RETURN TO EAST BLUE-2

Naruto was sailing on East Blue waters as he looked at Monkey D Luffy's wanted poster. The bounty poster contained a list of his achievements which included the defeat of Buggy the Clown, Don Kreig and Arlong. Naruto recognized Arlong's name immediately. It was around the time when he joined the marines when Fisher Tiger had attacked Mariejois. Arlong was released from Impel Down because of the Shichibukai, Jinbe's request. Naruto like Smoker and Sengoku never trusted Shichibukai. Jinbe was one of the few Shichibukai with a decent reputation. However it made no sense whatsoever that Jinbe would have plans with East Blue. He wanted to investigate this himself. He spoke with Sengoku who explained to him the circumstances regarding Jinbe and Arlong's release.

Naruto first headed towards Cocoyashi village in the Commi Islands where Arlong was defeated. It was after his victory over Arlong that Luffy first got a bounty. On his way to the Island, Naruto noticed someone floating on a plank in the sea. The man looked as though he hadn't eaten anything in several days. To make things worse, he was also injured. Naruto immediately ordered his men to rescue the man. The man turned out to be Commodore Pudding Pudding from the 77th Branch of the Marines.

Ain used her Return-Return fruit to return the Commodore back to his earlier state, when he completely healed. Naruto then questioned the Commodore regarding the events that led to his near death experience.

Pudding Pudding relayed in detail how his mission was to rescue any survivor from the Gosa Village that Arlong had destroyed. Upon seeing Arlong Park filled with pirates, he tried to launch an attack which failed completely. He then explained how the Fishmen then created a whirlpool which killed every member of his crew and left him clinging on to a plank of wood. He was trying to get to the nearby Commi Island, when suddenly a huge sea cow came flying in his direction and created a large wave that sent him into the middle of nowhere.

Naruto berated the Commodore for being too cocky. He then showed him a bounty poster of Monkey D Luffy, the pirate that defeated Arlong. Naruto noticed that the Commodore had decent morals and a good sense of Justice as well. He was also capable of leading his troops. He just wasn't used to Fishmen and had no idea how to deal with them.

Since Marine Ships were faster than pirate ships, despite sailing against the wind, they reached Cocoyashi village within a day. The first thing everyone noticed was the rubble that was once called Arlong Park.

As soon as Naruto arrived, he was greeted by a large crowd full of angry faces led by the leader, townsfolk were angry at the marines because of Nezumi's actions. Genzo spoke up, "Why are you here, Marine?"

Naruto maintained his cool as he said, "My name is Jaguar D Naruto. I'm a Rear Admiral sent from the Marine HQ. I'm here to investigate the situation here regarding Arlong."

A beautiful blue haired girl with a tattoo on her shoulders stepped forward and asked with her face right at Naruto with disdain evident in her voice, "What do you mean, Rear Admiral-san?"

Some of the Gochos and Pudding Pudding took to the actions of the villagers rather angrily, as the latter yelled out, "What do you think you're doing? You're in front of a Navy Rear Admiral?"

Naruto stopped the Commodore and the soldiers as he said, "If they are showing disdain towards us, they have a reason for doing so. What I want to know is the reason behind their reason."

Naruto then turned towards the blue-haired girl and said, "Arlong was once caught by the marines and imprisoned at Impel Down. He was released because the Shichibukai, The Knight of the Sea, Jinbe requested for his release when he took up the post. Jinbe and Arlong however had a falling out. We knew that Arlong escaped to East Blue. Jinbe however wanted the Marines to keep an eye on things and report to him regarding Arlong's actions. However no such report was given or obtained. I want to know why and what Arlong did here so that I can begin a clean-up."

Genzo walked up to Naruto and yelled, "Then, why don't you ask Captain Nezumi of the 16th branch base? He nearly took away all of our money and he even shot Nojiko over here."

Naruto's eyes widened upon the revelation. Naruto stared at the bandage on Nojiko's arms before ordering his men, "Get the Den-Den Mushi, I'm going to contact the Fleet Admiral."

A Goncho brought the Den-Den Mushi to where Naruto was standing. When the Den-Den Mushi call was answered Naruto spoke, "Sengoku-san, this is Rear Admiral Jaguar D Naruto reporting."

Sengoku: "Ah, Naruto-kun. Where are you now? Did you reach Shells Town?"

Naruto: "No Sir. I took a little detour. I'm in Cocoyashi village of the Commi Islands. I called to report and request two things. First of all Marine Captain 'Hakuryo no Smoker has left his base in Logue Town and is headed towards Grand Line."

Sengoku: "What? Who gave him the permission to do so?"

Naruto: "I did. A certain rookie pirate from East Blue named Monkey D Luffy with a bounty of 30,000,000 beli was in Logue Town yesterday. Smoker who had a perfect record of having never let any pirate escape from Logue Town went after him. Smoker had him pinned, but someone else came in and rescued Mugiwara no Luffy. The person who rescued him was the Revolutionary Dragon."

Sengoku: "What?! Dragon! What is he doing in East Blue?"

Naruto: "I have no idea. I believe you know what the actual reason for his action is though. Smoker has left Logue Town to chase and hunt down Mugiwara no Luffy and his crew. I allowed it. Smoker is too strong a Marine to be wasted in East Blue."

Sengoku: "I see. We'll have to now get a replacement for him."

