Original Posted On Nov. 14, 2023

Beta Read by: Darklord331

Review Response:

Nathair1: He won't be like Griffith, I promise. Well, yeah, of course Koneko cares about the battle outfit, Naruto had it made for her, so she cherishes it. Well, Saji is a 16 year old, so his horny is big. Yeah, but Danjuro would not need to hit Naruto if he didn't do stupid things.

ShadowBloodedge9396: I had fun this chapter as well.

Bednarczykmiki: He would be very proud.

Vongola Ninja: Yep, and how curvy Xenovia is, especially with Koneko's smaller body type. Yeah, Rossweisse is a lovable dork. Kuroka is indeed running low on time, and I have an interesting idea for how she reveals herself. Bonney seems like a good candidate. Hancock… eh… don't hate her, but she is the leader of the Kuja… and she'd kill Issei. In a way, yeah, Naruto and Saji can be like Zoro and Sanji, both being competitive and yet caring about each other. Pushing each other to be better.

Harem:

Koneko Toujo, Ravel Phenex

Ravel Phenex Peerage:

King: Ravel Phenex

Queen:

Bishops: Danjuro "Gentle" Tobita

Knights: Sai Kurozumi (SG User: Ink Dweller)

Rooks: Vulcan (Blacksmith, Hammer/Fist (from Reincarnated as a Behemoth))

Pawns:

OKAY, LETS READ THIS SHIT! I DON'T OWN NARUTO, ONE PIECE, HIGHSCHOOL DXD OR ANY OTHER ANIME I MAY REFERENCE!

"Hey" = Speaking

'Hey' = Thinking

'Hey' = Memory

"Hey"= Sacred Gear/ Communication link

Chapter 43: Pathetic Self

Saji stood in the backyard, hand clenched in shame and self-disappointment.

'I couldn't do anything!' he thought, hitting the wood deck fence. 'I was unable to help!'

He hit the fence again.

"If you are feeling THAT strongly about it…" A voice said in Saji's head. "Then you and I should have a chat, partner."

Saji blinked.

No longer was he in the backyard of the Phenex Manor.

He was in what could be considered a Hellscape, but instead of regular flames, it was a sea of purple/black flames.

Before him, a black serpentine dragon.

Meanwhile, Abandoned Church on the outskirts…

C. Naruto watched from within the trees as Dohnaseek entered the building, his bloodied stump of a limb spilling inhuman amounts of blood.

'Well, at least I know where their base is. The Boss will like this info.' The clone thought before dispelling itself, allowing its knowledge to be transferred to Naruto.

Within the building, Dohnaseek lay on the table, stripped to his underwear as his fellow Fallen already doing what they could to staunch the bleeding of his missing leg.

"I'll kill that fucking fox for this!" Dohnaseek shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Dude, calm down." The blonde member said.

"LOSE A LIMB AND THEN SAY THAT SHIT YOU BITCH!" the man shouted.

The older woman who was wrapping said stump of a limb hit the injury, sending Dohnaseek into another screaming fit.

"Kalawarner, you didn't have to do that." The blonde said.

"Well, he didn't need to be a shithead, Mittelt." Kalawarner replied as she finished bandaging Dohnaseek's limb.

"Will all of you shut up!"

The Fallen turned to the speaker, eyes narrow.

"You really have some balls talking like that to us, Freed." Kalawarner said in a threatening tone.

Freed smirked.

"If your leader and that guy couldn't handle a simple devil…" His grin became sinister, excitement entering his eyes. "Then I guess I can deal with him instead…"

"Well, then I'll let you know what the devil looks like." Raynare said as she descended from the rafters. "All of you, listen up, our special Saint is on her way to Japan…"

Meanwhile, Phenex Manor…

"You are absolutely sure the Fallen are based out in this abandoned church?" Rias asked Ravel over the phone.

"Yes, Rias. Naruto confirmed this when his clone did some reconnaissance." Ravel explained.

She had already sent Saji and Issei home when Naruto, who was doing homework, shot up from the table and let her know what he had learned.

Rias paused.

"You sure?"

"Yes, I am. Naruto wouldn't lie to me." Ravel replied, slightly offended Rias would infer such a thing.

