There WILL be a revelation. That ain't getting retconned. But it's far too soon. Relationships still need to be built, you know, it's obviously going to be a very emotional thing. So I can't say it will be soon, but toward the end, and yeah, it will be something.
/ "Dialogue." /
/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /
/ "Flashback Dialogue or background." /
/ "Emphasis on a word." /
The world has never been fair, but nowhere was its cruelty more evident than in the depths of devil society. In the underworld, hierarchies of bloodlines and social classes ruled supreme, and the abuse of subordinates was commonplace, woven into the very fabric of its culture. High-Class beings guarded their power ruthlessly, using privilege as a weapon to do whatever they wished.
Not everyone, of course, was like this. However, there were many that did just so. Some victims, endured it, survived it, and everyday fearing it would be the end. Some, just did that, died, forgotten, replaced, it was that simple. Others, justified or not, fought back, and had consequences of that onto them.
Standing on a high tree branch, a young woman stood in the darkness, her presence deliberately undetectable. Long, black hair fell down her back in waves. Her eyes, a hazel-gold with cat-like pupils. She wore a black kimono that shaped her curvy figure. The moonlight reflected off her golden beads that traced her waist.
Her name was Kuroka, and she was no ordinary being. She was a Nekoshou, an extraordinarily rare type of Youkai—so rare, in fact, that her kind hovered on the edge of extinction. She had come to the Underworld for one purpose, a purpose that had driven her through every hardship. For many years, she had been waiting for this particular night. And finally, it had come.
What wouldn't one do for the people they loved? For those they swore to protect? Especially when that person was not only family, but the only remaining kin, the last hope of their kind?
She had intentionally left her scent and presence be known, something only a fellow nekoshou would smell.
"Senpai! Don't!" Spoke a voice.
Senpai... don't?
The words rang through her mind, words she hadn't expected to hear. She watched as her younger sister Koneko ran toward her through the darkness, her face a mixture of shock and confusion. They were siblings, both of them devils, once serving the same master. But fate had split them apart.
"Kuroka!" called a voice, breaking her stare. She flinched and glanced down to see her comrade, Bikou, standing below her, his eyes wide with concern. He was a monkey Youkai, a loyal friend of a different species but of the same warrior spirit. Strong, dependable, and always ready to jump into the fight.
She snapped back to the moment. They had been lying in wait for hours, watching and waiting for the right time. But now, something unexpected had interrupted their mission.
A sudden, cold, sharp sensation against her neck sent a jolt through her body. The realization came fast, this was not the first time someone had a knife at her throat. However, the threat of panic was an instinct. She could not deny the fear from being in such a vulnerable position. Her gaze slowly traveled upward, meeting the intense, mismatched eyes of the one holding the strange looking eastern-knife. One eye blazed red, while the other looked just as unnatural, and was purple.
Kuroka's nose flared as the memory came rushing back. This person—she had encountered him before. It hadn't been long ago. She didn't know his name, nor could she clearly recall his face or his strange eyes, but she trusted her sense of smell. His scent was unique, despite him clearly being human, and she knew without a doubt who he belonged to.
Khaos Brigade.
The woman felt a wave of relief at the realization. If he had been serving the devils, her life might have truly been in danger. Her gaze softened as it shifted to her sister below—the one who truly mattered. "Shirone, you've grown," she said quietly, "I've missed you so."
Koneko clenched her fists tightly at her words, the name bringing a rush of emotions she tried to steady. Her stance was tense, her body signaling a readiness to fight, yet her expression said otherwise. It was clear the idea of fighting her older sister was not something she wished to do.
"Kuroka-neechan," Koneko said, her voice edged with caution. "...What are you doing here?"
"To take you back, my love," Kuroka purred, her smile wide and inviting. "We've formed a formidable group. Ophis and Vali will gladly welcome someone with your potential… and because I asked them to." She gave a playful smile, but Koneko's face remained stony.
Sasuke's tone hardened as he spoke, his voice cold, "You will do no such thing."
From the ground below, Bikou's staff extended with a twist, curving and spiraling up through the branches until its tip hovered just behind Sasuke's back. "I got your back!" Bikou called, his tone eager, but it lacked comfort. "If he tries anything, he dies next!" But those weren't the reassuring words Kuroka wanted to hear. Yes, she would be avenged, but she had not come here to die. "...Even if he's the one who took down Vali!"
Kuroka flinched, her eyes narrowing in surprise. "This is him? A human? They weren't joking?"
Bikou replied with a nod, "I'll take your little sister, and we'll get out of here. If Vali respects this guy, we should be careful."
The black-haired nekoshou voice grew dangerously soft as she hissed, "Handle her with care, Bikou, or you'll regret it."
Sasuke smirked, "Go ahead. Take her." The tension grew, pressing down on them all. "I want to see you try."
Bikou chuckled, "Man, you're giving me chills. Maybe it's unwise to underestimate you."
Without warning, the monkey's body shook. His head, torso, arms—each piece seemed to pull away, taking shape beside him. Within moments, an exact replica of him leapt free from his body. Now there were two Bikous. One who kept the human on guard, ready to intercept any attack on his comrade. While the other leapt toward the rook piece.
Koneko tensed, fists raised, she was ready to defend herself against him it seemed.
The clone lunged at her, reaching out to grab her. They meant no harm, but the entire purpose of coming here was to take her.
If they could bring her to the safety of the Khaos Brigade, she would be far safer than here with the devils—or so Kuroka believed.
ZAP
Lightning struck from above, splitting the air with a deafening crack. The bolt was fierce, its power obliterating the clone in an instant. All eyes shot upward, landing on Akeno Himejima, who hovered in the sky.
Sasuke smirked, the faintest hint of satisfaction crossing his face. Keeping her hidden and waiting had been the smarter strategy. Though he knew the Youkai could sense presences even without seeing them, their attention had been diverted by the kunai threatening Kuroka's life.
"Fufu," Akeno taunted, her tone dripping with amusement. "Did you really think you could kidnap one of us without facing some serious consequences, Khaos Brigade?"
Kuroka lowered her eyes, "That is exactly what's going to happen." She clenched her jaw, "It's now or never…"
Sasuke paused, incredulous, "Don't do it." He warned.
Right before his eyes, the woman had vanished and reappeared elsewhere. No incantation, no magic circles, no hand seals. She held chakra, lots of it. And just from one look the Uchiha knew she was formidable. He had come to know that Youkai can learn something known as Youjutsu. Which allow them to perform unique abilities, such as elemental magic and illusions.
