Chapter 8. A Clash of Wind and Fire
"What kind of bullshit weather is this!" One Silvers Konohamaru shouted in frustration as he rubbed his shaking and slightly freezing arms.
Naruto who was standing by his brother's side remained silent. His focus was placed on the island in the distance which was slowly growing in size. Signaling that they were getting closer to their destination.
The island itself appeared fairly large, but according to his uncle a vast majority of the island was a frozen wasteland. In fact there was only one town on the entire island; which is where the Red Haired Pirates plan to dock before they head off into the mountains.
As to why they are headed off to the mountains, it's a topic that enrages Naruto beyond belief. Unlike his Uncle, Naruto has no desire to climb some large mountain. Since he considers that a waste of time and only allows the Marines more time to track them down. But for the sake of a good adventure he decided to play along and enjoy himself.
"Hey Nii-chan you paying attention to me?" Konohamaru asked in an annoyed tone, he didn't like when his brother would tune him out.
"Not really." The eldest replied in a casual tone, causing Konohamaru to growl in frustration.
"Bastard." The younger of the two insulted, before he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.
Looking over his shoulder, Konohamaru found Itachi standing over him with a small smile. "Don't let Dark Prince-san get to you, after all older brothers are meant to torment their younger siblings." The raven haired pirate explained.
Naruto cocked an unseen grin. "Your words hold some truth Itachi, I do enjoy messing with my annoying little brother."
"Oi~! What the hell Nii-chan I'm not annoying." The youngest pirate exclaimed before looking up to Itachi. "Tell him I'm right Itachi."
"Hn." Was the only response Itachi gave before he looked off into the distance. "Though another explanation could be that Dark Prince-san is still upset about heading into the mountains."
Naruto crossed his arms and leaned against the ship's railing. "Nah I'm over it, gotta stop and enjoy life every now and then I guess." The blond explained causing Itachi to nod.
"You have a point Dark Prince-San, but I have to admit climbing a giant frozen mountain wasn't on my bucket list." Itachi replied with a small laugh.
Naruto chucked for a moment, but soon the trio fell into silence. Causing all three males to go into their own thoughts. Konohamaru started to think how he was going to deal with the cold, though he was excited to see snow for the first time. Naruto began to think of what he needed to improve on to get stronger. While Itachi on the other hand was a little more vocal with his thoughts.
"You know I've been thinking recently about our plans for world peace." The eldest of the three began; earning two set of eyes on him. "I know we plan on embarking on our own journey in two years. Then from there we travel the world and gain allies, but what is our main goal? How can we go about finding peace? Because if we just build an army that will only lead to war not peace. And besides how are you even sure people will follow us?"
Naruto waved his crew mate off. "Simple we obtain the one thing that will ensure people will follow and listen to us. We will find the One Piece."
Itachi was actually taken back by the blond's claim, he never mentioned anything like this before. Konohamaru on the other hand frowned and looked up to his brother.
"What gives Nii-chan I thought you didn't want to find the One Piece. You always say how titles like Pirate King are overrated and you don't want a title. But now you are saying we should find the One Piece."
Naruto ruffled Konohamaru's hair and started to laugh. "You are right, but obtaining the One Piece would be the best way to gain power to bring peace to the world. People can call me what they want, but I'll always be Silvers Natuto; The Dark Prince."
Itachi listened to his captain speak and brought a hand to his chin. "So if we make our end game goal to find One Piece. I would assume you know what it is and where to find it. After all your father was the right hand man to the Pirate King himself."
Naruto cocked a goofy grin and laughed. "I have no clue where the One Piece is or what it is." The blond laughed out; causing his two subordinates to fall over. "But I'm sure it would be fun to find it!"
Konohamaru growled and got back on his feet. "Damn it Naruto-nii, do you have anything planned out? Cause at this rate it will take us decades to achieve peace."
"Hey the world has went centuries without peace, so a few more years won't hurt. Besides I'm excited for an amazing adventure." Naruto replied before looking at Itachi. "What about you Itachi, what do you think of an adventure for the One Piece?"
Sighing the eldest pirate rubbed his head. "You make some good points and I guess making an adventure out of our conquest for peace won't hurt."
"That's the spirit Itachi!" Naruto chuckled out, happy that his crew was able to come to an agreement so easily.
"Hn, what are you three talking about?" The voice of Sasuke chimed in. Causing the three boy's to look over to their fourth crew mate.
Konohamaru jumped in front of Sasuke and held his hands out. "Hehe we are going to go find the One Piece!"
Sasuke cocked an eyebrow and looked to his brother who simply nodded. Then to Naruto who gave him a confident smirk.
