He had once been revered as the "Angel of the Stars", a symbol of grace and power until he had fallen from such heights. Kokabiel was of one of the original twenty angels who joined Azazel in their banishment from Heaven.
Now, he sat, and stared down at his subordinates who are currently joining him on the pathway to banishment.
But it would not be permanent. They will need him for the upcoming conflicts.
"Dreaming, Kokabiel-sama?" An elderly priest asked, his voice breaking through the silence.
"Reminiscing," Kokabiel answered with a grin. "This sensation before war brings back a wave of nostalgia."
Suddenly, a crazed voice interrupted, brimming with manic energy. "Tell us, boss! What about it!? Did you take down Lucifer? God-sama? How many have you killed?" Freed Sellzen stared at him with wide, awestruck eyes.
"Kukuku," The Cadre chuckled, the sound echoing in the room. "I led the vanguard of our forces. Azazel took our best with him, but I didn't care. Nearly 400,000 of us. I smashed Beelzebub's host when they tried to invade our side of the underworld. Every front, every battle I could be at, I was there. I took control of Purgatory, sending the Angels back above. Had it not been for Azazel's foolish command, I could have besieged Heaven and shattered those gates! But no! Withdraw he said! And withdraw we did."
He paused for a moment, the memories flooding back, "I faced God… and lived." The weight of that thought made him reconsider his nostalgia for war. for a moment "And now, that old man is dead. It's time to finish what we started." A fire ignited in his heart as he thought, "I will set fire to Heaven, just as I planned. I will annex the entire underworld for our sake. Even the Realm of the Dead. Hades will mean nothing after we deal with the main threats. This world is ours. All we have to do is take it."
Valper Galilei, the priest, smiled warmly. "Your commitment to the true path has never faltered, Kokabiel-sama."
Kokabiel bristled at the comment. "I fought for us! For our face, for the Grigori!" He sighed heavily. "For what? To hear plans of Azazel wanting a true peace treaty instead of an armistice? To be forgotten? To fade into history like the original Satans?"
With that, he rose from his chair, wrath igniting in his eyes, just as they did all those years ago.
"Not anymore."
In the quiet tension of the Student Council Room, the entire peerage of Sona Sitri gathered, their attention drifting between the chessboard and their 'King'. Uchiha Sasuke sat across from Sona, not participating in their usual supernatural affairs—he was human, after all—but there was something about this game that felt like a battle all its own. Chess was their arena at this moment, a mental combat of wits.
"They appear more confident," Sona mused aloud, her gaze never leaving the board. "Rias told me that was your doing."
Sasuke said nothing, moving his knight with a steady hand. He did not play chess often, but he understood how the pieces worked, which was all he needed. Sona, however, was testing him in more ways than one.
"Tell me, were you trained by the Church? Or perhaps a magician faction?" Her voice was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath it, seeking answers.
His mind drifted briefly to Rias, irritation bubbling up, 'Does she tell her everything?' He clenched his teeth in silence.
"Is it a secret?" Sona pressed.
Before Sasuke could even decline to answer, one of her pawns, Genshirou Saji, spoke up. "The Kaichou is speaking to you!"
The human did not react, his eyes still focused on the board. Sona, however, turned to Saji with an icy glare.
"Saji," The president said, her voice cold and commanding, "Go in the closet. Turn the light off. Fall to your knees. Cover your ears, and don't come out until I bring you out." It was a strange punishment, but the peerage knew the 'King' would give a more proper disciplinary action later on.
The boy's defiance crumbled immediately, and he sulked away, doing as he was told. The room's tension shifted once again, as Sona returned her focus to the game. "My apologies. Such interruptions in the middle of a match are intolerable."
Sasuke remained impassive, though inwardly amused. He finally spoke, but with caution. "...What else did she tell you?"
It had been a slip—Sasuke was not like Itachi. He made small mistakes on missions like this, and his inquiries into his own curiosities revealed something the more observant High-Class devil took notice of.
Sona raised an eyebrow, her curiosity clearly piqued. "So, you're secretive. That's fair and understandable." Her attention returned to the chessboard. "...Check."
Sasuke blinked, realizing he had become lost in his thoughts. He had tried to organize a counterattack, but it was futile. His mind wandered, distracted by the upcoming Rating Game. The devil remained relentless. Her strategies were impeccable, each move precise and calculated. Every piece seemed to glide into place with purpose, as if she had already seen this coming.
"You've improved," The 'King' commented, her eyes still on the board. "You didn't charge in like before. This time, you sacrificed your pawns strategically, setting up your knights." She glanced up at Sasuke, her tone thoughtful but firm. "However, you relied too much on your rooks and bishops to compensate for the losses. Pawns have value, somewhat."
He remained silent, his gaze fixed on the final position as Sona's hand hovered over the board.
"Have you been practicing?" She asked, before delivering the inevitable, "Checkmate."
He had not been practicing with chess.
Before Sasuke could dwell on the defeat, Tsubaki Shinra, Sona's Queen, approached with a tray in hand. She placed a cup of tea and biscuits before them, but as she poured his tea, her hand trembled slightly, spilling a few drops. His eyes darted to her, though he remained silent. It was clear her nerves were frayed, a small but telling slip—much like the mistakes he had just made.
The tea was not up to what he had become used to at this school.
"…Thank you, Tsubaki…" Sona said, a hint of irritation in her voice, her sharp eyes catching the unusual fumble. She glanced at Sasuke briefly, her thoughts clouded with concern. 'This boy will tear my peerage apart'. She thought grimly.
Her tone shifted, growing more serious. "If Rias loses… what are your plans then? Do you still wish to become a devil? I heard Riser won't allow her to expand her peerage. And might even expel her Knight and Pawn."
Sasuke's gaze lowered, his thoughts wandering back to Rias and the devils that surrounded him like vultures. They were simply waiting for the right opportunity. He had no intention of becoming a piece on someone else's game, but that did not stop them from playing him like one.
Before he could properly decline, the atmosphere shifted, and a voice echoed through the room.
"It's starting!"
The Rating Game—a contest of power and strategy between devils and their peerages, created by Ajuka Beelzebub with the invention of the Evil Pieces. In the Underworld, victory in these games meant more than just a win. It defined a devil's strength, prestige, and social standing.
Sasuke couldn't help but compare it to the Chūnin Exams from his own world. The brutal trials of the Forest of Death rushed back to him—where death was not just a possibility but a certainty for the unprepared. The Rating Game, by contrast, held a stronger sense of civility, with its rules and barriers. But just because the fighters were not supposed to die did not mean one could ignore the strain of battle. The stakes were always high, and the consequences felt just as real.
What made the Rating Games particularly fascinating was that it wasn't merely about brute force or eliminating opponents. There were countless strategies—intricate, well-thought-out maneuvers—that could secure victory.
Yet, for this specific match, it was the last man standing.
A fight to the finish.
It was Rias Gremory's first Rating Game… and…
"They lost?!" Euclid exclaimed, disbelief etched across his face. His usual smug expression gave way to genuine surprise as he read the journal. "Ten days, and they still lost?!"
Sasuke stood nearby, arms crossed, watching in silence. He leaned against the wall, a scowl etched on his face, as it often was when he was around this devil.
Yes, they lost.
It was unfortunate.
The strategy Rias and her peerage had employed was solid, and for most of the battle, it seemed they would win in a landslide. Riser's entire peerage had been wiped out without Rias losing a single member.
They fought relentlessly, and even with Phenex Tears—capable of healing and restoring the Phenex peerage—they overcame them again and again.
