Hello everyone, I good you like this chapter as well as there will be changes from the actual show will be shown and with it, two new characters with one of them playing a larger role in Punk Hazard arc which is next arc.
Chapter 42
"So...that's what sex is like..."
Currently sitting at the opposite end of the bed was Naruto who had his feet planted on the floor while behind him lay both Mermaids, both having slept tiredly, recovering from what they experienced while Naruto himself was trying to collect his thoughts as he just lost his virginity as well as with two mermaids with one being a Princess that he was engaged to. It being great was an understatement as it was one of the best feelings he's ever had in his entire life, yet a tinge of sadness hit him as he never got to experience it with Juvia before immediately pushing those thoughts away the moment he heard footsteps and starts to sweat until he let out a sigh at seeing the door opening to reveal Robin who blinks in surprise before she smiles.
"Seems you had quite the night?"
"For the love of all things holy, don't tell Nami."
They exchange caused Robin to let out a small laugh before she turns around.
"Could we...talk?"
"Huh?" the meaning of that word could be seen by the expression ok his face, surprise and confusion. "What did you want to talk about?"
She just looks at him, with an unsure expression upon her face.
"Something I found out from King Neptune, invoking the Void Century."
Upon hearing that, Naruto almost immediately stood up with a not too chilled expression but a serious one and grabs his clothing to get dressed while Robin left the room.
"So," the first thing being said after they arrived in the library, both sitting at the desk. "what is it you found out?" As Naruto asked that, his full attention was on Robin who sat forward.
"Jörmungandr..." that single name made Naruto immediately think about the serpent. "things about him."
When he heard that, Naruto was just confused when he heard that.
"Things about him, what does this tie into exactly?"
"Everything...I read the Poneglyph in the Sea Forest." Naruto's eyes widen all the way and spoke fast.
"Reall—What did it say?!" He asked, almost as a demand to show his eagerness on wanting to know more.
"It was an apology...to the First Princess of Fishman Island from a man known as Joy Boy for breaking the 'promise'." Her words made Naruto curious as he wanted to know more.
"What exactly is the promise?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Her words caused Naruto to look displeased as he wanted to know what it was exactly. "but I know that it's said that someone will come and fulfill the promise on Joy Boy's behalf. That promise involves the Noah, which is why it's been kept safe all this time, for its important use."
Hearing that, Naruto just leans back as he places a hand on his chin.
"I see... Jörmungandr wanted the ship to be prepared so he must know of this promise." When he said that, she shook her head which gained his attention again.
"What do you mean?" He spoke in clear confusion at not understanding what she's trying to say. "He must've been there during the Void Century or at least told about it."
"It's not that he knew, it's that he's the one who made it...it was signed by, Jörmungandr Joy Boy." Upon hearing that, the shock was an understatement as Naruto's eyes were completely wide...the serpent having been in fact human once.
"I wondered about Joy Boy when I heard his name...for him to utilize the Noah while being human brought me to a single assumption from what you told me. That he was, in fact, the first one who held the Ocean-Ocean fruit, one of the four original members of the Apocalypse King's crew. You being able to control Sea Kings is all the more proof."
Naruto slumped back, that's all he could do as he came to realize that, that if she was right than Jörmungandr had all the answers he seemed about his Devil Fruit, about what happened, yet...
"I can't just ask him if it's true, I'm not strong enough to deal with him if he chooses to kill me for stepping on his past...so I'll have to put a pin in that one until the time comes."
After saying that, what came next surprised him as he never expected to hear it.
"Thank you...," When he heard that, Naruto just looks to see she was smiling at him gratefully. "for telling me what you knew about the Void Century, finding out what was read and what I heard today...I'm getting closer to uncovering the full story of what happened back than."
Naruto simply smiles when he heard that, happy to see he helped her uncover more about what her home was trying to find out.
"You don't have to thank me, after all I just wanted to—" He was cut off as the two heard the door get kicked open, drawing their attention quickly as they didn't expect to get interrupted and Naruto was the first to react by visibly paling, seeing a very very angry Nami standing at the door.
"NARUTO, WHY THE HELL ARE THERE TWO NAKED MERMAIDS IN MY BED!"
