I just want to clear things up. In the previous chapter, I wrote, 'Uzumaki Naruto', which is CLEARLY a mistake. I'm sorry that I've confused you guys. It should be, 'Naruto Newgate'.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Without hesitation, Naruto sped forward in a sonic dart, startling the unprepared Crocodile before delivering an uppercut towards the Shichibukai's jaw, only for him to dodge effortlessly and thrust his lethal hook at the blonde. Sensing fatality from Crocodile's assault, Naruto leaped to the sky and bellowed. "Rankyaku: Boufuu no Hanabira!" (Storm leg: Gale of flower petals)

As the command phrase articulated, millions of blue shards blitzed towards the Shichibukai. There was no sufficient time for Crocodile to analyse Naruto's latent ability as he evaded the deadly charging petals and grunted. "It seems that I have underestimated you, boy!"

"Then you better stop underestimating me..." Naruto's silhouette disappeared from the sky and reappeared behind the Shichibukai, stunning Crocodile. "Or you'll die."

"Tekkai: Karyu no Genkotsu!" Launching a blazing fist infused with immense haki directly at the Shichibukai, Naruto's fist successfully impacted into Crocodile's stomach, sending him crashing into a mangrove tree. "That's payback for just now."

Crocodile emerged from the debris, coughing blood onto the unforgiving earth and muttered. "Damn kid. How did he punch me? That's it! NO MORE GAMES!"

Naruto's eyes widened in horror as his opponent dissipated completely into sands. "Fuck, I didn't know that asshole has a devil fruit ability. And he has the logia type! This is not good." The blonde jumped into the empyrean blue sky. "I guess I have no choice. Before this asshole shows more of the extent of his ability, I must eliminate him. I can only use this technique once in a while, but with this kind of situation at hand, I don't have much choice. My leg is so gonna hurt after this."

"Rankyaku: Jigoku Arashi!" Asserting a ponderous amount of haki and raw power into his leg, Naruto swung his foot and discharged a horrendous hurricane towards the offensive sands. Crocodile, alerted of the threatening twister rampaging towards him, halted his acceleration and grinned aphetically. "Do you really think a little tornado can do me harm? NAIVE! I shall show you true despair! SABLES!"

A sand variation of hurricane blasted from existence and collided against the opposing tornado before gradually nullifying both tremendous powers to nonexistence. Naruto was stupefied beyond cognition as he landed with grace onto the ground and mumbled. "H-He... stopped my attack? No way..."

"Desert SPADA!" Plunging his fist into the ground, nature shook vigorously before a torpedo composed entirely with sands and soils charged forward in a massive onslaught, targeting Naruto mercilessly.

Analysing an immediate catalyst for the incoming attack, Naruto slammed his foot onto the pavement and yelled. "Rankyaku: Jajjimento Setsudanki!" (Storm leg: Judgement Guillotine)

A vibrant blue wave of violent energy rose from the surface of the ground and bombarded against the sand strike, neutralizing the attacks once again. Naruto panted tediously; he could feel his muscle tissues tearing and if this continued, he would definitely lose his leg. "Fuck, I never know fighting logia fruit user in a death match will be so insane. Rokushiki's power is nothing to them and their powers are unlimited depending on their geographic terrain whilst mine has limits no matter where I am. I won't last long like this!"

Noticing Naruto's obvious fatigue, Crocodile sneered. "What's wrong, boy? Already that tired?"

"Heh!" The blonde spat his blood on the ground and grinned. "I'm just getting started."

In truth's forefront, the blonde was pondering on an effective counterattack. "I will get tired out eventually. To fight a logia fruit user, a Rokushiki fighter must channel haki into their arteries and veins to really cause some serious damage on devil fruit user. That of course comes with a price, the more I use haki, the easier I get wear out. If I don't hit him in the next three moves, my speed will be slowed down dramatically. Shit! I'm just glad I did receive training from sensei, or I'll be fucked!"

"Oh? From my view sight, you're almost at your limits, aren't you? Those two attacks rob quite a lot of energy from you, huh? I'm sorry to say this to you but, a devil fruit user never runs out of their power, especially a logia type. I ate the Suna Suna no mi. I'm literally a sandman. I don't know how you're able to punch me just now but, you won't have a second chance of punching me, that's for sure."

Instantly, Crocodile was standing before Naruto, his shadow loomed over the blonde. "Don't you get it? It's too late!"

The Shichibukai choked the CP9 commander's neck in a fierce grip and hoisted him to the air before brutally slamming his vulnerable form against a mangrove tree. "Foolish, boy. Very foolish. Where's the monster within you?! Let this be a lesson to you; never harm those you can't kill. Today is your unlucky day in meeting me. Rest ensure that it won't be long before you see your father soon... in hell!"

