Chapter 9. Time to Set Sail

"So what is your answer?" Naruto asked in a serious voice. "I shall leave the choice up to you."

Asuka looked down and thought to herself. On one hand she could have a wonderful opportunity to grow stronger as a fighter. Though on the other hand she could have a chance to fight Whitebeard, but could she even hold a candle to a Yonko?

At first Asuka was confident in her skill, but after her fight with Naruto. She had her eyes opened, making her realize how much farther she needed to grow in strength.

Naruto watched Asuka have her inner debate and raised an eyebrow. "You know Asuka, you don't have to take either of my offers. I can understand if you don't want my help."

Asuka shook her head. "No I definitely want your help, but I want to make a compromise." She revealed.

"Oh a compromise eh? Alright I'm all ears Asuka-chan." Naruto replied as he crossed his arms and listened carefully.

Asuka bit her lips, this first part was gonna be hard to admit. "Ok I know you are stronger than me, so you could help me become a better fighter."

Naruto nodded. "That I could do."

"But..."

"But what?" Naruto asked, not wanting to be left in suspense.

"I still want to beat Whitebeard.." Asuka admitted as she clenched her fists. "Ever since I knew I was Roger's daughter I wanted to step out of his shadow. I wanted to be better than my father ever was. So beating Whitebeard can help me obtain that dream."

Naruto nodded and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm not gonna lie Asuka-chan, Whitebeard would kill you without even trying." The blond began in a low voice, making her look down. "They don't hand out the title of Yonko to everyone, trust me. I have fought my uncle plenty of times, so I know the power gap between you and that man."

Asuka cracked a false smile and chuckled. "Heh I'm that weak huh?" The girl asked in a low voice.

Naruto smiled and reached forward, then by grabbing her hand he gave it a small squeeze. "No, you are that untrained, so let me fix that."

Asuka looked into his deep blue eyes and smiled. "Alright, then let me actually tell you my compromise." The girl spoke softly. "I will travel and train with you for a year. Then after that I'm going after Whitebeard."

"That's acceptable, your crew can follow us on your ship while I train you. Then in one year you can leave to fight Whitebeard." Naruto summarized as he stood up and walked to the door. "I'm going to go tell my Uncle the plans. Feel free to take some time and rest in my quarters."

Asuka nodded and decided to take him up on his offer. Though before Naruto could leave the room, she called out to him. "Thanks Goldie Locks."

Naruto looked away and smiled. "Don't mention it Freckles." He replied before walking out the door.

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(The next morning)

It was the morning after Naruto and Asuka had made their deal. As promised, Naruto spoke with his uncle about the agreement, and to little surprise the red haired Yonko had no issue with letting Asuka's crew tag along; he always thought the more the merrier.

So with everything being sorted out, it was finally time for Asuka to begin her training. Little did she know that training would start at five in the morning.

Naruto, being the mischievous teenager he was, silently snuck into his quarters. Where Asuka was sound asleep. Then with a smirk on his face he held a pistol into the air and fired it off with a loud bang. Making the girl shriek and nearly jump out of the bed.

"Come on Freckles you can't sleep the day away! It's time to start your year of torment and hell, or as my father called it, a miserable way to bond!" Naruto yelled loudly with a cheeky grin, smiling so wide his eyes closed.

Asuka growled and took a step out of bed and before Naruto could even react. She punched him square in the face, sending him flying out of his own quarters.

On the outside Konohamaru watched his brother land face first into a wall.

"Don't do that shit asshole!" Asuka yelled from outside.

Konohamaru laughed and shook his head, then by bending down he grabbed his gun out of Naruto's hand. "I told you that wasn't a good idea. Should have taken Itachi's advice and woke her up gently." The youngest advised.

Naruto jerked his head out of the wall and started to cry anime tears. "Why does Kenbunshoku Haki never work against a raging female?" The blond asked with a small lump on his head.

Konohamaru shrugged his shoulders and placed his gun in its holster. "I don't know, but I'm heading on the upper deck. You can deal with the mess you made." The sharpshooter chuckled before walking off.

