Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Author Note: So I was heavily inspired by FireShadowWorker's work on The Whirlpool Road so if anyone sees or feels any similarities then this is where the inspiration came from. I will also probably update this once a week.
"So Kakashi-sensei gave me permission to go out and travel the world."
Naruto put down her bowl of ramen and slapped on a smile as Sakura and Hinata blinked at her. She twirled her chopsticks and ducked as both of her friends spat out their food content. That was a close one. A strangled cry pierced through the air as green and pale lavender eyes continued to widen with disbelief.
"N-Naruto-chan, you are actually going to go through with your first childhood dream?" Hinata asked, trembling as she put down her chopsticks. Sakura once again swirled her head at her. Her pink-haired teammate raised both of her eyebrows at her and picked up her glass of tea with shaking hands. "You are really going to go through with it?"
The blonde hummed. "It's about time, don't you think? I wanna travel the world and experience freedom!"
Teuchi chuckled and shook his head as he handed her a second bowl of miso ramen. Naruto grinned and sniffed the salty scent. Her stomach rumbled with desire as Sakura and Hinata exchanged glances. What was the big deal? It wasn't like there were people after her anymore and Sasuke was back to his normal self, so there was no big issue.
There was no longer a reason for her to stay behind.
"But didn't you travel with Jiraiya-sama?" Sakura knitted her eyebrows together and cleared her throat as Hinata bobbed her head in agreement. From behind the counter, Ayame turned around and stared at her with curious eyes. The whole ramen stand grew quiet as more and more eyes turned to stare at her.
The blonde felt her stomach rolled around with nerves. She gulped down a lump and looked down at her sweating palms before glancing at the curious eyes of her friends. How did she explain things to them? There was a huge difference between travelling with a pervert, who trained her, and her going off on her own.
"That was training and I didn't really get to have an adventure," Naruto explained, bobbing her head. She poked her tongue against her cheek and took a deep breath. "I wanna see the sea and have all those adventures that the merchants talk about! I wanna see the world like Sasuke is doing right now! Bastard stole my idea."
"He is doing a journey of self-reflection," Sakura reminded her. "You want to have fun. How on earth is that the same idea, Naruto?"
"We both get to see the world," Naruto retorted. Her teammate paused and tilted her head before nodding her head while Hinata shook her head. The whiskered teen glanced down at her ramen and breathed in the salty goodness that was her second bowl of ramen. "If the bastard could go on a journey then I can do the same thing."
Sakura sighed and slumped her shoulders. "Have you actually thought this through?"
"Yup." Naruto bobbed her head and twirled her chopsticks around as her friends continued to stare at her. She already found the nearest port and finding a ship shouldn't be too difficult. There is definitely going to be a ship that would accept taking me out of the Elemental Countries and into the outside world. She grinned. "I have been planning this journey since I was five! It's my dream after all!"
"I thought your dream was to become Hokage," The pink-haired girl frowned and rubbed her shoulders. Ayame and Teuchi exchanged glances before bobbing their heads while Hinata just stared at her with concern eyes.
The blonde took a deep breath and looked down at her food. Hokage. That had always been a wonderful dream but it would be a while before Kakashi-sensei would be willing to give her that hat. Besides I wanna know how different the world is and see if all those stories about pirates are true or not. She tilted her head to the side.
"Well Hokage is my goal," Naruto placed the chopstick on the top of her mouth and smiled as the people around them continued to gawk at her. The chopstick tilted to the left and a quick tug on her right corner of her lip returned the balance. "Going out to sea is my dream and since it will be a couple of years before Kakashi-sensei gives me the hat…I should accomplish my dream."
Once Kakashi-sensei gave her that hat then travelling and having adventures would need to stop. I will be stuck behind a desk with a pile of boring paperwork. Naruto shuddered and the chopstick dropped onto the table. It was better to get rid of that wandering desire now then for her to regret it later.
It would probably be a big problem if she stayed behind a desk and wondered about the what ifs.
"It feels like we are back to square one," Sakura whispered. Naruto blinked and jerked her head as green eyes inspected her before moving to Hinata and then returning back to her. A wry smile played on her pink-haired friend's lips. "It was nearly five years ago when you left with Jiraiya-sama for your training trip and I went to Tsunade-sensei for training."
The blonde bobbed her head. "Yeah but this time you can join me if ya want! We're 17 now and this is the perfect time for us to travel and explore the world! No Akatsuki! No responsibility—"
"I have responsibility," Sakura said flatly, picking up her chopsticks and eyeing her ramen. Naruto blinked and her pink-haired friend let out a sigh before shaking her head at her. "Did you forget that I still work in the hospital? Or do you think I have been blowing you off for no reason for the last couple of weeks?"
