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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.
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Of Flaming Feathers and Bloodstained Furs
By: Zelga Lim Li
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Part 31
After Naruto came into the room (as loud as she can ever be just like the first time they met), she immediately went to Marco's side with a totally different expression. It took a few seconds but Jiraiya did see her touch the pirate's hands and returns her attention to face the two of them who accompanied her inside (the others waited outside to avoid overcrowding the room). Politely, her goddaughter requested the Senju to break Itachi's genjutsu (much to the Hime's surpise for her 'unexpected' demeanor). It only does take a couple of minutes from Tsunade's end as Naruto's hopeful smile starts to widen and laughs happily as she tackled Marco and gave him a gaze full of unexplained emotions after the teen regained his consciousness (he did see how his own hands held her tightly within their embrace). With Thatch cheering beside them, Jiraiya sighed mournfully ignoring Tsunade's glare as the two remained glued to each other. Like a… like a… argh!
.
Turning her gaze towards the other occupants in the room, she did notice the former Kiri-nin (hmm, looks like her influence and charisma knows no bounds judging from the other 'stray' they brought home with them) and the last Uchiha (or so she thought) who is standing near the window with a fond smile towards the brat.
Judging from the look he gave her seconds earlier, seems like he want to talk. She wondered if it got something to do with Hiruzen-sensei's revelation about their clan.
Aside from berating Kakashi for his carelessness and scolding her former sensei for not taking care of his health, her first day as Konoha's Godaime Hokage doesn't seem so bad.
Well almost.
"Can you repeat that to me again, please?" Her tone is as dry as Suna's surrounding deserts.
Shimura Danzō remains unmoved as he spoke his mind in a manner that she thinks is a kind of disrespect to her position.
Regardless, she clasped both hands and placed her chin above her fingers as she observes the man before her. Now that she noticed it, the old coot does not have these bandages all over his arm in the past. The left side of his face though… if she's not mistaken was probably the wounds Uchiha Shisui inflicted (the reports she received earlier 'broke' her desk much to Jiraiya and the Third's careful expression). But… should that have healed already?
She does hate to admit it, but he's right. This is one person she needs to watch out for. With that in mind, she mentally prepared all the things she needs to do now that she's Hokage. But first…
.
Awaiting her reply, Danzō studied the woman very carefully. Just like the unwanted 'nuisances' he has to continuously deal with (the operatives he sent are still missing, damn it), the Shodai's granddaughter will prove to be another obstacle he has to get around with.
"We can no longer allow 'outsiders' to stay in our village. You must kick them out… especially now that the pirate regained his consciousness." Ignoring the cracking noise where her elbows are placed, he eyed the blonde coolly. "But if you need time and consider the request of your council, let us know."
Giving the woman a polite bow, he walked out of her new office and saw the said people with the Uzumaki jinchūriki sitting beside the topic of his earlier conversation with the new Hokage. Scoffing internally, he pauses in front of them as he watches how the girl clings to his side like a limpet.
No matter.
Once he leaves, he will make sure to prepare her. The girl will and always be a weapon of Konoha.
Blocking his gaze, the teen stands protectively in front of the kyuubi brat. Kakashi and the other pirate who are standing beside the girl turns frigid in response, awaiting for the teen's reaction.
Ah. Perhaps they knew. Regardless, his people will never be able to rat him out. He made sure of it.
"Need anything, yoi?"
"…"
Naruto tried to tug his shirt but Marco just took her within the protection of his arms and gave the older man a wordless warning.
Touch her… and I will kill you!
Danzō didn't respond but the downward tilt of his mouth says otherwise. The Phoenix can see from his eyes the threat he may impose to his blonde kunoichi. Regardless, with the few days he have left in the village… he'll make sure to prepare any eventuality his Naruto may face without him.
.
.
Meanwhile…
When she heard what Sasuke wanted to do, Umi may have reacted badly. Itachi already took a burden of his own that decided the fate of the clan. And yet…
"He's learning…"
Konoha's last known Uchiha finally decided to do something by his own accord as well.
