Chapter 9: Loguetown
East Blue Sea
"Some party they threw us last night, huh?" Kiba asked.
It had been quite a party. After Luffy and the other left, the restaurant owner known as Zeff granted them a free all you can eat feast. Although with how much Kiba drank, Naruto had to wonder if he really recalled that fact or just assumed to be so. He might not think so fondly of it if he had a clearer recollection of his actions.
"We did save their restaurant," Naruto reminded him. "It was kind of the least they could do."
"Pity that Luffy kid had already left though," Kiba added. "He seemed like the type that would enjoy a party. Anyway, where are we headed next?"
"To the nearest marine base," Naruto answered.
"What?" Kiba asked, probably wondering if he'd heard right. "I thought we were avoiding them."
"We don't exactly have a lot of choice," he explained. "We've got a hold filled with over fifty pirates. We'll run out of food and water in no time with that many. And there wasn't exactly enough of their ship left to use our usual methods."
"There's got to be some other option," Kiba insisted. "We could just steal the ship from the next pirates we find."
"And if we don't find one before we starve to death?" Naruto asked. "A couple of missing ensigns isn't exactly a big deal. There's a good chance that even if the base we're heading to has been informed, they've forgotten all about it."
"I still don't like it," Kiba complained.
Naruto didn't like it either dreading the moment the ocean would end. But eventually it did just that, a marine base coming into view. As his clones pulled into port and docked the ship, Naruto went down to the hold and brought up Krieg. He'd take care of the most dangerous captive first, and deal with the rest later.
Seeing Krieg again, he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. He knew the man was strong, and not wanting to risk him breaking his bindings, he had gone a bit overboard with the rope and chains. He looked almost like a deformed mummy. His head was the only part left free, and that only if you didn't count the gag.
As there was no way the man could walk, Naruto lifted him over his shoulder and began to carry him away. Leaving Kiba and Akamaru behind, he left the ship, quickly being joined by an escort of marine guards when they recognized just who it was he bringing in.
He was actually grateful Kiba had talked him into changing out of his uniform when he had, as he'd had a chance to clean it to pristine shape. He was nervous enough about this as it was, he didn't need a filthy uniform to make him any more self conscious.
On a positive note, no one had yet brought up his escape from Shell Island. Not even after he'd led his captives into the base, setting bureaucrats scurrying trying to figure out what to do with Krieg. He was beginning to think he would get away with this…until someone else walked into the room.
"You!" Naruto and Nezumi yelled at the same time when they'd spotted each other.
Of all the bases he could have gone to, it just had to be this one. He recalled now that Nezumi said he had plans to work in East Blue. Naruto just wished he'd thought to check which base that was.
"I heard about how you went AWOL," Nezumi said smugly, "But I never imagined I would be able to see you brought to justice myself. Fortune must be smiling on me today."
While Nezumi surely had plenty more taunts ready, he was denied the opportunity to use them as the doors burst open allowing the entry of a highly agitated man. Although clearly older, he bore a striking resemblance to Nezumi and sported a number of fresh cuts and bruises. This must be Nezumi's father, who went by the same name if his memory served.
"Father," Nezumi called out to the man, confirming their relationship. "I caught that Naruto fugitive I told you about."
"I don't have time for your childish rivalries right now," his father snapped. "There are bigger issues at stake. I need to ... is that Don Krieg?"
Naruto was suddenly grateful no one in the base had yet figured out what to do with the man. Showing off the good he'd done may put the marine captain in a better mood to be lenient.
"Yes, sir," he answered with a salute. "He's one of the pirates I've captured since I began patrolling East Blue."
"You mean to say a punk like you managed capture such an infamous pirate?" he questioned examining Naruto as if expecting this to be some big prank.
"He does have monstrous strength," his son informed him. "But that's all the more reason to lock him up. He's a menace."
"I should listen to my son. I could have you locked up right next to your prisoners," Captain Nezumi threatened. "But I think I may be better served turning one monster against another."
"Sir?" Naruto asked hoping for clarification.
"I'll let you continue on your way," he declared. "But only if you agree to hunt down a pirate by the name of Monkey D. Luffy."
"Luffy?" Naruto questioned, wondering if there was any chance he was referring to someone else by that name. "You mean a Goofy kid that wears a straw hat and has a devil fruit power that makes him a rubber man?"
"You know him?" Nezumi asked curiously.
"I ran into him once before," Naruto admitted. "But I thought he was a bounty hunter. He was with Pirate Hunter Zoro."
"Yes, he was with Zoro," Nezumi confirmed. "But only because the Pirate Hunter has turned to piracy himself. He and his crew took out Arlong, stole all of his treasure, harassed the people Cocoyashi Village, and then attacked the marine force I was leading in an attempt to restore order. I barely escaped with my life."
