Return of the Mammon Clan
In Kushina's chambers, both she and her son finished preparing their outfits for the engagement party. For their illustrious return to be burned into the minds of every devil that attended the event, Kushina would settle for nothing but their best. To that end she had made sure that her son dress with her in attendance so she could be a proper judge.
"Mother, isn't this a bit plain?" Naruto asked as he looked over himself. She had made him wear a white button up with a dark vest and matching dress pants. Without a coat though Naruto felt like it was inappropriate to wear.
Kushina ignored him for a moment as she finished with her own dress. She had chosen a blood red gown that hugged her body tightly and with a slit cut into it on one side to show off her leg's supple white skin. To accentuate the bosom she had prided herself on, Kushina ensured the dress had a diamond cutout that offered a revealing view. Outside of crimson lipstick for makeup, Kushina would offer only her natural beauty for the other devils to feast on.
"You need only wait a few moments longer, my son," Kushina whispered, focused on her work.
In the mirror that she and her son were sharing, Kushina quickly placed on her blood drop earrings so that she could move onto her hair. Normally she preferred to let it simply fall down her back and chest naturally, occasionally using a hair clip to keep the plum locks from obstructing her eyes. For the sake of the event she had chosen to put her hair up into a high ponytail with an ornate golden clasp used to hold the locks together with it coming to a rest now at her lower back.
With a few turns Kushina inspected her body and briefly wondered if there was anyone at the party who could be worthy of competing with her own beauty.
"Mother, you look...stunning," Naruto said, completely entranced by her makeover. He struggled to even put his thoughts into words as he gazed upon her body.
"Hm, thank you very much," Kushina said, twisting around now to face him. "It's time to make you just as overwhelming, my lovely son."
With the clack of her heels on the cobblestone floor she brushed past Naruto and went to grab something from her closet. She had been saving the article of clothing for just such an occasion that she felt her son would truly make an impact wearing it. His father would have been so proud to see him inherit it.
She quickly retrieved the long white haori cloak and offered it to her son. It took only a moment for his eyes to light up in recognition of where he had last seen it.
"Mother, this is-"
"Yours now, my dear." Kushina pushed it into his waiting arms. "Wear it with the pride of a true heir."
With great care, Naruto unfolded the long jacket and threw it over his shoulders. He slipped his arms through the open front and then tightened the clasp around his neck. Red flames licked the bottom of the cloak and if one were to look at the haori from the back, they would read 'Mammon' written in Devil script.
What was once worn proudly by the knight of Kushina Mammon had now been fully entrusted to their son, the rightful successor.
"Now, you look stunning, Naruto!" Kushina said with pride oozing from her voice.
A knock on the door shook them from their thoughts of grandeur. Kushina beckoned them to enter and from behind the set of iron doors revealed the rest of Naruto's peerage. In a separate room, the women had been given ample resources supplied by Kushina to ready themselves for the party and had been spending the last hour or so picking their own dress.
Kushina and Naruto both let their eyes wander over the group of young, voluptuous women that made up his set. They were a stunning sight to behold with the queen in front and the rest fanned out on her sides.
In her normal attire, Kyuubi already wore a form of dress that offered her surprising flexibility when in battle. With this shift to a completely formal affair, functionality was thrown out for simple perfection in looks.
To properly stand at the side of her king, Kyuubi had to be the most stunning of his peerage and so she stood out with a crimson dress that matched her hair, done up similarly to Kushina's with a majority tied into a braided bun. The dress itself was completely open from her thighs down to show off her perfect snow white skin and black heels. A corset chest with frilled edges pressed Kyuubi's bust up and out and offered a rather clear show to those willing to risk a glance. To finish off her ensemble, the kitsune had chosen to retain her preferred style of wearing gloves with a black pair that extended up her arms.
Given how it was a rather drastic change to her style of choice, Kyuubi seemed a bit uncomfortable. No doubt she did not like the idea of showing off so much of what was considered a royal, untouchable body in the youkai realm. Given Kushina's recent lessons on her duties as a queen, however, the nine tails dutifully hid this hesitation and stood resolute before her king and master.
To her left stood the knight, Fuka, who with her fallen angel blood, was a cut above most women with her body proportions bred to be the image of seductive beauty. Her chosen dress was simple and yet incredibly effective at showing off her body's curves and perfectly soft skin. With a maroon tint that matched her tied hair, the dress came down to only cover from her neck to her thigh. Slits cut across the sides and front showed off her toned stomach and teased the bottom of her breasts.
A natural in such conditions, Fuka's anxious smile signaled she was ready to be the hit of the party. At least until her master went and blew them all up.
Opposite of Fuka on Kyuubi's right was the fellow knight Artemis. A foreign woman of great natural height she already had stood out with her maneuverable and appealing leotard. Her sun-kissed skin further played up the alluring stereotype of the amazon warrior. One would immediately recognize her as a Hellenic goddess with such a prominent style, with which would increase Naruto's standing by showing his ability to recruit such a person.
To remain true to her background Artemis had chosen a simple yet short white robe that was held together with a golden clasp that went over one shoulder and left the other uncovered. Over the sides of her cheeks and forehead was a steel headdress that was iconic to her legend. Different to her usual ponytail, Artemis had chosen to allow her peach locks flow freely down her chest and back. She had chosen to wear a simple set of sandal-like shoes that appealed to her foreign roots.
Artemis, despite being new to the devil culture, understood the meaning behind her master's plan and stood proudly to defend his honor. The look of determination she offered was one that brought great satisfaction to Kushina in her son's stead.
Behind Artemis was Haku who acted as the youngest member of their entourage. The girl had made her preference clear from her usual attire that she enjoyed traditional Japanese outfits. So, Kushina had prepared for her a stunning black kimono, embroidered with warm colored roses across the chest and legs, with a pink inset cloth that peeked from her neckline and long sleeves. Pinned in her dark hair was an elaborate decoration that held the pinned up bun behind her head together.
No matter where Naruto chose to go or what he planned to do, Haku had made her intentions very clear that she would support him. With a composed yet gentle stance Haku was prepared to infiltrate the party with utmost success.
