Chapter 6:

The Straw Hats Arrive.

"…."=speaking.

'…'=thinking.

"'Inner thoughts'"=images or memories within somebody's head.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or One Piece They are the property and brainchildren of Masashi Kishimoto and Eiichiro Oda, respectively.

At the dawn of a fresh day, shades of pink, blue, orange and yellow in the heavens made for a beautiful morning in the East Blue. Outside the Baratie, 3 twelve-year-olds had been waiting outdoors for some minutes for their sensei to arrive. One patiently leaned against the ship, arms crossed and staring at the skies. The second was pouring over a book, titled The Perfect Empire: North Blue under the Vinsmokes. While the third was pacing the deck, impatient, slighted, and jealous. "Sasuke!" the third figure shouted down to the water, stopping to lean over and his wave arms out. "Do ya gotta be showing off all the time like that? I get it, you learned it, but do ya have to keep reminding me, ya know?"

Sasuke let a smirk crack out on his face, glancing up to the deck where Naruto stood while remained standing on the water.

"Well, call it motivation, Naruto. This is what happens when you use your time wisely, instead of playing around with useless jutsu. Plus, this is you demanded Kakashi have such an early training session yesterday, right?"

Naruto was fuming, embarrassed and trying to think of a riposte. Sasuke's smug, joking voice hit a nerve, and one that the blonde couldn't deny. After the success of Zeff's Black-Leg Style seminar and seeing his teammates training on the water, the orange ninja had begged Kakashi to teach him the next evening, so much that it extend until past midnight until he agreed. But, many, many of the cooks complaining about missing their sexy-jutsu carpet walk if Naruto was preoccupied with training, again. So, a compromise was reached. The Ninjas would train in the mornings at the crack of dawn, and leave the evenings cleared for show time; Carne and Patty had even bought a stripper pole.

At the present, however, the Genin were on time and Kakashi had yet to show up.

'Hmmmm,' snapping her book shut, Sakura pursed her lips, pouting.

'I thought sensei was finally going to stay serious about training. But how come he's still late to show up? If only we knew wh…..'

"Wait a Minute!" to girl proclaimed.

"Sakura-chan?" Naruto responded.

"Ahhhh! Naruto, you're perfect!" the pinkette squealed.

"Huh! You, you think so!? I'm the perfect boy!" the knuckled head grinned, eagerly.

"Ugh! No! No, that's not what I meant!" the girl backpedalled, with a pink shade flaring across her cheeks.

"But you just said—"

"Don't get any ideas!"

The pair began bantering as Naruto tried to advance, and Sakura was shouting denials.

"Uggghhhhhh!" the pinkette shouted. "Listen. I know how to make sure Kakashi isn't late anymore. We're here on a small ship, the Baratie, aren't we? So there really isn't any place for him to hide that we can't snuff him out from. If you can send shadow-clones to search every room, they can track down and bagger him to finally come to us on time. There'll be no way he can be late over more than hours anymore!"

0…...….0

Kakashi hummed in his sleep. His body hunched over a desk in the small cabin. The lazy man's eyes were fighting against light pouring through a window, complacent to catch some extra sleep. His dreams were captured by a scene out of Icha-Icha Tactics. Two characters gazed on from across an empty square. Moving into a run, their bodies surged forward to be wrapped in the other's embrace. One character's generous bust jiggled with every stride, Until-

-A pair of blue sandals slowly filled the space "GGOOODDDD MMOOOORRRRNNNNIIIINNN NGGGGGGG SSSSSEEENNNNSSSSSEEEEEIII!"[1] Connected to the sandals was an orange figure, honing-in on Kakashi's face, feet-first.

One thunderous crash erupted inside the room. "So, Naruto. Tell me," Kakashi casually asked. "What kind of thought has motivated you to interrupt such a blissful sleep, with such an attack this early?" On his feet Kakashi had Naruto pinned to a desk, one arm pressing lightly on his head, the other hand keeping the boy's arm locked behind him, plus one leg lightly pinned under Kakashi's knee. The Uzumaki's face turned aside, with stars glittering in his eyes at his trolling sensei. "Wow! You are real good, sensei! How did you beat me while still asleep?!-Ggghhhhhh! Never mind!" The boy shuffled, straining to get a better look up at his subduer.

"It's dawn now, ya know. You said you be training us! Come on, we're waiting, we're waiting!"

0…0

Three minutes later, the teacher and student were walking through the restaurant's front doors. 'Hhhhhh,' Kakashi tried to shake away shock and sleep from his eyes. 'I can't believe I actually pinned him down while half asleep. And they actually thought to attack me like that. Guy has never been that extreme,' Kakashi reflected on his rival. Which sent a pang of…longing. One that stopped him, cold. 'Oh, help me, am I actually nostalgic for him to pop out of nowhere?'

"Yesss!" Sakura was jumping with glee, breaking into Kakashi's reveries. "I knew it! I knew Naruto would get sensei's lazy ass down here! Yes!"