The battle against Riser himself took place on the roof of the school, all of them fighting together, slowly wearing him down. Six-on-one, they had pushed the High-Class devil to the brink. But then, his true power became too apparent—his regenerative ability, a Kekkei Genkai of near-infinite regrowth. As they pressed their advantage, Riser began to recover and recover, turning the tide of the battle slowly against them.
It had been extremely frustrating to witness. Sasuke hadn't been able to help—not even with simple advice. A full-force attack from everyone at once could have potentially obliterated Riser so thoroughly that there would be nothing left to regenerate from. But he couldn't say a word to them.
Instead, Rias's team stuck to their original plan. Kiba and Koneko flanked Riser, mirroring each other's movements, while Issei supported them in the middle. Akeno and Rias provided long-range firepower, and Asia worked tirelessly to heal the wounded. They had him pinned time and time again, but even their combined efforts weren't enough.
Eventually, Riser's regeneration wore them down. One by one, they fell. It had been a grueling watch—Koneko, Kiba, Akeno, and finally Issei.
Sasuke glanced at a ring resting on the table between them. "Is that it?" he asked as he walked over. "This will do it?"
Laughter continued to echo in the room. "Yes," Euclid replied, a strong hint of amusement in his voice. "I must say, it's quite a unique problem. You mentioned your left eye is deformed—a genetic mutation? That might fool everyone else, but if you let me perform some surgery, I could potentially fix your eyes to match the other one."
The Uchiha ignored his words, instead placing the ring around his right index finger. He glanced into the mirror, and just as Euclid had said, the appearance of his left eye seemed to match his other eye.
It had become tedious to constantly use the transformation jutsu.
"Now," Euclid continued, leaning in slightly. "I may not know the exact reason behind your eye's condition, but if I had to speculate, it holds some power... Am I wrong?"
Sasuke remained silent, his expression unreadable.
"Just know that if you exert power, you'll disturb the purpose of the ring," Euclid warned. "It recycles your chakra. I must also mention that dealing with chakra is incredibly frustrating compared to demonic power. I had to put more research into something so simple than I should have."
There was no need to discuss this further. He decided to change the subject. "…I saw your sister." Sasuke said with irritation. "You didn't tell me she was related to Gremory. Tell me everything, or we're going to have a serious problem with the next group of devils you send me to."
The sound of glass shattering broke the air. Euclid's smugness vanished in an instant, his face draining of color. His eyes locked onto the shinobi, the shock now raw and unguarded. He had been drinking tea, but it now lay on the floor.
"…Grayfia?" The devil whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "You saw... Grayfia?"
Sasuke had never seen the Euclid look like this—his expression was an unsettling mix of shock, sadness, anger, and something resembling happiness. It was as if hearing about his sister stirred emotions even he couldn't control. For someone who usually radiated arrogance, witnessing him so conflicted was quite the sight.
"I did."
Euclid swallowed hard. Gone was the superiority. In its place was something more vulnerable, more... human. "What... is she... how is she?" He asked, his voice strained, as if the question itself carried an unbearable weight. It was clear this topic was sensitive for him, though he couldn't fully grasp its depth.
But it made sense—Euclid was loyal to Rizevim, while Grayfia had married someone considered as a usurper, an enemy to Rizevim.
Eventually, the devil spoke again, his voice wavering as he asked, "Does she... when she introduced herself, did she use... did she use her last name?"
Sasuke paused, trying to recall the details before dismissing them. "I don't remember, and honestly, I don't care. But I need something from you." He fixed Euclid with a serious gaze, "I need information on your magic and your books. Don't ask why. Just get them for me. Barriers, teleportation—everything."
Euclid remained motionless, seemingly lost in thought, his earlier composure nowhere to be found.
Annoyed by the lack of response, Sasuke snapped his fingers. "Did you hear me!?" he demanded.
Still, Euclid did not respond, his mind evidently preoccupied.
He walked through the castle corridors, the cool, dim light casting long shadows as he passed. The vampires in his path moved aside without a word, their eyes dropping in silent respect—or fear. They thought they knew exactly who he was, but more importantly, they understood who he was affiliated with. The sole human didn't have to utter a single word. His presence was enough to keep them at bay. In his hands, he carried a silver platter laden with an assortment of foods—a juicy steak, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, a bottle of fine wine, and a small glass of what appeared to be…
Blood.
As Sasuke turned down the hall, his mind wandered to his distaste for these creatures—vampires. He had come to know them during his time here, and he disliked them intensely. The very concept of feeding off others, treating human life as nothing more than sustenance, revolted him. In the Shinobi world, such acts were considered beyond unethical. They represented a fundamental violation of natural law. Here, in this world, it was no different—except in this small corner of reality, where such practices were accepted.
To them, it was as natural as breathing oxygen.
Only one among them had earned his tolerance. Only one had garnered his concern. Only one sparked his desire to see.
His footsteps echoed as he approached the large, ornate door leading to his destination. But before he could reach it, his path was blocked by none other than the head of the castle himself.
"Sasuke-chan." Lord Marius Tepes muttered under his breath in a sly, mocking tone.
Marius Tepes—ruler of the Tepes vampire faction, had imprisoned his own father in the dungeons below, all with the support of Rizevim—wore his betrayal like a badge of honor.
This was not the one he wanted to see.
"Visiting Valerie-chan again?" Marius' voice carried a teasing lilt as his eyes drifted lazily toward the door. "You've always had an affinity for being in her… company. I must say, one might get jealous over the amount of time you two spend together." His posture remained casual and unbothered, as if the human posed no threat. "She is my younger sister, after all. Her well-being is of the utmost concern." His smile widened, yet it held no sincerity.
"Move."
Marius tilted his head, feigning innocence as his strange, almost perfect features curled into a grin. "... Or what?" he taunted. "You going to set the dragons on me, Sasuke-chan?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Do you really want me to say it?"
For a brief moment, the tension spiked. Marius giggled, his grin somehow widening further, as if daring Sasuke to make good on his threat. The Sharingan flared dangerously beneath the surface, ready to drag the vampire into a world of torment. But just as quickly, the lord stepped aside, his mocking laughter still hanging in the air.
"Fine, fine," The vampire said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just don't let anyone get pregnant. She's fragile, as you well know. Childbirth would likely kill her..."
It was a twisted mockery. Marius wanted Valerie to die—there was no denying it.
The human stepped into the room, his eyes immediately drawn to the figure on the bed. Valerie lay there, as she often did—sleeping. It seemed like she slept more and more these days. Her once vibrant blonde hair now appeared almost as pale as her skin, fragile and delicate. Her red eyes—different from his Sharingan, of course—remained closed. She looked even skinnier than the last time he had seen her, her frailty only growing with each passing day.
Valerie was only half-vampire—a Dhampir. Her human side had enabled her to obtain one of God's Artifacts, as only humans could be born with one. It was meant to be a blessing, but for her, it had become a death sentence.
She possesses one of the most powerful Sacred Gears, the Sephiroth Graal. It could heal on an almost godlike scale, revive long-dead figures, and even communicate with the deceased. In the shinobi world, powers like that would have made her a legend. But here, in this world, it wasn't even considered the strongest Sacred Gear.
Yet the Graal came with a steep price. It drained its user, crippling Valerie more with each use. And it was used very often.
The silver platter was placed on a table near her bed, hopefully enough to sustain her. He stood over her and noted how her worsening condition had become increasingly apparent. Lingering for a moment to take in her fragile state, he turned toward the door to leave. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, a soft, sleepy voice called out from behind him.
"Sasuke? … Is that you?"
He paused, glancing over his shoulder. "No."
Valerie slowly sat up, wiping her tired eyes, still groggy from her extended sleep. "It's been a long, long time..." She said, her voice weak.
"Two weeks." He corrected, walking back toward her.
