As of recent, my time has been solely preoccupied by a massive consumption of Light Novel reading. In that time, I've only written sparingly. In addition, I've had a case of writer's block for my other DxD story, and reflecting on it, I may have been too overzealous in my ambitions with the concept. Reading and writing hopefully will spark my creative drive. For now enjoy this. Before you begin reading keep this in mind.

In Media Res: starting at midway point of story.
Dialect/Vernacular: language of a particular district, class, or group of persons. Yes, I know that Naruto's speech is 'incorrect'. It's an experiment.

For clarification, this is a triple crossover.

Naruto x DxD x Mysterious Light Novel

Biting. Stinging. Cold.

Tremors.

An advance of massive creatures shook the frozen ground terribly all heading towards two figures. The nondescript man's eyes scanned the growing crowd with great apprehension. The woman beside him whose celestial beauty radiated despite the grim and gore coating her from head to toe. Of the two, the man had more physical injuries as his expertise lay in physical engagement acting as a buffer between the woman and the encroaching hoard. In return for ample time, her spells took on devastating force. But they had been under the duress for twenty hours. Knowing they would be overwhelmed eventually. She would undoubtedly perish if he didn't act, they both would.

Seventy percent.

He took a leap of faith hoping that it would hold that off.

«Host, verifying operation.»
«Triggering operative procedures.»
«Injecting magic, starting erosion.»
«Compatibility, ―»
«Host, please wake-up.»

Alongside the monotone voice, he had already moved.

《 Normal 》

The sun's rays punctured the thin fabric of the curtains, casting onto a solitary figure harsh light. The man turned over and grumbled under his breath. He briefly propped himself up with his elbow as his aged body creaked and groaned. He should really buy a new bed was his lone thought, the current one was murder on his back.

The man swung his legs over the bed. His feet made contact with the cold, wooden floor. He, shying away from a morning shower, for he was stingy with money, stumbled over to his drawers to change his clothes for the day. Pulling the blue shirt over his head, he adorned a deep marine blue jinbei top that vertical lines of darker color running down the clothe. The black shorts were switched with a matching jinbei pants. With his toothbrush in his mouth, Naruto ducked under the curtain to the counter of his shop, and began to prepare breakfast.

Naruto enjoyed his simple breakfast of grilled salmon, a salad, a bowl of rice and miso soup slowly. Each bite of food was worked over methodically. Once he cleaned the bowls, he began constructing the soup base for his ramen, after all it was part of his livelihood that of a chef. Finding the base lacking, Naruto sprinkled in his secret spice mixture. 'Much better,' he thought.

As most days in his shop, business was slow, but the measly income and his enthusiasm for ramen kept him content. Naruto's eyes scanned the page of the highly attention-grabbing light novel that was chalk full of action, with a dash of romance and had a nice helping of tragedy to balance it all out.

Naruto scratched the itch on his scalp when he heard the entrance bell ring, "Welcome to Ichiraku. Oh, Ise-boy where you been? I haven't seen ya in a week."

Issei laughed sheepishly, "Sorry, Naruto some things came up."

"Don't ya worry 'bout it Ise-boy," Naruto said after closing his light novel. He arched an eyebrow at the girl dressed in nun's clothing standing shyly behind Issei. His inquisitve gaze only made her shrink further. Catching that detail, Naruto tilted his head towards Issei, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

Issei lead Asia over to the counter where they sat as Naruto handed them the menu."Asia, this lazy looking guy with the terrible Kansai dialect is Namaki Naruto. And he makes decent ramen."

Naruto patted the boy on the shoulder, "Ise-boy ya a valued customer of this quaint shop o' mine, so I'm going to give ya a nice special on ta ramen. Ya ramen is gonta be costing an extra 250¥."

Issei gulped, "I'm sorry please don't overcharge me."

Naruto smiled wryly, "Now then what will ya two lovebirds be having today?"

Issei wanted to argue, but he dropped it seeing the teasing smile plastered on Naruto's face. The boy ordered for Asia and him a bowl of pork ramen each as the blonde nun couldn't read the menu. Moments later, two bowls of hot broth and noodles were placed before them toppled with pork and other garnishes.

"Ise-boy, givmme ya card for ta stamp," Naruto reminded him.

