The Formula Of Life
Chapter: The Rating Games
The Rating Games provided grand opportunities for High-Class Devils of all kinds. Competition as great among the participants and rivalries fueled by the desire for glory had brought forth a new love for Devil kind. The games had been created by Ajuka Beelzebub as a way for Devils to gain glory through battles against each other. It was a smart idea, eliminating a reason for violence outside the Faction as well as create a new form of entertainment, bringing forth both economic and social changes. With a massive boost in economy as both private companies and government alike moved to accommodate for the unexpected popularity of the Rating Games, the creation had been a major success. That was one of the many ways the Underworld had been recovering from their losses during the past wars, and that reason alone was how Naruto and his two friends developed unwavering rivalries.
All three of them had differing goals, while Sairarog desired to become a Satan and Riser wished to surpass his brother, one of the Top 10 highest ranking participants of the Rating Games. Naruto, he was different. His goals had never really aligned with the Rating Games. What he wished for really could not be given to him by the Rating Games or the Devil Faction in general. He didn't want to return to the Elemental Nations, he had done his part and all he could do was have faith in the next generation. Even if Naruto did somehow manage to find a way back to the Elemental Nations, it would not feel right. He had spent one lifetime forging a gentle peace among the nations, there was no need to stay any longer. Returning would only make him feel like a tyrant. Having accumulated overwhelming support form the people, Naruto doubted his decisions were all perfect, and continuously influencing the workings of the Elemental Nations did not feel right.
What Naruto wished for now, was to find out why. Why exactly he had been reincarnated into this world. Yet, it did not mean he did not find the games interesting. With an entirety of classes dedicated to teachings the rules and regulations of the games, it truly made Naruto wonder how influential the games really were. Aside from the classes, mock Rating Games set in place for the sole purpose of practice. With the sheer popularity of the Rating Games, it really was no surprise that small pocket dimensions had been created for practice. Though only High-Class Devils and Devils with higher rankings were allowed to use the areas for mock Rating Games, it was still a sight to see. And not only did the extra fields allow others Devils to prepare for their matches, but, it also allowed the younger generation to have their own matches, compete with one another. A wonderful creation it was, a way to both build bonds and rivalries between Devils alike, igniting a flare of competition that only pushed individuals and their Peerages alike to work harder.
And that was where Naruto was currently. Seated in one of the many seats built in one of the numerous arenas, Naruto's blue eyes locked on the field with a glimmer of interest. Beside him was Sairarog and his newly appointed Queen, Kuisha Abaddon. Though Kuisha held a polite expression, her glares directed at Hilda were easily visible through her mask of politeness. Tension thick in the air, neither Sairarog or Naruto showed signs on stopping the fierce glare match between both Hilda and Kuisha. Though neither of the two Kings seemed willing to stop the two, Reinhard had taken it upon himself to play the middle man, just in case either of the two decided to use vent the anger out on each other. Wherever the anger had come from, it seemed to only fuel both of the King's desire to one up each other.
"Naruto, it seems even our Queens are eager for battle," Sairarog said with a growing smirk, "Don't you think it is time?"
"Not yet, Sairarog..." Naruto replied before returning the smirk with one of his own, "Right now is not the time for a Rating Game between us..."
"I guess you're right. This is not the stage I want to win against you, my rival, on..."
"I'm not going to lose, Sairarog."
Smile widening in response, Sairarog raised his fist. Naruto mimicked his rival's actions and the two shared a fist bump.
"Naruto, can you promise me something?"
Turning to Sairarog, Naruto gave him a curious glance. Sairarog clenched a fist and held it up high staring at the endless sky from above, the heir to the Bael clan stared into the Underworld's sky with eyes burning with determination.
"Promise me you won't lose... Until we face each other... Promise me you won't lose to anyone!"
Naruto's smile widened to impossible degrees as he too threw up his fist. While he did not hold the same excitement Sairarog felt about fighting strong opponents, the prospect of facing off against his rival did fill him with a feeling of exhilaration. The same exhilaration he had felt when Sasuke and him had fought back then. The same feeling he would use to fuel his own determination with.
"You can count on it, Sairarog! Until we face each other in a Rating Game, I won't lose. You better do the same!"
The feeling of an actual Rating Game was there, watching the battles decorating the stadium, Riser's excitement could not be held back any more. Participating in one of the many mock Rating Games, Riser's determination to surpass both his friends and his brother only burned brighter as he faced down his opponent, Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas. Though the young Devils lacked full Peerages, it did not stop them from facing each other. Having been exposed to the infectious excitement of the Rating Games, there was no surprise that the two most boisterous of the group had jumped immediately to participated in the mock game.
