A Sage's Mission

by EventualFallOut

The Shinobi world is finally at peace. But an attack from the unknown has put the Shinobi world on edge. Now Naruto and his friends need to get to the bottom on who these beings are, and where they came from. He's not going to let another war plague his home after finally achieving peace: Multi-Cross over. "No copyright infringement is intended."

5. Chapter 5

A Sage's Mission

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"Speaking"

"Thinking/ conversation with Tailed beast/Sacred Gear within the mind, Scape."

"Tailed Beast/Sacred gear Dragon speaking."

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Chapter 5: Lurolona Village.

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It's all gone, the whole village, destroyed. Only ruins remained from what was once Raphtalia's home. Small craters littered the ground with the roofs of the houses caved in; the Devils must of attack from above.

"They didn't stand a chance." It was plain as day that this village had no kind of military protection: no walls, sentry towers or any kind of real defence. An attack from a group of bandits; the people here would be hard-pressed to repel that. But a small Devil army attack, lead by a Super Devil; it's something straight out of a nightmare.

Naruto looked down at Raphtalia still holding on to him. She stopped crying a while a ago but refused to move. Naruto just stood there; he's going to wait until she's ready to face what they will find in that village.

Hinata had a sorrowful look; she has been doing her best to cheer Raphtalia up and give her hope that her family and home might still be around. The end of that hope has brought nothing but despair. Has her attempt at cheering up only made it worse for Raphtalia?

Konohamaru just couldn't understand it. Why would Devils attack this place? Civilians with no defence and no way to fight back; these people were fisherman, not soldiers. To him, it was disgusting to attack or hit people who can't hit back.

In time, Raphtalia stepped away from Naruto, her face was hidden underneath her hair, and she looked and felt so lifeless.

"Raphtalia?" Naruto called out to her in a gentle voice, but she didn't respond. She only turned around, her back facing the rest of the group, while she looked over the remains of her home. Naruto reached out to her, and just as his hand was about to reach her, she started walking, walking towards her village; ever so slowly.

Naruto brought his hand back to him and clenched his fist, so hard that the blood started rushing out of his fingers. With her state of mind right now, there's nothing he can do or say that would help her; just like before he felt so useless, being unable to free her from her suffering.

Raphtalia got a few feet ahead of them before the rest of the group followed her. The gap between them didn't change; she needed some space for her mind to process what she's seeing.

As they entered the destroyed village, they could see the remains of some of the villagers, skeletal remains of what was once her people. Being exposed to the elements, what would have taken several years; only took one.

"Raphtalia knows each and everyone one of these people, but with their conditions, it's going to be hard identifying individuals." Some of the remains are in pieces, or only had a single piece left. Kami, her family is here somewhere; they could have walked past them and wouldn't even know.

Raphtalia stopped at the middle of the village, where what remains of a destroyed tower, the village square. She was shaking. At first, Naruto couldn't guess the exact reason, because there are plenty of reasons for her to be angry right now. But when he got right next to her; he saw why.

Over twenty bodies lined up against the tower's rubble. Some are even holding each other in their arms, a last desperate act at gaining any kind of comfort at the end. "They were all executed. He got Raphtalia, so he didn't need to worry anymore about accidentally killing her." Kurama has seen this sight many times. Naruto's blood was boiling, but he couldn't lash out, not here; and not in front of Raphtalia.

What he sees right now made no sense to him? Rizevim got what he came here for; so why kill them? They weren't fighters or soldiers, why couldn't of he let them go; so they couldn't tell Yasaka? Her hands would still be tied. She couldn't act against the current Devil faction as this was the act of the Old Devil faction; that's currently in hiding, and Yasaka isn't strong enough to take on Rizevim.

Did he do this just because he could?

Because he wanted to?

Did he enjoy it?

Is that the kind of man Rizevim is?

Naruto has met many kinds of people in the world who have done truly evil things, unforgivable things. Nagato, Obito, Madara and Kaguya all committed unspeakable acts, but at their core; they only did what they thought was right for the world. Nagato wanted to stop all wars but believed only when people shared and felt pain, suffering and terror could such peace be achieved. He wasn't like that at first, but when he lost his friends, that pain change him, and Obito manipulated him.

Obito and Naruto were a lot alike, they both shared the same dream of becoming Hokage, but when he lost Rin, the girl he loved. That love turned into hate, and the world became nothing but hell in his eyes. He wanted to escape to a dream world to find his happiness, even if it was false happiness.

Madara lived through a blood bath after blood bath and lost all his brothers. He believed the world was so far gone that the only real way peace could be achieved was in one's dreams. He generally thought he was saving the world.

Kaguya was a loving woman at first, who only wanted peace and harmony. When she was betrayed by her husband and watched her handmaidens die right in front of her. She was pushed to eat the divine chakra fruit to gain infinity power. Through that power, she subjugated his world to stop all wars and conflict. But the fruit warped her mind, and she became nothing more than a power-hungry monster.

Naruto hated what they did, but could understand how they reached that point, each and everything they did had meaning and was not senseless. But this...

Just what kind of person is Rizevim Livan Lucifer?

They all stood there; they couldn't take their eyes of the mass of skeletons in front of them. But then Raphtalia did, she slowly turned her head and looked up at a house on a cliffside; left of the village.

"That's my house, right there." Her voice was bleak; she all but knew there is no point of hoping for a miracle right now.

"Naruto, I don't sense anyone else's life force."

"I know." This isn't a rescue mission like it was with Raphtalia, there's no one left to save.

Raphtalia left the group and was walking in the direction of her house. She ignored everyone and everything around here. Not caring or listening to the others call out her name; who don't want her to be alone.

"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu." Naruto created over fifty clones. "Ok, this isn't how we hoped this would go, but we need to do this, for her and them." Naruto gestured to both Raphtalia and the village's dead. "Hinata, help my clones locate all the bodies, I don't care if it's only a tooth, we're giving them all a proper burial." This wasn't something he wanted to ask Hinata to do, but it needs doing, and she's the only one who can find them all.

"I know, and we will." As uncomfortable as it was to have to use her Byakugan to see and find all the dead. This is for Raphtalia's sake and those who need to be laid to rest.

"Konohamaru, create some clones and search the village for anything valuable, just to be clear, we're not grave robbing. But Raphtalia will decide if what we find should be buried with her people, or return to Urakyoto." The last thing Naruto is going to do is order his student to find and carry the remains of innocent people who have been butchered and murdered. Konohamaru hasn't seen this kind of cruelty before; not even with Pain's attack, but Naruto has, best if he does it.

Konohamaru only nodded silently at Naruto's order. Before today, he had no doubt in his mind they would return Raphtalia to her family. It's a bitter pill to swallow for him, in his mind; they, he, failed her.

Seeing how Konohamaru was feeling, Naruto got down on one knee with his hand on Konohamaru's shoulder, trying to soothe his heart. "I know I feel the same way. But Raphtalia is still here. We need to be strong; for her." His student looked back at him, no words were further exchanged, but Naruto knows Konohamaru understands.

The team split up, Hinata directed the clones to where they needed to go, while Konohamaru looked for anything that would be important to the people here, pictures, heirlooms and such. Naruto chased after Raphtalia who has already made it to her home.

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'Can she do this?' That was the question Raphtalia was asking herself, can she open this door; when she knows what could be behind it. Her home is caved in from the roof, the windows are all broken, and the walls looked like they're barely holding up. It's practically a miracle that her home is still standing.

"A miracle" That word sounded hollow; why is it a miracle that some wooden walls are still standing. Raphtalia hesitantly reached out for the door handle and gripped it tight, but her arm was still shaking; she's still doesn't know if she has the strength to see what's on the other side of the door. For the past year, all she ever hoped for was to get home and find her parents, her friends and her home. To go back to the life she once knew, she didn't want any of this.

Then another hand rested on hers that was gripping the door handle; the hand is wrapped in bandages. "Naruto?" She looked to her right to see Naruto looking at her with sympathetic blue eyes. His grip tightened slightly around her hand.

"You don't have to go alone."

She gazed at their hands on the door handle; her arm stopped shaking as if Naruto was giving her his strength. She took one last breath before summing up newfound strength to open the door; Naruto followed her lead and opened it with her. The door's hinges creaked; some dust and dirt fell off the top of the door's frame. The sun's light shined behind them and illuminated the dark house's interior; casting their shadows across the house's wooden floor.

Raphtalia took the lead, entering what was once her home; she was only interested in finding one thing, her parents. Naruto follows but at a slower pace; his eyes wandered the remains of her house. He could see broken cupboards, split chairs and tables, and a burned sofa.

His next step broke some glass on the floor. Naruto removed his foot to see what he stepped on. It was a picture frame. He bent down to pick up the frame; he could see the picture through the shards of broken glass. Naruto saw three people, Raphtalia when she looked around thirteen years old; she was sitting on her mother's lap who was resting on a chair. Her hair was a darker shade of brown when compared to Raphtalia's. She's wearing some kind of necklace, a cross? Behind both of them was her father, both of his hands resting on his wife's shoulders. His hair was lighter than Raphtalia's.

"They look like a real happy family." All three of them are smiling; a healthy and happy family, what many people in this world wish for; Naruto included. He gently slips the picture out of the destroyed frame and put it in one of his Ninja pouches. "She should have this." Naruto then heard Raphtalia gasp from another room.

He quickly ran to where he heard it; he comes upon another door which was already opened. "Raphtalia are you..." He started speaking as he just turned the corner, but his next words refused to leave his mouth when he saw what shocked Raphtalia.

Two skeletons resting up against the wall, they're holding each other in their arms. Both Naruto and Raphtalia knew who these were; one of them has the same necklace as Raphtalia's mother did in the picture. Raphtalia's legs lost their strength, and she fell to her knees, her hands stopped her head from smacking against the wooden floor. She thought she was prepared for this; but even if she was, it didn't stop her from crying her heart out. She finally got back to her family, after being a Devil's pet for one year. The whole time, when she was telling herself and hoping she would one day get back home to them; they were dead.

Naruto looked on in silence; this scene was something Naruto has seen many times, seeing good people lose those they love and suffer the grates pain because of it. Naruto stood there the whole time while Raphtalia let it all out. He didn't utter a single word.

Raphtalia's crying soon reached its end, and Naruto seized the moment to help push her forward with what needs to be done. He slowly walked up beside her and knelt. He waited until she looked in his direction. "We should give them a proper burial." Their final resting place will not be in some half damage house but besides their people.

Raphtalia's eyes looked red and sore; she hasn't found any reason to stop crying today. But she still had some strength, and will; to keep moving. They both rose to their feet. No words were shared, but both knew what they needed to do. Naruto gently picked up and cradled the remains of her father in his arms, while she did the same with her mother. Raphtalia gazed at her parent's remains, but no tears left her eyes; it's not that she stopped crying, but that she had no tears left to cry with.

They both left the ruins of her home. Before stepping out the front door, Raphtalia turned around and looked at her house one last time. She whispered to herself, so quietly; that even Naruto didn't hear her.

