New Devil of The Gremory House

Life 5: Break

||||||||Devil||||||||

"¥10,000 for the knife."

"You can't be serious."

The pawn shop owner looked into the blond's eyes and glared, "Do I look like I'm kidding?"

"I don't know. I walked into your store and you said 'Welcome good sir. How can I help you?' And even when you said that you still looked like you were going to take the first chance you could to shoot me in the face." Naruto said as he matched the older man's glare.

The shop owner sighed, "Look kid, I've told you already..." He picked up a large knife with a yellow guard and showed it to Naruto, "This knife is ¥10,000 and, I'm not changing the ticket price. If you can't afford this then look at the other knives I've got."

"And I already told you..." Naruto held up some money, "This is the most I can spend without screwing myself over until I get paid. I would try to get some more to spend but I'm usually one bad purchase away from living in the alley."

"Then maybe you can try buying one of the cheaper knives?!"

"I will if you can scrap off just a little from the tag!"

"Okay kid." The owner sighed exhaustedly as he shook his head, "W-why do you even need a knife anyway? You're like-what-15-years old?"

"18." Naruto replied pointedly, a little offended that the man would think he looked like a kid. He was even a little taller than the owner for pete sake! He was starting to shave!

"Okay, so why does an 18-year old brat want a knife to begin with?"

"Because..." Naruto looked at the man, "Over the last few days I've been getting into some...rather unavoidable situations." Naruto had a bit of a scowl on his face, "And honestly, I'm pretty sure a knife can help me get on top of them. Plus, I don't know how to use a gun, and I'm pretty sure swords are banned in this country."

The shop owner pulled over a simple knife with no guard and a black grip, "This is the cheapest knife I've got while still being sturdy enough to use. And it's ¥5,000. But, in the interest of getting you out of my store at 08:30 in the goddamn morning, I'll cut it down to ¥4,000. How's that?"

Naruto looked at the simple knife for a moment before asking again, "No lower?"

"No lower."

"Deal." Naruto shook the owner's hand before handing him the bulk of his cash and taking the knife along with a small sheathe.

The man started counting through his cash as the blond student placed the knife and it's sheathe together in his bag. He warned him, "Now make sure you don't poke anyone's eye out with that thing. And never hold the sharp end towards you. And-"

"I know how to use a knife dammit. I've been practicing with them since I was a kid."

The man looked at him in surprise before he shook his head, "Now that's just worrying."

Naruto walked out of the pawn shop and made his way to the ramen shop for work. After spending his entire day-off resting in bed and trying to fix up what was left of his right shoulder, Naruto was feeling a little cheated. But he was at least going to enjoy the peace and quiet at his job.

Of course he was going to have to pay for another apron again. When he came back the next morning to the tree to pick up his apron the damn thing was gone. Who the fuck steals a ramen apron hanging from a tree in the middle of a park?

He turned the corner and saw the ramen shop he was employed at as the front door slid open. His boss, Miyamoto, an older middle-aged man, walked out laughing and started raising the flag to signal they were open for business. Naruto waved, "Hey Gramps, what you laughing at? Finally starting to go senile?"

The ramen owner looked at his sole employee and smiled, "Hey, Naruto m'boy, about time you got here. We were just talkin' about you."

Naruto chuckled, "Yeah, I-" He froze for a moment before he looked at his boss wearingly, "Wait. What do you mean 'we'?"

The door opened again and a second figure walked out behind Miyamoto. A curvier, girlier, school uniform wearing, school-bag carrying, long crimson-haired figure to be exact.

Rias poked her head out from behind the door with a smile and waved, "Yoo-hoo~. We've been waiting."

Naruto instantly turned to stone and broke apart as his second-to-last sanctuary was taken from him.

He pointed at her like he had seen a ghost, "W-why are you-"

"I had a little extra time after I finished up some business and Issei told me about this lovely little ramen shop he went to the other day." Rias kept playing the innocent girl and blushed embaressingly, "I should have realized that a restaurant wouldn't be open at such an early time but I couldn't stop myself from coming." She smiled up at the shop owner, "And when Miyamoto-San saw me standing outside, he invited me in for some tea."

Naruto felt a vein throb in his head. This woman had some serious guts to be playing the ditzy damsel so well in front of him. Oh...and Fuck-face was dead when he got his hands on him.

Miyamoto scratched his head and laughed, "Well, when a pretty lady such a this actually comes to my crummy little shop, I can't just say no. I mean, I think I've only seen hair as beautiful as this once before in my whole life!" He then looked at Naruto with pride in his eyes, "And congratulations Naruto. Rias-San tells me you joined her club at school. That's great. I didn't even know you could make friends."

Naruto glared, "I didn't-"

"Sign the papers just yet." Rias interrupted him, "But he's already been accepted by everyone in the club and we just can't wait to have him in." Rias then started acting like she was sad, "But, he just hasn't even bothered to show up to class anymore for the last few days. I was so worried that I came to check on him myself."

"Shame on you Naruto. Making such a lovely lady like this worry." He looked towards Rias and tired to console her, "I'm terribly sorry for his behavior, but it is partially my fault as well. You see, he told me that he didn't need to concern himself with an education and threw himself into working here at the shop. But if I had known it was causing this much strife I would have told him to go more often."

"It's all right. It's almost time for Golden Week anyway." Rias smiled "He should just start making up for it now by coming to school today."

Naruto looked at her with a slacked jaw and shook his head. He argued, "Hey, it's my choice! And I decided to get some work in today!"

"But look..." Rias pointed at the school bag he carried his wallet, supplies, and a recently purchased knife in. He looked up at Miyamoto, "I think that's all he needs to go to school, don't you think?"

"Why yes. I totally agree."

Naruto sneered before he took a calming breath and walked up to his boss. He looked the man in the eyes, "Gramps, listen...I hate school. The subjects are boring. The days are long. I don't learn anything because I couldn't keep my focus on a can of beans long enough to save my life. It's just always been a rather agonizing experience for me." He grabbed the man's shoulder, "Wouldn't you rather have me work here so we can get some quick cash and serve up some good ramen? Huh? What'd you say?"

