Page Twelve

Kyoto Mountain Shrine

Kuroka sat up and found herself looking down at the blood covering her claws in bewilderment. Though she was snapped out of it by Naruto's voice. "Get off, Kuroka."

She hopped off, and revealed beneath the slashes shirt was a set of claw marks barely drawing blood across his stomach as he sat up. Naruto sighed, and grumbled. "I don't have many of these damn shirts."

Though internally, he speaks to his tenants. "Thank you for not healing this, Kurama. Last thing we need is them to know of your regeneration powers."

The fox huffed but offered nothing beyond that.

Kuroka beamed, pointing at the marks and claiming. "I got a hit on you."

Naruto scoffed but did not reply as he lifted his right hand, that glowed a familiar looking light green that surprised the devils, especially a particular nun, and placed it above the wound. Slowly the wound stitched itself back together. Everyone watched as within moments, the wound was gone as if never there and the glow faded.

Getting back on his feet, Naruto looked to the nekoshou and was about to say something but he sensed a rapidly approaching missile and immediately launched into a backflip over a certain seraphim and landed in a crouch, with the grace of the cat he was still imitating.

He heard the "ouff" of someone hitting the ground as it seems that Kuroka's cat like instincts saved her too and the archangel Gabriel was rubbing her head as she sat on the grass. Clearly, she had attempted to tackle Naruto and had missed both him and Kuroka.

Sighing, he asks. "What was that, ummm…. Gabriel-san, right?"

Hopping back up, as if nothing happened, the prettiest woman in heaven spun on her feet to face the sage while clapping daintily and almost squealing. Naruto just stared at her deadpanned but thankfully, Gabriel explained. "You! Your hands of healing."

Still stumped, the sage lifts his hand again and flowed the basic mystical palm technique once more, the only Iryōjutsu he can do without handsigns and it only barely works on light scratches, and still requires all of his chakra control to manage that.

Anything beyond that requires a chain of signs and focus for him to pull off, even the medical scalpel which most medical ninja's can do without much thought or effort.

Gabriel nodded frantically, moving in quickly to inspect it and naturally everyone else does too with Asia at the head. Koneko was the first to speak, stating firmly. "Chakra."

Naruto nodded simply, Kuroka added. "Much denser and different from mine."

She frowned deeper the longer she looked at it and the sage nodded again, stating. "I noticed that too. Yours seems…"

Naruto thought on how to say this as nicely as possible, but upon the snort of foxy origin within his head, he ended up just blurted out. "Less developed – incomplete…?"

Both cat girls grew a tick mark for different reasons. Koneko as many have commented how underdeveloped she was for her age, even more so when compared to her older sister who is an ero-cat.

Kuroka was annoyed as she was proud of her chakra mastery and here comes this super powered sage stating her chakra is underdeveloped. From her perspective, him and his kin are all the weird ones here.

Gabriel however was more interested in the soft green glow and when she touched it, she and Naruto seemed to be teleported into a golden space with flowing light and fluffy clouds.

Blinking, Naruto looked around and muttered. "My soul scape? No… this isn't mine…"

Finding his hand still grasped by an equally confused seraphim Gabriel, he whispered. "This is yours…"

Gabriel snapped to him confused, and tilted her head with all the innocence the world could contain as she asks. "You know where we are?"

Naruto nodded, saying. "We are in your soul scape."

Gabriel's Soulscape

Blinking owlishly, Gabriel confused by the terminology asks. "Soulscape?"

Naruto nodded before looking around the seemingly endless space as he explained. "A physical representative manifestation of one's own soul, where one's deepest truth can be found. Though, I am unsure why I am here in your soul."

Gaining a sense of understanding, the archangel looks around at this pure space and was in wonder. Why did she appear here?

As if responding to her thoughts, the very familiar visage of her home began to appear all around them. The several levels of heaven, during the early days of their father's reign appeared along with her early days and the love overflowing flooded the angel though Naruto was more than a little uncomfortable at the sight.

The sight of the growing legions of pure white wings angels were a sight for the former shinobi, it almost brought Gabriel to tears as they even spotted the form of the pure angel form of one Fallen Governor, and a certain ten winged fallen back in the garden, among the flocks of these groups.

Then things seemed to leap forward, the number of angels had notably shrunken with several key members spotted before now missing, and the light and love not as potent as before. Yet despite that, they spotted a familiar twelve winged woman looking just the same and still with her innocence, flowing with love for all, even for those who had departed the light of her father and creator.

Without warning, things shifted again, and Naruto watched as the three factions clashed on a battleground of unknown territory. The battle was brutal, bloody, but most importantly, costly. Again, they watched as the Gabriel of this time striking out with tears on her eyes as she fought against those left the grace of their fathers light.

Shifting back, Naruto took note that they had returned to the heavens again but again the light had dimmed more than last time but remained centred around Gabriel and her brother Micheal. The archangel was weeping on the now empty throne, her brother manning a device attempting to keep things going. More and more angels loosing their halo's, their wings darkened by sin and being forced out.

It shifted again, and now they witnessed the staleness of the heavens, the strict discipline maintained and the seeming heavy handed measures of Micheal to keep things together. It was clear he was struggling, Naruto could see that much and his heart went out to him but some of his decrees did not sit right with the sage.

As time went on, they saw as Gabriel finally returned to spreading her innocence and care to those who need it the most. Yet even Naruto could tell it was barely the same as before. Sure, she was brilliantly innocent and naïve, childish even, but it lacked something that the shinobi couldn't put a finger on.

Then something happened, a new, stronger life force appeared suddenly and drew all the archangel's attention. This is when the real Gabriel spoke in a whisper. "This… this is when we first sensed you."

Naruto looked to the archangel, that was still gripping his hand gently but with an intense force that was both warm and soothing, which made the thought of pulling away feel like an absurdity. Gabriel though continued to watch the scene play out, her free right hand clenched over her heart with tears in her eyes as she spoke. "I was confused, nervous and scared of this power but also…"

She took a slight breath before finishing. "Hopeful."

Naruto looked back at the scene as the archangels on the seventh level gathered around a viewing portal and were scanning the entirety of the world before locking in on the comparatively small island. They zoomed in and continued zoning in on this power that was both familiar and alien to them.

Gabriel continued softly. "We did not know what to make of it. Some were dismissive, saying that the system must be broken. Other saw you as a threat, worth nothing but a swift death to maintain the integrity of our father's domain. The rest willing to withhold judgment until we understood what it was we were dealing with."

