Soul: Whew, I managed to get this done in time for Naruto's (and Naruko's) Birthday. Enjoy! Now onto my Halloween special.
Chapter 02: Changing the World
It had been a few days since the attack on Konoha by the Nine-Tailed Fox. The village was still in recovery mode, buildings smoldering, roads torn apart, and dislodged tree limbs littering the architecture. Konoha Shinobi were jumping around, assisting in rescues, humanitarian efforts, and reconstruction. In the Hokage Mansion, the councils and clan heads were in all-day meetings, trying to coordinate how to move forward, with the newly reinstated Third Hokage doing his best to navigate the current crisis.
Uchiha Obito was responsible, but it would be years before anyone discovers the truth of the Nine-Tailed Fox's attack on Konoha, and it's a story for another time.
In front of the now abandoned house of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina, a red teleportation seal appeared in the front. Rias Gremory arrived in a flash of red light, looking upon the familiar house with a sense of nostalgia, remembering the times she had been summoned by her late client. Her smile fading slightly, she shook it off and walked inside to get what she needed.
Her Peerage was babysitting the twins and she wanted to be back with them as soon as devilishly possible; this was her second and last stop.
She swept the first floor, gathering family photos and various items belonging to the couple, and sealed them into a pocket space. She then went upstairs, gathering items of interest and doing the same with them.
The last room she arrived in was the babies' room, where she paused and took it all in. There was blue and pink wallpaper with chibi foxes. Baby toys, baby clothes, and items are neatly stored around the room. There was a crib in the corner of the room near a window with plushies inside, with a rocking chair next to it. Finally, there was an aura of love and care that radiated in the room as Rias tread gently through it, noting that everything inside was handmade and carefully picked out.
"I wonder if this is what it was like for my parents with Sirzechs and me?" Rias wondered with a melancholy smile, before raising her hand.
Like a vacuum, she sucked up all the items in her pocket dimension. She wasn't going to let it go to waste, and it saved her an awkward trip to a department store or IKEA.
"Don't worry Kushina, Minato. I won't let any of it go to waste," she murmured, before frowning and looking at that window. Her Boosted Gear gauntlet flashed into being around her left hand.
She exited the house to find the Sandaime Hokage in front, flanked by two familiar individuals.
"Sandaime. Jiraiya-san. Tsunade-san." Rias greeted them, the two Sannin looking surprised to see her.
"Rias. Old man, you didn't tell us that it was Rias who took the twins," Jiraiya said, looking at his teacher. "All you said was that it was a strange individual."
"Don't blame him. I erased his and his guards' memories of me," she supplied, dismissing her gauntlet.
"You know her?" Hiruzen questioned his student.
"Yeah. She's a Devil. She's responsible for, uh…an enhancement of mine," Tsunade answered sheepishly, looking away at her sensei's raised eyebrow. "She grants wishes, but without the sacrificing of souls part." Shaking her head, she stepped forward. "Where are Naruto and Naruko? You have them, right?"
"I do. Kushina-san summoned me when she was dying. Her final wish was for me to protect and raise them, so that's what I'm going to do. We Devils keep our ends of the bargain, after all." Rias told them resolutely, nevertheless keeping an eye on the shinobi.
"Why were you here?" a concerned Hiruzen asked.
"Getting some things that Naruto and Naruko need. Pictures of their parents, their cribs, etc. And now I'm done here." Rias replied and summoned a magic circle beneath her. "Now if you'll excuse me-"
"Rias, wait," Jiraiya said, raising his hand. "I'd prefer if you raise the twins in Konoha. They're needed here and need to form connections."
"Of course. I'll make sure they visit from time to time…when you catch that guy who caused the Kyuubi to go berserk." She gave them a chilly smile. "Kushina-san said that they were betrayed by someone they long thought dead, and both she and Kyubi name-dropped them." The three older ninja leaned forward attentively, immediately hooked by her words. "Does the name Uchiha Obito ring a bell?"
Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Tsunade looked baffled.
"Uchiha Obito? Minato's old student?" Jiraiya shook his head. "He's dead, died in the Third Shinobi War years ago."
"Well, he's alive with a Sharingan that forced Kyubi to go on a rampage," she stated flatly, shrugging.
"Impossible. The only one who has a Sharingan powerful enough to control the Kyubi is Madara, and he's dead as well." Hiruzen said as Rias shrugged.
"And he would never wear a mask, unlike the one who attacked Kushina-san and Minato-san," Rias said and raised her hands. "I can only tell you what I've been told by Kushina-san and Kyuubi, and that's what's going on. Now if you'll excuse me-"
"Wait! At least take me with you," Tsunade interjected, stepping forward. "You know me. They're newborns and they need to be checked on."
"I'm not blind, Tsunade-san. I made sure to get Naruto and Naruko checked into a hospital in Makai. They're perfectly healthy…and probably driving my Peerage mad right now." Rias giggled. "So, I must get back."
"Now wait just a minute-!" Tsunade finally snapped, stomping towards the redhead.
"Until next time!" Rias said and disappeared in a flash of red light.
"Rias, wait-! …Dammit," Jiraiya muttered and looked at his old sensei and teammate. "What do you think?"
"About what? Where to begin?!" Tsunade growled out. "Kushina summoning a Devil to take the twins away says a lot, especially the accusations of what truly happened! Could what they said…really be true?"
"What Rias-san told us should not be possible. I recall the report that Obito was left behind after a rockslide…and was presumed dead. His body was never recovered." Hizuren said while in a thoughtful pose. "Minato once trained Obito, and must've recognized him through fighting."
"But why turn on his sensei, and the village?" a frustrated Tsunade wondered. "And how could he have gotten a Sharingan that was powerful enough to control the Kyubi? Kakashi has the other half, so how?"
"There is no way to prove what Rias said is true, but it doesn't hurt to retrace the former Team 7's steps during the war." Jiraiya said and looked to Hiruzen, who nodded.
"Do so, and keep it between us three for now," the old man ordered, his remaining students nodding. "Naruto and Naruko are safe away from here for now. If what Kushina and the fox said is proven sound, then no Tailed Beast will be safe, and the Elemental Countries as a whole will be plunged into another war…"
Rias reappeared in the Occult Research Club, where her Peerage was babysitting the twins, and sweatdropped at what was happening.
"Don't worry about a thing! I'm the greatest at making baby formula!" Power said as she was doing just that…causing a white smoke cloud that made her cough.
"Power-san, that's too much powder! It has to be a precise ratio!" Asia whined, trying to pull the bottle away.
"It's alright. I have them made." Yumi assured her, grabbing what she made and going over to the little twins, who were being watched by Akeno. "Hai."
"Oh come on, I had this-" Power protested before the bottle in her hand exploded in her face. "GAK!"
"I see I came back at just the right time." Rias mused, making her presence known and not surprised by Power's antics.
Power was a lesser demon, seeking to prove her worth and standing. Sadly, she ran afoul of the Fallen Angels and was killed when protecting Issei, who may or may not have had a Sacred Gear. Rias had arrived from the summoning flyer Issei dropped, saw what the blood-wielding fiend did, and turned her into her Pawn.
She's powerful in her own right, but for such an ambitious young girl, she is quite the idiot.
"Ah, Buchou. Welcome back." Akeno greeted her. "I don't think I have enough hands to feed the little ones. A little assistance?"
Rias nodded and took Naruto, smirking at Akeno's pouting. Yumi handed the King and Queen the bottles, with the two beginning to feed them. The babies happily sucked on them, much to the Peerage's amusement.
"Buchou, I do want to point out that the twins can't be fed formula all the time. They need actual breast milk to develop." Yumi pointed out.
