The atmosphere on the Going Merry was electric with excitement as they sailed away from Arabasta Kingdom. Though they were still saddened by Vivi's decision not to join them, the crew's spirits were high, eager for the adventures that lay ahead. The addition of Nico Robin to their ranks added a fresh dynamic to the crew, and the sunny day only bolstered their mood.
Everyone was occupied with their own activities. Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp were fishing off the starboard side, their laughter and playful banter filling the air. Zoro, ever the dedicated swordsman, was doing handstands with a barbell balanced on his legs, his focus unwavering. Nami was lounging on the deck, basking in the warmth of the sun.
Suddenly, a newsbird swooped down and dropped a rolled-up newspaper directly onto Nami. She picked it up, unrolled it, and began to read. Her eyes widened in shock, and she gasped audibly.
"What's wrong, Nami?" Luffy asked, turning his head while still holding onto his fishing rod. Usopp and Chopper did the same, their curiosity piqued.
Zoro, maintaining his handstand, turned his head slightly to look at her. "What is it, Nami?" he called out.
Robin emerged from the cabin with a dessert in her hand, Sanji following close behind with another plate meant for Nami. They both stopped when they saw her expression.
"Nami, what's the article about?" Sanji asked, concerned.
Nami took a deep breath. "Do you remember the pirate Ace said he was looking for? Blackbeard?"
Everyone nodded, their interest now fully captured.
"According to this article," Nami continued, "while Ace was looking for him in Arabasta, it seems a Marine located Blackbeard on an uninhabited island and had a fight with his crew. The battle lasted an entire day and left the island completely demolished, with only a small chunk of it remaining."
Zoro dropped the barbell and walked over to Nami, his curiosity piqued. Robin sat down next to Nami, gracefully eating her dessert. Usopp and Chopper were visibly shivering at the thought of such a powerful battle.
"Blackbeard and his crew haven't been spotted since the battle," Nami went on, "but no bodies were recovered by the Marines after the fight."
The crew collectively gasped. Zoro, crossing his arms, remarked, "Traitor or not, Blackbeard must have been a strong pirate to work on Whitebeard's ship for so long. It wouldn't surprise me if Ace still had his chance to fight him."
Robin turned to Nami, her eyes thoughtful. "Navigator, who was the Marine that fought Blackbeard?"
Nami turned the newspaper around, revealing a picture of Naruko's head in her adult form. "It was The Red Death, Captain Naruko."
Luffy's eyes lit up when he saw the picture. With a big grin, he dashed over to grab the paper, holding it up to his face. His hand covered the picture of Blackbeard, focusing only on Naruko's image.
The crew looked at Luffy in confusion. Usopp cleared his throat to get Luffy's attention. "Luffy, why are you smiling?"
Luffy's smile grew even bigger. "Well, that's my big sister."
The crew's collective jaws dropped, and a loud "WHAAAAT!" echoed across the deck.
The shock was palpable. Usopp nearly dropped his fishing rod, Chopper's eyes were as wide as saucers, and even Zoro seemed momentarily taken aback.
"Your big sister is The Red Death?" Sanji exclaimed, his cigarette almost falling from his lips.
"Yeah," Luffy replied nonchalantly, still beaming. "Naruko is my big sister. She's amazing!"
Robin, always composed, leaned forward with interest. "Luffy, how come you never mentioned you had a sister like her?"
Luffy shrugged. "I guess it just never came up. We haven't seen each other in a long time, but she's been out there doing her own thing."
Nami shook her head in disbelief, trying to process the revelation. "Luffy, do you realize what this means? Your sister is one of the most feared Marines out there!"
Luffy nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! That's Naruko for you. She's really strong. Last time I saw her, she was stronger than both me and Ace."
Usopp, still in shock, looked at the rest of the crew. "This... this is unbelievable. First Ace, now Naruko. Luffy, your family is full of surprises."
Chopper, his eyes wide with awe, added, "It sounds like she's really powerful."
Luffy grinned, clearly proud. "Yeah, she is. I bet she's even stronger then the last time I saw her."
The crew exchanged glances, the shock slowly giving way to excitement. The connection between their captain and such a formidable figure as Naruko added another layer of intrigue to their journey.
