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."

7. Chapter 7

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 7: The Alliance.

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Yesterday, the same day when Kuroka's attitude changed on Naruto, and she showed a new side to her, an angry side. Naruto received a letter through the stones. The Shinobi Union and the Feudal Lords have agreed to send a representative, and it was Gaara no less. Naruto was hoping it would be either Gaara or Kakashi, so this works out for him. Gaara is someone who understands suffering, and because of that, he pushes for peace more so than others would.

When Naruto learned of this, he immediately informed Yasaka of the news, she was also delighted about this. The plan for the alliance is running smoothly; it won't be long now.

Naruto and his team, along with Yasaka and Kunou; are standing outside of a newly constructed building, which has been under construction for a couple of days now. "Nice place, what's it for?" Yasaka hasn't told him the purpose of this newly constructed building. It was off to the side of Yasaka's palace, so it was only a few seconds walk between them. Their places; being so close, is intended to be a sign of trust.

"It's for your people Naruto, to use as an Embassy; when we come together, you could consider this building Shinobi territory." Yasaka doesn't waste time.

"We haven't even allied yet, aren't you worried about the chance that it doesn't all pan out?" Hinata was glad to see Yasaka so proactive with this, but she could be rushing things.

Yasaka tilted her head towards Hinata with a smile. "Not at all, even when my advisers learn of your home's location, there are still more reasons to ally than not." There's no bad history between their people; there is clearly a connection, and the same enemy is targeting both of them. They will both fight this enemy no matter what, better to it together than apart.

"I'm just glad you have a higher chance to stay, Naruto, Hinata; Konohamaru." Raphtalia has chosen to follow them if they go, she goes. But the Youkai are still her people; she has no desire of abandoning them.

Konohamaru flashed a big grin. "Told you we would make this work; now we just need to make it official." Get the paper, handshake or however they intended to form the alliance going, and they're all set.

"Yasaka is there a spot within our new Embassy for the stones; they need to be secure." That's a top priority if they get taken, or worse destroyed; then they're cut off from each other. The Shinobi have been unable to replicate them.

Yasaka understood his concerns, if they lose them, then Naruto and his team will be trapped here. "An underground complex was created underneath both the Embassy and my palace, security spells and some of our strongest locks have been put in place, and plenty of room for your own." The Shinobi had their barriers and security to put in as well, for extra protection.

"Do you know when Gaara will show up?" Hinata would be called a liar if she said she wasn't nervous.

Naruto grabbed her hand and held it tight, a single squeeze to get her attention and ease her worries. "Around midday, he's coming with a few people as well." Advisers and guards, but Naruto doesn't know who. When the alliance happens, then other people like scholars and scientists will come over too, as well as more Shinobi.

Yasaka clapped her hands together, getting everyone's attention. "Then I must make sure all the necessary preparations have been met. I'll see you back here just before they arrive." Yasaka left along with her daughter; she wanted to make sure everything goes well today; they're reaching the end game.

Naruto and his team had a couple of hours to kill before it begins. What to do? "Today's the day; don't really know what to do to pass the time." It's one of those days. So they decided to just walk around for a while. With what's about to happen, no one was in the mood for training or anything strenuous.

The team ended up walking around the local markets of Urakyoto; they've been here a few times already. At first, it was something, seeing all the different kinds of Youkai face to face. But once you get to know them, it's just like talking to a human. It was easier for Naruto; he's been talking to giant toads and the Bijuu for a while now.

The people of Urakyoto also got use to them. During the first few days, they did draw a lot of stares from the Youkai. A combination of being human and having a similar power would do that.

Now though, it's easier to walk around, they still get looks from the Youkai; not mean ones or anything like that, but expressions of acknowledgement. "Being close friends with Yasaka and Kunou has helped our case with them." If Yasaka trusts them, then they will show them the same curtsey.

They all ended up sitting at a local noodle shop, the four of them occupying an outside table. It still felt like being back in their world with the Youkai's similar building designs. "No ramen...fine, noodles are ok." Naruto has been sorely missing Ichiraku Ramen since coming here.

Yasaka was kind enough to give them valid currency since their stay here, but Hinata made sure they only used it for food and other essentials, something about not taking advantage of Yasaka's generosity by buying expensive things.

They all enjoyed their meal, but remind at the shop with a few cold drinks, they'll wait here till the time comes.

"Naruto?" Raphtalia has something on her mind.

"Yeah?" Naruto then took a sip from his drink.

"What is Gaara like? You looked happy that he was coming here." Raphtalia knows he's the Kazekage of Sunagakure, like how Kakashi is the Hokage of Konoha, but she doesn't know anything about him personally.

"Well, he's the same age as me, he's got short spiky red hair, and he's got this red tattoo above his eye..." Naruto started listing Gaara's appearance before Raphtalia interrupts him.

"Same age as you, he's the leader of his village at such a young age." How did that even happen, was he next in line or something?

Naruto paused, he needed to get the right words together; Gaara's life has been a difficult one. "Gaara...he had a difficult childhood growing up, like me, he didn't have any friends; and due to mistreatment...well...he sought out to earn the trust and acknowledgement of the village, by aiming for the seat of Kazekage." If Raphtalia asks questions about Naruto, then he will answer honestly. But Naruto can't blab about all the details of someone else's personal life and not one like Gaara's

"He became the youngest ever Kage due to his drive and his abilities, he earned the love of his village; and is one of my closes friends." Naruto's sincere smile was plain to see. Gaara and Naruto have experience the same pain, both being Jinchuriki. After their gruelling battle back when they were kids, they became close friends.

"Naruto must really trust him." Over the days she's gotten to know Naruto better, she's learned how important his friends and bonds are to him. "Then I hope to see him today as well." See him and understand him.

"Any idea who's coming with him?" Konohamaru could think of a long list of Shinobi to accompany him.

Hinata answer for him. "I would assume only those who can aid with the immediate proceedings." Diplomats or those with skill sets close to it.

While Hinata was voicing her opinion on who might come. Naruto looked over his surroundings, from the buildings to the people. Naruto did miss Konoha; he would like to go back there if only for a day. But he has come to enjoy his stay in Urakyoto and could say without a doubt that he would recommend people to visit.

And should anything happing to it, then Naruto would be first in line to protect it and its people.

The team spent nearly all of their spare time there, soon they would need to leave and meet up with Yasaka. But Naruto was busy having an inner conversation with Kurama. "Looking forward to seeing him again?"

"Who? Gaara, not really, why?"

"No, I mean Shukaku; you two haven't seen each other for a while."

"Why would I be interested in seeing him again, he's more annoying than you have ever been." Kurama snorted at Naruto's question, he and Shukaku have always been at odds; in a purely healthy way.

"So you admit I'm not the most annoying person you've had to deal with."

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Too late."

"Grrrrrr."

After the Fourth Great Ninja War, the other Bijuu, excluding Kurama and Gyuki, went back to their homes since the time of Hagoromo. Shukaku's home was in the land of wind, near Gaara's village. Naruto doesn't know the full story, but over the two years, they bonded with each other. Gaara went out to visit him and to give him company. Naruto does know that Gaara apologised for not only his village's actions against him but his own too. Shukaku was still wary of him for a while, but Gaara's continued treatment of him, lead to a friendship blooming between them. Shukaku willing asked Gaara to be his Jinchuriki again.

Naruto and Kurama could hardly believe it; the other Bijuu will never want to be sealed in humans again. But Shukaku did, must be because it's Gaara and no one else. Whatever the reason, Gaara accepted, and now they're back together. They're partners; just like Naruto's and Bee's relationship with Kurama and Gyuki.

But thinking on those two's relationship got Naruto to think about his and Kuroka's. Naruto hasn't seen her since the roof talk, he knows she's still around but is avoiding everyone.

"Do you know why she's been acting this way?" Kuroka said a lot to Naruto on that roof, her thoughts on how screwed reincarnated Devils are, her sister and them being separated, and that Koneko girl during the Rating Game. She came at him with a lot at that moment.

"It's obvious that the Koneko brat was the catalyst for her outburst." It all started with her.

"Kuroka must have been bottling it all up; but seeing one of her own kind again, being hurt like that in a Rating Game...she just couldn't hold it back anymore." Kuroka teases and messes around all the time. She must have been keeping that side of her hidden for some reason.

"Kuroka said she knew reincarnated Devils that wanted freedom from the peerage system, perhaps she knew people who became Devils." Maybe some of Kuroka's friends are now reincarnated Devils and Koneko remained her of it.

But there was still one thing that bothered Naruto. "She said 'we', but what did she mean by that." Kuroka did say 'we', but then switched it to 'her'. Naruto still doesn't understand what that meant. Is Kuroka trapped in some way? She walks around Urakyoto just fine, no guards, no issues have come about. So what then?

"You'll need to ask her or Yasaka about it at this point." They can go around and around this circle of thought all day and not get anyway. At this point, they need to ask one of them what's going on.

Naruto agreed with Kurama, but nows, not a good time. "Yasaka is busy with the preparations today, and Kuroka wants to be left alone, if I approached her right now then she'll just disappear again." When things aren't hectic or when Yasaka is free, then Naruto could ask.

Hinata then shook Naruto's side. "Naruto." It worked; Naruto came back to reality and saw Hinata's serious face. "It's just about time, we should go meet up with Yasaka."

"Oh, right, sorry, was having a conversation with Kurama." Naruto then got up from his seat, along with his team. "Let's go then."

Here it comes.

It's time.

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Naruto and his team, Yasaka, Kunou and Sun, were all standing outside the front of the palace. The stones have been unsealed. They hovered in mid-air, captivating the eyes of many of those present. "I'll never get other it, these stones creep me out." And Naruto carries them in his back pocket all day long.

There were also guards, and Yasaka's advisers present. They've only been told that the stones serve as transportation for the representatives that are on their way, not it being a link between worlds.

Any second now.

Then the stones lit up, they shinned bright and rotated at an increasingly faster pace. Naruto knew what this meant, he walked forward, and Yasaka followed suit, both standing side by side in front of the stones. The light that once shined bright ceased, the stones halted their speed, and several figures appeared before them. Naruto recognised that red hair anywhere.

"Gaara." Naruto smiled, seeing one of his closes friends again. "It's been a while."

"It has indeed, Naruto." Gaara walked forward towards Naruto, and so did he. Forgetting all about the people around them, the two friends met and shook hands, Gaara's sand floated around their hands, almost like an aura. Both gave each other a strong smile like they have many times before.

