New Devil of The Gremory House
Life 29: Crossed
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Naruto sat out in the field and quietly contemplated his thoughts. It was a rare chance to sit outside and take a breath during school instead of being stuck inside the classroom where his mind and body simply waited to die. But now he had the chance to stretch his limbs, fill his lungs, and properly think about the more important matters at hand. The things that kept him up at night struggling-
[No! You do not get to give this any more urgency or importance than it deserves! You're thinking about techniques and that's it!]
"Geez you're a buzzkill."
[And you're obsessed! Get professional help already!]
Naruto ignored Kurama's persistent yells and nagging in the back of his mind as he made sure no one could see the lights appearing under the skin of his right arm. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts just like everybody else because today classes let out early so they could train for the sports festival. Which meant everything was nice and breezy, but also meant that anyone who looked his way could notice how his arm was lighting up, or speaking if Kurama decided to be a dick and talk out loud.
[Don't think I won't!]
"You're talking to your arm again. Keep doing that and you're bound to be locked up in a mental ward soon enough." A sweet, silky smooth voice teased from behind as he sighed and rolled his eyes. He turned around and found Akeno smiling up at him with that sweet expression that could melt the hearts of even the coldest of monsters. However when he saw it he felt an unnerving chill go up his back like she was planning to do something awful and no one was the wiser. She wouldn't actually do anything like that because she was actually quite kind, but she knew the effect she had and she didn't try otherwise.
She was also followed by almost every set of eyes – male and female – on the field today. Her normally reserved beauty was now on full display with the track outfit she was wearing. Her long ponytail curled down her back and followed her with every run and step she took. The bloomers she was wearing tightly squeezed her bottom, and left her long legs open for all to view. And all this work in the sun had left a slight sheen of sweat on her skin which probably activated quite a few people in the school.
Also the shirt she was wearing was a champion. Because if it was stretched out anymore, it'd probably snap.
How many people here are just waiting for the inevitable point where the elastic in her shirt finally gave out and the mother of all wardrobe malfunctions occurred? Most likely leaving the entirety of Kuoh Academy in a fresh coated paint of nose blood and also stopping the hearts of the few poor souls who could not handle the sight that would follow.
[How in the world does this girl function with such preposterous bags of fat on her chest?]
"Are you done just standing there gawking?" Akeno giggled, but her voice had a hint of victory at calling him out, "Ara ara, if you stare too hard your eyes will pop out~."
"I wasn't staring. I was listening to Kurama babble about something." Naruto responded. He frowned as she continued to just smile at him, "If you feel a stare then that's probably from almost everyone else in this school looking your way."
"Oh there's no reason to be so serious." Akeno waved off his frustration easily, "I just came over here to ask if you were going to be practicing at all for your activity during the sports festival. It'd be terrible if you waited this long and choked at the starting line."
"It's running. All it is is running. I can run." Naruto dryly responded, "I'm not worried."
"Would you care to prove that, Uzumaki-kun?" The blonde was startled by the serious voice and tone behind him before turning around to see Sona. She was joined by her [Queen], Tsubaki, who loyally stood by her side as she carried out her duties. The Sitri heiress had a stern, unwavering expression on her face as she tightly gripped a whistle in hand, "If you think you are so ready for the dash, then you should prove it."
"I already said I could run." Naruto insisted before he noticed the StuCo president's eyes narrow challengingly, "You - uh - you okay Kaichou? You're looking a little tense."
"I'm simply anticipating the game ahead. Our class is going to be preforming in these races and rallies in order to win. So even if our classmates are confident that they can achieve victory, if there is even a 1% chance they may fail, I want them to practice. That means you too, Uzumaki-kun!" Her glasses glinted as she tightly gripped her fists with burning determination.
Naruto and Akeno stared at the quietly fuming woman in silence before they both looked to Tsubaki for clarification.
The heterochromic girl sighed, "She gets very competitive."
Sona stepped up by their side and spun Naruto around to look the other way. She pointed to the tree line before bringing her whistle to her lips, "There and back as quickly as you can, understood?"
"W-Wait a sec-"
"Go!"
With the shrill pierce of the whistle's cry Naruto quickly fumbled away from the ear-piercing sound. He sprinted to the trees, touched one at its base, before sprinting back to join them as quickly as possible. It only took a few seconds to join his companions again, with Tsubaki marking his return by clicking down on the stopwatch.
She held it out and Sona looked down at it. She turned back to look at the whiskered [Pawn] and raised the whistle to her lips again.
He glared, "Don't-"
She blew and he dashed over to the trees and back. They did this again and again so many times that other students had stopped their training to watch. It was an odd sight seeing someone as infamous as Naruto Uzumaki being forced to run a suicide drill between the trees and three of the prettiest girls in school.
Naruto slowed to a stop after a few minutes of running the drill. He took a deep breath and wiped any sweat that had formed from the heat of the sun. He walked up and looked down at the stern president, "How long are you making me do these?"
"Until the importance of winning this sports festival for our team sets into your mind! If we don't crush our enemies then what's the point!"
