Page Five

Amami

Akeno had arrived at the island in the Okinawa archipelago, yet she knows this is not where she is supposed to be and the charm, she has upon herself directed her further out from the mainland.

Staying the night at a local hotel, she was getting ready to move out again before she spotted the telltale signs of a flock of angel, correction. She swallowed thickly, her anger bubbling as she hissed at the low flying flock of about fifty fallen angels heading southwest.

A terrible feeling filled Akeno's gut as that was the same direction her new spell and charm had indicated. Her devil wings erupted from her back, and she took flight, heading on a more direct path and staying low. Hopefully, if she's lucky that is, she'll find the sage before those filth do.

Kouh Town

Kurama awoke from his sleep with a yawn and a stretch as he was thoroughly enjoying waking to the dirt beneath him. Being out of the seal was great and he truly felt alive living among his kin like this.

Stepping out of his burrow, Kurama can immediately sense the unease among the skulk, and it was not hard to tell why. There were numerous devil patrols combing the area. Their flight patterns had been getting closer and put even him on edge.

Sure, that redhead and her group had returned but this was a bit much. Then again, Naruto did fight a goddess out here. Maybe they are looking for clues of the fight. There wasn't any left. He himself had checked back and only found a few scratches and several craters.

At this rate, he'll have to inform Naruto he won't be able to leave on time. No. Best tell him now.

Elsewhere…

Issei yawned as he came into the breakfast room, to find everyone but Akeno at the table already, frowning, he asks. "Morning Buchou, still no Akeno-sempai?"

Rias looks up from her seat and smiles, hoping that it comes off warm, replying. "No. From what she has told me, however, is that she believes she is close."

Issei nodded as he took a seat beside Kiba, who eyed his kohai warily, asking. "Did you really need to bring your weapon to the table, Issei-San?"

Issei looks to his side, his gifted blade resting there, before looking at the knight and shrugging. "I can't summon it like you can. Keeping it close is so I can fight at a moments notice."

Before Kiba could reply, Miki and Grayfia arrive with breakfast and the matter was dropped. The knight has already warned the pawn of his ill thoughts of the weapon he is wielding, just a bad vibe he had described but Issei had waved him off. It was a fine blade, without doubt, it was just something about it that set the knight off.

Kiba laments that if Akeno were here then she'd probably have figured it out by now. Then again, since her impromptu mission, Rias has seemed more alive despite being unable to walk now.

Though what worried Kiba were the last two members of the peerage. Asia and Koneko.

Koneko has barely said two words to him since their defeat at the hands of the Sage, a nature energy user. A bad omen for her, perhaps.

Asia on the other hand no longer fawns all over Issei. She still smiles and seems normal but that is only on the surface, she is just kind of like a doll these days. Just as silent as the Rook but softer spoken when she does talk.

Mainly to Miki and Grayfia but she is never rude and replies to whoever speaks to her first.

Kiba really hopes Akeno gets back before things go loopy.

In another part of town…

Kuroka was in a tree overlooking the perimeter of the fox settlement. She knew they knew she as there and were keeping an eye on her. Personally, she knew she should leave at this point. Not being able to come close enough to even get eyes on the settlement directly, but able to sense that something was hidden there.

Something she couldn't understand.

As such, Kuroka has been trying to sneak in to find out what exactly it is but never able to outwit or outrun the sentries that patrol the forest. She was not the only one either as a rogue stray had stumbled in and she had seen them, normal foxes, work together to bring her down.

They did not suffer even slight injuries in the process.

There was a group of exorcists that had stumbled upon them too, but they were forced back as well. They had two holy swords with them and yet these foxes held their ground, clearly unwilling to allow these outsiders too far in, nor get any closer to their new home.

This is why Kuroka hasn't tried using force. Sure, she'd probably be able to kill a few but by that point, the unknown will likely come forward too and it could very well overpower her. Satan help her if that unknown happens to be Inari or someone similar.

Angering a bunch of Youkai, devils, or angels is one thing. A god on the other hand is nothing to take lightly. Also, Kuroka suspects that these foxes have a connection to both this forest and the Sage. It is clear that they had come here at the behest of the same power that brought her.

Things are getting interesting, and this melting pot looks like it is about to get extremely hot.

Joint Mindscape

Naruto jolts up, looking around and was confused for a moment before the familiar voice of Kurama spoke at his feet, "Naruto, we have a problem."

Sitting up, Naruto's eyes lock on to the small nine-tailed fox staring back at him, "Must be. What's the problem?"

Kurama replied hastily. "The devils are growing in presence and closing in on our dens. That brat is likely back along with that redhead we crippled."

Naruto nodded, following along so the bijuu continued. "We also have come cross members from all the factions, including the Greeks. I don't think I will be able to leave to meet up with you."

Wearing a tight frown, Naruto replied sternly. "Then, we'll come to you. If the devil's security has gotten that tight, we'll sneak in and confront Ddraig's kid. Though it will likely cause a confrontation."

Kurama nodded, serious face locked in. "Without a doubt, however there is a notable presence similar to that angel that confronted us when we left. We will have help I suspect."

Naruto snorted, arms crossed. "Not like we need it."

Sighing, he stares at his oldest friend, continuing promptly. "After this, we'll likely have to get more involved with this world. I won't like it. But if we are to stop running and find somewhere to settle down…"

Kurama actually smiled at that, his youngest kin is willing to entertain the thoughts of settling down after the incidents in Sand, Wave, Demon, and Uzushio. The bijuu nodded before stating. "I will check out those who are here. I know your feelings on that vixen, but maybe we should try talking to her again."

Naruto thought on that for a full minute before nodding slowly, speaking carefully. "I will give it some thought. I will at least hear her out and withhold my judgment until then."

Kurama nodded before he glanced back into the woods, Naruto flickered too, a sign of external stimuli, so he spoke up. "Keep me informed, Kurama. Seems someone's trying to wake me."

Kurama nodded before vanishing too.

Beki's Coral

Matatabi awoke feeling fresher than she ever had. Like a new cat. But as she went to yawn and stretch as normal, she froze. Parting her eyes slowly, she felt the warmth of someone at her back. Glancing down, she noticed her fingers intertwined with the person she was sleeping against.

