A/N

Hello!

This is something I've been wanted to do ever since I completed Black Myth: Wukong... what a game!

Originally, I planned to make this a Percy Jackson crossover, but since I'm not as familiar with that world, I decided to switch it to Highschool DxD instead.

The idea? Why not make Naruto the new Wukong? I know DxD already has a Sun Wukong, but let's change things up a bit.

Yes, it's essentially an OOC Naruto with his appearance and some personality traits intact. Why? Simply because I enjoy writing Naruto stories!

Anyway, enough of my rambling,

please enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 1 - A New Beginning

The skies above the Celestial Mountains were ablaze with fiery light, the heavens themselves trembling under the weight of the battle raging within. Thunder rumbled, and the earth cracked as two mighty forces clashed, shaking the very foundation of the cosmos. This was no ordinary conflict it was a war between gods, immortals, and a being who defied them all, Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.

Wukong stood tall amidst the chaos, his golden hair gleaming under the harsh light of the storm. His body was adorned with battle scars, each one a testament to the countless wars he had fought, each one a reminder of the enemies he had vanquished. In his hand, he wielded the Ruyi Jingu Bang, his enchanted staff, which could stretch across the heavens or shrink to the size of a needle. Today, it was a weapon of unyielding fury, and with it, he had brought the Celestial Army to its knees.

Around him lay the bodies of his fallen comrades his fellow demon warriors who had fought valiantly against the oppressive rule of the heavens. Their blood stained the sacred ground, their spirits lingering in the air, crying out for vengeance. Wukong's heart burned with rage, a fire so intense it could set the sky ablaze. He was the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, and he would not let their deaths go unpunished.

"You bastards!" Wukong roared, his voice echoing across the battlefield, reverberating through the very fabric of reality. His eyes, like burning coals, scanned the horizon, searching for the one responsible for this massacre. "How dare you kill my kind? How dare you betray me?"

A deafening silence followed his words, the only sound being the crackling of energy as his staff struck the ground, sending shockwaves rippling outward. The Celestial Army, once vast and imposing, now hesitated, their courage waning in the face of the enraged Monkey King. They had seen what he was capable of, and they knew they were no match for his fury.

But Wukong's gaze was fixed on one figure in particular a tall, imposing man clad in golden armour, his face concealed behind a mask of steel. This was Erlang Shen, the three-eyed warrior deity, a general of the Celestial Army, and one of the most powerful beings in the heavens. He stood before Wukong, his divine trident gleaming in the dim light, his third eye glowing with a malevolent energy.

"It's over, Wukong," Erlang Shen declared, his voice cold and unyielding. "Surrender now, and I will ensure you are treated fairly. But continue this madness, and you will bring about your own destruction."

Wukong's eyes narrowed, his grip on the Ruyi Jingu Bang tightening. "Fairly? You speak of fairness while standing atop the corpses of my kin? You dare to offer me mercy after slaughtering those who stood by me? You have no right to speak of justice!"

With a roar that shook the heavens, Wukong lunged at Erlang Shen, his staff swinging with the force of a thousand storms. The two warriors clashed, their weapons meeting with a resounding crash that sent sparks flying through the air. The ground beneath them splintered and cracked under the sheer force of their blows, as if the earth itself could not bear the weight of their battle.

Erlang Shen fought with the precision of a seasoned warrior, his movements calculated and deadly. He parried Wukong's strikes with ease, countering with swift, brutal attacks that would have felled any lesser being. But Wukong was no ordinary opponent he was the Monkey King, a being of raw, untamed power, and he matched Erlang Shen blow for blow, his speed and agility unmatched.

The battle raged on, each strike from Wukong's staff resonating with the fury of a being who had been wronged one too many times. He fought with the desperation of someone who had nothing left to lose, his anger fuelling his every move. But no matter how many times he struck, Erlang Shen remained steadfast, his resolve unshaken.

"Why do you resist, Wukong?" Erlang Shen demanded as their weapons locked once more, the air crackling with energy around them. "You cannot win this battle. The heavens have decreed your fate."

