/ "Dialogue." /

/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /

/ "Flashback Dialogue or background." /

/ "Emphasis on a word." /

The mountain loomed impossibly high, its peak lost in the clouds. It ascended in five distinct layers, each one like a realm of its own. From the ground, one could not see the top. But from the top, one could see the entire world. There was no height as heavenly, besides, perhaps, heaven itself. However, this view was grand in its own right, beautiful, and powerful.

Mount Meru.

At the peak of the fifth and final layer, in a palace carved from crystal, the Hindu God of War, Storms, and Rainfall stood on his royal balcony. The deity was tall, his hair catching the light of the sun that was across the mountains. There was no doubt that he is one of the strongest beings in the known world, and he knew it. Yet the bitter truth was that he was not the strongest god—a fact he despised admitting.

Nor was he even the second, or third, perhaps, from what he believed, fourth.

The title of third belonged to another divine entity—one from the same religion, in fact.

His purple eyes lowered as they stared down at the valley below.

At the mountain's base, an enormous army had gathered, standing at perfect attention in the open snowy plain.

Ten thousand men stood, each towering ten feet tall. They wore uniquely designed armor adorned with runes and magical symbols, crafted not only to withstand physical strikes but also to repel elemental attacks. Their massive spears, closer to lances in size, pointed at the sky. Large, round shields hung at their abdomen, each inscribed with magical circles that allowed the warriors to channel spells through them. Their helmets obscured their faces but left openings for their eyes. Ethereal orange wings sprung on their backs, enabling them to ascend into the skies.

One might argue that ten thousand is a relatively small force, and that would be accurate. The Great War between the three major factions had seen billions of lives lost. However, this force was assembled for a potential local engagement.

This was no ordinary force. These warriors, though considered lower-class, were the definition of quality over quantity. No other faction's lowest ranks could rival the precision, strength, and investment that had gone into creating this formidable force.

Indra spoke firmly, his tone resonating with his status, "And what am I supposed to do with this information?" He looked away from his army, his eyes narrowing as they fell upon two figures standing in the grand hall behind him. Compared to him, they were children, infants. One was tall and handsome, with a massive spear resting over his shoulder. The other was shorter, with glasses and brown hair.

"We just thought you should know everything." The words came from Cao Cao. He is the leader of the Human Faction within the Khaos Brigade. Despite his youth, he held the prestigious position of being the personal vanguard to the Hindu God. And the massive, imposing spear on his back was no other than the True Longius. By far regarded as the most powerful artifact God had ever created and bestowed on humanity.

There was no love the Heavenly Emperor held for devils, let alone ones of the highest class, "Did you even see this... foreign entity he spoke of? I must say, all the superdevils are madmen, I would not be surprised if he saw this in his own imagination."

Cao Cao shook his head, "No. He only offered to show us more if we agree to join his cause. He's eager to leave this world behind and conquer another—if it even exists." The human shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I wouldn't trust Rizevim to tell me the time. But, someone like that, with the Holy Grail in his hands and having his assistant do all the work for him, I would put faith in that."

"For the sake of argument," The God replied, his fists clenching tightly, "Let's assume another world truly exists beyond our own. Is it wise to threaten war? What happens if they find us before we find them?" Frustration built up in his tone, "This fool of Lucifer could get us all killed. And just when I am about to—"

A light breeze swept into the highest layer of the divine mountain, carrying the chill of the icy wastelands below. With a simple snap of his fingers, Indra dismissed it as though brushing away a fly. "Evil Dragons. Devils. Trihexa. Aliens from other worlds..." he scoffed, his tone filled with irritation, "They could have their uses here, no doubt. I will need an army of their size and scale soon enough."

He had stepped out back onto the balcony, staring over the vast view. In the far distance, a sight brought anger to his face.

Another mountain, another army, another God.

The two mountains stood like giants across the valley. In between them, a harsh terrain of rivers, rough hills, and snowy forests existed. No humans lived there—it was a land too inhospitable.

Only the gods could survive here. And they enjoyed their isolation from their worshippers.

The rivalry between the Hindu God of War, Storms, and Rainfall and the Hindu God of Destruction was well known. Historically, the two deities had competed relentlessly for influence within the Hindu religion. Their mutual caution of one another often kept them silent in worldly affairs. If one backed a faction of one conflict, the other would support the opposing.

However, if one God were to die, or be sealed, the opposing would control the religion as a whole. And that would be a powerful force of its own.

Yet, despite this centuries-old feud, there was a reason Indra had never launched an assault against Shiva in the past.

"Shiva is more powerful than I am," Indra admitted aloud, his words accurate, but resentful, "You know it. I know it. The world knows it." His eyes lowered briefly. But then, with a fierce determination, he straightened. "But with new allies, I will kill him. I swear it. I will march on Mount Kailash, no matter what."

Cao Cao smirked, his expression tinged with both amusement, "And we will be here for you." He looked down with the deity, "Did those stray magicians come through?"

Indra crossed his arms, his expression observant, "Hm. That human woman, Walburga, and her band of sorcerers have proven... useful. They've provided ample resources for my men. Yes, they've assisted." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But I am wary of incorporating these Hexennacht stray magicians into my forces. That woman is smarter than she looks. Asking for far too much to join the fight. She knows the war will come at great losses, and expects to be compensated."

The other human, Georg, who had remained silent until now, spoke, "We've heard they're becoming closely aligned with the Qlippoth Faction—the one led by Rizevim Lucifer."

Cao Cao smirked, "Meaning, it would be unwise to trust her completely."

