A/N: Hi, minna-san! Here comes a furious Serafall and what is the real reasons behind the elders actions. Also Hildegarde will make an appearance as Iris personal maid. It also means the beginning of Naruto's trip to Valhalla.
Story start!
Sitri's territory
Sitri mansion
Serafall never felt herself so angry and furious like she is now. It's enough that those geezers dared to question her Naruto. But they also forbid her to be there and then purposely banished him. Now that is not all, as well. Her oh-so-loving mother dared to negate her engagement with her Naruto!
Serafall has always been a girl that is very emotional and hardly could repress her emotions even in the time of need. She didn't care what others think about Naruto, however she will brought him back and cuff him to her side forever. Strange, that before Serafall met Naruto, she had never been this possessive and protective of someone, well except her Sona-chan of course. Somehow, Serafall knew the moment she looked in young Naruto's eyes, that she need only him and no other males.
Serafall stormed straight to her parents' room and demanded with heatedly.
"How do you explain your actions, mother?!"
Ms. Sitri glanced at her daughter confused and asked back. "What do you mean, dear? Also didn't you tell us that you will return only tomorrow?"
Serafall narrowed her eyes dangerously at her mother and spat. "Don't you dare to play dumb? Who gives you permission to break off my engagement with Naruto?!"
Ms. Sitri narrowed her eyes after her daughters remarked.
"So is that the reason you act so rude?" inquired Ms. Sitri suspiciously then continued. "I did that for your sake, Serafall. That boy is really dangerous. Not only that but he hid the fact that he was created to kill Maous in the first place!-"
Ms. Sitri was about to add something however Serafall interjected loudly.
"I know!... I know about that. I and the other Maous were the one that had rescued him from that hellish laboratory years ago after all!"
"If so then why-"
Serafall interrupted her again. "Because it's not his fault he ends up like that! When we went there we've already had the information about the laboratory of creating "Project Ultimate" to overthrow us. We even knew how dangerous it will be to leave someone like that alive. But!... When I put my gaze on him the first time, I saw nothing but a huge amount of endless pain that he is trying to endure with his empty sapphire eyes. None of us have the heart to end the life of someone like that"
Ms. Sitri looked at her daughter with surprise. She rarely saw her open up this much before. Normally she acts like super hyper child, but never this sincerely and with so much emotion put in it.
"Then somehow I could see something else in the eyes on that eight-year old boy. Something that drawn myself to him immediately. The moment I accidentally hugged him, I felt like I don't want to let go of him. The interesting thing is even now I didn't know what drawn me so much too him from those blue orb of his" Serafall recalling it with nostalgic smile.
Ms. Sitri just looked at her daughter's happy expression silently.
"Those idiots of the elders must still suspect that Naruto works secretly for those rebels. However I assure you that he is not. I am saying this not because I have sympathy to him, but because the time that I spent near him is a proof enough"
"Even if you say that Naruto's already done something that will mark him forever as a traitor" interject Ms. Sitri and made her way to her bed and sat on it with a sigh.
"What do you mean, mother?" demanded Serafall with wide eyes in shock.
"This news has been spread like wild fire. It was said that some devils from the noble clans were sent to end his life approximately by the elders. Naruto massacred all of them. None of them returned" informed Ms. Sitri with grit teeth.
"Why the heck Naruto is being declared a traitor if those idiots came to him by their own?" inquired Serafall incredulously.
"It's true that Naruto has no obligation whether to spare them or not. However according to Sirzechs-kun, none of them possessed a threat to him. They were far below his level. He could gave them a beating of their lives then release them. But due to unknown reason, Naruto slaughtered them all in the most gruesome way. Just so you know, it's Sirzechs-kun himself made that decision" explained Ms. Sitri looking dead at her daughters widened eyes.
"Now you see, that's why I advice to forget about Naruto, the same boy the you rescued. Right now, he is our number one enemy!"
"No... No... NO!" Serafall shook her head in disbelief and tried to deny the cruel fact. "It's can't be true! I don't want to be Naruto's enemy!"
