I am sorry. Incredibly terribly sorry for the late update. Some events outside of my control had delayed the writing of this chapter and I can't apologize enough for my lateness. I hope this chapter will suit your tastes. The next chapter is already nearly completed so expect it to come out soon.

There isn't much action in this chapter, I'm afraid. It's mostly made as a setup for future chapters. Sorry if I disappoint some.

Thank you for all those amazing reviews! Many thanks also to necroihsous for being my beta reader, you have been an amazing help!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Rosario Vampire, who would've thought?

The Blood Runs Deep into the Ground

The smoldering ruins of the destroyed headquarters of the Public Safety Commission were bustling with life as the group members were busy clearing the debris in the hopes of recovering anything that hadn't been destroyed in the blast. Unfortunately, it seemed like the culprit had been particularly thorough as anything they recovered either collapsed into ashes once touched or was simply too damaged by the flames or the blast to be salvageable. While some students were busy tearing down the walls blackened by soot to clear the way for the future reconstruction of the base, others were searching for any potential clues that could lead them to the perpetrator's identity.

However, their moves were sluggish and lacked the determination the group once had that ensured their domination of the school. Crumbled and broken, the group wouldn't recover from that blow lightly. There was already an uneasy tension in the air as people grouped together, creating shifts of power that threatened the fragile balance that kept the group together.

That was the scene that greeted the leader of the secret group of ANTI-THESIS Hokuto Kaneshiro when he stepped on the grounds accompanied by his most trusted lieutenant Kiria Yoshii. When he had heard about the rumors floating around the school this morning, he hadn't wanted to believe them and had initially dismissed them as unfounded teen gossip. But now, as his eyes beheld the charred remains of the once proud building, there was now no doubt on the veracity of the news. The youth rubbed his chin and contemplated the possible repercussions of this event on his future plans.

However, he was distracted from his musings when Kiria nudged him in the side with his elbow. When he gained his attention, his friend discreetly pointed behind him with his thumb and whispered, "Trouble incoming."

Indeed, when he turned around, he found himself faced with the unpleasant sight of an irate Kuyo and his three generals who, known for their power and loyalty to him, flanked him from both sides and did their best to appear intimidating. The youko seemed displeased by their arrival judging by his frown.

"What are you doing here?" Kuyo snarled and Hokuto wondered what the reason of his aggressiveness was. "You aren't supposed to come here until next week."

"I've heard the recent rumors about the destruction of your headquarters and decided to come investigate," Hokuto replied as he crossed his arms. "It seems like the rumors were true."

"Well you've seen what you wanted," Kuyo said and his eyes shinned with a murderous glint. "Now I ask you to leave before I make you."

Behind Kuyo, the generals shifted stiffi, expecting a battle to break out at any moment. He noticed Kiria start to reach for his hidden scythe but a sharp gesture made him begrudgingly stay put.

"We understand," He said with a curt nod as he started walking away, Kiria quickly following suit obediently. "We'll be taking our leave."

As they walked down the path that lead back to their base, Kiria asked him with a pout, "Why'd we go away? We could've kicked their asses! I know you made an alliance with them but they're so weak now that we could've finally taken them out! Why do things have to be so complicated?"

The boy then proceeded to wave his arms around in a childish manner that made Hokuto sigh in exasperation. While Kiria had proven himself multiple times as an incredibly valuable asset and was his only friend in this god-forsaken school, his recklessness often put them both in trouble and he would often end up being the one to clean up afterwards. Kiria simply lacked the subtlety that had allowed him to talk his way to the position he now was. However, there was no denying his prowess in combat and he knew that, if he hadn't signaled him to lie down, he would've probably been able to take Kuyo out along his generals single handedly.

'However, there was some truth in his reasoning,' he thought. He already had doubts on the validity of the arrangement way before the debut of Kuyo's group downfall.

Kuyo was impulsive and he would certainly make a rash decision sooner or later in an attempt of taking out the one who'd thrown a wrench in his plans. Hokuto had originally made the alliance with him because of his influence and his large following but now… with Kuyo's contacts cutting their ties with him and his once loyal soldiers doubting his leadership, Hokuto no longer saw the appeal of their alliance. However, that didn't mean he was stupid enough to explicitly announce it to him, he really didn't want to deal with anyone while his own group was still steadily growing from its embryonic state.

If only someone could just take Kuyo out of the picture in his place, it would be just perfect. And judging by the rapidly growing animosity of the student body towards the man, it wouldn't take too long before someone finally took him down.

-X-

Kuyo sneered at the retreating back of his supposed ally before spitting on the ground and walking back to the construction site with his generals in tow. As he barked out instructions to some slacking group members, he wondered when Hokuto would strike. He wasn't stupid, he knew the youth would betray him eventually like all the others; it was just a matter of time. With the recent crisis the group had gone through, small uprisings had been starting left and right within the group and he had been forced to personally crush every last one of them, preventing him from helping the manhunt for the one responsible for the destruction of their base.