Sanji, still processing the information, shook his head. "Luffy, this is incredible. To think you have a sister like that... it's no wonder you're so strong."
"Yeah," Luffy said, looking back at the picture in the newspaper. "Naruko taught me a little when we were kids. She was always so powerful and determined. It makes sense that she's out there making a name for herself."
Zoro, arms still crossed, nodded in approval. "Sounds like she's got the right idea. No wonder she's making waves."
Nami, still holding the newspaper, looked at Luffy with a mixture of awe and concern. "Do you think we'll run into her?"
Luffy's grin widened. "I hope so! It would be great to see her again."
Usopp, still visibly shaken, muttered, "I just hope she doesn't decide to arrest us..."
Chopper, his eyes full of admiration, piped up, "If she's anything like you, Luffy, I'm sure she's amazing."
Luffy laughed, his joy infectious. "Yeah, she is. Naruko is the best."
As the crew continued their conversation, none of them noticed the small picture of Blackbeard in the corner of the page, overshadowed by the larger image of Naruko.
The headline above it read: "Blackbeard's Escape - No Bodies Found."
--
A couple of weeks earlier...
In Arabasta, within the confines of a small Marine camp, Smoker and Tashigi were deep in discussion. The air was tense, the makeshift office cluttered with papers and reports. Smoker, ever the gruff and impatient Marine, held a microphone connected to a snail phone, his expression one of clear irritation.
On the table in front of him, a snail phone was set up with Naruko's face. From it, her childlike voice chirped cheerfully. "Oooo, Smokey... It's been a while, how have you been?"
Smoker brought the mic to his face with a growl. "Stop with your nonsense already, Naruko. I am not in the mood for your crap."
Naruko's voice, undeterred, continued with a sarcastic apology. "Oh, my bad, Smokey. What can I do for you on this fine day?"
Smoker exhaled a cloud of smoke, his frustration palpable. "I am in Arabasta, and the situation here is escalating fast. The warlord Crocodile has been pulling strings behind the scenes. I've got Princess Vivi skulking around with the Straw Hat Pirates, and now a huge rebellion is about to erupt."
Naruko's voice came through, slightly amused. "Sounds like you got your hands full there, Smokey... Crocodile, eh? Damn, now I kinda wish I could help. I am in the area but have been given orders..."
Smoker raised an eyebrow, suspicion in his voice. "And since when do you care about following orders?"
Naruko's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Since the order came directly from Akainu."
Both Smoker's and Tashigi's eyes widened in surprise as Naruko continued. "I have been ordered to hunt down the pirate that attacked Drum Kingdom recently... Blackbeard, the ex-Whitebeard pirate. Akainu wants the Marines to get him before the Whitebeard pirates do."
Smoker put down the mic momentarily, absorbing the information. When he picked it back up, his voice was curious. "And... how goes the hunt?"
--
The scene shifted to the ominous sight of the Red Death approaching a smallish island. The water seemed to part way for the ship, creating a path directly to their destination. Inside the captain's cabin, Naruko was in her child form, devouring plates of meat with an enthusiasm that belied the tension of their mission.
Shiryu sat on a couch nearby, meticulously sharpening his blade, his eyes flickering with anticipation. Kakashi stood by a window, watching the island grow larger and more distinct as they approached. From the halls, Iruka's voice could be heard, issuing orders to the crew.
The snail phone on the table bore Smoker's face, the Marine Captain's expression one of intense focus. "Naruko..."
Naruko finished the last of the meat on her plate, her form flickering with water as she transformed into her adult form. Her eyes became bloodshot, and her demeanor shifted to one of cold determination. She picked up the mic next to the snail, her voice steady and deadly serious. "The prey is right in front of me."
--
Smoker's face on the snail phone reflected his skepticism. "You really think you can take down Blackbeard, Naruko? He's not just any pirate. He's a monster."
Naruko's lips curled into a grim smile. "I've faced monsters before, Smokey. This one won't be any different."
Shiryu looked up from his blade, his expression one of eager anticipation. "Captain, when do we strike?"
Naruko's eyes never left the approaching island. "As soon as we dock. We move fast and hit hard. Blackbeard won't know what hit him."
