New Devil of The Gremory House

Life 18: Reconnection

So I decided this chapter to make a move. Always going to make it, just waiting for the chance, and here it is.

So...enjoy.

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[You seem tired.]

"Yeah," Issei groused through his yawn while making his way towards school. The pervert rubbed his eyes again to clear out the sand, "Didn't think we'd stay up so late studying for the tests."

Exams were coming up and Asia wanted to make sure her Japanese was better. The poor nun was so frantic and worried about reading the characters correctly that they spent most of the night revising. He also had to help her make a study sheet for translating Italian phrases into Japanese to help Xenovia. Apparently the two former Church-goers had become fast friends before he knew it.

He caught them at the end of their prayers sometimes when they were on the ground clutching their heads. Even as Devils it was just instinctive of them to pray. Poor fools.

Now he was left walking to school by himself while Asia went to visit Xenovia in her new home. He yawned once before looking down at his arm, "I guess you don't get to share in my fatigue or anything, do you? Like one of those relationships in manga?"

[I'm the disembodied soul of a dragon latched onto a powerful weapon and now forced to spend a Devil's lifetime in the arm of a teenager. This might be a punishment but it'd be too cruel if I had to suffer your pain and fatigue as well.]

"Fair enough." Issei shrugged at the crabby response before tilting his head, "Buchou said Devils have pretty long lifespans, right?"

[Several millennia in fact.]

"O-oh." His eyes widened as the huge number started coming back to him. Wow that was a long time. How the hell was he going to spend several millennia of life doing anything anyway. Shit that was overwhelming. He looked down at his arm before coughing awkwardly, "I-I guess we'll have a lot of time to get to know each other. So...do you have any hobbies?"

[Fighting.]

"Ah. Anything else you like, besides fighting?"

[Red.]

"Not sure what I was expecting." Issei sighed, "Guess we're going to have to spend some of those millennia trying to get you a new hobby or something."

[Activities to slate my boredom are hardly the most pressing matter. You should be on your guard. You may find yourself in a fight at any moment.]

"Geez you're paranoid. Is this that 'drawing people with strength towards me' thing you warned me about? Don't you think you're overreacting?"

[Am I? I was almost certain that after I warned you two emissaries from the Church appeared wielding Holy Swords, your companion gained the ability to wield a weapon unlike any in this world, that blond fellow reappeared with a Sacred Gear, and you all were forced to fight with a powerful foe from an enemy faction.]

"..."

[...]

"Okay. Point to you, I guess."

[I'm not even accounting the arrival of the White One, which should be reason enough to prepare for a battle.]

"White One, White One, you keep talking about this guy. Are you talking about that big white armor that crashed down through the dome at the end of our fight with Kokabiel?" Issei recalled the sudden appearance of that stranger in shimmering white armor at the end of their long fight. He thought that armor looked far too much like his own for it to a coincidence, "Who is he exactly?"

[For as long as I have lived and as long as I can remember, I have been at odds with a white dragon. We fought an endless battle, leveling lands and destroying lives all across the world. Our battles were glorious and numerous, but never did we find a proper end to them.]

"W-wow, you weren't kidding about the fighting hobby, were you?"

[We fought so much that it was the only thing that mattered to us. Others tried to intervene and stop our quarreling but they quickly found themselves pushed aside or worse. Finally it was decided that our fighting was becoming too much of a nuisance for a certain conflict to carry on. You should guess what it is, since you recently halted its second wind.]

"The war?! Seriously?!" Issei gawked, drawing a few nervous looks from other people as he reeled back from that bomb. The dragon in his arm had forced the war to come to a temporary halt so they could deal with him. He paled, "What did I get stuck with?"

[Once our bodies were destroyed, our souls were confined to two Sacred Gears. But even without physical forms, our battle did not stop. It was merely changed to use the people inhabiting our Gears now. For generations we have waged war upon each other, Ddraig and Albion. And I'm certain this time will be no different.]

"B-but are you really sure?" Issei worriedly inquired with sweat accumulating on his brow, "Anyway I can just meet with this guy and talk stuff out or - GAH!" Issei's body shook with sudden pain as he gripped his left arm when it started to pulse with power. He grimaced and held it tightly, "What the hell?"

"In answer to your question...no. No you will not."

Issei stood up when he heard the new voice speak up close to him. He looked up in surprise to see a handsome silver-haired youth standing a few feet away from him. The stranger had a cocky smirk on his face as he approached the boy in sudden pain. He stopped in front of Issei and tilted his head, "So you're Issei Hyoudou? I didn't get a proper chance to look you over last time because you looked so drained from using your Balance Breaker. Have to admit just by first impressions that this is rather underwhelming."

Issei glared at the strange newcomer as the pain in his arm subsided, "W-who are you?"

"Don't recognize me? I suppose you wouldn't when I was wearing my Scale Mail." The young man slid his hands into his pockets and smirked, "You can call me Vali. Or the White Dragon Emperor. Or Vanishing Dragon. Or Hakuryuukou. Or Albion. Whichever suits you."

"Y-you?" Issei looked down at his arm before glaring back up at the boy, "You're the guy Ddraig was just telling me about?"

[Just? You must be getting lax. By this point in a life you'd already be training in order to face me one day. But it appears that your new vessel has about as much strength as a pup.]

"W-who said that?"

[Albion. What an absolute displeasure it is to hear your voice again.]

[What's the matter Ddraig? Fearful that your loss is coming so soon after finally being able to achieve communication with your vessel?]

[No. I was just reminded of the only truly positive aspect of this enteral damnation we've been locked into. The fact I don't have to listen to you as much as I had to back then.]

