Uchiha Sasuke: Hell Chronicles

by oppopopo

Thrown into hell by an irritated Sage, Uchiha Sasuke is faced with the moral dilemma of the ages. Should he strive to be the ruler of heaven or hell? Being the big bad of the underworld was appealing, but being prayed to by the multitudes in churches had its own charms. To top it all off there's a magical girl on his case. The trials of an Uchiha never end. Why was he so badass?

3. Chapter 3 - Dragon tales - Part 1

Chapter 3 - Dragon Tales - Part 1

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or High School DxD

---

Author's note-

Six paths translation-

Deva Path - Tendo

Asura Path - Shurado

Human Path - Ningendo

Animal Path - Chikushodo

Preta Path - Gakido

Naraka Path - Jigokudo

---

Hell

A research facility in the Fallen Angel territory

I, Vali Lucifer, have discovered someone…

Interesting.

Sitting in one of Azazel's research institutes, I lounged in the sofa in the hall outside the sacred gear laboratory, occasionally hearing my benefactor's and his assistants' voices waft from the within the lab.

The building was a tall ten storied bluish-gray. With all floors dedicated some research or the other, while some floors had additional facilities for training sacred gear users and studying them. This was but one of Azazel's many institutes spread throughout the fallen angel territory.

In any case, this wasn't a social call by any means, I was here for information. I could have waited until dinner when Azazel would return, yes, but… I couldn't stop my hands from shaking, my feet from being restless, and the smile on my face from splitting it in half.

I laughed, my voice teeming with excitement, as I held before me the newspaper I'd read this morning. The very same one which introduced me to one who'd piqued my interest.

I went over the article once again, the one which painted before me the face of a worthy adversary-

'Sinner or Savior: Just who is Karasu?'

'Word of a vigilante who calls himself 'Karasu the Merciless' has been making waves throughout the underworld. A man who suddenly appeared in the middle of the Devils' capital city of Lilith, and immediately declared his intentions to bind all Devils to him in subservience, and brought them to their knees with a casual wave of his hands.'

"Hahaha," I chuckled lightly as I reread Karasu's boldness. Doing that right under the Satans' noses? Hah. What a man. And also, …ouch. My face hurts from how much I'm smiling. My eyes shone with a fire as I rubbed my slightly aching cheeks and continued reading.

'Such a declaration would never go unpunished by the Maou. And sure enough Satan Leviathan herself arrived on the streets to confront this would be conqueror. A heated exchange then followed between the two of them, with Karasu walking close and silkily whispering in the Satan's ear, making her jaw drop and making her shake with disbelief at his words. What sweet nothings were said, nobody is sure, but the Satan quickly recovered and roared out that the vigilante would be hers and then kicked him into the air.

'I don't know about you, but this reporter smells a steamy romance brewing.'

I snorted. Who needs romance when you can have life or death battles? Hopefully Karasu isn't a womanizer or driven by his pants… unlike my… I don't know if I can call him my rival. To be beaten by Kokabiel, and to need rescuing by me of all people…

[We'll have our fated battle, don't worry. Give Ddraig some time, he'll whip the boy into shape.]

I sighed, hoping Albion would prove right. I banished thoughts of the brown haired Sekiryuutei and focused on the black haired vigilante.

'The details of their fight are unclear, with some eyewitnesses claiming that Karasu got a thorough thrashing, others swearing that they saw him and Leviathan making out passionately, while the rest pointed out that despite everything Karasu didn't have a single scratch on him.

'Their fight is shrouded in mystery, but the results of it are not. At the end of the day, Karasu walked away, smirking, victorious and being hailed by the smiling Devils as a hero, while Leviathan sulked, kicked the ground and accompanied two officers to the nearby station, complaining that she'd get back at the triumphant vigilante.

'So, in effect, Karasu defeated a Satan (albeit unconventionally). Something which has the whole world shaken, as leaders, both allies and enemies alike, clamor to find out this wild card's true intentions. His allegiance. And his desires. So that they may either recruit him or strike him down where he stands.'

I laughed, slapping my knee and imagining the disarray Karasu must've thrown the various factions into. I can just imagine it, the Angels discussing in worried tones about another strong devil rising, the Fallen issuing a warning to all the weaker crows, and the Devils dispatching soldiers into the city to search for the irregular among them.

An unknown who would dare challenge a Satan and live to tell the tale.

Now that?

That's something I can respect.

Screw class, screw ranking, and screw the politics.

I grinned.

Let's just bash brains and drown in the thrill of battle. The cracking of your knuckles against your opponent's face, the pain that surges through you with every blow taken.

The grim reminder of your mortality. And the exhilaration of putting it all on the line.

Hah! I smirked.

The possibility of dying,

Was exciting!

I hungrily drank in the blurry picture of the black haired, mask wearing, tuxedo sporting vigilante. Even through the print of the paper, I could see the strength of Karasu the Merciless. His patterned, mismatched eyes bore into mine, piercing me with a declaration that I was nothing before him. A gaze that promised a swift death to any who challenged that notion.

I felt my smile reach monstrous proportions as I chuckled.

This man…

He will make me feel alive!

With battle-lust swelling within me, I continued reading the article,

'However, things settled down when it came to light that Karasu goes around saving children from certain death and is in fact a grade A tsundere, as personally attested by Satan Leviathan herself. So all his acts of vandalism, threatening the devils in the street, and his declarations of bringing in a new world order are all being looked at with a closer eye. A thorough investigation revealed that all the places he hit were related to criminal elements within the city. Connections to drug dealers, smugglers, gangs and the Old Maou faction were soon established and tasks forces were swiftly dispatched to deal with them.

'And in the midst of this all, one message was always left by Karasu at the scenes of his vigilantism. The message being- "Let's settle this once and for all, Leviathan! Combat at eight?"

'Satan Leviathan would then confirm her availability for these 'obviously not dates' during her television show's end credits. When asked what they actually do, she replied, "oh! We kick criminal butt and take names! Kara-chan is like my sidekick but is too shy to admit it! I'm trying to convince him to get on TV with me but he just ignores me… I'll get him one day! Anyway! And on other days we spar! Kara-chan sucked at first but he's getting better now! I'm so proud!"

'With such superhero-esque romance in the makes, we were quick to approach Karasu for a statement of his own, asking him what his intentions were for the Leviathan, his reply was, "I'm sowing the seeds of her destruction. I shall learn her every secret, tucked away in every nook and cranny of her, and then when the time comes to stab her, I will smile with malice, look her in the eye and then whisper in her ear, "how does it feel? To have my blade impale you. Does it taste like… reveng- wait… Leviathan, why are you smiling? Stop… stop laughing! Leviathan! Leviathan, get back here! Dammit, why the hell are you laughing! Answer me! …what?! I'm not cute, you're cute-! NO! Shit! Damn you, Leviathan!"

'Tsundere indeed.'

I chuckled as I closed the paper. Aggravating Leviathan and telling her your intentions right to her face? Amazing.

My lips turning up with derision, I put the paper down on the table before me. Disgusted at the stupidity of the common devil and fallen.

Fools.