Akeno laughed behind her hand, "Quite a totalitarian mindset our class president has for the sports festival, doesn't she?"
"So are you ready to take this seriously yet, Uzumaki-kun?"
Naruto frowned and took a deep breath before nodding, "Okay, let's do it one more time. Let me show you how serious this is to me." He turned back around and prepared to run again, "Ready!"
Sona nodded and blew into her whistle as loud as she could.
Naruto dashed towards the trees at full speed-
Then took a sharp left turn and ran down the school field as fast and far away as he could.
The three girls stared in silence at his form as it grew smaller and smaller.
...
Tsubaki sighed and looked down at her scowling [King], "You really should have seen that coming."
Akeno stifled her laugh but struggled to keep it in properly. Usually she liked to keep more composed but...shit that was funny.
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[You know after that business with Rias' mother I thought you would have learned about poking the bear like that. You know that can only end badly for you in the future, right?]
"I know." Naruto agreed as she slowed to a leisurely walk and looked back to see he wasn't being followed, "But I'm free for now so that's a win."
[Famous last words.]
"Shut up." Naruto casually walked around the training field as every student in school continued to practice and train for their chosen events. Most of the years were practicing on their own side of the field, but a few people that were part of a sports club were training together and getting help from their upperclassmen. He hummed as he observed others train, "Definitely didn't have anything like this back at our school."
[Closest thing you had was the Chunin Exams. And I sincerely doubt that would pass for acceptable in this world. Except for maybe those Rating Games, which look kinda fun.]
"Too bad the upper brass are a bunch of crabby old codgers who won't let us play in their little Devil games." Kurama cursed from inside his mind and he shrugged, "I guess we'll just have to bide our time until the next shitstorm comes cruising through with trouble. And from what Azazel said it won't be long until then."
[Please, like any storm around you hasn't been full of shit before.]
"You calling me a problem child?"
[I'm calling you a problem magnet.]
He scoffed, "Man I have forgotten how much I've missed you after all this time."
[As much as it hurts to admit, the feeling is mutual.]
"Senpai?" Naruto looked back to find no one behind him. He then looked down to see Koneko had come to join side. The young Nekomata's expression flashed a quick look of annoyance that he needed to actively find her before returning to a familiar stoic. She looked at his right arm, the arm that housed his Artificial Sacred Gear when not activated, before she looked back up at him, "You're still taking with Kurama-San out loud. You should probably work on that."
"Tch, I thought Akeno was just screwing with me. Dammit. Hey Kurama," Naruto spoke up and got the fox's attention, "I probably need to practice talking with you again just through my mind. If I get one more person calling me out about being crazy I might just go it." He got a grunt of agreement from the Bijū before he turned to his friend, "And what about you? Shouldn't you be training?"
"I'm in the tug-of-war." She flexed her non-existent muscles despite the fact her arms were harder than stone, "I'm set. So far all I've done today is help Gya-kun with his event."
"How's that going?"
"About how you expect." She pointed behind her.
"Gasper-kun, should we stop?" One of the girl freshmen said along with other friends of hers all carrying small buns for practice, "I don't think this is working."
"I-It's okay!" The [Bishop] yelled encouragingly as he linked his hands behind his back and prepared for the second wave to come, "I need the practice and I greatly appreciate all of your help!"
"And you're really sweet and cute for thanking us but I'm not sure this is the most effective way to train!"
"I need to prove to my Senpais that I can be a man they can trust! And I want to know that I can succeed in this training activity by helping our team win! So please!"
The girls still looked uncertain but after being stirred by his words they agreed. They started lobbing the buns his way and Gasper tried to catch them in his mouth, so he could win the challahs and prove himself a man.
The bloomer-wearing Dhampir still didn't seem to realize that as long as he wore the on his head, the donuts wouldn't reach his mouth. So buns just continued to peg him over his body as he kept trying to catch them with his covered mouth.
"I have to admire his spirit." Naruto nodded, "I mean sometimes he can be such an blond idiot it's hard to stomach, but he really tries."
"It's what makes him endearing." Koneko said, "What about you Senpai?"
"I thought I'd be fine without practicing, but then Kaichou suddenly went psycho on me and made me run drills. I've strategically escaped her influence for now and am currently avoiding her as much as possible." Koneko's expression was one of silent judging before he clapped his hands together, "Please don't tell them I went by here."
"My lips are sealed."
"Thanks Koneko." He patted her head and got a faint purr from her before he pointed ahead, "I'll see you later." The freshman nodded while he stepped away and kept heading down the field. Some younger students looked wary as he passed by, but quickly went back to their practice, "Huh, almost forgot some people were freaked out by me."
[What did you do?]
"I look like a foreigner and when I arrived in this world I was covered in blood and wounds. Word probably traveled fast. Oh and I picked a fight that ended up with me wrecking the girl's locker room with a bunch of unconscious guys."
[So tactful as ever.]
"I-Issei-San, hold on!" A familiar, kind voice spoke up with a tinge of panic in her voice that got Naruto's attention. Looking over he spotted Asia and Issei huddled close together, their hips and inner legs together with an arm wrapped around the other's back. They were competing in the three-legged race together, and they slowed to a stop as the shorter blond girl started breathing a little heavier, "I-I'm sorry, but I needed a second to catch my breath."
