Alright, I've been getting into a real good streak, and I hope you guys enjoyed it. So here's another chapter for you fellas.

I know many of you were less than satisfied that Naruto wasn't able to say goodbye to Tiger on his deathbed, I can understand that, I just wanted to make it more sad.

Now, this chapter build up has been a bit slower, because my steam has been going slow, mainly because I need some inspiration now, because I'm rewatching Star Wars, of which I'll tell you now, AJD next chapter might come out the following month.

As for the other fics, I am in disarray again (Sorry) but luckily, the Holiday Season is back. So that's a plus point. :)

Also, just spread around the positivity now, you feel me? Because its the time for it, especially now with these damned times, turning 24 myself very soon this month, I am really surprised that time can go fast.

Leaving the sentimental stuff aside, enjoy the chapter I made for y'all and, so read, follow, and review once you'se done.

Before I start, I please ask you all to support my boy, LuciusWalker. Dude's got a Naruto - Inside Job fic I am helping out now.

Peace!

Fish-man Island

Only a day after the split of the Sun Pirates, the remnants of those who stayed with Jimbei, finally had arrived back at their homeland. After years of fighting, fleeing, surviving and resisting, they were glad to go back to their families who they've missed.

The best example was that of a woman and her mermen child, with the son being embraced into the arms of his father who laughed out of sheer joy, as he was the first out of the many crew members to have begun reuniting with their loved ones.

That sight was being observed by none other than Naruto, who watched it from the ship as he could only stare at the happiness and tears of joy being expressed out of the guy who has been fighting alongside with for three full years.

He felt happy for them, of course. But something made him also sad, like it was all over now…

'I see you're conflicted about this, kid.' Kurama said what he could see. 'Tell me, what's bothering you?'

Naruto sighs and responded. "Nothing for you to be concerned over."

'Don't start with me about that. I can see you're staring at those reuniting families.' Stating the obvious, Kurama asked again. 'Just tell me what's bothering you.'

"Fine, you damn fox, I feel lost now…." Naruto stated. "Now with everyone going their own lives, I don't know what to do now with the crew disbanded and all."

Saying that, it only made Naruto sadder, not only was he a kid with no planned future, let alone a orphan. He also had made his goodbyes with some of the closest crew members, like Hachi who was not given a proper chance to depart, and Macro who left with his friends.

'Things don't last forever, kid. Be glad that at least they're all alive now, given that you were all given amnesty.' Kurama tried to give him some positives sides. 'Besides, you got something given by that Macro guy, did you?'

Naruto chuckled. "Right…."

Pulling out something from his holster, an custom-made Colt. 45, one of the revolvers that Macro very much liked to use, and he was given one as a last present before parting ways. With the grip of the revolver being orange, his favorite color.

'Don't see it as a farewell, kid. See it as a 'till later' because I got a feeling you'll see them again soon.'

A smile grew on Naruto's face, taking these words to heart.

"Naruto."

Hearing his name, Naruto turned around to see Jimbei approach him with Aladdin, who was seen carrying a bag around his back.

"Yes, captain?" Naruto answered, still using the formal title. "Something wrong?"

"I want you to come with me. There's someone I need you to meet, in order for you to stay here." Jimbei told him. "Aladdin has gathered everything that belongs to you and packed it up."

Confused by this, Naruto asked. "Wait, what about the ship?"

"Kaneshiro's going to dock this ship and clean it all up." Aladdin smirked. "You don't think we would let you live on the ship, do you?"

"Well, I-"

"Absolutely not," Jimbei said to him. "I've already made my decision of where you'll be living, so follow me first." Jimbei said, walking down the ship's plank. "Don't forget your stuff."

"Here kid, everything's in it." Aladdin said, handing over the bag. "Your books, carpeting material, clothes, anything in your room." He then pulls out Naruto's Springfield rifle. "And don't forget about this. This belongs to you."

"Okay, thanks." Naruto replied, slung the rifle around his back before he accepted the bag. "Will I see you later, Aladdin?"

"Of course you will, kid!" Kaneshiro answered instead, walking in on the conversation, and smiled. "We'll still see you around, just get settled first and then we'll do something together, alright?"

Liking what he heard, Naruto nodded and responded . "Right, we'll sure do."

"Naruto, come." Jimbei said, waiting on the ground floor. "There are a few people we'll need to meet."

"Coming." Naruto responded as he walked down the boarding plank, and soon was besides Jimbei as they made their way to the major city.

