Chapter 12

Rias felt a dozen feelings. It's done then. Naruto beat Riser. She won.

She'd known her victory was certain so long as she had Naruto. Knowing and experiencing it were entirely different things though. Relief took up most of her mind. The engagement was over. She would not have to marry Riser. It was liberating, she realized, to not have those chains around her neck anymore.

She'd ignored Naruto's request of her. She had watched him essentially torture Riser into giving up. Seeing that side of Naruto was...odd to her. It was difficult to see the young man who seemed to always have a smile turn into a torturer. Naruto always brought a smile to whoever he was around, yet he seemed fine with mentally scarring someone worse than even Akeno would.

She was shaking, she realized. She felt a single, happy tear fall. She wiped her face. Naruto, she thought. The more I learn about you, the less sense you make. What made you into who you are? She knew it would likely be some time - if ever - that she found that answer, but that question was now burning hotter than ever in her mind.

Rias barely heard Grayfia announce her victory. Too many thoughts were taking up her mind to listen.

Rias had been content with her strategy at the start of the Game. Naruto had generally left it up to her, though he'd convinced her away from destroying the gym. She hadn't expected Riser to send out Yubelluna so quickly. She'd believed he would keep her until everyone had spent themselves on everyone else. That had forced her to adjust on the fly and send Akeno alone.

Ideally, Akeno and Issei would've faced Yubelluna together once they'd thinned out the rest of Riser's peerage. She'd forgotten that both teams were allowed a small magical item from out of the Game. Riser had made the surprisingly wise decision to bring a vial of Phoenix Tears. Rias had panicked. She wished she hadn't, but losing Akeno had been the fatal blow to her entire strategy. Only Akeno could cast the barriers and seals she'd needed to incapacitate Riser.

Naruto had kept her from completely losing her cool. Luckily, Koneko, Issei, and Kiba won their battle. Kiba had lost himself when Karlamine had mentioned she'd fought against a Holy Sword user though. She would need to talk to him about that. Riser wouldn't have moved if he'd not threatened Ravel. She'd wanted to avoid Ravel for that very reason. She knew Riser was over-protective of his younger sister.

That had led to the most distressing few minutes of her life. Riser had toyed with Kiba and Koneko. He'd burned Koneko's hands when she tried to punch him. It got so bad her hands were practically black. She'd retired when Riser had hit her with enough fire to take away the oxygen around him. Kiba then had been trivial to him. Kiba had disappeared into a pillar of flame.

Rias had pleaded with Naruto to intervene, but his stubborn refusal to break his promise kept him there. When Koneko had started whimpering, she'd begged with tears. Still he refused to budge. Rias respected he would honor his word, but she really wished he had broken his promise earlier than he had. Watching Riser torture Issei had finally broken him, and the rest was history.

Asia hadn't fared much better than Rias. She'd arguably held up even worse. The girl was bawling when Koneko and Kiba had retired. She'd gone hysterical with Issei's pain. She hadn't asked Rias for permission to retire. Asia had simply told them she would and Rias had given her blessing. She would do more good helping everyone recover anyway.

Idly, Rias realized she'd need to get the video recordings of this Rating Game. It was the perfect opportunity to learn more about herself as a commander as well as a King. She knew from her lessons with Grayfia that there was no such thing as perfection - except the woman's son, of course. There was always room to grow and improve yourself, and she needed to use every opportunity she could to do just that.

Gasper was waiting on her improvement after all. She hoped she could convince Sirzechs to remove the seals on her other Bishop soon. It had been months since she'd seen Gasper's face. The poor boy was already reclusive. Not seeing anyone for so long would only make those issues worse if she couldn't get to him.

She saw Grayfia's magic circle over her head, breaking her train of thought. It descended and teleported her out of the Rating Game.

Rias blinked and was now in the healing ward set up for the Game. The walls were a dark green metal but otherwise featureless. She noticed Naruto had been teleported to the same room. They were in a single chamber that led into another hallway with multiple rooms. Grayfia was standing in front of them.

Rias saw Naruto's face was still as stone. She reached out to take his hand to comfort him, but he walked away without saying a word to her. He walked by Grayfia and turned the corner, likely in search of Issei's room.

Rias sighed. He must not want to talk right now.

Grayfia bowed. "Congratulations, Rias, on your victory. Your engagement is now forfeit and no longer binding, as per the terms of the Game's rules."

She gave a small smile back. "Thank you, onee-sama." Her smile went strained as she looked over Grayfia's shoulder. "But I don't really feel like I deserve it. Had Naruto-kun not been there, I don't know if I would've won."

Grayfia didn't contradict her, which was telling. "Naruto-san is indeed quite strong. Regardless, the victory is yours. Your peerage members are in the hall behind me. Your Bishop kicked out the healers when she arrived."

Rias felt a grin on her face. "Asia-chan is special, isn't she?"

"Twilight Healing is indeed impressive."

"I really lucked out." She thought back to that night in the church. And I let her die. Rias hadn't forgiven herself for that night. It had nearly cost her Issei's trust. She doubted she would ever forgive herself for her behavior that night even though Asia had already told her she had nothing to forgive. If only guilt worked that way.

Grayfia gave her another bow from the hips. "I'm afraid I must return to Lucifer-sama." She held out a stack of papers. "For yourself and your peerage." Rias took them. "They are personalized magic circles. They will teleport you directly to the party."

Rias blinked. "Party?"

Grayfia nodded. "Indeed. The Lords Gremory and Phenex had agreed before the game to arrange a party to celebrate the result of the Game." She paused. She then added, "Whatever the result had been."

Rias understood the meaning. If she'd lost, it would've been to celebrate sealing the engagement. Since she'd won, it would be to toast her first Rating Game victory. She had a bitter taste in her mouth at the thought. Her father generally had been a better one than she probably deserved, but his friendship with Lord Phenex had him make at least one decision she'd likely resent for the rest of her life.

Oh well. She shrugged. "Is Father more proud or disappointed that I won?"

Grayfia was silent. At last she said, "I don't wish to speak for Lord Gremory, but you are free to ask him yourself at the party."

Rias wondered if she'd do just that. "Thank you. When is the party?"

"Tomorrow evening. It is being hosted at Lucifer-sama's private residence."

That surprised her. She'd expected it to be at one of the many Gremory estates. This makes it easy for onii-sama to attend though, she realized with slight dread. "Then I suppose I will see you there?"

Grayfia nodded. "Good night, Rias. And, again, congratulations." She then teleported away. Rias guessed to ensure her husband was actually working rather than slacking off.

Rias walked out of the room into the hallway. There were ten total rooms prepared, which she dryly thought were far too many. There were only seven participants on her side, after all. She spied Naruto leaning on the wall outside the room at the end of the hall, so Rias guessed that was Issei's.

There was an image of a Queen Piece on the door to her left. Akeno must've been in that one, so Rias walked in there first. She closed the door behind her.

Akeno was standing nude in front of a mirror. She'd summoned both of her devil wings. A few sparks of yellow electricity popped across her wings. Akeno was looking at them both closely with an almost sad expression. So intently she didn't notice when Rias walked in. Rias had to clear her throat for her to even look her way.

Akeno turned. "Oh. Buchou." That solemn look was replaced with her usual smile.

Rias knew when Akeno was hiding something, and she had a good guess as to what she'd just been thinking about. But she also knew better than to push her about it. Rias eyed Akeno for any wounds. She said, "I see the healers did their jobs before Asia took over."

Akeno giggled. She spun once, putting away her wings as she did. "Indeed they did."

Rias walked over and hugged her best friend. Akeno was surprised for just a moment, but she returned the hug. "I'm glad you're okay," she said.

"Ara, ara." Akeno ran her hand down Rias' back. "I apologize for losing, Rias. I didn't expect her to have Phoenix Tears on her, so I used up too much energy too soon. Even then, I could've—" She cut herself off. Rias felt her stiffen.

Rias hugged her tighter. Akeno relaxed after a moment passed. Rias knew words never worked when Akeno thought about her parentage. So she did the only thing she knew worked. She was there for her. Akeno would never voice her thoughts. They were too painful to her. Rias wished she could help Akeno get past her pain, but she'd never been able to figure out how.