"I'd rather not?" Naruto mumbled before he walked after Konohamaru and turned around towards his quarters. "Get ready Freckles we have training to get started on!"

Asuka shouted a few swears directed towards Naruto. So in order to avoid the wrath of an angry female. The two Silver brothers scurried onto the deck; where Sasuke, Itachi, Ben, and Shanks were already starting they training for the day.

Currently, Sasuke and Ben were locked in a fierce spar, while Itachi and Shanks observed. Sasuke was matching Ben blow for blow with his sword. While the second in command of the Red Haired Pirates was using his rifle as a makeshift club.

"Good form Sasuke." Shanks commented from the side. "Remember to not only watch Ben's body moments, but also use your Haki to help predict his attacks."

Sasuke nodded and brought his sword in a horizontal arc. Though Ben easily blocked the strike and kicked Sasuke in the chest; sending the teen staggering back.

"Listen to the captain, brat, you may just improve a little." The elder taunted trying to get under Sasuke's skin.

Sasuke smirked and activated his Sharingan. "Let me show you how much I've improved."

"No Sharingan, Sasuke, your Devil Fruit is a crutch. So you need to learn how to fight without it." Itachi instructed sternly.

Naruto smiled and patted Itachi on his shoulder. "Says the guy who always uses his Devil Fruit in our spars." The blond added in.

Itachi rolled his eyes. "That's different." The teen replied in a monotone voice

"How so, Itachi?" Konohamaru asked.

Ben chuckled from the side. "Naruto's a little stronger than Sasuke. For instance, if I was sparing Naruto right now I might break a sweat." He revealed, once again trying to get under Sasuke's skin. After all, Shanks told him to do so, as they were going to work out the Uchiha's little pride issue over the next two years.

Sasuke took a deep breath and deactivated his Sharingan. Then by shrouding his katana in Haki, the raven haired swordsman dashed forward.

Ben smiled as he was quickly forced to parry Sasuke's onslaught of sword strikes.

"You have to admit he's gotten better." Shanks praised in a low voice, speaking to Itachi and his nephews.

Itachi watched his brother and smiled. "Yes he's come a long way since Dark Prince-san kicked his ass."

Naruto huffed and crossed his arms. "And I could still kick his ass, but I can't go around beating on my crew." The blond grumbled.

Konohamaru laughed and patted his brother on the back. "No one said you couldn't Nii-chan." The youngest of the group replied.

Shanks chuckled and shook his head, though he and Naruto quickly shuddered as they felt a familiar killing intent.

"Nee-chan/Kaa-chan?" Both pirate captains mumbled in shock, as they turned around to face Asuka. Who was glaring at Naruto with anger that he had only seen come from his late mother.

"Oh Asuka-chan it's you." Naruto laughed as he ducked under a fist. "Have a good sleep?"

Asuka growled and backed away. "You're an ass." The girl insulted as she tried to hold in the urge to strangle the blond. Luckily she found her attention placed towards Ben and Sasuke. "What's going on here?"

Itachi walked over and held his hand out. "I don't believe we have formally met Asuka-san. I'm Itachi Uchiha, a member of Dark Prince-san's crew." The older pirate introduced politely. "And what you see is my younger brother Sasuke sparing with Ben; who is a member of Red Hair-san's crew."

Asuka nodded and accepted Itachi's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Itachi, but that's a spar? Because to me it looks a little more intense than a friendly spar."

Konohamaru stepped in front of the girl and gave her a cheeky smile. "That's just how we train, but I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Silvers Konohamaru, Naruto's little brother."

Asuka smiled and cocked an eyebrow. "You seem a lot more sweet than your jerk of an older brother."

Naruto crossed his arms and pretended to pout. "Hey I'm not that bad." The blond protested.

Itachi smiled and patted his captain on the shoulders. "Of course you're not." The raven haired pirate agreed. "You can be far worse."