"Senpai!" Koneko warned.
The Uchiha's eyes widened as his body was hurled into the air, his vision on the sky above. His chest trembled, a sharp pain radiating through him as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Slowly, he looked down, his vision locking onto the staff impaling him—its previously blunt end now transformed into a sharp point. It became more like a spear.
"Yep!" Bikou's voice rang out from below, laced with smug satisfaction. "The clone. They always fall for the clone."
With a casual motion, the monkey retracted his staff, and the body slumped lifelessly, plummeting toward the earth.
There was a tense silence.
POOF
A wooden log.
Kuroka cursed, "Bikou!" she shouted, but before she could react further, a powerful kick slammed into her stomach, sending her hurtling backward. She landed on the ground, steadying herself and narrowing her eyes. Her hand sharpened into claws as she channeled energy, a glowing blue sphere of forming in her palm. She hurled it forward, fast and deadly.
This was senjutsu, distinct from youjutsu or demonic energy. It was natural energy, and was a chakra-based attack. His left eye saw it clear as day. Instead of dodging, repelling, or shielding, he stood still and opened his palm. Sphere after sphere struck his extended hand and seemingly vanished. She watched as he simply absorbed these attacks.
It was both nostalgic and amusing. Enemies like her, who utilized chakra, were at a unique disadvantage against him.
'What the hell? He just takes it like that? Who is this guy?' Kuroka leapt at him, twisting mid-air as she reached for his arm. Like all nekoshou, her agility far exceeded his own, but Sasuke's eyes tracked her movements easily. He moved to counter, but she was faster, leaving only after-images behind her. Flash after flash, her form appeared all around him and even into the trees.
"Shirone!" she called over her shoulder, her voice teasing. "Why mess with men who can't keep their eyes on you?"
Sasuke tracked each movement, his eyes quickly recognizing the pattern of her after-images. In one swift motion, he grabbed the right one by the neck, and the two of them tumbled backward as she struggled to break free. He appeared above her in an instant, kunai in hand, pressing it firmly against her neck. With his grip so tight, she wouldn't be able to escape like last time.
Bikou scowled, clearly irritated. "Again!?" he muttered, his voice laced with annoyance. His staff extended outward, but before he could react, his tail moved on its own, shoving him away from where he stood. Just then, a loud, yellow zap crackled through the air. He looked up to see the Queen looking down at them, her eyes fierce. With a swing off his staff, a small cloud appeared below his feet. Akeno watched cautiously as he suddenly sprung from the ground, his eyes prepared to fight her.
"I don't care about you," The Uchiha said coldly, holding her firm, "But your sister doesn't hate you. Nor does she want you dead. So, I won't kill you."
Kuroka cursed, glaring up at Sasuke. "What are you doing? Why are you even here? You were there, in the Dimensional Gap. We're supposed to be allies..."
His eyes narrowed, his mind racing. He had known the possibility of his mission failing was always there, but until now, he thought he had done well to keep his identity under wraps.
"Who else have you told?" His voice dropped to a dangerously icy tone. "How do you know I was there?"
Her smirk returned as she flared her nose. "You smell," she said, tauntingly. "I smelled Shirone's scent on you that day, and now you're here, close enough for me to smell her on you again. Are you here to kill her master? Because I could care less about that. Someone proper needs to look out for her. I also did not know you were here, and never had idea of even mentioning it. Why? Hoping someone doesn't find out? "
"Koneko's not going anywhere." He replied sternly, "And as for her protection…" His tone softened, "I'll make sure she's safe."
Kuroka laughed bitterly. "Better than those devils, I suppose. But to them, what are you? A bodyguard? A pawn? A steward?"
There was perhaps no more word to irritate him than that, but he did not let it get to him. He kept his voice steady, but the kunai did press against her skin, drawing just a sliver of blood, "I wanted you dead, I still want you dead. But she said no, she said despite you killing your previous master, to let you live. I have no issue dealing with you, remember that." He lifted himself up, pulling his knife back, "So, simply... leave."
"Leave?" Kuroka's eyes sparkled with defiance, but she paused as Sasuke's gaze softened.
"You're her older sister," Sasuke said quietly, "That means you endure the pain, you endure the distance, all of it. Leave her in peace, and don't push."
Kuroka's gaze shifted toward her younger sister, who stood at a distance, her expression a mixture of anxiety and fear. Kuroka had come here to take her back, to ensure her safety. But now, it seemed that if she refused, her life would be at an end. Her sister, despite everything, spoke up and was hoping to let her live. The human no doubt was strong, and clearly loyal, though, to which side she did not know for.
But if Koneko trusted him this much, then, perhaps, for now, she could too.
"I'll be watching from the shadows, then, for now." Kuroka warned, her voice low but resolute. "But if something were to happen to her, then I will have no interest in keeping your little secret."
Sasuke's tone shifted. It became softer, more understanding, with no trace of hostility. "Keep your distance and watch, then. I will not mind. She will be safe. And don't worry—one day, she'll be strong enough to decide for herself. And when that time comes, she'll come to you, if she wishes."
Both of them rose to the ground. They faced each other, an intense battle of eye-to-eye.
"Her master..." Kuroka hissed, "She-"
"Is of no concern." Sasuke assured.
BOOM
A loud rupture echoed through the air, followed by a blinding blue light that burst from behind them. It was a massive expulsion of power—something big was happening, something unexpected.
"What is that?" The Uchiha demanded, his gaze narrowing as he tried to make sense of the situation.
Bikou arrived back on his cloud, swooping his comrade into his arms "Just in time! Loki is here!"
Kuroka glanced over her shoulder, her expression tightening. "Isn't it too soon?" she then snapped her attention downward. Her eyes remained fixed on the human below, who stared back at her. Despite his earlier words—threatening her life—there was never killing intent coming from him, which struck her as odd. She could utilize senjutsu to sense people's intentions, to feel their energy, yet there was nothing violent in his presence. It was all just words from him, but underneath, there was something else.
Softness? Understanding? Empathy? It made no sense. But it didn't matter now.
Sasuke, Akeno and Koneko stood together.
The Queen urged, "We have to get back!"
They ran in silence, all contemplating what was had just transpired and what was about to happen next.
Koneko looked up at Sasuke, a small smile coming to her face as she remembered everything that had happened just before confronting her old sister.
