Yep, the latest chapter has finally arrived. Not much to say, other than I'm still getting back into it after a ton of writer's block, especially for my older stories. That, and doing work for a law firm and an internationally operating medical foundation at the same time isn't easy either. The fact I'm also studying for a real estate license doesn't help at all. And since my temp work with the law firm and medical foundation is over, finding a new job is on the list as well.

And then Uruha Rushia's contract with Cover was terminated, and Russia invading Ukraine and the action's aftereffects happened. Four months into 2022 and it's already a disaster… When will we get a 2020 rerun that doesn't have this sort of stuff happening?

By the way, sorry about how the chapter is shorter this time. I really needed to build up some events that take place between the end of the Fallen Angel arc and the beginning of the Riser arc. Speaking of Riser, I find it annoying sometimes when stories make him an unredeemable monster who wouldn't hesitate to rape a girl. Sure, he was an asshat in canon, but he wasn't a scumbag of that level.

Anyways, on with the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or High School DxD

Blinking in surprise, Naruto looked back and forth between Azazel, Kalawarner, and Mittelt as Issei tensed up and quickly moved in front of Asia protectively. Finally, it dawned on him. "Wait, are you…?"

Smiling, Azazel chirped, "Yep! I'm the leader of the Grigori!" Becoming serious, he asked, "I take it this has to do with the church exploding last night?"

Frowning, Naruto replied, "Yeah. Why didn't you do anything about Raynare after what she did?"

Issei interrupted, "Yeah, what's with that? She tried to kill me and Asia-chan!"

Shaking his head, Azazel answered, "Well, after Kalawarner reported it to me, I had to run damage control first. You know, filing the report, telling Sirzechs about the incident, and doing an investigation into why Raynare defied orders. I've also informed Heaven about this development so there won't be any misunderstandings." Shifting into a more comfortable position, he continued, "You see, I gave orders to observe only. She was supposed to figure out what Sacred Gear Issei has, and hopefully recruit him so I could study it and teach him how to use it." After a moment, he added, "Besides, I also wouldn't be able to do anything. What do you think would happen if the Devils noticed multiple Fallen Angels entering the city?"

Eyes widening, Naruto realized, "They'd think that the Fallen Angels were declaring war."

Clapping his hands Azazel nodded and replied, "Exactly. Do you understand? The only thing I could do was leave it to you to handle the problem." Sighing, he asked, "So, is there anything else you came to ask me about? And don't worry, Sirzechs already called me about how Mittelt and Kalawarner will be staying here. We've agreed to have them be the Grigori liaison in the city."

Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, Naruto questioned, "Did you find out why Raynare and that Donut Poop guy didn't follow order?"

Frowning, Azazel nodded. "I have. And unfortunately, it does not bode well. It turns out that their loyalty was actually to Kokabiel." He wasn't surprised to see Asia, Kalawarner and Mittelt widen their eyes in shock.

Confused, Issei piped up and asked, "Who's Kokabiel?"

Solemnly, Azazel explained, "Kokabiel is a Cadre-level Fallen Angel known as the Star of God in the Book of Enoch. He's one of the higher ranked members of the Grigori, but that's no longer the case since his betrayal's been found out. It doesn't help that he's one of the most bloodthirsty Fallen Angels. Right now, I'm looking into his current whereabouts so he can be taken into custody and sentenced for his crimes."

Unable to hold back the question, Mittelt interrupted, "Azazel-sama, what are you doing here?"

Raising his eyebrows, the leader of the Grigori answered, "What, I can't take a break every now and then?"

Shaking her head, the petite Fallen Angel elaborated, "No, I mean, why here in Devil territory of all places?"

Chuckling, Azazel said, "Relax, I know what you mean. I'm not only here for a break. There's something I've been investigating."

Naruto asked, "What is it?"

Sighing, Azazel said, "I've noticed some suspicious activity from an unknown group. I'm trying to figure out who they are and what they want, but all I've found out is that it somehow involves this town, as well as other places I can't investigate due to certain circumstances." After a moment, he added, "By the way, the entirety of Japan is Shinto territory. This town is technically Devil territory only because it was loaned to them."

Scratching the back of his head, Naruto sighed and said, "Thanks for explaining, Azazel. That was pretty much everything I was going to talk about. So what now?"