Can't they see what he's doing? The way he went from being Leviathan's adversary to being her sparring partner. How he's using her. How he went from a random unknown to a figure hailed as a hero. And even now, he bares his intentions right on his sleeves, his declarations of world conquest, his claiming of all children as his minions. And what does the world do? Dismiss him as a tsundere and have a good chuckle at his heroism. Ruffling his hair and patting his back.

But I can see through the facade. The veil he shrouded himself in. The curtains he pulled over everyone's eyes. As he smirks to himself, content in his subterfuge while he grows stronger and stronger, waiting for the right moment to strike, gathering his army, cementing his power. All the while being the brother of every man, the darling of every woman, and the hero of every boy and girl.

This man shall conquer the world, and the world will thank him for it.

My hand with shook with amazed realization as I wiped my brow, sweating at the revelations which presented themselves to me.

This takes hiding in plain sight to a whole new level. And I shudder to imagine the kind of genius that can maintain such a cover.

I smirked.

And even the way he speaks… so badass.

Now this is the kind of rival I deserve!

[Are you sure you're not blowing him out of proportion?]

I scoffed, I know a strong guy when I see one.

[Technically we haven't seen him yet…]

I chuckled.

Let's correct that, shall we?

[How? Fly over to Lilith, cause a ruckus and start another war?]

I smiled. As wonderful as that sounds, I'd have to say no. This is supposed to be a one on one battle, outside interference would kill the mood.

[What? Will you strut around in a mask too? Hah, that'd be a laugh!]

Hmm… A mask huh?

[…? Don't tell me you're-]

How does… V sound?

[Sigh… Okay, V for what?]

I chuckled as I stood up. I can't wait for Azazel. I'm way too excited right now.

Going in blind is its own thrill, and I'm feeling rather peckish today.

"V for…"

I sprouted my sacred gear's wings on my back, eight transparent and conjoined blade like wings which glowed a light blue. I stepped out into the floor's balcony and blasted off into the sky.

"Valor."

I grinned as the air slapped my cheeks, the landscape under me quickly turning from littered buildings on the ground to red soil and forests, as I headed straight for the Devils' capital.

I smirked.

You're in my sights, Karasu.

And our battle, will be legendary.

I increased my speed, leaving a blast of sound behind me, as images of me and Karasu being engaged in battle filled my mind. The detonation of magic razing the ground, our brows sweating with excitement, as we gaze at each other, standing on the burning landscape, our eyes gleaming with murderous desire, and our mouths fixed in mad, snarling grins, as we explode off the ground towards each other, reel our fists back and-

[Hold hands?]

-Hold hands!

…I frowned.

[One… two… Ding.]

I blinked and snarled.

What in the world, Albion!

[Okay, my apologies… Aggressively hold hands.]

I scoffed. Oh please, as if you don't picture facing your greatest enemy while you're bored.

[There's a difference between having a mortal enemy and fantasizing about a non-existent opponent. Now Ddraig? He's a dragon among dragons. The greatest adversary one could ever ask for. The way we were locked in never-ending combat, the heavens burning around us as we flew through the air, hell's landscape torn to pieces as we crashed each other into the ground, the red one constantly growing stronger and stronger, and me cutting his strength in half each time, only for him to take that as a challenge and soar past his limits, emerging ever stronger and forcing me to do the same. We'd roar at each other, shaking the very seams of the world, and blaze through the air at reality warping speeds, smash into one another in a blaze of glory and-]

Hold tails?

[-Hold tails! …?]

One… two… order up.

[Vali! You dare besmirch a rivalry as grand as the dragon emperors'!]

I winced as the dragon's outraged roar rang in my ears. Shaking off the dull buzz that briefly loitered in my head, I smirked.

Really? A grand rivalry? Last I heard he was seen barging into engagement parties and roaring that he wanted to have se-

[Don't! Just… don't. A-And in any case, that's the host. Not the dragon.]

I raised a doubtful brow.

But, Albion. You know what they say. Like dragon, like host. Where there's smoke there's fire. And besides, none are spared from change wrought by time, maybe Ddraig-

[Vali.]

I blinked at the flat and brittle tone of my dragon. His voice scratchy and a tad brooding, as if he stood alone in an open field while being drenched with rain by the dark clouds over his head. I pursed my lips, wondering if I'd gone too far. Feeling a little sorry, I hailed him.

Albion?

[I desire… battle, Vali. My scales have grown dull.]

A grin sprang on my face.

[Let's show the feeble crow, the might of a dragon.]

I laughed.

Now we're on the same page, partner!

[This shall give me strength, for when we eventually meet the red one again.]

My mind's eye saw Albion bare his teeth, grinning with eager anticipation.

[Though a… paltry sacrifice. This Karasu shall do.]

I smirked.

No mercy?

[The meaning of that word escapes me.]

My dragon and I smiled and narrowed our eyes as one.

Watch out, vigilante.

For you're a dragon's prey.

A picture of Karasu scoffing with contempt and telling me to bring it on flashed in my mind. Making me shiver with anticipation and crave ever more to meet him and punch his face.

I chuckled.

I can only imagine what a man of such vile intellect could be doing right now.

---

In the outskirts of Lilith

I, Uchiha Sasuke, jumped off a cliff.

.

.

.

No, I'm not throwing my life away. I'm learning how to fly.

Flying by my side as I fell gracefully to my death, hurtling rapidly towards the swiftly approaching ground, were two of my clansmen. A boy and girl, both of them being thirteen years old and having more grasp on flying with their wings then their other brothers and sister.

I'd have brought Gaki with me but… I don't trust her to not let me go splat against the ground. The brat would probably hold my life in her hands while I was vulnerable in the air and make demands as to what cuisines I better feed her if I valued my life.

I chuckled as the air rushed past me, hitting my face and flapping my cheeks.

To be a brat and to already have me wary of her?

I shook my head with a light smile.

I'm so proud of her.

Can't wait for the day she tries to kill me. It's our clan's rite of passage after all.

And then I can give her Itachi's hatred speech and call her weak…

My eyes grew troubled, as I considered the implications of that.

I… won't live long. Compared to the lifespans of devils. I won't be there for my clansmen for the majority of their lives. So they have to be strong. They have to ruthless in pursuit of their goals.

I growled against the current of air that blasted my face.

My clan will not be snuffed out. Not again. Never again.

If peace is the price to be paid. So be it.

Peace robbed me of my clan.

So fuck peace.

I'll plunge the world into war a million times if it means I can be with my family.

"Bansho Tennin." I whispered as I pointed my hands at Ningendo and Jigokudo. The blond haired boy and the white haired girl who squawked in surprise as they hurtled towards me.

They yelped as I caught them in a hug and held onto them tightly. My lips pursed with… difficult feelings.

I… know they're not my flesh and blood. But…

What else do I have?

"Y-Yo, nii-san! We're gonna fall to our death! Believe it!" said Ningendo, his eyes wide and panicked as he saw the rapidly approaching ground. (I'm sure you understand by now why I named this devil a human.) He gulped, "I-I don't wanna die! I gotta earn everyone's respect and become a Satan one day! I made that promise to myself after what happened to my new bros and sisters! And I'll never go back on my word! Because that, is my devil's way! Believe it!" (Oh my Sharingan, if you weren't my clansman I'd have killed you already.)