"You want me to kill your sister?" Sasuke asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, more incredulous than he had ever sounded before.
Koneko wiped a tear from her eye, a traumatic, painful memory resurfacing, "She's a criminal… a stray devil. My sister killed our previous master. He was a good man, I think... I remember him. And now…" The words did not come. The thought tore at her insides, like a nightmare.
He finished for her, "You think she will kill Rias?"
Koneko nodded, her expression pained.
There was a pause. He stared down at her, carefully considering on what words to use. It was a difficult subject, for both of them.
His tone was as stern as ever, but he did not judge her, "So, what do you want? Vengeance? For your murdered master?"
Koneko's head shook almost immediately, her eyes wide with distress. "No… I want to protect Buchou. She'll be a threat—she'll kill her." Her voice trembled as she pressed a hand to her chest, tears slipping free despite her best efforts to contain them. "Not that," she whispered, voice barely audible. "Anything but that. I'd… I'd give myself to her if it meant protecting Buchou. And not just her, she will kill everyone, Akeno-senpai, Yuuto-senpai…"
Sasuke's voice softened, "What do you want from me? I need to hear you say it."
The rook paused, her words heavy with the pain of indecision. "Stop her. Kill her." But Sasuke knew. He knew immediately that when she said that, she didn't truly mean it. He could see it in her eyes, on her face, and even hear it in her voice. If there was ever someone who said something they truly did not mean, it was from her.
"It won't come easy," he said gently, "She's your older sister. Your only family left." He let the words ring in, "It won't feel good. Not for a second. You may think her being gone will solve your problem, but it won't."
Koneko was surprised, she did not expect him to challenge her request.
"But..." The rook whimpered, "Yuuto-senpai... Issei-senpai... and Buchou..."
He spoke harshly, but only because of how dire the conversation had become, "Issei died to a Fallen Angel and withheld his revenge. Rias freed herself, but she never wished misfortune on Riser. And Yuuto had been abused in more ways than we likely think, it's not the same, not even close." Sasuke then lowered his tone, "I know loss." He said, "The loss of a sibling, the loss of parents. If there is any other possibility you can take, you must take it."
Koneko feared for friends. She loved them more than anything, but she could not deny, she still loved her sister.
"You will see it, at the moment—her last moment—and you'll understand," Sasuke said, his voice calm, "I'll give you that choice, and you will let me know. Her fate will be in your hands. Whether you have her killed, or, as I hope, you overcome your fear and allow me to find another way."
It had been a ruse from the very beginning. Sasuke never intended to harm Kuroka, not even for a second. He had hoped Koneko would make the right decision and to urge him to not do it. The moment the rook saw her elder sister with the kunai at her neck, she knew she would never wish her to be in harms way. Though it had been years since they had seen each other, the siblings loved one another, and always will.
"Senpai! Don't!"
That was all he needed to hear.
"What is it?" Sasuke asked, distracted by her stare.
Koneko smiled, one last tear shedding down her cheek. "I made the right decision."
He could not help but smile back, "You did."
The conclusion of the Young Devils' meeting had not gone the way anyone had expected. Issei had filled Sasuke in on the details, and for some reason, the Uchiha wasn't particularly surprised. A foreign god, aligned with the Khaos Brigade, had breached the Underworld's defenses to sabotage a critical meeting between Odin, leader of the Norse religion, and representatives from the three major factions.
The audacity was staggering—this wasn't just some rogue devil or faction rebel. It was a God.
Infiltrating a room filled with figures like Michael, Azazel, Sirzechs, Serafall, and especially Ajuka Beelzebub was essentially asking for destruction. Any one of those figures could have dealt lethal damage.
But all of them together? Annihilation was assured.
The strangest detail had come when Issei mentioned that Ajuka had transported Loki into a separate barrier. Rather than crushing the god on the spot. Apparently, it was to subdue him, as no one had any intention of killing the foreign deity.
Rias stated, "If a Maou were to fight Loki, a war would break out."
Loki is a God, whether they like it or not. They do not want to kill him, as this was supposed to be a bridge of friendship. If he were to die, that would complicate things. The Three factions, united, would obliterate any other religious force. And the Norse are nowhere near in strength. However, a war is not an ideal scenario, especially when an alliance is so close.
Azazel rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If war breaks out, the Khaos Brigade will be right there, backing the Norse Gods—or perhaps it's the other way around. They're hoping for conflict, and it's in their best interest to stoke the flames. Our best option is to wait for Mjolnir and, once we have it, use it to seal him away."
Mjolnir. The legendary hammer, apparently the only tool capable of achieving what needed to be done.
Before them sat the Big Four—Lucifer, Leviathan, Asmodeus, and finally, Beelzebub. Sasuke's gaze lingered on each of them. Lucifer—Sirzechs—stood with an aura of calm authority, while Leviathan offered him a friendly smile. Asmodeus's expression was as neutral as it could be. And then there was Beelzebub.
The superdevil, seemed as detached as ever, his eyes scanned the room. Sasuke remembered seeing him before at the engagement party. He had looked bored then, just as he did now. Yet, his eyes had kept flicking back to Hyoudou Issei. The young pawn had seemed unaware of the observation. It had been strange.
'Why look at someone like him?' The Uchiha wondered. 'His dragon?' Sasuke thought. Perhaps he had been wondering if, it comes down to it, Loki will need to be dealt with, and only a god-killing sacred gear could do it.
Ajuka had finally explained, "My barrier, at best, can only keep him subdued for a day. However, I have sent him into the lowest portions of Cocytus, so he won't be able to deal any significant damage to the important places in the Underworld. I could send some of you inside, but it would be... challenging, given your strengths." His tone was clinical, professional, like a doctor explaining a grim prognosis.
Cocytus is the deepest part of the Underworld. It is reserved for those who had committed the gravest sins. A place so perilous, so forbidden, that few had dared to even whisper its name. No one would ever venture there for fun or amusement. It is a land without reason, a land without logic. To call it a prison would only elevate its reputation. This is a domain no one would come back from. Those who are too dangerous to even be killed, if that made sense.
However, Beelzebub having his own connection here is useful. If you're going to fight a God, it would be best in a place that remote.
Rias crossed her arms, "I understand perfectly. Sending us would be the best course of action. We cannot kill him, and perhaps that is the best thing about sending us. We don't ever wish to disrupt the alliance you all have made for our futures." She was always a good speaker, and never failed to impress aristocrats and powerful beings alike. Though, the leader of the Norse faction, Odin, seemed to admire her body rather than her professionalism.
