CHAPTER 5
"Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura! I can see the desert from here!" Kakashi said, "Once we get there it'll be a straight shot to the sand! The desert is rough though, it could take us almost a day to get there."
"I'm not waiting another day.." Naruto said.
Kakashi looked up at him.
"Naruto. I know you're ready to get the ball rolling but we don't have a choice here." Kakashi said.
"Yeah Naruto. It's always taken three days to get to the sand, why're you in such a rush?" Sakura asked.
"You know why I am Sakura. The same reason you're ready to get there but won't say!" Naruto said.
"Hey what's that supposed to-. "Sakura was interrupted by Naruto.
"We're all ready to meet this Vivi lady and go to the outside world! Even though none of you will outright say it, I know you're just as excited as I am." Naruto said with a smile, "I'm ready to see how strong these people are. It's getting me riled up every SECOND I think about it!" Naruto explained.
"But Naruto we've been through this, you haven't trained much since the war ended between letting your arm heal and being busy with rebuilding the village." Sakura said.
Naruto looked back at her and smirked.
"You really think I haven't been training? I've pulled all nighters at the training ground developing my skills. Even worked out a new jutsu with Kurama." Nauto finished with a smile.
"I knew there was no way he wasn't training all this time. That just doesn't seem like him. He's just learned how to be more low key about it. Interesting." Kakashi thought to himself.
After a few more minutes of jumping from the trees, the ninja landed on the ground. They stood at the border between the forest that led to the leaf village and the desert that led to the sand.
"Well. We'd better get walking." Kakashi said.
"Hey! Travelers!" A man yelled out.
A man wearing cargo shorts, a poncho, and a hood with a straw hat under walked out of a booth. He also wore a tan shirt with the Sunagakure logo on it.
"A sand village logo? Are you a shinobi?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh, heavens no! I couldn't possibly do what they can do." The man said.
"Hey, I think you mean what WE can do!" Naruto said, smashing his fist into his palm.
"Oh! Are you all shinobi?" The man asked. He took a second to look them up and down and noticed their headbands, "Leaf shinobi! Sorry for the disrespect!"
Kakashi stuck a hand up to show a sign of no hostility and was very uncomfortable looking.
"Heh heh, no disrespect taken! He's just loud! Heh heh heh." Kakashi said nervously.
"Anyway, what's your name? And why are you out here? You're clearly from the sand, did you need someone to walk with?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh no sir! Well, yes in a way. Hold on, where are my manners!" The man exclaimed, "My name is Itou Motoaki! I am a guide for the sand village! What would normally be a day's journey for a shinobi, and a two-and-a-half-day journey for the common man, I can get you there by nightfall!" He explained.
"THAT'S GREAT! WE NEED TO GET TO THE SAND A.S.A.P!" Naruto yelled.
"Naruto calm down." Kakashi ordered, "Um, yes. If you could please guide us to the sand, we would really appreciate it."
"Of course, sir! It's no trouble. I'm just going to need 500ryo from each of you!" Itou said.
All of Team 7 collapsed at once.
"Ughhhh, I guess it's worth it huh?" Kakashi whimpered, reaching into his wallet.
Sasuke handed the man the money.
"Hey uhhhh Sakura..you think you could?" Naruto asked.
"WHAT! WHERE'S YOUR MONEY YOU IDIOT?! DON'T TELL ME YOU SPENT IT ALL ON RAMEN!" Sakura yelled.
Naruto held up his hands to protect himself.
"I couldn't help it! It's so good!" Naruto explained.
"This is gonna cost you." Sakura said, cracking her knuckles.
Naruto gulped. Sasuke, Kakashi, and Naruto walked towards the sand while Sakura held her head down and coughed up 1,000ryo to Itou.
"Hey, Sasuke?" Naruto asked.
"What's up?" Sasuke answered.
"You feel how I do, don't you? That excitement for new opponents." Naruto said.
Sasuke smiled and looked down, then back up.
"Of course, I do. I can't wait either. And hey." Sasuke said.
"Hm?" Naruto turned to look at Sasuke.
"We can't take this new world lightly. And with there being reports of another organization moving in silence, we need to be focused, for the slim chance something comes up." Sasuke said.
"Right." Naruto said while nodding in confirmation.
"And another thing." Sasuke said.
Naruto looked at him again.
"I got your back." Sasuke finally said.
