Hey there people, we are finally here. The chapter I know a lot of you have been waiting on. The Rating Game to decide Rias' fate is finally going to take place.
This is also the final chapter of this arc which means the next chapter will be Catching up with Konoha so we can see a little more of the elemental nations in the absence of Naruto.
Anyway let's have a couple of reviews brought up and then continue on.
First, I've had a few people saying that Shinobi are completely superior to devil's and other supernatural beings, even giving scales saying that this level of Shinobi is comparable to that level of devil and so on and so forth…that's completely made up. There is obviously no actual comparison between the two as they aren't from the same universe. The only real basis for that is fanfiction that has already occurred and more often than not that has Naruto coming into any universe so incredibly overpowered that he is on par to a god.
Anyway enough for that. Didn't mean to turn it into a half-assed rant.
Second- Naruto's eventual peerage when he is a high class devil, I won't give details, some of his pieces will be from the elemental nations but not all. However I will say I have it planned out already so I hope you like them.
Third- It was mentioned that in chapter one it was a bit lackluster how early Naruto accepted his piece. I feel somewhat compelled to say his loved ones back in Konoha never made it plainly clear to him how much he meant to them, but that doesn't fully excuse it. It boils down to the fact that I can only hope to get better as a writer as time goes on and moments like that one will be better written and fleshed out as I progress.
Lastly I want to invite you to come down to a community full of readers and writers hosted by fellow writer AizenTheGoat. A link for the server can be found here → /7x4YFstKcz
On to the story.
Arc: Games
Chapter 9: Fighting Fire
For the boys of Rias Gremory's peerage, the last five days had been exceptionally educational. That is to say, they had learned an insane amount of ways that they could be broken and put back together again. Naruto hadn't been bluffing. Five days of twenty-two hour training sessions had been grueling.
They had to be healed so much that Asia had overworked herself on the third day and passed out healing them. Filling the gap left by the former nun Aika, Katase, and Murayama had all begun utilizing the skin contact healing method to help out. It conserved a lot of energy at the expense of Katase and Murayama's humiliation.
Thankfully for them none of the pawns had really been in the position to try anything. Typically during those sessions they were either busy having their bones and muscles mended back together, so exhausted they couldn't move, or both.
It was all worth it though.
Now on the first day without their restraints and being allowed to sleep in a bit, the peerage had collected together in the expansive training grounds that Rias's vacation home offered. They all could tell the difference. The boys were stunned at how much they had changed physically. They weren't quite to Kiba's level and were far from the chiseled appearance Naruto had. That being said, each of them looked far healthier and toned. Issei, as was becoming the norm, outpaced the other two but their improvement was just as visible.
Appearance mattered little in all honesty. The true gains were already being felt as well. They moved with a speed and grace they had never imagined possible. They weren't all that much stronger, though there was improvement there as well, but their reaction times had become phenomenal compared to before.
Thanks to the method Naruto and Rias had employed, tearing them down and building them back with healing magic, they were growing at an incredibly fast rate. It was based slightly on Naruto's own training, his body regenerated quickly so any workout he did paid off sooner.
The boys weren't the only ones to improve. Between their own rough training at the hands of Rias and Akeno and having to use their magic to heal the boys, they had improved by leaps and bounds. Asia's greatest improvement had been her own reaction times and agility. Her growth in her magical reserves was also impressive.
Sadly not everyone could improve that much. Naruto remained plateaued. He would need to look into expanding his arsenal after the rating game as he had hit a roadblock with Kurama's knowledge and power. Whether devil abilities or yokai ones he needed to work on something to begin making up for his limit on his homelands techniques.
Rias and Akeno had increased their skill with their magical abilities and sparred several times with one another to catch their enemy off guard with their true capabilities.
Rias sighed as she looked across the group gathered before her. She smiled proudly at them. Her family was here to support her and help free her from a life bound to Riser. The next two days she planned on them all taking it relatively easy. Getting used to the slight changes from before and recuperating mentally as much as physically from the rest of the training trip. A bit of her did wish that she had until the original deadline to strengthen her peerage even more. Not even all of her pieces could participate.
"I know you all want to spend the last of our time loosening back up and preparing for the rating game, but I just wanted to gather everyone together and say how proud of all your hard work that I am. Not just that, but I'm thankful that all of you are here helping me and that you're all part of my peerage. I wouldn't trade any of you." She said, getting smiles and a few blushes, both from the innocent Asia and the three lusting boys among ehr pawns.
