Growth through Chaos

by Animephilosopher1

As they return from the Land of Waves, Team 7 fall into somewhere far more chaotic and divided than the Ninja World. Follow Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi, after they find themselves in the World of the One Piece. Growing through a Special brand of Chaos across trials, battles, training and more as members of the Straw Hat Pirates on the Grand Line.(LuffyxNami, Kakashi x Robin)

13. Chapter 13: He Hurt my Friends

Chapter 13:

He hurt my nakama….

"…."=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.

Special Thanks to my BETA Reader: Leaf Ranger.

Please, Read and Review. EPICNESS INCOMING!

Zoro looked around, taking in the shade and isolation of the dark cell he was confined to. The teen clenched his fists, straining against the bonds that circled his body and kept his arms pressed to his back.

'Damn it. They've tied me too tightly for a quick escape. At least they were kind enough to re-bandage my wounds after that fight with the octopus guy.'

Wishing he could have retained his swords, the Vice-Captain shut his eyes. He assumed a meditative pose, while the others on the island had their own tribulations.

0….0

Nami felt a blank space obscuring her eyes. Opening them, the familiar haze of sunlight invaded her sight, while the sensation of rest and soreness coursed through her entire body.

"Hm? I…I must've fallen asleep."

Rubbing her eyes before glancing around, she found Sasuke was still in his seat at the table. Sakura and Nojiko were sipping tea before they noticed she had begun to stir.

"Well, it seems that nap was well-needed. You've been out for three hours, Nami.

"Ex-Excuse me, Miss. Nami?" Sakura spoke up.

"I can show…show you where the treasure is onboard. But…but after you collect it. Wh-what if we stayed on this island, hidden from the Fishman? Then, Kakashi-sensei, Saskuke-kun, Naruto-san and I can come with you when you leave the island next. We can ensure you get the rest of the money for Arlong without any trouble and…"

"No!" Nami cut her off.

"I've been handling this on my own all this time, and I don't need help from you or anyone to finish it." The older teen rose to her feet. Her tone wouldn't broker any argument.

"I will finish this on my own. It'll just take a little more So let's just get the rest of that treasure, and then the both of you can take the Going Merry and leave. You'll run into Luffy on the way and tell him to stay far away from this island. In the meantime, I'll only need to draw a few more maps for Arlong and-"

CCKGR!

Everyone jumped! Sasuke had cracked the table in his grip, the boy's eyes shut, still trying to digest the idea of having to work under a murderer. Or becoming practically branded someone as their property after killing their family, or watching them day after day

Sakura gulped, before turning back to Nami.

"Well, okay then. If that's what you want, Sasuke-kun and I will go look for Zoro-san. He went off on his own to find the coast—"

"—WHAT!? Zoro-san is here too?! Not him and—WAIT!?" Nami exclaimed, grasping Sakura's collar and yanking the girl off her feet.

"You left Zoro-san alone, just wandering around the village?!"

The girl blinked, very, very scared of Nami. While her assailant felt the prick of a sharp blade touch her neck.

"Release Sakura, now," Sasuke demanded, shaking on the table with a kunai in hand.

"Kakashi-sensei suggested that Zoro-san[1] would watch the coastline for when Luffy, Naruto and Ussop caught up. The four of us dispersed this morning from the cave we spent the night in."

At that news, Nami's eyes grew wide. She didn't notice Nojiko scrambling to grab Sakura's pouch for a weapon herself.

The next moment, Nami's face landed in her palm.

"Oh. You don't know, do you?"

"Know what?" Sasuke asked her.

"I'll put it bluntly," the girl dryly growled, "Zoro is more than hopeless at finding his way around. That idiot would even get lost in a straight hallway or an open field. With him wandering around, he'll likely run right into an Arlong pirate and start a ruckus. We need to find him, and fast."

Nami got to her feet. "Which one of you is better at sneaking around?" she questioned the Genin. Sakura deferred to Sasuke as better at stealth. Nami eyed them both, before coming to a decision.

"Alright. Sasuke, you're coming with me to try and find Zoro. Stay hidden, we'll check Arlong Park first to see if the idiot has been caught or not. Wherever we find him, you need to lead him away and don't let Zoro out of your sight. Nojiko and Sakura. The both of you need to head to the coast and watch for Luffy and the others. If they get close, then Sakura can run out to meet them and tell them to Get Lost!" Nami's tone grew sharp as iron over the last two words.

Nojiko tried to argue against Nami going around with the boy that had threatened her, twice. Though Nami was firm, grabbing Sasuke by his collar before running from the house. Leaving the other two with no choice but to follow her plan.

Over the course of 20 minutes, Nojiko and Sakura were running for the coast. One was moving down the path while the other was above her in the trees, her chakra control allowing Sakura to catch her footing even on the vertical trunks.

Soon, they reached the coast, just as a smaller boat could be seen out in the bay.

"Are those them, the people you were waiting for?" Nojiko questioned the younger girl

"Ummm…I'm not sure I can tell," Sakura answered, one hand shading her eyes to try and spot someone on board. "If I could get a little closer then-"

"HHHHEEEEEYYYY SSSAAAKKKKUUUURRRRAAAAAAA!" Luffy's voice rang out across the water. Followed by a pair of arms shooting forward, and Luffy shot off like a rocket straight towards her.

"NIICCEEE TO SEEE YYYAAAA!"

"WHAT CAPTAIN-!"

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM_GUHH-KUTHUNK!

"NO! S-S-S-SAKURA—CHAN!" Naruto's voice followed the impact.

Nojiko blink, stupefied. A pair of arms had reached impossible lengths, one hand grasping a nearby tree and a matching one on a rock, with Sakura dead in the cross-hairs. Red blur shot out from the boat following those arms, before colliding with the girl in a painful impact.

Next, a boy with blonde hair was running over the water, and another voice had joined the fray, loud enough to cause the boat to shake.

"Luffy, you ignorant, Barbarian! If you hurt Sakura-chan, I'm going kick you down to the bottom of the sea and leave you there!"

How nobody else had heard all the shouts and come running, Nojiko would never know. The figure who collided with Sakura quickly stood up, and just as fast his face was knocked back to the dirt.

"Hm? Ahh! sorry, Sakura-chan! Guess I got too excited." he cried, dusting off the straw hat on his brow. Immediately, a pink blur sailed over another rock, looming above Luffy and hit him upside the head.

"BAKA! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING HURTLING THROUGH THE AIR AND INTO ME LIKE THAT! WHAT KIND OF SENSELESS, STUPID, SELF—CENTRED IDIOT WOULD DO THAT!" Sakura exclaimed, as fist after fist pummeled over Luffy's head.

Naruto gulped and began to back away from Sakura's onslaught, before stumbling to his knees. After taking three deep breaths to fill his lungs, he moved down to the beach to help the crew catch up.

"Oh, Sakura-chan? How did you get over here so fast?" Luffy asked her, ignoring the harmless haymakers smacking over his rubber forehead to look at what he collided with. "Weren't you…hmmmm? What's that log doing there?"

Sure enough, a wooden log stood at the end of an upset tract in the dirt. With the imprint of Luffy's face clear in the bark.

"It's called a substitution! I used it to get out of the way just before you hit me a second ago! One of the best defensive moves in a ninja's arsenal." Sakura elaborated, as Luffy gained an excited look on her face.

"Oh, it's a Mystery-skill! Like you can turn into a log when you want to!"

Sakura growled, her short patience less than thin at Luffy's near-collision. But before she could respond, a solid black foot struck Luffy's head hammering him back to the ground!

"Ow-that kinda hurt a bit!" the captain complained, with a well-dressed man fuming beside him.

"You stupid, moronic, ignorant, horrible, rubbery, unclothed, idiotic, bastard!" Sanji berated him.

"Hey, I didn't hurt her, Sanji. Everything's fine.," Luffy complained while Ussop, Johnny and Yosaku joined them on the coastline, with another surprise.

Sakura herself blinked at two newcomers, perplexed at their presence.

"Gin-san? Sanji-san? Why have the pair of you come here, and what happened to that man Don Krieg?"

"Excuse me, little lady?" the gaunt man spoke, stepping forward to address her.

"Don Luffy, Naruto, Ussop, Johnny, Yosaku and Sanji beat my former captain. During the fight, Naruto saved mah life from a poison gas. Afterwards, yer Captain offered me a place in his crew, and Ah accepted it."

"Yeah!" Luffy called over to them. "Gin's a nice guy, he even gave the final blow to bastard-Krieg! We gave him to some Navy guys yesterday before coming here. Hey, where's Sasuke, Kakashii? Didn't you find Nami yet?"