Naruto then asked. "Then, what was your stance?"

Gabriel watched as her memory-self remains silent during the discussions before them. Though she did eventually speak up when the phantom her gathered a small force and departed to rescue the human standing against the devils. The real her looked to him and smiled filled with the gentleness she was born with, gripping him firmer as she replied. "Just like now, I hope that you will help guide us. You… you are not my father reborn; like I had hoped at first."

Naruto raised a brow at that assumption but did not comment on it. Gabriel continued unprompted. "You are not perfect like him. You are flawed, scarred, and wonderfully human."

Looking into his eyes, she smiled again. "But, maybe that is what my father had always wanted us to become. Wonderfully human. You are so wonderfully human with a soul so pure, so hopeful it is sometimes easy to not see you as one of us."

Naruto frowned, stating. "I… don't think I could survive under those conditions in Heaven."

She giggled, a truly heavenly sound, shaking her head. Gabriel replied with a bigger smile, stating. "I suppose not. My brother is doing his best to manage things but it is not easy. He's overlooked a few things and had to be stern about others."

Naruto snorted, griping. "Putting it lightly…"

Gabriel nodded sadly and now the sage was internally kicking himself at the level of this woman's kicked puppy look. He felt like an evil tyrant right now. Gabriel though, continued. "But, I am still hopeful that you can bring all of father's children together again in a new way. A way that even father hadn't been able to do. Or maybe, he hadn't considered it."

Naruto thought on it, his mind supplying. "The Sixth Path Pact…"

Gabriel nodded and smiled, cheering. "Yes, exactly! All of us under the single banner again. It sounds like a dream and going to be great and everything…"

The childishness of this woman shining through once again and alleviating the sense of guilt the sage had about his earlier comment. Man, this is exhausting.

Abruptly it all stopped and something akin to a plea came across the woman's face, as she looked up at him with a world shaking puppy-eye jutsu, a level Naruto had no idea existed until now, with an amount of innocence that he doubted even the old cranky fox could resist after being awoken from his many naps.

Gabriel asks softly. "But, I… also have a request…?"

Swallowing thickly, Naruto asks. "Which is what?"

In a very small voice, adding to the effect and now this sage was sure if she had asked him to level half the world, he would do it without hesitation to save this innocent soul. How truly deviously innocent of this angel.

Gabriel asks slowly. "I… if it is possible, I do not want to trouble you, but if you could, please come and take a look at the system. Our numbers are lowered daily and it is what father used to create us. Maybe you can help us adjust it?"

Naruto was about to respond instinctively but thankfully his life experience within the last few years overrode his long thought buried hero complex, restraining it fiercely and dragging it out of the preverbal driver seat. That was close.

The sage had to be careful about the promises he made since his exile from his home, having learnt the hard way what damage he could take from making such bold statements of intent and pairing it with his own nindo. Too many close calls, near death experience, and heartbreaking moments to be anything but skeptical of anything and everything.

Taking a moment to ponder this, and unwilling to outright deny the request, Naruto finally replied to the innocently awaiting archangel. "I will consider it."

He nodded hesitantly at that, wondering what the others might say, and Gabriel beamed brightly, her halo nearly blinding the sage due to her happiness. She was so happy, her hands left his and the two were back in the garden again.

Kyoto Mountain Shrine

The beacon of green chakra fizzled out, a spark of holy magic forcing both Naruto and Gabriel stumble back from one another, clutching their heads in their disorientation. The two Hunter's and Kuroka rushed to stabilise the sage while Benemune catches Gabriel.

After setting the sage down on the grass, Kuroka turned on the arch angel and hissed. "What the hell was that?"

Gabriel was just as disheveled, helped to a seat nearby by the ten winged fallen and only responded after sitting down. "I… I am not sure."

She looked at the panting sage, who looked a little worse than she and was hoping that he still remembered what felt like a dream to her but something told her it was more than just that.

Within Naruto's mind, the panic and anger was at a fever pitch.

Naruto's Mindscape

Kurama growled deep and hard, snarling out. "What did that thing do to you?"

Shukaku hissed. "I'll kill 'em! I swear I will kill 'em!"

Matatabi was just hissing non-stop, Kokuo was coated in steam, and Son Goku was just simmering in silent rage along with Isobu, who was so still, one might confuse him for a rock.

Naruto, who was resting on one of his fox friend's tails, looked more than a little pale and was wondering the same thing. Saiken and Matatabi were at his side in an instant, transforming into their human forms, looking him over whilst trying to determine what had happened as they too had lost contact with his consciousness.

Naruto eventually muttered. "I… am kinda…"

He paused trying to put things in order within his mind but it was still rather hazy but clearing up slightly and not in order. Though, for some reason, none of his companions could review the memories. To them, there was nothing there to read yet he could and he had only disappeared for a few moments.

This clued the sage in slightly, having remembered the only other time this happened was when his parents had appeared and took his consciousness to another part of his mind. This was just far more intense than then, thus he guessed. "I think… somehow, that archangel brought me to her Soulscape."

He was no longer so pale, and colour was coming back to him. The other beings were surprised by that, unsure what to make of it, but Kurama looked even more angered by that and roared. "She what...!"

Naruto nodded, letting out a deep sigh before continuing. "Remember when I met my parents fragments. It feels like that just far more intense than those times. So, I think, I was brought to her soul scape."

Kurama snarled at the news as it unfortunately made sense. He couldn't see or hear anything when those two appeared and took their son away from his eyes. Looking at his host, he growled. "What happened in there…?"

Naruto, who had calmed down a bit more, the feeling of dizziness falling away slowly answered calmly. "I think… I saw the history of the pure angels. Their decline throughout the ages. The reaction to the death of their creator. Then… then…"

It took a lot of effort to recall this final peace, his face scrunching up as his hands held his head in effort but eventually he breathed out a whisper. "They want my help to save their race… dwindling numbers… empty throne..."

Matatabi at his side growled, asking. "Not another promise… these wenches…"

Naruto looked to her confused for several moments but eventually shook his head after realising how that sounded. "No… not like that."

He paused, confused at his own statement, this disjoint between his actions and mind was weird but continued without thinking on it. "I did not promise anything. They have rules that prevent that and everything. I think it has something to do with me visiting their realm. I am not sure though."

This was very confusing for everyone but did somewhat pacify them all in various amounts. Though, it was clear that Kurama was not pleased by this development. He will have to weigh the pros and cons thoroughly. Maybe, this might help with the yang control. On that thought, maybe the angels antithesis could help with the yin control.

