Page Seven

Land of Iron

The five kages were joined by Mifune and his appointed successor, preparing to take his place as leader of the nation, as he opened the meeting. "Now, then, our alliance is doing well, peace retained, and all is peaceful. Please report anything of sufficient importance."

The meeting continued much like normal, isolated incidents, but nothing more than minor clashes between crime syndicates and rising warlords.

Kakashi had reported the destruction of another slave ring that had undergone a resurgence in recent weeks. Beyond that, his gaze falls upon the new Kazekage, the sixth, that had replaced Gaara who was 'advised' to stand down after the debacle regarding his former student.

That thought brought him to a thought he was regretting thinking about. His hand was forced, true, but he should have fought harder the last memento of his late sensei. Unfortunately he was overruled, the civilians were deathly afraid of the overwhelming power he had at his fingertips. Accepting that he had the one beast, the nine-tailed fox, had only just happened after the Pein attack. Now he had eight more. Oh boy, wasn't that just migraine inducing.

Thus, the servant seal the Raikage suggested and was backed by the Tsuchikage and Mizukage. Only the fifth Kazekage was against it openly, Kakashi wanted to openly declare his own intent but his village was also supportive of the action. His hands were tied.

Kakashi recalled how furious Tsunade had been at the decision to take such an action and had warned Naruto ahead of time, preventing the surprise attack from the combined Anbu force.

He sighed, rubbing his brow, upon recalling the duo fighting through the village and alliance shinobi forces. A tag-team none knew they had perfected to that level, the two had never fought together like that yet it seemed they knew exactly what the other was planning and acted accordingly.

Half the village was blown apart, more than half the alliance shinobi badly wounded but he was thankful that none died though, yet the two had managed to make it out before the three kages confronted them directly. Mizukage had attempted to persuade them with diplomacy, to talk them both down, but it was for naught.

The battle was destructive but Tsunade and Naruto together were a force of nature that managed to keep them all at bay for a full half-hour, even after battling through the bulk of the alliance forces. This is when Tsunade was powered up by Naruto with the Kyuubi's chakra, as Naruto escaped and she held them back long enough for him to vanish from sensory perception.

Kakashi sighed heavily, deflating at the result of that battle and the death of the last Senju at the hands of the Alliance.

He was brought back to the room by the Raikage called, smashing his single arm on the table declaring. "We haven't had any sightings of the rogue Jinchuriki. He can't have gotten far so we must up our hunting teams."

Mei replied calmly, leaning back in her seat. "It is disconcerting that we haven't even heard a peep from him in all this time. Not since the death of the last Uchiha those weeks ago were confirmed."

She looked to Kakashi and continued. "You have my sympathy for that however he was a danger to us all with whatever he was planning."

Kakashi nodded, understanding that as he replied. "I understand that, Mei, and hold no illusion that my former student was up to no good. That being said, my other student's actions, however, were surprising. I do not know why he felt compelled to deal with him but he saved us a lot of issues."

Kurotsuchi folded her arms as she lent back onto her seat, muttering. "As loath as I am to admit that much, he did. That Namikaze spawn, however, is proven to be too strong for any of us alone if even the Uchiha fell before him."

Mifune grunted, stating. "He has honour, clearly. However, he is now a bigger threat then ever before…"

The discussion was a waste of time for Kakashi so he tuned out and pondered what he saw earlier. The trio of Uzumaki. The way they glared at him upon spotting their headbands and how they called them traitors makes him suspect that they knew of, or knew about, their decision to subdue his former student and member of their clan.

Which leads him to believe they have some kind of lead on Naruto's location, whereabouts, and current activities. Kakashi didn't think that there were any other members of the scattered clan remained beyond the only one he knew, Karin Uzumaki. Yet, they were very clearly Uzumaki.

Did she know of them?

Then again, she was so infatuated with Sasuke until his death, and even now, that he doubted that she cared enough about her clansmen to make a conscious effort to find them.

His distracted state was noted, and thus Mei called him back to the table. "Lord Hokage…"

All eyes land on the addressed, Kakashi snapping to the woman, as she continued. "You seem distracted. Anything to share?"

Kakashi contemplated his response for a moment, unsure of it was wise to further subjugate the shattered clan remnants further. It was their only lead thus far so he guess it was only right to inform them all, stating. "Well, something I noticed on the way in has been bugging me."

Upon seeing the intense gazes upon him, Kakashi continued. "Three Uzumaki clansmen."

This caught everyone's complete attention, as none of them had heard of any other Uzumaki beside the one in the Leaf, yet here were three purebred Uzumaki popping up suddenly. This can't be a coincidence.

Kakashi explained further. "They glared at us upon noticing our headband. Though, I did hear them mention a fourth one who was their leader. A lady apparently. One with a direct connection to the Leaf, apparently."

Many shared glances at the information, though it was Ay who spoke up. "Where was this?"

Kakashi replied swiftly, pointing at the table. "Just before this meeting, here in town."

Mifune clicked his fingers and two guards rush out, likely to apprehended the clan members of the Uzumaki. The Kages all nod to his swiftness, as he states. "They will talk."

Kurotsuchi nodded, leaning forward on the long table saying. "Well, after that we can relocate them into one of our villages. They'd make perfect hosts for the beasts after we recover them."

Ay nodded before grunting, looking around at his fellows. "Indeed. Though, I think Kumo would be the best choice."

Mei wore a frown, matched by Kakashi who suspected that this was the likely outcome upon revealing that information. Sighing again, Kakashi wondered just how many shinobi will die in this escalation in the pursuit of his last wayward student. Countless of his own have fallen to his blade and rasengan combo.

After all, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze had long surpassed his father in every way including danger ranking as the only ever recorded in the Elemental Nations.

As the only Triple S-rank calamity-class threat.

