Author Note: With this chapter the arc comes to a close tho even I'm not I'm not sure if this story will ever get a true ending, if I were to end this series sooner and give it an actual ending it would branch from the actual series into a whole different story not focusing on the Demon or Goddess Clan.

WORDS STYLE:

Thinking

(Words of past)

[Tv/Intercom]

SHOUTING

TwIsTeD

Chapter 24

LAST TIME

"Perceptive as always." As they heard that voice the group turns just as they felt a magic power that was in hiding.

"To be honest, the new generation was just worthless apprentices just like you Naruto, if you hadn't run away with the Princess you could have been one of them. Like you, they hated being weak and held more hatred towards themselves than those stronger. This ancient curse only intensifies these feelings and in time it would consume them." As they heard that, the group was shocked but none more than Naruto who had wide eyes at the sight of his adoptive father who now had gray skin on his upper body with black skin on his lower body. He had demonic features such as horns having sprouted out of his head, and a pair of wings out of his back. His eyes were now yellow and red, with black veins above and below them.

"So your still alive, Hendrickson!" Meliodas glared at the demonic Holy Knight much to the shock of the others.

"He's got the Gray demon blood in him." His words just cause the man to smile.

"It's but an incredible blessing when one is truly compatible with Demon blood for its arguments their strength and amplified their magic. All that research and experimentation was worth it. Now, as your Father you just hand over Elizabeth." As he heard that, Elizabeth turns to see Naruto glaring at the man.

"Everyone, I'll deal with this so save the kingdom." His words shocked the others yet Elizabeth shook her head.

"No, you don't have to—" She was silenced when she saw Naruto look at her with a reassuring smile yet that didn't make her feel any better.

"Don't worry, I'll deal with this." His words caused Hendrickson's eyes to narrow while Naruto took a deep breath and lets it out before in an instant he launched right at Hendrickson who stretched out his hands, grabbing his blades until he was forced to let go from the headbutt that caused him to flinch before he was kicked in a further direction which Naruto goes after him, creating distance between the group and their yet Meliodas's eyes narrow while Elizabeth's hands turn into fists before she felt it and looks to see his fist giving off a glow, causing her eyes to widen before looking in Naruto's direction with determination.

"Naruto…!"

CURRENT

Sparks, explosions, shockwaves, and fire, were the four things taking place as two foes did battle in the middle of the streets.

"HELLBLAZE!" Hendrickson swung his hands multiple times at Naruto to unleash several waves of flames at him but for every one sent the red-head cut through each one as the wind gathered around his blade, mixing with the flames as he closed the distance between himself and his once father.

"WIND DRILL!" He thrusts both blades forwards where he didn't have a building behind him to unleash a condensed wind spear launches for Hendrickson who grabbed it yet was skidding back as the flames burned his hands, looking up he found a foot slamming in his face yet he still didn't fall by glared Naruto who flew past him. The newly made Demon disperses the attack and launched himself at Naruto with his hands meeting the twin blades that grabbed onto in order to deliver a headbutt only for him to blow right through him instead.

"Clone—" He turns to find Naruto already behind him with both swords drawn back.

TYPHOON RISING SLASH!" With that upwards swing that Hendrickson blocked, he was then carried high towards the sky from the eruption of wind that formed a massive storming vortex yet it carried all the rubble around him to block his vision.

"I can't see him!" Hendrickson starts knocking away what was near him until he heard it.

"Spirit Sylph's~~" Hendrickson looked up to find he was actually above him with his swords no longer on him, having been placed somewhere else.

"TYPHOON FIST!" He swung down just as Hendrickson swing up but the fist broke his arm in several hours places before a massive light-green fist formed from wind slammed into his body, sending him straight down to the ground where another large explosion took place while Naruto landed nearby, breathing heavily as he picked up his blades.

"Naruto you idiot, you're pushing yourself too hard! You've already pushed yourself fighting those last two, you haven't recovered fully to use more of my power!" Despite the warning from the wind spirit, Naruto didn't waver as he watched another explosion taking place as Hendrickson was pulling himself out of the large hole, broken bones having already healed yet obvious from the sight Hendrickson was starting to become pushed even with the healing factor of the demon blood.