Aladdin and Kaneshiro watched on from the ship, focused on the boy, before the shipwright brought up his concerns.

"You think the boy will be alright?" Kaneshiro asked the doctor. "I mean, you've known him longer than me."

Aladdin responded with some confidence. "It will take a while, but he'll be alright."

"I wonder how the island will react to his presence, though," Kaneshiro wondered. "With what has happened to Tiger, they might be skeptical of seeing a human walking among them."

Having heard that, Aladdin had looked back up to one of the many buildings that were overseeing the reunions. With spectators watching from above, not needing to figure out the many murmurs of dissatisfied looks, he saw these people give.

"Either if they like it or not, Naruto is one of ours, he's proven himself to us, and no one has the right to comment on what happened on that voyage unless they've been there." Aladdin commented, not liking the stares that were given. "So don't worry about the kid, he's grown up under us, and he'll do fine."

Kaneshiro nodded. "I hope so."

Coral Hill

Whilst walking through the streets of the shopping district, Jimbei and Naruto were being the center of attention, but that was easily being ignored by Naruto, who saw the area around him had changed, with some new buildings and everything.

"Things have clearly changed here since last time." Naruto said, "lot different from 3 years ago."

"Yeah, you can say that." Jimbei agreed, seeing the new neon light that some of these buildings were having, with b rightful colors and so forth. "Perhaps modernization even comes down here, I suppose."

The silence between the two was there for a solid few minutes, before Naruto then brought something up.

"Boss Jimbei, I understand why you did this."

"Hmm?" Jimbei wondered. "What do you mean?"

"Why you accepted the Warlord proposal, to find a way out." Naruto said to him. "So they could be given full amnesty, many might see you as a coward and a backstabber, but I do believe you've made the right choice as the captain of our crew, and I stand right behind you for what you did."

Hearing that from the kid, brought some more relief to the whale shark fishman, who had been struggling for a few days for the decision he had made, knowing it would be controversial in the eyes of many Fishmen, he knew at least that members of his own crew at least understood the situation. It was another relief to know that Naruto, the kid who lost the only father figure to the same authorities who he dealt with, held no grief feelings against him.

"Thank you, Naruto, I really appreciate it."

Naruto smiled at his captain. "No problem, boss."

The two just kept on walking, towards their first stop. Which was the entrance of a large, successful establishment that had a waiting line that got a lot of men waiting in.

"Mermaid Café…" Naruto read out the name of the fancy place and looked at Jimbei with a wondering mind. "Uhm, why are we here, boss?"

"To meet with a person who will be your guardian, she's someone I know from way back then and she's a reliable person." Jimbei answered him. "I heard she took over the Mermaid Café only a few months ago."

"Please don't tell me you're here for what I think you're here for." Naruto feared. "The last thing I want to hear is that you're a pervert."

"No, kid. I'm not that kind of person. So no need to worry." Jimbei shook his head, being rather annoyed to be thought like that, but understood the kid's concerns. "Besides, she's like family to me. So that's the reason I trust her."

"Family, you say?" Naruto's eyebrows raised up. "Who is she?"

"That I won't say now, just wait here." Jimbei told him as he went into the café, without being stopped, causing Naruto to think for the worse.

"Don't tell me he's a regular here, is he?"

'Who knows, I wouldn't blame him, of course. After all, I'd be curious to know what Mermaids would offer in a place like this.' Kurama said, unable to contain a chuckle of his. Causing Naruto to groan internally.

"Please, do not tell me you're a pervert also? I really don't get it what's with you all being like this."

'Kid, once you're in the age group to hit puberty now, perhaps your mind still needs to catch up before it all happens.'

"What?" Naruto asked confused.

"Kid!"

Naruto's thoughts were interrupted when he got approached by Jimbei, who already had come out of the building. A bit fast, if you could ask him.

"Already?" Naruto asked surprised to his big friend. "You weren't in there for a minute."

"Yeah, someone recognized me and told me she is waiting in the back, in her private office." Jimbei said as he started walking again. "We'll go around to the back entrance, so follow me."

"Why not go through the front entrance?"

"And get myself in trouble for bringing a minor? No, thank you." Jimbei declined as he continued. "Now let's go."

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Jimbei had knocked a few times in the back door entrance of the establishment, with Naruto standing right behind him. The door opened, and standing right there was one of the mermaid workers.

"Ah, Jimbei, come in. she's waiting for you." The mermaid, with black long wavy hair who greeted the captain with respect. "In the back office."

