Ch 43 Part 2

Meanwhile

Unknown Location

Inside a dimly lit room, the high-ranking members of the Hero Faction, each a wielder of a Medium to high-level Longinus, sat around a long table. The air was thick with tension, an unspoken acknowledgement of the massive failure their recent operation had turned out to be. At the head of the table sat Cao Cao, his face stoic but eyes burning with a fierce intensity.

"I need not remind everyone here that the operation in Kyoto was not just a failure; it was a catastrophic miscalculation," Cao Cao began, his voice icy. "The objective was to unleash hell and destabilise the supernatural world, forcing them to deal with the chaos while we advanced our goals. Instead, we've failed to accomplish anything."

Georg, the wielder of Dimension Lost, the main perpetrator of the attack, shuffled uncomfortably. "The calculations were correct, the plan was flawless on paper. But we didn't account for the slight miscalculation about the Devil's trip to Kyoto and the ringleader of destruction, Naruto Uzumaki. His presence is... disruptive, to say the least. He's a wildcard, an unpredictable factor."

Jeanne added, "Not just disruptive, he single-handedly neutralised most of the Onis and their threat and repaired the entire city as if nothing happened. And all that within ten minutes." She said in disgust.

Heracles, usually the strong and silent type, clenched his fists. "We're supposed to be the Heroes, and yet we've been outclassed. If only we got our hands on Kyuubi and the Ley Lines beneath. It's a disgrace."

Cao Cao's eyes narrowed. "What bothers me most is how we failed to anticipate this level of resistance. We've been watching, planning, and this still happened. It shows a level of incompetence that I find intolerable." His tone suggested he didn't like this hiccup.

Siegfried, his voice as sharp as his sword, spoke up. "So, what's the plan now? More observations? Another attempt?"

Cao Cao leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "No. A change in strategy is required. We've seen the height of their power, and it's evident that the old methods won't suffice. New objectives will be defined, and this time, there will be no room for failure." he said in determination.

Georg hesitated before speaking, "And what of Dimension Lost? It's nearing its end and without it…"

Upon Cao Cao's behest, Georg made a rift between Yomi no Kuni (Shinto Hell) and the Human world, breaching the Celestial barriers and releasing the thousands of Oni present. However due to Naruto's interference and his subsequent battle in the said rift with Daisuke, which is formed due to Dimension Lost's ability, the sacred gear was pushed to its limits to maintain the rift. It was unable to handle the power exerted and is falling apart.

Though Georg didn't know that when he heard a crack sound in the rift, he understood it after everything was over and when he returned to report to Cao Cao as his sacred gear didn't work as efficiently as before.

Cao Cao interrupted, his voice tinged with a barely contained fury. "Better yourself. I want you to achieve it's Balance Breaker soon. Balance Breakers will restructure the Sacred Gears according to the user's needs and hence once you unlock it, you'll be able to get back your control and it will repair itself to better suit you as well.

"Our mission is no longer just about changing the world; it is about proving that we are not to be underestimated. I will not tolerate another failure, not when we're this close to accomplishing one of our objectives. All Gods and supernatural beings will regret demeaning us, Humans. We HEROS shall rise!" Cao Cao said with passion.

As the Hero Faction leaders absorbed the gravity of their leader's words, the room sank into a tense silence. It was as if the failure in Kyoto had galvanised them, stealing them for the intense struggle that lay ahead. But deep inside, they doubted if everything they thought was possible in light of recent events.

The atmosphere thickened as the door creaked open, casting a shadow across the room. The members of the Hero Faction tensed as figures from the Old Satan Faction sauntered in. Leading the group is Shalba Beelzebub, whose sinister grin seemed to mock their earlier failures. Behind him is Katerea Leviathan, her face unreadable as ever. Creuserey Asmodeus followed, his indifferent gaze sweeping the room as if assessing its worth. And there is also a new addition; a mysterious figure cloaked in darkness, whose presence is unsettling for the mistrusting Heros.

Cao Cao's eyes narrowed, irritation mingling with his innate curiosity. "What brings the dogs of the old world into our lair?"

Shalba chuckled darkly. "We heard you had a little... a little setback in Kyoto. We thought it might be an opportune time to discuss some... collaboration. And your lair? This is a meeting spot." He said with a taunting smirk.

Siegfried tightened his grip on his sword, clearly displeased by their sudden intrusion. Heracles, too, seemed ready for conflict, but he knew better than to ignite hostilities within the room.

Katerea fell into a contemplative silence, her thoughts consumed by the weighty decision of her next move.

Creuserey spoke, his voice dripping with apathy, "Do you think you can work with us? After your arrogant attempts to overthrow the balance?" His tone full of arrogance.

Cao Cao considered this, eyes drifting to the new addition to their group. "And who's this? Another lost soul yearning for the glory days of the Underworld?"

The mysterious figure stepped forward, pulling back the hood just enough to reveal an intense gaze that silenced the room. "Names are irrelevant. Let's just say I bring something to the table that none of you possess."

Shalba grinned wider, relishing the tension. "So, what will it be, heroes? Shall we join forces to eliminate the common thorn in our sides?"

Cao Cao's eyes bore into Shalba's with an infuriating harshness. "Don't think for a moment that I do this willingly," he spat. His gaze swept over the assembly of the Old Satan Faction, his voice dripping with disdain. "This alliance is purely out of necessity, nothing more. Didn't you get a new toy to play with now? Go play with him, not us." Cao Cao retorted in glee.

The room crackled with tension, malevolent intents clashing in the stifling air. The two factions, once bitter enemies, now found themselves in an even bitter stand-off. A challenge hung in the air, a silent dare to prove who among them is truly the strongest.