"Hmmm," Sasuke was beside her at the railing. "I have to admit. You really are pretty smart, Sakura." At the compliment, the girl froze in amazement. Before flopping to the ground, pasted-out with glee. "S..Sasuke..Sasuke… pretty smart…ahhhhhh." Her prostrated form muttered.

While Naruto tried to revive the girl, and Sasuke had a bemused look at the blonde teammate tried berating him, Kakashi merely watched on.

'Well. Naruto did something good for the whole team. Sakura hasn't hit Naruto at all since our talk back in Hanma Village. And Sasuke actually complemented Sakura for something. Maybe they are starting to grow,'

"Alright," Kakashi called out, once Sakura had awakened. "Let's get started."

"Alright," Kakashi called out, once Sakura was awake. "Let's get started."

For the following 3 hours, Kakashi lead them through different exercises, then separated the trio for individual skills. Sasuke was taken aside by Kakashi personally, to begin more focused training with his awakened Dojutsu. A trio of Sharingans were unveiled, two for practice and the third to keep a sharp watch on the other students during their training.

As promised, Naruto began learning how to walk on water, starting by characteristically leaping overboard and getting soaked. After getting back aboard, some, simplified instructions were given, "Listen," Kaakshi coaxed him, "why not try holding on a ladder, and try to stand with only one foot, then both, but keep a hold on the rungs and, minimize another morning swim?"

"Uh, sensei?" Naruto asked, with a slightly white shade on his face. "What if any sharks come swimming up under me?" Sakura and Sasuke themselves both froze at that question, then slowly began turning their attention towards Kakashi. "Hm. Good luck?" the Jonin gave a shrug.

Everyone kept a much closer watch as Naruto continued trying, and duct under the surf a few dozen times, but only a few seconds later with each try. Sakura was instructed to work on her physical capabilities, sit-ups, push-ups, squats and running laps around the restaurant, either on the water or with her feet gripping the haul. The girl groaned under the effort, covered with sweat and quickly came to appreciate her sensei's training the least.

Nothing missed Kakashi's watchful eye, even while Sasuke received the majority of his attention. Conveyed through dozens of bruises spotting the Uchiha's arms, legs and head from building his reaction time with the Sharingan's perception.

Eventually, Zeff emerged from the restaurant calling his shinobi employees to work.

0….…0

"Our destination is…The Sea Restaurant….Baratie!" Out on water several dozen meters away, a Caraval was sailing up, with a ram figurehead, and two jolly-rogers with a clear Straw Hat were billowing in the wind, clear as day; one on a black flag, the other painted across the sail.

"Oooooo. It's like a Big Fish!" A young man voiced, from a spot on the bow. The figure appeared to be fresh out of boyhood; grown, but immature and excitable, with blue shorts, a red shirt and headwear matching the flag.

Beside him, a scrawny boy with a cameo bandana, brown overalls, and a slingshot was drooling at the sight of the restaurant. Joining them was a tall, well-built, mature figure with green hair, and three swords tucked into a green belt on his waist. And busty young lady was present, wearing a pink T-shirt, light brown shoes and a yellow mini-skirt, with a smile of happiness and unmistakable orange hair. Two other figures behind them, armed with broadswords and folding their arms were grinning and shared a high-five.

Everyone was staring straight for their destination until a roaring ship's bell called their attention to the starboard[2] side of their ship.

"Huh!? A Marine Ship? All the way out here?" the boy with overalls panicked. Beside him, the swordsman braced, ready to draw his swords and the girl took a few steps sideways.

"Y-y-yo, Luffy," the panicking one was hiding behind him. "They're not gonna start firing on us, are they?"

"Luffy?"

Glancing around, the long-nosed crewmate saw his captain staring straight ahead, ignoring the Marine ship completely.

"WHOA! HEY! HEY, YOU! JOIN MY CREW!" Monkey D. Luffy exclaimed.

"Luffy!/Luffy!" the girl shouted, grabbing the boy at the same time Mr Long Nose did and both shook him like a bobblehead.

"Can't you act like a Captain at all? The Marines are right beside us!"

"But Nami, Ussop look! Look out there!" Captain Monkey D. Luffy explained, pointing towards the restaurant. "Some guy is standing on water! He's running over empty water!"

"Huh! Don't be silly. There's no…way…wah.…tha…." The navigator's words died in her throat. Usopp lost his grip, rubbed both his eyes then looked again. "H-h-h-h-h-h-h-"

"WHOA!" Nami exclaimed. "H-H-WH-WHA-ZORO, LOOK! WHAT? HOW CAN THAT BOY BE DOING WALKING AROUND ON THE WATER!"

That caught the swordsman's attention, until he froze from glance towards the source of such commotion.

Now every person on board was gawking at the spectacle. Nami's jaw was scrapping the deck at her feet, and beside her, Usopp's eyes were wider than saucers and his mouth wasn't working in shock. Sure enough, at one side of the floating establishment, a boy with bright blonde hair was strolling around on the water, arms flailing about trying to stay balanced.

