Yo, Yo, Yo!
I'm back with another chapter, lads!
We left off at an interesting place last time, so let's see what happens from there!
Start:
Serafall's breath hitched, the world around her collapsing into a singular point of focus. The vibrant ballroom, with its opulent decor and chattering nobility, seemed to fade into a hazy blur, leaving only the brilliant figure of Naruto Uzumaki Phenex illuminated in stark clarity before her eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing like a thunderclap in the sudden silence of her mind.
It was as if time itself had slowed, every second stretching into an eternity as she stared at him, unable to tear her gaze away. The air around her grew heavy, charged with a palpable energy that seemed to press down on her, making it difficult to draw breath. Thousands of thoughts cascaded through her mind like a relentless tsunami, each wave crashing into the next, leaving her feeling as though she were drowning in a sea of emotion.
In that moment, Serafall was oblivious to the worried gaze of Selah, her fellow Satan and childhood friend, who stood beside her with a mixture of concern and anticipation etched across her delicate features. Selah's hand, which had been a comforting presence on Serafall's shoulder just moments before, now felt distant, a tether to reality that was rapidly slipping away as Serafall's entire being was consumed by the sight of Naruto.
Her eyes drank in every detail of his appearance, from the determined set of his jaw to the familiar azure eyes that held a depth of emotion she had longed to see again. The light that bathed him seemed to magnify his presence, making him appear almost otherworldly, a beacon in the darkness that had enveloped her heart for so long.
"Is it really him?" a voice nearby breathed, the question laced with a mix of awe and incredulity.
"It can't be… after all this time?" another devil murmured, their tone tinged with a hint of fear and admiration.
Serafall barely registered these reactions, her focus entirely on Naruto as he moved with a grace and confidence that belied the weight of his return. Each step he took seemed to resonate through the room, a silent declaration of his resolve and the strength that had brought him back to this world.
Her mind raced, each thought a fleeting glimpse of the past and the future. Memories of their shared adventures, the battles they had fought side by side, and the bond they had forged in the crucible of conflict flashed before her eyes. Alongside these memories, visions of what could be filled her with a sense of longing so intense it almost brought tears to her eyes.
'He's really here…' she thought, the realization striking her with the force of a tidal wave. 'After all these years, he's come back.'
The weight of her emotions threatened to overwhelm her, a torrent of relief, joy, and a deep-seated fear that this was all a dream from which she would soon awaken. Yet, the sight of him standing there, real and tangible, dispelled any doubts, grounding her in the undeniable reality of his presence.
As Naruto reached the center of the stage, he paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled devils with a calm intensity. The room fell into a hushed silence, the air thick with anticipation as everyone waited for him to speak. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the collective anticipation of the crowd, each devil holding their breath, eager to hear what he would say.
As his gaze traveled, it finally locked onto Serafall's, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to blur and fade into nothingness.
Their eyes met, and in that instant, time stretched into infinity. The ballroom, the murmuring crowd, the dazzling lights—all of it dissolved into the background, leaving only the profound connection between them. To the outside world, it was a mere split second, but to Naruto and Serafall, it felt like an eternity, a silent exchange of emotions and unspoken words that transcended the passage of time.
In Serafall's eyes, Naruto saw a whirlwind of emotions: joy, relief, longing, and a flicker of fear. His own heart mirrored those feelings, a tumultuous mix of anticipation and resolve. For that brief moment, everything else ceased to matter, their shared history and unspoken promises hanging in the air between them.
Then, almost reluctantly, Naruto broke the gaze, inwardly resolving to speak with her later. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he turned his attention back to the assembled devils, their expectant faces waiting for his words.
Drawing on the strength of his resolve and the weight of his experiences, Naruto began to speak, his voice resonating with a calm, powerful authority that commanded attention.
"Thank you all for gathering here tonight," he began, his tone both warm and resolute. "It is an honor to stand before you once more as Naruto Phenex. I have returned, not just as a son of the Phenex clan, but as a part of this great underworld that we all call home."
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd, the devils leaning in closer, eager to hear more.
"For many years, I have journeyed through many places, faced countless challenges, and grown in ways I never thought possible," Naruto continued, his gaze sweeping across the room. "But no matter where I went, a part of my heart always remained here, in the underworld. The underworld is not just a place; it is a part of who I am, a part of who we are. Being here brings me purpose once more, a purpose that is deeply rooted in the responsibility we all share."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, the gravity of his return resonating with his audience. The devils watched him intently, their expressions a mixture of respect and admiration.
