Page Ten
Mount Olympus
The twelve Olympians watched as the Devil's of the Biblical Faction attempted to ambush the Sage and his steadfast defence. Artemis was wondering where Felix and Jenny were at that time as she had left them to prevent this exact situation. Aries had already summoned his popcorn in anticipation of another worthy performance.
The others just observed in silence. The reveal that the dragon had survived and now fought alongside the Sage against his former allies was surprisingly overlooked. Though the revealed prank on the Leader of the Devils caused Apollo and Hermis to burst into a fit of giggles. Most the goddesses however gave a contemplative look to their male counterparts, earning uneasy shuffling from them.
The arrival of the other forces drew the attention of all, the seriousness on Zeus's face would have scared most as it was clear that this sage now had a significant amount of backing. Though, spotting his daughters two hunters at his side did ease his concern somewhat.
The arrival of enemy forces proved beneficial to gauge the forming alliance's effectiveness in combat. Witnessing the Sage's power up for the first time earned widened eyes from all, none more than Demeter as she can feel her domains resonate with it. Artemis too could feel the soothing nature of the power just like before atop that rooftop.
Hearing the Angel's discussion, Zeus nodded as it seemed like he too would benefit from the "Sage's Blessing" as they had dubbed it. Many of his foes however would suffer against it like a curse as they are not of nature like his lightning and air. Though, his brother Poseidon would too. Something to think on later.
Aries cheered aloud as the Sage led the charge, slicing a bloody path through the posers and the weak, perfectly ignoring his own children being cut down. They had his respect for joining this battle but they fell doing what they believed and were foolish enough to challenge the strong.
Artemis however was smirking, watching her hunters support the sage from a distance with perfect accuracy and even gaining the acknowledgment from the man directly. Though she did facepalm briefly when that monkey sage attempted to use nature against a superior sage of nature itself. Whoever trained him must have skipped that lesson.
Apollo showed intreast in the devil healer, her augmented power from the sage crossing the boundaries of her race and healed indiscriminately with no hesitation. Perhaps he could offer her training at least, maybe if she impresses him, a blessing may be in order too.
Athena watched intently as the Sage battled against the descendant of the Legendary King Arthur. The Sage had been clearly on the defensive whilst assessing his opponents level of ability while the King's descendant was attempting to end this quickly.
Though, she idly took note of those nature orbs and the ability to disintegrate the bonds between atoms and molecules of whatever they come into contact with. A frighting weapon that few could resist, let alone counter or replicate so thoroughly.
Aries cackled aloud when the Sage beat back that arrogant poser, and moved to eradicate the bulk of the weaklings as he waited for his opponent to stand again. The disrespect was thick with that one.
The defence of the healer and maiden earned the twins respect a bit more than most, however the save of the churches swordsmen was a defining moment for the room at large. The sage's declaration of the foolish boys words of the biblical god's death, and the light manner in which it was spoken of told of his respect to the higher powers.
Zeus was pleased, Hera nodded in approval, Aphrodite was swooning, and Aries grinned with a nod, liking his spirit in battle. Athena too offered a calculated nod, agreeing with the wise words, Demeter smiled as she leaned back and watched this Sage work. He will be one of her greatest warriors, maybe more than that perhaps though these are early days.
Artemis however grinned at the feral defence of the maidens of the church, and would never tell anyone just how fast her heart was pounding in her chest right now at the bloodlust generated by the Sage directed at the stupid boy.
Though upon seeing the shakujū appear, everyone sat up straighter as this was in the report from Artemis, and the power spike as a result of this appearance made a few consider that he had multiple levels of sorts. Much like themselves, this sage might have a true form which this may proceed and thus this spike was likely not his full might.
Athena was literally writing down all the words this Sage was saying in regards to kings, just like she had done with his words regarding heroes and clearly saw the similarities between the two speeches. This leads her to two theories; One. This Sage is a Hero King from an age before them, which is unlikely. Or two, he is bulling this out of his ass and modelling the king off the hero which isn't too far off looking at both titles objectively.
A quick wit no doubt, though it also leads to a great amount of wisdom acquired from a diverse and travelled life. She is most definitely interested to figure out this enigmatic Sage.
The arrival of the other heroes was a mixed bag, especially the reincarnation of the son of a particular sea god, who had sided with this ragtag group. The sage's quick reaction and separation was, in Areis humble opinion, a great move.
The swift justice to the hero who the sage had warned before, earned more than a few light chuckles and a grin from both the King and Queen of Olympus. From Hera, she respected people who stuck to their word. From Zeus, as he had warned the fool who crossed him and like himself, dished out swift punishment for defying him.
The arrival of the two Youkai, of their own violation, and powerful women no less earned an internal fist pump from the ladies present, even more so when the Sage accepted them without hesitation.
The opening shot from the human side showed of their own confidence in their victory, where as the more careful approach from the Sage's group, showed their experience in battle. The retaliatory blast of white flames caught even Hephaestus's attention, Hestia's too, surprised at the level of heat those three could create on which short notice.
The deflection of the human counterattack calmed many concerns, though the following power up from the sage then his swift strike against the human made many blink, having missed it.
Apollo whistled at the speed, glancing to his little brother Hermes who nodded in agreement. Amazement of the Sage's opening slash that near enough sliced the hill in half with a single swing confirmed for all that this sage was no longer on the defence.
Athena watched carefully the use of the spear, as an avid user herself, however it was clear that this human was simply not fast enough to deal with the Sage and likely would have lost were it not for the spear's own automatic defence.
All noticed the spreading of those unique long knives, then watched as the sage placed one into his mouth though again his words caused more than a few raised brows. Diynoses especially when he mentioned coming across madmen, both the common delusion types and the incredibly dangerous brilliant that he himself would normally step into to deal with. Those are no jokes.
Zeus had to hand it to this sage. Taking responsibility to deal with the numerous world ending weapons and keeping them out of the irresponsible is a noble goal however it also makes him even more of a threat. Perhaps, he should offer to keep them safe. If the sage accepts then an agreement between them would be fruitful.
Aphrodite took made sure to take a picture of the Sage in his battle pose, his kings sword, his own tanto, and mouth holding a third knife. His fierceness paired with his feral look was something she'll dream about for the next century. Again, she wasn't alone as Demeter was now planning to definitely draw him in.
The goddess of lust squealed at the arrival of five identical, independently thinking, and autonomous solid clones as her mind went down the adulterous path immediately. The implications of such an ability were unexplored until now.
Her fellow Olympians had their own versions of thoughts regarding this ability. Athena figured she might get an actually stimulating conversation or read even more knowledge and faster.
Aeries thought of the sparring application. Maybe make a team of himself of total badasses. Oh, maybe start a war against himself and truly take combat to the next level.