Sakura blinked, trying to digest the news through the wringer that Luffy's collision had given her. But, someone else was present to take the reins.

"So, you are the rest of the crew that Nami was travelling with? If that's the case, then you need to leave," Nojiko firmly demanded, her arms crossed and tone soft yet strong.

"And who might yah be to say that, ma'am?" Gin questioned her. And before getting an answer a black tornado, spotted with hearts, came waltzing in front of the lady.

"Why, you must undoubtedly be the most stunning beauty of this wretched island!" Sanji sang, with a rose in his hand presented to Nojiko. "So much so that even Nami-swan herself pales measured to your lovely and divine presence," a certain chef declared, kneeling before her with one hand over his heart and the other offering her a rose.

"Where'd get the rose from?" Ussop questioned, while Nojiko was engulfed by smoke and Sakura appeared in her place. "Dial down on the romance, Sanji. This is not the place or time for it at all," she ordered him. "First, now that I think about it, I'd guess Captain Luffy finally got you to say yes about joining us?"

The group nodded, while Luffy chuckled at his success and Nojiko blinked from her new position beside Naruto.

"Well, in that case," the pinkette continued, "this woman is Nojiko. She's Nami's older sister, and we need to find the Merry and get ready to leave. Things with Nami are a lot more complicated than Kakashi-sensei even imagined."

The new arrivals frowned in confusion, while Luffy rose to his feet.

"What's there to talk about? It doesn't matter what's going on, Nami's our friend and she's coming with us our navigator."

Nojiko frowned lightly in his response. "Nami isn't going anywhere. Once you hear why, all of you need to find your own crewmates and leave before some additional trouble is brought by your interference. Can I have you promise that if I tell you what is going on?"

"Nope!" Luffy declared, before walking off. "Someone's past doesn't matter. That only says who someone was, or what they did. I'm going to find Nami, then we can set sail to the Grand Line."

The Rubber-man walked forward before his arm was yanked backwards.

"Yeah, come on Captain Luffy!" Naruto pleaded, his eyes wide and curious. "Why not hear about what is going on. Then we can fix what's happening and get Nami to come with us again!"

"Don? Naruto's got a good idea. It migh' be a good idea to know what's goin' on hereabouts, then take a look around," Gin added, politely to the captain. Sanji had already lit a fresh cigarette, as Johnny and Yosaku stepped forward.

Luffy's eyes turned to Nojiko, fixing her carefully enough to make the woman impatient.

This went on for some minutes until Luffy questioned her.

"So Nami is your sister?"

"Yes. Does that hold some kind of significance?" she answered, smoothly.

"Will you tell us anything Nami doesn't want sharing? Older siblings can be tricky over that kinda stuff."

Blinking at the answer, Nojiko shook her head. "No. Nami actually asked me to share this with all of you. Then hopefully, all of you will understand what's going on around here."

Luffy barely blinked at her answer. Before he shrugged and moved to sit on the ground. His arms crossed over his chest. "Nami's my crew, so I'm not leaving her behind at all. I came all this way to get her back, and that's that, no matter what you say. So long as that's clear and you won't make your sister mad, go ahead and tell us."

0….0

Kakashi Hatake stood before the plain white house, surrounded by a very well-loved tangerine orchard. Glancing around he followed his nose to the path heavy with the scents that guided him there.

'No doubting it, Nami-san's scent is very heavy throughout this orchard. This place has been her home for decades. Traces of Sakura and Sasuke are here too, along with somebody else but then they move back into the forest, splitting into pairs of two. Sasuke and Nami went back to the village, while Sakura and a fourth person are moving into the forest. I probably just missed them by minutes.'

Taking a moment, Kakashi deliberated his options, before choosing the more immediate priority. Kneel down, the Shinobi sent a pulse of chakra through the ground.

"Earth-style: Hidden like a Mole."

Following its namesake, the Jonin slipped beneath the surface of the earth and began shifting about as a mole. Spreading with his chakra, the earth near the hole smoothly shifted to obscure his entrance as the man began to cruise under the earth to search for his target.

"Oh?" he found a solid wooden chest, beneath the orchard. "Here it is. Now, to get to work."

Elsewhere on the island, a party of Marines were moving towards a small house near the outskirts of the town. One had a snide appearance, with sinister whiskers and the face of a rat. Beside him walked a figure tattered with scars in a brown officer's uniform, his sight fixed on the road and nothing else.

"So, Genzo-san. You are certain this house is the home of the pirate thief, Nami?" the Marine questioned him.

"Yes. She lived there for the first ten years of her life. Still, I'm surprised that you would show any interest in her. She only steals from pirate crews, and nobody else. The brat got into too much trouble swiping books, sweets, or other small things while she was a kid," Genzo questioned them.

"Well, some weeks past, it was found that she recently escalated to theft of Marine property. An inside source informed us that the map to the Grand Line was stolen from the 153rd Marine Branch outpost.[2] Such actions can hardly be left unpunished, hence the reason I am here."

"So that's why you want to question her? I see," Genzo nodded.

'I haven't seen Nami present for weeks now. And I can't believe she'd be reckless enough to get caught and bring the Marines here and interrupt the deal with Arlong. Still, since she isn't at her home, there's no risk for her arrest or questioning by them.'

Soon, the group reached an orchard, with nobody in sight.

"Chichichichichichichichi.

Meanwhile, Zoro glanced around his cell again, trying to hear what the commotion outside was about. And recalling how he had been captured in the first place.

'Zoro scanned the coastline again, his face couched by a refreshing breeze from the ocean. Seated in a meditative pose, he kept two pilfered swords within reach, with Wado resting against his shoulder. He took a deep yawn, trying to force off the appealing urge to sleep.

"What's taking Luffy and the others so long to get here already?" he asked unto himself.

"Hatchi! What the hell…happened to you!"

At the shout, Zoro sprang to his feet groaning at the nuisance of another fight so soon after his last.

To find himself…stuck

Before his eyes, some four dozen people had surrounded the cliff. Each of them armed to the teeth, and a handful were carrying those Zoro had encountered earlier. At the sound of a splash below, Zoro pivoted to keep those on land in his periphery and glanced down to another dozen or so in the water behind him.

Looking between the rocks beneath and the hard place on land, he could only curse himself. 'They suck up while my attention was on the water! And all of these guys are Grand Line-class pirates. Damn...Well…looks like I'm royally fucked.'

"Brother! Don't speak, and hang on, Hatchi! I refuse to lose you today," one of them voiced, kneeling beside the wounded Octopus-Fishman. The figure had a brown ushanka, covered by a black mane of hair down his back, parted by a single dorsal fin. He wore a yellow shirt, with jagged black bolts covering his shoulders, and remained low, cradling his wounded kinsman.

"Damn it, if only Aladdin had come with us! No matter, get here quickly and help our brother!"

"Ny…uuuu…Arlong," a minuscule whisper came from the wounded six-armed pirate.

"Hatchi, please, don't aggravate your wounds further. Tell me, who…hrrr….hrrrrr…."

The voice grew thick, building with outrage and concern alike. Forcing some to step back in fear from the shark-finned fishman.

"Who would dare hurt you like this brother! Tell me!" a demand carried to a roar echoed from the cliffside.

Zoro glared heavily, trying to find some escape from his predicament. Yet, all the same, he took notice of how this new enemy held his crewmate with tender care even through his rage. With a closer look, he saw the fishman's head was turned, bringing his ear close to Hatchi and showing a distinct saw-tooth nose.

"What! Roronoa Zoro! The Pirate Hunter!" he called over, and Zoro had to force himself not to gulp.

"Hey, the one who uses three swords! That guy there is holding three of them now! And he's the one who hurt the tens of us before Hatchi came around, Arlong!" another fishman spoke up. Taking a glance, Zoro recognized him.

'Damnit. It's the same one that Hatchi-guy sent back to get help from the rest of his crew. Should've cut him down when I had the chance,' Zoro silently reflected. As the ire of the gathered enemy crew grew higher with the revelation.

"You must be after the boss's head!" "Maybe he attacked to draw out Arlong."

"And he nearly killed Hatchi and left him to bleed out. Humans truly are disgusting and possess no sense of honour or reverence for anything but themselves!"

More suggestions and accusations followed, but Zoro tuned them out, focusing on the more immediate threat.

The figure once kneeling beside Hathci had risen to his full height. Towering above the others, Zoro recognized Arlong from his wanted poster and braced himself as the hulking Saw-shark Fishman met him with the smouldering gaze of a righteous berserker.