When she shouted that while cracking her fists, Naruto immediately stood up while waving his hands and backing away slowly unlike Robin who just smiles from where she sat as she recalled that Naruto was staying in their room since Nami wanted him too.
"Nami, are you in fact jealous?" When Robin finally said that, both of their eyes widen and turn fast towards the other female pirate, surprised at her cutting in as it was unlike her to get involved in something like this, the reaction itself caused them to blush.
"WHAT?! That's not what I mean, he—" She was cut off yet again by Robin putting up a smile.
"Well your the one who wanted him to sleep in your bed so it was his bed as well, not to mention you never took your chance to finally have him all to yourself, I could have left the room if you asked me to." Her words caused Naruto to pray to Robin to have a wonderful life for saving him yet he was sooo blushing while Nami was starting to stutter.
"T-T-That's not it at all!" She tried to deny yet this only caused Robin to think of something and walks over to Naruto, wrapping an arm around his left arm.
"Oh I see, so you wouldn't mind at all if I decide to take him for a spin in my bed?" That single question caused Naruto to drop before his eyes widen, she was basically diffusing the situation to the point Nami was now blushing madly and stuttering, becoming very unlike her usual self. Naruto just glances at Robin who gave him a smile right before Naruto found his free arm grabbed and pulled into Nami's breasts.
"N-No! I'm the only one Naruto hat to sleep with—" She stops at her blushes increases, seeing Naruto himself blushing with a surprised expression while Robin just smiles at her at finding this whole thing to be rather funny before she looks down, embarrassed right before entering in a hurry was a furious Sanji.
"HEY ASSHOLE, WHY ARE THERE TWO BEAUTIFUL MERMAIDS IN NAMI'S—" He was silenced by a fist hitting his head, courtesy of Nami who desperately tried to change the subject, holding him by his jacket.
"SHUT IT YOU PERVERT!"
"B-But I didn't do anything...
"Ahahahahahahaha!"
"IT'S NOT FUNNY LUFFY, SHE WOULD HAVE KILLED ME!"
"HEY BLUEBERRY, STOP SHOUTING!"
The shouts and laughter originated from Naruto, Luffy, and Zoro. All three were walking on the outskirts of Coral Hill, close by the Candy factory before shouting could be heard when they approached the shouting what they found was an argument of sorts.
"Huh?" Was the only sound that left Naruto's lips, the three saw that at the entrance to the factory was a crowd had formed and stood in front of them was the Minister of the Left who was speaking to two individuals.
"A crowd?" Luffy said at spotting the crowd and smiles at relaxing something. "Oh, this is the Candy Factory! Pappagu told me about it! I guess they're making those yummy sweets here!"
Unlike Luffy, Naruto's eyes simply narrow as he knew the situation seemed to not be good as he could see the expressions in their faces, unlike his Captain.
"Hey, Candy Factory!"
It was with that shout and wave, that the civilians took notice of them.
"It's the Straw Hats!"
"Luffy, is the banquet over already?!"
"Heard you were a party animal!
"Luffy, Naruto, why are you here?!" The Minister of the Left questions with worry as he sweats.
"Yeah, I ate a lot!" there captain said with a smile yet what he said next had caused quite the reaction. "The meat was good, but those sweets from Fishman Island were unbelievable!"
The moment he said that Naruto saw all of them freeze in fear as the feline looking male with a funky haircut spoke up next to the tall one wearing an egg outfit and a coffee cup atop his head.
"WHAT?!" The feline one said in shock while everyone was basically 'shhh' Luffy who didn't seem to get it yet, even when they whispered as they approached.
"Oh, old Mr. Catfish, it's you!" The Captains words made the Minister more worried while anger grew behind him.
"Did he day 'sweets'?! Who are they—" At that moment he stops with his eyes widen in surprise the moment Luffy got close enough, recalling something very important.
"The Straw Hats?" After he said that, he flips through his wanted posters to confirm it after hearing that fakes have been popping up and once confirmed, he spoke.
"There definitely the real deal, to think we would meet them here of all places!" As he said it, he still showed anger. "Hey, brat! Which sweets are you talking about?!"