Hermes thought on how much more work he could get done.
For the readers sanity, Apollo was skipped. The others withheld their judgment for now.
Watching the Sage and his clones teleport around beyond the speed of even Apollo's chariot was a startling sight, even more so when the first wave attacked and was blasted to bits. Though many eyes widened as before that counterattack had finished, the second wave of clones had already got into striking range.
A master class of high-speed combat and timing, Athena would acknowledge that.
The intervention of the White dragon earned a boo from the god of war, who was not pouting as he was thoroughly enjoying this sage pick apart his foe. It was a one-on-one, respect the rules of the duel man.
Aries, along with the others, were surprised by the sudden attack by the sage, teleporting above the dragon and the wind/fire slash that knocked his opponents into the ground.
None of them were prepared for the attack the sage prepared, unable to fully understand its nature at first but it was Hephaestus who realised first, claiming. "Electromagnetism?"
The destruction wasn't as flashy as one might think from such a dangerous looking attack, until Artemis gasped at it. Without thinking, she overlayed the electromagnetic spectrum atop it and now the others were stunned at the display. Zeus wondered if he could pull something like that off, having never really thought on the exploring the entire spectrum of his lightning before.
They watched the forming of what was being dubbed "The Six Path Pact" and now they knew that diplomatic relations were in the near future.
That last part however was watching as the sage returned to the site of his attack and the devastation he wrought to the forest. This however was what solidified the Greek Gods decision as they watched him not only repair what was lost, but regrow the trees and enrich them with pure life.
After that, before Demeter could speak Zeus did, saying. "This Six Path Pact is something we cannot afford to ignore."
Everyone nodded, understanding that, so the king looks to his older sister and continued. "Demeter, you will go with Artemis and a few of her Hunter's acting as guards, and offer an allied status between us and this new group. You know more about our problems in regards to nature so I will leave the negotiations and fine print to you."
Demeter simply nodded, already looking over her domain's and their current state before making plans for the integration of the sage's power.
Zeus looks to his daughter, and offered. "Artemis, as you already have hunters there I expect a report of that battle from them and in my temple before your departure."
The auburn haired woman nodded firmly, Artemis replying. "It will be done."
Zeus adds after a brief moment of thought. "Only take ten with you. The rest can be sent to Camp Half-blood for the meantime and stay there until you get back."
Again, the goddess of maiden hood confirmed the orders with a simple inclination of her head and pondered on exactly how to explain things to her hunters. They are not exactly fond of that camp and this mission could last longer than most.
Finally, Zeus turned to his fastest son and ordered. "Hermes, you are to head to the Shinto Pantheon and request our admittance to this gathering. Go through whatever channels you must, but get us a seat at that table."
Hermes nodded and vanished immediately. There was no telling what was needed so best to start as soon as possible.
Regrown Forest Camp
As Sariel moves off and Ddraig's silent support retreated, Naruto spots the two hunters approaching his position, having seemed to have finished their inspection of the area, and approached him. Stopping before him, the older looking of the two took a knee, leading her junior to do the same, and announced. "My Lord Sage. My name is Felix, and this with me is my fellow Jenny. As you know, we are part of Lady Artemis's Hunters, her attendance and maidens."
Naruto nodded, aware of this thus replied. "Vaguely. That being said, why are you here and not with her?"
The short black haired teen nodded, looking up at him and reported. "Our lady is a deity of the forests, and had insisted your protection under her name thus we shall lay down our lives to ensure yours."
Naruto let out a sharp breath, and took a long pause as the weight of two more lives came to rest upon his shoulders. A familiar weight. After a moment to recall his dragon friend's words before answering. "I hope that things do not get that way."
Both girls nodded, understanding, so he continued. "But, I still have to thank you for your help earlier. If you need anything from me, please ask."
Both nod again, returning to their feet with Felix stating. "We are going to set camp and inform our lady of the events of this day."
Naruto nodded, expecting that thus was not surprised that they had to report in. Again, as they moved off the devil group stepped up with Serafall speaking for the group. "Well, mister sage – we are going to have to go back to the Underworld. We hope to meet you in a week."
Naruto nodded as he observed the group over, even the wheelchair bound Rias, who met his gaze and nodded subtly, but finally he landed on Issei, who looked somewhat subdued. It wasn't just his posture, but even his signature seemed suppressed. Glancing to Ddraig, who looked completely apathetic towards his old host, Naruto let out a soft sigh and stepped forward calling. "Issei Hyoudou…"
The boy stiffened, looking up at the Sage's blue eyes and watched him close in, before he could bolt, Akeno appeared at his side with her hand on his shoulder. Rias's hold on his arm held him in place metaphorically more than physically.
Stopping before the former dragon host, Naruto pretended to be ignorant of the stares from the others around him as his gaze left the boy's face and down to his chest where the eight pawn piece's rest. Eventually, the sage spoke. "Your signature is… subdued and had me contemplating why. Compared to last time it seems…"
Ddraig offered from behind. "Overburdened…"
Naruto clicked his fingers, nodding. "Right… overburdened. I can fix it, adjust the flow, but it won't be free."
Ajuka and Sirzechs wanted to interject, but Grayfia and Serafall had stepped between and intercepting the duo, while watching this interaction.
Issei looked to his king on his right, she offered nothing back meaning this was up to his own discretion and he thought on it. He already lost his gear, his gifted sword, and now the sage is saying that he can help him, for a cost. Murmuring, he asked. "What do you want? I don't have anything left for…"
Naruto cut him off, having heard the question. "That is something you will have to figure out, I won't tell you but know if you fail – I will kill you."
Issei looked confused and unsure as to what this was supposed to be, or what this sage was asking him to do. How is that fair?
Anger bubbled up, Issei was sick of being led by the nose by people more powerful of him. First it was the Fallen Angels, claiming he was a threat due to his gear. Then, it was the President, saying he couldn't get near the churches or befriend Asia, and now this damn Sage is telling him to do something that he wouldn't tell him what was. Growling, he shouted. "How is that fair…?"
Everyone's breath hitched at the clear sign of disrespect from such a low-class devil to one of the potentially most dangerous existences in the current age.
Naruto though, understood where he was coming from. When he was younger, he was always frustrated how much his master spoke so cryptically, same with the toads, and on occasion…
Taking a deep breath, Naruto looked at Issei calmly and offered nothing on his face, speaking. "Well, it isn't… I won't deny that."
The gathering was surprised at that admission, but Naruto continued feigning ignorance. "However, you also forget, Issei Hyoudou, that I know of you… better than you know yourself."
His eyes narrowed on the former dragon host, noticing how he stiffened up and also how even his peerage members glanced to the lowly pawn. Naruto continued. "I have seen past your eyes, and passed your dreams. Your desires laid out, your wishes listed, and seen what rests in the depth of your heart where not even light reaches."