Akeno rested her chin on Rias' shoulder. "Thank you, Rias," Akeno whispered.

Rias pulled back but kept her in her hands. "I'm always here for you."

"I know." Akeno's grip tightened.

The girls separated. Rias wanted to stay and talk with Akeno, but she needed to go check in on everyone else too. Rias left the room with a warning for Akeno to get dressed. Akeno had laughed merrily and teased she might just go see Issei dressed as she was as her thanks for avenging her. Rias wondered if her perverted Pawn would survive that but didn't forbid it. She closed the door behind her.

Akeno would work her way through her pain, Rias knew. She didn't know when or how, but she knew Akeno was strong enough to beat her demons. All she could do was be there for her the whole way through like Akeno had always done for her.

Rias walked down to Koneko's room and found the door already open. She found Kiba already there, checking in on his kouhai. Kiba looked right as rain. His jacket was shredded and clothes covered in soot, but he was otherwise spotless. Not for the first time, she was impressed at how potent Asia's Sacred Gear was.

Koneko was already munching on a cookie. Where she'd found it, Rias had no idea. Her clothes were torn into little more than strips of cloth and piled in a clump on the floor. She was wearing an oversized yellow t-shirt that went below her knees. The hole for the head was too large for her, so it hung loose from her neck down over her left shoulder. Idly, she noted the lack of a bra strap on her Rook.

Luckily Issei's out cold, she thought. She walked in and greeted them. "Kiba, Koneko. You both did well today."

Both stood and gave her a salute and a 'Hai, Buchou' though Koneko's was said around the cookie in her mouth.

Kiba stepped forward. He reported, "Asia-chan already took care of us, Buchou." He looked at Koneko. "She...borrowed a shirt from one of the workers for Koneko-chan to use."

Rias raised an eyebrow. She couldn't picture Asia ever being forceful with anyone, so she wondered what Kiba meant. Rias walked forward and leaned down until she was eye-level with Koneko. "May I see your hands?" she asked.

Koneko nodded. She held out her hands for Rias to look over. As Rias had expected, they were in pristine condition. Even her nails, which Koneko didn't specifically care for, were trimmed well and healthy. Rias ran her hand through every one of Koneko's fingers. The calluses were still there from her training as well as a few faint scars she didn't specifically remember Koneko getting. She asked her, "Do you feel all better?"

Rias had been watching Koneko's fight with Riser's nekomata Pawns closely. She'd worried that the fight would stir Koneko in ways she'd wished forgotten. Her concern had spiked when Koneko had reverted to her more feline fighting style she'd learned from Kuroka. Luckily, she hadn't done anything else that Rias would consider a warning sign.

Koneko gave her a firm nod. She swallowed the rest of the cookie. "...Fine," Koneko said. Her face had returned to its expressionless normalcy. Rias wasn't sure if that was an overall good thing or not.

"That's good." Rias stood straight again. "Now, could you let me talk to Kiba for a few minutes alone?"

Koneko looked between the two of them, her eyes wide but otherwise blank. She then nodded and walked out of the room. Koneko looked around the hall and then walked off in search of something.

"Buchou, I—"

"Kiba," she cut him off, her voice stern. Kiba went quiet and looked to her. "You let Karlamine get to you. She mentioned maybe comparing you to a - one of those," she corrected so as to not hurt him more, "and you lost yourself. We both know your sensei has taught you better than that."

Kiba clenched his jaw. His fist shook at his side. Rias didn't blame him for his outrage, but his behavior had directly led to Riser's torturing of him, Koneko, and then Issei. Kiba also had been trained by Sirzechs' personal Knight, so Rias knew he'd been taught to not lose his cool while in a fight. If she didn't at least admonish him, his sensei would, and he would be less than kind if he was the one to do so.

After a minute passed, Kiba's shoulders slumped. "You're right, Buchou," he said, defeated. "Sensei would be disappointed if he saw my display today. I nearly harmed someone who wasn't fighting too. I'm sorry. I must thank Issei-kun for stopping me. I doubt I could live with myself if he hadn't."

Rias wrapped him in a caring hug. "Come here. You know how much we care for you. I wouldn't know what to do without my glorious Knight to protect me."

Kiba didn't return the hug. He never did. He was never one to partake in physical affection. She guessed it was because of the Holy Sword experiment he went through as a child. It had been traumatic for him to survive such cruel people.

"Thank you, Buchou." His voice regained his smile. "But I was not your knight in shining armor today. I believe that honor goes to Naruto-kun."

She broke the embrace and stepped back. She smiled. "I suppose that is true. Please go find Koneko and take her home. I want to see everyone tomorrow morning. We have a party to attend."

Kiba bowed with his hand across his chest. "Of course, Buchou." He then left the room, following the path he saw Koneko take earlier.

Rias left the room after. She looked down the hall and saw Naruto still leaning against the wall. She walked to him.

The door was open. Inside were both Issei and Asia. Issei was still unconscious, laying still on the cot. All of his clothes save his underwear had been removed, giving Asia direct access to almost his entire body. Asia was hard at work healing her young love. Her face was set with such determination Rias wondered if she'd been copying Issei. Her Sacred Gear glowed brighter than Rias ever remembered seeing it. The light was so intense it made Rias squint.

Rias elected to leave Asia alone while she worked, so she walked up to Naruto.

Naruto didn't visibly react to her approach. When she was a few feet away, he said, "You watched, didn't you." It was more statement than question.

"I did," she said with a nod.

He was silent for a minute. He sighed. "I'm sorry you had to see that." He finally met her eyes.

Rias didn't let her face show her shock. Naruto's eyes were different. There were still his usual deep blue and seemed perfectly healthy. Except for the pupils. They'd changed. Usually, they were round like everyone else's. Now, though, they were a vertical slit that reminded her of a mythical dragon.

She shook off that surprise. "You have nothing to apologize for," she told him. "Riser… Well. You gave him back what he'd been doing to Issei."

"And Koneko. And Kiba." Naruto looked at his hand. His nails had gone back to their normal size and weren't claws anymore. He closed his hand into a tight fist. "It's been...a long time since I felt that way about someone." He met her eyes, but Rias felt he wasn't looking at her.

Rias wanted to give him a hug to reassure him she was there, but he seemed too guarded right then. Instead, she said, "You did what you had to. You and I discussed this yesterday. There are only two ways to defeat someone with healing like Riser's. You either incapacitate them or—"

"You have to break their spirit," he finished for her. "Yeah. I know." There was a pause. "I know." There was a bitterness in his voice, but it didn't seem he was bitter at the Rating Game at all.

She guessed he was frustrated over not leaving to take over the battle sooner. She said, "Issei and everyone did well. You saw him take down Yubelluna on his own, and she is not called the Bomb Queen without reason. He even unlocked a few new abilities on his own."

Rias took a moment to appreciate Issei's growth for herself. She'd known his potential was tremendous with the Boosted Gear in his arm. Even then though, she hadn't in her wildest dreams believed he could defeat someone like Yubelluna on his own. Yet he had, and in the process had unlocked a new shield ability as well as his 'Dragon Rain' as he'd called it.

If he's already this strong, Rias wondered, just how strong would he be if he reached Balance Breaker? It was an amazing thought. The Boosted Gear was ranked as a Sacred Gear capable of even killing a god. Issei, in under two months, was already able to defeat someone most considered on par with a low-tier High Class devil. Imagine where he'll be in a year or two.

Naruto smiled proudly. "Yeah. You're right." He looked into the room. Asia was hard at work on Issei's back now. "That idiot just keeps getting stronger, and I'd bet he doesn't even know it yet. He's…stronger than I was when I first started." He then went quiet.

Rias stepped closer and gently held one of his hands in hers. "Naruto-kun." She hesitated, uncertain of just what she wanted to say. She then asked, "What...What was it like for you growing up?" He'd already admitted they were the same age. She wanted to know more about what could have made Naruto into what he was today.