Their hands dwarf hers and holding them gently from behind as she gripped them back.

Hit with memories of last night, Matatabi felt a light rumble in her throat at the contentment of being able to comfort and calm their host down as she mentally checks on his condition. Yes, his stress levels have lowered more than expected. Blinking at that. She also noticed that they had slept in from what she was seeing from her probing of his body.

Naruto never slept in. Like never. Not since before the war.

Due to that fact, Matatabi did not want to move and risk waking him. Naruto is always in need of sleep, his fatigue and wariness are his biggest limiting factors, and a full body sleep is the best thing for him. Sighing at this predicament, Matatabi was looking around to see if there was a way out without

Though she froze again feeling air shift and Naruto's hold on her firms up, pulling her tighter against his chest, and sighing contently into his friend's hair that caused her cheeks to flush red.

A slight shift drew the bluenette's two toned eyes to meet the silver eyes of the slug like sister, currently halfway down the steps and staring at the cuddling duo. Eyes gleaming in mischief but before Mata could plead her case, Saiken waved her off supporting the silent conversation.

But that was broken by the yawning blonde, until said sage blinked an eye open and with several blinks, Naruto focused on the two ladies before his memories of the talk with the Kitsune came to him, ignoring his current hold, he said. "Kurama is not coming. We must get ready to move out and prepare for our entrance into the world at large."

The other two looked at him bewildered for a moment.

Eventually Saiken just nodded, saying. "When are we going to leave?"

Naruto replied, still holding his bedmate and professionally ignoring Saiken's continued suggestive glances, "As soon as the others have gathered, we should…"

A gentle cough from Matatabi caused Naruto to stiffen, she glanced back at him with the sweetest smile known to men the world over had ever seen and recorded. He gulped. Twice. As the cold sweat began to seep through his pours, she spoke. "Oh, Naru-kun, you did not forget what I said yesterday now did you, huh?"

Naruto replied almost instinctively and immediately. "No ma'am."

She gently stroked his cheeks with a beaming smile and speaks. "Good. I am glad. Now, you will be getting dressed while I get dressed and instruct the others so you can have the day off."

Naruto nodded as she finally sat up, Matatabi was quick to her feet and ignoring the potentially dangerous situation that Saiken was insinuating with her eyes. "Come on, oh dear sister. We must gather the others."

Saiken felt the chilly tone and that smile on her sister's face held an artic front that forced the bijuu to gulp.

Afternoon came around and Matatabi had managed to drag Naruto out in his casual clothes. Gyūki and Saiken were watching the bar and waved them both off.

As such, Naruto, wearing his black T-shirt, tan three-quarter length shorts, and black sandals, was being dragged by his arm that was being clasped by one overeager Matatabi yanking him along and they traveled from shop to shop. The people who recognised her was surprised by who she had in arm.

Naruto had begrudgingly been enjoying himself. From the first café, a 'gyru' type establishment that Mata had been visiting. She introduced him as her childhood friend which is why they were here.

Next was an arcade that Naruto thought was too loud to think in and they moved on, skipping that entirely. A stroll through the local market had too many people for Naruto to feel anything but uncomfortable or safe. He soldiered on as he did not want to blow off Mata twice in one outing.

A stop at a diner for burgers and drinks. It was tasty, Naruto will not say otherwise, and Matatabi seemed to enjoy their milkshakes. Though, the sage was wary of two of the waiter staff and the manager was very wary of them in return. The human form bijuu had to kick him underneath the table to get him to focus on her instead of the potential threats he was perceiving.

Moving out into the crowd again, the afternoon was falling away into evening and another walk through the park where Naruto had to fend off three different groups of men trying to hit on Matatabi. Thankfully, all it took was a throat clearing to get them to notice him.

Just as these regular humans moved off and the duo sat at a bench, a new voice and presence arrived at their backs. Hidden from view, just behind a tree within the shrubbery, in the form of one seven tailed beetle, the lime haired teen who was leaning on the tree to remain discreet. "Naruto, Matatabi; we have a situation developing."

Naruto glances around before sitting back further with a faux casualness he was clearly not feeling. Matatabi stayed focused on her drink, as Naruto asks softly. "Do explain?"

Chomei wasted no time here, reporting. "We have several groups moving in on us. The ones known as Fallen, several on this island and a fair few others circling in. Also, we have more than a few suspicious people but I can't tell you what they are."

Naruto nodded sharply, looking down the path filled with chakra-less civilians, then back towards the two tailed cat given a human body at his side . She was staring down at her hands that were fidgeting around the milkshake he had brought. Her frown was barely there but it was clear to Naruto that she didn't like where things were going.

Sighing, hanging his head back, spotting part of the tourist dressed Chomei, Naruto asking. "Then, this bad feeling I am getting?"

Chomei pushed up his glasses, glancing back around the tree to the opposite side of the parkway with the briefest of gazes, before commenting. "Perhaps. I am unwilling to just dismiss it."

Another sharp inclining of his head, Naruto pulls back his head, looking back to the blue haired feline, then down at the grass ahead. "What does our guest have to say on these things?"

Chomei's voice held concern, and Naruto could easily disconcert it for himself and it was rather obvious as to why. Though, the Bijuu finally spoke up. "The fallen are angels that had fallen from grace, being consumed by one of the seven sins. The unknown humans we are sensing he suspects are from the 'hero faction' that is one of the smaller factions. Human supremacy types. No doubt they are looking for you. A human with power to challenge the gods."

Naruto's face hardens, eyes growing cold, response clipped. "That is our power not mine alone. They sound like troublemakers. We should leave now, before they close in too close to home and discover us."

Chomei's nod went unseen but was implied, before he looks back to his sister who had a tight frown as she twirled her vanilla milkshake. He whispered. "Mata. I will head back first and get the others to the seal. I will leave you in charge of his safety until you get back."

Matatabi snapped up to her brother, who wore a ghost of a smile and then to Naruto, who looked more than a little confused by the wording, so she nodded then she downed her milkshake. Upon finishing the tall glass cup, she jumped up. "Sure. You can count on me."