"Big goal for a small crew... I like it." Sasuke admitted before grabbing his sword. "Just means i'll have to be stronger to reach that goal. After all it's my job as Vice-Captain to be a strong second in command."
Naruto smiled and placed his hand forward. "We will grow stronger together over these next two years."
Konohamaru nodded and placed a hand over his brother's. "We will earn allies all over the globe who will follow us."
Sasuke smirked and placed his hand over Konohamaru's. "We will defeat any enemy that will try and stop us."
Itachi placed his hand in with an emotionless face. "We will bring peace to the world."
"No one will stop the Fūjin Pirates!" The four boy's cried out together in determination.
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(Alabasta Kingdom)
Cobra the king of Alabasta was sitting alone in his throne room. His attention was focused on a report from a soldier of his. According to the report droughts were breaking throughout the kingdom causing the crops and people to suffer. Then to make matters worse, recently there were illegal shipments of Dance Powder found in cargo shipments that were meant for Alubarna; which was the capital of Alabasta.
See Dance Powder is known as a special kind of chemical that when released into the air creates rain. Though the drawback is that areas around the location where the powder is set off experience severe droughts. So many believe the royal family is to blame for the droughts around the kingdom, but Cobra knows someone is trying to work against him. Though the real question is who and why.
"Sire." A male voice called out as the doors to the throne room creaked open. "Master Ingram is here to speak with you."
"Send him in." Cobra called back, his thoughts still focused on the Dance Powder incident.
The door opened completely and Ingram walked into the room, with Pell and Chaka flanking both his sides.
"Cobra-sama we've came across an interesting development regarding the Dance Powder incident." Ingram began causing the king to almost jump off his throne.
"What have you discovered?" The king shouted quickly, wanting to know as much as he could about the situation.
Pell stepped forward and bowed to his King. "We have learned that one of the members of the ships crew wasn't apart of the crew. He was the one responsible for the illegal Dance Powder. We managed to capture and interrogate said man."
The king was on edge as he waited for a response. "Well what were you able to learn from this man?"
Chaka stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Well we had him placed in a holding cell till we could gather as much information as possible. The man was murdered last night by an unknown assassin."
The king slumped down into his chair and began to stroke his beard. "This isn't good, whoever that man was involved with really wanted to cover their tracks. Did you obtain anything from him before he was killed?"
Ingram smirked. "We were able to get a name, Baroque Works." The advisor revealed happily. "Apparently it's a secret organization where it's top members work under code names. Also we were able to learn two more things. These agents work in teams consisting of one male and one female. And they are currently looking for new members to add into their ranks."
"So what should we do with this knowledge?" Cobra asked while rising out of his seat and walking towards his advisor.
"The only thing we can do, have two people infiltrate their ranks and find a way to expose this group before they send Alabasta into a civil war." Pell explained while giving his king a salute. "I would offer myself as one of the two people to infiltrate Baroque Works."
The king nodded and patted his shoulder. "Thank you Pell, but you and Chaka are too well known. So neither of you two could be choices."
"That's true Cobra-sama, we need a male and female who are reliable and not that well known." Ingram began while giving the king a wide smile. "I'm not that well known to the public so I would be happy to infiltrate Baroque Works."
The king nodded in agreement. "That will have to work. What about your female partner?"
"I'll do it!" A female voice volunteered happily, causing all four men to turn pale and look towards the entrance of the throne room. Where Vivi walked into the throne room with a smile on her face and a large duck walking behind her.
"Absolutely not!" The king shouted in protest, he already lost his wife. He wasn't going to risk losing his daughter. "It's too dangerous for a princess like yourself!"
Vivi crossed her arms and made a pouting face, the small fourteen year old was starting to look like the deceased queen more and more as the years passed by. "Listen Tou-san it's my duty as princess of Alabasta to do everything in my power to help my country and its people. So I'm going to go with Ingram-san."
Pell stepped forward and placed a hand on Vivi's shoulders. "You've spent a good number of years within the palace so not many people know you by face. Especially a group like Baroque Works that isn't from Alabasta. But you are not a trained fighter, you could get seriously hurt." The devil fruit user reasoned, but Vivi wouldn't listen.
"That won't matter I can learn to protect myself and besides I'll have Ingram-san and Carue with me!" The blue haired princess replied stubbornly.
Chaka sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I say we let her, it's our best shot after all." The warrior mumbled lowly, shocking the king and Pell.
"You have to be kidding me!" Pell shouted while looking to his comrade. "There is no way you could agree to something like this!"
