Chapter 6-The Grand Line Gambit
A few days had passed since the Obsidian Rouge Pirates set sail from the Isles of Spice, their ship's hold brimming with a surplus of supplies and an almost ridiculous amount of beris. But their most valuable acquisition wasn't measured in gold or goods – it was their new chef, Menchi.
The Hanahime's galley, once a place of bland sustenance, had been transformed into a culinary sanctuary. Menchi stood at the helm of her new domain, orchestrating a symphony of sizzles, chops, and aromatic wafts. The air was thick with a rich, smoky scent that none of the crew had ever experienced in this kitchen before. It was an intoxicating blend of spices and perfectly seared meats that made their mouths water in anticipation.
Around the dining table, the crew gathered eagerly, their eyes darting between the kitchen door and each other. Naruto, his crystal-blue eyes twinkling with mischief, broke the anticipatory silence.
"Yo, lil' firecracker," he called out to Hanabi, taking a swig from his drink. "What's got you so engrossed in that notepad of yours? Planning world domination or just doodling hearts around Gin's name?"
Hanabi's pale eyes snapped up from her writing, a scowl etching itself across her features at the nickname. She recognized the boredom in her adoptive brother's voice, the telltale sign that he was itching to get under someone's skin – and she was the closest target.
"None. Ya," she retorted, her voice clipped. In one fluid motion, she scooted her chair further from Naruto, angling her body away and holding the notepad just out of his reach. Her eyes narrowed, daring him to make a grab for it.
Gin, seated across from them, raised an eyebrow at the siblings' antics. "You two never quit, do you?" he muttered, a hint of amusement in his usually gruff voice.
Nojiko, their navigator, chuckled softly. "It's kind of sweet, in a dysfunctional sort of way," she commented, earning a playful glare from both Naruto and Hanabi.
Shinobu, ever the voice of reason, was about to intervene when a new aroma wafted from the kitchen, silencing any brewing argument. The crew's attention snapped back to the galley door, their mouths watering anew as they awaited Menchi's culinary masterpiece. Here's an enhanced version of the scene, expanding on the details and character interactions:
"Voila!" Menchi sang, her voice lilting with pride as she pirouetted around the table. With the grace of a seasoned performer, she placed a dish before each crew member, her green topknots bouncing with each movement. The aroma of perfectly grilled seafood and exotic spices filled the air, causing mouths to water and stomachs to rumble in anticipation.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Menchi announced with a flourish, her eyes twinkling, "everyone but our esteemed captain, please enjoy this grilled seafood special." She then turned to Naruto, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And for you, Captain, a braised pork ramen. Both dishes are seasoned with the finest spices from my homeland. Bon appétit!"
Naruto's eyes widened with childlike glee as he beheld the steaming bowl before him. Without a word, he snatched up his chopsticks and lifted the bowl to his lips, inhaling deeply. "Menchi-chan," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion, "you're seriously the best." Then, with the gusto of a man starved, he dove into his meal.
Menchi's lips curved into a sweet smile, a hint of pink dusting her cheeks. "Consider it a small thank you for your help back home." But as quickly as it appeared, her gentle expression morphed into one of impish malice. "Just don't get used to it. You won't be eating ramen every day now that I'm around."
"Gah!" Naruto yelped, biting his tongue mid-chew. A string of colorful curses followed as he fixed Menchi with a bewildered stare. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Menchi leaned back, crossing her arms with an air of authority. "Well, Captain, since you've given me the role of chef, my kitchen, my rules. And I refuse to cook ramen every single day. I'd die of boredom!"
'Is she trying to...?' Nojiko thought, her eyes darting between Naruto and Menchi as she caught on to the chef's strategy.
Shinobu pressed a hand to her mouth, desperately trying to stifle her giggles. 'Oh my god, it's happening,' she thought, her eyes dancing with mirth.
Gin, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding drama, continued to devour his lobster with single-minded focus, occasionally grunting in appreciation.