"With that all said, Today is the last day we will be splitting up into our training teams. Just to make sure everything is okay and nobody has some injury or something that we haven't caught yet." Rias continued catching the group by surprise, more so Naruto and Akeno.
"And one last thing, Naruto…" Rias said as she began to lead the girls away.
"Yeah?" Naruto asked, not liking the excessively sweet voice Rias was using.
"Grayfia wants to see you after you check on the boys, and I need to discuss some things with you right after. You, Akeno, and Koneko actually." Rias said with a smile causing Koneko to flinch and both Naruto and Akeno's eyes to widen slightly.
"Sure thing Rias." Naruto said softly, causing her to nod as she left.
The group stood in silence for a while. The boys all shifted among themselves while shooting a glance at the boy who had been torturing them for the last few days. They'd developed a healthy enough respect and fear of Naruto and what he would do to them in training that they refrained from interrupting the very intense stare off he was having with a random spot on the lawn. Suddenly the peace was broken as Naruto clapped and turned to the boys with a clearly forced grin that set off warning bells in their heads.
"Alright, so let's get in our cardio. I imagine you all feel pretty light with the restraints off, so half the time as yesterday's time ought to be a good goal." Naruto said brightly, though he still seemed bothered by something.
"But, Rias said we were supposed to take it easy today." Motohama argued.
"Ah, see that is taking it easy, plus look around you. I'm the one in charge now." Naruto's voice shifted down an octave and his grin became predatory.
"What the hell is going on with him and the president that is making him so much more aggressive all of a sudden?" Matsuda wondered aloud as the boy's began running.
"If this is how he acts when it's still a secret between them. Imagine how much worse it would be if you figured it out. Forget it and run. Don't even think about it if you can." Kiba suggested and the boys wisely took his advice, clamming up and running in silence from then on.
Naruto ran along beside them with a grimace stuck on his face. He had a very good idea of what Rias wanted to talk about. Hopefully when he saw Grayfia that would at least be some relief. The woman was like a mother or elder sister for him and despite her somewhat cold demeanor she always seemed to know what to say to give him confidence and remind him that he had people who cared about him deeply all around.
For Akeno things were awkward. It wasn't long after separating from the boys that Rias further partitioned their group, sending Asia and the pawns off while keeping both Koneko and Akeno herself close by. The frigid teal colored eyes glaring at her made it even clearer that she was very unhappy.
"I have been smiling and laughing all morning but in all honesty I am very fucking furious." Rias bit out causing Koneko to flinch slightly.
Akeno realized that Rias had gotten ahold of Koneko sometime before they had all met up for the morning, meaning that it was more than likely some things had been revealed. Though she wondered how Rias had known, or even known to corner Koneko about it.
"I met with Grayfia last night. She had evidently been present the night of the rehearsal because after leaving she and my brother were worried I would do something foolish…She expressed how disappointed in me she was for my actions that night and that I should never have done such a thing. She lectured me about it for quite a while actually. I know I don't need to tell you exactly what it was because as it turns out Grayfia says you were both there. She also says she saw you Koneko watching as Akeno and Naruto…had sex." Rias bit the last two words out between clenched teeth.
"Rias I-" Akeno began.
"Save it. You know as well as I do that I wouldn't have a problem with you being a part of his harem. I'm not a stupid child. I know he will be an extremely powerful devil one day and hold titles, and a peerage, and a harem all his own. But I will be his wife. Me. That means I should have gotten his first time." Rias all but growled.
"That's not how it works." Koneko argued suddenly.
"When you work up the courage to actually confront him about what you want Koneko then you can argue for your right to sleep with him." Rias said while looking down at the younger girl.
Koneko's usually stoic expression cracked a little as she returned the glare with slightly tear filled eyes. Rias suddenly felt bad, but she was laying down the law. Naruto would be her husband, she would make sure of it, and like her own mother that meant she would manage his harem for him. As was custom in the underworld.
"What you did Koneko isn't as bad as what Akeno did. You, Akeno, took advantage of him. Koneko and Grayfia told me everything they heard. Lying to him that you don't have anything hanging over your head like Riser. Taking advantage of the fact that I already pushed his limits in self control. How does that make you feel knowing that you two had your first time but it was because you manipulated him?" Rias asked.
