Chapter 9: The Battle and Pursuit.
Thanks to my BETA reader, Leaf Ranger.
"…."=speaking.
'…'=thinking.
"'Inner thoughts'"=images or memories within somebody's head.
..Kurama Kyuubi no Kitsune…=Biju thought, or events within Naruto's seal.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or One Piece They are the property and brainchildren of Masashi Kishimoto and Eiichiro Oda, respectively.
Within Naruto, interwoven with his chakra network, constrained by the Double Tetragram seal, water droplets echoed within the dank space Kurama, the Nine-tailed Fox, occupied. Looking out over the events surrounding his host, a flicker of interest stayed alit in the Biju's mind at the coming battle and duel Mihawk had won.
"Such foolish idiocy. That green-haired brat was even more outmatched than the Ichibi compared to me. Why do some in this world even hold to such tenants as honour or power opposed to their own cunning and will? This further shows they are no different than those in the accursed Leaf, or the Cloud. Still…"
A low growl rang through the darkness, before dying out as the Fox's mussel curled to form a cunning grin.
"The fury I hold towards this blonde brat for that infernal genie's wish and trapping us here will never disappear. Still…with no ninjas around there are few who could turn a watchful eye to this seal, and even less to maintain it."
The prisoner began to stroke the bars of his cage, chakra gathering near it both absorbed and dispelled.
'If he should draw out enough of my power so far away from the village. Then only that damned sharingan-brat would stand any chance of containing me, something he lacks even a sliver of the skill or power to accomplish. I can be released here, and none would have the power to defeat me, or seal my power into another infernal prison. The wish this brat made, has brought a permanent freedom so much closer for me. And once it finally comes…'
A feral, sadist's grin etched across his face, as nine tails thrashed with excitement. Just the image of all the chaos, fury and destruction Kurama could unleash without anyone to defeat him filled the fox with excitement and anticipation he hadn't felt for centuries.
'It will come, and righteously so. These humans have little difference from those cursed ninjas. Too weak to accomplish anything, obsessed with the righteousness of their own foolish morals, or covering their own weakness with false superiority. Should the green-haired bastard and the golden-armored fool be anything to go by.'
0...0
After Zoro made his pledge to Luffy, Kakashi nodded, ending his jutsu and placing a hand on his Captain's shoulder. "Good to hear, Captain Luffy. Now that this is settled, maybe we should talk about the problem with Nami stealing our ship. Oh, and deal with the sad remains of Don Krieg's crew."
"Right!" Luffy spun from happy to semi-serious. While Kakashi left with a body-flicker; ignoring Don Krieg's own challenge to Mihawk, the simple-minded Monkey D. extended his arm and grasped the railing of the Baratie, then flew over the gap, colliding with Patty and Carne.
"Thanks for the landing, guys," Luffy called, brushing dust from his pants, and strode off both the cooks stuck in the wall.
"So Nami just abandoned us like that," Naruto bristled. "We've gotta chase her down and get the boat back! And then make her pay, ya know."
"But we can't just leave Zeff and the cooks to fight Don Krieg alone," Sakura cried. "I mean, there must be around 60 of them left, if some were taken out when Mr Mihawk cut their galleon to pieces. And only Kakashi-sensei is good enough to do that much fighting alone. Plus, how can we track someone on the ocean?"
Usopp and Naruto did stop, rubbing their foreheads over the predicament.
"No idea, Sakura," Luffy answered, staring ahead with a plain look on his face. "But we don't go the Grand Line without a Ship. And not without Nami. So, we gotta bring her back." Luffy declared.
"No way! She left us alone when things got dangerous," Naruto complained "We can't trust someone like that, believe it!" He had his arms crossed, trying to force a denial.
Both Luffy and Naruto began arguing while Kakashi watched Mihawk depart. Then he stuck his nose high and took a whiff of the air.
"Tracking Nami won't be a problem, should that be what Luffy wants."
"GGGgggrrrrrrrrr!There…shouldn't-"
"Zoro!" Sure enough, the swordsman had regained consciousness, barely. Everyone looked towards him, some with awe and others with newfound respect. All could hear his teeth clench against the massive cut as it still bled, but the man still pulled himself forward to speak
"Zoro-san, it's fine," Kakashi knelt, pressing the swordsman down, gently. "Mihawk has left and we can fight Krieg while—"
"N-no!-Gggrrrrrr-Orders!" he shouted against the agony. "Captain's orders….every….follow them…always…ggggrrr-" After one final strain, the man passed out, guaranteed to stay in oblivion for a long stretch.
