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."

10. Chapter 10

A Sage's Mission

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Holy hell we've hit over 1000 followers and 800 favourites, I never expected my first try at fan fiction to get this far. Thank you all for your support, and I hope I can continue to keep this story interesting for all of you.

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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 10: Holy Swords and Devils Part 2.

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"Today's going to be a long one, and considering my luck, a bad one too." Naruto was sitting on the edge of the roof of the church. He's been up here for a while, gazing over the town of Kuoh. It's still weird to think that this town has no idea about the Devils and Fallen Angels that live here.

Like a bad habit, Naruto likes to find high places to think. No Hokage mountain this time, so this church will have to do. He knows what the goal of today's meeting is, tell Rias the situation and ask her to stay out of the conflict. Naruto agreed with that plan. Rias and her Peerage would get slaughter by Kokabiel if they met. Naruto can't be babysitting them with what's on the line.

When he thought about it like that, it sounded easy, too easy. Devils are beings of pride or something along those lines. So would Rias really listen to them when this is her territory?

"Her territory...yeah right." Naruto shook his head disapprovingly.

It irked Naruto. This town is a human town, not a Devil town. So why do they think they have a right to call it their turf. They didn't build this town from the ground up, the humans of this world did. What gives them the right to walk in can call it theirs.

Try that in the Shinobi world, see what happens.

In the past, Naruto would've guessed that they're here to protect them from the 'Supernatural World'. The Naruto now calls that BS.

This town is small and mostly unimportant; Devils being here makes it a target. So why does she live here?

Kurama had a good idea. "To find recruits with that repulsive Peerage system. The pure blooded Devils have Peerages of their own, rather than joining one."

"Sounds about right." However, that twin-tailed blond girl might be an exception.

"What do you think our odds are for coming out of this meeting with a win?"

"Since it's you I'd say thirty...no, a fifteen per cent chance of that."

Naruto felt like an anvil got dropped on his head. "Only fifteen, you wound me Kurama. Why so low?"

"You're a danger magnet Naruto. Trouble loves you. That Toad pegged you right."

"And just like I told Geezer Sage, I don't start these things." Naruto only finishes them.

"Then count yourself lucky that Xenovia is leading the talk. With her thoughts about Devils, she'll start it for you." Kurama had a dark chuckle.

"Always finding humour in other's misfortunes huh, you stupid fox."

"To me, it's just like when you watching TV you dumb brat."

"..."

"Naruto? Why have you suddenly gone quiet?"

"Why do we always do this?"

"...Do what?"

"Ya'know, talk about something important, about how and where it could lead to. Then we end up insulting each other."

"Isn't that what we always do and have done?"

"Yeah...yes we have..."

"...Do you want to stop...?"

"Nah, it would feel weird if we did. This dynamic we have, it just feels right ya'know." Naruto grew a smile.

So did Kurama. "Dumb brat."

Naruto chuckled. "Stupid Fox."

Kurama went back to his napping, leaving Naruto to his thoughts. Naruto knew the primary goal of the meeting. But he had his own interests too. First was Shirone. How is she, is she happy with Rias, and why has she cut herself off from Nature? Kurama was very specific on that part. It isn't that Shirone wasn't using it at the time, but that she stopped using it entirely for years.

Naruto and Kurama didn't feel any physical or energy issues within her when they tailed her. Which means it could be a mental thing. Naruto did remember something about an old friend of Sasuke who had problems with Nature energy. What was his name again? Jiren, Juno...he couldn't remember.

Don't think Naruto has exchanged a single line of dialogue with the man.

The two other things Naruto wants to figure out are Rias and Issei.

With Rias, it's how she acts and lives. How she views the members of her Peerage and how they ended up with her. What were her reasons for turning them into Devils and getting them in her Peerage?

With Issei, it's his Sacred Gear, more specifically the dragon sealed inside it. Is this Gear, and in turn Issei just like a Jinchuriki? Sacred Gear users are sought after by everyone, with the Devils leading the charge.

It's tricky for Naruto not to feel a bit emotionally involved with that.

Suddenly, someone jumped up to the roof, appearing right next to Naruto.

"Sup Hinata." Naruto smiled at his girlfriend.

She smiled back. "You've been up here for a while, so I decided to check up on you." She sat down next to him. Soon enough, she rested her neck on his shoulder.

Naruto then rested his head on hers, as they both enjoyed each other's presence. "I've just been thinking over. Trying to suss at how things might end today."

"It's certainly a tricky situation." Not at all what they planned when they first came here.

"It sucks that we don't have a lot of moves to play. Honestly, I feel so restricted right now." Use Sage Mode and Kuroka will know. Use Kurama's power or Sixth paths and risk other people noticing. Flare his Chakra and Shirone will notice. Then again he's going to see her face to face today. Might be out of his hands now.

It wasn't just Naruto being unable to use some of his real power without setting off alarm bells everywhere. It was also about how they could approach the situation they're in. Revealing themselves to the Devils wasn't something they had in mind. Konohamaru suggested transforming themselves into Youkai, or everyday objects for the church girls to take with them. Or transform Raphtalia into a human, or disguise themselves as church folk.

All of which Naruto and Hinata shot down.

With Shirone there she'll sniff them out. The Transformation Technique doesn't change their sent, so she'll know if a Youkai or additional humans are in the room.

They don't have Holy power like Xenovia and Irina do so trying to pass themselves off as members of the church won't work either. The Devils would wonder why normal church humans, and a Youkai, joined a pair are Excalibur wielding exorcist.

They also couldn't stalk the meeting either with Shirone about. She'll smell Raphtalia quickly, and stick around long enough for her to narrow down the smells and notice the same humans have been hanging around them for too long. And that's not even adding the fact about her sensing their Charka in time.

All in all, going to the meeting openly is the only real move they have. Hang back, and they won't be there to stop a fight if it breaks out. Or show to Xenovia and Irina that they have their backs.

"This sucks."

"We do what we must Naruto-Kun."

"I'm still going to complain about it." That got a small giggle from Hinata.

"And if a fight does break out?" Hinata wanted to know and follow Naruto's play by play.

"We won't be the ones to start a fight. But should one about to happen, we stop it before it escalates." And if it gets past that point. "But if a real fight is going to happen no matter what, we will proceed with knocking each of them out before someone kicks the bucket." Naruto didn't know if those Devils could survive getting cut by an Excalibur, even if it was only a piece.

Violence wasn't Hinata's first choice to solve a problem, but what choice would they have at that point. These factions carry a lot of hate and history with each other. The Shinobi are strangers walking into it; their words won't carry much weight. But these Devils acknowledge power; their Peerage System proves that. Overpowering them will perk up their ears.

But Hinata hopes it won't come to that. "I'll stick close to Raphtalia in the meeting. With her state of mind, she'll need support."

Naruto nodded, agreeing with her. He too had the same worry for her. "Right after Xenovia, she's next in line to start something." Naruto knows that Raphtalia is a sweet, kind girl who only wants what's best for others. But her grudge against the Devils is strong. If they approach her as she is now...Naruto wasn't sure if she'll draw her blade or remain calm.

"After the stray Devil incident, I believe Raphtalia will keep her composure." Said Hinata

"Not if they push her in the right, or in this case the wrong way," Hinata told Naruto what Raphtalia said when they were watching Issei's house.

"Then we protect her."

"That we will."

They knew what they needed to do for her, so Hinata moved on to other essential things. "How do you wish to handle this Kokabiel?" Defeat him obviously, but what's Naruto's approach.

"Xenovia and Irina were sent to get the blades back and fight him if necessary. But I've seen Azazel. Kokabiel should be way weaker than him, but he would still be way stronger than them." Those swords would make a difference for the battle, just not for the victory. "So I'll handle the crow."

"Will you need help?" Hinata already knew the answer, but she'll always be ready to offer Naruto aid.

Naruto waved her off. "Nah, I could handle Azazel no problem. So this Kokabiel guy will be light practice at best." The description of Kokabiel's personality from both Xenovia and Yasaka showed that he's an arrogant asshole who gets a kick out of bullying and killing the weak.

He's the kind of guy Naruto relishes fighting, beating, and embarrassing in front of others. If anything, Naruto will get an idea of how Fallen Angels fight.

"I'll keep him on the ground. But I need to make sure the place where I tear him a new one doesn't have any civilians caught in the crossfire." Naruto wouldn't put it past Kokabiel to use innocent people as leverage.

"In that case, the rest of us will handle any allies he has. We'll make sure you don't have any interruptions." Naruto can use Shadow Clones to handle any others that show up, but they would still like to get through this without showing too much.

"I'll use Shadow Clones if I have to."

Hinata shook her head. "I'm aware, but we can handle ourselves. You know this." Hinata still has a desire to prove her strength to the one she loves.

Naruto smirked. "I know." They've spent a lot of time training each other, getting themselves ready for anything.

They then both looked at the sky, seeing that sunset was approaching. Naruto and Hinata hopped down from the roof and landed with grace. They both entered the church to have any last-minute conversations, and to get this show on the road.

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Raphtalia was sitting on one of the church pew benches. She was busy inspecting her Chakra blade, making sure she was ready should anything happen during the meeting today. A meeting she wasn't too thrilled about.

The idea of having, or attempting to have a civil conversation with Devils felt so alien to her. Like it was impossible. Raphtalia has only known them to be cruel, vile beings that take what they want. Out of some misguided belief of having a right to own what they want, when they want.

If something did happen, she wouldn't be surprised and would have no issue cutting them down, even if Naruto didn't approve.

No point telling him about this, she had a hunch he already knew. If she made a big deal about it, he would give her the option of staying back at the church with a Shadow Clone. Raphtalia doesn't want that, to be seen as a liability.

She rapidly shook her head, her long brown hair swaying back and forth. Raphtalia wanted to get her mind on other things.

There was only one thing she could think about.

Raphtalia placed her blade down on the bench, and gently held up her mother's cross; the cross that gave her so many mixed feelings. What was at first an heirloom to remember her mother; is now an object that tugs at her soul. With what Lord Fukasaku and Sun Wukong said about it, this may be her only way to figuring out the reason behind her village's destruction.