Issei swallowed thickly, feeling the gazes on him intensified, and was now nervous about what this sage found. He went to speak but Menma did before he could. "That is the basis as to why I took Ddraig from you. I know you Issei Hyoudou, better than anyone else. Better than your parents, better than your friends, and better than even your enslaver."
Sighing, Naruto folds his arms, hating being this sage character but if the seeds of darkness within this kid are to be plucked out, this run around was needed. He couldn't help him directly, but the threat of death is a good motivator to behave thus he continued. "I will not tell you what you are paying me, but like I said, if you fail – I will kill you."
Extending a hand, the sage asks. "Do we have a deal?"
The tension had never been this high. The new faction devils were all curious as to what Menma had seen buried within Issei, some wondering if it was even possible, to confiscate his gear and if it was that bad, maybe he should be expelled. More than a few mental notes were made to keep him under watch.
Both types of angels were concerned about this matter. Neither doubted the words of the sage, though Azazel was wondering whether his initial assessment of Issei was broad and deep enough. He did not think the boy was that far gone, perverted to the nth degree, sure, but that was it. Yet the Sage had clearly stated that he was dangerous enough to warrant the confiscation of the boosted gear.
Damn. He should reevaluate his approach to threat assessments.
Micheal too was concerned by this. Heavens own assessment of the current Red Dragon emperor was not all that thorough at the moment, just that it had been put into a boy here in Japan and had been claimed by the devils.
Perhaps they have relied upon the system far too much, and now it's processes are to blame for this. Well, he just hopes that the sage can help prevent such a scenario from repeating itself.
Yasaka's eyes narrowed on the boy in question. Based on what the Sage is saying, then that boy likely would have become a world ending threat giving a few decades and an opportunity. Her limited knowledge on the young devil means she can't really say much else and she just hopes she can protect her daughter from its influence.
Kuroka stared blankly at the boy from her place in the lower branch of one of the tree's but if you looked at her back, her tails were swaying rather aggressively. To think, someone so close to her Shirone was such a character. She should tear him apart right now before her baby sister is infected by his darkness.
The Two Hunters were not surprised that a boy was judged that way. If the sage said it, then it is true as according to their lady, the sages words are to be treated as her own. Perhaps killing him would serve the world better.
Sighing again, Naruto walked off stating. "Fine. Think on it…"
Rias called out, stopping him. "Menma…"
Naruto glanced back at her, lip twitching at the name usage, and she continued. "Can… can we stay here and become your students?"
"Students?" Naruto asked bewildered and the Gremory peerage all nodded, Kiba stepping forward and saying. "Your swordsmanship is leagues above my own. I really need to get stronger to protect my precious people and become a true knight."
Naruto did detect the lie within that sentence and the very familiar festering darkness of an avenger buried deep. Oh boy. This kids got major uchiha vibes coming off.
Next it was Koneko who stepped forward, stating. "You know good senjutsu. I want to learn it too."
Naruto nodded, expecting that one, then his eyes shifted to the priestess of lightning. She looked back at him for a moment before waving him off, stating. "I am a lightning user. You can't…"
Immediately the sound of a thousand birds echoed far and wide with all eyes landing on the sage who was staring at his right hand that had ignited in thick, almost navy blue lightning that was arching all over the two meter area around him.
Naruto inspected the hand as he held it to near his face, ignoring the spreading bolts that scorch the ground they dance across, before looking to the devil who dared doubt him and seeing her gobsmacked expression. He answered the unasked question. "The lightning blade. This is its most basic form but I can assure you that very little can withstand the punch through of this move."
Everyone watching just nodded, believing it without a second thought. Internally though, Naruto sighed as the beasts all chuckle lightly at the fact that their host can personally attest to this move's effectiveness being hit by it so many times he could recreate it on feel alone.
Allowing it to die down, fizzle out, Naruto looked back to the priestess with a brow arched. "It's cool though… you don't need my…"
Akeno bowed fully at the waist, asking. "If you would have me, Menma-sensei."
Ddraig snorted, glancing away from the bowing devil and his friend. Naruto grinned briefly, but he eventually looked to Rias who's eyes gleamed with determination. He shrugged as he turned his back on them, claiming. "I'll think about it."
Though the devils looked disappointed, Rias and Akeno sensed the mirth buried within it thus took no offence. Katerea, who had kept a very safe distance from the other devils, watched and had heard the request and smirked. Maybe she can drive the wedge further but for now, she will take it easy and gently. Rushing is inadvisable.
The devils were about to leave when the ruin princess declared to the others. "We will remain here."
Her brother was about to interject when Serafall decided to trust her gut, asking. "Are you sure?"
Rias nodded, along with her peerage beside Issei who as more hesitant than ever.
Off to the side, Yasaka approached Naruto with her daughter in tow and the sage stopped before her. Just as she went to bow, Naruto spoke. "Stop."
She froze, before looking at him directly and he continued. "I have… been told I may have been… brash in my initial judgment of you."
Yasaka couldn't help but beam, though both noticed the listeners and chose to overlook it for now. Naruto continued hesitantly. "So… if possible… I would like to, umm…"
He scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed but was egged on by Matatabi, Saiken, and Kurama internally. Taking a very deep breath to centre himself and solidify his resolve, Naruto whispered softly yet hesitantly. "I would like to come home."
The Kyuubi's eyes glisten at the words. It was not lost on her that the sage had asked her to come home, not to her home or even back to Kyoto and the significance of what that meant.
After all, Yasaka herself had welcomed him home back then, after the first contact all those months ago. Despite her tails swaying around excitedly at her back, much to her daughter's and Ddraig's amusement, Naruto was too distracted by his own feelings to notice, the youkai leader was ecstatic at this development.
Taking a breath to centre herself, the kitsune leader offered a truly beautiful smile that stole Naruto's breath, before answering. "Yes, Lord Sage. You were always welcome home. You are rather late though."
Naruto offered an embarrassed chuckle, slightly flushed cheeks and as he scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah… well… I… my bad. I umm… sorry."
Taking a leap of faith, Yasaka stepped forward swiftly and took the sage into a soft embrace. She felt him stiffen up completely, almost ramrod for a few moments, before he relaxed and hugged her back hesitantly.
Everyone watched this with mixed feelings. The angels, on both sides, could clearly see for the first time the broken man beneath the surface of their designated hero known as the Nidaime Sage of Sixth path.
Azazel's anger and fear toward this sage dissipated unknowingly at the sight. Even he, known as the archangel of Lust could set aside his own nature to use his god given powers to see the cracked, yet still vibrant soul buried beneath war wariness, hurt, pain, and a healthy amount of regret.
