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."

18. Chapter 18

A Sage's Mission

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"Speaking"

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

"Tailed Beast/Sacred gear/Dragon speaking."

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Chapter 18: Diplomacy with Fallen Angels

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"Ya'know, it looks pretty familiar from here." Said Naruto, looking from afar at their pending destination. Standing at the edge of a cliff, with black Shinobi issue binoculars in hand, Naruto gazed at a Fallen Angel city.

The first time he's ever seen one, but it didn't look all that different from what he's already seen in the Underworld.

"Do Fallen Angels and Devils have the same décor?" Naruto asked openly for any one of his team members to answer.

"Devils came to the Underworld first, nya," Kuroka said, while lazily sitting at the edge of the cliffside, with her legs hanging over the edge. She gently kicked her legs against the rocks to pass the time. "When Fallen Angels started popping up cus Angels couldn't keep it in their pants, they took what was already built when war broke out."

"Can see why the Devils would be sore about that." Fallen Angels just came and took their land and homes. Who wouldn't be pissed about it?

Naruto and his team were hanging back for a moment before knocking on the Fallen Angel's front door. He took his time getting a good look at their defences and numbers.

"Preparing for a fight, nya?"

"Our track record for first contact with members of the Three Factions has been...umm...ya'know not good. Both first encounters with the Old and New Satan Factions went up in flames. I'm begging for this to go better. On the off chance something goes wrong, I want to know what we have to go through to escape." If transportation's locked somehow, they'll have to get through those defenders.

Once Naruto got a good count on the number of guards and the perimeter's defences, he stood up, put away his binoculars and turned to address his team.

"Third time's the charm, right?" Naruto muttered to himself before speaking to them. "Okay, we go in and see Azazel as arranged. He tells us what we need to know, and we hand over Kokabiel. If things go well, he might tell us a little bit more to boot and agree to sit down with us when we call him." That last part is vital. His team members all nodded and understood the mission. But Naruto noticed Xenovia while knowing what their mission is, was busy looking over the vast landscape of the Underworld.

"Xenovia...what's on your mind?" She seemed lost in thought.

"Hard to believe I'm standing in the Underworld." Xenovia answered him while still looking at the wasteland around them. "I've always been told this place was an inhospitable, cursed land of evil. The scenery fails to convince me otherwise." Excluding the city to the distance, all Xenovia could see was rocks and dirt, not a speck of green. She then looked up. "And then there's the sky. Why is it like that?" Why is it purple?

"It does look like a dump." Naruto agreed with Xenovia; first impressions of the Underworld are less than stellar. Each time he's come here, the Shinobi missies the lush green of Konoha.

"But you already knew that, didn't you, Naruto nya." Kuroka butted in. "So did you two." The Neko also singled out Hinata and Raphtalia. "First-timers are always taken back by the sickly sky. But you three...didn't bat an eye nya." Kuroka smirked for catching them out.

Naruto was a bit surprised by Kuroka. Despite her laziness, she's pretty observant when she wants to be. "This is my second time in the Underworld."

This brought Xenovia pause. "If you've already been here, why do you need the Neko's help?" Why risk bringing a wanted criminal to a diplomatic meeting?

"Our arrival here was not our goal," Hinata answered in Naruto's place. "It was a one-way trip, and we were going in blind. We were aiming for Urakyoto." But just like Raphtalia told them back then, the other stone was in the Underworld. "Besides, Kuroka knows the Underworld best and can get us out on the fly."

"So, how did you guys escape the Underworld the first time then?" Kuroka leaned on Naruto while playfully nudging him in the ribs.

Naruto scratched the back of his head before answering her. "We may have...hijacked a train." Naruto would've found it amusing if it didn't nearly jeopardise the mission.

Kuroka laughed, finding some irony in the story. "I sneak into Kuoh to get my sister back, and it's bad. But you sneak into the Underworld, steal a train, and it's all good nya." Oh, such delicious irony.

"We were in a bind when the train stopped okay. And you're the one who chose to run out on Yasaka."

"I'm not the one trying to be the responsible person, nya."

"Hey, I'm doing my best."

"Oh, I know. Your best is punching Sirzechs." Kuroka didn't let up on her teasing. If there's one thing she can do against Naruto for a bit of fun, it's riling him up.

"Sorry for being such a shitty role model then! Can we go already?!" They've got stuff to do and places to be.

The team got on the move, slid down the cliffside, safely reached the bottom, and began their march to the Fallen Angel city.

Some of the team members felt more nervous than others.

"The last Fallen Angel I met nearly killed me...can't say going to a city full of them is my idea of a vacation." Xenovia will perform her duties to the best of her abilities. But the lingering memory of that night won't go away anytime soon.

"Kokabiel is safely sealed away and can't hurt anyone." Raphtalia matched Xenovia's pace and spoke to her fellow swordsmen. "We just need to keep our weapons sheathed and show the seal. Then they'll know we're the envoys Azazel is meeting."

"Exactly!" Naruto shouted from the front of the pack. "Got it all figured out." Seal's in his pouch, Kokabiel's on his belt, and the questions are in his head. It's all coming together.

"That's nice for you to say...but what happens when it all goes wrong, nya?"

"Relax, Kuroka. I've got everything under control." Naruto casually said. This time they're both expected and invited.

What could possibly go wrong?

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"Under control, huh?" Kuroka smirked at Naruto, whose eyebrow is twitching; he's doing his best not to blow a gasket.

"Kuroka...please shut up for me." Naruto's trying to think of a way out of this. Turning away from Kuroka and taking a few steps forward, the Shinobi tries to salvage this predicament. "What exactly is the problem here? I said why we're here, and I showed the seal." Naruto gently waved the seal of Lady Yasaka's clan, proof of his affiliation. "What's with the pikes?"

Surrounding the group was around thirty Fallen Angels, some on the ground, others hovered in the air. The moment Naruto came to the gates and asked to be let in, this was their response.

Naruto continued his efforts. "This was prearranged. Your boss Azazel knows all about this. We're here by his invitation."

One of the Fallen Angels holstered his pike and approached Naruto, giving the Shinobi a chance to see what a Fallen Angel Faction soldier looks like. Their clothes are dark in colour; black, dark grey and violet, doing their best to match their wing's darkness. Used as signs of their power and even rank, the Fallen Angels around them only had one pair of wings, except for the one in front of Naruto, who had two pairs.

"The more wings they have, the tougher they are." Kokabiel had ten, and Naruto's clone took him down, no problem. The team is not in any real danger here.

The Fallen Angel with two pairs of wings stopped; he must be their captain. "You expect me to believe you're working for Yasaka of the Youkai Faction?" His voice was filled with doubt. "Three humans...one who is of the church." Naruto could see the intense animosity his eyes had for Xenovia. "And only two Youkai, one of them is a Devil. Something about this stinks. I won't just let enemies of my people enter this city."

Naruto couldn't really fault him for his doubt. Two of his team members used to be members of their most hated enemies. It would make any self-respecting soldier feel jumpy when people like that show up when he's tasked with guarding a city.

"I have the seal as proof, remember."

"Which you could've forged to gain entry." The Fallen Angel captain stood his ground.

"Like anyone would be reckless enough to try and pull that stunt at the front gate."

"I can see you doing that, nya." Kuroka giggled from behind.

"Kuroka, I swear...in a scroll, off a cliff."

"Wait...Kuroka?" The Fallen Angel captain heard the name. "The SS-Class Stray Devil!" If they were hesitant to point their pikes at them before, they're not now. All the guards around them got into a combat stance, now that they recognise the Stray Devil.

"It seems my reputation precedes me. I killed plenty of Devils when I ran, so you should all be thanking me nya." Kuroka joked despite the rising tension.

Naruto felt a migraine coming on. "Kuroka, your performance is supposed to help convince the Kage you're a trustworthy ally." This isn't helping with that plan.

The guards slowly approached them from all sides, with the intent of taking them prisoner.

As the tension rose, Raphtalia's and Xenovia's hands gently moved. One ready to summon her weapon. The other prepared to draw it.

"Naruto-Kun," Hinata whispered in Naruto's ear. "They might be unaware of Azazel's intent to meet representatives from the Youkai Faction."

"We're not exactly coming to them by normal means. Azazel only gave us the green light a few hours ago...you could be right Hinata, they may not have been told yet. We are in a bit of a rush. Guess we came to the door too soon." Naruto whispered back.

"Then how should we play this? Anything we say or show they'll disregard as fake." The Fallen don't believe the seal or their words.

Naruto smiled...but it wasn't his usually happy or cheesy grin. No, this one was sinister.

"Are you sure being reckless is the best idea here?" Hinata could already see Naruto's intent.

"If they don't believe what we say, then let's show them something they can't deny." Naruto's changing his tactics. He took out a scroll at lightning speeds, and with the placement of his hand, Naruto released the seal.

A puff of smoke concealed him. All the guards backed up but kept their weapons poised for battle.

"You say the seal could be fake," Naruto spoke from within the smoke. "Or how can we be working for Yasaka when only one of us is a full Youkai...sure, why not; but then tell me..." The smoke cleared, and Naruto had a familiar Fallen Angel over his shoulder. "Am I faking him too?!" Tied up, unconscious and roughed up. Kokabiel was hanging off Naruto's shoulder.

A moment of silence passed them before it was interrupted by the sound of metal hitting rock. The Fallen Angel captain, in pure shock and disbelief, dropped his pike. With shrunken eyes and a shaking hand, he looked and pointed at the unconscious Kokabiel. He remembers his face and this presence.

"T-that's Lord Kokabiel?!" It's really him...it is undeniably him...what's going on here? "I-I...I don't..."

Before the Fallen Angel captain got the chance to enter whatever paranoid, hysterical episode that's building up within him, Naruto spoke. "Think about this real hard. Kokabiel, the seal of Yasaka, and a team of people that wouldn't normally hang around each other; weird ain't it. Now, do you want to contact your boss and let him know what's happing here? Or do you want to make a call and deal with whatever outcomes, 'AND' consequences that fall on you...and your men?" Naruto just put the ball in his court.

Naruto's words clearly had an impact, as the Fallen Angels around them all gave each other glances, each one wanting to be far away from this time bomb.

One of them came to Fallen Angel captain's side, trying to be the voice of reason. "Um, sir...maybe with should tell Lord Azazel about this." His voice was a little shaken up.

"But they're..."

The Fallen Angel swung his arm around the captain's shoulder, huddling up for a not so secret conversation.

"That's a freaking Cadre on his shoulder, sir. If we don't tell Lord Azazel about this, it will be all our heads." What's going on here is well above their station.

The Fallen Angel captain took a couple of glances at Naruto from his huddle, who's just looking back, impatiently waiting for an answer.

Felling the gravity of this situation, the captain made a decision. "Y-you all just wait here and don't move!" The captain flew away for a moment.

"That was uncharacteristically cunning of you, Naruto?" A bit blunt, but still, Kurama didn't think Naruto would handle it that well.

"Well, Shikamaru did say if you want someone to do something, make it seem like it's their idea." And these Fallen Angels don't want to get in trouble with their boss.

A couple of minutes passed, with the team lingering about waiting for the captain to return. Naruto spent that time making sure Xenovia behaved herself when so close to Fallen Angels. He also made sure Raphtalia kept her Fused Excalibur sealed. The trick seems to be working; these Fallen Angels haven't noticed Raphtalia's Holy Power. Although Naruto doubts that trick would work against stronger Fallen Angels or Azazel when they see him.

If they see him.

The captain came back, a bit calmer than before but still on edge. He also looked at Naruto differently. He's more aware of whom he's dealing with.

Coughing into his hand to calm his nerves, the captain spoke. "The...misunderstanding has been cleared up...and Lord Azazel has agreed to meet you here. There is an estate in our city where he will see you...please follow me." The captain and the other Fallen Angels got moving, with Naruto's team joining them.

Naruto didn't show it, but he felt relief wash over him. They're in, Azazel spoke up for them, and he's coming here. Rough patch at first, but they're making progress.

But what Naruto wasn't aware of was the turmoil going on in the Fallen Angel captain's head.

Azazel is coming to them.

Not 'they're going to Azazel'.

That definition is like the difference between the sun and the moon. It means Lord Azazel is personally invested here. It's not just some run of the mill meeting he treats with half interest.

If the captain screwed up back then...if he wasted Lord Azazel's time...he and his men were indirectly at death's door just a few minutes ago.

Not just that...he now knows who this human is. After the call, he ran the human's face through the system just in case.

He got a hit.

New Satan Faction's most wanted SSS Class threat, he only popped up days ago, and there's next to no information on him.

The captain's aware of Kuroka's power. He and his men could've all attacked her at once, and they would've been slaughtered. But this human has the highest threat rating Devils give out.

The captain can't sense any power from the human...but then there's Kokabiel on his arm?

No...No, no more questions; for his sake and sanity, the captain will stay out of this...but from this day, he'll always be wondering.

What exactly just came to their gates?

And who did he just aim his weapon at?