Naruto: "Don't worry about that. On my way here I rescued Commodore Pudding Pudding of the 77th base. I believe he has learnt from his mistakes. I think he'd make a fitting leader for the Logue Town base. The 77th base has lost all its troops. They were killed by Saw-Tooth Arlong who was defeated by Mugiwara no Luffy at the Cocoyashi Village where I'm currently at."

Sengoku: "I see. We'll have to do something about the 77th base. Build it from start if necessary. What is the second thing?"

Naruto: "The second thing I want is for you to grant me the permission to arrest Captain Nezumi of the 16th Base Branch. He was collecting bribes from Arlong to ensure that word of his actions never reached the Headquarters or the Shichibukai, Jinbe. I have evidence that he even shot a civilian of this village and attempted to rob this place. I will be arresting him and will be bringing him along with the Rogue Marine Captain, Axe-Hand Morgan on Vice Admiral Garp's ship for court martial. Please inform Old-man Garp as well."

Sengoku (sighs): "Only you Naruto-kun can be extremely formal in one sentence and extremely informal in the next. Anyways regarding Nezumi, I suppose no marine is better than a corrupt marine. You have my permission. Do you have a replacement in mind?"

Naruto: "I have with me Chief Petty Officer Mashikaku from Logue Town. I need you to give me the permission to promote him to Ensign. He was the third strongest in the Logue Town base behind Smoker and Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi, both of who have headed towards Grand Line. I believe he'll be able to handle the 16th Base Branch."

Sengoku: "That would be almost like a triple promotion. Hmmm. Alright then Naruto-kun, I'm granting you the permission to arrest Former Captain Nezumi. Chief Petty Officer Mashikaku?"

Mashikaku: "Yes, Sir."

Sengoku: "You are promoted to Ensign Mashikaku and will be the leader of the 16th Marine Base Branch in East Blue."

Mashikaku (salutes): "Yes Sir."

Sengoku: "Commodore Pudding Pudding?"

Pudding Pudding: "Yes, Sir."

Sengoku: "You are being transferred to the Logue Town base. Head to the location after escorting Rear Admiral Naruto to Shells Town and take charge."

Pudding Pudding: "Yes Sir."

Sengoku: "If that's all, Naruto. I'll mention the situation to Garp."

Naruto: "Thank you, Sengoku-san."

Naruto ended the call and looked around. The villagers of Cocoyashi Village were looking at him with shock on their faces. Genzo stepped forward, "Did you just talk to the Fleet Admiral? The man who is the leader of the Marines from all over the World? And did you say that the Revolutionary Dragon, the World's most wanted criminal saved Mugiwara no Luffy at Logue Town?"

Naruto replied, "Yes, I did. And now I've the official permission to arrest the now Former Marine Captain Nezumi."

Genzo, Nojiko and the villagers immediately bowed their heads down in apology, "Sorry. We misjudged you."

Naruto simply waved it off with a smile, "Don't worry about it."

Nojiko suddenly stepped forward, "Didn't you say your name is Jaguar D Naruto?"

Seeing Naruto nod, Nojiko continued, "Are you the Jaguar D Naruto who is the author of 'The Tale of Uzumaki Sora' series?"

When Naruto nodded, Nojiko squealed in delight and hugged him. She then ran at full speed to her house and came back with one of her copies and asked him to sign it, which he did. She then asked immediately, "When is the next book coming?"

Naruto replied with a smile, "I just submitted the next book to the publisher yesterday. It should be coming out soon."

Nojiko once again squealed in joy. Soon the villagers came one by one asking Naruto for his autograph. The villagers then told him about how Arlong had taken over the village a decade ago and agreed to leave only if they pay him 100,000,00 beli. They told him the story without mentioning Nami's name, but Naruto knew right away that they weren't telling him the whole story as there were several pieces missing in the puzzle.

Once Naruto was done, he was about to leave for the 16th base branch, when he suddenly stopped and walked back to Genzo and the villagers and asked, "By the way, did anyone from your village join Luffy's crew?"

Suddenly all the villagers and Genzo apart from Nojiko began looking away from Naruto and whistled as they said, "Nope. No one did."

Nojiko face-palmed at the poor lying skills of Genzo and the villagers. Naruto began laughing out loud as he said, "You guys are just horrible liars."

Naruto then recalled the names that Luffy mentioned when Buggy was bring the sword down to his throat, "Zoro, Nami, Ussop and Sanji. One of them, I suppose. It can't be Zoro or Sanji. I know that Zoro was with him at Shells Town itself. It can't be Sanji either. Sanji was the guy in the suit, if I'm right. He had good fighting skills. Someone like that could have taken down a few Fishman pirates himself. So it's either Nami or Ussop."

Naruto then kept repeating the names slowly and watched everyone's reactions. When he mentioned 'Nami', they were sweating buckets. However, when he mentioned 'Ussop', they were wiping of their sweat and whistling in relief. It was too obvious once again as Naruto laughed again at their expense, "I see. So it's Nami."

Nojiko seeing how the Marine Rear Admiral had uncovered their secret sighed and told him the entire story, what Nami went through, why Luffy fought Arlong and why Nami joined Luffy and became a pirate.

After she was done with the entire story, Naruto said, "It doesn't matter if Nami came from this village or not. Don't worry about it. Genzo-san, I believe you are the leader of this village, right?"

