New Devil of The Gremory House

Life 7: Preparation

Just to clear some things up from the last Omake, you guys are right, Saji isn't a pervert. But it isn't about him being a pervert. It's about him being in the Student Council with a bunch of popular and pretty girls. In a school with over-stimulated and desperate boys and girls...

Things can get crazy real fast.

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Naruto had to cover his eyes as the whole room shined like it was harboring a miniature sun. The light was damn near blinding and the heat felt like they went into a sauna. He tried to open his eyes and could see everyone else in the room wasn't faring any better than him, covering their eyes and coughing at the sensation of ash and steam filling their senses.

Everyone except Grayfia, who was used to situations like this happening on a daily basis.

And Rias. The heat and smoke were affecting her as much as them, but she wasn't going to show weakness in front of her guest.

The burning sensation started to dissipate and the light started to fade. When everything settled, the red magic circle had disappeared and left a tall figure standing in its place.

The figure was of a tall and slim man wearing a blazer and dressed in a very proper manner. He had medium-length scraggly blond hair with slight bangs reaching down around his blue eyes. His handsome face looked no older than twenty and he had a confident, relaxed smile.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. There was something he just didn't like about this guy. Something...fundamental.

He opened his eyes again and looked around the room, not paying any mind to the members of the peerage that were glaring holes through him. He continued to look around until his gaze landed on the unamused expression of one Rias Gremory, both her eyes closed as she felt his stare land on her.

His confident smile grew and the man stepped forward, "Rias~, my dear~, it's been much too long." He placed his elbows on the top of the opposite couch and relaxed his posture, "I hope you've missed me just as much as I've missed you."

"Riser." Rias spoke with neither anger or distaste in her voice, only a stern edge that showed she was in no mood for pleasantries. She opened one eye to look at the pompous smile of her fellow Devil, "I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't have preferred going a little longer without seeing you again."

"Oh, there's that wicked tongue I've grown accustomed to." Riser stood up and kept a hand on the couch to lean against, "There's no reason to be so spiteful Rias. Considering our situation, I think it would be for the best if you and I tried to improve our relationship."

Rias crossed her arms and legs, "Better for you. Not for me."

"Oh you jest."

Issei felt unnerved by this super confident handsome man that appeared from fire. He leaned in towards Yuuto, "Hey, what's with this guy? Does he know Buchou or something?"

Yuuto leaned in closer, "His name is Riser Phenex. He's one of the sons to the Phenex clan, a pure-blooded Devil like Buchou and Kaichou-San."

Asia titled her head in confusion, "Phenex?"

"Like the bird of myth and legend." Akeno continued on, "His family has a strong affinity to both flames and wind. But more than anything, their most amazing skill is their regenerative ability. They can heal most any fatal or crippling wound in just a matter of seconds and their lifespans are so long that they're one of the closest things considered to be completely immortal."

Issei and Asia looked between each other nervously before gulping. The brown-haired pervert asked, "W-what does that mean?"

"You can't kill these chickens." Koneko stated with a slightly miffed tone as she narrowed her eyes at the man.

Riser walked along the side of the couch before sitting on its arm, "Now Rias, why can't you and I come to an agreement already? This matter was settled by our families. And even talked about between the Maous. Once it reaches levels like that, I think we are far past the point of arguing about the matter."

"You're right, our families already decided on this." Rias looked at the blond Devil facing her, "But this isn't their decision to make. It's ours. And I've decided against it."

Riser rolled his eyes and sighed, "Really Rias, are you that put off by the idea of marrying me?"

Rias narrowed her eyes, "My biggest complaint with this marriage is that it's been decided that I have no say in it. I'm not happy with the idea of having everything decided for me. Being betrothed to you is just rubbing salt in an open wound."

Issei and Asia's eyes widened in shock as they looked at the veteran members of the peerage, getting nods that the news was real. Naruto narrowed his eyes, understanding now what Rias meant last night when she said her decisions were being made for her.

Riser sighed and shook his head patronizingly before looking at the crimson-haired beauty, "Rias, you and I, we are pure-blooded Devils. Some of the few left that can still do something to help our species. The Devils, they're being overrun by Low-Class and resurrected peons, leaving us as the minority." He held a hand to his chest before looking at the young woman, "Our nobility is going to go extinct soon if we don't do something about it."