"Whether you want or not is not important!" Ms. Sitri raised her voice. "You are Maou! You must think about the safety of Underworld first before anything else!"
"B-but-" Serafall was about to retort, but her mother interjected.
"Open your eyes, Serafall! He chose not spare those devils knowing full well that after that he will become our enemy! Don't you understand it, Serafall! He made that decision on his own will!"
However Serafall refused to listen to her mother. There must definitely be a reason for that. Knowing Naruto this long, she knows that he never did things unreasonable. However she couldn't believe that Sirzechs himself made that declaration.
She is lost now. She didn't know if she should follow her heart and try to return Naruto. Or ignore it and do what she must do as Maou.
"What should I do from now on?" Serafall looked up to the ceiling and asked no one particular.
Ms. Sitri just looked at her daughter with a sigh and left the room, leaving Serafall with her thoughts.
Unknown location
The three elders are currently celebrating the success on their plan. In truth, all elders secretly work for the Old Maou faction. They never liked the Maous and just doing their best to tolerate them. The elders had always plan to rebel and overthrow the current Maous. However they knew that they stood no chances against the so called Super devils like Sirzechs Lucifer and Ajuka Beelzebub. They thought they would never got a chance to get rid of new Yondai Maous. And then Naruto has appeared.
When they heard that Naruto was the being with power that especially created to kill Maous and God, they knew that it is their chance to overthrow Maous. However things became difficult due to good relationship between Maous and Naruto. That is when Diodora inform them very useful information. Using that accuse, they banished him. All of this is so Naruto had to fight the current Maous.
And currently they sit at the table full of delicious food and celebrating the success of their plan.
"I admit that Shalba-sama is brilliant to think out such a plan!" stated Charles, the elder with long white hair and beard. He also wore baggy grey clothes which fit his age.
"Yes, thanks to him, giving us this. That we could control the majority of the devils" stated Miranda, a female elder with gray hair and yellow dress. She is looking at the ring of dark green color on her index finger. The ring has a shape of the snake head holding the dark green gem in its jaw. It was not any ordinary. It's the ring of Advari, which has an ability to influence the thoughts of others without them knowing it. Miranda had used this ring to change the thoughts of the devils, which were present on the trial. Obviously this ring won't be able to affect those who have strong will.
"However could that Ultimate really posses a power to stand up to Yondai Maous?" Eric, the third elder was a bit in doubt. Because he knew how powerful the current Yondai Maous are.
"Don't worry, Eric. We don't need him to win against Maous, but enough to weaken them so the Shalba-sama could end them at once" assured Charles with a cocky smirk.
Eric's smirk widen as well, realizing the true purpose of their plan.
"However I could still not believe how naive that Sirzechs is" scoff Eric with a shake of his head. "He actually gave us the authority to rule Underworld"
"Well, I admit that he is naive. But why are you complaining? Because of that naivety that our plan works out smoothly" stated Charles and took a sip from his wine.
"True" nodded Eric in agreement.
"But what are we gonna do with the massacre matter?" wondered Miranda feeling a bit worry. "It's clearly our fault that they were massacred. They will punish or even fire is for sure"
"So what?" scoffed Charles and continued. "Sirzechs is a softie. He won't punish us cruelly. The worst he could do is fire us. But at that point of time, our position won't matter anymore. We just wait patiently from afar when Ultimate will clash with Yondai Maous. And when they'd weaken each other enough, we will make our move and together with Old Maou faction end them both"
"I see that the plan worked out wonderfully if you all are celebrating like that" an arrogant voice appeared out of nowhere.
All three elders immediately payed their attention to the voice. They look to their right and saw a spectral silhouette of someone.
All three elders immediately stood out from the table and kneeled down obediently.
"Shalba-sama!"
The silhouette belonged to no other then the current leader of Old Maou faction. He is Shalba Beelzebub, the descendant of original Beelzebub and also a far distant cousin of Baby Beel.