It filled her with hope, hope that frustrated her. Raphtalia held on to hope that her home and family were still alive. That hope let her down.

Is this any different?

Hoping for learning something important, only to find something utterly trivial. The worst part is that Raphtalia can't find out. It's right in front of her. It's in her very hand, and she can't do anything, not until they meet the Angels, and they can only do that after they deal with this Kokabiel business.

"Kokabiel. One of the leaders of the Fallen Angels...A survivor of the Great War and we're hunting him down." Raphtalia should be scared, the idea of fighting someone like him. She would be scared if it wasn't for the company she has.

Konohamaru is fearless no matter the situation.

Hinata keeps her composure with whatever comes their way.

Naruto is a gentle soul and a beast in battle.

Raphtalia knows she's not ready for an opponent like Kokabiel, so she'll do whatever she can to support her friends in this fight.

Against the Fallen Angels, against the Devils, against anyone who comes for them.

"You good over here?"

Coming back to reality, Raphtalia quickly backed up from the one who just spoke to her. She looked down to see Konohamaru crouched down in front of her. He had a carefree smile, not at all realising that he spooked her.

Raphtalia coughed into her hand to recompose herself, and she turned her head to face away from him. "I am perfectly fine, just making sure I'm good and ready." She then gave the young Shinobi a sideways glance. "You should too."

Konohamaru jumped to his feet. "I'm more than ready." He gave her a cocky grin and placed his hands on his waist. "I'm ready for the excitement."

"Excitement? That's not how I would describe our predicament." She stared at him with disapproval.

Konohamaru didn't care. "Hey it's a new mission for me, and I've never talked to Devils before." He then folded his arms and hunched his shoulders. His face grimaced, shutting his eyes tightly. "I haven't even fought them like big brother Naruto and Hinata have." That was a blow for the young Shinobi.

Raphtalia tilted her head in confusion. "You want to fight them?" Their mission is to prevent that from happening.

Konohamaru waved his arms. "Not like that. I mean I would face them head-on if I had too, just like the others have. I just hate being left behind while everyone else gets to shine and show their growth. I've been training hard too ya'know." He pointed to himself to emphasise his point. When his friends go off to fight, he wants nothing more than to join them and help them in said fights.

"Then I'll be counting on your strength Konohamaru."

Konohamaru closed his eyes and smirked. "Don't you worry about a thing, if Naruto isn't there to take down Kokabiel, then I'll be the one to kick his ass."

Raphtalia shook her head with a smile, finding some sense of comfort in her friend's belief in himself. "You may not be ready for an opponent like Kokabiel; best leave him to Naruto-Sama while we handle any allies he has."

Konohamaru didn't like that answer, but he conceded to her reasoning. "Fine, but next time I'll take down someone whose way stronger than this Kokabiel guy ever was."

"Can't wait."

"Yeah, just you..." Konohamaru stopped talking, and he looked deep in thought. He tilted his head and stared at Raphtalia. "Did you refer to Naruto with Sama?"

"...Did I...?" Raphtalia didn't even notice that she did. A blush slowly crept up on her cheeks.

"Didn't know you respected him that much?"

Raphtalia's blush deepened, making it hard for her to remain calm or form proper sentences. "I mean that he's our team leader, and he's helped me with so many things! We've become such good friends and...umm..." Raphtalia stopped her rambling; she's just making it worse for herself.

Konohamaru just shrugged, thinking nothing of his friend's outburst. "Hey, we all nickname him something or other. I call him big brother. Hinata nearly always refers to him by Kun. Guess Sama is your thing now."

"Yeah...I guess so." Raphtalia breathed a sigh of relief, glad that Konohamaru won't drag this out or ask a bunch of questions.

Konohamaru then looked at her hand, noticing what she was tightly holding onto. "Don't worry about it."

"Huh."

Konohamaru brought his hands behind his head. "I'm sure we'll get that cross open in no time."

Raphtalia looked down and gazed at her hand, the one holding the cross. "It would be nice."

The doors to the church opened up, and Naruto and Hinata entered the building. Konohamaru and Raphtalia walked towards them, and they met in the middle of the main hall.

"Are we all set to go?" Asked Naruto.

Konohamaru saluted. "All set boss."

Raphtalia nodded her head; she was ready. Still had reservations, but was willing none the less.

"Cool, cool." Naruto then looked around the room, not finding the two missing church girls. "Where are Xenovia and Irina?"

"Over here!" Xenovia called out from the other room. Both she and Irina walked up the steps from the stone room and entered the main hall.

Naruto waited until they joined up with them. "Are you girls ready too?"

Xenovia nodded. "We are ready to begin the proceedings. As agreed, we will handle the negotiations, and you will act as backup." Made sense, the girls knew their mission better anyway.

"Understood." Naruto then clapped his hands together and began rubbing them. "So we go in after their school times ends, tell them the situation with the swords, and ask them to stay out of it." Afterwards, they then hunt down the crow and get back what he stole.

"That is the plan. Hopefully, the Devils will understand the situation and stay out of this affair." Said Xenovia.

"And if they don't?" Asked Hinata, the plan only works if the Devils listen to reason.

"If they side with the Fallen Angels, then we will have no choice but to eliminate them." Xenovia said it so blatantly, not at all caring the outcomes of such an action.

Naruto gave her a cautions, narrowed gaze. "Isn't Rias the younger sister of the head Satan? I'm pretty sure killing her would cause a whole heap of problems."

Xenovia didn't care. "If she's smart, she'll stay out or our way. If not, then she is deliberately acting against the church's well being, and is siding with the Fallen Angel scum, and must be dealt with." There was no question in her mind. She didn't even give Naruto a chance to respond and proceeded to walk out the church, with Irina in tow. "Let's go, the time of the meeting is fast approaching."

Naruto and his team stood still for a few seconds, before moving to catch up with them.

But one thing was clear to Naruto.

"No one's killing anyone."

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Sunset has come; the blue sky was replaced with an orange glow. Clouds were still overhead. Luckily, no new storm clouds were moving in.

The team stayed together as they made their way to the Academy. Their unique attires earned them a few stares and whispers from any passers-by. They ignored them; it wasn't worth listening too. The only one Naruto was concerned about was Raphtalia. But she used Youjutsu to hide her Youkai features, but Naruto and the gang could still see right through it.

"So we can still see them but they can't?"

"It's a weak trick. You only need a little bit of power to see past it."

"Right, humans here don't have Chakra. That's still so weird."

"Weird where we come from, yet normal here."

"Still weird."

The team soon made it to the front gates of the Academy. The gates were wide open, and no one was around.

Xenovia asked the important question. "Where would this club room be?" She looked around the grounds to find some clue.

Naruto and Konohamaru took the lead. "We know where it is, follow us." Naruto waved at them to follow, and so they did.

It was a calm walk this time, instead of jumping from hiding spot to hiding spot. But the group remained on guard, as some of them would consider this as enemy territory. Walking through the trees that covered one side of the school grounds, they finally saw where they need to head to; the Occult Research Club building, Rias Gremory's base.

Naruto approached the front door, giving it a careful look before turning the knob, the door was unlocked. He opened it slowly, no door creek this time, guess the Devils keep this place well maintained. Naruto entered first and looked around the main hall, not seeing a single soul. Hinata then came to his side. "Second floor, left side." She could see all the Devils in one location.

Naruto nodded and walked up the stairs. Xenovia then took his right side. "Best that I enter the room first, as they are only expecting Irina and me." Naruto didn't answer but slowed down a little, so Xenovia took point.

Hinata looked back and saw Raphtalia feeling a bit on edge. Hinata slowed her pace to match hers. With Hinata at her side, Raphtalia seemed to be handling things better. She gave her friend a thankful smile.

They were soon about to come upon their final turn until Naruto stopped in place.

Hinata spoke out to him. "They're this way Naruto-Kun." Hinata pointed down another hallway.

But Naruto kept walking forward to a particular door, one covered in chains and locks. "Well isn't that suspicious." They might as well have painted it in red saying 'Important stuff, no one allowed in'. Naruto got closer to the door, and the rest of them followed.

"That's a lot of locks."

"Must be something or someone important behind this door."

"Can you feel anything?"

"Yes...a Devil is behind this door, but not a full Devil."

"What'd you mean?"

"I feel Demonic power and another kind of energy within this Devil. Someone's in a similar position as that Shirone brat." This new power felt dark like too, but it was different. It was hard for Kurama to explain without some added context. But Kurama felt something else also. "This one has a Sacred Gear."

"You sure?"

"A similar feeling I felt around the pervert, and the girl called Asia. Who both have Sacred Gears."

"Another Sacred Gear user in her Peerage and Rias locked him or her up. Is this guy a prisoner who didn't listen to her orders?"

"This individual feels content with where he is, and it's a boy by the way. It seems this individual wants to be locked behind a door."

"Something to get nosy about later then." With all the locks and chains on this door, there is bound to be an alarm system. Wouldn't be hard to get past but now's not the time for that. Naruto turned to leave. "Let's get this show on the road." Naruto got the team back on track. Hinata whispered to Naruto that a young boy was locked behind those doors and that he has a new kind of energy she hasn't seen before. But the weirdest thing she said was that this guy...for whatever reason...was wearing the girls uniform of this Academy.

If it was anyone else telling him this, he would question their sight. "Kami this world is too weird." He wants to back home where things made sense. Giant talking Toads, giant tailed beasts with world-ending power, and everyone's eyes have some extraordinary power and people could walk on water.

Ya'know, normal things.

After a short walk, they arrived at the final door. Behind these pieces of wood lied some of the Devils of this town. Not since Rizevim Lucifer has Naruto properly met a Devil face to face.

Hopeful this time, it goes better.

Xenovia approached the door; she gripped its handle tight.

And opened the door.

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Rias waited patiently for the exorcists to arrive. Sona should have told them where they could find her. "To think that exorcists have come here just to talk to me." It unnerved her, she and Sona had no idea why they would come here, or talk to her. When they went to Issei's house, she was so worried. But nothing came of it.