Naruto glanced at her hand in his but otherwise didn't react. He then retreated into himself without pulling away. He seemed to be debating with himself on what to tell her. Rias was content to wait though. Seeing him in the Rating Game had only inflamed her desire to learn more about her Unique Piece.

Where did he come from? Why is Sirzechs so interested in him? Why did Kuroka come after him?

The few answers she found always opened the way to even more questions. Naruto had held a crucifix in the very hand she was now gripping, and there were no injuries. His hand was calloused but otherwise smooth, yet there were no scars or any signs of damage she knew the rosary should have done to him. It was like he'd never held a weapon that could wipe his existence off the map. While she was grateful for his foresight to use such a weapon against Riser, she'd been terrified of how it would harm him while he held it. But he had no scars or burns, which a crucifix always left if it even brushed against a devil's skin.

Naruto finally spoke after a minute of silence. "I...am an orphan." Rias gave him a comforting squeeze of the hand to encourage him. He breathed in deep. "I never knew my parents growing up. They gave up their lives to protect me and the village I grew up in from...something dangerous."

Rias sagged slightly. "I'm sorry you lost them so young."

He shook his head. "No need to apologize. I've come to grips with it. Funnily enough," he said with a slight laugh, "I never knew who they were until I'd...grown up a bit. Growing up, a part of me always wondered if my parents had just abandoned me or if they ever loved me at all." A slight smile came to him. "And they did! My parents made the ultimate sacrifice to keep me safe. I know they didn't abandon me. My mom and dad both died loving me with all their heart.

"Life was hard as an orphan, I will admit." He seemed to see things that weren't there. "I had a lonely life. People generally ignored me. Parents wouldn't let their kids play with me. But it wasn't always bad. Jiji was a really busy guy, and he always made time for me once a week. He helped teach me to read before I could start school. He gave me a place to live on my own once I could take care of myself. A lot of people were...not kind to me. But I found people who cared about me." His smile went wistful "Ah. I really do miss some of them. I remember sneaking out some Ichiraku when the old guy's back was turned. He knew I did, he told me he knew before I left, but he let me because he knew it made me feel special when he didn't catch me."

Rias let him tell his story with a kind smile. She could see he had a lot of pain, but she could also see the pain of his childhood didn't weigh him down. Whatever reason he left home wasn't because of any lingering resentment. No. He still loved his home, she could tell. She made a mental note of how he felt, which was slightly different than the 'paradise and living hell' he'd called it before.

"Thank you," Rias said when he finished. She wanted to ask more but contented herself with what she'd gained today.

"What about you?"

Rias shrugged. "My life has been fairly standard for an heiress, in my experience. My parents spoiled me as a child, my father especially, which made this engagement he'd arranged more frustrating than it otherwise would've been. My mother is who Sirzechs and I inherited our Power of Destruction through. I was regularly taught etiquette and nearly everything else I would be expected to know when I eventually became the Lady Gremory. My parents are relatively young as devils, so it will be quite some time before they retire. I was allowed to travel as much as I wanted. In fact, that's how I came to love Japan so much and decided to finish my schooling there."

Naruto smiled at her. "I admit, I'm a little jealous, Rias-chan.

"Please don't be."

She knew her life sounded easy. She'd always told people it was. She knew she was privileged. She didn't hate that she was, but she knew she would never have the same experiences many common children did. While she knew her parents loved each other, her father was less than loyal. Venelana, kind woman she was, understood that and loved her husband regardless. In fact, she managed his harem for him. They were also, as the Lord and Lady, stupendously busy people. Rias had spent most of her formative years in Grayfia's care. She'd never resented her parents, save for that foolish betrothal, but she knew she'd missed some experiences that even Issei'd had as a child.

"I know I am luckier than most," she said. "But please don't wish to have my life. You are who you are because of what you went through in the past, and I wouldn't change anything about who I'm with right now."

For the first time in the time she'd known him, Naruto blushed. It was immensely satisfying for her.

Naruto seemed at a loss for words. He regained his composure after a moment or two passed. "I… Um… Thank you, Rias. You're...one of the few people I've ever met who's said that to me."

"I mean every word." She assured him with another squeeze of the hand. "Truly. You're my wonderful Unique Piece, and I wouldn't trade you for anything."

Naruto didn't seem to know what to say back, so he lapsed into a comfortable silence. Rias joined him.

They watched Asia heal Issei for a few minutes. She soon finished, and Issei looked as healthy as he had before the Rating Game. The burns and wounds gone and replaced by pristine skin. Asia let out a strained but relieved breath. She didn't look to the door to check on if she had anyone watching. Asia stared at Issei's form like she was trying to decide what the best thing to do was. She soon reached a decision. She climbed into the cot with Issei, curled up against him, and pulled the sheet over them both. Rias thought she saw a few tears glistening on her cheeks.

Rias gushed at the sight. She voiced her thoughts. "She loves him."

Naruto nodded in agreement. "She really does, doesn't she? Heh. Issei won't know what to do when he figures it out."

Rias stepped away from him and towards Issei's room. Rias left her familiar behind with a note telling the two of them to join them in the clubroom the following morning. She then reached into the room and turned out the lights, letting them rest off the Rating Game's stress and pain. She looked at the two huddled figures in the dark one last time. Rias felt a pang of envy in her chest.

She'd just gotten out of a potential loveless marriage. She could choose who she would spend the rest of her life with. Asia had already found someone like that, and Issei wasn't the worst choice in Rias' mind. She only wished she could find someone she would love as much as Asia loved Issei.

She then turned away, looking for Naruto. The only way out of the healing ward was teleportation, and he still couldn't do that on his own.

Naruto itched at his shirt collar. Never liked having to dress like this.

The entire Occult Research Club save Issei and Asia were gathered together in the clubroom. They were all wearing formal clothing for the upcoming party. Kiba and Naruto were both wearing dark suits. Kiba had on a white shirt and black bowtie. Naruto had refused to wear anything around his neck and chose a pale orange button-up shirt, much to Rias' consternation since she couldn't convince him to change. Naruto left his top button undone to let his neck free of how constricting it was.

Koneko was wearing a conservative orange dress with purple flowers spaced evenly on her bodice and white frills along the skirt. The dress covered her shoulders and the sleeves went halfway down her biceps. Akeno was wearing a strapless navy dress that seemed to hug her form like a second skin. Even though the skirts fell to her shins, there was little left to the imagination. She was wearing a pair of white glove sleeves that went up to just below her shoulders. Rias chose a confident crimson dress for the evening's festivities. It too seemed painted on, it fit so tight. The two spaghetti straps went to the bodice and led into a neckline that fell below her breasts. She tightened a black belt across her waist and the skirt fluttered at her knees as she paced back and forth.

"Where are they?" she was muttering. She looked at the clock on the wall. "We're going to be late if this keeps up."

Issei hadn't regained consciousness until early in the afternoon that day, so he and Asia had missed the meeting in the morning. So Rias and Naruto had taken them out shopping for proper formal wear for the party. When they'd parted, Rias had given them strict instructions as to when they needed to join everyone before the party.

Issei and Asia had five minutes left.

Naruto though was calm. He knew Issei and Asia would be there on time. In fact he had his clone following them discretely at that very moment. The two had stopped a couple times to fiddle with Issei's tie a time or two. They'd also stopped to watch some kids play in the park. Issei had yanked one of the riotous boys out of the street so that a truck didn't hit him. Naruto was fine with waiting.

He said, "Relax, Rias-chan. They're on their way. They'll be here. Worst case, Asia teleports them both to the party."

"I know that, Naruto-kun." Her voice was clipped. She was nervous. "Still, it would be embarrassing if we didn't arrive together. Especially since we're the reason for the party."

Naruto rolled his eyes. He didn't care about all that, but he didn't voice his thoughts. She'd told everyone that she didn't know how many people would be there, but she guessed at least a few dozen prominent devils would be. So she was understandably anxious.

Kiba and Akeno were sipping on some warm tea she'd just made. They were both conversing politely about who they thought would be there tonight. Rias' family was a given. The biggest question was when Sirzechs would appear. Koneko was softly chewing on a jelly-filled fish cake. It was her fifth by Naruto's estimate. A part of him wanted to ask her for one but he knew that wouldn't go over well.

