Hello everyone, I hope you like this chapter and I apologize for about a three month wait, had other stories as well as other things too do as well as the story Fishman arc will be following the story line and not branch off much, though I think the next ones too follow will be different in ways.
Chapter 34
"Naruto..." The Princess said with wide eyes, staring at the Fishman.
"Princess, we are not here to hurt you!" He stops there before turning towards the door to see a large blade headed straight for the Princess but was easily caught by Naruto using a single hand much to the Mermaids shock as she was him toss it over towards the other side of the room without a care. Seeing that, Luffy got serious.
"An axe? Where'd it come from?" Luffy asked anyone and watched Naruto point towards the opened door but noticed the terrified look on her face when she saw the symbol ok the blade.
"PRINCESS SHIRAHOSHI-SAMA!" Hearing that, the two look at the door before Naruto grabs Luffy and drags him with himself under the bed, hoping that the Princess will cover for them just as a group entered the room in a hurry with the Minister leading the group.
"Are you alright? You're not hurt anywhere, are you?!" He questioned the Princess who spoke in a stutter.
"N-No!" Hearing that, the Minister looked around worriedly before facing her again.
"The door was opened but to mention a blade having been seen thrown the I
opened door so we were worried." After saying that, one of the guards had questioned her about who opened the door.
"Is there an intruder in here?!" He questioned the Princess who showed a relaxed smile.
"I-I'm sorry to have you worry. I must have had a nightmare." After saying that, they watch from the opening under the bed to see a giant ass shark floating above the guards who immediately stab it, gaining sounds of pain.
"Megalo! Welcome back!" Hearing that, the shark immediately floats to her in a hurry.
"Oh, and speaking of which, there is something I must tell you. It's about the Pirate's Straw Hat Luffy and Ex-Vice Admiral Naruto. Some mermaids gone missing, and we suspect they have kidnapped them. Also, due to a prediction by Madame Shyarly, we've decided to confine the Straw Hats to the dungeon, as there is a good chance that they will cause trouble in the future." When Naruto heard that, he thought of one mermaid among the ones he met, causing a tic mark too appear on his forehead.
"The swordsman who came to Ryuuguu Palace a little while ago...fell asleep after drinking too much, and we have already placed him under arrest. The three members of Straw Hat's crew who arrived just now have probable been captured too. However, the other two must have realized what was going on...and somehow, they disappeared. We believe they may be lurking somewhere in the castle, so please be careful. We will also make sure we capture the rest of his crewmates on the island. We will protect the country's peace at all costs!" After he said that, they heard a tremendous loud growl, causing Naruto's head to slowly shift over to Luffy with a "WTF" look on his face, seeing his Captain was scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"I think I heard something!" Hearing the Minister say that, she spoke quickly.
"Oh? You must have imagined it." Hearing that, Naruto just sweat drops at the fact she sucks at lying with the shark acting crazy at realizing who was under the bed but froze when it sensed Naruto's haki being directed towards it. After that, one guard shows the Minister of the Right the time.
"Oh, right...it's already been five minutes. We will be leaving now." With that said, they quickly leave but not Hefner shutting the door all the way.
"LOCK THE DOOR SHUT!" The Minister shouted from the other side with the lock being heard. After that, the two got out from under the bed.
"Thank you so much. I really was quite rude to you earlier. Please, forgive me." Shirahoshi apologized while giving the two a bow of apology. While this was happening, Naruto was looking at Megalo who was bending down towards the two so they could pat him.
"May I call you, Naruto-sama and Luffy-sama?" Hearing that, Naruto looks at her easily.
"We should be apologizing to you. We entered your room and scared you but to make things more clear, we didn't kidnap any Mermaids." Hearing that, she decided to ask a question.
"Are you like Hoshigaki D. Kisame? I heard mother used to tell me stories of his bravery as a Yonko?" Hearing that, Naruto scratches the back of his head.
"Well I'm not entirely sure but we're not bad people. Just in the eyes of the World Government we are." Naruto said, trying too reassure her.
"B-But, what about your crewmates? They've been captured by our guards." Hearing that, Naruto looks at Luffy fur he would answer this question.
