/ "Dialogue." /
/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /
/ "Flashback Dialogue" /
Jigen: Good point, I should have added the reasoning for that at some point, I will. There's a reason why.
Smooth, smug, and mocking.
"I see you have become quite acquainted with Valerie-chan."
Euclid Lucifuge stared at him with his usual expressions.
"Only a month there, and you are already considering... procreation with one of our own? It makes me curious—could an alien from another world sire offspring with a being in our own? You are still a human, with the same general biology as the ones here. But Valerie, of course, is also half-vampire. I wonder, do you have vampires where you are from?"
It had been his first month here, and barrages of accusations, questions, and overall annoyances constantly filled his time. He was stuck in this castle, and that was the problem—a strong lack of anything to do. There was no desire to do anything with Vali, either. She was simply the one person he found most bearable, often sleeping while he read books about this world.
Sasuke said nothing, though his fingers twitched at his side. His gaze shifted to the folder the devil had placed between them. Since arriving here, he had been handed a few basic missions, and now this—yet another task he didn't want to undertake for people he didn't trust. With an irritated glare, the Uchiha opened the folder. Inside were pictures of two young women. One with flowing red hair and striking green eyes, the other black-haired with violet eyes that were just as piercing.
"Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri," Euclid informed him with a small smile. "High-class, pure-blooded devils. Much like myself." He leaned back, grinning as if sharing an inside joke.
The human's eyes narrowed, as if knowing what was to be done just by the way he was presented this information, "You restored my hand, so I've tolerated your presence. But let's be clear—I have no allegiance to you. If you want these girls dead, maybe you should do it yourself. Or are you too much of a coward?"
Uchiha Sasuke is a young shinobi, trained as all shinobi are—to be a killer, relentless when necessary, with instincts honed to strike without remorse. But he isn't a sadist or a weapon without thought. Beneath his hardened demeanor, he, like many others, held a set of ethics. Harming defenseless civilians, especially women and children, is something he would never condone. It was pure cowardice. Even in war, where brutality often reigns, such actions are deeply shameful where he is from.
Just because he was in a new world does not mean he would abandon the rules he had lived by.
Euclid chuckled, "No, no, you misunderstand, Sasuke-kun." He rested a hand on the table, fingers tapping as he watched his reaction. "I don't want you to kill anyone. Not unless it's in self-defense."
In this dim castle, where the locals indulged in drinking the blood of living creatures—most likely all unwilling—Sasuke's eyes narrowed. There was no real reason to take the man's words at face value, not here. "And how do these two have any significance on me leaving this cursed place?" He asked, his voice low.
As far as the human was aware, this building was the entire world. There was no simple leaving. They watched him day in and day out, monitoring his vitals as a pretense, while truly studying him like he was some newly discovered animal. However, to their almost disappointment, he wasn't too far off from the humans they already knew everything about.
The devil pulled a small black book from his coat and set it down beside the folder. "You know," He began again, "What I truly like about you? What I find most intriguing? It isn't just the fact that, despite being from a different world, you're still quite human here, nor is it that you share some cultural similarities, or even the way you fight—though both are rather primitive. It's something more... relatable, between you and me."
Sasuke glanced at the book but remained unmoved. "It does not concern me in the slightest."
"It's those eyes." Euclid stated, his voice dropping to a softer, more reflective tone. "I've lived a long life, even by devil standards. I've seen many people come and go—warriors, survivors, ordinary individuals, and extraordinary individuals. But few carry that look—the look you possess. You might even recognize it in me."
Yes, Sasuke had unique eyes, no doubt. Even where he was from no one had these eyes. However, he doubted that last part. It wasn't the first time people had noticed something in his eyes. Deidara had seen it too and despised it so deeply that he'd chosen to die out of sheer malice.
"There's something about the way you move, the way you keep your secrets close. But it's your attitude that contradicts everything else." The scientist studied him, leaning in with genuine curiosity. "Tell me, Sasuke… am I wrong to see a shadow within you? A killer, perhaps? Someone who acts with precision and deception, hiding their true face behind an invisible mask—almost like a phantom?"
His pondering didn't stop there. He pressed on. "Or maybe… a spy? An assassin? You don't seem like the common foot soldier. But, is it duty which has driven you or at least, drives you now?" A spark of fascination glinted in his eyes
The devil saw potential, danger, reliability, history. It appeared he felt almost relatable.
But, of course, he would never know the truth—that the eyes staring back at him were... not truly Sasuke's own.
"And what if they are?" Sasuke asked, his voice cold, "How would either of those roles help you get me back to my world? And spare me any cryptic answers. Tell me the quickest way to leave this place."
The smile that spread across Euclid's face only deepened his irritation. "You want answers, Sasuke-kun? Then here's the path. Approach these devils. Become one of them. Gain their trust, work your way up. And, when the time is right, you will understand how we will need you in the upper echelons of the underworld."
His eyes narrowed, his patience thin as a thread. "You'll tell me now, or I do nothing," He cut in sharply. "What is this plan of yours? What are we after?"
Euclid's smile never wavered. "There is a man—a devil whose insights could reshape our goal. His knowledge, his secrets, are beyond what even I have grasped about certain crucial topics. But he is cautious—he guards his knowledge with a ferocity matched only by his power. So why not approach him directly you may wonder?" The tone went quiet, "Because he would raze everything to the ground before letting it fall into the wrong hands."
Sasuke glanced down, "If he's the one with the answers, send me to him. I don't have time to waste on working my way up when I can simply convince him right now."
"You wish to leave as soon as possible, and His Majesty and I completely understand. We'd also like to move forward with our own plans. So, I will tell you this. Help us. Assist these evil dragon beasts. Obtain knowledge and information, as we require it. This won't happen in a day, but the quicker we all work together, the sooner we can leave this world, and you can return to your own. That is your role in this—guide us to what we need, and we will ensure you make it home."
Like his hair, the man possessed a silver tongue, always assuring Sasuke that their goal was within reach. The shinobi detested false promises, yet it was those very assurances that had somehow brought him to this point. If there was anyone who could truly help him find a way back, it was this man.
There was a pause, an almost somber realization. It felt like he was the only person in this world who could help him return to the Land of Fire—his home.
Where his duty to change the world awaited him.
Frustrated, Sasuke rose, reached into his pocket, and drew a kunai, stabbing it sharply into the table before them. The blade quivered slightly as he released his grip, leaving it steady.
"Tedious. Pointless. A waste of time.," He muttered aloud, "If you're so interested in seeing results, send me to the Dimensional Gap. I'll face that dragon myself."
"You'll die," Euclid replied with an air of finality. "And even if you somehow manage to survive, we still lack a reliable way to create a portal back to your world—or to any world, for that matter. Whatever brought you here was as close to divine intervention as it gets, a nearly incalculable convergence of timing and anomaly." He folded his hands, a faint glimmer of intrigue flickering in his eyes. "I have theories, of course. Speculations on the nature of your arrival. But the key to solving it… lies back on your side of the fence, so to speak."
The Uchiha scoffed, folding his arms as he looked back down at the picture. "This… girl…" he muttered, almost to himself, "What do you expect me to do?"
Euclid's smirk widened, a glint of smugness dancing in his eyes. "I have the utmost confidence you'll win them over. Find out what's going on. They aren't smart, they are High-Class devils, after all. Yet, they are connected to the current Maou's. Be involved. Act the part. Become one of them."
Sasuke's gaze fell, recalling his past objectives. Infiltration, deception, spying—these were never his tasks. That was Itachi's world, not his. Euclid assumed he knew the Uchiha's resolve, but he'd misread him entirely. The look the devil thought he recognized was never Sasuke's—it was the look of a different Uchiha.