Issei reached down and retrieved a rectangular piece of thick paper with seven stamps. This was Naruto's special rewards program that he offered specially for Issei, a frequent visitor of his shop. The card had 10 boxes for stamps. For every fives stamps, the next bowl of ramen was marked off by 75% and every ten stamps equated one bowl of free ramen which carried over into another card. Naruto told Issei to keep all his old reward cards for a special reward Naruto would offer in the future.

"Two stamps?" Issei asked when he saw that Naruto placed an extra stamp on his card.

"Yeah, one for you and for the young miss you brought 'long."

Asia inhaled the wonderful smell of her ramen. She couldn't wait to sample the delicacy. Naruto handed the girl a fork to eat with once he saw how badly she fumbled with her chopsticks.

Mimicking Issei, Asia brought the blew on the hot noodles before eating them, "D-Delicious! This ramen is amazing Namaki-san," Asia exclaimed with sparkling eyes.

Asia's honest opinion drew a small chuckle from the man.

"Asia, stop or this guy's head will burst from hot air."

Issei made small laughter. He wanted to extend his hand to her, to help Asia. Who knows what dastardly things those Fallen Angels could do to her? For today, he wanted Asia to experience fun things, create cherished memories. However, he knew that the Fallen Angels would come eventually for Asia. No, not for Asia but the sacred gear she possessed just as they did for he. Issei turned his sights to Naruto, who attending to the kitchen, and thought.

'I'm sure that if I ask for it, Naruto could help me but . . . he's only a normal human,' Issei shook his head, 'No, it's better if I don't involve him.'

"Here, desert on ta house," Naruto announced and breaking Issei out of his internal confliction. Set before Issei and Asia was a plate of daifuku, a Japanese desert consisting of round mochi or rice cake stuffed with sweat red bean paste.

"Eh? Aniki why?" blurted Issei.

"Didya' hear me wrong or something? I told ya it's on the house, so don'ta worry bout it and just enjoy it."

The brown haired teen accepted the gift with a small nod. He took a bite from the daifuku, "Tasty! I didn't know that you could make traditional Japanese deserts, Aniki!"

Asia nodded her head in agreement, "This is really good Naruto-san."

Naruto puffed out his chest and rubbed the top of his lip with his finger, "This shop barely receives guests so I get time in spades to experiment."

"Asia," Issei said after they ate the desert alongside tea.

"Yes, Issei-san?"

"Want to go to the game center?"

Asia's face flushed with curiosity nodded once, the only answer that he needed. First, he paid Naruto for their meal as they stood up.

"Ise-boy," Naruto called to them where they stood at the door, "If ya ever need help then ya don't worry bout it 'n come to me."

Issei turned around and hit his chest with his fist, "Got it Aniki."

Once the duo was out of the shop and out of hearing range, Naruto said to nobody in particular, "Ah, young love, 'though, looks like troublesome things," he chuckled at that, "Are gonta bother me some more. Life."

Naruto felt an entity tugging at the corners of his jinbei, "Yo, Kinme where have you been?"

Kinme titled her head blinking once. She mewled before cuddling up beneath Naruto's hand which was the signal for Naruto to start stroking Kinme's jet black fur. She began to pur contently.

Naruto smiled.

What a strange cat.

He remembered the day or rather night he met Kinme. He was taking out the trash behind the back when the crafty feline jumped down from the roofing, landing right in front of him. She proceeded to sit on her haunches and stare at him with her golden eyes that glowed in the dark. He scratched his chin, unsure of the situation before shrugging once and heading inside. However, he was surprised to discover the feline's following of his person. Naruto crouched before the cat, and she twitched her ear once while staring into his blue-magenta eyes. The cat made no move to claw off his face after he picked her up. Rattling his brain, the man came up with a name.

"Know what, I'll name ya Kinme, fo' ya gold'n eyes."

Kinme was a strange cat indeed. At times she would up a disappear for several days and then suddenly reappear.

Like an old man, Naruto reminisced. Cutting a slab of salmon, he fed it to Kinme.

《 Normal 》

"Yo, Ise-boy I haven't seen ya in a high near a week. Thought ya up and gone fo'got 'bout my shop."

Issei went to the counter. He, slumping, listlessly fit the counter with his face, "Aniki . . . I'm weak. I don't know what to do . . . Please Aniki how do I become stronger?"

"Well ya came to the right person 'bout gaining strength Ise-boy," Issei raised his face hopefully, "But it ain't charity that'sa certain," the boy with unmatched lust lost the glint of hope smoldering in his eyes at Naruto's remark, "Remember when I tol'ya to keep those cards? Nowsa time to use em."