"Ha!" Hanabi crowed, nearly bouncing in her seat with glee. "She's gonna curb your ramen addiction! Suck it, bro!" She ducked swiftly, narrowly avoiding a playful swipe from her brother.
Naruto huffed, his whiskered cheeks puffing out in indignation. "You're lucky there's precious ramen nearby, ya little brat." He turned back to Menchi, his expression softening. "If you make it this good every time, I suppose it'll be worth the wait." A genuine smile spread across his face before he returned to his bowl, slurping with slightly less enthusiasm as he nursed his injured tongue.
The Hanahime galley, warm and inviting, buzzed with the comfortable rhythm of conversation and the clink of utensils. The aroma of Menchi's culinary masterpiece lingered in the air, a testament to the feast they had just enjoyed. As the crew settled into a post-meal lull, their faces flushed with good food and better company, Nojiko's voice cut through the contented silence.
"Tomorrow, we reach the Grand Line," she announced, her tone a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Shinobu's violet eyes widened. "That soon?" she asked, leaning forward, her usually calm demeanour betraying a hint of surprise.
Nojiko nodded, her fingers tracing invisible maps on the table. "Yeah, but there's a catch. Our route takes us through a series of treacherous eddies."
Naruto's eyes gleamed with anticipation, a grin spreading across his whiskered face. "Now that sounds interesting," he mused, his mind conjuring images of the infamous pirate graveyard that awaited them.
Hanabi, ever perceptive, turned her pale eyes to Gin. "How are you feeling about this, Gin?" she asked softly, remembering the harrowing tale he had shared of Don Krieg's ill-fated voyage.
Gin's face darkened, his fingers tightening around his cup. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice gruff. "We ran into a monster so early on..."
Menchi, still new to the crew's history, leaned in. "Who did you encounter?" she asked, curiosity piqued.
"The world's greatest swordsman," Gin replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Naruto's head snapped up, his blue eyes wide. "That's new information," he said, suddenly alert.
Gin nodded grimly. "Yeah, after days of battling sea kings, we stumbled upon Mihawk the Warlord."
"Talk about rotten luck," Naruto whistled, shaking his head.
"You're telling me," Gin continued, his eyes distant. "That man could cleave entire galleons with a single stroke. He even defeated the Pirate Hunter with nothing but a butter knife."
'Pirate Hunter?' The thought echoed through four minds simultaneously, while Nojiko's eyes widened in recognition.
'Is that how Swordsman-kun got his scar?' she wondered, recalling the stoic first mate of her sister's crew.
Naruto turned to Shinobu; his brow furrowed. "Hey, isn't 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro's nickname?
Shinobu nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I believe it is."
Suddenly, Naruto and Hanabi erupted into laughter, their voices echoing off the galley walls.
"Doesn't he use three swords now?" Hanabi gasped between fits of giggles.
"What was he even doing at the Baratie?" Naruto asked, wiping tears from his eyes.
Gin shrugged. "He and his crew were just passing through."
Hanabi's laughter cut off abruptly. "Wait, Zoro has a crew?"
Nojiko seized the moment to interject. "Oh, you don't know the half of it," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. "The Pirate Hunter is the first mate of my sister's crew. They both serve under the man who defeated Arlong."
Gin choked on his drink, sputtering and coughing. "Straw-Hat beat Arlong?" he exclaimed; eyes wide with disbelief. "That kid took out Don Krieg and then Arlong? I'm officially impressed."
Naruto raised his glass in a mock toast. "Zoro's a pirate now? That raging hypocrite! Good for him!"
Hanabi nudged her captain playfully. "You sure you're not just sore he turned you down?"
Naruto grinned, slinging an arm around Shinobu's shoulders. "Nah, I've already got the world's number one swordsman on my crew. Why would I want second place?"
Shinobu rolled her eyes, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Captain," she said, standing to clear her plate.
As the laughter died down, a comfortable silence settled over the crew. The reality of their impending journey into the Grand Line hung in the air, a mix of excitement and trepidation. But in that moment, surrounded by friends and warmed by good food and better company, the future seemed a little less daunting and a lot more promising.
