Chapter 5—Stormy Detour Arc: The Obsidian Rouge Pirates are Born
Naruto's voice cut through the tension like a crystal blade. "Alright, crew. We've got a rich dickhead to take down and a fortune to liberate. And boy oh boy, I aim to misbehave."
The sun blazed at its zenith, not a cloud in sight. Despite the crew's excitement for the upcoming raid, their newest member couldn't shake her unease.
"Wait!" Menchi's shout halted the crew in their tracks. "I know I'm the new girl, but you need to understand the history of these isles before charging in blind."
Naruto turned, his blue eyes softening. "Are you sure? Last time I asked, you seemed uncomfortable."
Menchi nodded, steeling herself. "Thalgo... he changed after Mariejois. My mother said he was once a quiet boy, but then the World Nobles came for tribute. They chose him as a noblewoman's bodyguard." She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "He was only 14. When he returned, he orchestrated a hostile takeover using his newfound wealth and connections. He's ruthless now, caring only for status and wealth."
'This sounds familiar,' Nojiko thought, her grip on Menchi tightening.
Hanabi's eyes narrowed. "So, more reason to kick his ass."
"He burned villages when they couldn't pay tribute," Menchi choked out, tears threatening to spill. "He made me an orphan."
Nojiko pulled the younger girl into a comforting embrace. "It's okay, you don't have to say more." She looked to Naruto, her eyes questioning. "Captain, what's our move?"
The crew fell silent, all eyes on their blonde leader.
Naruto's expression hardened. "The plan stays, but we're switching up the teams." He pointed to his first mate. "Shinobu, take Hanabi and Gin. Rob that manor blind." He opened his fist, revealing an amethyst gemstone. "Tap this three times and then toss this in with the beri when you find the stash."
"Aye, Captain Nii," Hanabi chirped as Shinobu pocketed the gem.
"And us?" Nojiko asked, loosening her hold on Menchi.
A mischievous grin spread across Naruto's face. "We're gonna do what pirates do best – cause chaos."
Gin's eyes widened. "You're not destroying the town, are you?"
"Nah, but remember those goons I sent flying earlier? Guess where they landed."
"Thalgo's manor," Menchi realized, a spark of admiration in her eyes.
"You planned this from the start?" Gin asked, incredulous.
Naruto snickered. "Gin, my friend, I've been plotting since I met that dick yesterday."
"But you were drunk!"
"Hey! I'll have you know I'm a fully functional alcoholic. Being 19 helps too."
Silence fell before Hanabi burst into laughter, Shinobu giggling politely. Gin and Nojiko's jaws dropped, both thinking, 'Does every strong person have a screw loose?'
Even Menchi found herself chuckling, caught up in the captain's infectious energy.
"Besides," Naruto added, his tone suddenly serious, "no one upsets my crew without consequences."
"I wasn't part of your crew then," Menchi pointed out.
"Time is bloody relative. Now gear up, we move in an hour," Naruto declared, determination blazing in his eyes.
As the crew dispersed, Gin lingered. "Captain," he said quietly, "I've seen what happens when crews challenge nobility. Are you certain about this?"
Naruto's grin turned fierce. "Gin, we're not just any crew. We're the Obsidian Rouge Pirates, and it's high time the world learned our name."
The Man-Demon nodded slowly, a smirk forming. "Well then, let's make some noise."
"You know what they say, Gin," Naruto mused, his eyes distant. "There are criminals, there are pirates – they do this for money and power. But me? I do this for the love of the game."
As they moved to join the others, the air crackled with anticipation. On the horizon, dark clouds began to gather, as if the very sky was preparing for the storm about to be unleashed on Spicy Isle.
The sun had inched across the sky, signalling that about an hour and a half had passed. Naruto, Nojiko, and Menchi stood before the bar where two of them had met the day prior, tension crackling in the air.
"Nojiko, stay close," Naruto murmured, noting how she clutched her rifle like a lifeline. She nodded; her knuckles white against the weapon's stock.
"Menchi, shall we?" Naruto's eyes gleamed with mischief.
