New Devil of The Gremory House

by Master Attlon

He was thrown into something new. He gave up, he didn't want to be a part of anything like this anymore. But maybe these people could become something new for him to care for. Something new to fight for.

37. Clarification

New Devil of The Gremory House

Life 37: Clarification

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Azazel looked up as orange flashes covered the massive basement of the hotel over and over again. He watched the numerous clones of the young blond flash around as he looked down at his clock, "A pretty good showing today."

"Think so?" Naruto asked, jumping on his toes as he tested his new body out. Or, well, old body but who would bother with the semantics? He maneuvered lightly on his feet before stopping beside Azazel, "How can you tell?"

"You already passed the bottom line a few minutes ago, which is better than most of the other times we've practiced." The Fallen Angel lowered his stopwatch and started to jot down numbers on his clipboard, "Although going by the average of what we've done you should be approaching your limit any second now."

"I gotta say when you offered to help me figure out the finer details of this Balance Breaker, I was hoping for something a little more detailed and helpful." Naruto groused, "You seem just as in the dark of this as I am."

"That's because I am just as in the dark as you." Azazel admitted, "The idea that something I created as an imitation of the Sacred Gear system could reach the same level of ability as the originals completely blows my mind. I'd be screaming with joy and pride while partying the night away if my curiosity didn't have the better of me." The Fallen Angel did seem more focused and attentive instead of his usual flighty, jokester demeanor, "I have no precedence for what this ability can do so I have to determine if this is the default Balance Breaker or a sub-species."

"I think you said that before but didn't really tell me what you meant."

"Did I?" Naruto nodded as the older man shrugged, "Sorry, when I get excited I just start going on without taking a second to catch my breath." Azazel pointed down to Naruto's arm that once housed his Sacred Gear, "Every Sacred Gear should be capable of reaching Balance Breaker, even if every person who has one doesn't have the potential to reach it themselves. When a Sacred Gear's wielder dies, they pass it on to another person in the world chosen by the Sacred Gear system. If two users of the same Sacred Gear reach the same Balance Breaker, then that means it is most likely the default one for that Sacred Gear."

"Opposed to what exactly?"

"A Balance Breaker forms when a user's emotions are extremely high or their view of the world changes drastically. You," Azazel pointed at Naruto, "Reached your Balance Breaker in a moment of extreme turmoil while you were being attacked and Rias was nearly killed. That's what usually happens for a Sacred Gear wielder to reach the peak of their power. However if someone's emotions are even stronger than anticipated, their feelings and personality can warp what the Sacred Gear's Balance Breaker is supposed to be. In those case, the sub-species Balance Breaker can be even stronger than the regular one."

"So I'm curious to figure out what that means for your Golden Hour Revival. If I made a copy of Remote Looper and gave it to somebody else, would they reach the same Balance Breaker? Did your desire for strength you had long ago influence how yours formed? Or was it the different variable of having a beast like Kurama bonded to your Sacred Gear that made it happen? The possibilities are endless-"

[3! 2! 1!]

Naruto's body glowed and he returned to his older Devil body again. The now taller blond looked to Azazel as the older man clicked his watch, "How about today?"

"46 minutes. Pretty good." Azazel wrote it down, "So your trends continue to suggest you can keep the form anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes. We have yet to find the criteria that determines the duration of your change so it very well might be random. And for uses..."

Naruto tensed his arm and focused on Remote Looper, "Kurama, any chance?"

[Trying...and nothing.]

"You can only preform it once a day." He wrote down the data before chuckling, "Which might seem annoying but considering you're breaking the laws of nature to return to your body at an earlier point in your personal timeline, it's still pretty impressive."

"I just need to be picky about when I use it." The young ninja then looked down at his Sacred Gear once more before raising his eyebrow. He reached down with his other hand and drew his enchanted knife before tossing it up in the air. Azazel watched his movement carefully as he stretched out his hand and aimed his Sacred Gear at the falling knife.

"Stop."

He had to reach out and catch the falling knife after nothing happened.

"Still nothing?"

"Still nothing." He sighed and holstered his knife again, "I don't get it. I know I stopped Shalba Beelzebub in place during the fight. But I can't figure out how to use that skill again since then. Is your product busted or something?"

"Don't know what to tell ya." Azazel shrugged, "I'd love to work it out but I don't know what happened. Remote Looper is supposed to take a fixed event and repeat its effects multiple times in quick succession. It was never meant to freeze a person's time like you said it did. I doubt it was just a one time thing though, so if we keep testing we might find out more about it."

"Alright, but Sacred Gear training can wait for now." Naruto summoned a clone and sent it off to the side as he stood across from Azazel, "I've already been your guinea pig for the day-"

"I still owe you a giant 'G' tattoo scrawled over your back to indicate you're the property of the Grigori Research Division."

"Fuck off that'll never happen - anyway I helped you so now you help me." In one hand he channeled electricity, and in the other a small tempest formed in his palm, "I feel like I'm getting a little closer to making a breakthrough. And I'm expecting the so-called genius that lives under the same roof as me to be able to figure out the missing ingredient."

"Felt like there was some mocking doubt in calling me a genius right there but I'm big enough to move past it." Azazel stored his records away and started rotating his shoulders in preparation, "Well, after smacking you around for a bit."

"Show him what you got Naruto!"

"You can do it Senpai!"

"I-I'm rooting for you Senpai!"

"I believe that you can best Azazel-sensei, Naruto-San! The glory of Heaven wishes you luck!"

The two men paused and looked up to see Xenovia, Koneko, Gasper, and Irina all standing on the balcony above and watching them like spectators. They relaxed, "What the hell are you all doing up there?"

"We were gonna come down here to train but you looked busy. So we just sat by and watched." Koneko answered, "Now we want to see you fight Azazel-sensei."

"We're not actually fighting-"

"Yeah cause I might hurt him." Azazel chuckled and then looked over at Naruto's annoyed glare, "Oh come on, I couldn't pass up the opportunity."

"Like I was saying we aren't actually fighting. Azazel's just helping me work out some rough patches in my training. So there's nothing cool to see here. You can move along." The groans of disappointment he heard from them made him feel like a father that just told his kids they weren't going to the park, "Why are you whining at me?"

"For shame." Azazel shook his head disapprovingly, "How could you dash their hopes like that?"

"Oh fuck off. And why do you all wanna see us train anyway?"

The teens looked between each other before Koneko answered, "Things are a little...tense upstairs."

"Tense how?"

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"What do you mean people are claiming doubts about my relationship?"

"I mean there's a lot of buzz going around all of you since the incident with Loki." Grayfia, dressed out of her maid uniform and instead in a fancy elegant garb suited for a woman of high standing like her, said while seated in her chair. She spoke calmly while looking at Rias, "And all of that attention is only compounding the achievements you gained from fighting back the Old Satan faction, thwarting Kokabiel's war efforts, and winning your first Rating Game against a more experienced opponent like Riser Phenex. All the victories you've been accumulating have garnered the attention of people around the Underworld. Not to mention how popular your character on that child's program is."

"They can't seriously think I have any form of clout from that ridiculous show!"

"They do, and you'd be surprised how effective popularity like that can be."

"But with all that popularity comes more eyes." Akeno deduced, joining the ladies in their conversation as they sat together in the common room, "And with all those eyes come more opportunities to doubt and criticize."

"That's right." Grayfia nodded as Rias frowned, "There were whispers and concerns when people found out that Naruto-San was a being that came from a different realm than anything our world could reach. When he became a servant under your peerage along with the Sekiryuutei, it was believed that the Gremory family was grooming young potential super elements for use at any convenience. And when you used an Evil Piece that shouldn't have even worked, it was believed that the Maous were colluding together behind the scenes."

"That's baseless conjecture! They're just taking what happened and drawing up a wild narrative!"

"I didn't say it was clever or right Rias, but it is effective if the idea gets passed around enough. Not to mention there's also the issue of the Bijū. There are people among the Devils worried about what those powerful beasts are capable of. Now that they're new existence has come into play with him being the closest thing to a leader they have, a lot of people are worried about what he could do to the power structure of the Underworld."

"Naruto would never-"

"There are people in positions of power that doubt what his motives could be. And there are still arguments that you, a respected noble lady and heir to a family in the 72 Pillars, shouldn't be settling for someone so lowborn and unfamiliar."

Rias knew Grayfia was only relaying the information she had overheard while working with Sirzechs. But still hearing her sister-in-law talk about her boyfriend like that nearly crushed her spirit.

Grayfia and Akeno noticed her dejected expression and before Grayfia could apologize for her brash wording, Akeno decided to change the flow, "So what can she do to quell these rumors and whispers?"

Grayfia nodded agreeably, "The first step is an evaluation."

"Evaluation?"

"There are some that want to test you and Naruto-San. Ask you questions. See just what you two are like together."

"W-Who's going to be doing this evaluation?"

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you that."

"Well when is it." Grayfia remained silent and Rias looked down, "Oh, soon then."

"We want you to come down to the Underworld tomorrow. When you arrive, I'll be there to greet you along with a few others. We'll take you both to your destination and there your evaluation will begin." Grayfia sipped elegantly on her tea before looking at the young Devil seriously, "This won't make the rumors disappear or absolve everyone's doubts, but if you can handle these people then you'll be in the first steps of changing the minds of everyone."