Inwardly Naruto was kicking himself for not figuring this out earlier. Really, a bounty hunter who didn't care about a prize like the one offered for Krieg? He just knew there was no way a pirate would be able to collect That's why he'd let Naruto take care of them.
"I'll do it," Naruto said firmly. "I'll capture Luffy and his crew."
"If you succeed I may even see about getting you pardoned for your actions," Nezumi offered. "Although I think my son here is hoping you'll fail. I guess one of the two of us is going to get our revenge."
"I'll just have to make sure it's you then, sir," Naruto replied.
0o0o0
Nojiko gasped at the figures she saw walking up the path to Cocoyashi Village. Arlong and his crew had just been defeated, what were a dozen fishmen doing here? At the head of their group was a large red fishman. Normally the fishman had at least somewhat human like faces but if you buried this one up to his neck in sand, Nojiko suspected he might be mistaken for a normal fish lying on the ground.
As they approached the small group of villagers who had been chatting with Nojiko, Genzo immediately stepped in front of her protectively. Not at all frightened by his display, the leader walked up to the heavily scarred man.
"Tell me human, what happened to Arlong Park?" he asked menacingly.
"It was destroyed," Genzo answered. "And unless you want to be taken out like your leader was, I suggest you leave town and never return."
"I know it was destroyed," the fishman snapped back. "I want to know how. And where is Arlong? I'm not idiot enough to fall for your transparent lie."
"Believe what you want," Nojiko yelled at him from behind Genzo. "But it's still the truth."
Enraged by her reply, Nojiko saw the fishman prepared to backhand her. She closed her eyes reflexively before hearing a large crash. Worried Genzo had just taken the blow for her until someone shouted "Back away from the villagers—now!"
Everyone turns around and were shock to see two marines—a blonde handsome youth and darker haired savage looking boy, along with a very large white dog, big enough to be ride on—appearing out of nowhere behind the fishmen.
"Who are you?" the red fishman sneered. "Where did you come from?"
"Someone who is going to kick your ass!" the blonde one retort.
Hearing that, all the fishmen laughed at the bold proclaim.
"Kick my ass? Don't me laugh human!" red fishman mocked. "I can easily crush you with one punch!
"Is that so?" the marine asked almost mockingly. "Then why don't you show me what you're made of?"
Everyone looked at the blonde marine as if he was insane. The red fishman gave him an evil smile as he replied "Heh, just remember human that you asked for it!"
Walking up to his challenger, the difference in their size became very apparent. The blond wasn't at all short by human standards, looking to be about six feet tall. But the fishman stood almost a foot taller and had to weigh at least twice as much. And he intended to take advantage of that fact, throwing his whole body into a single punch aimed at the young man's chest.
Nojiko cringed as the marine made no attempt to dodge the attack as it barreled in. But rather than breaking ribs and knocking the smaller of the combatants away, the fishman's fist halted abruptly when it struck him.
"You call that a punch?" the blond mocked, appearing completely unphased by the attack. "This is a punch."
So saying, he threw a right hook at the fishman, although it almost turned into an uppercut given the differences in their height. But whatever kind of punch that was, it connecting to the side of his target's face, twisting his whole body to the side and sending him cartwheeling several yards before he came to a stop.
When it became clear that he wasn't getting up again, the rest of his friends looked back at the marine with angry eyes and one of them snarl "You bastard—you're going pay for that—Get him!"
Yet a couple minutes later, all the fishmen pirates were brutally beaten to the ground, next to the feet of the three victors. Soon, all of the villagers swarmed the marines.
"That's was amazing!" one of them called out. "Especially that punch you pulls off earlier."
"That wasn't anything impressive," the darker haired boy insisted, sounding a little jealous of the attention his companion was getting. "They were all really weak. Naruto was just showing off."
"Well then, Naruto," Genzo stated walking over to the boys himself. "We're just grateful you and ..."
"Kiba," Naruto provided. "And the dog is Akamaru."
"Yes," Genzo gratefully, "that you, Kiba, and Akamaru here showed up. If there's anything we can do to repay you, just let us know."
"Actually, we're here looking for a dangerous pirate by the name of Monkey D. Luffy," Naruto told them. "We heard he and his crew caused you some trouble and we'd appreciate any information you might have on where they went. Or perhaps a description of their ship if anyone got a look at it."
The villagers quickly grew silent at the revelation that their current saviors were hunting their previous saviors.
"But Luffy is ... hey!" Genzo said.
The sentence may have made more sense if Nojiko hadn't 'accidentally' stomped on his foot rather hard part way through.
"Sorry," she pretended to apologize. "But as Genzo was saying, Luffy is very dangerous. You should avoid him for your own good."