He managed to repress the majority of the revolutionaries but it was starting to become increasingly more difficult to prevent news from spreading. The fact that Hokuto-who never showed himself in public in his company in fear of compromising his position-came to verify the news was worrying.

Perhaps the leader of the new faction of the school was the one behind all this, taking advantage of their alliance to steal valuable information to facilitate his treachery? He considered sending some spies to infiltrate his base but those wards would be a problem…

It was also a small miracle Mikogami hadn't used the instability as an excuse to shut them down… and it was also suspicious, maybe the culprit was an agent of the headmaster?

Seeing as all of his men were currently working diligently, he dismissed his generals to supervise the operations while he walked to the forest in direction for the temporary base. Since headquarters was destroyed, they had to relocate all of the administrative bureaus to one of the abandoned warehouses that were dotted around the area. From what he learned, they had been constructed years ago to store the materials needed for the reconstruction of the school and abandoned once it was finished. The one they had chosen was in poor condition when they had settled in but a few repairs here and there prevented at minimum water from dripping from the ceiling and wind from blowing inside.

As he walked past rows of desks on which were seated several group members busy filing paperwork, his personal secretary immediately rushed to his side, clip board in hand.

"Mr. Kuyo, where have you been? You have a meeting with the School Board in thirty minutes to discuss the necessary funds for the reconstruction and another in two hours with-" she said before he interrupted her.

"Delay it." He said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "I have urgent business to take care of in my office. No one is to disturb me until I come out."

She opened her mouth to protest but a quick glare silenced her and she bowed respectfully before taking her leave. He let out an annoyed snort before walking down the metallic stairs that led to his temporary office. Just this morning he had asked the group's witches to create the underground room for him under the warehouse. He had also ordered to have it completely protected by privacy spells and wards that prevented sound from coming out and people from coming in once activated.

After closing the door behind him and making sure the room was empty, he sat on his chair and settled back for a moment to consider his options. He had no clues on the identity of the perpetrator and ignored his or their motives. Was it a student? Was he or she working for himself or under the orders of someone else? What were their abilities? What allowed him or her to dispatch of his elite guards so easily? Was the culprit working alone or was he collaborating with an unknown faction or other people that shared the same interests?

As questions filled his mind, he realized something. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed help.

His group had clearly shown its incompetence. Mikogami was constantly spying him to try and find an excuse to shut the group down and he couldn't start killing people left and right and hope to eventually kill the culprit. He needed a professional, someone to work unhindered and completely free to find the one responsible.

He opened one of his concealed drawers and took out several documents. Each one had detailed information on every one of his contacts. As he filed through them, trying to find someone qualified enough for the job, his eyes caught something that roused his interest.

"Fairy Tale?" he muttered as he stared at the grinning face of the jester accompanying the name of the organization. He recalled having met representatives a few months ago. The group was still at an early stage-having just been created-but they had said they've found several individuals interested in funding them. They had talked about the poor state of the monster race and the oppression by the humans and their plan to restore it to its former glory. He had been very interested by their ambitions and goals; they had even proposed him a high position in the group but he had refused, his duties to his group having not yet been fulfilled.

It seemed like now was the time to verify their claims of power. He pulled out a blank sheet of paper and started writing.

-X-

"-and that's why Kurumu is just a friend!" Naruto huffed proudly when he finish explaining everything to the two girls sitting on the other side of the table. Ruby let out a relieved breath, happy to know her guardian wasn't a shameless pervert. Yukari, however, still remained skeptical but remained silent, mostly because Kurumu had begrudgingly agreed with the blond after he had sent her a pleading look.

The little witch had joined them after thinking by herself for a few minutes. Under the supportive gaze of Ruby, the girl had apologized for her rude behavior and he had been quick to reassure her he didn't harbor bad feelings for what she did. Yukari no longer saw him as dangerous but she was still fiercely protective of Ruby, afraid that he'd try to abuse of her innocence.

He had then proceeded to explain everything in an attempt to defuse the tense atmosphere and it seemed like it had worked -for the most part.

As he thought about this, the bell signaling the end of lunchtime suddenly rang. Kurumu looked at him expectantly but he shook his head in refusal.

"Sorry, Kurumu, but I have to take Ruby to the Headmaster so I can't accompany you to your class." He explained as Ruby told the same thing to Yukari.

The blue-haired girl gained a sour look before finally nodding and walking away whilst dragging a protesting Yukari that was insisting in following Ruby to protect her. Seeing as they left, he gave a nod to Ruby and she followed him out of the room.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence as they walked down the corridor that led to the higher levels, they arrived in front of the dark oak doors of the headmaster's office. Just as Ruby was about to go through the door, Naruto quickly asked, "So, did you enjoy your day?"

