Chapter 2: True Devil I
It stretched endlessly in every direction, a mix of colors that seemed to ripple like water. Bright streaks of blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, gold, and red wove through the darkness, creating an otherworldly contrast. Even with the blackness swirling within it, the entire realm seemed to glow with the bright, mysterious light. Time felt as if it had stopped, each moment stretching out. It was a place that didn't follow the rules of the world he knew. It was strange and limitless.
A wave of disorientation washed over him, the sensation of weightlessness creeping in as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. It felt unreal. His weak eyes fluttered open, one purple, one red, as he stared upward, though what "upward" meant in this strange place was unclear.
This was a dream.
It had to be.
In the corner of his eye, something burgundy appeared, faint at first but growing steadily, spreading like a stain in this void. The color expanded and expanded, devouring every other shade. It came closer, moving with a slow, inevitable force, until the burgundy shifted into something more defined—texture emerged. He could make out skin, rough then the gleam of scales catching the distant light. Suddenly, the deep red shifted to gold, the shape twisting and solidifying into what appeared to be a massive, circular shield. But as it loomed closer, he noticed a strange cut in its center—an unsettling black slit.
It wasn't a shield at all. The slit pulsed and narrowed.
It was a pupil.
Not a shield, but a sphere.
An eye. A gigantic eye staring right at him.
Even when fighting the Ten-Tails, Sasuke had never been this close to something so incomprehensible. The sheer size of the creature, the power radiating from it—he couldn't understand it. Was this a summoning jutsu? A tailed beast? No, it couldn't be. He had seen them all, and none of them were like this.
Only one conclusion came to him.
This wasn't a dream.
This was a nightmare.
He tried to move his hands, forcing himself to act, to defend, to better position himself, to run. But a sharp, hollow gasp escaped him—no sound followed, as even here it did not follow the same rules. His eyes widened. His left hand—gone. A searing pain shot through his arm. Instinctively, he pressed his only hand to the bleeding stump, trying to contain the blood as much he could. His mind was blank, running purely on instinct. Since when has he ever felt such physical pain in a dream?
This wasn't a dream.
This wasn't a nightmare.
This was reality.
An instinctive dread washed over him, gripping his entire body. His Rinnegan flickered, and through the haze of pain, he saw the creature turn. Its colossal mouth opened, a bright yellow light gathering inside, aimed straight at him.
It felt like this was it. There was no coming back. Sasuke had been drained almost completely. Even his Sharingan had receded, unable to be maintained any longer. Maybe, just maybe, he could force his left eye to activate and escape, but there was nothing to teleport to. The void around was empty, not structures or objects he could see.
Then, as if by divine intervention, a beam of violet energy erupted from behind him, shooting past with a potent force. It was vibrant, thick with pressure, so foreign—something far beyond anything he'd ever known.
The beam hit the creature right in its open mouth, unleashing a piercing shriek that shattered the thick silence around HIM. The sound echoed and leaving no doubt that the creature was in agony.
The force of the blast sent the titan reeling, swimming off into the dark expanse. Sasuke barely had time to process what had just happened before a crushing pressure enveloped him. Despite the sensation of weightlessness, as if he were endlessly falling, an invisible force squeezed him from all sides, as though he were trapped at the bottom of the ocean.
It was unreal. He had never felt anything like it before. The world around him seemed to warp and shift, and then he saw it—a purple orb forming around him, encapsulating him. The pressure lifted, and he could finally feel relief. He exhaled in panic, unaware he had been holding his breath. Finally, the shinobi could hear himself again. Inside this protective shield, the sound of his breathing, and even his own thoughts, returned to him.
'I'm... saved...' he thought, though he had no idea how. It wasn't his power—he had made no signs, no Susanoo, nothing. He was too weak to move, too drained to do anything but endure.
He sensed something again. A presence—colossal, but not physically large. He turned his head around and saw her.
A small frame. Pointed ears. Black hair. A little girl.
The girl drifted toward him, entering the bubble. Sasuke's eyes locked onto her, and he immediately felt the immensepower radiating. It was as great or greater than Kaguya. But there was something off about her. Her eyes. Dark grey with slit pupils—serpent-like.
Her voice was low, almost monotonic, "Silence," She said, smiling faintly. "I like your silence," She floated closer, raising the palm of her hand in front of him, "You were right." Though those words came out loud, it did not appear as if they were meant for him.
Two women sat quietly in the room of the Occult Research Club, both dressed in the familiar Kuoh Academy uniforms. Rias Gremory, with her striking red hair that tumbled down her back and dazzling green eyes, exuded an air of regal confidence. Her High-Class Devil status was evident in every composed movement, though today, her expression gave a hint of uncertainty.
Beside her sat Akeno Himejima, her Queen, equally captivating with her long, black hair and dauntingly beautiful violet eyes. There was an elegance to Akeno, but beneath that serene smile, her sharpness was unmistakable. She gracefully placed a muffin in front of Rias before standing by her side, poised as ever.
Rias stared down at the binder below, her thoughts clearly weighing heavy on her mind. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke.
"Be honest, Akeno, did I make a mistake?"
Akeno contemplated her words for a moment, her tone calm as she replied, "Oh? Issei-kun? He's... passionate. I do believe he is loyal. However, we're still unsure as to why he took up so many pawns. And… too soon to tell if it was worth it."
The 'King' sighed, "It was either him... or the other one. But the other's potential didn't seem so... obvious. He irritates Sona's barrier every day. He has... something, but not as prominent. What do they say about him? Perhaps I should ask Koneko-chan to see if she can sense him better."
The Queen shrugged, "He's a mystery. No clubs, no friends, quiet, sometimes rude, and often... alone." She then giggled, "Sounds perfect for Lady Sona's peerage. Perhaps she wants him so you don't get your hands on every student here."
"We did make a deal," Rias replied, "I would get Issei, and she would get him. She even had an interview but has yet to approach him formally."
"I've heard he's hard to approach," Akeno replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Perhaps we could see if he needs our assistance."
Rias smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "To steal a potential chess piece from my rival? Not a bad idea..."
"Fufu, so devious, my King—"
Her friend replied with a laugh herself, "It was your idea..."
Suddenly, a loud pounding echoed from the door, startling them both. Rias spilled some of her tea in surprise, while Akeno flinched, her head shaking slightly as they both stared at the entrance to the club.
"... Did you feel anyone break our barrier?" Rias asked, her voice tight with caution.
"No..." Akeno replied, eyes narrowing. With measured steps, she approached the door. For a moment, she hesitated, glancing back at Rias, who gave a small nod for her to continue. The Queen opened the door slowly, and to their surprise, a fellow classmate walked in uninvited. He stood tall, dressed in the Kuoh Academy uniform, his black hair framing a sharp, handsome face. His eyes, both dark and intense, scanned the room before brushing past Akeno without so much as a glance in her direction. He walked with purpose, heading straight for Rias, who still sat behind her desk.
"Uh..." Rias gasped slightly, embarrassed by the sudden intrusion. She fumbled with the binder in front of her, trying to hide the fact that it contained a picture of the very student who now stood before her, as well as one of Issei.
The tension in the room rose as Uchiha Sasuke's voice cut through the air, cold and without hesitation.
"Rias Gremory," He spoke sternly, his tone devoid of any emotion, "Do you want to die?"
"I..." Rias stammered, glancing at Akeno with uncertainty. The usual confidence she carried was nowhere to be found as her mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.
"Do. You. Want. To... die?" He slammed his hands on the table, "Because that's what's going to happen. Every student here, every person here, they will die."
"W-What are you talking about!?" Rias raised her hands in the air, her frustration and fear getting the best of her, "What is happening!? How do you know this? How did you even get in here?"
"You," Sasuke said, his gaze looking through her, "One of you..."
"One of us what?" Rias panicked, her heartbeat thundering in her chest. "Us? Club members!?"
"One of you... is going to start a war."
The 'King' thought wildly. War? What war? How could he know about something like this? Her mind struggled to catch up, but hit words hit her harder than anything she'd heard before.