"We shall," Menchi replied, a fierce grin spreading across her face.
In perfect synchronisation, Naruto and Menchi reared back and unleashed a devastating kick on the recently repaired front door. The impact sent a shockwave through the building, reducing the doors to splinters and leaving fractures spider-webbing across the doorframe.
Nojiko's eyes widened in disbelief. 'What kind of monsters are these two?' she thought, watching dust settle around them.
Inside, the patrons fell silent, shock etched on their faces. Menchi stepped forward, her voice ringing out clear and defiant.
"Listen up, everyone! I'm leaving this place. I've joined a pirate crew, and I'm going to become the Gourmet Queen of the Grand Line – the world's number one ranked chef!"
The silence stretched for a moment before the barkeep, Ichiro, broke into a proud smirk. Menchi continued, her voice filled with bravado, "And since it's my last night here, let's open a tab in Thalgo's name and get this party started!"
The bar erupted in cheers before Ichiro could object. Menchi waved off his concerns, "Don't worry, Ichiro. We'll make sure you're reimbursed every last beri."
"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep, kiddo," Ichiro warned.
"Hey, when you're with the Obsidian Rouge Pirates, anything is possible," Menchi boasted.
"The Obs- who?" Ichiro's brow furrowed in confusion.
Naruto stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "The Obsidian Rouge Pirates. It's the name I need everyone to remember when the Marines arrive."
"Marines?" Ichiro's gaze darted between Menchi and Naruto. "Menchi, what have you done?"
A gunshot suddenly rang out, silencing the bar. Nojiko tensed, her voice low, "I believe that's our cue."
From outside, Thalgo's voice boomed, "Whoever roughed up my boys earlier better come out right now!"
Naruto's eyes hardened. "Nojiko, cover our backs. Menchi and I will handle the rest." The trio moved towards the shattered doorway, whispers from the bar patrons following in their wake.
As they stepped into the sunlight, they faced a sea of opposition. At the forefront stood Thalgo, flanked by a menacing gunman.
"That's... a lot of them," Nojiko breathed.
Naruto raised his hand, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Let's see... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9... Well, I can confidently say there's more than nine."
"Of course, there's more than nine!" Menchi snapped. "That's his entire militia!"
Thalgo's eyes narrowed at Menchi's outburst. "Ah, the gutter trash involves herself again," he snarled.
Menchi's fists clenched. "I was only in the gutter because you put me there, you scum-sucking prick!"
"Enough of your insolence!" Thalgo roared. "Ogre!"
The gunman moved with blinding speed, his rifle already aimed and firing.
BOOM!
Naruto's hand shot out, a pink crystal coating materialising just in time to catch the bullet meant for Menchi's face.
BOOM!
Another shot, this time aimed at Nojiko. Naruto caught it again, but a sharp CRACK echoed as his crystal armour fractured.
'Haki?' Naruto's eyes widened in surprise before narrowing in determination. He repaired his armour in an instant, locking eyes with the gunner. "You'll need to do better than that to take me down."
In a blur of motion, Naruto closed the 50-yard gap between them. The gunner swung his rifle, but Naruto was to fast, too fluid. He spun around the weapon, his left arm tensing as crystal spikes formed over his fist. Black armament haki spread over the crystalline armour, giving it an obsidian sheen.
"Haki outside the Grand Line? Two can play that game, old geezer," Naruto whispered, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.
"Kesho Kesho no Obsidian Impact!" Naruto's fist connected with devastating force, sending the gunman flying across the square and crashing into the stables.
Thalgo stumbled back, panic etched on his face as he watched his top enforcer fall. "All of you, get them! Now!" he screamed, fear paralysing him as he realised the true threat before him.
The militia's resolve wavered in the face of such overwhelming power. Naruto stood tall, a wild grin spreading across his face as a familiar battle axe materialised in his hands. The young pirate hefted the weighted weapon onto his shoulder, its crystalline surface glinting in the sunlight.
"Come on, give it your best shot," Naruto taunted, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "There's only one of me, after all."