"It's okay Asia, just tell me when you're ready to go."
"I-I really am sorry. If I was a little faster-"
"Asia, it's okay." Issei quelled his friend's anxiety by smiling down to her and trying to cheer her up, "We don't need to be the fastest, and we don't need to win either. I'm fine just getting to run with you. Heh, this is fun, right?"
"Y-Yes," Asia admitted with a blush on her face, "I'm having fun. But I always have fun...you always show me how to have fun, Issei-San."
"Aww~, that's sweet."
The two Devils flinched hearing the smarmy voice behind them. They awkwardly shuffled around with their arms still around each other before they spotted Naruto standing behind them with a mischievous grin. The whiskered blond chuckled through his teeth, "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."
"Hey Senpai," Issei greeted, "Me and Asia were just preparing for the three-legged race. We're pretty good so far but we still got a ways to go, right Asia?" He looked down at his shorter friend and saw her face had a bright red hue to it, probably from being surprised by Naruto's appearance. He shrugged, "I guess all our training is really helping."
"Training, huh?" Naruto said with a knowing grin as he nodded down, "Well remember that some things should probably be practiced when others aren't around, okay?'
Issei had a perplexed look on his face before he turned to Asia to see if she understood. It was only when he looked down that he realized Asia's red face wasn't due to the exercise, but because his hand had accidentally trailed up and partially cupped one of her breasts. In their movement their difference in size came into play and what Issei thought was her side could easily slip towards her chest.
By pure instinct, his body betrayed his mind and his fingers softly squeezed the budding breasts of the still growing nun. Her cheeks burned hotter and she stifled a tiny gasp before Issei's hand jumped off like it had been burned, "I am so sorry!"
"I-It's okay." Asia mumbled under her breath, "I-I really don't mind if you want to - w-well I know how much you like breasts, so if you want to touch them or s-squeeze them-"
"I can squeeze them if I ask?!" Issei gawked in shock before flinching and looking up. He spotted Naruto's blank stare at his enthusiasm and deflated under his scrupulous gaze, "Geez, you're really playing up the big brother guise, aren't you?"
Oh yeah, Kiba's stupid ass cover story. Apparently he and Asia looked similar, and that was enough to piece together a cover story that they were siblings, or half-siblings or whatever. Ever since then he'd heard people talking and whispering about what kind of home life they had before coming to Kuoh or what their parents were like. And apparently some people were so interested in Asia they actually approached him - something people had never done before this school year started and Rias made it a trend - and asked him if he could introduce them to Asia.
He didn't answer. He just glared them down. And thankfully whether it was some silly reputation or his actual expression, they got the message and stepped down.
"N-Naruto-San, please don't be mad at Issei-San." Asia pleaded, "I-I don't mind him t-touching me. And you shouldn't be angry at him for doing so."
"What? No, Asia I'm not angry I'm just teasing..." He paused when he realized the tone she used and how she talked to him. Like he was a family member judging her weird boyfriend, "Asia, you know I'm not actually..." Before he could correct her he saw just how pure and innocent she was looking up at him with that cute expression, like a kitten trying to convey silent words just through their big eyes. The whiskered [Pawn] stood quietly for a few seconds before shaking his head, "Just be safe you two."
"Of course!" Asia cheered.
Issei snickered, "Aww, I guess that Onii-San is kind of a softy."
"Piss off Fuck-Face."
"Hey callback." Issei grinned, "Come on Asia, let's get back to practice!"
"Yes!"
The duo went back to training, listing off when they stepped in and out as they started making their way down the field. With them heading back to their training, Naruto found himself alone and needing to occupy his attention again. Luckily after a little more walking he found just what he needed.
A certain redhead beauty being watched by everyone while she exercised. He felt like he should have stepped up and forced them all to focus, but he was feeling kind of guilty of the same thing right now.
Thankfully she spotted him outside the crowd, and with a smile made her way over to him. Once again the crowd of onlookers were filled with people muttering and whispering to themselves about why they were interacting or why they knew each other. And once again their jabbering voices went ignored.
Rias stepped up and looked him over before laughing softly, "Looks like you've had some workout done so far. I saw Sona putting you through the ringer earlier. Some people were quite impressed by how much you were running, and even more impressed when you escaped her clutches. I can say as one of her oldest friends that very few have ever done that."
"Yeah well I'm doing my best. And you seem to be taking your training seriously." Rias nodded, taking a few calming breaths and wiping her cheek with the collar of her shirt. Just like her [Queen], Rias' attire looked like it was straining to keep everything contained. Her shirt looked like it would only survive one more day if she didn't do anything more strenuous, and considering she was running then that thing was on its last legs. And as for legs...
[Easy tiger.]
Shit.
"I'm excited for the festival." Rias said, playfully acting like she didn't see him look her over before she turned to look out over the field, "I have a good feeling that my team is going to win the whole thing."
"It sucks we're from different classes, we could have been on the same team." Naruto shrugged, "I guess we'll just have to see which side is better during the events."