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Travelling through this city in the Underworld was a nice change of pace compared to Naruto's first time. He and his team had to sneak through a Devil city back then. Now, they're walking through the streets that belong to the Fallen Angels. They get to take in the sights and not have to worry about who sees them. The building designs were the same as those in the Devil's city; the Fallen didn't change too much. At best, it was different colour schemes and some added decorations, and Naruto didn't feel the same competing atmosphere as he did with the Devils.

Here, the Fallen just did and added what they wanted, not caring what the next-door neighbours did. It fits their reputation; the Fallen Angels do what they want when they want.

They have rules, have laws, and even a bit of etiquette; else, what's the point of the guards? But the Fallen follow their desires almost religiously. They hold them close to their heart and being.

They fell from Heaven because they gave in to their desires, their sins. And they've kept doing that ever since. The Fallen wear whatever they want...a lot of skimpy outfits on the girls...and a preference for black leather. Naruto didn't know where he could or should look.

If it was just something minor, like a desire to see the world, have a family, or hell, start writing books like what Pervy Sage wrote, then Naruto sees no issue. He would even encourage it...well, maybe not the last one.

But this is also why Fallen Angles such as Kokabiel came into existence. He fell because of his hatred for the Devils. He was unable to walk away from war. Naruto doubts Kokabiel was the first or the last.

The team felt the constant stares and glances from the Fallen Angels that populate this city. Naruto made sure to seal Kokabiel away before entering the gates; else, they'd be doing more than stare.

The Fallen didn't try anything, but their eyes all showed different reactions, depending on which one they looked at.

They looked at Xenovia and Kuroka with scorn, while Raphtalia, Hinata and Naruto got looks of surprise. They were a group that didn't make sense, one that didn't belong here or together.

Soon the team arrived at the estate without incident...if one could call it an estate.

"It's a castle?" Naruto expected a mansion or a hotel. But Azazel got them a 15th-century European castle. The towers and roof tiles are coloured black, while the brick walls are a dark blue.

Yasaka's palace was bigger, but Hinata could see a massive open space within the castle. A courtyard or some kind of arena, she wasn't sure.

The guards that escorted them stood to the side, allowing Naruto and his team to pass. Naruto walked to the front gate and reached to knock. But the gate opened on its own before his hand touched it.

The red-carpet was laid out for them, running the foyer's entire length, leading to a flight of stairs. Both to Naruto's left and right were pillars that held up the ceiling.

"Spacious. The Fallen Angels must hold parties here." Naruto was the first to walk in, quickly examining his surroundings. Positions, escape routes, anything he needs to be worried about. Naruto already has a Hiraishin marked well away from the city, but better safe than sorry.

The rest of his team followed suit, and the gate shut behind them. A loud click sound was heard. The entrance has been locked. No turning back now. Following the carpet laid out for them, Naruto walked towards the stairs. He soon felt the same presence he sensed back in Kuoh.

"I apologise for that mess at the gate. People can be so jumpy in this day and age. Though you kids could have made it easier if you just came here by official means." Sitting at the top of the stairs, no longer wearing the rages he had on back in Kuoh, there Azazel was.

He sat there, oozing confidence while maintaining a relaxed guard. He wore a long maroon coloured coat. The top was opened up a bit, showing a small amount of his upper chest. The coat had belts and bands around the waist and wrists. His attire was finished off with grey slacks and brown shoes.

Naruto guessed this was Azazel's attempt at smart casual, something that could pass for professional meetings while keeping with his preferences and comforts.

Naruto walked up the stairs slowly, matching Azazel's confidence with his own. "With our recent rise in popularity and Devils, Angels...and Fallen Angels poking their noses at our borders, going all official-like wouldn't keep this little meet and greet on the down-low with the other two."

Azazel had a light chuckle from Naruto's come back. "I could pull my people back if you'd like."

"But you'd only do that if this went to your liking."

"Now you're getting it." Azazel stood up, clicking his neck a little. "I see two of the three humans that have made such a ruckus, the Youkai that's swinging Excalibur, the scary Stray Devil and..." Azazel joked around a bit at first before his eyes landed on Xenovia. "Don't know who you are, but I know that sword."

Xenovia looked away from Azazel; she did not wish to talk to him.

"This is Xenovia. She's with us." Naruto was forced to introduce Xenovia for her.

"Yeah...the church did send two girls to do their job for them. Did you get in good with the believers or...?" Azazel's words slurred when he noticed Xenovia becoming agitated, and her neck lacked a particular item.

He's seen this before...many times.

"Gave you the boot, didn't they."

Xenovia's eyes shot towards Azazel. Her surprise and sudden flinch was all the Fallen Angel needed for confirmation.

"Have you met people in my position before?" Other than Asia, Xenovia didn't know about anyone else.

Azazel laughed at Xenovia's question, making her worry about the answer he's about to give. "Girl...it's been church 'One O One' for the past several years. That and every Fallen Angel is in your position when you think about it." That last bit was a joke, but no one was laughing.

That answer caused Xenovia some distress. "There are others besides Asia? If that's true, then..." The implications scared her. "Those missions I've carried out...have I been...?"

Naruto came to Xenovia's side to offer support. But she said nothing. Whatever's on her mind, she's not interested in talking about it.

"Why the sudden lack of trust in their own people?" Naruto asked.

"Oh, just some paranoia from the top." Azazel casually answered.

"Because the tippy top's no longer home," Naruto answered back.

Naruto's words got Azazel to cease talking and blink in surprise. But he wasn't shocked like the Youkai were when they heard the news. "Kokabiel talked?"

"He bragged."

Azazel's shoulders slumped, and he sighed heavily. "Can you umm...give me Kokabiel so I can punish him now?"

Naruto tapped his belt, where the scroll that housed Kokabiel hanged. "Sure, I'll hand him over like we promised. But first, we got to talk, exchange information, all that boring stuff ya'know." Naruto's not handing over his only piece of leverage until he gets the Intel he needs.

Azazel was okay with this. "Then follow me to the lounge. We'll have some drinks and get all that annoying stuff out the way." Azazel called for them to follow.

Naruto walked by Azazel's side while his team followed behind.

"How much did Kokabiel spill?"

"Died during the war. Only the top brass of the Angels and Fallen Angels know about it. He really wanted us and the world to know."

"Great," Azazel said in annoyance while shaking his head. "Now the Youkai know."

"Only Yasaka and a few trusted individuals."

"I trust Yasaka's intelligence not to tell the world and his wife about this."

"Don't worry. We already have a good idea what would happen if the world learned about his death." Well, this confirms it for the Youkai and Shinobi. The Biblical God is gone. "But...I'm confident some annoying people already know."

"And why pray tell are you so confident in that?"

"Because Kokabiel was put up to performing that little stunt."

While Naruto continued to walk up the stairs, Azazel stood in place. He mulled over Naruto's words and meaning, causing his eyes to narrow at what Naruto was implying.

"Come on, Azazel," Naruto called out to the head Fallen Angel from near the top of the stairs. "Let's get to having a few drinks and 'Exchanging' information." Naruto smirked.

They each have something the other wants. Azazel could work with that, and it's why this day is even a thing. But it still struck Azazel as odd. Naruto, a human, is leading the talks between the Fallen Angels and the Youkai.

The leader of the Fallen Angels wanted Naruto to show up; he was the one who took Kokabiel captive. But what Azazel didn't expect was for Naruto and his team to show up without anyone official from the Youkai. No proper diplomats or government officials to speak of.

The only full Youkai here was Raphtalia, but she's new to the scene and is way too young to be in any position of importance within her Faction. Her control over Holy Power would make her a military asset before anything else. Her control is very recent yet strangely proficient.

So it still begs the question, why is Naruto the one leading this? Why did Yasaka trust him with such a task?

Azazel's no fool; he knows there's something else going on here. This led him to two theories.

Naruto has been with the Youkai or even Yasaka herself for years, and they've kept him a secret. Or he's recently joined up with them and has somehow rapidly gained Yasaka's trust...if it's the latter, then Azazel would be jealous. Naruto pulled off such a feat when he's been trying and failing for years.

Azazel's interest in this boy has increased.

The group soon made it up the stairs, turned a corner, and came face to face with a familiar face.

"You again?" Naruto said in annoyance.

Vali lazed there down the corridor, leaning on the wall, still radiating the same holier-than-thou energy as he did before. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at Naruto, smirking as he did.

Naruto approached him, nearly got in his face. "Thanks for warning me about Sirzechs, by the way. It really helped me out."

"You escaped, did you not. You're good at that...running away." Vali said back

Naruto snorted, finding his statement amusing. "Remind me, which one of us flew away first? It wasn't me, so..."

"You should be thanking Sirzechs. His interruption saved you."

"It's sad that you believe that." Naruto could not shake his suspicions of Vali, nor could Vali shake his desire to put Naruto in his place.

"Now, now!" Azazel got them to cool off. "You two can have your dick-measuring contest later. So why don't we sit down, have a drink, and then have the pointless fight if you're still in the mood." Azazel words took the energy out of both Naruto and Vali, getting them both to back off.

But they kept an eye on each other. That wasn't changing anytime soon.

"Good, good, now come in and sit down. Because I'd very much like to know what you lot want from me." Azazel hurried Naruto and his team into the lounge; he was eager to get this meeting underway. Vali wasn't joining them. He remained where he was.

Time to see if Naruto is any good at diplomacy...or at least his version of it.

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---

Naruto suspected, but now he knows. Azazel is one of the most laid-back leaders he has ever met. He would be like Jiraiya if he was named the Fifth Hokage or Sun Wukong if he was in charge of the Youkai. Instead of a traditional meeting room or some kind of super-secret room with soundproof walls, they're at a lounge, with a bar.

A fully stocked bar with all kinds of beers and wines. Soft armchairs, a wall-mounted flat-screen for their viewing pleasure, and a couple of bookshelves contain a few books on various topics.

There are even a few games in here; a pool table opposite the bar.

Azazel offered everyone a drink. Since Naruto and his team are of the Youkai Faction, he provided them with sake, which they accepted. Naruto's intent was to appear friendlier and not be a stiff. But he's not planning on having more than one drink.

Kuroka was the only one not to share that mindset. She's already jumped behind the bar and is helping herself to what's available. Her excuse is Neko's have a high tolerance for alcohol. Naruto...allowed it, but he's keeping one eye on her.

Xenovia stayed at the corner of the room, making sure she had eyes on everyone. She would not lower her guard, not even an inch.

Raphtalia immersed herself with the books. She's looking for something though she didn't share what it was with her teammates. Raphtalia was hoping to see if there were any books on the history of the Holy Swords. Failing that anything to do with the history around the church for even the smallest of clues.

This left Naruto and Hinata, who sat together on a sofa. Azazel is on an armchair next to them.

"I can already picture your faces when you heard about his death." Azazel opened talks with a bad joke.

"What, a mix of surprise and confusion; I mean, he's got so much influence, and only those two Dragon God guys were tougher than him, right?" Said Naruto.

"Ha, everyone who noticed it back then had it worse. I'd never seen Michael that freaked out in my life."

"Did any of you found out how or who killed him?" Hinata asked the important question.

Azazel shook his head. "Nope, and we tried real hard. We ruled out the Dragon Gods. We could account where they were when God died."

"Then you must know where and when it happened?" Hinata followed up.

"During the Great War, in the human world is where we felt it."

Naruto stopped mid drink; he was not expecting that answer. "Then how did no one notice? I heard he never left Heaven during the Great War, so wouldn't a bunch of people spot him if he flies out?" God stayed hold up in Heaven to protect their home from all their foes, not just Devils and Fallen Angels. He also had to be there to replenish their numbers with fresh Angels.

"Kid, I've put a lot of resources into figuring it out. All I can guess, and it's a good guess, mind you, is something got his attention. He went snooping, and his snooping got him killed." To this day, Azazel still has people looking into it.

"So that's it? Can't find his body, suspects or even a method of how he was taken out?"

"I don't even know where in the human world it happened. But the strongest of the Angels from both sides felt it. We felt him part from this world over there." Azazel then chugged the last of his drink, his throat felt a tingling sensation. "Moving on to current times, you said Kokabiel was put up to it? Did he tell you that too?"

"No, but his mind had been tampered with."

"Oh?"

"Parts of his memory have been locked and booby-trapped. Try to get him to remember and his brain fries." They barely stopped it from killing him.

While serious as the situation was, Azazel still found some of it amusing. "You mean to tell me my favourite warmonger got mind-controlled, and he isn't even aware of it." If Kokabiel knew, his pride, or whatever's left of it, just got killed, dug up, and then killed again.

Hinata explained their theory in a simplified manner. "His hatred and desire for war were very real. But we believe Kokabiel never had the will to carry it out. Not without assurances or someone else pulling his strings."

Azazel stood up from his chair and slowly made his way to the bar to pour himself another drink. "So who's trying to get us all killed using my people as a scapegoat?"

From his chair, Naruto answered. "We're hoping you could help us with that."

Azazel leaned against the bar and faced Naruto. "As amazing as I am, I don't have all the answers like you hope."

"No, but like you said at the docks, you knew Kokabiel was acting weird for a while. You must have had eyes on him? So tells us where he's been going and who he's been meeting." Naruto stood up from his chair.