"I'm sorry I took so long; mom, dad."

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The sun was setting; its light shined passed the roofs of the ruined village.

A few minutes earlier, they all returned to the village square, the piles of bodies that littered the village have all been giving proper burials within the village square. The belongings that Konohamaru found were all buried with them by Raphtalia's request. All that's left are two graves yet to be filled. Hinata and Konohamaru are all standing to the side; as Naruto and Raphtalia walked past them. Both are taking care of who's in their arms.

They gently placed their remains into the two empty graves; Naruto lifted the hand and took off her father's wedding ring before stepping back from the grave. He walked over to Raphtalia and handed her the ring; he did what she asked of him. Raphtalia did the same thing with her mother's ring and necklace. She took the ring from Naruto and whispered: "Thank you." There's so little left to remember them by, the rings, necklace and picture are all she has left.

They all stepped back from the burials, which is now a new cemetery. Naruto placed his hand on the ground, and the earth beneath them shifted. The final two graves started closing up beneath the surface. Raphtalia got one last look at her parent's remains before they vanished under rock and stone. Naruto then weaved more signs, and the ground in front of the cemetery shifted again, and something new came out of the earth. It's a memorial stone, in the same shape as the one that rests at the training grounds within Konoha.

A stone dedicated to fallen heroes, friends and comrades.

When the stone was fully formed, Naruto held out a unique blade for Raphtalia. It was a chakra blade; just like the ones, Asuma Sarutobi wielded. It was a sharp single-sided blade that had a similar design to a trench knife but held like brass knuckles. These blades are constructed out of a unique metal that allowed them to absorb chakra to increase their power and range, the more powerful the chakra, the more powerful the blade becomes.

He handed it to Raphtalia. Just like Raphtalia's ninjatō, they could use Raphtalia's spiritual energy as a power source to increase its cutting power. Not as shape as wind chakra, but it will work for what she intends to do.

Raphtalia walked over to the memorial stone and started carving out all the names of the people that lived in this village. A painful task; but one that only Raphtalia can do.

Naruto, Hinata and Konohamaru gave Raphtalia space as she was doing her final task.

"How is she doing?" Hinata was speaking very quality, hoping that Raphtalia wouldn't hear. Raphtalia didn't react to their conversation; she either couldn't hear them or didn't care.

Naruto shook his head to answer her question. "She's in a bad place. Raphtalia has lost everything; her survival, her goal, it all came back to this, to get back home." A home that no longer exists.

"We need to be there for her."

"We will; we won't abandon her, not now, not ever." The thought of abandoning her never crossed anyone's minds. That was merely to help strengthen everyone's resolve. Right now, more than anything, they need to be here to help her.

"Hey Naruto, why was this place attack? I still don't get it."

"The only reason I can think of Konohamaru is that Rizevim Lucifer needed Raphtalia for something. Nothing else in this village would draw the attention and warrant an attack by a Super Devil." But even Raphtalia doesn't know why he wanted her.

"I think we need to tell Yasaka who's behind this." Hinata understood the reasons why they didn't tell her that it was Rizevim who attack their home, but this attack is a different story.

"I agree; we have no right to keep this from her." It's about her people this time.

"How do you think she'll take it?" This attack, who did it; and them, not telling her the full truth.

"Not well." How could anyone?

"Boss, Hinata...look." Konohamaru nodded over to the memorial stone, it was covered in names, with Raphtalia standing in front of it. The chakra blade rested against the rock.

Raphtalia just stood there, not moving so much as an inch. At first, she stared at the names, and then she looked up and stared at the sky. She doesn't want to leave, not yet. Raphtalia needs time to think about everything that's happened.

Naruto, Hinata and Konohamaru chose to wait around until she's ready to leave.

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The sun fully set, the stars shined brightly in the night's sky; the moon reflected off the surface of the sea. It was a peaceful and beautiful night and a despondent one. Naruto and his team are all gathered around a small campfire; the crackling wood and the slight wind are the only sounds that could be heard.

The team continued to wait for Raphtalia, but she's still at the memorial stone. She asked them for some time alone, to think. They agreed and left her in peace, but it didn't stop them from worrying. Hinata kept her eyes on Raphtalia, to make sure she doesn't do anything...drastic.

Naruto wanted to talk to her, but what approached should he take? Her family, friends and home are gone; nothing he says or does will change that.

"Then don't try changing it, don't react to what happened here; act on what happened here." Raphtalia needs a new reason to keep moving forward, and Naruto needs to give her that reason.

Naruto stood up, getting the attention of his team. "Naruto?"

"I'm going to talk to her." She's been on her own long enough.

"Are you sure?" Hinata was hesitant to do anything right now; unsure about what she could do that wouldn't make things worse.

"Raphtalia is at a crossroads right now; she could easily go in any direction, which would forever change who she is." She could lock herself away from the world and its people; never wanting to risk feeling this pain again; by closing her heart. She might feel like she has nothing left to live for, and would decide to join her parents in the afterworld. Or she gives in to her hearted and pain; and becomes an avenger, the damage that could do; would be far-reaching for both herself and the world. Raphtalia might come to despise all Devils, even those that had nothing to do with this attack, and she would kill all Devils she crosses.

Naruto needs to open up a new path for her to take, one that keeps the Raphtalia; that they have come to know, alive.

"Hinata, what do you think Raphtalia needs?" Hinata and Raphtalia become fast friends over these two days. Surely she would have some intuition for how to handle Raphtalia.

Hinata was a bit out of thoughts on how to answer Naruto; still thinking that giving her false hope as she did will only make things worse. "I'm not sure, Raphtalia held on to a small amount of hope, that her family would be alive. With them gone..."

"Then we need to give her new hope." A new reason to live. "Thanks for the advice Hinata."

Naruto bent down to her and embraced her with a loving hug. With everything that's been going on, they haven't had a moment to themselves for a while. But now is not the time to be selfish, Raphtalia must be a priority.

Naruto left the group by the campfire and headed to where Raphtalia has been since they buried all the dead.

The village was still hard to be around, even with the streets no longer littered with bodies and skeletons. The ruins and destruction showed how this place had lost so much of its soul. Naruto doubts it will ever recover.

He found Raphtalia sitting down in front of the memorial stone; her knees pushed up towards her chest with her arms wrapped around them. Her head was looking up towards the stars that covered the entire sky; even in this situation, the night sky was still a beautiful sight.

Naruto was standing by Raphtalia's right side. She didn't even acknowledge his presence. Instead, she continued to lose herself in the stars.

Naruto looked at all the names carved into the memorial stone, each and everyone was carved out by Raphtalia's hand; but at the bottom of the stone, stood four names on their own. The first two were Raphtalia's parents. He will never forget their names. The ones under them were new to him. The first one was Keel and the second one was Rifana.

"Must be her closes friends." The people she shared her childhood with.

Naruto and Raphtalia remain in silence. One wanted to ignore the rest of the world; the other wanted to save his new friend.

"What were they like?"

For the first several seconds Raphtalia didn't answer.

"Who?"

"Them" Naruto pointed to the four names at the bottom of the stone. "Your parents; your friends, what were they like?"

"..."

"Does it even matter?" She didn't sound genuine; it was nothing more than an automatic response.

"Of course it does. If it didn't, then you wouldn't be feeling like this." This hurts her so much because she loved them. They will always matter to her.

Naruto then sat down next to Raphtalia, and waited; he would remain here for years until she answered him if need be.

"Keel and Rifana, they were my best friends, we grew up together." The first friends she ever had. "Keel...she was a bit of a glutton; she always got bratty when she was hungry." Raphtalia had a quiet laugh at that memory. "Rifana, she was always so sweet, always talking about heroes and boys." Falling in love with the heroes in the stories they read.

"What kinds of heroes did you read about?" Who inspired them throughout their lives?

"It was mostly the story about the 'Four Cardinal Heroes' they weren't real, just a story and a play that our village came up with. But us kids loved it so much; our village kept writing stories about them." Raphtalia and her friends always loved reading those stories; about the hero's adventures and heroics.

"Which one was your favourite hero?" Naruto needs to keep her talking, to tear down the walls she's put up; and help her.

Raphtalia had a small smile when talking about this, talking about the hero she looked up to, it helped lift her spirits; if only a little. "It was the Shield Hero; he always protected those he cared about. Never letting any of them get hurt; not as long as he was around." He was a true hero; that valued protecting his friends, over defeating his enemies. "Keel wanted to be just like him; Rifana wished he was real, so she could meet him and marry him."

"And you?"

Raphtalia thought over on what that hero meant to her.

"...I wanted to fight alongside him or someone like him, to protect others just like he did; but I'm too weak, I would never be able to do that..."

"I disagree." Naruto immediately cut her off.

When Naruto said that; Raphtalia finally turned her head and looked at him. "What?" Her voice was shocked, and quite, she didn't understand what he meant.

Naruto then looked up at the stairs. "I disagree. You were a prisoner of that bastard, but you survived, both in body and mind. Your morals are still intact. Not many can say the same after going through such an experience. You were able to put your complete trust in a stranger; when even I didn't do that with Yasaka, guess you're stronger than me." Naruto chuckled at that last part. He didn't tell Yasaka the full truth, about which Devil attacked his people and hers. He let his fear of the unknown stop him from telling her everything. Sure, personal things; he has the right on who he talks to about that. But not telling them about which Devil attacked her people; that wasn't fair on Yasaka.

"Raphtalia." Naruto then looked straight into her eyes, his face carrying a sense of seriousness she hasn't seen before. Raphtalia couldn't look away, even if she wanted to. "You're stronger than you know."

Naruto then opened up his ninja pouch and took out the family picture he picked up from Raphtalia's home. He handed it to her; her eyes widened, she was at a loss for words; seeing her parents again, seeing their happy family again, as they should be. "And I think they feel the same way. You're stronger than you know, Raphtalia."

Raphtalia's hands griped the picture tight, but luckily she didn't crush or tear it, a few teardrops travelled down her cheeks and landed on the picture. "I wish they were still here." Raphtalia closed her eyes to try and stop herself from crying again. "I wish none of this ever happened!" She shouted it to anyone that could hear.

"I know; I know what you're going through."

"...You lost your parents too"

"...I did."

"What happened to them?"

"They died on the day I was born."

Raphtalia didn't see that coming, not just his father, but his mother too. What happened on that day?

"Just like your village, my village was attacked; on the night of my birth. Many, many innocent people lost their lives that day. To save the village, and me; a newborn baby, both my parents gave their lives so I, and the village, could survive." That day set Naruto on his path, a path of hardship.

"I grew up alone, not knowing who my parents were; I didn't even know their names." Or if they even loved him at all.

"But later in life, I saw them, a small amount of their chakra was sealed in me, and I got to see them, finally. But it only lasted for a few minutes." Then he had to say goodbye.