"I make my own fate!" Wukong spat, pushing back with all his might. "I will not bow to your false gods or their twisted sense of justice! I will tear down your heavens brick by brick if I have to!"

But even as he spoke, Wukong could feel a shift in the air, a dark presence looming just beyond his perception. Something was wrong—something that went beyond the battle itself. His instincts, honed through centuries of warfare, screamed at him to be wary, but his rage clouded his judgment.

And then it happened.

A sudden flash of light, brighter than the sun, engulfed the battlefield. Wukong barely had time to react before he was struck by a force unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was as if the heavens themselves had unleashed their full wrath upon him, a surge of energy so powerful that it tore through his defences and sent him crashing to the ground.

Dazed and disoriented, Wukong struggled to rise, his vision blurred, his limbs heavy. He could barely make out the figures approaching him—Celestial beings, their forms shimmering with divine light, surrounding him on all sides. He recognized their faces, their voices—these were the same beings who had once called him brother, who had fought alongside him in countless battles.

"Why...?" Wukong gasped, his voice weak as he tried to comprehend the betrayal. "Why would you do this?"

One of the Celestial beings, a figure draped in flowing robes, stepped forward. "You have defied the heavens for the last time, Wukong. You are too powerful, too dangerous to be left unchecked. We cannot allow you to continue your rampage."

Wukong's eyes widened as the realization dawned on him. This wasn't just a battle this was a trap, a carefully orchestrated plan to bring about his downfall. His own comrades, the very beings he had trusted, had conspired against him, luring him into this final confrontation with the intent of sealing his fate.

"You... bastards..." Wukong growled, his fury reignited by the sheer audacity of their betrayal. He tried to rise, to fight back, but the energy that had struck him was sapping his strength, draining him of his power.

Erlang Shen stepped forward, his trident glowing with a sinister light. "It's over, Wukong. You have brought this upon yourself."

With a swift, decisive motion, Erlang Shen thrust his trident into the ground, and the earth beneath Wukong began to crack and split open. Dark tendrils of energy surged from the ground, wrapping around Wukong's body, binding him in place. He struggled against the bonds, but they only tightened, pulling him deeper into the earth.

"No!" Wukong roared, thrashing against the dark energy that sought to consume him. "I will not be sealed away like some common beast! I am the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven! I am the Monkey King!"

But his cries fell on deaf ears as the dark energy continued to envelop him, dragging him deeper and deeper into the earth. The last thing he saw before the darkness consumed him completely was the cold, unfeeling gaze of Erlang Shen, watching as he was sealed away, his power stripped from him, his memories scattered across time and space.

And then, there was nothing….

The sound of birds chirping filled the air as the morning sun rose over the quiet town of Kuoh, casting a warm, golden light over the streets. The peaceful scene was a far cry from the chaos and violence of the Celestial Mountains, a world away from the war that had raged there centuries ago.

In a small apartment on the edge of town, a young man stirred in his bed, the light of the morning sun filtering through the curtains and gently waking him from his slumber. He blinked his blue eyes open, staring at the ceiling for a moment as the remnants of a strange dream faded from his mind.

Naruto Uzumaki yawned and stretched, shaking off the lingering unease that clung to him from the dream. It had been the same one again a dream of a battle, of a golden staff, of a voice screaming in rage and defiance. But as always, the details slipped away as soon as he tried to grasp them, leaving him with only a vague sense of familiarity and a deep, unshakable sadness.

"Just a dream," Naruto muttered to himself as he rolled out of bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Nothing to worry about."

He shook his head and forced a smile, determined not to let the strange dream ruin his day. Today was just like any other day he had school, friends to hang out with, and maybe, if he was lucky, he'd get to eat his favourite ramen for lunch.

As he went through his morning routine, the dream continued to nag at the back of his mind, but Naruto pushed it aside. He had no time for weird dreams he had to get to Kuoh Academy and meet up with his friends.