"I'm well aware, Yumi. It's why I sneaked into the hospital's freezer to acquire a vial of Kushina's blood. I'm going to use it along with Devil magic to produce Kushina's breast milk within my breasts for up to a year." Rias revealed, producing the vial from her pocket space. "With my mother's help."
"Wait, don't have to get knocked up to-?" Power started to say before getting bonked on the head by Koneko. "Gak!"
"Normally, yes. But remember that we are Devils. We can do anything- well, almost everything." Rias sighed, rocking Naruto back and forth. "Just last month, I grew a client's boobs by a few cup sizes with my magic."
"Hmm, can you use magic to grow these babies into adults?" Power wondered, pointing at the twins.
"As always Power, you say the most ridiculous things," Akeno said lightly, her eye twitching as she fed Naruko. "Children like the twins deserve to have a proper childhood, and no one has the right to take it away from them."
"And in order to do that, we must bolster our defenses by increasing our numbers. If we are to protect Naruto and Naruko, and never lose another Rating Game, I need to fill my Pieces." Rias began to lightly pat Naruto's back. "I'm not deaf. The surname of Uzumaki was echoed throughout the party. It must be a well-known family."
"Indeed it is, Ojou-sama."
A white magic circle appeared in the room, materializing the Strongest Queen of Lord Lucifer, Grayfia Lucifuge.
"Hello, Grayfia." Rias greeted her, a sour look on her face.
"Your anger is well warranted for my involvement in forcing your hand to marry Riser, and upon reflection, I am truly regretful," Grayfia told her with a bow. "Right now, I am here to help you with the Uzumaki twins."
"If it involves me giving them up, you can go back now." Rias snarled, handing Naruto to Koneko, her eyes glowing red.
"No. You have made your intentions clear, Ojou-sama," an unfazed Grayfia replied. "I am only here to tell you about the bloodline and the legacy of your adopted children; to better prepare you for the trials ahead. Raising them will not be a simple task."
"...Okay, I'm listening." Rias sat back down, Grayfia taking a seat across from her.
It was a lot to take in. Kushina and the Uzumaki clan were descended from the Sage of Six-Paths, Ootsutsuki Hagoromo, the one who had created the shinobi world, the father of the nine Tailed Beasts, and the son of the infamous Ootsutsuki Kaguya. His sons founded the Senju and Uchiha clans, the Uzumaki clan a branch of the former. They were strong, to the point that four villages had allied to take them down during the Third Great Ninja War, and Kushina was no exception as the chosen Jinchuuriki of Kurama.
As for Minato, not much was known about his bloodline, but it was rumored that his bloodline descended from a powerful demonic heritage. But who that demon (or Devil) was remained unknown, as Minato never knew nor had an awakening. Nevertheless, he was powerful enough with his mastery of time-space techniques, thanks to Kushina and his sensei Jiraiya, becoming a full-fledged Seal Master. He eventually became the Fourth Hokage, albeit his reign was short-lived thanks to the actions of the suspected Uchiha Obito.
Needless to say, everyone was in awe and impressed.
"Now, did you know their mother, Buchou?" Asia asked as she and Akeno put the twins back in Rias' arms.
"My Familiar ended up in Konoha sometime after I became a King, and Kushina was one of my first clients. Every few months, she would summon me for various things such as talking and shopping, but never for her missions. It was during those times that I learned that the Uzumaki were connected to my family over the years." Rias sat back, smiling. "It was after she became pregnant with the twins that I got summoned a lot more to keep her company. When she summoned me for the last time, it was three weeks since I last saw her," she murmured, her smile falling as she remembered Kushina looking so happy being near her due date.
A stark contrast to that fateful night.
"Now that the children-" Grayfia started to say.
"Naruto and Naruko." Rias corrected her.
"My apologies. Now that Naruto and Naruko have entered our world through you, there are individuals and groups that will look to take them away from you. Are you sure you're up for the challenge?"