In an instant, Issei sprung from his seat and prostrated himself before Naruto, "Aniki!"

Naruto leaked a sigh, "Ise-boy, stand up and dust yourself off, an' let me explain or else I'll just rescind ma' offer."

Issei did yet another reversal; he stood erect and disciplined like a soldier.

"First, I can't help ya if I don't know whats'ta problem."

"It's about Buchou . . ." Issei began but trailed off. As far as he knew, Naruto was a simple, normal ramen chef.

"What happened to the guy who wanted to be Harem King? He, who was undeterred in his desire and partaking of flesh? Certainly ain't the kid I see 'fore me." The whiskered man's tone softened but his next words put Issei on edge, "You can tell me even if it's sometin Devil related."

"H-How do you know that Aniki?" Issei, wide eyed, stammered.

"I can tell, ya give off ta aura o' one," he explained tersely, "'Sides aint ya problem more important?"

"Well, yeah, but . . ." Issei accepted Naruto's explanation begrudgingly, ignoring the fact that Naruto changed subject. Issei is in a situation where he couldn't argue pointlessly and therefore, miss out on this golden opportunity. Issei ruffled his brown lockes, "All right, it's about Buchou, her name is Rias Gremory and she's bothered to this guy Riser. Buchou isn't interested in him in the slightest, and Riser doesn't value her as a woman. However, for her to break free of her engagement, she needs to beat her fiance in a Rating Game, a match between her Peerage, us, and Riser's."

Naruto cuffed Issei roughly on the back, "There don'ta feel nice ta get that offa chest? Now what are ya waiting fo' don'ta need to win a Rating Game?"

《 Normal 》

"Hee-hee," Issei strenuously picked up his foot and took another laborious step. He heaved in precious oxygen for his burning muscles.

"Git to it Ise-boy, this is part of yer training," Naruto peacefully walked beside him. Strange how the ramen chef kept his cool despite being surrounded by a group of Devils on a winding path into the mountains. The sharp glare radiating from Rias, brimming with hostility, unfazed him.

Naruto inhaled the crisp air, "Ah, ya don't see sights like this in the city. Too much light pollution and development and noise and all that other stuff."

'This guy can't read the mood,' was the unanimous thought.

Turning back to them, "Burning daylight here, how do ya expect to beat Riser? Wait 'til he dies from old age?"

"Wait Namaki-san, barring Issei and Asia, none of us know a single thing about you, so when you suddenly show up and interpose yourself in my business it's only natural that I be weary," Rias asserted herself. Her sharp eyes scanned Naruto, taking in the surface detail. The man wore dark track pants and a navy blue track jacket that was unzipped exposing the tangelo orange long sleeve underneath that had a black horizontal stripe running across his chest. Furthermore, slung over his back was a muddy brown shinai case that, without a doubt, had his weapon inside. His grey shouneny hair was unruly and matted. The only striking thing about Naruto were the faint whisker marks on his cheeks, three on each side. And there was his lame Kansai dialect of his, which she doubted was authentic. Unimpressive. Rias found no other word to describe Namaki Naruto.

Fundamental attribution theory dealt with how a person explained the behavior of others, an external attribution such as the environment or an internal attribution accredited to personality behaviors. Rias suffered from a common case of the fundamental attribution error where a person tends to explain another person's actions in terms of internal disposition, his personality rather than his situation. Was Naruto's appearance because he was lazy or that he didn't have anything to else to wear? This explains why first impressions are so important. And Rias' first impression of Naruto wasn't favorable . . .

"Ya right, I wouldn't blame ya Gremory-san fo' ya caution," Naruto jerked a thumb at Issei, "Ise-boy there came into ma shop asking for help, so here I am. Originally, I planned ta help Ise-boy but I'm feeling generous an' going to help you all."

Rias fired her next question, "Why are you helping Issei?"

Naruto reached into his right pocket and pulled out fifteen or so cards, all stamped, "'Coz o' this. It'sa special rewards program. The shop is barren an' void so I hafta keep all the customers satisfied that I all ready have. Ol' Ise-boy been acquainting the shop fo' over two years, so he stored up quite ta amount."

Rias rubbed her temple to fight off the migraine, "Is this true Issei?"

Issei nodded his head.

