Chapter 82

Naruto and his team had spent a full day in Camelot, marveling at the artifacts Artoria controlled, but now they were preparing for a long journey toward the Demon Kingdom. It was a necessary step, but one Naruto couldn't help but approach with caution. Camelot had been a breath of fresh air, filled with hope and unity, yet the Demon Kingdom was a world apart—a place steeped in darkness, centuries of mistrust, and hostility.

As they left Camelot's towering walls behind, the landscape shifted, becoming more rugged, more untamed. The air felt heavier, thick with the weight of centuries-old grudges. The team traveled quickly, each member absorbed in their thoughts, knowing the importance of the mission at hand. They were heading toward a kingdom that was as old as the conflict between the brothers Asura and Indra, a place where demons and humanity had never truly found common ground.

Naruto, as always, was deep in thought. He had already examined the artifacts under Artoria's control during their stay, carefully studying their abilities and potential uses. Some would need further investigation, but for now, the task at hand was more pressing: the Hero Water and Star Fragment in Star Kingdom were part of his plan for humanity's future development, but the real challenge lay ahead in the Demon Kingdom.

The Fruit of Power, another crucial piece in his quest to enhance humanity, was rumored to be in the Demon Kingdom, and that was where Naruto's focus shifted. He knew that in order to secure humanity's future, he would need to bring these powerful items together. But there was a dark undercurrent to his mission—a reminder of the ancient hostilities between humans and demons.

Artoria had warned him of the risks. The Demon Kingdom had a long history of violence against humanity, dating back to the time of the Sage's death, when some of the most ambitious and power-hungry individuals had opened the gate for demons to enter the world. It was a tragedy that marked the beginning of an age-old conflict. The demons, forced into existence by dark rituals, had once wreaked havoc, and only the combined strength of Asura and Indra had stopped them.

However, not all demons were evil. Over time, a fragile peace had been established, with certain demon species co-existing with humans—succubi, incubus, imps, vampires, werewolves, and others. But despite these exceptions, the demon kingdom remained a place of fear and suspicion. Many of these demons had the ability to enter the Dark Dimension, a nightmare realm that only deepened the divide between them and humanity.

Naruto felt a heavy responsibility as he reflected on the history of the Demon Kingdom. He couldn't help but think that they would not welcome him with open arms, not after the long history of persecution and strife. This wasn't about simple cultural differences or national borders—this was a matter of species. Demons, born of darkness, and humans, creatures of light, had never fully reconciled. Even the hybrid children of demons and humans had struggled to find acceptance.

The journey from the borders of the Demon Kingdom to the capital city was unlike anything Naruto had ever experienced. Though he had been on countless missions before, this was different—the grandeur of their arrival was striking. The carriage they traveled in was a magnificent piece of craftsmanship, gleaming with intricate designs and adorned with the royal colors of Camelot. The horses, too, were no ordinary steeds; they were majestic, their coats gleaming under the sun, enhanced by Kakashi's chakra to ensure they moved at lightning speed.

Artoria's reminder to Naruto about the importance of displaying their authority wasn't lost on him. As they made their way through the Kingdom, the presence of a dozen armed knights accompanying them, riding on powerful war horses, made it clear that this was no simple visit. It was a declaration—one of power and prestige. The Kingdom had already received word of their arrival, and the guards at the border granted them entry without hesitation, a sign of the influence Camelot wielded.

For Naruto, the sight of all the knights and their imposing presence was a first. He had never been part of a mission like this before—this was an official delegation, and he couldn't help but feel the weight of it. The others in the group, however, were seasoned in such duties. They had accompanied nobility on foreign visits before, and the formalities were second nature to them. Naruto was still adjusting, trying to get used to the different dynamics at play.

As they journeyed deeper into the Demon Kingdom, Naruto couldn't help but notice the sharp contrast to what he had expected. In his mind, he had imagined a land of darkness and chaos, a realm of nightmares teeming with monsters. Instead, the Kingdom seemed well-organized, its infrastructure as impressive as anything in Camelot. There were no signs of decay or corruption from the Dark Dimension, which Artoria had warned them about. In fact, the more he observed, the more he realized that this kingdom, though inhabited by demon kin, was just like any other—an established, functioning society.

As they traveled through the streets, Naruto saw a wide array of species, each one more fantastical than the last. There were imps with sharp, angular features, towering vampires draped in dark cloaks, and werewolves with eyes that gleamed with an eerie light. The demon kin were the dominant presence here, but there were few humans to be seen. It was clear that this Kingdom was a place where demonic beings of all kinds could live freely, unlike the humans who were scattered across various continents. The demon kin had established a stronghold here, and those born elsewhere, or who had fled, were carefully monitored. He noticed the occasional glance from the demon citizens, their gazes measuring him as they passed by. Though their culture was different from his own, Naruto could sense no hostility in their eyes, only curiosity.

