Free as a bird, in love with a cat

He was Rias' twin brother that disappeared into the world in order to gain what he couldn't in the Underworld. More than half a decade later he returned to help her and others with the current situations that have appeared surrounding Kuoh

~Chapter 14~

The next day Rias along with her Peerage could be seen standing in the backyard of Naruto and Kuroka's home each of them outfitted in their own sporting clothes.

Both Issei and Kiba could be seen wearing a tracksuit.

Rias, Akeno and Asia were wearing trackpants but with a t-shirt instead of a jacket like the two boys.

Koneko was the only one who was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

Standing in front of them were both Naruto in Kuroka. The former was outfitted in a sleeveless white shirt with blue striped on it that allowed them to gaze at his muscled arms. Much to Issei's displeasure as he watched the girl with the exception of Rias gain a slight tinge of pink on their cheeks. Added to it he wore white shorts and white sport shoes.

Next to him Kuroka wore clothes that were much more appealing much to his viewing pleasure. She was wearing a black crop top that stopped just underneath her breast and showed off her toned stomach with tight black shorts and white shoes like Naruto. Her Nekoshou features on full display made her look more exotic to his eyes.

''Alright!'' He clapped his hands together getting them to pay attention and snap Issei out of his perverted trance. ''It's good to see that you are all here like i asked yesterday. Now, before we begin has any of you already undergo any sort of training?'' He asked the group before him.

He wasn't very surprising as only Kiba raised his hand from all of them before him. He had seen the skill the blond had with a sword during a couple of kendo matched he had watched of him and some other students. Despite that he couldn't help but be a tad bit disappointed as aside of him no one raised his or her hand.

''I see that's a bit disappointed. Expected but also disappointed.'' Rias lowered her head slightly as she listened to her brother's words. She knew it was quite embarrassing that she hadn't started any training with any of them. She herself hadn't really bothered with training either since she started school despite knowing that it would bite her in the ass when the event with Riser would come up.

Koneko would usually just rely on her strength that she gained from the Rook piece to pummel her targets. She didn't really have a specific move set while fighting and relied on her instincts and hoping the first hit would be enough to stun her opponent.

Akeno, her Queen was powerful. She knew it, Akeno herself knew it and her brother knew. The problem was that she didn't show it as it was power she inherited from her father who she hated with passion.

Then there were her two newest pieces, Asia and Issei. Asia who with her Sacred Gear gave her the ability to become her team's healer and Issei who held the Boosted Gear. One of the 13 Longinus Sacred Gears.

She really should've at least started training Issei. She remembered when they found out he didn't even have high enough magic reserves to activate a teleportation circle. Naruto himself had mentioned that he could see untold potential deep inside of him. It was just that it was being pushed down due to his perverseness which -she glanced at him and saw that he was focused on Kuroka's chest- was true.

''Issei!'' Said boy was snapped out of his trance as he heard his Buchou call his name. ''Pay attention.'' She scolded him and he nodded his head to her words which earned Rias a thankful smile from her brother.

''Okay, i want each of you with the exception of Issei and Kiba follow Kuroka.'' Akeno and Asia did what they were told and walked over to the

''Can i ask why?'' Rias asked as she noticed the conflicted look Koneko sported.

''Sure. You see both of you and Akeno are long ranged fighters and i bet if anything that you two lack any sort of close quarter combat training which Kuroka can provide. For Koneko she can give her tips and help her with her fighting style that will take advantage of her strength as a Rook. As for Asia.. well she's there to heal any wounds you'll no doubt end up getting from Kuroka. Don't worry we have something planned for her but as the main damage dealers we are going to start with you first.''

They seemed to accept his reasoning, even Koneko did as Kuroka led them to the away from him.

''Oh by the way Rias?'' He called out making her stop and turn around.

''Yes?''

The air around them grew serious.