"Of course I am! I won't let anyone take the twins away. But…something tells me that my word won't be enough." Rias noted with an annoyed scowl, with Grayfia grimacing. "Fine! What do you need for me to do?"
"Well…" Grayfia was now looking regretful. "Riser has been repealing to the Satans and the Elders, but to no success. And just now, he's challenging you to a duel for your hand in marriage, Rias."
"I accept."
Grayfia blinked and looked at Rias as if the redhead had grown a second head. "I'm sorry, Rias-sama, I seem to have misheard. Can you repeat that?"
"I accept his challenge, Grayfia," Rias said, her Peerage looking at her in disbelief. "I knew that Riser would continue to weasel his way into my life, so I'm ending it. So, go and tell him that I accept. The difference between the Rating Game and the duel is that I will no longer be holding back. None of us will be." She eyed the rest of her Peerage, who were suddenly looking uncomfortable.
"Holding back," Grayfia parroted, voicing everyone's confusion.
Rias grinned. "The Power of Destruction isn't the only trick in my book. Riser can name the time and place, and I'll show everyone what I can."
"Understood," Grayfia said and stood up. "I will let you know when and where. Riser's insistence is irking both houses as we speak."
"I'm surprised he hasn't shown his face yet." Akeno noted with a snort.
"Because Rias's threat still holds weight…and Sirzechs-sama forbade him from stepping foot in your King's territory. The motive is supported by all three houses. Gremory, Phenex, and Sitri, since Rias-sama shares control with Sona Sitri." Grayfia stood and bowed. "Until then, be safe and rest as much as you can, Rias-sama."
Grayfia took a glance at the infant twins, before vanishing in a teleportation circle.
"Sounds like our dear President is hoarding a secret~" Akeno teases, tugging at Rias' cheek. "Even from lil' old me. I want details."
"You will all see soon," Rias replied, rocking the twins to sleep. "In the Rating Game, I wanted to win with you, my Peerage, and my power. But as we all experienced, it didn't go our way…"
"It's not your fault, Prez! Riser just got lucky!" Power proclaimed to the groans of her fellow Peerage-mates. "I want to take your place, but you deserve it more so he can find out that he's not on your level."
"Thank you for saying your piece, Power," Rias said with a dry smile. "I have a good reason to keep this secret. If it got out, it would make our lives even more chaotic than normal. But once I beat Riser, well…prepare yourselves."
"We are going to be so busy," Koneko noted, shaking a toy shaker above the kids.
"That and we still have school as well." Yumi pointed out. "And you won't be able to bring Naruto and Naruko to class. You'll need a babysitter."
Rias had a thoughtful look before smirking. "I think I have one in mind."
At this point in time, the Fallen Angel Raynare wished for death.
After her failure to obtain the ultimate power that was Asia's Twilight Healing, Raynare found herself at the mercy of Rias Gremory, the High-class Devil overseeing the territory she and her allies invaded. Ultimately, the red haired Devil had spared her and her allies, and instead turned them over to their boss Arazel, the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, whom Rias had contacted ahead of time.
It turned out that Raynare went 'rogue' when she killed Hyoudou Issei, who was then turned into Rias' Servant in short order due to his unique Dragon-type Twice Critical. Thankfully for her, it was a misunderstanding due to the kill order from the Cadre of the Kokabiel posing as Azazel. Now Kokabiel was in hiding, with the four rogue Fallen Angels, Raynare, Kalawarner, Mittelt and Dohnaseek, at Azazel's mercy.
And now, the female Fallen Angel had requested by Rias, much to her surprise. But not only to be the Gregory Heiress's servant, however…
"Can you repeat what you just said, Mistress Gremory? My head's still ringing from that beating you gave me weeks ago and I may have misheard you…" Raynare gritted out with twitching eyes.
