His eye color never stopped him from seeing the world in its true colors. Quite the contrary, as it allowed him to get closer and perceive more than most. His sight made him one of the most feared people to ever set foot on this earth, as there had never been anyone so powerful or closely related to the use of Observation Haki.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto or One Piece masterpieces, as both are the property of their respective amazing writers, Masashi Kishimoto and Eiichiro Oda, but I will honestly claim my own creations along the way.
Red Sea, Red Eyes
Chapter 1
"Red-Haired Brothers!"
Kenbunshoku Haki or Observation Haki is a form of Haki that grants the user a sixth sense that allows them to sense the presence, strength, and emotions of others, as well as gain limited precognitive abilities.
Presence, Strength, Emotion and Intent Sensing are the basics, while there is something above these overriding factors, termed as future vision.
And something more superior.
An additional fact to this type of Haki is that blood ties, when intrinsically connected, provide highly trained users with a shared awareness. This is a power connected directly with spiritual vision.
"Some people acquire it unconsciously within tense situations, while others are born with the ability to use it.
Though, these cases are extremely rare.
The most important thing to remember is that every attack carries an intent, and a hint."
"The pistol feeds on its user's Haki to create what you know as 'ammunition' or 'bullets', allowing the weapon to fire, whether in bursts, lasers or single shots.
However, there is a clear difference between this pistol and the other common ones known around the world: this pistol depends entirely on Haki to function.
There is no ammunition holder.
Not only that, but the pistol also requires a certain type of Haki to wield."
~?
The Conqueror sailed high and imposing on the waves of the sea. Its size was so large and massive that few ships dared to approach its colossal timbers, frightened by the numerous highly technological cannons that destroyed small towns distributed on the sides and rear of the construction.
Five masts were supporting grandiose sails of white color, being so thick in both width and length stature, reaching impressive heights. And to complete the design they were painted in royal red color.
A small flag had been flown atop the crow's nest, introducing the crew's pirate flag to the world which was also drawn on the mainsail.
A red-haired skull with crossed pistols, but this one had the addition of whisker-like markings on the cheeks, three on each side. Instead of the traditional dark sockets for eyes, this one was two orbs glowing in light blue with slight shades of sulfuric red, finishing the set with a smile.
No wonder the surrounding water through which the ship passed left a reddish trail, as the sun's rays glistened on the ship's hull, providing that terrible appearance for those who dared to loot her or worse yet, challenge the impossible crew that led the world-renowned vessel.
That was the Red Conqueror, the ship of the Red-Eyes Pirates.
"It seems that a certain Dragon lost his wings, abandoned the steering wheel and dared to step on our territory, Captain. Should we go after his head?" - the calm and strong voice of a man that could only come from a mature adult was heard, while leaving the kitchen and walking towards the said red-haired captain of the crew was nothing more, nothing less than Dracule Mihawk.
The man hailed simply as the Strongest Swordsman in the World was dressed in a dress shirt undone to the first few buttons, black trousers tucked into boots and a cross-shaped necklace resting on his muscular chest. In his hands he stirred a goblet containing expensive wine. The sword with the sharpest edge in the world, Yoru, was nowhere to be seen in his possession, as it rested in his chambers.
"I don't think that's a problem right now. I'll be sending Shisui to see what they want." – the tall redhead said casually, sure of what was about to happen. Mihawk nodded in response to his captain's actions and continued moving until they were both side by side, the difference in height between the two now being clearer than night and day.
"Boss, Boss!" - the drawn young voice that shouted approaching very slowly did nothing to deceive the powerful senses of the captain of the vessel who only nodded slightly in confirmation as if he was already waiting for it.
"Yes, Udon-kun?" – replied the tall redhead who didn't bother to turn his body, while he continued to watch the sea waves with his sapphire eyes shining constantly under a permanent red layer.
At the moment, he was simply having fun projecting the future onto the waters. Something normal.
"It's a call for you, Big Boss!" – shouted the child with black glasses, stopping behind the man's position. Playfully trying and failing to give an awkward salute.
"Oh. And who could it be at this hour, young man? Isn't it a little early to be getting calls?" - The teasing tone in Naruto's slightly distracted voice was hidden by the sound of ocean waves, but the words weren't. The boy, Udon, embarrassed scratched his runny nose a little and prepared to answer the captain.
It seemed like an innocent question at first glance, but what happened next quickly eliminated that prospect, as the entire crew began to roar with laughter, with some even falling onto the timbers of the massive ship that towered above the waters. Even Mihawk, who was always serious, didn't have to hide the slightest smile, raising the glass of wine to his lips.
The captain could be seen shaking his head, smiling slightly at his crew's free-spirited demeanor, and his spiky red hair was ruffled by the light wind blowing at this hour in the East Blue seas.
"Gaki! Are you seriously asking the Chief such a question?"
"I think he's forgetting a thing or two, Shisui-san."
"He is still just a boy."