Naruto glared at the woman, somehow managing to yell in a whisper. "Keep quiet, damn it! We just said…"

Matatabi waved him off, knowing that rant by now, "Yeah, yeah, Nar…"

Naruto growled and she froze, realising what she almost let slip but not wanting to admit it, so Matatabi continued seemingly unaware of his threat. "I will spend time with Narian and get him home before dark."

Chomei's amusement was noted by Naruto, despite his impeccable poker face as he is unused to having to have facial features thus he never used them. Though the seven tails turned to head into the darkness further into the tree line when Naruto asked. "Then that one signatures arrived earlier. The familiar one?"

Chomei glanced back at Naruto, replying. "Yes. She is here alone. It is rather curious how she has seemingly found us out here, no?"

Naruto nodded back, before rising to his feet and saying. "We don't have the luxury of believing in coincidence or chance encounters. Head back first, we'll be right behind you."

Within the blink of an eye, all three were gone.

Amaterasu's office

The leader of the Shinto Pantheon flung her doors aside, annoyed at everything that had transpired as those damn Greeks are completely unreasonable in their arguments and yet they have somehow managed to make a case for a joint escort of the Sage for the betterment of all.

The dark haired, sun eyed woman had almost fallen for Hera's argument herself, but Amaterasu was reminded of the deal with Shinigami and shut that down. The Sage is not to be pressed into service.

A full ban on the Greeks entrance into Shinto territory without written approval from herself alone, though the managed to insist to allow two of Artemis's Elite Hunters to act as protection for the Sage as their patron had informed them all that Nyx, primordial of the Night, seems to have designs for him.

Amaterasu was most definitely unpleased by this news. It would seem that Artemis was not originally going to inform them of this but to push through her request, she deployed it perfectly to support her case. How unfortunate.

Speaking of the Sage, Amaterasu looks to the small display mirror on her desk showing the Sage's approximate location. Her eyes narrowed upon spotting several signatures she knew were from the Hero faction, a large number of Fallen in the area, and another goddess from the Greek Pantheon. She muttered. "By the light…"

Okinawa Prefecture

Naruto and Matatabi walk through the town back to the bar, through they both had long noticed the numerous people of supernatural origin mingling within the common folk and were very discreet in their actions. For genin maybe.

As they traveled the town, acting the part of a young couple, the two counted out an ever growing number of potential enemies and the threat level they posed. Unfortunately, for Naruto at least, Shukaku chose this time to return to the seal causing the shinobi's signature to flicker just enough to be noticed.

He was definitely noticed.

Sighing internally, Naruto moaned internally. "Shukaku… your timing is dreadful."

Shukaku shrugged uncaringly. "Save us time no? The others are about to…"

Before he could finish, Kokuo returned followed by Isobu then Ddraig, and everyone who wasn't Matatabi as she remained at his side.

This played havoc with his signature and Naruto could tell that the heroes had indeed noticed and were attempting to follow him discreetly at a distance.

Sighing at this, Naruto spoke internally. "Okay guys. Seems that we will have some company. Has the couple been informed?"

He feels Saiken nod, replying. "Gave them enough to last the next week. They will be fine and thanked us for the help."

The duo reached Beki's Coral and they headed in immediately. As they reached the basement, Naruto took notice of the attempted encirclement and that the strongest signature was approaching the newly established boarder.

Matatabi returned to the seal too as Naruto armed up, leaving nothing behind to find or salvage from his presence. His standard practice.

The last piece was his new tanto. Just like the last, it was a blade of unreflective dull dark grey metal with edges so sharp, it cuts to the atomic level. This one was ten centimetres longer than the last and its handle held a chakra storage seal beneath the thread wrappings. The chakra channels led into seals attached inside the blade that increase the sharpness of the cutting edge to its current level.

Clicking his weapon on the small of his back, a quick scan of the room showed nothing to lead to him staying there and a quick crane hand-sign, even his scent was gone.

Not even five steps out of the establishment, a type of barrier went up and sealed off the area causing Naruto to let out a breath of frustration. He did not stop his walking however, crossing the sandy beach despite sensing the numerous signatures of supernatural forces closing in.

Twenty-five heroes in a semi-circle formation attempting to cut off any retreat. Though, what was throwing Naruto through the loop was the two other signals. One was familiar and one wasn't but was reminiscent of the goddess of the forest. Not a one-to-one, but like a distant cousin perhaps. Far denser than the last one too.

Thankfully, Matatabi was the one to clear things up. "That familiar signal is that lightning user from that school. A devil."

Gyūki nodded, explaining. "I think her name is Akeno Hagima or something. That red head called her a queen or something."

Ddriag nodded, clarifying. "Akeno Himejima. Queen devil of Rias Gremory. Second strongest of her peerage. Do not know why she is here but she seemed to have recognised the situation and is attempting to stay discreet."

Naruto sighed, grumbling. "This is why I said we should have left."

Kokuo nodded, grinning smugly. "My thoughts exactly."

Matatabi and Saiken both rolled their eyes while Shukaku chuckled. Ddraig spoke again though. "As for that other signature. It is another Greek god. Can't tell you who but they are also attempting to be discreet and is unnoticed by the heroes at this time."

Naruto nodded as he came to a stop in the middle of the beachfront view, sighing. "Noted. Though, it seems these so-called Heroes are done waiting."

They all nodded their heads though internally Naruto looks to Shukaku and grins. "With all this sand around, it would be a waste not to use it right, Shukaku?"

The Tanuki matched the grin and upped it, adding his bloodthirsty nature to it and nodding, replying with an outstretched hand. "Hehe – I knew there was a reason I stuck around."

Naruto bumped fists with the desert dweller and their chakra synced like before as the shinobi sage turned back in the physical world, to come face to face with the leader of this group. His eyes had turned a sandy yellow with a cross upon them.

With a blank face, voice bland, Naruto spoke. "What do you want, hero? I have no business with you."

