To keep with traditional sounding names I've converted mine and my friend's name to their Japanese versions. Melissa is Merissa and Rachel is Reecheru. I hope that clears up any confusion on the name changes. For reference I used the conversion app on the website japanese-name-converter. If anyone is curious on other names then that's the place to look.
I make no money off of this work of fiction. One Piece is the work of Oda Eiichiro and Naruto is the work of Masashi Kishimoto.
Ninja Pirates
Chapter One: The New Training
It had been five years since Sabo was rescued by Dragon. The young man was now at the age of fifteen. He implemented a unique fighting style. It utilized the style that Dragon had taught and impressed upon the man. At the same time Sabo refused to use any other weapon other than the lead pipe that he carried around. It was not only a reminder of his days of youth, running through the forest with Ace and Luffy, it was also his only connection to his two brothers. His dream had changed through the years. He now dreamt of not only freeing the people from the control of the Celestial Dragons and World Government, but he also dreamed of the day he could reunite with Ace and Luffy. He knew they thought that he was dead and he looked forward to the day he could prove he was alive to them.
Sabo could usually be found in the dojo during his free time. He enjoyed sparring with the fishman Hack. The two were quickly becoming friends and forming a strong bond. A young girl by the name of Koala could be seen following them around. Neither minded and often asked if she wanted to learn to fight. She would shyly decline or blush without a word. It was during one of these times that Dragon approached Sabo with Kuma.
The three stood off to the side. "You've been with me to Konoha on several occasions now, haven't you?" Dragon started off. "You've seen that even their young children can fight and hold their own against some of the adult marines."
"It's a fascinating technique," Sabo nodded. "They use Haki in their attacks, but at the same time it's not Haki. If it can be used in battle against the World Government then our chances of success in the upcoming war could not only double, but triple. If only we could get them to agree to either sending some ninja to fight alongside us or to let us send some recruits to them for training."
"That's what I brought Kuma here for," Dragon said. "He'll use his devil fruit ability and send you to the Island of Leaves. Their leader has agreed to take on one person for training in their style. I've chosen to send you because you show so much potential. Even from a young age I could tell you were destined for great things."
Sabo's eyes widened at the news. "I'm going to train in Konoha? For how long?"
"Now that's up to you," Dragon gave a small shrug. "You can come back when you feel like you've absorbed enough knowledge. I do expect you to come back though. This is just a step in the road to our fight against the government."
"I'll gladly walk down that road," Sabo smirked. "When do you want me to leave?"
"Pack a few things," Dragon started walking away. "Only the bare essentials though. You'll be provided a room and a way to provide yourself with food." Sabo's nod of acknowledgement went unseen since Dragon still had his back to him. Sabo knew the action wasn't needed, but it was involuntary to acknowledge Dragon. Sabo viewed Dragon as a father figure and had great respect for the man.
Not an hour later Sabo was sent away by Kuma. A trip by boat would normally take the better part of a month from the Revolutionary Headquarters. Kuma's powers allowed Sabo to make it there in three days. Upon waking, Sabo found himself in a small crater surrounded by trees. He slowly stood to his feet and brushed himself off.
"Morning blondie," a voice called from above.
Sabo looked to see where the voice came from. Standing on a branch was a girl wearing a blue sleeveless vest that was only buttoned part way down. The garment showed her midriff with each breeze. She was also wearing a pair of black shorts that were tight yet flexible and stopped just above her knee. Strapped around her thigh was a matching blue pack. Sabo just knew that it was holding kunai. On her feet was a pair of open toed shoes. In every other place that Sabo had been she would appear strange. But it didn't phase Sabo in the least. He had become used to the way that the people of Konoha dressed. Some more traditionally than others, but almost all in a way that allowed freedom of movement. The only people that didn't wear such clothing were the people not trained as ninja, or civilians as they were called by the ninja.
"It's good to see you again Merissa," Sabo greeted. The female ninja was the same age as him, but she had completed her ninja training years ago. All the students graduated from the academy between the ages of ten to twelve. There were some extreme cases where the children could graduate earlier. If a student didn't graduate by the time they reached thirteen then they were expelled from the academy and expected to live as a civilian for the rest of their life.
"I've been waiting for you to wake up for hours," Merissa complained. "My family is the one that will be hosting you during your training. I'm under orders to bring to the Hokage so that you can be given instructions."
Sabo hefted his sack of essentials over his shoulder. "Then by all means, lead the way."
"Let's start your training now," Merissa smirked. "Keep up with me if you can." Using that his only warning, Merissa leapt from one tree branch to another as she headed to the village. Sabo cursed under his breath and took off at a brisk run. He pushed himself to go as fast as he could, knowing that he could loose sight of Merissa if he slacked off even a little. All ninja were trained to be able to use the trees for travel. It naturally hid them from unwary onlookers better than traveling on the ground ever could. It was Sabo's first goal in training here to be able to run through the trees like that.
It didn't take long for Merissa and Sabo to reach the village gates. Merissa stood at the entrance waiting for Sabo, tapping her foot impatiently. Sabo jogged up to her as he started gasping for breath. "You really need to work on your stamina," she pointed out.
"We just...ran ten...miles," Sabo managed. "In... ten... minutes. You could... cut me... some slack."
"Not a chance blondie," Merissa scoffed. "You won't learn anything about ninjutsu if we're always taking it easy on you. Let alone Taijutsu and genjutsu." Sabo's shoulders slumped in defeat. She was right of course, he wouldn't learn anything if they always took it easy on him during training.
After the meeting with the Hokage, a woman by the name Shikaru Nara, Merissa led Sabo to the house she lived in with her parents. Compared to the wealth the clan used to have, the Uchiiha's were now only considered a higher ranking family. They were no longer the great clan that lived in one of the clan complexes that they used to be. A distant ancestor of Merissa's had made sure of that.
"Several other families offered to put up with you while you trained," Merissa explained. "It was the Hokage's decision to put you with us for several reasons. The main reason is that you and I are the same age. She thought that you would be able to relate better to someone your age and tell them if you had any problems while training. I'll tell you right now though, I don't want to hear any of it."
"Thanks," Sabo said sarcastically. "I can just feel the loving acceptance."
"Another reason is that my mom is a medic nin. When you get hurt during your training she'll be able to take care of you."
"Don't you mean 'if'?"
"No, I meant 'when'. The final reason is that my father was actually agreeable to it. It's rare for him to agree to anything that doesn't really have to do with us. You could have just as easily been set up to live with one of the other families. Don't ask me how you did it, but somewhere along the line my dad became impressed with your skills. I wouldn't be surprised if he became your tutor at the end of each day. If I were you I would be prepared for a lot of pain and a vast number of new scars."
"Again, I can feel the love."
"The Hokage has you set up with a number of Genin jobs to help build your stamina," Merissa ignored him. "Your jobs will get harder as she feels you improve. She has a personal goal set up for you. She plans on your making it through the Chunin exams in a year." Merissa turned to him with a smirk now. "You're so going to be coughing up blood."
"Thanks for the vote in confidence." Sabo's face had broken out into a sweat. 'Just what have I gotten involved in here?' he asked himself. He somehow felt that this won't be the first time that he asks himself that question.