"Responsibility," Naruto repeated, his voice firm yet compassionate. "It is a word that carries immense weight, but it is also a word that defines us. Each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of our world. It is our duty to rise to the challenges before us, to lead with integrity and courage, and to ensure that the legacy we leave behind is one of strength and unity."
Naruto's words seemed to ignite a spark within the crowd, their expressions shifting from curiosity to a renewed sense of determination. He could see the impact of his message in their eyes, a reflection of the hope and resolve he sought to inspire.
"As I stand before you today, I do so as the new head of the Phenex clan," Naruto announced, his voice ringing with pride and commitment. "I am honored to take up this mantle, to lead the Phenex clan and our world towards a future that is brighter and more just for all us devils."
The room erupted in applause, the sound a thunderous affirmation of their support and belief in him. Naruto felt a surge of emotion, a deep sense of fulfillment that came from knowing he was where he belonged, doing what he was meant to do.
"And I promise you this," he continued, his voice rising above the applause, carrying a tone of unwavering conviction. "I will give my all to this role, to our people, and to our future. Together, we will face the challenges ahead, and together, we will create a world that we can all be proud of."
As the applause grew louder, Naruto felt a sense of peace settle over him. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them, strengthened by the bonds he shared with those he loved and the purpose that now guided him.
He glanced briefly at Serafall once more, a silent promise in his eyes. Then, turning back to the crowd, he allowed himself to fully embrace the moment, the cheers and applause of his people a testament to the journey that lay ahead.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As was to be expected, the moment Naruto stepped off the podium, he was immediately surrounded by a throng of devils, each eager to congratulate and welcome him back.
The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation, the gathering of nobility now focused entirely on the newly returned Phenex.
Naruto found himself swiftly encircled by various devils of importance, their eyes gleaming with ambition and curiosity. Clan leaders, distinguished nobles, and influential figures all vied for his attention, their smiles wide and words carefully chosen.
"Welcome back to the underworld, Lord Naruto!" A tall, regal devil greeted him with a courteous bow. "I am Lord Zepar, head of the Zepar clan. Your return is a momentous occasion."
Naruto shook his hand firmly, nodding politely. "Thank you, Lord Zepar. It's good to be back."
"Indeed," Lord Zepar continued smoothly. "The Zepar clan values strength and unity. We believe an alliance with the Phenex clan would be mutually beneficial. Combining our resources would greatly enhance our influence and power."
"An intriguing offer, Lord Zepar," Naruto replied thoughtfully. "I'm open to discussing potential collaborations soon."
Before Naruto could continue, another devil interjected assertively. "Lord Naruto, I am Lord Glasya-Labolas. Our clan prides itself on strategic acumen. An alliance with us would significantly bolster our defenses."
"Lord Naruto, if I may," a third devil cut in urgently, drawing the ire of the clan leader he interrupted. "I am Lord Purson of the Purson clan. We excel in intelligence and covert operations. A partnership with us would be invaluable in navigating the complexities of our world."
Naruto smiled, appreciating the varied strengths each clan offered. "Thank you, Lord Purson. Your expertise is indeed valuable. I look forward to discussing collaboration opportunities at later times." The shinobi then turned his attention to the peeved clan head from earlier. "And the same goes for you Lord Glasya-Labolas."
Fortunately, the clan head was satiated as he nodded and stepped back, a pleased smile on his countenance.
The blonde knew that he would be flooded with attention and proposals the minute he was among them but the ferociousness of how they came onto him was unaccounted for.
"Lord Naruto," Lord Marchosias said, stepping forward with a gleam in his eye. "As head of the Phenex clan, you need a Lady Phenex. My daughter, Ligeia, is wise, strong, and well-versed in diplomacy. She would be an excellent match."
And just like that, the gates of hell was forcibly opened.
'Fuck me.' Naruto thought with a inward grimace as every other opportunistic devil in the ballroom, be they clan leaders, devils of importance, or worst of all, beautiful and seductive female devils, gazed towards him with wide shocked eyes, realizing this epiphany.
The initial shock soon diminished, and if Naruto had previously found the attention and propositions overwhelming, now, words utterly failed to capture the immense challenge he faced as he grappled with the relentless surge of everyone's ambitions to forge political ties with him.
"And my daughter, Vassago," another clan leader interjected urgently. "She is of age and would bring great honor and strategic acumen to the Phenex clan."
Naruto's eyes widened slightly as the proposals piled up, each clan head eager to secure a prestigious alliance through marriage. Female devils, adorned in their finest attire, subtly moved closer, brushing against him to captivate his attention.