The salty sea air whipped through Naruto's hair as he stood at the bow of the Hanahime, his crystalline eyes scanning the horizon. Behind him, the crew bustled with activity, preparing the ship for the treacherous waters ahead.
Suddenly, a cry rang out from the crow's nest. "Marine battleships spotted, approaching from port!"
Naruto's gaze snapped forward, and sure enough, three imposing Marine vessels were rapidly closing the distance, their cannons bristling.
"Looks like they finally caught up to us," Naruto muttered, a grim smile tugging at his lips. He turned and shouted, "All hands-on deck! Get ready for a fight!"
The crew sprang into action, Shinobu barking orders as Nojiko and Gin manned the cannons. Menchi rushed to secure the galley, while Naruto took the helm, his eyes narrowed in concentration.
The first cannon blast shook the Hanahime, the iron ball narrowly missing the hull. Naruto braced himself, as he fort against the current. "Hanabi you're my eyes Nojiko, Gin fire at will. Shinobu you're on defence until Menchi is finished securing the galley. Now let's show these Marines what we're made of!" he roared.
"Hai" "Yes Captain" could be heard from the crew minus Menchi.
Hanabi grinned, her Byakugan blazing to life as she leapt down from the lookout hut on top of the mast, at the same time Nojiko and Gin unleashed a barrage of explosive rounds. Shinobu moved with deadly grace, her modified katana a blur as she deflected incoming projectiles. Naruto piloted the ship like he was born do so, with expert precision, weaving between the enemy's shots. Nojiko and Gin manned the cannons, their shots raining down on the pursuing Marine vessels. Hanabi, her Byakugan blazing, called out the shifting currents and eddies, guiding Naruto's deft handling of the ship.
Gin's experience and Nojiko's building talent for anything long range was really coming in handy.
Menchi and Shinobu moved with fluid grace, deflecting incoming cannon fire and debris with their blades. Their teamwork was honed to perfection, shielding the Hanahime from harm.
Naruto's fingers danced across the wheel, his Uzumaki heritage seemingly granting him an innate understanding of the sea's capricious nature. He wove the ship through the swirling eddies, his movements almost instinctual, as if the very currents were extensions of his own body.
"Hanabi, give me the heading!" Naruto barked, his voice carrying over the roar of the waves.
"Thirty degrees starboard, then straight through the centre of the maelstrom!" Hanabi replied, her eyes scanning the treacherous waters.
Naruto nodded; his jaw set with determination. "Nojiko, Gin, keep those Marines off our backs! Menchi, Shinobu, be ready to deflect anything that gets through!"
The crew responded with unwavering focus, their trust in their captain's abilities absolute. Naruto gripped the wheel, his crystalline powers flowing through the ship, as he guided the Hanahime straight into the heart of the whirlpool.
The vessel bucked and groaned, the currents threatening to tear it apart, but Naruto's control was unyielding. As the Hanahime surged forward, the crew braced themselves against the relentless eddies and whirlpools that dotted the entrance to the Grand Line. Naruto stood at the helm; his crystalline eyes narrowed in concentration as he guided the ship through the churning waters.
"Hanabi, report!" he barked, his voice barely audible over the roar of the waves.
"Another eddy, dead ahead!" Hanabi shouted back, her Byakugan scanning the treacherous currents. "It's massive, Naruto. We'll need to time this perfectly."
The whirlpool was a colossal, churning vortex that dominated the seascape, its maw gaping wide as if ready to swallow the Hanahime whole. Hanabi's Byakugan eyes, usually so perceptive, struggled to make sense of the dizzying currents that spun within. It was as if the very fabric of the ocean had been twisted into a ravenous maelstrom, pulling everything that dared venture too close into its crushing embrace.