With that thought in mind, Naruto finished getting ready and headed out the door, a bright smile on his face as he stepped into the warm morning sun. Today was going to be a good day, and nothing was going to change that.

As the morning sunbathed Kuoh Academy in a warm, golden glow as students made their way through the gates, chatting and laughing, energized by the new day. Among the crowd was Naruto, who practically radiated enthusiasm. With his blond hair spiked in all directions and a wide grin plastered on his face, Naruto was a beacon of positivity that brightened the mood of everyone around him.

"Good morning, everyone!" Naruto called out, waving to his classmates as he walked through the schoolyard. His voice was as loud and cheerful as ever, drawing attention from all sides.

"Morning, Naruto!" several students responded, some with friendly waves, others with amused smiles. It was impossible to ignore the infectious energy he brought to the school.

Naruto was in his second year at Kuoh Academy, a prestigious private school known for its elite student body and hidden mysteries though Naruto was blissfully unaware of the latter. To him, it was just another day of classes, hanging out with friends, and indulging in his love of ramen. He thrived in this environment, always eager to make new friends and help others, his kind nature endearing him to almost everyone he met.

As he made his way toward Class 2-B, Naruto's mind wandered to his plans for the day. He had an intense martial arts training session scheduled after school, and he couldn't wait to dive into it. He might not have been the best student academically, but when it came to martial arts, he was a natural a fact that both puzzled and intrigued his sensei.

"Oi, Naruto!" a familiar voice called out from behind.

Naruto turned around to see Issei Hyoudou, his best friend and constant companion, jogging to catch up with him. Issei, with his brown hair and slightly dishevelled appearance, was grinning ear to ear, though there was an unmistakable glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Issei! You're running late again, huh?" Naruto laughed, playfully punching his friend's shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, but you know, I've got more important things on my mind," Issei replied with a wink, which could only mean one thing: girls. Issei's reputation as a pervert was well-known, but despite his antics, Naruto knew that deep down, Issei was a good person with a big heart.

"Don't tell me you were daydreaming about the girls in class again," Naruto teased as they walked side by side toward their classroom.

"Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?" Issei shot back, not even bothering to deny it. "But seriously, I've got a good feeling about today. Maybe I'll finally score a date!"

Naruto laughed. "Well, good luck with that! Just don't get into too much trouble, okay? I'm not bailing you out again."

The two friends bantered back and forth as they entered the school building, their laughter echoing down the halls. For Naruto, this was just another typical day, but something about the morning felt different. A slight unease gnawed at him, though he couldn't quite place it.

By the time they reached Class 2-B, most of the students were already settled in, chatting amongst themselves, or hurriedly finishing up homework. The classroom buzzed with the usual morning energy, with sunlight streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over the desks.

Naruto took his seat near the middle of the room, surrounded by a small group of friends who always seemed to gravitate toward him. Issei plopped down in the desk next to him, still grinning like a fool.

"Hey, Naruto, did you see the new transfer student?" asked a girl with short brown hair sitting in front of them. Her name was Aika Kiryuu, a fellow classmate and one of the few girls who could tolerate Issei's constant perverted comments without batting an eye.

"Transfer student?" Naruto tilted his head, curious. "No, I didn't. Who is it?"

"Some girl from overseas," Aika explained. "She's really pretty, too! I heard she's already got a fan club."

"Great, another girl Issei's going to drool over," Naruto joked, giving Issei a sidelong glance.

"Hey, I can't help it if I appreciate beauty," Issei retorted, though his eyes lit up at the mention of a new pretty girl.

The conversation shifted to the usual classroom chatter homework, upcoming tests, weekend plans but Naruto's mind drifted. For some reason, he couldn't shake the feeling that today was going to be different, though he didn't know why.

As the morning classes began, Naruto found it increasingly hard to focus. His thoughts kept returning to the strange dreams he'd been having lately. In them, he wasn't just Naruto Uzumaki, the cheerful high school student he was someone else, someone powerful and ancient, wielding a golden staff and fighting battles that seemed straight out of mythology. The dreams were so vivid, so real, that he sometimes woke up feeling like he was missing something important.