Tsunade, with her rather large bosom and foreign shade of blonde hair, found herself in a mix between Fuka's show of skin and Kyuubi's formality of attire. Clad in a shining lavender dress that fell to the floor, the biggest appeal was the low V-shape that revealed almost the entirety of her chest and had the straps hold precariously over her shoulders to her open back. Simlarly to Kushina's, she had slits cut on either side to show off her well defined legs, as well as make it easier for her to maneuver in case she needed to.
Easily the strongest in his peerage in terms of raw strength, the ex-saint looked simply captivating now. With devil magic fueling her now, Tsunade had been able to keep up her youthful appearance and had accentuated it that night with lipstick and eyeshadow. She may not have been in the mood to stand around a bunch of haughty devils, but she made sure to give them a show they would not soon forget.
"We are ready, Naruto," Kyuubi said, marking their arrival.
Kushina's devilish grin had returned as she looked over the assembled girls. These servants of her house would be perfect representatives to show those fools waiting for them just how unprepared they really were to handle the Mammon.
Her eyes drifted back to her son, who was at the moment completely enraptured by the women in front of him. Naruto would be the one to clinch the deal with the blood of Mammon flowing through his veins. Whatever performance he offered the devils that night with Riser, she knew that no one would question the place of their house.
"Shall we go, my love?" Kushina whispered tenderly into his ear. Her hand cradled the side of his head, gently rubbing his whisker marks.
Naruto escaped from his idle thoughts with her call. She saw his eyes narrow with purpose as he revealed the slip of paper with the proper magic circle inscribed.
It was time for the Mammon to crash the waiting ceremony.
In the Phenex ballroom, Akeno and the rest of her fellows in Rias' peerage stood around a table and waited for the events to begin. Each had found themselves something to pass the time, whether it be to make idle conversation with the other low-class devils present or to nurse their chosen beverages. For a group of devils that had recently lost a rating game, however, none of them seemed particularly bitter.
Akeno's eyes flickered to her side as she noticed a familiar set of faces approach them in the crowd. In her kimono the queen carefully prostrated herself in welcome as Sona Sitri and her servant Tsubaki Shinra arrived. The other members of the group ceased their idle conversations and similarly welcomed the Sitri heiress and her attending queen.
"Everyone, your performance in the game was quite impressive," Sona said, a rare smile gracing her features. "Despite the results, your progress went well above everyone's expectations."
Her words, though well received by those they were directed to, were words offered to anyone who had lost. Their defeat had been absolute and graceless as much as it pained them to say.
"Thank you for the compliment, but there is no need to be considerate," Akeno responded with soft eyes.
"To be honest, we don't believe its over quite yet," Said Kiba with a smile.
"Definitely not over," Koneko added as she took another sip of juice.
Aika and Asia both simply offered nods in agreement. Sona and Tsubaki hid their confusion well but they had clearly not expected Rias' companions to be in such high spirits.
Akeno noticed their complex stares. "Ufufu~, no need to act so surprised. Rias told us of someone who might indeed come and be her shining knight in armor for tonight's festivities."
"Oh?" Sona raised a brow.
"Well," Aika spoke up with her own opinion on the subject. "Rias-san simply told us that someone had confessed to her prior to the game." She raised a finger to emphasize her point. "Akeno and I, however, came to the conclusion that person would definitely show up! If he's a man, that is."
"I hope he does," Asia said with tears brimming in her eyes. "I don't want to lose Rias-san!"
"He definitely will," Koneko muttered after another sip.
Akeno covered her mouth to stifle another giggle at her compatriot's fiery attitudes. She returned her gaze to Sona and Tsubaki.
"So, as you can see we are rather confident things will not go to plan for Riser-sama this evening," Akeno concluded with the hint of a smirk on her lips.
"If this is the man I believe it to be," Sona crossed her arms and began to smile at the thought. "He will definitely make quite a show."
"I concur," said Tsubaki.
As if on cue the large doors that served as the red carpeted entrance to the room swung open. Everyone in the party turned to greet the new arrivals but were quick to realize they were all faces they did not recognize. That was except for Akeno and the others, who could only smile upon seeing the knight's shining entrance.
"And there is the man of the hour," Sona said under her breath.
"Quite the man indeed," Akeno echoed in agreement. Her tongue lightly licked her lips in excitement.
The festivities had finally begun.
Naruto led his group through the doors with power behind each step. His eyes saw far past what was in front of him as he ignored the mess of devil nobles he cared not to meet. Rias was somewhere in this place and he had no intentions of walking out without her.
The closeness of his mother's body kept him focused as she walked with him, her arms wrapped around one of his. Near him on the opposite side was Kyuubi, as was only appropriate of the queen. The rest of his peerage still remained close to his back and ignored the lecherous intrigue offered by the vast majority of the pompous party goers.
His eyes sifted through the crowd and were relieved to find friendly faces in the sea of strangers. Gently orienting his mother in the new direction he led them over to Akeno and the others. They were offered warm welcomes before they even arrived and if Naruto did not know better it was as if they had been expecting him.
"Hello, everyone," Naruto said, offering them a warm smile. It had been some time since they last met and he had missed them dearly.
His only regret was the one he missed the most was still absent. But their time to be reunited would come soon enough.
"Naruto-kun, welcome," Akeno said, offering him a bow. Her eyes combed over his body and he could see excitement flash across her visage. "You are looking rather handsome in that outfit."
"Thank you, it was my father's." Naruto felt almost unworthy of the haori around him, but he had already decided to prove himself ready with his actions tonight.
"It seems you are now the talk of the party, Naruto-san," offered Sona as he finally took notice of the gossip being whispered around them.
The words on his back had already sparked the rumor mill to explode with the name of his clan on everyone's tongue. It was better they get used to the idea now so that when he truly made his presence known, they would not so easily forget.
"Are these the Gremory girl's peerage, my son?" Asked Kushina. Her eyes passed over them all with great interest.
"Son..." Aika muttered. She leaned over toward the fidgeting Asia. "That's his mom? She's smokin'! Look at all the pervs around here. They are totally checking her out."
"Ufufu~, forgive Rias' pawn's forwardness. May I assume you are Lady Mammon-sama?" Akeno asked in stride. She then bowed her head in respect to Kushina's thoughtful gaze. "I am Rias Gremory-sama's queen, Akeno Himejima."
"Yes, I sense great strength in you," Kushina responded. "You performed well in the game. As did the others."