The whirlpool's rotation was dizzying, a relentless spinning that put Hanabi in mind of pulling the plug in a sink, the water swirling down with unstoppable force. No matter how hard she focused, she couldn't discern where this monstrous eddy might lead - only that it was a gateway to the unknown, a treacherous threshold guarding the entrance to the Grand Line.
Scattered around the edges of the whirlpool, Hanabi's sharp eyes could make out the broken, half-submerged remains of countless ships, their hulls crushed and splintered by the whirlpool's savage power. It was a graveyard of dreams, a testament to the unforgiving nature of these waters, and a stark warning of the dangers that lay ahead.
Naruto stood at the helm, his crystalline gaze fixed on the swirling vortex, his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel. This was the final obstacle before they could enter the Grand Line, and he knew that navigating these treacherous eddies would require every ounce of his skill and nerve. With a deep breath, he steeled himself, ready to guide the Hanahime through the jaws of this monstrous whirlpool and into the unknown.
A small voice did whisper inside the captain's mind.
This what you wanted right, adventure, exploration into the unknown, to know and see the world in its natural state?
"HELL YEAH!" Naruto roared with large and wild smile, his hands tightening on the wheel. "Nojiko, Gin, get ready to fire on my mark!" he ordered, his gaze fixed on the swirling vortex before them.
The Hanahime approached the giant eddy, its maw gaping wide, ready to swallow them whole. Naruto waited, his muscles coiled like springs, until the ship was just on the edge of the current.
"Now!" he roared, and Nojiko and Gin unleashed a barrage of cannon fire at the pursuing Marine vessels. The shots found their mark, crippling the ships' masts and rigging.
As the Marines struggled to regain control, Naruto steered the Hanahime directly into the heart of the eddy. The ship shuddered and groaned as it was caught in the powerful rotation, but Naruto's control was unwavering.
"Hang on!" he shouted, and the crew braced themselves as the Hanahime began to pick up speed, the eddy's rotation acting like a slingshot.
With a mighty lurch, the ship burst free of the whirlpool, riding a wave of momentum straight into the Grand Line. The Marine vessels, caught in the eddy's backwash, were left behind, their crippled forms disappearing into the churning waters.
A cheer rose up from the Obsidian Rouge Pirates as they gazed upon the vast expanse of the Grand Line, their ship the Hanahime cutting through the swells with renewed vigour. Naruto allowed himself a triumphant grin, his crystalline eyes shining with exhilaration.
"Ha! Suck on that, Gabban-sensei!" he crowed, pumping a fist in the air. "No haki required, just pure badassery!" The pride in his voice was palpable as he steered the ship atop the towering tidal wave they had ridden out of the treacherous whirlpool.
Nojiko's eyes widened as she gazed upon the endless horizon of the Grand Line, the very sea her sister had ventured into not too long ago. 'This is where you are, Nami?' she thought, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.
Gin clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. 'Yeah, I'm back,' he vowed silently, 'but this time, I'll be the one to come out on top.' The memory of his previous disastrous foray into these waters fuelled his determination.
Menchi's mouth watered as she took in the sights and smells of the Grand Line. 'Just think of all the incredible seafood, herbs, and spices I've never even dreamed of!' she mused excitedly, her chef's mind already whirling with culinary possibilities.
Even Hanabi, whose Byakugan allowed her to see the chaotic currents and treacherous reefs beneath the waves, couldn't help but be struck by the raw beauty of the Grand Line. 'It's actually...breath-taking,' she admitted to herself, her pale eyes wide with wonder.
Shinobu's smile was tinged with sorrow as she gazed upon the horizon. 'This is where we lost you, Mom and Dad,' she thought, her heart heavy. But she quickly schooled her features, determined not to let the ghosts of the past haunt her on this momentous day.
"Welcome to Paradise, my friends!" Naruto declared, his voice carrying the weight of their accomplishment. "From here on out, it's uncharted territory. But with this crew," he said, clapping a hand on Shinobu's shoulder, "I know we can handle anything the Grand Line throws at us!"
