Rise of the Whirling Tides

Key

"Hi there" Normal Speech

"Hi There" Thought

"Hi There" Biju and techniques

"Hi There" Biju thoughts and techniques in head

Flashbacks

"Hi There" Normal speech

"Hi There" Thought

"Hi There" Biju and Techniques

"Hi There," Bijuu thought and techniques in head

Chapter 24 Summary: Suzuka infiltrated the sea train heading to Enis Lobby, moving through the train cars killed multiple members of Ciphor Pol including Wanze, Jerry, Spandam, Spandine and Lasky while killing T Bone who had recently joined the marine's and had been assigned to the protection detail. After killing the operatives, Suzuka made a blood clone of the Fishman Old Tom and killed it faking Old Tom's death, before taking the Shipwright back to Uzushiogakure no Sato. Suzuka's history with the members of Ciphor Pol was also revealed as her brother had been taken in by them, seen as a once in a century talent.


Chapter 25: Project Maelstrom Begins

Uzukage Tower

Reclining in the back of a chair was the Shodai Uzukage, Uzumaki Naruto. The Uzukage was leaning back in his chair humming a tune. The Sage's feet were resting atop the desk, folded over one another as he relaxed back enjoying a little freedom from the joy's of paperwork and the burden of being a Village Leader. It was great to be able to kick back and relax like this now and then, allowing his burden's to vanish, if even for a moment.

"No, honey, I'm good I could have another but I probably should not" sung out the immortal as he sung a little tune to pass the time. The song was something new a clone had heard while travelling the seas. The song was written by someone named Randy or Andy, Naruto forgot, but it was something to enjoy nonetheless. Six months had passed since the visit with the marine's and Chuujo (Vice Admiral) Issho. The past six months had been incredibly quiet; not a word had been heard from the marines. Naruto didn't know whether this was good or bad news. Keeping an eye on the marine's Naruto had dispatched dozens of clones who were to monitor the situation and keep him up to date.

Much had happened in the past six months, including the start of the Anbu program. The first to be inducted into the program six months ago was Suzuka his prime disciple, secretary and girlfriend. Naruto had been training her since the start in stealth, espionage, sabotage, infiltration and assassination. At first, he hadn't thought too much on it, but in the past year he had come up with the idea of turning Suzuka into the first Anbu operative. Last six months the kunoichi had been undergoing rigorous Spartan training, Anbu Boot Camp.

Only a week ago had she finished Anbu Boot Camp and been designated with an Anbu codename, Kuroikafu the Black Widow. Suzuka was no longer his secretary, replaced by an older woman named Janice. Janice used to work for the World Government, but had been used as a scapegoat for the embezzlement of funds done by a high ranking officer who was related to a Tenryuubito.

Suzuka was currently unavailable as Naruto had sent her off on a mission. The mission was to board the sea train built by Tom at Enies Lobby sneak onto the train and kill everyone on board. After making her way to the prison car, Suzuka would create a blood clone of Tom, kill it then bring Tom back to Uzushiogakure. The mission was a retrieval and elimination one.

Following Suzuka's induction into Anbu, Naruto had begun the recruitment of more operatives. From the current list of graduates, Naruto had picked five Genin, three being recent graduates and two had been in service for more than a year now. The three new graduate's one of them happened to be Kuroka. The girl's cat-like nature and devil fruit allowed her to be employed as a stealth operative able to sneak in and out without being detected. Kuroka's devil fruit powers allowed her to use Senjutsu to blend in with the surroundings becoming undetectable. After Kuroka was a young named Taro with a unique devil fruit of his own, a mythical zoan.

Taro had a particular fruit that was a branch of the Hito Hito no Mi (Human Human Fruit). The particular fruit Taro consumed was the Hito Hito no Mi: Moderu: Riipa (Human Human Fruit: Model: Reaper) it allowed him to turn into and become the embodiment of death, a Grim Reaper. The fruit's unique abilities allowed Taro to turn into a shadowy mist and blend in with other shadows becoming one with them, even move through then. When he transformed a bone scythe would appear to join him, a scythe that didn't deal physical attacks, but attacks to the soul allowing him to harm any devil fruit user. What made the fruit truly deadly was the miasma Taro could release, anything it touched would instantly rot away dying.