This was getting complicated and the Kyuubi needed more information.

A lot of what was going on went over Ddraig's head, and so he just let them all contemplate things before asking. "Naruto… when can I go check out those sea dragons?"

Blinking for a moment, recalling that request from last night, Naruto nodded at the dragon and stood back up, aided by both Saiken and Matatabi in their human forms before replying. "Right, I did say that you could. Be careful out there, okay?"

Ddraig in the past would have scoffed at that, he was an emperor class dragon. None could stand against him but he and Albion both had been brought down by the combined forces of the biblical faction.

His time with the Bijuu and sage was also rather humbling, hearing the various stories of their own experiences against humans. So the towering dragon just nodded, Ddraig replying. "I will, my friend."

Naruto nodded, before returning to the outside world once more.

Kyoto Mountain Shrine

Naruto shook off the cobwebs and looked around to see everyone's focus split between him and the archangel. The last of the dizziness slowly dissipated as he stood, helped by both Felix and Jenny, and drew eyes of everyone as he stumbled slightly.

After getting his feet beneath him, Naruto offered thanks to the two hunters before looking to Gabriel and saying. "I am fine now. Do not worry yourself."

The golden haired woman just nodded, Gabriel was relieved by that but Kuroka turned back towards her master, approaching the sage as she asked. "What happened exactly, nya?"

Naruto offered his now common gesture of a shrug that lacked conformation or denial of prior actions and knowledge about the asked question, before verbalising. "No idea… your guess is as good as mine."

Kuroka looked annoyed at that for some reason, and her senses were telling her that he wasn't lying but she also knew this guy was a shinobi, trained to lie and deceive from a young age. She couldn't trust her senses when dealing with him.

Though, Naruto eventually just strolled past her and to an empty portion of the garden, his back to the others as he went through the summoning handsigns slowly to ensure he poured enough chakra and dragon magic into it.

This technique was slightly different from the normal summoning, no sacrificed of blood was needed but yin/yang replaced it and as he slammed his hand on the floor, the script expanded out from it and was infinitely more complicated.

Holding his hand on the ground, Naruto focused on balancing the energies being called forth. Yin and Yang came together easily enough but as the amount climbed it kept slipping out of balance. Finally reaching just beneath his limit, he slowly and delicately pulled in the dragons magic which disturbed the equilibrium something fierce.

Growling at this, Naruto flashed into his six path sage mode which stabilised things easily enough and even managed to balance the magic and aura of Ddraig. Holding it there as the dragon adapted to this form and the soul corridor formed then solidified, Naruto whispered softly. "Yin/Yang release: Dragon Clone Creation."

In a swirl of chakra smoke and green dragon energy, Ddraig appeared in a newer, stronger, and firmer form than last time and visually, you could tell. He still towered over most, standing Six-foot-six with tanned skin, thick and wavy red hair that fell down to his waist, and eyes so green, they redefined the term.

Still he wore his open biker jacket and t-shirt, cargoes leading into combat boots and gloves. What has changed however we're the numerous visible red scales on his cheek, in a similar way to that of Naruto's whisker marks, arms and back that lead into a thick tail extending from the base of his spine.

Returning to his feet, Naruto and his companion met eye-to-eye with the dragon smirking as said dragon announced. "Not bad…"

Ddraig looks over his form, seeing his clawed fingers, scaled arms and tail, his tail but clearly scaled down proportional to this form. Swaying it side-to-side, to get a feel of its size and heft, he looks back to Naruto who smirked back as he powered down whilst saying. "This is the best I can do at the moment."

He shrugged casually as the red dragon nodded, so the sage continued. "I won't be able to train until we leave here so take care."

Ddraig nodded seriously, replying. "I will. Don't worry about it."

Waving him off, but the dragon knew he only had about thirty percent of his former strength in this form. Perhaps in a few weeks he'll be up to forty or maybe even fifty. If he gets to fifty, then he'll try a full-on dragon transformation but for now this will do.

Naruto nodded back, gesturing to the sea in the distance. "Get going and good luck."

With that said, Ddraig's wings appeared from his back and he shot off in the direction of said sea without looking back. As Naruto watched the red streak vanish over the horizon, the others present look to the sage in confusion and bewilderment and came to a troubling conclusion that the Red Dragon Emperor was now his familiar.

A terrifying moment of realisation for all.

Beside Kuroka who had seen the truth within the memories of his life as an exile, and time on the run. Something blocked her from seeing more and she suspected it was the other Kyuubi, the one within the sage, who stopped her inadvertent invasion of his hosts memories.

Coming to terms with these memories is taking her some time, she had one hell of a nightmare last night and did not get much sleep as she again, inadvertently, recalled his earlier fights against his former allies in his place. Kuroka had felt the plea's in his request to leave him alone, the frustration at his hand being forced, and the pain of the loss each time he cut down a former ally.

The guilt that stained his soul was like the blood that stained his weapons.

Her morbid thoughts were broken by the sage turning back and stretching out mumbling. "Guess I should meditate or something. Perhaps a shower or…"

His grumbling of lack of things to do now that he wasn't constantly looking over his shoulders, was broken when a blonde missile launched at him and, on reflex, he caught and swirled around once before plopping the young Kyuubi on his back.

Naruto asking, with a slight smile. "Kunou…? What's up?"

Kunou pouted, saying. "That other you vanished. I couldn't find it anywhere."

Reviewing his memories, it hit Naruto that whatever happened between him and the angel earlier had disrupted his clone and dispelled it, seeing as he had the memories of playing with the kit on his back. Nodding at that, he looked back at her with an apologetic smile and asked. "Sorry about that, Kunou-chan. I am free now, so how about it? Another round?"

Her eyes lit up with a nod, hopping off quickly and slapping his leg claiming. "Your it!"

Then giggling as she ran off, causing Naruto to chuckle softly, shaking his head in amusement. Then he then heard her shout. "You'll never catch me slow poke!"

The whole garden saw Naruto's whole posture stiffen, eyes harden, and his still visible cat tails sway dangerously as he replied lowly but hollowly. "Slow poke… huh? I'll show you slow poke, dattabyo…"

The next moment he was just gone. No smoke, no wind, or anything indicating he had moved. He was just gone. Everyone blinked at that for several moments, before the squeal of a young child snapped their attention to the other side of the shrine where the sage was tickling the young Kyuubi, squealing for her dear life.

