/ "Dialogue." /

/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /

/ "Flashback Dialogue or background." /

There was nothing more haunting than the silence after a battle. What had once been an orchestra of clashing steel, anguished screams, and the relentless struggle of life or death had dissolved into a complete and utter silence. The wind had been calm and quiet, broken only by the faint sounds of crumbling earth and rock, like the land itself mourning what had happened.

This place had never been vibrant. It was not connected directly to the Underworld, nor had it been a natural realm. It was an artificial dimension, created solely for the Rating Games—a playground for competition in devil society, not a battlefield for carnage. It had been meant for peace, for entertainment, for practice, where many fighters could prove themselves without the risk of truly injuring one another.

But it had never been meant for this. Never meant to cradle thousands of lifeless bodies across its barren land. Never meant to bear the scars of such destruction.

And lastly, it had certainly never been meant to burn with strange, ominous, and terrifying black flames.

The Old-Satan Faction had seemingly met its end. Their leaders were slain, their forces crushed. What remained was nothing more than the carcass of what had once been a relatively decent power.

One Maou of the ruling faction stood amidst the aftermath of one of the many battlefields. The ground beneath him was scorched and still smoldering, patches of smoke rising from the ground. In every direction, there was evidence of war—scars left by the chaos. Yet, he remained here, in this particular spot.

A quiet breeze swept past, lifting the edges of his green cape and brushing against his slicked-back green hair. His icy blue eyes moved slowly, studying the destruction around him. Everything he saw, he memorized. Everything he saw, he analyzed. Everything he saw, he questioned. And everything here, in this ruined landscape, fascinated him to no end.

This was a victory for his side of the conflict. Many celebrated, but he did not. There was no triumph, no sorrow, no anger in his expression. It was as mysterious and unreadable as ever. The devastation, the countless lives lost, the broken land—it meant nothing to him.

There was something deeply unnerving about the way he carried himself in a situation such as this.

Ajuka Beelzebub spoke, his words seemingly directed at no one but himself, "They burn dirt. They burn rock. They burn whatever they touch. Even each other, if they get too close." His voice was calm, calculating, devoid of emotion. Fire was nothing new to him or anyone. It was perhaps the most common elemental magic utilized. No one should bat an eye at the sight of some burning.

But this... these black flames were different. They burned even fire.

And of course, they were not the first time he has seen them. Except, at that time, he was unable to get close.

"Sir..."

"Lord..."

"Please, we beg you..."

Their hands and legs were bound, sealed by his magic. Their faces were knelt to the ground, just barely able to see the superdevil. Their spirits, once rigorous with the morale of their cause, were now crushed. They had been captured in the battle during their desperate retreat. Having survived this long had been a miracle itself, but making it out of this situation would have required more than divine intervention.

"We have told you everything..." One of them said, the desperation in his voice growing, "The black flames-"

"Did not come from the dragon." Ajuka interrupted, finishing the sentence for him. "I've documented your… observations. You watched the battle from the sky, at a distance. While I do not doubt your eyesight, you were too far to inspect anything properly." He loomed over the devil, "You saw no magic scrolls or circles, no tools, nothing of significance. If the flames did not come from the dragon, then where?"

"The dragon was on fire!" The one in the middle shouted, his voice raspy and dry, "It was consumed by those black flames and couldn't put them out! I saw it—he felt them! His roars shook the world!"

The last devil, the one on the right, spoke, his voice trembling. "A person... a man... he flew, and he was... purple."

"You've mentioned this 'purple body' before. A true form, you called it?" Ajuka almost smiled, though his tone dripped with sarcasm. "For someone as... significant as yourself, you certainly have a keen understanding of events. Tell me, when you decided to flee, was it before your leaders died? Or after you claim to have seen a mere human turning into some spectral entity?"

"He had no wings..." the devil murmured, his tone barely audible.

Ajuka lowered his eyes, "Describe him to me."

"Black hair... average build... those who saw him earlier said he had strange looking eyes."

There was a pause, a long pause for everyone involved here today. A fight, no, a battle, had broken out between a reincarnated devil, Hyoudou Issei—who had lost himself, driven mad by his own emotions and Sacred Gear—and a human. A human who had used these same black flames that the pawn himself had unleashed against Riser Phenex. It made sense. They were likely friends, no doubt comrades, serving the same High-Class devil and hailing from the same part of the human world.

And both, it seemed, shared an affinity for saving women desperate to escape arranged marriages.

"Uchiha… Sasuke…"

Those who knew the superdevil could sense the strangeness of it. It was so uncommon, so rare, that he allowed it to happen only a few times a year. A small, meticulous expression formed on his face—a faint glint, but it was there. A brief, subtle smirk.

A true phenomenon for Ajuka Beelzebub.

It did not last long, however.

He looked up toward the blood-red sky, "That brother of mine..." he muttered, his voice full of disdain. "He knew exactly what he was doing when he destroyed the Rating Game system's recording functions."

Every tournament was streamed live across the Underworld. Multiple cameras, aided by magic and technology, captured every angle so that all devils could witness the games. It was more than a pastime—it was big business, a cultural cornerstone of their society. Yet Diodora, in his treachery, had destroyed it all for this particular battle, ensuring his betrayal wouldn't be seen.

The Maou paced slowly, his eyes fixed on the trench below. Amaterasu raged, its black flames licking the edges, incinerating everything they touched. It had been days since the battle, yet the flames still burned relentlessly.

What is their composition? How long do they last? What happens when combined with certain elements? Many questions, yet no answers.

Fire was thought to be the most understood element—it was simple, primal, ancient. Yet now, it felt as though he were discovering something entirely new, something never before seen.

"Latia." The Maou said, his voice low and stern as it always is.

From behind, the woman—his niece—appeared, her eyes closed as she knelt before him.

"Yes, Lord Beelzebub-sama?" she replied, her voice calm and emotionless. Latia was still herself, but she had quickly learned to adapt and speak in a manner that her uncle would acknowledge. Her usual joking and playful demeanor had long reached a breaking point with him. In his presence, over time, she had learned to become someone else entirely.