"Thank you, Nerissa." Jimbei politely answered to her, as he walked past to enter the building. "Come, Naruto."

Naruto followed through, but then felt a hand touch his shoulder, it being the mermaid woman who stopped him.

"Uhm, something wrong?"

"Your name is Naruto?" The mermaid asked. "Like in, Naruto Uzumaki?"

"Uhm, yes, that's me." Naruto answered cautiously. "Is there something wrong?"

"Oh, no, no, no, on the contrary. It's nice to finally meet you!" Nerissa said, smiling down to the young teenager. "You most likely don't remember, but you've met my daughter a few yeas back."

Naruto questioned. "Your daughter?"

'Kid, she's got the same dark wavy hair, freckles, and its a striped beakfish Mermaid.' Kurama quickly notified him with the facts. 'That girl you met three years ago who was scared of you.'

Hearing that, Naruto realized who she was and said. "You're Ishilly's mother, aren't you?"

Nerissa smiled and chuckled at that fast thinking. "Yes, I am. Its nice to finally meet the first human who talked with my daughter. She couldn't stop talking about that encounter for days."

"Oh, it was nothing." Naruto waved it off, seeing it not as much of a big deal.

"Oh, but it is, because you see, we're not coming across many nice humans. Only pirates." Nerissa explained to him. "Its very nice to see she got a different encounter for once."

"I'm sorry to be a conversation breaker here, but Naruto and I really have a schedule for now." Jimbei said. "So will you come along?"

"Oh, of course, go ahead. I'll need to go back to work anyway." Nerissa said, swimming past Naruto on her bubble and waving them off. "Have a good day, boys." She then opened the door and entered back into the café, with the music being briefly heard.

Naruto's eye twitched when his suspicions began to rise and turned to his captain. "Please, don't tell me that-"

"Let's move along." Jimbei said as he continued to walk, really seemingly waiting to avoid this conversation. "We'll meet Shyarly there."

"Okay, but who's this Shyarly?" Naruto asked, wondering who she was. "She an friend of yours?"

"A childhood friend of mine…" Jimbei then revealed. "Also….the sister of Arlong."

"... Arlong has a sister?"

Bubbles, numerous amount of bubbles.

That was what's coming out of a pipe that someone was using while sitting back on the large couch that was just big enough for the young lady to sit in.

"You don't know how glad I am to see you return, Boss Jimbei."

Jimbei could genuinely smile in the presence of her and replied. "Its good to see you're doing well also, Madam Shyarly."

The young lady who just preferred as Madam, was not even in the same age as Jimbei, but was closer to that of Naruto's perhaps as she had young voluptuous features. She's an Shortfin mako shark Mermaid with the goth like colors that got along her short black hair that covers over the right side of her face, with the purple dark hoodie she wore, with underneath it the body of a good developed young woman, her name was Shyarly and she was the owner of the Mermaid Café.

The first impression alone, left Naruto silent in the background, being genuinely surprised by meeting the woman who was supposed to be Arlong's sister.

Jimbei pleaded. "Please, just Jimbei. No need to call me Boss."

"Well you called me Madam, and I'm only being called that because I own this place." Shyarly smiled while smiling. "Besides, don't you remember? I always used to call you boss, ever since I was a kid."

"You still are a kid, compared to me."

"True, except now I own the best place in Coral Hill at the age of eighteen." Shyarly countered, with a chuckle, as she blew out more bubbles. "Meanwhile, I heard you came back, with only a part of your crew."

Sighing at this, Jimbei had to answer her that. "Yes, Arlong did not agree to me accepting the Warlord position. He took his crew with him and pretty much left on his own."

Naruto, watched this from the sidelines, and wondered what the reaction was going to be of his sister.

Shyarly sighed and shook her head. "That damned fool." Clearly disappointed. "He's still like he was three years ago, hasn't learned a damn thing. Hard to believe he's my brother. Thought the three years with Tiger would finally open his eyes on the ignorant nonsense he has been playing in his head."

Jimbei understood the disappointment of Shyarly, and could only give her these following words.

"He'll need to learn sooner or later, because if he doesn't, he'll just disrespect Tiger's last wishes, and despite his stubbornness, he's no fool to forget that."

"I suppose so. Still…" Shyarly looked dissatisfied about it. "The fact he still goes around with that mentality, makes me fear he'll do something incredible stupid that will haunt him later."

Hearing this conversation taking place, Naruto now was fully convinced Arlong's sister was the direct opposite of her brother.