Akeno's demeanor changed a bit. From a scolded subordinate to Rias' equal in a flash. "Who says he'll marry you? I'm fine with what I did, but don't pretend this is anything less than a power play to try and assert yourself over us. Maybe instead of you managing us, I'll be managing you. I wouldn't be opposed to it."
Rias' eyes widened before Koneko joined her in glaring at Akeno. This conversation was far from over, but all three slipped into smiles as the other girls rejoined them.
"So everyone is all warmed up? Let's move on to some light sparring. Akeno you will be my partner. Aika and Asia will double team against Koneko and Katase and Muryama, you two will fight each other." Rias said as she and Akeno stepped away.
Once more alone Rias turned to look at her Queen with a determined expression. "I won't use my place as your king to try and place myself above you when it comes to him. I will however beat your ass until you recognize I am the stronger and better option."
"Try." Akeno said simply as lightning crackled along her arms.
Nearby the girls had stopped their light sparring watching as Rias and Akeno began their fight far too aggressively before essentially turning it into a cat-fight.
"Is that light sparring?" Asia asked, confused.
"Let's just call it that and get back to work." Koneko huffed. She didn't like that both Rias and Akeno had considered her a non-threat in their little competition.
Grayfia sat silently across from Naruto while the teen shifted uncomfortably in front of her. She took a sliver of pleasure from the effect she had on Naruto. Just like her Sirzechs in so many ways.
"You were there then, huh?" Naruto said, trying to break the silence.
"Yes. I planned to intervene should Rias and yourself go too far but you proved your self control. At least then, it seems that whatever restraint you had with Rias left with her that night." Grayfia spoke with a lightly accusatory tone.
Naruto looked at the floor for a moment before looking up into the woman's eyes with his own hardened expression. Grayfia was a bit surprised by the sudden change but held her tongue to let the boy express his side of things.
"I'm sorry for the way it happened but I won't apologize for what happened. I know what my heart wants, Grayfia and you know I only gave up one thing in my life. I won't do it again." Naruto said with clear resolve.
"Hmm." Grayfia hummed before a tiny smile spread onto her lips. "Good. I hope you show the same backbone with Rias when she comes knocking. Akeno deserves her own happiness and while I love Rias she needs to recall she doesn't want to act like other Kings and dominate your lives. That choice comes with sacrifices like sharing your first time together."
"None of this will matter if we lose." Naruto said.
"Lose? Naruto, if you let Rias submit to Riser, I will never forgive you. Break him no matter the cost." Grayfia scolded.
"I won't. No matter the cost " Naruto said ignoring the warning growl from his tenant.
"Then we're done here. I won't shield you from Rias any longer." Grayfia said suddenly vanishing in a teleportation circle.
At that Naruto heard the door close causing him to turn around to find a pair of teal blue eyes narrowed at him. However Naruto paused and looked Rias over for a second rather than cower at his king's annoyance.
"What happened to your clothes? It's like your clothes got torched." Naruto said.
Rias blinked before looking herself over and blushing slightly at the state of disarray and partial undress she had. She did her best to ignore it and focus on confronting her rook.
"Why? Why didn't you wait for me?" She asked.
Naruto grimaced at the upset tone in her voice. A big part of him wanted to throw Akeno under the bus and blame her for all of it. He couldn't though. He felt as strongly for Akeno as he did Rias and he knew both girls were incredibly close. He needed to explain it in such a way that didn't set the girls against one another.
The thought that he would have girls fighting over him like this would have been a pipe dream a couple years ago, but now he wanted them to remain close and with him at the same time.
"Rias, you know Akeno and I love you…do you doubt that?" He asked.
"Actions speak louder than words." She glared at him while crossing her arms under her bust.
"You're right, but I don't have an excuse. I love you both, Koneko and Asia too I'm pretty sure. Less sure if Asia but, that's not the point, the point is I would have ravaged you that night if it wasn't for Riser. That was the only thing that stopped me. You can't really expect me to hold you over the others so clearly. It's wrong I guess." He tried to explain his position.
Rias stared blankly before blowing out a long sigh that flicked a lock of her beautiful hair. She knew what he was trying to say. Grayfia and later Akeno and Koneko had all said the same thing.
"Listen to me." Rias began locking eyes with him. "I love you and I want you. After this rating game is over I'm going to get you. A whole night where you are going to worship my body. Then, I will one day be your wife and you will love it every night."
She spun around and strutted off leaving Naruto blinking in a bit of shock at her words. That was awfully bold and blunt, even for her.