The rest of the group looked on, confused.
"Well, then," Kakashi rose to his feet, looking back at the others. "I suppose that settles it," he smiled at Luffy. "I have a good nose for tracking, Captain. And whatever products or perfumes Nami uses, they left a strong scene behind. But can we defeat Don Krieg before chasing her?"
"WWHHHAAAAAAAAT!" most of them shouted, while Luffy simply blinked.
"You all heard Zoro," Kakashi deadpanned back to them. "The captain always decides where we go. And, should we ignore that," Kakashi waved his hand over Zoro's snoring form. "He, will probably be furious enough that upon waking, Zoro will attempt to cut us down. Or drive himself to death trying to. Luffy wants to follow Nami and get the Merry back. From what I see, we have no choice." With a casual shrug, Kakashi left Ussop, Naruto and Sakura stumped or fearful of just the proposition of Zoro's reaction.
But one person merely smirked. "Hhhmmm. I guess we shouldn't argue with them, then." Sasuke spoke up. "That's what Zoro wants us to do, and I'm with him. And he did join Luffy first, that makes him the Vice-Captain. If both him, Luffy, and Kakashi agree, then let's chase down that little thief. Besides…."
Now the Uchiha was frowning, a new fire dancing in his eyes and tone. "I have a few things to give Nami for betraying us just over something as small as money or fear. Payback, for a start."
"Hey! Wh-wh-why does he get to be the Vice-captain and not ME! The mighty, monstrous captain Ussop!" Usopp whined, then thumped his chest, buffing it out and stood...as tall as he could.
"Yeah, why not let Kakashi-sensei take that job, Sasuke?" Naruto joined him.
"Simple,. Sakura glanced over between the nominees. "Usopp is too weak, too big a coward, and we lost the ship because of him. All of us ninjas, including Kakashi, are just with this crew temporarily. A rank like Zoro's should be permanent, and he's a lot more active than our lazy, perverted sensei." the Uchiha cooly appraised.
"Does anyone disagree?" Naruto stopped there, looking from Kakashi, to Zoro, then back at Kakashi again.
Kakashi did not hide a look of surprise towards Sasuke, while Johnny and Yosaku liked the idea, and Sakura instantly agreed with Sasuke. Usopp just slunk over to a corner; pouting, brooding and whimpering at the truth.
Sasuke grinned, until a large hand covered his head, none too gently.
"Shishishishishishishishi! I like the sounda that, too." Luffy praised, ruffling the boy's hair.
"C-Captain, cut it! Don't do that!" Sasuke threw his arm off, violently, but Luffy merely continued smiling.
"That's it, it's official. Zoro is my Vice-captain, and all of us we're going to chase after Nami. After beating Don Krieg's crew, men!"
"Well then," Kakashi spoke up, drawing out a kunai. Glancing off to see the Krieg Pirates still very distracted by Mihawk and struggling to reorganize on their wreckage of a ship. With a small figure prick, Kakashi drew blood into his palm, wove a series of hand signs, then went to his knees to plant that bloodied palm to the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!" A series of dark, intricate symbols burst in a complex array from his hand…...
And nothing.
The markings calmly dissolved, with no change made. Kakashi glared down at his hand. 'Where are my dogs? No smoke or even a small pup emerged. My Sharingan is still out, and the chakra for my technique was successful. Why did it not work?'[1]
"Uhhh. Kakashi-san? That might have looked nice. But is it meant to do anything to help us?" Usopp asked.
Frowning at his hand, Kakashi tried the same with a touch more chakra, but the same results emerged; a summoning array appearing, then nothing.
'No time. And no sense wasting chakra,' he decided.
"Well. Too bad that option won't work," Kakashi remarked, before turning up to face the others.
"This technique is called a Summoning jutsu. Usually, I can use to call a pack of ninja hounds for help. They're experts for ambushing, misdirection and they can track just about anyone, anywhere. Something appears to be off, but I'll think over that later. For now…."
The Jonin turned his face to the air, taking a whiff with his nose.
"Nami left with the ship only minutes ago. There is enough of her scent left in the air that I can track her. Along with some other scents from the Merry. Plus, it's questionable if Nami could sail a Caravel ship too far on her own. She must have a destination in mind. Captain, if I could-"
A bullet cut off Kakashi's thought. Piercing through a wooden plank, centimeters from Luffy's head, and reminding the crew of where they were standing.