'Looks like she's got a different perspective on humans.' Kurama commented in Naruto's head. 'Perhaps she's more open-minded than her brother.'

"And, Jimbei, mind introducing me to whoever this young man is?"

Naruto shot his head up, hearing himself being mentioned, he showed himself like he was paying attention to the whole conversation.

"Ah yes, allow me to introduce you to the former cabin boy, Naruto." Jimbei began as he motioned to him. "Naruto Uzumaki, he's been part of the Sun Pirates for the whole journey."

Naruto stepped forwards a few steps and bowed his head slightly. "Its nice to meet you, Madam Shyarly."

The shark Mermaid grew a small smile, not too wide for Jimbei to notice, but wide enough for her to see who he was, as she can clearly remember who this human teenager was, and it brought a chuckle out of her lips that was followed by a comment she made of what he was carrying.

"Isn't it dangerous for a kid like you to carry such big guns around?" Shyarly asked, with her tail directly pointing to the rifle that was slung around Naruto's back, and the holster belt that held the revolver.

Naruto tugged them and said. "Why? Is there a problem with me carrying them?"

"No, nothing serious." Shyarly said with that smile and asked. "I do wonder what circumstances were there to allow a boy like you to carry such dangerous objects."

"To try and protect those who are close to me…." Naruto said out the part that came right in his mind. "... Against those who hurt my friends."

That answer, startled Shyarly for a bit as she didn't expect that answer to be given in such normality, and saw the look in his face that is if he meant it. Reading his eyes, the shark mermaid could see he wasn't making any false impressions.

'He's seen things that no other child should've seen, and he's done things what not every men has done.'

Jimbei watched, knowing that Shyarly was examining Naruto shortly, with her gift she often could read the mind of those who she met. Knowing fully well she's now figured out Naruto hasn't had his hands clean.

"Shyarly, I need you to do me a favor for me." Jimbei began. "I need you to help me give Naruto some sort of housing in the upper levels, can you do that for me?"

"Wait, what?" Naruto began confused. "What do you mean?"

Shyarly crossed her arms at Jimbei with a raised eyebrow. "And why would I do that? If you can't see, I'm already busy running a business, so babysitting someone doesn't help my agenda either."

"Hey, I don't need a babysitter. I'm fourteen nearing-"

"You don't need to babysit him. Naruto is capable of working in any field in return of him having a place to live." Jimbei spoke, abruptly interrupting Naruto through his conversation with her. "He'll be of no trouble to you. I promise you that."

Hearing this, Naruto got confused what's being decided, and he was about to ask what's going on until-

"Alright, I might get something for him." Shyarly stated, not taking long to decide as she eyed the young man. "He looks like he'll be able to throw some troublemakers out. In exchange for him being the Café's bouncer, I'll provide him a place to live and a salary."

"A bouncer, now hold on-"

"Deal, that's settled then." Jimbei said, turning to Naruto. "Alright, kid. You've got yourself a job and a place to live."

"Can you now finally let me talk-"

"Big sis Shyarly!" Two small girls stormed right into the room, mermaids who jumped right into the arms. Interrupting Naruto yet again, who just gave up.

"Never mind, then." Naruto groaned as he just lost a battle he didn't even got the chance to say in. "What just happened?"

'Stop complaining, kid. You're getting a job as a bouncer in a mermaid restaurant, what's wrong with you?'

Shyarly laughed for a bit by the embrace she got from the two girls. "Sorry, girls, but I got visitors now."

One of the mermaid girls, quickly turns her head around, and upon seeing the human, she quickly swam herself towards him.

"NARUTO!"

"Who-Ugh!" Naruto got tackled to the ground, the mermaid was a strong one and actually managed to force him to the ground, luckily his rifle was empty so he didn't need to feat it from going off.

"You've finally returned, yay!" The small raven haired girl said, smiling. "Remember me? Mom told me you were back just a few minutes ago."

Naruto's mind popped up and he then recognizes the little grown up girl. "Ah, Ishilly, its you."

"You do remember me!"

Unable to contain it, Naruto began laughing as he patted her head. "Well, well, you've grown up. Haven't you?"

"I sure did!" Ishilly said, breaking the hug and showing she gained a bit more confidence and said. "I'm eight now, I'm growing into a woman soon!"

The expression sure made the others laugh, with Jimbei and Shyarly unable to suppress the chuckles that they tried to contain, while the orange haired girl, with a white tail that contained blue dots on her was confused, as she wondered why her friend was hugging this human boy who was way older than her.