Miyamoto smiled and grasped Naruto's shoulder, "Naruto..."

"I hated school too. Stop bitching and get over it."

Miyamoto walked into the ramen shop and closed it behind him as he left the frozen blond outside. Rias giggled a little at his complete motionless form before she watched him sigh. He looked back at her with a dry glare, "You are enjoying this way too much."

"Hehe." Rias said with a giggle before she spun on her feet and started walking towards the direction of their school, "Well, come on. No use in wasting our time anymore."

Naruto grumbled before he started walking behind the cheerful Devil. He looked at her strangely, "You know, I'm sure classes have already started. I'm fine with being tardy but what about you?"

"Oh it's just one day." Rias reassured as she kept walking through the streets, "I might get scolded by an old friend of mine but that's a chance I'm willing to take."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders and decided he wasn't going to bother talking her out of it. He had only known her for a little over a week and she had already cemented herself as one of the most stubborn women he had ever met. He thought for a moment before he looked at her back, "Hey, what do I call you?"

She looked back at him, "What do you mean?"

"Well everyone in your club likes to call you Buchou. And I don't really know what I should call you either. Like Buchou, or Rias Gremory, or Gremory-San or-"

"Rias. You can just call me Rias." The beautiful crimson-haired woman smiled back at him, "If you let me call you Naruto then I feel it would only be fair if that goes both ways."

The blond looked at her smile at him and felt it would only be a step backwards if he refused. He nodded, "All right...Rias. Let's...ugh...go to school."

||||||||Devil||||||||

"U-um, h-hello everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you." The blonde girl nervously said as she stood at the front of the class. She bowed her head, "My name is Asia Argento and I'll be transferring into your class today. I-I hope you all can watch over me while I'm here."

The moment the new transfer student finished her introduction, everyone in class jumped out of their seats and roared like animals. It wasn't every day they got a super adorable little blonde foreigner transferred into their class.

As everyone flocked around her, Asia was panicking and didn't know what to do. She was not used to having everyone pay attention to her.

One bald student raised his head as the light reflected off his scalp. His eyes narrowed in a serious manner, "A flag has risen on our pathetic little class. Among all this coal, a shining diamond has finally appeared."

His friend, a young man with glasses, adjusted his spectacles as they started to shine. He shared the serious tone, "B78-W55-H81 cm. Long flowing blonde. Small but sturdy frame. Nervous but overall kind demeanor. Yes..."

The two perverts jumped out of their seats and posed in unison as they screamed, "The beautiful transfer student event has finally arrived(x2)!"

Issei watched with his hand under his chin as everyone flocked around his friend. He had a fond smile on his face as he watched Asia fumble with her words and try to answer all of their questions as fast as she could. She may have looked embarrassed and flushed but she must have been so happy that she could talk to so many new people and make friends.

"He's got that look on his face again." Matsuda whispered to his friend as they stared at Issei.

"Yep. He's already getting perverted thoughts about what he wants to do with her." Motohama said as he adjusted his glasses. They then both gave him a thumbs-up, "That's our Issei."

Issei was brought out of his thoughts as he saw his friends surround him, "W-what, no! I was-"

"Ugh. They're already raring to go. Freaks." One female student said as she looked at the Pervert Trio with scorn in her voice.

"They can't try to control it for a single day, can they?"

"You need to stay away from those guys, Argento-San." One of the girls said to the new blonde as a warning. She looked back at them like they were vile, "You don't want to catch any- Argento-San?"

But the whole class saw that Asia had disappeared from their little wall of protection from the lustful group as she happily walked over to them. She didn't notice Motohama and Matsuda's complete look of disbelief before she stopped and smiled, "I tried my hardest and I was able to speak in front of everyone. Do you think I did well?"

Issei smiled reassuringly and nodded his head, "Yeah. You were fantastic Asia."

Asia beamed a great big smile and jumped in happiness, "Oh, thank you Issei-San!"

"EHHHHHHHHHHH?!" The class yelled in disbelief.

"She's talking to Hyoudou!"

"Why the hell is Argento-San associating with that perv?!"

Motohama and Matsuda slammed their hands on the desk as they glared at Issei, "Issei! What the hell?! How does a smokin' hot blonde transfer student know your name?! You hidin' somethin' from us you bastard!"

"Don't even try to lie because I'll know!"

Issei leaned back as he was cautious of their uneasy stares before he answered, "Well...Asia's my friend."

"WHAAAAAATTTTTT?!" The entire class yelled in even greater disbelief.

"She can't be your friend!"

"Girls aren't friends with us! Especially you, the most depraved and horniest of the bunch!"

Issei glared and yelled at his friends, "Hey, I can have friends too, you bastards!"

"T-that's right!" Asia walked forward and stood by Issei's desk while placing a hand to her chest, "Issei-San is my dearest and closest friend! Honest!"

Issei felt touched by her honest feelings about their friendship as everyone stared at them in utter shock. One girl stuttered, "B-but that's impossible, isn't it?"

"Why would you think that?"

"B-because he's a pervert."

"That doesn't mean that Issei-San isn't a good person!" Asia said with a red face as she defended her new friend, "He's kind, a-and he's always watching out for me, he's wants me to make as many friends as possible, a-and-and..."

"And he was nice enough to let me live in his house!"

Everyone in class was gobsmacked by that declaration before they mechanically turned their heads to look at the brown-haired pervert.

Issei sighed and shook his head. Damn. He thought Asia was adorable and was happy to help her in any way but...s-she was a bit of an airhead when it came down to it.

||||||||Devil||||||||

Naruto had a glum look on his face as he eyed the clock slow tick away to their lunch break. His eyes wandered and he saw most of the students in his class doing the same thing as him as they just daydreamed until it was time to eat.

The teacher finally dismissed the class for an hour and everyone started getting out of their seats to get some food. Some of them glanced in his direction but they didn't give him too much time as they had other things to do. Naruto reached into his bag and pulled out his wallet to go buy some bread from the shop.