"I'm not one of you. And I won't be one of them," He said, voice cold. "If this falls through, I'll go with my own plan."
Shrugging, his new "comrade" smiled, "Very well. We will get you settled." Euclid stood up and prepared to leave his laboratory. But the words from the shinobi stopped him.
"... Who is this other devil?" Sasuke asked, "I'll need to know."
The tone went into something the devil has not used before. Low, dark, cold, even cautious. This arrogant individual somehow being almost frightened by a figure that was not even in the room with him.
"Mercy is a foreign word to him. Vampires and Evil Dragons may be cruel, but nothing rivals a man with no chains on his curiosity. When reason fades, and curiosity becomes the sole guide, he'll walk any path—no matter how dark—to find his answer. Trials, experiments, captivity—whatever terrible idea your imagination can come up with, he has done it. When we had our civil-war, he used... methods to crush our forces. Unspeakable horrors that were masked and hidden. As any witness had died. And when he marched on Lucifaad, our capital, they called him hero and named him Beelzebub."
There was one man that he immediately thought of. If someone like that existed where he was from, then he was likely here as well. No, not the same person—but someone similar.
Sasuke replied coldly, "In my world, they called him a Sannin."
Was this really happening in the human world she had come to love so deeply? Or was this the very hell that humans so often wrote about?
A nightmare brought to life, where every breath felt like a struggle for survival?
Rias Gremory's chin struck the ground hard, the impact rattling her senses as her vision spun. Pain throbbed through her body as she pushed herself up, forcing her eyes to focus on the chaos surrounding her. She remembered using the castling move, swapping places with Koneko, her rook, and bringing her Pawn with her into the fray. Gasper had been bound, likely tortured, and forced to activate his Balance Breaker. They had successfully rescued him, but it hadn't stopped the failsafe set in place. One of the magicians had been sacrificed, and a massive explosion had erupted in the clubroom because of it.
Looking down, she saw her unconscious bishop lying limp in her arms. She had shielded him from the blast, clutching him close. Issei had tried to reach for her as well, but now he was nowhere to be found.
Slowly, the 'King' rose to her knees, her limbs aching and battered. Around her, the nightmarish sounds of battle filled the air—screams, the clash of steel on steel, and the roars of elemental magic lighting up the world. It was like a scene from a brutal historical painting, the sky painted with twisted colors locked in combat.
Her gaze fell on the place where the meeting had been held—a school building now reduced to a deep crater.
Panic surged, tightening into a knot in her stomach. Her first thought was of Akeno—her Queen, her confidant, her best friend—the one who had been with her from the very beginning. Just before Rias had rushed off to save Gasper, she had seen Akeno caught, immobilized within Gasper's Balance Breaker.
But now… the woman looked around, her heart pounding.
Where was Akeno? Where was anyone?
What she did know was what this was. This entire chaotic dreadful escape.
This… was war.
It was terrifying, worse than story's she had read in history. Her legs trembled, bruised knees hitting the ground as she nearly collapsed again, her breath caught in her throat. Adrenaline kept her focused and held back the tears that threatened to spill.
A shadow fell over her. She looked up, hope flickering faintly. A figure stood before her, cloaked in armor with dark, bat-like wings unfurled behind him. Relief surged—another devil, an ally. He was a foot soldier from her brother's personal army. Each of the 72 Pillar clans, that are still alive, had their own vassals and levies, but these soldiers belonged to the royal force, the elite guard under the command of all four Satans. They had forsaken their clan ties to serve directly under the Maou's, taking on the responsibility and title as protectors of the Underworld.
But then she noticed the details of the armor, its design ancient and worn, unlike anything she'd seen in modern devil ranks. Her heart plummeted as he raised a spear cloaked in darkness magic, pointing it directly at her. In that instant, she was frozen, and understood that this one was not part of the current satan's army, but rather, the Old-Satan faction.
It thrust downward at her.
Yet, it never came.
In an instant, the armored figure's head snapped forward, separated from his body, blood spilling to the ground before her. Rias blinked, dazed, as she looked up to witness a sight that left her breathless. Standing before her, cloaked in blood that was not his own, was the human, Uchiha Sasuke. His dark hair was rough, yet his expression calm, untouched by the anarchy raging around him. He held his blade high, lightning crackling around it, a faint holy aura glowing along the edge. His red and purple eyes glowed.
It was unlike anything she had ever seen.
Wait... when did he ever have those eyes?
Though his appearance was… grizzly. He was not alone, and that lifted her spirits. In his left arm, was her Queen, the Queen she loved and cared for. Akeno was battered, roughed up, her violet eyes weakly opened. The relief was immense, and Rias finally felt she could properly breathe again.
Her queen didn't look at her, though. Instead, she stared at the one who had saved her. It was just a moment, but it felt like an eternity as their gaze locked—her violet eyes meeting his red and purple ones in a silent, intense exchange. The 'King' wondered what Akeno saw in that stare, if she saw anything at all. Yet, the longer her Queen looked, the more she felt herself drawn in, lost in those eyes of his.
"Are you okay?"
Uchiha Sasuke had never asked that question to anyone before. For a fleeting moment, the 'King' smiled at his consideration. But then... she realized that those words were not directed toward her.
Instead, Akeno nodded, and that simple assurance provided him with the answer he had clearly been hoping for.
Ever since this boy had wandered into her world, the red-haired devil had occasionally felt a pang in her chest. Just a trace, a whisper, a hint of something she could no longer deny.
Jealousy? Envy? Desire?
Perhaps, Rias was the one who wanted to be asked that question. Perhaps, she wanted to be looked at the way he was looking at her Queen.
The High-Class devil stared at the human. She had come to know him, in fact, she was the first devil, as far as she knew, he had ever spoken to. Yet, it seemed she never had a moment alone with him, never a chance for conversation. Her peerage was closer to him than she was. It was almost sad.
And she was the King! The one who spoke for all of them.
Sasuke stood amidst the horrors of war without flinching, hesitating, trembling, shaking, or blinking—a deadly force who protected his comrades. Not even the rage of armageddon around them seemed to faze him. It was like he was used to it, as if it was another day. It was strange since he was so... normal. A regular human, though skilled with swords.
Not before, not now. Nothing truly bothered him.
A question echoed through her mind, one she couldn't suppress, one her instincts dared to ask herself.
Who really was this person?
Sasuke knelt, his movements unexpectedly gentle as he laid Akeno beside her, ensuring she was comfortable on the ground. Then he stood, his colorful eyes distant, already focused on the next threat. "Stay with her." He practically commanded. He was not in her peerage, not even a devil. Yet when he spoke in that tone, Rias felt the urge to simply… nod.
Her eyes widened. "Fire!" A torrent of thick, molten flames descended from above. It had been a barrage of them, summoned by the proficient magicians of the Nilrem faction.
He looked up, his eyes narrowing. There was no time to try and form a magic circle. Instead, he weaved his hands into a pattern, and took a deep breath, "Suiton: Hatō!" he called, and with a forceful exhale, a massive wave of water erupted from his mouth, surging forward as if he were unleashing the entire ocean.
The elements met in mid-air, the clash of fire and water so intense that the area filled with thick steam, obscuring everything in its path.
Rias watched him, her eyes no doubt in amazement. Everything about his reaction, his counter, his attitude, defied what she knew about him thus far.
Uchiha Sasuke was often blunt and distant, sometimes acting as if he couldn't bear to be in the same room as the devils—or anyone, for that matter. Yet his actions contradicted his words and attitude. He led by example. He was here, and no one could deny he was no coward.
Sword in hand, he walked forward, cutting through the steam with each step as if he could see right through it.