Her expression softened. "The last thing I remember is… saying goodbye." She frowned. "Two weeks... that's a long time, isn't it? … Did the game happen. How did it go?"
"They lost." Sasuke said bluntly, offering her the small glass of thick, red liquid from the platter. "Drink this."
Valerie cupped the glass in her frail hands and brought it to her lips. The blood was thick and slow to go down, but the moment it touched her tongue, she felt a surge of energy course through her veins.
"It gets better every time..." She said with a small, weak smile. The knowledge of what the blood was—his blood—had once made her gag. But over time, she had come to tolerate it, even enjoy it. Now, it had become something she looked forward to, almost an acquired, foreign taste.
Sasuke, however, looked away as she drank. It never sat right with him, watching her consume his blood. It made him uncomfortable, knowing he was contributing to a cycle he found repulsive. But he couldn't deny that it kept her alive, or at least kept her functioning. It was a powerful catalyst for vampires. It enhanced their powers, sharpened their minds, and revitalized their bodies.
"They lost?" Valerie repeated, her brow furrowing in mild disappointment. "That's... a pity." She leaned back against her pillows, the small surge of energy already fading, though the exhaustion still lingered in her eyes. "What happens now?" Few people ever spoke to her. Most of her days were spent in isolation, drifting between sleep and wakefulness, with no idea of what was happening beyond the castle walls. On the rare occasions when she had the strength to rise from her bed, venturing outside the castle felt even more impossible.
His voice was quiet, almost contemplative. "I could start over, rebuild from nothing, and find another group. There are other devils out there... but maybe it's better to just abandon the mission entirely."
Valerie took a small sip of the wine. "The girl..."
Sasuke frowned slightly. "Who?"
"The one..." Valerie trailed off, her tired eyes studying him carefully.
"I don't know who you're talking about."
Valerie's expression softened, a hint of amusement flickering across her face at his forgetfulness, "... The one who is going to marry!"
Sasuke flinched, his composure slipping for just a moment. "Oh, her." His tone shifted, becoming more guarded. "She will marry. She lost."
Valerie's eyes grew sad as she replied, "That's unfortunate. I'm sure she doesn't want to be locked away in her husband's castle. Perhaps you don't have to abandon her. Is it truly over? Maybe... you could..."
"Could what?"
She mustered the strongest smile she could, "... Be the hero..?."
Valerie was nothing like Marius. She was simple, easy to please. Despite being half-vampire, she loved the sun, spending her time outdoors whenever possible—picking flowers, gardening, reading. Anything that connected her to the outside world had become her interest. Unlike her brother, she didn't revel in the misery of others, especially those trapped in situations against their will.
His lips twisted into a smirk, though it held no humor. ".. I'm no hero." He said, his voice colder than before. "I've done more than enough for them. Failure teaches lessons. Relying on me is a crutch, not a solution."
Valerie quietly cut into her steak, the very rare, bloody meat revitalizing her with each bite. She chewed slowly, savoring it, before speaking again. "If she marries, she'll never learn anything either. We all deserve a second chance, don't we?"
Sasuke looked at her, her words cutting deeper than he cared to admit. They echoed thoughts he had buried long ago. The idea of second chances wasn't foreign to him—he had seen it, lived it. But it wasn't something he let himself consider lightly.
The shinobi sighed, letting the silence stretch as he stared into space, lost in thought. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer, almost distant. "I'm no hero..." He repeated, as if trying to convince himself. A flicker of memory passed through his mind, a familiar face surfacing, "But..." he hesitated, unsure whether he wanted to finish the thought.
"I may know someone who wishes he was."
Valerie watched him closely, her eyes sharp despite her weakened state. "And will you let him be?" She asked softly. He did not reply, instead opting to open the curtains of her window—the only one with flexible drapes. The sun streamed in, warming her bed. Dhampirs could endure the sun, but only for a little while. He made a mental note to close them soon.
Sasuke sat down next to her on the bed, staring into her red eyes—an unusual color, even more so than violet.
Valerie Tepes knew who he was.
Not just the story of him being from some magician faction—such nonsense. She had seen him descend from the sky, emerging from the dimensional gap. She wasn't foolish. She could piece things together.
Had she not been there in that moment, would he have died? It was impossible to know. Sasuke hadn't broken through the barrier surrounding the castle. He had appeared already within it. No one would have sensed him. It was quite fortunate that she had been there, picking flowers. She had stopped his hand from bleeding, and perhaps that was what saved his life.
She knew who he is, where he is from, and his intentions. She knew of his world.
The girl had come to truly enjoy everything Sasuke shared. His tales—whether of missions, mundane days, thrilling battles, or even small moments like the weather, the sun, or a brief interaction with someone—she cherished it all. For someone whose life was confined to the darkness of her room and fleeting moments of consciousness, each story was a window into the world she could no longer experience.
"…Can I see it again? Before you go?"
Sasuke paused, fully aware of what she meant. The empty plate in front of her indicated that she had regained a bit of strength, but her cravings extended beyond mere food or sustenance. Sleep and brief moments of awareness were all Valerie had known for years. Her life had been reduced to fragments of what could be. She didn't just want to hear about the outside world. She wanted to see it, to feel it.
Even if only in illusion.
But she could not leave this place. It was her "duty" to be here. To help the Lord of the castle, to help Rizevim, and even to help Sasuke with his goals.
"Your world is beautiful," Valerie he said with a smile and a light blush. "... You have wonderful people there." She paused, her eyes lighting up. "That one, with the blue eyes..."
Sasuke smirked. "Naruto," he replied. "His name is Naruto."
"He's funny... and cute... but so loud." She added, her admiration evident.
Naruto indeed had his moments—loud, obnoxious, and undeniably amusing. That was just who he was, and he never changed.
"He's your friend?" Valerie asked, her curiosity piqued.
Sasuke looked away, his expression distant. "... Yeah." Yet, the truth was far more complex than he let on.
Valerie's interest in him and the shinobi world was clear. There was no need for secrecy with her. She would tell no one, only experiencing fragments of his life. Though there were many memories he preferred to keep hidden, the good ones—the happy moments—were worth sharing of home. She had seen some of his time in the Land of Waves, as well as the written portion of the Chunin Exams.
Who wouldn't be curious?
He sat silently for a moment before activating his Sharingan.
"Look at me."
Valerie's own crimson eyes, dulled by fatigue, widened at the sight of his. For a brief moment, they gleamed with a spark of life before her eyelids grew heavy. Her body slumped back onto the bed as her consciousness slipped away, though Sasuke knew this wasn't sleep—not really.
The genjutsu he cast was gentle, perfectly suited for her frail state. It wasn't an intensive illusion. Rather, it was simple—memories. Through his experiences, Valerie could witness moments from his life that she had never had the chance to experience.
This time, he chose to show her the events from the previous two weeks. The rigorous training, the casual aspects of daily life, and the intensity of the Rating Game.
For Valerie, it was a lifeline to a world she had long been severed from—a glimpse of a life being lived, even if it wasn't her own.
Issei sat alone on the park bench, his eyes locked on the fountain before him. It was that fountain—the one where Raynare had killed him. The memory still clung to him like a dark shadow, haunting him in quiet moments such as this. Dying would traumatize anyone, but his death had been different. It wasn't just about the physical pain or the terror. It was the emotional weight of betrayal, the sting of being deceived by someone he had believed might love him. Back then, he had been consumed with naïve ideas about love and lust—mostly lust—and that ignorance had cost him.
His hands ran through his hair as he slouched down, letting the disappointment wash over him. Ever since they'd lost to Riser, nothing had felt right. The wounds from that battle still seemed fresh, burning his skin even though they were healed. It wasn't the physical scars that hurt, though. It was the defeat, the humiliation. He hated that he had to submit, to fail, to let his 'King' down. The 'King' he loved down.