"Well, he would lie to me." Rias replied.

Both Ravel and Rias knew that to be true.

"Anyway, if you don't believe me, have your familiar go to the church to confirm it, Rias." Ravel advised, being the bigger person and not starting an argument.

After all, Ravel had no issues with Rias and the same SHOULD be with Rias.

"I will, thank you, Ravel." Rias thanked before hanging up.

Ravel put her phone down, sighing before rubbing her temples.

'This is going to be a headache if I get involved.' She thought, standing up.

She walked upstairs and approached Naruto's door, knocking on it.

Ravel waited patiently as she heard sounds of Naruto moving around before his steps neared the door, which opened.

"Yes?" He asked, already gotten ready for bed.

"I just want to tell you that I don't want you getting involved with the Fallen." Ravel stated, not as his friend, but as his King… even if it was only temporary.

Naruto blinked a few times.

"Okay… why?" He asked, tilting his head, his fox ears following gravity.

Ravel motioned if she could enter his room, which Naruto allowed by stepping aside, letting her in.

"Well, the fallen seem to only target Rias's new Pawn, so unless they directly attack YOU…" Ravel said, trying to let Naruto figure it out as she looked around his room.

"Hm, I understand. You are saying let Gremory clean up the mess." Naruto said as he shut the door.

"Yes… that's a nice addition to your Supernova coat." Ravel pointed out, motioning to said coat on its figure stand.

The addition she mentioned was a small one.

Jiraiya's headband had been tied to the right shoulder, like an armor pauldron.

So, when Naruto wore it, it would be safely placed on his right shoulder.

"Thanks." Naruto said as he looked at the headband, smiling at fond memories of the old Toad Sage. "This way, Pervy-Sage will be with me in battle… just need to figure out something for Lucci-sensei for the other shoulder."

"You really respect him?" Ravel said softly.

"No… I fear him."

Next Morning…

"You sure seem happy." Naruto pointed out to Saji as the former ran into the latter in the school hallways. "Oh, here is the dango I owe you, by the way."

Saji was absolutely beaming as he accepted the sweets from Naruto.

"Well, I made a big leap." He stated proudly, puffing his chest out. "I was able to awaken my Sacred Gear last night, like that pervert Hyoudo."

"Oh, which one is it?" Naruto asked with interest.

"Well…" Saji said as he looked around. "Maybe on lunch I can show you."

Naruto pouted.

"Fine, it makes sense." Naruto relented.

"Anyway, I'm going to my class, see you at lunch, Naruto." Saji said as he separated to go to the Second-Year class rooms as Naruto continued to the First-Year class rooms.

'Sona still owes me ramen.' Naruto remembered as he entered the class, seeing Ravel already that, having arrived early due to her duties as a club leader.

"Hey, Ravel." Naruto said as he entered, heading toward his desk, which was behind her.

"Morning, Naruto." Ravel said, her smile becoming brighter upon seeing him.

"So, can you tell Danjuro to stop hitting me." Naruto bluntly told her. "His hand hurts."

"I'll talk to him, I promise." Ravel said as the rest of class started to arrive.

Including Koneko who yawned.

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked as his best friend sat at her desk beside him.

"I had to do contracts last night, and thankfully, Rias is giving Hyoudo one of mine, so I can sleep early to catch up on my sleep." Koneko said, eyes partially open as she sat down.

"Ouch, must be bad. Which contractor?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Why do you wanna know? You going to stalk him to keep him safe?" Koneko asked, not understanding why Naruto wanted to know.

"No, I just want to know what part of the city to avoid when Sona takes me to get Ramen…"

"Wait, what?" Ravel and Koneko asked in unison.

"Sona wanted me to help Saji, and in return she promised to buy me some ramen." Naruto explained, putting his hands up from the intense glares his friends were giving him.

"Okay, that makes sense… you two seem to get along well." Ravel pointed out.

"Well, he is a good guy, a bit pervy…"

Koneko made a gagging sound.

"Not as bad as Hyoudo though." Naruto said in a deadpan.

"For real." Koneko agreed.

The trio went silent as their teacher entered the room to begin class.