Sasuke had fought through countless battles, each one leaving its own mark. Some moments stood out more than others—Zabuza, the Chunin Exams, his uneasy "alliance" with Orochimaru, the battle with Itachi, and his incursion into the Land of Lightning. But the Fourth Shinobi War had brought a level of chaos unmatched by any other. This battle wasn't as intense on a personal level, but he couldn't deny the sheer scale unfolding. There were thousands of fighters in the sky.
The wildest part was that, if what he'd been told was true, this was a relatively small battle.
He had expected Shalba Beelzebub to make an appearance, but it seemed this was just the first stage of their plan. Instead, Katerea Leviathan had shown up, descending right at the heart of the meeting site. Her power exploded outward with such force that it left a massive crater.
Issei and Rias had been sent to rescue Gasper and had succeeded, but they hadn't returned. Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki had all been frozen by the balance breaker the half-vampire had used. It didn't take much to free them; just focusing chakra and touching them was enough to break the spell.
In the sky above, he could see Katerea and Azazel locked in fierce combat, their auras clashing violently, the intensity of the fight palpable even at this distance. Frustration bubbled within him. The Old Satan Faction should have been using their power to combat Great Red, not squandering it on personal ambition.
However, he wondered if he had overestimated the strength of this faction. He had expected more destruction, but it seemed like this was the peak of their sudden attack.
He hoped Katerea would prevail. That would be the simplest way to avoid any unnecessary investigations into Kokabiel's death. However, she was no real match for Azazel. Though powerful in her own right, she was no match for the much more experienced and seasoned head of the Grigori.
She wasn't even up to par with Serafall.
Then he saw it—a dark aura surrounding Katerea, a foreign power interwoven with her own demonic energy. 'Ophis.' He realized. The Leviathan must have received a portion of the Dragon God's power in exchange for aid against Great Red, though it seemed the Old Satan Faction had yet to fulfill their end of the bargain.
If he were their leader...
He dismissed the thought as a squadron of enemy devils swooped down. Sasuke readied himself, his Sharingan tracking every movement as he engaged. His strikes were precise and merciless, his speed almost unnatural to them, flashing across necks, shoulders, and torsos. They weren't prepared for him—not even close. Most were like genin, or at best, low-level chunin. But these devils were swift, and their ability to fly complicated things.
"Sasuke, is it?" An angelic masculine voice came from above—clear and calm. He glanced up to see Michael, the Seraph, his light-spears bloodied but his posture pristine as ever. A solemn frown creased his face. "You'll have to forgive me—for all of us, in fact. This is a collective issue. If we had foreseen the school's suffering, we would have conducted the meeting elsewhere."
The Uchiha replied smoothly, "It is what it is."
"Humans have always borne the brunt of our quarrels," Michael added, his voice tinged with regret. "Yet, without them, we would have collapsed long ago." He flew past Sasuke, forming a radiant shield of light to deflect an oncoming attack. "The least we can do is seek forgiveness."
Michael pressed his hands together, a bright, sacred light glowing between his palms. Unlike devils, angels didn't summon magic circles as a catalyst. Of course, they wouldn't utilize demonic energy. They wielded divine energy directly, and Michael was among the strongest. The light shimmered, intensified.
As he stared Sasuke jolted and remembered something traumatic. a memory from his world, the absolute, a painful memory. One that could have led to his death had he not had a certain ally to come and save him.
"I harbor no ill will toward you," The Tsuchikage had told him muttered aloud, "But many shinobi wish you dead."
"Jinton: Genkai Hakuri no Jutsu!"
Yes, that memory is what he thought of when he stared at Michael form his power.
The Seraph unleashed a massive beam of light, instantly obliterating a wave of devils. Their forms vanished, erased from existence, leaving behind a lingering, burning afterimage in the air. The power was so swift, so absolute, that Sasuke couldn't help but be impressed by the devastation it caused. This Angel was now regarded as the leader of the entire faction, standing alone unlike the Maou's. To replace God almighty? Those were big shoes to fill, and if he were to fall, the entire system would likely collapse.
"I have to ask for your help," Michael said as the light receded. "The two exorcists I sent here—I can't seem to locate them. They aren't like you, and I fear for there safety. If you see them… I would ask that you assist them. I know you have all had your differences in this town, but it would mean a lot, as I do value them."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, barely masking his skepticism. "And why should I? Those exorcists that came here threatened me, threatened the devils, they assumed I served them. You may work with humans, but what do you know about me?"
The Seraph tilted his head, considering, then finally answered, "Nothing." He paused, and his tone sharpened. "But I know humans. I have watched them throughout my entire existence—observing their growth, their downfalls, how they can choose to become good or evil. I have guided them since God's first command. Though I do not know you, I recognize that look in your eyes. It is a look I have seen in many capable individuals. And... it is not an evil look. It is a look that says, despite your lethality and nature, there is a part of you that still cares, that still sees the light. Despite everything you've been through, you understand what the right thing to do is. To help those in need. That it's never too late to do the right thing. That is the beauty of humanity. A uniquely cultural trait you all share—one that we supernatural beings could learn from."
When he had first arrived in this world, Euclid had provided an analysis of Sasuke through his cold, onyx eyes. Everything the devil had observed was surface-level. The history of violence, the negative emotions, the darkness that dwelled within them.
Michael, however, saw different. He looked beyond that and recognized the positive aspects within them—the hope, the light, the good.
Sasuke had to wonder. Were they still seeing Itachi's eyes? Or were they seeing his own? They were his brother's eyes, no doubt, but that did not seem to matter. Perhaps, they are the same now.
"I am not one of you, or one of them." He eventually said.
"But you are still a human." Michael replied.
The battle raged on, an unforgiving storm in the heart of its climax. The Old Satan faction's forces, chaotic and disjointed, fought without a coherent strategy. It seemed the only directive was simple. Kill everyone, sparing only the mercenary magicians who fought alongside them.
Their attention shifted to Sasuke—a lone human, grounded, armed with a sword. To them, he seemed weak. Some rushed in, only to fall beneath his first strike. A few survived, scattering when they saw his power. The truly fortunate ones left him alone, slipping away from the reach of his blade.
"Fūton: Gōfū no Men!" He called out, his Wind Release scattering his enemies, sending them crashing to the ground or slicing through the air to collide with each other, their bodies left broken on the earth below.
One soldier was hurled behind him but didn't flee. Spear in hand, he charged, reckless, determined. Sasuke sensed him coming, ready to cut him down—yet the strike never came. Instead, an ally appeared, both his swords dripping with blood that was not his own. It was someone who has been acting off the past couple of days.
"Sasuke-kun," Kiba said, lowering his gaze. "Are you... okay?"
The Uchiha pointed northward. "Don't worry about me. Go to your King. You all work better as a cohesive unit. Attacking alone will just mean one of you is likely to die."
Kiba hesitated, biting his tongue, torn. He had clearly avoided Rias and the others since his revenge, as if that night had been more complex than what most has realized. Revenge was a tricky thing to understand, but Sasuke understood. That despite getting, the Knight was not satisfied., perhaps unfulfilled and wondering what he could do to suddenly fill the hole.
"They need you."
Kiba gave a reluctant nod and ventured on.
He then cut his way through the chaos, his Rinnegan piercing the smoke and debris, tracking every movement and spell cast in the air. His Sharingan focused on the oncoming flames scorching the battlefield as he advanced. More devils surged toward him, joined by magicians wielding dark magic, but the assault seemed to pause the moment he reached a towering stone wall—a remnant of the school, somehow still standing.
Slumped against it was the blue-haired exorcist, Xenovia, her partner nowhere in sight. Her once-fierce determination was gone, her grip on her sword faltering, and her body marked by wounds. She took shallow, pained breaths, yet held her ground against the wave of devils closing in on her. In a flash, they were cut in piece, his left hand crackling with the lethal blue energy of Chidori Sharp Spear. He cut through the devils with ruthless precision, eliminating them before they could touch her.