Rias sat silently and contemplated Grayfia's warnings as she felt a hand on her knee. She looked over and saw Akeno giving her support in her silence.

The door opening drew their attention to the side as Naruto, Azazel, and a few others walked in while conversing. The whiskered [Pawn] was wiping some sweat off his cheek before he noticed the tense atmosphere and the pensive look on Rias' face.

"What happened?"

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"What do you think this test you're taking tomorrow will entail?" Xenovia asked.

"I don't know. But it's got Rias worried." Naruto said as he leaned back in the couch and groaned. Thinking back to the light conversations they had while Grayfia was still here, Rias looked tense and thoughtful the entire time. And when he was told about the evaluation, his girlfriend looked dismayed.

She retreated to her room for the evening to prepare for tomorrow. Her room! She hadn't slept in her own room since she had moved in next door at the old apartment. He knew something was wrong and knocked at her door to let him in, but she just told him everything was fine and made sure he didn't slip in.

Like he believed that for even a second.

"You're gonna be gone pretty much all day tomorrow." Koneko said on his lap, "I'm not sure what this evaluation is about but be careful."

"I'll do my best." Honestly he wasn't that worried about whatever the test was about, but he was concerned about Rias' reaction, "But what will happen if we fail? I mean if some crusty old Devils talk bad about me then I don't care. It doesn't matter to me-"

"It does. And you won't fail tomorrow."

All heads turned back as Akeno appeared in the room, her hand on her hip and an unamused expression as she looked at Naruto. She marched up to the back of the coach, making sure he had to look up and back at her, probably to sell the cadence of her talking down to a simple child, "I'm not sure what this test is going to be but it's important. You need to pass it by any means."

"I thought people already had a bad opinion about me? Aren't I some kind of Illegal Piece? They already banned me from the Rating Games so what else could they complain about?"

Akeno sighed, "Look, I know you like acting aloof and don't care about what the upper brass may think of you, but that doesn't mean what they think won't matter."

Naruto blinked and thought silently before looking back up at her, "Oh, it's about how they view Rias, isn't it? As the next head of the Gremory house she can't be dealing with all the other important people around her degrading her partner."

"That is important and I'm actually impressed you had the mentality to think like that, but no that's not it either. And no, I'm not telling you what's so important about passing this test." His mouth snapped shut with a frown as she continued, "You'll have to figure that out yourself or ask Rias, but I doubt she'll give you a whole answer because she's embarrassed. So make sure not to screw it all up tomorrow."

"Grh," Naruto growled as he glared up at the [Queen], "You're a lot more of a pain in the ass than you were before - and that's saying something!"

"Oh no. Really? It's almost like some brash, irresponsible idiot barreled into my personal business and made a point of making sure I start acting like a person again." Akeno sarcastically said before snickering down at him, "I'd say this should get you to learn your lesson but I think we both know you're too bull-headed to glean anything out of this experience."

Akeno waved goodbye and left the room. Naruto was left glowering to himself before he looked down at the Nekomata in his lap, "Do you know what she was talking about with Rias?"

"I think I might have an idea. I'm not certain about it though so I'm not telling." Koneko added, "Either because I could be wrong or if I'm not then you need to figure it out yourself."

"Geez, is no one helpful today?" He looked over to the other couch, "What about you Xenovia?"

"I'm wracking my brain but I can't seem to figure it out either."

"Well at least I'm not the only idiot dealing with this problem."

"I don't think you had to call me an idiot."

"Sorry but I think it fits better than you'd like it to."

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It was very early in the morning when they had to take their train ride to the Underworld. Naruto walked around the cabin, anxiously pacing and digging a rut in the carpet as the test he hadn't been worried about yesterday was now leaving him more than a little nervous. And Rias not really talking or acting like her usual confident self only made that worse.

He looked over at his girlfriend as she sat by herself, looking down with a forlorn expression as they ticked ever closer to the Underworld. She had chosen to forgo her usual Kuoh attire for something different. It wasn't as casual or comfy-looking as the clothes she wore on their date, but they weren't too formal like a suit. The button-up shirt and blouse with the long skirt looked like something she wore in the company of new people.

He felt stupid just wearing a long-sleeved shirt and jeans. Was this going to effect how the testers would view him? Had he already made a mistake before even arriving at the evaluation?

[Calm down. You're stressing way too much.]

Stopping in place and taking a deep breath, Naruto started to ease his nerves and stepped over to the bar in the corner. Thankfully Kurama was here to talk some sense through the panic.

[I can't believe you're panicking in the first place. You're not usually affected by stuff like this.]

"Because it's not just my reputation and image at stake; it's Rias' life that might take damage for how I act." He whispered as he sat at the counter and stared longingly at the mirrored reflection between the bottles, "It's one thing for me to act this way when I don't have a reputation to protect, but it's different for her. She's respected. She's going to be someone important and make waves with the position when she gains it. She's noble and hardworking and I'm not gonna be the one that drags her down with my behavior."

[Damn, when you put it like that it's no wonder she's worried.]

Naruto silently nodded and looked back in the mirror and caught a glimpse of Rias in the corner of it. His eyes instead focused not on her reflection but the bottles around it. He tilted his head, "Should I get her a drink?"

[Pretty early. Do you think it's wise to risk inebriation before taking this test?]

"Not enough time get her drunk but just calm her nerves. Isn't that what happens in those movies and in the stories and stuff? The suave, cool guy brings over a prepared drink to give the beautiful woman?"

[PFFT! A-Are you supposed to be the suave guy in that scenario?]

"Shut up. So do you think she'd like that or if it'll make things a little easier between us?"

[I-I'm sorry, are you asking me about your relationship?]

"Forget it."

[You're so desperate you turned to me?!]

"Enough."

[Are you so bad at this stuff that you have to ask me - the millennium old fox demon - for advice on love?!]

"I said shut the fuck up!"

"Naruto, are you okay?" He nearly jumped out of his seat as Rias had walked up to his side while he was busy arguing, "You're kinda just yelling to yourself over here."

"Sorry Rias, talking with Kurama."

[He asked me something stupid and I just had to laugh.]

He snarled at the Sacred Gear in his arm, "You know I always seem to forget how big of a dick you are."

[I keep you humble and grounded.]

"He just said that." Naruto looked to Rias with a smirk, "The ancient fox demon living in my body and talking through my arm said he's the most grounded thing in my life."

"Hehe." Rias chuckled, losing some of the gloomy expression she had earlier as she sat down beside him, "What were you two talking about?"

He shrugged, "I was wondering if you might want a drink. Something to relax. You looked kinda tense over there."

Rias looked over the counter and towards the bar. She then stood out of her seat and reached over the counter as the sound of bottles clacking echoed out. She pulled out a large bottle of wine and held it out to him, "This one is pretty good."

He took it, stared at the bottle that was totally indistinguishable to him from the others, and then up at his lovely girlfriend, "How can you tell this is a good one?"

"It's good. Trust me."

That was pretty much all he needed. He popped the cork, watching it fly across the cabin with a whistle from him and a giggle from Rias. Then he reached over the counter and grabbed two thin flutes before pouring the blood red liquid into them. When they were full he held one out for Rias to take and gently knocked his against hers with a smile.

When she turned it to her lips and so easily downed the rich beverage, Naruto could only watch in amazement, "How can you drink this stuff so easily?"

"It's not that hard. I've been having drinks like this since I was younger. Part of growing up attending big parties and gatherings between houses." Rias pulled some hair out of her face and Naruto couldn't process just how lovely and mature she looked, like a fully grown woman in her attire and drink in hand, "Why are you so surprised? You've drunken before. You had that drink of Azazel's with Akeno and I when we came here for training, remember?"

He scoffed, "You're giving me too much credit calling that drinking. I suffered through it and threw it back while my face scrunched up into a single point. I just can't handle the taste of it."

"You get used to it. Some drinks taste better than others. But would you like a tip for making it easier?" He nodded and she smiled, "Don't let it touch your tongue. Swallow it back instead of tasting it. That was the advice I got when I first had a drink. It's still pretty tough but it's not as bad."

He looked down at his wine and shrugged before trying it out. Naruto drank from his flute, doing his best to pass the liquid down his throat without touching his tongue. However he gulped too much at once and pulled it back with a cough, "O-Okay, that was harder than I thought."

"But better to drink with, right?"

"I guess so. Easier to swallow than the other stuff." His awkward chuckle earned a more energetic laugh from her. As the two sat in silence and laughed about silly, unimportant things, Naruto noticed her attitude and demeanor change back into her usual style. He reached forward and gently took her hand, gently rolling his thumb over her smaller fingers as she looked up at him, "Are you okay?"

If she had hoped her poor energy had gone unnoticed, that was clearly dashed as she looked down with guilt, "I am. I'm just...worried about this."

"Of course. We're taking some weird test in front of people we have no idea about for a frankly stupid, stupid reason. If you weren't worried about this then I'd be worried for you!" She laughed at his goofy expression and he felt his heart soar hearing her laugh like that. He squeezed her hand gently, "Rias, I know I kinda mess-up with keeping an image and presenting myself in front of people I don't know, but I promise I won't mess this up. These guys will see that I can definitely make a better impression."

