Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or High School DxD. All I own was a shitty laptop, but I have upgraded it now.


Chapter 7

A Human's Influence

The sounds of heels clanking echoed through a dark corridor.

A figure could be seen hurrying through the dark corridor.

The figure was that of a young woman.

The young woman was beautiful, with a voluptuous figure, long black hair with split bangs, and hazel-gold eyes with cat-like pupils. A pair of cat-like ears poked out of her black hair and stood upright. She wore a black kimono with a yellow obi tied around her waist, a set of golden beads, and an ornately detailed headband. The kimono featured a red interior and was open at her shoulders, showing her large breasts.

The woman continued hurrying until she noticed another figure approaching from the opposite end of the corridor. On closer inspection, she noticed that it was a man from the human side. Though she had no idea who this person was.

But there was something about the man that caught her eye.

The man walking towards her had a massive nosebleed, which made her wonder what could have caused that. After all, the one person sitting on the other end of the corridor did not seem like someone who could cause such a reaction.

But then again, the man could have been a lolicon for all she knew.

She ignored the man as he passed her, looking dazed. She continued on her way until she noticed the light at the other end.

She knew that her destination had arrived.

Quickly bowing her head and keeping her eyes on the floor, she entered through the door at the end of the corridor that led to a large room.

She did not need to raise her head to see where she was going. She knew this room like the back of her hand. She had visited this room countless times before. She could clearly picture the room in her head.

The room was large and dark. It was so dark that the other sides of the room weren't even visible except for the side with the entrance. Even the ceiling of the room was hidden in darkness. There was a path right through the center of the room, leading from the entrance door to the opposite end of the room. There were a total of ten pillars that disappeared in the darkness above, with five on each side of the path. At the end of the pathway was a pyramidal structure at least 30 feet tall, with numerous stairs leading to the top. At the top of this pyramid was a throne made of obsidian, where one of the strongest beings in the Universe sat.

Like an obedient servant, she bowed her head as she approached the pyramid's base, right in front of the stairs, and knelt on one knee. She kept her eyes on the ground as she said, "You called for me, Lady Ophis."

"Yes, I did, Kuroka."

The woman, now identified as Kuroka, felt her cat-like ears twitch. The voice that reached her ears did not feel familiar. As long as she had interacted with Ophis, the latter had often spoken in a cute, albeit cold and emotionless voice. But this voice was more mature, commanding, and seductive. It did not feel right in her mind. And she could not comprehend how the Ophis she knew could speak in such a tone.

Kuroka was compelled to raise her head and see if she was talking to the real Ophis. But her fear of the Dragon God surpassed her desire, and she kept her head bowed, not wanting to anger someone who could erase her with just a snap of their finger.

"How can I be of service, Lady Ophis?" Kuroka spoke in a submissive tone.

Ophis took her time to respond. There was a pause for a few seconds, though, to Kuroka, it felt like an eternity before the Dragon God uttered her words. "You can raise your head if you want," Ophis said in the same mature tone as earlier.

Kuroka gulped in fear and wondered if this was some sort of trick to see if she was disobedient. But in the end, her curiosity won, and she raised her head. And the moment her eyes glimpsed the figure sitting on the throne, they widened in shock.

And she did not even realize it as a drop of blood trickled down her nose.

Because sitting on the throne was a completely different being.

Gone was the loli figure that Ophis had adopted when she arrived on Earth.

Instead, sitting on the throne was a woman who seemed to be in her early twenties. The new woman had long black hair that went past her shoulders and was long enough to curl up on the throne's seat. She had pale skin, and her beautiful face was framed by the locks of her black, smooth hair. Her eyes were brown, and she looked down at Kuroka coldly as if she were a peasant and Ophis was the regal queen.

But what caught Kuroka's attention the most and caused her to sport a nosebleed was the realization that the woman on the throne was sitting as naked as the day she was born.

Her breasts were at least H-cups, the areola was light pink, and her nipples looked hard. She had a slim waist and a toned abdomen. Her long, milky legs were crossed as she sat on the throne, displaying her luscious thighs and covering her womanhood.

Kuroka audibly gulped.

No longer did Ophis look like a child.

Instead, she looked like a queen ready to conquer the world.

Now, she understood why the man from before was walking away with a massive nosebleed.

"Recently," Ophis resumed, "I had an…enlightening conversation with someone who made me aware that my previous form was...unattractive. Tell me, Kuroka, why did you say that form was attractive when I asked if it was?"

Kuroka felt herself go numb. She bowed her head again to hide the fear in her eyes. She could feel sweat dribble down her forehead. She had said that to please Ophis. How could she tell the strongest being in the Universe that the figure she had assumed did not suit her?

"I… I g-gave my opinion from c-certain people's point of view," Kuroka stuttered nervously. "The person you conversed with must not have similar taste in women."

She nervously glanced up and mentally sighed in relief as Ophis tilted her head upward in thoughtfulness. She took that small moment to wipe away her nosebleed. She still could not wrap her head around the fact that Ophis had somehow created one of the most beautiful women in the world with her imagination and body-altering powers.

"I suppose you're right," Ophis said after a few seconds of contemplation, "That angel he was with had a busty figure too." She paused for a few seconds before saying, "Do you think this figure will be able to attract his attention to me? I certainly made myself bustier than that blonde angel."

"I, uh, I am quite sure he will find you attractive, Lady Ophis," Kuroka said. 'Who the hell is this person who OPHIS is trying so hard to attract?'

"You're not lying to me again, are you Kuroka?"

Kuroka licked her lips nervously. "Lady Ophis. I will have to apologize. I will not be able to tell you whether or not this person will like you unless I first understand his personality type."

Ophis, once again, held her silence for a few seconds before humming in agreement. "I guess you are right," she said slowly. "Anyway, I need you to follow this person and learn everything you can about him."

Kuroka felt her eyes widen in surprise. So she was going to find out about this mysterious person after all.

"Bring your hand forward," Ophis commanded.