Meanwhile…

"SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT!" Issei yelled as he ran through the neighborhood.

He had slept in late and was running to school.

He made a sharp corner, not seeing a blonde girl about to cross the street, running into her, knocking her luggage out of her hand, spilling everywhere.

Skip, After School, Student Council Room…

"I can't take you out for ramen tonight, but this weekend, I promise." Sona said apologetically to Naruto.

Naruto pouted, but nodded.

"Okay…" he said dejectedly.

"Hey, Naruto…" Saji said as he approached Naruto. "Why don't we go to the arcade? You know, just hang out?"

Naruto perked up, smiling.

"Sure, I'd like that." Naruto said as he and Saji left the room.

Sona smiled, leaning into her hand.

"I am happy they get along…" Sona mumbled.

Her thoughts wandered… before her cheeks blushed at a certain thought of Naruto and Saji being more than… friends.

'No, NO, bad Sona!' Sona thought as she thrust herself into her work as Student Council President. 'No Yaoi Shipping! Especially your friend and your Pawn!'

Meanwhile, ORC Club…

"You cannot associate with her again, Issei." Rias scolded her Pawn in the evening light that dripped through the window, bathing them in orange.

"But… President…"

"No buts, Issei." Rias interrupted sternly. "She is a member of the Church, our mortal enemy. Getting involved with her will only cause you problems…"

Seeing the defeated and conflicted look on Issei's face made Rias soften her expression and tone.

"I know it is hard, Issei." She said, cupping his face in her hand, making him look at her. "But trust me, it is better to let her go now than later… okay?"

Issei nodded.

He didn't like it, but had to accept it.

"Good, now, here is the address to the client you will be taking for Koneko. She didn't sleep well last night, so I think this is perfect for you." Rias said in a more upbeat and chipper tone.

Skip, Hour Later…

"Issei?"

"Asia?"

The two stared at each other as Freed's sword and bullets wounded the devil, the nun staring at him in shock.

"Asia, I told you to keep up the barrier!" Freed scolded her, his face contorting into anger.

"But… but…" Asia stuttered, looking between Freed and Issei, conflicted.

"Look, Asia…" Freed said as he put his arm around her shoulders, his face near her ear. "This person is NOT a human. He is a Devil. Our enemy…"

Asia pulled herself out of Freed's grasp, kneeling next to Issei, revealing her Sacred Gear on her middle fingers.

Twilight Healing.

Freed watched as the wounds he had inflicted upon Issei vanish as lime green healing magic enveloped the devil.

"You… little…" Freed grumbled, gnashing his teeth as his eye twitched, raising his hand.

Asia turned in time to see the palm of Freed's hand before it connected with her face, sending her to the ground.

"YOU CONTINUE TO REPEAT THE SIN THAT GOT YOU EXCOMMUNICATED!" Freed screamed as Asia hit the floor, her nose bleeding.

"ASIA!" Issei shouted, summoning his Sacred Gear, pushing his body to defend her prone form, attempting to stand.

Freed was unimpressed.

"What do you think YOU can do, Shitty devil FUCK!" Freed shouted, swiping Issei's foot.

Issei stumbled, unable to catch himself, his back exposed to Freed.

Issei cried out in pain as Freed slashed open his back, blood spraying over the walls as he collapsed next to Asia.

"Issei…" Asia gasped out, trying to reach out for him, only to get grabbed by an angered Freed, dragging her away from Issei.

"You still don't get it, little girl…" Freed grunted as he pulled her up, pinning her against the wall, hands above her head in a predatorial way that made Asia feel uncomfortable. "He is our enemy, now CONTINUE making the barrier, or else…"

Freed dropped Asia and turned when he heard Issei cough, gripping the nearby sofa to pull himself up.

"Get away from you, you sick fuck…" Issei exclaimed, his eyes burning in anger.

"Or what?" Freed asked as he pointed his sword at Issei.

A Gremory Seal appeared behind Issei, a blur jumping from it.

Freed blocked a sword swing from Kiba.

"Issei!"

Freed grunted as he watched Rias, Akeno, and Koneko exit the magic circle, ready to fight.

"Asia… you undid the barrier?" He asked, pushing back against Kiba.

