🅝🅐🅡🅤🅣🅞🅛🅤🅒🅘🅕🅔🅡 - Ｔｈｅ Ｎｅｘｔ Ｌｕｃｉｆｅｒ

Chapter 32

With Kokabiel securely captured and sent to Sirzechs, the battlefield was calm. The destruction wrought upon the old school building was evident, and the group found themselves standing amidst the debris, contemplating the events that had just transpired.

Rias, with a mix of relief and concern, approached Naruto. "That was quite a display, Naruto," she said, her eyes reflecting a combination of admiration and worry. "Are you okay?"

Naruto grinned, brushing off the dirt from his clothes. "I'm fine, Rias. It was just a little detour in the plan, but we managed to care for Kokabiel. Now, we need to focus on what comes next."

The group gathered around Naruto, their expressions ranging from exhaustion to determination. Akeno, still holding onto Naruto's arm, spoke with a hint of concern, "Naruto-kun, what technique did you use against Kokabiel? It looked mighty."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, chuckling. "Ah, that? It's a combination of the Rasengan and my power of destruction. I call it the Rasengan of Extinction. It comes in handy when you need a little extra punch."

Issei, looking at Naruto with a mix of awe and enthusiasm, couldn't contain his excitement. "Dude, that was epic! You owned Kokabiel! I've never seen anything like it!"

Naruto chuckled. "Thanks, Issei. But we need to stay focused. More challenges might be ahead, and we can't let our guard down."

Rias, now with a more severe expression, nodded in agreement. "You're right, Naruto. Kokabiel was just one of the many threats we might face. We need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

As the group discussed their next steps, Akeno's gaze wandered in the distance. She could sense a lingering presence that sent shivers down her spine. "Naruto-kun," she whispered, her eyes narrowing. "There's something else out there. Another powerful being is approaching."

Naruto's expression turned serious. He could feel the ominous presence as well. "We can't afford to let our guard down. Be ready, everyone."

Just as the group prepared for the approaching threat, a portal of dark energy opened, and a figure emerged. It was a devil adorned in dark armor and radiating an aura of malevolence. The newcomer surveyed the scene with a cold, calculating gaze.

Rias took a step forward, a mix of determination and caution in her eyes. "Who are you? And what business do you have here?"

The devil chuckled, his voice sending shivers down their spines. "I am Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor. I've heard rumors of a powerful newcomer and came to see for myself. It seems I've arrived just in time for the fun."

Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor, lifted his hands placatingly. "Hold on, hold on. I didn't come here for a fight, especially not after you just dealt with Kokabiel. I'm here for a different reason," he explained, his tone casual yet filled with confidence.

Naruto eyed Vali warily, but he lowered his guard slightly. "What reason would that be?"

A sly grin formed on Vali's face. "I heard rumors of a promising Red Dragon Emperor —Issei Hyoudou, correct? I came to see if the rumors held any truth. After all, a potential rival is always worth investigating."

Issei, silently observing the exchange, perked up at the mention of his name. "Hey, that's me! Are you Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor?"

Vali nodded, his interest piqued. "Indeed, I am. And I wanted to see if the Red Dragon Emperor lives up to the hype. A little friendly sparring, perhaps?"

Issei's eyes gleamed with excitement. "You bet! I've been waiting for a chance to prove myself!"

Akeno stepped forward, her expression curious. "But what about meeting Naruto-kun? You mentioned something about being cousins."

Vali turned to Naruto, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, yes. I've heard tales of a distant cousin causing quite a stir in another realm. I thought it was about time we met."

Naruto crossed his arms, and his skepticism was evident. "Cousins, huh? I don't remember having any dragon-themed relatives."

Vali chuckled. "Our family trees might be a bit convoluted, but trust me, we're distantly related. It's always good to keep connections within the family, don't you think?"

Akeno raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident. "So, you and Naruto-kun are cousins?"

Vali nodded. "Indeed. The devil world has its share of complicated family ties. But enough about that; let's focus on the upcoming spectacle of Issei and me going head-to-head!"

The anticipation grew as Issei and Vali prepared for their friendly sparring match. The battlefield, still bearing the scars of the recent battle with Kokabiel, was now the stage for the clash between the Red Dragon Emperor and the White Dragon Emperor.

Brimming with enthusiasm, Issei activated his Boosted Gear, the red aura enveloping him as he took a battle stance. "Let's do this, Vali! I'm not holding back!"

Vali, maintaining his confident smirk, spread his dragon wings. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Issei. Show me what the Red Dragon Emperor is made of."

The two powerful dragons lunged at each other, the clash of their energies sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Issei unleashed his Boosted Gear's power, delivering powerful punches and kicks, while Vali elegantly dodged and countered with the grace of a seasoned warrior.

Despite Issei's determination, it became apparent that Vali's experience and strength surpassed his own. Vali effortlessly evaded Issei's attacks, leaving the Red Dragon Emperor frustrated and determined to push himself further.

Vali unleashed his power in a swift motion, the white aura of his dragon abilities overpowering Issei's attacks. Vali knocked Issei to the ground with a decisive strike, leaving him panting and defeated.

Catching his breath, Issei looked up at Vali with admiration and determination. "You're incredible, Vali. I've got a long way to go."

Vali, offering a casual shrug, acknowledged Issei's words. "You've got potential, Red Dragon Emperor. Keep honing your skills, and who knows? Maybe we'll have a rematch someday."

Vali activated a teleportation point, a dark portal opening behind him. He turned to Naruto and the others with a nod. "It was an interesting visit. Until next time, cousins."

Before anyone could respond, Vali stepped through the portal, and it vanished, leaving the battlefield again in silence.

Naruto approached Issei, offering a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Issei. You'll get stronger with time. Vali is a tough opponent, but every defeat is a step towards improvement."

Issei nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "You're right, Naruto. I'll keep pushing myself to get stronger. I won't let anyone down."

The atmosphere on the battlefield shifted as Rias, feeling a mix of relief, gratitude, and perhaps something more stepped forward. She gently cupped Naruto's face without uttering a word, drawing him into a soft and lingering kiss.

The moment was filled with a mixture of emotions—the intensity of the battle, the relief of victory, and an unspoken connection between the two. The kiss was a silent expression of gratitude and a moment of respite amidst the chaos surrounding them.

Surprised at first, Naruto quickly reciprocated the kiss, his eyes closing as he embraced the connection. The lingering taste of victory mixed with the sweetness of the moment created a memory that would linger in their minds.

As they broke the kiss, Rias looked into Naruto's eyes, her own filled with a warmth that mirrored the affection she felt. "Thank you, Naruto. For everything," she whispered.

Naruto smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "We're a team, Rias. Always."

As the group left the battlefield, the sun setting on the horizon, they were joined by Sona and her peers. The alliance between the Gremory and Sitri clans had proven to be a formidable force against the challenges they faced. Together, they walked towards the Namikaze Mansion.

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I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

Signing out Peace,

Nouhith.