Underworld – Familiars' Forest.
In the middle of it, a portal opened, from which the trio of "renegades" emerged.
Naruto stared intently at Tio, who pouted.
Naruto: What did you steal? … – he asked with curiosity.
"Hey…"
Tio huffed, offended.
Tiamat: Clearly, I only took what belonged to me… – she said calmly, cornering Tio, who began to laugh nervously.
Naruto sighed and rubbed Tio's hair.
Naruto: It doesn't matter, I'm just glad you're safe… – he said gently, with Tio blinking as a soft, cute blush spread across her cheeks.
Tiamat blinked, watching how this demon had actually managed to tame that threat.
Tio silently hugged Naruto and hid her face against his chest.
Naruto: Come with me. And it was a pleasure, Tiamat; it was fun to recover whatever it was you had lost… – he said with a smile to Tiamat, while a new portal opened beside him.
"Wait…"
Tiamat called out, catching Naruto's curiosity as he looked at her blushing.
Tiamat: Well… thank you for helping me, and… I'd like to follow you. Tio has told me good stories about you, and besides, I get bored being alone… – she said softly, averting her gaze.
Tio, lost in his warmth, didn't help her.
Naruto curiously observed Tiamat's large curved horns. Surely it would be difficult to grab them while taking her from behind… Lilith's were smaller, but still.
"Hey, why are you staring at my horns?"
Tiamat asked, suspiciously, making Naruto snap back to himself.
Naruto: Nothing, let's go… – he said calmly, unconcerned. She was Tio's friend, and even with her quirks, Tio was very loyal. If she were troublesome, Tio would've told him already.
Tiamat nodded and approached, a faint smile flickering across her lips.
City of Lilith – Lucifer Castle – Porch.
Naruto and the others appeared there, noticed by the surrounding guards, who all bowed in unison.
Naruto blinked. Yes, they were always respectful, but he sensed something odd.
Naruto: Well, I'll think about it later… I really need a bath… – he thought, still carrying the faint scent of Venelana on him. Though he admitted, she had been… delicious.
He walked calmly toward the castle, observed sideways by Tiamat.
Tiamat hummed. The possible big fish of the Underworld, titled Demon King, yet he seemed normal… not like the stories of the previous Lucifer.
Tio clung to Naruto, laughing to herself from time to time, clearly ignored.
"Naruto…"
Naruto blinked at the call, noticing someone quickly approaching him.
"Ajuka."
Naruto raised a brow. He expected Ajuka to stay focused on managing his clan and wait for Naruto's call if needed — not to actually show up in person, since after all, Ajuka himself had harmed his own dream and revolution.
Ajuka arrived instantly before Naruto, giving a brief bow and nodding at the two girls before turning his attention back to him.
Ajuka: Hey… friend, I have an innovative project that will surely revolutionize the Underworld… – he said with bright eyes, before noticing Naruto's solemn expression.
Ajuka: Not like that… I call it the Reincarnation Method, Evil Piece System. It's a system based on chess pieces, made up of 15 pieces:
1 King
1 Queen
2 Rooks
2 Bishops
8 Pawns
The King would always be the high-ranking demon who owns the complete set, and his role is to lead the peerage. The pieces are used to reincarnate non-demonic beings into demons, turning them into the King's subordinates… – he said, now realizing he had Naruto's attention, and continued.
Tiamat raised an interested brow, and she wasn't pushed away from listening.
Ajuka: Their main function would be reincarnation. The King inserts a piece into someone who has died or is about to die; if compatible, they revive as a demon under the King's authority… – he explained his idea.
Naruto: That's it?… – he asked curiously.
Ajuka smiled faintly.
Ajuka: It's still in development. I haven't thought further ahead… the idea came to me after visiting the battlefield for the second time, seeing many of ours die… even my cousin. Then it struck me… why not turn our enemies into what they hate most? Not only that — make them our servants, starting from the bottom, helping the Underworld as a display of goodwill, with their pride, valor, honor, and desires destroyed, serving us… serving what they once hated… – his voice grew colder, his gaze distant.