Earth: Kouh

The town was becoming a hotspot, all factions having eyes on it in preparation for the arrival of the Sage which had all but been confirmed to be imminent. If the devils movements are to be believed.

In response, the angel and church factions have mobilised and had eyes out all over the town's perimeter. They are on sentinel duty to report back upon seeing the Sage so the forthcoming arrival so that the four great seraphim can arrive to greet him directly.

Word on the street caused the Youkai scouts to send a messenger back to Kyoto of the possible arrival of the sage and Yasaka is rumoured to be on the way too but it is unsure if she will make it in time. Even more so if she brings little Kunou with her.

The two Greek Hunters too had felt the tension and were up and about, suspecting things were about to kick off. Their gear was prepared, arrows loaded, both physical and celestial alike, and game faces on as they nod to one another.

The two hunters were unaware that they were being watched by a young fox duo, one of which has already ran back to inform their leader. He needs to be aware of this.

Under the full moon, Akeno flew into the academy grounds and landed before the O-R-C building. She was greeted by the all four Satans, her sister-figure Rias, the other members of her peerage, and the Sitri peerage. All looked on edge but Rias smiled as she was wheeled forward by Asia with a smile. "Welcome home, Akeno."

Akeno bowed firmly, formally, and with a smile she replied. "Thank, Bachu. I have completed my mission. Though…"

Looking over the group and the tension she could feel, she continued. "I am aware of the fact that we were observed."

The raised brows from all at that though Rias was unaffected, nodding, saying. "Yes, the whole underworld seemed to have been watching. How did you know?"

Akeno shook her head, explaining calmly. "I didn't. Menma told me on the way back."

Understanding crossed the younger devils features, though the four Satan's made a mental note of the high level of sensory abilities to be able to detect their familars and distant viewing techniques. Sirzechs steps forward, irritation rolling off him in waves that was almost suffocating. "Akeno. Where is he?"

Akeno took note of the on-edge nature of her sisters older brother, and was unsure what was causing but replied simply, and swiftly. "I am unsure, Lord Lucifer. We were approaching the coast when he suddenly just told me to go on ahead, he'd catch up."

The redhead Satan growled at that, clutching his fists as his scarlet gaze seemed to glow brighter at being kept waiting by a mere boy.

Kouh Town

Somewhere on the edge of the town and forests of Kouh, Naruto looks down on five men harassing a woman and slowly following after her. He was on his way to pick up Kurama when he sensed these lustful fools and the spiking fear of the woman as she tries to break free.

Frowning as one of them grab hold of the woman, Naruto body flickers into the shadows of the nearby alleyway, and like a true shinobi, held position and remained unnoticed.

As the men seemingly herded the woman into the mouth of the alley, Naruto struck out, grabbing the first two by their arms and yanking them into the darkness. Their panicked screams abruptly froze everyone in place until they fell silent just as suddenly.

The remaining three men gulped as the woman discreetly backed up, putting distance between herself, the alleyway, and the men attempting to assault her.

One of the men, unable to take the tension anymore, turned to run, only to take a kunai to the back of the knee which forced him down. The other two were gawking at him, staring at the knife sticking through his knee, and listened to his screams of pain. They were so distracted that they missed the shadowy figure behind them until it was too late.

Their screams were muffled as they were yanked back into the darkness so quickly and silently, their target hadn't noticed their disappearance yet. By the time she looked back, her heart was in her throat when she hears footsteps coming from the alleyway and before she could scream in alarm a familiar voice called out. "Is that you, Hyoudou-san?"

For out of the darkness came Naruto, into view of the targeted woman, who calmed down upon hearing that voice and the old school manner of speaking. Miki replied after taking a deep breath and exhaling with heart on her chest, smiling. "Oh, Menma-kun. It's only you. Don't scare me like that, young man."

Naruto smirked, letting out a sheepish chuckle, as his hands land into his sage haori pockets as he replied easily. "I am sorry, Lady Hyoudou."

He makes a big gesture of bowing politely, exaggerating the actions causing her to giggle at the antics before he returned to his easy going stance with a smile as she playfully slapped his arm. Miki saying. "Now you are just being silly."

Naruto nodded in all seriousness, replying. "Of course I am."

Miki actually snorted, earning a chuckle from Naruto as he smiled but the cheery mood was broken through by the last thug yelling. "You fucking moron! Who the hell uses throwing knives these days?!"

Both Naruto and Miki frowned at the man, before the Sage looked to the human, saying. "Hyoudou-san. Why don't you wait around the corner for a moment while I clean this up? I will escort you home afterwards."

Miki just nodded before quickly and quietly walking around the corner and waiting for Menma to catch up.

The second the civilian left eyeshot, Naruto's face grew significantly darker and far more menacing as he looked to the man in the middle of the road with one of his three-pronged kunai through his knee cap. He muttered lowly, as cold as death. "Now, time to take out the trash."

His approach was as silent as one might expect of one of his profession, the bodies would be found two weeks later by police officers after reports of bad smells coming from a bin behind a block of shops.

Naruto walked with Miki back towards the Hyoudou manor at a sedate pace, as the middle aged woman yapped on and on about random gossip she heard around town, which was surprisingly useful actually. He just smiled and nodded as she pointed out different shops and the like but remained silent.

Miki, surprisingly, had noticed how distant Naruto had been and asks. "Menma-kun...?"

Naruto looks to her and she offers a gentle smile, that reminded Naruto of another, as she spoke. "May I ask what is on your mind? You seem distant. Am I boring you? Did you have a fight with your friends?"

Naruto chuckled lowly, shaking his head and replying. "No, nothing like that. Just…"

He stopped and bit his lip, avoiding looking at her as he stared down at the pavement. Flashes from the past came across him but before they could overwhelm him again, he shook his head and looked to her, yet another face replaced the real one causing him to stutter. "I umm…"

Miki smiled as she stepped forward and grabbed Naruto's face and made him look at her as she spoke. "You can tell me, Menma."