Naruto glared at Itachi with a blank expression. "Yeah whatever... Jerk." The blond mumbled the insult as he walked over to Sasuke and Ben. "Though let's properly test Asuka's abilities. Anyone want to be here sparing partner?"

Sasuke closed his eyes and placed his sword away. "Not really." The Uchiha mumbled before walking off to the side. "Not worth my time, I saw how easily you kicked her ass."

Asuka growled and started to walk towards Sasuke. "What did you say asshole?" The fire woman asked.

Sasuke's lips curled into a smile, making Itachi sigh as he knew his brother was purposely agitating the girl

"I said-.."

"What my brother is saying is that he just finished a spar. So why don't I take you on instead." Itachi began as he stepped in between the two teens. "Oh, and Sasuke, if memory serves correct every time you and the captain fight, he kicks your ass."

Naruto smirked and started to chuckle as he looked to his fuming Vice Captain. "Don't be too hard on Sasuke, there was that one time I let him hit me. That's one more hit than Asuka's got."

Asuka and Sasuke looked at Naruto with fire in their eyes. "Are you trying to start a fight, dick?" The two asked, as both their prides were slightly wounded.

"Actually Nii-san, Asuka did hit you this morning, so that means they are tied." Konohamaru chuckled in a playful voice. "So in that sense Asuka is just as strong as Sasuke."

Ben looked at the glares Naruto and Konohamuru were getting and shook his head. "I swear you two are too cheeky for your own good. I'm headed to the mess hall for some breakfast before Yassop wakes up and ruins my peaceful morning."

Naruto nodded and waved the older pirate off. "Alright Ben, you'll be missing some great training." The blond pointed out, making Ben roll his eyes.

"Yeah, sure I will." The pirate grumbled before walking off.

Shanks watched his second in command leave and then directed his attention to Asuka. "Alright let's get this spar on the road. Itachi will be a great opponent, considering his fighting style is the opposite of your own."

"Oh, and how is that?" Asuka asked with mild curiosity.

Naruto smirked. "If we told you that would be counterproductive." The blond quickly replied. "You have to learn to adjust to an unfamiliar foe during combat."

"Yeah, whatever." Asuka pouted as Itachi walked in front of her.

"Shall we begin our spar, Asuka-san?" Itachi asked in a emotionless voice.

Asuka smirked and lifted the rim of her hat with her index finger. "Yeah let's go."

Itachi's eyes quickly shifted into his Sharingan as he dropped into a fighting stance. "Well, come at me, Asuka-san."

Without wasting a second, Asuka dashed at Itachi with two flaming fists. "Take this!" The fire woman roared, while throwing a flurry of punches.

Itachi smirked and seemed to phase through all her attacks. This of course, confused Asuka beyond belief, as she should have been hitting him multiple times.

"It's time for your first lesson on Busoshoku Haki." Itachi started as he held his arms out, covering them both in black armor. "Are you ready Asuka-san?"

Asuka smiled. "I've been ready." The female replied before dashing at Itachi.

The Sharingan user remained calm and watched as Asuka attempted to strike the side of his temple. Though Itachi didn't move a muscle as Asuka's attack went off to the left and completely missed his head.

"I don't think you are." Itachi replied as he sent a fist forward and connected with Asuka's stomach. "You left yourself wide open and Busoshoku Haki not only protects you. It allows you to hit Logia type Devil Fruits."

Asuka staggered backwards and gripped her stomach. "So that is the technique Goldie Locks used on me during our fight." The fire woman pointed out, showing she was capable of figuring things out quickly.

"Yes Dark Prince-san can use all three forms of Haki like myself." Itachi explained as he relaxed a bit.

"Three types? The only thing I noticed was his Devil Fruit and his arms turning black. What else can Haki do?" Asuka asked with curiosity.

Off to the side Naruto smiled and crossed his arms. "Trust me Freckles, I used a lot more than just Busoshoku Haki. Plus Itachi has even more tricks than I do." The blond pointed out. "If you wanna know what Haki does, make sure you pay attention during this fight."