After everything she had done for him and given him, he was ready to do whatever it took to prove himself to these people. Whatever he had to do to meet their expectations, he was ready to fulfill them.

But from the look on her face...he couldn't help but feel he said something wrong.

"R-Right. Thank you Naruto."

"Rias-"

The train's whistle blew and slowly came to a stop. The two young Devils placed their drinks down and walked over to the door. It slowly hissed open to reveal the five people standing on the other side.

"Welcome!"

"Onii-sama?" They were surprisingly met by Sirzechs with Grayfia by his side, once more in her familiar maid outfit, "I didn't think you'd be here. And - w-what about all of them?"

"Hey Ria-tan! Hey Naru-chan! I missed you!" The sweet, peppy voice of Serafall Leviathan greeted them from the side. The short twin-tailed Maou waved to them energetically, "I've been looking forward to this so much!"

"A-Ajuka-San?" Naruto sweated, fretting as the green-haired Devil approached, "What are you doing here?"

"Sirzechs said there was going to be an evaluation of yours and Rias-kun's current status as Devils. I thought considering I helped train you and that you house my prototype [Pawn] in you, I should come make sure you can handle the matter."

"You bet! A-And it won't have anything to do with you training me or torturing me or blowing me up, right? Right?"

"Day's young. We'll see."

Rias felt the need to squeeze his shoulder so he didn't pass out, "Naruto, this man is Falbium Asmodeus-sama, the last of the Four Maou that watch over the Underworld. Asmodeus-sama, this is Naruto Uzumaki, my [Pawn] and lover."

"Zzzzz."

They stared at the bald man in silence as his head rolled forward and softly snoozed. Naruto looked to her, "He's sleeping."

"It's early. He's not used to getting up at times like this."

"Then why did we have to come this early?"

"To be fair he'd probably just be sleeping at any point in the day."

"Then how the fuck is someone like that a Maou?"

"Don't look at me! It was before I was born!" The two quickly realized their whispering could easily be heard by the leaders of the Underworld. Rias coughed before looking at her brother, "Lucifer-sama, will it be you and the other Maous that are administrating this test we have come to take?"

"Oh no." Sirzechs shook his head, "We're just here to greet you and wish you luck. We wish we could be there to give you support but we are very busy and can't spare the time. That being said don't take these people lightly. They hold the same level of authority as we Maous do on this matter, so show them the reverence and respect they deserve when you meet them." The two nodded before the older man stepped aside and motioned for their car, "Then here's your ride. I wish you both the best of luck."

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The car had a valet waiting for them, and when they stepped in they were driven through several territories before reaching their destination. A massive, uninhabited forest with a large temple in the center of it. As the car pulled away and the two young Devils were left alone in this unfamiliar setting, Naruto looked around and asked, "Uh, do you know what this place is?"

"I-I do." Rias murmured as she sighed at the sight of the ruin, "I should have figured they'd bring us here." She looked over to him, "This is called the Ruin of Connection. It's an ancient, sacred site for the Gremory family. Past generations have come here with their...dearest other to take part in a test." She said that with a blush, and the term she used caused Naruto's cheeks to warm up as well, "When they said it was an evaluation I didn't think they'd make us take this test."

"So they made it sound like it was some kind of test to see how we'd act as figures of a powerful house, but in actuality it was just some dumb love quiz?" Naruto deflated, "I've been worrying about this all night dammit!"

"T-This is so embarrassing." Rias whimpered into her hands, her face as red as her hair as it spread up to her ears, "I didn't think they'd make us go through this stupid test so early. I didn't think I'd ever have to go through it!"

"Seriously? Were you going to abolish the test when you became the next head or something?"

"N-No, I mean I never thought I'd have a boyfriend or lover when I was younger!" Rias exclaimed, "I mean I wasn't really interested in boys and there was no one that caught my attention but then I met you-"

"And love bloomed! And from that love comes so many feelings! Boldness! Timidity! Introspection! Ignorance! Excitement! Dread! All of these things go in hand when you find yourself enamored with another! But how will you act in front of others?! How will that love affect you?! This is what we're here to test today!"

The two were surprised when five silhouettes suddenly appeared in the ruins in front of them. The first of the figures, a tall masculine figure in a tight red uniform and helmet, stepped forward. He spun around on his foot and wildly changed the way he stood as he posed, "The hero of the Underworld! Hell's greatest hope! The children's charismatic champion! I am Satan Red!"

Another figure in the same outfit but blue stepped forward. He did some wild posing as well, "A brilliant mind! A careful contemplation! I am the Underworld's wary warrior! Satan Blue!"

A green one stepped up next, "I don't really want to do this for long so I'm Satan Green!"

"Hiya!" A smaller, feminine warrior in pink jumped forward as her generous bust bounced in her skin-tight outfit, "I'm your favorite heroine! The girl of magic and sparkles! All the little girls of the world can look to me and find their inspiration! The hero of justice! The savior of joy! It's Levi-"

"AHEM!"

"Satan Pink! Nice to meetcha!"

All eyes turned to the last figure. Another woman, with a larger bust and more pronounced curves. She stepped forward without any of the flash or presentation. She simply waved a limp hand up, "Satan Yellow."

"And together! We are the Satan Rangers!"

Several explosions of red, blue, green, pink, and yellow smoke exploded behind them in spectacular fashion to complete their showcase.

Naruto and Rias just stared at them in silence and shock.

[O-Oh. Oh wow. I-I don't know what could possibly be clenching on my body without my control but it definitely is.]

Sirzechs, Serafall, Grayfia, Ajuka, and the other Maou they just met. It was so totally them. If their voices weren't a dead giveaway then the fact they called themselves the exact same titles as the Maous was the clincher. It was just painful seeing something so awkward as this.

"Who are you?!" Rias declared, "Identify yourselves!"

[Oh god, is she fucking serious?]

"R-Rias," Naruto stuttered, "Their your brother and the other Maous. Isn't that obvious?"

"What?" Rias looked back at the men and women across from her before shaking her head, "No, that's impossible. It can't be Onii-sama and the other Maous. They had business to take care of today. And there are only four of them while these are five people."

"It's the Maous and Grayfia-San!"

"Okay now you're just reaching."

"Rias how can you not-"

"Naruto." Rias stepped in front of him and sighed before looking up at him thoughtfully, "I know the Maous might not give off the best impression of leadership. Onii-sama never seems to take things seriously enough. Serafall-sama is more enamored with living out a magical fantasy then she is doing her duty. Ajuka-sama can only ever focus on his experiments. And Falbium-sama is asleep almost all the time. But behind those shortcomings are four of the finest Devils in the world! They lead our people through the greatest of problems and always focus on how they can help others. They wouldn't waste their time coming here to play dress-up. And Grayfia? Grayfia is the most responsible person I know! She's composed. She's hardworking. She never lets things get out of hand. She's the one that makes sure my brother and all the other people around him never get too off track. So I doubt she'd ever want to get involved in something as ridiculous as this."

...

Naruto looked over her head and saw the previously posing Satan Rangers now looking guilty and embarrassed. Except for the yellow ranger. She was currently curled up in a ball and quietly sobbing to herself while swatting away the red ranger's sympathetic hand.

He then looked back down at Rias' unwavering expression. She truly believed everything she had said about the people she looked up to.

This..they were...how could...should they...wouldn't...

"Ow. Ow." Naruto rubbed his temples as a sudden violent migraine rocked his brain, "I can't. I just can't. Give me a second."

"We are here to test-"

"I said give me a second!"

"Naruto! You heard Onii-sama! We need to give these people the same level of respect we give the Maous."

"I know. That's exactly what I'm doing." Naruto took a drop breath and then exhaled before clapping, "Okay! Repressed that! Let's get into it! What are we doing?"

"You're running tests and trials!" Satan Pink yelled cheerfully, "We're gonna be evaluating you in three stages, to see if you cute little lovebirds have got what it takes to handle a relationship and inherit the Gremory name!"

"We'll be waiting for you at each checkpoint!" Red exclaimed, "Ready! Go!"

The Satan Rangers dashed into the ruins and left the two younger Devils standing outside by themselves. They looked between each other before Rias shrugged, "I suppose we should follow them, right?"

"Sure. I'm already terrified of what this day has to offer us so walking into the monsters' den seems right on track."

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"Howdy kids! You ready to push through your first obstacle?" Satan Pink greeted them with a lively wave and giggle. They were sure behind that helmet was a smiling, probably winking lady who was happy to have them test her trial first, "Because I promise that it isn't gonna be an easy challenge to win."

"We're ready for anything!"

"I'm glad to hear it! Because your challenge…is…" Pink Satan raised her hands and snapped her fingers. Suddenly speakers, amplifiers, and mood lighting filled the whole room, "Dancing!"

"D-Dancing?"

"Seriously?"

"In the future you'll be invited to lots of parties and fancy balls for celebrations, birthdays, galas, and pretty much any time someone of nobility wants to throw a banger! So you'll need to know how to properly engage and participate in those scenarios." Pink started to shake her butt and bounce on her feet, "So show me how you dance!"

Rias looked up at Naruto in time to see him looking at her as well. They shrugged and chuckled at the ridiculousness of the test before stepping up closer to Pink. They turned to each other, one of Naruto's hands settling on her waist and one of Rias' holding his shoulder as their remaining one intertwined. As the music reached a familiar rhythm they started to move and sway together. The two young lovers danced around the floor in time to the beat.