"Well, Mr. Pekoms, let me explain..." The Minister fell to deaf ears as Luffy spoke up upon approaching with the others.
"Who are you?! You're not a Fishman, are you? You came to buy candy, too? I just finished studying myself full of them!"
That seemed to gain a rise from Pekoms who glared at Luffy while Naruto got the feeling this wasn't gonna turn out well.
"WHAT?! WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!" Pekoms shouted with anger as he turns to the Minister for an answer. "He just said he ate them!"
Stutters and the inability to explain could be heard from the sweating Minister right before Naruto spoke up.
"Pekoms was it?" As he said his name, the humanoid-animal looked at the Fishman. "Is there a problem?"
"You bet there ass is!" Pekoms said before the other cut in by uttering his name to stop him.
"Making such threatening faces doesn't help us in collecting the sweets." his words were smooth not to mention his attitude relaxed while he took a sip of the coffee that was atop his head. "Let's settle this peacefully-soir. The tea party is in four days from now-on. We can make it on time if we leave here tomorrow morning-jour."
"My name is Baron Tamago-soir!" Once that was said, he stood up after having sat long enough to show he was taller than them all and with another sip of his coffee he puts it back on his head.
"Now, did you just say you ate the sweets from this factory?" With confirmation given by Luffy speaking of wanting more, Tamago responds.
"I see, do you see that mark?" He asked, motioning towards the symbol on the factory. "That's the mark of Big Mom on the factory, it's the Jolly Roger of the Great Pirate, our boss, Charlotte Lingling-soir. It claims this island as Big Mam's territory, she is one of the Four Emperor's. Which means that Fishman Island is protected under Big Mam's name-bon!"
"Really, than if that's true then your boss must be lacking in her job." When Naruto said that, he saw that two turned to look at him with many Fishman turning pale.
"What did you just say?!" Pekoms demanded Naruto who took a step forward.
"In case you didn't know, Fishman island needed your help and you did nothing at all, pretty pathetic if you ask me. Because if they did have the Candy, I would make sure you would leave with none of it." When they heard that, Pekoms flares at Naruto while Tamago stares at him, knowing full well of his capabilities and picking a fight would be bad, not knowing that Naruto cannot use his devil fruit.
"Baron, even if we wanted to give you candy we cannot! The factories giant cooking machines are broken and we need a couple of weeks to repair them!" His words gained annoyance from Tamago who found that unacceptable.
"Is your boss's mind as small as his balls? He's one of the Four Emperor's, isn't he?" When Zoro said that, he noticed that Pekoms, Tamago, and Naruto were staring at him like a was a dumbass.
"Your joking right?"
"Is he an idiot?"
"It's not a 'he' Mama is a great woman pirate, why would you think she was a 'he'?"
The words coming from the three annoyed Zoro who had a tick mark appear on his forehead.
"Anyways, from what I heard of Big Mom's record. What she doesn't get her food on time she tends to destroy the places she's protecting, meaning she will try to destroy Fishman Island." When he said that, Luffy immediately got serious.
"DESTROY THE ISLAND?!" Luffy words were filled with anger, pointing at the two of them. "Are you guys nuts? You can't destroy a country over candies! This island has just been saved!"
With that, there was silence as they did not know what would happen next. Naruto and Luffy appearing serious as they stared at the two crew members of Big Mom's, no one saying anything or among a move until Tamago took his coffee cup off his head, taking another sip from it.
"I can't believe it-bon. They aren't even half-boiled, they are raw. What should I do with those fearless rookies-jour?" It was after saying that, both of Big Mom's crewmates froze upon hearing a sound, a ringing that originated from a single Transponder snail that lay on a piece of rubble.
[Ring, ring, ring... Ring, ring, ring... Ring, ring, ring... Ring, ring, ring...
Ring, ring, ring... Ring, ring, ring...]
'Wait, but right now is Big Mom's nap time, who's calling using her Mushi?!" Pekom asked with clear confusion on his face while he was sweating. No one made a move to answer the phone as they just stared at it in silence, that was until Tamago approached it solely with Pekom following as they just stare at it.
"Hey, Pekoms!"
"Why don't you pick it up? Grr! I don't wanna get yelled at if it is her!"