Yet, here he stands, even against all else.
Gabriel was barely holding herself together. She too could see what her brother has. But her innocence gave her a deeper understanding of just how thick and dense it was. Just what happened to scar his soul so this deep?
Micheal was doing far better than his sister but his heart went out to this poor man who had no doubt seen the worst of hells. Yet, here and now, he was being comforted by the shrine maiden of the Youkai leader. No doubt, his allegiance was solidified here in the arms of another. A missed opportunity perhaps.
His final thoughts were not unique to the leader of heaven. The devils, the fallen, the Greeks, The Shinto and even Ddraig, who was going through a list of female dragons that might have been alive still after his time sealed away. Katerea too frowned at the misstep of her passiveness.
No. Time is on her side.
Kuroka frowned at the sight. She wanted to be the one that hunk came home too. Perhaps even soothing his wariness she picked up through her senjutsu during that last fight. It was only a few seconds before he left but she felt the darkness within, no – not darkness but cracks most definitely, clear signs of a troubling past but he had locked it down tight due to the situation.
She won't fall behind.
Kyoto Mountain Shrine
With the sun high above the following day, Yasaka leads the sage's party into a shrine atop a mountain on the edge of Kyoto and a historic monument of the Youkai people. Which also happened to also be her holiday home.
It was a traditional Shinto shrine, with three out buildings scattered around the outer side that was separated from the main temple by a gentle guided stream that had bridged by two red arch bridges and a single white.
As the leader of the Youkai leader passes the last tori gate, reaching the top deck, she turned back to see those that remained behind as their leaders returned to brief their advisors and people.
Naturally, Naruto was first up, holding Kunou's hand who had been talking a million mile a minute but the sage seemed to not mind it, engaging her back with a gentle smile. At his back, as always, was Ddraig in a seemingly casual walk but the kyuubi of Kyoto was not fooled for a moment.
Next was his Greek guard, Hunters of Artemis, Felix and Jenny. They too moved deliberate steps and studied the area they were moving through. They appeared unarmed, but none dared think they were defenceless.
Next was the devil Katerea leviathan and the rogue Kuroka. Both were sticking close to Naruto, never getting too far to no doubt prevent the New Faction's attempts to capture them both. After all, the new faction's standing with the sage is already pretty bad and they likely do not want to lose anymore as it will likely lead to him becoming hostile on sight.
Next up was the Gremory peerage. All of them, including a troubled bishop known as Gasper Vladi. Rias Gremory, the king of the peerage, floated by her wings until the flat ground was beneath her, she summoned her wheelchair, and plopped down gracefully, having practiced it. Asia took up pushing it without hesitation.
Sariel and her team were next, far more subdued but not beaten and hopeful for the second coming in the form of the sage. Xenovia seems to be spearheading their group spiritually at least and Irina seemed to be far more devoted than ever. She will overcome this challenge.
The last two up were the two most suspicious, at least to Yasaka, was the second-in-command of the Grigori, Benemune. A ten wing fallen with a far calmer demeanour than most. The last was none-other-than Gabriel, who was chatting rather amicably with the previously mentioned Benemune.
Yasaka suspected that these two were likely her biggest threat to her hold on the sage. Sure, the devil's hands had presented the crippled heiress and the old faction likely had thrown that Leviathan in as a sacrifice. No guarantee she is in on it or a real threat as of yet.
Stopping before the bridge crossings, the shrine maiden turned back to the group at large, Yasaka announcing. "From here we are to split up. As our honoured guests…"
She gestured to the outhouses where shine maidens and Shinto priest's appeared ready to serve in their respective capacities and duties for their lady. They were made up of both human and Youkai alike. Yasaka continued. "The outhouses have been prepared for you."
Most people nod though Issei, somehow managing to drag his eyes from the numerous busty maidens and back to the fox goddess standing ahead, asking. "Why can't we go there? I mean, that building's big enough for us right?"
Thankfully his peerages queen was able to explain, Akeno answering. "Because, Issei-san, beyond that bridge is considered holy land to the Shinto Pantheon. Remember how you felt in the church?"
Upon seeing his nod, she continued. "Think that but tripled and instead of the feeling of dread and tingling, you will burn up completely with you feeling it slowly consume your…"
Issei bellowed, cutting off the blushing hybrid shrine maiden. "I get it! I get it! Don't cross it."
Xenovia raised her hand, asking. "What about us?"
Yasaka nodded, replying. "I am sorry, exorcist-chan, but only those associated with the Shinto are given permission to cross over here."
Irina raises her hand before pointing to the two Hunters of Artemis, asking. "What about them? They belong to the Greek Pantheon right?"
Yasaka nodded along with said hunters, the Kyuubi explained. "Under normal circumstances they too would be forced into the outhouses, however there is an exemption for them at current."
She did not look too happy about it, if her side eye at them was anything to go by. Yasaka continued after that. "Normally none of you would be allowed beyond the gates, however these are extraneous circumstances and so while you are within these grounds, no blood shall be spilled."
Everyone nodded, so she continued. "This is neutral territory and as such, all teleportation has been forbidden and will not work so please keep that in mind. If you need anything, the staff are always on call around the clock."
Kiba raised his hand, and upon her nod, he looks to Naruto and asks. "Is there a place where we can train with you, Menma?"
Naruto looks to Yasaka who thought on that for a moment. After some contemplation, she offered. "I believe the main gardens are suitable for light sparring but no magic please."
Naruto nodded looking back to the Gremory Knight, stating. "Once we get some rest and settled in, we can get some training in."
Kiba nodded, satisfied. Rias was next to raise a hand, asking her question when gestured to. "Is there a way to contact you or Menma as we can't enter the main shrine? Like for meals and the like?"
Yasaka nodded, gesturing to the largest of the outhouses and explained. "The food hall is in that building. We all shall dine there. Incidentally, the main garden is behind it too so I suspect most our time will be within it."
This got nods from all around so Yasaka turned to Naruto and asked. "If you would please follow after me."
Naruto nodded and followed Yasaka over the bridge and as he passed through, he felt a tingle over his body, spreading from his seal, and briefly all saw the astral form of none other than the Shinigami appear beside him but it was gone before most got a good look at it.
Subsequently, they thought it was a trick of the light but three knew better. Sariel, Akeno, and Gabriel all knew what that meant and who it was. The Sage's patron was none other than the Shinigami.
Akeno, upon noticing this, was now so glad that Rias's attempt at resurrecting Menma into her peerage had failed. Earning the death gods wrath would be nothing but a mistake and ensure a fate far worse than death for all those connected to her.
Gabriel was slightly more concerned now for the future of her kind. Sariel however was of the opposite mind, this just told her that this Sage was exactly what heaven needed with that level of verification. Her Shinto counterpart is not one to make rash decisions, nor is a poor judge of character.