"He doesn't worry us," Kiba boasted. " We're combat specialists from marine headquarters. You barely saw a fraction of what we can do just now."
"Is that so?" Nojiko asked sweetly. "Then did Captain Nezumi send you after Luffy?"
"That's right," Naruto confirmed. "He specially charged us with bringing Luffy to justice."
"In that case, I'll be happy to tell you what their ship looks like," Nojiko told them. "It's a large vessel, painted completely black, with blood red sails. And it must have at least two dozen cannons."
"That certainly sounds unique," Naruto answered. "Now do you have any idea where he's heading next?"
"And I don't know where they're headed, but they sailed off to the East," Nojiko lied.
"Well they're probably trying to throw off pursuit then," Naruto told his companion. "He was quite clear he was heading toward the Grand Line. We may be able to beat him to the entrance if we hurry."
Nojiko silently cursed that she hadn't been able to throw them off the trail, but at least they seemed to have believed her about the ship. But she realized there might be another way she could help her sister."
"Please, if you're going after them, take me with you," Nojiko requested.
"What are you talking about?!" Genzo yelled out in surprise. "Do you know how dangerous it would be to go with them?"
"Yes, a marine vessel is no place for a civilian," Naruto replied.
But his partner immediately pulled him to the side and began whispering furiously at him.
" ... no rule against it ... crazy not to ... hot ... just look at her ..." were some of the pieces she managed to catch Kiba saying.
It was easy to see he was trying to change Naruto's mind and exactly why he was doing so. So she did her best to smile cutely whenever they looked her way. But despite Kiba's best effort, he seemed unable to sway the other marine.
"I'm sorry, it's just too dangerous," he told her.
If he wasn't going to cave that easily then it was time for Nojiko to kick the act up a notch.
"I didn't want to tell you this," she began melodramatically, "but Luffy and his crew took my little sister. I know I may not be much help in a fight, but I ... I just can't sit here and do nothing."
A pretty good performance if she said so herself. She could see that Naruto was wavering. Now to go in for the kill. Getting down on her knees she looked up at him pleadingly and even succeeded in producing a couple of crocodile tears.
"I'm a pretty good cook," she informed them in mock desperation. "Or I could help clean. I'll find some way to contribute. Please just take me with you."
She could tell by the look on his face that she'd already won. It seemed that, like most men, he was unable to say no to a woman in tears.
"Fine," he finally answered. "We'll give you twenty minutes to gather your things and say your goodbyes. If you're not back here by then we're leaving without you."
"Thank you. You won't regret this," she told him turning to head to her house, more to hide the smirk she was struggling to suppress than out of any real hurry.
But then again, maybe she should hurry. Twenty minutes wasn't a lot of time. Not wanting to waste it, she ran back to her house and began to quickly pack her things. About a minute into the process Genzo walked in.
"What was that all about?" he asked her disapprovingly.
"You're the one who was about to declare yourself a pirate sympathizer to a couple of thugs sent by Nezumi," Nojiko fired back.
"That's not the point," Genzo answered a little sheepishly. "What makes you think going with them is a good idea? Even if you can send them on a wild goose chase, they're hardly the only marines around."
"Maybe not, but they do seem pretty strong," Nojiko argued, "And they're hunting Luffy specifically."
"And what happens if they ever find out what you're doing?" Genzo countered. "It's too dangerous."
"I'll be careful," she replied stubbornly.
They proceeded to lock stares in a contest of wills. But Genzo was the one to give up first, turning away with a sigh.
"It's alright," he told her. "I know what this is really about."
"What do you mean?" Nojiko asked in confusion.
"It's easy to see," he told her. "Your little sister is off having wild adventures, and you're still here with little more than a boring old man to keep you company. It's no wonder you'd jump at a chance to head out into the world yourself."
"You're not boring," she answered, trying to raise his spirits.
But inwardly she wondered if he was right. She had been a little envious of Nami going off to travel the world. Maybe she'd let that subconsciously cloud her judgment.
"Don't change your mind on my account," he said in a rather abrupt about face from his previous position. "It'll be lonely with both of you girls gone, I'll admit. But I don't want you blaming me for having missed this opportunity."
"What happened to it being too dangerous?" she asked him.
"I didn't want you to go," he admitted. "But in all honesty, those two boys seem decent enough folk. Really, I can't see it being nearly as dangerous as joining a pirate crew. Just take care of yourself."
"I will," she promised him, giving him a quick hug.
Then finishing her preparations, she made it back to where Naruto and Kiba were waiting, and still had a few minutes to spare before her deadline. Nojiko was glad to see them, worrying a bit on the way back that Naruto would have changed his mind and used the opportunity to leave her behind.
"Ready to go?" Naruto asked her.
"Yeah, let's head out," she suggested.
