Page Six

Beach Battle-site

Naruto looks to Akeno then back at the Fallen, that were already passing over the city, then back at Akeno and sighed. A click of his fingers and the sand fell away lifelessly as he states. "You should probably leave. Based off your expression, you are likely going to be a hindrance in this situation than an asset."

Akeno snaps to him, eyes wide, spluttering, "I… um… no. You can't take on that many alone. That's suicidal at best."

Naruto snorted, shaking his head as he pulled off the privacy seal from his hand, but by doing so he spots the faded crescent moon mark appearing dead centre and checks his other palm. The sun was bright.

Realisation hit the shinobi rather suddenly. How had he not seen this before? His will and determination was what made him – him.

With eyes that seemed to be able to burn the sun itself, Naruto looked up at the approaching Fallen Angels with such an intense, burning desire to defend that Akeno felt overwhelmed and forced to take a step back. Whispering, Naruto muttered into the wind. "I see. My goal is set now I guess."

He chuckled lowly, disbelieving that he had been so blind before now as his original tenants all beam megawatt smiles at the return of that old knucklehead that saved even them. Naruto Uzumaki had returned.

Naruto offered Akeno a glance before he stepped past her, his words to her. "You can stay or leave but it seems I need to beat these guys too. They are a threat to the innocent life here and I can't ignore that."

Akeno nodded wordlessly, torn between leaving for safety and protecting the sage she had come to terms with just now. His earlier words came back to haunt her and suddenly the Queen of Rias Gremory realised that this wasn't a choice really. Thus, she followed dutifully at the sage's side with her head held high.

She too will defend her precious people by defending the one who can save them all.

The Fallen Angels arrive and began to spread out, much like the heroes did prior, cutting off any remaining avenues of escape as their leader hovers above all with seemingly endless arrogance, voice loaded with condescension. "Ah, Sage. You are rather difficult in locating. No matter, I have come to – collect you for a glorious…"

Naruto just sighed again, muttering. "Another one… guess he missed the memo."

Akeno heard this and could not help but understand a bit why Menma was so upset about people seeking him out if it was this frequent. Reminds her of her earlier days in Kouh academy when the humans flocked to be her friend constantly. Just far more life threatening.

The ten-winged creature continued, oblivious to the developing atmosphere of the sage and devil. "So now, come along little sage. We have wars to win under my name of Kokabiel, Cadre of the New Fallen!"

Naruto's response was candidly predictable, simply stating. "No thanks."

This damn fought drenched on Kokabiel's parade, freezing all still. Even the ocean seemed to halt its administrations and the wind dared not be heard as to savour the moment. A tumble weed flew by yet it too made no noise as it did.

Kokabiel's face turned purple in rage and unbridled fury at being denied so brazenly, as he roared out. "How dare you defy me?! I am the great, noble Cadre of the Fallen Angels. The true inheritors of the world over! How dare you simply…"

Naruto cut the man off, voice of steel warning that no argument would be sufficient. "Listen here, Kobiel. You are just another maniac who seems to think he is better than the rest. Another example of power corrupting someone's mind. Another reason why I am getting irritated by everyone constantly hounding me for one reason or another."

Sighing, Naruto rubs the bridge of his nose in an attempt to bleed off his frustration before sighing again, his new hobby it seems, looking up at these bloodthirsty creatures and giving them one final chance to mend their ways. "So, here is what is going to happen now."

Many would have gawked at the audacity of this all until they remembered that he just decimated a squadron of heroes and did not even break a sweat. This was the being known as Sage after all.

Naruto glanced at the near fifty feathered men and women hovering around him as he says clearly. "You are to go home to your loved ones, remember their faces and the reason you fight so hard. Remind yourself that they are important to you and the power behind your strength is to wield on their defence."

He then looks directly at Kokabiel and finishes off with a tungsten undertone of finality. "And not follow this psycho who offers you empty promises."

Breaking his gaze from the big bad, looking to his subordinates, Naruto reiterated again for those in the back. "Do this and I will not chase you down. Stay, and I will offer you no mercy in my self-defence."

Much to the surprise of most, just about half the fallen shared looks briefly before doing just that and fleeing the scene at speeds Naruto took note of.

Akeno was dumbfounded that actually worked. Fallen aren't the type to convince like that. Though, then again they had never gone up against a man like Menma.

Kokabiel glared at the retreating forces, and then looking at the Sage again with murderous intent and growling. "You shall bow before us."

Again, Naruto snorted derisively and Akeno too looked amused; cautious but amused. The sage shook his head in disbelief, folding his arms as he glances to the devil over his shoulder. "Can you believe this guy? He actually thinks I was joking."

Akeno's dainty giggle travelled, which only further strengthened rage from the Fallen at the two enemies who confronted them now as it was clear that this lowly human and that half-breed were not taking them seriously.

Kokabiel was furious. Without further warning, a large number of light spells appeared and fired all at once causing a rain of deadly light, blanketing the entire beach which left no dune unmarred and kicking up dust clouds blocking the view of the two beneath.

The ten winged angel cackled his maniacal cackle at such an easy win but stopped upon hearing a whisper on the wind that spoke but one word. "Shukaku…"

The dust was blown apart, the winds began to howl, and the moon seemed to the only one unaffected by the bloodlust that erupted among the gale force winds that had suddenly formed.

The Fallen struggle to keep themselves stable in the chaotic winds, fear clutching at their hearts as they find themselves under a glare so murderous, it seemed to drain the very notion of retreat from their entire being.

Coming into view, the sage's appearance had changed again somewhat. His dull yellow eyes seemed to glow ominously with the cross within gaining four dots as they spin lazily in his iris. Thick black lines around his eyes, and a manic grin that promised pain as he stares back at them.

His golden locks too had been dulled to match the sand around them, red hiaory flowed a dull yellow, trailing down to his sandals, turned boots that matched it. A black bodysuit covered the rest as the shimmering chakra cloak with a single magatama rested above his heart.

