"Speaking"
"Thoughts"
"Flashback"
"Attack"
lifewilbelife42: No one will be able to use Haki, just like no One Piece character will be able to use chakra, but I am contemplating giving one maybe two people Devil Fruits. I think I'll put up a poll and see what people think because I can continue the story either way.
Greymouser: It is Op but I'm trying not to make it to Op.
Cuervo Blanco: I like where your head is at but I don't think I will be making it so weapons can have Natural Chakra in them just because of its nature and difficulty controlling it.
Korrd: The Rasenshuriken would beat anyone but it also has a large attack radius thus why I haven't used it yet but don't worry I will. Also as I've said I fall under the belief that only seawater effects Devil Fruit users so Suiton attacks only work well with that.
MarTinez9: No they will not.
In case you didn't look over my responses people have been asking if any of the crew will eat a Devil Fruit. I am open to the idea and will be putting a poll up to see how people feel about it, reviews and PM's are also welcome. All I will say is if I do decide to Naruto will NOT be eating one, I feel he's got enough going for him.
I don't own anything to do with Naruto or One Piece.
================== Konoha ======================
"This is a lot of information." Kakashi said as he looked at the scroll in front of him. "You're sure it's accurate?"
"Yes, we received it from a pirate but most of it was confirmed by Igaram of Alabasta's Royal Guard." Naruto said as he leaned back his chair and put his hands behind his head.
"So what is not confirmed?" Kakashi asked as he rolled up the scroll and placed it on the desk, Naruto sighed and held up one had in a fist.
"Devil fruit types and Kairoseki or Sea stone" He said as he held up two fingers "Igaram has heard of Haki but never seen it so he couldn't verify it confidently."
"And this pirate, Ace was it?" Naruto gave him a nod as he lowered his hand "He offered up this information for free, why?"
"I don't believe this information is all that secretive, possibly just need to find the right source." Naruto shrugged to his sensei "Ace just happened to be ours."
"We'll see." Kakashi said as he picked up the bounty poster of Monkey D. Luffy. "So this is him huh."
"You've heard of him?" Naruto asked as he sat forward in his chair so it was on the ground fully.
"The few Jonin I allow to travel with merchants have. Apparently he beat the biggest pirates in East Blue within a few weeks before heading to the Grand Line." The Hokage placed the paper down and pulled out a folder from his desk and slid it to Naruto. The blonde cocked an eyebrow at his sensei as he picked up the folder and inspected the contents.
"What's this?" He asked as he started to read the file and only caught the first words.
"Alabasta is a very well-known country among the merchants." Kakashi leaned back in his chair and folded his hands in front of him. "I want you to offer all the help you can to them and get on their good side, something I know you can do. Afterwards offer that treaty to the king, if he accepts we will send a..." Kakashi stopped and rubbed his chin as he thought "An Ambassador, for show so nothing seems odd."
"This treaty is very generous." Naruto stated as he looked over the folder, he knew Kakashi and the new council were not like the one he grew up with but he figured with everything going on they would play closer to their chests.
"I'm not going to beat around the bush Naruto, we are exposing ourselves faster than we had hoped and if we don't make some friends soon I fear what will happen." Kakashi's voice sounded tired to Naruto so he closed his folder.
"Is this because of us?" He asked carefully.
"Yes and No. We may have been trained to blend in with civilians but once fights break out survival training kicks in." Naruto thought his sensei looked older than usual as he spoke "Almost every Jonin that goes out ends up doing something that wouldn't have stood out at home. Even I have slipped up while meeting with the leaders from the local villages."
"If it's any conciliation I doubt Baa-chan and Jiji would have handled this any better." Kakashi chuckled at Naruto's joke and looked up at the pictures of the previous Hokage on the wall.
"Thank you but the point is sooner rather than later the Marines will show up and it would be nice to have friends to help us." Naruto nodded and closed the folder as he stood.
"Right got it, well I'm going to go collect Choji and get back to the ship." Kakashi nodded as Naruto disappeared in a small swirl of leaves. He then got up from his chair and let out a sigh as he looked out at the village, thoughts ran through his mind. He wondered what would have happened if they had made different choices and hoped the ones already made were the best, shaking his head he sat back down and looked at the papers stacked on the corner of his desk.
"I wonder if Lady Tsunade would consider coming back to help with the paper work?" He mused to himself as he pulled the top sheet to him.