Koneko noticed his look. She scrunched her eyebrows in thought. After a few seconds, she relaxed. She reached into her bag of treats and held one out to him. "...Here."

Naruto was gobsmacked. Koneko never shares her food. He looked around to make sure she wasn't looking at anyone else. He pointed at himself, disbelieving. "For me?"

She nodded. "Hai."

"Thank you, Koneko-chan." He grabbed the offered snack and bit into it. What felt like a geyser of strawberry jam shot into his mouth. He chewed and swallowed. "It's delicious!" He quickly devoured the rest of it, ignoring Kurama's teasing laughter.

Koneko nodded once in satisfaction. She then went back to chowing down on the rest of her bag of treats.

Rias shook her head. She made to say something but was cut off by the door opening.

Issei and Asia both walked in, wearing their respective outfits. Asia had wanted a dress with a lot of crosses embroidered into it but Rias had shot her down. Instead, she was wearing a pure white dress with lengthy sleeves that went down to her wrists. The dress itself had been solid when it left the department store. However, Asia had modified it slightly. She'd cut a small window that showed the base of her collarbone and a hint of her breasts.

Naruto would bet money that had been Issei's idea and Asia had gone along with it. But the stitching was perfect, so it didn't look like the dress had even been modified in the slightest.

Issei was wearing the same black suit Naruto and Kiba were, but it seemed Asia had modified this one too. It had been a solid black coat and pants combo, but it now had a few small red flames along his left sleeve. Naruto actually thought the design worked well. It identified Issei as the Sekiryutei without needing him to summon his Sacred Gear.

Akeno walked over first. She wrapped her arms around Issei's head and pulled him down into her breasts. "Welcome back, Issei-kun. Your Akeno-senpai missed you this morning."

"A-Akeno-senpai?!" Issei shouted in shock, a few dribbles of blood dripping from his nose.

Akeno leaned close. She whispered in his ear, her voice sultry, "You were quite manly, avenging me like that, Issei-kun."

"Oh my." Naruto could tell Issei was about to lose a lot more blood. Asia was practically fuming at Issei's side, her cheeks puffed out.

"Akeno." Rias' firm voice stopped the situation from escalating further. "You can demonstrate how thankful you are after the party. We must be going now."

"Ara, ara." She pouted playfully. "Of course, Buchou." She let Issei go with a dazed look on his face. She then walked over and took her place next to her King.

Issei looked like the happiest guy in the world. His smile split his face, it was so large. Asia pinched his arm but he didn't even acknowledge it. The girl looked at her own chest sadly. She then sighed, grabbed a napkin off the table, and dabbed at Issei's nose.

Naruto almost felt bad for her. He loves you, Asia. He didn't say it, but he wished someone would. He just doesn't realize it yet. You're already number one in his heart. Just be patient and he'll tell you himself.

"Alright." Rias clapped once. "Is everyone ready to go then?" A chorus of nods were her answer. "Good. Akeno, if you'd please?"

"Hai, Buchou." Akeno held out one of the magic circle pages Grayfia gave Rias yesterday. She then activated it and a large blue magic circle appeared over their heads.

Everyone stood if they weren't already. The magic circle descended and teleported everyone away. After a blink, they found themselves in a large entryway. All down the high walls in each direction were a mixture of artistic busts and grand tapestries displaying a gold emblem over a field of purple. Naruto didn't recognize the design but guessed it was the crest of whoever owned the place.

A young male servant stepped forward and greeted everyone with a respectful bow. "Gremory-sama, welcome to Lucifer-sama's ballroom hall."

"Thank you, Leoniz." Rias stood tall. "Are we late?"

He shook his head. "Not at all."

She sighed, relieved. "Wonderful. Has onii-sama arrived yet?"

"No, my Lady. Lucifer-sama will join the festivities when he is able."

Tension left her shoulders. She then asked, "Is my father here yet?"

Leoniz nodded. "The Lord and Lady Gremory were the first to arrive. I believe they are currently with Lord Phenex."

"I see," she said evenly. "Thank you, Leoniz. Please show us in."

"Of course." The servant led them to a set of doors so large Naruto had to crane his neck to see the top. Leoniz pushed a set of smaller doors built into the larger ones open. He announced Rias' arrival with her peerage to everyone within.

They stepped through the entrance. Naruto's breath left him.

He'd figured the building was large based on the doors outside. Turned out that didn't even begin to describe it. The ceiling was at least three hundred feet up. Grand, ornate tapestries fell between the giant glass windows that lined the entire length of the room. Humongous chandeliers seemed suspended in the air above them, granting a warm and comforting light to everyone below. Hundreds of servants stood along the lengthy red carpet, ready to greet every guest with a respectful bow.

Naruto had been to high class functions while he'd been Tsunade's Kage-apprentice. But this one ballroom was larger than even the government building had been back in Konoha. The sheer obscenity of such wealth floored him. He'd suspected Rias' family was loaded, but this went far beyond even his wildest expectations.

Wow. Even Kurama was impressed.

Yeah. 'Wow' is a good way to put it. He looked to his left. Issei and Asia had reacted much the same.

Naruto looked around the room. He estimated around twenty other guests were in the room at the moment. He briefly scanned their auras to see what a typical High Class devil's looked like. Most of them were indeed powerful, but otherwise were nothing special. He paused though when he saw something unique from one young man.

This man looked to be around his age, though he towered over everyone around him. His aura was not very large, but looking at it was like looking directly into the sun. The youth looked away from his conversation partner and met Naruto's gaze. They stared at each other for a few seconds. The man inclined his head ever so slightly in respect. He then broke the eye contact and resumed talking with the woman next to him.

Naruto didn't know what to make of what he'd just seen, and Kurama had no idea either. Naruto decided that he needed to speak to that man before they left. He saw something in that aura that intrigued him, and he wanted to ask about it.

Naruto and the rest of her peerage followed Rias forward down the carpet. Once they reached the end, she turned and addressed them all. "Everyone, please enjoy yourselves tonight, but I do ask you not embarrass yourselves. Mingle. Speak to whoever you want to. Looking around, it seems only friends of the family were invited, so no one will turn you away. Issei-kun?"

He snapped to attention. "H-Hai, Buchou."

She smiled at him, but it was a smile that promised agony. "Don't even think of using Dress Break on anyone here. Got it?"

Issei gulped, sweating nervously. "H-Hai." He slumped. Rias had appreciated how effective his special technique was, but she'd threatened bodily harm if he used it pettily. Akeno had been delighted by it though.

Asia wrapped both of her arms around one of Issei's. "Are we...allowed to have some wine, Buchou?" she asked.

Rias' smile turned kindly. "Of course, but only one glass. I'm putting you in charge of Issei-kun tonight. Okay?"

Asia's smile brightened. "Hai!" She pulled Issei to the side toward one of the balconies. Issei followed her while she told him about the stories she'd heard of the amazing gardens the Maou were said to have at their estates.

Rias maintained her smile as she watched them go. "Akeno."

"Hai, Buchou."

"Please keep an eye on them. I imagine at least a few people will approach him because he's the Sekiryutei. Help them out when they need it."

"Ara, ara." Akeno giggled. She grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing servant. "As you wish, Buchou." She then followed after Issei and Asia with a purposeful sway in her step.

Rias then pointed to the table of food. "Food is over there, Koneko-chan. Eat as much as you wish."

Koneko's eyes lit up when she saw the food array. She wiped a bit of drool from her mouth. "...Thank you." She then stalked after the food.

"Kiba, I imagine I don't need to say anything to you?"

Kiba bowed. "Of course not. Good evening, Buchou. I will be close if you need anything."

"Thank you. But tonight I should be fine. Take the time to enjoy yourself. You have a few interested parties waiting for you already." She looked at the group of giggling young women who'd been eyeing her Knight since they walked in.

Kiba bowed once more and left without a word. He slid into the group of girls easily, engaging each of them in conversation. They were laughing as they walked away from Rias and Naruto.

"And you." Rias finally came to Naruto. "You will be escorting me tonight."