Rias just stayed composed, "I know the issue Riser. If you want to convince me, please stop talking to me like I'm a child."

Riser placed himself in the couch and sat forward, "If two of the remaining Pillar Households join together like ours, it would be in the best interest of Devils everywhere. Pure-bloods could still hold influence and power over the lesser Devils. We can still hold our standing if we marry together. Can't you imagine it?"

"Yes I can Riser..." Rias shook her head, "But I have no interest in forcing people to follow me just because of my status. I'm not so invested in stroking my pride like you are."

Riser sighed and shook his head before smiling, "Rias, whatever your feelings are to the issue, we both know it's too late. Going back on this wedding would be like spitting in the face of both of our households and the Four Great Maou. And I'm sure you wouldn't want to disappoint them."

Rias' peerage all had varying looks on their faces as Riser continued to speak in a haughty tone. But they all had the same feeling of displeasure and uneasiness from listening to this man talk so patronizingly to their [King].

Riser stood up out of his spot and sat besides his fiancé, Rias not showing any change in figure or emotion when he got so close. Riser spoke softly, "Look, I know you may not like this situation, but I promise you that this will all be worth it. This world is full of dangerous things trying to kill us, but if you stay with me then I will protect you from all of them. All the Fallen Angels and their devious little schemes at trying to dominate the world. All the Angels and their silly, blind followers that jump at the chance to obey their orders. I will protect you from all of them."

Riser reached around and placed his arm around her shoulders, eliciting several bad looks from the members of the ORC. He smiled, "You will be treated like a queen. Like a goddess. You'll never have to work another day in your life. You'll have servants working for you at every beck and call. You can live your dream life...just become mine."

Riser started reaching out so he could run his hand over her thigh-

Until a hand shot down between them and grabbed his wrist.

Rias, Riser, and the other ORC members all looked in surprise at the sudden action from the unexpected source. The two pure-bloods looked up to see the whiskered man reaching between them to stop the immortal's hand.

Riser blinked before looking down at where his advance had been prematurely stopped. He looked up at the fellow blond and asked, "What do you think you're doing?"

Naruto didn't look at him, "Sorry. It just seemed like you were making a quick advance on someone who didn't like it."

Riser looked at the stranger in confusion before he just started chuckling. He sighed contently before staring up at the intruder, "That's very heroic of you, but Rias is my fiancé. We can do whatever we want with each other. It's one of the perks about being betrothed to one another."

"I'm sure you must think that's very romantic..." Naruto looked towards Riser and glared, "But it would be more meaningful if you didn't look at her like an object to be won."

Riser easygoing smile slowly started to fade until it became a straight line. The two blondes continued to glare at each other as neither was taking the chance to move.

Riser looked down for a moment before looking back at Naruto and smirking. His sleeve started to turn orange and red and the upper portion started being engulfed in flames. It slowly started to creep towards the gripping hand but Naruto made no effort to let go or back off.

"Riser." Rias spoke firmly while looking at the Phenex son, "Stop acting childish. There's no reason to try and assert your dominance at every chance you take. It's obnoxious." Riser rolled his eyes and receded his flames before Rias turned to look at her friend, "Naruto...please let go of him."

Naruto looked into Rias' eyes and saw a firm confidence in her sea-foam orbs. He slowly let go of Riser's wrist before taking a few steps back to his original spot. He looked to the side to see each of the ORC members giving him grateful looks. Asia was smiling happily as Issei sent him a thumbs-ups at his blocking. Yuuto and Koneko both sent him a quick nod, the former smiling while the freshman still looked stoic. Even Akeno had a softer smile while send him a thankful nod.

Riser stood out of his seat and walked over to sit on the other couch before his eyes fell on the people standing behind his fiancé. He smiled coyly, "It seems like you added a few new people into your ranks since I last saw you. Of course, there's your lovely [Queen]. Your young [Knight] and little [Rook]. But I don't remember that blonde girl or this angry boy glaring at me. And of course I'm sure that little hooligan by your side is a new addition as well."

"I've met some rather interesting people in the last few weeks."

"Hmm..." Riser hummed before smiling, "Well if you invited your peerage to our little meeting, it would only make sense if I do the same."

Riser snapped his fingers and a large magic circle with the Phenex crest appeared behind his seat. A quick burst of fire and wind revealed a group of fourteen different and diverse women. Some were younger. Some were older. Some were wearing clothes of a different period. Some were wearing fetish appeal outfits. One thing was for certain though...

