Transcendence of an Eternal Sage

by lorddoug

With peace now rooted in the elemental nations Naruto is no longer needed but what is an immortal sage to do when his goals are complete? well there's always more than one world that could need the help of the child of prophecy but which one will he decide to travel to first?. Godlike Naruto but will be be challenged. NaruxRias minor NaruxAkeno. Wont be entirely canon story line.

3. Chapter 3

AN: Hello all the wonderful viewers and reviewers, today I give you the chapter you have been waiting for.

In all seriousness though i lost my passion for this story and it took me a while to find the spark again but fear not for the flames of creativity burn brightly once again.

Now without further adieu here is chapter 3 and the final chapter of pre-canon, enjoy!

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It had been a day since his departure from McGinty's bar and his first precious person in this new world and he had to admit it was a nice feeling to have someone to care for again, it had been close to a century since he last formed a bond like that.

He had decided after his last friend passed away it was time to live in isolation for a while to travel the lands and refine his skills to their peak, a large portion of his time was dedicated to senjutsu to truly master the art in ways even the toad elders couldn't imagine.

Regardless he had been far to lonely for his liking and the change was welcome, speaking of company the tiny familiar currently perched in his hair was something that interested him as the concept was quite similar to summoning from what he'd learnt from his little friend.

He was brought out of his thoughts by a tug on his hair followed by a high pitched voice "so were nearly there?" receiving a nod from Koeda, Naruto looked at the horizon and saw the buildings he had come to identify with a city.

"It's about time I've been running for a while now" he spoke to himself as he sped up a little but not too much, no need to signal his arrival prematurely.

-~-~-~-Moments later-~-~-~-

The people of Kuoh were going about their day oblivious to the high pitched screaming of a tiny green demon or the blonde man blurring through the streets he was holding on to for dear life, to anyone capable of seeing them it was a funny sight to behold.

Naruto had finally slowed down just outside the academy of Kuoh to let his passenger catch his breath, which he quickly used to yell at the laughing blonde who upon seeing the appearance of the poor familiar couldn't keep his composure.

The unfortunate familiar was covered in splattered bugs and his hair was swept straight back in a cartoonish fashion, a weak water jutsu and a comb later the two snuck up to the open window of the Occult Research Club and peering in they saw their targets and luckily both were completely obliviously to their surroundings, a perfect opportunity.

-~-~-~-Inside the clubroom-~-~-~-

The crimson beauty currently sitting on the couch facing away from the window was one Rias Gremory the Heiress to the Gremory clan of the devil faction, a prestigious title for someone who was lost in her own world reading her favourite manga with a small smile on her fair skinned face.

On the couch opposite the redhead was an equally beautiful raven haired woman humming to herself as she weaves together a…leather whip? Ignoring that it appeared that she was daydreaming about something sadistic in nature but otherwise she was also oblivious to the random encounter about to take place.

-~-~-~-Back at the window-~-~-~-

Naruto was a little disappointed at how lax the heiress was with keeping her guard up but he had to remember that this wasn't the ninja world where assassinations were a common problem to deal with 'Still she shouldn't just assume her title will keep people from trying, maybe my little introduction will be a lesson'.

Using his immense stealth and suppression skills he was able to make his way to the spot on the coach across from Rias and one cushion over from Akeno without alerting the two, although it wasn't all that hard to sneak up on distracted teenagers but all the same.

The blond was just sat patiently waiting for the right moment, and a minute later it appeared with Rias "Akeno could you pour me a cup of tea please" she spoke not once taking her eyes off her manga and was none the wiser when tea was placed in front of her moments later.

"Thank you" Grabbing the cup she took a sip as she closed her eyes enjoying the aromatic liquid before responding with a sigh "good tea as always Akeno" she continued to caress the cup in her hands not expecting the voice of a male to respond.

"I'm not Akeno but your welcome *slurp* I do admit this tea is quite good" the sudden realisation that the two were not alone finally caught up and with a startled look both women looked at the uninvited guest, who was sitting with one leg crossed over the other holding his cup on his lap.

Being the first to regain her thoughts Rias spoke "I take it since you haven't attacked us you aren't here for hostile reasons, so the question is why you are here" came her calm response trying not to show weakness in front of the man before her but on the inside it was a little scared on how easily he snuck up on Akeno and her.

Naruto was impressed at her calm and composed expression but it was obvious to him that she was scared if only a little "Rias Gremory I am here in response to your request to have a meeting" his tone professional as he stated his reason.

The redhead was racking her brain trying to remember if she had set up a meeting before hand and just forgotten about it but came up empty "I'm sorry but I don't remember requesting your presence" she replied

"Oh? I had the feeling you wanted to speak with me after I received your messenger" he stated as Koeda appeared from his hair.

"Do you remember now Rias-san? You sent this little guy to search for me, I had assumed you wanted to meet" he stated airily watching as she connected the dots.

"Who are you? The only reason you were contacted by this familiar is because you were the source of an energy surge little over a week ago, I know all devils capable of such a feat of power and you are not one of them"

Rias voiced with a little concerned as she was face to face with an unknown who could potentially outmatch a high class devil, of which she herself is counted among, although not as experienced.

"You want to know who I am?" his voice serious as he looked down allowing his fringe to cover his eyes "alright, I'll tell you… I am *POOF* you!" he said in a childish tone transforming into a perfect replica of Rias including her voice, meanwhile Rias who had been leaning forward in order to hear him had face faulted at the stunt.

"Hahahaha! That was worth the trip here I haven't pulled a prank in ages" Naruto spoke still in Rias' voice as the real one got back on the coach.

Meanwhile Akeno was just staring at the two in shock it wasn't every day you see a male turn into a perfect replica of your best friend, that doesn't mean she didn't laugh at her reaction though king or not it was still funny, this of course earning her a glare from said redhead.

"Jokes aside you still haven't told me who you are" she said sternly trying to get the conversation going again and away from the embarrassing moment that had occurred.

Reverting back to his original form Naruto replied "Ah yes sorry I couldn't help myself, I am Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze and the reason you haven't heard of me in your devil hierarchy is because I'm not a devil to begin with"

Although a little surprised by that tid-bit she continued "If you aren't a devil then which faction do you serve?" she was beginning to get nervous because she wasn't so sure she could win in the small room against a high class angel, fallen or otherwise light weapons are a major advantage indoors.

"Neither, I am human I assure you, just not a… civilian" he said leaning forward he got into what his friends dubbed his 'Hokage mode' for the serious and commanding tone he spoke with made almost anyone who heard it do what was asked of them, whether out of fear or respect no one knew.

"I am about to disclose important information to you and your queen that could paint a large target on my back if it gets out to certain individuals, now do I have your full attention as I will not be repeating it" both devils nodded with a serious air now falling over the two.

"I am the last remnant of a culture breed in combat with abilities to shape the elements themselves, create oceans out of the air itself or great forest with only a thought but, peace has let those abilities and teachings fade into myth and legend"

He paused giving thought to what he was going to say next, he hated politics but he needed to do this and if what Koeda said was true then the Gremory house was a good ally to have.

He paused here letting the information sink in before continuing "If certain factions or other unpleasant people were to discover certain aspects of my power it could turn quite ugly very quickly, and before you ask I cannot tell what all my abilities entail, but as a token of trust I will show you that I'm not just stringing you along".

With that statement he held his hand up and in its palm a ball of intense blue flame manifested, both devils were quite surprised at how much heat, no not heat it was warmth the flame was emitting as small as it was but Rias found it somewhat familiar to her own ability but it felt alive almost with an aura she couldn't quite place? Shaking her head she made a mental note to look into it later.

As the flame disappeared Akeno spoke first "Why are you telling us this? We could turn against you or sell you out to other people, how can you trust people you've just met like this?" she asked because of the tell-tale look of deep thought visible on her kings face meaning she had something in mind.

Naruto smiled warmly at her "I can trust you because I can sense negative emotions in others and neither of you had any present during our conversation, well that and I've always trusted others easily but it usually works out in the end regardless" he shrugged his trust wasn't naïvely placed anymore but it was still given on gut feelings and he had a good feeling about these two.

The crimson princess spoke up "Well this is indeed interesting information but I'm assuming that you want something in return for this token of trust" her sharp mind picking up on his intentions.

"You are correct in return for a friendly relation between me and you're peerage I would like to offer my help to you in return for admittance to this school as I have very little knowledge of this world and its people outside my own, so what do you say? We get to be friends and I go through school under your vigilance" he replied extending his hand with his signature foxy grin waiting on Rias' answer.

There was a small pause before Rias looked up at Naruto a small smile on her face as she shook his hand "I agree to your terms Uzumaki-san it will be a pleasure getting to know you"

"Likewise but seeing as we are friends now you can call me Naruto, I'm not one for formalities" he replied finishing his tea he placed the empty cup down before looking at the closed door of the room.

"It was nice meeting you two but it appears that my time is up, your peerage is approaching and I'd rather not be seen by them just yet" he said standing up and walking over to the window.

"I will take my leave, still got to find a job of some sort, that reminds me, Rias do you happen to know a good publishing company?" his question although seemingly random to her she answered regardless.

"I believe there is one in town but I don't know the name, sorry I couldn't be more help"

"That's fine it won't be much trouble finding it I suspect, see ya round Rias, Akeno and Koeda good luck" and with that he vanished in a flash of lightning just as the remaining club members entered the room to see both their king and queen staring at the window.

"Good morning Buchou, beautiful day we're having" Kiba greeted entering the club room followed by Koneko.

"Good morning" was Koneko's usual monotone greeting as she sat herself on her favourite spot on the couch only to frown as she did, this didn't go unnoticed by those on the room.