===================== Will of Fire ===================
"Couldn't I have stayed until we got there?" Choji asked as he and Naruto appeared on the deck of the ship. The blonde let out a sigh and shook his head.
"I'm sorry Choji but we need all hands on deck for this." Naruto paused after he spoke and chuckled on the accidental joke. "Anyway I promise you can go back after we finish."
"O I know." Choji said with a smirk "I heard the tongue lashing Ayame-chan gave you before I left." Naruto blushed and looked away as Choji chuckled; he knew his wife was terrifying when angry.
"Shut up." The blonde grumbled out as he walked to his room.
"Choji-kun!" the two men looked over as Lee flew across the deck and grabbed the large Akimichi in a hug, lifting him off the deck. "Congratulations my most youthful friend!"
"Thanks Lee, now can you let me down." Lee nodded but never stopped smiling as he let go of his friend.
"Naruto-kun, Shikamaru-kun is waiting for you in your room." Naruto nodded and walked to his room as Lee began to ask questions about Choji's daughter. Walking into his room he saw Shikamaru looking over some scrolls that he recognized as his research into combining Fuinjutsu and Natural Energy.
"You seem to be making a lot of progress for just thinking of it yesterday." Shikamaru said as he looked over one scroll, he didn't have any skill in Fuinjutsu but understood basic arrays.
"Actually I started that project about awhile back but lost interest when I hit a wall, now is the time to bust through it." Naruto said as he pulled off his jacket and hung it on the wall by the door.
"I see, why not just do what you usually do and leave some clones to gather and then summon them?" Shikamaru asked while putting the scroll down.
"I plan to but what if I don't make enough or am out of range after summoning for it to be useful?" Shikamaru looked confused at Naruto.
"Range?" Naruto smiled softly and nodded.
"Unlike regular chakra, Natural is alive and hard to contain. When the clone disperses the chakra is returned to me because it is mine but the Natural Energy starts going back to the earth." Naruto walked over to his notes and lazily looked over them. "I've found that the total distance the energy will go without a significant loss is fifty feet."
"I see, that's good to know." Shikamaru paused and walked over to a chair to sit down and look at Naruto. "Anything else you want to share?"
Naruto paused and carefully looked up at Shikamaru wondering what he could be talking about, a minute passed with the two of them looking at each other before Shikamaru let out a sigh, he knew Naruto was stubborn but was hoping to clear his mind of something's.
"Fine than." He said as he reached behind him and pulled out a scroll "Here are some ideas I had after talking to Ace." Naruto nodded and took the scroll opening it and scanning the page.
"I agree and will get to work on the ones I can." Naruto said as he began rolling up the scroll. "I want you to talk with Igaram and learn everything you can about Crocodile and Alabasta." Shikamaru nodded and headed out of the room to begin his task, leaving Naruto alone. The blonde let out a sigh before walking over to his desk and pulling out his Fuinjutsu equipment.
============== Nanohana, Alabasta (Two Days Later) ==============
Naruto looked out from the ship as they closed in on the large port town Igaram guided them to, he claimed it would be easiest to get in unnoticed and find a way to the capital. The city was similar to Suna, clay buildings covered the streets just past the docks and were filled with merchants and people walking between them. Most of the people were wearing cloaks, turbans and loose clothing to keep protected from the sun but not make them overheated.
"It is good to be home." Naruto turned as Igaram spoke and saw the small smile on the man as he laid eyes on his home. "I just wish it was under better circumstances."
"It will all work out Igaram-san." Naruto placed a hand on the man's shoulder and received a nod of thanks. The two watched as they pulled in to the port and Igaram pulled up the makeshift hood he had fashioned from extra clothes to hide himself. Shikamaru and he had decided that it would be best if no one knew Igaram was back until they absolutely had to so they could keep the element of surprise.
"Yes, now I know of a place we can get a wagon and some camels to travel to the capital. It will take a few hours but I know a safe route to take that will keep us away from public view." Naruto nodded along as he thought.
"We need a map of the kingdom, I'm going to send Sai to Rainbase and get information on Crocodile and the casino." The blonde looked over at Sai as he spoke and got a small nod before he went back to watching the port.
"Is it wise to separate?" Igaram asked, he had gotten to know them over the past days and knew they were capable but was worried none the less.