"Hey, everyone!" Menchi's voice rang out, drawing all eyes to the galley. The chef emerged, rolling a massive barrel before her. "I've got a special treat to celebrate our arrival in the Grand Line!" she announced with a grin.
"Since we are officially here now, I'm pretty sure the marines ain't up our asses." Menchi said as she raised her long legs and placed her heel on the barrel.
Gin smirked easily recognising what the chef was suggesting before he followed suit. Was it childish a little but you know what maybe that's why Don Kreig's armada was decimated.
Naruto and Hanabi knew what this was from conversations with Gabban and various other sailors, so they two joined placing their own heels on top of the barrel. Both Shinobu and Nojiko looked confused on this practice.
Menchi's voice carried across the deck, silencing the celebratory chatter. "Everyone, gather round!" she called out, a wide smile on her face as she gestured to the massive barrel before her. "There's a little ritual we need to do. It's a tradition among sailors, Navy and pirates alike, something to show our unity and resolve."
The crew fell silent, all eyes fixed on the chef as she continued. "This barrel here," Menchi said, resting a hand on its weathered surface, "represents our dreams and our journey. We're going to place our hands or feet on it and make a vow. We're committing ourselves to each other and to our shared goal of reaching the Grand Line and achieving our dreams."
Naruto stepped forward, his crystal-blue eyes shining with pride. "I couldn't have said it better myself," he praised, placing a hand on Menchi's shoulder. "We're in this together. No matter what challenges we face, we'll face them as a crew. We'll protect each other, fight for each other, and reach our dreams together."
"Right," Nojiko and Shinobu echoed, their voices ringing with conviction as they joined their captain and chef.
Gin and Hanabi followed suit, their expressions solemn but resolute. Menchi beamed at them all, her heart swelling with affection for this ragtag group that had become her family. "Guess I'll go first since this was my idea," she said, taking a deep breath. "My goal, my dream, is to become the world's greatest chef and try the most exotic foods this world has to offer!"
Naruto grinned, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Well, you've certainly come to the right place for that," he quipped, earning a playful shove from Menchi.
"I'm aiming to become King," Naruto declared, his voice ringing with determination, "and my dream is to see the world, to explore every inch of it and learn all its secrets!"
Nojiko's smile was tinged with wistfulness. "I want to travel the world and not waste my chance at living," she said, her eyes shining with resolve. "I want to see it all, do it all, and honour the sacrifice my mother made to give me this opportunity."
Hanabi's pale eyes gleamed with excitement. "My dream is to draw the world!" she exclaimed, her hands already sketching invisible lines in the air. "To see every detail, every hidden wonder, through these eyes of mine and capture it all on paper!"
Gin's voice was gruff but steady. "To be able to live the way I choose," he said simply, his gaze sweeping over his crewmates. "To forge my own path and never be caged again."
"Here here Gin," Naruto saluted in agreement as he thought back to his own childhood.
Hanabi thought back her time in Konoha even though it was hazy now she remembered her uncle and his brand. 'Hinata with me gone hopefully you wouldn't of been branded.
Nojiko thought back to Arlong as Menchi thought back to Thalgo.
Shinobu's expression was serene, but there was a fire burning in her violet eyes. "To become the world's greatest swordswoman," she declared, her hand resting on the hilt of her katana. "To master my blade and protect those I hold dear."
As each member shared their dream, the others nodded in understanding, their respect and support for one another palpable. The air crackled with the weight of their vows, the promise of a future where anything was possible.
Naruto raised his hand, gesturing for silence. "From this moment on," he said solemnly, "we are more than just a crew. We are a family, bound by our dreams and our loyalty to each other. We will face whatever comes our way, together, and we will emerge victorious. Because that's what the Obsidian Rouge Pirates do!"
A cheer went up, the crew's voices mingling in a roar of triumph. As one, they placed their hands on the barrel, sealing their vow with a touch. The Hanahime surged forward, cutting through the waves of the Grand Line, her crew united and ready to take on the world.