Nojiko hadn't expected to depart Cocoyashi Village herself so soon after Nami had. But she was looking forward to swapping adventure stories with her sister some day. Although if Nojiko had anything to do with it, that day would be far off, as she was going to do her best to keep these marines far away from her sister.
This is your ship?" Nojiko asked in surprise the moment they arrived at his ship.
The black sailed vessel she stood in front of looked nothing like any marine ship she'd ever seen.
"Yeah, we captured it from some pirates," Naruto informed her. "We decided we might as well put it to use, but we haven't had a chance to repaint the sails yet."
"Are the marines really so hard up for ships they couldn't give you one of their own?" Nojiko queried.
"That's ... a bit of a long story," Naruto told her hesitantly.
"Yeah, nothing you need to worry about," Kiba added, looking decidedly nervous.
They were obviously hiding something from her, but she decided not to press the subject. After all, she wasn't being entirely open with them. So instead she boarded the ship, dragging the suitcase she'd packed behind her.
"There are a number of empty quarters below deck," Naruto told Nojiko after following her aboard. "Feel free to claim whichever one you want."
Thanking him, she decided to take him up on his offer, heading down the stairs and below deck. The hold contained a number of crates and barrels and quite a bit of rope and chain. Looking around she was wondering which room she should check first when one of the doors began to open.
Did they have another crew member on board? But the person who walked out of the room was Naruto. How had he gotten down here before her?
"What are you doing down here?" he demanded of her.
"You ... um ... told me to pick a room." she replied, still trying to figure out what had just happened.
"Oh? I did?" he asked her. "Does that mean you're coming with us?"
"Uh ... yes?" she replied, her confusion causing her response to come out as more of a question than a statement.
"Did you pick out your room yet?" a familiar voice asked from behind her.
Spinning around quickly to face back toward the stairs she confirmed it was indeed Naruto, dragging the still unconscious fishmen behind him. She turned back and forth between the two Narutos several times to confirm she wasn't seeing things.
"Ah, so you're identical twins?" she asked, glad to have a logical explanation for Naruto's earlier positional and behavioral changes.
"Not exactly," the Naruto by the stairs answered. "It's probably easiest if I just showed you."
Nojiko jumped as two more Narutos popped into existence next to her without warning. Poking one of the new additions, she confirmed it felt solid. Then as one, the two new ones and the one that had first started this situation by coming out of the room vanished.
"Pretty neat, huh?" Naruto said proudly.
"You know, I'm going to go pick my room now," Nojiko answered. "I could certainly use bed to lie down on."
"You better get used to strange things," Naruto advised. "Lots of people on the Grand Line have devil fruit powers. Any many of their powers are even more unusual than mine."
A couple of days ago, she'd been sure stories about devil fruit were simply myths. Now she'd personally seen the powers of two people who had consumed them. One of whom she was traveling with to a place where such people were common. Just what had she gotten herself into?
0o0o0
Naruto stood at the bow of the ship enjoying the sea breeze. One good thing that had come out of his meeting with the two Nezumis was that he'd had a chance to get some spare uniforms. He just felt more comfortable wearing one for some reason. He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see they belonged to Nojiko.
He still had reservations about bringing a civilian. And they were only magnified by how shell-shocked the blue haired young woman had been the other day when she'd first learned about his power. Thankfully, by the next morning it appeared she had fully recovered. She even took Akamaru's devil fruit power in stride.
"So, how much do you know about Luffy's crew?" Nojiko asked him.
"Well there's Pirate Hunter Zoro and some long nosed kid named Usopp," he counted off. "There was a couple of bounty hunters named Yosaku and Johnny and a cook by the name of Sanji who associated with him. But I'm not sure if they're members of his crew or not."
"I guess you already know about all of them I got a look at," Nojiko told him. "I was hoping I could help you there."
"Don't worry, we'll find them," Naruto promised her.
But she didn't seem terribly comforted by his assurance. Poor girl was probably still worried about what the pirates would do to her sister.
"Anyway, you said you hadn't been able to repaint the sails yet," Nojiko stated. "Is there any reason for that?"
"We don't have any paint," he answered.
"I thought that might be it," she said cheerfully. "We really should get some, unless you want to risk other marines mistaking you for pirates."
"Yeah, we'll get around to that when we have some time," he replied.
"I also couldn't find any spare lumber," she added. "What are we going to do if the ship needs repairs? And you don't have much variety in food. I said I could cook but I can't exactly work miracles. You know, we could stop back at my village quickly. I'm sure everyone would be happy to give us the supplies we need after how you helped us."
"Turning back now is too far out of our way," Naruto pointed out.
Nojiko looked disappointed by his pronouncement, and he wondered if she might be feeling a bit homesick already. She could be beating around the bush, not wanting to admit that openly after the scene she made the other day.