Naruto smiled and held out his fist. Sasuke smiled and fist bumped him. At this point, Sakura was walking up with Itou.
"Alright! 2,000ryo! I'll get you where you need to be by nightfall or your money back!" Itou said.
Sakura eased over to Kakashi.
"Think maybe we could stall the journey so we can get that money back?" Sakura whispered with a sinister look.
Kakashi got froze.
"No way! That would be rude of us to do!" Kakashi said.
Sakura hung her head in shame.
"Ughhh I knew it would be a shot in the dark…" Sakura said walking slowly behind the men.
NANOHANA DOCKS
"WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO! MEAT MEAT MEAT! I'M GOING TO FIND MEAT!" Luffy said jumping off the ship and running ashore.
"Hey Luffy! Wait for us!" Zoro yelled.
"I don't know why you even bother. When he gets like this we'll just have to meet up with him later." Usopp said, shrugging his shoulders.
Sanji was helping Robin and Nami off the boat.
"There you are Nami-san, Robin-chan." Sanji said, hearts in his eyes.
"Thank you Sanji." Robin said.
"Yeah yeah thanks, Hey! Remember we're only here for a little while! We need to head to Yuba since that's where we'll be staying." Nami said.
"But Nami isn't Alubarna on this side of Alabasta? Why don't we stay here so our journey won't be that much longer?" Chopper asked.
"The princess won't be back in town for a week Chopper! We have more than enough time to lounge around." Nami said.
Frankie and Brook were the last ones off the ship.
"I've heard of this place but never been here! This is gonna be exciting!" Frankie said, while doing his signature pose.
"Yes indeed! I can't wait to meet the princess and people of this country." Brook said.
Inside of a marine souvenir shop, Luffy and Usopp were joking around doing impressions.
"Aye Usopp! They have marine jackets over here." Luffy said.
Usopp turned around to Luffy imitating Captain Smoker. Luffy slicked his hair back and had two fake cigars in his mouth. In a deep voice he said:
"This time I finally capture you, Straw hat Luffy."
"AHH HA HA HA HA HA! SPOT ON!" Usopp said.
Zoro walked by and saw the two guys joking around.
"Hey I've got one! Frankieeee-." Usopp was interrupted by Zoro pulling them out of the store.
"What are you idiots doing? That's a marine souvenir shop!" Zoro said.
"Relax, Zoro, the marines won't chase us here." Luffy said.
"Maybe not, but just be careful for once you fool." Zoro said.
"Aye aye. Let's go find meat Zoro!" Luffy suggested.
Zoro rested his right arm on his swords and smiled.
"Now we're talking." Zoro said with a big cheesing smile.
Zoro and Luffy walked off to go find a café, while Usopp stayed behind.
"I'm gonna go see if I can find some new sights for my slingshot!" Usopp yelled out.
Zoro and Luffy replied by putting their hands in the air. Frankie chased after them.
"Hey wait up! If you're talking food, count me in!" Frankie said.
"Aye Chopper, wanna come with me?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah sure!" Chopper answered.
All that were left were Sanji, Brook, Nami and Robin, but not for long.
"Big sis! You should come with me to get some new clothes! And find somewhere to grab a bite to eat! We deserve a girl's day out." Nami said, excited.
"Sure. Sounds like a good time sis." Robin said with a small smile.
"Aahhhhh. A day of love. Allow me to be your personal escort." Sanji said, while walking in front of Nami with his arm out stretched waiting for her to grab on. Nami instead responded by pushing him out of the way.
"MOVE IT!" Nami yelled.
With that, Nami walked off with Robin to go shopping. Sanji lit up a smoke and looked at who he was left with.
"Mmm? Wanna go help me pick out an exotic fish to cook for later?" Sanji asked Brook.
"Of course, Sanji-san." Brook replied.
Brook and Sanji then made their way to the docks.
KATOREA
"So you all understand your mission for tomorrow?" Psycho asked the room.
"YEAHHHHH!" The men responded.
Psycho looked around the room and nodded.
"Aye. Psycho." Crocodile said.
"Yes, Crocodile?" Psycho answered.
"You said something about staying as low-key as possible…how are we doing that by attacking an entire village." Crocodile asked.
"I probably should've worded it better, but my overall intention is for DEATH to remain as mysterious as possible. They may know this organization is behind the assassination and invasion, but what is the goal? What are they looking to gain? Who else is a member? This fear will keep them in our favor. I know the shinobi of the ninja world too well. They won't outright attack a group they don't know anything about." Psycho explained.