Rias accepted Naruto's proposal with great reluctance. Having waded so far into the river at this point meant that it would be as difficult for Rias to move forward as to retreat. To retreat here meant marrying Riser, a notion she held with disdain. On the other hand, she could absorb the teachings of Naruto and use the man's experience, if he had any, to grasp victory.

Naruto cuffed Issei on the back causing the openly perverted boy to almost fall off the edge, "Don'ta worry. If my training doesn't help ya win the Rating Game, I'll refund of all Ise-boy's cards and offer a bowl o' complementary ramen."

"Great," Rias dryly snipped, rolling her eyes, "I'll have to marry a womanizer. And I'll get a free bowl of ramen. What more could I ask for?"

Laughing heartily, "If ya take my guidance ta heart then yar have none problem of handling that Rizer or is it Riser; I think it's Raizer . . ." Naruto scratched his chin, "Or whatever his name is," he finished with a curt shrug.

Issei turned his eyes to his Aniki, "By the way Aniki, are you only bringing that shinai case?"

Naruto simply nodded as his reply.

Arriving at the mountain villa, the two latest Devil additions released a breath of awe. Expected of an Rias' family, the estate was built to with European designs in mind. A well maintained and gorgeous garden surrounded the premises. Behind the building was an expanse forest, which lent itself to the pristinity of the scene before them. Off to the side of a lake, a gazebo had been constructed.

The herd of Devils headed inside to stow away their belongings and to change before regrouping outside to begin their arduous training.

"All right," Naruto, with a sly grin, greeted them, "From what Ise-boy has told me, ya only got ten days to power-up. Quite the wall I'd say, but thankfully I'm here to lend a hand."

"How will you do that exactly?" inquired the resident blades expert, Kiba Yumi. Unlike the other girls, Yumi wore a male's jersey despite obviously being a female. Known at Kuou as The Prince, Yumi attracted the attention of both genders with her radiant blonde hair, modest breasts, snow white skin, blue gemstone eyes and a beauty mark underneath her left eye. Her alias originated from the fact that Yumi wore a male uniform at school.

Naruto chuckled eerily, "You'll see."

《 Normal 》

"Orya!" Issei aimed a sloppy punch at his target, only to have the breath knocked out of him by a viscous blow to the abdomen.

"Ise-boy ya be telegraphing yer blows to me. And Toujou-san, Kiba-san ya needta try harder to surprise me especially with that level of stealth," Naruto admonished. He leaned back to deflect Yumi's blade and redirected Koneko's fist with his foot. The three had to jump to avoid Naruto's sword.

《Chuunibyou Super Series Style – Spinning Paradigm Shift》

The technique involved Naruto lashing at his target whilst rotating in a full circle. It was a move clearly devised to take on multiple opponents. Simple but effective despite Naruto's naming sense that is . . .

"Tch," Yumi clicked her tongue, "There's another one of those annoying, nonsensical attacks."

"Yeah . . . how does Aniki come up with these . . . names," Issei used this precious pause to recuperate after their two hour long spar that started briskly after Naruto's statement. Issei, who had the worse body conditioning, was absolutely drenched in perspiration. Although, Yumi and Koneko had more experience, they were faring better, if only slightly. And Naruto? He had not a single lick of sweat on his person.

Naruto quickly pointed out that their, Rias' and her peerage's, fatal flaw was lack of real combat experience and team cohesion. Naruto aimed to address the first problem using the first six days and the latter on the last three days. One day was allotted for discretionary time.

For Issei, Yumi and Koneko, who were the vanguard, Naruto would spend time sparring all at them simultaneously to rapidly accrue growth. Afterwords, he will give them a break and work with Rias, Akeno and Asia on their magic to refine their magical reserves and control.

Naruto stole a cursory glance at the clock, "Only another ten minutes. It's the last stretch, so come at me with everything ya have."

Naruto adopted a drawing stance, contracting all of his muscles. He felt the bones inside his body creak and his muscles complain. Sensing, the destructive power behind the blow, they jumped out of the way as Naruto launched his slash.

《Chuunibyou Super Series Style – Sloping Crescent Clash》

The aftermath was a meter deep crevice in the ground that carved itself through the forest. Naruto breathed out, "Com'on if ya dillydally bout then I'll throw in another hour of sparring."