"Men! The next person to disobey me will share the same fate that fool I just shot," Don Krieg proclaimed. "Unless each of wish to die. Take that ship! Kill that geezer Zeff and bring me his logbook!" All of the Straw Hats were so distracted, they failed to notice Krieg murdering one of his own men, shooting him through the neck and the bullet travelled further to where they were. All the desperate Krieg Pirates were preparing a fresh attack!
"You're not touching that old cook!" Luffy shouted. Shooting both arms forward again, the Rubber-man launched himself at the pirates, legs spread out so far he clothes-line several of the enemy crew, and landed in another one head-first. All of them went overboard for a swim, while Luffy clung to a broken mast.
"Old-man Kakashi! I've gotta fight Krieg-guy. You go start chasing where Nami went. Take Zoro and Sakura with you," Luffy called back. "He's no good after those wounds, and she's too weak to fight here! Naruto, Johnny, Yosaku, Usopp, come on and help kicks these guys' butts!"
"Hey, Johnny and me are staying with Big-bro Zoro, too!" Yosaku declared. While Naruto was in a blur towards the chefs and Sasuke remained in place, conflicted, while Sakura was coloured by a wave of depression at Luffy's words.
"What," Sanji cried, incredulously. " What kind of idea is it sending him away when we need him here?!"
"Yeah, Sanji's right!" Patty agreed. "Kakashi's the bouncer. This is what we need him for the most!"
"Ha! So, you pair of idiots actually can agree on something," Zeff dryly barked. "No, the rubber brat is right. I already let the ninjas resign this mornin' anyways. Most of the threat Krieg's men bring is from their numbers, not their own strength. Plus, they've been starving for weeks, so they aren't in top condition for a real fight, so fresh after a meal. Thanks to the lot of you and Naruto's clones, they aren't a problem to sweat over. The only issue here is Krieg himself, and maybe that strange pearly bastard."
"Sanji, Naruto, Sasuke. Keep a close eye on this Straw Hat-brat," Zeff called over at them "If all three of you stay, watch closely how he fights. Don't take your eyes off him for a moment," the chef sagely advised them. While the cooks were cheering at the sight of Luffy knocking down more of their attackers left and right.
Kakashi processed Zeff's comments, glancing across the battlefield, then began to contemplate. 'Zeff is certainly right, plus the arrogance of their captain means they likely will run straight to a big defeat here. Krieg's just throwing men away instead of taking a more organized approach or leading his men into battle himself. Zeff and Sanji aren't people to walk over, plus with Naruto's clones, the cooks and Luffy have them handled them.'
'Plus…where Nami went and what could be waiting there is a big unknown,' Kakashi stared in the direction Nami's scent was pointing them 'Whoever goes to follow her would be taking quite a risk, assuming it'll be less dangerous than here. Sending anyone else, especially my Genin, there on their own would be a huge risk. I can keep a close eye on Sakura if she's with me, and we can track or investigate Nani's actions without getting mixed up in a fight needlessly.
"Kakashi!"
Turning at his student's voice, Kakashi was surprised to find Sasuke's eyes filled with purpose. And….
"I'm staying with Zoro." Sasuke declared.
Kakashi eyed him closely, then nodded. "Johnny, Yosaku!"
"Yeah, what is it Big-bro Kakashi!" Both were standing nearby, swords out and ready to face anyone that got close to Zoro.
"I have some medical training that can help Zoro. Enough to patch him up until we can find a doctor to close the wound he received from Mihawk. Sakura, Sasuke and I will take him while chasing after Nami. I swear, he will be alright."
Both tried to shoot down that idea, but Kakashi spoke up first. "After we find Nami, I'll send a message back here to let you know where to follow us towards. You both seem to know how to get around the different islands here very well, and two extra swords against Don Krieg wouldn't go amiss. Plus, for aiding them why not you both collect the bounty on his. Then guide Luffy, Usopp and Naruto after the battle."
The pair looked straight at Zoro. While absent-minded and somewhat lacking, neither was stupid. But they didn't want to leave their friend while hurt.
"Grrrr. Alright," Yosaku bit out. "Johnny and me can't do much to help Big Bro Zoro. Look after him Kakashi, or you'll answer to us and Luffy-san!"
Kakashi nodded approvingly at the pledge. "Good. I will need some help lifting Zoro to one of the boats around the back. Johnny, are you up for it?"
"Sure."