"So. Hiding in plain sight then?" Crocodile asked.
"Correct." Psycho answered, taking one last drink from his cup then heading for the door.
"Continue to enjoy yourselves men. I'm heading to Nanohana for some supplies. Tomorrow morning DEATH makes their first official attack and the world will know the name." Psycho said.
"YOU'RE THE MAN BOSS!"
"NOBODY'S MESSING WITH US!"
"FOR PEACE!"
"Also, after you board your ride to the sand village I will be heading down the Grand Line to Arlong Park 2.0 That is our base of operations for now." Psycho said.
Men cheered and toasted to their goals.
NANOHANA
Nami and Robin had cashed out at a few stores and were walking through the city.
"Soooo, did you tell him?" Nami asked.
Robin looked at her then back ahead.
"No, I still haven't had a chance to. It's like every time I try, something happens." Robin explained.
"That's weird, we have to make sure you let him know!" Nami said.
"If I may ask.." Robin said.
Nami looked at Robin with a confused face.
"Why do you care so much that I tell Zoro how I feel?" Robin asked.
Nami stared for a second and then smiled.
"Because it's cute duh! I still don't see what you see in that block head, but you deserve someone in your life! We've all been through so much, not just recently, but through our lives. We're all still young, but it wouldn't hurt to have someone to love in our lives." Nami said.
Robin cringed hard at "love."
"Ohhhh maybe I shouldn't have said "love," but you know what I mean sis! Nami paused for a second.
"It's like I told Usopp..you've probably had one of the toughest upbringings out of all of us..if anyone deserves someone that means something special to them in their lives..it's you. Still, I would've figured you'd develop feelings for someone like Sanji first." Nami said.
Robin was shocked for a moment, then looked down, then back up quickly when she realized what Nami had just said.
"Usopp knows?!" Robin asked.
"Yeah! He was camping behind the door the entire time, but don't worry, long nose won't say anything because I threatened to kill him if he does." Nami said, with a horrific smile.
Robin stared at her and then smiled.
"Hopefully I get the chance next time. With no interruptions." Robin thought to herself.
"Also...Nami?" Robin asked.
Nami looked over at Robin.
"I noticed every time I bring up Zoro you mention Sanji. You wouldn't have a thing for him would you?" Robin said, holding one hand to her mouth, chuckling.
Nami blushed and freaked out a little bit.
"What?! Don't be ridiculous, that air headed idiot and me? As if." Nami said, continuing to walk with Robin.
NANOHANA WEAPON STORE
"Hmm." Usopp wondered, "This scope is a cool blue color, with distance measurements and all!"
"Hey! Shop keep! How much for this scope here?" Usopp asked.
"Hm? Oh that one is 1,000 berries!" The shop owner said.
Usopp shrieked.
"1,000 berries…that's so much.." Usopp said.
"Are you going to get them Usopp?" Chopper asked.
"Of course, I am. The legendary warrior Usopp used something like these before when I took out two Vice Admiral marines!" Usopp said proudly.
"WOW SO COOL!" Chopper yelled.
Usopp made his purchase and walked out of the store.
"Alright! Guess we should find Luffy, Zoro, and Frankie. I'm sure Sanji is at the docks looking for food to buy, and Nami is probably buying clothes with Robiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnn! Chopper!" Usopp yelled.
Chopper was eating a scorpion on a stick and looked up at Usopp.
"Hm?" He asked.
"Did you know that Robin! - "Usopp thought about back to what Nami said.
FLASHBACK
"One more thing though. If you tell anyone, especially Zoro, how Robin feels about him I'm going to kill you."
END OF FLASHBACK
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh." Usopp said softly.
"What's wrong Usopp?" Chopper asked.
Usopp looked down at chopper then knelt to put his arm over his shoulder.
"I'm going to tell you a big secret. You can't tell ANYONE! Okay best buddy?" Usopp said.
"Best buddy?!" Chopper repeated, with stars in his eyes.
"Robin. Likes Zoro." Usopp whispered.
"HUH? ROBIN LIKES. – "Chopper was interrupted by Usopp putting his hand over his mouth.
"You can't tell anyone Chopper! If you tell and Nami finds out she'll kill me. Then I'll have to come back from the dead and kill you and we don't want that to happen do we?" Usopp said.
Chopper screamed and shook his head rapidly.