After a moment of strained tension, the members of the Old Satan Faction and the Hero Faction took their seats, a cold shiver seemed to run through the room as if expecting something gigantic to happen. The emblematic table of the Khaos Brigade is now filled with some of the most dangerous figures from multiple factions, all under one roof.

Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor of the generation, walked in with a dismissive smirk on his face. "So, the dysfunctional family grows," he quipped, observing the new member on Shalba's side.

Shalba cast a disdainful glance at Vali but refrained from commenting. Instead, he turned his attention to the small figure on the table. The emblem of the Khaos Brigade glowed ominously beneath her, as she sat there in her impassive glory with cold eyes.

Ophis spoke in a tone as detached as it was chilling. "You all are aware of the failed operation in Kyoto. This meeting is to discuss our next steps. Introduce the new member."

The mysterious figure from earlier rose, still shrouded in enigmatic magic. "Let's keep it simple. I have information and resources that will be beneficial for the Brigade. My identity will be revealed when the time is right."

Cao Cao shifted in his chair, still unnerved by this unknown element. "Information is valuable, but trust is earned. What do you bring to the table?"

Before the newcomer could respond, Vali interjected, "Let's not kid ourselves. We're all here for our own reasons. What matters is how we can use this new... development to our advantage."

Ophis nodded. "Vali is correct. The appearance of this Naruto Uzumaki has introduced a new variable. One that could either benefit us or become an obstacle. We need to decide on how to deal with this now."

Shalba leaned forward, locking eyes with Ophis. "Then let's cut to the chase. Are we going to kill him or recruit him?"

Ophis paused, weighing the words carefully. "That is what we decide." She said in a cold tone, her eyes losing in a distant dream of regaining her home.

The room fell into a tense silence. Each individual at that table is a powerhouse in their own right, and yet, the name 'Naruto Uzumaki' has added an air of uncertainty that no one could ignore. Some of them knew him as Jiraiya's student and while others just ignored him deeming him as a small threat.

Shalba and Creuserey on the other hand turned to Katerea, who was still lost in her thoughts. She has decided what to do. It's time for her to escape from these people. Even now, she attended because of her fear of Ophis.

She didn't know what the Ouroboros dragon would do to her love if she found out about their relationship and attended this 'meeting'. She felt sharp gazes on her and turned to her 'companions'. She shrugged, not giving a damn about what they were asking of her.

At that moment, she decided to stop being part of the group and leave with Jiraiya. She is going to trust the white-haired sage with her safety and face whatever comes then. With a resolute look, she nodded to herself.

"Do you have anything to add about this Naruto?" she heard the cold voice of Ophis speaking directly to her. Startled, Katerea nodded negatively, not trusting her voice. Ophis eyes narrowed for a moment, but she moved on.

"Before I decide on this new character's worth, I want a complete account of what happened in Kyoto and then I'll see if he is useful to me or not," Ophis said with finality.

Cao Cao cleared his throat, pushing down the annoyance that had been simmering within him since the failure in Kyoto. "Very well, let's start with an account of what went wrong. Our plan was simple: unleash the Oni, destabilize the region, and create a situation that would enable us to achieve our ultimate goals. However, it seems we greatly underestimated the intervention of an unknown variable: Devils and Naruto Uzumaki."

Vali, ever the provocateur, leaned back in his chair. "Ah yes, the 'unknown variable.' Funny how those always seem to ruin the best-laid plans, isn't it?"

Cao Cao shot him a dark glance, choosing to ignore the taunt, he continued. "He was able to destroy a hundred thousand Oni and their generals and kill the Prime General. Though All of this was done within ten minutes. Georg says he did something... unusual with his shadows."

Ophis's eyes narrowed slightly, a sign that she is now giving the discussion her full attention. "Shadows? You are referring to Skiadrum, the Shadow Dragon?"

"Perhaps," Cao Cao shrugged. "George was too far away from them, hiding to notice clearly. It may be Skiadrum as you put it or maybe some shadow magic as well. He is a no-name nobody after all." Cao Cao wrote it off.

"I can confidently say that the very shadows around him became lethal, obliterating the Oni as if they were nothing," Georg said, standing up angering Cao Cao. He sat immediately, not wanting to draw more attention to him.

A collective murmur of disbelief and concern spread across the room. Even Shalba, who had often considered himself above many, felt a tingling sensation of unease.

Ophis spoke, her voice even but carrying an uncharacteristic undertone of gravity. "The power of Skiadrum is not to be taken lightly. I've been searching for him for centuries. If this Naruto Uzumaki indeed wields his abilities, our strategies need to be reevaluated. He is no longer just an unknown variable; he would become a significant factor that could tip the scales."

Vali grinned, "So the game is getting interesting, eh? Either we bring him to our side, or we risk having a formidable enemy. In either scenario, we can't afford to be passive."

Ophis considered the options before finally speaking. "Both paths are fraught with risks and possibilities. But let it be clear: if Naruto Uzumaki is not with us, then we must consider him against us. We cannot afford another miscalculation like Kyoto."

As the members of the Khaos Brigade absorbed the weight of Ophis's words, each couldn't help but think how the name 'Naruto Uzumaki' had become an axis upon which their fates would now inevitably turn if what Ophis said was true.

And Cut!

That's it for this part folks.

As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!

I'm very delighted to share that you can now read next 50k words of the story on my patron page. My user name is same BlackInfinity1289 on patron website.

Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.

Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.

link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b

Hope to see you there!

Thank you for reading.

Good Day!

Black Infinity 1289,

Ja Ne.