"Naruto, help out Zeff and Captain Luffy with your clones," Kakashi ordered. "Johnny, Yosaku, move Zoro and prep our boat. Sakura, Sasuke, guide them there in manji formation." Everyone followed their orders, while Kakashi drew out two kunai in each hand and kept a close watch over the battle, bodies, weapons and bullets remained flying at random, some nearly hitting Yosaku yet Kakashi spied and parried or sliced through them easily, aided by his Sharingan. Sasuke and Sakura stayed in formation with their own kunai out, guiding Zoro aboard the boat they had arrived in from Hanma village. Once the swordsman was deposited, Johnny helped them cast off, yelled some words of encouragement as Kakashi began to bandage Zoro, and dashed away to the rejoin fight.
Before the fray, Usopp could barely move. His eyes were darting left and right, unsure of where or what to do and overwhelmed by how chaotic the battle had grown. 'Darn. Wh-wh-why di-didn't Iask togo w-w-with Ka-ka-kakashi,Sasuke,ZoroandSakura amoment ago?' The sniper's thoughts came a rapid-fire, nearly paralyzed with fear. Everywhere he looked, violence and danger were far too close for comfort.
Krieg had shown to be somewhat competent, calling his men to change tact. Instead of just a shapeless rush, they were now repositioning what cannons they left to target the Baratie, but filled with what he called "bloody-scatter shot." None of it sounded good, and while they moved about some of his crew were gathering together in small groups or trying to hit Luffy but not attacking the cooks.
Luffy was knocking down any enemy Pirates he could reach, while they followed Kreig's orders to cut apart the mast he stood on to force the Devil-fruit user into the ocean. While Naruto had made more clones and was charging out over the water to help their captain, though barely anyone noticed. The cooks were not inactive either.
"Take this you waste of space!" Patty cried, aiming a lobster-shaped bazooka at Krieg.
"Indigestion Meatball!" With a bang, a considerable cannonball shot from the lobster, aiming for Krieg.
"Yes, knock him down!" Usopp cried out. The shot continued flying, right past Krieg to hit the wreckage behind the Don. "Bastard, you missed!" Carne shouted. "Well that was just stupid," Sanji casually spoke.
"Give me a break! Ammunition ain't cheap, so I don't practice much with this! Come on Carne, let's get the Sabagashira!" Dropping the weapon, both cooks went running for somewhere else, while Sanji, Zeff and Gin stayed out on the deck, eyeing Krieg carefully.
'Okay…wh-whatever Krieg's doing can't be good," Ussop reasoned. "Come on, Usopp, do something. These guys…these murderous pirates…the danger here and death…'
"Usopp-san! I need some help here!" Naruto cried as he kicked away more of the gathering enemy pirates. Sanji's training sessions were really paying off, as the Blonde continued throwing various kicks that knocked back any pirates nearby. Still, the orange knucklehead had gone too far, charging out with his clones towards Luffy.
"Hey, Naruto!" the Captian called to him, as another Krieg pirate swung out with a blade, to meet Luffy's head-butt. "Come on up on the mast, it's easier to stand on."
"Nahh, I'm fine down here captain," the Uzumaki called back. "Plus some guys are just plain stupid." The boy responded. One enemy charged for where the ninja stood on the water, and with one foot out he sunk below the surface.
"Shishishishishishi! Good point!" Luffy agreed. "Here. Laugh at this you two! Or better yet, dance!" one pirate cursed them as he lowed the muzzles of two pistols. More of the surrounding guys drew weapons and took aim at the Straw Hats.
"Those won't work on me, dummies," Luffy stated.
"But they will on the kid. He's dead!"
"Special Attack! Exploding stars!" A new player joined the waltz, as a tiny pellet hit the enemy, detonating in their face and he toppled over into the sea. "Exploding star!-exploding star-exploding star!" Usopp kept calling each attack, and every shot hit its mark, leaving so much gunpowder it obscured Luffy and Naruto.
"Great shot Usopp!" Luffy looked back at his nakama. The long-nosed teenager grinned, with shaky legs. "No problem. But maybe you and Naruto should get back here and hit them from a distance. Preferably right in front of me while I cover you," he asked while frozen in place.
"No way, that's boring," Luffy frowned. "Plus, I said I'd beat up the Gong, and that's what I'm gonna do."
"Don! It's Don Krieg you imbecile!" Krieg hollered over. "There is nobody who can touch me through this Wootz Steel Armor. If my men can't knock you down, then I will! Dangan!"
Immediately, the traitorous captain drew a pair of dual-pistols from his cape, while 10 additional barrels protruded from his shoulders and hips. "Take this you insects!" Krieg glared over at Luffy and Naruto, planting his feet down as every gun was aimed at the pair.
