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."

12. Chapter 12

A Sage's Mission

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"Speaking"

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

"Tailed Beast/Sacred gear Dragon speaking."

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Well, we've hit over 1000 Favs. Thank you all for your continued support. For those that stuck with me since I first started; back when my spelling and grammar needed some serious work (You know what I'm talking about.) Thank you for sticking around and helping me improve.

Cheers everyone.

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Chapter 12: Collisions

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"Time to make my move nya." Kuroka has been waiting for this moment; the time to act has come. "Wait for me, Shirone." The Stray Neko Devil has finally decided to 'save' her little sister from her Devil masters.

Ever since Kuroka saw Shirone lose in that Rating Game, she hasn't been able to get it out of her head. She left her sister behind so she wouldn't die with her. It did mean she'd be leaving her with the Devils, but Kuroka was not in a position where so many paths were open to her.

She made a choice and has regretted that choice ever since.

Kuroka escaped to Urakyoto, the only place that would even consider taking her in. But there still was no guarantee of that. But it all worked out for her. Yasaka accepter her, took her in and gave her a place to stay, safe from any Devil retaliation.

Yet it wasn't worth it...none of it was...because it was Shirone that mattered the most to Kuroka. Now her little sister was also turned into a Devil and kept as some bitch heiress's servant to fight her battles for her. That's what angered Kuroka the most; Riser Phoenix was Rias's problem. Yet she dragged Shirone into a fight that wasn't hers and got hurt because of it. Death can happen in Rating Games, even when the intention is obvious, like what Riser tried to do with the Red Dragon Emperor, it would still be considered an accident because he's 'royalty'.

What if it was Shirone in Issei's position...or what about the next Rating Game?

Kuroka had to go...she has to get her sister back. After giving any potential trackers from Urakyoto the slip, she's made it to Kuoh Town.

"It's been some years since I've been in Devil territory. But sneaking around here will be easier than in the Underworld." But she still had to be careful. Kuroka needs to avoid using her Senjutsu to sense Shirone's location. Otherwise, her little sister will detect her and tell her 'master'. "I wouldn't feel too bad if I had to kill that Rias to get her back." Kuroka wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

So instead Kuroka will track her down the traditional way for a Neko, she'll follow her sent. Since Shirone has been here for a while her sent will be all over the town, won't be hard to pick it up and track her down.

Just as she thought, it didn't take long for her to find the trail. With a few sniffs, Kuroka has a path to follow. She jumped from rooftop to rooftop, moving through the air with grace, utterly silent to anyone who's still awake.

Only to stop after her last jump, her Devil senses kicked in when she felt something surge in the distance; it made her skin crawl. Looking across the way Kuroka could see a faint glow in the woods outside of the town...this light was moving and grew in intensity...her Devil senses warning her of the danger.

"Holy Power...in Devil territory? Looks like someone's having fun here." Kuroka would have wanted to check it out, but she's got priorities right now.

Except...Shirone's trail goes in that direction.

Is her sister in trouble?

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Naruto was hot on Kuroka's heels...or claws or tails, however you would put it. Since she passed through his barrier, Naruto knows her location in real-time. As long as she stays within it, she can't elude him. But Kuroka still has a healthy head start; Naruto was all the way back at the docks when she came.

But he still had a bit of good news. "Kuroka will avoid using her Senjutsu to find the Neko brat. She'll have no choice but to track her down using smell."

"Kuroka is in the same position we're in. If she uses Senjutsu to find Shirone, then she'll expose herself."

"The time window we have is small so keep moving and...Wait, what's that?"

"What's wha...?" Naruto stop mid-sentence when he too felt, and saw what Kurama was talking about. Naruto could see something bright in the distance...the church is in that direction. "That's Holy Power."

"But not from Xenovia or Irina. I feel Spiritual Energy entangle in it. This must be Raphtalia."

"No way, did her cross open or something?"

"There's no other explanation."

"I'll contact her." Naruto brought his hand to his ear and activated the communication Youjutsu that Raphtalia placed on him. "Raphtalia are you okay? I can see the light from here, what's going on?" Naruto asked with concern in his voice.

But he got no replay.

"Raphtalia...can you hear me? Hello, Naruto Uzumaki here." Still no reply from the Youkai. Naruto then tried to contact the others. "Hinata? Konohamaru can you hear me? Xenovia, Irina...your God, is a loser...HELLO!"

"Naruto would you stop already if it didn't work the first time it won't work the next nine times."

"Is the Jutsu dispelled?"

"Something must have happened. Naruto, Kuroka is back on the move and will arrive at the church if she keeps her current direction."

"Why would she...just what have we missed."

What's going on?

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The forest was silent. Those that battled, the birds and all the wildlife held their breaths. None could understand or fathom how this happened. Raphtalia was standing still, her new sword in hand. Holy Power flowed around her in a spiral, creating calm winds that pushed back the grass around her.

"Raphtalia...why do you have that sword?" Xenovia finally got her speech back. "And how are you able to wield an Excalibur?" It's not possible, only humans blessed with Holy Power or Angels can use Holy Swords; let along a True Holy Sword. Yet standing before them is a Youkai who's not only in possession of one of the missing pieces of Excalibur, but could wield it as well.

Raphtalia didn't, or couldn't answer Xenovia's question. Raphtalia has no answer to give. She continued to stare at her Excalibur Blessing; a million questions plagued her thoughts.

Why did her mother have this?

Why did Rizevim Lucifer take her and not her mother who had the cross? Did that Devil not know about this?

Why is she able to use this sword?

Raphtalia could feel it within her, flowing alongside her Spiritual Energy, Holy Power. It was not there before, yet now...Did the sword or the cross give her this power?

Raphtalia wanted to smile, to feel some semblance of peace or excitement. She's finally taken her first real step to understand why this all happened to her. But this millstone gave her no real answers, only more questions.

"WHY DO YOU HAVE THAT?!" One voice could not remain silent, that voice was filled with rage. Kiba always ignored Raphtalia. The Youkai was of no interest to him. All he cared about were the Excaliburs and those that used them. "She's had that sword the entire time." Was she intentionally hiding it from him?

But this also made Kiba wonder about a few things. How can a Youkai use a Holy Sword, that shouldn't be possible...so how?

Was this Youkai also involved with the Holy Sword Project? Was she somehow connected to his friend's deaths? Kiba had no answer. But one thing is true; Kiba's attention has left Xenovia and has shifted to Raphtalia.

Raphtalia turned and look at Kiba, seeing the intensity within his eyes. As well as the silent rage. "Is he...?"

"Fascinating, truly an unexpected outcome for this day's end." A new voice entered the fray. One that sounded much older than anyone else's. A magical circle appeared next to Freed, and a holographic display of someone was shown. This man was short and fat and had glasses. He wore a priest uniform and had grey hair and a moustache, as well as black eyes.

Freed was surprised by his sudden appearances. "Oh old man Valper, have you called to chat?"

That name was all the others needed to hear; Kiba especially. "VALPER GALILEI!" The one who started it all, the central reason for his friend's deaths.

Valper faced his failed experiment. "You know me?" Valper narrowed his eyes and focused in on Kiba, only now just recognising him. "Now I remember, you were one on those failures for the Holy Sword Project, my how you've grown. I was almost certain that you all died. But it seems you were saved by Devils." Valper spoke about it without a care in the world. He felt no shame for the actions, and deaths his caused, all were acceptable as long as it furthered his research.

"WHERE ARE YOU?!" Kiba demanded; he needs to know. Not only are the swords here, but Valper is here too.

Valper ignored him and looked back at the Youkai wielding a sword she shouldn't be able to. "I never would have guessed it was the Youkai who stole that blade. They were never a suspect; stealing a blade that's useless to them. I dare say you might be the first Youkai I've ever heard using a True Holy Sword" Valper would very much like to have her captured; there are many experiments he would like to perform on her; secrets to learn.

"So how is this furry bitch able to use it? And she keeps stealing my sword's Holy juices?" Freed just wanted to kill her, but that cross of hers is making it challenging.

Valper gave Raphtalia a closer look and saw the cross. "A seal inscribed on a cross to house a True Holy Sword...poetic. Yet the seal remains in place."

"So what does that mean fat man?"

"It means its purpose is still incomplete. Be careful of it, it will continue to drain Holy Power from your sword."

That shocked Raphtalia. "It's not done yet?" She still needs more Holy Power to complete its purpose? Taking Holy Power from Xenovia and Irina's swords did cross her mind. But that would weaken them, and they still need to defeat the psychopathic priest. "In that case, I'll drain Freed's Excalibur dry." It will render the guy powerless.

"So fat man, what'd I do now?"

"Where are Terra and Saddler?"

"They're busy dealing with some other newcomers."

"This Youkai isn't the only one?"

"The others are a bitch Devil I met before and two humans."

"And yet they're still dealing with them? This should be child's play for those two." But Valper could still hear the sounds of battle within, and on the other side of the church. "Fall back Freed."

"I ain't running away from these..."

Valper interrupted him. "Lure them away, lead them to him. I'll also be there waiting for you." Valper made sure to whisper this to his crazy accomplice.

"Him huh, I like this." Freed's sinister gin came back. Their boss will clear these distractions away no problem. Valper's communication came to an end, and he vanished from sight. "Well bitches I'm going back to Valper, guess I'll kill you later!"

"You aren't going anywhere, traitor!" Xenovia was having none of it.

"Guess you'll have to catch me." Freed flipped them off before making a mad dash to escape.

"Get back here!" Irina shouted. Xenovia, Irina and Kiba pursued after Freed. They would not let him escape.

Raphtalia also ran after them, but she stopped just short of the tree line. Looking back at the church where her friends are still fighting. Raphtalia was at a crossroad. She knows that she should go back and help her friends in their battle.

Raphtalia knew she should...as their friend and teammate she should stay with them...but Raphtalia couldn't let this go.

She's finally starting to get somewhere with her questions. If she doesn't go after them, then she might very well miss her chance. Raphtalia clenched her fist in frustration. She made her choice.

"I'm sorry." Raphtalia hated herself for doing this. She knew she shouldn't have made this choice...but she chose it all the same. Raphtalia quickly ran after the other swordsmen and soon reached a full sprint.

She needs to catch up.

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Raphtalia moved through the forest at her fastest pace, trying to track down her fellow swordsmen. Her hesitation before gave them a good enough head start. She wasn't Hinata with her eyes or Naruto with his sensing; she had no real way to track them down.

The Youkai used her hearing to try and find the sounds of footsteps or battle. But it wasn't working in her favour. She heard many things, but they were all just the sounds of the forest.

"Did I lose them?" Raphtalia slowed down and soon came to a halt. Looking around the forest she's in, Raphtalia could see no signs or clues to follow. She had no idea which way they went.

"What now?" Does she keep running, hoping to find them? Or does she head back? Raphtalia ran a fair distance; the church's tower was no longer in sight above the trees.

But then the sound of rustling bushes came from her left side. Raphtalia spun around and readied her sword, quickly moving into a defensive stance. "Who's there?" Raphtalia held her blade close to her chest; ready for anything.

Someone slowly came out of the bushes...it was Kiba. He slowly looked up at her as he got through the dense forest. "Raphtalia..." He spoke with a strange and dull tone; he looked tired. "Where'd Freed and the others go?"