"Here goes." With that thought and deep breath, Naruto launched himself right at Hendrickson once again at full speed to immediately close the distance as he swung down just as Hendrickson swung his fist that made contact with the blade yet with the leverage he had, Naruto's blade was pushed back before he was slammed into by Hendrickson who launched himself right into him with his elbow making contact with his chest, gaining a gritted grunt of pain as he was sent further back yet skids on the ground.

"Shit." His eyes widen to see his foe was gone yet in instant he reacts by blocking a strike from behind and turning to find the shocking Demon there before the two began a close quarters combat, blade meeting fist and fist meeting blade, explosions of flames and wind happened all around then as they gathered their magic. With each strike, Naruto's strength began to waver.

"ENOUGH!" Hendrickson shouts as he suddenly slammed his left leg into Naruto's right where something was heard to have snap yet that didn't stop the counter of him switching the blades placement in his hand and swinging up with his left blade, Hendrickson dodged yet his right wing was severed as he outstretched his hand to grab the right sword and just as Naruto pulled so did Hendrickson with brute force, breaking the sword much to Naruto's horror of Jack's memento and that was all Hendrickson needed in order to grab Naruto by his head and slam his knee into his chest, gaining a yell of pain yet with the grit of his teeth he brings down the sword deep into Hendrickson's right shoulder, angering the Demon who spins, breaking the sword in two while his spin kick slammed into Naruto's left side and sending him skipping across the rubble and down a hill where it led to an open area of dirt and rocks and a single large rock formation with a building on top, that being for magical research just as Hendrickson lands before him.

"Dammit." Muttered the Demon as he reached up and grabbed the lodged blade to pull it out before throwing it aside, his gaze not once leaving Naruto's yet was obvious despite their near level the Demon had the upper hand.

A sigh was released from Hendrickson's mouth as he stared at him in disappointment.

"Admit defeat, you have some use to me, and would be a shame to kill you." As he heard those words, his eyes narrowed when he saw his once son bring up his fists until both of their eyes widen and turn to find one Hawk arriving on the scene with…

"ELIZABETH?!" Shouted the redhead in shock at seeing the Princess having arrived, getting off of Hawk to stare at the two doing battle. Naruto wasn't the only one shocked while Hendrickson was also confused at why she would come yet even so the once human smiled.

"I see, so you've come to surrender yourself to save Naruto," His smile grows darker. "the obvious choice, after all, you—" He moved fast with Naruto's eyes narrowing as he got in front of the Princess while Hendrickson appeared before them as he brought back his right arm, knowing Naruto doesn't have a weapon and swung just as Naruto did yet in the seconds that followed, both were confused.

One being Hendrickson who found himself having been sent flying with a visible burn and bruise on his left cheek and Naruto who was staring at his glowing fists before he turns back towards Elizabeth who was staring at him.

"Eliza—"

"Naruto." The Princess's abrupt cut-off completely silenced the young man who stared at her while Hawk left to go get help, leaving the three.

"I…wanted to get stronger." She started to say, the look in her eyes holding a strength that had surprised him. "Every time you've fought, I've been on the sidelines, unable to do nothing but watch as you fought and risked your life to protect me." Naruto's eyes widen as he continued to stare at her eyes that held determination, not like her usual self.

"Meliodas is currently fighting Ban, I don't know why…but I'm not able to do anything to help him yet, here…" Her gaze turns towards Hendrickson who got up, his eyes narrowing.

"I think I can use this power…to help you!" Elizabeth's hands glowed which caused Naruto's body to give off the same as the wounds began to heal yet she immediately stops and focuses on his hands due to Hendrickson crouching and launching himself at the two yet partway he was met with Naruto's head, head butting his own that that caused him to flinch and giving an opening to throw a punch at the demon who blocked, being sent backward from the strike that burned his arms skin. The sight of this angered Hendrickson who's arms started to heal slowly.

"Such a foolish girl indeed, an apostle of the Goddess Clan." He raises both arms back as darkness started to gather. "Now watch as I kill your Knight in front of your eyes." It was then that he and Naruto noticed something for once, a look on Elizabeth's face that made them both speechless.

"I won't let you." The look in Elizabeth's eyes was anger. "HURT NARUTO!" As she brought her arms up again, the light disappeared in front of Naruto's and instead appeared where Hendrickson had immediately jumped away from, an orb of light having formed and in turn burned his body yet that gave an opening for Naruto to get on the spot he had jumped to and punches him square in the face yet all it did was cause him to skid back a few, both realizing his fists weren't covered in light. Seeing this as an opening, Hendrickson immediately moved towards Naruto yet a second glowing fist found its way into his face, sending him flying back as the light was burning his face.