The three gulped noisily. None of them had ever participated in a drawn out battle such as this, even if it was a simple spar, and their bodies were breaking down. Their muscles, deluged with lactic acid, screamed for oxygen and rest. However, the notion of another hour of grueling torture had them mustering everything for the last leg.

Issei wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his arm. Yumi tightened the grip on her sword. Koneko punched the palm of her hand.

Issei kicked the ground and closed the gap between Naruto and him.

"Ya persistent, I'll givya that. But, ya getting nowhere by assualtin me head on."

Then, Issei stopped making Naruto bewildered. It was unexpected that Issei attempted to perform a low sweep kick. It was great to see the boy adapting on the flow which was an important aspect of battle. Combined with the fact they had been sparring so long, Naruto decided to give Issei a freebie. Instead of smacking the youngster upside the head with his shinai, he hopped over Issei's leg. Of course, he accounted for when Koneko and Yumi jumped out of the treeline to attack him in the air where he was vulnerable.

Naruto flipped himself, stabbing his shinai into the ground to act as a pillar. By pushing off of the handle, the impending attacks harmlessly struck thin air. Yumi rebounded off a tree, speeding towards Naruto with intent of bodily harm. Fortunately, Naruto's hands reached and slammed the ground to launch him off the earth. The flip prevented him from being bisected. Yumi's relentless assault was just beginning as the ramen chef adroitly swayed and leaned away from the sword's edge. She lashed at him with another strike, but Naruto easily ducked under it. He quickly sidestepped Koneko's blow when she made her presence known, joining in on the fray. Naruto went on the defensive once the brown haired boy flew in from behind.

Naruto expertly back flipped in the air to avoid Yumi's slash. Performing his spin, Naruto, hovering over Issei's head, grabbed the boy's collar. On his landing, Naruto hurled Issei over his shoulder, sending the boy spiraling into the forest.

But not without earning a curse, "Naruto! You sonuva-" Issei's voice became too distant for them to catch the last part of his remark.

Sprinting forward, Yumi aimed a thrust while Koneko's punch sliced through the air.

"Hoho, going on the offensive once I've been disarmed. Good idea but too naive." Naruto reached out with his arms, grabbing both the girl's wrists. Any attempt of breaking Naruto's grip had no effect. Naruto's eyes gleamed before he spun in a full circle, pulling the captured victims and lifting them off the ground.

《Chuunibyou Super Series Unarmed Style Sudden On The Spot Original Move Creation Alliteration! – Tandem Tanti Tardigrade Twin Turbine Twister of Telegeny》

He released them and sent them jettisoning, like Issei, into the forest.

"What's with that name! And on the spot creation?!" they retorted, playing the straight man to Naruto's tsukkomi. Now, only, if they had a harisen fan to slap the grey on the back of the head.

*Ring*Ring*

Clapping his hands, "That was a fun assessment o yer skills if I dun say so myself. I'm pretty sure I have gotten a good grasp o ya parameters. Rest up for now."

The shrill of the alarm ended the taxing spar, however; that also signaled the beginning the Akeno's, Rias' and Asia's torture?

They had it relatively easy compared to the others. Asia's training involved her improving her proficiency with Twilight Healing by nursing the bruised, battered bodies. Naruto had Akeno and Rias perform a few light exercises: couple of pushups here, couple of situps there and a light jog. The two showcased their spells under Naruto's discretion, who merely nodded, pulled out a notebook and took down some notes. The session lasted thirty minutes . . . level of treatment was completely biased. The vanguard group, too tired to exert a verbal retort, complained inside their minds.

"Aight, everyone," Naruto announced, "Thata concludes ta assessment. It's time for dinner, so go wash up and I'll cook up sum ov my curry. While ya eatin, I'll voice my thoughts on ya strengths and weaknesses. At night, I'll come up wit sum kinda trainin for tommorrow."

When they came down to the kitchen, the smell of spices shifted through the air making their mouths water and stomachs growl. There on top of the table was a pot of steamy curry and a rice cooker. Naruto walked into the room carrying a stack of plates, "Here, I made quita bit, help yaself to as much as ya want."

Stacking their plates with helpful heapings of food, they chorused, "Itadakimasu."

There weren't enough seats at the table since the number only accounted for Rias and her peerage, not the extra tag-a-long named Naruto. Instead, he opted to eat and stand at the counter. Ten minutes passeds since they began eating, and everyone found the food tasty.

