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Summary:
To save everyone, Marco used his current existence. Never did he imagine that he will be reborn to a new world different from his own. It is a world filled with ninjas and creatures as large as Sea Kings that are made of pure living chakra. What can a pirate like him do to survive especially if he is a freaking bird? Thatch is right; he does look like a chicken. And a certain blue-eyed blonde is thinking of him as her new pet.

Author's note:
Hola! Wazzup!

So yeah… from here onwards, things will get a bit different. But hopefully it'll work out.

And just found out that Ziggy (and yours truly) mostly prefers the manga. The anime has way too many fillers *thinking pout* so that's that.

Hope you guys like it… *thumbs up*

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Of Flaming Feathers and Bloodstained Furs
By: Zelga Lim Li

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Part 29

Earlier that day, 7:40…

"This is a surprise… We never expected to see you here, Kakashi?"

Glancing towards the newcomers, the famed Sharingan no Kakashi smiled at them and gave the pair a cheery wave.

Yūhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma looks perplexed as they approach him wondering why someone like him bothers himself in a place like this. It's true that the dango shop and its surrounding establishments are more of Anko's territory. And perhaps Thatch-san too (the man loves to explore Konoha and all her delicacies).

"Together again, I see…" Musing softly but still loud enough to be heard, the two frowned in response.

Ah. Did they notice already?

Before Asuma can respond, Sasuke arrived with Harada-san. The boy had this questioning look in his face for the assembled jōnins in the area. The medic gave a polite bow towards them and left reminding the Uchiha to visit the hospital for the mandatory checkup.

Sensing the change in the air, Kakashi looked at the two who nodded in response as they disappear in a shunshin.

"What's going on?" Sasuke asks suspiciously when he saw Umi stopping a few yards away from the dango shop, seemingly frozen. What could-

With a firm grip on his shoulders, Kakashi looked at him seriously. "Keep her company. No matter what happens, don't leave her side, got it?"

Even before he can ask anything further, his sensei left without a backward glance. Tch.

Carefully approaching Umi, Sasuke saw her pale complexion. Thru his haki, he can feel her frantic emotions in contrast to the determined expression of her face. The same expression Naruto uses when she wanted to do something stupid that will probably freak Marco out. Realization dawned knowing 'who' could've caused this particular guise. "He was here, is he?"

Glancing at him sideways, he saw a brief flash of her Sharingan. "They're after Naruto-chan…"

Huffing dismissively, he took her by the elbow (mother's teachings remained despite everything) and urges Umi to seat in a vacant table. Crouching down and studying her reaction, Sasuke ignored the leftovers (looks like his preferences in sweets remained the same) and responded quietly. "The dobe can take care of herself. What I am worried about is the woman sitting right in front of me who's about to faint or something after sensing her idiotic boyfriend after so many years of- oomph!"

"Don't be ridiculous… I'm not going to faint." Umi may have winced internally seeing his incredulous expression. "I'm just surprised…" Giving him an apologetic look, she flagged a server and requested two cups of tea. "…I'm just surprised, that's all."

Yeah, right.

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11:38…

In the outskirts of a small village outside of Konoha, an elderly man accompanied by a frazzled young girl checked in at one of the numerous inns littering the area to spend the night and prepare for a very long journey in search of the legendary Sannin.

Giving a few additional rubber balloons for her current task, the man left promising to return by noon wincing as he goes upon hearing the girl's litany of curses directed at his person (and future generations).

Turning in an alleyway, his smile returned as he was greeted by a very voluptuous woman who responded seductively with a flutter of her eyelashes.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, beautiful… Shall we?"

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8:00…

"Well, well… what do we have here?"

Asuma's eyes squinted dangerously as he observes the two missing nins in front of them ignoring the taller man's greetings.

The smaller one sighed and removes his straw hat showing colored fingernails. Opening his cloak midway to rest his left arm as he stares back and acknowledges the two of them.

"It's good to see you again, Kurenai-san, Asuma-san…"

"Oho! You know these two?" The other muttered amusingly as he removes his own straw hat.

Knowing that a fight is inevitable, he took his blade out and attacks.

Hopefully, the two of them would be able to hold these guys off until help arrives.