"Chaka is right Pell we have to start a plan of action before it's too late. If Vivi is willing to take the risk I will protect her." Ingram explained before looking to Cobra. "What do you say? Will you allow Vivi to go?"
The king gritted his teeth and looked down. "I hate the idea, but you all make a good point. We have to start moving soon. Wars have been started from less things than a Dance Powder incident. So before a war breaks out we need to stop Baroque Works." Cobra began while looking to his daughter. "You can go if you promise to be safe."
Vivi jumped forward and latched onto her father. "Of course I'll be safe Tou-san don't worry." The daughter insured before looking to Carue. "Come on let's go pack some supplies for our trip."
Carue gave a salute followed by a quack and then the duo ran off to Vivi's room. Pell watched the two scurry off and looked to his king.
"Are you sure letting her go was a good choice?" Pell asked in a low voice.
Cobra looked down and walked back to his throne. "I hope it was."
Over with Vivi the young princess ran into her room and slammed the door once Carue was inside. Then without wasting any time she ran to her dresser and began to grab a few changes of clothes. As she began to pack, the large duck scuffled over to a small wall with pictures and news clippings everywhere.
"Quack quack!" Carue shouted out while pointing to the wall with his wing.
The princess turned her attention to her companion and looked at the wall. "No I think we will leave all that behind Carue."
The duck accepted the answer and began searching the room for other essentials to take. While Vivi on the other hand continued to gaze at the wall. It was a wall dedicated to Naruto and Konohamaru. Which not only had pictures of their bounties, but also had every news article she could find on both boys.
"I'm about to set of on an adventure of my own. And you two morons still haven't kept your end of the deal." Vivi chuckled in a low voice to herself. "I hope you two are doing well. And I hope you both still think of me. Especially you Naruto."
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(With Naruto)
Naruto sneezed loudly causing Sasuke who was the only person beside him to snicker.
"Cold weather getting to you already?" The raven haired pirate asked.
Naruto rolled his eyes and looked over the side of the ship. "Either a pretty girl is talking about me or I'm getting allergic to over confident bastards." The blond captain shot back; while watching the Red Haired Pirates leave the ship and head onto the island.
Sasuke leaned against the ship and smirked. "Well I doubt any girls are talking about you and I find it hard to believe that you are allergic to yourself."
"Dick." Naruto mumbled under his breath.
"Bitch." Sasuke fired back.
"Bastard."
"Asshole."
"Over glorified ramen chef."
"Oi~! I thought we were passed that!"
Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "I guess not."
"Hehe look Itachi they are bonding again." The voice of Konohamaru laughed from behind.
Naruto and Sasuke turned around to face their brothers. Both of whom had a small smile on their face.
"Actually I think we interrupted their little lover's quarrel." Itachi chimed in emotionlessly, causing both Naruto and Sasuke to growl.
"Do you really want to start Itachi?" Naruto asked; while his eyes twitched and his hand rested over Kurama's hilt.
"Not really." The Uchiha replied. "But we should head off before your uncle and everyone gets ahead of us."
Naruto relaxed and sighed. "Yeah you have a good point."
Itachi smirked and tossed a jacket towards Naruto and Sasuke. "Of course I have a point." The eldest of the group replied. "After all I'm the voice of reason of our little group."
Sasuke rolled his eyes and placed his large black overcoat on. "Hn."
"Tell me about it." Naruto replied, showing he understood what his grunt meant; while placing a overcoat on as well.
Itachi just shook his head and walked off. "Let's just get going foolish brother and captain."
Konohamaru giggled and followed after Itachi. While Naruto and Sasuke both rolled their eyes and followed.
"The way he barks orders you would think he is the captain not me." Naruto grumbled in a low voice, as he descended off the ship.
Sasuke didn't reply instead he just followed silently. Soon the four young pirates were off the ship and headed up through the town towards the mountain.
Konohamaru looked towards the older members of the group, his face showing a small hint of worry. "You don't think Uncle Shanks and everyone would leave us behind."
"If they did that just means we don't have to climb a damn mountain." Naruto replied quickly, earning a nod from Sasuke.
Itachi on the other hand placed a hand on the young boy's shoulder and smiled. "I'm sure Red Hair-san will wait for us."
Naruto walked forward and took the lead. "I can sense them." The blond admitted with a sigh. "And they are in fact waiting for us."
Itachi smiled at being right. "See nothing to worry about Konohamaru."
"That may be true, but we might as well catch up with everyone else." Sasuke pointed out, causing the group to nod and pick up their pace.
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(Couple hours later)
It has been a few hours since Naruto and his crew had caught up with his uncle. Since that time the group of pirates quickly made their way up the mountain. Eventually they decided to make a small camp inside a cave, that was just a little ways away from the peak.