"B-but…" Biting her lips, Umi avoided his gaze. Warm hands patted her hands gently as the speaker tried to make himself more comfortable judging from the rustle his bed covers made.
"This is the first decision he made on his own accord after that night…" Her last surviving relative stated with a soft smile on his face. "I'm certain he knows what he's doing. So don't worry yourself, Umi-chan." The reason why she choose this alias is because of his pet name for her.
Sighing audibly, she absent-mindedly handed her cousin's bottle so that he can drink his water after taking his medicine.
Regardless of their unfortunate circumstances, looking for one another is the least they can do.
Their elders may rot in hell for all she cares, but she won't commit their mistakes ever again.
.
.
Somewhere in Training Ground 44…
Thatch sighed audibly and Marco had the urge to throw something at him. Just the same, he glared at his friend while toning his Haoshoku down.
Ever since that 'incident', he lost control of himself. Especially his emotions. Even now, he could not stop seeing the blood in his hands… Naruto's blood.
Despite being an illusion, his mind is going chaotic knowing that he might not be able to protect her.
With that in mind, he took a self-appointed task. Something he needed to work out within himself.
He needed to awaken.
"Are you sure about this?" Avoiding a rock thrown at him, Whitebeard's fourth division commander effortlessly held Kubikiribōchō in one hand and imbued it with haki. "I know you can heal and all… but this sword is entirely different from the swords back home…" Birdbrain's glare intensifies and with another exasperated breath raises his weapon and attacked.
Neko and Haku watches in a considerable distance as per his request. His skills may have rusted a little bit as he used to wield a cutlass type of sword on both hands unlike this one which may probably catch Mihawk's attention just by being a very magnificent weapon (big is the right word)… and for cutting people (ugh, this is all Marco's fault for making him think morbid kind of things).
Thus he went all out… and perhaps to teach the Phoenix a lesson as well.
Seriously though… if Marco just wants to be honest with himself, they wouldn't have this spar. Not that they don't need it for something else.
He is also certain that oyaji wouldn't mind if Marco decided to stay here in Konoha just so he can be with Naruto.
But being the responsible older brother (and possibly the oldest of them all), Marco wants to return for whatever reasons he believes is his duty or whatnot.
Oh well.
He just have to convince him a little bit more. And perhaps the other commanders will help… especially Ace.
Right.
The brat himself will definitely like the other blonde too.
.
.
All her stuff are packed and ready. Pervy sage wanted to bring her with him to train for another two years. Just like how teme wanted to come with her blonde pirate in Paradise.
Two days left before they part ways (ignoring the fact that it may be the last time she'll see Marco again).
Ah. Sasuke might be a good compromise as he needs to return eventually… but yeah.
With a hopeful sigh, she took her new journal and her letter inside her jacket. Probably she'll give it to Marco before they part ways. Knowing that she will get the chance to see the gateway separating them from one another… makes it a little bit easier (knowing that she can get to him if needed).
Haku promised to look after their house and that Sakura will be moving in temporarily to accompany her especially now that they have a new housemate (now officially a member of her clan).
Uzumaki Karin quickly made herself at home and was able to get along with the other two. Strangely enough, the trio created a group of 'fishcake protectors' or something of that sort. Thatch did laugh out loud hearing their declaration and pales slightly when the three turned their attention at him with the pinkette and the redhead glaring murderously towards the pompadoured haired pirate.
Surprisingly enough, Kabuto washed his hands with the girls and their 'project' pretending that he isn't staying in the same apartment they do. Well, he mostly stayed inside his room doing nothing but stare at the wall or write in his journal (the copycat!). And only moves around their house when the pirates are in. Strangely enough, he's in good terms with Thatch and Haku.
She isn't sure if the said teen will go with Marco since the silver-haired genin is still in probation and under his care. She did gawked at him in surprise knowing that Kabuto is already jōnin-level per Kakashi-sensei's words.