This guy had used his [Evil Pieces] to create a harem of beautiful women.

Riser sat back and smiled, "There. Now the gang's all here."

Rias narrowed her eyes slightly...

"*S-sniff* U-uhuhuhu."

Rias' composed manner faltered when she heard the sniffles and sobbing happening behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see Issei with powerful streams of tears cascading down his cheeks. Everyone on her side except Asia were looking at him with blank and unamused stares.

Asia was worried, "Issei-san! What's wrong?! A-are you okay?!"

"H-he did it."

"Huh?"

Issei gripped the top of the couch to hold himself up, "He's got a super shitty personality and I want to hit his stupid handsome face! But...but he made a harem of gorgeous women! He's fulfilled my dream! I want to be angry but I can only respect his tastes and cry that this is truly a reality we can achieve!"

Issei fell behind the couch and started wailing in both sadness and joy, everyone on the Gremory side just staring down at him as he sobbed.

Riser and his peerage were all confused by what was happening. Riser leaned forward, "Is he okay?"

"He's..." Rias just rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Just forget it. It's not important."

Riser decided to go back to the matter at hand, "You're right, but this is just going to appear childish if you throw a tantrum like this Rias. Our families have agreed unanimously on the matter. Trying to break it off now..." He smiled challengingly, "Would incur the wrath of my family. And we wouldn't want that."

"P-please!" Riser looked up to see Asia beg with a sorrowful look in her eyes, "Buchou-San wants to talk with you about this! Can't you find it in your heart to listen to her?!"

Riser looked at the nun before cackling loudly. He continued and Asia shrunk back a bit before he wiped a tear from his eye, "That's adorable that you want to try so hard to help your [King], but this is not a matter a resurrected Devil should stick their unwanted attention in."

Asia cowered a little and Akeno wrapped an arm around her to calm her down. Issei saw Asia whimpering and he popped back up with a furious scowl, "You ass! Buchou obviously doesn't want to be with you! Can't you take a hint and piss off!"

Members of Riser's peerage started to glare and grip their fists but Riser paid no mind, "Once again, I'm not here to take advice or criticisms from some fresh water brat that doesn't understand what's happening around them."

Issei snarled in anger.

"Don't bother." Issei stopped and looked behind him to see Naruto standing with narrowed eyes. He looked at Issei, "You can try as much as you want to reason or threaten him, but it won't do shit. Guys like this, growing up entitled to privilege and with so much pride up their asses they're almost overflowing, can't realize just how unwanted and disgusting they are to other people."

*Slam*

Naruto's head was smashed into the wall behind them as a staff struck his face. The members of the ORC looked on in shock as a young girl with blue twin-tails glared at the taller blond she attacked. She gripped her staff, "Don't you dare talk so slanderously about Riser-sama you filth."

She felt some resistance against her staff and was shocked to see Naruto had grabbed the tip before it hit him. He gritted his teeth before tossing the strike aside and grabbing the girl's throat, causing her to gasp in fright.

Immediately, a woman in a Chinese gown and another in knight's armor lunged forward to attack the blond man. But Yuuto dashed in front of them and blocked their attacks with two blades.

Asia gasped before Issei stood up in front of her with his red gauntlet at the ready, "Asia, stay behind me!"

Several members of Riser's peerage started summoning magic to attack with.

Akeno smiled before her hands started to crackle with lighting running up her arms.

Two sets of twins jumped onto the table between the couches, brandishing chainsaws and kitten gloves to fight with.

Koneko effortlessly lifted the mahogany desk over her head to attack with.

The two groups were ready to battle at a moment's notice. Rias and Riaer still sitting peacefully in their spots...

"Uh-hum."

They all looked towards the pretty silver-haired maid that had been standing off to the side this entire time. She held her hands together in front of her and spoke in a calm tone, "Now that the pleasantries have been shared, I'd like it if you all calmed down and returned to your spots. Please."

There was a beat of silence before everyone started calming down and returning to their positions. The maid took a step forward, "My name is Grayfia. I am a servant of the Gremory household and I was asked here to be the moderator between Ojou-sama and Riser-sama. The matter of engagement between the Gremory household and Phenex household has been long discussed between both families. But the next head of the Gremory household, Rias-ojousama, has argued that this marriage agreement should be null and void."