"Ara Ara, it's quite a treat to see your miserable expression here at school with the rest of us." Naruto looked up to see Akeno standing by his desk with her trademark smile. The students around them started to whisper when one of the 'Two Great Onee-sama's' started talking to the blond as Akeno tilted her head, "I'm actually amazed she was able to force you to come here."

Naruto looked at the 'pleasant' woman with a flat state before he sighed, "Rias ordered you to keep an eye on me so I didn't sneak out, didn't she?"

"Not so much an order as I volunteered to watch over you." Akeno then held her hand to her cheek and smiled, "I mean we share most of our classes together, so it would make sense that I would be given the task of making sure you don't try to run away. Plus I find it kind of funny to see you grumble and meander your way through the class period."

He looked up at her as she smiled and deadpanned, "So this sadism stuff...is that why you felt it was necessary to keep beating me to a pulp last year when I accidentally picked up your bra?"

"No...that was just because I was embarrassed and didn't know how to act. That was the first time a boy had ever seen my underwear. I was blushing."

"From the hot and heavy feeling in your loins no doubt." Naruto responded, not believing her words as Akeno sent a menacing aura at him. He started packing up his bag to find a peaceful place to eat, "Now, if there are no other interruptions-"

As Naruto packed up his bag, he saw another girl from their class approach his desk. He looked up to see a young woman with a tidy mop of black hair and a few small bangs framing her face along with a pair of glasses. She had a slim, alluring figure as she stood in front of his desk quietly. Naruto looked up at the young woman as her piercing purple eyes looked back into his cerulean ones.

She nodded her head with a small smile on her face, "Hello, Naruto Uzumaki-kun. It's good to see you attending class a little more frequently nowadays." She placed a hand on her modest chest, "Do you know who I am?"

Naruto thought for a moment, "You're...Souna Shitori, right? The student council president. I think?" He shrugged his shoulders and said in an apologetic tone, "Sorry, I'm not very good at remembering people I'm not familiar with."

"That's quite all right. Even ignoring the fact you do not come to school very often, I have never properly introduced myself to you." She said before she gave a small bow which Naruto instinctively returned to her. Everyone in class watched as the blond delinquent not only socialized with Akeno Himejima but with Souna Shitori as well. She gave a small smile, "And I thought that since the change in circumstance, I should remedy that situation."

Naruto looked at her in confusion, "What 'change in circumstance'?"

"Well, due to the fact that we are now in the same field of business. And you are working with an old friend of mine."

Naruto knew she was using specific terminology so that she didn't raise too many questions by the people eavesdropping around them. He thought for a moment about what she was saying before his eyes widened and he looked at Akeno smile at him. He looked back at Souna who had a similar smile before he sighed exhaustedly, "Oh...you're not, are you?"

"I am."

"Dammit.'

"Hey, Akeno! Do you want to have lunch together?" Everyone looked at the classroom door as the #1 most popular girl in Kuoh Academy, Rias Gremory, came walking into class with her bag. The whole class was in shock as the beautiful maiden walked over to them before noticing the continued appearance of the blond student. She smiled and looked down at him, "Glad to see you're still here."

He grumbled, "Shut up."

Rias just laughed before she saw one of her closest and oldest friends standing besides her. She faced her, "Hello Souna. I see you've acquainted yourself with our new group member."

"Yes I have Rias. And I must say, you've picked quite a wild card to side with." Souna adjusted her glasses, "I didn't know you were the kind of girl to pick up the rambunctious type."

Naruto's eyebrow twitched. 'Rambunctious'? What was he, a fucking toddler?

"Ufufufu, Buchou always was the kind of person that took reckless and unplanned decisions, don't you think?" Akeno said with a cheerful tone.

"Oh yes, I completely agree." Souna responded as the two girls laughed.

"Hey, you guys aren't actually talking about me right to my face, are you? That's terrible!" Rias complained as she started talking more with the two girls as they just continued quietly conversing about her bad points.

Naruto leaned back into his chair as he heard the people talk...

"Why are three of the most popular girls in school coming around Uzumaki's desk?"

"Is he paying them or something?"

"Or threatening them?"

"How'd he even get Gremory-sama's attention in the first place?"

"I heard he knocked into her in the hall the other day. Maybe he took something from her to get her attention!"

"Scoundrel!"

"That bastard! We need to teach him a lesson!

"We have to stop him before he starts using what he has over her to force himself on her! He seems like the type who would hold her nice, supple body in his arms and decide to-"

"You know~." Naruto said loud enough to get the attention of everyone in the room, "An effective part of whispering and spreading rumors...IS ACTUALLY WHISPERING YOU NOSY ASSHOLES!"

Everyone jumped back in fright when the blond man yelled as loud as he could before they swarmed out of the room. After they were all gone, only the blond man and the three girls around his desk remained as they looked at the door everyone ran out of. They girls turned in sync to look at the blond calmly pack his bag before he noticed their stares.

"I never really cared what any of them said because I could give two shits what a bunch of nameless assholes say about me. But damn if they aren't loud about it."

Rias crossed her arms under her chest and smiled, "See~. This is why he's in my group."

"I'm not in your group Rias." Naruto said as he looked up at her and explained, "When I helped that pervert save the nun girl, he promised that I would be done with this crap. And I am-"

"Naruto, there's something you need to know about the workings of our peerage." Rias gave a cheeky smile, "Issei is the one who made that promise...not me."

Naruto was silent before he hung his head and shook it. He stood out of his chair with his bag and started walking away, "I'm getting my lunch."

"Oh, that sounds great." Rias turned to Souna, "Do you want to join us? We can have some tea I just purchased."

"Oh that sounds lovely."

"Wonderful! Then we can all have it together!" Rias picked up her bag and followed Naruto out the door, "Naruto, we're all going to eat lunch together at the club!"

"No we aren't!"

"We're going to take a left after you're done buying your bread!"

"Leave me alone!"

"You're not that lucky!"

"Dammit!"

||||||||Devil||||||||

"We are never going to associate with you again! We can't ever be friends with a man who has such a beautiful girl sleeping in his home!"