"Is this really the difference between a devil fruit user and a non devil fruit user? Is this really the end for me? I... I still got so many things I haven't done! I can't afford to die now! But...I...."

Crocodile raised his metallic hook and grinned malevolently. "Any last words?"

"J-Just two w-words" Naruto smirked weakly. "F-Fuck you!"

"Very well... DIE!"

"NARUTO-KUN!" The sudden outburst stunned both the CP9 commander and the Shichibukai.

Tilting his head laxly to his right, Crocodile grinned menacingly as he spotted a quavering Shalulia. "I see. The girl didn't run after all. Good, perfect timing for her to witness your dea-"

Before the Shichibukai could finish his bold statements, a kick pumped with haki surged upwards, throwing Crocodile to the air. Leaving no time to waste, Naruto coughed painfully as he clutched his throat and dashed towards Shalulia. "S-Stupid girl! Why are you still here?!"

"I...I... can't bear-" The blonde seized the princess's wrist and ran into the inner domain of the groves.

"Talk later; we have to go before that guy catches up!"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"Don't run away from me! I can smell you, boy!" Crocodile roared in utter frustration, umbrage clouded his judgements as he went berserk in the streets.

Meanwhile, Naruto was hiding in a small cottage, his hands clamped at Shalulia's mouth. The Shichibukai was still finding him, but he knew that his identities and location would not be disclosed that easily. Finding them was as if searching a pin in a rice field; the magnitude of the groves were proportionate to an enormous island, and they could be practically anywhere.

"Breathe slowly." The blonde whispered while making facial gestures to signal the family residing the cottage not to panic. When Crocodile had left the vicinity, Naruto released his hands from the princess's mouth and sighed in relief. "Glad that's over, for now."

Shalulia nodded and placed a hand on her hip. "Yep! And that's all thanks to me!"

"Thanks... to you?" Naruto's voice was completely dispassionate and cruelly cold, which caught the princess's attention as she swirled around and glanced at the blonde who was displaying a frightening stoic demeanour.

"W-What's wrong...?"

"Didn't I tell you not to be there?" Naruto's voice was distantly hurtful, it somehow pained Shalulia's heart as he spoke. "DIDN'T I TELL YOU THAT I WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU IF YOU'RE THERE?! You don't understand bloodshed and humanity's viciousness! You're not prepared for those things, yet. That's why I told you not to stay there and run, but you didn't go because you're ignorant!"

Tears swelled in the princess's eyes. "H-How can he be so heartless? I-I care for him! That's why I stayed! I...I just can't bear seeing him getting hurt. B-But... he-"

The unexpected scenario occurred, Naruto hugged the princess abruptly and murmured gently into her ears. "But, it is your ignorant that save my life. If you weren't there, I will probably not be here talking to you. So, thank you, Shalulia-chan. I do owe you my life, I guess."

Naruto gently pushed Shalulia away and beamed a cheerful smile at the blushing princess before turning his attention to the family. "We'll be staying here for a night. I hope you would be kind to offer us accommodation. We just need a room here."

"A room? Me? Sharing room with Naruto-kun? Sleeping with him in a bed? Kyah!" The blonde was oblivious of the palpable fluster the princess was exhibiting as he gave the family some jewels in exchange for renting a room while Shalulia ravaged through her thoughts in ecstasy. "Oh me, oh my! Naruto-kun is intending to make me his woman! No! He's intending to make me his wife! Yes! That's what he's trying to do! Oh, Naruto-kun! You don't know how much I want you to spank me and-"

"Hey! Shalulia-chan! You're daydreaming in the middle of a day! Wake up!" Naruto patted the princess's head. "You alright there?"

Shalulia fainted into the blonde's arms.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"So, what's your wish, Naruto-kun?" Shalulia sat beside Naruto in their room. It was small, and wasn't as appealing as the princess's bedroom but with her knight in shining armour beside her, she didn't really care.

"My wish?" Naruto tapped his chin in deep contemplation. "I wish to free the slaves from the clutches of the Tenryubito, maybe get a promotion and meet my father."

The princess's sights were downcast as she mumbled, barely audible. "Do you hate us? The Tenryubito?"

"I hate the Tenryubito, to be honest with you but I don't hate you. I guess you're quite different."

Instantly, Shalulia's eyes glinted in excitement. "Different? Do you find me attractive then?"

Naruto simply chuckled. "In a few years time, maybe."

The princess giggled. "So, who's your father?"

Passive and optimism were wiped out from the blonde's visage as he stared at the floor emotionlessly. "You don't need to know."

At that moment, the door creak opened, revealing the mother of the family who was wearing an apron. "Dinner is ready, Naruto-san."