Raphtalia remained cautious around Kiba, remembering the look he gave her, and the fact he's a Devil. "I don't know. I lost them." They both lost sight of them.

This was the wrong answer to give the Knight of Gremory. His fists tightened, and his sword shook in his hand. Kiba's breathing became erratic; he was close to hyperventilating. "Over..."

Raphtalia caught that. "Excuse me?" Kiba was beginning to creep Raphtalia out.

"Over and over...over and over and over...I get so close to making it right; only for someone or something to get in my way. Why does this keep happing to me?" A faint red glow slowly formed around him. "Freed escapes me...Xenovia stops me...then you hide your sword from me. Now Valper is here...only for me to lose Freed and my chance again." Time and time again, Kiba came so close, but always lost his chance, as if the world was against him.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" Kiba could no longer contain it and let out a powerful scream. It roared throughout the forest; birds flew out of the trees and flocked away to safety.

Kiba's outburst ended, but it had an effect. Raphtalia felt uneasy, her hands tightened around the hilt of her blade. For some reason, Raphtalia felt like her life was now in danger.

Kiba fell into silence after his scream...what is he thinking about? He then lifted his head and looked at Raphtalia, and a very dangerous stare fell upon her.

"Like when that Stray Devil nearly killed me." Raphtalia readied her blade once again. To her, it's as if Kiba went pass rage and embraced the intent to kill.

"Give me that sword." Kiba would not accept any kind of compromise.

"No." Raphtalia would not compromise either.

"I'm not asking." Kiba summoned another sword; now he's dual-wielding two short swords, each emitting Demonic Power.

"Whatever problem you're having right now isn't important. We need to find the others and..."

"And what, let your Excalibur be taken by Freed, Valper or Kokabiel when he finally shows himself. I won't let them get their hands on another; I'll destroy them all, starting with yours."

"With my cross, I can counter any of the Holy Swords they have, but I need a sword to do it. I need Excalibur Blessing." Her cross needed a conduit to absorb the energy; her destroyed ninjatō was just that. But with it gone she'll need another sword, and a True Holy Sword would be perfect for the task.

"Do you really think you stand a chance against the likes of Kokabiel or Freed when he starts using the other swords they've stolen?" Kiba wasn't convinced.

"I'm not blind I know I am no match for Kokabiel. But while I help fight Freed, Naruto-Sama will stop that Fallen Angel." Naruto planned to deal with Kokabiel himself.

"You mean the human, who isn't even here."

"He's stronger than you know, and he'll be back soon, I know it."

"Enough!" Kiba tried to be 'reasonable', but he's done waiting. "Valper...those swords...they're the reason I've lost all those I cared about. My mission for those that have fallen won't end until I destroy them all. You aren't leaving this forest with that Excalibur." There's no one to stop him this time. Everyone else is either in battle or a no show. "I will make it right."

Raphtalia has heard it time and time again; going on and on about his mission, those he's lost. She of all people understands how he feels. But the more she hears him talk about it, the more Raphtalia can't stand it. "Do you actually think you're the only one with problems in this world? That your mission is somehow more important than everyone else's!" Raphtalia has had it up to here with this Devil. "You lost your friends to the Holy Sword Project...I lost my family, friends and home to you Devils, while I survived as their pet, alone in a cage! At least you got to have loved ones by your side as you went through it!"

Raphtalia knew Kiba isn't to blame for what happened to her...but she's past the point of caring. "I will make the Devils responsible answer for what they did. Yuuto Kiba...I will never hand this sword to anyone. Let alone a Devil!" The Racoon Youkai lifted her Excalibur Blessing and aimed at the Knight of Gremory. "Stand aside."

"If you've been through it too, then you know I can't stand aside." Kiba readied his swords. "If I have to, I will kill you."

Two swordsmen; one's past and the other's future linked to Excalibur. Both determined to make the ones who brought them pain answer for what they've done; stood silence in the forest.

On more words would be exchanged, no possibility for a compromise, and no way to avoid what's about to happen.

The winds were calm, its sound whispered through the trees; their hair gently flowing in its breeze. Neither swordsman's determination would waver.

Within the wind, two leaves; circling each other's path, would slowly fall between them.

Raphtalia and Kiba never broke eye contact.

The leaves hit the ground.

Their swords connected; their clash scattering the leaves.

The duel begins.

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Hinata kept her guard up against Terra whose busy digging himself out of the church's wall. She landed a solid hit on him that 'should have missed'. Terra's ability to pass through things is different from Kamui that much Hinata was sure of. His flour's ability to block attacks was also different from Gaara's sand shield. One moment it's strong, the other moment it's weak.

Hinata has a theory she needs to test.

Terra finally got out of the wall; you could hear the stone cracking as he broke free. He fell to the ground but used his arms to catch his fall, picking himself up, ready to face the girl before him.

Terra's learned something about her too.

"This girl could still find me even when I was underground. Either she could detect me...or..." Those eyes of hers were unique; he's never seen anything like them before. "Could she see me?" It's possible, but even when he attacked from her blind spots or out of sight, she could still evade him.

"I think I'll capture you instead of killing you young lady." Terra showed his shark-like teeth to her. Grinning with excitement with the things he could learn from her.

"I can't help but agree with you." Hinata intends to capture him too, and her plan was already in motion.

Any second now...

Terra held out his hand, and the flour gathered around it. His guillotine came back. Terra slowly walked towards Hinata, spinning his weapon like rope javelin; he's taking a more defensive approach.

"Precedence..." Terra could not continue his chanting when he felt something coming up from his throat. He coughed...he coughed blood. "What...where did this pain come from." He didn't feel like this when he was hit by that attack earlier. Terra clutched his chest; finding it difficult to breathe. He started taking deep, slow breaths to soothe the pain. Terra tried to use his ability again, but the pain on one side of his lung stopped him, and his flour that made up his weapon started falling apart.

Hinata's attack finally took effect. Her air palm has the same effect on a person as the gentle fist fighting style does. Her attack penetrated his skin and struck his right lung. It just took a while for it to take effect.

With his breathing distorted, Terra found it challenging to speak, and his ability was falling him. "Precedence" Hinata heard him say that multiple times, like whenever he attacks or defends. "His power must be tied to that voice command." Hinata had one more thing to test out, and if she's right, then she doesn't have to remain on the defensive anymore.

Hinata pulled out a kunai and ran straight at Terra. If he doesn't do anything, then she'll capture him here and now.

Terra saw her coming, and fought through the pain, coughing up blood as he pushed to use his ability again. "Precedence: Flour higher, skin lower." Terra threw his guillotine at the girl with intent to kill.

Hinata didn't dodge; she stood her ground...and held up her single kunai in defence. Time slowed down around her as the guillotine neared her, a hair's breadth from her blade.

The guillotine made contact.

Terra smirked, thinking he won this fight. Until he saw that his weapon stopped in midair...it should have gone right through and bisected that girl. But then he remembered that sound...the sound of clashing metal.

Hinata blocked the attack...an attack that's gone through stone walls like paper...with just a single kunai.

Terra pulled his weapon back, but Hinata wasn't done. She pulled out another kunai, but this one had something attached to its handle. A wire was wrapped around the handle, which led to an explosive tag. Hinata quickly threw it at Terra.

Time to see if she's right.

"Precedence: Flour higher, metal lower." His weapon came back to him just in time to block the kunai. The small blade bounced off the flour shield just like it did before. But then the sound of a lit fuse could be heard.

The paper bomb detonated mere inches from the flour shield. Most of the flour was incinerated from the blast, and Terra was thrown back due to the explosive force. He hit the ground hard, bouncing off the dirt several times before finally coming to a halt.

Hinata now finally understood the fundamentals of his ability. It could make something stronger, and something else weaker than each other. Terra could make his flour stronger than stone, and at the same time make that stone weaker than flour. But this ability can't make several things weaker and stronger at the same time.

He could block her fists, but then he couldn't block her kunai and vice-versa.

This ability also needs to voice commando of 'Precedence' to activate.

Hinata still doesn't understand how this lets him pass through things, but that doesn't matter now, because now she can end this.

Terra felt the pain...his left arm was broken. It was twisted in two different places. "I was never durable." He still had his other arm, and he could still speak...with incredible difficulty. "I need to fall back and inform the others of this..." Terra was just about to make his escape but was then cut off by Hinata. Terra was greatly surprised by this action; this girl wasn't that fast before. Terra jumped away to gain some distance.

Hinata charged and aimed to strike him with her fingers. Terra surrounded himself with flour, forming a protective sphere around him. "Precedence: Flour higher, skin lower." He'll roll right over her and escape.

Hinata wasn't fazed by his defence and continued her charge. Her fingers hit the flour and didn't even make a dent.

Even if that was the case, Terra felt something hit his chest...the other side of his lung. Terra coughed up even more blood, trying to stop his coughing fit by clutching his chest and covering his mouth. But his cough persisted, and blood seeped out of his mouth, through his fingers.

Hinata didn't stop, she continued her barrage of strikes on the flour sphere, and her attacks kept getting through. The flour could block her hands, but not her Chakra. Her Chakra penetrated the flour like an invisible blade. It continued to hit Terra's organs and bones...avoiding any lethal spots.

The damage to the lungs she can deal with, but she has to impair his ability to say the word 'Precedence'.

Terra could not understand how she was getting past his shield; he couldn't even see what's hitting him. The damage he sustained started to take its toll, and Terra could not hold up his shield any longer. The flour construct fell apart and created a white snow-like patch around him.

Hinata made one final attack, hitting deep into his right arm. He would've said it hurt, but he just lost all feeling in that arm. It was hanging off of him like a fish on a line. He could no longer move it. Terra fell to his knees and was forced to look up at the victor.

"Both your arms have been disabled, and you're too weak to escape me; Surrender." Hinata kept a close eye on Terra.

"Precedence..." Terra stopped talking when her fingers were mere inches from his heart. Hinata got him to shut up.

"Say that word again, and I will incapacitate you."

Terra would have no chance to speak that chant...at this distance...he has no choice but to admit it. "Seems I've lost this fight...We'll at least it was by those created in God's image. I would hate myself if it was a Devil or a Fallen Angel that defeated me. Hahahahaha...ow it hurts to laugh" Even in his condition, Terra could still laugh...even if it hurt to do it.

"Fallen...I don't understand you work for Kokabiel, you're on his side."

Terra was no longer laughing. "I have no loyalty to that creature. I only hope his death comes soon."

Now Hinata was even more confused. "Then why work for him?"

"War, of course, you should already know." Terra's shark-like teeth came back in a nightmarish grin.

Hinata was shocked by his statement. Terra noticed her reaction. "You don't know...Hahahahaha so even after everything we did those exorcists still don't understand our aim." Terra found this both amusing and pathetic. "What do you think would happen if Kokabiel killed say...Rias Gremory with the Excalibur swords?" There was only one answer, and Hinata already knew.

Hinata grabbed him by his cloak, bringing him face to face. "A war between the factions would be the death of them, of all of us!"

"No...Not with God by our side...his power is unquestionable."

"No one is invincible."

"Kokabiel is nothing but a pawn. His actions will force God to do what he should have done so long ago and finally rid the world of Devils, Fallen Angels and anyone else who stands against his teachings!" Terra was deranged.

Hinata's Byakugan took on more Chakra, the veins around her eyes became even more defined, and her eyes had a faint glow to them. Hinata was not amused, and she threw him to ground. "That future will never happen." Hinata turned away from him to calm herself down and get her eyes under control. "These new eyes are so..." Still much to learn about them.