Indra's expression darkened, "I appreciate you bringing all of this this to my attention, but I have no time to bother with Lucifer, the Dimensional Gap, or this so-called foreign entity right now." He turned slightly, amusement flickering in his sharp gaze. "Unless, of course, this alien or those evil dragons can help me win my war." A laugh rumbled from him, as the two humans exchanged a glance at one another and prepared to leave.

But before they could take another step, a sharp snap of Indra's fingers stopped them.

"Wait, boys," The God commanded, his voice low, "I may not have the time or interest to deal with this... yet. But…" His tone suddenly sharpened, "I may know someone who will."

"We have a Rating Game!"

It had been their first proper gathering since the battle against Loki. They still had school to deal with, as well as their duties as devils. Though they had ventured out together and returned together, they had not come back empty-handed. Aside from the experience of fighting against a literal god, they now had one new member in the Occult Research Club, as well as at Kuoh Academy.

Irina Shidou, the exorcist, had returned with them. It was a breath of fresh air to have a reincarnated angel in their increasingly diverse group. Combined with Azazel, the club was slowly transforming into something more international than it had ever been. It was only a matter of time before someone from outside the largest religion would inevitably join.

Azazel, the club's advisor, stood with crossed arms and an excited smile on his face. "Your first match will be against House Sitri. Depending on the outcome of House Agares versus House Astaroth, your next opponent will be one of them." His tone then went serious, "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. One game at a time."

Many had expected the Young Devils Tournament to be cancelled with the sudden terrorist attack by the Khaos Brigade. However, it had only fueled morale, and fueled a desire to see the next generation of devils compete at the highest level and to be in the spotlight.

Sasuke thought for a moment, 'Astaroth.' That was Ajuka's younger brother. If they were as close as Rias was to her older brother, then letting this Diodora get too close to him would be unwise. Though things at Agares had not gone the way he wanted, he had at least come closer to his goal. He just needed to get back to the Underworld, and this time, he would know exactly where to look.

"We saw them fight against Loki," Kiba said in a low tone, "They aren't prepared." He looked toward his King, "I don't say this to be rude, but Lady Sona is not you, buchou."

The King gave a smirk. "It would be unwise to underestimate her. I will admit, she is far better at strategy than I am. She is my rival, after all. However..." She cast a glance toward the sole human of the club. "We have a more complete set of fighters, and we have far better... advisors." There was no one Sona Sitri could pull from her cards that could rival having Uchiha Sasuke as a trainer, let alone Azazel as a club advisor.

Sasuke sipped his tea, one leg crossed over the other as he sat. A sudden, playful smirk appeared on his lips. "After we returned, the student council president offered me a deal to help her peerage train," he said, his tone deliberately nonchalant. "I've been considering it."

A sudden chill swept through the room. Everyone froze, shocked by the unexpected revelation. Since day one, the human had been interested in the club, and loyal to Rias Gremory. However, there were no rules binding him—he wasn't a member of the peerage. He was free to do as he wished. But, of course, that wasn't how the King saw it.

Rias, usually composed, stuttered, "S-Sona? But… why?"

His smirk widened, and he appeared to enjoy the sudden shock of news, "Why not?" he replied casually. "She asked, and I see no reason to refuse. No one else has bothered to ask me to help them."

The crimson-haired beauty had never truly asked for his help. He'd more or less volunteered, and she had eagerly accepted. Why not? He was strong, confident, somewhat respectful, and cared for his comrades. He was just as valuable as anyone else. But to hear that Rias' rival had now asked him for assistance was no doubt an escalation in their friendly feud.

Of course, he was merely joking. Sasuke could hardly recall the names of any members in Sona's peerage, aside from the King herself. He had no real interest in them.

Perhaps the ruse could have gone on longer. Azazel, however, stepped in, recognizing the playfulness and deciding to join along. "Rias, don't worry too much," he said with a smirk. "I might have a solution to this... crossroads of ours." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We in the Grigori have often relied on and worked with humans for as long as we've been around. Gaining the trust and loyalty of humans requires certain pathways, depending on... gender."

The Uchiha frowned, regret flashing across his face. He should have known better than to make a joke.

Ever since the leader of the fallen angels had joined the Occult Research Club, he had made efforts to bond with its members. Over the short time, Azazel managed to form connections with all of them to varying degrees. However, there was one exception—Sasuke. It wasn't entirely his fault. The Uchiha was careful, never leaving himself vulnerable or alone in the fallen angel's presence. He simply had no desire to forge bonds with the Cadre.

And so, Azazel made an error. He assumed Sasuke was just a typical human, personality wise.

"Sasuke-kun, you and Issei-kun seem to talk quite a bit. May I ask you both something?" Azazel asked, his grin suddenly forming on his face.

Sasuke sighed, already bracing himself. "Do I have a choice?"

Azazel's grin grew even wider, clearly enjoying the moment. "Do you like women with large breasts?"

Issei raised his head, a wide grin spreading across his face. "You know it!" he said proudly, almost as if that characteristic alone defined who he was.

Sasuke, however, gave a deafening silence. One that lingered in the air, suffocating the room. It was amusing to everyone, as they knew that was his usual response. Always composed, always stern, never allowing himself the indulgence of such a vulgar question, much less enjoying it like the pawn did.

Azazel rubbed his chin, nodding thoughtfully, clearly not deterred. "Maybe you prefer large muscles, then, huh?" he mused aloud. "Well, Genesis—the capital of our side of the Underworld—has plenty of opportunities. You might find what you desire there and more. Perhaps even learn something about that sword of yours."

The Uchiha ignored most of his offer, "And what exactly do you know about my sword?"

"Enough to pique my interest," The Cadre replied smoothly. "Like most Holy Swords, I suspect there's more to it than meets the eye. Care to share?"