"Docks? So he was there, just like Vali said, huh." And neither him nor Vali noticed Naruto listing in, impressive and bizarre.

Kuroka and Xenovia are the only ones Azazel could make any sense of...but the other three.

Raphtalia can use Holy Power which is a first for Youkai, and she can swing Excalibur; both shouldn't be possible. Then there's Naruto and Hinata, who boggles his mind even more. Azazel can't feel any power from them, even when face to face. But Vali suspects Naruto was the one who took down Kokabiel; the Devils labelling him SSS Class only made it look more apparent.

But Azazel knew no one in this room had a Sacred Gear. These two humans don't have a concealed one. His years of research into Sacred Gears prove this to him; Naruto and Hinata show no signs of possessing one.

Common knowledge says Naruto couldn't touch Kokabiel. Yet the opposite happened. Vali saw him use cloning and sealing, powers they can understand but not sense. If that is the case, then Azazel must discard common knowledge of humans and treat these two and the missing third as something new, a new kind of human.

Like when Azazel started his research into Sacred Gears, to understand them, improve them; he must take the same approach here to understand this new addition to humanity.

After collecting his thoughts, Azazel asked Naruto something. "You wish to retrace Kokabiel's movements and get the guys behind it all, but then what? Will you kill them? Capture them? Will you keep me in the loop since I'm telling you this information?" Azazel's line of questioning was to understand the mind of Naruto. How he acts and how he thinks.

Instead of answering his questions, Naruto offered him a new perspective. The Shinobi approached Azazel and leaned against the bar next to him.

"It's not over, Azazel."

Azazel did not speak. He just looked at Naruto and saw his conviction.

"What happened in Kuoh was a prelude. It will happen again." Naruto continued, trying to verbally beat something into Azazel's head.

The Fallen Angel was starting to see it. "The people that you're after won't stop trying to kick start the next Great War?"

"They had Kokabiel under their thumb." Naruto then turned to face Azazel and told him a horrible truth. "They know. They've got to know your God's dead." They messed with his memories; they got in Kokabiel's head. "That's what Kuoh was about. Start a new war, with that truth as a focal point. Sure we stopped it, but it's been days since then. If they wanted to, they could tell the whole world any time they want. But nothing, not even whispers...why?"

It wasn't hard for Azazel to answer that. "Spreading it through rumours won't be as impactful, nor would it spread far before people like me started covering it up. But make it the bases of a war, and the truth has a whole new kind of meaning." Sometimes it's not the truth itself but how it's told that changes everything.

Seeing how Azazel understood and how quick on the uptake he was. Naruto changed his approach. He offered him an olive branch. Naruto took out the scroll and, in an instant, unsealed Kokabiel on the bar table.

Before Azazel could say anything, Naruto spoke first. "Khaos Brigade. That's the name we got from Kokabiel just as we triggered the trap in his mind. Have you ever heard that name before?" This action surprised the members of Naruto's team. Even Kuroka nearly spat out her drink when he gave up Kokabiel so suddenly.

This one action told Azazel a lot about Naruto. He is upfront, determined and a bit reckless.

And he's far from a diplomat. No diplomat Azazel knows would willingly hand over the only piece of leverage they have when they don't have the lead they came here for.

"But Naruto should already know this. He knows he just gave up everything." Nothing is stopping Azazel from saying, 'Thanks for the prisoner, off you go'. Naruto's got an angle here. "This is an offer...an invitation. He's after more than just information." A dangerous and reckless gamble on Naruto's part...but one that only intrigued Azazel more; this kid's not dull.

Khaos Brigade...Azazel has heard that name before. But he's never heard of anything notable occurring that was associated with that name.

Is this rumoured Khaos Brigade far more vital than he initially believed?

"I have heard of the Khaos Brigade before...rumours from the corners of the world you wouldn't care about."

"When and where?"

"When I ordered an investigation into God's death, I had people looking under every rock they could find." It's been such a long time since he gave out that order. "It took my guys and girls to some of the darkest corners you could find." The name popped up now and then in the human world and Underworld. But it never gained any traction and was ignored; there was just nothing to follow up on.

"Then there's got to be some truth to these rumours?" Naruto said.

"What did you learn from Kokabiel?" Azazel asked.

"From him, nothing...but from other sources, we know this Brigade's got to be big."

"Just how big are we talking here?"

Naruto took out another scroll to answer Azazel's question, and in a puff of smoke, a weapon appeared in his hand. "Several Factions big."

Azazel saw the weapon. It was a scythe? The weapons used by Grim Reapers that serve Hades. "You're telling me the Khaos Brigade's got Grim Reapers working for them?"

"Look again." Naruto nodded to the Scythe in his hand.

Azazel focused his senses on the Scythe to feel out its power. This Scythe's power was abnormal, definitely not wielded by your typical Reaper. This must belong to one of their standouts.

"This Scythe belongs to the Grim Reaper Pluto." Naruto clarified to Azazel.

Azazel blinked once...then he blinked again...he looks at the Scythe, then Naruto, then the Scythe again, then back to Naruto. This continued for a bit until Azazel finally snapped. "Hahahahahahaha!" He had a belly of a laugh, all the while Naruto remained perfectly still, didn't even nudge so much as a centimetre during Azazel's fit.

"Hahahahaha...Haha...ha...ah." The leader of the Fallen Angels was slowly coming back. "You're pulling my leg, right?" Azazel pleaded with Naruto in a joking manner. "Please tell me you are?" Azazel asked as he slowly looked around the room to see all of Naruto's friends staring blankly at him.

"Sorry old man. And just to make things worse, the skeleton was fighting side by side with Old Satan goons." Naruto smirked.

"Now the Old Satan's are a part of this!?" Azazel thought in disbelief...but Naruto's expression didn't change; he serious about this?

Azazel took a deep breath; he's accepted the truth...what is this world coming to? "Kuroka, you see that bottle on the second shelf? Toss it over here."

Kuroka fiddled around the shelf until she found what Azazel asked for. "Catch Nya!" She tossed it over to him, and Azazel caught it without even looking, quickly popped the cork, and drank away his miseries.

Naruto watched in awe as Azazel gulped the bottle's contents. "I wonder whose worse, him or the chimp?" Seconds in, and he's nearly finished the bottle, hasn't even stopped to take a breath.

Azazel finished his drink, took a deep breath; finally, and sat back down in his chair. The Fallen Angel rubbed his forehead, feeling a hangover coming on and not because of the drink. "Suddenly Yasaka's cat and mouse talk makes sense." When he tried asking her on call the main subjects about the meeting, she was deliberately vague on a few details. Her actions before contacting him were odd too. He knew she had an angle, but he never expected this.

"Pluto is Hade's top lap dog in the loyalty department. He asked the big-skele permission before he'd open a door." And why would Hades have one of his men fight alongside one of the three races he hated the most.

Azazel didn't think Naruto was lying to him. Not just because of Naruto's forthcoming, but because there's no way Yasaka would make this up. Lying about one of the most powerful God's actions would be a dangerous and idiotic move.

So what's her aim here?

Feeling a shift in the air, Azazel pressed for Naruto's intention. "Alright...so a lot is going on that I would never have believed. We could play twenty questions all day, but I'll settle for just one. What are you and Yasaka after?" Azazel already suspected Naruto's after more than just information. And now, after revealing all that he did...

"Azazel, we came here today, and I'm being straight with you here. We're afraid for the safety of this world. We were a hairs breath away from war a few days ago. This Khaos Brigade and those that are working for them...I don't know why they're doing this, but they're trying to restart the Great War."

"That doesn't make any sense. Why?" Azazel asked. "No one has the numbers to sustain or win that kind of conflict anymore. The world's changed too much since the last war." There would be no victors, just survivors; few at that.

"Divide and conquer, suicidal idiots, some crazy cult of wackjobs...your guess is as good as mine. But if we stay behind our walls, twiddling our thumbs hoping the danger passes, the more time these guys have to achieve their goal, ya know."

Naruto approached Azazel, who remained seated. "We're going to need your help Azazel, and you're going to needs ours. Forget about appearances or pointless etiquette. The lives of both our people are in their crosshairs. We can either work together to stop them or be picked off one by one. They already got to one of your top men. It's no longer a question if they can or can't; just when."

Azazel remained silent for a few seconds before speaking. "You really don't know how to beat around the bush, do ya?"

"I'm honest and blunt about stuff. Get used to that."

Azazel stood up, taking a quick stretch. "I'll bite. What's the offer on the table?"

"At some point, Yasaka will contact you to have a face to face meeting on how to handle this threat to all of us. When she does, answer it."

"Leaders from other Factions meeting face to face like that don't go unnoticed." After what happened in Kuoh, leaders meeting each other will draw suspicions; and Azazel's got another meeting today as it is. Azazel's rep is on the line.

"That's not going to matter when the Khaos Brigade comes for each of us. You're a smart guy; you see the writing on the wall. We either face it alone or together. That's the choice here." That's the hand they've been dealt, and appearances won't matter when people are dying in the streets.

Azazel had to give it to him; the kid paints a good picture of the times they're in. Devils, Grin Reapers and maybe even their leader Hades are working together. Why stop there? Who else could be siding with them?

Naruto told him a lot, maybe too much, yet Azazel can't help but like this kid. He's a straight-up guy with a clear goal. It got the Fallen Angel thinking. Did Naruto reveal all this so Azazel can still protect his people in some capacity, even if he turns down their offer of joint aid?

Accepting the offer or not, Azazel still owes him something. "I'll need a rain check on the offer. As much as I would love to see Yasaka face to face again, I still need to hash it out with my own people." It isn't every day you get an offer like this. "But I can answer your first question." The initial reason for their visit. "For the past few months, my old friend Kokabiel's been making trips to a lovely place called the Badlands."

That name flew over Naruto's head. He's never heard of that place.

It wasn't just his head either; Xenovia wasn't any better. "I know very little about the Underworld as it is. What's the Badlands?"

"Ha." Kuroka snickered to herself. "It's a nice vacation spot nya; a cursed land where everything wants to eat your face."

"Why would Kokabiel go there?" Xenovia asked.

"For one, it's hard to follow someone in that place. I tried to have a few of my guys tail him. Most got eaten while the others lost track of him." After a few failed attempts, Azazel couldn't risk sending anyone else in that place.

The Badlands...if that's where Kokabiel went, then that's where Naruto needs to go.

"Kurama, what's your take?"

"Azazel's been above board. He wants to know what the Khaos Brigade is as much as you do now. You've got him intrigued." Kurama then had a dark chuckle. "Though it's a dirty move on his part. You got what you want, and now you get to risk your neck in the Badlands, so his people don't have to." And if Naruto doesn't tell him what he finds in there, Azazel can get that information by accepting the offer of aid. "His answer may be more to his advantage than your own."

"We'll just have to deal with it, Kurama." It's all they've got to work with, and if there's something vital to be found, then Naruto wants to find it first. "Kuroka, do you know which way to this place?"

"Yeah, but you really want to go there now? I'll take ya there but don't blame me if you meet more Thresher Maws nya."

"Guess it's a good thing Konohamaru isn't here to relive that incident." Naruto's student has it out for those worms. Naruto then turned his attention back to Azazel. "Thanks for telling us this, old man. I hope you accept our offer."

Azazel chuckled a little at Naruto, calling him an old man for a second time. "Most people try to be respectful at a time like this."

"Most don't take their guests to bars at a time like this."

"Hahaha, true! Oh, before you go, I've got to know. Does Yasaka talk about me at all?"

"Nope, not before seeing you at Kuoh. Best I was told was you, being the head Fallen Angel and that's it."

Azazel's shoulders slumped. "Really...nothing about me, after our long friendship?"

"Since when?" As far as Naruto could tell, Yasaka wishes she'd never have to see him again.

While Naruto and Azazel had this little chat about Yasaka, Kuroka soon noticed something was off. She kept her Senjutsu activated while in the Fallen Angel city; unlike Naruto, she wasn't willing to trust them. And it's paid off because she's notice something or someone. The Neko reached out with her Senjutsu to confirm it...it's her. What is she doing here?

They've got to go now!

"Naruto, time to wraps things up. We've got a Maou incoming nya." A few minutes out at best.

Naruto spun his head around to face Kuroka. "What do you mean we've got a Maou incoming?!" He then shot back to Azazel, who had a sheepish smile. "Something you want to tell us, old man!"

"Well turns out Serafall wanted to speak with me too about Kokabiel. I scaled back her meeting to be after yours. But since I had to come here to meet you, so does she and...um...my guys must have sent her over..."

"I really can't be seen by the New Satan Faction right now, let alone one of their leaders!"

"Being the Devil's most wanted would do that. How'd you get that mark in such a short amount of time?"

"I must have pissed off the wrong people."

Raphtalia wanted them to speed this up. "If we're still here when she arrives, she'll notice some of us." Raphtalia's and Xenovia's Holy Swords for one. "Naruto-Sama, we should leave before she gets too close."

"You're right." Naruto agreed with Raphtalia. "Azazel, thanks for the drinks, but next time, lets us know we've got a time crunch!"

"It slipped my mind when you told me about the Khaos Brigade. Please don't tell Yasaka about this. My reps bad enough as it is."