"Is something wrong Koneko?" Rias asked her rook realising who had been sitting there just moments before.

"Someone sat in my spot" her cute frown was mixed with confusion, being a nekoshou her sense of smell was quite acute but she couldn't smell anything which was odd, not odd enough to mention besides it would make her look weak if she couldn't detect someone.

"Ara ara, it would appear our guest has left an 'impression' on our little neko" a giggling Akeno teased.

"Guest? I wasn't aware of we were supposed to meet today" asked a confused Kiba oblivious to the glaring girl beside him.

"There's no need to worry Kiba-kun it wasn't required for you to be there it was just a… friend popping in to have some tea but he had something to take care of and couldn't stay long" Rias replied to the blond knight easing his confusion but bringing up more questions for both devils.

"Buchou is being vague" Koneko stated still annoyed at her spot being sat on she wanted to know who it was. (Anyone who has a spot on their couch will understand)

"He would like to keep himself secret for now but will introduce himself to you in time, what I can tell you is that he is an ally with strength equal to my own" she spoke with authority hinting that the discussion was finished.

"Now I have some work to do, you are free to go about your own activities until tonight" she informed them as she got up and walked into the back room with her queen following behind closely covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle her laugh, it appears that Naruto managed to place a sign on Rias' back that read 'I'm a tomato princess'.

"Someone as strong as Buchou? I wonder who this person is" it wasn't a large group to pick from and the thought of a devil with such strength was motivating.

"Koneko do you want to spar until Buchou gets back?" the smiling blond asked.

"Hai, let's go" she responded walking outside with Kiba accompanying her.

-~-~-~-Inside the study-~-~-~-

Rias was currently in her makeshift library looking through books on devil history, mythology from different eras and law while her queen was making a few snacks with customary tea.

"An interesting person wasn't he?" Rias looked over to Akeno who had just entered the room with a tray of food and tea, setting it to the side she looked to her childhood friend.

"You're going to reincarnate him aren't you"

Rias just sighed knowing it would be impossible to hide her intentions from her "I've considered the idea, it's not everyday someone like him shows up claiming what he has along with offering an alliance".

"True it does seem a little hard to believe but would it be possible to use the evil pieces on him? It may cost too many to perform the ritual" Akeno suggested as the possibility was quite real especially with more powerful beings the cost was usually great in comparison to weaker ones.

"I know that Akeno-chan but that won't stop me from trying if he agrees to it" She began rifling through documents on her desk as she continued.

"First I have to get his enrolment to the school sorted, I don't know why but I have good feeling about him" Rias responded with a smile at the thought of the mysterious man.

"Ara ara, I think Naruto-san is a good person if but a little bit of a prankster" the giggling Akeno said pulling the sign off Rias' back before handing it to her.

Rias was in shock and embarrassed not noticing him place this on her back before "A-Akeno how long has this been on me?" she questioned the sweetly smiling women.

"Oh since we left the room Buchou" she answered pointing to her lip as she did seemingly innocent.

Hearing that Rias deflated in her seat "I'm not a tomato" she pouted arms crossed, causing Akeno to laugh a little.

As her bout of laughter died down she looked to the books on the desk seeing that they weren't the norm for her friend to read she raised an eyebrow in curiosity, her silent question was answered by Rias.

"I have had something on my mind since he showed us that flame of his, it wasn't natural fire like the Phenex are able to use it felt similar to my own power of destruction but something was different, did you feel anything from it Akeno?" the redhead asked trying to ascertain any kind of information on this new piece on her game board.

"I did, it was… odd like it was alive but I'm not sure besides there isn't a being that is completely made of fire unless it was a sacred gear of sorts" the queen spoke adding her thoughts.

"Normally I would agree but I couldn't detect a gear in him like the others which only leaves it being a natural ability of some type" the natural curiosity of the young Gremory getting the best of her she knew would lead to a few long nights of research with her newest ally being the center of it.

Akeno seeing that her king would be occupied for some time she left to deal with something of her own and left the study to her bedroom, entering it she summoned Koeda who was quite pale for the usually green familiar as he looked at the predatory gaze of its master.

"Ara ara, you have been quite naughty haven't you my pet, keeping away from me for a whole week, it hurt my feelings you know" in a blur of movement the tiny demon was restrained as the now leather clad devil pulled out a box from the closet labelled 'whips' "it's time for your punishment".

The high pitched cries of pain were heard by all who passed the academy and one blond haired sage was saying a small prayer fallen comrade 'better you than me my friend, I'll bring him a treat next time I see him'.

-~-~-~-A few days later-~-~-~-

It had been a few days since his meeting with the young Gremory and in that time Naruto had found a publisher for the books he had planned to sell but to get some income flowing he republished his godfathers first book 'The tale of a gutsy ninja' needless to say it was a hit with them and the contract was a sure thing.

With the cash received he wanted to get a plot of land to build a house on, something similar to the house he had back in the Elemental nations and luckily for him there was an old women with a large plot of land she had inherited from her mother but couldn't take care of properly hoping to sell for reasonable price.

Quickly changing into a tasteful suit he had purchased earlier he excitedly quickened his pace to the address at the edge of the town.

-~-~-~-A few moments later-~-~-~-

Arriving at the location he was quite happy to see the large amount of nature thriving as it was quite scarce in the city, he couldn't help but be in awe as the beautiful vista of lush grass and trees swaying in the vast field full of flowers were almost glowing in the mid-day sun.

"Beautiful isn't it" his reverie was broken by the aged female voice to his side as he glanced to his right to see the wrinkled features of the land owner, she looked up to him and smiled in a way only a kind grandmother could.

"Yes it is quite the picture, I'm afraid I didn't catch your name miss" he spoke kindly extending his hand "I'm Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, a pleasure to meet you" introducing himself with his foxy smile.

"Likewise, I'm Hiromi Konae and as much as I like the view we must get to business I'm sure you have places to be so if you'll follow me we can get the paperwork and discussion out of the way"

The blond nodded his head in agreement as he followed the elderly woman along a path to a very ornate looking house, it's intricate wood carvings along the support beams and the faded once deep green walls gave it a well lived feel quite fitting it seemed for the age of the woman he was following.

Hiromi herself was around one and a half meters in height with faded blue gray hair tied so the sides of her hair were braided to the back of her head like a headband, she was dressed in a faded yellow kimono and gray sash tied in a bow at the back.

They arrived at the door and entered into the wooden house to the living room where legal papers were placed on the coffee table, Hiromi sat on the couch gesturing for Naruto to sit in the arm chair to her left.

"Before we start I have a question for you Uzumaki-san" the old women asked her wizened face hardening for intimidation "I would like to know what you have planned for my land, this place holds a large part of my history here and I just want something to give me peace of mind"

"Naruto is just fine Hiromi and to put you at ease I'm not going to build a shopping mall on it if that's what you think, it's quite the opposite actually, all I want is to have a home for myself to enjoy the abundance of nature it contains" Naruto answered truthfully knowing that it is difficult to let go of the past hoping to put the woman at ease.

Hiromi released a sigh of relief and was about to speak the whistle of a kettle interrupted her "Oh it appears the tea is ready, would you like a cup dear" she asked halfway to the kitchen.

"Yes please if you don't mind"

She vanished through the doorway leaving him alone to look around the room finding nothing that stood out until his gaze landed on an instrument in the corner shining in the light showing that it was well cleaned, even more so than it surroundings.

His urges overcoming him he got up and walked over to it, the instrument was something he recognised from the music shop his clone had visited but what caught his eye was how similar it was to an instrument he had used in his home although he hadn't seen one for years it was nostalgic to see it in this world.

The rattling of cups caught his attention as Hiromi entered the room again with a try of tea she saw what her guest had been admiring "It's a beautiful work of art isn't it, my mother used to play it when I was young *sigh* but that was so long ago it has just been aging there ever since".

She chuckled at how she used to be a spritely young kid always on the move but when her mother played it was like everything slowed down, you couldn't help but to just stop and listen to the serine sound.

"It certainly brings back memories, do you still play?" he asked wondering if she had taken up her mother's hobby.

"I used to, but in my old age my fingers have suffered and arthritis has made it impossible to play for me" she lamented over her lost joy in life "it would make my day to hear it played once more but I'm afraid young people these days only go for guitars and the like"

"Then may I? If you don't mind that is" he asked gesturing to the instrument, she looked him in the eye for a while as if looking for something before nodding her consent.

"Thank you"

Naruto collected the violin from its tall wooden stand in the corner and getting into position sat in the armchair he began to play and even with slight difference in design he still hadn't lost his touch after all the years he spent practicing with various instruments he preferred string to brass but that was neither here nor there.

(Song: Grandpa's Violin by Yuki Kajiura or any other heart felt song you prefer)

His hands moved with grace and purpose as he let instinct take control fuelled by his emotion as he closed his eyes, the sound filling the room as it moved from a slow rhythm to a cheerful tempo the world was forgotten to the two as the walls fell away and the sun illuminated the blonde like a spotlight.

Hiromi could only look at the young man in shock the sound she had grown up listening to was flowing once more, the emotion and soul filled music was captivating bringing forth memories of her life when her mother was alive, when they would sit on the porch and play for all outside to listen.

For Naruto it was just a calm peaceful flow of his heart controlling his movements now, it was like being in a trance reminiscent of when he trained to use nature energy the almost overwhelming peace of body and soul as his emotions were let loose through sound was uplifting as the music came to a gradual end.

After he finished eyes still closed from his trance like state he sat there a moment before looking to Hiromi who was wiping away tears "That was lovely dear, if I hadn't known better I would have thought my mother was playing again" she spoke with a smile.