Rias stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension. "No. Sasuke-kun is not going to the Underworld with you, Azazel. He's a member of my peerage and this club. Removing him would disrupt everything we've built. His desires are clearly within this academy."

Akeno leaned in with a teasing smile. "Buchou is right. Sasuke-kun has already found what he desires here. And it's standing with red hair."

Rias flushed, clearly embarrassed. "A-Akeno, don't be ridiculous!"

"No," Koneko interrupted flatly. "Senpai needs to stay and finish school."

Xenovia nodded, her tone firm. "Sasuke is the best swordsman I've ever fought alongside. We can't afford to lose him."

Irina then suddenly stepped forward, her voice gentle yet optimistic, "Sasuke-chan, I know you don't want to be a devil, and that's understandable. Before I came here, Michael-sama talked about inviting you into Heaven, to become a reincarnated angel like myself. It's a chance to fight for something greater—maybe even to become a Seraph one day." She gave him a wink, "I'll let you think about it!"

Azazel suddenly clapped his hands, silencing the growing chaos. "Enough! Let's focus. The Rating Games are continuing despite all these interruptions, and we have a match to prepare for." His grin returned, "The rest can wait… for now."

The courtyard was quiet with the aftermath of intense training. The devils of Rias's peerage sat scattered, breathing heavily, their bodies marked by counterattacks. Even Gasper, who had initially been hesitant to participate, was present—though he had spent most of the time standing off to the side, nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot. It had been strangely been Sasuke's idea to include him.

He stood at the edge of the training ground, arms crossed, his expression as unreadable as ever. His gaze swept over the group, taking in their battered yet determined forms. They weren't completely defeated, but it was clear they were exhausted. Each of them had come at him with everything they had, using teamwork, sacred gears, bloodline powers—what he liked to call Kekkei Genkai—even Koneko had tapped into her Senjutsu, feeling more confident after their battle against the Norse God.

It was a valiant effort, and though he had no doubt they had pushed themselves, it was clear they stood little chance. Sasuke was in a class of his own, effortlessly defeating the peerage.

He turned to face Azazel, who leaned casually against a nearby the wall, "They've improved." The Uchiha observed.

The Fallen Angel gave a half-shrug. "Eh, Sasuke-kun, I think you might just be too strong." He tilted his head with a smirk. "Maybe stronger than any of us realize."

"They're strong enough for their first match," Sasuke replied, "But anything beyond that? I'm not so sure."

"We agreed to focus on one match at a time," The club advisor reminded. "If we overexert ourselves, it'll backfire. Instead, we should adapt our strategy to what we know about Sona's fighting style. That's the ideal approach, right?"

The Uchiha's faced hardened, his mind briefly drifting away, 'No.' he thought. The upcoming battles with Sona and the other peerages were just the beginning. Something much more significant, maybe even catastrophic, loomed ahead. He didn't have all the pieces yet, but the warnings he had received were more than enough to keep him on edge.

The warning had come from Euclid Lucifuge. Someone who had thus far, been reliable with his information. There was no reason to not trust or believe him, especially with what had happened the last time this particular group attacked.

"Venturing back into the Underworld?" Euclid had asked with a knowing smile. "You should be aware, an attack is imminent. Our old friends in the Old-Satan Faction are planning something—again. And, as always, they will likely fail."

Sasuke smirked, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Persistence is key," he replied, "Do they at least have a plan this time?"

Euclid's laugh had been humorless. "Kill everyone," he said dryly. "A lost cause. Failed rebellions. Ghosts from the past. Perhaps, had this war never begun, they could have made a stronger impact on devil society. But alas."

"You fought with them," The Uchiha replied, "Though I suppose it makes sense now. It's been so long, and many of them had died or simply switch sides over the years."

The devil's expression suddenly darkened as he leaned back in his chair, the weight of those memories slowly returning. They were clearly not pleasant for him. His tone became detached, yet he was there to tell his experience. Sasuke noticed the change immediately—the usual smugness he maintained had faded.

"You could call the current conflict the Second Devil Civil War," Euclid corrected, his tone quiet and reflective. "I fought in the First one. Today, it's just a pathetic echo of that war. A true lost cause. After centuries of hiding, they returned from the edges of the Underworld to finish what they started... and that was to die." His voice dropped lower, colder, a tone that carried regret and bitterness.

He rubbed his chin, his gaze distant as he spoke. "When the conflict first began, it was very different. The Satan Clans against the 72 Pillars. The Six Houses of Lucifer were united... until we weren't. Wiped out or exiled—what's the difference? Devil against devil. Son against son. Brother against brother. Father against son... brother against sister."

The last words came out slowly, and the Uchiha could see the weight they carried. It was much harder than the devil let on.

Sasuke scoffed at the thought of the entire conflict. "A glorious conflict they called it," he replied with sarcasm. "Fighting a civil-war to restore leaders chosen by birthright, only to start another war right after? It's as if they didn't learn anything from their predecessors. They're likely to die, no matter what happens—win or lose." He paused, shaking his head in disbelief. "I remember them promising others at that meeting in the dimensional gap. Wealth, glory, power. And yet, they despise beings from other factions. How could anyone fall for that? Devil or not."

There was a pause then. Sasuke stared at Euclid. The frown settled on his face, and his eyes went lower. Something about that had brought out something inside the devil. Resurfaced trauma, bitter memories, unresolved feelings. He had appeared more vulnerable than ever before. The devil replied as detached as one could be.

"I never saw a restoration, I never saw glory. Nor did I obtain any wealth or power. But it was a civil-war. And I did fall for it. That I did."

He had left shortly after that.

