Phantom of the Underworld - Chapter 9 (Patreon)

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Highschool DxD or any other anime I use in this story.

Arc I- Sunset

Chapter 9- Uzumaki ball

(Just after the rating game )

"Bastard!" Issei yelled, as he rushed at the blond with a gauntleted fist. A fist which Naruto easily caught.

They were in the ORC building, to 'discuss the terms of the marriage' or something like that. It was just Naruto and Rias's peerage, many of which were either really confused or pretty pissed.

"What ever do you mean Issei-san?" Naruto asked monotonously.

"Like hell you don't know, you used us! Just to get to Rias-buchou's Sweet-Sweet Oppai!" He yelled, with slight tears in his eyes at the thought of another person touching Rias's breast.

Admittedly, he might have a 'small' crush on his [King].

"A word of advice," Naruto spoke, as his eyes narrowed, as he began to squeeze Issei's hand, which began to start to hurt from the stress. "Don't attack someone unless you have all the information on the situation."

Akeno glared harshly at the blond, and began to ready her magic. While Kiba readied his blade, Koneko got into a fighting stance.

"Naruto, stop." Rias told him, trying to diffuse the situation, and surprisingly he obeyed.

Rias gestured for her [Pieces] to stand down, then she turned back towards Naruto. "Now what's this about?" She questioned.

Naruto smirked, "About right after your little rating game, which admittedly didn't turn out the way we hoped." They all cringed at what he said, but they could deny his statement. "I was contacted by 'The Lucifer'" he started to explain.

"Oni-Sama had something to do with this?" Rias questioned.

And Naruto nodded, "You're brother summoned me, and hired me to help you with your little problem. Luckily he also informed me of this." Naruto pulled out a few documents he had sealed in his cloak.

"This is the official copy of our marriage contract sent to the Maou for verification, seeing as my clan's copy got… destroyed." 'Destroyed' meaning being burnt to ashes.

He placed the document on her desk , "Notice anything about the contract?" He asked.

Rias looked over the document, it seemed like a standard marriage contract, binding her to one 'Naruto Uzumaki'. Apparently she would be married into the Uzumaki clan, which would make Millicus the new Heir of The Gremory Clan.

A thought she honestly wouldn't mind. The Uzumaki clan were a very prestigious clan in the underworld. One which, before it's fall, had amassed a large influence within the underworld for various reasons. If Naruto were able to gain back its prestige, something which she had no doubts that he couldn't do so, that would mean...

She was getting a little off topic, it seemed a bit of her devil blood was influencing her. There was also the emotional side she needed to think about.

She was so lost in her thoughts that Naruto began to point to a particular part. of the contract, and her eyes widened.

"My father was a bit of a romantic, so he added this clause." Naruto explained.

"Once both devils within the contract reach the sufficient age of 20, the marriage contract may be annulled should both devils agree to do so." Rias read aloud.

"Seeing as Rias's contract with the Phenex clan has already been annulled. Rias would be old enough to not be able to be forced within another marriage contract without her consent." Naruto explained, as Rias's peerage's eyes widened, Issei's more-so as he realized what was going on.

It was actually a fairly recent law that Sirzechs had passed. Stating that any devil over the age of 18 could not be forced into a marriage contract without their consent. A law he could agree with. Although he would have preferred if they had been abolished entirely.

Marriage contracts were used to create ties with other families. But statistics showed that only 50% of all of the marriages actually lasted. Where as if the families had attempted to form actual ties they would last much longer and prove to be more beneficial overall.

"But there is still one problem with that." Akeno pointed out.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, " And what would that be?" He asked.

"You." She stated, "How do we know you'll agree to annul the contract when the time comes."

Issei realized she was right, for all he knew this was a ploy to steal Rias's virginity.

"A concern that is not without merit." Naruto admitted, which only lowered Issei's hopes. "However, Rias is my friend, so of course I would help her with this." He shrugged.

"Besides," He looked straight at Rias, as teal eyes met ocean blue, " Rias and I have a little deal which will prevent that, one which I fully intend to keep."

Rias frowned, truthfully she had hoped he'd forgotten about their deal.

"Oi Yakatori!" Issei shouted, interrupting everyone's thoughts. Meanwhile Naruto raised an eyebrow at the insult, while not entirely untrue he never considered himself a Phenex. So the insult didn't really bother him.

"Who was that man…at the church." Issei asked, his hands shaking in rage. Remembering that night was not pleasant.

The others in the room cringed, but they too wanted to know.

"Kabuto Yakushi," Naruto sighed, "An apprentice of a sort to someone I've come across ."

"That's it!" Issei yelled, rushing Naruto and gripping onto his collar, "Asia died because of him! And that's all you can say! You led him here! Because you killed his so-called master!"

"Asia Argento died to a fallen angel." Naruto stated. "Do you know how many people Kabuto's master killed in pursuit of his goals?" Naruto asked stoically.

And of course, noneof them had an answer.

"Thousands, maybe even tens of thousands." Naruto answered the rhetorical question. " Every one Tortured and expirimented on. Each one left a broken husk. And Each one suffered a fate worse than death. " Naruto told them not holding back the truth.

And they all grimaced, Kiba more-so, he knew what it was like to be experimented on.

"The nun was lucky, she's in heaven, she's happy." Naruto told her, but Issei still had his arm on his collar.

"Issei! Enough." Rias ordered.

"But-" Issei wanted to refuse, but he was interrupted.

"Issei!" Rias ordered, and Issei sighed, but complied with her order.