Terra tried to sit up...and took a chance. "Precedence..." Only for his eyes to roll up into his head, his mouth gaped open as he drooled.

In a single act, Hinata turned around and struck him in his heart...a blow to incapacitate, not kill. "I told you what would happen if you said that word again." Hinata doesn't go back on her word, something she's picked up from Naruto.

Terra fell back down, hitting the dirt hard; he was unconscious.

"I need to tell the others about this." War is their goal.

"Damn looks like I've missed a party." A familiar voice spoke right next to Hinata. He teleported straight to her.

She turned to face him, with a smile on her face. "Naruto-Kun!" Someone she was more than thrilled to see. She embraced him with a loving hug, one he returned. As much as she wanted to stay in his arms, a lot is going on. "Naruto-Kun their aim is..."

"War."

"Yes...how did you...?"

"I overheard Azazel talking about it. He's even got someone here to stop him, a guy called Vali...So who's he?" Naruto pointed to the unconscious mess behind her.

"His name is Terra and his working with Kokabiel to start a war. But he's not loyal to Kokabiel." Never mind that the others are still in battle. "We need to hurry and help the others."

"Where are they?"

"Raphtalia, Xenovia and Irina were battling Freed, and Kiba ended up joining them. Then I saw them run into the forest, and I think they got split up." She has no idea where they are until she ups her Byakugan. "Konohamaru and Shirone are..."

"Wait, Shirone is here?!" Naruto interrupted Hinata.

"Yes, Konohamaru had no choice. What's wrong, Naruto-Kun?" Hinata could see Naruto's face twist with shock and worry.

"We need to get her away from here."

"Why?"

"Kuroka's coming this way."

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"Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu!" Konohamaru let loose another fireball, already knowing it to be effective against this opponent.

Saddler rolled to the side, just in time to avoid being cooked alive. But just as he did that, a large piece of the church's wall came at him with great speeds. Instead of dodging this time, he cut the stone in half and ran through the opening he made.

Both Konohamaru and Koneko were within reach, he had to choose a target. He chose the most annoying among them, Konohamaru. Saddle aimed to run him through.

But he overcommitted; his anger distorted his vision.

The young Shinobi slid under his legs, avoiding the former paladin's attack. Once Konohamaru got back on his feet, he quickly stuck a paper bomb on Saddle's backplate.

"Koneko get clear!" Konohamaru jumped away from the pending explosion.

Koneko didn't know what he just did, but followed his advice and jumped away.

The former paladin stopped his motion when he heard a sound...it sounded like a lit fuse? But that sound was soon replaced by an explosion. Saddle was sent flying, heading towards the back of the main hall of the church. He's backplate was utterly destroyed, and his bare burned skin could be seen in its place.

Koneko tried to make good on the opportunity and charged at the injured Saddler; one punch was all she needed.

Despite the pain he's in, Saddle was able to put up a defence. Finding the strength to stand, he threw his blade at the Neko Devil. Koneko skidded around it, avoiding the Holy Sword. But that loss of eye contact allowed Saddle to successfully follow it up with another strike. Swinging his sword at Koneko, he was able to cut her arm; his blade finally got its first taste of blood in this battle.

The cut hurt Koneko, but what's worse was her power leaving her, as Demonic Power leaked out of the wound. Koneko was forced to retreat, and she moved to regroup with Konohamaru.

Konohamaru was about to throw a Fūma Shuriken at the vulnerable paladin, but soon found his weapon, and arm being encased in stone. Saddler was able to use his power just in time to stop Konohamaru. But in his weakened state, he could only use it for a short time, he was forced to shut his eye because of the sheer pain, and only got the Konohamaru's arm.

"I can't use hand signs like this." That's means a lot of his moves were now unavailable to him. Luckily Koneko returned to his side and could see the position he's in. Using her strength, she easily smashed the rock trapping his arm, without breaking it in the process.

"Thanks...are you okay?" Konohamaru could see her wound leaking blood and power for some reason.

"I'm fine...I've still got my other arm. What was the blast you did before?"

"Low-level explosive. Could have killed him with a stronger one but you wouldn't have escaped the blast in time." Paper bombs come in different levels of lethality. Sometimes you want a small explosion, others you want a big one.

"I can take a hit."

"But do we really need to put it to the test?"

The duo stopped their chatter when they saw Saddler rising to his feet, he was severely injured. But he would not stop. "I'll kill you both...then those other girls as well." Saddle's left eye looked bloodshot; either from his injuries or because he's that pissed.

"I can finish this, just give me an opening Koneko." Konohamaru had a plan.

A plan Koneko didn't know about. "How?"

"You smell them, right?" Konohamaru gave her a cocky grin.

The Neko Devil gave it a few sniffs and did indeed smell them; several of them, below their feet. "When did you do that?"

"Back with the smoke bomb."

Koneko was impressed by his forethought.

These were simple, quick ideas, not intricate designed plans. But they worked for Konohamaru's quick, gorilla fighting style. She gave him a nod and Konohamaru jumped behind her; getting a certain Jutsu ready.

Koneko took the front and prepared herself against Saddler, whose back on his feet. Saddler gave her a deranged smile filled with malice. "You will pay for your sins, you filthy Nekomata Devil!" Saddler charged at her with full speed, she would not escape him this time.

Koneko didn't run, and she didn't try to dodge. Instead, she stuck her first into the ground and grabbed hold of something. Using her strength, she pulled it out like a carrot. And Konohamaru came out the church's stone floor. Not just one, but several, each holding onto the other's legs.

Saddler tried to stop himself before he falls into whatever trap they've set for him. But then he felt something grab his legs. Looking down in shock, he saw the last clone holding on to him.

He already fell into the trap.

Saddler was quickly lifted up into the air, as Koneko lifted the trail of clones and started swinging them around like a whip.

Around and around and around and around, Saddler had no chance to break free.

"Suck it." Koneko played around enough and decided to end it. With one last swing, she sent the former paladin into the destroyed cross, smashing him against it.

She definitely broke some of his bones.

Saddler fell to the ground, his back in agony; he held himself up with his last sword. "I...I won't..." He could barely finish that sentence. "I won't die alone." Saddle used a last resort and began filling his Holy Sword with all the power he had left. If he overloads it, he might just create a good enough explosion to take out the Neko Devil with his Holy Power.

Koneko was about to warn Konohamaru of what Saddle's about to do. But she felt a strong source of energy behind her. "Just like when I touched his hand. Or when he used fire" It's similar to Spiritual Energy. Koneko turned her head and could see Konohamaru with another one of his clones. But what drew her eyes was what's within his hand.

A blue sphere, spinning in his hand; it was like looking at a vortex. Koneko was speechless which what she was seeing. "Which way is that even spinning?" Even with the eyesight of a cat and Devil, she could not tell; it was almost mesmerising.

"I'm ending this!" Konohamaru ran past Koneko. The blue sphere neared the ground, creating a trail of destruction as he ran to meet his enemy. "Rasengan!" Konohamaru stuck Saddler's sword, the two battled for domination.

Until Saddle's sword began cracking. "No..." Saddle didn't get to finish before his sword was shattered by Konohamaru's Jutsu. But the young Shinobi didn't stop; his Rasengan continued its pace and hit his enemy.

Saddler has never felt pain like this, his skin, bones and organs grinding into dust. But he could not scream, his lungs had no oxygen to scream. Konohamaru let go of his Rasengan and it and Saddler travelled across the room, impacting the back wall.

Saddler was stuck in the wall, blood leaked from the wound in his chest. But the wall took too much punishment and began cracking, travelling up from the impact, and reaching the ceiling. The wall caved in and fell on the defeated former paladin, burying him under the stone rubble. The ground shook as the wall fell down.

It then subsided, and Konohamaru and Koneko looked at the result. The back wall was opened up, creating something akin to a skylight.

"Is he dead?" Asked Konohamaru.

Koneko could see a pool of blood leaking out of the rubble. "He's dead."

Konohamaru and Koneko stood together in silence. Even if they won, this still felt a bit weird. These two barely know each other, but they fought together pretty well.

The awkward silence persisted for a good few seconds before they both turned to each other. "Good fight/Good fight." They surprised each other by saying the same thing. But this surprise then became a good chuckle for them.

Koneko finally showed a smile.

"Ah-ha! I knew you could smile." Konohamaru pointed at her, finding this a more significant victory than the one they just had.

Then Koneko got right back to frowning at the young Shinobi, facing away from him with arms crossed and a huff.

Oops. "I'm meant of course you could smile anytime you wanted, not like it's hard for you to do right." Konohamaru was trying to regain favour with the Neko Devil.

Koneko looked at him from the corner of her eye and showed a cheeky expression. Konohamaru just got played.

"Oh, so that's how it is." Konohamaru was both embarrassed and annoyed.

After enjoying her little moment, Koneko got back on task. "So, what now?"

Konohamaru got other it and answer her. "We should meet up with the others and see if they need help. But you can go home if you want." This is their fight, not hers.

Koneko disagreed. "I think I'll stick around for now. It will be easier for me to sleep without these guys running around town." Knowing that they're dead or defeated would make things easier for her. "Follow me, I'll find the others."

"Well, don't you two make a good team." By the entrance, Koneko and Konohamaru saw two familiar faces. One of them cursed Koneko with great concern.

Konohamaru was happy to see them. "Boss you're back, and Hinata I take it you won?"

"Terra has been dealt with." Sealed away and is now their prisoner.

Naruto looked at the back of the church to see all the damaged caused in their fight. As well as the bloody stone pile. "Guess they had no choice."

"In battle, sometimes you're left with split-second decisions." And it's easier for someone like Hinata to capture instead of kill.

"Konohamaru, Koneko you handled yourselves well, but Koneko I think you should go." Like right now.

Despite how afraid she was of this man, Koneko could find the courage to stand her ground and speak this time. "Why do you want me gone?"

"There might be more enemies to deal with, and this is our fight. It would be safer if you go home and let us handle this." Naruto tried to convince her.

Koneko didn't buy it. "I know you guys are different. I've seen some strange things I can't explain...who are you, where did you come from, and why can you use Senjutsu?" As much as Koneko wanted to get away from him, she's seen and felt too much to let it go.

"I can't say."

"Just transport her out of here."

"If I touch her, I'll set her off again, and the only safe place I can transport her to is Urakyoto." If Naruto does that, then he'll start an incident between him and Rias. It would also be the same as doing Kuroka's job for her. "Koneko I know you don't trust me or even like me, but Kokabiel could be around here, and I can't let you be put in harm's way by being anywhere near him." Naruto took a few steps forward, but Koneko back up from him; bumping into Konohamaru.

Konohamaru caught her by the shoulders. "Hey look, big brother Naruto won't hurt you he just wants to help, that's all."

"I don't trust him."

"What about me?"

"We...we just met so I can't say I do."

"Then can I ask you to put just a little bit of faith in me...even if it's just this once?" Konohamaru could tell that his sensei is being a bit frantic about this. Something must have happened on his end too.

It looked to be working; Shirone seems to be thinking about it at least. But Naruto knew better. He was still tracking Kuroka within his barrier, and she's closing in fast.

Naruto's out of time.

Naruto quickly created several Shadow Clones.