Just as the militia steeled themselves to charge, a bullet struck the ground before them, kicking up dust and debris.
"Captain, don't forget about us," Nojiko called out, her rifle steady in her hands. Her eyes, hard with determination, scanned the crowd. "The next person who steps towards my captain gets a hot bullet to the head." The threat in her voice was palpable, the situation eerily reminiscent of her tumultuous childhood.
Whispers rippled through the militia, fear paralysing them as they eyed the barrel of Nojiko's rifle. The air grew thick with tension, no one daring to make the first move.
Naruto's eyes darted around, assessing the situation. 'The enforcers, the townspeople, even Nojiko... everyone's radiating fear. The only ones who aren't are me and-'
"Oh shit!" Naruto's eyes widened as he instinctively shifted his weight, his crystal axe becoming a blur as he deflected a sudden barrage of bullets.
'Some are coated in haki, others aren't,' he thought, gritting his teeth. 'Stick to deflecting. Can't risk a haki bullet slipping through.'
The captain's display of dexterity was mesmerising, his crystalline axe swinging with fluid grace as it intercepted bullet after bullet.
Meanwhile, Thalgo attempted to slink away towards his manor, but a familiar green-haired figure cut off his escape.
"You're not going anywhere, you bastard!" Menchi snarled, her knives glinting dangerously in her hands.
Thalgo's face contorted with rage. "You dare challenge me? I was a guard in Mariejois, the holy land itself!" He drew a sabre nearly as tall as himself, its blade catching the light. "You think some gutter rat like you can take me on?"
The air crackled with tension as Menchi and Thalgo faced off, their confrontation a microcosm of the larger battle unfolding around them.
The sun dipped low on the horizon as Hanabi, Gin, and Shinobu crouched behind a hedge bordering Thalgo's opulent manor. In the distance, they could hear the chaos of battle raging in the town centre.
"Looks like the captain's plan worked," Gin whispered, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Most of the security is gone."
Shinobu nodded, her eyes scanning the perimeter. "Two guards at the main entrance, one patrolling the east wing. The rest must be in town."
Hanabi activated her Byakugan, veins bulging around her eyes. "I see three more inside. One in what looks like a study, two in the basement... probably guarding something valuable."
"Alright," Shinobu said, taking charge. "Hanabi, you take out the patrol. Gin, handle the entrance guards. I'll slip in and deal with the ones inside."
They moved with practiced efficiency. Hanabi disappeared into the shadows, reappearing behind the patrolling guard. A quick strike to the neck, and he crumpled silently.
Gin approached the main entrance openly, stumbling as if drunk. The guards tensed, hands on their weapons.
"Evening, gents," Gin slurred. "Lovely night for a stroll, ain't it?"
As the guards relaxed, Gin's demeanour changed in an instant. His tonfas appeared in his hands, and with two swift, brutal strikes, both guards were unconscious.
Meanwhile, Shinobu had scaled the wall, slipping in through an open window on the second floor. She moved like a shadow, incapacitating the guard in the study before he could even register her presence.
The trio regrouped at the basement door.
"Two left," Hanabi whispered, her Byakugan active. "They're standing in front of a large safe."
Shinobu grinned. "Perfect. Let's introduce ourselves, shall we?"
They descended the stairs silently. The guards, already on edge from the distant sounds of battle, never stood a chance. In a flurry of strikes, they were down.
"Well, that was almost too easy," Gin chuckled, eyeing the massive safe.
Shinobu approached it, her fingers dancing over the lock. "Now for the fun part. Hanabi, keep watch. Gin, start looking for anything else valuable. Let's clean this place out."
As they set to work, the manor remained eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the battle raging in town. The Obsidian Rouge Pirates' heist was well underway.
The air was thick with an unusual blend of gunpowder, blood, and exotic spices. Naruto stood surrounded by the militia, his crystal axe cleaving through an enforcers arm with brutal efficiency.
BOOM! Another shot from the persistent gunner forced Naruto to block, his crystal axe cracking slightly under the haki-infused bullet.