The third graduate was a member of the Monkey Mink tribe Mickaƫl who had natural flexibility. It wasn't the boy's flexibility that made him a candidate, no it was his intelligence. The boy appeared cheeky with a prankster and perverted personality, but he was a genius that rivalled Shikamaru. The boy had trained in multiple arts mastering Boujutsu, Fuuinjutsu, Juuinjutsu while practising Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, but the boy also minored in Kugutsujutsu (Puppetry Techniques) and Dokujutsu (Poison Techniques). He was a talented individual; Naruto thought it is a waste not to put him into the Anbu Boot Camp.

The last two members were equally skilled as the others. First a young boy named Xing who was the offspring of two slaves. What made the boy unique was that he was a 2nd generation Devil Fruit user. His father had eaten the Neko Neko no Mi: Moderu: Raion (Cat-Cat Fruit: Model: Lion) while his mother had eaten the Neko Neko no Mi: Moderu: Tora (Cat-Cat Fruit: Model: Tiger). The combination of the two fruits producing a child born with a combination of both abilities, a new power was born the Neko Neko no Mi: Moderu: Raiga (Cat-Cat Fruit: Model: Liger. What made Xing even more valuable was the fact that this new Devil Fruit produced power's that an ordinary Zoan typically wouldn't possess without being a mythical or ancient class.

The last who added a little more diversity was a young dolphin mermaid Yasamin and wielder of the Shaku Shaku no Mi (Scorch Scorch Fruit). The Shaku Shaku no Mi was a logia devil fruit that allowed its consumer to wield flames that burned hotter than that sun, with capabilities similar to and perhaps even surpassing the shakuton (scorch release). The devil fruit was on a higher elemental plane than other Logia fruits with the capabilities of injuring other devil fruit users. This made the young mermaid a lethal weapon.

The five were currently in their fifth week of training and were proving to be capable. No matter what a clone threw at them, they kept on going pushing through it. Their mentality was like everyone shinobi that was a part of Uzushiogakure; they were all striving for a better future and the only way to obtain it was through blood, sweat and tears from vigorous training. It wasn't only the new Anbu program that was doing well; there had been an influx of new chunin, Team 7, Naruto's team happened to be amongst them alongside young Houjin the boy Naruto had rescued from project 2nd gen. They weren't the only ones as the six teams that graduated alongside Team 7 also became Chunin. When Dominic returned from his mission on Fishman Island, he too would receive a promotion to Chunin. This meant Uzushigakure no Sato would have a total of twenty-three Chunin, one Anbu Black Ops operative with five in the making. Uzushi was progressing.

A surprising turn was that Isobu had picked up a student, a striped beakfish mermaid. Naruto had only learned of her two days after the meeting with Issho. Isobu had come to him begging for assistance, not disclosing what, only asking for Naruto follow him. The two ended up in Isobu's abode where on a bed was the young mermaid covered in gruesome injuries. Isobu had tried to heal her, but he could only do so much before requesting help. Naruto got to work healing the mermaid up. Naruto left her in Isobu's care telling the three tails to alert him when she awoke. It was a week after the healing that she finally awoke, at first she was wary of Naruto, clinging instead to Isobu. It took a lot of time and patient before Naruto learnt that her name was Vera and that previously she had been a slave on Marie Geoise who had managed to escape. Vera was taken in by Isobu later agreeing to become his student and was currently training under the three tailed chakra beast.

It was quite surprising that out of the nine Bijuu, four of them had taken on students. Shukaku had the genius marksman and gunsmith Dominic, Isobu had the damaged but resourceful Vera, Son Goku had the burning hot, and passionate Vladimir and lastly Kurama had the skilled bone user Dean. Naruto had even heard that Kokuo had eyes on a young girl named Nana that lived in the orphanage; she had quite the potential. Naruto didn't count Kuroka and Shirone as for Matatabi they had been adopted as her children.

A flash of white drew Naruto's attention as appearing was Suzuka in her full Anbu gear. Next to the woman was none other than Tom the shipwright himself. It appeared the mission had been a roaring success.

"Heal Tom-sans arm please Suzuka-san." Addressed Naruto noticing the bloody wound. With a nod, the kunoichi pressed a glowing green hand to the injury, where it closed up immediately. Once the wound was healed, Suzuka took a standing position behind Naruto on the left.

"I apologise for the method in bringing you here Tom-san. But it was necessary you be brought to Uzushiogakure, for your safety. As long as you hold a copy of the plans for Pluton, you will be hunted down by everyone. Please do not worry; I do not wish to acquire the plans they mean nothing to me as I have more power in my fingertip than Pluton ever could." Spoke the Uzukage as he stood up. As he stood up a silence reigned over; it became apparent that Naruto noticed Tom's stunned and frozen expression as he gaped like a fish.