"Report!" commanded Shalba, but didn't actually reveal himself to the elders.
"Hai!" replied Charles obediently still kneeling on one knee obediently. "Like you had planned, Shalba-sama, we succeed in setting up Ultimate against Underworld. However there is one I found strange after the banishment that happened not long ago"
"You mean the massacre?" assumed Shalba amusedly.
"Hai. According to the information we know, Naruto never was the one to do something like killing let alone massacre before. It seems that he protected something or someone of great importance to him. That is the only way I could thought out to explain why he goes extreme like that" deducted Charles rubbing his chin.
"I see..." muttered Shalba as afterthought. Even though he is curious about what made Naruto goes crazy like that. He knew better to provoke him. Shalba is confident in his abilities, however what made him unnerved is that nobody had ever seen Naruto go all out. And that makes him an unpredictable opponent. Unpredictable opponent equal lose canon. It's better to watch from afar how those monsters are gonna kill each other and then he will finish them all at once.
"Alright, good job. Don't do anything suspicious from now on. Just lay low and enjoy the show" commanded Shalba.
"As you wish, Shalba-sama" respond the trio simultaneously and bowed down respectfully
With that Shalba's silhouette disappeared. The elders just looked at each other and grin triumphantly all the preparations were done, now they only need to wait for the show to happen and enjoy it.
With Naruto
Night time
Naruto is lying outside of the lounge on the grass field, enjoying the night breeze and gazing stars.
"Why are you acting so calm if you knew that you had to fight Yondai Maous?" the question belong to Grayfia. It's already night time here in Kyoto and it seems Naruto didn't feel like sleeping so he decided to star gaze outside.
Well, as for Grayfia, she just worries too much about what happened. Her mind is in turmoil now due to the difficult choices. Little did she know that Naruto was about to ease her choice.
Naruto glanced at the troubled look on Grayfia's and stated all of a sudden. "Oh, didn't I tell you? All these provocations are to lure out the real enemies and to expose the true intention of those traitorous geezers"
Naruto's reply made Grayfia fell in stupor. "What? All of these are just to lure real enemies? And what do you mean by those traitorous geezers? Wait! Did that also mean that you never had any intention to fight against Maous". Poor Grayfia is completely confused now.
"Who said I didn't intend to fight them? I said that I didn't intend to make the enemies out of them. However the fighting is inevitable" retort Naruto with a wave of his index finger.
"Why? If you didn't intend to make the enemies out of them. Why fight them though?"
Naruto sat up and smiled slightly at Grayfia. "You are smart woman, Grayfia! Think that out by yourself. Here is the hint. I don't know who those geezers side with, however they set up this scenery on purpose. So why do you think I agreed to engage Maous?"
Grayfia squint her eyes in thought for a while to let all Naruto mentioned sank in her head. Then her eyes widened in realization. "I see. You chose to fight against Maous because that is exactly what the elders expect of you. They wait for the moment when both sides tired each other out then the real enemy will appear and kill two birds with one stone"
Naruto grin widely and nodded appraisingly. "As expected from Grayfia Lucifuge, the candidate to become Leviathan". Then shockingly to Grayfia, he gave her a peck on the cheek.
Grayfia looked at Naruto in shock for a minute, her cheek redden a bit. Naruto chuckled amusedly and asked. "What's wrong? You don't like it?"
Grayfia shook her head violently and tried to take back her composure. "N-no! It's just... this is the first time you show me some kind of affection. And it's really pleasant"
Naruto blinked at her reply that smile gently. "I see. Well, if you don't mind then I will try to give you more affection. It's hard for me, you know, due to my condition. But I will try my best"
Grayfia touch her cheek where Naruto peck her and replied back with a gentle voice. "Yes, I certainly wouldn't mind"
Grayfia felt surprised again when Naruto took her in his arms and sat in his lap. His eyes though is looking at the starry sky. Grayfia smiled openly and touch his hands, which were embracing her waist.