Tiamat: Quite torturous… – she couldn't help but comment.
Naruto hummed.
Naruto: I find it an interesting idea… I'll support it, but you mustn't reveal it. Not even a rumor of this project can leak… I'm building relationships with other races here in the Underworld. If this blows up… it'll harm our progress… – he said seriously, and Ajuka nodded repeatedly.
Naruto: Perfect. You'll have your own place in the research and development department. I won't give you the lead role because I don't fully trust you yet. You'll have to earn my "trust"… – he said calmly. Ajuka understood and nodded.
Naruto nodded.
Naruto: Follow me, let's sign your permit. I heard your clan has opened relations and trade with my clan… – he said as they started walking.
Ajuka smiled.
Ajuka: I told you I'd put my clan on the right path, and it's also a way to apologize… – he said calmly. Naruto nodded, and the two began conversing, silently observed by Tiamat.
Phoenix Territory – Central City – Office of Foreign Affairs.
Marianne could be seen signing some reforms for the Underworld, wearing a beautiful white dress that accentuated her beauty. Even with her pregnancy becoming more noticeable, her beauty had not diminished.
Inside the office, four guards stood stationed at each corner, motionless. Suddenly, the office door opened.
Marianne lifted her gaze from the papers on her desk.
"Lady Marianne…"
A trio of elders entered the office — elders Marianne recognized as belonging to the Phoenix council.
Marianne adjusted herself in her seat.
Marianne: To what do I owe the honor?… – she asked curiously. Long ago, she had relegated them to minor economic matters. They were no longer a voice; she was the law, the one with absolute power. They knew she was not her parents.
The trio of elders swallowed their bitterness. To think that they, with so many centuries of life and once wielding Phoenix power, had come to this… They never should've let her ascend as heir. As soon as she did, she pushed them aside. And although she bore a son who went further than any Phoenix — as Maou Lucifer, a true honor for the clan — she monopolized him, and he didn't even glance in their direction. They knew that even though her son was a Maou, this cursed woman was the last word, the one with Underworld power now… They should've married her off to someone strong who could push her far, someone they could manipulate. A regret they would always bear.
"We've received the letter mentioning that Lady Lilith is alive. The council demands that we use all our forces to find Lady Lilith… Now that the Phoenix clan sits on the throne, we must give a good image."
One of the elders spoke seriously.
The other two nodded.
Marianne raised a brow.
Marianne: That was it? The Phoenix will help when my son gives the order. Don't worry about trivial matters and continue your work in silence… Your opinions are no longer of importance, and I believe I told you long ago to keep your advice to yourselves… I know what I'm doing, and that's enough. Your time and era have passed… – she answered calmly, without a shred of respect.
The advisors stiffened. They had seen this girl grow up, and now such disrespect…
One of them couldn't take it anymore.
"The disappearance of Lord Phoenix is concerning, and it's known you haven't shared a room with him in years. Besides, you're pregnant."
One of the advisors spoke, catching Marianne's attention. He smiled as he saw her look at him.
"Information is power."
The advisor mocked, expecting doubt in Marianne's face. Instead, he found only a cold stare.
Marianne: You're mistaken about something… – she said calmly, as the other advisors glanced at each other and at the one who had spoken.
Marianne: Information is power, but power is power… With it, I can crush any slander. Surround them!… – she said, ordering the guards, who moved instantly, encircling the three elders, whose eyes widened in shock.
Marianne sneered and spoke before any of them could.
Marianne: For your offense, you are sentenced to death… Stab each of them 200 times with your daggers… – she ordered, shocking the trio, who tried to protest but suddenly felt stings in their stomachs. They looked down only to see red stains on their abdomens and dagger hilts protruding.
Another stab. And another.