"Ishilly, who is that?"

"Oh, this is my friend Naruto, Mona!" Ishilly turned back to her fellow mermaid. "Remember how Seira and Camie told you about?"

"Wait, he's that human?" The orange haired girl asked surprised, pointing at him. "But he's got whisker marks on his face."

"I know, but he's actually a human, and you can touch them." Ishilly turns to Naruto and asks him. "Can she, please?"

Naruto chuckled and said. "Alright, why not."

The following moment was that of the two young mermaid girls touching and stroking the whisker cheeks of Naruto, with it causing a bit of an amusing scene to watch.

"Wow…"

Naruto chuckled at the orange haired girl. "Glad you liked it."

"Naruto! Naruto! Are you going to stay here now?" Ishilly asked, bit jumpy. "Or are you going away soon?"

"Kukuku, no Ishilly, our friend Naruto's going to stay here now." Shyarly answered happily to the little girl. "If you want to know, he's going to work here as the bouncer."

That news got the raven haired mermaid girl to jump excitedly after hearing this.

"YAY! Do you hear that, Mona? Naruto's going to stay here!"

"Yes, my first human friend!" Mona joined in, both now in each other's arms as the cheerful emotions got them hard.

A hour later

After having dropped off most of his stuff at the Mermaid Café, Naruto and Jimbei made their way towards the second stop that was rather breathtaking for the young human.

Inside a air bubble, Naruto was amazed as he walked through hallways of the Ryugu palace - the home of the Royal Family. Every step he made, he could not stop glancing at the many decorations and architecture that was fascinating to walk through.

Jimbei saw it and asked. "What do you think of the palace, kid? You like it?"

"Not going to lie, I'm surprised and also dumbfounded." Naruto said, looking around. "But….also got a question in mind."

"What's that?"

"How is it that the place is filled with water, yet the structure isn't crushed by the water?" Naruto asked. "Seriously, I'm kinda intrigued to know about it."

"Maybe another time, because we're here now." Jimbei said, stopping right there. "We're here now."

Stopping right in front of the door, that was tall and wide enough for a gigantic beast to go through, it was then when it got opened up by itself.

"Prepare to meet the Royal Family, Naruto." Jimbei told Naruto into preparation. "So try to be in your best behavior, and do not do something stupid."

"Hey…" Naruto protested. "You're talking to me, boss. Not Arlong."

"Fair point."

A loud voice was heard. "Enter!"

The two, upon hearing being called, went through the door and soon Naruto found himself having entered what he presumes was the throne room, as he walked past numerous of Royal guards who kept their guard.

'*Whistle* Fancy place they got. To believe the big guy worked here.'

Jimbei then stopped, just as Naruto stood right behind him, finally spotting the throne that was occupied by a….large merman.

The guy was perhaps the reason for the large entrance doors, possible 40 feet, as he had a chest full with hair and a grown beard that was the same color as his red hair. By the golden crown he wore and the scepter that laid besides him, it could be easily figured out this man was the King.

whilst standing right next to his throne, was a mermaid woman who was of a normal height, for a mermaid of course, around 7 feet he could assume who had golden blonde hair as himself that was long enough to be held up in two loops, and wore a white kimono with a cream-colored carp-scale design.

Not knowing why, but by her, Naruto could sense motherly-vibes coming out of her, yet he couldn't figure out why.

"Jimbei, its good to see you're back again." Queen Otohime said with a hand over her chest. "I'm genuinely happy to see you return back alive."

Hearing this got Jimbei to bow his head to the queen and thanked her. "Your Majesty, it warms me to hear you say that. Thank you."

"Still, Jimbei. Its good to see you've made it out alive from this uncertain path…" King Neptune said with a saddened look on his face. "I just wished that it could've been Tiger that was among you instead…"

"Believe me, your Highness, I wish for the very same thing." Jimbei stated, raising his head back up. "On the three-year-long journey, we've lost many brothers in our struggle, but the loss of Tiger was the hardest, for many of us."

Queen Otohime could see the pain in Jimbei's eyes, and then noticed something standing behind him, that had a bubble surrounding it.

"Still, I'm glad to hear that many of your crew are now reuniting with their families now." King Neptune stated. "I've been notified by my guards, and they told me everything."

"Yes, they're all in the good hands of their families now, but I came here to ask you something." Jimbei requested their attention. "You see, there's one member of our crew, who's in need of permanent residence, because he's not a native here."