She rubbed the back of her neck. "I thought you were upset that the Bastard left again and that you have been locking yourself up because you missed him so much."
"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't like him in that way anymore?" Sakura asked with a groan. Hinata giggled and the whiskered teen only shrugged before shaking her head at her teammate. Her green-eyed teammate let out another sigh and shook her head. "And back to the topic: I can't just leave behind my work in the hospital! And do you really want an adventure after what we went through?"
Naruto nodded and looked at Hinata. There was no point of asking her best friend to come. Her best friend might be grieving over the loss of Neji but she also had a clan to look after. It will be nice if we could go together but Hinata-chan won't leave her clan for something like an adventure. It would have been easier if her best friend had been a normal member of her clan.
"Well don't get jealous once I come back from my adventure!"
Her friends only chuckled and shook their heads.
(A month later)
"So Cap, how long before we reach land?"
Naruto tore her eyes away from the sparkling blue waters and fixated her eyes on the kind old man, who complied with her request. None of the other captains seemed to be heading to the outside world, seemingly content with just travelling in their little bubble. I'm so lucky that I found this Old Geezer when I did. She would have been stuck in that port for weeks.
The wrinkly, white-haired man stared at her with amused eyes and a large smile played on his lips. The crew members stopped mopping the floors and darted their eyes at them as the seagulls flew over them. Naruto leaned her body forward and swayed back and forth as warm black eyes fixated on her whiskered cheeks before moving back to the ocean.
"I will be dropping you off in a week's time like I promised ya, Naruto," The captain chuckled. "This must be the third time this week that you asked me this question."
The other crewmembers snorted and nodded while Naruto let out a nervous laugh before flushing a bright shade of red. Had she been asking so many questions? Well it couldn't be help. There was no sign of land so far so how could the old man be certain he would drop her off in a week? If Sakura or Hinata was here then they would tell her that she should have prepared herself better.
Her idea of preparation was stacking up on ramen and taking an old map that a foreign merchant gave her when she was six.
"Well does the port have a ramen stand?" The captain blinked and the blonde bounced in her spot as she focused her attention back onto the vast ocean. "I didn't have any ramen since I stepped onto your boat."
The old man scratched his head. "Well I don't go onto that port because I'm looking for ramen. I don't really like ramen."
How can you not love ramen? She bit her tongue and chose instead to groan. Some of the male crewmembers chuckled and shook their heads while the Captain let out a loud laugh. Naruto grinned and took a seat on the ground. She flickered her eyes to her barely zipped backpack before looking down at her stomach.
If that port did not have a ramen stand then would that mean she was going to spend the next few years without her favorite food? No, if I can find the ingredients then everything would be fine! She balled her hands into a fist. There had to be ingredients because the ramen inside of her bag was for emergency purposes.
"Mind telling this old captain why you want to go to this part of the world?" Naruto blinked and turned her attention on the captain. The old man tilted his hat upwards and the laugh lines on his face faded as his black eyes inspected her. The chatter died down as several eyes fixated on her. The old man exhaled. "You are the woman that got rid of the Akatsuki and saved the Elemental Countries. You are now a person with power and respect, so why leave that behind?"
"Hey Naruto, can we have your autograph?"
She poked her tongue against her cheek and took in several deep breaths. Her problems should have disappeared after confronting her Yami self but her blood still boiled with irritation. It is like they forgot what they did to me as a child and thinks that everything is okay. Naruto inhaled and winced as her rib cracked with a slight pain.
"You wanna go out to the sea? Well first you have to get stronger, Naru-chan because the sea isn't safe especially for a young girl like you."
Warm brown eyes flashed before her eyes and Naruto ran her hand through her hair. I understood the Hokage's point but I can't help but wonder if it had been a ploy to keep me stuck in the village. She exhaled and dropped her hands as curious, warm black eyes continued to regard her with curiosity.
"I never really care about power," Naruto closed her eyes and grinned. "Power isn't everything and yeah I got respect of so many people. I'm pretty sure that I can get away with anything but what is the point of power and respect when you aren't happy? I spent my whole life longing to go out into the ocean. Before I became a kunoichi, I dreamt of being free and having all sorts of adventure."
"Y'know I encountered a pirate and survived! Do you kids want to hear the story?"
The blonde stretched her hand out and tilted her head when the crew members stared at her with wide eyes. They looked at her like she was insane for leaving her home for that kind of reason. It isn't wrong to dream of freedom! I have been tied down to Konoha for so long now. Her limbs and brain were worn down from being stuck there.
Pale, lifeless lavender eyes flashed before her eyes and Naruto let out a shaky breath. I would have lost myself if I stayed there. She closed her eyes and listened to her racing heart. It might have been months but not a day didn't go by when his eyes didn't flash before her eyes. Her stomach twisted and turned with guilt.