In that moment of distraction, an enforcer leapt high, sabre poised to strike Naruto's exposed back. A sharp crack rang out, and the attacker cried out as a bullet tore through his shoulder – Nojiko's precise shot saving her captain.
Naruto grinned, crystal shards exploding from his back to impale the would-be assassin. In one fluid motion, he spun, his axe bisecting the man before he could hit the ground.
Ducking another barrage from the haki-user, Naruto's palm touched the ground. A shimmering layer of crystal spread across the town square in an instant. He swept the legs out from under three enforcers, using the momentum to launch himself skyward.
Nojiko recognised the stance as Naruto loaded his fists into his pockets. She smirked, ducking behind a pillar to avoid a stray shot.
"Iaiken - Sokusha Danmaku!" Naruto's voice boomed across the square. To the untrained eye, he seemed motionless in the air. But a barrage of invisible shockwaves suddenly struck down the remaining militia, their bodies crumpling to the crystal-coated ground.
As Naruto landed, he surveyed the carnage with a mix of satisfaction and determination. "Not bad for a warm-up," he muttered, his eyes already seeking out his next challenge.
Suddenly, another haki-coated bullet whizzed towards him. Naruto's eyes widened as the bullet struck true, hitting him in the head and causing him to skid back from the force.
The whole town seemed to hold its breath collectively. Even Thalgo, locked in a sabre clash against Menchi's knives, seemed distracted.
"Not bad, kid, from the feel of that punch you broke at least three of my ribs. It's a shame you met me at this point," Van Auger praised, stepping forward from his position in the stables, clutching his side.
Naruto looked up, revealing to all that he had caught the bullet between his teeth. His cheek was torn and lips bloody, but he was grinning like a madman. He crunched down, cracking the bullet into pieces before spitting the destroyed remnants on the ground. His face quickly became crystal and reformed before changing back into healthy human skin.
"Come now, you can't think it's over with one bullet, can you?" Naruto taunted, his eyes gleaming with fierce determination.
The clash of steel against steel echoed through the square as Menchi's knives met Thalgo's sabre. The older guard's experience was evident in his stance, but Menchi's youth and agility gave her an edge.
In a sudden burst of movement, Menchi broke the blade lock, her lithe body twisting as she launched into a roundhouse kick. Thalgo, no stranger to combat, anticipated the attack and swung his sabre to counter.
But Menchi was one step ahead. With cat-like reflexes, she halted her momentum mid-kick, her right hand shooting out to grab the heel of her kicking leg. She pulled back, her body contorting in an impossible angle as Thalgo's blade whistled harmlessly past her face, close enough for her to feel the wind of its passage.
Using the momentum of her evasion, Menchi uncorked a brutal question mark kick. Her foot arced high, then snapped down with devastating force, catching Thalgo squarely on the temple. The impact resonated with a sickening thud, and the older man's eyes glazed over momentarily.
Seizing the opportunity, Menchi's voice rang out clear and fierce, "Mincemeat!"
She dove forward in a lunging motion, her body a blur of green hair and flashing steel. Her knives became a whirlwind of deadly precision, moving faster than the eye could follow. Each slash found its mark, opening deep, bloody gashes across Thalgo's torso and arms.
The slimy governor stumbled back, his once-pristine uniform now in tatters and stained crimson. His face contorted in a mix of pain, shock, and dawning realization that he had severely underestimated the "gutter rat" he once despised.
Menchi stood poised, her knives dripping with Thalgo's blood, her eyes burning with the fire of long-awaited retribution. The tide of the battle had turned, and the former guard of Mariejois was now facing the full wrath of a chef scorned.
Thalgo began to look around in a panic, his 100-man militia filled to the brim with top enforcers from across the East blue were either knocked out or dead and his top merc was currently facing that axe wielding psychopath.
'My forces are decimated.' The corrupt official thought as he attempted to stand only to realise that he had two major wounds on his legs.
'She severed my quads!?' Thalgo thought as the only emotion he could feel at this point was nothing but unchecked, unadulterated fear.
"You finally noticed." Menchi thought as she stood tall looking down on the governor who thought his money and status made him untouchable.
