"BECAUSE TOBI IS A GOOD BOY!"
Tobi stood at the helm, sharingan eye calculating the safest path for the large ship. He was wearing his Orange-Spiral Mask, and the Akatsuki cloak.
"TOBI HAS MISSED YOU HIDAN-KUUUUUUNNN! You to Kakuzu-san! Tobi is sorry for being a bad boy, and wanting to take over the world!" Tobi bowed down onto the deck submissively, but was interrupted by Hidan's shout,
"Watch out for cannonballs you dumb fucker! WE MIGHT GET HIT!" Tobi immediately jumped up and resumed his job of guiding the ship through the Marine's onslaught. Naruto decided to let his nakama rest and made a group of ten clones to defend the ship from any stray shots that Tobi mightn't have seen. Eventually, Marineford became smaller on the horizon and the cannons stopped altogether. The Fox-Pirates had escaped, relatively unscathed, from the Whitebeard War. Even more surprisingly, they left with the catalyst of the entire war; Fire-Fist Ace.
The next day the Newspapers across the world shared similar headlines; THE FOX PIRATES ALIVE: GOLD ROGER'S PRODIGY FIGHTS ONCE MORE.
The Fox Pirates all sat around the dinner table in the kitchen of the Tailed Bijuu, eating a dinner prepared by some of Naruto's clones. All the Fox Pirates were shoveling their food in, most of them boisterously laughing as they did, with Ace watching on from the end of the table. He was content to just observe some of the most powerful pirates of the seas relax and enjoy each other's company. Kakuzu was taking bets on an eating competition between Hidan and Doflamingo. Naruto was singing a song with Tobi, both with bottles of Sake in their hands. Crocodile was shoving as much of the steak into his mouth as he could. Ace watched this outlandish sight, surprised that these super powers could appear to be so….human.
A mug slammed onto the table, and everyone's head turned to pay attention to their captain. Naruto looked around the table at his men; making eye contact with each of them. He stood from his spot and cleared his throat.
"I….cannot fully express how proud I am of every one of you. I had feelings that some of you may have become lax in my absence, but if anything you all have grown stronger. SO much stronger… I am proud to be your captain." The Fox Pirates just smiled gladly at Naruto, as he continued on to his speech.
"Now you are all probably wondering why exactly that I left. The plain and simple truth is I did it to save your lives." Naruto wasn't surprised to see their questioning glances, but continued on, "I was merging with Kyuubi. Now when a demon merges with a human they make a hanyou. When this process finishes; the hanyou becomes insane with bloodlust and will destroy everything in sight. So I fled back to my homeland. I ran to the Elemental Nations. There was no one still living there. Only Madara, sitting on his thrown, rotting. It had been nine hundred years since I had left that place and it was unrecognizable. Madara's plan for total domination failed, the day I fled the Nations. You all know of how I returned stronger and took on the Akatsuki with my new allies of Hidan and Kakuzu? Well what none of you knew was after that I cursed Madara. I weakened his psyche enough that the dominance of his personality became unstable. I left him fighting with Tobi…and when I returned nine hundred years later, it was Tobi that was in charge. After my bloodlust waned I trained with Tobi, and gathered the remaining Bijuu from where they hid after Hidan, Kakuzu, and I released them, and made various deals with them. After that I returned to these familiar waters as quick as I could. I see that many of our crew have survived but a few appear to be absent…"
Crocodile cleared his throat to gain Naruto's attention and answered his captain's unasked question. "Nico is no longer among us… she died on Ohara. Crocus has retired from piracy. I'm sure you could convince him to return but at his age it may actually be… harmful to the old man. And… Rusk's whereabouts are unknown… Though knowing him, he isn't anywhere safe or convenient for us… Also, I have no idea where the cabin boy has run off to… I'm sure Rusk would know though. Wherever he is…"
There was a moment of silence among them as they honored their lost nakama, but their mourning was interrupted by Ace, "What's the plan now? What do you want from me? Not meaning to be rude, but why am I here?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed in the moonlight shining through the windows and he grinned predatorily, "You my good friend are invited to join our ranks! Even if we do find Rusk and our cabin boy, we are still in need of some more fighting force. I owe your father a great debt and I always repay my debts."