"Thanks! Let's go, kid." Gripping the princess's wrist firmly, Naruto dragged Shalulia to the dining hall.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

The princess of the world, the feared Tenryubito, the sovereign of the globe was staring at the food on the wooden table with a hint of disgust. "What is this madness? Are you expecting us to eat... these!? They don't look edible to me! Look at the vegetable. It's blend, dull and revolting in the eyes of great cooks! And the fish! Especially the fish! It's slimy and not even fresh! And the roast duck! It's oily, fattening, unattractive and simply a plague to fabulous dishes in the world!"

Naruto's jaw dropped. "Oh shit!"

"But, there is this strange feeling. This... warmth emitting from the food. It's definitely not the heat, but a special sensation that I have never felt before. Just like... family warmth." Shalulia clenched her fist tightly. Truth was, she never had a proper dinner with her dysfunctional family. Though she inherited tremendous wealth and had everything she wished for, there were still some things in this world that she tried to seek, a family love. "I can feel... your love for your family, madam."

The mother of the family smiled. "I'm happy that you're honest with my dishes. I do thank you for expressing your opinion of my love for my family. Do you not have a family? Is Naruto-san not your brother?"

Scratching his head, Naruto chuckled nervously and conjured a lie. "I'm her bodyguard and maybe a brother figure. We're escaping from our parent's enemies so we somehow ended up here. Sorry for causing any inconveniences."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"So, Naruto-kun, you ready?" Shalulia whispered seductively.

"No. Actually... this is my first time." The blonde flushed five different shades of crimson.

"I'm sure sharing a bed with you will be... fun. Tell me, Naruto-kun, what kind of woman do you prefer?"

Naruto sighed as he wrapped his arms around the princess waist and pulled her into him before covering their frames with their blanket. Shalulia squealed inwardly as she could hear the blonde's heartbeat. "I don't really know. I find strong women attractive, personally."

"Strong women? Then I must become strong!" The princess swallowed the nervous lump in her throat and queried timidly. "So... if I'm strong, will you marry me?"

Guffawing at Shalulia's awkward question, Naruto muttered softly. "You ask too much. Just go to sleep."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Naruto had already packed the necessity for the rest of their trip. After eating breakfast, the blonde decided to leave hastily. "Thank you for your hospitality, we appreciate it. Right? Shalulia-chan?"

"Y-Yes... thank you... for your hospitality." It was very hard saying those words for the princess. In fact, she initially thought it was impossible for her; she had to stay in her room for hours beforehand to practice her speech. "So, Naruto-kun, where are we going next?"

"Heh! We're going to be slaves!"

"Oh...Okay... w-wait WHAT!?"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"Why are we here!? Why are we slaves!?" Shalulia complained angrily. "I don't get it."

"You will, soon. Besides, we don't have any beri left. I gave all of them to that family." Naruto chuckled sheepishly. His hands bound by steel shackles and so was Shalulia's. She detested the idiotic innovation, but the blonde insisted for some ulterior motives she still couldn't comprehend. "Relax, I'm here, right? I'll protect you. What's truly important in our camping trip is for you to understand how is it like to be a prisoner. I'm just glad that those douche bags didn't recognise you."

"I don't care! I want to leave!" Shalulia made a childish tantrum.

"You two are a noisy bunch, aren't ya."

Naruto turned his attention to the intruder of their conversation, only to widen his eyes in trepidation and disbelief. "Y-You! This is impossible! Why will you be here!? No, screw that, what are you doing here!?"

Shalulia stared at the old man before her in curiosity. "Who is this mister? Naruto-kun seems to be afraid of him."

Unable to regain his mental bearing, the blonde staggered. "Y-You're... the Dark King, Silver Rayleigh!"

Rayleigh simply laughed delightedly. "Oh! It has been a while since somebody refer to me by my real name. Just call me, Ray-san. What insanity has it befalls upon you will you volunteer to become slaves willingly?" The dark king switched his sights at the girl seating beside the blonde and chuckled benevolently as he immediately registered the girl's status. "I see, you bring a Tenryubito along with you? How ironic. Since when did Tenryubito get locked up in this pathetic dump?"

Shalulia huffed. "Naruto-kun forces me to come here! I never want to be in this... hellhole!"

"I think I know why the boy brought you here for." Rayleigh smiled subtly at the girl.

Naruto sighed. "Yeah. I hope with this experience, she'll understand the hardship and terror slaves had to experience. I've been wondering for a while, why is someone at your calibre doing here? I mean, you can... Oh... you wish to-"

"NOT SO LOUD!" Contradicting to his words, Rayleigh's amplified volume caught everybody's attention. Chuckling nervously, the other slaves and patrollers took no cognition of the dark king and resumed their worries and work respectively. Rayleigh whispered conspiratorially to the two when nobody paid any plausible attention at them. "I was thinking of being sold to some rich merchants and then rob them and make my exit! What do you say? Wanna take part in it?"