Naruto's eyes started to water a little, but he held back his own tears. "I finally got to learn their names. My father Minato Namikaze and my mother, Kushina Uzumaki." To finally know who his family was.

"What were they like?" Raphtalia still hadn't yet told him about her parents, but she couldn't stop herself from asking him.

"My father was the fourth Hokage and a war hero of the Third Great Ninja War. He was said to be the fastest Shinobi ever; hailed as the Yellow Flash of the leaf." Even before Naruto learned that he was his father; the fourth Hokage was always a hero and a role model to him. "My mother was one of the last surviving Uzumakis; after the clan was massacred during the Third Great Ninja War...she was...also the Jinchuriki before me."

"The Jinchuriki before him; what does that mean?" She heard him call himself that before when she woke up in the hospital, but he never explained what it meant. Before she could ask him what a Jinchuriki was; Naruto asked her something first.

"What about your parents, what were they like?"

Stopping her train of questioning, asking him about what a Jinchuriki was, she began collecting her thoughts, and her memories of her parents. "My parents weren't anything special. My father was in charge of our small village and was the best fishermen around. My mother was...well, like; the whole village's mother. She always checked on everyone in the village to make sure that we were all happy." They lead such simple lives, but to Raphtalia, that's what was amazing about them. They weren't special or famous, but still did what they could for others; always helping out the little guy.

"They sound pretty amazing to me. Our parents help prepare us for the future, for us to fly from the nest and surpass them. I didn't know them long, but my parents told me they loved me and believed in me. They also left words of wisdom for me to live by, to help guide me." Naruto couldn't stop his tears, and just like Raphtalia has done many times today; he too cried, but he was smiling. These were not tears of sadness, but tears of happiness.

"My father told me that he believed in me no matter what and that he would entrust the future to me. My mother told me to find a dream and never give up until I've achieved it." Those words; Naruto has continued to live by them, every single day.

She couldn't explain it, but, she smiled too. She was crying, but she still smiled. "My...my parents told me to always smile, even at the hardest of times...Because if I smile, then everyone else will smile too." This time, she was crying; and smiling, at a happy memory.

"Words to live by." Naruto stood up and held out his hand for Raphtalia. "Then you know what you need to do. Keep smiling, for them and your future."

Raphtalia looked at his hand, at this moment, it felt like a lifeline for her. She hesitantly reached out for Naruto's hand but stopped just short. "How can I, when I'm all alone."

Naruto then surprised her by grabbing her hand. "No you're not, you never were. The bond you have with your parents and friends is still alive. As long as you hold onto those bonds, you will never be alone." Naruto then pulled her up to her feet, catching her unaware; she was stunned by his action. "And remember, you have us as well. Me, Hinata and Konohamaru; we will be with you every step of the way." They will never leave her behind.

"Raphtalia." Naruto then directed her to the memorial stone. "What do you think they would want you to do?"

Raphtalia looked over all the names she carved into the stone. She knew every single one of them. She played with them, ate with them; she spent all her life with them. Almost like a mirage, the image of each one of them appeared around the stone; like ghosts. But she wasn't shocked or confused; no, she was being assured. She was seeing them all, the faces of her friends and parents. Even if they weren't there, she still wanted to reach out for them. But right now, she understood; she knew what they would want her to do.

"They would want me to keep moving forward and never stop smiling. I am alive, and for them, I must keep on living." For the first time in so long, Raphtalia felt better; happy even. As if the shadow that's been over her for so long, is starting to clear. A bright light is beginning to shine through. "Do you think I can?"

Naruto turned her around, and to her surprise, Hinata and Konohamaru are right there. "We know you can."

She wasn't alone. At the end of her journey back home, she still had friends. Hinata smiled at her with encouragement; Konohamaru gave her a big thumbs up.

Raphtalia understood, if she can't do it alone, or if she falls on her path. Her new friends will be there to help her up.

She walked up to the memorial stone, one last time, to say her goodbyes. She brought her hands together; she was praying to them. "Mother, father, Keel, Rifana, everyone; I promise to stop crying, I'll lead a new life with my friends. So please, watch over me; I'll never forget you or the lessons you taught me." The team joined next to her, each one praying along with her, showing respect to those buried here.

"I promise you all. I will keep Raphtalia safe, no matter what."

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It was a hard trip for all of them. But it was worth it. Raphtalia's face; her heart, they have new light, new hope; she will keep living, holding the memory of her family and friends close to her heart.

"You ready to head back?" The team was all set to return to Urakyoto.

Raphtalia nodded at Naruto. She was ready to start her new life. She decided to keep the picture of her family and her parent's wedding rings. She will hold on to them as her precious possession and memories of them. But she was also wearing the necklace her mother owned. It was a gold and silver necklace in the shape of a cross, with a blue jewel embedded at the centre.

"Did your mother follow the Biblical God?" Naruto said while pointed at the cross.

"I'm not actually sure; she never really talked about it. But my mother did say this necklace was very important and one day she would want me to have it." Well, it seems that came true.

"Raphtalia, I'm beyond proud of what you have accomplished here today." She's done something few others can. But..."But I know that you still have some unfinished businesses. Please be careful about settling that score. Don't let revenge consume you." Naruto may have helped her recover from the destruction of her home. But her hatred for the Devils behind this, maybe all Devils in general, is another story.

Raphtalia knew what he was talking about, but its just not that easy. "He took everything from me. I cant just let that go." She's not stupid; Raphtalia knows she's no match for Rizevim Lucifer. But letting him walk away from this, that's just not possible. "I can't let him get away with it."

"I'm saying that. Rizevim needs to be stopped, but be careful about the path of revenge. I'v seen some of the strongest people I know be consumed by it. It doesn't end well." For them and the people who 'got in the way'.

Raphtalia grew increasingly uncomfortable with this conversation. The mutable meanings his trying to tell to her, so she turned her back to Naruto. "Can we talk about this some other time. Please." She won't or can't deal this right now. It's too soon for her to cope with, and Raphtalia isn't sure on how she feels about all Devils right now. Rizevim Lucifer and scum like him; Raphtalia knows how she feels about them. But she doesn't know how she will act or do when she sees the another Devil, regardless of faction.

"Ok I will." For now he will drop it, but in no way will he forget about it. Raphtalia is in a similar situation as Sasuke was when he was still at the academy. He wont let history repeat itself. With that final conversation done, they all joined hands, and Naruto prepared to teleport them all back to Urakyoto. Just before he did; Raphtalia had one last thing to say to her former home. "Goodbye, Lurolona Village, and thank you for the life you gave me."

They were then transported out of Lurolona village and arrived back at Urakyoto.

"Seems Hiraishin can get through the barrier, good." Just like Kurama thought, this wasn't an entirely new dimension, so Hiraishin would still work.

The team was back at the courtyard of the palace that Yasaka lives in. But to their surprise, Yasaka was sitting right there, along with two guards.

"Good to see that you've returned safely." Yasaka instantly noticed how different the aura of the group was; mainly Raphtalia and Naruto. Raphtalia looked better, whatever happened back there gave her the closure she needed. She can move on.

Naruto seemed off; she could tell he was happy about Raphtalia's recovery. But it seems his mind was elsewhere; she could see something comparable to regret.

"Thanks, Yasaka, but...we need to talk." Naruto had no right to keep what he saw back there from her; or who was responsible for it.

"Naruto, if you tell her this, then you will have to disclose everything; the full truth." Kurama didn't like it, telling Yasaka everything when he doesn't trust her like Naruto seems to.

"As a ninja, it may not be the smart thing to do; but it's the right thing to do."

"Fine, have it your way," Kurama grumbled his words. He didn't like it, but he would follow Naruto's lead.

Yasaka could see how serious Naruto was acting, even a hint of concern. Whatever he's going to tell her must be severe. She gestured to her two guards to leave them. She already knew that Naruto wanted it to be kept between just them.

"My team stays, Raphtalia needs to hear this too." If she's going to stay with them, then she should know about Kurama as well.

"Before we begin; Naruto, I take it, you found no survivors." He gently shook his head. Yasaka also noticed Raphtalia's reaction. She was surprisingly composed. "I see, they must have already talked about it, would explain why they took as long as they did." But even seeing Raphtalia handle it well, it still pained Yasaka that her family and friends are gone. As their ruler; she failed them.

"Yasaka, I haven't been fair to you. When I talked to you in private, nothing I said about who we are, where we come from and why we came here was a lie. But I kept the identity of the one responsible for the attacks on my people and yours, from you." He hoped that the people of Raphtalia's home survived, but now he knows differently. "I kept that from you and asked Raphtalia not to tell you because of my own cowardice."

Yasaka knew from the start that he kept things from her and didn't tell her the full truth. She didn't call him out for it because she wanted to find out his reasoning later. He wasn't hiding it to spite her or betray her later; it was something else. But she would have never guessed it was out of fear.

"Why were you afraid of telling me this?" Does he doubt her promise of confidentiality?

"Because when you learn about whom it was; I was worried you would turn us away; or worse, start a war." A Super Devil attack is a big deal. Even if she would be unable to do anything about it, who's to say she wouldn't try; try taking revenge? Sasuke did all kinds of messed up thing to get revenge, and it's not just about Yasaka either. After hearing what the other Youkai think about the Devils, what would they try a do? All it would take is one stupid action, one event, to destroy the fragile peace-agreement and the Great War is back on.

"Start a war!?" He actually thought she would do that? This brought her serious concerns, what Devil attacked his people and hers? A part of Yasaka wanted to be angry at him for keeping this from her. If it's this serious, then what right did he have to keep it from her, and telling Raphtalia to lie; when she must know who was behind it as well.

But when she saw his eyes, any anger she had, just vanished. It was...strange. His eyes are full of regret. "He truly hates what he did. Not even a day has passed since he did it, and already he wants to come clean." If anything, this proved her hypothesis that when he withheld information; it was not so he could betray her later.

Naruto then; to every ones surprised, bowed down to Yasaka. "I was the one who chose to do it. In no way did I mean to trick you; my own shortcomings blinded me. I have no right to ask you of this but please don't be angry at Hinata, Konohamaru or Raphtalia. The fault lies solely with me if you are angry, then throw all your anger at me and me alone." He made a mistake so early on in this mission. He needs to do everything he can to make up for that, and make it up to Yasaka; who's done right by them.

Naruto continually surpasses Yasaka's expectations. Just when she thinks she has him figured out, he shows another side of him. What he is proving to her right now is that he's not a prideful man. He no doubt has pride in his beliefs and abilities, but in no way is he 'full of himself'. He also has no illusion about himself being 'perfect' or 'better' than others. "He owned up to his actions and is trying to take all the blame, protecting his friends and putting himself in the firing line." She sees his true character.

"Naruto Uzumaki, while I'm disappointed that you withheld important information that you; yourself, believed I should know. I am glad that you've quickly owned up to your action; before too much time has passed." If he withheld vital information from her for more than a week; she would be in her right to forgo their agreement.