"Damn you, you wench!" As he said that, Naruto's eyes narrowed while Elizabeth stayed close behind him. "I WILL NOT BE BEATEN BY THE LIKES OF YOU TWO!" He launched himself at them and Naruto did the same as the two brought back their fists.

(So you recall nothing else but your name from what I can see.)

(It's been a few weeks, I know this may feel sudden but I've asked for permission to look after you until you remember.)

(D-Dad, are you sure you want me to be?)

Their fists slammed into the other face yet they didn't stop as they swung again.

(Naruto, you need to halt these pranks, they are becoming a nuisance to the kingdom.)

Their fists made contact once again as blood splattered on the ground from their mouths yet even so they brought them back again and continued to swing their fists.

(The Princess, so you've met her…hm, I see, do not associate yourself with her, you will only bring shame to her.)

(From this day forward, you will be training under Howzer, do not bring shame to me.)

(Disappointing, if this is all you can—)

The next strike left its mark as it sent Hendrickson flying with a spin, his eyes wide while Naruto stood with bruises on his face yet they slowly start to heal from Elizabeth who was trying to focus a power she knows little about, and his it's working yet all she wanted was to help him.

(Whatever the future holds, I promise you I will do whatever I can to be a great father to you.)

Naruto just grits his teeth while Hendrickson starts to get up.

"Why… WHY DID YOU HAVE TO CHANGE?!" His shout caused Hendrickson and Elizabeth's eyes to widen as they saw Naruto's expression become that of struggle. "What made you turn from the kind man I saw as a father to this, what corrupted you?" As he asked those questions, Hendrickson just remains silent yet his expression turns dark as his eyes glowed bright purple.

"Dark…" Both Naruto and Elizabeth's eyes widen as they felt large darkness make its way outside of the demon's body. "NEBULA!" Unlike previous ones, this time it was on a whole other level as the size was wide-range and expanding in all directions Naruto got in front of Elizabeth protectively as the attack suddenly focused on them.

"Why?" All he could think as he did was he could protect Elizabeth from the attack resulting in an explosion of darkness, the smoke and debris only clearing to reveal Elizabeth why kneeling, her gaze on Naruto's back while he stood protecting her yet his body was covered in wounds but his gaze didn't break from Hendrickson's.

"Naruto…" Elizabeth raises her arms, prepared to heal him until a sudden pain coursed through her head and stopped her in her tracks, grunting in pain and gaining Naruto's notice.

"Elizabeth!" He crouched down at her side in worry before his eyes widen and turned to find Hendrickson staring at them from his spot, having not bothered to get closer.

"Hendrickson…" As she said his name, the Demon's eyes narrowed at her gaze. "My father, he put so much faith in you because you were always so much kinder and gentler than anyone else because you had the trust of the Kingdom and the Holy Knights. What happened to that man, what happened to Naruto's father? You've betrayed so many people, and killed countless others…what did you want so badly that sacrificing yourself was worth it?" With that question hanging in the air, he finally answered.

"The resurrection of the Demon Clan and to take revenge on the four races that sealed us away after the ancient war." When Naruto heard that, his eyes slowly began to widen.

"But…that's not possible…your a Druid yet the way you say it—" Disbelief appeared on his face.

"You're not, Hendrickson… you're a Demon, you've taken over his body but…when…" Confusion was evident on his face yet Hendrickson appeared unaffected.

"All I need now is the blood of the Apostle of the Goddesses." He started to bring back his right arm much to the worry of Naruto who brought his arms up, knowing he doesn't have time to grab Elizabeth but prepare to block or counter.

"DIE!" With that single word, he leaps for the two with Naruto's preparing himself until…the attack was stopped in its tracks just as droplets of blood splatter on Naruto's cheek. What he had just witnessed had caused Naruto to become silent, taking in what had just happened while Elizabeth's eyes widen in horror.

*Cough*

"Guess, that didn't work." Spoke Naruto's once teacher, Howzer who stood in front of Naruto with a broken sword and an arm piercing through his chest, the hand inches from Naruto's face.