Kakashi turned from the window, his voice calm but firm. "We've got confirmation from our scouts. Blackbeard and his crew are on the island, but they're spread out. This is our best chance to catch them off guard."
Iruka entered the cabin, his face serious. "The men are ready, Captain. We're just waiting on your command."
Naruko nodded, her expression steely. "Good. We move in ten minutes. I want everyone ready and in position."
She turned back to the snail phone, addressing Smoker once more. "Smokey, this is where we part ways. I've got a job to do."
Smoker's voice was gruff but held a note of concern. "Just be careful, Naruko. Blackbeard is dangerous, and I'd hate to see you underestimate him."
Naruko's smile was confident, almost cocky. "Don't worry about me, Smokey. I can handle myself."
With that, she ended the call and turned to her crew. "Alright, everyone. This is it. We've got one shot at this, so let's make it count. Remember, our target is Blackbeard. We take him down, and the rest will fall apart."
Shiryu stood, his blade gleaming ominously. "I've been waiting for this. Let's see what Blackbeard is really made of."
Kakashi nodded, his gaze unwavering. "We're with you, Captain. Let's do this."
As the Red Death docked, Naruko's crew moved with practiced efficiency, disembarking and spreading out to take their positions. Naruko led the way, her senses heightened, her mind focused entirely on the task at hand.
The island loomed ahead, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and the promise of a fierce battle. Naruko's eyes scanned the terrain, every detail etched into her memory as she prepared to confront one of the most dangerous pirates on the seas.
--
The water around the island had turned a deep, blood-red hue, spreading ominously towards the shore. In the midst of the dense jungle, Jesus Burgess was punching trees, each impact sending massive chunks of dirt and wood flying. He moved restlessly, his frustration growing with each step. "When are they gonna show up? This is getting old," he muttered.
Suddenly, he sensed something. "Well, it's about damn time," Burgess said with a grin, just before he leaped back. Shiryu landed where he had been standing, his sword swing sending a powerful wave of energy slicing through the air. The energy wave cleaved through several trees, toppling them like matchsticks.
Burgess squealed with excitement at the sight of his opponent. "Finally, a big bastard to fight!" He landed in a crouch, ready to spring back into action.
Shiryu stood up straight, his expression calm and focused. He raised his sword, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You knew the Marines would arrive, didn't you? This just makes the fight more interesting." With a swift motion, he dashed towards Burgess, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision.
Burgess dodged the initial swipe, rolling to the side and launching himself into a counterattack. His fists collided with Shiryu's sword, creating a shower of sparks. "Fighting a man with your reputation is gonna be fun!" Burgess roared, throwing a series of powerful punches.
Shiryu parried each punch with calculated movements, his sword dancing through the air. "You're stronger than I expected," he admitted, his voice calm. He swung his sword in a wide arc, sending another wave of energy towards Burgess.
Burgess ducked just in time, the energy wave slicing through the air above him. He lunged forward, aiming a punch at Shiryu's midsection. Shiryu sidestepped, bringing his sword down in a powerful strike. Burgess caught the blade with his gauntleted hand, grinning fiercely. "Not bad, but you'll need to do better than that!"
The two clashed repeatedly, their movements blurring with speed. Each strike from Shiryu's sword was met with a powerful counter from Burgess. The ground shook with the force of their blows, dust and debris flying in all directions.
Shiryu took a step back, assessing his opponent. "You're not just a brute, are you?" he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Burgess chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "You bet I'm not. I've been looking forward to a good fight."
Without warning, Shiryu lunged forward again, his sword glowing with a sinister light. He swung with all his might, sending a massive wave of energy hurtling towards Burgess. Burgess braced himself, raising his arms to block the attack. The energy wave collided with him, pushing him back several feet, but he held his ground.
"Impressive," Shiryu said, a genuine smile on his face. "Let's see how long you can keep this up."
Burgess, undeterred, charged at Shiryu, his fists crackling with raw power. "Bring it on!" he squeeled with joy their battle resuming with renewed intensity.
As they continued their fierce exchange, the pools of blood-red water around the island grew larger, the tendrils creeping closer to the combatants. The island itself seemed to pulse with the energy of their fight, each clash echoing through the jungle.