Magic was being thrown around the magically constructed city by both Peerages in hopes of knocking the other out. Watching from opposing sides, the two enemy Kings stood without moving. Riser had lost three pieces with a remaining of two left at his disposal. Zephyrdor had been left at a much worst condition, while he had the advantage in numbers, Riser held the advantage of surprise. Equipping every member of his Peerage with a single flask of Phoenix Tears, Riser's plan had eliminated the need for a healer as his Peerage members healed themselves with a single use of the Phoenix Tears. Combined with his members much tougher conditioning, Riser had held the overall advantage in the Rating Game. Though the next stage in the games could possibly lead to a shift in favor for both teams.
In normal Rating Games, the King usually stayed back until the Peerage members of both sides began dwindling till their last numbers, then, the King would participate. The Kings were considered the most powerful members of the Peerage. As the strongest member as well as the most important, Kings only participated when needed or the game had reached it's climax. In Rating Games, Kings had to remain active or else all would be lost. And thus, as a final push for victory, Zephyrdor had abandoned the base of operations he used and charged towards Riser. Riser was never one to back down from a challenge and too left the safety of his temporary headquarters and moved to meet Zephyrdor in battle.
Continuing their glaring match, Hilda and Kuisha ignored the words of both their Kings and focused on each other. Sharing some snarky remarks followed by more glares, both Queens held no interest in the questioning stares sent their way. Stemming from the competitive nature that had lingered in their days under the teachings of the Abaddon clan, neither of the two had forgotten the events to this meeting. Kuisha for one was both confused and albeit pleased when she had found out Hilda had became a servant. The same girl who looked down on the idea for most of her years under the Abaddon clan, was now something she despised with such a burning passion. However annoying the jabs Hilda had made when she had became Sairarog'd Queen, now became hypocritical not that it matter. The desire to see Hilda's expression when she had became a servant had eliminated the slight hatred Kuisha felt towards the girl and replaced it with laughter.
"I thought you would never become a servant, Hildegarde," Kuisha sneered, "Funny you became something you despised all your life, huh?"
"And I thought you were still recovering from the little fight we had." Hilda replied with a smug smile.
Kuisha frowned as her eyes fell onto her stomach. Though no longer visible, a large cut had once decorated her tender flesh courtesy of Hilda. The feeling of the girl's blade was still fresh and frightening to some degree. Shaking away her thoughts, Kuisha gave Hilda a long stare. In all reality, Kuisha was rather curious as to why Hilda had decided to join a Peerage. Sending Abelard to capture her had resulted in the man's arrest and possible death. From everything Kuisha knew of Hilda, becoming someone's servant was something she would avoid at all costs. Turning into a stray Devil was a definite possibility for the other Abaddon.
"... So, why exactly did you become Lord Naruto's servant?" Kuisha asked, her voice lacking the usual hostility.
Hilda raised an eyebrow at the tone rather than the question. Kuisha had always been what she would consider an enemy, since they had first met, both Hilda and Kuisha held no love for each other. Sharing a civil conversation was quite rare as most times conversations between the two ended up in full out brawls. Even so, the question her supposed "rival" asked did hold some merit.
"Joining Naruto... Was unplanned for, but necessary," Hilda began as she too pondered on the question. Thinking of the events transpiring to her reincarnation into Naruto's Queen, "I only joined him to escape the possibility of being branded a stray Devil. There is nothing more to it."
Already used to Hilda's cold attitude, Kuisha caught hints of something else in Hilda's tone, but accepted the answer with a raised brow nonetheless. Hilda seemed like the type to only become a servant when forced. Though the small hints of uncertainty when delivering the answer did form a counter argument.
"Hmph, when our Kings do battle, I will win. You can count on that, Hildegarde..."
"Riser won this." Sairarog mused thoughtfully.
Naruto nodded his head in agreement. Comparing both Riser and Zephyrdor, the two held some similarities that many would consider weaknesses. Brash and prideful, neither of the two willingly played smart when their pride were damaged. Easy to anger nor did it take much to offend them, the two were, in all honestly, were too hot headed for their own good. Even so, differences could be spotted between the two. Riser, for one, was far more controlled than Zephyrdor was in battle. Having dealt with enough frustration from both Naruto's stubborn behavior and Sairarog's battle hungry attitude, Riser's self control was rather developed in comparison to his opponents. But, what really surpassed Zephyrodor was Riser's abilities. Possessing Pyrokinesis, Aerokinesis, and Immortality, Riser's abilities deprived from the legendary Pheonix's.
"Yes, he definitely won this..." Naruto replied.
And just like the predictions of the two friends, the announcer proclaimed Riser the winner minutes later. Though some boasting was expected, especially from Riser, the sheer arrogance Riser wore on his visage did bring some unease to Naruto. Nevertheless, Naruto buried the unease and sent Riser a smile.
"Well, are you going to stay for the other games?"
"No, I have more work to do, congratulate Riser for me will ya'?"