"Don't be distracted, darling," somebody else spoke, the Marine vessel alongside the pirate ship. "It's only a cheap ruffian's trick. Men! Sink them. They're an eye sore."

"Yes, Sir!"

Next, a loud cannon discharged.

0…...0

"Hhhhh. Kakashi, why does Naruto get to train longer and not me?" Sasuke complained. Glaring mildly as the Jonin was lounging with a pink book open in one hand.

"Sasuke!" Zeff's grizzled tone roared. "That would be because Naruto did more work in here last night, and he needs the practice. If you want ta join 'em, and keep going hard in the kitchen, bra! And KAKASHI!"

Zeff's left stump bore through the wall, missing Kakashi by inches. "What I say about that book out while you're working!" While Zeff glowered at his distracted bouncer, the Hatake remained buried deep in his new, golden edition Icha-Icha: paradise. 'Wow! Uoooo, hhhhh…hh..hehehehehe!' Ducking under another kick, he still didn't lose his place, nor after the third, seventh or thirteenth.

"Hold still you pervy brat!" Zeff exclaimed, peppering him with his peg leg, which the Jonin smoothly wove through, completely untouched.

"Oh, Chef." "What is it, Sakura?" Zeff called out, politely.

"Please, the ruckus really should stop. The booking for a Marine Lieutenant should be here any minute-" A loud explosion cut off Sakura's news, from outdoors.

0….0

"Huh!" Naruto exclaimed before he sank beneath the water, again. Quickly swimming back to the docks, the Genin spotted two ships a short distance away.

'Are those fighting that close to the restaurant! And what made a big roar that loud?'

"Naruto! What is-?"

"I'm okay, sensei," the boy answered, turning his neck up towards the deck above him. Scurrying up, he found Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura had burst from indoors. "But something's going on over there!"

Back on the ship, the occupants of the pirate ship occupants were shouting at each other.

"You are all dedicated Marines! How can you miss such an easy target?" a figure with pink hair and iron knuckle-guards was berating those in uniform. "Reload, and aim properly!"

"Nothing like a nice fight to wake you up in the morning," the green-haired man was grinning, with Luffy to his right and Usopp further one, while Nami stepped back, eager to slip away, and the two passengers they had were running in circles. "Johnny, we gotta help big bro Zoro." "We fight the navy with pirates, we ain't gonna be bounty hunters anymore, Yosaku."

"You tell 'em, Zoro!" Usopp exclaimed, with his slingshot cocked back, with both his knees shaking under him. "Y-y-y-you'll never hit the Merry. I-I-I-I-I , thth-the-the B-Bre-Bre-Brave C-Cap-Cap-Captain Ussop wo-wo-won't le-let yy-you."

Luffy just palmed one fist into his hand, grinning up madly at the larger ship. "You wanna fight, come on and get it!"

"Fire, and sink the ship this time!" At the officer's word, a fresh cannon ball erupted from the Navy ship. It was streaking towards Luffy, Who threw both arms out, stretching his torso and capturing the iron ball in his elastic chest.

The impact caused the man to stretch backwards, bending out like an elastic snare. All on full display for the Leaf ninjas.

"Huh!"

"What…"

"Whaaaaaaa!"

"HOWISTHATGUYSTRETCHING!" Sakura exploded, while Kakashi just cocked an eyebrow.

"GUUMMMM-GUUUUMMMM: SLING SHOOOOOO—" mid-sentence, Luffy's left hand slipped, with the impact still bending into his gut, twisting him side-ways like a human sling-shot, aiming for the Baratie. "OOOOOAAAAAAAWWWWAAAAAAA AWWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Both the man and the cannonball went flying at the restaurant!

"Look out!"

"Hey Watch-!"

Kakashi moved, Naruto and Sakura ducked low, and Sasuke activated his Sharingan eyes. The cannonball grazed a mast on the floating restaurant, taking a chunk of wood out of it, and continued flying until a soft rumble was made in the distance. The 3 Genin watched it, bewildered. "Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke!" Kakashi's command snapped like a whip, as he materialized back on the deck with some company. "Get wooden planks and tools! Patch up the mast before it falls over like that pirate crew tried 2 weeks ago!"

At Kakashi's orders, all three Genin raced into the restaurant to gather the tools and supplies.

Meanwhile, the Jonin cocked his head, scanning hisSharingan over somebody draped over his shoulder, where Luffy hung and both his eyes were swirling in a daze. The Jonin grimaced. 'No chakra. How can somebody's body expand like that with it? At least I caught him before a fresh hole was made in the Cheff's cabin.'

"Huh? Hey, what stopped me? Hm?" The head with a straw hat turned sideways, and two black eyes met the sight of Kakashi. "Hi. I'm Monkey D. Luffy. And I'm gonna be King of the Pirates. You seen my crew?"

"Well now," the Jonin replied nonchalantly. "I'm Hatake Kakashi. Nice to meet you," he slid the headband back over his special eye. "You were about to hit this boat, but I caught you before that could happen."

"Huh? Really," Luffy asked. "Well, thanks for catching me, old guy." Kakashi blinked. "Old Guy? Is how you talk to everyone you just met?"