As they camped they drank, ate and shared stories. It was a typical night for the Red Haired Pirates.
"And after that day Naruto would never look at melons the same again." Shanks finished loudly earning the booming laughter of the entire group of pirates. Well besides Naruto and Itachi, the latter of which didn't show much emotion anyway.
"Bastard." Naruto mumbled in anger, while eating his ramen.
Sasuke smirked and looked to his captain and was about to retort. Though the glare the blond gave him even made Sasuke shut up.
Konohamaru and Yassop on the other hand still didn't care about the blond's temper. They jumped in front of Naruto and started to play with their chest like female breasts.
"Oh Naru-..." Both student and master were silenced by each of Naruto's fists in their face.
"Anyone else wanna laugh some more?" Naruto warned with a tick mark. Causing a few weaker members of the crew to grow silent. While people like Shanks and Ben still snickered to themselves.
"Take a breath whiskers. It's just a story." Ben laughed while lighting a cigarette.
Shanks who was seated by his nephew nodded. "Yeah take advice from your old Uncle Shanks. Life is too short to always be mad, remember what I said about lighting up a little?" The elder male asked.
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Yeah whatever." The blond mumbled. "Just wait till I tell everyone about the time my Tou-san and Roger dropped you off at Kamabakka Kingdom." The blond replied while everyone looked at the blond with confusion. "It's an island of guys dressed in drag."
Laughter erupted once more in the cavern, but this time it was at the expense of Shanks.
"Bastard." Shanks mumbled, acting exactly like his nephew.
Naruto smiled and was about to respond, but he along with Ben, Yassop, Itachi and Shanks. Stopped their merriment and turned serious, all of them preparing for an attack while looking towards the cave entrance. Where a group of unfamiliar pirates were standing rather nervously. All except for the one in front, which Naruto would only assume was the captain.
"I've been looking for you Red Hair Shanks." The captain of the pirates revealed.
Shanks lifted an eyebrow up in interest. "Oh really and what does a super rookie want with me? Have you come to try and take my head?" Shanks asked, showing he knew who the captain was. While at the same time slowly drawing his sword.
Naruto looked to the captain with interest. The individual had a large orange hat; with blue smiley faces on the front. one frowning and one smiling, and a string of red beads sitting above the rim. Two long orange side straps hung down from the sides of the hat and met at a large medallion of a bull's skull with orange tassels. Under the hat long flowing black hair could be seen laying down the captain's shoulder and backside.
"Not at all I've come to thank you." The captain revealed, before revealing her face. "My name is Portgas D. Asuka and you saved my little brother Luffy's life. So thank you."
She then took a bow causing Naruto to blush as he noticed her fairly large D-cup breasts; held back by a black bikini top with red flame designs. Below her waist were tight leather pants and a large orange belt; with a small knife strapped on her hip.
Shanks released his sword and smiled big. "Luffy's sister? Well in that case sit down and eat with us!"
Asuka nodded and took a seat at the bonfire across Naruto. Where the two children of legends took a moment to look each other over. These looks were noticed by Shanks and Ben; both of whom only laughed.
"So Asuka? Tell me does Luffy still run around declaring he will be the King of Pirates?" Shanks asked, breaking the girl from her daze.
"Hehe are you kidding? That's all the kid ever talks about. Too bad I'm going to be the one to be the Queen of Pirates." Asuka responded in a confident tone.
"Oh is that so?" Shanks spoke in a curious voice. "And how will you do that, there is a lot of strong pirates out there. Ones that may beat you to your goal." The captain finished shooting a glance over to Naruto.
Asuka leaned over the fire and smirked. "It's simple, I'll have everyone recognize my strength by beating the strongest man in the world; Whitebeard."
Naruto snorted at the girl's claim, causing her to growl.
"Got a problem over there Goldie Locks?" Asuka asked in a slightly enraged tone.
Naruto gave a false smile and shook his head. "No I just think it's rather funny." The blond pirate admitted in all honesty. "A small time pirate like yourself planning to go after the man rumored to match Roger in battle. Please you couldn't find the man let alone defeat him."
"I can find him just fine thank you very much." The raven haired girl retorted.
Shanks looked between the two teens, their words were starting to hold more venom behind them. Making the Yonko believe things could turn violent soon.
"Enlighten me freckles. How do you plan on tracking Whitebeard down?" Naruto asked in a cocky manor, while giving the girl a name of her own.