The young man with black hair above a gentle face wearing thin rimmed glasses. He held himself firmly, and brimming with confidence as he stood proudly in his mage robe's resting atop his gakuran style uniform of some kind. With his tone stern, smile friendly, he spoke. "Greetings, Sage of Six Paths. My name is Georg, descendent of Johann Georg Faust, and sub-leader of the Hero faction."

Naruto simply folded his arms, offering nothing in his body language nor his face as he stared at this teen but remained silent.

Clearing his throat, Georg continued despite his growing nervousness. "Our leader, and lord, Cao Cao, has despatched us to recover you. The human Sage who wields the power to rival the gods, fend off the filth of those dark souls known as devils, and refused to obey the abominations known as Youkai."

He smiled but it held a darker tone than before as he continued. "Truly, you are more than worthy to serve under my Lord Cao Cao, alongside me, in the steadfast defence of mankind against the supernatural."

Despite not giving them any external indication of listening, Naruto was listening to his tenants. Gyūki sighed hard, shaking his head. "These are not defenders nor protectors. Just supremacists hiding behind their own lies about being Heroes."

The others all nodded, though Shukaku was far more focused on discreetly seeping his chakra into the beach at Naruto's feet. Ddraig voices his thoughts. "They are a small faction but that is what makes them so dangerous. They are not above dirty tricks."

Naruto nodded, focusing on his sensory intake as he watches a pair of heroes close in on the devil. Sighing, he glances back at his friends and mumbles. "Seems that we are going to have another fight. These guys sound like bad news. Sure, they have a noble goal and everything, defending the regular humans, but butchering others to achieve that is wrong."

They all nodded which allowed Naruto to refocus outward to listen to the drivel of this Hero guy. Georg states. "…and so, we offer you a chance to join us in our noble quest to save mankind from the tyranny of the supernatural forces that exploit them. What do you say, human sage?"

Blinking once, twice, and a third time, Naruto tilts his head to the right as he asks. "Sorry, did you say something?"

Georg's eyebrow twitched, disbelieving that his entire prepared speech had been ignored completely. Letting out a strained sigh, he clicks his fingers and suddenly three figures appeared at his side, two nameless henchmen hold a secured one devil Queen Akeno Himejima, subdued with enchanted cuffs of some kind.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, sensing the dimensional magic's use meaning this sub-leader had dimensional powers. On the other hand, the teen girl held her self well but, he can sense her fear and Naruto finds his protective nature flare briefly before subduing it. This was not the time to act rash.

Georg gestured to the devil casually, stating. "We happened to notice this devil had been following you too. We offer her head to you as a welcome gift to our cause."

Akeno glanced between her captors, then the Sage who's face was unreadable. Her sensory capabilities were severally impaired by these restraining cuffs but at this distance, she could just feel that the general feeling of the sage had shifted somehow. She can't put her finger on it though.

Eventually, Naruto let out a long, heavy breath and looks directly at this so called 'Heroes' black eyes and stated firmly. "You guys are no heroes."

The eyes of all said faction members all hardened to steel at the words of the sage, though Naruto continued. "You guys seem to lack the fundamental strength and knowledge to claim such a title. You are nothing but stupid fear mongers who wish to rule by fear and wage war with hatred in your hearts."

Georg narrowed his eyes, pushing up his spectacles, replying lowly. "You speak as if you know us, oh dear sage."

Naruto's face hardened, a quiet intensity seemed to bore down on those that currently oppose him. He continues to speak with confidence as he recalls words told to him from a friend long departed. "Heroes huh? Yes. I know of the concept. They are meant to fight to protect those who are unable to defend themselves. Draw strength from their will to protect their precious people."

The force in his voice seemed to add more gravity to his words, striking their hearts in different, unique ways, as the sage continued. "They do not need to claim to be heroes; their actions speak for themselves. Their aura tells all that things will be alright. Their mere presence calms the hearts of the panicked. Their will alone drives away the darkness."

Naruto damn near growled. "Do not assume you know what I know, you damn hypercritical bastard! You are no hero, just another idiot who is too scared to make that choice, another idiot who thinks he's smarter and better than the next."

Naruto had no idea just how far his words would reach. The heart's hardened cracked and new heroes, true heroes, would recall them on their most dire moments. Able to draw that strength he spoke of and creating miracles that would cement them in history.

It would also create numerous headaches for him, one of which was already nearby in the form of one goddess of beauty, who had been listening intently to the exchange. Her fluttering heart was something she had not expected and now firmly secured her desire to pursue this sage.

Akeno was wide eyed at the words spoken by Menma. He spoke so passionately and certain of himself it's as if he was a hero of old, one tested and forged by a lifelong quest to save the people. The conviction was as solid as steel, confidence in his ability unshakeable, his determination infallible. He was the hero he spoke of.

Georg however began drawing on his magic and his sacred gear as he growled. "You know nothing about being a hero! Nothing about the pain of humanity!"

As his power spikes Naruto's eyes seemed to glow faintly, grin turning trademark foxy and markings around his eyes fade into view as he spoke lowly and in a monotone. "Let me show you what a true hero is capable of!"

In his head, Shukaku cackled up a storm as slams his palms together as he exclaimed. "Time for a massacre!"

Heroic Battle of the Beach

The sand shifts. Georg leaps back immediately but his two subordinates suddenly found themselves coated in sand that exploded around them both, gripping them tightly and holding them suspended in the air.

Naruto looks to the lone devil and spoke in a very convincing impression of a certain Kazekage. "Stay behind me."

Akeno nods wordlessly, rushing to his back literally, as Naruto refocuses on the so-called heroes with a face so blank, it could be considered murderous.

The heroes began launching ranged attacks, fireballs and magically charged arrows at Naruto only for the sand itself to react and destroy the arrows, block the magic with tendrils lashing out from the beach. As if the earth itself was defending the man.

Mirroring his friend, Naruto stayed still with eyes closed and head lowered as he focused on sensing the enemy's wrath against him, guiding the tendrils and aiding Shukaku in his minor rampage.

To everyone else, including the observers and Akeno, Naruto's impressive defence appeared unbreakable and he was putting minimal effort into it and yet the entire beach seemed to come to life in his defence.