"Psyke!" Krieg turned his body, grinning manically as weapons were turned on the Baratie cooks. "All you cooks are dead!-"
True to his dirty-play epithet, Krieg had taken aim at Luffy to trick his enemies. Now all his guns were pointed at a more defenseless target. "Exterminate—"
Crack-"Ahh-whaa? Baa-Pfffooooo- "Aaaahhh!" The pistols dropped from the Don's hands since his face was engulfed with smoke. The timing was so perfect, as the rancid projectile had struck his teeth and cracked open.
"Hehehe! Good try, but I know that trick!" Usopp called out. The sniper had picked up on Krieg's idea and shot a rotten egg into the man's face. One part Krieg had failed to protect at all with his armour, slimy crops of yoke was in his eyes, nose and mouth. Then in the midst of clawing it away, an exploding star hit the man while he remained blind.
"Hey, hitting someone like that is just a dirty trick!"
"That bastard took a cheap shot at Don Krieg. Crush him!"
Most of Krieg's men had all their attention on Usopp, cursing him for hitting their captain. While the liar grinned back at them, from where he stood. "Yeah, come on over here and get knocked down! You won't make it within three steps of me!"
"Brat!" Zeff cried out at the shrimp crouched beside his knees. "That's real brave to say while hiding behind somebody else."
While the Straw hat sniper was shaking in his shoes, the cooks were fighting the Pirates again and not doing well against desperate men. yet Zeff looked on unperturbed. "Brat. Think you can handle this many, or do I need to nurse-maid you?" he asked the sous-chef.
The man lit a fresh cigarette, filled with calm composure. "Don't belittle me, geezer. Naruto, get over here beside me, kid!"
"Yes, Sanji-sensei!" the boy came bounding up from the water and running for Sanji. The elder blonde met him halfway and both strode into the fray.
"Doubtfully it could possibly do you any good!" a familiar voice came from the water.
"Wrong! Set-sail, Makerel-Head One, the Baratie's secret weapon!"
From the ship, a ship-shaped figurehead detached, unveiling several small mortars and a crest before it began to glide through the water. While the Krieg pirates looked on bemused.
"Peddal-faster!" "You pedal faster!" Carne and Patty cried at one another from inside.
"WHHhhooooaaaaaa!" Luffy had his eyes wide, gushing over the contraption. "Cool, I want to drive it! I've gotta do that sometime!" Even Naruto had stopped and was dancing in his eyes. Growing brighter as the attack boat fired at the wreak, stirring up waves in scattering the gathered squads of Don Krieg's men.
"AHhh!"
"Naruto!" he barely heard, hurled aside by a tiny powerful tap on his cheek. He spun over for some moments before landing against the railing of the Baratie.
"Pearl you fool! Never damage my new ship again, or it'll be your head!"
Sanji glanced up, spying on the shield-clad man from before standing on the fins.
"Hahahaha. So, let's do this," the man decided, ignoring Krieg.
"But first, I feel included to warn you. I am Pearl, the invincible Shield. You have witnessed the power of my powerful Pearl Surprise, one of my signature attacks you bumbling buffoons!" Until a few men were sent flying in a compact collision past Pearl's face.
"Hey. Not one person touches the kid! You alright, Naruto?" Sanji announced, standing over his student, holding a knife that was about to cut the dazed Genin's throat.
"Y-yeah…ugh…I'm okay Sanji-senpai," the ninja replied, shaking his head clear from the hit.
"You useless cooks can never fight!" "Rip him apart!" more of Kreig's men had reached the fins and made a bead line for Sanji. In a second, the ship's cook left their sight. Landing on his hands, Sanji's feet were twisting in a whirlwind, knocking heads, chins and necks aside, or hooking one to collide with another.
Sanji's body flowed with his momentum, moving upright with a windmill kick that sent another two off the fins. Then planted that foot down to raise the other, driving a straight kick into a final pirate. His victim coughed so hard blood came spraying from his mouth, whilst the chef stayed perfectly balanced on his one leg, then took a fresh smoke.
"I'll show you scum what a mere cook can do after I fillet every bastard here." But then Sanji grew confused and surprised. While Pearl felt a strange, sharp tug at his ear.
Most of the assembled pirates gapped in fear, spying a tricked of blood down the Shield-man's cheek where a knife from the man Sanji kicked away nicked him by accident.
"Now, what is this. I have won everyone one of my 61 battles and no one has touch—" Snapping, the man drove his own hand shield into his nose, leading to more blood dripping from it. All of the Krieg Pirates were shaking.
"Ghhhh. This isn't good. Calm down!" Krieg gritted.