Ajuka lowered his gaze to her, "After that brother of mine played his little game, there were proposals for me to step down as Beelzebub and return as the leader of my clan," he then paused dramatically, "I refused. And there is no need for a succession crisis. As you well know, my father is the current lord, but very ill. He will die soon—sooner than most realize."

He paused again, his tone hardening further. "Instead, I have decided to name you, as heiress to House Astaroth. You, Latia Astaroth, will leader your house. Your lands, your vassals, your levies-they will all fall under your rule."

It felt as though the world had come to a stop. Ever since she was a young girl, Latia had watched her friends and peers ascend to esteemed positions within devil society. Yet she had always been on the outside. She wasn't even part of the main branch of her House—far less than a second son in terms of status. And she was a woman, a fact that made her political ambitions all the more difficult to achieve.

But now, those words—those very words—were being spoken aloud, and they were the ones she had wanted to hear her entire life.

She wouldn't lie to herself. She wanted this. She wanted the prestige. She wanted the power.

And yet, a tinge of pain tightened in her chest. A faint frown formed on her face as a somber question echoed through her mind.

'Cousin Diodora… how could you do this to us? To betray us?'

Her instinct told her to not ever ask that question aloud. Not before her uncle. Never ask a dumb question before this man.

"Do you accept?"

That was a question, but the woman felt she could say only one answer.

"Yes."

Latia Astaroth stood tall, her blonde hair flowing around her shoulders and her icy-blue eyes mirroring those of her uncle. She wore royal attire, and had a figure that many women admired, and many men lusted for. Her gracefulness was well known, and her noble lineage only made her more desirable. She faced her uncle, the Maou, the superdevil, with as much strength and determination as one could before him.

The heiress to House Astaroth.

It was supposed to be a grand moment, but the woman, is as familiar with politics as she is with elegancy. She knew new what this meant.

Ajuka crossed his arms and stared back down at the mysterious flames. "In order to uncover these questions of ours, we must work even closer together than we already have," he said. "So, my Lady, tell me, what do you think we should do? These flames are something I have never come across. And they have been utilized twice at this point. They are no doubt foreign, and there are things we must understand."

Though he spoke of collaboration, Latia knew something was off, 'He wants to see my reactions, my questions, my analysis. There's something he isn't sharing with me.' A friend was beginning to form, but she removed it. Her expression had to neutral, like his own.

The woman straightened, replying carefully, "They say these came from a human—not Hyoudou Issei, as originally believed. Yet, they were not conjured with demonic energy. Nor do they appear to be a holy spell. We must..." She paused briefly. "We must determine what they are, why they are here, and why a scroll from House Lucifuge is part of the equation. There are many questions, and... we must answer them all."

Her uncle nodded. "Agreed," he said, before asking, "And how will we understand these flames?"

Latia gulped, the weight of his question pressing down on her. "We take... samples. Analyze them. Perhaps we must seal them with our own power to transport them, much like they were used against House Phenex."

Ajuka gave another nod, "What else?"

'What else?' she wondered, her mind racing.

It was as if he had read her thoughts. "What about analyzing how these flames work? How effective they are? Is that worth taking note of?"

"Yes..." she replied hesitantly. "We should know everything about them. And in order to do that, beyond analyzing them through sample study, we must..."

Beelzebub's tone grew lower, almost a whisper. "We must what?"

Latia felt a bead of sweat roll down her temple as she tensed. "Conduct..." she stammered, "Conduct... trials?"

That suggestion seemed to light up the superdevil's eyes, a faint glint of excitement flashing across his usually cold gaze.

Ajuka smiled again—a rare, cold, detached expression that sent chills down Latia's spine. "You're absolutely right," he said, his voice smooth, "That is how everything has been revealed. The humans know this better than anyone—vivisections, their own evaluations… they understand the method well." The maou then snapped his fingers, and on command, guards who had been surrounding the area stepped before them without hesitation.

These were guards of House Astaroth, and Latia had only just been named the heiress to the noble family. Yet, they followed her uncle's command without question. Of course, he was Beelzebub—his word would naturally outweigh hers.

Still, the entire situation unsettled her. It was as though these levies didn't even notice her presence at all.

'Am I really the heiress?'

With a casual wave of his hand, the binds placed on the captured members of the Old-Satan Faction were removed.

Then, the guards seized one of the prisoners, lifting him into the air by his arm.

"L-let me go!" the devil yelled, his voice trembling with fear. "I told you everything! It was a human! He controlled lightning from the sky! He sent the flames! He turned into a purple armored knight!"

Ajuka faced him and asked, "I've already stored everything you have said to me. I don't need to hear the same story twice."

The guards then dropped the man into the trench, with everyone in attendance watching. It was deep, far deeper than one could see. Yet the reaction was normal, survive, escape, cool yourself off.

Latia watched, her eyes wide with shock. She stepped toward the edge, raising her hand instinctively. A magic circle flared to life, and a stream of water poured forth. Though no order had been given, she took it upon herself to try and save her fellow devil.

The screams began almost instantly—raw, loud, and agonizing. His entire body was engulfed, and he stumbled back and forth, arms flailing in desperation. When the water reached him, it did not extinguish the flames. No. Instead, it made everything worse. The liquid boiled on contact, intensifying his suffering.

Inside, she screamed. Inside, she gasped and covered her mouth with trembling hands. But on the outside, Latia stood motionless beside Ajuka, her face a mask of icy composure, as though the horrifying scene before her didn't unravel her very soul.

Help me…

No one heard those words because they never came. The words echoed in her mind. She imagined them, and knew it. Her eyes widened in horror as a flaming hand suddenly shot out from the trench, reaching toward her. The fire consumed the entire limb, creeping closer, and she instinctively stepped back, terrified that the flames might spread to her—which, of course, they would.

The man's screams faded, and silence followed. Soon, all that remained was ash.

There was nothing left—no evidence he had died, no proof he had ever existed.

Latia's hands began to shake uncontrollably. She stepped back, a torrent of emotional turmoil surging through her chest. Her wide, unblinking eyes turned to Ajuka, who now knelt calmly to inspect the scene.

In his hand was a magical device—an ethereal green book with flickering, turning pages that moved as though alive.