She informed her servants about this meeting. And now they all stand ready in the room for the people of the church to arrive. They are all positioned behind her for this meeting, and to be ready should anything happen.

All but one.

Kiba is still acting distant, and Rias has been unable to get in contact with him. Ever since he saw that picture with a Holy Sword, that's all he ever thinks about now. Rias hoped he would have forgotten all about it and moved on as her knight.

She hopes that he'll go back to normal soon. Just have to wait and see.

Then the door to the room opened, and Rias turned her head to see who entered; they're exorcists all right. The robes, the crosses around their necks, and this feeling of danger. Rias could feel the presence of a Holy Sword, no...two True Holy Swords. Not something she ever wanted to encounter.

The two matched the descriptions that Sona gave her. Blue hair with a little green, the other with chestnut hair in twin tails.

There's only two of them so they should be alri...hold on, who are these people?

Four new additions entered the room. Sona never told her about them, did she even know?

The first one was a tall boy with spiky blond hair and blue eyes...and whisker marks. Scars, birthmarks...a tattoo? Rias couldn't guess. The one behind him was a beautiful girl with long dark blue hair and strange eyes. "Can she even see?" Those eyes had no pupils. Rias had a feeling that Issei was pulling one of his faces again after seeing this new girl. Then a young boy came in, he had brown hair and looked to be around the same age group as Koneko.

Rias felt no power from them at all. They're just normal humans. They didn't even carry the same aura as the exorcists did. They're not members of the church that much Rias was sure about. Why are they intruding on this meeting? Before she could ask, Rias saw the last one enter...a Youkai?

If Rias was confused before, she's dumbfounded now. Youkai never leave the area of Kyoto, and even if they did, coming to Devil territory? The relationship between Youkais and Devils is strained, to say the least.

Rias didn't like this. She was only told about those two, not about these other four. She did her best to account for all possible outcomes when meeting the two exorcists. But now she has three normal humans and a Youkai in the room. This didn't make any sense, and she hates not knowing what's going on.

The two of the church sat on the sofa in front of her. While the other four stood behind them. The humans were not at all worried about being in the same room with Devils...the Youkai on the other hand.

Rias could tell that she was stressed, but did her best to maintain a calm appearance. Rias could see right through it.

This Youkai didn't want to be here.

Not unexpected.

"Thank you for agreeing to speak with us today. My name is Xenovia."

"And I'm Irina Shidou."

"It's fascinating to me that follows of God would want to meet with a Devil. I was under the assumption that I would only be meeting two. Why are these four here?"

Xenovia answered. "We held the rest of our team back until we got an answer on this supposed meeting."

"Yet you didn't inform my friend of this, seems a bit rude and unethical to hold out such information before having a peaceful meeting."

Xenovia shot back. "A meeting that's not on neutral ground and one where you have your entire Peerage at your beck and call. If it were ethical, then it would be just us two meeting you and your queen would it not."

An answer that made sense to Rias and one she couldn't dispute. She didn't let that answer get under her skin, and she maintained a calm attitude. She would not allow these people to get the better of her, or intimidate her.

"Then who are these four that have joined us?"

"They are our friends and allies that we have called upon to aid us." This is the story Xenovia is rolling with. They discussed it at length yesterday, and this story has a chance of working because of Raphtalia.

Rias looked over the new four, and her eyes landed on the Youkai and the cross around her neck. "A Youkai that follows God, yet she doesn't give off that aura." Rias wasn't convinced.

Rias and Xenovia continued to trade words with each other. Naruto tuned them out and focused on the ones behind the redhead.

From left to right, he saw Asia, Issei, Shirone, and Akeno.

Asia seemed the most worried of the bunch. Naruto could tell it was a general sense of worry, what's getting to her?

Then it was Issei, the one with that gauntlet. He looked steadfast and stuck close to Asia, being protective of her. Commendable, but Naruto noticed a funny look he gave Hinata and Raphtalia. Here's hoping Issei doesn't do something that Naruto will make him regret.

Naruto tried to get a better feeling of his Sacred Gear with Kurama's help. He did feel another soul within him. That must be this Ddraig. He felt powerful, he's at Tailed Beasts levels. But Naruto could tell that Issei has barely any access to Ddragi's power. Either he needs to learn to control the dragon within him, or he needs to develop his Sacred Gear. But with the strain that Gear puts on the body, Issei really should improve his physical abilities. Naruto couldn't picture Issei running for ten minutes without running out of breath.

Naruto then landed on Shirone, or Koneko as she calls herself now, Naruto's got to make sure he doesn't accidentally call her by her birth name. Kurama made sure he knew that. What he sensed from her worried him; she has indeed cut herself off from Nature energy. Not even her Neko features showed, unlike with Kuroka. "She's...she's rejecting herself." That's not good...at all.

"Self-hate."

"...I was right...damn it." Kuroka has no idea the damage she'll cause if she comes for her.

Then Naruto and Shirone made eye contact. She gave him an empty stare, not even blinking. It was like looking at a wall. "She even rejects parts of her own personality." Naruto has seen this look before. Shirone is holding back her own emotions to protect herself. Something both Sasuke and Itachi have done.

Helping this girl is not going to be easy.

Koneko had her own thoughts as she looked at this human. His sent seems familiar, but she wasn't too sure. Not only that, but she could almost feel something within him. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get a fix on it. Is he hiding something?

The other two humans had the same feeling within them as well. But this guy was different.

Her Neko senses...the parts of her she rejects, are calling out to her as she looks at him. They want to come out.

Why...why are they doing that...for this normal human.

It bothered her, it worried her, and it annoyed her. What is it about this human that's getting the better of her? She needs to find out.

Back with Naruto, he was surprised about something. "Why hasn't she called us out about the feeling of Chakra or my Senjutsu?" Youkai have no trouble detecting it, and Kuroka knew about his Senjutsu even when he wasn't using it.

"She's rejected her Neko side in favour of her Devil side. Devils can't detect Chakra, and only those who have experienced and can use Senjutsu can detect it."

"But she still has Youkai Spiritual energy; it won't be long before she works around it and notices."

"We have time." Not much though.

Naruto then moved on to Akeno, and what he felt from her nearly got him to react outwardly. "A Fallen Angel!?" How'd that happen? Naruto never bothered sensing her out before and focused on Shirone when they spied on them yesterday.

"It's insignificant compared to that Azazel, and she's not using it at all." Is this another Shirone situation?

Naruto looked at her, carefully this time so as not to draw her attention. Her face said it all. Her eyes looked as if they'd lost a spark."That is the fakest mask I've ever seen." It's worse than Shirone.

"Way worse, Shirone rejects her Neko side, this girl is repulsed by her Fallen Angel side." The self hate Kurama felt from this girl made Koneko's trivial.

"Rias is trying to help them, right?" These girls need help; they should have been with Rias for a few years now, right? Rias has at least tried to help them come to terms with their personal problems, and not buried them and hoped they don't come up.

Naruto didn't know which.

He also noticed that Kiba wasn't in the room. Where is that guy?

"May I know your names then?" Rias called out and got Naruto's attention.

Naruto answer. "It's Naruto Uzumaki."

The rest of his team followed.

"Hinata."

"Konohamaru."

"...Raphtalia." She was slow to answer.

Rias picked up on that. "Have I offended you in some way?"

Raphtalia's hand twitched, she nearly went for her sword. Luckily Hinata was right there to ease her fears. "...Not at all." She just doesn't want to talk to Rias...like at all.

"Then allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rias Gremory, and these are my servants." Rias then gestured to those behind her. "My bishop Asia, my pawn Issei, my rook Koneko, and my queen Akeno."

"Servants, huh," Naruto spoke.

"Yes, they are members and servants of the house of Gremory."

Naruto didn't say anything back and remained silent. Rias sounded proud when she called them her servants, and Naruto didn't like it. But he hasn't got a good enough sense of how she feels and treats her Peerage yet to say anything. He needs more information.

Xenovia then spoke her mind. "Let's get on with this meeting." She didn't come here to make friends with Devils.

"Then why have you come to met me?" Asked Rias

Irina then took over. "As you guys should know that when Excalibur was destroyed during the Great War, its pieces were then forged into seven different blades. Two of them went missing a long time ago. The other five we can account for. But we know that three of them have recently been stolen by Fallen Angels."

Gasps came from the Devil's side of the room, pure shock from this new insight.

Xenovia held up her blade wrapped in cloth. "These are the two we have left. This one is mine, known as Excalibur Destruction."

Irina then held up her arm and pointed to a white string tied around her arm. "And then there is the one I have here. It's known as Excalibur Mimic."

When Excalibur was destroyed and forged into seven different blades, the seven different powers of Excalibur went into each blade. Excalibur Destruction held the destructive power of Excalibur. Being the only blade of the seven that's doing any real damage in combat, not that the other blades are weak, just not packing as much punch. Excalibur Mimic has the power to change its form to become different objects; whether it's various kinds of different shaped swords or everyday items. The blade pretty much has the Transformation Technique built right in.

Before coming here, Xenovia explained to them that the blade Hinata carved, closely matched the description of Excalibur Rapidly, which gives the user increased speed and flexibility.

Powerful swords, but they're a one-trick pony, that can only be used in one way. Once you know that, it wouldn't be too hard to counter. Well, these powers all once belonged to a single blade. Man, that Excalibur must have been a cool sword.

"Well, what is it you would like for us to do for you today?" Asked Rias.

"Stay completely out of it. This is between the Fallen Angels and us. Let's keep it simple shall we, we don't need the Devils of this town to intervene." Xenovia can't risk the Devils getting involved.

Rias heard the hidden message. "That sounds like an accusation. Are you afraid we would side with the Fallen Angels and keep you from obtaining the Holy Swords?" She wore a dangerous smile.

One that Xenovia mirrored. "We know that for Devils, a Holy Sword is a detestable thing. Wouldn't it make more sense for you to support the Fallen Angels?" This conversation is taking a dark turn, both sides playing mind games on one another. It wouldn't take much for someone to be pushed too far.