[I suppose you're right. Instead of conversing, I'll get my point across when I kill you again.]

"We're not here to fight. Not yet at least." Vali interrupted the two dragons' conversation before looking Issei over and smirking, "Although, I bet it would be easy. To take you out now while you're still so weak."

Issei felt his palms sweat at the threatening presence the young man held over him before growling, "So why don't you?"

"Because I wouldn't get a fight. That's the whole reason this cycle keeps going. We get stronger. We fight. We kill. We start over. If I kill you know," Vali shrugged, "Who knows how long I'll have to wait until I can fight the next Sekiryuutei?"

"Who's stopping you?" Issei powered through his fear and attempted to sound confident as uncertainty filled his thoughts, "Why don't we test it right here? Right now?"

"Substantial bluff. You think if we started a fight here in the street - in Gremory territory - that we'd draw attention from your fellow peerage, right?" Vali stated as Issei clicked his teeth, "It's a clever idea for someone with little combat ability. But there's something you should know..." The silver-haired man looked Issei in the eye, "If you did that...you'd just be killing your friends."

The brunette's eyes widened before Vali continued, "How strong do you think you are? Even with the help of your Boosted Gear, do you think you can stand up on the same level as some of the strongest beings in this world?" Vali gave a simple smile and stepped away from Issei before speaking, "Because let me tell you...you don't measure up in the thousands even with the help of your Longinus."

Issei felt himself start to sweat a little more at the idea of just how outclassed he was. Not only by the man in front of him, but by the sheer scope of power he had not yet fully realized around him. Issei gulped before jerking his head in the opposite direction, "So fuck off and go fight one of those guys then."

"I will. In due time." Vali answered, "But I thought I'd take a moment and come meet you face-to-face. It might not feel like it but this is quite the momentous occasion. This iteration of the Hakuryuukou and Sekiryuutei meeting together for the first time. We have quite the connection after all."

"I'd rather not have a connection with you..." Issei paused and looked up in thought, "Or any other guy for that manner."

"It's destiny."

"You sure? Seems more like you went out of your way to look for me just to glare me down."

"You're the one glaring. I'm merely having a pleasant conversation."

[I see your vessels are still as unbearable as ever, Albion.]

[That's quite a surprise to hear from you. Considering you keep that other boy so close with your followers. Or maybe you don't remember.]

[Remember what?]

Vali continued to stare Issei down, but the silver-haired boy's eyes widened when an arm suddenly came around his neck. Vali was yanked off his feet and looked to be headed for the ground before escaping out of the lock around his neck and jumping through the air. The Longinus-wielder landed on his feet and glared at his surprise attacker, "And what was that?"

"What do you mean? I told you I'd get you back for choke slamming me before, remember?" Naruto clarified with a scowl, "You weren't supposed to get out of it. How is that fair?"

"N-Naruto-senpai!"

[Boy has guts for trying to attack the Vanishing Dragon from behind. That or he is incredibly stupid.]

"You come to pick up Kokabiel after our fight with him, and now you're here harassing my cute [Pawns]." Rias' elegant and even voice pierced the tension as she strolled over, her arms crossed underneath her breasts as she regarded the silver-haired boy, "I'm quite surprised just how rude and blunt this generation's White Dragon Emperor is."

"You think so, Rias Gremory?" Vali spoke with a smirk, "I came all the way out here to introduce myself to my future rival. If I was as rude as you paint me to be I'd just appear one day, not even bother introducing myself, and gut Issei Hyoudou on the spot. I have some manners."

"Got some real nerve saying you have manners." Naruto snarled, "After trying to poke out my eyes and tempting me with ramen back when I was still being held by Azazel."

"Playing with a plaything. Don't hate me too much." Vali's casual smile turned into a deep frown as he matched Naruto's vicious look, "And you ate my ramen. How's that for rude?"

"You abandoned your ramen. Any self-respecting ramen lover knows you never walk away from a serving of ramen."

"And any fool knows that you spit in the face of that glorious food when you covet and steal it from someone else. You love ramen? Pfft, you only disrespect it!"

"Hold your fucking tongue!"

Issei raised an eyebrow at the heated conversation between the blond and the silver-haired boy. His eyes lingered over to Rias to see her sigh and shake her head as well. So it wasn't just him that noticed the Hakuryuukou was far more emotional talking about ramen than he was fighting him. For someone declared as his eternal rival, Issei wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or insulted.

Naruto stopped glowering and stood up straight before speaking, "If you're here, that means Azazel's still around, right?"

"That's right." Vali slid his hands in his pockets and nodded with a small smirk, "He decided to arrive earlier for the conference between the faction leaders. And before you get any ideas, he's not in the same building or room you left from. Sorry to inform you, Rias Gremory." The redhead narrowed her eyes, "I could tell from your look that you were eager to find him and exchange words after he took your little toy for so long, am I correct?"

Rias ignored his inquiry and raised a different point, "So then why are you here today, Hakuryuukou? Truly only here to measure up against Issei?"

"I asked Naruto Uzumaki what I could expect from my new rival. All he told me was that he was an unbelievable pervert that would literally sacrifice his life for coitus. I was interested in seeing it for myself."

"Seriously?" Issei groaned to his senior, "That's what you told my apparent arch rival?"

Naruto shrugged, "Well...am I wrong?"

"No! But I'd rather you not tell him anything that would pique his interest!"

"Oh...too late."

"Dammit!"

"Well this has been an intriguing experience, but I think I can call it enough for today. I wouldn't want you all to be late for school." Vali simply started walking away, not at all worried by the glares and looks sticking to his back before saying over his shoulder, "I suppose we'll all meet again at the treaty. Take care until then."