Yasaka walked up to him, bringing her finger underneath his chin; raising him from his position. "When I offered you that agreement, I did so with the full intention of honouring it. Naruto, promise me that from now on, you will show me the same courtesy, and I will do the same, we are equals in this partnership." If he doesn't, then regardless of the connection their people seem to have; their partnership is done.

"I promise; I promise to not do wrong by you again. I was concerned that what I know would cause conflict, would start a war. I'm sorry for my actions." Naruto held his breath, waiting for her answer. Silently hoping she would give him this chance.

Yasaka remained silent, her eyes were closed, and her skills with diplomacy made her have the perfect poker face. They had no idea what answer she was leaning towards.

"Lady Yasaka?" Raphtalia was starting to worry too. If Yasaka didn't accept his...

"It's ok, Raphtalia. Naruto I accept your apology; as long as you keep your promise, then there is nothing to be concerned about." It sounded more pressing than it was. But Naruto needed to hear this, he wears his heart on his sleeve, being direct is the best course of action when talking to him.

Naruto breathed out a sigh of relief. He didn't ruin everything. Thank Kami, "Thank you, Yasaka."

Yasaka had a sweet smile when he said that. He was indeed a kind young man, but he's trying too hard to make sure he gets everything right. Overworking can lead to mistakes, and trying to do everything yourself is no better.

"Naruto, we're in this together, that happened the moment we shook hands, so you can trust me to help you. Just like I can trust you to help me; right." Yasaka sneaked in a sly, teasing grin, aimed right at Naruto; and he noticed.

"...Right." Naruto's face got a little red all of a sudden.

Satisfied with her last-second teasing, she gets back on topic. "Very well then, now that; that business is out the way. Naruto, who was behind the attack on yours, and my people?" Who was the one that made Naruto not want to tell her the full truth?

"It was Rizevim Livan Lucifer." Naruto knows the magnitude of the bomb he just dropped. One of the three strongest Devils, and one of the biggest scum bags around. Not to mention; pretty high up in the Old Satan Faction. How is Yasaka going to handle this? With difficulty no doubt.

"..." Yasaka froze. Her body refused to move, her eyes widened in disbelief, and her mouth gaped open. "What...did you just...?" She was so shocked that she couldn't even find the words; her lungs refused to take in oxygen.

"Yeah; I thought you would react like this." Raphtalia filled him in on how big of a deal a Super Devil; and a descendent of Lucifer is to the other factions in this world. Lucifer left quite the impression on everyone.

Yasaka's fists tightened, her body was shaking; being surrounded in a faint bluish aura "You mean to tell me, that one of the three Super Devils and one of the leaders of the Old Satan faction is behind all this?" Yasaka's fury was absolute; not at Naruto, but this audacity. A fragile cease-fire agreement between the factions is still in effect, and a Super Devil just broke the international treaty and invaded her territory; murdered her people.

"Yes, he led the attack on Lurolona Village and the attack on Konoha. He was the one who took Raphtalia." Naruto felt like he was stepping on thin ice, he could see Yasaka's spiritual energy take the form of blue fire and was surrounding her, the courtyard's garden was a risk of being bathed in azure flames. His late master Jiraiya would probably make a perverted joke about her being pretty hot.

Yasaka slowly calmed herself, and the temperature of the courtyard became more bearable; and safer.

Yasaka looked right into Naruto's eyes; no, she looked directly into his soul. "Tell me everything." It was practically an order.

For some reason, Naruto's legs shook a little. "Yes, ma'am." Her aura dumbfounded him. He could only nod and say yes, at this point.

.

---

From back then until midnight, Naruto told the full story of the attack. What happened to Raphtalia's home how his village was attacked by Rizevim Lucifer and his small army of Devils. How he and his friend named Sasuke beat them back, and his fight against Rizevim, the dragon ambush, the Devils escape.

"...after Raphtalia woke up, Lord Hokage Kakashi Hatake gave us this mission, and here we are." Yasaka spent the entire time in silence, listening and taking in every single detail. It was hard to tell what she was thinking, but the whole time Naruto was explaining it all to her, Yasaka's eyes never left Naruto; not once.

"Naruto, do you know why Rizevim attack your home?" Yasaka was doing her best to hide her shock at the idea; or in this case, the fact, that Naruto, a human, defeated a Satan Class Devil; one of the three Super Devils, in one on one combat. From the way he talked about it, it didn't take him long to defeat him. Amazing was an understatement; how could Naruto, and his village have been hidden all this time when they have humans with this kind of power?

Kuroka told her he can use Senjutsu; somehow...but even then, that alone would not beat a Super Devil.

Just what is chakra capable of? What is Naruto capable of?

"This is where it gets a bit complicated; you see this goes back to why I didn't tell you about him in the first place." Naruto's face was a bit strained; trying to think of the right words to explain his home's...location.

"Yasaka, we're not from around here."

Yasaka raised a single eyebrow, and she tilted her head a tiny bit. "Um, yes, I know; you're not from Kyoto but a hidden village." Naruto then pinched his nose. He's not explaining it right.

"No, not like that...I mean, we're not from...your earth." Was that any better?

"..." Yasaka looked even more confused that she did earlier.

"I don't understand; what are you trying to say?" Not from your earth? Just what exactly does Naruto mean by that? Call her crazy, but it sounds like he's saying...

"Yasaka, it sounds crazy I know, but me, Hinata and Konohamaru are from a whole other world, new earth you might say." Not another dimension that was existing right alongside theirs, but an entirely new world with a completely different history and power structure.

Yasaka was speechless; every single fibre of her being was telling her that this was impossible. What Naruto is saying, is impossible, but...

"You serious...aren't you?" She needed to hear him repeat it. But instead, Raphtalia was the one who answered her.

"He's telling the truth, I was there and it's how I met him. Rizevim Lucifer took a small force of Devils and me to attack his world, his village." She still remembers the lush green forest she was in and that explosion from Naruto's attack.

Yasaka knows a liar when she sees one, she immediately knew that Naruto and Raphtalia didn't tell her everything back when they first talked. This time, they are telling the full truth. As hard as it is for Yasaka to believe."Naruto, what you say is impossible; no one in our world has the power to pass the boundaries of our existence." Going from dimension to dimension; yes, they could do that. But those places are parallel to their own world. A completely new world is separate in every single way; there's no link, no door, nothing is connecting the two worlds. No one, not even the Dragon Gods or the Biblical God have the power to change that.

"Well, someone made it possible." Naruto took out a sealing scroll, and he opened it up along the floor, he bit his thumb to draw a small amount of blood; greatly surprised Yasaka by his action. He then brought his hand on the scroll and realised the Jutsu.

A cloud of smoke covered the courtyard, but Naruto quickly brushed it away to reveal two hovering stones. "Because that someone; created these things."

Yasaka was much intrigued by the stones. "What are these stones?" She shifting colour of black to white was drawing her in. It became tempting just to touch them.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, there's not much he can say about them, they still know very little. "We don't really know, but what we do know is that we have another two just like them back on our world. Some kind of signal connects them. If you seal yourself in the stone; the signal, you can ride it past the boundary of your world and reach the stones that are on the other side." That's how they got here.

"This...is unreal, who made them?" Who was able to make something that is capable of doing something that is in every way impossible.

"That's why this is complicated. We don't think the Devils created them."

"Of course not." If they could, they would have already boasted about it to the other faction. "But then, who did; no one I know, both alive and dead have the power or the technology to create something like this." This was beyond anything she's ever heard of.

Hinata then stepped forward. "The original theory was that Rizevim Lucifer created them. But from what we have seen, heard and read about, we believe he was supplied them and told to attack our world." Yasaka's words only further prove Hinata's theory; Rizevim Lucifer was not working alone.

"This means that Rizevim is working with, or for someone; that gave him the means to do this. During the attack on Konoha, I overheard a Devil say they were told about powerful beings in our world, which means whoever this guy is; knew about our world from the start." But how much is what worried Naruto. How much of their history and powers did they know; and what 'powerful beings' were they talking about?

Yasaka sat back down, clutching the top of her head. If everything Naruto said is real, which it is; despite how ridicules it was. Then this situation was beyond severe. "Naruto, I think I now fully understand why you were hesitant to tell me this, because if the roles were reversed; I might have done the same thing. But this also means we need to stand together in this fight, now more than ever." Yasaka went from shocked to determined; she was resolute in her goal of making this alliance work. Her people; her daughter are in danger. She will do whatever it takes to keep them safe from this looming threat. The Shinobi may be her best bet, they know more about what's going on than anyone in her world would right now; excluding those behind all this of course. There is also no bad blood or issues between their people.

"What do you mean?" Naruto was expecting many things from Yasaka, shocked, denial, anger and more. But it's like it made her choice even easier to make.

"This unknown individual or group; has allied with the Old Satan faction and scum like Rizevim Lucifer. They have the ability to do the impossible; they have attacked your people and mine, and are capable of such cruelty." Yasaka could see the signs, the danger they represent. The body count they could leave behind. "They need to be stopped, but neither of us can do it alone. But together we have a chance." Their goal is the same, to protect their people and prevent a full-blown war from happening.

She's right, Naruto could see it too, they don't know or understand this world; they don't know where to start. They're going to need Yasaka's help, and she's going to need theirs. "I agree, but I still don't have the power to authorise an alliance. But if we keep up this agreement for long enough, then I will have all the proof I need to show all my leaders back home that you are a trustworthy ally." Kakashi, Gaara and even Mai; they would be on board, Onoki would be on the fence about it, and A would need the most convincing. The last thing they need is distrust between each other at a crucial time.

"Then we are truly in this together, Naruto, is there anything else I should know?" The more details she knows the better. Even something little can make all the difference.

"Kurama?"

"...Just get it other with..."

"Thank you. I know you don't like this but...thank you."

"Raphtalia and Yasaka are the only ones, for the time being at least."

"You got it."

"Yasaka, there is something else that both you and Raphtalia should know." This got the attention of both of them. He singled them out in such a weird way.

"When the Devils came to my world, they were looking for powerful beings; they could have meant humans like me; or the Bijuu." The nine ludicrously powerful creatures; that forever changed the balance of power in his world.

"Tailed Beast, what are they?" Yasaka has never heard of anything like that.

"In my world, there are nine immensely powerful beings, completely comprised of chakra. Yasaka; you think my reserves are massive, you should see theirs; and their physical sizes. It can range from towering over city's, to sometimes even mountains." No joke on how much chakra these guys have; well, they are solely made out of the stuff. "But throughout the history of my world, these beings were hunted down and used as weapons of war; it's different now. But sadly us humans feared them and used them solely for the benefit of both the village and nation." They wrong them in so many ways, and at first, Naruto was no different.

"My people would find them and seal them into humans; these nine humans would become known as...Jinchūriki." Naruto had the palm of his hand on his chest when he said those words because Raphtalia would catch on to what he just said.

She did. "Jinchūriki...but that's...you said that's what you are, Naruto; you have one of this Bijuu inside you?" Twice before Naruto has called himself that; she now finally understands just what he meant.