Asia didn't respond, only watching as Koneko picked Issei up over her shoulder.

She smiled, happy to know Issei was safe.

"ASIA!" Issei screamed, trying to get out of Koneko's grasp.

"Enough!" Freed shouted, pulling back from Kiba to point his gun at the Knight.

Kiba avoided the bullets with relative ease, re-entering the magic circle as it flared up.

"ASIA!"

"Go on…" She smiled brighter, eyes closed in submission. "Without me…"

Issei's eye swelled with tears, helplessness setting in like ice in his heart.

"ASIA!"

The magic circle's light intensified before vanishing.

The Gremory Peerage safely escaping with only one injured.

Meanwhile…

"Come on, you almost got it!" Naruto exclaimed as he watched Saji play the crane game in the arcade.

Saji, highly focusing, was sweating profusely as he hit the button, letting the claw down…

It grabbed the toy he wanted…

Only to slip off immediately.

"GAH, fuck this!" Saji exclaimed, wanting to kick the machine.

"Well, better luck next time." Naruto said as he checked his phone. "Oh, shit, we should get going… its most likely dark outside."

Saji checked his phone, and grimaced.

"Fuck, yeah, let's go." He said as the two grabbed their prizes and exited, parting immediately to get to their respected homes.

Meanwhile…

Issei sat naked as the day he was born, towel on his crotch, as Rias pressed her equally naked body on his.

She was using the Skin Healing Method that devils used.

Usually, Issei would have been OVER THE MOON for this.

The feeling of big breasts on his back.

The skin contact.

But his mind was elsewhere.

On Asia.

'I am pathetic…' He thought, his face defeated, heart full of guilt and shame as he thought of the face Asia made when they left.

He had desperately wanted to bring her with them, but Rias explained the teleportation would work ONLY on the members of her peerage.

"Alright, all finished." Rias said with a smile.

She was happy he was still alive, and thanks to Asia healing Issei, the damage she needed to heal was a shallow cut with holy magic.

Easy to clean and heal.

"Thanks." Issei said in an unenthusiastic tone as he stood up, wrapping the towel around his waist.

Rias noted his attitude and was disappointed.

She wanted him to be happy to rub skin with her.

'Is he still thinking of the nun?' She thought as she followed him out of the room to get dressed.

Skip, Weekend…

Naruto walked with pep in his step with Sona behind him.

"Naruto, slow down. The ramen won't go anywhere…" Sona told him, trying to match his pace, and failing.

"I can't and I won't." Naruto said, turning with the goofiest smile he could muster. "Because its Ramen Day~"

Sona sighed, hand on her head as she smiled.

His enthusiasm was infectious.

They continued to walk, passing many humans, who smiled at them.

'They must think we are on a date…' Sona thought, realizing HOW it looked to them.

Both were in casual clothing.

Sona wearing blue jeans with a zip up sweater, showing off a deep blue shirt under it.

Naruto, meanwhile, wore jean shorts and a regular orange shirt with a red spiral on it. His trademark headband on his head of course.

Sona didn't feel any embarrassment.

It wasn't a date.

It was just two friends enjoying a meal.

'Well, I can take this as a learning experience for when I do go on a date.' Sona thought, nodding her head.

Her thoughts, sadly, were interrupted when she felt four Fallen presences nearby.

Along with…

"Naruto!" Sona called out, pivoting on her heel.

Naruto turned, hearing the urgency in her tone.

"Follow me!" She ordered, taking off in the direction of the Fallen, with Naruto following her, not arguing.

Park…

"Come on, Asia." Raynare said with a charisma that matched her bondage outfit. "Come over here, now…"

Raynare extended her hand.

Beside her was Kalawarner, Mittelt, and Dohnaseek.

Issei, left arm held before him with his Sacred Gear, scowled as he stood between Asia and the four Fallen.

The two of them had met by chance.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Issei decided to take Asia out for a small date.

Eating at a burger place, playing at the arcade, walking through the park.

But then… Raynare and her flunkies appeared.

"Do it…" Raynare said, running out of patience. "NOW…" She turned her attention to Issei as she made a light spear appear in her hand. "Or I'll kill him."