The devil was notably scared when suddenly a tendril of sand wrapped around her bound wrists earning a "Yelp," from Akeno. But before she panicked, the sound of it sizzling hit her ears and the sand retreated and her magic returned full force. She was understandably surprised by the move but was not complaining about having her own magic back but watched on as the beach continued to defend them both.

Georg growled as he fired off a greater fireball that was caught and blocked by a pair of sand tendrils. He then orders out. "Use water and lightning!"

Upon hearing that, Naruto takes a deep breath as he lifts his head again and raised a single arm with his palm out. Akeno hears him mutter beneath a breath. "Shukaku…"

Briefly everyone watched the active sand constructs freeze then break apart and fall back to the ground. This caused everyone watching to pause and ponder what he was about to do. They watched as Naruto's open palm rotates so it faced the sky. The tension spiked when the sage grinned and abruptly snapped his hand up.

In response, the sand beneath the feet of all the heroes snapped up and engulfed all of them without any warning. Georg was no exception. Slowly they all were pulled slightly closer, hovering in balls of compact sand towards the sage.

Akeno was shocked at the level of nature control being displayed. She hadn't sensed any magic being used so this must be all chakra abilities however, she had never seen any such chakra abilities this powerful and capable of standing up to magic with such ease.

Naruto looks from one hero or heroine to the next before asking. "Do you surrender? I would rather not kill you all, however as threats to both my person and the world at large…"

His eyes grow cold, his face indifferent as he shrugged. "All it would take is a flick of my wrist."

Georg chuckled shaking his head, stating. "You are far too arrogant."

Abruptly a massive blast of purple mist erupts from him. Sensing danger from contact with this mist, Naruto grabs Akeno and leaps clear. Better safe than sorry.

Sliding to a stop on the waterfront, Naruto wordlessly places down the furiously blushing nadishiko beauty, and steps forward ahead of her to keep himself between her and the heroes. He had sensed that the sand that was holding the heroes had vanished. Not deactivated, just vanished.

Shukaku was confused briefly, before throwing a fit. "That bastard! I want his blood!"

Naruto watches as the heroes step out from the smoke that seemed to return to Georg, and he faces Naruto looking serious as an innumerable amount of magic circles light up behind him as the hero leader commands. "You are more formidable than I thought you were. But it seems you have to remain still to defend yourself with the sand around here. So, we will not allow that."

A bolt of lightning shot forward, yet Naruto did not back down instead he simply took a deep breath, intoning mentally. "Wind Style: Breakthrough!"

He breaths out a semi-powerful blast that cancels out the lightning bolt and kicks up the dry sand around the heroes. Using this distraction, Naruto pulls out his kunai in his left hand and tanto in his right before speaking to the woman at his back. "Cover me."

Akeno finds herself willing to do so without conscious thought, not needing to be told twice, and spreads her wings while transforming into her battle state. Naruto however darts forward at speeds no human of this world could manage naturally, briefly surprising his opponents.

Despite that, blasts of lightning, fire, light and corrupted light rain down on the shinobi with a level of accuracy that suggested the caster was used to high speed combat.

Just not this high-speed.

With movements that would make a certain god of travellers jealous, Naruto ducked and weaved through the storm of magics, cutting through the arrows hidden among them almost as an after thought, as he closes into close combat with a dynamic entry so youthful, Hebe herself blessed it on reflex.

Crashing through four nameless grunts, Naruto calls out. "Dynamic Entry!"

Sliding beneath an off balance wide slash, Naruto steps around the man before slicing up his side as he passes before side flipping over a hastily crafted fireball. As he lands, he twirls around and cuts clean through a raised shield with his tanto inadvertently cutting off the arm attached to it.

With a roundhouse the one handed hero was kicked away, screaming his head off. A bolt of lightning fried a hero attempting to sneak up behind Naruto who had already spun to confront them. A sensor ping let him know that Akeno was hovering nearby and was preparing another bolt.

Not wanting to get overwhelmed, Naruto went on the attack, charging forward and drawing all aggression upon him with his killing intent at high Jonin leaking from Shukaku pouting from being left out.

The Audience

In the near distance, a certain goddess was watching this collaboration in amazement. The Sage was using purely his physical prowess to make his opponents feel overwhelmed and cornered. Despite them holding a numerical advantage, his aggressive attack and constant movement within their ranks prevent ranged support. This also draws all their attention away from that little devil who is clearly a ranged fighter.

Well played.

Her thoughts weren't unique either as the numerous pantheons, organisations, and entities of this world had all tuned into this fight. Thanks to the heroes barrier, those within are blissfully unaware of this fact as they watch a single Sage decimate a full squadron of Heroes with support from a single devil.

Heaven was watching. Grigori was watching. The Underworld was watching. The Shinto Pantheon was watching, transmitting it to the Youkai council who were watching.

The Greeks were watching; one god of war had popcorn and was cheering him on.

Odin from his throne was watching.

Ophis was watching; alerted by the sudden sand that had appeared by the Dimension Lost ability's activation.

All had heard his words and many were in thought on them whilst baring witness to his strength and determination to protect the devil girl he had once fought against.

Heroic Battle of the Beach II

Intercepting an overhead slash from the side with his kunai, Naruto pushes the heroine back as he twirls and lands a maul kick on her as he spins, before throwing the same kunai into the shoulder of another armoured warrior that stopped him dead, knocking him down in pain.

Retrieving another from his holster, Naruto was saved from a surprise lightning strike by a magic barrier appearing above him from Akeno, who now hovers at his back. The smoke clears to show less than half the heroes left on their feet. Eight to be accurate, including Georg himself.

That particular hero was gritting his teeth, disbelieving how effortlessly this sage had been subduing his fellow patriots. A quick glance at the downed tells Georg that even the filthy succubus of a devil had not used lethal force against them. They were down and out but very much alive. How humiliating.

Naruto on the other hand, used his rear foot to write out kanji for fire behind him and hoped his support understood his intent, as he slotted his weapons back into their holsters.