The shocking thing however was the now crumbling sand dome that had clearly been used to protect the sage and the devil which meant that attack had been completely negated. This meant it only served to piss him off.

Within his head, Naruto heard Shukaku cackle in glee at the fear ridden faces of their newest opponents. "Oh boy! This is going to be fun!"

The sage himself grunted, getting accustomed to this new chakra mode with Naruto replying internally. "So, this is Shukaku Chakra Mode. S-C-M. Let's see what we can do, Shukaku."

The Tanuki nodded before pausing briefly, getting usually serious as Shukaku states. "I think we have a few minutes though. So we should be rough with these pests or we could be caught out."

Naruto nodded, though his grin fell bloodthirsty as he glared up at these 'Fallen' creatures before him as he declared aloud. "You fools have made your final mistake."

Kokabiel regained himself, glaring back as he ordered his soldiers. "Kill this pest!"

His fallen all summon light spears and began firing them at the sage who made no effort to evade as it was unnecessary. The flung weapons were seemingly collected up in the chaotic storm of hurricane grade winds before being shot back out at twice the speed.

Over half the fallen were outright killed by the return fire. Akeno gawked at the sight of it. Kokabiel too was now far more apprehensive about his decision to capture the sage. Sure, he was in that last war, recalling the only sage the fallen had come across, but she was an earth user and did not have this level of control of it that this one had.

He will not let this insult stand.

Lifting his hand, Kokabiel focuses his magic into finer, denser bolts that were far heavier and less inclined to follow the whims of the wind. As he was doing this, he looks to his surviving men and orders. "Get in close! Buy me time!"

Ten of them dart forward, drawing weapons made of light and struggle to break through the constant hurricane that had surrounded the sage and devil. Diving down low, to escape the updraft, they skim the surface of the beach with growing confidence only for Naruto to left a hand again.

Akeno, having seen this before, watched on in no small amount of glee as the sand jumps to life and smothers the multi winged attackers and packs them into dense balls of sand. Though she was unprepared for Naruto's following words. "Sand burial."

On that command and the clenching of his fist, the balls abruptly contract and the sickening sound of bones crunching and bodies deforming seemed to ring out despite the localised tornado grade winds. The sicking squelch of the mangled forms hitting the sand did not help either.

The last two fallen, beside Kokabiel himself, looked upon the sage in nothing but fear. Their entire flock had been reduced to just them and their leader, yet this sage had yet to even take a single step. What kind of monster is this sage, anyway?

Luckily for them, Kokabiel's attack was ready and he roared out in a hurry. "Do not look down on us!"

A thick barrage of super dense light blasts shot forward, at speed, and was able to ignore the winds for the most part and close in on the still stationary sage. The resultant explosion shook the entire island and the winds died down creating a sense of calm among those that remained.

Kokabiel grinned, panting hard as he had out quite a bit of power behind those one hundred super dense blasts. It was a hard thing to do on such a large number of them and maybe a bit overkill but with this victory, others will soon rush to fill his ranks as the slayer of the sage. Even in death, he was useful to their cause.

His thoughts were cut off, dreams would never come to be, as suddenly the voice of the sage carried upon the wind. "Sand hurricane shiruken."

A barrage of ninja stars, made of sand and winds, streak across the sky and drew eyes up to a hovering platform of sand where the sage and the deviless were. The fallen reacted far too slowly to react to the spinning blades of death that shredded through their wings with ease, as if they were mere playdoe, and they found themselves falling to the sand below.

Screams echoed off the ocean and the moon that bore witness to this moment, as the fallen Cadre whines and cries out in pain at his now shredded wings that lay useless around his form.

Kokabiel was barely able to lift his head, signs of a concussion evident and spots of blood in his vision tell of just how badly he was injured. He did watch the blurry form of the sage land far to gracefully for such a dark intention that he had no doubt planned.

As they landed, Naruto stepped forward seamlessly and Akeno herself was surprised at the elegance of the sand as it dispersed into the sea of it and not leaving a single grain upon her own curvy form. She followed dutifully at Menma's side, so aroused that it is a wonder she hadn't climaxed already.

It was still rather early though, and the bloodlust of her fellow Gremory house member had not lowered. She paused, correcting herself. He was a former member.

Akeno was brought out of those thoughts when she saw Naruto raise a hand again and once more the sand obeyed lifting the three fallen from the craters formed by their untimely fall. A second time she idly muses before turning in.

Naruto stares at these three creatures, the malice had fallen off but the other dark emotions within them meant that letting them go will only cause pain to others. All of these things were like that. Killing is his last resort, even on his bad days, but ultimately a necessity for the survival of him and his own.

A flash of memories of his former allies, siblings in all but blood, and other trained assassins who had come after him only to meet their end at his hands paralysed him briefly.

It was only a fleeting nightmare.

Refocusing, Naruto looks into the pained expression of the formerly eight winged creature ahead and on his right. Two ladies that, even now, having nothing but rage and lust in equal measure. All aimed at him. Their violet eyes locked on him despite the pain they no doubt feel.

Sighing again, reminiscing about easier days back home, Naruto raised hand began to close which forces the sand to constrict tighter and tighter. One of them called out, her voice trembling. "Wait! Please…"

Naruto paused, looking on to the one on his far right, agony written on her face but she pushed that aside as she had gained his attention. "Please. Let us live. We… we will turn over a new leaf. We won't do this again…"

Her fellow former eight wing fallen nodded painfully, but was unable to say anything. Naruto raised an eyebrow, she was telling the truth however these negative emotions coming from them both did not fill him with confidence. His voice came out cold and harsh as he asked. "Why would I believe that?"

With his hand loosening, much needed air traveled into their lungs allowing for a clearer mind to the one who spoke and she formed her thoughts rapidly, offering. "I… I can't… say. But I swear… whatever you want, I will do it. Please. Whatever it takes, whatever you want. I will do it. Just let me and my sister live."