Akeno glanced between Rias and Sasuke, her own concerns evident in her eyes. "A war... between who?" she asked, her voice calmer but also filled with panic, "What's happening? What has happened?"
Sasuke smirked and recalled the events that had happened.
He hadn't expected things to escalate so quickly.
The shinobi leaned against a tree, the shade concealing his position.
It had only been a week since Hyoudou Issei had his… last moment as a human. Once just a student who went to Kuoh Academy, was now in the center of it all. He had become a reincarnated devil, a pawn in a game far beyond his understanding. Bound by a pact he couldn't escape, the boy was forced into the service of Rias Gremory, a High-Class Devil. He was no longer free. His life, his choices, were no longer his own.
Life traded for servitude.
There was an amazement in witnessing someone alive after such a brutal death. Issei's personality remained intact, almost everything about him felt the same. Yet, he no longer held that standard pure yellow human energy. Instead, a deep red energy roamed inside him, similar to the other devils, mingled with a darker crimson that was now more prominent.
The former was seemingly content in his new existence under Rias Gremory's watchful control. It was a sight that struck the Uchiha as pitiful. Being forced into servitude was something he couldn't stand. No compromise, no clear end goal—just... servitude.
Many would be surprised to know that the devils in the human world operated much like a business—catering to clients, handling assignments, and providing various services. The initial allure of their world had faded, and Sasuke found himself slipping back into boredom as he watched them go about their duties.
Today, however, was different. It was an encounter—a reunion of sorts. The last time Issei had faced this person, he had still been his own man, not yet bound by the chains to the devils. Now, things had changed.
Despite the success of their previous mission, the Fallen Angels had not retreated after killing Issei. Their lingering presence in Kuoh made one thing clear. Coexistence was not an option, and tensions in the city had been growing and growing. They had, of course, encountered anotherhuman just after one who had gone easy on them. Yet, their defeat in that exchange hadn't seemed to faze or intimidate them. Perhaps because, in the end, he was just another human.
The devil found himself standing face to face with Raynare, the woman who had taken his life. But before either could make a move, another presence emerged. A human girl, dressed in traditional church attire, stepped between them.
She radiated the typical bright yellow energy that flowed inside most humans, but like Issei, there was another color that signified something more prominent—green.
The answer lay in her right hand—a pair of silver rings, each set with a gem. Sasuke recognized them as another Sacred Gear, used to heal Issei's wound inflicted by Raynare.
When the Fallen Angel had lured Issei into a trap, getting him comfortable and seeing the look of love and passion in his eyes, she had killed him. But this one was somehow still alive. Sasuke thought, 'She's either recruited her or is stalling for time to kill her later.' But what was the point? Why wait to discard her?
Judging from Issei's pleading and screaming, the situation is not going his way. He is begging for this church girl to not go with Raynare. But the Fallen Angel once again conjured a light-spear, something which without a doubt will do even more damage to him than before.
He recalled a conversation he had before departing to Kuoh Academy. One that was not particularly pleasant.
"We've been lacking for quality associates for this type of work," The voice had said, "Perhaps it's not your style."
The Uchiha raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "What is it?"
"You might have to make some friends. Believe me, it's important. You do want to get out of here, don't you?"
Friends. That word felt foreign to him, almost irritating. He had lost so much in the past that forming bonds seemed both unnecessary and dangerous. But this? This situation might require a different approach. Issei's connection to Rias Gremory's group and the rising tensions in the city could be an opportunity. Not to make a friend—Sasuke wasn't naive enough to use that word. But an acquaintance? An ally? That, he could stomach.
In the past, he had acted impulsively, letting his immediate emotions dictate his fate. But he had grown since then. There was closure in seeing his brother one last time, a reconnection and pride in fighting alongside Team 7. And now, he had his own goal, his own ideal for the shinobi world. One that required power, commitment—a fate well thought out, not born from a moment of recklessness.
But first, he needed to return home, and gain more strength along the way. And it needs to start soon.
If not now, then when?
There were children in the shinobi academy with better reaction times than Issei. Sasuke's left eye, with its supreme abilities, flared open as he saw the imminent threat. Had the spear struck the devil, it might have killed him or left a grievous wound. But before the spear could land, Sasuke appeared before him in a blur of motion. And where he had been standing, a small explosion of light hit a tree.
Raynare flinched, "Y-You!" shocked, her eyes narrowing. "So, you are working with the devils?!" She turned to the girl beside her, "Asia, let's go. Now!"
Tears streamed down the face of the girl known as Asia she followed Raynare, her expression a mix of confusion and fear.
"I'm sorry Issei-san!" She winched from the aggressive grip.
"Asia!" Issei pleaded, scrambling to get up, but he soon tripped and fell hard onto the ground, his chin slamming against the pavement. He looked up just in time to see his friend and Raynare vanish in a summoning circle. They were gone—just like that. Tears filled his eyes now as he pounded the ground in frustration, feeling helpless from that event that had just occurred.
"God damn it—AH!" He shouted, his frustration boiling over. As a devil, even uttering "God" hurt him, but he couldn't help himself. He squeezed his fists tight. "She's gone… damn you… god damn you—AH!"
Sasuke stood, unimpressed. "Did you really just do that…twice?
Panting on his knees, the former human looked up, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with tears. "You..." he gasped between labored breaths. "What are you doing here!? Get out of here... before she comes back and kills you too..." There was no mistaking the recognition in his eyes—he knew his classmate. But in his distraught state, he failed to realize that it was his intervention that had saved him from a potentially severe wound.
The Uchiha remained calm, unfazed by Issei's warning, "What happened? Who was that? Why didn't you do anything about it?" His voice was cold, detached, though he already had a clear grasp of the situation. He wanted to hear it directly from the devil himself—perhaps to steer the conversation for his own purposes.
Issei clenched his fists, slamming one into the ground with raw frustration. "You're just human… you won't stand a chance," he spat, his voice cracking with anguish. "She took her! She… took her…" His words dripped with helplessness, as if saying them aloud made the reality worse.
"Who?" Sasuke asked once more, his voice losing its patience.
"Asia…" He replied weakly, "Poor Asia…"
There was, perhaps, some form of connection between the two, though not a deep one. The devil before him was broken, weak, and without true guidance. Someone important to him had been taken, and he had failed to seek revenge—even failing to avenge the life he lost. Sasuke, understood the call for vengeance, the feeling of weakness and hopelessness. It was a drive he had known intimately.
Though he had long since moved past the notion that revenge was the only path, he couldn't deny that it had shaped him into the man he is today.
"I can help you." The Uchiha replied, "The one with the wings. I've seen here before."
Issei's attention snapped to Sasuke. "You... know about her?" He asked, surprised that a human knew about fallen angels.
Sasuke nodded calmly. "I know what's been going on."
That caused the pawn to stand up, hastily wiping his tear-streaked face.
"She's dangerous... You should stay away." The Shinobi added.
The warning was exactly what Sasuke intended. Issei took the bait. Anger flared, pushing away his doubt. "I don't need some pretty boy telling me what to do! She took Asia, but... why? She's not even a fallen angel. What is she planning to do?" His words stumbled, but slowly, his composure returned, even if he still looked ridiculous—face wet with tears and snot.
There was one potential answer, the Uchiha knew, "Perhaps... she is planning to kill her. I've heard some of the Fallen Angels have a reputation for killing humans randomly, but who knows?" He knew the reason, just as the former human did, having been one of those who had died. But the Sacred Gear user chose to withhold that truth. Instead, his eyes widened with the dawning realization that Asia might genuinely be in danger.
"Hey..." Issei asked after a moment of silence, "...How do you know all of this? Are you a devil?"
Sasuke answered swiftly, "No."
There was no reason not to believe his classmate—after all, Sasuke had saved him just now. "I have to get Asia back... I have to."
"So do it," Sasuke replied, his voice sharp and cutting. "Stop talking about it. If you want to do it, then act. The longer you hesitate, the more you'll regret it."
"I... I should tell my..."