Asuka gritted her teeth at the name, but choose to let it slide. "Simple Whitebeard is allied with the Fishmen. To be even more accurate the warlord known as Jinbe. I will hunt the man down since he operates in waters close to his homeland, then I will force him to tell me where the old bastard is."
Before Asuka could even blink, a gust of wind flew by. Snuffing out the campfire and sending her on edge. As Naruto stood beside her, with his sword placed to her neck.
"Sorry I owe my life to Jinbe and his crew. And I will do anything to help that man. So I'll give you one warning before I'm forced to kill you. Stay away from Jinbe and his crew." Naruto warned in a serious tone.
Asuka didn't flinch, instead she looked over to Shanks with a board expression. "Acting pretty high and mighty when you have a Yonko backing you up." The super rookie noted, causing Naruto to press his sword against her skin. The metal from the blade slowly making her weak, but she held her own.
"I don't need my uncle or his crew. I have my own crew and I don't need their assistance either. In case you don't know who I am, I'm Silvers Naruto. Son of Silvers Rayleigh and the Dark Prince." Naruto formally introduced himself, revealing his name to the girl.
Shanks nodded and yelled out to the pair. "He speaks the truth, whatever quarrel you start with my nephew is between the two of you. I'm not getting involved in this mess."
Asuka seemed to take the information she was given and smirked. "Well let me introduce myself, I'm Fire Fist Asuka." The girl began as she leaned back and flipped under Naruto's sword. Giving her enough time to grab her knife and clash blades with Naruto. "And I would back off before I kick your ass."
Naruto smiled as he easily held the girl at bay. "Oh I would love to see you try." The blond challenged.
The two super rookies growled and pushed each other back and forth. While this was going on all the Pirates watching stood in silence and waited to see want would happen. Quickly they found Naruto gaining the edge over Asuka, he was stronger and using a longer weapon. So out of desperation the girl jumped backwards and kicked a stream of fire forward.
Naruto brought Kurama up in a lazy fashion and blocked the fire. Then in a blink of an eye, the blond short forward and kicked Asuka in the gut. Causing the girl to going barreling out of the cave.
"I'll be back in a few minutes Uncle Shanks." The blond explained as he walked towards the cave exit. The tip of his Katana being dragged across the ground as he walked.
Itachi sighed and took a drink out of a small cup. "Could he go one day without starting a fight?" The black haired teen asked, already knowing the answer.
"No he can't." Shanks, Ben and Konohamaru dead panned in unison.
Sasuke smirked and stood up. "Well I'm going to go watch that idiot kick that loud mouths ass down the mountain." The Uchiha revealed, causing a few people to follow his lead.
On the outside with Naruto, the blond walked into a large snow covered clearing; by the mountain's edge. Asuka was hunched over in the middle of the clearing, she was just now picking herself up from Naruto's kick.
"You know I'm feeling kind today, surrender now and promise to leave the Sun Pirates alone. And I will allow you to walk away unharmed." Naruto explained, as he stopped a few feet in front of Asuka and waited for her answer.
"Piss off." The girl growled, her fist turning into a tornado of flames. "Fire Fist!" She called out in rage, sending her flaming arm shooting forward.
Naruto smirked and held his own hand back. "Hurricane Punch!" The blond shouted, his fist shooting out and blinding speeds and intercepting Asuka's attack.
Once the fire and wind made contact, the two attacks mixed into a small twister of wind and fire. Causing the nearby snow to melt instantly from the sheer heat.
Naruto gazed at the tornado in a lazy fashion and sheathed Kurama. Just from that small exchange he knew he didn't need his sword. Though as his sword made a click, signaling it was fully sheeted. Asuka came flying through the raging fire with her knife in hand.
"Is that all you got?" The Fire Woman asked as she brought her knife down on Naruto.
Naruto waited till the knife was about to strike his temple and he backed away with remarkable speed. Then as Asuka moved for a follow up attack, Naruto did the same as before. He waited till the very last second and quickly avoided the attack effortlessly every time.
"What's the matter? Are you going to draw your sword or are you going to just keep running away?" Asuka asked as she continued to slash at the blond.
Naruto remained silent for a moment and continued to dodge. "Left, right, horizontal slash followed by a kicked to the right." Naruto called out Asuka's moves before she could even perform them.
"Throw a temper tantrum.\How the hell do you know what I'm going to do!" They both spoke at the same time, making Naruto smile and Asuka growl in frustration.
"You're very predictable and my Haki is an ability I take pride in." Naruto explained as he grabbed the girl by her wrist and flipped her around. Placing them in a position where her knife was held to her thigh and his chest was pressed against her back.
Blushing hard she struggled to break the blond's hold, but he was incredibly strong. "Hey dickhead let me go!" Asuka demanded with a weak voice.