"Probably making him breakfast and cleaning his room! Finding his dirty magazines and telling him she can be his dirty material from now on! We don't ever want you to be seen with us again, traitor!"

Issei stared flatly at his two friends, "Sure guys, whatever you say. But you do understand that you two are the ones following us, right?"

Motohama and Matsuda had been following Issei and Asia around the school as Issei was giving her the tour. While Asia looked around with stars in her eyes at all the new locations in school, Issei was trying to ignore his friends' constant arguing and bickering.

Asia excitedly pulled on Issei's sleeve, "Issei-San, Issei-San, are these all classrooms? In the church I was raised in there was only one classroom where we were taught everything! Do each of these classrooms teach something different?"

"Um, kinda. It sort of just depends on the teacher-"

"Don't ignore us you smug bastard!"

"You think now that you've got some ass to tap that we aren't even here anymore!"

Issei growled and glared back at them, "You guys just told me that I should never talk to you again!"

"AND YOU WERE JUST GONNA DO IT!"

"YOU FUCKER!"

"What exactly is going on here?"

As the Pervert Trio argued between each other and Asia tried to mediate between them, a small crowd of people formed around them to watch the fight. And when the new voice made itself known, the crowd parted and the Pervert Trio and Asia looked to the man that had emerged.

He was a young man about the same age and height as Issei and his friends. He had messy, dirty blond hair and strong grey eyes. He was in his white school uniform and had his arms crossed in a commanding fashion in front of him.

Asia watched as some students started to mummer between themselves as Issei and the others just sighed tiredly at his appearance. She gently pulled on Issei's hand, "Who is that?"

Issei tiredly scratched his head, "He's the new Secretary of the Student Council, I think? His name is...Saji something."

"Genshirou Saji." He replied as he looked over the three men in disgust, "And you three are the perverts, I presume? I should have known it would be you idiots causing so much trouble." The three men in question pouted and grumbled annoyingly as Saji just shook his head, "And also-"

He stayed silent when he saw the vision of beauty that was a blonde girl that looked at the scene in confusion. He blinked in surprise before he stepped over to her with a smile on his face, "Hello, you're the new student that transferred into the school today, right?"

Asia blinked before she realized he was asking her, "Oh, um, yes." She bowed her head lightly, "I'm Asia Argento. It's a pleasure to meet you, um-"

"Genshirou Saji. And it's an absolute delight to meet you Asia-San." Saji said as he gently grabbed her hands and started shaking them, "If you have any questions or concerns about this school, please, don't hesitate to ask me anything. It's my duty to make sure your experience in our little school is as memorable as possible."

Asia was a little surprised by his eagerness to talk to her and felt a little embarrassed, "O-oh, th-thank you, but-"

Asia felt someone grab her shoulders and softly pull her out of Saji's grip. After Issei placed her to the side, he stepped in and grabbed Saji's hands in her place. He then squeezed with as much strength as he could muster as a [Pawn], causing Saji to yelped and grind his teeth in pain. Issei smiled pleasantly as he tightened his grip, "It's quite all right Mr. Secretary. We don't need you. I'm more than enough to help Asia around the school so you can just go away into a little corner and die."

"You've got...a surprising amount of grip..." Saji said as he started to squeeze back, surpassing Issei as he was starting to feel the pressure being put back on him. Saji groaned, "But from a pervert...I'm guessing...it's because...of your wanking hand!"

"Ah! My wanking hand!" Issei screamed in pain before he and Saji started a little contest of strength to outdo the other. After a few moments, everyone watched as the two separated and started blowing on their aching hands.

"Of course Issei would start showing his Alpha tendencies around any other guy coming towards Asia-chan!" Matsuda cried as Motohama consoled him, "First he gets her to live in his house, now he's setting up a territory!"

Saji stopped blowing on his hand and raised his head in confusion, "Wait, what? What's this about sharing a house?"

The crowd interjected, "Argento said she was living with Hyoudou in his house."

"And some of us are worried about Argento-San's choice of housing!"

"It can't be safe for a girl like that to sleep in the same house as a pervert like that!"

"Yeah! Not to mention it ain't fair that he's so lucky!"

"Lucky bastard!"

On any other day Issei would be smiling happily that the normal people in class were jealous of him, but right now was not that time because they were blabbing to a member of the Student Council. He saw Saji's mouth stay agape while everyone said their piece before he looked at the people in question, "Is this true?"

"Um, kind of. I-it's a long story."

"A long story that ends with the new student living in your house?"

"...Yes."

"Care to take some time?" Saji said as he crossed his arms expectantly.

Issei felt his eyes twitch as he saw everyone else lean towards them from his peripheral vision, waiting to hear the story. He had to come up with something...Shit! Why was he drawing a blank now of all times?!...

"Well, the circumstances around Asia-San's housing are rather complicated."

Everyone looked towards the voice to see the 'Prince of Kuoh', Yuuto Kiba, walking towards them to join their conversation. As was customary, the girls all nearly fell to their knees and swooned "Kiba-kun~" at the sight of him as all the males just glared at him and grumbled because of his natural ability to makes girls quiver.

Kiba approached the little group at the center of the crowd and explained, "You see, Asia-San transferred here from a Catholic School in Italy. She had a little family trouble back home and she was sent here to live with another member of her family. But there were some complications and Issei-kun, being the nice boy he is, offered her lodging in his home."

Saji looked at him strangely and raised an eyebrow at the handsome man, "And how do you know about this?"

"Because we offered Asia-San a chance to join the Occult Research Club along with Issei-kun. And we were kept up to date on the whole debacle as we all came together to help her out. So please, do understand that there isn't anything indecent about this housing."

Everyone looked at the little group in surprise before they started whispering between each other. Saji relaxed a little as he thought about their circumstances. Kiba sent a thumbs-up to his fellow club members as Issei cried a little and sent him a thankful nod for fixing their mess...

Until-

"What about her family?" Matsuda asked.

Kiba blinked, "Beg pardon?"

"Her family. You said she came to stay with her family, right? What about them? Why doesn't she stay with them?"