Kuroka did as she was told and brought her right hand forward. Suddenly, it was engulfed in fire as dark as the abyss. If it was anyone else, they would have freaked out horribly. But Kuroka was familiar with some of Ophis' tricks, including her ability to conjure things with her abyss-like flames.

When the fire died, she was holding a photograph of a spiky, blonde-haired man with whiskers on his cheeks. He had a bright smile on his face and was holding cotton candy. Overall, he looked like a handsome guy. Though, she did wonder why Ophis was interested in this man.

But one thing was sure to Kuroka. If Ophis had taken an interest in him, then that meant there was something special about the blonde.

"His name is Naruto Uzumaki," Ophis informed. "He is a sneaky 'human' capable of hiding his presence even from the best trackers in the world." Ophis raised her right hand lazily.

Kuroka felt something crawl up her right leg. She looked down and noticed that it was a black-colored snake.

"That will help you find him on Earth," Ophis said, lowering her hand. "That snake will be fundamental to finding him."

"With all due respect," Kuroka began, "I am quite confident in my tracking skills. So, if you do not mind, Lady Ophis, I would like to track him down myself."

Kuroka did not need to see it, but she knew that Ophis was staring her down while she contemplated her words. Kuroka was offended when Ophis said she would need one of her snakes to track down this man. The cat felt that Ophis underestimated her tracking skills and wanted to prove herself to the Dragon God by tracking the blonde alone.

"Very well," Ophis conceded, "But take the snake with you. It will keep your presence hidden from him. As long as you have that snake wrapped around you, it will mask your Devil aura and override other people's senses to make them think that you're just a normal cat."

"Thank you, Lady Ophis," Kuroka said with a bow. "Is there anything else you require from me, Lady Ophis?"

"No, you can go now."

The last thing Kuroka noticed as she walked out of the room was that Ophis had picked up some fashion magazines. As she walked, she stared at the picture of the man. She could not help but shake off the feeling that something was different about this man. Her interest was piqued when she realized Ophis was trying to impress this man. She wanted to see what this man was capable of with her own eyes.

Who knew? Maybe she could ask for his help. After all, if Ophis was attempting to attract this guy's attention, that meant that the guy was powerful, right?

So, lost in her thoughts, she had not even noticed that she had entered the gathering area of the group she was part of.

"Kuroka, whatcha got in your hands?"

A young blonde girl who snatched the picture from her hand brought her out of her musings.

"Whoa! Kuroka! I did not know you were a stalker!" The girl exclaimed as she examined the photograph. "But who is this guy? He looks super handsome."

Kuroka sighed. "Le Fay, hand over the picture to me," she ordered like an older sister. "And for your information, that picture is not mine but Ophis's."

That did the trick, as the young girl quickly handed the picture to her. She then placed it between her breasts, which had a magical pocket to store items.

"Wait! Are you telling me Ophis is a stalker? Oh Merlin, isn't that incredible news?"

Kuroka shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "I would not know. All she told me to do was find this guy and learn everything I could about him."

"Really!? What's so special about him? And who is he anyway?"

"I would not know that either," Kuroka replied with another shrug. "All I know is that his name is Naruto Uzumaki."

Le Fay's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait! This man is Naruto Uzumaki!? The Naruto Uzumaki!? So, this is what he looks like."

Kuroka frowned in confusion. "Yes. That's what Ophis called him."

"Kuroka," Le Fay whispered breathily, "Don't you know who this guy is?"

Kuroka rolled her eyes sarcastically. "If I knew, I would not be this clueless, would I?"

"Kuroka. Naruto Uzumaki is the literal reincarnation of the Biblical God. Or is it Jesus? I don't remember."

Kuroka's eyes almost bulged out. "What!?"

"Well, that's what the defectors from the Heaven Faction are calling him anyway." Le Fay informed. "From what I have heard from them, he appeared four months ago and joined the mercenary business. He goes around hunting stray devils. But there is a catch."

"A catch…?"

"Yup." Le Fay said, accentuating the word by popping the 'p' with her lips. "They say that he does not exorcise stray devils but purifies their souls, allowing them to experience the afterlife."

"What!?"

"I know, right? They say he is capable of various other feats. He once regrew the arm of a man who had lost it in battle. Some say he is capable of walking on water. Some say he turned water into wine and created food out of thin air. There are also rumors that he is omnipresent, appearing in multiple locations simultaneously. I don't know how many of these rumors are true, but one thing is sure. Faith among the Heavenly forces has grown stronger since his debut. Many of the defectors from Heaven have left because they feel like their God has returned to avenge their fallen brothers. Some call him 'Godly Ninja.' Some call him 'Ninja Jesus.' But one common thing is that angels and humans who have witnessed his powers revere him as a god."

"Wow! How could I miss something like that?" Kuroka asked, as her mind reeled from the information about the person she was following.

"Well, if you did not spend most of your time masturbating, then I am sure you would have heard these rumors sometime," Le Fay joked, to which Kuroka stuck her tongue out playfully. "Anyway, I have heard that even Cao Cao from the human faction is trying to search for him to get him to join his faction. Even Vali has been searching for him this last month, but neither has found a trace of him."

"I guess I just have to show my awesome tracking skills to track this guy, right?" Kuroka spoke confidently.

Le Fay shrugged. "I hope you do, Kuroka. I wonder what this guy is like."


Two Months Later…

Heaven…

A tall, blonde man could be seen walking through a large hall with pillars on each side. The man had twelve white-colored, dove-like wings on his back and a regal aura as he walked.

The hall's floor looked like a cloud and would give any newcomer the feeling of walking on clouds. There was no ceiling. Instead, one had the full view of the clear blue sky with the sun beaming warmly down the hall. There were women and men with dove-like wings on their backs walking past him. These people would bow to him every time they passed him, to which he would wave his hand or smile at them gently.

The man finally found his destination, stopping in front of a silver door. He raised his arms and knocked.

A few seconds later, the door was opened by a blonde-haired woman, who, upon noticing him, smiled happily.

"Michael! Come in," the woman said.