"Thank you for your kind words but I'm sure she would be much better than me" he cleared his throat as he put the violin back.

"Now I believe we still need to get some paperwork done so shall we crack on" bringing the 'older' woman back to the reason of their meet.

"Yes I suppose we should" she smiled softly at the young man

The two spent the better part of two hours signing things off and talking on and off topic until they had finished around 3pm.

"Well Hiromi-san it was a pleasure meeting you" Naruto spoke as he was escorted to the door of Hiromi's house.

"I enjoyed the company also Naruto-san" she replied "we must do this again sometime and perhaps you could play for me again" she added, a light hearted tone in her voice as she opened the door.

"I would like that Hiromi-san, I best be off before it gets too dark" he looking at the sky for a moment before walking down the worn path leading back to the property.

Hiromi could only stare at the young man whose company she had thoroughly enjoyed, she couldn't help but smile in his presence like he just emitted positive emotions "What an interesting young man" she muttered to herself with a smile as she re-entered the house.

Said blonde made his way into town to find a hotel to stay the night in and perhaps meditate on what he has learnt of this new world so far and look into what he can learn from the fallen angel he used his human path on it would be foolish not to take advantage of what he knew, information was always important no matter where it came from.

-~-~-~-Moments later in the field (Btw picture it being 50 acres or something close to that)-~-~-~-

Naruto stood in front of the property he had just purchased analysing the lay of the land for his new home, the corners of his mouth perked up at that, it had been a while since he had a permanent place to call home not that he hated the role of a wandering sage but it was just in his nature to have bonds and attachments to places and people.

People might call it a weakness but it was Naruto's strength, his double edged sword but he wouldn't have it any other way.

The land before him was relatively flat with lush tree line around its border with a small cluster of trees across the middle hiding a majority of the lowered back half of the landscape from view which worked in his favour for what he had planned but he couldn't build without any materials, or workers for that matter.

Naruto made his way to the concealed part of his property before clasping his hands in a modified prayer sign letting his chakra surge through him, it was a feeling he couldn't help but sigh happily at as gigantic trees burst forth from the ground in perfect rows barely towering over the ones beside them.

"Now that's done time for the workers" and on queue his temporary work force was created in a small poof of smoke behind him which quickly faded to reveal twenty copies of the blonde all standing to attention, it was something they picked up during the war and have done since then but he wouldn't complain it was nice to see that they respected him… even though they were him.

He quickly moved from that odd thought "You guys know what to do and make sure four of you set up a genjutsu barrier, I don't need any civilians freaking out and directing attention our way" his orders accepted with a choir of "Hai boss" as he made to walk off for another project he paused mid step and looked seemingly off in space.

"It appears my other landlord wants to meet" he muttered thoughtfully as he felt Koeda making his way towards him.

"Good afternoon Koeda I assume Rias would like to talk to me?" he spoke just as the familiar appeared in front of him, with a nod from the tiny creature he continued walking with Koeda perching itself on his head.

-~-~-~-In the Occult research clubroom-~-~-~-

Currently the Gremory heiress was waiting for a certain blonde to show up as she had news regarding his request and she was hoping to get some more information from him but she wouldn't push for it she knew he would tell her in time.

She was alone for the moment as her queen was out shopping, for what? She had learnt it was best not to ask, she may love her friend like family but her kinks were a dangerous path to cross.

The redhead looked to the clock on her desk with a sigh "I sent Koeda out to fetch him twenty minutes ago he should be here by now" the girl beginning to get a little impatient as she had finished her work load for the day and only waiting for the blonde to appear, the sound of a throat being cleared quickly drew her attention to the window and to her surprise Naruto was lounging in the window frame with a pad of paper and a pencil.

"Yo" and a non-committal wave was the greeting she received from the half blonde.

"How long have you been there Naruto-san" she asked with her usual calm voice not the least bit annoyed by his tardiness, but underneath she was beginning to get annoyed at how easily he has been able to sneak up on her.

She might not have the stealth skills of Akeno but she was pretty decent at sensing a person's presence, but with him it was like a mirage of some sort and kind of creepy actually.

"About fifteen minutes but you looked busy so I decided to wait here and draw a little to pass the time" his carefree response only getting a sigh from the tired Gremory.

"I didn't take you for an artist Naruto-san, what have you drawn if you don't mind me asking" she was generally interested since she might be able to find out more about her enigmatic friend.

"Well you of course" his smile although genuine had something more to it something she would learn to grow weary of as she learned about the blonde.

"I'm flattered Naruto-san, may I see it?" her curiosity now peaked.

"Maybe after our meeting unless you called me here just to chat" He none too subtle reminded the king the reason for his arrival.

"Ah, um yes sorry I have asked you here to tell you your request to attend Kuoh Academy has been accepted" she spoke calmly slipping back into her role of king.

"There's a 'but' in that sentence isn't there" he interjected flatly, he could practically hear the word troublesome echo in his mind as Rias nodded happily to his question.

"Yes in order for you to stay in my territory you must bear my mark that way anyone from the other factions will know not to attack you, well at least not straight away" she informed the sage laying the ground work for her final offer one she hoped would actually work.

"This mark of yours" Naruto began "It's not a slave mark from what I've seen of your peerage so it must have a more practical use correct?" his question was expected but the news of him spying on her peerage was a little unsettling but she wouldn't let it show.

"Very astute of you but yes the mark of a devil house does not give us control over its receiver but it does let us keep track of where you are or if you are injured, but it is mostly used to determine who your allegiance is tied to"

It wasn't a lie well for her at least she didn't know about the other houses but the Gremory clan was one founded on love and compassion every member by blood or peerage was family.

Naruto already knowing as much from his observations during the days before answered "Ok I will accept your mark" inside her head Chibi Rias was waving a victory flag "But you will have to take mine in return"

"Eh?" This time she couldn't retain a straight face being caught off guard by his statement.

"Yes if we are to be allies then we both have to show our trust in one another so if I have to bare your mark you have to bare mine" his tone conveying he wasn't joking around as he walked over to her desk and extended his hand to her.

"You said you weren't a devil" It wasn't a question of his honesty but genuine curiosity to know why a human would need a clan mark if it was anything like hers.

"I did and your right to be suspicious of me but I can't trust you if you can't do the same for me, think of it as a show of faith that when and if I'm needed I'll be there in a flash" his reasoning wasn't unjust and he had the same intentions as Rias for the mark to make sure those under her care were safe.

She knew she was trapped here if she declined it made her seem untrustworthy and he might leave to approach someone else but if she accepted it meant she had a strong ally to aid her if she needed it, to her the pros were worth it.

"You have a deal Naruto-san, I don't know why but I trust you" she said taking his hand before looking him in the eyes a show of commitment the blonde was impressed by with one so young.

"I thank you for that I know it's not easy to do so but let's hope that an alliance such as this is not needed anytime soon" his response backed by experience, it was always useful to have allies to fight with you but it's better to not have to fight at all.

Rias then took her spare hand and placed her palm on the back of Naruto's hand and he copied her movements as she began speaking "I, Rias Gremory give this mark as proof of my allegiance and friendship to Naruto Uzumaki, he will always be welcome in Gremory territory".

And with a flash of crimson the Gremory's symbol appeared on his hand, getting a nod from Rias Naruto began his marking process "I, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze give this mark as proof of my alliance with the Gremory house and my friendship with Rias whenever she may need it my door will be open" he spoke softly as a Golden light shone underneath his hand as his family symbol appeared on her hand which was the Uzushio swirl with six kunai blades spaced evenly around the edge.

As they released each other's hand they both looked at the marks they had received the Gremory's stylised rose was quite unique but Rias was more transfixed on the symbol emblazoned with golden light and although she was interested to research the symbol she couldn't get over how pure the energy contained in the mark felt, if not for the fact it wasn't harming her she would have sworn it was holy but there was another feeling…

"Warm" she thought aloud before clearing her throat a little embarrassed at the amused look she got from Naruto.

"Well now that business is over what you have been doing lately, did find the publisher you were looking for" she asked moving to sit behind her desk possibly preparing herself for her peerage members to arrive.

"Yes I did thank you for asking they were actually quite impressed with the story and I managed to buy some land to make a home in" returning to his spot on the window frame as he spoke.

"You must be quite the author to get a deal so quickly" being an avid reader of manga she had a decent idea of how the trade worked as well as the successes and failures of new writers.

"I'm afraid the praise doesn't belong to me the story was one my Godfather wrote, his first work that was missed by almost everyone" his smile now bittersweet as memories came back to him images of a man with wild spiky white hair held back with a large metal plate with the kanji for oil carved into it his face aged and wrinkled but so full of life, he missed him he missed all of them.

During the time he was lost in his memories the ruin princess was analysing the blond who now seemed far older than he appeared, faint scars she hadn't noticed in their first encounter seemed all to noticeable now before her focus shifted to his eyes which had lost some of their glow like deep wells someone had thrown a torch into before he broke out of his reverie and the light reappeared. For what seemed to last hours but instead only mere seconds.

His attention brought back to the conversation he continued "I decided it was time he got the praise he deserved so I had it republished in his honour" his smiled brightened thinking how Jiraiya would feel at being the first author to go interdimensional, probably would have complained that it wasn't icha icha.

"What is the book about" she asked and watched as Naruto reached into his cloak and pull out a Brown hard cover book with the title 'the tale of the utterly gutsy ninja' written on the front, he passed the book to Rias who accepted it readily before flicking through the first few pages as Naruto spoke.

"It's about a ninja who has an unbreakable will never giving up even in the face of overwhelming odds, he vows to break the curse and its vicious cycles of hatred, conflict and war that govern the ninja world" he explained to the redhead.

