AN: Hi guys! Soooo I'm glad that people liked my idea! It's one I've been thinking about writing for a while now and even have a half-script for each arc and how they would occur! And I will, in fact, change some arcs and events will swap places!
some characters might act a bit different or even better than they really are in their own anime/manga/novel!
Q: Well, this is interesting! I love those "How did we get here" kind of starts, it really makes me interested, will Rias be the one seeking out a way or will it be Naruto who is the one looking for a way out of this marriage and Rias trying to keep him?
Also, I thought more people would use Gyomei since his last name was revealed in the last episode, but I didn't expect Rei to be there, so I guessed him as second or third place.
A: Well, as much as I want to say, I can only say that Rias is a bit out of character regarding some stuff that will happen.
About Gyomei... I just wanted to see him in action since I like his character and fighting style, making him Akeno's older brother was just something I couldn't resist since I plan to alter a bit of Akeno's own backstory to fit Gyomei, of course he will be blind but why it's something that I can't tell and you will have to see!
This Rei is based on appearance only and a few of his abilities that I plan to use.
Q: I'm confused, this is weird, seems like its set after Rossweisse joined Rias' peerage but it doesn't seem like Rias has fought him yet. Is it a different timeline
A: Yes, this is a different timeline and universe where many characters will be out of character. Some events will be delayed while others will occur way before they should and some events will mix up.
I do not own anything nor the characters or concepts used in future chapters.
Chapter 1
Riser Phenex, a devil with a formidable reputation, had achieved many accomplishments in his life. From victorious battles in ranked games against older and more experienced opponents to mastering powerful demonic techniques, his achievements had always been a source of pride. However, nothing could compare to the overwhelming sense of pride he felt as he laid eyes upon his newborn brother.
The Phenex family gathered in the elegant nursery, adorned with delicate pastel hues and plush furnishings. Ravel Phenex, Riser's younger sister, stood beside him, her eyes filled with awe and excitement. Their older brother, Ruval Phenex, joined them, wearing a proud smile on his face. Their father, Ravi Phenex, a respected figure within the devil community, stood nearby, observing the scene with a mixture of joy and anticipation.
Layla Phenex, a woman of ethereal beauty with cascading golden locks and eyes as deep and captivating as the ocean, cradled the precious bundle in her arms. The weariness etched upon her face was undeniable, a testament to the tremendous effort she had exerted in bringing the child into the world. Yet, a radiant smile graced her lips as she marveled at the sight before her—an ordinary baby with an extraordinary presence, stirring a profound sense of pride within her, even in the tender hours of his existence.
Her husband approached her, his touch as gentle as a summer breeze, as he lovingly caressed her hair. "What name shall we bestow upon our son, my beloved?" Ravi inquired, his voice suffused with tenderness and reverence.
Layla's gaze turned to the slumbering infant in her arms, his tiny features serene and angelic. She had pondered his name, its significance and resonance, in the stillness of the night. Finally, with unwavering conviction, she whispered, "Naruto... Naruto Phenex."
The room filled with a momentary silence before Riser's laughter erupted like music, soon followed by Ruval's hearty chuckles. Their amusement stemmed from the realization that the name held a whimsical meaning—a colloquial term for a beloved fishcake in certain cultures. The air crackled with mirth as Layla's cheeks flushed, her own amusement mingling with a touch of chagrin. Ravi, ever the embodiment of composure, offered a gentle smile, savoring the familial bond that flourished in their midst.
Outside the nursery, the Phenex estate buzzed with activity. Maids and servants moved with purpose, attending to their duties, yet their eyes gleamed with admiration and affection as they caught glimpses of the family's joyous celebration. The bond that wove through the Phenex household was palpable, extending beyond blood ties to encompass a profound sense of loyalty and camaraderie.
However, amidst the joyous atmosphere, Layla's annoyance simmered. Her children's teasing words had struck a chord, momentarily dampening the jubilant ambiance. "You foolish boys!" she admonished, her voice resonating with a mix of exasperation and affection, though her annoyance was unmistakable. But Riser and Ruval, caught in the buoyancy of the moment, paid her reprimands little heed. Their banter continued, their laughter echoing through the halls as Layla's frustrations mounted.