Seeing Genzo nod, Naruto gave him one of his knives and said, "I've eaten the Teleport-Teleport fruit. This knife contains one of my markings. I can teleport to it whenever I want. Keep it with you. If your village is in any kind of trouble, throw the knife on to the ground. Doing so will send a signal to me notifying me of the distress call allowing me to appear here from anywhere in the World."

Genzo accepted the knife and thanked him. Nojiko then suddenly stepped forward as Naruto was heading for the ship, "Can I join and become a Marine under you?"

Naruto, Ain, the other marines and the villagers were shocked. Naruto quickly recovered upon seeing her face and her determination as he said, "Are you sure, Nojiko-chan? The life of a marine isn't easy. You'll have to start from the very bottom as well- as a Zatsuyo. You'll need to train hard as well. You are extremely weak. Besides, I along with Ain-chan operate mainly in the Grand Line and the New World. In the New World, pirates like Arlong wouldn't even last a second. East Blue is the weakest of all the five seas. That's why Arlong came here. You also just told me that your sister, Nami joined Luffy and became a pirate. You might have to fight her someday. What will you do then?"

Nojiko despite hearing all that Naruto had to say didn't waver, "I don't mind starting from the bottom. I want to become strong as well. I don't want anyone to suffer like we did because of Arlong. I grew up with Nami. Like her I want to see the World as well, even if it is filled with monsters. As for fighting Nami, I'll cross the bridge, when I get there. In the short time, you spent here, you already proved that you are a good person, Naruto-san. I don't mind following someone like you, Naruto Soucho."

Naruto smiled, "Please don't call me that. I hate the formal stuff. Come on then. You're in. But know that you've just willingly walked into hell. Your training will begin tomorrow. In the meantime, as the Zatsuyo, you've to clean every room including the bathrooms, do everyone's laundry and help in cooking the food. Welcome to the Marines."

Naruto and the crew soon reached the 16th Base Branch in East Blue. It took them only a few hours since they had the wind with them this time. The marine soldiers were shocked to see a Rear Admiral, a Commodore and a Captain with several soldiers. As soon as Naruto walked in, he ordered the soldiers of the base, "Bring me Nezumi."

The soldiers immediately called Nezumi who was sleeping. When Nezumi came in, he was shocked to see Naruto. Naruto introduced himself, "I 'm Rear Admiral Jaguar D Naruto. I'm here to let you know that you're no longer the Captain of this base. Your replacement is going to be Ensign Mashikaku."

Nezumi yelled back in reply, "How can you replace a Captain by an Ensign? I've been suffering too much humiliation already. I don't care if you're a Rare Admiral. I won't stand for it."

Naruto looked towards Ain and said, "Deal with him, Ain-chan. He's all yours."

Nezumi tried to jump on to Ain, but Ain was much too quick for him. She dodged him easily, before slamming the hilt of her sword into his gut forcing him to bend over before slamming the hilt on to his head forcing him to fall on the ground.

Nezumi stood up and yelled, "You bitch! I'll kill you!"

Ain's eyes twitched upon being called a bitch. As Nezumi charged forward, Ain waited before moving her sword bizarre speeds. To the naked eye, it looked as though she'd just moved it around. It didn't even seem to touch anything as there was not even a cut on Nezumi's body. Ain sheathed her sword and just then Nezumi's clothes fell apart leaving him totally naked. Nezumi immediately covered his genitals as Naruto's soldiers began laughing. Ain then spoke, "I wonder whose bitch you are going to be now?"

Naruto stopped laughing as he said, "Oh by the way, you are under arrest for accepting bribes from a pirate, for attempting to rob a village and for shooting a civilian."

Nezumi was about to protest as Ain chopped the back of his neck forcing him to slip into unconsciousness. Just as Nezumi was about to fall forward, Ain put her shoulder in the way and stood up with an unconscious Nezumi on her right shoulder.

Naruto then fired all the corrupt marines in the base whom Nojiko identified and placed some of his men from Logue Town in their place. Naruto then bid good-bye to Masikaku after handing him one of his knives and walked back towards the ship.

Nojiko approached Ain and said, "Thank you for defeating and humiliating him so soundly."

Ain merely smiled in reply. The group then reached their ship where Ain carried Nezumi to the brig and threw him inside his temporary prison. She then went up to Naruto and said, "Naruto!"

Naruto knew that this wasn't good. Ain never called him just by his name unless she was angry and an angry Ain terrified him. Ain always called him by his title or as 'Naruto-san' unless she was angry or when they were having sex.

Naruto gulped as he turned around. Ain had a fearsome expression with several tick marks on her face as she said, "Never and by that I mean never ever make me carry a naked disgusting man again or I'll turn your jewels into a color darker than my hair and make sure that its permanent."

Naruto instinctively covered his genitals as he kept Ain's warnings in mind.

Naruto and his crew took their time sailing in East Blue. Naruto visited each and every marine base in East Blue the following day and after making sure that the leader of the base wasn't corrupt, Naruto gave them a knife to use in case of emergencies.

Naruto had also begun training Nojiko. Nojiko seemed quite agile and had decent knowledge on navigation thanks to her sister, Nami. She seemed to prefer a gun for a weapon. She seemed to be quite accurate at shooting. Naruto had Ain focus on her training most of the time. Nojiko wasn't ready to learn Haki and he could teach her Rokushiki only after reaching the Headquarters.