"After much delegation..." Grayfia turned to her red-head mistress, "Ojou-sama has issued a challenge for the final decision on the matter."

They all looked to the heiress as she stood out of her seat, "Riser, I challenge you to a Rating Game."

Riser and his peerage were shocked for a moment after Rias had challenged them to their society's best known form of resolve. The Phenex head stifled a laugh as the members of his peerage giggled, "A Rating Game? Really? Are you sure?"

"If I win, the marriage, ceremony, and all related discussions are out to rest. We will no longer be betrothed to each other and there will be no feuds between our houses." Rias rested a hand on her chest, "If I lose, I will stop fighting. I will marry you without another argument."

Riser's laugh started to die out, "This is the way you want to handle this? Considering I've gone through several Rating Games and you haven't even preformed in one, I thought you would have chosen a more suitable challenge to give yourself a handicap."

"If you're so sure you won't lose, then stop stalling."

A look of displeasure crossed his face for a moment before he smiled, "Very well Rias, if this is how you want to settle this matter then I'll agree to it. I accept your challenge."

Grayfia nodded her head, "The challenge has been accepted. Rias Gremory-sama of the Gremory clan and Riser Phenex-sama of the Phenex clan shall participate in a Rating Game to determine the fate of this matter. The date and details for this Rating Game will be decided by a third party at the most available time."

Riser stood out of his seat and walked back towards his peerage, "I'm sure this will all be taken care of once your little group of misfits faces off against my peerage. I can't wait to see how that turns out for you."

"I regret to inform you but not everyone in Ojou-sama's peerage will be able to attend the Rating Game."

Riser and his peerage were intrigued by what the maid said, while Rias and the ORC were confused by what she meant. Rias looked behind at her family servent, "What do you mean?"

Grayfia turned slightly and looked towards the whiskered blond standing at the end of the group. This caught his attention while she looked directly at him, "Due to extraneous circumstances, Naruto Uzumaki-sama may not be allowed to participate in the Rating Game, as he can be considered an Illegal Piece under Ojou-sama's charge."

The members of the ORC looked at her in shock as Naruto blinked in confusion. While the rest of them were dumbfounded, Issei took a step forward, "That's bullshit! Sure he's stubborn as a mule about joining but Naruto-senpai is still one of us! He should be allowed to participate too!"

Yuuto nodded, "I agree with Issei-kun. Naruto-San is one of us. He should be allowed to fight alongside us as well."

Koneko and Asia nodded their heads in agreement while Akeno looked over at the blond in question as he stood there silently.

Grayfia gave a small nod, "I understand your feelings, but this is a topic that would be under much debate-"

"Let him join."

They all looked towards Riser as he stood confidently with a hand on his side, "If he's a part of Rias' peerage then that's all that matters. Not like he'll be able to change the outcome any more then if he wasn't involved."

Grayfia stood there for a moment before bowing her head, "Very well, we will discuss this decision as the rules are being made for the Rating Game. Anything else that should be addressed?"

"Yes. Since I'm accepting the challenge, do you mind if I pick the location of the fight?" Riser asked Grayfia before sending a look towards Rias.

The silver-haired maid turned to the club president as she nodded her head, "I'm fine with that."

"Good. Then how about..." Riser smiled, "The city? Or at least a few blocks of it. I always enjoy viewing the tall buildings and infrastructure of the human world. It's quite the sight."

Rias narrowed her eyes as Grayfia turned to the Phenex boy, "Very well. The location has been chosen. I will contact both families when the rules and date for the Rating Game have been set up. Until then." A magic circle appeared under her and she disappeared in the light.

Another magic circle appeared beneath Riser and his peerage and he sent a small wave to his fiancé, "Until then."

And like that, they vanished.

The only people sitting in the room while the sun set outside were the resident Kuoh students. Rias stayed seated while her brain processed everything that had been discussed just a few moments earlier.

The members of the peerage were thinking intensely and bottling up their worry.

And Naruto just stood there, staring forward with a glare and not moving an inch.

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*Ding*

Naruto opened his eyes and sat up in his bed. With a grunt he stood back up and walked over to his little kitchen. He turned off the timer and opened up the cup of instant ramen he had made himself for dinner.

He grabbed his meal, along with a small plate of veggies, and sat down at his table before digging in.

He wasn't focused though.

His thoughts always went back to what had happened in the club just a few hours ago.