Unknowingly to them, a few children were watching from the sideline behind pillars, with three of them being sons, and one daughter who was bigger than them. And they all had their eyes fixated on the conversation.

"Oh, permanent residence, you say?" King Neptune questioned, wanting to know more. "For who precisely, if I may ask?"

"For Naruto, the former cabin boy of the crew. He's in need of a permit to be allowed to live here, as he's an orphan who's got no direct living relatives." Jimbei told them, straight up forwards, before adding. "He's already got an place to stay and is willing to work, but because he's still underage, he'll need a guardian and I'd like to apply for that position."

Hearing this all at once, caused a bit of a stunned reaction from both the King and Queen for very different reasons. For Neptune, it was odd to hear that Jimbei, someone he had served along with for a good few years, was willing now to be a guardian to some child.

While Queen Otohime, was surprised but also felt her heart a bit sunk when she heard that the boy was an orphan, with no relatives, and had already found a job, meaning he most likely had been gone through a rough childhood.

"Are you certain of this decision, Jimbei?" The King asked for confirmation. "This is an very serious thing you're asking for. So I must know if you're sincere about it."

"I feel it is my responsibility." Jimbei answered up. "I owe it to Tiger, so my decision stands."

"Very well then, it will be settled." King Neptune agreed and then asked. "May I ask where this Naruto boy is?"

"Right here, sir."

The sudden voice got the royal pair to be caught off guard, as it was then when Naruto finally came out from behind Jimbei, still in the air bubble, as he revealed himself to them.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and it's an honor to meet you, your Highness." Naruto said as he bowed his head down respectfully to both members of the Royal house.

The fact that an human child was now standing in the Palace, and the fact Jimbei mentioned that this was the person he wanted to be the guardian off, got some reactions to come out.

"A human?"

"Here in the palace?"

"What's going on?"

Jimbei turned his head towards the whispering guards, who shut their mouths the moment they were spotted.

The first reactions got Naruto to think that there might be some hard feelings that were still present after Tiger's death, and he prepared for the worst, until-

"Child, raise your head up." Otohime was the one requesting it, "Please?"

Naruto did what he was told, and faced the mermaid woman who looked at him directly in his eyes, unfazed by her, he kept his cool as she then asked.

"I want you to answer my question with honesty, so please tell me." Otohime began with a worried expression. "Is it true what Jimbei told us? That you were part of the Sun Pirates under Fisher Tiger?"

Naruto nodded and answered to her in all the honesty she asked for, without a second of hesitation.

"From the day he broke me out of Mariejois to the day he died. Yes ma'am, I was part of Tiger's crew for three whole years."

This answer got some screws loose to what they've never thought of, with it now being confirmed that a human was part of the infamous Sun Pirates. Especially, the thoughts of one of the guards were disturbed.

Otohime then noticed the weapon belt on the young child, where she could see a revolver was in, and it got her to ask her next question.

"Child, how old are you?"

Naruto stated. "Fourteen, ma'am. Soon turning fifteen this following month."

"And why do you carry a gun?"

"... Self-defense." Naruto shortly said. "But also for hunting. Do not worry, I know how to work these, your Highness."

It was then when she wanted to ask perhaps the most uncomfortable question that came up her mind, but it was her husband who'd ask-

"Have you ever been forced to shoot back at those who posed a direct threat of danger to you, young Naruto?" Neptune asked instead of his wife. Hoping he would get a straighter answer to him then what he assumes, a more restricted answer to her.

Naruto answered. "I did. I did shoot back at multiple occasions against enemies."

"And….did you kill someone?" Otohime asked.

"... That I wish not to answer." Naruto refused to answer that question.

Even with that question not getting a straight answer, the Queen could clearly see in the eyes of the teenager boy, that the answer was the direct opposite, and he looked non-bothered about it.

It brought a sad reality for her to find out, that this young man had shed blood in self-protection. Having grown up way too fast.

Wanting both to change the subject, King Neptune and Jimbei both reverted the conversation back to something more comfortable.

"I'll let the Ministers deal with the necessary documentation for Naruto's stay on Fishman Island. Of course, it will take a while, the usual bureaucracy." Neptune stated. "I do however wish to speak to you soon about your departure towards Navy Headquarters later, if you don't mind."

"Of course, your Majesty." Jimbei complied with that. "Now, if you excuse me, I've got one last thing to do with Naruto."

"Of course, you're free to go." Neptune said, raising his hand up. "And for you, young Naruto, enjoy your stay, and welcome to Fishman Island."

