Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto…
The Swordsman"So this is where we find the first of your…acquaintances?" Naruto asked as they stepped onto the creaking and soggy docks. His look was that of disbelief and lack of impression. The rest of the crew would go and collect necessary supplies or remain and guard the ship, doubling as lookouts. Sasuke nodded mutely, dead eyes staring out to sea. "And after we get him we head to Tortuga? I don't think Hinata would like me going to a place like that. And as soon as Sakura finds out your body will be thrown into the ocean and fed to sharks."
"Naruto. Tortuga is home to an excellent navigator and tracker. We're not going for whatever reason you're thinking of." He motioned for Naruto to follow him, heading towards the middle of town. They weaved through the masses of rough-looking townsfolk careful to not accidentally bump into anyone and cause a fight. The people here were incredibly different from the people in their hometown. This place, Naruto thought, was definitely a pirate port, filled with vices and fights.
He carefully stepped around two brawling men. The sounds of cheering and swears boomed out, rattling the dingy windows and drowning out the sound of giggling street-corner girls. He narrowly avoided running into a passing pedestrian. Sasuke seemed to have no trouble when it came to avoiding people. The cold glare he gave seemed to unnerve most people and scared most away, the exception being a dread-locked pirate with a drunken swagger. The pirate gave him an incredulous, bewildered look and appeared ready to question Sasuke's attitude, his hands failing about as he walked. The beads and trinkets weaved into his filthy hair clinked together with each head bob. However, he must have decided against it and went on his drunkenly merry way with a bottle of rum.
"So who's this guy again?"
"His name is Suigetsu Hozaki, a blacksmith's apprentice for Zabuza Momochi." Naruto nodded in understanding, carefully avoiding another person.
"This Suigetsu guy, what's his skill?" he asked, throwing his hands behind his head.
"He's a swordsman."
"Just like you and I and the rest of our crew." Naruto muttered, unimpressed. He was a capable blacksmith himself. Why would they need another? Sasuke shot the blonde a glare. "What? It's true! I know Hinata and Ino aren't really sword users, but did you see what Hana Inuzuka can do with a butter knife? A butter knife! And Anko, well, she's just plain insane. Then there's Kakashi, who has this uncanny ability to read people."
"Naruto, unlike you or I, Suigetsu is an expert at using any kind of sword and knows various sword fighting styles. Besides, he's after a crewman on the Akatsuki." They stopped and Naruto crossed his arms, skeptical. He raised an eyebrow. Sasuke kept his dark eyes trained on the door before them.
"So you think this guy's just going to drop everything and come with us because you tell him who we're going after?" Sasuke didn't respond. He grasped the door handle and swung the wooden door wide open, revealing a messy smithy. Tools lay in piles on anvils and near the fireplace. Swords were hung up on racks and the smell of melted metal hung in the thick, hot air. A scowling white haired man stood, pounding away at his current project. Sparks flew up and out as he grumbled under the sound of the clanging. He turned his head slightly and amethyst eyes glared daggers when he noticed the door had been opened. They widened to surprise however, when he noticed exactly who stood in the doorway.
"Well, well. Sasuke Uchiha has come back to Wave Country." He flashed a toothy grin and set his work aside. He stood and put a hand on his hip as he examined the duo before him. "I haven't seen you in what, three, maybe four years? And last time you were in a naval uniform. Why'd you come back?"
"I'm gathering a crew." Suigetsu raised an eyebrow and folded his arms as he leaned against a workbench. Sasuke was a vague as ever. And he was apprehensive too, constantly on guard. When they first met, he was alert but relaxed, a young lieutenant at barely nineteen. From what Suigetsu learned Sasuke started off as a mere cabin boy at twelve, like most young naval men, but swelled through the ranks after demonstrating promise and living up and beyond his family name.
"A crew? Were you promoted to captain? I would have thought you'd be higher up in the chain."
"I left the navy approximately two years ago."
"After which he married. But recently the crew of Akatsuki kidnapped his wife and out Commodore won't go after them, so he's going after them himself." Naruto added, summarizing the reason. Suigetsu blinked, eyebrows raised. He was married? He never seemed the type.
"And the point to your visit was…"
"You'll be part of the crew." Sasuke deadpanned, his expression blank. Suigetsu scowled and crossed his arms.
"You honestly think I'd allow you to waltz in and start bossing me around?" Naruto snorted, amused. There was something about this guy he liked. "Well, if you think that you'd have another thing coming."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his eyes void of emotion, and his pale face impassive. "If you don't want to go, we'll just find someone else."
"Oh no. I'll go. You'll just have to convince the boss." Suigetsu's grin was wily and coy. Sasuke scowled. He didn't like Zabuza one bit.
~x-x-x~
Anyone else read the newest chapter? I have the feeling Naruto is going to use his Pep Talk no Jutsu on Madara and turn him good…because I swear Kishimoto is running low on ideas. Speaking of the Pep Talk no Jutsu, how come it won't work on Sasuke? Anyway reviews are greatly appreciated and they make me smile! Thank you!