He quickly regretted asking that and internally berated himself. Did you enjoy your day? Who asks this to a grieving girl?

However, he breathed out in relief when she smiled and said, "Of course! I really had a lot of fun and I learned tons of new stuff like ice cream and rockets that can bring people to the moon! I'm excited to learn more about human civilization! My teacher forbid me from approaching people but I don't understand why when there's so much to see."

Naruto's eyes softened as he remembered the old times when he was as optimistic as her. Alone in this unknown and threatening world, without friends or family, it was becoming more and more difficult to keep his confidence for the future. The fact that Ruby-who had just lost her most precious person in the world-was still keeping an optimistic view of the world inspired him.

"Me too, Ruby... Me too." He said softly as he ruffled her hair. He smirked when she gave him an annoyed pout which he found adorable. "I know it must be hard right now with all the moving and all, but I just want you to know… that you're not alone, and that my door will always be open if you need help. I know I'm not the most reliable guy around and I can be brash sometimes but… I'll do my best to help you in any way I can."

"I know you will, Naruto." She said softly. "I think you underestimate yourself often but you shouldn't. You have helped me more today than you could imagine," A hesitant pause. "I hope we can eat ice cream again someday."

"I'd be glad to spend the day with you again." He answered. "Remember, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you. See you tomorrow, Naruto." She said with a wave before she turned away.

However, half-way through the door, she stopped and turned back. His eyebrow rose as he was confused why she turned back, which explained why he was completely caught off guard when she ran to him and suddenly kissed him on the lips.

It was far from being a good one; she was clearly inexperienced. Their lips were pressing too hard and their position was awkward. However, the kiss was filled with more passion than any other he ever had. All those thoughts swirled in his head in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions and questions. Having been completely taken off guard, he was frozen in place, not daring to move a single muscle.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she retreated with a mortified expression on her face. They stared each other in the eyes for a split second before Ruby looked away.

"I'm so sorry." Naruto barely heard those whispered words before she rushed through the doors and closed them behind her, leaving him alone in the corridor filled with indecision and feeling flustered beyond belief.

He didn't know how long he stood there unmoving. However, when he finally gathered a semblance of composure, he hesitantly wobbled back to class, wondering what the hell just happened.

-X-

Mikogami rubbed his chin in thought as he witnessed the scene in his crystal ball. He really hadn't expected the two of them to come so close the first day. He smiled as he rubbed his hands in satisfaction. Good, good… The closer they were, the better the chances of his plan succeeding. He quickly grabbed the spherical gem and hid it in one of his concealed drawers as he noticed Ruby was going to enter his room. Indeed, a few seconds later, a very flustered witch hesitantly opened the door before strutting to the chair in front of him and sitting on it.

It was amusing to see the young girl try to hide her embarrassment when he already knew to reason to it. He put on the most sincere smile he could and rested his head on his crossed hands.

"How was your tour of the school, Ruby?" he asked. "Has Mr. Uzumaki done a satisfactory job?"

The witch's form stiffened at the mention of the boy and her cheeks quickly reddened. "Y-Yes! Of course, headmaster! Mr. Uzumaki had been very kind and helpful!" she blurted out. "I now know my way around the school and he even bought me ice cream!"

"Oh?" he let out as he lifted an eyebrow. "Did he? I can't say I'm surprised. Mr. Uzumaki does know how to cheer someone up. How about I arrange a meeting between you two tomorrow?"

Ruby's smile immediately vanished when he finished saying those words. She kept silent for a moment before she took a deep breath and muttered, "I don't think we can meet again."

Mikogami mentally frowned but managed to keep his composure. "Really? But it seemed like you were happy when you were talking about him?" he asked, wondering if his plan would be compromised before it even started. "Did something happen between you two?"

"I… I did something that I now deeply regret. I didn't think and acted by impulse and I- now… now I fear he's going to hate me for that." She buried her face in her hands, trying to hide her shame. "I don't want him to hate me and leave me alone…"

Mikogami slowly nodded as she talked. It seemed like the situation could still be salvaged. "Ruby…" he called out softly to avoid startling her. "I don't know what you did, but I'm sure Mr. Uzumaki wouldn't hate you despite what you think." He thought for a moment on the best way to approach the situation before saying, "Let me ask you a question: do you trust him?"

"Of course!" she answered in a heartbeat. "Naruto helped me a lot today and told me I could see him if I ever needed help; I trust him."

Mikogami internally smirked. It seemed like the situation wasn't as bad as he thought.

"Then I'm sure he wouldn't hate you. People aren't perfect, Ruby. They make mistakes. Some regret all their lives something they've done because, fearing rejection, they never tried to confront the consequences of their actions. The best thing to do is to go talk to him and to make him understand the reason of what you've done and apologize."