After visiting the 8th base, where a new Lieutenant Commander had taken charge after a corrupt Commodore had gone missing, Naruto headed for Shells Town. On their way, during the evening, they came across yet another pirate ship.

When the marines neared the ship, Commodore Pudding Pudding recognized the pirate flag immediately, "That ship is belongs to the Black Cat Pirates. Five years ago their captain, 'Kuro of a Hundred plans' who had a bounty of 16,000,000 beli was executed. It was Axe-hand Morgan who caught him. That's what led to his promotion. I thought they'd have disbanded after that. I wonder who is leading them now?"

The moment the pirates saw the marines, they began firing cannonballs at them. Naruto turned to Ain who quickly responded to the attack. She jumped forward using Geppo and cut through all those cannonballs using her swordplay. Naruto told Pudding, "Don't waste cannonballs on them. Ain-chan and I will deal with this."

Naruto and Ain used Geppo to reach the pirate ship. The cannonballs that came their way were cut by Ain. The moment Naruto landed, one of the pirates yelled, "Kill them quickly or Captain Kuro will kill us all."

The moment he heard 'Captain Kuro', Naruto's eyes turned to a frown. Commodore Pudding Pudding had just told him that Kuro was dead. Naruto initially thought about using his Haoshoku Haki to beat them all, but changed his mind upon hearing their Captain's name. He'd have to create a commotion to draw out their captain.

He coated his fist in Bushoushoku Haki and quickly defeated all the pirates. Just then two pirates suddenly attacked him. Naruto assumed that they were the stronger ones. Using his Kenbonshoku Haki, Naruto easily dodged them. Naruto then turned to Ain and said, "I leave these two to you, Ain-chan."

Ain took on the two pirates who announced themselves as the Nyanban brothers-Sham and Buchi. The fight ended quickly as Ain easily defeated both with her sword. She managed to reopen the wounds that had been inflicted on them by Roronoa Zoro.

After they were defeated, Naruto yelled out, "Oi, Captain of this ship, your crew has been defeated. Why don't you come out before we destroy your ship and kill both you and your crew?"

Suddenly a door opened and a man stepped out.

"Kill me? That's impossible. You have forced my hand here. I should have killed these idiots a long time ago. They can't even kill a bunch of half-assed marines", the man said.

When the man stepped out completely, Naruto noticed that he was a tall man wearing glasses with slick black hair. He was wearing fur gloves on both his hands which had swords on all five of his fingers. Pudding upon seeing the man immediately yelled out so that Naruto could hear, "It is the Pirate Captain 'Kuro of a Hundred Plans'."

He straightened his glasses using the palm of his hand as he said, "My useless men couldn't deal with you. You are marines so if I have to live the rest of my life in peace, I must kill all of you. Nuki Ashi!"

Kuro began making several quick feet movements before suddenly disappearing. Only Naruto with his experienced eyes could read him. Suddenly Kuro attempted an attack on Naruto. Naruto who saw it from a mile away using his Kenbonshoku Haki, dodged it easily.

Kuro then proceeded to attack his own crew killing several of them with his attack. His attack was then directed towards Ain. Naruto who saw it coming told Ain, "Ain-chan jump using Geppo now."

Ain headed her captain's warnings and immediately used Geppo sending her out of Kuro's range. Kuro continued his reckless attack. However, every attack he made on Naruto was dodged. The marines could see nothing. All they could see was Naruto making a sudden movement like a head tilt or a bending his body and scratch marks appearing on everyone else except Naruto and on the ship. Nojiko who was in a similar situation as the rest of the marines asked Commodore Pudding Pudding, "Is Shosho-san dodging those attacks? How is he able to see them?"

Pudding Pudding replied with a nod, "This is the level of the strongest Rear Admiral among the marines. Only the elite among the elite have their base at the Headquarters. And Naruto-san is the best among them in his rank. I had heard of him before. He is the Yellow Flash of the marines afterall. He is severely holding back and yet a pirate who we can't even see can't touch him. He is able to see the attack coming and is dodging it easily. That is why the ones from the Headquarters are respected the most. I may be a Commodore and may hold seniority in ranks compared to someone like Ain-taisa, but even she is stronger than me."

Nojiko and the rest of the marines stared at Naruto and Ain in awe. After several minutes, Kuro was getting tired and Naruto was getting bored. Naruto shouted out to Kuro, "How about this? One shot? I'll give you one free shot. I won't even more or make any attempt to dodge."

Kuro's scowl deepened further as he said, "I'll make you regret that."

Kuro once again disappeared from everyone's view. He then suddenly appeared in front of Naruto and slammed both his claws with all the ten swords into Naruto's chest. Just before he did, Naruto smiled as he whispered, "Tekkai!"

Kuro thought he'd killed Naruto. The marines were in shock themselves. Ain on the other hand had reached the marine ship using Geppo and said, "Looks like he finally got bored."

Suddenly all those swords broke into pieces. Kuro's eyes widened in shock, "How? Don't tell me Devil fruit powers?"

Naruto immediately began laughing, "It's true that both Ain-chan and I have eaten Devil fruits, but not once in this fight did either of us use our powers. That should tell you what your level truly is in comparison to ours. If that was your best attack, you better give up, because that sort of an attack didn't even tickle me. I am Rear Admiral Jaguar D Naruto from the Headquarters. Now tell me Kuro, why are you still alive."