To him she looked like a demoness standing above ready to judge him for all his sins, knives bloody and dripping with a grin that only promised malice.
"VAN AUGER!"
Van Auger stood transfixed, a morbid curiosity gleaming in his eyes as he watched his opponent's face regenerate before him. The torn flesh transfmuted and reformed as crystal knitting together, leaving unblemished skin in its wake.
"Now what kind of monster are you?" Van Auger breathed, a mix of awe and trepidation in his voice.
Naruto's lips curled into a feral grin, his blue eyes flashing with dangerous intent. "The best kind," he purred, his voice low and menacing.
In one fluid motion, Naruto hefted his massive crystal battle-axe, the weapon glinting ominously in the sunlight. With a grunt of effort, he launched it towards the gunner, the axe spinning through the air with deadly precision.
But Naruto was far from done. Even as the axe left his hands, jade-green crystal blades erupted from his forearms, their edges wickedly sharp. Without missing a beat, he dashed after his thrown weapon, his feet barely touching the crystal-covered ground. The crystalline surface seemed to propel him forward, his speed reaching almost untraceable levels.
Van Auger's eyes widened as he tracked the incoming axe. With a display of reflexes befitting his reputation, he dodged to the side, letting the behemoth-like weapon sail past him. A smirk of triumph began to form on his face, but it froze as he realized his grave error.
In the blink of an eye, Naruto was upon him. Van Auger's world narrowed to a flash of green and the fierce blue of Naruto's eyes as the pirate captain closed in.
"Kesho kesho no Suishoto!" Naruto's voice rang out, clear and sharp as the crystal blades adorning his arms.
'He hid in the axe's shadow?' Van Auger unable to comprehend the speed of which the younger man moved.
A blur of motion, a spray of crimson, and Naruto skidded to a halt behind the ranged fighter. Blood dripped from his sharpened, tonfa-like protrusions, each drop sizzling as it hit the crystal-coated ground. Van Auger stood frozen, two large, cross-like gashes carved across his chest and gut, a testament to the devastating speed and precision of Naruto's attack.
Naruto turned, his eyes cold as he regarded the fallen gunner. "Words of advice, old timer," he whispered, his voice carrying in the sudden silence, "You need to get your haki right before coming at me."
With those words, the legendary marksman Van Auger, terror of the seas, collapsed to the ground, his rifle clattering uselessly beside him.
From her vantage point, Nojiko could hear the whispers inside the bar growing louder as more civilians ventured outside or pressed against windows, watching in awe as their oppressors were systematically dismantled.
'They're both incredible,' the navigator thought, her eyes darting between Naruto's fight and Menchi's ongoing battle with Thalgo. 'So fast, so strong.'
"Is this the true power of the Obsidian Rouge Pirates?" Ichiro questioned as he stepped outside of his bar and stood next to Nojiko.
"VAN AUGER!" Thalgo's desperate shout came too late, his voice cracking with fear and disbelief. In his panic, the former guard had missed the moment Naruto took down his prime mercenary.
Thalgo's eyes darted wildly around the battlefield. His militia lay broken or unconscious, his top enforcer defeated, and now he could only drag his injured body away from the advancing pirates. The tide had turned, and the once-mighty governor found himself facing the very thing he had inflicted on others for so long: helplessness in the face of overwhelming power.
"Captain!" Shinobu's familiar voice rang out, causing Naruto to whirl around. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of Shinobu, Gin, and Hanabi, each laden with bulging sacks of various sizes.
Hanabi, her Byakugan still active, quickly explained, "We secured half the loot, but the bulk remains in the basement." Her voice held a mix of excitement and urgency before deactivated her eyes. "We even got a map to enter the Grand line." The youngest of the crew said with a grin as she waved a rolled-up piece a paper.
A sly grin spread across Naruto's face. "Excellent work. And the gem?"
Shinobu nodded, her usually stoic expression betraying a hint of pride. "Placed precisely as instructed, right in the centre of the basement."
"Perfect," Naruto's eyes gleamed with mischief as he clapped his hands together. Focusing intently, he reached out with his mind towards the purple gemstone nestled among the 2.5 million berri.