"You know, if you're having second thoughts about leaving home, I'm sure we can find someone who will take you back," he offered.
"No, it's not that," she quickly answered. "I just think we need to be fully prepared. You said yourself the Grand Line is a dangerous place."
"Actually," Naruto replied thoughtfully, "Loguetown should be only about an hour from here. We could stop there and get supplies without losing much time."
"That sounds great," Nojiko cheerfully declared.
"Besides, there's a good chance Luffy and his crew will stop in Loguetown as well," he told her.
"Oh? Why is that?" she asked, tensing up a bit.
It seemed however much she wanted to save her sister, she still grew nervous at the thought of facing the pirates again. Not that he could blame her. An ordinary civilian would be no match for even normal pirates. And Luffy was no normal pirate.
"It's the birthplace and execution site of Gold Rogers," Naruto answered. "It's almost like a tourist spot for pirates."
"In that case, do you mind if I take a turn in the crow's nest?" Nojiko queried. "I'm the most likely to recognize their ship if we come across it."
"Go right ahead," he responded.
As Nojiko climb up to the crow's nest Naruto suddenly heard his father "She's lying."
Turning around, Naruto faces his father with a confused look and says "What?"
"She's hiding something." Minato told his son.
"Why would she lying dad?" Naruto challenged his father on that subject.
"That's for you to figure it out." Minato retort.
Naruto got angry and snap "Why are you even here dad—to drive me crazy?"
"My question is why'd are you chasing Monkey D. Luffy Naruto?" his father asked his son on that subject.
"Because he's is a pirate dad!" Naruto replied. "And I'm a marine who is supposed to bring him to Justice."
"You fought alongside him protecting the Baratie from Don Krieg and his pirates." Minato pointed out.
"That's before I Knew he was a pirate." said Naruto.
"A pirate who risks his life to saved others." Minato confirmed.
"He kidnapped a girl." Naruto stated.
"Do you really believe that?" Minato asked.
"I had orders dad." Naruto protested.
"From that rat-weasel called Nezumi?" Minato alleged. "Deep down you know he's lying. There is more than meets the eye."
"I won't deny the man is rat-weasel dad." Naruto said, getting annoyed. "But what would you do if you were if my position?"
"Uh Naruto?" Nojiko calls down from the crow's nest. "Who are you talking to?"
0o0o0
As they neared Loguetown, Nojiko examined the other ships in dock through the telescope. Sure enough, there was the Going Merry. Of all the rotten luck. Why did she have to suggest this in the first place? But there was still hope the two parties wouldn't run into other. After all, her companions just wanted to get in, get their supplies, and leave as quickly as possible.
"Their ship isn't here," she yelled down down to Naruto, who was at the helm.
Or maybe it was one his clones? She hadn't figured out a way to tell the difference.
"But it looks like there's another port further north," she added. "We should check there as well."
"Setting course now," he yelled back.
Unsurprisingly there was no ship in the northern dock that matched the false description she'd given them. So she climbed back down to the deck as the ship was docked. Phase one of her plan was a success. Now she just needed to make sure they didn't bump into anyone from Luffy's crew.
But this was a pretty big town, so what were the odds of that? She just needed to try to convince them to stick together. If they split up she wouldn't be able to keep an eye on both marines.
"Akamaru and I should stay here and guard the ship," Kiba suggested.
"Yes!" Nojiko responded but winced as she realized she sounded far too excited about that. "I mean, that's a good idea."
If they thought it odd, they didn't say anything. And it certainly made her job easier to only have one of them running around town. So leaving with Naruto, they made their way into town.
"So, do you and your sister have any family back in Cocoyashi Village?" Naruto inquired.
"No," she answered solemnly. "Our mother was killed when Arlong took over our village. We don't have any family left but each other."
"Sorry," Naruto replied. "I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."
"Don't worry about it," she told him. "It happened a long time ago. Not that you ever truly get over it."
"I know what you mean," he replied. "I'm an orphan too. My father died over a decade ago. You learn to deal with it, but you never really stop missing them."
Looking down a side street to her right, her eyes went wide. She'd let herself get too caught up in their conversation and forgotten what she was supposed to be doing here. Now Zoro was running directly their way. Frantically scanning the area, she spotted a shop that looked promising, grabbed Naruto's hand, and dragged him inside.
"What's the big rush?" Naruto asked her after they were safely inside.
"Ah, just excited about shopping," she answered nervously. "You know how women get about shopping."
Inwardly she kicked herself for coming up with such a lame excuse.
"You're excited about buying lumber?" he asked dubiously as he examined the contents of the hardware store they'd entered.
"They have paint too," she quickly pointed out, grabbing up a large can of white paint and trying to smile convincingly.