"Oh, it's alright. There's no way you guys could actually capture them." Hearing that, she was somewhat surprised while Samahada twitches a little, gaining a sweat drop from Naruto who could clearly hear the sword wanting to ear the Shark who showed fear at having also heard that from the weapon in Naruto's back.
"Well, never mind that. What was with that axe? What kind of supermen could have thrown that, she from where?" Luffy asked with Naruto not expecting her to know yet what she said next had surprised him.
"I know...who did it. It's a man named Vander Decken-sama. He did it to get revenge, since I refused to marry him." When Naruto heard that, his eyes only narrowed at knowing he will be receiving Naruto's anger. His attention was drawn the hungry Luffy who's stomach growled. In less then a minute, Luffy stood before the full course meal.
"WHOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAA! THIS LOOKS DELICIOUS! CAN I REALLY EAT IT?" Luffy ashes and with the go ahead, be partakes in the food like a starving beast. Naruto just crossed his arms, finding this situation to be amusing.
"Of that guys wants to marry you, why is he trying to kill you? He's not making any sense!" Asked the mouth full Luffy who turns towards her curiously, she was laying in her bed with a smile.
"He has been doing it for ten years." When Naruto heard that, his eyes only widen in clear shock as well as her protection being the highest priority with guards only able to be in the five minutes at a time.
"Really?" Luffy asked in wonder.
"And so, Megalo is the only one I can talk to. He's a valuable friend of mine." Hearing that, Naruto merely smiles again at there bond the two share.
"Imprisoning people we're indebted to...what are they thinking?" She wonders to herself with Megalo agreeing as well as wondering what minds prediction she had after Naruto left. There attention was drawn back towards the male fat Luffy.
"Regardless of that, you husband certainly do war a lot for your size." Hearing that, Naruto simply spoke with a smile.
"Luffy is made of rubber so he can become a fat ass quickly. Though his stomach acids are unbelievable, able too quickly break down food in a matter of seconds." After saying that, Luffy spoke after remembering something as well as not listening.
"By the way, they called you "Princess", right?" Hearing that, Shirahoshi only nods.
"So you're the Mermaid Princess?" He asked, quickly sipping down water as she explained who she was exactly, running around the large table for food.
"Since you are a pirate, have you gone on adventures and such?" Hearing that, as well as seeing she was looking at Naruto, he decided too speak again.
"I was just a badass boat but Luffy on the other hand has done much more." Hearing that, she tilts her head in wonder at what he meant until Luffy spoke.
"Naruto was the ghost on our ship." Hearing that, the Princess's eyes widen in agh by as well as fear.
"G-Ghost, I heard many terrible things about them." Hearing that, Naruto started to sweat before waving his hands.
"No, I just transferred my soul to the ship. Nothing else, so you don't need to be afraid." Naruto told the worried Princess who was being assured by Megalo with Naruto wondering if Luffy was purposely making things harder for them or just that his idiocy was becoming a more problematic situation for him.
"You really are a weak as well as a crybaby, aren't you? I don't like you!" When Luffy said that with a grin, the three simply froze at how blunt the Straw Hat captain was, creating a fear in Naruto that he could start a war without even realizing it which there has been many situations like that before. Immediately Shirahoshi started to cry under her blankets with Luffy receiving a fist to the head by a pissed off Naruto, gaining an ouch from his Captain.
"What you do that for?" Luffy asked the Fishman who was glaring down at his Captain.
"STOP BEING SO BLUNT, YOUR MAKING THE PRINCESS CRY NOW!" He shouted at Luffy who had just finished before standing up.
"Well it's true, now hey Princess! Is there anywhere you wanna go?" When Naruto heard that, he was basically surprised at the question with Shirahoshi perking up when she heard that.
"Of course...there are many places." Hearing that, Luffy could only agree with her.
"Then lets get out of here! Let's go for a walk!" Hearing that, she immediately gets in front of the door.
"No wait! I can't do that." Hearing that, Luffy was about to run when Naruto got in front of him, stopping his Captain who looks at Shirahoshi.
"It'll be alright! If anything comes flying at you, we'll just blow it all away!" Hearing that, Naruto steps forward.
"Luffy, are you sure-" He was cut off by the smiling Luffy.