While Naruto and Gaara were doing this, their two housemates had a conversation of their own.

"Hey! You stupid fox; are you actually awake this time."

"Unfortunately yes, your foul scent woke me up, stupid Tanuki."

They love each other; really, they do.

"You've taken your sweet ass time if they sent us instead of you two; this alliance would have been formed days ago!"

Kurama snorted. "Hmm, you'd still be stuck in the Underworld."

Trading insults with each other; somehow lead to a Jinchuriki comparing contest.

"Your Jinchuriki's dream is to become a Kage, Ha, mine has been one for years now; and is the youngest one in history."

"Well...not that I even care...but my Jinchuriki is the strongest Shinobi in history...and will be a...better Kage than yours." Yeah, Kurama doesn't care at all.

"And yet mine is the one forming this alliance."

"Yours wouldn't even have the chance if it wasn't for mine!"

"You know we can hear you right/you know we can hear you right." That shut them up.

Yasaka could see the strong bond these two Shinobi shared. "This goes beyond a normal friendship; this is something akin to a deep-rooted understanding of one another." It's rare to see this kind of bond. Yasaka was pleased to be working with someone that Naruto trusts completely.

Naruto stood to the side, giving Yasaka a clear view of his friend. "Yasaka, I'd like you to meet Gaara, the Kazekage, and a good friend."

Gaara approached Yasaka, his face didn't show any visible emotions, and even Yasaka was having difficulty trying to predict what he's thinking. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Yasaka."

Yasaka responded in kind. "I feel the same way Kazekage Gaara, welcome to Urakyoto." Yasaka then lead them towards the palace, so the talks could finally begin.

Naruto hanged back a bit to see who came with Gaara. Naruto saw ANBU guards, some diplomats and so on, but two of them stood out, two of them Naruto knew. "Shikamaru, Temari, guess I should have expected you two to show up."

Shikamaru Nara had shoulder-length spiky black hair tied behind in as a ponytail. He had narrow brown eyes, with a mug that you would think, he's either bored or tired; or both, he wore the standard Shinobi uniform. He was the smartest guy Naruto knew; planning several moves ahead of all of his opponents. His clan was famous for its Shadow Jutsus.

Temari had teal eyes and sandy blond hair tied up into two pigtails. She was dressed in a purple long-sleeved blouse with a high collar under a grey top, and a dark blue skirt with a split in the middle revealing her leggings. She wears fingerless gloves and sandals. Behind her was her giant fan that she uses for her Wind style Jutsus.

"Yeah well, I didn't really volunteer for this assignment." Shikamaru was lazy by nature. He was so much worse back during their academy days, but now, he will rise up to the tasks he's given; and complain about them every step of the way.

"Enough Shikamaru, we're here on a diplomatic mission for the entire Shinobi world, so don't complain." Temari was blunt, and to the point, while Shikamaru acts lazy at times, she takes everything seriously, some might consider her a workaholic.

"What a drag." There it is.

Naruto snickered at Shikamaru, still the same guy as ever. They then joined up with the rest of the group and followed Yasaka and Gaara to the meeting room.

"You weren't kidding; this place does look like a Shinobi village, I've read the reports and everything, but seeing it with my own eyes..." Temari looked all around her, seeing all the similar designed buildings, let alone the Youkai, that was a whole other kind of experience for her.

Shikamaru knew something was up. "The odds of two different societies, two separate species, from two different worlds; having the same theme of design and similar powers. All of that being just a coincidence is astronomically low, if not impossible." They all knew there had to be a reason for this.

"Yeah I know, trust me, it felt weird for us the first day we got here."

"Have you had any recent luck figuring out how this is possible?" Temari was a little on edge about all this.

Naruto shook his head. "Not one clue, we've only been able to rule out possibilities, but adding one...we've got nothing." They've been at this dead-end for days.

Shikamaru will no doubt try to come up with some new hypothesis and drum up some more theories, but Yasaka has already been doing that, Naruto doesn't know if he will have any better luck than she did.

Naruto then took this opportunity to introduce them both to Raphtalia; she bowed her head to them as her introduction. Temari returned the gesture, Shikamaru waved awkwardly. While they were doing that, at the front, Yasaka and Gaara had an important talk.

"I hope that Naruto has been helpful, Lady Yasaka."

"He has, and quite informative too." Naruto and his team got Raphtalia home, told her about the situation and more. "You know Naruto well don't you."

"Yes, for many years now. He was my first friend." Gaara had no issue saying that to anyone.

Yasaka saw Gaara's eyes light up, if only slightly. "Seems Naruto has had quite the effect on him." Then again, he's had that effect on many others, Raphtalia, Kunou and herself included. "How far has the alliance been progressing on your side?" She's ready for the proceedings to begin; Yasaka is just waiting on them now.

"The Feudal Lords and my fellow Kage have given me the final word, if we come to an agreement today, then we can officially declare an alliance." The Shinobi are ready too.

Yasaka looked on ahead, with fierce determination, she now just needs to make sure her advisers and other high ranking individuals are on board. Even if she's Queen, Yasaka needs to make sure her own people are in agreement about this to prevent possible hostilities forming due to mistrust. They can't afford that, not now.

The group arrived at the room; a Youkai guard at the sliding door opened it for them. The main individuals of the group, the Shinobi diplomats and a few of the ANBU guards entered the room, while most of the guards stood outside as extra security for the meeting.

It was a much bigger room than the one Naruto and Yasaka met in, two long tables sat opposite to each other; one for the Youkai, and the other for the Shinobi. Everyone took their seats, but Raphtalia stayed on the Shinobi's side, she stayed next to Naruto. While Naruto was next to Gaara, who was at the centre seat, they are now ready to begin.

Yasaka sat down at the centre seat of her table, Sun Wukong was at her left, while a new face was at her right. He was a tall Kijin with spiky red hair; he had two large horns sticking out his hair and tear-like red markings that flowed down from the bottom of his eyes over his cheeks. He wore a red armoured kimono, with a large katana at his back. This was Benimaru, a mighty warrior and Yasaka's head military leader, her General.

Naruto noticed an empty seat at the Youkai's table. "That must be for Kuroka, she even skipped out on this meeting. What's going on with her?" Naruto really needs to talk Yasaka about this later.

With everyone ready, Yasaka began the discussions. "Ladies and gentlemen, Youkai and Shinobi, we have gathered here today to discuss the problem we both face, and how we intend to confront it." They all knew the score, but Yasaka wanted to go over it again.

"One year ago, members of the Old Satan Faction, lead by Rizevim Livan Lucifer, attacked Lurolona Village; and took Raphtalia captive. Sadly, she was the only survivor." Yasaka didn't want to say it, but she had to. The others in the room all knew about this, but they still had eyes of contempt for the Devil's actions. Raphtalia kept herself in check, whether it was sadness or anger she was holding back; she held it back. Naruto glanced at her, to make sure she was ok; well, as ok as one can be, given what she's been through.

Yasaka then continued. "Then after that year, the same Devils attacked the Shinobi village of Konoha. But Naruto led the effort and drove them out; all but two Devils were killed or captured." Yasaka then gestured for Naruto to take the stage.

"Me and Hinata caught wind of a large group of unknowns coming to Konoha, this was the first time we've ever heard or seen Devils. I attempted to establish contact with them, but they just attacked." Naruto remembered the words they used, how those Devils looked at him as if Naruto was lower than dirt. "Me and my friend Sasuke took down their force, while he held back to deal with the rest of them, I pushed forward and came face to face with Rizevim Lucifer. We fought, I won. But before I could capture him, I was ambushed by a dragon." Naruto still hasn't been able to find the reason as to why that dragon evaded Sage Mode sensing, the books here about dragons and talking with Sun turned up nothing.

The Youkais in the room were already informed of Naruto's victory over a Super Devil. They still had some difficulty believing it, since they all know what a Super Devil is capable of.

"After I took down the dragon, another Devil rescued Rizevim, I only caught a glimpse of him, and all I know is that he has silver hair that was braided." If Naruto saw him again, he would recognise him. "At the end of that battle, we tracked down the last remaining Devils and found Raphtalia as a captive among them. We took her back to Konoha for medical treatment, and to found out just what was going on." Feels almost like it was just yesterday when they first met.

"A few days later, Raphtalia woke up, and she told us who they were, and about the other factions, including the Youkai. That's when I promised to help her and get her back home." Naruto did it, just like he said he would, he just wished her village, family and friends were still around.

"Yes, they helped me, gave me food and a warm bed. While Naruto did question me; it was never an interrogation. He treated me with respect, as if I was one of their own. Naruto told me about his people and I did the same." Raphtalia owes her life to them, and to him. She doesn't bring it up because she knows that it's something Naruto would not agree with, people owing him a life debt.

Gaara then took over. "The Shinobi Union called a meeting between the Five Kage. Based on what limited information we obtained from the captured Devils, and Raphtalia's testimony; we gave Naruto and his team the mission of seeking the Youkai, and Yasaka out. Their mission was to learn anything more about the situation we found ourselves in, and hopefully, joined together with you in this crisis." And now, here they are.

Benimaru asked a question. "Do we know what Rizevim Lucifer's intentions are? He took Raphtalia prisoner for a whole year, and then attacked your village. Do we know what his goal is?" Why just Raphtalia and not the whole village, and why target people that don't even know of the Devil's existence?

Naruto was the one to answer; he had the most knowledge on this, even if it was limited. "We still don't know why he took Raphtalia, as for Konoha, it's most likely because his boss sent him."

"This unknown individual or group, that the Old Satan Faction, has allied with."

Naruto nodded. "Whoever he, she or they are, they're the ones who told Rizevim about 'powerful beings' where we live. But it quickly became apparent that they never told him about us humans having power." If they did, Rizevim would have taken a much different approached than just moving in without a care in the world.

"And what is your power?" It's similar to the Youkai's.

Naruto looked at Gaara, who nodded at him. Naruto then showed all the Youkai in the room, the power of the Shinobi, he created a Rasengan. "Our power is Charka, Yasaka and Sun already know about this. But Chakra is a form of energy that we create by infusing our Spiritual energies and Physical energies together."