"YOU! You…Hurt my crewmate, My Bother in all but blood." Arlong began to stride towards Zoro, his voice punctuating every word he spoke. The Swordsman raised his swords, unwilling to fall without some kind of effort.

"Yeah, and if you wanna—"

"You even have the gall to use our own weapons on us?! Only a human would commit such an atrocious act! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE THOSE WHO HARM MY BROTHERS!" Arlong bellowed, before charging for Zoro, as one hand flew to his mouth. The swordsman slashed with two of his blades, angled for Arlong's throat.

"GGGRRRRR!" the movement brought a fresh stab of pain through his wounds, tearing another stitch as Zoro's body started to give, causing his movements to falter.

One sword was stopped by Arlong's nose, another caught by a set of teeth in his hand. A searing group of stabs tore through Zoro's right shoulder, a matching pair of jaws sinking deep through his skin. Small fountains of blood sprayed from the wound, as only Zoro's strength of will kept him from dropping his sword.

With a shrug of his neck, the blade against Arlong's nose was shrugged aside, creating an opening to Zoro's chest.

The Vice-captain failed to stop a shout of pain from slipping through his lips, with barely his subconscious keeping his jaw from dropping Wado. Still, Arlong removed both it and the other swords from him immediately.

Lifting him above his head with a single arm, the Fishman grinned as his crewmates cheered at the agony he had given to Zoro. Moving to the cliff, the defeated pirate found himself dangling over the edge, only held up by the Fishman's strength.

Yet, rather than drop him, Arlong frowned at a sight he had not registered the moment before. "Hm? What's with all these bandages? Did you take a fall beforehand?" he questioned, tearing them from Zoro's chest.

Arlong had to shift his head, to keep the spray of blood away from his eyes. For a moment, both himself and his crew were silenced, or gasping at the sight of Mihawk's parting token.

'Wh…what's this scar? I can't-believe-he's still—breathing. These wounds are recent, but not enough to be given to him by Hatchi. Did…did he fight him while torn up like this?' Arlong thought, his eyes wide in dismay.

A steady dribble of blood travelled to the water below, as Arlogn felt his grasp on Zoro's throat begin to slip.

'How can-he still be alive-with a body like this? The centre scar is enormous, and what of all the others surrounding it? Is he dying already? Am I holding a wounded man?' Arlong reflected, before coming to a decision.

Zoro found himself thrown to the ground, tumbling over as a fresh canvas of blood formed over the ground. Just as he tried to struggle to his feet, Arlong began to issue new commands to his crew.

"Bandage this one up, then take him to a cell in Arlong Park. I want to know how he got here, and if any others know he was coming around." As the fishermen voiced their acceptance, Arlong strode back towards Hatchan. Gathering the now-bandaged crewmate in his arms to carry him back to Arlong Park. "It's alright, Hatchan. I have you now. Everything will be made alright, brother."'

Inside his cell, Zoro tried to break through his bonds stifling a groan at the fresh bandages around his chest. 'Well, I hope the others are doing better than I am right now.'

0…...….0

"Ah, at last, we have arrived," Nezumi eagerly declared, nearly close to rubbing his hands, gleeful to find the promised treasure Arlong had described. His subordinates began to scatter around the yard, while Genzo moved towards the door.

GHKKr-GHKK-GHKK "Nojiko? Are you inside? Some Marines are here asking about Nami."

Inside, the sound of shuffling feet moved to the door. But a stranger answered it, giving Genzo quite a shock.

"Yo. Can I help you?" the strange lazily asked, with towering silver hair and his face covered with a mask.

"Hey, who are you and what are you doing in Nojiko's House!" Genzo exclaimed.

"Chichichichichi. Perhaps this woman or the thief Nami was entertaining some male company," Nazumi implied. Coaxing the vein in Genzo's forehead to bulge.

"What, never! Those two would never do such a thing. But I can't the same about this stranger!" he shouted, with fatherly indignation. "Is true you?! Are you some pervert who tried to sneak in on Nojiko!? 'Cause if that's the case I oughta-"

"Uh, no," Kakashi assured him, one hand raised to deflect the blame as he moved out of the house. "I was merely passing through and found the house unoccupied. A pirate crew and some bizarre events caused me to become separated from my own people some time back. I washed up here in a lifeboat in the night and was looking for someone to learn the lay of the land from before I stuck my head out anywhere. Though, with the Marines here, perhaps things are looking up for me."

"Well, I'm afraid I lack the capacity to help you, mister," Nazumi cut in.

"Some Marine sources have revealed a large sum of treasure taken by the pirate thief Nami is hidden here. The government confiscates all stolen property, and reserves the right to conduct a thorough search to locate and retrieve such ill-gotten wealth."

Genzo's eyes began to view the Marines insecurely, while Kakashi's eyes grew focused and subdued. Reining in the fury in his chest, with cold, practised detachment. "Hmm? Is that so. I haven't seen anything inside or in the tangerine orchard. If something like that were here, there'd like to be some tell-tale signs in the earth."

Genzo had begun to sweat, while Nazumi ordered his men to begin ransacking the property.

"Now wait a moment, you mentioned you only wanted to question Nami, not search the place!" Genzo complained as the crooked officer smirked, complacent with his own cards and position.

"Well, things change, as do priorities. Your cooperation is still required and appreciated for our efforts."

The local lawman glanced around, watching everything fall apart from his mistakes, again. While Kakashi leaned back against the wall of the house, even as the Marines began to move for the house and pull shovels into their hands.

"Yo, that would hardly be worth the effort," he called out to everybody present.

"Listen. As I said, there's nothing inside save for a few cups of tea, and basic necessities for a house occupied by a single person."

"Listen, I used to be an investigator some time ago. So, I appreciate the law and the need to uncover and secure such crucial evidence. Plus, I was a gardener once upon a time. If I can be of service, perhaps you can find this treasure far quicker. If you can share some background on the thief herself."

Nazumi grinned, striding past the fuming Genzo to stand before Kakashi.

"Well, perhaps I may be able to aid you after all. This Nami girl has apparently been stealing treasure and money from pirate crews across the past 8 years. So came on the Marine's notice upon becoming too bold for her own well-being, stealing from a nearby Marine base. What can you provide for us?" he snidely agreed.

"Well, there weren't any traces in the floorboards inside to suggest a hidden room. Plus the roof beams and ceiling don't have any traces of metal to support a safe or additional storeroom. Leaving the only place to hide such a trove to be the orchard," Kakashi deduced, glancing around at the trees. As Genzo remained quiet and formal.

"Still, digging up all of them would be a lot of unnecessary effort. Thieves steal money so they can spend it, or if she did commit a recent crime then the places where she stored the treasure would have been opened recently. If some freshly dug earth can be identified beneath the trees, that will point us straight to the chest and all the loot."

As Kakashi's detective work ended, Nazumi grinned at such a fortune piece of luck to find the treasure with minimal effort. "I agree. Men, comb the entire ground beneath such garbage fruit trees and locate that 100,000,000 bellies immediately."

Kakashi's eye narrowed at the man, barely able to keep his disgust hidden. 'Not even the plainest effort for subtlety. Between this man and that Lieutenant at the Baratie, I'm starting to see another reason why Zeff didn't mention the Marines as an option for us to travel home with. The only ones around here seem to be dangerously self-centred and corrupt.'

Kakashi barely moved as the Marines scoped the entire orchard but found no trace of the treasure. "Sir, there's nothing here. No sign of any treasure or hidden places at all."

That led Nazumi to shift his attention; the arrogant smirk dissipating to a frown.

"How can that be?! Perhaps it is elsewhere! Search the entire area, just up to the tree line!"

Several minutes passed as the men followed his orders, evening bending around some tangerine trees. But still, nothing turned up. The Marine colonel began to fume. The onset of a tantrum was clear on his face.

"How can that be! That treasure should be here! It's unacceptable and unfair for such a huge sum to be absent or un-promised! It simply must be found! Otherwise—"

"Excuse men," Kakashi tapped the man on his shoulder, schooling his face clear of his own opinions.

"Perhaps this inside source has been less than honest with you? This Nami's name may have been given as a distraction for you so the real brigand could slip away with the stolen treasure unnoticed?"

Nazumi's eyes began to widen, as Kakashi's hidden face curled into a smirk. 'Thieves always believe everyone steals. Or can be too easily misdirected with the prospect of a double-cross.'

Within moments, all of the Marines were recalled and followed their officer to scamper, away, wordlessly.