Rias was the first one to show it. Her eyes shined red with Demonic power, and Naruto could feel angry slowly building up within her. But she did well to keep it in check...for now.

Not at all affected by Rias's display, Xenovia continued. "And if that's true, we will have no choice but to completely annihilate you; even though you are the great Devil's sister." It didn't matter to her.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "I can see why Yasaka was so adamant with trying to get us in on this meeting. The moment we got here, it's been nothing but half handed insults and suspicious thrown at each other. I'm honestly surprised a fight hasn't happened yet." Rias has her Peerage here as a show of power. Xenovia has openly admitted she would kill them if they side with the Fallen Angels.

Rias cared not for Xenovia's accusation. "If you already know that then let me share something with you. There is no way I would even think of joining the Fallen Angels. I would never do anything, to besmirch the name of the house of Gremory, or my dear brother."

Naruto narrowed his eyes in confusion. "Then why is a Fallen Angel a member of her Peerage? What, her siding with them is cancer, but them joining her is perfectly fine." How did a Fallen Angel get close to a Devil without being killed?

Back with Xenovia, she smiled at Rias, satisfied with her answer. "It's enough for me just to be able to hear that. I didn't think the younger sister of Lucifer would truly be that foolish." Xenovia made it clear that she would only kill them if they stood in their way. They're safe if they stay out of it.

"Then know that neither I nor my Peerage will aid you in your fight against the Fallen Angels. We will stay out of it."

"We know we'll succeed if you do."

"You have my word on that."

It seems it finally worked out. Both sides have agreed to the terms, and Naruto was relived. Worst case scenario may have just been avoided. He half expected for them to leave, until Rias started talking again.

"I've given you all permission to act within my territory, and while I understand the church's involvement in this." Rias then locked her sight on Naruto and his team. "May I know why three humans, unaffiliated with the church, and a Youkai would be involved?"

"Well, plan A didn't work." Naruto doubted it would work anyway; they're not exactly the praying types. So Naruto then went with plan B, make things up as he goes along. "The actions of the Fallen Angels didn't go unnoticed by others. When we caught wind of it..." Naruto then pointed at Xenovia and Irina. "...I got in contact with my friends within the church to find out what happened."

"And they just told you like that, seems quite the coincidence that your friends would also be the ones sent on such a mission."

Naruto shrugged with a smirk, playing against Rias's line of questioning. "Not really, Excalibur Swords were stolen, so who better than to send Excalibur wielders after them ya'know."

Rias raised an eyebrow. His answer sounded too convincing; something doesn't feel right. "So you wish to aid them in this fight. You are aware you're battling Fallen Angels, they might be too much for you to handle."

Again this world doubts the Shinobi. "I'd like to think we can handle ourselves in a fight."

Rias wasn't convinced but didn't say anything. She still felt no power from these humans; if they encountered the Fallen Angels, they would be killed. So why would they try to fight them?

Naruto's and Rias's conversation was interrupted by Xenovia when she made eye contact with Asia. "I was wondering if visiting the home of Issei Hyoudou would lead us to you."

The others in the room all turned to look at what was transpiring between these two.

Naruto had a bad feeling about this.

"Aren't you Asia Argento?"

Asia flinched when she heard Xenovia call her by name, how did she know her? "Umm, yes."

Xenovia stared at her with eyes of contempt. "It made sense that I would run into a witch in a place like this."

Asia gasped, that must have hurt her, being called that.

Irina then just caught on to what Xenovia was talking about. "Oh my goodness, it is you. You're the former saint who became a witch."

Now Naruto nearly gasped. "She's a what now?" Was Asia a member of the church?

"I had heard that you were banished as you had the power to heal Fallen Angels and Devils, and that one time you actually healed a Devil. You must be pretty strong. I didn't know you would actually become a Devil yourself."

Naruto could see and feel Asia becoming stressed out. "Shut up Irina." Naruto couldn't tell if Irina is trying to add salt on a wound, or is utterly ignorant of what she was saying.

Asia was tightly holding on to her skirt. The panic was slowly setting in as she couldn't form her words. Issei tried to come to her defence, with Xenovia merely stating that Asia has fallen so low in this world, to become a witch.

"This has just taken a bad turn."

"We were just about to leave damn it! A few more seconds and we would have been out of here." Xenovia, you just had to make things difficult, didn't you?

"If this keeps up you'll need to step in."

"It's starting to look like that." Naruto secretly gave his team a silent message with his hand. Telling them to be ready should something go down here and now.

Hinata moved back a little, making sure she would have eyes on everyone once she activates her Byakugan. Konohamaru readied a couple of kunais that were hidden up his sleeves. Raphtalia's hand neared her blade, ready to draw it in an instant.

Naruto was about to approach Xenovia, but then she asked Asia a pressing question. "Do you still believe in our God Asia?"

Irina thought that question was crazy. "Don't be silly; she's a Devil and stuff. She's completely over us."

"No...the aura of one who still follows the teachings of God surrounds her." It's like Xenovia just knew. "Well, do you, Asia? Do you still believe in God?"

Tears travelled down Asia's cheeks; she didn't have the strength to raise her head. "Yes...I've never been able to let him go...I've believed in him this whole time."

Naruto was...impressed by her convictions. Even after becoming a Devil, the enemy of the Biblical God. Asia still believed in him. A real sense of camaraderie was within this young girl. How on earth did a girl like this, ever end up as a Devil? "The church kicked her out for healing a Devil...ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" They abandoned her...what gave them the right?

This Biblical God is starting to piss Naruto off.

Xenovia then walked towards Asia, as she slowly lifted her blade. "Then you must allow me to execute you this instant. Do that, and God will forgive you for your sins."

Tension filled the room, like a fuse waiting for a single spark. Everyone remained silent after Xenovia's offer to 'save' Asia's soul. The one who could no longer hold back his anger was Issei. He broke out of Koneko's grip and moved towards Xenovia.

Naruto didn't know what he was about to do, but he was having none of it. In an instant, Naruto appeared between Issei and Xenovia; a hand near Issei's neck and another near Xenovia's neck.

The Devils were shocked. They didn't see him move; he just appeared there.

Naruto gave Issei a chilling stare, freezing him in place. "Issei...I understand your anger, but a fight right now won't solve anything. So...stand down." Naruto emphasised that last part.

Issei was still shocked by Naruto's sudden appearance to speak a word. So Naruto turned his head to face Xenovia, giving her the same stare. "Our task here was to explain to them the situation and move on. Not start a fight with the Devils when we already have Fallen Angels to deal with." They don't need more enemies to deal with right now.

Naruto's eyes sent a subtle chill down Xenovia's spine. But she was able to handle it a whole lot easier than Issei. She's already been blitz by him once now. "She is a former saint who became a traitor to the church and to God. Asia is no different than the Fallen Angels we're hunting."

All Naruto heard was a bunch of bullshit. "You compare someone who stole powerful swords for whatever reasons they have. To someone whose only crime was healing a Devil who needed saving."

Before Xenovia could respond, Issei raised his voice at her. "You pricks are the ones who forced her to become a saint. You took away the life she deserved." Naruto agreed with Issei's point of view, but it was a double standard. Aren't the Devils doing the same thing with the Evil Pieces?

Xenovia saw it differently. "A true saint can survive on the love of God alone, and devotes her life to the cause. If she strays from that path, then she was never a true saint."

Issei and Xenovia were moments away from attacking one another. Both sides looked as if they were preparing for the inevitable.

Naruto had enough.

At first, he whispered. "I said..." Then he shouted. "STAND DOWN!" A strong force compiled them to listen, as the room's atmosphere became oppressive. Those that didn't know him were shaken up by this feeling radiating from him. They didn't feel any power...they just felt his will. It was truly intimidating.

Naruto inadvertently flexed a small amount of Chakra but quickly rained it back in. "I nearly screwed up." Devils may not be able to sense Chakra, but it can become visible to the naked eye. He carefully looked at Shirone and saw a stunned look on her face...did she notice?

Koneko...felt something in that moment...she felt something from Naruto. But it left as quickly as it came, she didn't have enough time to narrow it down. But now she knows, there is something different about these humans. She just needs a bit more time to figure it out. What could it be?

It felt familiar for some reason.

Naruto averted his gaze back to the two closes to him. Xenovia and Issei, their desire to fight was squashed. Seeing the effect he wanted, Naruto eased up. "I think it's about time we head out before any more trouble is caused." It sounded like an order, not a request.

"I'm going to have to disagree with you." A new voice in the room broke the tension.

They all turned to face the door to the room and saw a Devil. He had short blond hair and blue eyes, with a mole underneath his left eye.

Xenovia was the first to say anything. "Who are you?"

"Your superior."

.

---

"I had it...I...had...it! But then pretty boy just had to come in now and ruin it! I want to go home." Just as Naruto may have very well prevented anymore fall out between the two sides, Kiba then showed up.

He didn't look so good.

Kiba carried such hostility around him that Naruto could have cut it with a kunai. He wasted no time challenging the church girls to a fight, Xenovia in particular.

Naruto and Kurama felt the sheer anger and hatred radiate from him. But where he directed it was the weirdest thing. He never took his eyes off Xenovia's sword...her Excalibur.

"It's not Xenovia he wants. He wants the swords and judging by his hostile intent. He intends to make sure Excalibur ends up in a few more pieces."

"From what we learned about that project, I thought he wanted to get revenge on the church faction." That's not the case here.

Xenovia accepted Kiba's challenge, and Naruto wasn't in a position to stop it. The same intimidation trick won't work on Kiba, not with his mindset, drowned so deeply in his anger. Naruto would have to take it even further. But the risk...

He let out a tiny amount of his Chakra accidentally, and Shirone either noticed or nearly noticed. If Naruto does it again to a higher degree, at this range, she just might. Or his Chakra will start to become visible, in which case everyone will.

Intimidation is not going to work anymore.

The room's occupants all went outside, to the back of the club building. Xenovia and Kiba were away from their groups, ready to begin their duel. It looked like Issei wanted to get involved in order to defend Asia's name. He wanted Xenovia, but Kiba got her first. Which leaves only Irina.