"I'm really surprised." Rias whispered as they moved, "You only had one lesson with my mother and yet you seem to remember everything so well."

"You can blame your mother and her spartan training for that." He shook his head, "One lesson beaten into me by your horrifying mother and that's all I needed."

"I'm sure she'll take that as a compliment." Rias giggled before the song slowed to a stop and their dance was over. The crimson-haired Devil stepped away from her partner and curtsied, "Thank you for the dance."

Naruto bowed, "Milady."

Pink started clapping, "Very good! Kept in beat! Nice teamwork! And you got your flirting game on strong! I'm proud of you two!"

"Thank you Satan Pink, we're honored to have completed your-"

"Now comes the next part!" Pink snapped her fingers again and the music became wilder and more upbeat, "Freestyle!"

"What?!"

"But I thought the trial was only concerned with making sure we could dance? We did that!"

"Well yeah, but not every party is gonna be held by a stuffy, bloated noble that can't even get up on their feet! There are gonna be young people asking you out too! And when that happens are you just gonna be standing there waltzing across the dancefloor like a couple of geriatric swingers?! NO!" Pink started to pop and lock, do the robot, and then transition into a very smooth moonwalk, "You gotta get on the floor and style on them!"

"I-I didn't," Naruto gawked in disbelief as the not-very-well disguised Maou started to bust a move in front of them, "I didn't think this would be how my day went." He palmed his face, "But honestly I don't know why I'm surprised. Rias should we stop her – Rias?"

"C-Come on, Naruto!" Rias' body was already starting to move to the rhythm. Her hips and waist shook seductively while her breasts jiggled under her blouse. The way her body moved was captivating, but the pink hue on her cheeks that slowly spread and grew darker betrayed the intent of her movement. The Gremory woman muttered, "We have to show Satan Pink that we can handle whatever she throws at us."

"Can we, because I can barely dance and you look like you're gonna explode." She frowned in his direction and he rolled his eyes before complying. He started to move his body, attempting to copy both Rias and Pink's movements but looking very stiff in comparison. He shook his head, "This sucks."

"No no no! You can't be looking that robotic! And don't dance away from each other! This is the kinda music where you can make babies - ugh!" Pink huffed and stomped over to them before grabbing Naruto's wrist, "Come here!"

"H-Hey!"

"There!" She tossed him over to stand by Rias' side as the young couple looked at her in confusion, "I'm gonna have to show you how to do this! Now big guy, you stand behind her!"

"Okay." Naruto shuffled over behind Rias, "Like this?"

"Yes! Now put your hands on her hips! Or better yet wrap your arms around her waist!" The whiskered Devil nervously followed her order and circled his arms around her waist, connecting his hands together over her skirt and pressing his chest into her back, "Good! Good! Now you're getting intimate! Now hold his hands tightly like you don't want them going anywhere!"

Rias agreed, resting her hands over his while they hovered over her skirt. Her heart started to pound faster as she felt Naruto's fit chest rub against her back. His hot breath passed over her ear and tickle her neck. With every little motion he made she felt it run along her spine.

She also felt how he hardened along her backside.

Gulping down the frog in her throat, Rias slowly started to move her hips to the beat of the song. Naruto followed her lead, carefully and sensually moving to her rhythm as everything else faded away around them. Rias' breathing turned into a soft pant as her entire body felt hot. He held her so closely that she could feel his body to hers.

It almost felt like they were naked.

"Great!" Pink started a congratulatory clapping that pulled the teenagers out of their dance, quickly separating from each other and straightening their clothes, "Now that was a dance! Do that at a party and you're bound to get noticed!"

"Y-Yeah, I'm sure people would be looking at us."

"We - um - we shouldn't do that in public."

"Now for the next part!" Several people suddenly arrived and started moving in time with Pink's extravagant dance moves, "What will you do when challenged by a sparkling young lady and her dance troupe?"

...

[This woman is crazy.]

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

Naruto and Rias made their way through the hallway of the ruins together after completing Pink's challenge. Despite only being the first trial of the day the two Devils already found themselves exhausted.

Not just from the dancing but from...well...all of it.

"These trials might be more of a handful than I expected." It was going to be especially tough if each Ranger had stages to their challenge. And even worse if each one was as 'eccentric' as Pink. Rias looked over and saw Naruto staring at the ground with a dejected, forlorn expression, "I thought we handled that last challenge very well."

He stayed silent.

"I also thought it was a good move to create clones to act as my backup dancers, and change their appearance to-"

"Rias can we...can we never speak of what happened back there? Thank you."

"..."

"..."

[I found the part where you were grinding up against yourself to match Pink's dancers very tasteful.]

Rias flinched as his hands slapped his face and he screamed into his palms. Yes that part must have been...

Well no one should have to experience something like that. Especially the memories of both sides of the dance.

With that her thoughts lingered back to the dance they shared together. Both the waltz and then the more intimate one after. Again a blush burned her cheeks remembering just how close and intimate they got when advised by Pink.

That heat. That pressure. The closeness. What she felt pressed up against her body.

What she wanted more of but didn't get.

"Rias?"

"H-Huh?!" The crimson-haired Devil nearly jumped out of her skin when she was called out of her thoughts. Realizing he was staring at her in confusion Rias blushed and waved her hand, "Sorry! Lost in thought! What were you saying?"

"I said we've hit the next trial." She followed his finger and saw another Satan standing in their path, "And Satan Green is here to greet us." The tall green man stood in their way and did not move as they approached, "We're here Green, and after what we just went through we're ready for anything. So what've you got for us?"

"..."

He didn't answer. Rias stepped up instead, "Satan Green, we're ready for your trial."

"..."

They looked at each other before Rias stepped up, cautiously making sure it wasn't a trap. When she reached the taller man she leaned in closely.

"He's sleeping."

"Oh for fuck's sake!" Naruto cursed before clapping his hands, "Wake up!"

"Buh! Whoa!" Green stumbled on his feet and shook his head, trying to rub his eyes before remembering there was a helmet in his way, "Oh, welcome. I see you've finally arrived at my trial. I've been waiting patiently for you to get here."

"Yeah. And you were so patient you seemed to have taken a nap as well." Rias elbowed his side, "Fine. So what is our challenge this time?"

"Yes Satan Green," Rias said, "What do we have to prove at this point?"

"Well I'm glad you asked." Green nodded, "I've put a lot of thought into this challenge, and at the behest of Sir - w-wait no, that's not it." Green paused and scratched his helmet, "Oh damn, what was he calling himself this time?"

"Ahem - Red."

"Thank you young man." Green nodded appreciatively to Naruto, "At the behest of Satan Red, I have chosen a challenge that will test your composure and capability during high tension." He snapped his fingers as a dinner table appeared by their side. Several maids and butlers arrived as well and started setting the table, "We'll be testing your table manners."

First dancing and now dining etiquette? What was with these tests?

They sat across from Green and watched as the Ranger pulled up a portion of his helmet to reveal his lower face. Naruto saw Rias reach for her napkin and lay it across her lap. He quickly copied her movement and laid out his as well. He made sure to watch her through the corner of his eyes, copying the utensils and mannerisms she used.

Venelana taught him table manners during her training, but it was so long ago that he had a harder time remembering it than the physical training the dancing required.

He fumbled around with the wrong utensil once or twice, and he was sure he dug into the meal with the wrong one as well, but he thought he was doing well. It didn't look like Green was judging him or unimpressed.

Although considering this was a Maou that napped while standing up he wasn't sure if the man could even judge anyone.

"So you two have been causing quite a stir recently." Green engaged as he cut his food, "Everyone in the Underworld is talking about your victory against Loki. That's quite a feat. I doubt many people here could have matched that accomplishment - even the Maou themselves."

"I'm sure the exalted Maous would have been able to handle it." Rias said with a faint smile hearing their accomplishment being noted, "It certainly wasn't an easy fight."

"That wolf nearly killed me."

"You survived an attack by Fenrir?"

"Survive is giving me too much credit." Naruto chuckled, "I just didn't die fast enough before Asia got to me."

"If there was so much risk, how did you end up winning?"

"Luck and desperation really." Naruto answered, "When things were at their worst I tapped into an ability I didn't know I had and accessed power I thought I lost a long time ago."

"Does that power have anything to do with the beasts that accompanied you from that other world?"

"Well, yes and no." He shrugged, "It wasn't either of them, but it was similar to the kind of power they could give to people back from my world. Well, I say give but it was more like a forced symbiotic relationship at best."

"Forced? I see." Green picked at his food for a moment, "But that's still quite impressive. You can access the power to match a God in battle at your whim. And I thought it was only the Red Dragon Emperor that had that kind of talent in your young peerage."

"Issei is certainly strong and growing even stronger but he still has a ways to go. Naruto's new ability is amazing as well, but he can't sustain it for long. But I know him so I'm sure he'll be figuring out how to control it completely in no time." He smiled at her and she giggled before looking down at her plate, "I think they'll both be forces to deal with before you know it."