She was pinned down, being tickled ruthlessly, and desperately trying to get away but the sage was clearly superior in every way. Though her giggling and squealing, Kunou managed to wheeze out. "Mercy… mercy…!"

Naruto cackled like a maniac, throwing his head back as he does so, overly dramatising the act as he bellowed. "You who started this now wish for mercy…! How fickle of you…"

He dove in and, with reflexes she did not know she had, Kunou managed to push herself out from under mister sage and bolt towards the priestess's quarters. Naruto growled playfully, bellowing again. "Now you run… you shall not escape justice…"

Giving chase at a far tamer speed earning a squeal from the kit who redoubled her escape efforts. While this was going on, the other guests were in a mixture of shock and awe, with a few smiles at the adorable scene. It was clear that the sage's weakness was children, and his true personality was surfacing slowly in thanks to the young kitsune.

Kyoto Main Shrine

Ever since her return to her seat of power, Yasaka had been dealing with the built up of tasks that hide piled upon her desk in her absence. Sure, her council had put in the effort to minimise her own workload, but still there were things they were strictly prohibited from doing in her earlier reforms.

Even more so since the reinstatement of the Eastern Youkai Faction within the framework of the western that she had controlled before. There are still growing pains, disagreements across the board, however the need for survival beneath the Sage has halted anything potentially serious from happening.

She would give Nurarihyon credit where it's due, he knows how to keep the peace. Though, maybe it's Retsuza and Magari's efforts. She'll think on it later, right now she had these reports to review.

Think of the man and he shall appear. Well, in text form as Yasaka finds a note from the old crone asking for an audience with the sage in a rather backhanded way. It was clear to the vixen that his patients had waned somewhat from her earlier promised words during their rather hostile, and forced integration.

She may be a maiden of the shrine, but hostile take overs comes with the territory of a leader. Give it few days, no doubt Lord Sage is a bit on edge with such a drastic change of lifestyle. Better yet she should tell the old timer personally after she clears her current desk full.

Underworld: Gremory Estate

Sirzechs sits in the lounge of his childhood home opposite his mother, father, and wife Grayfia who was glaring death at him right now at his absolutely ludicrous idea. Why in the name of Satan would they put their son into such close proximity of a known hater of devil kind?

Sighing again for nth time, Sirzechs presses again. "I know it sounds rather ludicrous, even Serafall and I agree on that point, however after the report I received before coming here from Rias and Akeno, separately, I am confident that we need to put this into play."

But Grayfia was unamused, even by her standards, and voiced her displeasure. "I will not allow Millicus anywhere near him."

With his parents nodding, Sirzechs sighed hard and nodded. "Okay. Then, can you please go yourself then…?"

Grayfia nodded stiffly, formally. "Very well. I shall check on Lady Rias."

Nodding, Sirzechs smiles softly, replying. "Thank you."

Takamagahara

The knock on her door paused Amateurasu's work on her paperwork, glancing up to see Hachiman in the doorway and he asked. "Lady Amaterasu, we have the Greek god of travellers is here with a message for you."

The dark haired goddess of the sun sighed, already sick of those damn westerners coming over into her domain so damn often and giving her so much grief each time. Recollecting her posture, she straightened up and nodded, then claimed. "Let him in."

Hachiman nodded and retreated back behind the door. A few minutes go by before the familiar blonde haired Greek knocked and entered, though Hachiman could be seen just behind him.

After approaching the desk, Hermes offered a formal, polite bow to the leader of the Shinto pantheon before announcing. "Greetings, Lady Amaterasu, Lady of the sun, leader of the…"

Amaterasu cared not for his bravado, cutting off the god of messengers briskly. "Save it, Greek god of thieves. Tell me why you are here."

Hermes nodded frantically, not interested in getting his balls melted off by the death glare of his brother's eastern counterpart, if rumours are to be believed, thus spoke quickly. "We wish to be apart of the developing "Six Path Pact" that you are forming. What can we do about joining said pact?"

The ravenette nodded, suspecting that they would come seeing as they had the pair of Hunters apart of the Sage's guard. Now then, seeing as they want in to her territory and further access to the sage. Hmm.

Hermes continued to fidget under the stern, unflinching, flickering red flaming eyes of the head of this Pantheon. Eventually, Amaterasu spoke firmly. "What does Zeus want to offer for his Pantheon's admittance into this Pact? I may not be the leader of the forming alliance, however I am aware of his preposition enough to know what he is ready to accept."

Kyoto Mountain Shrine

That evening…

Rias sighs hard as she sits beside her queen, watching her peerage train in the garden, but she whispered. "We haven't made any progress with him, huh?"

Akeno looks to her, a tight smile upon her face as she replied. "No, we haven't. I knew he doesn't consider us friends, not even cordial but with our deal…"

She trailed off and her king nodded, frowning lightly as her aqua green eyes flow from Kiba and Issei's sword spar over to the tree on the far side where Menma was sitting across from the stray cat Kuroka. The two were meditation or something, Kunou was trying to mimic them as Koneko was staring at them both and trying to figure stuff out.

Rias muttered. "My thoughts too. I want to show that we aren't the what people think of us. We may be devils but we are more than that."

The fallen/devil hybrid nodded, knowing this but this entire time Menma has been keeping them at arms length and avoiding them. It was subtle at first, but ever since the reveal of the chakra paper and his denial of training Koneko, he has been busy either playing with the young kitsune, or meditating with Kuroka.

Akeno then voiced her thoughts. "What are we going to do?"

Before Rias could answer, the heiress watches Katerea Leviathan approach the three meditating persons casually and calmly. She whispered. "That does not look good."

The thunder priestess simply inclined her head, recognising the situation developing.

As the Satan Level devil approached the training duo, and playing kitsune, the nature energy they had been using saturated the air like a warm breeze but began to fade away. The chakra was vibrant with life but with an undertone of fire, like that of a campfire, though it fell off as the underworld resident sat down and got comfortable.

Naruto's golden-orange slit eyes parted slowly, allowing the others to witness them flowing back to cerulean blue as they lock on to the purple eyes of the older woman and he asks. "Can I help you, Katerea-san?"

The woman nodded, adjusting her glasses as she glances from the narrowed eyed nekoshou to the sage, Katerea speaks up. "I was just thinking we could speak and get some things out in the open. As I said before, I have a specific goal in mind and getting your help seems the most appropriate way to achieve it."