With a gaze between the two ladies, Naruto ponders this despite his empathy telling him how much negative emotions they both were feeling at current. He can sense the truth in her words so it was rather perplexing. Turning internally, Naruto asks for advice. "Thoughts?"

Shukaku was obvious. "Kakaka… let's just squish 'em!"

Matatabi glared at her stupid little brother, before looking at Naruto and offering. "Although, I would say that it is rather dangerous to do so; I am not opposed to sparing them."

Isobu nodded along with Saiken. Son Goku offered his own thoughts. "There is no telling what they would do without your presence to keep them in check. Like you, I do not trust their word even if they speak the truth."

Kokuo nodded his head to that, so Naruto looked to the oldest two of the Bijuu in attendance. Gyūki replied first, saying. "This is a difficult situation, without a doubt, however…"

Ddraig surpringly spoke up, interrupting the eight-tails. "I just recalled something."

All eyes fall on the guest, and the dragon continued briskly. "Without their wings, most angels loose a good portion of their power. It is diverted to repair them instead and so they are unable to call upon it or even fly. I hope that helps."

Gyūki and Chomei both nod, as does Naruto, with the eight tails voicing his thoughts first. "In that case, with a suppression seal to limit their power keeping them alive will not be much of an issue."

Chomei nodded, stating. "Indeed."

Naruto nodded before glancing to Shukaku, asking. "Would you do the honours?"

Grinning, Shukaku rubbed his palms together with a smile that was nothing less than a threat to all that did not know him and his psychotic tendencies. "Should be fun, hehehe…"

Back on the outside, Naruto looked from one fallen to the next before stating. "Fine. I will spare you, however your punishment will be discussed and decided upon later. In the mean time I will seal away your powers until I deem you fit to use them again."

Both were surprised that this murderous sage had accepted their plea for life despite everything. Yet, the news of their power being sealed was unsettling as their wings were all but destroyed in his return fire. All eight were useless and would take weeks for them to regain their former strength. Then again, at lest they had weeks now instead of seconds.

As the two balls of sand deposited the blooded forms of the two fallen to one-side, Naruto focuses on the big bad, koko or something, and states. "As for you…"

Kokabiel glared at the blob that had addressed him. Naruto continued. "You are the ring leader and stuff. Even now, you lack any real intent to change so…"

The sand from the beach leaped up and fed into the floating ball, and spread to encompass Kokabiel entirely. Nothing pocked out as even his wings were consumed by the sand prison. Naruto's raised hand slowly began to close and constrict in what Akeno was coming to expect was his most used attack, and with a cold voice Naruto stated. "Sand Burial."

Crunch.

The ball condensed far more than previously, compacting and imploding in on itself to a greater degree than the last time he had used it. This was to be sure that any life restoration magics couldn't be used to. Who was Naruto kidding. This was Shukaku's silent way of finally getting a chance to flex his chakra and might without him being scolded by his host or the others.

Sighing, Naruto spoke internally. "Just to be safe. Seal it up too. Last thing we want is an edo tensei on our hands."

Immediately, unknown script faded into view all over the super-dense ball of sand before it dropped down and merged back into the beach, disappearing from view. The scattered remnants of the other Fallen were equally engulfed by the sand and dropped deep beneath the depths of the earth, not to be found for many, many years.

With that done, sage finally powers down out of his S-C-M mode and turns back to see Akeno glaring at the two battered sisters from his side. He knew she had more than a minor dislike for their kind but this was stupid. Naruto shrugs, as long as she doesn't act on it, he can work on that later.

Naruto approaches them now, his eyes still a dull yellow just in case they were abusing his generosity, and asks. "What are you names? Who do you work for?"

The one who had pleaded for their lives, a ludicrously big chested, twenty-something year old looking woman with hair so black, it looked purple, spoke first. "My name is Abigale. Most call me Abi though. My sister here is called Serena. As for who we worked for…"

A new voice cut in here, claiming. "That would be me!"

This surprised to the woman but not the Sage who casually glanced up to see a tall man, looking to be in his mid twenties of average build. He had black hair and golden bangs with a small goatee. Though, his affiliation was obvious due to his never-ending black wings erupting from his back, all twelve of them, as smiles in an attempt to defuse the situation.

Naruto's gaze was cold and clearly calculating, the winds were still strong and flowing thick as a clear warning but did not obstruct the words the sage spoke. "You are from the school incident."

The man nodded firmly, before introducing himself as he hovered lower and landed on the opposite side of his fellows. "Yes – my name is Azazel. Leader of the Grigori. An organisation made up primarily of Fallen Angels and other exiled individuals who have no where else's to go."

He bowed, respectfully, but did not let his gaze leave the sages face. "It is an honour to see you again, Lord Sage of Six Paths."

Naruto glances to Akeno, who caught the movement and looked back before nodding and informing the sage that he was who he said he was. Ddraig offered as an added confirmation. "He is the leader and only twelve wing Fallen angel as he was the first to fall."

The sage nodded before refolding his arms, which both Akeno and Azazel took as a threat causing one to pale and the other to blush though Naruto ignored that both as he says. "Then, Azazel-san. Why did your people attack me then?"

Swallowing hard, Azazel straightened up and replied. "It was not a law order nor did I authorise it. Rather the opposite actually. I had been moving to apprehend him and his forces but he slipped away."

He chuckled nervously, scratching the back his neck rather sheepishly, hoping that the sage would believe him. Azazel hadn't meant to drag his heels this much in regards to his old friend, but he couldn't overlook Kokabiel's action any further.

Now this has spilled over into the world and caused a very bad impression of his forces on the Sage he had hoped to have ingratiated to his forces.

Damn his own laziness and lack of self control in regards to the female form at times like this.

Naruto though, looked unamused at this all. That koko guy was acting against orders? With a full squadron? Half of which abandoned him at the first sign of trouble. Admittedly, that might be why they fled. They likely knew it was a bad idea and it wasn't officially sanctioned thus decided to cut their losses. Made sense now.