Shanks closed his eyes and sighed. "That's easier said than done for Asuka. Itachi's Devil Fruit really is a poor match for someone as inexperienced as Asuka."

Sasuke nodded. "I can agree to that." The teen mumbled. "Itachi is too strong for a rookie, you should have started her off with Konohamaru."

The young sharpshooter glared at Sasuke. "Hey what the hell Sasuke! You calling me weak or something?" The youngest of the Silver siblings asked.

"No, not at all." Sasuke replied in a clam tone. "Just compared to me, Itachi and Naruto. You're the best choice for facing off against someone like Asuka, who has no knowledge on advanced techniques."

Konohamaru nodded with an innocent smile. "Oh, I see." The brown haired child replied.

Naruto snickered at his brother's expense. "You know he basically just said you are the weakest member of our group Kono." The blond captain pointed out, making the younger glare once more.

"What!" The youngest of the pirates shouted, making Naruto and Sasuke laugh at his innocence.

Over with Itachi, the oldest of the Fujin Pirates groaned. "If you two would please stop pestering poor Konohamaru. I would like to continue my spar with Asuka-san, without you two distracting her."

Naruto placed his hands into the air. "Hey don't blame me, Sasuke started it." The blond accused, making Sasuke glare at his captain.

Itachi smacked his face with his own palm. "And you just keep adding fuel to the fire Dark Prince-san."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "That's a fair point."

Asuka rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her hip. "You know I'm trying to have a fight here Goldie Locks. Do you mind shutting your trap?"

Naruto placed a finger in his ear and started to rotate his wrist. "You say something freckles?" The blond asked before he was forced to duck under a punch.

"You heard me you blond haired ass!" The girl roared as she started to take swings at Naruto.

Naruto snickered as he started to dance around the girl. "That's not a very polite thing to say freckles."

Itachi watched his captain and shook his head before walking over to Shanks.

"Looks like my nephew stole your sparing partner." The Yonko noted with a small amount of humor. "I guess it's for the best, she would have never seen past your illusions unless she had proper Haki training."

Itachi nodded. "Yes that's what I was trying to demonstrate to her, but Dark Prince-san likes to get under her skin and distract her."

Shanks watched the children of pirate legends run around the deck of his ship. Smiling to himself as he felt a sense of déjà vu. "That's just because my nephew has taken a liking to her. It's not surprising as their fathers were best friends."

Itachi raised an eyebrow, he didn't know Asuka was Roger's daughter. "You know who Asuka's father was? Why didn't you make mention of it before?"

Shanks smiled. "I had my suspicions awhile ago, but now that I've met her and seen her around Naruto I'm sure. That's why I'm determined to train her to become a strong pirate, just like her father." Soon the red haired pirate started to laugh to himself. "After all I have a feeling she and my nephew will grow quite close. Though if the World Government finds out who her father is and connects her to Naruto. Oh that will be a predicament."

Itachi remained calm and let a smirk slip by. "I don't know who her father is, but regardless. If the World Government comes after my idiot of a captain, I have his back."

"Well in that case let's get those idiots back to training." Shanks laughed as he walked over to the two fighting teens.

Itachi nodded and motioned for Konohamaru and Sasuke to come over as well. "Sounds like a good idea to me Red Hair-san."

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(Two months later)

Two months have passed since Asuka had begun her training, and she has made some good progress. For starters, she was taught the fundamental concepts of all three types of Haki. Asuka quickly picked up on Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku as they were the easiest to learn and master. Though she still hasn't been able to tap into her third Haki, but considering who her father was, Shanks knew that would come in time. Asuka had also improved her overall fighting style, and was now more advanced with her Devil Fruit abilities.

Currently, she was at a level where she could almost fight on an even playing field with Sasuke. Though she still stood no chance against Naruto and Itachi, since their gap in power and skill was still too large. Though she was able to outmatch Konohamaru in a fight, but that was because the youngest of the pirates was a sniper, not a brawler. So in a close quarters fight, Asuka could quickly overwhelm him.