Naruto spooned a serving of curry laden rice. He coughed once, garnering the attention of everyone. With all eyes on him, he lifted his cleaned spoon and pointed, "Ise-boy amongst everyone you're the one who needsta most imrov'n. Ya blows are unfocused 'n wild. I want ya to start jumpin ta rope to build up your endurance. Den get ya started on basics fightn kno'how later."

His next assessment was Koneko, "Toujou-san ya hit strong, sometin I can attest to. However, that behemoth strength o' yas is pointless if ya lack speed to hit 'em. I'll be teaching ya how to move inside an enemy's attack and counterattack from there with deadly force."

He aimed his words at Rias, Asia and Akeno after, "For Asia, she needsa refine her healing. Himejima and Gremory itsa crucial for ya to expand ya reserves. I'll thinko sumtin else later."

However, Naruto didn't offer any advice for Yumi, voicing that he wanted to speak with the Knight separately.

《 Normal 》

When it was midnight, Yumi stepped out of the villa making her way to the tree Naruto marked as his sleeping post. She found the aforementioned man leisurely sitting on a branch with one leg idly swinging and sipping from a saucer of sake.

"Well?" Yumi asked pointedly. She wondered why Naruto solely pointed her out. Naruto refilled the saucer in his hand with the sake bottle, and took another sip of the liquid. The bitter drink coursed through his body helping to ward of the frosty night air.

"Your blows are heavy," Naruto finally said after a minute, "I can tell from our exchanges that your master has taught you well. Alas, your blows are heavy," Naruto repeated again. And again, Yumi drew a blank for Naruto's ambiguity. She also missed Naruto's transition in verbal dialect.

"You see, the greatest way for two warriors to understand another is through battle," Yumi stood, tight lipped, as Naruto droned on, "From trading blows with Issei, I can tell that boy's heart is in the right place and his mind to an extent. From Koneko I perceive a fear, and I hope that the girl will learn to overcome that fear. I'll step in when I see that she needs a guiding hand. The same is said of Akeno. However, your blows are heavy."

Her patience drew thin after the third repetition, "Get on with it all ready," she snapped.

"Revenge. Yumi, you live for revenge. That makes you an Avenger does it not. The weight behind your blade has told that in the least," Naruto made a stopping gesture that cut her off before Yumi could speak, "There was someone close to me, one who I called my brother, whose sole purpose was revenge. That vengeance fueled his actions until it consumed him . . . I won't deny your revenge. A life of only revenge is sad, no matter how you look at it. I won't try to stop you. Nothing comes out of revenge, I won't say such rosy words."

"What are you trying to suggest I do then? I can't forgive that. For the sake of my comrades that is what I vowed. That's what I've lived for until now. That's what I'll live on until I take my last breath." Yumi murmured softly at first. With each word the intensity in her tone grew, "I'm already broken," a despondent smile broke out on her face. Tears welled up and threatened to spill from her eyes.

"Rias is young, I doubt she would be able address your distress. In her stead, I will carry half of your burden."

With those words, Yumi looked up at Naruto's solitary figure.

"For clarification, I mean that I'm going to assist you in your revenge."

Yumi was speechless. As if she didn't understand the meaning, "What do you . . ."

"Is it really that hard to understand Yumi? It's exactly as I said."

"Don't get carried away!" Yumi's anger exploded towards Naruto who sat back against the tree trunk while spouting garbage with a straight face, "Why would someone unrelated like you help me with my revenge?!"

Naruto allowed himself a small frown, "Didn't I say early Issei asked me for help. I decided to help all of you. That includes this too. I don't see the problem here."

"That's meddling! My revenge belongs to me."

A sigh leaked out, "I know that, but isn't two people better than one? It's simple that a guy like me can understand."

"Seriously, did your mother drop you when you were a baby? Or you were born with a lack of brain cells?" Yumi shouted, breathing heavily.

"Having fights like this, doesn't that mean that we are comrades? Comrades help each other don't they? That is a reason for me to help you."

"You're lying!"

"You're just being bitter."

Yumi received a huge shock, "Me? Bitter? ―"

"Then why are you crying? There's a lot of tears coming out. You've been crying for awhile now. Tears come out when you're in pain even if hold it in."

". . ."

"You're not alone anymore Yumi," Naruto said with a gentle voice to Yumi, "I swear." He reached out his hand to the crying girl in front of him, "I swear to walk together with you. From now on, we'll cry together, grieve together and fight together."