Naruto gently released his mother from her hold on his arm. "Everyone, this is my mother, Kushina Mammon," Naruto said, bowing his head slightly. "Please treat her as kindly as you have treated me."
Naruto made sure to be on his guard when it came to his mother meeting the others. There was no telling what she could be crafting behind that devilish smile of hers.
"Kushina Mammon-dono, it's a pleasure," said Sona. She bowed her head in respect to the elder devil. "My name is Sona Sitri, heir apparent to the Sitri house of devils."
Kushina shifted her gaze to the bespectacled girl. His mother was sure to take special interest in those of such high positions in the 72 pillars, like the Sitri.
"And the girl behind you, another queen?" Kushina asked as if she already knew. The smile told Naruto she was having fun, though.
"Tsubaki Shinra, queen of Sona Sitri-sama. The pleasure is mine," said Tsubaki.
The rest of Rias' group introduced themselves and were acknowledged in turn. To be able to reunite happily, despite the circumstances, was cause enough for some small celebration.
Naruto's group slowly fell into a similar pattern as Rias' group as they waited for the Crimson Princess to arrive. They all remained rather close to Naruto as they had no interest in mingling with the onlookers. Luckily, the dutiful servants of the Phenex household made their way to the large party and were able to offer drinks and other refreshments to keep his family satisfied for the moment.
Meanwhile, Naruto had decided to speak with Akeno regarding his plans for the evening. His mother, Kyuubi, and the Sitri group chose to listen in as well.
"I was invited here under Sirzechs Lucifer-sama's good graces, but I would have come no matter what," Naruto professed in response to Akeno's question as to the method of his arrival. "Riser won't get away for what he's done to Rias."
"What exactly do you plan to do, Naruto-san?" Sona asked as her tone signaled caution.
"My son will reclaim that which has already been rightfully made his," Kushina said. The confidence she offered them was unshakable and she would surely refuse to hear an argument for anything else. "This Riser Phenex boy has threatened to besmirch the honor of our clan. Naruto will show him the error of his ways."
"So, I suppose you really did confess to Rias." Akeno confirmed their suspicions.
Naruto simply nodded in response. There was little reason to hide that which was a simple fact and one that he was actually proud of.
"The sight of these pompous devils reveling in their seats of power disgusts me," Kushina muttered, her eyes piercing through the crowd. "I am unable to wait for the moment where we can properly put them in their place."
"Mother," Naruto called to her. "Please wait until Riser makes his appearance, at least."
Naruto wanted to avoid her temper flaring since he knew at that point neither of them would be able to hold back their true auras. The reveal would only be made the sweeter if they actually had the guest of honor arrive on time.
"Forgive me for asking, Naruto-kun, but have you already made a plan to defeat Riser?" Asked Akeno, her eyes narrowing. She was obviously concerned about his safety if he had not come properly prepared.
Naruto smiled as he was glad she asked. The fact of the matter was that no matter how he refused to let himself believe he could be beaten by Riser, he was never one to go into a battle without some plan. If anything, he could not afford to make a fool of himself in front of the woman he confessed to.
"To beat a bird you have to close it up in a cage," Naruto said, offering them an allegorical explanation. "To keep it from flying away you chain its leg. I plan to do the same thing with my chains to Riser."
Sona touched her chin in thought. "If I remember correctly, your chains can absorb spiritual energy. Correct?"
Naruto nodded as the others quickly got on a similar track of mind.
"So instead of facing his immortal body, you plan to take away his method to restore himself directly," Tsubaki offered her own hypothesis.
"Yep. A simple plan like that is perfect for me," Naruto said with another smile. "As long as I keep him from using his strongest attacks, I should be fine."
"Yes, I think you may-"
Akeno was interrupted when a loud, booming voice echoed around the hall. Their attentions turned toward the head of the room, where Riser Phenex himself had finally arrived.
"Welcome, everyone!" Riser stood before them with his arms out in greeting. His face still had his trademark smirk plastered upon it as he continued his announcement. "The Phenex family is honored by your attendance tonight."
With his opponent now in front of him Naruto struggled to keep his energy in check. The only thing that stopped him from striking now was his own desire to meet Riser face to face. Needless to say, he had some key words he wanted to get across to the third son of Phenex.
Naruto turned his head to Kyuubi who was just as fired up as him. She hid her excitement well, but he knew she wanted in on the action. Strong opponents were difficult to come by and he knew she would give almost anything to take his place, but this was personal. Still, he had something he needed her to do.
"Kyuubi," Naruto craned his head. "Akeno, I'm going to be relying on you both in a moment. When Rias comes, I'll entrust her safety to you."
The two queens took his order in stride. Kyuubi was somewhat more reluctant but she knew the importance behind Naruto's wish.
"You can safely leave her with us, Naruto-kun," Akeno said with confidence.
"I will remain with her as well," offered Sona, with Tsubaki nodding in turn.
Naruto nodded to them in thanks. His eyes drifted to the rest of his peerage who quietly waited for him to give them similar orders.
"Please, everyone," Naruto said as his eyes wandered past his own peerage and that to Rias'. "Only support me if its absolutely necessary. I want to handle Riser and whatever he throws at me alone."
The faces before them became mixed with different emotions. No doubt they had wanted to play their own roles in the rescue.
"This is for my son's honor," Kushina said, fire burning behind her eyes. She understood his pride more than anyone else there. "He must be the one to take back what is his, as is the Mammon way."
Yuuto was the first to signal his agreement. He quietly summoned his sword but kept it safely tucked at his side. With a bow of his head he made his respect of Naruto's wish clear.
The others similarly made their own preparations but gave him the necessary space. Naruto knew he could rely on all of them if he needed their support, and that was enough for him.
As Riser continued his boasting, Naruto loosened his father's jacket and began to remove it. The clothes his mother offered him were far too excellent to be dirtied in a fight against Riser. Besides, she had provided him with a different uniform for him to make his debut.
"Mother," Naruto addressed her with his father's cloak folded in his arms. "May I entrust this to you? Its time I go."
Kushina offered him a grin filled with what he could only interpret as pride. She offered her arms and he gently placed in them his father's heirloom.
"I must admit, my child, that I have never anticipated the results of a battle as much as I do with this one," Kushina whispered in excitement. "I simply have the chills thinking about it."