She turned to her peerage, "Naruto and I have something to discuss, would you kindly give us some privacy for now."

Akeno and Issei wanted to refuse, but one look from the redhead put their arguments to rest, they didn't want to argue with their [King].

XXX

The room they left was a silent one.

Rias sat down at her desk, while Naruto leaned against the wall, looking out the window, never once meeting his eyes with her own.

"Naruto I-" Rias started.

"Rias." Naruto interrupted, as he turned his head to look at her, as if staring into her very soul. "I care about you." He stated.

"What?" She asked in shock, where was this going.

"Never let it be said that I didn't." Naruto told her.

"You've already gotten hurt because of me once, I can't let that happen again. That's why I made that promise… so you wouldn't get hurt by me again."

He moved towards her, as he wrapped her in an embrace. She looked up, it was if she were being frozen from his words alone, and he smiled.

"But in the end… I'm glad you were my friend, even if I didn't get to know the real Rias, I know that has always been your dream… " Tears threatened to leak from her eyes, all the emotions she had felt in the last 8 years culminating together.

"But please… let me go." Naruto pleaded, as he released her from his embrace. He started to walk towards the door.

Rias didn't know what it was that did it for her, perhaps it was the image of his back towards her. Perhaps it was all the pain she had felt without him, or perhaps it was just the past few days getting to her.

But seeing him leave, again, it was just… something inside her snapped.

"No!" She shouted, as she rushed to grab his hand.

"What?" Naruto muttered, as he turned to look back at her face. There were tears welling in her eyes, but they were still unshed.

"I said no!" She pointed at his chest, "I'm going to spell it out for you, N-O! You don't just get to walk out after 8 long years!" Each word was accentuated as she poked his chest.

"Rias I-"Naruto started.

"No! Naruto Uzumaki! I said No!" Rias all but hissed.

Once Rias set her mind on something she wouldn't let it go. Let it be known that Rias Gremory was very stubborn. Unfortunately, so was Naruto.

"No! You've already been kidnapped once because of me! I won't let that happen again." He hissed back.

Rias glared, "is this about Kabuto?"

"Kabuto, Orochimaru. Hell… maybe even the whole underworld, would you face them just for me?" He glared back.

"You've already faced the Underworld for me!" She retorted.

They both were caught in each other's gazes, each one was unwavering.

"Would you go against your word, just like that?" Naruto asked. "We had a deal."

"The deal contradicts itself." Rias retorted, pointing back at his chest and poked it once again. "You want me to be happy, yet you also want to leave me?" She questioned.

Naruto stepped back in surprise, "What are you trying to say?" He questioned.

"Do I have to spell it out for you!" She sighed.

"I-" Naruto was once again cut off, but this time it wasn't by words.

A soft pair of lips met his own, it felt… nice? No, electrifying was more accurate.

But as quick as the kiss came, it was over.

Rias pulled back, a confident smile gracing her beautiful face. Naruto was still in shock over the whole ordeal.

"Thanks… for everything." She told him, as she walked towards the door.

She turned her head to stare into Naruto's surprised face. It felt good to not be the one frozen by the other's words. "Oh, and my father is hosting a ball in two days, to cordially reintroduce you back to the underworld. I expect for you to be there, it wouldn't do well for my 'Fiancé' to not show up." She finished with a sultry smile.

As Naruto stared at the retreating figure of his childhood friend. He could only realize how much more complicated things had gotten.

As such, he could only mutter the one word that popped within his head at the ordeal.

"Troublesome." He sighed.

XXX

Somewhere outside of Konoha

(Two days later)

The sun had risen over the horizon long ago. And he'd been out here for hours, but he didn't mind. He would usually come out here, especially when he needed to think… and to reflect.

He'd made many mistakes in his life, and failed too many times. He didn't know if he could fail again, because each time he did. He was left even more broken than the last.

"So, I'm getting 'married'" he told the gravestone, as he added air quotes at the end, not that it mattered.

"To Rias of all people, who would've thought." Naruto mused.

"Though, I suppose you two had something to do with that." He said as he stared straight at the two nearby headstones.

The two had very distinct names marked upon them, for two very distinct people he still cared deeply for.

'Kushina and Minato Uzumaki'

His mother and father, the two people who gave life to him. The two people who raised him most of his life, two people he still aspired to be like to this day.

"You two could have told me that. But I suppose you didn't exactly keep your intentions a secret." He spoke fondly, remembering the amount of time they had teased the two young devils.

He looked towards his father's grave. "I'm trying to look after her, but she's a little stubborn, just like mom. Oh, and she's just as beautiful… but don't tell mom I said all that, I'd never hear the end of it." He sighed.

"But she deserves better, they all do. I can't take her down my path, no matter how many times she says she can handle it." He whispered.

"Naruto-sama" A voice called out, and he turned towards where he heard the voice and as the person neared he saw who it was.

It was Haku.

"I think it's time you head inside, we need to get ready soon." She told him.

"Alright, I'll head back in a minute." He conceded.

But Haku didn't move, "Naruto-sama?" She reached up, and laid a hand on his cheek. "When was the last time you slept?" She asked.

And he answered, "Yesterday." A lie, something which they both knew. And as he stared into his [Knight's] dark-brown eyes he started to waver a little.

"You always could see right through me. Eh? Haku-Chan." Naruto laughed, but her glare didn't subside.

"I don't know… Two or three… days?" He answered honestly, and she smiled.

"I worry about you," Haku told him, as she leaned her head onto his chest.