Jigokudo started punching my stomach with puffed cheeks, "n-no fair! You're supposed to be dying and I'm supposed to torture you!" I gave her a flat look. She tilted her head and then a second later a light bulb lit in her head, making her gasp lightly, "I-I meant heal you!" She chuckled sheepishly, a light blush on her face as she hugged me back. "Hehe, you took away the pain in my heart, nii-san. So let me take yours away!" Her eyes glowed an ethereal red as she grinned, "forever." (Jigoku is… a character unto herself. She wants to be a nurse apparently. I hope I never end up on her operating table… I'd rather welcome death with open arms.)

She chuckled, as white threads shot out her palms and began spinning around us, making Ningendo yelp in fright. "Pain is such a wonderful feeling. Why can't everyone see that?" She mused as her threads began binding the three of us, starring from our legs. "The faces you make when you're in it, the relief when you take it away, and the hope that's always at the edge of your mind, that it'll go away soon. It's so beautiful." She leaned up and kissed my cheek, making me jerk back a little with surprised eyes and evoking a giggle out of her, "you answered my hopes, nii-san." She looked at me with bright and happy eyes, "you showed me just how breathtaking pain is!" (Yeah, I might have made a mistake there… good god, this girl is crazy. And that's coming from me… wait a minute, does that make her a better Uchiha than me?!)

She smiled at me, "my silk is weird for my kind, all those cocooned by it emerge fit as a fiddle." She licked her lips, "so if I keep healing people, won't I see more and more suffering? Hahaha," she laughed softly, a hand on her cheek and a small blush on her face.

Ningendo gulped, "I-I'm scared." (Me too, clansman. Me too. Don't worry, I'll save us-) He pumped his fist in the air, "believe it!" (…fuck it. You're on your own.)

"Won't they smile when they see me?" Jigo softly muttered with troubled eyes, huddling into herself with trembling lips. My eyes narrowed and I ruffled her hair, looking at her with a stern gaze. She blinked and turned up to my eyes, and a smile quickly blossomed on her face. "If it's you, even your frowns make me happy," she whispered, leaning into me and rubbing her face into my chest, leaving a few trails of wet tears.

I scowled. Tears never look good on an Uchiha. So I was quick to throw her a morsel to bring out her fire. I said with a smirk, "Jigo, how remiss of you. I expected better." I said, eyeing Gendo with dark delight.

Jigo parted and frowned at me in confusion, "wha?"

Gendo furrowed his brow, "oi, nii-san. What's with that evil look you're giving me?"

I turned to Jigo, "poor Gendo hurt himself while training yesterday."

Swap!

I swapped myself out the cocoon which had covered me up to my waist by then. I grinned at my little white haired devil. "Take his pain away, won't you?"

Gendo gawked at me, giving me a betrayed look. "Y-You bastard! Don't abandon me!" He tried to scramble out of the cocoon-

Two arms clasped themselves around him, snaking themselves around his neck and pulling him back in. Jigo squealed with delight, "Gen-kun! You brave little boy! You shouldn't keep these things to yourself!" She snickered as she slithered out of her own threads and began encasing the boy ever faster. "Don't worry! I'll make you forget all about it." Giggling as her wings spread out from her back again, she clutched her brother and hung them in the air.

"Sasuke, you bastaaard!" Came Gendo's muffled voice as he rapidly disappeared from view as Jigo buried him in her loving shell and made off with him.

I chuckled as I fell spread-eagle, content at the boy's faint words as he swore to kick my ass. And the girl's sweet cooing that she'd put him to sleep as snugly as possible, hopefully forever. Making the boy shriek in terror while the girl giggled.

I smiled.

The future of the clan was looking bright.

My eyes narrowed again as I gazed at the green forested ground which rapidly approached me, my hair waving in the wind that blew against my face.

It was a future many would endanger.

I'm a monster. I have no illusions about it.

But there are monsters worse than me.

So, I'll deign to clarify in order to draw the line for myself.

Peace is such a wonderful word that great horrors may be done in its name and you can come out smelling like roses. History will forgive all your sins as long as you're the victor and committed your crimes in the name of a better future.

Danzo. Sarutobi. Senju. Fuck all their ideas of peace. All of which involve the ruin of my clan.

Danzo's and Madara's only mistake was losing. Or they'd be hailed as paragons of prosperity by the masses.

But most of all-

Fuck Itachi. For being lulled by the traitorous promises of harmony.

Wage war for peace. A good excuse for expansionists and ones who just want to do good for the world.

Wage peace for war. Subterfuge be thy name when you're only defending yourself against the barbarous and uncivilized enemy. What's it called? Preemptive strike?

Hah.

I chuckled.

War or peace. What's the difference.

I'll kill them all.

All the monsters who'd threaten my family.

I'll kill them all.

Which is why I have to be a terror as Karasu.

So that I attract all monsters to myself, and kill them off before they dare lay a hand on my clan.

I smirked.

I will be the monster slaying god.

Or the god slaying monster.

Whichever works, I'm pretty flexible when it comes to slaying.

And this world has a lot of options.

Dragons and Gods.

Angels and Devils.

Humans and the supernatural.

It feels like a wasted opportunity to only have devils before my blade. For evil doesn't discriminate between the forms it takes shape in. Which is an insult to me because I'm premier avatar of malevolence and should be the only one getting fat on fear. And anyone else who pretends otherwise makes an abject mockery of me.

I grinned, chuckling with a nefarious glint in my eyes as I pictured despair upon the brow of my worst enemy till date. An infuriating woman who hops around like an eager child, with a face that never stops smiling, and whose bright eyes make me want to look at them all day long and forget about everything else…

…

…sailing on an ocean of mischievous glee, from one island of inanity to another, her lively laughter a constant company, our hands clasped, her leading me to every hangout of the city that she liked, her prize for beating me in our battles and her way of lording it over me… I wonder what was that dance she made me perform with that red armored, brown haired boy… She'd placed earmuffs on me so I have no idea what the music video was… too busy staring at the ground and stewing in the shame of my loss to bother at that moment… what's a music video anyway? How was it a future investment?

And why was she cackling and choking with giggles while recording me?

Meh, who cares. It's probably just Levi-tan's stupidity again. Just like how she'd given me a cd the next day, titled oppai dragon or some crap. I promptly threw it in the trash, I don't have time for such nonsense. But the way she'd just smiled with amusement had given me pause…

'Don't worry, Kara-chan! As your senpai in the idol business, I'll make you shine even if you're too much of a prudish dummy! Levi-tan's got your back, dattebayo!'

And once again, she didn't fail in making me want to kill myself. For the sake of maintaining my cover however, I had to pretend annoyed confusion and not immediately jump at her and attempt to silence her.

'What's with that look, Kara-chan? Want me to stop talking? Hehe. Make me.'

Ohoho, believe me. You have no idea how much I want to shut that trap of yours.

'With your lips?'

Obviously, I'd said with an imperious look.