Though Asuka's strength was not the only thing that had grown over the passing months. Asuka had quickly found a friendship with Konohamaru and Itachi, both of whom treated her with kindness. While she found a rivalry with Sasuke, as the boy always attempted to get under her skin in any way possible. Then finally there was her relationship with Naruto. The two teens became very close very quickly. They agreed on most issues and had similar interests, but they still butted heads from time to time. A spectacle which became quite common on board the Red Haired Pirates vessel. Which brings us to the current situation on the deck of Shank's ship.

"You're a damn cheater!" An enraged female yelled.

"No, you're just a sore loser!" An equally enraged blond yelled back.

"Shut up, air head!"

"Why don't you, hot head!"

"Wow, way to be creative!"

Naruto growled and glared at the female standing in front of him. She was matching his glare while her hands rested on her hips.

Over to the side of the arguing teens, three young pirates watched their captain from afar.

"Will she ever stop bickering? Naruto clearly one their little wager fair and square." Sasuke noted from the side.

Itachi sighed and shook his head. "Unfortunately Asuka-san is just like Dark Prince-san. Too prideful to admit when one another is incorrect. So when adding in their sexual tension, they fight like an old married couple."

Konohamaru being the innocent child of the group raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What does sexual tension mean Itachi?"

The oldest of the group choked on his words before slowly coughing into his hand and composing himself. "Well... You see." Itachi began as Sasuke started to snicker to himself. "Your brother has gone through a stage called puberty and ummm."

Itachi trailed off and noticed Yassop whistling to himself and walking across the deck.

"You know what, why don't you go ask Yassop about the birds and the bees." Itachi spoke quickly, trying to redirect the boy's attention.

Konohamaru frowned for a moment, but then he let a wide smile pass and he nodded. "Ok, I will." The brown haired boy recoiled before looking to his sensei. "Hey, Yassop Sensei, what the hell is puberty? And what is the birds and the bees?"

Yassop paled as he looked towards his young student. Today surely wasn't the sharpshooter's day.

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(Six months later)

It has been eight months since Asuka had tagged along with the Red Haired Pirates, and in that time she had finally grasped her Haoshoku Haki. Though she could really use her Conqueror's Haki, it was nowhere near the level of Shanks, Naruto and Itachi. However, the fact that she was able to use Haoshoku Haki while training for under a year was impressive.

Shanks would occasionally tease her and Naruto both for their natural talent. Saying remarks like their future children would be monsters, and they were quite the power couple. Of course, this pissed the two teens off beyond belief. Which didn't help the fact that over the past couple of months they had been fighting non-stop, as they were always at odds with each other.

Speaking of being at odds with one another, currently Naruto and Asuka were engaged in another heated argument.

"You are such a freaking idiot!" Asuka yelled loudly, as she tried to pierce a hole through Naruto with her glare.

Said blond held a hand to his chest and tilted his eyebrow. "I'm an idiot? That's a big accusation coming from the hot head who lost her temper and almost caught the ship on fire!"

The two teens let loose low feral growls and pressed their bodies dy's against each other. Asuka's right hand flickering between its normal state and fire, while Naruto did the same though his was of course changing into wind.

"Do you want me to roast your ass here and now?" Asuka asked with fury behind her voice.

Naruto snorted. "Please, I'd blow your pretty little ass away."

Soon a small crowd started to gather around the two teens.

"Please cut the bull shit, you know I'm stronger than you!" Asuka shouted out slowly pressing Naruto back.

Naruto laughed and pushed back. "Oh, that explains why you've never beat me in a spar!"

"You wanna fight asshole?" Asuka asked.

"Yeah let's go!" Naruto yelled right as he felt a hand on his chest.

"Ok, that's enough." Shanks spoke up, while pushing his hands between the two and separating them. "You two need to cool it down and spend some time away from each other."

Asuka looked at the red haired pirate and then the crowd of people watching them. She then gave Naruto one more look before huffing and turning around. "Fine, I'm headed to my ship to get away for awhile."