Feeling his inner council agree with those thoughts, Naruto finally addressed the man with a blank face of impassiveness. "I see. In that case, I will not press this issue further. Though I do strongly believe that you should get your people some help. They are all rather crazy and that will not bode well should they cross my path again. Consider this my official second warning."

Azazel let out a huge breath of relief before what was said fully settled and felt the need to ask, for clarifies sake. "Umm… second warning?"

Naruto shrugged, looking around the fixed beach before eventually landing on the two sisters and explained. "Well, considering that I gave your people a warning before I attacked. That was the first. Now, this is my second."

He smiled but it was filled with nothing but a foreboding as he continued. "You don't want my third, Azazel-san."

The Governor General of the Grigori nodded firmly and stiffly, unable to do much else without possible incurring the wrath of this sage and to be honest with himself, he was terrified right now.

Surprised gasps from the two sisters drew Akeno's eyes but, despite being curious himself, Azazel kept his gaze on Naruto as if transfixed on a predator and caused a smirk to play on Naruto's lips. Lingering affects of Shukaku's influence, Matatabi noted, though Naruto did explain for the uninformed. "What Abigale-san and Serena-san are feeling is me locking down their powers."

Akeno snapped to him, surprised by this, though Azazel asked. "For what purpose? Is loosing their wings not already enough of a punishment?"

Naruto shrugged uncommittedly, stating. "How would I know? I am not an Angel. So, my punishment will regulate their powers for the next eight months. A month for each wing."

He looks between the wounded angels, continuing. "I will pop in at random to check on your progress. Depending on what I see, I may extend it or reduce your sentencing accordingly."

Azazel spread his wings, drawing Naruto's gaze that hardens, as the Governor growls. "They are my people. You can't just dictate…"

Naruto cut him off, killing intent at low Jonin as he yelled. "People you clearly can't control! They go off on their own and attack someone completely unrelated for what…? Greed? Power? If you won't control them, then I will have to show them what true consequences mean."

Azazel had no comeback. He knew his forces were the most unorganised and rowdy. It just did not sit well with him that an outsider was dictating terms to him on how to effectively manage his forces. Sighing, he grumbled. "Fine."

The killing intent lets up, and Naruto nodded before looking back to the panting duo on the floor, and saying. "Keep your head up and show your determination to change. I am sure your boss over there will help you."

Abigale and Serena both nod silently. Abigale though, bites her lip before asking. "Umm… Lord sage… can I ask…?"

Naruto's eyes lock on to her, knowing this song and dance already, thus answered her before she could finish. "No. I am not a charity case. Now, I have places to go and people to see."

He steps back as the a clump of sand lifts him and Akeno suddenly, earning a squeak of surprise from the queen of the Gremory peerage, before he shots off into the night.

Azezel just sighs, before looking down at the two sisters with a frown. He muttered. "That could have gone better."

Kyoto Youkai Council

From the start of the battle…

A projection appeared during the evening council session, drawing all eyes up to see none other than the Sage being confronted by a group of humans. Yasaka began to stand, going to order her tengu to immediately trace the location and proceed to help him but his words hit them.

The sage states boldly, if you asked Yasaka. "You guys are no heroes."

She like all others present stare on in shock. The sage just told the second-in-command of the Hero faction that he wasn't what he claimed. The sage continued firmly, his voice unwavering. "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."

Yasaka found herself smirking nodding her approval, looking to her side where her daughter was now sitting watching in awe as Mr.Sage confronts the bad men. A quick glance from the adult vixen shows man of her fellows to found this awe inspiring with a few grinning like fools at the Hero faction getting their just deserts.

The hero leader retorts with a rather flat. "You speak as if you know us, oh dear sage."

Yet the sage seemed more angry than offended as he replied with. "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."

Someone in the council chamber yelled. "YOU TELL 'EM LORD SAGE!"

This earned many chuckles from the forty odd councilmen and twenty guards, though Kunou giggled as they listened on. 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."

More than a few woods, cheers, and roars broke out at that, Yasaka though was supporting a health blush and her tails were swaying rather suggestively, eyes gleaming in more than a passing intrigue, as thoughts of rewarding such a heroic sage began to filter in.

Her dirty thoughts were cut through by her daughters own cheering, Kunou could not keep herself still and it was amusing for the adult vixen before looking up at the projected images just in time to hear the Sage growl out. "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."

The entire council erupted in cheers at that, and Yasaka didn't feel the need to quell it as it was true, the Hero Faction. No. The Human Faction, has been more than a thorn in her own factions side. Unreasonable demands, inability to come to any agreements or concessions. They are one-dimensional. Just want to take everything as they supposedly 'deserve' it as they are the original owners of the land.

Arrogant bastards.

The Human replied weakly, just like the rest of his race, if you asked the vixen. "You know nothing about being a hero! Nothing about the pain of humanity!"

Pain of humanity? A vague concept that really has no substance to it. Human on human violence makes up a majority of their deaths by an overwhelming margin. So much so, that the world-wide states of the supernatural deaths would barely make it in the top hundred causes of death for man kind.

Yasaka shakes her head at the foolishness of such a statement.

Yet the sage responds with a line most will never let him escape from, despite the monotone he used in it's deliverance. "Let me show you what a true hero is capable of!"

No one was sitting down at that, cheering the Sage on in his fight at the beach somewhere in the southern regions, Okinawa obviously but where was the question for later as right now, the sage was going kick some Human ass.

All fell silent when the beach came alive, disbelief and hanging jaws responsible for that development. The effortless rescue of that devil girl and the defence by manipulating the sand was amazing.

The seamless defence then switched to capture of all the enemies had the whole room cheering loudly once more. "He didn't even break a sweat. Just one and done."

"Amazing. How powerful the Sage is."

"None of our Youjutsu is able to replicate that. How did he do it?"

"Maybe it's a Sage technique of some kind?"