Many Youkai's eyes were glued to the Rasengan, whether it was the Chakra or the way the blue ball rotated that caught their eyes; Naruto didn't know. Yasaka then clarified about the situation around Chakra. "As you have known for a while, our guests have a power similar to our own. We both have Spiritual energy, but they also have Psychical energy. This phenomenon is a mystery to us all; something me and Naruto have been trying to figure out, with no success."

"How is this possible!?"

"Can this Physical energy be given to others!?"

"What could this mean for us?"

The room erupted into panicked and frequent questioning; telling people one by one is more straightforward then telling a whole room about Chakra. No one's voice could be heard over the shouting, and any identity was being drowned in the sea of noise.

"Ha, this is going well," Kurama smirked at the outbursts caused by Naruto's explanation.

Yasaka had enough and raised her hand; she fired blue flame at the ceiling. The fire dispersed before hitting the ceiling and flew around the room. No one or object was burned. But anyone that was once speaking now sealed their lips due to Yasaka's display. The fire soon ceased, and Yasaka took control. "There will be a proper time for discussing Charka later; we are here to discuss the alliance and the threat at hand. We will all maintain our heads at this crucial junction."

The once panicked people of the room have now regained some clarity. While they still had thoughts about the meaning of Chakra; those will be for another time.

Yasaka then went back to Naruto's earlier statement. "As Naruto said, the Old Satan Faction was told about powerful beings where he lives. But were not informed about the Shinobi and their power of Chakra. As such, they were unprepared and were all killed or captured." Except the leader and the Devil that saved him.

Benimaru rubbed his chin; his eyes were closed, he thought over what this could mean. "Perhaps they don't trust each other, or their goals differ from one another." Why else would they keep such vital information from each another?

Many in the room took this as good news, if they're divided, then they may come to fight each other in the near future. But others in the room didn't buy into that idea too much.

"Even if their goals are different. As long as their actions remain mutually beneficial, then there's no reason to assume that they'll fall apart before they attack us again." It's not a gamble worth thinking about; Gaara knows they all need to be proactive about this.

Yasaka agreed with him. "Which is why us allying together against this coming threat, is a path worth taking and is the best chance for our future."

But one of her advisers was hesitant. "I mean no disrespect Lady Yasaka, but an alliance formed so rapidly, between two cultures that barely know each other is unprecedented." Can they trust each other under such short notice?

Yasaka understood his worries, but this isn't the time for that, as these people aren't like the ones they're used to dealing with. "If it was with anyone else, at another time or place I would agree with you." Yasaka's face grew grim, catching the attention of her people. "But this situation is more serious than you know." Her advisers and general were confused by her words; it became evident that there is more to this.

Yasaka looked at Gaara, who immediately followed up her words with his own. "Because we Shinobi are from another world, another earth."

"..."

Confusion, shocked gasps; narrowed eyes with disbelief and more, the reactions from the Youkai in the room; that were unaware of this, had variety. Whispers between them quickly spread around the room. They didn't believe them. But they at least didn't lose their heads this time.

But some of them, including Benimaru, noticed both Yasaka's and Sun's lack of a reaction; they already knew. "You already knew of this?" He wasn't accusing them of anything, but asking for confirmation, is what they're hearing true?

"It is; Naruto told me the full truth, after coming back from Raphtalia's village. Yesterday, he informed Sun of this too, after he tracked them down due to Naruto's Senjutsu and similar energy."

"Is what Kazekage Gaara saying true?"

"It is, Raphtalia confirmed it."

Naruto took this opportunity to help cement the truth. "Those stones you saw outside, they go beyond a simple transportation technique. They're the stones that the Devils used to get to our world. We got our hands on them and used them to come here."

Benimaru quickly put two and two together. "But...that...that's beyond..."

"Beyond the Devils, us, anyone and everyone; no one in our world has the ability to do this." Sun was just as shocked as he was when Naruto first told him about those stones and the implications from it.

"The Devils of the Old Satan Faction, they're working with a group or an individual that is capable of the impossible. Seeing how the Devils that were sent to the Shinobi's world didn't come in peace, proves their less than civil intentions." In Yasaka's mind, this is reason enough to join together. Because if this unknown can do this, and would just attack a whole new world so brazenly, what else can they do? What else would they do?

Another advisor asked Gaara a question. "Not that I'm against the Shinobi's offer of aid, but why did you risk coming to a new world. It would have been easier for you to just lock away the stones or destroy them." Then they would be safe from the Devil.

Shikamaru answered. "Because it wouldn't have solved anything." He stated it like it was an undeniable fact; that got the advisors attention. "There are four stones, two here, and two back in our world. Which means they were able to send two of the stones to our world, then used them. If the Devils have more, or their ally does, then this will just happen again. All the while we will have no idea who and what these guys are." Not knowing your enemies abilities and ideology with always cause problems, Shikamaru learned that the hard way.

Shikamaru then added something that he's been suspicious about ever since it happened. "Also, why did the Devils attack Konoha? Why were the stones on our doorstep?"

That got some whispers to spread around the room. Naruto didn't think about that either, why Konoha? Of all the places to end up at. "Raphtalia's village had no defence, but Konoha is the heart of the military of The Land of Fire. Out of every location they could've ended up at, it was the worst possible one for them." Strong military, powerful clans, Naruto and Sasuke's home.

"This unknown ally of the Old Satan Faction must know about our world to some extent, and they sent the Devils to a location with a strong military presence; Why?" No one had an answer, but something was up about that.

The talks seem to be working, many Youkai in the room were being swayed, but some were still hesitant. Too much at once is making them even more concerned, questioning every little thing.

"Then what are the Shinobi's intentions in our world?" The same Youkai advisor asked that. What do the Shinobi plan to do?

Gaara stood up, getting the entire room's attention. Silence filled the room, as Gaara intended to make the final push. "Shinobi, Youkai; those names have defined us and our respected histories. In many ways, these names gave us an identity, something that makes us unique, something to take pride in." The Shinobi are Shinobi, and they're proud of it. The Youkai are Youkai, and they're proud of it. It sets them apart; it makes them who they are.

"But the Old Satan Faction and this new enemy doesn't share that sentiment, to them, we are all the same; people to be used, people to be killed." They tried to stop themselves, but some of them glanced at Raphtalia.

"They do not see us as equals; they will come for our lands, our homes, our people" They attacked Lurolona; they attack Konoha, who's next?

"In the end, how we feel won't change that, whether we trust each other or not; it won't change that outcome, it won't change who they are." These attacks happened across two worlds, at two different times, together or apart, they will be attacked again.

"I understand your grievances and concerns, for we have both known war." That got the Youkai's attention; Yasaka could hear it in his voice. "He's speaking from experience." She then looked at Naruto and saw it in his eyes too. "Naruto as well, they both know war at such a young age?" There are still some books she hasn't fully read yet, has Yasaka missed something important?

"The Great War between the Three Factions that drag all others into the conflict. The Great Ninja Wars between the Five Elemental Nations. We have all seen it, experienced it, and been a part of it." The destruction, the screams, the blood, the piles of bodies which remained nameless. Those who had a life, a family, and a dream.

Gaara placed his hand on his heart. "Between those who have experienced the same pain, there can be no hate." Both of them share the same goal, to stop the attacks from happening again, to make sure their people are safe.

Everyone in the room looked on at the Kazekage, as if he became something larger than life, the passions and conviction behind his words reached everyone; changing their hearts and minds.

"The Old Satan faction attacked all of us, and they will continue to do so, but in their attempts to do us harm, they have opened up a new path for us." Something they didn't account for. "We found each other." New light shined within everyone's eyes, in this crazy situation; they found each other. "They attacked us, and yet we found each other. They have made the first move, now we must make the final move, and stand together." And meet them head-on. "We all long for the day of world peace. Our people, our children, growing up in a world that does not know war; sadly, we didn't get to experience that. But we have a duty, a responsibility; to make sure the next generation is free from that hell."

Gaara then stepped over the short table and walked forward to the centre of the room. "And even if you cannot trust us, we will still fight for that dream, for all of us. But I still ask you, Youkai, our new friends." Gaara held out his hand for Yasaka to take. "Will you trust us at your side?"

No one could speak, no one could move; except for Yasaka. She rose to her feet, and approached Gaara, her face carried no emotion, but her eyes did. She took Gaara's hand. "I trust you" No more words were needed from her.

Sun stood up. "I too trust you."

Benimaru. "As do I."

Soon, the other Youkai rose to their feet, sharing the same conviction shown by their queen.

"Will you trust us at your side?" Yasaka will ask the same thing.

Gaara answered. "I trust you."

Naruto stood up. "Always."

Hinata. "We always will."

All the Shinobi followed suit.

It's time, Gaara sees it. "I, Kazekage Gaara, representing the Shinobi Union; request for an alliance between our people, to stand against the coming storm."

"I, Queen Yasaka, of the Youkai, accept."

"I, Sun Wukong, serve as a witness."

"I, Benimaru, serve as a witness."

"I, Shikamaru, serve as a witness."

"I, Naruto, serve as a witness."

Yasaka said the final word. "Then I officially declare that now, here, today, the alliance between the Shinobi and the Youkai, between those of two different worlds; is formed."

Calm claps filled the room, people writing down everything that transpired here for the history books. This was a historic day, for the Shinobi world and the Youkai. The next time this enemy makes a move against them, they will face it together.

Naruto smiled, it was a smile of relief. "We did it."

The Shinobi and Youkai; are now allies.

.

---

It's been a couple of hours since the forming of the alliance. Naruto knows that this part is about all that boring stuff. Documentation, signing official agreements; what Chakra is, negations about the little things, ya'know; stuff that doesn't interest him.

So Naruto and his team are checking out the Shinobi Embassy, it's got quite a few floors, both above and below ground. Front desk, sleeping quarters, meeting room, the works. This will work.

The stones were moved below ground; several 'Barrier Core Shinobi' came over and started getting to work, making sure this place will be as secure as possible. No one is taking the stones.

Gaara came in not too long later, looks like he also wanted to see the Embassy; seeing as how he's going to be spending a lot of time here. "It appears everything has gone well."

"You had doubts Gaara?" Naruto grinned.

"Yes."

Then Naruto stumbled, nearly losing his footing. "What...hey, Gaara; you're supposed to say no."

"Am I," Gaara smirked at Naruto's reaction.

"Crap walked right into that one." Gaara has gotten so much better at socialising.

"I had doubts; it would be foolish if I didn't. But I also had faith; I guess my faith outweighed my doubts."

Naruto and Gaara then walked over and leaned on the front desk, they had things to talk about.

