A Little Red on the Side

by Havoc-Teir

Naruto had already had an exciting life as the Child of prophecy, etc. and this time around he wanted to take it easy and not be so exciting. Born as a seemingly unwanted child into the a devil house, with similar values to his old clan, Naruto build himself a new life and was enjoying it. Until the heiress lost her rating game and needs a hand. Damn hero complex.

1. Act 1

Red on the side

Naruto Gremory x Latia Astaroth

Act 1

As a member of one of the branch houses of the Gremory, Naruto did not actually want for much this time around. Sure, he lost his mother when he was seven, but she had always kept him at arm's lengths and wanted nothing to do with him anyway, so he wasn't too cut up about her passing.

He had no information on his father however, but his magic was rather telling after he thought on it a bit as he passed puberty. Despite being a high-class devil, Naruto was often overlooked for most things as he happened to be within the same age group as his clan's heiress. Sorry, this world they call them houses, but it's the same deal.

Her parents are the houses leaders, and brother is the Satan Lucifer himself so naturally she got a lot of attention from society at large. Rias Gremory, his second cousin once removed or something. Stereotypical princess type that at first glances reminds him of another heiress he rescued in the past. Well, back when he was in active service that was.

Whatever.

Though, he and the Gremory Servants all knew that she was a secret otaku, a japanophile or something and is constantly sneaking away to try watch or read more on the subject.

Naruto, in his eighteen years of life in this new world, had done his research on that particular nation as it was the closest to his previous life in the elemental nations and has met plenty of interesting people there. Though, unlike in his last life, he doesn't like drawing attention to himself and thus stayed well clear of both Kanto and Kyoto for obvious reasons.

Well, this is getting well off topic.

The reason why his cousin is on his mind right now is because she had lost her rating game against that foolish third son of the Phenex, meaning she is going to be forced to marry him and become the head of his clan.

Naruto may just be a branch member of said clan, and his often been overlooked by everyone but the servants, who he has gone out of his way to help over the years and they do the same for him, but Naruto Uzu… ahem. Tatsu… fuck it. Ruto Gremory. He never did like it when people used the name his mother gave him, he still remembers it but he had to change it when he made it to eighteen. Officially at least.

Even if it was the only thing she gave him.

Anyway, Naruto, despite never being close to his House's heiress, still can't see that playboy of an asswipe become the leader of his clan and force himself upon such a helpless girl. Sighing, even after being reborn his hero complex screams to save the day.

---

Phenex Ballroom

Thus, here he is. Ruto Gremory. Standing at a respectable six-foot-one, the standard issue Gremory red hair, much like his original clans but duller, in a low pony tail but has two bangs that framed his face. His eyes were a dark mix of blue and green with a single, reptilian slit running down due to his mixed heritage.

He was blending in nicely with the crowd of other high-class nobility in a suit that wasn't too flashy, nor was it to be looked down upon as it was chosen by his house's servants that practically raised him in place of his mother. He loves those guys but it also means he is tapped into the servant "intelligence network" also known as the gossip machine.

Oh man, if the Leaf had access to the gossip network within high devil society, none would be safe. They are straight up no secrets not known to these people who serve these nobles.

Back on subject.

Naruto is mingling within the crowd whilst keeping tabs on the various groups. His Cousin's peerage is off on the left, all defeated and upset. They fought well but honestly they all lacked training and the chicken is by far more experienced then them. They had no chance.

Then the Sitri group who were on the same side of the hall as him, though their heiress and her queen were heading over to the Gremory Peerage. Probably for a pep talk. Oh, wait a second. Where's that pawn of there's?

Taking another sip of wine, Naruto's vision is taken by the flashy entrance of, the soon-to-be roasted, Riser Phenex. That smug grin of his and bright three-piece suit really irked Naruto the wrong way, and this is when his eyes caught Lord Lucifer staring right at him with a raised eyebrow.

Naruto and his Satan cousin, Sirzechs, haven't had any contact really, the dude is super into his sister and likely only knows of their connection because of their matching hair colour.

Though, the former shinobi's turned devil should probably give him a heads up to this party crashing so nodded subtly with a soft grin which caused him to lift both brows in surprise before nodding back and smiling.

It was at this point that Rias appeared in a flaming magic circle in an extremely low cut top that basically screamed, my man is a boob man, and barely contained her sizeable assets as they jiggled. Sighing, Naruto muttered. "Guess it's show time."

He was gone the next moment.

"I am not marrying you Riser." Rias commented firmly but it was clear to all that she was scared and seemingly out of options. Her last big gambit to win her freedom had failed. Riser had beaten her in a rating game and this was the result.

Even though she had the Red Dragon Emperor, she failed. Issei got banged up really badly too. He tried so hard for her and she still failed.

Riser though, was getting annoyed at her refusal to cooperate and moved to bring her into a hug stating. "Come now, Rias. We are about to be man and…"

Before his hand graced her fair skin, it was grabbed by another and surprised the Phenex to silence. The voice of one Ruto Gremory spoke softly, tone casual. "Hey there, Phenex. You see my house's heiress does not solely exist to satisfy your whims. She has made her intent clear."

Now even Rias turned to the person who had just appeared at her side. A tall man, who was very clearly a Gremory, one that she did not recognise, had intercepted Riser's hand before it reached her arm and was now stepping up to defend her. Ruto continued on, seemingly unbothered by the attention. "And so... as a loyal member of the Gremory House, I am going to have to ask you to step aside. You are clearly not worthy of her hand nor does she want yours."

That broke the third son of the Phenex House from his shock, glaring as he yanked his hand free of this lowly servant's, Riser growling. "Unhand me you low-class swine! You do not have a say in this… whoever you are."

Smirking, Naruto bowed his head lightly arms crossing his chest and announces. "Ah, my bad. My name is Ruto Gremory. An overlooked one. Don't worry about it though, my cousin here typically takes up the spot light and I am cool with it."

This is when Zeoticus Gremory recalls this boy's mother and realised who he was, shooting up and asking. "Ruto... kun…? Why... why are you here? You didn't…"

Naruto glances over at his House's current head breifly, gaze sharp as he replied. "My Lord Gremory, I had heard from the grape vine what happened and how our heiress was against this thing so… decided to show up and lend a hand."

Zeoticus nodded and asked. "So, you wish to step in for her, as your heiress?"

Naruto nodded, stating calmly. "We both know that Rating game was a joke, Lord Gremory. The fact that Lady Rias pushed a veteran of the game to such lengths only further proves that he is unworthy of her."

Rias was astonished and shocked that someone thought that of her performance as she had been doubting herself since the loss.

Riser was furious about this unknown challenging his performance and shouted back. "You who is not even of the main house, how dare you speak to me…"

Naruto looked over at him, deadpanned as he spoke. "You're like the third choice son... last I checked. We are not actually all that different. You just haven't realised it yet."

Riser's hair literally caught fire at that remark. Rias, on the other hand, was desperately trying to not be seen smiling and laughing behind her raised hands that cover her mouth, all lady like, at this all. She wasn't the only one either as whispered and muffled giggles could be heard the room over.

Sighing, Naruto looked to his Satan cousin and announced. "Lord Lucifer. I, Ruto Gremory, hereby challenge one Riser Phenex, for the right to take my clan heiress's hand in marriage."

Gasps from all over at the formal challenge put forward and Sirzechs was all for this drama and possibility for his sister to get out of this all. This was not what he suspected, and had planned on allowing the Red Dragon Emperor a chance for a rematch. But he hadn't suspected a fellow Gremory to be willing to get involved.

From what he could sense, this Ruto was on par with Riser but with Gremory levels of control and a confidence the Satan couldn't quite place. He seems to have a plan though, so Sirzechs steps up to the podium before announcing. "Well, well, well – this is certainly a development. One I feel is just what we need to spice up this engagement party, right?!"

The crowd cheered though Rias was nervous. How can one of her own cousins be strong enough to make a stand against Riser when even her and her entire peerage couldn't win. As her brother was hyping up the crowd, she turned to her supposed cousin and tugged on his jacket sleeve to ask him. "Ruto, are you sure you…"

Naruto looked at her with a confident smirk on his face, replying just as lowly. "You really should have just asked if you were against this so vehemently, Lady Rias. I am literally the worst opponent for this chicken-shit to go up against."

Rias was surprised by the confidence but was somewhat dubious all the same and asked. "What makes you say…?"

Naruto just shrugged as he turned back to the glaring chicken, stating. "You will see, Lady Rias. After all, we Gremory stick with our family and I will not let you down. That, you have my word on."

That somewhat pacified the heiress who tuned back in to hear her brother Sirzechs ask. "So, Ruto-kun, what kind of match are you looking for?"

Naruto shrugged uncaringly, a clear breach of decorum but it didn't matter right now as he states. "As a Gremory, I am proud of my magical abilities so I can handle his entire peerage if he feels so inclined to bring them."

There gasps of shock, calls of outrage from the Phenex peerage, and Riser looked like he was about to explode at the level of condescension being thrown his way. Though, something clicked in the blondes head and he grew smug as he announced. "You don't have a peerage, do you?"

Everyone gasped again, with even Rias and her brother snapping to Naruto who casually shrugged again, explaining. "No, I do not. After all, among the house of Gremory, I am often overlooked by the main house so they forgot to get me one."