Eventually he nodded and went around looking for the wood and tools they would need.
"That's all you're buying?" Nojiko asked when she saw him preparing to make his purchases.
"It seems like enough for now," he answered.
"It's better to err on the side of caution," she told him, and proceeded to grab up lumber from around the store and add it to the stack he was carrying.
Soon it was piled high enough that it blocked his vision. That should help if they have any more unlucky encounters. Naruto paid for their supplies and managed to maneuver his way outside the shop again.
"This is a lot of stuff," he complained. "I'm going to get some clones to help me."
"No!" she ordered quickly. "I mean you don't want to cause a scene do you? Not everyone is used to seeing devil fruit powers."
"I guess not," he admitted. "But I can't even see where I'm going."
"Don't worry. I'll guide you," she assured him.
Now they just needed to get some food and they could leave. Wait, there was Zoro again, running toward them from directly ahead. Not having time to be choosy this time. She twisted Naruto sideways and shoved him through the nearest door, following him inside.
"What are we doing in a clothing store?" he asked.
"I need to buy a raincoat," she lied. "It looks like it's going to rain."
"The sky looked clear to me," Naruto countered.
"Just trust me, I know these things," she insisted. "You should probably buy one too."
"I'll risk it," he responded.
So she began to look over raincoats. When she concluded she'd stalled long enough to give the green haired swordsman plenty of time to get out of the area, she selected a dark purple coat and purchased it.
Continuing on their shopping trip, she located a grocery store and led Naruto inside. The place seemed to have a pretty nice selection. Fruits, vegetables, a wide variety of spices, a blond cook. Wait ... a blond cook?! Looking again she confirmed that was indeed Sanji shopping in the same store as them.
At least his back was turned so he hadn't seen them yet. Running over to him, she shoved him to the ground behind an aisle. That would hide him from Naruto's view if he peeked out from around the lumber.
"Close your eyes and wait there quietly for a minute," she whispered to Sanji in her most sultry tone. "I have a surprise for you that I know you'll enjoy."
Sanji actually listened to her without even glancing back to see who had said it. So she left the now grinning fool there and went back to Naruto.
"This store doesn't look very good," she whispered to him. "We should go to another one."
"Why are we whispering?" he asked.
"Because it would be rude if the owner of the store heard me insult it," she told him.
Leading him back to the door, she started to walk out but came to a sudden stop when she saw Zoro run by a third time. What on earth was he doing? She watched him run into an alley a short distance away and again began to leave the store.
But she came up short a second time when Zoro ran right back out of the same alley he'd just entered. That's it, she was going to kill that idiot.
"What do you keep stopping for?" Naruto asked.
"There's a crowd outside," Nojiko claimed. "I just don't want you bumping into them. Don't worry though, they're moving on."
Her luck from that point improved a little. She was able to find another grocery store and buy some food and spices without running into any other familiar faces. And surprisingly, it had started pouring while they'd been in the store.
"Looks like you were right about the rain," Naruto conceded.
"Next time you'll know not to doubt me," she answered with a small laugh.
It figured that the only luck she'd have today was being right about the bad weather. At least she had her rain coat. Setting down the groceries she was carrying, she took her coat out of its bag and began to put it on. Meanwhile Naruto had managed to find his way outside and was already being soaked by the rain.
"Stop that pirate!" a feminine voice cried out.
Despite the fact she'd only gotten as far as putting one arm into the sleeve of her new coat, Nojiko ran outside in response to the call. But she was relieved to see it wasn't one of Luffy's crew, instead being a man with a big red nose who looked more like a clown than a pirate.
Turning sidewise so he could get a look at the man, Naruto moved in front of his path to block him. But instead of a collision, the pirate split into pieces. His upper body flew over Naruto's head while his feet ran right between his legs.
She watched his parts reattach themselves on the other side and continued running toward the docks. She still wasn't used to seeing devil fruit powers on display. But turning back, she saw that the woman who had called out hadn't slowed her own run and crashed into Naruto. Both of them went sprawling with the lumber and tools Naruto was carrying tumbling all over the place, along with the sword the woman had been wielding.
"Naruto?" the dark haired woman asked they recovered.
"Tenten?" he replied.
Apparently the two of them knew each other.
"Ah, I don't have time for this," Tenten cried out, jumping to her feet. "Buggy is getting away."
She then ran off after the departing form of the pirate.
"I'm going to help her," Naruto informed Nojiko.
In a flash, two clones where next to Nojiko gathering up the fallen supplies while the real Naruto ran off after Tenten. Not wanting to be left behind, Nojiko got up and followed after him. As she ran she got her other arm into her rain coat so it wouldn't drag behind her, but didn't see the point in buttoning it up, as she was already soaked.