"That's an order Naruto!" Luffy said with a clear smile, causing him to also smile in understanding.
"A Captain's orders are final...understood. I'll protect Shirahoshi..." Naruto said before looking up at the Princess with his own smile.
"You don't after too worry Princess, I'll protect you." He told her with his reassuring smile that put her at ease.
"Let's get going!" Hearing that, she was now surprised that they would be leaving right now.
"B-But I...well...I'm not...I'm not...well...sure what I should do yet." Hearing that and seeing the look on his face, he spoke to her seriously.
"If you want to finally seeing the outside world then it's your choice entirely and no one else's..." Hearing that, she looks down at her tail unsurely.
"Isn't that caring selfish, I'll be causing trouble for everyone in the castle." Hearing that, Luffy stands faces her fully.
"If I was in your position, I'd have gone crazy. This is to thank you for the food. We'll be there with you, so where do you want to go?" He asked the Princess who looks away unsurely but saw Naruto's gentle smile that reassures her.
"To the Sea Forest!" She says tearfully.
"I'm sorry but I couldn't possibly do something as selfish as breaking out of here." Hearing that, Naruto simply sighs before they all heard and felt a loud noise.
"WHAT?! What was that loud noise?!" Luffy shouted, it continuing nonstop.
"Guess we got dove unwanted enemies..." Naruto muttered before facing the Princess.
"Shirahoshi...no matter what happens, you can depend on me. I will protect you with everything I've got so have no fears in your heart and if it's still causes you fear then you can tell your father that you were kidnapped by me personally." Hearing that, her eyes only widen at the seriousness in his voice.
"Leave it to Naruto and me! It'll be fine!" Hearing the Captain say that, a smile appears on her face with tears falling again.
"Hey! If you're gonna cry, then I won't take you anywhere! Besides, your Shark will be taking us there." Hearing that, she apologizes for being so happy but suddenly Naruto picks her up bridal style, surprising her as he jumps high into the air and into Megalo.
"Sorry Princess but I'll put you down once we get out of danger." He told the blushing Shirahoshi. As this was happening, the humans were witnessing "something" hitting the giant doors multiple times until it bursts open too reveal Megalo above then all with a smiling Luffy having a bubble around him as well as a smiling Naruto who held Shirahoshi bridal style, shocking all at what they were seeing.
"GO, SHARK!" Luffy shouted with the fish fling full speed, shocking the arrival of the Funk Grim Reaper and the Minister of the Right.
"TO THE SEA FOREST!" Luffy shouted at the top of his lungs as they heard high above air, only taking less then thirty minutes for them too be away from the place as well as flying over he city with Shirahoshi next to Naruto, both laying down on top of the Magelo and looking down from atop to see the city.
"How does it feel, being outside for the first time in ten years?" Luffy asked from atop the Sharks nose.
"My heard won't stop racing. I have done something really awful." She admitted, still feeling bad for what she did.
"Just going outside isn't bad! You're so weird." Hearing that, Naruto just sighs while moving so he could sit cross legged next to the amazed Shirahoshi.
"Is this...what they call an "adventure"?" Hearing that, Naruto only smokes as well as Luffy agreeing with a laugh.
"If you're this excited, then it's an adventure alright! You said something about the Sea Forest, right? What is that? Is it a fun place?" Luffy asked the Princess and that was Naruto noticed her show a different emotion.
"A grave...there's a grave there that I haven't visited once since it was built. Not once in all these ten years. It's the one place I've wanted to go to the most!" Hearing that, Naruto's eyes widen in realization that he never saw King Neptune's wife. Naruto simply looks down while he was on the left side of the Shark with Shirahoshi before looking at Luffy.
"Captain...there's been something I've been meaning too tell you...the moment we were all reunited." Hearibg that, Luffy looks back at Naruto surprised.
"Huh, why didn't you say anything while we were on the ship?" Hearing that, he scratched the back of his head.
"Truthfully, I had forgotten...but...Captain, what I'm about too tell you has everything too do with why me and you bear the letter "D" in our name just like Blackbeard and Ace." Hearing that, Luffy looks at Naruto with surprise.
"Huh?" Luffy said with surprise before seeing the seriousness on his face with Shirahoshi listening to what he has to say.