Ddraig drew all their attention though, calling out to the sage. "A little help here…"
Naruto turned back to the see the dragon being prevented from crossing by a barely noticeable barrier. He suspected that his friend could break it but that would cause a new host of issues on top of everything else. As he approached the dragon in human form, he mumbles. "I guess it can't be helped."
Ddraig sighed as he understood and too wanted to keep this under wraps but not angering every god he came across was apart of his attempt at changing himself. His new change of leaf and all that.
Naruto recrossed the bridge and stood beside the dragon, drawing all eyes on him, before holding out his fist and nodding. "Ready…?"
Ddraig nodded, placing his fist against his friend's before replying. "This is going to be weird, isn't it?"
Naruto smirked, replying. "You know it…"
Chuckling Ddraig nodded as his form began to glow green and loose cohesion but managed to say. "Call me… when you need me…"
As he finishes the swirling emerald energy flows over the sage and reflows back into his body. Naruto's form glowed green slightly before the energy settled back into the sealed space and he takes a few breaths to aid in this process.
Reopening his eyes, Naruto's eyes were briefly a glowing green reptilian before it all died down and returned to his normal blue then they return to normal. Flexing his fist slightly, shaking off the tingle of dragon magic through his coils, Naruto looks around at the gobsmacked faces of everyone and sighed. "Figured."
He turned back and crossed over the bridge again and the moment he felt someone about to ask him the question on everyone's lip, Naruto states firmly. "No I will not tell you. Drop it."
The sound of mouths shutting echoed as he approached the still in awe adult golden haired Kyuubi, the sage asking. "Can we go now? I am tired and hungry."
Underworld
The devil council meeting had been called for midday. The four Satans had gathered first and now they stand before the group of thirty-four house representatives of the remaining pillars. Finally, Sirzechs spoke. "There has been a development in regard to Menma Maelstrom and it has grown into an political crisis."
Seeing their unease, Serafall explained further. "Yesterday evening, we came into contact with the rogue Gremory Rook, known as Menma Maelstrom, at Kouh academy and confronted him directly with all four of us."
Seeing the nods, a few glances over each blank faced Satan as the former Sitri continued. "However, he was backed up by Heaven, the Grigori, the Shinto, the Youkai and even the Greek Pantheon."
That definitely got the attention of all, many dropped jaws, others in cold sweat, and a few shared glances. Sirzechs chimed up. "The old faction also has better relations with the new pact that has since formed."
Zekram Bael jumped up, snarling. "You cannot be serious!"
Serafall replied. "We are…"
Sirzechs continued from his friend seemlessly. "I was there when Katerea Leviathan proposed a deal with Menma."
Zekram growled. "Which was…?"
Sirzechs shook his head when Lord Agares spoke up. "This pact… are we apart of it."
Serafall nodded, stating. "Yes. There is an official meeting in a week. All six factions are attending to outline the pact going forward. We too shall be attending."
Earning the nod from the Lord when the head of the Phenex family, stood up and asked. "Then, who will attend this conference and what is it's goal?"
This was an expected question to be sure, though the asker was the surprise, and the four Satan's glanced between one another wondering who was going to answer that. Finally, Ajuka, Falbium, and Serafall all look to Sirzechs who grumbled. "Fine."
Clearing his throat, gaining the councils attention, Sirzechs informs them. "From what we have gathered, both types of angels have their own designs for him, and even the old Satan faction has a need for him."
Zekram bellowed. "Unacceptable."
A chorus of cheers of agreement with that statement, the red head leader raised a hand and some fell silent so Sirzechs briefed. "We are in agreement thus, as such, we will be attending with a reasonable showing. We cannot allow his power to fall out of our purview nor allow our enemies to dictate its usage."
Gaining many nods of agreement though Zekram asked. "What are these power's exactly? We know he is sage but not what he commands."
Ajuka answered that one. "Simple. Life. He commands the forces of life nature in all its forms."
Seeing their blank faces, Serafall elaborates. "During our battle against the Khaos Brigade, Menma utilised a new ability that allowed us to more accurately identify his power. It is most definitely chakra based, yet it supercharges all nature and life related abilities whilst near him."
Many gasps of realisation crossed those with attachment to one of the natural elements, and upon Serafall's nod, the murmurs began anew than Zekram spoke up. "So even our magic is enhanced?"
Serafall nodded firmly, stating. "Both mine and Grayfia's ice magic was greatly boosted, costed us nearly nothing."
The murmurs grew louder, though Sirzechs had to rain on this growing parade. "It is not without risk however…"
The silence returned swiftly, though Serafall did seem to blush slightly as she recalled said risk and the downside she had experienced. Though, she recalls the power surge that froze that monstrous water spout of Leviathan magic.
Lord Phenex asked the question for the room at large. "What kind of risk, exactly?"
He was one of the few present currently planning to try and approach the sage if his power can boost his clans flames beyond their current capacity.
Sirzechs replied simply. "Magic overcharge and overflow."
Many raised brows and were more than a little curious about it so Ajuka explained it. "The short of it, the power of the sage, dubbed "The Sage's Blessing" by the Angels, reacts to anything nature related and thus reacts by enhances density, replenishment, and efficiency."
The whole council gasped at this revelation, but the Satan continued. "Unfortunately… for reasons we do not understand yet, but our physiology is unable to handle this – blessing, for long periods and causes our mana to overcharge and overload."
Serafall adds, having suffering from the infliction. "It will cause those afflicted to become delirious and confused, which can be countered by expelling excessive amounts of one's mana in spells and the like."
The murmurs picked up at that. Based on what the Satans had explained, then this Sage, formally of the Gremory, has huge potential for them as well.
Lord Phenex especially, seeing as his plans with the Gremory house fell through, due to injuries their heiress sustained by the sage, and he needs to recoup the lost of prestige. Perhaps his daughter could be of use here, and just as he was about to speak, Zekram Bael did. "As useful as that may be, what effect did it have on them? The Youkai use chakra too, they thrived most likely. But what of the angels?"
Sirzechs let out a sigh, reluctantly speaking up. "They were unaffected by the overload."
Now more than a few worried glances were shared and the old Bael House Devil knew this could be bad if this pact forms without his input. Falbium spoke up next, having been present there longer than the others. "Not only that, they seemed to have returned to their power during the Great War. Both Pure and Fallen that is."
Lord Astaroth stood, declaring. "We cannot allow Menma to fall into their hands. The consequences will be devastating for us."
Lord Gladys-Labolas offered back. "How do you suppose we stop that from happening? This sage has proven to be able to stand toe-to-toe with our Satans. Now he has backing."