"These people aren't just mean, they're dangerous." The "invincible man" complained. Before driving his hands together, knocking up a ruckus. Screeching in fear all the while.
"Danger! Danger! Danger! Danger! Dangeeeeerr!" white flames erupted from Pearl, as the situation went from bad to worse.
"Hey, suck it up, you fat baby. Come on," Naruto complained, back on his feet. "If you haven't had any blood before, you really are weak since you're not willing to take it and stay cool."
The ninja began to rush forward, thinking to kick him backwards into the water and douse the flames.
"Owe!" "Captain, help!" Nobody moved, as the shout came from the residential Head-chef. Naruto's feet drove skids in the deck before his eye beheld a nightmare.
"Gin!" "Chef Zeff!" "Ussop!"
"The battle ends here," Gin whispered, one foot planted over Zeff's back, one arm locked around Ussop's left, and a double-barrel pistol inches from Zeff's head.
"Gin! Kill him! That weakling in your grasp that dared to strike your captain, I order you to kill him!" Krieg spoke up, a sneer of triumph in his voice.
"Don. This one's barely worth any of it. Red-Foot is the real value. I don' care how much of'a badass he was once upon a time. The cook care for him, so unless they want to see him harmed, each of you has to leave." Gin calmly suggested.
"Hmmm. Not a bad thought, but pointless. They're dead anyways. Kill the geezer first, then the brat."
Now, the Man-Demon hesitated. "Please. Don't make this any harder, Sanji, Naruto. I owe the pair of you my life. Just surrender and leave, build a new place somewhere else or chase after your wayward crewmate. This fight needs to end."
"No! Gin, how could you do this!" Naruto cried out, begging for time. "Three days back and today we gave you any help you asked for. Please, let them go or help us drive Krieg off," the blonde ninja begged.
"I'm sorry, Naruto but-Ooofff!" Gin was launched forward, tumbling over the deck before landing on his side.
"Hey, that's not how men fight!" "Yay, if you want to be of use, then try facing down us!"
Johnny and Yosaku had blind-sided the man-demon, both planting a kick on his head from behind as Naruto distracted him.
"If you wanna fight anyone, then we're right up for the job," both levelled their broadswords and charged.
"Yeah, this fight belongs to us!" "Say your prayers, Krieg!" Patty called out, from the Mackerel One, nearly right on top of Krieg. With a glance of annoyance, the Commodore was engulfed by a salvo from the cannons. Yet…
…the smoke cleared to reveal him standing in place. Not even a dent could be seen in his armour as the man seized the boat with his left hand.
"I am Don Krieg. The Man Who Will Rule All The Seas. Get Outta Here!" Fueled by his furry, the Don hefted the boat overhead, then tossed it back at the Baratie. Mackerel One sailed through the sky, turning side-over-side, and tossing Patty and Carne out in the process. Before it crashed down in the center of the fins…..right on top of Pearl.
"Hmm. If that idiot let his flames out of control, it would burn my new ship to kindling. Men, have the bloody-scatter shot ready!"
"No worries, Don!" Gin's voice called over. Weaving around Johnny and Yosaku's slashes. The bounty hunters moved in tandem, striking from left high-right low, on diagonal the other horizontally, always moving on opposite sides to keep their enemy stretched thin. Gin had a pair of metal tonfa's in hand, with solid round weighted at one end, parrying or weaving through their strikes. He was untouched but panting while the other pair were bruised-up.
Still, they'd given Usopp and Naruto some breathing room and kept driving Gin away from Zeff. Sanji and Luffy stood in the centre, looking out on what Kreig's next move would be.
"Psst. Naruto, I've got an idea. You've gotta be fast," Usopp whispered.
While the two pranksters conspired, Johnny and Yosaku continued to clash with the Man-Demon, herding the Krieg officer around the deck with their joined skills. Pearl himself stood back, monologuing about his great power and the futility of their efforts, again.
After some moments, sparks flew as Gin blocked their slashes, beginning a test of strength with their broadswords. Yet the Man-demon held up, up while Johnny took a breath. Quickly, the sunglass-spanned fighter took a well-timed groin kick, buckling under the dirty tactic. Yosaku cried in worry before giving one more slash at Gin, but emotion carried him off-balance. Gin spun around left, driving the front pole of his left-hand weapon into Yosaku's skull, knocking his lights out.
The grey-clad figure stood up, panting from the fight. 'Not the toughest guys around, but they made a decent effort to stop and me more than a few close calls.'
"Don! Th' fight's nearly under control here, now." Gin declared, drawing out his pistol and moving back towards Zeff, who'd since returned to his feet.