Seeing this, Naruto sighs just as Luffy pulled a Luffy, walking towards the transponder snail which he picks up, speaking into it without giving zero fucks.
"Hello?" That gained shouts from both Pekom and Tamago who hosted at the idiot.
"[...Who is this?]
The moment that voice came out, both Pekom and Tamago visibly froze, it wasn't Big Mom but someone far worse that has less ability to be convinced.
"That's not Big Mom, then who—" Naruto stops when he saw it, Zoro...who was frozen with his single eye completely wide as if he's seen a ghost.
"Are you Big Mom?!" Luffy demands, still not giving any fucks as he was being tugged at by Pekoms and Tamago who tried desperately to reach for the device.
[...she is currently sleeping , I am calling to check in for her. Who is this, I ask again...?]
The voice almost sounded robotic as if void of emotions.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy! I'm gonna become the King of the Pirates!" His words made the two Big Mom members fear more and more as hey tried to stop tell him to stop.
[... Straw Hat...by chance, is Zoro there with you?]
When that question was asked, they were all cut off guard with Naruto just blinking in confusion and before anything was said, almost immediately Zoro made him move as he grabs the device and shouted into it.
"SEKIRO!" Zoro shouted with anger gaining much confusion and fear while Pekoms and Tamago did not know what to make of this.
[...it has indeed been years, Zoro... my old—]
"CUT THE SHIT, SEKIRO!" Zoro's shout confused them as they could see he was visibly shaken by the familiar voice.
"It's been over ten years...after she died...you—"
[There is no point dwelling on the past...or on my sister, Zoro.]
When he heard that tone, Zoro grits his teeth as it still sounding robotic.
"Dwelling on the past...AFTER WHAT YOU DID?! AFTER WHAT YOU DID TO SHIMOTSUKI VILLAGE!" Zoro shouted, his grip tightening and causing the device to start to crack.
[I see, you're referring to what I did that day...people die every day Zoro, I thought you would have understood that by now after my sister died?]
"YOU KILLED EVERYONE, THE ADULTS, THE CHILDREN, EVEN YOUR OWN FATHER!" Zoro shouted once again, gaining a long pause.
[What is the point your trying to make exactly?]
When Naruto and Luffy heard that, they were both visibly disturbed.
"You monster...I'm going to find you—"
[Oh yes, I just recalled something I heard today that you should know.]
"DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT SEKIRO!"
[Really? I thought you would want to know that Mihawk, lost his title.]
At that moment, Naruto's eyes widen all the way in clear shock while Luffy thought about the Warlord he fought in the War two years ago. Yet none more was shocked than Zoro who didn't want to believe what he was hearing.
[You see, he lost to The Devil Swordsman Zen, a member of the Hades Pirates...your teacher has lost his title.]
Those words hit there mark as Zoro was in disbelief, thinking of the training he went through under Mihawk for two years.
[Pekoms, Tamago, if your speaking to them as well as Straw Hat having answered, must mean that there is no Candy for Big Mom, don't answer if it's true.]
Silence, the two couldn't say anything and after a few seconds it continued.
[I see...so that means Fishman Island has broken the deal, which leads me to decide that Fishman Island must pay...]
Those words caused the civilians to become fearful with Naruto and Luffy gritting their teeth's just like Zoro who looks at the device, mixed emotions at what he found out yet anger towards Sekiro was still in the lead and was about to speak again when he heard Sekiro continue.
[unless...]
That one word gave hope to the civilians as they all paid attention as he continued.
[you can do a little job for us, one that will wipe away the slate of Fishman Island. I know of Naruto and doubt he would want Big Mom to continue protecting this Island but he himself instead. So by doing this mission, Fishman Island will be free.]
It was with that being said, Naruto grabs the device from Zoro and spoke.
"What kind of deal exactly?"
His question was simple, one that could not be misinterpreted by anyway and got his response in seconds.
[I want you to go to Punk Hazard, and capture a scientist known as Caesar Clown and deliver him to Whole Cake Island. By doing so you will ensure Fishman island is safe and free from Big Mom Pirates as well as we can meet 'Zoro', face to face after eleven years. Is this all acceptable, Moneky D. Luffy?]