Chuckling, Azazel replied, "Better start preparing for what happens later, kid." Getting up, he reached into his pocket and took out a card. Handing it over to the blonde, he said, "Here's my contact info. Feel free to talk to me if there's something you need to ask about. See you later." He walked away, disappearing as he left through a transportation circle.

Pocketing the card, Naruto sighed as he looked at the others. He asked, "Anyone have an idea for what to do next?"

Issei piped up, "When can I get a copy of those books?" Naruto's eyebrow twitched. The girls, save Asia, shot him an irritated glare. Mittelt kicked him in the shin.

The next day, Asia fidgeted nervously in front of the classroom as the teacher introduced her. Bowing her head, she managed to say, "It's v-very nice to meet you! My name is Asia Argento. I hope we all get along with eash udder!" Realizing her slip of the tongue, she blushed massively and squeaked, shrinking in on herself. Bowing once again, she headed to the seat provided to her, avoiding making eye contact with her classmates, with the exception of flashing a sheepish smile at Issei and Naruto.

Meanwhile, Rias and Akeno stared in bewilderment as Mittelt cheerfully introduced herself to their class. Glancing at each other for a second, their eyes narrowed. With a faint nod, the two Devils made an agreement – corner the Fallen Angel and find out her intentions at the earliest possible opportunity.

Later, as classes came to an end, Asia was swarmed by the girls in the classroom. Overwhelmed by the attention, she squeaked, "Issei-san, Naruto-san, help me!"

Her head snapping around to stare at the two boys, Murayama, one of the girls in the class who was part of the kendo club, incredulously asked, "How do you two know her?" She glared accusingly at Issei.

Coming to his friend's defense, Naruto interjected, "We ran into her on her first day in Japan and showed her around town, that's all!"

Nodding, Asia added, "Issei-san and his family were also kind enough to allow me to stay with them!"

The girls all stared in horrified shock. Grabbing Asia by the shoulders, Katase, Murayama's best friend, urgently stressed, "He didn't do anything to you, did he? He's nothing but a lecherous perverted fiend!"

Shaking her head, Asia replied, "I am very well aware of his lustful nature; his parents have informed me as well, and I have seen the contents of his bedroom." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "However, I know Issei-san is not a bad person at heart. Because the guest room was being prepared, he allowed me to use his bed for the night while he slept on the floor. And the entire time I have known him, he has done his best to be respectful of my privacy and was incredibly considerate of my feelings."

Looking at her fellow classmates, Asia held her hands to her cross necklace and clasped it gently. "Despite his flaws," she finished, "I will have faith in him. Much like how Saint Martha granted salvation to the evil beast Tarasque by teaching it of love, I shall endeavor to show Issei-san that he does not need to indulge in his lust to be able to find joy in life."

Needless to say, Asia endeared herself to the girls.

Meanwhile, Issei was hounded by Matsuda and Motohama. He leaned back as they got up close in his face. "Back off, guys!" he protested as he held his hands up. "I get that we haven't talked in a while, but do you really have to do that?"

Practically spitting, Motohama egged him, "You're actually saying that after betraying us? Come on, look at her! She's a total cutie! You've gotta have some info on her, so spill!" Next to him, Matsuda nodded his head sharply as he crossed his arms, just as eager for information.

Biting his lip, Issei struggled with himself. "Look-"

A voice suddenly cut in. "Now that's just rude." The three boys turned to look at the newcomer. Aika Kiryu was a girl with brown hair and gold eyes, donning pink-rimmed glasses on her face. Much like Motohama, she was infamous for having the ability to tell the size of certain parts of the anatomy, though hers covered a man's genitalia while Motohama's let him tell a woman's three sizes. And just like the Perverted Trio, she was infamous for her lecherous personality, though it was somewhat mitigated by her equally snarky yet playful attitude.

"Give him some space," she said, "you won't be getting anything out of him like that." As the two boys backed off, Aika leaned in with an eager smile and demanded, "Deets. Gimme." At Issei's confused look, she elaborated, "You know what I mean. Are her nips pink or brown? Are they normal, flat, puffy, or inverted? Are her pubes natural, trimmed, shaved, or bald? Come on, throw me a bone!"

Issei's mind blanked out. Then he remembered the previous night when he accidentally walked in on Asia in the bathroom, both of them seeing all of each other in the nude. Face bright red, he quickly denied, "I saw nothing!"