Beelzebub nodded, still eyeing the Sekiryuutei, "My power allows entry for only some of you. You may receive reinforcements, though perhaps only one or two, depending on their demonic energy. The more you possess, the more difficult it becomes."
Sasuke found that hard to believe. This was a superdevil. He had no issue transporting a God. And yet, a few beings was somehow too difficult for him?
'What game is he playing?'
All eyes turned to Lucifer. Though the Underworld is led by four Satans, they had always looked to him to represent them in political affairs—especially when it involved his beloved sister.
Sirzechs studied them all carefully. There was more than one reason as to why they made him the face of devil society besides having mere power. His diplomacy, his respect, his analytical skills, he was just about good at everything. If someone like Ajuka Beelzebub adhered to his words, that alone gave the Uchiha the impression that this devil would make the right decision and... not send his sister into a fight against a God.
"Very well."
The Uchiha sat deadpan, unable to believe Sirzechs would allow this.
Outside the grand Gremory manor, the assembled devils had stood ready, their emotions locked away as each mentally prepared for the unimaginable—to fight a god. They were no longer mere students. They were soldiers, standing in line under orders from their maous.
Only Beelzebub was present now. Yet, he appeared focused, almost intrigued by what was about to unfold. Though he showed no intention of joining the battle himself, his presence undeniably boosted morale among the devils. It inspired them, knowing that he was there, observing, ready to send them off with his unwavering confidence.
Eleven had entered.
One would go in as a reinforcement.
They had stood on Ajuka's magic circle, confidant as they ever had been, and was sent into the fight.
Rias - Akeno - Issei - Kiba - Xenovia and Koneko. Joining them was also Sona, Saji, and Tsubaki.
9 Devils... one reincarnated angel, and one Valkyrie.
Her name was Rossweisse, and she was the only one present representing the Norse religion. Sasuke had a measure of respect for that. After all, it was a Norse god threatening to ignite a war. It made sense that it should be their faction handling him.
Irina, the exorcist, was there as well. It was quite a sight to see someone who had ascended from human to angel. The transformation had happened remarkably quickly. Only a couple of weeks ago, Sirzechs had only considered the idea of assisting Heaven in developing their own reincarnation system.
Lastly, one reinforcement. One human reinforcement. Sasuke was sitting on the curb, next to him were the other members of the peerage not deemed reliable enough to go in.
"Wish me luck!" Akeno had said with a bright, gleeful smile. Her mood was as wild as the wind. She would be in deep thought, quiet, and reserved. Next she should be lighthearted and playful.
"Don't die," Sasuke had replied. "You still need to take me to that island."
Rias, overhearing, had looked over with a curious expression. "... What island?" she'd asked, though Akeno had only smirked in response, keeping the plan to herself.
They had sat in silence after the group had gone.
"I hope they will be okay." Asia said, a faint glimmer of hope in her eyes, "Sasuke-kun... are you worried for them?" Since he was so strong, she believed he was good at estimating how fights would go.
Gasper whimpered, "I'm worried for all of them..."
Sasuke looked down at her, they did not converse often, and that's how both preferred it.
"They are probably going to die." The Uchiha simply replied with no further evaluation. The two gasped in horror, but soon felt the same feeling he was. This was not a well thought out idea.
Ajuka Beelzebub mused aloud, "Sirzechs calculated this carefully. He wouldn't have sent them out unless he was confident things would unfold as he envisioned." His words seemed to reassure the two devils nearby, their tense expressions softening slightly.
Sasuke, hoping to avoid attention, stayed silent, but the attempt was in vain. The superdevil locked eyes onto him, "You don't seem afraid," he observed. "After all, this is a God you're facing."
The Uchiha wanted to remain unnoticed, but the scrutiny forced his hand. "You don't seem concerned either." he countered evenly.
Ajuka's lips curled in something resembling a smile. "Loki is a God, yes, but not one to fear excessively," he replied. "The real challenge with him is keeping him alive. Sirzechs understands politics far better than I ever could."
The Uchiha did not back down, "You should be the one more afraid," he said. "If they fail and die, the Underworld will plunge into another war. But if they succeed too well and Loki dies, it will ignite a different war all the same."
"What is your name again?"
Sasuke cursed internally, realizing his words had drawn more attention than he intended. Before he could reply, Gasper interjected, frowning. "His name is Sasuke... and he's scary." The human shot him an annoyed glare. Annoyed he has to watch over this runt.
"Sasuke," Ajuka said, his tone deliberate, his gaze piercing. "Have you ever seen Gustave Doré's most famous painting, The Triumph of Christianity?"
Sasuke didn't respond, and Ajuka continued, "If you ever come across it, you'll find it's a decent work—by human standards, at least. It encapsulates everything. What pagans desire is no concern of mine, nor should we be worried if anything falls through. God or not. This Khaos Brigade we fear is but a shadow, and I could be the sun. If Sirzechs had wanted me to handle this little terrorist issue, I could have snuffed it out before it grew too large."
"But Sirzechs wants this alliance," He then added, "And so I support it. Sometimes, diplomacy is the best solution… if he says it is."
Asia smiled warmly. "You and Sirzechs-sama are such good friends."
Ajuka tilted his head, "You would do well to heed his wisdom too. There is no one in the Underworld more powerful than him."
The bishop hesitated before stuttering, "May I ask you something, Lord Beelzebub?"
"I don't see how saying no would stop you," He replied dryly.
Asia pressed on, "Irina-san, she's a reincarnated angel now. Is it similar to how I became a devil? Was that your doing?"
Ajuka's expression remained unchanged, "Yes." he said simply, "Both Heaven and Grigori have cautiously aligned with us on reincarnation systems. However, they do not use Evil Pieces. Their system is called Brave Saints, which is amusing considering I've yet to meet one who is truly brave or a saint. Though, I suppose that exorcist could be considered brave to mindlessly wander into a death trap. That Michael..."
"Is Buchou okay?" Gasper asked, avoiding eye contact, "Is Issei-senpai okay? Is Koneko-senpai oka-"
The devil interrupted, "They are fine as of the moment. By my calculations, they have a chance. But it's not ideal. I wouldn't bet on it. But Sirzechs knows things that I do not, so, have faith in his assumptions." He then looked back at Sasuke, "You make things… complicated," Ajuka exclaimed, studying the human as if looking past his very skin. "Up until that meeting, I didn't even know your existence. And humans are harder to calculate, since you are not from our realm. Perhaps you could turn things around, perhaps you could make them worse."