"Care to make a wager?" He looked down and noticed her slight smile that betrayed the sly cunning she usually liked to display at moments like this, "How about if my team wins...we go on a date?"
Naruto hummed, "Okay. And if my team wins?"
"We go on a date."
...
He looked down at her silently as she simply shrugged her shoulders. He sighed, "If you wanted to go on a date, you can just ask."
"I feel like we need to be cautious. I mean considering our lives who knows how things might go wrong if we try to have a normal date in the city." Rias said, "We're dating and we haven't even gone on a proper date together before."
"That's not true. There was that time you came over to my apartment to have sex with me. Or that time we fought a fire-breathing douche to protect your chastity. Or that time we got handsy-"
"Don't." She knocked his arm and he just laughed after getting that reaction from her, "You sure know how to kill a mood."
"Then are you sure you want to go on a date with me?"
"Yes I am." She answered without any hesitation. After a moment Rias smiled, knowing she had rendered him silent and taking the victory before she stepped aside, "I guess after this festival is over we'll figure out what to do for our date. Until then we'll just have to wait in suspense." She sauntered off, purposefully putting a little swing behind her hips to tease him before she turned back with a smirk, "And just so you know, not many people have escaped Sona's clutches, but no one has escaped for long."
He was left with a curious raise of his brow trying to figure out what she meant. But with an unnerving tingle up his back, he slowly turned and looked behind him.
The purple eyes behind her glasses were like knives.
He started running before she could say anything else.
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[We are not prepared for the battles ahead.]
Issei blinked in surprise when he heard the deep, booming voice of the Heavenly Dragon residing in his arm. He looked around his room, checking to see if anyone else was around before he summoned Boosted Gear over his arm. He looked down at his red gauntlet, "Did you say something Ddraig?"
[I said we are not prepared, Partner. We are woefully unequipped for the future challenges that lie ahead of us. I know I have said that before, and I was willing to wait things out with you, but we barely won our match against Vritra and his vessel during that prior match. I am genuinely worried for your future wellbeing if this continues.]
"That bad huh?"
[You have already made contact with the new generation White Dragon Emperor. And your companions fought his associates just outside of a party with powerful figures from all over the world. If such brazen and risky moves are being made so soon, I can only guess that even worse ones are going to be made as we go along. And you have made progress...]
"Just not nearly enough." Issei sighed and flopped back into his bed while staring at the ceiling. He raised his gauntlet into his line of sight, "I really am the worst Sekiryuutei in history, huh?"
[Well I can confidently say in my very, very long life I have never had someone who specializes in techniques that strip women and allows them to hear a female's deepest thoughts through their breasts.]
"Oh, right."
[Although it is surprisingly unique, and quite entertaining. I have fought alongside many people over the years Issei, and while you are not the strongest, I am glad to see you still hold a sense of self and identity despite the allure of great power this Sacred Gear can promise you.]
"Heh, that almost sounded like a compliment, Ddraig."
[It was meant as one.]
The perverted [Pawn] thought back to the few times he had dipped his toes into the endless well of power this gauntlet could provided him. He rested his gauntlet on his chest, "What did most of your previous wielders do to obtain that kind of power?"
[Depended on the person. Some devoted themselves solely to fighting. Some surrendered all worldly desires and pleasures simply to gain a power they believed felt greater than anything else. And some forfeited their minds and individuality to reached a power that very few can match. They could have been considered gods, but in truth they were shells of men and women clad in armor as red as blood.]
"Shit." Issei gulped at the thought of him becoming like his predecessors. The image of the Scale Mail clad around him with vacant eyes and no desire other to fight left a bad taste in his mouth, "See I haven't actually gotten a chance to indulge in my baser instincts and worldly desires, so I'm not really up for surrendering those just yet."
[I figured. And although that is how some of my previous wielders gained their ticket to power, it is not the only way. The greatest factor that changed how they earned my power...was that something caused their viewpoint of the world to change drastically.]
"Viewpoint of the world?"
[A great change in their lives that profoundly shifted them as people. Perhaps a great tragedy took place, like the loss of a family member or a stable life that made them break through their limits. Or with the realization that they could become something so vastly different from what they previously were by accepting the power of the Red Dragon Emperor. It happened in many different ways…but when it happened my vessels were irrevocably changed from that day forth. For you…I'd imagine it would have to be something devastating or unbelievable for it to happen to you. But-]
"But I don't want that. There's no power in this world I would want at the cost of trading away my lifestyle." Issei sat up and looked down at the green orb on his hand, "My predecessors may have been stronger than me by leaps and bounds, but the lives they had sound so...empty and sad."
[The strength they gained was remarkable, but the lives they led could be considered empty. You on the other hand have dreams and aspirations for a much more fulfilling existence in your future. I just sincerely hope that you will be able to see them come to fruition.]
The gauntlet disappeared and the light from the green jewel disappeared. Issei was left to think in silence as he contemplated the power Ddraig had told him about. Similar to the power he had tapped into when he had fought Kokabiel and Vali. That raw surge of overwhelming power and ability that lifted him leaps and bounds over the enemies he had no chance of battling.