'You're incorrigible, Kara-chan! Just how many kisses do you want, you greedy boy! You already got so many for your lovely present! Don't tell me that wasn't enough~'

I'd then blinked, blushed and skulked away, sulking and kicking the ground with a brooding face. One of these days, mouth… one of these days. You'll find a blade in your back for double crossing me. …o-oh god, the way she'd cornered me in the streets during my nightly terror patrol and leaped onto me with a squeal, downing us to the ground and assaulting me with a continuous barrage of smooches, while giggling, snuggling against me and thanking me a hundred times… it… it still haunts my every dream from then on…

'Hah! Levi-tan wins once again! Take that, amateur! Hehehe~ You have much to learn, my clumsy apprentice!'

Aargh! Stop showing off, you impossible woman! I'll find your weakness! And I'll have you on the receiving end! I'm going to be on top one day! With you beneath me!

In the meantime, I better get the hell out of hell! I can't take this slow and excruciating way you're deconstructing me! I'm not your fucking toy! I'm the man you're supposed to fear your life for!

'Anyway! Take care of the city, okay? I won't be around for a few days, and I'm leaving you as the first line of defense.'

What was she leaving for again?

'A super important meeting! I can't tell you the details, but I'll tell you after I'm back! But more importantly! I'm going to visit So-taaa… a-ahem. I mean I'm going to get so tan under the sun! It's like sweltering these days! Do you want to see a tan Levi-tan, Kara-chan! Do you! Do you!'

I want to tan your hide if that's what you're asking.

'Ooh, kinky~ Is that before or after you're gonna impale me with your blade?'

…t-that was not what I meant! Stop twisting my words!

'Haha, then stop being adorable!'

You stop!

'No you!'

No you!

'You!'

You!

'You!'

You!

'I love-'

You!

'…aww~ That's so sweet! You love me!'

S-Shut your Maou-th! Stop confusing me!

'Eh? Maou-what?'

I frowned. Surprised that she didn't pick up my brief submergence into the realm of word play. Considering how much she liked twisting and coaxing my words to make a mockery of me.

So you combine, Maou. And mouth. You get Maou-th.

'…never do that again. Ugh.'

She shivered and pouted at me.

'That is so not cute.'

I blinked. Staring at her wincing and muttering to herself how lame what I'd just said was. She gave me a troubled frown.

'Kara-chan, you won't get a girlfriend if you go around making a fool of yourself like that. P-Puns are awful! Like, the worst turn off! Ever! Promise me you'll be a good devil and never joke like that again! My PR team can't save your image if you say such things on camera!'

Her face anxious as she grabbed my collar and looked at me with distressed eyes. Imploring me to heed her words.

A smile slowly formed on my face.

This was…

New.

And considering your PR team is engaged with making me seem like a floundering buffoon, I'd say this is a step in the right direction.

With a serious face, and nodding at her with firm gratitude for her guidance, I assured her that I would think deeply about such jest.

That I shall… Levi-tate on this.

'U-Uugh! N-No, stop it! Meditate! Don't Levi-tate!'

She cringed and drew away from me with a weirded out face.

'D-Don't joke with my name! I won't be able to show my face anymore if catches on!'

But it was such a beautiful face. Was she so cruel that she'd deprive the world of such a wonder? I'd asked her this, having stepped closer and putting a finger under her chin, drawing her eyes to mine.

She giggled.

'Haha, you're calling me beautiful?'

I smirked.

Absolutely devil-icious.

A bolt of revulsion struck her, making her shiver from head to toe. She swatted away my hand and held her shoulders as she shuddered.

'K-Kara-chan! Stop it!'

I scoffed.

Make me.

'…you know. Unlike you, I don't mind stemming your words.'

You'd use your fists against me?

But… But I just said I'd Sera-fallen for you.

'Oh my Satan! Shut up or I will silence you! You lightweight!'

I chuckled with devious joy.

You could silence me… but then who would be De-vil-lain? Careful Levi-tan, your devil is showing.

'…Kara-chan?'

Hn?

'Close your eyes this time. I'm gonna smack you silly.'

I didn't shy away from her challenge, as she glared at me, clutching my collar and pulling me threatening close to her face.

I snorted. As if Uchiha Sasuke would quail under the threat of being kissed!

Bring it on!

'…you're way too eager about this.'

She gave me a suspicious frown.

I shrugged, and smirked.

I just wanted to hash out the pecking order. If you're so keen to help, who am I to deny you?

'A-Ack! Y-You! You're not funny!'

Of course not. I'm punny.

She spasmed with the jitters and glared at me.

'Will! You! Shut! Up!'

I chuckled.

Don't think I can.

I like your annoyed face a little too much.

You can say, I don't have De-vil… power?

She groaned in anguish and stomped the ground. She whipped her ticked face to mine and snarled with narrowed eyes.

'That's it! We're making out! Right now!'

I yelped as she leapt onto me and began injecting more nightmare fuel into my brain.

"Nii-san! Snap out of it!"

I'd put up a valiant fight, taking evasive maneuvers and escaping her clutches before she brainwashed me and turned me into a vegetable which could only think of the pleasure of her soft lips and warm embrace.

"Hey, do you really want to die, bastard?! You're gonna hit the ground, Sasuke-nii!"

Swapping the heck out of her grasp I laid low until the coast was clear and I knew for sure she was out of the city. But one thing had made itself clear during my escape, where I'd had to run on ground and scale buildings, dodge pedestrians, and obey the blockades and passages of the city streets, she enjoyed the full freedom of flying overhead and easily locating, dashing towards me and picking me off the ground to resume my torture session. Forcing me to swap out again and beginning our cat and mouse anew.

I could've used my complete form Susanoo's wings to fly, but it was too bulky to be used in the city. Which is why I threw myself off a cliff to brainstorm more effective ways of flying…

…huh.

"Nii-san, I won't forgive you if you die!" My ears heard Jigo shout at me with panic, her voice mingled with the rush of wind blowing in my ears. "Don't worry, I'm coming!" I heard the beat of wings flapping rapidly.

I'm… still in the air.

Somehow I completely forgot about that.

I blinked stupidly at the ground which eagerly approached me to high-five my body and make me go splat. Just a few feet more! It seemed to say excitedly.

Slapping myself out of my funk, my eyes grew focused as I sought to avoid becoming paste.

"Tendo!"

I said, spreading my arms and feet in the shape of a star and feeling the forces of attraction and repulsion take effect around my body.

So now, instead of falling rapidly towards the ground, I now floated gracefully towards it.

Which was still too fast and would fracture my bones upon impact.

I scowled. So Tendo can't do anything if I'm already speeding at breakneck speeds. The most it can do is make me float, but other than that, it wasn't suited for flying.

I deactivated Tendo and proceeded with my next idea. Meanwhile the kids came closer, just a few feet above me with their arms outstretched to grab me.

"Shurado."

My palms and feet disappeared, to birth rounded cylinders with a hole pointing outwards from my limbs. The holes shone a bright red as I focused my chakra.

I pointed my hands and legs towards the ground, gathering more and more chakra around my limbs.

"Bastard! Grab my hand-"

Feeling my limbs reach the right amount of heat I desired, I unleashed my chakra.

"Shurado: Flight of the Demon." I muttered my named technique.

Boom!

All my limbs burst with a blast a chakra, exploding columns of energy from my limbs and hurtling me in the air.