"You don't have to." He told her.

"I don't," she conceded, but then she smiled. "But I still do."

They stood there in silence for some time, until the silence was finally broken.

"I've been thinking…" Naruto started, gaining Haku's attention. "I think it's time I re-call all my pieces, we could even move to 'that' house'." He told her.

Haku thought about it, until she finally nodded. "I agree, it's been some time since we've all been together."

Neither of the spoke again. But as she stared at the graves, she caught a glimpse of two of the graves.

And, silently, a single tear leaked from her eye.

XXX

(Orc building)

"Man, why do we have to wear these stupid clothes." Issei complained, as he adjusted the collar of his tuxedo.

"It does become quite the bother doesn't it?" Kiba agreed, as he was sporting a similar tuxedo to the one he had adorned during Rias's engagement party.

Rias giggled at the sight, "Issei, in the devil world appearance is everything. For a devil to thrive within the underworld they need not just power but also political influence." She explained, "You intend to become a High-class devil, and for that you need to be able to survive in situations like this. I know alot of devils will have their eyes on you." She told him.

"Really? Why me?" Issei asked in disbelief.

"Ufufu, because you're the Red Dragon Emperor silly." Akeno pipes up, it was better Issei than Naruto to get the attention.

Akeno was sporting the same outfit she had worn during Rias's wedding ceremony.

"That's right," Rias nodded, "while we didn't win, you did do well in the Rating game, enough that we were able to take out most of Riser's pieces. Many people would like to see the Red Dragon Emperor's power again."

After a few minutes, a red magic circle appeared within the room. It was of a similar color to the Gremory magic circle, however it instead was of a spiral like design.

And with it four new occupants appeared within the room. It was Naruto and his peerage members, each dressed in formal clothing.

Naruto and Suigetsu both wore tuxedos, only Naruto's was a normal black, while Suigetsu opted for a sharkskin colored suit.

Meanwhile Haku and Hanabi wore traditional Japanese kimonos. Hanabi's being a nice honey yellow kimono with a white obi and red flames at the bottom. And Haku chose a nice pink kimono with a floral design.

And as usual, Akeno glared at Naruto, something which he ignored with ease.

"Excellent, now that everyone is here we should get going soon." Rias announced as she stood up from her desk, showing off the dress she now wore.

Rias wore an elegant red dress that complimented her curves and matched her hair. There was a slit in the middle which showed off the valley between her breasts, something which Issei took pleasure in, while another was at the bottom which showed off her right leg.

All in all, she was quite stunning.

"Wow." Naruto blinked as rias walked towards him, "you look amazing." He commented.

Rias giggled, having a bit of pink dusting her cheeks, "aren't you a flatterer." She said, as she interlocked her arm with his own, shocking many in the room.

"I just want to say, I'm against this." Naruto told her.

She smiled, "I'm well aware of that fact."

XXX

(Gremory ballroom)

The Gremory ballroom was extravagant, just like the Phenex clan's. And there were even more devils from prominent clans at this event.

It wasn't everyday that a devil from an 'extinct' clan returned from the dead. As such many devils came to such an event, even on such a short notice. It had only been two days since the rating game.

Naruto, Rias, and both their peerages arrived at the venue.

As they arrived all eyes were on them, or more specifically Naruto. And soon murmuring began to erupt within the room.

Rias and Naruto's arms were interlocked, seeing as she was his 'date' to the event.

"We should probably speak with my parents, seeing as they organized this event, and they have been wanting to speak to you for a while." Rias whispered, with a slight blush on her face from the embarrassment she was expecting from the two.

Naruto nodded, "Alright, just let me speak to my peerage for a bit." And with her nod, he walked over to his [Knight, Haku. Passing byHanabi and Suigetsu, whose arms were interlocked, seeing as they technically were each other's date.

He lent down to whisper into her ear."Always remember, not every battle is fought on the battlefield."

And Haku nodded, understanding the message.

And soon Naruto was dragged off. Meanwhile Akeno had a disapproving stare, but she soon she also began to drag off her 'date', Issei, somewhere else.

XXX

Akeno took, or more accurately, stormed off with Issei in tow away from where Rias was going.

Akeno wanted to keep her mind off of what Naruto and Rias were doing. Honestly, what did Rias see in him?

She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't notice the approaching figure.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Red Dragon Emperor." A voice called out.

It was a large man, with tan skin, dark spiky hair and violet eyes.

"What? Who are you?" Issei asked.

Akeno recognized him, "Hello Sairorg." She greeted.

Next to the beast of a man was a beautiful woman. One with long blonde hair and green eyes, while she adorned a elegant black dress.

This was his [Queen, Kuisha Abaddon.

"Heh, if it isn't Rias's [Queen]?" He laughed, "tell me, how is my cousin these days?" He questioned.

"Cousin?" Issei asked in surprise.

"Rias is doing well." She smiled, but if you paid closer attention, you could see her fist was clenched.

'Rias-buchou is this guy's cousin!" Issei thought in shock, they looked nothing alike.

"I could imagine with Naruto and all," Sairorg grinned. "Back in the day those two use to be thick as thieves."

"What?" Issei questioned, his [King] and Naruto used to be really close. It seemed like her whole peerage had never met the guy before, and Akeno certainly didn't like the guy.

Sairorg turned back to him, "I watched your rating game, and I have to say… you have potential." He complimented.

"I do?" Issei muttered in shock, not expecting a compliment from the man.

Sairorg laughed as he lightly punched Issei's shoulder.