Lord Phenex smirks, time for him to deploy his daughter, yet before he did, Lord Agares stood saying. "Lady Leviathan, what is your read on this Menma character?"
Serafall remained silent for a while before offering carefully. "Menma is a character that has likely seen the worst of life for a long time. He holds to his beliefs sternly, but also holds all, including himself, to a high standard and if you knowingly take action against that, he will strike you down without hesitation."
Thinking on it for a moment, Serafall continued. "He seems to want nothing but his self-autonomy, and will defend others right to self-actualisation at all costs."
This earned either frowns and shared looks from the older devils and worry from the rest. Sirzechs, who noticed this all, nodded to confirm their feelings. "Yes. He see's us as nothing but slavers and thieves. Called us out for our Evil Piece's and their wide-spread implementation."
The room fell silent. This was a problem that had no clear fix. The whole Evil Piece systems has become such an integrated system within their society, that it would be impossible to…
Lord Phenex stood up, announcing. "Perhaps a different approach…?"
All eyes look to him, though the Satan's shared a look before the redhead nodded and the Lord of the pyromaniac's continued. "This Menma, has only ever come in contact with the Gremory and Sitri houses, and you four Satans, correct?"
Lord Astaroth jerked up, glaring at the blond. "You wish to risk our young children?"
Lord Phenex waved off his fellow councilman off, stating. "Volunteer, and yes. Have them interact and tell him our side of things. Surely, he wouldn't hurt those who have done him no wrong."
Just as Astaroth was about to respond, Zekram spoke. "An unusual approach and something that the Old Satan Faction would not have predicted. Perhaps, any of 'extra' heirs and the like could prove beneficial in this affair."
Lord Agares thought on that for a moment, along with the words of the Satan's and commented. "Perhaps those without peerages…"
When everyone looked to him, he looked up at Sirzechs and continued. "If he calls us slavers due to our Evil Piece System, then have those who have yet to gather their peerage or use them act as our advocate. He may be more receptive that way."
Again, the Satan's share looks before nodding, Serafall answering. "That sounds reasonable. At current, the Gremory Peerage has accompanied Menma to the Youkai Capital in Kyoto. We have received confirmation from Rias that they had arrived safely."
Everyone nodded to that so she added. "Please bring me any suggestions you have before this evening and we can process the arrangements and application's tomorrow morning."
Kyoto Mountain Shrine
Leaving his assigned room in the upper level of the main shrine, Naruto strolled through the ornate hallways down toward the garden Yasaka had told him about. He was still fully armed, dressed to kill, and was spotted by both Felix and Jenny, who promptly moved after him.
He rolled his eyes but said nothing as he reached the ground floor, when Kunou spotted him and decided to tag along. This entire time, he was listening to his beast council talk and discuss things. Ddraig commenting. "So these ranks are applied to everything then?"
Son Goku nodded sagely, replying. "Yes, everything. From the lowest threat rank of civilian baby F all the way to Calamity class triple S rank."
The red scaled dragon nodded, understanding that and replying. "Sounds complicated. We only have a power rating put forward by the Biblical God before his death. I don't have the specifics though."
Kokuo asked. "Where would you rank on this rating? Seeing as your gear was capable of slaying these gods."
Ddraig shrugged, at least that is what the others assumed his action was as the lizard was curled around himself, wings tucked on, as he spoke. "No idea. I was sealed before it was established. Though, a few of my welders have made it to the top fifty previously."
Gyūki chimed in, commenting. "We should see if there is a way to measure ourselves against it. I am curious about how we stack up."
Chomei added. "Indeed. Though, skill was not mentioned."
Ddraig nodded to that, commenting. "Exactly. I, like most, never considered that as a deciding factor. I was powerful enough to deal with most things that challenged me and caused me to grow arrogant and conceited. It was my undoing."
Son Goku and Gyūki both glance to Kurama, who was pretending to sleep but could sense their gazes on him and huffed. Slowly, his scarlet eyes part and glare at his younger brothers and states. "Do you want me to show you the difference between us again?"
Before they could get into a scrap, Naruto added his few Ryo, from leaning against Matatabi's paws. "From what we've gathered thus far, those guys who tried to stop us are considered the top dogs within the slavers right?"
Ddraig nodded, confirming that so Naruto continued. "His raw power output isn't bad, he'd handle the five Kage's. So maybe double S-rank?"
The beasts in the know all thought on that for a few silent moments. Gyūki broke it. "His power destroys everything. That is the only reason I think he would win though."
The others nod to that, but Son Goku nods. "If we consider it a bloodline, then yes he would be double S-rank, natural disaster level threat."
The others all agree to that when Ddraig asks. "Then, what is your rank…?"
He looks to Naruto who shrugged casually, offering. "Last time I snagged a bingo book it was…"
Kurama announced for his container. "Double S-rank calamity-class threat. The same rank as myself."
Before Naruto could correct him, Matatabi spoke up, whispering to her favourite human. "They're trying to get your attention, Naru-kun."
Looking up, Naruto blinked as he was now back in the outside world and among the garden of the Shrine with the young Kyuubi waving both hands in front of him. Blinking a second time, he tilts his head to the side and asks. "Sorry, Kunou. Did you say something?"
Kunou pouted, the others in the large garden, many had spotted the sage heading and decided to check it out, were wondering if he was being serious. The little Kyuubi nodded and asked. "Umm… Mister Sage. Can you teach me that wind trick? The one you made Oka-sama's flames stronger?"
Naruto looked around, finding himself in the centre of the garden with flowerbeds all around the edges of the grassy field he was on. Must have walked out here on his way towards the line of four Sakura petals near the covered decking beside the coy pond. Most the others were there, especially those wanting to train with him like Kiba and Akeno. Though, Kuroka is remaining close but out of sight of the other cat girl.
Looking back to the kit, Naruto knelt to her level and asked. "What nature is your chakra?"
Every Youkai in hearing ranged blinked at that, Koneko too, and looked at the sage confused by the wording. Kunou was especially confused, her scrunched up face was adorable and Naruto had to fight his and Matatabi's urges to smother the girl to death, and Kurama's demand to pet the kit and give her the world.
Sighing after regaining his composure, Naruto reached into his equipment pouch, beneath his haori, and began to rummage around. It has been quite a long time since he's needed them so it took him a little time. Feeling what he was looking for, he pulled out what appeared to be sheets of paper, five of them and smiled. "Glad I still have them."
Nodding to himself, the sage looks to the kitsune who was eyeing up the papers in his hand as he asks. "Kunou-chan…"
Gaining the kits attention as he calmly just sits in the grass, the others all gathering around while the Youkai princess sat before him gracefully. Naruto continued. "You know how to channel and flow your chakra, right?"