Nodding his head, Sairarog returned his attention onto the field while Naruto walked off with Reinhard following a small distance away and Hilda sending her final glares at Kuisha before following the two out.
The libraries of Beelzebub castle held a wealth of knowledge that Naruto had access to. From history to magic, the library had it all. Naruto had never been the type to study, even as an adult, he had abused the use of clones to read through important documents while he performed the other duties of an Hokage. No longer able to utilize the broken technique known as the Shadow Clones, Naruto was given the "opportunity" of studying the material. And that was exactly why Naruto had basically made the library his room. Having slept in the large book-filled room for quite some time, Naruto had adapted to the stiff sleeping positions he was forced into. Thankfully Kushina had left for a small trip with Misla Bael, Sairarog's mother, so she could not halter Naruto's studies, even though they held good intentions. Like in his younger years, Naruto had grown accustomed to the life of constant work. As Hokage, plenty of meetings and paperwork was in need of completing and as the center of the village, Naruto had do it all. Adding in family as well as public appearances on media, the life of a Hokage was stressful and not as smooth as he had depicted it as during his years as a child.
Naruto's activities had definitely turned some heads. More importantly Ajuka's. The man had been very curious as to what Naruto had been spending days and nights on, the other servants who had brought food and water in had been able to sneak peeks at his work though not enough to piece together anything significant. Waiting patiently, Ajuka had been expecting Naruto to ask him for help sooner of later. Yet, the plead for help never came. Not the overly dramatic one, nor a simple question. Naruto remained locked in the library developing whatever it was. The only signs of his presence inside the library from the series of crashes followed by the shuffle of feet. Whatever Naruto was practicing inside the closed doors, failure was an obvious companion in the blonde's endeavor. Three days, since the events had began, and three days Ajuka's curiosity had been eating him away. The questions that began plaguing Ajuka were beginning to become more and more influential in his actions as the green haired Satan truly wondered on what his son had been working on.
Reinhard and Hilda, both had duties of their own. While Hilda had been working alongside some of the servants occasionally, the former Abaddon focused on her own training. With intermittent help from Reinhard in her swordplay, Hilda focused mainly on mastering her Demonic Power. Kuisha, had been proficient in Elemental Magic for as long as Hilda could remember. Hilda had no overall strengths in magic, her main use of her Demonic Power had been to enhance her physical abilities. It had taken no fool to figure out that the reliance on only physical might had its limits. Though Sairarog did contradict the statement, Hilda did not care. Unlike Sairarog who had no access to the Bael clan's infamous ability, Hilda had access to her unique brand of magic. While Kuisha preferred quantity over quality, Hilda was a fan of the quality of her magic. The encounter with Kuisha had sparked Hilda's determination to grow stronger. Well, most likely to beat Kuisha up, though her new desire to grow stronger did influence Reinhard.
Reinhard, had been working as well. As the newest addition to Naruto's Peerage, the former human had lacked any familiarity of the extra strengths a Devil's body possessed. An overall increase in his physical condition, Reinhard had been quite pleased to develop his swordsmanship while both his King and fellow Peerage member worked on their own. Though unable to access his true sword, Reinhard had made due with the practice blades Ajuka had some servants buy for him. The sheer idea of a Devil wielding a Holy Sword was simply crazy, Reinhard had thought so as well. Until he had found the touch of Reid did not burn his skin as his father had told him. It did spawn a few questions Reinhard had been unable to answer himself, thus leaving both Naruto and Ajuka to ponder over the abnormality. Nevertheless, Reinhard worked hard to continue in his training in the art of the blade.
"Naruto, may I come in?" Ajuka asked as he gave another knock on the library door.
A faint "Yes" could be heard and Ajuka shoved a single door open. The other side of the extravagant doors had been a complete mess. In comparison to the spotless halls, the library was an far cry of that condition. With books and scrolls scattered everywhere, the chairs and tables that once stood in an organized manner were turned in numerous directions and some were even found in odd locations, such as the wall for example. How, Naruto managed to get a chair stuck inside the wall remained a mystery to Ajuka. Unlike many parents whom would have either yelled or punished Naruto, Ajuka merely smiled. Smiled like a complete fool, if anything to go by. The mess Naruto had made reminded Ajuka so much of his younger days and his pursuit towards numerous goals he had set out to accomplish.
"Hey, dad." Naruto greeted with a wave, "Whatcha' doing here?"
The word "dad" had been easier to use on Ajuka. Though he was not Minato Namikaze, Naruto had accepted that he was a completely different person, and thus Minatio Namikaze was never his father, Ajuka Beelzebub was. Using in his earlier days in this new body did feel odd.
"What are you working on, making such a mess?" Ajuka asked, with a much more controlled smile.
"Oh, this."