The Kingdom was highly structured, its people bound by a strict hierarchy. Naruto was struck by how orderly everything was. There were embassies set up with neighboring kingdoms, a testament to the Demon Kingdom's desire for diplomatic relations despite the historic tensions. While the first war between humans and demons had created an unbreakable rift, it seemed that time and pragmatism had allowed for some level of cooperation. It wasn't a utopia, but it was far from the chaotic, war-torn place he had feared.

As the team arrived at the gates of the Demon Kingdom's capital city, a striking figure emerged to greet them: Zeldris, the famed leader of the Ten Commandments and the younger brother of the Demon King. His presence alone was enough to command attention, and his calm yet vigilant demeanor made it clear he was no ordinary figure. Zeldris was a young man with a muscular build, standing shorter than his brother Meliodas but possessing a presence that made him just as formidable. His spiky black hair, styled counterclockwise in contrast to Meliodas' own, framed his face, which bore the same demonic mark. However, Zeldris' mark was placed over his left eye, unlike his brother's right.

He was dressed in a crimson bodysuit that clung to his well-toned form, the suit adorned with a white insignia at various points. His open collar exposed his chest, and his silver gauntlets gleamed in the sunlight. A sword hung from his hip, strapped securely and ready for use. Despite his calm appearance, it was evident that Zeldris was prepared to act at a moment's notice, his eyes always trained on Naruto. He seemed to regard the others with less interest, his focus solely on the formidable energy radiating from the blonde ninja.

"Greetings, guests from afar," Zeldris began, his voice steady and confident. "It is an honor to host such a reputable personality. Welcome to our humble kingdom. I hope your journey was smooth and comfortable."

Naruto, still processing the enormity of the situation, could feel the weight of Zeldris' gaze. This man, despite his calmness, was sizing him up, likely aware of his immense power. The subtle tension in the air was thick with the promise of conflict, but Zeldris seemed to carry himself with a sense of respect. He knew strength when he saw it, and he appeared to see Naruto as someone worthy of respect, if not friendship.

Gaara, ever the diplomat, spoke up to ease the tension and steer the conversation in a more formal direction. "The journey was unhindered, and we have enjoyed the sights of your lovely Kingdom. It is truly an honor for us that Lord Zeldris himself would greet us at the gates. The Demon King has shown us great magnanimity with this gesture."

Zeldris' eyes flickered slightly at the mention of his brother, but he nodded in acknowledgment, his expression remaining composed. "Lord Kazekage, your words bring joy to our ears. I have heard much about your exploits as well. It would be a delight to see your powers firsthand. A demonstration would be a spectacle for the people, don't you think?"

The challenge was clear, though Zeldris masked it under the guise of admiration. He was sizing up Gaara, testing his strength in a subtle manner. But Gaara, ever the master of restraint, remained unshaken.

"I am honored by your praise, Lord Zeldris. However, I must respectfully decline your invitation. I do not engage in battle unless absolutely necessary," Gaara replied, his tone calm yet firm.

Zeldris' smile widened slightly, but it didn't reach his eyes. There was a gleam of something dangerous behind his polite facade, the desire to test their strength undeniable. Naruto could sense that Zeldris was not just interested in their diplomacy, but in their capabilities as well. He was a warrior, after all, and the thrill of battle seemed to run through his veins.

"I see," Zeldris said, his smile becoming more cryptic. "Perhaps another time, then." His gaze lingered on Gaara for a moment longer before turning back to Naruto, his expression neutral, but the curiosity in his eyes remained. It was clear that he had no intentions of letting this encounter pass without gaining some insight into the team's strengths.

The air around them seemed to thicken as Zeldris' presence dominated the moment, but Gaara's refusal had tempered his enthusiasm for a physical confrontation. For now, at least, the group had managed to avoid revealing too much. They could not afford to show their true capabilities—not yet.

Naruto, ever the optimist, took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease that the encounter had stirred. He understood why Gaara had refused the challenge. The team had their secrets, and it was vital that they kept them hidden from their hosts, especially from someone like Zeldris, who had the potential to be a dangerous adversary.

Zeldris, seeming to sense that the conversation was approaching its natural conclusion, nodded once more. "Very well. I trust that you'll find the accommodations to your liking. The Demon Kingdom welcomes you, and I hope that your stay will be productive for all involved."

With that, the group was escorted further into the heart of the kingdom. Zeldris' eyes never strayed far from Naruto, but he made no further moves to test the group's power. The air remained tense, but the first meeting had passed without incident.

Naruto's mind was racing. The Demon Kingdom was not at all what he had expected. There was no outright hostility, but there was a simmering undercurrent of caution, especially from Zeldris. He had been scrutinized in a way that felt both calculating and respectful, and it was clear that the Demon Kingdom's leadership was aware of their strength. But what did that mean for their mission? What role would they play in the delicate balance of power between humanity and the demons?