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In a two bedroom suite of a small inn, 13:35…

Throwing the rubber balloon away, Naruto avoided the rebound as she drops her face down the pillow. Her scream muffled with her feet flapping carelessly (like a fish out of the water) over the edge of the bed.

Its only been a few hours and she's missing him already. Damn it!

She won't even think of their upcoming departure. Knowing that teme will come with them makes her want to dye all his clothes in orange. Argh!

Deciding to study her new jutsu, she reviewed all three forms. It sounds (and looks) easy enough. Hmm.

Her control is good thus she was able to direct her chakra (and a bit of haki) in multiple locations all at once even in a much smaller form. Just as Marco says, concentration is the key. The water balloon did allow her to refocus her chakra's natural flow (begrudgingly giving the creator a pat on the shoulders).

The second stage is giving her a hard time knowing that she has too much chakra and focusing it into a single point while increasing the volume and density is next to impossible.

No matter.

While the third stage, combining the two will need an extra hand. She already has a backup plan for that.

So she'll definitely focus on the second step for now.

And as she already knew her element, she can incorporate it to the jutsu's final form. That's for later.

Alright!

All these thinking makes her hungry. She did saw a ramen stand on the opposite building. Grabbing a few bowls will help her training. Yosh!

Taking Gama-chan into her pouch, the blonde cheerfully took the key and unlocks the door. She did drop it in shock after seeing the person waiting from the other side of their suite.

"?!"

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8:15…

Despite her ability, Kurenai knew that she's no match especially against Uchiha Itachi's Sharingan. Preparing for the inevitable (hopefully he won't mourn that much for her death), she closes her eyes and awaited the younger shinobi's finishing blow. But then, a mirrored ice sprouts from the lake that is thick enough to shield her.

Haku's reflection appeared and observes the scene before her. "Uchiha Itachi, missing-nin from Konohagakure. Wanted for the massacre of his entire clan…," With a frown, she added softly. "Sasuke-kun's older brother."

The older nin's expression remains indifferent. But as someone who is starting to understand the intricacies of haki (and its close relation to chakra), the Yuki knew that the man before her is…

"What is a bloodline of Kiri doing in the village of leaves?" …that the other man is in pain ignoring Hoshigaki Kisame incredulous question. Despite his amused expression, Haku didn't let her guard down.

The other man is a daimyo killer and another missing-nin wanted for attacking neighboring villages despite the ceasefire. Both are listed as S-class in her Bingo book (Kakashi-san gave her the latest printout the other day).

"She's invited. Or rather adopted as the surrogate sister of a certain blonde haired kunoichi that loves ramen… and a certain 'bird'." Hatake Kakashi answered on her behalf (with a bit of an undertone for the last part) as he blocks Kisame's attack with a suiton jutsu of his own. He appeared beside the Sarutobi (using a jutsu he may have copied when he fought Zabuza-sama back in Nami no Kuni).

The original came out via her mirrored reflection as she signaled Kurenai-san to fall back by taking her inside her mirror and exited in a safe distance near the other Konoha nin.

Asuma whistled appreciatively as he tried to nurse his wound caused by Samehada. "That jutsu sure is handy, kid…"

Giving him a polite smile, she immediately heals his wound as the older woman stood guard along with Kakashi's shadow clone.

Perhaps it is convenient (this jutsu of hers). However it only works for people who has the same elemental affinities she has. And that these two jōnins has water and wind respectively. Kakashi-san has several affinities which allowed him to copy those jutsus effortlessly (a terrifying ability an enemy can have… and it is a good thing he isn't one anymore).

"Ah. What an interesting assembly we got here, Itachi," Grinning widely, Kisame noted and allowed Samehada to release its bindings. "I suppose you'll allow me to play for a bit, yeah?"

"Reinforcements are on their way. And I don't think the one we're looking for is in the village…" Itachi remarked as he turned away fully dismissing the interruptions. "Let's go."

The former Kiri-nin harrumphed and grunted irritatingly towards the others. "Seems like you lot won't get to see me play. Pity."

"Wait!"

As Itachi disperses in flocks of crows, he places a special genjutsu to the first person who attempted to reach him. Even Sasuke's eyes won't be enough to break his hold.