"I'd like to fight in a rating game with you and Rias in the tournament soon, but you know, once you get a whole lot stronger." He challenged

"I… uh? Sure." He nodded, not fully getting the situation, but inwardly he was crying from that 'light' punch Sairorg did to his shoulder. Was this guy a monster or something?

"Ufufu, we don't plan to lose that fight." Akeno stated, as she narrowed her eyes.

"Sairorg-sama," The lady next to him, his [Queen, called. "it's almost time." She told him.

"Almost time for what?" Issei questioned.

Sairorg smirked, "to issue another challenge. "He said mysteriously, as he and his [Queen] walked off.

XXX

Soon after Naruto was in front of a man he had not seen in years. Zeoticus Gremory, who was talking to a few other clan heads and his wife. But not long after he noticed the two of them.

"Ah! It seems there is the man of the hour! Naruto, it is lovely to see you again." Zeoticus said with a fond smile.

"And I you," Naruto greeted back, with just as fond of a smile, " I must thank you for hosting such an event, I know you saved Kakashi a headache by doing this." He said with a slight bow.

Zeoticus laughed, "I can imagine, how is that young scarecrow doing these days?" He questioned.

"He's fine, but still as lazy as ever." Naruto sighed.

"That's good to hear," The clan head nodded, it wasn't that big of a surprise that Kakashi knew of his survival. Zeoticus then turned to the two clan leaders.

"Where are my manners?, allow me to introduce you to the Lords of Houses Sitri and Agares." He introduced the two men. One with short black hair and purple eyes, while the other had straight platinum blonde hair with pink eyes, each a trait among their respective clans.

Naruto stuck his hand out, and the clan heads each shook it., "It's wonderful to see you here this evening." He greeted, before smirking a little. "I know you and my parents were both great 'business' partners with one another."

Both clan heads shared a look, with a bead of sweat running along their faces. But luckily Zeoticus interjected, whether he caught the two's reactions they didn't know.

"Speaking of your parents…" Zeoticus asked.

A silence overtook the room. Many of the nearby devils leaned forward , listening in to their conversation.

Naruto nodded somberly, "Sadly they both perished in the fire, along with the rest of my clan." It was still a bit of a sore subject to him. While Rias noticed this and gave a comforting squeeze to his arm, and he smiled slightly.

"You have my condolences." Zeotocus responded, grimacing a little.

"As do you have ours." Both clan heads affirmed.

Naruto smiled, "it happened a long time ago, and it's something I've accepted in my time away." He assured.

Zeoticus smiled, "Good, Minato was a dear friend. I can see you have inherited many of his qualities."

"Why, thank you, that means a lot." Naruto smiled back.

"If I may ask," Venelana, Zeoticus's wife and Rias's mother interjected, "what did you do on your 'time away'?"

Once again, the nearby devils in the room leaned forward in anticipation.

"I spent a majority of my years under an apprenticeship with my godfather. One who he found out I was alive. He wanted to make sure I was ready for everything on my return to the underworld." Naruto answered.

It wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't exactly true either.

Venelana nodded, she was glad that her future son-in-law had been educated well enough. Although she had to wonder who he was talking about.

"Excellent, what do you say we formally introduced you back to the underworld?" Zeoticus asked, as he patted the Uzumaki's back, and Naruto shrugged at the question.

It didn't take long for Zeoticus to gather the attention of all the devils within the large hall, which wasn't hard as their attention was secretly on them from the very beginning.

"The Gremory Clan would like to thank you for attending this event, especially on such short notice." Zeoticus called out. "This party was dedicated to the return of a certain devil, one who has been thought dead for years. My future son-in-law. Nar-" he was interrupted.

"NARUTO UZUMAKI!" Another devil shouted out.

This devil has tan skin, black hair and violet eyes. He also seemed have gone through rigorous training, as seen by the large muscles he possessed. Muscles which even his devil genetics could not grant him.

This was Sairaorg Bael.

He pointed directly at Naruto, as he drew the attention of the occupants within the room.

"Your battle with Riser Phenex has shown the Underworld that you are strong." Sairaorg acknowledged, something which many in the room silently agreed with. " But we all know that that was not a limit to your strength. Which is why… I challenge you to a rating game!"

And with his challenge many in the room began to softly murmur to themselves. Even Rias was surprised at her cousin's actions.

Naruto stepped forward.

"And why would I agree to such a request?" Naruto questioned.

But to answer, Sairaorg only pointed towards himself, with a large grin on his face. " To many I am known by the title of 'The Strongest Youth'. It is a name which I have earned through proving my strength against the others of my generation." He pointed towards Naruto. "If you can best me, I am undeserving of my title. If you were to win you would gain my title, along with the respect of many… including my own." He said grinning.

A grin which Naruto was easily reciprocated, " Then I accept your challenge, Sairaorg Bael, maybe the best win." Hetold him.

But inwardly Naruto was smirking, this was all going to plan.

XXX

After Rias and Naruto had talked to many nobles who had attended the ball.

It seemed that they were the main topic of discussion. Whether it was her and Naruto's 'engagement', Naruto's return, Naruto and her relationship, or even Naruto's apparent upcoming rating game.

And if she were being honest with herself, Rias didn't exactly know how to feel about that. Her cousin was strong, unbelievably so, he wasn't known as the strongest youth for nothing.

But she also knew Naruto was powerful , he had beaten Riser easily, something she herself had not been able to do.