Akeno noticed the foot moving and carving something into the sand but didn't understand what it said. When the sage put his weapons away though, it allowed her to look at the symbol closer. It isn't any Kanji she knew. Pausing that thought. Menma is old fashioned. Likely a modified Hiragana. It looks like. She blinked. Oh. Not her best spells but she supposed there is a plan in place.

Naruto starts going through hand signs, channeling a good amount of his chakra into it, converting it all to wind as he takes a deep breath. Internalising his chant of, "Wind style; Great Breakthrough!"

He breaths out just as Akeno unleashes a fireball. The second the two attacks combine, the resulting fire expands greatly, the fireball igniting the wind that covers half the beach and creating a wall of bright blue flames that rush towards the heroes.

It didn't last too long but it should have sapped the last of the fighting spirit of those that remained. At least, Naruto hoped.

Akeno though was in awe. Who knew a magic/chakra combination attacks could be that powerful. If she had used, or had more practice with, stronger fire attacks, that could have done some serious damage in the leagues of the super devils or maybe, dare she thought, ultimate class.

A tingle on Naruto's spine causing him to narrow his eyes as that purple mist has returned and formed a protective barrier around the remaining heroes. None of them looked injured or ready to throw in the towel.

Georg however looked unamused and stern faced whilst glaring at the sage. Eventually, he spoke up. "To think you were capable of such magics. I commend you for that but this ends now. You are too dangerous to be let live and as you are unwilling to serve mankind, I must destroy you as per my orders."

Naruto and all his original tenants rolled their eyes at the unoriginal threat. Ddriag, seeing this, decided to enlighten them as to take that threat seriously. "You should tread carefully around this one, Naruto. That gear is listed among the top four Longinus-class sacred gears; Dimension Lost."

Naruto responds internally. "You know its abilities?"

Ddriag nodded, informing. "Somewhat. All I know is that mist is used as a medium of some kind to teleport anything within, or in contact with it. Using it as a barrier like that will transport any attack you launch into the void. It's impenetrable."

Naruto grinned internally, along with the others with Shukaku cackling like a mad man which only further confused the dragon.

Outside, the purple mist of the barrier began to swirl around and congregate around the open palm of Georg, who narrows his eyes on this sage. Such a waste. If only he served the great cause of mankind's survival. He would have been a great benefit to the cause.

Seeing the attack coming, Naruto glances over his shoulder at the devil, catching her eye, he points down at the floor and she drops down behind him.

Georg shook his head of his disappointment and declares whilst firing off his attack. "Now die for humanities sake!"

Naruto just pulls out two tri-pronged kunai, grinning as he asks the dragon in his head. "So, this gap? Anything in there gets destroyed, right?"

Ddraig nods, replying. "Nothing can exist there without sufficient power. It all breaks down."

Naruto flowed chakra into his right hand, as he asks the final question. "Then, is there anything in there that would be destroyed if we transported that attack there?"

Ddraig shook his head, unsure if he understood. Naruto just nodded as he flung his right kunai into the incoming cloud of purple mist. With the other kunai now held between both hands, Naruto goes through the twenty-five hand-signs required for one of his fathers more powerful techniques. He managed to reduce the number slightly. Shukaku loves this one too.

The first kunai makes contact with the mist and to Naruto's luck, he can still feel the beacon loud and clear. Perfect. Pushing both hands forward, Naruto whispers so lowly, that Akeno barely catches it. "Namikaze secret art; Space-time barrier."

Sealing script shot out from the kunai held out in front of him, a meter wide and two tall. Just in time as the mist slammed into it the following moment.

All those watching gasped in unison. Those of a certain peerage even more so. Breaths were held.

For a solid twenty seconds the whole world seemed to freeze in anticipation.

Yet, after those twenty seconds, many saw it. The mist was getting sucked into something. It was slow at first but soon the swirling mist became almost like a funnel being sucked away and within the following ten seconds, none of it remained.

Naruto flicked the kunai he had held out in front of him into his palm and there was a brief flash of yellow light and nothing else.

Georg was dumbfounded. His last attack was completely negated. This sage. He knows space time magics? Impossible. Dimension Lost is one of the top four Longinus-class gears. How can he lose like this?

Naruto chuckled seeing this idiots face as he began his approach, it was casual and calm along with his voice as he spoke. "You know, in my travels, I have met plenty of people. More than a fair number have made that dumbfounded face after you counter their 'ultimate trumpcard' that can't be beaten, apparently."

The amount of sarcasm when quoting the "Ultimate Trumpcard" was thick enough to be felt in the gap. Akeno, who had been walking up beside him, giggled rather cutely and a undertone of sadistic pleasure beneath it.

Naruto had to fight the shudder up his spine at the sound of it, but pressed on as normal as he could. "I have been fighting longer than most, seen much, saved princesses and princes alike countless times. Fought demons and battled gods. At one point or another, they have all made that exact face you are making."

Georg takes several steps back, his remaining heroes following his lead as they listen to the sage continue. "So, let me tell you one universal truth, you wannabe heroes."

Naruto's killing intent rose to low Kage, freezing them all solid. "No one is invincible. No defence unbreakable. No attack infallible. If you ever try to harm innocent people again forget the devils, the fallen, the Youkai or even the heavens. I will hunt you all down."

Akeno had never been this turned on. His killing intent was tickling her skin, goosebumps all over, and her spine was electrifying under this pressure that wasn't even aimed at her.

Naruto then roared. "Am I clear?!"

All the remaining heroes snapped off salutes out a deep, primal fear of this being. "Yes sir!"

Naruto's intent falls off but his glare remained, his voice cold as the winds of Nifelhim as he spoke. "Good. Now collect your friends and get lost."

Georg nodded rapidly, firing off purple mist at all the downed heroes. Naruto noticed one of his kunai in the shoulder of one, and flicked the one in his hand up and quickly flashed to it, grabbing it before flashing back in time to seamlessly catch the tossed kunai in time to slide both back into his thigh holsters.

With the beach clear, Georg was about to leave himself when Naruto gave him a final warning. "One last thing…"

The hero subleader froze stiff, sweating bullets but mechanically turned to the sage who held his glare upon the man. Naruto continued. "Next time I catch you, I will confiscate your gear. Am I clear?"