"You heard me correctly, Raynare. You are now my Pieceless Servant, bound to me via a Master-Servant Contract Seal. And your first job," Rias pointed at the side with an eerie smile. "Is babysitting my children."
The crimson-haired beauty was pointing to the baby room in her house, where Naruto and Naruko were sound asleep in their shared crib.
"...You can't be serious."
"Dead serious."
Raynare looked at the twin babies and back at Rias. "Can I get that torture I imagined instead? Changing diapers is…not my forte. Also, who the fuck knocked you up so quickly? Shouldn't he be watching the kids while you're in school?"
"They're adopted from a former client of mine," Rias said, handing Raynare a notebook. "Here's all the instructions you need. The formula and baby food are in the kitchen. And there are baby monitors in every room so you'll know when they'll need assistance."
"...I'm going to need some help. Can you get my friends to help me~?" Raynare whined, getting down on her knees with her hands together. "I'm just a lowly scout with delusions of grandeur! I'm not going to last an hour with them!"
Rias's eyes turned red, frightening Raynare whose servant crest glowed threateningly. "'I'll consider it. But for your sake, you better keep my children safe. You want redemption, it goes through me, like Azazel-san told the both of us."
Raynare just let out a small whine and looked at the kids, who were still slumbering without a care in the world. "...I understand, Rias-sama," she demurred submissively with a bow.
"Good." Rias grabbed her school bag and smiled at the cowed Fallen Angel, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Stick with me, and I shall grant you your desires and put in a good word to Azazel-san. Who knows? He may increase your standing."
"...How can you refer to Azazel-sama with such familiarity?" Raynare asked as Rias kissed the sleeping twins goodbye.
Rias looked at her before summoning her Boosted Gear gauntlet, flooring Raynare.
"Who else could help me adjust to this Sacred Gear?" she asked. Before the Fallen could answer, she was gone.
"...I have…so many questions," Raynare whispered as she collapsed to her knees.
She had no time to dwell on how a Devil could've been born with a Sacred Gear as the babies woke up. They started crying, jolting Raynare out of her musings and sending her into panic mode.
"Oh dear, oh dear. Hold on, kiddies. Mommy may be gone for now, but I'm here. I'm here." Raynare cooed, picking them up from the crib and rocking them back and forth in her arms. "Come on, let's get you both your bottles…
"And keep your diapers clear for the next few hours…"
To be continued…
After-story notes
The last scene with Raynare was originally supposed to start the chapter.
Rias will be having Naruto and Naruko visit from time to time.
The only ones who knew about Kushina and Rias' relationship are Minato, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and even Mikoto.
What better way to show Rias' capabilities with the Boosted Gear is a 1v1 with Riser? Among other things.
I will never stop harping on how despite what Raynare did to Issei in canon, she should've lived, especially since the Fallen Angels are more or less allies in canon now. (I don't know what's going on in Shin DxD)
Next chapter will be Rias vs Riser, and afterwards, shenanigans happen. The events in DxD may or may not happen in the background.
A new Pawn may debut next chapter.
Special thanks to NorthSouthGorem for beta reading.
Thank you for reading!
When school ended for the day, Rias teleported back to her residence. When she arrived, she entered the twins' room to a surprising sight.
Raynare was asleep in the rocking chair. In her arms were the twins, both also fast asleep in her lap. Her arms were around the chair, positioned so the twins wouldn't fall.
"Raynare…" Rias murmured, seeing the peaceful look on her face.
The Fallen Angel grunted before opening her eyes and seeing Rias. "Rias…sama…"
"Looks like I had nothing to worry about." Rias giggled. "Want to be their Auntie, Raynare?"
Raynare blinked and pouted. "I would rather be their big sister, Rias-sama. They're great, but a handful, and I don't want to do diapers again…"
Rias giggled as she stroked the babies' cheeks, happy that they were having an effect on Raynare, like she hoped…
Released: October 10, 2023 (Happy Birthday Naruto!)