For a second, he thought that the man knew. Knew everything. Knew that he was a spy and knew that he was not even from his world. But the shinobi remained calm, realizing that the reason for those choice of words was simply because he had chakra, and that gave him an alibi as to which part of the world he was from,
Ajuka looked over his shoulder then, nodding as if signaling the end of their talk. "You should go in now. I can't predict any positive odds at this point."
Sasuke rose, adjusting the hilt of his sword. They both moved toward the teleportation circle, the energy crackling faintly around its edges. Just as he was about to be transported, the maou turned around to speak to the remaining devils.
"Asia," The superdevil stated, "You're close with the pawn in your peerage, correct?"
She blushed, "Y-Yes. Issei-san and I live together."
That was all he heard. Sasuke cursed, having wished to hear what the two were talking about. Anything Ajuka said was worth nothing, but was no longer with them.
It should not be a surprise that the land was a desolate waste of just rocks and ash.
He scanned the area. It was quiet, far too quiet to be a battle.
Had they already lost?
Looking around, he could see pockets of devils scattered. This must be in the aftermath of an attack, as they are curdled under magic circles, or hiding in crevices under the rocks. However, they were alive, and that was good enough.
It's not over, until it's over.
Sasuke could see Loki from this distance. In the center of this battle. His sharigan for the first time could witness the power within a God. And it was immense as one would imagine. Cold, icy, and light blue. Almost like the appearance of chakra, but more potent, and there was a lot of it. However, Sirzechs, Ajuka, and even Michael each have a far more intimidating aura to them. Often times it was not just about raw power or mere quantity when you're at this level.
The plan, of course, was not to kill the God—that would be far too simple. Instead, they needed to seal him. Fortunately, Mjölnir was already here. An enormous, colossal hammer that loomed over the area, towering above everything around it.
But Hyoudou Issei was nowhere to be found. It was his job to use the weapon, as only he would even have the capability to lift something of such size.
'Is he dead?'
A shadow stretched before Sasuke, long and narrow. He looked up, his eyes narrowing as the figure came into view. It wasn't a mighty beast, but he recognized the species from his own interaction with such.
This was Midgardsormr, though it was said to be only a clone. Like evil dragons, it used black energy, but not much in quantity—likely no more than chakra possessed by the animals used in summoning jutsu's back home.
The dragon clone's mouth hung open as it hovered above the human, ready to strike him.
"SASUKE!"
His name echoed across the realm—a warning from his allies. But the boy did not flinch, did not even budge. He stared up, locking eyes with the beast.
With a resounding crash, the dragon's jaws snapped shut around him, smashing into the ground with enough force to send dust and debris flowing into the air. When the dust cleared, the large monster lifted its head, leaving no trace of Sasuke where he had stood. It then made a low, deliberate gulping sound.
They all saw it. It had swallowed him whole.
Loki crossed his arms, his expression full of pity and disdain, "They sent a mere human to die? How cowardly. It appears the Underworld is running low on manpower."
Across the battlefield, they all stared, wild in disbelief.
Rias trembled, her voice barely above a whisper. "W-what?" They had been fighting Loki fiercely for some time, enduring injuries, yet no one had fallen—until now.
Akeno's hand shook visibly as she looked around, her eyes wide with fear. "...Where did he go?" she asked. He often utilized speed to counter attacks, but he was not appearing anywhere.
Issei and Koneko gasped in unison. "Uchiha-kun…" The pawn muttered, his Balance Breaker activated. "...There's no way!" Panic surged through him, 'Shit, if he's dead… then…'
Sona glanced toward her Queen, urgency in her eyes. "Tsubaki, go find him," she ordered. "He's got to be hiding somewhere—injured, maybe."
Her Queen nodded hastily, "Y-Yes, Kaichou…"
Yuuto gritted his teeth, gripping his sword tightly. Ignoring the danger, he foolishly charged at Loki, determined to avenge Sasuke. But before he could reach his target, shards of ice poured down upon him, cutting and shredding his form. He winced in pain, sliding beneath a rock as his allies watched in horror at his failed attempt to strike the god.
Loki did not laugh, but his voice dripped with scorn as he taunted, "You fools, did you really think it would be that easy? Who sent you here? Was it Beelzebub? He sent you here to die!" He turned toward his beasts. "Come, my children!"
The god-devouring wolf Fenrir appeared, flanked by his children, Skoll and Hati. Above them, the clone of Midgardsormr soared through the air, its form sluggish from its recent large meal.
A wave of shock and despair swept through the devils, morale plummeting in an instant.
Rosseweisse, the Valkyrie, spat angrily, "How could you, Loki-sama?"
"Shut up!" Loki snapped. "Midgardsormr, take her next!"
The devils braced themselves, knowing the beasts were already difficult enough to handle. Midgardsormr quickly slithered down, dodging the elemental magic that Sona and Tsubaki hurled at it. The dragon's body curled into tight loops, darting beneath an attack to appear before Skoll and Hati.
Then, something changed in the fight. Instead of attacking the devils, the dragon's mouth opened, unleashing a fiery blaze of scorched flames. The inferno slammed into the wolves, incinerating them in an instant, leaving only ash and charred remains.
"What the hell!?" Loki shouted in disbelief, watching as Midgardsormr pulled back, it then attempted to strike at Fenrir. The massive wolf however slashed at the dragon with its sharp claws, forcing it to reel away and retreat into the sky, "What's happened to you, Midgardsormr!?" The God's fury grew, his eyes narrowing as he noticed something strange about the dragon. He looked closer, then his gaze dropped.
'What the hell happened to its eyes?'
The dragon remained still, not attacking.
Instead, its mouth opened again.
Flames did come, but they were in the form of a person.
Standing on the dragon's tongue, the black-haired human that had been devoured appeared, his eyes clearly visible and filled with calm determination. He stood within the dragon's mouth without a shred of concern.
Loki's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're controlling it!?" he roared. "With what spell!?"
"Katon: Gōenkyū! (Fire Release: Great Blaze Ball)
A gargantuan sphere of flames suddenly emerged from what appeared was the dragons mouth. The God widened his eyes at the scale of the magic, but did not back down. He raised his hands an conjured magic circles, each emitting beams of ice and water that rang out from his almighty power.