"I will bring honor to us," Naruto said as he began to unbutton his vest. "And destroy the Phenex's pride."
In short order he removed the rest of his clothing, much to everyone else's interest. Given their looks of shock with what had been underneath, it seemed they were appropriately impressed. Hidden behind his formal clothes, Naruto had chosen to wear a red bodysuit that was clearly reinforced with a thin layer of plate armor. The inscriptions on it looked rather ancient, even for Devil script, and made it very clear that he had chosen to wear yet another heirloom.
"What is..." Sona's eyes were widened somewhat as she seemed to recognize the outfit.
"This," Kushina said, reverently placing her hand against her son's covered chest. "Is a suit of armor that was once worn by the fifth Maou, Mammon. Since the days of the Great War, I've had it restored."
"With this, I can properly focus and manipulate my daemonic energy," Naruto explained, flexing his arm. "It also supports my natural speed and magical defense."
From their bewildered gazes they had clearly not expected him to have such an ace in his sleeve.
Naruto shrugged. "If Rias is on the line, then I'm not going to hold back anymore."
Riser's voice had somehow managed to increase in volume as they quickly grasped the climax of the party was upon them.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, let me welcome my empress, Rias Gremory!"
Naruto and the others turned to see a familiar Gremory portal appear and usher in Rias' entrance to the party. From out of the light she landed perfectly on her feet in a dress of snow white, embroidered with intricate gold patterns. The look of dissatisfaction she offered to Riser and those present was more than reason enough for Naruto to know he had made the right choice.
Her beauty stole whatever words Naruto had to say, and so all he could do was use his feet to carry him forward. He would head straight toward her at the head of the room, and he would not stop until he had her safely in his arms.
"Here she is, ladies and gentlemen," Riser said, wrapping an arm around Rias' waist. "My Rias Gremory!"
As soon as he uttered the words the air became heavy with a powerful aura. Everyone could easily identify it as a devil's daemonic aura but it was so potent that they struggled to hide their discomfort. The source of said energy release was quickly found as the crowd parted to make way for the young man that had his eyes set for the engaged couple.
Rias' eyes widened as she recognized Naruto from the moment he emerged from the crowd. Now, he stood directly below the platform she and Riser occupied. The grip around her waist was tightened as Riser glared at the man who had interrupted his carefully planned introduction.
"How dare you interrupt my speech! Guards-" At his call, a group of armored men stood between the party crasher and Riser. "Get this man out of my sight!"
With sword and shield the Phenex guards slowly made their approach. Naruto did not show any kind of concern as the daemonic energy that poured off of him began to take physical form around his body. A dozen chains of energy dyed crimson were quickly formed and floated around Naruto, swaying back and forth like snakes ready to strike.
"Get him!" Riser shouted his order a second time beckoning the guards to charge.
Naruto held up his arm and the chains fired out from his body toward the men. Each one hit them with such force that the Phenex guards were sent flying back into the walls. Audible cracks could be heard as the building suffered damage simply from the force of the impacts.
"Bastard," Riser cursed. "Who the hell are you?!"
"Riser Phenex," Naruto finally spoke, his voice heavy. He was barely holding back his anger as he attempted to speak with at least some manner of formality. "You took something very precious of mine. I am here for Rias Gremory!"
Rias blushed in response to his bold declaration as news of it spread around the room. The devils in the crowd ate up this drama with great enjoyment as more whispers picked up.
Riser narrowed his eyes at his choice of words. "What do you-" The Phenex was cut off as one of Naruto's chains launched toward them on the platform.
"Rias!" Naruto shouted, taking another step forward. "Remember one last time what I told you about the Mammon."
The chain, rather than be sent to attack Riser, gently wrapped itself around Rias' waist. One of her hands wrapped around it on instinct, and despite its powerful aura did not pain her to touch.
"The Mammon..." Rias' words started quiet but quickly became louder as she indeed remembered. "The Mammon don't let go." Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as his words came true.
"I promised I would come save you, Rias," Naruto said, his soft tone offering her comfort.
She had it rough after the rating game but he was going to set things straight now. Naruto would not let anyone make her cry anymore.
"Naruto..." Rias whispered, the tendrils of hope wrapping around her voice. Confidence was finally starting to return and reveal the Rias everyone knew and loved.
"What an insolent little devil," Riser muttered to himself before he addressed Naruto directly. "How dare you try and steal my Rias!"
"Its impossible to steal something that's already mine, Riser!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes piercing both Phenex and Gremory. "Rias' heart belongs to me."
With those words so confidently offered, Naruto used his chain to effortlessly lift Rias to her feet. Before Riser or anyone could try and stop him, Naruto retracted his chain back toward him with the Crimson Princess in tow. He easily caught her in his arms and let her gently fall to back to the ground to stand alongside him, in the place where she belonged.
Rias' focus was on no one but him as she placed a gloved hand over his chest. Tears ran fully down her cheeks now and he could tell she was still in disbelief.
"Naruto..." Rias' words came out high-pitched as she fought against her sobs. "You really...you really came for me."
Naruto simply offered her another smile in silent reassurance. In one swift motion he lowered his neck and captured her lips with his own.
Gasps echoed throughout the audience as they watched such a scandalous move carried about by the newcomer.
Riser's loud roar of protest could be heard, but neither Rias nor Naruto paid him any mind. Their eyes were only for each other as the Mammon pulled back from the stunned Gremory.
"How..How dare you!" Riser gathered his magical energy and a pair of wings made of fire appeared on his back.
Naruto reluctantly turned his gaze from Rias back to Riser and built his daemonic energy again. Surrounding his body the living chains returned and seemed ready to leap out and strike.
"Now now, you two," A calm voice echoed from the corner of the ballroom and forced the two fighters to turn and look. In a regal suit of armor an imposing man Naruto could describe as no one else but Rias' older brother began to approach the raised platform where Riser stood. "Let's try and calm ourselves so that we don't destroy the lovely Phenex manor."
"Sirzechs Lucifer-sama," Riser offered with respect, kneeling before him.
"Onii-sama!" Rias exclaimed. She was clearly surprised to see her brother make such a sudden appearance.
Naruto merely offered the man a cautious gaze. There was no telling what the true intentions of one of the most powerful devils in the Underworld was. It was made very clear that given the invitation, Sirzechs expected something of Naruto at the party that night.