"Konohamaru get Koneko home. Hinata work with my clones and find Raphtalia and the others." Naruto then singled out two of his clones. "You transport yourself to Xenovia and Irina, and you set up a Hiraishin at the edge of town just in case."Another escape point for them.

Naruto then turned to face the door. "I'll deal with who's incoming. Once I'm done I'll transport back to you, now go." Naruto rushed out the door, not letting his team get a word in. He needs to try and fix the hole they're in.

Naruto's going to face Kuroka head-on; he's not leaving it to a clone this time.

.

---

Kuroka ran through the trees, making her way to where she saw that light source. The traces of Holy Energy she felt from it have moved away, deeper into the woods.

This worked for her.

Kuroka could smell her sister; her scent is very strong here. "I'm almost there, Shirone." There are so many things she wants to tell her, explain to her and teach her. All she needs to do is grab her and get away from here before the Devils catch wind.

But Kuroka's excitement at finally seeing her sister after years came to a halt when she caught another scent. It was fresh, and closing in on her...it was human. "I know this scent." Kuroka gave it a few more sniffs just to be sure.

There is no mistake..."No way nya." It can't be him.

Despite her hopes, it was him. Naruto burst out of the bushes and stopped her in her tracks. "You are a hard girl to find Kuroka ya'know." Finding her did all come down to assumptions.

Kuroka was flabbergasted at his sudden appearance. Naruto, his team and Sun all left Urakyoto and went to his home, someplace called Konoha. With it being as out the way as he said it was, he should have been gone for a week at minimum. It hasn't even been half a week and he's here.

"Out of all the people I expected to run into, you weren't one of them nya. What are you doing here?" Kuroka already had a good idea, but she needed to get him talking. She needed time to think of a way past him.

"I came back early...something about my Shadow Clone getting dispelled ya'know. Oh, and a cat running from home would also do it."

Kuroka gave Naruto a flirtatious smirk. "Don't feel too bad about that clone; I think he enjoyed himself before he went puff."

Naruto raised an eye brown in confusion. "I don't know about you, but me and my Shadow Clones don't actually like getting hit."

"Oh no, I'm talking about what I did to him before that." Kuroka chuckled at his naivety. "Maybe I should tell Hinata about it, love to see what face she would pull nya."

Naruto gave up trying to understand whatever...this was. "Kuroka...you gave Yasaka a scare."

"So that's it. Yasaka predicted my action, and after all that time I spent avoiding trackers she may have sent out." Kuroka had to give it to the queen of Youkai; she's a people person, easily able to understand others and predict what they'll do. "It pains me, really it does, but I've got things that take priority," Kuroka said sarcastically while holding the side of her cheek.

"Like Shirone, or should I say Koneko." Naruto got right to the point.

Kuroka flinched at that name...that fake name. "So Yasaka told you huh...and here I thought she keeps her promises." Her promise of not telling another soul about what happened.

"You didn't give her much choice after pulling this. Yasaka had to then rely on me. It wasn't easy for her; she truly hoped that you would tell me what happened." But that's gone out the window now.

Kuroka's eyes lost her playfulness. "How much do you know?" She looked and sounded more sombre than she did before.

"You being a Stray Devil, what happened with your former 'master' and about your sister. Yasaka told me everything she knows about you."

Kuroka took a deep breath, as the atmosphere became more depressing. "Then that means you must hate me, I am the same species that attack your home and Raphtalia's home."

Naruto shook his head. "Far from it Kuroka, I hold no hate for you. I'm still trying to understand the Devils as a species and as individuals. But any of the stuff they may have done to me or others; you're not guilty of any of it." Kuroka is innocent in a lot of things. She may have murdered a Devil, but that guy sounded like a real monster and Kuroka was in a no-win situation. "I don't hate Devils; I just don't like how they act."

Kuroka did gain a small smile from hearing that. "Well, that's nice to hear. That means 'that' side of my plans still has a chance."

"Side what now? I'm not following."

"All in good time Naruto, no need to get to business just yet nya." Kuroka waved him off.

"This girl is so confusing." Naruto felt a headache coming on.

"Not that it isn't nice catching up, but I really need to find my sister. So please for me, would you just step aside nya." Kuroka winked at Naruto.

"Is that how we're doing this; then can you please, for me, return to Urakyoto before Koneko sees you?"

"...Don't say that name..." Kuroka's dark hair covered her eyes, and Naruto could sense her Spiritual Energy swelling. "Shirone is her name, so get it right."

"Look Kuroka, what you trying to do won't work." It won't bring the sisters together.

"What do you know!"

"I know that Rias's Peerage is a weird one, and they're loyal to each other." Maybe not a good idea but Naruto had to say it. "You may not like it, but Shirone sees Rias and the others as her family...I've talked to her and them, the bond they have is genuine."

Kuroka didn't care. "It doesn't matter. My sister has been a Devil's plaything for long enough, I'm getting her back."

"Kuroka..."

The Stray Neko Devil didn't let Naruto finish. "You don't even like the Peerage system do you! You should be helping me save her!"

"Of course I don't like the system, and I do want you sisters to be together again, but you're missing the point." Kuroka doesn't see the other side of this.

"Don't you get it; I'm trying to save her!" Kuroka was getting fed up with trying to convince Naruto to help or step aside.

Naruto was getting annoyed with her stubbornness. "Koneko won't see it that way!" With how annoyed he was getting, Naruto accidentally used Koneko instead of Shirone.

That was the last straw for Kuroka. "Her name...IS SHIRONE!" In her anger, Kuroka amped up her Spiritual Energy and activated her Senjutsu. Kuroka was done talking.

"Out of my way Naruto!"

.

---

Konohamaru was able to convince Koneko to head home, with him acting as an escort. Konohamaru still had Naruto's kunai so Naruto could teleport to him when he's done.

Koneko was leading the way through the woods, they took a different direction to where Naruto ran to; they should avoid the enemy he's fighting. Hinata was searching for the others, with her eyes it shouldn't take her too long.

"Is your home far Koneko?" In the town no doubt, but the young Shinobi didn't want to be too far away from the action.

But Koneko didn't answer him. She just stopped, like she froze in place.

"You okay?" Konohamaru could see her tense up; her hairs were all standing on end.

Koneko sensed it in the forest, in the direction Naruto went. At first, she thought it was him, this feeling of Spiritual and Senjutsu Energies. But these were much weaker than what she felt from just touching him...this is someone else.

And it carried a particular scent with it...the smell of a Neko, one she hasn't smelled in years. "...Kuroka..." It's her...her sister that went insane and abandoned her.

Ignoring Konohamaru and everything around her, Koneko ran in that direction; determined to see if what she's sensing is true.

Is her murdering sister here...and if so, why is she here?

Konohamaru called out to her to no avail, and he was forced to chase after her once again.

.

---

Kuroka appeared right in front of Naruto; claws out, ready to turn him into her scratching post.

Naruto dodged each of her slashes. "What exactly is your plan Kuroka?" After evading her seventh slash, Naruto grabbed her arm and spun her around, flinging her over his shoulder. But cats always land on their feet. Kuroka was thrown several meters back but landed on all fours without trouble. Naruto stood before her; she wasn't getting past him. "You know you can't beat me."

"Oh I know nya. I can't defeat you; I just need to get past you!" Kuroka's well aware of the difference between them, that's why she got so interested in him in the first place. Victory was not possible here, she just needs to get past him and reach Shirone and escape.

Kuroka created a magical octagon behind her, it was coloured purple and covered in symbols and letters that Naruto didn't know. Blue Senjutsu energy balls formed on each of the letters, eight in total. But while these were charging up, Kuroka pulled something else.

Naruto looked down and saw the area around them started to be shrouded in a strange purple mist.

"Poison mist, don't breath," Kurama warned his host.

Naruto covered his mouth and nose with his left arm and held his breath. "This poison won't hurt me, but it will slow me down." This is just what Kuroka wants.

Kuroka's Senjutsu attack finished charging and was fired at Naruto. The separate attacks combined together and created a spinning circle that continued on its trajectory. Naruto jumped into the air and out of the poison mist, evading the attack. "I need to clear the mist." Naruto weaved the hand signs and took a deep breath. "Wind Style: Pressure Wave!" A derivative of Kakuzu's Wind Style: Pressure Damage. This Jutsu covers a wide area with strong winds that will send people and objects flying in all directions. Pressure Damage is meant to kill opponents, Pressure Wave is intended to disperse opponents.

The strong winds hit the ground and the mist, quickly creating a vortex of air and poison. Until it quickly and violently dispersed in all directions, the trees lost their leaves before being uprooted from the ground. The poison was too spread out; it lost its concentration and become diluted. Then the mist vanished from sight.

Kuroka was hit by the winds and was pushed back too, her kimono flying up in the winds, revealing her long creamy legs for the world to see.

Using Wing Style, Naruto moved from his spot in mid-air and launched himself to the Stray Neko Devil, landing on the ground hard.

Kuroka quickly create a magical octagon for defence, but Naruto just punched right through it; shattering it like glass. Kuroka was thrown back from the attack but once again landed on her feet.

Kuroka starting hissing at Naruto. "That's no way to treat a lady nya."

"What kind of lady tries to poison others?" Naruto's face then got red. "And only wears a kimono...and I mean only that." She doesn't have anything underneath it, Naruto saw it all.

"It's stuffy down there, I need to feel free." Kuroka then licked the back of her hand. "You know you liked what you saw nya." Kuroka gave him a dangerous, seductive look.

Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "You are impossible..." She's the only perverted girl Naruto knows.

Kuroka suddenly slammed her hands on the ground, creating a massive magical octagon right at Naruto's feet; she'll get him with this attack. But before it could be fired, Naruto vanished from sight.

The place where Naruto was at, exploded in blinding light; Naruto would have survived the attack but would have been blinded as a result.

Either way, it didn't matter, Naruto evaded all of it.

Kuroka sensed him...he was right behind her. "...Nya..." Kuroka didn't have a move here.

Naruto moved in on her and used a powerful...special technique that only a true Saiyan Warrior would know...FULL NELSON!

Naruto successful restrained her arms and immobilised her; she's ain't going nowhere.

"Kuroka, you need to listen to me." Naruto was trying his best not to hurt her, and even if he could teleport her back to Urakyoto right now, he needs to convince her to come back. If he just drags her back, kicking and screaming, then this will keep happening and happening. "I've talked to Shirone, I've seen their bond. She's content with where she is, and she trusts them."

Kuroka struggled under his grip, trying to get free. "That doesn't matter to me, Shirone's the only family I have left, and I won't leave her, not again!"

"Kuroka, she believes the story said about you. As far as she's concerned, you went insane and became a murderous monster. Taking her and telling her your side of the story won't be enough to convince her." Double that if the first thing Kuroka does after not seeing Shirone for so long is kidnapping her from her new friends and family.

Kuroka looked at the ground, her hands balling into fists. "I should have taken her with me that day...If I did, then we'd still be together."

"You can't blame yourself for that; you thought you were going to die. Both times you took actions that would save your sister from death, and that was all that mattered." Kuroka didn't have a lot of options.

"That hardly matters now nya." Kuroka's cat ears flopped down.

"Then what matters is what you choose to do now."

"You're right about that nya." Kuroka was still not giving up on her goal. Kuroka was able to escape from Naruto's grip by pulling one of Naruto's own tricks. She transformed herself back into a cat.