The idle chatter broke down when the Humans broke free of the Sage's trap and forced him back from that weird smoke. None blamed him. That is an unknown substance. Better safe than sorry.

Yasaka grew a bit irritated at the sight of the not so subtly blushing face of that bitch. She better not try something on Lord Sage or some kitsune fire will be served.

The Humans charge up a massive amount of magic circles yet the Sage looked confident, as he stares down a magic blast that he blows out with a chakra laced wind that neutralised the lightning. He then takes up his arms, two daggers? No. A dagger and a tanto.

He charges in, the devil backing him up by the looks of it and the council watch as this sage fights against the humans with nothing but his roar strength and speed superiority.

Ducking and weaving around the battle ground, cutting through swords, shields and spells alike with no sigh of slowing down. A few blasts of lightning struck down around him, devil magic from the bitch hovering near him but not close enough to be noticed.

"By the flames of Lady Amateurasu…"

"He is a beast. No. A one man army."

"You fool! He is a sage. This is to be expected."

Yasaka decided to speak up this time, she knew that the Sage was still holding back greatly. "That is not all…"

All eyes fall upon her regal stature, her graceful poise of a great leader was impeccable as she continued. "This is his base form. Just like us, he has a powered up form that he has not felt needed to be used here."

She smirked dangerously, before finishing. "This is him playing nice."

Many murmured at this bit of news.

The combination attack was a surprise for most but it was more flashy than damaging, plus Yasaka was confident that had she done the fire in place of that bitch, the entire island would have been glassed and not merely toasting a few yards.

The humans announcement that he was given orders to end the Sage's life had he refused him caused more then a few heckles to rise. A few snarls heard and one sniffling kit. Yasaka brought her daughter into a hug so she didn't see the absolute murder in her eyes that might have scared her.

The mist blast coats the entire area the Sage and that bitch were standing. Gasps were had and none dared breath to break the stasis the room seemed to be in. Half a minute later jaws dropped as it seems that the Sage had used a chakra fuelled, Space-time barrier of some kind. They need to talk to him about that.

His word of wisdom were recorded, also the fact he had apparently battled against gods and demons alike. The fact that he was still breathing suggests that he won. The council would record the universal truth the sage declared, and have it commissioned to print and hung up across the council room.

Yasaka grinned foxily. That was a masterpiece of intimidation and paired with that healthy amount of killing intent and powerful inflictions.

The following moments showed that the Sage and Devil were having a serious conversation. The offered hand showed a deal was made most likely. Yasaka pouted.

Though, all fell silent upon noticing the tenseness of both the sage and devil as they looked beyond the town. Then moments later they saw the flock of fifty or so Fallen Angels led by that nut job Kokabiel.

The exchange was bloated but came down to the Sage threatening them all with so much killing intent and cold words that half outright abandoned their posts and fled. None of those present within the council blamed them. It was the only right choice.

The mass barrage of light blocked out the view before a hurricane seemed to be summoned, the winds howling and the fight is flung on its head. The sage is seen at the centre of the hurricane with a glowing form different than last time. He seemed to control the sand and winds with this form.

Everyone flinched upon the simple two words. "Sand Burial."

The crunch travelled and horrified was the only thing that could be used to describe the scene after that. The following barrage of light surprised most as the light bolts ignored the defence and collided with the Sage and that Bitch.

None breath even twitch until. "Sand hurricane shiruken."

The razor sand/wind combo was something none even thought about let alone know it was feasible. Yet here was the Sage, flying on a clump of sand and throwing around sand ninja stars boosted by wind to cut off the wings of the fallen angels.

Guess they fell again, Yasaka muses.

The compacting of Kokabiel was another flinch inducing moment. He spared the sisters for some reason. Then the arrival of Azazel. The back and forth and the dressing down Azazel got from the sage in regards to discipline was amusing.

Then the Sage left with that hussy.

Stunned disbelief was all that could be described as the state of the council after that impressive performance by the Sage against both the Hero and Fallen Factions. Most however were wanting to bring him here to stay this time, looking back at their leader as the screen deactivated.

Yasaka too want the same thing, but it seems that trying to force a connection will only drive him away. She has time as her next mating cycle has his name on it and isn't for some time. Looking up across her council, Yasaka nods before stating. "The plan for our future plans regarding the Sage are…"

Kouh Academy; Student Council

When the fallen came into view, Rias nodded, stating. "As I suspected. Fallen."

Kiba grumbled. "That is a fair amount. Doubt we'd be able to handle that many."

Reya, one of the Sitri bishops in attendance, nodded with a frown, replying. "Yeah. Can he fly or use ranged magic?"

Tsubaki replied swiftly. "He has talent in Wind and Fire. Though, maybe that includes earth after this performance."

The first barrage had the young devils on their feet, worry for their friend, fellow, or sister in all but blood. When the winds parted and howled, the Sitri peerage's queen nodded as she was right. He used the wind.

The return to sender of the light spears caused more than a few chuckles or smirks from the devils with even one former emperor finding validation in that act. He's been hit by those things so many damn times.

Watching the fallen dive into the death grip of sand then the followed by the calm yet cold voice. "Sand Burial."

The resulting crunch earned a collective flinching jerk from all the devils in attendance, it echoed and none knew how to feel to that. Despite the shudder up their spines.

Then the Fallen counterattack came and the hurricane winds didn't shield Menma or Akeno. Gasps from all until Menma's voice. "Sand hurricane shiruken."

The spinning winds and sand slicing through the the angels wings and their subsequent fall from the sky. Their crash landings earned another collective flinch from the devils. It was a common fear by many winged species that having their wings broken or failing them and falling to the ground helpless to save themselves.

The death of the ten winged Kokabiel really drove it home just how outmatched they were and how easy they got their butts handed to them by Menma. The brief interaction with Azazel who arrived suspiciously swiftly after the battle, if you asked the devils. Then watched as Menma and Akeno took flight on a cloud of sand, losing track of them immediately.

