Yo!
How ya all doing!? It's been a long awhile.
I finally caught a break, I was attacked by exams and intense bouts of darkness but… I SURVIVED!
And to celebrate my continued survival, I have brought you all another chapter, enjoy lads!
Start:
Naruto peered through the tall, ornate windows of his private suite, which afforded him a panoramic view of the grand ballroom below.
The hall was awash with the glittering attire of devils of high stature, each one mingling under shimmering chandeliers, their faces hidden behind elaborate masks. The scene was a carefully orchestrated dance of deception and ambition, with each participant a master of disguise, cloaking their ruthlessness with practiced smiles and genteel laughter.
Yet, despite the visual spectacle of opulence and festivity, Naruto's focus was distant, his mind not on the guests but lost in a replay of recent poignant memories.
He stood slightly apart from the window, his figure reflected back at him in the glass—a ghostly overlay against the backdrop of the revelry. The reflection showed a man caught between worlds, his azure eyes clouded with introspection.
As he watched the devils below scheme and manipulate each other with expertly crafted facades, his thoughts were elsewhere, swept up in the emotional typhoon of his recent reunion with Selah, his childhood best friend.
Their encounter had been emotionally charged, a cascade of confessions and vulnerabilities laid bare after a century of separation, two in her case. The intensity of their interaction had left him feeling as though he'd been tossed into a stormy sea of feelings, his heart churned by waves of regret, longing, and tentative hope.
Naruto's reason for returning to this world, to take up the mantle of leadership within the Phenex Clan, was clear in his mind yet fraught with personal turmoil. His deep-seated desire to mend the fractures he'd left behind in his relationships—to soothe the wounds inflicted by his sudden departure and prolonged absence—was the driving force behind his bold decision.
However, the very nature of this world, a chessboard of power plays and exploitation, repelled him. It was a realm he had once navigated with ease, but now found oppressive, the machinations of its inhabitants a stark contrast to the more straightforward kind that he had found in Kyoto.
The festering dread of confronting those he had wronged lingered at the edge of his thoughts, made only worse as sounds of glee assaulted his ears from down below.
Each calculated laugh and superficial conversation below served as a stark reminder of the superficiality he now despised. The environment was toxic, suffocating, yet unavoidable.
He needed to face it, to engage with it if he was to fulfill his responsibilities as a son of the Phenex household and make amends with his friends. Yet, the prospect of dealing with the fallout of his past actions made him yearn to escape, to flee from the burdens that seemed too heavy to bear.
'And Grayfia,' Naruto thought with a barely repressed sigh. His heart tightening at the mere mention of her name in his mind. 'How will I face her after everything? After I vanished without a word, leaving her to wonder and worry, to suffer the pain of my absence without solace? How can I look into her eyes, knowing I'm the reason for the scars on her heart?'
His relationship with Grayfia had been deep and complex, woven with threads of intense love and devastating conflict. The thought of rekindling any sort of conversation with her, let alone reconciliation, filled him with a daunting mix of anticipation and dread.
His fears were not unfounded. The interaction with Selah had reopened old wounds, reminding him of the emotional depth and unresolved issues waiting for him. It had also heightened his anxiety about confronting Grayfia, whose feelings he could not begin to predict or control.
The fear of her reaction, possibly cold and unforgiving, made his stomach churn. Naruto cringed inwardly as he imagined the potential coldness in her eyes, the stiff set of her shoulders, the sharpness of her words cutting through the veneer of his composed exterior.
And he had good reason to think that way considering what Selah told him.
As his thoughts spiraled, threatening to drag him deeper into a well of negativity, a sharp knock on the door cut through his reverie. It was abrupt, a clear and defined sound that contrasted with the muffled din of the ballroom's false joviality.
Naruto straightened up, his eyes shifting from the reflection in the glass to the door of his suite.
"Come in." He called out, his voice a mix of command and fatigue, as he prepared to mask his inner turmoil. The door swung open, and the person who stepped through might just have the answers he needed, or perhaps the counsel to guide him through the storm of his emotions.
The door swung open, and the figure who entered had a bearing of assuredness coupled with an unmistakable cheer.
It was Raven Phenex, the one who had been entrusted to oversee the Phenex clan in Naruto's absence. His stride was light, his demeanor bright, a stark contrast to the heavy thoughts that had just occupied Naruto's mind.
"My lord, everything is ready," Raven began with a brisk energy that seemed to fill the room. "Everyone is present and the mood is jovial. Understandably, there's a lot of curiosity about the occasion, but your instructions have been followed to the letter. The Phenex clan members are keeping their lips sealed. We're ready whenever you are, my lord."