If the party had been excited before then with the arrival of Sirzechs the noise only grew louder. People would start to wonder if it was all staged with how the events were playing out so smoothly.
"Riser-kun," Sirzechs addressed the younger man. By the Maou's side was his queen and wife, Grayfia. "Do you wish to know the identity of this young devil?"
In response, Riser narrowed his eyes and flicked them back toward Naruto. There was only a moment of hesitation before he offered a strained nod.
"Then," Sirzechs turned to the crowd and offered them an eager smile. "Let me introduce you all to the direct descendant of the long lost fifth Maou. This boy is Naruto Mammon!"
The activity around Naruto reached a crescendo as words and rumors were passed more fervently. The word of a Maou might as well have been taken as fact so there was no room for error.
"How is that possible?!" Riser shouted, unable to hold his tongue. He turned to Naruto with his anger rising. "The Mammon are supposed to be dead and buried!"
"Then you had the wrong information," Naruto said, narrowing his eyes. "And the thing you need to know about us, is that we don't like to share."
Riser met his gaze with an equally threatening one. Their daemonic auras forced themselves upon each other and made the room insufferable to stand in comfortably.
"I admit to being the one to invite Naruto-kun and his mother to this party," Sirzechs said unabashedly. "I wanted to both welcome the Mammon back to devil society and create some fine entertainment for my sister's engagement."
Naruto was starting to catch on to Sirzechs plan, as was Riser. Rias' hand pressed harder against his chest as she began to connect the dots as well.
"As fun as the rating game was to watch, considering how unbalanced it was, I was left...wanting," Sirzechs said with a shrug.
Riser's dissatisfaction with the night's events showed on his face. He was struggling not to speak out of turn as things continued to fail to go his way.
"So, you mean to..." Riser muttered as he figured it out.
"Naruto-kun has made his feelings concerning Rias very clear, so I believe a one on one match between Phenex and Mammon will be a perfect way to settle things," Sirzechs announced his plans to the crowd eliciting an outcry of opinions that ranged between for and against.
"Onii-sama, please don't!" Rias pleaded for her brother to listen.
"I accept the challenge," Naruto said without hesitation, shocking the girl that stood by his side.
"As do I!" Riser said with similar vigor.
The two young men had their gazes cross and it was made clear this went farther than just Rias. Now, this was a battle of individuals and their pride was on the line.
"Very good," Sirzechs said with a smile. He then turned to Naruto and motioned to him. "Given that I had already volunteered you for this event, I will offer you a single wish. Please, ask for anything you desire."
This was Naruto's chance to literally grasp whatever he wanted from the Underworld. He could have his family's titles and land be restored, or be given an army with which to take it by force. Naruto was sure that if he wanted he could asked for a beautiful wife or several of his own choosing.
But there was only one thing he wanted to happen as a result of his fight. He would see Rias' true smile return that night, no matter what.
"Rias Gremory should be freed of her marriage contract," Naruto declared, eliciting a small gasp from the girl he held in his arms. "That is is all I want."
Sirzechs lips slightly curved upward. Skillfully, the Maou hid most of his amusement as he again addressed the young devil.
"Are you sure that is what you want? I know of your desire for your family to return to the 72 pillars, and that is something I have the power to greatly help along." Sirzechs' offer was something his mother surely wanted him to take, but Naruto had made up his mind.
"With respect, Sirzechs Lucifer-sama, if I were to have my family's titles given back with a wish from a Maou, then it would mean nothing," Naruto said as he tightened his fist in a display of determination. "The Mammon's return to the 72 pillars is something I will earn with my own strength!"
Naruto then looked at Rias, who had been simply enraptured by his words. The strength behind his gaze gave her pause as she struggled to maintain herself.
"And," Naruto continued, turning back to Sirzechs. He gently tightened his hold around Rias' waist. "I will do the same by saving Rias, and proving that I am the only one meant to have her."
This time, Sirzechs allowed himself to smile. "You chose those words well, Naruto-kun," He said, snickering a bit as he did. "I am sure that if you remain together with Rias, she will earn an even redder nickname than before."
At his side, Rias' face had already been alight from a deep blush of embarrassment from Naruto's declaration. With her brother's teasing it was only made worse.
"Without delay, I will transport the both of you to the arena that has been prepared," Sirzechs said.
The crowd began to filter out of the room so that they could have a better look at the proceedings. Those that remained were Naruto and Rias' loyal friends and followers.
"Akeno, Kyuubi," Naruto addressed the two queens as they approached. "I'm counting on you."
"She will be in good hands, Naruto-kun," Akeno said, smiling.
"Don't embarrass me, partner." Despite Kyuubi's tone, he could tell she was teasing.
A magical light began to envelop Naruto as he fell a familiar pull on his body. Rias reluctantly took a step back but refused to let her eyes look away from his.
"Be careful, Naruto," Rias said, as she could not think of anything else appropriate to offer him.
Naruto gave her one last smile. "I'll come back safe and sound, though I can't promise the same for Riser!"
The Mammon heir disappeared into the light and was transported away. Rias' shoulders suddenly locked with great concern now that the blonde was out of her sight.
Another presence appeared next to her.
"Come, my dear," Rias turned to find the source of the gentle voice. She was met by Kushina, who offered her a reassuringly devious smile. "My son would want you to have a front row seat to his victory."
Rias' eyes widened in recognition as she quickly grasped Kushina's identity. Before she could muster any words to respond the older woman had wrapped her arm around Rias' slim shoulders and forced her alongside her.
Those close to them, now with Rias in tow, went to the find a place where they could watch the battle for themselves.
A flood of light appeared upon the stone slab floor of the arena. Floating above the Phenex manor high in the sky, surrounded in magical seals to contain the fighting, the arena had been prepared for this event especially by Sirzechs. Beneath the crimson aurora sky sat the stone Colosseum, each corner formed by a pillar that took the shape of a chess piece.
Naruto opened his eyes as the light disappeared from around him. Whereas he had been spawned on one side, Riser had appropriately been sent to the opposite. The Phenex son had also chosen to fly up to one of the chess pillars to stand atop it for a vantage point.
He looked down upon Naruto with no small amount of scorn. This opportunity to fight was clearly something he had looked forwad to the moment Naruto had made himself known.
Funny how their minds were along the same lines.