''Don't underestimate Kuroka. I'm serious as she will toy with you. Her hand to hand combat skill is better than mine so if you want to come out alive take her serious from the start. There's a reason they had branded her a SS rank criminal as she will make quick of you.'' Rias wanted to argue and call a bluff but the serious look in her face caused her to stop. She knew her brother was stronger than her. Shuddering as she remembered when he had let his power wash over her and made her almost collapse then and there. So she settled on nodding her head before catching up with the others.

''Are Buchou and the others going to be okay Naruto-senpai?'' Issei asked having heard their conversation.

He nodded at him. ''As long as she takes what i said serious and won't play around she will be. That doesn't mean she will get out unscathed or anything.'' He shook his head. ''No that's impossible but with Asia there she won't have any permanent injuries or the likes.''

He walked up to Issei before looking him up and down. A frown marring his face as he circled the younger boy. Issei kept quiet despite feeling uncomfortable under his gaze as he stopped in front of him once more

''Issei i want 100 push-ups from you while i'm going to start with Kiba over there.'' He said shocking the boy.

''What! Why?'' He exclaimed in pure horror as he heard what Naruto wanted from him.

''Because.'' Naruto grasped his arm and squeezed. ''You have barely any muscles. Did you know that if you train your body more you will be able to use your Sacred Gear better? It allows your body to handle more power before straining. Not to mention that girls love boys with muscles on them. I mean you saw Akeno's blush didn't you? '' He said with a smile on his face and his eyes closed. Opening them he saw that Issei was nowhere to be found before he looked down where he saw the boy doing push-ups like his life depended on them. He knew that the boy needed some proper motivation and by knowing how his mind worked it was easy to give him an incentive to train.

'Good. Now what about you.' He stopped a few feet before Kiba who looked at him curious as to what he had planned.

''Le Fay!''

Sitting in the shadow provided by the trees away from them was Le Fay who could be found reading a book about elemental spells and improve them. Hearing her name called she looked up from her book and saw her King looking at her expectantly. Understanding what he wanted she put the book down, placing a bookmark to remember where she was stopped before grabbing the two bokken that were laying next to her.

Naruto smiled as he watched the younger girl making her way towards him carrying a pair of bokken. Ruffling her hair as he thanked her he took the bokken out of her hands before throwing one over to KIba. Catching it he watched as the boy played around with it a bit. Giving it a few practise strikes.

''You like? They are a bit heavier than regular bokken as i didn't like how light they felt. Stopping what he was doing he turned to face Naruto and nodded before watching as Naruto slipped into a defensive stance.

''During my travel i have gotten quite a bit of help when it comes to sword fighting. I'm not a master by any means but i should be able to hold my ground against you with little to no problem.''

Kiba didn't reply to his words as he got into an offensive stance. Issei paused doing his push-ups in favor of watching the fight play out before him curious at Naruto's skills. He wasn't disappointed as he saw Kiba kick off at speeds he could barely even see. His head snapped towards Naruto as he heard the sound of wood hitting wood as Naruto deflected Kiba's upwards slash to his right.

Not waiting for him to counter Kiba gave a downwards slash forcing Naruto to use both his hands to defend his attack. Noticing that he had blocked once more he immediately withdrew his bokken before beginning his assault of vertical, horizontal and diagonal slashes, each time forcing him to take a few steps back in order for him to not get it.

Seeing an opening Naruto's hand blurred as he parried his bokken. Caught by surprise Kiba was left open allowing Naruto to lash out with a kick to his chest sending him back a few feet.

Deciding to go on the offensive Naruto kicked off, going fast enough Issei thought he had teleported. Kiba was surprised by his sudden appearance but manage to quickly move his bokken in the path Naruto's bokken occupied successfully intercepting it before jumping back as he realised Naruto had put more power behind his swings that he expected.

Increasing the grip on his sword he prepared himself as Naruto once more appeared before him this time easily deflecting his swing that was aimed for his shoulder before attempting to hit him back but was met with Naruto's own. They both fought for dominance as they struggled against each other. Giving the boy a smile Naruto suddenly disappeared moving at speeds he couldn't quite keep up and appeared behind him. Noticing it too late Naruto elbowed him in his back sending Kiba tumbling forward.