Naruto laughed and spoke into her ear with a husky voice. "You know I think you are enjoying being so close to me Asuka-chan."
Gritting her teeth, Asuka changed her body into fire and started to swirl around Naruto. Forcing the blond to turn into wind and copy her. Soon the two children of legends formed a massive tornado of wind and fire. Producing enough heat to melt the entire mountain side.
While this was going on, everyone had cleared out of the cave and was watching the fight. Asuka's crew was left speechless, they had never seen their captain beaten so effortlessly.
"Do you think the Captain can win?"
"Do be a dumbass, it's Captain Asuka we are talking about. She has never lost a fight!"
"But that kid is the son of Silvers Rayleigh and his bounty 445,000,000 Beli; which is bigger than the Captain's bounty."
"It's only 45,000,000 more."
Sasuke huffed and looked over to Asuka's crew. "Your captain doesn't stand a chance." The teen declared with a smirk. "After all, to be my captain he can't lose an easy fight like this."
Some of Asuka's crew growled and pointed their pistols at Sasuke. Smirking the Uchiha drew his sword and prepared to have his own fight. Though before he could move the eyes of Asuka's crew went blank and they fell over unconscious.
Recognizing what happened, Sasuke snorted and looked over to his brother. Whose eyes were glowing red with his Sharingan active. "Why don't you leave the fighting to the captain." Itachi spoke in a clam voice, taking his spot besides his brother. "And don't give me that look because I didn't let you fight."
"Whatever." The teen mumbled already sheeting his sword. "They would have been a waste of my time anyway."
"Sure they were brat." Ben spoke sarcastically as he walked over. "I think the real reason you're upset is because you just enjoy starting fights. Just like your idiot captain over there."
"That sounds like Sasuke." Konohamaru chimed in as he walked over with the rest of the Red Haired Pirates. "And that's my Nii-chan spot on also."
Yassop laughed and slapped his student on the back. "I know right? Look at Naruto up there." The sniper pointed up to the figures of Naruto and Asuka exchanging blows in the tornado. "The kid was so quick to start a fight and instead of ending it fast like he could have. He is playing around with that poor girl, if that was me I'd be pissed."
Shanks ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "That's Naruto's problem he knows he is stronger so he is holding back. I've noticed him do this a lot, he wants to enjoy a fight so he doesn't go all out. One day he is going to mess up because of that and regret it." The Yonko explained to the group, right before Asuka went rocketing out of the tornado towards the ground. "Though it seems today won't be that day."
Over with Asuka the fire woman landed hard on the ground and cried out in pain. "Shit that hurt." She mumbled in a low voice, nursing her now dislocated shoulder.
Naruto reformed a few feet away from the girl in a twister of wind. "So are you ready to take my offer from earlier?" The blond asked completely unharmed. "You are no match for me, I've trained with my Father and Uncle even since I could walk. You obviously don't even know how to use Haki."
Asuka looked down and spotted her knife struck in the ground and snatched it. "I don't need whatever Haki is, I will never give up! Now draw your sword!" The girl demanded as she prepared to rush Naruto.
Naruto sighed and shook his head, deep down he didn't want to harm Asuka. Though he would do anything to protect Jinbe and his crew.
"Why are you pushing yourself so much?" Naruto asked as he stepped to the side and avoided Asuka's knife.
"I have to find Whitebeard!" The girl shouted, in rage before swiping her blade to the side.
Naruto clamped his hand on her wrist and stopped her attack. "Why is finding him so important?"
Asuka growled and tried to free her arm, But it was no use. "I don't need to answer anything else!" She shouted in rage before her arm morphed into fire; allowing herself to be freed from Naruto's grasp.
Naruto ducked under a fire covered fist and coated his hand in Busoshoku Haki. Then with little remorse he punched Asuka in the gut, causing her eyes to go wide and her body to slightly stagger over.
"Just stop, I don't want to hurt you anymore. Though if you force me, I will not regret doing so." Naruto explained softly, slowly moving his hand back. "Can't you see I'm not even trying and I'm winning. Just give up."
Asuka staggered backwards and placed a hand on her shoulder. Then while giving a loud cry, she popped her shoulder back into place.
"I'm not..." Asuka stopped and took some heavy breaths. "I'm not going to let you beat me... Now draw your sword!"
Naruto sighed and watched Asuka throw a slow and sloppy punch. "Just stop already." The blond mumbled as he caught her fist. "Swallow your pride and admit your defeat."
Asuka growled and pushed her other fist forward, but this time Naruto didn't move. Instead he allowed her fist to pass through his head.