The elders could only gasp as stab after stab rained upon them. Their mouths filled with blood… They tried to raise their hands to push their attackers away, but their strength abandoned them quickly, and they collapsed, gurgling.
Marianne watched in silence, her expression cold, until a magic circle appeared at her ear. She spoke through it.
Marianne: I give you the green light… eliminate all the elders and seize their properties. Test their families' loyalty, and if it's lacking, kill them all… – she ordered calmly, while only a steady breath could be heard on the other side.
"As you command."
Marianne: Don't make it messy… Azula… – she said, dismissing the circle. She still hated the bastard, but her son had given her an undeniable position of power. They could only work professionally.
Marianne sighed and returned to reviewing other documents. A smile spread across her face. Absolute power can handle everything, and now she held it… not her "friends" or family, but she and her son. Cross her path, and death would be the consequence.
Gremory Territory – Gremory Castle – Sirzechs' Room.
Lying on his bed was Sirzechs, eyes somewhat vacant. His ambition, his dream, his desire — lost. Labeled a traitor… Fighting for the throne would be nearly impossible, especially with the revelation that Naruto was ranked among the top 4 most powerful beings in the supernatural world… Sirzechs didn't truly grasp the full scope of the supernatural, but without a doubt, this skyrocketed Naruto's popularity — more so as he himself was only ranked 11, alongside Ajuka.
Sirzechs grimaced. What Naruto had should belong to him. He hadn't fought, hadn't witnessed what happened in the Underworld. He just came to claim it all as if it were his by right.
Sirzechs clenched his fists tightly.
"It's not fair."
He muttered, but he wouldn't let things end like this. Oh, no. He would grow the Gremory clan and train. If Naruto could reach the top, then surely he would as well — even if he had to trample him. His ambition was greater.
Sirzechs' eyes gleamed with the Power of Destruction.
City of Lilith – Lucifer Castle – Lucifer's Office.
Naruto could be seen after dismissing Ajuka and taking a bath.
He sat alone, browsing the Devil Tube through a magic circle, since Tio and Tiamat had left. Tio had been summoned by her mother, likely because of the recent revelation, and Tiamat had decided to accompany her, but they would return.
Naruto calmly observed that he was currently the hottest trend in the Underworld thanks to that strange ranking, which had mentioned him and placed him very high.
Naruto hummed. He really knew little of the supernatural world, but it wasn't his concern for now. His focus was solidifying his position. He was already fine, but he wanted not a single whisper against him.
Naruto: Well, demons are torturous by nature, you have to keep an eye on them. And now I've got four coffins… What the hell am I supposed to do with two vampires?… – he thought, a bit exasperated. Tio was chaos everywhere, and she always justified it with being a dragon and a collector.
Naruto hummed again, then had a revelation: wait for Ajuka to finish his project and bind these four entities as his servants. Yes, better than releasing them and risk them escaping.
"Knock, knock…"
Naruto: Come in… – he said calmly, breaking from his thoughts as none other than his girlfriend's mother, Mylene Lucifuge, entered.
Mylene smiled softly, gazing at her new lord and master.
Naruto looked at Mylene for a moment, surprised. He admitted Grayfia had inherited all the best from such beauty. The Lucifuge had nothing to envy from anyone in terms of beauty… in fact, no demoness did. They were all sexy in their own way.
Naruto noticed Mylene quickly averted her gaze, blinking as he realized he'd been staring too long.
Naruto: My apologies, I got lost for a moment in your beauty… – he explained sincerely, making Mylene's ears turn red. No one had ever been so direct with her, let alone shown interest since her late husband. Maybe her friends were right — most demon men leaned elsewhere — but it seemed her lord was not like that. She had even worried about Rizevim's sexuality when he grew up.
Mylene coughed, recovering herself.
Mylene: How can you say that, my lord? Besides… from the tone of your voice… I'm so old… – she whispered the last part, lowering her gaze, only to blink as a hand tilted her chin up.