"I can believe that." Green chuckled before placing down his utensils and wiping his mouth, "Okay, I think that's enough for this trial." They both carefully put down their knives and forks as they waited for the Satan Ranger's evaluation, "I would say you both passed. Rias Gremory showed excellent form and grace – not surprising considering the lessons you must have taken while in the Gremory. And Naruto Uzumaki, while certainly rough and still making some errors, passed by a fairly small margin. I would suggest practicing by yourself more often until you don't have to look at either myself or her for guidance."

Naruto nervously laughed and scratched his cheek as Rias giggled at his side.

"And as far as dinner conversation would go…then you both fail."

Rias and Naruto looked up at him in surprise, "What? What do you mean?"

"What we discussed and talked about while we ate. The topic of conversation and how you approached it."

"D-Did we insult you or something?"

"Not at all. I found your company enjoyable and what we talked about was very enlightening." His helmet clicked back down into place over his lower face, "But what you revealed to me about such delicate subjects and your own abilities was a misstep you can't afford to make."

"What-"

"I came into this dinner knowing you somehow pulled out a victory against Loki, the God of Mischief from Norse mythology. Now I know it was the efforts of not just one fighter, this young man had a hand in it, with power he gained from his world, but still not enough to handle a being as strong as Fenrir. I also know you can't hold onto this power for an extended period of time. I've already figured out three ways I could beat you if the need arose - and it's only three because I started strategizing at the beginning of this sentence."

"You-"

"And I also know now that the power you used to fight Loki comes in part from those new beasts we have roaming our world." Green looked between them critically, "This shouldn't exactly surprise you but the two-tailed cat in the Gremory territory and the three-tailed turtle in the North have drawn a lot of attention. They were center stage on an attack in one of our cities and were used as weapons by the Khaos Brigade to attack us. There are a lot of nobles and high-class Devils that are interested in them."

Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat, "Why are you telling us this?"

"Because in the future you'll be meeting a great deal of people that will take interest in these matters for less than noble reasons. Their intentions might be genuine. They could truly wish to help you and whatever cause you may bring to them. But it's also possible they could be helping you to further their goals and take advantage of your situation. There are any number of people that would like to take your tailed beasts and use them for their own purposes."

"Like who?"

"The Bael for one."

"No." Rias shook her head, "Sairaorg would never stoop to something so low."

Green nodded, "You're right. Sairaorg Bael has too much integrity to ever do something like that. But we know the same can't be said for everyone in that family."

Naruto looked over at Rias as she opened her mouth to retort before slowly looking down at the table. Looks like Sairaorg might have been the white sheep of that family.

"Think carefully about what you say around people you don't trust yet. In the world of nobility and politics any slip of information could turn into an ace up someone's sleeve or an opportunity to take what you have. It might sound sad and paranoid to think like that but it's something to consider." The door to the next trial opened and Green waved them through, "Good luck on your next trial."

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

"Are you okay?" Naruto asked as he watched Rias walk with a frustrated expression.

"I was careless." Rias lamented, "These are lessons I've learned years ago. Okaa-sama and Otou-sama spent so much time teaching me that when eating with others of power you should always consider what you reveal. But I completely ignored what I learned." She let out a frustrated groan and shook her head, "I'm getting complacent. I'm forgetting what I know."

"Rias," He reached over and grabbed her shoulders to turn her towards him, "It's okay. You don't need to beat yourself up. I'm pretty sure that was more of a lesson for me than it was for you." She didn't look placated at all by his efforts to ease her anger, "I'm sorry I didn't see that test coming."

"It's not your fault." Rias whispered as she hung her head. She stared at their feet for a few moments before looking up at him with trepidation, "Naruto…do you regret coming here with me today?"

"What? No, I-"

"F-Forget it." Rias pulled away from his grasp and made a quick step towards their next location, "Let's just keep going."

"Rias, wait!"

Before he could reach her, they had arrived at their next checkpoint. And everything Naruto wanted to say died on his tongue when he saw the Blue Ranger standing there waiting for them. He nervously waved to the disguised Maou, "H-Hey there Aju- Satan Blue-San! How are you doing?!"

[You idiot! Don't show your fear! He'll smell it!]

"Welcome," Satan Blue cordially greeted them with a polite nod, "I'll be the proctor for this portion of your examination. This trial will be very forward and traditional; a test of knowledge of Devil history and families." He waved his hand and summoned a pair of desks with pencils and paper in the center, "We can begin as soon as you are ready." Blue tilted his head curiously as Naruto raised his hand, "Do you have a question?"

"Yeah, um, is there some kind of secret test or trial you'll be testing us on? Like if these are trick questions or maybe how we go about retaining information?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"Satan Green tested us on table manners and etiquette but was also secretly testing us on our abilities to judge how a conversation goes and when to keep information secret."

"Oh, I understand. Satan Green does like to work things in layers. He makes you think you're working one problem while testing how you'll react to so many other factors at the same time. He's smart but it can be overwhelming."

"And Pink made us slow dance and then do a dance battle because…" They looked at each other and shrugged, "Well honestly we don't know why."

"She…probably shouldn't have done that." Blue muttered, "No. I don't like to hide tests or secretly evaluate people. I prefer to make tests clear and understood by everyone I'm testing." He pointed to the desks, "So please take your seats and we shall begin."

They sat at the desks and prepared for the test. Once again, they were left bewildered by the fact these trials had no form or structure for them to expect. First a dance battle. Then fancy dining. And now a test with written and multiple-choice aspects.

Today was crazy.

Taking an actual test should have caused Naruto some worry, but he was confident he was going to do okay. Not because he knew the material that well or anything.

But he had learned new things since the 1st round of the Chunin Exam all those years ago.

While Satan Blue was distracted, Naruto had discretely created some clones and sent them out to collect information. They should be reaching out to some of the other Maou and getting some intel on what the test would entail. When they did have something they would pop themselves and send the information back to him.

He wasn't gonna risk screwing this test up! Just one look over the material made Naruto realize he only barely retained the information he had learned during his training in Hell. So he was leaving it to his clones to help, and the first one should be coming back to him...

Now!

...

Naruto sat silently with only the sound of Rias' pencil scratching her paper to cut the silence.

W-Why didn't the clone pop yet? He said every five minutes one should dispel and come back to him! Even if they were destroyed they would send their experience back to-

"Oh, and this should go without saying, but no cheating." Blue warned while a magic circle floated over his hands, "Not that I would expect such underhanded methods from either of you but just thought it should be said. Understood?"

"Crystal sir."

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

"Welcome!" Satan Red greeted the young couple with Satan Yellow at his side. They walked into a large colosseum that looked like it could seat a thousand people. The kooky Ranger chortled loudly as they approached, "You've made it this far so I suppose you've passed!"

"We passed Pink's dancing lesson."

"We made it through Green's table manners but didn't pass his speaking criteria. And I passed Blue's test but Naruto..."

"I was a few points under." Naruto grumbled to himself in frustration, "Dammit. And I was closer than I thought! I-I just…dammit."

"That's okay." Yellow eased their worries with a kind and understanding tone, "You both did very well in an examination you weren't prepared for. I'm sure if you had time you would be able to prepare and do even better."

"Thank you, Satan Yellow," Rias graciously said, "But just because we didn't prepare doesn't mean us nearly failing doesn't count, does it?" Yellow solemnly remained quiet, "I see."

"But there is a chance to even the score and earn a passing grade."

"There is? How?"

By her side, Red made a show of raising his hands and then lowering them in a classic tokusatsu battle pose. He then held his hand out flat before inviting them to come at him.

…

The two youngsters looked at Yellow as she sighed, "You have to engage…Satan Red…" She shivered before taking a calming breath, "In battle."

"Okay, then I'll do it." Naruto stepped forward, "I'm the reason we screwed up and I'll be the one to fix it." He looked back at Rias just as she was reaching out to him, "Don't worry, I'll make up for what I've done."

Rias looked conflicted by what he said but before she could speak Yellow put a hand on her shoulder. She motioned them to the seats and Rias reluctantly agreed before they walked away. When they were gone it was just Naruto and Satan Red left in the center of the colosseum. The two men stood across from each other in preparation for the battle.

"She looked quite distressed." Satan Red noted as he started to doing animated stretches to loosen up, "Do you have any idea why?"

"I think it's because I'm not doing as well as I should." Naruto said.

"Hmm." Red tilted his head, "I beg to differ."

"You do? Then what is-"

"Ah! You can't ask me young ward!" He shook his head robotically before taking his battle stance, "This is a matter you must resolve yourself! The only thing we'll be doing...is battling for the honor of victory!"

"Ugh, you're taking this too far, Sirzechs."

"Why are you calling me Sirzechs Lucifer? I am Satan Red!"

"I'm honestly shocked by your level of commitment." Raising his hand, Naruto channeled his Demonic Power and converted it to lightning that sparked between his fingers. He whipped his hand forward and sent the bolt flying at Satan Red. The masked hero raised his hand and let the lightning fizzle out against his palm, "You gonna take this seriously?"

"Do you want me to go all out? That would be quite the show we put on but it would be dangerous."

"Why don't we just start warming up and see where we go to from there?"

"Sounds fair."

Naruto created several dozen clones that quickly rushed Satan Red as the costumed hero started striking poses again. The army of blond ninjas jumped him hoping to overwhelm him with numbers. But Satan Red moved swiftly, striking the clones with jabs and sweeping kicks that destroyed them. His attacks didn't look like they had much build-up or power and yet each one effortlessly destroyed another clone.