"She's so weird…like I would argue with anything she said." Naruto thought out loud.
The last two days of their time at the vacation estate had been nice. After Rias had made her intentions clear and locked herself and Akeno into a room, presumably to hash out their post victory plans and limits, the pair seemed even closer than before the fiasco that still only a handful in the group knew about.
That was partially because they didn't want to involve the opinions of the others and partially because the leaders of the peerage, Rias, Akeno, and Naruto realized that as much as they disliked it, the morale of the perverted trio seemed to weigh heavily on the image they had for Rias and Akeno, and the illusion they could somehow impress them enough to gain a relationship…or at least a one night stand. None of that was going to happen but as long as it kept them in high spirits and giving the Rating game their all they could keep their dream alive
Akeno was really looking forward to crushing it after Naruto and Rias slept together. If the pawns found out that not only Rias but Akeno herself were already committed in spirit and body to Naruto…the thought of their heartbreak was enough to make her want to jump Naruto's bones again.
As it was though they were all prepping to be teleported to the arena right now. She'd have to wait till after their victory and Rias had her taste.
"We will be teleported any moment now so I want you all to just remember to do your best and don't be too reckless. Remember the plan and rely on one another. Riser doesn't stand a chance against us." Rias smiled at her gathered peerage.
"We won't let you down Rias." Naruto reassured her.
"I don't think you could if you tried. No matter what happens I adore you all." She said.
The peerage took on a determined look as they suddenly teleported to what appeared to be the ORC building.
"We're back in Kuoh?" Issei asked.
"Not quite." Naruto replied, motioning toward the window.
The pawns drew back the curtains and were shocked at the sight before them. The Kuoh Academy campus seemed to be floating in a sort of featureless void. Like the entire school and it's grounds had been simply picked up and moved.
"It's not real. At least not the real thing." Rias explained.
"A copy?" Aika asked.
"Yep, a duplicate made just for this arena. Riser got to pick the arena since we challenged him technically. By picking a place we are familiar with but that he isn't he's trying to say we couldn't win no matter our advantage." Naruto scoffed.
"Too bad it's gunna bite him in the ass." Issei said, slamming a fist into his palm.
"Damn right." Matsuda agreed.
"Just stick to the plan as best as possible and do your best everyone. We'll come out on top." Rias assured her peerage.
A chime sound echoed over the arena and Grayfia's voice could be heard echoing.
"Greetings and welcome to the Rating Game between Lord Riser Phenex and Lady Rias Gremory. For those viewing the match this is an unofficial game as Lady Rias remains underage for official matches. The Stakes for this Rating game is the continued existence of the marriage contract between Lady Gremory and Lord Phenex. Should Lady Gremory win, the agreement will be rendered null and void, however should Lord Phenex win then the agreement will be finalized and moved forward. Lord Riser Phenex will also assume guardianship of Lady Rias Gremory's peerage until she passes a review when she is of age and considered a matured devil." Grayfia explained.
"Wait, viewers?" Katase asked.
"Rating games are televised around the supernatural world, not just the underworld." Akeno explained.
"What was that about the guardian thing?" Aika asked worriedly.
"If I am forced to marry Riser, he will use my defeat and his power to take you all under his wing. I'm afraid of what that means for you girls especially." Rias said. Her confidence was slipping slightly until Akeno and Naruto's hands slipped into hers.
"The arena chosen is a replica of Kuoh Academy in Japan. Both peerages have a base of operations, The Gremory peerage will be starting in the Occult Research Clubhouse, the Phenex Peerage will be starting in the administrative section of the academy. With these areas designated as enemy territory for the opposing side any pawns that reach their opponents' base may promote." Grayfia explained.
Rias, Akeno, and Naruto brought up a magical diagram of the arena with blinking marks for each of the members of the peerage and each member received a spell allowing them all to communicate by simply pressing a finger against the side of their head.
"I will be acting with the authority of the Maou in my place as referee and scorekeeper for this match, and so without further delay I declare this rating game to begin." Grayfia's voice boomed over the arena and both peerage snapped into action.
Issei, Matsuda, and Motohama led the charge moving down the center of the field, just as planned. The three pawns still felt an awful lot like cannon fodder, but by now they knew that it was pretty much the only role they could fill at the moment. The rest of the peerage was either a heavy hitter or fulfilled some specific task that Rias needed them for.