Ace's eyes narrowed in anger, "Is that the only reason you'd have me? Just because of my father?" Naruto laughed at his anger and proceeded, totally disregarding Ace's indignation.
"My dear boy! My debt to him is not to watch over you! No! It is a much grander debt. I only see you as who you are! Coincidentally, you are one of the few people, of which, having working with me would make my goals VERY much easier to attain… in a faster rate that is." Ace calmed down, but could not keep the accusation out of his eyes. Naruto saw this and sighed heavily into his drink.
"Ace…your father was a father to me. He helped me at a very…painful time for me. He became my tou-san, and it was his wish for me to see you as my otouto. His words may not seem much to you, but it meant everything to me! I can't stop or soothe the pain you feel for his death, for the life he so "unjustly" gave to you. I can only tell you this. You would've made him proud. I know I am. Can you at least give me a chance? Please, join my crew." Ace sat silently, taking in the words his brother spoke to him. After a while he quietly spoke, "I won't sulk in the pain of my father's decisions… I grew past that long ago. But I have learned something from my fight with Teach. Look before you jump… So my only question is; What is your master plan?"
"If I tell you will you join?"
"If it is found agreeable to my ideals." Naruto smiled.
"Welcome aboard Ace-kun. I hope you enjoy piracy; for you see, it is an integral part of this…operation."
The Fox Pirates all rested in their quarters, full with dinner and mead, and had partied the night away. Now the only one still awake was Naruto, and a group of his clones maintaining the ship as they sailed on to Sabaody Archipelago. Happy that Ace had joined their crew, he finally had time to rest and reflect. With Tobi and Ace their crew was almost to the right size, but they were still missing two. Knowing Rusk though the best place to look would be Sabaody Archipelago.
He watched as the Tailed Bijuu slowly crept along the calm sea, the moonlight glinting on the water. The gentle waves lapping at the ship relieved Naruto from some of the extra stress he accumulated during the battle. He stood still surveying the ocean flow by.
"Tobi remembers a time, when captain-kun would have wept for those he lost. Not that Tobi judges at all… but with dealing with Him Tobi has learned that it isn't always best to let things fester… I am sure that she was a beautiful woman Naru-kun… Tobi would've loved to meet her. But, Tobi doesn't think she'd want you to blame yourself like this…" Tobi put his hand on Naruto's shoulder and comfortingly gripped it. He turned and walked inside humming a random tune as he did so. Naruto made no indication that he noticed the man's words, but a lone tear betrayed his thoughts.
And a lone smile….betrayed his hopes.
As the Tailed Bijuu docked in Grove Thirteen in Sabaody the Fox Pirates assembled on the decks, all of them wearing their white cloaks which covered their entire bodies. Naruto stood in front of them wearing his cloak, a single orange swirl on the front of his cloak. "Okay men. Scour the island. Hidan, Kakuzu I want you two to check your contacts for Rusk. You know which bars he'd enjoy, check them all out. Crocodile, Doflamingo try to find out anymore info you can on the battle. Anything at all, especially on Blackbeard. Tobi, Ace… I want you two to lay low. Do what you will, but please do try to avoid the Tennyrubito. We are not yet at a stage to go against the entirety of the Marine Navy. So please, avoid trouble? I myself am going to run a few errands. Meet back at the ship in four hours, okay?" Everyone nodded in confirmation and slowly walked away to perform their duties. Naruto quietly left himself and made his way away from the ship and out to the bustling archipelago.
The Five Gorosei was discussing the war when one of them turned to the topic of the Yonko.