"As long as you don't tell Serafall, we were here or what we've told you."

"Sure, sure, my lips are sealed." Azazel casually agreed to Naruto's terms. He then rushed over to Kokabiel, who was still asleep on the bar's counter. "You can see yourselves out; I've got to hide this idiot." Azazel nearly kicked down the doors to the lounge and sprinted out of sight.

With the doors open, Naruto could see Vali hanging outside, no doubt been listing to their conversation. Vali just stared at Naruto, who looked right back.

"That goes for you too, Vali."

"I don't care what Yasaka thinks about me, but fine." Vali then gently pushed himself off the wall and placed his hands in his jacket's pockets. "Going to the Badlands, huh...doubt I'll hear from you again."

"Ya'know, I'm going to punch you the next time I see you."

Vali merely smirked and walked away. He didn't take Naruto's promise seriously.

"I mean it, I'm going to slug him next time I see him."

"Naruto-Kun...we really need to go." Hinata trying to get Naruto's head on straight.

"Fine. I still feel my markers, so we're good to go. But first..." Naruto weaved the sign and created a Shadow clone. The Shadow clone then transformed into a book, and Naruto carefully hid it on the bookshelf.

"You're going to spy on them?" Hinata asked.

"We'll see if the Devils know anything without risking ourselves and found out if Azazel can be trusted." Naruto will see if Azazel can keep his word; two birds, one stone.

With the book hidden, Naruto gathered his team. Making sure each one got a hold of him. "We're out of here."

The team vanished from sight.

.

---

Once Azazel sorted out Kokabiel, he ran back to the lounge. Naruto and his friends already left, and Vali's wandered off somewhere. It's just him and the incoming magic girl.

It was a bit of a hassle juggling these two meetings, but it worked out in the end.

Serafall arrived, but not in her magical girl outfit. She was wearing an outfit in shades of green. A close-fitting buttoned jacket, a below the knee full skirt with a frill on the bottom, and brown boots; finished off with a green cap.

She trades her all pink magical girl costume for her all green uniform when things need to be a bit more professional.

"All green today?"

"I'm on the job, Azazel-Chan, but I'll always be a magical girl at heart." Serafall playfully winked at the Fallen Angel. But she then puffed up her cheeks; she was annoyed but still looked adorable. "I arrived on time, did all the boring procedures but then I had to fly here. What's up with that?"

"Sorry, sorry I'm bouncing from job to job putting out the flames Kokabiel started." Azazel waved her off and laughed about it a bit. "That is why you're here, right? Well, I'll let you know now, that idiot's stunt was unsanctioned and was not the actions of the Fallen Angels. I already sent your people a letter detailing this." Azazel made sure to clear that up ASAP.

"Oh, we knew that already Azazel-Chan, you'd never do this." Serafall did a heart pose as she spoke. "I'm just here to ask a few questions and clear some things up."

"Of course, of course. Like a drink?" Azazel offered as he sat down next to the bar.

"I'm not allowed. I'm too young."

"You're not wearing the outfit, so I don't think it counts."

"Heart, in my heart, it will always count." Serafall rejected the drink and sat next to Azazel. "Now then, do you have any idea what Kokabiel was trying to achieve? His actions nearly broke the cease-fire agreement."

"I may have been his boss, but he didn't talk to me much. All I know is he spent a lot of time in the Badlands, but that's it. What he was doing there, I've got nothing. If we want to know what the game was, we need to ask him face to face. I know I would if I got the chance." Azazel picked his words carefully to drive home a narrative.

"He hasn't been returned to you?"

"Nope...he's still in the hands of that human you guys are so interested in. I mean three S's on the wanted level, jeez. You'd only give that to guys and girls who have the potential to become a legitimate threat to your Faction. I would have that level if I was a criminal running around."

Serafall quickly responded but maintained her cute and friendly aura. "We simply believe he knows things we should know. He has Kokabiel, after all. This Naruto Uzumaki must now know what that night was about."

"You labelled him most wanted." Azazel chuckled. "Not like he's going to come to tell you or sit at the table if you ask." Although Naruto might if suitable agreements were met.

"We know he's in with the Youkai. Perhaps we could contact Yasaka together. Get her to explain things and hand over your guy." She'd be hard-pressed to deny them if two Factions made the demand.

"Oh, Serafall, Yasaka's already three steps ahead...and people ask me why I think of her so much." The Devils are falling behind. "Unfortunately, she'd have a counter for anything we'll say. Kokabiel trespassed. Haha, we've all done that and still are. He went rogue, so the whole affiliation thing gets a bit grey. He committed crimes against the Devils. Kokabiel never really got the chance to carry any out. I'm telling you, no matter what game you play, Yasaka will run circles around you."

Serafall took everything on board but showed no visible reaction. But Azazel could tell she was annoyed for being on the back foot. "So you won't do anything?"

"If you mean help you, then no. But I will see what I can on my end. That I can do." Azazel's laughing in the back of his head right now. "Now, can I ask you something? What do you know about these guys you're after, Naruto, Hinata, Konohamaru and Raphtalia?" He's seen the wanted posters.

"They're no doubt working for Yasaka, but their personal history is well hidden." Serafall then clapped her cheeks and had stars in her eyes. Something just excited her. "Ooh, what if they're Youkai Special Forces that Yasaka's been building up for years. Secret spies and agents whose background is shrouded in mystery." Her child-like mind fantasised about all kinds of possibilities.

Azazel didn't think that was it, but he agreed. They were a kind of special.

.

---

Naruto's clone disguised as a book watched the entire meeting. The rest of the talk was some trivial stuff and assurances. Once they leave, the clone will place a Hiraishin marker, just in case.

But the clone had some things to say about Serafall. She's eccentric, not what you would see coming.

"Magical girl? Is that some kind of position?" Serafall made it look like a big deal.

.

---

"The Badlands...why there of all places?"

"That's what Azazel said. For the past few months, Kokabiel took trips there out of the blue. That's where we're going."

"It's an inhospitable land Naruto."

"Then it's the perfect place for them to hide, Yasaka."

Once Naruto and his team teleported to a safe distance, Naruto had Kuroka contact Yasaka and Gaara to report their findings. The report pleased the two leaders. Even though Azazel said he would need to talk with the other Fallen Angel leaders, Yasaka was sure Azazel would accept their invitation for joint aid. By revelling everything he did, Naruto spiked Azazel's curious nature and desire to learn everything he could. It helps that this situation affects his Faction. Azazel was the first one to pull out of the war. He's sure to do everything he can to prevent another.

But Yasaka did warn Naruto about trying that same tactic with others in the future.

Gaara then got on the call. "Naruto, has your clone's memories returned to you?"

"Yes, and just like we thought, Azazel kept his word. Serafall doesn't know we were there or that we've handed over Kokabiel." This will keep the Devils guessing about Kokabiel's intentions, buying them time. "Serafall did try to get Azazel to team up with her and pressure Yasaka to tell them everything, and 'handing' Kokabiel over. Too late for that."

Yasaka smirked, not because they're already ahead, but because even if that came to pass, she'd dismantled it when they came for her. "The Devils can make all the demands they like. They have no leg to stand on." And now, they have Azazel in their pocket in a manner of speaking.

It's almost like they pranked a Maou.

"Well, the big F did tell her about the Badlands."

"He needed to. Kokabiel was one of the Grigori, even if he went rogue. If Azazel didn't give the Devils something, it would have put him in an unpleasant position. This way, he can at least show the Devils he had nothing to do with that night." Gaara understood why Azazel told the Devils about the Badlands. Just like Gaara, Azazel has a responsibility to his people as their leader.

Still, now with the Devils aware of the importance of the Badlands, how long do they have until the Devils begin their investigation? "Yasaka, can you work up a time frame for us to work within while investigating the Badlands; how long until we risk encountering the Devils?"

"We have a healthy head start. Serafall will need to return and discuss this with her fellow Maous. After a decision has been made, they would need to arrange a meeting with the Devil High Council and the leader of the Bali Clan to get permission." Yasaka almost pitied the Maous with the amount of red tape they have to deal with.

"I was under the impression the Maous made the decisions for the New Satan Faction?" That's how it appeared to Hinata and the others.

Yasaka moved to clarify. "The Four Maous are each in charge of a department within Devil society. Serafall is in charge of Foreign Affairs, which is why she is the one who was sent to speak with Azazel. Falbium commands their military while Ajuka heads up their technology and research. Sirzechs is the one in charge of Domestic affairs." Each of these Devils is known for their brilliance and ability. And each one holds a crucial building block of their Faction.

They are a true sign of power to all outsiders...and the perfect bluff.

"But the actual leaders of the Devils has always been their High Council, and above them, the one who rules the New Satan Faction, Lord Bael. It used to be Zekram Bael before his retirement." The Four Maous are a front to other Factions. An act that most have seen through, but they still maintain it due to their pride. "The Four Maous may hold positions of power, but they have strict oversight that hinders their ability to make changes."

"That could explain why it took so long for Serafall to talk with Azazel. We were busy downloading Kokabiel's mind on scrolls. That took a few days. While they were busy kissing up to their council just to get anywhere." It must have been painful. "Does this mean the one we need to speak with is this Lord Bael guy if we want to get anywhere with the Devils?"

Naruto's question caused Yasaka to chuckle, confusing the Shinobi.

"You'd have better luck taming Kuroka."

"Hey! Unfair but true!" The Neko shouted from the background.

Yasaka continued. "Lord Bael isn't all that different from the Satans of old. As long as the status quo is kept, he won't even entertain an audience."

"So he's useless?" Naruto asked.

"He is, and so is their council. They have their positions due to birth, not ability."

"Aren't you the same?" That slipped out of Naruto's mouth. He was supposed to think that, not say it. "Wait, no, that's not what I meant!"

Yasaka didn't say anything; all Naruto saw was a dangerous smile. She's a hologram. She's in another dimension...so why does Naruto still feel endangered.

"Maybe I'll tell you how I became queen one day." Yasaka then turned to answer Gaara's earlier question. "If the indecisiveness of the council is as bad as I've heard, we have a few days to a week if we're lucky. But I still recommend haste." After answering Gaara's question, Yasaka left the call.

"Naruto." Gaara issued Naruto his new orders. "Take your team and see what you can find in the Badlands. I'll leave it to your discretion but remember. As things stand right now, we have no sure way to combat the Old Satan Faction or the Khaos Bridged except with defence and counter-strikes." All they can do is prepare for an attack as best they can and salvage the battle's aftermath. "We need something to tip the scales in our favour to break out of this predicament."

"Understood, Gaara. If there's something to be found, we'll find it."

"I'll get everything I can on the Badlands and brief you before you arrive. Good luck."

.

---

The Fifth Kazekage dug up what information he could and relayed it to Naruto. What he learned was troubling.

The Badlands is one of the most dangerous locations within the Underworld, but it isn't a natural one. What is now a cursed land was once just another spot in the Devil's homeland. But over time, that began to change. The Great War, the battle between the Heavenly Dragons, to the Devil's civil war, this spot in the Underworld became the battleground of some of the most destructive conflicts in this world's history.

Whether by fate, coincidence, the will of Gods or just plain bad luck, this land was constantly shaped by those that walked the earth. They left a scar.

When the team arrived, they saw a sight even worse than the barren wastelands they've come to know. There are cracks in the earth that put the Grand Canyon to shame, with dark clouds overhead creating the illusion of night, even though the day is still young. In the distance, Naruto could spot various weather phenomena. Tornados on one side and thunder clouds on the other.

The Badland's size nearly matches that of the North Pacific Ocean. A vast landscape of decay and darkness.

Then there's the wildlife.

The Thresher Maws first came into existence from this very land, before it was known as the Badlands. When first discovered, many tried to use them as an alternative fighting force. But then more kept showing up.

Fast forward several years, another kind of creature appeared, the Akrid. A race of reptilian insectoids indigenous to the Badlands rarely venture far from this place or their nests.

These creatures survive by preying on one another or cannibalising themselves. But when outsiders venture to close, it's like ringing the dinner bell.

It's unknown how this land truly came into existence. What birthed these creatures, or why only a handful stray far from their birthplace?

It's one of the many mysteries of the Underworld.

"Every time I venture near here, this place feels like it's getting worse. Even feels like it's expanding, nya." Kuroka could feel the toxic nature of the Badlands slowly grown in strength. "I used this place to help my training. I learned better control over my Senjutsu by dealing with even more chaotic levels nya."

Naruto could understand the method, the Neko challenge herself by upping the difficulty to improve her training. Naruto could feel it, too; Nature Energy was at its worse here. "This is a dangerous place for Senjutsu users to be. Me, Kuroka and Sun should be fine, but Konohamaru...no, he's only just started his training. Until he's mastered it, he should never come here." It would be risky for Naruto's student to use Sage Mode in this world as it is. He's not ready for this kind of darkness.

"Naruto-Kun?" Hinata came to Naruto's side. "My eyes already show me a lot I don't like. How can we search this place effectively and safely with all that dwells in there?" They're here to find Kokabiel's hideout, not fight the wildlife. Hinata was unsure if staying in this land for too long could have adverse effects on them. Few people enter and even fewer leave.