"Good." Usopp said, "Now let's go!"
As Usopp and Chopper walked through town a, man with black spiked hair with red highlights, walked by them. As he crossed paths with Usopp it was like time froze and Usopp stood completely still, choking on his words. When the man had gotten a decent distance away Usopp came to his senses and looked back towards the man. Chopper looked up at Usopp and the man who walked by.
"What just happened Usopp?" Chopper asked.
"GGGuhhh." Usopp said, taking heavy breaths, "That guy looks like trouble. I get a lot of bad vibes from him."
Chopper looked in the man's direction again.
"I feel like I've seen him before." Chopper said.
Down the road the man looked back towards the long-nosed man and reindeer.
"What an odd pair.." Psycho said to himself, walking inside the weapons store.
HIDDEN SAND DESERT
Naruto and the others followed Itou through the tough desert. After a few hours of walking Naruto had a complaint.
"This looks like the way we usually take. Why did we pay you 500ryo a pop just to go the way we usually do?" Naruto asked, hands behind his head.
"WE?!" Sakura asked herself.
"Naruto, don't ask questions, just let the man guide us." Kakashi scolded.
"Oh, it's fine! He's right to feel that way. I get that all the time actually." Itou said, "There's a secret cave a little further that runs directly to the sand! I'm the only one who knows where this cave is though." Itou said.
"Wouldn't the sand want to know about something like this?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh, they're sand shinobi they'll be fine! Plus, if I just told anyone how to get to this cave how would I make my living?" Itou said.
Sasuke looked at him with an annoyed face. It was dusk now and the crew had arrived at the cave.
"Alright, just about an hour from this tunnel is your destination!" Itou said.
"Thank you so much." Kakashi said, bowing, he instructed the others to do the same.
"Anytime! Enjoy your stay!" Itou said while walking away waving goodbye.
"Alright everyone, let's go!" Naruto said, running into the cave.
Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke all followed him. They ran until they finally reached the end and it ended up being nightfall by the time they exited the cave.
"Well…he was right.."Sakura said, still upset over all the money she spent.
The leaf shinobi, finally reaching the sand, hurried to the front gate. There were two sand shinobi there standing guard.
"Leaf shinobi!" One of the men said.
"You must be here for the meeting?" The other man said.
"Yeah we're here to escort the princess back home when it's over!" Naruto said.
"Great! Go ahead and go to the Kazekage's mansion! Tell him we sent you. He'll be so excited. He must be having good luck!" The first man said.
"Why do you say that?" Naruto asked.
"Because you guys and the princess all showed up earlier than expected!" The second man said.
"HUH?!" The leaf shinobi asked in unison.
"Yeah! She showed up a few days ago on her bird."
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all looked at Kakashi who just scratched his head.
"Heh heh, how was I supposed to know her bird was that fast?" Kakashi asked nervously.
"WELL WHAT'RE WE WAITING AROUND HERE FOR?!" Naruto yelled, running into the village.
"Naruto!" Kakashi yelled, "Ahhh. Well, we appreciate it." Kakashi said with a bow.
The leaf shinobi ran through the village very fast and arrived at the mansion quickly. Temari was standing outside of the mansion and greeted them.
"Woah, you guys are moving awfully fast." Temari said.
"Well, they really want to meet the princess...is she here?" Kakashi asked.
Temari chuckled then answered.
"Yes. She's up in the office with Garra. Let me take you there." Temari said walking off.
Before Naruto could run Sakura grabbed the back of his collar.
"Hey! We're going into a Kage's mansion! Act accordingly!" Sakura ordered.
After a few minutes the leaf shinobi walked into Garra's office, where he was doing paper work and a beautiful young woman with blue hair sat near him with her pet duck, Kankuro was also present.
"Heyy! Naruto, what's up guys?" Kankuro said.
"Hey Kankuro, what's up! He he." Naruto said with a chuckle.
Garra looked up after hearing his old friend's name, he smiled and stood up to greet him.
"Naruto. How are you, old friend?" Garra asked.
"I've been great! How's Kazekage life treating you?" Naruto asked.
"It's been great thank you. But where are our manners? Princess Vivi this is the team I've personally requested to be your guides back home." Garra said.
"Hello you all. I'm formally known as Princess Vivi, but you don't have to call me that. You can just call me Vivi." Vivi said with a big smile, "This here is my partner in crime, Karoo." Vivi said showing the group her pet duck, who saluted them.