Some moments after the departure. Kakashi walked back inside, as the Genzo beside him dispelled into smoke.

After closing the door, he faced the real Genzo, who was bound and gagged on the bed with a third Kakashi watching him. The real one approached them, before sitting down on the mattress.

"Listen. Before I take the gag off, some explanations are likely due. I am a friend of Nami's and part of a pirate crew that was suckered by her. However, after tracking her here, I learned about Arlong, her mother, and their deal to buy the freedom of Cocoyoshi Village."

As he spoke, Genzo stopped moving. His eyes were wide in shock, as his arms and leg relaxed from the efforts to break free.

"From how you reacted to those Marines looking for the treasure, I'm willing to guess you know everything as well. This morning, I was inside of Arlong Park when that same Marine came to visit him for a monthly bribe."

"Uhhhh. Before you have a heart attack, I am a ninja. Infiltration is one of my more well-used talents, and I was not caught by anyone," he assured the older man. Who had grown whiter than a sheet and began to hyperventilate.

"Arlong told that Colonel Nazumi about the deal he made with Nami. And encouraged him to find and seize the treasure as a backdoor to their deal. Likely to keep you under his thumb or Nami as part of his crew."

As Kakashi's explanations finished, Genzo grew stiff, his face thunderstruck. Slowly, the Jonin untied him. While the second one moved to the kitchen to the warm tea kettle. The water was hot enough to appreciate a fresh cup, and soon both men were seated at the table, while the clone disappeared.

"Whu-! H-how did you do that? And-and how did I wind up tied here at all?" Genzo asked, shakenly.

Kakashi swallowed his tea, after fixing his mask using the distraction to take a sip.

"There are many skills that ninja can have. Including clones of ourselves. As the Marines had begun their search and you were arguing with that poor excuse of a rat, I made the clones inside the house. Then just as you were about to assault the marine, one of them transformed into an image of you and switched out unseen. Oh, and….ha-ha-ha" the man chuckled with guilt as one hand rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry about the rough treatment for the other one after you were inside. This could have become a tight spot if you had attacked him. So, my clone needed to gag and secure you quickly, not gently."

The Jonin chuckled, as Genzo glared at him with indignation. Still, the man couldn't' argue that point, and lowered his head to the table.

"Where have you moved the treasure?" he asked in a deep, low voice.

"Hmmm?" Kakashi answered, the voice behind Genzo's words unsettling him.

"Somewhere close at hand. Hopefully, the Marine will complain to Arlong and the pair of them will end up distrusting each other. It may last long enough for the rest of us to arrive, and either pay off Arlong with some money we currently have and a few odd jobs. Or….bring this to a fight and drive them off this island."

"No," the man replied. Rising to his feet. "You don't understand Arlong like I do. He'll rip the entire town apart just to find that loot and keep Nami under lock and key. I understand now, what truly needs to be done. To set everyone free, and make sure that girl doesn't have to suffer anymore."

The man left the table, moving to the door. "Thank you, Mr…."

"Kakashi. I'm Hatake Kakashi," the Jonin supplied.

Genzo nodded. "Kakashi. Thanks for your help. From where we are, there might be just enough money in the village to meet Arlong's deal. If he can leave peacefully, that would be fantastic."

A silent moment hung between them. As Kakashi's eye narrowed at the community leader.

"But. Promise me. If you can, you will protect Nami if Arlong tries to take her again. I'm not strong enough to accomplish that. Tried it once and did more than fail miserably."

"Nami has suffered unimaginably under Arlong's yoke for nearly half her life. Please, stay here and no matter what, get Nami off of this island, and ensure she does not return at all. That girl deserves to be free."

He closed the door, leaving Kakashi alone. After a while, the Jonin finished his tea and left the house. 'Might as well head for the coastline and see if—'

BAMHHH-HHH-HHH!

Birds in the trees scattered, at the gunshot from the forest.

0…0

After they left her home, Nami and Sasuke went straight towards Arlong Park. The pair had been running for several minutes but had not encountered any Fishman as of yet.

Soon the buildings were left behind, and Sasuke moved into the trees to remain unseen as they approached. The plan Nami had made going through his head.

'"If we get to Arlong Park without running into anyone, then I'll head inside and see if any of them have spotted Zoro at all. You stay outside and watch for any trace of that idiot. If he is imprisoned though, then I'll cut him loose and create a distraction while you help his escape got that!?" Nami demanded, not allowing any time for an argument.'

The navigator herself reached the doors, taking a few moments to compose herself before moving inside.

"Hey, Nami, where've you been!" one of the crew shouted to her.

"Nazu? Ummm…." Her nerves were set on high alert. The crew was gathered in the courtyard, with a solemn mood heavy in the air. Few others sparred her more than a glance, but the primary source of fear to the girl was the sight of Arlong brooding in his chair.

Her enemy's hands were folded under his chin, with a murderous, silent air around himself.

"What's going on? Did something happen to one of the crew? Who dared to stand up to us?" Nami exclaimed, her acting skills painting a picture Arlong would want to see.

"Chew…I see you didn't hear about it. Where have you been lately, Nami?" Chew questioned her, mildly.

"I was finishing moving that boat out of sight from any passerby, then walked here through Cocoyoshi Village. Now news was flying about of anything out of the ordinary there, so I took it at a casual pace. What's wrong here?"

"Hmm. Well, I suppose it's good that you didn't catch wind of what happened, then. If any of the villagers knew, they might be stupid enough to rise up and oppose us," Kuroobi acknowledged.

"A bounty hunter called Roronoa Zoro is here. He ran into ten of our brothers and nearly killed them. Hatchi found him at the scene of the fight and took him on. But…."

All of the Arlong Pirates began to growl, their fury both shared and deadly. None more so than the Captain himself.

"That murderous, horrible human beat Hatchi in a swordfight, Nami. That pirate hunter probably came here for my head. It's the only option that has and practical sense. Hatchi was hurt more than badly, but he's still alive."

"Damnit!" Arlong's fist slammed on the table surface, shattering it.

"One of you was hurt by an enemy. And on my account, it seems. I haven't been this furious in years, not since Big Brother Ti's death!" Arlong pledged, his rage barely contained.

Nami's hands rose to his face, her eyes and poster shaking at the news.

'No…Hatchi. Of any Fishman here, he's the one I want to see hurt the least of all. He's the only one who's been genuinely kind to me. Hatchi….'

"Can…can I see Hatchi? I want to make sure for myself that he is going to be alright. Did you kill that bounty hunter he fought with?"

"Hmmm. I'm glad to see you share our worries, Nami," Arlong replied. "Hatchi's in his room, but don't disturb him yet. No, that man…he will likely be dead soon either way. Still, I have a strong idea of what to do with—"

CCCRRRANG! "Arlong, you repulsive, foul fish! Fess it up, you sent me on a goose chase!" A new, high-pitched shrivel rang as doors were thrown open.

A Marine officer stomped through the park, ignoring the rest of the crew. That is until Arlong's eyes petrified him. The shadow of furry and death, radiating from the fishman nearly made Nazumi piss himself.

"Nazumi. For once, your timing is quite well-made. I have a favour to request from you," Arlong spoke. "One of my men was attacked by a notable bounty hunter. One Roronoa Zoro, the Pirate Hunter, came here and attacked one of my men. I want you to take him from here, and head to the nearest Marine outpost. From what I learned; he has become a pirate as a recent career change. Will that be enough to imprison and execute him?" Arlong demanded

The rat barely moved, making Arlong impatient. As the monster rose from his chair, the crooked Marine hurridly signalled for two of his men to move inside and find their new prisoner.

"Y-y-y-y-y-yes, A-A-A-Arlong. I'll se-se-see he's killed. But-(Chkrmummm)," the man coughed into his sleeves as he recalled why had stormed in there from the tangerine orchard.

"I was at the house you described, looking for that deposit of treasure that is such a threat to our partnership. However, it wasn't there at all. No trace of anything was found inside the house or in the surrounding orchard. Are you certain this Nami-girl has been collecting such treasure, or did she dupe you about wanting to aid her home at all? I found no treasure there and was severely disappointed."

…..

Barely…a tick….. breath...or any sound came inside Arlong Park. Many of the Fishmen were trying not the gape, while others decided to watch the show. Arlong himself could only blink, trying to digest what just happened…right… in front…of Nami.

Sasuke was waiting outside, beneath a nearby tract. 'Damn. When those marines came here I needed to hide out of sight. According to Kakashi, they're on Arlong's payroll, so things might end up badly if—'

"WHH-WHA—HUH-….ARLONG!" A deep, loud, hateful cry came from inside the building. One that left Sasuke frozen, as the tone and fells echoed his own the night of the Uchiha massacre.