"Sure!" Naruto grinned while Shalulia gawked. "Count us in!"

"Are you two insane!? We got these collars on our throat! We'll die!" The princess protested.

The blonde squeezed the princess's hands gently in assurance. "Don't worry. Haki users can disable these toys easily."

It was then a few guards arrived. "It's time for you to be auctioned, old man."

Formulating a plan, Naruto screamed in mock despair. "No! Don't take my grandfather away! I...I came all this way to rescue you, grandfather, but... I fail you."

Catching the blonde's sinister intention, Rayleigh played his part smoothly. "No, my grandson. You must live! For your parent's sake!"

The blonde elbowed Shalulia lightly who in return understood her role and orchestrated. "G-Grandpa! P-Please...uh... bring us with you!"

The guards snickered menacingly at the melodramatic act and yelled. "If the three of you wish to die so eagerly, then we'll just sell the three of you!"

Tears cascaded down the princess's reddened cheeks, surprisingly. "No! Grandpa is too old for this! By any means, let brother and I replace him!"

"SHUT UP GIRL!" The guards slapped Shalulia. Naruto, enraged of the mistreatment, bellowed. "Stop! If you want to attack her, attack me instead! She's young and naive! Please! Forgive her!"

The guards grinned, but were unaware of the ominous smirk plastered on Naruto's comely features. "Fools! Get going now! The show is about to start!"

The allocated schedule timing was up as the oblivious guards dragged the former right-hand man of the pirate king, Silver Rayleigh, commander of the CP9, Naruto Newgate and the celestial dragon, Saint Shalulia to the auctioning stage.

They had no idea who they're messing with.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"You alright, Shalulia-chan?" Naruto rubbed the princess's swollen cheeks. "Does it hurt?"

"This is total blasphemy! How dare they strike me!?"

Rayleigh's spoke with a solemn demeanour. "They don't know your identity. This is how they treat slaves, little girl."

"B-But... this is inhumane!" Shalulia trembled in perturbation.

Naruto smiled as he patted the princess's head. "I guess my plans are working. She finally understands the pain and horror all slaves face."

As the curtain fell, the three were greeted by cheering audiences. Disco, the host of the human auction house, declared his speech with his microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present you... Ray-san, the carpenter! He is a fine slave! Absolutely fantastic, I'll tell ya! He will do any chores for you and let you kick him as much as possible if you wish! These two children are his grandkids! In fact, the girl is growing! Look at her chests! It won't be long before she grows up into a beautiful sex slave and she will definitely satisfy any pleasurable needs you demand! Now, please bid! Starting from 90 million beri!"

"91 million beri!" A businessman announced proudly.

"92 million beri!" Another man yelled his bid.

"100 million beri!"

"110 million beri!"

"120 million beri!"

Shalulia was terrorized with such crude behaviours, horrified to know that she might be used as sex toys for lecherous men. She had never been to the slave auction house before; therefore, she never really knew how the trade operated. When she was young, her father would visit the human slavery stadium occasionally to buy their family servants and naturally, as she grew older, she took things for granted. But, for her to experience the slave's terrifying dilemma and torments, she was completely astonished with unbearable fear and loathed those vicious bidders with a passion.

Shifting her attention to Naruto and Rayleigh, she was taken aback by their expression. As higher bids were made, their atrocious grins adorning on their faces grew wider. "How did I end up in this predicament? I'm glad no Tenryubito is here to see me in this state."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

The bidding was over and they were sold for 200 million beri. Naruto, Rayleigh and Shalulia walked quietly behind their buyer. Unknown to the princess, the blonde and the dark king were communicating via hand gestures. Naruto twitched his middle finger and subsequently flexed his elbow. "I plan to assassinate this guy when we reach the harbour."

Rayleigh nodded and scratched his forearm before twitching his index finger. "I was thinking the same thing as well."

When the harbour's location was visible, Naruto gripped Shalulia's neck collar and closed his eyes. Within split seconds, the blonde threw the collar miraculously away. At the same time, Rayleigh had freed himself from the collar stealthy before tossing it leisurely at their unknowing client. When the bomb in disguised smacked the buyer's back, it erupted into a deafening explosion, killing the unfortunate man in the process.

Shalulia stood in consternation as she witnessed the blood and gore before her but shook her head vigorously as she spotted a mob of bloodthirsty hunters dashing towards them. Rayleigh and Naruto chuckled before releasing a gargantuan amount of ungodly haki, knocking all of their assailants out instantly and in the process, disabled the blonde's explosive collar.