The moment they entered the throne room of the Demon Kingdom's palace, the team was struck by the contrast between the imposing title of the Demon King and the casual demeanor of the man himself. Seated upon the throne was Meliodas, a short but muscular figure, his posture relaxed and his expression light-hearted. His presence, though commanding, was anything but menacing. Beside him, his Queen, Elizabeth, stood tall and regal, exuding a quiet authority that balanced her husband's informality.

Meliodas greeted the group as if they were old friends, his tone easy and playful. "Hey, how is it going? Do you want a drink?" he asked, gesturing toward a nearby table laden with various bottles. His casual approach was a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation, leaving Naruto somewhat perplexed.

"I am doing fine... I don't think drinking would be appropriate at the moment," Naruto replied, unsure of how to respond to such an unorthodox offer from a Demon King. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Naruto could feel that Meliodas was no ordinary ruler, and there was something disarming about his presence.

"Don't mind, don't mind. Nobody's going to say anything if you drink now. I think the hero needs to let go and relax. Isn't it stressful to always watch over this world?" Meliodas said, stepping down from his throne with a grin. He walked up to Naruto, leaning in slightly as he whispered the last part into his ear, clearly attempting to coax him into loosening up.

Naruto's response was measured, as always. "It's not. I am always relaxed since I don't take on anything alone, nor do I ponder on pointless worries. Nonetheless, thank you for worrying about my health."

"Hahaha! I guess you're suited to it, or you would have been a mess by now," Meliodas laughed heartily, clearly impressed by Naruto's composed nature. "Regardless, come on, drink with me. All these boring guys drop dead so easily, maybe you can keep up." His chuckle was light-hearted, as if he'd expected Naruto to crack under the pressure of his words.

Before Naruto could respond, his curiosity got the better of him. "Can I ask a question first?"

Meliodas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it?"

"Why didn't you intervene during the war? If it is you, I believe you could have fought Kaguya alone." The question hung in the air, and the room fell into a tense silence. The team had never considered that the Demon King might have had the power to defeat Kaguya on his own.

Meliodas' smile softened slightly, and he leaned back in his chair, his gaze far-off as he reflected on the question. "Dangerous situations bring out hidden opportunities, so I didn't intervene. I believe your existence has proven my point... and people from other places are not my responsibility."

Naruto's brow furrowed. "Do you not feel bad for the deaths?"

Before Meliodas could respond, Queen Elizabeth moved to stand beside him, her presence immediately commanding attention. She placed a gentle hand on her husband's, a quiet strength radiating from her as she spoke. "Of course we feel sympathy for the loss," she said, her voice calm yet firm. "But do understand that my husband's first priority is this Kingdom. There was no guarantee that some other threat might not appear, especially when we are so close to the Dark Dimension. My husband enjoys joking around and taking on the hatred of others, but I hope you will refrain from placing too much responsibility on him."

Her gaze turned sharp, and her words were laced with subtle reproach. "Hasn't he protected this world for thousands of years while your people continued to kill each other? The guardians of the Dark Dimension were your ancestors and the Tailed Beasts, but where are they?"

The weight of her words struck Naruto and the others like a sudden, cold gust. There was no malice in her tone, but there was undeniable truth. They had not considered the broader scope of history—how much had been lost, and how much had been forgotten in the pursuit of power.

"Sorry, I didn't think about it," Naruto said, the apology slipping out almost instinctively.

"No problem," Elizabeth replied, her voice softening again. "I know you didn't mean anything bad by those questions. You were just curious." Her smile returned, but it still held the sharpness of someone who had seen much over the centuries. "However, you know there is someone who could have prevented everything. The Pharaoh Atem has powers beyond our comprehension, and his existence continues to baffle me. I always thought he was the chosen one when he appeared, but then Artoria came along... and now you are here. I don't know who is who anymore. Do you?"

Naruto thought for a moment, his mind racing with the mention of Pharaoh Atem. It was a name he recognized from legends, a figure of immense power and mystique. The question, however, was less about the specifics of Atem's identity and more about the responsibility of those with power.

"I don't know," Naruto admitted. "But Artoria is a good king."

"I know," Meliodas said with a knowing smile. "Which is why I don't mind working with her… Oh, did you think I was interested in the world? I like living an easy life, the world is too big for my taste. I'll leave that to you guys."

There was a lightness in her words, but Naruto could sense the weight behind them. She was someone who had seen the vastness of the world and had chosen her path—one of quiet observation and subtle influence. In contrast, Naruto and his team were thrust into the maelstrom of change, fighting not just for survival but for a better future for everyone.

The conversation had taken an unexpected turn, but it was clear that the Demon King and Queen were not the adversaries they had imagined. They were rulers shaped by millennia of experience, and while their methods might be unconventional, their wisdom was undeniable.