Sighing hard, grumbling about bossy women in his life being too damn nosy, Naruto steps back out of her grasp and explained. "I… well…"

Shaking his head, Naruto explained softly. "What happened back there… with those thugs...?"

Miki nodded so he continued quickly before he regrets this. "Last time, I was too late to do anything. By the time I did, she, my close friend – she had already been used and discarded see."

She looked horrified at that, but he did not stop as he needed to get this off his chest. "Her name is… was, Tsunami. After I was in a very dark place, she smiled at me, just like you just did. Offered me an ear, fed me, and always seemed to know what to say that helped me get back on my feet."

Naruto smiled, but it was hollow. "Worst of all, they kidnapped her son and left a note telling me to come rescue him. I went, of course, but again, I was too late."

He sniffled, but did not stop. "They killed him too. I… I was so angry at how little the kidnappers thought of life, and I – I just saw red."

Miki abruptly stepped forward and embraced the teen, and he hugged her back, tightly, as finally the shinobi is able to process one of his darkest moments of his career. The Deaths of Tsumani and Inari at the hands of the alliance.

More accurately, Taki, Star, Smoke, Marsh and Frost shinobi. Members of said alliance. It caused the destruction of Shimogakure, or Village Hidden in the Frost. One of three Hidden Villages Naruto had destroyed.

He suspected someone from the Leaf had a role to play in the whole affair but could never find any proof of such.

After a few minutes of the comforting embrace, Naruto pulled back and wiped his tears before chuckling lightly, clearly embarrassed by his brief breakdown, stuttering. "Umm, sorry about that Hyoudou-san. I don't know what…"

Miki shook her head, smiling still. "It is fine, Menma-kun."

Naruto nodded before asking. "Perhaps, you could…"

Again, Miki just nodded, pretending to zip her lip. "It never happened."

The sage nodded, grateful at that so he gestured down the road, Naruto saying. "Let's get you home."

Miki nodded and Naruto did indeed walk her home but was careful not to trip the barrier this time. She had no idea that Naruto had placed a modified Hirashin marker on her back, made in the wake of the aforementioned event, that causes the beacon to flag should the marked feel in danger, or under threat. He dubbed it the Seal of Tsunami.

He was too late for Tsunami and Inari, but Miki would be protected. Believe it.

Naruto waved back as Miki waved him off before she walked in before walking away with a deep exhale, muttering. "Why the hell did I just say all that…?"

It was Gyūki who answered the metaphorical question, speaking softly. "Even I could tell that their aura's are very similar to one another, Naruto. You needed that."

The others all nodded, even Ddraig who had just been briefed on these 'Tsunami and Inari' characters by Matatabi. To say the dragon was pissed, was saying snow was cold. Though clenched jaw, Ddraig spoke. "Naruto. I can confidently say that you claim to have seen red, but even then you had restraint. If it were me, I would have left no survivors."

Naruto sighed, shaking his head, replying. "It was still a whole village I blasted off the map, Ddraig. Sure, I did not wipe them all out but still. That's like destroying a town in this world. I am not proud of my actions."

Shukaku snorted, before replying hotly. "Speak for yourself. They needed an ass kicking that we were all to willing to provide."

Son Goku also offered. "Considering their heinous actions to such a kind, innocent civilian woman, Naruto. They got off lucky."

This time was Naruto's turn to snort, shaking his head in amusement, shooting back with. "I don't see how firing off a full powered bijuu bomb, directly into the village, from above I might add, lucky?"

All the bijuu in attendance shrugged, even the normally sleeping Isobu who always wants to avoid conflict was agreeing with the others on the topic of their destruction of the Hidden Frost. Then again, they all liked the small civilian family as they took care of Naruto without question.

Kouh Forests; Fox Settlement

Naruto approached the settlement silently, not even the slightest noise to tell of his passing. He scanned the area for movement and surely enough, that twin tailed cat was perched in a tree, looking over the perimeter patrol.

Sighing inwardly, Naruto muttered. "Matatabi… if you would…"

His senses sharpen, eyes twinkling in dusty yellow and pale green, approaching the unaware feline with graceful, purposeful strides. She didn't hear or even smell him coming until she was abruptly tackled from behind, and found herself falling to the floor.

The fall came to an abrupt halt a good few meters from the ground, but before she could react to that, something slapped her back and suddenly she was forced out of her cat form and was now limp, being slowly dropped to the ground. Once flat on the ground, a voice from behind her spoke. "Who are you?"

It was a male voice, a young man's voice without a doubt, and this scent is getting is feline but none of her chakra is reacting to her command. Neither are her limbs. Something is paralysing and locking her control of her chakra. Grumbling, the woman responded. "My name is Kuroka. One of the last Nekoshou. Your turn."

A chuckle that sent a shiver up her spine as a whisper in her ear. "Wouldn't you like to know."

Before she could retort, her world went blank.

Naruto stood over the now sleeping nekoshou, muttering to himself. "This seems like a can of worms I really shouldn't touch."

His tenants chuckled lightly, their hosts antics were beginning to pile up, with the only exception being Matatabi who frowned, asking. "Naru-kun. Was that really necessary? I mean, why did you not find out why she was here? There is a reason for her presences, right?"

Naruto sighed, idly noticing the foxes stalking towards him as he watches the snoozing woman, and muttered. "Fine, Mata-chan. You win. We'll leave her with the foxes to watch over until we are done with Ddriag's boy and pick her up on the way back out."

Matatabi nodded, smiling at that, saying. "Thank you, Naru-kun."

Naruto grinned foxily and the nekomata suddenly felt nervous. Really nervous. He spoke casually, though it was obvious to all that he trying hard not to cackle. "As payment, your promotion out of irresponsible teenager has been postponed until this side mission is finished."