All eyes looked to Lady and Lord Gremory who looked somewhat embarrassed by that, but Naruto continued unbothered by the silent condemnation. "Besides, as I said prior, I can take you and your entire peerage regardless, seeing as you aren't actually all that strong."

Riser was furious but chose to take the bait and declare. "Fine! I will take you up on this challenge and put you in your place, forgotten branch of the Gremory. When I win, I will take your head for this insult."

More gasps of shock, Zeoticus jumping up to interject but Naruto spoke first, well, snorted first, then replying. "Yeah, sure, whatever, just don't get your feathers in a twist. I hear it's bad for your skin to be so stressed out and angry,"

Rias was now very worried about her cousin, who was literally putting his life down for her freedom and was still not taking this seriously, and pulled in his sleeve again to ask. "Are you crazy? Putting your life on…"

Naruto bopped her nose, halting her and gave a solid smile as he declared. "We are Gremory, Lady Rias. Family above all else. I take that to heart, ya know."

Sirzechs smirked at that, as did Zeoticus and his wife Venelana, who both vowed to spend some time with the supposedly forgotten Gremory after all this is over.

Rias though had blushed rather prettily at the statement, the gesture, and the sincerity it was spoken with. It seemed that in all her time trying to escape her family, she missed that there may be some within that family who still had her best interests at heart and she almost missed it. No she did miss it, yet they came for her still.

This was broken up by the arrogance incarnate, Riser, who scoffs at the display of affection that the Gremory house was known for, as he states. "Oh please. Like that will save you against my full peerage. Once we are done with…"

He trailed off upon noticing that Naruto, Rias, nor Sirzechs were paying him any mind right then. Instead, they were talking among themselves, holding a manga of some kind with Naruto explaining. "This is my current draft. It's still a bit rough around the edges but…"

Sirzechs nodded, looking over his sisters shoulder, commenting. "I like the premise. If you need any help in marketing, I can speak with Serafall."

Naruto nodded, as Rias flipped the page and asking. "When did you have time to do this...? I am already a fan."

Naruto shrugged, replying. "I keep saying how much I am overlooked, right? With you centre stage, I can basically do whatever I want most the time and training gets dull after a while."

Rias nodded, lost in the storyline of these unreleased Manga her cousin was working on, unaware that it was a slightly modified version of Naruto's previous life.

Riser's head exploded in flames, catching the three redhead's attention again. Naruto asking for the trio. "Oh, right, Riser. Did you say something?"

Rias was using the Manga to cover her smirk at the rage coming from Riser. She was enjoying his rage and inability to get touch her with her cousin here. Sirzechs had a clearly practiced diplomatic smile but Naruto spotted the involuntary twitching of his lip indicating suppressed laughter. He was not fooling a former shinobi.

Riser bellowed, flames engulfing his frame. "Enough of this! Time to…"

This is when a certain red dragon emperor burst into the room, gauntlet gem pulsing a mean green, and bellowing out. "I will not let you have Bachou's virginity!"

All eyes were locked on to the brown haired pawn as he stood in the doorway confidently and with a smirk. A smirk that faded away seeing Rias, in a knock out white, low-cut dress, nose deep into a manga off to the side and Riser facing off against a red headed guy he hasn't seen before. Confused, he looked around and asked. "Am I late?"

Naruto looked to his cousin, who was beet red in embarrassment and was feigning excessive interest in his manga draft, feeling like he had to ask. "Umm… Lady Rias…"

She did not grace her cousin with a look, too embarrassed to, and instead replied tightly. "Please… don't… just... don't..."

Naruto's gaze held for a few moments before nodding slowly then turning to the slightly bashful Satan Lucifer which told the former shinobi that he had a hand to play in that debacle. Sighing, he asks. "Can we just get this underway? I kinda have previous arrangements after this and I will have to get changed after kicking these guys to the curb."

Sirzechs raised a brow, Riser snarled at the disrespect but the Satan nodded. "Sure, the battle dimension is all ready to go. Are you?"

Both Naruto and Riser nodded and Sirzechs grinned sending them both to the prepared battle space. The Satan really hopes his cousin is up to the task.

---

Chessboard Dimension

Both parties appear within the chessboard of giant proportions, Riser and his group of fifteen females and Naruto alone opposite him, calm and composed. Not feeling like wasting time, Riser ordered his pawns. "Sneak around and promote yourselves and flank him from behind."

All said pawns nodded, rushing off, allowing the King to turn to his Knights and Rooks ordering. "Keep him occupied until the pawns get there then pull back and protect the bishops."

Karlamine, Siris, Isabela and Xuelan nod before rushing forward at the man who dared disrespect their peerage and king.

Riser turns to his sister and her fellow bishop, ordering. "Mihae, I want you and Ravel to stay at range to cut off his retreat. I want him crushed completely…"

Grayfia's voice cut through the air. "Riser's eight pawns have been eliminated."

Riser snapped to the directing of his flanking group and surely enough, that red head was standing their bored. Growling, he turns on his knights, who were currently charging the lone Gremory, and decided to watch this second confrontation.

---

A minute ago…

As Riser was giving out orders, Naruto watched as the pawns brazenly rushed to the flank and easily telegraphed the plan. Guess he should crush them before they get any ideas of grandeur, and do something foolish like trying to flank him. The next moment he was gone.

As the group of pawns approach the middle line on the board, things suddenly changed. Before they could react, Burent was shoulder checked by the Gremory so hard that she just retired immediately.

The others were stuck in shock at the speed which caused Ile and Nel to find their faces slammed into the ground the following moment. They couldn't even resist the brute force. This is when Ni and Li struck but they only got a powerful double donkey kick to the gut. They too were out.

Mira was up next, swinging her staff only for Naruto to duck to the left and sucker punch Marion who was attempting to capitalise on Mira's attack. She lost her footing and fell to her knees wheezing out.

Meanwhile, Shuriya was being chocked out before being effortlessly slammed into the wheezing Marion and forced them both to retire. With that done, Naruto looked to the last pawn who was frozen in fear and said. "Sorry about this, pawn-san. I just don't have time to be gentle with you all. If we ever cross paths, I will make it up to you all with an icecream or something."

The next moment, Naruto chopped the back of her neck and she too was retired. That last one seemed to break Grayfia out of her shock at the sight of the one-sided slaughter of the pawns, and the casualness of it all. "Riser's eight pawns have been eliminated."

Naruto nodded as he watched the two knights rushing towards him and at their backs, struggling to keep pace we're likely the Rooks. Bad positioning on their part, as Knights had speed but lacked power, he could theoretically…

He snorted at his own thoughts, yeah let's just end them with good and reliable clan magics. Raising both hands forward, Naruto conjured four magic circles bearing the Gremory rose, the charging group froze fearing the power of destruction that the clan now possessed and when lightning struck both knights and realisation dawned upon the remaining members, Naruto grew irritated.

Really damn irritated. Even more so when Riser cackled and bellowed. "Oh boy! You don't even have the Power of Destruction. Here I thought you'd be more of a challenge."

He cackled and bellowed loudly along with his remaining pieces of his peerage. Naruto let them but remained silent, much to the onlooker's confusion. A subsection of the watcher's, his friend group, swallowed nervously at the foolish actions of the Phenex's third son and his crossing of a line most did not know Naruto had.

In the ballroom, there were a few frowns at the lack of respect, including from Zeoticus and Sirzechs. Though, when they spotted the minute finger twitches and focused on their sensory abilities they were both impressed. His magical control was well trained.

Akeno Himejima, Rias's queen and best friend, approached her leader and whispered. "Rias, are you sure your cousin can do this? I mean – with your power of destruction, you couldn't win and he doesn't have…"

Rias finally turned to her queen, causing her to fall silent, and whispered truthfully. "I do not know, Akeno. He was so confident and now I am not so sure."

They both look back to the screen displaying the match as Naruto looks prepared to respond.

In the arena Naruto lets out an exaggerated sigh, drawing attention to himself now that he has loaded his magical powers and was silently prepared to activate it, holding nothing back. When Riser finally wiped away his tears of his presumed victory, Naruto finally spoke. "You know… a lot of people of late seem to forget one simple truth."

As he stepped forward, the first set of many magic circles begin to spin up at his back and fade into view. The red head continued unprompted. "Sure, the Head family of my house has the Bael's power of destruction. Big deal. Everyone believing them to be the future, the strongest that ever will be and all because of that power they got from the Bael House."

Naruto had stopped about a hundred meters from the smirking chicken-shit, the number of magic circles holding at six when he stopped, they all were humming silently with power at his back as he continued. "Yet, the truth of the matter is this…"

Raising both hands towards the shit for brains Phenex, the six circles multiply by ten each, abruptly filling the space behind and above the lone Gremory with a sea of red. Naruto finishes calmly. "We, the Gremory, were already a Duke Ranking House before the Bael came along."

He smiles mean-fully at the clearly concerned Phenex peerage and clicks his fingers, as if remembering something. "Oh, right. Well, I guess I should just show you exactly why that is."

On that statement's end, the entire area surrounding the Phenex was lit up by the prepared magic of every element beside fire, from lightning to Ice, raining down at destroying everything in their way.

Grayfia announced quickly. "Riser's Rooks, Bishops and Queen has been defeated."

The storm of magic did not let up, and instead just focused further on the location of the king of the peerage. Yet again, before anyone could reasonably react, a massive fire blast broke through the barrage and struck Naruto, engulfing his forme in flames. The barrage immediately fell off and people were on their feet with breaths held.