He shook his head, trying to dispel the lingering unease. "It's just a dream," he muttered under his breath. "Nothing to worry about."

But as he glanced out the window, the feeling of deja vu struck him again, stronger this time. It was as if he'd been here before, seen these people, lived this life and yet, something was different, out of place.

By the time lunch rolled around, Naruto's mood had improved considerably. The strange feeling from earlier had faded, and now all he could think about was food specifically, ramen. He grabbed his lunch and headed outside with Issei, eager to enjoy the warm weather.

The two of them found their usual spot under a large cherry blossom tree, where they often ate lunch together. As they sat down, Naruto noticed a group of girls passing by, giggling and whispering to each other. One of them shot a glance in Issei's direction and quickly turned away, blushing.

"Looks like you've got an admirer, Issei," Naruto teased, nudging his friend.

"Eh? Really? Which one?" Issei asked, perking up immediately and scanning the group with eager eyes.

Naruto laughed, shaking his head. "You're hopeless, man."

They dug into their lunches, the conversation flowing easily between them. Naruto listened with half an ear as Issei rambled on about his latest crush, but his mind kept drifting to the Occult Research Club. The club had always intrigued him, though he'd never been brave enough to check it out himself. He knew Rias Gremory, the club's president, was popular and well-respected, but there was something about the club that felt… off.

"You ever think about joining a club?" Naruto asked suddenly, interrupting Issei's monologue.

"Huh? A club?" Issei blinked, taken aback by the question. "Not really. Why, are you thinking of joining one?"

Naruto shrugged. "I dunno. I've been curious about the Occult Research Club. It seems interesting, you know?"

Issei gave him a sceptical look. "The Occult Research Club? Isn't that for weirdos?"

"I don't think so," Naruto replied, thoughtfully chewing on a piece of ramen. "Rias Gremory is the president, and she's definitely not a weirdo. Plus, I've heard they do some cool stuff—like investigating supernatural phenomena."

Issei chuckled. "Supernatural? Come on, Naruto, you don't actually believe in that stuff, do you?"

Naruto grinned sheepishly. "Well, it's not like I've seen anything supernatural, but… I dunno. It could be fun to find out."

"You're such a dreamer," Issei said, though there was no malice in his tone. "But hey, if you're interested, why not check it out? Who knows, maybe you'll discover something cool."

Naruto nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure what he was hoping to find. The idea of exploring the unknown intrigued him, but it also made him nervous. What if there was more to this world than he realized? What if his dreams were trying to tell him something?

The rest of the school day passed without incident, though Naruto couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation building inside him. He was looking forward to his martial arts training it was the one place where he could clear his mind and focus entirely on the present.

After school, Naruto headed straight to the dojo, a small but well-maintained building located a short walk from the academy. The scent of tatami mats and the faint echo of training sessions greeted him as he entered, filling him with a sense of calm and familiarity.

"Ah, Naruto, you're here," greeted the dojo master, an elderly man with a weathered face and sharp, discerning eyes. His name was Master Hoshino, and he had been Naruto's instructor for as long as he could remember.

"Ready for today's session, Master!" Naruto replied with his trademark grin, already bouncing on his feet with excitement.

Master Hoshino chuckled. "Always eager, aren't you? Come, let's begin."

They started with the usual warm-ups, moving on to sparring exercises soon after. Naruto loved the feeling of pushing his body to its limits, testing his reflexes, and honing his skills. But today, something felt different. His movements were sharper, faster, more fluid than ever before. It was as if his body remembered techniques he hadn't consciously learned.

"Excellent, Naruto!" Master Hoshino exclaimed as Naruto executed a perfect spinning kick. "You're improving rapidly. It's almost as if you've done this before in another life."

Naruto paused, catching his breath. "Heh, maybe I have," he joked, though the words lingered in his mind longer than they should have.