Naruto used a bit of his Killing intent in the final sentence. Kuro fell to his knees as he said, "You are the Yellow Flash of the marines? No way. I don't believe that. Why the hell are you here in East Blue?"

Naruto smiled as he grabbed Kuro by the head and pulled him to his level before saying, "I'm here to ensure the arrest of the Rogue Marine Captain who earned his promotion for capturing you five years ago. Now tell me your story before I crush your head completely."

Kuro was shaking in fear. Gone was his fearless and cocky attitude. He began blurting out everything. How he faked his death, went to Syrup Village and tried to kill Lady Kaya for her fortune, only to be defeated by the Straw Hat Luffy.

Naruto was angrier than ever having heard Kuro's story. Kuro was too corrupt to keep alive. Naruto turned to Kuro and said, "This is why I became a Marine. It's to finish off people like you. The fact that the World Government thinks you dead leaves me with no other choice other than to kill you."

Naruto put a Haki coated finger on Kuro's heart before saying, "Shigan!"

Kuro fell down dead killed by Naruto as the Rear Admiral's Shigan pierced his heart. Naruto then teleported to Ain. The marines in the ship immediately began cheering for him. Naruto however wasn't in the brightest of moods. Ain sighed before dragging him to her room for the night.

The following morning, Naruto and his crew reached Shells Town. At Shells Town, Naruto received a hero's welcome. It had been 11 years since he came back home and the people of Shells Town received him with open arms. All the marines were surprised at the warm welcome they got. They were used to decent welcomes in different towns that had been raided by pirates, but for the first time, they were welcomed in a Marine base so openly like they were members of the same family.

After leaving Naruto at Shells Town and saying their goodbyes, Commodore Pudding Pudding and the rest of the marines except for Ain and Nojiko left for Logue Town on their ship.

With Garp scheduled to arrive the next day, Naruto decided to spend the day with the Townsfolk. He told the kids and the adults alike stories regarding his various battles and adventures. He signed autographs for all his fans as well. All in all he was having a great day after a not so great one where he had to kill Kuro.

While Naruto was telling everyone stories regarding his adventures, Ain and Nojiko spent time with the townsfolk listening to Naruto's childhood stories. They were really surprised at the power and potential Naruto possessed even as a kid.

Naruto then asked the people regarding Morgan. They told him stories of how Morgan ruled with a tough hand. Morgan had apparently killed the Mayor of the town himself after accusing the old man of being an informant of pirates and firmly established himself as the ruler of the town. They told him how Morgan's son, Helmeppo used to bully them as well. Naruto then headed towards the bar where Ririka worked.

Naruto was excited to meet Ririka after 11 years. She used to give him free ramen at her bar when he was a kid. Naruto went into the bar and hugged her as soon as he saw her. Ririka was taken by surprise and found her feet leaving the floor as Naruto lifted her up. She recognized him immediately as Naruto said, "Longtime no see, Nee-chan."

Ririka scowled as she asked, "And whose fault is that?"

Naruto let her down as he looked down and apologized, "Sorry about that, nee-chan. Didn't think it would take so long."

Ririka was trying to play him but suddenly realized how bad he must have felt after hearing about Morgan and his three years of dictatorship. Ririka decided to console him, "Don't worry about it, Naruto-kun. It's all over now. Besides, it's really good to see you again."

"Same here, Nee-chan" Naruto replied as they hugged each other.

After breaking their hug, Ririka pinched his cheek as she said, "Look at how much you've grown. You used to be pretty short. Now you are way taller than me."

Naruto simply laughed as he said, "You should see the other marine officers and pirates. Sometimes my neck hurts because I've to look up at so many people. It really gives you a strain."

Just then a little girl, no older than 7 came up to Naruto and asked, "Who are you? How do you know my mom?"

Naruto noticed that the girl looked almost exactly like Ririka He turned to Ririka and asked, "Don't tell me, you're a mother now?!"

When Ririka nodded, Naruto smiled and bent down, "My name is Naruto. I'm an old friend of your mother. What is your name?"

Ririka seeing her daughter's confused look turned to her and said, "Rika-chan, Don't you remember Kaa-chan used to tell you stories of the little boy who used to beat up pirates and then joined the marines?"

When Rika nodded, Ririka said, "That boy is the man standing in front of you." Rika's eyes widened as she stared in awe at the superhero from her mother's stories. Ririka then turned towards Naruto and said, "Though I must admit that the little boy is no longer a little boy. He has become a big man."

Just then Nojiko and Ain entered the bar and joined Naruto as Ain said, "Ah, there you are, Naruto-san. We were looking all over for you."

Ririka upon seeing the two girls turned to Naruto and asked, "Who are these two girls, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto apologized as he introduced them, "Ah, sorry. Ririka-nee, this is Ain-chan, or should I say Captain Ain, my second-in command and this is Nojiko-chan, a new recruit. Ain-chan, Nojiko-chan, this is Ririka-nee and her daughter Rika-chan. Ririka-nee used to give me free ramen when I was a kid."

Ririka decided to tease Naruto, "Naruto-kun, seems you've turned into quite the playboy. You have two beautiful girls of your age in your crew."

Ain sensing the opportunity decided to put her captain in the spot, "Yes Ririka-san, besides being known as the prodigy of the marines and the Yellow Flash of the marines, Naruto-san is also known as the playboy of the marines. He already slept with me and several other female marines. Rumor has it that he hasn't even slept with a marine giantess."