Issei gulped as he watched Vali walk out of sight. When he was gone he sighed in relief and turned to the blond and redhead, "Oh man, I'm glad you got here in time. If you didn't get here to ward him off I'm worried that would have ended in a fight."

"He wasn't here to fight. And we didn't ward him off."

"Huh?"

Issei took notice of the stern look on Naruto's face as he kept staring in the direction Vali had walked off. He looked over at Rias and saw her sigh a breath of relief, a small drop of sweat coming down from her temple, "B-Buchou?"

"He's right, Issei. That boy wasn't here to fight. He really was only here to meet you." Rias spoke with some faint concern as she looked at her [Pawn], "If he really was here to fight...we wouldn't have been able to stop him."

"W-what?" Issei muttered, "Seriously? A-are you kidding?"

"Not at all. That guy has his sights on you." Naruto agreed.

Issei's pulsed quickened before Rias stepped forward and embraced him in a hug. He'd have relished the situation at any other time if he didn't feel a tremble through his shoulders as Rias whispered, "We'll protect you, Issei. We won't let him hurt you."

[Sorry, partner. Usually most others would simply accept the situation they're in but I can tell you're really not accustomed to fighting.]

Some terrible, unstoppable fight that he was destined to participate in from the moment he was born and stuck with this Boosted Gear.

What was he in for?

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"The Hakuryuukou at our campus. That's unfortunate, but considering the Sekiryuutei goes here I can't say it wasn't a possibility." Sona muttered to herself with her hand on her chin in thought. The Sitri heiress closed her eyes, "I suppose considering what could have happened that the matter was able to be solved through words is a miracle."

"How's Issei-kun handling this?"

"He's a bit shaken up." Rias responded to her [Queen] as they met up in the hall and discussed the incident with their fellow Devils, "This is the first time he's had to experience the fate of the Two Heavenly Dragons for himself. He's reeling at the idea of it."

"Poor boy." Tsubaki said with some sympathy in her voice, "I can't imagine being locked into a destiny like that."

"Hey," The four girls looked up at the blond boy in their conversation as he looked confused by their subject, "I've been meaning to ask but what's the big deal? Why did that kid have such an interest in Issei? And what's this stuff about having to fight and two dragons?"

"You haven't told him?" Sona asked Rias as the redhead shrugged.

"It hasn't really come up until now."

"And Naruto-San wouldn't know much about our history." Akeno added with a faint laugh, "You'll never believe the story he told us-"

"Stop." The whiskered Devil cut her off with a glare, "Don't go telling everyone my story if you're just gonna be laughing during it."

"I wasn't." Akeno smiled beautifully, "I was merely interested in regaling them with your fantastical tale."

"Yeah, can't see you twisting it around in some horrific way to mess with me." She smiled and he grumbled before turning back to Rias, "So what's the story?"

"Eons ago two dragons waged war on each other across the planet. A Welsh Dragon called Ddraig and a Vanishing Dragon called Albion. For as long as anyone can remember they were fighting each other and never stopping. So Devils, Fallen Angels, Angels, and even God came together to stop them once and for all. Their bodies were destroyed but their souls were just too strong to erase so they were confined to Sacred Gears instead. The Boosted Gear and the Divine Dividing." Rias explained, "Even with only theirs souls those Gears are considered so powerful that they are designated as Longinus; Sacred Gears with the capabilities of killing gods if given the chance. And they pass from person to person every time the predecessors die. In this iteration Albion is housed in that boy's body, and Ddraig in Issei's. And just like every time before...they're destined to fight."

"That's crazy." Naruto shook his head, "Can't they just stop fighting or-"

"The dragons are compelled to fight each other. And more often than not the people inhabiting them become overwhelmed in the fight and quest for power." Sona clarified, "If Hyoudou-kun isn't careful, he may lose himself in the quest for power."

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he looked down, "Two people destined to fight each other to continue an age-old battle."

"What is it?"

"Nothing. Just...nostalgia." Naruto shook his head before turning away from the girls and heading down the hall, "Ugh, this is way too much to think about during school. I'm gonna get something to eat."

"Wait for me." Rias called as she followed up at his side, "I'll come too. I need to buy something to eat seeing as I didn't prepare anything last night."

"You did seem really angry at the fact your brother is coming to visit."

"We aren't bringing that up again." Rias said with a frown before it turned into a smile again, "You know I've spent so long at this school but I've never actually gotten a meal from the store here."

"I suggest the yakisoba sandwich. It's really good."

"I'll take you up on that."

She smiled up at him and he felt himself do the same almost reflexively. Walking down the school hallway with her he was reminded about just how much had changed for him over the last few months. Not just about becoming a Devil, but how much happier he was now than before. Not too long ago he dreaded having to come to this school, go another day not knowing what he should do or where he could go. Now...

He still hated school, but he looked forward to seeing the people in it each day. And he felt his spirits raise and shoulders lighten when he was around Rias and the others. Even with all the shocked or even envious looks he was getting walking alongside the famous redhead he didn't care; solely focusing on her and what she had to say.

Once again his thoughts went back to what Issei and Yuuto said-

"Oh, hello Xenovia." Naruto was pulled from his thoughts when he saw them approach their new [Knight] who stood by the side and watched the hectic mess that was the crowd pining for food.

"Greeting Rias-Buchou, Naruto." The blue-haired junior greeted them.

"What are you doing?"

"I didn't have a lunch today so I came down to buy something from the stand. But I stopped and marveled at the sight of this massive crowding of people." The foreign girl cupped her chin in thought, "I had no idea this was a Japanese Lunchtime Rush."

Rias chuckled, "I didn't expect you to be intimidated by a crowd."