Ajuka watched patiently as Naruto rummaged through the mess before pulling out a crumpled paper. Studying its contents, Ajuka's surprise was obvious in how wide his green eyes became. Written on the paper was the magic circle of a simple Teleportation Spell, but, there were notes plastering the sides with formulas and calculations of possible ways to tweak the already fast way of travel. From the x's dotting the page, Ajuka could easily differentiate the formulas that had been tested and those that have not. The pride Ajuka felt only grew. When Naruto had been born, the boy was his pride and joy, and to see him inherit his own love for calculations and formulas had been a major uplift to the stress he had been boggled down with at work.
"A Teleportation Spell, why focus on something so simple, son?" Ajuka curiously asked, not even removing his eyes from the paper.
"Ah, well-" Naruto began before he chuckled and scratched his head. The reason behind his idea to tweak the Teleportation Spell was to, in a way, honor Minato. Having mastered the Rasengan, Naruto wished to further carry some part of his former father's legacy with him. And so, tweaking the Teleportation Spell in order to recreate the Flying Thunder God was a much more achievable goal at the time, "I thought it could be used in combat, ya' know?"
"You remind me so, much of your mother..."
"I... do?"
"Oh definitely, Kushina was very unorthodox in our time... Always using some of the most unusual spells and techniques in combat... The woman was unpredictable! And it looks like you inherited that little trait of hers."
Finishing his words, Ajuka rested a gentle hand on Naruto's hair and ruffled it in a loving manner. It was no lie Naruto enjoyed the warmth generated from the loving gesture.
"How about I give you some help? You know, a father and son project?"
Naruto's smile widened as he gave his confirmation with a nod, "Yeah, let's do it!"
Kushina Astaroth had came home to find a very interesting scene. Inside the damaged and messy library, Ajuka was sleeping against a desk with Naruto snuggled to his side. Blanket draped over the father and son duo, papers were scattered everywhere. Obviously interested in what had caused the mess, Kushina picked up the closest sheet of paper and picked it up. Reading its contents, a smile played on her visage as the jumble of numbers and formulas filled her vision. The paper contained scribbles from both Ajuka and Naruto, most likely calculations that had been proven wrong. The love for calculations Ajuka had seemed to have been inherited by Naruto, and the two were attempting to create something and caused the mess as a result, or Kushina hoped that was how this mess had came into existence.
Approaching the two, Kushina quietly moved through the library comparable to a sight a tornado had just tore up. Kneeling down on the two, Kushina placed a loving kiss on Ajuka's cheek and another on Naruto's forehead. Pulling the blanket up, Kushina gently covered the two before moving away with her smile still in place. Whatever had happened, she could find out the next morning. For now, she would let them sleep. The father and son bonding time had destroyed the library, but it seemed to have brought the two closer.
Euclid Lucifuge stood patiently on top of a graceful castle with a small smile in place. Watching the motionless sky, Euclid's charming eyes turned when the sounds of footsteps became audible. Eyes locking onto the source, Euclid's smile widened as he gave the approaching figure a nod.
"I'm glad you could join me, Invel..."
Chapter end
Hope you guys liked this chapter. And to address the reason why Hilda joined the Peerage, I planned on keeping it hidden for now in order to build her character. Other than that, I decided to introduce Naruto's Peerage differently. As you can see I chose Invel other than Eileen. My reasons?
If you guys read the 500th chapter in the Fairy Tail Manga, you would understand my complete frustration with Invel's character. I am in all honestly, pissed off when I found out how that chapter had ended. All that hype ends in literally 40 or so pages. No matter how you look at it, I think the entirety of the "fight" was more bullshit than Erza's fight against Minerva in the Grand Magic Games. Well, maybe... Anyways, I want to at least do his character some justice the hype seemed to give him.
For Hilda, I am going to round out her character's abilities as a whole. I will incorporate more magic based attacks and uses in her combat style for the future to truly meet the standards of a Queen piece. Again, her reasons for joining are going to be revealed later on as she develops. Cause as of right now, she does not want to be apart of Naruto's Peerage.
Moving on, I am going to start canon in the next chapter or possibly push it back one more. Anyways, I have no decided yet. And to answer some questions many have been asking. When I ask suggestions for Peerage/Harem, I mean suggestions for both, members of the Harem does not need to be in the Peerage. I have been looking all over for some possible Rooks, so if you have any suggestions please do give them. Sorry for the short chapter, I had to write it in a few hours, so it has some mistakes which I will take time to refine. But, since I have been inactive lately, this is my form of an apology for that. Any unanswered questions will be answered in the next chapter.
King: Naruto Astaroth (Uzumaki)
Queen: Hilda (Beelzebub
Knight: Reinhard van Astrea (Re: Zero)
Bishop x2: ?
Rook x2: ?
Pawn x8: ?
