Disclaimer: I don't own anything
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The morning sun bathed the front yard of the Basilica di San Pietro in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the cobblestones.
Yet, the bright morning did little to match the tense atmosphere that currently enveloped the scene. A crowd had gathered at the gates, their murmurs of discontent hanging heavy in the air. They were kept at bay by a unit of Paladins, their stern expressions a clear warning to those who dared to approach too closely
The gathered crowd comprised men and women clad in priestly robes and nun attire, their expressions a mixture of determination and concern. They carried with them an array of protest paraphernalia, from megaphones to placards and flyers, as if preparing for a demonstration.
These were the priests and nuns from various churches across Rome, unified in their purpose as they congregated outside the Basilica di San Pietro. A recent rumor had stirred unease among their ranks, prompting them to stage a demonstration at the heart of their faith.
The chants echoed through the air with a fervent intensity:
"Kick out that sinful maiden!"
"Those who consort with devils have no place among us!"
"That wayward nun must face death's decree!"
Each cry carried a weight of conviction, fueled by a sense of righteous indignation and moral fervor.
The rumor that had stirred unrest among the clergy was fueled by indications of a nun's unholy alliance with devils. Its potency was further heightened by a video footage disseminated throughout the churches of Rome—a footage capturing the unsettling sight of a nun engaging in what appeared to be the healing of a devil.
And the nun in question was none other than Asia Argento.
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Vasco Strada, the Cardinal Priest, his gaze piercing as he interrogated Asia Argento, the accused nun. "Sister Asia Argento, Did you truly not know, at that moment, that the being you were healing was a devil?"
Asia shook her head weakly, her voice trembling as she responded, "I had no idea, Sir Vasco."
Another higher-up suddenly interjected, accusingly stating, "This wayward nun has consorted with devils! She must have leaked some weaknesses and hidden paths to allow the devil's forces to appear at Circo di Massenzio!"
His tone and demeanor clearly positioned him on the opposing side, vehemently advocating for Asia's punishment.
Ewald Cristaldi, the Cardinal Deacon, who was on the pro side, intervened, stating, "According to Naruto's report, there are many former maiden of the church who have now become devils. That means it's not Sister Asia who leaked the weaknesses or hidden paths."
He stood up with an air of authority, his voice resonating through the room, "Let us not forget, esteemed colleagues, that Sister Asia has served the church faithfully for years. Are we to cast aside her dedication and sacrifice based on mere allegations?"
The accusation hung in the air, palpable and suffocating, as the tension in the room escalated to a breaking point. Each word uttered carried the weight of judgment, threatening to tip the scales of justice one way or another.
"We have yet to hear a comprehensive explanation from Sister Asia. At the very least, let her provide her account of the events."Griselda interjected, her voice cutting through the heated exchange.
Her words injected a moment of pause into the fervent debate, momentarily quelling the rising tension as the room turned its attention towards Asia, awaiting her response.
With a trembling voice, Asia began to explain, "I was on my way back from buying pizza when I heard a cry for help coming from a nearby alley. I saw a hooded man with a wound on his abdomen. He claimed to have been attacked by stray devils and sought refuge in the alley."
Her words carried a sense of urgency and fear, reflecting the intensity of the situation she found herself in that fateful night.
Continuing with a tone filled with sorrow and regret, Asia admitted, "I truly had no idea that the one I healed was a devil. I really confess my guilt and deeply regret my actions."
Her words resonated with a profound sense of remorse, conveying the weight of her realization and the consequences of her unwitting involvement with the devil.
The higher up, persisting in his accusatory tone, continued, "Don't lie to us! Your encounter with the devil in that alley is already suspicious enough. The footage clearly shows that the devil appeared there wounded, as if you had made a deal to meet there."
His words carried an undertone of distrust and condemnation, fueling the intensity of the situation. Despite Asia's perspective, the damning evidence seemed to weigh heavily against her.
BREAK
The sudden loud noise echoed through the room as Vasco, the Cardinal Priest, forcefully slammed his hand on the table, shattering it into pieces. He demanded silence from everyone present.
"Enough! That's enough!" he exclaimed, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "We cannot come to any conclusions if all we have are accusations and one-sided condemnations like this."
The room fell into a stunned silence as Vasco's words reverberated throughout the chamber. His authoritative tone commanded the attention of everyone present, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
"I have deliberated on this matter," Vasco continued, his voice resonating with a mix of compassion and concern. "But before reaching a verdict, Sister Asia Argento, I believe in your innocence. I trust that you did not collude with the devils. However, what about those outside who remain skeptical? It is incredibly challenging to alter their beliefs, especially after being presented with such damning evidence."