"Not like that."Xenovia responded, "I could easily get through the crowd, but that would probably leave a bad impression. I'm attempting to come at this problem without breaking anyone's limbs or sending anyone to the hospital. So far...I'm at an impasse."

"Quite the conundrum." Rias piped up before turning to Naruto, "Well you're our resident veteran in this matter. Any ideas?"

Naruto looked at the situation and tried to consider the best method to face it. Usually when he came for his food this same mob was forming around the food; teenagers becoming animals as the pushed and forced their way to the front for the best meals. He usually had to use force and barrel through the people to get his food. He'd probably have to do the same now, but he could do it with a much finer touch than Xenovia was talking about. But if the people didn't move aside and the food was wrecked on the way back...

...

"Hey Rias," He took Xenovia's money and his own and handed them to their [King], "Why don't you go buy the food for us?"

"What?" She looked surprised by his proposal before sending him a questioning look, "Are you serious? I've never pushed through a crowd like that before. This isn't one of those gopher situations, is it?"

"Trust me and go try."

"Very well. Let's see how well this turns out." Rias muttered as she walked towards the hectic crowd.

Xenovia stepped up to his side and asked, "Are you sure that was the best decision?"

"Give it a sec."

Rias approached the mob-

"Rias-sama!"

"Onee-sama!"

"Gremory-sama, please go ahead of us!"

The entire crowd shifted away as all the boys and girls gushed when Rias started making her way through. All of them had red faces, admiring the sight of their goddess as she politely thanked them and sent a smile their way. Rias easily made her way to the counter and placed her order.

Naruto smirked, "Knew it."

"That's amazing." The blue-haired girl noted, "Almost like watching the Red Sea part, but instead of water it's a hungry student body." She nodded her thanks to the blond, "Excellent plan."

"Thanks."

It was quiet between the two of them as an awkward silence settled while they watched Rias make her order. Naruto's eyes wandered to the side, catching a glimpse of the blue-haired warrior as she kept watching ahead. He didn't want to feel nervous, but the memory of her suggesting they have sex and then grabbing his favorite growth lingered in his mind.

"Naruto?" He flinched when she spoke up as Xenovia turned to him and bowed her head apologetically, "I want to apologize for what transpired the other day. It was rash and uncalled for and inappropriate."

"O-oh." Naruto said before giving a quick nod, "Well as long as that's established then-"

"Thanks to some further guidance from Kiryuu, I understand that getting a child is something of a final step in the vast realm of coitus. I need to work my way up there with some more casual experiences first." Xenovia declared before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a multitude of colorful condoms, "I received these prophylactics for protection."

Did he pop a vessel? He felt like he popped a vessel.

"That was much easier than anticipated." Rias stated as she came back over with three sandwiches in her hands. She handed them out with a smile, "Good idea, Naruto. That only took a minute. So~, what were you two talking about?"

"Not much." Naruto snatched the bread from her hand before he started off in the other direction with a nervous laugh, "I-I'll see you guys later, okay! Bye!"

Rias and Xenovia watched him run off before they could speak up. The Gremory heiress casually undid the wrapping and bit into her lunch before asking her [Knight], "What was that about?"

"Well I was following your advice..."

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Koneko wasn't expecting to find anyone in the club when she went to go have her lunch because the other years should have been in class. But when she walked in she found her blond senior laying back in one of the couches and trying to work something out on his phone. He froze like a deer in headlights when she spotted him and chuckled dryly, "Don't tattle."

Koneko responded with a stoic stare directed at him, "Shouldn't you be in class?"

"I made a promise to Rias that I would come to school now that I'm part of the peerage. But I never said anything about attending every class." Naruto said with a smirk, "What's school without playing hooky every now and then?"

"You were right. You really are a terrible influence." Koneko quietly said as she made her way over to the couch and nudged his foot. He swung them over and let her take the seat next to him as she started digging into her meal as well. She looked at the phone he was glaring at, "Did it do something to piss you off?"

"No, nothing like that." He answered in a grumpy tone, "It's just I'm still trying to get the hang of it. Everyone has suggested to me a website to check out but I feel like my fingers are too big to type in what I want and I'm getting frustrated." He scratched his head, "I have no idea how so many people use these things nowadays."

"You really didn't have anything like this back in your world?"

"Nope. I'm pretty sure most of the long distance messaging was by carrier hawk."

"Your world used carrier hawks, scrolls, and walking to get between locations. But also had TVs, radios, computers and hospitals." Koneko noted, "Your world was very strange."

"Can't deny that." Naruto chuckled before looking down at the small girl, "You know I think you're the only one that immediately accepted my story about coming from the other world. You didn't question it or humor it or straight out deny it like Fuck-Face did. Asia still looks intrigued like I'm telling a story and Rias...well I don't know about her. She always asks me if I can tell her more-"

"She's a Xenophile." Koneko answered before further explaining once she saw the confused look on Naruto's face, "Buchou was born in a Eruopean-style household, so she's never gotten to experience the same kind of livelihood as us. Tatami boards. Rice cookers. Ninjas. Samurai. Temples. Shrines. Kyoto especially. She loves all these things more than anybody else. And to find out you come from a world where things like this are most commonplace intrigues her a lot. You're the whole package to her."

"Huh, that's interesting." Naruto hummed, taking notice of what the young girl said about whole packages. He shrugged, "Well if she's interested in hearing then she can just ask."

"She most certainly will." Koneko made to take another bite but hesitated as something flashed through her head. She lowered her food and looked down as well before speaking, "Senpai, can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"How did you learn to use Senjutsu?" Koneko took the leap and felt Naruto focus on her as she continued to keep her gaze down on her knees, "In our world, there are special races and clans, or even extremely gifted individuals that are capable of using Senjutsu but none of them are human. It's uncalled for that a normal person would be able to use abilities like that, but you learned it somehow. So...how did you?"