Rias did not waste the opportunity, "Koneko! Xenovia! Irina! Kiva! Keep Fenrir at bay! Everyone else! Focus on Loki's back! Issei! Prepare to use the hammer!"
Seeing the Uchiha immediately relieved the morale drop. It was just another surprise from him.
Sasuke fell to the floor, using the dragon above to shield him from the onslaught of magic. He slammed his palms into the ground.
"Doton: Daichi Ganshō!" (Earth Release: Ground Bedrock) The rocky landscape shifted. Around Loki, it rose in all directions, sliding, moving all coming toward him. It forced him to lower his hands, lower his power. He lowered his eye sin annoyance and felt the oncoming pressure of it all. The group prepared themselves once more, as the power of the deity simmered.
Midgardsormr above blasted flames onto its creator, its eyes still under the control of the shinobi's genjutsu. The God's defensive magic circles were no doubt strong, and even with the suffocating smoke he did not feel vulnerable.
"Uchiha-kun!" Issei said, "We need some way of bringing him before I hit him!" He looked toward Saji, "Pin him down again!" The blond devil nodded and prepared his own sacred gear. Though not having a powerful reputation, it was still one capable of being an inconvenience. And an inconvenience is all they need for this fight.
'Break the magic circle. Even for a bit.' Sasuke lowered his eyes.
The pawn watched as the dragon above suddenly slithered away and made his attack toward Fenrir. It somehow knew now to attack the devils either.
[BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST] [BOOST]
"Foolish tricks!" Loki said as the earth jutsu crumbled beneath his weight. He opened his palm, prepared to destroy everything in path, "You are nothing but bugs on the ground!" A blizzard like no other came. Thin and thick shards of ice rampaged down on the fighters, who were forced to take cover.
Sasuke formed a brief portion of his Susanoo. Just enough to where the ice shards would hit the ribs of his ethereal body. Though the element was still painfully cold.
[Your friend looks like he's about to do something. Maybe it would be best to help him, partner]
Issei paused, 'I want to. I have to. If he's going in!' Instead of charging head on with his comrade, the pawn merely watched as he charged in. His left hand coated in black lighting, there was no denying it, he was planning to get close. Loki raised more magic circles, more ice, more elemental destructive magic. He could Sasuke gritting his teeth, the pain no doubt affecting him as it would anyone. Hyoudou decided not to attack, instead, he support the one already charging forward.
[TRANSFER]
Sasuke felt a wave of energy rush through him, difficult to describe. His body, his pain, his mind—everything improved. His hearing, eyesight, sense of smell, and balance sharpened as if his entire form had grown stronger. His Chidori now felt more powerful than ever, and his left eye flared with energy as he faced the God. Utilizing the falling ice shards gave him the perfect opening. The Rinnegan flared, and he appeared exactly where he wanted to be.
DASH
Slicing through the God, Loki's eyes widened at the speed of the attack. He stumbled back, blood spewing from the place where his arm had been. He watched it fly off into the air, the severance almost clean. Words failed him as he gritted his teeth, using his divine energy to shield the wound, stop the bleeding, and begin repairing it.
All of the deity's misfortunes seemed to converge in that moment. Suddenly, a portal appeared behind him—purple, mysterious, and unmistakably Youjutsu. Loki's eyes narrowed as a familiar figure stepped through. It was a member of the Khaos Brigade, someone who should have been an ally. But Loki trusted no one, and this only confirmed his growing suspicions.
"Yo, Loki! Don't mind us! Keep up the good fight! Vali just needs to borrow Fenrir for a little bit!" Bikou called out, a smirk spreading across his face as he emerged from the portal, followed by Kuroka and a blond man. From the ground, strange chains, glowing with a golden-yellow light, rose up and coiled around Fenrir. The power from these chains were immense and acted quickly. It pinned the beast down, squeezing it so hard the chains recoiled back into the portal.
And just like that, the beast capable of killing Gods with its devastating fangs, vanished.
Betrayal affected the immense being deeply, "Damn you Lucifer! Don't think I will forget this!"
Kuroka glanced at Sasuke, flashing a grin. "Thanks for the assist, all of you!... and for keeping your promise!"
With that, they disappeared, leaving Loki seething. His rage surged, and a torrent of magic erupted from him, spreading in all directions even though he only had one hand.
The devils retaliated with a combined barrage of magic. Holy lightning, water, ice, and the power of destruction all collided, creating a devastating explosion that shook the battlefield from Loki's position.
Loki emerged, his form battered and bloodied, yet his presence no less imposing. His remaining hand extended outward, and a massive concentration of energy began to gather within his palm. Sasuke's Sharingan flared, analyzing the power—an intense, dark aura so deep a blue it was nearly black. It churned like a storm, unlike anything he had seen before. Was this godly power? Sasuke wondered, his thoughts racing.
Rosseweisse's eyes widened in alarm. "Loki-sama! You can't!" she cried, panic lacing her voice. She seemed to understand what was happening, but there was no time for explanations.
Sasuke dashed forward, closing the distance between them, though caution tempered his movements. The energy in Loki's hand grew larger, darker, and more menacing with every passing second. Sasuke could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, urging him to keep his distance, but he pushed on. He had to act—there was no better moment.
BEAM
The god's power erupted in a narrow, concentrated beam, streaking through the battlefield faster than Sasuke could react. His left eye flared instinctively, but it was too late to use his Rinnegan to teleport away. Instead, his instincts took over, and Susanoo formed around him in a flash. The beam pierced through the protective armor, narrowly missing him as it blasted past, leaving cracks in his defense.
A powerful shockwave exploded outward, the force spreading in all directions—north, south, east, and west. It was enough to alter the beam's trajectory, giving Sasuke a moment to exhale. His breathing steadied, but his heart pounded. Was my life in danger? he thought. Likely not, but that could have been devastating.
Loki's expression twisted in disbelief. He… repelled it? With what power?
Before the god could process what had happened, a shadow loomed behind him. His eyes widened as he turned, looking over his shoulder. There, standing tall despite the wounds Fenrir had inflicted earlier, was the pawn—the one he had underestimated.
Issei roared, his voice fierce and unyielding, his expression burning with determination. In his hands was the mighty Norse hammer, Mjölnir, crackling with divine power. Loki's heart sank as realization dawned. In that moment, he knew—he had been bested.