After the projection vanished, Sona looks to Rias and asks. "Where do you think they are going?"

Rias chuckled but it was hollow and brief, meeting her friends violet gaze with her own. "Here. Most likely."

Sona nodded, agreeing to that and no doubt the others all suspected this too. Taking a breath, she leaned back and as expected her sister and the other Satan's suddenly began teleporting in one after the next.

All very serious looking, none more than Sirzechs Luscifer who's scarlet gaze bore into his younger sister. His words were clipped and cold. "Explain. Now."

This as a complete departure from his normally goofy, cheery, and carefree style yet his sister knew this was coming and had prepared herself.

Turning her wheelchair to face her brother fully, Rias spoke calmly. "I never expected for Akeno to actually find him this quickly. At most, six months and then I had hoped she would call me and we can confront him together."

Her brother made no movement to reply, so Rias continued, hands calmly on her lap. "I knew she wanted to find a way to heal me, that was obvious. Whatever deal they have made, I do not know, tell, or order her to make. But..,"

She smiled softly and truly, as she finished. "I trust that Akeno will be able to handle herself."

Sirzechs held her gaze for a moment, before looking to Falbium and nodding. "Prepare for his arrival. No doubt Akeno will be leading him back here. If things get violent, we need to be able to subdue him immediately."

Falbium frowned but nodded, replying. "I agree however, after that display…"

Ajuka nodded, adding. "He's right, Sirzechs. If anything, talking face-to-face with Menma would be far more productive. Mobilising half the military will likely only cause mass panic and a reaction from both Heaven and the Grigori."

Sirzechs did not look pleased but relented with an agitated grunt, muttering. "Fine."

His arms crossed as the lime haired Ajuka asks him wearily. "What's been up with you lately, red? You've been on edge and grouchy."

The red head looked away, and instead walked passed his queen and wife wordlessly as he needed air. Just as he reached the door to the council room, Ria's phone went off.

All eyes look to the young Gremory, Rias announcing. "It's Akeno."

"Answer it." Serafall orders, before looking back over her shoulder at her older brother and continuing. "On loudspeaker for us all."

Rias nodded as she does so, answering with. "Akeno?"

Akeno's voice was barely audible over the rushing winds. "Rias. Where are you right now?"

"School Council office." Rias reports, glancing at Sona who shrugged. She continued. "Sona and I…"

They all heard a second voice but it was intelligible and they couldn't make it out but Akeno finally spoke up. "Okay. Well, from what Menma tells me, is that you all saw us right?"

Akeno must of heard the gasps of shock as she didn't stop. "So, he is assuming that the Satans are likely there and expecting him. He doesn't care and instead just wants to speak to Issei and yourself."

Eyes widened at that, some looking to the Gremory Pawn who looked like he was about to meet death itself. Issei found himself breathing hard, before his grip on his sword reminded him. He wasn't weak. Looking down at the sword gifted by his fellow dragon emperor, Issei nodded to himself and channeled his meagre magic reserves as he stands up and proclaims. "I will be protect you Bachuu. I swear it."

Many of the devils looked on approvingly on the statement but not all. Kiba wasn't as he was busy eying up that damn funky sword warily; it was off and didn't set well with him. Koneko too thought he was getting ahead of himself. Menma is a nature power user. A mere sword is useless.

Surprisingly, the other was Rias who wore a tight expression, unsure of how to handle this change in her little brother-figure. He seemed like he was about to return to normal at first and panic but the second he stood with his sword he looked eager for the fight instead.

Thankfully, the room was broken from the confusing state by a very loud snort and a few giggles coming from the device. This caused a few to sweat-drop but Issei just growled. "Oi! Bastard! I will beat you this time! I will…"

The phone cut off suddenly with a loud beep. Everyone looked at it as Rias inspected it and attempted to call Akeno back but it failed to connect. Frowning, she looked to her brother who was at the door, Sirzechs speaking first. "We now know that he is coming this way and his objective is to get to you and your peerage."

Ajuka nodded, stating. "We should prepare properly. Set a containment field strong enough to contain him and suppress his magic."

Serafall corrected him, stating. "He uses chakra. Not magic."

The green haired Satan frowned, looking back at her and she continued. "All his attacks were chakra based. Even before he ejected his evenly piece, he never once used magic."

Ajuka nodded, before looking to Falbium, asking. "Do we have any anti-chakra defences?"

Scratching his goatee covered chin, he thought on that for a moment before shrugging. "Nothing comes to mind really. I mean – magic is far more powerful than chakra so active countermeasures against its use has never really been a necessity before."

Serafall frowned at the news, commenting. "Guess we should rectify that going forward, though, the Youkai might become more hostile as a result of doing so."

Ajuka nodded at that, adding. "Assuming they aren't already. If we do manage to ambush Menma and contain him…"

Falbium nodded, stating. "As long as no one hears of it, we can keep things hushed up and quiet."

Sirzechs cuts in, stating. "We must ensure that he can't call for help. Then we can pin him with overwhelming numbers and our combined might. If he resists, just end him."

Again, his fellow Satans look back at their leader puzzled at his rather harsh actions. Ajuka was the one to speak up, asking. "You can't be serious about that, Sirzechs? He is a valuable resource asset for us. Killing him is inadvisable."

Sirzechs glared at his fellow Satan, growling. "He's a threat to devil kind, Ajuka. I will do whatever it takes to defend our race."

Serafall frowned now, this wasn't the Sirzechs she knew and something was Definitely wrong with him, thus asks. "What's wrong with you, Sirzechs? Why are you so angry?"

He looked to her, eyes still a burning scarlet, continuing. "He beat your strongest attack right, Serafall? How are you taking this so lightly?"

As the back and fourth was going on, Rias was getting nervous about this. Her own injuries, Sona's armlessness, Issei's changes, the silent Koneko, and now the clear difference in her brothers actions. What the in the four Satan's is going on?