"My lord," one of the female devils purred, her voice soft and seductive as she leaned closer. "Perhaps we could discuss matters in a more private setting? I'm sure we could find much common ground."
"Ignore her Lord Naruto." Another female devil saddled up to him from who knows where, grabbing his arm towards her and burying it in her cleavage while she winked flirtatiously at him. "You'll find me to possess much more elegance and refinement than this tramp.
"Lord Naruto, my daughter Belladonna would be honored to become Lady Phenex," another clan head declared ambitiously. "She is a talented mage and would greatly enhance the Phenex clan's magical prowess."
Surrounded by an increasingly competitive atmosphere, each clan head trying to outdo the others with their proposals while female devils moved even closer, their intentions clear. Naruto felt like he was drowning in a sea of voices and desperate ambition.
This was too much!
Fortunately, salvation had arrived.
As Naruto navigated the flurry of proposals and the increasing proximity of the female devils, he felt a sudden, forceful impact. Serafall Leviathan, in a burst of exuberant energy, had launched herself at him, her arms and legs wrapping around him as she buried her head into his chest.
"Naruto!" Serafall exclaimed, her voice muffled against his chest but filled with unmistakable joy. "You're really back!"
The shinobi staggered slightly but quickly regained his footing, his arms instinctively wrapping around Serafall to steady her. He couldn't help but laugh at her exuberance, the warmth of her embrace a welcome relief from the intense scrutiny of the crowd.
"Serafall!" Naruto chuckled, his voice tinged with affection. "It's good to see you too."
Serafall pulled her head back slightly, her eyes locking onto his face. The joy in her eyes was unmistakable, a brilliant sparkle that spoke of deep affection and relief. Naruto's eyes softened as he gazed at her, his voice gentle and sincere.
"I missed you, Serafall," he murmured, his words carrying a warmth that reached her very soul.
Serafall's large joyful beam transitioned to a smaller but more content smile as she choked back a sob. "I missed you too, Naruto," she replied, her voice quivering with two centuries worth of suppressed feelings.
She unwrapped her legs from around him, but her arms remained firmly around his neck, pulling him into a more gentle embrace. The closeness of the hug was undeniable, a tender intimacy that spoke volumes more than words ever could.
Off to the very side, away from the hugging pair, a small group of young devils, including Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri, stood watching the scene with stunned eyes.
Sona, in particular, felt a wave of shock as she noticed her older sister's demeanor shift from exuberant to something more gentle and subdued, a change that left her bewildered. She had never seen her older sister display such a tender and intimate affection before, more used to the wild and overbearing affection that Serafall was famous for in the underworld.
Similarly, Rias's attention was fixated on the sight, her heart pounding with fragile hope. Her mind raced, contemplating the implications of this tender interaction. Could this display of gentleness towards Serafall be a reflection of how Naruto might treat her? The thought ignited a flicker of hope within her, a possibility that she might finally be free from her accursed marriage contract with the Phenex clan.
Her situation was precarious; as the new Lord Phenex, Naruto had no heirs to marry her off to, which traditionally would have sealed her fate. The prospect of being married to the previous heirs was less appealing, but seeing Naruto's demeanor, she wondered if her parents might reconsider the arrangement. Perhaps, they would see the merit in allowing her to forge her own path, especially if Naruto's compassionate nature extended beyond Serafall to her as well.
The tenderness he showed Serafall was more than a mere gesture; it was a beacon of hope for Rias. She clung to the possibility that his character was one of kindness and understanding, traits that could drastically alter her future. The idea that he might extend such gentleness to her was almost too much to hope for, yet it was a hope she couldn't ignore.
"Do you think…?" Rias began, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes wide with hope and uncertainty.
Sona immediately caught on to the thinking of her best friend. "I don't know, Rias. It's hard to say for certain, considering we've never interacted with him. But… your chances have significantly increased, that much is for certain at least."
Rias nodded slowly, her gaze never leaving Naruto and Serafall. "I've heard stories about Naruto Phenex, but seeing him now… it feels like everything might change."
The Sitri heiress frowned slightly, her analytical mind racing. "You might be right. If Lord Naruto takes a strong stand, it could alter many dynamics in the underworld."
"That is not necessarily a bad thing." Rias murmured quietly.
Back in the center of attention, Naruto gently pulled back to look at Serafall, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions. "Thank you for being here tonight, Serafall. It means a lot to me."