Her sword slipped from her fingers, clattering to the ground. She leaned her head against the stone, a tremor in her voice as she whispered, "God-sama… Where are you?"
"Dead," He said coldly, "He's dead."
Xenovia's eyes widened, her face paling as the truth settled over her. God was gone, and with him, everything she had ever believed. The word about God's greatness, his unmatched power—all gone. How could a being so revered, so powerful, be dead? And more personally, his love, his kindness, and the faith he had in all those who served him, was no more.
As... he was not alive to have it.
"There's no point," She murmured, eyes unfocused. "Without belief in God's system, everything I fought for means nothing. You devils… You have something. More than I do."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, his irritation having returned, "I am not a devil, nor will I ever be."
"Then why stay with them?" She wondered, her voice thick with desperation. "Are you in love with them? Friends? Why risk your life like this? And why did you have no faith in God, even before you knew he was dead? What do you gain from it?"
It was an interesting question. Religion existed in the Land of Fire, but its influence was faint, eclipsed by the fierce loyalties that drove its people—devotion to one's Daimyo, to one's Kage, to one's clan. Those were the beliefs people fought and died for, and over time, they had all but replaced religion. The Uchiha, in particular, had never had strong ties to it.
But what about his own beliefs? Where did his certainty come from—the sense that he was meant to do something significant, something of real worth? Where did his confidence come from? The answer surfaced swiftly, without struggle. For many shinobi, strength, purpose, and resilience stemmed from within. Self-reliance, inner conviction—these were the true sources.
Duty.
It was a new found sense of duty.
Sasuke understood his own power and the potential within him to transform the shinobi world. It was a heavy path, one with many challenges, but he felt compelled to take it. If he didn't, the cycle of pain and betrayal—the suffering of Madara, Obito, Itachi, everyone, even himself—would repeat in some other form.
"Faith?" Sasuke spoke aloud, his voice low but resolute, almost daring a challenge. "I have faith—more than anyone you've ever known." He took a step closer, his gaze intense. "Call it arrogance, confidence, whatever you want. I have faith. But it isn't in someone else. It isn't in any system. It's in something I can see. Something I can control."
Xenovia looked up, eyes pleading for an answer to guide her, "Then… what? Where can my faith go? If God-sama is dead, where can it go?"
A flicker of softness crossed his face. "My faith… is in myself." He let the words settle, "My strength. My power. My goals. My duty. I believe I can change things—that I can make the world different. Only I can make it happen. I just have to reach out and take it."
The silence that followed was heavy, She pondered it for a moment, though it was difficult. Given the situation in the background.
Finally, he added, almost to himself, "I just… need to get back."
It appeared that was the end of the conversation. They could only hear the background of the battle going on. The exorcist lowered her eyes and finally stood, "The devils have regrouped," She observed. Somehow that idiot pawn is still alive… and Asia." She straightened, a faint frown tugging at her lips. "Even Irina made it to them." Across the battlefield, he could see Rias and her peerage, standing alongside Sona and Tsubaki. The various factions were rallying together, battered yet alive.
In the sky above, a dramatic shift had occurred. Katerea Leviathan's body disintegrated, her life snuffed out by Azazel, who hovered above the battlefield. But Sasuke could see even from this distance that the Fallen Angel was heavily injured. One of his arms was missing.
The armor surrounding the fallen angel had an ominous, dragon-like energy—a dark aura, similar to the power Vali had used when the fight began. However, the power did not seem as significant.
Xenovia's eyes remained locked on the sky. "They're retreating… have we won?" She murmured, almost not daring to believe it.
The battlefield was shifting. The Nilrem magicians appeared to have abandoned their devil allies, likely deterred by the heavy losses they'd endured. The devils of the Old Satan Faction looked taken aback by their sudden retreat, yet many began to withdraw as well. The message had been delivered unmistakably—the death of their commander had signaled that the battle was lost. Staying would mean certain defeat; retreating offered the slim promise of fighting another day.
The chaos finally began to subside. The clash of weapons, the roar of spells—all fell silent. It was over.
Suddenly.
CRASH
Both Sasuke and Xenovia turned to see Azazel's body plummeting to the ground. A loud force rang through the entire battlefield. The Uchiha's eyes narrowed. High above, Vali hovered, his dragon wings spread, clearly having struck his former leader in a cheap attack from behind.
They fought like stars streaking across the heavens, their movements so fast and intense that even the three heads of the factions kept their distance. The White Dragon Emperor clashed with the Red Dragon Emperor, each blow ringing out like thunder. Even at the ground level, the wind and vibration could be felt.
Azazel watched intently, his gaze sharp as he addressed those around him. "These two are bound by fate. For centuries, the wielders of these Sacred Gears have always clashed. The original dragons were so devastating that, in the end, all three factions united—just once—to split their bodies and seal their souls within these Gears." He crossed his arms, a smirk forming on his lips. "Isn't it ironic? Here we are now, attempting to forge unity, and yet these two still fighting. But it seems only one of them actually seeks true peace."
Vali had revealed his heritage as a descendant of Lucifer, the revelation rippled through the onlookers, surprising everyone but Sasuke. However, he seemed indifferent in aligning himself with the Old Satan Faction or claiming any legacy. His goals were straightforward and singular. To fight. Though, of course, he had another goal in his life. One that the Uchiha related all too-well to. But that situation was far more simpler.
Unfortunately, the fight was not going well for the pawn.
Initially, it seemed Issei stood no chance. However, with the special bracelet from Azazel, the Red Dragon Emperor was able to activate his Balance Breaker for the first time. He could see it with his sharigan. The armor was like a second heartbeat. His strength, his speed, and his demonic aura were all amplified. All of that power seemed to centralize, not at his gauntlet, like Sasuke originally suspected, but at the core of the armor.
Although now on equal footing with Vali, he lacked the experience to wield his newfound power effectively. Time and again, he smashed Issei into the ground.
"Divine Dividing," Michael observed quietly. "It slices through power itself, reducing anything it connects with, and then adds it to the user. I fear, with his lineage, he will become the most powerful White-Dragon Emperor ever to exist. Perhaps, that ever will exist."
Each time Vali's palm opened, a ripple of energy emitted from it, reaching toward Issei and slicing his power into fractions. Though the pawn could use his [BOOST] ability to recover, it was becoming an endless, grueling cycle. Vali seemed to revel in the brutality, having even gone so far as to threaten his rival's family to provoke his anger, knowing it would drive Issei to fight harder.
It worked.
Anger fueled the pawn. He had attempted to use Ascalon, the dragon-slaying sword gifted to him by Michael, yet it failed to connect.
Sasuke wondered if he could borrow that sword, to be used against Great Red. Anything that would help him take down that dragon.
[HALF-DIMENSION]
The space around them distorted. Buildings and structures in the vicinity began to crumble as the dimensions warped and shrank. It could even be used against living creatures. Truly a terrifying ability if one found themselves unable to escape the the grasp of that power.
"GUH!" Issei grunted as blood spurted from his mouth, spilling through the cracks in his armor. His body was flung from the sky, crashing painfully into the ground before the gathered onlookers. He had fought valiantly, his anger blazing as a catalyst for his fearlessness, but it wasn't enough. Vali loomed above, a taunting figure in his white dragon armor, his voice cold and mocking.
"So much for my rival," The devil sneered, his voice distorted through his helmet. "Perhaps if I kill you, your sacred gear will find someone more deserving."
"You threatened my parents," Issei spat, his voice hoarse but unwavering. "Don't think I'll let that go…"
His bracelet flared one final time, and he attempted to push himself into the fight once more. But just as he prepared to stand, the power flickered, his armor crumbling away piece by piece, leaving him exposed and defenseless.