"Hm." Was the only sound Hendrickson made before he started to look around at the arrival of not only the Holy Knights that were gathering but also the Seven Deadly sins that had arrived too late on the scene, Meliodas's eyes just wide at the scene before his eyes and grits his teeth while Hendrickson pulled his arm out of Howzer's chest, causing the man to stumble back into Naruto's arms.

*cough*

Blood was being coughed out of Howzer's mouth just as Hendrickson jumps away from Meliodas and Gilthunder landing between the two, anger evident on their faces.

"Howzer." Gil looks back to see the state of his best friend and could only look away while Naruto's eyes were wide in disbelief and quickly he turns to the Princess.

"Elizabeth, hurry, we can still save him!" With a nod, she gets closer and raises her hands as they start to glow but dim multiple times yet Howzer just smiles and shakes his head.

"Don't bother…I don't think it would have done anything, that asshole must've torn my organs when he was pulling out his hand. My…visions fading…I can't feel…anything…" Despite what he felt, he had a sad smile on his face. He slowly raises one hand to place on Elizabeth's, stopping her as her eyes widen in disbelief as he uses what strength he has to push her hands back before he raises a hand to touch Naruto's face.

"I'm…sorry…" Tears began to appear in his eyes. "for failing you…as your teacher…as your friend." As Howzer spiked no one made a move as Hendrickson stood there and watched with a smile forming on his face, the look angering Meliodas who was prepared to strike along with Gilthunder yet no one made the first move while Naruto could only stare at Howzer in his arms.

"Naruto…don't…don't let your…dream die…" As he said those words, his eyes widen as the man's body became limp and all he did was stare, all he could hear was his heartbeat slowing to a stop. The sight of this scene, in his eyes, had static with the image being replaced by a woman laying in his arms, dying the same way before it returns to normal.

"H-Hey, say something… Sensei—" As he made to touch the man's face, he froze as it finally hit. Nothing could be said, no one made any sign of movement but stared at what had just happened. The Sin's eyes were all wide at what had transpired while a few had worse expressions, Gilthunder only able to stare at his childhood friend dying before his eyes and could only grit his teeth, unlike Naruto who just sat there, absorbing what had just happened while Elizabeth closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears that were threatening to come out.

"Howzer's dead?!"

"No."

Few of the Holy Knights started to mutter as they watched this scene before their eyes yet they turn in anger forward to the smiling demon.

"Naruto…" Diane said as she stared at her friend while Ban could only grit his teeth in anger. As this continued, Meliodas and Gilthunder struck, the latter having stabbed Hendrickson yet couldn't pierce his chest and was sent flying while Gilthunder was easily taken down with a single slash on his face while the other Knights didn't know what to do as they watched Hendrickson turn towards Naruto.

"In the end, he was always a foolish Holy Knight." Hendrickson's annoyance was visible on his face. "He was even more worthless than you were, I should have made sure he never had taught you." As he spoke, he watched Naruto's head drip with his teeth being gritted. Seeing this as a sign of lost hope, Hendrickson smirks.

(Guess I'll be your teacher starting today, you shall address me as Sensei!)

(Howzer, we've known each other since we were kids, can't I—)

(One lap around the Kingdom, and that's an order!)

(WHAT?!)

As he recalled the day he became his teacher's student, Naruto felt a whirlwind of emotions coursing through his heart that couldn't settle down, like a volcano starting to erupt before all of a sudden it calms upon hearing the sounds of crying, slowly he turned around to see Elizabeth crying.

"I-I'm sorry, Naruto!" She bowed her head, crying as Naruto just stared at her before turning to see the Sins fighting Hendrickson but having not much of any effect.

"Dammit Hendrickson—" Meliodas froze mid-talk as he moved his gaze to Naruto and it wasn't just him, everyone felt it as well, including Hendrickson. Naruto was placing Howzer down, laying him on his back while closing his eyes and placing his hands on his chest. Wind could be seen starting to move and swirl around Naruto at this point, turning from green to crimson. When he stood up again his body turned towards Elizabeth, approaching the princess before he bends down, a hand being placed on her shoulder that got her to stop and look up at Naruto's face only to freeze as well.

"Elizabeth, it's ok…everything will be ok." His hand falls to his side. "You recall it don't you, the day my little sister died." As he spoke, Elizabeth's eyes were widening along with others who saw it, saw the change as lighting started to spark from his stomach as a part of the markings of the seal were disappearing.