This time around Naruto would bear the burden alongside. This time tragedy won't strike. This time . . . this time he'd be able to secure everyone's happiness. He knew that it was a pipe dream which he had give up on, but deep inside, he hasn't completely abandoned his dream.

Naruto cut his train of thought. He wondered why he was unable to refuse. To refuse helping even up until now. He had no one there for him growing up. Only later on did he find those who believed in him and those he believed in. If no one was there for Yumi, then he would be there. That was simply who he is, unable to leave those who suffered through loneliness alone. He'd be damned to turn his back on his comrades. After all, he is Namaki Naruto.

With tears dripping from her eyes, Yumi stood motionless. The virulent desire she held underneath were easily seen by Naruto. Sure, Rias knew vaguely of her revenge, but not it's consumption of Yumi's conscious. However, Naruto, he saw through it all.

'To rely on someone, me?' Yumi questioned herself, 'Wouldn't Naruto be troubled by my selfishness?'

A comforting warmth engulfed her. Naruto pulled her into an embrace. Without realizing it herself, Yumi cried clinging to Naruto's chest. A weight was lifted from her shoulder. A weight that held her down for so long. A part of the weight still existed but it no longer oppressed her.

Naruto gently pat her head silently letting the girl release all of her pent up emotions. Naruto blinked as he felt Yumi's head falling and resting on his shoulder. Gazing downward, he realized that Yumi had fallen asleep. Naruto couldn't blame her. He pushed her to her limits in their spar, and the taxing confrontation was the breaking point. Although, he wished that she hadn't use him as a pillow.

Carrying Yumi in a princess carry, he treaded lightly to her room. At the moment after Naruto placed her on the bed, Yumi rolled over; she grabbed the hem of Naruto's shirt as if she wanted to be spoiled by him. Any move made to remove his hand only ended up with her clamping down on his cuff. Releasing a deep profound and helpless sigh, Naruto scratched his head in wonderment. He scrutinized the hardwood floor, estimating its effect on his body when he were to lie down. Lying down, he tossed around to make himself comfortable on the floor to no avail.

'I'll wake up next morning with a sore back,' he added, 'and with no feeling in my arm.'

Yawning once, Naruto let the darkness overtake his vision.

His eyes adjusted themselves to the dim dark. And of course, his lower back hurt and he couldn't feel his arm from the loss of circulation. His ears picked up the faint breathing. His hand felt the warmth of another. Sitting up, Naruto saw that Yumi, some time during the night, let go of his shirt and crept her hand under his own. Her sleeping face looked serene and at peace. And not wanting to ruin it, Naruto merged into the shadows leaving naught a trace of his presence. However, not shortly after, Yumi awoke with the fear that last night transpired as a dream. Her worries abated by the lingering warmth.

A beautiful smile graced her mien.

《 Normal 》

On their sixth day, Naruto started the last part of his crash course training. An absolutely villainous smile poisoned froze their soles. Reaching into his pocket, Naruto retrieved a small object.

"As I saiz on ta first day, yall needta get cordinated or git overnumbre'd by Raizazar's peerage. This will be ya final test," Naruto informed them, "to take ta bell from me. Ya got three days. Show whatcha got!"

Needless to stay, those three days were torture, but they had managed to succeed in the end.

《 Normal 》

The atmosphere inside the clubroom hummed with ecstatic celebration and festivity as Naruto would blatantly described. The walls were garnished with colorful streamers and decorations, and a large banner hung in front of the door. Everyone was wearing party hats and blowing streamers and raiding the food table. People were mingling with one other building the foundations for a friendship and whatnot.

Safe to say, Naruto sucks at reading the mood which was the exact opposite of festive. To sum things tersely:

Yumi inspected her blades.

Koneko nibbled on succulent crepes crafted by Naruto.

Rias and Akeno calmly sipped cups of brewed green tea.

Issei and Asia sat quietly.

And Naruto? He stood in the corner like a loner while reading his light novel.

From a magic circle, Grayfia appeared before them in her uniform, "Five minutes until the start of the game. Are you all prepared?"

Rias spoke for all of them, "Yes, we are."

Nodding, Grayfia explained, "When it's time, step on the magic circle and you'll be transported to the battlefield. Remember that a number of invited guests including the heads from the Gremory and Phenex household will be watching the match."

