🅝🅐🅡🅤🅣🅞🅛🅤🅒🅘🅕🅔🅡 - Ｔｈｅ Ｎｅｘｔ Ｌｕｃｉｆｅｒ

Chapter 37

The following day, Naruto and Rias prepared for a conference with the Yokai Leader of Kyoto, Yasaka, discussing a peace congress invitation toward the Western Yokai faction. On their way toward Yasaka Shrine, perfectly placed at the city's heart, one could feel their mission weighing on them. Towering torii gates flanked the shrine's entrance as the faint scent of incense wafted through the air, binding itself inseparably to the peaceful sounds of nature.

She looked regal, with her long, flowing hair strikingly complementing her outfit in traditional garb. Yasaka greeted them warmly. "Welcome, Naruto Lucifer and Rias Gremory. I have been expecting you."

Naruto bowed respectfully. "Thank you for seeing us, Yasaka-sama. We come in peace and cooperation."

Rias stepped forward, her voice steady. "We would like to invite the Western Yokai faction to join us in a peace conference."

Yasaka nodded thoughtfully. "Such a conference could bring great harmony but require careful planning and mutual respect."

Still discussing with Yasaka, Naruto has now thrown in an invitation. "Yasaka-sama," he said with a severe tone, "we would like to invite you to Kuoh for a major peace conference. At the conference, Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, and Shinto gods leaders will be coming. This will be one of our factions' most crucial steps toward perpetual peace and cooperation."

Rias nodded in agreement. "Your presence and support are essential in creating mutual understanding and trust among these powerful groups."

Yasaka thought about their proposal seriously. "This is indeed a big activity. I appreciate the invitation and the effort you are putting into unifying these factions. I will go to Kuoh's conference."

Naruto smiled, relieved. "Thank you, Yasaka-sama. Your participation will significantly increase the chances of this peace conference being successful."

Naruto and Rias regained hope for the mission due to Yasaka's assent. The first step toward a harmonious future between the different supernatural factions had been taken, and they were ready to cooperate in securing its success.

Since the day had started with business matters, it was time to unwind in the lovely city of Kyoto. They strolled through the ancient streets of Gion, passing by traditional wooden machiya houses and keeping their eyes peeled for at least one geisha or maiko. Then, the two spent their afternoon at Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a serene temple where panoramic views of Kyoto sat beneath them as they sat on the wooden stage.

Strolling hand in hand through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, surrounded by tall bamboo plants swaying gently in the breeze, created a tranquil atmosphere with only the soft leaves rustling.

They moved on to the Fushimi Inari Taisha, wandering through the thousands of bright red torii gates that adorn the paths up the mountain. The mystique of the shrine combined with the greenery around them to make this journey unforgettable.

The day was drawing close, so they went to the Philosopher's Path, a small canal lined with cherry blossom trees. Of course, this quiet and serene path would fit just the correct type of quiet moment.

Naruto grasped Rias' hand and drew her near, gazing into her eyes. "Glad we could share this time, huh?" he said softly.

Rias smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Me too, Naruto. It feels like a dream."

Naruto leaned forward, gently taking her lips in a soft kiss. If the world were to have stopped, time would be the only thing to show change with this tender share, for their bond was strong and deepening with each second.

After some moments, they pulled back, still holding each other. "Let's make more memories like this," Naruto whispered.

Rias nodded, her eyes shining with tenderness. "Absolutely. Together."