Currently, she and Naruto were slow dancing together, amongst other nobles doing the same, while music was playing

One of her hands was connected with his own. While her other was resting on his shoulder while his free hand was wrapped around her waiste.

To any onlookers this might've been viewed as a touching scene between two lovers. A dramatic love story of two devils who had fallen in love during their youth. But as tragedy struck and years passing and they began to reconnect as Naruto valiantly saved her from a loveless marriage.

Admittedly, her distaste of Riser was something that was widely known throughout the underworld.

However, that story was the furthest from the truth.

And truthfully She didn't know what they were.

Was this just an act for Naruto?

Did he love her?

Even like her?

When she had kissed him, something she did in the heat of the moment, he had reacted negatively. Granted he hadn't reacted positively either. Naruto just froze, was that a good sign?

Her concerns were so vast she needed to speak on them.

"Naruto?" She whispered quietly, gaining his attention. " What… What do you think of me?" Rias questioned, she waited worryingly for his response.

He hummed in thought. "Hmm?… I don't know." He replied.

"What?" She asked in shock.

"It's been 8 years, you've changed so much from the girl I once knew, and Honestly so have I." Naruto reasoned. " So are still as big of a otaku as I remember?" He teased.

She pushed her head into his chest to hide her large blush. "Can you promise not to talk about that again?" She pleaded.

Naruto laughed, "I'm not making promises I can't keep." And she smiled a bit.

But then her smile turned quickly to a frown, "but what do you actually think of me now?"

Naruto thought about it again, as in really thought about it. "Honestly… your pretty stubborn, overwhelmingly so."

"Only because I need to be with you." She reasoned.

"And you're pretty annoying." He told her.

She frowned, "I'm not annoying."

"Yeah you are." Naruto affirmed, " but you're also really compassionate and loving. I see it in the way you treat your peerage." And Rias smiled. " like when you surrendered your rating game to save your [Pawn]… Even if you could've just retired him yourself." He added as an afterthought.

She actually had a bashful expression at the memory , " That… wasn't one of my best moments." She concluded.

"No, it wasn't," He agreed. "You can be pretty dumb sometimes."

"Not as dumb as you can be." She retorted, and he laughed.

This was nice, although it wasn't exactly what she wanted. It reminded her so much of how things used to be. Something she was okay with.

As they continued to bicker, another figure approached them.

XXX

Ravel Phenex was not having a good time, although she wasn't exactly having a bad time either.

Since her brother's defeat he had locked himself in his room, along with most of his peerage. Even though their physical wounds have been healed, their mental wounds have not.

They had been demolished.

They hadn't even landed a single hit on their opponents . While all their [Pieces] were retired swiftly and efficiently.

So here she was, 'representing her clan'. Someone had to do it, to show that there was no bad blood between them, for appearances sake at least.

"Hey there, firebird." A voice called out.

She slightly jumped in surprise, she didn't even know someone was near her. As she searched for the recipient of the voice.

It was a boy, with white hair and Shark-like teeth. " Y-You're one of 'his' peerage." Ravel realized.

And the Shark boy grinned, "Heh, so recognize me from my work, I'd say I did a pretty good job with your asshat of a brother's [Pawns]." Suigetsu laughed.

Truth be told, she was terrified of Naruto, or more specifically, his Fox.

But her pride forced her to muster up her courage and sent a glare at the boy, "Don't talk about my brother like that." She glared.

"Why? It's true." He questioned.

Even Ravel had to admit, it might've been a little true. But still, she wouldn't tolerate insults to her clan, "Even so, I won't tolerate crass insults towards my clan, even from the likes of you."

But Instead of getting mad suigetsu did something that surprised her… he laughed. "Heh, go on ya, I like that about you, ya little spitfire."

Ravel's face felt on fire, which given she was a Phenex, could be entirely possible.

After she was finally able to reign in her blush she sent a glare at Suigetsu. "Why Are you here?" Ravel asked.

"I don't know, though it would be interesting over here, besides my 'date' is kinda…" Suigetsu shrugged as he didn't know where Hanabi had gone off too.

"Sorry." She muttered, it must've sucked to be stood up like that.

"Meh, don't be," he told her, "she's a colleague, only really came with her cause it would be weird if I didn't ." Suigetsu said uncaringly.

Hanabi was far too annoying for him anyway, at best they would be friends, but even then it wasn't likely.

"Besides… I wouldn't be able to bother you." He teased.

"How uncouth," Ravel huffed, "you're lucky to be talking to a High-class girl such as I." Although, if she were honest, she was glad to have some sort of distraction.

"I don't care about that High-clas bull… I may be a devil, but I'm still a demon through and through." Suigetsu said with pride.

Ravel was a little shocked, the man in front of her was a demon, when she was about to voice her concerns Suigetsu pointed something else out.

"Well, well, well, would you look at that." Suigetsu chuckled, as he gazed at the figure approaching Naruto.

XXX

"Rias? Can I have a word with… your 'fiancé?" A voice asked.

As they turned to see who the see who it was they were both surprised to see who it was.

It was Akeno.

"I…uh… sure?" Rias agreed after some thought. If Akeno could at least learn to get along with Naruto, things would be better. And maybe her Queen was extending an olive branch of sorts?

It looked like Naruto was alright with it.

What was the worst that could happen?

As she let go of her fiancé, Akeno and Naruto began their own dance. It was similar to the one he had done with Rias, but instead of her being close. It seemed that Akeno had wanted to keep her distance.

"And here I thought you didn't like me." Naruto teased.

"I don't like you." Akeno stated flatly.