"I'll make sure there's nothing left of you to bury after this!" Riser shouted as he sprout flamed wings from his back. There was nothing left to say between them—it was time for their fists to take over.
Let's see just how strong you are, Phenex!
Naruto drew forth his own wings and flew up into the sky to meet his opponent. Around the Phenex grew a cloak of flames that licked the air as he sped forward. Similarly, Naruto's daemonic shroud became visible again as a deep crimson energy washed over him and coated his armor.
Fists out, the two of them met and exchanged blows to the cheek. The sheer force behind each of their strikes was powerful enough to send the both of them flying backward to opposite ends of the arena.
Before he hit the boundary Naruto was able to stabilize himself in midair. He shook his head clear of disorientation and watched as Riser was similarly able to bring himself upright.
Not bad. But I've had worse.
Now that he had a taste of what Riser could do he knew he could go all out and not worry too much about getting hurt. He could not afford to get callous, but if that punch told Naruto anything was that Riser lacked any talent in finesse.
"Come on then!" Riser shouted as he forced himself at Naruto again.
Before he could even cross halfway across the arena Naruto disappeared in the blink of an eye. Riser did not have the time to be shocked as the Mammon appeared again—directly in front of him. Naruto reared back his fist and sent an energy-infused jab directly into Riser's open stomach. The hit was so powerful that Naruto's visible energy shot out from the other side of Riser's body, traveling directly through him.
"Gah!" Riser doubled over onto Naruto's arm, releasing spittle from his mouth.
Naruto took a lesson from Kyuubi and followed up one devastating strike with another. With his other arm's elbow, he slammed it down upon the center of Riser's open back and sent him flying down into the ground. The stone floor shook from the impact and kicked up dust from the deafening impact.
Energy built up around Naruto as he formed more chains around his body and launched them down at Riser's prone form. With his bodysuit, Naruto's ability to concentrate his energy had increased to the point that he could form chains from his daemonic energy and use them just as he would if he had created them via a spell circle.
With these he would sap Riser's spiritual energy and take him out of the battle in an instant.
The crimson chains forced themselves around Riser's body and lifted him up into the air. The Phenex's eyes were forced open as he felt the pain of his energy being ripped out of his body. Not long after the drain had started, Riser built up another cloak of flames with a release of his aura.
"Roaaah!" With a spirited roar Riser was able to force the chains off his body.
Naruto allowed the chains to dissipate and observed his opponent. The absorption had not been for long, but Naruto could see the telltale signs of fatigue start to wash over Riser.
"I have to tell you, very few people can push the chains off their bodies," Naruto said, offering him a compliment. "But, you already look tired from the amount of energy I took."
Riser merely narrowed his eyes as he forced himself to stand at full height. Somehow he managed to stop panting and started to build up his aura again.
"You can have your tricks!" Riser exclaimed as both his hands started to build magical energy. "I'll show you the real strength of the Phenex!"
In one hand, Riser had built a large fireball which he first threw in Naruto's direction. That in itself was not particularly threatening, but Naruto quickly identified the second swirling ball of motion in Riser's other hand as a gust of condensed wind. When he threw it, the speed of the wind allowed it to quickly catch up with the fireball.
Aerokinesis and Pyrokinesis: a Phenex clan specialty!
Naruto drew his arms together in front of him in defense. His aura built up too in order to help him stomach the blow.
The fireball, with the wind now affecting its shape, turned the sphere into a full whirlwind of powerful flames that extended all the way to the top of the arena's ceiling. This deadly combination attack quickly enveloped Naruto as he was engulfed inside of a wall of fire.
"Naruto!"
"Naruto-kun..."
Rias and the others reacted to the brutal attack as they watched from the Phenex estate's balcony. With the dreaded flames of Riser taking up the entire screen, they were unable to ascertain Naruto's safety.
The Gremory heiress reacted the worst as her hands tightened around the railing. She could only think of Naruto getting hurt because of her, because she had failed to defeat Riser in the Rating Game. If she had just been stronger than Naruto would never have had to sacrifice himself like this.
Akeno stood near her friend and master but was unable to say anything to comfort Rias. Not even her resolve was able to remain unshaken as the queen nervously turned back to the screen, hope fading from her eyes.
On Rias' other side was Kyuubi who had gotten more and more tense as the battle continued. Her arms were crossed and if one looked closely they could see her fingers digging into the skin of her arms. She had her teeth barred as she barely held back her discontent.
"Have more confidence in your king!" Shouted Kushina, forcing everyone to turn to her.
The matriarch of the Mammon had been standing rather quietly as she watched the fight proceed. She showed little concern to the current state of things which some might have interpreted as lack of interest or care for her son's health. The fire one could see in her eyes now as she addressed Naruto's comrades quickly proved that assumption wrong.
Kushina, as her son's first trainer, knew his strength better than anyone else. The little magic that Riser had summoned was of no concern to someone of her son's level, and she made it clear to the others that she knew that fact very well.
The strength behind her words forced Rias and the others to steel themselves for the rest of the fight. They turned back to the screen and noticed the fire was starting to dissipate.
Everyone leaned forward in an attempt to see whether the growing shadow that remained after the attack was Naruto or not. There was something obstructing the offered view, but there was definitely something left over from the fire attack.
Kushina's smile began to widen as everyone felt a great release of daemonic energy overcome them. For it to stretch past the arena and reach them at the mansion below spoke volumes of its potency.
"This is the true power of the Mammon!" Kushina declared.
"Haha! You were too weak after all!" Riser gloated over what he believed was his victory.
As the fire dissipated, he realized something was very wrong as he could sense Naruto's aura had only increased since the last he felt it. Now he could see what was left of the area scorched by his inferno and could only shake with rage to see the Mammon was unharmed.
Naruto stood in the same place that he had occupied when the attack had first reached him. All around him were chains that had formed a sort of cage around where the fire had reached. With his chains he had directly absorbed the magic of the attack and prevented it from getting anywhere close enough to wound him.
"Damn you!" Riser exclaimed, another fireball being built up in his hands.
He threw the large burning sphere straight at Naruto. Rather than dodge, Naruto simply allowed it to get closer before he slapped it away with the back of his hand. The magical attack slammed into one of the boundary pillars, shattering the stone and causing a large explosion to rock the battlefield.