Naruto looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he nodded appreciatively at Raven's report. "That's good to know. I think we can do the reveal in about an hour, let the suspense build up a bit more."
A glint of excitement sparked in Raven's eyes. "I can hardly wait, Lord Naruto! I know it's going to be quite the moment."
"Speaking of the moment, I trust everyone is also enjoying the food?" Naruto inquired, leaning back slightly in his chair.
Raven's response was a bright nod, his face lighting up with a boyish grin. "Indeed, they are. And, ah, keep it a secret from my wife, but I might have helped myself to a little bit of the food before the event started."
Naruto chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to echo lightly in the room. "Can't say I blame you," He replied, his smile turning reminiscent. He remembered all too well how many times he had helped himself to food before lunch and dinner much to Hinata's disapproval.
The thought of his first wife filled him with a renewed sense of strength, and he basked in the warmth that came with the memory of her. He breathed deeply, allowing the anxiety and worries that had clouded his thoughts to dissipate, replaced by a comforting serenity.
After a moment, Naruto fully turned to Raven, a decisive look crossing his features. "Actually, now that I think about it, I could use some food too."
"And food you shall get, my lord," Raven replied enthusiastically. "Any preference?"
"Ramen, please," The seventh hokage answered. It was a simple request, but one laden with personal significance—a taste of a past life, a reminder of simpler, yet profoundly important moments.
Raven saluted—a gesture of respect and camaraderie—before turning to leave the room. "Right away, Lord Naruto. Your ramen will be with you shortly."
As the door closed behind Raven, leaving Naruto alone with his thoughts once more, the room seemed to grow a bit more silent, a bit more solemn. Naruto stood by the window again, his gaze drifting out across the ballroom. The lights seemed to sparkle a bit more brightly, the laughter sounded a bit more genuine, and for a moment, he allowed himself to feel a part of it all from his secluded vantage point.
He thought about the upcoming reveal, the weight of the crown he was about to assume once more, and the paths that would unfold from tonight. It was a night of celebration, but also a pivotal point in his journey—a stepping stone back into a world he had once left behind. The responsibility weighed heavily on him, but Naruto Uzumaki Phenex was no stranger to carrying burdens.
Each step, each decision was a step towards redemption, towards healing the wounds of the past and forging a new future.
The room filled with the faint scent of ramen soon after, a comforting aroma that reminded Naruto of countless nights under the open sky, of battles fought and friendships forged. It was more than just food; it was a symbol of his journey, of the many lives he had touched and the many roles he had played.
As he awaited the ramen, Naruto's mind wandered to the faces in the crowd below—the allies, the foes, the many shades of gray in between.
Each one had a role to play in the grand scheme of things, and as he prepared to step back into the limelight, Naruto knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. But he was ready, fortified by the strength of his convictions and the memories of those he held dear.
Tonight, he would reintroduce himself to the world, not just as a leader, but as a symbol of change.
A beacon for those seeking a new way forward. And as he took that step, he would carry with him the lessons of the past, the hopes of the present, and the dreams of a better future.
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Nearly an hour had passed since the world as Selah knew it had shifted on its axis. The revelation that Naruto, her lifelong friend and the enduring object of her deep affection, was not only alive but present, had blindsided her completely.
As she moved through the crowd, her status as the queen demanded continuous engagement with the myriad nobles who approached her, each hoping to curry favor or win a fragment of her attention. Though normally adept at navigating these waters, tonight the task seemed Herculean. Every interaction felt like a mask she had to wear, one that was becoming increasingly difficult to keep in place.
The grandeur of the ballroom, with its high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes that depicted ancient devilish victories, did little to distract her from her inner turmoil. Each word spoken to her, each hand kissed, felt distant and disconnected.
Her reality had been uprooted, turned on its head by the mere presence of Naruto in the same room. Yet her vast experience and the instincts honed from centuries of rule didn't falter; outwardly, she was the picture of composure and grace.
Internally, however, her mind was in chaos. It replayed each moment of their encounter earlier that evening—his voice, his eyes, the palpable tension between them. A delicate blush crept across her cheeks, a visible manifestation of the emotional storm raging within.
She was so, so emotional during their entire interaction. 'It wasn't my fault, Selah mentally chided herself, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and silent accusations. 'Naruto is the one who has turned my calm into this tempest.'
Amidst her reverie, she hardly noticed the noble who had approached her, a tall, impeccably dressed devil whose ambition was as palpable as the heat from the chandeliers above.
He had been speaking to her, presumably flattering her with well-chosen words and veiled promises, but her attention was only partially with him. It was only when he noticed the blush on her cheeks—misinterpreting it as a sign of his influence—that he seized the opportunity to deepen their interaction.
