had this laying around and felt like publishing it though, so here it is.
Mostly an introduction. To be clear we covered a lot of time in this chapter. My rough personal timeline puts the Devil Civil War around the year ~1500, so that is what I'm working with. I have also not read the Light Novel or Manga for DxD. I have only watched the anime and read the wikis extensively. We'll see what happens when we get past that material.
I think DxD has a lot of potential as a setting but the execution and follow-through is unfortunately lacking in many cases. I'm well aware that it is basically softcore porn with a bit of plot but nonetheless. My main problem is often the missing consequences for some of the extreme actions. Cao Cao kidnaps the leader of an entire faction and gets off scot-free? The hell? There are also just some details that grind my gears. The version of Mjolnir in DxD could not be less like the actual thing if it was a sword. The whole point is that the handle is very short.
Naruto is not going to be particularly nice in this one. I will also try to interweave the different 'arcs' more than they are in canon.