"Well that's a pretty long story." Naruto prefaced with a scratch of his head, "It all started one day when my old master died. He had gone off to face the leader of his organization that had been causing a lot of trouble and...well, he couldn't do it by himself. His teachers, a pair of toads, came to me after that and told me to learn the same style of Senjutsu that he learned in order to fight that leader too. So they took me to this mountain and taught me how to use Senjutsu, with some pretty messed up punishments of me being covered in oil that could turn me into a toad if I wasn't careful. After awhile I finally got the hang of it and could feel the energy flow into me, but not without some part of me changing." He pointed at his face, "That's why my eyes change into toad eyes when I'm in Sage Mode. I guess I have to adopt some animal features in order to use Senjutsu too, just like the people in this world, huh?"

Koneko nodded before looking up at him, "B-but aren't you worried?" He tilted his head, "You know what can happen to Senjutsu-users that take in too much natural energy, right? They become overwhelmed by the malice of this world and become crazy. T-they lose themselves and hurt people-"

"I know." Naruto nodded, "Rias' brother told me. And if I'm totally honest...I do feel a little more aggressive and unhinged when I use Sage Mode in this world."

"Then you shouldn't risk it!" Koneko spoke with a little more volume, which was unusual for her. So much so that it caused Naruto to look at her in surprise as she stood up from her seat and get some height to look down at him, "Do you know what would happen if you lost your mind and became insane from something like that? We wouldn't be able to recognize you! You wouldn't even recognize us! You might run away and disappear forever and..."

"Yeah...I considered that."

"Then please stop using it, Senpai." Koneko went back to her whisper even if it did sound more pleading and desperate as she lowered her head, "You don't need to risk yourself like that. I won't let what happened in the previous fights happen again. I'll...I'll protect you and everyone else."

"I bet you would, Koneko...but I'm still going to do it."

She looked back up at him with shaky, fearful eyes, "Why?"

The blond gave a faint smile and hefted himself back on his feet. When he was standing again he crossed his fingers together and summoned an identical clone to his side. Koneko didn't looked surprised, probably remembering when he used this technique during the Rating Game as he explained, "I made this clone with my chakra. It's the energy that flows inside me and gave me the ability to do a lot of stuff when I was younger. But since I was caught in that blast and I ended up here my chakra has been badly mixed up. Something is wrong with it inside me. I can barely summon enough of it took make one of these guys, and after long enough-"

The clone popped and Naruto flinched at the pain that spiked his system. He fell back in his seat and Koneko looked about to help before he raised his hand, "This happens. I can't use my chakra anymore to fight, and I'm still learning how to properly use my Demonic Power. So all I have left is to use Sage Mode...even with its risks."

Koneko stared at her senior for a moment and felt her eyes water before whispering, "But why?"

"Because..." He grinned and patted her head while still looking into her eyes, "Just like you want to protect me, I want to protect you and everyone else. I don't want to lose any of you like I lost others back in my home world. So if I have to risk that to make sure I can fight for all of you...that's totally worth it." He pulled his hand back, Koneko looking sad to have his comforting palm leave her hair as he shrugged, "Cause you're all worth fighting for."

...

"Well, I think I could use a nap." Naruto stretched out his limbs before lifting his feet up to stick on the table as he leaned back in the couch, "If you wanna keep eating please be quiet, okay? And don't tell Rias I'm here for just a little bit longer, alright?"

She didn't want him to risk himself like that. Not just his life but his mind and identity. If she had to watch one more person she cared about fade away like that...

No. Not again. Not him at least.

She had to do something.

He said his chakra let him do a lot of fighting when he was younger, and by some of the stuff he told them about his younger days he did a lot of fighting. So maybe if he had it back...

Koneko waited until he fell asleep, which didn't take long from how steady his breathing was becoming. Carefully Koneko sat close to his side and leaned into his shoulder. She raised one hand and laid it on his chest as she closed her eyes.

She could feel it...many different foreign energies muddling his system. Probably from floating around in the Dimensional Gap for too long. They needed to be corrected.

Koneko quelled her fears and steeled herself for what she was about to do. If he was willing to risk himself and she knew he was then she had to be willing to do the same.

And so Koneko concentrated while two ears popped out of her hair.

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[You said your ultimate goal was to create a harem, correct? Then you should be delighted. As I stated before your power will draw in a lot of attention from the opposite sex. I'm certain you'll find your harem in no time.]

"That's great but I feel like you're purposefully neglecting something."

[Many of my predecessors did find themselves surrounded by the sex of their desire...but they were also too consumed by the power and strength offered to them with the Boosted Gear to actually enjoy it.]

"Always a catch." Issei mumbled to himself as he kept his head hidden in the fold of his arm while classes came to an end. He hadn't taken a single note all day because his mind continued to wander. Too preoccupied with the realization of his fate and just how dangerous it really was. He had received some ambiguous warnings and cryptic telling of what laid ahead of him because he had the Boosted Gear, but never anything concrete.

Until now.

'My destiny is to fight that Vali guy to the death to prove which one of us is stronger?' Issei's thoughts turned dreadful as he immediately started to think about all the terrible, gruesome ways he could be taken out by that cocky silver-haired jerk. He shivered and shook his head, "I'm screwed."

"What's the matter, Issei-San? You looked distracted the entire class." He looked up and saw Asia's concerned expression mere inches from him. Her eyes softened and she spoke with a soft voice, "Are you still thinking about that other Heavenly Dragon from before?"