"Your-Your-Your Otsutsuki, Hagoromo " Tom was completely stunned by the sight of the white-haired, horned man in front of him, never expecting that the one who had been attempting to recruit him was none other than the most feared man in the world. The reveal was just too shocking for old Tom, and his brain was on the verge of shutting off.

"Please don't be alarmed Tom-san. I mean you no harm. I wish for you to join Uzushiogakure and work for us. You will be in charge of Uzu's shipyards with hundreds working under you, all your beck and call. The world will think you are dead and you will have Uzushiogakure's and my protection. Here you can live peacefully, never having to worry about the World Government ever again." Naruto spoke in a bold yet powerful voice. His tone and words were quite convincing for the old Fishman.

"I've certainly heard a lot about Uzu no Kuni, Uzushiogakure, and the Uzukage of Uzushiogakure Uzumaki, Naruto. It's quite a shock to find out you are a resident of Uzushiogakure. But I can't just accept your offer. Can you guarantee my safety?" Old Tom was rather wary of the powerful being before him, who was said to possess the power to defeat two Marine Admirals with ease.

Naruto laughed softly before his form rippled being replaced by the visage of his older past appearance. "I will correct you Uzumaki, Naruto and I are one in the same. Otsutsuki, Hagoromo is an alias. My real name is Uzumaki, Naruto the Uzukage of Uzushiogakure no Sato. This is the appearance I use when addressing others." Naruto's form faded back to his true one. "This is my real body."

"As for your safety, you have nothing to fear. Kurama!" Naruto said before shouting for his friend. A swirl of fire appeared beside Naruto before the nine tailed fox appeared in all his glory, standing at the height of a great dane.

"You called." The fox looked towards old Tom, his nine tails flicking back and forth in excitement, "So you retrieved him, joyous."

"This is Kurama, better known as the Strongest Creature Alive. Currently, his form has shrunken down; his true form stands taller than any mountain. What you don't know is Kurama has eight other siblings two sister's and six brothers, while they aren't as strong as Kurama they are beings of incredible power. Individually they each have the power to destroy Entire Islands and Kingdoms. Every one of them can stand toe to toe with an Admiral or greater. As long as you live here, you have nothing to fear, with them as Uzushio's guardian's you are perfectly safe from harm."

The revelation that this fox was THE Kurama the strongest creature alive and that he had eight other's siblings who had the power to rival his own was too shocking. What was worse was that the Strongest Man Alive Otsutsuki, Hagoromo who had the highest bounty in existence was in fact Uzumaki, Naruto the Shodai Uzukage was too much for him to bear. The Fishman promptly fainted hitting the floor with a loud thud.

Naruto sighed and pointed a finger at Tom, a stream of water gushed out splashing the Fishman on the face waking him up. "You good? I'd like to continue."

Tom wiped the water from his face and with Suzuka's aid climbed to his feet. "What exactly is it you need me for? What could I possibly have to offer?"

Naruto smirked and opened the top left drawer, reaching in removed a rolled up blueprint. With a flick of a wrist, the blueprint was tossed over to Tom, "Meet Project Maelstrom."

Tom grabbed the blueprint and unrolled as he did, the fishman's eyes bugged out. Hands began to tremble as he eyed the plans for a massive battleship. The measurements and size of this ship was nothing like Tom had ever seen, it was designed to be a grand ship bigger than anything the world had ever seen. The ship was three hundred and fifty meters long, able to carry close to eight thousand occupants or more aboard and beneath its deck quite comfortably, nine to ten thousand at maximum capacity (1). The ship was outfitted with dozens of moving components allowing for a wide array of weaponry. It was a sheer masterpiece of technology Tom had never even seen before. He thought Pluton was a devastating weapon, but when compared to this ship, it was like comparing a pistol to a canon. Pluton would be put to shame.

If Tom was to compare them to modern ships, the buster call battleships used by the marines came to mind. One marine buster call ship was large enough to house one thousand marines. In comparison the Maelstrom was up to eight times its size, the Maelstrom was practically eight marine battleships joined together.

"This-this is unbelievable, but how can such a monster be created. The metal and timber required to build it doesn't even exist yet. Let alone the technology required to create such a ship." Tom gulped down a ball of saliva as he eyed the blueprints of the massive ship called the Maelstrom.