Shanks nodded and watched the girl walk off. Then as he looked to his nephew he unleashed a sigh. "Naruto, can you two please try to get along?"

Naruto placed his hands in his pockets and shrugged his shoulders, then as his back turned to his uncle. The blond's body broke into wind and disappeared.

Ben walked over to his captain and placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "You were the one that wanted to train a bunch of punk teenagers." The man pointed out as he laughed and walked off.

Over with Asuka, the female supernova was currently walking under the deck of her ship. As her destination was her own personal cabin. Reaching the door to her quarters, Asuka opened the door and quickly entered and closed the room off.

Though before Asuka could take another step into her room two strong arms snaked around her body and gave her a tight squeeze.

"You know I'm not finished with you yet." A soft male voice whispered into her ear.

Recognizing the voice, Asuka broke her assailant's hold and pushed him into the wall. Then before the man could recompose himself, Asuka latched onto him and brought him into a fierce kiss.

"Oh really now." Asuka replied in a seductive voice as she backed away and trailed a finger down the male's body. "And what did you come here to do Goldie Locks?"

Naruto smiled and wrapped his arms around the raven haired beauty. "You." The blond cracked a grin as he flipped positions and placed Asuka against the wall.

The fire woman laughed as she placed her arms around Naruto's neck. "You're such a dork."

Shrugging his shoulders Naruto cocked a sly grin. "At least I'm cute."

Asuka looked to the side and pondered over the blond's claim. "Yeah, I guess you are." She finally admitted. "Though why do we do this?"

Naruto lifted an eyebrow in confusion. "Well we find each other attractive and-..."

"No no, I mean all this sneaking around bull shit. It's not like anyone would care if we are sleeping with each other." Asuka pointed out.

Naruto made an O with his mouth. "Well for starters I don't want to deal with Yassop, Kono and my uncle's teasing. Though if the Marines found out who you are and connect us together..."

"Yeah I get it, the thought of Roger's daughter and Rayleigh's son being together or possibly one day having a kid would send them on a crusade for our heads." Asuka finished make Naruto blush intensely at the mention of kids.

"Let's not go that far." Naruto chuckled nervously. "We aren't even a couple, so let's not talk about kids."

Asuka made a pout. "Then what the hell are we?"

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, but I do know that I care for you. Even if you're a hot head." The blond added the last part in a low voice.

Asuka smiled and shook her head. "Stupid airhead, let's be quick before your uncle or one of your stupid crew mates start looking for one of us."

"I can agree to that." Naruto grinned as he carried Asuka to her bed.

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(Four months later)

A year had finally passed and it was time for Asuka to part ways with the Red Haired Pirates. Currently the female was standing with her crew, while Naruto, Shanks, and their respective crews stood before her.

"It's been quite the year Asuka." Shanks began with a honest smile. "I'm glad you were able to spend it with us."

Asuka gave a small bow and smiled. "I wanted to thank you all for everything." She smirked while glancing to Naruto. "Even you Goodie Locks."

Naruto smiled and gave her a small wink. "Don't mention it Freckles."

Not many caught the quick exchange between the two teens, but Itachi did. 'Looks like they are closer than they let on. Good, Naruto needs someone close like her in his life. Too bad she is leaving though.' The Uchiha mused in his own thoughts.

Konohamaru frowned. "I'm gonna miss having you around Asuka." The small sharpshooter pouted as he crossed his arms and looked away.

Asuka chuckled to herself. "Are you crying, Kono?" The fire woman asked.

"No I'm not." The boy obviously lied as he brought a sleeve to his eyes. "Sasuke just smells bad and it makes my eyes water.

Sasuke's eye twitched and he leaned against Konohamaru. "I'm sure you'll see each other again, so no need to whine." The younger Uchiha pointed out, trying his hardest to be kind.

"Wow, Sasuke look at you being nice for once." Asuka laughed while placing a hand on her hips. "Maybe next time we meet you won't be such an ass."

"Hn." Sasuke grunted out before mumbling something about annoying women.