Recovering himself he held his weapon in front of him while taking a few deep breaths as he felt the slight stinging from where he was hit while frowning. The speed Naruto had just used was faster than he was able to see which was surprising considering he was used to fast speeds himself given his role as Rias' Knight.

Quickly turning around he managed to block a jab that was once more heading for his back before wincing as he felt Naruto's bokken impact his side. Expecting him to do the same to his uninjured side he prematurely slashed to his left only to be surprised as he was jabbed twice along his spine. The sudden pain made him almost lose his grip on his sword but he managed to recover only for Naruto to smack his bokken against the hands with enough force that made him drop his weapon. Realizing he was now defenseless Kiba tried to reach out only for Naruto to next to him his sword aimed at his throat.

''I win.'' Was all he said as he picked up Kiba's fallen bokken of the ground before walking over to Issei who seemed to have continued doing his push-ups with Kiba following behind. His hands still stinging from the pain. ''I have seen what i need to train you on.'' He suddenly spoke up. ''First thing is to get your speed up. No offense or something but as a Knight i expected you to be able to keep up to me at the speed i used. How are we going to do that? Well thankfully we have Le Fay around whom i will ask later today to design a few weight seals to help you increase your speed. Other than that i have a couple of scrolls around here that will work for you. I noticed you have a sword style but it doesn't really seem to fit you.'' He told Kiba who just nodded at his words. There was no need for him to argue as his words were true. He was Rias' Knight yet he couldn't even keep up with Naruto the second he increased the speed between them. That was unacceptable in his eyes. He was looking forward though as despite some of his concerns regarding Naruto's ability to help them were squashed.

''Now Issei.'' He looked down at the boy whose arms were shaking. ''You can stop what you were doing and take a 10 minute break before i'll get started on you.'' As those words reached his ears Issei's arms gave out. Leaving him face down in the dirt.

''Huh… I'll get us something to drink.'' He said as he walked off leaving the two behind.

Rias was panting hard as she frantically looked around. Near her both Akeno and Koneko were groaning in pain on the floor. Their limbs twitching every now and then. The reason for the state she and her friends were in was because Kuroka had utterly trashed them.

Even now she could hear her mocking laughter as she did her best to find her in her dazed state. She had no one to thank but herself for the condition she was in. Even with her brother warning her to take it serious from the start and that she was better and hand to hand combat she ignored him, despite saying she wouldn't. And now she was paying the price as she did her best to stand up as every part of her body screamed in pain, telling her to give up.

What she learned from the beatdown they suffered was that Kuroka was an absolute monster when it came to close quarter combat. She could easily see why they had placed an SS-ranking on her after the event in the Underworld. She was faster than her own Knight, Kiba. Her punches packed more power than Koneko did even with her just playing with them. Naruto had informed her that she more than a match for them and told her that even before he reincarnated her she was already worthy of High-class when it came to strength and speed and she had definitely proved so. It made her wonder what she might've been had she not killed her King. Well she wouldn't have Koneko then as it was due to Kuroka's action she had received her cute Rook.

She also learned that her brother was right when he said she was weak when it came to hand to hand combat. She nor her two friends were able to lay a single finger on her due to her being more agile than them. Most likely due to her Nekomata heritage as she had skillfully dodged their attempt by bending her body in all sorts of angles.

She was snapped from her thoughts as Kuroka suddenly appeared before her with an amusing grin on her face. ''Well Red, are you ready to give up nya?'' She asked Rias who weakly glared at her with her hair and clothes disheveled.

Hearing her not reply Kuroko shrugged her shoulders which did interesting things with her chest before she disappeared from her view. She was glad Issei wasn't here as he would no doubt end up getting distracted by her outfit to fight back. She felt her reappear behind her. ''Damn it.'' Rias managed to mutter before her vision went black as Kuroka had knocked her unconscious. Kuroka took time to admire her work as she gazed at the three unconscious bodies before her. Her eyes softening and a smile formed as her eyes landed on her sister's smaller body.