After the meeting was over, Rias stood out of her seat and told everyone that they would have to start training the next day, but that they were dismissed for now.

When the rest of them left and Naruto was the last person to leave, the crimson-haired woman took a moment to thank him for coming there today. And when he asked if he was going to participate in this fight of theirs...

"It's your choice Naruto. It's not my decision to force on you. You can come train if you want but we won't know if you can even participate until Grayfia returns."

Naruto continued to eat his meal before he noticed something. He moved his arm and pulled his sleeve down...

Faint scars along his forearm.

From where Dohnaseek's attack had destroyed a fire hydrant and the metal had pierced his arms.

He had been injured because he hadn't fought a real opponent in so long. And then Riser's smug face flashed in front of him...

"Not like he'll be able to change the outcome any more then if he wasn't involved."

*Slam*

Naruto hands slammed against his table and his bowl and plate shook. His hair covered his eyes before he snarled his teeth. He stood up out of his seat and opened the door before slamming it behind him.

Naruto stomped down the stairs before standing in the middle of the street. He looked around him before facing towards the center of the city, taking note that no one was in sight. He rolled his shoulders and got down into a running stance and prepared for run.

Naruto dashed off the concrete and sped down the street as fast as possible. Even at this speed, he was faster than most people. He stayed agile, vaulting over dumpsters and clearing any obstacles that obstructed his path.

But it wasn't enough.

He used to be more.

He used to be able to do so much.

But now he was different.

He was imparied.

Yet that wasn't enough.

He didn't care if he wasn't as strong as he used to be. It didn't matter to those Fallen Angels that attacked him what he used to be able to do, and it shouldn't matter to him now.

He could do something. He knew it. All he had to do was find it and-

Naruto stopped running and was panting madly, a faint gust of wind following after him. His eyes widened and he looked behind him to see the entirety of the town and city in his sights.

How...how did he do that?

Naruto had been thinking while he ran but not too much time should have passed since he started. Yet he somehow reached the city limit's from his shabby little apartment without even realizing it.

Naruto looked down at his hand and body, realizing that he had already regained his breath and could still go on for more.

Something...was happening.

Naruto looked back and exhaled before running back towards the city, becoming a blur that stirred up a gust behind him.

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"Order up!"

Naruto came rushing to the counter and picked up the three new bowls of ramen ready to serve. He balanced them on his arms before swiftly turning around and served the tables.

It was halfway through Golden Week now, and with it being the holidays, the usually empty shop was filled with people looking for a tasty meal.

Miyamoto continued working on the ramen as Naruto dropped off some empty bowls. The older man laughed, "Business is boomin', right?"

Naruto groaned, "There's never this many people in one day. What the hell is going on?"

"People are on break kid! It's a holiday! They don't want to stay in their homes where they'll have to cook their own meals! They wanna go out, celebrate, and probably grab some quick stuff before going out again!"

Naruto looked over at the cook, "So we're basically a pit stop so they can get some energy again?"

Miyamoto nodded, "That's the short of it."

Naruto rolled his eyes before curling his sleeves and starting to scrub the dishes. Miyamoto took a moment from cooking and looked back at his young employee, "What's Rias-San and her friends doing for Golden Week? They haven't contacted you or anything?"

Naruto continued washing the dirtied dishes, "They're busy with something important. I doubt they could spare any time even if they wanted to. Most people can't see it because they're distracted by how pretty she is, but that demon woman is crazy stubborn and way too energetic."

"But she ain't that bad to look at."

"Don't even think about it Gramps. If you were twenty years younger and she were twenty years older, there'd still be too big an age gap."

Miyamoto's eye twitched, "How old do you think I am?! I'm 54!"

"Oh..." He shrugged his shoulders, "Then it'd still be weird because you're so damn fugly."

Naruto felt a swift kick to his spine from the angered older man.

"Naruto-San!"

Naruto lifted himself back up while rubbing his tailbone to see Asia running in with a happy look on her face and a bag in her arms. Some of the customers and people passing by noticed the pretty blonde nun run into the ramen shop.

She came up to the counter, "I recognized the cute little mascot outside! I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Asia? What are you doing here?"

"I was getting some supplies for our training!"

Miyamoto raised an eyebrow, "Training?"

Naruto realized that the innocent maiden might reveal something sensitive and spun her around. He started leading them out the door, "Gramps! Taking my break!"