Nojiko who was initially a bit shocked began wondering how Naruto would have had sex with a giantess.

Naruto was sweating bullets as he yelled out, "Oi, Don't tell that here. You're ruining my reputation."

Suddenly Naruto felt a familiar grip on his ears from his childhood days as Ririka said, "Is that true, Naruto-kun? I thought we raised you well."
Naruto began moving his hands apologetically, "Sometimes after a frustrating, stressful and sad day, I sometimes need a relief. So, yes I've slept with some women."

Ririka sighed as she asked, "Then, why don't you settle down with someone?"

Naruto replied, "Well, it's just that for the past 11 years, the only ones around me have been pirates and marines. I haven't exactly had the time to focus on a love life. Maybe someday I'll take an extended vacation and settle down with someone or maybe I might just settle down with one of the marine females I've gotten to know or might someday get to know."

Both Ain and Nojiko blushed at the last line, when Rika interrupted them, "What is wrong with sleeping with women?"

None of them wanted to explain the concept of birds and bees to the seven year old, so Ririka changed the topic immediately, "So Nojiko-chan, you are a new recruit, right? So, you must be a Zatsyo. Is Naruto-kun over-working you?"

Nojiko who was pleasantly surprised by the change in topic replied, "Not much really. He had warned me earlier about it. He has begun training me along with Ain-san."

Rika chose the moment to intervene again, "So you are also a Zatsyo, like Coby-nisan and Bakameppo?"

"And who are they?" Nojiko asked the little girl.

"They are my friends, especially Coby-nisan." Rika replied cheerfully.

Ririka scolded her daughter for referring to Helmeppo so rudely. Upon seeing the confusion of the marines, she explained to them, "Coby is a boy who came with that straw hat wearing pirate, Luffy. While it was Luffy and Zoro who saved this town, Coby also helped. Helmeppo is Morgan's spoilt son, who we hope will redeem himself and his ways by joining the Marines. They are both Zatsyos in the Marine base here."

Naruto smiled as he said, "I see. I'll have to meet with them to hear the whole story."

He then ordered some ramen for him as well as for Ain and Nojiko. After having had about 20 bowls of Ramen and spent the entire the entire time under the shocked gaze of Rika, who had never seen anyone eat that much ramen, Naruto went to Ririka and whispered, "Who is Rika-chan's father?"

Ririka looked down as she whispered back, "Rika-chan's father was the son of the Mayor, Richard. I'm sure you remember him. After Morgan killed the Mayor, Richard tried to take Morgan down, only to die by his hands."

When Ririka finished, there were tears in her eyes. Naruto who was shocked upon hearing the story, looked down before saying, "I'm sorry, I didn't come back earlier. I'm sorry that I left. If I stayed, there wouldn't have been a Marine base here and Morgan wouldn't have been here either."

Naruto then quickly walked off towards the Marine base. Ain and Nojiko followed him. Naruto asked the new leader of the base, Commander Ripper for the keys to Morgan's cell and handcuffs. Naruto told the other Marines to leave as he walked into the cell that contained Morgan. Upon being commanded by a much superior officer, the marine soldiers made way and followed his command.

Naruto opened the prison with the keys. He then removed Morgan's handcuffs. Morgan was shocked at Naruto's actions.

Naruto then asked him, "Former Captain Axe-hand Morgan, are you responsible for the death of the previous Mayor of the town, Reynold and his son, Richard?"

Morgan rubbed his now free-wrists as he said, "The old Mayor was an informant for pirates and his son tried to make a move against my authority. So I had them both killed."

Naruto closed his eyes before punching Morgan with a Haki covered fist which broke his nose and his metal jaw. Naruto then grabbed him by his throat and pulled him up and was about to punch him again, when Ain put her hand on his shoulder and interrupted him, "I know you are angry, Naruto-san. But there is no need to punch him again. He'll die if you do so. We both agree that he deserves something worse than death but court martial is all we can do to him. Leave him for now and enjoy your time in your home town. Stay here for few more days. I'll keep one of your knives with me. I'll drop it at Marine Ford once we reach there."

Nojiko decided to give Naruto company till he had to appear at Marine Ford.

Naruto then went to see Coby and Helmeppo. The teenagers, who were nothing more than Chore boys in the marine base, were surprised to hear that a Marine Rear Admiral from the Headquarters wanted to meet them. Coby was excited at the idea. Helmeppo on the other hand was a little scared. Afterall Naruto was much more higher ranked than even his father.

As soon as he entered the room where Naruto was waiting for them, Coby saluted, "Sir, I'm Coby, Chore boy in the 153rd Marine Branch."

Naruto, Ain, Nojiko and Helmeppo stared at Coby before Nojiko and Naruto began laughing out loudly. Ain on the other hand stared impatiently at Helmeppo waiting for his introduction. Helmeppo saw Ain staring at him and began staring back. Soon tick marks appeared on Ain's face and Naruto and Nojiko immediately stopped laughing. Helmeppo still continued to stare back at Ain. Ain then walked towards Helmeppo and punched him on the head sending him crashing into the ground as she yelled, "Introduce yourself!"

Helmeppo who was lying flat on the ground raised his head to say, "I'm Helmeppo."