"N-no, not at all!" He responded with a shaky smile, "Just worrying about parent visitation day is all."

[You're not very convincing.]

"Issei-San," The pervert felt Asia's smaller hand grip his tightly. But felt a sense of safety and relief flood into him when she smiled, "I know it may seem scary having to know there is someone terrifying like that looking at you. And I wish I could protect you properly," He didn't dare wish to see her in harm's way, "But I promise I will always be by your side to help you. However I can. So if you just ask..."

Issei felt a smile easily come to his face as the dread shriveled up. He sat up in his chair, "Thank you, Asia. That really helped." He shrugged, "I still don't know how I'm supposed to deal with that white dragon asshole, but I'll figure something out."

"Awww~, you're having such a sweet moment~."

"You must be so happy to have someone like Asia-chan by your side~."

Dread quickly returned as he felt a pair of hands on his shoulders as the others lifted up his chair. He didn't even get out a yell before he was raised and slammed down on his back as Motohama and Matsuda snarled down at him, "YOU BASTARD! YOU DARE GET LOVEY-DOVEY IN FRONT OF US! HAVE YOU NO HEART!"

"Sorry, almost forgot you guys existed." Issei heartlessly countered as his two friends gasped and reeled back in shock. He rubbed his neck and sat up to regard his two friends, "I was just talking with Asia. Just because you two see any kind of interaction with the opposite sex as greater strides than either of you will ever make in the effort of talking to girls doesn't mean you have to take your frustrations out on me."

"H-heartless!"

"Is this still Issei Hyoudou?! The loneliest, most depraved member of the Perverted Trio that was hated by everybody to a much higher degree than either of us put together?!"

"How in the world did that filthy, lecherous, bathroom-peeping, changing room-invading, ludicrous lout of a pervert every get the ability to be around a normal girl?!"

"Why the hell did you add so many adjectives you assholes?!" Issei immediately lunged at the two boys and started wringing out their necks as they retaliated in kind, "I'm gonna make you both regret those words!"

"He seems to be back in spirits." Asia turned to see Xenovia stepping up to her side to watch the argument between friends. The blue-haired warrior turned to the blonde nun, "Is he still thinking about the White Dragon Emperor?"

Asia gave a sad nod, "Yes, Issei-San can't stop thinking about it." The blonde girl's voice lowered as she looked back to see the boy of her affection grappling with the two boys, "I always knew Issei-San could do great things, but for his destiny to be so dangerous."

"There are a lot of stories about the Two Heavenly Dragons and their battle. One of the things the records of those battles prove is that when the time for that battle comes, the expected outcome isn't always the one that pulls through. The younger wielder created some fantastic ability the other couldn't anticipate. The older fighter proved their experience through battle was more than enough to make up for their younger foe's ferocity. Even the weaker side pulled through unexpectedly." Xenovia turned to the shorter girl with a faint smile, "Don't lose hope just yet."

"Xenovia-San..." Asia's eyes watered but she quickly wiped them away and gave a firm nod back, "Okay, I won't lose hope yet! I know Issei-San will pull through this with a victory! He's strong enough to do it!"

"Good. Also, since you care for him so much..." Xenovia reached into her pocket before handing her something, "Take one of these."

Asia examined the strange, colorful wrapping placed in her hand, "What is this?"

"It's protection. For when Issei is in the act."

"Oh! Protection! This will ease his mind!"

Asia clutched the gift tightly and looked to her first friend with a smile. She wasn't going to let anything bad ever happen to Issei.

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

"Wake up."

Naruto felt his feet get roughly knocked over and jolted awake with a start. When he did he looked around and saw Rias looking at him with an exasperated smile. Koneko was hiding behind the redhead like she was scared and he suddenly felt like he should be too, "Hey." He lamely greeted with a smile, "How did you know I was here?"

"You missed the rest of your classes." Rias noted, "You overslept. School's over."

"S-seriously?" Rias nodded and he sat up a little in surprise. He was going to take a nap for maybe most of the class, not the rest of the school day. He stood up and prepared to give his excuse, "I swear I didn't-"

"Don't worry, we'll have a talk about this later." Rias said with some amusement before shaking her head, "Honestly if I'm upset about anything it's that Koneko decided to close her eyes and do the same. You truly are the worst kind of role model for her." She didn't sound upset or annoyed at all, just enjoying the oddness of the situation before pointing to the door, "Don't you have a job to do? You'll be late if you stay behind."

"Oh, good point. See you at the apartment." He waved her off and made for the door before waving back, "See ya later, Koneko."

The girl gave a small, shy wave in response before Naruto was gone. Once he was, Koneko's expression fell into one of fear and trepidation. She flinched when Rias turned to her, but looked up to see a worried expression on her [King's] face, "I thought you never wanted to use it again. Why would you do that?"

Koneko lifted her head, "I wanted to help him."

Rias felt like melting at the expression her [Rook] was showing her as she leaned in and enveloped the short girl in a hug. An embrace the young freshman was more than willing to return as Rias comforted the worried girl, "My sweet, silly girl. Sometimes I just don't get you." The fear in Koneko's frame started to wade with her comfort as Rias just let her calm down in her arms.

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

It was dark when Naruto made it back to the apartment. He walked in and found Rias in his room, working on some homework at his table before she greeted him. He chuckled and greeted her back with resignation. For a girl that had her room right next door to his she spent a lot of time hanging out in his. He dropped his bag and went for the fridge, "Any ideas for dinner?"

"I have some in mind." She responded, "Were you worried about coming back because you thought I'd be mad about earlier?" Naruto gave a nervous chuckle and shrugged, "Well no matter how nervous you may have been I can promise Koneko felt worse. She felt like she did something she shouldn't have and she was so worried. That girl is such a worrywart."