The good news is, I was astounded at the dizzying speeds this propelled me at. If I went any faster I'd be afraid of the wind cutting me like a razor.

The bad news? I lost control the second chakra exploded out of my limb's tunnels and was sent flailing ever faster towards the soil of hell.

The ground had a hearty laugh at my enthusiasm for a reunion and welcomed me over with a receptive smile, telling me there were drinks in the back and that the dress code was a broken body.

"What the fuck?! We almost saved you, you idiot!" Gendo yelled at me.

"T-This pain! Hehehe~ N-Nii-san, y-you can't do this to me! Giving me hope and taking it away!" Jigo giggled. She then blinked and hit herself on the head with a dismayed groan. "N-No! Save nii-san first, learn his amazing technique later!" She tried for sanity, unfortunately, it wasn't very convincing.

I grimaced, deciding that this trial was a bust. I'd have to jump off again and try something new, in the meanwhile-

I muttered out-

"Susanoo."

I winced as sharp pain shot all through my body, as my eyes greedily drained my chakra to fuel the Mangekyo's technique.

A giant armored warrior of malevolent purple chakra solidified around me, encasing me within its core. Purple armored plates formed around the skeleton which had been erected from my energy. A beaked nose sprouted out of the head, and two arms and legs burst into existence from the body's trunk. I clasped and unclasped its fists, as I asserted my control over the Mangekyo's guardian.

Two feathered wings formed, twisted, and took on a solid shape behind Susanoo's back and flapped in the air, rapidly slowing my descent, and with another flap, I settled into a gentle, if rapid, glide.

Susanoo collided against a rock formation as I passed through a hollowed hole between two adjacent cliffs, smashing the rock, crumbling it to dust as I enlarged the hole, leaving behind two wing shaped cavities along its circumference.

I sighed.

This is exactly what I wished to avoid.

Using this in Lilith would harm it. And I do not want to cause collateral damage to my city. Horrible trait for a ruler to have. Local ruler, destroys own city. Can't think of a more shameful headlines to wake up to. Not that I need any help there… Damn Levi-tan and her PR team.

Spotting the kids flying beside me and trying to enter my Susanoo, lightly kicking and knocking on it to see if they could pass through, I reached out with Susanoo's hand and gently pushed them inside, bringing them beside me into the core where Jigo proceeded to sit on my shoulders while Gendo floated beside me.

Jigo leaned down, arching her back forward, so that her frowning face fell in my view. "Nii-san, this is getting ridiculous! You need to stop Levi-tating!"

I barked a laugh. Levi-tan shrieking with annoyance and swearing to make me pay as the pun caught on and became popular flashed in my mind. Her ticked off face is truly dazzling. The lines of consternation across her forehead, the way her hands quiver with suppressed rage, and her face flushed with fury, as she contemplates the merits of turning me into a smear on the ground. Her entire indignant demeanor a sight for sore eyes.

Gendo peeked a glance at me and chuckled. "He's full on Levi-tating! Believe it!" (And now Levi-tan's eyes are violently twitching as she tries to kill me by throwing spears of ice. Hah. Just this once, I'll let your stupid catchphrase pass, Gendo.)

I then flew us towards the city, and when the first towering building caught my eye, I said to my clansmen, "take over. Let's go back to our room." I deactivated my Susanoo, cutting off my chakra and immediately a wave of relief pulsed throughout my body as the armored warrior disappeared.

Gendo and Jigo spread out their wings, catching me by my shoulders, their arms looped around my armpits as they hung me in the air and flew me into the city.

Gendo scowled, looking ahead with an angry glare as we passed by the financial district, "I still can't believe someone cut off your wings when you were a kid!" He then glanced down and beamed at me, "you're my inspiration, Sasuke-nii! Even if shit is thrown your way, you ain't letting it get to you!" He smiled with fire in his eyes, "I'm never gonna give up, nii-san! I'll show the world what it means to be an Uchiha!" He then quickly pulled himself down, lightly hugging me and then pushing away, an embarrassed blush on his face, "what it means to be the brother of Uchiha Sasuke," he said with a small grin, not meeting my eyes and glancing away with a sheepish grin.

Which was just as well. As I hid my grimace under an indifferent scowl.

Yeah. My wings were cut off when I was a child.

My devil wings.

Jigo flew behind my back, holding me up by my arm with one hand while the other traced my back across my spine. "I can't feel anything." She said in a sad tone. "M-Maybe if there's even a little bit, I can restore-"

"Leave it, Jigo." I muttered, my tone bland of emotion. "Drop the matter. It's no use." How can you save what didn't ever exist?

"O-Okay," she said. She flew to my side and clasped me in a hug. Her face downtrodden, her white hair falling over her sad eyes, "I'm sorry I'm of no use. J-Just what if my silk was stronger-"

"Stuff your sorry." I snapped out, scowling at her.

She jerked back at the suddenness of my bark. Her eyes wide and frightened. "W-What?"

Gendo blinked and glared at me, "oi, what are you-"

I spoke over him, paying him no mind. I grabbed Jigo by her shoulders in a hard grip (I needed her to pay attention to this), making her wince with pain. I spoke with my Sharingan spinning, "I did not save you to have you whine about what ifs. To drown in the possibility of what if I was stronger. If only I'd made it in time. Could things have been different?"

I blinked.

I saw the bodies of my parents.

I blinked again.

They vanished forever.

"What's lost is forever gone. Don't waste your life chasing ghosts." My eyes bore into my clansman's. Her face troubled and her hands trying to grasp me as she kept trying to fly forward, but in vain as I held her at a distance. "I am before you. Your clan is around you." My lips pursed. "That is more than I can say for myself."

For in a clan of devils, what business has a human?

I'm a glorified corpse walking in their midst.

A blink of their eyes, and I'll be dead.

So in the span of that blink, there must roll before their feet the heads of all the clan's enemies.

In that blink of an eye, my eyes shall burn all the evil from the world, and spread its ashes to enrich the soil, upon which shall grow next generation of Uchihas. Nourished and raised on the very blood of those who'd dare harm them.

So yes, I lied to them.

I told them I was a devil.

Because I was never going to leave them.

Not when they cursed themselves with my haunting, by calling me…

Brother.

Big brother.

With eyes so filled with trust.

Smiles so innocent that it stabbed me cold.

The things I could do to such faith.

Hahaha.

How I can break them.

'You are weak.'

How I can torment them.

'Why are you weak?'

How I can destroy them.

'You lack hatred.'

…

…why?

…why did you do it?

'Tsukuyomi.'

I don't understand you.

'It was a test of my abilities.'

I was a fool for believing you.

'You must return to Konoha.'

No. I will burn Konoha to the ground.

'You will be the hero who killed me.'

I'd rather be the villain who saved you.

'Foolish little brother.'

Fuck you, Itachi.

'Hah. Maybe some other day, Sasuke.'

Tomorrow will never arrive.

Will it, nii-san?

How can it?

When the clan's children are dead by your blade. Soaked in their blood, red drops dripping off your hands as you feed the vultures the light of their eyes. The fire of their life.

Our clan has no children.

It has no future.

So…

I will create it with my own two hands.

A strong Uchiha clan. That can forge its own future.