Naruto led Asia around the corner and into the alleyway. He walked in front of the younger girl and sighed, "Rias said you guys were gonna train or something, right? Why are you still here?"

"T-that's because we're going to be fighting in the city." Asia looked up at the taller blond, "Buchou-San said that the best way for us to train is by growing accustomed to the battleground. We spend the day learning strategies and the nights with physical conditioning."

Naruto looked off to the side and was actually pretty surprised by that way of thinking. Until it was determined how big the battleground would be, they had an entire city to learn and train in.

Asia looked down at her feet embarrassingly, "Although I'm not really doing the physical training. Buchou-San said that it would be a better use of my time to train my magic and demonic power." She held her hands up and a ball of light formed between her palms, "Akeno-San tells me I have a great aptitude to magic power since I am a [Bishop] now so I should probably be staying defensive in a fight."

"That's...probably a good idea." No offense to the nun but she did not seem to shine brightest in a fight. She was kind, heartfelt, caring, and did not want to hurt anyone. Plus she could heal anyone from most severe injuries. Those were definitely the marks of a medic, not a fighter.

"But Issei-San is picking up very quickly with the fighting and training." Asia spoke with energy and joy in her voice, "He spends everyday training for hours. He spars with Kiba-San everyday in the school gym. And he fights with Koneko-chan to help with his strength. And he's learning to use his power with me, but-um-h-he isn't so good at that part yet. But he's getting better!"

Naruto nodded before looking at the bag she was carrying. He inquired, "What's that?"

"Oh!" She started rummaging through the contents of her bag, "These are some things I had to go shopping for today. Some potatoes. Some onions. Noodles. Rice. Underwear. Gym clothes. Swimsuits-"

"Wait what?"

"-and I wanted to grab these too." Asia rested the bag on the ground before pulling out two objects. A glass bottle with a cork, filled with water and with a cross on the front and a small black leather book with a similar cross, "Issei-San doesn't know much about Devil weaknesses so I thought I'd show him these. Some holy water and the Holy Bible."

Naruto tilted his head before taking the glass bottle from her hand. He looked it over, "We're weak...to water?"

"Very special water. Water blessed and purified by a holy priest. It's harmless to humans but to Devils...it can be very painful." She looked up at him, "It's kind of like an acid made specifically for Devils. And it's very dangerous."

Naruto hummed before he looked at the book in her hands, "And the book?"

"This is the Holy Bible. The book that contains all of the teachings and trials The Lord and his apostles passed down to us. It is the book that teaches us how to care for each other, and how we can reach true salvation for our next life." Asia had a dreamy expression as she hugged the black book closer to her chest, "I remember reading scripture every night before I went to bed. It was so beautiful and calming. Here, let me read you some!"

She opened the book in excitement before finding a passage she was very fond of, "And we know that in all things God-"

Both blondes felt a spike of agony pierce through their heads.

Asia struggled but continued to read, "-God works for the good of those who love him-"

Another spike. Another groan and moan of pain.

Asia willed herself, "-who have been called-"

Naruto's hands flew forward and slammed the book shut. His eye twitched, "Asia. Stop reading from the book of pain."

Asia stuttered, "S-sorry. Force of habit."

Naruto stood up straight and rubbed his head to relieve the migraine settling in.

"B-Buchou-San's friends haven't come to a decision yet."

Naruto looked back at Asia, "Huh?"

"The decision about if you can be in the game or not. Buchou-San has been called away a few times to address the matter, but there hasn't been any answer yet." Asia fiddled with her fingers, "I'm sorry."

"I don't see why you're apologizing, it's not like it's your fault this is all happening." He ran his hand over his face and sighed, "It'd probably hinder all your work if I was a part of it now anyway."

Asia shook her head, "I don't think so. Not at all." She smiled warmly at him, "I think everyone would be very happy to have you by our side. I feel safe with you Naruto-San, you can make people feel stronger by their side."

Naruto was silent as Asia picking up the supplies and her bag. The whiskered blond looked at the bottle in his hand and asked, "Can I hold on to this?"

Asia nodded, "Of course you can." She started running out the alley and back home before she turned around and bowed to the older man, "I'll see you later Naruto-San! Wish us luck!"

Asia ran around the corner and out of sight as Naruto stayed in place with a small smile before turning the bottle in his hand.

This was lethal stuff, huh?