"Thank you, Gabriel."

Michael walked into the room. He had become quite familiar with this room. After all, he had spent many hours here comforting Gabriel during the war, especially when Lucifer had betrayed them.

The room was like his, silver-walled with golden pillars at the four corners. The room had a feminine touch in the form of white silk curtains covering the big balcony entrance and windows, the plants that decorated the golden corners, and birds chirping sweetly.

Michael sat on a Vatican-themed chair at the table by the large shelf filled with books from the present and the past. Gabriel took a seat opposite him.

The blonde male angel pulled out an envelope from his robes and placed it on the table before gently pushing it toward Gabriel.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow in curiosity before giving her brother a questioning look.

Michael smiled at her. "Word traveled to me that you have been trying to establish contact with the Shinto Pantheon for some time now."

Gabriel's eyes widened in surprise. "Brother… About that-"

"It's alright. Don't worry about it," Michael comforted her. "But you could have still told me. It would have been faster."

Gabriel's eyes drooped in sorrow. "It's just… Lately, you have been so busy with everything that's happening. And then, there was the fiasco in Brazil. I could not bear to bother you with something as insignificant as this."

Michael let out an amused laugh. "Oh, Gabriel. I am so lucky to have such a caring sister as you," Michael said fondly. "But you are forgetting something, Gabriel. As your elder brother, it is my right to worry about you. And as my little sister, you can ask for my help anytime you wish."

Gabriel returned the smile.

Michael tapped the envelope on the table. "So, I thought I could help you by contacting Lady Yasaka and discussing your possible visit to the Pantheon."

Gabriel picked up the envelope and stared at it incredulously. "But how did you do that after the Nekomata Tribe incident? I thought they had taken a very heated dislike for the Biblical Faction?"

"I would not say they hate us or anything," Michael answered with a shrug. "Lady Yasaka is a generous and kind lady. She agreed to meet with you after I told her about your wish."

Gabriel gave him a gentle smile. "Thank you, brother. You don't know how much this means to me."

Michael chuckled before looking at Gabriel with a smirk. "Say, is your wish to visit the Shinto somehow linked with Naruto?"

Gabriel's eyes started fidgeting like a deer caught in the headlights. "W-What do you mean, brother?"

Gabriel's reaction caused Michael to burst out laughing. "Gabriel. I thought I told you I knew you better than that." He shook his head amusedly. "I am hurt that you would try to do something for Naruto behind my back. You know how grateful I am to him for helping us during our crisis. I would have gladly helped Naruto meet people who resembled him a little."

Gabriel placed the envelope on the table gently. "Brother…" she whispered.

"Speaking of Naruto," Michael started speaking in a curious tone. "How is his expedition in China going?"

Gabriel shook her head dejectedly. "Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to contact Tiān* yet. Last I heard from him, he was in Hong Kong."

Michael scratched his chin in thought. "He does know that if he had asked, we could have arranged a meeting with Lord Buddha."

Gabriel released a sigh. "I told him. But for all his patience and eagerness, Naruto is incredibly stubborn. He does not want Heaven to get involved with his affairs. He says he does not want to drag us into something terrible if he ends up doing something stupid. And mind you, these are his words and not mine."

Michael chuckled heartily. "That kid." He shook his head amusedly. "I wonder how deep his compassion and worry about others go?"

"I know what you mean, brother." Gabriel fondly smiled as she remembered the scene of Naruto playing with kids in a park.

"You know," Michael started with a wistful tone. "The more I see him, the more I feel like I am looking at Father."

"I did tell you he resembles Father a lot," Gabriel pointed out.

"I know." Michael nodded. "Don't forget, I was also the first to believe you. It's just… What Uriel said got to me."

"I am not blaming you, brother," Gabriel reassured.

"I know." Michael ruffled his hair before releasing a tired sigh. He looked towards the balcony, gazing at the clouds floating by. "Say, Gabriel. Have you ever felt that Father always knew about Naruto's arrival?"

"Huh?"

Michael shook his head before he said, "Let's leave it to that."

"What were you saying just now, Michael?"

"Nothing. Don't worry about it."

Gabriel looked at her brother suspiciously before she let the topic go. She was confident that Michael would tell her if he thought it was significant. "Anyway. How is Uriel doing? He was investigating the increasing appearance of demons, right?"

Michael nodded his head. "Yes. He and Falbium are currently investigating the bizarre occurrences."

"And the verdict is..?"

Michael tapped his fingers on the smooth surface of the table. He released a long breath before saying, "It looks like there was someone's hand behind all these incidents, as we suspected."

Gabriel felt her eyes go wide. "Wait! Are you telling me someone is releasing demons from our Pantheon?"

"And not just that. But whoever it is, is smartly planting these devils to attack other Pantheons." Michael said gravely.

"But… But who can do something like that?" Gabriel asked, worried about the person.

Michael shook his head negatively. "I have no idea."

Gabriel clasped her hands in front of her mouth and thought deeply. "And what about the demons from other Pantheons?"

The blonde-haired male looked up at the sky. "There are two possibilities that I suspect. One is that we are dealing with an unidentified group whose members have access to the Hells of each Pantheon."

"And the other one?"

"Well, that one is a little more worrying."

"And that is?"

"...We may be dealing with someone who has access to every Hell."

"So. It is either a group or a single individual." Gabriel took a deep breath. "Neither of the suspects bodes well for us."

"True." Michael paused a little. "I guess I will have to ask for Naruto's help again. I hope he is willing to do us another favor. At the rate I am asking favors from him, I will probably have to sell Heaven to repay him." Michael said it jokingly and chuckled.

Gabriel smiled at him. "Don't worry. I am sure Naruto isn't someone who is going to buy Heaven from you."

"I am sure he isn't," Michael replied with a downcast smile. "But I don't know about others."

Gabriel grabbed Michael's hand and petted it gently. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."

"I hope it will, Sister." Michael pushed himself off the chair and stood up. He clasped his hands behind his back. "Anyways. I will go now." He started walking towards the door before he stopped and glanced at Gabriel sideways. "Before I leave… Is there something you would like to tell me about, Naruto?"