"I swear I wasn't trying to tempt her into skipping."

"I know, and you can't help it either." She smiled up at him, "She just likes you too much to leave you."

Naruto gave a faint smile as he started drinking-

"Xenovia told me what happened at the pool."

And he immediately spat it all up. The whiskered man doubled over coughing and slamming his chest to clear his lungs. His eyes started to sting before he looked over in despair only to see Rias' amused expression. The Gremory heiress giggled, "I gave her a stern talking to. There's nothing wrong with being a little aggressive for what you want, but a warning and planning are also needed. She was actually quite intrigued to listen to what I had to say. So everything is fine now."

Naruto's shoulders lowered in relief, "I was shocked when she actually did it. I had no idea what to do."

"Sounds like quite the situation." Rias nodded as she stood up from her spot and made her way around the table to face him, "I can understand why you would be surprised having something like that suddenly sprung on you. That being said..."

"What?"

"Can I try it too?"

...

It was completely silent between the two of them as Naruto stoically stared at Rias' still expression. He blinked, "What."

"I want to try doing what Xenovia did too." Rias repeated, "I thought it would be more tasteful to ask you instead of just jumping in. Especially since the last time I tried engaging with you in something like this I sort of just thrust myself onto you. Now I'm asking. Can we?"

"A-are you serious?"

"Absolutely."

"No, no I don't really know if you do."

"I promise I do."

"This seems way too crazy to be real. Did I fall asleep cooking ramen again?"

"I'm not sure how to respond to that but I promise you this is real."

"You don't know how to respond?! How do I respond to this?! This has got to be a fantasy! This is way too much to be real!"

"I am very much real, Naruto Uzumaki!"

"No no no no, this is my imagination playing against me! Just because I've been thinking about Rias a lot lately doesn't mean she'd be here asking to go 2.5 bases with me!"

"2.5 bases?" Rias titled her head before her eyes widened, "Wait you've been thinking about me?"

"Nope!" Naruto slipped past her, "Begone crazy figment of my imagination!"

"Why you!"

Rias jumped into his back and they both went falling down into his bed. When it was done Naruto was laid out on his back with the pure-blooded Devil straddling him. Rias looked down and saw Naruto staring up at her with his cheeks turning red. She sighed before a smile returned to her face and she grabbed his hand.

She rested his hand on her breast and let it sink into the flesh. Last time they were in this position Naruto's mind was so overloaded that he couldn't properly feel the sensation when he grabbed her.

But now his brain was taking in every feeling when he grabbed her boob. Even through her uniform and bra he could feel just how soft, squishy, and responsive her chest was to the most minute movements he made. His hand squeezed a little tighter on the soft sensation of her chest before he felt something through his palm.

Her heartbeat.

He looked up in surprise as she smiled, "The last time I almost ruined a moment like this because I was afraid of having my life and choices taken away from me. But thankfully you convinced me to stop before we made a mistake."

"And now?" Naruto asked while his hand squeezed her mound, "What about this mistake?"

"No."

Rias leaned down and took his lips in a kiss. The two closed their eyes and deepened the lock before Rias pulled back, leaving Naruto wanting more before she reassured him, "This isn't a mistake."

Rias started to fiddle with his pants before undoing his buttons and slipping her hand into his drawers. His body stilled when she took a firm hold of his member and wrapped her fingers around it. His eyes twitched and he let out a groan as Rias started to make some precautionary movements with it.

"W-wow." He opened his eyes again to see a surprised expression on Rias' face as her cheeks also started to glow with a flush. Her hand continued to probe and shift the appendage around, "I've read a lot in anatomy books, but this is so much different. It's hotter than I expected. And it's getting-"

Rias stopped when Naruto cupped her cheek and pulled her into another deep kiss. He lifted himself up, getting more ground on her while she continued to rub him up and down. He didn't have much experience with kissing, but he doubted Rias had much either with her reaction. So he took the opportunity to try and gain some ground by kissing, and she seemed preoccupied with that to keep rubbing him off.

She moaned and squeezed him tightly, earning a groan from him. So in response he snaked his arm around her back and pulled her in while grabbing her breast. She ended their kiss and threw her head back, "A-ahhh!" She moaned while his hand squeezed and rubbed her bountiful bosom. Her expression became softer from the pleasure as she moaned, "No fair."

"Just getting - AH!" He gasped and shivered when she started jerking her hand at a faster rate. He felt his resistances start to wane from the pleasure as he tried to focus. He closed his eyes and willed himself from trying to show any reaction before his hands left her breasts and went for her shirt.

"H-hey!" Rias gasped as he quickly started to unbutton her uniform. He pulled her shirt open as her massive bra-clad breasts jiggled in the open. He gulped and grabbed the black brassiere before pulling it up. He knew he wouldn't be able to undo the bra before she could keep jerking him off, so instead he decided to pull it upwards and let her breasts spill out. And boy did they ever.

The massive springy mounds bounced from their confines as Rias let out a breathy moan. Naruto's eyes were filled with Rias' boobs as his gaze immediately went to the points of the pink-tipped mountains. He gulped in surprise before his hands went in and molded into the fleshy expanses.

"Mmm~." She couldn't stifle her moan as her whole body shivered from the sensation of his palm pressing into her breast. She shook but squeezed her hand and got one in return from Naruto. She lurched forward and took his lips while moaning his name, "Naruto."

"Rias."

The two Devils persisted, Rias' body bending in pleasure and Naruto was moments away from-

"Rias?"