Back in the East blue on the other side of the eddies the three Marine battleships that were hunting for pirates on their patrol. Their masts had been splintered and rigging in tatters, drifted helplessly in the churning waters of the Grand Line. The Hanahime, having burst free of the giant whirlpool, rode a wave of momentum straight into the legendary sea, leaving their pursuers behind.
On the deck of the lead vessel, Captain T-Bone gripped the railing, his knuckles white with frustration. "Damn those pirates!" he growled, his eyes narrowing as he watched the Hanahime disappear over the horizon.
"Sir, we've lost all propulsion and are taking on water," a young ensign reported, his voice shaking. "The other ships are in a similar state. We need assistance immediately."
T-Bone cursed under his breath. The Admiralty would not be pleased with this turn of events. He turned to his communications officer, a grim expression on his face. "Send out a priority distress signal. We need a tow and damage control teams at these coordinates immediately."
The officer saluted sharply. "Aye, sir. Distress signal away. Help is on the way."
T-Bone gazed out at the endless expanse of the Grand line, his jaw clenched with determination. "This isn't over, Obsidian Rouge Pirates. We'll meet again, and next time, you won't escape."
The Marine ships bobbed helplessly in the swells, their damaged hulls a testament to the dangers of these treacherous waters. As they awaited rescue, the captain and his men knew that their failure would have consequences, but their resolve to capture the elusive Naruto and his crew only hardened.
The Obsidian Rouge Pirates had made their entry into the Grand Line, and the Marines would not rest until they brought them to justice.
The Hanahime glided effortlessly over the gentle swells of the Grand Line, her sails billowing in the salty breeze. The crew, having survived the treacherous eddies at the entrance to this legendary sea, basked in the relative calm, their spirits high after their triumphant entry.
Gin reclined on a deck chair; his face serene despite the occasional wince of discomfort. Shinobu hovered nearby, her violet eyes filled with concern as she monitored his condition. Though the poison still coursed through his veins, her diligent treatments had managed to stabilize him, preventing further deterioration.
In the galley, the aroma of Menchi's culinary magic wafted through the air, tantalizing the crew's taste buds. The chef hummed a jaunty tune as she moved with practiced grace, preparing a feast worthy of their momentous occasion.
Naruto sat atop the Hanahime's crystal figurehead; his eyes half-lidded as he drank in the beauty of the endless sea before him. A small smile played on his lips, his mind already whirling with the possibilities that awaited them in this uncharted territory. "Just what will you hold for us, Grand Line?" he murmured, his voice carried away by the wind.
Nojiko pored over her maps and charts, her brow furrowed in concentration. The navigator knew that with the treacherous currents and unpredictable weather patterns of the Grand Line, careful planning would be essential to their survival. She was so engrossed in her work that she barely noticed when Hanabi burst into the room, a large sack slung over her shoulder.
"Hey, Nojiko!" Hanabi called out, her pale eyes gleaming with excitement. "Look what I found!"
Nojiko glanced up, her curiosity piqued. "What's that?" she asked, gesturing to the bulging sack.
Hanabi grinned, her fingers already working at the drawstring. "Just a little something to liven up our journey," she replied cryptically, before upending the bag's contents onto Nojiko's desk.
The navigator's eyes widened as a cascade of colourful, glittering objects spilled forth - seashells, polished stones, and a myriad of other trinkets and curiosities. "Where did you...?" she began, but Hanabi cut her off with a mischievous wink.
"I have my ways," the young woman replied, already scooping up a handful of the treasures. "Come on, Nojiko, let's make this place a little more homey, yeah?"
Nojiko couldn't help but smile at her crewmate's infectious enthusiasm. With a nod, she set aside her maps and joined Hanabi in decorating their navigation room, the two women already deep in discussion about the best places to display their newfound treasures.
As Nojiko reached into the sack, her fingers brushed against something round and solid. "You're not a seashell," she murmured, her brow furrowing in confusion. Grasping the object, she pulled it out, her eyes widening at the sight before her.