"H-Huh? W-What are y-you talking a-about, brother?"

Michael stared at her for a few seconds before smiling brightly. "Nothing. I just hope that whatever you decide is in your best interests, little sister." Michael turned around and walked toward the door before stopping just outside it. "Oh, another thing. I would recommend you inform Asia to pack her things as well. I did get permission for her to visit with you on this trip."

And with that, Michael left the room, leaving behind a wide-eyed Gabriel who had a million thoughts going around her head.


Italy

Evening, on the same day…

A beam of light appeared, illuminating the surrounding area. Though it went unnoticed by everyone.

When the light faded, Gabriel appeared, wearing her holy robes.

She started walking towards the church where Asia resided.

Her face was set in a thoughtful look. Her conversation with Michael was playing in her mind.

How much Michael worried about her was both touching and creepy.

She had not told anyone about her decision to date Naruto. Not even Michael. Yet somehow, her eldest brother suspected her decision.

But for now, she did not want to tell anyone about it.

There was just something about Naruto that attracted her to him. Maybe it was his passionate and kind nature. Perhaps it was his concern for Asia and how much he wanted to protect her. Or maybe, it was because of his endless similarities with Father.

But she felt relieved when she was near him. She felt happy and giddy when talking to him. Every time she saw him, her face would pucker up involuntarily. And it warmed her heart every time she saw him interact with Asia and how happy the latter was to be around him.

The more time she spent with him, the more she wanted to be with him.

It was an unknown feeling.

But a feeling she welcomed wholeheartedly.

She still remembered a conversation with her Father.

"Father. Why can't we fall in love?" She had asked.

Her Father had smiled down at her. "Little Gabriel," her Father had spoken with his wise tone. "You can fall in love. Love is the feeling that everyone should feel. It is a feeling that can strengthen a person, change them, and help them. I pity those who have never felt love. That is why I try to fill them with love every time they remember me."

"Then why are so many of our brothers and sisters falling from heaven?" She had asked innocently.

She had seen her father's wise and bright eyes dim sadly. "That is because they gave into their lust. Unlike love which can change a person for good, lust changes a person for the worst."

"Is falling in love and feeling lustful different?"

Father smiled down at her kindly. "Yes, my sweet child. Loving someone is greatly different from lusting after someone. When you love someone, you not only devote yourself to their well-being, but you also stand by them at their lowest and celebrate with them at their highest. But when you lust after someone, you use them to satiate your lust and then discard them when you no longer have any need for them. I do not forbid anyone to love someone. I encourage them to do so. I want them to do so. But lust. No. I do not condone lust."

Gabriel looked at her Father innocently. "Have you ever felt lust?"

Her father had smiled at her. But this smile was much more subdued and sad. "Yes, I have. And I saw how it changed me. How much of a shadow I was to my former self. That is why I preach not to give into your lust. Instead, fill yourself with love and love someone."

"Have you fallen in love then?"

Her Father had smiled a little brighter this time. "Yes. Yes, I have. And believe me, my dear child. Nothing can compare to the feeling of Love."

"Will I ever fall in love?"

"I am sure you will, Gabriel." The smile her Father had directed at her filled her with warmth. It alleviated all her worries and made her feel like everything would be all right. It was a feeling that she had craved for so long.

A feeling that she felt when she saw Naruto smile and laugh.

So, lost in her thoughts that she had not even realized that she had arrived at the church.

As she walked down the corridor toward Asia's room, she was greeted by various priests and nuns. She greeted them warmly with a smile and nod.

Arriving in front of Asia's door, she knocked on it.

A moment later, the door was flung open, and Asia stood at the doorway. The moment the young nun's eyes fell on her, they brightened like a star.

"Lady Gabriel," Asia exclaimed happily. "Please come in."

Gabriel smiled at the girl as she walked into the room. Looking around it, she saw that it had not changed much from the last time she had visited. Which was literally the day before yesterday.

The room was like all other rooms in the church. A chandelier at the center of the room's ceiling. A queen-sized bed in one corner. A bookshelf filled with various books was on one side of the room. A center table on which she could see the Bible. There were two windows on one wall, which gave a beautiful view of the evening city.

However, the only things that looked out of place in the room were the teddy bears and an orange fox plushy on her bed. She chuckled internally, remembering when Asia told her embarrassedly, albeit happily, that Naruto had sneaked them into her room. Apparently, the blonde Ninja had felt it weird that Asia only possessed one teddy bear, which she had gifted to the nun on one of her birthdays, and had bought her a bunch more.

"How was your day, Asia?" Gabriel asked, taking a chair by the table.

Asia happily skipped toward her. "It was nice, Lady Gabriel. I prayed that big brother finally meets the Buddhist gods."

"Oh, it is so nice to hear that," Gabriel said, giggling at how cute the nun sounded. "But haven't I told you not to call me Lady Gabriel? I thought we were close enough for you to not call me that. I have told you that you can call me Gabriel or Gabby. Whichever you prefer."

Asia's shoulder's slumped. "It is just… It just feels wrong to address you like that, Lady Gabriel. I mean, someone of your status should be addressed properly, right?"

Gabriel smiled amusingly at her. "Asia. When we are together, status holds as much meaning as Naruto's respect for authority."

Asia giggled, knowing about her big brother's stubborn dislike for people in authority. It was even funnier because the path her brother was on would almost certainly lead to him becoming the world's most authoritative figure one day.

Gabriel's eyes were drawn to Asia's untidy hair. "Say. Before you go to bed, would you like me to comb your hair?"

"I would like that very much," Asia said, nodding giddily.

The blonde nun quickly went over to the dressing table. Picking up the comb, she skipped toward Gabriel. She handed the comb to the angel and sat on the ground before Gabriel. She drew her knees closer to her chest and wrapped her arms around them before swaying slightly to and fro in happiness.

Gabriel's smile brightened as she began combing the girl, whom she had always seen as a daughter/sister.