Naruto nodded, recalling that thus remained silent as she continued. "Therefore, as I have heard that you operate using deals and contracts, I wish to make one and know what I can do to repay you for service?"

As the sage thought on that, not really having anything come to mind, his self-appointed apprentice decided to interject in his place with narrowed eyes, Kuroka speaking up. "Why is a devil of the old faction willingly offering to work with a being outside your race exactly? Last time I checked, you all were rather adamant about world conquest and extermination of us Youkai, Fallen, and Angels alike."

Naruto looked to his apprentice, brows arched, before snapping back to the lady devil who went blank face at the statement. Before he could ask further questions, Sariel did. "It is most peculiar and an interesting development, even for me."

The angel of death had stepped out from behind the tree, though her silverish hair was now as dark as midnight, her battle garments replaced with fine robes fit for a noble and her scythe had been replaced by a rapier on her hip. She continued, after offering a curtesy to the sage. "Although, personally, this change of priority is most welcome. Assuming it to be implemented by your kin fully."

"I can not speak for my other original houses." Katerea admitted unashamedly as lying was likely useless here among the powerful beings before her. She was under no illusions that of those in the small assembly, the only ones she could beat is the child of the youkai leader and maybe the cat, with great effort and cost on her end.

The sage's strength is immeasurable and the Angel of Death has earned that title unlike her and her kin. Adjusting her glasses again, a nervous tick Naruto noted, Katerea explained herself. "To not embarrass myself, I will be honest with you all…"

A nod from the sage, nekoshou, and the archangel before she proceeded. "Unlike the other original houses, mine is on the brink of ruin. It is true that I loathe the other factions, nor do I care much for human life and suffering…"

Within the sealed space all the bijuu raised whatever brows they had, tails still, and were very clearly surprised by this open admission, though so was their host who at least respected her honesty.

The leviathan house member did not stop. "However, I am far from stupid. If I die then my house does too. What good are dreams of grandeur for your house when there is no one there to benefit or carry on your will? How can we reclaim our houses name from those "Satans" who use it as a mere title, when we have died out and none lived to challenge the claim?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed at that, bringing up memories of the Leaf using his own clan symbol as their own despite erasing them from their history books. His tensing up was noted by both Kunou and Kuroka though neither knew why.

Katerea continued, staring dead in Naruto's eyes. "Sage Menma. In truth, I was despatched to that battleground originally to aid your enemies…"

Now Kuroka tensed up, as Sariel's eyes narrowed and hardened. Kunou drew closer to Naruto's chest, having been seated in his lap since the devil approached, and allowed his arms to cuddle her as he was paying attention to the lady.

Naruto nodded, still not sensing hostile intent directed at him or the girl in arm and knowing full well that Kurama was already standing and ready to shred the bitch if she dared threaten the kit.

Katerea took note of, but seemed unbothered by, the subtle signs of aggression from the two other ladies and the fact that the sage's first instinct was protection of the young kitsune. She spoke up, knowing she was on thin ice. "But, like many, I had been following the rumours surrounding you closely due to the suspected "life" nature of your abilities. I was intrigued by the prospect of life being an ability. All the reports my faction managed to acquire regarding you only increased both my, and the faction's intreast in you."

Naruto finally speaks, noting another group to keep watch for. "Why is that, exactly?"

His voice and tone was neutral, not giving anything away at the moment and the old faction devil nodded, expecting that line of inquiry so Katerea supplied. "For the faction, your subjugation would allow for the growth of tree's and expand the fertility of our land with unlimited resource generation from your service to it."

Naruto and Katerea both then look to the angered Kuroka, who hissed. "You are trying to enslave him…?"

Nodding, Katerea states plainly. "That was the original idea put forward by Euclid Lucifuge to Rizevim Livan Lucifer, yes. However, as our intelligence groups reported back to us the very few encounters and the sage's reaction to his brief, and forced, drafting into the Gremory house, it was decided that attempting to do so was… unwise."

Looking back at the man in question, who hadn't even flinched at the fact that others were planning to shackle him, Katerea continued. "They have yet to come up with a plan to approach you on favourable terms to them, but wanted to gauge your strength and discover any weaknesses you may have had. Thus, our arrival at the battle to 'assist' the rabble."

Kuroka groaned lowly, tails swishing dangerously at her back. "You expect us to believe that you are not in league with them still?"

Katerea smirked at the little cat, before locking eyes back on the only man present and says. "I am sure they know I am here, working my own angle, and will likely leave me be until the situation benefits them to intervene."

Naruto shrugged so fluidly, Kunou, in his lap, did not notice, before replying. "Most slime balls do. Not my first time dealing with those types. Doubt it will be the last."

Nodding, the lone devil added. "As for my own desire, I have already explained it to you. However, there is a 'health' issue in the form of a rare disease among my kin that requires extensive medical knowledge or…"

It all clicked for Naruto now as to why he specifically was on this devil's radar and why she is staying put. This person she wants him to find is likely suffering from something and she wants him to find, then fix whatever is wrong with them. An A-rank or maybe S-rank depending on where the target is.

Out of sheer curiosity, Naruto asks. "I understand it now. I wonder though what you are offering as payment?"

Everyone in the garden was surprised at the way he simply accepted everything. Kuroka was less so as she had seen memories from his exile where he would help any random person he came across.

Though, after some time it fell off as Alliance Shinobi began using the duress of others to lure him in and he would have to abandon one of his core beliefs to save the lives of himself and those that needed help.

Katerea was about to speak but Naruto cut her off, raised hand and stern gaze. "Not yourself. You said it yourself, you do not care for humans like me. Thus, what will you offer me to aid you?"

Nodding, the purple-eyed woman replied. "Two things off the top of my head and I hope they are of use to you."

Seeing him nod, Katerea informs the sage of her offer. "Firstly; my house's loyalty. You will not be our leader, that will remain being me, however if you ever need help or safe harbour, you will be protected on my lands."

It wasn't a bad offer, Naruto mused. A new safe harbour is always useful and it could be a base of operations within the underworld. A place he will likely have to go to at some point or another, for whatever reason, so it would be useful.

Not seeing the sage outright reject it, Katerea finished with the other thing she would offer. "Secondly; Training."

Naruto arched a brow, asking blankly. "Training…?"

The Ultimate class devil nodded simply, before holding up a palm and a dark magic appeared. Naruto and all his tenants could sense darkness emanating from it but it was Kurama who figured it out. "That seems similar to Yin-release."