"You're often in deep thought," The Fallen Angel suddenly said, breaking the human out of his memory. A mischievous grin came to his face, "I know what you young men are often thinking about."

Sasuke shot him an annoyed glance. "… And what's that?" Though, he should have known better than to ask.

The Cadre's grin widened, "How about those mountains on Rias' chest? Or those legs she's always showing off? I bet you've thought about burying your face between them, haven't you?"

This was the second time the man had misread the human entirely.

What words could even be used to reply to that?

'He's worse than Akeno.' Sasuke thought. She often made these assumptions as well. But at least with her, they could be amusing and predictable at times. This was supposed to be the leader of the Grigori, someone who commanded respect, or was at least supposed to. He also went into far greater detail than she ever did.

"Akeno is a Fallen Angel. It's only natural she likes to have fun like that. Perhaps that is more your type?"

The Uchiha flinched as he looked back at him, 'Did he just…'

"Read your mind? I know, I'm good. That look in your eyes gives it away. She's Baraqiel's daughter, though, so out of respect for my old friend, I won't make jokes about her. Or be honest with you about her."

It was clear the club advisor was enjoying seeing the reaction come from him. But the Uchiha should know that underestimating a man as old, experienced, and sociable as the Governor-General would be counterintuitive. He often used his goofy outward expressions as a way for people to let their guards down.

"I don't even know who that is." Sasuke replied.

Azazel rubbed his chin, "Really? You and Akeno seem so close. In a few… different ways."

The Uchiha finally ran out of patience, "I respect people enough not to dig into their lives when they clearly don't want to talk about it."

"Oh, Sasuke-kun, such hostility. I'm just curious is all. Is that such a crime?" He feigned innocence, but the shinobi could see right through it.

"It is when it's you."

Azazel's chuckle softened, "You remind me of Vali. Both of you thrive in battle, keep parts of yourselves hidden, and carry that same fire in your eyes," he said, his voice laced with nostalgia. Then, with a faint smile, he added, "Though, I'll admit, Vali could be soft at times. He was a quiet kid, but when he was in a good mood... we had some of the best times together. He loves to fish. Isn't that weird? You wouldn't expect it, but he loves it. We both did."

They both fell suddenly silent. Sasuke looked at him, his violet eyes clouded with distant memories, 'This one lost a son.' he thought.

He had known Vali had a troubled upbringing, just by the way people spoke of him. The devil had fled his home and found refuge with the Fallen Angel, who had guided him, raised him up, trained him with his sacred gear, and given him a place in the world. But even with all of that, it seemed Vali had never truly found belonging—not with his lineage, not with Azazel, not with anyone.

There was no doubt Azazel had already known the White-Dragon Emperor was involved with the Khaos Brigade long before he had made it clear to the world.

Perhaps, Azazel had simply hoped that he was wrong.

What a betrayal that had been.

"Sensei!"

A sudden voice broke the brief silence, drawing both of their attention. Standing a few feet away, Xenovia looked composed despite the bruises she bore from training. Determination radiated from her, undeterred by the physical toll of her efforts.

"Yes?" The Cadre answered with a knowing smile, his tone light, "You're doing well for someone who only recently became a devil. Once your demonic energy develops further, handling Durandal will become second nature."

"No," Xenovia said, her tone firm as she shook her head. "Not you, sensei."

Her piercing gaze shifted to the human beside him. "Sasuke-sensei," she addressed him directly, her posture straightening as she squared her shoulders. "May I have a word with you?"

"Only if you stop calling me Sensei."

She had dragged him back into the school. For whatever reason, it had to be secluded, away from eyes and ears alike. They walked into the gymnasium. It was quiet, she was quiet. Once toward the back end of the hall, there was a closet door that led into a dimly lit narrow room. It had racks of equipment, a faint smell of polished wood and dust, and was crowded with mats scattered all across the floor.

Someone had placed them there recently, he could see.

Sasuke stood near the wall, arms crossed, his expression as impassive as ever, watching as Xenovia turned the lock.

He raised an eyebrow. "What is it?" he asked. "Was it necessary to come all the way here?" There was no issue being alone with members of the club. Many had come to him in confidence, trusting he would keep their thoughts or secrets. Koneko and Kiba had done so before. But the new-Knight barely knew the human.

They never had a moment alone, until now.

Xenovia stepped closer, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders. "Sit down, please," she said, her voice urgent.

He sighed and lowered himself onto one of the mats. His dark eyes met hers, laced with mild impatience. "…What is it?" he repeated.

The woman hesitated for a moment, then squared her shoulders. "I've been thinking about my role here," she began, her tone a mix of uncertainty, "At this school, with Rias…"

"Your master," Sasuke interjected, a hint of judgement in his throat. "What were you thinking, subjecting yourself like that?"

She appeared confidant in her decision to join the peerage, "I've always wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. The Church, this school… I'm not someone who thrives on being alone. I get… fearful of it. Surely, you must understand that."

"I do not," He replied bluntly, "But continue."

She drew a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I find myself at a crossroad. I spent my entire life in the Church, and now I feel like I've wasted it. I feel old, like I need to make a big change—something meaningful."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly. "Bigger than signing your life away to a devil?" His words continued with judgment, "It's fine to feel lost, to not know your next steps. But that doesn't mean you should make rash decisions." He shook his head, "It's too late now, anyways. Go on."

Xenovia gave a nod, but then her expression change. She became distant, and even flushed about the words that were about to come out.

"I agree… That's why," she stammered, her voice quieter but no less determined, "I wish to have children with you."