The infamous Kankara Formula, the ability her uncle had devised to analyze, understand, and dismantle his enemies.

"Not even teeth," Ajuka muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Do you know how hot something must burn to vaporize teeth in such a small amount of time?" He looked at her briefly before continuing. "Your choice to test the water—hasty, but interesting. I suppose we've yet to observe what happens when these flames are attached to a person. Quite aimless, yes, but any information is valuable in this case."

Latia swallowed hard, forcing herself remained composed.

Ajuka rose, "Chakra," he stated, "They were powered by chakra, and perhaps even senjutsu. Though I cannot say for certain. I will do more research on the subject later." He paused, his eyes narrowing as though processing endless calculations at once. "Whoever conjured this must come from somewhere in the human world. A place tied to the Shinto religion, perhaps… Japan, or possibly India. If we want answers, we'll need to involve ourselves in those regions. What do you think?"

She asked the only thing she could think of—the only question that seemed simple enough to escape her trembling lips.

"Why not… why not just ask him? The human. We've seen him before, haven't we? Both of us... we've met him."

It was never wise to ask simple questions in the presence of Ajuka Beelzebub. He hated them. Whatever questions she could voice, he had already asked himself—questions that were bigger, sharper, and far more competent. So, when his stare fell on her, Latia instinctively avoided it, visibly shrinking. The silence felt as if it lasted forever. Those blue eyes of his on her far longer than she was comfortable with.

Eventually, he spoke.

"Well, well," The maou said, his voice dripping with ominous amusement. "You catch on fast. Perhaps I underestimated you. You're completely right."

That was surprising.

Ajuka then began to pace around her, "Since you are the heiress to your house, your value has increased considerably." he then rubbed his chin, a devious and frightening look in his eyes, "And so, in order to bring this human to us-so we can ask him what is truly going on..."

He paused.

Whenever Beelzebub paused, it was never good.

"You will marry Riser Phenex."

Latia jolted, her breath catching. "W-What?" she stumbled back, her head hitting the right behind her.

The Maou clarified, his voice cold, "I am your beloved uncle, and as such, it falls upon me to arrange a marriage befitting your newfound value and status. It is only appropriate that you become engaged to another High-Class devil of equal standing. After all, that is how we ensure our bloodlines remain pure. No one will question it, and I know Lord Phenex is desperate to see his son out of his castle and into the bedroom of an unspoiled maiden."

There were so many contradictions in his words. Ajuka didn't care about bloodlines or purity. He didn't care about Riser Phenex. And from the cold detachment in his tone, it didn't seem as though he cared for Latia, either.

For a moment, she thought she had imagined it all. Perhaps it was some nightmarish scenario in the back of her mind.

"I know the boy is less than ideal," Ajuka continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "A step barely above that brother of mine. But you will marry him, and together, you will rule your house as one."

Latia's mouth opened, as she almost dared to speak against him. But no words could come.

"Unless…" Beelzebub added with a grin, "You find someone to stop it from happening."

'He really defeated Vali and the Sekiryuutei?'

Kuroka sat atop a thick branch of a large tree, her black kimono worn loosely over her curvy figure, revealing far more than what a normal would allow. She leaned back lazily, one leg dangling, her golden eyes lowered as she stared down below. The woman was many different things—a Nekoshou, a reincarnated devil, and even half-human. It was a unique mix, with only her sister sharing the same type of lineage. Yet, despite the blend, there was no doubt she was deeply aligned with her Youkai heritage more than anything.

It was still early in the morning, and on the ground below, a human stood motionless. The two had come for one reason, and one reason alone.

Uchiha Sasuke, wished to learn senjutsu.

This no doubt was intriguing and exciting... at first. He held massive chakra reserve in his body, far more than hers. It was almost nauseating when she tried to truly evaluate him. Having that much of it would have driven her mad. The more chakra one had, the harder it was to control. And when control faltered, serious consequences followed. Yet, he remained calm all of the time—even under the stress of battle.

To her surprise, she quickly realized that she couldn't teach him senjutsu—not yet.

Why? Sasuke lacked the foundational knowledge of magic. Jumping directly into senjutsu without mastering basic magic wasn't just impractical—it was dangerous.

She knew that better than anyone, having learned through her own trials.

'He uses chakra so differently, even from Bikou.' she mused, her tail swinging. 'He uses… his hands. They're like a catalyst or some strange incantation.' Never had she encountered anyone like him, nor had she heard of such methods. It baffled her to no end—sensing how the chakra seemed to form within him, then convert through his strange motions.

It was entirely unlike magic, which required a very different approach.

'He can't even conjure a magic circle.' That was the start of magic. Nothing would happen unless the circle would come.

Sasuke lowered his hand and paused. He was open-minded enough to learn new things, but it had been some time since someone had truly taught him how to start the basics.

"Teleportation," he said abruptly. "Let's switch to that."

Kuroka giggled softly, "One thing at a time, Sasuke-chan~. You're always in such a rush. Why not sit back and let me handle everything for you?" Her teasing only deepened his irritation, his expression darkening.

"Fire, then. Do it. Slowly."

The woman jumped down from her spot, smirking. "Very well. Pay close attention, though not just to what I'm wearing~."

"Why even wear anything at this point?" he retorted, his tone dry. It was intentional—every time she demonstrated something, some part of her clothing oh-so-conveniently would slip out of place. 'Not even Akeno is this vulgar.'

To his surprise, she could utilize an effective instructive tone, as if she had done this before. She extended her arm out, and explained gently, "Magic relies heavily on imagination, willpower, creativity, and mental clarity. If you can't focus on those things, it won't form. Though…" She smirked slightly, her golden eyes narrowing. "I think you already know that."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

Her eyes gleamed mischievously. "You're harboring some Fallen Angels in secret, aren't you~?" she said with a sly grin. "I saw them before I even sensed them. They come and go all the time, you know."

The Uchiha did not respond, but he did know that. Illusion magic had been his tool for keeping them hidden, and he was growing more adept at it. Unlike other types of magic, illusion magic wasn't entirely foreign to him. It reminded him of genjutsu—constructing a fabricated reality to subdue an opponent's senses. He had been able to construct the illusion mostly because of Euclid's help.