He called her out to fight, and Irina was about to accept.

Was anyway.

"I don't think so." Naruto stopped Irina from approaching by putting his hand on her shoulder. "I'll fight him." Naruto gently pushed passed her and approached Issei in the centre of the field.

Irina was surprised, Issei was annoyed. "Hey, dick hole I don't want you." He then pointed dramatically at Irina. "I want her!"

Naruto didn't care. "Well you're getting me, so either go along with it or just drop the whole duel thing."

Issei didn't understand. "Why do you want to fight, you were the one trying to stop it anyway?"

"Yeah and look how that turned out. I'm doing this to save your life."

"Huh?"

"Kiba has been a Devil for a while, and I know Xenovia won't kill him, right?" Naruto eyed her, waiting for her answer.

"I won't. This is a duel, nothing more. Besides, if our higher-ups found out about this duel, then it could bear us serious consequences." This is an off the record sort of deal.

Naruto was ok with that answer. "Good to know. Anyway Issei, you're a new Devil right, and Holy Swords could kill you with just a cut, or so they say. So I have no idea what would happen if you got intentionally or accidentally cut by a True Holy Sword." It could kill him with a signal hit. It's too risky for him to fight such a thing as he is now.

Before Issei could retort, Rias spoke up. "How very kind of you." Naruto couldn't tell if that was genuine or condescending. "Issei, accept this, and do your best not to hurt him."

Issei summoned his Boosted Gear. "You got it Buchou." A red gauntlet formed on his arm, the green jewel lighted up, as it shouted out BOOST.

"'Do your best not to hurt him' she says...Kurama, we're being underestimated."

"Then show these brats the reality of things."

Xenovia then throw off her white robe, revealing what's underneath. "Then let's begin." Xenovia wore a skin-tight black leotard of some kind, with fingerless gloves and small openings between her waist and legs. The church has an unusual fashion sense.

The cloth around her blade gave way, and her sword was revealed. It was a Two-Handed Long Sword that ended with three points at the tip of the blade. Its guard was an interesting design, resembling that of an axe.

Upon seeing this sword, Kiba began to laugh.

Xenovia lowered her blade. "Why are you laughing?"

Kiba smiled; it disguised his intentions. "Because...what I desire to destroy is now before me." Suddenly several blades appeared in the ground around him.

Xenovia didn't say anything. She already knew thanks to Naruto's spying. This is the Devil who survived the Holy Sword project, the one who has the Sacred Gear Sword Birth.

"Quite the collecting of God's treasure you Devils have. The Boosted Gear, Twilight Healing and Sword Birth."

"I have an even greater power than my Sacred Gear, one that has been with me ever since I survived that night," Kiba said in a dark tone. He picked up one of the blades he spawned. "With this power, I will destroy the Excaliburs!" Kiba charged headlong into Xenovia, his sword aimed for hers.

Xenovia met his charge and blocked him with ease. But Kiba didn't lament and continued his attack. "And I will destroy those who wield them!"

Xenovia and Kiba matched blow for blow, and their fight moved away from the one that's soon to start.

Except, Naruto wasn't even looking at Issei. His attention was on Kiba.

"The idea of revenge to gain power and achieve one's goal, he's trying to walk the same path as Sasuke did."

"He's going to die."

"I don't think Kiba even cares, not as long as he gets what he wants." What a mess.

"Hey! Are we fighting or what?" Issei had enough of waiting.

Naruto turned to face him. "Huh...oh yeah sure, but ya'know we don't have to fight. We could let things stop here."

"Oh hell no, you're in the way of me seeing boobs!"

Naruto didn't see that coming. "I'm sorry I must have misheard you. I'm in the way of what now?"

"Boobs, breasts, the most divine things in the world, if I was fighting Irina then I could..." Issei made a perverted face, giggling to himself as his thoughts went south.

"...Oh...Dress Break..." Was that his goal from the start?

"Wait! You know my secret awesome technique."

"You used it during a Rating Game on live TV. There's nothing secret about it."

"Oh whatever, If I beat you, then I get to fight Irina."

Issei picked the right words just then. Because if he said Hinata...then...well...you know. "Fine, if you beat me then you get to fight her." Naruto rubbed the back of his head, not at all caring about the stakes.

That's just what Issei wanted to hear. He used his Boosted Gear again to increase his power, as he released his Devil wings for Naruto to see.

Issei was ready to fight.

Naruto just stood there, not caring at all.

"Umm? I'm ready, come on." Issei didn't get this guy; he hasn't even raised any kind of guard or taken a position.

Naruto moved his finger and dared him to come forward, and Issei did.

.

---

Issei ran right at Naruto. His arm brought back; ready to punch Naruto's lights out. But Naruto continued to stand there, not even bothering to put up any resistance.

"What is he doing?" Rias was starting to question Naruto's sanity.

Issei threw his punch, and in the span of a single second; Naruto grabbed onto Issei's arm. The Devil found himself being thrown over the blond, landing ass first on the grass behind Naruto.

Issei didn't even know what just happened. He looked behind him to see Naruto right there, looking down on him.

Issei rose to his feet, only for Naruto to casually trip him up by his feet. Issei landed on his back, saying 'Ow' in the process. "Stop doing that!"

"You do know you've lost twice now, right?"

Issei got back up. "No, I haven't!" He went for another punch, this time with his Boosted Gear.

Naruto slapped his arm away and went to punch Issei, stopping just short of his face. "Now it's three."

Issei flinched from Naruto's fist, and he couldn't react to his next move. Naruto opened his hand and grabbed the side of Issei's face, pushing him to ground. Naruto stuck his foot out to trip Issei yet again.

Issei went back down to the ground, and just as he was about to get up, he found a Kunai just short of his eye.

"Now, four." Naruto spun the kunai around his finger before putting it away.

Not knowing what to do next, Issei did the sensible thing and backed up from the Shinobi. "Why don't you ever land the hit?" Not that Issei wanted to get stabbed in the eye.

Naruto shrugged. "I don't like fighting people who can't fight back. So we can still drop this fight right now ya'know." Naruto wanted to spare the boy some pain, to give him an out.

Issei saw it differently. His fist tightened, and he shook with frustration. "First Rayner, then Riser, and now some random blond guy with whiskers, would people stop underestimating me!" Issei had enough of being pushed around and made his move on Naruto.

Naruto sidestepped him and placed one finger on the side of Issei's head just as he went past him, freezing the Devil in place. "You're confusing me with someone else Issei. I never underestimate my opponents. I just know what level you're at."

Issei slowly turned to face Naruto; he looked a little shaken up.

Naruto just smirked. "By the way, we're at six now."

Issei tilted his head. "I thought this was fiv..." Naruto then tripped Issei up again.

With Issei on the floor, Naruto crouched by his side. "Nope, six, just like I said."

On the sidelines, Rias and the members of her Peerage didn't understand what was happening. Or better yet...how this could happen. In Rias's mind, this didn't make any sense. Issei was a Devil with the Boosted Gear. Even if Issei still had so much to learn and grow. As a Devil, he should be stronger than any ordinary human; double if he has a Sacred Gear.

Yet...this Naruto, who has nothing, is playing with him. Whenever Issei made a move, Naruto countered it with ease. Whenever Naruto made a move, he deliberately stopped just short of hitting Issei. Like one hit was all it would take. Was fighting a Devil just a game to this human?

"As a Devil and with that Sacred Gear, Issei should be stronger and faster than any human who lacks magic or a Sacred Gear of their own. How can this human best him so badly?" Rias locked all her Devil senses on Naruto to find something, anything. There had to be an explanation for this. But she could feel nothing from him, and it frustrated her to no end.

Koneko kept her eyes on him. Unlike Rias, she can feel something within Naruto, and she's getting closer to figuring it out.

.

---

Konohamaru watch on as his sensei...well he was going to say fight...well he was going to say spar...

He watched as his sensei embarrassed the poor Devil. It was kind of funny. But Konohamaru was hoping to get a better idea on how Devils fight. This wasn't it.

"This guy's just throwing himself at big brother Naruto. I don't get what he's trying to do." No plan to attack, no plan to counter attack...no strategy of any kind. If the young Shinobi wanted to learn anything, he had better luck watching the sword fight.

But he got to see a Sacred Gear face to face, so that's something. "The mission was to stop the two groups from killing each other." Is this how they're going to stop it? Konohamaru looked around to see his teammate's eyes on both the fights. If they're keeping a lookout, then Konohamaru could do something different.

He looked to his right to see the closes Devil to him, and it was Shirone. Kuroka's younger sister. "That's her target." She was a little shorter than him. If Kuroka is coming after her, then maybe keeping an eye on her could be a good idea.

Naruto's student moved a little closer to the Devil Neko. Everyone else was so focused on the duels happening that they didn't notice him move. That or they didn't care.

Eventually, he was standing next to her, but she didn't even spare him a glance. She was giving his sensei an odd stare.

"...Hi." Konohamaru tried to start a conversation.

Shirone was slow to answer him. She turned to face him; her face had no expression. The two just looked at each other.

Konohamaru tried again. "You're name's Sh..." He stopped himself. That was too close. He's not supposed to call her by that name. "...Koneko right?" Internally he was sweating bullets. Did he just screw up?

"Yes." She didn't think anything of his blunder, not catching what he nearly said.

Konohamaru rolled with it. "Soooooo, you're a rook right, like strength and durability?"

"I am." Again with the short answer.

"How do I even talk with this girl?" She's not making it easy for him.

"What do you want, buddy?" Koneko gave him an empty look.

"I've never spoken to a Devil before. So I figured I could change that." Konohamaru was trying to with little success.

"Well, now you have." Koneko turned away, no longer interested in conversing with him.

Konohamaru sighed. "She's impossible." Is Koneko like this with everyone, or is he just special? The young Shinobi kept trying to think of ways to get her to at least open up. Even if it was small, it would still be a victory. But she's so closed off that he doubted he could say anything.