"I could get used to this" whispered Grayfia not opening her eyes.
Naruto glanced down at her and replied with a grin. "Me too"
Little did they know, Iris had woke up for a while and accidentally witness the lovely scene. She giggled to herself while muttered. "Hihihi! I knew my intuition was right! Well, now I should wait for the wedding to come. And then they are gonna bear me lots and lots of babies! I will be like the happiest grandma!"
Next day
Naruto and Grayfia were confused because when Iris looked at them she just snickered to herself when ask why she didn't respond. They decided to leave that alone, for now.
"Well, baka musuko! What are planning to do now after making the entire Underworld your enemy?" scold Iris her son for the first time since he had came
Grayfia was about to retort to say that he did that to protect his mother however Naruto raised his hand to stop her from saying that out loud.
"Tch, kaa-san, I am a big boy now! I can take care of myself! Besides I want to talk with you about something" retort Naruto calmly.
"And what do you want to talk about?"
"Since the beginning, my first plan was to travel to Valhalla. I think I will set off today evening. However with the current situation, I can't leave you alone now. It will be too dangerous to stay here" stated Naruto
"Well, you shouldn't worry about that, Naru-chan. I forgot to mention, but Hilda-chan had also been living with us. Unlucky for you, she left to take care of some business. She should return soon enough" said Iris with a motherly smile.
And just as she was mentioned, the door opened to reveal a girl. She has bright blond hair like Naruto which covers one side of her face and is usually tied in a bun, forest green eyes and has a VERY large bust (on par with Grayfia). Her clothes are mostly elegant and black with frills and white quillings, thus resembling elegant gothic lolita fashion. The girl in front of them is stunning, but there is a problem. She didn't get along with our blond or at least she showed that openly.
"I am back, Iris-sama!" greeted Hilda then noticed there are more people than her adopted mother and master in the room. She noticed the gray haired beauty and recognized her as Strongest Queen. However when she put her gaze on Naruto her eyes immediately turn cold. "I see we have some guests. Not to mention that ungrateful ice-cube is here as well"
Despite Hilda's hostile attitude, Naruto replied back expressionlessly. "Hello to you too, Hilda! I see you still hate my guts like usual"
"Knowing that and you still come here? You are either masochist or really ignorant" retort Hilda with a sneer.
"Now, now you two don't start bickering when you see each other for the first time in 5 years" Iris decided to intervene as these two could go on like this for a veeeery long time.
Grayfia narrowed her eyes at the blond beauty. She wondered what problem did she have with Naruto.
"Due to respect to Iris-sama, I will overlook it this time. But I didn't need to spell that out, right? You know you are failed your duty as a son" interject Hilda with the same cold tone.
Naruto knew she was right so he just keep silent, but gripped his knuckle tightly.
Seeing that Grayfia decided to get involved. "Hey! What kind of problem do you have with Naruto? Why act so hostile to him?"
Grayfia's question managed to get Hilda's attention. The blond beauty turned to the maid and replied. "I would ask you not to intervene in this matter, if you don't know anything Ms. Strongest Queen. But it's a surprise to see you here. I thought you should be with your master, Crimson Maou, now"
And the reminder of Sirzechs made Grayfia flinched, bit her lips uneasy and felt herself uncomfortable.
Seeing that Iris decided to intervene. "Enough Hilda! Don't start the scandal with our guests!"
Hilda immediately bowed her head down in apology. "My apologize, Iris-sama. Forgive me sometimes I let my temper get the better of me"
"It's alright. But no more scandals in this house anymore, understand?" assured Iris and inquired.
"Hai" replied Hilda simply.
Sometime later
Naruto is playing with Baby Beel while Hilda and his mother have a conversation with each other.
"What's that girl problem with you Naruto?" asked Grayfia. She had been sitting and observing Naruto and Baby Beel for a while.
Naruto let Baby Beel crawled towards his toy dinosaur and respond with a sigh. "I broke a very important promise to her. It was a long time ago, but I understand why she is still angry. She has a right to be angry at me so I don't blame her for being hostile to me"
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Grayfia with a full of concern.