"Sai is the best at infiltration and information gathering that our village has to offer. If anyone can go unnoticed while tailing someone it is him." Shikamaru stated calmly, he knew Sai wouldn't brag about his skills but it was impressive.
"Very well, I will defer to your knowledge on these things." Shikamaru and Naruto nodded to the man before heading down the steps towards the dock. The rest of the crew all met them on the deck and Naruto looked over everyone.
"Alright first things first, Sakura, Lee and Tenten go buy clothing for us all, enough for a few days." The trio nodded and Sakura took a stack of bills that Shikamaru passed her. "Choji, Shikamaru and Temari go buy whatever we need to make the journey across the desert while Sai and I take Igaram to secure transportation."
"Water is very scarce in Alabasta so it will be expensive." Igaram said as they all walked down the plank onto the docks.
"Before I forget." Naruto said as he unsealed several scrolls and handed one to everyone but Igaram "Seawater is stored inside and it has a small explosive seal, like Tenten's, to shot the water out. If you come in contact with a Devil Fruit user and have trouble don't be afraid to use it."
"Clever." Tenten said as she opened and inspected the scroll.
"Thanks, Shikamaru thought of it." Naruto said over his shoulder to the girl.
"We should go this way." Igaram claimed as he pointed to a side street from the docks "The main street is where you will have the best luck finding the supplies and clothes."
Naruto turned and nodded to the others before he and Sai headed down the street that Igaram had pointed to. The streets were packed with people and Naruto was glad they had decided against using Henge, the others would have dispelled too quickly from the amount of bumping people and aroused suspicion. Naruto was surprised that the large figure that was Igaram didn't draw as much attention as he thought it would but shrugged it off and soon found himself watching the crowd as they walked. Eventually the street opened up into a large courtyard with a single building in the middle, Naruto took a sniff and immediately knew this was some kind of stable.
The building was large and made of some white stone with massive columns in the front, Naruto could not see the animals so he assumed they were in the back of the building and this was for appearances.
"I know the owner of this stable, I can meet with him and he will give us what we need." Igaram spoke quietly so only Naruto and Sai could hear him. The shinobi nodded and followed the tall man into the building and up to the front desk where he leaned in and whispered to the man behind it. A quick nod and the man ran down the hallway to their left, Igaram waved them over to some seats along the wall to wait. Around ten minutes later the man came back followed by a well dressed woman, who scanned the room and walked towards the group when she spotted them.
"Mr. Collins will see you sir." The trio started to rise but the woman held up her hand "Just you sir."
"It's fine, I will be back soon." Igaram said as he nodded to the woman and followed her back down the hallway. Naruto and Sai sat back down and waited patiently for Igaram to finish, keeping an eye on everyone in the room and who entered. After what seemed like a half hour Igaram came out smiling.
"How did it go?" Naruto asked as he and Sai stood.
"Very good, my friend has arranged two wagons for us. They are at the northern stable when were ready." Naruto nodded and motioned for Sai and Igaram to follow him, once they were outside Naruto lead them to an alley.
"Igaram, since you are trusting us I'm going to trust you." Igaram looked confused as Naruto raised his hands into a cross and created two clones. Igaram's eyes almost popped out of his head as he saw the two clones, before they disappeared in a flash of yellow.
"W-w-what?" Naruto chuckled at the man's reaction.
"As I've mentioned we have special skills, one is the ability to create clones." Igaram sputtered as he stared at the spot the clones where than back to Naruto. A few minutes of that he finally took a deep breath and collected himself.
"I suppose that was your Devil Fruit ability?" Igaram Asked. Naruto shook his head and started out of the alley.
"Nope, none of us has eaten a Devil Fruit." Igaram looked shocked again as he followed behind, he was trying to figure out how Naruto could do that without a devil fruit and wasn't having any luck.
"Don't think to hard Igaram-san, if things go well we will explain more." Sai said, Igaram looked over to him and nodded, stuffing away his questions for a later date. Igaram took over the lead as they walked north through the streets, stopping ever now and then for Naruto to duck into an alley. He had no idea what the man was doing but since Sai was acting like it was normal Igaram tried his best to ignore it. Finally they came to a large gate that led into the desert and Igaram saw the rest of the crew standing there but was surprised they were not holding anything.
"You guys have any trouble?" Naruto asked as they came to the group.