"Naruto…"

"With all the death in this world and sadness, it brings. I took an oath," The scales on his right hand immediately spreads throughout his entire arm that unsettled Hendrickson yet he didn't move to try to understand what he was seeing before his eyes widen upon the sight of his hair, which was always combed down had changed as it began to perk up and spike in all directions with white highlights appearing at the tips while his eyes took on a change, the crimson sclera's had a ring around the slitted pupil.

"I will never again fall to my despair, instead...I'll move forward no matter what kind of Hell I will endure, and with it, I'll embrace hope." Immediately Hendrickson leaped knowing full well something isn't right, knowing if this continued he would lose.

"I need to remove him now!" As he closed the distance with Elizabeth looking worried. "DIE!" He swung his hand only for it to make contact with cold steel and the sight had everyone holding their breaths from seeing Naruto standing in front of Elizabeth protectively, not angry nor sad but merely serious. In his right hand was none other than Balmung that was glowing. This sight of the sword caused Hendrickson to jump back as he raised his hands to gather darkness once again, alerting Meliodas yet he didn't do anything about what he was seeing.

"STOP!" Elizabeth shouted at the man who didn't listen.

"DARK NEBUL—" Hendrickson stopped when he noticed something wasn't right and that was the fact he was upside down before realizing he was cut in two from the waist down, this mere sight only got wide eyes and stares of disbelief.

"Wha—" Hendrickson turned to see Naruto walking past him as the wind was gathering at his feet.

"TCH!" Hendrickson's body reconnected and turned towards his once son yet froze as he was no longer there, having disappeared.

"Deathpecker." Hendrickson's hair stood up as he did everything he possibly could to react and dodge as his right arm was obliterated to nothing from the thrusts of Naruto who stood behind him with his gaze sharp and unwavering as if Hendrickson himself had hardened his resolve.

"HE'S FAST?!" Hendrickson grits his teeth in anger. "THAT CAN'T BE, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" He turns fully and thrusts his left hand towards Naruto yet was stopped by his wrist being grabbed before it could pierce his chest. The Demon starts to move until he was stopped abruptly by Naruto's foot stomping down on his own to hold him in place while the other held his arm.

"Hendrick—no, Dad." The man jolts as his eyes were wide due to not being able to break free from the hold and watched him drop his sword to bring back his right hand as the wind began to gather in it darkness. The sight itself did not make any sense to Hendrickson as he did not know what he was doing yet Meliodas just stares with wide eyes before they relaxed.

"His signature move…something he knows by heart." Meliodas thought as he closed his eyes and fell on his ass to watch the sight of the man he once feared and thought as the strongest human.

"Thank you for taking me in that day, if not for you I wouldn't have met Elizabeth…yet because of that very thing I wasn't able to protect my sister." As the wind gathered more and more, becoming a vortex as an orb was forming. "This is for everyone you've killed…" Hendrickson tried to desperately pull himself away yet it was useless as he couldn't and just stares at the orb with the wind pulling bits of rock towards it only to break it down and pull it in.

"NO!" Hendrickson moved back as his arm and leg were ripped off yet found his back against a wall of magic.

"Wha—" He turns fast to see Griamore standing there with a serious expression on his face, the other holy knights being surprised at his arrival Hendrickson turns back towards Naruto closing the distance.

"WHAT IS THA—" He couldn't finish while Naruto's expression changed to fury as the image of a smiling Howzer and Jack appeared in his mind with the orb being slammed into Hendrickson's chest.

"RASENGAN!" Naruto screamed as the connection unleashed a massive vortex that caused everyone to duck or be pulled in while Hendrickson was screaming, becoming consumed by the orb as it broke right through Griamore's wall and in turn sent him flying in one direction with everyone just watching as he flew right into the rock wall before an explosion followed along with part of the wall collapsing atop of what remained of Hendrickson, burying the demon completely.

No one had spoken but stared, everyone just stared at the man standing tall and staring at the buried Hendrickson. Unlike the Sins, all the Holy Knights knew of Hendrickson's adopted son, the so-called failure that wasn't even able to become Holy Knight, much less pass as an Apprentice than became a traitor who kidnapped the Princess.

"He won…" One knight muttered. "He defeated Hendrickson…"

As he stood tall, unwavering as he looked at the wall collapsing and the side of the cliff breaking as it collapsed upon his once father yet the entire time Naruto held his unbroken gaze his vision was already becoming blurry as he was losing strength due to the sudden increase causing a large strain on his body. Yet even so he breaths out a sigh and turns away from the destruction towards the Holy knights who unconsciously took a step back as they were originally on bad terms. They watched him walking forward as he picks up Balmung to stare at the blade and at his reflection to see the visible change.