"Something as weak as that won't work on me, Riser!" Naruto bellowed out his challenge.
Riser seemed to shrink in on himself as his attack failed to reach Naruto. With his weakness written all over his face, Naruto decided it was time to go on the offensive. Naruto disappeared and reappeared next to the Phenex with the use of his sacred gear's seal. The opening blow was a devastating jab that sent Riser's head flying back, his jaw shattering from the impact.
Naruto did not let up and continued to brutally beat into Riser in a one-sided melee. Of course, every hit Naruto inflicted on Riser was immediately restored by his clan's special body, but the Phenex was unable to lift his arms in defense from the viciousness of the attacks.
"Take this!" Naruto forced all of his strength into one arm and sent it straight into Riser's shoulder.
The strength of Naruto's blow literally disintegrated Riser's arm, thanks in no small part to the potency of his daemonic aura. Naruto followed it up with a similar strike on the other arm, leaving Riser without anything to defend himself. Before he could manage to restore those arms of his, Naruto took hold of Riser's dazed head with both hands and forced it down upon his armored knee.
The crack that echoed was said to have been heard clearly even by the spectators far down below, removed from the arena.
Naruto thought he could make out some noises he could only assume was Riser struggling to say something, but he ignored them as he sent another punch into Riser's vulnerable chest. The jab sent Riser flying backward and this time made him fly straight into one of the chess pillars, shattering the stone from the impact's force.
With Riser now on the ropes, both physically and mentally, Naruto decided to end it and created more chains around his body. With his arm extended he sent them flying out at alarming speed as they quickly picked up the Phenex's broken body and tore the remaining energy from him.
Somehow, through what Naruto could only write off as sheer determination, Riser was able to open his eyes again and look upon Naruto with sheer fury.
"I..." Riser's voice cracked, unsteady. "I..am Riser Phenex! Third son of the proud Phenex family! I will not be defeated by someone like you!"
With a stubborn howl the Phenex grew wings and began to fly straight at Naruto, ignoring the chains still wrapped about his body.
Naruto in that moment grew to respect Riser more than he had ever believed he could. Despite facing certain defeat, he was still willing to go all out in one last attack.
"If that's how you want it to be," Naruto said, summoning his sacred gear's weapon in one hand and building energy into the other. "Then I'll let you see one last attack of mine. Courtesy of my father!"
Rias and the others observed Naruto's energy buildup with great interest after his declaration of showing off a new attack. Everyone recognized his sacred gear, but the ball of crimson energy he was building up was not so easy to discern.
"Is he...condensing his daemonic energy into a sphere?" Rias asked, her eyes narrowed in thought.
"Not just that," Akeno muttered. "He's added rotation to it."
Kushina leaned against the railing as her excitement reached its peak. If one could see her now they could watch her arms and legs literally shake with weakness.
"My son has finally done it!" She shouted, forcing everyone to look at her. "He's completed his father's signature technique!"
With the energy in his hand successfully built, Naruto flicked his wrist and threw the kunai at the fast approaching Riser. He reappeared directly in front of the Phenex, who could do nothing but watch as Naruto forced the dense, rotating sphere of dark energy into his stomach.
"Rasengan!"
"GAAAH!" Riser choked up blood as he absorbed the full impact.
A great force of momentum was transferred into Riser's body as he was sent flying back again. He flew into one of the boundary pillars and, rather than simply create a crater, he forced the entire stone structure to topple over onto itself from the sheer strength of the daemonic energy-infused hit.
"Naruto Mammon is the winner!" Exclaimed Sirzechs from seemingly nowhere. His voice was broadcast all around the arena and down in the mansion below.
All around Naruto the arena began to shake and rumble as it began to disappear into nothingness. He was forced to bring out his wings again and watched as Riser's body began to fall to the earth. Before his unconscious form could get too far, Ravel, his younger sister flew up and took him into her arms. She leveled a glare at Naruto but offered nothing else to the victor.
Naruto turned back toward the manor and knew it was time to claim his 'prize'. With great speed he flew down and saw a flash of crimson get closer and closer. He quickly recognized Rias and held out his arms to welcome her. The young woman who had brought out her own wings to meet him in air threw herself into his arms and suddenly his chest felt very warm.
"Naruto! Naruto!" She shouted his name over and over, tears streaming down her cheeks, this time from happiness. "Thank you, Naruto!"
Naruto wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the gesture. He held her close and waited for her to calm down.
"That..that performance was absolutely stunning," Rias confessed, she herself out of breath from excitement.
"Thanks," Naruto said as he cradled her head with his hand. He forced her to look up at him and offered another smile. "But, right now none of that matters. I have you in my arms now, Rias, and I'm not letting go."
"..." Rias' smile grew wider as she struggled to hold him tighter.
"You know, I was never able to hear your response since Grayfia interrupted us," Naruto said with a little bit of cheekiness. His eyes looked at her expectantly. "I never got an answer to my confession."
"But..that couldn't be helped..and you know-" Rias started to babble but he just shook his head.
"Why don't we finish what we started?" Naruto suggested with a smirk.
Rias' eyes widened as she turned back toward the manor. Everyone's eyes were still on them as was natural when it came to a loving couple reuniting after a difficult fight.
"But, in front of everyone is...embarrassing. Right?" Rias sounded unsure of herself.
Naruto chuckled as he grabbed her chin. "If you think that's embarrassing, it's about to get a lot worse!"
Without any warning, Naruto captured her lips with his. In front of everyone, Naruto Mammon kissed Rias Gremory and made it clear just who was her chosen lover.
If there was any doubt in an observer's mind, those feelings were quickly squelched as Rias did not push him away. Instead, she pushed back against him with her own strength and wrapped her dainty arms around his neck as the two devils shared a passionate kiss beneath the Underworld's aurora sky.
"Look at them..."
"Without a care in the world."
The Lord and Lady of the Gremory household exchanged words as they gazed upon their daughter kissing the Mammon child. Standing with them on the balcony was none other than Kushina Mammon, his mother, as well as Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia. Together, the older devils looked upon the younger ones with nothing but envy.
Lord Phenex had just recently left them, after thanking Kushina and asking her to extend the same courtesies to her son. The family head believed that with such a crushing defeat his son might have learned some kind of sense of humility—something he sorely lacked before.