"The sea may offer you freedom but it is also an unforgiving place," The Captain stated. Naruto jolted and blinked as black eyes turned grim. Several of the crewmembers grimaced and lowered their hats as the blonde gazed at him with wide eyes. "There have been people who have died because they haven't prepared for dangers ahead or who haven't learnt how to navigate. The sea can be a dangerous place because no one is safe from it."
Naruto only looked down at her hands and then gazed up at the clear blue skies. I can protect myself! I'm now the strongest kunoichi in the world and nothing could harm me. She was capable of flight so nothing could harm her. If the waters grew dangerous then it would be easy to escape. The sea wouldn't be enough for her stomach to roll with fear.
Can I find people who will accept me? People who will never judge me for having Kurama inside of me?
She loved Kurama but her childhood hadn't been easy because of him.
Our parents told us that we can't play with you anymore, Naruto.
The blonde smiled and chuckled. "I'm the strongest kunoichi in the world so I think I can handle the sea, Cap."
People can be more terrifying than water. Naruto stretched her arm out and placed it behind her back as the captain gazed at her with knowing eyes. She smiled slightly wider and breathed in the salty air. Who would she meet on her journey? Would she make more friends? Friends that didn't become her friends because she gave them a good punch on the face? It would be nice.
It would be nice to make a friend and not have the urge to wonder about the sincerity behind their actions.
"Well I hope the sea could give you that freedom that you long for," The Captain said, tilting his hat downwards.
Naruto grinned. "You and me both!"
It would only be a temporary freedom but a temporary freedom was better than never experiencing freedom at all.
How am I going to find a crew member?
Ace scratched his head and rubbed the back of his neck as his black eyes darted around the harbor. It had been difficult to find people who were willing to join him or find anyone that had any of the talents he needed. It's a lot easier when I left home with so much naivety. He exhaled and tilted his hat upwards.
Why should we join? You don't even look like you are capable of taking care of yourself!
He shook his head as the laughter rang echoed against his ears. It would be a matter of time before he found someone willing to travel the seas with him. I just need to keep looking because as soon as I get my first crew member, the rest will follow. Ace bobbed his head and turned his body away from them.
It was better for him to leave now and look for another port to find crew members.
"Thanks for the lift, Cap!"
Ace blinked as a loud, cheerful voice pierced through the air. He twisted his whole body around and tilted his head to the side as a grinning blond-haired girl bowed down to a grinning old man. She's pretty. Her hair looked like what sunshine would be if it was a physical object and her blue eyes resembled the sparkling ocean.
Are those scars? Three faint black lines decorated either sides of the girl's tanned cheeks. It was entirely possible for them to be birthmarks because it didn't look rough from where he stood. Her arms and legs were slender yet muscular. No, it was better to describe his fellow teen of having a lean muscular body.
Maybe she could be a part of his crew because if she had muscles then it meant she was capable of fighting. Ace nodded and then paused. But it sounded like the girl was a part of a crew. Maybe it is time that I just go somewhere else. He let out another sigh and twisted his whole body away from the pretty blond-haired teen.
"Did anyone ever tell ya that it is rude to stare?" Ace blinked and then swirled his whole body around. His black eyes widened as blue eyes looked at him with absolutely no emotion. How did she get here so fast? He gulped and felt his heart pounded against his chest as blue eyes continued to gaze at him.
Taking a deep breath, he relaxed his shoulders. "Sorry."
The black-haired teen blinked and gawked as the blank look on the girl's face faded, replaced with a smile so bright that his eyes almost shut from the sheer brightness. Her blue eyes glowed and Ace felt his palms moistening as the girl leaned forward. A nice citrus scent tickled his nostrils and he focused his eyes on the amused blue eyes.
"Aren't you a gentleman?" the blonde chuckled and Ace's cheeks reddened as the girl offered him a wider smile. "I think it's the first time I heard a boy apologize for staring at me without trying something on me!"
His shoulders relaxed and Ace furrowed his eyebrows. "You aren't angry with me for staring at you?"
"Nope," the girl sang. Her smile widened and the blonde stuffed her hands into her pockets as her blue eyes continued to glow with amusement. "I was actually kidding about the whole being rude thing."
Ace only knitted his eyebrows as the girl offered him a smile. I was told that it was rude to stare at a girl. He scratched his head and inspected the bouncing teen right in front of him. The smile showed genuinely and sincerity while her blue eyes showed no hints that she found his attitude appalling. They looked genuinely amused and curious.
I should still apologize to her.