He had to admit that feeling that strength and power was intoxicating. It was more power than he had ever felt before times one hundred. Those boosts in ability that doubled over time thanks to his Sacred Gear were nothing compared to when he could use Balance Breaker.
But he knew that he had no access to that power without some great sacrifice or tragedy. And in the future he would need that power to stop future sacrifices and tragedies. So he was kinda between a rock and a hard place. But he knew one thing-
"Issei-San, dinner is ready. Otou-sama and Okaa-sama wanted me to tell you we're ready to eat." Asia opened the door and called out. She paused and stepped inside when she saw the object of her affection looking so pensive while sitting on the edge of his bed, "Issei-San, is something wrong?"
He looked up at the short blonde nun and smiled softly before standing up. He stepped up and smiled down at her, "Nothing at all, Asia. Just image training for our sports race. I thought I'd practice some methods for getting my rhythm down properly with you."
"Y-You've been doing that?" Asia gasped in shock before bowing her head for forgiveness, "I'm so sorry Issei-San! I-I haven't been doing any training at home! I-If I knew you were I would have been practicing as well a-and we'd be doing better at school-"
The brunette Devil chuckled to himself as Asia started to nervously mutter to herself uncontrollably. They were late for dinner because she was so nervous for a little school run they had soon. It was something so pointless...
But it meant the world to her. It was new for her. It was important to her. And so it was important to him too.
This...this is what he would never trade away for anything.
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"I noticed there was no more creepy shadow dogs lurking around in the darkness of the hallways now."
"Jin would be devastated if he heard you describe him like that. But no, Slash/Dog never really stays anywhere for too long. He stops by to give me a report and then he heads back out to continue his work. He's diligent like that, and I trust him with my very life."
"Then why don't you call him by his actual name like he asks you to?"
"Do you know how hard I worked to make the Slash/Dog name a brand?! I'm not throwing all that effort away just like that! I keep an eye on my investments and make sure they develop well. Why do you think I'm putting so much attention on the ORC and your Sacred Gear, huh?"
Naruto scowled at the man beside him before rolling his eyes and focusing back on his washing. He filled a bucket with water and poured it over his head to let the bubbles and soap wash off him.
He had to admit that while this hotel place was a bit ridiculous, the amenities were simply divine. Probably because they were made with legendary and divine figures in mind.
"I seriously can't believe it." Naruto muttered as Azazel stopped washing himself to look over at his blond student, "I never would have thought that I'd be sharing a bath with the bastard that ambushed me at my apartment and kept me prisoner in a room for several days. Weird how things end up, huh?"
"Haha, you're telling me!" Azazel laughed wholeheartedly as he toweled his back, "I actually met a kid from another world and gave him one of my Sacred Gears! Life is funny like that! What's with the sudden reminiscing?"
"Don't know. Just going to a bath like this...makes me think of when I'd come to baths like this with my old teacher." He thought back to the times on his training trip away from Konoha when he and Jiraiya had come to the baths. The older ninja had hounded him to wash up and clean the sweat off, before sneaking off to see if he could spy on the girl's side of the bathhouse. And that usually ended up with them getting chewed out and banned, before spending the rest of the night eating ramen and just relaxing.
Naruto smiled wistfully before looking at Azazel, "You know you kinda remind me of my old master. He was also a shameless degenerate that took serious pleasure out of tormenting me and making life a living hell."
"You must have a type." Azazel easily caught the bucket thrown at his head and tossed it aside with a chuckle, "As honored as I am to hear you think I remind you of a kindred spirit, I think you should probably keep your head in the present. Big things are coming up soon and we need you to keep it together."
"What like the Rating Game?" Naruto groaned, "I can't even participate in those, remember?"
"I know you can't, but they don't need you to only participate in the fight with them." Azazel shrugged as Naruto looked over at him skeptically, "It might not be the most pleasing answer for you when you'd rather be out there fighting alongside them, but you can still help them if you want. You might be new to the world and unfamiliar with the methods of the Devils, but among the club members you have the greatest amount of experience by a wide margin. That has a value all on its own."
Naruto chuckled, "I guess I do have some experience in the butt kicking game, both the giving and receiving."
"And those kids could use some of that advice." Azazel nodded, "Those battles with Kokabiel and Vali were brutal, but despite them being stronger at the time you knew how to face them best with what you had and the people by your side. That skill to face people above your level and figure out how to beat them in something earned through experience, and not just stubbornness. You've probably had a fair amount of battles where you were punching up, and considering what could be waiting for us in the Khaos Brigade it's a good idea to start teaching them how to handle opponents like that as well." The Fallen Angel filled another bucket with water for himself, "They could all use that guidance, especially Issei. Out of all our fighters he's the one with the least amount of experience and familiarity with this lifestyle. There are a lot of people in this world who wouldn't mind cutting their teeth against a Sekiryuutei and until he activates his Balance Breaker then I'm not sure how long he's going to last."
"Don't ask me about helping him reach that Balance whatever, because I have no idea how to do that."