"Hmph." Vali scoffed, raising his hand. "A pity. If you can't fight, then I won't bother dragging this out. Farewell, my rival."
They all observed the fight, amazed, horrified, terrified. Everyone could see that his life was in danger. Yet, Sasuke observed no one willing to get involved, but they wanted to. Rias walked forward, her eyes determined to save her pawn. He would fight for her, and his King would absolutely fight for him. There was no doubt about that. However, her arm was grabbed, a pressure yanking at her.
"You'll end up getting yourself killed." Sirzechs said firmly. This was Lucifer himself. One of the strongest devils and beings to ever exist. He is without a doubt someone to take seriously, in battle and off. If he said those words, he was right.
Suddenly, Kiba brushed past them, sword drawn and eyes blazing with determination. "I'm sick of watching this. Buchou, allow me to go. I am ready... for anything. The least I could do is save Issei-Kun." It was a bold move, for him to volunteer like that. Though, it appeared as if Yuuto already knew what was going to happen. And he was right, there was no chance he could take on Vali.
A nudge hit him, from below. Koneko had been bruised up, but alive and conscious. She gave him a pleading look. The Rook never really liked Issei, but he was still a friend, a comrade, and one of them. Her eyes were pleading, yet she did not want to answer. It seemed she knew what would happen to the pawn, as well as the knight, if... Sasuke did not do something else.
Save Hyoudou? Again?
Fight the White-Dragon Emperor?
The Uchiha stepped forward, and the gasps echoed. The voices all spoke with hesitation.
Michael objected, "Sasuke-ku-"
Sasuke cut him off, waving his hand. "I'm not part of any faction. I do as I please. And… I'm a human. Or have you forgotten?" The Seraph's frown remained, as it always will, but there was a hint of light in his saddened green eyes. No one could order a human around, especially not after what had happened in his town.
He then turned to Kiba. "Stay here. If he gets past me, kill him."
Vali walked slowly toward Issei, his feet crunching on the debris scattered across the ground. The rival lay collapsed, his body bruised and battered from the fight. The noise of battle had faded, leaving a heavy silence in the air. White looked down at red, a mix of victory and disappointment in his eyes. The clashes had taken a toll on both of them, but clearly only one of them had suffered.
COLLAPSE
His first instinct was that his armor was so heavy the ground crumbled beneath him. The earth ruptured, but the force felt far too unnatural. He was heavy, yes, but something else was at play.
Like Issei, Vali's sacred gear, Albion, spoke to him. The voice echoed aloud.
[This is magic! Get out of there!]
No spell, an Earth-Relese jutsu.
The blue wings flared open. He shot into the sky, only to notice the one responsible—standing alone below—was the human from the meeting.
"I thought it was Hyoudou, but he has zero skills in magic." Vali then sneered, his tone filled with contempt as he fixed his gaze on Sasuke. "Who the hell are you? One of the lackeys around here? Do you want to die, human? Leave us." He then looked down toward the Seraph, "I had always wanted to fight God. But since he is dead, I suppose you'll have to do, Michael!"
"Die?" Sasuke called out from below, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "If you're my executioner, I think I'll live forever." The devil glanced down, taken aback by the unexpected words, but soon found them amusing. If the swordsman wanted to perish, then Vali would gladly oblige.
And then—dash.
The White-Dragons Emperor body blurred, disappearing and reappearing with great speed. Sasuke had seen him fight earlier, his sharigan more adept to this level of movement. Vali appeared before him, his gauntlet, whipped forward, grabbing the shinobi in mid-motion. With a vicious pull, he slammed the human into the ground with such force that the earth vibrated.
Most figures with no defenses on them would have splattered from such an attack.
But then, in a burst of white smoke, the human vanished.
"What?" Vali muttered, scanning his surroundings in annoyance. "Illusion magic? I didn't sense anything…"
[Vali, below you!] Albion warned.
The ground shattered beneath Vali's feet as his opponent burst from below the earth, his palm glowing with intense, crackling purple lightning—the Chidori, infused with the power of the Six Paths. This energy, dense and dark, pulsed.
Vali instinctively raised his arms to block the attack, barely managing to guard his head. The Chidori pierced his gauntlets, tearing through the armor and sending shards of it flying, along with sprays of blood. The sheer force of the blow pushed him back, and he winced, glaring at his injured arms.
He raised his fist, his glare looking into his opponents deep, colorful eyes. But then, as a result, he suddenly froze. Every muscle in his body locked up, rendering him motionless. Sasuke stood still, aware that while he might not be as skilled in illusions as his brother, his technique was still more than enough to handle someone like Vali. Stepping forward, he lifted his left hand, and lightning crackled to life around it once more.
Vali's eyes widened beneath his helmet, unable to speak as his body remained paralyzed. Above him loomed a massive purple figure in the sky, a creepy, shadowy presence that wrapped its hand around him. It had a very eerie looking smile, and a grip that squeezed hard, even in his armor. 'What is this!?' Was all he could think, trapped by the force that held him in place. His eyes trembled with fear and confusion.
Sasuke lunged, his Chidori streaking toward Vali's heart. The intense energy of the lightning tore through the scaled armor, breaking through each layer as he pushed deeper. Just millimeters from Vali's chest. However, once again, the attack halted abruptly, his plans to use a surprise attack with a genjutsu as a backup not having succeeded.
The White-Dragon Emperor's eyes slowly regained focus. Somehow, he had broken free so fast.
[Vali! Are you back? He used some kind of spell on you. Your demonic energy went berserk, but I've stabilized it.]
Sasuke realized it then. Vali's true strength wasn't just his demonic aura or even his Sacred Gear. It was the dragon, Albion. The creature was not like the evil dragons the Uchiha has come to known. This one clearly cared, defended, guided, and was trusted by his host. It was an ancient beast of wisdom and intellect, and it proved capable of saving Vali's life on multiple occasions.
The dragon had broken the genjutsu
A smirk spread under Vali's helmet. "You're strong! I should have known not to underestimate a fellow human!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he drew his sword, lightning coursing down the blade. He swung upward as Vali attempted to lift him, the weapon hitting his armor but not penetration as deeply as he hoped.
[It's a holy sword—don't let it touch you!]
The devil felt caution, he retreated back, and so did the shinobi. He formed hand seals. With a deep inhale, a heat came from his mouth. It was like he was a dragon himself.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
A massive fireball shot forward, barreling toward Vali in a fiery sphere. Vali extended his hand, channeling his Sacred Gear's power.
[DIVIDE] [DIVIDE] [DIVIDE]
The power divided itself, eventually diminishing into nothing more than a spark. Long-ranged traditional ninjutsu and genjutsu appeared to be ineffective.
Sasuke had observed Vali earlier and understood that the key to facing him was to avoid letting the dragon absorb his strength. While he couldn't fly, he could vanish from sight at a distance. He tried to lure his opponent in as he had before, but the White Dragon Emperor was no fool.
[HALF-DIMENSION]
The Hakuryūkō pursued him with caution, moving at incredible speed—faster than Rock Lee, faster than the Raikage, but still not quite matching Naruto at his peak. Sasuke's chakra was at its maximum, and he used Amenotejikara to throw off his pursuer, making it appear as if he was darting in multiple directions, shifting with a skill that would have been near impossible for most to follow.
The space around Sasuke was collapsing in on itself—buildings crumbling, structures shattering, and even the remains of fallen bodies being halved into the crushing force. Yet, despite the chaos closing in, the attack couldn't land a hit on the shinobi.
He gripped his sword tightly and muttered, almost as if speaking to someone invisible, "Keep his arms apart." This time, he did not attempt to flee. Vali raised his fist, preparing to pulverize him with a single blow.