After an intense hour of training, Naruto sat down on the edge of the mat, wiping the sweat from his brow. Master Hoshino joined him, handing him a bottle of water.

"You've always had a natural talent for martial arts, Naruto," the master said, his tone thoughtful. "But lately, you've been tapping into something deeper something ancient. Do you feel it?"

Naruto frowned, taking a sip of water. "I… I don't know. Sometimes it feels like my body moves on its own, like I'm not the one in control. It's weird, but it feels right, you know?"

Master Hoshino nodded slowly. "It's as if you're remembering something, something from a long time ago. You should trust your instincts, Naruto. They may lead you to discover who you truly are."

Naruto looked at his master, surprised by the serious tone in his voice. "You think I'm something special?"

"I know you are," Master Hoshino replied with a small smile. "But what that means is for you to discover."

The words echoed in Naruto's mind as he left the dojo that evening, the sun setting in the distance. He felt a strange mix of emotions excitement, curiosity, and a hint of fear. What was his master hinting at? And why did those dreams feel so real?

As Naruto made his way home, his thoughts were still swirling with questions. The streets were quiet, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement. Naruto loved this time of day peaceful, calm, with just the right amount of solitude.

But tonight, something felt different. The air was heavy, almost electric, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Naruto slowed his pace, senses on high alert, though he couldn't pinpoint why.

Just then, he spotted a familiar figure up ahead. It was Issei, standing by a vending machine, his back to Naruto. He seemed tense, his shoulders stiff, and Naruto frowned, wondering what could be bothering his friend.

"Hey, Issei!" Naruto called out, jogging over. "What are you doing out here?"

Issei turned around, startled. "N-Naruto? What are you doing here?"

"I was heading home from the dojo," Naruto explained, noticing the nervous look on Issei's face. "What about you? You seem… off."

Issei scratched the back of his head, trying to play it cool. "Oh, nothing. Just… you know, thinking."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Is this about that girl who asked you out today? You don't usually get this nervous about dates."

Issei's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you—?"

"I'm not blind, you know," Naruto chuckled. "But seriously, what's up? You're acting weird."

Issei hesitated, then sighed. "It's just… I have this really bad feeling about it. Like something's gonna go wrong, but I don't know what."

Naruto's own unease from earlier came rushing back, but he forced a smile. "Come on, Issei. It's probably just nerves. I'm sure everything will be fine."

Issei didn't look convinced, but he nodded anyway. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I guess I'm just overthinking it."

They walked together for a while, the silence between them oddly comforting. But deep down, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen something that would change their lives forever.

And as the night grew darker, the first threads of fate began to weave their intricate web around them.

The next day as the sun rose over Kuoh Academy, casting long shadows across the well managed lawns and elegant buildings. The day had just begun, and students were already filling the hallways, heading to their classes, and catching up with friends. The peaceful atmosphere of the school belied the hidden world of devils, angels, and fallen angels that lingered just beneath the surface.

Inside one of the quieter rooms of the Academy, the air was filled with a different kind of tension a strategic one. The room was tastefully decorated, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large, ornate desk dominating the centre. The focal point of the room, however, was the chessboard situated on a small table between two luxurious armchairs.

Rias Gremory, the crimson haired president of the Occult Research Club and one of the most powerful devils in the underworld, was seated on one side of the board, her deep blue eyes focused intently on the game before her. Across from her sat Sona Sitri, a fellow devil, and the student council president, known for her sharp intellect and keen strategic mind. Both young women were poised, their faces calm as they contemplated their next moves, but the air between them crackled with the intensity of their rivalry.

"I must say, Rias, you've improved," Sona remarked as she moved her knight, capturing one of Rias's pawns with a precise and calculated strike. "You're giving me a real challenge today."

Rias smiled, though her eyes remained fixed on the board. "You're not so bad yourself, Sona. But you know I never play just for fun. Every game is a chance to refine my strategy."

Sona's eyes flicked up to meet Rias's, her expression thoughtful. "True. And I've noticed that you've been particularly focused lately. Is something on your mind?"