Itachi cracked a grin and walked over to Asuka. "It was a pleasure getting to know you Asuka." The elder began as he held a hand to her.

Asuka accepted the hand. "Likewise, Itachi, at least someone on Goldie Lock's crew is polite."

Itachi smiled and leaned into Asuka's ear. "You know I have the suspicion that you two have a thing for one another." The pirate whispered so only Asuka could hear, making her turn red in embarrassment.

Seeing this blush Itachi got his answer and oh the future fun he could have with this.

"Tch, as if." The female tried to convince the male, though Itachi didn't buy into it.

Naruto watched this exchange and was able to figure out for himself what was going on. 'Should have figured if anyone would find out it would be Itachi.' Naruto thought to himself.

"Asuka." Naruto began as he walked over to the girl. "I want you to take these."

Asuka watched as Naruto handed her a piece of paper, a letter and finally a Den Den Mushi.

"What is all this for?" Asuka asked the blond who only smiled.

"The letter is for Jinbe, it explains everything and he should help you find Whitebeard. The piece of paper is a Vivre Card, I want you to have it. That way no matter where you are, you can always find me if you need too. Then the snail phone is so we can stay in touch, after all I'm sure you'll miss me terribly." Naruto explained, giving a cocky smirk as he finished.

"Thank you." Asuka spoke in a weak voice, as she held the gifts close to her chest.

Naruto smiled wide. "Like I said earlier, don't mention-..." Naruto was cut off as Asuka gave him a kiss on the lips.

Slowly breaking the kiss Asuka looked the stunned blond in the eyes. "Haven't you learned yet Goldie Locks? You can't tell me what to do." The girl replied with a wink, before looking at Itachi and sticking her tongue out. "I don't care who knows how I feel anymore."

Asuka then walked off towards her ship with a sway in her hips. "You better see me again soon Goldie Locks." Asuka called out, leaving a stunned group of pirates behind.

Yassop yelled in frustration and started to mess around his hair. "Shit! Naruto isn't gay? Damn, I owe Ben so much damn money!" The sharpshooter whined out.

Shanks smiled and watched Asuka walk off. "You did say you have a thing for girls with fiery personalities." The uncle chuckled as he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Though I can see why you tried to keep things a secret. A relationship between you two could be dangerous."

Naruto watched Asuka board her ship and nodded. "Yeah, it could." The blond mumbled in a low voice.

"Do you love her?" The Yonko asked, making the blond look down.

"I'm not sure." The blond admitted. "I mean I care about her and I enjoy being around her. I would also do anything I could to help and protect her."

Ben pulled out a cigarette and patted Naruto on the back. "That's love brat." The second in command laughed out. "Though thanks for winning me some sweet cash."

Shanks nodded. "Naruto, if you love her don't let her go." The Yonko began as he thought back to his old lover and his past regrets.

Naruto looked down. "What should I do then?" The blond asked, showing weakness in the normal strong individual. "She is chasing after her dream of surpassing Roger. I can't get in the way of that."

"You ever think her dream may have changed?" Itachi asked, voicing his own opinion. "You're smart Dark Prince-san, but sometimes you can be blind to the obvious."

Naruto looked between his crew and his Uncle's crew.

"Just go." Sasuke practically shouted. "I'm your second in command. So my job is to not only look out for our crew, but for you as well."

Naruto smiled. "Thanks Sasuke." The blond replied. "I don't care what anyone says, you're not that big of a dick."

Sasuke crossed his arms and looked away. "Don't thank me, I just don't want a depressed jack ass for a captain."

Naruto's lower body turned into wind and he flew over to Asuka. Landing in front of the girl in impressive speed.

"Naruto what are you doing?" Asuka asked, as she was surprised by what the blond was doing.

Naruto grabbed one of Asuka's hands and looked into her eyes. "I want you to keep traveling with me." The blond declared. "Stay with me and join my crew."