"Sakura-chan and Tenten-chan have found us many a youthful outfit to wear during our stay here Naruto-kun!" Lee called out as he gave them his patented thumbs up and shining smile, Igaram's eyes were suddenly covered and he heard two girls telling Lee to stop something. When he regained his sight he saw Lee twitching on the ground with Sakura and Tenten standing over him.
"What just happened?" The tall man asked only to get chuckles from the others as an answer.
"It's too troublesome to explain." Shikamaru said with a smile on his face. "But we got enough supplies to last a few days just in case." Naruto nodded and looked to Igaram.
"Where are our wagons?" Igaram waved for them to follow as he lead them out the gate and turned to follow the wall until they came to a large stable sitting just outside of the wall. They group followed Igaram as he walked up to a man in a nice cloak and spoke to him, the man nodded and rushed off calling for people.
"He is bringing them around to us, I also asked for two extra camels so Sai-san can travel to Rainbase." Naruto nodded and looked around before looking back at Igaram.
"Try not to say that out loud, you never know who might be working for them." Igaram gasped and nodded, he had given Naruto and the crew all the information he had on Crocodile and his group Baroque Works.
"My apologies, I am just excited to be home and wasn't thinking." Naruto nodded and waved him off.
"Understandable but remember what we're doing here." Igaram nodded as two wagons, drawn by two camels each, were brought to them and a camel was tied to the back of each. Naruto climbed into one with Igaram, Sakura, Lee and Sai while the others got in the wagon behind them.
"Just follow me!" Igaram called out over his shoulder to the others before snapping the reins and taking off into the desert, the pace was slower than Naruto would like but it was better than having them run full speed across the sand. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Sakura pulling out a scroll and unsealing a pile of cloaks of various colors. She separated three plain white ones and handed them to Sai before grabbing a light green and putting it on, she than handed Naruto a dark blue one. He smiled at her and pulled his jacket off to seal it, causing Igaram to go wide eyed again, before putting on the comfortable cloth.
"This thing isn't too bad." He said as he stood in the wagon and stretched his arms.
"True but I prefer my own clothing." Sai said as he looked down at the white robe he had put on.
"It's just for now Sai, you'll live." Sakura chuckled out as she separated all the clothes for them.
"Igaram-san do you have that map, I would like to look it over." Igaram turned and rummaged through a bag behind the bench for a bit until he pulled out a rolled up map. Sai took the map and unrolled it on the wagon before he unsealed a scroll, ink and brush to copy it on. They fell into silence as they rolled along the desert, Naruto looking back occasionally to be sure the others were still with them. Lee, being Lee, started doing pushups while Sakura opened one of the books she bought back in East Blue, Naruto decided he would catch up on some sleep.
Naruto was woken, after an hour of travel, when the wagon came to a stop. The blonde yawned and looked to see Igaram turning around on the bench.
"This is a good point for Sai-san to travel from, Heading west from here will take you to the river and you will find a ferry that will take you right to Rainbase." Sai nodded and sealed his belongings before untying the camel behind them and hopping on.
"I will send you a report when I arrive." Naruto nodded and Sai took off in a slow gallop towards the river.
"How far out are we Igaram-san?" Sakura asked as they turned back from Sai leaving.
"Another three hours I believe." Naruto nodded and laid back down.
"Well I'm going back to sleep than." Sakura sighed and shook her head as she opened her book and Igaram chuckled.
================== Alubarna =========================
"Naruto wake up." Sakura said as she shook her teammate, grumbling Naruto woke and stretched.
"We there?" He asked sleepily while rubbing his eyes.
"It's on the horizon, I thought it best that everyone was awake." Igaram said over his shoulder, Naruto looked past the man to see a large rock sticking out of the ground ahead of them. He could just make out white structures on the top of it and steps carved into the rock leading upwards.
"Incredible." Naruto said quietly but Igaram heard him and smiled.
"Yes that is Alubarna, built on a large rock with four staircases built to access the city." Lee came up to the bench and looked out at the city.
"That is a very youthful idea to keep your people safe." Igaram chuckled, he was getting used to the man's way of speaking and found it interesting.
"Yes it is, we will use a secret passage only known to the royal family and myself to enter the city and palace." Naruto nodded and walked back into the wagon to wait for their arrival.