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

It was Saturday night.

Really late.

Almost midnight.

He hadn't heard word from Rias or anyone from the ORC since Asia came to see him a few days earlier. Tomorrow was Sunday and the last day of Golden Week.

Naruto was making his way back to his apartment. His white shirt stained with sweat and his hair matted after a long workout

And by long he meant an entire day, from rise to set, alone to test himself.

He got a day off from working at the ramen shop and he didn't know what else to do with his time. So he decided to follow up on the trend he'd been following that week and spend some time pushing himself. He did the same from every night after he was done working at his job and would just test his abilities.

Running. Jumping. Reaction. Strength. Speed. Stamina. Endurance.

They had all gradually started to increase as Naruto trained.

But they didn't change at a normal rate. They were changing into superhuman traits after just a few days of practice. Something that was impossible without years of intense and hellish training. He still got tired but not after a long period of training and work.

He didn't know why this was happening...but he didn't care.

Naruto walked up the stairs of the crummy apartment complex and started walking towards his room. He pulled out his key but stopped when he saw what was waiting outside his door.

Sitting against the door with a file in her lap while she stared up at the sky was a certain crimson-haired Devil. The glasses resting on her nose were reflecting the light from the moon above as she was completely distracted by the majestic beauty of the jewel in the sky.

"I've never seen you look so calm. Usually you're moving or trying to get some thing done."

Rias looked over and saw Naruto standing over her. A calm smile grew over her face, "What in the world could you possibly have been doing to get so sweaty?"

"I was sitting around and realized that I felt bloated so I went out for a little jog." He walked over before sliding against the door and sitting besides her, "Have you been waiting long?"

"Yes, actually, I have." She gave him a cute little scowl, "I came here two hours ago to talk to you and you weren't even here. It's rude to not even be home when you have an important guest waiting."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders, "Well you didn't tell me you were coming so I couldn't be here to meet you. So if anything we're both at fault."

She pouted, "You smell."

"What are you doing here, Rias?"

She patted the file in her lap, "I've been reading this thing for several days now. Height of the buildings around us. Structural integrity. Weak points. Routes. All in hope of helping everyone else prepare for the worst tomorrow."

Naruto took a deep breath, "So it's all going down tomorrow?"

"6 in the morning. The intersection on the edge of the city." Rias sighed and grumbled while looking down at the file, "I didn't give Riser enough credit. To those looking on the outside his gesture of giving us time and choosing a location looks like he was being cocky. But in his own way it's a psychological strategy."

Naruto tilted his head, "How?"

"The longer I have to stew in my thoughts, the more worried I feel about this game. And with such a large location, a first time participant is going to have a harder time fighting against someone with experience."

Naruto's eyes widened before he whistled, "Wow. Gotta give that jackass credit, that's a pretty good idea."

"Yes. It was." Rias scratched her head, "And you're right too, he is a jackass."

Naruto patted her back sympathetically as she moaned in displeasure. He sat back into the door, "So why did you come to see me?"

Rias brought her hands out of her hair and clasped them together, "The committee finally made a ruling on your participation in the Rating Game. There was a lot of arguing because of your status as an Illegal Piece, but Riser got his family to pull some strings, and they decided to leave the decision to me. Fat lot of good that does when the game is tomorrow but politics rarely get done in the favor of time."

Naruto looked at her, "So what's your decision?"

"My decision..." She looked towards him, "Is that it's your choice Naruto. This isn't your fight to suffer through. You did more than enough helping me find the courage to make it this far. I'm not going to force you to do anything if you don't want to." She smiled, "That's something I've learned about you over the weeks."

Naruto stared at her for a moment before he nodded, "Thank you."

"No problem."

He smirked, "But you do realize that tomorrow's the cut off date, right? For trying to convince me to join the club? Looks like I'll win after all."

Rias just sunk down a little further and groaned, "Ugh, it's too much to try and juggle this fight with Riser and you're impossible stubbornness at once. Since this fight decides if I'm gonna marry that jerk or not, I'm pretty sure it's understandable that I've been preoccupied for the last few days."

Naruto's smile fell, "Do you think you'll be ready?"

Rias sighed before looking back up at the sky, "I'm nervous. And scared. We've done all we could. We've trained. Prepared ourselves. All that's left is to hope for the best. I want to win so that my future won't be decided for me, but if I get the chance..."