Katerea's small demonstration fell off and she looked to the sage, and as she suspect, his eyes were calculated, sharp and intelligent. This human is most definitely worth her time and attention, to study at least.

Naruto inclined his head, still contemplative as he spoke. "Could be useful. I'll think on it."

Adjusting her glasses again, this time with a slight hint of a smile as another thought came to mind and Katerea was secretly excited about discovering what other secrets she may find within the power of the sage.

Rias looks to Akeno who looks back and both nod, agreeing that this development was not in their favour. The king whispered to the queen. "We have to report this to the Satans."

Said woman nodded, keeping an eye on the growing situation on the far side of the garden but kept it discreet. Akeno whispered back, saying. "Yes. It may be wise to do…"

That night…

Beneath the stars once more, Naruto sat in the tree above the awaiting Kuroka who was glittering and nervous about the coming conversation. Everyone was back in their rooms, or they were supposed to be but the sage could sense that most were hanging around.

But the target they were waiting for was approaching, her peerage was at her back, at a distance, and was clearly hesitant about this herself. Naruto remained out of sight and sensory perception, a simple affair for a shinobi of his calibre.

Surely enough, the form of one Koneko Toujou formed from the darkness and appeared before her rogue sister. When the two were face to face, Kuroka broke the growing silence. "Hey there, Shirone, nya."

Koneko frowned minutely, Naruto senses her anger flared high yet she did not show it, but answered anyway. "You called me here, one-sama. What do you want?"

Voice was surprisingly void of emotion and intent, despite the sage sensing the truth.

Taking a deep breath, knowing her sensei above, Kuroka bowed to her little sister, which surprised her, and began earnestly. "I am sorry, Shirone, nya. The choice I made was rushed and I had no time to think when everything happened."

Koneko was stiff, unsure what to make of this but Kuroka continued. "That bastard of the Naberius house. He wanted to… wanted… I could not let him harm you. He wanted to experiment on you. To try and take chakra and senjutsu. He was trying…"

The Gremory peerage were surprised, none more than the ones directly involved, with Rias making a mental note to speak with her brother to investigate the Naberius house whilst listening in to the stray cat. "Because of that, I struck out and killed him. He may have been a high-class but against my senjutsu, he was worthless."

Kuroka sniffled and was trembling, yet was surprised when thick muscular arms wrapped around her body and the warmth of a familiar chakra that gave her strength. Naruto's whisper followed. "You can do this, Kuroka. Move forward…"

Nodding softly, the woman did so. "I wanted to take you with me, I really did, but… a life on the run would have put you in more danger. I… I… didn't have time. So I made the choice after being spotted by the queen and ran. I hoped that they would focus on me, and not you."

Koneko's hair covered her eyes as she muttered. "They put me on the execution block. They were afraid of me. Said that I would go crazy like you. That dying for them was the right course of action. They cheered for it."

Kuroka knew all this but Naruto did not. His low growl was telling for the black cat, who couldn't look back and see his glowing scarlet slit eyes. His tenants were equally furious, even Isobu, with slashing tails aplenty.

Koneko continued. "I was a child. I knew nothing but you leaving me. Abandoned by you, my only family."

Kuroka was teary eyed but did not back down, her master, self-assigned he may be, but he was with her. She spoke. "I am sorry. I know it doesn't make things right. It doesn't fix the trauma of being left alone to fend against the whole world. But, you knowing the truth is the least I can do."

Stepping clear of Naruto, though her two tails wrap around his arm as she bowed, Kuroka continued as she dropped down and bowed with her head on the floor stating. "You may never forgive me, Shirone, but please know that I will always love you. You are my little sister and I promise to always help you with anything you ask."

China somewhere…?

Cao Cao had finally made it back to his secret headquarters with his surviving team members. The fortified village had thick walls that were manned with the finest defenders of mankind, who had heeded the call to arms and did so proudly. Passing the thick, armoured, magically reinforced gate he is met with his troops saluting his return and he nodded with a stony expression.

It did not take long however for the murmurs to break out as only the five of the command squad had returned from the battle and even they looked beaten. The only conclusion was that the fight was lost. A full wipe out.

Reaching the massive building, by comparison of the surrounding single story barracks, armouries, and training guilds, that acted as the headquarters, Cao Cao came face to face with one of the tallest men around. The well-built, Broad shouldered man stood at a clear two metres high and his gray hair reached down to the aforementioned shoulders.

This man had a frown upon his face, glancing behind the recently returned and the lack of troops trailing after them and stated rather bluntly. "You failed."

Cao Cao kept his face blank, instead replying. "What do you want, Heracles?"

The reincarnation of the legendary demigod, often called by his Roman name in place of his Greek, just raised a brow and replied honestly. "I told you that keeping me here to babysit these weaklings was a waste. You need to realise that my power is unmatched, skill unreachable, and that a battle of that magnitude needed me to be apart of."

Cao Cao waved him off, stating equally as bluntly. "That was only the introductions between us. You are our trump card. Next time we meet, you will lead the charge and the fight will be the most defining moment for all of mankind to witness."

Walking past the stubborn man as he spoke, returning to his room and missed the cocky grin on Heracles's face. Through, the grey haired man looked back at Georg who looked more than a little uncomfortable under the gaze. Heracles, arms still crossed, lifted a brow and asked. "Georg. Seeing as you went too, why did you not just teleport everyone back?"

Georg, like Cao Cao, did not answer as he passed him by. Not liking being ignored, Heracles went to grab him but was stopped by Perseus, who grabbed his outstretched hand, drawing eyes on him as he spoke. "Leave it. He has enough on his plate right now."

Heracles looked unconvinced, stating. "Oh, is that right, Pe? What could have happened that…?"

Perseus cut him off, annoyed at the name. "Just ask yourself the question you asked him. Think of the most ludicrous answer and you might get it."

Before walking off himself. He wanted to shower and get some food before hitting the sack. Training is a must now, after seeing how stupidly outmatched they were. That was no fight, that was a massacre.

Heracles thought on those words and, for once, moved off without any protests. Instead he wanted to see if there was anyone he could fight against. They were just weak and caught off guard most likely. None could stand against heroes like them.

Jeanne just watched this all quietly, not saying anything as she was overlooked once more but figured she should just get some food, shower and get ready to train more. Her speed is inadequate for the fights ahead and she must rectify that problem for next time.

They were all unaware that they had been followed and the location documented, numbers recorded by one Oneiros, on orders of his creator. He would begin gathering more information from those here and determine the threat, if any, this human faction was to his Lady's plans.