The dark king was impressed nonetheless. "It seems that you possess the Haoshoku Haki, boy. What's your name?"

"Naruto Newgate."

Rayleigh widened his eyes in surprise as he discovered the blonde's heritage, but regained his composure soon after. "Very well. Let us loot ourselves some gold and jewels before reinforcement comes!"

Laughing in merriment, Naruto snatched the princess's wrist and sped towards the ships. "Let's go! Shalulia-chan, when we get into the ship, you collect as many valuable gold as you can, okay?!"

"Okay!" Shalulia replied without hesitation; she had never been in so much thrill and fun before.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"We really rob a lot of things! I want to try that again!" Shalulia cheered, earning laughter from both Rayleigh and Naruto.

"Maybe next time." The blonde smiled as he carried a bag of gold over his shoulder. "But, our share of gold and jewels, we're distributing it to the poor."

Perking her head in utter disagreement, Shalulia argued. "No way! This is our loot! I'm not going to give them our hard work-"

"Shalulia-chan! You need to learn to be humble, generous and sympathetic! Besides, it's cool to be Robin Hood." Naruto ruffled the princess's hair affectionately in which Shalulia flushed as a response. "Trust me; doing some good deeds will bring good karma at your doorstep. You're plenty rich anyway, why will you care about a little sum of gold, right? What do you say, Shalulia-chan?"

The princess nodded shyly. "Kay..."

Rayleigh was amused with how casually the boy was conversing with the fearsome monarch of the world. "Say, wanna come to my friend's bar? I'll like to show the two of you my gratitude for what you have done for me today. So, what do you say? It's all in the house." The dark king chuckled.

"Alright!" The princess agreed.

"That's good, because we're here!"

Naruto arched a brow and stared at the signage hung at the apex of the shop before reading it aloud. "Shakky's Rip-off Bar? What kind of name is that? It sounds so... repulsive to the customers."

"Well, let's get inside, shall we?!"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"So, you're that old man's son, huh? Please do treat yourself at home." Shakky winked at the blonde who merely nodded in pure enthusiasm. "If you wish to eat anything, just order and I'll get it for you."

"Okay! I'll like to have three bowls of miso ramen, five bowls of chicken ramen and seven bowls of beef ramen."

Shalulia widened her eyes in dismay. "Don't! Naruto-kun! She'll rip you off!"

The former pirate giggled and gave the princess a lollipop. "Here."

The princess eyes shined with glittering stars as she accepted the offer and licked the snack hungrily, savouring the pleasant sweetness. "So, what's a Tenryubito doing in my bar, Rayleigh?"

Shalulia froze.

"Well, she's different from those typical Tenryubito. You won't believe it if I tell you how I meet them."

Shakky shrugged as she lighted her cigarette. "I don't believe many things you said to me anyway." The former pirate eyed the shivering princess sternly before softening her gazes. "If you're Naruto-chan and this good-for-nothing's friend, then feel free to make yourself at home. I won't rip you off... yet."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

To say the knights and servants of the holy palace within Mariejoa had lost their senses were a mere understatement. Shalulia, the juvenile yet egotistic princess of the world, had returned to the palace with an invaluable, genuine smile adorning on her face which was simply astounding. She immediately requested everybody to treat her as a friend and even participated in culinary educations and embraced the art of drama and acting. It was as if an angel possessed her soul.

Naruto was relieved to know that Shalulia was different in a positive outlook ever since their trip. Gritting his teeth, the blonde approached the admiral office and sought an audience with his mentor, admiral Aokiji.

"Sensei, I'm sorry for interrupting your nap but I... I...."

Kuzan removed his sleep mask and raised a perplexed brow, his feet rested idly on the desk insouciantly. "What's wrong, Naruto-bozu? Something troubling the new CP9 Commander?"

"I need to get stronger, sensei! I need more power."

Standing up from his seat, the admiral strolled towards the coffee machine lazily and pressed a few buttons. "Talk. I'm listening."

"I fought Crocodile."

Kuzan swirled his head in an impossible speed and darted towards his apprentice, desperately finding fatal injuries. "Are you okay? Did that man hurt you? God, he didn't try to kill you, did he? This is not good. The paperwork will be tons! No! Not paperwork! No, no, NO! Never! I'm not going to let that man ruin my day! I've planned a DAMN vacation and I'm not going to stay back here, in this DAMN office doing paperwork because of HIM!"

"Chill! Sensei! Chill!" Naruto sweat dropped. "I almost died, but I guess I escaped."

"That man has done enough! Attacking an Admiral's personal disciple and the CP9 Chief no less is a crime beyond crimes!" Kuzan sighed. "But... it's going to be a lot of work and I'm too lazy to oversee so many things. So... you want to get stronger, right?"