Matatabi looked horrified. Damn it. She wanted to help a fellow cat, but not at the cost of her future promotion. She was so close too. Much to everyone's surprise, Matatabi abruptly transformed into her human form within the Mindscape and approached Naruto's mental representation from behind.

Externally, Naruto was bending down to lift the limp form of this Kuroka character when he felt the mental prodding of Matatabi. Sighing, he briefly turned inward to see the adorably pouting human form Matatabi, fluttering her eyes at him asking. "Come on, Narian. You don't want to…"

Naruto sighed, facepalming before whispering. "Kurama…"

Abruptly, Matatabi found a long orange tail wrapped around her waist, and lift her kicking and screaming by the six-foot-five orange haired man with a roguish look to him, and scruffy, half-kept beard, and vibrant scarlet eyes that gleamed in amusement. Kurama chuckled in mirth. "Oh come now, dear sister. We have so much to catch up on."

Matatabi grumbled, silently wondering how her brother has access to his tails despite being in a human form. Though, she eyed up his casual biker like appearance. Anbu style cargoes like Naruto, ninja sandals, a white tank top, and orange black leather jacket with the Elemental Nation's kanji for Nine on its back.

Outside in the physical world, Naruto strolls into the fox settlement with Kuroka in arm under escort of the defence team. As he reaches the large oak tree in the centre, he places the cat girl down in the centre, and looks to the vixen at his side and orders. "Keep her here until I get back."

She yips tightly, inclining her head and Naruto grins scratching behind her ear earning a chirp in response as he stands again, looking toward the academy and whispers. "Time to get this show going."

Kouh Academy

The Devil party were standing the courtyard of the school, no longer so patiently waiting for the arrival of the Sage as Sirzechs was pacing back and forth as his irritation was bleeding into anger, his power flaring constantly.

This made the younger devils nervous and tense. All except for Akeno, who as daydreaming about Menma's cold threats and how terrified the heroes were again. Ajuka and Serafall were both focusing on sensing their surroundings whereas Falbium was waiting to set off his barrier at a moments notice.

It had been a good half an hour since Akeno had arrived and now the Gremory Pawn was annoyed. Between the angry Satan, and the calmly standing queen who seemed blissfully unaware of everything, Issei was annoyed too and approached the nadishiko priestess, asking. "Akeno-sempai. Where is Menma?"

Akeno was snapped out of her mental replay of that hero sweating bullets from that cold, yellow stare and turned back to her kohai with an owlish gaze before registering his words and smiled with a reply. "Well, he's in the town, I know that much, but that is all I know I am afraid, Issei-kun."

Kiba, who had his hand resting on his sword's handle, asks. "Did you get any information from him on your way back? You know, after you left those fallen angels behind?"

Akeno shook her head with a light frown, replying. "Not for a lack of trying. I thought we had at least a friendship after the fight but, it seems that was rather presumptuous of me."

Rias frowned at that information as she had hoped that they could be at least cordial moving forward. Especially with the presumed deal the two had made. The whole underworld had assumed this too, but it seems that they had jumped the gun.

Serafall, upon hearing that, then asked. "If that is the case, then what was the handshake for? Many tried reading your lips as the sound cut off, but for whatever reason we couldn't follow them. Your figures kinda just flickered about making it hard to follow."

Akeno was quick on her feet and managed to come up with something believable, thinking on how Menma had threatened everyone forcing a blush to her cheeks as she stammered out. "Well, I tried to seduce him."

Everyone looked at her incredulously and she nodded, confirming her words as she continued. "So, I apologised and promised not to do that again. He made me shake on it or he'd see what happened if he removed my evil piece."

Rias snapped to her, the others horrified, but her king asks. "He can do that?"

As Akeno did not know if he could or couldn't, she voiced that and hoped they misunderstood. "I do not know. Neither did he though, so I think it was more him bluffing than anything. I was not willing to call it though."

Everyone nodded their agreement. Bluff or not, that seamed like a real threat.

Issei growled in frustration, shouting. "Damn it! He just needs to get here so I can beat him down."

Akeno looked to her idiot little brother with a raised eyebrow, asking disbelievingly. "Issei-kun, did you not witness the beating he gave the heroes and the Fallen?"

Issei nodded, but held a fierce determination in his brown eyes, hand resting on his gifted sword. "I can beat him as long as I have this blade at my side. I will avenge Ddraig and reclaim bachuu's honour."

Rias sighed at that declaration, rubbing her eyes again from her wheelchair, and glanced back at her pawn, saying. "Issei-kun, I do not want to watch you throw away your life like that on something like reclaiming my honour. As long as I have you all, and you are all safe then that's fine."

Issei looked taken aback by that, replying. "But, Bachuu… he almost killed you."

He shouted at the end, yet witnessing her smile broke his heart and his resolve hardened. Issei recalled hearing his bachuu crying in the hospital bed, when she received the news that she'd find difficulty having children, even more so than other devils, and likely struggle to bring them to term.

He growled, gripping his swords handle, Issei declared. "No! I will not let him get away with any of this. I swear I will cut him down and make him pay."

"You and what army?"

Everyone froze. They knew that voice wasn't any of them.

Akeno glanced around, not seeing him thus asked. "Menma? How long have you been here?"

Naruto's voice echoed from everywhere and nowhere, replying. "Long enough. Had some things to take care of nearby. This place has become some kind of hotspot. Took some time to get around without being noticed."

Akeno nodded, recalling seeing those Angel Patrols, replying. "You mean those patrols of angels?"

Naruto chuckled, watching everyone look around for him, as he replied. "Angels, Fallen, the Youkai, and even those Greek Hunters are still around."

Sirzechs was annoyed by this and bellowed. "Come out and face us, Menma."

Silence dawned for a little while before a heavy sigh drew their eyes to the rebuilt O-R-C building at their back where Naruto was leaning against the side of it, casually waving. "Took you slavers long enough."