His words hung heavily in the air, emphasizing the weight of the accusations and the difficulty of navigating the situation.
Taking a brief pause, Vasco continued, "But nonetheless, I cannot be selfish. I must also consider the members of the church throughout Italy and the general public who are unaware of this matter. What would they say if the Vatican were to protect a nun who healed a devil? Criticism, harsh words, and judgment would surely follow."
He sighed heavily, his expression reflecting the weight of his decision. "Therefore, I apologize, Sister Asia Argento. With a heavy heart, I have reached a decision..."
Vasco paused for a moment, intensifying the already tense atmosphere in the room.
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The Strongest Exorcist
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The Holy Trident of the Vatican, having just returned from their mission to train novice exorcists, were shocked by the news delivered by Griselda.
Dulio, his brows furrowed in disbelief, couldn't comprehend the gravity of the situation. Lint, usually composed, was visibly shaken, her hands trembling as she grasped the cloth of her uniform. And Naruto, known for his unwavering resolve, found himself at a loss for words, his usually bright eyes clouded with shock.
They exchanged glances, each reflecting the same mixture of shock, disbelief, and frustration. How could this have happened? What had gone wrong in the halls of the Vatican?
In the aftermath of the shocking announcement, a heavy silence enveloped the room, broken only by Naruto's bewildered utterance,
"Huh?"
Griselda, her expression etched with solemnity, drew a deep breath before delivering the fateful verdict, "Do not compel me to repeat myself. Asia stands condemned, banished from the very bosom of our church across Italy and-"
"I heard every word crystal clear, Sister Griselda! That's why I said, 'Huh?'" Interrupting her somber declaration, Naruto's voice resonated with raw emotion, cutting through the tension like a blade.
Under the weight of immense pressure, Griselda uttered, "Asia stands accused of colluding with devils, merely for inadvertently aiding someone hiding within an alley. She had no knowledge whatsoever that the one she aided was a devil."
Naruto's voice reverberated with anger, his eyes blazing with intensity. "What kind of joke is this?! This is absurd! Punishing a nun for an act of kindness, for something she had no knowledge of? It's a travesty!"
"Listen, I'm just as baffled as you are. During the trial, some of the higher-ups were in favor of this banishment. But the decision ultimately rested with Vasco. He chose this path. He believes Asia is innocent due to her naivety, but he's more concerned about the reputation of the church and the public perception. What would they think if they knew we were protecting a nun who helped and healed a devil?" Griselda's voice wavered slightly, her expression a mix of frustration and helplessness.
Naruto's fists clenched tightly, his voice quivering with a mix of frustration and indignation. "But it's just not fair!"
With a determined stride, he stormed out of the corridor towards the main hall, his every step echoing with a resounding declaration of defiance.
"Wait, Naruto Where are you going?" Lint interjected before Naruto could stride away, her voice tinged with concern.
Naruto replied without turning back, "I'm heading to Sir Vasco. I'll talk to him and make him reconsider his decision, even if it takes force."
FREEZE
As Naruto continued his stride, his path was blocked by a wall of ice emerging from the floor.
"Don't stand in my way, Dulio!" Recognizing the culprit, Naruto's voice dripped with anger as he addressed Dulio.
"Calm yourself, Naruto. I also disagree with Sir Vasco's decision. But resorting to violence will only make it even worse. You could be labeled as a rebellious exorcist." Dulio responded concernly.
With an air of frustration and disbelief, Naruto's voice echoed through the corridor, resonating with intensity.
"What do I care? Is this decision aligned with the principles of justice and truth that we've sworn to uphold? Whose justice are we serving here? Is it the justice of the people, or is it the justice of those in power? I've dedicated my life to fighting for what's right, but now I find myself questioning everything I've ever believed in. Is our faith in justice just an illusion, a facade to mask the corruption and injustice that lurks within our own ranks?"
His words hung heavily in the air, filled with a sense of disillusionment and betrayal.
"Are you suggesting that you doubt the love and blessings of God?" Dulio's voice quivered with emotion as he responded.
"If God is truly all-loving and all-blessing, then why couldn't He spare Asia from this ridiculous and nonsensical punishment?" Naruto's reply was laden with sarcasm, his tone cutting through the tension in the air.
BREAK
Smashing through the ice wall that blocked his path, Naruto pressed on towards the main hall.
FREEZE
"That's enough, Naruto! If you go any further, I won't hesitate to fight you!" But once again, Dulio intercepted him, his voice firm and resolute. Attempting to freeze Naruto's feet, Dulio's ice only managed to touch the space around Naruto's feet, as the Infinity protected him from harm.