Naruto looked at Ain and said, "Relax, Ain-chan" before turning towards Coby and Helmeppo to say, "I'm Rear Admiral Jaguar D Naruto from the Marine Headquarters. Don't call me Sochou or anything like that. Just call me by my name. The one who hit Helmeppo is Captain Ain and the one next to me is Nojiko, a Zatsyou like the two of you."

Helmeppo noticed that Naruto was nothing like his father. His father commanded such authority. Naruto on the other hand seemed too carefree. Even the Lieutenant Commander Ripper who had just taken over from his father as the new Branch Commander wasn't quite as lax and carefree. Seeing this Helmeppo began looking down upon Naruto just as he used to look down upon the other marines who worked under his father, "What do you want, Naruto? I'm a busy person."

Ain was shaking in fury. She literally wanted to kill Helmeppo. She turned towards Naruto who had a calm smile on his face as he gave her subtle signal to not do anything. Nojiko was also getting angry, but Naruto after signaling Ain turned to her as well. She got Naruto's message and held back her anger.

Naruto continued smiling as he spoke politely, "I would like the two of you to tell me how Captain Axe-hand Morgan was defeated."

Helmeppo who felt like he was the boss of Naruto scowled in anger, "Why should I? I've better things to do. Don't bug me again if that's all you want."

The next thing Helmeppo knew, Naruto had appeared in front of within a second, grabbed his head and pinned him on the wall behind him, his feet several inches off the ground as the Rear Admiral said, "Why should you? Well how about this. If you don't I'll kill you right here right now by crushing your head and not a single blade of grass will be able to do anything about it. No one will even complain or care. So answer my question now or die."

Naruto then released Helmeppo. Coby ran towards him to see if he was okay. The two Chore boys then turned towards Naruto, who was now exhibiting a ferocious aura while staring angrily at Helmeppo. Naruto then turned to Coby and said, "I'm well aware that the two of you are associated with the notorious pirate, Monkey D Luffy also known as Mugiwara no Luffy. I'm willing to overlook that if you explain everything without leaving out any details."

Coby and Helmeppo then blurted out everything that happened from Coby's escape from Alvida to Helmeppo arresting Zoro and having Rika thrown out of the base's walls to Luffy breaking Morgan's statue to Luffy kidnapping Helmeppo in order to get Zoro's swords and freeing him to the fight of Luffy and Zoro against Morgan and the marines to how Luffy helped Coby become a Marine.

After hearing the story, Nojiko asked Coby, "How did you end up in Alvida's ship anyway?"

Coby gulped as he said, "I was going into the sea for fishing, but I got onto the wrong fishing boat. The fishing boat I got on was Alvida's dingy."

Helmeppo was thinking that Coby had just blurted out a horrible lie as Naruto looked at Ain and Nojiko before Naruto and Nojiko began laughing loudly. Helmeppo stared at Coby with a gob smacked look, "How could you be so careless?"

Coby merely scratched the back of his head in embarrassment as Naruto and Nojiko continued laughing.

After they stopped laughing, Naruto informed them, "Tomorrow Vice Admiral Garp from the Marine Headquarters will arrive. Morgan will be taken to Marine Ford where he will go through a Court Martial."

Helmeppo tightened his fists while looking downwards to not show his tears, "Will they kill my father?"

Naruto's face morphed into a scowl as he said, "Just be glad that he is going to get a quick death. If it were up to me, he'd be sent to Impel Down, the impenetrable prison where several of the most dangerous pirates go through the worst kind of torture. That would be a fate worse than death. This town is my home. Morgan killed people who were very important to me. He ruled my hometown like a dictator. I want to destroy him. I want to make sure that he suffers and feels incredible pain every time he tries to even move a muscle. But unfortunately for both you and me, we don't always get what we want."

Coby and Helmeppo stared at Naruto in shock. They didn't know that Shells Town was his home town. That could see the anger rolling off him. Helmeppo hated it, but he couldn't complain if Naruto hated his father.

Naruto turned around and began walking out of the room. Just as he got to the doorway, he stopped and said, "You know Helmeppo, I don't get you. After hearing the stuff he said. After hearing him say out of his own mouth that he thought of you as a worthless son not even worth hitting, you still want him to live. You still care about him! If I were in your shoes, I would be ashamed of him. I would be ashamed to call myself his son."

Naruto, Nojiko and Ain that walked out of the room leaving Helmeppo a lot to think about. Coby looked at Helmeppo and knew that his new friend was going through a lot, but even he had to agree with Naruto.

The following day, Ain had gone along with Ripper, Coby, Helmeppo and the other marines of the Shells Town base to transfer Morgan from Shells Town. Nezumi was also moved along with Morgan. Garp had arrived in his Marine ship and Ain was to join Garp with both Morgan and Nezumi moved to the brig of Garp's ship.

Naruto and Nojiko were spending time with Rika and Ririka when suddenly he felt one of his knives being thrown. Naruto excused himself and teleported both himself and Nojiko towards the knife. The knife had been thrown by Ain.

Naruto looked around and saw that Garp had a cut across his torso, but was otherwise fine. The canon had been destroyed as well. Most of the marines were surprised to see Naruto and Nojiko suddenly appear. Garp noticed Naruto and asked, "Where the hell were you?"

Naruto replied while walking up to him, "I was just taking an extended vacation at Shells Town so that I don't accidently kill Morgan myself. Never mind that, what the hell is going on here?"