"Yes! I must! I have to!"

"The boy's attitude changes dramatically after his duty as guardian for the Tenryubito. Did something happen to him?" Tapping his chin, Kuzan smiled with a marvellous idea in his mind. "Alright! I'll send you to train under my fellow colleague."

Naruto cocked a suspicious eyebrow. "Fellow colleague? Aren't you going to train me, sensei?"

"I told you, didn't I? I'm going for a vacation for a month. Rest ensure that your newly allocated mentor will be as competent as me."

"That fellow colleague of yours can't be that asshole, Akainu, right?"

"Pipe down! Don't let others hear you insulting an Admiral. That's death penalty!"

"Whatever, it's not like I'm scare of that puppy. So, who's my new teacher?"

A creepy smile tugged at Kuzan's lips.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"Ohhhh? You wish to be my student, righttt?"

Naruto simply shrugged. "It's either training under you or Akainu. You get my drift?"

"Hmm... I get your drift, alright. But, why do you want to be stronger?"

"So I can serve my justice accordingly. For the people I care about, I cannot allow my weakness to ruin my men, my friends and my precious people." The strong determination sparkled in Naruto's eyes amazed the questioner.

The superior entity applauded. "Very well, young one. I will take you under my wing."

"Thank you, Kizaru-sensei."

The admiral waved a dismissive hand. "Just call me, Borsalino. Besides, you're the CP9 Commander. Addressing me formally will bring shame to your squadron, wouldn't itttt?"

"No. My men will understand. Their leader needs to be strong, and for that to be possible, I will endure any hardship you offer."

"Gooddddd. I like your attitudeeee. We will proceed to your training... pronto." Borsalino raised a finger and pointed at a tree distantly away. "I will like to see your speed. I have heard that you're a practitioner of the fame Rokushiki. If that's the case, then speed is an important aspect in the fundamental art of war. Speed controls everything in the battlefield. Can you run at the speed of light, Naruto?"

"Uh... no?" Naruto gulped.

"Goodddd. Because, I'm going to train you to run at the speed of lightttt. You might not be able to run that fast but after my training, your speed will be beyond this worldddd." A shrewd smile curled at the admiral's lips. "Now, I will shoot a beam of light at that tree. Chase after it. If you fail, it will explode and kill you. If you succeed, you might just get a few scratches. Your true objective in our training is to let you be as nimble as feather, while gaining exceptional eyesight that will allow you to track the fastest things in your combat zone."

"I understand, Borsalino-sensei." Naruto did a few warm-ups and got into a ready stance.

"Goodddd. Get ready in 3... 2... 1..." Releasing a blindly ray of light from the tip of his finger, Kizaru directed the beam at the appointed destination. Without hesitation, Naruto vanished into a charging air blast, tailing the shimmering beam with the best of his ability. "That boy... his power will one day change the world. I hope he won't turn against us. I trust Kuzan's judgement in protecting and nurturing him, albeit his... bloodline."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~
(1 year later. Naruto age: 15)

Naruto, dressed in his favourite white blazer with an orange shirt underneath and a pair of black jeans, strolled towards his appointed terminal. He had been training under Borsalino and Kuzan simultaneously and had further increased his deathly fighting arsenals, but unfortunately, Naruto's bad habits derived mainly from his mentors. "Sheesh, I only want to take the rest of the day off and have a good nap."

Arriving to his destination, Naruto keyed in a few codes into the security alarm system and spoke. "Hey, this is Naruto. Hello? No answers? This is strange... Hello? I don't have all day. Hello... this is so strange... Can you hear me? Hello..."

At that exact moment, a man stood behind the blonde. "You're just as forgetful as your teacher, Admiral Kizaru. I change the security code every month. I thought I told you about it."

"Did you? I think I forgot." Naruto scratched his head sheepishly. "Why did you summon me, Doctor Vegapunk?"

"Come in to my laboratory, I will give you a detail explanation of two devil fruits I found. One of them is a logia type, the other is a very unique, or should I say, extremely powerful paramecia. I think they might suit you."

The blonde smirked. "We'll see about that."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN TO, NARUTO?! You're an hour late for the meeting!" Sengoku, the feared fleet admiral, yelled. "Damn it, you're becoming more and more like Kizaru and Aokiji."

"Thank you." Borsalino and Kuzan said in unison while taking a sip from their cups of tea.

"THAT'S NOT A COMPLIMENT!"

"I'm sorry. Doctor Vegapunk wishes to discuss with me about something. I think I lost track of time." The blonde chuckled nervously. "So, what did I miss?"

"Such distasteful manners. As expected of the son of Whitebeard. Just another scum in this world." Admiral Akainu snorted.