Rias herself was floored at the strength of her cousin's magical mastery. From what she was overhearing, most were. Though, his words did sting a little as it was true that as the head house now holding the power of destruction, most assume they are heads and shoulders above the rest.

Heck, even she's guilty of it considering she had not even known about Ruto until today and they are cousins. She'll have to correct that if he pulls this off.

Abruptly, the smoke cleared to see Naruto perfectly unharmed and with a barrier up as he looks to the shocked and angry chicken ahead of him, commenting. "Hmm… probably need to fry you a bit more."

Riser snarled and began charging a massive fireball above his head until a simple lightning bolt struck him head on, he screamed in pain as his body jerked and convulsed beyond his control. Despite his best efforts.

Naruto wondered if this guy had any smarts at all. If you are going to leave an opening, at least have protections in place, damn. A blast of flames later and Riser takes to the sky, spreading his flaming wings and screaming out. "You lowly swine! How dare you do that to Riser?!"

Feeling a little mischievous, and a bit sadistic for some reason, Naruto prepared two spells at the same time. One a mid-level fire and one high-level Lightning. Despite his best efforts, a sadistic smirk leaked upon his lips and his shoulders suppressed shudders were caught by a few and made a few of those nervous.

Though, his cousin's queen had to fight back the shudder of pleasure at the sight.

A barrier came up and defended the red head from another fireball, go figure, and that is when Naruto initiated his plan. It was of two parts, and the first part was to prepare his largest lightning spell which has just about finished. The second, was to get Riser to stay still long enough to activate which is about five seconds.

How to do that is rather simple, have him continue to underestimate him by using a fire spell. So, in true prankster fashion, Naruto fired the bluish fire ball, which was only a cosmetic change to draw him into a false sense of security and astonishment.

Riser took the bait and cackled madly, bellowing. "You fool! You used up all that gathered magic for a fireball! You really are worthless pond scum…"

Just as he reached to absorb the ball of flames, it dies out and leaves him confused for all of a second. Naruto whispered, but the audience hears it. "Be gone within the thunderclap."

All Riser would see is a single flash and nothing but black.

---

Phenex Ballroom

Naruto returned to the ballroom among cheers and applause but he paid it no mind as he was looking around for a clock. Not seeing one, he checked his pockets and realised he had his phone on him. Pulling it out, he had only a few minutes before he would be considered late.

Sensing someone approaching from behind, Naruto side stepped and watched Rias fall beside him. He obviously caught her mid fall, and spun her back to her feet whilst keeping a respectful distance. It was so smooth, most thought he planned it but listened as he spoke. "Lady Rias. Your engagement has been nullified. Please find a better suitor next time as it is clear your parents are not very good at that."

He bowed at the end, there were a few chuckles and awkwardness from the couple in question. Rias lifted him up and said. "You don't need to bow to me, Ruto-kun. We're family. So please…"

Naruto shook his head, replying. "I am sorry, Lady Rias, but I cannot do that. Besides, I have another appointment in a few minutes so…"

He looks to Satan Lucifer and asks. "Lord Lucifer, please nullify the contract and…"

Rias cut him off here, raised hand and everything causing Naruto to fall to silence as she lowered her hand to her hip. "Umm… is something more important than I am?"

Not even hesitating, Naruto nodded as he spoke. "Yes, Lady Rias. I am sorry but I really need to leave right now."

He looks to his phone again, and he was out of time and began to spin up his teleportation circle. Suddenly, Rias steps in with narrowed eyes on her cousin who was wondering why she was being difficult now. He just did her a favour and now he's late. She replied. "I guess I can come with you right? We need to catch up and everything."

Naruto's deadpanned would be recorded for the best example of one, as he then looked to Satan Lucifer who for some reason was finding the artwork on the far wall very interesting all of a sudden. Sighing, he muttered. "Troublesome."

Retargeting his transportation destination, only caught by Zeoticus, Sirzechs, Grayfia, Sona and Tsubaki, Naruto then teleporter them both to the Gremory estate main hall, with a prepared secondary to the servants quarters. The next moment, they vanished back to the Gremory Castle. Just not were they expected.

---

Gremory Castle; Servant Housing

Naruto and Rias appeared in a familiar place for Naruto, not so much for Rias, and immediately Naruto muttered. "Oh, I thought…"

He sighs hard before uttering. "Shoulda known."

Rias finally asks. "Where are we?"

Naruto replied blandly. "Gremory Castle. This is as close to your home as I can get us, Lady Rias."

Rias was confused, and looked around the smaller, far cosier home that had warm wood instead of the hard marble but it was very clearly a mansion.

Out from one of the corridors, came a young lady, about sixteen years old with hazel brown hair and blue eyes. Upon spotting Naruto, she smiled whilst calling out. "Yo, Ruto, aren't you supposed to…"

She trailed off seeing the Lady here, and promptly curtesies and speaking in the same tone Ruto used earlier. "Lady Rias. What brings you out here?"

Rias, who caught the tone shift, and how friendly this woman was with her cousin, asked. "Chelsea right? Where are…"

Thankfully, the head maid arrived on the same magic circle Naruto had used and after the customary white flash, appeared one Grayfia Lucifuge who looked around and saw Rias and Ruto with an off-duty maid. Clearing her throat, Grayfia says. "Lady Rias, I am here to transport you back to the main house."

Rias frowned, looking back at Ruto and asking. "Are you coming?"

Naruto shook his head, affirming. "I already have other plans, Lady Rias."

Without warning, Grayfia interjected with a gleam in her eyes that Naruto knew all too well. The gossip is strong with this one. "Ruto-san, I believe Latia-san has been informed of your late arrival so do not fret about your tardiness."

Naruto wanted to throttle Grayfia for that shit, watching as Rias turned on him with a glare that could melt any lesser man. The Heiress hissed. "You mean, you are blowing me off for some branch house member of another clan?"

Naruto's eyes grew stone cold as he glared at the heiress. Rias swallowed thickly until he abruptly teleported away. Slowly, she turned back to Grayfia who shook her head saying. "We have to go, Lady Rias. Your parents are waiting for you."

Sighing, Rias joins Grayfia and they both return to the main house. The currently off-duty Chelsea shook her head at the Lady's wording.

---

Lilith; Downtown

Naruto arrived downtown after that mess and headed to the normal hangout place, the corner ice-cream bar off the main street leading towards the Serafall Memorial Hospital and connecting to the city centre. It was a nice leisurely walk that Naruto needed after his cousin's slip of the tongue.

Just recalling it causes the eighteen-year-old to growl in frustration. "Some branch house member"

Stopping at for a moment and looking up the road, Naruto repeats that aloud. "Some branch house member… aren't we all."

Before turning and heading toward the door of the store his friends were gathering at. A group of similar people to himself, not bothered by their status as branch house members and focused solely upon getting better at their crafts.

A group of friends who were brought together by chance and happenstance. All, like Naruto, are typically overlooked by stronger or more powerful heirs who hold "special powers" and are the "future" of their houses.

Pushing the door open. Naruto is greeted by the old timer behind the bar in the restaurant side of the fine establishment. No words were shared, the teen had originally came here for work many years ago and simply never really gave in his resignation letter. Though, all the friend group technically work here, they all show up when needed and it isn't steady.

Reaching the reserved room on the first floor, overlooking the rear garden, Naruto enters to find everyone there already and looking to him before smirking at him, that he was quick to return.

The room was a modern by human standards though expectedly held a darker undertone common with devil attire, but with just a splash of a tasteful nobility to come off unique. The door opens flat against the left wall, allowing the sofa's ahead of him to come into view, and the bar/kitchen hybrid on the right to dominate the other side.

The full-size pool table was up against the wall and the mini theatre, literally all three of the sofa's the room has, were gathered around the massive seventy-inch flat screen television with a replay of the match Naruto just had against Riser on currently.

The first to speak was unsurprisingly the youngest, at sixteen, and most hyperactive of the group, one Kazius Oriax. His blue, gemstone like eyes gleaming in mischief as he spoke. "You did it, right?"

Naruto would have snorted if it wasn't for the two local nobles among the gathering, but did reply as he dropped down on the sofa. "It was as the rumour's said. He had an ego the size of Lilith."

Leon Andrealphus, an onyx haired, green eyed teen sipped his tea before looking up at the screen and commenting. "Well he is a Phenex. A clan that seem to think themselves immortal."

Naruto nodded, adding. "Did not even have to go all out. He relied too much on his regeneration powers and fire attacks. I was expecting more of a fight."

Casey Sitri, the quintessential bookworm character expected of the Sitri turned to eleven before being set straight by the group he now interacts with daily, spoke next. "His control was lacking, casting speed atrocious, attack speed was stupidly exaggerated, and do not get me started on…"

Naruto chuckled as their resident know it all, called with nothing but admiration and respect, listed off everything wrong with Riser's form. Casey Sitri is someone Naruto has spent a great deal of time with. Like himself, Casey was left to his own devices by his mother, her research was more important and Casey was simply a means to get the house off her case.

This played havoc on the developing mind of a child but thankfully, just like in Naruto's case, Casey was guided by the subtle, often overlooked, wisdom of the servants within the Sitri estate. This manifested in him reading every book he could get his hands on and for years all he ever did was read, eat, sleep, and repeat.