She nodded, so Naruto offered her one of the paper slips to which she takes and examined. He then explains. "These are chakra papers. By channeling your chakra into them, they will react in such a way that you can tell what nature your chakra is aligned too."
All the Youkai gawked at that. The black cat materialised on his side, and Koneko opposite with both staring at the papers. Naruto continued, ignoring the sudden attention. "By flowing your chakra through it like this…"
Taking one out from his pile and holding it up in his right hand, everyone watching it closely, even the recently arrived Yasaka, as he flowed his chakra it reacted immediately.
The paper split into six pieces, signalling his wind affinity that he was expecting, but the others; one became waterlogged and fell apart, water. Expected too.
The next; crinkled into a small pellet, Lightning. Next; crumbled to dust, earth. This was followed by one burning up in bright blue flames.
One flowed to a solid white with the last one beside falling a dark purple. Kurama supplied helpfully. "Yin/Yang release."
Naruto nodded dumbly as he muttered. "Oh, so now I have all seven natures now, huh?"
The bijuu all scoff, Shukaku adding. "You have Magnet release too. Not just from me either."
Matatabi chirped happily. "I boosted your fire affinity. No need to thank me."
She giggled at the end, when Son Goku spoke up. "Lava release from me."
Kokuo added. "Steam from me. Though, you are untrained in it so I do it for you."
Son Goku nodded along to that as Saiken informs. "Acid from me. You never needed it so I never said anything."
Chomei reminds. "You already have wind, but you have my wings too."
Sighing, Naruto nodded to them all though this broke everyone else from their shock as they look at him for an explanation. One he provides. "Well, I am a special case as a Six Paths Sage, but in order. My primary is Wind, secondary of water."
Everyone nods, the youkai paying wrapped attention. Naruto continued. "Third was Lightning. Which was unexpected, I admit, seeing as my primary is its opposite."
This was news to group at large, none opposed it but it did clear things up for a certain hybrid priestess of his choice of attacks. Naruto carried on. "Fire was next and its colour indicates a high degree of affinity towards it. Any questions?"
Kuroka, who had shifted back to her human form, raised a hand and Naruto nodded so she pointed to the last two, the black and white, and asked. "What about those two?"
Naruto sighed, before answering. "These…"
Picking up the said pieces and staring at them hard as he continued. "These are the reason for my title. A pair of chakra natures that is rare to know of, even rarer to see, and nearly impossible to master. Most people with either will only ever subconsciously use them in combination with other things and not directly."
He looks to the devil/youkai hybrid directly and announced. "These two represent, what most know as light and dark. For me, as a sage however, they are Yin and Yang."
None knew what to say but Kuroka was certain that her throat had never been this dry. As she swallowed spit, Naruto looked to see that Yasaka and a few of the Youkai servants had gathered with the shrine maiden joining her daughter's side and observing the papers he now had in hand.
He then looked to the kit and instructed. "Go ahead, Kunou-chan. Give it a go."
Flooding the paper with as much chakra as she could, Kunou watches as the paper ignite in light blue flames before ripping through the centre and split down the centre.
Naruto smirked, nodding his approval, saying. "Primary Fire with a secondary in Wind."
That surprised everyone as kitsune are well known pyromaniacs with some known for their earth nature atop that. Kunou though just looked at the sage, asking. "Umm… mister sage… can you teach me wind stuff… please?"
Naruto went to speak but paused. Closed his mouth and thought on it, arms crossed and looking up in thought. Will his technique's even work with their thinner chakra? What about the hand signs? Sharing this knowledge with others might not be the best idea.
His predecessor did and even if he raised to the level of a deity back home, he wasn't happy about what his ninshu had become. Who's to say it will stay within the Youkai people too. Even if he restricted this knowledge, all it would take is one slaver to capture one with the knowledge and boom, they'll take that too and raid whatever place has the rest.
Can he risk it?
A snort from within broke his trail of thoughts, Kurama speaking up. "Did I not tell you already that thinking isn't your style?"
Naruto sighed, muttering. "Fine."
Kunou perked up hearing him say that and when Naruto looked to her he nodded and smiled but gestured to her mother, saying. "Only if your mother says you can and when we aren't busy."
The chibi kitsune cheered loudly as the others smile at her when Koneko raised a hand, drawing the sage's attention, and she asks. "Can I try?"
Naruto looked down at his three remaining papers and pondered whether he should or not. He had no way of getting more and these were mementos from when he was planning on teaching Kono and his friends on chakra natures the week before he left the village.
A snort from within his mind earned an eyebrow twitch from the blonde who hears his oldest tenant say. "Did you forget your creation of all things? Just use one of them to create a seed for planting."
Naruto griped back. "You and I both know I am not good enough for that yet!"
The stupid fox remains silent getting an deep sigh of frustration as the Sage returned outward towards the devil girl and Naruto replied simply. "No."
Disheartening for the devil-Youkai hybrid but Naruto did not care for them and was about to stand again when Ddraig spoke up. "Hey, Naruto. Before anything else, I want you to check something."
He froze and offered an internal nod so the red dragon continues. "Hearing how everyone else had given you stuff, I was wondering if my presence has granted you anything."
This even got Kurama to snap his eyes open while Matatabi looked to Saiken, who herself was beginning her diagnosis of her hosts entire body. Naruto asks. "As in…?"
The dragon's emerald eyes gleam in mirth, offering. "Perhaps, access to magic? Dragon magic no less."
Eyes all over the clearing, chakra bodies shot up in disbelief and Naruto was no exception, even appearing on his external face too, as the host asks. "Magic? As in from those fairytale and…"
Ddraig chuckled, shaking his head as his tails flicked up in amusement, before saying clearly. "You better start believing those fairytales, Great Sage Naruto. You're living one."
Frowning, Naruto then asks. "Then…"
Ddraig cut him off, instructing him. "Feel deep inside for a soft, warm thrumming, and then get back to me."
Sighing, Naruto corrected his lotus position and focused just like the toads taught him all those years ago. Many were impressed by his ability to keep perfectly still and how his presence had shrunken to near none existence. Well, the youkai were at least. To both the devils and Angels they just found it harder to focus on the sitting sage.
Until it happened.
For Naruto, diving deep within himself was nothing new for him so finding himself among his various streams of chakra, collected or gifted from his tenants he stumbled upon something that wasn't there before. The second he touched the closed tori gate, what appeared to be green lightning jumped from it to his approaching fingers and Naruto watched it curiously.
Within the seal however, Ddraig sensed it and looked up to the sky, seeing beyond it before he chuckled with mirth then nodding. "That's it. So, you did get something from me after all."
Back at the gate, Naruto nodded, replying. "Yeah… so it seems. Though, it seems…"
Ddraig nodded, the other beasts paying close attention to this with Kurama's intensity on his host unmatched. "There isn't a lot there, from what I can sense from you. Barely a enough to register as a regular human."