"Oh really? Well then, neither will I!" Turning back to face Dulio, Naruto's smirk grew more pronounced, his voice laced with defiance.
Tension crackled between the two friends, the air thick with the weight of their opposing convictions. What began as a disagreement had escalated into a confrontation, a clash of wills that should never have come to pass.
"Domain Expansion-"
"Balance Breaker-"
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"Stop!"
As Naruto and Dulio were on the brink of unleashing their powerful techniques, Lint's intervention pierced through the tension-filled air like a thunderclap. Her tearful plea echoed in the main hall, resonating with the weight of her emotions.
Lint's voice reverberated, carrying a sense of urgency and desperation that cut through the heated atmosphere. Tears streamed down her cheeks, mirroring the turmoil within her heart.
The clash of techniques came to an abrupt halt, frozen in midair as Naruto and Dulio turned their attention towards Lint. In that moment, the intensity of their confrontation seemed to dissipate, overshadowed by Lint's distress.
Naruto's eyes softened slightly, his gaze shifting from Dulio to Lint. He could see the pain etched on her face, a reflection of the internal conflict she was grappling with. Despite his own frustration and anger, he couldn't ignore the anguish in Lint's tear-filled eyes.
Dulio, too, felt a pang of remorse as he looked at Lint. He had been consumed by his determination to stop Naruto, but seeing Lint's tears reminded him of the consequences of their actions. He couldn't bear to witness the rift forming between them, driven by their differing beliefs and ideals.
In that fleeting moment of silence, the weight of their emotions hung heavy in the air, each of them grappling with their own inner turmoil. The main hall, once filled with tension and hostility, was now suffused with a sense of unease and uncertainty.
With a heavy heart, Naruto took a step back, releasing the tension that had gripped his body moments before. Dulio followed suit, his resolve tempered by the sight of Lint's tears. They both knew that their conflict could wait, but the pain in Lint's eyes couldn't be ignored.
As the echoes of Lint's plea faded into the stillness of the main hall, a palpable sense of introspection settled over them. They may have been divided by their convictions, but in that moment, they were united by their shared concern for their friend.
Lint's voice trembled with a mixture of anger and sorrow as she unleashed her pent-up emotions upon Naruto and Dulio.
"What's wrong with both of you?!" She exclaimed, her words laced with frustration.
"Why are you suddenly like this? It's as if you don't even know each other anymore, and instead, you intend to hurt one another. Have you forgotten the bonds and memories we've built together all this time? The blood, sweat, tears, laughter, and jokes—have you both forgotten all of that?"
Naruto and Dulio fell silent, their hearts heavy with guilt as they listened to Lint's impassioned outburst. It was as if her words had pierced through their stubborn resolve, forcing them to confront the reality of their actions. They realized, in that moment, that their behavior was not only misguided but also detrimental to their friendship.
Lint's tear-streaked face and trembling voice served as a stark reminder of the bond they shared and the memories they had forged together. Her words echoed in the hollow silence of the main hall, resonating with the weight of their shared history.
Slowly, Naruto and Dulio began to see the error of their ways. They had allowed their pride and stubbornness to cloud their judgment, leading them down a path of conflict and discord. In Lint's impassioned plea, they found clarity—a reminder of the importance of their friendship and the need to overcome their differences.
With a heavy sigh, Naruto cast his gaze downwards, his resolve faltering in the face of Lint's unwavering conviction. Dulio, too, bowed his head in shame, acknowledging the gravity of their actions and the pain they had caused.
In that moment of introspection, the rift between them began to mend, as they realized the true value of their friendship. Despite their differences, they were bound by a bond that transcended words—a bond forged through shared experiences and unwavering loyalty.
As Lint's words lingered in the air, a sense of remorse washed over Naruto and Dulio. They knew that they had much to atone for, but they were determined to make amends and rebuild what they had lost.
"Lint... I-" Naruto hesitated for a moment, his expression reflecting a mix of regret and determination.
"Enough!" She yelled, her words ringing with finality. "I don't want to hear anything from you, or you, Dulio. You've both hurt me enough!"
With that, Lint turned on her heel and stormed out of the corridor, leaving Naruto, Dulio, and Griselda standing in stunned silence.
"Lint, wait!"
The weight of Lint's words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the trio as they grappled with the aftermath of their actions. Naruto and Dulio exchanged a somber glance, each grappling with their own feelings of remorse and guilt.