[SILENCE]

For a moment, Sasuke thought he'd misheard. He thought she had just offered to have his children. Surely, she couldn't have said that. She had just agreed to avoid making sudden, huge, and rash decisions. But she was smart—there was no way she would say something so absurd. She had discipline, she had intellect, and she had pride.

"Did you hear me?" Xenovia repeated, her tone now more direct. "I want you to push me onto my back, spread my legs, and get me pregnant. Would you be willing to do that, Sensei?"

Sasuke blinked, utterly stunned. Of all the outrageous requests he'd encountered in his life, this one was in a league of its own.

"You wouldn't have to raise the child," Xenovia continued, "I'd take care of that myself. I thought about asking Issei first, but he's… well, he's a dragon, and that's really his only selling point. Humans are more fertile, and watching you fight Loki convinced me your genes are… superior."

Sasuke's hand came up to rub his temples. There was a lot to unpack here.

"…Who put you up to this?" he asked flatly. "Was it that stupid bird?" It had to be him. The Fallen Angel was always doing something vulgar—whether it was reading magazines of naked women or making lewd 'compliments' to members of the peerage. This ridiculous request had Azazel's fingerprints all over it, and somehow, Xenovia was taking it seriously.

Gross.

"Azazel-sensei?" Xenovia blinked in confusion. "No. He's too old for me and not my type. Though I imagine his experience would likely make for more enjoyable intimate sessions. However, it is not intimacy or pleasure I seek." She tilted her head, observing him. "You don't want children of your own?"

The way she spoke about it, like it was some sort of machine-building simulation, was baffling. No one had ever approached him like this. For once, Sasuke was unsure how to react properly. But one thing was certain—he was deeply offended by it.

"You insult me," he said sharply, his tone like ice. "What makes you think I'd ever abandon my own child?"

Xenovia froze, the realization of her words dawning on her. "That wasn't my intention. I…" She faltered, trying again. "That was only if you didn't want to. You're human, so you'll likely die much younger than I will." She raised her hand to her chin in thought. "But if we had a child, would they be half-devil? Fully human? Does being a reincarnated devil mean that would pass on?"

So many unanswered questions—important ones. It was like she should have had thought this through.

Xenovia saw his reaction. His infamous reaction. The blank, furrowed brow, the cold, steely gaze in his dark eyes, and his tense posture. This was the Sasuke everyone whispered about. The aura and silence around him almost suffocating. Panic began to creep in.

"T-That was my first plan," she stammered. "Would you like to hear my second?"

"No."

"I want to become your squire!" Xenovia declared with a surprising firmness.

"…And what does that mean?" Sasuke asked.

"A squire assists a knight, traditionally," she explained quickly. "In modern times, it's more like an apprentice. I want to learn from you—to become your swordswoman. Whoever taught you must have been a legend. I want to follow in their footsteps and yours. To be more like... you." One might find that a compliment, but he did not.

Though her second question was of an entirely different nature, it was likely for the best. Her earlier proposition had struck a nerve, making something deeply personal feel cheap and meaningless. It was insulting to think she saw him as someone who would only have children for pleasure and then simply abandon them. That, perhaps, was what irked him the most when people in this world judged him—not because he was a low-class human, but because of the distorted character they assumed he was.

Sasuke stood abruptly, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. His eyes were colder than ice. "You want to be like me?"

She nodded but immediately felt a tinge of regret.

"You want to know what happened to my master?" he asked, his voice dropping to a deadly calm. "I killed him. He was weak, and I killed him. I drove my blade through his chest and ended him."

Xenovia froze, her words caught in her throat. She hadn't expected that, but it was clear there was more to the story than he was willing to share. Thankfully, she didn't press the issue.

Of course, that wasn't the whole truth. The situation had been far more complex. Orochimaru had tried to take over the Uchiha's body and had not truly died until the fight with Itachi. Then he had been revived during the war, proving the snake's persistence. Sasuke knew Orochimaru likely wouldn't truly die unless someone eradicated all the hosts he had spread across the world.

After a long pause, Xenovia finally spoke, her voice soft but unwavering. "I promise… that I won't kill you."

Her choice of words were perhaps the best she could have said. Sasuke's hard expression suddenly faltered. The frustration and anger that had been building up suddenly vanished. Just like that.

Then, unexpectedly, he smiled—a true smile. The Knight hadn't intended to make a joke, but it seemed he had taken it as one. His expression was the complete opposite of what it had been moments ago. For the first time, Xenovia saw a genuine, amused warmth in his face, a glimpse of something far more human.

Xenovia flushed, realizing that now that Sasuke's appearance was just as appealing as he was powerful.

That smile shifted into a low, brief laugh.

Shaking his head, he realized how pointless his earlier irritation had been. Sometimes this world, with all its quirks and differences, got under his skin. Assimilation was still difficult. People here were so unlike what he was used to. But he knew he had to adjust, at least for now.

"Very well," Sasuke finally said, his tone much lighter. He turned and unlocked the door, glancing over his shoulder before stepping out. "But next time, just ask quickly. And stop making big decisions without thinking them through. You're not old, nor have you wasted your time. As you said, you're a devil—you'll live a longer life than I will. So, enjoy it. The Church taught you discipline, strength, and purpose. Be thankful you can look back with pride at what shaped you."

A brief image of Orochimaru flashed through his mind, "... Not all of us can say the same."

The moon hung high over Kuoh Town, its light glowing across the city. On the outskirts, an abandoned church stood hidden by illusion magic. Thick trees from the surrounding forest provided a natural barrier, making it even further to walk into. There were cracks on the outside of structure, and the grass grew wild. Yet inside, the space functioned more as an office than a place of worship.

The church was unique, having a high concentration of Fallen Angels, as opposed to angels or humans.