Naruto lost his grip on her when she disappeared in a puff of smoke. "Kuroka!" Naruto brushed the smoke aside to find her. Only to be surprised by seeing over thirty different black cats running away in different directions.

"Youjutsu, illusions." Well made ones too, Naruto couldn't tell which was which. "Kurama find her."

But Kurama could quickly tell. "That one over there." Only one of the cats had emotions, had intent.

Naruto bolted after the fleeing feline. "No, you don't!" Naruto is getting tired of this game of chase; if she doesn't stop then Naruto won't go easy on her anymore.

The Shinobi closed in on the black cat, his hand stretched out, and ready to grab her by the tail. The black cat suddenly sprouted out Devil wings and took to the skies, transforming back into her human-looking form.

"You can't fly, can you nya? It's been fun, but I'll see you later, handsome!" Kuroka taunted him from the safety of the skies, while Naruto was powerless on the ground.

Kuroka flew away, heading to where she can sense Shirone's presence.

Seems she was able to get away from...

At speeds that broke the sound barrier, a kunai flew right by her, cutting a few strands of hair in the process. Kuroka turned around to see where that came from. "You missed nya!" Kuroka smirked at his failed attempt to knock her out the sky.

"Are you sure about that!"

Kuroka heard his voice right behind her and turned around to face him, completely caught off guard by his sudden appearance. "How'd he get up here? That wasn't speed!" Kuroka could sense his presence with her Senjutsu. She knows he didn't jump up here, he just appeared here.

Kuroka thought back to the fight between Naruto and Sun Wukong...he did the same thing to him...moving from place to place in an instant.

That was the last thought Kuroka had before Naruto grabbed her face. "I've had it with you!" Naruto was done going easy on her. With the Stray Neko Devil in hand, Naruto dived down to the ground. The Kuroka hit the ground hard, creating a small crater in the process.

Even with her Senjutsu, Kuroka will admit that hurt, getting slammed into the earth like that. In her dazed state, Kuroka couldn't stop Naruto's next action.

Naruto placed his hand in her chest, and black markings spread out from his hand, all over her body. Wrapping around her limbs like snakes, Kuroka felt her power being restrained. "My Youjutsu...my Senjutsu." Kuroka couldn't call on her strength. "What did you do to me, nya?"

Naruto was kneeling by her side in the small crater. "It's a seal. You won't be able to use your Spiritual Energy or your Senjutsu now." Naruto had this prepared to capture her, but he hoped he wouldn't have to use it.

Kuroka tried to move, tried to use her power, tried to transform, but nothing worked...she's trapped. "No...no, no, no, no, no. Get these things off of me!" It couldn't end here; she can't stop when she's so close.

"This game of cat and mouse is over." She can't get away now.

Naruto was then surprised when he felt a change from her. Anger and frustration turned to sadness and distress. He could see a single tear go down Kuroka's cheek. "Please...please let me go..." Kuroka was looking up at the stars; she had the same look back on the palace roof, the same hopelessness. Kuroka, in her devastated state, was trying to convince Naruto to release her. "Let me get her back..."

Naruto wanted that...but it's not that simple. "Kuroka...she's afraid of herself and of us."

Kuroka titled her head to Naruto. "What are you talking about?" She knows her little sister isn't using her Neko powers or her Senjutsu...but she's afraid...afraid of what?

"When I saw her...I could tell she hasn't used her Senjutsu powers in years. Kuroka, it's not about training; she outright rejects them."

"Because of how chaotic nature is? I can teach her how to handle it."

"It goes beyond that. Shirone found out I can use Senjutsu, and when she did, she ran for her life." She truly believed Naruto was going to kill her.

Kuroka was shocked by this...her little sister is that traumatised? "Why, what did you do?"

"Nothing, she grabbed my hand, and then she ran for her life." That's all it took. "You need to start seeing it from her perspective Kuroka, as far as she's concerned you're a monster, and Senjutsu is the cause of it. She fears the same thing will happen to her; Senjutsu has brought her nothing but despair. From your view, you're saving her, but to her, you're taking her from her home and friends." The two Nekos have very different beliefs about what Senjutsu truly is. "I want to help her, but I can't even get near her. This fear she has of her Neko side, and Senjutsu has grown throughout the years."

"That's your answer, I give up on her!" Kuroka gritted her teeth in anger.

"What we need to do is prove to her that Senjutsu can be controlled and that you're not who the Devils made you out to be."

"I can do both nya."

Naruto disagreed with her and shook his head. "What you need to do is stop acting like this; you need to prove to her and the world that you're not insane. Only then will your words have a chance to reach her. If the very first thing you do to her, after being apart for years is 'kidnapping' her, do you think she'll give you a chance." It would only push them further apart. "For the Senjutsu part...well, you and I can't get near her with that. But I think Konohamaru can." Naruto's student can make a difference.

"What's that kid got to do with this?" What could Konohamaru possible prove?

"Konohamaru was able to get close to her...somehow. She would trust him more than she would trust you or me. I'm teaching Konohamaru Senjutsu, and he can show her that he's still the same person she met, even after becoming a Senjutsu user."

Kuroka didn't understand how that was possible, only certain Youkai species can become Senjutsu users; you can't just train to become one. "Back then, Naruto said he trained to become one...I thought it was just a joke, but did he really mean it?" Is there some kind of special training that allows anyone to become a Senjutsu user?

Naruto reached out and grabbed her hand, lifting the seal a little to allow her to walk, but still not use her powers; some on the seals across her body faded. Naruto helped her and pulled Kuroka up out of the crater. "Let us help you, Kuroka." Naruto didn't look away, showing how serious he was about this, and continued to hold her hand.

For once Kuroka didn't have any flirtatious jokes to say...and was lost in Naruto's sapphire eyes...she didn't have an answer.

"...Kuroka?" Both Naruto and Kuroka turned and looked to the side and saw who just spoke.

"...No..." Shirone was who Naruto saw.

.

---

Sword continued to clash deep in the forest. The constant sound of metal clashing metal scared all but the bravest of wildlife away.

The two swordsmen broke from another deadlock, each being push back from one another. Both had bruises and even some cuts.

Raphtalia took a few deep breaths and raised her Excalibur Blessing in defence.

Kiba was panting hard; he hasn't eased up his offensive, he will keep up his barrage of attacks. He glanced at his blades and could tell there in poor condition. He's lost a few swords to the Youkai's blade, and these swords are losing their edge; literally.

Kiba threw both swords at Raphtalia, but she skilfully deflected the first one and destroyed the second one. Both blades disappeared from sight, no longer being of use to their owner.

The Knight of Gremory create another sword, this one's blade was a crimson red and shinned with Demonic Power. "Sword Birth!" Kiba stabbed his sword into the earth, and a wave of swords erupted from the ground. These blades carved a path of destruction with Kiba at the epicentre.

Like a tidal wave, the onslaught of swords came upon Raphtalia. She retreated from the swords, but they followed closely behind her. No matter which way she turned, the swords followed. Kiba kept his eye on her, dictating the path his attack would make; he intends to tire her out and catch her when she stumbles.

Raphtalia ran past many trees, running around and between them. But the swords that pursued her just carved right through them.

This wasn't going to stop.

While keeping her pace, Raphtalia raised her hand and cast a Youjutsu.

Kiba had no intention of letting her finish her spell and upped the intensity of his Sword Birth. It took a bit out of him, but it's a price he's willing to pay.

The swords speed increased significantly and caught up to the Youkai.

They hit their mark.

The swords struck Raphtalia's position and burrowed into the earth. Kiba raised the swords around him to block the incoming debris. The rocks and dirt bounced off his defence.

When it finally settled down, Kiba lowered his swords to see his handy work. All he saw was a swath of blades sticking out of the earth, with the rest of them deep underground.

"She must be at the bottom." Her corpse anyway.

The Knight of Gremory commanded his swords to come to the surface. He will take the sword from her cold dead hands.

The last of his swords finally came back from beneath the earth. "What...?" Kiba was expecting to see Raphtalia at the end of his many blades. Instead of seeing a bloody skewered corpse, he saw nothing; his attack missed.

Kiba quickly created a sword barrier around him, to defend against any sneak attack. At the same time, he tries to locate her position.

Raphtalia was crouched behind one of the few trees still standing. She was able to finish turning herself invisible and jumped out of the way of that attack. "He really is trying to kill me." She already knew, but that last attack made it unquestionable. "That Devil doesn't have any way to locate me. Now I need to get past that defence." The question was, how?

The Knight of Gremory then sent out a wave of swords in one direction, luckily it wasn't in the direction of Raphtalia's hiding spot. "Blind attacks, trying to hit me by chance or lure me out." Kiba was determined she'll give him that. But so was she. "I will get past you." Raphtalia's will was absolute.

Just then Raphtalia felt her Excalibur Blessing call out to her. She could feel its Holy Energy flowing into her. "It's responding to me..." Is she able to use this sword properly?

The Holy Power that's now within her, Raphtalia tired to call upon it. What was once a foreign power to her, one she had little understanding of, was at her beck and call. She was able to get a hold on her new power and combined it with the power of her new sword. Her Excalibur glowed bright with strong Holy Power, but it broke her invisibility; power balance is going to need some work.

Kiba's Devil sensing spiked; he felt her location. "So she can use it." Kiba moved fast and sent another wave of swords to where he perceived her. At the same time, he jumped into the air, intending to catch her with this two-pronged assault.

Raphtalia won't run this time. She ran out from behind cover and face Kiba's attack. Calling on the power of her sword, she slashed the air in front of her. A wave of Holy Power was sent hurling at her opponent's attack.

Her attack hit the barrage of swords and violently sliced through each one like butter. Raphtalia looked up and saw Kiba coming at her, sword at the ready to take her head.

The Youkai raised her blade and blocked his attack.

The two swordsmen enter yet another Deadlock. Kiba tried with all his might to push her back, but Raphtalia didn't budge. No, Kiba was the one being pushed back this time.

The Holy Energy from Excalibur Blessing shined bright and was seeping into Kiba. The Knight of Gremory felt that sword's power enter his body, and his arms started going numb as he felt his power lessen bit by bit.

At the same time, Raphtalia's power only grew. Her new Excalibur blessed her with new strength, while cursed Kiba with weakness. "Why am I able to use this sword so easily?" She had no experience or time to train with these new abilities or this new sword. Yet using them came to her so quickly...like it was second nature.

What does this mean?

Raphtalia pushed those questions aside and focused on the enemy in front of her. With the tables now turned, Raphtalia pushed against Kiba, quickly gaining the advantage.

Knowing he was in a losing struggle, Kiba released his left hand from his sword. He then created a new sword, his fire sword. While barely holding back Raphtalia with his right sword, Kiba swung his left one, aiming to hit Raphtalia's undefended right side.

Raphtalia responded by breaking from the lock and ducked under Kiba's attack. The new power giving to her by Excalibur Blessing was increasing all of her strength; that includes her speed.

With her new power, Raphtalia was able to do what Kiba failed to do; land a hit. Freeing her right hand, she gathered Holy Power around it, it shinned like a golden fist, and she gave Kiba a mean right hook.

Her fist hit him hard, knocking his head back and causing him to spit blood. The Holy Power burned his skin, leaving a nasty scorch mark; not doing his features any favours.

"Had enough!" Raphtalia shouted.