So, while they didn't like it they were prepared to play their part. Even as they stepped into the fake Kuoh's gymnasium and found their first enemies were three pawns supported by a rook.
"This is gunna really suck." Issei whined but still he summoned up his sacred gear as he and the other two boys got ready to do their part.
"Ile Nel, make quick work of them, we need to secure the gym, it's the midpoint of the field." The rook commanded two of the pawns, a pair of twins wielding chainsaws.
The green haired girl's cheered as they started up the chainsaws they held and raced toward the boys who screamed at the approaching threats.
"This is making my Loli twin dream a nightmare!" Matsuda shouted as he dodged around the chainsaws that both girls managed to wield with unnatural grace and speed.
"Xuelan, don't you think we should help to take out these three. The faster the better." The last pawn asked the room.
"No, Mira, I doubt that Rias would send her pawns off by themselves. Lord Riser said that she is far too soft for something like that." Xuelan replied.
The perverted trio noticed that the last two opponents had yet to jump in and we're hanging back. That was a problem. They needed all four of them drawn in close together near the center of the gym. With a nod, Matsuda and Motohama surprised the chainsaw twins by tackling them around the waists while Issei charged forward and launched a blast from his gauntlet at the rook.
The Phenex pawns were stunned by the attack and cried out for Xuelan at the shocking display. As the blast cleared though it became clear that while the blast likely would have removed a pawn or perhaps another piece, rooks were too durable for the attack. Xuelan remained, however her clothing didn't.
"I thought you had a great rack, but the fact you are clean shaven is still a bit surprising." Issei said as he stared at the nude form of the woman before him.
Xuelan trembled as she tried to cover herself. The twins kicked Matsuda and Motohama off and howled with rage at seeing their friend humiliated. All three pawns charged at Issei only for a sudden set of explosions to rip holes in the ceiling and crater the gym floor. Aika smiled from the gaping hole in the roof waving down at the boys.
"Riser Phenex, three pawns retired." Grayfia's voice called out.
The boys chuckled before turning to the last person in the gym with them. Xuelan was in tears while trying to hide her modesty.
"Now what to do about her?" Issei asked.
Motohama adjusted his glasses while grinning wickedly. "I dunno what about but I can think of a few things to do to her."
The other two boys exchanged a glance before they sported matching grins to their friend. Xuelan gasped and retired herself on the spot as Aika, Katase, and Murayama joined the boys.
"Wow, that was a great bluff. She bought it no problem." Aika said. Issei and Matsuda nodded, smiling while Motohama cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Yeah, bluff. Totally got them." He said.
The others looked at him oddly but chose to ignore it. They took out a good bit of Riser's forces but they were still far from winning the game.
"Come on you two, let's get moving." Issei said.
The perverted trio began heading for the doors to the gym while the girls locked it down, securing the middle point for Rias' side. It lasted until the door that Motohama was opening folded in on itself from an attack that slammed him into the far wall and retired him instantly.
"Shit, they're here already!" Matsuda cried before taking a painful slash from Riser's knight Karlamine.
He struggled for a second until the second knight Siris planted her large sword through his gut. As Matsuda was retired from the arena the rest of Riser's pawns and one of his Bishops, Migae stepped into the gym from behind, having circled around after seeing the pawn girls attack from the roof.
Katase and Murayama managed to each take Ni and Li with them but we're easily overwhelmed and retired leaving only Issei and Aika back to back as Riser's two knights, the one bishop that wasn't his sister and three remaining pawns encircled them.
"Just retire. You all know how this fight is going to go. You king will be on her back for Lord Riser by Saturday and you'll all be taken care of well enough. Why fight?" Siris asked.
"Siris!" Karlamine said in shock.
"I'm telling the truth, Karlamine. This whole thing is pointless." She replied.
"Still, why do you have to be so vulgar?" Karlamine asked in a quiet voice.
"Sorry to interrupt you two but not a chance in hell. We won't betray the president like that." Issei said with confidence.
"He's right, beside…you should have just got us while you had the chance. Time's up." Aika said smugly.
"What are you talking abo-" Siris began to say only for a blade to sudden pierce through her and for her to be retired.
"Siris!" Karlamine called before she clashed blades with Kiba.
Riser's bishop Mihae turned to help only to be folded over at the waist as a tiny fist embedded itself into her gut. A blow like that from a rook of Koneko's caliber was enough to forcibly retire Mihae.