"It says the main character is called Naruto as well, did he name it after you?" her question met with him tapping the side of his nose, she pouted a little at that.

"That would be telling now wouldn't it, besides it appears our meeting is at an end" her raised eyebrow her unasked question was answered by a transport symbol appearing to the left of Rias signalling that Akeno had finished shopping.

"I'm back Buchou, oh Naruto-san you're here what a surprise" she greeted the two with her usual smile that depending on your view was either kind or menacing, a small yawn alerted everyone bar Naruto to the green familiar emerging from his golden locks.

"Ara ara, it appears your hair is quite comfy Naruto-san" her tone obviously a dangerous one for the poor creature as it quickly dispersed itself to avoid whatever punishment the devil was thinking of.

"Ah yes sorry about that he fell asleep on the way here I didn't have the heart to kick him off" he told her trying to cut Koeda some slack it was half his fault after all.

Akeno merely waved it of "It's alright Naruto-san I was only scaring him, would any of you like some tea or snacks".

"Yes, thank you Akeno" the raven haired girl nodded to her king before looking to Naruto who was looking a little sheepish.

"I'm sorry but I have to go and check on how my house is coming along, perhaps another time" he smiled apologetically before he walked to the window where picked up his pad of paper subtly reminding the heiress of what he said earlier before he disappeared in a shunshin of harmless blue flames leaving only a single sheet floating slowly to the ground.

The redhead deftly caught the drawing before her queen only to stop and stare at it in slight praise evident by her raised eyebrow, she had half expected to see a tomato on the parchment but instead there was a delicately sketched and shaded portrait of Rias doing paperwork on her desk.

Even Akeno who had now peered over Rias' shoulder was impressed at the mysterious blonde's talent before spotting the book she hadn't seen previously resting on top of some documents she assumed Rias had finished earlier.

"Did you try to reincarnate Naruto-san yet?" her question breaking the silence of the clubroom as she went into the small kitchenette to prepare for tonight.

"No it was too soon to make that kind of request but something else did happen" once again staring at the back of her hand and like magic the symbol lit up although not as bright as before but still visible.

"Ara ara, you gave him your mark before taking him into the peerage? Was that wise" her voice slightly muffled from the next room as the distinctive sound of a kettle boiling was heard.

She knew that it was a not only arrogant but also a gamble for her to do but she really didn't have a choice, he was still an unknown and apart from some hobbies and his odd flame ability she knew nothing about him she didn't even know where he was living currently.

"We can only wait and see, tell me have you seen this mark before?" raising her hand to show her friend hoping she had some idea as to its origin but hope was squashed as she shook her head negatively.

"No I haven't but where did it come from… was it Naruto-san?" her fast deduction unsurprising to the young king who merely nodded.

"Yes it is his, a stipulation for his loyalty was that I bare his mark if he was to bare mine" it still felt his weird energy thrumming in the mark but still lost as to its nature.

"You know if anyone finds out about this it could cause problems" her friend oddly serious now and it wasn't hard to see why, the wellbeing of friends or family was always a serious matter.

"I know Akeno, I know" though it wasn't said she knew what her childhood friend was hinting at, perhaps it could work in her favour but now wasn't the time to think about it.

Getting up from her chair she walked off to her study with her queen following faithfully on her left.

-x-x-x-Back at the construction site-x-x-x-

In a quick burst of azure flame the blonde was standing in front of the foundations for his future home.

Spotting a clone with a clipboard he walked over to him to get a report, the clone seeing him did a Quick salute "Yo boss you're back, didn't think you be back so soon".

"I had to cut the meeting short otherwise her peerage would have seen me, regardless how is construction coming along did you finish the plans I thought of" curios as to what his clone accomplished while he was away.

Naruto had noticed that his clones tended to sort themselves as leader and teammates then to strategists due to an unusual variation in how they are produced, they are still clones and have equal amounts of chakra like the technique is designed to do but the variation is in their mind-sets.

Some will be formed with a better ability to lead or strategize while others are better at working in teams, as soon as they form they immediately know which is which and organise themselves based on that something Naruto has found to be extremely useful for projects such as these.

"Hai I have a copy here and the original is with the strategists, oh and boss the barrier team said there was unknowns snooping around earlier but they didn't have visual contact" he flicked through his clipboard before nodding to himself.

"Apart from that the foundation is finished and the lumber clones are cutting the wood to size before moving on to fabrication" he saluted again before walking off.

Happy with progress so far he made his way to the back half of the property, he had a project of his own to get started on but not before sending a squad of henge'd clones to scout out the town.

-~-~-~-The next day-~-~-~-

In the early morning hours we find Rias staring intensely at her chess board seemingly lost in thought a pair of glasses perched on her nose, the sight would have been odd to most but it wasn't uncommon among the peerage to see her like this but then again Naruto wasn't one of them.

Said blonde was once again sat in the window frame eyebrow quirked at the sight he had figuratively stumbled upon, it was the jingle of his newest accessory that broke her trance.

"You know I'm fairly certain that requires two people to play" identifying the voice she looked towards the window to confirm her thoughts.

"Yo" he waved lazily stepping down from the window, jingling as he did.

"Ohayo Naruto-san I didn't expect to see you today" she greeted finding herself actually happier in his presence despite her train of thoughts earlier.

"Well I was in the neighbourhood and decided I'd drop by and see how you were" his reply jovial as he sat down opposite the redhead inspecting one of the chess pieces.

"Have you not played chess before Naruto-san" seeing him shake his head a small smirk formed on her lips.

"I could teach you how to play, that is if you're up for some friendly competition" Her challenge offered she needn't wait long for a response.

"I accept your challenge miss Gremory but I warn you I won't hold back" now with a smirk of his own.

-~-~-~-3 games later-~-~-~-

Now an hour into their fourth match with two wins to Rias and one to Naruto, they had been playing in silence since her loss but it was starting to get oppressive so Naruto decided speak.

"If you don't mind me asking, why chess? Does it represent something?" he inquired moving his knight to take her pawn.

"They do, as you know we reincarnate others using items called 'Evil Pieces' and as you guessed they are based on chess pieces but with special traits starting with the Rook, a Rooks trait is Incredible strength and defence" she paused to move her pawn.

"I see but I would assume there are drawbacks like speed right?" he noted as he analysed the board.

"Yes but the Knight is the other side of the coin being high in speed and agility but low in strength which is why most knights use weapons to increase their damage output, the next piece is the Bishop, this piece is given enhanced magical capabilities for various spells" she smiled as Naruto moved his queen leaving him open.

"And what of the Pawn, I doubt it is merely cannon fodder like its namesake" still calm and collected giving nothing away to the heiress.

"No the Pawn has the ability called promotion, it allows said pawn to temporarily gain the traits of other pieces but only with permission of the king or enemy territory" she said taking out his knight before continuing.

"Lastly the Queen, this piece is the most powerful and has the traits of the Bishop, Knight and Rook" she finished looking at the blonde leading him to the same.

"Each devil that is medium class or higher is given a set of evil pieces and compete with their peerage in competitions called 'Rating Games' betting anything from wealth to territory for their spoils" she didn't mind telling him this since it was common knowledge in the supernatural world but she hoped it got him interested in joining a peerage, hopefully hers.

Naruto chuckled a bit at how similar it was to the chunin exams since they both were pretty much "simulated war" his spoken thoughts caught the attention of his host.

"Naruto-san?"

"I'm sorry it's just these rating games are quite similar to something my people had called the chunin exams, just a simulation of war harmlessly disguised as a tournament… it brings back memories" he guessed this world had more than a few similarities than he previously thought.

For Rias it wasn't the sort of information she was looking for but she wouldn't complain she was about to ask him more but was interrupted by "checkmate".

"H-How?" bewildered at how she could of missed his move.

"I believe that makes us tied for today, we should do this again sometime I had fun" smiling brightly he picked up the item to his side and left through the front door saying a quick hello to Akeno as he passed her.

As the queen entered the room she saw something akin to what Naruto did that morning "Ohayo Buchou… are you ok?"

"I, er, yes I'm fine Akeno" regaining herself

"That's good then, I hope Naruto wasn't to upset losing to you I hope" she laughed lightly but stopped seeing her kings face.

"We tied, I don't know how but he won the last round" her eyes still glued to the pieces trying to find his play but was clueless.

"Ara ara, it appears you finally have a rival ne?" it was true even though she and Rias played regularly it wasn't much competition for the genius redhead, still the idea that she tied was a little surprising.

"It appears Naruto-san is more than he seems, I didn't take him for a tactician or a monk" the brunette thought out loud as she went about odds and ends.

"What do you mean by monk?" curios what might have been said between the two in the hall.

"He was with you all day Buchou didn't you see the shakujo he had with him? It was pure black with six rings" she relayed what she knew dutifully before heading into the kitchenette leaving Rias to her thoughts.

Said redhead was mentally berating herself for not noticing it he was right in front of her for hours yet she hadn't noticed it until her friend mentioned it, as she straightened her position a sigh escaped her lips.

"He left before I could offer to join the peerage" sighing again as she slumped into the couch she thought again about the blonde.

Although she did learn more of his past she was still fruitless in her search and now she didn't know when she'd see him again, oddly she found her heart quicken at the thought but shook it off as frustration.

"Who are you Naruto?"

-~-~-~-In a shopping mall at the center of town-~-~-~-

Our hero was currently perusing the shops and sights he could see searching for something and trying to ignore the odd looks people were sending him, his current attire still the same one since he arrived here including his newest addition a shakujo.

The monk staff was something he had grown fond of during his life as a travelling sage not only for its friendly appearance it was how he came into possession of it.