Inside, unseen by the ninja, Nami stood before the pirate captain who'd served as the most painful tormentor for half her life. Her face was a mask of horror, disgust and grief. All the fishman could do was grin.

"Why the sour face, my dear navigator?"

"What are these Marines talking about?! Did they just come back from stealing all the treasure I had? And on your invitation!?" she demanded.

"Well. I wish he hadn't spoken of it aloud. Yet it appears that treasure has now disappeared mysteriously. How fortunate for me," Arlong gloated, fixing the girl with eyes that conveyed only one feeling: possession.

Nami was close to biting her lip, trying to stifle to hate she felt at the man.

"What was all that you said about dying before breaking a promise about anything that comes to money, huh?! Why!? Our deal was 100,000,000 for the freedom of my home and myself," Nami shouted at the shark-man, her arms raised to yank at the collar of his shirt.

"Refresh my memory. Yours about that money agreement we made is quite clear. But how have I broken this promise now?" Arlong questioned her, as laughter was building in his throat.

"Don't play dumb you know that—ghmmm."

Arlong held a tight grasp on Nami's face, lifting the girl off her feet. Helpless before him.

"Now, nothing in our agreement spoke of a deadline, or any insurance given should that money be misplaced, or found by another party. You know that. Shwahahahahahahahaha!"

Her eyes showed the frustration, betrayal and fear deep in her soul, pouring through a stream of tears as she cursed him in her head.

'Damn you….Damn you…you…..damn murderer….pig….slaver…..'

"Too bad, all your stolen money vanished. A deal is a deal, you know that Nami, don't you?" the Fishman gleefully reminded her.

"You'll just have to start again. And in the meantime…" his eyes grew, with that horrible grin only pilled additional despair into Nami's heart.

"Your map room has gone untended for a while. There is still so much more to contribute to the Arlong Empire. Allowing you to leave would be too much of a loss for me to afford."

"Without that 100,000,000 bellies, you and your village will stay in my possession indefinitely.

Shahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

"Nazumi, if you find that money, it is all yours. No issue from me," Arlong promised, throwing Nami aside.

"CHichichichichichichichichichichi! Well to start, I apologize, Arlong. This girl's outburst means that treasure is certainly here somewhere. I only need to figure out where it is located. I doubt there will be much trouble. After all, I just shot a pair of idiots who were in my way while coming here. A stupid coward with a slingshot who only made bad lies and a girl with blue hair. This wrench's sister, apparently."

Nami could feel the icy stab through her heart; piercing the smouldering rage towards Arlong and the corner she had been forced into, this new wound thrust even deeper than betrayal or revenge. 'No….Nojiko…after Bellemere died….no…no!...'

"No! No! No! NO!" Nami exclaimed in despair. Shooting to her feet, without sparing Arlong a second look.

Her mind focused only on her last, living family. She bolted for the doors, barely staying upright, and was sprinting for her home.

Sasuke saw what happened, and quickly moved to catch up with her.

"Nami. Where is Zoro? What happen—"

"Shut up!" the girl cried, slapping out at the boy. Sasuke ducked under it, as Nami continued to run. "Zoro's inside and imprisoned," she cried without looking back. "And Nojiko got hurt! She's been shot and so has Usopp!"

The clouds above moved to cover the sun. The growing shadow loomed as it covered all the land. A darker shade in her life, and the precious few she had, was all that Nami could see.

'Please. Don't be gone. Don't let Arlong take anything and everything away from me!' she pleaded.

Sasuke stopped, watching Nami's figure retreat, before turning back towards Arlong Park and coming to a decision.

Back in Arlong Park, Zoro was running around the cell. trying to find some way out as he overheard everything that was spoken in the courtyard. 'Ussop! If any bastards hurt him, I'm gonna cut them to pieces!'

Suddenly, the lock in to door clinked, before it was thrown open. And two puzzling men strode into the room.

"Marines? What are the lot of you doing here?" Zoro questioned the familiar men in white uniforms. Both of them moved into the cell and stood before him.

Inside Arlong Park, Zor overheard most of the commotion outside. And we straining to release himself when a gaggle of Marines entered his cell.

"He's all yours," a fishman outside the door promised them. "Just get him out of here for Arlong and lock him up somewhere. The guy mentioned joining a pirate crew, so that'll be an excuse for his arrest. Otherwise, your captain Nazumi'll think of something."

The men nodded, one of them grinning with a sadist's glee. A kick hammered into Zoro's chest, causing the vice-captain to tense his face at the pain. Yet not a sound came through his lips.

"Oh, a nice tough guy, huh. It seems you lack a sense of cooperation with the Marines. It's quite despicable for a bounty hunter to sink into corruption low enough to join with pirates instead of imprisoning them," the marine scolded in a prudish, self-elevating tone, waving an admonishing figure before the swordsman.

"You clearly have no respect. So, I must du~ti~fully take up the task to break you down, and install such morals into your consciousness," he promised, in the gloating tones of a true coward. "That simply cannot go unaddressed, or without consequence."

The man strode closer to Zoro, before drawing a knife and plunging it into the swordsman's gut. Followed by another into his shoulder, and a knee to his stomach.

"Can't let you try and break free, can we? As a bounty hunter, I'm sure you understand the dangers of moving an active, able prisoner." More followed before they applied fresh bandages and dragged the pirate out with a pistol to his head.

0….0

At the sound of the gunshot. Kakashi moved through the tree via a substitution. Shooting forward at a rapid pace, working to follow his nose to the new scent of gunpowder and blood. What he found, however…stopped the Jonin, cold.

In the middle of the pathway, Sakura was struggling with Ussop; half-dragging, half-carrying the brown-haired teen forward. The boy wasn't moving, his overalls lowered to his waist, leaving the sniper's scrawny chest exposed. Layers upon layers of soaked bandages covered his chest, with pads of gauze on his right pectoral, all of them stained crimson.

A blue-haired woman lay on the ground nearby, similarly, bandaged and clutching her shoulder. Even as she spurred Sakura on. "I'll…ehehhhh…I can hold out. Hurry-ummmhh…get him to the doctor."

"H-h-hold on Ussop. I-I'll-"

"Sakura." Phhwwww. A new voice joined them, commanding her full attention.

Nojiko left herself lifted into a pair of strong, powerful arms. Yet, she was still alive, and soon caught the face of a masked man with grey hair.

"Kakashi-sensei!" the younger girl cried, tears of relief slipping through her eyelids. Ussop could only groan. A second Kakashi lifted the boy into his arms, to gasp at the deep crimson stain in the bandages wrapped around him.

"Sakura. The doctor who bandaged Zoro yesterday. Take me to him, immediately! And explain who did this." the jonin commanded her. A deep, passionate weight behind his words, that belied the scale and emotional chaos within Kakashi, as one of his comrades had been hurt…again.

Soon, the four were moving through the trees, with two Kakashi's guarding the wounded crew, while the original and a third clone carried them, and the kunoichi was upfront in the lead.

"Sakura," one of the clones moved up beside her. "Explain to me what happened to Ussop-san, and who this woman is," he questioned in a more subdued voice.

Sakura began to explain.

'Nojiko stood in the clearing, finishing her recount of Nami's life and predicament to the Straw Hat Pirates. Each with varying reactions.

"And that's it. We're very close to fulfilling the bargain between Arlong and Nami. If you all stay here though, it's only another burden and struggle for NamI to deal with. And all that is besides what might happen if you confront Arlong and make this situation worse for us. That is why you need to leave."

Luffy was barely bothered at all. Sakura remained composed after hearing the story before, while her fellow Genin had tears in his eyes. Naruto was barely containing his frustrations, his fists shaking with rage at the silhouette he imagined Arlong to be, and a wish to find and promise Nami to fight her enemy.

Gin took to story more measuredly, more than used to such atrocities though he found the virtual enslavement Nami had endured to be beyond disgusting. Ussop's face was strangely plain, while Snaji took a fresh smoke from his cigarette. Yosaku and Johnny were almost crying, eager to confront Arlong themselves.

Luffy himself rose to his feet, dusting off his pants before facing Nojiko directly.

"Nope."

"Excuse me?" she questioned him.

"Like I said before. We're not leaving here without Nami. If Arlong is the problem, then we'll wait until it's solved, and then she can join us. We're not going anywhere without her, though," the Straw Hat declared.