The crowd started talking between themselves and asking the same question as the ORC members started to panic. Kiba sweated a little as the cover story he made started being questioned, "Um-well-you see..."

His eyes started darting around for something that could save him at the Eleventh Hour but was drawing a blank. Until, as if by divine intervention, a solution rounded the corner and Kiba's mind found an answer that would quell their problems temporarily...

"You guys are totally ruining my lunch with your pestering."

"Come on Naruto, it isn't going to kill you to come eat at the club."

Naruto grumbled, "Yeah, I'm not trusting the woman who got me thrown out of work and forced to come here. I'd rather-"

Naruto felt an arm clamp around his bicep and he was pulled towards a small crowd of Second-Year students that looked on in shock. Kiba placed Naruto to his side and right beside Asia.

He smiled and gestured to the taller blond, "This is Asia-San's older brother, Naruto Uzumaki-San."

Naruto choked on his sandwich when he heard the [Knight] say that as the entire crowd of people felt their jaws unhinge. Issei actually cried into his hands as they started digging themselves deeper into a hole.

Kiba continued, "Yes. Naruto-San and Asia-San were raised together since they were children. But their parents got a divorce a few years ago and they were separated when their parents moved away from each other. After awhile, Naruto-San moved here and took his mother's last name to live by himself while Asia-San stayed in Europe to receive her education. But now Asia-San is taking the opportunity to travel and came here with the plan of staying with her brother, but due to some economic troubles, Asia-San couldn't stay with Naruto-San and had to stay with Issei-kun instead."

Rias smiled smugly and nodded her head in pride as her peerage member convinced everyone of a bogus story he had come up with on the spot. She had to remember to congratulate Yuuto later for thinking on his feet.

All of the students looked between the nervous Asia and the defeated Naruto as they tried to connect the dots. On closer inspection...they did kind of look similar. They had the same tone of blond hair and their eyes were vibrant like jewels. Although their respective sizes were something to question because Naruto towered over Asia by at least a foot. Although since he was the older brother that may have had a hand in his stature.

While a few of the students still questioned the story, they heard a loud clap and looked over to see the Student Council President looking unamused with the 'Two Great Onee-sama's' right behind her. She got their attention, "All right everyone, that's enough bickering. As you can see, this is a personal issue that has been solved between the parties in question and the matter has been resolved. Now I know all the Second-Years were given a free period because of the mid-term tests at the end of the week so unless all of you want to spend the rest of the period out here facing the wall with buckets on your heads I suggest you go about your day."

All of the gathered students flinched at the commanding dominance in Souna's voice and started to thin out in numbers. Issei, Asia, and Saji were about to leave too before Souna interjected, "Hold on you three...why don't we all take a moment to properly acquaint ourselves."

Rias walked over to the frozen Naruto and poked his side, causing him to sway, "You all right?"

Kiba bowed his head with his hands over his head, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I was thinking on my feet and then you walked by and I had an idea! I'm so sorry!"

Naruto was pale and slowly shook his head, "This is why I hate school."

||||||||Devil||||||||

"Sooooo...you're the new [Pawn] of Gremory-Senpai's peerage? Along with Uzumaki Senpai? And Asia-San as your [Bishop]?" Saji said in utter disbelief as he glared at the brown-haired pervert.

"And you're the new [Pawn] to the School President's peerage? Who's also a pure-blooded Devil like Buchou? And who made the entire Student Council into her peerage?" Replied Issei in an equally defeated tone as he matched the glare from the Council Secretary.

"That's right." Rias said from the couch as she gestured to her oldest friend sitting besides her, "Her real name is Sona Sitri, heiress to the Sitri family and an old friend of mine. Now I hope you all can get along with each other because there's a strong possibility we will be working alongside them in the future."

Sona chuckled as she picked up her cup of tea, "I'm surprised we haven't already, knowing our families."

"You're telling me." Rias said tiredly before she looked to Sona, "Where's Tsubaki?"

"She had to do some work for the Council and she said she was going to spend her lunch period catching up on it."

"That's a shame." Akeno added as she placed a tray of hot tea on the small table between two couches. She placed one of the cups in front of the nervous blonde nun who heard the arguing behind her, "I'm sure she would have been very interested in meeting our new members."

Asia turned over in the couch and looked back as Kiba continued to apologize to Naruto as he silently finished his Yakisoba bread. He pleaded, "Please don't be upset Naruto-San. All the other students were getting reckless and asking questions and I had to do what I thought would direct the attention away from us."

Naruto tossed the rest of his lunch in his mouth before clapping his hands together to knock off the crumbs. He swallowed and looked at the handsome blond, "But now you've made her related to the person everyone believes is the most unpleasant guy in the school, along with living with the most perverted guy in...I can only guess the entire world-"

"HEY!" Issei yelled angrily in protest.

"-Are you sure that was for the best?"

As Kiba looked at him, Asia softly whimpered, "U-um, excuse me..."

The little blonde nun watched as the the waiter from the ramen shop looked at her and she felt like she had shrunk under his gaze. She squeezed the couch cushion in her hand before looking up at him, "I-I know this must have caused you a lot of strife to worry about me. A-and I also know that you helped Issei-San and everyone else in rescue me from the church. I-I don't know if I'll ever be able to repay you but..."

She bowed her head and closed her eyes as she finished, "Thank you for helping me so much!"

Naruto saw the hesitant, cowering, but still firm look in Asia's eyes as she gave her honest thanks for his help. The poor and pitiful look in her eyes...she couldn't have looked more like a sad puppy if she tried. Naruto grumbled a little before closing his eyes and sighing in defeat.

Asia felt a familiar palm rest on her head and pat the top of her hair gently. Naruto muttered, "Yeah well...as long as you're okay with it then I guess I can't complain."

Asia looked up at him with starry eyes and a big smile before she nodded her head and sat back down in her seat. The older students watched in amusement as Asia congratulated herself on thanking the older blond for his help. And they all stifled a laugh at the look on Naruto's face as Kiba sympathetically patted his back.