"So, how was meeting Yasaka for the first time?" Naruto gave his friend a knowing look.

"My surprise paralysed me."

Naruto deadpanned at him. "Your perfect poker face makes it impossible to tell." Naruto didn't know if Gaara was telling the truth or not here, Kurama wasn't helping Naruto on that front. The lazy fox went to sleep; he didn't want to talk with Shukaku.

"It was strange seeing a Nine-Tailed Fox that wasn't Kurama, are there more like her?"

Naruto shrugged. "She has a daughter, I've seen a two-tailed cat, and a monkey; but he only had one tail." They're not Bijuu, but it didn't stop it from being weird. "Tell me Gaara, how do you plan on improving relations between the Youkai and the Shinobi?"

"Right now, we need to sort out all the legal documentation and agreements of the alliance. Afterwards, we'll see about conducting joint ventures." Working together on tasks can help improve their standing with one another.

"What ventures are we looking at?"

"Jutsus; comparing our schools of it with theirs, we could see if we can replicate each other's techniques." The Youkais had some interesting ones, the barriers they use for their cities, the magical circles for defence; and this flying magic they've heard about. Flight is a common practice here; the Shinobi will need to even that playing field.

"Youjutsu converted into Ninjutsu; I could work with that, and maybe we can covert Ninjutsu into Youjutsu." Improving the strengths of both factions would help.

"I've read all the reports your team has sent, but I want to hear it from you. What are your thoughts about the Youkai and the Three Factions." Gaara is the one in charge of diplomacy here; he wants to hear as much as he can about these people to help him with his work.

Naruto rested his arms on the desk as he leaned further back into it; he tilted his head to look up at the ceiling. "The Youkai are all right, in the grand scheme of things they just wanted to be left alone. But the conflicts that kept happening dragged them into fights that aren't even theirs; which is why they stick within their own borders and live inside these barriers." A few other factions somewhat share this mentality.

"And the Three Factions?"

"I haven't met any of them, so I can only go on reputation and second-hand information." Naruto still intends to see them and judge them in person. "The Devils of old are scum and our enemies, the Old Satan Faction are the enemy. But the New Satan Faction, while not them, are still up in the air."

"This peerage system and the divide between low class and high class." Gaara could understand why Naruto would have such significant issues with it, issues Gaara shares.

"It's more than that; they rebuilt their culture and power base around the peerage system. It's like our Chunin Exams; it's not something that can just be removed." But it can still be changed.

"At first it was for saving their race, now it's for gaining power for ones household. If you have power, they'll want you for themselves, and a large majority of Devils look down on reincarnated Devils or those of other species. Now I'm not angry at the Youkai for saying it, but I keep getting 'Impressive for a human', and it's starting to get annoying. From what I've heard, Devils can take this to a new level." It sucks that humanity is so low on the totem pole here, which is why the Shinobi will keep getting this treatment.

"They will see us with power and they'll desire it, and try to recruit us into their faction." That can cause severe diplomatic issues. It would be like the Hyuga incident all over again.

"The Angels are picky. If you're anyone else, then you're ok in their eyes, but if you're a Devil or Fallen Angel; the swords are coming out."

"So there is a lot of bad blood between the Three Factions?"

Naruto had a tired laughed, Gaara was off the mark. "Bad blood; more like complete genocidal tendencies. But it wasn't just the Angels, the Devils were trying to recreate the world in their image by killing everyone, the Fallen Angels wanted payback." They were all trying to kill each other.

"The Angels viewed the Devils as abominations, and the Fallen Angels as traitors, their aim was to wipe them all out in the name of their God." Who is this guy? "But the Angels treat other people quite well, but they like perching their religion and father to everyone. They do a one-eighty when it comes to the other two factions."

"The Angels will treat us right but would like to spread their religion to us."

"The Fallen Angels are in the worst spot, they were once Angels; but went against God and were cast out."

"How exactly?"

"They didn't follow Gods teaching like a drone and paid the price for it. God didn't like it when Angels slept with humans and kicked them out." Naruto's grip on the desk tightened, nearly cracking the wood. Gaara noticed. "You disagree with their treatment."

"Heaven abandoned them, kicked them out in a world that would try to kill them; be it Angels or Devils. Sleeping with someone is not an evil thing, yet they deserve to die for it? Honestly, I don't blame the Fallen Angels for being the trouble makers they are. They got kicked out of the only home they ever knew, I don't blame them for being angry and wanting revenge against Heaven." And their desire to wipe out the Devils was obvious; they still had their hatred for them back when they were still Angels.

"A race filled with hatred that is trying to find its place in the world." A sad fate. "Thank you Naruto, I appreciate your thoughts on the matter."

Naruto pushed off from the desk. "No problem ya'know." He then did a little stretch. "I'll see you later."

"Where are you going?"

"I need to talk to Yasaka about a friend."

.

---

Naruto needed to find Yasaka, he needed to talk to her about Kuroka, he hasn't seen her around, and she wasn't at the meeting. Naruto knows she's still in Urakyoto, but the disappearing act she's been putting on is starting to worry him. Naruto headed for the palace, hoping to catch Yasaka alone.

But he bumped into Benimaru. "Naruto, I've been looking for you."

"You have?"

"Yes, I wished to offer you personal thanks for your effort in all this."

Naruto tilted his head. "Really, I just did what I thought was right."

Benimaru let out a soft laugh. "Maybe to you, that's all it was. But you have helped us in securing our future, and if you truly beat a Super Devil, then your battle strength will be instrumental."

Naruto smiled. "You can count on me and everyone else, we're comrades now, and we stick together." Naruto then held out his hand for Benimaru to shake; he did.

Benimaru quickly figured out what Naruto must have been doing earlier. "I take it you're looking for Yasaka if you are; she's at her personal quarters now. If you want to see her, best go now while she's free."

"Thanks, I'll see you around Benimaru." Naruto headed off to catch Yasaka before she goes off to do something else.

.

---

Yasaka has never felt so relieved, in such a long time. It finally happened; the Shinobi and the Youkai are allies; there is still much work that needs doing, but she can safely say they're no longer alone in this fight. But she knows that they will have to deal with new challenges soon. Naruto made it clear he intends to meet the other factions, and she agrees with him. They have no leads as to who the mastermind is; the Devils are the best bet for finding out more, capturing members of the Old Satan faction needs to be a priority.

It will bring the Shinobi and the Youkai into the spotlight, but it needs to be done. But how they reveal themselves will be paramount, it's not the Shinobi's intent, but they can't be mistaken for an invading force, or anything ridicules like that. Maybe she should talk to them about this, talk to Naruto about this.

But then she heard a knock at the door. "Come in." Does another document need signing or something? The door slid open, and she saw Naruto.

"Naruto, I thought you were inspecting the Embassy set up for you. I hope everything was up to standard?" Yasaka prides herself on her work.

"It was well above the standard, it's perfect for what we need." He's no expert on it, but it's got the essentials at least, good enough for him. "Anyway, I need to talk to you about something that's been bothering me."

"Oh, has something come up." It's nothing serious, right?

"Do you know what's up with Kuroka?"

Yasaka paused, she glanced away from Naruto, is he starting to notice? "I promised Kuroka that I would not tell anyone, only Kuroka has the right to talk about it." Yasaka found herself in a predicament. Naruto's intentions were visible, he's just looking at for a friend. But Kuroka's situation is...complicated.

Naruto continued, but he noticed Yasaka's hesitation; she does know what's going on with her. "I haven't seen her since yesterday, and that conversation didn't leave on a high note. I'll understand if there are personal things that you can't talk about without Kuroka being here. But can you at least give me something to work with?" Naruto doesn't want to put Yasaka on the spot, but Kuroka's words last night left Naruto with a lot of questions; and concerns.

Yasaka conceded and chose to tell Naruto a little. "Kuroka...she's been wronged by this world, more so than many others." She hasn't had an easy life.

"Yeah, Sun told me about the Neko massacre by the Devils during the Great War."

"It's not just that."

"I know, she mentioned having a sister, Shirone, and how they're cut off from each other. Seeing that Koneko girl getting hurt reminded her of this, and now she's locking herself away or something...I don't know" What's going through her head right now, the amount of emotions Naruto felt from Kuroka made it challenging to understand.

Yasaka caught on to his use of the names. "So he doesn't know, Kuroka didn't tell him." If that's the case, than Yasaka can't either. As much as she wanted to, to have Naruto try and help her. "Kuroka was separated from her sister because of an incident with the New Devil Faction; she's wanted by them, which is why she can't leave Urakyoto to find her sister." They will try to kill her on the spot, most will fail. But if the big names learn about her being outside of Urakyoto; that's a different story.

Naruto read between the lines and noticed that what Yasaka said was all true, but it was missing some context. "Kuroka must have asked Yasaka to be quiet about this, but she at least told me this much." The Devils are preventing Kuroka from finding her sister, but then why did Kuroka go on about reincarnated Devils and stray Devils. Its clear Yasaka wanted to say more, but Naruto would stop his questioning, he needs to talk to Kuroka about this.

Then someone else knocked on the door. "Come in." Yasaka is popular today.

A Youkai guard showed up; like the ones that fetch Naruto and his team when they first came to Kyoto. "We have received a message from our sentries. A stray Devil has found its way into Kyoto.

Yasaka face was a mix of concern and caution. But Naruto saw an opportunity. "Kuroka said something about the fate of stray Devils, about something happing to them after they run." This is the perfect chance to find out.

"Yasaka, will you please let me and my team deal with this." Naruto looked at her with determination.

Yasaka was caught off guard by this request. "Why, my guards are more than capable of dealing with this?" What's Naruto's aim here?

"I know, but I want to see and speak with a stray Devil face to face, Kuroka's words about them have been bothering me, I want to find out more about them first hand." Not only that, he can get his hands on an Evil Piece, and finally, find out how they work.

Yasaka saw where he was going with this, while hesitant about it; maybe this would be a good experience for him, to see a stray with his own eyes. "Very well then, my guard will show you where you can find the stray. But Naruto, keep your expectations for any discourse low. When they went stray; their minds were the first thing to go."

"What do you mean?" What does the Evil Piece do to them?

"With the power no longer being kept in check, changes to the mind and body of the Devil being happening. When you see the stray, you will understand; they will try to kill you."

Naruto didn't like what he's hearing; just what is a stray Devil? "Ok, then; I'm off."