To ensure that. I will do anything.

Anything.

Steeling my will, I clasped Jigo, bringing her close. Boring into her eyes my Mangekyo.

I rasped.

"You are weak."

She looked at me with frightened eyes. Her lips quivering. I grabbed Gendo by the collar and pulled him down, squishing him to Jigo's side. As I stared at them with no mercy in my eyes.

"Why are you weak?"

The children's wings stopped flapping, as they looked at me with confusion. I activated Tendo immediately to keep us aloft. This is something that has to be said. To be done. And I won't have anything interrupt it.

"N-Nii-san? What's wrong?" muttered Jigo, her hands clutching at my shirt as she looked at me with worried eyes.

"Sasuke-nii? Is this about me calling you a bastard?" Gendo rubbed the back of his head. "Hehehe, sorry?" Gendo chuckled. "Now stop being a sourpuss, yeah?"

My mouth twisted into a snarl.

Idiots.

Fear me.

Loathe me.

You have to.

You must!

Don't look at me with affection.

Don't put your lives in my hand.

"Nii-san?" said the Jigo and Gendo, looking at me with blind trust.

…don't worry.

I will give you what you lack.

I will give you strength.

I snaked my arms around them, bringing them within the range to be ravaged by my eyes' illusions. Making them look closely into the Mangekyo.

I'm no Itachi.

But I have his eyes.

I whispered the words my brother had damned me with.

My Mangekyo spun wildly.

"You lack ha-…"

My voice failed me. Trailing off into silence.

Gendo scratched his chin. "Uhh, hay is for horses?"

Jigo turned to him with a scowl and bonked his head. "Shut up! Lord Karasu speaks to us!" She turned back and gave me a dutiful nod, "your humble servants have your attention, o merciful avenger!" She saluted me with a grin. "T-Teach us your torturous ways, hehehe~" She gave me an eager smile, blushing lightly.

I growled and tried again.

Strength.

I had to give them strength.

"Y-Y-You-" Blood splattered against the walls. "L-Lack-" Cold red eyes looked away in disinterest. "H-H-Hate-" Stab. Stab. Stab. Slit. Butcher. Murder. Kill. Kill. Kill. Seventy two hours. Of red rivers flowing in the streets.

It made me strong.

And it shall do the same for them.

"Whoa, your eyes are kinda amazing, bastard. Haha." Gendo looked at me with enthusiasm. He smiled, "kickass design!" He pouted, "I'm jelly."

Jigo giggled, "does it hurt, Gen-kun?" She gave him an eager smile.

Gendo yelped and latched onto me, climbing over me and hiding behind my back. "N-No! I'm good! I'm good!"

This… is getting out of hand. Forgetting Gendo for the moment, I focused on Jigo.

I had to make her strong.

No more tears, for any offense or wrong done unto her.

Strong.

Just like the strongest devil I know.

'Eh? Why am I so strong, Kara-chan?'

"Jigo," I muttered.

'Hehehe. Push-ups! Sit-ups! And plenty of juice!'

Of course she takes it as a joke and starts giggling. Be serious for once.

"You lack something, Jigo." I continued, kneeling before her as we floated in the air. She tilted her head, wondering what I was talking about.

'Hopes and dreams! That's the secret, Kara-chan!'

She said that, beaming at me.

'Levi-tan will fill everyone up to the brim with her magic! She'll fill the world with smiles! Give them the confidence to turn their wishes into reality! And that's more magical than any old boring spell! Don't you agree?'

"You lack hopes and dreams, Jigo." I said with a severe frown. I swatted her head, making her yelp and hold her crown. "We shall remedy this at once."

I thrust my hand to my side, letting out a gentle pulse of chakra via Tendo. Pushing our floating selves towards our home, located in the poorer section of the residential area. I smirked, "prepare yourself." I lowered us towards the ground, hovering us to our apartment and passing us through the window.

I'd bought the place using the money I'd apparently earned while helping Levi-tan and her friend 'Sirzechs-chan' with their new venture. Levi-tan informed me I was a hit, whatever that means, and had eagerly transferred a load of cash to a bank account she'd opened in my name.

'Be sure to watch my latest episode, Kara-chan! There's a sneak peak into the new series Sirzechs-chan, I and another guy are making! You'll love it! …I mean yeah we made a lot of assumptions with the armor design, but meh, we'll correct it with special effects later.'

I just took the money. I really didn't care for the details. Cash was cash, who cares how I made it? I'm sure it's nothing too stupid…

I spotted the other kids playing around beside the dining room, and quickly called them over to the television before the main sofa.

I stood before my clan's children with crossed arms, as they all sat on the floor before the sofa.

Gaki yawned and rubbed her eyes.

Chikusho tilted his head.

Jigo muttered, "but I already said I want to be a nurse…"

Gendo punched his fist in the air and unnecessarily yelled, "yosha!"

The other kid I had yet to name tinkered with some metallic device and a screwdriver.

I began the clan meeting.

"Fellow clansmen! I have grave news." I said with a pronounced frown. The kids blinked and exchanged looks among themselves, shrugging, uttering confused noises, and asking if I'd play tag with them after my speech.

I scowled and clapped my hands, silencing them and trying to maintain order. I addressed the most pressing concern first. "It's almost time for your nap. Go to sleep. I won't tolerate sloppiness when I'm 'it.'"

The kids pouted.

I glared.

Their lips quivered.

I snarled. How dare they try to defy me!

"One game! And that's it!" I spat with contempt. I gave them a menacing glare.

"Yaay!" They cheered and high-fived among themselves. Preening and looking smug.

I snorted. These idiots think I don't see their infantile manipulations… but that's alright. Uchiha Sasuke shall teach them the meaning of being careful of what you wish for. "But if I catch you all within a minute… you're doing the dishes for the entire week." I smirked. How's that for pushing your luck?

"A-Awww… but you're too good, nii-san!" Gaki complained, puffing her cheeks and leaning back against the sofa's bottom.

I grinned down at her, "deal with it, Gaki." (Oh how satisfying it is to use her name.)

I shook my head and continued. "Back to the matter at hand. I've found a way to make you stronger. A method straight from a Satan's mouth." I grabbed the television remote and walked over to the kids and sat down along with them. The brats immediately shuffled closer to me, pushing and prodding each other to make space so that each of them could sit on my lap or lean against my side.

My brow twitching, I said as I turned the device on and began clicking through the channels. I declared as I switched to the channel I wanted, "watch and observe, young Uchihas! And be filled with hopes and dreams!"

Pink sparkles exploded on screen with Levi-tan fighting what looked like a giant wolf. With the magical girl conjuring pillars of ice around the beast, while the wolf bared its teeth at her and growled with fury. Levi-tan's cheery voice happily narrated-

'Will Levi-tan beat the wolf king! Can she make in time to save the harvest festival from the lupine gang! Protecting the smiles of all the young boys and girls of Sonaville! And won't Mayor Sona admit her sister is simply the greatest, and bestest, and the most awesomest sister in the whole wide world! Find out this and more, next time! On Miracle Levia-tan! Catch you later!'

I scowled as the closing credits scrolled across the screen. Fuck. I just missed the show. Now who's going to fill my clan with hopes and dreams?