Days turned into weeks, and the Phenex household settled into a routine. Layla reveled in the blissful moments spent cradling her youngest son, marveling at his every coo and gurgle. Yet, beneath the surface of her maternal joy, a sense of foreboding gnawed at her heart.
Four months old
"Wow, Naru-baby! You sure are an energetic one, aren't you?" Ravi exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with delight as he watched the little bundle of joy, his fingers playfully eluding Naruto's grasp. The baby's infectious giggles filled the room, a sweet melody that brought warmth to the hearts of those around him.
"He sure is," Layla replied, her voice laced with tenderness as she gazed down at her youngest son. Her eyes held a mix of wonder and adoration, struggling to comprehend the depth of love she felt for this tiny being. With her other children, she had experienced affection and attachment, but with Naruto, it was as if her heart had been set ablaze with an intensity she had never known.
Naruto had reached the age of four months, a stage of rapid growth and exploration. Yet, in the span of his short life, only a select few had been granted the privilege of spending meaningful time alone with him. Layla could count on one hand the number of people, excluding herself and her husband, who had cradled Naruto in their arms.
Lost in contemplation, Layla found herself entranced by her son's mesmerizing sapphire eyes, pools of innocence and potential. Each day, she discovered new facets of his personality, his spirit radiating with an undeniable vitality that captivated all who crossed his path.
Amidst the tender moments shared with her beloved child, a delicate conversation hovered in the air. Ravi, Naruto's father, cautiously broached the topic of an offer from the prestigious Gremory family—a proposal that involved an arranged marriage for their young son. The weight of expectation clung to his words, a mix of concern and obligation.
Layla's eyes narrowed, suspicion coloring her features. The warmth that usually graced her voice vanished, replaced by a chilling coldness that sent shivers down Ravi's spine. She saw through his intentions, piercing his soul with her unwavering gaze.
"You aren't going to put him in an arranged marriage, Ravi," Layla declared, her tone devoid of warmth, carrying an unyielding resolve that made her husband's blood run cold.
Ravi attempted to explain, his voice trembling with a mix of urgency and apprehension. "Sweetie... you need to understand that this is necessary! If we proceed, he will be in good hands. The Gremory family values their own servants and family members."
The icy words that escaped Layla's lips froze the air around them. "He's not an object," she retorted, her voice a potent blend of determination and defiance, leaving no room for negotiation. Ravi, understanding the gravity of her displeasure, wisely chose to retreat, silently acknowledging the power that resided within his wife.
"This decision is yours, but you shall bear the consequences," Layla warned, her gaze piercing through Ravi's soul, leaving an indelible mark. Yet, as quickly as her fury had surfaced, it dissipated, replaced by a radiant warmth as Naruto sought her attention.
"Oh, sorry Naru-boy! You are Mommy's boy, aren't you?" Layla cooed, her voice returning to its gentle cadence as she showered Naruto's face with tender kisses. The baby responded with an infectious toothless smile and contagious laughter, his eyes reflecting pure joy.
Deep within, Ravi Phenex wrestled with conflicting emotions. He had never wished to ensnare his own son in the web of an arranged marriage, yet he understood the necessity imposed upon their esteemed lineage. He could only hope that Naruto would one day comprehend the difficult choices his parents had made, driven by the complex tapestry of responsibility and tradition.
Six Years old
Time slipped through Ravi's fingers like grains of sand, leaving an undeniable sense of urgency in its wake. It felt like a mere blink of an eye since Naruto's birth, but in reality, six years had already unfurled before their eyes.
"Riser-nii-san!" Naruto's voice reverberated through the house, filled with youthful energy and mischief. True to his mother's words, he was a whirlwind of activity, always in search of the next adventure, leaving behind laughter and bewildered victims in his wake.
Ravi's heart swelled with love for his youngest son. But alongside that affection, a deep recognition tugged at his core. Naruto possessed an immense wellspring of magical power, growing with each passing day, an unstoppable force that surged within him. Ravi couldn't deny the truth: his son was destined for greatness, his potential waiting to be unleashed upon the world.
"Oi, Naruto!" Riser called out, a proud smile gracing his features as he observed the young blond dynamo.