His caretakers got worried and asked around for any ideas. That's when the Gremory servants got in contact with Naruto and now the five-foot-ten, long-silky black hair in a low dragon tail, like the rest of the gentlemen present, pale-skinned Sitri is among them now.

For the past three years Casey has been instrumental in guiding the others in the finer points of their magical control and more abstract approach to their skills thanks to his vast knowledge of how magic operates. In repayment to this service, the other members of the group help him come out of his shell, and aid in his training too.

His confidence in himself has peaked it seemed, having seen his friend decimate one of the oh-so-precious heirs and conquered where the prodigious talents of the Gremory heiress had failed. Yes, it was most certainly satisfying.

A delicate throat clearing caused Naruto to stiffen, before looking to his right on the sofa he was sitting on and there she was, his best friend fanning herself while staring back with those almond coloured eyes. He smiled weakly, offering. "Fair Lady Latia, forgive my rudeness I did not…"

She raised a single brow at that, fan covering the bottom half of her face and now Naruto sighed adding. "I was told by Lady Grayfia that you had been informed of my late arrival."

"I was indeed." Latia replied softly, before pointing at the screen and adding. "However, what I want to know is her reaction."

Naruto grunted, earning a light wack from the fan in the hands of one Latia Astaroth, niece of Ajuka Beelzebub and Didora Astaroth, the current heir. As he leans back in his seat at her side, Naruto explained. "Well, it is as you likely suspected. Lady Rias was suddenly very clingy and did not take my gentle rejection too well. Especially since I said that we as a family should stick together."

Latia swapped over her folded legs, and commented. "I suppose not. Well, I suppose you should keep a low profile now and so we shall reschedule our outing…"

Naruto cut her off, stating. "You can just say no, Latia."

With his irritation getting the better of him again, Naruto just got up and added. "I know you are stressed with your duties so it's fine. Just be up front with me."

She took his hand from her seated position, and stopped him from leaving. The others present stayed clear of this as none liked it when the group's leaders were arguing like this. Kazius often jokes, out of presumed earshot of the two, that both Naruto and Latia are the group's adoptive parents and hoped that they never get a divorce as he wouldn't be able to choose a side.

Naruto the wise father figure that guides you through any problem you have and who knows exactly how to hand you your own butt if you disrespect or hurt your mother. Latia the gently stern mother who did not raise you to be so uncouth and never lets you go anywhere without looking your best or with an empty stomach.

Sighing, and with a light tug to warn him, Latia pulled herself up to stand at Naruto's side and asks softly. "I did not mean it like that. Forgive me, but I had assumed that you would want to return home early after your stellar defeat of such a barbarian."

Naruto shook his head, replying. "I rushed here as soon as I could for a reason, Latia. So let's grab the picnic stuff and get moving. I doubt they'll even notice me gone."

---

Gremory Castle

Rias had changed out of that Satan awful outfit and into something she was far more comfortable in, her school uniform. As she entered her homes dining hall, she finds her peerage waiting on the sofas with her parents and older brother at the table. Without prompting, the heiress sat at the table and her father nodded, Zeoticus beginning with. "Well, Rias, you have gained your freedom from our foolish mistake…"

Rias nodded with a smile, commenting. "I have to thank Ruto for that. Though, I must admit I don't know anything of him despite being a fellow Gremory."

Swallowing his tea, Sirzechs nodded and commented. "Admittedly, I too am in the same boat. I only noticed him after spotting a red head like us among the crowd and not standing with us. His signature was definitely Gremory, but I couldn't recall him."

Zeoticus let out a sigh, nodding in understanding before explaining. "He is the son of my auntie who died about a decade or so ago. She was a little crazy and had been having trouble with her vices of drinking and never really took care of him all that much."

His hold on his tea cup handle tightened slightly, his frustration was evident as he continued. "The boy was already highly independent at the age of seven when she died and he was far more comfortable among the servants who had basically raised him in place of his mother. So, I did not think it right to take him from that."

Zeoticus lifted his tea to his mouth before sighing and lowering it, adding. "I had forgotten about him until he interjected today."

As he sipped his tea, the others were surprised by the story and were making their own decision regarding this development and the news. Eventually, Rias asked. "So, he really is my cousin and Gremory from the branch house."

Zeoticus nodded firmly, stating. "Yes and a few months older than you. In fact, he took care of you when you were six, Rias."

This was a surprise for the heiress, not recalling him at all so her father continued. "He played with you though you also thought he was one of the maid's children and servant, thus dismissed him."

Rias looked embarrassed by that, asking weakly. "I did…?"

Yet it was Grayfia who spoke next, speaking formally. "That you did, Lady Rias. After that, all your interactions with him, although typically brief, were in that same regards. Though, I believe that you both crossed paths the day before you moved to the human world."

Rias was at a loss for words, her own dismissal of her family was that broad but eventually asks. "Do… are there any more cousins my age that I have overlooked?"

Zeoticus finished sipping his tea before looking to his son, who maintained a slight frown, and then back at his dejected daughter and informed her. "Ruto, Kana, and Relai are all in your generation. Ruto is the most reclusive, Kana is rather carefree and Relai is barely around as he prefers the most distant town in our territory due to the distance from us. That is all I really know of them I am afraid."

Sirzechs speaks softly. "I too am a bit loss for words. I had not intended to overlook my former clansmen and cousins to this degree."

Venelana spoke next, clearly troubled by these developments and her own oversight. "In this case we should organise a family get-together. I am sure it would be appreciated by them and help them feel included."

Sirzechs nodded his agreement with his mother, Rias a moment later but it was Grayfia who doused their enthusiasm. "I am not so sure, Lady Velelana."

Getting the rooms attention, and upon the nod from the addressed, the head maid continued. "From what I am aware of, Relai-san is perfectly happy with his role as mayor on the border town and will likely not show up. Kana-san too is rather spirited and doesn't like being told what to do. We only know she is within Gremory territory but nothing beyond that."

Venelana then asks, somewhat dejected at the news. "What about Ruto? He did come to my Rias-chan's aid when she needed it."

Grayfia nodded, explaining. "Yes he did, Lady Venelana. It is in his nature to help those in need, even when not asked to directly, which is why the other three follow his example by doing the same. Since Relai-san has taken up office on the border, rogue attacks and corrupt officials have ceased or been dealt with."

Zeoticus nodded, recalling those reports, and so the maid continued. "Due to that, the whole town is doing much better. What we know of Kana-san is limited but I can only assume she travels around looking for trouble and fixing it before moving on."

Rias was surprised by all this and the fact that Grayfia had been keeping tabs on them all and asked. "Then, what about Ruto-kun?"

The head maid's hesitation was noted, but Grayfia did inform them. "Ruto-san is what binds them all together. From the words my fellow maids and colleagues, they routinely meet with him and spend time together or he visits Relai-san's town and acts in the capacity of Head Butler whilst there as a cover."

Even Zeoticus was surprised by that, not knowing this crucial bit of information regarding his clans youngest generation with the exception of Millicas. He then asks his head maid. "What are their goals, Grayfia? Are they really satisfied being left aside?"

Grayfia simply nodded, stating. "Yes, Lord Zeoticus. They are fine being apart of the Gremory house and seem to enjoy their own lives away from the 'Main House' as they are reported as saying."

Sirzechs frowned at that, not liking how that felt like they were abandoning their own and asked. "Do they want for anything? What about their peerages? Surely they have needs too?"

Grayfia shook her head, explaining. "I am sorry, Lord Lucifer, but Lady Rias is the only Gremory of this generation with a peerage."

Slack jaws from the room at large with Zeoticus muttering in disbelief. "That… that can't be right."

Grayfia nodded to confirm, adding. "They are all of the mindset of doing it yourself ensures that it is done right the first time. They are proud members of the House but also proud of their own accomplishments and achievements. Even if they go unacknowledged by most."

Sirzechs was growing increasingly troubled at the news, trying to recall anything that might warrant acknowledgment in regards to his birth House. Zeoticus spoke up softly. "So, the fact that our lands are the safest in the underworld…?"

Grayfia nodded, replying. "Likely a combination of Relai-san's border control and Kana-san's wondrous nature, yes."

Swirling around the tea in his cup, Zeoticus asks. "Our increased trade caravans with the Sitri and Astaroth?"

Grayfia reported dutifully. "Likely Ruto-san's influence, Lord Gremory."

Venelana spoke next, voice firm. "In that case, we shall have a celebration of the House's efforts in maintaining its honour and rank in the wake of breaking free of the Phenex House's attempted overtake. Grayfia, send word to them all and I will not take no for an answer."

Bowing, Grayfia set off towards the servant housing. This will require unusual methods to inform those required and for them to make it back to the castle in time. Though, she will likely have to pay Ruto a direct visit to gain his support.

Rias, feeling terrible about her complete disregard for her family in her time of need, spoke softly. "I – I umm… perhaps I could have been better and more attentive back here. Visit more and get to know my cousins."

Zeoticus smiled at that, nodding as he offered. "I am sure they will be grateful for your efforts."

Her mother spoke next, not wanting to see her baby girl get hurt, Venelana adding. "But you will have to be patient with them. You may be the heiress of the house, but they also seem to be highly independent, much like yourself, and will not take you ordering them around all too well."

Rias nodded along with Sirzechs, who was stroking his chin, arms crossed, as he spoke carefully. "I must admit, I am curious about them all myself. From the display Ruto put on, he is a very powerful member of the clan with expert magical control and a wide array of attacks."