Immediately, Falbium flared his magic to trigger the barrier but nothing happened. His eyes widen though Naruto just smirked, and dropped several coloured crystals which caused the Satan to frown. The barrier had been disabled for now.

Sirzechs and Serafall got ready to charge as Ajuka was preparing spells to scan their foe for any and all information. Yet, before they could, Issei charged forward with another battle cry.

Everyone facepalmed as the former red dragon emperor rushed forward, drawing his sword and yelled out. "You will apologise…!"

Naruto snorted again before clicking his finger, and a seal matrix expanded out from Akeno's feet, a pre-placed seal, and cancelled out everything the Satans were preparing, and surpressed their magic, much to their shock.

Just as Issei swung his sword down in an overhead arc at Naruto, his sword hand was caught by another person who seemed to appear out from no where. Growling, Issei tried to punch the man, only to receive a knee to the gut, forcing his hand to release the sword, and then being tossed back towards the other devils.

The new arrival was a muscular man with a compact runners build, long dark crimson hair that reached down to his waist, all atop a chiselled face. Eyes so green, emeralds feel like they need to up their game, and he stood at a respectable six-foot-six.

What caught everyone's eyes though, was the gauntlets he had on. They looked like the boosted gear, just without the green gems and slimmed down to not protrude out too much, and were fingerless. This paired with black combat boots, cargo trousers, and utility belt. Dark, almost black T-shirt beneath an open crimson leather biker jacket.

The man frowned as he stared at the sword he confiscated from Issei before looking to Naruto, saying. "I really do owe you an apology."

Naruto shrugged before looking at the sword he was holding. "It's fine. Still, what's up with that sword. It feels rather – hostile."

The man nodded, replying. "It's a cursed sword. It continuously syphons off magic at increasing levels and frequency. Once a threshold is reached, it pushes the magic it corrupts back into it's wielder, causing the wielder to do its bidding. Pretty nasty stuff."

Naruto nodded before Issei yells in a growl. "Give me back my sword! You bastards will not take anything more from me! I will avenge Ddraig! I will end you, Menma!"

Naruto burst out laughing at that, and the man too looked more than a bit amused by it before shaking his head and looking to Naruto and asking. "Please tell me he's lying or something."

Naruto composes himself before shaking his head, replying. "He means it. Wholeheartedly believes it."

The man facepalmed, muttering out how much he clearly misjudged these seeds of darkness the others had mentioned. Eventually, he sighed before scratching the back of his neck chuckling nervously, when Naruto spoke up. "You going to introduce yourself or should I?"

Glancing back, the man sighs before waving him off, replying. "Nah. You upheld your part. This is mine."

Naruto nodded as he pushed off the wall finally, and moved towards the frozen Akeno and Rias, the man walking towards the combative Issei, speaking up. "Sorry, Issei-san… or should I say…"

His voice dropped into a familiar baritone, as he continued. "Partner…"

Issei stumbled over nothing upon hearing that, snapping back to the man who had jammed the cursed sword into the ground, hands in his leather jacket. The teen muttered out. "Impossible."

The man shook his head with a tight frown, replying. "Unheard of, sure. Impossible, not quite. I am Ddraig, Issei Hyoudou. I made a deal with…"

Ddraig paused upon the single glance he sensed from Naruto to remind him. The human form dragon nodded at him and he looked back at his former host, continuing. "The deal was simple. I believed you would grow stronger and prove that you were a good person deep down despite everything."

All the devils nodded, so he continued. "The Sage, however, said that, buried beneath all that stupid amount of lust and pervertedness, the seeds of darkness rest and that you were too dangerous for my strength."

Issei growled, fist clenched as he yells. "What the hell does that mean, exactly?"

Ddraig growled menacingly, hushing the boy. "I was getting to that you…"

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, the dragon continued. "The deal was to separate me from you. All you had to do was get better, get stronger, and be a good person. If you had done that, it would have gotten a single favour from the sage that he would be obligated fulfil."

All the devils gasped at that, before looking to Issei who was wide-eyed as he muttered. "Anything?"

Ddraig nodded, stating. "Anything and I would be returned to you too."

Sighing, the dragon shook his head in disappointment as he continued. "Yet, even at a glance I can tell you failed. I was proven wrong about you."

Issei narrowed his eyes on this man, asking. "How do you know that? I am stronger than before. Faster. More capable. Heck, I can actually fly in a straight line now."

Ddraig glanced over the Gremory Peerage and they all met his gaze one after the other before the dragon looked to his former host and asked. "Then, why is Asia-chan with Little Rias, and not sneaking glances at you?"

The girl mentioned flinched and cowed away, though Rias had a faint blush. Issei glanced over and noticed how Asia avoided his gaze as much as possible, recalling before she always came running and maybe he should just take her out to the park or for burgers later to apologise.

Looking back at Ddraig, Issei went to speak, but the dragon did. "Knight Kiba; What is your assessment of my former host?"

Issei snapped to the pretty boy who refused to meet his gaze but also refused to answer the dragon too. He was staying out of this break-up.

The dragon nodded before looking back at Koneko, asking. "What about you, little cat?"

Koneko did not respond either but keep her gaze on the handsome man who nodded. Now Ddraig looked dead in Issei's eyes and stated firmly. "Issei Hyoudou. You are a disgrace to my name as the Red Dragon Emperor. I hereby disown you as my former host."

All eyes widened at that, none more than Issei himself who was borderline panicking at not getting his boosted gear back, but unknown to him at current, Ddraig's words had caused his gauntlet to completely shatter apart into pieces and fade forever.

While Ddraig was dealing with Issei, Naruto had stealthy moved to Akeno's side and whispered low enough that only Akeno could hear. "Remember, only your sister."