"What's your take then?" Naruto wanted opinions.

"If Kokabiel was able to come and go, then there must be a sanctuary somewhere, maybe even a path devoid of dangers for him to take." But Hinata couldn't see such a path.

Naruto needed to think it over; they can't just stroll around, hoping to find something. If Devils, Fallen Angels, or even a Grim Reaper are there, their energy signatures should stick out.

Instead of doing an in-depth search, perhaps having an expanded web would do the trick.

"Hinata, keep a close eye on our surroundings. We're not dealing with another Thresher Maw ambush. Kuroka, monitor the immediate area with your Senjutsu. If you sense anything strange, let us know. Raphtalia, Xenovia, I need you to watch over me." After giving his orders, Naruto sat down in a meditating position. He then brought his hands together, making a familiar sign.

"What's your plan, Naruto-Sama?" Raphtalia asked.

"I'll use Shadow Clones with Senjutsu to do the search."

"You tried that with Kokabiel, and it didn't work well then." Said Xenovia.

"I'm not constrained this time, ya'know."

Kuroka could feel it again. Naruto was drawing in so much Nature Energy, in such a pure form...amazing; there is no other word to describe it. "Oh, I'm so going to get him to teach me that someday." The Neko won't allow herself to fall behind in the field of Senjutsu.

After drawing in the needed amount of Nature Energy, Naruto focused his Chakra and weaved the sign. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Since coming to this world, Naruto only ever used the basic Shadow Clone Jutsu to create a handful of clones.

This one had no such limit.

Before the eyes of his team, puffs of smoke appeared around them. Hundreds...there was just too many to count.

An army of Narutos came into being, each one utilising Sage Mode.

All but Hinata could scarcely believe their eyes. They've seen his cloning technique before, but to create this many, so easily.

The clones then got on the move, a stampede of them running, dashing, jumping and vanishing in different directions within the Badlands.

"Only one of them needs to be a winner. We'll remain here until my clones either find something or they all get destroyed."

Naruto doesn't have to worry about a Neko's sense of smell or their ability to detect Senjutsu this time.

His free to search his way.

.

---

For the past few hours, the team remained in place. Each one was continuing to fulfil their task. Hinata stayed on the lookout but made sure to take regular short breaks to rest her eyes. During those breaks, Kuroka took over, using her Senjutsu to watch for intruders or anything Hinata might have missed.

Naruto hasn't moved a centimetre since he sat down. His stillness worried a couple of his friends. Xenovia checked him a couple of times to see if he's still breathing.

Senjutsu is an ability Xenovia is aware of but has next to no knowledge of its applications. Seeing one as still as a statue, the former exorcist couldn't understand how that aids his ability.

None the less both Xenovia and Raphtalia kept a close eye on him.

Naruto maintained this meditated state to maximise the efficiency of his clone's scouting. With so many clones on the move, which will release themselves once they've discovered something of interest. Or if they're taken out by the creatures living in the Badlands. Naruto needed to make sure he's mentally ready for the influx of so many experiences. All the while not knowing how many will come at any one time.

He can't be suffering migraines or worse if he has something to follow up on in such a dangerous location.

The passage of time has bored Kuroka. She lazily lay down in front of Naruto, spending more time feeling out the Shinobi's Senjutsu than watching their surroundings.

"Both times I've seen his Senjutsu...he did the whole stay still thing. Then his eyes changed colour, and he got pigmentation around them. But what I don't get...if his Senjutsu is like Sun's, how come Sun doesn't get these changes or has to sit still?" To Kuroka, Naruto's Senjutsu felt similar but more powerful than Sun's. But their use of it is fundamentally different.

"That student of his is being taught it right now, isn't he? And Naruto said he's not a natural Senjutsu user like him either...is sitting still a part of that training?" Other than basic mediation skills, how does sitting still make a difference?

Kuroka's continued observation brought her more and more questions, and she suddenly started moving closer to Naruto, almost subconsciously. Her close proximity to Naruto drew the attention of Raphtalia.

"Shouldn't you be watching our surroundings like Naruto-Sama asked?"

"I don't need to look to do that, nya. This place is dead anyway. No one's around here but in there." Kuroka pointed over to the Badlands while giving Raphtalia a teasing grin. "Getting territorial, are we?"

Raphtalia didn't fall for the Neko's taunting. "I just think you're getting too close to Naruto-Sama, who is busy monitoring his army of clones. He doesn't need distractions right now."

"Oh, I didn't know I'd had that much influence over him. Worried I might have more effect on him than you do, nya?" Kuroka's been bored with all this waiting around. The best way to pass the time was to mess with one of her teammates.

While still on lookout duty, Hinata also watched the argument between Raphtalia and Kuroka. She didn't say anything, nor did she get involved. Merely watched and noted the interactions and intentions of her two teammates.

Kuroka's intentions were obvious. Curiosity about Naruto's Senjutsu and just her teasing nature. Raphtalia's, though...territorial might not be farfetched. She could just be overprotective of Naruto, but this seems a bit much over something so trivial. Hinata doesn't think Raphtalia's that shallow or petty.

The augment between the two girls was interrupted when Xenovia asked a question. "Kuroka, you know more about the Badlands than the rest of us, correct?"

"I do." Kuroka had her fill with messing with Raphtalia and swiftly turned to speak to Xenovia. Ignoring Raphtalia's distrusting gaze in the process. "No expert, but I've got the basics down, nya."

"What's the worst thing one could encounter in there?" Xenovia wants to know if there is an opponent in there, they should avoid fighting at all costs.

"There's Thresher Maws and countless Akrid, but we can handle them." Kuroka tapped her cheek as she answered. "The Akrid nests and the queens that dwell in them, I suppose. But you have to go out of your way to find them, nya." Just then, Kuroka remembered about one of the creatures in the Badlands.

A wondering force of nature.

"Well, Kalros would be the girl to watch out for."

"Kalros? What's that?" Xenovia's never heard that name before.

"The Mother of all Thresher Maws." Kuroka held up her hands in a spooky manner as she talked. "Said to be far bigger than even Midgardsormr, the biggest dragon to ever exist. It's a beast of unrivalled fury, nya." A beast only a fool would seek out.

"Does it really live in there?" Xenovia feels less inclined to venture into the Badlands.

"I have no idea." Kuroka shrugged her shoulders.

"Huh? But you said..."

"People talk about it, but no one's ever seen it...well, more like anyone who went to prove its existence never came back to tell the tale nya."

That answer only made it seem worse. Either the Badlands is killing them. Or this creature kills all those who cross its path.

"I don't know about this Kalros, but my clones have encountered all kinds of nasties in there." Naruto spoke out of the blue, surprising and grabbing the attention of his team. He rose to his feet and had a stretch.

"Did one of your clones succeed?" Hinata asked.

Naruto smirked. "We have a winner."

.

---

The experiences of his clones helped Naruto map out a small section of the local and see for himself what is housed in the chaotic land. A few of Naruto's clones reencountered Thresher Maws, in a range of sizes. Each encounter ended in hostility.

Some of his clones even came across the Akrid. Now they came in all kinds of shapes and sizes and were each more violent than the last. That's the strange thing about these creatures; they oozed violence and negative emotions to an alarming degree.

One of his clones was unlucky enough to fall into one of their nests, came across a massive Akrid. A shell on its back and green in colour. Did nothing but roar and shot ice at him.

The clones avoided confrontation with the creatures as best they could. If need be, the clones allowed themselves to be destroyed, as Kurama suggested. The reason for these creatures staying in the Badlands is still unknown. It could be a symptom of an ecosystem; they keep each other in check. If that's the case, then messing with nests and queens could have a range of consequences.

Best not to tug on the tiger's tail for now.

Naruto did see the ruins of a few cities and fortress from a time immemorial. Naruto couldn't tell which side these buildings belonged to. Was it the Devils, or were they taken over by Fallen Angels?

In time one of his clones sensed something. Demonic Power, faint, but there was no mistake. Honestly, his clone was lucky to find it; there was a barrier masking it and only by getting as close as he did, did the clone see through it.

An accidental yet welcomed fined.

The clone placed a Hiraishin seal and released itself, sending the message to the original.

The team transported over and set their sights on a cave entrance guarded by two Devils. They wore the same armour like the ones that attacked Konoha. Devils of the Old Satan Faction.

"How's it looking, Hinata?" Naruto asked. He was using his binoculars to scope out the area.

"There are only two guards, and there's a lift at the end of the cave." Hinata could see a shaft leading underground. Using her eyes, she followed its path and could see a small underground complex. "A base underground, its size is reminiscent of an outpost. Including the two guards, we have twenty-eight contacts in total." A small force to deal with.

"Not a proper base...fine, we were lucky to find this place anyway. We'll make do." Naruto was hoping for a bigger find. This makes success here even more important. Naruto was about to ask his team for their input, but he noticed both Raphtalia and Kuroka were in some discomfort. "What's wrong with you two?"

"Don't you hear that n-nya?" Kuroka rubbed her ears in discomfort.

"Ahhhh...I hear it too." Raphtalia wasn't doing any better.

Naruto wasn't having an issue. "I don't hear anything...Hinata, Xenovia; you know what they're talking about?"

Both shook their heads.

Hinata looked around to find what's affecting them. That's when she spotted them. Around the cave entrance, on top of cliffs and hills, were small towers with antennas. "They must be sending out a pitch sound humans can't hear."

"For what reason?" Xenovia asked.

"Perhaps a form of wildlife prevention, the noise must be keeping the animals away. A sound that humans and Devils can't hear, but Youkai with more sensitive hearing..." Hinata trailed off when she looked at Raphtalia's and Kuroka's discomfort.

"Will it get worse for us?" Raphtalia asked while trying to bear with it.

"I don't believe so. If I'm right, then the sound wasn't meant for you. You're probably only hearing a bit of it."

"If we heard the whole thing, we'd start bleeding out of our ears, wouldn't we?" But it didn't make it any easier for Raphtalia.

Raphtalia then spoke before Naruto could. "Don't worry about me. I can bear it." She said to reassure her friends.

Kuroka nodded in agreement. They'll be fine if they're not here all day.

Now back to the plan on how to take this outpost. "If it's underground, I'll just use Earth Style, and we'll tunnel down to them."

"No, don't." Hinata quickly said, stopping Naruto from weaving the signs. "I see strange devices underground too. If the towers are for the wildlife, then ones underground must be the same. They may even check for vibration underground to warn them of nearby Thresher Maws."

"Are you sure?"

"I...I don't know for sure, but..."

"We can't take the risk. Then how will we play this?" Naruto's running out of ideas.

"Why don't we just rush them?" Xenovia thought it was simple. "There are only two guards to deal with. Then we take the lift down and deal with them face to face. Numbers won't matter with your clones." Xenovia doesn't get what they're waiting around for.

Naruto chuckled a little. Xenovia's way of thinking was so nostalgic. "Ya'know, a couple of years ago, I would have suggested the exact same plan. But right now...we need to take this base stealthily." Naruto explained, but Xenovia still didn't understand. He needed to be more precise. "Remember what Gaara said? We need to turn things around, and this may be our only shot. If there's vital Intel in there and we just charge in, they may destroy it or leave and take it with them."

Xenovia's now starting to get it. "I understand now. We need to get in there and secure any findings, then take the outpost." So that's the issue. It's not about getting in; it's about not losing out.

Naruto was unsure how to play this. It's clear the only way in is the lift. But there would be cameras in place, so they can't just go invisible and use the lift. It would alert the guards if the lift suddenly gained a mind of its own and no one's on it. The Transformation Technique won't work here either. Even if Naruto took the form of one of those Devils, he'd be made instantly since without Demonic Power, he can't pass himself off as a Devil.

Wait...Demonic Power...that's it!

"Kuroka, that Transformation Technique you use to turn into a cat, can you turn into other things? Like...one of those guards?"

"Easily, nya."

Naruto grew a smug smile. "Next question, how's your acting skills?" It's almost like one of his pranks back in the day.

.

---

The Devil guard hated this posting. The sound waves do all the work keeping the pests away. What's there to watch out for? No one comes here, and no one would make it here.

By Satan, this is the worst job in the entire Old Satan Faction.

"When are we gonna be relieved?" The disgruntled Devil guard asked his partner.

His dutiful partner glanced over. "From our shift?"

"No!" The disgruntled Devil guard shouted in annoyance. "From this posting! There are better things for us to do than watch a lift. No one's looking for!"

The dutiful Devil guard did not share his opinion. "What is and isn't important is not for us to decide. We do what we're told when we're told. That's it."

"You may be satisfied being a bottom feeder, but I have my sights on a higher calling."

"Think the world owes you a favour?"

"This job is for low born trash, not for us Devils, and especial not us pure-bloods."

The dutiful Devil shook his head in frustration. He was tired of hearing his so-called partner going on about how he's more important than he'll ever hope to be. "Do your job. That's all anyone asks of you."

The disgruntled Devil picked up his pike and turned to face his partner. His sheer anger caused veins to appear on his four head. "Say that a...!"