"My queen, may you delight me with a dance?" He ventured boldly, his voice smooth and confident. The smile he offered was practiced, designed to charm. His eyes, however, told a different story. They were sharp and calculating, filled with a greed and ambition that he could not fully mask, despite the warmth he tried to project with his invitation.
Selah, caught momentarily off-guard by the directness of the request, felt a surge of panic. She was not prepared to engage more deeply, her emotions too raw, too near the surface. Just as she was about to decline, her salvation arrived in a burst of energy and color.
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait, because magical girl Serafall needs to talk to the queen!" Serafall Leviathan's voice cut through the din, cheerful and loud. Her presence was as flamboyant as ever, her arrival timely. She approached with a bounce that drew attention from all around, her vibrancy a stark contrast to the subtle elegance of the gathering.
The interruption brought a small, grateful laugh from Selah, who was more than relieved to be rescued from a situation she was not mentally prepared to handle. She turned to Lord Naberius, her expression apologetic yet inwardly relieved. "I'm afraid I have to devote my time elsewhere, Lord Naberius."
Lord Naberius, though clearly disappointed, managed a gracious nod. "I understand, my queen. It was a pleasure to speak with you." With a respectful bow, he stepped back, allowing Selah the space to join Serafall, his own cheeks cooling as he retreated into the crowd, his hopes of advancing his standing with the queen dashed for the evening.
It went without saying… but he wasn't exactly fond of Serafall Leviathan due to her senseless interruption.
As the noble walked away, Selah turned fully to Serafall, her features softening with genuine affection for her rescuer. "Thank you, Sera. I was not quite ready to dance, or for any further... entanglements tonight."
Serafall Leviathan was a striking figure in the ballroom, effortlessly commanding attention just as easily as Selah could.
Her face, with sharp cheekbones and deep, mischievous eyes, seemed designed to captivate. Her bold red lips contrasted with her pale skin, adding to her allure. Pulled back into a sleek ponytail, her hair highlighted the graceful line of her neck and the delicate shape of her face, giving her a sophisticated appearance.
Despite her child-like stature, standing at a height of four foot ten, Serafall was still the epitome of attractiveness. Never was that more clear as when someone managed to finally pull their gaze away from a visage that was so mesmerizing and seductive, to find a body so undeniably womanly.
(I know it states that her height is 160cm or 5ft2, but when I look at her height, I just don't see it, she looks shorter than that.)
Her gown, shaded in a rich emerald green, hugged her hourglass figure with precision, beautifully accentuating the fullness of her hips and the subtle curve of her waist.
The fabric, luxurious and light-catching, shimmered with each movement, highlighting the elegant contours of her body. Its deep V-neckline offered a tasteful glimpse of her large and milky cleavage, striking a balance between bold allure and classic elegance.
Tailored to emphasize her wide hips, the gown cinched at Serafall's narrow waist before gracefully flowing out and over her door-spanning hips, enhancing her striking silhouette. A high slit along one side of the gown offered a teasing view of one of her thick creamy thighs, adding a hint of daring to her sophisticated attire.
All in all, if someone could not recognize that a woman was before them when they gazed at one Serafall Leviathan, then hopeless was the only term adequate to them when it came to describing their mental capabilities.
Serafall linked her arm with Selah's, leading her slightly away from the center of the floor to a quieter alcove draped with silken curtains. "I could tell," Serafall said, her tone playful yet understanding. "You looked about ready to cast a spell of disappearance on yourself."
"So tell me, what has my best friend so distracted?" Serafall queried, her tone light and playful, yet tinged with genuine concern. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, bright under the ornate chandeliers of the grand ballroom, capturing the glint of intrigue that the evening's ambiance provided.
Selah barely quelled a smile at the question. While she had portrayed an outward exterior that had fooled all the nobles into thinking she was composed and focused, Serafall was an entirely different story.
Then again, Serafall was one of her two childhood best friends; if anyone could tell that the queen of the underworld was distracted, it would certainly be her and a very short list of other individuals that included her parents and Naruto.
"You know me so well, Sera," Selah smiled warmly, her gaze softening as she shook her head slightly. The chandeliers above them cast a soft glow that seemed to highlight her thoughtful expression. "I won't lie, I am a little distracted, but it's not in a bad way. I'll explain later, I promise." She added quickly upon noticing the look of heightened curiosity on her friend's face.
Serafall's response was an exaggerated pout, her lower lip jutting out playfully. "You don't have to be such a meanie to your savior, y'know." She said, her voice playfully chiding, her hands gesturing dramatically to emphasize her feigned hurt.