Issei stood off to the side and glared, jealous that Asia got along with their blond senior. He felt someone nudge his elbow and saw Saji giving him a toothy grin, "Looks like you're gonna have to appeal to the 'older brother' to get her attention."

Issei growled, "Shut up."

"You could start calling him Onii-sama?"

"I said shut up."

"Or how about Onii-chan?"

"I SAID SHUT IT ASSHOLE!" Issei tackled Saji to the ground and the two [Pawn]s started rolling on the floor while attacking each other.

Everyone except Asia and Kiba ignored the two juniors fighting as Rias took a quick sip of her tea. She looked towards the older blond as he plopped down on the couch opposite and leaned back into it comfortably. Rias noticed a tinge of pain cross his face for a moment before he instantly covered it with his usual mask.

Rias smiled at him, "See~, isn't it fun to come to school? You never know what you're going to experience."

Naruto let out a small scoff, "Well, I can definitely say I've never met a second Devil family or become an older brother before when I went to school."

"Great! Then let's see how the rest of the school year goes together."

"No. No way." Naruto denied while shaking his head and waving his hands, "You may have convinced Gramps today, but I can totally change that with a bowl of ramen and some spiked broth."

"Oh come on. It would be fun."

"For you. You're enjoying the hell out of this."

"And I'm sure you can too. I just need to find a way to convince you to stay."

"Pfft." Naruto stifled a laugh as everyone looked between the two seniors as they talked between each other. Naruto shook his head, "Sorry Rias, but I don't think you'd be able to convince me to stay in school."

"Oh?" Rias raised an eyebrow with a miffed expression as she took his comment as a shot at her pride. She mused, "Wanna bet?"

The [King] proudly stood out of her seat and crossed her arms under her bosom, "It's Golden Week next week, which means we have a break from school. Before we come back from break, I will find some way to convince you to stay in our group. If I can, not only do you have to come to school, but you have to stop being stubborn and join our club."

Naruto looked at the challenging expression on her face before he grinned menacingly. He slowly got up and stood opposite of the 'Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess' as he placed his hands on his sides, "Okay. And if you can't convince me, you can't use any more tricks to make me come to school and you drop trying to bring me into the club, got it?"

Rias raised her finger, "One catch: You have to attend the rest of the week. No coming late. No leaving early. You have to be a normal student like the rest of us. Plus, it gives me a few more chances to meet you face-to-face." She held out her hand, "Deal?"

Naruto continued his staring contest with the confident Gremory before he grasped her hand and shook it, "Deal."

The rest of the group in the room looked at the two after their strange deal and wondered what was wrong with the both of them. Sona placed her cup down and looked at Akeno, "They act like a bitter old married couple."

Akeno just laughed, "I've actually started to notice that the more I see them interact."

Rias and Naruto finished their handshake before she looked up at the slightly taller blond, "Well if you are going to come to school for the week, we should at least take care of that shoulder for you."

Naruto looked at her flatly before she smiled, "Oh come now, did you think I wouldn't notice? It's just the same as last time." She sat back down and looked up at him, "No point in hiding it, we've got a healer now who can take care of it for you."

While the rest of the room looked between the two in confusion, Naruto grumbled and removed his uniform. He was left in just an orange shirt before he grabbed at the bottom of it and pulled it over his head. When he took off his shirt, the sight of bandages wrapped around his shoulder and the top of his chest for support were revealed to everyone in the room.

Rias looked to her new [Bishop], "Asia, do you mind fixing him up?"

"O-of course not, Buchou-San." With the attention set on her, Asia clumsily fumbled out of her seat and ran around the couch until she was behind Naruto. She nervously asked, "W-where are you...hurt?"

Naruto pulled a tight strap of his bandage before he ripped it with his teeth and started undoing it. As he undid more of the bandage, it revealed darker and wider specks of blood before he pulled the last of it off.

Asia saw the injury on the back of Naruto's shoulder and grew pale, "Eep!"

Issei came to her side, "What is it Asia? What's-Oh! Oh wow! Ew! Oh man Senpai, that's disgusting! O-oh it smells too!"

Saji came over and shivered at the sight of the healing wound, "Ew, it looks like the dried skin on top of lasagna or something!"

"It follows you around the room!"

"Hey assholes!" Naruto yelled angrily as he scared the younger people behind him, "You dumbasses want to give it a rest and let her fix my shoulder?!"

Issei and Saji looked between each other before taking a step back and giving Asia room to work. She used her Twilight Healing and placed her hands over his injury as a green light covered them. Sona and Saji watched in amazement as after a few moments, Asia lowered her hands and Naruto's eyes widened in surprise.

He circled his shoulder around and felt no discomfort from his injury. He flexed his arm and smiled, "Wow, that feels great! No pain or anything!" He looked back at the young nun, "Thanks Asia!"

"Y-you're welcome!" Asia eagerly replied as she was glad she was able to help him out. Naruto grabbed his orange shirt and pulled it back over his head.

Rias asked, "So, how do you feel? Better I hope."

"I don't know. Only one way to find out..." Naruto said as he fixed up his shirt and made sure it was on him properly. He grabbed the white shirt of his school uniform and then stood there silently...

"Hey Fuck-face..."

Issei flinched when he heard the kind tone in Naruto's voice when he used that nickname. Naruto held his uniform for a moment and spun it around, "So Rias told me that she found out where I work because a little Devil told her about it..."

He looked over to him and smiled kindly, "You wouldn't have done such a thing after all the help I gave you, right?"

Issei dove for the door, "Promotion! [Knig-"

Naruto snagged Issei's feet in mid-air with his uniform shirt as the pervert fell flat on his face. Naruto stood over him and shook his head, "That was actually kinda cute...you thought your little Devil abilities were going to save you."

Naruto grabbed Issei's collar and started pulling him into the hallway. Issei cried and looked at the people that were watching it happen, "Help! Help! Someone! Anyone! He's a lunatic! He knows no mercy! Not like this! NOT LIKE-"

*Slam*

Everyone looked at the front door after Naruto had closed it behind them. Everything was silent...

*BAM*

"MY FACE!"

*CRASH*

"MY SPINE! AHHHHHH!"