"You see, while I was training with uncle Jinbe, he told me a Legend which was the main reason why the "Void Century" was hidden as well as why the World Government has tried everything too keep it a secret. The results of that secret are what made Robin as well as her home being destroyed, after that she became a wanted criminal. You should know what I'm talking about after what transpired at Enis Lobby including your fight with Rob Lucci." Hearing that, an image of his tough fight with that guy passed through his head.
"Luffy, this story involves the Four Original Gods of this world and there fight against the Apocalypse King. It was the main reason why the World Government was made a secret. You see, about 800 to 900 years ago, a certain child was born...that child would later be known as the First King of the Pirates." When Luffy heard that, he immediately listened in as he continued the story.
"What was more noticeable about it all was the fact he too wore a straw hat...like yours..." Hearing that, Luffy takes off his hat so he could look at it.
"That hat was given to you by Shanks and from what I heard and learned, that hat was given to Shanks by Gol D. Roger...I can only assume it was passed down from Generation to Generation yet I cannot understand why it could look the same after all these years." Hearing that, Luffy just continues staring at the hat, never realizing it belong to Ace's dad.
"He was someone beyond any other person yet he was a simple kid that held ambition, having yet reached adult hood. You see, he wanted to become someone great, so great the world would never forget about him. He didn't even possess a Devil Fruit but words and the conviction in his eyes. With his eyes and words, he brought four other individuals along with him as his crew and together they were doing many spectacular things. Being known as the greatest man in the world...until...his home was destroyed...the boy, later a man hailed from the Great Kingdom known as the Ĺtsutsuki Kingdom, which was destroyed by the twenty Kingdoms later known as the World Government. The World Government destroyed his entire home, killed his family...took away everything that made him connected to the world, leaving only his anger and from it gave birth to the most dangerous man, past, present, and future...a man who became the first and most sinister Pirate King...his name...was Bahamut D. Ragnarok, as well as known as the Apocalypse King. In order too stop him, his four crewmates searched and searched until they found it, the power of the Gods themselves which came in the form of the four Devil Fruits, Ocean, Earth, Air, and Fire. Together they finally stoped him. The story may not have much explanation but that's the truth...Luffy, the Will of D, is the Will to Defy the world, the world being the World Government. That is why he was truly terrifying." Hearing that, Luffy looks up from his hat at Naruto before putting it on.
"Where did Jinbe hear such a story?" Hearing that, Naruto answers his question.
"From a scroll my father left behind during my training...that's where we heard it." Naruto answered truthfully with Luffy understanding just before the four noticed some commotion happening below with Sanji and Chopper being surrounded by an angry mob.
"Huh? Sanji, Chopper! Hey, Sanji! You've recovered from your nosebleed?" Luffy shouted at his crew mate, gaining there attention.
"Luffy, is that you? What with the Shark?" Chopper questions there captain with Shirahoshi watching unsurely.
"A human, and...is that...it really is a Racoon dog! It looks exactly like the ones in the picture book!" When Naruto heard that, Samahada started too laugh with "Gigigigi" sounds leaving it's hidden wrapped up body.
"A-Are they your friends, Luffy-sama?" Hearing that, the captain assures her that they are.
"Look! Their captain is here!"
"That damn Straw Hat! He's the leader of the Mermaid Kidnappers!"
When Naruto heard that, he immediately jumps off much to all of there surprise and watch him land on the ground in front of all the shocked Seafolk.
"I have one question, was a Mermaid named Ishilly among the kidnapped?" When he asked that, the seriousness on his face could be seen as well as his identity having already been figured out from news of his arrival having been already with Luffy jumping down past Naruto so he could see the injured Hachi being cared for. Seeing that merman, Naruto's eyes widen in realization that he met him back at Arlong's Park.
"He's..." Naruto stops there before turning back to see Magelo heading downwards towards them, confusing Naruto at why he was doing that. From atop the Shark appeared Shirahoshi who wanted a better look at the situation. Seeing her, all the Merfolk became shocked in realization at clearly seeing Shirahoshi at top with Naruto face palming.
"PRINCESS SHIRAHOSHI?!" They all shouted in shock with the Princess looking around uncomfortably with Naruto immediately jumping up to her so he could now stand in front of her, trying to conceal her.