She flexed her palm, and he stared, copying her movements with his sharingan. The demonic energy flowing through her body combined with her chakra. It did not gather into her hand as he would have expected, but into her mind. A purple magic circle materialized, and then, a burst of flames erupted into the sky.

That was it—the most basic and simplest type of elemental magic.

Imagination. Will power. Creativity. Mental clarity. They were all the factors. That is why it focuses into her mind, into her emotions.

There wasn't much else she could do after that. She leapt back onto her tree branch and crossed her legs, sitting calmly as he remained lost in thought.

"You've yet to even show me a magic circle," Kuroka remarked, "Think of something important—a symbol that represents you, something your power can draw strength from. It's your heraldry."

Sasuke focused, following her instructions. The concept of using a magic circle felt far too foreign at first, but he quickly dismantled that mental barrier. It wasn't so different from channeling chakra into his sharingan or weaving it through hand-seals. All he had to do was focus it elsewhere, and use his mind as a replacement instead of hand-seals. It was not supposed to be overly complex.

A magic circle materialized before his palm, glowing faintly as it hovered in the air. Progress. For a fleeting moment, he felt a flicker of satisfaction—a step forward, a glimpse of potential.

But as he stood there, nothing followed. No fire. No energy. Only silence.

It did not even have a a symbol, it was... blank and white.

His mind then raced, searching for something meaningful. A symbol that could resonate with him and his power. A fire emblem? No, too broad. Lightning, his second nature? Perhaps, but it didn't feel quite right either. The Konoha insignia? He immediately dismissed the thought as foolish—a false symbol, perhaps fitting for Naruto, but not for him.

Instead, one image surfaced. One he had carried his entire life. The Uchiha Crest. The symbol of his clan. The representation of his pride, his lineage, his identity. It came to mind naturally, and the magic circle seemed to respond. It formed onto it, burgundy with darker shades of blood and white forming the iconic fan. For an instant, a faint smile touched his lips. It felt right. It felt powerful.

But the longer he stared at it, the more the emptiness in the circle gnawed at him. No magic came forth, no energy resonated with the symbol. And with each passing second, doubt crept in. Doubt about himself. Doubt about the crest. His smile faded, his expression turning into a frown.

A memory came to mind, a bad one. One that questioned his idea to use this icon for his circle.

"The Uchiha crest serves as a symbol of our clan's pride.
But clinging to organization and a name limits us. Limits our capacities.
These things deserve to be shunned. It is foolish to fear what we've yet to see and know!"

Itachi had said those words when Sasuke was he was just a child. He'd spoken them to members of the Konoha Police Force, boldly and without hesitation. He'd said them in front of their father and, indirectly, to his younger brother. At the time, he hadn't understood what the hell was going on. All he could feel was the pain and confusion of seeing his older brother clash with the respected members of their own blood. But now, all these years later, those words came back to him.

His focus faltered, and the circle faded away. Kuroka tilted her head, sensing the disturbance in his aura.

"...What's wrong?" she asked cautiously.

Sasuke remained silent.

As a child, the crest had been a beacon of strength, honor, and unity, with his father standing proudly as its leader. But as he grew older, the symbol became a painful reminder of everything he had lost.

He had tasked himself with restoring the clan's honor, carrying that burden alone. Yet, when Itachi died, the victory he had sought for so long did not bring him peace. It was hollow. Empty. Incomplete.

When the truth of the massacre was revealed to him, his fury shifted to Konoha, his vengeance turning into more vengeance. He had blamed the village, cursed its name, and vowed to destroy it. But now, after the Fourth Shinobi War, after seeing the complexities of the world and the sacrifices others made, his perspective began to evolve.

It's identity still stirred pride within him—a fierce pride. But it was combined with loss, betrayal, and emotions he couldn't easily reconcile.

The crest, once a pure symbol of strength and honor, now felt grey—not purely good, nor entirely bad, but something far more complex. And as he stood there, one feeling rose above the rest. Doubt. Doubt in the idea of using the Uchiha crest as a symbol of power.

No, he wouldn't reject it. He never would. The Uchiha crest will always remain a part of him. But for this new power—this magic—he needed something different. Something that reflected who he had become and wished to be in the future. Someone who will change the world, for the better, as he believed.

A new symbol. His own.

The regalia of his clan would always remain on his back as a reminder of his origins. But he needed something that spoke toward his front, to show the future, to show his enemies what he wanted them to see.

There was one image that absolutely spoke of the impending change coming to the Land of Shinobi, as he now referred it.

Sasuke raised his hand once more, focusing his mind. The magic circle appeared quickly, but it was different this time—purple, a lighter shade than violet, with intricate black lines rippling through its design. The patterns resembled the shape of his left eye. At its center, a single black dot stared outward, unblinking. It was the focal point of his newfound magical abilities. This would be his banner in battle, his heraldry. The rinnegan—this symbol—was what he wanted the world to recognize, both here and back home. It would be his insignia now. If he ever commanded an army, they would wear this emblem with pride, a badge of honor bound to his name.

For so long he had wished to simply hide this image, his identity, but no longer. If he wished to get stronger, the world would have to know it.

Kuroka's tail flicked with excitement as a smirk spread across her face. "Well, now," she said, "~That's a beautiful circle~."

Suddenly, red-orange flames erupted from it, vibrant and wild. They moved fast, fueled by his thick chakra, their intensity far beyond what he intended. The sheer volume of energy flowed unchecked, incinerating the trees before them in an instant.

'He could keep those flames going forever and not tire.' Kuroka thought, her wide eyes with amazement. Being so close to such raw power made her jolt with adrenaline. These were not novice-levels of fire either. This could wipe out a band of enemies with ease.

After a moment of constant burning, they both realized the devastation was becoming too wild to handle. The shinobi quickly formed hand seals out of pure instinct, but before the jutsu came, he stopped himself and cancelled it.

One might have thought he would use Water Release, as his instincts had told him to do. After all, he had come to know all five chakra natures. The rinnegan had enabled him that possibility, and he had worked hard to master all of them. Instead, he used this as a way to expand his knowledge. Not two, but three magic circles formed before him, all with the same design. He envisioned a surge of liquid flooding to quench the heat, and as he did, he focused his chakra, and water came forth.