"Ouch, Akeno-Chan, you wound me so." Naruto placed a palm on his chest, over his heart, as if he had just been shot.

"Don't call me that." Akeno hissed.

"What, Akeno-Chan?" Naruto raised an eyebrow, "I think it makes you sound cute." He stated, as if it were just a fact.

"Don't call me cute." She glared, although Akeno's face grew red, whether it was from rage or embarrassment he didn't know.

Naruto frowned. "Alright, what did you want to talk about, since I doubt you would 'grace me with your company' otherwise."

"you're right, I'd rather have nothing to do with you" Akeno conceded. "But I did want to tell you something, and I would rather not speak to you again."

"That's a little harsh, maybe I've taken quite a liking to you." Naruto teased, but with Akeno's stone-cold glare he decided to fully change his tune, actually becoming more serious now.

"Stay away from Rias." Akeno told him.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "I would, but you know how stubborn she can be."

"I know, and that's why I'm telling you,"Akeno nodded," Stay away from her. She doesn't need someone like you in her life."

"'Someone like me'?" Naruto repeated . "Trust me crow, you haven't got a clue as to who I am."

But Akeno didn't rise towards his bait, she did however, give him a vicious glare. "I know your type. Everything you say… everything you do, is a lie. A facade you put on. You abandon others and leave them to suffer the consequences."

Do you even know how much you hurt Rias?" Akeno questioned, "How she wouldn't talk to anyone or how she cried at night. You're one of the worst type of people in this world. And you don't even care, as long it suits your goals"

She looked up to see his expression, instead of the hatred in his eyes she had been expecting or the vicious scowl, his expression was something she hadn't been expecting.

Naruto Uzumaki was smiling.

But Naruto's smile wasn't one of happiness, or fondness. Honestly, she couldn't tell what it conveyed, but…it was if he was mocking her. She absolutely hated it.

"Akeno… you're absolutely right." He said, much to her surprise.

"I hurt Rias more than I'll ever know." He admitted. "I'm a liar, I push people away, and I'm the scum of the earth."

"But the thing that you are wrong about, the thing that you failed to see… is I'm exactly like you." Naruto told her, much to her shock.

"You're wrong." She shot back venomously.

Naruto smirked."Oh but I'm not, you can fool yourself. Hell, you can fool everyone else, but you can fool me."

"That lovely little act you put on is just so you can mask your own pain." Naruto revealed.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She responded.

"You let your enemies suffer not because you get enjoyment, but because you want them to suffer just as much as you have." Naruto said.

"Don't you realize your actions are also hurting Rias?"

"Not another word." She hissed.

"But you don't care, as long as you can continue to live in your petty little fears." And that was the straw that broke the camel's back.

"Shut up!" Akeno shouted, as tried to pull away, put she was caught firmly within Naruto's clasp-like grasp.

"I saw when you used your lightning, but you still ended up failing. All because you're scared. You are terrified of the fact that you're even remotely similar to the one who killed your I know exactly what that's like."

"And what would you know!" Akeno shouted. He was lucky he had the foresight to place a small silencing seal before their conversation had started. He also used an area-wide genjutsu, so that any onlookers would see they were having a wonderful little chat and dance.

"You don't think I don't know how you feel?" Naruto questioned, as he lent close to whisper in his ear. His Three-tomoe sharingan converging to form its more evolved variant.

"I have to live every day know I use the same power that killed my parents."

And as he walked away, he didn't miss the wide-eyed stare from Rias's [Queen].

XXX

It had been a long while since the party had started.

Hanabi was by herself, and she had a bit of a blush on her face, courtesy of the alcohol she had consumed that night, and it only had been a single glass.

Let it be known that Hanabi Hyuga was a bit of a lightweight.

"Hello, dear sister." A voice called out.

And as she turned, she was face to face with someone she hadn't seen in two years. Her sister.

"Hello Hinata." She greeted back.

Hinata had a sultry smirk across her face, "You know, when I came to this party I somewhat expected for you to be here. It wasn't hard to figure out, with you using our clan's techniques in your little game. But who would've thought that my long lost sister would actually be here. "

She hummed in thought, " Some of our clansman were worried that you had been kidnapped or something like that. But I knew the truth, all of your stuff had also been missing when you left. So tell me…" Hinata leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "How does it feel to be a coward and a fake?" She questioned.

Hanabi's breath hitched, even all these years she still couldn't face her elder sister. "I-I…" she stuttered out.

"You know… I don't take kindly to those who bother my peerage." A voice called out. And both of them turned their heads to the owner of the voice.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the star of the show? Hinata hummed, and there he was, much to Hanabi's surprise, Naruto Uzumaki.

"And you must be Hinata, your sister has told me many… things about you." He greeted.

"And you must be Naruto Uzumaki, though I must admit, you're quite handsome." Hinata complimented, " Though I didn't expect my dear little sister to whore herself out." She said with a smirk.

"Better to be a wanted whore than an unwanted slut." Naruto shot back.

Hinata stepped back a little in surprise, but returned his insult with a vicious glare, a glare which Naruto was unfazed by.

"Now? If you don't mind me asking, what were you two ladies talking about?" Naruto asked, although he knew full well what their conversation was about.

Hinata smiled, " Well me and my 'dear sister' were just having a nice chat, it's been so long since we've seen each other."

"Is that so?" Naruto asked, and the glance that Hanabi sent him was all he needed to know. "Why don't I stick around? Hanabi is my [Knight] after all."