"A surge in powerful emotions usually are a big help in bringing out new skills and abilities of a Sacred Gear." Azazel informed, "They are connected to the person they are bonded with, and outside of constant training a sudden rush of something powerful will do the deed."
"Whatever," The blond responded, "Anyway he might not even listen to me at the moment. Considering the Rating Game is coming up and that little creep has his eyes set on Asia, if Issei hasn't activated whatever power he has dormant in him thinking about that I don't know what can do it. And Asia-"
"You don't have to worry about Asia. There is no way I'll surrender her to Diodora Astaroth. I'll will fight and swing and go down kicking and screaming before I let that happen to my friend."
Naruto sighed with relief, a feeling of reluctant acceptance that if he couldn't join in the fight directly, he could at least trust his friends to handle it themselves. It was frustrating but he knew he wasn't the only one who could handle a fight or save people, "Yeah, I guess your right." He looked to his other side, "I'm counting on you Xeno-"
He nearly choked on his tongue when he realized the blue-haired warrior had sat down beside him and joined their conversation. And he was even more shocked when he realized that she was completely naked and washing herself like nothing was wrong.
Of course it made sense that she was naked because they were in the bath and it was expected.
On the other hand-
"Xenovia!" Naruto yelled in shock, turning away and covering his line of sight so that he didn't see anything. Quickly remembering who she was, he also grabbed his towel and slid it over his lap to protect himself, "What the fuck are you doing?!"
"Washing myself." She stated blankly while grabbing some soap and running it over her arms, "I've been training for the last few hours by myself in the basement. Practicing with Durandel and running around that massive space has left me feeling a little sweaty so I thought I'd take a bath. You both had prepared the hot water already so I thought I might as well join in."
"B-But this is the men's bath! Why didn't you use the women's bath instead?!"
"Actually we just sectioned them off that time because it seemed convenient, and because Issei probably would have lost his mind bathing with them. In all honestly these baths can be whatever they want to be; girls can be guys, guys can be girls, or it could be unisex." Azazel shrugged with a casual laugh, "This is pretty much par for the course."
"You're not helping Azazel!" Naruto turned on the mixed-haired man, making sure his towel was still in place before pointing back at the [Knight], "And you can't just say stuff casually like that to Xenovia or she'll learn bad habits! With her you need to clearly and firmly state what is natural and what isn't!"
She frowned, "You make it sound like I'm an impressionable child."
"When I have to tell you not to grab my dick after we have a conversation, that's the natural response!" The two teenagers frowned at each other before Xenovia grumbled and went back to washing herself.
Unfortunately Naruto had turned to argue with her too quickly and had forgotten the girl was stark naked. So he found himself watching in silence as she lifted up her arm and started to wash the soap over her smooth skin. She reached over and grabbed one of her breasts, lifting it up and washing the skin underneath it before letting it bounce back into place. She did this with both boobs, cleaning them and leaving them in a layer of soap and water as she washed the rest of her body.
"Hey," Naruto was bopped on the head and turned around to see Azazel slyly smirking at him, "Rias is probably gonna be mad seeing you pitching that tent for someone else~."
Naruto quickly covered his crotch again, immediately realizing that he wasn't actually pitching anything and rounding on the Fallen Angel with a vicious scowl. However Xenovia had still heard them and leaned over, "What was that about tents? Is someone going hiking or something?"
"Naruto is." Azazel cackled, "He's either hiking into the shadowy forest of cuckoldry or climbing the peak of adultery! Hahahaha! I'm sure that's a compliment Xenovia."
"Azazel, shut up dammit!"
Their argument left the [Knight] blinking in confusion before she looked over herself and remembered she was soaking wet and naked. Her eyes then wandered over to the side and saw Naruto tightly gripping his towel to his lap like his life depended on it. An idea popped into the back of her mind, before a wild thought she couldn't believe was possible started to form. Hesitating for only a moment, Xenovia asked the question she didn't believe was real.
"Naruto…do you find me attractive?"
This caused the older Devil to freeze in place and stop his argument with Azazel. And while Naruto had grown still as a statue, Azazel bit down on his own lips to try and stifle the laugh that threatened to burst out. Slowly, Naruto turned back around almost mechanically to look at the blue-haired swordswoman.
"I mean I understand that my breasts are quite large and I have been told before that I have wide hips that would be good for bearing children," Naruto buried his face in his hands and groaned while Azazel's lip actually started to bleed, "But even with these factors I doubt I actually have the sexual appeal that most others with the same sizes boast of. But do you think I do?" She asked but Naruto refused to lift his head and just groaned into his palms. Perhaps he wasn't feeling well because his ears seemed to be turning red, "What do you think Azazel?"
"Well you don't really do anything for me, but that's fine." The Fallen Angel casually stated as he stood up off his stool, tightening his towel around his waist before looking down at the duo, "See I go for more confident, sensual women who know what they are doing. I mean you are obviously attractive, and while I'm not really feeling it, this guy," Azazel patted Naruto's head with the blond's curses muffled through his hands, "He can't look at you directly without panicking. So I guess if you want to know if he's attracted to you, then it's pretty much a resounding yes."