The voice continued as the last of the names crawled across the top of the television,

'And now for a sneak peek into the opening music video of an exciting new show! Made in collaboration with the Gremory Studios. Ladies and gentlemen, behold! The Oppai Dragon!'

I blinked as a red armored man appeared on the camera, dancing to…

'There is breast-loving Dragon living in the edge of a certain country-'

My brow furrowed at the stupid lyrics.

What the fuck?

The lyrics continued.

Becoming more… obscene and ridiculous and… what the… what the hell is with those sound effects?!

I grimaced and turned my eyes away. Wondering what kind of imbecile would dance to such a tune.

I grumbled. I should've known Levi-tan was full of shit. How the hell is this remotely connected with making you stronger?

Gaki prodded me, poking my sides. "U-Uhh… n-nii-san… i-is that you?" I frowned and turned to her, and saw her gaping at the television, her finger pointing at the screen and shaking with disbelief.

With a frown I turned to the television, "what the hell are you talking about…"

…Oh... oh my Mangekyo...

Karasu was on screen… wearing earmuffs… looking miserable… and just going through the motions…

'Joining him on his adventure, is the Tsundere Crow! At being mega cute he's a super-duper pro!'

The Dragon tried to give Karasu a high five, only to receive a sneer in response.

'He'll scowl when he's shy! But he ain't no bad guy!'

The Dragon fell to his knees before a figure shrouded in shadows with a menacing grin which shone white with its teeth. Karasu kicked Dragon away with an annoyed face as black flames exploded where the Dragon had knelt a second ago.

'Dragon and Crow! They're best buddies! And with the power of oppai! They become breast buddies!'

Dragon and Crow roared and thrust their hands out, exploding a blast of black and red energy into the enemy's lair… and stripping all the… female opponents…

I blinked heavily.

As I gazed at Dragon.

Feeling something fill me up to the brim.

'Starring! The Sekiryuutei as the Oppai Dragon and the show's primary inspiration! Karasu as the Tsundere-'

I smiled.

Sekiryuutei…

Hahaha.

So you were behind all this?

'Composed by Sirzechs Lucifer! Lyrics by *redacted*! Choreography by Serafall Leviathan!'

I chuckled. Gently pulling off the shocked, gaping, or giggling children off me and heading to the window of our apartment.

So this is what Levi-tan meant by hopes and dreams?

This… burning… churning… explosive feeling inside me.

The pressure so strong within me that I just had to express myself.

With a pleasant smile, I opened the window, took a deep breath and let out-

"I WILL FUCKING MURDER YOU, YOU PERVERTED PIECE OF SHIT!"

I hollered. My eyes spinning and rippling rapidly as I panted with monstrous rage.

"SEKIRYUUTEI!" I slammed my fist against the wall and screamed with mad anger, my whole body shaking with fury. "YOU WILL REGRET THE DAY YOU MADE A FOOL OF UCHIHA SASUKE!"

Gasping for air, I held onto the window frame to steady myself. As my vision blurred with an Uchiha's wrath.

This travesty shall not go unpunished!

And you… Levi-tan…

You will realize the full horror of being the target of my hopes and dreams!

I smirked a delirious smile as I stared out into the city.

You fucking fish…

You'll get what's coming to you…

Bloody impossible woman…

Hahaha…

So, your sister's name is Sona huh?

I grinned.

I can't wait to meet you…

So-tan.

Ahahaha…

It's gonna be puntastic.

I threw my head back and laughed.

"Mwhahahaha!"

This world shall know dorkness like never before!

And you will be my first casualty!

Leviathan!

"N-Nii-san?" My kids said in a freaked out voice. "A-Are you okay?"

I turned my maniacal eyes to them, smiling like a deranged madman.

Okay?

Okay?

Do I fucking look okay?!

They grimaced and shrank away from me. "S-Sorry, nii-san." They mumbled. "W-We'll go have our nap now."

I gripped my fists tight as they shuffled away, muttering their goodbyes as they despondently left for their rooms.

I breathed heavily, my anger still at an all time high, but now in the company of instant regret at directing even a fraction of it at my kids.

…no.

They didn't do anything to deserve that.

Before I walked after them to make it abundantly clear that I was in no way angry at them and was instead very pleased with how far they'd come, from being irredeemable weaklings to redeemable pushovers-

An explosion rocked the streets.

Followed by a voice which wished it was as threatening as mine-

"Bow before your ruler!" It said in a grandiose fashion. "Demonic Pulse!"

Turning to the window, I observed a shock-wave of purple energy blow through the pedestrian occupied roads. Making the devils shriek as it knocked into them and gently pushed them off their feet and landed them on their butts.

I furrowed my brow.

Why was this familiar…

An indignant voice shouted.

"Hey, asshole! What's the big idea?!"

The not-threatening voice proclaimed,

"Foolish Devil!"

My eyes slowly narrowed.

This…

This bastard!

"Tremble before me!"

He's copying me.

How dare he!

"For you speak to V!"

Get the hell out of my city!

The indignant voice spoke,

"Hey! Quit copying Karasu!" It scoffed. "He did it way better anyway."

Thank you for the recognition!

V barked a laugh. "I won't dispute that, but-" I could hear the smirk in his voice, "I wonder if there was any bite behind that bark."

…

I formed a handseal.

Poof!

Karasu emerged from the smoke.

---

In the streets of Lilith

I, Vali Lucifer, currently wore a black mask over my eyes, dressed like a swashbuckler with black pants and a gray shirt, and a white cape fluttering behind my back.

I smirked as the devils all formed a crowd around me, all attracted by the commotion I aroused.

[This is ridiculous. You really think you'll draw him like this?]

I shrugged.

Imitation is the best form of flattery. And considering the ego Karasu seemed to exude, no doubt he'll be here in a-

Swap!

The world shifted, my eyes assaulted by a sudden shift in colors.

I stumbled over my feet as everything around me changed in an instant.

From standing in the middle of the street, I now balanced myself upon a slanted red rooftop.

Blinking in surprise and confusion, I turned by head here and there, and that was when I heard a cold and disinterested voice.

"Get out of here."

[Behind you!]

I startled at the voice which suddenly whispered behind me and whipped my head around-

To find an open palm being thrust in my direction.

The voice muttered,

"Shinra Tensei."

Wham!

An invisible force hit me like a sledgehammer and blasted me away, hurling me off my feet and throwing me into the air.

"Gaah!" I grunted as the attack hit my entire body. The ground below me moving rapidly as I flew through the air.

I quickly manifested my wings behind me and tried to steady myself-

I heard a faint whisper,

"Shurado: Demon's grasp."

"Guuh!" I choked as a mechanical severed hand, cutoff at the wrist, slammed into my throat, clutching it tightly with its fingers. In midst of trying to rip it off me, I heard a sharp sound from the wrist of the fist, I glanced down and saw it glowing red with energy.

My eyes widened.

Boom!

"Aaaah!" I screamed as flames burst from the wrist's end, rocketing me through the air as it carried us off towards the city edges.

[Repel it! Now!]