He tried to remember stuff that Kuroka did at Urakyoto. But that lady was the complete opposite of this girl. Was there anything Kuroka did that could help Konohamaru?

There was one thing he could think of. "Didn't Kuroka eat a lot of sweets? Yeah, she did. I think she stole from big brother Naruto a few times." It was to get under his skin. It worked, Naruto always chased after her.

Konohamaru checked some of his ninja pouches for any snakes he may have with him. Eureka, a few chocolate bars; never go on a mission without them. To see if he was right, Konohamaru got one out and took off the wrapper. The moment he did, he saw Koneko's nose twitch; her eyes slowly moved in his direction.

The young Shinobi smirked and took it a step further, and started eating the chocolate bar. It worked; he's got the cat's full attention. She's fully turned to face him, her eyes firmly placed on what he's eating.

"Want one." He waved it around a little to get a reaction.

Koneko didn't say anything. But with how her eyes are fixated on it, she didn't need to say anything. Konohamaru smiled at her and took out another one he had. "Here." He offered it to the cat.

In the blink of an eye, she snatched it out of his hand, not even giving him a thank you. She undid the wrapper and gave it a few sniffs, before gorging on the sweet food in her hand.

Konohamaru offered her another one, and the same thing happened. After the third one, she finally spoke to him. "It's Konohamaru, right?"

He nodded. "The one and only." He had a big grin.

She then looked at him with a more accepting manner. "...Nice to meet you." She then ate her fourth one.

"I'll take that. It's a whole lot better than what I first got." He's made a tiny amount of progress in the mission to stop Kuroka at least.

Even if he didn't, this Koneko is alright.

In her own weird way.

.

---

Raphtalia chose to watch Xenovia's bout with Kiba. She wasn't interested in seeing Naruto's. She's seen him fight Sun so it was apparent how this fight would end.

She had a few reasons to see their fight instead. For starters, they're both swordsmen, like her. Seeing how a Devil and an exorcist fight might give her some ideas for her own swordsmanship.

Kiba lost another sword to Xenovia's Excalibur and jumped back to the sword pile he created. Equipping two new ones that he duel wielded; one of ice, the other of fire. Kiba charge at Xenovia, but her sword shattered them as if they were twigs.

Xenovia then stabbed her sword into the ground, and the earth crumbled. Xenovia was in the middle of a small pit of dirt and rock. It's a testament to the power of that blade.

It was clear that Xenovia held the advantage in power. Raphtalia doubted anything Kiba could make, or her own blade could stand up to Xenovia's.

Xenovia was a power fighter; she lacked the same speed and agility that both Raphtalia and Kiba had. But Kiba was letting his anger get the best of him, and he continued his attempt at overpowering her.

A speed fighter trying to overpower a power fighter, it was nonsensical.

"Is that how I was against the stray Devil?" Raphtalia still had a hard time remembering some parts of that event. Was her mind that clouded?

Kiba was reminding Raphtalia of herself, or at least a future version of her. Was this what Naruto was warning her about. The path of revenge and the damage it causes.

Raphtalia was so caught up in her thoughts that she nearly missed something, a feeling around her neck.

It came, then it went...must have been nothing.

Then Xenovia destroyed another one of Kiba's blades, pushing him further and further back.

The feeling came back. Raphtalia was quick to find it.

It's her cross...it's shaking in her hand, like it had a will of its own.

Whenever Xenovia used her Excalibur, the cross shook...what is this?

Raphtalia looked at Xenovia's sword. "Holy Power..." Is that blade doing this?

.

---

Issei was panting, he was getting tired, and has been unable to land a single hit on Naruto. Taking in a deep breath, he then tried to kick Naruto, only for the Shinobi to grab the end of the Devil's leg. "I've got a question Issei."

Issei was balancing on one foot. "...What'd you want to ask?"

"How long have you been a Devil? I know you're a newly reincarnated Devil and all. But just how new are we talking?" Naruto held tightly on to Issei's leg; the pervert had no chance to get free.

"I don't know, a month; maybe a little longer."

Naruto then pushed Issei back. The Devil nearly fell over.

Naruto could only take a little information from that answer. "No fighting style...unless he's against a girl." Not letting him near Hinata or Raphtalia. "He hasn't been in a real fight before becoming a Devil...so that might mean..." If Issei didn't have any experience in combat and didn't know anything about the 'Supernatural World'. Then the only real reason Rias would have had for reincarnating him would have been because he had a Sacred Gear.

Is that true?

Is it the same with the others of her Peerage?

Even the ones without Sacred Gears?

Issei regained his footing. He wanted to go back on the attack, but nothing has worked against Naruto.

No, Issei won't give up. Naruto is all that's in his way...to see...Issei had to win.

Issei Boosted again, the Gear shouted 'Explosion', and he transferred the power into his legs, to increase his speed. He charged at Naruto. With his new speed, he may have a chance.

Issei jumped into the air and went to punch Naruto with his Boosted Gear. Mere inches from hitting Naruto; the Shinobi disappeared from sight, vanishing in a swirl of leaves and dust.

Issei looked stumped. "Where'd he go?"

"Don't let your opponent get behind you." A voice whispered into Issei's ear. The Devil jumped from the sudden chill down his spine, and span around to find the blond bastard.

Only to find no one.

"What?"

"What did I just say?" Naruto was leaning on his back.

Issei turned around again to hit him. Again, no one was there.

"You let me do this one more time Issei, and I promise you a world of hurt."

Issei didn't listen and did it again. Well, Naruto warned him.

Naruto appeared behind Issei, crouched down this time...his hands were making the...tiger hand sign seal?

No...no he isn't going to use...that technique.

Naruto did. "Konohagakure Hiden Secret Taijutsu Technique: One Thousand Years of Death!" Naruto's hands pushed forward, towards a specific area on Issei's body.

When Issei heard the last part of that name, he thought he was going to die. Then he wished he died.

He felt it...enter his...oooooohhhhhh the pain.

The speed and strength Naruto used sent Issei flying into the air. The Devil screamed tears of pain as he held onto his ass.

It seems Devils can fly without wings.

Issei then face planted into the ground. But the pain on his face paled in comparison to the pain in his ass. He rolled around on the ground while holding on to his affected area. Hoping the pain would soon subside.

Konohamaru laughed.

Hinata signed and held her head in embarrassment.

Raphtalia didn't see it; she was more interested in seeing Xenovia's fight with Kiba.

The Devil's reactions were mixed. Asia called out to Issei, asking if he's alright...no Asia, he's not alright. Rias looked away, hoping to forget what she just saw.

Akeno, well, she said. "Ara Ara, such a deadly technique." She'll have to remember such an attack.

Shirone had one word. "Justice." She was happy about what happened to the pervert, though her face remained neutral.

Issei wept. "Koneko! Why would you say that?" Where's the loyalty.

The cat deadpanned at him. "Because you are the enemy of all women." Payback for all the times he used Dress Break on someone.

Naruto strolled to the defeated Issei, and sat down on him, restraining his arms in the process. "Lesson learned Issei?"

"You suck, you suck you, damn bastard! How could you do that to a guy?" Issei had no choice but to talk, with the position he's in.

Naruto gave the Devil under him an amused stare."Buddy you strip women's clothes off all the time so you can't talk. Maybe you should come up with something different." It's not like he's always going to be up against women, and it would only piss off some women. The images of Sakura, Ino and Tsunade, entered Naruto's thoughts.

They would kill him if they knew about his Dress Break.

"...No...I will never give it up." Issei tried to raise his head. "I poured all my effort and power into this ability. I...I will see them..."

"See who?" Naruto just regretted that he asked that.

"You fool! Why would you ask that you know what this idiot's going to say!" Kurama didn't want to hear it.

"I will see their naked bodies, their luscious curves...their breasts and butts. It is my dream to see all of it..."

"You've got problems kid. Deep, deep down problems." Jiraiya was a massive pervert, but he at least had style, and shared so much wisdom with others.

"KILL HIM!"

"...I can't..." But it's tempting.

"My dream is to become the Harem King, and I won't let you or anyone stand in my way!" Issei made his last attempt to continue the fight.

Yeah, no.

Naruto chopped the back of his head, knocking him out. "I should have done that earlier." The Devil was a drooling mess under him.

"Yes, you should of."

Naruto got up from the unconscious Devil and stepped aside so that Asia could heal him. Naruto then spoke to Rias. "Guess I won." Not a victory Naruto could take any pride in; it wasn't even practise.

"I accept your victory." Rias may have said it, but she wasn't thrilled about it. She was giving Naruto a mean gaze.

"Have I pissed her off?"

"You manhandled one of her servants, and you are gaining her suspicions." Kurama knew that Rias ignorantly thought Issei was going to defeat Naruto with ease. So much so that she warned the brat not to hurt Naruto too much.

"Rias doesn't like being wrong." No one really does, but it's written all over her face. Talk about prideful.

"He's not waking up?!" Asia shouted out in worry. Her Twilight Healing may have healed any bruises, but Issei has yet to open his eyes.

"It's less about damage and more of a system shock thing. Healing wouldn't really do it." Normally Issei would wake up a few hours later. But Naruto had an out. "Hinata, could you..." He didn't need to finish that sentence for Hinata to understand.

Hinata walked to Issei's side and poked the back of his neck, shocking his nervous system. It worked, Issei's eyes fluttered open, and his eyes landed on Hinata first. "My guardian Angel is such a babe." He said with a groggy voice, Issei thinks he's still dreaming.

"Umm...thank you?" Hinata didn't know what to say to that and backed up away from the pervert. Leaving him in the arms of Asia.

When Issei woke up, Asia's eyes opened up, and she grew a large, happy, and relieved smile. Hinata could see the way Asia looked at Issei, the same eyes she had, they're just like Hinata's when she looked at Naruto in the past, and still does today.

"So that's how it is." It was plain as day to Hinata. This girl is in love with Issei, and he probably has no idea. How did these two become so close if Asia was a member of the church? The church in this town is a ruin, and this is Devil territory, how could they have possible met?

Hinata kept her eyes on the two Devils, while Naruto looked elsewhere. He's turned his focus to the fight between Xenovia and Kiba.