"Sorry, sorry," Selah apologized with a laugh, her tone only half-serious, her eyes twinkling with amusement at her friend's theatrics. "You know it's not on purpose."
"I forgive you." Serafall declared, her demeanor swiftly shifting back to her usual bubbly self.
She then shifted gears as if a switch had been flipped, her energy seemingly boundless. "Tell me, tell me, how is that cute munchkin of a sister of yours? How is she doing?" Her voice was eager, almost as if she was changing the subject to cheer up Selah further.
All of Selah's worries and thoughts were momentarily shoved to the furthest corners of her mind as her expression brightened considerably. "She's gotten so big! She's even taller than me now!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with pride, her hands gesturing a height that seemed to amuse her even more.
"And must be a mirror image of you by now too." Serafall replied with an amused twinkle in her eye, leaning in as if sharing a secret.
"Pretty much." The red-head agreed, her smile then transitioning into a pout not unlike the one Serafall had worn earlier. "But Rias is so antisocial. She doesn't like it when I try to spend time with her."
"Maybe because you're super clingy and constantly hugging her into your chest," Serafall countered, her laughter ringing clear and light, echoing slightly in the vastness of the ballroom.
Selah deadpanned, giving her fellow Satan a mock-stern look. "You say that as though you're any better with Sona."
Serafall laughed even harder at that, nearly doubling over. "Guilty as charged! But hey, at least I try to give her some space during public events like this. You, on the other hand—"
"Alright, alright, I get it, but you are guilty of the exact same thing too!" The devil queen interjected, though she couldn't help but join in the laughter. Their laughter mingled with the subtle music background, creating a light-hearted moment amid the evening's underlying tensions.
"But speaking of public events, how are you managing tonight? Seeing any interesting dynamics playing out?" Selah asked, her tone casual as she took a sip from her glass, her gaze scanning the crowd.
Serafall straightened up, her gaze scanning the room. "Oh, you mean aside from the usual plotting and scheming? I'd say it's a typical gathering. Although, there's a bit more tension in the air tonight, don't you think? Everyone seems on edge." She observed, her voice lowering slightly.
"Probably because of the anticipation of something big, something unexpected. People sense when change is coming, even if they don't know what it is."
The queen of the underworld nodded thoughtfully, her mind flickering back to Naruto. "Yes, I believe the last time the Phenex clan hosted a ball, it was to announce the arranged marriage between Rias and Riser." She mused, her tone thoughtful as she navigated through her memories without revealing her awareness of the true purpose of tonight's gathering.
Serafall hummed, her typically playful features taking on a more serious expression. "Indeed, it makes me wonder what the Phenex clan wishes to announce tonight. I highly doubt they would invite everyone to such a sudden ball with only a week's notice unless it was for something significant."
"Any thoughts on what that reason could be?" Selah inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity, despite already knowing the answer.
The former Sitri heiress shook her head, her smile tinged with a sadness that seemed out of place on her usually vibrant face. "I've given up on trying to guess at these Phenex events. Every time I do, I end up hoping for something... something impossible." She confessed, her smile faltering as she spoke. "And every time, I'm left disappointed. It's like setting myself up for a fall."
Selah's expression softened as she noticed the melancholy undertone in her friend's voice.
She reached out, placing a comforting hand on Serafall's shoulder, offering a silent support that spoke volumes. 'Don't worry, Naruto's finally here, and I know he will make it up to you, Serafall, that he will make it up to both of us.' She thought, her heart aching for her friend's long-held pain.
A moment of silence passed between them, filled with the unspoken words and shared experiences of decades.
Then, Serafall shook her head, as if to dispel the gloom that had settled over her. Her ponytail swayed energetically, a visual cue of her attempt to shift the mood. Her posture changed, the earlier sadness being slowly replaced by a more familiar resilience.
"I should stop being so miserable," Serafall declared, a fresh smile breaking through her earlier somberness. "He wouldn't want me to be miserable."
At that, the devil queen couldn't suppress a small grin. "You got that right. Knowing him, he'd probably do something ridiculously stupid just to make us laugh."
Serafall's giggle was like a burst of sunlight through clouds, bright and clearing. "You got that right. Not that we're any better." She added, her spirit visibly lifted by the exchange.
Before the pair could continue delving into their light-hearted banter, the atmosphere in the grand ballroom shifted dramatically. Suddenly, all the lights in the room flickered off, plunging the space into a momentary suspense-filled darkness.