Kiba rubbed his lower lip, and then spat a little blood. "Not even close!" Kiba won't give up.

His answer infuriated Raphtalia, and she lunged at him, and continued to swing at him over and over, not giving him a chance to fight back.

Kiba was forced to block each and every one of her attacks. But Excalibur Blessing continued to seep into him with every block, weakening him even more. Kiba was fighting to stay awake, let alone stand his ground.

"I won't...I'm not losing this, not this time." Kiba pulled on the last of his strength, catching a second wind. He pushed himself away from Raphtalia, but he didn't run or attack. He stood in place and held his sword behind him in a reverse grip. He didn't have much left, Raphtalia would soon overwhelm him. He only had one shot...and he needed to make it count right here, right now.

Raphtalia didn't cease her offensive and moved in. She attacked with an overhead slash using all her might, intending to finish this once and for all.

This was just what Kiba was waiting for.

Just before Raphtalia's sword reached him, Kiba struck. Using all of his speed and power at his disposal, he swung his black, aiming for the bottom of Excalibur Blessing...and it hit.

Caught flat-footed by Kiba's last-ditch effort, Raphtalia was disarmed of her sword. It was sent flying out of her hands and impaled a tree behind her.

Raphtalia's eyes widened, shocked by what just happened, moments from victory, only to be deprived of her weapon.

Kiba looked at her with contempt "It's over. Excalibur will be destroyed, and if necessary, you with it." Kiba's sword came back around, intending to kill Raphtalia.

Was this the end?

No...not yet.

Kiba's hands were soon caught in a steel grip; his attack was stopped in its track. Raphtalia grabbed onto both his wrists and held his attack back. "It's not over; I've learned a few things from my new friends." The many lessons from Hinata and Naruto, and now she will show them.

Raphtalia attacked, by kneeing Kiba in the gut.

Kiba clenched his teeth when he got hit. Bending over when he felt his gut take the hit; coughing along the way.

Raphtalia didn't let up. She then twisted his wrists, nearly breaking them; causing him to drop his sword.

But she didn't want his sword, she wanted his head.

Raphtalia bashed both his arms to the side and gave Kiba an uppercut before grabbing him by the head. Giving him another punch; then bringing him back down for a swift knee to the head.

Kiba's head bounced off her knee, and he started falling back; he was beginning to see stars and was losing consciousness. "I...can't lose here..."

Now Raphtalia will end this. Before Kiba hit the ground, Raphtalia grabbed his arm. With a mighty pull, she brought him right back to her for one last hit. She raised her left leg high and delivered him a finished high kick to the face.

Faster than before, Kiba was flung back, smacking into the ground hard. The Devil's vision blurred, he could barely see Raphtalia standing above him. He tried to lift his hand, to get up...but he couldn't...his strength was spent.

Before falling to sleep, Kiba had one last thought. "My friends..." Both old and new. "...I'm sorry..." Kiba's head dropped to the side, and he fell into slumber.

Raphtalia stood over him, panting and trying to catch her breath. "Now it's over."Raphtalia fell to one knee, but she was able to keep herself upright; she just needs a minute.

She looked at the defeated Devil on the ground. Raphtalia thought defeating him would give her something...some sense of peace. But her hatred for Devils and anger at him didn't subside even a little.

Clenching her fists and reaching a decision, she went and retrieved her sword, and then returned to the defeated Devil.

For reasons she did not know Raphtalia stared at him...for what was anyone's guess. Then finally she moved, lifting her sword above his head...

"He tried to kill me...he's...he's no different from them. All Devils do is take from others, believing they're better, that they have all the rights and none of the wrongs." Raphtalia's hand shook, her anger and desire to kill this Devil grew more and more.

She should do it...shouldn't she?

"He's no different."

They're all the same.

"He'll come back and hurt me again."

Memories of her suffering at the Devil's hands, at Rizevim Lucifer's hands, flooded her thoughts.

"He'll then hurt my friends too...I need to do this..."

The memories of everything the Devils did to her continued to plague her thoughts.

The attack on her home; the deaths of her friends and family, the year she spent as his pet. The pain and torment which was inflicted on her. Chained up and dragged to a new world.

Her world only grew darker and darker.

"Hey, you're going to be okay, I promise." As if a beacon of light in the dark, a voice and memory she knows well reached her.

New memories came to her thoughts, pushing away the ones of her suffering.

The memory of Naruto saving her, and waking up in a hospital bed; the first conversation those two shared.

Meeting her new friends and teammates, escaping through the Underworld. Meeting Yasaka...returning home.

The funeral they held for those that died. The words Naruto said to her when Raphtalia grieved at their passing.

"You were a prisoner of that bastard, but you survived, both in body and mind. Your morals are still intact. Not many can say the same after going through such an experience. You were able to put your complete trust in a stranger; when even I didn't do that with Yasaka, guess you're stronger than me...Raphtalia, you're stronger than you know."

Naruto's word reached her back then, impacted her...and they continue to do so today.

Don't lose yourself.

Don't follow the path of revenge...don't become an avenger.

Remain Raphtalia.

The words and meaning continued to echo in her mind...soon, she remembered her own words.

What would her parents want her to do?

Raphtalia remembered what she said. "They would want me to keep moving forward and never stop smiling. I am alive, and for them, I must keep on living." And the lessons her parents gave her before their passing.

Raphtalia had to choose her path...here and now.

Screaming at the top of her lungs, Raphtalia shut her eyes and brought her sword down.

The sound of metal impacting could be heard; she hit something.

After a lifetime of waiting, Raphtalia opened her eyes to see the decisions she made. "So...I am still me, after all."

Excalibur Blessing...missed Kiba; stabbing the ground beside his head.

"I...I can't kill him." It isn't right, that's not who she is...and Kiba didn't deserve it, he isn't like Rizevim Lucifer. He's suffered just like she is.

He may be willing to kill anyone who gets in his way...but Raphtalia won't follow the same path.

Raphtalia's ears then flicked when she heard footsteps approach her, several in fact. Out of the bushes came Hinata and Naruto...make that Narutos.

"Raphtalia..." Hinata and the clones rushed to her side. "..Are you okay? What happened here?" Hinata could see signs of battle, but where's the enemy?

Raphtalia smile, happy to see some friendly faces "I'm fine...me and Kiba just had a disagreement. He's okay, but I did have to hurt him a little."

One of the clones walked to the defeated Devil and picked him up. "We need to meet up with the others. Wait until then, then can you tell us what happened?" Best the original Naruto learn about it face to face.

"Sure." Raphtalia picked up her Excalibur out of the ground, catching the clone's attention.

"What's with the new sword?" The clone could feel Holy Power from it.

"The cross was holding an Excalibur.

"Say what?"

.

---

How many years has it been, how long since they've seen each other face to face. Koneko never bothered to remember, she wanted to cut all memory of her past.

She went insane, became a murderer, a monster, and a criminal. All horrible things...but what hurt the most to Koneko...is that she abandoned her. Drunk on her own power, she left Koneko behind, leaving her to deal with the fall out of her actions.

She wanted to get away, erase it from memory. But now it's all coming back.

"...Kuroka..." Koneko hasn't said that name in so long, it feels so alien to her. "It is you..." What Koneko sensed wasn't a lie.

"Shirone..." Kuroka wanted to rush over to her, to hug her, tell her everything that happened...there was so much she wanted to do that even she couldn't say it all. But Koneko's face was twisting with so many emotions that Kuroka was hesitant to act.

Koneko didn't understand what she was seeing. Naruto, the human with monstrous reserves of something similar to Spiritual Energy, and is capable of Senjutsu, and her insane sister who left her behind...were holding hands. "Y-you two know each other?" They called each other by name, and are acting so familiar with one another.

"As if the wall had to get any higher." This just got worse.

"How are you going to talk your way out of this?"

"Kurama...I don't think we can." There's no reason for Shirone to believe anything they say.

Konohamaru then ran out of the bushes, catching up to Shirone. "Koneko why'd you run..." The young Shinobi fell into silence when he saw the scene in front of him. "Not good."

Kuroka attempted to walk forward, but Naruto held on to her hand with a fierce grip. The Stray Neko Devil looked at him, not with anger or demand; it was a pleading look.

"Give her a chance." Kurama thinks the two sisters should talk; it's past the point of no return.

Naruto headed his partner's advice and gently let go of her hand, but he didn't release the seals. Kuroka still won't be able to escape.

Kuroka rubbed her now free hand, moving her fingers to get some feeling back. "Thank you, nya." Kuroka walked a little closer to her sister but kept her distance. "It's been a long time Shirone nya."

"That's not my name anymore..." Koneko stood her ground and didn't run, surprising the others that saw her run earlier today. "...My name's Koneko now."

That stung Kuroka. "I've heard. You took on a new name given to you by that King of yours." That bitch Rias, that's what Kuroka thought of her. "Why would you cast off your name?"

"...To escape...escape everything. Now you come back...why...haven't you done enough." Koneko's eyes began to water, but these were not tears of sadness.

"I came because I wanted to see you again, to get you back nya." To become a family again.

Koneko tightly held onto her arm, causing her some pain. The pain helped her keep calm after hearing what Kuroka just said. "Get me back...why, so I could become a monster like you. One that losses herself and kills because she can." But that isn't what hurt the most. "You want me back, yet you were the one who left me behind!"

"I had no choice! I...I've regretted that choice ever since, but I did it so you wouldn't be killed."

"Why should I even believe you? Nothing was going on; you lost yourself to your own power and killed your master."

"I shielded you from all of it. I became his lab rat so you would be safe nya."

"If that were true, then, why didn't you say anything?"

"You were just a kid, you didn't need to know."

They kept going back and forth between one another; questions, answers, excuses and accusations being thrown around. "This isn't going well."

"It's not supposed to, this is a talk that's been years in the making."

"Were you hoping this would happen from the start?"

"It was one of many avenues that could've been taken. Right now, there are so many things that they need to say to one another for any chance of progress to begin." Words and feeling to get off one's chest for the other to hear.

"You might be right about that Kurama...I just wish it didn't have to come at their expense." They won't walk away from this unaffected.

The words between the two Devil Nekos only got more heated. "Everything I ever did, I did to protect you nya!"

Koneko couldn't handle listening to this, and she franticly covered her ears to drown out her voice. "Shut up shut up shut up, I don't want to hear it." Koneko didn't want to hear her out. "When you left, do you know what I was put through. The accusations and suffering I was dealt, by everyone else because of what you did. Everyone else believing I would end up like you. It was only thanks to Lord Sirzechs that I found a place to belong." And that place is as Rias's Rook.

Kuroka didn't know about this; it wasn't how it was supposed to go. She was meant to be the target, so her little sister would be safe from all blame. "Shirone...the monster you think I am is what my former master truly was."

Koneko looked down, no longer able to look her in the eye. "I...I don't believe you, Kuroka-Neesama...I can't believe anything you say." Kuroka went insane from Senjutsu; this is just more lies.

Koneko turned to walk away, but Kuroka called out to her. "He wanted to kill you...for his research; he was going to kill you. That's why I did what I did...I couldn't let you die." Kuroka took a few more steps, begging her sister to hear her out. "Come with me, I'll tell you everything about what happened. I'll show you that Senjutsu and your Neko powers aren't things to be feared."