Just then, he heard the sound of rocks sliding down the hill behind him. Both Devils stopped in their tracks and looked in that direction, waiting to see if anything happened.

Nothing...strange, the devices keep the wildlife away.

"Do your job. Go check it out." The dutiful Devil ordered.

"Tch! Fine, if it gets me away from you for two seconds." He walked away from his partner and walked up the steep hill, out of sight from his partner.

The dutiful Devil gave him a few seconds before calling out. "Did you find anything!?"

There was no immediate response...what's keeping him? "Well!"

"What did you think I was going to find!?" His partner finally answered.

"Nothing, but your shouting is making things difficult!" The dutiful Devil said back. His shameful partner's constant talking and shouting will keep bringing down rocks for the rest of the day.

The dutiful Devil's partner finally came back into view and slid down the hill, kicking up a small cloud of dirt. He returned to his position, slouching against his pike.

"After my shift, I'm filing for a transfer." The dutiful Devil's done with his partner

"No need, I'll quit after today."

First good thing he's said all day.

"If this is gonna be your last job, then stand up straight. Have some pride for once." The two Devils stayed on guard for the rest of their shift. The dutiful Devil stood straight and with pride, while the disgruntled Devil slouched, fidgeted and huffed the whole way.

After some time, they heard a loud sound coming from within the cave. Sounded like a motor. Once the sound stopped, two Devils walked out the cave, dressed in the same armour, wielding the same pikes.

"Your shift's over. Get moving." One of the new Devils Said.

"Yes sir. Come on." The dutiful Devil said to his partner. They both entered the cave and got on the lift. It took them deep underground. The only light sources they saw were small orange lights spread out equally down the shaft.

The lift reached the bottom, and the doors opened. The two Devil guards entered the outpost. The walls were metal with orange lights on the ceiling and floor. A few Devils stood guard at the entrance, and some patrolled the catwalks above their heads.

"I'm getting something to eat." The dutiful Devil said.

"Whatever...oh, which way to the toilets again?" The disgruntled Devil asked.

The dutiful Devil sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Why am I not surprised you'd forget. Down that hall, third left."

"Last time we'll ever work together. I won't miss ya." The disgruntled Devil casually said and walked off, leaving his partner for the final time.

"Good riddance." His next partner needs to have a better attitude.

.

---

The Devil reached the entrance to the toilets. But instead walked past it, and headed for another room, a kind of storage room. Once in front of the door, the Devil looked left, then right. No one else is around. He's clear.

He quickly entranced the room and shut the door behind him. Once inside, he reached for something hidden on his person...a familiar-looking kunai?

"Okay, he said, just thrown it." Well, here goes. The Devil threw the kunai to the ground. The moment it landed, Naruto, Hinata, Raphtalia and Xenovia appeared before him.

Naruto looked at the Devil and smiled. "Well done, Kuroka, you do me proud." The prankster in him approves.

The Devil smiled back, and in a puff of smoke, Kuroka appeared in his place. "I always aim to please nya. But wow, that sucked. No wonder that Devil whose neck I slit was so pissed. I know I couldn't stand that job day in, day out. And do you know how hard it was to not say nya the entire time, nya?" That was the hardest part.

Naruto was just happy Kuroka got them in undetected. The plan worked. Kuroka had the Demonic power to pass herself off as a Devil; well, she is one after all. But Kuroka also had a handy trick: she can use her Senjutsu to mask her presence or energy.

Using that skill, Kuroka masked her Evil Pieces and her Spiritual Energy from the Devils but left her Demonic power alone for the world to see. The only way to see through it is to be a Senjutsu user yourself.

Naruto didn't know you could use Senjutsu like that. He might ask her how to do it later. But for now, they've got a job to do. "Hinata, you're on point. Avoid the Devils and let's see what we can find."

Time to do some snooping.

.

---

With Hinata's Byakugan on point, the team avoided any Devils or internal security cameras. They could also avoid rooms that offered nothing important.

Hinata spotted three rooms of important. The central command room, but it's filled with Devils. Best to avoid it for now. The two other rooms were a different story. One was filled with computer screens, test tubes and body parts of strange creatures; a lab. The other room was some kind of office, and only one person was in there...but it wasn't a Devil, it was a human?

The closet room was the one with test tubes, so they headed there first. Two Devils stood guard at the door. Naruto threw a kunai past them to distract them. Once their attention was drawn away, Raphtalia rushed their position and swiftly cut them down without making any noise.

They picked up the bodies and hid them inside the lab. Once they were hidden, the team inspected the room.

The body parts...some belong to Thresher Maws, the others looked like parts of some Akrid Naruto's clones encountered.

There researching and experimenting on them. A lot of the stuff on the screens they couldn't make sense of. Stuff about DNA correlation and the splicing of genetic code...this is Orochimaru's turf. What they could understand was the main portion of the research was not from this room. It was off-site and put into practice here. Because there was another DNA sample, it wasn't Akrid or Thresher Maw...it was human.

Naruto skimmed the notes until something popped out. The DNA was from unidentified humans...using a yet unknown energy...their bodies contain an unclassified network not found in 'normal' humans!

"The villages from the Land of Iron, that's who they're talking about!" They've discovered the Chakra Network but don't know what it is yet. Damn it, the villages aren't here.

"But their samples are being sent here," Kurama said. It's not hopeless yet. "There may be a paper trail."

"From this outpost, we have a good chance to track them down." Hold on a bit longer, villagers. Naruto will find you, somehow.

Naruto created two clones to watch over the room. The files and research here must be secured.

Now on to the office room.

.

---

The door was sealed shut, and the human was still in the room, going over paperwork. How's that human even alive? "I thought Old Satan Devils would either kill him or enslave him, but I don't see any chains on him?" Naruto whispered to his team. It didn't match Old Satan Devil's behaviour; they don't even have him under guard.

"Should I cut down the door?" Raphtalia offered.

"I've got an idea." Xenovia raised her hand. "I saw it in a book Irina showed me once."

Naruto glanced at Hinata, who just looked back. "Umm...sure have at it." Naruto shrugged his shoulders; he kinda wants to see how she'll handle this.

Xenovia walked to the door and knocked, confusing her team.

Nothing happened.

She knocked again.

"Yes?" They heard the human's muffled voice.

Xenovia didn't say anything and instead knocked once more.

"Come in."

Another knock.

"I said come him!"

Knock.

"Are you deaf?" The human, finally having enough, marched to the door in annoyance, unlocking and opening it.

"What is your-wait, who are...?"

Xenovia didn't let him finish and swiftly punched him in the gut and followed it with an uppercut. The human's head flung back and hit the floor, knocking him out.

Naruto was the first to look at Xenovia's handy work.

"Good plan." What kind of book did Irina show her? It can't have been about the church or her God?

Xenovia nodded in appreciation; she's always preferred the direct approach. She then checked the human, trying to find some form of identification. Until she spotted something around his neck, it was a necklace, but whatever it held up has been torn off.

Xenovia recognised this kind of necklace...she had one just like it. "He's a former member of the church. This necklace is what we of the church are giving to carry the cross."

"It's not just the Fallen Angels. The Old Satan Faction also takes in stray exorcist and priests?" Naruto asked.

"Seems so. Or maybe he's a member of the Khaos Brigade, I don't know."

The rest of the team entered the room and got to searching, but Naruto didn't join them. He noticed Xenovia was acting a bit different. Back when she saw the dead bodies of stray exorcist under the church in Kuoh, she looked at them with hatred and scorn. But now...Xenovia looked like she was disillusioned about something.

Xenovia noticed Naruto was looking at her. "I umm...I-I'm just thinking."

"About what?" Naruto wanted to know.

Under his stare, Xenovia could only answer. "Was he really a traitor? Or was he a victim of unfortunate circumstances?"

"Like you and Asia?"

Xenovia nodded slowly. Things she's never asked or would've even thought of before, have been coming to her mind more and more. "Azazel said he's met people like me many times. It got me thinking...all those traitors of the church I've hunted down and killed. Is it possible some were just like me?" The thought caused her to shake. "Have I killed innocent people in the name of God?"

"Ow," Kuroka said in the background. Careful how you use God's name around Devils.

Xenovia's shaking was stopped by Naruto grabbing her shoulder, snapping her out of it.

He offered her a compassionate smile as he spoke. "Those are questions saved for when we met with the church. But don't start hating yourself now."

"But I might of..."

"Xenovia." Naruto didn't let her finish. "If it did happen, then they kept crucial information from you. You didn't know and can't be blamed for that." This kind of stuff has happened many times in the Shinobi world. Naruto has always felt like those who gave the order were more responsible than those who carried it out; loyalty isn't a sin.

"Then that only means I was ignorant, unable to see behind the curtain." All Xenovia did was say yes. Never once thought about it.

"You don't even know if that's what really happened. So ease up on yourself until the church answers those questions." That's the best they can do. Naruto can only hope what Xenovia fears won't come true.

Naruto stood up but still had something to say.

"Endure it."

"Huh?" Xenovia looked up when he said that.

"Endure it. It's what it takes to be a Shinobi. We are those who endure. It means no matter what gets thrown at you or what hardships you suffer, you'll continue to stand and walk your path."

"I don't know if I could." She doesn't have that much faith in herself.

"You've already shown you can. God's death, kicked out of your home, trusting in new people. You've had to deal and endure with a lot so quickly, and you're still standing." Xenovia was forced to deal with things she shouldn't have to. "So I'm asking you, as you friend and comrade. No matter what answer you get, you'll endure and overcome it." Naruto has faith in her even if she doesn't.

He left her with that and went to help with searching the room, leaving Xenovia with one thought.

"Shinobi...what else does it mean to be a Shinobi?" Could that be a new life for her, a new path to follow?

.

---

Naruto left another few clones to watch over the room. It was filled with paperwork, too much to go through with the time they have. What's left is the central control room, but that will cause things to get loud.

Now's the time. They need to take this outpost now.

They've got options on how to go about it. Kuroka offered one, a way to take this base quickly and cleanly. They can't risk damaging the equipment, or worse, whatever powers the devices, keeping the wildlife at bay.

They'll go with Kuroka's idea.

.

---

The Devil commander watched over his subordinates at their stations, monitoring systems, personal and their research. He's been here for so long he knows these screens more than he knows the sky. It gets dull after a while.

The only times things get spiced up are when new samples are sent to them, and the actions of frustrated personnel.

New humans, he has no idea what the higher-ups are talking about. There are no new humans, just a lesser race using powers that came from others.

And now he's got a Devil wanting to quit to deal with. There is no quitting. If he doesn't fall in line, then the commander will deal with him. More trivial stuff for him to...

He suddenly felt a bit dizzy, nearly lost his footing there. He rubbed his eyes to wake himself up. He's working too hard.

No, it's getting worse. His legs lost their strength, and he fell on his knees. He took deep breaths, but that only caused him to cough profusely as he tried gasping for air.

Looking around, his staff are in worse shape. They held onto their chairs, onto the consoles and handles, but some have already fallen silent.

A strange purple mist started to fill the room. It's getting worse; he's running out of breath.

"What is this...my power?" He felt the mist zap him of his strength.

In a last desperate attempt, he fumbled to the central console to sound an alert. But just as he neared the button, the mist intensified tenfold. He clutched his throat as it burned, his eyes rolled back, and his skin turned pale.

...

The room fell silent...the gasping for air has ceased. No one was moving.

.

---

"It's done," Hinata reported. She watched the whole thing go down. Not a pretty sight, but she had to see how the Devils would respond. Kuroka's plan worked.

Finding the central air vents to the entire base, Kuroka used her poison mist to flood the outpost. The mist can affect other species, but its primary target was always intended to be Devils when Kuroka created it.

To aid the process in hitting all the rooms at once, Naruto used his Wind Style to quickly push the poison mist throughout the entire ventilation system. Kuroka's control and Naruto's Wind Style countered any of the automated systems.

Raphtalia and Xenovia used their Holy Swords to create a protective shield around them from the poison once it spread throughout the entire base.

Once the last Devil fell silent, Kuroka recalled the mist. They've taken the outpost.

But they're not done. "Okay, let's go deal with the two up top. Kuroka, you go back to Urakyoto and get them to send a team over to occupy the base." Naruto ordered; their job's only half done.

It's time to ransack this place.

.

---

Naruto appreciated Gaara's and Yasaka's quick response. Kuroka's ability to get people in and out of the Underworld without the Devil or Fallen Angel governments detecting them was a substantial advantage.

She wasn't the only one in the Youkai Faction who could do it; she's just the best at it.

A salvage team was sent over, both Youkai and Shinobi alike. They quickly got to work, confiscating anything and everything. If it wasn't nailed down, it was put in a scroll.

Naruto even got to meet someone new. The man who led the salvage team was another Kijin, Souei. He had short blue hair; even his skin had a slit bluish tint to it. Unlike Benimaru, he only had one horn on the centre mass of his forehead. His attire fit his blue colour scheme, and he had two swords strapped to his back.

Souei is Yasaka's top infiltrator and assassin, the perfect spy. He also sucks at socialising. All that mattered to him was efficiency and the mission.

It's like talking to an Uchiha; you'd have better luck with a brick wall.