To be honest he passed after the final battle between him and Madara and woke up in a hospital bed with it leaning against his bed and according to the nurses it had drained the chakra of everyone who tried moving it so they just left it there.

He didn't know why but he felt a connection to the unassuming staff like it was just natural to have and since then he has kept it on him at all times in a seal below his wrist.

Regardless the soft yet distinct jingle of the shakujo echoed in the relatively empty mall as he made his way towards his destination.

"This is the place, I hope I have enough to get it" he mumbled walking into an out of the way music shop his clone had found the other day and apparently found something he would like.

Opening the door he walked to the back of the room following his memories until he found it, before him sat a beautiful acoustic guitar, its body was unique in that it was made a mixture of metal and crimson wood swirled around the sound chambers entrance, its neck matte black with silver markings with a matching headstock.

He reached out to touch it before it was grabbed somewhat frantically following the arm he met the face of the store owner, the man was largely muscled for his age but it was obvious he had let himself go, dressed in a white tank top and well-worn denim jeans giving him an old rocker look emphasising his build complete with a black bandana covering his presumably bald head.

"Sir I really wouldn't recommend touching that, if it's a guitar you're looking for we have many others for sale" his eyes pleading with him to accept his offer and forget the instrument as if it was the plague.

"Why? What's wrong with it?" now immensely curios he looked over the instrument trying to sense any foul play.

The middle aged man was more than willing to tell him "That young man is cursed and is responsible for putting eight of its previous owners in hospital, it's because of this tainted thing that my shop is reduced to this state" he said gesturing around the store.

It was true the place was pretty rundown, walls were faded and chipped the roof panels stained from water damage and the shelves didn't look like they could survive a stiff breeze let alone the instruments the currently held.

To others that would probably be enough to put them off the ominous looking object but Naruto believed there was more to this curse.

"You said they were hospitalised, did they say what the cause was?" he had a theory but he needed to confirm it and store owner seemed to have been curios himself.

"Yes the doctors told me they had suffered from severe exhaustion but there body didn't show any signs of being over worked, almost like they had their energy stolen from them" his face now serious as he looked at Naruto intensely.

"Which is why I suggest you leave it be or end up like the rest" he turned and walked off to the register confidant that Naruto would leave well enough alone but he didn't know our blonde that well.

"Hmm might as well try it, no guts no glory" he reached out and placed his palm against the wooden exterior but felt nothing odd no draining, nothing at least until he tried charging it with his chakra.

The metal weaved into the guitar started glowing dimly as it absorbed his chakra, pulling his arm back he couldn't stop the smile making its way to his face as the glow faded away he made his way to the front.

"Ah so you decided to get something else?" he asked with a well-practiced smile or just happy to have customer Naruto couldn't decide.

"No but I do have an offer, what would you say if I took that cursed guitar of yours for say… one thousand with some sheet music as a freebie" he hoped his offer was tempting enough for the man to accept he was surprisingly hard to read.

He seemed to be in thought before he spoke "I may hate it with a passion but there's no denying the craftsmanship of it, I'll sell it for two thousand"

"Twelve hundred"

"Eighteen hundred"

"Fourteen!"

"Sixteen! You know no one else will buy it old man"

At this point both Naruto and the store owner were butting heads in a stare down until a minute later the owner backed down laughing as he did so.

"I like you kid you've got guts, alright I give you the guitar for fifteen hundred I'll even throw in a case on the house" the large man now quite jovial after their haggling walked into the back room as Naruto went to collect his purchase.

As he made his way back new guitar in hand he heard the owner's voice come the back room.

"I didn't get your name kid, I'm Motoki Jumonji by the way" some ruffling was heard before he re-emerged and set the case down on the counter.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki" a quick transaction later Naruto left the shop and headed home.

On his way out he happened to pass a rather express full looking girl on her cell phone talking in a foreign language he didn't understand, he probably should learn other languages soon.

He shrugged at the thought before continuing on his way

-~-~-~-Sayuri Perspective (don't be scared I just need to introduce her)-~-~-~-

"Yeah I know I hate it too but I really didn't think they'd do it ya know?" she checked her wrist watch nodding to the garbled noise coming from her phone.

"They're sending me to some school that just went co-ed, guess they think alienating me will set me straight" she sighed listening to her friend.

"I know I know, but it's just so weird being here without you"

"I'll try but you know how most people are, I'm at the store I'll talk to ya later" hanging her phone up she slouched as she stopped in front of the uniform shop her reflection superimposed over a mannequin of the Kuoh uniform, sighing again she went inside.

Thousands of miles away from the place she called home and the only person she could call friend, it wasn't turning out the way she hoped.

Entering the store she went to the school aisle and saw the uniform she would be wearing for next year of her life, she decided on giving herself one last chance to believe maybe things will be better this time.

-~-~-~-One month before the start of school-~-~-~-

With only one month left till the start of school Naruto felt it was time to properly meet Rias' peerage, sure he'd seen them a few times before but they weren't aware of that so today he decided was as good as any.

He hadn't just been laying around for the past few days either, since he purchased his guitar he had been testing it out with his clones and now he had a small lake in front of the house.

Needless to say he was quite happy with odd instrument and speaking of his house it was finally finished and furnished, nothing to fancy just a two story house with three guest rooms near the back.

Besides that he had found himself quite fond of the chess games with Rias, it wasn't too different from shogi perhaps a little simpler but the young heiress wasn't a push over because of that.

What she lacked in experience she made up for with her sharp mind and tactical thinking, it very much reminded him of a young Shikamaru except instead of a thinking pose she put on glasses to think better speaking of which…

"Checkmate, that makes it two and two once again Naruto-san" it might not have sounded like much but it was getting harder to win against the sage although it has only been tied so far she had never lost a game at all before challenging him so the experience was exciting for the redhead.

"It appears so Rias, well now that's over how have you been? You have been spacing out more than usual" she may have tried to hide it but something important was on her mind and it wasn't good he could feel the negative emotions she didn't show openly.

Putting on her smile she answered "I'm fine Naruto-san I just have a lot on my mind at the moment but you needn't worry for my sake" hoping to comfort him but the frown forming meant it hadn't worked.

"That smile tells me more than you know, Rias I am your friend aren't I? If I can help in any way you know my door is always open" she was a little taken back by the amount of concern his voice held, like he'd known her his whole life.

She held a small smile this time, a true smile "I know Naruto and I thank you for that but I hope I won't need to take that offer" her voice only a whisper as she stared at her lap hiding her solemn look as her eyes watered.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder she looked up at a smiling Naruto "Hey none of that, we don't want the kids thinking their king has gotten soft do we?" despite herself she managed to chuckle at that quickly drying her tears after taking her glasses off.

"You're right, thank you"

"It's what friends are for" he shrugged "Besides we don't want your peerage thinking I'm the one who made you cry, it would make it awkward to introduce myself" he stated sitting back down across from her.

"I was wondering when you were, they have been a little anxious not meeting you yet given how often you're here" it was a little amusing seeing them arrive earlier each day to try and catch him before he left, but he somehow managed to leave just before they entered.

"I know but I've had my fun for now" he finished just as Akeno entered with a tray of tea looking a little shocked to see him still here.

"Oh, Naruto-san I thought you would have left by now it's a good thing I made extra" putting the tray down she went to sit by Rias.

"Yes I decided to meet the rest of the family proper, I hope you don't mind"

"Ara ara, its fine Naruto-san the more the merrier" she said pouring the tea smiling as she did.

Bringing the cup up to his lips he started counting down with the other hand, five, four, three, two, and one.

The door swung open revealing a dishevelled looking rook and an amused knight "Good afternoon Buchou, Akeno-sempai" he greeted looking to the blonde sitting in Koneko's spot.

Seeing the look Rias answered "Kiba-kun, Koneko-chan this is Naruto Uzumaki the friend I told you about"

"Yo, good to finally meet you and I see one of you found the trap I set" amusement evident in his voice eye smiling to the two teens.

"Naruto-san what trap are you talking about" was she worried about her rook? No she was strong even by rook standards but annoyed, yes she a little annoyed he had set a trap for her to begin with.

"It was just a small prank to teach a life lesson" feeling as if that justified the large number of water balloons and hair dryers he had used.

"And what lesson was that" questioned the queen as she watched the poor girl try to comb her shaggy hair back into place only for it to pop back up.

"Quite a simple one and that is curiosity must be tempered with caution for it can kill far more than just a cat" his finger raised as he imparted some of his wisdom to the devils.

Unfazed or oblivious to the slightly ominous undertone Kiba the forever gentleman walked over to his fellow blonde.

"It's good to meet you Naruto-san, I'm Kiba Yuuto Buchou's knight" shaking his hand he continued "I hope we can be great friends"

"Same here Kiba perhaps we can spar sometime, one swordsmen to another ne?" nodding the teen stepped back cueing Koneko to go next.

Stepping forward frown still in place she spoke in her normal monotone "Koneko Toujou, rook pleased to meet you" she quickly struck at the blonde but it was stopped by his palm with meaty thump.

"I know we got off on the wrong foot but there's no need for violence, especially with a punch like that had I been a lesser man it could have hurt me" taking another sip of his tea as he finished.

The widening of her eyes was her only visual response to a hit she expected to at least move him, the rest of the peerage were surprised as well although they knew she would try it they didn't expect him to brush it off even Rias was wary of Koneko at full strength.

Deciding to keep the conversation flowing Rias spoke up "Kiba-kun, Koneko-chan Naruto here will be attending Kuoh academy with us so I expect you to get along" she looked at each of them to emphasise her point.