Hinata grabbed Hanabi's arm, and she froze up. "Sorry but this is a talk between us sisters." She insisted.

Surprisingly Naruto wrapped an arm around Hanabi's neck, in her drunken stupor she relaxed slightly. "Well Hanabi is a part of my family." He insisted.

Hinata sent a cold glare at Naruto, and Naruto sent one back.

But in a battle of wills Hinata was no match, and she averted her gaze. "Father will be hearing about this." She huffed as she walked away.

As her sister left it was like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. "Thanks… Naruto" she sighed in relief.

Naruto smiled. "Anytime, Firecracker… anytime."

XXX

The party was nearing its end, with many of the Nobel devils having already left, or the others getting too drunk to care about the changing atmosphere.

So Naruto and Hanabi decided to reconvene with Naruto's wayward [Knight]. They had decided to let Suigetsu be for now, he had apparently decided to take in the company of a certain member of the Phenex clan. Good for them, he supposed.

"So, how was your time meeting the other devils of the Underworld?" Naruto asked.

"About as well as you would think, everyone is here for their own means." Haku sighed.

She had been observing their fellow devils almost the entire party. The reasons were rather simple, places like these were a goldmine for information. Rich nobles had rather loose lips when in the company of other nobles, with each one wanting to one-up the other.

"That's to be expected, this is a devil party after all." Hanabi commented.

"It can't be all bad, I heard they have been calling you by a certain nickname around the grapevine." Naruto told her.

Haku raised an eyebrow, "is that so?" She asked, mild interested.

Naruto nodded, "Mhmm, with the defeat of The Phenex Clan's Bomb Queen, you have earned the title…" he paused for dramatic effect, "The Uzumaki clan's Ice mistress." He told her.

She had a faint dust of pink on her cheeks at what the name could be implying, "it's rather crude." Haku commented.

"Of course it is, the Underworld isn't all to creative with names like these. But I kind of like it." He told her.

"Do you now?" Haku asked.

"A nickname is a way to let you know that others recognize your strength." Naruto told her, as he placed a palm on her shoulder. "I have no doubt that in time, you will prove a worthy match for Grayfia and even Serafall herself." He stated.

"Is that so?" A voice called out, surprising the other two next to him.

Naruto grinned, "Of course, Grayfia , I have the utmost faith in my [Knight]." He called out, as he turned to see the newly arrived silver-haired woman.

"Then perhaps she will prove to be a worthy foe in a few years." she stated.

Naruto nodded, " But as lovely as that thought is, I know you don't usually leave Sirzechs side to attend a place like this." He stated.

"You are correct," Grayfia said. " Lucifer-sama wishes to speak with you, he felt this was an adequate time to retrieve you." She told him.

Hanabi and Haku narrowed their eyes.

He laid a hand on each of their shoulders, "Why don't you two head to our house, 'that' one." They both knew what house he was referring to, " and I'll deal with this." He told them, and they nodded.

He turned to Grayfia , " Well let's not keep The Lucifer waiting, shall we?" Naruto asked.

And she nodded, as they both left to see Lucifer himself.

XXX

Grayfia had led him into an enclosed room within the Lucifer mansion, one with four other people in it.

The Four Maou.

Or more accurately… The Four main figure heads of the Underworld.

The first was Sirzechs Lucifer, formerly of the Gremory Clan, and The Maou of Domestic Affairs.

Who was adorning his normal black and gold armor.

If Naruto were to describe him… he would say he was powerful, however he was far too complacent. Having fought in a civil war the majority of his life he had a strong value for peace. That lead him to make compromises. It was because of him that the Old Satan Faction still exists. And because of him that atrocities are committed every day by his own devils.

In truth, The Great King was the true leader of the Underworld. All because Sirzechs had compromised. Every move Sirzechs makes was whilst walking on eggshells.

He was Lucifer, and yet his power was only in name.

The second was a beautiful girl; looking in her late teens with black hair, tied into twin tails and blue eyes. Due to her being a devil, she has the ability to change her appearance slightly. As such, she has a child-like body, albeit with very large breasts. And she was adorning a long green dress

This was SerafallLeviathan, formerly of the Sitri Clan, and The Maou of Foreign Affairs.

If he were to describe her, he would say… she was a child, undeserving of the title of Maou. That wasn't to say she wasn't powerful, or she wasn't a good diplomat. She just didn't have the drive of a Maou, likely becoming one just because her 'friends' were also taking up the title. As such, she would rather play het part on a tv show than actual work.

The Third was Falbium is a tall man whose head is completely bald and has a goatee on his chin. He wore an armor similar to that of Sirzechs, only his was silver in color.

This was FalbuimAsmodeus, formerly of the Glasya-Labolas Clan, and The Maou of Military Affairs.

If he were to describe him… he would say he was pretty much an older Shikamaru. He was lazy, overwhelmingly so, but he was also smart. But at the moment, the Army of the New Devil Faction, his responsibility… was a joke. Filled with grunts, a majority of which were canon fodder only used for the numbers sake.

The third was a young looking man appearing in his early twenties. He had light blue eyes and green hair that is slicked back. He had a mysterious aura around him which many claim makes him seem devilish.

This was AjukaBeelzebub, formerly of the Astoroth Clan, and The Maou of Technological Development.

If he were honest… he was the Maou he respected the most. He did his job, and didn't slack off like the other Maou. It was his inventions that had saved the New Devil Faction itself, the [Evil Pieces]. However he didn't have a good grasp on it, choosing to let it be the plaything of every High-Class devil for their petty squabbles.