"PRINCESS?!" Chopper shouted in shock with Naruto simply sighing before stepping out of the way, seeing as it was already known that she was with them.
"Huh? What is it? Is there somebody behind me?" Hearing that, Naruto starts to sweat at seeing Sanji about to turn before being stopped by Chopper who didn't want him to look.
"DON'T DO IT, SANJI! WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T TURN AROUND!" Chopper shouted tearfully with Naruto sighing at the situation they were in.
"THE MERMAID PRINCESS HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED!" When Naruto heard that, he started too sweat even more at what was happening, knowing the news will spread really fast.
"HEY! WIMP! Why'd you reveal yourself?" Hearing Luffy shouted that Shirahoshi immediately hides behind Naruto so she could start crying while apologizing for angering Luffy.
"DAMMIT CAPTAIN, YOUR BLUNTNESS IS MAKING THINGS WORSE!" Naruto shouted at Luffy who replies.
"Whaaa?" Was all he could say with Naruto only able to hug the crying girl to calm her down as well as reassure his, confusing the shit out of the citizens who didn't understand why Naruto was being caring towards Shirahoshi while Luffy was not. It was obvious that Naruto was with Luffy yet something weird was going on. To make matters worse, the King of the Sea's attention was drawn towards the now rock solid Sanji who had hearts shooting out of his eyes.
"OH COME ON SANJI!" Naruto shouted at the idiot blonde for once again being incredibly weak at heart. He immediately turns back to Shirahoshi, showing a smile.
"Disregard everything Luffy had said Shirahoshi, he's...not very smart." Naruto said, not liking the situation one bit but his attention was drawn towards something heading for them. Naruto looks at it, now facing it completely to see a huge flying viral headed there way with someone on top of it that Naruto didn't recognize.
"VANDER DECKEN!" When Naruto heard that name, he grew completely serious.
"I'VE FOUND YOU, I PRESUME! AHAHAHAH! SHIRAHOSHI!" He shouted, gaining fear from the girl.
"Vander Decken-sama..." She said fearfully from behind Naruto who was staring to up at him.
"After hiding for so long, he's finally showed himself on the island!"
"Princess! Please escape! We'll hold him here!"
Hearing the worried voices of the Merfolk, Naruto simply sighs before turning towards Shirahoshi so he could lay her head with a smile.
"Relax, I'll take care of hm." He said before walking in the direction in top of Magelo, towards the incoming Vander.
"GIVE ME YOUR ANSWER, SHIRAHOSHI! IF IT'S YES, THEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO DIE! SHALL WE GET MARRIED?!" He shouted out loud, hearing that the King of the Ocean cracks his knuckles.
"You mean to tell me that the man who's been throwing weapons at the Princess for the last ten years...was just stalking her Witt marriage proposals?!"
There's a limit to how crazy you can be, Vander Decken! Because of you, the Princess has spent the last ten years scared out of her mind, fear for her life!"
Hearing that, the tic mark increases on Naruto's forehead.
"GIVE ME YOUR ANSWER! SHIRAHOSHI! IT'LL BE A YES, I PRESUME! AHAHAHAHAH!" Decked shouted with more laughter but that ends from what she said next, shocking all who heard it.
"Well...you see..." She tried saying with Decken getting his hopes up.
"I'm already engaged to Naruto-sama." When she said that, everyone froze with the words echoing through Decken's mind along with Naruto who was now realizing why he was invited to the Palace all of a sudden as well as what Jinbe has been doing after his training since his his legal guardian.
"Huh? WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" He shouted along with all the Merfolk also voicing there sheer shock.
"SHE'S ENGAGED TO HER KIDNAPPER?!" They all shouted all together with the giant coral suddenly being stopped completely, causing Decken to stumble forwards before looking up at Naruto who caught the giant coral with his left hand while his right was pulled back with a tic mark on his forehead, only two things were going through his mind, one was he will be having a long talk with his uncle who he the other being he's about too beat the everliving shit out of this stalker.
xxxxxCHAPTER ENDxxxxx
NEXT TIME; THE ANNOYED KING OF THE OCEANS FIGHT AND, NAMI MEETS JINBE, APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS.