A/N: WOW! Over ONE THOUSAND & SIX HUNDRED AND EIGHTY REVIEWS as of last chapter! Thank you so much for all of your support and I'm sorry for dissapearing on ya'll like I've done! I never thought that this story would become the sensation that it is for you guys and gals and myself! ALSO...MERRY SUMMER! What's left of it! I know this chapter was late in coming out, but I had a lot of work to do, and I needed to let the manga get ahead of me somewhat! Now that it has, I am finally free to continue! I'm proud to say that things heat up this chapter, as we finallly start to bring a close to the Fishman arc, then onto the juicy bits with the others!
But I digress. Pretty soon, PLENTY will have their turn with him, eventually. Keep in mind that Naruto KNOWS Robin, and she knows him, and as such, she's bound have a bit of an advantage over the others wenches AT FIRST. Poor Sanji. He's going to be so very very jealous when he learns of Burning Will's popularity with the ladies XD I also added some much needed humor in this chappy short thought it might be. I'm terribly sorry for being gone so long and not updating in FOREVER but with this chapter, and another slew of updates, I plan to ammend that!
Now, I know all of you are eager to see the Strawhats arrive at Fishman Island, and to see everyone's reaction once they learn that Burning Will is in town. I promise you, it won't be a dissapointment. You'll soon see just what kind of elegant, flowing tapestry I'm weaving for you here. Now, in lieu of further chit-chat, I present to you, the fruits of my labor! And...long last, another moment you have all been waiting for, taking place in this chapter...some very much needed romance!
...and away we go! Sorry if its short! But consider this story officially restarted! We're covering a lot of ground here!
"Pitiful fish. Your hope ends here...and your meaningless existence with it!"
~Burning Will.
Fire and Water
"Love is a Hurricaaaaaane~!"
Naruto swansonged out of the Mermaid Cafe whistling a happy tune, his eyes aglow with hearts. There was a spring-a swagger, mayhaps?-in his step that Sanji immediately noticed, a curl to his lips. Enough so that it all but jolted him out of his mermaid daze. Impossible not to noticed as he walked/staggered over to the rest of the cove. If ever there was such a thing as a lovestruck look, this was it.
"What did you do?
"Nothing." The blond made a point of re-adjusting his tie. "I just reminded someone that the present is more important than the future." There was a moment of tense disbelief as the cook proccessed those words of his fellow blonD the gears slowly grinding together in his head. Present? Future? What was he talking about-ding! The proverbial lightbulb snapped on just above his head. Present...Future...Shirley! A thin line of blood took itself out of his nose, trailing away down his now trembling jaw.
"I...you...you didn't!"
"Did!"
"Uh...guys?" Usopp called from across the grove.
"I'll tell you what he did," Mei purred. "He won my boss's heart!"
"Guys?'
Steam spouted out of Sanji's ears. "Basatard! Why is it always you?!"
"What can I say? Its a gift?"
"HEY!"
"Hmmm?" Naruto blinked at Usopp's shout only now becoming aware of the prescence of Hammond and the princes. "Oops, I think I might've missed something here...okay, maybe a lot? Guess I was gone longer than I thought...
"Oh really?" Hammond snarled, "And who might this weakling ningen be?"
"I can't believe a racist moron like you doesn't know who this is," Mei Terumi smiled as she looped an arm within the blond's. "This is Burning Will, Uzumaki D. Naruto."
The silence was deafening.
"B-B-B-Burning Will?"
Naruto grinned ferociously as he pulled his arm free, distentangling himself from Mei.
"Hammond, right?" He drew his arm back, fingers clenched into a fist. "Sorry, we haven't really had the chance to meet. But I'mma have ta charr ya a little. Actually," Flames flickered at the dack of his clenched hands, rearing back to obliterate the fishman before him. "You're probably gonna die."
"Wha-
"HIKEN!"
And then there was only the fire.
Naruto cocked his head fractionally as Hammond and his cronies fluttered away, mere ashes in the breeze. Now there remained only the princes to deal with. Hopefully it wouldn't come down to a fight. Unless...? A slow smile spread across his face; because an idea was already forming in the back of his mind. If he truly was seen as a hero here then perhaps...perhaps they might be able to get away with this after all.
"I apologize for the mess." He began, softly. "I don't take kindly to those who threaten my crew and friends."
"And you are?"
"Again, greetings." Naruto stepped forward, his hand raised peacably. "You are the princes, I take it?"
"Take a good long look at my face." Naruto stated sternly. "Do you honestly think I would harm any of the fair maidens residing here?"
The whole of the Mermaid Cove swooned before his words.
"Aaaaaaah, Naruto-kun!"
"Had we known of the main entrance, we would have taken that route. As it was, a number of pirates forced our hand. Surely you'd be willing to understand our situation here?" There was a moment of tense silence as he stared the trio down. A smile curved at his lips.
"Would you Kindly take us to the palace?"
(Leagues beneath the sea, in the Fishman District...)
Now Hody Jones and his lieutenants were very surprised that the "Monster of the Sea" had come to visit. Just few months ago Hody Jones had attempted to recruit Kisame Hoshigaki into the New Fishman Pirates. No one had seen him in many years since the disbanding of the Sun Pirates. Showing up from out nowhere was a big surprise and chance for Hody to recruit Kisame on his side.
When Fisher Tiger was alive, Kisame had been regarded as among the most powerful members of the Sun Pirates. Even among Fishmen, his physical strength was considered monstrous and a fearsome master of Fishman Karate, alongside Jinbe. In addition, Kisame was the wielder of the Samehada, a mysterious and powerful sword said to be both alive and capable of its own will. Kisame held. a dangerous reputation among the Grand Line's most famous pirates.
For example, Kisame had fought a fierce battle with Dracule "Hawk-Eyes" Mihawk, a member of the Shichibukai and the current holder of the title, "Greatest Swordsman in the World", in equal measures. Another example of Kisame's strength is that he once wiped out 100 Marine warships in mere moments and nearly killed Admiral Aokiji. Having the "Monster of the Sea" on their side was guarantee that Ryugu Kingdom will fallen.
However Kisame refused the offer to join the New Fishman Pirates. He insult Hody and his lieutenants, calling them addicted kids who weren't worth his time. He also insulted them further of lacking Fisher Tiger's Spirit. For Hody, he would have killed Kisame for that insult, however he didn't due of fear of the"Monster of the Sea" s power. He had promised himself after King Neptune and his family was taken care of him, he was going to deal with Kisame personally.
"What are you doing here Kisame?" Hody asked coldly. "I thought you didn't want to join the New Fishman Pirates?"
Kisame looked at Hody as if he were a child pretending to be a man. Then he spoke, "I'm here because I've made a decision. I've decided to join your little band of addicts to overthrow theRyugu Kingdom."
This seems to surprise Hody and his lieutenants. They knew Kisame held no love or respect for them and they began to grown suspicious of his motives.
"You're joking." replied Zeo.
"You really want to know?" Kisame responded with a wicked smile.
"Yeah!" Dosun demanded. "You think we're just going let you in our crew just like that?"
"You embarrassed us and now you want join us?" Daruma snarled. "Gives us one good reason to even consider letting you in our crew!"
"Well one thing's for sure," Kisame chortled softly. "I do know that the Straw Hat Pirates are here on Fishman Island. No one's seen them in two years and I've no doubt in my mind that they're strength now rivals even that of the strongest New world Pirates.
"We know that the Straw Hat pirates are here on Fishman Island," Hody responded. "And despite their reputation, they're still just weakling humans to deal with."
"Even Burning Will Uzumaki D. Naruto?" Kisame sneered.
The very mention of the name seems caused some of Hody's officers to grow nervous as they noticed the dark rage covering their captain's face. Pointed teeth gnashed together furiously, emitting a grinding sound akin to that of nails dragging themselves across a chalkboard. His fingers clenched around his trident with enough force to physically crack the powerful weapon, sending tiny rivulets of blood trailing down his pale fingers to
"You better watch yourself old man," Hody growled in a dangerous tone. "I don't care if you're among the most dangerous pirates in the Grand Line. You say that name again...
...and I won't hesitate to kill you!"
"You're than welcome to try," the swordsman rumbled in a voice that sounded like a slow-moving avalanche, his teeth flashing merrily.
"I'll take care of everything myself."
(Back with Luffy and co...)
And he did.
Invading the palace was pitifully easy, even for the humans flung into the castle by Vanderdecken. For Kisame? Child's play. He would've prefferred to enter during the chaos that came with the main banquet, but alas, sometimes one had to adjust their plans for the quirks that came with fate. He had no interest in Shirahoshi, or this whole new age that Hody was preaching about. No-there was only one thing that interested him. The rumors said that this Burning Will had taken down an admiral. Singlehandedly. A man like that might be able to give him a good fight. That he was here in the palace, well...that was a bonus
Indeed, Burning Will proved himself an able opponent, but nothing could have prepared him for the dread power of Samehada.
Then again, nothing could have prepared Kisame for the ingenuity of Ace's successor.
"Katon Karakusagawara Seiken."
"EH?!" Nami balked as Naruto's knuckles barreled into Kisame's face as a shockwave rippled across the other members of the New Fishman Pirates and sent them flying; the improvised technique launching the fishman halfway across the palace, "When did you learn Fishman karate?!"
"I'm a quick study." Naruto stuck his tongue out playfully-then he held up a hand. "Three...two...one..."
What Naruto had started counting down for was made apparent as the Fishmen with Kisame were all tossed backwards by some kind of invisible force and, to the shock of the Straw Hats, they also burst into flames as they struck the ground.
"Wha-What HAPPENED TO THEM?!" the rest of the Straw Hats shouted as Hody's minions shreiked and flailed about, trying to exstinguish the flames that devoured them. They thought that Kisame's sword drained Naruto's devil fruit abilities!
Naruto popped his neck, "While I only have enough of my powers to boil water, that's still enough. The secret of Fishman Karate is mastery of the water in the user's direct vicinity, using its power to send powerful waves impacting the water within the opponent's body. Since every living creature is basically nothing more than a mass of water, Fishman Karate-users are able to battle opponents that are usually highly resistant, if not immune, against blows and punches. It can be used effectively on land if you know how to utilize the water in the atmosphere and make use of it to attack. I combind that with my Mera Mera no mi powers to ignite the fats and body oils in these clowns. Hence why I added the "Fire style" at the begining of the Arabesque Tile True Punch."
Nami and the others covered their mouths as they swallowed their vomit as they watched the members of the New Fishman Pirates burn alive from the inside out. They found the sight and sound of the burning fishmen repulsive, yet despite their horror, couldn't bring themselves to look away.
"Uragh...alright...a human knowing fishman karate...I admit I wasn't expecting that. You're a real piece of work and as tough as your reputation clames, Burning Will, I'll give you that." The swordsmen said as he pulled himself up.
"Seems I'm not the only piece of work here that dose their reputation justice. Sheesh..."Monster of the Sea" indeed, that attack didn't kill you? What are you made of?" Naruto asked.
Kisame shrugged "I was feeling a bit dehydrated. Not as much water in my system. Not that your attack still didn't hurt me, just not as badly as it would have."
Naruto scowled. Well...that was no good at all.
"Ho...and I forgot a neat little trick I figured out: the ability to combind the natures of devil fruit energies that my sword took in! And wouldn't you know it, I can combind the powers of the Horo Horo no Mi and the Mera Mera no Mi to generate a Will-O-Whisp!"
Naruto turned somewhat pale, while he feared ghosts, he feared loosing those he cared about more. Still...how did you combat and stop the incorporeal?
Samehada jerked and coughed, and a small, free-floating fireball that was an ethereal, haunting, shade of venomous neon green came out of it. The will-O-the-wisp hovered between them all for a moment before it glowed and sprouted linbs and it's shape changed into the outline of a person beofe it gained further details.
Once the spirit gained it's full form, Nami clapped her hands to her mout and tears welled up in her eyes as she screamed. That...that couldn't be!
"Nami-chan?!"
"Bell-mère!"
Kisame gawked before laughing openly."Well...THAT'S a face I haven't seen in years! Reminds me that I swore to kill Arlong for killing you, Bell! Heh...the only marine to ever volunteer to hunt me down...if it weren't for finding those two brats in the wreckage of that last battle we had with one another...damn...it made you just HAVE to give that rivalry up. I haven't forgotten that day you quit on me Bell...still pisses me off that you did...Marines sent to an island to fight pirates I was with. The fighting, all the dead and the destroyed village the two sides were fighting in. How you lay wounded and dying from the injures caused by my Samehada..." Kisame sighed nostalgicly, before he scowled."And then those two brats came along and ruined everything!You quit the Marines and left our business unfinished! And if that weren't bad enough, you go and let Arlong kill you to protect a pair of foster twirps! You were MY PREY! I was supposed to be the one to kill you!"
Hearing that, Nami snapped.
"YOU BAAAAAAAAASSSTTTTTTAAAAAAAARD! THAT'S MY KAA-CHAN YOU'RE SAYING THAT TO!" the navigator screamed, seeing red. Rushing at the "Monster of the Sea" with her Clima-Tact like it was a lance.
Knocking her aside, Kisame glared at Nami "She's your WHAT?! I swore to kill everyone that made it so that my business with Bell-mère couldn't be finished. Never thought one of them would fall into my lap like this!" Kisame snarled, pointing the bandaged sword at Nami, then raised it above his head and brought it down.
Bell-mère screamed her name and moved to protect her daughter, even if the living blade would only pass through her, she had to keep her family safe.
There was a sudden blur of motion and the bandages around Kisame's sword were slashed away and his sword halted before landing on the Cat Burglar.
"What the...?!" Kisame said, then saw who was blocking his blade, and his eyes widened. So...he could move faster than light when he really pushed himself after all. No wonder it was reported he could out-pace the Pika Pika no Mi abilities of Admiral Borsalino Kizaru during both his encounters with the man, both in his attack Mariejoa and later in Shabondy when he faced both Kizaru and Akainu.
"Kisame...you just crossed the damned line with this!" Naruto hissed. The Supernova's muscles buldged as he forced Samehada off the edge of Kokushibyō and his free hand smashed into Hoshigaki's face like a sledgehammer and sent the shark-man tumbeling backwards.
"Nami...with your permission, may I beat the shit out of this guy?"
Nami shook all over as she growled her responce "Just so long as it's unnecessary painful, unnecessary messy, and you free my Kaa-chan, you've got my blessings!"
Naruto shot her a devilish, razor-thin smirk "That's was my intention even if you said otherwise."
Kisame stood up and shook his head, rubbing his jaw with a clear grimace"What the hell...? You're still going to fight without your full powers at your disposal?" he seemed more curious than anything else as he voiced the question.
"Devil Fruit-users are usually overly-dependent on their special powers. But I chose not to follow that norm. Why do you think I learned fishman karate, Haki, swordsmenship, and bare-bones hand-to-hand? It was so I wasn't as helpless as most with the mixed blessings of the sea devil without my powers. You may have stolen most of my Mera Mera no Mai abilities with your sword, but that's only too big a problem. After all, before I had those powers I did fight on equal grounds with Fire Fist Portgas D. Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates under Edward Newgate. You really think I've let those skills dull just because of a weird piece of fruit?" Naruto asked Kisame pointedly.
Kisame chuckled. "Ok...I'll give you that. And I did say your full power would return if I was ever beaten, by whom dosen't matter."
"Sounds fun!" Naruto shouted, rushing Kisame, blade ready for blood.
A/N: And there we go! Been awhile, hasn't it folks? As I said, I've been on a massive updating spree! I'm sure many of you might be wondering what I plan to do with the Donflamingo arc coming soon in this story, as well as the matter of the contest and Sabo himself. But fear not! I have plans! I can promise you this, though, the Punk Hazard is going to be veeeeeery amusing. Can you say body-swapped Robin and Naruto, anyone? Bwahahahaha!
So...In the Immortal Words of Atlas..
...Review...Would Ya Kindly?
(Preview)
Water.
Naruto hated water.
It wasn't just that he couldn't swim, although it was almost certainly a factor. Water was simply the polar opposite of his element. He'd never liked it, even less so since he'd eaten the Mera Mera no mi. He despised the idea of getting wet, even when it came to getting wet. It was rather ironic, given the fact that he'd chosen to make his life one on the high seas.
But this was different. Never in all of his years had he expected to find a warrior of this calibre. Trapped in a dome of crushing pressure; with almost no oxygen left in his lungs, powers reduced to a mere flicker of their former selves-and all that awaited him outside was the cold depths of the ocean's embrace.
"Now then," Kisame grinned, the shark's words warping within the realm of wetness. "Just how do you intend to get out of this, Burning Will?"
R&R! =D