When he was younger, Naruto loved training and still does but starting a whole new concept, from the ground up, sounds exhausting. Sighing, he mumbled. "Troublesome…"
Opening his eyes back to the outside world, ignoring the curious eyes, Naruto looks to the blonde swordsmen and asks. "So, you want to try a light spar?"
Kiba nodded firmly and moved off with the Sage, the others finally breaking from their stupor and watched as the two blondes face off each other. Once away from the group, the knight of the Gremory summoned a sword to confront the strength of the Rook of his house. Former Rook even, saying. "Firstly, thank you for…"
Naruto waved him off, pulling out a single kunai, and responding. "No thanks required. Now – based on the skirmish yesterday, you are quicker then your comrades and a user of swords. Am I wrong?"
Kiba bristled at that. Quicker then his comrades? He was a knight, speed was his forte and yet he couldn't say anything as during the battle, he himself saw Menma tear apart numerous groups of enemies at the same time and even slowing down to aid him. So, even though it hurt his pride, Kiba nodded and replied. "You are not."
Naruto nodded, taking up a basic stance, and said. "Then, let's see what you can do and go from there?"
Kiba nodded once, before taking stance and blurring forward and opening with a horizontal slash. This was caught by Naruto, his kunai deflected the sword with little effort. The following ten seconds was a flurry of action, slashes, thrusts, and an overhead slam from Kiba.
Naruto defended against the fury of steel with no effort, barely moving, and his eyes shifting around to keep track of the knight. When he went for an overhead slash, Naruto's kunai deflected it before the sage's foot was buried into the knight's gut, in a familars manner, as if a repeat, and sent Kiba tumbling back into the flower beds.
Frowning, Naruto observed his three pronged kunai and not even a scratch was on it. Looking beyond the matt black metal, he watches Kiba return to his feet shakily and asks him. "You are nowhere near fast enough to beat me with speed, nor strong enough to break through my defence, and so I suggest you try something else."
The devil frowned. Speed and sword was his only options. He wasn't good at magic nor did he have much of it. Kiba was stuck. What could he do in this situation.
Naruto could clearly read the devil's expressions and emotions. Seems that his speed and swordsmanship was all he did indeed had. Admittedly, he was in that same boat until just after the war, before his hasty departure from the leaf, when Kakashi pointed out his limited skill repertoire and predictable style of combat. Mass clones and resengan.
Several crash courses on ninjutsu with Kakashi, tiajutsu with Anko, kenjutsu with Yugao, and Iryōjutsu with Tsunade later, Naruto can say he was in much better shape then before. Each course was only about a week long, but got him to either mid-chunin, Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu, or mid-Jonin in the others at base, without senjutsu or Bijuu mode.
He was only on the fourth day of his medical training when Tsunade informed him about the enslavement seal, a reversed engineered prisoner containment seal of Uzumaki design. Presumably, it was salvaged, looted, or recovered, depending on who you asked, from Uzushiogakure no Sato.
At the time, he hadn't given it much thought, nor how he knew the specifications of the seal in question and just followed his Baa-chan's lead in escaping.
In the following weeks after that, something bothered him about it. How did the Shinobi Alliance have such a seal? It was highly complex, by normal standards, and it would take.
Naruto remembered feeling that cold shudder running up his spine as he glanced back in the direction he had come from. Another battle ground with alliance forces. Another group he had cut down. But that was not what caused the shudder, no. What caused it was the sudden realisation that the one person he thought wouldn't betray him had.
They may have not been all that close, her being a fangirl and all that, but even still they were family. The subjugation seal could only be modified by one his own, understood to the level of applying it required their blood infused insight of their clan arts, and naturally that limited the number of people down to one.
Naruto was dragged out of his darkening thoughts on two fronts, both internally and externally, by Matatabi hugging his mental representation from behind, and Kuroka hugging him from the front. It was a strange sensation for the sage to say the least.
Matatabi knew exactly where her hosts head as at just now. The aura he had been emitting was very unique to a single memory or more accurately a person within that memory. That person's actions had left a surprisingly powerful scar of betrayal for their role in all this.
Kuroka on the other hand recognized the look the sage had after seeing the knight not retort to his assessment. It was subtle at first but as the seconds ticked on, the darkness she saw on his psyche briefly during the fight with the heroes unexpected surfaced. It stunk of betrayal.
Partly because she wanted to help, partly to stick it to the vixen, and partly because of understanding that pain, Kuroka moved swiftly and brought the sage into an embrace, something he seemed to respond to best, and without any of her normal sultrily energy but actual care and affection.
Much to everyone surprise, the sage embraced her back but unlike with Yasaka he didn't cry or anything just embraced her. However only the nekoshou heard him mutter. "Thank you."
A/N: More context of Naruto's betrayals and the reactions to the Six Path Pact. Now that he has relaxed slightly, Naruto's true natrue is slowly being uncovered by his former enemies, and potential friends alike and what some are seeing is making them unsure on how to feel.
Things are slowing down for a bit with only light sparing and the like for the build up of the Six Path Pact. New characters enter from left and right, including one that brings more questions then answers for everyone who isn't from the Elemental Nations.
Speaking of the Elemental Nations, there will be a significant part coming up there as all the pieces begin to fall into place, or off the table all together. The end is appraoching and those who foresee it are either terrified or pleased. Kakashi has to deal with a falling moon, a surprise attack of puppets, and quite possibly the one person who scared him more than even the Nine Tails.
2nd A/N: It seems some people are not very detailed orianted in regards to Naruto, Ddraig, and Issei's interactions. Naruto did not take the 'Boosted Gear' from Issei. He took Ddraig. Issei still has it, but its like a computer without power. A complex paperweight.
Ddraig is a being without a body, it was destroyed after he was sealed within the gauntlet, so whenever he comes out, he's out into a Yin/Yang version of the Shadow Clones. It is by far the most accurate to a living body and each time Naruto uses it, his perfection of the technique notches up a bit more and Kurama is pushing for complete mastery.
Ddraig does not have the 'Boost' ability himself, it was part of the gauntlet's hardware so he can't just 'boost' Naruto's power like he did to his previous hosts. Speaking of previous hosts, I have not forgotten about them either. They will have a part to play later.
As for Georg of the Human faction, Naruto did take his gear completely and has Dimension Lost in his sealed space for safe keeping. It isn't a sentient gear, that I am aware of, so it just sits there.
Super rare 3rd A/N: Already finished Page Eleven and halfway through Page twelve. Decided to upload this Page early. Enjoy. Inhave learnt my lesson from my other fics so no spoilers for any of you. Okay, fine but just one word; Sage.
o7