Kakashi's eyes widen and Itachi responded with a patronizing smirk.

However…

The words the silver-haired jōnin mouthed surprises him. Ignoring Kisame's questioning look after they left the others, he deactivated his Sharingan and expanded his senses (they are still in Konoha but far enough to avoid any other confrontation). He isn't a sensor but what (or who) he found shocked him.

"If the jinchūriki isn't here, how can we find the brat?"

Knowing that he needs to act quickly, he decided to distract Kisame. Hopefully, the girl has someone who can protect her. Someone who can hold the former Kiri-nin off.

"If what I heard is true, they are trying to find the Slug Princess. And from what I gathered, she is currently in the gambling district."

Smile widening, his partner approves and went on to tackle their mission. "Remember, we need the girl alive…" He reminded carefully. Nodding, Kisame disappears after promising to follow shortly.

He needs to make sure… that what he sensed is that person. That his mind isn't playing tricks on him.

That his lover… no… that his heart (the other half of his soul) is still alive.

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Meanwhile… present time at exactly 14:04…

She doesn't know what to say, damn it!

Thankfully the color of her face returned after a comforting hello from his end. And knowing her pirate, Marco knows how to cheer her up (well truth be told, seeing him already did made her happy… but she won't say that out loud) and invited her out for lunch.

After three bowls of ramen (it wasn't as good as Teuchi-ojisan's, but acceptable enough for her tastes), she drags the Phoenix for a walk and to show the scenery.

"I'm really glad that you're here…" Pausing slightly, she took something inside her pouch and handed it over. "I was hoping to give you this earlier but you woke up ahead of me," She saw Marco turning the mirror over and saw the seals she meticulously etched at the back. Excitingly, she explained the concept of their very own communication device activated by chakra or a drop of their blood (visually inspired by their den den mushi with a ninja twist). "I haven't determined the exact limits or distance. So hopefully this is our best chance to test it. Whaddaya say?"

Marco chuckled and ruffles her hair affectionately ignoring her pout. "You really do amaze me, Naruto…"

Giggling in response, she scratches her nose while wrestling with his hand and his mirror so that she can show him where he needs to apply chakra (or his blood). She sampled some steps by using a duplicate mirror similar to the one she gave him.

"So you see-… omph! Oi!"

His eyes sharpened as he took her in his arms and jumps away from the crater that suddenly erupted from the spot where she was standing seconds earlier.

Kisame came out of the hole as he whistled appreciatively with Itachi appearing at the other side of the street.

"Eh? What the… hell?!"

"Hang on!" Marco shouted as he partially transformed and flew off. The two gave him bad vibes and knowing that she's unprotected while fighting them makes him want to curse the pervert till the end of his existence.

But then, a large ball of fire was aimed at them. Darn it!

He could have taken the hit and shakes it off. However, he got a very precious cargo who is hanging for her life as dodging that attack made her lose her grip (after this are all over, he'll figure out how to use both hands while still has his wings to fly, damn it).

Knowing that any fall from this height is fatal, he transformed back and took the impact.

"Marco!" Naruto cried out. He… he sacrificed himself. Again. Damn it!

Trying to reach him, someone grabs her jacket and raises her like a sack as she tried to fight the offending hand off. Sharingan stared down haughtily on her.

Eyes widening, she suddenly remembers Sasuke's goal. And yet… the man (or older teen, oh Kami, he's older by 3-4 years and yet his emotions are all over the place, perhaps only to her).

Ah.

He's one of those masked ANBUs that used to babysit her in the past. Faintly remembering a blurry memory that happened on one particular day, Naruto knew that she also met him before (the other kind-hearted guardian that kept her safe from all those 'monsters').

Knowing that Marco will need a few minutes to regenerate or heal his injuries, she tried to buy him some time.

"Y-you're teme's older brother, right? Are you here to k-kill me?"

Tilting his head to one side (as if guessing what she's up to), Itachi raises his right hand and places it on top of the girl's head. For whatever reason, she didn't flinch.