Sasuke sat near a window, staring out at the night sky and the distant lights of the city. His eyes went in and out, but he felt no desire to return home and sleep yet. This place was an escape for him, getting away from the devils and there shenanigans was something he needed for his peace of mind.

However, even this place had become a source of irritation. She stood next to him—pouting, upset, and scowling. Her attire was in its usual strange form, barely covering her body. He wasn't a prude, nor did he particularly care what people chose to wear, but it was undeniably distracting. As a shinobi, he had been trained to be stern and disciplined. Something like a woman's nearly nude body was not supposed to faze him.

Still, he couldn't help but reflect. Naruto had often used such techniques to trick unsuspecting men, and then there was Kaguya—that one time.

A faint smile crept onto his face as the memory surfaced. It was ridiculous and absurd, a ploy so strange it defied logic. Yet somehow, Naruto had managed to make it work, as he always did.

Movement in the corner of his eye brought him back to the present. His smile faded as his gaze snapped back to Raynare, who was fidgeting awkwardly. Standing next to her was Kalawarner, her hand resting on her hip as she observed him with a raised eyebrow.

"I come here to relax," Sasuke said "Not to wonder about you as well."

Kalawarner spoke before Raynare, who had opened her mouth, "Is it true, Sasuke-sama? Azazel is here?"

They called him sama even though he did not like it. But he had become so tired of correcting them he had simply given up stopping.

Suddenly, now it was Sasuke who had a scowl on his face. He had not even known the Cadre for very long and he already had less than ideal opinions, "He's an annoying pest. How you ever worshipped someone like him is beyond me."

The women both took that to heart, they had worshipped him. Raynare more so than the others, feeling his judgement and a rush of embarrassment. She crossed her arms and defended herself, "He's... my type. At least I thought he was, until he abandoned us." she muttered.

Sasuke gave a smirk, leaning back slightly. "I suppose he kept your faction out of wars and conflict. But if you really spoke to him, you'd either be disgusted…" His eyes ran over her, from head to toe, "…Or maybe not."

Raynare lowered her eyes, her arms crossing tighter. "You're not that much better."

That was an incredulous thing to say. This church, this place to live, money, food, a shower. Before this, they only had that ran-down church and were not even allowed to even go back to the underworld. It was only Kuoh Town they were allowed to venture to, but they never did because they feared what would happen in another confrontation with the local devils. The former leader of them was also traumatized by her defeat against Issei.

The Uchiha's lips curled slightly, almost amused. "Is that so?"

She held her defensive posture, glaring at him. "You give us no support, and you rarely come to see us anymore."

Sasuke's tone turned deadpan. "Are you a dog? Why do you need me""

Kalawarner smirked, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "She has abandonment issues," the taller woman remarked dryly. She then leaned in and whispered into his ear, "If you're ever... alone with her, she likes it rough. Don't be afraid to use your hands. She likes it that way."

The Uchiha raised his hand and gestured for her to go away. It appeared the only thing Fallen Angels ever spoke about had some strange relationship involving sex. And like Azazel, she had misread the Uchiha to be some... sex-driven beast.

"Fuck both of you!" Raynare snapped, "You're no leader! You're just a steward for those devils!"

They stared at her, uncertain why she was becoming so emotional.

Her anger simmered down slightly, and she sank into the couch, muttering, "…I'm sorry. I'm losing my mind being stuck here."

"Then leave," Sasuke replied, "Nothing is stopping you."

"The devils will kill me," Raynare replied, her tone heavy.

"I don't think they would. They may have forgotten you altogether."

Raynare's defensive posture softened, her arms dropping to her sides as a somber tone crept into her voice. "I have nothing. No one. I was kicked out of everything I knew. For what?"

Kalawarner frowned and replied, "We all were responsible."

For once, there was no blame—neither toward each other nor an outsider. It was a rare moment of self-reflection, an acknowledgment of their shared fate. Had it not been for Sasuke, they might have been dead already.

But he did not really care as much.

"You have a tendency to destroy everything you're given," Sasuke replied bluntly, his tone neutral but cutting. "Like that boy who loved you."

Her face twisted with anger and guilt. "I apologized for that!"

"Did you?" His piercing gaze locked onto hers. "I saw it all."

The room fell silent for a moment, the air thick with tension. Raynare's expression shifted, the frustration giving way to vulnerability.

"I want to go out," she said suddenly, her voice softer now but tinged with desperation. "In the city. Without having to worry about dying." She looked at him, her hands clenched at her sides. "Take me." Was this a demand? She? Demanding? Her? Even Kalawarner stood with wide eyes. She too suffered in the confinement of this church and sought to leave, but had clearly learned a lesson and not went around breaking rules and risking her life.

"No." Sasuke replied flatly, shaking his head. "Take yourself."

Raynare's voice grew more urgent, her frustration returning. "Take me!"

He finally looked directly at her, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. "Why should I?"

"Because you're the only one we can trust!" she blurted out, surprising even herself. Her hands trembled slightly, and she quickly looked away, as if ashamed of her outburst.

Sasuke was quiet for a moment, studying her with an annoyed look on his face. He wasn't sadistic. He didn't wish for them to feel like imprisoned animals. But neither was he a babysitter, bound to their every concern. Yet, as he looked into her violet eyes, he could see it—fear. Genuine concern for her life lingered there, the same fear he sensed in the others who had sought refuge in this church.

They worked for him, after all. If nothing else, he thought about it from a practical standpoint. Would helping them make them more willing, more reliable associates? Would it yield better, more useful information? There was no doubt it would.

"Fine," he said at last, his voice steady. "I'll work on that—and on getting you pardoned."