Cradled in her palm was a glass orb, its surface gleaming in the soft light of the navigation room. Suspended within the orb was a thin wire, from which dangled a small, directional needle. Nojiko's fingers traced the delicate mechanism, her mind racing with questions.
"And what do we have here?" she asked, her voice loud enough to draw Hanabi's attention.
Hanabi paused in her decorating, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "Oh yeah, I forgot we swiped that from the manor," she admitted, her pale eyes twinkling with mischief. "It looks familiar, though, so maybe we should ask the captain about it."
Nojiko nodded, her gaze returning to the enigmatic device. "Or Gin," she suggested, "since he's been here before. He might know what this is."
Hanabi's expression darkened momentarily. "True, but his last trip sounds like a hellscape of bad decisions, made by an incompetent captain," she said, a hint of disdain in her voice.
Nojiko couldn't help but chuckle at her crewmate's bluntness. "Well, let's finish up decorating first," she said, carefully placing the glass orb on the desk, "and then we can check in with either of them about this...thing."
As the two women resumed their task, the mysterious object sat quietly on the desk, its needle slowly spinning, as if drawn by an unseen force. The secrets it held would have to wait, for now.
Naruto sat atop the Hanahime's crystal figurehead, his crystalline eyes scanning the horizon. A gentle breeze ruffled his hair as he gazed out over the endless expanse of the Grand Line. Suddenly, a subtle disturbance in the water caught his attention.
'Could it be?' Naruto thought, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the movement beneath the surface. 'A Grand Line Sea King? They're supposed to be a lot bigger than the ones back in East Blue.'
He waited patiently, his muscles coiled like springs. He didn't have to wait long before the creature burst forth from the ocean, casting a towering shadow over the Hanahime and her captain. Naruto's eyes widened in awe as he took in the sheer size of the beast - at least four times larger than the Sea Kings he and Hanabi had faced in their home waters.
The creature's scales glinted in the sunlight, its serpentine body undulating gracefully. Droplets of seawater dripped from its gaping maw, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Naruto felt a thrill of excitement at the sight of such a formidable adversary.
But as the Sea King turned its baleful gaze upon him, Naruto's expression shifted. A solemn look crossed his features, and he raised his hand, crimson lightning crackling across his skin. "For what it's worth," he murmured, "I don't take any enjoyment in killing a beastie like you."
With a flick of his wrist, Naruto sent a bolt of electro shooting into the sky. The Sea King roared in challenge, its massive jaws snapping towards the captain. But Naruto remained unmoving, unfazed by the creature's aggression.
As the Sea King prepared to strike again, the crimson bolt came hurtling back down, striking the beast's skull with twice the speed and force of its initial release. The shock of the electro attack was instant and lethal, and Naruto watched as the light faded from the Sea King's eyes.
The massive creature toppled sideways, crashing into the ocean beside the Hanahime. The impact sent a towering wave crashing over the ship, rocking it violently. Naruto braced himself against the motion, his eyes fixed on the Sea King's lifeless form.
After a moment, he turned his gaze skyward, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Menchi!" he bellowed, his voice carrying across the deck.
It took only a few moments for the chef to emerge from the galley, her green topknot bouncing with each step. "Whatcha need, Captain?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Naruto grinned sheepishly. "How do you feel about Sea King for dinner tomorrow night?" he asked, gesturing to the massive creature now floating beside the ship.
Menchi's eyes widened as she caught the scent of ozone in the air. "Not tonight, but I can work it into the schedule," she replied, her mind already whirling with culinary possibilities. "Why, did you go fishing?"
Naruto chuckled, raising his hand. With a flex of his crystalline powers, he created a platform beneath the Sea King's body, slowly lifting it from the water. "Kind of," he admitted, guiding the creature towards the deck.
Menchi's face lit up with delight as the Sea King came into view. "Oh, Captain, you bring the best things!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "If we store this properly, I can make sure we don't starve for months!"