"I think that the biggest competitor to fill the empty space would be the Fox Hunter. Not only does he have in his arsenal two devil fruits, he was the turning point in the recent Whitebeard War. He even made off with Fire-Fist Ace. The two are connected by Gol D. Roger and it is very unfortunate that they were allowed to join together… Something must be done."
"Yes but what? What can we do at this point?"
"We turn not only the Marines onto them, but the pirates as well." Seeing the four other questioning glances he expanded on his idea. "We have to turn the other pirates against them. There is an easy way to go about it to. Being Roger's apprentice, he'd probably know where One Piece is. Once we announce that, pirates will flock to him like flies on trash."
All the other nodded their heads, and the propaganda began.
A small time pirate was held off the ground by his neck, from a large golden hook. He was sweating as he stared at the two smiling pirates who were both previously Shichibukai and he had to admit could quite easily kill him now.
"I swear that's all I know of the battle! I wasn't even watching it!" Crocodile sneered in disgust at how weak the man was before him. He dropped him down, and the man quickly scurried away. Crocodile turned to the ever smiling Doflamingo,
"What next? I haven't any contacts on this island, and as far as I can remember you were never one for making friends."
"Fuffuffuffuffuff, that is all to true Croco-kun! But, why don't we go and make some? I see one over their across the street giving you a funny look." Crocodile slightly turned his head and observed the man Doflamingo pointed out.
"That is no bounty-hunter. That is my number one….Daz Bones."
Kakuzu sighed as the last of his contacts revealed no useful information. He was hoping he'd have more luck. But it appeared that Hidan was enjoying himself, if the large pile of empty tankards were any indication. Kakuzu prepared himself for what was sure to come.
"Kakuzu! Could ya spare some drink for me to pay for all the money? I drunk I'm not swear!" Kakuzu resisted the urge to kill Hidan. It would only waste more time, and time was money. As they walked out of the bar, they left the barkeep tied up behind the counter. It was less than he deserved, that much for beer was robbery! And besides, Kakuzu had no intention of paying for Hidan.
"I'm a little teapot, short and stout!"
Especially, when he was singing.
"Tobi's got a lovely bunch of coconuts, du du duh! There they all are standing in a row!" Tobi was ahead of Ace skipping while he sang, carrying a large Octopus plush. He and Ace had decided to check out the Amusement Park and have some fun. Well Tobi did, Ace just decided to go along for the ride. After Tobi had ridden all the rides twice, and played every game, they had started to leave. Right as they left the park, there was a large group of pirates apparently waiting for them. Ace hung back, wary of a fight, but Tobi ran straight up to the large group.
"HELLO! Will you like to be Tobi's new friends?" The lead pirate smirked and said, "Nope! We are going to capture you and Fire-Fist Ace, and turn you in for a large pay! We'll be rich! FIRE MEN!" All the thirty pirates raised their guns and fired. They had no affect on Ace, just passing through the Logia user. Tobi managed to jump out of the way. But his Octopus plushy was not as lucky. It was ridden with bullet holes. No one moved as the small plush octopus fell to the ground, it's stuffing leaking out and flying in the wind. There was silence until Tobi started to yell.
"TOBI IS A GOOD BOY! BUT EVEN GOOD BOYS GET MAD! TOBI JUST WANTED TO BE FRIENDS! NOW TOBI HAS ENEMIES!" A demonic aura surrounded him and he pulled out two kunais.
"FOR OCTO-CHAN! DIE!" Ace sat down as he watched the insane man dash among the doomed pirates. He had wondered why Tobi was part of the Fox Pirates… now he was apprehensive of ever pissing the man-child off.
Five minutes later all the pirates except the leader were dead. The leader was shivering in fear of the maniac holding a knife above him.
"I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE OCTO-CHAN LONG ENOUGH TO HAVE A FLASBACK!" The captain then made his second and final mistake,
"D-Don't you m-m-mean….flashback?" Tobi was silent, but was shaking in rage,
"ONLY CAPTAIN-KUN CAN CORRECT ME! RAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" And with a mighty stab, Tobi drove his knife through the captain's forehead. A shower of blood flew from the wound and coated Tobi's mask.