Zeoticus nodded with a smirk, stating. "Reminds me of my younger days."

Rias looked intrigued, asking. "It did…?"

Her father nodded, leaning back in his seat as nostalgia filled his gaze as he spoke. "We, the Gremory House, has always had a special level of magical control and I used to use it to its fullest. There are very few spells beyond my reach and executing them flawlessly was a point of pride for me."

Venelana added beneath a breath. "You were a menace."

Letting out a bellowing laugh, Zeoticus nodded his agreement to that, replying. "That I was. I have since matured a lot since then and now I am curious to see how the others of your generation have turned out. Seeing as they don't have your mother's bloodline to rely on nor a peerage to back them up."

Sirzechs too could feel his own excitement at that prospect grow too. As his father pointed out, the other Gremory House members lack the Bael's clan power of Destruction as he and his Rias-tan do. He then recalled what Ruto said back during the fight, reciting aloud. "We, the Gremory, were already a Duke Ranking House before the Bael came along."

Zeoticus sighed at that, recalling the words spoken by Ruto and his dismissive attitude towards his wife's birth clan, wondering if it would become a problem.

Venelana too felt a little troubled recalling those words as, since hearing them back in the Phenex Ballroom, she had been wondering if she had a part to play in the seeming fracture of the Gremory House. From the way Grayfia had put it, the others have dissociated themselves from her children by placing them in the 'Main House' while they all remain as regular Gremory.

She knew for a fact that was not the case when she first married Zeoticus, yet somewhere along the lines this barrier had unknowingly risen between her children and the rest of the Gremory House without anyone noticing or calling attention to it.

How troubling.

---

Lilith; Outskirts

Beyond the bustling city streets could be found many hidden or less traveled places that can hold a surprising amount of beauty if you know where to look and this is where Naruto and Latia were having a small picnic.

The large park, or small forest, had not yet been developed on and was isolated enough to allow for a modicum of privacy for the pair among the trees and grass. This wasn't their first date night, as put by Kazius, but a time for the two of them to keep their friendship/relationship alive without the pressures of their duties.

Neither out a label on their connection as both were acutely aware of the fact that they both hailed from different Houses of the seventy-two pillars of the underworld and likely be used in a political move or offered up as a bargaining chip for their house leaders, one way or another.

Instead, both just focus on having a good time and relaxing in the presence of their childhood friend at their side, laughing and joking while eating their favourite meals. Naruto knew better than most that nothing last forever and this moment will never come around again.

Latia noticed the developing frown on her friend's face, sitting beside him on the picnic blanket beneath them and asks. "What's wrong with you all of a sudden?"

Naruto looked to her before sighing and explaining. "Nothing really. Just that these carefree days of ours won't last no matter what we do. Kinda upsetting me."

Another gentle wack from her fan, drew his eyes to her stern hazel orbs that were glaring at him, Latia informing. "How many times do I have to scold you about thinking such nonsense? We are proud devils of our houses and regardless of all else, we are childhood friends and that will remain true until we draw our last breaths."

Naruto smiled at that and nodded, replying. "Regardless of how many centuries pass?"

She nodded firmly, glare letting out as she reaches for her ice cream and saying. "Until we are but dust in the ground, we will remain friends and that is final."

Naruto smirked at that, bowing dramatically and exaggerated the motions. "By your words, my fair lady."

Latia huffed, nose in the air for a moment, but smiled slightly as she scooped up a spoon full of her dessert and was about to respond when a white magic circle appeared ahead of them. Both she and Naruto identified it as one Gremory Head maid.

The Gremory House member sighed at that, this is likely not a social visit as it never is in regard to this particular woman and so began to pack away the little food left out. They were near enough finished anyway.

When Grayfia appeared in her maidly glory, she took a moment to notice the date like setting and the rather cute area they were in. A glance around told her roughly that they were just beyond the border of Lilith and she had not known such a place existed.

With a mental note taken to inspect this place herself later, Grayfia looks to the lone male present, noting his packing things up, and asked. "Ruto-san. Lady Venelana has requested the whole family to attend the celebration tonight at the Gremory Castle and I will require your assistance in assuring this outcome."

It took a moment for Naruto to really understand what was going on and when he did he asks carefully. "To be sure of what you are asking; you want me to get those two to come with me to dine with Lady Gremory. That is what you are asking of me, right now?"

Grayfia nodded once stiffly, and he continued. "I am sure you have a basic understanding of their locations, Lady Grayfia. Why come to me?"

The white haired, queen of the Lucifer stated firmly. "You are what binds them together. They will listen to you, Ruto-san."

Sighing, mumbling about not being paid enough for this crap, Naruto nodded before asking. "What do I get out of this?"

Grayfia raised a brow incredulously, asking. "Is it not enough to respond to Lady Venelana's request?"

Naruto's brows both reached his hair line as he quipped back. "That and this are two separate issues, Lady Grayfia, and you know it. Please don't play dumb with me.""

As Grayfia remained silently stoic, Naruto and Latia finish packing up the picnic into a wicker basket before sealing it away in a pocket dimension. When he turned to her again, the maid offered. "I will speak with Lord Lucifer about acquiring you a set of Evil Pieces."

Naruto shook his head, frowning lightly at that offer before replying. "You really do not know me too well, Lady Grayfia."

Remaining stoic, Grayfia offered. "I will excuse your absence from the roster for two weeks."

Naruto shrug was fluid, countering. "Those are optional for me anyway. Use them to keep myself busy and grounded."

Grayfia frowned at that, not knowing that fact, before thinking on what else to bargain with. Though help came from an unexpected source, Latia saying. "Ara-ara, Tatsuki-kun. Are you causing trouble for Lady Grayfia?"

Naruto stiffened at the use of his old government name. The name his mother had given him and he had desposed of a few months ago, choosing his nickname turned official ever since. Slowly, he looks to the Astaroth House devil with a hard look, stating. "Do not start with me, princess."

Latia matched his gaze dead on without flinching, moving her blue tipped blond hair back into a noble bun, having let it out as she knows how much Ruto liked it like that, and continued. "Just help Lady Grayfia and I am sure she will repay you another time. You are being an excellent example of a fire chicken right now."

Frowning, Naruto kept the gaze for a moment before grunting and looking to Grayfia, mumbling. "Fine. Relai will know where Kana is right now."

Grayfia nodded to him before inclining her head to the Astaroth briefly, and Naruto looked to his childhood friend and said. "Same time tomorrow?"

Latia shook her head, replying. "Next week. I have that thing, remember."

Naruto thought on it for a moment, nodding as he replied. "Right. I'll be at the shop if you need me then."

She nodded, before both parties spin up their respective magic transfer circles with Grayfia joining Naruto and Latia heading home.

---

Gremory Territory; Border Town

Naruto and Grayfia appeared within the Mayors manner on the far end of the territory of the Gremory Dukeship. Before them both with a falling off smiles, slowly becoming blank face was both the other Gremory of the current generation that they had come to collect. Kana and Relai Gremory.

Before Grayfia could speak, Naruto did. "Relai, Kana, did you see the fight?"

Kana snorted with no sense of the lady she was, stating. "Fight? That was a one-sided slaughter, oh brother dearest."

Kana Gremory was tall for a lady of her age. Standing at five-ten, her red hair matched her clansmen and was secured in twin braided pony tails secured down her back. She had the build of an olympic gymnastics world champion with a firm rear, wider than most hips, and solid d-cup chest that was far more modest than most of devil kind.

Relai was far more restrained in his own response, offering. "Although crassly put, Kana is indeed correct in her statement regarding your put down of the Phenex's third son, Aniki."

Relai was more of a scholarly gentlemen and held himself with a regal grace befitting someone of royal decent with every move measured and precise. He was never arrogant or overbearing with it and was normally a very polite and warm person to be around. He stood at six-foot two with a runner's build and broad shoulders.

His hair was kept short and properly trimmed at all times, not allowing it to fall on his squarish face or block his greenish-blue eyes behind his frameless glasses. Despite being a good five years older than Naruto, he always refers to him as older brother with respect and a level of professionalism that some might say was excessive.

This is why he did not speak out immediately at the presence of the main house's head made at his side and so listened when Naruto spoke up. "Yeah well, if I had let Lord Chicken get his claws into the House, no doubt all our work would have been for naught. Besides, when have I ever let someone in trouble go through it alone."

Lana snorted, hands behind her head, revealing her midriff as her crop top rode up just above her bust and revealed her chainmail armour beneath her civilian clothes. "Yeah-yeah, though you could have just asked me to do it, ya know?"

Relai shook his head, adjusting his glasses and looking to his female cousin, stating. "Then he would have demanded you too, Kana."

Kana visibly recoiled at the thought earning a chuckle from Naruto, drawing both their attention to him as he spoke again. "That aside, we have been ordered to Gremory Castle to attend a…"

Grayfia continued seamlessly as Naruto had trailed off. "A dinner is being prepared to celebrate the House's continued success and Lady Gremory has insisted that she see all of you present at the table."

She noticed both Gremory's shift their gazes to Ruto who offered a single stiff nod which confirmed to Grayfia that bringing Ruto was the best course of action.

Adjusting his glasses, Relai nodded and spoke tightly. "Very well. I shall change out of these ministerial robes into something more suitable for this occasion."