Her eyes then swept across the room. She was proud of how vastly the Occult Research Club had improved over these ten days. However, it was then she noticed Naruto in his loner corner. She expertly hid her surprise. Grayfia prided herself on her alertness, for the number of assassin's wanting Sirzech's head were great, thus diligence was an absolute quality. Not noticing Naruto was a small blow to her pride. Must be the impression or lack of that he exudes she surmised. The maid didn't take any action as she hadn't detected any discomfort from the young devils. At that time, Naruto looked up from his book, and, defying human anatomy, his eyes curled upside down into a 'U' as he smiled benignly.

"Niceta make your ak'quaintunce. Namesa Namaki, Naruto. I've here been toughening up these youngstas for their imminent bout. Guess that makes me their teach." Naruto swept a stray tear from the corner of his eyes, "Makes me proud o deese resculs."

Grayfia had repressed the supreme urge to reprimand Naruto on correct grammar and punctuation, but bowed her head to him nonetheless, "Thank you for your assistance. I am Grayfia Lucifuge Queen of Rias' brother Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Four Great Maou."

Her greeting was simple, but the underlying message was clear, 'Hurt Rias or any of them and forfeit your life in return.'
Naruto received the message loud and clear.

Grayfia announced, "The match is about to start. Everyone stand inside the circle. The rati game will start promptly after you all arrive."

Everyone hustled quickly into the glowing circle on the ground. A flash of light was the signal for the teleportation. They appeared exactly where they were before in the clubroom minus Grayfia and Naruto.

『Greetings everyone. I am Grayfia, a maid from the House of Gremory, and I will be the arbiter for today's Rating Game between the peerages of Rias Gremory and Rizer Phenex. I shall judge the match in honor of my master Sirzechs Lucifer. After consulting both kings, we have decided to use a replica of Kuou Academy, the school that Rias attends in the human world, as the field of battle.』

『Yo, tip of ta mornin mateys. They call me Namaki Naruto, and I'll be the co-host if ya dun mind. Ya folks gonta be in for a real treat today if I dun say so myself. I am an expert . . . wait, who you guys? An escort? Me?』
They heard crashing and breaking before the mic suddenly went dead. Grayfia's voice came back moments later.

『Please ignore the previous outburst. The security was lacking letting a slippery vagabond slither his way into the box. Rest assured that this Namaki Naruto has been dealt with.』

『Many have tried to topple the insurmountable bastion. Equally many have failed. Go kick ass Ise-boy. C ya later cuz it be time to skedaddle.』

Grayfia's voice continued on once more, acting as Naruto didn't exist.

『Rias has been transported to her base inside the old school building. Riser's base is located in the new school building. A pawn must infiltrate the enemy's side to promote. The standard rules of conduct apply otherwise.』

The school bell rings.

The match begins.

It was actually more difficult for me to purposely transfigure Naruto's speech into the dialogue seen in Mark Twain's Huckleberry Fin or Tom Sawyer, which I will need to read to refine Naruto's dialect. What do you guys think?

Naruto's hair: If you prefer blonde and simply think of him with blonde hair. A purely ascetic change. Or is there perhaps a deeper meaning behind it? Blonde hair would represent the unbridled optimism of a Canon Naruto. Grey reflects the experience of struggles and the effects of a harsh reality, a deeper understanding of the world without the rosy glasses. Or it's just because I like the color grey. Anybody's guess really.

Namaki: I've seen Namikaze Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto. Namikaze Uzumaki/ Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto. And you know what. Just combine the two. Namikaze and Uzumaki to get Namaki. Serves my purpose to shroud Naruto's identity too.

Naruto: I've obscured Naruto's identity and origin. He could have dimension traveled or is a reincarnation. Maybe this an OC that I've conveniently named Naruto. But wait! Aren't fan fictions in general OC/OOC in nature or general. Unless you are the original author then yes it is since a fan fiction injects foreign elements that should affect the denizens of that universe. However, that doesn't mean just flip a complete one eighty. Nor does that mean to simply copy and paste Canon Naruto, and turn him into a static character.

Yumi: I look at Kiba's mannerisms towards Issei in the Light Novel. Then I look at his actions in Volume 13. Then I think to myself, why. Why would you do that Kiba.

These are just my thoughts. Don't have to agree or disagree. Only have to be aware of how I've interpreted the meaning. My naming and summary sense is absolutely horrible, this I apologize for that.