So she decided to visit her other teammate and bother him… perhaps to ask if he can look after her Phoenix on this trip. Despite knowing that Marco can perfectly take care of himself, she worries. She knew that something changed within him. Especially after the incident with Sasuke's older brother.
Ah.
She really does need to talk to the Uchiha and tell the teme what she sensed from his brother. Her hand stopped before she can turn the knob.
What if Sasuke's want to avenge his family outweighs everything? Will he listen if she tells him what his older brother really feels?
Accidentally colliding with Konohamaru after she opened the door, she jumps over the boy and shouted her apologies.
Taking to the roof, she ran towards Sasuke's apartment unmindful of the pair of eyes following her back.
.
.
Sealing a change of clothes in a storage scroll, Sasuke took a deep breath after placing his stuff inside a backpack while his gaze wonders around his room and ended on a few frames the dobe forcefully placed in his hands.
Duplicate copies of Team 7's group photo was handed over to everyone with Marco taking over the other frame much to Kakashi-sensei's sulky expression.
Suddenly, his eyes sharpened and threw a shuriken towards the shadows in the corner.
"Kukuku… as expected of Master Orochimaru's chosen. Excellent reaction time. I love it!" The newcomer chuckled amusingly and Sasuke saw a young woman with fair skin, dark eyes and light blue hair that is kept in a spiky ponytail. Wearing a red one piece suit which is easily noticeable but for whatever reason, she blended so well within the shadows.
He can also smell blood. Sharingan flares dangerously towards the unknown.
Raising both hands, the woman sighed and tugged her bloodied gloves off. With a slight twist of her fingers, she crystallized her accessory and drops them to shatter into dusts.
"I was sent to clean up the leftovers…"
Eyes widening, Sasuke tightened his hold on a kunai unknowingly reinforcing it with haki.
"Relax. I did not come here to do anything stupid…" Pausing slightly, the woman cocked her head to a side. "…especially now.…"
"Teme? Teme, are you home?"
Rolling her eyes at him, the woman crosses her arms and leaned further into his wall, almost blending herself within.
"I'll be back… see you later, Uchiha-san."
"Sasuke?" Naruto suddenly showed herself through his hallway (he almost forgot that he gave Team 7 a duplicate of his house keys).
Rubbing a weary hand over his neck (and disabled his dōjutsu) he walked past the blonde and out of his apartment. She did follow afterwards after grumbling incoherently to herself. Judging from her earlier expression, seems like she wanted to tell him something. He can already guess what it is all about.
"I'm grabbing something to eat. And I am not paying for your meal, got it?"
Muttering how rude he is, the last known Uchiha rolled his eyes towards his friend and… and ignored Naruto's sputtering reaction after she collided into him.
Oh.
Looks like he finally admitted it to himself.
With a smile he hid perfectly from the blonde's suspicious gaze, he grunted in response and started thinking of what he wanted to eat.
"I need to…" Pausing slightly, the dobe clenches both hands and looked at him seriously. "…I need to talk to you. It's about your older brother."
Hmm. Seems like this day is going to be a long one as the Uchiha noted absent-mindedly while gesturing the blonde to follow.
.
.
Somewhere in the outskirts of Konoha…
A white-haired young man sits comfortably in one of the many branches surrounding that particular forest. Below the tree, a masked ANBU lies with several bones portruding out of its body… seemingly lifeless.
Guren frowns at the sight but gave her companion an approving look. "I happen to found someone who I think will greatly interest you," Holding out a miniature version of Yakushi Kabuto using her Crystal Release ability, the last survivor of the Kaguya clan nodded and took the crystal in his hands.
"How much time do we have left?"
The woman's red colored lips widened dangerously in response. "More than enough…"
.
.
Sasuke's expression remains blank after she shared him what happened the day Marco fell. Avoiding his gaze, Naruto tugged her hair tie off and tried to hand comb her hair (ah, it was past her shoulders now… how weird it felt).