"He will also be joining the Occult Research Club so if you see him around while I'm not here don't be worried he is fully aware of our status as devils" her piece finished she waited for the questions bound to come.

And on cue Kiba was the first "Uh Naruto-san are you a devil as well?"

"No I'm very much human just not a normal one, all I can tell you is that I'm the last of my kind anything else you'll just learn along the way" his question answered yet confusing he nodded curtly.

"Your eyes aren't human" this time Koneko was the one to speak as she stared quite intently at his eyes from her spot beside him like she was looking for any source of deception.

Rias perked up at that as she too was curious about it but felt it might have been a touchy subject to ask about, sometimes her rook's bluntness was useful.

"My eyes? Well they are something I gained during my training, I'm not too sure about their origin myself but I think they look good on me" he said grinning at the young nekomata sheepishly, he had theories why his pupils were slit shaped but he hadn't got a straight answer from either of his suspected causes so he let it be.

The rest of the meet was mostly discussions on menial subjects from favourite sword styles to most hated candy flavour, but as the sun fell it was time for the young devils to do their duties leaving only Rias and Naruto alone once again.

"So you don't have anywhere to be like the rest, I'd have thought that you'd be doing the lions share" a little confused since the redhead seemed to not leave the clubroom, ever.

"You must not know how devil contracts work Naruto-san" she sat behind her desk and began flicking through paperwork that had somehow appeared there.

"Each devil once they have reached a certain level can be summoned using a flyer we hand out to the public and once summoned we must fulfil the contract by granting a request, the more requests a devil completes the higher their status becomes"

"I understand that part but why aren't you being summoned then" at this she stopped flicking through the documents on her desk and looked at him.

"Desire"

That one word seemingly the only answer she needed to give as the cogs in the immortals head whirred around looking back on what he knew of devils in this world, often portrayed as beings of greed and lust something that he knew could drive some to commit evil deeds.

"So for someone to summon a devil they need to have a strong desire for it to work?" it was an educated guess on his part but it made sense to him since it wasn't all that different to his normal summons… his summons.

"I'm such an idiot" he mumbled as he slapped his forehead, with everything that has been happening he had forgotten his contracts with his summon animals, he didn't even know if they still worked.

"Uh Naruto-san are you alright?"

Remembering he wasn't alone he spun around grinning sheepishly "I'm fine, but something has just come up so I'll see you in a day or two take care of yourself" waving he shunshined away in his usual blue flames.

Now alone Rias was feeling confused about the friendly blonde, whenever he was near her she felt better like all negative thoughts were washed away and her heart sped up when their eyes locked but when he left she felt like a part of her was going with him.

It felt like a summers day with a cloud blocking out the sun, you know that you feel warm but without the sun you can't help but shiver at its absence.

Sighing in frustration she rests her head on the desk still warm from the midday sun soothing her mind as she dozed off.

-~-~-~-At Naruto's-~-~-~-

"Kuchiyose!" the large plume of smoke that followed faded revealing another disappointment for the blonde in the form of nothing, after he left Rias to her thoughts he promptly tried summoning the toads and with this failure making the fifteenth it wasn't looking good.

He hadn't attempted his other summons because they weren't really summons but just figments of imagination, they didn't exist prior to summoning and wont after dispelling merely puppets for him to control, not the sort of thing he enjoyed doing to anything regardless of its origin.

It seemed that his summons were incapable of moving through dimensions to this extent, it wasn't all bad he supposed if that last summon had worked Ma and Pa would have given him an earful for jumping worlds to begin with.

Disheartened at the lost connection to his home he laid back on the grass and stared up at the blue sky watching the birds pass by it was nice, peaceful even… "Boss! We got as problem" never mind.

Turning his head lazily to look at the clone who was surprisingly a little worried but kept his calm "What is it now".

He did hate how his clones managed to get into trouble of the dangerous kind, but they were him so it was his fault in the end, sometimes he wished his life was boring and uneventful.

"We tracked movement at the perimeter and found a woman, she's in critical condition" that got his attention, screw a boring life his was fine the way it was, he started his way towards the house when the clone said something that made him stop.

"Boss she also seems to be a dragon" he said a little hesitant.

He slowly turned to the clone eyebrow raised "Seems to be?"

-~-~-~-Inside the house-~-~-~-

He followed the clone inside his home though the trail of blood was easy enough to follow, leading him upstairs to the center guest room at the end of hall.

He opened the dark wooden door to see three clones working to keep the women stable if she could be called that as what appeared to be scales covered her forearms and shins, the tail didn't help his doubt either.

He sighed a little at her wounds from first glance it looked like she wasn't going to survive for long, two days at most.

He cast a look around the room as he approached what seem to be her belongings careful not to step on the bloodied rags and clothes on the floor he noticed she had little to her name apart from clothes and food, like she had been in a hurry to get away but from what?

"There she's stopped bleeding" the trio of clones wiping their brow of exertion only now noticing his presence.

"So how bad is it" his inkling regarding her health was unfortunately on mark as he gazed upon their solemn looks.

"It's not good, she's not human that's for sure so we can't go off the knowledge we have to help her and what's worse is that her body isn't reacting as fast as we'd hope to the treatment it's like she's resistant to it"

It was a harsh blow to the blonde, he had spent years of his life learning under Tsunade and Shizune to become a healer like them reaching a level his mentors were proud but to be told he wasn't good enough to save this woman… it hurt.

"Right we'll just have to work harder then, wont we?" His famous determination burning within at the statement, it's what got him where he was today and it sure as hell wasn't going to fail him here.

"Boss we are almost out of chakra but before we disperse, it might be a good idea to see if Rias has any knowledge on dragons" He nodded in confirmation as the clones saluted and dispersed, ignoring the minor headache of information he created three more clones.

"I need you to watch over her and try to figure out her anatomy I don't want to perform any surgery blind understand" His doctor façade coming out as he ordered the clones.

"Hai"

"Good I will head over to Rias and see what she knows" he said before walking out of the room with purpose in his gait, he wouldn't let this person die not on his watch that's a promise.

-~-~-~-Back with Rias-~-~-~-

The silently dozing redhead was roused from her sleep by the gentle shaking of her shoulder, her eyes fluttered open and saw her friend Akeno by her side a gentle smile on her face as she looked at her king.

"Rias you dozed off, are you ok? It not like you to be so drained" she considered telling her friend about the feelings she's been experiencing and her frustrations and perhaps she would have if the source of said problems hadn't just burst into the room looking quite worried.

"Naruto? What's wrong" she was slightly worried for her new friend it was the first negative emotion she'd seen him express.

"Rias I don't have long to explain but do you have any books on dragon anatomy, specifically a human shaped one?" If she was worried before she was shocked now, she didn't know what to say then she saw the blood on his hands.

"I don't know but your free to look at the study library, Akeno can show you to it" she had questions but it could wait until whatever happened had calmed.

"Of course Buchou, please follow me Naruto-san" the brunette motioned for him to follow.

"Thank you, I know you have questions but I promise when this is finished I will explain" he quickly walked to catch up with his guide and came to a large shelved wall near what looked like a study but his eyes were busy scanning the spines for anything of relevance.

He was half way through when Akeno handed him a damp towel, his questioning look was answered by the brunette.

"You have blood on your hands Naruto-san you should wash it off before touching the books" the threatening undertone wasn't missed by him and he accepted the towel to wash his hands, there must have been some on the dragon girls possessions when he rifled through them.

"Thank you" as he wiped his hands clean a book caught his eye it had a symbol that looked like a dragon biting its tail embossed in silver on its spine, he had a gut feeling it was what he was looking for.

He took it from the shelf to read the title 'Dragon forms and anatomy' it seemed a little too good to be true but he had experienced stranger coincidences in the past so he didn't question it, flicking through the pages he came to a page titled 'Humanoid dragons' and read the first few lines.

"Dragons come in many different shapes and sizes but only one dragon has been confirmed as being humanoid in shape, Ophis the infinite dragon god, the mother of all dragons has always been seen in the form of a human given its ability to shape shift regardless of size.

Although not impossible it is still unheard of for any other dragon to be born humanoid in shape, this hasn't stopped dragons from trying to mimic Ophis by either forcing a shape shift or mating with a human for a hybrid offspring.

This of course leads to the problem of the forced shape shift killing the dragon as it energy is compressed to exploding point or in the hybrid the child dying from being unable to contain the power of a dragon, this leads us to believe that it requires exceptional genes from both parents for a hybrid be born with the best case scenario being Ophis herself partnering with a male or female.

I have had the express honor of examining the corpses of unsuccessful children to further understand the creatures and..."

The book continued into very detailed notes on the inner workings of the hybrids and although he didn't particularly like the reason this information was available he was grateful for it, he turned and left noticing that Akeno wasn't with him.

He entered the clubroom and saw her in her spot behind Rias, said girl looking his way glasses now perched on her nose.

"Ah Naruto-san I take it you found what you were looking for" noticing the book in his hand as she asked.

"Hai, I hope you don't mind lending it to me for a day or two" he asked his tone calmer than he was earlier even allowing a small smile take form.

"That is fine, as long as it isn't ruined in the process" she had something akin to hate for smudges and stains in books something she got from her love of manga and the extensive collection she had at home.

He mock saluted "You have my word, I should get going" and for the second time that day he vanished in a column of azure flame leaving the redhead a little empty.

Her expression must have shown how she felt when Akeno suddenly grabbed her shoulder forcing her to face the brunette.

"Rias I need to know what is going on with you please tell me, as a friend" her face stern but still worried for her.