A shadow stretched across the ground, catching Issei's eye. It was long and familiar in shape. Slowly, he looked up, his eyes dull with sorrow. Just the sight of the person standing there made him speak.
"I was too weak. It was my fault," He said softly, not even trying to hide the disappointment in his voice. He slumped further on the bench, his gaze drifting away for a moment before returning. "The wedding is soon. Grayfia-san gave us all invitations. Did you get one?"
The figure standing over him was Sasuke. Issei's eyes searched the Uchiha's face, but all he found was the same calm, detached expression that Sasuke always wore. It was hard, seeing a comrade, a friend, a classmate, standing over him while he wallowed in defeat. In moments like these, what Issei probably needed was comfort—someone to sit beside him, console him, maybe even hug him, telling him it would be okay.
But Sasuke wasn't the comforting type. Instead, what he did next was far more fitting.
Sasuke slapped him.
The crack of the impact echoed through the quiet park. Issei's head jerked to the side, the sting instantly bringing him out of his self-pity. His hand instinctively flew to his cheek, eyes wide in shock.
"What the hell!?" The devil yelled, staring at Sasuke in disbelief. He stood up, fist clenched, throwing it at his classmate.
The Uchiha caught it, his grip firm. "You still can't punch properly," he remarked, his hand trailing down to Issei's wrist, squeezing and twisting it backward. Issei reacted like a ragdoll, spinning around before Sasuke let go, sending him stumbling into the grass.
"Quit sulking," Sasuke commanded. "What's been going on?"
Issei recoiled, frustration flashing across his face as he spat, "What plan? We lost!" His voice dropped, heavy with the weight of defeat. "...We lost."
"I can't believe you lost," Sasuke said, his tone cold and unfeeling. "That fight was nothing, and you still lost."
Issei didn't react to the jab, just slumped deeper into his seat, the shame swallowing him whole.
"Well, I didn't lose," Sasuke continued, his voice unwavering. "So tell me, what's been going on?"
Issei sighed, slumping even further. "After the fight... we all recovered and went our separate ways. I don't know, it's too sad being around them. I feel like such a failure. We all do. Akeno-san said Grayfia-san will invite us all soon. They might even let you come."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. They might even let the human come. How generous.
"I asked you a question," Sasuke repeated, irritation creeping into his voice.
"And I gave you an answer! Fuck off!" Issei snapped, glaring up at him. "You didn't even stay with us after. She was so sad when you didn't watch us."
"Oh, I watched," Sasuke replied, his gaze sharpening. "And believe me, you did not want to see me after."
Issei clenched his fists, holding back the urge to strike. "What's the plan, then?"
Sasuke ignored the question. "What's your plan?" he asked coldly. "What are you going to do about it?"
Issei paused, feeling the weight of Sasuke's question. He met the Uchiha's gaze, realizing Sasuke already knew the answer. He sighed. "I've been thinking…"
"About?"
"I went to talk to Ddraig."
"Who?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"My Sacred Gear! My dragon!" Issei replied, sounding a bit exasperated.
Sasuke smirked. "Negotiating with that beast? It serves you. There's no talking. It either does what you say, or you make it do what you say." To Sasuke, dragons were no different from tailed beasts—powerful, but mindless creatures driven by instinct, needing someone to control them.
Issei shook his head, brushing off the comment. "Shut up… but we've been talking. I have a plan. Maybe. I haven't thought it all out yet."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Forget your plan, your plans have only ended in disaster. Take this, instead, and make sure no one ever sees it." He handed Issei a small scroll, pushing it into his hands and tucking it into his jacket.
The devil glanced down at the scroll, curious. "What is it?"
"Magic," Sasuke replied, his tone deadly serious. "Just pour your energy into it, and make sure Riser is standing still. Do not face it the wrong way. You will die otherwise."
Issei blinked, gripping the scroll tighter. "This is your power? Wouldn't that be… cheating?"
The Uchiha shrugged. "You want to save her, don't you?"
Money was no issue for the Kuoh Academy student.
He had come here with more than enough to live comfortably. Upon his arrival, he rented an apartment closer to the city center, a place that buzzed with life and energy. It was not just a matter of convenience. The strategic location allowed him to be at the epicenter of everything. From this vantage point, he could observe the world unfolding in every direction.
As he approached his "home," anticipation mixed with a sense of unease. He reached for the doorknob, a sense of familiarity washing over him, but just as his fingers brushed against the cool metal, an instinctual alarm shot through him.
He paused, taking a moment to center himself. There was no mistaking it. Someone was inside.
Not just anyone—someone powerful. But not unfamiliar.
The words Euclid had told him rang in his head. He looked down and noted the ring still on his finger.
"Just know that if you exert power, you'll disturb the purpose of the ring."
He didn't immediately acknowledge the figure standing in the corner, with gray hair cascading down and blue eyes steady, her calm demeanor ever-present. It was better to feign ignorance.
"Sasuke-san." Her voice came, soft yet direct.
The human pretended to be startled, his expression shifting to one of mild surprise as he looked over. "You," he said, his tone flat. "What do you want?"
"I wish to invite you to the engagement party," Grayfia stated, her tone as neutral as ever. "Rias-sama and Riser-sama have both requested your presence." Despite the formality, her voice lacked enthusiasm as she extended a piece of paper toward him. "Here you are."
He glanced at the paper, immediately recognizing it as a magic circle invitation. Without a word, he placed it on the table beside him. "We'll see."
"You're familiar with magic circles?" Grayfia inquired, her cool eyes studying him closely. "I shouldn't be surprised. You seem quite adept in otherworldly affairs."
Sasuke mentally cursed himself. He should have feigned ignorance, at least for appearances' sake. "I've picked up a few things."
"Sirzechs-sama was impressed by Rias-sama's performance in the Rating Game," Grayfia continued, ignoring his attempt to downplay his influence. "The strategy she employed and the way her team executed their plans—those bore your mark we have come to understand."
'If it wasn't Rias, then it had to be Sona.' Sasuke thought, irritation rising despite neither of them being present. "I was just an advisor." he responded, his voice calm but laced with underlying frustration.
Grayfia allowed herself a small smile. "Even so, it was remarkable to witness. Though it didn't end the way some of us had hoped." Her words carried a subtle weight before she added, "Sirzechs-sama wishes to pass along a message."
Sasuke's eyebrow arched slightly, intrigued by the sudden mention of the pretender-Lucifer.
"If you want my sister, come back swinging."
A pause followed her words. The meaning wasn't immediately clear, and Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he considered it. Grayfia let the silence linger, watching his reaction with amusement, but eventually bowed her head slightly. "One more request, Sasuke-san. Please refrain from any… mischievous tendencies."
He looked at her, unimpressed. "... And what does that even mean?"
Grayfia's smile remained, "Riser-sama is a High-Class Devil, and the groom. It would be inappropriate for him to be… constantly falling." There was an edge of humor in her words, but Sasuke recognized the hidden sharpness. She had seen more than she let on—how Riser had stumbled and lost his balance at a certain moment, an incident he had influenced.
She was not just powerful. She was observant. She was someone to be cautious around.
"We hope to see you at the party, Sasuke-san." Grayfia said, bowing her head before turning to leave.
Devils. Lots of devils. Sasuke had never encountered so many in one place before. High-Class, Middle-Class, Low-Class—this gathering was a veritable melting pot of demonic hierarchy. Amidst them stood a lone human who had somehow slipped under the radar, unnoticed by the majority. Dressed in a suit—a first for him—he blended in more easily than he would have in his usual attire. Though a part of him had resisted the formality, he recognized the necessity of fitting into this world, at least for the moment.