Kouh Church

Sariel flashes down into the formally abandoned church of Kouh to find her squad of six young exorcists already gearing up in their battle dress. Looking to the oldest of the group, and temporarily made captain, Jorden, she asks. "Who gave you the order to arm up?"

Jordan was a blonde haired, blue eyed, tall teen with wide shoulders and a calm demeanour, but before the Angel of Death he found a hint of rosiness come to his cheeks as he replied with a bow. "Lady Sariel. Lidia came back from her patrol and said that the Devils are arming up for something. I ordered us all to arms incase they try attack our position here."

Sariel couldn't fault them for they did not witness what she had. The Sage battle both Hero and Fallen with a single devil in support. Crushing both factions with little trouble. So, she explained to them. "Very well. However our objective has now changed."

This caught all their attention, with Xenovia adjusting her sword strap as she asks. "How so, mother?"

Sariel was quick to answer that. "About an hour ago now, the Sage was ambushed by forces belonging to the Hero Faction, and a splinter group that broke off from the Grigori."

Eyes widened in shock at this development. The whole reason they were in Japan was to defend the sage and here they are only arming up after their target was ambushed. Jason, a dark brown haired teenager with black eyes and squarish face, asks. "Then, are we to rescue our defence target, Lady Sariel?"

"Will not be necessary." She replied effortlessly before walking through towards the main exit, the youngsters moving in behind her lead. Sariel continued. "For the Sage had crushed the unredeemable, and forced the lost to seek a new path forward."

Irina's nod went unnoticed but she asked. "Then, what is our task?"

As they clear the church grounds and onto the hill overlooking the town of Kouh, Sariel turns back to them and says firmly. "The Sage is likely to arrive soon. We do not know when but no more than two hours."

They all nod so she says. "The devils know this too. We are here to ensure that the Sage lives passed this day and make friendly contact with him. Understood?"

"Yes, Lady Sariel."

The silvery white haired woman looks out as the breeze flows through her braided locks as she scans the horizon for any sign of their target. This Sage is an avatar of life. Her opposite. Idly, Sariel wonders what kind of conversation they could have.

Olympus

"We need him." Demeter declared that snapped everyone from their shock at the brutal one-sided fights they witnessed. They all look to the Goddess of Agriculture, Harvest and fertility as her golden hair, intertwined with various cereal grain causing it to shimmer with her determination.

Athena responded to that, stating firmly. "But Aunt Demeter. He is far too dangerous to just approach without a solid, diplomatic plan that shows that e mean no harm."

Ares scoffed at her weakness, responding. "Just challenge him to a fight. He is a warrior. He understands the importance of strength."

Apollo chuckled but it was hollow as he adds. "Assuming you can catch him. Did you not see that speed?"

Hermes huffed, arms crossed, stating. "I'd catch him."

Apollo's gaze did not leave his younger brother for a long time that forced Hermes to relent. "Eventually."

Poseidon spoke up carefully too, offering. "He seems to hold a great amount of power with the winds, enough at least to create localised hurricane force storms."

He looks to his baby brother, asking. "This Sage is not one of yours is he?"

Zeus frowned at the insinuation, but made direct comment as he was still rather thoughtful of what he had just witnessed. This Sage is certainly powerful. Too powerful to ignore and in the hands of the Shinto Pantheon.

Before risking a war, he should ascertain the level of power he holds and depending on the results, cast him to the depths of Tartarus for the safety of all.

His son's voice brought the King of Olympus back to the room at large, Hephaestus adding. "He got a new sword by the looks of it too. It was a few centimetres longer and far sharper than the last one."

Athena and Ares stopped their bickering and nodded as they had noticed that too, with the goddess of wisdom adding. "Yes and it was made from the same material as the last one. Perhaps he lost it somewhere. If we can find it, we can out what how it was able to cut through the divine nature of…"

Demeter stands up, bellowing. "What about getting him here myself? As a deity of the earth, he will likely not attack me outright and listen first before striking out. Far better than what Aphrodite is trying to do by stalking him."

Athena took a moment to contemplate that for a moment before reluctantly agreeing with a nod, stating. "That is the most likely way to reason with a Sage. Through a mutual connection."

Zeus finally spoke, looking at his older sister. "Demeter. We shall await the return of both Artemis and Hera, to hear what they have discovered with the Shinto Patheon. Then, we will send you to 'find' Aphrodite and see if you can contact this Sage via your domain."

Demeter retook her seat and nodded, satisfied with the action she was being allowed to take.

The god of drama looked around at the others before the empty chairs. Than Zeus announced. "Keep monitoring your domains and the moment we get word from Hera, we shall convene again. Meeting adjured."

Amateurasu's Office

Hera stands before Amaterasu again, with the image of a certain goddess of desire on the mirror and she lets out a dignified sigh before looking to the leader of the Shinto pantheon, muttering. "I know for a fact she was not authorised to be here."

Straightening up, Hera continued. "She is likely after the Sage for… let us say – less than lady-like intentions."

Amaterasu raised a brow, already suspecting that was the case but felt that they should at least be on the same page thus voiced. "I do not doubt that, Lady Hera, however what I want to know is what to do to get rid of her. This is not proper behaviour nor can we ignore her presence either."

Hera inclined her head, before snapping her finger and the woman of the hour appeared in the office, somewhat bewildered for a moment before the queen of Olympus cleared her throat and asked. "Aphrodite – care to explain yourself?"

Aphrodite giggled at the stern visage of her fellow blond, as her own eyes morph to a more oriental visage and replied. "Well, I was just thinking about how best to track my little storm over the ocean when you forced moved me here."

She twisted back and forth on the balls of her feet, and at the waist, like a giddy school girl as she spoke.

Amaterasu spoke next, face unreadable. "Goddess of Beauty. You had not filed for entrance nor notify us that you were going to be in our territory. Care to explain?"