His classmate cut him off, already knowing where he was going with. "If that person is important, you'll do what needs to be done." He glanced toward the direction where he knew the fallen angels were hiding. "They're taking her that way."
"W-Will you help me?" Issei asked, his desperation clear. "I don't know how many there are. I was already attacked by that bastard exorcist and another fallen angel."
The mention of an exorcist piqued Sasuke's interest. He hadn't known there was one operating in the city, but it might explain the strange murders he'd noticed recently.
"Perhaps," The Uchiha said with a shrug. "I have no interest in becoming an enemy of the Grigori, but they need to be stopped."
Issei smirked, "Thanks, Uchiha-kun." He hesitated, then added awkwardly, "And... sorry. For spreading those rumors about you... and writing your name in the bathroom stalls... and judging you."
Sasuke, unaware any of that had happened, simply replied, "...Forgiven."
"Can you fight?"
Can he fight? Can Uchiha Sasuke fight?
The words hung in the air, serious and direct. It was rare for Sasuke to laugh or show any expression in response to such questions. Perhaps it was the irony of it. After all, where he came from, there was no one more willing to fight than he was.
A small, unexpected smile crept onto his face. "I can fight. A little." he replied, his tone light.
"Tonight then!" Issei exclaimed, his voice filled with renewed purpose. "Tonight... I will meet you there."
The King, Rias Gremory, ran in deep thought alongside her Queen, Akeno, their footsteps echoing through the dirt paved road as they neared the abandoned chapel.
Uchiha Sasuke, a human from her school, had recently brought her disturbing news. One of her subordinates was planning to kill multiple fallen angels, driven by revenge.
"You have to convince him not to do it." Sasuke had urged, his voice calm but insistent.
"Why is this any concern of yours?" Rias had asked, her tone skeptical, "You aren't a devil or a Fallen Angel."
Sasuke's response had been simple yet surprising. "I don't want a war to happen."
Rias smiled at his words. Despite his lack of involvement in the supernatural world, Sasuke grasped the situation's gravity. A war wasn't something she wanted, either. She had never met him before today. He existed outside her usual sphere of influence. With chaos unfolding around her, she couldn't afford to dwell on how he knew so much about their destination or why he was with Issei when the attack occurred. He had even implied they were members of the Grigori, a detail she found unsettling. She had also not bothered to inquire how he knew of that.
Though she knew he was in no position to order her around—this was her domain—she reluctantly agreed to his suggestion to not kill them. The fallen angels had trespassed on her territory, a blatant act of disrespect, but did that warrant murder? It was difficult to say. Until Raynare's attack on Issei, who had recently joined her peerage, there had been no direct provocation. That changed everything. Now, it felt personal. But as a High-Class devil, she had to react to every situation with a leveled head.
If one wrong move was made tonight, the city could be plunged into war. The only human had convinced her of that.
They encountered three fallen angels—Mittelt, Dohnaseek, and Kalawarner—stationed at the rear entrance of the chapel, radiating arrogance and superiority. The sight of the two devils convinced them that they weren't even worth being considered threats. However, their smug expressions faltered as their gazes landed on the human, trailing behind the two women.
Sasuke watched silently, his eyes cool and calculating. This battle, though brief, only confirmed what he had already known—these opponents were no threat.
'Lightning.' He observed with keen interest. In his world, lightning was typically blue, and on rare occasions, black or dark purple. Yet hers was yellow, crackling through the air with an unusual intensity, 'Fallen Angel?' he mused, realization dawning on him. He hadn't noticed it before, but now it became clear. Within Akeno's energy was the unmistakable red of a devil. Yet, like with her opponents, there were pockets and strands of purple—the unique energy of a fallen angel.
Even Her lightning wasn't merely raw power. It was infused with something more, an element foreign to him.
"Ara ara, Sasuke-kun," Akeno's teasing voice snapped Sasuke out of his observation. She glanced over her shoulder, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Isn't it considered rude to stare at people where you're from?"
Sasuke, caught in the act of his quiet observation, averted his look without offering a reply. For a moment, he wondered if she had meant what he thought she meant, but that would be highly unlikely. She chuckled softly before turning her attention back to the fallen angels at their feet. Her smile faded as her eyes grew serious.
"I'll watch over them, Buchou," She called out to Rias, who stood ready to move forward. "Go in and make sure Issei-kun is okay."
Rias nodded, her focus shifting back to the task at hand. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward the entrance of the chapel, with Sasuke following behind. There was no time to waste—inside, the real battle awaited.
The former human at least had the sense not to rush in alone. He was flanked by two other devils, both members of Rias Gremory's peerage and fellow Kuoh Academy students. One was the senjutsu user who had spotted Sasuke outside the abandoned building at the academy. The other was someone the Uchiha recognized but had never interacted with—Yuuto Kiba.
It appeared that all of them had been injured to some degree. Only Issei was able to stand tall. The others hunched over, panting.
As they entered the chapel, the floor was strewn with casualties—mostly exorcists caught in the crossfire. Their distinctive attire marked them as specialists in ritualistic magic. Sasuke scanned the scene, his eyes landing on the exhausted blonde girl, Asia, who had been rescued just in time. It was clear that the fight inside was nearing its climax.
Another figure caught everyone's attention. This person was human, but it was his weapons that truly set him apart. He carried a gun—an oddity the shinobi had only read about—and a strange blade that emitted a blue light.
With silver hair and a long trench coat, the man's expression bordered on psychotic. Everything about him screamed unhinged, from his manic grin to his erratic movements.
His voice slithered through it, dripping with malice. "Ooh! Look at this—more pathetic little beasts! And a human! A stupid little human!" His sneer widened, revealing a glint of madness as he brandished his weapons. "Another prince, huh? I can't wait to see how lovely you look when I carve you into a thousand pieces for siding with these filthy devils!"
The Uchiha remained silent, giving Freed no reply—he simply wasn't worth the words. With a swift motion, he unsheathed the sword at his hip, the blade raised as he stepped forward to engage. Freed's maniacal grin widened as he charged in, his movements unpredictable and aggressive. His natural talent and wild, almost crazed style of swordsmanship could confuse even a master.
Whoever had taught him must have been a madman.
But Sasuke had been trained by an even bigger madman.
The exorcist laughed wildly, his voice steeped in madness as the steel continuously clashed against one another. "Not bad! Not bad! Not bad! Better than that soft-handed blond bitch!"
Sasuke remained silent, his expression unyielding as his blade met Freed's in a flurry of rapid clashes. "SAY SOMETHING!" Freed shrieked, his eyes wide with frenzied rage, swinging his sword with reckless abandon.
The Uchiha blocked effortlessly, parrying each strike with precise efficiency. His movements were to the touch, honed from countless battles and the harsh realities of shinobi combat. Unlike the madman, who shouted and screamed in desperation, his opponent was calm-emotionless. As if fighting for survival was not something to get worked up about it. He didn't flinch nor didn't we wince in pain, for Sasuke could not be struck.
The exorcist's wide-eyed gaze flickered with doubt, confusion creeping into his crazed expression as the reality of the fight settled in.
The beginnings of fear.
He couldn't touch Sasuke. His wild swings and desperate attacks had all been neutralized. And then, in an instant, Sasuke moved faster than Freed could react. His sword sliced through his shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground with a scream of agony.
"Oh no! Freed Sellzen!" he cried out, his voice laced with desperation. "My time is over! I die not to some pathetic devils, but to a human—a black-haired piece of shit! My life is flashing before my eyes… I see the light! Kami-sama, you asshole, I'm coming—BLAH!"
A projectile fired from his gun, lightning fast.
The first lesson they teach you at the academy. Always watch your opponent's hands.
As Freed reached into his pocket for the gun and pulled the trigger, Sasuke was already ready. His Sharingan activated, and at the right second, slashed downward, bracing against the force.
For a moment, it seemed as if Sasuke had been hit, his head recoiling back. But then he stood still, his sword having split the magic-coated bullet cleanly in two.