"Power of human sacrifice, Naruto; just what does that mean for you?" Yasaka could make out what Jinchūriki meant. Naruto was sacrificed? In what way?

"Jinchūriki were seen has tools or weapons of war for their village, and can be used as a deterrent to war. For most of my life, I wasn't seen as a human being. But a cage for the beast, a ticking time bomb. But, it's different now, the Bijuu were freed and are protected by law, and people like me are seen as humans, not weapons." It took a long time to right the wrongs of the past, but it was worth it.

"The Bijuu within me is my friend, partner; even brother. But he will never admit it." They went from mortal enemies to the best of friends.

"Shut up brat." Kurama would never admit it...or deny it.

"You have one of these Bijuu within you; how strange, it's almost like you're a Sacred Gear user of your world." Yasaka could spot the similarities between a Jinchūriki and a Sacred Gear user, from the limited information she's been given.

"Yasaka, in me is the ninth Bijuu, the nine-tailed fox, Kurama!"

Suddenly a red cloak covered Naruto. It was bubbling and shifting, the power Yasaka and Raphtalia could feel from it, was indescribable. What she sensed from him before paled in comparison to what she is seeing now.

But only Raphtalia and Yasaka could sense him. When Naruto unsealed the stones, he also created a barrier around them. It wasn't a physical barrier that stopped people from coming and going; so it could not be seen. What it was, was a sensing nullification barrier; to prevent anyone outside and beyond from sensing the stones, or Kurama's power.

Yasaka and Raphtalia were rooted in place. This power was...was. "This power, I can feel it, through the Leyline; I can just make out the vast, deeper echelons of its might. It far surpasses most Gods I know; even the Heavenly Dragons are no match." She remembers the power those dragons have, the strength that scares both Gods and Satans, but this was something else entirely. If Yasaka didn't already have a good grasp on the kind of young man Naruto is, the kindness of his heart. She would be terrified of him right now.

Yasaka hesitantly looked at Naruto's eyes; she's seen those eyes before, when she first shook hands with him. They were no longer a beautiful sky blue, but a terrifying deep Red with slits as pupils. His features became wild, his whiskers became more defined, and he even grew fox-like canine teeth. His aura...

"So we meet face to face at last." A deep, intimidating voice was heard from Naruto's lips. Yasaka and Raphtalia immediately knew; this wasn't Naruto talking right now.

Yasaka swallowed a lump in her throat; readying herself to converse with this being. "You are, Kurama, a nine-tailed fox; just like me?"

"Not like you. Don't compare yourself to me; we are not the same." He is the strongest of the nine Bijuu, she couldn't even begin to compare.

Yasaka slightly flinched at Kurama's tone. "He's not like Naruto; he's a bit confrontational, clearly not looking for friends." Yasaka would need to take a different approached when talking with this, Kurama. "I meant no disrespect. We don't have to be at odds. We're on the same side after all; and Naruto trusts me." Yasaka wanted to know how there is another nine-tailed fox beside herself and her daughter; they may be from a different world, but still.

"I don't trust you, and I doubt that will change. I am not interested in conversing with another fox; don't expect answers from me just because you ask." Even if she had nine tails, she was no Bijuu; and Kurama doesn't trust others as Naruto does and Yasaka made him Uncomfortable. He had the same question about her; why is their another nine-tailed fox? One that has a soul, unlike him. Old Man Sixth Paths brought him into existence, so what brought her into existence?

"I see." Kurama was very different from Naruto. "Then I will hope we can at least work alongside each other." A business-like relationship can work just fine.

Kurama grunted; he's not even interested in that. Soon the red cloak started dissipating, and Naruto's features began returning to normal. When he blinked, his eyes returned to their natural blue.

Naruto had a strained smile, he heard every word that was said. "Sorry about that." Kurama's attitude still hasn't changed much; when handling others.

Seeing how it was Naruto talking this time, both Yasaka and Raphtalia eased up. With Naruto back, Yasaka can talk casually now. "It's perfectly fine, though he's a rather rude individual." Prideful too, he didn't see her as an equal in any way.

"Please forgive him, Kurama isn't a bad guy. He's been treated like a weapon and a monster for so long by so many people. He doesn't trust or particularly like anyone else but me." Words will never work with Kurama, only actions that are true to the heart will reach him, and even then; it could take years.

"I understand, still; with the power you have, and the power Kurama has. I truly wonder where you would fit in the power base here."

"What do you mean by that?"

Yasaka coughed into her hand. "Ah right, you wouldn't know; being from a different world and all. You see here we have a ranking system, from weakest to strongest. But people only pay attention to the top ten strongest beings in the world."

"They have a system for that?" Weird, how does it determine who the strongest is? Power, skill, abilities, what gets factored into this list? "So who's in the top ten then?" Who does Naruto need to look out for?

Yasaka brought her hand to her chin, thinking over who they would be. "Number one would be the True Dragon, Great Red, that spot has never changed, second would be the Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis. Third, I believe that's the Biblical God of Christianity. Fourth would be Shiva, the Hindu God of Destruction. The fifth is Indra, the Lord of Heaven." Wait, Indra, weird, same name as Hagoromo's eldest son.

"Sixth is Sirzechs Lucifer, the strongest of the three Super Devils and Leader of the Devils." In a state of shock; Naruto then asked her a question. "Wait Lucifer! The leader of the Devils is in on the attack on my home?!" This is bad. This could mean war. If the leader ordered it, then...

Yasaka held up her hand to silence Naruto's rambling. "No, no, his real name is Sirzechs Gremory, but because he is the head of the Four Great Satans, he was given the surname and title of Lucifer." Better make sure Naruto doesn't mistake him for an enemy.

"So he's like the Devil's Hokage then."

"But having a title that's also a clan name; wouldn't that get confusing?"

"Don't know, don't care."

"Fine be like that." Stubborn fox.

"Sorry for interrupting ya'know, please continue."

"The seventh spot would belong to Ajuka Beelzebub, the second Super Devil and creator of that annoying Evil Pieces system." Yasaka hated what it has become. They just kept pushing the bar on what they had a 'right' to do.

"Well, I've got words to say to that guy." And if words won't reach him; his fist will.

"Eighth is Hade's position, the God of the realm of the Dead." A very creepy and dangerous individual.

"So he's their Shinigami then." Better look out for him.

"Ninth spot belongs to the Asgardian God Thor; as long as he has his hammer. As for the final spot; the tenth spot, it belongs to Fenrir; a giant wolf and the Asgardian God Loki's son."

"What's with all these gods?"

"It's just how it is here; you'll get used to it."

Naruto still won't think of them as gods, just guys with power; the only true Gods in Naruto's mind are Hagoromo and Kaguya. "Does this list change often?"

"Well, it depends on the circumstances. Before they were sealed, the Heavenly Dragons had and were contesting for the Sixth spot. If they were free, then they would be at the sixth and seventh spot, pushing Thor and Fenrir off the top ten and Sirzechs, Ajuka and Hades down to the bottom of the list." But that's not the case anymore.

"Then, the first spot can be changed?"

"Great Red is our most powerful existence; he's never been challenged; unless of course you buy into that rumour." The story that was being whispered around during the Great War, no one knows where or when it started.

"Rumour, what rumour?"

"Well, no one believed it, but they said something new appeared, a monster that far surpassed Great Red in power. I believe they called it Trihexa or the Apocalyptic Beast." It was a monster that would end the world with its unparalleled power.

"Wow, was a monster like that actually hanging around?" Sounds deadly, not something you want to bump into.

"No one ever saw it or found any evidence of its existence. Don't worry about it Naruto. It was just some silly story that people told to scare others." Or a desperate attempt to get people to stop the fighting.

"Hmmmmm." Rumours always originate from somewhere.

"Thanks for telling us this; I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them." And to found out if they're possible friends, allies or foes.

"And thank you for being so upfront with me; I truly believe an alliance will work, but we have much work to do. It's getting late, and after today I believe we could all use some rest." Both their bodies and minds need a good sleep.

Naruto noticed Konohamaru yawn. "Yeah, we do. So umm, where do we sleep?" Naruto then resealed the stones away and removed the barrier he placed.

Yasaka grew a small smile; she can't wait to see his face when she shows him their rooms. "Follow me."

.

---

The group was following Yasaka through the palace's halls. She's taken them to the rooms that have been prepared for them.

During their walk, Yasaka and Naruto were having one last meaningful conversation.

"Naruto, do you know anyone else that could have created those stones." She can't think of anyone who's capable. Maybe Naruto has some idea.

"No, only two people I know could pull that off, but one is sealed away, and the other one is, dead; no, umm; transcended I guess, it's hard to explain. What I can say is that they're not ones who created them." Kaguya has been sealed away for good, and Hagoromo; with whatever state of existence he is right now. Considering he can bring himself to and from the afterworld at will and has strength that made Naruto feel tiny by comparison. He would never do anything like this; he's absolutely not a suspect. This left Naruto with no ideas on who it could be.

"That's a shame; tomorrow I will be researching on who might be a suspect." She can at least weed out the ones who are utterly incapable of performing such a feat.

They soon came upon the end of the hallway; they could see the bedrooms that were prepared for them. "Here are the rooms I've had prepared for you; I do hope they're to your liking."

Konohamaru rushed to the room on the right. "This room is bigger than the one I have back home. Yep, I could live it up here," A splendid queen-sized bed, high-class coffee table and a massive flat-screen TV. Yeah, he could get used to this.

Raphtalia took the room on the right. "Thank you for the room Lady Yasaka." She bowed her head with respect.

That's when Naruto noticed an issue. "Hey Yasaka, they're only three rooms." Did she think Raphtalia would stay at her village?

Yasaka brought her hand to her cheek, showing a sly smile. "Oh it's no issue I'm sure; after all, you and Hinata must share a room back home." She said in a teasing voice. Enjoying how Naruto got embarrassed and Hinata blushed.

"Well...ya'know...I mean..." Naruto kept stuttering; unable to find the words. But then Hinata answered for him.

"It's no issue, thank you for your hospitality Lady Yasaka." Hinata couldn't keep down her blush. She wants to progress their relationship, but she didn't think she would be sharing a room with him so soon. Did her sister's words influence her this much? "I said yes; I really did say yes." She clasped her fingers together, fidgeting on the spot.

Naruto was shocked by Hinata's attitude; is this, the same girl that fainted whenever he so much as said hi. "...Ok then...sure, if that's ok with you Hinata."

Yasaka was enjoying this so much, young love at its finest. Good thing Kuroka isn't here because that girl would take the teasing even further. "Then it seems everything is in order. I will see you all in the morning, good night." Yasaka left the group and headed towards her room for a good night sleep.

Naruto was still out of sorts; is he actually going to share a room with Hinata? "Well team, we should all get a good night sleep; tomorrow is another day and who knows what we may end up doing." With Yasaka entirely on board, then they can get to work, researching, preparing and training; then eventually meeting people of other factions.