"Say, Lady Gabriel. Can you call big brother?" The nun asked Gabriel, hopefully. "I tried before, but his phone is unreachable."

Gabriel giggled and smiled. "I thought you'd never ask." She paused, combing Asia's hair, and pulled her phone out of her robes. The blonde angel looked up Naruto's number in the contact list and video-called him. Fortunately, the communication system had been tweaked by Heaven so that they did not need to be wary of any human hearing their conversation by hacking the systems.

A few rings later, Naruto picked up the call.

"Hey. Long time no see," Naruto greeted cheerfully.

"Hello, big brother," Asia greeted back.

"Hey. How's my little sister doing," Naruto asked enthusiastically.

"I am doing fine, big brother."

As the pair of siblings conversed, Gabriel smiled and watched. She had placed the phone on the tea table so that Naruto could see them without any problem. She had noticed that Naruto was currently in a fancy room which she guessed was a five-star hotel.

"Naruto. Where are you now?" Gabriel asked. She had been curious to know how he was progressing.

"Well," Naruto released a dejected sigh. "I did not have any clue on how to proceed. I mean, you were right, I guess. I can't just attract the Buddhist faction to interact with me by just visiting their territory."

"Aw," Asia moaned sadly. "Don't lose hope, big brother. I am sure you can do it."

Naruto smiled and gave Asia an appreciative look. "Thank you, Asia."

"You know, Naruto, I can arrange a meeting for you with Lord Buddha," Gabriel suggested.

"Thanks, Gabby," Naruto said with a smirk. Gabriel's cheek's reddened in both embarrassment and joy. "But I know what to do now."

Gabriel's blush subsided, and she raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"

"If I can't attract their attention just by my presence, I am going to force them to acknowledge it."

Gabriel felt sweat drip down her forehead. That statement did not bode well with her. "Naruto. What are you planning?"

Before Naruto could reply, a cat's meow came from his side. Gabriel and Asia were surprised when they saw a cat with fur as black as the night sky jump on his lap before jumping on his left shoulder. It expertly traveled through Naruto's neck's nape to his right shoulder, where it sat down on its hind legs. It pushed its cheeks into Naruto's and rubbed against his before purring cutely.

A few seconds of rubbing later, the cat's eyes were directed toward the screen. The left corner of Gabriel's lip twitched, noticing the cat was staring directly at her with a fierce glare before it started hissing violently.

Naruto brought his left hand up and scratched the cat's head gently. "Guys. Meet my new little cat, Kuro."

"Wow! It's so cute," Asia exclaimed, staring at the cat with wide eyes filled with excitement.

The cat purred as if trying to say that it was thankful for the compliment.

"I think she likes the compliment, Asia," Naruto said with a smile.

"Where did you find the cat, Naruto?" Gabriel asked, a little concerned about the cat. "And am I seeing it correctly? Does the cat have two tails?"

The cat started hissing at Gabriel again.

"I know, right?" Naruto picked up the cat in his arms and cradled it to his chest. He gently stroked the cat's back, eliciting a pleasured purr from the cat. "I took her to the nearest vet, and they said it was some sort of genetic mutation. And considering that I found her on the streets, it is a possibility. I felt sad for her and decided to bring her with me."

Gabriel's face brightened, and she smiled. "I see. Then take good care of the cat. They need to be looked after a lot."

The cat turned its head and stared at her with a scrutinizing look, but Gabriel ignored it.

"Anyway, you did not tell us what you're planning to do?" Gabriel asked, restarting the conversation from before the cat had interrupted it.

Naruto smiled and said, "I am going to Tibet."

"Tibet?" Asia asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Yup. I heard from a few people that something is terrorizing people there. So, I want to see what it is all about. Maybe help them on the way."

"Something terrorizing people in Tibet?" Gabriel asked before staring at the ceiling in thought. "Wait! I have heard about it. The report came in a month after you landed in this world. Are you telling me that no one from the Buddhist faction has resolved the problem yet?"

Naruto nodded gravely. "Exactly. The time of your report perfectly lines up with the testament of the few people I have talked with. Guess something fishy is going on here."

"But isn't Lord Buddha supposed to be a God that loves humans like our Lord?" Asia asked, worried about the situation.

A worried frown appeared on Gabriel's face. "I know. He isn't someone who is going to let something supernatural terrorize humans for this long."

"I guess my decision to visit Tibet was the right decision, huh?" Naruto asked with a smirk.

"I suppose it will be beneficial to know what is happening there," Gabriel conceded.

"Anyway, I will be going now," Naruto said. "I will not be able to talk to you in the coming days. I hope you guys will not mind."

"Alright, big brother, and don't worry, we will be fine," Asia said with a smile.

"And Naruto. I small bit of advice before you leave," Gabriel said seriously.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "Sure."

"Don't instigate a fight with any God once you're in their heaven," Gabriel said in a serious tone.

"Why?" Naruto asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

"This is something you should understand. Gods are extremely territorial. They don't take it kindly to an outside entering their domain and starting a fight with them."

"And what if they start a fight first?" Naruto asked.

"Then first try to avoid it by trying to reason with them. And if that does not work, only then start the fight."

"Huh. Guess I can work with that," Naruto said with a shrug. "Anyways, goodnight!"

"Goodnight, big brother!"

"Good night, Naruto!"

Once again, Gabriel felt her face twitch. Just before Naruto had turned off the video call, she had noticed the cat smirking at her. Were cats even able to smirk? And why did she feel threatened by the cat? And what for?

She released a sigh. "I wish I could give Naruto one of the phones that we use in Heaven. But to operate it, he needs magic. Something he does not have. It could have made communication with him so simpler." As she finished her contemplation, she noticed Asia, whose shoulders were slumped.

"Asia? Is everything all right?" Gabriel asked as she went back to brushing the nun's hair.

"It's just," Asia whispered. "I wonder what it is like in other countries? I have always wanted to travel to new places."

"Is that so?" At this moment, Gabriel was very glad that Michael had asked for permission for Asia's visit. "In that case, will you like to go on a trip with me?"