His eyes scanned the crowded room, noting a few familiar faces from previous encounters.
The atmosphere, despite its relaxed façade, was thick with tension. Sasuke's instincts kicked in, allowing him to identify threats lurking beneath the surface. He kept his gaze moving, sweeping across the attendees until it landed on someone of particular interest—not Riser, as expected, but another devil who held far more significance.
Slicked-back green hair and piercing light blue eyes marked the presence of a super-devil, one of the strongest beings alive. It was not just the man's strength that made him formidable. It was his intellect, sharp as a blade, that truly set him apart.
'Ajuka Beelzebub.' Sasuke muttered internally, 'He's the one.' Just as he focused on the Satan, Ajuka seemed to sense his scrutiny, his head swiveling nearly 180 degrees to meet the human's gaze. The Uchiha quickly averted his eyes, feigning disinterest.
"You came."
"He came prepared, ufufufu."
Koneko and Akeno approached him, their presence a welcome distraction in the bustling crowd. Both looked appropriately dressed for the occasion, exuding a blend of elegance and confidence that contrasted sharply with his own unfamiliar suit. Sasuke appreciated their company. Standing alone would only invite unwanted attention, a reality he was eager to avoid.
"I had no idea you could dress up," Akeno teased, her smile playful. "I assume you're here because… like us, you don't think it's over?"
"Sorry we lost," Koneko added, her gaze steady as she looked up at him. "Are you going to do something? Like last time?"
Sasuke simply shrugged. "I'm not against second chances."
"You seem in good spirits," The Queen remarked, a playful smile on her lips. "Too bad I can't say the same for our 'King'." Her tone shifted, the lightness replaced by a gravity that filled the air. "We couldn't save her from this. I don't know what's going to happen to us."
"I wouldn't worry bother thinking about that future."
Akeno's expression faltered for a moment, revealing a flicker of uncertainty. "Oh? Do you know something I don't? "You better not ruin a girl's big day."
Sona Sitri approached, her presence commanding immediate attention. "Quite the party, but I must admit, I preferred the match itself," She remarked, her voice steady as always. "You were all more prepared than I anticipated." She offered a nod of acknowledgment. "Even the Phenex Tears had been bested."
"Thank our steward for that. He worked us hard." Akeno never failed to make humor out of a disastrous situation.
A loud summoning silenced the crowd.
"Honored nobles of the devil world," Riser Phenex's voice boomed, "I am thrilled to welcome you as I, Riser Phenex, and Rias Gremory bind our families together." He gestured widely, his eyes gleaming with pride.
"And now, for my bride!"
The room hushed as Rias emerged through a glowing magic circle. She stood tall, the weight of the occasion heavy on her shoulders, but she didn't flinch.
There was a small moment, a thought. Had his parents put him through this, would he have accepted such a fate for himself?
Suddenly, a loud explosion ripped through the entrance of the grand hall.
Those who recognized him felt their hearts race.
The Pawn charged in, flanked by two clones of the human. At the door, guards were knocked out, crumpled in heaps. The devil glanced over his shoulder as puffs of smoke erupted obscuring them for just a moment. They vanished into the haze, but that was part of the plan.
"My name is Hyoudou Issei!" he declared, his voice ringing out with a mixture of bravado and defiance. "And I vow to be the one who takes Rias Gremory's virginity!"
Those were not the words they had agreed on for him to say.
There was always something admirable about one person standing up to the rest. Despite the crudeness of Issei's words and style, there was something familiar in his boldness. The blond hair, the confident smirk—Sasuke couldn't help but be reminded of someone.
What would Naruto have done? Would he have stayed hidden, manipulating events from the shadows? Letting others do the work, remaining unseen, unnoticed? That was Sasuke's strategy in this world. To avoid attention, to let them underestimate him. To be the human, invisible amidst the devils.
But no, that wasn't Naruto. Sasuke almost laughed to himself. To walk in and openly challenge Riser like this? Naruto wouldn't have hesitated.
Riser was nothing compared to either of them.
Naruto would have stormed the castle gates, alone, shattering them with his Rasengan, and charging through the halls to smash Riser with his left hand and his peerage with his right.
But even that would be overall.
"How dare you insult House Phenex!" Riser roared as he stood up. "This low-class menace! How dare he take advantage of my hospitality and ruin what has been set for decades!" His fury grew as he descended the stairs.
Then, in a dramatic moment of complete silence, Riser lost his footing, and his body tumbled down the steps like a ragdoll. The room echoed with grunts and thuds as everyone stared in shock.
It was a humiliating moment for the once-proud devil, having his engagement party disrupted in such a public fashion.
Koneko smiled, well aware of how unusual that fall had been.
Akeno glanced over, sensing something odd. Her violet eyes caught the glint of a playful smirk on Sasuke's face—something that was out of the ordinary for him. But it wasn't just his expression that intrigued her. it was the look in his left eye, which appeared to be a different shade, closer to her own—more vibrant, more beautiful, and undeniably purple.
"I thought it would have been you," Koneko mused quietly.
As more guards poured into the room, breaking the silence, Yuuto seemed ready for the chaos. The atmosphere erupted into a brief, chaotic struggle until a commanding voice brought everything to a stop.
"Halt!" All eyes turned to the man in shining armor towering over Riser.
'Like his sister, red hair. But his power... immense. Far more immense'. Sasuke thought, immediately recognizing the presence of Sirzechs Lucifer.
Sirzechs Lucifer stood tall, his presence radiating absolute authority as the murmurs in the room died down. The guests, a mix of High-Class and Low-Class devils, watched with tension, their eyes shifting between the towering figure of theire leader and the still-reeling Riser.
"Riser-kun," The Maou began, his voice smooth yet firm, cutting through the tension. "It seems you have found yourself in quite a predicament, wouldn't you agree?"
Riser, still recovering from his fall, straightened his posture, trying to regain some semblance of dignity. "What do you mean, Sirzechs-sama?" he asked, a hint of defiance lacing his tone.
The intense gaze bore into Riser, unyielding. "I have to admit, I anticipated someone else raising their objection to this pact, but this is a low-class reincarnated devil," He said, gesturing towards Issei, who stood defiantly at the center of the room. "A member of Rias' peerage willing to challenge your claim in front of the entire devil political world. Are you willing to accept his duel?"
Riser's expression darkened, arrogance rising within him. "You can't be serious! He's just a low-class devil! What would the rest of our kind think if I were to lower myself to his level?"
"Perhaps they would think you are afraid," Sirzechs countered, his voice calm but laced with authority. "Afraid of being challenged, afraid of what it means for the future of your House. In this moment, your reputation is on the line."
A murmur rippled through the gathered crowd, and Sasuke observed Riser's struggle to maintain his composure under the weight of Sirzechs' words.
"Besides," Sirzechs added, his tone shifting slightly, "There's honor in accepting a challenge, especially one posed by a member of your own kind. It could even prove beneficial for your standing in the eyes of the other families."
Riser clenched his fists, weighing the options. The prospect of facing Issei was risky, but the thought of appearing weak in front of the other devils gnawed at him more. After a moment of tense silence, he finally replied, "Very well, I accept the duel. But don't think this will end well for him."
"Then let the duel commence." Sirzechs declared.
Riser grinned, arrogance radiating from him as he stood across from Issei in the grand arena. "Let's make this easier on both of us. I already embarrassed you and your the rest of your peerage in front of Lord Lucifer, and now, with the entire political elite watching, it'll only be worse. Just surrender, and I won't have you beaten unconscious, again."
Issei's own smirk mirrored his opponent's, though his was fueled by sheer determination. "Buchou doesn't love you," he declared, his voice firm. "I'd give my life for her decision."