The remaining pawns of Riser's peerage were no better off as they were struck by lightning from Akeno as she arrived to help. The three of them would have been turned into blackened piles of ash if it hadn't been for them each being retired to prevent that exact fate.
As Karlamine was now the one surrounded Kiba planned to give her the same chance to retire from the fight that Issei and Aika had received however while she was facing him a fire spell from Aika slammed into her back forcibly retiring her.
"Well that was a bit disappointing." Akeno said.
"Rias Gremory four pawns retired. Riser Phenex all pawns, all knights, and one bishop retired." Grayfia's voice boomed over the arena.
"We're winning." Issei said with a smile just before seeming to distentegrate along with Aika as they were retired just in time to survive the sudden detonation of a massive explosion at the center of the Gymnasium.
"There's the rest of them then." Akeno growled as Riser's Queen, Rook, and Bishop all arrived.
The queen glared down at them from the hole in the roof while Akeno glared back. Ravel, Riser's younger sister and remaining bishop stood beside her while the rook, Isabela, dropped down in front of Kiba and Koneko.
Without warning a sudden explosion removed Kiba from the game and the fight began again. Ravel and Isabela kept Koneko on the defensive while Akeno dueled Yubelluna, Riser's Queen one on one.
The fight was surprisingly even. That is until Akeno suddenly banked out of the way and Yubelluna's attack struck her own Rook. The girl was durable but that strike nearly defeated her leading to her changing up her tactics.
With a wild tackle she pinned Koneko to the floor giving Yubelluna the shot she needed to remove Koneko from the game, even at the cost of Isabela as well.
"Lady Ravel, please return to your brother's side. I will finish up here and rejoin the two of you shortly." Yubelluna said confidently, getting the young blonde to do just that.
"You are entirely too confident in yourself. You can't beat me." Akeno said.
"Well, you have yet to beat me yourself so I wonder why you are so sure." Yubelluna teased.
"Simple, I've been holding something back, but I won't anymore. For Rias I won't." Akeno replied with a determined voice before suddenly her lightning seemed to shift color to a vibrant blue and white in color and accelerate to an incredible speed when she attacked.
The Bomb Queen was caught off guard but proved why she was regarded among some of the most powerful up and coming queens as she went toe to toe with the younger girl. It wasn't enough though and she soon found herself collapsing from exhaustion in the battle at Akeno's feet.
"I told you, you can't beat me." Akeno said as she walked up. She was a bit roughed up but the true problem was she had used too much of her energy. Her fallen side was even showing as a black feathery wing rested opposite her black devil's wing.
"Figures a hybrid is strong. What does your master think of that filthy blood in your veins?" Yubelluna asked, trying to rile up the opposing queen.
"She knew from the moment she made me her queen what I am. She never cared at all. Not that it matters here. Just retire so I can go watch the rest of my team kick your King's ass." Akeno replied. She blinked for a second realizing that the woman was drinking something.
Instantly Yubelluna's body and energy seemed to rebound and then strengthen beyond the point it had been at when she first engaged Akeno and the others.
"Phenex tears." Akeno said with a growl realizing Yubelluna had purposefully gotten her talking to slip the potion in.
"Yes, this is it for you." Yubelluna said before suddenly crying out in pain as a dagger embedded itself into her shoulder.
"Naruto?" Akeno asked in surprise. He was supposed to be with Rias. Riser and Ravel together would be a challenge.
"So that is the secret Rias was talking about back at base. I have to have so many conversations after we kick this bird's ass I guess. Just so you know, it doesn't bother me at all." Naruto replied.
Akeno fought back the happy tears in her eyes. They did need to talk after this was all over, but him knowing she was a hybrid, that she was part fallen and not caring a bit filled her with such relief that she nearly wept.
She regained control of herself though as she glared over at the Bomb Queen.
"Actually, she's mine. All mine. You go help Rias with the last two." Akeno said as blue electricity began coursing across her body and her smile grew nearly manic.
Naruto hesitated briefly before slowly nodding. He tossed her a scroll that she caught with a confused look on her face.
"Give the Bomb Queen a taste of her own medicine." Naruto said before rushing off to help Rias.
Akeno smiled at the thought. She would make it happen.
As Naruto arrived to support Rias and Asia he found his king to have just taken out Ravel. Grayfia's voice boomed as it called for not only Ravel's elimination but also the dueling Queens Naruto had just departed from.