Naruto bowed dramatically, one arm across his chest and the other extended to the side. "As you wish, my King." He stood, walked to her side, and offered his arm to her. "Where to then?"

She snaked an arm around his. "First, we must find my parents." She sighed. "Father… I have a couple questions for him, and Mother has wanted to meet you, Asia, and Issei for weeks."

"Then away we go."

The pair walked through the ballroom together. A few well-dressed people greeted them as they moved, which they returned politely but didn't stop to converse. They both snagged a glass of wine from a passing servant as they searched. Naruto had no idea what the Lord and Lady Gremory looked like, so he let Rias lead their quest. He noticed someone watching them a few minutes in. He looked around to find the source. It was the same young man who'd intrigued him earlier. He wanted to ask Rias about him but decided that could wait for the moment.

"Aha!" Rias spied her parents on a balcony near the rear of the ballroom. "There they are. Come now."

Naruto followed her out into the cool air. He looked up and nearly tripped over his own feet. The sky… It's purple. Everywhere he looked was a mass of purple in the air. We must really be in the Underworld. Kurama agreed with his estimate.

He then looked at the group of three they were approaching. He felt stupid for thinking he wouldn't have been able to find Rias' parents on his own. The resemblance was so obvious even Issei would've figured it out. One of them was a middle-aged man with a full head of hair the exact shade of Rias'. He was dressed in a yellow and gold shirt and dark pants with a half-empty glass of wine in his hand. He was talking to another middle-aged man with blond hair. This man was wearing a purple doublet and coat that had an emblem emblazoned on it that Naruto recognized as the Phenex family. To the side was a woman with brown hair that Naruto could swear was Rias' twin sister. She was wearing a white and gold formal dress that matched her husband's chosen attire. She was holding an empty wine glass between black gloved fingers.

The woman noticed their approach first. "Ah. There she is. Congratulations, Rias."

Rias inclined her head. "Thank you, Mother."

The two men turned around. "Oho! Sorry I didn't notice you. Rias, this is Lord Phenex. He and I were just discussing the Rating Game. But, before that, allow me to introduce myself. I am Zeoticus Gremory. Lord of the Gremory house and Rias' father. Pleased to meet you." He held out his hand to Naruto.

Rias let him go so he could shake her father's hand. Naruto gripped it firm. "Naruto Uzumaki. The pleasure's all mine. I can see where Rias-chan gets her looks from."

Zeoticus let out a hearty laugh. "No need for flattery, my boy. Even I acknowledge my children take after my darling wife here."

The Lady Gremory stepped forward. She held out her hand. "Venelana Gremory."

Naruto kneeled and kissed her gloved hand. "I admit, I had mistaken you for Rias-chan's sister at first. I am jealous she has such beauty to grow into as she gains wisdom."

Venelana arched an eyebrow at him. He then stood with Zeoticus laughing again. "My dear, I do believe he just said you—"

"I'm aware, dear," Venelana interrupted with a small preen.

"Ah! Where are my manners. This is Lord Reiner Phenex. My old friend and the father of the boy you just beat to a pulp."

Naruto and Rias both froze. Lord Phenex though began to laugh. "Now, Zeo. No need to worry the children." He offered his hand to Rias. "I know we never really met before, Rias-chan. I'm sorry for Riser's unsightly behavior to you. I admit, a part of me hoped a bride would...buffer some of his more unseemly tendencies. But I have no hard feelings for you not wanting to marry my son."

Rias was stunned. She shakily gripped the offered hand. "I...admit I'm a little surprised. I know you and Father had agreed to that when I was—"

"Still in my belly, yes," Venelana interjected with a glare aimed at her husband.

Reiner gave an apologetic smile. He turned to Naruto. "And you're the one who finally taught my little boy some humility. Thank you." He held out a hand to him.

Naruto took it. How did someone like Riser come from a man like this? he wondered. He said, "I was only doing my duty to protect my King."

"While true," Reiner said, "Riser was overconfident."

Naruto snorted. "That's putting it nicely."

Rias looked at him sharply. But the heat left her when Reiner burst out laughing.

"Agreed, my boy." Reiner calmed down. "I will be blunt. Riser was arrogant. He believed our family's regeneration is absolute. It isn't. There are just as many ways to kill us as anyone. Riser needed to learn this - badly, and the lesson couldn't come from myself or his brothers. He would just assume our abilities made us uniquely able to defeat him. No. He needed to get taken down a few pegs by someone else. We were actually about to arrange a friendly Game with your cousin to teach him that lesson," he said to Rias.

Rias' eyes went wide. "Sairaorg is here?"

Venelana nodded. "He was in the audience booth with us yesterday too."

Rias took a long drink from her glass. "Just great," she mumbled.

Reiner continued then. "So you see, Uzumaki-san, I'm more grateful than anything. Riser has been…" He exhaled. "Well, Riser hasn't been taking this loss well."

"How so?" Rias asked curiously.

Reiner was quiet for a second. He then looked into Naruto's eyes. "Ever since the Game, he hasn't left his room. My wife is not here tonight because she's caring for him. He won't stop muttering about fighting a genuine dragon last night. And, looking at you closely, I can see why he thinks so."

That confused Naruto. The only person he knew with any dragon in them was Issei because of the Boosted Gear. Sure, Issei had used Transfer on him last night, but he'd guessed the change had been temporary because it had been Issei's energy. He and Kurama had checked his body thoroughly after the Rating Game too. Issei's gift had already left his body and hadn't altered anything in him at all.

Naruto looked at his reflection in the crystal glass. Looking close, he could see his irises were still shaped like when he used Kurama's chakra. He wondered why but didn't see a reason to focus on it. His body was still the same. Every diagnostic he and Kurama ran came back with no changes anywhere in his chakra system or even his magic container. He assumed the change was only temporary and would eventually go back to normal.

He shrugged. "Reiner-san, to be honest, I don't have any idea how Riser would think such a thing. I don't have a drop of dragon in my blood."

Reiner nodded once. "Be that as it may, he believes you are at least as strong as the Dragon Kings."

There was a small silence on the balcony. The only sound was the ambient conversations coming from inside the party. Zeoticus broke the silence. "Well, it would appear Rias found herself two dragons then."

Venelana nodded. "Where is Hyoudou-kun, by the way, Rias? I'd like to see him before the night is over."

"He's with Asia-chan." She pointed toward a balcony about six down from where they were. "Akeno is watching over them."

"Thank you." Venelana walked over to her husband. "Come along, dear. We must introduce ourselves to our daughter's peerage."

Zeoticus groaned. Reiner chuckled. He then looked over to where Issei was. "It appears my daughter found him first." There was a teasing lilt that interested Naruto, so he looked over as well.

There on the balcony with Issei and Asia was Ravel Phenex. They were too far to see or hear anything specific. Kiba soon walked out and bowed deep to Ravel. Naruto shrugged and turned away from the scene.

Reiner said, "Let me join you both. I admit I'd like to meet the Sekiryutei as well." He, Zeoticus, and Venelana all walked back into the ballroom.

"Well that was...not what I expected," Naruto said once they'd left.

Rias took another long drink from her glass, finishing it. "I didn't even get to ask him anything," she mumbled bitterly. She set her empty glass on a stand with two other glasses. "Let's go, Naruto-kun."

"Go where?" A new voice intruded. "I just now was able to track you down!"

Naruto turned around and met a large, broad chest. He looked up and saw the new presence was a tall, young, and handsome young man with dark hair. He was wearing a blue coat with dark fur shoulders over a dark shirt and white vest. Looking again, Naruto could see the young man's very muscled arms and torso. He then realized this was the guy he'd seen earlier that he wanted to talk to.

"Sairaorg," Rias greeted politely. "It's good to see you again."

"It has been too long," Sairaorg said. He walked over and offered a hug.

Rias declined quickly. "Thank you, but I prefer my spine stay in place tonight."

Sairaorg laughed merrily. "As you wish." He stepped back. "I was most impressed last night. You have a very powerful peerage, Rias. It won't be long before you can take part in the Rating Games."