"Good luck."

Naruto nodded and left with the guard to gather his team.

Time to see a stray Devil.

.

---

Hinata, Konohamaru and Raphtalia were waiting around the Shinobi Embassy; they all had a lot on their minds. The alliance has now been formed. Which means they will be moving on to the other factions in due time; and hopefully, take down whoever is behind all this.

Shikamaru was there with them, going other things with them, trying to come up with anything concrete. "And you were the only one he took?" Shikamaru wanted to figure out why Rizevim only took Raphtalia.

Raphtalia wasn't very comfortable with this conversation, but she persevered. She too wanted to understand why she was the only one to survive that day. "He personally took me; but like I told Naruto, I was stuck in a cell for a whole year. Rizevim never told me why he wanted me."

"Was there anything unique about your village? Or did you hear anything from the Devils when you were their prisoner?"

"It was just a fishing village, and I didn't hear anything important when I was stuck in that cell." Hearing was the least of Raphtalia's worries back then.

Shikamaru was getting frustrated, nothing is coming to mind. But there is something; Rizevim took just one Youkai but killed all the others. "Anything in his actions then, did he do or behave in a way that seemed odd to you?" Maybe a different question would jog her memory.

Raphtalia thought back to her time as his prisoner. She didn't see him a lot, but out of all the Devils there, she saw Rizevim the most. "Hmm...I'm not too sure about his actions." He was a psychopath after all. "But...he did start behaving...differently after a while."

"How so?"

"He started to act...a bit more...excited, gleeful. To me, it looked like he was getting ready for something."

"Which could be referring to the attack on Konoha?" It made sense to Shikamaru, but it could also be referring to other things besides the attack.

"But if you were his prisoner, then why did he take you to our world in the first place?" Raphtalia was in poor condition, no shape to run, fight, or do anything really.

Raphtalia's tail tensed up, she remembered his words all too well. "'Don't want my pet straying too far from its owner'." She didn't conceal the contempt she had for that man.

Konohamaru shared her contempt. "Glad big brother Naruto kicked his ass."

So was Raphtalia. "Wish I was there to see it." She would have wanted to see him suffer like she has. She at least knows Rizevim lost an arm.

The door to the Embassy then swung open, Naruto has arrived with a Youkai guard in tow. "Good, you're all here. Hinata, Konohamaru, we've got a task to do."

Hinata walked towards Naruto. "What needs doing?" Task doesn't mean mission, so it must be something small.

"We've got a stray Devil to deal with."

They all looked at Naruto, but Raphtalia's hand clenched. A Devil is nearby.

Naruto gestured for them to go, Konohamaru and Hinata joined his side. "Wait!" But Raphtalia also joined him. "Why didn't you ask for me? I'm part of the team too."

Naruto asked Hinata and Konohamaru to wait outside, Shikamaru went to another room. It was just Naruto and Raphtalia now.

"You are a part of the team."

"Then, why? Why leave me out of this?"

Naruto had his reasons. "Do you think you can handle it?"

Raphtalia narrowed her eyes at him. "I can fight...I'm not a liability..."

"That's not what I meant." Naruto didn't break eye contact with her; he became a lot more pressing with her.

Raphtalia was getting confused. "I don't understand, what do you mean?"

"Do you think you can handle seeing a Devil again?" Stray, Old, new, whatever; can Raphtalia handle seeing a Devil, no matter what faction it's from?

She looked down, her fist was clenched, and Raphtalia shook a bit. She didn't even understand why she was shaking. Was it because of Naruto, because of the Devils; or was it because she doesn't even know if she could handle seeing a Devil again.

Raphtalia didn't answer him; Naruto could stand here all day and still not get one; what to do? "Take her with you."

"Kurama?"

"She will have to face this; it's a matter of when. It would be better if she first tries it out with a stray, and with you there to babysit her." If something does happen, then it wasn't with a Devil of nobility; that would cause a different kind of problem.

Naruto closed his eyes, thinking over Kurama's reasoning. Then Naruto opened them and placed his hand on Raphtalia's shoulder. "Ok, you can come. But I am hoping to talk to this stray first."

Raphtalia thanked Naruto and walked past him. Naruto was not convinced that she could handle this, but Kurama was right; she needs to be able to see Devils again.

"Let's get to it."

.

---

The Youkai guard lead the team to an abandoned warehouse. Apparently stray Devils always take up residence in empty locations; places they could hide.

The guard left them soon after, and the team gathered outside the building. "Ok, there is one stray Devil in there. We're expecting a fight, but I want to try and talk to this Devil first. If a fight does break out, then capture, don't kill."

"Why capture? It's too close to Urakyoto." Raphtalia didn't want a repeat of what happened to her home.

"Because we can find out how the Evil Piece affects the body, and we can get our hands on an Evil Piece as well." Understanding them and developing countermeasures to them, that's something the Shinobi have made a priority.

Raphtalia's eyes dulled a bit, was she against the idea or did she just not care? Naruto will need to watch her.

Naruto took the lead and approached the door of the warehouse, and was immediately put on edge. "This feeling, it feels like..."

"Pure malice, whatever's in there; it will be hard press to call it a person." This felt like non-seneschal malice and madness to Kurama. As if it was pure instinct with no intelligence; how's one supposed to reason with that?

Naruto remained on high alert and pushed the doors open; they made a loud creak sound that echoed through the interior of the building. The sun shined behind them, bringing some light at the entrance. The warehouse was pretty much empty. Smashed windows, a few ruined boxes; and spider webs everywhere. "Hang on, those spider webs look big, bigger than they should be." Thicker too, this can't be right. Even if this place was abandoned for years, spider webs don't get big enough to capture a human.

Naruto took a closer look; the same webs covered the walls and the ceiling. Naruto could see a few birds caught in the webbing, they looked like husks. Did the stray Devil do this?

"Hinata."

She understood, and used her Byakugan to look around the room, she saw it; it was above them. "Move!" Hinata alerted the team, and they all jumped out the way. Something landed where they once stood; it hit the ground with force, kicking up rubble.

They all got ready for a fight, and finally got a good look at a stray Devil. Naruto was shocked. "That's a stray Devil?!" It looked nothing like the Devils he saw back at Konoha or in the Underworld.

It was a woman, well, the top half was; sort of. She had long black hair, but had eight red eyes, her mouth hand two large fangs sticking out; they dripped with venom that melted the ground. Her body was naked for all to see. Her lower half was that of a giant spider, it looked just like a black widow spider. Naruto could feel its emotions, it was of pure intent to kill and harm; absolute madness and desire to murder. "There's no reasoning with someone like this." Kurama could feel it, whoever this person was, is dead. Her mind has been completely shattered. There's no one left to save here, just a creature of mindless hatred.

The Shinobi were all shocked by this, seeing a Devil like this; feeling its intent to kill. But Raphtalia felt something different.

She was shaking; her hand tightly gripped her blade; pure anger swelled in her mind. When Raphtalia saw the stray, she didn't care that its appearance was that of a monster. Because to her; it's no different than the Devils who attacker her home, they were all monsters in her eyes.

Naruto felt her emotions swell; Raphtalia was radiating pure anger and hatred. He knew she won't be able to keep herself in check. But before he could do anything about it, Raphtalia charged at the stray.

She drew her blade, and it lit up with her energy, there was no reasoning behind her eyes, just the desire to kill. With a mighty scream, she leapt into the air; the stray didn't expect such a brazing attack from her. Raphtalia swung her blade at the human part of the stray, but the Devil managed to avoid it, and only lost its human arm. The Devil screamed in pain as blood gushed out of its severed limb.

But the stray struck back and kicked Raphtalia away with its spider leg. Raphtalia didn't give any thought into her attack and was unprepared for it. She was knocked away and got caught in one of the Spider's many webs.

She tried to break free, but her struggle only got her caught up in more webbing. Her angry subsided, and she realised what she just did; the mistake she just made. "What I'm I doing?" Raphtalia wasn't even aware of her own actions; it's as if she just woke up.

The Spider approached her rapidly, intending to savour the taste of Youkai; the Spider's fangs reached Raphtalia. But then she disappeared from sight. Something impacted the wall behind the web, going through all the other webs like they were nothing.

Naruto was standing on the wall, while Raphtalia was in his arms; he just saved her life.

Raphtalia opened her eyes to find herself in Naruto's arms; she didn't even know they moved. Naruto didn't look at her; he kept his focus on the Spider in front of them.

The Spider didn't realise what just happened, one moment she was about to feed, the next, her prey just vanished from sight. Before the stray could act, a kunai reached her face, a paper bomb was attached to this blade. It detonated and scorched the eyes of the Spider; it was blinded. The stray threw its weight around as it writhed in pain, trying to hit those that entered its lair.

Konohamaru succeeded in blinding the Devil, now Hinata will finish this. Hinata jumped towards the Spider, avoided its wild strikes while in mid-air. She landed and stuck herself to the Spider's body with Chakra. Now that she was close to its human part, she can now knock it out. Her fingers pierced deep into the stray's chest. Hinata's Chakra penetrated its skin and struck its heart and lungs. The damage wasn't fatal, that wasn't Hinata's aim. But the trauma from her attack will cause its organs to falter.

The Spider ceased all its movement, its mouth gaped open as it drooled. Its eyes rolled into the back of its head. Hinata jumped off of it and landed safely next to Konohamaru. As the stray Devil collapsed to the floor, its massive body impacted the ground, shaking the building and shattering a few leftover boxes and windows.

Hinata carefully approached the Devil, with her Byakugan active; she could see its heart was beating at a slower pace. The stray is unconscious; it won't be waking up anytime soon.

Naruto landed next to them with Raphtalia still in his arms. He carefully let her down and looked at her with mixed expressions. The atmosphere became tense, Hinata and Konohamaru stayed quiet, while Raphtalia looked like she wanted to bury herself; to try and escape Naruto's gaze.

"Naruto...I'm...I don't know what happened." Raphtalia panted between her words; she was on the verge of a panic attack. "I..." But then Naruto stopped her talking, by hugging her.

Raphtalia was stunned; the combination of her actions and Naruto's actions rooted her in place. "Naruto?"

"Please don't do that again." There was no anger in Naruto's voice; there was only concern and relief.

Raphtalia was about to say something, but Naruto didn't give her a chance, he pulled himself back and looked her in the eyes. "I promised to keep you safe, I promised Yasaka, I promised the people of your village; your family. If I let you get hurt, that's on me."