The fight raged on, neither combatant willing to give an inch. The ground beneath them was scarred from their attacks, the air thick with tension and the promise of more violence to come.
--
The water around the island was turning a sinister blood-red, spreading ominously around the island. Perched high atop a tree, Van Augur sat with his rifle at the ready, scanning the area below with a sharp eye. He watched as signs of battle began to erupt in the jungle below, near where Jesus Burgess was fighting. Sighing, he muttered to himself, "It looks like things have begun."
He raised his eyeglass, carefully scanning for any signs of other Marines. His keen eyes noticed movement in the distance. A small smile crept onto his face just as his form flickered, sensing danger. In the next instant, Kakashi landed where Van Augur had been sitting, his arm coated in crackling lightning.
Kakashi now resembled a bipedal dog with silver fur, but still maintained his human form's features. His nose twitched as he sniffed out Van Augur's new location. "You can run, but you can't hide," Kakashi growled, launching himself toward Van Augur's new position with incredible speed.
Van Augur watched Kakashi's approach, his expression calm and composed. "So, you're the infamous Kakashi. Let's see how you handle a sniper," he said quietly, aiming his rifle at the oncoming Marine. He fired a precise shot, the bullet whizzing through the air with deadly accuracy.
Kakashi dodged the bullet with a swift twist of his body, landing gracefully on another branch. "Not bad," he admitted, his voice steady. "But you'll need to do better than that."
Van Augur didn't respond, instead firing a rapid succession of shots. Kakashi moved with incredible agility, dodging each bullet while closing the distance between them. He reached Van Augur's position in a matter of seconds, his lightning-coated arm poised to strike.
Van Augur leaped from the tree, landing on the ground below with cat-like agility. He aimed his rifle up at Kakashi, firing another shot as he descended. Kakashi deflected the bullet with a swift swipe of his lightning-covered hand, the air crackling with energy.
"Impressive reflexes," Van Augur remarked, his tone measured. He dashed to the side, taking cover behind a large rock. Kakashi followed, landing on the ground and sniffing the air to track his opponent's movements.
The pools of water around the island continued to grow and turn a deeper red, the atmosphere growing more intense with each passing moment. Kakashi's senses were heightened, his eyes sharp as he searched for Van Augur.
Van Augur peeked out from behind the rock, firing another shot. Kakashi dodged and countered with a lightning-fast strike, the rock shattering from the force. Van Augur rolled to the side, quickly taking aim and firing again. This time, Kakashi deflected the bullet back toward him, forcing Van Augur to duck and evade.
"You're a persistent one," Van Augur said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Kakashi smirked, his canine features adding a menacing edge to his expression. "I've been called worse."
The two combatants continued their intense exchange, each one testing the other's limits. Kakashi's lightning-coated strikes clashed with Van Augur's precise shots, the ground around them scarred from their attacks.
As the fight progressed, the pools of blood-red water began forming into tendrils, their ominous presence adding to the tension. The tendrils writhed and twisted, creeping closer to the combatants, their movements synchronized with the ferocity of the battle.
Van Augur took a moment to reload, his eyes never leaving Kakashi. "You're quite skilled. It's been a while since I've had a challenge like this."
Kakashi nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Likewise. But this ends here."
With a burst of speed, Kakashi launched himself at Van Augur, his lightning-coated arm aimed for a decisive strike. Van Augur a shot, the bullet narrowly missing Kakashi as he closed the distance.
The tendrils of blood-red water continued to rise, their presence looming over the battlefield. The fight between Kakashi and Van Augur raged on, neither side willing to back down. The island itself seemed to pulse with the energy of their clash, each strike and shot echoing through the jungle.
The scene was set for a fierce confrontation, the outcome still uncertain as the two warriors continued their battle amidst the growing chaos.
--
The water around the island continued to turn an ominous blood-red, creating an eerie atmosphere. The pools of water grew larger, the crimson hue creeping toward the shore and surrounding the island.
Doc Q was precariously perched atop his horse, swaying slightly as the horse walked around. In his hand, he held a basket of apples, occasionally taking a bite and chuckling to himself. "Fate's a funny thing," he muttered, his eyes half-closed.
Suddenly, the horse took to the air, soaring upward. Doc Q nearly fell off but managed to hold on, his laughter growing louder. "Well, well, it looks like things are getting interesting."