Relai's outfit was very much, at least by human standards, an old Victorian style robe of state. It was a hobby of his turned town tradition whenever they hold open town houses, he and his team of local advisers would dress in them to hear out any issues the town had. It wasn't anything official it was just a hobby of his and he enjoyed studying the time period.

Kana too glanced over her rather revealing battle attire. An open grey hoodie above a maroon crop top that partially covered her underlying armour and long grey cargo trousers that lead into combat boots. It was all enhanced by runes and seals Naruto had grafted making her as tough as most high-class Rooks without the speed debuff.

She too muttered. "Something a little less... worn I guess."

Naruto shrugged, looking to Grayfia asking. "It isn't formal or anything, right? Just a regular dinner."

Grayfia hadn't actually asked or was she told which one they were having. An oversight on her part, one she intended to rectify until Relai asked. "Well, if it is formal, I can assume a plus one is required. Perhaps, I should call upon my head-maid to act in that regard."

Naruto smirked, asking. "Oh, you and Tullai becoming an item now, Relai?"

Kana chuckled lowly, offering. "It is about time. Ever since we rescued her, she's only ever had eyes for you, Nii-chan."

Relai adjusted his glasses again and remained perfectly stoic in his response. "She a dutifully prompt maid and is just showing her appreciation by giving her all to ensuring that this place is kept pristine. Despite your best efforts to the contrary."

He directed the last bit at Kana who smirked. That smirk fell though when she felt a shudder down her spine and mechanically turned back to her self-appointed older brother, despite him being younger than her biologically speaking, and his cold stare was very telling.

Naruto spoke in a whisper. "Kana-chan. What did I say about cleaning up after yourself?"

Replying without delay, as if rehearsed, Kana said. "If I brought it in, I can take it out."

His eyes narrowed further and she flinched away before bowing her head, speaking meekly. "I will do better."

Grayfia was pleased that at least someone in the Gremory house was diligent in their cleaning up though, it should be expected as Ruto was near enough raised solely by the maid servants within the castle and so picked up on their cleaning habits. She then announced. "Lady Venelana has informed me that this will be a formal event. As a Lady Rias's peerage will be present, you will be allowed to bring a plus one."

The three look to her and nodded, before Naruto says. "Let's give it twenty minutes before meeting back here?"

Kana offered. "Why not two hours? I am a lady and need to get ready for…"

Naruto counter offered smoothly. "Thirty minutes and you can be my plus one."

Kana vanished the next moment. Naruto the turned to Relai who nodded back. "Thirty minutes. I shall inform my staff of our departure."

Naruto nodded and the taller man moved off swiftly, allowing the last red head to turn back to the head maid and informing. "As you heard, Thirty minutes. Though, as none of us are keyed into the main house's transport circle, we will need someone to take us there."

Grayfia simply nodded stoically, though made a mental note to bring that up to Lord and Lady Gremory as another oversight. The Gremory Castle should be accessible to all members of the house. She responds aloud. "I shall inform her at once."

Her white transfer circle appeared on the seal on the floor, and Naruto discreetly registered it into the rune system to allow her back at any time. The second she vanished, Naruto turned to get back to his own room.

---

Gremory Castle

Rias was pacing back and forth in the dinning room, a new strapped cream silk single piece dress paired with heels the same colour to add a few extra inches to her figure and emphasis her curvy frame. She was in two minds on things.

For last hour she has gone through her old photographs and checked her diaries for any references to her cousin Ruto. She had none. Thankfully, Grayfia provided proof in the form of two photographs. One was of her being pushed on a swing by Ruto, both six and he had faint whisker marks on his cheeks that had clearly faded with age as he no longer had them.

The second was one she took on her leaving for Kouh where Ruto can be seen carrying her luggage along with the other maid servants, she was talking with her mother and he was in the background, surprisingly inconspicuous despite his natural Gremory red hair.

So now, why was she in two minds. Somehow, her cousin had been keeping tabs on her whenever she was in the underworld and at home without being noticed by her and she was feeling guilty. How the hell was she supposed to strike up conversation with him?

Not only that, but the others?

Her dad only gave her basic information on the other two and Grayfia had stated that they both defer to Ruto out of a sense of loyalty to him. If she makes a bad impression with him then it is likely that her fellow Gremory would lose faith in her too. She is supposed to take over as clan head at somepoint and if they disprove of her than what?

Her brother also let slip that he hasn't actually dismissed the marriage contract yet, so at the moment she, Rias, daughter of Zeoticus and Venelana, is technically engaged to him.

It's one of the things that will be covered tonight. Her parents don't want to be the deciding factor but her brother has pointed out that it may help in rejoining the family together. This has got her thinking for the last fifteen minutes.

Ruto Gremory is a very strong, capable possibly gifted, magically inclined man with strong leadership skills seeing as he has led their fellows in making their territory safer for everyone who calls it home. He's tall, handsome, and clearly very knowledgeable and kind to his family, which includes her, and only stepped in when she couldn't handle things herself.

Clearly, he respects her independent nature and that manga she may or may not have stashed away tells Rias that he is likely an otaku too. I mean, seriously who comes up with a manga surrounding a world full of Ninja who fight against other ninja and super powered Youkai with multiple tails.

Maybe he's spent time in Kyoto or Japan as a whole.

He could be a perfect match for her however she doesn't really know how to start a dialogue with him, especially after he ditched her and the words she may have realised later might have angered him.

This is why she is pacing.

A throat clearing drew Rias's attention to her queen, equally as done up as her along with her peerage, and as she finally turns to her, Akeno spoke. "You will get blisters if you keep pacing like that."

Taking a deep breath whilst straightening out her dress, Rias nodded before asking again for the nth time. "How do I look?"

Akeno giggled at the sight, replying. "You look great, Rias. Just stay calm and you will be fine."

Issei chimed in, eyes glued to her breasts. "Yeah, no real man could ever say no to you, Bachuu."

Asia pouted as Koneko whispered. "Pervert."

She both were in simple sundresses, Koneko a dull white and Asia a soft yellow. Kiba was in a grey tuxedo, no tie, and was looking dangerously sharp.

Akeno was in her shrine attire, not wanting to accidentally upstage her friend this time, as this was slightly more important than most occasions and decided to step back this time.

When the door parted, the young devils all watched Sirzechs stroll in with Millicas at his side, both in black tuxedos and hair tied back. Spotting Rias, Millicas runs over and hugs his aunt. "Aunt Rias!"

Rias hugs back, calming a little with her nephew in arm, saying. "Millicas, you are looking sharp."

The young boy beams up at her, pointing to his father, Millicas replied. "I am matching with father."

Sirzechs tugged on his own tuxedo lightly, smirking smugly. "Of course we looks sharp."

Before Rias could retort, the doors parted again and Grayfia's voice could be heard. "Right this way please…"

All eyes were on the door when in stepped Ruto Gremory, dressed in a formal dark grey kimono with black embroidery that hugged his runner physique with an equally onyx obi, with the Gremory rose stitched in red on its front, securing it. His hair was tied back into a single low plated ponytail revealing his soft yet angular face that was framed by two loose bangs.

As the woman in the room were drinking in his frame, the boys were glued to the woman on his arm currently. She too was in a kimono, but this was made for battle as she did not put her formal one to be cleaned as she hadn't anticipated needing it soon.

Thus, this grey battle kimono was short and only reached her knees with a cut up the side revealing her long pale toned legs and wide hips. The black obi made sure to let everyone know how flat and toned her stomach was against her modest d-cup chest. It also showed off her gymnastic build.

Her scarlet hair was up in a noble bun, a Gremory crested broach within, and the lose strands that trailed won were neat and orderly clipped by hair accessories. She seemed to be standing shoulder to shoulder with her date thanks to her black heeled sandals.

The younger devils were broken from their ogling when the next two entered directly after the first too. The man towered above most at six-foot-two or so. Short hair atop a stern looking squarish face beneath his rimless glasses and moved calmly with deliberate intent that seemed to soften his broad shouldered frame.

He wore a Victorian style suit and was by far making it look tasteful, the lines sharp and defined as it was made with the finest fabric. Blacks, greys and crimson make up the suit and trousers making for an elegant look.

On his arm was a woman who looked small in comparison, standing at five-foot-five. She wore a simply grey, strapless dress that served to highlight her naturally modest, by supernatural standards, frame. Her white hair travelled down her back in a wave that looked tasteful and not exaggerated. A cute face offsets by red eyes that suggest a unique pedigree.

The stasis was broken by Sirzechs who approached the foursome first, smile friendly and hand outstretched. "Ruto-kun. Glad you could make it."

Naruto nodded and shook the man's hand, saying. "Glad to get an invite to the Head house, Lord Lucifer."

Sirzechs chuckled softly, waving him off as he replied. "None of that tonight. We are family here so please, just call me Sirzechs."

Naruto nodded hesitantly, replying. "As you wish, Lord Sirzechs."

Chuckling again, the Satan gestured to those at Ruto's side and asks. "Care to introduce us?"

Again, Naruto nodded as he noticed that Rias and her peerage had come over and so he gestured to the woman on his arm first, announcing. "Here with me is Kana Gremory."

Kana curtesies and offered. "It is a pleasure, Lord Sirzechs."

Sirzechs smiles and nods, replying. "The pleasure's mine."

Naruto then gestured to the last two, informing the room. "These two are Relai Gremory and his head maid Tullai."

Both mentioned bowed formally, speaking in unison. "It is an honour, Lord Sirzechs."