In the depths of the manor's basement, the amethyst began to pulse with an otherworldly light. It grew rapidly, crystalline tendrils spreading out to engulf the surrounding treasure. Gold coins, jewels, and priceless artifacts were all drawn into the expanding crystal structure before vanishing in a brilliant flash.
Shinobu, Gin, and Hanabi surveyed the chaotic scene before them, their eyes widening at the carnage that had unfolded in their absence. The town square, once a bustling center of activity, now resembled a war zone. Bodies of Thalgo's enforcers lay strewn about, some groaning in pain, others ominously still.
'Ah, he actually held back,' Shinobu mused, her keen analytical mind quickly assessing the battlefield. Her eyes darted from the cracked pavement to the shattered storefronts, noting the telltale signs of Naruto's crystal abilities. The damage was significant yet controlled – a testament to their captain's restraint.
Gin let out a low whistle, setting down his bulging sack of loot with a soft thud. "Looks like we missed quite the party," he remarked, his tone a mix of amusement and grudging respect. The former Man-Demon of the East Blue had seen his fair share of battles, but the efficiency of this takedown impressed even him.
Hanabi activated her Byakugan briefly, scanning the area for any remaining threats. Satisfied with her assessment, she deactivated her special eyes and smirked. "Meh, from the looks of it, Naruto was holding back," she commented nonchalantly.
To emphasize her point, the young Hyuga approached one of the fallen enforcers. With a swift, calculated motion, she delivered a sharp kick to his side. The man let out a pained groan, confirming he was still among the living. Hanabi's smirk widened, a glint of mischief in her pale eyes. Without hesitation, she kicked him again, harder this time. The enforcer's eyes rolled back as he slipped back into unconsciousness.
"See? If the captain had gone all out, none of these guys would be breathing," Hanabi added, her tone a mix of admiration for Naruto's strength and a hint of disappointment at missing the action.
As the trio continued to take in the aftermath of the battle, their attention was drawn to the centre of the square. There, sprawled in an undignified heap, lay the once-feared tyrant Thalgo. His expensive clothes were torn and bloodied, a far cry from his usual pristine appearance. The sight of their oppressor brought a collective sense of satisfaction to the group, knowing that their mission had been a resounding success.
Naruto's grin widened as he felt the connection to that gemstone sever. "And that takes care of that," he muttered, turning his attention back to the defeated Thalgo. "For all your talk and money, you were nothing but a stain on these isles."
Thalgo, once proud and arrogant, now grovelled pathetically. "Please, I'll give you anything! Just don't kill me!"
Naruto's expression shifted to one of mild disgust. "Kill you? I'm not going to kill you." He glanced meaningfully at the gathering townsfolk, their eyes burning with years of pent-up anger. "But I'm pretty sure there are plenty here who'd like a word with you."
As Naruto turned to check on Van Auger, he found only a pool of dried blood where the sniper had fallen. 'Damn, he slipped away,' he thought, a flicker of concern crossing his face before he refocused on the task at hand.
With a deep breath, Naruto closed his eyes and walked towards the bar where his crew now stood. A small crystal mirror materialized in his hand, from which he retrieved a stack of papers and a bundle of berri.
"Ichiro," he called out to the stunned barkeep, "these are the deeds to all the businesses across the Spicy Isles. Make sure they find their rightful owners." He placed the stack on the counter along with a hefty sum of berri. "And this should cover tonight's drinks, as promised."
Ichiro's jaw dropped, his eyes darting between the documents and the money. "I... I don't know what to say."
Naruto's grin returned, softer this time. "Just say the drinks are on the house for my crew."
As the townsfolk dealt with Thalgo, securing him to a post by the stables, Ichiro nodded approvingly. "That'll hold him till the Marines arrive," he said, heading back into the bar.
Menchi, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, suddenly shouted, "Alright, everyone! It's my leaving do today, so let's party!"
The town erupted in cheers, the air filled with a palpable sense of liberation and joy. As the celebration began in earnest, Naruto watched his crew mingle with the townspeople, a sense of pride and accomplishment washing over him.