"But Captain, there's an easier answer, ya know!" Naruto cried, jumping in front of the older teen.

"Let's just go beat up Arlong! We beat Krieg in the end with only half of the crew. With all of us here, plus Kakashi-sensei, there won't be a problem, believe it! Plus, that bastard has gotta pay!"

Nojiko tried to interject, but Sakura beat her to it. "Naruto, that'll just make the situation worse. Nami wants to resolve this without violence. And besides, we don't know how strong these fishmen are. Running in like that will just cause more problems," the pinkette tried to explain. But the Uzumaki knucklehead was too stubborn.

"No way, Sakura we'll just find him, beat him up then Nami will come with us."

"Nope, we're not Naruto."

In a twirl of motion, the Genin's frowning face met Luffy; a little too cute to be taken seriously. "Whatdoya mean, Captain! Are you thinking of leaving her now?" he tried to interrogate the Rubber-man.

Luffy only glanced at him, raising his hands to rest behind his head.

"This isn't our business Naruto. So we're not going doing anything. There's no reason to butt into their affairs, it's not about us. Still, I'm not leaving without Nami. We'll just wait until she's done, then leave for the Grand Line together."

"I agree," Sanji spoke up. "Doing some odd jobs here and there to raise extra cash for Nami-swan would probably bring a solution to this problem faster. And I'd hate to leave such an amazing, strong lady under such a burden."

"NO!" Nojiko spoke up. "Didn't you all hear me? The best you can do is to leave. Just find that swordsman who went off on his own and get out of our island."

"Wait!" Ussop spoke up, as Luffy perked at the news. "Oh no! Did Zoro walk off on his own?" the sniper exclaimed.

"Um, yes?" Sakura answered. "Kakashi-sensei left to spy on Arlong this morning. He also gave instructions to Zoro about watching the coastline for the rest of you. We left him to get him on his own."

Ussop gapped at her before his forehead smacked into his palm. Luffy himself began to laugh.

"Shishishishishishishishishishi! Well, guess we've gotta go find Zoro. He's probably lost somewhere. Men, let's go find our direction-stupid Vice-captain!"

Sanji and Gin blinked at the news but went along with a shrug. The group split up, with Sanji making a special request.

"Naruto and I will go with the ladies. Between my chivalry and all the clones he can make, we can protect them both from any monsters."

"Yeah, I get to protect Sakura-chan!" Naruto cried with glee. 'Then maybe she'll say yes to a date with me,' he silently wished.

But, Sakura's form slid over to block him and the pervy-chef from Nojiko. "OH… no way. Who's gonna protect Nojik-san from you, then, Romeo?"

"Yeah, Sakura-chan is right, Sanji-senpai," Naruto joined in. "You'll just keep flirting with her and not get any work done. I'll go with them alone and they'll be fine."

Both of the blondes quickly started an argument, until Ussop stepped between them.

"Okay, okay. How about this. Sakura, Nojiko, who would you prefer to be accompanied with, so we can stop these two from wasting time finding Zoro," he proposed to them.

Sakura glanced around at each of them, before finding the one who had bothered to ask her at all. "You, Ussop. How about Mr. Gin and Luffy head together, while Naruto-san and Sanji-senpai search together."

Sanji was dissatisfied but nodded to their wishes nonetheless. While Naruto began to jump in excitement.

"Okay, let's go find Zoro! Follow me!" Naruto declared, with one fist pumped high before running off, with Sanji chasing after him. Luffy did the same with Gin, leaving Ussop and the girls alone.

"Um. Do they have any idea of where you're even going? Or of where this man might be?" Nojiko questioned him.

Ussop just folded his arms, "Na, probably not."

Sakura actually took a sigh of relief. 'At least one thing is still familiar amidst all this mess. Naruto's loud, usual self without any problems. I'm still trying to digest how Sasuke-kun was so mad and aggressive towards Miss. Nami.'

"Excuse me?" the pinkette spoke up. "Perhaps starting from a place we know and then moving on to different areas around the village would be a good place to start? Like at your house, Miss. Nojiko."

The other two agreed and soon began walking back towards her house. But on their way, they had an unfortunate encounter.

¾'s of the way back, Nojiko spotted a party of marines, with their leading stomping forward in a tantrum.

"Hey, Marines. Hey, hey, over here!" Sakura began to shout. While Ussop began to sweat, unable to hide before the Marine Colonel spotted them.

"Agghh! Could this day possibly become any worse!? First, I am bamboozled by the disgusting fish into thinking a large cache of treasure is ripe to be plucked from a tangerine orchard. Then I run into you again!" Nazumi cried, ready to blow a gasket.

"Ussop-san? Do you know this Marine?" Sakura questioned her teammate.

"Uh…yeah. On the way here, this guy ran into us. Wait-!" The sniper bopped his fist into his palm.

"Back in our encounter, this guy mentioned Arlong by name. He actually said these waters were part of that guy's territory."

"Wait!" Nojiko cut off Ussop, pointing an accusing figure at the dodgy colonel. "You mentioned that monster sending you to take treasure from a tangerine field. What else did he say?"

"Quiet, civilian! That treasure is of no concern of yours, even if your village's freedom is tied to him receiving it from that thief Nami. What is of importance is the criminal before me, who assaulted a dedicated civil servant!" Nazumi had drawn his pistol, with it levelled at Ussop.

Nojiko barely moved, But Sakura did not remain quiet, her mind pouring over this news, and connecting the facts to a probable conclusion.

"Arlong sent you! You must be one of the Marines who are on his payroll. This girl here is Miss. Nami's sister and you mentioned Nami collecting treasure and the deal Arlong made with her!" the Genin declared.

"OH, did I?" Nazumi muttered, his eyes remaining on Naruto. "Well, just call it a haunch. Still, I found nothing, so that bastard must have lied to me. Or that thieving, whore Nami moved it elsewhere. Now, my patience is very thin as it is, little girl. I suggest you—"

"Ugggh!" Nojiko let out a loud cry, years of building frustration, resentment and anger building up, ready to explode. "You horrible, slimy, bastard!"

Rushing forward, all rational lost, she punched the slow-witted Marine. By luck alone, Nazumi was too off-guard to fire and squealed as he was hit.

Sakura began to reach for her kunai, while Ussop pulled out his slingshot.

"You, imbecilic, bitch!" Nazumi shrieked.

A loud bang tore through the scene. Nojiko felt a searing pain, hotter than white iron in her shoulder. The girl's eyes grew wide, her form collapsed, and she tumbled back to the ground.

"Na…mi…." she gasped.

Time began to slow for Sakura and Ussop, watching their new friend fall to her knees, and lay on her wounded shoulder.

Nazumi merely huffed at the effort, too annoyed for any gloating. "I told you I was feeling frustrated," he admonished them. "Still, one more, for good measure.

"No!" Ussop shouted, charging in front of Nojiko.

"Speical atta—" Bggaaaammmm!

Before the Ussop could fire, Nazumi had already pulled the trigger. The bullet tore through Ussop's right pectoral and through his lung. The heroic coward's voice died in his throat, as he felt a horrible, crippling pain. It suddenly became difficult to breathe, and he couldn't even shout as he fell back, to the ground.

Sakura looked on, unmoving. The girl's mind….it was trying to digest what was happening. Everything around her faded to the background, tunnel vision forming on Nojiko and Ussop. Her consciousness was barely digesting what was happening before her, or able to compelling her to move.

Until a hand seized her by the chin, turning the girl to face its owner.

"Chichichichichichichi. Quite a pretty thing," Nazumi appraised her. "Young, healthy and with room to grow. Perhaps Arong would allow me to take you to a Human Auctioning House as compensation for my wasted time."

With that, he began to leave. "Stay here, where you can easily be found again. And watch those two die for opposing Navy business."

Just as they left, Ussop began to groan, barely moving.

Sakura finally snapped out of her thoughts, enough to move. Reaching her pouch, she removed all of the bandages she could find but dropped them immediately. The girl realized her hands were shaking too much. Looking down at Ussop and Nojiko, the sight of blood beneath them brought a wave of nausea. Her last meal was threatening to pour up from her stomach.

"Help him!" Nojiko's voice cut through the girl's paralyzed state.

"He was shot in—nnnnhhhhhh…." Her wound still crippled her, while the pain cut off her commands. "…the chest. If he doesn'-nnnhhhaaa-get help soon….then the damage to-ggghhhhhhh-…to him. It'll get worse! Bi-nnnnnn-…Bind the wound, then carry him to the doctor!" she exclaimed.