Naruto, his team and Souei were at the central control room, watching a few Youkai trying to access the outpost's files. They took the base mid-use, so they have access to the consoles themselves, no need to figure out a password. While the Devils never got the chance to lock the consoles down, most of the files were already encrypted.

Rather than waste time trying to unlock them here, they'll download the entire database and take it back for decryption.

But what they did have access to offered them new opportunities.

This outpost seems to be connected to some kind of network. The network's connected to other outposts, but their locations are unknown. Until the files are decrypted, they can't triangulate their locations.

"The network must have a central hub...their main base or one of their bases most likely." Souei's spy mindset was already in motion.

"We crack this network, and we can hit them where it hurts?" That's Naruto's hope. They need to show them that the Shinobi don't take their hits lying down; now, neither do the Youkai.

Souei nodded in agreement. "Time will be of the essence. This base has gone dark; they'll learn that soon enough." If they don't make something of this opportunity, their gains would have been for not.

.

---

A few minutes later:

---

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"Souei, sir." A Youkai of the salvage team called out. He was stationed at one of the consoles, checking over some systems. "You may want to come look at this."

Souei walked over, accompanied by Naruto.

"What have you found?" Souei asked.

"I've managed to gain control of a few security systems, namely the cameras. Turns out they have one hidden in the rocks atop the hill of the cave entrance. It's pointed to the sky to watch out for air born enemies. But there's something out there right now." The Youkai then stepped aside so Souei and Naruto could see.

In the distance, several silhouettes were spotted, around forty. But the one in the group's centre was far bigger than all the others, so was its wingspan.

"Kuroka, can you identify them?" Naruto asked.

The Stray Neko used her Senjutsu to sense their energies. "Devils, nya."

"What? How? We didn't set off any alarms. Are they just a patrol returning home?" Talk about bad timing.

"I don't think so, nya. The others are Devils but the one in the middle...is a dragon?"

Dragon...and Kuroka can sense it? But that means this one's different. It's alive. Sasuke confirmed the dragons he came into contact with, matching the behaviour of the one Naruto fought lacked souls and any kind of power. Just mindless bodies of flesh.

This one's still breathing.

The outbound group arrived and took positions around the cave entrance. The dragon took the middle while the Devils took his flanks. The Youkai moved the camera down so they could get a good look at this lizard.

It was around fifteen meters tall, with black scales and silver eyes. Unlike the dragons' Naruto and Sasuke fought, this one stood on two legs like a human.

It just stood there, radiating a vicious aura. Anyone with eyes can tell this dragon's not here to make friends.

"Naruto Uzumaki!" The dragon spoke in a sinister rouge voice. They heard him on the screen. "You are here, right? I was told you could prove an entertaining distraction. So come to me, now."

"He knows my name...from the wanted posters? But that doesn't explain how he knows I'm here." Naruto's got a sinking suspicion. "How long till the download's finished?" They can get out of here once that's done.

The Youkai on the console shook his head.

"Too long," Souei answered in his place.

"We'll just hold our positions down here. With its size, the dragon can't get to us." Raphtalia suggested.

"It doesn't have to," Kuroka said.

The black dragon's mouth ignited, and he breathed a small inferno. They expected him to aim for the lift. That wasn't its target. In seconds, two of the outside towers melted from the scorching fire.

"You can die by my claws or die by the worms." The dragon gave them a temporary reprieve.

This is not good.

"Without those towers, we'll be swimming in bugs." Xenovia said. "Are the ones underground still working?"

The Youkai checked. "There still..." The base then shook without warning...an earthquake? No, an explosion! "That came from the lower floors!" They should have a team down there. "Report, what's going on down there!?"

"We've got Devils down here!" A Youkai reported back. "They just teleported in and..." Another explosion shook the base. "They're taking out the power stations! We need support down here if we're going to hold them! Now!" The Youkai cut the call.

Main lights turned off in the control room, dark red emergency lights kicked in.

"Do we still have primary systems?" Souei demanded. Can they still get those files?

The Youkai nodded, but he was still in distress. "Yes, but I've lost secondary systems. The underground devices are offline. Nothing is keeping the creatures of the Badlands at bay now!" They could attack at any moment.

"Can you get them back online?" Naruto asked; can they get some time back?

"I'll...I'll shut off life support from areas of the base we've picked clean and reroute the power. But it's not enough. I'll only be able to buy you a few minutes tops."

"That's enough." Naruto then took command. "Hinata, Raphtalia, go with Souei and protect the power stations. The narrow spaces won't hinder your fighting styles." Both girls and clean, precision fighters; they don't make a mess. "Me, Kuroka and Xenovia are going topside."

"Is it right to split up?" Xenovia asked, isn't this the mistake they made back in Kuoh.

"We have to. We've got nowhere to run, and if we don't hit both sides simultaneously, they'll fold in their forces." The one they leave alone will hit their rear. "And the power may be back, but if that dragon cooks the last of the towers, it won't matter."

"It'll cook us if we go back up the lift!" Kuroka said. There's only one way out, and that dragon's waiting for them.

Naruto smirked and held up a familiar kunai. "We're not going up the lift. My marker's still up there remember." And they never disappear no matter how much time passes.

.

---

"So you're a coward after all." He was told Naruto Uzumaki was a target who can offer him something new. "Come on..." Cowardice isn't anything new. He just wants to fight and kill. Nothing else interested him. But instead of being sent to kill some of the big names or settling the score with Beowulf. He's here hunting a human in a cave.

"Fuck this, the towers burn. Some Thresher Maws or Akrid are better than nothing, and I'll kill these Devils on the way back." Not like the guys back home would care.

Heat built up in the depths of his stomach, preparing his fire. But stopped when his nose caught a whiff of...human, behind him!

The black dragon spun around, his eyes nearly blinded by the bright blue light. "Hey, who the hell are you!?"

"Naruto Uzumaki!" The Shinobi rushed the dragon, with two Rasengans in hand. They struck the dragon's stomach, and Naruto roared as he pushed his Jutsu against his enemy.

But the dragon showed no reaction and pushed back against his attacker. Calling it quits, Naruto jumped away from the dragon and got some distance.

The dragon's scales weren't even scratched or marked. Naruto looked up at his foe. The dragon towered above him, casting its shadow over the Shinobi.

Kuroka, Xenovia and two of Naruto's clones paired off. Each ran to deal with the surrounding Devils. Kuroka took to the skies, killing those at range with her Youjutsu. Those that got too close were blindsided by Naruto's clone, who used Kuroka's magical octagons or the Devils themselves as platforms.

Xenovia used her Durandal to fire large beams of Holy Energy at her enemies. All those caught in its blast were vaporised instantly. Naruto's clone used his Wind Style Jutsus to bring the Devils down to the ground, making them easy prey for Xenovia's blade.

The two duos rampaged around them, but Grendel and the original Naruto kept their attention on each other.

"You're him? The one I'm supposed to kill?" He has a cloning technique, just like they said.

"Suppose I am." Naruto joked. "And who the heck are you?" First dragon Naruto's met that can talk.

"You really have been living under a rock if you don't even know who I am."

"No one here does."

The dragon snorted. "I am Grendel." The black dragon then rolled his shoulders, getting some clicking sounds going. The way this dragon moved was weirding Naruto out. He's more like a human who looks like a dragon instead of a dragon who moves like a human.

"Don't die on me too quickly." The dragon lunged at Naruto without warning, moving at superior speeds than the dragon Naruto faced before.

Instead of falling back, the Shinobi pressed forward. Grendel moved to crush Naruto underfoot but missed as Naruto slid underneath him. Naruto created another Rasengan and thrusted it into the back of Grendel's knee. But the attack failed again. Naruto had to jump away, dodging a tail swipe.

Shifting targets, two Demon Wind Shurikens appeared in Naruto's hands. He jumped into the air and made it above Grendel. He then threw his weapons, aiming for the dragon's eyes.

They hit their target, but once more, no damage. "Even its eyes are like armour?"

Grendel looked down at the scattered Shurikens. He looked disappointed. "Enough with these weak ass attacks and toys. Show me why I'm here, or I'm done playing." He stamped on the ground once, shaking the earth around them to push his point.

Naruto accepted his challenge and created another Shadow Clone. He then grabbed his clone by the back and threw him at the dragon as if he was a javelin. Mid-flight, the clone created an Odama Rasengan.

The dragon took to the sky to avoid it. But he made the mistake of focusing too much on the clone and not on the original.

"Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves." Naruto used his Wind Style to create blades of Wing Chakra and fired them at Grendel's wings. Unlike with his Rasengans, this Wind Jutsu was leaving a mark. Deep cuts formed where the Jutsu hit, even small amounts of blood seeped out.

Yet the dragon looked...happy about this?

The winds immobilised him mid-air, giving time for Naruto's clone to try again, this time hitting the dragon's back. The Odama Rasengan hit with great force and pushed the dragon higher into the air.

But the dragon was quick on his feet, using his wings for extra defence; he nudged himself off the Rasengan before it could do too much damage. Took flight and destroyed the clone with a slash as he made his way down.

Like a turret, Grendel fired several fireballs in random directions across the battlefield. Not risking the chance one might hit his comrades, Naruto fired back with the Water Bullet Jutsu, destroying the fireballs before they could reach the ground.

Grendel came back down to earth hard. Rubble, water droplets and some of his scales rained down around him as he landed.

"My turn!" He's entered frenzy, and he's happy about it.

Sticking to close combat, Grendel came at Naruto with his fists and tail. If it wasn't for the height difference, it's like a Taijutsu match. Rather than swapping hands with him, Naruto used Chakra to stick himself to the dragon's body, running around him but striking at his back where some scales have been lost.

He'll peel them off one by one.

Grendel's response was swift. Using his fire, he created a massive fireball above their heads. And he did a crazy, he flew into it. Naruto released the Chakra from his feet to avoid getting burned. Grendel was hit by his own attack, but he didn't look unhappy about it at all.

In fact, he looked pleased? Like he's enjoying it?

"You're crafty, but your attacks can't kill me."

He's not wrong; Naruto hasn't landed the hits he wants. He's chipping at Grendel's defences, but it's death by a thousand cuts, and they don't have the time for that.

"Fine then...I'll use my Rasenshuriken."

"Done." For the first time since the attack, Kurama spoke.

"What's done?"

"I'm done. Done being a witness while you get all the fun. This time I fight too." Kurama's been frustrated for being stuck on the side-lines while Naruto fights.

"I won't turn you down, but you're not going to go overboard, are you?"

"No, just let me stretch my tails."

Naruto smirked. "Then let's go." And Kurama grew his trademark grin.

Grendel attacked from the skies, torrential fire came upon Naruto, who just stood there. He was unflinching in the face of the flames.

The Shinobi was complete engulfed by the dragon's fire. Xenovia and Kuroka saw this happen amid their battles. Shocked by this development and worried for his safety, they wanted to finish their fight and aid their endangered friend.

But then something happened that neither they nor Grendel expected.

With a wave of the hand, a force of Chakra pushed and extinguished the fire. They saw Naruto, standing tall and unharmed. But his appearance has changed.

A red cloak covered him from head to toe. It moved around like it was alive, and the energy grew fox ears and three tails. His eyes were red slits, and his facial features became more feral. He even grew fangs. The only one who could really feel it was Kuroka...Naruto felt much more powerful, but this new, sinister energy was not his own.

This was Naruto's Version One Chakra Cloak, accessed by drawing on Kurama's Chakra. Faster, stronger, protection, more options and a new look.

The Neko could feel Naruto's power swelling. "How much more do you have to show me, Naruto?" Kuroka wanted to finish her fight so she can get a better look at him. Naruto has said many times he doesn't have a Sacred Gear. If that's true, then what is that...or who is that?

Grendel was surprised his fire failed to even burn the human's skin. He's not the only one with an impressive defence.

The Version One Chakra Cloak is strong enough to block the black flames of Amaterasu. Grendel's fire is too cold to hurt the Shinobi.

Naruto looked up at the hovering dragon and then disappeared from sight.

"His speed and power have grown." Grendel's lost track of him. But he could still smell him. He flinched to his right, and there Naruto was, fist extended, ready to throw a punch.

Grendel moved to counter him but was caught off guard. The red cloak around Naruto's arm extended like a claw and landed the strike. Not only did it hit hard, but it even scorched Grendel's scales on contact.

The dragon landed on the ground, and his excitement grew. "That's more like it! You do have something to offer." Grendel laughed continuously despite his wounds. "Yes, yes, yes fight me! Fight until one of us falls!" With newfound ferocity, the dragon reckless charged at Naruto. The Shinobi said nothing but met his charge head-on. Using his Chakra arms and tails, Naruto and Grendel could finally have that fistfight. But Naruto mixed it up by using his tails to block attacks. He also used them to swing from the dragon's limbs to strike at his blind spots or disrupt his movement.

Naruto's fighting style has changed completely. He fought head-on and didn't use feints or tricks. But his style was more animal than man, running on all fours and attacking with claws.

This unorthodox fighting style was tripping Grendel up.

"Naruto-Kun! Naruto-Kun, come in!" Hinata contacted Naruto.