Asuka opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a single word Naruto placed a finger to her lips. "Before you answer I want to know something Asuka. What is your dream? Mine is to have a great adventure and achieve peace, while Konohamaru and Itachi share my goal. Even Sasuke admitted he wants peace and to restore his clan. Though I want to know what you want."

Asuka bit her lip. "In all honesty, I hated being Roger's daughter. People viewed him as a demon and a terrible man. So it always made me fearful of someone discovering that I was his daughter, but after awhile I decided I would surpass my father. So the only way I could do that was to take his title and become Queen of the pirates."

"So defeating Whitebeard would have been your sure fire way to achieve your goal." Naruto cut in softly. "I already know these things."

"Yeah I know you do." The fire woman mumbled as she looked down. "But things have changed."

"How so?" Naruto asked in a nervous voice.

"I've always asked myself why I really wanted to surpass my father. For the longest time I told myself I wanted to prove I was better than him, that I wasn't the child of a demon, but a person who could do great things."

Naruto brought a hand under Asuka's chin and lifted her head up. "But you are great Asuka, you are one of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life."

Asuka smiled. "That's just it, I realized now what I wanted. It was to be loved and accepted. I grew up without the love of a father and mother, and though I had a good upbringing of sorts. It still left me feeling empty inside, so I felt as if I had to prove something to fill that void."

Asuka soon found her arms around Naruto's body. "It's a void that you have filled over the past year. And at this point I feel like an entirely different person because of you... I love you Naruto and I don't want to leave your side."

"I love you too Asuka." Naruto mumbled in a low voice.

Smiling Asuka looked at Naruto's eyes. "You asked what my dream is, the answer is simple. I want to be by your side and complete your dream. That's all I want now."

"Are you sure?" Naruto asked.

Nodding without needing a second thought, Asuka spoke up. "I'm more sure about this than anything, but if I follow you what would happen to my crew?"

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "They can do whatever they want, I know a few have taken a liking to my Uncle's crew. So I'm sure they could join the Red Haired Pirates."

Asuka smiled and nodded to the idea. "So do I have to call your captain now?" The girl laughed thinking of the idea.

Naruto looked up to the sky. "I believe you would." The blond snickered.

"Alright then let's get ready to set sail Captain Goodie Locks."

Naruto smiled and kissed Asuka on the lips. "Alright Freckles, let's get going. We have a long year ahead of us. We have to travel the entire West Blue."

"Then the Fujin Pirates finally set sail?" Asuka asked with a slight grin.

"Yeah. Me, you, Kono, Itachi and Sasuke are gonna turn this world upside down." Naruto spoke with conviction behind his words.

Over with Itachi, the older pirate smirked and leaned against the railing of Shank's ship. "Looks like we have another crew member."

"She's an annoying ass just like the captain, but I can't deny she is strong." Sasuke commented as he looked to his brother. "We are becoming quite the group of pirates."

Konohamaru jumped in between the boy's and wrapped his arms around their necks. "Hell yeah we are the best!"

Itachi smirked at the boy's claim. "We will see how great we are once we are on our own."

Konohamaru frowned. "Buzzkill." The brown haired sniper grumbled.

Sasuke chuckled at the scene between his brother and friend. The Uchiha has come a long way from where he once was. No longer was he an arrogant jackass, but now he was an arrogant jackass who had friends he cared for.

"Whatever the future holds we can handle it. After all we are the crew that will change this world." Sasuke spoke with a tone that made Konohamaru and even Itachi smile wide.

Chapter End

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So here is chapter nine and I'm gonna address something right off the bat. People may think I had Naruto and Asuka's relationship move to quick and you're right and wrong, I didn't really show much but they have spent a year together so that's plenty of time for two young people to develop feelings for each other. And besides I needed a reason for Asuka to forget her goal of fighting Whitebeard and follow Naruto.

Also some may be thinking now that Asuka isn't going after Whitebeard how will she be connected to him. Great question, she won't be. I've said it already there will be cannon in this story, but the cannon I do will be twisted to fit the story I want. Besides I think that makes for a more enjoyable read anyhow.