"It is a few years before we get to that point." Rias then introduced the two young men to each other. "Sairaorg, this is Naruto, my Unique Piece. Naruto-kun, meet my insane battle maniac of a cousin Sairaorg."

Sairaorg ignored the insult. He offered his hand to Naruto. "Sairaorg Bael. Good to meet you, Naruto-san. I look forward to working with you."

"Naruto Uzumaki." He took the hand.

Immediately, he almost regretted it. Sairaorg squeezed so tight it felt like Kurama had stepped on his hand. Luckily, he'd gained control over his new strength over the training trip, so he could return the grip with one equally as strong.

Sairaorg's smile got wider. He laughed boisterously. He broke the handshake. "I see you found one that's pretty strong here, Rias. Say, Naruto-san, would you be willing to spar with me real quick?"

"Now?"

Sairaorg nodded. "I've always found these things more of a chore than anything. What do you say? I'm sure Lucifer-sama wouldn't mind."

"But I do!" Rias interjected with a huff. "No. Not tonight. Sairaorg, feel free to reach out to Naruto-kun in the future, but there will be no fighting tonight." She gave them both a withering glare. "Understood?"

Sairaorg was unaffected. "Of course. Tonight is about your victory. I wasn't trying to get in the way of the celebration. Only trying to liven it up a bit."

"I know. Still. Learn to read the room." The tall youth laughed in response.

Naruto though was actually disappointed. He could tell Sairaorg was probably the physically strongest person he'd met since leaving the Elemental Nations. Sairaorg was likely the only person who could withstand his new strength if he went all out. Riser had barely been a challenge. Someone like Sairaorg was rare.

The two cousins spoke for a bit about the Rating Game. Naruto stood to the side and finished his glass while they did. Sairaorg, Naruto could tell, was a very bright young man with a good strategic mind. He asked Rias about her strategy and asked if she'd considered a couple factors when deciding what to do. Usually, she had. The only oversight on her part had been the Phoenix Tears, which Sairaorg admitted had taken even him by surprise when he saw it had been with Yubelluna. They'd then got into the tactical adjustments she'd done after the game had began. Soon, he asked the question Naruto could see was burning his tongue.

"Why didn't you utilize Naruto-san earlier?"

Naruto stiffened. Rias glanced briefly at him. She then answered, "It was originally my plan to have Naruto fly over and end the Game immediately. However, Issei reminded me that Naruto won't usually be allowed to partake in a Rating Game. He was right. Naruto ensured I would win, so I should use him only if we couldn't win without him. Naruto promised he wouldn't intervene unless Koneko, Issei, Akeno, and Kiba were all retired."

Sairaorg gripped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. You are probably right. That was likely a good decision. It gave you and your entire peerage valuable Rating Game experience. Not even I've been able to arrange an exhibition, and I've been trying for months now. No one will risk fighting me though," he finished with a bright grin.

Rias shook her head, exasperated. "So long as you only want to fight, no one in the lower tiers will agree. What do they have to gain? If they win, they were expected to anyway. If they lose, their reputation will plummet."

"That's fair," Sairaorg agreed with another laugh. He stood from the bistro he and Rias had sat. "It was great talking again, Rias, but I must be going."

"Same to you." She also stood. "Give my best to your mother."

"I will." He then turned to Naruto. "Naruto-san, I look forward to sparring with you in the future. It was wonderful meeting you."

"Honor is mine."

Sairaorg clapped him on the shoulder, and it felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on him. "Keep my dear cousin safe."

"I will." He smiled. He liked Sairaorg already. He was hoping he reached out soon for that sparring session. Naruto was almost bouncing in anticipation.

"Farewell to you both." Sairaorg then took his leave and left Rias and Naruto alone on the balcony.

Rias held out her hand expectantly. "Did you get me another one?"

"Of course." He grabbed the glass of wine he'd nabbed from a passing servant and gave it to her. "He is probably my favorite devil I've ever met - present company excluded of course."

She smiled at him and took a sip from the glass. "Sairaorg is a strange one." She paused. "I'll tell you more later though. For now, I need to go let everyone congratulate me. It would be rude to sequester myself away on a balcony."

"Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?" He looked over to Issei's balcony. It was empty now. He guessed everyone had gone back into the ballroom. He then held out his arm for her once more. She took it and they walked back into the ornate ballroom.

The next hour passed in a blur. A lot more guests had arrived by now. By his estimate there were a good few hundred there. Most of them, Rias informed him, were vassals of the Gremory family. The only major Lord present other than her father was Reiner. She seemed relieved at that, since it meant there would be minimal political maneuvering at the party. According to her, events like this were hotbeds for political activity, as there were usually at least a dozen major Lords present. Rias guessed they'd kept the guest list small because it was about her betrothal to Riser. The fact it was now broken would send waves throughout the Underworld. She didn't elaborate how, though Naruto had an idea or two.

The faces passed so fast Naruto didn't have the time to really know any of them. Rias of course knew everyone by name. Almost everyone congratulated her on a well fought victory and moved on their way. A few introduced themselves to Naruto too, though he doubted he'd remember them tomorrow.

While on Rias' arm, Naruto kept an eye on Issei. He looked out of his element even worse than Naruto had at his first high society function. Asia stayed on his elbow the whole time, with Kiba and Akeno always close by. Ravel Phenex stayed with him awhile too, though she eventually had to go to her father's side. Koneko had found a small bistro near the food table and had a large pile of food in front of her that made Naruto's mouth water. Koneko was content to sit and eat while the party went on around her, and no one thought to try and tear her away from her feast.

Naruto had drank a few glasses of wine by the time Rias was done seeing everyone. Kurama ensured he could burn the alcohol from his system at any time, so the buzz he was feeling was deliberately acquired.

Rias turned from the party and sighed tiredly. "Well, at least they didn't invite everyone from the Phenex side too."

Naruto sputtered, a few drops of wine staining his shirt. "You mean this is just the Gremory side?" he asked, disbelieving.

She nodded. She grabbed the glass of wine he'd spilled and downed the rest of it. "Yep. We have a few hundred vassals. Looks like only a third are here tonight though. I wonder why. Did Father not invite everyone?"

That threw him for a loop. This was more people than he'd seen at any high class function back in the Elemental Nations, and this was apparently considered a small party. "Who knows?" he said airily.

"Well done, Rias," a familiar voice said behind them.

They turned around. "Sona!" Rias exclaimed happily. "I was wondering if you'd been invited!"

Sona Sitri nodded. "Tsubaki and I got the invitations a week ago. I assume we were invited regardless of the result of the Game." The insinuation hung in the air.

Naruto looked around for Sona's Queen. He saw Tsubaki conversing with Akeno and Kiba near Issei.

Sona was wearing a simple blue dress with a collar-like wrap around her neck that bared her shoulders. Tsubaki was wearing a similar dress but added a pair of high heels to the outfit.

Rias sighed tiredly. "I suppose that makes sense. Mother likely invited you herself then. Father wouldn't have thought to include the Sitri family."

"Most likely." Sona regarded Naruto. "Uzumaki-san. Thank you for saving Rias from that horrible man. I...couldn't find a way to break the betrothal without Rias disavowing her parentage." She sounded sincerely grateful. Or, as grateful as someone as cold as her could sound. A small inclination of the head from her was like a full blown bow from other people.

He shrugged. "I only did what I could. No more, no less."

"Now, now," Rias cut in. "There's no need for that, Sona."

A girlish voice exclaimed so loud it seemed to shake the ballroom. "SOOOOOOOOOONAAAAAA!"

Sona froze stiff. "Is...that...her?"

Rias gave her a pitying smile. "It is."

Naruto shook his head to regain his bearings. He looked towards the entrance and saw a beautiful young woman with black hair tied in a pair of twintails. She was wearing a sleeveless blue-green dress and one grey glove sleeve. She'd kicked off her heels and was sprinting towards the three of them. The new girl was lithe and, aside from her breasts, quite petite. But Naruto could sense immense power from her. Enough power that he needed to rein in his battle instincts.

Sona spun around. Seeing the new girl, she muttered, "At least she's not cosplaying in public this time."