Sakura's mind grabbed those words like a lifeline. Focusing on them alone and pushing the horror to the background, she quickly removed Naruto's orange jacket. Recalling some lessons from the Konoh Academy, she placed sterile gauze around the opening, then wrapped multiple bandages around his torso. Next, she quickly moved towards Nojiko and did a similar patch job on her shoulder.

Just as she began to lift Ussop, barely able to carry him. Kakashi arrived.'

Sakura finished her account just as the group reached the village. Kakashi himself felt a fresh wave of guilt, as he carried Naruto in his arms. "Sakura, where is the doctor's office located?"

"It's right up—there he is sensei!" she pointed further up the road, where a man in a white coat was talking to Genzo.

"Doctor Nako! Help us, please!" Sakura shouted, running forward while waving for his attention. The pair of men looked over, each recognizing one of the groups that was running towards them.

Sakura fell to her knees before the doctor, while Genzo moved towards Nojiko.

"MY friend. He was shot through the chest by a pistol! Miss Nojiko has been shot in the shoulder too and—"

"Nojiko!" the doctor exclaimed. Stepping around the girl, he approached the figure carrying both patients in their arms.

"Hmm. Those patch jobs are spotty, and they both need surgery fast. Get them inside, right now!" he ordered them.

"Wait, take the boy first," Genzo ordered him. "Nojiko. What happened? How and who did this to you?"

As Dr. Nako moved Ussop inside with the real Kakashi, the one who held Nojiko addressed the older man.

"Let's move inside. It can be safer to discuss everything in there," he suggested. Genzo found the tone more of a command and obeyed without question.

Indoors, Sakura stood still, unable to sit or do anything but keep her eyes fixed on the door Dr. Nako and Kakashi had taken Ussop through. Nojiko was set down on a bed as the man carrying her began to add some additional bandages to the wound and stop the blood flow. While she explained to Genzo what had occurred with the Marines. As he took in the story, Genzo's face morphed through multiple emotions; horror, guilt, anger, and despair, before they settled on a resolute expression.

A left soon after. Giving the spare Kakashi the chance to glance around the room. His eye rested on the one kunoichi under his care.

'Sakura didn't face anything like this in Nami no Kuni, nor in Hanma Village after we arrived. Still, she found enough presence of mind to help them both after their wounds. One step at a time, I suppose. Maybe a distraction from this situation will help her,' he silently reasoned.

"Sakura." The girl didn't even turn at her sensei's voice. Until Kakashi stood up and lay one hand on her shoulder. Glancing up, she found a strangely sympathetic gaze in Kakashi's eye.

"You did well, helping Ussop. Now, we need to deal with the man who attacked him, and Arlong for taking a loophole in the deal he made with Arlong. Regardless of Nami's arrangement, one of our comrades has been hurt because of him. And that is one crime I will never allow someone to walk away from," his voice shifting from soft comfort to a steel blade.

"I want you to watch over Nojiko and wait here for him. I can track down the rest of the crew much faster and bring them here. Understand?"

Sakura nodded, as Kakashi lightly coaxed her towards the bed the second patient was resting in. He left soon after, leaving a third Kakashi to watch the doors while the real one was still inside with Naruto.

Half an hour later, Naruto and Sanji came running up the street, asking people for directions to the doctor's office. They arrived in time to see Ussop carried out by Kakashi while Dr. Nako moved towards Nojiko.

"Ussop-san! Naruto cried out, as Sanji took a fresh cigarette from his package.

"Naruto, save your energy, kid. You and I both know, the Captain isn't going to take this lying down. Contain your energy, until it's time to fight."

Kakashi nodded at him, placing Ussop in one of the hospital beds.

"Dr. Nako! How is Ussop-san?" Sakura questioned the man.

"Girl. It's horrible he got the wound at all, but the wound itself was lucky," the doctor answered, tearing off his gloves before moving on to Nojiko.

"The bullet tore through his lung but didn't hit any ribs or his spine. If that had happened, the bone fragments would've caused a lot of damage. Plus the bullet was intact instead of splintering once it got in him. Say what you will about the Marines, they kept their equipment up to par."

"Now, somebody help me get Nojiko inside to get that shoulder tended."

Sanji volunteered, completely focused and deadly serious. Nojiko was moved into the OR, while the ninjas remained beside Ussop.

The next arrivals surprised everyone. As Nami and Sasuke burst through the doors.

"Nojiko! Where is Nojiko!" the younger sister exclaimed. Kakashi was beside her in less than one second, with a calming hand on her shoulder to help the girl focus.

"Nami I found your sister just after she and Ussop were shot. The doctor is tending to her right now," he explained. Nami's hand moved to his lips, trying to stifle her emotions before moving towards the door.

Dr. Nako's voice interrupted her, but after seeing who it was, he invited her inside. Sasuke moved forward and stood with the other Team 7 members.

"Hey, Sasuke? Did you find Zoro at all?" Naruto asked him.

The Uchiha's hand curled into a fist, glaring forward as a snarl curled on his lips.

"Yeah, I found him but I couldn't help him. The guy was captured by the fishmen. After Nami found out about…" the boy swallowed as his throat grew tight. Two more were needed before his emotions were forced down, and the orphan continued…

"As Nami found out her sister was hurt, she told me Zoro-san was imprisoned within Arlong Park. I checked it out and watched as Zoro-san was brought outside. He was held at gunpoint and surrounded by 50 fishmen and another dozen of those Marines. Arlong gave him to some rat-faced idiot, who promised to execute Zoro-san once they were away from the island."

"All of the Marines, and other twenty Fishmen went with Zoro-san as an escort. Oo many for me to fight on my own, so I caught up to Nami just before she got here."

Sakura gasped, her hands rising to her gaping mouth. Naruto began to tremble, his face a picture of rage. Kakashi himself felt another stab of guilt, for letting the Marines walk away when he had the chance to prevent all of this.

Until they were distracted by a shout from outside.

"Eight long years ago! We all promised together we wouldn't spend our lives in vain!" Glancing outside, Team 7 saw everyone in the town gathering, armed for a fight. Genzo stood before them, the clear leader of the group.

"No matter what pain or humiliation we endured from Arlong, we swore to fight the long fight so Nami could meet his demand! But now, it is clear that the bastard will never let her of us be free! You all know what I describe, and we agree it is time to fight back!"

As the others look on, Nami bursts from the doctor's room, sprinting outside.

"Genzo! What are you doing!? You know what the consequences are for defying Arlong!" she shouted out, desperate to keep something in her life together after so much had fallen apart that day.

"What are you even talking about! There's no way Arlong will—" She was cut off, but Genzo wrapped one arm around her; a farewell hug to the girl who was like a daughter to him.

"Nami," he began, while each of the ninjas looked on.

"We've all known about your deal with Arlong. To buy our freedom and your own for 100,000,000 bellies."

Nami's eyes widened, as another piece of her plan, the solace from the torments she had endured, fell away to a dark abyss.

"Nojiko told us all. And so, we agreed not to make any trouble for Arlong in order for you to not be endangered. Or to suffer under another burden than the one you had already taken up. Listen," Genzo spoke, taking a step backwards, and placing both hands on Nami's shoulders.

"I know that the treasure is safe. That grey-haired ninja Kakashi hid it before the Marines arrived at your house. After he overheard Arlong making plans with that bastard who shot Nojiko to steal it. But that's not enough."

"All this has shown, is that Arlong will never honour your bargain. He'll only find another way out, keeping you by his side forever. Those fishmen…" his arms began to shake with rage.

"We have to make those filthy fishmen pay for the years they manipulated you, and us! We may never be free. But, at the very least, we can set you free from this kind of suffering! Bellemere…she would be so proud of you….were she standing here right now. I could never face her in the afterlife if I didn't know I did everything I could for you and Nojiko. But now, she has been hurt and Arlong is the source of it."

"Bellemere had the courage to give her life, for you and Nojiko. Having the same courage, while ensuring you both can live any life you choose, not one forced on you by others. That is all that I can do for you now."

As Genzo finished, more of the villagers took up a shout. All of them were united by the wish to live free, rather than trust Arlong's word or rule any further.

"Nami," Genzo faced her, for the final time. As tears began to gather in her eyes, the girl was too exhausted and lost to do anything. "Set yourself free from this village. And follow the life you want to live."

"No!" she cried, drawing a dagger towards them, trying to steady it with both hands.

"No, I-I'm not gonna let loose anyone more to that monster," she spoke, filled with desperation towards them. The girl was breathing deeply, her eyes wide and heavy with grief at everything that had happened; her world falling apart within one day.