It overwhelmed the heat, leaving a hiss of steam around the trees.

Those weren't the unrelenting black flames of Amaterasu. But a question did come to his mind, 'If they had been, would magic even have worked?' He felt the answer was no. He knew without a shadow of doubt that water was far too weak to douse them. So, if something seemed unbelievable, it was likely his magic would fail. 'That is a trial in itself.' he figured.

If he could manage to believe it, then the magic would work—but he would have to imagine it, somehow, even if knowing it would not.

There was no doubt that having spent the time required to learn all five chakra elements had allowed this transition to using magic to be far smoother.

Kuroka narrowed her eyes with suspicion. 'I shouldn't be that surprised, but adapting that quickly…' She could sense the power radiating from him, her gaze locking onto his. The pull of his energy, his concentration—it was all over the place. But those eyes of his carried a massive focus, anchoring his chakra.

What a strange, mysterious, contradictory, and powerful young man.

A grin spread across her face as she inspected him further.

Humans had their weaknesses—fragile bones, limited lifespans, and an inherent lack of natural energy. Most were insignificant compared to supernatural beings. But every so often, there was an exception. Sasuke wasn't just part of that rare percentage. He belonged to an even smaller, tier. He had defeated a god, dragons, and devils alike, and he was still young.

Youth in humans also had its own unique trait—a potential that the devil, fallen angel, and angel societies all envied.

The ability to multiply and grow in a relatively short and efficient manner.

'He's no dragon, though...' she thought to herself, disappointed.

Kuroka appeared before him, her voice light and playful, "~Nya, There's the Sasuke-kun I've been hearing so much about. I have to say, you work fast—too fast for my liking." she then gave a sly smirk, "Unfortunately, I have to leave soon. I've learned, while being hunted by devil society, that being in one place for too long is never good for my health. But before I go, I would like to show you something."

His tone was low, but no doubt interested, "Senjutu..."

"Not quite," she replied, tilting her head, "But it will help prepare you for it. To master senjutsu, your body and mind must be completely at ease. You must connect with nature—your spirit needs to be green, not black. And your relationship with Ki is the ultimate contributor to success. If you understand Ki, you will know senjutsu."

There were a few things to ponder about that, but he did ask, "My spirit is black?"

The woman shook her head, "Let's just say, I know you have had... a rough past." was all she going to say about it, "I know because, I did too. And I can relate." Kuroka then gave him a wink, "Luckily for you, Ki can also help others. May I?"

"Then show me," Sasuke said. "If it helps, I'll try it."

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Close your eyes~."

Reluctantly, he did so. If something bad were to happen, he would know before it came regardless.

Kuroka rested her head against his back, her arms gently wrapping around his stomach. She released her Ki—life energy that flowed softly into him. It wasn't harmful. In fact, it was as she said. Ki was known to heal wounds, ease tension, and calm emotional turmoil. It was not a significant amount either, just enough for he could feel it.

Imagine, being in a serene enviornment, almost like a dream. A vision came to his mind, a peaceful one. He felt as if if he was floaitng on his back, at the base of a waterfall. It was not loud, and it was not cold. The perfect temperautre around him. Animals surrounded it, peaceful ones, deer and doe, rabbits and squirrels. They all drank from it. The sky was blue, but but the sun could not be seen. There were pillars of trees and jungles all around.

It was not difficult to embrace it.

This was peace, true peace.

Nor was it a vision.

"This is... a place." he said aloud, "Where is this?"

She did not answer. But her demeanor and the world did change. He could feel her standing up, holding him. Her nose on his back, brushing up toward his ear. She then gave a playful nibble.

"~Nya... ~Nya..."

It wasn't painful, but it was unexpected.

Sasuke opened his eyes, "What are you doing?". Though it seemed like a protest, his tone made it sound otherwise.

"Allow me," she whispered, her voice dripping with mischief. She moved lower, brushing her lips lightly against his cheek before giving him a sudden, deliberate lick.

That was enough.

He brushed her aside, wiping his cheek with a scowl, "What is your problem?" her body fell of him, and he stood suddenly upset, "I didn't learn anything besides that place you showed me."

Kuroka grinned, "Oh, but I learned plenty," she said, her tone sly. "I had no idea you were so... pure." Her eyes lowered with amusement as she leaned in again. "I didn't expect that from someone surrounded by devils. Yet, you've never taken a woman. Is it lack of interest? Or do you simply find none of them to your... taste?"

Sasuke deadpanned, his voice cold and final. "We're done here."

The devil continued to play, "I'm serious, Sasuke-chan. If you want to learn senjutsu, your body must truly be at east. It requires complete peace, especially since you were not born with it." That was news to him, " If you want your body to truly be at ease..." Her eyes blinked suggestively. "...You'll let me give you real satisfaction. Ki can do wonders after a moment of... clarity."

There was never a more annoyed state of expression on his face.

"Before you go," he said, "Hold this."

She stared down, and took into her hand a piece of paper.

"No words, no confessions, no thank you, no farewell," Clearly disappointed, she asked, "What is this for?"

Sasuke eyed the paper, "Just pour some chakra into it." he instructed.

As she did, a sound came, one that startled her.

'Wind...' he observed.

Even in this world, chakra paper still works.

Kyoto

A Cultural Experience

Sasuke stared down at the pamphlet, its bold lettering advertising the event. For the second-year students at Kuoh Academy, it was a grand time of the year. The school was preparing for its annual trip to the historic city of Kyoto.

Kyoto held significant importance in this country, boasting great modern relevance and deep supernatural ties. Many factions had operations rooted there. However, this trip was strictly for the academy—it had no connection to any devil-related business.

The Occult Research Club had commenced once again after school, and the club had even upgraded. In his infinite wisdom, the Norse God Odin had decided to leave his Valkyrie, Rossweisse, under the care of Azazel and the devils. She had become extremely emotional and abandoned since the decision, often sulking in tears. At first, Sasuke thought she should be happy, not having to serve someone like a God, but then he remembered how far from home she had become.