"We'll stick to calling you Pri. – "Kakashi was interrupted by Naruto talking.
"Great to meet you Vivi! I'm Naruto Uzumaki!" Naruto introduced himself.
One by one the shinobi introduced themselves.
"My name is Sakura Haruno of the Haruno clan. I've trained with the 5th Hokage and developed very powerful physical attacks. I also specialize in medicine.
"My name is Kakashi Hatake. Son of the white fang of the leaf. I'm currently the 6th Hokage, but the former hokage sent me to assist however I can, keeping a certain knuckle head ninja in check." Kakashi said, looking at Naruto.
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha of the Uchiha clan. I currently run recon for the village, going to lands far and wide in the ninja world to find any potential threats to our village. I'm very excited to join this mission as it gives me a chance to journey outside of what I'm used to." Sasuke said.
Vivi had stopped listening when he mentioned "Uchiha." Vivi had fear in her eyes and sweated profusely.
"Princess are you okay?" Garra asked, very concerned.
"Did…did...did you say Uchiha?" Vivi asked.
Sasuke stared at her with a blank expression.
"Yes. Do you have history with our clan?" Sasuke asked in response.
Naruto stopped trying to attack Kakashi in the background and got serious.
"How can she have history with the Uchiha? I thought we were going to be the first ninja outside of the ninja world?" Naruto asked, confused.
Vivi's fear turned into awkward conversation.
"Oh! Um…it's nothing! Just forget about it!" Vivi said.
Kakashi looked at her out the corner of his eye.
"Well.." Garra started, "You're all very early. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at noon. I'm sure you're all very tired."
"Actually, Garra we wanted to get grub! We're starving!" Naruto said.
Garra chuckled and then spoke.
"Well then go have yourselves a good time! Everything is on me!" Garra said.
Naruto had heard enough, he dashed out of the room for a night on the town. Kakashi and co. bowed and followed the yellow haired ninja. Eventually they found him helping himself at an all you can eat BBQ restaurant. Vivi, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi all sat down next to him and prepared themselves to eat.
"So Vivi!" Sakura said, "What's Alabasta like? What can we expect when we arrive?" Sakura asked.
Vivi looked at Sakura and smiled.
"Well, don't fill up too much tonight. Save room for the feast when I return home. This meeting is of course to open the ninja world to the outside world. My father can't wait to make new friends. And since you guys are going through the trouble of escorting me back home my father is almost sure to treat you. The citizens are also very nice and love travelers."
"I can't wait to get there!" Sakura said, with bright eyes.
"We understand there was a major civil war there a couple years back. And that a group known as the straw-hat pirates helped you stop it. What are they like?" Kakashi asked.
Vivi smiled big when remembering them.
"Yes. Those are my friends forever. They're an eccentric bunch, but they all care about each other a lot, despite their constant fighting. They'd all die for each other. Once they call you "friend" you're their friend for life…They risked their lives for me, even when I specifically told them not to. And they made me a stronger woman and princess!" Vivi said proudly.
"They sound like quite the bunch. I can't wait to meet them. Will they be in town? "Kakashi asked.
"They should be! I sent them a messenger bird before I left town, hopefully they got it. If they are, you'll meet them for sure." Vivi said. She looked over at Naruto stuffing his face and laughed.
"You remind me so much of Luffy. Ha ha ha ha ha." Vivi said laughing.
"Hm? Who's Luffy?" Naruto asked.
"He's the captain of the straw-hat pirates. He's incredibly strong. He defeated that fiendish Crocodile who tried to take the thrown from my father." Vivi said, looking down.
"We've heard about this Crocodile guy too.." Sakura added, "What's the deal with him?"
"Well. He headed a secret assassination company called "Baroque Works" that carried out different assassinations for him. Male members were referred to by numbers, such as: Mr 9, who was my partner when I was a member under investigation of the company. Female members had weekdays or holidays as codenames. Mine was Miss Wednesday. The lower the number, the higher the skill. Crocodile was only known as Mr. 0, but I figured out who he was, anyone who finds out what his real name was, is deemed a threat and executed." Vivi explained.
"I met the straw-hats at reverse mountain while trying to carry out a hit given to Mr. 9 and myself, but we left when we failed to do so. They followed us back to Whiskey Peak and eventually found out I was a princess undercover and forced Mr. 0's real name out of me. The unluckies heard the conversation and I was made another target on Crocodile's hit list. But they saved me and my country. I'll never forget all the work they put in for us." Vivi explained.