Rias leaned back in her chair, her fingers idly tracing the edge of a chess piece. "I've been keeping an eye on a certain student. Issei Hyoudou."

"Issei Hyoudou?" Sona repeated, raising an eyebrow. "The perverted second year with a reputation for peeping on girls? What could possibly interest you about him?"

Rias's expression softened slightly, but her gaze remained serious. "There's more to him than meets the eye. I can sense something inside him something powerful, dormant, but ready to awaken. It's faint, but it's there."

Sona leaned forward, intrigued. "You think he has potential?"

"Definitely," Rias confirmed, her voice steady. "I'm planning to make my move soon. I believe he could be a valuable addition to my peerage, but I want to be sure before I act."

Sona nodded, considering Rias's words carefully. "Interesting. If you're right, he could be quite the asset. But what about his friend? That blond boy… Naruto Uzumaki, isn't it? He's always with Issei. Have you sensed anything from him?"

Rias's expression shifted slightly, a hint of puzzlement creeping into her usually confident demeanor. "Naruto Uzumaki… He's… different. I've observed him a few times, and what's strange is that I can't sense anything from him at all. No aura, no energy nothing. It's like he's a void."

"A void?" Sona repeated, her curiosity piqued. "That's unusual. Even humans with no special abilities have some sort of presence, however faint. But you're saying he has none?"

Rias nodded, her brows furrowing. "Exactly. It's like he's completely ordinary, almost too ordinary. I've never encountered anyone like him before. It's as if he doesn't exist in our world."

Sona considered this for a moment, her mind working through the implications. "That could mean one of two things. Either he's truly just a normal human, or…"

"Or," Rias finished for her, "he's something else entirely. Something hidden, even from us."

The room fell silent as both girls contemplated the mystery of Naruto Uzumaki. While Sona's thoughts drifted to the strategic possibilities, Rias found herself more intrigued than ever. What kind of person could exist without leaving even the smallest trace of an aura? And why did Naruto's presence feel so completely and utterly normal?

"I think I'll keep watching him as well," Rias decided finally, moving one of her pieces on the board. "But for now, my focus is on Issei. His power could be a game changer."

Sona smiled, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "You always did have a knack for finding diamonds in the rough, Rias. I'll be interested to see how this plays out."

Their conversation shifted back to the game, the pieces on the board moving with careful deliberation. But even as they played, both Rias and Sona couldn't shake the feeling that something important was on the horizon something that involved both Issei and Naruto in ways they couldn't yet understand.

While Rias and Sona were deep in their chess match, Naruto was oblivious to the quiet deliberations that were taking place. The morning had started just like any other, with Naruto bounding out of bed with his usual enthusiasm and energy, ready to take on the day.

After a quick breakfast, Naruto headed to school, meeting up with Issei along the way. The two friends fell into their usual banter as they walked to Kuoh Academy, discussing everything from the latest school rumors to what they planned to do after classes.

"So, Naruto, I've been thinking about that date tomorrow night," Issei said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "You know, the one with Yuuma?"

Naruto grinned, clapping his friend on the back. "Finally, huh? Don't worry about it, Issei. Just be yourself, and you'll be fine. Besides, I've got your back if anything goes wrong."

Issei chuckled, though he couldn't quite hide his anxiety. "Yeah, I know. It's just… something about it feels a little off, you know? But I'm probably just overthinking it."

"Hey, if it makes you feel better, I'll be nearby," Naruto offered, his tone reassuring. "But you've got this. Just relax and enjoy it."

As they reached the school gates, Issei nodded, trying to push his worries aside. "Thanks, Naruto. I'm really lucky to have a friend like you."

"Anytime, buddy," Naruto replied with a bright smile. "Now let's get to class before we're late."

As they walked through the hallways, they were soon joined by two other students Matsuda and Motohama, Issei's other best friends and fellow members of the so-called "Perverted Trio." Matsuda, the taller of the two, had a mischievous grin plastered on his face, while Motohama, who was shorter and wore glasses, looked equally excited.