"Oh? A talking puppy. How amusing. The seas are indeed a strange place to stay, huh?" Naruto retorted. "How come I didn't know puppy gets to be Admiral? Especially a talking mutt."

A few marine officers burst to laughter, including Kuzan and Borsalino while Sakazuki growled threateningly. "Why you..."

"SILENCE!" Sengoku had enough; his tolerance limits had an end point. "The two of you! When will you two learn to get along?"

The CP9 commander and Admiral Akainu crossed their arms. "Like hell we will..."

"Anyway... regarding about the terrorists and outlaws residing in that island, I want you and Captain Smoker to be dispatched to that place and investigate. Annihilate all enemies and leave no pirates alive, am I clear?"

"Yeah. I got it. So, when are we leaving?" Scanning the room briefly, the blonde arched a confused brow. "I don't see Smoker around, where's he?"

"He's waiting for you in the harbour. You will leave immediately." The fleet admiral sighed. "Do not fail this mission, Naruto."

"Leave it to me."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Jamming his fists into his pockets, Naruto ventured through the vast hallway. "Sheesh, this is going to be tiresome. I thought my mission will be relaxing. Guess I'm wrong."

Suddenly, black metal bars thrust towards the blonde, pinning him, literally, onto the wall. Unfazed by being subdued, Naruto sighed. "Hina-chan, must you always do that to me whenever you see me?"

"If Hina don't do that, then you will run away from Hina. Hina doesn't like Naruto-kun escaping from Hina." The female captain walked towards the blonde, her hips swaying suggestively. "Hina wants you in Hina's office, now!"

"No! I got a mission. Besides, it's far too inappropriate to do... this in the hallway!"

"Do what? Do you mean... this?" Hina seized the blonde's lips in a hungry kiss, startling the CP9 commander. Naruto, however, broke the kiss, his breathe laboured in a mixture of passion and tamed lust. "Hina-chan... I got a mission and I have to leave."

"Are you embarrassed? Hina recalls you doing something similar to Hina in your office once. Hina doesn't see why you are embarrassed doing it here."

"Hina-chan! The mission is important and Smoker is waiting. Besides, that time was when we both were drunk. We only... make out and... did nothing afterwards. How about this, you free me and I promise to take you out for a date."

"Hina satisfied." The captain released Naruto and embraced the blonde affectionately. "Treat Hina right or you'll suffer."

Delivering a soft peck on Hina's forehead, Naruto sped away. "I've suffered enough! See ya, horny-Hina!"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

What's the best way to describe Smoker's personality? Impatient; he had been waiting for the irresponsible blonde for an hour. Smoker had predicted that Naruto would inevitably obtain Kizaru's undesirable laidback characteristic. Tapping his foot in sheer annoyance, the captain slammed his fist onto the ground. "If that asshole doesn't appear in front of me in the next ten seconds, I will depart the ship and report his incompetence to the Headquarters!"

"Hello! Sorry, I was caught by horny-Hina in the hallway, so it took me a while." Naruto chirped.

"You make me wait for you like a dumbass for an hour!"

"Oh? I didn't know the day will come when you finally admit that you're a dumbass, Smoker." The blonde smirked impishly.

"You're gonna pay for that!"

"I will pay, but do u think we should board the ship first?"

Smoker growled. "Damn you!"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Poverty, corruption and living hell were the epitomes within their assigned destination. Naruto and Smoker were disgusted with how the World Government would rather raid and laid calamitous waste on the land than to aid the sufferers. They were marines, not god and hence, their powers were limited. Although they do bore the urge to help those needed help but their missions were their first and only priority.

Smoker grunted. "I wonder how the people manage to live here while keeping their sanity."

"Life, Smoker, Life. There's nothing else we can do. Let us just find the bad guys and get the hell out of here."

Marching behind the two marine officers were ordinary marine soldiers and one of them spotted a disturbing scene. "Sir, look! Aren't those-"

Naruto narrowed his eyes to slits. "They're the pirates. What are they doing with that girl?"

"I'm assuming they're intending to rape her, idiot." Smoker lighted his cigar.

The blonde surveyed his surrounding and was puzzled that people noticed the imminent crisis, yet decided not to do anything. "What's wrong with the people here? Didn't they see that the girl is going to be raped?!"

"They're too frightened to do anything." The captain exhaled a ring of smoke as he watched the two men dragging a struggling girl into the alley. "Wanna do something about it?"

"Our mission states that we must investigate what the pirates are plotting, but didn't state that we can't do what we please."

Smoker smirked. "Good thinking. You take the right son of a bitch, I'll take the left S.O.B."

"Fine with me." The blonde turned around and eyed his men solemnly. "Stay here. Smoker and I got something to do."

"Yes sir!"