She grinned at her whiskered friend, "I wanna teach that jerk a few things about manners."

Naruto noticed the calm in her voice and eyes, "You don't seem so nervous for someone deciding their future in a few hours."

Rias leaned her head back and looked up at the sky, "I've never taken a moment just to look up at the sky. It should be obvious that it's a beautiful sight but when you actually just stare at it...it's unbelievable. You feel so big and yet so small at the same time. And when you realize that...all your worries just start to disappear."

While Rias looked up at the sky, Naruto just stared at the [King] silently. She was smart. Knowledgable. But she wasn't wise to the world. She was scared to fight in the game tomorrow, but she also knew that it was necessary. She had experienced everything while being led by someone else and never being able to live life for herself. In that regard, she was like a little girl that wanted to see the whole world for fun.

There was something pure about her desire.

Rias stood back up with a groan before she smiled down at Naruto, "I'll see you soon Naruto. Wish me luck."

She started walking down the steps and into the street back home. Naruto sat there, left alone by the crimson beauty a second time as he looked up at the moon. She was right. It was peaceful.

Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He let the peace and tranquility of the night wash over him. And he felt something stir. Something he hadn't felt in ages.

Rias was walking down the street when she felt a massive burst of energy reach her senses. She spun around and looked to try and pinpoint the odd power but it disappeared just as quickly. She stood there in bewilderment before slowly turning back around and heading back home.

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

"*Yawwwwwwwww*." Koneko yawned before rubbing the sand out of her eyes.

"Koneko-chan, are you okay? You seem tired." Asia said worryingly as she looked at the petite freshman.

"I'm fine, Asia-senpai." Koneko said before shaking her head, "I just don't like waking up so early in the morning."

"I agree. This sucks." Issei spoke lethargically, still tired from working himself to the bone for more than a week. He looked up at their leader, "Buchou, couldn't you have tried to get this thing set up a little later? Maybe when the sun actually started to rise?"

"Sorry Issei, but it was the committees' choice when to hold the match." Rias was walking in circles as she prepared herself for the match, "Sona was on the committee for communications but if you want anyone to complain to you can go to her."

Issei shook his head, "No thank you. I'm pretty sure Saji would tear me a new one if I even tried complaining to Kaichou."

Rias laughed, "I guess you're right."

Yuuto fastened his sword to his side before looking over at his worried [King]. He walked up to her side and held her shoulder, "It's okay Buchou. There's no reason to be worried."

Rias looked at her [Knight], "What? I'm not worried. Do I seem worried?"

"Yes."

"Yes you do."

"Yep."

"Y-you do seem a little panicked."

"Totally swamped."

Rias looked at her peerage dryly, "Well thanks for the vote of confidence everyone."

Akeno came over to her friend's side and ran a hand over her back, "You can trust us. I promise you we will win this."

Rias looked up at her oldest friend as she gave her an assuring smile. She looked around to see the rest of her team give her the same smile, "Are we ready?"

"Six of us against that prick's whole harem?" Issei grinned, "I bet we can handle it."

"No." They all looked at Koneko as she disagreed before pointing behind them, "Seven."

They looked back to see Naruto standing with them, dressed in his school uniform like the rest of them and a hand in his pocket. His knife secured between his belt and a small smile on his face.

Naruto saw their happily surprised faces and he shrugged, "Since I was the one that pushed you to do this match, I should be here to help you through it."

Rias nodded her head, "I knew you'd come."

"Why's that?"

"Because I trust you."

Issei came up to the blond and punched his shoulder, "You gonna be able to handle fighting with us? We got a whole lot stronger since the stuff at the church."

"Oh." Naruto punched Issei's shoulder in return, making the pervert yelp and tumble over at the strength in his fist, "Don't worry about me Fuck-Face. I can take care of myself."

Koneko walked up behind him and smacked him on the back, which from the little freshman was no different then getting smacked in the spine with a metal bat. He looked back and she nodded at him with a grateful smile.

They all went silent as a massive Gremory Magic circle appeared beneath them. They all stood apart as the circle glowed brighter and brighter.

Rias narrowed her eyes, "It's time."

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Done

I kept holding off on the one part of Naruto that was essential to his chracter, no matter what the format or interpretation. And it's a simple fact of life for all of us no matter where we go.

You always find things you come to cherish and protect. And you will come to protect them when you have to.

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