It looked to be nearing its end.

Kiba created one last sword and used up the last amount of his Demonic power to fuel it. He pitted his strongest blade against Xenovia's and charged at her head-on.

It was a gamble.

All his chips on the table.

But Kiba busted out, he overcommitted.

Instead of meeting Kiba's blade for a deadlock, Xenovia dodged it. The axe guard of her sword was shoved into Kiba's gut but luckily didn't draw any blood. Instead, Kiba coughed up blood.

The knight lost all his strength and could barely hold on to his breath. He fell to the ground, his sword vanishing.

Kiba was defeated.

Xenovia stood above him as the victor. "You have speed but lack power. No matter how hard to try, you will never be able to hold a large sword, and in doing so you gutted the speed you're so proud of. Please tell me you didn't know that." Xenovia walked away in disappointment; she was hoping for a better fight from the one who challenged her.

"...Wait." Kiba grunted, he had only the strength to say one word.

But Xenovia could say more than one. "Only fight if you're rational." She then turned to look at the defeated Devil from the corner of her eye and smirked at him. "You are my superior, after all." Oh, snap.

Kiba gritted his teeth, unable to accept the outcome of the fight. Again, he failed to destroy what he despises most.

Xenovia looked over to the side to see the Red Dragon Emperor regaining consciousness. He was being healed, and Naruto was without a single scratch on him.

Naruto won as well.

She did glance a few times at Naruto's fight, in the hopes of seeing how he battles. "No wasted movements. Looked to be second nature to him, he's experienced." But how much experience does he have? He was always in control of the battle; Issei never stood a chance at even touching him. 'Naruto' and 'normal' don't belong in the same sentence.

Xenovia picked up her church robe and put it back on; her battle suit was no longer visible. "Are you satisfied Rias Gremory?"

Rias retook her calm smile to hide her disappointment of defeat. "Yes, I'm happy no one was dealt killing blows. I thank you both for your integrity."

"Remember what we talked about earlier, stay out of this affair." Xenovia turned to leave, but Rias had a question.

"Did you ever find out just which Fallen Angel stole the Excalibur swords?" Must have been a strong one to pull that off.

"We know which one yes, a Leader, Kokabiel."

Rias didn't see that coming, for a leader class to do such a thing and is now in her territory. Yet they're going to..."The six of you are after a leader class, do you want to die?"

"We know the risks and do what we must to retrieve what was stolen."

Irina came to Xenovia's side. "We understand what's at stake and we've already suffered a casualty. A priest who came to this town before us was killed."

"I know who did it..." Kiba regained some strength to get up off the ground. "...Freed Sellzen."

"The stray priest is back?" Said Rias.

"I happen to encounter him when he murdered that priest...and Freed definitely had a Holy Sword."

"Interesting that it was a stray priest. So Kokabiel isn't working alone." Said Xenovia, taking the situation even more seriously. With this Freed in the mix, Kokabiel has someone who can even use True Holy Swords. So it's not just a Fallen Angel they're dealing with, but the swords he stole as well.

Naruto then made his voice known. "We couldn't leave it be before and we certainly can't now. You don't steal swords like that unless you plan to use them. Best to make sure the crow and this priest never get the chance."

Rias still thought it was crazy with what they're planning to do. "Kokabiel will slaughter you."

Naruto sighed. "Rias you really got to stop with the whole 'I know everything'. You thought Issei would defeat me just because he's a Devil and I'm a human and look how that turned out. Kokabiel is no different."

Rias frowned. "Kokabiel has ten wings and..."

Naruto interrupted her. "And he's no different."

"..."

"...Just who are you?" Rias has had enough of this.

"I'm Naruto, weren't you listening before?"

"Don't dance around the subject. You have no power, yet you defeated Issei in such a way, infiltrated my territory. You can't be human. So just who are you?"

It was now Naruto's turn to frown at her. "I think I know what species I am better than you."

"You haven't answered my question."

"Well, we don't always get what we want now do we princess." Naruto gestured with wide-open arms, mocking the Devil heiress.

"You don't like her that much do you?"

"She's the type of girl who always wants things to go her way, or get what she wants. Of course, I would mess with her." That and Naruto still didn't have the full story on how she got the members of her Peerage. But so far, everything he's learned has only made him dislike her more.

Rias didn't take too kindly to his actions, as her eyes lit up again with Demonic power. Naruto didn't care, and he turned to walk away from this meeting, his friends followed him in tow.

Naruto stopped for a moment. "Asia?"

The former saint turned to face Naruto, surprised by him calling her out. "Yes, can I help you? Do you need healing?"

"No I'm good but thanks for offering. I just wanted to know something. You're a former saint right?"

"I...Yes, I was."

"How did you come to this town and end up in a Devil Peerage?"

Asia didn't answer; she couldn't answer. She started to fidget on the spot, becoming frightened by remembering her past.

Issei came to her defence. "Hey, you don't get to ask her that! And you didn't even answer Buchou's question!" Issei gritted his teeth in anger.

Naruto was slow to answer. "...Sorry my bad, my curiosity got the better of me." Naruto turned to face the stressed out girl, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry Asia, forget I asked anything." With that, he and the rest of the team, along with the church girls, all left the area.

As they left, Konohamaru waved goodbye to Shirone. She surprisingly waved back.

Today was done.

And Naruto got something from his last question to Asia.

"Well Kurama, did you get anything?"

"Yes. With the emotions I felt from the nun. However, that girl ended up here and joined that Peerage, was not the best of days for her."

"Was it forced? Did she not have a choice?"

"I couldn't say; if it was, she doesn't show it, not with her acting around the perverted brat." She was a girl in love.

"We won't be able to ask with Rias or Issei around." Causing Asia stress wasn't something Naruto wanted to do anyway.

He learned one thing about Rias's Peerage...they aren't boring.

He spared one last glance at Kiba, who looked at his hand in hidden rage.

"He's going to be a problem isn't he."

Damn avengers

.

---

The group made their way back to the church. With the meeting done and knowing that Rias will stay out of it, they can get to work with finding Kokabiel and his ilk before they do something stupid. And grab Kuroka when she makes her move.

Naruto was at the back of the group with Konohamaru. He wanted to know a few things.

"Hey, Konohamaru?"

"Yeah?"

"This may sound weird, but did Shirone do anything strange when I was fighting Issei." Naruto never looked her way. Hinata was focused on Naruto; Raphtalia was focused on Xenovia and Kiba. So that left Konohamaru who was standing next to her.

"I didn't really see her react to things all that much, unless it's sweets. But I think she kept giving you a hard stare. She looked possessed."

"Huh, so she hasn't figured it out yet. But is making an active effort on it."

"How long till you think she learns about Chakra?"

"No idea. Could be the next time we meet her for all I know. I'm more worried about her learning about my Senjutsu."

"How come?"

"She stopped using it. I would like to know what the reason was before she figures me out." It could make all the difference.

The group made it back to the church. Nighttime has fallen.

"I believe the meeting went well." Said Xenovia.

Naruto disagreed. "Wouldn't how I would describe that hot mess."

"We now know who aids Kokabiel, and the Devils have promised not to get involved." In Xenovia's eyes, that's a win.

"Sure, but did you really need to pick a fight with them...and what was with that stunt you pulled on Asia?" The poor girl that Xenovia brought to tears.

"I wished to give her a chance at redemption for her selfish betrayal. Nothing more, nothing less."

"By killing her, how would killing her redeem her?" You redeem yourself through the life you live, not by letting someone put you down just because.

"I find it interesting that you defend her. When you defeated the Red Dragon Emperor and got into an augment with Rias." Xenovia believed Naruto was being hypocritical.

"I took on Issei so Irina wouldn't accidentally kill him and I didn't threaten Asia's life or call her a witch. Why'd you call her that anyway?"

"I called her that because she is one?"

"What does that even mean?"

The others stood to one side, watching this argument in earnest.

"Should we stop them?" Irina didn't know.

Hinata answer her. "Best leave them to it. It's a difference of opinions being debated, not a fight like what happened with the Devils."

Their 'debate' continued. "How is healing someone a crime?"

"She went behind the church's back to heal the enemy of God and humanity."

"So if it was a human or an Angel she healed in that moment, it's a-ok. But because it's a Devil she suddenly an enemy of God and must be banished just like that?"

"She betrayed the church's trust to use her ability for good."

"She's a healer! They heal people! Regardless of who or what they are; ya'know the Hippocratic Oath and all. Asia isn't a fighter like you or me; she lives by a different set of rules." She heals those who need healing, which is a beautiful thing.

Naruto huffed, he felt like he was getting nowhere with Xenovia, she's just as stubborn as he is. "Is that all it takes?"

"Excuse me?" Xenovia didn't understand the question.

"After everything Asia did for the church and for God, she does one thing that they don't like, and they banish her? Ignore all her deeds and the humans and Angels she helped and leave her out to dry?" That's downright criminal. "So it could happen to anyone."

"No, the church doesn't abandon its true followers. As long as we hold our faith and belief to the highest standard then no matter what mistake we make, God will forgive our sins and welcome us back." Asia may still believe in God, but she must have lost her faith in his teachings and joined up with the Devils. The people she helped.

"...Then I guess we'll have to wait and see then."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Asia wasn't special, she did something the church didn't like, and they kicked her out for it. If that's how the church works...then soon...everyone will suffer the same fate." No one is free from making mistakes, and Asia's didn't even do that. It was pure faction bias; the hatred they had for Devils was all that mattered in their decision.

Irina had enough of Xenovia and Naruto butting heads. They got along so well yesterday. "Hey guys come on one fight was enough for today. So what do you say, let's go back to being friends and get on with the mission?" Irina wanted to be the voice of reason, to keep their groups together in this.

"Fine/fine." Both Naruto and Xenovia said the same thing.

"Sweet." Irina jumped with joy; she got them to calm down. "So, what now then?"

"We need to begin our search for the swords and Kokabiel." A simple plan but one Xenovia can work with.