"Only the ones with grey hair like you got," the boy replied. "I've only seen that colour on old guys." Then, beside them, another rumble cut through the conversation, from the Marine ship. Looking outwards, a third cannon flew outwards, split perfectly in two halves. "My crew!" Eye-bulging, Luffy twisted out of Kakashi's grip, fell to the floor then sprang back up, again.

"HEY! Stupid Marines! We just got my ship, next you try and sink it? That's making me mad," shorting, steam flew out of Luffy's nose like a furious bull.

Then he bent both knees, gripped his left hand to his right arm and cocking it back.

"Ha! What are you going to do?" a slow-witted, pinstripe man gloated. "Punch me from that far away?" From his own spot, Kakashi noticed a trio of people on the pirate ship were stepping away, cautiously.

"Gum-Gum: Pistol" Luffy did indeed punch, throwing a fist that extended with a faint elastic humm, and kept flying to an unnatural length and struck the laughing man. The officer still had his head thrown back, where the blow nailed his chin; where it made a sickening crack and the fool went skywards towards the horizon.

Kakashi...stood at a loss for words, while the extendable arm snapped backwards, and the boy he'd saved just kept grinning.

"Kakashi-Sensei! Are you alright out here?" Sakura's voice cut into the scene, as she and the boys stepped through the door.

"Lieutenant Fullbody!" Suddenly, the Marine ship turned about, unfurling her sails, but didn't move. While the crew drew them back in and started passing out oars, the pirate vessel made an easy cruise right up to the deck and a young lady hopped over the side.

"Hey, you can't just tie off, there," Naruto called over. "Ships gotta sail around back-"

"WOOOOO! You! Hay, you!" Luffy exclaimed, and Naruto got snagged by his shirt, yanked off his feet, and flew over between Luffy and Kakashi, held up by the pirate's arm.

"Huh! Wh-wh-what about me?" Naruto asked, "Why are you pointing at me?! What do you want!? Just say it, ya know." the boy shouted, back.

"You. Were you the guy walking on the water? You were doing that right over there, right?" Luffy interrogated him, his eyes glaring seriously.

"Ye-ye-ye-yeah, Yeah I was! Sensei," Naruto turned his head over at Kakashi. "I got it down, and I'm better than Sasuke, believe it!" Naruto claimed with a thumbs up.

"Sensei?" a girl's voice asked. Pulling Naruto's attention towards her, and his eyes blew open like expanding balloons at the sight of her; especially her legs, slim waist and chest. "You mean this guy with grey hair. he...was teaching you how to walk, on, water?" Asking the back half of the question, very, carefully, the new arrival was sucking in deep breaths to calm her excitement.

"Name." Luffy spoke up. "What is your name?" he was dead serious, and at the question, Naruto swallowed past a small lump in his throat. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. The one and only!" Starring at the boy…Luffy came to a critical decision, in less than ½ a second.

First, he set Naruto down on his feet. Second,

sucking in a monstrously deep breath, the pirate held it. Third, he roared: "Naruto! Please! I beeteach you! Join. My. Crew!"

0…...…0

"Sooo…." Kakashi began to summarize. "You really want to head to the Grand Line. To fulfil a promise you made, and become the King of the Pirates. Something you've chosen to follow for the last 10 years, but only began this adventure weeks ago. And you selected Zoro, Nami, and Ussop to be a part of your crew to accomplish that."

"Uh-huh! That's right old-man." Luffy nodded, with a bright smile, stuffing a massive load of meat on a fork into his mouth. "That's certainly quite the ambition, Monkey D. Luffy," Kakashi continued. "Um. Do you mind sharing with us what the 'D.' stands for?"

"Hmmmm. Woo Ihhh Dwee—"

"Swallow first, then answer!" Nami shouted, comically smacking the captain's head.

Watching her, Sakura's eyes twinkled with admiration, Kakashi groaned at the sight, while Naruto cringed, and Sasuke frowned. All of the Ninjas were seated in the dining room, while various Naruto clones were scurrying around them, to give the quartet some time to discuss Luffy's demand for them to join him. The other five who'd come in on the same ship were seated around them, too.

"Shishishishishishishishi! Sorry, Nami. Old Man, about the 'D.' it's my name, so why think about it? So, when do the eight of us set sail ?" the man replied, taking another mouthful of food.

"Eight of you?" Sakura observed. "I thought you only count four people on your crew. Are Mr. Johnny and Mr. Yosaku members, and more, then?"

"Nope. Eight," Luffy answered her. "Zoro, Nami, Ussop, you, Naruto, Old Man Kakashi—"

"We never said that we would join you," Sasuke slid it. "Grant us some time to think it over. Do you know even know anything about us, at all?"

"Why'd I need that?" Luffy replied, without a care. Nami's eyes twitched, while Usopp grimaced and Zoro rolled his eyes, lifting a mug of beer to his lips. "You guys can walk on water," Luffy continued, "and I want you to join me. What else reasons are there? Haaummhhhh—" the Straw hat took a chicken leg and tore half the meat off with one bite.