That's when Naruto got the memories transferred back to him. Each attack had a hint of ethereal black and red energy at the end of it. He was using his Destruction to efficiently destroy each clone without exerting too much power or energy. His control was leaps and bounds greater than Rias' use of Destruction.

[This guy ain't one of the leaders of Devils everywhere for nothing.]

"You're right." As the horde of clones surrounding the masked man vanished, Naruto looked down to the clone by his side who was still meditating. He bonked it on the head and felt a rush of natural energy flood his system as he achieved Sage Mode. An excited smirk came to his face as he cracked his fist against his palm, "Let's see how he deals with this."

Naruto leaped off the ground and dashed, covering the distance between them in an instant before shifting into a flying kick. Satan Red ducked down as Naruto sailed over his head. The blond stretched out his wings and stopped his momentum in the air before dropping back down. He looked up as Satan Red stood over him and brought a fist down towards his head.

Naruto's hand dug into the ground with a crunch before swinging up, causing the floor beneath them to explode out and forcing Satan Red to jump back. As his opponent retreated, Naruto channeled fire into his palm and released a mighty plume of flames.

The flames immediately died away and Satan Red landed in a triumphant pose.

[Not gonna be easy fighting a guy that can destroying everything.]

"We can't rely on long-range attacks." Naruto cracked his neck before dashing over the field. He came at Satan Red and avoided a punch the masked man threw on reflex. As he dodged aside he threw a counter hook that Red stopped by grabbing his wrist. The two men then struggled against each other as they tried to overpower the other.

Naruto built up his demonic power, transformed it to wind, and mixed it with the natural power that formed in his body.

"HAAA!"

A violent gust exploded out of his body and sent Red flying back. Naruto chambered his fist, "Set!" Red landed on his feet and raised his fists and Naruto bared down on him. They started to exchange punches and kicks, every blow Naruto landed either blocked or countered with a kick under his guard. The two exchanged attacks for nearly a whole minute before separating.

[What now?]

"3x."

[LOOP!]

Naruto watched Satan Red's body shake and buckle as the hits he landed reverberated through his system. He also felt all the attacks he suffered repeat through his body several times over. Once the effect of his Remote Looper had ended neither of them were much worse for wear.

"Well young warrior," Red waved his arms around before dropping into another fighting stance, "Is this the most you can muster?"

[Looks like we need to up the ante.]

"Hope there's nothing else happening today." Naruto pulled his sleeve back and raised his right arm to show off his Sacred Gear, "Golden Hour Revival!"

[RETURN!]

Naruto's whole body was enveloped with light as his Balance Breaker activated and he returned to his previous self. Satan Red watched him carefully as his body transformed.

He immediately ducked down as a flaming orange body flashed his way with a flying kick. Turning back, he saw Naruto standing a few yards away, bouncing on his feet as an orange chakra cloak covered his body. Satan Red chuckled, "Well is this the exalted Balance Breaker I've heard so much about? I'm impressed."

"Hold that excitement a little bit longer." Naruto smirked, "I'm about to show you a whole lot more."

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

Rias watched anxiously as her boyfriend fought the Satan Ranger in an intense battle across the colosseum. The two fighters exchanged attacks of immense power in quick repetition. Satan Red was extraordinarily strong, but Naruto appeared to be keeping up with him at the moment.

He was so strong now. No, this was how strong he was before coming to their world.

It wasn't that long ago that they could stand by each other and fight together. And now...she just had to sit on the sidelines and watch him leave her behind. Everyone in her peerage was growing stronger and evolving...but she was just the same as always.

"Are you alright?" Yellow asked by her side as they watched the fight, "You look distracted."

"Oh, yes, I'm fine." Rias lied and crossed her arms as she watched the fight play out, "I'm just worried about how this is escalating. Naruto's Balance Breaker gives him so much power that I can't believe it, and I don't know how strong Satan Red is supposed to be but he's keeping up."

"He's actually starting to get into it." The masked woman beside her noted, "I don't think we expected the fight to be this serious."

"But it's exciting, isn't it~!" Rias looked back in surprise to see they had been joined by others at their spot in the seats. Serafall sat behind them with her pink helmet in her lap and her pink outfit unbuttoned so she could get some air, "I can't remember the last time Sirzechs-chan had fun in a fight."

"It certainly has been a while. But I think it's more because I haven't challenged him enough recently." Ajuka said with his blue helmet by his feet.

"He looks sloppy." Falbium yawned, "I think all this relaxing and desk work has really started to dull his edge. Maybe he's getting into it to knock some of the rust off his body."

"Serafall-sama? Ajuka-sama? Falbium-sama?" Rias was shocked to see the Four Maou dressed in such odd attire. She stared at them in disbelief as Naruto's crazed rambling earlier echoed in her head. He was right from the start! The Satan Rangers really were...

...

Oh no, her brother really was in that ridiculous outfit, wasn't he?

As she groaned into her palms, she turned to the yellow-clad woman beside her, "Gray-"

"Whoever you think I am, I'm not."

...

She was very defensive.

Deciding to just let her be, Rias looked back out at the fight as Naruto and his clones came at her brother from all directions. Each one had a variation of a Rasengan in their hands and attacking in hopes of catching him off guard. But he dispelled either the jutsu or the clones with a wave of his hand, using what she now knew was his Destruction to protect himself.

This was the first time she had seen him fight so seriously in years.

And Naruto looked like he was fighting even harder than when he fought Loki.

"They're really getting into it, aren't they?"

"Maybe Naruto-kun feels like he needs to redeem himself for the mistakes he made in the exam?"

"He wants to prove he's worthy of Ria-tan's love! Aww, so romantic!"

Rias listened to the Maous speak beside her as she watched her beloved fight tooth and nail to earn the respect of those around them.

Her hands tightened in the hem of her skirt.

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

Naruto slid along the ground and tried to knock Red's legs out from under him. The costumed hero leapt over his attack but while he was in midair, Naruto's ethereal hands stretched out from his back to attack him. Destruction coated Red's hands as he eradicated portions of Naruto's chakra to protect himself.

Red raised his arms and guarded against the drop kick from Naruto after he flashed over his head. Forcing his arms out, Naruto flipped back and spun through the air before sliding over the ground.

"We're going to have to pull out all the stops!"

"You don't think that might cause a big mess?!"

"You think anything less will stop him?!"

"Good point!" Naruto leapt back and raised his hand up, creating two hands of chakra over his palm as he quickly formed a Rasenshuriken. He reeled his arm back and yelled before launching it straight towards Satan Red. The Satan Ranger watched as the attack of immense chakra sailed straight towards him.

He formed an orb of Destruction and sent it out to intercept the jutsu.

A powerful explosion formed between the two of them as their attacks impacted each other.

As the explosion died out and revealed the massive crater that formed between them, the two men met eyes and prepared for the next stage of their battle. Satan Red raised his fists as Naruto lowered his stance. As he did his Bijū form let him sense all the emotions and feelings around him. Excitement. Expectation. Exhilaration.

Anger.

His eyes widened before his head shot to the side.

"Don't get distracted now, young warrior!" Satan Red proclaimed, "For our honorable battle has only just-"

"Hey shut up!" Naruto yelled with his hand outstretched. Red seemed to realize the desperation in his voice before the blond stood up and flashed away.

Rias let out a small squeak when he suddenly appeared in front of her.

"What's wrong?"

"W-What are you talking about?" Catching her breath, she looked up at him, "Why are you over here?"

"Because I could feel your anger. You're angry."

"I-I'm not angry."

"Rias, I can literally feel your anger from here." He stepped off the edge of the boundary between the stage and the seats so he could stand in front of her, "Please tell me what's wrong."

"I-I told you nothing's wrong." She looked around at the Maous surrounding her, "Why aren't you focusing on the match?"

"Because I want to know what has you upset?" Naruto continued, "Is it because of the fight? Satan Red is a lot stronger than I - oh, they took off their masks - your brother is a lot stronger than I expected. It's tough but I swear I can turn this around-"

Another ping of anger, followed by a wave of frustration he couldn't quite put into words.

"Rias-"

"You know," Satan Yellow quietly whispered by their side, "One day you'll know and understand each other so well you can share emotions and thoughts with just a glance. But until then...you need to voice your feelings."

"..."

Rias took a deep breath before looking up at him, "I am angry, but not at you. This whole test has been about proving that we can carry the Gremory house once I inherit it. It's been about showing that we have the skills necessary to succeed it. We're supposed to be showing everyone that you're worthy to be my partner. But...but..."

"Rias?"

"But why the hell should that matter?!" Rias jumped up and stomped her foot in frustration, "I hate this! I hate having to take tests and jump through hoops to validate ourselves! I hate listening to people say you need to prove yourself worthy to be the man I love! And I hate that anyone would dare suggest I made the wrong choice falling in love with you! You're the man that helped me fight for my freedom! You're the one that's stood by me as we faced down some of the worst threats we could ever face! You're the one I've decided to pledge my life to! So we shouldn't have to prove anything! To anyone!"

"Rias."