"I remember you, Weasel-san…"

Releasing his hold as if burned after hearing her whisper, the Uchiha looks at her frustratingly and was about to say something. Naruto never had the chance as she ducks her head with Marco giving the teen a dangerous looking kick. Immediately scooting her behind him, his bluish colored flames still licks up the gashes on his arms. The other missing-nin thoughtfully appraises her Phoenix's impressive talons that shifts back into its humanoid form.

"W-wait!" Feeling his anger, Naruto knew she needs to think of a way to divert Marco's attention. Any close encounter with an Uchiha (despite the intentions she felt from the former Konoha nin) may prove dangerous. Sasuke did gave them a warning about his older brother in the event of an unfortunate scenario (accidentally meeting the guy or whatever) and to make sure not to look directly into his eyes.

Marco may have failed to get the memo because he's having another heated argument with their sensei about something that day (possibly related to her wellbeing as usual). Despite his abilities, she don't know what a high level genjutsu will do to an (almost) immortal Devil Fruit user's mind.

"I don't have time for this…" The Uchiha muttered and the tomoe of his eyes started spinning.

Fuckers, dattebayo!

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Marco stills and the world suddenly took a wild turn when he suddenly found himself back in Marineford.

The rest of his nakama and allies are continuously fighting the marines. Thankfully enough, Ace and his younger brother almost reaches the docks (or it once was after Oars Jr. tried to block it with his body).

Feeling that something is amiss, he raises his hands and saw that it was covered by blood?

"Marco…?"

That voice.

Fear gripped his insides as he turned and saw a pair of cerulean blue.

"Are you hurt? All good?"

Nonono!

"It's nothing to worry… everything is going to be… okay…" Blood trickled from the corner of her lips as one hand raises to wipe the tears that started to fall uncontrollably from his eyes.

"N-naruto?" Apprehensively breathing out her name as he catches her fall. Knowing that it is futile, he tried to cover the hole in her chest that continues to bleed out.

Ignoring the commotion that surrounds him, he didn't notice Akainu's towering form who looks down on him as his right hand held something (her heart?).

As he looks up to glare at him, Marco notices the admiral's eyes. It was blood-red with the Uchiha's famous dōjutsu while the tomoe of his eyes spins ruthlessly towards him. As he started monologuing his incompetence to save the people he cares about, he…

Marco just lost it.

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Interlude: Itachi

He cannot be mistaken. It is her.

The face may be different, her hair lighter (although he does remember her father's coloring of the same shade) with a different hairstyle and some bangs covering her right eye.

He had his suspicions.

But he'll accept them regardless knowing that she's… that…

"Hmm…" A familiar voice suddenly spoke beside him (even if he just met the girl earlier). "Regret. Longing. Just to name a few…" A distraction that may prove fatal and yet he felt no ill intent from the other shinobi. He did eye the girl sceptically but returned his gaze to his 'former' lover.

"Hn."

Laughing quietly, the younger girl covered her mouth with a hand as she tried to hide a smile and the other hand took a small mirror from her pocket.

"An invention created by my favorite kunoichi. We haven't tested it yet but I'm certain it will work." Carefully taking the mirror, Itachi eyes the girl cautiously wondering why she haven't done anything to capture him.

As if reading his unspoken question, the girl gave him a kind smile. "I may be a citizen of Konoha, but I am not her weapon…" Pausing slightly, she added with a serious look. "I protect the people I care about, even from the village itself."

As she melted (a bunshin?), the original appeared in front of the person he's spying upon and talks to her. Similar to the mirror she gave him, she handed a duplicate one telling the same thing she told him.

"Wow. Naruto-chan really amazes me." She amusingly noted as she traces the intricate seals written at the back.

Her voice sounded the same and yet… older. Closing his eyes, Itachi tried to remember her face unknowingly activating the mirror with his chakra.

In turn, the mirror Uchiha Izumi holds showed an image of his tired and weary face. Patting her shoulders gently, Haku gave her an understanding look but didn't comment any further.

If only Itachi opened his eyes, he will see the tears that started falling from her face.

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Author's other note:
Till next chapter. Cheers!

P.S. Continuously praying for the world to heal. And be okay.

P.P.S. I also hope and pray that everyone is doing well. Take care always!

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