Iruka landed where the horse had been, his leg covered in a black sheen, creating a small crater. He looked up at the flying horse, his eyes narrowing in determination. "Come down and fight me properly," he called out, his voice firm.
Doc Q looked down at Iruka, burping from his drunken state. "Fate has brought us together, Marine," he slurred, dropping the basket of apples. The apples fell around Iruka, each one a potential explosive.
Iruka moved with lightning speed, kicking each apple far away before they could detonate. The ground shook with the force of the explosions, but Iruka remained unscathed. "You're going to have to do better than that," he said, his voice steady.
Doc Q's eyes glinted with amusement as he watched Iruka. "Oh, I intend to," he replied, his tone dripping with mockery.
Iruka activated the iron body technique, his form shimmering with an unyielding toughness. He then used sky walk to ascend to the flying horse, his movements swift and precise. He landed in front of Doc Q, his fists ready for battle.
Doc Q swung his scythe at Iruka, the blade whistling through the air. Iruka dodged and countered with a powerful kick, aiming for Doc Q's midsection. The blow connected, sending Doc Q and his horse spiraling through the air.
"Not bad," Doc Q said, coughing as he regained his balance. "But can you handle this?" He threw a handful of apples at Iruka, each one primed to explode.
Iruka moved with incredible speed, deflecting the apples with a series of precise kicks. Each apple exploded harmlessly in the air, creating a dazzling display of fire and smoke. "You underestimate me," Iruka said, his voice calm and focused.
The pools of water around the island began forming into giant tendrils, their blood-red hue adding to the island's ominous atmosphere. The tendrils writhed and twisted, encircling the combatants and adding to the chaos of the ongoing battles.
Doc Q grinned, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "Fate really does have a sense of humor," he said, charging at Iruka with renewed vigor. His scythe swung in wide arcs, each strike aiming to slice through Iruka's defenses.
Iruka blocked each attack with his iron body technique, his movements fluid and controlled. He countered with a series of rapid punches, forcing Doc Q to retreat. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered from the force of their blows.
"You're persistent, I'll give you that," Doc Q said, breathing heavily. "But persistence alone won't save you."
Iruka's eyes hardened with determination. "I don't need saving. I need to stop you."
With a burst of speed, Iruka launched himself at Doc Q, his fists glowing with concentrated energy. He delivered a powerful uppercut, sending Doc Q flying backward. The horse struggled to maintain balance, its wings flapping frantically.
The tendrils of blood-red water continued to rise, their presence looming over the battlefield. The fight between Iruka and Doc Q raged on, neither side willing to back down. The island itself seemed to pulse with the energy of their clash, each strike and counterstrike echoing through the jungle.
Doc Q coughed, wiping blood from his mouth. "You're tougher than you look, Marine," he admitted, his voice filled with grudging respect.
Iruka stood his ground, his eyes blazing with determination. "And you're more of a challenge than I expected. But this ends now."
As the tendrils of water grew larger and more menacing, the battle between Iruka and Doc Q reached a critical point. The island was a cacophony of sound and fury, each combatant fighting with everything they had.
The pools of blood-red water continued to expand, their tendrils encircling the island and adding to the intensity of the battle. The scene was set for a fierce confrontation, the outcome still uncertain as Iruka and Doc Q continued their fight amidst the growing chaos.
--
In the middle of the island, Blackbeard stood laughing, his deep voice echoing through the air. He watched the destruction around him with fascination, each skirmish feeding his excitement.
"Looks like the Marines brought quite the show," Blackbeard chuckled, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement.
Blackbeard stood in the midst of the chaos, his laughter booming through the island as he watched the destruction unfold. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and the sound of distant explosions, creating an atmosphere of pure mayhem.
The pools of water that had started forming around the island had now turned a sinister blood-red, their hue darkening as they grew into massive, writhing tentacles that loomed ominously over the battlefield.
Blackbeard's eyes sparkled with excitement as he noticed the growing tendrils. His grin widened, showing his crooked teeth. "This is going to be fun," he muttered to himself.