Eyebrows rising in surprise, Aika commented, "Well, would you look at that. You're getting embarrassed by the thought of a naked girl instead of getting excited. Looks like I'll have to see what makes her so special that you're not perving out right now." Turning to go over to Asia, she glanced back at the boys. "Listen up, you two. If you ever find that special girl, I guarantee that you'll be acting like Boob Lover here. So don't bother him over it, you hear me? I'll tell everyone your sizes if you don't." Her glasses glinting, she smirked as she went over to Asia, putting up a friendly act.

Together, Naruto, Issei, Matsuda, and Motohama shivered. The girl had the ability to make anyone uncomfortable, and they didn't want to imagine what she could do if she put her mind to it.

Coughing awkwardly, Matsuda rephrased his question. "So, can you tell me more about how you met her?" He and Motohama sat down calmly, sitting straight.

Taking this as a cue to let Issei catch up with his friends, Naruto got up and said, "I got something to do, Issei. Talk to you later." Waving to Asia, he left the room and headed down the hall. At the stairway, he saw Mittelt standing there, looking at him happily and a hopeful smile on her face.

"Naruto!" she chirped, "I need to go to the student council office to finish a few more things. Can you go with me?" Blushing, she added, "I'm feeling a bit nervous about it, so I'd really appreciate it if you went with me."

Smiling, Naruto responded, "Sure, Mittelt! I actually wanted to talk to them about something that wasn't that important until now. Let's go!" As he led Mittelt to the student council office, the blonde Fallen Angel turned her head and shot a victorious grin at Koneko, who just rounded the corner. Sticking her tongue out at the white-haired girl, Mittelt flashed a peace sign and quickly followed after Naruto, a small skip in her step. Koneko glared and slightly scowled.

Sona took a deep breath when she heard somebody knocking on the door. "Come in," she called. She wasn't surprised to see Mittelt walk in; Sirzechs and Serafall had informed her that she was one of the two Fallen Angels acting as a Grigori liaison for the foreseeable future, with the other taking on the new administration position that had opened up a week prior. What did surprise her was that Naruto was accompanying the petite girl. "Uzumaki-san, why are you here?"

Chuckling sheepishly as he awkwardly smiled, Naruto answered, "Mittelt asked me to come with her. Besides, I also needed to talk to you about something."

Sighing, Sona said, "Very well. Could you wait in the adjoining room until I finish my business with Mittelt-san?"

Naruto quickly interjected, "If it's the thing about Devils and Fallen Angels and stuff, I already know. Your sister explained some of it to me after some stuff happened."

Groaning, Sona gestured to the seats in front of her. "Just sit down. We'll figure this out and settle the matters quickly." The two blondes smiled as they occupied the seats, beginning the discussion.

Nearly an hour later, Naruto and Mittelt left the student council office, both looking completely drained of all life. Seconds later, Sona followed after them, an utterly exhausted expression on her face.

Turning to the two blonds, Sona tiredly said, "I will be informing the others of what we spoke of, Mittelt-san. For the time being, I advise that you exercise safety as a precaution." Looking at Naruto, she added, "Uzumaki-san, thank you for informing me of your awareness so that any misunderstandings can be avoided. In addition," she paused for a moment as she sighed, "I apologize for my elder sister's behavior if it has caused any problems."

Waving it off, Naruto replied, "Nah, it's fine. She was a little weird, but she's pretty fun!" Lightly jogging to the school gates, he grabbed Mittelt's hand and pulled her along, oblivious to her massive blush.

A few hours later, Koneko walked up to Naruto, who was taking a walk in the park. Pulling him to a bench and sitting next to him, she said, "I need to talk to you." The girl was different from usual. She was somewhat shifty, and she clenched her fists a few times. She had a troubled expression on her face, which was the biggest tell, as she usually had an apathetic look.

Frowning, Naruto asked, "Koneko-chan, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Glancing around furtively, the white-haired girl answered, "I… My club needs your help. Can you train us?"

Sitting straight, Naruto snapped to attention. He asked, "Why are you asking?"

Koneko pursed her lips and furrowed her eyebrows. She began, "Well…"

Once again, sorry about how the chapter is short this time. It'll be longer next chapter, I promise. And it's going to be the official start of the Riser arc.

Please tell me what you think, review, constructive criticism appreciated, and NO flames. Keep your insults to yourself. They contribute nothing to the story (unless you're insulting characters that honestly deserve the burns).