The now bluenette Aphrodite looked to the head of the pantheon and replied sweetly, smile sultry. "Well, you see… I only wanted to check for my own two eyes that he was single, see? Then, if he was, I was going to ask for a longer term pass to try seduce him and see where things went."

She shrugged at the end, as she finally settled down and getting a bit more serious which earned another raised brow from the Shinto goddess, Amateurasu asking. "See where things went? You intend to enter a relationship with him?"

This was news to Hera too, she hadn't shown any indication of tending to her husband or their vows yet here she was actively trying to engage in such activity with an outsider. Very unlike this particular goddess.

The now crimson redhead Aphrodite's grey eyes look back at the fiery eyes of the Sun goddess and nodded, saying. "With the power he showed off and control he commanded the winds with, I am honestly more than a little interested in understanding who this Sage is."

She frowned for a moment, recalling something that she soon voices. "Though, I have to look into the term 'Shukaku' as it seemed to be a trigger of some kind."

Amaterasu pondered that name for a moment. Oh, right. One of the chakra constructs shinigami told her of. The one-tailed Tanuki if she recalls correctly. Made sense as he is a wind spirit of the desert. They were on a beach. Yes. Made sense.

Refocusing on the two Greek Goddesses before her, Amaterasu asks. "Lady Hera, I can assume that you will be taking both Artemis and Aphrodite here back with you to Olympus, correct?"

Before the green-eyed brunette could argue, Hera inclined her head and confirmed. "Yes I will be, Lady Amaterasu. We've caused more than a few problems for you. Please call upon us should you have any further problems or concerns in regard to any of our subjects."

Flying above the Ocean

Upon the two meter wide platform of warm firm sand, Akeno finds her mind wondering how things had turned out. How she is sitting beside one of the most dangerous men around, capable of fighting against multiple Satan-class devils and Gods alike yet casually star gaze whilst speeding a dozen or so meters above the ocean.

How strange things turned out.

Not seeing anything better to do, Akeno turned to Menma and asks. "Menma… will you not join us again?"

Naruto replied swiftly. "Not a chance."

Akeno was expecting such an answer just not that quickly. After her sweat drop, she continued. "Why so hostile?"

Naruto snorted at that but did not say anything beyond that. Just stared at the numerous stars that twinkle like diamonds for several minutes. Even at a glance, it was clear to him that this sky was different to the one he was born under. None of them were where they were supposed to be.

Unknowingly, Naruto let out a really, weary and weighted sigh of defeat that leaked some of his despair that Akeno caught on to and pondered carefully what he could be thinking of. Hoping to get some information, she asks carefully. "Menma… back on the beach. Your speech about heroes and what makes them so strong."

She looked to him, yet he hadn't acknowledged her but that was fine. He had to listen, so Akeno pressed on. "You spoke like you knew what was…"

Naruto cut her off, speaking briefly. "Leave it, Himejima-san."

His yellow eyes cut to her, a razor edge of a side-eye, as he finishes shutting that down. "That is information you have not, and will never, earn from me."

Akeno stared at him blankly, retorting. "Oh? And why's that? I am trying to be friendly with you. Instead, you just…"

Naruto cut her off, eyes narrowed dangerously. "We aren't friends, Himejima-san."

Even the maiden was taken aback by that, a small pant of hurt within her chest from hearing it, and he returns his gaze skyward.

Inwardly, Naruto sighed. He did not mean to come off that harshly but taking it back would cause more issues and open a door for further dialogue that they did not have.

Matatabi snorted, earning a tickmark from Naruto, as she commented. "You've gotten so socially awkward with strangers, huh, Naruto-kun?"

"Save it, Matatabi." Naruto griped before adjusting the course slightly again, lining up with Kurama's signature. He continued. "Besides, anything I say now they will use against us later. Why give them ammo?"

Elemental Nations: Land of Iron

Kakashi Hatake is getting tired of this nonsense. For nearly two and a half years, his entire Kage tenure, he has had to deal with the ever more integrated alliance forces and the frequent trips within the snowy mountains of the Land of Iron.

As he strolled through the samurai town, he idly noticed the alliance troops chatting amicably with one another and the samurai of Iron. Sighing, he looked forward along the path he and his guard were strolling until a splash of vibrant red caught his eyes.

Snapping his head, he spotted a trio of teenagers with bright red hair, pale skin, and all with red katana's in sheaths. His eyes caught the familiar red spiral patches on their upper arms. Kakashi muttered lowly. "Uzumaki…"

The three heard it and thus looked over before noticing the leaf attire and sneered as they moved off. The tall male of the trio muttered. "Damn traitors."

Kakashi wanted to catch up to them, ask them to return to the leaf with him, but his meeting with the other kages they were already late for. Though he did catch one of the ladies say. "We should get back to the Inn, oh lady is awaiting us."

"We should tell her that the traitors are here. The ones who betrayed her…"

Kakashi glances back as they clear the corner, pondering whether he should order one of his guard to investigate that information.

A/N: Things are heating up, forces are gathering in Kouh and the Devils are awaiting the arrival of the Sage. They know he's coming, he knows they're waiting. Shukaku stepped up and helped shred apart a certain warhawk. Naruto resolved himself to fight again to defend the innocent.

Also, will be exploring parts of the Elemental Nations and the situation there. Someone pointed out that not everyone would have betrayed Naruto, and I know that. So, just figured I should look into it. It's rather intresting the more I think on it. This also alows me to give certain context to parts of Naruto's ablities and attitude.

As that one reviewer pointed out; Naruto is in there still. Buried beneath the burns of betryal, loss, and hardships. His lack of trust in others is a byproduct of this and for now will remain core to the story. As he moves forward, I intend to have him become more like his old self but far more jaded than cannon.

Not to mention, there is a reason Kurama is pushing for better control of the Yin/Yang release clones revealed last chapter.

In the next Page, there is the first of the Naruto/Miki moments. The first step in Naruto's self redemption, and the cause for it that Gyūki had only briefly alluded too once before as one of Naruto's lost safe zones.

o7