Sirzechs smile was diplomatic as he replied. "Please, just Sirzechs is fine. Honestly it is. Just for tonight as a family dinner."

The four nod again, but something told the Satan that his plea was being disregarded. Millicas stepped up announcing himself, seeing as his father was too busy feeling sorry for himself. "I am Millicas Gremory, nice to meet you all."

Again, the four remained formally stiff and bowed to the young child replying. "Pleasure to meet you, Lord Millicas."

The boy pouted as Rias stepped up, her peerage at her back yet before she could speak Kana did. "Please tell your pawn that if he keeps ogling my chest, legs, and ass like that I will gut him like a fish."

She said it with such a soft smile some might of thought it was a joke. Though Rias sighed and glance back to see Issei looking anywhere but at anyone. Guilty.

Naruto spoke next, voice of steel in place. "Be warned, Red Dragon Pawn. My cousin and your fellow peerage members may tolerate your antics but we will not. You have entered this world knowing full well that you are at the bottom of the food chain. Remember that."

Issei gulped hard and nodded, suddenly aware of the power gap between him and the four Gremory house devils ahead of him. Rias too was suddenly wary of that very fact too. Ruto showed expert usage in magic in his short bout with Riaer and looked like he hadn't broken a sweat doing so.

This means that he was very clearly stronger than her at present. Which also lead her to believe that the other two were equally as strong if not stronger then him meaning she as likely the weakest of this generation of Gremory, despite being the heiress.

Before her thoughts could tumble further, the door parted again and in stepped Zeoticus and Venelana. Both in formal attire and looking perfectly happy seeing the children they had request from Grayfia to be present and pleasantly dressed in formal attire.

Zeoticus was first to speak upon reaching the new four, who all bowed to him and his wife. "Welcome to our home all of you."

They all rose up and Naruto began the introductions swiftly and orderly, staring from his sister-figure. "It is an hour for us to be here, Lord and Lady Gremory. As you know, my name is Ruto and with me is Kana."

Upon their nod, he continued whilst gesturing to the second duo. "These two are Relai and his guest Tullai."

Relai inclined his head, offering. "It is an honour, my lord. I hope that the reports of the town I am leading meet your satisfaction."

Zeoticus nodded firmly once, replying. "Yes they are by far the most thorough and detailed I receive, all pointing to a well maintained system you manage. You have my praise, young Relai."

Pushing up his glasses, a sign of his own acceptance of praise, Relai bowed his head again. "Thank you, my lord."

Venelana spoke next, eyeing the young woman on his arm and asked. "Is this your girlfriend perhaps?"

With practiced ease, both Relai and Tullai shook their heads with the Gremory replying to the former Beal. "No, my lady. Tullai here is my secretary and head maid. Due to the short notice, I believed it was fitting to ask for her assistance in this matter as my guest."

Venelana nodded with a smile, replying. "I see. Come, I believe the food will be served soon. Let us take our places and we can speak freely."

---

At the table…

Naruto finds himself with Rias on his left, Kana on his right with Relai after followed by Tullai then Koneko. The food had been served moments ago and everyone was eating calmly and sedately. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Kana was using the fe skills Tullai had managed to impart on her over the years and remain semi-formal thus far.

He did not need to worry about Relai or Tullai, they are both well versed in this area of expertise and well practiced. Naruto himself was well versed on the subject of etiquette, due to his association with Latia, who could be very scary if manners were not maintained throughout a meal.

Kazius and Leon learnt that the hard way very early on.

Naruto's attention was drawn to the tables head when the clan head cleared his throat, Zeoticus asking. "So, Ruto-kun. Am I right to assume that you have trained yourself to your current level without assistance from any of us?"

Swallowing his mouthful, Naruto replies casually. "Well, no my lord. All three of us trained with one another extensively and helped one another develop our own unique fighting skills."

Zeoticus nodded to that, taking up his glass of wine before offering. "I see – tell me, how many spells have you learnt exactly?"

Naruto looked confused for a moment before asking hesitantly. "Lord Gremory, with all due respect, I do not feel comfortable revealing that number exactly."

Smirking, twirling his red wine, Zeoticus nodded in understanding asking instead. "No, I understand that, my boy. Instead, answer me how many spells can you prepare at once? Say, at mid level and primed to fire."

Without missing a beat, Naruto replied. "One hundred and twenty-eight."

This caused the younger devils to stare at him in shock, Rias too as she could barely manage twelve. Akeno looked at him incredulously, disbelieving that was possible. Zeoticus smirked at that nodding to himself before sipping on his fine wine, that was indeed impressive for his age.

Naruto then gestured down the line to his stoic cousin, stating. "Relai has me beat though. At last count, a month ago or so, my rough estimate of his abilities was one hundred and fifty, under the same conditions."

All look to the stoic Gremory at the table who pushed up his glasses, Relai stating firmly. "Only due to your expert tutelage, Aniki."

Kana nodded, adding firmly. "Without you, Nii-sama, neither of us would be as strong as we are now. You have our thanks, always."

Naruto smiled at them back and nodding as Zeoticus smiled along with the rest of the table at the closeness of the three. Rias saw this as an opening and asked carefully. "I could use some tips for my magical control. Could you perhaps help me?"

Without missing a beat, Naruto replied. "If you so wish, Lady Rias. Though, I am sure Lady Gremory would be a better fit, I will welcome you nonetheless."

Rias smile was strained at that but nodded, when Sirzechs asked. "Perhaps we could have a spar sometime, Ruto-kun. I am sure that it would be an interesting experience for us both."

Naruto chuckled politely, offering. "I doubt I would provide much of a partner to you, Lord Sirzechs."

Sirzechs chuckled back, offering. "Perhaps but I feel it would be interesting nonetheless. Stretching your capabilities beyond your limits help with growth, no?"

Naruto, Kana, and Relai all nodded in agreement, Kana commenting. "It would be good to not constantly get beat down all the time."

"I have to concur." Relai adds calmly, cutting through his stake and purposely avoiding Naruto's hardened gaze upon him that was accusatory.

Sirzechs grinned at that, commenting. "Sounds like a plan then."

Naruto nods as his gaze finally left his taller cousin, reaching for his drink. "So it would seem, Lord Sirzechs."

Kana swallows her meat and comments. "Maybe Lord Sirzechs will push you to use your sword again."

The whole table fell to silence and the woman who spoke swallowed harder than anything before upon realising she should not have said that. A peak out the corner of her eye tells her she definitely should not have said that.

Zeoticus asks calmly. "Oh, so you are a sword user too? How quaint."

His wife leans forward, taking up her own wine glass, Venelana asking. "Most certainly. Most Gremory members stick to magic and distance themselves from hand-to-hand combat. Most intriguing."

Deciding to pay her back for this crap, Naruto adds helpfully. "Well, Lady Gremory, Kana here is an expert on hand-to-hand using her magical abilities to supplement it to great effect. She is certainly a dangerous opponent if you are not expecting it, or even when you are."

Kana took that on the chin and knew she had step over the line. Not blabbing about his skills was one of the few things he told her not to do. She can't help it though, to her, it isn't fair how cool Naruto is and to not tell people about it.

Zeoticus hasn't stopped smiling this entire time. This younger generation is surely more spirited than ever before. Swords and spells. Fists and spells. Expanded mastery of magic. Oh, this new generation is turning out great. Perhaps tying his daughter to his cousin was the right thing to do.

Surprising everyone, Millicas spoke next and asked. "How come you do not come to the castle more often?"

Naruto was chewing on some fine lamb chop so Kana replied. "We are all super busy all over the territory with work, Lord Millicas. Even after this we have to get back to it."

Many raised brows at that, surely they aren't that busy. Millicus thought for a moment before asking again. "Really? Then, what do you all do and who is doing it while you are here?"

Relai answered this one. "For me, Lord Millicas, no one. Once I get back there will likely be numerous reports and documentation for me to go through. Aniki will likely need to help me clear it before tomorrow's end."

Kana added. "I had to ask for the trade caravan I was supposed to guard to wait a little while before leaving. As soon as I get back, I will be leaving with them towards the Astaroth lands."

Swallowing his lamb, Naruto comments. "After helping with Relai's paperwork, I have to head to Sitri lands for a meeting with a trade convoy heading this way. Then, I will hand them off to Kana before heading into Lilith for a shift at work. So yes, Lord Millicas, we are all incredibly busy."

Everyone but Zeoticus was surprised at how cram packed these three seemed to be working and how heavyweight it seemed. Sure, Rias's peerage had jobs on the daily but they were hours at most and they could reject them. These three however, sound like they are working hard for a living with multiple jobs on the go at any one time.

Relai added to his cousins small speech. "Oh that reminds me. One of the Sitri has asked for you specifically, Aniki."

Naruto looks to him, brow arched, along with Zeoticus and Sirzechs as neither had heard of this from their own channels. Naruto asks. "Which one? If it's that Perry woman again…"

Thankfully, Tullai was a great receptionist and clarified. "It is not Perry-san but rather one called Kenary. She said you knew her and would know where to find her."

Naruto thought on that before nodding slowly, speaking carefully. "I think I know of her, not her directly. If she calls again, just take a message and I'll get to her when I can."

Rias, who had never heard of these Sitri house members asks. "I have never heard of Perry or Kenary Sitri before and I am on good terms with Sona, their heiress."