Serafall's smile brightened, though it remained gentle. "Of course, Naruto. I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Naruto chuckled softly, the sound filled with warmth. "I'm glad. There's so much I want to catch up on."
Serafall nodded, her eyes shining with understanding. "We have all the time in the world now. Just promise me you won't disappear again."
Naruto's expression grew serious, his voice firm with conviction. "I promise, Serafall. I'm here to stay."
The sincerity in his words brought a new wave of emotion to Serafall's eyes, and she hugged him a little tighter before letting go and taking a few steps back.
As Serafall moved aside, the crowd's attention shifted, and a palpable silence fell over the ballroom. All eyes turned towards Selah, the queen of the underworld, as she gracefully stepped forward, her regal presence commanding the room.
Naruto's expression softened as he turned to face Selah, his eyes brimming with deep respect and affection. In one fluid motion, he knelt on one knee, exuding humility before the queen he held in such high esteem.
Selah extended her hand, and Naruto took it gently, lifting it to his lips with a reverence that imbued the gesture with a sacred quality. The room collectively held its breath as he pressed a tender kiss to her hand, his head remaining bowed even after he conveyed his respect and obedience.
"Rise, Naruto," Selah commanded softly, her voice carrying a warmth that belied her regal tone.
Doing as his queen commanded, Naruto stood up to full height, perfectly still and ready to do anything she wished.
Without warning, Selah surged forward, wrapping her arms around Naruto with an intensity that mirrored Serafall's earlier embrace.
Her hug was fierce and unrestrained, her face buried in his shoulder as she held him tightly, Naruto instantly returned the embrace, his arms encircling her in a comforting hold.
Despite them having talked and interacted earlier, it was clear that both of them were still much starved and yearning for the others affection, Selah especially couldn't get enough as she sagged into him, uncaring of the devils around her that watched with a mixture of jealousy and shock as she behaved in a manner unfit for a queen.
Not that she currently cared, Selah only felt peace in Naruto's embrace, her heart light like a feather while the tension in her shoulder dissipated.
The duration of their hug stretched on, longer than was customary, but neither seemed inclined to let go.
One brave devil stepped forward and cleared his throat, doing his best to mask the jealousy of wishing he was in the blonde's shoes. "Uh, Lady Lucifer, this is rather… inappropriate."
…
…
Selah, her face still resting gently on Naruto's shoulder, turned her gaze toward the speaker, her bleeding crimson eyes locking onto the terrified devil who quaked and whimpered under her intense scrutiny. The ballroom fell into a tense silence, the air thick with the palpable fear of provoking the normally composed queen's wrath.
Every devil present, including the high-ranking ones, stood motionless, their eyes wide with trepidation, dreading the consequences of further inciting Selah's anger. Pity circulated silently around the ballroom for the unfortunate soul who had dared to provoke her ire.
Naruto, sensing the escalating tension, began to softly rub Selah's back in gentle, soothing circles. His touch seemed to have a calming effect, and gradually, Selah's rigid posture relaxed. Her fierce gaze softened, and she turned away from the trembling devil, inwardly huffing at his audacity.
But…
…
She barely quelled a sigh, that fool was correct.
It was with a reluctance that was evident in every movement that Selah pulled away. Yet, before fully stepping back, she leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to Naruto's cheek. The contact lasted several long seconds, her lips warm against his skin, and the room was filled with a collective gasp of shock and surprise.
As Selah pulled away, a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her lips, her eyes sparkling with a playful light that rose from being able to tease the man she so dearly loved.
The devils around them, still reeling from the unexpected display of her affection hug, her steel-eroding anger, were further caught off guard by the kiss.
Like fangirls just learning of their celebrity crush's new interest, they began to murmur among themselves, their whispers filled with curiosity and speculation. The sight of their queen showing such open affection was unprecedented, and it left many wondering about the true nature of their relationship.
"Having you here fills me with immense joy, Naruto," Selah uttered softly, her words sincere and true. "The underworld has not been the same without you."
Despite already hearing similar words from her a while ago, Naruto still couldn't help the warmth that spread through his chest at her heartfelt declaration.
Naruto's smile was sincere, his eyes reflecting the warmth of her words. "I'm happy to be here too, Selah."
Unfortunately, their tender exchange ended up concluding too soon for their liking.
Clap! Clap!
A sudden sound cut through the murmurs of the crowd—a slow, deliberate clapping. The devils fell silent, turning their attention to the source of the applause. Standing at the edge of the gathering, a distinguished figure observed the proceedings with an amused and intrigued gaze. The bold spectator in question was none other than Lord Bael.