Naruto just chuckled lightly and shook his head. "Maybe other time"
Grayfia reluctantly nodded her head in acceptance. She really wanted to help him, seeing how guilty he feels.
Scene change
Meanwhile Hilda and Iris decided to go outside to talk in private. Iris actually could see through Hilda's facade. She could see that Hilda only act hostile from the outside, but inside she still cares deeply for her son.
"Why can't you drop your hostile mask in front of Naruto, Hilda-chan? I know that also cares very much for my son"
"I didn't know what you mean, Iris-sama" Hilda decided to play a dumb card. However she failed horribly since Iris could read her clearly like a book.
"Oh, please" Iris rolled her eyes and deadpanned. "I know that you've already forgiven him for that incident. You just don't know how to approach and clear things up with Naru-chan. It's weird to see you play a tsundere card, Hilda-chan"
Seeing that it was no use to hide from Iris anymore, Hilda sighed and replied with a solemn smile. "It seems I couldn't hide anything from you, Iris-sama. You are totally right, I've already forgiven Naruto for that incident. It's not actually his entire fault, but still..."
Hilda had taken one more deep breath before she continued. "I could never hate him for real, you know. He was the one that saved me when I nearly got raped after all. It was terrifying. When that man tore up my clothes, I thought that my life will end there". With a nostalgic smile, Hilda continued. "However then Naruto appeared out of nowhere, having that incredibly cool and fearless aura. I remembered his eyes turned electric blue and when furiously as he stomp at that man crotch"
Iris actually paled hearing how cruel her son has act towards those who he despised.
Hilda then looked down solemnly and continued. "I-I really don't know how to act around him anymore. All I can do is acting like a cold-heart bitch around him. It wasn't intentionally. I just act like that automatically when he is near after that incident"
"Then try to talk with him and clear things up between you too!" encouraged Iris.
Hilda just shook her head and replied with a sad smile. "I don't think that he will need me anymore. You see it, right? He is happily with The Strongest Queen now. I know I am not inferior in the looks department. It's just that I don't want to interfere in Naruto's happiness. He looked happy for the first time and I don't want to ruin it"
However unexpectedly she received a bonk to the head by none other than Iris. She has a deep frown on her face.
"It's foolish to give up so easy on your happiness! Have you ever consider that Naru-chan also care for you as well?! I always want to match you guys up, you know. But everything is useless because of your silly hostile facade. Fight for your happiness, Hilda-chan!"
"But what about Grayfia-san? I wouldn't want to be a bitch that is ruining others happiness?" complained Hilda.
"I never said anything about Naru-chan leaving Gray-chan for you" stated Iris with a mischievous grin and it became wider and wider.
"Huh? If you didn't want Naruto ditch Grayfia-san for me... Does that mean.." Hilda's eyes widen in realization and her cheeks flush furiously.
"Yes! I want for you both to marry Naru-chan and sire lots of children for me! Wuahaha, how do you like my plan, eh?" exclaimed Iris loudly and laughed out like a villain.
Hilda chuckled at her master's behavior still the blush didn't disappear anywhere. "Iris-sama tara". muttered Hilda and shook her head.
That evening
Naruto and Grayfia stand outside the house and prepared to depart for their trip to Valhalla. Iris holding Baby Beel in her arms and Hilda also went outside to see them off.
"Well, we are going. Take care of yourself, kaa-san, Hilda" said Naruto and bowed his head down politely.
Iris glanced at Hilda and elbowed to her ribs to catch her attention. Then she point with her head at Naruto and winked.
Hilda's cheeks flush a bit. She took a deep breath, cleared her throat and exclaimed. "Wait, Naruto! Before you go I want to talk about something to you"
Naruto blinked at blond's maid sudden request but complied with it. "Umm, sure. What are we gonna talking about?"
"Not here. In private" added Hilda.