Naruto had informed her that Rias would help with bettering her relationship with her little sister. It was either she accepted that stipulation or she was on her own. She felt her heart flutter at how thoughtful he was towards her. Perhaps she would reward him later tonight? She wanted to start repopulate her race and the quicker the better. Her thoughts turned more perverse as she began to giggle.

Away from her Asia looked at Kuroka with fear. She had just watched her dispatch Rias, Akeno and Koneko with ease and was now giggling? Perhaps she went crazy? Deciding to not continue with those thought she carefully made her way towards her fallen comrades, starting with Akeno who was closest to her and began using her Sacred Gear to heal her. Just as she was about to reach down she stepped on a twig making her stop as Kuroka paused her giggling. Turning to where the sound came from Kuroka spotted the former nun who looked at her with slight fear. She had completely forgot about her even being there but much to Asia's relief she paid her no mind which allowed her to get started on healing her comrades.

''Nngh.'' The sound of Rias' groans were heard a few minutes later as she slowly opened her and saw Asia leaning over her. Trying to sit up she immediately had to bite the inside of her mouth to stifle the shout of pain she wanted to release as she felt hurt all over. Glancing around she spotted the somber looks of her Queen and Rook and knew they were disappointed by the one sided beatdown they received.

''Hoh, you are awake nya?''

''Don't give me that look.'' Kuroka said as she saw her glare. ''It's not my fault i'm better than you.'' She teased her.

''Can you walk?''

Rias kept her gaze on Kuroka for a moment before she tried to move her arms to support her. The moment she put any weight on them she winced and almost fell if it wasn't for Akeno's help. Giving her Queen a thankful smile she was able to stand up with her help while leaning her body on hers.

''Great~ Now let's return and see how Naruto-kun is doing nya!'' She headed towards the direction she could sense him with the others following her.

''Boost'' They all heard as they neared their position. As they came closer they came across the scene of Issei and Naruto standing a couple of feet away from each other. Not too far away from the two they spotted Kiba sitting in the shade next to Le Fay as he looked at the two intently. Curious as to what Issei's is capable of.

Issei was off. He moved towards Naruto as quick as his legs could carry him and his fist cocked back. Naruto looked at him unimpressed as Issei neared him. The boy was very slow and he would ask Le Fay to make some weight seals for him as well as he would definitely need a speed boost for him to become useful in any fights. The closer Issei got the more unnerved he became as Naruto just stared at him. Despite not showing any emotion on his face he could practically feel his disappointment as he seemed to inspect him. Then, when he got close enough he lashed out. Aiming his armor covered fist at Naruto's face with the intent of hitting it. He along with the other onlookers were surprised as instead of dodging Issei's fist made contact with his face. They were once again surprised as instead of him being launched back due to the hit his face only snapped to the left.

''Hmm, i'm going to have to put you through the same weight training as Kiba it seems.'' He spoke unbothered by the fist that was still pressed against his cheek.

''H-how?'' Issei stammered as he watched Naruto move his fist back like nothing just happened.

''How? Easy,'' He suddenly took a step forward slipping into Issei's guard. ''You need to train your base strength as you're now is not capable of holding enough power inside you to damage me.'' He lashed out with his own fist. Spit flew out of his mouth, his eyes were closed as he felt Naruto burry his fist into his stomach as he slumped down to the ground.

''Issei!'' The worried shouts of Rias and her peerage got Naruto's attention and he looked to see his sister along with the rest watching. He gave a wave to Kuroka as it seems she had her fun judging by the state his sister and her friends were in.

''Look Issei,'' He bent down slightly so his face was hovering above the wheezing boy. ''You're weak. The only way you managed to incapacitate that fallen a few weeks ago was because she was arrogant and underestimated you. I like to think i'm neither of those and showed you just the difference in power between us. I know you have a thing for my sister but do you think she wants you the way you are now? Devils like power and at the moment you have none of it. You have potential, yes. But that's just that. That's not even to say that i would even let you close to her the way you are now.''

Naruto moved his face to look up at the sky.