Raphtalia shook her head. "No...It's my fault; I'm the one who charged off and..."

"It doesn't matter." Naruto interrupted her. "Your my friend, comrade and I am team leader, if anything happens to you, then I am responsible." He must look out for them.

Raphtalia looked away, she didn't have the will to look at Naruto, but he turned her head to face him again. "I know what you're going through right now, the thought of just killing the object of your vendetta." When Naruto came face to face with Nagato, he lost himself to rage and went for the kill too; the memory of Jiraiya was the only thing that stopped him. "But you can't act like that on a mission, and not in front of every Devil you see."

Naruto continued. "What would have happened if we weren't here? What if there was two of them instead of one? If you charge off like that, you're putting yourself and everyone here at risk." Naruto spoke calmly, getting angry at her for this won't solve anything; Raphtalia needs a gentle approach.

Raphtalia's eyes started to water. "I just...I couldn't stop myself, seeing that Devil; it reminded me of everything I was put through." She kept her head down; Raphtalia promised she wouldn't cry anymore.

Naruto then asked her a simple question. "Would you draw your blade against a kid?"

Raphtalia snapped at. "No! I would never do such a thing!" Why would Naruto ask her that?

"And if that kid was a Devil?"

Raphtalia's voice left her, what Naruto asked her was so simple to answer, yet it hit so close to home. If it was a child Devil, rather than the stray Devil they saw today, would she have done the same thing?

Her shoulders slumped, and her legs lost their strength, but Naruto helped her stay on her feet. "What Rizevim and his faction did to you was wrong, and they will answer for it; I will see to it personally if I have to. But the entire Devil Race isn't responsible for what happened to you, you can't lash out at them like that every time you see them."

"You suffered greatly by their hands, but you can rise above it. You're better than them Raphtalia. So please; promise me you won't lose yourself to your hatred again like that." Don't go down the path of an avenger.

Raphtalia looked around the room, seeing the sympathetic faces of her friends; the last people she has in her life. "I'm such an idiot." She promised her fallen friends and family she would live better for them, yet she loses herself like this, to some random stray Devil. "I promise to do better next time." She looked back at Naruto, showing new strength. Not just for her friends, but those buried back home.

Naruto smiled and hugged her again. "That's all I ask for."

Raphtalia hugged back, being in Naruto's arms always felt so comfortable. It was weird, but; she enjoyed it more than she thinks she should. When she hugs someone else, like Hinata, it doesn't feel the same.

They departed, and Raphtalia joined up with Hinata, who also gave her some comforting words. While Naruto and his student looked over the unconscious stray Devil. "Man, I wouldn't want to end up like that, how does an Evil Piece do this to someone?"

Naruto had a different question. "Or why do the Devils use them? If this is what can happen." It reminded him of Orochimaru's Curse Mark, the changes it does to the body and mind of the user. But you can suppress them with things like sealing Jutsus. Why don't the Devils do something similar, have a safety feature in place on the Evil Pieces themselves to prevent things like this from happening?

"They tie it to the 'King' of a peerage. If you leave the 'King', this happens. Maybe it's used as an incentive; to squash any ideas for Devils to run." It would work, knowing this is your fate, most would stay.

"I truly hope you're wrong Kurama; that it's about incentive." That is all kinds of wrong.

"Freaky isn't it, nya." A new voice, but one Naruto recognised.

"Kuroka?" Naruto and his team turned around to the door, and they saw the cat that's been missing since yesterday.

Kuroka strolled over to Naruto, and the stray laying at his feet. "Do you understand now, you can't help those that are already dead." Maybe Naruto will finally understand that there is no hope for reincarnated Devils.

Naruto looked at the stray; he couldn't see her as a monster. He saw her differently; a victim. "I wonder who she was."

Kuroka raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Naruto pointed at the stray. "Her, what was her name, her family, hobbies, dream; and why did she go stray?" Who was she before all this?

Kuroka looked at the Spider; it wasn't something she wanted to look at; she had some personal issues with this. "It hardly matters now." This Devil's mind is as good as gone, whoever she was is dead; there's no point thinking about it.

Naruto stood up and turned to Kuroka with a heated look. "How could you possibly say that? Do you think any rational person would ask to end up like this?"

"I'm not saying something others haven't already said, why defend it anyway; it did try to kill your friend, nya." Sure, Raphtalia screwed up, but it doesn't change facts.

Naruto got in Kuroka's personal space, he looks pissed. "Enough Kuroka; she didn't deserve this, no one does, so show some respect already." Naruto stared the cat down; this was not a confrontation he could lose.

Kuroka huffed, and turned to leave the warehouse; she's lost her interest here. "Or maybe you should just wake up." Kuroka hoped Naruto would face reality, but instead, it seems he's even more determined than before.

Naruto wasn't going to let her leave just yet and called out to her. "Ya'know, you've been acting differently ever since that Rating Game. The happy go lucky, teasing, and inappropriate cat has been replaced by this cynical, depressing and cold-hearted one." That game, seeing that Koneko girl get hurt; made Kuroka do a one-eighty.

"So why don't I ask you something. Because ever since that game, you've been acting differently, talking about reincarnated Devils and strays. So let me ask you this. Is your sister, Shirone, a reincarnated Devil!?" In the heat of the moment, it's the only thing that came to Naruto's mind; the reason why Kuroka has been acting differently.

Kuroka's tails tensed up, Naruto could see her hands twitch; and then he felt her emotions. Kuroka was both shocked and livid. Naruto was right.

Kuroka didn't look back, but she spoke with clear hostility. "Shut up, don't you dare...stay out of my business you hear!" Kuroka walked away. Naruto won't go after her; the only outcome would be a fight. But he learned something valuable.

Kuroka's sister is a reincarnated Devil.

.

---

Naruto and his team returned to Urakyoto, with a scroll that Naruto sealed the stray Devil into. Now they have both an Evil Piece, and a live Devil. This Devil's shattered mind won't yield any information. But Hinata pointed out that Tsunade can compare the stray to the pure-blooded Devils, and see how the Evil Piece does what it does. As well as how it turned a stray Devil into a giant spider.

They met up with Yasaka, Kunou and Gaara outside the palace. "Jobs done." Naruto then showed the scroll. "We're taking the stray Devil back to Konoha to see if we can develop countermeasures against the Evil Pieces." Naruto handed the scroll over to an ANBU guard, who then left for the Embassy; the stones.

Yasaka nodded, she had no issues with this. She was just happy that they stopped the stray before it murdered anyone. "Then I wish your people good luck on that front." If they did succeed in developing a counter to it, she would be glad for her people being safe from the peerage system. Still, the Devils certainly won't like it.

Gaara then informed Naruto of a development. "Naruto, you and your team are to return to Konoha for a couple of days."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Already, but we have so much to do."

"This part of the mission is my job; I need you on an escort mission." The alliance may be formed, but they still need to sort out all that legal stuff, that's what Gaara and his team is for. Once that's settled, they can then get Naruto back on task with the other factions.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head, he did agree with Gaara's reasoning. "Ok, who are we escorting?"

Yasaka answered for him. "I have requested that Sun Wukong be escorted to your world, to meet and understand your people and home; just like you've been doing here." It's only fair. "He would also like to meet these Toad Sages you mentioned." That was Sun's real aim.

This was something Naruto liked; Lord Fukasaku might know something about Touki. "Ok, I can do that, and Sun could teach me, and the Toads Touki would be pretty cool if we could all learn it." Naruto could also make a start on Konohamaru's Sage Training; two days won't be enough, but he can make a decent start.

Naruto then created a Shadow Clone. "I'm leaving this clone here, if something goes down, he'll use the stones." Naruto will at least be kept up to speed over here. "Yasaka, before I go, there is something I need to ask of you."

"How can I help?"

"Keep an eye on Kuroka, call it a hunch but I'm getting worried about her." She's on edge and is acting weirdly. Naruto could only guess where this could lead to.

"Yes...Kuroka has been acting distant, I even invited her to the meeting, but she never showed." Kuroka missed out on a lot of important stuff. When she calms down, Yasaka will fill her in on the new developments. "I'll make sure she doesn't do anything foolish."

"Thanks, I won't have to worry so much ya'know." Naruto turned to leave for the Embassy, but someone grabbed onto his leg.

Naruto looked down and saw Kunou, with watery eyes. "You're leaving?" She held onto his leg tightly, she had no intention of letting go.

Naruto didn't want to make her upset, but he's got a mission to do. "I'll only be gone a couple of days at most, we'll be back before you know it." Naruto rubbed her fox ears, it helped loosen her grip.

Kunou still tried to sway Naruto. "But...you could stay here while Hinata does the mission, or maybe I could come with you?" Adorable; that's the word Naruto would describe Kunou's actions right now.

Naruto was able to gently push her off and got down on one knee, he got down to her eye level. "Maybe one-day Kunou, but right now we each have a job to do. I've got one back home, but you're needed here." Naruto then looked at Yasaka, and Kunou followed. "Your mom will have a lot of work to do; she may need your help."

Yasaka walked forward and picked up Yasaka. "He's right; I just can't perform at my best without you here Kunou." Yasaka hugged her daughter tight and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Kunou finally gave in. "Ok mom, but you will come back soon right, Naruto?"

Naruto rubbed her ear again. "Faster than you can say all the Kage's titles five times as fast." Kunou giggled at Naruto's joke.

Naruto and his team walked away and headed towards the Embassy; where Sun was waiting for them.

"You've really taken a liking to Naruto, Kunou." Yasaka smiled at her daughter; who answered Yasaka with a big grin.

"Naruto has had that effect on many people," Gaara answered the unasked question. "Creating bonds with others, and protecting them; the bonds he forgers are the most important things to him. That is why he is worried about Kuroka. He values the bond he has with her, and will do anything he can to help her; even if she refuses it. Naruto will continue to hold his hand out for you."

"That sounds like him, but how do you know for certain?" There is some deeper meaning within Gaara's words.

Gaara turned to walk away but said one last thing. "Because it's exactly what he did for me."

Yasaka knew their bond was something special, now she knows why. "Naruto Uzumaki, what a fascinating person you continue to be." Yasaka also hopes he'll come back soon.

Yasaka didn't notice, but Kuroka was observing them from atop the palace. She had a glint in her eyes. "So Naruto and Sun won't be here for a few days." Just Naruto's clone is in the way.