"I'm not a Neko anymore...that power deep within me...I'll never accept it. I won't be like you." Koneko turned to face her sister again, placing her hand on her chest. "I am a Devil now, my name is Koneko and I won't go with you...I choose to live with Rias-Buchou." Everything Koneko has seen and heard of has only shown that Kuroka is one who was consumed by power.

Koneko started walking away, Kuroka was about to run after her, but Naruto grabbed her by the shoulders. He shook his head at her; it's not going to work. Naruto wants them to be reunited, but that day is not today.

Kuroka was at a loss for words and hid her face from everyone else.

Because she failed.

Her little sister won't go back with her.

She won't believe her.

She doesn't even consider herself a Neko anymore.

What is she supposed to do now?

Naruto called out to "Koneko, I think you should know Kiba is here too. I'll transport us to Hinata and find him...and then you and Kiba should go home." She's been through enough today.

Koneko didn't answer him, but she did nod her head, agreeing with his idea. She'll find Kiba and then she'll leave. Koneko walked back to Konohamaru but stayed silent, she didn't want to look or speak to anyone right now.

Naruto turned to face Kuroka who is still processing what she heard from Koneko. "Wanna get going?"

Kuroka's hair covered her eyes, she stayed deathly silent for a time. Until she raised her head and gave Naruto a playful smirk. "Yeah why not, let's go." She then shrugged her shoulders. "You win some, you lose some nya." She continued to maintain her smile, kidding around a little.

Naruto hated what he was looking at. "Don't do that Kuroka." Don't hold on to that fake smile.

.

---

The two groups used Hiraishin to regroup. The moment Koneko saw Kiba's condition, she rushed over to him. She took him from the clone's grasp and rested him next to a tree. She was greatly concerned about his condition; she could feel the traces of Holy Power that has been affecting him. He'll need medical attention from Devils to expel it.

Konohamaru was next to her, he was the only one Koneko allowed close. Everyone else Koneko gave the stink eye; especially Raphtalia, knowing she did this to him.

Kuroka rested on top of a tree branch, watching over her sister. After their 'talk' Kuroka has been quiet and kept to herself. She has a lot on her mind.

Naruto, Hinata and Raphtalia were discussing what happened, bringing each other up to speed.

"I should have been here." Naruto blamed himself for a lot of what happened here. If he stuck close to them, then he could have had their back against these new guys, and stopped Raphtalia and Kiba nearly killing each other. "I'm supposed to be squad leader, but I wasn't here when they needed me..." Naruto shook his head, he'll think about it later. "So your cross held an Excalibur piece this whole time?" That's a big deal, isn't it?

Raphtalia held up her blade for Naruto and Hinata to see, its green jewels shined bright in the night. "Xenovia said this was Excalibur Blessing...the cross drained the Holy Power from Freed's Excalibur, and it just appeared in my hand."

"Do you have any idea why and how your mother obtained this blade?" Hinata asks the question on everyone's mind.

Raphtalia shook her head, she had no answer. "I don't remember a time she ever talked about Holy Swords or stuff to do with the church."

"On the bright side you got a powerful new weapon I guess...and we now know why Rizevim Lucifer came for you." He must have found out about her village holding this weapon.

Raphtalia strapped her sword on her belt, wondering if that was the actual reason. She looked at her hand and could see the Holy Power dance around her fingers. Raphtalia had no idea why she could control it so well.

Kurama noticed this. "I don't think it's the sword."

"What else could it be?"

"Haven't you noticed it yet? No training or time to adjust to a new sword or powers. Never once having Holy Power within her, yet in no time at all, she's been able to use that sword effectively and control her Holy Power. Something even Xenovia and Irina can't do despite having much more experience and being trained to use Holy Swords."

"Now that you mention it...so what are you saying then?"

"Either Raphtalia is a prodigy, or there's more to her than just a Holy Sword."

Naruto pondered on Kurama's words, agreeing with his hypotheses. "Next step would be to look at the history of the Holy Swords and Excalibur; maybe we'll find another clue. We got our first real lead, so we just need to follow up on it."

Raphtalia agreed with Naruto. "I'm starting to get answers, just wish they didn't come with new questions."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. He didn't have anything to say about that. "So you and Kiba fought, huh."

"I need Excalibur...he wants to destroy it. It was inevitable that we came to blows."

"But you didn't kill him, you spared his life." Hinata was relieved that Raphtalia did that.

"I...I wanted to...but I couldn't kill him. I still don't like Devils...but he's not evil, so I chose not to do it."

"You chose your path in life," Naruto smirked, proud of the choice she made. "Told you so."

Raphtalia looked at him in confusion. "Told you so?"

"You're stronger than you know."

Raphtalia's heart skipped a beat when she remembered those words. They came to her aid back then, and have come to her aid yet again. "Maybe...or maybe it's just the company I keep." Raphtalia's tail slowly wagged side to side, as her face became heated.

"Nah you'd be strong without us Raphtalia." Naruto gave her a thumbs up, and his trademark cheesy grin.

Raphtalia disagreed with him. "No, you've become needed in my life." Raphtalia's face only got more heated, and she found it difficult to look at Naruto.

Naruto rubbed the top of her head and walked past her with a smile, not realising the effect that would have on her; Raphtalia's tail speedup.

With Raphtalia now feeling better, Naruto went to address Shirone. "Koneko, its best you get out of here before anyone else shows up."

Koneko agreed but didn't answer; instead, she just hoisted Kiba over her shoulder. "You guys deal with whatever you're going to deal with. I'll get him home...don't follow me."

"Sure."

Before leaving, Koneko turned to speak with Konohamaru one last time. "You knew, didn't you?" About her, about Kuroka.

Despite being caught out, Konohamaru didn't look away. "I only knew a little, but yeah."

Koneko breathed out a heavy sigh. "...A part of me really wants to hit you...I just don't have the energy for it."

"Well, I wouldn't blame you if you did."

"Is this why you stuck around me, because of my sister?" For some reason, Koneko wanted to know his motives.

"I saw the Rating Game, I heard about your past...I just felt that you deserved better than going through that, so I wanted to help."

Koneko found no lie within his words. His actions back in town and the church showed her the kind of guy he is. "...That does sound like you..."

"Even if you hate me or we never see each other again, it was fun fighting with you." Konohamaru smiled at her.

Koneko...smiled back. "Yeah, it was...you were a bit cool at the end of that fight..."

Konohamaru rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Yeah I'm pretty cool, but so were you...we'll, see you around Koneko." Konohamaru gave his goodbyes.

"You too... Konohamaru." Koneko walked away; but before leaving them, she looked back, up to the trees, making eye contact with her older sister. No words were shared; they just continued to look at each other, whatever this is was between them and only them. Done with her goodbyes, Koneko left the forest with her friend on her shoulders, and she went to find Rias.

Konohamaru continued to watch her back until it disappeared from sight. "I wonder if we'll ever see her again."

Naruto tapped his shoulder. "It's a big world, but you never know. Things tend to happen."

"She'll probably tell the others what's happing here."

"Then let's finish things up." The duo returned to Hinata, Kuroka and Raphtalia; who's finally calmed down. "I'll transport us to Xenovia, and then we're sorting out all this crap."

"Last I saw of her, she ran after Freed." But Raphtalia failed to catch up to them.

"I sent a clone to her location a while ago, so they should be okay."

Suddenly and without warning the earth below them shook a little, and a large dust cloud erupted out for forest for them to see.

Two dust clouds, in fact.

"What's going on?" Raphtalia had no clue.

"It's starting." But Naruto did.

"What is?"

"The final showdown; my clone is kicking someone's ass," Naruto smirked; wondering who it could be.

But he already had a good idea who it was.

.

---

Several minutes earlier:

---

Xenovia only had herself to blame for putting herself in this situation. She, Irina and Raphtalia pursued Freed. And now, not only did they lose Raphtalia, but they've been cornered.

It was a trap. A simple one and one Xenovia ran right into.

Freed lured them deep into the woods and the two came across new foes, led by Valper. Xenovia and Irina got separated, and while Irina was fighting Freed all by herself; Xenovia had to deal with these new foes

Xenovia was panting after blocking an attack from one of the two giant beasts before her. "How did you get those Cerberuses?" Xenovia demanded an answer from Valper.

Two ten-meter three-headed dogs blocked her path. They were the guard dogs of hell; their sharp fangs contained their fire. All this begs the question, how did they get a hold of two of them. Did they steal them from Hades?

Valper held his arrogant, calm expression. "What makes you so certain 'I' obtained them?"

"Ahhhhh!" The conversation was cut short when Irina screamed out in pain. She fell to the fall, covered his cuts and missing most of her clothes, while Freed stood over her victorious. "Your Excalibur mimic will make a fine addition to my collection, HAHAHAHAHAH!" Freed relished this; that's four Excaliburs to his name.

Xenovia attempted to run to Irina's aid, but a wall of fire blocked her path, the dogs would not let her pass.

"Now now shitty exorcist, don't go ruin the fun just yet."

"Get away from her!"

"Hmmm, Nah I got a better idea. Hand over that sword of yours, or we'll see how much blood this twin-tails bitch has. Then we'll see how long a Cerberus has to chew his food." Freed tilted his head with an insane grin.

"You think I'm just going to hand you another one of the Excaliburs!" Xenovia shouted at him in anger.

Freed raised his sword above the defeated Irina. "Then I guess you don't care what happens to her then. Then we have something in common, I don't care about anyone else either."

Xenovia didn't answer; she looked at her surroundings, trying to think of any moves she can make.

Freed gave her a countdown.

"3."

She was too far away from Irina and Freed to stop the blade from coming down.

"2."

The Cerberuses were at her right and left, all she can do is go forward or back. But it's unlikely she could get past them or escape from them.

"1."

Xenovia saw no other alternatives. "Wait!...just wait...you want this sword?"

"Of course I want it dumbass!"

"Then go get it." Xenovia threw her Excalibur Destruction with all her might, flying through the air and landing several feet behind Freed.

"Mine!" Freed dropped everything he was doing and ran to collect his sweet, sweet prize.

"Excellent, this will be better with five, than with four." Valper turned away and started casting some kind of spell in the middle of the forest. Bright golden lights shot out and ensnared the swords that Freed possessed.

"I'm gonna want those back fat man."

"When this is done, you will have something even better." Valper held out his hands, increasing the intensity of the spell he just cast. The magical circle grew in size. Soon five circles appeared on top, one for each sword.

Xenovia was waiting for the right opportunity. "Freed and Valper have turned away, I just need to find some way to distract these dogs. Then I can call upon that sword." One far more powerful than her Excalibur Destruction; this sword is her ace. "Irina...please get up." She hopped her partner would have some strength left to stand and escape.

Suddenly a massive dome of light nearly blinded Xenovia. It came from the spell Valper just cast. When the light calmed down, Xenovia heart sank. "How did he..." Xenovia's eyes did not deceive her, the five swords became one.

"Finally, after all the time spent on my research, I've done it! Those fools of the church that cast me out called me a senile! But now I will have the last laugh!"

The Fused Excalibur was born, a sword with the combined powers of five of the seven Excaliburs, now in Freed's hand. "For me, you shouldn't have; now let's go kill that furry so we can make it six!" The Youkai is next on his hit list.

"What do I do..." Xenovia still didn't have the opening, summing that sword takes time, it's not instantaneous. Then a shadow descended over Xenovia. Looking at the ground, she could see a shadow, one with wings.