"Azazel…I'm gonna kill you one day. And I'm going to enjoy it."
"That's fair, and until that day I'll keep enjoying myself like this." Azazel turned around and walked to the exit. He waved back, "Have fun you two."
As Azazel made his way out, Xenovia simply went back to washing herself as Naruto remained hidden in his hands. The two sat in relative silence, the gentle sound of water running and rushing in the bath filling the stillness. Naruto slowly lifted one eye out of his hands and looked to the girl at his side.
"Why?" His question garnered the blue-haired girl's attention. He sat up and looked at her, making sure his eyes never dipped down from her face as he asked, "Why are you asking me stuff like if you are attractive or not? Is this still about that wanting to try out sex and have strong children thing? Because if it is then you should be asking Issei because I'm sure he'll be way more accepting. Plus I've got Rias so...there's no point going for me. So...why?"
They sat in silence for a moment before Xenovia looked down at her reflection in the water of her bucket. She placed a hand between her breasts and felt the beat of her heart before she spoke, "I didn't have any family while I was being raised in the Church's orphanage. I did not have many friends and the sisters and priests in charge were very stern. However there was one woman who reached out to me and treated me differently. Sister Griselda. And even despite her title I truly did see her as a sister. She watched over me and trained me and taught me how to read and write and wield a sword. And if I ever did anything wrong she wouldn't hesitate to punish me." She shuddered at an unpleasant memory that crossed her mind before she shook her head, "I think back to all the people I've met in my life and my relationship with her...means more to me than most. It was special."
"I...I feel something different with you as well." Xenovia admitted, "I was honored by the fact you were angry and annoyed for my sake after the Church had excommunicated me. I know it was because of your own personal reasons now, but it still meant a lot to me that someone would show that kind of concern on my behalf. You were interested in seeing how I felt experiencing things I've never gotten to try or see before. You reprimand me for mistakes I make and try to make sure I don't do them anymore."
"Which is a serious effort by itself."
Xenovia grumbled but reluctantly nodded, "Fair enough. But despite the trouble it causes you, you still try to help me. And because of that I've found myself coming to you more often to speak about things. You are strong and brave and truly someone great to work beside, but more than that I find that when I'm around you I feel...comfortable." When she said that, an uncharacteristically pink hue dusted her cheeks as she continued, "I know that you already have Rias-Buchou, and probably won't wish to explore relations with me, but I'll continue to see how much more I can do. And I just ask that even if you don't feel the same way...please don't tell me to leave."
...
It was odd that somehow Naruto felt more embarrassed by what she had just said than by the fact they were washing themselves naked next to each other. The blond looked up at the ceiling and rubbed the back of his neck meekly in response. He took a deep breath and shook his head...
"I never said you had to go anywhere."
Xenovia perked up at that answer and looked at Naruto with eyes of shock and gratitude. She smiled and nodded, "Thank you Naruto. I promise I'll get better with time so you won't have to keep watching out for me."
He chuckled softly, "I'll look forward to it."
"I'm already learning - by not grabbing people by their penises and not telling them about my masturbation."
The soap slipped from Naruto's hand as he groaned, "I already told you not to tell anyone about that!"
"No. Please. Elaborate."
Dread filled Naruto's soul as he looked back to find Rias standing behind them. What was worse was that he should have appreciated the fact his girlfriend was only covered by a towel clinging to her body, but the sheer sense of despair that permeated out of her unamused glare left him wishing he could disappear and escape her wrath. Her voice was leveled and controlled, somehow a far more unsettling response than if she had just been outright angry, "I think I came in somewhere on the backend of a conversation about masturbation?"
"Uh-"
"Only once." Xenovia, ever the learned genius about social graces and tact, decided to answer her [King], "It was only one conversation we had at the banquet during our summer vacation. I told him about how I did it for the first time and he told me to never mention it again. Which I haven't, even though I have done it many times since then." She nodded enthusiastically, "It is far more enjoyable than I expected it to be."
...
"Does...does whatever I say go in one ear and then fucking die from lack of oxygen?"
Rias stood there for a few more seconds before sighing tiredly, "I'm glad to see you've been putting more effort into expanding your horizons Xenovia - and that statement should only be taken at face value." She quickly added before pulling up the seat next to Naruto, "But you should know that no matter how excited you are, you should keep any records you break with the fingers sports to yourself. Are we clear?"
"Oh, of course."
"Oh you get it with her but it's just a friendly suggestion from me, huh?" The [Knight] shrugged and Naruto scowled at the response.
"Naruto, be nice." Rias reprimanded, "Now have you finished washing yourself?"
"Yeah. I was just about to get back in-"
"Before you do that..." Rias' whisper was low and heavy, giving her voice a tinge of allure to grab his attention. She made a show of reaching back and collecting her vibrant crimson hair in her hand, slowly dragging it over her shoulder until it was all down her chest. It left a clear, uncovered view of the dips and curves of her perfect back. She looked back up at him, her eyes peeking out between the bangs of her red hair, "Can you help me wash my back?"
...
Naruto was no longer holding his towel onto his lap, but he was certain that it would stay in place with the pole keeping it up.