"Not good enough, Gin! Men, blast Scattering shot over those fins and get the pests out of my new ship!" the Commodore declared, gesturing at the 7 cannons that had been retrieved and reorientated.
"What! But Don, Pearl and I are still here on the Fins!" Gin cried, incredulously.
"So, like you, Gin. My impenetrable defense will hardly make that a threat, unlike your lack of any such measures." The man tusked, utterly complacent with his stupidity.
"Pearl, y' dumbass. Your neck and arms are exposed, and that weapon can still hit you from behind!" Gin shouted, offset by Krieg's impatience.
"This battle has gone on too long since that Straw Hat bastard mocked me! And Mihawk is only getting further away from my retribution!" Krieg proclaimed, the furry in his eyes devoid of reason or empathy. As 10 different scavenged cannons were levelled at the fins. "Go! Bloody-scatter!"
Splash! The surf near Krieg's floating stations blew out, some unseen force from bellow bursting out.
"Hahahahahaha! Moving through the water really is a great way to ambush them!" a high voice came, joined by dozens of silhouettes.
"What the! How have Fishman come here!"
0…..0
The Going Merry cruised over the midday surf. A shifting wind picked up the sails, spurring the ship closer to Cocoyashi Village. Nami stood by the stern, having changed into a tank top with her shoulders bare one hand kept nervously brushing over her saw-toothed shark tattoo, in between anxious glances back towards the Baratie. 'Still no one on the horizon. Maybe Kakashi really was too distracted to notice. Or Usopp didn't tell them and drowned…..No!' the girl shuddered. A low growl passed through her gritting teeth, betraying deep frustrations. 'Just forget about them….'
But her mind betrayed Nami's Nami, travelling back to thoughts from three especially memorable children. '"Hey, you've got to get back to work out, or otherwise there'll be no Black-leg training tonight!" Sanji scolded a pint-sized pest following his shadow.'
'"But it's my lunch break, and I'd really love some Ramen, Sanji-senpai! Come on, why can't you make some like yesterday!?" Naruto tried to reason with the pervy cook. Nami grinned as Sanji carried a fresh meal towards her, with hearts clear in his eye while Naruto followed him.'
'"I said it already, Naruto. Men like you and I were put on this earth to serve ladies, customers, and ourselves; and in that order. There's a lady right there, and plenty of other customers, so you're at the far back of the line," Sanji stood by his mantra. Though Nami's eyes narrowed at Naruto giggling impishly.'
'"Well….in that case." The boy cracked his knuckles, before joining them, producing a screen of steam. "Sexy-jutsu: Naruko's Request!"'
'Sanji's entire form shook. One foot pausing just above the floor, his entire body rigid then began slowly vibrating with steamy anticipation. A new form came through the smoke, in the middle of the lunch rush hour.
"~Oh…Sanji-kun~. ~You'll always prepare Ramen for a hungry, cutesy person like me, now would you?~" "Naruko" cooed over the cook. Steam was blown through Sanji's nose, while Zeff burst through the door, but did nothing at the sight. Everyone was confused, while Sakura's face landed in her palm.'
'Nami was amazed, her jaw dropping to the floor. "Naruko" even began to make crocodile tears at Sanji, begging for his service. Gradually, Sanji moved forward like a metal automaton; placing Nami's order at the table before he strode past the pleading female and inside the kitchen.
'"Well, good thing he left her with clothes on. Unlike last time." Kakashi muttered from one side. "Naruko" was clad in booty shorts and a spaghetti top, then tentatively swayed over to where Nami was still sitting. 5 minutes later, Sanji emerged with a steaming bowl of Ramen in hand and placed it beside "Naruko." "~Oh, thank you, Sanji-kun~ I'll certainly repay you later," before she leaned forwards, rubbing a pair of assets into his arm, "Any way you want it?"'
'That action sent a tear through Nami's mind-to the last days of Bellemere's life. Reminding her of the joking with Bellemere and Genzo…her beloved mother smiled coyly as she promised, "I'll pay you back…with my body!"'
'Later, Naruto and Sasuke were strolling around on the roof, cleaning different nocks, crannies and a stain from onion soup sent air-born by one whiny customer. Nami looked on with awesome below, sipping tea with a dreamy tangerine fruit tart.'
'"First walking on water, now up and over ceilings and walls. Those are some very amazing skills, the pair of you have. And much better than the other lazy-bums on this crew, Sasuke and Naruto," she called up.'