Kyoto Main Shrine

Yasaka sat at her desk, filled with paperwork facing down two of her recent additions to her subordinates Nurarihyon and Magari an elder nekomata with seven tails and greying fur. After a moment of silence, the kitsune states. "Tomorrow afternoon I plan on returning to the Mountain Shrine where our guests are currently staying and I want you both to accompany me."

Both were surprised, Nurarihyon especially as he thought that this vixen would string him along as long as possible to keep the Kano Youkai in line. Maybe he had misjudged his western counterpart. Magari however spoke up. "This Sage. What is he like?"

Yasaka thought on that question for a moment, fiddling with her pen while her eyes loose focus. After a minute or so, she finally speaks up. "Reserved and standoffish. He isn't argumentative or rude, but he is thoughtful but also quick to act."

Locking her eyes on the two guests of her office, the kitsune states. "He treats all equally until you give him a reason not to. He is highly intelligent, observant, and sensitive. I suspect his senses are as sharp, or sharper than mine so he will miss nothing."

Both elder Youkai nodded to that, making a mental note to themselves about this human's possible ties to them as no human could possibly have such abilities.

Yasaka briskly added. "I suspect that he can disconcert truth from lies but I am unsure at the moment to what degree. If you attempt to hide things from him, he will be quick to loose faith in your goodwill, and any trust he has in your word will crumble away."

She smirked knowingly. "Not that you will know how he thinks of you. It will be subtle but if you pay attention, you may notice his shifts in posture. That is the only indication of his opinion of you."

Nurarihyon inclined his goard shaped head, rubbing his chin as he thought on those words. The seven tailed cat at his side however, again, was the first to speak. "If his senses are as you say, then is he one of us? A Youkai?"

Yasaka shook her head, stating firmly. "He is human…"

She paused recalling the smell she had gotten from him the morning of her departure back here and her face became pensive. This was naturally called out by the elder nekomata, Magari asking. "You do not seem so sure."

Golden eyes look down on that cat, and hesitantly Yasaka spoke. "I am sure he is human, however, on occasion I do pick up a few extra scents from him. The two prominent, alongside his own, are kitsune and nekomata."

Again, this caused both elders to stiffen, the cat's tails frozen in place but before Magari could ask, Yasaka spoke again. "The kitsune is not of anyone I have met or known. Though, when I say Nekomata, it isn't exactly nekomata. It is similar but also different. Distinct but the closes I could equate it to is nekomata."

The only feline in the room asked swiftly. "Nekoshou perhaps?"

Nurarihyon nodded, stating. "Yes. We knew a nekoshou who…"

Yasaka shook her head, still clearly distracted as she quipped. "Both nekoshou sisters are there already and he did not smell like either."

Now that was a surprise for the old timers, not expecting to meet with the two daughters of their old ally so soon. Yasaka's voice drew them back to the room. "Either way, we will head out after the council lets out mid-morning. If we make good time, we will get there before they sit for lunch."

Both old timers nod and were allowed to leave with more questions than answers. This sage is most certainly growing interesting, and meeting him will be a one in a lifetime opportunity. After all, the path to sage hood had been lost to time long ago and those that remained had vanished from the ancient texts, not being seen in many, many centuries.

One of the supernatural's most accepted consensus was that Sage's were all but extinct. Legends of the warring eras that acted as the planet's enforces, acting as its will and executioners.

Yasaka was halfway through the final two stacks of papers when there was a knock on her door, and in poked Hitomi, a vixen of six tails with pristine white hair and fur with a faint tan. Her beady black eyes had a strange intensity to them but was offset by her cute nose and seductive body as she spoke. "Lady Yasaka. A devil is here to see you."

A raised golden, nobly clipped brow asked the unspoken and the six-tails elaborated. "Lady Grayfia Lusifuge, Queen of Satan Lucifer."

A glance at the clock told Yasaka that it was indeed rather late for anything other than an emergency meeting, so she nodded and signalled her to be let in. A few moments later, the maid appeared in her Ultimate-class devil glory and bowing perfectly according to the rules of formalities.

Not wasting time, Yasaka spoke bluntly, as this as unusual for a meeting. "Lady Grayfia. What brings you here this late? Has your faction decided to withdraw from the meeting?"

Grayfia shook her head softly, replying dutifully. "On the contrary, it seems that the council has been rather… outspoken on their inclusion in these talks. No, I am here to request admittance to your guest quarters. I have been asked to attend to Lady Rias and her peerage until the meeting time."

Despite maintaining a diplomatically blank face at the outspoken comment in regard to the devil council, Yasaka was not fooled into thinking that this maid's presence was likely a stopgap measure of the New Faction to keep the Old faction devils from getting ahead in talks with the sage.

Lord Sage will likely not like this but it is best to go along as to not cause any problems or trouble for the next week. After that though?

A mental predatorial grin at the thought of the Sage leading the Youkai against these things and cutting down their so-called Satans.

Externally, Yasaka nodded replying in a tone that gave nothing away. "I see. A reasonable request that I can grant. However, please keep in mind, due to the circumstances surrounding the sage at the moment, there are members of opposing factions in attendance. I have strictly forbidden blood to be split and combat magic from being used."

Grayfia had expected that, it was required and thus had no issues, replying promptly. "I understand, Lady Yasaka."

Yasaka nodded, before continuing. "Light sparring is only allowed within the main garden which is beside the food hall, and the main building is off limits due to it being considered celestial ground of Shinto. It is offlimits to all but the Sage and his guard."

Again, that was common sense and logical, Grayfia mused internally as she was under no illusions about what would happen if a devil, even one as strong as her, were to cross into the celestial sphere of influence of an opposing Pantheon. Thus, her response was predictable. "Prudent and understandable, Lady Yasaka."

Yasaka nodded before so finishing. "Beside that, the Sage is in charge of security and any squabbling he will deal with. It was considered the fairest system as he belongs to no faction present."

Grayfia narrowed her eyes internally, knowing that Menma has obviously demonstrated his leanings towards the Youkai faction after that encounter in the forest. Ultimately she made no comment about that and simply nodded.

Yasaka had half assumed that the woman before her would say something to contradict her but pretended not to notice and proceeded on. "However, I was only planning on going back tomorrow morning. There are others who also wish to go so you will have to wait until then."

Grayfia bowed, replying swiftly. "I see. Then, I shall find an inn nearby and await for your departure."