"Too bad, as it looks like we're going to have to step up your training, lad." - the darkness in the tone of that voice was enough to stop Udon in his tracks as the boy started to sweat like crazy.
Naruto stayed where he was, unshakable and smiling all the while seeing his cheerful companions being as noisy as ever. Seeing the future for so long and living in the present were so different things, but at the same time so similar that it could be overwhelming for some people.
The redhead knew that better than anyone. After all, he had trained to be so intimate with this kind of Haki since childhood.
"Calm. No need for that, Danzō! Come here, Udon-kun, and hand me over." – the redhead asked gently extending his hand, ignoring the teasing of his playful subordinates to direct a calming smile towards the boy, who relaxed his shoulders with the captain's positive feeling.
"Yes, Boss!" – Udon replied, then slowly approached to deliver the Den Den Mushi that kept playing to his boss. Naruto just accepted with a smile after taking the uncharacteristic sea phone in his callused hands and sending a wave.
"Go train with Konohamaru, Moegi and..." - the blue-eyed captain said dismissing the boy, and watched as he disappeared strangely quickly from his sight.
"Acting like that… doesn't even look like he's the user of that fruit, huh?" – the man's rhetorical question was answered by nods of confirmation from most of the members who were there. – "Make sure the children stay where they are, Enel. We have serious matters to attend to and I don't want to be interrupted." – ordered the redhead staring at a tall man with wide ears who was lying in a relaxed position not far away.
"Affirmative, Supreme Admiral - Mantra!" - replied the one who is the holder of the Logia fruit that caused a misunderstood feeling of dread for the World Government and other pirates.
The last word spoken aloud by the former inhabitant of the Sky Island in Skypiea activated his advanced field of vision that allowed him to catch glimpses of what would happen in the premeditated future. All this while he focused attention on the children's actions with lightning covering his form for any eventuality.
The notorious evidence of his impressive proficiency in Kenbunshoku Haki coupled with the power of the Goro Goro no Mi fruit was never tiring in the eyes of the crew. Glancing at the red-haired captain, he received a positive nod for his actions.
Returning to the original subject, after answering, Naruto lowered his eyes to see how the normal features of the snail began to take on the appearance of the person on the other side. In the next moment, an unreadable look came over his mature face as he took in the finally transformed features.
"Hello. Who is it?"
"Older brother?"
"Yes. Who is it?"
"It is me-"
"Who?"
"The only person in these seas who will ever be able to defeat you!"
"Looks like we have someone getting cocky here. Are you forgetting the lessons you learned from me, brat?"
"That's not fair, Danzō-jiji."
"Danzō-jiji?! Now… that's funny."
"I recognize that voice… is that you, Nagato-san?"
"Yes. From your voice, you seem to have gotten stronger. Hi, cousin."
"Who is this now?! I'm trying to do something here and I can't concentrate because you guys are making too much noise!"
"… Karin-nee?"
"W-What?! Why does his Den Den Mushi look like that? Who did this to my cute little cousin?!"
"Why so much shouting? We'll work it out. Just react normally. Good morning, redhead."
"Itachi-san! How much time!"
"The food is going to get cold and I'm starving, y'all! Let's eat-"
"Always the hungry one, Shisui-san!"
"Your brother will scold you harshly if he finds you drinking yourself down again."
"The big brother always knows everything, Mihawk! This is not funny!"
"Ototo-kun…"
"Nii-san… I called you, because I wanted to tell you about this girl. Her name is Uta! But… I know what you're going to say before that. You must be disappointed in me. I'm sorry."
"I would never feel this way about you. You are my little brother and I love you! However, even though I can visualize everything you've seen in your entire life, I want you to say it in your own words. What is the name of the dead man who did this to you?"
End.
Author's Notes: Let's see if I can get the red wheels to spin! I decided to release a short chapter to see what happens. It's not so easy to balance a little mystery with fun and seriousness, but come on!
This story has everything to be great, as long as I don't screw it up.
I'm really excited about this!
When I came up with the idea, it was initially about how I would best explore Observation Haki before more could be introduced in the series. And look… I have a lot of reasoned ideas about this Haki!
I think that among the three types, Haoshoku is an easy heart-winner, but Kenbunshoku is impressive in its own right. The ability to visualize the enemy's strength level, the nature of perceiving the intention in the opponent's future, and the act of visualizing the future indefinitely is simply mind-busting! I really love this Haki! And I hope that you, lovers of this story, like it as much too!
This chapter is short and lacks information that I would like to consider as… vital, however this meets what I want to show you now.
Don't forget to review a lot, as always, because there's not much point in writing something if people don't say whether they like or dislike it. Although the decision in the end is mine to go ahead or not, I would still like to know what you guys think so far.
Don't forget to support me! All my works that interest you!
Make me understand how much you REALLY APPRECIATE MY STORIES!
I'M COUNTING ON YOU!
And while I don't see any issues with anonymous comments, I would like to give 'a face to the name', so make sure you create great profiles!
Tengoku no Kotei out.