The crew had some treasure to pay for a meal, while Nami's was utterly free, naturally. With Sanji waiting on her, hand and foot. The girl smoothly ate an expensive dessert, while Zoro downed his mug and held a contemplative look on his face. Sakura and Sasuke both carried mixed feelings about this group. One was sceptical about them but kept eyeing their swordsman curiously. Sakura was off-put by Luffy's demeanour and already unimpressed with Ussop's tall tales. Yet when it came to Nami, she couldn't stop grinning, impressed by her beauty and demeanour, with a twinge of jealousy and a glance down below her neckline. While an Inner-persona had different opinions.

"Chaa! Learn to eat slower, Pig D. Luffy! And why can't our chest be as huge as Nami's! It's not fair" Then, the silhouette assumed a ponderous gesture; "But, getting the chance to find a way home sooner is pretty good!"

"Really! Naruto, that's brilliant!" the sniper exclaimed, cutting into her thoughts.

"I sure wish I'd thought of that prank back in my home town. But still," the liar leapt upwards, to stand on the table.

"I once made friends with a giant amphibious Sea-monster who loved chocolates! It scared everyone out of my village. While my men and I stole all the sweets from them and later shared them with the Sea monster."

"Really!" Naruto cried in amazement.

"You betcha, really. It was so—"

-"much of a lie it ain't even funny." Naruto cut-off. Leaving Ussop to fall flat on his face.

The blonde gave Ussop a deadpan look. "That story was so made up it can't be funny at all, Ussop. All of my stories are the truth, and I'm proud of it! I've never had to make-up a story about my pranks at all."

Everyone from Konoha groaned at Naruto's proclamation, while Ussop sprang to his feet. "Oh really!? And who can prove that? Mr. Buzz-kill Naruto?"

The blonde grinned. "Hey, Kakashi-sensei. Did I really paint every house on a street, back in our home village, and a giant picture of my face beside the Hokage Monument to show where I want them to put it!?"

The eyes of all those present turned towards the Jonin. "Ah? Naruto, you say something?" The boy froze, while the rest of the table was quiet until loose lips spilt a few chuckles out. Now Naruto took his turn as the butt of a joke, but immediately leapt forwards, repeating what he'd claimed, eager to get a better spotlight back.

"Ah," Kakashi turned his eyes up, clearly thinking back to, something. "Yes. All of that is absolutely true. I'm actually surprised even in a village full of ninjas, nobody could stop any of your pranks until after they happened."

Ussop curled into a ball, mopping in the corner. While Luffy burst out laughing, asking to hear more about Naruto's pranks.

"Stop right there, you Damn Pirates!"

"Do you mind!" Patty bellowed at the new commotions. "Your reservation already passed for that lunch date; you damn Marine!"

"Be quiet!" A pompous, indulgent cry answered the cook. A steaming man, still dressed in a pinstripe suit, stood in the doorway. With a squad of Marines behind him, the Pink-haired officer shook his iron knuckles at the cooks.

"How dare you speak to a Marine Headquarters Lieutenant such disrespectfully!" calling in a high, shrilling voice, the man was panting, heavy and with a solid bruise on his chin. "I, Lieutenant Iron-fist Fullbody demand all your available manpower to apprehend these criminals!" Gesturing at the table occupied with the Straw Hats.

"These men assaulted me, a Marine Lieutenant, directly and are known criminals on the seas! Did nobody here see when his dirty trick defeated me!?"

"I did!"

"Finally, a reasonable and law-abiding man!" Fullbody exclaimed. "Give your statement now about how these men need to be arrested for their trick!"

"Trick? Are….do you have a memory problem, at all?" Kakashi was softly trolling him. "You shot at them out of the blue, missing their ship completely. Then on the second shot, your cannonball hit this restaurant. The captain got mad about that, and then you went flying off to the horizon. Though….maybe the hit on your landing caused some memory loss?" Kakashi summarized.

"Yes, that is precisely what—" the Lieutenant agreed with pride. Then grew cherry-red and gaped at the masked cyclops. "-WHAT!""

"Oh, I'm glad you remember." Kakashi complimented, patting the confessor's shoulder. "You know, it is deeply reassuring to see a Navy professional taking such responsibility. From your loyal crew rescuing you from the sea after such a blunder. And yourself committed to return and compensate the collateral victims of such losses you inflicted. Does everyone here agree?"

Over half the diners voiced their agreement, while the others snickered at the by-play. Yet Fullbody was caught between his own embarrassment and basking in the praise for his accountability to the restaurant.

"L-L-Lieutenant Fullbody, sir!" A new voice rang from the doors. "We-We've got terrible news! The Krieg pirate we've kept imprisoned has escaped! He's killed three men, sir!"

"Huh! What!?" Fullbody and his surrounding men gasped. "How? He was on the verge of starvation when we found him three days ago and we haven't fed him since!"

"I'm sorry, I don't know sir! Maybe he saw fewer men around and tried to escape!"