Though they had emerged victorious in the underworld, a bittersweet feeling lingered within the club. Most of the intense fighting had been against one of their own. Issei had fallen into a coma shortly after being forced to disperse his Juggernaut Drive and had taken weeks to recover. When he did awaken, the club threw a party for him.

Sasuke had felt a quiet shred of respect for Issei's power and determination. Rage-driven or not, the boy was growing stronger, and everyone was taking notice.

Azazel had told Issei, "If you can master control over your emotions, you could unlock the full potential of the Juggernaut Drive. Who knows? You might even surpass Sasuke someday."

The Uchiha had smirked but remained silent, while the rest of the club exchanged skeptical glances. Despite Azazel's confidence, none of them could imagine anyone besting Sasuke—not yet, anyway.

Now, all attention was on Rias as she stood confidently before the club, holding the pamphlet in her hands.

"We're finally getting a chance to relax," The King declared, her smile radiant. "Kyoto is my favorite city in Japan, and this trip couldn't have come at a better time. We'll enjoy ourselves and recharge because we'll need to be at our best for the next Rating Game against my cousin."

The room's mood shifted at the mention of Sairaorg Bael.

"Sairaorg-san..." Koneko muttered, her voice quiet.

"Who's that?" Gasper asked, glancing nervously at Koneko. When she didn't respond, he shook her repeatedly, her head bouncing back and forth. "WHO IS THAT!?"

Sasuke pushed him back, sending Gasper tumbling off the couch.

The Rook then gave the human a strange look, tilting her head slightly. He stared back, but had no idea why her gaze was so... perplexed.

Kiba tensed, "Sairaorg Bael is said to be the strongest young devil in the Underworld. During their match against Glasya-Labolas, he single-handedly defeated their entire force. His own peerage didn't even leave their seats."

The room fell silent. That revelation was unnerving for everyone preparing to face him.

Rias nodded, her tone low and thoughtful. "After Team Astaroth... fell, that left only two peerages in the tournament. Ours and Sairaorg's." She crossed her arms, lowering her eyes in suspicion, "It's also suspected that Diodora cheated during his match against Team Agares. But... we'll likely never know the truth. I still can't believe what had happened with him."

The betrayal of a High-Class devil like Diodora rang loudly throughout the Underworld. He was supposed to be a great lord someday, yet his actions had tarnished his entire house, leaving their prestige and legitimacy in ruins.

Akeno frowned. "The Rating Game Commission is refusing to investigate House Astaroth any further since they now have a new heir. I suppose it would be unfair to blame an entire noble family for the actions of just one member."

The King's frown softened into a smile. "My old friend Latia was named heiress, which is good news for everyone. She truly cares about being a great person and a great leader." she then smirked mischievously, adding, "I even heard she's become quite close to her uncle, Lord Beelzebub-sama. I have to admit, I feel a hint of rivalry, as I'm close to my onee-sama."

"Lucifer, Sitri, and Beelzebub," Kiba remarked. "A triad rivalry?"

"I intend to win it all." Rias declared confidently.

Sasuke ignored most of the ramblings. He did not care too much for Kyoto or the Rating Game. What concerned him the most was a name. Beelzebub. He was the one to wary of, if the things he had been told about him were true. His goal was still to get to the underworld, and to get the floating city, and to reach the castle above it. There, there he would find the answers he needed.

He nudged Xenovia, who was standing far too close to him, "Do you think it's strange how someone like a moau did not know his own brother was a spy? I find it rather suspicious. What do you think?" he asked in a deliberate whispered tone.

The Knight nodded and spoke loudly toward Rias, "Buchou... do you think..." she paused, but a look from him assured her, "Do you think he knew?" she asked, staring at all the faces in the room, "I mean, he was his brother, after all. I don't know how it works in devil politics, but you, Buchou, are very close to your brother."

Rias quickly intervened, her voice firm yet defensive. "Lord Ajuka Beelzebub-sama has been my brother's closest friend since they were children. After the civil war, he was chosen as Beelzebub for his intelligence, loyalty, and leadership. I don't believe he knew anything about Diodora's schemes." She faltered slightly, her confidence wavering as she added, "But... he was his brother."

Sasuke took a slow sip of his tea, "You have a close relationship with your brother," he remarked, "Would Sirzechs know if you were hiding something like that?"

The question lingered in the room, heavy and unanswered. All eyes turned to Rias, who stammered, "I... I don't know. Diodora seemed proud of his brother, but I didn't know him well."

"Does it matter?" Issei muttered bitterly, "He's dead. Who cares who he truly was?"

Azazel, sensing the rising tension, stepped in to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Ajuka-san is someone we should be grateful to have on our side," The fallen angel said carefully. "His intellect and power are unmatched, even compared to me. So, let's avoid speculating about his involvement with the Khaos Brigade. That kind of talk could be dangerous, especially since there is no proof."

That was not the confident answer they had been hoping to hear. Still, he was right. There was no proof, and it was a bad idea to start randomly accusing people of being traitors.

'But what if there was?' Sasuke wondered.

The supposed advisor and mentor of the club suddenly clapped his hands, "Now, about Kyoto! This is an opportunity to unwind, drink a little sake, and for some of us, mingle with the beautiful women of the city. I cannot lie, the ones over there make the ones here look like country bumpkins." As in typical Fallen Angel fashion, it was was no surprise his interests consisted of indulgences that would make any Angel frown upon.

"Yes, sir!" Issei followed, his original self returning for a moment.

"Azazel-sensei," Koneko muttered, her voice flat, "Your priorities are always… questionable."

"Questionable? No, no, my priorities are balanced," Azazel replied with sarcasm, "A little sightseeing, a little R&D, and maybe even some new friends. It's all about balance."

Rias shook her head with a small smile. "While some of us are focused on unwinding," she said, cutting Azazel a glance, "The rest of us will use this time to prepare mentally for the Rating Game. But when we return, I expect full physical examinations." Her tone shifted, becoming more serious. "We're tied at 1-1. The next match will define our peerage's reputation in the Underworld. If we win this tournament, the whole underworld will acknowledge us."