'Sasuke hmphed at the words, while Naruto smiled. "You really think so, Nami-san?" Naruto's response made Nami beam at the sight. She adored children, and the young boy's smile couldn't help but warm her heart.'
'"Your parents must be proud to have such a helpful hand when you're at home, Naruto-kun."
She thought the compliment would have brought happiness, not the gaunt eyes of depression and sorrow that met her. The boys looked away, shuffling off along the roof.
'"Naruto-kun? Sasuke-kun? You…do…you have any parents?" Nami pushed through the lump in her throat. She could recognize the loss in those eyes on anyone, best of all herself.'
'Neither boy responded for several moments, while Nami remained frozen in her seat. Until Sasuke responded, "My parents were stolen from me…by a murderer years ago." Naruto glanced at his teammate, before turning back to his job. "I never knew my parents. They died the same day I was born."'
'His voice grew lower at each word. The only sound in the dining room was Nami's spoon, clattering to the ground. Her heart went out to the pair, relating to as a double-orphan. [1 ]'
Desperately, Nami shut her mind out from the pangs of regret and focused on the present.
'I'm too close now. Thanks to the treasure on this ship, I'll need just one final trip away. Back to Cocoyoshi village, a few more days to draw different maps, then check in with Nojiko, and all the pain and effort will be worth it.'
Looking out to the horizon, the silhouette of her home archipelago blinked in the distance.
Making Nami's nervousness grow, as she glanced backwards-and gasped.
'No….no, he caught up! I know he's fast from that altercation with the Marines, but how can-' Nami held her breath…..
0…0
"Uzumaki Squad Strike!" a voice rang over the ocean-surface battlegrounds. From the upsurge of water, several scores of Naruto's were flying towards the cannon positions Krieg had prepared. Their gunners were too shocked to respond, Naruto had easy targets. The orange-clad clones either knocked the pirates back with a solid kick to the head or stomped down on the heads; human steppingstones to hit those a little further away.
In seconds, all of the cannons were clear, leaving none of them manned while the other participants gawked in awe at the sight.
"Great job Naruto, just like we planned! Now lift those Cannons overboard so they don't have any weapons left!"
"Thanks, Usopp! You really are a great prankster!" One Naruto gave him a thumbs-up, while the other clones scrambled to lift the cannons sideways. With 10 gathered around each canon, they gradually began to offset the lighter pieces and teeter them around, under Krieg's hateful glare.
"Hey, kid! Tell me!" Krieg's voice reached the blonde. "Hhh. Do you truly wish for riches, power, and to serve under the might of the ruler of all the seas?" Krieg's face now wore an eager smirk, with bright shades of greed gleaming in his eyes.
"Come, join my forces and you will be a captain in your own right, within my pirate fleet! Your powers definitely aren't from a devil fruit to move through the water, making you all the more powerful without their weakness. I command you, join my Pirate Armada!" Krieg voiced his desires to Naruto.
"No way!" Naruto replied. "You treat your own men like they don't even matter. Plus you went there and failed already and are a giant golden ball of stupid. I don't want riches here, I just wanna get back home, and the Grand Line is the way to get there. Luffy's a much stronger Pirate than you, so I'll follow him."
With that, all 7 salvaged cannons crashed overboard, removing them from the battle.
"Ghuhahahahahahaha! Awesome answer Naruto! I knew it was a great choice asking you to come with us!" Luffy praised, leading all of the clones to gush with pride. While the cooks cheered at this boon in their fight, and Naruto's choice not to side with Krieg.
While the pirate Admiral's fury was toeing near its limits. "You Dare Deny Don Krieg!"
End.
So things are really taking shape.
As for Kurama, he can only know as much as Naruto does about where they are. And what dangers can be found in the world of One Piece. He's equally as ignorant of the Grand Line, the Marine Admirals, and the Yonko as Team 7 is. After all, can anyone imagine him challenging Whitebeard to a fight, or a Celestial Dragon sending Marine Admirals to subdue him as a pet, a trophy, or a new attack dog for the Navy?
Please, share your feedback on this chapter.
[1]-If it was that easy, why stay in the One Piece world at all. Summoning's are Space-time, jutsu. And I didn't feel like throwing in a long-winded explanation for why or if they could come into the One Piece World, and nobody else. Plus….1/2 of my favorite plot-lines for this story would be rendered plot holes with them involved.
[2]-Nami herself was found by a toddler Nojiko in a village after a pirate raid. Bellemere adopted her after she lost her family in the battle, and Nami herself watched Arlong murder her adoptive mother. Nami herself has been twice orphaned in her life.