Freed Sellzen turned his gaze toward Raynare, the only remaining Fallen Angel still capable of fighting. Gripping his wound, he bit down on his lip hard enough to draw blood. "Sayonara, Raynare-chan. This motherfucker just split my bullet into two. I'm not sure what the fuck I can do after that!" he hissed through gritted teeth, his voice trembling with pain. "You ain't making it out of this one! That body of yours isn't worth trying to save!"
Raynare's eyes widened in frustration as she snapped, "You idiot! Get back here and help!"
But the human, ignoring her completely, took his chance to escape. With a wild leap, he smashed through a nearby window, his body crashing to the ground outside in a chaotic scramble.
The defeat came to the Fallen Angels.
Her instincts kicked in, desperation clawing at her as she began to manipulate the moment. "Issei, please!" Raynare pleaded, her voice trembling. "I never meant to hurt you like this. I was lost, confused… Can't we find a way to move past this?"
But Issei's resolve remained strong. His eyes had a look of pain and fury, they locked onto her, "Save your false pleas," he replied coldly. "I see right through your lies now. You never cared for me, and now you're scared because you know you're about to pay for it." Raynare's mask cracked further, her desperation evident. She continued to plead, but the former human had already made his decision.
Rias, standing nearby, addressed her pawn in a calm, commanding, but serious tone. "I made the decision not to kill any of our fallen angel enemies. However, this one is your decision. She attacked you."
[BOOST]!
"A Longinus…" The King observed, her eyes widened with amazement, "The Boosted Gear Sacred Artifact. One of the thirteen…"
The Fallen Angel trembled, her voice stuttered, "It's... it's just a twice critical..." But it was too late for such reassurances. In a desperate attempt to escape, she turned to flee, her eyes locking with Sasuke's. Yet he remained still, choosing to observe rather than intervene. He could see Issei leaping forward, and in an instant, a crushing blow landed squarely on her face just as she glanced back.
'The artifact grew his power?' Sasuke questioned, as he watched the crimson energy inside Issei intensify, blending seamlessly with streaks of green.
Raynare crumpled to the ground, her face bloodied and battered. Issei towered over her, tears still glistening on his cheeks, as if the act of striking her hurt him just as much as it hurt her. "I never want to see you again!" he declared coldly. "Don't come near me, or Asia, or anyone else! Swear it!"
Terrified and broken, she nodded weakly. "I—I won't…"
With the immediate threat neutralized, the devils converged around Asia, who had somehow survived her ordeal. Sasuke felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him as he turned to leave. But suddenly, something caught his attention at the entrance, drawing him back into a state of alertness. The ground was unnaturally flat—a detail that set off alarm bells in his mind. Activating his Sharingan, he scanned the area, spotting faint traces of magic lingering in the air.
His expression hardened as he silently cursed himself. 'Someone else was here... Someone we didn't see.'
The land lay in perpetual gloom, where even the sky was an endless stretch of thick, oppressive clouds. It was a place where the sun never fully shone, its light barely piercing through the heavy mist.
At the center of the darkened region stood a black and grey stone castle, surrounded by a still, murky moat. Though centuries had passed since humans last occupied it, the fortress remained prominent—a relic of an age long gone. Instead, the castle was now used by a different class of beings—creatures who thrived in the shadows and relished the secrecy the fortress offered. Its magic-laden walls and hidden location provided the perfect refuge for those who operated out of the spotlight.
In one of many of its concealed lairs, deep within the catacombs that lay beneath the main structure, there was a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers known only to a select few. One such lair, located in the heart of the underground, was a place where a powerful faction had made its hub.
"You prevented a war. Congratulations." A voice filled with sarcasm and playfulness stated.
Sasuke leaned against the cold cobblestone wall, arms crossed, staring back unamused. He replied, his voice dripping with irritation, "It was either that or let the Fallen Angels annihilate the devils. That would certainly ruin whatever I'm supposed to be doing, Euclid."
An Ultimate-Class Pure-blooded Devil, leader of the magician faction Nilrem, and the head of the seemingly abandoned Lucifuge Clan.
Euclid Lucifuge.
A chuckle escaped from the devil, "Azazel's too pragmatic for that," He remarked. "He wouldn't let a couple of insignificant ants start an all-out war. But fear of war? That can be just as convincing. I suppose they know about you now?" He flipped through the black journal with amusement, "... It's like reading a children's story."
"I was invited to join them. No, to become one of them." Sasuke answered. Though his tone was monotonic, his expression betrayed a flicker of disdain.
"Now, why didn't you take the offer?" Euclid teased.
The Uchiha sneered, "I'm not like them. I'm not like you. I'm not like anyone here. I don't need to be one of you."
The devil smirked with his usual smugness, "Reincarnated devils are a farce. Devil only in name." Euclid's eyes glinted with malice, but he noticed the shinobi's lack of reaction. Realizing his meaning hadn't quite hit, he added with a more pointed tone, "When I fixed that hand of yours, you seemed like any other human here. Same biology, same weaknesses."
His expression didn't falter. "You talk a lot for someone who knows so little."
Suddenly, the wooden door down the hall creaked open, drawing Euclid's attention. His expression twisted from amusement to disgust.
"Here comes the black beast..." He muttered under his breath.
Heavy footsteps echoed ominously as a figure descended the hallway. Sasuke turned to see who was approaching, while the devil shifted his focus back to the black journal before him. The newcomer was imposing—tall and cloaked in dark attire, his hair an unsettling mix of black and blond. Sharp ears framed his unsettling grin, which never seemed to fade. One eye was a pitch onyx, while the other, gold.
Though he looked human, Sasuke knew better.
"Crom Cruach," Euclid announced, "How kind of you to grace us with your presence. We have an assignment for you."
The figure, also known as Mr. Black, turned his piercing gaze toward Sasuke before addressing the devil with a wry smirk and a sarcastic tone. "And what does His Majestyrequire of me?"
Chapter 3: Phenex
The world around him felt distant, shrouded in a thick veil of fog. The grey sky loomed overhead, and his vision blurred as the mist obscured even the grass beneath him, though he could feel its cold, damp touch against his skin soothing his wounds. His body, pale and drained, was hanging by a thread, teetering between life and death. His heartbeat, erratic and frantic, pulsed with growing intensity, as if trying to make up for the blood he had lost.
On his back, the chill gnawed at his bones, creeping deep into them. He knew he was conscious, but barely. His thoughts floated aimlessly, slipping away as quickly as they formed.
A figure emerged in the fog, though Sasuke never saw her approach. She simply appeared. A young woman with short blonde hair and unsettling red eyes. She licked her hand absentmindedly, a strange gesture that caught his attention, though his instinct to survive overshadowed any curiosity he felt.
Only his right eye was open. The left remaining stubbornly shut.
Her red eyes met his, softer than his own, and filled with concern.
"You're awake..." Her voice was soft, with a touch of embarrassment. "You've lost a lot of blood. I stopped the bleeding, but… I got some on my hand." His head spun as he tried to comprehend what the woman was saying. She held up her hand, streaked with his blood, and, to his surprise, she brought it to her lips and licked it as if that was just... an ordinary thing.
"It's… not that great," she muttered with a tone of disappointment, "I'm picky when it comes to blood..."
His limbs were heavy and unresponsive as the girl effortlessly lifted him into her arms. For someone so slender, her strength was unnatural, carrying his weight as if it were nothing. Sasuke's vision blurred again, but in a brief moment of clarity, he caught a glimpse of her sharp fangs as she licked her lips once more. A shiver crawled down his spine, but his thoughts were too sluggish to fully process the moment.
"Don't worry," she whispered, her cool breath brushing against his neck, "I'll take you back to your village, they must be worried about you. But be careful… don't get too close to here again."
Sasuke wanted to respond, but his voice wouldn't come.
[BOOM]
The ground shook violently as something crashed nearby, sending shockwaves through the air.
Sasuke gritted his teeth as pain shot through his body. His back throbbed, and the ghostly sensation of his missing left hand flared. His entire frame ached, but he pushed the agony down, refusing to let it show.