"I should still apologize because it is rude for me to stare at you even if you're attractive," Ace said, bowing his head. He tilted his head up and knitted his eyebrows together as the blonde gawked and flushed a bright shade of red. Was that the wrong way to apologize? Maybe it was a whole different process with a teenage girl. "Ah, I should introduce myself: my name is is Protgas. D Ace but you can call me Ace."
He held his hand out to the girl and the blonde eyed his hand for the longest time before shaking it. Warmth filled his system and he wondered if the girl was made of fire. She is really warm and maybe I'm wrong about her being a fighter because her hands are really smooth. He flashed her a smile before pulling his hand away from her.
"Ace?" The girl hummed. "Like the card?"
Ace nodded.
"Finally I found someone who has a crappier name then mine!" The blonde grinned and pumped her fist up before flashing him an apologetic smile. He blinked and felt his lips twitching as the blonde began to bounce in her spot. "My name is Uzumaki Naruto but you can call me, Naruto!"
He snorted. "As in fishcake?"
"It can mean maelstrom too!" Naruto puffed her cheeks and folded her arms against her chest. She must be used to covering things up. That could be the only explanation for why her neck seemed to be a shade lighter than her face. "I will never acknowledge the fact my Mom and Dad named me after a food topping."
Ace chuckled. "Well it's an easy name for anyone to remember."
"Only if they are obsessed with food," Naruto retorted. He smiled even wider and stared at the grinning teen right in front of him. Luffy would probably have the easiest time when it comes to remembering her name. His heart moaned with sadness and the black-haired teen shook his head. It would be for another two years and then he could just greet his brother without any problem.
"Whatever you say…fishcake."
"I'm going to let you off because you are a local," Naruto said, smiling. She leaned her body forward and fluttered her eyes before lowering her voice slightly. "And since you are a kind, handsome local…won't you tell this pretty lady where she can find some decent ramen?"
Ace gulped and shivered as her warm breath tickled his ear. Is she really hitting on me for food? Bubbles of laughter threatened to come out of his throat as blue eyes looked at him like he could be her savior. His little brother would probably act the same way if he had been born a girl, except he probably wouldn't be causing him to feel heat in his stomach.
Actually his brother would probably suck at doing this if he had been born a girl.
"I would tell you Naruto, but I'm not a local and I definitely have no idea if they have ramen."
The sultry smile faded and the blonde flushed red before smacking her face against her hand. Ace let out a laugh and blinked when the old man gazed at them with amused eyes. Did he know she was going to do this? He shook his head and stared at the blushing woman, who puffed her cheeks and glared up at the sky.
"I can't believe I did that for nothing!" The blonde grumbled. "I knew it would be a stupid idea to do that tactic instead of just asking if you knew where I can get some ramen."
He chuckled. "You did all that to get ramen?"
"Imagine being stuck in a boat where no one has ingredients for your food and what you would do to get it!" Naruto spluttered, not meeting his eyes. Ace smiled wider as the blonde slid her hands into her pocket. "I can't believe I went and called myself pretty! Thank god, Sakura-chan refused to go with me or else she is going to tease me for doing this!"
"That you tried to flirt with me to get information for food?"
She groaned and covered her face. "Now it sounds even worse when you said it out loud."
"You're the one that did it," Ace said with a larger smile. His whole body relaxed and his stomach fluttered with happiness and amusement as the whiskered teen hung her shoulders. It feels like my week of frustration faded. He slid his hands into his pocket and tilted his head to the side when the blonde stared at him before shaking her head.
Naruto cleared her throat. "Anyways if you aren't a local then what are you doing here on the port?"
"I'm looking for a crew member," Ace admitted, shaking his head. "But I haven't had much luck."
She blinked and leaned her body forward. Her blue eyes danced with excitement and Ace gulped as her chest brushed against his. "What kind of crew? I've been looking for an adventurer and I think we can help each other out!"
Ace looked down at the excited eyes of the petite blond-haired woman and pressed his lips into a thin line. Was there a point for him to agree? But then again he had no one else to go with. She seemed ready to join him so maybe this was a good thing for him? But she might change her mind once she knows what she is signing up for! It would be rude of him to just accept her without giving her any warning.
He gestured for her to come closer and bit back a sneeze when Naruto's hair tickled his nose. I doubt any girl would be happy if I sneeze on their hair especially if they seem to take good care of it. Despite the girl's behavior, her blond hair was soft. It meant the blonde did take time and effort to do her hair and it was only fair he respected that.
"I'm going to become a pirate," Ace finally admitted. "Do you still want to join?"
The girl beamed and nodded. "You got yourself your first crew member, Captain!"
That was the story of how Ace met Naruto and the start of their friendship.
Author Note: So that was the end of the chapter. For anyone that wants to know when my other stories will be updated then I will be happy to inform you that Ripples and Reading Guardian Chronicles will be updated after Tuesday.