It took only a few minutes for them to reach the massive rock and Igaram guided them away from the stairs. Moving around the rock they eventually came to a stop and Igaram hopped off the wagon and began looking at the stone wall, he finally smiled and grabbed hold of a bump and pulled down. The wall began to shake and revealed a large door in the rock face, Igaram ran back and jumped into the wagon to steer them in.
"Excellent, now we merely follow those stairs and we will come out in the Kings study. Allow me to go first in case he or the guards are there." Igaram called out as he walked to the wall and pulled a lever to close the opening. Naruto nodded and saw that the others had all thrown on cloaks like his but varying colors Shikamaru in black, Choji in red, Temari in a dark purple and Tenten in a cream colored.
"Is there no way to alert them we're coming up?" Shikamaru asked as they headed towards the stairwell.
"I am afraid not, this is really only used as an exit and so one was not created." Igaram explained as he grabbed a torch from the wall and used the lighter on the wall nearby to ignite it. He lead the shinobi up the stairs and again was amazed by their skill, he couldn't hear anyone behind him and wouldn't believe he was being followed if he didn't know better. It took several minutes, and a few stops to catch his breath, but eventually they came to a landing with a lever on the wall. Pulling it down the farthest wall swung open and revealed a large open study.
The group walked in and looked around the room, a large wooden desk was stationed near the farthest wall to them and bookcases were against all of the walls except one that was all floor to ceiling windows. Igaram walked towards the double doors along the wall and put his ear against it, making sure to be absolutely quiet.
"No one is outside so his Highness must be elsewhere." Igaram said, more to himself than everyone. He then moved a small painting, revealing a gold rope, and pulled down on it before closing the small door and moving to the desk. "That will summon a servant, stay behind me and I will have whoever it is go get his Highness."
Seconds later the group heard the scurrying of feet and the door was opened by a young brunette in a maid outfit. She looked confused when she saw Naruto and the others but became surprised when she saw Igaram.
"Mr. Igaram sir, I didn't know you had come back." She ran forward and gave the man a hug as he chuckled.
"Yes, Amelia I am but please do not tell anyone yet." The girl backup and nodded at his words. "Now I need you to calmly go to his Highness and inform him I am here with guest and to come immediately." The girl smiled and quickly ran out the doors and down the hallway, Igaram smiled and walked over to close the door.
"She won't be blabbing to anyone will she?" Naruto asked as Igaram came back towards them.
"No, only the maids we trust the most may come to this room and Amelia has been working here since she was eleven, I trust her to stay quiet." Naruto nodded and leaned against the wall. Minutes ticked by before more footsteps were heard and the door opened, Naruto and the others looked up as three figures quickly entered and shut the doors behind them. The first man was of average height. He has a wrinkled face, a tied-off beard, and long, curly, black hair. He wears a green robe with yellow edging, an orange and beige sash around his waist, and a purple coat.
On his left was a tall man with a purple line under each eye that runs down the sides of his face, wearing a long white robe with brown star-like motifs on it and a matching hat. He had a big orange necklace around his neck, and also sports striped socks under a pair of normal shoes. On his hip he had a long sword that Naruto was sure Tenten was going to be inspecting later. The final man of the trio was a tall, imposing dark skinned man with medium length black hair and a long broad nose, wearing a long, light-green tunic, revealing his muscular chest, and has two tissue belts around his waist: a striped, pale-red and crimson large one, and over it a purple, thinner one. Around his neck there's a necklace consisting of big golden beads, and he has a dark-green coat draped on his shoulders like a cape. He too had a massive sword, with a blue hilt and sheath, on his right hip.
"Igaram!" called out the leading man in the purple coat as he rushed to Igaram and grabbed him in a hug.
"Hello you Highness." Igaram chuckled out. "Pell, Chaka." The two men nodded to Igaram as he acknowledged them but their eyes remained on Naruto and the others. The king looked across the group and a small frown fell on his face.
"Where is Vivi?" Igaram gulped before taking a deep breath.
"We were discovered at Whiskey Peak and forced to flee, I tried to distract the agents but may have failed. I trust the people she is with to watch out for her but I have no idea where she is." The group saw a flash of sadness and fear in the kings eyes but he shook his head.
"She is a smart girl, I'm sure she will make it home." He clapped Igaram's arms. "Now, who are these people?" Igaram nodded and turned to Naruto.