Both he and the young woman were startled by the sudden arrival of an unexpected presence.
A tall man materialized before them, his figure commanding immediate attention. He wore a sleek black coat that reflected his powerful build. His hair a striking mix of black and blond, flowing down in elegant waves around his shoulders.
But what truly caught Sasuke's attention were the man's eyes.
One gold, the other a deep, shadowy black.
"Valerie-chan," The man said in a soft, almost rehearsed tone, "You know you're not supposed to wander too far from the castle." His gaze shifted to the human in her arms, scanning him with mild disinterest. "And who might your friend be? A local from one of the villages? He should've known better than to stray so close."
Valerie, still holding Sasuke, responded with an innocent burst of energy. "I was picking flowers, and he fell out of the sky!" she exclaimed, her voice lively. "He was all purple, and then I came over. I helped him…"
The man's frown deepened slightly, a trace of disapproval entering his voice, "You know you're not supposed to use your powers without Lord Marius' permission…"
Before the woman could defend herself, his gaze shifted toward the sky. Scattered across it was a blend of every color imaginable, interwoven with the whiteness of the clouds. The hues shimmered briefly before fading, evaporating into nothing.
But the power behind them, the significance, was unmistakable.
"The Dimensional Gap?"
When his multicolored gaze settled back on the human, his interest sharpened. He observed them with a keener curiosity.
"Perhaps His Majesty will want to see this." he murmured, his tone laced with amusement and sarcasm.
Sasuke stirred, his senses returning slowly as a dull ache radiated through his body. He blinked, two eyes staring up as they had his entire life.
One black, familiar and sharp. The other... purple.
The ceiling above him was high and arched, lined with intricate, foreign woodwork. A chandelier hung from thick iron chains, its flickering light casting shifting shadows across the room. He shifted slightly, feeling the smooth silk of the blanket draped over him. The bed beneath him was soft yet heavy, covered in deep crimson sheets.
Dark velvet curtains framed the space, draped elegantly as if to offer further solitude. It was an unfamiliar confinement. A luxury he was not used to.
His gaze swept across the room. The decor was fancy, aristocratic in style, with large paintings adorning the walls. They depicted hunting scenes, great battles, and regal figures with proud, distant expressions.
'A Daimyo?'
Tall windows stretched nearly to the ceiling, covered in red curtains that allowed only a sliver of the overcast gloomy weather to make its way in.
The shinobi pushed himself up slightly, ignoring the wave of dizziness that followed. His body was weak but intact.
His mind, however, spun with questions.
'Where am I?'
He had no memory of this place, no clue as to how he had ended up here.
The last thing he remembered was… a woman. A red-eyed woman with sharp, unnatural teeth. And… a man.
'No,' he corrected himself, 'That was no man.'
Every breath felt foreign. The air itself felt heavy, nor was the quality as good as he was used to.
Wherever he is, it is not in the Land of Fire.
"It's good that you're awake. I need you to get up, please."
A voice emerged from the shadow in the corner, low but respectful. "You don't have to worry. The Prince has guaranteed your safety. You don't have to concern yourself with the vampires."
The shinobi's eyes sharpened as he took in the stranger before him. He studied him carefully.
Black hair, brown skin, dressed entirely in black. No headband. No visible weapons. Yet, the man radiated strength.
Given his features, the Uchiha briefly considered whether he had ended up in the Land of Lightning. But everything else felt alien to him.
After a moment, Sasuke swallowed and forced out the question.
"Naruto..." he said weakly. "Where is... Uzumaki Naruto? Is... is he dead?"
And what kind of answer was he hoping for?
Each possibility carried its own weight. If Naruto was dead, he had lost his best friend. With that loss came immense pain—and the unraveling of his future plans.
But if Naruto was alive… it meant they would have to face each other once more.
The man shook his head slowly, "I know no one by that name."
Disoriented and weak, he forced his body to recover, scanning the room for threats, his senses on alert.
"...What nation is this? Tell me!" Sasuke demanded, frustration slipping into his voice. As soon as he spoke, a sudden, piercing pain shot through his head. Instinctively, his hands went up to clutch his temples.
Then he froze.
His hands!
His left hand!
From what he remembered, he had lost it during the fight against Naruto. It hadn't been gone for long, but that feeling was not something one could simply brush off. The pain, the blood loss. It would be seared into his memory forever.
He looked down, his eyes trembling as he flexed the fingers.
It was back. It was whole.
A smirk crept onto his face. His Chidori hand, restored.
Whatever this strange situation was, it had, at the very least, given him something he had thought lost forever.
"Romania." The man answered, "Maybe you're from overthere, but this is where you are now. Come with me. Don't mind the locals. They know better than to mess with us."
Feeling a strong sense of euphoria and relief at the sight of his healed body, Sasuke agreed to let the men guide him through this strange and unfamiliar place. They walked through long corridors lined with ornate garnets, peculiar paintings, and intricate furniture. As they moved, he observed men and women drinking from cups filled with red liquid, eating raw meat, and laughing without a care in the world.
But when they saw the two pass by, the mood shifted.
Eyes followed them with suspicion and disdain.
"...What's your name?" Sasuke asked, his tone leaving no room for refusal. "...What village is this?"
"Apophis," the man said lowly. "And I am unaware of any local villages in this territory. This place is Tepes Castle, home of House Tepes." He glanced over his shoulder. "You are not from here. That much is clear. So, what is your name? And... where are you from?"
There was a moment of hesitation, feeling surprised that this person was unaware of his criminal status.
"Uchiha… Sasuke."
Then, the man looked over his shoulder, his gaze piercing, as if trying to see into Sasuke's very soul. But when the Uchiha met his eyes, he noticed something bizarre.
Ominous white pupils surrounded by black irises. A sight unlike anything he had ever seen in another person.
And one detail stood out from his observation, an unexpected realization.
Those were not human eyes.
"You are a long way from home, Sasuke-san." Apophis said, his voice laced with an odd respect, despite never having met him before.
The two turned and approached a long hall lined with statues of men clad in strange silver armor. It was yet another sight completely foreign to him, something far removed from what he was used to. And truth be told, he had seen enough.
By this point, the overwhelming unfamiliarity was beginning to unnerve him.
Trailing behind his guide, his Sharingan activated instinctively. Then, he froze in shock.
Most people had an average amount of chakra. Not everyone could be like him, the Raikage, Naruto, or even Kakashi. But what he saw now was not chakra.
It was not blue. It was not red, like a Jinchūriki's.
This was something much darker. Thick, suffocating, and pitch black. A powerful energy loomed within this figure, menacing in its nature. It was the complete opposite of chakra, even of sage power. Malevolent. Negative. Evil.
They passed by a large, creaking wooden door. On either side, it was absurdly covered in heavy iron locks. Something about it pulled at him. A quiet curiosity whispered in the back of his mind. What could be behind here? Drawn in, he stepped toward it silently and peered through the small opening in the center. Just enough to catch a glimpse. Just enough to wonder what was being held inside.
A bijuu, maybe? Why else would such a structure exist?
Inside, a massive empty room stretched out, devoid of furniture. It was filled with people. Dozens of them, sluggish and lost. Their bodies were twisted in grotesque ways. Some were missing limbs, others wandered aimlessly, their eyes vacant. The sight sent a cold chill down Sasuke's spine, more horrifying than anything he had encountered in Orochimaru's hideouts—though those had certainly been unsettling in their own right.
"Don't open that," Apophis warned, "It's what the locals do to humans they don't want to eat."
Eat? Had he heard that right?
Unease stirred deep within him, his instincts screaming that something was terribly wrong here. His hand moved toward his sword reflexively, but he had lost it.
"Where are we!?" Sasuke demanded, his voice cold. "Who are you really!? Is this one of Orochimaru's hideouts?"
But Apophis simply raised a hand in a non-threatening gesture. "We're not allowed to fight here, not on the vampires' grounds," he said evenly. Then, with a calm smile, he opened the other door before him, "The Princewill answer your questions."
His eyes darkened further, his suspicion thickening. "Who is this 'Prince' and what is a vampire?"