Akeno nodded calmly as she leaned down and began whispering into Rias's ear about the deal and conditions whilst the just revealed Red Dragon Emperor held everyone's focus.

After hearing it all, Rias nodded her agreement, but felt she had to ask and just as she was about to turn back to look up at Akeno, she noticed Menma was kneeling beside her wheelchair, staring at her. His deep, endless blue eyes that hold both wariness and determination. Anger and fear. Love and loss.

It was like he was fighting a war within his mind but compared to last time they were face-to-face, this time something had changed. It took Rias a moment to realise what it was and recalls his words. It clicked. He had a purpose.

So when Menma offered his hand, she felt no shame or hesitation in shaking it. Rias whispered. "Looking forward to be working with you."

Naruto would have snorted if it wouldn't draw too much attention, but rolled his slit eyes, replying snipped. "I am not. You might be better than the rest, but you are a slaver none the less. Were it not for your sister, I wouldn't even think of being here."

Their hands part, and Rias nodded and went to speak but this is when Ddraig disowned Issei which caused her to snap to the dragon and allowed Naruto to slip away again.

Issei dropped to his knees after Ddraig's announcement, barely able to breathe from the encroaching panic attack. The dragon did look remorseful but it had to be done. The others were right. In just a short time, he has basically abandoned his dependant in the form of Asia, alienated his friendships with his peerage members, and got a hold of a cursed sword.

Like seriously.

A hand on his shoulder caused Ddraig to let out a tight breath, nodding as he looked to the stern looking Naruto who informs him. "The deals done. Time to go."

The red head nodded before looking back at the still powerless group of devils. Ddriag just nodded to the Satans, saying nothing to them directly as he walked off after Naruto.

Within Naruto mind however, Shukaku suddenly speaks up. "Hey, hey – Naruto. Remember that seal you put on that red head."

Naruto froze in place abruptly, his prankster sense was going haywire, and asked internally. "Yes. What about it?"

Shukaku's Tanuki grin at this moment was a match for Kurama's which impressed many as he informed. "Well – I may have did a naughty."

Naruto busted out into a grin so foxy, Inari took notes, as he slowly turned back to the trapped group of devils while asking mentally. "Oh, Shukaku. Do tell… I need details."

Shukaku giggled. Actually full on giggled as he rubbed his hands together and stated one word. "Erectile dysfunction."

Not one person in Naruto's head was on their feet after that, busting guts and bellowing laughter. Were it not for Ddraig supporting him outside, Naruto would have fallen to the ground laughing. Due to the physical touch and the chaotic nature of the situation, Ddraig, tapped into, the mental talk as a registered 'tenant' so to speak.

All the dragon heard was a wheezing fox, bellowing. "Red head. Dysfunction...! Oh my tails…"

Ddraig was confused for all of two seconds before looking back at the devils who were all confused at the wheezing Sage. All but one. He had red hair and looked like he was ready to murder the next thing to move funny.

Soon, the dragon too chuckled lightly, but the longer he stared at the Satan the heavier it became just as heavy as his friends.

This was all broken up, everyone falling silent, when a wrist was caught by Naruto, the power of destruction blast deflected and exploding in the near distance, missing Ddraig by a comfortable margin, in sight rather reminiscent of their initial clash just reversed.

The scarlet eyes of the Satan known as Sirzechs Lucifer met the dark blue slit eyes of the Sage, that promptly narrow to slits dangerously. Naruto whispered. "Big mistake, dysfunctional slaver."

A palm thrust managed to stagger the angered Satan, a swift triple jab, one to either thigh and the last up cut, that was caught. Yet Naruto shoulder checked Sirzechs, before flipping him and slamming him down into a crater. A twist of the arm, failed to break any bones however, and Naruto had to leap clear as an ice spike launched at him.

Serafall landed beside the rising Sirzechs, looking to her friend saying. "What are doing? Charging in without a plan."

The red Satan grunted as Naruto, who had landed beside Ddraig, spoke up. "Oh, this is rich. None of them know, huh?"

Sirzechs snarls, replying. "You… what did you do to me?"

Naruto grinned foxily, Ddraig too as he chuckled lightly with arms crossed, with the dragon commenting. "Remind me never to cross you, sage."

Naruto offered a glance, a single chuckle before looking back at the Satan's idly noticing that the other two Satan's were attempting to cut off their retreat, offering a moment later. "Well, even I think it was a bit harsh, not saying it was wrong against these things."

A burst of energy from Sirzechs, a destructive magical wave, drew the attention of the Sage and Dragon Emperor, earning their brow raising with Ddraig asking. "So we not leave? We did finish what we came here for, no?"

Naruto nodded, confirming. "We have. Though, I doubt they'd just let us leave."

Again, a strange barrier encompassed the area causing the two to look at one another and back at the charging Satan's and noticing at their back were numerous teleportation circles indicating reinforcements.

Though they both just said together. "Let's play."

Both take deep breaths, and the two Satan's eyes-widen, and they attempt to escape the draconic red flames enhanced by chakra laced winds. The wall of flames suck in all the air in the area, the glassing the ground the wave travelled over the molten concrete only countered by the combined effort of Serafall and Grayfia's ice magic.

The barriers of ice blocked and reflected the inferno around the two peerages, but was barely holding as the cracks break began forming as they all watch in horror. Sona adds her own magic, minor in comparison but all was needed, and the few others that managed to escape behind the defence wall. They were all sweating heavily, skin drying out from the heat that managed to seep through.

The wave tapered off when another explosion rocked the ground and those trapped let out breaths of relief. Dropping the wall, they saw Ddraig handling Sirzechs with basic attacks and an absolute defence and just tanking the Satan's punches and kicks.

Menma, however, was handling Ajuka, keeping him on the defence and he was clearly beating the Satan. The green haired devil stepped back from the sharp kick before lunging forward right into the white ball of chakra formed on the twirling Sage's hand.