''I don't hate you or anything Issei. It's just that you're too weak to protect her the way you currently are. If you get stronger i have no doubt Rias will eventually be drawn to you. Both because you'll be stronger but also because you care a lot about your friends which are some very admirable traits. However,'' His voice turned serious as he looked right into his eyes. ''Each time i'm looking at you all i see is wasted potential. So unless you're able to stop thinking with your dick and focus on getting stronger i'm not even going to bother with you.''

Having said his part Naruto headed inside, not bothering with greeting Kuroka or his sister.

An awkward silence settled over the field as nobody spoke up. They had only managed to catch the last part of his speech but from the way Issei was staring at the sky whatever Naruto must've told him had effect.

''I uh, i'm going to check up on Naruto-kun.'' Kuroka said to Rias and the rest before she hurried her way after him. Once they were the only ones left Rias along with Akeno and Koneko made their way over to where Issei was lying.

''Issei-kun, are you alright?'' Rias asked.

She frowned as he didn't reply.

''Issei, what did he do?''

No reply.

''I bet that whatever he said wasn't true, right?'' She asked once more.

Seeing him still not replying she was about to speak up before Issei moved his head and locked eyes with her.

''Buchou, am i… am i weak?'' He asked her in a defeated tone.

''What! No of course not, i mean compared to previous Red Dragon Emperor you are but you, uhh..'' She began to stammer as Issei listened on.

''So Naruto was right, i am weak.'' Issei muttered which wasn't missed by Rias.

''My brother said that? How dare he i will-'' She was stopped as Issei raised his hand.

''Don't Buchou, you know he's right.'' Issei said with a frown. ''He told me he wasn't going to bother training me until i stop thinking with my dick and use my brain instead…'' His frown disappeared suddenly as he pushed himself up. His eyes were filled with determination as he looked at her. ''But i won't let his words stop me. I will prove to him that i can be serious so i can make both him and you proud Buchou!'' Issei exclaimed with resolve running through his veins. Rias couldn't help but smile at the words her Pawn said. It seems that sometimes harsh words to give result.

Closing the door behind her Kuroka entered her home as she tried to look for Naruto. Closing her eyes for a second she could sense he was in the living room and made her way there.

A frown marred her beautiful face as she saw Naruto sitting on the couch with a frown. His hands rubbing his temples while his eyes were closed. His eyes snapped open however as he felt a sudden weight on his lap. There, sitting sideways on his lap was Kuroka.

''Hey.'' He greeted her. Instead of replying Kuroka rested her head against his shoulder.

No sound was heard aside from the rumbling noise Kuroka was releasing as Naruto ran his hands through her dark hair.

''You think i was too hard on him?'' He asked her after a moment.

''Mhm.'' Kuroka mumbled something before she moved her head slightly outwards. ''I don't know. We only managed to catch the last part of what you told him so it's hard to say.''

''Oh…'' Was all he replied with. I guess i can tell you what i told him, heh.'' He chuckled dryly. ''I pretty much him that he was weak. That i would never let him get close to Rias like he currently is. Weak and a pervert with a dream of having a harem. At the moment he's no different from Riser.''

Kuroka just hummed at his words as he felt something wet touch his neck.

''Are you…'' The words died in his mouth as he felt her bite into his neck. It didn't hurt or anything. Oh no quite the opposite in fact as he shifted his weight around and pushed her down, her back touching the cushions as he looked hungrily down at her.

''Teasing me are you?'' He asked as her own golden looked at his. Instead of replying she wrapped her slender arms behind his neck before pulling him down, her lips pressing against his. Naruto moaned as Kuroka ravished his mouth with her tongue. In response he trailed his fingers over her stomach making her writhe in pleasure. He slipped his hands underneath her top causing Kuroka to break to kiss in order to release a moan as she felt his hands knead her breast.