Naruto bowed his head. "Thank you, King Neptune.

"Let's go, kid."

Naruto and Jimbei then began to make their way back towards the exit. All the while they're being eyed by the many spectators who were watching from a distance.

On his way out, Naruto noticed that behind the pillars to his left, a few mermen children, were watching him with amazement, with one especially that of the very large pink haired mermaid girl almost gawking at him - like seeing a girl getting a puppy.

Naruto smiled at them and gave a small wave to them, to which they in return waved back, as he then left through the door.

Just when they left, Otohime watched on how her nervous children made their first interaction with a human, and could only smile at what she saw. Something that her husband noticed.

"You alright, my dear?"

"I am." Otohime told her husband but noted. "Its just…that boy…"

"Yes, I know what you're feeling, Otohime." Neptune sighed. "Unfortunately, life's cruel, and the child most likely has gone through such phases."

Otohime watches how the doors closed down, making her think she'd make sure to later do something, to make sure the human boy would feel welcome here.

"Mommy!"

Seeing her children swim towards her, made the Queen smile as they swarmed her and her husband, who happily took them in their arms.

Having a family moment.

Later

Sea Forest

In the Northeastern part of the Kingdom, was the beautiful Forest that was covered in gigantic coral walls and sea faunas that stretches out in all length and sizes that populated the area. All that with it being lighted by the Sunlight Tree Eve that laid just on top of it.

The area also was where many parts of wrecked ships that made their final resting place in and around the forest, often by the currents of the ocean, giving it the nickname 'Ship Graveyard'.

Yet, it was still one of the most beautiful parts of the island, where Naruto now stood and admired the area.

'Ah….I love this place already, makes me want to sleep in here.'

Naruto could only shake his head, but chuckled at Kurama's comment, as it was indeed true. This place was beautiful.

He was going to love it here.

Timeskip

1 and a half year later

1514

Corall Hill

For the following year and a half, things had certainly changed around Fishman Island for many of the former Sun Pirates, who all re-integrated into society.

With some extra editions-

"OUT!"

CRASH!

Thrown out through the front entrance of the Mermaid Café, a drunken human pirate, who barely could stand on his feet, just got ejected out of the establishment after he had gone too far.

Those who were just passing by, could already figure out what was happening and some stopped to watch it.

"Another one this week."

"This week? Man, he's on a row."

"D-Damn you, b-boy!" The drunken bastard said, trying to stand on his two feet as he wanted to re-enter the café. "I've paid for my meal, and that bitch better-"

PUNCH!

"Ugh!" The pirate got knocked to the floor again, after getting a hard fist to his face, this time forcing him to lay down to the ground.

Walking through the entrance, was Naruto Uzumaki, now a 16-year-old young man, he had grown up in his time on Fishman Island. Now wearing a striped shirt with Y suspenders that fit his working pants that he wore with boots. The shirt was sleeveless, as Naruto had grown quite a bit to be a muscled young guy who looked buff for his young age.

Now being the bouncer of the Mermaid Café for almost one and a half year, he did his routine on keeping the customers in line. This one, was no exception, as he, like many others before him, made the mistake of thinking he could do whatever he wanted within the business, that included breaking the no-touching rule.

"I warned you three times, you drunken bastard, this was your final." Naruto said, cracking his knuckles. "No touching the women, let alone harassing them, so I tell you now to leave."

"Fuck you!"

The pirate angrily got back up, now looking enraged as he tried to mentally prepare himself, glaring at the bouncer.

The crowd then got to circle around as they wanted to watch the two humans stand out, wanting to see who was going to make the first move.

"The fuck's the matter with you, anyway? Protecting these whores-for-pay-"

"Watch your mouth, old fart, there are children here!" Naruto warned him, getting annoyed with this man especially, he's been hanging around here on Fishman Island for a while and most of the time, was in the Fish-Man District with the other crooks. "I've seen you around here before, but now I want you to leave and never come back."

It was at this point, some of the Royal Guards had come along, and saw Naruto already was dealing with the situation.

"I want my money first, punk!" The pirate shouted, demanding it. "That shark bitch got it!"

"You want cash? Here!" Naruto pulled out and threw some banknotes and coins at the man violently. "Keep your cash, Madam Shyarly didn't want it anyway with the trouble you're making. It ain't worth it."

This especially hurt the pirate's pride, who didn't pick up the money, and puffed his chest out against Naruto.