"What is it? I'm a bit busy, ya'know." But she wouldn't call if it wasn't necessary.

"We've secured the base, but too many power stations were destroyed, and the rerouted power has run out. The devices are down, and they're here. I see them underground. You have incoming!"

Naruto broke off from Grendel to get a better look. From atop a hill, he saw them moving under the earth's surface. They're heading for...

"Kuroka, Xenovia, behind you!" He had to warn them.

"I know, nya!" Kuroka's already sensed their approach. The two have finished off the Devils, but now they have worms to deal with. "Xenovia, lend me a hand nya. Once the first one comes out, I'll stop it. You kill it."

"Understood." Xenovia nodded.

The earth started to shake, and it kept getting worse. Then the ground before them caved in, and a Thresher Maw burst out of the ground.

Kuroka wasted no time and used her Senjutsu. Several magical seals formed around the worm's body, trapping it in place. With its movement sealed, Xenovia made her move. With one swing, she cleaved the worm in two, killing it.

"That was easy." Xenovia swung the sword to get the blood off.

"That was just the first one." Kuroka could sense two others around them and many more on the way; bigger ones. "Naruto, staying here's not going to work out for us!" The more noise they make, the more will show up.

Naruto agreed. They need to end this now. Looking back at the approaching dragon, Naruto had an idea. The Shinobi jumped away and ran to his comrades.

"Kuroka, Xenovia to me!"

The duo didn't understand the plan but did what Naruto said and dashed off to him.

"No! You can't leave! Fight me! Fight me! Fight me! Fight me now!" Grendel pursued Naruto relentlessly, his blood is racing, and he's not yet satisfied.

The last two Thresher Maws pursued the feeling girls. The ground moved as the worms pass through.

Naruto extended his Chakra arms to grab Kuroka and Xenovia from a distance. As soon as he got a hold of them, he teleported out, back to the marker from earlier.

His sudden disappearance enraged Grendel. The fight he came here for ended when it was just beginning. But this momentary distraction got him jumped by the two Thresher Maws, which burst out of the earth. The giant worms latched onto each of his arms. Their corrosive acid poured onto his scales and seeped in between them, burning his arms.

These bugs aren't his prey. He quickly breathed fire and melted the face of one of the worms. The worm released Grendel's arm and fled underground. With his arm free, the dragon grabbed the other Thresher Maw's tendril and ripped it out, spewing blood on his scales.

He wasn't done.

In a fit of rage, he grabbed both ends of the last Thresher Maw's mouth and began to rip the worm in two.

This confrontation...this distraction was all Naruto needed.

Naruto suddenly reappeared and attack Grendel from behind, where many of his scales have been torn off. Naruto aimed for an opening. His arm successfully punched through the dragon's back; nearly Naruto's entire arm was engulfed by the dragon's flesh.

"Remember...you wanted this." A mix of both Naruto's and Kurama's voice spoke those words when Naruto dealt the final blow.

Naruto created an Odama Vermillion Rasengan...inside Grendel, past his defences.

For the first time since their fight began, the dragon screamed in pain. As his organs and bones were caught inside the Rasengan itself. The Jutsu will grind them to dust. Naruto didn't let up and increased its size, causing parts of the dragon's body to bulge, bloat and burst.

Naruto then released the Rasengan, and it carried Grendel across the battlefield, and freeing his arm from the dragon's back.

The Rasengan crashed and demolished several hills before finally detonating, creating a red vortex, engulfing the dragon and the Thresher Maw alike.

It was a real light show.

Naruto watched his handy work from where he stood. Xenovia and Kuroka slowly trickled in, in awe of his display of strength and skill.

"Whoa..." Xenovia's never seen a fight of that scale before. "That was...very impressive." She then noticed Naruto being a bit standoffish. "Are you okay, Naruto?" She's never seen this power of his before.

Naruto glanced at her, his red eyes intimidated her, but his smile, while menacing, still carried the same kind nature he's showed her many times. "I'm fine, this ah...form makes me a bit more wild and aggressive in a fight." Naruto deactivated the form, his red cloak vanished, and his features returned to normal. "Nice work, both of you." Naruto congratulated their success and teamwork.

While Xenovia accepted his praise and was delighted. Kuroka just looked at Naruto with the same teasing, flirtatious smile.

Naruto looked back at the Neko. "Yes?"

"Just, admiring the view...I think I chose well, nya." Naruto has continued to surpass her expectations, some she never knew she had.

Naruto then jumped over to the defeated dragon with his friends in tow. The Thresher Maw was complete incinerated. But the dragon's body was still here, some of him. His tail, wings, both arms and one of his legs were gone, and his body was full of openings from Naruto's final attack.

"Kuroka, does the name Grendel mean anything to you?"

The Neko's eyes shot up. "Grendel, wait, that's him? How...what?"

"What's the big deal?" Naruto asked.

"He's known as the 'Crime Force Dragon', a very powerful Evil dragon. But he's dead."

"Yeah, I see that."

"Not like that. I mean, Grendel died long ago, body destroyed and all nya."

"Then how come he was still alive?" Did the history books get it wrong?

"Ahhhhh..." They heard a low, gruff voice to their side. Grendel's still moving.

"Correction, why is he still alive?" Naruto asked in shock. He would've readied another Jutsu if Grendel was in any shape to fight. "Really, how are you still alive?" His wounds aren't healing, and his organs are far gone.

"That..."

"Felt..."

"Painful?"

"SO...GOOD!"

"..."

"What?" All three said at the same time.

"I wish I...still had some...cells left to...fell...the pain..."

Naruto was officially grossed out. "Oh no, no, no, no, he's not a?"

"Masochist." Kuroka was the one to say it.

"I blew out his organs! Who gets off on that?!"

"Him." Xenovia pointed at the dying dragon."

"Naruto Uzumaki...you're strong...more so than you've shown me. You are now...one of my...greatest foes...We will fight again."

"Grendel...we won't. You're dying."

"They'll bring me back...they always do..." Grendel breathed his final breath and passed. The light faded from his eyes.

The three left standing shared looks, wondering what Grendel was implying. Naruto wondered about the dragon's they've faced before. They were clearly different from Grendel; Sasuke's report said those dragons were dead...Grendel's history of already being put down...and now his last words.

"I sure hope I'm wrong about this." Naruto will talk about it later. Right now, they've got unfinished business to settle before going home.

"Hinata, Raphtalia do you hear me?" Naruto got on the call.

"We hear you, Naruto-Kun."

"Has Souei got the files yet?"

"Yes, we have them now. We're ready to leave."

"Let Souei go on ahead. We've got to sort out something first."

"Naruto-Sama?" Raphtalia also got on the call.

"Grendel was a talkative dragon. He was told I would be here. Someone sold us out; they knew we were in the Badlands looking for them."

"It's possible they came to investigate the base going silent?" Raphtalia suggested.

"They wouldn't have attacked like they did, nor bring this nut job with them. Grendel was just as much of a threat to us as he was to the Devils he came with." When Grendel went frenzy like he did, he would have attack friend and foe alike. You don't bring a guy like that on an investigation mission.

"Then...who do you think did it?" Kuroka felt a pit in her stomach. She knows there are plenty of reasons to distrust her.

"I know it ain't any of us or any member of the salvage team," Naruto reassured Kuroka. She wasn't a suspect. "It would be stupid because you might die right alongside us." That and Kurama can confirm who's on the up and up. "This leaves us with four other suspects, the only other people who knew about this. Gaara and Yasaka, obviously not, and Azazel wouldn't do this because he also wants to prevent what our enemies are trying to start." Three of the four are easy to clear. "That leaves us with just one..."

"You mean?" Kuroka already had the one in mind.

"Yeah...I knew there was a reason I never liked that guy, ya'know." Oh it is on now.

They'll take a part of Grendel back for Tsunade to look at. The bugs can have the rest of him; they might be hungry.

Now Naruto's got to go and confront a certain someone.

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---

"Hi, Azazel." Naruto appeared without warning; his team was with him. His sudden appearance shocked Azazel, who choked on his drink and started coughing. They were back in Azazel's lounge where Naruto's clone left a marker after he was done spying.

Lucky enough, Azazel was right here for them.

"N-Naruto...the hell are...when did...how..." Azazel coughed between his words. He was unable to form a coherent sentence.

"Ah, it's fine. I'll give you a minute." Naruto held his arms behind his head and waited.

After regaining his breath, Azazel can finally speak. "What are you doing back here?" How did he even show up without warning? "Hold up, did you find something already?"

"Before that, can you call Vali here? Oh, and don't tell him we're here. I want to surprise him." Naruto rubbed his hands together with a smug grin.

Azazel raised an eyebrow. "Ummm...sure?" He didn't know where Naruto was going with this, but whatever. Azazel called Vali to the room, and they waited patiently for him.

The door handle then turned. "What do you want now, Aza..."

Vali's words were cut short by a fast punch to the jaw. Naruto jumped across the room and punched him without warning, sending Vali across the corridor and over the balcony.

Vali landed on the ground floor with a loud thud but quickly picked himself up by extending his Devil wings. Naruto followed and jumped down to ground level and stood before Vali. Hinata, Raphtalia, Xenovia and Kuroka each took a flanking position around Vali from the second floor. They'll intercept him if he tries to fly out.

"No, no, no, no, no, no!" Azazel appeared behind Naruto. He had no idea what's going on. "Look, if this is about that fight you two wanted, do it outside and not in the house!" His words were ignored.

"What's wrong, Vali?" Naruto called out to the Devil. "Didn't expect to see me so soon? Or are you just wondering how I'm still alive?"

"I guess you even better at running away than I first thought," Vali said nonchalantly. Vali then rubbed his jaw to ease the pain. Naruto's punch had more force behind it than he expected, the same with his speed.

"I did say I'd punch you the next time I see you. I never go back on my word."

"Okay, can you two dial it back?" Azazel tried to get between them. "The Fallen Angel here is still lost. Can someone fill in the blanks?"

Naruto was happy to oblige. "We did find something in the Badlands, old man. A creepy underground outpost run by Old Satan Devils; big surprise there." Naruto spoke about it sarcastically. "We took it without triggering any alarms, yet for some reason, an entire strike team and an Evil Dragon came knocking, knowing we were snooping around the Badlands." The Old Satan Faction must have noticed the outpost went dark. But instead of sending a small team to check it out or calling the outpost for a status report. They send one of the most psychotic Dragons around.

Seems weird, doesn't it.

"There are only a handful of people who knew we went to the Badlands today. And I've cleared everyone..." Naruto then pointed at Vali. "Expect you. You're the only other guy who knew where we were going."

Azazel looked between Naruto, who exuded fury towards the Devil. And Vali, who took it in stride and never once tried to defend himself.

Azazel looked up and let out a tired sigh. "Oh, Vali, please say it ain't so. We've talked about this."

"We did. Never said I agreed."

"You're a battle manic, fine. But you don't need to start Arma-Fucking-Geddon to have fights." Azazel's starting to wish he disciplined Vali a bit harsher when he went out of line.

"I do if I want the good fights. The opponents I'll never get the chance to face with the world we live in." Vali's Sacred Gear suddenly activated, covering him head to toe in silver dragon-themed armour. The same armour Naruto saw him wear back in Kuoh. "I am the White Dragon Emperor, but what have I got to look forward to." Who does he get to test himself against?

Vali's list of foes was short and pitiful. "Strays and slaves under the strings of others. Mindless beasts or prideful fools." Threshes maws, Akrid, Stray Devils and High-Class weaklings. "Then I hear my fated rival, the one who is meant to give me the fight to end all fights. Is really the weakest Red Dragon Emperor in history. What would peace offer me other than a dull life?" It will stop him from fighting the opponents that can give Vali the challenges he seeks. Ones that can make the difference between life and death, the ones that can push him to become the strongest Dragon Emperor ever.

Naruto couldn't believe nor accept what he was hearing. "You would start something that would get countless innocent people killed...because of your personal scoring card." Vali reminded Naruto of Madara in a small way. Both of them long for battle, the rush of true life and death fights and the taste of blood in the air.

But Madara still had a goal, a dream beyond himself. He worked towards peace. Even if he was tricked, even if it was flawed, he still fought for a purpose no matter how you sliced it.

But Vali wasn't like Madara...Vali's doing this for the sake of doing it. Fighting because he can, nothing else mattered.

Fighting for the sake of fighting...evil for the sake of evil...those two Devils really are alike. They may do it for different reasons, but their mentality is the same.

Vali is just like him.

"I couldn't shake the feeling before, but now I'm sure of it. I know who you are, Vali. I know you're a part of his Clan." Naruto clenched his fists, remembering that man's face and what he's done. "You are going to tell me where that bastard is!"

"Which bastard? I know a few." Demonic power started to form around Vali. Naruto's choice of words made him weary. Does Naruto really know?

"You're Dad, brother, unclear, grandfather or whatever he is to you. You have his hair, face, the same Demonic energy, and now you also work for the same group. " There's only one answer.

"Where is he...where is Rizevim Livan Lucifer!?"

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---

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Chapter 18: Diplomacy with Fallen Angels. Complete

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Next: Chapter 19: Retaliation

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