That wasn't to say he wasn't smart or extremely powerful, he needed to be in his profession. And he was probably the smartest of the Maou… that was what made him so dangerous for his plans.

"Ah! Outou!" Sirzechs shouted in delight as he jumped towards Naruto, completely breaking the serious atmosphere.

Ajuka's eye began to twitch, Grayfia mentally sighed at her husband's antics, while she began to get ready to reprimand him. Serafall didn't even get an eyelash bat his attitude, simply being her bubbly self as she danced in her seat. While Falbium yawned.

"Sirzechs-San." Naruto greeted, and Sirzechs frowned.

"Naruto, we're gonna be family, you could even start calling me Aniki." He suggested.

"Not gonna happen." Naruto told him, which caused The Lucifer to become a little depressed.

Grayfia, however, decided to put a stop to his antics, as she swatted him in the back of his head.

"Ow!" He whined.

"Sirzechs-sama, this is no way for the Lucifer to act." Grayfia reprimanded, " Especially in front of your fellow Maou."

"Speaking of which." Naruto piped up, " I was told this was to be a meeting between myself and The Lucifer." He gestured to the other Maou. "To have the company of the four Maou seems a little excessive, I wouldn't want to take time out of their busy schedules. Especially just for me." He remarked.

Sirzechs smilled, " I wouldn't worry too much. At first I intended this meeting to be between the two of us, but my colleagues insisted on joining this little meeting of ours."

"Did they now" Naruto enquired.

"Of course!" Ajuka interjected, "it isn't everyday that one of the Underworld's most prominent clans returns seemingly from the 'dead'." He remarked, eyeing Naruto for his reaction.

Naruto didn't react, he simply unsealed some documents. "Why don't we change that, I believe in the official records I am still marked as diceased. I've already filled out the paperwork needed to rectify that." He handed the documents to Sirzechs.

The Lucifer looked through them, and everything seemed to be in order. "You seemed to be prepared." He remarked.

Naruto smiled, "I think you'll find that I try to always be prepared."

Sirzechs nodded.

Smack

A palm slammed onto the large table within the room, drawing the attention of the others in the room.

Who was it that did it you might ask? It was The Beelzebub himself.

"Sirzechs, enough with the small talk. Let's get on with the reason we're all here." He told them, as he turned towards Naruto with a accusatory glare.

A glare which Naruto was unfazed by.

Sirzechs tried to medicate the situation, as he raised his arms in a placating fashion. "Now, now Ajuka, you promised me we wouldn't do anything hasty until we've heard the full story."

Said satan turned towards him, "And you promised that you would do what you must." He retorted.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what is this about if I may ask?" Although he had his suspicions.

The Beelzebub pointed towards him, "like you don't know." He stated as the others stared at the blond.

"All these years we have gotten reports of a figure, in a similar outfit you showed up in at the Phoenix's ball, galavanting throughout the Underworld."

"And not only that, reports from Grayfia herself show that you possess the uncanny ability to generate and control distinct black flames." Ajuka stated, as the other two Maou gasped at what he was insinuating.

"Surely you don't mean…" Serafall said.

"That's right, black flames similar to those that decimated the Uzumaki clan." Ajuka confirmed, as he eyes the Uzumaki.

So that's how it was? If he were honest he was expecting something like this. That's why all four Maou were in the room, Grayfia was blocking the door. They wanted answers, and they were forcing his hand.

"Are you insinuating that I killed both my parents and my entire clan?" Naruto glared back.

"That's exactly what I'm saying!" He affirmed.

Naruto's hand shook, not from the gazes of five of the strongest devils to ever exist, but in rage.

He took a calming breath, thought long and hard on what to say.

And then he finally spoke...

XXX

(Unknown location.)

They were in a canyon.

"So, you call yourself Madara now?" Kabuto questioned, his appearance being even more snake-like than before.

He appeared to be talking to a man who had an orange one-eyed mask that had a spiral-like pattern. The figure also wore a black cloak, with a red cloud-like design.

"You were once one of Sasori's spies," the man realized.

"You are a traitor to the Akatsuki!" The masked man shouted, as he rushed at the snake man.

But before he could reach him, Kabuto clapped his hands, summoning several coffins from the ground. And as they opened 'Madara' was even more shocked.

"Edo Tensei." The masked man realized.

"This performance is dedicated to you, so that you would believe in my power and trust me." Kabuto said.

"What do you want?" The orange masked figure asked.

"I want us to join forces," Kabuto responded. "I'm offering to provide more military might."

"And In exchange?" 'Madara' asked.

"Naruto Uzumaki." Kabuto answered.

'What are you plotting', the spiral masked man thought.

"I'm only interested in the pure truth behind magic," Kabuto stated.

"And if I refuse?" The masked man reasoned.

Kabuto clapped his hands together, and another coffin appeared.

'Madara's' eyes widened.

"Don't worry, I haven't told anyone." Kabuto reassured.

The masked man laughed.

"What's so funny?" Kabuto asked.

"Kabuto Yakushi." The spiral man responded, "Arguing with you now will only weaken our side." He stated.

"What do you mean?" The snake-like man asked.

"So be it. We will join forces with you." The man assured. "But on the condition that I hand Naruto over to you after my plans have been realized. You will not be allowed to see Naruto until then. I will reformulate my plans after I confirm your battle strength." 'Madara' told the snake-like man.

"Now tell me… what do you know of Naruto Uzumaki?" The masked man asked.

Kabuto Yakushi smirked.

End Arc I.