"It's best we do it tomorrow. With what happened with the Devils, there could be people out and about trying to figure out what happened. Let's lay low for tonight and begin our search tomorrow." Said Hinata, the Devils will now be wary of them after today. Even if they agreed to stay out of it, doesn't mean they won't keep tabs on them.

"So what's the plan for tomorrow?" Konohamaru wanted to get to it.

Irina brought out a map of the town. "I use to live here, so I know it like the back of my hand." She rolled the map on the floor for the group to see. She started pointing out key locations where they could look for him.

"Hinata has good eyesight and she hasn't seen any Fallen Angels or other Excalibur users. They must be hiding within a barrier or something, only coming out when they want to make a play." Said Naruto.

Xenovia and Irina didn't get it. Hinata should see them, how's that work? "If what you say is true, then we must search the city for their hiding spot." Only other plan Xenovia could think of, but it could take ages.

"Then we split up and search the town. Irina, you know this place well so point us in some good locations a Fallen Angel would use." Said Naruto. "We'll split up into four groups. Xenovia and Irina, you take the north side. Hinata and Raphtalia will take the east. Me and Konohamaru will take west and south, respectively."

"I can give us places to look, but how would you two search two areas at once?" Going it alone could be dangerous.

Naruto weaved the hand sign, and a copy of himself appeared beside him. "I can clone myself, so I can have a clone go with Konohamaru while I check the west side of town."

Irina stood up and approached the clone, and poked it a few times. "Cool it's the real thing and not some illusion."

Xenovia eyed Naruto. "Is that a Youkai ability?" Cloning one's self was something Youkai were known to do.

"Well...it is a Jutsu." Just not a Youjutsu. "Also, since I'm checking out the west side of town, I can see what the Fallen Angel that Issei sees is up to. If he's involved, then we have a little chat with him. If not, then we ignore him." With Yasaka's testimony in Azazel's favour about not being like Kokabiel. Then it was unlikely that he had anything to do with this. But Naruto needed to be sure. He may know something.

"Also." Naruto then handed out three tri pronged kunai for each group. "Take these with you." Hinata got one, Konohamaru got one, and Xenovia got one.

Xenovia inspected the little blade; it had writing she's never seen before on its hilt. She couldn't read it. "What does this say?"

Naruto pointed up. "Throw it up in the air."

Xenovia did. The blade neared the ceiling. But then Naruto appeared right there; the blade was in his hand. Before Xenovia could even acknowledge his sudden change of position, he disappeared again; appearing right next to Konohamaru and his blade.

Naruto handed the blade back to Xenovia. "I can transport to them at will. So the idea is that tomorrow: Raphtalia uses that communication Youjutsu on us so we can stay in contact. We then begin our search. And if we find them, we call it in before the fighting starts and I transport us to the location, and we take them on together. Sound like a plan?"

The group all nodded, it would take time to find them, but they will at least be together when they do.

Deciding to call it a day, the group went to get some sleep. Naruto volunteered for first watch. But before he could start, Raphtalia wanted to speak to him.

"Naruto-Sama?"

Naruto turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "...Sama...since when did you start calling me that?"

Raphtalia's checks got a little red. "...Today I guess...It's not an issue, is it?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Honorifics aren't my thing."

"So it's an issue..."

"I mean...I don't really mind...if you want to call me that then I guess you can." It's a whole lot better than Mr.

Raphtalia smiled. "Thank you." Wait she wants to call him that? "I was hoping to speak to you Naruto about something that's been on my mind."

"You can talk to me about anything Raphtalia it's all good. Oh, by the way, good job today, keeping your cool and all around the Devils. I know that must have been hard for you."

"I'm just glad we left when we did."

"I understand. So what's on your mind?"

Raphtalia got right to it. "During the duel, did you notice or feel anything from Xenovia or her sword?"

"Well I saw her and the sword in action, and felt its power. Is that what you meant?"

Raphtalia shook her head; she's not wording it right. "No...I mean, did it affect you in any way?"

"...Not really. Why? Did it mess with you?"

"I could just be my imagination. But every time Xenovia used her Excalibur, my cross moved."

Naruto tilted his head in confusion. "Moved?"

"Yes."

"Now when you say moved. Do you mean it moved because of the force and winds picked up from Xenovia's sword? Or that the cross moved on its own?"

"...Well...the latter I guess. Whenever the sword used its power, the cross felt like it was vibrating; reacting to it."

"Huh...that's something." The cross hasn't done anything before. "Kurama what do you think?"

"Sun said that the cross needs Holy Power to open. Those swords have a large amount of it. The lock on the cross must be resonating with it, from being in such close proximity to a source of Holy Power."

"Raphtalia this sounds like good news."

"It does?"

Naruto smirked. "It's just further proof that we need Holy Power to open it. Once this is all over, we can see the church and get the key we need. We're on the right track Raphtalia, so let's keep it up." Naruto gave her a thumbs up.

Raphtalia found peace in his words and agreed with him. It may be slow, but her path is moving forward. "Thank you, Naruto-Sama." She bowed to him, showing her gratitude.

Naruto sweet dropped. "Hey now you don't need to do that. We're all equals here."

Raphtalia stopped what she was doing. "Oh...I'm sorry." Her ears dropped down. "If he doesn't like bowing...then maybe."

Raphtalia took the initiative, and hugged Naruto in a tight embrace, catching the Shinobi off guard.

Naruto was dumbstruck. "Raphtalia?"

She didn't look up and continued hugging him. "You do this to Hinata all the time and even a few times to Kunou. You also hugged me before...so I thought I could have this."

"Oh...sure ok, I don't mind...hug away." Naruto didn't know what to do here. He just accepted it.

Raphtalia stepped back, a dust of red on her cheeks. "Thank you Naruto-Sama...and good night." She walked away to get some sleep, walking away a little faster than usual.

"Raphtalia's sure acting different."

"You have no clue do you?"

"Clue? What Clue?"

"...I'm not even going to bother. You're on your own."

"Kurama don't leave me hanging. What do you know that I don't?"

"..."

"Kurama?"

"..."

"Say something!"

"..."

"Oh screw you!"

Naruto chose to forget the whole thing and stood on watch. Today's been a weird and confusing day.

Maybe tomorrow will be easier. Fight one or two guys and save the day.

That sounds like a fun time.

.

---

Freed Sellzen was excited; he was thrilled with what's soon to come. This Excalibur of his, oh he's going to gut so many heathens with it. He already got that priest and nearly had his way with that sword swinging Devil boy. His boss just had to call him back and ruin his fun.

"So when should we begin the killing, my Excalibur is hungry for some blood and gore?"

At the back of the room, a man appeared through the shadows. He was an elderly man with grey hair and a moustache. "Very soon, with that priest you killed, others would have shown up in the town by now. Most likely wielding Excaliburs of their own."

Just what Freed wanted to hear. "Oh goody, so when can I start loping off heads and taking what we need to start our fun?"

"Now, now Freed don't get ahead of yourself. Fighting two Excalibur wielders may be too much for you." Then two figures walked through the shadows to stand next to him. "This is why we have help."

Freed saw them and grew an insane grin. He knew these guys, strays, just like him; the more crazies, the better.

To the right was a young man wearing a white robe and deep scarlet plate mail. He had six Holy long swords, two on the left and two on the right side of his waist, along with two on his back. He had blond hair and yellow eyes. His smile was anything but pleasant.

To the left was an old man with unruly green hair and shark like teeth. His cheeks were sunken. He wore ceremonial green clothes that had a wide, massive collar that extended past and above his head.

Three murderous strays and an insane priest, following a Fallen Angel with big plans for the future of the world.

That sounds like a fun time.

.

---

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Chapter 10: Holy Swords and Devils Part 2: Complete.

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The intimidation thing Naruto did was similar to what Orochimaru did during the forest of death. But it wasn't killer intent this time.

Chakra can become visible to the naked eye from a simple flex. Hashirama and Tobirama did just that as reanimations, which were weaker than them being alive.

Issei didn't have any options against Naruto. Issei could never dream of touching him. He wouldn't try to use Dress Break because Naruto is a guy. Dragon shot was a no go because they're in the centre of town. Naruto would never let Issei charge the Dragon Shot, because Naruto, in a real fight, has no chivalry. He fights to win. Issei can't use Balance Breaker at will yet. If he wanted to enter it he would need to sacrifice another part of his body. Or have one of Azazel's inventions as a means to enter the imperfect version for a small amount of time.

The Transformation Technique doesn't affect their smells. This is how Kiba (From Naruto) was able to sniff out Naruto during the Chunin exams when he turned into him, while his dog Akamaru also transformed into him. So Koneko would smell her way past the Transformation Technique. This is why White Zetsu's Transformation ability was such a big deal since he could mimic anything; including smell. The only way to see past it was emotional and intent sensing.

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Questions:

Can Shinobi use Holy Weapons?

Holy Weapons need Holy power to be used, without it they're just a piece of metal, that's why natural Holy Sword users are such a big deal (Xenovia). But with how Charka works, being able to connect with things and all; connecting with Sixth paths power, Nature energy, other people etc. The idea of Charka and Holy power working together can work.

Don't worry. I know all about Shadow Clones and Divine Dividing.

Kaguya doesn't have personal worlds but personal dimensions. Yes, they have a planet, a sun and even a moon. But they are all wastelands, being a desert, an ice age, a sea of acid, massive gravity and so on. They don't have any form of life and don't contain a whole universe.

Momoshiki and Kinshikik were on a desolate planet with stars, but that was only after they killed it with the God trees. The God trees drain the energy from the planet and from those that live there.

This is why they seed other planets, but not those they create in their personal dimensions because those ones have no life to absorb. They don't have the Creation of All Things Technique, that's Hagoromo's thing.

Ddraig didn't tell Issei about Azazel for several reasons. Could be because Ddraig knew he wasn't a threat and didn't want to worry his host. Ddraig didn't care. Or the connection between them still needs some work. Could be any, could be all. Ddraig never told Issei who Azazel was until after Azazel revealed himself to Issei.

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Next: Chapter 11: Stray Priests

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