"Well? Say something…" Turning to look at him, she breathes painfully feeling the Uchiha's emotion. It is a bit…
Overwhelming.
Feeling her gaze, Sasuke gave her poke on her forehead and ruffled her hair.
"You don't need to worry about it…" Giving her cheek a slight pinch (which she responded with a slap on his hands), Sasuke chuckled and started to walk away from her.
Eh? That's it?
"I will deal with my brother when the time comes. For now, let us focus on our own journey… and train harder than ever before." Sasuke answers in response to her earlier inquiry.
B-but…
With a look she rarely see from him (huh? Since when did he activated his Sharingan?), she saw Sasuke's lips quirk a bit upwards before feeling her eyes drop a little and suddenly had this urge to sleep. Not before she heard him say those words as darkness surrounds her.
I'm sorry… Naruto…
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Interlude: Tsunade
The letter her grandfather wrote does remind her how cunning the man is… or rather was when he's still alive (even after death, he retains the said personality as it seems). At first, she thought it was his grand-uncle who wrote the letter. But the tiny doodles at the back says otherwise. Despite his sunny disposition, Senju Hashirama is one shinobi she prefers not to face again (or fight with… ever).
And then there's this girl who caught his attention.
The blonde haired Uzumaki (she was one too, but perhaps her blood was diluted at some point) who reminded her so much of her grandparents. Especially her grandmother's beloved clan.
Her dreams (their dreams)… her want to protect her family (despite it all, her grandmother wanted her clan safe)… and her self-appointed mission to protect the village (her grandfather's dreams to protect everyone who longs for peace itself).
Ah.
Perhaps… she'll give it one more try.
"Hey baa-chan?" A vein popped and she decided to reward the brat with a sweet smile (and a murderous intent to hurt her for being disrespectful - although another flick on the forehead will do the trick nicely). The girl added hopefully ignoring her sakki. "If you finally decided to pass me that 'hat'… will you allow me a few days or so? Marco promised to show me the New World first and…" Anger forgotten, she mused quietly to herself wondering who this Marco is.
Hmm? A boy back home? And where the hell is this 'New World'? It doesn't sound like Konoha or any other village in the Elemental Nations…
"Oh? Marco is a very precious friend. He's the one we need to go to first once we're back in the village. And then there's jiji…"
Ignoring Jiraiya's souring look who added that the girl's own sensei is sick as well, she tugged Naruto to her side and teased her a little. Blushing slightly, the blonde Uzumaki deflected her question and the redhead's glasses (who is standing next to the kid) shined dangerously as if sensing something amiss especially when her idiotic teammate choked on his drink.
Ooh… it does sound very suspicious.
"I see. So tell me more about this pirate of yours…" Interest finally picking up, she heard the tales of a selfless man (almost immortal-like with that strange ability bestowed by a bad tasting fruit) whose love for his nakama knows no bounds and is willing to sacrifice his existence for the sake of family (and for this particular girl). A dream inherited from the father figure who found him, with a bond stronger than blood.
"Sounds like an interesting person…"
Smiling, Naruto agreed cheerfully and tugs her towards the place she never expected to come home into. The walls of Konoha clearly visible from this distance.
Hmm. Seems like coming home doesn't sound so bad after all.
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Author's note:
I am soooo sorry for the wait, everyone *bows head in shame*
This virus is starting to kill my jam, damn it! No matter. We will all prevail. Believe it!
Take care everyone. Stay safe!
Also cross-posted in AO3. Enjoy!
Ah. Someone may have commented that Marco is tooo old for Naruto if we follow canonverse. Even if in my 'mindscape', these two are something more… rest assured that in this story, it will still take time before these two realizes what I wanted them to be with each other. And that Marco de-aged might be a better choice given the abilities of a phoenix. And that whatever I wanted might probably happen in the end… or an open ending… or whatever. Sooo that's that. Sorry? Even though I'm not? Hahaha! *peace sign*
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