Kuroka smirked.

.

---

"So how does this work again?" Sun saw the Shinobi appear from the stones, but he still wants to hear it again.

Naruto sighed. "Look, we still don't fully understand the stones, but some kind of single is connecting them, seal yourself in the stone, ride that signal to the other stone, and you're in a new world." That's the most dumb-down answer Naruto could give.

"That's it, huh. Well, you've used it a few times to make sure it's safe." Sun doesn't have to worry part losing some body parts.

"Glad to be the guinea pig." Wait, Kakashi did test out the stones before Naruto used them right...right?

They all gathered around the stones, Naruto weaved the signs, and they disappeared from sight; off to the Shinobi world.

.

---

They arrived back in the Shinobi world. After being cleared and let out of the barrier. They all made their way through the underground complex, heading towards the exit. Sun took extra note of his surroundings, seeing all the different kinds of seals and locks that littered the base. He bragged about being the first Youkai stepping foot in a new world; until Naruto reminded him that Raphtalia has that honour. He pouted a bit, but then changed it to being the first God/Buddha. Naruto let him have that one and didn't bring up Kaguya or Hagoromo already having that honour too.

They soon reached the exit to the surface, a staircase leading out; the sun shined bright in the sky. Sun Wukong joked about it being a stairway to Heaven.

They climb the stairs, and Naruto got to see his home again once more. "Welcome to the Shinobi world, the Land of Fire, and Konoha." They found themselves above ground level, within the city of Konoha. Around them were many towers and guards, keeping civilians away from this state secret.

Sun quickly snapped from place to place, taking everything in. "You weren't kidding, this does look like a Youkai village." Naruto kept comparing their housing designs, Sun now sees why.

"Ya'know, from my point of view, your Youkai villages look like ours." They're the copy cats.

Sun waved him off and dismissed his opinion; Naruto just dropped the subject. "Come on; let's go tell Kakashi we're back."

The group headed off, walking down the streets of Konoha to the Hokage Mansion. The citizens of Konoha saw them and greeted them; it was the usual, 'Glad your back' or 'Where have you been?'. But Sun just got strange looks from the people of Konoha.

"Who's the monkey?"

"No idea, maybe he's like the toads."

"No wait, I've got it, he's a summon; just like the Monkey King Enma."

Naruto snickered at that last one. But Sun's eyebrow twitched. "Summon? I'm a Buddha; I swear I get no respect." Sun learned from Naruto about his relationship with the toads, and what a summon is; it's like a familiar.

Naruto patted him on the back. "Think of it this way, it's the perfect cover story, so when people ask; you're Konohamaru's summoned animal." Naruto was enjoying every moment of this and was doing a terrible job of hiding it.

"Why am I his summoner?"

"Yeah, why is he my summoner?"

Sun and Konohamaru then looked at each other rather dumbly. Did they just agree to Naruto's plan?

Naruto could no longer hold it and laughed hysterically; while holding his ribs together. Hinata just sighed, not at all embarrassed by his actions. Raphtalia was shocked that Naruto could make fun of a Buddha without a care in the world. Sun was itching for that rematch, as his fingers tapped against his staff. Konohamaru just stayed off to the side, he's seen Sun fight and knows he's not ready for someone like him.

Naruto wiped away a tear. "Ok, ok, but in all seriousness, the Nation's citizens don't know about all this yet. So please put up with it for just a while. I promise, what happens in Konoha, stays in Konoha." Sun's world doesn't have to know about this.

"Buy me lunch, and then we have a deal." Sun intends to drain Naruto's wallet dry for this.

"Sure, sure, I'll treat you to the best ramen you'll ever have, but after we talk to Kakashi Sensei." Naruto didn't give it any thought; maybe he should of.

They then came upon the main street, not long until they reach their destination.

Raphtalia looked around some more, she didn't get the tour of the village before because of the mission. But now she is sort of. It did remind her of Urakyoto, the people here were all human instead of Youkai, and they carried themselves with such brightness. The humans here radiated happiness she hasn't seen since she was taken from her home. It was comforting to be around. "So this is Konoha." Naruto always talked about his home, how he loved it. Is this the reason why? Or is this just one of the reasons?

"How are you feeling Raphtalia?" Hinata slowed down to match her pace.

"I'm fine, it feels nice here, it's like I never left Urakyoto." Hinata smiled, she too felt the same way back at Urakyoto; it was if she never left Konoha.

"You're welcome to live here with us should you want to, there is plenty of room at my manor, and I'm sure I can convince my father about letting you stay." Raphtalia doesn't actually have any place to stay; she can't just stay at any hotel when people don't know about Youkai. The summoned animal story will only work for so long.

"Thank you Hinata, I would rather be under the roof of someone I know. I hope I'm not becoming a nuisance." Or a freeloader.

"I would never think of you like that, we're friends Raphtalia, and we stick together."

Raphtalia smiled at Hinata, they quickly became such good friends. Then again, they were quite similar, both of them tried to act polite at all times, and were very humble to others.

"Hello, what's that!?" Sun noticed something.

Raphtalia looked to where he was pointing and saw six massive stone faces carved into the mountain. She turned to Hinata. "What is that?"

"That is Hokage Mountain; those that become Hokage have their faces carved into the mountainside." It serves as a symbol for the village.

Raphtalia looked over them, she recognised two of them. "Kakashi...and Tsunade! She was Hokage too!?" She met her and is now only just learning this. Raphtalia didn't know the other faces. But she remembered what Naruto told her.

"Naruto's father is the fourth Hokage right, so he's that one before Tsunade." She looked at the fourth stone head; Raphtalia admitted that Naruto looks similar to him.

"Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash of the leaf."

"Naruto never knew his father growing up. So he never knew his father was looking over him the entire time?" That was so sad, wanting to know who your dad was, and never knowing he was staring you in the face for years.

Hinata agreed that it was sad, but there was a reason for it. "Back then, Minato was hated by the other hidden villages, especially Iwagakure. If Naruto and anyone else learned of his heritage, they would've targeted him." They also tried to keep Kurama hidden from Naruto, that didn't last long.

Raphtalia looked back at the mountain. "Naruto's dream is to be Hokage, to be right up there with them." While Raphtalia doesn't know what her dream is, she wants to live a better life for her family and make Rizevim pay. But what comes after all that?

Back at the front of the group, Naruto also finished explaining Hokage Mountain to Sun. "So when will you join them?"

"Not for a while, I'm still not ready for it yet." Kakashi is still grooming him for the position. "But ya'know, you remind me of one of them."

Sun took a puff from his pipe. "Oh, which one? It's the cool one right." Sun grinned.

"I thought he was pretty cool and wise. It's the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi." Sun then glanced at Konohamaru; realising the connection.

"He was a strong, fair and wise man; and he used a staff just like yours; even had the Monkey King Enma as his summon, which was the staff." It's crazy how similar Sun and Hiruzen were.

Sun had a newfound respect and even kinship for the late Third Hokage and wished he could have met him. He then looked back at Naruto's student and saw him looking at the third's stone face with strong admiration. "Monkey summon, huh." Sun will remember that.

.

---

Kakashi was busy finalising the list of Shinobi to be sent other to Urakyoto in the future. An ANBU messenger came and informed him of the alliance being formed; Kakashi had faith in Gaara and Naruto pulling it off. The ANBU Shinobi also handed over a scroll containing a stray Devil. Naruto came through with his mission, not only did he get an Evil Piece, but a Devil under the effects of the Piece. This can give them the breakthrough they need to counter the peerage system.

Boy, were they surprised when a giant, unconscious, half Spider and half Devil came out of that scroll. They got it restrained and under several seals; it isn't going anywhere.

"Why was the Devil like that?" It was utterly different from the comatose Devils they have; Kakashi will need to ask Naruto about it.

Speak of the Devil, Naruto and his team; along with a monkey came walking into his office. "Naruto, I'm surprised to see you back here." Kakashi was never informed of Naruto and his team returning, with a visitor no less.

"Got a mission from Gaara; who got a request from Yasaka, to escort Sun Wukong to Konoha and learn about us." Naruto stood to the side to give Kakashi a good look at Sun.

"A monkey Youkai, Naruto did say in his report that there is a Youkai for every animal." Kakashi thought Naruto was just exaggerating about that; maybe there was some truth to it."It's a pleasure to meet you Sun Wukong; I hope you've enjoyed your walk through our fair village."

Sun already saw his face before, the last face on Hokage Mountain. But he didn't expect to see such strange eyes. "Red eyes with a pinwheel shape, and here I thought Hinata had the wackiest eyes." Sun could not put his finger on it, but those eyes were bothering him for some reason. "This place is pretty big for a village; got to say though, it feels just like home."

"Right, same housing."

"Yep, so who copied who?" Sun chuckled, while Kakashi just took it in stride. Seems Sun is not a man who tries to act all proper or professional; not like how Naruto described Yasaka.

"I thank you for helping Naruto, consider yourself always welcome here."

"Good to know; now this is the part where I say 'I would very much love to learn as much as I can about your people'; but since Yasaka isn't here, I'm going to take a different approached." Yasaka wants him to do that; which he will, in time. "First, Naruto is going to buy me lunch, and then we're going to Mount...what was it again?"

Naruto sighed. "Mount Myoboku"

Sun gave Naruto a thumbs up. "So I can see these Toad Sages." Suns got his priorities.

Kakashi tilted his head, what's this about the Toad Sages; and lunch? "Sure...ok, Naruto...go and do all that for him." Kakashi stood up from his desk; he still needed to talk to Naruto. "Hinata, take Sun and your team to Ichiraku; Naruto stay here for a sec, I need to speak with you." Kakashi already knew that if Naruto was buying lunch; it was going to be Ichiraku.

Naruto nodded to Hinata, he'll meet up with them after this talk. They all left the room, while everyone one else left the building, Naruto and Kakashi walked over to the location where they are holding the stray Devil.

It only took them a couple of minutes to get there. Naruto could see the stray Devil sealed within a large black metal capsule, with many chains wrapped around it. Different types of tubes were inserted into the Devil, getting blood samples, data on the Evil Piece and more. "Good job on getting us an Evil Piece, but I got to ask; why does the Devil look like this?" Seriously, what the hell.

Naruto looked out of sorts, his eyes lost a little bit of life; Kakashi could tell that something was really getting to him. "The Evil Piece did this to her."