Griselda watched them both with a knowing expression, her gaze filled with a mixture of empathy and disappointment. She knew that repairing the damage done to their friendship would not be easy, but she also believed in their capacity to reconcile and move forward.
Naruto sighed heavily, then turned towards the exit without making eye contact with Dulio and Griselda.
"Forgive me, Dulio, Sister," he said quietly, his voice tinged with remorse. "Please, give me some space for a while." With that, he pushed open the door and stepped out into the corridor, leaving behind a heavy silence in his wake.
Dulio and Griselda exchanged a concerned glance, their hearts heavy with the weight of the rift that had formed between them. They knew that healing would take time, but they were determined to do whatever it took to mend their fractured bond.
Dulio hung his head in sorrow. "This is my fault," he said with a heavy heart.
But Griselda interjected, "No, it's mine. Ewald and I failed to convince Vasco to change his decision. If we had succeeded, Naruto and Lint wouldn't be like this."
Their voices echoed with regret as they acknowledged their roles in the turmoil that had engulfed their group. They knew that they had to find a way to make amends and mend the bonds that had been strained to the breaking point.
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The Strongest Exorcist
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The room exuded simplicity, yet held a distinct air of comfort. A solitary bed, neatly made, occupied one corner, flanked by a modest desk and chair, upon which sat various textbooks and scrolls. A small television rested on a wooden stand nearby, offering a rare source of entertainment amidst the demanding duties of an exorcist. Against one wall stood a closet, its doors closed tightly to conceal the contents within.
Opposite the bed, a compact bathroom boasted the essentials—a toilet, sink, and shower stall—providing the necessary amenities for daily routines. Adjacent to the bathroom, a compact refrigerator hummed softly, stocked with refreshments to quench thirst and stave off hunger during late-night study sessions.
Yet, amidst the practical furnishings, one item stood out—a framed AS Roma jersey bearing the name Totti adorned the wall, a testament to Naruto's unwavering allegiance to his beloved football club. The jersey's presence added a touch of personal flair to the otherwise utilitarian space, hinting at the passions and interests that lay beneath the surface of the stoic exorcist.
Seated at the edge of his bed, Naruto cradled his exorcist uniform in his hands, his gaze distant yet filled with a myriad of memories. The fabric, worn and weathered from countless battles, bore witness to the trials and triumphs of his journey as an exorcist—a journey that had shaped him in ways he could scarcely imagine.
In the folds of the uniform lay the echoes of his earliest days as an exorcist, from the solemn ceremony that marked his induction into the ranks, to the exhilarating rush of adrenaline as he embarked on his first purification mission alongside Dulio and Lint. Each thread seemed to whisper tales of camaraderie forged in the heat of battle, of bonds strengthened through shared victories and defeats.
But it was not just the moments of glory that lingered in Naruto's mind. The uniform carried with it the weight of responsibility—the mantle of leadership he had shouldered as captain, guiding his junior exorcists with wisdom and compassion. And then there were the quieter, more intimate moments—the times when he had served as mentor, imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation of exorcists, shaping them into warriors capable of facing the darkness that lurked in the shadows.
As Naruto traced the contours of the uniform, his thoughts turned to the faces of those he had fought alongside, the friends and comrades who had stood by his side through thick and thin. Each memory was etched into the fabric of his being, a testament to the indelible mark they had left upon his soul.
With a sigh, Naruto gently folded the uniform and set it aside, the weight of its memories lingering in the air around him. Though the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, he drew strength from the bonds he had forged and the lessons he had learned.
Seated in contemplative silence, Naruto found himself engulfed in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. Doubt gnawed at the edges of his convictions, casting shadows upon the once steadfast pillars of truth and justice that had guided his path as an exorcist. The lofty ideals he had held dear now seemed like distant mirages, shimmering tantalizingly out of reach.
The weight of responsibility bore down upon him like a leaden cloak, each burden heavier than the last. The turmoil within him mirrored the tumultuous world outside—a world where darkness loomed large and the lines between right and wrong blurred into indistinct shades of gray.
And then, amidst the chaos of his thoughts, a glimmer of clarity emerged—a long-forgotten dream that had lain dormant within him since childhood. The desire to roam the world, to wander far and wide, free from the shackles of duty and obligation that bound him to the life of an exorcist.
For a fleeting moment, the prospect of embarking on such a journey filled Naruto with a sense of liberation—a respite from the ceaseless struggles that defined his existence. But even as the allure of freedom beckoned, he knew that the path ahead would be fraught with uncertainty, fraught with dangers lurking in the shadows.
"Is this all going to end here?"
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To Be Continued
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