Naruto continued to spin after his missed kick, forming a wind style rasengan and just as he faces back to this new Satan in time to smack it dead centre. Bye-bye mister green.

A quick glance at Ddraig shows him struggling a bit, okay. More than a bit, and the Red Satan charges that chaotic energy again and thrusts it towards the human-form dragon's chest. Faster than a baby bird could blink, Naruto knocks the guys left arm wide and lands a left haymaker on his perfectly chiselled face.

The force use was sufficient to lift the Satan from his feet, sending the man tumbling as Naruto landed beside his newest tenant, grumbling. "This is getting troublesome."

Together, Naruto and Ddraig glance around to see the other Satans taking up a perimeter as Sirzechs gets back to his feet to complete the encirclement. The dragon chuckled, taking up a boxers stance, taught to him by Son Goku, saying. "Well, if you want peace, prepare for war and all that."

Naruto chuckled, taking up his kunai in left and tanto in his right as he backed up to the dragons back as he spoke. "Yeah, sounds about right."

All four Satans preparing their magics, uncapping it and excluding an enormous magical pressure weighed down on all yet Naruto and Ddraig were unaffected. They were a sage and dragon after all.

Glancing around, Naruto ponders the situation and whether or not they should escalate this. They only need to escape after all.

The choice was taken from his hands, however, as out of no where came several arch angels, led by Micheal and Gabriel followed by a squadron of exorcists rushing the grounds. This stunned the devils, but that was not all as two of Artemis's Hunters burst from the trees and landing at Naruto's side, hunting knives out and prepared to defend him.

Further forces appeared from a magic circle up high, Azazel making his appearance along with Benemune and Baraqiel at his side along with six others as escort.

Sariel led her team in alongside them, swords primed and ready.

Not to be outdone, Yasaka appeared with a squadron of her own warriors at her side and standing proudly as she let down her daughter but kept her in her shadow in the face of this absolute madness of a powder-keg laid out before her.

For a solid moment, nothing moved everyone surprised at the presence's of the others, yet even this did not last, as abruptly Amaterasu, Hachiman, and Sasunoo all appear beside Yasaka.

None moved. Breaths held. None sure what was going to happen.

Naruto glanced about, all his tenants were on high alert right now, as if they were about to battle Kagyuya for a second time. Their own chakra's were simmering with the portions Naruto had himself, just beneath the surface, that was sensed by all the chakra users but felt by those in close proximity. Ddraig and the two hunters.

Naruto whispered to himself but those by his side heard. "Well, this is dangerous situation."

Elemental Nation: Land of Iron

Ten samurai burst into the two rented rooms, five each, with alliance shinobi slipping into the rooms from the windows to find nothing but fading chakra smoke. Both rooms were vacant and nothing was left behind to use to get a trail off of.

The captains growl, turning to their own men and ordering a retreat.

Land of Iron; Border with Waterfall

Four hooded figures rush across the snow, leaving no trace of their passing, or anything that could lead to their identities being revealed. After all, they belonged to the same clan as the worlds most wanted and desired shinobi. Considered the most dangerous, most lethal, and ruthless man ever to stride across the elemental nations.

Naruto Uzumaki.

Said shinobi has gone underground so far, that none have spotted him for the last few months which made locating him impossible for most however the eldest of the quintet knew exactly where he was. After all, her entire reason for her temporary return back here was to understand the events that led to the current situation on orders of the clans patron.

Passing through a valley, the group stopped suddenly before looking around at the bedrock all around them all. For a few minutes, their leaders point to a random rock and the second-in-command of the squad rushed forward and with a bite to their thumb and swiped it.

Moments later a portion the bedrock, thick dull grey stone, vanished and allowed their passage swiftly and it sealed behind them, nothing left behind.

Deep within the winding corridors the group finds a secret campsite, several huts and bedrolls set out and food prepared with those had just arrived. One of those who were already there, another redhead, who looks up at them with his weary, empty teal eyes meet the recently revealed vibrant violet of the new arrivals.

As the hoods were dropped, the group of five were revealed to hold similar features on various forms. Vibrant red hair, purple eyes, and pale skin but their leader was the one that caught the most attention as she was reported to have died nearly two decades ago. She spoke. "Gaara-san."

Gaara nodded calmly, looking back at the flickering flames replying softly. "Kushina-san. What did you uncover?"

Kushina took a seat beside the former Kazekage, exiled from his home and in hiding, before she reported. "Seems that the alliance has no leads either. We are in the clear."

One of the others present spoke next, her hard green eyes locked on to the man of her desire. "Then, where are we to go next, Kushina-san? Our position is still rather… limited."

One of the other Uzumaki, the oldest male present, spoke up in place of his clan head. "We have heard rumours of several disgruntled shinobi up in the former Land of Spring. We should investigate it at least."

The black haired woman raised an eyebrow, arms folded beneath her generous bust, replying. "Yuki-shinobi? Can we trust them?"

The man shrugged, recalling the reason of their sudden relocation a few weeks ago, saying. "I don't think they will sell us out like the Frost Shinobi did."

A new presence stepped in from another room, the shower room, came in and asked. "Oh? You guys are back. How'd it go?"

Kushina smiled at the blonde who sat beside her brother, informing her. "We are in the clear. The alliance has no leads regarding my son's location."

Temari no Sabaku nodded at the news, looking down at the flickering flames, before asking. "Are you sure things will get back to normal? You said it yourself. Naruto is out of their reach, which means our reach too."

Kushina nodded confirming that, before she too stared into the flames, and informing them all. "Yes. From what I have been made aware of, is that a new force will arrive soon and lay waste to any within their path to find the seeds of the sinju…"

She looks between the two former Suna residents, continuing. "More commonly known as the Bijuu."

Letting out a tired sigh, Gaara mumbled. "Is there nothing we can do? To save the world in place of him."