"These are the people who helped me get home, Naruto and his crew Shikamaru, Temari, Lee, Tenten, Choji and Sakura." The crew stepped forward and shook the Kings hand as they were introduced. "And this is his Majesty, King Cobra and his two head guards Pell and Chaka."
"Welcome to Alabasta and thank you for helping Igaram please let me know if there is anything you need." Naruto nodded to the king.
"Thank you sir, we we're happy to help Igaram and you as well." Cobra cocked an eyebrow and turned to Igaram.
"I have told them of our problem and they have offered to help." Cobra frowned as he looked over at the group.
"I mean no offense but this may be over your head." Naruto and the others chuckled lightly.
"None taken your Highness but you would be surprised at what we have to offer." Naruto said with a grin. "Of course the fact I've helped save a town, country and entire Nation doesn't need to be mentioned."
"I believe they will be very helpful you're Highness, they have already sent a spy to get information." Cobra looked surprised again and rubbed his chin as he looked over the group, he couldn't deny they needed help and an if they had the fore thought to spy he would be interested to see what else they thought of.
"Very well." Cobra said as he walked around his desk and sat down. "So I take it you have information for us?"
"I have discovered who the leader of Baroque Works is." Igaram took a breath and sighed. "It's Crocodile." Cobra, Pell and Chaka all looked shocked but it was quickly turned to anger as Cobra slammed his fist on the desk.
"Damn him, we let him into our country and allow the monstrosity of a casino to exist and this is how he repays us?"
"We will go arrest him now your Majesty." Pell says as he and Chaka's hands drop to their blades.
"No, he is still seen as a hero to the people and if he is seen getting arrested we will lose what little faith they have in you your Highness." Igaram said as he leaned on the desk towards the king.
"Igaram is right, we need to find something on him first." Cobra leaned back in his chair and stroked his chin in thought.
"As Igaram said earlier we have someone on that, Shikamaru and I will be joining him after he arrives and will deal with Crocodile." The Alabastians all turned to look at Naruto.
"Are you sure? He is one of the Shichibukai and not someone to take lightly." Chaka said somewhat skeptical.
"Don't worry about that, we are more than capable of handling ourselves." Naruto said getting a grin from Lee, Tenten and Temari.
"What will the rest of you be doing while you leave than?" Pell asked, still somewhat uncomfortable with the group.
"Sakura is a very skilled doctor, using that she will infiltrate the rebels along with Tenten and Temari. The three of them will gather what information they can and try to turn some of the rumors about you." Cobra nodded along with the plan as Shikamaru explained it, even though he wasn't sure of it. "Choji and Lee will remain here just in case there is a problem or you need extra muscle."
"What do you need from us?" Cobra asked the group.
"I will need some empty crates and boxes; I have the supplies to fill them." Sakura said, Cobra nodded and looked to Chaka.
"Chaka will gather them and place them in a wagon for the three of you along with water. We will give you a map to the Rebel camp as well." Chaka nodded and walked out of the room to gather the items.
"If you know where they are why do you not just capture the Rebels?" Shikamaru asked the king.
"I want a peaceful way to solve this and if we went straight at them many people would lose their lives." The group nodded and Naruto was glad to hear the man wasn't ready to end this in blood shed.
"Naruto and I don't need anything but you will need to make up a reason for Choji and Lee being around the palace. I would suggest saying they are guards hired by Igaram form somewhere else, that would explain why he's been gone for so long to." Cobra nodded with a grin at the idea.
"Excellent idea Shikamaru-san, you seem to be a skilled tactician." Shikamaru smiled and bowed slightly to the king. "Will you need transportation to Rainbase?"
"No we have our ways, if we could have a room to rest in until it's time that would be nice." Naruto said as he pushed off the wall, Cobra nodded to Pell and the guard bowed back.
"Please follow me." The guard said as he turned on his heel and walked out the doors, with Naruto and the others in tow. Igaram closed the doors behind them and walked back to stand in front of Cobra.
"Can we trust them my friend?" The king asked as he looked to the door.
"I believe so, I have not been traveling with them long but they don't seem like the kind of people who would offer us help and then betray us." Cobra nodded but let out a sigh.
"What has happened to my Kingdom?" Cobra asked as he stood and looked out his window. "What kind of king am I when I must rely on others to help save it?"
"A wise one." Igaram said as he stood next to him. "Only a fool would deny help when he needs it."
"We shall see my friend." Cobra said as he turned and walked towards the door. "We shall see."