"Night guys." Konohamaru already closed the door behind him; he wants to fall asleep so he can start training first thing in the morning.

"Um, sleep well." Raphtalia entered her room soon after, but before she closed the door; she took once last glance at Naruto, but Raphtalia didn't know why she did that. What was bothering her?

Now it was just Naruto and Hinata, alone; with a shared room. "We should get some rest." Hinata took the lead and opened the door to their room; it was the same design as the others. They saw that there only a single queen-size bed for them to sleep on. They both tensed up a little bit.

Hinata went and sat down on the edge of the bed. She was nervous about sharing a bed with Naruto; although she was secretly happy about it, but didn't want Naruto to know that. Hinata patted down the side of the bed, asking Naruto to sit right beside her. Naruto quickly realised what Hinata wanted and sat down right next to her.

They both sat there for a bit; neither one dared to talk to the other for a few seconds; until Naruto broke the silence. "These first two days have been quite a ride ya'know." Not how he imagined the start of their mission would be like.

Hinata agreed with him. "Landing in the Underworld, sneaking into a Devil City; and stealing a train to escape to the human world." That was just the first day. "Finding the Youkai, earning Yasaka's cooperation and then...seeing Raphtalia's home." The second day wasn't all great moments, poor Raphtalia.

"Yeah, and now that Yasaka knows a lot more than we were originally going to tell her, I will have to report back to Kakashi at an earlier time." Before he was going to report back to him in two weeks or more; looks like he's going to report to him within the first week.

"Do you think he'll be disappointed at your action?" Hinata was proud that Naruto chose to tell Yasaka everything and thus proved to her that they can be trusted to help her people. But she knows from a mission standpoint that telling everyone the details of a secret mission can be a bad idea. It's all about perspective.

"Kakashi sensei would want an explanation, but he'll understand. Besides, we now know that even the strongest of this world don't have the means to pull off what Rizevim did." This is both a blessing and a curse. They know that this world can't just go to the Shinobi world whenever they want. But this also means that a third element is involved. There is someone or something else that's the real culprit behind all of this. Rizevim was just someone's errand boy.

Which means that as of right now; they have no leads; If Yasaka's research provides no suspects. Then they've got nothing to work with.

"If that turns out to be the case, then follow the original mission, learn about the other factions as much as you can and establish contact with them at the appropriate time." The Devil Faction might have a lead on the Old Satan Faction that could work. Also helping out their new ally when dealing with the problems of this world can go a long way for their alliance and representation in this new world.

Don't want to be mistaken for a strike force of a soon to be invading army after all.

"Are you worried Naruto-kun?"

"Well, ya'know, the more we find out, the more confusing it gets. At first, it was the Old Satan Faction, but now it's someone else." One thing after another, it's stressing Naruto the hell out.

Hinata then cupped his cheeks and brought him into a kiss, one that was meant to replace his stress with joy. Naruto was surprised by her forward actions, but soon closed his eyes and melted into the kiss; wrapping his arms around her slim waist.

Its times like this that made everything else feel like an afterthought.

They soon departed from the kiss but stayed within each other's arms. "Yes but now we have support in this world and people we can work with. We knew what we were getting into when we accepted this mission." They're facing the unknown, and they will be the first Shinobi of their world to see and meet all these new people and places.

"I admit it has been a bit scary, never knowing what's around the next corner; what we may encounter. But we're Shinobi Naruto-kun; we are those who endure, right?" Call Naruto crazy, but it almost sounded like she was teasing him then.

Naruto blushed, both from being stuck by Hinata's beauty and getting embarrassed by her words. "Look at you, using my own words on me." Naruto had a quiet laugh. "You struck me with a critical hit right there." Hinata shared a laugh with Naruto and his antics.

"For the time being Naruto-kun, we should cultivate our position with the Youkai. I think we should remain here for a few days, maybe a week and continue to improve the bond we are forming with this faction and Yasaka herself." This will be paramount for securing an alliance; yes, Yasaka is their queen, but if the other Youkai come to dislike them, then it might even cause dissension at a later date.

"Yeah, plus Konohamaru and Raphtalia will need more training. We can teach Raphtalia how to fight like we do as well as team tactics, and she can develop her sword and battle skills through that." Plus Yasaka can help her with learning Youjutsu.

"And Konohamaru, what type of training are you gonna have him do?"

"Right now, I want to prepare him for Sage Jutsu training."

"Really?" Sage Jutsu, he literally wants him to learn something that powerful; and dangerous.

Naruto nodded his head at her. "Yes, we know that there are strong people in this world. Rizevim is not even in the top ten here, but Konohamaru is no match for him. Don't get me wrong, Konohamaru is strong, skilled and quick on his feet. But he lacks an ace in the hole; a game-changer." Same with Raphtalia but Naruto doesn't know enough about Youjutsu to change that. Right now, Naruto has a plethora of game-changers; not even going to bother listing them. Hinata has her Byakugan and whatever secret she's been keeping about them and this new power she's trying to reach. Konohamaru will need Sage Mode for the coming days.

"Right now, he has the chakra reserves for the training. But his chakra control and change in chakra form skills need more work before I can even think of taking him to Mount Myoboku." The land of the Toad Sages, the place where he learned Sage Mode.

Hinata understood what Naruto's plan is, right now, they need to learn and prepare for the future. Raphtalia doesn't have the experience, and she doesn't know how to work with a team on a battlefield, which needs fixing. Hinata can further her prowess with her Byakugan, and Konohamaru needs to improve his foundations for when he can start Sage Jutsu training.

"What will you be doing Naruto-kun?" Naruto can keep training to improve his power and skills, but he's at a point where it's difficult to find and reach a massive new increase in power.

"Not really my thing; and trust me it's not. But I'm going to be studying up on these Sacred Gears and powers that these factions have. What I need to look out for, tactics and counters I can develop, ya'know the usually." Naruto would like to beat these opponents without revealing more of his power to others in this world. Yasaka and Raphtalia are the only ones for now.

"I see" Hinata then yawned a little. "We should get some sleep."

"Right...um, I'll turn around and let you change." He'll be changing too, but he's just letting her know he won't peak.

"Sure, ok." Hinata turned around too and unsealed a yukata that she's going to change into. It's a dark purple yukata, decorated with yellow sunflowers.

This is where Naruto had a problem; he thought he would have a room to himself, so he didn't bring pyjamas or a yukata like Hinata did. He could only sleep in his shorts. "Crap, I didn't think this through!"

Hinata was done changing and noticed Naruto only in his shorts; his naked back was plain for her to see. She blushed when she saw his muscles and scars. She shook her head a little to clear her mind; she's realised Naruto's predicament.

"Naruto...it's ok, we're together, so it's only natural that we...umm," She wants this, but can't bring herself to say it. So she whispered the next part to herself; hoping Naruto wouldn't hear her. "I want to."

"Huh?" Naruto did hear her; she turned her face away, embarrassed that Naruto heard everything she said.

"Just go to bed already, your disturbing my nap." Kurama doesn't want Naruto's love life intruding on his vital naps. He's only had like seventeen today; not nearly enough.

Both of them stood their awkwardly for a bit; until they both slowly and gently got into bed. Naruto in nothing but his shorts, and Hinata in a yukata; the problem was neither of them could fall asleep. They just laid there in awkward silence. Until Hinata scooted up right next to Naruto, resting her right hand on his bare chest. Suddenly, it was easier for both of them to fall asleep now. Naruto wrapped his arm under her; bringing her closer to him.

"I love you, Hinata."

"I love you too, Naruto-kun."

They both fell into blissful sleep.

.

---

It was dark; fear was griping every fibre of his being. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Rizevim Livan Lucifer was using them; not the other way around.

They gave him the means to attack an entirely new world; a feat previously thought impossible. They told him of powerful beings he could take and use for his own gain; just like he did with his 'pet'; that's still trapped on that world.

But he was stopped; defeated, by a puny, insignificant human. A blond mongrel denied him his right to possess, to destroy and to dominant.

He came back a disgrace. He was afraid of that human bastard; which could not stand. Him, a true Devil, a Lucifer; a being above all humans, both in this world and the next! Was afraid of a human being!

He wanted to gather all his forces and bring down death and destruction on those humans and that world. But then; they showed up, the ones who gave him the stones.

Before he could utter a single word, one of them destroyed his fortress with a single wave of his hand. He lost consciousness from that single strike. When he woke up days later, he found himself infused to the wall. He couldn't move or use his power. Something was stopping him from using his vast demonic power.

Where was he?

He then looked up and saw one of them, and Rizevim's fear came back a hundredfold. But so did his angry. "You told me powerful beings existed on that world. So why was their only human filth? How could humans have that kind of power without magic or Sacred Gears?" The being in front of him just smiled with pure arrogance; infuriating Rizevim even more.

"Answer me!" Then its hand griped Rizevim throat. Nearly snapping his neck, Rizevim eyes started to go back into his head; he felt his power being drained. But before his neck gave in, the being loosened it's grip and Rizevim could breathe again; just barely.

"Amusing, lowly beings; like you, actually believing you have a right to speak."

"I...am...a Devil." He sputters and chocked the words out; the hand was still tightly gripping his neck.

"You are nothing, and the lowly beings of this world are nothing; all ignorant of the truth." The creatures of this world call themselves gods; how pathetic. He will show them the power of a true god. He then released his grip on the Devil's throat, otherwise he might accidentally kill him.

"You did what was required of you, but you still have...some use." He's not going to kill him, not yet anyway. "For now, you will remain here, your face was seen by them after all. You will not derail my plans and alert those to our presence until everything is ready." Much still needs to be done before they can move on to the next stage.

Rizevim Lucifer now truly realised what he has brought down on himself. But he's into deep with them, if he runs, they will find him; and kill him, no matter where he goes. When they came to him, creatures he's never seen before, he thought he could use them; but they used him, and now they own him.

He made a deal with the Devil.

.

---

A bright light shined through the curtains of their room; the morning birds chirping a song, a new day. Naruto grunted at the sun's rays, waking him up. "Guess its morning." He had a good sleep, one of the best he's ever had; he slowly realised why. Looking to his left, he saw Hinata, sleeping right next to him, her arm still around him. She looked so beautiful in her peaceful state.

He slept well because this was the first time he honestly didn't sleep alone. He's room back in Konoha; all the nights he spent there. He was always alone in his small living space. But this time, he shared space with the women he loves.

"I could get used to this." Naruto woke up better than ever, so much so that he couldn't fall back asleep even if he wanted to. Hinata was still peacefully sleeping, so he decided to let her sleep in. Naruto was able to get out of bed; without waking her up. He noticed that on one of the chairs in the room was a set of towels and a note.

Someone must have come in when they were asleep. Naruto read the note; it was instructions to where the bathtubs are in the palace. "Might as well." He took one of the towels and headed off to the baths. It was located in the same wing as their rooms. Naruto didn't stay in long; he only had a quick soak, good enough to clean himself.