Fullbody stood tall, posing with authority. "Men, followed me, and secure that murderer!" Raising his iron-fist to rally them. The group dashed forward.

"Excuse me?" A voice came from the door. The Marines screeched to a halt, almost colliding with two people on the ground. "He's not a problem," Kakashi announced. The Jonin was kneeling down over a man clad in a green shirt, grey pants and a matching jacket with crossbones and a Red Serpentine dragon over his back. The captive's arms were pinned down, with Kakashi's right hand locked over their wrists, and his left flipping another page for the book in his right hand.

"Though, he did nearly shoot your man from outside before I knocked him over. Sakura, will you come retrieve the pistol under my left foot?"

The Marines gaped at the sight, trying to figure out when Kakashi had moved; while the Straw Hat Pirates were amazed, Luffy's eyes twinkling with awe. "SOOOO COOOOOOLL!"

'How did he move that fast!?' Nami could barely comprehend.

While Zoro's eyes narrowed, dangerously. 'I've never seen such awareness and speed like that. This Kakashi is a dangerous one, no question.'

"Uh. Ye-yes Kakashi-sensei," Sakura hurried over, carefully taking a double-barrel pistol from the deck.

"Marine! Are you telling me you haven't fed this man at all for 3 days!?" Zeff exclaimed.

"WHAT! No Food For 3 Whole Days! That is just a bad thing to do!" Luffy exclaimed, his fist crashing on the table.

"Because he does not deserve any food," Iron-Fist Fullbody declared. "This is the Man-Demon Gin! An officer of the Krieg Pirate Armada, and murderous pirate. Not someone who deserves any comforts like food!" The man's nose was stuck high, filled with self-importance. Leaving him blind to the Head-Chef prowling towards him.

Each of the cooks, plus the ninjas and Ussop shivered at the sight. Most of them knew what was coming next.

"H-h-h-hhey. S-s-s-Sasuke wh-whatisthetallhatguy go-gonna do?"

"Hm," the Uchiha smirked. "Just watch. Those Marines are about to either cry or be sent flying, again."

"Huh!?" Nami stood up from her chair. "Where did Naruto and the blonde cook go?" Sure enough, both of the blondes had disappeared from the dining room.

"Get outa my place!" With a roar, Fullbody went flying, with each of the Marines kicked out after him. Though not until after Fullbody had fulfilled Kakashi's demanding suggestion and paid Zeff for the damage to his mast.

Once that was finished, Sanji and Naruto came out from the kitchen, with a large platter of seafood paella. Zeff was conveniently blocking Patty, while Kakashi moved Gin outside, dropped him in a corner of the deck then returned indoors. Sanji and Naruto stood beside Gin, placing the food before the Pirate. At the appetizing aroma, a deep, long rumble came from the man's stomach. Sanji leaned against the railing, taking a fresh cigarette, while Naruto kneeled down, pity filling his eyes.

"I don't want your charity," the murderous pirate spat. "Take…take the…take it away." He was unable to even say the word "food."

"Come on, you're hungry and need it. Even your stomach's getting mad at you." Naruto pleaded. Recalling some old memories of craving hot, fresh food when he was a small child. But not having the money to have some, as a lonely orphan.

"Keep…your damn pity," Gin growled with anger.

"Naruto, take a step back."

"But Sanji, he's just being stupid!" the Uzumaki complained. "He's gotta eat, and we ma—" The sous-chef lightly tapped Naruto's head with his foot. "I said take a step back. Come and stand beside me, kid."

Frowning, the stubborn boy just folded his arms and sat down near the dangerous man, refusing to move. Pouting with resistance, even as Sanji glared at him. Until a fresh rumble from Gin broke their staring contest.

"The sea is crazy, isn't it?" Sanji remarked, gazing in recollecting. "It can mean absolute death if you run out of food. I know what it's like to starve because of the sea. So, I can't stand seeing anyone go through that. Eat, and survive today so you can defend your honour tomorrow."

With that, Gin's resolve crumbled, and he unceremoniously began to shovel food into his mouth. While Naruto gazed at him and Sanji, blinking tears away from his eyes. The jinchuuriki was recalling the Hokage sharing fish, or another meal with him when he was small. Or Teuchi and Ayame giving him free Ramen despite not having the money. The only people to always treat him like a person in his own home, especially when he felt so down and alone.

'When I saw Sanji move off to the kitchen, I'm glad I followed him. And that Sanji let me help him cook up some food for this guy, no matter what he did. He's just soo cool.' Naruto thought, gazing at Sanji with worship in his eyes.

Soon after, Gin finished the meal and rose to his feet. The Man fixed Naruto with dead eyes, laced with anger and tears. The Blonde froze, 'He….he almost looks like…like Zabuza.'

"Excuse me," a familiar voice cut through the tension. Glancing to the sky, Sanji, Gin and Naruto found Luffy and Kakashi leaning on, the railing. "Given that we saved you from starvation. It would be more than dishonourable to attack one of them right now. Not to mention…drawing more trouble for yourself than the Marines could ever give you." The frigid warning would make lesser company shiver.