The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the Spicy Isles. The town square, which had been the site of an intense battle just hours ago, now bore the remnants of a wild celebration. Empty bottles and streamers littered the ground, testament to the night's festivities.
Naruto stood at the docks, his crew bustling around him as they prepared their ship for departure, loading up all the extra ammunition and supplies into their ship. He turned to face Ichiro, who approached with a mix of gratitude and concern on his face.
"You sure you have to leave so soon?" Ichiro asked, his voice tinged with worry. "The Marines could be here any moment."
Naruto grinned, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "That's precisely why we need to set sail, my old man. Can't have the Marines spoiling our grand exit, now, can we?"
Ichiro nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "I suppose not. But what about the town? We've been under Thalgo's thumb for so long, I'm not sure we remember how to govern ourselves."
"That's where you come in," Naruto said, clapping a hand on Ichiro's shoulder. "The people trust you, Ichiro. You've been a pillar of this community even under Thalgo's reign. Who better to lead them into this new era of freedom?"
Ichiro's eyes widened. "Me? But I'm just a barkeep!"
Menchi, overhearing the conversation, chimed in as she loaded the last of their supplies. "Just a barkeep? Ichiro, you've been the heart of this town for years. You kept hope alive when things were at their darkest. The people will follow you."
Ichiro stood straighter, a newfound determination in his eyes. "I... I'll do my best."
"That's all anyone can ask," Naruto said with a nod. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crystal. "If you ever need us, break this. We'll hear your call, no matter where we are."
As Ichiro took the crystal, a commotion from the town caught their attention. A young boy came running towards the docks, out of breath.
"Marines!" he gasped. "Three ships on the horizon!"
Naruto's grin widened. "Well, that's our cue. Ichiro, take care of this place. We'll be back someday, I promise."
The crew scrambled aboard their ship, sails unfurling in the morning breeze. As they pulled away from the dock, the townspeople began to gather, cheering and waving.
Menchi stood at the rail, tears in her eyes as she waved goodbye to her hometown. Nojiko placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"You, okay?" she asked softly.
Menchi nodded, wiping her eyes. "Yeah. It's just... I never thought I'd leave like this. As a-."
"As a free woman who fought for the freedom of her people," Nojiko supplied helpfully. "One day I'll tell you my story if you want."
Menchi just smiled and nodded.
From the helm, Naruto called out, "Alright, crew! Next stop, the Grandline!"
The crew minus Gin cheered as he was resting from the load up.
As their ship sailed into the rising sun, the cheers of the townspeople faded behind them. On the dock, Ichiro stood tall, the small crystal clutched in his hand, ready to lead his people into a brighter future.
As the Marines on their ships disembarked, they found not a pirate crew, the corrupt governor and his enforcers bar one tied up in crystallised chains. The marines found a town united, celebrating their newfound freedom under the leadership of a humble barkeep turned hero.
THE END
A.N
OK Thats a wrap to this little 3 chapter arc
let me know if the pacing is a bit quick im not sure
could be my eagerness to reach the grandline or how quick ive churned out the last 3 chapters who knows
Now thoughts on Naruto's fight against Van Auger
now i would think he Van Auger has haki because he thought he could shoot Ace, i just think against a 2nd commander at the time he was weak.
this is a Van Auger before BB but he is still a travelled warrior
Menchi got a little shine too nothing to crazy because the opponents outside of Van Auger are not a threat.
Now then we've seen some more capabilities from the crew.
Nojiko helping were she can atm she's not really strong enough at this point but that will change further into the grandline
Pirate Crew Name: Obsidian Rouge Pirates
Captain: Uzumaki '... ...' Naruto
First Mate: Kocho Shinobu
Lookout: Hyuuga Hanabi
Cook/Chef: Menchi the Gourmet Queen
Navigator: Nojiko
next chapter Bounty's revealed, entry into the Grand Line and will we find a mfking doctor
find out next on...
Leave a review, it fuels my engines of creation.
up next
The Grand Line Gambit