Garp's second in command, Rear Admiral Bogard explained, "Garp-san fell asleep when Morgan and Nezumi were brought in. Morgan seeing the opportunity slashed Garp-san with his Axe-hand and threatened to kill a blond Zatsyou as both he and Nezumi jumped into a dingy with the Zatsyou. We were about to shoot them down with the canon, but then the pink haired Zatsyou stood in the way. Garp-san woke up at that moment and broke the canon when he stretched. The pink haired Zatsyou is now swimming towards that dingy."

Naruto sighed as he turned to Garp and said, "Seriously Garp-san, that was really uncool."

Garp yelled out at Naruto, "Uncool?! You gaki, when was the last time you went five days without sleeping and ate 843 doughnuts?"

Garp ate another doughnut and yelled, "Make that 844."

Naruto, Bogard and Ain simply sighed as Nojiko looked on in shock wondering, 'This is the legendary hero of the marines?!"

Garp and Naruto then asked for binoculars to check what was going on in that small boat. In his previous life as a ninja, Naruto had learnt how to decipher words from just the movement of the mouth. It was a skill that came in handy during missions as a ninja. He could make out the words coming out of Helmeppo's mouth. Seeing Helmeppo disown his father brought a smile to Naruto's face.

Soon Morgan was holding his son, Helmeppo threatening to kill him while Nezumi had Coby pinned down, Naruto seeing this immediately teleported to Morgan. He had marked Morgan the previous day, when he held his throat.

Both the former marines were surprised to see the Rear Admiral in front of them. Naruto coated his knife with Haki and sliced through Morgan's Axe-hand completely cutting through it. As Morgan held his cut of arm in pain, Naruto used that back of the same knife and hit the side of Nezumi's face, breaking several of his teeth and knocking him out. Naruto then turned around to see Morgan pick up his fallen axe-arm with his only remaining arm and charge at Naruto. Naruto easily dodged the attempt before getting behind Morgan. Naruto then dropped his knife before pointing all five fingers of his right hand to Morgan's back and yelling, "Five fingered Shigan."

Morgan vomited blood as he fell flat on the boat. Coby and Helmeppo looked at Naruto in awe thinking, 'So this is what a Rear Admiral from the Headquarters can do.'

Naruto turned to the duo and said, "You were thinking, so this is what a Rear Admiral from the Headquarters can do, right?

Coby and Helmeppo looked at each other before looking back at Naruto thinking, 'So a Rear Admiral from the Headquarters can also read minds?'

Naruto saw their expressions and answered their unanswered question, "No I can't exactly read minds. Besides I can do a lot more."

Naruto then grabbed Morgan's head and spoke to him, "You just attacked a Marine Vice Admiral from the Headquarters before kidnapping two other marines. Both you and Nezumi were prisoners who were being escorted to the Headquarters for Court Martial. Now what you both have done can be considered as an act of piracy since you committed these actions while not being a marine. Instead of Marine Ford, you both are now going to go to Impel Down where both of you'll suffer for your actions. What's even better Morgan is that, I've taken out all five of your lumbar vertebrae. You'll never be able to stand up again. Have fun in Impel Down. I'll ask Magellan to personally take care of you."

Naruto then grabbed Nezumi as well, before turning to the Zatsyous, "Grab my legs both of you."

Both Coby and Helmeppo grabbed Naruto's legs. The next thing they knew, they were back on Marine Vice Admiral Garp's ship with both Morgan and Nezumi who were down on the floor. Garp then spoke to Naruto, "A little brutal, but I can understand where you come from."

Garp then turned to Helmeppo and Coby who were down on their knees, both shivering in fear thinking that their life as Marines was over before it even began and said, "What a hopeless pair. No matter where I go, I have to take charge. If I leave you two to take care of yourselves, you'll only cause problems. No choice I suppose. Come with me to Marine Headquarters."

Naruto, Bogard, Ain and Nojiko smiled as Ripper asked in shock, "Vice Admiral, you're taking them to Marine Headquarters?"

Garp turned around as he asked, "Can't I?"

"No, ofcourse you can." Ripper replied.

Garp then spoke to the shocked Zatsyou duo, "If you don't like it, you can run now. You won't be able to complain from here on in."

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, both Coby and Helmeppo yelled, "Thank you for taking us."

After Coby, Helmeppo and Nojiko went to do their duties as a Zatsyou, Ain requested Bogard for a spar. Naruto then joined Garp at the ship. Garp was still munching on a doughnuts as Naruto said, "I saw your grandson and met your son. I must admit that your grandson is really interesting."
Garp smiled as he said, "Ofcourse, that is to be expected. He is my grandson afterall."

Naruto smiled back as he said, "Believe me when I say this Garp-san. Your grandson is going to be a real big head-ache for Sengoku-san and the rest of us marines."

Garp merely muched on another doughnut sporting a smile, before snoring away to glory due to lack of sleep.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Today is my 24th Birthday and I wanted to deliver a chapter. I hope everyone enjoys this one. Its pretty long. With this chapter, the story length should cross 20000 words. I've had good response so far. Please review. The more the reviews, the more I feel like updating. People have asked for Narutoto have two devil fruits. That would be too over-powered. Naruto will achieve his awakening, just not yet. It will come and it will make him a little OP, so I'm not doing it till the time-skip. I've most of the fight scenes already planned out in my head. The Marineford arc is going to be the most challenging one for me. There is still some time till then. I've planned out two of the fight scenes for that particular arc. Still thinking of more.