"So you now insult me, and my money?" The pirate seethed his teeth at him, like a snake. "You go and act like you're one of them, boy. But you're nothing!"

Naruto chuckled. "Like I'd listen to you. Drunken moron. I doubt you can even tie your shoelaces without dropping to the floor."

The mere attempt to insult the drunken pirate could already gain some laughter from the crowd, with some of them even laughing out. Causing the troublemaker to be more embarrassed.

"You damn little-" The pirate reached for underneath his coat-

*CRACK*

Before he could do something, in a flash moment, Naruto had appeared right in front of the idiot drunk and twisted his arm and cracked his elbow badly, taking him out just before he could do something stupid.

"My fuc-"

KICK!

Before he could curse again as a sailor, Naruto kicked his foot right underneath the man's chin and send him to the floor again.

Now with a broken arm and pride, the pirate now was bleeding from his mouth as he tried to crawl himself away as Naruto took the man by his coat.

Naruto dragged the man, and then threw him right into an empty trashcan where he belonged, laying now there unconsciously.

"Time for you to take a nap." Naruto said, dusting his hands off. "Enjoy the leftovers."

A round of applause then erupted, causing Naruto to brush his hair a bit out of embarrassment before getting approached by a few guards who witnessed it all.

"Want us to book him, kid?"

"Do whatever you want with him, just keep him away from here." Naruto said before going. "Excuse me, I got to go back inside."

Walking back into the establishment, the guards approached the trash can and picked up the pirate.

"Well, he's going to be wanting payback."

Once inside the café again, Naruto was told to clean himself up by one of the workers, and take a well deserved break.

And so he did, Naruto was in the kitchen, washing his bit bruised knuckles, swearing the scumbag was covered in something but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. Could've been alcohol or urine to something else he wouldn't like to mention.

"Ugh, that bastard really smelled awful."

'You're telling me! I've never smelled such a bum like that! As if he didn't shower for months!'

Naruto groaned as the smell was still in his hands as he kept them under the running water faucet.

"I need to shower after this."

"I believe you deserve more than that, Naru~"

Hearing that voice, made Naruto turn around to see the one saying the short version of his name, was his boss and landlord, Madam Shyarly, who approached him with an all satisfied smile on her face.

"Oh, hey, Madam Shyarly." Naruto said using a towel to clean his hands. "Sorry, I was busy-"

"No need to apologize for doing your job, I like that my employees are doing a wonderful job." She stated with an absolute smile on her face, still holding the bubble pipe as she blew some out right close to Naruto's face. "I got to say, you came right in time when I took the business over. Girls feel safer, and our profits turned bigger."

"Glad I am doing a good service here, Madam-."

"Naruto, please. Call me Shyarly." She pressed her hand on his chest. "No need to be formal with me, we're friends, right?"

The close contact that Shyarly made was something that she's been doing for quite a while, especially for the past year with Naruto really being good at his work. Causing the customers to be less rowdy and follow the rules more.

As for being friends, Naruto did of course made friends in the last year with multiple people on the island. With keeping in touch with the remnants of the Sun Pirates, but also having befriended also some of the other locals who quickly became acquainted with Naruto. He also became some sort of big-brother figure for the mermaid girls, like Ishilly and Camie.

A little bit of a celebrity, Naruto was the first human to have been living here for a certain long time. With most humans only hanging around for a few months, he's becoming a normality for many who see him.

Of course, there were some who distrusted him, mainly because of the fact he was an human, and Naruto wasn't stupid enough to not notice it, but didn't show it, yet, also kept his eye on them.

Still, the amount of friends and bonds he had built up, and that wasn't the only thing he had apparently built up. Having grown up into a handsome proto-young man, he's got himself a bit of a female base who liked looking at him.

"So, Naruto, you know that tonight is everyone's night off." Shyarly was clearly showing where she wanted to go with. "Got anything planned for tonight?"

Knowing where she was going at, Naruto, was petrified inside honestly, because he's not entirely prepared for this.

"Well-"

BANG!

The two turned towards the door, seeing Nerissa enter, looking very alerted.

"Nerissa, what's wrong?" Shyarly asked, concerned by what her friend was in. "You look like you saw a ghost."

"No, much worse!" Nerissa said, having been given a day off, she said. "A ship just crashed on the island, and a survivor just crawled out of it!"

"And?"

"That survivor is some World Noble!"

That's it for this chapter, wooo!

Leave a review and follow the story, and I hope you all liked it.

Peace!