"Nii-san! I finally managed to manifest my flames!" Naruto exclaimed, excitement dancing in his eyes. With a flourish, he extended his hands, golden sparks igniting from his fingertips. Within moments, tiny tongues of golden flame flickered to life, dancing in the air, a testament to Naruto's burgeoning power.
"That's incredible, brat," Riser praised, his chest swelling with pride at witnessing Naruto's ability to manifest flames at such a tender age.
"I know, right?! I'll become strong, just like you and Ruval-aniki!" Naruto declared, his determination shining through his words. Ravi couldn't help but marvel at the bond between his sons, the unspoken camaraderie that fueled their ambitions.
Belatedly, Ravi realized that Naruto had adopted the Japanese honorifics Ravel often used. He pondered the peculiarities of his daughter's otaku fascination, struggling to recall the specific title she bestowed upon him. Was it Ovou-sama? Or perhaps Okaa-sama? No, that was how she referred to Layla. Otou-sama? The details eluded him, but ultimately, they held little importance.
"Yeah, I believe in you, brat!" Riser grinned, playfully ruffling Naruto's hair, their connection fortified in that simple gesture.
As Ravi watched his children interact, a serene tranquility settled upon his troubled mind. In their laughter and shared dreams, he found solace, momentarily forgetting the weight of impending revelation—Naruto's arranged marriage, a secret poised to shatter the innocence of his young son's world. But for now, in this fleeting moment of familial bliss, Ravi allowed himself to revel in the joy of their unbreakable bond.
Seven Years Old
Ravi's decision weighed heavily upon the married couple, the weight of their choice becoming an oppressive force in their lives. The mere thought of disclosing the truth to their older children filled the air with an atmosphere thickened by despair.
"You what?!" Ravel's voice rang out, laced with disbelief. The image of that once-small and adorable girl, transformed into a statuesque woman with flowing blonde locks and piercing eyes, sent a pang of sorrow through Ravi's heart. Those same eyes now blazed with a fiery mixture of anger and betrayal, directed squarely at her father.
Ruval and Riser offered no solace in this moment of revelation. Their expressions mirrored Ravel's disbelief and resentment.
"We did it because the Devil race is teetering on the edge of extinction-" Ravi's explanation was cut short by a resounding slap across his left cheek. The impact reverberated through his entire being, forcing him to stagger backward, his hand instinctively reaching to soothe the stinging sensation.
"I don't care about your excuses!" Ravel's voice trembled with fury, her words laced with venomous disdain. "Whom did you offer Naruto to?" Her demand hung heavily in the air, suffocating any remnants of hope that might have lingered.
"Gremory..." Ravi's voice faltered, his eyes avoiding the piercing gaze of his daughter. Guilt clawed at his insides, twisting his gut into knots.
"That Gremory girl better treat him well," Ravel's voice dripped with a chilling blend of warning and menace, her fury radiating from every fiber of her being. Ravi's heart pounded in his chest, the onset of anxiety making beads of perspiration dot his forehead.
"If she doesn't, I will personally ensure her demise," Ravel's vow cut through the air like a blade, her words carrying an unyielding resolve that sent shivers down Ravi's spine.
"Ravel, dear-" Ravi attempted to interject, but his voice was silenced by the resolute presence of Layla and Naruto.
The visage of his youngest son bore the marks of sorrow and tears. Puffy, red eyes spoke of the anguish he had endured, and the damp stain on Layla's dress bore witness to the shared sorrow between mother and child.
"Daddy, why?" Naruto's innocent voice trembled with heartbreak, the question etching itself into the very depths of Ravi's soul. It became a haunting echo, a remorseful refrain that would reverberate within him for the remainder of his days.
The words echoed, their gravity reverberating through the room, transcending the boundaries of Naruto Phenex's identity.
In that moment, something snapped within the shattered confines of the little Phenex's heart, a fracture that would forever alter the trajectory of their lives.
Seven Years Old
The meeting had gone awry, leaving a bitter taste in Ravel's mouth. The Gremory heiress had exuded an unbearable arrogance, her eyes fixated on Naruto as if he were nothing more than a prized possession. Ravel despised the way that tomato-haired girl had looked at him, as if she held some sort of entitlement over his fate.
For hours now, Naruto had been enveloped in a haze of despair, rendering him non-verbal and unwilling to engage with anyone but Ravel herself. Ravel was not one to be easily provoked, but when it came to Naruto, she could feel the flames of her fury flickering to life.