He admitted that the bathtub was well designed; better than the public baths in Konoha. Then again, Naruto has never tried private ones. After that, he got dressed back into his regular uniform. Since it was still early morning and the others aren't up yet; Naruto thought about getting some early morning personal training going. He walked out to the courtyard from before. He's been there a few times now, so it was easier to find in this big palace.

"Training, huh." That's the million Ryo question.

"Something bothering you Naruto?"

"Not sure about what training I should; or can do." He can do all the basics; improving chakra control, develop new techniques, strengthen his Rasengans; the list goes on. But Naruto was hoping for something new for him to learn, something that can give him a big leap in power.

"Youjutsu is off the board seeing how it's just like Genjutsu." He can't use Genjutsus to save his life, but he's all but immune to it and most other mind control abilities; save the most powerful of Genjutsus like Tsukuyomi.

"For now, I recommend learning about the powers of this world and develop counters against them; until some new power you can learn show's up." New world after all, who knows what abilities they may encounter and learn.

Naruto agreed with Kurama, but still felt bothered by it. His friends can have a leap in power while it's difficult for him right now. So to pass the time, he just started to lazily throw his kunai at a small tree in the courtyard. He never missed; was doing it with his eyes closed at this point. He was lying down on the wooden floorboards while he continues to bullseye the tree. Naruto stayed like this for a few minutes, until Kurama noticed something.

"I smell a fox."

"Do you really have that much of an issue with Yasaka?"

"Not her, another one; this one's younger."

"Huh?"

Naruto sat up and stealthily looked at his surroundings, and to his right, he noticed something. It's a little girl, trying; and failing, to hide behind a sliding door.

"She smells just like Yasaka."

"Oh yeah now I remember, Yasaka did say she has a daughter," Raphtalia mentioned that too, back at the hospital.

This girl must have heard about him from Yasaka and probably woke up early so she could see who Naruto was.

.

---

"So that's him, the human from some hidden village." Kunou heard about it yesterday, but she was stuck doing her studios all day; she is the princess of the Youkai faction. So it's understandable she would have so much to learn.

But when Kunou heard about three humans visiting Urakyoto, who apparently have power similar, yet stronger than the Youkai's; she wanted to see them so badly. But when she completed her studies, they left to go and see some other village; she didn't have the full details.

But she overheard the guards talking about how they're living in the palace, for how long Kunou doesn't know. The moment she heard that she went to bed early so she could wake up nice and early and catch them this time. She won't miss them a second time.

Then she saw him, the leader of the group. He had spiky blond hair and a headband around his forehead. Wearing a black zipped jacket and orange trousers with black sandals; his arm is bandaged up for some reason.

Kunou was about to introduce herself, but then he brought out a Kunai, and she hid behind the door. She was both awed and scared by his action. Kunou heard how the guards said they were Shinobi, ninjas; it was so cool, she hasn't seen ninja before. But the kunai scared her because she thought he noticed her and was about to do something. But to her surprise, he started throwing them at a tree in the courtyard.

He was lying down with his eyes closed, but he never missed the tree. Kunou just stayed there the whole time, wanting to keep seeing his skill with the blades. She wanted to see him do something new.

But then he got up and left the courtyard. Kunou rushed out from her hiding spot and tiptoed to the sliding door he left through. When she peeked around the corner; he was gone.

"Where did he go?" She didn't wait that long until she followed him.

"Yeah, where did he go?"

"Eek!" Kunou jumped up by the sound of someone talking behind her. She spun around and saw the same human she was spying on.

The human just stood there, with a smug smile. "Hello."

Kunou's face was red from embarrassment. "How did you do that!?" He got behind her without her even noticing.

"I'm a Shinobi, sneaking up on people comes with the territory." Naruto was enjoying himself. A little harmless prank on someone who thought they were hidden.

"Did you know I was there the whole time?" Naruto just grinned even more at her, and she got even more embarrassed.

"Please don't tell my mom what happened here."

"Which part, me sneaking up on you, or you spying on me?"

"Both." It wasn't very ladylike, and her mother would give her a scolding for spying on an honoured guest.

"You're Yasaka's daughter right." She nodded "Don't worry. My lips are sealed, I won't tell a soul." Naruto finally got a good look at her; she was around eleven to twelve years old and had the same eyes and coloured hair as Yasaka. She wore a white and red miko outfit and a pair of geta instead of shoes. Naruto could also see nine golden tails behind her and a pair of fox ears on top of her head; just like Yasaka.

All in all, she's a cute girl who wanted to see what everyone in the capital was talking about. Naruto was wondering when he would meet the second nine-tailed fox of this world.

"She's just some cub." Kurama was still bigger than both of these two nine-tailed foxes combined when he was first created.

"Kurama, she's a little kid; be civil this time."

"...Fine..." Kurama could give a pass for the cub.

"So is it true that you're really a ninja." Naruto could swear he saw stars in Kunou's eyes when she asked him that.

"Yep, you're looking at the most badass ninja you'll ever meet, the name's Naruto Uzumaki, Shinobi of Konoha." Naruto pointed at himself and boasted about he's badassery to the young Kyubi.

"Are you showing off to this cub?"

"Kurama, I haven't even begun to show off."

Kurama groaned inside his mindscape and just shut himself out. He does not want to see or hear any more of this. Guess it's only Naruto and the little Kyubi now.

Kunou was star stuck by what he said, her first time ever seeing a ninja, she had so many things she wanted to ask him and see him do. But her mother taught her proper courtesy and how to act appropriately. Remembering her mother's training, she patted her self down and quickly calmed her excitement. "It's a pleasure to meet you Naruto-san; my name is Kunou, daughter of Lady Yasaka and princess of the Youkai." She bowed her head as she introduced herself.

Naruto brought his arms behind his head and acted casually. "It's nice to meet you, but you don't have at act all formal and proper with me ya'know; oh it's just Naruto no need for the san."

"But my mother always said I must act proper, like a true lady of Urakyoto."

"Yeah I don't get any of that; but this isn't some important diplomatic meeting, but a talk between friends. So it's ok to let your hair down once in a while."

Kunou caught on to what he just said. "Wait, friends, us, truly?" She went from confused to delighted. Are they already friends?

Naruto had a cheesy grin and gave her a big thumbs up. "Yep, we're already friends Kunou."

Kunou felt overjoyed. She's wanted to meet these people since she first heard about them. Wanted to see what they could do and talk to them; she rarely gets to see anything new, and now she's friends with one of them.

"Naruto-san...I mean Naruto, how did you always hit your target when you weren't even looking."

Naruto raised an eyebrow at her, and he then remembers what he was doing for a few minutes straight. He looked over at the tree that's been filled with kunais. "Oh that, well, that was pretty easy. I've just trained extraordinarily hard for a long time. You'd be surprised at what you can do when you put your mind to something." Naruto brought out another kunai and spun it around his finger, so fast that Kunou couldn't even see the blade anymore. Then in a single swift motion, Naruto flipped the kunai and grabbed onto its handle, instantly stopping the blade.

Kunou was amazed by what he did, she didn't even see his hand move, and she kept her eyes on him the whole time. "Can I see it?" She now really wanted to hold one.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders and handed her the kunai, she carefully held onto it and was looking all over the blade, from top to bottom. "Remember Kunou, that blade is sharp, so be careful with it." Naruto gets a pass; he's so skilled with them that he can hit the wings of a fly with his eyes closed; positively not acting hypocritically.

Kunou quickly nodded her head but kept her eyes glued to the blade. After a while, Naruto held out his hand for it to get it back, but she was hesitant to return it to him; she held it away from Naruto.

"Do you want to keep it?" It's no issue; he has like a million of those or close to it.

"Can I?"

"I don't mind, but you would need to ask..."

"You can keep it Kunou," Yasaka answered for him, she was looking at them from above, leaning over a balcony.

"I can, thank you, mother."

"But just like Naruto said, it's not a toy, and you will be responsible with it."

"I shall mom. I'll put it in a display case, thanks again Naruto; I'll see you later." Kunou rushed off to go and put her new kunai away for safety.

Yasaka walked down a set of stairs and joined Naruto on the ground level. "It seems my daughter has taken a liking to you."

"She's wanted to see me since we first showed up."

Yasaka giggled. "Yes, my daughter is quite excitable and obsessive." The moment Naruto gave her the kunai, is the moment he lost it.

"She's a nice kid. You raised her well." It felt pretty normal for him to hang out with her like that.

"Thank you." Kunou has never taken such a liking to someone as fast as she did with Naruto. Naruto's unique charisma at work no doubt; it worked on her and Raphtalia after all.

"She's not as weird as that other girl I met." That catgirl; who has no concept of personal space.

"Other girl?" Who did Naruto meet?

"A cat with two tails, she said her name was Kuroka."

Yasaka let out a sigh. "Why am I not surprised; she's a good girl but likes messing with people. A word of warning Naruto, best to keep your power a secret from her or you'll be in trouble." Yasaka knows what one of Kuroka's...goals are.

"Why?" Does Kuroka have trust issues? She didn't strike him as that type of person with her forward nature.

"Let's just say that as of now you have her curiosity, but should she learn of your...abilities; you will have her; full attention." Which can be good or bad; depending on one's perspective.

"Kuroka already knows that I can do Senjutsu, but she doesn't know about chakra, Sage Mode, Kurama or Sixth Paths power. If she found out about any one of them, what would she do?" The way Yasaka talked about it, it almost sounded like he would have a target on his back; for some reason.

"Now then, did you sleep well, Naruto?" Something she's wanted to ask him since she woke up.

Naruto looked away, to hide his blush. "Yes, I did." Yasaka's teasing always seems to get him.

Yasaka had a cheeky smile. "Glad to hear it." But then she clapped her hands together and got serious. "Naruto, I spent some time researching about potential suspects; but sadly, I've still found none."

"I guessed as much, the way you said it was impossible, pretty much spelt it out." Its official, they've got no leads; they've hit a dead end.

"What will you do now Naruto?"

"For the time being, research, train and prepare." Not much they can do. "I'm going to report back to Lord Kakashi today, is there anything you want to say to him? If you write a letter I can give it to him." Kakashi needs to know the rapid progress they've made.

"Yes, that's a wonderful idea. I'll go right that letter right now. But before I go; there is something I've wanted to ask you." Yasaka suddenly got into a 'no laughing matter' mode. "I'm sincerely happy you told me the full truth, and I don't hold it against you for withholding information as you did. But why the sudden change after coming back from Raphtalia's village." He never did get round to fully explaining that part.

Naruto was silent for a moment; remembering what he saw and felt back then. He rubbed the back of his head and began explaining himself. "I placed you in the same boat as Rizevim Lucifer. When we first came here, we would be wary of everyone because of how the first contact with a new species went. When I first met you, I knew you were not like him. But I still treated you with suspicion, when your people haven't even wronged mine in any way." Coming out of a recent war and a moon incident didn't help him either.