The "man" was older, with silver hair shining like metal and a matching beard, his sharp hazel eyes unnerving. But it wasn't the man's appearance that unsettled Sasuke.
It was that grin, vicious and predatory, filled with dark amusement. Never in his life had the Uchiha encountered a grin as ferocious as that. Even Orochimaru's sinister smirk paled in comparison.
The aura radiating from the man was overwhelming, a killing intent so potent it felt like it clawed at Sasuke's very soul. He recognized it instantly. The same oppressive pressure he'd felt during the Chunin Exams when Orochimaru first revealed his power. It was the kind of energy that made your skin crawl, set your instincts ablaze, and stirred an almost unbearable urge to flee.
Yet, at the same time, it was also a feeling that would paralyze.
But the Uchiha wasn't the scared, uncertain genin he had been back then.
He pushed the fear down, burying it deep within. His hands trembled for only a second before he regained control, his posture straightening, eyes narrowing with resolve. He had faced Obito, Madara, and Kaguya—gods in their own right—confronted death itself.
This man, no matter how imposing, would not break him. Not now. Not ever.
The shinobi locked eyes, his stare unfazed as he stood his ground, refusing to be intimidated. The expression on the stranger's face only seemed to widen, as if he relished in the defiance.
"This is truly a remarkable time," He finally spoke, his voice dripping with significance. The twisted grin never faltered. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rizevim Livan Lucifer. I suppose that means nothing to you."
There was a brief pause as Sasuke calculated the situation. He glanced down at his left hand, squeezing it experimentally. His sharingan had receded, and he didn't feel the need to reveal it just yet.
'I'm missing chakra—a lot of it,' he thought. 'But I have enough. Enough for them.'
The Rinnegan was still closed, though, if desperation comes, he can likely force it to be used.
But even without his full strength on display, he knew one thing. He was likely one of the strongest, if not the strongest shinobi alive... as Naruto was nowhere to be found.
"It doesn't." The Uchiha finally responded. The name struck him as odd. Never before has he heard a name even close to resembling that. And middle names were practically nonexistent.
Rizevim did not seem bothered by the lack of recognition. If anything, his smirk grew more insidious, his eyes glowing with an unsettling kind of anticipation.
Another figure stepped forward.
This one also had silver hair, though it was braided. Even his eyes carried the same color. He appeared far more formal, with an eccentric sense of style.
Even the way he spoke matched his appearance. There was an elegance to it, like he had been trained his entire life to speak this way. His voice was calm and soothing, as if designed to put someone at ease, even if they did not need comforting words.
"My name is Euclid Lucifuge," he said with a bow. "We fixed your arm for you. My, I do wonder how you lost it in such a grotesque fashion. The Dimensional Gap, perhaps?" The casual remark was anything but innocent, and Sasuke could feel the tension in the air.
He flexed his hand and replied bluntly, "Thanks." No other words were needed.
They stared at him with silence. As though he were some wild animal to be studied. Irritation pricked at him. Enough of this. He took a step forward, eyes hardening.
Leaning against the wall was a figure the Uchiha recognized.
The mysterious man with two different eye colors, one black and the other gold. He mirrored Sasuke's movements, his posture straightening as if ready to intervene at the slightest provocation. Yet, instead of acting, he smirked and spoke with a dark amusement.
"We have plenty of spare limbs in this castle," the man said, his voice calm but laced with a subtle menace. His eyes, though belonging to a figure that appeared human, told the Uchiha otherwise. "We had to pry yours from one of the dogs. Human hands come easily here."
Sasuke's gaze dropped to his hand, and for a moment, his eyes flickered with something close to shock. Was this not his hand? The thought that it might belong to someone else, someone who had died in this strange place, made his stomach twist.
Rizevim's laughter cut through the air. "Silence, Crom. Don't frighten the boy." He raised a chalice to his lips, his amusement evident. "We didn't replace your hand with someone else's. It is your own, thanks to this. The Sephiroth Graal. Valerie-chan stopped the bleeding and closed the wound. Healing humans is far easier than anything else."
There was no way for Sasuke to fully grasp the meaning behind Rizevim's words, but the name stood out.'
'Valerie...'
The memory of the frail, fragile woman who had awoken him flickered in his mind. She had healed him, perhaps even saved his life. But despite that, Sasuke's patience was rapidly wearing thin. These men were toying with him, circling him with cryptic statements and veiled intentions.
He was not going to play along any longer.
"Who any of you are is no concern to me," Sasuke said, his voice sharp and cold. "You already know my name, but for fixing my hand, I will remind you. Uchiha Sasuke. Now, tell me how to get back to the Land of Fire, and we will not have any problems."
The statement was simple and direct, a clear warning. There were many parts of the map the Uchiha had yet to explore, and this strange, twisted land only reinforced his decision to stay out of the unknown.
But somehow, he had ended up here, in this dark, bizarre corner of the world, and all he cared about now was leaving.
Euclid spoke in his calming voice, "We have no intention of prying into your affairs, but may I ask… did you encounter or come across a young girl with gray eyes recently? Perhaps during your time floating in the void?"
His mind flashed back to that moment.
The girl with gray eyes...
'That wasn't a dream!?'
He had not thought of it before, with everything that had happened. But one question surfaced in his mind.
How had these people broken through the Infinite Tsukuyomi?
Everyone in the world was supposed to be under its influence.
"Who was that?" Sasuke demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Rizevim's grin returned, stretching across his face like a viper's smile. The chalice trembled slightly in his hand.
"She is your way back home."
"Welcome to the Occult Research Club!"
Sasuke observed them all with quiet detachment, his eyes flicking from one to the other. These devils were unlike the others he had encountered before. More genuine, naive, and innocent in nature. 'They are more green than red.' he mused silently. It wasn't just about their power. It was their personalities, their demeanor. They spoke of normal human activities and seemed overly cautious, especially around him, a human. They held back, careful with their words, as if afraid to overstep some invisible boundary.
Of course, he was just overthinking it. They were being respectful and considerate.
Inwardly, the sole human found himself slightly preferring the other devils he has come to known. Those devils were darker, sharper, and perhaps more fitting of the title. These devils, for all their good intentions, felt less like the demonic beings he had come to expect and more like humans pretending to be devils.
Also, these devils can't give him what he truly wants.
Rias Gremory spoke with utmost confidence, her lavish red hair cascading down her back. She stood tall, hands elegantly crossed, her genuine smile projecting an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.
Sasuke sat on the couch, one leg crossed over the other.
Her Queen approached with a graceful stride. "Things happened so fast last week, we didn't get a proper introduction. You disappeared after the battle without saying goodbye. My name is Akeno Himejima. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Uchiha-kun." She placed a silver platter with tea before him, her smile warm.
"Sasuke," He corrected, accepting the drink. "I had other things to take care of. Farewells aren't something I bother with." He took a sip, then another.
"... This is well made."
There was no need to be rude when he didn't have to.
Akeno smiled wider, "Thank you, I try my best."
From the corner of his eye, the shinobi noticed the girl with white hair—Koneko, he recalled. She was staring at himagain, her gaze intense and animalistic, observing him like a creature she was curious about but not afraid of.
"I never got to say thank you for saving me." A lighthearted voice broke the silence. It was Yuuto Kiba, the school's former most handsome man until Sasuke's arrival sparked debates over who truly held that title. While many preferred Kiba's kindness and warmth, others were drawn to Sasuke's mysterious and dark allure. "Call me Yuuto," he smiled, extending his hand.
The Uchiha nodded, shaking it, "The exorcist was nothing. His style is unpredictable. With someone like that, you shouldn't try to match their movements. Keep to your own rhythm." There was a look in the knights eyes, a deep look, a tragic look, a hidden look. One that spoke true volume to those who understand a certain type of pain. Sasuke has seen that look, in himself, and even in Gaara.
Kiba flinched, surprised from the sudden combat lecture, "Yeah," He replied while rubbing the back of his head, "I hate exorcists, so that definitely affected my ability."