It quickly became obvious that even her top speed wasn't enough to keep up. Naruto was gaining on Tenten, but both of them were pulling further ahead of her.
"Wait for me!" she called out.
Glancing back, Naruto summoned a third clone. The clone scooped her up in its arms without warning and ran with her in pursuit of the original Naruto. She struggled reflexively for a moment before calming down.
As embarrassing as it was, this was the only way she'd be able to keep from getting left behind. Still, being carried through the street, soaking wet, was not how she'd envisioned the day going.
0o0o0
Buggy and their crew had made it back to their ship and sailed off as quickly as they could hoist the anchor. As they pulled away he let out a sigh of relief for having escaped that island.
"Captain, a ship just left the dock in pursuit of us," Mohji informed him.
Grabbing a telescope, he looked at the ship himself, worried Smoker was coming after him. But in all the rain he wasn't able to make out who was on board.
"Keep running," he ordered, deciding to play it safe.
But the other ship proved faster, slowly gaining on them. Still, as they distance shrunk he was able to get a better look at their pursuers. He didn't see Smoker anywhere on the other ship. It was just that guns girl who'd styles her hair in a two Chinese-style buns fashion, along with a few young marines. He got nothing to fear from her or them.
"Bring us about," he ordered. "Prepare to open fire."
Turning the ship until their port cannons were facing the other vessel, they fired three shots. Two of them went wide to either side. However, Buggy was please to see the third taking a trajectory that would have it land right on top of a blond marine standing at the bow of their ship.
Seeing it hit he turned to Cabaji beside him.
"That's was almost too gruesome to w… HE CAUGHT IT?!"
What kind of a person could catch a cannonball with their bare hands? Still he couldn't protect the entire ship at once.
"Keep firing," he ordered. "I want that ship—GAH!"
The end of his order was cut off as he was forced to dodge the cannonball the young man had just caught. He'd thrown it back at him?! Examining the hole left in his deck, he struggled to get his heart rate back under control realizing how close that had come to hitting him.
Of course with Buggy's ship no longer fleeing, the other vessel was closing rapidly. And while he was still trying to recover from the shock of the most recent attack, his attacker himself landed on the Big Top's deck.
"You're boarding my ship?" Buggy mocked the blond. "Do you really think one person can take on my entire crew?"
"Let measure game fairly?" he says as ten more blonds popped into existence around him.
That made ten copies of a boy that could catch a cannonball and throw it back. As he was realizing that, another boy, a large dog, and that gun girl from before all jumped across, the two ships now having been pulled up next to each other.
"My crew is still more than capable of handling you themselves," he said as quickly flew up above the ship and out of range.
"Captain Buggy!" several of them cried out in protest.
But they weren't given much time for protest as they were attacked by their opponents. It's not like they had any room for complaint in the first place. He was just more valuable coordinating the fight from up here where he could get a good view.
"You call yourself a lion?" he yelled at Richie. "How can you be losing to a dog?"
There, see? His motivational speaking would be the key to their victory. He spotted someone else who looked to be in need of his help.
"First Zoro and now you're losing to a woman, Cabaji?" he berated.
Although oddly enough, while he'd been trying to motivate Cabaji, the woman was the one who seemed to be fighting harder in response to his call.
"Stop lying around and get up!" he ordered his crew, as the majority of those cowards were no longer participating, instead being sprawled out on the ground.
It was then he noticed one of the blonds was standing over his feet, which were still back on the deck, examining them curiously.
"Don't touch those!" he screamed.
"Oh?" the boy said in response. "You mean I shouldn't do this?"
He then stomped down on one of them hard, and Buggy was sure he felt some of the bones snap from the impact. Furious at the boy for the assault he flew down and got right into his face.
"I told you not to do that!" he screeched.
But the blond just smiled and it was then he came to the realization that he was now only inches from the person he'd flown up to avoid. The last thing he remembered was a fist heading for his face.
0o0o0
"I want to thank you again for your help, Naruto," Tenten told him. "Without the use of your ship, Buggy and his crew would have gotten away."
"Just doing my duty," he told her. "Anyway there's no reason you can't take these three back by yourself."
The three he was referring to were Buggy, Cabaji, and Mohji, the three leaders of the Buggy Pirates. Buggy was wrapped up in Kairōseki chain net, which were they put in a large sack that Naruto was carrying to make sure no body parts got away. The other two were more traditionally bound and walking behind them.
"Nonsense," she told him. "This is the second event I owe you big for. I'm not letting you go without meeting my Captain. I'll make sure he puts you in for a commendation."
Naruto acquiesced, but still didn't look happy. He must be one of those people who just weren't comfortable with praise. They soon entered the base, allowing themselves to get out of the storm. Another marine approached the two of them plus three captives as they dripped all over the entranceway.