Naruto smirked again, "That's where you're wrong. They do exist. Uzushiogakure grows trees whose durability surpasses Adam Tree Wood. Our mines can produce a metal that is stronger than even seastone but can remember it's original shape like any other shape-memory alloy. The technology Uzushiogakure has is years beyond anything you can dream of! With all this, it can be done. I need a brilliant shipwright such as yourself to oversee its production." Naruto reached back into the draw removing more blueprints which he placed on the table. "Maelstrom isn't all. This is my glorious vision."

Tom put the blueprint down and started going through others. Each blueprint he went through got him even more excited. There were dozens of ship plans each just as unique or more unique than the last. "Earth Shaker. Firestorm. Anarchy. Helios. Nightingale. Inquisitor. Defiant. Emissary. Defiance. Millenium. Resolution. Calamity. Vanguard. Avenger. All of these are A grade battleships. They would revolutionise the art of naval combat. These aren't just battleships, but destroyers. With a fleet of these ships, none could stand against Uzushio on the high seas." Tom's entire body was shaking as he overlooked the blueprints of these Great Warships. The Old Fishman trembled with fear at the thought of the strength of these ships; it was truly devastating. Not even a buster ship could match them. Each ship varied in size but was still a masterpiece that would make any shipwright worth his salt faint in shock.

"How about it. So will you build Uzushio's fleet and help lead Uzushiogakure to glory. Your name will go down in history as a hero to the people of Uzu." Naruto enticed old Tom with the idea of forever being cemented as a hero. And it was true, Tom would go down as a hero in Uzu's history, as the man who built Uzus unstoppable navy.

Tom gulped as he looked at the Kage. The Fishman had told his student always to take pride in there work, as he had with the Oro Jackson. Now an opportunity was knocking at his door to build ships even greater than the Oro Jackson. Tom took a deep breath and looked at Naruto with conviction.

"I'll do it! I will build your fleet!"

A large grin appeared on the sage's face. "Good." Naruto pressed the intercom on his desk, "Janice please send Team One up immediately. They are to escort our new Master Shipwright to the shipyards."

"Right away Uzukage-dono." Came the reply of a gentle yet formal tone over the speaker.

Taking a finger off the speaker, Naruto began to address Old Tom. "I believe it's time to work out the arrangements of your employment. All food, living expenses and living arrangements will be organised for you. As Uzushio's Master Shipwright you will have authority to access all materials produced by Uzushio and authority to purchase any materials from outside Uzushio. Your annual budget will be unlimited, no restrictions. I don't care if you have to spend trillions of belly to get the project done. I want it completed. Money's no issue, Uzushio is not lacking funds. If we are, then funds can be obtained with ease."

An unlimited budget? Tom couldn't believe his ears; Naruto had practically given him a blank check. And the authority he had been given was like nothing Old Tom had ever known. Was this because the leader had some deep trust in him, that he would be able to complete this project?

"Of course you will need to undergo a three-month probationary period, I do hope you understand. Precautions have to be taken," Addressed the Uzukage with a smile.

"I understand Uzukage-dono, I promise to do my best!" answered Tom, he wasn't going to let this opportunity fly on by. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he would be an idiot to let it slip through his fingers.

A knock on the door disturbed the meeting, "Come in." Opening the door a group of teenagers entered, aged thirteen to fourteen, two girls and one boy.

The boy was six foot, fourteen years old, with bright orange hair and blue eyes. After that was a girl thirteen years of age with white hair, a pair of rabbit ears, rabbit nose, yellow eyes and fur on the back of her hands standing five foot six in height. Behind them was the tallest of the group, the girl was eighteen feet tall, so tall the girl had to crouch in the office. The girl was fourteen years of age with long brown hair and big brown eyes.

Each of them wore the new Uzushio uniform that had been employed in the last month. The uniform for Chunin consisted of long navy blue ninja trouser's, a short, long or sleeveless navy blue top. A belt around the waist with a single hip pouch on the left or right. On either leg, a single holster was worn, some often wore one on each leg. Over the top of the clothing an armoured flax jacket. The central part of the uniform was a full body carbon fibre jacket that was navy blue and on each breast was the symbol of Uzu. Feet were protected by ninja boots made from the same fibre. After that Chunin could modify as they please adding shoulder, hips, wrist, elbow, arm, shin and or leg armour. Chunin also had the option of wearing gloves that had a fingerless option, each with a metal plate over the knuckles and back of the hand.

The three of them were decked in personalised armour. The giant girl had armour covering every part of her body, and attached to her back was a giant hammer. The rabbit girl wore armour on her shins, wrists and hips. As for the human male he had shoulder, wrist and shin armour accompanied by carbon fibre gloves.