"Hm. Wasn't plannin' on it," Gin responded. "I merely want t' warn th' brat o' lettin' someone keep their dignity next time, instead ah takin' a front-row seat t' their shame."

Then he turned to Sanji. "Your food was so good," the pirate tearfully thanked him. "but I can't help think that you're gonna get fired because ah me."

"Don't worry about it," Sanji replied, as a splash rang off the to side. Turning their gaze, everyone saw Naruto had thrown the used dishes overboard. "There. No one can prove you ate that food anyways now. And I don't have to wash the extra dishes too, ya know," he grinned.

"Hmmm. Smart, kid," Sanji complimented him. "Don't sweat over it. I'm a cook, and feeding others is my job. No matter who they are or what they are. I'll feed them regardless of whatever they have done or will do next.

"That's it!" Came a loud declaration from the Straw Hat teen. "I'm looking for a cook for my pirate ship, and I want these ninjas to join too. You!" He pointed straight towards Sanji. "You're gonna be our cook!"

Sanji blinked in surprise. "I'm sorry, but I can't leave here. I owe the old man too much to do that."

"I refuse," Luffy answered, folding his arms and smiling at the sky. "Today my crew just got twice as big and it's not every lunch yet. My ninjas and my cook, that sounds like a pretty good day.

"I said, I'm not going to join you." Sanji casually replied while Kakashi lead Gin to a boat with some encouragement for him to leave the restaurant.

"Are you refusing me?" Luffy asked.

Sanji nodded, "That's right."

"Then I refuse your refusal!" Luffy declared, crossing his arms.

"THAT'S NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN DO, MORON!" Sanji exclaimed.

"Naruto, Sanji, Kakashi!"

"What, you damned geezer!"

Zeff hmphed at the remark. "I need you to get back inside and get to work, brats! The ninjas still need to talk with those Straw hat kids!"

"Actually, may I barrow the older ninja for a little while?" a soft voice came behind the chef. Nami had moved out of the dining room, with Sasuke, Zoro, Sakura and Ussop alongside her. The girl gave Zeff a pleading look that would even put puppy eyes to shame. "Zoro and I want to talk with Kakashi about him and the others joining our crew. And you wouldn't mind if Sakura and Sasuke are absent for a little while, would you?" Naturally, Zeff was helpless to refuse a lady's request.

"Hey, whaddabout me, Nami! You really shouldn't discuss things without the real captain." Ussop scolded, from a patronizing posture. "You're not the captain, Ussop. Go check on the Merry!" Zoro ordered him, with a slight shove sending the snipers on his way.

"Hey, guys!" Luffy sang out, then threw one arm backwards, looped it around Sanji and yanked him over. "I got us a cook, too. Say hi to our new crewmate."

"I'm not joining your crew!" Sanji exclaimed. "And I told you, I refuse your refusal," Luffy just kept grinning. "Say yes, and the eight of us can get going to the Grand Line!"

"Man, you've left me impressed today, captain," Zoro was grinning over at them. "First a guy that can walk over water like an easy stroll, then a cook so we can enjoy decent meals."

"I, said, NO!" Sanji roared, ducking low and sweeping Luffy off his feet. "If you want 'em, he's all yours." Behind the throng, Cheff Zeff stood there with his arms crossed. "I've been waiting for somebody to take that spoilt eggplant out of my hair for years. If you want 'em, take him."

"I ain't leaving, Geezer!" "Sanji, did you just refuse something from your head chef!" Zeff answered him. "When he's being a stuck mule, I'll kick that point through your head!" The two kept going back and forth, while Luffy fell over laughing, but Nami gently laced her hands between the younger ninja's fingers. Zoro took Sasuke by his shoulder then locked eyes with Kakashi, and nodded to one end of the deck. The group migrated a short way away from the argument.

"It looks like our captain is pretty distracted right now," Nami explained about Luffy.

"If you are going to join us, or, at least, you're interested to. There are a few things that should be discussed, don't you agree?"

"Such as what?" Sasuke spoke up.

"Well," Nami addressed them. "For, just a preliminary case. Please, jump down, and show all of us how you can walk on the water like Naruto can?"

"Ummm. Is that really the most important thing?" Kakashi inquired.

"Yeah. Why are you all so obsessed with how we can do that?" Sakura joined n.

"Because," Zoro replied. "Our captain is a Devil-fruit user. You already saw that he's a rubber man. And everyone who eats a Devil-fruit gives up the ability to swim the second take a bite. Anytime he falls overboard, Luffy needs somebody to fish him out again. That's why we want you guys on our crew, just as much as the Captain does."

The swordsman rubbed the back of his head, standing tall and ready. "Gotta say, that idiot doesn't have some good ideas with this kinda weight every day. But when they do come, he hasn't been wrong, yet."