The two teens froze in shock when they heard the voice and knocking on the door outside. They separated, a small line of saliva between their lips as they looked back towards the voice outside and the repeated knocking, "Rias, it's me. I'm here with Otou-sama. We came to visit you early as a surprise. Are you in there?"

"O-O-Onii-sama?"

"What's your brother doing here?!" Naruto whispered as he pulled his hands away from her breasts.

"I don't know! He's an idiot! I can't control what he does!" She released her hold on his dick and recoiled in shock as she looked over her state of undress, "O-oh no-"

"Is she not home?" An older voice asked.

"I don't know. We can always ask Naruto-kun." The knocking was now on his door as Lucifer's voice permeated through, "Naruto-kun, it's Sirzechs. Remember me? Do you know where Rias is? I don't think she's home. Hello?"

"Run." Naruto barely got out before Rias immediately clamored off of him and ran for the closet door to slip into her room. She was already fixing herself back up and when she was gone Naruto opened the door to greet them, "Hello~."

When he did he saw Sirzechs, Grayfia politely standing to the side, and an older man that looked like the spitting image of the Maou with crimson hair and some stubble. The Maou greeted him, "Hello again, Naruto-kun. It's so good to see you again after I heard you had a little run-in with Azazel. I know the man personally. He's...quirky."

"Sure, that's a word."

"You remember Grayfia, our maid," The lovely older woman bowed her head, "And this man is Zeoticus Gremory, mine and Rias' father."

"Pleasure to meet you." The Duke greeted the young man as Naruto suddenly felt like he should have been better prepared for meeting their father, "I've heard quite a bit about you, Naruto-San."

"Oh, thank you." Naruto bowed his head with a small smile, "I-it's a pleasure to meet you."

"The feeling is mutual." Zeoticus smiled and bowed back, "We're sorry to have been interrupting you."

"Huh?" His mind blanked, "W-why would you think you were interrupting anything exactly?" All three adults looked down and Naruto followed their gaze. He paled when he saw his pants open to show his underwear and the very obvious erection sticking up inside it. He turned around and fixed himself in an instant before turning back to them, "Sorry about that."

"Natural for a man your age."

Naruto felt too embarrassed to respond as the door next to his opened. Rias stepped out, her form returned to its perfect and pristine norm as she dried her hands, "I'm sorry about that. I was getting ready to cook but you all were already stepping off." She greeted her family with a round of hugs before looking to Naruto with a smile, "They weren't bothering you, were they?"

"Not at all." He was bothered in a different way and really wished he could remedy that at the moment.

"Well I was about to suggest we go out to eat." Sirzechs smiled, "Would you like to join us?"

Yeah, stick around with the family of the girl he nearly climaxed with. That won't be awkward at all. He forced a smile, "I'd love to."

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

He wanted to be anywhere else but here. Sitting in class with a horde of other students' parents cluttered in the back of the room to watch their kids study. He now understood why Rias dreaded this day, but probably for different reasons. She hated it because her family came to embarrass her every year like clockwork.

He was annoyed because this was the first time he actually attended class for this thing and it seemed dreadful.

Some parents were whispering and talking in the back. Others were taking pictures or videotaping it. And one-

"So-tan~. Hey, hey So-tan~. You're doing such a great job." The short girl in the back failed to whisper and waved her arms around wildly with a huge joyful smile on her face. She was causing way too much noise for just a visitor but no one had the heart to stop her. And the poor soul at the center of her attention?

He had never seen Sona look so uncomfortable. Honestly it looked like the usually cool, composed Sitri heiress just wanted to fold into herself and disappear forever. But she powered on with a burning red face as she attempted to take notes.

Must've been her little sister or something.

With a put upon sigh Naruto went back to looking at the board as the teacher wrote down notes. He could barely pay attention to her lecture as his mind continued to wander elsewhere.

Mostly to Rias. And what had happened last night.

He hadn't expected things to escalate as quickly as they did. But they did. And he did not regret it.

It wasn't sex. From his understanding that was something like petting or whatever. But shit did it feel incredible.

Was that for everyone or was it because it was her? He didn't know. He had never felt like this about anyone before. Sakura was a crush, and he never did properly respond to Hinata - which made him feel like shit - but Rias felt different.

When he thought of her he felt...warmer.

So here he was. In class confused, frustrated, hot and bothered, and bored. How was he supposed to take notes when all of that was stacked against him?

"Yes, because we both know that's what's stopping you from taking notes."

'Shut up. I didn't ask for your opinion.'

...

He jumped out of his chair with a start as his chair clattered to the floor and all eyes turned to him. The whole room went silent as the teacher asked, "Um, Uzumaki-kun, is everything okay?"

Naruto looked around in shock as he took in all the surprised looks being spared his way, "Y-yeah, sorry." He shook his head and started for the door, weaving through the other seats and parents to get out, "I'm sorry I have to go."

"H-hey!"

Naruto ignored the teacher's call and sprinted down the empty halls. His pounding heart and frantic breathing were the only things in his ears as he turned the corner and dashed up the stairs. He finally made his way out onto the roof and stood in silence panting.

No way.

No way no way no way no way.

It was impossible. Just his mind playing tricks on him. There was no way he heard it.

But he swore he did. That familiar gravel and tone. It had to be...

"Kurama?"

...

"Heh, good to hear from you again, Naruto."

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

Done

I'll never understand what possessed me years ago to decide 'Hey, April will be the month I update a lot. Why not~'. And now here we are.

Anyway, I hoped you like this chapter. Vali introduced to everyone. Issei gets an idea about his destiny. Naruto and Rias take an extra step forward. And with some help Naruto now has a voice in his head.

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Thank You and Bye