"Team One reporting for duty Uzukage sir!" Said all three together with a deep bow, though it was hard on the giant girl.

"Welcome. Tom this is Team One they'll watch over you during your time in Uzushio and help get you up to speed. Please introduce yourselves." Naruto waved a hand towards the group instructing them to give introductions.

"Pleased to meet you Tom-san I am team Leader Dorian." The only boy of the group bowed to Tom, as he bowed it revealed that he carried a ninjato on his back.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Elsa" The giant girl stretched out an arm and shook hands with Tom, making sure not to crush the fishman.

"I-I-I'm M-Mina" stuttered out the rabbit mink of the group in a soft voice that was barely audible.

"Good to meet you. Please take care of me." Tom greeted the three kids with a smile. The old fishman was pleasantly surprised to see such a diverse team working together. It was unexpected to see those of different races working together in harmony.

"If you'd follow us we will get you settled in. Everyone let's go." Dorian took command, and Elsa waited outside, taking a position beside old Tom, taking his arm and escorting him to the shipyards. The Rabbit mink followed next while Dorian paid respects to Naruto, before leaving to catch up to his team.

Kurama who had been silent the whole time finally spoke up, "What now? Soon your fleet will be in motion. In time Uzushio will rule over the land and the sea."

A smirk began to form on Naruto's lips, "And the air. Don't forget my researchers have been experimenting with the blueprints of the flying machines of Sora no Kuni (Land of Sky). While still in progress they have already created one thousand prototype gliders and matching kunai launchers to go with them. Once a method for continuous flight can be achieved for non-chakra users, Uzushio will be unmatched in warfare."

Naruto leaned back in his chair, to the left Suzuka, to the right Kurama. "Uzushio is forever growing. My plans are coming along quite nicely. My predictions are on track. Our power will be unmatched allowing us to spread out to remove them from power. But whether time will allow us is another matter. Life is unpredictable, throwing constant curveballs."

"I look forward to the day when we finally tear the government down, burning it asunder in glorious flames" Kurama got a nod from Suzuka who was in agreement.

"What's your next move Naruto-kun?" enquired the young Anbu operative removing the mask she wore to lock gazes with her leader.

"My next move?" Naruto looked up at Suzuka with a mischievous grin giving her a bad feeling.

The young woman found herself pulled onto Naruto's laps and a strong pair of arms wrapping around her tiny waist. "N-N-Naruto-kun!" The woman blushed as red as a tomato; the blush seemed only to enhance the Kunoichi's beauty, making her appear like a heavenly goddess.

Suzuka hadn't expected Naruto to be so bold and pull her onto his lap. Kurama shook his head and disappeared in a swirl of fire giving them a little privacy. Naruto pulled Suzuka to him, where he proceeded to inhale her scent by nuzzling into her alabaster white neck. Suzuka's blush deepened as she wiggled awkwardly in place, but gave in and relaxed against her boyfriends chiselled chest. The woman thoroughly enjoyed the warmth coming from her partner, leaning against him in a relaxed manner at ease. To her, it was as if time stood still as they laid together.

"I'm sorry. I've neglected you these past few weeks." Said a sombre Naruto, brushing Suzuka's long black locks in gentle strokes. Work had gotten in the way of their relationship, as they hadn't been able to spend any time with one another. Village duties had been a priority.

"It's fine. I understand you don't have to apologise or explain to me." The young woman shook her head, knowing full well of Naruto's duties. Suzuka would never begrudge the immortal for overseeing his duties as the Kage before attending to her, "You have your duties as the Uzukage. It makes me happy though that you try to make time for us. Even if your duties take up your time, you always try to make it up to me. How could I be mad at you?"

Suzuka turned around to look deep into Naruto's Rinne-Sharingan eyes. A tender hand affectionately caressed Naruto's right cheek, "You do so much for all of us. You care for everyone in Uzu with all your heart. If it takes you away from me for long periods of time how can I be mad when I know it's all for the people you love and protect." Suzuka laid her forehead against Naruto's, their lips just inches from each other. Her eyes reflected the gaze of a young woman deeply in love with the object of her desire.

"It's what I love about you," The woman leaned in pressing her lips against Naruto's in a short, chaste kiss. It was short, but sweet, as Naruto was able to taste the woman's rosy red lips.

Naruto couldn't help but hug the woman in his arms tighter and look at her with a tender, affectionate gaze "You're perfect you know that. I never want to let you go." Declared Naruto pressing his forehead back against Suzuka's. Just as Naruto went to kiss her, the intercom went off.