Before they could go any further however they were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Both turned and glared at who dared to interrupt them only for the glare to be replaced by embarrassment as they spotted Rias standing there with her peerage. Rias and Koneko looking away with blushes on their face not interested in seeing their siblings exchanging saliva with one another. Kiba, Asia and surprisingly Issei were all looking down, suddenly more interested in their feet than what was before them. Akeno however was staring hungrily at them as she licked her lips at the scene.

''Ah…'' Was all Naruto said before realizing he still had his hands underneath her top and removed them earning another moan from the Nekoshou. ''So… what uhm what are you all doing here?'' He asked as he scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

''Ara ara, it seems we came in at a bad time didn't we Buchou?'' Akeno asked way too innocently. Kuroka just glanced at the group, a flushed look still on her face.

''Well?'' Naruto inquired as no one seemed to speak up. ''What's up?''

To his surprise it was Issei that took a step forward before he bowed his head. ''Naruto-sempai please don't stop training me! I will do anything you say in order help Buchou.'' He said with his head bowed.

No one said for a moment as they all with the exception of Issei who still had his head bowed looked at him, curious as to what his answer was going to be.

''Anything you say?'' He received a nod.

''Look at me.'' He ordered and Issei complied. Naruto stared at Issei's eyes as if he was trying to find anything. ''Everyday after school you will come here, this also includes saturday and sunday. You will not complain with the training i will give you, if you do you're on your own. Last but not least is that you will stop your acts of perverseness during school. If i hear from a single person you've been peeping on anyone you're on your own. I want you to concentrate on getting stronger and you won't be able to do that when your mind isn't there, got it?''

It took a moment for Issei to process what he was just told but once he did he smiled. ''Thank you Naruto-sempai, i won't disappoint you!'' He exclaimed he looked as if he was about to hug him but a look from Naruto stopped him in his tracks. Instead he settled on his other peerage members.

Kuroka sat up next to him her head resting on his shoulder. ''That was nice of you nya~'' She said as she watched Rias' peerage all chat happily with each other.

''Heh, i guess it was.''

Eventually they quieted down and Naruto clapped his hands to get their attention. ''While this is nice and all i'm curious if you all are staying over for dinner?'' He asked the group. They all looked at each other before turning towards him and nodding.

''Great!'' He exclaimed as he stood up from the couch. ''Then once that's done i'll get Le Fay to place a few weights on both Kiba and Issei. Not to mention that i still need to give you those scrolls with katas for you, Kiba.'' He received a thankful bow from the blond haired boy.

''Uhm Naruto, what is this that i'm hearing about weight seals?'' Rias asked.

''Hm? Oh, they are just simple seals that puts more weight on their limbs, It will help increase their speed as with how Issei currently is he won't really be able to hit anyone really.''

''But he managed to hit that fallen not too long ago.'' Rias countered.

Naruto gave her a flat look. ''Come on Rias, we both know that he only hit her due to her surprise that his Sacred Gear wasn't twice critical but Boosted Gear. But don't worry.'' He quickly added a she saw Issei's downtrodden look. ''With these you're speed will increase tremendously when you'll have your match with Riser. Same goes for Kiba as him being a Knight speed is everything and it's insulting for other Knights that he couldn't keep up with my speed once i got slightly serious.''

After hearing his explanation Rias nodded her head before speaking up once more. ''Ah, could i, or better yet we also receive those weights? The fight between us and Kuroka was… embarrassing.'' She muttered still upset about the beatdown her brothers Queen all of gave them.

''Sure if Le Fay is fine with that.'' He looked at his Bishop who shrugged her shoulders as a sign that she was okay with that. ''Well there you have it simple as that.'' He glanced at a clock that was hanging on one of the walls. ''Though seeing the time me and Kuroka will prepare us some food.'' He began making his way towards the kitchen but stopped as he noticed she wasn't following him. ''Come Kuroka.'' The cat girl pouted before she hopped off the couch and followed him.

''Well,'' Rias began as they were the only ones left. ''Let's make ourselves comfortable.'' She said as she plopped down on the couch with the others following her example. She was looking forward to training with her brother and Kuroka and knew that with their help she would actually stand a chance against her Fiancé Riser Phenix.

End Chapter