"There's the man of the hour!" Matsuda called out, clapping Issei on the back a little harder than necessary. "Heard about your big date with that hottie, Yuuma. You lucky dog!"

Motohama adjusted his glasses, which glinted in the morning light. "You've got to tell us everything afterward, Issei. We want all the juicy details!"

Issei chuckled nervously, though he couldn't hide the blush creeping up his cheeks. "Yeah, well, I'll let you guys know how it goes. If it goes well, that is…"

Naruto grinned at the trio, shaking his head in amusement. Issei's friends were always up to something, and while their antics often got them into trouble, there was no denying that they had each other's backs. Even if they were more focused on girls than anything else, Naruto knew that Matsuda and Motohama were good guys at heart.

"Just don't go overboard, you two," Naruto warned, though his tone was light. "Issei's got enough on his mind without you guys making it worse."

"Hey, we're just giving him some moral support!" Matsuda said with a wink. "And maybe a few tips on what to say to a girl like Yuuma."

Motohama nodded sagely. "Remember, confidence is key. You've got to make her feel like she's the only girl in the world, Issei."

Issei rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but smile at his friends' enthusiasm. "Yeah, yeah, I'll keep that in mind."

As they reached their classroom, Naruto noticed a group of girls nearby whispering and glancing in their direction, clearly amused by the Perverted Trio's antics. Naruto gave them a friendly wave, which was returned with giggles and smiles.

"Come on, guys, let's get to class before we end up being late," Naruto urged, leading the way into the classroom. Issei, Matsuda, and Motohama followed, the three of them still discussing Issei's upcoming date in hushed tones.

Naruto found himself drifting through the lessons, his mind only half-engaged with the material. He was more concerned with keeping an eye on Issei, who seemed increasingly jittery as the day went on. Despite Naruto's reassurances, it was clear that the upcoming date with Yuuma was weighing heavily on his friend's mind.

Matsuda and Motohama were, of course, no help at all. They spent most of the day whispering not-so-subtle advice to Issei, who alternated between laughing at their ridiculous suggestions and groaning at their lack of tact. Naruto found himself chuckling at their antics, grateful for the distraction they provided.

But as the day wore on, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing just beneath the surface. It was a subtle sensation, like a low hum at the edge of his awareness, but it was persistent. He tried to ignore it, telling himself that it was just the usual pre-weekend excitement, but a small part of him remained on edge.

When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Naruto quickly gathered his things and waited for Issei by the door. Matsuda and Motohama had already left, no doubt to continue their scheming elsewhere.

"You ready to head out?" Naruto asked as Issei approached, a faint smile on his face.

Issei nodded, though his nervousness was still evident. "Yeah, just need to get home and figure out what to wear for tomorrow. You think I should go with something casual or try to dress up a bit?"

Naruto considered it for a moment. "I'd say keep it casual but neat. You want to look good, but not like you're trying too hard, you know?"

"Right, casual but neat," Issei repeated, as if committing the advice to memory. "Thanks, Naruto. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Probably get into a lot more trouble," Naruto joked, earning a laugh from Issei.

As they made their way out of the school, Naruto kept the conversation light, talking about everything except the date. He could tell Issei needed the distraction, and he was more than happy to provide it. But as they parted ways at the usual spot, Naruto couldn't help but give his friend one last piece of advice.

"Just remember, Issei whatever happens, just be yourself. That's what's going to make this date a success."

Issei smiled, the nervousness in his eyes softening just a bit. "Thanks, Naruto. I'll try to keep that in mind."

With that, they went their separate ways, Issei heading home to prepare for his big night, and Naruto walking the familiar path back to his own apartment. The sun was beginning to set, casting the town in a warm, golden light. It was a beautiful evening, the kind that made everything feel right with the world.

Chapter 1 A New Beginning End

A/N

That's the end of this chapter, a small one just to get things started. I hope you enjoyed it!

Until next time,

byebye!