The Phenex's eyes narrowed slightly, he knew as a High-Class devil himself that subordinates are supposed to obey there master no matter what. "Do you even understand what this is about?" he asked, a mocking edge in his tone. "This was never about love, idiot. I don't love her, I likely never well. This is about politics, about bloodlines, about power. You're a reincarnated devil, but you'll never be one of us."
The Pawn shrugged off the insult. "That doesn't matter to me! I will win her heart, and first, I'll take you down. Then, I'll prove to her why I'm better than Uchiha-kun."
Riser raised an eyebrow, more intrigued than threatened. "... The steward?"
Without another word, Issei charged, fierce determination burning in his eyes. He closed the distance between them in a flash, knowing full well that allowing Riser to unleash his flames would shift the fight in his favor. The two clashed in a flurry of fists and footwork, their attacks echoing through the arena.
The pawn's anger allowed him hold his resolve, his strikes powerful and heavy, keeping Riser on the defensive. Every time the immortal devil tried to create distance or summon his flames, Issei was there, cutting him off with a barrage of blows.
But the tide began to shift as the fight wore on. Riser's natural regeneration kicked in, mending the damage Issei inflicted, while Issei, unable to heal himself, began to slow, the fatigue and injuries starting to catch up. Despite the brutal toll the battle was taking.
[BOOST]
[BOOST]
The crowd's curiosity piqued as the reincarnated devil's arm began to glow with power.
[BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST]
With each invocation of his Boosted Gear, Issei's strength multiplied exponentially, and when his fist connected with Riser's face, the sheer force of the blow sent shockwaves through the air. Riser's head snapped back, the impact so violent that his devil heritage immediately kicked into overdrive to heal the damage. His innate immortality worked overtime, mending the cuts and bruises as fast as they appeared.
Riser, recovering from the latest assault, smirked as he used his wings to propel himself forward, tackling Issei and sending both of them crashing violently into the ground. Dust and debris flew into the air, and the arena shook with the force of their impact. Riser wasted no time, mounting his opponent and unleashing a vicious flurry of hits, his fists raining down like hammers. Each strike sent hot tremors through the ground.
The pure-blooded devil's grin grew wider, confident that he had the upper hand, but even as blood poured from his wounds, Issei's determination never faltered. His hands shook, but he managed to block one of Riser's punches, glaring up at his opponent with fierce defiance.
[BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST]
With twenty boosts now coursing through him, he spat blood onto the ground and glared at Riser with deep contempt. The sheer look of anger and pain in his eyes made the High-Class devil squirm slightly, but began conjuring magic circles around him. Hoping to finish the fight as soon as possible.
It was quite the scene when the pawn managed to use his speed and strength to headbutt the Phenex, the affect hit both of them, hard. Riser fell back while Issei pushed him and rose to his feet. Instead of continuing the grotesque melee, he ran away from his enemy, who was still aching from the brutal forehead to forehead.
With his vision blurred and blood in his eyes, Issei struggled to focus, but he knew he had one final chance. Gripping the scroll tightly, he unraveled it with trembling hands, revealing strange grey symbols and kanji he had never seen before. There was no time to analyze—his instincts took over. He flipped the scroll around and poured everything he had into it. His demonic energy, his Boosted Gear power—he imagined it all flowing into the paper, hoping, praying, no, praying was not allowed now, But he did hope this would be enough to turn the tide.
[TRANSFER!]
"The pawn blinked, gripping the scroll tighter. This is your power? Wouldn't that be… cheating?"
"You want to win, don't you?"
A swarm of empowered black flames spawned from the air, catching Riser and the spectators off guard. In disbelief, Riser thought, 'Dragon fire?!' The irony wasn't lost on him, given the Phenex's own fiery abilities. Determined not to be outdone, Riser unleashed his own glossy orange flames, colliding them with the pitch-black fire in a dazzling display of elemental power.
But the struggle didn't last long.
As the black flames consumed the orange ones, Riser felt a surge of arrogant confidence in his immortality. He stood motionless, awaiting the moment his Kekkei-Genkai would emerge once more.
"It's pointless!" He yelled.
Issei and the crowd watched in grim fascination as the flames engulfed Riser, witnessing his desperate attempts to heal himself against the relentless onslaught. Despite his innate regenerative abilities, the rate at which he was being burned far outpaced his capacity to heal. Agony etched across his features, Riser stumbled under the searing pain, his voice trembling with disbelief and desperation.
"Why won't it go away?!" He cried out in anguish, his words laced with agony and frustration. "What the hell kind of fire is this?!" The intensity of his suffering was clear for everyone.
The spectators, along with the devil who conjured the flames, watched in horror, unsure of what was happening. Everyone knew about the Phenex clan's power, but they had never seen flames that clung to a person and refused to go out until there was nothing left but ash.
Riser's legendary immortality was being tested like never before, and he struggled against the relentless burns With each moment, his body disintegrated before their eyes, his fingers and arms turning to ash. But even the ash began to disappear into nothingness. He desperately tried to fly and conjure water, but nothing worked. The flames closed in on him, consuming him in a way that even his immortality could not escape.
"End it! End it! I yield!"
The flames licked up his neck and onto his face, their searing tendrils threatening to consume him. Just before the light in his eyes faded completely, signaling imminent death, the battle abruptly ceased. With a surreal sensation, his body disintegrated, whisking him back into the realm of reality, leaving the audience in stunned silence.
Sasuke stared at the disturbed crowd, who were just as stunned as Issei. Realizing that his moment had arrived, he slowly backed away, understanding it was time for him to leave.
It was late at night in the town of Kuoh. The sound of a body slamming against the wall rang through the destroyed chapel. Inside, five fallen angels remained. Four of them lay battered and bruised, their power insignificant compared to the fifth, who had come to confront them.
Kalawarner rose hesitantly, her voice trembling as she spoke. "W-What do you want?" She feared the answer, knowing the beating could have been much worse.
A menacing grin stretched across Kokabiel's face. "War. Destruction. Blood. Vengeance." The weight of those words froze the fallen angels in place, their hearts pounding in their chests. "I plan to start it here, in this town. There's someone I have my eye on—someone who pushed you all even further into disgrace. Help me, and perhaps we can regain favor in the Governor-General's eyes." His tone turned mocking at the end, dripping with sarcasm.
Raynare's body quivered, but her voice remained defiant. "You never spoke for us! Why the hell would we trust you now?" The words hung in the air, thick with tension. It was dangerous to speak back, yet she felt she had nothing left to lose. Under Azazel's rule, the Cadre had been kept on a tight leash, denied the autonomy that the other leaders enjoyed.
Kokabiel's smirk twisted into something dark and vicious. "Because you have nowhere else to go, you stupid bitch." His voice was cold, each word a blade. "You can't run to the Underworld. You can't hide. I'm the only one who can save you now—save what little face you still have."
Mittelt, trembling with a mix of anger and fear, burst out, "Why didn't you bring this to Azazel then? Did your balls drop off!?" That, was perhaps, the most audacious and brave thing the woman has ever said. With sudden, explosive movement, the Executive General backhanded the blonde, sending her crashing across the room. Her body collided with the wall, a sickening crack reverberating through the chapel. She slumped to the ground, unconscious.
"Where's your precious Azazel now?" Kokabiel taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Probably painting his nails and thinking of new ways to bend over for the devils!" His sneer twisted his features into a demonic mask. His tall, pale figure loomed over them—long, dark hair framing his narrow, blood-red eyes, his pointed, elf-like ears twitching with rage.
Kalawarner spat, still trembling from the outburst. "Azazel-sama sent us here… If something happens to us, he'll come looking for you..."
The menacing chuckle shattered her thin veil of confidence. "Looking for me?" he echoed mockingly. "You're nothing but a nuisance. You kill one Sacred Gear user and then get humiliated by a handful of devils." He leaned in closer, eyes gleaming with malice. "And now, even after defeat, you're too stubborn to just die and spare us all the embarrassment."
Raynare coughed, forcing herself upright. "Azazel... wants peace," She whispered, defiance flickering in her eyes. "Even if it's with those inferior devils and angels…"
Kokabiel's eyes narrowed. "Peace?" He hissed, a smile spreading across his face. "Peace is for the weak. I've made my own connections in the Church. I'm planning a confrontation right here. And when Azazel finally calls me to lead his army, I'll make sure he knows the score."
"I'll tell him myself!" Raynare growled, her eyes flashing with a sudden spark of rebellion.
Kalawarner turned to her sharply, disbelief and horror warring on her face. 'Are you trying to get us killed, you dumb bitch? ' She thought, but dared not voice it aloud.
The Cadre descended on Raynare in a blur of motion, gripping her throat with one powerful hand. He lifted her off the ground effortlessly, a cruel delight twisting his grin. "Before I break you, maybe I'll find some use for you after all," He sneered, his eyes roving over her with a disgusting leer. Raynare's heart pounded, terror surging through her. "Go on, cry out for Azazel to save you!" he mocked, squeezing tighter until her vision blurred.
His voice dropped to a sinister whisper. "But he won't come. And when I inform him of your last, pitiful words, he won't even remember who you were."
But then something broke through the chaos. A light—pale blue—cut through the air.
Without warning, a glowing spear of lightning pierced through the chapel's closed wooden door, crackling with raw energy as it shot straight toward Kokabiel. The force of the strike stung like a thousand needles, embedding itself deep in his shoulder. A sharp gasp escaped his lips as blood trickled down his arm.
He dropped Raynare like a ragdoll, her body hitting the floor with a thud, and turned toward the door.
"Who goes there?!" He roared, his voice echoing through the ruined chapel. Silence answered him. Cautiously, he advanced, readying for whatever came. War and battle had been his life for centuries—he savored it. When no response came, the Cadre's patience wore thin. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a spear of crackling energy and hurled it toward the wooden doors. They shattered on impact, splintering into fragments that scattered across the floor, leaving the inside exposed to the encroaching darkness outdoors.
Through the darkness, a figure stepped forward , his sword glowing with blue lightning. "I'm the one who is going to ask the questions." He shot back, his voice edged with arrogance. But inwardly, Sasuke took note of Kokabiel's immense aura. This wasn't a foe to be taken lightly. He has not fought someone of this level of pure radiant energy in this world before.
Kokabiel sneered. "Well, well, now who do we have here?" His lips curled, his red eyes gleaming with amusement. "A human?" His laugh was low and menacing. He gestured toward the fallen angels behind him. "Were you the one who shamed these fools?"
"I'm the one who's going to put you to shame if you don't tell me your goal is here." Sasuke retorted.
"War," Kokabiel said simply, his smile widening. "I'm going to start a war. And we will crush all who stand in our way. You're nothing—a human who serves the local devils."
Sasuke stood firm, his Sharingan and Rinnegan glowing as he spoke calmly. "You won't start a war. You won't win a war. There are better goals in mind... you could help us."
The Cadre scowled, wiping blood from his wound. "What goals? Who is 'us'? You're not with the devils?"
There was a pause. This Fallen Angel had power, and power is what his organization needed, for the plan. However, telling him could be a bad idea, he could run away and word could get out. But the risk seemed worth it. No one would pass the opportunity for another mole in the Grigori.
However, if he were to deny the invitation, then the Uchiha simply knew that... he could not leave this place alive.
"Ophis."
There was a reaction to that name. One that caused Kokabiel to snap into an emotional tirade, "The Khaos Brigade? Hiding in the shadows like rats? Pfft! I could care less about the lot of you." His anger rose as he recalled the countless meetings he had endured discussing Ophis, who was rumored to be leading this mysterious organization. "Azazel!" He spat, rage igniting in his eyes. "All he ever talks about is the Khaos Brigade! He won't shut the fuck up about it!"
"You're going to get yourself killed." Sasuke warned, his expression steady.
Kokabiel's wings flared. "You're a brazen one, human! I've lived through it all. Your entire existence has been but a fleeting moment in my life."
The shinobi was never good at convincing people of his plans.
Sasuke's gaze hardened. "So be it."
At first, it had been light spears—swift, piercing projectiles thrown with deadly precision. The sharingan caught everyone, every slight shift in Kokabiel's stance before the attack even fully formed. Fast, but not fast enough. One spear hurtled directly toward his face, but instead of dodging, he raised his sword, lightning coursing through the blade. It sliced through the spear effortlessly, the energy crackling as it dissipated in midair.
The Fallen Angel's smirk widened as he flew forward. His flight was faster than the spears he had just thrown, closing the distance between them in an instant. With a powerful punch aimed at Sasuke's chest, the Uchiha managed to block it with his arm, but the sheer force behind it sent him skidding backward, his feet digging into the earth as he was forced out of the chapel.
They stood outside now, a battlefield laid bare beneath the sky. Both fighters could finally get a clear view of each other. Kokabiel, towering above with his black wings unfurled, looked down with interest at the lone human who dared to stand against him. Something about Sasuke intrigued him—perhaps the strange, colorful eyes that he had, or the calm confidence that came from his stance. This wasn't an ordinary opponent. No ordinary human.
Kokabiel's voice boomed as he threw another spear, this time larger, golden, glowing with holy energy. "Let's see how you handle this!"
The Cadre loomed over the human, his towering form casting an oppressive shadow. A massive, golden light spear slammed downward, but it was blocked by the lighting sword. The light from the spear was so intense that if he had been a devil, Sasuke's skin would have seared from its sheer proximity. Kokabiel observed his expression, expecting signs of struggle or fear. Instead, to his surprise, his opponents face mirrored his own.
Excitement. Eagerness. Thrill. Wrath.
Without warning, the Fallen Angel lunged forward, grabbing Sasuke by the shirt and hurling him toward the ground. The dirt cracked around the two into a crater, but it did not seem to affect him whatsoever.
"Aren't you a durable one!"
Sasuke skidded backward, his feet digging into the ground as he regained his stance. His hands moved in a blur, forming a rapid series of seals, faster than Kokabiel could follow.
"Katon: Gōryūka no Jutsu!" (Great Dragon Fire Technique)
Fire erupted from his mouth, roaring into the form of a dragon head-shaped fireball, its blazing body surging toward his opponent with ferocious speed. The air itself seemed to warp from the intense heat, and the ground beneath the flames scorched. Kokabiel raised his hand, conjuring a magic circle that summoned a torrent of water, dousing the flames mid-flight. Steam billowed into the air, obscuring the battlefield in a thick fog.
Kokabiel frowned in annoyance as he walked through the swirling haze left by Sasuke's attack. Suddenly, a sharp sting bit into his arm. His eyes narrowed as he glanced down, spotting small, crackling needles embedded in his skin, faint arcs of lightning dancing along their lengths.
With a low growl, he ripped the needles out, crushing them in his fist. "Stupid tricks!" He spat, his voice filled with irritation. Without hesitation, he released a surge of holy energy, the sheer force of it blasting the steam away, clearing the battlefield in an instant.
The Fallen Angel's smirk widened, eager to dive back into the fight. But just as the thrill returned, a sharp pain flared across his arm. Blood sprayed from the sudden wound, his eyes widening in shock. For a brief moment, he saw an afterimage—a blur of motion that his instincts couldn't fully grasp.