"Damn it!" Asuka growled as her hand burst to life in flames. Then with anger filled in her motions, Asuka continued to swing at Naruto's head. Each time ending like the last as her attacks went right through his head.
After a moment Naruto had enough, he quickly grabbed her hand and held her at bay. Then with remarkable speed he placed his knee into her gut, making the girl bend over in pain. "I'm sorry." The blond mumbled so only she could hear, then he gave her a chop to the neck. Causing Asuka's eyes to roll over and her body to slump over unconscious.
Though before the girl could fall over, Naruto quickly scooped her up into his arms. Then by carrying her bridal style, he walked her over to his uncle's crew.
"Well at least you went easy on her." Ben spoke up sarcastically, while giving Naruto his usual grin.
Naruto walked passed the man without any emotion. Making Ben look over his shoulder in surprise.
Shanks walked beside his nephew and held a hand on his shoulder. "Hey Naruto what's got into you? You are never this cold to Ben, sure I could understand if it was Yassop."
"Hey what they hell?" Yassop shouted from the side.
"You know it's true sensei." Konohamaru pointed out, making the man sigh in defeat.
Naruto looked to his uncle and then to the girl in his arms. "I see a lot of myself in her, so I'm going to help her. And before you ask humiliating in a fight was helping her." The blond explained before walking off.
Itachi walked beside Shanks and crossed his arms. "He may not always show it, but he has the best intentions for those around him. That's why I decided to follow him in the first place."
Shanks smiled at those words and watched Natuto disappear into the cave. "He's been through a lot and it almost made him someone he isn't. Promise me you will help keep that idiot on the right path."
"Yeah I promise I will." Itachi replied with a happy smile.
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(A few hours later)
Asuka felt like shit, her body ached all over and she had a throbbing pain in her head. Slowly and groggily she opened her eyes and tried to figure out what happened. As she stirred she noticed she was tucked into a bed; which was odd as the last thing she remembered was fighting Naruto.
"What happened?" The fire woman asked herself as she fully opened her eyes. Noticing she was no longer on the mountain, but in a unfamiliar room. One that was dimly lit with a small candle on a night stand.
"So you are finally awake." The voice of Naruto spoke up, sending chills down her spine.
Jerking her head to the left, Asuka spotted the blond seated in a small chair in the corner. The light from the candle gave just enough light for her to make out his facial features.
"What the hell did you do to me creep?" Asuka asked as she held her hands up in defense. Instantly turning both her arms into flames.
Naruto stood from his seat and walked over to her bedside, causing Asuka to tense up. "Well besides kicking your ass, I also patched you up, carried you down a mountain and allowed you to rest in my private quarters."
Asuka narrowed her eyes, allowing her arms to return to their normal state. Then as she inspected her body she finally noticed all the bandages covering her body. "Why did you help me?" The girl asked with venom in her voice.
Naruto grabbed the chair from the corner and held it by her bedside. Then by taking a seat he locked eyes with the girl. "I didn't kill you out of sympathy, but I patched your wounds and brought you here because of curiosity."
Asuka raised her eyebrow. "Where is my crew?" The girl demanded to know.
"They are safe and in your ship; which is currently docked beside us. Now would you mind satisfying my curiosity?" The blond asked in a monotone voice.
"Sure." Asuka replied in an upset voice.
"Alright, why is defeating Whitebeard and showing your strength so important? You are obviously heavily outmatched by someone of his level. I didn't even try in our fight and you couldn't touch me. So why are you so set on finding him?" Naruto asked in a serious voice, his words making Asuka look away in anger.
"You wouldn't understand." The girl replied stubbornly. "You don't know what my life has been like because of my father."
"And you don't know nothing about me." Naruto pointed out as he reclined back in his chair. "So before you answer the hard questions. Let's start with an easy one. I saw your name tattooed on your arm, but the S in Asuka was crossed out. What's the meaning behind that?"
"Who said I would answer anything?" Asuka asked back with an annoyed tone. Obviously the tattoo hit a sore spot with the girl.
Naruto sighed, he wasn't getting anywhere with the female pirate. So he stood up and unbuttoned his shirt, making the girl look away and blush. "Allow me to show you my tattoo, originally it was a burn mark from a branding. Though I decided to place ink over it in order to make it stand out more."
Asuka looked back and saw the mark of the Sun Pirates on his chest, but she didn't know what it was. "It's a sun, that's great for you." The girl spoke very sarcastically making Naruto frown.