"I imagine Riser is headed here now. He won't be happy that I ambushed Ravel like that." Rias said, she didn't look bothered by that though.
"It was smart to catch her before she reunited with him though." Naruto pointed out.
"Yeah, this is still going to be a tough fight though." Rias grimly replied before turning to Asia.
"I know I am asking a lot of you even though you hate participating in a fight but I won't ask you to actually fight him. Just heal myself and Naruto while we do the fighting okay?" Rias asked.
"I'll do my best, I'm a part of your peerage too after all." The blonde responded.
Rias smiled at the girl but the smile dipped as the air began to rapidly heat up. Riser, burned a path straight toward the three of them, igniting or melting everything in his path until it no longer blocked his way.
Naruto narrowed his eyes before leaning in toward Rias to whisper. He had an idea. One that might make this win a sure thing even with Riser's immortality.
"Rias, when he gets here, dump every bit of your power into a continuous attack with your Power of Destruction, then I'll take him on while Asia replenishes you as much as she can. When you can start joining back in, start using your power to hit him and we'll start wearing out his regeneration." Naruto suggested.
"Are you sure Naruto?" Rias asked unsure.
"Believe in me." Naruto said with a grin."The way that hot headed idiot is burning through his reserves to act all intimidating it'll work even better."
"Okay. We'll do it your way. Here he comes." Rias said as Riser smashed through a wall that he had begun to melt.
"Rias, you little teenage rebellion has been nothing more than an annoyance. I guess this is the part where I get to spank you for being naughty." Riser tried joking to conceal his fury at how well her peerage had handled his own with far less training and experience.
Naruto was nearly smiling at that. It was good he was agitated. Riser struck him as an idiot when calm, if they got him riled up it would be an even easier fight.
Rias did as Naruto had asked and launched her attack just as Riser had begun speaking. By the end of his words the black miasma of her power of destruction had impacted him and destroyed his body almost in it's entirely turning his words into a scream of agony. One that caused Asia to flinch at hearing someone in such pain. Still the former nun held firm. Naruto and Rias' plan relied on her and she wasn't about to let them down.
Just as Riser began to regenerate another massive blast of Destruction hit him, dropping him to his knees as he shrieked in pain. Still his body flickered like a raging flame and regenerated from the attack.
Again and again until she was stumbling, Rias attacked him. Finally it was Naruto's turn to attack as Asia did her best to restore the energy Rias had used so quickly.
Naruto opened up his own attacks with a barrage of kunai and shuriken that sunk into Riser's flesh before melting away as the Phenex scion hissed in pain and anger. Never before had peerage done so well against his own without it being on purpose. For it to be the peerage of the inexperienced Gremory heiress who was supposed to be his by right, was humiliating.
Humiliation turned to utter shock as the Rook he intended to fry both in the game and at his earliest opportunity after the wedding landed an uppercut sending him stumbling back.
No rook could move like that. At least none outside the peerage of someone like his brother Rival or the masters of the rating games like Diehauser Belial and Roygun Belphegor.
The second strike, a gut punch proved that it wasn't some fluke, this rook was faster than he was but hit with all the force a powerful rook should command. The blows were nothing compared to his regeneration though so Riser simply began retaliating. He lashed out with his own flame shrouded strikes outward the weaving boy missing most but further stunning himself when he saw burns he gave the kid healing on their own.
"What the hell are you exactly? Kitsune don't have regeneration to that degree." Riser demanded.
"Go fuck yourself." Naruto responded easily before he sped up his own attacks.
The pair of devil's began beating each other rapidly and viciously. To many viewers it was a spectacle they hadn't imagined would ever be found in a match between devil's so young.
Rias and Asia watched the pair from a safe distance as Asia did her best to replenish her King's reserves. They were awes by the display, both struck in wonder by the level Naruto was able to push himself to surpass.
All for those he loved. Both girls felt their hearts swell at the thought.
"Enough of this!" Riser roared increasing the temperature and power of his flame to such an extent that the concrete below him cracked and bubbles as it began to deteriorate.
'He has way more energy than I thought.' Naruto thought.
'His bloodline is truly impressive. I have no doubt you will be able to defeat him though.' Kurama replied.
'Yeah, given time. But I can see Rias over there. Since she kicked it up a notch my healing isn't keeping up with the burns as well. She doesn't know just how durable I actually am. She's going to forfeit if this keeps up.' Naruto explained.