Issei, seated across from the the human with his arms crossed, grumbled, "Great... now they're working together. You don't even have to be here. You're not a devil, after all."
"Issei-san," Asia whimpered softly, "Please be nice. Uchiha-san helped us."
Asia Argento made a pivotal decision to embrace an offer to become one of Rias' Bishop's, driven by the desire to be closer to Issei. She acknowledged that without him, she felt adrift, with nowhere else to turn. And that wasn't too far from the truth. She had already been exiled from the church, and now with what happened with the Fallen Angels, there was no faction to take her in.
"I know…" The pawn muttered under his breath, his tone tinged with sarcasm, "Now I have to compete with two princes..."
"Well, we never properly gave you a formal thank you for helping us," Rias stated, her tone sincere, "Had you not come... who knows what would have happened. The Grigori may have taken strong action against us."
Sasuke inwardly scoffed. 'Perhaps nothing would have happened at all'. He didn't know Azazel personally, but if what Euclid had said was true, the leader of the Fallen Angels might have let the entire incident pass without intervention.
"No problem." He replied, his voice even. "I'm just glad no one important had to die."
Rias smiled, "I agree. You're so wise and aware." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a chess piece, holding it up between her fingers. "As a reward for your loyalty and servitude for giving us the heads-up—not the Fallen Angels or the Student Council President—I would like to formally invite you to my peerage." Her tone was brimming with pride as she continued, "I want you as myKnight."
A Knight—an expected role. It made sense. He was swift, precise, and skilled, much like Kiba, another swordsman.
Unfortunately for her, she had chosen the wrong set of words to use.
Sasuke's eyes darkened ever so slightly. Rias may have meant well, but her words struck a nerve, unknowingly touching on something deeper within him. His stare lingered on the chess piece in her hand, his thoughts unspoken yet heavy.
"No."
"No?!" Rias gasped, her wide-eyed expression mirrored by the other devils, who exchanged surprised glances. She pouted, genuinely taken aback that someone would refuse her offer. "W-Why not?" she asked, as if the idea of someone rejecting her was inconceivable. "Being a devil is great! Tell him, Issei!"
Issei flinched at suddenly being called upon. "Uh, it's... bad actually!" He stumbled through his words, trying to make it sound as unappealing as possible, despite clearly loving his role. "You have to answer to clients... deal with other devils... kill stray demons... and, uh... you have to serve Buchou and Akeno-san, and..." He trailed off, listing what to him were the best parts of the job but which only confirmed Sasuke's disinterest.
Serving others? That wasn't something he would willingly subject himself to.
Sasuke responded with a sly, almost mocking tone, "Perhaps you could wait for the perfect opportunity for me to become your knight… like when I'm dead."
The 'King' flinched and awkwardly rubbed the back of her head, "No-No! You should never risk that. But very well, if you do not wish to, for now, I will not press the issue."
There was no interest for more discussion. Sasuke stood up and stated, "I have a meeting with the student council president." Though he was willing to go, he showed no enthuiasm and more irritation, "Your friend has been trying to corner me for some time."
Rias' eyes widened in an attempt to recover the conversation. "I can get you out of that!" She quickly assured him, her voice growing more urgent. "Sona-chan is probably concerned that you're aware of us and wants to talk about... well, her usual nonsense."
The words did not fool him. He knew exactly what was happening. Both Kings—Rias and Sona—had some level of interest in him, each with their own motives.
It had been a week since the human had formally joined the Occult Research Club, though "research" was far from what interested him. He had no real curiosity about the occult, but exploring the world of devils had piqued his attention. Over the past few days, he had killed a stray devil alongside them, ventured into a strange, otherworldly forest to seek out creatures they called "familiars," and spent more time with the group than he had initially intended.
But it was… tedious. There was little fighting, nothing truly exciting to push his limits. Not every day could be a battlefield, he had to remind himself. Relationship building, infiltration, and trust—these were all part of the process. Convincing them of his intentions and gaining their faith hadn't taken long. He had quickly decided that aligning with Rias' faction was more worthwhile than any of the other devils at the school, who seemed far more forgettable.
As he walked alongside the Queen through the quiet path leading away from the academy, he observed her out of the corner of his eye. The light breeze played with her long, dark hair, and she wore the same serene expression—a perfect blend of warmth and mystery, 'This one has a look in her eyes as well.' He didn't pry, nor did he care to. But it was unique seeing devil and fallen angel energy occupy the same body.
School had ended, and a few members of the Occult Research Club walked together toward the seemingly abandoned building that served as their headquarters. The atmosphere was calm, yet a sense of unease lingered around them.
"What's troubling Buchou?" Issei asked, his brows furrowed in concern.
"Ah, House Gremory," Kiba replied thoughtfully, glancing up at the sky. "It's likely at the heart of it. School is her getaway, but she's a High-Class devil, and she's often only distressed when something involving her family comes up."
Sasuke, walked beside them, remained quiet, his eyes scanned the path ahead. He wasn't part of these conversations—he preferred to observe, to calculate. The Gremory name was one he was starting to hear more of. It intrigued him, though he didn't show it. Kiba's reasoning made sense. Someone like Rias couldn't escape the responsibilities tied to her lineage forever.
"I mean, Buchou has been acting a bit weird lately," The pawn continued, hands behind his head. "It's not like her to be this tense for so long."
Akeno, who had been silent until now, smiled softly. "Our King is strong, but the pressure of family—especially one like hers—can be overwhelming. I'm sure whatever it is, we'll support her like always."
Sasuke glanced at the Queen. Her voice was calm, soothing even, but he could detect the underlying tension. She knew more than she let on—that much was clear.
As they neared the building, his body tensed. His senses sharpened, picking up a distinct presence within. Someone—no, something—was inside. Something powerful. Something… familiar. He resisted the instinct to speak, reminding himself to stay still, speak little, and exercise patience. He would wait for the situation to reveal itself.
"Grayfia-san!" Issei exclaimed, his voice far louder than necessary.
The Uchiha observed the silver-haired woman carefully. There was no need to use his Sharingan—her power was evident. Though, her calm demeanor did not match theoverwhelming strength she carried.
Rias took a final sip of her tea before standing, crossing her arms in her usual confident manner. "Good, everyone is here," she said, her voice composed. Her eyes then shifted to Sasuke, standing just behind the others. "Grayfia, allow me to introduce you to this handsome kouhai, Uchiha Sasuke. He played a crucial role in dealing with some nuisances in my city."
The woman, Grayfia, stood and offered a graceful bow. "Pleasure to meet you, Uchiha-kun. My name is Grayfia Lucifuge, Rias' elder sister by marriage."
Sasuke didn't react outwardly. He returned the gesture with a simple nod, his face unreadable.
The name—Lucifuge—caught his attention. He had heard it before. As he studied her closely, there was something unsettlingly familiar about her that he couldn't dismiss.
Before he could reflect further, a sudden flare of magic erupted beneath his feet. A glowing circle appeared, its light fierce and fiery. He prepared for an attack. The heat radiating from the circle was intense, the vibrant light pulsing with energy. But his growing understanding of magic told him this wasn't an offensive spell—it was a teleportation circle.
From the glowing sigil, a bird of ethereal flame materialized. Its wings spread wide, embers trailing as it moved gracefully through the air, casting strange shadows that danced along the walls.
The devils exchanged glances. Some looked on in awe, while others appeared frustrated.
Amid the fiery display, a figure began to take shape. Tall, cloaked in an aura that burned like fire, the silhouette emerged. The flames swirled around him before dissipating, revealing a man dressed in elaborate red clothing. His slicked-back blonde hair and the wicked smirk on his face only added to the tension.
"Rias, my betrothed," The devil declared, his voice brimming with arrogance, "I've come to claim my rights."
Rias announced proudly, cutting through the tension. Her voice was calm but laced with venom.
"I'm not marrying you."
The room went silent for a brief moment, the weight of her words hanging over all of them. Riser's smug grin faltered for the briefest of moments before returning, now laced with amusement.
Riser Phenex is his name.