"Sir Team Five have sent an urgent message," Said Janice the new secretary over the intercom, interrupting the two lovebirds. The woman's voice sounded hurried as if the message was a life and death matter.

"You should answer that, it'll be important," Suzuka climbed off Naruto, straightening out her clothes but an ever permanent blush remained on those snow white cheeks. It made her look even more radiant in Naruto's eyes.

Naruto coughed regaining himself before pressing the button on the intercom, "Send the message up Janice."

"Already on my way Uzukage-dono." Came the reply of his secretary before the line went dead.

Naruto took a finger off the intercom and leaned back wondering what the urgent message was. Team Five had been sent to Dressrosa to monitor diplomatic affairs with King Riku, could they have had a falling out? No that couldn't be the reason why. King Riku had seemed increasingly passionate about allying the Kingdom of Dressrosa and Uzushiogakure no Sato together.

The door to the office burst open, as a mature older woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes dressed in a modest uniform appeared. The woman was in her late forties, sweating and panting. She had run up all the stairs as fast as she could. Naruto had to congratulate her especially since Janice was wearing high heels; those were not easy to run in, especially for civilians.

Approaching the desk, Janice panted hard, quickly wiping the sweat from her face with a handkerchief and reciting the message, the woman clearly sounded exhausted, "Team Five regrets their delayed report but the Kingdom of Dressrosa has revolted against the King, and Donquixote Doflamingo has succeeded in removing King Riku from his throne, becoming the new King. This was exactly one day ago. Team Five had been trying to make sense of the chaos and locate members of the royal family while gathering as much information as they could." Janice handed over a scroll that had been sent. The moment the message had been delivered, the woman proceeded to collapse into one of the chairs, allowing her body to cool down and recover.

Naruto grabbed the scroll and unrolled it reading over the contents. "What this can't be right. King Riku attacked his people with an army of knights? And why was Doflamingo even there in the first place. When did he even arrive? Something doesn't smell right. Especially as he brought his entire crew, and used four of his top operatives to stop the King's slaughter. I smell a rat. This Doflamingo is not someone to be trusted or underestimated."

Naruto stroked his chin formulating a plan. Two days had passed, so he had to act fast. Naruto didn't know much about Doflamingo but suspected the man might try to kill off the remaining royals, Dold's daughters and granddaughter (3). Naruto couldn't allow them to die, especially when the King had been such a receptive guest to Naruto's people. From what he knew about the King he was a kind and compassionate man who loved his people dearly. Letting someone like that go through this without support, Naruto wouldn't allow and would do everything he could to assist, within reason of course. Naruto couldn't take back the island, sure he had enough manpower, but he couldn't risk word getting out to the Marines. Uzushio wasn't ready for a war against them yet.

"Suzuka round up Houjin and Vladimir. I would have preferred Dominic go as well, but he's out on a yearlong mission to Fishman island. As back up seek out Son Goku and request his assistance. Janice Team's Two and Four should still be in the village call them in immediately to come to my office!" Naruto issued the commands unleashing the aura of a Kage as he rose to his feet.

"Hai Uzukage-dono!" Both women replied. Suzuka formed a ram seal, then vanished in a swirl of leaves. Once Suzuka had left, Janice climbed slowly to her feet, bowing to Naruto and departed to contact the others.

If Doflamingo or anyone related to him dared to lay a hand on the royals, Naruto would make sure they saw hell. The Kage was already planning to do as much damage to Doflamingo's family as possible, if possible even kill one or two of them. If Doflamingo's power could be weakened, it would a great advantage in the long run. This operation could not fail it would have to go off without a hitch. Naruto valued a man like King Riku and would ensure neither he or his family came to any harm.


Author Note

(1): The Maelstrom to give you an idea of its size is 350m, the Titanic was 268m in size which could carry 3,000 people. The Harmony of the Sea the biggest Cruise ship is 362m in size, able to carry anywhere from 5,000 to 6,000 passengers + 2,000 crew members, 8,000 total. The Maelstrom is slightly smaller, it doesn't have all the entertainment, bars, lavish rooms and that like the Cruise Ship has, allowing more space for soldiers and it's weaponry.

(2): Also note romance isn't really my thing, so while I will toss little bits in, romance for character's will move along pretty quickly.

(3) A shinobi rarely anything escapes Naruto's eyes and is well aware of everyone related to King Riku. Note I haven't forgotten about Kyros, that's for another day though.