Asia gasped in fear.

Without hesitation, the Sister walked out from behind Issei.

"Asia…"

"Issei… today…" She turns, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Today was the best day of my life."

Issei watched, feeling helpless to save Asia as she rejoined the Fallen, standing behind Mittelt, who grabbed Asia's upper arm.

Raynare smiled.

"Good…"

She lunged forward to stab Issei…

Only for Issei to vanish and Naruto appear in his place, Shigure in hand.

Light Spear and Sword clashed once again as Issei appeared ten feet behind Naruto, Sona beside him, hand raised with magic in it, ready to attack if needed.

"Hey, nice to see you, Ray-Ray~" Naruto said playfully as Raynare growled.

"YOU BASTARD!" She yelled. "YOU TOOK…"

"YOU TOOK MY LEG!" Dohnaseek shouted, lifting up his pants leg enough to reveal he was making a false leg out of light.

Naruto snickered.

"I could have taken your head." Naruto said, disengaging enough to make Raynare fall forward. "Kami-E!"

Naruto's body contorted like paper, but instead of JUST dodging, Naruto KICKED Raynare in the jaw, sending her upward.

"RAYNARE!" Mittelt, Kalawarner, and Dohnaseek shouted, preparing to charge, but stopped when blades appeared before their necks.

Three additional Naruto's were beside them, swords drawn.

"Fuck…" Kalawarner grunted, snarling like a beast.

"He's kinda cute." Mittelt said, finding Naruto to be handsome.

"I wanna kill him…" Dohnaseek said, veins bulging.

Raynare hit the ground, her chin having been split open and bleeding like a geyser.

"Hey, Sona…" Naruto called out to the Sitri Heir. "I can kill them, right?"

Sona pushed her glasses up.

"Of course." She stated coldly.

Naruto started to grin.

"Perfect." He said as fur started to cover his hands.

"STOP IT!" Asia screamed.

Naruto paused.

"I surrendered myself to them, so stop fighting…" Asia cried out, tears gushing from her eyes.

Naruto didn't say anything.

"What are you doing!" Issei shouted, getting up. "You can kill them, right? Do it!"

Naruto… dispelled his clones.

"Nah, I don't wanna." Naruto said as he sheathed Shigure. "I hate making girls cry…"

"WHAT!" Issei shouted in anger.

Raynare shakily stood up, signaling for her Fallen brethren to stand down.

"We have Asia… let's go…" She said, holding her chin.

Asia turned away, giving the devils one last sad look before she left with the Fallen via magic.

Issei ran to the group as they vanished, hand held out in an attempt to grab on.

"DAMN IT!" he screamed in anger, turning to Naruto.

Issei grabbed the teen's collar.

"YOU COULD HAVE SAVED ASIA!" he yelled, spit flying out of his mouth, hitting Naruto's face. "YET YOU DIDN'T! YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

"She said to stop…" Naruto replied, not showing any expression, Shigure being returned to his frog wallet. "So, I stopped…"

Issei grit his teeth, arm pulling back.

His fist hit Naruto's cheek.

Sona quirked an eyebrow when she saw Naruto's head jerk in the motion of Issei's punch.

"Feel better?" Naruto asked as he used his thumb to rub the 'red' on his cheek, looking at Issei with pity.

Issei was a gasping, angry mess.

Naruto removed Issei's hand from his shirt and walked to Sona.

"Alright, now that THAT's taken care of…" he dropped his serious tone, returning to the goofy, happy tone and expression he had before. "Ramen Time~"

Sona released a big sigh.

"Yes, Naruto. Ramen." She said, the two leaving Issei alone in the park, the King pulling out her phone, opening the group chat between herself, Rias, and Ravel to inform the two Kings of what happened.

Issei gripped his hands, his throat feeling choked up as he started to cry.

"P-pathetic…" he stated, looking at his Sacred Gear. "What a Pathetic piece of JUNK!"

Chapter 43, DONE!

I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

I am happy I got to show off how close Naruto is with Sona and now Saji. He definitely gets along with them better than Rias.

Anyway, if you enjoyed the chapter, please leave a review, even if you hated it because it helps me become a better author.