The new girl glomped Sona, leaping the last few feet onto her. Sona had to step back to balance herself or risk being bowled over. The other girl was giggling with glee as she spun around with Sona, her arms around Sona's neck.

She nuzzled her cheek against Sona, making her shiver. "So-na!" the girl whined. "You never even call me! You're so cruel to me!"

"O-Onee-sama!" Sona clipped harshly. "Please behave like someone of your station should! You are in public!"

The girl - apparently Sona's elder sister - nuzzled even closer. "Not until I get a hug."

"Oh. Guh!" Sona shook. "Fine!" She hugged her sister. "There. Happy now?"

"Yay!" The girl bounced happily, her skirts showing her thighs before falling down again. "I love you, Sona!"

Sona's face twitched, annoyed. Naruto was more than slightly amused at the sight of the usually-stern Kaichou so thoroughly thrown off.

Rias cleared her throat, though there was mirth in her eyes at her friend's plight. "Serafall-sama, it is great to see you again."

The girl seemed to just now notice anyone other than Sona existed. Her bright eyes shot open. "Oh! Rias! Sirzechs told me you won your first Rating Game. Congratulations!"

Rias gestured at Naruto. "I'm afraid I owe my victory to my Unique Piece here. Without him, I doubt I would have been victorious."

Serafall looked him over. She let Sona go, and the younger sibling scurried to Rias' side. Serafall held out her hand and a servant brought her discarded heels to her. She put them on and stood a few inches taller. "So this is the guy?" she asked Rias.

She nodded. "Indeed. Serafall-sama, this is Naruto Uzumaki. Naruto-kun, this is Serafall Leviathan - Sona's elder sister and one of the four Maou."

Well that explains how strong she feels.

Sona curtsied. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Uzumaki-san."

He bowed. "I assure you, the pleasure is all mine, Leviathan-sama."

She waved him off. "Serafall is fine. Any friend of Sona's is a friend of mine."

"Then Naruto, please."

Rias then asked her, "Is onii-sama with you?"

Serafall looked confused. She spun around like she was looking for someone. "I could swear he was right with me when we left." She looked abashed. "I must have left him behind when I heard Sona was here."

Naruto felt a sweatdrop drop down the back of his head. This...is one of the Maou?

Kurama laughed. Need I remind you the Kage were mostly the same?

No. But I always wondered if maybe here would be different. Guess not.

It's why you fit in so well!

Oi!

Movement at the entryway stole his attention. In walked Grayfia, still in her maid outfit. Idly, Naruto wondered if she secretly enjoyed dressing like one. Beside her was someone whose presence nearly crushed him. His aura was a pure black hole to stare at. It was like staring into the abyss that waited for him when he died. This was someone who could, by Naruto's estimate, completely demolish the entire world if he ever felt he wanted to. This man was like a force of pure blackness that would swallow anything that got in his way.

Kurama then said the most terrifying thing he'd ever heard. That man...is beyond a God.

Naruto nearly gulped. Rias had warned him that her brother was an existence beyond all comprehension. He'd doubted her. He really shouldn't have. That was no simple man or devil walking toward them. This was what Naruto imagined a true God's aura would look like. Kaguya was divine in his world, but she still felt like a human to him - probably because she had once been one herself. This was an existence who'd never been bound by simple things like logic or reason.

Sirzechs Lucifer reached them a few moments later. Like his father and sister, he had full, long crimson hair. He looked like a man in this twenties, an adult but still youthful. He was wearing an ornate gold and white doublet with white pants. Over his shoulders was a grand purple cape with large grey and gold pauldrons.

Sirzechs, the man Naruto was certain could destroy everything if he wanted, smiled congenially at them. "Rias. I saw the Rating Game yesterday. You did very well. Congratulations."

Rias smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, onii-sama."

Sirzechs turned to Sona and Serafall. "Sona, I'm glad you could make it. I'd hoped Rias could celebrate with her friends."

Sona bowed politely. "It is my pleasure, Sirzechs-sama. Thank you for inviting me onto your estate."

Sirzechs kept his smile. "Well, you beat us here, Serafall. I'd hoped we could arrive together. It has been a while since we went to a function together."

Serafall scratched the back of her head and laughed nervously. "Sorry, sorry. I got excited when you told me Sona would be here."

"I don't blame you." He finally turned to Naruto. "And you must be Naruto Uzumaki-san, my sister's Unique Piece."

"H-Hai. I am."

Sirzechs reached out his hand. "Thank you for keeping Rias safe."

Naruto took the offered handshake. "I, uh, was just doing what I could." The man's grip was firm but gentle. This was the man behind him becoming a devil in the first place, and Naruto didn't know what to make of him.

"Still, you have my thanks." Sirzechs pulled his hand back. "Rias, have you seen Mother and Father?"

She nodded. "I think they're still with Lord Phenex. I think I see them over there with Duke… Is that Sungo?"

Sirzechs looked over the crowd. "Ah. There they are. I should go say hello." He then walked away towards Zeoticus, Venelana, and Reiner.

Grayfia stayed behind with the rest of them. She looked around. "I see everything has been prepared as per Sirzechs' instructions." She paused and frowned. "Except the Rating Games. They must've been waiting on his arrival."

Rias blinked, surprised. "Games?"

Grayfia nodded. "Sirzechs-sama arranged for a few Rating Games to take place tonight. They're not high level, but they should still be entertaining all the same."

Serafall bounced eagerly. "Ooh. I think I know who's playing tonight. Sona, who do you think is gonna' win?"

"I didn't even know there were any Rating Games tonight."

Serafall pouted, which Naruto found to be one of the most adorable things he'd ever seen.

Sona's stern face cracked. "F-Fine. Who's playing?"

"Yay!"

Naruto shook his head. "I need a drink," he muttered. He walked away and asked a servant, "Do you guys have anything stronger than the wine?"

"Of course. What would you prefer?"

He thought for a moment. "Sake. Do you have it?"

"We do. I'll bring it out shortly."

"Thanks." He looked back and saw Rias, Grayfia, Sona, and Serafall conversing amiably. Occasionally, Rias or Serafall would burst out a laugh. "She doesn't need me now." He thanked the servant for the bottle of sake and went to find a private place to sit and enjoy his drink.

He found a small bistro just outside on one of the balconies that was decently private, so he sat there. He poured himself a cup and sipped on the sake. It was good stuff. Better than the stuff Tsunade drank anyway. He looked out at the party.

People were of course lining up to see Sirzechs and Serafall now, though they both seemed to not want to deal with that today. They were polite to everyone, but Grayfia got between the crowd and them, telling them that the Maou were here to celebrate Rias' win not curry favor. That had sent everyone slinking away and back into their groups. Sirzechs, he noted, walked over to the rest of Rias' peerage and talked to them for a few minutes. In particular, he seemed interested in Issei. They spoke for a bit about things Naruto couldn't hear from there. Rias and Sona had retreated to the balcony opposite his for privacy. He scanned the crowd for Serafall but could not find her.

"Looking for me?" Serafall asked from behind him. He turned and saw her floating in the air between the balconies. He wondered how she'd gotten so close without alerting him.

"Just seeing who was with you at the moment."

She giggled as she descended onto his balcony. "Then I guess you need only look in the mirror." She pulled out a chair and sat with him. "May I?"

"Sure. Be my guest."

She summoned a servant and had her fetch a cup for the sake. She then poured herself a full cup and drank a few sips. She smacked her lips. "Good choice."

"Thanks. One of the servants chose the bottle though." He leaned forward. "So to what do I owe the honor of a private conversation with one of the Four Great Maou?"

Serafall waved him off. "Sirzechs will be here soon. But, before that, can I ask you a couple questions?"

"I don't imagine I could refuse," he said with a slight frown.

"You could. I won't force you to say something you don't want to."

That confused him a bit. He knew Serafall had to be more dangerous than she appeared. One did not become a Maou by being only nice. Still, he felt Serafall was being genuine with him, so he nodded.

"What do you think of my sister? Do you think she's cute? Beautiful?"

Naruto blinked, shocked at the questions. "I… Pardon?"

"Do you think Sona's cute?" she repeated immediately. She sipped her sake.