From this vantage point, it seemed the entire underworld stretched endlessly before them. Sasuke leaned over the railing, his gaze fixed on the waterfall plummeting into the depths below. The thunderous roar of the water rang loud, a reminder of the power of the island and the beautiful nature. But actually being on this floating anomaly left only disappointment for him.
This was Agreas.
And... it wasn't what he had hoped.
After sealing away Loki, Sasuke and the devils had been recognized for their efforts. Their victory had cemented a fragile alliance between the Norse gods and the Three Factions. Though wars had once defined their history, those tensions had been set aside—temporarily, at least—to address greater threats like the Khaos Brigade. As a reward for their triumph, the devils were granted a tour of Agreas, personally led by Beelzebub himself.
He blamed Rias for that. She had overheard Akeno talking about it, and insisted that they all go.
It was meant to be an honor.
Yet Sasuke stood there, his eyes lowered in annoyance. This wasn't how he had planned it. He had envisioned being here with one other person—perhaps Akeno—but instead, the entire group had come along, cluttering his mission.
The tour highlighted the pristine government buildings, the grand rating game dome, and the famed entrance to Agreas's deep mines, which still held the rare crystals powering the Evil Piece system. They passed by many more impressive landmarks, but none of them truly intrigued the Uchiha. His instincts told him there was something more here—something hidden, something they weren't being shown.
They were all surprised to see the diverse range of figures exploring one of the most wondrous parts of the Underworld. Tourists from various factions—devils, fallen angels, and even members of the Church walked around, mingling as though centuries of conflict had never existed. Though the truce had been established only weeks ago, the integration of former enemies had already begun.
He wondered how long it would be until he got another chance to come here. And if he did, it would be best alone.
"Who needs to go up when everything beautiful is right down below us?" Akeno said, smiling as she leaned over the railing beside him. She glanced at him, noticing his silence and lack of agreement. Her smile fell, "...Is something wrong?" the Queen cautiously asked.
"I..." he began, but did not finish.
She tilted her head, "...You?"
The Uchiha frowned, "I had hoped... it would just be us. Not the entire underworld."
Akeno blinked, taken aback by his words. A faint blush colored her cheeks. Sasuke rarely expressed a desire to be alone with anyone—outside of school or club activities, he was almost always by himself. Yet here he was, voicing a wish for just the two of them.
"I'm sorry." she said, "I had let it slip and Buchou wished to... come with us. You know she always likes to be included, fufu." Akeno brazenly then stated, "I... wish it was us just as well. I didn't know you were looking forward to it as much as I was. I thought you just wanted to come here, regardless of who took you."
Now where we should get an idea like that from?
"It's fine," The Uchiha then paused for a moment, "... You could make it up to me..." he said with a mischievous smirk.
The Queen had a tendency for taking things the wrong way, in the most mature yet playful manner possible. Even though she knew Sasuke would never be bold enough to speak to her in such a way, Akeno couldn't resist teasing him—or deliberately misinterpreting his words.
"Sasuke-kun… I… in public?" she replied.
"We'll go somewhere private." He glanced over his shoulder. The rest of the group was further down the pathway, "We can get away from everyone."
Akeno's cheeks reddened, and she stammered, "If you—if you want to..."
"There's got to be more around here," he continued, "Somewhere secret. Somewhere hidden. Somewhere no one will see us. A place where we'll be… invisible. It might even be underground, in those mines they didn't want us exploring."
"Sasuke-kun!" She suddenly blurted, her voice a bit too loud. Her voice almost causing him to flinch. A nearby tourist paused, glancing curiously in their direction despite the noise of the waterfall. Lowering her voice, she murmured, "You're making the tension so... hot. No need to elaborate further..." The look on her face made him widen his eyes in confusion.
He raised an eyebrow "…What are you talking about?"
"Hm?" She tilted her head pretending to be innocent, "If you know a way… then lead on. Though I suppose," she teased, "You're already leading me somewhere."
The two quietly rejoined the main group, blending in as they navigated through Agreas's bustling streets. The lively chatter of tourists and locals was all around them. Before long, they arrived at the island's most famous restaurant, a grand establishment known for its lavish dishes and atmosphere which overlooked the underworld.
The timing was perfect.
There had been no better way to unite a group of diverse individuals than battle. It brought out the best in people—their strength, their intellect, their sacrifice, their love, and their hate. They had all survived to fight another day, and it felt refreshing to encounter one another in a friendly manner. Irina and Xenovia rekindled, Rossweisse and Rias made a connection, and it was overall an improvement for everyone.
Only Ajuka Beelzebub seemed irritated, perhaps because babysitting a group of devils was beneath him. His usual composed demeanor showed a flicker of annoyance as he observed the others.
As soon as the group settled, diving into the food and filling the room with lighthearted conversation, no one seemed to notice when two figures slipped away.
Their real destination was the mines.
They moved at a steady pace, careful not to attract attention. Sasuke observed the people around them, noticing a pattern going on. Agreas had become a popular romantic getaway in recent years, its history came from the love story of Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia Lucifuge. Couples strolled arm-in-arm, enjoying the romantic culture and breath taking scenery.
Sasuke, however, wanted to remain invisible, to blend in and hide in plain sight—a goal that was becoming more and more difficult to achieve. If he was to continue, he would need to step his game up.
"Hold my hand." he said suddenly.
Akeno was unsure of what to make of his request, it seemed to abrupt, but for once, she didn't hesitate. She nodded and took his hand, a small but radiant smile forming on her lips as her fingers intertwined with his. There was much to admire about the human. He was, of course, handsome—never a bad sight to see. But it wasn't just his looks that caught her attention. Sasuke also cared, showing it through his actions. He fought for his friends, and somehow never showed fear, even in the face of death. His looks, his confidence, even the accidental moments of sweetness—everything about him was intriguing. Yet, beneath it all, he was a rock, entirely emotionless. And though she wasn't like that herself, she couldn't help but feel drawn to it.
'I was so worried something had happened to you. I somehow believed a dragon would have the guts to eat you. But I know you don't want to hear that.'
They walked together in unison across the island, heading back to the mines. They didn't speak, and that was how he preferred it. Akeno kept her eyes on him, unconcerned with where they were actually going. Even she didn't mind the silence, simply enjoying the feeling of being closer to him with each step. It was as if, every time they were alone, they seemed to grow closer.
Agreas was crucial to the Devil world in multiple ways, but one thing Sasuke knew for certain was that the island held crystals that supported the Evil Piece system. His instincts were on high alert—there was something here, something significant. It was too important for Ajuka Beelzebub not to keep a close eye on.