"But then you saw Raphtalia's home." He changed his mind after seeing the state of that place.

"I realised my mistake. You are nothing like him Yasaka, and I should never compare you two in any way. Also your people are under attack by him same as mine, I had no right keeping his identity from you." None of his people died when he attacked the Shinobi world, but Yasaka did lose people; and she didn't even know.

"If the foundation of our alliance is being built on the suspicions we have for each other; then it's doomed. I want to protect everyone, my friends and the peace we have back in my world, and I want to protect you, Kunou, the Youkai and stop all this needless suffering before a new war breaks out." Naruto never wants to see war again; to see the body count.

"When I saw the dead in Raphtalia's village...I...just, what kind of man is Rizevim Lucifer?" Why does he do it? What motivates him?

Naruto's words; his soul touched Yasaka. Everything he said was from the heart. Yasaka was busy asking herself just what kind of man Naruto is. "Rizevim Lucifer is a Pure-Blooded Devil who believes all Devils must act like his father Lucifer did. Which is that Devils must be evil; they must be the scum of existence."

Naruto was both shocked and furious. "He does what he does, out of some stupid belief that Devils must be evil. He's that twisted?" That's insane.

Yasaka gave him a silent nod. There is no reasoning with that Devil; being evil for the sake of evil. "Thank you for telling me your reasoning Naruto. I will return with that letter." Yasaka left Naruto with his thoughts.

He should have captured him when he had the chance, but he let that damn dragon get the drop on him. Naruto could take out Rizevim Lucifer with no difficulty, but that man is still out there doing who knows what; with whoever is behind all this. There's no reasoning, no cause. He's just pure evil. Even some of the worst people Naruto has ever met had some form of reasoning that Naruto could understand; not like or agree with, but understand. Rizevim Lucifer is different. He's like Hidan; but Rizevim has the power and intelligence to back up his insanity and cruelty. As long as he's free then the peace they have will always be at risk. Rizevim will never stop his crusade or change his ways. Prison is the only place for scum like him; or death if it comes to it.

"Rizevim Lucifer, next time we meet, you're not escaping me." He will answer for all the pain and suffering he's caused.

.

---

Kakashi was revisiting the stones, ever since he sent Naruto and his team on this mission he's been worried. Naruto's skills are second to none, the only Shinobi that can fight him openly is Sasuke, and together those two are all but unstoppable. He had faith that his student and successor will do fine. But he still worries.

No new attacks have happened since they went, and preparations for diplomatic and military responses have been progressing smoothly. The Daimyos and head leaders have been brought up to speed on what's happening. Many were worried about the situation; as they should be, but Kakashi had an ace in the hole; Naruto Uzumaki. The hero of the Fourth Great Ninja War; and strongest Shinobi in history is personally handling the mission. That eased some worries, but they won't get complacent. They have their own jobs to do after all.

The science team is still learning as much as they can about the stones and Devil's demonic power. Developing counters is crucial, from Naruto's report; they need their hands to perform techniques, just like Shinobi do. So go for the arms.

Then the stones single lit up on the computer's monitors surrounding the room. Safety barriers quickly activated, and the stones were trapped in a 'Ninja Art: Four Crimson Ray Formation' barrier. They were using conduits that have been filled to the brim with chakra to power it. Otherwise, the barrier won't be able to match the one performed by the Hokage against the Ten-Tails; it took a lot of Shinobi to fill these things with chakra.

Then much to Kakashi surprise, Naruto appeared. "Naruto?"

"Nice to see you again, Kakashi sensei." Yep, that's Naruto. Kakashi had the barriers deactivate so Naruto could approach.

"You're back early, what's going on?"

"Where do I start?"

Naruto then went through the gruelling task of explaining everything. Kakashi listened with attention to detail, and the camera recorded everything. He was surprised and suspicious about the destroyed fortress and the stones being left behind. Impressed by their escape from the underworld; hopefully, that train incident won't come up in the future. Intrigued by the Youkai and the nine-tailed fox Yasaka but worried about the state of her world. But above all else, relieved that the alliance between them is almost green-lighted, they still need more information and time to get everyone on board. But as long as they keep this up, then it will work.

"..After I told Yasaka my reasoning for giving her full disclosure, I came here to give you an early report and hand you this letter from her." Naruto handed him the letter and a videotape from Konohamaru's camera to review. He also handed over a couple of sealing scrolls that contain either unimportant items, like what they found at the destroyed fortress or essential items like the books that Yasaka allowed him to take.

Kakashi took the letter, scrolls and the tape. "So, the ones behind the attacks are of an unknown faction, even to the people over there." The Devils of the Old Satan Faction aren't the masterminds behind all this.

"We'll find out who it is, count on it. We're not alone in this fight."

"Some won't be happy about you telling Yasaka as much as you did." Secrecy just went out the window with her. A and Onoki will have concerns.

"And you Kakashi sensei?"

"We need allies; the Youkai, Yasaka, they're the best bet we got over there, if you trust her then I will too. But for now Naruto, continue to work with Yasaka, see what else you can learn, also learn about those people on that top ten list." If those ten are the strongest of their world, then they're going to need Intel on their abilities. "Try to keep a low profile for the next week or so while I work to get everyone else here on board. If and when we form the alliance, we might be able to get an embassy set up other there; having some backup won't hurt." Then a scientist from the background coughed loudly, getting Kakashi to remember something.

"Ah yes, Naruto the science team has requested that you retrieve one of those Evil Pieces for examination." If the Devils can turn the humans of that world into more Devils, then the humans of their own world could be next; especially if they learn about chakra and Kekkei-Genkai, considering how they target these 'Sacred Gear users'. Developing a way to counter and shut down the Evil Pieces; or better yet, reverse the effects is now a priority.

"That's going to be tricky considering reincarnated Devils die if they lose them, but I will see what I can do; maybe I'll get lucky and find a spare." Naruto then snapped his fingers, remembering something important. "Oh right, Yasaka has asked if we can give her some books about our world and its history." She gave them some of hers so it's only fair.

"What time of day is it other there?"

"It's morning, around 7:30."

"Same time as here, convenient. Have the stones unsealed by 9:00 sharp and we'll send a few scrolls over." Books, historical documents; same stuff she's given them.

"Got it, see ya in a week or so for our next report Kakashi sensei; tell Sasuke I said hi." Naruto then resealed himself back into the stones and returned to his team.

Kakashi was amazed by the progress he's made; then again, Naruto always defied expectations; which can be good or bad, but mostly good. Kakashi then opened up the letter that was written by Yasaka and addressed to him.

'Dear Lord Hokage Kakashi Hatake.'

'When I first set my eyes on Naruto and his team, I never would have foreseen the outcome. Learning about a new world, the power of chakra possessed by humans and so much more. Know that the attack by the Old Satan Faction does not represent our world; or the Youkai. When Naruto told me everything, I understood the ramifications of the situation we find ourselves in. An unknown enemy with equally dangerous allies now threatens both our worlds and people. I know that you could pull your people out, and lock away the stones; leaving us to face this adversary alone. But I have faith that you will not abandon us in our time of need. Naruto has put his trust and faith in me, and I wish to do the same for him and you. Trust between us may happen faster than our people. But as leaders whose role is to make sure our people and our children live long, happy, and peaceful lives; free from the fears of war. I ask of you Lord Hokage Kakashi Hatake, lets us stand together and protect what we have both struggled to build. To protect what is most precious to us, and to open the doors to a new future together. Our people, standing side by side.'

'Sincerely. Queen Yasaka.'

Kakashi now knows the kind of leader Yasaka is; she's a true Hokage. Raphtalia's opinion on her didn't fall short.

They're in this together, the ones behind this have targeted both of their people; this is only the beginning. The Five Great Nations came together to save their world from certain doom. With the amount of unknowns surrounding these...unique circumstances, there's no telling how big this could get; will it rival the same danger that threatened the Shinobi world two years ago? When the time comes; Shinobi and Youkai, they will need to stand side by side against the coming storm.

True Shinobi don't abandon their comrades.

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"Lord Indra." Now is a good as time as any.

"Yes. Sun Wukong?" His loyal, yet troublemaking vanguard has been acting different as of recently. It hasn't affected his duties, but his mind has been elsewhere.

"I'd figured I'll let you know that I will be taking a; leave of absence for a time. No trouble at all for you I'm sure" He's still gonna go, even if Indra asks him not too.

Indra raised an eyebrow in confusion. "It's no trouble, but what's caught your eye?"

Sun Wukong took a puff from his pipe before answering him. "I think I may have found a kindred spirit." Even Indra doesn't know about Sage Mode. Sun Wukong kept it a secret due to the public issues surrounding Senjutsu. People throughout the world feared it for its power and how it causes madness within people; only an exceptional few can stave off the hatred. If people learned of what true Senjutsu can do; when one combines it within them; free from the darkness within nature, and others started learning it.

The Nekomata were all but wiped out because of the chance they might succumb to madness and the potential Senjutsu has. What would happen when the world; in its current state, learned of a power that only Youkai can learn; that matched, and even surpassed gods?

This new guy that's stumbled on to this power, doesn't know the effects it could have.

Indra was fascinated by Sun Wukong's reasoning, he considers himself a free geezer, so what's got him active? "Tell you what, help me finish up this paper work, and I'll let you go, no questions asked." He's not leaving him with this mountain of work.

Sun Wukong looked at the stacks of documents littering Indra's office. "Arrgh this will take a week at most to do."

Sun Wukong needs to hurry this up and find him.

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Chapter 5: Lurolona Village: Complete.

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Raphtalia's parents don't have names, I checked the wiki, anime and manga but found nothing, so I left them nameless. Raphtalia will still have some personal issues with Devils in general. (For obvious reasons. She still has something to settle) But more so with members of the Old Satan Faction, and Rizevim himself.

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It may not be the entirely correct top 10 list, but it's the list I'm going with. I know the Trimurti could/is a big deal, but because only Shiva seems to have a place, or does anything in DXD; I only had him on the list, I don't want a top 10 list that has more than 10 because one = three; like with the Trimurti. Also, I know that sometimes (or all the time) Great Red, Ophis and Biblical God aren't usually placed on the list; but I've decided to have them on the list in this story.

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Kurama is stronger than both the Heavenly Dragons.

Hagoromo are stronger than Great Red.

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Also, I'm getting this out the way right now, Kunou is not a member of the harem; nor will she ever be...just...no...

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There is something I'm a bit confused about so if anyone can help explain it to me that would be very appreciated. I understand how the Evil Piece System works with all the other pieces. But the King piece is a bit confusing. I know about the corrupting in the rating games and the nine king pieces that were banned and how the production stopped at nine etc. But how does the peerage system work when it comes to the leader 'King'. Does Rias have a different kind of King Piece in her or does the 'King' of a peerage not have any pieces at all. Other than the ones they had originally; if they were reincarnated. (Issei's 8 pawn pieces for example).

Thanks.

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Next: Chapter 6: The Monkey Sage.

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