Deciding it wasn't a great idea to hide it she took a calming breath before looking toward her friend

"Ok I'll tell you"

-~-~-~-Naruto's House, Study-~-~-~-

It had been a few hours since he left and inside his study the blonde was going over the notes his clones had left out for him and was a little surprised that the anatomy of the woman was not as different as it seemed but what was worrying him was her energy flow, it wasn't like a chakra system in fact there wasn't a system at all.

From what the book suggested and the notes confirmed was that the flesh and soul of a dragon were the source of their power, with their soul giving off a power constantly and the flesh acting as a battery absorbing it but there lies the problem.

The way his Iryo-jutsu work is by flowing into the body without having to open the person up to perform the task but this requires a precise control something her body is making very difficult to accomplish, not only because her energy was fighting his but the wounds he was trying to heal were in critical areas.

Her heart being a major concern to him, it was punctured through the right ventricle leaving the smaller one to maintain blood flow but he knew it wouldn't last long.

He wasn't without a plan though oh no he knew how to work around the problem but it might kill the patient, as he said she didn't have chakra or a pathway to speak of so he had no idea what it would do to her and he wasn't one to take chances with another's life.

The blonde decided to get some advice from a little green friend he knew, performing a few hand seals he slammed his hand onto the desk and in a small puff smoke Koeda appeared looking a little surprized.

"Koeda I need your help with something, there's a bag of candy in it for you" he couldn't help but smile at the energetic familiar but the moment was bittersweet for the blonde, he still needed to save his patient.

-Two hours later-

As the sun peeked over the horizon our blonde had his plan set for execution as he and two clones with enough juice to make a kage sweat were positioned around the as yet unnamed woman ready to begin, as Naruto looked over the jane doe he was certain it was now or never as his patient had begun to deteriorate from her stable state.

"Alright let's begin the draining process" during his preparation Naruto had decided to take a safer route than just lowering her reserves completely and instead focus on the areas he is working on, he hoped that her energy would help the healing process once he was done.

All three blondes slowly draining power from her chest, abdomen and neck where the critical injuries were located keeping an eye on her vitals with their free hand.

"Ok good it seems to be working well, I want to go for the heart puncture first the others can wait"

Receiving a nod from his assistants he began sending out his medical chakra to the right ventricle of her heart to repair it, thankfully whatever caused the damage wasn't serrated or he might have had to do something very stupid.

It was a slow process even with her power drained away it was resistant to the medical chakra along with being much thicker in muscle than a humans, he did notice that her skin on her chest began forming a scale like texture which was odd but he took it as a good sign.

An hour had passed by the time he had stitched the heart chamber together and made sure it functioned properly and by doing this he noticed she had and extra heart chamber near the back which he proposed was a by-product of being a hybrid but made sure to file that away for later.

"Ok now on to the neck injury, any change in her vitals?" he glanced over to his clone positioned at the abdomen who was looking a little confused.

"None in fact the scales from earlier are starting to appear on the abdomen too but there is an unknown here boss" he didn't need to ask as he noticed through their linked vision the golden scales forming on their hands, it appeared that absorbing dragon energy directly into himself wasn't such a bright idea.

"This was unexpected but we have to continue we won't have a second chance at this"

In truth he was a little worried at its implications but decided to treat it like nature chakra as he moved to the neck, he almost sighed at how much damage it suffered but equally amazed at how resilient this young woman was for surviving this long.

He quickly scanned over the area to make sure he hadn't missed anything, twenty lacerations, and three deep puncture wounds near the spinal cord but thankfully no broken bones.

"Whatever were you running from?" he mumbled his thoughts as he focused on the puncture wounds while his clone worked on the lacerations as they were rather trivial compared to the other injuries.

Another hour past as Naruto carefully sealed the last of the three stab wounds, it would have gone quicker he had found a foreign body lodged in a vertebrae so a steady pace was required.

Placing the shard onto a tray beside him he wiped his brow of sweat using his sleeve taking a moment to stare at the scales he could feel encroaching along his arm at a slow pace, he could tell that his clones were getting nervous.

Nodding tiredly he moved to final wound which wasn't life threatening but it would take the longest to heal, due to a powerful blunt impact to the abdominal area the hip had fractured, the left femur was broken in two places and her kidney has ruptured.

The bones would take time to heal there was no getting around that but the kidney was what required his attention, once again as he focus on her internal injury while his now free clone aligned and set her bones.

-~-~-~-An hour later-~-~-~-

The operation a success he and his clones cleaned up the room leaving the women to heal and recover her lost energy, speaking of which…

"This is going to be more trouble than I thought" The mentally exhausted blonde was sat on the couch in his lounge, his head resting in his scale covered hands.

That wasn't all as he was now without a shirt showing his well-toned physique also covered in the mystery scales, if one were to see him now it would look like someone had started painting his body then left it unfinished.

In his relief of the successfully saving the dragoness he had forgotten that any unused energy in shadow clones return to the creator which lead to the scales growing along his arms to his shoulders and across his torso with patches appearing randomly over other parts of his body.

He now was silently berating himself for his stupidity when he had an idea.

"So it's just energy right? Might as well try and get some use out of it" the grin that stretched across his face would have frightened any who knew Naruto because what followed afterwards was usually large amounts of property damage that would put Tsunade to shame.

If any were able to see past the barrier protecting his property they would have seen large dragons made of the elements themselves clashing in the sky in glorious explosions and the made cackling that accompanied.

-~-~-~-Two days later-~-~-~-

We find our blonde sat in one of the deck chairs on his front porch gazing upon a battlefield that had once been his front lawn, craters and trenches scarred the landscape but were quickly being cleared up by a group of clones using various earth techniques.

The blonde himself was glaring a little at his bandaged arms, the reason for the bandages? Well it appeared that his overzealous use of the borrowed dragon power had injured his arms but not in the way one would expect.

It would seem that dragon fire and lightning was not only powerful but difficult to control but most importantly difficult to heal from, he supposed it was karma for acting like a kid with matches or maybe it was punishment for something stupid he had done in the past.

"I'm so bored!" he had been out here since this morning after checking in on the now recovering woman, she would be fine in a week or so but it was a question of when she'd regain consciousness.

It was becoming irritating not knowing her name.

"Alright I'm going out for lunch, don't wait up for me" he yelled out to the clones as he walked to town, he decided to unseal his guitar just in case he finds a good place to play.

-~-~-~-In the town/café district-~-~-~-

As Naruto walked along the path towards a café he was deep in thought about his recent development, not the Jane Doe but the scales from last night.

He could still feel them on his skin but when he looked he couldn't see them like they were waiting to be triggered by something but what? When he had spent all the energy he'd collected last night the scaled skin faded to his normal tan colour even the texture had disappeared unlike his patients.

It was something he would have to ask the girl when she awoke but when would that be? She could easily stay unconscious for a month at most, he had seen it before.

The sage was so deep in thought he didn't sense the girl around the corner until…

*Thump* "Hey watch it!" came the angry cry of a young purplette currently glaring at the blonde from her spot on the ground.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't looking where I was going, here" He extended his only unbandaged hand to help her up pausing for but a moment when she took it.

She was going to yell at the blonde for the hit but couldn't find it in herself to do so when she saw his injured arms and instead mumbled a thanks as she dusted herself of.

During this Naruto looked over the girl and remembered her as the one speaking in a foreign language at the mall, it helped she was wearing the same clothes as last time.

She was dressed in an undone red jacket revealing a dark gray t-shirt with a yellow stripe down the left side with dark blue ripped jeans, her unique style would have her stand out almost anywhere.

"I'm Naruto by the way" offering his hand once again hoping to break the awkward silence that threatened to settle.

"Sayuri" she replied almost in relief that he had continued to talk to her, he was intrigued by the uniquely dressed teen and decided that she needed a friend.

"Hey I was on my way to get a bite to eat, If you want you can join me, my treat" his signature grin in full effect hoping she'd accept.

She seemed hesitant at first but it quickly changed to eagerness "Sure, I'm not one to pass up free food"

"Cool, the café's just up the road" they both made their way in the direction Naruto had been walking.

Along the way Sayuri proved to be quite talkative.

"So what's with the getup? You look like some kind of cosplayer" it was a blunt question but reasonable he guessed, it's not like what he wore was normal gear anymore.

"I could say the same to you but no I'm not a cosplayer it's just something I like to where" there was more to that obviously but he couldn't tell her the real reason.

"Hey! What I wear is perfectly normal overseas" her expression showed she was quite proud of that but Naruto felt the pang of sadness that popped up when she mentioned overseas.

"I wasn't judging you for it, I think everyone should learn to express themselves however they want either through clothing, music or cooking"

"Cooking?" she looked at him like he had spoken in gibberish.

"Cooking is a very large way of expressing who you are, when you cook you are making something that embodies you, every ingredient, the way you cook it, how you season it, all of it is you expressed through an art"

Sayuri was hooked on his words, it wasn't something she had thought about but it made sense, she was finding the older teen to be quite interesting to listen to.

During their discussion they had arrived at the café and sat at one of the outdoor tables when she noticed the guitar case he removed from his shoulder and placed beside his seat.

"Oh cool! You play the guitar, are you any good?" her bright personality coming through in her question.

"I'm ok I guess, I haven't been playing very long" It was true, back in the elemental nations there were a few instruments similar to those here but the guitar was new to him at least.

He knew what was going to happen next when he saw her eyes light up with childish joy, deciding to let her enjoy herself he spoke interrupting her question.

"I will play a song after we order, remember it's my treat" her cheeks a little pink at being so easily figured out but she looked through the menu in search of something to her taste.

Doing the same he noticed the waitress appear by the table, she seemed to be in her early twenties with brown hair done up in a bun and had a nice figure, he did notice her glance his way every now and then but ignored it.