Asia's eyes lit up immediately, and she whipped her head backward. "Really?" Asia exclaimed. "I will love to go, Lady Gabriel! But where will we be going?"

"We will be visiting Kyoto," Gabriel announced happily.

"Kyoto? Where is that?"

"You know Japan."

"Wow! We will be going to Japan."

"Uh-huh!" Gabriel nodded. "We will be going to Japan to meet the Shinto Faction."

Asia bounced to her feet. "Really! I can't wait to visit Japan. Thank you so much, big sister!"

Gabriel's eyes widened, which worried Asia as the nun began to fidget in her place.

"I-I hope you don't mind me calling you that," Asia said nervously. "It's just that-"

"No. You don't have to justify yourself, Asia," Gabriel interrupted the nun and gave her a bright smile. Though one could clearly see the tears shining in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Asia's shoulders and pulled her toward herself for a tight hug while rubbing their faces together. "Oh! I am so happy that you called me that. But I'm a little disappointed too that Naruto got to be called big brother before me."

"I-I am s-sorry…"

Gabriel let out a laugh. "Don't worry about it, little sister." She let the girl go. "But now you have to pack your luggage."

Asia's eyes widened in realization before she slapped her forehead. "Aw~ I completely forgot that I have to pack my luggage."

Gabriel covered her mouth with her wrist as she giggled. "Don't worry. I will help you pack," she said.

That night, both of them were busy packing Asia's luggage. They laughed, joked, and played.

And once the packing was done, they fell asleep comfortably in each other's arms.


Two days later…

Osaka, Japan…

Walking out of the Osaka International Airport was the duo consisting of Gabriel and Asia.

Being exposed to the warm glow of the sun, Gabriel stretched her arms.

"Ah, finally," Gabriel sighed contently. "I never liked flights."

She was wearing a beautiful skirt dress with flower patterns on it. Her legs were protected from the cold weather thanks to black woolen leggings. She wore heels, and over her skirt dress, she was wearing a faded brown jacket. To complete her outfit, she wore an orange hat with a blue flower.

"W-We could have simply teleported here, big sister," Asia grumbled. She was having a spitting headache along with a case of jet lag.

Asia was wearing an oversized red sweater that ended just above her knees. Like Gabriel, she was also wearing black woolen leggings. However, she was wearing white shoes. On her head was the tiara that Gabriel had gifted her for Christmas. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail.

"But then you would not be able to experience a flight."

"Then, the next time, please use teleportation magic. I don't think I am a flight person."

"All right," Gabriel replied with a shrug.

"How are we going to Kyoto, big sister?"

"Our ride should be here anytime soon."

And a second later, they saw an entirely black-colored Mercedes stop right in front of them. From the front passenger's seat stepped out a lady. She was wearing a dark grey business suit and a short business skirt. Curiously, she wasn't wearing woolen clothes to protect her from the cold.

The lady had a stern look on her face and seemed to be the no-nonsense type of person. She walked up to them.

"Are you Lady Gabriel and Lady Asia?" The woman asked professionally.

Gabriel smiled at the woman. "Yes. That would be us."

The lady did not feel it necessary to respond with a smile of her own. Instead, she walked to the door to the backseats of the car.

"Your luggage?"

"In our pocket dimension."

"I am Miwa." The lady nodded and opened the door. "Please take your seats. Lady Yasaka has asked me to bring you two to Kyoto."

Gabriel nodded. She motioned to Asia, who got in the car, followed by Gabriel.

The woman closed the door and hopped into the front passenger seat.

As soon as she entered the car, her features changed. The human woman who had greeted them earlier disappeared, and in her place was a woman with fox ears and two fox tails.

"Please forgive me for my form," Miwa said, "But it would not abode well to step into the human world in this form."

"No, no. It is alright," Gabriel said.

"U-Um. You could have used a spell to hide your features from humans," Asia pointed out timidly.

"Unfortunately," Miwa replied without a drop in her stern tone, "I have never been magically gifted. So, those kinds of spells have always alluded me."

"O-Oh. I am sorry." Asia said, feeling bad that she may have hit a sore spot.

"No. You don't have to worry about it," Miwa said dismissively, "But thanks to my lineage as a fox spirit, I am capable of changing my form into whatever I wish for. This makes me suitable for escorting guests and such."

They traveled silently with Asia, enjoying the scenery, and on a few occasions, she would call Gabriel to show the latter something that had caught her eye.

It took them about an hour to reach Kyoto.

The beauty of the city captivated Asia, who could only look on with eyes wide in fascination and curiosity.

"We will be entering Urakyoto. The secret city where Lady Yasaka resides," Miwa informed.

Another ten minutes later, they seemed to be approaching a shrine of sorts. Just when they passed through the shrine gate, they passed through some sort of barrier that brought them to a completely different place.

This place was surrounded by trees as if they were in the middle of a forest. The car stopped right in front of a Tori gate where a large group of people were waiting.

Asia and Gabriel stepped out of the car. Gabriel asked Asia to follow her, which the nun did.

Gabriel walked up to the Tori gate, where the crowd was gathered. At the front of the crowd, Asia could see a young woman and a little girl. Staring at the woman heading the crowd, Asia could not help but blush in embarrassment.

The young woman had a voluptuous figure that far surpassed even Gabriel's and had very long, straight, blonde hair. She is a woman with delicate facial features, and her eyebrows are cut very short and round, a symbol of nobility. Her hair was tied in a loose ponytail, reaching all the way down to her legs that end in a spiral, with taut bandages to keep it in place.

She was wearing a yellow kimono, a golden obi, and a black pelt, with gold skulls and lines printed on it. The kimono featured a white interior, and it was open at her shoulders, giving everyone a view of her enormous breasts.

However, the most remarkable feature had to be the nine golden tails swaying behind her.