(One of the seals has been broken. The Seal of your bloodline has been released.)

As he heard the voice, Naruto started to fall forwards until he was caught, looking up he found Elizabeth was holding him worriedly yet he just closes his eyes and nuzzles into her chest, causing her eyes to widen yet instead of embarrassment she smiles sadly.

"I'm tired."

"I know…"

As she embraced him, he too did the same as they hugged closely what felt like minutes for them was seconds for everyone else.

"Naruto."

"Yeah."

As he looked up to meet her gaze, he was instead met with her head leaning towards his own as a pair of lips captured his own. This got quite a shock from everyone who went wide-eyed but none more than Naruto, surprise, shock, disbelief, he felt many things but in the end with everything that has happened he simply closes his eyes and loses himself in the kiss while his arms pulled Elizabeth in closer.

(Cough)

It was at that moment their eyes widen as the two separated and turn, his arms still wrapped around the Princess while they found none other than the King with Merlin along with every single Holy Knight watching the scene including Hawk who if he could have whistled, some were jaw drop, smiling, a few did whistle tho they got a glare from the King, and other looking on with jealousy yet Meliodas just stood there, smiling sadly with Merlin glancing at him, teleporting to his side.

"Are you ok with this?"

"…"

No words were said while Naruto and Elizabeth finally separated as they approach the King.

"Father, you here, does that mean your feeling better now?" The King smiles while seeing she was trying her hardest not to seem…awkward at the fact her father just watched her have her first kiss.

"Y-Yes, I'm fully healed now." As he confirmed her words, she smiled happily before their gaze moves towards Merlin who approached next to Meliodas, the moment the two have eye contact, the sin breaks it.

"You don't have to worry, it's all thanks to the secret technique from the Demon Clan I've been wanting to try." At that moment, Naruto and Elizabeth start to sweat.

"We're good, right your Majesty?" As she asked the King that, he was already sweating yet nodded before his attention turns towards all the Holy Knights bowing, as they saw this scene Naruto turns away.

"Naruto…" As the Princess said his name, he looked at her with a smile.

"I have to bring Howzer's body to his parents, they have a right to know so I'll be back." With that as the only thing said, Elizabeth watched him starting to walk towards Howzer's body. As this was happening, the King made his speech to all who bowed before him.

"Please sire, we must be severely punished." Spoke Gilthunder who bowed at the front. "We failed you and strayed from our paths as Knights as disregarded your wishes and that of the peoples."

"We beg for your harshest sentencing!" No one disputed his words as they all remained silent for the King to speak after he took a deep breath and out.

"Very well, my sentencing is this. From today forwards, you shall not rest in your service of the Kingdom!" His words were shocking to many while Naruto was looking down at Howzer's corpse while the Knights try to seek judgment but the King silenced them. "You are the Holy Knights of Liones, your duty is to the people and to restore the kingdom!" With those words, they responded as one.

"SIRE!" With that said, the King proceeded to turn towards the Sins.

"Well done with all your help, Meliodas and all of the Seven Deadly Sins. We are in your debt for all you have done for this kingdom." This got clear smiles from them all. "Despite being blamed for the actions of others, you helped protect the Kingdom and most importantly my daughter. As the King and father, I thank you." This got the leader to smile at hearing his praise.

"Oh come on, it wasn't that big of a deal." Meliodas told the King while the others gave their thoughts as well, smiles and all before he turned to his daughter.

"Elizabeth, your strength surpasses my expectations." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "As did your wisdom in finding the other Seven Deadly Sins, I'm so proud of you, more than you can ever imagine." As she heard those words, tears formed in her eyes as she wiped at them.

"Father, if I were truly strong I could have helped Naruto more, I could have helped prevent Howzer's death." It's hearing this, a second hand was placed on her back and she turns to see Meliodas.

"You did everything you could, right—" Meliodas froze at that point, his eyes widening all the way and it wasn't just him in a couple of seconds all the Sins and Knights took notice. What they saw was an unconscious Naruto, being held over the shoulder by a woman in black armor.

"NARUTO!" Elizabeth screamed while Merlin raises her hands yet froze as nothing happened.