Naruto blinked again then looked at Grayfia, who is carrying Baby Beel. Iris gave Baby Beel to Grayfia as he stared at her all the time since the beginning.
"Grayfia, I will be out for a bit, ok? Hilda wanted to talk about something"
Grayfia nodded her head curtly and held Baby Beel up to see him giggling. That caused Grayfia to smile as well.
"It's seems Beel-chan is taking a like to you, Gray-chan. You will be a wonderful mother in the future" Iris praised the grey haired beauty with a smile.
Grayfia smiled gently at her praise and whispered "A wonderful mother, huh? I l've always dreamed to have a loving family"
Iris grinned smugly and decided to tease the maid. "Well, then hurry up and started it with Naru-chan! What are you waiting for?"
Hearing that made Grayfia's eyes widened in shock and surprised. She fell into stupor for a bit and started to babble. "Uhm... Etto... It's still too soon. A-and I still didn't know Naruto that well. And.."
Iris started to laugh and said. "Hahaha! You should've seen your face, Gray-chan! I am just teasing you. Geez"
Baby Beel seeing that his mother laughed defused to copy her as well and also began to laugh.
Grayfia managed to get back her composure and changed her expression to stoic and expressionless like usual.
With Naruto and Hilda
To talk in private, Hilda proposed to go inside the forest nearby. Naruto wondered what she want to talk about. He hopes she is not gonna start the fight or remind him about that incident.
They had been walking for some minutes, Hilda suddenly stopped which made him stopped as well. Hilda turned to face and stare intensely at our blond, which made the latter a bit uncomfortable.
To break off the tension, Naruto decided to start the conversation. "Umm... So what do you want to talk about?"
Seeing Naruto feels himself uneasy, Hilda softens her gaze and started. "First, I want to say sorry for acting like a total bitch around you. I know that it's an inappropriate behavior, but still I didn't know why but I just change my behavior around you all of a sudden. It start since that incident"
At the reminder of the past incident, Naruto looked down to the ground solemnly.
Hilda still decided to continue her speech. "I also want to say that I forgive you. To say the truth, it's not your fault that she dies. It's just..." Hilda gripped her hand to a knuckle tightly before making a pause. "I-I need somebody to blame for it. And you promised that you will not let any of us die and yet she died. Instinctively I turned the blame to you. However don't worry about it anymore. Don't feel guilty about that because I forgive you"
Hilda finished with a gentle smile, slowly approached the blond and caressing his cheek gently.
Naruto felt surprised when she suddenly touch his cheek and started to caress it. "Hilda, I-". Naruto was speechless seeing this gentle side of Hilda.
Hilda began to lean in closer invading Naruto's space. Her face is directly in front of his now and she whispered hotly . "You don't need to say anything. I understand everything you want to say"
Naruto didn't know how to act seeing this side of Hilda. Suddenly she claimed his lips and began to kiss passionately. Naruto's eyes widen in shock, but he didn't push her away or deepen the kiss due to the shock. Instead, Hilda did that for him. He was so shock that he instinctively opened his mouth. That is when Hilda decided to take of that and thrust her tongue to his mouth and began to explore. The kiss was so passionate that it took away the strength in Naruto's legs, which forced him to sit down.
Hilda then broke the kiss and pant due to the lack of breath. "T-that just so you won't ever be able to forget me". Hilda stated mischievously and sexily while trying to take back her breath.
Naruto sat on the ground in daze and could only whisper one word. "Wow!"
Hearing that pleased the blond maid greatly. So she ignored the blond and walk away while humming on the way.
"What the heck is that?" Naruto broke out from the stupor and asked out loud.
A/N: Few, another chapter finished. Next chapter, Naruto and Grayfia will go to Valhalla. There they will met a certain Valkyrie and a priestess that will foresee his death. How will Naruto react to that premonition? Wait for the next chapter please.
I know there will be questions about why Naruto didn't inform the Maous of he knew the elders plan. That will also be explained in the next chapter in Naruto and Grayfia's conversation.
Ja ne.