Sasuke and Sakura pondered his reply, while Kakashi's eye narrowed. Sharp, for any useful information. "Alright, then." Hopping over the railing, Kakashi landed with a splash and casually strode out over the ocean. Looking back, he waved at Sakura and Sasuke to follow him, so they did. Needless to say, Nami was amazed, so much she had to grip the railing to remain on her feet. Even Zoro could not repress a face of awe and bewilderment at the sight.

"Yo. I imagine this does answer your question. Is there anything else about—?"

"No!" Zoro's strong tone replied. "You're joying us, no arguments from me."

Nami eagerly nodded. "And from your speed by catching Luffy earlier, stopping that Krieg Pirate, and we saw Naruto training before, you guys can probably fight in one way or another. Asking you guys to join us was really smart on Luffy's part…."

Immediately, the girl's jaw went slack. Flabbergasted at her own compliment. 'Luffy…..smart…Did I really just say that?'

Zoro had the exact matching sentiments. "Never thought I'd actually agree with that, much less hear it aloud, Nami. Maybe there's hope for that idiot, yet."

"Good to know." Kakashi's voice yanked their attention back to himself, Sakura and Sasuke. "Since that concern is resolved. There…are some rather crucial things you…really should be aware of." Immediately, Kakashi vanished in a blur.

"Huh, where'd h—"

-"Here." A whisper, soft as a breeze, tickled her ear. Nami jumped back, while Zoro's hand flew to his blade.

Within an instant, Kakashi had materialized behind them. Driving the pair of Straw Hats off-balance, just as he wanted to. "We're not like anyone you have met before. The Grand Line means one thing to all four of us. One thing alone and cannot be negotiated." Turning to Zoro, the Pirate-Hunter froze. The gaze in Kakashi's eye pierced him, leaving the man frozen in place.

'Whh…what is this feeling,' Zoro furiously thought. 'It's not fear that's gripping me…something else. That look…Desperation?'

"Home," Kakashi declared. "Four weeks ago, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura and I were all ripped away from our home island. A place that has been closed off from the rest of the world for centuries; to the point that we cannot find it on any maps here in the East Blue. We think it's somewhere close to the Wano Kingdom, but that's all I have. The Grand Line is our way home, and once we find it, we want to stay. There."

"If we do join you, then it will be temporary. Plus, we are ninjas, and have our own sense of honour. We will not attack anyone to oppress them, nor do we wish to run into any incidents that would reveal our capabilities to people like the Marines, the Warlords, or other Pirates Crews and bring them down on our home."

The Jonin's eyes cast over Nami and Zoro. Zoro's face remained confrontational, meeting Kakashi's gaze with barely a flinch. While Nami seemed shaken, her eyes looking far away. Kakashi recognized that look, one that was more in the past, than the present.

"Pass these terms on to your captain. If he accepts them, then maybe we can become crewmates." Kakashi grinned, slipping into a cool and jovial demeanour.

As they nodded, he went back inside. To spot Ussop, Luffy and Naruto huddled together. Muttering in hushed tones, clearly plotting something. The sight made Kakashi gulp, fearful of what the consequences would be.

While Sakura and Sasuke remained outside with Nami and Zoro. Sakura was apologizing to Nami over Kakashi's demeanour and inviting her for some girl-talk about different places she had been. While Sasuke gave Zoro a hard look. One the swordsman returned; causing the boy to flinch. "Something you want, kid?"

"Training," the Uchiha bluntly requested. "I saw you training earlier on your ship. I need to grow stronger and learn how to fight better. I want to train with you tomorrow."

Zoro eyed the boy carefully. He didn't reveal anything, but the purpose in Sasuke's eyes piqued his interest. 'I've seen that look in the mirror, and in Kuina's gaze, too. This kid has a goal, and he's driven to fulfil it, no matter what cost is demanded from him.'

"Hmm," the swordsman hummed, curiously. "I've never had a student before or found anyone who could keep up with the kind of training that I do. Still, if you're going to join us, then we can't have anyone weak just tagging along for the ride."

"Alright. You can join me tomorrow. Let's see what you can do kid. Plus, if we end up fighting together, then knowing what the other is capable of would be a good place to start."

Sasuke grinned at Zoro's reply. "Good. Out of curiosity, what rank do you have in your crew?"

"Ranks?" Zoro cocked an eyebrow. "We've only been together a couple of weeks back. Plus, a crew of four people is a little small to be concerned about ranks other than the captain. Otherwise, Ussop is a sniper, I'm a swordsman, and Nami is our navigator. We actually just came here to find a cook. Adding four ninjas to this crew is a welcome bonus."

Sasuke was surprised but nodded. He'd assumed from Zoro's serious personality, the swordsman was the 2nd-in command. Though he didn't press the issue.

End.

[1]-Scene borrowed from my singular favourite scene from Bleach. "Goood Mooorrrnnniiinnnggggggg Ichigoooooo!" (check youtube, absolutely hilarious).

[2]-For anyone who doesn't know, one means to always ID "port" and "starboard" on a shift, are the letters. "Port" and "left" are the same direction, relative to the bow, and both are shorter words, with 4 letters apiece. The "starboard" and "right" are longer and correlate to each other.