"Well now, it seems congratulations are in order Valper." A sinister voice echoed above them.

Xenovia looked up to see who has come, and all hope seemed lost. "You..." It's him.

"With the Fused Excalibur now complete, these followers of God are of no more use. Although one may prove beneficial to have as a prisoner" He then looked at Xenovia with piercing red eyes. "We don't need the extra baggage." A holy spear was formed in his, and he threw it at Xenovia at speeds she couldn't avoid.

Time slow downed around her as the spear drew near. Fear rooted her in place, and she was unable to act. "I'm going to die." She shut her eyes.

The spear struck the ground, an explosion complete covered the area she was in; leaving a crater in its wake.

"Am I dead?" Xenovia couldn't bring herself to open her eyes.

"Sorry I'm late ya'know."

She could hear a voice. "That voice...Naruto?" Xenovia opened one eye; she was alive.

"How am I...?" She was still in the forest, and a crater was to her right. She avoided his attack?

"Traffic was a nightmare." That voice again.

Xenovia looked behind her and saw her new spiky blond-haired friend, and she was in his arms. "Naruto...when did you get here?"

Naruto smirked at her. "You still have that kunai ya'know." That's how he found her.

She tapped her back belt, and indeed there it was. She forgot all about it. "Naruto teleported to me...but he would still have to avoid that attack." Did he do that right after teleporting to her?

Naruto stood up and walked in front of Xenovia, making sure she's protected. What she was unaware of was that he was a clone, not the original that showed up.

But a clone's more than enough.

Naruto's clone saw Irina's condition. "She's alive but Injured, she'll need medical attention." Hinata, along with everyone else, should be here soon.

The clone then surveyed his surroundings and saw two three-headed fire breathing dogs to his flanks. "Must be some kind of summoning or familiars as they call it." Behind them were two people, one was holding a golden sword. "The fat one looks just like how Xenovia described Valper."

"The other one must be Freed. I'm sensing the power of five different blades within his sword." To Kurama, two felt just like how Destruction and mimic were, so the other three must be the other Excaliburs.

Naruto's clone then looked to the sky, to see who just tried to kill his friend.

And the one in the skies called out to the clone. "What trash has wandered into my war?" To him, the human was nothing but an eyesore.

"Let's see, a stupid outfit, sickly pale skin, long black hair, pointed ears and red eyes." He is one ugly mother fucker.

"I take it you're Kokabiel!" Finally, Naruto can put a stop to this nonsense.

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Rias was torn between feeling proud and embarrassed. She will forever be proud of her elder brother, with what he's capable of and what he's accomplishes. But she will always be embarrassed by his actions towards her.

"Rias-Tan!" Sirzechs Lucifer, the strongest Devil and head of the Four Great Satans...is a siscon; brining great pain to Rias's life. Sirzechs practically jumped at Rias the moment he came into the club room, rubbing his cheek against hers with deep sibling affection. "I never get to see you enough."

"Brother...please stop." Red-faced Rias was trying to push him away. All the while, Akeno enjoyed the show from the sidelines, covering her mouth to hide her chuckles.

After having her fill of seeing Rias embarrassed; Akeno came to her rescue. "Lord Lucifer, it's a pleasure to see you again." She bowed to him with great respect.

"Ah yes, it's good to see you as well Akeno. It's also nice to be at this school again, it's been so long since I stepped foot in here." While Sirzechs reminisced, Rias was able to escape from his grasp and ran to the safety of her queen; much to Sirzechs disappointment.

Deciding to move things along, Sirzechs coughed into his hand to clear his throat. "Now then Rias, you said a few things were bothering you. Then let's start with Kokabiel." Honestly, Sirzechs would have never come himself if Rias didn't drop that name when she contacted him. The Maou remembers him well during the war, wishing he had the chance back then, to rid the world of that crazed Fallen Angel.

But he never got the chance to fight Kokabiel.

Rias sat down on one sofa while her brother sat on the other opposite her. Akeno prepared some tea for them. After taking a sip of her delicious tea, Rias explained more of the situation. "Apparently Kokabiel stole several of the Excalibur pieces from the church and fled to this town."

Sirzechs turned serious after hearing that, dropping his playful side. "Are his intentions known?" Stealing those swords could lead to deadly consequences.

Rias shook her head. "No, the two exorcists that came here to retrieve them didn't say or didn't know." Xenovia didn't want to stay and chat. Irina looked like she would...or that was merely how she sounded. "I do know that a stray priest is also involved with Kokabiel. His name is Freed, and he has one of the swords."

"Kokabiel would have followers, but it's unlikely he would bring many with him." Moving a large force would not go unnoticed in this time of uneasy peace. "How is Kiba handling this?" Sirzechs knows of his past, the mere mention of an Excalibur would affect him.

Rias gently put down her teacup, looking at the liquid with uneasiness, her eyes losing a bit of light. "He's distanced himself from us; he won't let us in. I wasn't able to stop him from walking out. I won't permit him to ever leave me, but he feels so far away." Kiba won't listen to Rias in the state he's in. "I had hoped that with time he would forget what happen to him or move past it. But his hatred only grew until it could no longer be contained."

Sirzechs felt concerned about this. He viewed Rias's peerage as family, but if Kiba does indeed go stray...then Rias and by extension Sirzechs will be forced to do that needs to be done. He hopes more than anything, Kiba will come back to them on his own volition. "You also mentioned something involving a couple of humans and a Youkai?" That stood out the most; not in concern or shock, but in confusion.

"A human named Naruto Uzumaki came here with three others. He's...different from what one would expect." That's putting it mildly.

Sirzechs raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"He has no Sacred Gear and lacks all kinds of magical power, but is well aware of the supernatural world." Rias then frowned when she spoke of the next particular memory. "He also fought and defeated my Issei rather effortlessly." As much as it pains her to admit it.

"You had a mocked duel with them? You are aware such action isn't allowed." Sirzechs reminded Rias of their laws. The cease-fire agreement prohibits such actions; sadly fights still happen between the factions, and the leaders of said factions are forced to deny all involvement. It's all very tiresome to deal with.

Rias became nervous under her brother's stare. "Kiba was the one who forced the duel, and from there it became its own thing." A bunch of people with different motives fighting one another.

"A human defeating a Devil who lacks power is surprising, but it can happen." Issei lacks much experience and power, after all. "But why does this human stress you out so much Rias?"

Rias was hesitant to answer her brother, unsure of what words were best to use to describe this human. So she threw caution to the wind and just came out and said it. "He doesn't exist." How else could she put it?

"Doesn't...exist? I don't follow, what do you mean by that?"

"I looked up his name, his family name, and even his face, but I found nothing. On both the human's internet and ours, I found no trace of him." The more Rias thought about it, the stranger it became. "The other two humans with him, Hinata and Konohamaru were the same."

Now, this caught Sirzechs's attention, and he leaned forward from his seat, clasping his hands together. Even humans who try to remain hidden from sight can't stay hidden from knowledge. If finding information about a single human becomes difficult, then checking the humans that surround him or her; as well as the human's family line yields the results Devils seek. But Rias did all of this, and not one, but three humans were complete unknowns.

This was not by chance, for it to happen three times. These humans bear investigation. "Give me some time, and I'll see what I can learn about them."

Rias nodded with satisfaction. Her brother had access to resources that she could never compete with; he'll learn something about them for sure.

"You also mention a Youkai."

"Oh yes her name was..." Rias was about to tell him about Raphtalia, but then the door to their club room was kicked open. Sirzechs, Rias and Akeno quickly stood up from their seats to see who just barged in.

It was two of her servants. "Koneko, Kiba!" Koneko was carrying an unconscious Kiba into the club room. "What happened?" Rias rushed over to them, and held Kiba's cheeks, nearly coming to tears when she sees the state of him. "Oh Kiba...who did this to him?" Rias will make them die a thousand deaths.

Koneko didn't answer; she shifted it to something else. "Rias-Buchou...the church..." Koneko panted between her words, she had to carry Kiba all the way back here after all that fighting, and she is exhausted; both mentally and physically.

Sirzechs heard her and looked out to the window. "The church..." What's happening over there?

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Chapter 12: Collisions Complete

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Question:

The God Naruto met was Sun Wukong. He's a Buddha, but in DXD, Buddha and Gods are kinda the same thing. Don't quote me about that when it comes to real life.

Divine Dividing:

With Vali's Dividing power, and how it can affect Naruto, we have 3 basic outcomes. (Just Naruto's Chakra; not including Sage Mode, Kurama or Sixth Paths Chakra.)

1: He tries it on Naruto directly, and we get a repeat of what happened with Loki.

2: If he uses it on say a Fire Ball Jutsu then Vali can divide that.

3: Vali tires dividing Naruto's Rasengan, then Naruto can respond by constantly pumping Chakra into the Rasengan, and it becomes a battle of attrition. Vali will reach his limit and be forced to reset his Gear or stop dividing the Rasengan and Naruto gets a free hit in. (Same tactic Naruto used against Delta.)

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A few Techniques Naruto will be using in this story that may not be well known or pushed aside. (More can be added later in the story but these are just a few I thought of.)

Some Wind Style Jutsus, such as what Kakuzu and Danzo used.

Rasengan Flash:

Naruto used it against the explosive humans in Naruto Shippuden post 4th war. He used Kurama's Chakra and Wind Nature to basically turn the Rasengan into a laser beam.

Rasenshuriken with no nature:

This never had an official name but in Naruto the Last movie, he used a Rasenshuriken against the puppets in the village that came to kidnap Hinata, but there was no explosion. I can only assume that this is a Rasenshuriken with only a change in Chakra form (Since Naruto shouted Rasenshuriken and said nothing about Chakra Nature). If I write Rasenshuriken without a nature transformation, then this is what he's throwing. Naruto will have a ranged attack that slices people up without blowing up the whole area.

Tailed Beast Chakra Cloak:

The Red Chakra form that Naruto had when he and Kurama were not friends, and before he took some of Kurama's Chakra. I'm using it in the story because not only do I think that the red form is really cool but because it's tactically sound. Suppose Naruto is up against enemies where he needs Kurama's Chakra. In that case, he can use the red cloak to conceal his golden form (Kurama Chakra Mode or Tailed Beasts state) and only use his golden form when he absolutely needs it. There is a substantial difference between the red and golden Chakra cloak.

With the red cloak, I'll use the tail number and version of the cloak to identify it in the story.

Example: No tails, 1 tails, two tails and so on. Version one is the Red Cloak and Tails, but Naruto's form stays the same. Version two is where Naruto gets covered in that red form (Chakra being converted into a humanoid shape). If he has 6 tails or more, then the form starts growing an exoskeleton.

Tailed Beast Shockwave:

Naruto can only do this if he's using Kurama's Chakra. Naruto can send out waves of force like a Shinra Tensei by either punching or screaming. Naruto had done this in Naruto when he battled Sasuke and in Naruto Shippuden at the bridged against Orochimaru. He can use this to hit enemies from afar and deal with enemy attacks.

Question for you guys:

Since Devils, Angels and Fallen Angels use wings to fly. Then if their wings get severely soaked, would that inhibit their ability to fly?

Something I've been thinking about.

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The fight between Naruto and Kokabiel is coming up, time for an ass-kicking.

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Next: Chapter 13: A Crow's Defeat and a Hidden Truth.

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