"And now as we go further into this you've started to think you have something to prove! L-Like this will only work out if you can prove to all the nobles and pure-bloods that you're worthy of courting me, and I know in there eyes you never will be! And I'm scared that if we force you to keep doing this, then you'll end up hating me! You'll keep having to prove yourself and all I can do is sit by the side and watch! And-"

"Hey!" Rias' yelling was quickly halted by Naruto's call. The redhead was left panting for air before she dropped back in her seat. She looked up at him as he shook his head, "Do you seriously think I could ever hate you?"

"I-I'm just scared of pushing you away."

"Rias, I love you." Naruto confessed, "You made me fall in love with you and I can't ever escape that feeling." He touched his chest, "You fell in love with me despite everything that was wrong with me and I adore you for that. And I love you enough to be willing to change, struggle, and fight to prove myself to all these people that are watching us. I will do anything and everything I can to prove I'm worthy of you to them...but if I can't...will you still love me?"

She sniffled, "Of course I will."

"If we can't properly succeed the Gremory household, can we still be together?" He nervously smiled as he shrugged, "Can we live in a house? Either here or in the human world? You, me, maybe a kid or two, and just be happy? Would you be okay with that?"

She stared up at him in silence as tears ran down her cheeks. She nodded, "Yes."

"Then I'll do whatever it takes to prove to them whatever it is they think I need to prove. As long as I know you'll still love me and be here with me, then it doesn't matter what we face. We'll handle it."

Rias looked at him and smiled before rubbing her eyes. Now red and puffy she giggled up at him, "That speech would have seemed a lot cooler if you were your older self again."

"Hey, I gotta make do."

"That...that was the first time you said you loved me."

"It was the first time you said you loved me too. But I think I've known for a while."

"Me too."

"Hey." Naruto offered his hand, "Your brother's Destruction is a pain in the ass. You mind helping me deal with it?"

"Huh? But my Destruction isn't nearly as strong as Onii-sama's."

"Don't worry," He grinned, "I'll make up the difference, but I think your power's what I need to make him quake in his boots."

Rias looked around at the Maous and saw them nod their agreement. Serafall was actually tearing up and blowing her nose before cheering for them to win. With that the young Gremory stood up and placed her hand in his.

They flashed over to the center of the colosseum and Naruto had to catch her before she stumbled from the rush of the movement. As she caught her balance he looked over at Satan Red, "Hey Red, it's about time we end the fight, don't you think?"

"Oh?"

"Yeah, so here's the deal." Naruto squeezed Rias' hand, "Our next attack will end this fight. Either we win or you do. But this next shot ends it, okay?"

"Interesting proposal." Red nodded, "I agree!"

"Rias, just focus some of your Destruction, okay?" Naruto came up from behind her and slid his arms along hers until their hands were overlapped, "While you do, I'll be adding in some of my chakra."

"We did this before, didn't we?" She whispered, "Against Kokabiel?"

"That's right, but this time it's just you and me. And I think it's gonna be bigger too."

"Than last time?"

"Maybe. Let's find out."

Small orbs of chakra started to gather together and coalesce into a single point between their hands. It grew into a small black orb that slowly grew bigger and bigger between their hands. While Naruto formed his attack, Rias focused in and started to form her Destruction. She watched as a small, heavy center of red and black energy formed in the center of the black orb. Every time she formed her Demonic Power she felt like she might overload it and had to balance it out against his jutsu.

Their attack.

Their combo.

When they finished, a heavy black ball with a compact red center had formed in their hands. They slowly raised it towards Satan Red and took a deep breath.

"Grand Destruction-"

"Bijū Bomb."

She started and he finished. They pressed their palms out and watched as their attack sailed through the air and straight towards Satan Red. The masked hero chambered his fists and prepared to intercept the attack before it hit him.

A chakra hand stretched out and caught their attack, swerving it out to the side and letting it come in towards his flank.

"Oh my good-"

It erupted before he could finish.

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"Congratulations! You passed!" Serafall pulled the string and popped the streamers she had prepared for the occasion. She jumped in place and cheered, "I knew you crazy kids could do it!"

"Thank you, Serafall-sama." Rias bowed graciously. A slightly younger Naruto was by her side, grinning and scratching his head at the praise, "I want to thank all of you. We appreciate the time you took out of your schedules to help us through this."

"I liked it." Falbium said, "It was a good opportunity to take a break and not get hounded by any of my peerage while I did so."

Ajuka hummed, "And I got to see some very impressive techniques displayed today. I expect you to take some time and let me test those abilities further for myself, Naruto-kun."

"Y-Yes sir, I'll get right on that."

"So you passed your trials and won the match." Sirzechs stated, "It was very well done. Although I think the fight may go unresolved for now. Satan Red certainly thought your last attack was impressive but he wasn't actually beaten. You might have to face him in battle again one day if the challenge is ever dropped."

"I mean he ran away from our attack. I think that pretty much puts an end to the fight no matter how you look at it."

"Ah, but you didnt win."

"Ah, but he ran away."

"Well he didn't have much choice. If he completely and totally destroyed your attack after such a heartfelt speech and loving moment between two young kids, how could he live with himself? It was just easier to dodge and let you stumble into the victory."

"You think? You don't think it's because he wanted to avoid that?"

All eyes turned to a corner of the colosseum. Or more accurately the massive cone shaped furrow in the stands and ground that carried on for hundreds of meters into the surrounding territory where their attack exploded.

"Oh, if you think an attack like that was enough to stop Satan Red-"

A quick, powerful chop to his neck silenced Sirzechs and made him drop like a limp doll. Grayfia lowered her hand and coughed into her fist to ease the tension in their air before speaking, "You both performed wonderfully. Naruto-sama, you do still have rough patches and gaps in your knowledge, but that's to be expected without proper training. You'll need to work hard to prove you're ready to accept the mantle as a partner of the next Gremory head."

"You got it."

"And Rias-sama...Rias..." She abandoned her formal tone and looked at her little sister with a warm expression, "I'm so proud to see how far you've come."

Rias blushed, "Thank you, Onee-sama."

And with that, their test at the Ruin of Connection had ended.

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It was late when they arrived back. Well past midnight, with no one still awake to greet them.

The two young Devils made their way up the elevator in silence as each floor dinged away with their climb. Naruto looked over at Rias and saw her nervously look down again before he could notice her gaze. She had been like this since they left the ruins and finished the test. They had shared a few words together since then but things had been rather awkward.

Was it because they finally confessed? Was it because they did it in front of other people? He wasn't sure but Naruto was worried about asking the question when it might upset her again.

The elevator arrived and they walked through the halls before he spoke up, "Do you think the others are still up? I didn't know if they would have waited for us to come back this late, right?"

"..."

He sighed and shook his head. Did he mess something up or not realizing something again?

Before he could take another step, he felt a tug on his wrist that stopped him from walking. He looked back as Rias opened another door and motioned them in, "In here."

She pulled him in and he followed as they arrived in one of the empty rooms on their floor. There really were too many rooms for just them and any of the peerage that decided to stay the night, "Rias, what are-"

She pushed into his chest and they stumbled back until they hit the bed. Naruto landed on his back as Rias laid on his chest. Slowly she lifted her body up until she sat over him while straddling his hips. Her hands clenched the end of her blouse and slowly pulled it over her head until she was left in nothing but a black brassiere.

He stared up in awed silence at the beauty sitting over him, "Are you sure?"

"I've waited so long. We keep trying over and over but we're always being interrupted. But now," Her hands bunched up the end of his shirt and snuck in to roam over his chest, "Now might be our best chance to do this."

"What about protection?"

Rias reached behind her and pulled out a condom from her pocket. When she saw his surprised expression she blushed, "I've kept one around in case the opportunity ever showed itself. But now I realize we need to create the opportunity, not wait for it to come."

"Are you sure?"

"I love you." She whispered softly, "And I want us to be together."

Naruto sat back up, causing Rias to shuffle back so she wasn't knocked off the bed. He pulled the shirt off over his head and tossed it aside until he was left in only his pants. His arms reached out and circled around her back, pulling her in so her chest pressed against his. She panted softly against his face as he smiled, "I love you too."

She leaned in and took his lips in a deep kiss, forcing her tongue into his mouth in hungry desire. Naruto pulled her in close, squeezing her back tightly before his hands drifted down over her butt. Rias moaned and gasped into his mouth as his hands rubbed and squeezed her backside before pulling off her skirt.

Rias pulled back and kissed his chin before gently pecking his neck and chest. As she reveled in his groaning and moans, her hands slipped down to his pants and started to unzip them. His hips shimmied around and forced his pants down his legs.

As she was leaning over, Naruto's hands found her bra and started to unhook it. He struggled with it for a few moments before the wonderful sound of two hooks slipping undone reached his ears and her bra slipped between them. Naruto grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back so he could get a look at her.

Rias' skin was flushed and heaving, her breasts shaking as the excitement of what was going to happen was already causing her breath to become heavy. Her nipples were perked and erect, aroused by the actions they had taken already as she prepared for what was ahead.

Naruto's hands latched onto one of her mounds. His fingers dug into the soft, squishy flesh of her breast as he realized just how large it was. As he did, Rias let out more moans and gasps of delight as her body was teased. Her nipple found its ways to his fingers and he gently squeezed and rubbed it, eliciting more cries of joy from her as he did.

"Naruto," Rias panted, "That feels so good. Your hands are so big and they feel so rough. I-I always love it when you touch me."