Not the heir to his own clan, but the fiancee to Gremory's family heiress.
Devil society mirrored the feudal nature of the shinobi world but with an even stricter adherence to tradition. The Pure-Blooded devil clans clung to the practice of marrying one another to maintain an order of bloodline purity, a notion Sasuke found all too familiar.
In the shinobi world, clans had once fiercely guarded their bloodlines, always marrying within their own to preserve their unique traditions and powers. However, with the formation of great nations and the end of the clan wars, that practice had slowly evolved. Marriages between different clans and even non-shinobi became more accepted, as the nation state had brought a broader sense of identity.
Though, in the Uchiha clan, marrying outside the clan was highly controversial and had its own social consequences. Though, now, it did not matter.
Riser and Rias sat together, Riser brazenly groping her chest while Rias maintained a shockingly calm reaction to the blatant disrespect.
Sasuke understood that in a world driven by politics and power, alliances often came before personal feelings. He observed, 'A guy him? They did not seem compatible. A far cry to how his own parents interacted. The Uchiha noticed Issei fidgeting, his frustration barely contained. There was a flicker of anger in his eyes, a mixture of jealousy and helplessness.
Perhaps all he needed was a little push.
"It's you I want, my fiancée," Riser declared, his voice dripping with smug arrogance. He then stood, his posture radiating entitlement, and Rias rose to meet him, her posture sharp, "To break apart an arranged marriage is seen as shameful for you, and deeply disrespects my House," He continued, his tone hardening. "Don't think I'll let it happen!"
"And what will you do?" Rias asked, her voice calm but challenging, eyes narrowing as if preparing for battle.
There was something undeniably admirable in watching her refuse to back down. Even if one could argue that she was failing her duty to her family, her house, and her honor as a High-Class Devil.
Selfish? Perhaps. Shameful? Likely. But understandable? Definitely.
"I will take you as a husband and wife should be, and I will claim my rights as your husband," Riser repeated, his tone dripping with aggression. The seriousness of his tone showing strong commitment to his words. "You won't need your peerage, anymore, I will protect you. Though, your Queen can join us in bed if you wish."
Akeno remained composed, though the disrespect aimed at them was evident. She held her ground, refusing to react despite the provocation.
"…Oh, and we don't have stewards in our castle. Especially not human male stewards."
A steward? A house guardian? A secretary? A servant? A butler?
It was apparent that if they were to marry, the stewardwould not be allowed to associate himself with Rias Gremory any longer.
Having his emotions enraged by words was more of Naruto's thing, not Sasuke's. The Uchiha understood that losing control would be juvenile, a lapse in judgment he couldn't afford. Instead, he maintained his composure.
Rias flared, her demonic aura surging, "You think you can come here and disrespect my House, my peerage, my Queen, my kouhai, and me all at once!?" Both Rias and Riser were emitting powerful demonic energy, potent enough to be visible even to his normal eye. The clash seemed inevitable. A boiling point has been reached.
"Stop."
And everyone did.
Grayfia, ever the professional, quickly interjected before the situation could escalate. "I am here under Sirzechs-sama's orders, do not think I will allow such destruction between High-Class devils, especially in the human world, where all factions have agreed to keep the peace as best as we can." She continued, "I have been instructed to offer an alternative solution. A rating game to decide the issue."
Riser chuckled, leaning back arrogantly. "A rating game? My peerage is well-versed in these games. And you, Rias, lack a complete set. You know very well you can't involve your steward or any other outsider in this match." he taunted, casting a glance at Sasuke. The human didn't react. He simply stood there, observing the situation, analyzing every word, every move. The devil then snapped his fingers, summoning his peerage with a flash of magical energy. An entire group of women appeared, each one looking fierce and battle-hardened. The sheer confidence on their faces made it clear that they had experience in rating games, while Rias' peerage seemed incomplete, still untested.
"All beautiful girls... what a man…" Issei muttered to himself, a mix of jealousy and awe on his face. His eyes darted between the women in Riser's peerage, admiration and envy clearly etched into his features. Tears rolled down his face as he stared, "How can such a man ever be discontent…"
'What is more pathetic?' Sasuke wondered. Crying out of envy because an enemy possessed something he lacked? Or living a life consumed by ambitions that served no one's purpose but his own? He shot Issei an annoyed glare, realizing that despite becoming a devil and having died, he hadn't changed one bit.
But then, the pawn did something unexpected. His usual cowardice vanished, replaced with an uncharacteristic surge of bravery—or recklessness.
"This is bullshit!" Issei shouted, stepping forward. "My president says she doesn't want to marry you! That's the end of it! I'll fight you right here, right now!" The room stilled. Even Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the outburst, though his face remained neutral. For a brief moment, the former human had shown a spark of courage that even the shinobi had to acknowledge, if only begrudgingly.
But the moment passed as quickly as it came, and Issei was swiftly overwhelmed by one of Riser's peerage members, a blue-haired girl wielding a staff-like weapon. She dispatched him with ease, knocking him down as if he were little more than a nuisance.
Rias stared horrified at her pawn, her voice tinged with sadness. "We will crush you, Riser." She said, her tone flat but seething with suppressed rage.
Riser chuckled, stepping forward onto Issei's collapsed body, his footing loose and vulnerable, his hand waving dismissively as he began to speak, "You know, Rias, we've fought in countless rating games, and the only time we ever—"
His words were abruptly cut short as something shifted his balance. He wobbled, his footing unsteady, and before he could finish his sentence, his body tipped forward.
It wasn't Issei moving—he was still unconscious.
In an instant, the High-Class devil fell, his face crashing into the table, sending teacups flying. Scalding hot tea splashed across his face, and he let out a startled cry.
"Gaaah!"
"Riser-sama!" His peerage shouted in unison, rushing to his aid. They scrambled around him, pulling him up as he furiously wiped the hot tea from his face, his earlier arrogance replaced with embarrassment.
A sound cut through the commotion—unexpected, sharp, and clear.
It was a laugh.
Perhaps it was the juvenile in him. It was rare for him to act unprofessional, if not blatantly violate his own rules. But the conversation had become tiresome, and he had decided to entertain himself.
Sasuke chuckled. The sound was so unusual coming from him that it startled everyone. It was brief, but enough to break the tension. Kiba was next, a soft, amused giggle escaping him. Then Akeno joined in, her warm laughter filling the room. Even Koneko, who had been simmering with anger moments before, couldn't help but smile, her posture relaxing as she joined the laughter.
Rias turned away, hiding her amusement behind a composed smile. Though she didn't laugh openly, the corners of her lips betrayed her inner delight at seeing her fiancé suffer, if only a little. 'You all…' she thought to herself, touched by the light-hearted moment.
Riser wiped the hot tea off his face, his expression a mix of fury and humiliation. "You're all finished when I win, Rias!" he spat, glaring at the group. "Mark my words, you'll be done for!" With a flick of his wrist, Riser and his peerage vanished, leaving behind an air of awkward silence that quickly began to dissipate.
Grayfia, standing by, allowed a small, rare smirk to grace her lips before resuming her usual stoic demeanor. As the laughter faded, the group shuffled back to their usual routine, gathering to discuss their next steps.
Sasuke remained where he was, watching as the others cleaned up the mess Riser had left behind. Just as he began to turn away, a gentle nudge caught his attention. He glanced down to see Koneko, her white hair framing her calm, observant eyes. There was something different in her eyes—perhaps curiosity, or even a hint of amusement.
"I saw what you did." She said softly.
Sasuke didn't react strongly, merely raising an eyebrow, "And what did you think?"
Koneko paused, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile. "Good job." she replied quietly before turning away.
Yes, he had done something. A technique he has not used in some time. All it was took a small amount of chakra, just a gentle tug, and the devil had fallen over.
His attention then shifted to the other devils, all huddled around Issei. One thing was certain. He had made progress and was now right where he wanted to be. Riser threatened his position, his objectives, and his goals. If Riser won, Sasuke knew everything would change—Rias would be lost to him, along with any chance of success.
Riser had to lose, one way or another.