The little girl standing beside the woman looked like a complete copy of the woman. She had golden blonde hair tied in a ponytail and matching eyes. She also has nine golden fox tails and matching ears. She was wearing the traditional miko outfit and tall geta with white tabi. The sleeves of her haori featured a giant red star-shaped pentagram, surrounded by five smaller pentagrams in between the points.

Gabriel stood before the woman and bowed. "Lady Yasaka. Thanks for allowing us this visit."

The woman, now identified as Yasaka, bowed in return. "No, Lady Gabriel. The pleasure is all mine. After all, it isn't every day that you get to host a highly esteemed Archangel from Heaven." Yasaka's eyes were drawn towards Asia. "And who might the young girl be?"

Gabriel smiled and said, "This is my little sister, Asia Argento."

Yasaka looked at Gabriel questioningly. "Little sister? I thought there were only four Archangels."

Gabriel shook her hands to and fro. "No. No. You have got the wrong idea, Lady Yasaka. She is not an angel but a human. But I have been looking after her since she was little."

"I see. Someone looked after by none other than Gabriel, the Messenger of God himself, has to be special," Yasaka concluded. She then laid a hand over the little girl's head. "And this is my daughter, Kunou."

The little girl puffed her chest out. "B-Bow d-down to me, peasants!" The little girl yelled in the cutest voice Asia and Gabriel had ever heard.

Yasaka's eyes twitched in annoyance, and she gently bonked the girl on the head. "That is not how you greet guests, young lady," Yasaka scolded in a gentle voice.

Kunou grabbed her head in pain. "Ow~" She cried. "B-But that's how Miss Miwa told me to greet people!"

Asia felt her eyes widen in shock. There was no way that strict woman from before could have done something like that, right?

Yasaka looked at the woman, who had joined the crowd by now, with tired eyes. "Why do you have to give my daughter weird lessons?"

Miwa shrugged before smirking. "It's always nice to see you embarrassed."

Yasaka sighed and rubbed her temple. "One of these days, I need to tie you up and punish you."

Miwa's smirk increased as she licked her lips hungrily. "You can tie me up all you, Lady Yasaka," she said sensually.

"There are kids here," a crow-like humanoid figure reminded everyone, "Let's keep it PG-13, shall we?"

"Boring!" Miwa groaned.

Yasaka directed an apologetic look toward Gabriel and Asia. "Please forgive my daughter and my people. The foxes around here like pranking a little too much."

Gabriel smiled understandingly, and so did Asia. "It is alright," the blonde angel said.

"You two must be tired," Yasaka said. "Please follow me. I will show you two to your rooms."


Night Time…

Gabriel was sitting in the garden in the shrine.

She was watching the moon and stars.

She wondered what Naruto was doing. Had he managed to discover what was wrong in Tibet? Had he managed to make contact with Tiān?

These thoughts plagued her mind.

But fortunately, a distraction appeared a few seconds later.

"Lady Gabriel. Can't sleep?"

Gabriel turned her head towards her right and saw Yasaka standing there elegantly. She stood up to greet her host. "Lady Yasaka! It's a pleasure to meet you at this time."

"Please, Lady Gabriel. Call me Yasaka."

"Only if you call me Gabriel."

"I can do that."

Yasaka walked up to the bench where Gabriel was sitting. "Please take your seat," she said as she sat down. Gabriel followed.

"So, why are you here so late at night?"

Gabriel shook her head forlornly. "Just some thoughts plaguing me."

"Is that so? Has my garden managed to unburden you a little?"

Gabriel gave her a grateful smile. "It did, Yasaka. I feel much more refreshed."

"I am glad that it helped. This place is laced with Nature Energy. So it does a great job at calming people down."

"Kind of like the Calming spell?"

Yasaka nodded. "Indeed. But more natural."

The two of them sat in silence before Gabriel decided to break it.

"About my visit…"

Yasaka, however, interrupted her. "We can talk about that tomorrow, right? I believe you should unwind a little and relax."

Gabriel nodded. "I think you're right."

A comfortable silence descended between them.

But, this time, it was broken by the shaking of the Earth. The ground trembled so violently that it almost knocked both of them out of balance.

"What was that?" Yasaka asked after the Earth had stopped shaking.

"I don't know… But that wasn't an Earthquake."

Suddenly, three Youkais appeared before them. One of them was a crow, one was a dove, and the other an Eagle.

"Lady Yasaka! Are you all right?" The crow Youkai asked worriedly.

"I am fine," Yasaka said in a commanding tone. "What was that just now?"

"We have no idea, milady," the dove said.

"Crow, Dove, Eagle. I want you to increase border patrol. Tighten security and call all guards. I don't want a repeat of three months ago."

"Yes, Ma'am," the three Youkai saluted and left.

Yasaka turned toward Gabriel, who looked serious. "Gabriel. Are you all right?"

"Yes. Yes, I am alright."

"That earthquake…"

"Yes. I know. It wasn't natural." Gabriel gulped in worry. "And I have a bad feeling about it."


Biblical Heaven…

Michael and Raphael were discussing some important things about the report from Uriel when the ground trembled fiercely.

"What in Father's name was that?" Raphael asked, frowning in confusion.

"Your guess is as good as mine," Michael replied.

Just then an angel who worked at the sensory division of Heaven rushed toward them. "Milords! Milords!"

"What is it?" Michael asked as the angel stopped before them.

"The trembling! The source of the trembling! It is originating from the Buddhist Heaven!"

Michael felt his eyes widen in shock, horror, and small amounts of awe when the angel told him the place it was originating from.

"Wait! Wasn't Naruto trying to enter that place?"

Michael was sweating. "I know. And I have a very bad feeling about this."


Mount Olympus…

Zeus was seething in anger.

Poseidon was worried that Zeus was going to go on a rampage.

Hades could care less about his brother.

The Twelve Olympian Gods had been summoned to discuss a new threat to the world when the trembling had happened.

And turns out that the very reason they had all been summoned after a millennium was also the reason behind the tremors felt in Mount Olympus.

"How?" Zeus spoke through gritted teeth. "How is that bastard this strong?"

"Ara, Ara." Aphrodite smiled playfully. "Who is this man that can shake heaven itself?"