Ruby stayed silent before she quickly stood up from her chair, a determined look on her face. "I understand; I'll go talk to him right now!" she said but he quickly stopped her.

"Ruby, Mr. Uzumaki should currently be in class and is probably still troubled by what you've done. It would do more harm than good to talk to him now. Tell you what, I'll arrange a private meeting for the two of you to settle things tomorrow."

Ruby seemed hesitant before she nodded in acknowledgement and saying in a respectful tone, "I trust your judgment, headmaster."

Mikogami let out a deep breath before clasping his hands together. "It seems like you had quite the eventful day and I'm sure you're exhausted from all the excitement; you just arrived here yesterday after all." He opened one of his drawers and pulled out a key on which was attached a paper with a number written in bold black letters on it. "Here's a key for your apartment. You'll stay there until we find you a new place to live."

Her face lit up at the prospect of having her own place to live as he dropped the key in her outstretched hands. "Thank you so much!" She said as she bowed to him deeply.

"You'll have all the afternoon to settle in. Come back her in my office next morning so I can tell you when you will meet with Mr. Uzumaki. You can trust me to take care of your problem, Ruby."

Ruby nodded happily, looking like a heavy burden had been removed from her shoulders, thanked him one last time before taking off.

Left alone in his office, Mikogami remained silent for a few minutes before he let out a deep breath and started filing his paperwork as the same exact words he said kept repeating in his mind.

'People aren't perfect, Ruby. They make mistakes. Some regret all their lives something they've done because, fearing rejection, they never tried to confront the consequences of their actions.'

He chuckled and I wondered if he shouldn't be listening to his own advices before giving them to others.

-X-

Gyokuro Shuzen let out a tired sigh as she dutifully worked through the paperwork. The silence of the room was only interrupted by the occasional sounds of pen scratching and ruffling papers. The sunlight was shining through the curtains, bathing everything in a blinding glow. The beautiful woman known for her mesmerizing allure stopped in her work when someone suddenly knocked on her door.

"You may enter." She said. Immediately after, her secretary opened the door with a pile of paperwork in hand. That on itself wasn't surprising. However, the letter she was holding caught her attention. A very extravagant-looking seal on it signaled its importance. "Who sent the letter?" she asked as the secretary put down the pile of documents on her desk.

"It came from Youkai Academy. It's from a certain… Kuyo." She said after reading the inscriptions on the wax seal. Gyokuro lifted a delicate eyebrow as she grabbed the letter presented to her, wondering what the heir of one of the most powerful families of Japan was sending her a letter for. As she prepared to break the seal, she noticed the secretary was still standing there looking at her expectantly.

"What're you still doing here? Scram!" she roared, making the poor assistant let out a horrified yelp before quickly hurrying out of the room. As she grumbled about incompetent idiots who didn't know their place, she broke the seal and opened the envelope, wondering what Kuyo wanted to say. They had sent men to meet him to try and convince him to join them but the fool had insisted that they'd wait until he finished his studies at the Academy with his little group of playground thugs. As she read through the letter, a sadistic smile slowly stretched across her face. In the letter, Kuyo would accept to give them his support and would eventually pledge his loyalty to the cause if they simply helped him take out one measly little rat that had been intervening in his operations the past few weeks.

She felt tempted to simply refuse. However, she quickly dismissed the thought. Kuyo-as brash and deluded as he was-was simply too important for the organization to ignore. Not only was he an S-Class monster, he was also one of the most influential figures in Japan with multiple contacts in high places that would be extremely helpful for their cause. Fulfilling his request would be an easy way to gain his allegiance to the group.

Now to find a proper agent to send…

She opened one of her locked drawers that contained the list of every free agent that could be used. While many were completely capable and had her trust in their capabilities, they were either too old to successfully blend in amongst the students or stationed too far away to arrive there on time.

As she grew slowly more and more annoyed, she finally found the perfect candidate. Not only was she one of the most powerful agents of the organization, it was also a perfect opportunity to keep her busy while she accomplished her goals. She had just recently come here asking to join them a few weeks ago and this was the perfect opportunity to test her capabilities. It also didn't hurt that they both hated each other and it would be nice to have one less enemy to watch out for the time being.

'Perfect," she thought as she smiled maliciously. 'She's perfect.'

She quickly pressed a manicured finger on the button of the intercom and gave her instructions to her secretary, "Summon Akua Shuzen to my office immediately."

She then propped her legs on the desk, getting comfortable for the conversation ahead. Things were coming out nicely and in a few months, her organization would finally be powerful enough to finally accomplish their goals.

Chapter end!

Well I hope you enjoyed it. I apologize again for my lateness.

Love it? Hate ? Please review!