With that asked, Naruto turns to Luffy and hands him the device which he moves to his mouth.
"Sure, wait for us there. We'll bring you that scientist guy as well as there's some business I want to settle with Big Mom, too."
When Luffy said that, he got much confusion out of everyone.
[Hm?]
"I'm not following your request just to protect Fishman Island, but to make sure not to leave it in her hands, that's too dangerous! If she tries and hurts the people of Fishman Island, I'll kick her ass all over the New World...THIS TERRITORY DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU PEOPLE!" His words were filled with anger and eyes of determination.
[I'll take that, as an agreement to my request.]
"We checked and will most likely arrive in a week at Punk Hazard or longer depending on the sea tho we should avoid that storm up ahead."
The single sentence originated by a man wore bandit like clothing, no shirt on yet a cape and horned helmet. He and many others that were near him stood on a large pirate ship that had a mammoth figurehead, the ship heading in a single direction.
"Captain Jack," the man called, turning around to look at the larger one who sat on a chair on the deck. "I think we should go around."
"Why?" He asked, towering over the pirate while giving off an intimidating aura thanks to his metallic jaw mask, a pair of horns, and his bloodshot orange eyes and veined forehead.
"We're going straight through that storm without stoping! WHO DO YOU THINK I AM?!" He demanded the pirates just as one ran up to him.
"But Captain, won't that wake him up?!"
"Yeah Captain, if he wakes up than it'll be very bad!
One by one began to agree as they didn't want to awake the one below deck, seeing this angered Jack.
"ENOUGH! HE WILL SLEEP THROUGH IT, I'VE SEEN HIM SLEEP THROUGH BATTLES MANY—" Jack couldn't finish what he was saying, not that he wanted to but he couldn't. What he felt was a chill that ran up his spine, causing him to break out into a cold sweat upon hearing footsteps and it wasn't just him, everyone froze as their attention was drawn to the one walking, stopping directly behind Jack who appeared to be terrified. Almost immediately, Jack, one of Kaido's three right-hand men had turned as fast as he could to see someone shorter then him but still standing roughy at eight-feet tall having been below deck until now, standing behind him. He possess red-hair with Jaw-length bangs they were changing to Snow White. He possesses a slim build and very pale skin seen from parts of his skin. He wore a long, black coat reaching past his knees over black fitting pants and shinobi sandals. Underneath his coat, he wore no shirt to reveal that even when he's slim he still quite fit. The most noticeable feature on him was his shroud that covers his face, yet that shroud morphed on the front of it to show something, instead of words to be spoken, the shroud showed a picture.
(｀ε´)
Seeing that expression in the shroud, Jack simply turns while taking a a step back.
"I-I must sincerely apologize Lord Gratos, I did not nor have I had any intention to wake you from you slumber. We will send you snacks and sake to your room immediately to help you fall back to sleep." The man, having a bounty of a 1,000,000,000 Belly said fearfully. As if the silent prayers were answered, the expression on the shroud changed to show a new one.
(＾ω＾)
Seeing that, relief was the first thing Jack and everyone felt, having avoided a true calamity that could have been brought down on them any moment. Gratos simply turns around yet, walking towards the stairs for him to go below deck which Jack just turns yet the moment he did, when he moved his eyes attention off of Gratos and in front of him he froze again, finding that Gratos in an instant, had his feet atop his head and looking down so that Jack was now looking at him before he spoke in a broken voice that had an edge of sinister to it.
(╬ಠ益ಠ)
"Be...QuIeT..."
With a single slow nod, Gratos jumps off and starts walking towards the stairs towards below deck, while this was happening, Jack just stares at his back.
"Even now I wonder, why didn't he just take over the Destiny Pirates after Kisame died, why would he join Kaido's crew...what is his goal?" Jack thought, even after years he still was suspicious of him.
[Gratos, the Ex-First Mate of the Destiny Pirates and Current First-Mate of The Beast Pirates.]
xxxxxCHAPTER ENDxxxxx
Author Message: If your wondering than yes, the new character has a problem with his inability to speak perfectly so choses to show his expression mostly by emoticon's on the shroud over his face, how he does so will be explained but it involves his Devil Fruit.