[Vali, be careful—there's something else strange about that sword!]
Sasuke scoffed internally, annoyed. 'Dragons always know of one another.' He thought.
Right on cue, the sword twisted, the metal spiraling into two large snake heads that lunged at the Hakuryūkō. But the warning had given Vali enough time to anticipate an unexpected move. He simply caught the two serpent necks in his hands, squeezing until blood splattered from its head. The Yamata no Orochi was a vicious and powerful evil dragon, but its powers currently are not as ideal as they could be.
Using his left eye, Sasuke teleported to the ground below, where the domain felt more manageable, a place he could move in with greater ease.
Kokabiel had recklessly charged in, driven by pride and overconfidence, believing victory was within reach. That was ultimately how he died in such a seemingly short manner.
Now, Vali floated above, arms crossed, blood seeping down his armor. Patient. Observant. It's not like the fight was going to fade away. He knew better than to run into someone who used such strange surprise tactics like hiding in the ground, or illusions, or now, swords that turned into living creatures.
'Very well.' Sasuke thought, realizing he would have to make the next move. He raised his right hand hand and called out, "Banshō Ten'in."
The gravitational pull from his hand began slow, nearly invisible at first, but soon, the devil felt the tug, his body being drawn toward the ground. His wings flapped harder, defying the force.
"What the hell is this?" Vali growled, adjusting his stance in midair. He flew higher, fighting the grip, but the pressure grew stronger, pulling him downward. "This guy…" he muttered with a scowl, forming a magic circle with one hand. A blinding beam of demonic energy burst forth, shooting straight for Sasuke. The Mangekyo sharigan flared. He did not attempt to dodge the magic attack. Instead an ethereal-purple energy formed around him, ribs of the towering Susanoo materializing.
The blast struck, but the Susanoo held, barely cracking.
The Uchiha examined his defenses, noting the lack of damage. 'Light has a profound impact on it,' He thought. 'But demonic energy doesn't seem to have nearly the same effect.' That knowledge would be useful in battles against those who used demonic energy.
As the gravity of his jutsu continue to intensify with each second, he watched his opponent with a smirk.
He recalled his failed attempts at striking Vali's heart and head. Perhaps his focus was misplaced. His gaze shifted to the pulsating purple core at the center of Vali's armor—a vital energy point. Sasuke's eyes narrowed. This was where he needed to strike. It was always tempting to go straight for the vitals, to end the fight as soon as possible. That was always the ideal shinobi way. However, this was no shinobi.
Vali however was panicking under his helmet. 'The weight of the armor! I can't escape his pull!'
[Drop the armor or crash into him!]
The Uchiha deliberately stabbed the sword into the ground. There was no need to have it in his hands anymore.
As the overwhelming gravitational force pressed down upon him, Vali's body was dragged lower, caught in its violent descent. In contrast, Sasuke launched himself into the air, his left eye sharpened and focused like a hawk's, chakra being surged into it. He had not even realized it, but being so high in the air had triggered the Deva Path. The telekinesis being used to keep his body from falling down.
Vali was plummeting at an incredible speed, the air rushing past him as he descended like a meteor. His palm was outstretched, to either [DIVIDE] his enemy's power the moment he got close enough or to deliver a devastating blow with his other fist, ready to crush his opponent.
Closer and closer!
Sasuke's gaze shifted downward, locked onto the sword he embedded in the ground, its blade piercing like a beacon.
His left eye flared now.
SWAP
It was almost nostalgic, having used this same attack on Madara. Though this time, it would actually do something. The blade itself substituted with his body, and with the force of his fall, the devil simply fell into it.
BOOM
The heavy thud resonated through the terrain, a forceful echo of impact. If Vali had been given a moment to slow his descent, he might have evaded the collision against the earth. But the piercing strike of the Sword of Kusanagi held him in place. Never before had the devil been stabbed before. Though still in his armor Vali's body lay on the ground. He tried rising to his knees, but it was truly difficult with that weapon lodged inside him.
"...Ghh...Gh...Guhhh...!"
The breaths came in ragged gasps, each exhale a struggle as his body trembled with pain. Blood poured from the wounds, pooling beneath him. Though the blade had narrowly missed his core, the holy aura radiating from the steel seared into his flesh, amplifying his agony with every passing moment. The sword penetrated deep into his abdomen, the hilt resting against his skin.
He managed to lift his head up.
Though they could not see it, he was still grinning. Adrenaline coursed through his vein, this was it, this was the fight he had been craving for!
"A mere human… not even chosen by God… this is good!" The devil spat, "If you can do it, that means others can! They're just weak!"
[Vali, retreat, don't do this.] Albion urged, his voice strained, as if he knew what he was planning to do.
But Vali's eyes blazed with renewed fervor. "I, who am about to awaken…" His voice grew darker with each word, as if reciting an ancient spell.
[Vali, stop.]
"…Walk the path of domination, of infinite destruction. By piercing through the imaginary dream…"
[Vali! What is this the point! This person is the not one!]
Sasuke saw the ominous shift in energy. The words weren't just mindless rambling. They were charging Vali's Sacred Gear with something destructive. Without hesitation, he surged forward, his Chidori crackling to life in his hand. He closed the gap in a flash, driving his lightning-charged hand directly into Vali's core with precise, devastating force. The impact shattered the central piece.
That seemed to have done it.
"GUH!" Vali gasped as his armor cracked. He hit the ground hard once more, blood spilling from his mouth as he slumped to one knee, a flicker of respect in his eyes.
"He… won't even let me use Juggernaut Drive… I have to escape… I have to…"
The Uchiha stared down, his gaze fixed as if he were seeing a reflection of himself. But... this wasn't him. Vali Lucifer was strong, but even more dangerous was his potential. Give him a year, and a fight with him could be a whole different story. Sasuke knew he could end it now, and that would be the end of that threat. But a part of him hesitated. He didn't want to linger in this world longer than necessary. And maybe, just maybe, he secretly hoped Vali would one day take his revenge against his grandfather.
But not before he made it back home.
CRACK.
A sharp crack echoed across the battlefield as the barrier shattered, both fighters turning to see a new figure standing at the clearing's edge. He held a long staff, his brown hair falling over sharp, perceptive eyes, and a tail flicked idly behind him. With a bemused expression, he seemed unfazed by the fierce clash he'd interrupted.
He leaped between the two fighters, staff extended defensively. Sasuke narrowed his gaze and raised his hands, feeling the force push him back. But as the tension mounted, others ventured into the fray, stepping in to bring the escalating conflict to a halt.
Azazel crossed his arms, gaze sharp as he sized up the newcomer. "Bikou," he intoned, voice both wary and bemused. "Just when I thought things couldn't get more chaotic. Don't tell me your entire clan is joining the Khaos Brigade?"
Most stared at the Cadre, uncertain of the name's weight, though Michael and Sirzechs remained impassive. Sasuke threw a glance at the Fallen Angel but found Azazel's focus elsewhere. With so many powerhouses present, the name would soon spread—this was only one moment in each faction's grand, ambitious plans.
Bikou laughed, the sound casual and oddly out of place amidst the tension.
The observed him closely, sensing his immense chakra, raw and untamed, a force, perhaps similar to the Hachibi.
He recalled seeing him at the Khaos Brigade meeting, though the warrior hadn't seemed to recognize Sasuke—ironic, given the "alien" in the room looked least remarkable among the extraordinary figures.
"I do as I please," Bikou replied, smirking as he nudged Vali. "Besides, we've got a meeting with some Norse gods coming up. C'mon, Vali, that's bound to be more interesting than whatever this is." He paused, noticing Vali's state. "Whoa… what happened to you? You wanted to fight the Red Dragon Emperor, after all."
Vali, catching his breath, shook his head. "No," he said, voice steady despite his wounds. "It was… him." He gestured toward Sasuke, who held his gaze without flinching.
Bikou's tail flicked in curiosity. "Him?" He shielded his eyes, squinting at Sasuke. "You sure? How's your vision? Maybe you—" He froze, senses kicking in, his eyes widening. "This guy's chakra is absurd! Human-boy, where the hell did you learn to gather so much? And why haven't you converted it to senjutsu?"
Sasuke didn't answer, though the thought intrigued him. To turn his chakra into senjutsu—what possibilities that held.
Azazel chuckled dryly. "Perhaps a diplomatic envoy could sway your mind, Bikou. Maybe a word from Son Goku would do the trick. He's persuasive, you know. Perhaps he'd convince you to… see reason."
The monkey's grin broadened, twirling his staff with a flourish. "My ancestor lets me do as I please." He slammed the weapon to the ground, conjuring a portal that crackled with magic beneath him and Vali. "Besides, I listen to Vali now. We're mates!. See you, human-kun!"
Vali glanced at Sasuke, then over to Issei, who was still catching his breath. "Get stronger, my rival," He called, a rare glint of respect in his eyes as he looked back at Sasuke. "Your friend can't fight all your battles for you."
With that, Vali and Bikou vanished into the portal, leaving only a charged spark in the air.
The battlefield had finally quieted, the lingering glow of residual magic fading into the soft light of dawn. Issei lay sprawled on the ground, bruised and exhausted, his loyal peerage gathered protectively around him. Asia knelt by his side, her hands emitting a warm, gentle light as she healed his injuries, her face etched with worry. He'd fought bravely, even when it was clear his opponent was stronger. For all his flaws, there was an undeniable courage in his loyalty.
Nearby, the leaders of the great factions conversed in low tones, their focus on the growing threat of the Khaos Brigade. Sasuke took one last look at the scene. His job here was done—it was time for him to disappear into the night, slipping back into the shadows. He turned, ready to leave unnoticed.
But a sudden, gleeful grip on his arm held him in place.
"Sasuke-chan!" Serafall Leviathan's unmistakable, high-pitched voice rang out as she tugged eagerly on his arm, eyes bright and smile wide. His black eyes met hers, impassive yet focused, as she bubbled, "You fought so well! How did you do that thing—where you swapped positions!? Oh! Wait, sorry, I forgot it's rude to ask!" Her voice then dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, eyes gleaming. "You should've seen Sona-chan's face! She was so impressed. We all were! Psst, they're talking about you, you know?"
'If hell truly existed, it was this. Right here.' Sasuke's shoulders tensed as he took a step back, cautious not to turn his back on the woman, whose enthusiasm felt like it might overflow at any moment. Even in her more dignified attire, there was no mistaking the mischievous, persona she embraced so wholeheartedly.
"Ara, ara," Akeno's familiar, lilting voice came from a few paces away. She stood with an amused smile, calm and poised in her battle attire. He felt good about seeing her in that uniform. It meant that she had fought. Fought alongside her King, her peerage, her friends. There was no need for to have died in this fight, "Is Sasuke-kun planning to leave without saying goodbye again?"
Sasuke looked around in all directions, suddenly aware that everyone was now watching him.
"Oh, I think you'd be quite suited for an apprenticeship in the Underworld," Serafall continued, undeterred by his stiffness. "Much better than those dreary exorcist schools or sword masters. Did I mention Sona is a wonderful King? And her Queen—well, I think you've noticed her charms, haven't you? I wonder if you three—" Word after word, rambling after rambling. They all felt amused watching his him look down with his blank expression. Though neutral in appearance, it absolutely bothered him.
"Stop." Sasuke's voice cut through her words once more. Calm, but firm. His hand raised, a finger extended just in front of her nose. "I liked you better before."
"Before?" She tilted her head, genuinely puzzled. "When?"
"At the meeting." His answered lowly. "You were composed. Professional. You had me guessing then. Now, it feels like there's not much left to discover."
The words seemed to affect Serafall in a way he hadn't anticipated. A faint blush touched her cheeks, and her voice softened as she replied, "There's… plenty of me to discover," she said, almost shyly. "I'm a Maou, an older sister, a magical girl—"
He interjected, "A what?"
"A Satan!" She corrected, her grin flashing back into place.
Before she could continue, Sona approached, her arms crossed and expression stern. "Onee-sama," she chided, "I told you to remember what I said."
Serafall gave her sister a wink and an innocent smile. "I was just talking to him, Sona-chan."
"You can talk to him when he visits," Sona replied with a smirk. Her gaze shifted to Sasuke, her eyes calculating. "I'm sure you'll visit, Sasuke-kun. After all, you've gotten quite close to us now."
That seemed to change the mood entirely. He did not know what to say. His usual response seemed out of place, being surrounded by so many entities. Instead, he remained quiet. Letting himself fade with it.
From the sidelines, Azazel chuckled, nudging him with his uninjured arm, "I have to say, I'm impressed. Didn't think much of you at first, but now... now I'll have to take you a little more seriously, Uchiha-kun."
It had been another impulsive move. Though the fight was relatively tame to what he was capable of, it showed to everyone that he was someone on par. More than an advisor, more than a teacher, more than someone who offered advice. Sasuke... was a capable, lethal fight. And now, everyone had taken notice. Hiding in the shadows will be a tad more difficult now.
Sirzechs stepped forward, his warm smile matched by the kindness in his eyes as he extended a hand toward Sasuke. "Sasuke-kun, I've known of your strength for quite some time. But it seems the universe has been intent on keeping our paths apart until now. Thank you—for protecting those who are important to us and for standing by my sister's side. I understand that you've chosen to remain human, and we fully respect that decision. But I do humbly ask you to continue keeping the peace here… and to keep looking after Rias."
Rias, standing nearby, felt heat rise to her cheeks as she glanced at her brother, flustered. "Onii-sama…" She murmured, her face tinged with a deep blush. "We take care of each other…" She corrected, her gaze flicking toward Sasuke for a brief moment before turning back to her brother.
Sirzechs chuckled, clearly pleased. "Of course, of course," he said, his eyes softening as he looked between the two. "It's good to know she's in such capable company."
They were still shaking hands. It was the longest handshake of the shinobi's life. Suddenly, the Maou squeezed had, and dragged him closer, "And don't be a stranger," The devil whispered with an odd look in his eyes, "My sister, and Serafall... neither of them are married... or engaged. But of course, you all know about engagements, right?" The two pulled back, a smile still on his face.
'What a strange, strange man.' Sasuke wasn't sure what to make of the revelation, so he simply gave a nod. Surprisingly, that seemed to satisfy the powerful devil. Although he was a Lucifer, he bore no resemblance to Rizevim. He was more like Rias in personality. Yet, the Uchiha could sense it—behind the devil's eccentric smile and sharp green eyes was someone who observed each interaction. Underestimating him would be foolish, not just because of his power, but because of the personality he enjoyed putting on.
Perhaps he isn't too far different than the Leviathan.
Suddenly, he felt a gentle nudge near his side. Looking down, he found Koneko staring up at him with a rare, soft smile, "One of us..." She said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sasuke placed his hand on her head, gently ruffling her hair.
'No,' He thought, his eyes dark as he stared at her, 'Not one of you. Not yesterday, not today… and not tomorrow.'
The capital city of Lilith in the Underworld had a haunting beauty to it. It mixed old medieval charm with sleek, modern touches that showed off both its history and strength. Tall buildings made of dark stone filled the skyline, decorated with ancient devil carvings, while torches and eerie lights threw shadows onto the cobblestone streets. Narrow alleys twisted through large plazas where statues of devil lords stood in commanding poses, their eyes almost seeming to follow anyone who stared too long.
In the aristocratic district, grand estates lined the streets, each surrounded by gardens of dark-hued plants that seemed to shimmer under a pale light. Stone gargoyles guarded the entrances, their faces locked in scowls toward anyone who passed. Devils moved through the streets, dressed in elegant, royal attire that reflected their ties to their respective Houses.
Ajuka Beelzebub's quarters in the capital had a similar look. Though he managed a vast laboratory, the place retained an old-world style that would seem centuries out of date to a modern human. In the main chamber, a circular obsidian table carved with arcane symbols took center stage, its surface hinting at use for high-level meetings.
The Satan sat in his chair, his expression as impassive as it always has been. Every movement was deliberate, every gaze calculating. Nothing escaped his notice, and when he spoke, each question was sharp, each word selected with intent.
He stared at a monitor before him.
The sound of approaching footsteps echoed behind him. A masculine voice followed, "Lord Ajuka Beelzebub-sama, it is a pleasure and an honor. We at Mount Meru have awaited a formal invitation to the Underworld for a long, long time. Lord Sirzechs-Lucifer-sama's wisdom in global relations is truly commendable."
Though the tone sounded sincere, there were subtle details in the speech, and the devil knew exactly how to interpret them.
Beelzebub didn't bother turning around to greet the diplomat. Instead, he replied, "Sirzechs is in the human world, for a more important meeting. It is up to me to deal with you. But I do wonder," He mused in a flat, unamused tone, "How difficult it must be for you, pretending to be a low-class being. Gods like you don't understand humility, nor can you feign it."
The envoy flinched but quickly regained his composure, a smirk forming on his face.
Ajuka continued, "I knew who you were the moment you crossed my barrier. I knew your appearance, the level of godly power you carry, your past, your present, and your future—if I have anything to say about it. So, spare me the lies. I have no curiosity for them and even less interest in you."
It had not been a long ruse. The diplomat's appearance shifted, his cocky expression faltering as his true form emerged—tall, with a buzz-cut hairstyle, greenish-brown hair, and lavender eyes hidden behind circular sunglasses.
Such an illusion did not deceive the superdevil. Such a facade was far too weak for him. This person was no diplomat, but rather, a supreme entity pretending to be one.
Sakra - The Heavenly Emperor - The God War, Storms, and Rainfall
Indra now spoke in his true form, his tone disappointed. "I had hoped I was meeting Lucifer, not his scientist." He moved closer, crossing his arms as he eyed the monitor, intrigued. "Hoh? What is this? One of your rating games?"
"The God of Observance now." Ajuka replied sarcastically.
"Truly a marvel of engineering. Not only did you artificially inflate the numbers for your faction, boosting them for war and population decline, but you also countered your God's Sacred Gear system. Your intellect is well-known—you've impressed many at Mount Meru."
Ajuka's gaze remained steady. "Sirzechs posed the question to me, and I became curious. Lilith, the mother of all devils, had once been our original creators along with Lucifer. However, both of them have died, and the power they wielded is lost, as far as we know. So, I devised the Evil Pieces as a solution. My curiosity since has been fulfilled."
Indra leaned in, almost whispering, "And how long did that take you? Surely something like that didn't happen overnight. What would someone like you do to satisfy your curiosity? Your intrigue? What would it take to answer the questions Sirzechs Lucifer would ask of you? I'm sure not even he knows how... complex it was to devise your work..."
"... To change the entire bloodline, the DNA of a human, even bringing them back from the dead. The Evil Pieces are perhaps the most advanced weapon ever created. Not even Heaven or the Grigori can compare. We all know they want their own method." He snapped his fingers. "There's just one thing I couldn't calculate on my own…"
"I do wonder... how many humans were sacrificed to perfect this system?"
A heavy silence fell over the room, the tension thickening as the Maou fixed his icy gaze on the God before him. When he finally spoke, his voice cut through the air, carrying the full weight of his authority.
"Latia, leave us."
His niece, who had been standing quietly against the wall, observing the exchange to learn the art of negotiation with a god, flinched. She cast a quick, respectful bow and exited without a word, sensing that the conversation was heading into far deeper waters. Once the door closed, the devil raised his hand, and with a subtle gesture, a shimmering sphere materialized around them, enclosing the space they occupied.
A sound barrier. No one outside could hear them now.
Ajuka's eyes darkened, staring cautiously at him. "Stick to your own business, Hindu God."
Indra shrugged, "I have no intention of speaking about rumors, it is beneath me. I was just curious about it's validity. We often see the solution, but we never ask about the equation. And, in our religion, we tend to stick to our own business. It would not be like me to meddle in your affairs."
The Satan's gaze traced back to the monitors, he then replied, "Your fabrications are beginning to pique my interest."
That had been a subtle threat, and it did not go unnoticed.
"Sounds foreboding," The deity replied, "I was merely curious. After all... the humans you sacrificed weren't of your own faith. Instead, they belonged to others, thereby weakening the gods of those domains while sparing your own. Though... some of those that had participated in those trials had been from my own."
That insight illuminated the devil's understanding of why this god was doing what he was doing.
"There was no sacrifice," Ajuka said darkly. "Sacrifice implies cost—unease. Losing humans in any capacity is normal, especially for technological advancement. A million to them is not the same as a million to us."
For the Hindu God to judge the devil on those words would be hypocritical. All gods viewed humans as expendable tools, though some regarded them with slightly more value than others. Instead, he crossed his arms and pondered. "Is that how much it took? Just a million?"
Silence fell as a shift in the already tense atmosphere enveloped them. Ajuka turned his head toward Indra, his eyes feigning consideration as he spoke. "I will give you some advice. Keep your questions to yourself. To ask them here would not bode well for you."
The envoy raised an eyebrow. "And if I keep asking them? Perhaps not to you, but to Lord Sirzechs? Surely Lucifer-sama knows how his reincarnation system was created."
"Then I will destroy you."
Indra, one of the strongest deities, regarded the threat with a calm facade. "There is no doubt that your power is rumored to match your intellect. But do you really believe you have the means to kill a God like me?" A small chuckle escaped him. "And people say I have arrogance..." While it was indeed possible to kill a God-level being, such occurrences were exceedingly rare and required an unparalleled level of power. It was also a foolhardy decision, as the religion and its followers would turn on the killer, seeking vengeance for as long as that faith continued to exist.
"Kill you? No, I have no interest in that. I have a better idea—one with far greater probabilities of success." He walked toward the wall, his gaze lingering on a clan symbol etched into the surface. "Before I was Beelzebub, I was the heir to House Astaroth. My Lord father had practically made me the head during our civil war. I never cared much for it or my family. However, I still wield tremendous influence. With the wave of a pen, I will call upon our levies, our banners, our peerages. I will take them, and I will march on Mount Kailash."
The supreme God felt a hint of confusion, even disappointment at the anticlimactic ending to the declaration, "I live on Mount Meru. Not Kailash. What will you do there I wonder? I wouldn't want you to get lost. Perhaps I can build you a road so we can meet on the battlefield."
Ajuka's reply was as icy as ever. "I'll unite our forces with the God of Destruction. Shiva likely already knows your plans—most do, in fact. I'll shift the odds, increase the probability, and together, we'll destroy you. Whether it's by his hand or mine, your end will come, one way or another. Either killing you outright, or sealing you forever, it matters not to me. So tread carefully, God of War. Don't make me interested enough to follow through."
Silence hung in the air.
Then Indra erupted in laughter.
"This envoy is going better than I expected," He said, a smile creeping onto his face. "No need to elaborate further. I get your point. Now, tell me what's going on in this little duel of devils, and I'll leave you to your curiosities."
This one took a bit to write. The fight scene, definitely. I rewrote it a couple times.
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