Naruto's gaze narrowed slightly as he looked at Lord Bael, recognizing the subtle challenge in his demeanor. The room remained hushed, the tension palpable as all eyes shifted between Naruto and the esteemed head of the Bael clan.
Lord Bael's clapping ceased, and a slight, knowing smile played on his lips. "What a glorious night this is," he began, his voice carrying a refined elegance. "It pleases me greatly to witness such a momentous occasion. Truly, we stand at the precipice of history, where change begins."
Naruto maintained his composed stance, his eyes fixed on Lord Bael. "I appreciate your presence, Lord Bael. Your acknowledgement means a great deal on this significant night."
The shinobi so badly wanted to gag himself for uttering that pile of nonsense.
Sadly… he had to play nice… for now.
Lord Bael inclined his head slightly, his eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and calculation. "Welcome back, Lord Naruto. The underworld has awaited your return with bated breath. It is rare to witness a moment where the past and future converge so dramatically."
Naruto nodded, his voice steady. "Thank you, Lord Bael. I am honored to be part of this pivotal moment. The underworld's strength lies in its unity, and I am committed to contributing to our shared future."
"Unity, indeed," Lord Bael responded, his tone deceptively cordial. "It is a concept we all value, though its execution can be... challenging. I trust that your return will bring new vigor to our alliances and endeavors."
The blonde's gaze remained unwavering, his smile polite but guarded. "I believe that with mutual respect and collaboration, we can overcome any challenge. The future holds great potential for us all."
Lord Bael's smile widened slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Potential is a word filled with promise, Lord Naruto. It will be fascinating to see how your clan unfolds under your leadership. The Phenex clan has always been a beacon of strength and vitality, and with you at its helm, expectations are understandably high."
"I welcome those expectations," Naruto replied, his tone firm. "They drive us to strive for excellence and to fulfill our roles with honor and integrity. I am confident that through dedication and discipline, we will rise to meet them."
The subtle tension in the air grew as the exchange continued, the crowd watching intently, captivated by the interplay of words between the two powerful figures.
Selah and Serafall longed to step in, to quell the escalating war of words and shield Naruto from a devil who embodied the very evil that outsiders often attributed to their species. However, they remained silent, fully aware that they couldn't prohibit a devil, especially Lord Bael, from engaging in conversation with someone they held dear.
As the tension continued to mount, they exchanged worried glances, their concern for Naruto evident yet tempered by their understanding of the delicate political dynamics at play. Naruto, aware of their silent support, met Lord Bael's gaze with calm determination, ready to navigate the conversation with the composure and strength expected of him.
"Honor and integrity are admirable ideals," Lord Bael mused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Yet, they are often tested in the crucible of reality as they walk the path they choose. I look forward to seeing how your ideals withstand the complexities of our world."
Naruto's eyes hardened, his voice crisp and unwavering. "I will forge my own path, and burn away any and all obstacles in my way."
A ripple of astonishment passed through the silent crowd, their eyes widening in marvel as Naruto's words landed with the force of a gauntlet thrown at Bael's feet. The subtle challenge in his tone was unmistakable, a bold declaration that resonated with both confidence and defiance.
Lord Bael's lips curled into a darkly amused smile, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "Bold words, Lord Naruto. I admire your tenacity."
The room remained hushed, the tension palpable as the assembled devils watched the interplay between the two powerful figures with rapt attention.
Lord Bael, maintaining his composure, raised a glass filled with a deep red drink that shimmered like liquid rubies under the ballroom's opulent chandeliers. His movements were deliberate and elegant, his gaze never leaving Naruto's as he prepared to make a toast.
"To the return of Naruto Phenex," Lord Bael intoned, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of tradition and power. "To welcome him as the new head of the Phenex clan. And to a future that promises strength and unity for the underworld."
The crowd, caught in the gravity of the moment, raised their glasses in unison.
Watching everything with a stoic gaze as he raised his own glass, Naruto acknowledged the unrelenting truth that fell upon everyone in the ballroom.
It was official now.
There was simply no going back.
The underworld was now beholden to change.
End.
Oh man, this chapter was a rollercoaster, wasn't it.
Things were pretty tense between Naruto and Lord Bael, sadly, we won't see much of him for the next few chapters but at least we set things up like I how wanted it.
I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
More Chapters are 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)
And with that said, I have concluded telling you all everything I wanted to say.
Take care lads!
Peace.