"You've been through a lot, Princess Vivi." Kakashi said.
Vivi nodded.
"Yes. But it was all worth it to save my country. I'd do it all over again." Vivi said sternly.
Since Vivi was clearly comfortable talking Sasuke decided to ask a question.
"The name "Uchiha" why did it make you freak out back at the mansion?" Sasuke asked.
Vivi froze again and turned to look at Sasuke. Then she looked down, with tears forming.
"He was so scary..and dangerous.." Vivi said.
"Who was?" Sasuke said, sitting up.
Vivi paused for a moment to pull herself together.
"At a time..he was the most wanted man in our world…he tried to assassinate my father and killed so many royal guards…" Vivi said, holding back tears.
"Who." Sasuke said, rather than asking this time.
"They called him…. Psycho…. Uchiha.."
YUBA
The straw-hat crew got off their running lizards and walked towards the entrance to Yuba where Toto was waiting on them.
"You really did show up! It was rumored you'd be returning to celebrate Alabasta's expansion!" Toto said, merrily.
"Hey old man!" Luffy said.
"Hello Luffy!" Toto said, while looking at the crew, "My my how you've grown! And you've made new friends!"
Brook and Frankie walked forward to introduce themselves.
"Hello Toto-san, my name is Brook, the musician and swordsman for the Straw hat gang." Brook said.
"My name is Frankie! A robot man who loves to kick butt and drink cola!" Frankie said, striking his signature pose.
"Ho ho ho. Well, welcome to Yuba! Please enjoy yourselves." Toto said, extending his hand towards the city.
The straw hats went to a random restaurant and were bombarded with praise.
"YAYYYYYYYYY! HOOOOORAYYYYY!" The entire restaurant cheered.
"THE PEOPLE WHO SAVED OUR COUNTRY, KING, AND DEAR PRINCESS ARE BACK!"
Luffy stood valiantly in the middle of the room, Usopp did too.
"Hey, have all you can eat and drink on the house!" The owner said.
Upon hearing that, the straw hats ate, drank, and partied to their hearts content. Brook took over the piano and band, a drunk Frankie started a workout group, Luffy and Zoro stuffed their faces with mutton, lobster, and turkey, while Zoro drank mostly. Chopper was enjoying crowd surfing while Usopp and Sanji were talking to ladies. Usopp about how he defeated Crocodile and almost died shooting away the cannon that was supposed to blow up Alubarna, and Sanji about how beautiful they were. Nami was playing drinking games and Robin sat by the bar with a small glass of rum. Nami walked over to Robin drunk.
"Hey…big sis..watcha..watcha doing over here all alone?" Nami asked.
"Just..enjoying my rum and a book." Robin said.
"Okay, that's what we're not going to do!" Nami said, forcefully closing the book and standing Robin up.
She dragged Robin over to the drinking games table.
"You're going to face me in a shot drinking contest. Whoever drinks the most before passing out wins. If I win, you tell Zoro tonight that you're feeling him." Nami said with a smile.
The table of females all looked at Robin.
"Ooooooooooooooo! That's a tough one girl! You'd better not lose." One of them said.
Robin blushed.
"You're on. But only if you'll tell Sanji how you feel." Robin said.
Nami blushed as well.
"I DO NOT LIKE THAT IDIOT! But fine, maybe something will happen." Nami said, smiling again.
The two girls toasted and began to drink.
SAND VILLAGE BBQ
The entire table froze after hearing the name.
"Psycho…. Uchiha? Sasuke?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke shook his head.
"Never heard of him." Sasuke said.
"He's a dangerous man…well…he was dangerous. He hasn't been seen since I was a little girl...everyone thinks he died." Vivi explained.
"Do you have a picture of him?" Kakashi asked.
Vivi shook her head.
"Sadly no. WANTED posters of him went extinct long ago. The navy stopped making them and took them down after he had been declared missing for a decade. I can't remember what he looks like...but I'll never forget that horrible name...no offense." Vivi said.
"None taken.." Sasuke said.
"If for some reason this guy is still alive we'll beat him up for ya!" Naruto yelled.
Vivi looked at Naruto with a surprised face.