"My magic isn't working?!"

Meliodas flew right past her just as Ban did the same along with Gilthunder, all three in three different directions towards the woman yet in that instant they found themselves sent flying back by the swing of a spear with a flag on it, the strike cutting Ban in half, Meliodas across his face and Gilthunder's right arm off.

"Chastiefo—" King was silenced as was everyone as spears of darkness shot up from the earth, directly at their throats to silence them.

"Disappointing." As the steps were heard from the shadows of the King himself, they watched as someone exited the Shadow. While his clothing was pure black, his face was the opposite as he had pale skin and long, silk-like white hair. The sight of this man caused Meliodas's eyes to widen in disbelief as the man stared at him.

"If it isn't the Ex-Leader of the Ten Commandments and the prime cause for the King's fall." With a mere point of his finger, Meliodas was pierced across his body, narrowly missing his heart yet the sin grits his teeth.

"King of Vampires, Vlad." The leader spoke, gritting his teeth while the man stared at him before turning away without a care, leaving everyone in silence while a portal of sorts appeared behind him while the woman joined his side.

"You all realize the gap between our—" In an instant his eyes narrowed towards Ban who started raising his arms only to be pierced all over, shocking the Knights and Sins with Elizabeth becoming horrified.

"There is no point to continue this, even if we are in a weakened state we are still far stronger than the one known as Hendrickson, we could kill

you all if we wanted, yet…." He glances at the woman who was staring at him through her helmet as a silent disagreement took place.

"Wait!" That shout caused the two to stop and turn towards Elizabeth. "Why are you taking him?!" Her question merely caused his eyes to narrow.

"Shut your damn mouth!" As she heard that, everyone saw the woman in black point at her.

"If not for you, if both for Meliodas, IF NOT FOR YOUR—" She gripped her staff yet as she started to raise it instead met the end of Vlad's pear, this confused a number of them while the spears that held them hostage flowed as they grew and turned into shields, the sight angering the woman who turns fully towards Vlad who was looking down at her.

"The other may listen to your but I do not and we both know for a fact who is to blame for all of this, it's not the sin of the children to take the blame of the parents." As he spoke, their comradeship deteriorated as they stared down at each other, and with a turn, she looked at them all.

"It doesn't matter even if you do somehow find us, I will personally kill anyone who gets in my way of bringing back my brother! For I am Jeanne d'Arc!" Her words caused Meliodas's eyes to widen all way in shock as he grits his teeth.

(No…)

They could do nothing as she entered the portal and disappeared, this sight just horrified the Princess.

"NARUTO!" As she screamed his name, their eyes met again. "Why are you taking him, for what reason?!" As she demanded that from the vampire, he simply stares at her before it turns to pity.

"Simple, to return him to who he was." It was those words that caused Meliodas and Merlin's eyes to widen. "He is no reincarnation as you already know, we are simply going to bring back his memories." As he turned away from them, another spoke.

"Such magic would cost him his memories of this life, would it not?" As she heard that, he looks back to make eye contact with Merlin yet in the end turns away.

"Yes, the one you know of will disappear and in his place will be the King himself once again." As he said those words, many holy knights were just confused but a number knew what was happening such as Gilthunder and Dawn Roar who heard everything.

"Why are you telling us this?!" Meliodas demanded while the spears started retreating to the ground. "I thought you all held a grudge against me?" As he asked that, Vlad just stares at him.

"How can I blame you for simply following your heart? It wasn't your fault that the Supreme Goddess and Demon King thought to use the King as a way to break the balance. In the end, they used everyone as pawns…" As he spoke those words, he threw something at the Dragon sins who caught it, and what he found in his hands was a small box.

"I may be the only one who disagrees with this plan of bringing back the King after witnessing the hardships this version of him has gone through so I will give you all a single chance. The ritual will commence five days from now, that box will bring you to the front of our base where it will be happening. If you wish to save Naruto, then heal yourselves and prepare, that is all I can do for you but as a little good news, the strongest will not be there such as Gilgamesh and Karna while I will not participate myself, giving you the bare minimum chance in saving him from being erased." With those words, he turned away and entered the portal as it closed, and with it the spears dispersed, leaving everyone in silence.

"Naruto…" As Diane said those words, she was in disbelief at her friend being taken away before a loud bang was heard, Gilthunder punching the earth while his arm missing arm was being reattached by Merlin.