Kakashi looked at the Devil with narrowed eyes. "What happened?" How does the Evil Piece to do this to its host?

"The 'King' of a peerage has some kind of connection or link to his or her Evil Pieces. If a Devil strays from its, 'master'; the power is no longer kept in check...then this happens." A cruel fate.

Kakashi got to analysing. "The 'King' of a peerage is responsible for regulating the Evil Piece's power then, but the link is not absolute. The Devil can run and break that link, but doing that also removes the breaks on the Evil Piece's power." It has similarities to Orochimaru's Curse Mark; if left unchecked, by the user; or not taking those pills; then the body and mind of the user starts to degrade.

Naruto rubbed he's eyes; he wasn't tired, just stressed. "I saw a Devil Rating game yesterday." Naruto saw how Devils fight, act and more.

"Your assessment?" What did Naruto get from it?

A mixed bag. "The details are in the next report, as for the Kings, it varied. Rias seemed like a good person at heart; she threw the match to save one of her members. But she clearly targets her members; half of them were Sacred Gear users." That can't be a coincidence.

"The other guy, Riser; he's a prick. Arrogant, snobby, and elitist; I would gladly kick his ass if I got the chance." Please, please give Naruto that chance.

"Just when I learn that there may be Devils we can work with to try and prevent a conflict happening between us; on account of the Old Satan Faction attack. I then learn that this happens to strays." Naruto looked over the captured Devil. Even if it was against an enemy, Naruto wouldn't wish this fate on anyone.

"Maybe you should meet this Rias if you think there is good in her; she could be our way in with the New Satan Faction." Riser certainly isn't an option.

Naruto didn't know what to do. "I don't even know where to find her. If she's in the Underworld, then that's no good. Besides, if I do meet her, and she learns about what me and my team can do, she might try to get us in her peerage." It would never happen; they're not joining any peerage. But the idea of someone 'offering' Naruto a place in a peerage; would rub him the wrong way.

But the idea of meeting her had merit. She is the younger sister of the head Satan, although Naruto doesn't want to owe her any favours. Considering how that whole Devil contract thing works; they did use to take people's lives as compensation, so what the hell do they take now.

Kakashi saw Naruto was not happy about this turn of events. "Then I'll leave it to your discretion. Go get something to eat, we'll find out everything can about the Evil Pieces."

Naruto nodded and left the room; he needed some air. Kakashi ordered this examination to be top priority. They need to develop a counter to this and quick before Devils start looking at Shinobi as future recruits.

.

---

Naruto was on his way to Ichiraku Ramen, where his team and guest are enjoying his favourite meal. But Naruto wasn't that hyped up about it; any other time he would be dashing off to Ichiraku. Now; Naruto is just lazily walking there.

"Devils got you down?"

"Just got a lot to think about..."

"...Want to talk about it?"

"Ha...that's not like you...but...thanks."

Kurama isn't someone you would call 'concerned for other's wellbeing'. But he had a soft stop for Naruto that he didn't show that much. There are times he would drop his attitude to help Naruto with his problems when they start to get to him.

"It's that stray, I may not know the reasons on why she ran, but to end up like that, and others just seeing them as a problem. When in reality, they're victims too." Naruto doubts reincarnated Devils wanted to turn into creatures that lost their mind.

"The Devils would see them as traitors that need hunting down. The other factions have probably been on the receiving end of their attacks, that now they find it difficult to not see strays as problems."

"The Devils dragged them into their world, knowing full well that this can happen to them if they run. Do they tell those who don't know about the 'Supernatural World' this risk?"

"I would say no, and with everyone else; they already know."

"...What are they supposed to do...They can't quit the peerage if they truly want to, and if they run; they'll wish they died." Naruto clenched his fist until they started to get red. "They're trapped, and if Kuroka is right and there are Devils that want out; there's nothing they can do." No one to turn to, a ticking time bomb in their chest; the rest of the world out to kill them should they show up on the doorstep.

"This may be wishful thinking; but if we do develop a way to reverse the effects, then we can save those that want to escape."

"That sounds nice, but how would we reach them. Go door to door and hope the Devil Faction doesn't kick us out the Underworld."

Kurama then took a page out of Naruto's book. "Don't give up on them Naruto, don't quit no matter what the odds tell you."

Naruto stopped in his tracks; those last words are a part of his Ninja Way. 'I'm not gonna run away, and I never go back on my word'. Zabuza and Haku are the ones who helped Naruto find his Ninja Way, the personal rule he lives by.

Naruto looked up to see Ichiraku in the distance; he could make out his friends already enjoying their meal. Seeing them happy and safe always filled him with a sense of joy and pride. But this is also something he wants others to feel. "The guts to never give up." That is something Jiraiya taught Naruto, something he now embodies and pass's on to others.

"I won't give up Kurama, no matter what gets thrown at me. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but when has that ever stopped me."

Naruto has resolved himself, he will change the peerage system; and help those trapped by it.

.

---

"Man this is delicious, I think I'll order four more bowls." Sun finished drinking the last ramen bowl he ordered; that was his fifth one. Konohamaru was on his second; while Hinata and Raphtalia were taking their time with their first bowl.

The moment they got to Ichiraku Ramen, Sun jumped up onto the first stool he saw and immediately got to ordering; despite the fact he doesn't have any money.

Ramen Guy looked like he just got slapped in the face, seeing a monkey at his stall, ordering food without paying. Hinata came to Sun's defence and informed him that this was on Naruto; who will be here soon. Hearing Naruto's name made it easier; what with have crazy things get when he's around.

"I haven't see Naruto for a while, guess you guys have been on a long mission."

Hinata couldn't tell him the specifics but can level with him. "Yes, but it's still ongoing. We're just having a couple of days in Konoha before going back."

Ramen Guy then looked at his monkey customer, whose slurping down his sixth bowl. "I take it that's where the monkey came from?"

Hinata went with Naruto's idea. "Yes, and now he's Konohamaru's summoned animal."

"Ah, that makes sense, so he's like Naruto's toad summons."

Hinata nodded but sweatdropped when she saw Sun muttering to himself and Konohamaru's awkward laugh.

"Yep, he's just like the toads." Naruto has arrived. He pulled up a seat right next to Hinata, but then he saw Sun's pile of bowls. "I see you're enjoying yourself." Naruto looked at Sun with narrowed eyes full of suspicion, is Sun getting back at Naruto for the whole summoned animal thing?

Sun looked back, with a shit-eating grin. "As a visitor to this village, I feel it's my duty to make sure I experience everything it has to offer. To start off, I'll order everything off the menu; every type of Ramen we have here." Sun's grand plan for revenge is in full swing. "And you were kind enough to say it's on you. Thank you very much, Naruto; you're a true friend." Sun's grin kept growing, his cheeky tone was unmistakable; Naruto's wallet is going to feel a lot lighter by day's end.

"That...Bastard..." Naruto will remember this. One day, the battle of the pranksters will happen; Sun Wukong vs Naruto Uzumaki, who will win.

.

---

Lord Fukasaku was enjoying his nap. On top of the many giant plants that grew in the land of toads. Nature energy was concentrated here, making it a powerful and peaceful place. It's nearly dinner time; he couldn't wait to eat his wife's cooking.

He had to cross the training field to get home, the same field where the toad oil is produced. But just as he entered the area, several figures appeared before him. One he knew very well.

"Naruto boy?" Well, this was sudden. "I didn't expect to see you today, and I see you brought friends." Fukasaku recognised Hinata and Konohamaru, but the other two, not so much. "Summoned animals? Wait, they don't have Chakra, but the monkey has Senjutsu..." Fukasaku was grasping at straws. "Seeing as how these two don't have Chakra, I take it something interesting has happened Naruto boy?"

"Geezer Sage, I'd like you to meet Sun Wukong and Raphtalia; people from another world."

"..."

Fukasaku titled his head. "Huh?"

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Chapter 7: The Alliance: Complete.

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It won't be long till Naruto and Rias meet, will they get along or will there be fall out. Also, Naruto and his team will not be attending Kuoh Academy. He will find himself going there from time to time because a lot of key things do go down there. But he's not becoming a student; he's already got a place of work.

Gaara and Shukaku are best buds now.

And what do you think Kuroka is planning to do?

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Questions:

Touki is not like the 8 Inner Gates. They both serve a similar purpose; both giving the user a massive increase to their physical abilities; strength, speed etc. But 8 Inner Gates only works with a Chakra Network, so Devils, Angles etc can't use it. Touki is about weaponizing your base of life as a form of power.

8 Inner Gates is way more powerful, but comes with many life threatening complications. It's all about removing limiters on your body and Chakra Network, but those limiters protect you from your own power. Touki is less powerful, but doesn't come with any downsides. Well the only downside I could see would be something that attacks life force considering that's what Touki is, but it's never been shown.

Naruto could yank the Evil Piece out of someone like he did with the mind control ball in Naruto The Last. But removing the Evil Piece would kill the Devil, so he can't just pull it out, something else needs doing.

I'm aware of Jugo and his Clan of crazy Senjutsu Users, but unlike with everyone else, they keep drawing Senjutsu into them like a sponged in water. When everyone else have to actively draw it in; Koneko stopped using Senjutsu for a time, Naruto has to sit still etc. Also they didn't have to train to use it, which could be another reason why they went insane. Unlike Naruto who trained to use it; and he still had hatred in his heart when he did this. (Hasn't gone to the waterfall of truth yet.)

Also addressing the concern about making the New Devil Faction look better. It's a bit complicated, but I do think some Devils are good guys; at least to a point. Rias isn't evil, she is caring and loving to her friends, but she is manipulative, overly proud and entitled; not Riser's levels but still. Sona is a good Devil because of how she reincarnates people. They were all offered or ask for it; most were normal humans, so power wasn't the driving factor for her; and she sticks up for the lower class. (The rating game school idea.)But there are also some really messed up Devils in the New Satan Faction; Diodora anyone. So I'm not saying the New Satan Faction is full of good guys because it's not. Otherwise, why do certain Devils still get discriminated against so badly; low class Devils. Sairaorg and his peerage, the Extra Demon Clans etc. The 4 Maous are trying to make the Devil better. But the true leader of the Devils are the Bael Clan and its head; as well as the High Class Devils in bed with the Bael Clan; the corruption at the top. There is a power struggle going on within the New Satan Faction.

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Next: Chapter 8: The Toad Sages and looming trouble.

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