Kana was going to speak but caught herself and closed her mouth looking back at the remains of her food. Relai too just focused on his food leaving Naruto to sigh minutely before explaining. "Lady Rias. You also did not know about us three…"

Gesturing to himself, Kana then Relai before continuing. "Your fellow Gremory. So yes. There are other not so important members of the other Houses that you may typically overlook or not notice, just like your fellow heirs and heiress's."

Rias thought on that and she guessed she could see where Ruto was coming from, so nodded and he continued. "The underworld is a big place, Lady Rias. It takes a lot to keep things running smoothly and that is where people like us come into the picture. All three of us are high-class devils just like you. However, unlike you we are not in the spotlight nor do we stick out."

Reaching for his drink again, Naruto continued. "Some of us are fine with that, others learn to accept it and the rest likely end up going rogue or dying in a ditch having cross paths with someone you shouldn't have. In the end, we are all freely doing are part and enjoy ourselves as we do."

As he sips the wine, Relai speaks up. "Supporting the main house is what we do. Protecting the people within our territory is a given as we have the power and strength to do so."

He looks to the heiress, maintaining a straight face. "Our job is not glamorous like yours, Lady Rias. We are not patted on the back for being strong enough to fight off bandits and rogues as it our choice to do so. But, everything we do has a purpose, every choice a consequence."

Placing the wine cup down on the table, Naruto comments. "I am sure about thirty percent of this table has been in proximity to one of us on its transit here, Lady Rias. You may only see us as branch house members of little consequence, but we wear that label with pride knowing we live free and have the choice to do what we enjoy doing."

That drew her out of her awe, Rias cutting in. "I need to apologise for that comment I made."

Naruto broke protocol briefly with a shrug, saying. "I am not the one you should be apologising to, Lady Rias."

Slowly, Rias nodded wondering how to get into contact with the Astaroth's underbelly when Sirzechs speaks up. "He makes a very good point there, Rias-tan."

Drawing the room's attention, the Satan continued. "Even my own power base is ran by an army of middle management types. Running the numbers, dotting the I's and crossing the T's. Running the underworld depends on people like Ruto-kun, Kana-chan, and Relai-kun. Whenever you take over, you will need someone dependable at your side to manage it all."

Sirzechs smiles gesturing to his queen and wife standing nearby, ready to serve. "I have my lovely Grayfia, who doesn't get nearly enough credit for her job but she does it so well I can afford to goof off a little bit."

Grayfia nodded once, stiffly, though everyone heard Naruto mutter beneath a breath. "Anything she can't do she just pawns off on to me anyway."

The strongest queen coughs very lightly, causing Naruto to clam up and not turn to meet her now doubt penetrating gaze.

Rias now realised just how daunting her job in the future is looking and wondering if her peerage was capable enough to handle it. Their battle strength is all she had cared about until now and never really thought of the bureaucracy of everything before. Can she lead the Gremory household now know this all?

This is when her father, one Zeoticus Gremory began to clap in a genuine applause for the young devils before him, proud to call them his own and among his loyal family. Once everyone had focused on him, he speaks. "Indeed, most impressive my dear young cousins. My family. That is most certainly a wake up call I did not think my daughter would need."

Rias flushed slightly but the four in question all nodded once so the head of House Gremory continued. "Thus, it makes my decision all the more important and clear."

Sirzechs too looked pleased along with his mother. Naruto, Kana, Relai and Tullai all had sinking feelings in their guts for some reason at the man's beaming smile. As if this man was about to destroy their lives and remake them into his desires. Uproot their established dynamics, alter their structure and bend the recognised norms for his amusement.

They were not wrong.

Standing, Zeoticus Gremory announced with a wine glass in hand. "I have discussed it with both my lovely wife and eldest son since this all began. Together, along with this dinner, we have decided that the marriage contract Ruto won from Riser will remain in place and have him join hands with our Rias."

Both Sirzechs and Venelana stood with Millicus following his father's lead, holding their glasses up as the head declares. "That my Rias will marry Ruto for the benefit of the clan as a whole and rejoin the family as one."

A state of stunned silence did not last as long as one might have suspected with Rias jumping up and growling. "That is not fair. Ruto-kun won and wanted it dismissed. I was supposed to be free to choose."

Sirzechs nodded, stating. "Yes, that was what Ruto-kun said, however, after seeing everything transpire and we discussed things, we decided that you needed someone like Grayfia is to me. Ruto-kun is a fine man and completely competent in the inner workings of both the clan and the underworld."

Rias was not convinced however, countering. "But, shouldn't that be my choice? I… I… was supposed to be able to pick…"

Her father sighed, not liking the tears pooling in his daughter's eyes but he had to be firm here. Zeoticus comments in a softer tone. "I am aware of that and will not make the same mistake I did with the Phenex House. We will not push this through. We will only hold it and allow you two to get to know each other. I am sure, given the adequate time and effort that you two will come to care, or maybe even love each other."

Rias dropped back into her seat, mind reeling at this development. True, this time she doesn't have to worry about a deadline or someone trying to push it on her. Ruto is far more reasonable and lacked any real desire to push this through. She has time. Time to get out of this and maybe even find her own perfect man.

Her thoughts were cut through by the voice of Ruto, who asked. "Is this all, Lord Gremory?"

The man nodded with a soft smile, Zeoticus replying. "Yes and thank you for coming. I know this is a bit of a shock and I am being rather forceful on this however, I truly believe this is for the best for our House moving forward."

The four guests to the Castle nod in understanding as they stood. Relai offering. "We understand that, my lord. I am sure that things will work out for the best."

Zeoticus nodded as he watched them all bow before leaving with Grayfia with only Venelana noticing how stiff Ruto-chan had gotten, almost clinging to Kana-chan in desperation. Or, something else. He didn't speak at all after that announcement. Were they rushing things in repairing the damage to the House?

---

At the entrance circle to the Castle, Grayfia turned to the group and offered. "I was not aware that they had made that…"

Relai spoke up. "It is a lot to take in, Lady Grayfia. Perhaps we can discuss this another time?"

The head maid nodded and stepped back as the transfer circle spun up swiftly and just like that, the four had returned to their distant home. Grayfia just sighed, hoping things don't get any worse between the 'main' and branch houses, so to speak.

---

Gremory Territory; Border Town

Naruto arrived at his door, being pulled along by Kana who hadn't said a word either. Relai and Tullai had already turned in for the night. Separately for now but who's to say in an hour or so that may or may not change.

It was a surprisingly heavy night and wine was involved after all.

Seeing her favorite brother this angry wasn't very pleasant and Kana offered his arm a soft squeeze that drew his darker eyes to hers and she offered. "Do you want some company?"

Taking a heavy breath, Naruto nodded as he opened the door and whispered. "Sure…"

She followed him in and closed the door, locking it behind.

Throwing their kimono's aside and laying in the king sized bed together, like they used to when they first met, Kana just snuggled into his elevated warmth as normal. Naruto was always so warm, no matter how cold everything else was, he was warm.

Naruto though was staring at the ceiling wondering what caused things to turn out this way. All he wanted was to help his counts in escape that log-awful marriage contact, which he did, and yet the clanhead himself overruled his wish to dissolve the whole affair and instead turned it inward for the clans benefit.

Grrr…

The worst thing about this whole thing was that he understood why he did it. Lady Rias is narrow minded and rather selfish. Dangerously naïve about the world at large and most definitely a stereotypical princess type who hadn't bothered to count the steps before climbing the stars.

She'll need someone like him to run things just like her brother does. It just isn't fair and will completely take up all of his free time and lifestyle which will…

His thoughts were broken through by the sensation of familiar soft lips on his own. Blinking twice, Kana pulls back as she was now leaning against his bare chest and looking into his eyes. She speaks softly. "Your thinking too much. Sleep on it and worry about it tomorrow."

Sighing, Naruto nodded as his hands find her waist that had began to grind against his rising member. He whispered. "Fine. But I will need help in distracting myself."

She smirks with nothing but sultry intent, whipping back. "We both know that is my specialty. Let me remind you of my skills…"

She kisses him again but then began to trail down his neck, then chest, then his eight pack abs that were so hard you could grate cheese on. Yes, she checked.

Pulling down his briefs, her tongue ran up the length of his shaft from balls to tip and began working its way around and down again.

Naruto knew by the simple fact she was starting with that tongue move means that he will very definitely be distracted all night again.

---

A/N: A random Idea I had whilst working on Page 14's devil council scene. Need a break from it after that epicness with the Sage fight and how hyped i was for it.

I burrowed heavily from my other stories in this, pulling from my previous DXD cross overs. Naruto being reincarnated as a branch member of the Gremory House. He isn't anything special and is constantly overshadowed by Rias's simple existance. He doesn't care though, having lived his previous life in the spotlight he doesnt really feel like repeating it.

Instead, he spreads out and makes friends, trains alot, and protects people of his House's lands inadvertently creating a small divide in the family. Things change when the heiress herself needs help and we all know Naruto. He can't just sit by, doubly so when a marriage contract is involved.

Wanted a story that did not focus on the big guys but the ones in the background supporting them. Naruto is one if them but is getting dragged into stuff constantly as he cant keep well enough alone. A few of the big plot points in DXD are ignored in this with Naruto only showing uo when and if Rias, Sirzechs, or Zeoticus asks/orders him to.

So, a lot of characters belong to the familar houses but not the ones typically covered. All but the "famous" ones so to speak. They are around, but are not the focus.

o7