"I see." Xenovia rubbed her chin as she observed Rias' technique with rapt interest, "This must be the sexual appeal Azazel was telling us about earlier. Yes, I see now just how wide the gap between someone who knows what they are doing and myself truly is now. I'm a woman and yet I desperately wish to see how she will respond while having her back washed."
That little slip earned a shocked look from both Naruto and Rias.
Xenovia looked down at her bucket and quickly did what she could to fill in the gap. She picked it up and poured it over herself, letting the water run down every nook and cranny of her body all the way down the small of her back. Once that was done she looked to Naruto, giving her best attempt to copy Rias' tone and expression as she did so, "Naruto, would you mind washing my back as well?"
"Xenovia, he's washing my back first."
"I understand that but I'm already wet and you just got here, so I think I should go first."
The girls stared at each other in silence before turning to the male situated between them for his answer.
Jiraiya would have been proud to see him having two women asking for him to wash their backs.
Unfortunately Naruto couldn't find the enjoyment in the moment while the tension was so high.
Also the fact that all the blood was rushing out of his thinking head didn't make things any easier.
||||||||Omake: Burn Out||||||||
Koneko walked out of the elevator and made her way towards the kitchen for a cold soft drink. She was in her comfy PJs and had just finished her shower and was now getting something to round out the wonderful experience. However when the young freshman walked into the hotel lobby she spotted the odd scenario in front of her and tilted her head, "What happened here?"
"Hey Koneko." Azazel greeted as he sat on the table by the couch. He had a fan in his hand and was creating a gentle, soft breeze over a red-faced Naruto who was sprawled over the couch and mumbling to himself, "Getting ready for bed?"
"I was, but now I want to know what happened to him. And them."
The [Rook] looked over at an ashamed Rias and a frowning Xenovia. Both girls were seated against the wall as far away from them as possible as if they had been scolded and told to repent in the corner.
"Well that's simple." Azazel stopped fanning and looked to the young Devil sagely, "This is a little phenomenon of mediocrity I like to call the horny buffoonery."
"Horny buffoonery?" Koneko repeated as Rias blushed from mortification while Xenovia tilted her head.
"That's right. See both these girls decided to try and seduce our little reality jumper here." Naruto moaned to emphasize Azazel's point, "They wanted his attention and unfortunately while he can deal with lots of other problems he still isn't that experienced when it comes to ladies. So with two pretty but stubborn girls demanding he wash their backs, our intrepid young hero had to think fast."
"That doesn't sound good."
"You're right, it wasn't. He created a clone and said they would both wash their backs. However our dastardly Devils didn't like the idea that one of them might get the real Naruto and the other would get a clone. So they quickly vetoed that idea."
Naruto groaned, "It...it seemed foolproof."
"Except for you...you were the fool." The blond groaned and swiped for Azazel's face, but instead lazily nudged his cheek before going back to resting. The Fallen Angel continued, "In the end Naruto decided to wash Rias' back first, because she already had dibs and logically she had only just entered the bath so she still had to wash up first."
It was definitely the smartest and best move to make at the time.
Koneko truly did believe that despite the small pout on her face.
"But Xenovia didn't like to be left out. So instead of waiting to get her back washed, she decided to go on the offensive. She offered to wash his back while he washed Rias'. Now when she decided to do this she probably had some great, naughty idea capitulating in her head about how best to get his attention while she washed him. Maybe whisper something naughty or sexy in his ear when she was close? Or perhaps going the old classic way and giving him a nice rounded wash with the soapy fun bags.
"Those all do seem like pretty good ideas." Xenovia muttered while nodding her head and committing them to memory.
"Of course Rias took note of this and wasn't having any of it. So instead of getting washed she decided to wash him as well. Of course they argued over who should actually do it. There was trickery and early starts and nudging. Noises were made, flesh was connecting, soap flew everywhere, and all of it right behind his ear. Finally I think they decided to try the sexiest method and wash his back with the soap on their breasts. However a combination of staying too long in the baths, the heat, the sudden force of Rias' tits on his back, not to mention the lack of blood in his upper body caused Naruto to lurch forward and slam his face in the wall hard enough to crack it."
"I-I'm sorry." Rias spoke up from the side, "I was getting a little too competitive and...well I couldn't control myself."
"Look on the bright side Rias, now you can firmly say your breasts nearly killed a man." Azazel teased as the heiress shrunk into herself, "Anyway he might have a concussion and now he's overheated. He's also going to play it smart and bathe in the showers in the rooms for a bit, right?"
"Yep~, smart move." Naruto muttered.
"Or I could go instead." Koneko offered, her cheeks dusted red as she bravely offered, "I won't attack you like that ever, Senpai."
"Hehe, I know you never would Koneko~."
She preened at his trust in her-
"You don't have the boobies for it~."
...
"Never mind." She frowned and walked away, "Forget I said anything."
The Nekomata stormed away angrily and left him to suffer on the couch. Azazel sighed and closed his fan before bopping Naruto on the head where he got hurt.
"Ow! Why?"
"Because she was too nice to do it."
||||||||Devil||||||||
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