The CP9 commander and the captain of the marines ran into the alley and clenched their fists furiously when they saw the men physically molesting the defenceless girl while ripping her clothes to shreds. Naruto, unable to relinquish his anger, yelled. "Hey, assholes! Don't you think what you're doing is a disgrace to us men! Unhand that girl you insignificant son of bitches!"

The pirate sneered. "And if I don't? What are ya going to do about it if I do this!?" The immoral man grabbed the timorous girl's developing breast.

"Bunch of fucking ingrates! Soru!" Naruto dematerialized into a bolt of golden afterglow before reappearing before the particular pirate instantly. "Shigan!"

"White Blow!" Smoker's arm morphed into flowing stream of smokes before thrusting his fist forward and delivering a devastating blow onto the escaping pirate who couldn't escape in time. "This will teach you not to go around messing with people you don't know."

Clutching the injured pirate by his head, Naruto dragged the pathetic man towards the girl and stormed on his hand, crushing the pirate's wrist in the process while the immoral man cried in agony. "Now, I want you to apologize to this girl. Do it or I'll cut your dick off!"

Smoker sweat dropped. "Is it appropriate to swear in front of the girl?"

"I-I'm sorry!"

The blonde rolled his eyes. "Louder. Do you expect her to hear you with your sissy voice?"

"I'M SORRY! P-Please don't hurt me! Give me a c-chance, please! I beg of you!" The pirate pleaded.

Naruto's pair of sapphire eyes was terrifyingly apathetic. "Did you give her a chance when she begs you?" Without remorse, Naruto drove his finger into the man's cranium and plunged it into the pirate's brain, earning the blonde a satisfying scream of affliction and pain. "Ah, the best way to kill someone is to Shigan through their brain and let them bleed to death. It must be hurting like a bitch, isn't it? Well, that's good. You're going to enjoy the pain for at most half an hour before you die."

Smoker sighed. "Admiral Kizaru really screws him up badly. He's a motherfucking sadist! I'm starting to suspect that Kizaru must have been a sadist as well."

Wiping the blood off his finger via the agitating pirate's shirt, Naruto walked towards the stiffened girl and crouched down in front of her. "Sorry that you have to see all those stuff. I'm Naruto Newgate. That smoker over there is Smoker. That's right, Smoker is a heavy smoker and Smoker is his name. So, what's your name, little girl?"

The girl sniffed. "T-Tashigi."

"Yosh. Tashigi-chan, go to Smoker's side now. I got some adversary to entertain. Why don't you come out now, Hawk-Eye Mihawk."

It was then a masculine figure exposed his presence to the group from the shadows. "I have come here to challenge you, Naruto Newgate."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

I'm still wondering should I give Naruto a devil fruit. People argue that Naruto is badass enough without devil fruit, but in his match with Crocodile, it's evident that he's not strong enough. The thing is, he didn't really fully mastered Rokushiki when he battled Crocodile and he's inexperienced judging by his age. Anyway, if I do let him eat a devil fruit, then I'm thinking of using some of the suggestions made by the reviewers and my friends.

1.)Tsuchi Tsuchi no Mi – Earth Earth fruit.
Type: Logia
Ability: Control nature at its finest.

2.)Mizu Mizu no Mi – Water Water fruit.
Type: Logia
Ability: Manipulate water like Poseidon.

3.)Kane Kane no Mi – Metal Metal fruit.
Type: Logia
Ability: Manipulate ANY metals in the world.

4.)Kuuki Kuuki no Mi – Air Air fruit
Type: Logia
Ability: Control air in the atmosphere.

5.)Toki Toki no Mi – Time Time fruit
Type: Paramecia
Ability: Manipulate time.

6.)Yume Yume no Mi – Dream Dream fruit
Type: Paramecia
Ability: Cast illusions.

7.)Fuku Fuku no Mi – Copy Copy fruit
Type: Paramecia
Ability: Copy ability, lips movement, devil fruit powers, etc.

8.)Mythical Zoan Type. Model: Dragon
Type: Zoan
Ability: Turn into a celestial serpentine beast.

I think this is the list. If you have other interesting ideas for a devil fruit suitable for Naruto, don't hesitate to tell me.

I'm also worried for Naruto's relationship as well. Some people believe that harem of 4-5 girls or just 1-2 girls are enough. Some prefer straight pairing. The list might be indefinite, so I'm still pondering. I'll see how the story goes and decide.

Personally, if it's a harem, I'll go with:

Nico Robin, Boa Hancock, Nefertari Vivi, Shalulia Gu, Whitey Bay, Jewelry Bonney.

If it's not harem and a straight pairing, then I'll have to wait and see.

Thanks for reading, remember to REVIEW!

Peace out.