"Hello and welcome to Café Yatsuhashi, may I take your order?" holding up her pad and pen with a well-practiced smile.

"I will have a sushi platter with ice tea, Sayuri?"

"I'll have a dango platter and some water"

"Ok your orders will be with you shortly" leaving the two alone, Sayuri turned to look at Naruto with expectant eyes.

"Alright I'll play you a song ok? No need to rush" he bent down and retrieved his guitar, its appearance receiving a variety of looks from the other café customers.

"What's kind of guitar is that?" he was expecting the question since its ominous or cool appearance in his opinion was very unusual, he smiled slyly.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you" setting the guitar on his lap he took a moment to pick a song before closing his eyes.

(Song: Iris – acoustic by Ronan Keating)

And I'd give up forever to touch you

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't wanna go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

When sooner or later it's over

I just don't wanna miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming

Or the moment of truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies

Yeah, you bleed just to know you're alive

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

A round of applause brought the blonde back to his senses, looking around he saw the other café goers and staff clapping with Sayuri staring in awed expression smiling brightly.

A little embarrassed at the attention he smiled back scratching the back of his head sheepishly, he noticed the waitress from earlier arriving with their orders but her smile more genuine this time around.

Placing the tray of food and drink on the table Naruto pulled out the money for the food when she lifted her hand stopping him.

"This is on the house, if you play a few more songs" Her challenging stare egging him on, he turned to Sayuri whom nodded eagerly at the request.

Outnumbered he sighed but it was all in good fun and began playing again, his few songs became a small concert as he played through the lunch rush much to the joy of customers and random passers-by.

-~-~-~-A few hours later-~-~-~-

Naruto and Sayuri had left the café satisfied with the day they've had, they made their way to the corner they had run into each other and Sayuri was strangely quiet.

Not liking the odd silence he decided to indulge his curiosity "A penny for your thoughts?"

She didn't answer straight away, hesitant with what she had to say.

"Naruto…" she seemed so vulnerable now compared to the bright personality he had spent his afternoon with "… will I see you again?"

"Of course you will, you're going to Kuoh Academy aren't you? We can hang out there" hoping that quelled her fears.

She seemed to cheer up at that "Right, also I was wandering… what happened to your arms?" now staring at his bandages forearms as they walked.

"Oh I had a small accident involving fire and stupidity" He chuckled a little at the memory of last night, he may have gone overboard but it was a lot of fun.

"Well make sure your more careful next time I'd like to keep a friend longer than a day" she looked away perhaps a little embarrassed by how caring it was but it made him happy to know she cared for his wellbeing, the kind of friend he could count on.

He ruffled her hair playfully "Sure thing kid"

Grumbling as he did so she glared at the blonde "I'm only a year younger than you"

Ignoring her complaint he stopped at the corner prompting Sayuri to do the same "Well I guess this is us ne?"

"Yeah I guess it is" she replied dejectedly at their time together coming to an end.

"Hey cheer up, goodbye aren't forever you know" with that he walked off towards his home, waving over his shoulder as he did so.

"Goodbyes aren't forever" repeating what she'd heard as he watched his back shrink into the distance before walking towards her house.

-~-~-~-Naruto's house, Study-~-~-~-

After arriving home he went up to his study to look over the medical notes he had written down trying to find some connection to the mysterious golden scales he had somehow grown but his scrutiny was cut off as the doorbell went off, nobody should know where he lived yet but sensing the person out he struggled to withhold the sigh threatening to escape.

When he opened the door he saw the ever smiling Akeno at his door and a sheepish looking Koeda hovering behind her shoulder, he should have known that she would get him to talk.

"Um hello Akeno what brings you here so late at night" he asked glancing to the clock in the foyer, it was well past midnight, damn he was up there longer than he thought.

"Naruto-san you know we devils are most active at night" he restrained from palming his forehead at the obvious answer and instead motioned for the queen to enter.

"Ah I forgot, sorry I've been occupied on something quite important" she stopped looking around the foyer and tuned to Naruto, an innocent expression plastered on her face.

"Something to do with that book you were after?"

So that's what she was here for, he couldn't blame her for coming here his sudden request had Rias thinking before he had left, he knew of her glasses habit and it was only a matter of time until her curiosity got the better of her.

"Yes if you are here on Rias' behalf please just tell me, there is no need for hidden agendas" he made his way to the kitchen to the right of the foyer, filling the kettle and set it on the stove.

"It seems you saw through me quite quickly but you are only half right, I want to ask you some questions if you don't mind" complying with the request they moved to the lounge.

The room was on the opposite side of the stairs with red leather couches arranged in a semi-circle facing a large flat screen, a dark gray coffee table in the center finished the room off.

Akeno sat on the center couch while Naruto sat in the armchair to her right closest to the kitchen, there was a moment of silence before Akeno spoke.

"What does Rias mean to you" the question was a little out of the blue to the blonde, he knew what she was implying but he hadn't given it much thought, what did the heiress mean to him?

"She is a friend, that to me is someone precious, someone I would give my all to protect and die for" his unwavering stare glued to the raven haired girl as he spoke, it was a little innerving even to the young sadist.

"I see, but do you feel anything more for her, more than a friend?" she knew it was prying to ask and could lead to awkward tension between them but she wanted to make sure.

"Do I love her?" she nodded, his features softened at the thought, could he love? Was he allowed to love in this world or would it be taken by time once again.

He had loved before but it was short lived, at least to him it was, they had shared their first kiss, there first night they had given body and soul to each other only for tomorrow to bring her last breath.

He had moved on since then and lived in solace but it was still a part of him that was missing, but perhaps he could learn to love again.

He hadn't noticed the tears he had shed until he looked to the small patches of moisture on his leg, drying his eyes as he answered.

"No"

Akeno looked down solemn at his answer but understood where he was coming from, she saw the look in his eyes and knew he had lost someone like that before and how couldn't she recognise them she had seen that look before in her own when her mother had passed away, she was about to get up when Naruto continued.

"I don't love her yet, but I would be lying if I said there I didn't feel anything for her" he met her hopeful expression with his own.

"All I ask is that you give a scarred heart time to reach out again"

Glad that the trip wasn't wasted she nodded gratefully just as the kettles whistle sounded through the house, Naruto left the lounge to tend to it while Akeno looked around the room taking notice of the bare walls and general empty feeling the room gave.

Her eye caught the sight of a few picture frames on a shelf behind her and went to look, there were pictures of what appeared to be a teen Naruto with a large group of teens all different in appearance but one thing they did share was their smile.

In the one beside that was the picture of a happy couple, one a man with golden blonde hair dressed quite similarly to Naruto with his arm around a very pregnant looking redhead cradling her stomach lovingly as they both smiled at the camera.

"My parents" despite herself she jumped a little at his voice, turning to face him as he placed the tea on the coffee table returning to his seat.

"They look very happy"

"Yes they were" she almost winced at that, deciding to move on from the obviously painful memory she sat down and took a sip of her tea thinking on what to say next but she didn't need to as Naruto spoke up this time.

"In regards to your other reason for being here I found an injured woman with dragon like features in the outlying forest, she's was dying Akeno and I needed to know her anatomy to save her"

She sighed inwardly at his explanation, Rias and her had gone over many possibilities for what he was doing and were glad it was this and not something else.

"Akeno, will absorbing large amounts of dragon energy cause any odd effects" it was an odd question to Akeno at least until she took notice of his bandaged arms.

"I'm not sure it is quite a potent source of energy so it could affect many aspects of another being in some way, but you look like you've already experienced one of them Naruto-san".

He only hmm'd at her assumption as they fell into a reasonably comfortable silence, it lasted for a while before Akeno decided to ask him something.

"I take it you know the importance of what she is Naruto-san" it wasn't a question more than a statement but he nodded in response.

"I do, she shouldn't be possible from what the book I borrowed stated"

"Indeed which is why you are responsible for her" the queen stated slyly

"What do you mean? I was looking after her anyway" he was confused to where she was going with this.

"That's good to hear but now you officially responsible for her as ordered by Rias" Ah, that's what she meant, it was a clever move from the Gremory as with him being her official guardian recognised by the Gremory house she is by proxy under their protection as well.

He'd have to thank her for that sometime later.

"I'm sorry to cut this short but I need to get back to Buchou before she gets worried" she got up and bowed politely for the tea.

"No need to apologize Akeno it was nice to talk to you, here let me walk you to the door"

"Ara ara, such a gentlemen perhaps I should just take you for myself" she teased him with her sultry gaze that would have had lesser men blush and splutter but our hero merely smiled back at her.

She followed behind him to the foyer, but before he reached for the door she asked a question that had been bothering her since she arrived.

"Naruto-san I am curious as to why I couldn't teleport here" she had tried to do so before coming here to save time but it wouldn't work, she knew the spell was strongest when a circle was placed on the ground to link it to but it should have worked.

"That would be my doing I'm afraid, call me old fashioned but I prefer it when people use the door rather than appearing in my house at random"

He playfully glared at the girl since he had felt her attempts to do just that whilst in the study, he had hoped she would give up but when she knocked on his door he couldn't just ask her to leave not that he hadn't enjoyed their talk it was just a little annoying.

The brunette merely smiled that mixed smile of hers "I will remember that in the future Naruto-san, good night" with that she made her way outside onto the stone path before manifesting her wings and taking flight.

Shaking his head at her little display he headed inside for the night, collecting the empty cups in the lounge he put them into the sink and made his way upstairs.

"It's been quite an eventful week hasn't it, hopefully things will quiet down when school starts"

He couldn't have been more wrong with that statement, for adventure was just over the horizon for the not only him but those close to him.