Sasuke appeared on his side, completely unscathed, standing tall with his blade drawn. His red and purple eyes glowed with eerie focus,
"What...?" Kokabiel muttered in confusion, staring down at the wound on his arm. His eyes widened as he felt a searing burn, not from the blade alone, but from the holy aura surrounding it. "This isn't just lightning… this is a holy sword!?" The cut wasn't deep, but the aura sizzled against his flesh, and even though he wasn't a devil, the holy energy coursing from the weapon was potent enough to affect him. The Fallen Angel scowled, frustration and surprise mixing as he shot into the sky, his wings flaring and beating with powerful force.
From high above, he surveyed the battlefield, glaring down at his enemy. This human—this shinobi—was proving more dangerous than he had ever anticipated.
The Uchihacursed under his breath, eyes narrowing. He couldn't follow Kokabiel into the sky—not without activating one of his most powerful dōjutsus. From his position on the ground, he watched as Kokabiel began gathering an immense amount of energy. The Fallen Angel's powers surged to their fullest, his aura flaring, casting an ominous glow over the battlefield.
He conjured an enormous light spear, one that far surpassed the size and power of any he had thrown before. The air crackled with energy, and the very sky seemed to darken as the weapon formed—radiating pure destruction.
The sharigan observed, analyzing the massive spear. Too large, too powerful to block with a sword. Perhaps an Earth-Release technique could suppress it. There was no room for error. Kokabiel hurled the gigantic spear downward, its blinding light casting ominous shadows across the landscape.
As it hit the ground, trees, animals, and the surrounding landscape were obliterated in an instant.
For a moment, Kokabiel allowed himself to feel victorious. But then, as the dust and debris settled, his grin faltered.
Emerging from the distance, standing far from the epicenter of the destruction, was a large, purple mass. Sasuke's Susanoo had formed, though only in its skeletal state. However, something was amiss—its hands were gone, completely obliterated by the immense attack. The figure looked incomplete, its defenses slightly weakened.
"Darkness?" The former Anggel muttered, sensing a strange shift in the air. This wasn't something he had expected. He had never seen such a strange looking ethereal body before. His first thought was that it was the embodiment of darkness itself.
Sasuke, observing his Susanoo, realized something vital. The light from the attack had damaged the skeletal form, causing the hands to evaporate. Though regenerating them wasn't an issue, it was clear that Holy Aura held a certain advantage against his ultimate defense.
But Kokabiel, now fully enthralled by the thrill of battle, rushed back toward Sasuke with unhinged aggression. Light spears flew from his hands, targeting Susanoo's protective ribs and cracking them. The sharingan tracked each throw, confirming his observations.
Their weapons met again—Kokabiel's massive light spear against the lightning-coated sword. The clash created shockwaves, rattling the ground beneath them. The pressure mounted between the two as neither gave an inch. The weight of the struggle made Sasuke hyper-aware of the sword in his hands, and then, something unusual caught his attention.
His grip tightened involuntarily. The sword felt... different. Something foreign, something alive, coursed through the blade. The Uchiha's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the steel warp before him, twisting and contorting into something grotesque and unfamiliar.
Within moments, the once-solid blade morphed into two living, serpentine creatures. Twin-headed snakes, their once metallic bodies, now scaly, shimmering with an eerie, evil energy, slithered through the air, their glowing eyes brimming with malice.
Both combatants froze in shock.
One of the serpent heads lunged at Kokabiel, coiling around his massive form with alarming speed. Its fangs sank deep into his collarbone, drawing a scream of pure agony from the fallen angel. He gritted his teeth, his expression a mix of fury and disbelief. The venom coursing through his veins was foreign and excruciating. He thrashed violently, trying to tear the serpent off, but it only tightened its grip, constricting him even further.
Meanwhile, Sasuke grunted in pain as the second serpent wrapped itself around his arm, its constriction threatening to break bone. Its fangs hovered just above his skin, ready to inject the same venom now ravaging his enemy.
But before the serpent could strike, the sharingan flared, the tomoe spinning violently. His eyes locked onto the creature's glowing orbs, ensnaring it in a powerful genjutsu. The serpent hesitated, its aggression fading as the submission overpowered its instincts. Slowly, the snake recoiled, retreating back into the steel of the sword, now under Sasuke's full control.
"What kind of holy sword uses poison?!" The Fallen Angel spat, still writhing in pain. He glared at the human with suspicion and rage.
Kokabiel observed his enemy with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "This human can fight, yes he can. What's your name?" he asked, his voice dripping with condescension. "Someone like you ought to be with us, at least. All of your people are lost, needing guidance in your short lives. That is the human condition."
The response given was immediate, his tone cold and resolute. "This human is going to kill you."
The Cadre frowned, unsure whether his words were rooted in arrogance or truth. Then, Sasuke did something unexpected. He released his grip on the sword, now holding it solely in his right hand. With his right hand gripping his left wrist, lightning surged from his skin—a crackling, volatile energy that danced on his hand without causing him any pain or hesitation. Kokabiel, still confused but now more cautious, conjured his heavy spear once more, flaring his wings in preparation for battle.
This time, the Fallen Angel decided to allow his opponent to charge in. As it had not been working so well.
What came next baffled the ancient more than anything. Sasuke lifted his right hand and tossed the holy sword. It wasn't a fast or powerful throw. In fact, its speed and trajectory seemed underwhelming. Kokabiel grimaced internally, uncertain of what the human was attempting. The sword fell to the ground, seemingly insignificant.
Then, something unexpected occurred.
The blade vanished from Kokabiel's sight, and suddenly, Sasuke was gone as well. Before the Cadre could react, pain exploded through his body. His spear fell from his grasp as a surge of lightning coursed through him. He looked down in horror, realizing that this mere human had his hand piercing through his chest, even reaching out of his back.
Had he run at him? No. Had he flown? No.
The realization struck like a hammer. Sasuke had switched positions with the sword mid-air, using a technique far beyond the angel's original comprehension.
Kokabiel was fortunate that the hand had not struck in the right spot, sparing his heart from complete obliteration, but the wound was still severe. "GRAAAAH!" He screamed as his wings flared, forcing the human backward while the crow ascended into the air, his body battered and weakened. The venom, the smaller wounds, and now the gaping injury in his chest—all of it was taking its toll.
He watched Kokabiel with narrowed eyes, recognizing the fallen angel's intent to flee rather than face death. Sasuke knew he had one more opportunity to close the distance. Activating his Rinnegan again would mean, since he could only use it three times, so he opted for another approach. Focusing chakra into his right eye, he unleashed the black flames.
It chased him, soaring high and far, until it successfully grazed Kokabiel's wings. Though they were as tough as steel, the black fire clung to him, spreading like a merciless predator. Panic surged through him as he clenched his teeth. "I need to cut it off!" He hissed through gritted teeth. His magic and defenses proved useless against the attack, which was already causing immense pain.
With no other options, the Cadre pushed himself to fly higher and faster, the moonlight casting a pale glow on his desperate escape. But then, he noticed something alarming.
'He's chasing me?' No—something worse. A massive projectile, purple and shrouded in the same black flames, hurtled toward him at incredible speed.
Desperation overwhelmed Kokabiel as he summoned multiple magic circles in a last-ditch effort to block the attack. The projectile shattered each barrier with ease, striking his stomach with devastating force. His breath left him, blood spilled from the wound and his mouth, and his wings faltered as he began to plummet from the sky.
As he fell now, just as he did when he was exiled from Heaven, his long life flashed before his eyes. His earliest memories returned, the pain slowly fading, and the light in his vision dimmed until there was nothing left.
Not sure how people feel about long chapters, but this was the longest!
Issei- This chapter kind of has him at his peak relevancy. At least for a while. This is definitely not supposed to be an Issei focused story, but he is always there.
Anyways, let me know what you think.