"C'mon Ace-Kun! It's time to head back to Captain!" Ace hurriedly nodded his head, and ran to keep up with the maniac.
Naruto made his way into Shakky's Rip-Off Bar and took a seat at the counter. There was no one else inside the bar except an elderly man in a cloak at the counter. Naruto sat right beside him and sat in silence. Eventually, the other patron put down his glass and spoke,
"Ah, Naruto-san… it has been some time…What brings you here? Not going to shanghai me into joining your crew, eh?"
Naruto chuckled and shook his head, " Nah, not now gramps, your to old for that!" Both men chuckled, reminiscing of their past adventures together.
"No what I came to talk to you about, Rayleigh, is if you know where Rusk ran off to. Have you heard any rumors?"
"I'm sorry Naruto, I haven't heard any news of your friend… but, there have been rumors of a Dr. Camwethrin." Naruto leaned in when he heard the name. "He is said to be the Head of the Mythology Department at the Farthen Island."
"And where can we find this, Farthen Island?" Rayleigh was silent for a while, looking Naruto straight in the eyes.
"It is located in the Slow Sea… I'm sure you know what that means…" Naruto nodded and put his head in his hands, "More fucking trouble…."
Rayleigh laughed and slapped Naruto on the back, "Yes, but that's what makes the adventure so enthralling! Besides, without a little trouble, I know you'd lose interest and just go on a killing spree!" Hearing the old man's laughter Naruto couldn't help but join in.
"Well it's been nice Rayleigh! I'll be sure to come back soon!" Naruto stood up to leave.
"You do that Naruto! I'll be rooting for you!" Rayleigh smiled at Naruto's retreating form, "Go get 'em kid….give them hell."
Naruto returned to the ship to see his crew all there waiting for him. Hidan was playing cards with Kakuzu, Ace and Doflamingo were sitting on the railing chatting, Crocodile was talking to a large dark skinned man, and Tobi…was sitting in a corner crying about an "Octo-chan"…
"Okay men! We have our heading!" the crewmates turned to face Naruto and Tobi asked,
"Where are we going Naru-kun?"
"The Sea of Time, naturally. Set sail for the Slow Sea!"
(Flashback Begin)
Naruto and Roger surveyed the report in front of them. The marines were hot on their trail, and using Naruto's Skeleton-Snail, were able to intercept Garp's orders regarding from Sengoku.
"It is impossible to escape this if we stay any longer, we have to leave now. We'll just have to make due with what provisions we have." Naruto looked at Roger in shock.
"What do you mean? Can't we just go through this channel right here?" Naruto indicated a stretch of ocean on a nearby map. Roger quickly shot that idea down,
"No! That is called the Slow Sea! For some strange reason, time is different in that sea. Men who go in, exit years later, seemingly only have aged days… Unless you are blessed with a gift of time, I would never suggest going through that ocean. For those that do, sometimes don't return. And besides, this is a much easier way to circumvent the marines!" As Roger went on thinking of ways to escape their tail, Naruto stared at the Slow Sea, wondering just what made it so powerful as to slow time…
(Flashback End)
(On Farthen Island)
An average sized man sat down in a reclining chair; book in hand, in front of a fireplace. The book was titled "Myths and Stories of the **** *******" The man flipped to a marked page and continued reading,
"Hmm…. It seems to be right, their only missing a few details… Oh well, to bad their dead." As the man continued reading, an unassuming mask glinted in the light from the fire on the wall. It seemed to glow red for a few seconds, but then faded away. The man read far into the night, never once moving from his chair.
I apologize for how many skips were in this chapter. I am on Thanksgiving break and plan to update a few more times this week. Also if you are curious, naruto Will be getting another Devil Fruit soon. So check in next time!