Then, almost as if orchestrated by an unseen hand, one light shone brighter than ever, casting an almost ethereal glow over a specific spot on the grand stage that had been unobtrusive just moments before. This solitary beam of light seemed to carry a mystical quality, bathing the individual it highlighted in a captivating radiance that drew every eye in the room.
It created an aura around him that was nothing short of mesmerizing, rendering the figure both otherworldly and imposing. The light seemed to wrap around him like a cloak made of the very essence of luminescence, ensuring that he stood out as the focal point of the gathering, an undeniable presence that commanded attention.
As the guests' eyes adjusted to the dramatic lighting change, murmurs and whispers cascaded through the crowd, each attendee caught in the sudden enchantment of the spectacle. Everyone, including Selah and Serafall, found their gaze irresistibly drawn to the figure now illuminated so dramatically.
Standing confidently before the masses was Raven Phenex, his presence as commanding as any regal entity's. Raven, with his charismatic bearing, seemed perfectly at ease under the intense scrutiny of hundreds of eyes.
His hair, a rich, fiery hue that perfectly matched the family name he bore, seemed to almost flicker under the brilliant light, enhancing his devilish allure. His smile, as he coughed into his fist to gather everyone's attention, was both enigmatic and inviting, a prelude to the importance of what was about to be disclosed.
Raven's attire, an impeccably tailored suit that spoke of both elegance and power, was accentuated by the light, the shadows it cast adding depth to the fine fabric and the sharp lines of his outfit. His eyes, alight with the thrill of the moment and the seriousness of his forthcoming announcement, scanned the audience with a practiced gaze that held a spark of excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, devils of esteemed lineage and honored guests," Raven began, his voice resonating clearly through the now silent room, amplified by the acoustics of the space and the rapt attention of the audience.
"Tonight, we gather not just to revel in our traditions and social pleasantries but to mark a moment of unprecedented significance in the history of the Phenex clan, and indeed, the Underworld itself."
The anticipation in the room built palpably, every attendee hanging on Raven's every word, their earlier conversations and intrigues momentarily forgotten.
Serafall leaned slightly forward, her earlier playfulness replaced by a sharpened interest, mirroring Selah's own heightened focus. The implications of Raven's introduction were clear: something momentous was about to unfold, something that could potentially shift the delicate balances within their world.
"As many of you might have speculated, tonight's sudden gathering is not without a profound purpose," Raven continued, allowing a small, knowing smile to play across his lips as he paused for effect. "It is my distinct honor to reveal a secret that has been closely guarded for too long. A revelation that, I believe, will have far-reaching implications for all of us here and for the very fabric of our society."
The room was utterly still now, the earlier rustles of movement ceased, as every devil present sensed the gravity of the moment. Even the ethereal light seemed to pulse with the weight of Raven's words, accentuating the dramatic flair of the announcement.
"In just a few moments," Raven declared, "You will all bear witness to a return that has been eagerly awaited by some and unknowingly anticipated by many. Tonight, the Phenex clan proudly presents a figure whose legacy is intertwined with the very legacy of our world. Prepare yourselves, for you are about to welcome back not just a lost son of our clan but a pivotal architect of our times."
As Raven stepped back, preparing the stage for the person in question, the tension in the room grew to almost tangible levels. Whispers erupted anew, each attendee speculating, wondering—who could this prodigal figure be? What implications would his return hold?
But with the dramatic level of introduction, many were quickly arriving at one solid conclusion.
Excitement filling the air as the universe deemed it the right time to reveal the surprise.
Selah felt a complex swirl of emotions churning within her. Her anticipation was laced with a deep, personal connection to the impending revelation.
Beside her, Serafall gripped her hand, a gesture of mutual support and shared uncertainty, the ravenette breathed deeply, heart beating like the drums of war as she awaited with a mix of trepidation, hope, and fear.
'Please, Please, Please, don't destroy my hopes, please let it be him.' Serafall prayed.
The light intensified, focusing even more sharply on the stage, as if to punctuate the significance of the moment.
Then, stepping into the beam, emerging from the shadows into the pool of light, the figure they all awaited made his entrance. The crowd gasped, some in shock, others in recognition, as the figure of Naruto Uzumaki Phenex was finally revealed, stepping forward to reclaim his place in a world that had not forgotten him, even in his absence.
End.
Whoa, you can just imagine what it must be like to be in that room, the anticipation, the tension, the hopes and fears… emotions are running high!
Naruto is finally before the world again and now, this is where things really begin to get interesting!
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, it was a pleasure for me to write.
The next chapter will be filled with quite a lot of intense moments, so stick around lads.
speaking of next chapter, I have More Chapters posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link
www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939(Just remove all the hashtags)
Anyway, take care lads.
Peace!