"Aphrodite," Athena spoke her name warningly. "Now isn't the time for your antics."

"Well, did not you say he is one of those parasites?" Poseidon asked. "Are you really surprised that he did something like that?"

"But still." Apollo had a thoughtful look. "To engage in a fight in the Buddhist Heaven and cause tremors here in Olympus seems to be a remarkable feat that even some of us Gods can't manage."

"Huh! As if!" Ares boastingly said. "Father. Allow me to go and teach that bastard a lesson. I will show him what a true God fights like."

Athena ignored the other Gods and looked at one of her fellow goddesses. "Artemis? Are you all right?"

Artemis nodded. "Yes. I am fine." But she wasn't. Just now when the tremors had happened, she had felt something. Something deep. For a scant moment, her connection with nature had awakened, and she thought she could see the fierce visage of the threat her father wanted to discuss.

Hera, the wife of Zeus looked at Hestia, who did not look well. "Hestia? Is everything fine?"

"It is fine, Hera," Hestia said, smiling gratefully. But unknown to her, she had just witnessed an image of the man her brother considered a threat, just like Artemis.

"Enough!" The commanding voice of Zeus boomed through the room. "It looks like that boy is becoming too strong. I need to call on my fellow gods from other Pantheons. We can't let that boy live any longer."


Asgard…

An old man could be seen sitting on a throne while running a hand through his long beard.

"I must say, it is truly fascinating to see someone this strong these days that they are able to shake not only just Heaven but Earth as well," the old man said with a fascinated tone.

"What are you going to do now, father?"

The old man's eyes were drawn to the man before him. The man had red hair and thick red beard. And his visage commanded power.

"Now, Thor?" The Old Man smiled and got up from the throne. "Now, I see if I can find this young man and ask him what kind of woman he prefers."

"T-That is highly inappropriate, Lord Odin," a young woman with silver hair pointed out, nervously.

"That is why, you don't have a boyfriend, Rossweisse. That prudence of yours makes you really unattractive," Odin said with a scoff, and started walking away.

The younger man watched his father leave and sighed. Why did he of all people have to have a pervert for a father? His eyes found the young woman who acted as his father's assistant and found her on her hands and knees, bowling her eyes out. And for the umpteenth time, he felt bad that such a talented lady had to waste away her life assisting a pervert like his father.


Mount Meru…

"Looks like the boy you were so interested in has shaken things around here, Shiva," a soothing female voice could be heard in a beautiful meadow.

Sitting on a rock was a young man with his skin as blue as the sky. The man opened his eyes and smiled at his wife. "I guess you're right, Parvati."

"The others aren't going to like it," Parvati warned with a serious tone.

"I know."


Buddhist Heaven, Tiān…

A few moments earlier…

The whole place was wrecked beyond belief.

It was as if a nuke had gone off in this place.

There was a gigantic crater with a radius of almost a mile.

Rocks the size of a ten-storeyed building surrounded the crater and looked as if they had been thrown by someone.

The clouds above the crater had been pushed away. It was as if someone had punched a hole in the sky.

Just outside the crater, we could see stones rising from the ground. One stone. Two stones. Three stones. And one by one, these stones started forming a humanoid figure.

Until none other than Naruto stood in that place. He was wearing a tight orange-colored T-shirt that accentuated his chest and abs. He wasn't overly buffed but buffed enough to make most Olympic athletes give up their careers. His chest-to-waist shape was a perfect V. He was also wearing black-colored pants with white sneakers.

And his face was set in one and only one expression.

Excitement.

He placed his right arm on his left shoulder and rolled it to stretch and relax his muscles.

His eyes were surrounded by an orange pigment. His pupils had a red-colored border with a similarly colored circle on the inside and a dot at the center. An orange-colored circle with a dot at the center was placed at the center of his forehead like a third eye.

"I thought you were going to test me," Naruto said smugly. "If this is your idea of testing me, then I must say, I am greatly disappointed." He directed a smirk at the figure at the center of the crater.

This figure Naruto was looking at was currently down on his knees as he supported himself on a red staff. His body was littered with cuts that spewed blood like a fountain. The figure had lost so much blood that it had literally created a stream of red blood on the ground. His once regal, golden hair was matted with the red color of his own blood. The crown on his head was broken on the right side. His right pointy ear was missing, along with his right eye. He was also smoking from his wounds, showing that they were healing.

However, the figure's lone eye showed no fear. Instead, it displayed enthusiasm and enjoyment.

"Come now," Naruto said mockingly. "I am sure you still have some fight left in you. Give me the fight you said you would give me."

Naruto grabbed the green magatama on the bracelet on his right wrist. Pulling it out of the bracelet, he crushed the crystal with his left fist.

The inside of Naruto's left fist started glowing brightly before the glow extended outward. It elongated and formed a shakujo.

One end of the shakujo had a sun on one end with nine rings attached to it. While the other end had a moon with six rings.

Naruto took his stance. The small stones near him started flowing due to the aura that he was exuding.

"I have never been this excited before," Naruto smirked. "Let's begin round 2. Shall we?"

With that, Naruto dashed toward the figure.

Grabbing the shakujo with both hands, he pulled it back right above his right shoulder. The sun of the shakujo started shining brightly due to Naruto pushing his chakra into it.

Just when Naruto was a meter away from his opponent, he planted his left foot on the ground. And swung the shakujo with all his strength.

In response, Naruto's opponent swung his staff at him.

Both of their weapons drew closer and closer.

But neither met.

There was an inch of distance left between them. But the clash had already occurred.

Naruto's and his opponent's aura clashed through their weapon.

And the whole world went white.


xxx


Author's Note: The clash between a human and a god has shaken both Heaven and Earth. But what caused this clash? Find in the next chapter… Or maybe the one after that…

Additional Information

Tiān - is one of the oldest Chinese terms for heaven and a key concept in Chinese mythology, philosophy, and religion. It also has various meanings, such as sky, overhead, day, time, season, weather, nature, or heaven.