*SNAP*

"WHY IS NO ONE STOPPING THIS?!"

Asia and Saji were cowering in place as they heard the hallway get destroyed and Issei's screams of agony following behind not long after. Kiba cringed when he heard Issei scream like a girl after getting kicked in the groin as he looked at his president, "Should I...stop them?"

"No. It's all right Yuuto. Just give them a moment and I'm sure they'll stop. They're boys, it's in their nature to rough-house."

"THAT DOESN'T BEND THAT WAY! THAT DOESN'T BEND THAT WAY! THAT DOESN'T BEND THAT-AHHHHHHHH, LOOK AT IT GO!"

Rias sweated a little, "On second thought...Asia, be on stand-by in case there's an emergency."

Sona shook her head and sipped her tea, "There's always a party when I come over here."

||||||||Devil||||||||

Naruto walked out of the school building as the final bell stopped ringing. He stretched out his back and let out a long moan as he was finally free from the cooped up hell. The day was long, boring, and a pain in the ass...

But he did get to beat the living shit out of Issei before he had to run to his next period. So that was worth it.

Naruto stretched out his achy shoulders as he contemplated what to do next. Rias was going to spend the next few days trying to convince him to stay with her group. He wasn't going to be able to put off this decision for very much longer. But it wasn't just his part anymore...

Rias was going to have to prove herself somehow.

As Naruto's mind wandered, a small figure walked in front of him before stopping when she spotted him. Naruto looked down and saw Koneko with her school-bag in hand and the same stoic look on her face. She was walking out of school before she spotted him and stayed in place when they noticed each other.

Naruto greeted her, "Hey."

Koneko nodded, "Hello."

"Are you heading home now?"

"Yes. But I have to come back later for the club."

"That sound like a pain in the ass."

Koneko just gave a small hum before looking up at the tall man, "I didn't think you liked coming to school."

Naruto grumbled, "I don't but Rias sorta forced my hand. She came to the place I work and basically coaxed my boss to make me come toady."

Koneko took note of how he used her name so casually, "Sucks to be you."

Naruto actually laughed at her comment. It was funny to talk with a girl that had such a sharp tongue and basically spoke in monotone. He continued, "Yeah, but now I have a bet going on with her for the rest of the week."

Koneko tilted her head in interest as Naruto continued, "During the lunch break, she made a bet with me that she could convince me to stay at school and in the club before we come back from Golden Week. I said she couldn't. And so I'm gonna stick around for the rest of the week so you're probably gonna be seeing me around a little more often." Naruto then chuckled, "Of course that's just gonna cause Fuck-face to freak out, considering I basically beat him like a punching bag for selling me out. You see, I-"

Naruto stopped talking when he looked down at Koneko and saw something he had never seen from the little [Rook] before.

Koneko had a slightly miffed look on her face and a small pout aimed up at him.

Naruto was silent. He was caught off-guard by the stoic girl's slight change in expression that he didn't know what to say. In the short time he had known her, she had never shown any change in her mannerisms or expression even after everything they had done.

Was she mad that most of her club gathered together without her? That wasn't their fault. Freshman had a different lunch period and they weren't doing tests like the upperclassmen so they didn't get a break this week.

Was she mad because she didn't get to see him beat up Issei? That was totally a possible choice. If Issei acted like a pervert in front of the stern, no-nonsense girl like Koneko then she probably really wanted to see someone kick his ass.

Naruto felt panicked, "Are...are you mad?"

"No." Koneko said as she turned away from him.

"You sure? Because you seem kinda upset."

"I'm not."

Naruto didn't want to leave the little freshman on a bad note because he liked her. He thought she was funny and she always had something snarky to say. Who wouldn't want a friend like that?

As Koneko was about to walk away, Naruto came up with an idea. He asked, "Hey."

Koneko stopped for a moment before looking back at him.

"You want something to eat?"

Koneko's stomach grumbled for a moment before she turned around and slapped her tummy to stay quiet. She turned back around like nothing happened, "No money."

Naruto smiled, "That's okay."

||||||||Devil||||||||

"Ahahaha! First Rias-San, now this little cutie! Naruto, where the hell are you pulling these girls from exactly?!" Miyamoto chided his young worker as he cleaned the dishes and the work station.

Koneko ignored the attention she was getting from the shop owner and several other patrons that had entered the shop for a quick meal.

Naruto droned, "Yeah, whatever Gramps. Look, I said she could have a few meals on me so you can just add the price to the debt, okay."

"Yeah, sure kiddo." Miyamoto grabbed his keys and headed to the back entrance before he looked to his sole employee, "Hey, I have some renovations happening at my house and I need to go check that everything's all right. Can you handle the place while I'm gone?"

"Don't I always?"

"Don't get smart kid." He waved him goddbye, "See ya in a minute."

Naruto hummed before he just started walking to the other customers and made sure their meal was good. Koneko took a moment from eating her ramen to look back and watch Naruto serve the customers.

He talked with some of them lightly, probably regular customers he had gotten accustomed to, and showed a small smile on his face while he did.

Koneko had never seen the blond man show such a simple smile. He grinned and laughed when Issei acted like an idiot and he showed her support when she was being reprimanded for her language but that was it. He still hadn't shown such a carefree expression around them yet.

Naruto came back around the counter and continued cleaning up the kitchen before he looked over to the white-haired girl. He asked, "How's the ramen?"

Koneko slurped up the noodles and gave an agreeable hum.

He smiled, "Good. Gramps is gonna be happy to know he has another fan."

Naruto decided to leave the girl to her meal as he started to clean up his station. Everything was silent besides the background noise of people walking outside and eating ramen inside...

"I think you would like staying with us."

Naruto stood up when he heard the small voice reach his ears and turned towards the freshman looking up at him. He asked, "What?"

"The Occult Research Club. And Buchou's peerage. I think you would like being with us."

Naruto dried his hands with his towel before placing it in the pocket of his new apron and leaning back to sit on the deactivated stove. He crossed his arms, "Why do you think that?"