"I...suppose so? I don't really know her well enough to give a good answer."

Sona hummed to herself, curious. "What do you think of magical girls?"

"Like the ones from manga?"

"Yep!"

What the hell is with this woman?! She was asking him about things he generally didn't care about. "Again, I don't know enough about them to really have an opinion." He paused. "Though I admit Issei has showed me some pics of some really cute ones."

Serafall smiled bright. "Hey, you wanna' know the secret to a well designed magic girl?"

Not really. "What is it?" He immediately regretted asking that.

Serfall burst like a dam of information. For the next few minutes she went into excruciating detail as to how to design a good magical girl. Apparently, the key was to make her decently attractive, wear flashy colors, very little clothing other than a short skirt and shirt, give her a staff or some kind of magic focus, and make her a bit of a klutz.

Naruto's head was spinning. Distastefully, he realized it was because of the impromptu lecture and not the alcohol. He wanted to leave, but knew doing so would likely be seen as rude to a Maou. Though, as the lesson went on, the less he cared.

He was saved when Sirzechs approached. "Ah. I see you're telling Naruto-kun about your hobby, Serafall."

"It's not a hobby!" She huffed. "It's a lifestyle!"

Naruto wanted to pound his head on the table. He did not need to know what kind of fabric best served as a substitute for a bra in a magic girl cosplay.

Sirzechs laughed kindly. He then asked, "May I join you?"

"Take it. It's yours," Naruto said.

Sirzechs took the offered seat. "I apologize for Serafall. She gets a bit...excited about magic girls."

"Gee. I hadn't noticed," he said, deadpan.

Sirzechs laughed while Serafall pouted, crossing her arms under her breasts. Sirzechs then asked, "Do you have any questions you'd like to ask us?"

"Plenty." Naruto was simply thankful the topic of conversation turned away from 'Serafall's Guide to Great Cosplay'.

Sirzechs nodded. "We have some things we'd like to ask you as well. Do you mind terribly?"

He shrugged. "Depends on the questions, to be honest. There's some stuff I would rather not talk about, but I'm pretty much an open book."

"Very well then." Sirzechs gestured for him to start. "How about this? You ask us a question and we will answer it honestly. Then we'll switch and ask you a question back. Fair?"

"Sure." He sat up. He could feel Kurama perk up too. "Who's the smartest person in the Underworld?"

"Ajuka," Serafall said immediately. "Ajuka Beelzebub. He's the guy who designed your Unique Piece too."

Then we need to talk to him, Naruto thought and Kurama agreed.

"Our turn. When did you come to Japan?" Sirzechs asked.

Naruto thought back. "Six to eight months ago. I think. I don't remember the exact date."

Sirzechs and Serafall shared a look. What they'd just shared, he wasn't sure, but he doubted it was anything good. "Your turn," she said.

Naruto thought about what he wanted to know. There were a lot of things he wanted to learn, but he knew this time was limited. He needed to pick out the most important questions and use them now. "What's the fastest way for me to become a High Class devil?"

Sirzechs answered. "The exams. You first become a Middle Class and then a High Class."

"That's...not quite true," Serafall corrected. Sirzechs looked at her. "Technically, the Fodder Rule is."

"While true, the likelihood it would apply is so miniscule it's essentially zero."

She shrugged. "We said we'd answer honestly." At Naruto's curious stare, she explained. "The Cannon Fodder Rule, as we like to call it, was a law passed back when the Original Four were in power and the war was at its highest. Essentially, it is the only way someone could be promoted from Low Class directly to High Class.

"The Rule only applies in very specific circumstances though. For one, the Underworld must be facing a threat that could result in mass death and destruction. Two, the culprit must be someone the Maou acknowledge as someone capable of causing said death and destruction. And thirdly, only a single person may be credited with defeating this foe. Of course, it goes without saying the victor must be a Low or Middle Class devil for it to matter."

Sirzechs took over. "The reason it was passed was to encourage weaker devils to throw themselves at enemy generals and hopefully weaken them enough to make beating them easier. It's why we call it the Cannon Fodder Rule, as, essentially, it turns weaker devils into cannon fodder for more powerful enemies. It's never been used, and we don't advertise its existence because we don't want to encourage foolish behavior in new devils."

Naruto gave them a puzzled look. "Then why not just get rid of it?"

Serafall answered. "Because of the slim possibility it could be used. If we ever did meet those qualifications, it wouldn't be right to then force the one responsible for stopping the threat to sit down and take a test on High Class etiquette. No. They would've earned the promotion. Like Sirzechs said though, we just don't advertise it. The only people who even know about it are the people who fought in the war, and there aren't a lot of those left."

"I suppose that makes some sort of sense."

"Now," Serafall said. "Please tell us everything about when Kuroka attacked you."

Naruto did. He reported the details like he would a mission report back in the Elemental Nations. He told them how she'd approached him in the form of a cat with two tails. He recited the entire process of his brief battle with her all the way until she retreated and Rias arrived.

Sirzechs nodded, satisfied, as he finished. "Thank you for that. Now, is there anything else you can think about that we should know?"

He didn't tell them how he suspected Kuroka had spent a few days in the company of her sister as a cat. However, he did remember one thing. "Yeah. I think she gave me the name of her boss on accident."

"What was their name?" Serafall leaned forward.

"Ophis, I think."

There was a sharp intake of breath from both Sirzechs and Serafall. The revelation seemed to freeze them in their seats.

"So. Ophis really has been moving," Sirzechs said.

"That's not good." Serafall had lost all humor. "Falbium was right."

"As he usually is," Sirzechs replied.

Naruto spoke up, curious. "Uh… Who's this Ophis guy?"

Sirzechs sighed. He then got serious. "Did you mention that name to Rias?"

He shook his head. "No."

"Well that's a relief." Sirzechs leaned forward. "Naruto-kun, what I am about to tell you is highly classified information. You are expressly forbidden by my authority as Lucifer from sharing this information with anyone without my express permission. Clear?"

"Y-Yeah."

Serafall explained then. "Ophis is not a 'guy'. At least not in the sense you're used to. Ophis is an immortal Dragon God and one of the two most powerful beings in all of existence everywhere. Ophis existed before time and will probably exist after it as well. Ophis is, quite literally, infinity incarnate. To give you an idea here of just how insane Ophis' existence is, even if every single being save one pooled their collective energy into one single attack, it would not do more than maybe tickle Ophis. If Ophis ever wanted to, Ophis could wipe out all life everywhere, in every dimension out there, and no one could stop it or even really slow it down. Does that give you an idea?"

Dread filled Naruto. He'd thought Ophis had been strong, yes. But that? Ophis barely even made sense to him. How could you kill infinity? How could anything exist out there like that? He couldn't wrap his head around it.

Serafall then continued. "Six months ago our intelligence started reporting that Ophis was moving again. We don't know why. All we now know is that Ophis is apparently after you. We of course have ideas as to why, but it's all only conjecture at the moment. When we have something concrete, we'll be sure to inform you immediately."

That thing is after me? He swallowed the lump in his throat. He thought he'd faced power beyond understanding before. But this went even beyond that. Ophis was a being that gods even feared. His mouth felt dry. And they could go after Rias, Issei, and everyone to get to me. "Should I…" His voice hitched. "Should I just go if someone comes after me again?"

Sirzechs shook his head. "No. If Ophis truly wanted you, they'd already have you and there wouldn't be anything anyone could do about it. As it stands, we believe you only interest Ophis at the moment. Continue to resist whoever Ophis sends after you. Though," he said with a small smirk, "there aren't many out there more dangerous than Kuroka. And, as you've proven a few times now, you're more than capable." He stood then. "We should return to the party. Naruto-kun, remember what we told you. Not a word to anyone."

He shakily nodded. Before today, he'd never truly been scared of anyone. He'd now heard of someone that he feared. Ophis. Someone that could wipe out all life anywhere with the ease he would smack a fly. This wasn't a metaphsyical threat. It was real. And for the first time in his life, Naruto feared someone.

No. Not someone. Something.

Ophis.

He stayed out on the balcony for a long time after Sirzechs and Serafall rejoined the party.