FLASHBACK
"I don't care! THIS CROCODILE BASTARD HURT VIVI AND HER COUNTRY! I'M GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"
END OF FLASHBACK
Viv smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"You really do remind me of Luffy, Naruto..he said the same thing when I told him about Crocodile."
Naruto smiled.
"I can't wait to meet this Luffy guy. If he really acts this much like me..it'll be a great time!" Naruto said.
"It'll be time for us to get hearing aids for excessive yelling." Sasuke added.
"What'd you say punk? Come on, we'll fight right here, I've been itching for action!" Naruto challenged.
Vivi laughed and laughed and laughed at the confrontation, it reminded her so much of Luffy and Zoro.
YUBA
It was at least midnight now. Everyone had passed out from the party hours earlier. Robin was the only one who had just woken up. She looked around the room to see Luffy bloated into a big rubber ball and chopper sleeping on top of him, Frankie was powered down in a corner with cola in his hand, Usopp had passed out on the floor, and Sanji was asleep with women in his arms. She looked at Nami who had a note in her hands.
"YOU LOSE SIS :P GET TO TELLING THAT IDIOT HOW YOU FEEL! YOU CAN TELL ME ABOUT IT IN THE MORNING."
Robin smiled at the note and looked at the sleeping Nami, then back up around the room. Zoro wasn't there. She stood up and got a better look around the room, no Zoro.
"Everything alright Robin-san?" Brook asked.
"Oh..yes, thank you Brook. Do you know where Zoro is?" Robin asked.
"I believe he went on the roof to finish his rum. He hasn't been back down for a little bit now." Brook answered.
"Thank you very much Brook." Robin said.
Brook tipped his hat to her and let her go. When Robin had gotten to the roof Zoro was sitting up looking at the night sky. Robin got closer to him, which Zoro responded by pulling out his sword and keeping her at bay.
"Hm? Oh, it's you." Zoro said, sliding his sword back in its sheath.
"What are you doing up here?" Robin asked.
"Getting some alone time. Some party huh?" Zoro asked.
"Yes. Definitely quite the party." Robin answered.
"It's things like that. That make this pirate life not so bad ya know?" Zoro asked.
"Oh, yes. For sure." Robin said.
"Really, I should be asking you what you're doing up here? Let alone even being up at this hour." Zoro said.
"Well, I've been needing to talk to you." Robin confessed.
Zoro looked at her out the corner of the only good eye he had.
"But you could always tell, couldn't you?" Robin asked.
"Yeah. It was pretty obvious." Zoro said.
"Oh..that obvious huh?" Robin asked, looking down.
"Well someone like Luffy or Usopp wouldn't have noticed the strange behavior, but I know everyone on this ship to a T and you've had your moments recently. So, what's up?" Zoro asked, taking a swig of rum.
"Well...over the time I've known you...I've come to develop somewhat of a crush on you." Robin said.
Zoro spit out his rum and looked up at Robin with surprise.
"A crush?" Zoro asked.
"I know it sounds childish, but it's the best way I could describe it.." Robin said with a pause at the end.
Zoro looked towards the ground.
"So, you've got feelings for me huh? How long have you had em?" Zoro asked.
"Well, there was always something about you I liked more than everyone else on board. You're very good looking, you're funny, and I really like the I don't care attitude when you really care about everyone on the ship." Robin explained.
"Alright alright. Don't make me seem like I've gone soft now." Zoro said, with a small smile.
Robin laughed and looked at him with a soft smile. Zoro smiled back and stared for a moment. Just looking into Robin's eyes. He shook his head lightly to come to his senses and broke the silence.
"To be honest…I…" Zoro added.
Robin's smile turned into a look of anticipation. Zoro turned to look at her. Robin very slowly put her hand on Zoro's. They both leaned in, slowly, both closing their eyes even slower. Right before their lips connected, Zoro stopped Robin.
"Stop…. we…. we can't…I…I can't.." Zoro said. "I'm sorry Robin." He added before jumping off the roof.
Robin was left dumbfounded. She looked down at her hand and touched it. This wasn't a dream was it? Did Zoro REALLY almost kiss her? Was he about to say he felt the same for her? She finally told him how she felt just for him to run off like he did.
Robin bit her bottom lip as tears rolled down her face and she looked up at the full moon in the sky. A gentle breeze blowing her hair in the wind.
"Come back…" Robin said to herself.
That was a long one! No special reasons though. Just wanted to cram all that fun in there for both parties, because it gets serious these next couple of chapters. Thanks again for reading.