Turning around, he quickly noticed Naruko emerging from the dense forest. Her face was stern, eyes bloodshot, and her overcoat flowed dramatically behind her as she approached. The tension in the air seemed to thicken with each step she took, her presence commanding and menacing.
"Well, well, well, look who it is, the Red Dea—" Blackbeard started, but his words were cut off as Naruko swung her fist, sending a concentrated ball of water flying towards his face. The projectile hit him with the force of a steel ball, knocking him back several feet and causing a splash of blood-red water.
He screamed in pain, dark energy emanating from his body to heal his injuries. "Ow, ow, ow!" he howled as he got back up, rubbing his face. "And here I was gonna offer you a place on my crew! Someone like you would do well on it!" he yelled, still clutching his face.
Naruko's eyes glinted with cold amusement as she watched him struggle. The red tendrils of water continued to writhe and twist around the island, casting an eerie glow on the scene.
Naruko stood firm, her eyes locked onto Blackbeard. She raised her hands, summoning streams of blood-red water that swirled around her like serpents. With a swift motion, she directed the water to form sharp, spear-like projectiles and hurled them at Blackbeard with lethal precision.
Blackbeard stood his ground, a dark grin on his face as the water spears slammed into him. Each hit sent a shudder through his body, causing him to cry out in pain but dark energy seeped out, instantly healing the wounds.
Undeterred, Naruko sent wave after wave of water attacks. She created whips that lashed out, slicing through the air with incredible speed, and blasts of water that struck with the force of cannonballs. Blackbeard took each hit head-on, his body absorbing the impacts and the dark energy mending the damage almost as quickly as it occurred, causing him to cry out in pain each time
"Why do you keep letting me hit you?" Naruko demanded, frustration creeping into her voice. She watched as he stood up after her latest attack.
Blackbeard laughed, the sound deep and resonant. "Because, little girl, it doesn't matter how many times you hit me," he replied, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "My Devil Fruit power is different. I can't turn my body into an element like some others, but the Yami Yami no Mi has its own unique abilities."
Naruko's eyes narrowed, trying to gauge the truth in his words. She could see the relentless confidence in his posture, the way he shrugged off each attack. It was infuriating.
"You think you're invincible just because you can heal?" Naruko spat, launching another barrage of water projectiles.
Blackbeard took the hits, his laughter echoing through the chaotic scene. "Not invincible, no. But very, very hard to kill," he said, his tone almost taunting. "You see, the Yami Yami no Mi is a special kind of power. It gives me the ability to endure, to absorb the pain, and then use it to my advantage."
Blackbeard, undeterred, raised his right arm toward the sky, and black portals began to form above each tentacle, pulling the water up and causing the tendrils to break apart.
Naruko extended her hand, palm facing out, and clenched her fingers in the air. Blackbeard's muscles locked up, and he screamed in agony as his fingers twisted unnaturally. The black portals vanished, and his head was slammed into the ground with a sickening thud.
Struggling to rise, Blackbeard managed to get onto his hands and knees, his face twisted with pain and rage. Naruko's grin widened, her eyes filled with a twisted sense of satisfaction. She began to walk forward, her voice filled with mocking laughter. The red glow from the tendrils illuminated her path, making her appear even more menacing.
"Controlling you is harder than most, Blackbeard, but you fall just like the rest of the pirates I've faced," she taunted, her voice dripping with confidence.
She stopped a few feet away, her smirk growing. Blackbeard tensed his body, a wild grin spreading across his face. He lunged forward with surprising speed, his hand reaching out to grab her.
Naruko felt her control slip as he tensed. She tried to jump back, but he was too quick. His massive hand wrapped around her, pulling her close to his face. The raw power of his grip was almost suffocating, but Naruko remained defiant.
As he held her, he glanced at the giant tentacles, now starting to collapse without her control. He laughed, the sound deep and menacing. But then he felt something strange in his hand and looked down at Naruko. As he pulled away her Devil Fruit power, her form flickered wildly, water slipping off her body to reveal her true self.
Blackbeard's eyes widened in genuine surprise for a moment, taking in her true appearance. Then, he broke into wild, unrestrained laughter, the sound echoing across the island like a death knell.
"Well, well, well," he said sarcastically, a mocking grin on his face. "You've got a real pretty face, don't you, Red Death?"