It has become a hot topic in all the supernatural circles of the death of the Red Dragon Emperor at the hands of the Sage, so much so that many are trying to find him to ask how he did it but none till now had any idea where to begin to search for him.

So, to Georg, an avid follower of such news, this was a very clear and real threat. He bowed profusely, and with a perfectly formal tone, he replied. "I understand, Lord Sage."

Naruto let his irritation about the formal talk slide this time and waved him off. "Then get lost."

He was gone the next moment.

Battle site

With the last hero gone, the barrier came down, and everything returned to normal. Naruto immediately sensed the dozen or so eyes land on him and he sighs. Hard.

Before he can address that, he looks back to the patiently waiting devil that has been standing dutifully at his side with a healthy blush on her cheeks. Naruto asks. "So, what did you search me out for?"

Akeno was surprised he figured that out, but attempted to play it cool. "I was just…"

Naruto shook his head. "No. You've been here for a few hours now. Steadily, making your way here as discreetly as you thought possible."

The queen devil bit her lip, her gig was up so might as well come forward and ask. Akeno bowed formally, asking. "I beg of you to fix my king's spine. I know she wronged you. That we tried to take away your autonomy and…"

Naruto snorted, shaking his head. The sound causing the hybrid to flinch before she raised up slowly, head hanging. He asks her. "For what reason would I do that, exactly? Has she learnt anything from it?"

He looks out at the dark horizon, listening to the crashing waves and the call of the wildlife all around before continuing. "Your king made a choice. Their situation is the result of that choice. Life is not a fairytale. Heroes for you might just be another person's demon. Things are never that easy."

Akeno replied. "She saved my life, Menma. A life I myself did not want."

Naruto slowly glanced to his side where she had stepped up to, joining him in looking out to sea as she continued. "My father…"

She tells him of her past and her meeting with Rias who had saved her. (A/N: We know her backstory.)

Naruto remained silent as she speaks from her heart, only looking to her when she turns to him and expands her true wings. One feathered and the other bat-like. A fallen/devil hybrid.

After a breath, Akeno continued. "She saved me from myself. I owe her my life. Please. If there is anything I can do that will convince you to heal her, name it. If its for my sister, I will do anything."

Naruto stares at her with his unreadable expression as he fully reads her intentions with his empathy. He did not need to, she wasn't hiding anything right now but he just wanted to confirm her earnestness. Though, Matatabi knew he was stalling and so growled at him. "I swear, Naru-kun, if you drag your heels on this any more…"

Sighing externally, he offers a hand to Akeno and says. "Himejima-san. Let's make a deal. It will not be anything obscene or degrading, I swear on my honour as a sage, however it will not be without difficulty either."

The queen stared at the hand, unsure of this despite being a devil or perhaps because she was one she was skeptical. Akeno asks. "The terms?"

Naruto lifts his other hand, the pulsing privacy seal tag tells him that those watching can't hear them. Akeno's eyes are drawn to it too, asking. "What is that?"

Naruto shrugged, replying. "Privacy barrier. Didn't want those watching us to hear your private story."

Akeno was surprised and quickly spread her senses but they fell off immediately after a metre of her. Naruto speaks up. "Relax. They can't hear us. I activated it when you stepped next to me."

He sighs, before glancing at the younger teen. She meets his gaze as he turns to her and she to him. Naruto states. "Himejima-san. The deal is simple. I will heal your king but only after several conditions have been met."

"Name them…" Akeno's immediate response. Naruto's raised eyebrows caused a light flush to her cheeks. She stammered softly. "I will be sure to not fail them."

Naruto grinned, nodding before explaining them. "They aren't that difficult. Firstly, the nature and rewards of this deal must remain between just the two of us. If anyone else hears of this, then the deal is immediately forfeited."

Akeno raised a hand, earning a raised brow from the sage but eventually he nods, Naruto saying. "Fine. You can tell your sister. Make sure she follows this too though. If any part of this deal leaks out, I will know."

The queen nodded, so Naruto continued. "Second, this will not be an immediate fix. I will return you back to Kouh and the three month timer will start. That is how long this deal lasts."

Akeno bit her lip. Three months is a long time and the Sitri might be able to fix her by then already. Naruto continued. "The final condition has nothing to do with you but rather her."

This caused the hybrid to ponder the deeper meaning of that. Naruto didn't make her wait long though as he explained. "I will be checking in on you all randomly and unnoticed by you all. If I see growth of character, real growth that is, by the end of the three months, then the third condition will be met. I will heal her. Bring her to this beach the week after the third month and I will do it."

Akeno thought on it. This was as he said. It wasn't impossible to do. Though she stared into his pale yellow eyes, minor surprise but pushed it aside to ask. "What if we lose?"

Naruto answered with little hesitation. "I will take your devil piece."

Her eyes widened in shock, taking a step back in disbelief. Naruto maintained his gaze upon her and continued. "Will you put everything on the line for your sister? She already has your life, you can't give me that, but I can take part of your current identity. The thing that binds you together."

He grinned his trademark grin in an attempt to goad her. His passengers all knew the truth. Even Ddraig. They all knew Naruto wasn't that cruel and at most he'd just not heal the girl Matatabi had crippled. No matter how cold he seems, how powerful he gets, Naruto Uzumaki has to pull a prank on someone unexpected regardless of where or when.

Matatabi just sighed. It seems they haven't broken that habit yet. There is still time but it's still Kurama's influence on him that's the issue.

Akeno now knew that this was as serious as it got. At least it seemed more genuine now. She won't lose to anyone, sage or not and so in a bold move, that none other than deities had dared to conceive, she replied to the conditions. "Then, in that case, I want another reward."

Naruto, and all his passengers raised their brows at the audacity of this teenager before them. The sage was genuinely confused, the beasts even more so as they continued to share looks with one another for a solid thirty seconds before Naruto finally responded. "This isn't how this works. You want your friend to get healed, those are my conditions."

Akeno dared to smirk sultrily, attempting to make use of her curvaceous frame but the sand was quicker to react, wrapping around both her legs up to her wide hips and squeezing slowly. She was about to spread her wings but the sage poked her forehead and suddenly she could not feel anything below her neck.