She wasn't a violent person by nature. Not even close. But the mere sight of Naruto, her most cherished person, in such a desolate state tore at her heartstrings. It was as though a blade had been thrust into her own chest, leaving a searing ache that refused to be ignored.
With unwavering determination, Ravel vowed to erase that fateful day from Naruto's memory. She would spare no effort to shield him from the looming fate that had been imposed upon him, determined to restore his sense of hope and happiness. Naruto deserved better than to be a pawn in their world of arranged marriages and political machinations.
Ravel's heart burned with an indomitable resolve, fueled by her unwavering love for her brother. She would not allow him to be consumed by the darkness that threatened to engulf their lives. Together, they would forge a path that defied the expectations thrust upon them, shattering the chains that sought to bind them to a predetermined destiny.
In Ravel's eyes, Naruto's happiness became her ultimate mission, a beacon of light in a sea of despair. And she would stop at nothing to see him smile again.
Ten years old
"What's your name?" Naruto's small voice broke the silence, barely reaching the ears of the tall, older young adult standing before him. At just nine years old, Naruto stood no taller than five feet, while the young adult, with his towering six-foot frame, seemed to dwarf him. Black hair adorned his head, bearing witness to a scar that slashed across his forehead, and his blind eyes held a deep sadness within them.
"I'm Naruto," the young boy introduced himself, his voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and a subtle attempt to bring levity to the somber atmosphere.
"Gyomei," came the reply from the tall figure, spoken with a calm yet melancholic tone. Naruto couldn't help but notice how Gyomei's gaze seemed to fixate on him, despite his apparent blindness.
"You're really tall, aren't you?" Naruto remarked, his lips curving into a small smile, hoping to elicit even the slightest spark of joy from Gyomei's weary heart.
Silence hung heavy in the air, the absence of response gnawing at Naruto's optimism.
"What happened here? Why are you wounded?" Naruto inquired, pushing past the veil of quiet that had descended upon them, determined to break through the barriers that held Gyomei captive.
Once again, his words were met with an unyielding silence. Naruto should have expected as much.
"You seem to be in a dark place right now. You don't have to tell me what happened, but I want to make you an offer, Gyomei," Naruto began, his azure eyes momentarily glowing with determination.
Gyomei appeared puzzled, but he nodded, indicating his willingness to listen to Naruto's proposal.
"You see, I come from the Devil Noble House Phenex, and I am in need of assembling my peerage. I may not know the full extent of your strength, but I can sense that you possess great power," Naruto explained, reaching for a box and opening it to reveal an array of chess pieces.
"You want to reincarnate me as a devil?" Gyomei's voice held a hint of intrigue, as he contemplated the unexpected proposition.
"Indeed," Naruto confirmed, sensing the weight of Gyomei's decision resting heavily upon him.
A few minutes of silence ensued as Gyomei grappled with his thoughts. Naruto couldn't see it, but Gyomei possessed the ability to perceive people's true intentions, to discern the veracity of their words. The tremor in Gyomei's body betrayed the fear and anxiety that coursed through him.
"If I accept your offer, will I be subject to any form of mistreatment?" Gyomei finally spoke, his tone stoic, though Naruto could sense the underlying tremor in his voice.
Naruto's grin widened, his youthful exuberance blinding him to the skepticism lurking within Gyomei. "No, not at all! You'll become a part of my family, my valued comrade. You'll be my second piece," Naruto declared with unwavering conviction.
On that fateful night, Gyomei Himejima encountered his king, albeit under tragic circumstances that saw him lose the person he held dearest. Determined to honor their bond, Gyomei pledged himself to support his new "king," fully aware that Naruto, a young devil, should not have been seeking servants at such a tender age.
Gyomei understood that Naruto concealed his true motivations, sensing that they were sensitive and deeply personal. Yet, Gyomei's unwavering loyalty remained unshaken, accepting that Naruto's reasons were his own to bear and protect. In this shared pact, two souls bound by loss and resilience embarked on a journey together, One boy lost his freedom and the young adult had lost his only family. Such a ironic meeting.
AN: That's the second chapter! hope y'all like it!
Also i hope y'all liked this slightly better version.