"You'll all die." She reminded them. Only for Genzo to meet her with eyes of resignation, "We know that."

Sakura sank to her feet, amazed at the fate the entire village had chosen. Sasuke was looking back, while most of his attention was fixed on Nami.

Naruto, for once, was silent. 'They…that's like Haku running to take a hit for Zaubza. Or him tuning around to finish Gato knowing his death was coming. Or Tazuna helping his village despite facing down those kinda dangers instead of just bowing his head and doing nothing,' he recalled.

Kakashi himself look on, already making contingency plans.

Genzo himself took the knife from Nami without a single word. Turning back to the crowd, he drew a sword and ordered them, "Move out!"

With a roar, everyone ran past Nami, until only she and the pirates remained in the town.

A door inside the clinic opened Dr. Nako and Kakashi moved outside. The doctor had wanted to join them after treating Nojiko, but Kakashi had assured him they would be needing him later. The shadow clone disappeared as the original returned, while Nami sank to her knees.

Barely a sound was made, as Nami found herself completely drained, useless, and looking back on a wasted life. Her mind was plagued by the image of Nojiko, unconscious and hurt in the clinic. Of meeting Luffy, Zoro, Ussop and the ninjas. From Nojiko's own tattoos and unconditional assurance and comfort. Of the betrayal of her rival Carina, and imprisonment by Mad Treasure.[3] Of returning home beaten, burnt and bruised, but waving it off in light of her progress.

Until her mind reached the moment Bellemere died before her eyes, and the laughter that followed.

'Shahahahahahahahaha! Shahahahahahahahahahaha! Shahohohohoho! Shahahahahahahahahahahaha!'

Growing….insulting…the single, horrible sound was overwhelming her.

Turning to her shoulder, she glared at the tattoo, spitefully. The mark had been forced on her, a sign of her torment, enslavement, horrors and trials. The mark of the one man, who took everything from her life. Who's laughter filled her ears this very moment. As a shaky hand rose towards it, her face a glare of hatred marred with tears, the glint of her knife caught her eye.

Pure rage unfolded.

"Arlong!" she exclaimed, grasping the knife, and plunging it into herself. "Ghu-Arlong!" Another stab. "Arlong! Arlong-Arlong! Ghu-Arlong!"

"Miss Nami, stop!" Sakura cried, joined by Naruto, the pair ran over to grab her arm. Nami's horrified face met theirs, before knocking them both aside aside and proceeding to stab herself further. Kakashi and Sasuke looked on. Neither had witnessed this level of despair or hopelessness before, even in themselves.

Nami continued stabbing herself, and halfway out another figure ran out from the clinic. "Nami, no!" Nojiko screamed, seizing the hand and the knife. "Stop, stop letting him win by hurting yourself!"

"Let go of me! Please, Nojiko, let go!" Nami demanded, ripping the knife out, drawing fresh blood from the mark on her shoulder again.

"Why, you're only hurting yourself!" Nojiko cried, wrestling with her younger sister.

"Because-ghhrrr—Because it's the only way I have left to hurt that monster!"

Grasping Nojiko's hand to free the one holding the knife, another stab pierced Nami's shoulder, drops of blood flying out from the wound. -Rhhe—rrhRrhaa!-It's the only thing I can take from him!"

"I HATE HIM! EVERYTHING I HAVE, HE'S TAKEN FROM ME! THAT MONSTER! AND—AN—AND—AND I CAN'T DO ANYTHING -AAAAAAHHH!" Nami's voice reached a higher pitch, her emotions now at their worst.

Sakura could barely breathe, watching all that happen. Sasuke was not much better, recalling similar thoughts about himself, compounding the self-directed anger towards his inability to help Zoro. The one man alive he admired and held true respect for.

Kakashi was harder to read, but memories of Obito and Rin's death were coming to the forefront of his mind. And his own cry of despair after a Chidori plunged through Rin's heart.

Sanji finally came outside, but Kakashi held him back from anything. Pointing at their new arrivals.

"AAhhhhh-AHhhhhhh—ARLONG! ARLONG—ARLONG! ARL-"

Finally, someone stepped forward, who could stop Nami. Luffy stood above her, grasping her wrist.

"Luffy…." Nami muttered, the knife dropping to the ground. Gin was behind him, looking onwards with a deeply serious face.

"Nami," Luffy spoke to his navigator. Causing the girl's eyes to widen, at the serious tone behind them.

"Why are you crying? What is going on?" the Straw hat Captain questioned her.

Nami took several gulps before she could speak, only in a whisper. "Arlong. He's…he's taken…taken everything I care-..ghuk..-about. My dreams…my hope….my freedom…he owns me and my life. He's….destroying everything an-and anything I have…and even hurt my sister, Nojiko."

"Ussop is hur—hurt because of him too. Shot by some Marine under…that…monster's control."

"WHAT!" Luffy exploded. Only two thoughts were running through his head: a sibling hurt by someone else, and another one of his crew injured. Looking over at the others, Kakashi and Sanji both nodded at their captain.

Nami's hand rose to her mouth, guilt for the boy who fought to save his own village creeping through her. Until a pair of hands lifted her to her feet. S

he fought back at first until her eyes met Luffy's face. The Captain's eyes were blazing white, with pupils darker than an eclipse. His mouth was pressed together, with a furry that even made Kakashi and Gin hesitant.

"Your sister got hurt? And this same bastard shot Ussop! All because of this Arlong, guy?!" he demanded from her, as molten rage began to churn in his soul.

Nami could only whimper. Broken, as blood dripped down her arm, and only Luffys' support kept her upright. Before nodding her head. With eyes of pure defeat, and unable to stop her crying, she turned to one...final…hope…left to her….."Arlong….he did…

…Luffy. Help me," she begged from him.

Luffy's eyes were now hidden by his hat. Before he wrapped the girl in his arms. Nami responded to his hug, leaning in the one tiny solace that remained, clutching it to stay alive. Her head leaned into the crook of his neck, as her body shuddered at the comfort.

For a moment, Luffy just held her. His gaze passed over each of his crew one at a time; Zoro was still missing, but each person there was looking to him to say the words they knew were coming. Kakashi himself stumbled back a step, amazed at the sheer determination and will in the captain's eyes.

"Where is Zoro?" Luffy questioned them. Sasuke stepped forward. "He won a fight with some of Arlong's crew. But the rest of them defeated him and imprisoned him in their fortress. Arlong gave him to a couple of the crooked Marines to execute him," the Uchiha shared. Naturally, Luffy's face began to twist, his rage driven even higher.

"Old Man Kakashi! Go stop those villagers from being stupid!" Luffy commanded him. Kakashi nodded before he vanished in a substitution. As Luffy turned back to his navigator.

"Nami," slowly, the girl looked up. Luffy brought one hand to his hat, while the other held the girl on her feet. Soon the straw hat, Luffy's treasure, was planted on Nami's head, leaving her in a sense of awe.

"We're friends, Nami. Of, course we'll help you," Luffy pledged to her. "But even bigger than that. This Arlong guy. He hurt Zoro. His Marine friend hurt Ussop. And You The MOST."

"HE'S GONNA PAAAAAAAAYYYYY!"

End.

[1]-After watching Zoro vs. Mihawk, the swordsman has done the impossible. He managed to get Sasuke to use honourifics to address him.

[2]-The pilot-Arc of One Piece. 153rd Branch is where Ax-Hand Morgan was station, where Nami snuck in to swipe a map of the Grand Line, that had already been taken by Buggy.

[3]-One Piece: Heart of the Gold, and One Piece: Gold.

Phew…this chapter had a lot squeezed into it, and it took more than a while to short everything in a way I was satisfied with. Although, I also enjoyed writing about Sakura, Kakashi and Sasuke the most. Developing them a bit further and exploring a side to Sasuke that I find other writers do not often comprehend.

Also, I wanted to giving Arlong due credit in this chapter. Horrible though he is, even monsters have their own set of morals. To me, he is a far more compelling villain, and a perfect foil, to Don Krieg. Krieg was extremely delusional over the realities of his ambitions, was exceedingly impatient, and viewed all those under his command as expendable. Arlong deeply treasured each of his crew, following an unbreakable code of brotherhood between them, had deep patience for his ambitions, and had great physical might.

I am very excited to write about him, as out of all the enemies the Mugiwara have made. Arlong is one of the few who values his crew first and foremost almost as much as Luffy does.

Now, three different members of Luffy's crew have suffered at Arlong's hands. The stakes have been raised for one hell-of-a-brawl.