Naruto wore a frown, folding his arms as he leans back, the sand coming up to provide a wall for him to lean against as he states. "Those are the conditions. Try that again, and I will cripple you too. Understood?"

Akeno nodded once, though Naruto could see the fear in her eyes. She probably thought they were friends now seeing as he saved her and she fought alongside him. Shaking his head, Naruto looked to her again, stating. "Well…? Do you accept?"

He extends a hand and Akeno nodded, stating. "I accept."

She takes and shakes it, Naruto inclined his head before looking out at the horizon again. He senses the shift in the wind, and his eyes follow to the numerous signatures far off heading directly for them at speed. Sighing, Naruto muttered. "Oh great. A flock of those Fallen. Not in the mood for this."

This drew the attention of Akeno who followed his gaze, her breath hitched and eyes hardened letting out a low growl. "We should leave."

Kouh Academy; Student Council

Rias had been teleported into the student council earlier along with her peerage, and was promptly briefed at the current situation being observed by the entire underworld. A magic projection showed a beach, her breath hitched upon seeing the sight of Menma and the words he declared.

Kiba, the lone knight of the Gremory peerage, found his resolve harden alongside his Sitri counterparts at Menma's words about being a hero and it resonated with his honour as a knight. To defend those at his back. He will be a hero too. A true hero.

That was his silent vow.

Sona, despite her own feelings on the sage known as Menma, found herself unable to fault his views of the term claimed by these humans. The weren't the heroes they claimed. She knew that and a part of her was more than a little relieved that Menma had rejected their offer. Satan knows what would have happened if he had joined them.

Tsubaki was of similar mind to her king, it would be incredibly troubling if Menma had joined their enemies and given such a purpose to oppose them further. An error on their part and one they may not walk away from.

Asia regained a spark of hope from within her own hidden darkness. A thump in her chest brought upon her understanding of the words spoken and her own desires, reinforced by her new devil aspect, will to protect, and save all she comes across. A slow dawning upon a slight jump in thoughts. She can be a true hero too, right?

Issei just glared and scoffed at the bravado spoken by Menma, like he's one to talk. He is a murderer just like those other people. How dare he claim to know what is right and wrong. To claim these people who defend humans with their sacred gears are bad and his way was the right one. He'll show him.

Koneko showed nothing outwardly, but she got thinking on whether or not Menma was right or not. However seeing the beach itself coming alive in defence of Menma and Akeno as a shock, especially after knowing that Menma used chakra and not magic.

This was a shock to all, Rias in stunned disbelief at the sight of Akeno's capture then subsequent rescue by Menma and the capturing of the three heroes. When her queen was saved from that explosion, her heart was firmly wedged in her throat, but a joy came upon her seeing the coordination between her queen and former rook.

Kiba had to hand it to Menma. The way he moved, anticipated every attack aimed and moving beyond with such fluidity. Evaded every magic, slicing through that which could not be and striking with crippling blows was something close to an art form in his mind. This made it abundantly clear that the sage had taken it easy on them.

Sona was left reeling at the simple effectiveness of his bold, straightforward approach to the overwhelming numbers and watched in silent disbelief as the heroes lines crumbled. Overwhelming numbers against Overwhelming Force.

Who knew it could be used in such a manner and even without the rear line support offered by Akeno, Sona suspects that it was already over before Menma struck out.

When the joint chakra and Magic attack formed, those that could shot to their feet in gobsmacked shock at the effect of a combination of the two, normally, opposing energies and the wave of destruction it wrought. Rias looked to Koneko, who was wide-eyed at the feat, and asked. "Koneko, can you do that?"

The whitette shook her head, Koneko muttering. "I have never seen chakra used that way."

Kiba responded, spotting the Hero's attack forming. "Look, they are about to retaliate."

"That attack confirms it…" Sona commented, nodding to her queen before stating. "The Dimension Lost. A Longinus-class sacred gear. His barriers and that mist are dangerous even for Ultimate level Devils. Menma needs to do something quickly or he and Akeno are finished."

Issei was both happy and disappointed at the news, though he was caught offguard by Ria's not so silent confidence when she declared firmly. "It's fine."

All eyes fall on the redhead, who's seafoam green eyes were locked squarely on the projection upon the wall of the battle site, Rias continued. "Menma has this. Akeno will be safe. I know it."

All eyes fall upon the massive all encompassing attack that blocked Menma and Akeno from view for all of thirty seconds. Breaths hitched, and panic slowly surfacing yet again however, Rias offered a firm. "They're fine."

Surely enough the mist seemed to be sucked away and vanished as if never there, confusing everyone but the confidence shown by Menma ensured that he was more than capable of taking on this threat and that the heroes time was at an end. Even more so as Akeno at his side showed nothing but supreme confidence.

After the very real threat and the coldness of its delivery, many gulped at not wanting to cross him again. All but one, Issei growling out in frustration. "How come he got to keep his?! That isn't fair!"

All eyes fell onto him in, showing apologetic sympathies but nothing beyond that.

They watched as Menma looked to Akeno but their voices fell off and none could hear their words. Based off of Akeno's body language however, they could tell it was a serious matter that they were covering. Rias suspected she knew what was being said.

When Menma offered a hand, many raised their brows at it. Realisation crossed their features when Akeno took it and they shook hands. Tsubaki voicing the thoughts of most, announcing. "Seems a deal was made."

Sona nods, stating. "More than likely, yes. Under what terms, however…"

She looks to her fellow King, asking. "Any idea, Rias?"

Rias shook her head, looking back at Sona and replied. "She only said she'd try find him. I did not think she would do so this quickly, or without backup like she had."

Sona inclined her head as she leaned back in her seat, staring at the projection that shows Menma suddenly stiffen. Akeno then turned around and did the same.

Kiba's eyes hardened. "Something else is happening."

Rias offered her own two yen. "Based off Akeno's expression; Fallen Angels most likely."

A/N: A second battle on the beach to a back drop of the moon this time around and a much darker intent drew nearer. This is getting tiresome. A return of an old force.

o7