The entrance to the mine was wide, flanked by excavation equipment, warning signs, and two guards from House Astaroth standing at attention. The mangekyo detected barriers around the entrance, a clear indication that it was still too valuable to not take precautions. Whatever lay beyond, it seemed as if it had been carefully protected. But he couldn't shake the feeling that it was too obvious, too easy to figure out. Ajuka was too clever, too much of a scientist who thrived on secrecy, for anything to be that simple.
"The others will come soon," Akeno said, a strange trace of anticipation in her voice. "I know it sounds selfish, but... I kind of hope they see us like this."
Sasuke did not react to her words. Instead, leading her further around the mine's perimeter. His left eye traced every inch of the landscape, examining hidden crevices and pathways. The barriers were formidable, and he could detect nothing significant within view. Yet nothing seemed out of place—nothing revealed what he was looking for. A slight frown came to his face.
If there was something hidden here, where would it be?
They walked toward the edge of the island, both of them staring down once more.
"We should take one of the boats below sometime." The Queen suggested, "If Sasuke-kun doesn't get motion sickness."
He paused, hearing her words. Below. Yes, below. Everything was at this level, or below.
"Who needs to go up when everything beautiful is right down below us?"
Akeno had said that when they ventured to the waterfall. No, the Uchiha did not look down. His eyes then went elsewhere, to the left, to the right, and then, he made a different decision.
They looked up.
Narrowing his gaze, Sasuke focused upward. The clouds around Agreas were thick, casting shifting shadows over the island. But within them, he caught a faint glow, just barely visible through the haze.
A spark of recognition flickered within him. He honed his Rinnegan, piercing through the fog until, finally, the illusion began to clear. High above the island, cloaked within a dense pocket of clouds, an ethereal shape began to take form—a massive, floating structure encased in a powerful barrier.
No doubt about it. It was a castle.
And etched on its surface, unmistakable, was the symbol of House Astaroth.
Sasuke smirked, finally finding something of significance. The Mangekyō couldn't see it either, only the Rinnegan. Had he not possessed this eye, he would have seen nothing at all. Even if he were an expert in barriers and illusions, it would take years to be as skilled as Ajuka Beelzebub.
"You're a genius." Sasuke gestured toward Akeno, who looked at him with a confused expression, unsure why he was complimenting her.
He wanted to act now—to walk right in, break the barrier, shatter the doors, and gather the information they needed before returning to Tepes Castle. But before he could make his move, a voice broke the silence. His focus had been entirely on the structure above, and he hadn't noticed anyone approaching.
"Well, well. Venturing somewhere into the mines, are we? Trying to get down and dirty?" The tone was smooth, playful, with a hint of challenge.
Akeno looked over and smiled warmly. "Lady Latia, it's been some time. You're as beautiful as I remember, and now fully grown."
The woman observing them tilted her head, a spark of recognition flashing in her gaze. "Ah, we've met before, haven't we? You're Rias' Queen."
Latia Astaroth paused, "…Himejima," she said, her tone respectful but casual. "I could never forget those violet eyes of yours." Her gaze then went lower, appraising her now, "You've… grown as well." She then noticed the man beside the fellow devil, "And who is this? Your pet human?"
The Queen quickly stammered, knowing full well Sasuke did not like being referred to that way. "A-Ara, no, no, no—"
"I'm joking!" Latia interrupted, grinning as she took in her flustered expression, "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Latia Astaroth."
There were a couple of things he could respond to from this introduction, but only one word caught his attention. 'Astaroth.' He didn't know who she was, but that alone made him skeptical of the woman. Being from the same clan as Ajuka only put him on edge. If she was anything like the Maou, he knew he'd have to keep his guard up. For now, it seemed she believed they were planning to go into the mines, unaware of the castle above.
"Uchiha Sasuke." He replied as expressionless as ever.
Latia's face lit up. "Oh! You're the one? I heard about that recent debacle at the foreign envoy—you all fought the Norse god? You must be incredibly strong—and brave—to throw yourself into something like that."
Akeno nodded with a proud smile. "You have no idea," she said, "Sasuke-kun is an advisor to Rias, and a very good one at that. Though," she added, giving Latia a knowing look, "He has no plans to join our peerage."
The blonde-haired woman raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "Is that so? Well, maybe, Sasuke-kun, you'd feel more comfortable in my peerage. I'm lacking a Queen... or anyone at all, for that matter." Her gaze dropped to their intertwined hands, and a moment of realization hit her. She flinched in shock, embarrassed that she hadn't noticed the gesture earlier. "Oh! Am I… did I... I may have interrupted something else..."
"... No." Sasuke whispered.
"Yes." Akeno replied loudly.
A stern voice sliced through the air. "What is going on here?"
This... was unheard of. Ajuka Beelzebub was a superdevil, a being with a chilling aura and immense demonic energy reserves. He radiated an otherworldly presence, a man who truly shone in any room. Yet somehow, he had managed to sneak up on Sasuke. Even with the Rinnegan, a dojutsu known for its ability to perceive the slightest of movements, Sasuke hadn't detected his presence.
No, that was not normal. Something was off. There was something more to Beelzebub than just his usual power.
Flanking him were Rias Gremory and her peerage, along with Azazel, who had a very devious smirk on his face.
The Fallen Angel chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I think we know exactly what's going on here, Lord Beelzebub. Looks like these two were trying to sneak off for some private time together. Guess they couldn't wait until the trip back." He gave the Uchiha a wink, who did not wink in return, instead giving an unamused expression toward the maou.
Rias stood with crossed arms, her expression clear with disapproval, "Akeno,"She said firmly, "Though we may be on leave, this is still official business, not a time for personal pleasure."
Akeno's eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced at Sasuke, a teasing smile playing at her lips. "Ara, believe me, Sasuke-kun was certainly finding personal pleasure in it…"
Issei, standing beside Rias, looked shocked. "Wait… what do you mean by that!? Are Akeno-san and Sasuke-kun…?" The words caught in his throat, jealousy flaring in his eyes as he struggled to finish the sentence.
Ajuka stood resolute, staring down. Though his expression was icy, the look in his eyes looked more curious than judgmental, "To me," he said slowly, "it looks more like… snooping."
The Uchiha smirked, not wishing to back down, even if it was not a good idea, "I call it... solving my curiosity."