"Because it is just like Issei-senpai said, you act kind of like you don't care about others but when you knew we needed help in saving Asia-senpai you came and helped. You tried to protect me when we were fighting the Pervert Exorcist and you let Issei-senpai choose what he wanted to do with that woman that hurt you all. And when you talked about your bet with Buchou, I thought you seemed really happy even if you didn't show it...like you belonged with us..."

Koneko stirred her broth a little, "It would be fun if you stayed with us. We can fulfill the wishes of the people around town and make sure the town is safe. Plus, we always eat together over the weekends at the club. And you haven't gotten a chance to throw Gya-kun around yet so I think you would like that."

She looked up at him with a hinge of uncertainty in her eyes, "I'm sure you could find something with us to make you stay."

Naruto looked at her and closed his eyes. He scratched his head and nodded, "Honestly...you guys are annoying, weird, stubborn, and none of you seem to take no for an answer...and you guys are some of the most fun I've had in a while." Naruto admitted with a small smile before he shook his head, "And honestly, if it was just a group like you guys, I might think about joining. But..."

"This war...this hatred between races...if it's anything like what happened at the church with that Yuuma woman, then how can I just walk into that willingly. You won't always be lucky enough to resurrect the dead through limited magic or break the minds and existences of other people by tearing out those Gear things to stop the fighting. The worst thing about war, you lose the things and people you hold dearest to you and you can't ever get them back. One of the first things Rias told me when I was...reborn..." He said as he placed his hand over his chest, "Was that we were at war with other factions for centuries. And after the last week, I could see it was never going to stop until only one side was left standing."

He looked at the petite freshman, "Would you be ready for that? Fighting for the Devils even though you might never be the same when it's all over? Is it worth it?"

Koneko let his words sink in for a moment as she placed her chopsticks down. She was silent before she slowly shook her head, "No...I don't think I've met any Devils that I would truly lay my life down to fight for. You're right..." Naruto just closed his eyes after hearing her admit to his question. And after a moment, "But..."

Koneko looked up at him with firm resolve in her eyes, "I wouldn't fight for the Devils...I would fight for Buchou."

Koneko continued as she ignored the look on Naruto's face, "Buchou is someone I would give my life and soul a thousand times over to save. Because I owe her at least that if not more. Before she found me...I didn't have anyone anymore. I was willing to let my life go on any path it took because I didn't belong anywhere. But I was found, and then Buchou took me in. She didn't care what I was or what I could do, she just saw someone that needed something she could guide and took me in. And when I looked at her...when she hugged me and told me I didn't have to be afraid anymore...I really believed that there was nothing in this world I wouldn't face to help her."

Koneko looked at her meal, "And not just me. Akeno-senpai. Yuuto-senpai. Gya-kun. Issei-senpai. Asia-senpai. We all believe in her because she cares about us and would risk everything to save us. And even if I might suffer, I would fight for her until my last breath." Koneko looked back up at the older blond, "And...I'm sure you can see that too if you tried, Naruto-senpai."

Naruto was silent after Koneko had finished spilling her heart. She saw the expressionless look on his face and lowered her head in sadness. She really believed that he would give them a chance if he heard it from someone that experienced their life.

But just as Koneko felt ready to give up, she felt Naruto's hand land on her scalp and started rubbing through her hair. She lifted her head to see the whiskered blond with a happy smile on his face. He grinned and chuckled a little...

"Well...I guess we'll just have to find out, huh?"

Before she could ask what he meant, he lifted his hand off her soft white hair and walked further back into the kitchen to finish up his work. He accurately pointed at her bowl without looking back and said in a teasing voice, "Don't leave that unfinished young lady. It's rude to not finish a meal your elders paid for."

Koneko pouted, unamused by his teasing before she picked her chopsticks back up and started eating her meal. When she was done, she ordered a second bowl of the same ramen. And another. And another.

By the time Miyamoto got back, Koneko had eaten several bowls of their product and left Naruto further in debt than he already was.

Which explained the partially weeping blond that was begging the unflinching freshman to stop.

||||||||Devil||||||||

Rias was sitting alone in the room her club based around and let her eyes wander from where she was supposed to be paying attention. The rest of her peerage were taking turns showing Issei and Asia their clients and wish fulfillment so Rias took this alone time to finally confront what she had been dreading to do all day.

("Ojou-sama, I know you are there. Are you listening to me?")

Rias was shaken out of her thoughts before she looked back down at the magic circle on her desk. She sat up in her chair before addressing the voice from her magic circle, "Yes. Sorry Grayfia, I let my mind wander for a moment."

("I know this experience is not to your liking Ojou-sama, but this is a decision you need to make right now.")

Rias leaned into her chair and crossed her arms under her chest, "You know if I could actually make a choice I would choose to cancel this stupid wedding right now."

("And we can not do that Ojou-sama. Raiser-sama wishes to meet you again before the wedding and he requests we do it immediately. So please give me a period of time when you might be free to meet.")

Rias rolled her eyes and grumbled in her seat. They gave her freedom to choose this? Not her own life? Her destiny? Her love-life? Just when she would be allowed to meet the man who she was being forced to marry?

("And it must be before the weekend, if you can.")

Typical. That seemed like some kind of karmic justice for something she did wrong. Forcing Naruto to come to school maybe?...No, that was just funny.

Rias thought for a moment before she said loud enough for the maid to hear, "Friday. After classes. I'll be done with all my tests and it will be before the break. Seems like a good time to do it."

("Very well. Sirzechs-sama also wishes me to come and mediate the meeting myself so I will be arriving the night before to set it up with you. I hope this does not intrude on your day.")

Rias actually showed a small smile before she leaned forward to deactivate her magic circle, "Of course not Grayfia. It's always a pleasure. I'll see you soon."

The magic circle disappeared and Rias was left sitting in silence in the room.

Rias didn't want to let her life be decided for her before she even got a chance to make it. So her mind started to turn and calculate how she could escape this event...

And still keep the lifestyle she was only just starting to form with her peerage.

||||||||Devil||||||||

Done

Next chapter is the start of the second arc.

ReadxReview

Thank You and Bye