"We've recaptured Buggy the Clown," she informed him. "Where are Captain Smoker and Ensign Tashigi?"
"We're sorry, Ensign Tenten," he replied. "But they left town to chase after Straw Hat Luffy and his crew. They were looking for you before they left, but no one could find you."
She'd been left behind? That's just great.
"Wait," Naruto said to the man, "Luffy was here in Loguetown?"
"Yeah, but he managed to escape," the marine responded. "Why? Have you run into them before?"
"We were chasing after the Straw Hat Pirates as well," Naruto answered. "But we didn't know they were here on the island."
"You're after them too?" asked Tenten. "If that's the case I have a favor to ask you. Please, take me with you."
"Uh, I don't know if that's a good idea," he replied, looking nervous.
"I know I'm the one who owes you," she admitted, "so I shouldn't be asking for more favors. But please, I have to catch up to Captain Smoker and Ensign Tashigi in the Grand Line."
He still appeared to be mulling over the idea, probably wondering if she'd be worth taking. Crashing into him earlier probably hadn't made the best impression.
"Come on Naruto," she told him. "You've seen me fight and know I'm pretty good sniper. I'm sure I can help you out when meet up with Captain Smoker and Ensign Tashigi ."
"That's not what I'm worried about," he reassured her. "It's just … oh what the hell…forget about it. If you're that determined to come, I'd be happy to have you along."
"Thank you," Tenten replied graciously. "You won't regret this. I'll find a way to pay you back for everything someday. I'll just grab a couple of things and meet you at the ship."
As Tenten turned around leave to get her things an angry Buggy yelled at Naruto from in the sack "You bastard! You're going to pay for this! When I get out of here I'll make you pay for that."
"Oh, you want a rematch?" Naruto asked threateningly.
"I'm sorry," Buggy quickly answered. "I didn't mean to say that!"
"Smart!" Naruto replied.
0o0o0
Naruto saw Tenten making her way through the rain to the ship, carrying a satchel over her shoulder. The worst of the storm seemed to have passed, but there was still a good amount of rain falling. He greeted her as she came aboard the vessel.
"We didn't have time for proper introductions before," he declared. "But this is Ensign Kiba, Akamaru, and Nojiko."
Tenten nodded to each one as he introduced them.
"Everyone, this is Ensign Tenten," he continued. "She'll be joining our crew. I'm sorry this isn't the best weather for a welcoming party."
"Nice job finding her," Kiba whispered approvingly to Naruto.
"I'm sorry," Tenten said, addressing Nojiko, "but I didn't catch your rank."
"I'm not in the marines," Nojiko replied simply. "I'm just serving as a cook."
"Nojiko's sister was captured by the Straw Hat Pirates," Naruto added. "She's come along to help rescue her."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Tenten told her, "But I promise I'll do my best to help bring them to justice."
"Yeah … thanks," Nojiko replied with a strained smile. "That's … uh … just what I wanted to hear."
Naruto nodded; impressed she was trying to put on a front of cheerfulness for Tenten's sake when the thought of her sister being held by pirates obviously made her uneasy.
"If you don't mind my asking, how did you get your own ship already?" Tenten inquired.
He did mind her asking, but Naruto wasn't about to say that. Nojiko, however, was kind enough to answer for him while he was still deliberating how best to respond.
"A marine captain by the name of Nezumi sent them after Luffy," she said. "He got beat up by the Straw Hat Pirates himself, so he sent some combat specialists after them."
"That makes sense," she replied to Naruto's relief. "I've seen Naruto fight on more than one occasion and he's very impressive."
"I'm really strong too, you know," Kiba claimed. "Buggy's crew was just too weak for you to see what I can really do."
"Ah, I wasn't implying you weren't," she assured Kiba. "I just didn't get much of a chance to see you fighting in all the chaos."
"Well forgive me for not having a flashy power or anything," responded Kiba petulantly.
"Now that we're all acquainted, let's shove off," Naruto ordered. "The longer we delay, the further behind we get."
As everyone got ready to leave the dock Naruto's father suddenly appeared and says "You're playing with fire son. It's bad enough you had to go AWOL, but what is worse is that you're dragging those that follow you into the heart of the inferno."
"I didn't force them to follow me dad." Naruto argued. "They choose to follow me on their own free will."
"That's because they look up to you out of respect and admiration Naruto." Minato talked own on him. "Kiba could stay behind at Shell Island yet his high opinion to you convinces him to go AWOL as well. And that girl Tenten…you didn't tell her that you stolen ship to go AWOL."
"I'll tell her later." Naruto shot back.
"And when is that going happened?" Minato questioned his son. "Will it be when you get caught by marines and arrested for going AWOL…or when you run into a pirate you can't handle!"