Azazel rubbed his chin, "Sasuke-kun, I'd like you to be more than a observer this time. In Kyoto, and in the rating game, I hope you will become our vanguard."

Vanguard. Now that, was a better word than servant, or steward, or advisor. It was a respected one, as vanguards are used often in this world. Even powerful beings who may not seem like they need a guard have one.

The King gave an appropriate nod, "I would very much like that. What do you say, Sasuke-kun?" she had learned to ask rather than command him to do things. Showing the human respect, in turn, made him feel more likely to respect her. Who would have thought?

Sasuke crossed his arms and smirked, "And what's in it for me? Why should I have this... honor?"

Rias blinked, her smile faltering. "What's in it for you?" she repeated.

Akeno stepped in smoothly, a warm smile on her face. She poured Sasuke another cup of tea, "Surely we can offer something that satisfies even Sasuke-kun."

"It'll take more than tea." he replied jokingly.

The Queen leaned closer, her smile widening. "I'm open to suggestions."

Rias's eyes narrowed. "Akeno..."

"It's nothing to get worked up about, Buchou," Akeno said with a laugh. "Just trying to keep things interesting. Oh, and as for you, Sasuke-kun... perhaps you would like to visit me again in the middle of the night?"

The room exploded, eyes widening.

Some of the people in this very club had actually spied on them that day. But they had no idea that it had continued past their observations.

Rias froze, "W-Wait What do you mean again? You two... at night?"

"He did WHAT!?" Issei's voice shot up, his jaw practically unhinged.

Koneko frowned, her tone quiet, "That's... unforgivable... sneaking off in the middle of the night. How horrible."

"... What does that mean?" Rossweisse asked. Her head had been buried into her arms to shield her face from being seen. The dry tears as clear day.

That night, however, hadn't been as scandalous as Akeno's teasing suggested. It had been a profound moment for the two of them—one filled with vulnerability and an understanding that neither could easily put into words. For her, the memory of that night was warm. Even though most of it involved her embarrassing herself, it had ended in the best way possible, and that made up for everything.

Everyone has their own way of dealing with negative emotions. For her, joking about it was a good sign. It meant she wasn't hung up on it and could instead look back fondly.

Still, for her to even bring it up clearly address to the those in the room that these two have something... different.

But the one who mostly took advantage of this situation was no other than the Govenor-General.

Azazel grinned at Sasuke, and that instantly soured the Uchiha's mood. He didn't even say anything—he didn't have to. There was no better feeling for him than being right.

Akeno smiled, her playful charm never faltering. "Ara, relax, Buchou. It was nothing improper... unless you count deep conversations and stargazing as shameful, ufufu."

Issei blinked. "Stargazing? With him?" He slumped back in his chair. The image was hard to believe.

Rias's glare softened, though she still huffed. "Next time, let me know before you go sneaking around in the middle of the night," she grumbled.

Her Quen simply giggled again. "I'll be sure to invite you along, Buchou. I'm sure it would be more fun with the three of us."

It was time to depart.

Kuroka was nowhere to be found. She had stated that due to her being a criminal, she often felt it was wise to never be in one place for a significant amount time. Siginifcant fo course meaning just a couple of hours. It must have been hard living like that, all these years. Killing a High-Class devil of course, is no light matter. She would likely be hunted until her end days, with no one willing to pardon a murderer, and a member of the Khaos Brigade.

Perhaps Vali need her now. After all, every subfaction within the organization had its own goals, despite supposedly being under the thumb of Ophis.

"Keep going! Do your best!"

The voice had come from Akeno, who sat excitedly on a park bench. They were deep in the woods behind her home, along a secluded trail that wove through the trees. The clearing they occupied was small and quiet—a patch of open field where they could train undisturbed by humans or devils.

At first, she thought he was joking

Uchiha Sasuke, asking for help regarding magic?

It seemed almost absurd. After all, this was Sasuke—one of the strongest, most capable, and most reliable people she had ever known. He was an ace on their side in every conflict. Though, to her, he was becoming something more. She wouldn't admit it aloud—there was nothing official between them, of course—but the thought lingered nonetheless for the Queen.

No doubt it was... odd. Sasuke had used magic before, or at least his own equivalent of it. But no one had ever asked him about his power. It was considered rude to ask someone about such things if you didn't know them well, after all. Power wasn't like a salary to be shared or a set of answers to a homework assignment. It was deeply personal. The struggles one endured to obtain power often turned it into a secret.

But this wasn't just any magic.

It was ice-magic.

Other people knew ice-magic. Rias did, to an extent. So did Rossweisse. But asking them for anything felt like a chore, so he didn't.

The problem was... he sucked at it, but that was okay.

Fire, Water, Wind, and Lightning had all come to him effortlessly. Natural, instinctual, as though they'd always been part of him. Within minutes, he could wield them with an efficiency that made others pale in comparison.

Ice, however, was different.

Akeno found it fun. "Keep going! Do your best!" she meant it, but it felt like teasing. Watching someone as powerful as him struggle with something as novice as ice magic was rare—and, truthfully, amusing. Though he was composed, she could feel the frustration in the air.

"Show me again."

As commanded, his friend appeared before him, a playful boldness rising within her. Like showing someone how to draw a bow, she gently lifted his arm and compared it to her own. She didn't need to do this, but he didn't object.

"Open your hand," she instructed, her curved lips never failing. "Think of... the cold. Water. Frozen. Blue. Ice. Think of ice cubes, glaciers, icicles."

Both of them had there magic circles out and idle.

Akeno thought, 'It's purple, dark and black. And the center... it's an eye. It's his eye.' she looked at them, red and purple. A part of her wondered why he chose his left instead of his right. She did not even know he had a magic circle, as normally he used his hands to utilize magic, which was also strange. In his gaze she did not see focus nor determination. There was something there. Distant. Dark. Lost in thought. Day dreaming? No... there was something else stirring with him.

Reflection?

Seeing his lack of response, the Queen took the lead. A soft purple magic circle flared to life, its edges glowing faintly. Moments later, razor-sharp shards of ice erupted forward, striking a nearby tree with a satisfying crack.