"This right here is the mark of Jinbe's Crew the Sun Pirates. It was a mark created by Fisher Tiger to hide the former slaves in his crew. This mark is my pride and was given to me by Jinbe to hide the fact that I was a slave." Naruto revealed, shocking Asuka to her very core. "He gave me the ability to remove the label of slave given to me by the Celestial Dragons. That's why I would do everything to protect that man, I owe him so much."
Asuka gripped the bed sheet and looked down. "I'm sorry, I can understand now why you wanted to kill me so badly earlier. In your situation I would have acted the same."
Naruto nodded and placed his shirt back on. "I know you would have." The blond spoke softly before taking a seat again. "Though now I have told you something about me. So I believe it's fair you share something with me."
Asuka bit the bottom of her lip. "Your father was the second hand man of the Pirate King correct?"
"Yes he was." Naruto answered with a hint of pride. "But I believe I said it's your turn to tell me something."
"I know, that's why I'm telling you the reason I want to surpass Whitebeard. It's not nothing against the man, but like you said he was Gol D. Roger's equal in battle. So I feel if I could surpass Whitebeard, I could surpass my father." The fire woman revealed, dropping the bomb that made Naruto slip out of his chair.
Asuka couldn't help, but laugh at the teen's reaction. She found it cute oddly enough.
"My father told me Roger had a kid, hell my dad even wanted to raise you. Though according to my dad Roger already made plans for you to be raised by someone else." Naruto explained as he climbed back on his chair. "I would have never guessed you were Roger's daughter."
"Yeah I was raised with my foster brother Luffy and his grandfather Monkey D. Garp." The daughter of the Pirate King began as she fiddled with her fingers. "It was a strange upbringing, but a good one nonetheless. It's odd to imagine being raised by Silvers Rayleigh."
"Well speaking of odd, our father's were best friends and you and me met as enemies. Then before that you were raised by the man who hunted down your father and became siblings with that man's grandson. That's pretty ironic if I do say so myself." Naruto pointed out with a small laugh.
Asuka joined in on the laughter. "I know what's the chances of all this happening?" The girl asked while continuing her laughter. Though after a moment their laughter died down and Asuka turned serious. "I do have to ask you a question though."
Naruto smiled and folded his arms behind his hands behind his head. "Well it is my turn to answer a question."
Asuka smiled while eyeing the blond's sword. "You've already told me how you became so strong. Your Uncle and Father trained you, but I want to know what your dream is. What drives you to become so strong?"
Naruto let a weak smile show as he looked down. "Like I said I was a slave, I saw so much messed up shit during that time. Though before I was took into slavery, I watched a marine, a man who was swore to serve the people... I watched as that bastard killed my innocent mother... That moment made me realize this world needs changed and I'm going to be the one to change it. That's why when me and my crew set off in two years. We are going to find the One Piece and bring peace to the world." Naruto explained while looking at Asuka with pure determination.
Asuka was speechless she didn't know what to say. Naruto had been through so much hardship in life, but instead of wanting to burn the world down for what it did to him. He wanted to save it by bringing peace to the doomed world they lived in.
"You are an amazing person." Asuka spoke truthfully. "I might just respect you a little now. Even though you're a woman beater." The teen added in playfully.
Naruto turned pale, he didn't even think of his fight with Asuka in a such a manor. If his mother was still alive he would be a dead man. Though there was always his aunt Shakky who would gladly kick his ass.
"I'm sorry for that." The blond apologized quickly, bowing down to the girl. "Please don't tell my aunt. She will kill me."
Asuka faintly smiled at this outcome. She felt like she had some actual power over the boy. "I'll think about it." The girl lied with a foxy grin, she didn't even know who his aunt was. So she really couldn't do anything to him. Though she was going to extort this chance she got. "You know what why don't we strike a deal. You help me out and your aunt won't know anything."
Naruto grabbed Asuka's hands and started to shake his head up and down. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." The blond chanted over and over again. "I'll do whatever you ask."
Asuka smiled and looked away, she had a faint blush from Naruto holding onto her hands. "Alright all you have to do is help me surpass my father." The girl mumbled in embarrassment.
Naruto smiled wide. "That's a pretty big request, but I will help you nonetheless. Just as long as my aunt doesn't murder me." The blond added in with a shiver. "Though back to the topic at hand. I can help you in one of two ways. First I could write Jinbe a letter explaining you want to fight Whitebeard. That way you would have a way to the old bastard without fighting my friend. Or there is the other option."
Asuka raised her eyebrow with interest. "Which is?"
"You could join my crew and train under me, my Uncle and his crew." Naruto revealed shocking Asuka with the prospects of joining his crew. "So what do you say Asuka-chan? Wanna join my crew?"
Chapter End.
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