Nodding faintly, I gathered my devil power and conjured a small magic circle in-between my throat and the fist. Rapidly expanding the circle, I forced the fist to let go as its fingers were pried open.

I panted for breath as I quickly put some distance between me and that severed hand-

Swap!

The world shifted.

The cold voice whispered from behind me again,

"Not bad."

My blood froze.

My eyes widened.

I whipped my head around.

Karasu smirked at me.

His hand lay pointed at me with his palm open.

"Shinra Tensei."

Wham!

"Ahahaha!" I laughed despite the pain of being blasted away yet again. As the city disappeared beneath me and I found myself sailing through the air above the land outside the city.

That smirk!

Those unpredictable attacks!

The mere seconds in which he kicked me out of the city!

I grinned.

This is what my heart desires!

I manifested my sacred gear's wings and slowed myself to a halt.

Karasu lay waiting for me, sitting on a high rocky cliff, a few feet from my position. His knee crossed over the other, and his eyes spinning and rippling madly. He spoke with a bored face as he waved me away.

"I've better things to do." He glared. "Make yourself scarce."

I smirked, "you have no choice in the matter." I rolled my arms and cracked my neck as I settled in a wary stance. "Give me the battle I desire."

Karasu spoke with his lips pursed. "Those wings… They're different…" He scowled, "what are you?"

My wings spread wide, as I showed them off to impress upon him my identity. I crossed my arms and said with a confident smile, "I am the Hakuryuukou." My wings shone an extra bright sheen of blue just for effect. "The White Dragon Emperor." I chuckled, "a worthy opponent, wouldn't you say?"

Karasu began shaking.

I frowned.

He huddled into himself, his shoulders shivering.

Was he… sacred?

"Hahaha…"

I blinked as he looked up and I saw bloodthirstiness within his eyes.

A grin erupted on my face.

He was so excited he was shuddering?

He muttered, "Sekiryuutei…" He spoke in a trance, shifting his weight from left to right. "Do you know… the Sekiryuutei."

My grin died.

"What about him?" I scowled. "I'm your opponent."

He chuckled and got to his feet. "That's all I needed to hear." He smirked. "I'm going to beat the information out of you."

My eyes narrowed as he made a come hither with his hand. Absolutely no fear or wariness in his gaze.

I growled out. "You'd be wise to not take me lightly."

He rolled his eyes. "You are an insect."

Albion bared his teeth in fury.

I clutched my fists to my sides and roared out with my dragon.

"I am the White Dragon Emperor!"

[I am the White Dragon Emperor!]

Karasu smirked.

"What is an Emperor to a god?"

I snarled at how blatantly he underestimated me. I blasted forward, leaving a shock-wave behind me as I flew towards him with my fist cocked back to fracture his face.

"What is a god-" I winced as a sharp pain assaulted my head but carried on, "to a non-believer!"

Swap!

I blinked. His damning palm right in my face once again.

That absolute bastard chuckled, his eyes amused.

"Shinra Tensei."

Wham!

I rocketed away from him.

"Gah!"

I yelled as I slammed into a boulder and lay embedded inside it, my arms and legs spread-eagle as they dug into the stone. Spotting a pair of feet glowing blue and sticking to the boulder, their owner standing sideways, I glanced up to see Karasu smirking down at me.

"Do you believe now?"

I grinned.

So…

So badass!

I'd have halved his power to oblivion by now, but he didn't even let me touch him!

Albion hailed me.

[Balance Breaker?]

Balance Breaker.

[Right, Balance Breaker.]

Diving Dividing began glowing, its wings shining a bright white and spreading its glow to cover every inch of my body.

Karasu's eyes narrowed and he leapt away, instantly putting distance between us as he jumped between the surrounding boulders and landed on a tall rock a few meters away. He watched me warily, his stance cautious and guarded.

I smirked.

Bad move.

You missed your only chance of stopping me.

Albion's voice rang out in the clearing.

[Divine Dividing: Scale Mail!]

White armor began manifesting around my body. Gauntlets clasped themselves to my wrists, followed by arm and shoulder guards tightening around my hands. Plated body armor with blue jewels slammed itself onto me, the drain on my strength making itself known straight away. Greeves and armored boots formed around my legs and finished the creation of my Scale Mail.

I tensed my muscles and let loose an explosion of devil power around me.

Boom!

The boulder encasing me exploded.

Zoom!

I launched myself off the explosion and tore through the air like lightning, leaving a column of light behind me as my wings propelled me forward.

Karasu's eyes widened. As I already loomed over him, just a few paces away, having covered the distance in the blink of an eye, with my fist cocked back and ready to deliver pain.

I grinned at his ability to track my movement.

Don't disappoint me now.

My fist burst forward.

Swap!

Karasu disappeared at the last moment.

[To your left!]

I snapped my head to my left, and spotted the vigilante standing sideways on a tree.

Zoom!

I cracked through the air, aiming a kick at his face.

"Shit!"

He cursed as he ducked under my leg, my foot just missed his hair by an inch. As he lay under me, in that split second, my hand shot out to grab him.

Swap!

He disappeared and reappeared before me. His hand pointed right at my face-

"Shinra-"

Not this time.

I twisted in the air and launched a blitzing spinning kick at his face.

His eyes widened.

I observed with satisfaction and mild disappointment as my foot sailed for his head. There would be no escaping this.

I mentally sighed.

It was fun while it lasted.

My foot made contact.

Poof!

I blinked in surprise, as he disappeared in a puff of smoke, my leg observing no resistance as it slammed into a non-existent enemy.

A hand emerged from the smoke. Karasu's smirk poked out of the clouds of dust.

"-Tensei."

Wham!

I grit my teeth as the force slammed into me, my armor creaking as the pulse sought to push me away.

But I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of swatting me into the ground once again.

"Raaaaah!"

I roared as I bent and thrust forward against his attack, not willing to give an inch, my wings letting loose an torrent of pressure behind me, blowing the air in harsh currents, as I sought to overpower the repulsion's strength.

Wham!

"Guh!"

Karasu's eyes popped out and let out a choked yell as his body bent forward like it was kicked in the stomach. He hurtled towards the ground-

Boom!

-And slammed into it, forming a small crater and throwing up small rocks into the air.

"Haha," I chuckled. My helmet opened up, so that I could show my adversary the face of the one who downed him. I flew down and stood atop a small green hill, looking down at where Karasu had fallen.

"So," I began in a genial tone, "your Shinra Tensei can be overpowered." I let out a sharp smile, "not bad for an insect, wouldn't you say?"

The dust around the crater cleared, slowly revealing my adversary lying on his back, encased by an eerie purple ribcage, which faded away into thin air. He jumped to his feet. His lips pursed with focus. His eyes calculating. And his stance screaming battle readiness.

I smirked.

He was finally taking me seriously.

I called out,

"Ready for round three?"

A slow smirk spread across his face.

He held his hand to his side and said,

"Bring it on-"

Spark!

Lightning coursed through his palm. Dancing across his fingertips, spreading on his wrist as arches of blue electricity. It cracked against the air like a flock of birds all chirping at once.

He crouched and whispered,

"Dragon."

---

Author's Note:

Yo!

Did ya catch the tfs reference? :)

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Let me know your thoughts!

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Cheers!