One week later, the results were in—it came as no surprise that Team Gremory had prevailed over Team Sitri. Sasuke felt a sense of justice in their victory, placing the blame for Azazel's meddlesome presence on Sona's shoulders.

Sona, however, remained dignified in her defeat. Always professional, she graciously accepted the loss and acknowledged that her incomplete peerage had been a liability. Still, her team had fought well, relying on traps, strategy, and exploiting the overconfidence of Rias' group. While the match wasn't particularly close, Sona's team had managed to eliminate Kiba, Koneko, and Xenovia before their own defeat.

Next up was a match between House Gremory and House Astaroth, the latter having bested House Agares.

But Sasuke knew something was amiss. If it hadn't happened in the last match, it was likely to occur now. The signs were clear. An infiltration—perhaps even sabotage—loomed over the games.

But who?

He sat off to the side, one leg crossed over the other, lost in his thoughts. His gaze shifted to Azazel. The man was often in communication with other leaders and powerful beings. His tone in these conversations was unusually serious—at least serious for him. That set off some alarms in the Uchiha's mind that something was going on.

However, The Fallen Angle did not disclose these conversations with the club. And that was a problem.

A new presence caught Sasuke's attention as well. A girl named Rossweisse was suddenly present. Hailing from Norse mythology, she had fought alongside them during the confrontation with Loki. Odin himself was visiting, and she was part of his entourage. But Azazel had requested her presence here specifically. It was clear this newfound alliance was not just in name. A strong, unified, multinational fighting force was just the perfect counter to the growing Khaos Brigade.

"Ara, in deep thought, are we?"

The teasing voice cut through his concentration. He looked up to see Akeno standing over him, her usual smile and happy expression in perfect view. She had been in a better mood since returning. More focused on training, which is exactly what the Uchiha wished for all of them. Especially knowing what was to come.

He gave her a playful nod, "Maybe I was. Maybe I was not. What would you know about it?"

"Oh, Sasuke-kun," Akeno said in her own ambitious tone, "One day I will crack that rock of yours." She smiled. "I imagine this rating game will be much more difficult than the one against Lady Sona. I hope we can have some of your good luck once again."

He looked around, noticing everyone was in their own conversation. Sasuke suddenly gestured for her to come closer, within whispering distance. The Queen tilted her head and leaned in as well. They were mouth to ear, not exactly the position she was used to being in with him, but it was close enough for her to be happy about it.

"They're using you as bait," Sasuke said bluntly, his voice low, "Be careful. You're walking into a trap."

Her smile vanished, replaced by a look of concern. "...What do you mean?"

"You're not just playing a simple rating game," he said. "Azazel knows. Likely Sirzechs, too. The Old Satan Faction is planning something. Be prepared for the worst."

Akeno's expression grew serious as she searched his face for any hint of doubt. "...How do you know?"

"I overheard them," Sasuke said, offering only a half-truth. It was enough to work with. "Don't tell Rias," he added firmly. "And don't die."

"Buchou..." Akeno said softly, her voice laced with hesitation. "She's my King. She has to know. I can't just... hide things from her..." More than a Queen, in fact, Rias was her best friend, the sister she never had, the sister she never would have. Hiding anything from her was not something the girl would ever consider.

"If they find out I told you, they won't trust me," Sasuke explained. "It's very important that they trust me. Just be ready."

They did, in fact, trust the Uchiha. All of them did, even Azazel. However, if they found out he was snooping around, listening in on conversations, and relaying that information to those who weren't supposed to hear it, they would become... cautious around the human. And that would be bad for his mission.

Akeno straightened her posture and gave a determined nod. "Okay. I won't tell anyone."

"Good luck," Sasuke said, allowing himself a rare, faint smile. "I'm sure I'll see you on the other side."

Before he stood up, the Queen grabbed his arm and kept him still. He looked at her, waiting for an explanation. In the corner of his eyes, the King had noticed the sudden movement, and was no doubt attempting to listen in herself. However, Akeno did not see it, or she simply was not concerned over it.

She brushed a strand of her dark hair behind her hair, "When we come back, I would like to make up for what happened at Agreas."

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, prompting her to continue.

"Maybe we could go around the city together," she said, her voice softer now, tinged with shyness. "...Just you and me this time."

Akeno was simply trying to set up another day together, just as he had in the Underworld. However, his approach had been more... business-like. She was timid, and he was unsure why. Of course, Sasuke had no idea how difficult it was for someone to ask for something like this. She could venture into battle, but this took a different type of bravery—one that had to overcome personal hesitations. Yet, for her, the risk was worth it.

"...I know the city well," he simply replied. "Is there somewhere... you wish to show me?" The truth was, he had no idea why she wanted to show him around. This town was not particularly interesting.

"I just thought it would be nice... to spend some time together. Just us two. If you wanted to, of course."

'She had already said that.'

Sasuke studied Akeno for a moment, noting her nervousness. Her shy behavior was uncharacteristic of the playful and confident woman he'd grown accustomed to. He thought back to Xenovia, remembering what had transpired when she had wished to be alone with him. Though that had ultimately ended in a good outcome, he couldn't afford to let his guard down now. Akeno was a fallen angel, and who knew what schemes she might be brewing beneath that charming smile of hers.

But, she was no Azazel, and thank God for that.

"…If we both make it back in one piece, I'll consider it."

That seemed to settle it, and for whatever reason, it raised her spirits. A perfect moral boost just before an incoming fight. It was the least he could do.

Irina, standing near the entrance, offered a bright smile to the group, "Do your best, everyone!" she said confidently. "I'll look forward to the victory celebrations!"

The devils nodded in unison, their resolve clear, and one by one, they disappeared into the magic circle, leaving the club room nearly empty.