Sasuke watched, and narrow as he tried to analyze the way she did it. The precision, the flow of her demonic energy, and the end result. But nothing followed. No frost, no shards, only silence.

Finally, he lowered his hand. "Let's take a break."

She studied him for a moment, her teasing smile softening. She could tell he was not one to give up, but the lack of success is strange. It's as if he has some strange relationship with the type of magic.

"Alright," Akeno agreed gently, brushing her hair back. "But don't worry, Sasuke-kun. Even prodigies need to take their time sometimes."

There was only so much teasing he could take.

They sat in silence, both enjoying the sound of the breeze. It was not awkward, as it would have been with others. Suddenly, she jolted and reached into her bag. Out came a box, just a small container. She smiled and handed it to him, "Maybe you're hungry." she smiled, but he remained as blank as ever.

Sasuke stared at the box for a moment, "That's for you."

"Good thing I brought two, ufufu." Akeno replied, happily pulling out a second box and placing it firmly in his lap.

Her friend was not hungry, in fact, he was rarely ever hungry, but he relented. In the corner of his eye, he could see her violet eyes trying to see his reaction.

He ate without complaint, though his gaze remained on the ground. Every now and then, his focus drifted into the distance, his thoughts clearly somewhere far away. Deep thoughts, heavy ones. She'd seen this expression on him before—during meetings, quiet moments, or when the rest of the club joked and laughed. He could seem so detached, as though his mind roamed another world entirely.

'I know that look.' she thought, her curiosity softening into concern.

Ice. Ice-Release.

The thought sent a chill up his spine. A rare feeling, but when it came, it came hard. A sorrow then follow, one that slowly but surely made its way to the center of his recollection.

Ice-release is an extinct Kekkei Genkai, long forgotten, save for one wielder he'd met long ago.

Haku.

Sasuke remembered him like it were yesterday. His feminine appearance, his lethal combat style, his terrifying powers. His long-forgotten potential. At the time, the Uchiha hadn't truly seen it. But there had been a shared connection between them, one he only recognized now. Looking back, it was clearer. Though, back then, the two had been enemies, and there had been no real time to dwell on it.

They were alike in a sad way.

The last of their kind.
The last of their bloodlines.
The last of the last.

Haku's face surfaced in his memory, surrounded by snow and sorrow. Ice Release—beautiful, powerful, and now... gone forever.

Sasuke suddenly began to speak, his voice low and heavy, "In my village… where I'm from… there was this person. He was one of a kind. The only person. The only one there who could use ice... magic."

Akeno paused as she turned to her him. She studied his face and asked, "Only one?"

He nodded. "He was the only one. Can you imagine that? Being the only one left?"

It was not common for him to speak of his past. Something that set him a part from the other club members.

"He was strong," Sasuke continued, his voice quieter now. "But not as strong as he could've been. He was young, only a few years older than me. And... he died."

The words lingered in the air, heavy and as somber as it could be.

Akeno hesitated, then asked softly, "How did he die?"

"Protecting his friend." he replied, his eyes growing distant.

The memory was still vivid—Haku leaping in front of Zabuza, taking the full force of Kakashi's Chidori to the chest. It was not entirely different than what he had done for Naruto, but that had not killed him. When he woke from his injuries, he was still surprised to see that even enemies have codes of honors, friends to protect. And despite knowing he was the last of his kind, Haku had died in a way that he had wanted to.

"From who?" Akeno asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Sasuke's jaw tightened. 'From us.'

"The world," he said, "A world that needs to change."

She placed a hand gently on his shoulder, "You're not in that village anymore."

No, he wasn't.

For a moment, they sat in silence—one shared for Haku, the other for Sasuke himself.

He suddenly stood up, and walked toward the grass. His hand slowly raised, and once again, his magic circle formed. This time, he did not try to suppress the memories. Instead, he embraced them, 'I remember you, Haku.' he told himself. His mind flashed toward the ice mirrors, and the sharp rain of senbons that had struck him. That was real, at that moment, the ice-release was alive. Even though it was gone now, he tried to use the memory as a way to create it once more. To bring it back to life, even if it was magic, not a Kekkei Genkai.

It then came.

Not shards of ice, no, but senbons came out. They impacted a tree, so fast and forceful that it shattered into many pieces to the ground.

Akeno's face lit up, "You did it!" she said with excitement, "Congratulations!"

It may seem like not a big deal. As ice was easy for novices. But for him, with his experience with it, it was difficult. Since, in his mind, he knew that back home, ice is gone. And it is never truly coming back.

'Not the last anymore, Haku.'

The Queen then suddenly said something pulled him back, "Now, I have to admit, I am sad."

Sasuke turned to her, "Why?"

"You'll be gone for two days!" she pouted, crossing her arms and looking away, "To Kyoto."

His incredulous look was immediate. "You're not going?"

"No," Akeno sighed, brushing a strand of hair back. "Not me, Koneko-chan, or Gasper-kun. We'll stay here."

Sasuke frowned slightly. "I don't have to go."

She jolted upright, leaning closer. "It's a beautiful city! You'd love it. I know you don't like large crowds, but Rias knows her way around. She'll make sure you're comfortable."

That did not bother him, but what did was something else, "That Azazel." he replied, "I could use two days away from him."

Akeno's cheeks flushed faintly, "I want you to go."

He answered with a sharp, "It doesn't matter what you want."

She shook her head, a small, persistent smile on her lips as her eyes met his. "Sasuke-kun, it'll be fine. And when you come back..."

The Uchiha narrowed his eyes. "What happens when I come back?"

"I want to ask you something."

"Ask me now," he said firmly. "You never know—I may never come back."

The bluntness of his words caught her off guard. Akeno stammered, "Ara, At least give me time to prepare myself. It's not like I've ever done this before, ufufu."

He stared at her for a long moment, before finally relenting, "Fine, then."

Kyoto-Season 4 Time

In Boruto, Sasuke does try to replicate Ice-Release, that's why I wanted to do this little homage to Haku and that. I thought it was cool Kishimoto looked back on it and made it somewhat relevant to the story again.

This chapter definitely was different, just three longer-formed scenes.

Let me know what you think!