Mylene found herself staring into a pair of deep golden eyes. But… there was something in their depths, so powerful, and that scent… so masculine.
Naruto smiled.
Naruto: You're definitely wrong. You're one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen in my life… – he said, ending in a whisper, their breaths mingling.
Mylene shyly averted her eyes, cheeks flushed.
Mylene: W…what are you saying? I could be your mother… – she answered softly, her heart suddenly racing. This hadn't been her focus, but… but…
Naruto: But you're not. And I like older women too… – he said, brushing his lips against hers. Mylene looked into his eyes, and Naruto didn't hesitate, claiming her lips. She moaned into the sudden yet delightful kiss.
The Lucifuge were known for their loyalty to the Lucifers, and now Naruto bore the title. With her husband gone, and a faint thrill at being dominated by the Demon King, Mylene didn't hesitate to return his desire. Though that hadn't been her purpose — she'd come to pledge the Lucifuge clan's loyalty to the Phoenix, since there were no Lucifers left. Rizevim had betrayed his bloodline by disappearing, and Lady Lilith… they couldn't cling to her. If either had remained, the Lucifuge would have fought by their side to the death without fear. That was loyalty. But they had been abandoned, something Lucifer-sama would never have done. He had been worthy of following, but his son… turned out very special.
Naruto felt an odd urge to laugh but didn't. He wouldn't waste this exposed beauty — not even if she was his girlfriend's mother.
He turned and pushed Mylene to sit atop his desk, the two continuing to exchange saliva, their tongues entangled, focused entirely on their heated session, ignoring everything else.
Buer Territory – Buer Castle – Main Porch.
A circle appeared, and none other than Cris Bael, current patriarch of the Bael clan, stepped out.
The young patriarch widened his eyes in shock upon seeing his ally, Lord Buer, forced to his knees by a girl wearing the crest of the cursed Phoenix clan he had come to hate. But that wasn't the issue — he simply couldn't understand what was happening.
"Restricted area, leave."
A stern, cold voice rang out through the chaos, as a brunette with buns in her hair glared at him.
Lord Bael's eyes flew wide, his breath heavy. A nobody had just spoken to him like that… to him.
Cris' eyes glowed with the Power of Destruction.
"Know your place, low-class!"
Cris roared, releasing some of his magic, tightening the air and drawing the attention of the one subduing Lord Buer — Azula.
Azula tightened her grip.
"Crack—"
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH—!"
Lord Buer's scream of agony and horror caught Cris' attention. He turned, only to meet a pair of cold amber eyes — none other than the general of the demonic forces.
"Azula Phoenix."
Azula: Handle him, Ty Lee, while Mai eliminates those old men… – she ordered, then focused on Lord Bael, appearing before him almost instantly.
Lord Bael wasn't intimidated in the least. Not even by Azula. Not even if she was a general. She was a woman. She shouldn't be involved in any kind of power — that was for men.
He raised his hand seriously, palm open, and brought it down toward Azula's face. But his hand stopped mid-air at a strange angle.
Azula's gaze darkened as her magic burst forth, blue flames surrounding the area as silence grew thick.
Ty Lee blinked. She had seen only a blur… Azula had twisted that demon's arm at an unnatural angle, but he hadn't screamed — not even as all his fingers were broken.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH—!"
"Oh, there was the scream."
Human World – Phoenix Island – Phoenix Castle – Living Room.
Seated there was Lilith, who glanced with a sweatdrop at Gaia, who in turn was looking at Yoruhime, who averted her gaze.
Lilith: So we're going to be kidnapping now? I'm telling you, the previous one hasn't even woken up yet and you've already brought another… – she said with a sweatdrop, looking at a small blue-haired girl kneeling in the center of the room.
Gaia and Yoruhime did not respond.
"I am Esdeath of the Partas Tribe!"
The girl spoke seriously.
Lilith groaned. This… she just had to wait for Naruto to return. He would solve it, yes.
.
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TO BE CONTINUED.
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