Azazel stretched lazily before standing up, brushing off his coat. "Well," he said with a slight shrug, "We'd better be going too."

Rossweisse, standing with her arms clasped behind her back, glanced at Azazel with a slight frown. "Azazel-san," she asked hesitantly, "Why did you keep it a secret from them?"

The Cadre shrugged "Because we don't know for sure what's going to happen," he explained, "The game might go as planned, or..." His voice trailed off, and he paused for a moment before adding, "If something does happen, it's better they stay focused on the task at hand. They need to be sharp, not preoccupied with hypotheticals. And let's be honest, I'm used to being the bad guy in situations like this. We think the Old Satan Faction might be planning an attack in the Underworld. The timing lines up with their usual nonsense—striking when we're distracted."

"Then why not tell the others? They should at least be prepared." Irina inquired.

Azazel shook his head. "If they knew, they'd overthink it, maybe even panic. They're strong, but they're still young. Doubt and fear in a moment like this could do more harm than good." He faced the remaining three with lowered her eyes, "Just stick by me, and we will all come back, safe and sound."

Death.

It was in the air.

He could see it from this point. Being across the sky, in every direction. Many corpses on the ground were scattered, showing that it had been some time since the fighting had first begun. It was chaos, it was war, but... even though it had not been long into the battle, it was not going to end the way the attackers had hoped. That much he knew.

Sasuke had not followed Azazel's orders. He had his own objectives. Unfortunately, this was not the Underworld. They were in a dimension for the Rating Game. So, he could not go off and find Agreas. It was just another bump in the road, but he did not complain. At least a battle could keep his mind occupied. He had decided to find the rest of the club. Though they were stronger than ever before, it was still ideal to fight near them.

The key was to keep chakra in his left eye, but the jutsu was not meant to teleport—it was to elevate and ascend. He did not need wings or magic to do so either.

And then, they attacked.

Fire Release. Wind Release. Lightning Release.

It was, of course, the Old-Satan Faction. They did not know he was associated with Rizevim, and there no desire to correct them. They were members of the Khaos Brigade like he was. However, they, nor the descendants of the original Satan had any intention of fighting Great Red, and so, to Sasuke, they were useless.

Scattered across the sky, many were burned by the fire, sliced by the wind, or zapped by the lighting.

If they got close to him, he was willing to engage in close-combat. His sword was as strong as ever, and the holy effect combined with the lighting only furthered its deadliness. They did not seem to learn, and it took sometime before the enemies in the sky decided to move around him and into the direction he was heading toward as well.

Closing the distance, he could see a towering rocky structure that led into an ominous fortress. This is where the rating game was supposed to happen. With Team Gremory attacking and Team Astaroth defending.

Sasuke was still in the sky, and his Rinnegan could see the entire peerage standing. Their expressions were a mix of fear and shock. It was obviously because of the thousands of fighters that loomed in the sky, no doubt prepared to kill them all without a second thought. But his eyes suddenly narrowed. There was someone missing. A sacred gear failed to show itself—the green one, the one that could heal any being.

Asia was missing.

Before he could dwell on it, a magic circle appeared behind the devils on the ground. His eyes widened. He could sense that massive presence even from up here. The aura of a new being came—cold, icy, and no doubt powerful. At first, it reminded him of Loki, and he assumed the evil god had escaped his seal. But no, it was actually someone else. A smaller, but older man with a long beard and light blue eyes.

Odin.

He was so infamous and strong that he led the Norse Gods. Though, clearly, his influence was waning.

Sasuke descended down but was surprised to see that the devils somehow did not notice him or the deity standing directly behind them. Odin suddenly squatted behind the Queen, rubbing his chin and inspecting her like she was a piece of fruit at the grocery store. He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Like Loki, this being seemed to do whatever he wanted without concern.

The god extended a hand, reaching toward Akeno's skirt. But, unfortunately for him, a human hand gripped his wrist, stopping him just before lifting and inspecting whatever he desired.

Sasuke's voice rang out lowly, filled with disdain and disgust, "You Gods are like children. You do whatever you please, because no one's told you otherwise." He then tossed his wrist to the side, "Watch yourself. You aren't in Asgard anymore."

Throughout his entire life, The King of the Norse Gods had done as he pleased in his realm. It was likely no one, let alone a human, had ever stopped him from doing what he wanted to do. It was true, though. They were not in the far North anymore. The Uchiha did have a fair point as to keeping a respectful attitude when in a foreign land. And of course, not committing assaults toward women.

The others turned, their eyes wide in shock.

"O-Odin-sama?!" Rias exclaimed. "Sasuke-kun?! What are you—"

Odin stared at the human and merely laughed, cutting off the King before she could finish, "A sharp tongue and a firm grip," he mused. "I must admit, you're an interesting one." He glanced at Akeno and smirked. "But if this one is already claimed by you, I shall respect that, boy." His icy blue eyes met the cold black onyx ones. Even from this brief interaction, he had gained some respect for the human.

Where he is from, no one would talk to him like that.

"I've come to help you all," The God announced, turning toward the devils in the sky as if nothing had happened. "Go save your friend. This boy and I will cover your backs."

Issei roared like he never had before. "We have to save Asia!" he urged.

frik1000: Thanks man. You definitely nailed it. This is definitely a DxD story, but it's a lot about Sasuke as a person.

I also wish to say that while many of the girls may like Sasuke, not everyone can be in the harem. I can't imagine him just accepting a bunch of girlfriends all at once, I think it will be a slow, but thought out process, and hopefully well written. It is obvious though who will be the main girl, lol.

Anyways, let me know what you think. I actually liked this chapter a lot.