"After everything Howzer has done, only for him to be taken and none of us could do anything to stop it!" He once again punched the ground. "HE RISKED HIS LIFE TO SAVE THE KINGDOM AND WE COULD DO NOTHING BUT WATCH!" As he screamed that in anger, tears began forming in his eyes.

"Again, why am I still powerless." As he spoke those words, the other knights looked at each other at the situation they are in with Hawk approaching the Princess.

"A week…" As they all heard that, Hawk stops as his eyes widen in surprise. The knights and the sins turn to look towards Elizabeth, and what they found wasn't the same Princess, the sight of her caused Meliodas's eyes to widen as he witnessed her cutting her hair with a broken sword, letting the hair fall along with the sword reveal to everyone her other eye and with it she had a strong determination in her eyes.

"We have a week to save Naruto." She turned to look at Meliodas and the Sins. "Please, Sir Meliodas and everyone, lend me your strength and help me save Naruto!" As she asked the Sins this, the expression on each of their faces grew serious while they got together with Merlin appearing next to them.

"Naruto didn't give up even while facing those stronger than him, so we won't either no matter who we have to face!" He thrusts his fist into his palm. "RULE #4: WHENEVER ANY ONE OF US ARE IN TROUBLE, WE WILL ALL UNITE WITH ALL OUR STRENGTH TO COME TO THEIR AID!" As Meliodas shouted that, Ban cracks his neck with a pissed-off look on his face at how easily he was dismembered while Diane's eyes narrowed as she thought of Achilles with King as well for his thoughts on Heracles and Alexander.

"Five days he said we have and I know Vlad, that man would never lie." He crosses his arms while he looks at Merlin who smiles.

"No need to look grim captain, I can't disobey one of those rules so I will also be helping out." As she told her captain that she looks at Elizabeth. "Our top priority is to power up fast in four days with the last day being the best to launch our attack. For that to happen, I'm going to give back the power I stole from you, Captain." This seems to surprise all those on earshot with Elizabeth being confused.

"I took a percentage of the captain's power because it was too overwhelming and dangerous," this seemed to shock many of them. "that's why the captain kept his emotions in check so his powers wouldn't run rampant but if he wants to defeat the one once known as the Saint of Camelot, he'll need it. The location isn't far from here, for it's the birthplace of the Second King." As she explained it, Meliodas's eyes widen in shock.

"Istar."

As that word was said, Merlin nodded and Meliodas looks at Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, I think—" He was silenced by her gaze hardening yet she looks away.

"I know I'm nowhere near your level, any of your levels but…" Her hands turn into fists and look at the Sins.

"I want to come too, I can't just sit around and do nothing." As she told them this, they all smiled in response for it was useless arguing with her.

"Ok, that settles it!" As Meliodas spoke loudly for everyone in earshot he turns to Bartra.

"We'll be preparing to rescue Naruto so you can have your knights focus on rebuilding the Kingdom." The king nods in understanding and turns to the knights.

"With this, all holy knights must begin at once and help rebuild the kingdom for Naruto's eventual return, the Hero of Liones now move!" As he shouted that, the Knights stood and one by one they hurried towards the kingdom yet a number were left behind.

"Hmmm?" What he found standing there was Gilthunder and Guilia who bow.

"Your majesty, I beseech you to allow us to join the Sins in Naruto's rescue!" The two knights had serious expressions on their faces. "We owe Naruto for everything he's done, we can't just do nothing." As he heard that, the King stared at them before turning back towards the Sins and then at Elizabeth.

"I am a King and your duty is to the Kingdom, do not forget that but as a father, I too wish I could also help him. That is why you two will be Elizabeth's guards until Naruto is safely returned!" As he orders that, the two Knights bowed more as they responded.

"Yes, your majesty!"

As this was said, Elizabeth turns to look at the spot Naruto was taken away.

"Naruto, we'll save you…just you wait." As her hands turn to fists, her expression hardens. "I'll grow strong too, strong enough to fight by your side fully."

xxxxxARC ENDxxxxx

NEXT ARC, NARUTO RETRIEVAL ARC.

Author Note: Not sure when I'll have a chance to update this story due to needing to update Ocean King and Student of Uzumaki stories the most, for student I've actually been getting art for that done in the Grimm and want to make it great tho wish I had a co-author on that story to help type it out and make it great.