"With Naruto-kun's arrival, I wonder if we will have to change the Rookies Four to the Rookies Five," Sirzechs wondered aloud.
"As long as the devils here acknowledge the Mammon as the victors tonight, then that is enough," Kushina said, a satisfied smile splayed across her lips. "For now, at least." She added as an afterthought.
"His dedication to Rias is admirable," Sirzechs said as he continued to observe them in the sky. "How long might it be before it's they who are engaged, I wonder?" He followed up his own rhetorical question with a hearty chuckle.
"I would be open to the idea," Said Lord Gremory as he developed a small grin of his own. "It wouldn't be so bad, having the descendant of a Maou as a son-in-law." Quickly the head of the house adopted his son's laugh.
"I have similar thoughts of your daughter, Gremory-dono," Kushina said, turning to look at her counterpart. "The beautiful Crimson Ruin Princess would offer my son powerful offspring indeed."
"My daughter is headstrong," Lady Venelana confessed. "But, I believe she and your son have the potential to go rather far. I would like to meet him to be sure, though."
"Now now, mother," Sirzechs said in response to Venelana's forward proposal. "There will be plenty of time to interrogate the boy and discover his worth. For now at least, the families of Gremory and Mammon can leave their relationship be."
"For now, perhaps," Kushina offered with a shrug. "But, as far as the Mammon are concerned, the moment he wrapped his chains around her it was grounds for a proposal."
"Oh, quite a simple ceremony for such an illustrious clan," Lord Gremory said with another chuckle.
"We are the Mammon: we take what we want," Kushina said in response.
Her devilish smile made it clear she very much believed in those words.
"Mother, are you...sure this is necessary?"
Naruto was currently in the Underworld, currently inside of his mother's chambers standing across from her. She had invited him back from the human world just a few days after his triumphant defeat of Riser for an important lesson of some sort.
Now, he held a necklace of sorts in his hand that his mother had called a choker. She explained that, as was tradition for Mammon males when they took on potential wife, they were to offer the choker to them for them to wear always to prove that it was a Mammon, and no one else, who owned them. The clan's traditionalist policies were more than a bit possessive, but that was devil society for you—extreme, in comparison to say human standards.
Still, the thought of presenting something like this to Rias seemed out of reach even for Naruto. As much as he would love to see her wear the thing, he knew that it was a pretty big statement to make.
"It's absolutely necessary, Naruto," Kushina insisted as she showed him a chest full of the same chokers that had been passed through the generations. She had told him that when he took on more wives, there were more chokers to give out. "This is an important tradition of the Mammon, and I expect you to follow it."
Naruto looked at the thing and admitted that it was not flashy or gaudy in any sense. The choker was made up of a series of interlocking chains with a single pendant that hung from them, where it would rest right at the base of the woman's neck, that took the shape of the Mammon's swirled crest.
Maybe if I get her in a really good mood she might consider it.
"Fine," Naruto conceded to his mother's wishes. He had to admit that he was excited at the prospect of seeing Rias wear it. "But I can't promise she'll say yes."
"It is...a bit intimidating, isn't it?" Rias said as she looked at the choker now in her hands.
Naruto could only offer her a smile in sympathy as he realized she was saying exactly what he thought she would. Back in the human world now, in the occult research club room, Naruto had gotten a chance to meet with Rias alone. Together, they stood in front of Rias' desk after he told her he had something important to give her. He figured he would not hesitate and simply gave her the choker and proceeded to explain its significance.
Needless to say, Rias was flushed with a new wave of embarrassment.
"You don't have to wear it, Rias," Naruto said with a shrug. He offered her a remorseful gaze. "I told my mother it was too forward, but she was insistent I ask."
Rias' gaze dropped from his and shifted back toward the choker. There was a moment of silence before she looked back at him. Her eyes began to garner an oddly familiar playfulness.
"It is rather beautiful, though," Rias sighed and simply shook her head in defeat. A smile grew in place of her earlier trepidation. "I can't believe I'm saying this but, I will definitely wear it!"
"Eh, but-"
"Rias Gremory does not back down from a challenge!" Rias proclaimed, zealously shedding her uniform's ribbon collar so she could properly unbutton the top of her shirt.
Naruto could only watch in silent awe as Rias finished unbuttoning the top of her shirt so that she could have full access to her neck. With a bit of fumbling, she was able to figure out how to put on the choker and let it lock into place tightly about her neck. One of her fingers ran itself over the Mammon's crest that now sat upon her neck, her eyes distant as she thought of something.
"You look stunning, Rias," Naruto could think of no other way to describe it. The pride that swelled in his chest was irreplaceable.
Rias blushed as she realized just what the pendant signified, but she made no move to hide her new accessory. Instead, she went to sit down on the couch and invited Naruto to join her. He did so and gladly came closer as she motioned him to.
"Come here, Naruto," Rias patted her lap. Her eyes softened under his unsure gaze. "Let me do this, for you."
Naruto's caution disappeared and was replaced with a smile. He let himself spread out on the couch and laid so that he could look directly up at Rias, the woman he had fallen in love with. In clear view was the choker that Rias almost seemed to wear with pride now.
The warmth of her lap was particularly calming and he felt like he was being lulled to sleep. He felt Rias' hands begin to softly massage his scalp and play with his wild blonde locks. With such a nice feeling, he let Rias disappear beneath his eyelids as his body began to grow heavy with sleep.
"I love you, Naruto," Rias whispered tenderly in his ear as she continued her ministrations. "Very, very much." Her voice was full of joy.
Naruto's smile grew just a little bit wider. "Mm, I know."
Naruto knew that his struggles were just beginning. He still had to fulfill his promise to his mother and return the Mammon to the 72 pillars. There were more pieces for him to expand his family with, too. And it went without saying that there women with feelings he had to properly respond to sooner or later.
But...
Right now, Naruto was happy to be right here. There was nowhere else, in fact, that he would rather be than in the lap of his beloved Rias.
Naruto fell asleep with that same smile on his lips.
Those dress descriptions were difficult for a guy like me. I hope you were at least able to form an idea of what they looked like in your heads, since I plan on reusing them for similarly formal scenes!
This felt like a great ending to the first arc! Let me know what you thought and always keep your eyes on that chart on my profile, if you don't mind spoilers.
Next up is Naruto's Rook: Ronin!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Highschool DxD