Yasaka nodded before looking to the vixen standing by the door, and ordered. "Hitomi will guide you to an affiliated hotel and acquire you a room. She will also retrieve you when we are about to depart for the mountain shrine as she will be coming with us."

Underworld

Riser enters his family dining hall, his little sister and queen flanking him, to find his parents and brother Ruval, the heir of the house, sitting at the long table. All three look up to see the new arrivals and Lord Phenex ordered. "Good you are here. Ravel, step forward. Riser you can go."

Without protest, Ravel stepped forward but was blocked by her older brother and king of her peerage, Riser asking. "Father. I think I deserve to know what you intend to do with my bishop. Ever since Ruval has returned, all you three are doing are holding closed door talks and now you want to take her. Not on my…"

Ruval cut off his arrogant little brother, stating firmly. "You over step, little brother. This is a meeting regarding the future of House Phenex. It does not concern you."

Riser's flames flared slightly at the jab, but his father added. "Ruval is right, Riser. Your actions have caused enough…"

He paused for a moment, as his eyes fell on Yubelluna and her vibrant purple hair. A blink before he looked back to his son and asks. "Riser. You have a full peerage yes?"

Annoyed at the condescension in his fathers tone, Riser just nodded once and his father continued. "Are any of them Youkai?"

Another nod and Lord Phenex thought on it briefly before asking, clearly distracted. "Can they use any Youkai abilities?"

Arms folded as a sign of his growing irritation, Riser grunts out. "Not for a lack of trying. They haven't been trained to and have no idea how. What does this have to do with…?"

Ruval spoke over his little brother, speaking to his father. "I think it is rather unreasonable to suspect mere children could mimic the power of a Sage, father. Even more so seeing as they are untrained."

Lady Phenex nodded her agreement, stating. "He has appoint, my dear. Perhaps add training to the list of things to achieve."

Lord Phenex grunted as he looked between his wife and eldest son before landing on his only daughter, that had moved to his wife's side during the discussion and nodded. "Yes. Well, whilst we are waiting for Satan Leviathan's go ahead, you Ravel should prepare for our houses recent history."

Ravel blinked at that in confusion, she thought she had already covered that but her mother spoke next. "Perhaps, seeing as he is of life, medical advice and knowledge would help?"

Ruval replied with a nod, stating. "Most likely, yes. Covering as many bases as possible would make for less chances of mistakes."

Lord Phenex nodded before looking back to his daughter, who was incredibly nervous right now as her father informed her. "Starting in the morning, your lessons will be increased for the next four days. Upon completion, you will be sent as an emissary of our household to gain favour with the man known as Lord Sage, the former Rook of the Gremory house and leader of the Six Path Pact."

As he spoke, Ravel's eyes widened further and further in disbelief and fear. She had only heard whispers, most the young heirs had of this person who broke free of the Gremory house. A man so powerful that he supposedly went head to head with Lord Lucifer and Lady Leviathan long enough to be saved by the angels.

She swallowed hard, before asking. "Father, is that…"

Lord Phenex nodded calmly, face softening. "I understand you are scared, Ravel – but I assure you that you will be safe. At the moment, only the Gremory house has one pleading their case to him. However, the reason I am tasking this to you, Ravel, is because you are young and lack a peerage."

Upon her confused face, the Lord of the house continued. "We know he dislikes the whole evil piece system. Unlike the failed heiress, you my daughter, do not have a peerage and so will be treated far better. Your ernest nature he will respect. Based off the words of Lady Leviathan."

Feeling a bit better, Ravel nodded before bowing to her father stating. "I will not fail you."

Riser spoke up immediately, peeved beyond belief. "Father, you cannot be serious about this?"

Lord Phenex glared at his third son, causing his son to fall silent before he spoke in a forceful calm manner. "This is not up for discussion."

It was clear to all that Riser was not pleased at having to part with his bishop piece.

Kyoto Mountain Shrine

Naruto's slit eyes scanned the room one last time, briefly landing on the two nekoshou in the bed, before pushing off the windowsill and heading to the door. As silent as the gentle breeze on a forgotten forest, heard by none as the door shut in his shadow.

Strolling down the hallway whilst discussing what his senses were telling the sage, Matatabi speaking up first. "Maybe they are friendly?"

Shukaku cackled like a maniac, claiming. "Since when do we have friends?!"

Son Goku grunted at that, arms folded as he leans against the main tree in the centre of the clearing. "That is true. Beside the lizard, who else has that title…"

Gyūki breathed through his bull nostrils, steam-flowing as he spoke. "That might be an issue though. We can't ignore these problems."

Saiken nodded, adding. "We should be careful but we are safe here."

Naruto grunted like his oldest friend is known to do, the fox grinning at the familiar gesture, and looked to Matatabi, suspecting she wanted to say something. He wasn't wrong as the flaming cat spoke. "Hopefully, we can expand our friend group with these three signals. I know you do not trust them, any of them, especially that…"

Naruto's snort was masked by Kurama's, the big fox was acting as his container's backrest for the moment. The fox spoke up lowly. "Leave it alone, Matatabi."

The two tails huffed, head up, but remained silent and allowed Kurama to continue. "Still, we should remain alert. Who knows who these people are…"

Naruto nodded calmly, before returning back to the outside and coming face-to-face with the door to his room. He blinked at that. When was the last time he had 'a room' again?

Oh… right… his apartment. The last time he saw his generation's Ino-Shika-Cho.

A/N: got bored, released this early. Gabriel's desire was spelt out but Naruto, unused to entering others soulscape, only remembered bits and pieces but got the general idea. The Phenex are planning on using their youngest member in an attempt to tie the Sage to their house and Riser is displeased by this. Oh boy does that chicken learn to regret that.

Katerea comes clean and makes her offer. Naruto respects the fact that she was upfront with it and doesn't dismiss it outright. Sirzechs crazy tendencies are curbed and Grayfia is deployed to counter Katerea, on the surface at least. She has other missions to complete whilst there.

Ddraig sets off on his own for the first time on a mission in a new form. Everyone misinterprets the feat and Naruto feels no way about not correcting them.

The Sage's approach his location and Naruto is skeptical of their intent.

2nd A/N: Yes, these sage's are going to be a part of Naruto's longer running Team and create a new dynamic among the current cast. I released this early as I was urged too as I am already halfway through Page Fourteen. Tbh, kinda want to just drop Thirteen as it's the intresting one.

o7