The Uzumaki Matriach had a tight frown, admittedly she had mixed feelings regarding the world as a whole that had turned on her son but a small part still feels the need to defend her own. That is why she had been searching for the few survivors left, one of her dreams back when she was alive originally.

Kushina however, her actual mission here was to get a clear understanding of the world at large, get an update on the Uzumaki as a whole, and ascertain the situation regarding her son. This was all to be reported back to Lord Shinigami.

Eventually, she sighed, shaking her head allowing her ponytail to sway at her back, then looking to the former Kage and container, informing. "Not that I am aware of at current. It is why we are searching for our clans scattered relics, searching for a way to fight back against them."

That caused a heavy silence to fill the room. For several minutes none said anything until Gaara spoke up, looking to the brunette opposite him. "Shizuka-san, can you get us travel passes towards the Land of Sky?"

Shizuka of Nadishiko is a fair-skinned woman, with an award winning body and high level of athleticism due to her life as a kunoichi. She had the perfect curvaceous ratios paired with long, waist-length hime-cut black hair in a pony tail with a few strands framing her face to her chin and brilliant emerald green eyes.

She had become the leader of her people after battling Naruto and he had talked her though her grief, given her guidance, and filled her with the resolve to change her people. Things she has done since she had last saw him.

After the war and post stabilisation of their own village, they came to find that their leader's man was supposedly the most wanted shinobi for crimes of mass destruction, unlawful destruction of alliance property, and an ever increasing tally of killed Anbu and Hunter-nin.

Although their hands were somewhat forced, Nadishiko joined the shinobi alliance as a trade partner only, and as a minor village, they were not called upon for the hunting of the man who has the bijuu captive. At least not initially. They had to once, and only once did they participate and the battle that transpired wiped out the Hidden Sound.

Strangely enough, Naruto was not the one responsible for eighty-percent of the damage to the Land of Rice but rather his pursuers who were flinging around forbidden jutsu as casually as breathing. He countered everything, one-way or another.

Only after he had led them sufficiently away from civilians, out towards the sea and coast line did Naruto unleash a tailed beast bomb and made his escape during the chaos.

Since then, the interaction between Nadishiko and the alliance had been strained yet cordial. As such, Shizuka held no qualms in aiding the growing rebellion against the growing tyranny of the alliance and exiled to the former Kazekage. "I will see it done. It may take a month or two though. How do you plan on getting through alliance territory?"

Gaara offered nothing on his face, nor voice as he replied. "Well…Frost has not recovered…"

Kushina cut in here, informing the Kage. "Iron would be a safer option, Gaara-san. Then cut through Rice then…"

Temari cut her off now, adding. "Hotsprings is basically Land of Fire now. We'd never make it."

Gaara nodded to his sisters words, confirming. "Indeed. Getting to the Land of Frost, and then out to the disputed lands should be workable."

Kushina frowned but said nothing as that made sense she guessed.

Shizuka leaned forward, commenting. "I will see if we can pick you up from there. Is there a secondary location nearby just in case?"

Gaara looks to Kushina, who's frown deepened. Eventually she relented, huffing and folding her arms. "Fine. We'll go with you and open a path to Uzu. We should be safe there until you come get us, Shizuka-chan."

The Nadishiko woman nodded firmly, smiling at the woman returned from death. It was a surprise for her when she introduced herself as the mother of her fiancé to be sure, but not unwelcome.

After she explained that she was alive, on a technicality and not in so many words, as an advanced clone or reanimation on orders from the death god, she just tallied it as weird stuff her, by nadishiko law, husband tends to find himself in and moved on. No point dwelling on it all.

Her thoughts were shelved as one of Uzumaki ladies stepped up beside Kushina, and asked. "Lady Kushina. What if the Leaf finds us? That traitor might lead them into Uzushio herself."

Everyone frowned at that. The Leaf was by far no friend of anyone present, wanting to keep a very healthy distance from it and their friends forever mindset at all costs. However, a very familiar foxy smirk appeared on a certain matriarch's face, proving once again that she was indeed the mother of the most unpredictable knuckle head shinobi.

Kushina grinned, looking over the gathering, and stated. "I have an idea, databane! It'll be awesome!"

Even Gaara had to smother his smirk at her verbal tick, as Kushina continued. "It will even allow me to get the stuff from the old temple on the outskirts of the Leaf, check on the seals around my old home, and swipe the scrolls we have left."

This earned a few raised brows, though her second in command, the oldest male among the Uzumaki, Kelvin, asks. "Are you sure that's wise, Lady Kushina?"

Kushina shrugged, still grinning. "Probably not, but it is unlikely they'd stop us. In fact, we'd probably be welcomed in. Perfect to, I don't know…say... kill a certain traitor, no?"

Kelvin nodded swiftly, confirming it would be, but his younger sister Semera, with short, chin length hair and more crimson laced violet eyes, spoke up. "What about the detection seals? They would notice us all, no?"

Kushina smirked turned diabolical, shaking her head as she explained. "Who do you think installed them? I doubt the barrier system has been updated since I last did. By-passing it should be easy as pie."

A/N: So, Kouh Academy has just become a powder keg of supernatural proportions. Ddraig is revealed to be alive, Rias takes the deal, and Sirzechs finds out who did it to him. Shukaku got respect on his name for that stunt.

Back home however, it seems signs of a rebellion are growing, and scattered remnants of clan Uzumaki had joined up to cause some damage, take names, and cause a bit of chaos.

2nd A/N: Just a reminder, this story is coming together as I go, the premise of the oneshot was:

1. Have Naruto fight against the devils. Him joining them makes no sense.

2. Explore the other tailed Beast Chakra modes. Each have their own benefits/demerits.

3. Naruto not trusting anyone but his tenants, with no reason to try and return home for a reason.

o7