'No. Don't be stupid. It's a last resort only. This isn't the time.' Kurama argued.
'Yes it is. We have to.' Naruto said as he saw Rias' expression change into horror at the sight of his burned arms.
'Fool!' Kurama roared but Naruto cut the connection and turned his attention fully into his opponent.
"You see now don't you, little shit? You can't keep up with the immortality of a Phenex." Riser cackled. He had caught on to Naruto and Rias' strategy and was more than willing to let them try. He was about to show them just how pointless it was.
At least that had been the plan. He was riding high on his oncoming victory. He could hear the sobbing wails from the two girls nearby and the boy in his grasp was about to be taught to fear those of the Phenex blood properly.
Then Naruto grabbed hold of his arms. An instant later pain coursed through him. It crawled through his body and ate at him and his flesh seemed to melt away before the flames of his regeneration kicked in and healed the spot. Only as soon as he had regenerated the flesh burned away again turning into a charred and bloody mess. Before it regenerated again, only slower.
"Guess your immortality isn't quite up to snuff is it?" Naruto growled as his devil and yokai extremities unveiled in full and his tails wrapped the Phenex into a tight cocoon.
The corrosive energy from Naruto bombarded Riser from every direction and he again howled in pain as his body was devoured by the red aura that swept across his body. His regeneration couldn't keep up in the slightest and he couldn't even see as his eyes clamped shut to try and avoid the worst pain he'd ever felt in his life.
"You think your regeneration makes you so tough? This is the curse I have always lived with. It's only gotten worse as I grew older, but I have suffered this pain a hundred times more and a hundred times worse than you. I'm suffering right now with you but still you are at my mercy. So stay it. Forfeit, or I will make sure you feel this agony forever." Naruto snarled directly into Riser's ear.
"I do, I forfeit please! I forfeit, make it stop." Riser screamed, shocking Rias, Asia, and all the viewers back home.
"Riser Phenex forfeits, Rias Gremory Wins!" Grayfia announced and Naruto released the Phenex.
Scars covered his form from the damage he suffered showing his regeneration had failed to instantly heal him. As Riser curled up into a ball on the ground whimpering and twitching from the phantom pains across his body, Naruto turned to Rias and Asia shocking them with similar damage covering his body, except he had yet to regenerate and instead severe burns littered him only slowly fading away.
"Naruto!" They said in worry, just before all of them were enveloped in light and taken to the medical ward for the arena.
A few hours later saw Naruto trying his best to try and calm Asia down as she tried to check him for injuries. It was awfully sweet but she had seen him heal up. Naruto was starting to think her hands rubbing across his body was for another reason entirely. He could tell Rias, Akeno, and Koneko definitely thought that.
"Asia, really I'm fine now. You don't need to be so worried." Naruto reassured her.
The blonde pouted as the boy caught her hands in his. The pout faded as he grinned at her though and spun her around. They were all in a ballroom for a celebration after all.
"Oh, what about me Asia, I could really use some healing." Motohama called from where he and the other pawns were standing.
"They're fine. Though if they don't take their fellow pawns to dance they might actually need you to heal them soon." Naruto simultaneously reassured Asia while threatening the boys and sending them scurrying across the dance floor with their fellow pawns in tow.
"Naruto, are you really sure you're alright?" Rias asked as she cut into the dance.
"I'm certain." Naruto replied.
"Good, then I can make good on my promise. I love you, and I want you. You can come with me up to my room and we can do this the easy way, or I can disintegrate your pants right here in front of my parents and we can do it the hard way. The choice is yours." Rias hissed into his ear causing the boy to freeze.
"Ah, letting me take the lead, I'm so happy you see it my way." Rias said as she dragged him toward the door, ignoring the eyes on her as her elder brother began a small toast to her victory and her breaking of the agreement with Riser.
Naruto's mind soon caught up to him and he pulled Rias against his chest as he sped her up causing a light squeal of surprise and excitement to come from her. He fully intended to take Rias and make her his own, and nothing could ruin the moment.
'Naruto, we have a problem. We need to speak.' Kurama said, though Naruto cut the connection fully and ignored him. He had something far more important to handle right now.
So I acknowledge it is kinda a cock-block but the next chapter is going to be Catching up with Konoha. Plenty of action and things like that so I think you will enjoy it. Don't worry though, we will be diving right back in where we left off when we return to Naruto's point of view.
Anyway
Till Next Time