"I love touching you." He said against her collarbone as he leaned in and kissed her neck. Her weakness revealed itself again as she gasped feeling him kiss her there, "Just how soft you are. Just how warm you are. Seeing you react to my touch. Nothing makes me happier."

"I've wanted this for so long." She moaned, "I've dreamt about what it would be like. To feel you against me. To feel you in me. I've longed for it."

"I've touched myself to the thought of you." He admitted, "I couldn't stop imagining what it would be like. I'm ashamed to admit it was all I thought about after our previous close calls."

"Me too." She giggled between her moans, "And I don't want to waste another second." Her hand dug into his boxers and took grip of his hardness. She felt the heat and firmness of his erection and marveled at it before moving her hand. Rias felt Naruto pull back from her neck and pant as she jerked him off, "Do you like that?"

"Yes. Oh fuck yes."

"How much?"

"It feels so damn good."

"You made me cum before." Rias smirked as she moved her hand faster, "Should I do the same for you? Give you the satisfaction-"

"No!" Naruto grabbed her wrist before it could do anymore and looked up at her, "I don't want to waste another second. I want you. All I want is to be inside you."

She gulped, "I want that too." Rias picked up the condom and tore a portion of the wrapping off with her teeth. She pulled out the plastic before holding it up, "Here, let me put it on for you."

Pulling down his pants, she freed his erection into the cool air. Rias' blush intensified as she looked down at it before she pulled the condom out and started working it over his cock. Her fingers brushed along his shaft before reaching his base.

It snapped into place.

"OW!"

"S-Sorry! Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine." He groaned, "It's just really sensitive." Before she could fret any more, Naruto's hands settled around her hips and slipped his fingers over the insides of her panties. He dragged them down, letting his fingers drag along her smooth legs until they reached her feet. He tossed her panties aside, noticing the small wet patch they had before settling back on her hips, "Are you ready?"

"Are you?" She pressed down on his shoulders and forced him back in the bed. As he laid back, Rias shifted around so that she hovered over his wrapped up phallus. With her hands on his chest to steady herself, she slowly lowered down as she felt his tip press against the opening of her sex.

She stopped, the red-haired beauty bracing herself with a deep breath before lowering down further. The tip of his cock breached her pussy and slid into place. Rias let out a pained gasp as she felt him enter her. Naruto reached up and grabbed her waist, "Are you okay?"

"I-I'm just not used to this." She muttered, "This is a different sensation than a finger or two." She bit her lip before forcing her hips down further, taking in more of his penis until she finally reached his hips. When she did she let out the breath she had been holding and panted for air.

She felt a tight grip on her hips and looked down to see Naruto holding her. With a shaky breath she calmed down and pressed her hands against his, "I'll be okay."

"Does it still hurt?"

"No, I'm alright. It wasn't as if you were really hurting me. It was just uncomfortable to do that for the first time. It felt so different."

"It feels good." He admitted without hesitation. Realizing what he said he shook his head, "I mean I know it hurts and sorry-"

"No, keep talking. I need a second to get used to it. Tell me what you feel."

"I feel you." He rubbed her hips gently, "You're warm. And tight. I can feel you even through the plastic." He closed his eyes and moaned, "It feels even better than I imagined."

"Hehe, I'm flattered." Rias took a deep breath before looking down at him, "I'm good."

"Can you move?"

"Yeah."

"Do you need help?"

"I might. But let me try it first." Rias slowly lifted her hips and brought up along his shaft before going back down. She did this a few more times, slowly, in order to understand the feel of it. Every time their bodies clapped together, Rias gasped in blissful joy. Her breathing was heavy and coming out in hot waves as she felt her body nearly overheat.

Naruto wasn't faring much better, drowning and fading in an abyss of pleasure as the goddess above him moved her body. He felt her pussy squeeze his rod so tightly he imagined her sucking out all his energy. As she brought him to the greatest points of pleasure, he desired to do the same for her.

His hands slipped off her hips, running along her waist and stomach before finding purchase in her breasts. As his hands clamped down on her mountains, he felt her nipples rub along his palms. She let out a cry of joy when he did and he then realized that he couldn't see most of her face while her breasts were in the way.

How had he never realized they were that big?

She looked down at him with a sultry smile as she moved her hips, "Find something you like?"

"Yeah. And I'm hoping you like it too." With each squeeze and press he earned another moan from his lover. As she gasped and started to whisper his name, he knew he had to do more to please her. His hands pulled away from her breasts and settled on her back to hold her steady as he lifted himself up.

His mouth latched around her nipple.

"AAAAHHH!" The redhead yelled as she felt his mouth suckle on her breast and tongue roam over her nipple. Bolts of electricity filled her body from her breasts and her pussy as she rode him. She called out, "Naruto! Naruto! M-More! That feels so good!"

Rias' hand came up to the back of his head and held him in place as he sucked her breasts. His tongue flicked up and down along her hardened nipple before sucking on it with no restraint. Her fingers dug into his hair, barely forming words as he continued to pleasure her. Naruto's mouth detached from that breast and came to her other one, giving it the same treatment. And while he sucked on that one, his hand came up to her free breast, squeezing the moist nipple in his hand as he felt her tighten up.

"Naruto!" Rias called out before dropping forward, forcing him back on the bad as she pressed her chest against his. Her arms tightened around his neck and her hands squeezed into his hair. As she cried his name she dropped her hips on his cock over and over again, "Naruto! Naruto! Naru - mmm!"

Naruto pulled her in and took her lips in a passionate kiss as she ground her body against his. Their tongues crossed together. Hot breath escaped every time they moved. They were so into it they lost track of their breathing and started going lightheaded.

"I'm cumming!" Rias felt her a pressure in her body build up as her lower body hit down harder, "Naruto I'm cumming!"

"Come on Rias," His hand gripped her ass tightly and helped her along in her efforts, "Do it!"

"A-A-AAHHH! AAAAHHHH!"

Rias' body froze and convulsed as her pussy tightened and clenched around his cock. Her body shuddered in ecstasy, gripping his body as tightly as possible as she rode out her climax. She panted and gasped for air, her hips bouncing against his dick a few more times to force out the last of her orgasm before she laid still and rested on his body. Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt the chest she rest on rise and fall every few seconds.

Until she felt a soft nudge on her shoulder. The weary girl opened her eyes and looked up to see an uncomfortable Naruto ask her to get off. Was she heavy? Was it not good for him?

As she rolled off and laid by his side he reached down and yanked the condom off. It dangled limply in his hand, the obvious signs of its use building up in the ends of it. Both of them looked at the nasty used plastic before Naruto shook his head and chucked it in the bin, "That felt so weird at the end."

"Are you alright?"

She gently squeezed his bicep to get an answer. When he looked down at her, it was with a warm, loving smile and eyes of adoration. Rias felt the same feelings swell up inside her as well as he leaned down and kissed her. They shared it for a few moments before separating.

"I don't think we have to worry about the universe interfering anymore."

"I'd say knock on wood but I think you're calming down already."

"Oh haha."

The two stayed together, wrapped in each other's arms and laughing at every little thing while sparing a kiss when they could. The moment was just so perfect and they were so happy to have experienced it that nothing could bring them down.

In more ways than one.

Rias flinched, "Oh, spoke too soon."

Naruto looked down, "Sorry, I think I need a second to calm down."

"Would you...do you want to go again?"

His eyes widened and he stared at her like she had just said the most incomprehensible thing imaginable. Naruto hesitated, waiting for the other shoe to drop and deny him the possibility, "Seriously?"

"I mean you've been waiting a long time. And I've certainly been thinking about this." Rias blushed, cutely looking up at him as he stared, "I don't mind going again."

"Yes! Yes! So much!" Naruto nodded and prepared to go again before stopping, "Oh shit, do you have another condom?"

"No. Dammit, it was just the one."

"Shit." They stared at each other, "I mean we could start and when we get there I could-"

"Let's not make any bad habits. This is a hotel so there should be something around."

"On it!" Naruto leapt off the bad, unbothered by his current state of undress as he checked every drawer. He found was he was looking for, "Yes! Found them! I...oh fuck."

"What?" Rias sat up, "What is it?"

Naruto gulped and held them up.

It was a box with Azazel smiling on the front that said, 'Fallen Pleasure. Cling to your pleasure and fall into depravity'.

"No."

"Are you sure-"

"No."

"It says it's super thin. Won't even notice it's on. Made for his and her-"

The box disintegrated with Rias' power hovering over her palm, "Put anything he made inside me and I'll never forgive you."

A sweat drop ran down his face before he looked back in the drawer, "Different box. Doesn't have his face. See?"

He tossed the box and Rias caught it in her hands. And in that moment when she let down her guard, Naruto charged to the bed and jumped on her. The two lovers giggled and laughed together as they settled back into bed.

Rias looked up at him and gently cupped his cheek, "Promise to tell me you love me in the morning."

"Only if you say it back."

"Meh, if I feel like it."

"Then I better make sure you feel it."

He dipped down and took her lips as her arms wrapped around him.

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Done

First lemon of possibly many. Now that we've reached here I'm going to be doing a few breather chapters for fun before going for the next arc. But it won't be for a few weeks, because I really need to focus on some other things at the moment. But we will be back before you know it!

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