Naruto grinned, his heart swelling with pride at Menchi's enthusiasm. With a flick of his wrist, he activated the secondary properties of his crystal platform, allowing the massive Sea King's body to be swallowed up and stored in his pocket dimension. The meat would be perfectly preserved, a bountiful feast for the crew in the days to come.
"Yo, Captain nii!" Hanabi's voice rang out as she emerged from the navigation suite, Nojiko close behind her. "Do you remember what this is?" the young woman asked, holding up a curious-looking orb with a floating arrow inside.
Naruto's eyes widened as he took a closer look. "Yeah, that's a log pose," he said, the memory clicking into place. "You use them to navigate the Grand Line." He paused; brow furrowed in thought. "Don't you remember, Old Man Gabby telling us about them?"
Nojiko nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's right, I knew it looked familiar."
"Where did you get one?" Naruto asked, his gaze shifting between the two women. "I figured we'd have to buy one at the next island we come across."
Hanabi grinned mischievously. "Swiped it from the shitty governor's place back home," she admitted, earning an approving nod from her captain.
"Sweet," Naruto said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Well, gather round, and I'll explain what a log pose does."
As Naruto tried to recall the details Gabban had taught them, his expression grew thoughtful. "Unlike a regular compass, the log pose doesn't affix to a single direction. Instead, it 'records' the magnetic field between one island and the next, and points the way."
Hanabi's eyes widened with understanding. "Oh, yeah, now I remember! Old Man G said if you have to doubt anything on the Grand Line, doubt your own senses before the log pose."
Naruto nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Exactly. Well, now you know, so I think this belongs to our resident navigator." He turned to Nojiko, his crystalline eyes shining with trust. "Nojiko, you can plot our next course."
Nojiko's eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Hanabi cut her off.
"Come on, Nojiko," the younger woman urged, placing a hand on the navigator's shoulder. "You're our navigator, a member of the Obsidian Rouge Pirates. Your captain is entrusting you with where we take our precious nakama and this ship."
Naruto nodded in agreement, his expression warm and encouraging. "I may be a great pilot, but navigation and map-reading That's not my strong suit. I need you, Nojiko, to guide us through the Grand Line."
Nojiko's gaze shifted between her crewmates, a mix of pride and trepidation playing across her features. Finally, she nodded, her resolve hardening. "Alright, then. Let's see where this log pose takes us."
As the trio made their way back to the navigation suite, the weight of their mission settled upon them. The Grand Line loomed ahead, a vast and uncharted expanse, but with Nojiko at the helm and the trust of her crew, Nojiko knew they were ready to face whatever challenges lay in store.
The young woman, Fubuki, stepped into her bar, the warm glow of the setting sun casting a golden light on the bustling streets of Natagumo Island in the East Blue. The bar was a cozy haven for sailors, adventurers, and locals alike, its walls adorned with mementos of voyages and tales from the sea. Fubuki had just received the latest batch of newspapers from the news coo and couldn't wait to share the latest news with her patrons, who were already gathering for the evening.
As she opened the first paper, her eyes widened in shock at the sight of two massive wanted posters plastered on the front page. The first poster featured a young man with a mischievous grin and a wild look in his eyes. Fubuki recognized him instantly as none other than Monkey D. Luffy, the infamous Straw Hat pirate. The bounty on his head was a staggering ฿30,000,000, and Fubuki couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head at the thought of this audacious young man causing so much trouble. "What a handful he must be," she thought with a mix of amusement and awe.
But it was the second poster that really caught her attention. It featured a young man with a battle axe made of black and pink crystals, his face smeared with blood and his eyes gleaming, not with determination but he seemed relaxed.
Fubuki's eyes widened as she read the epithet: Uzumaki 'Obsidian Axe' Naruto. The bounty on his head was an astonishing ฿57,000,000, and Fubuki couldn't help but gasp, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. She read the details of Naruto's exploits, her mind reeling with the implications. This young man had single-handedly taken down several marine vessels, defeated the notorious pirate El Drago, and assaulted a governor.
Fubuki had always known that Naruto would be a force to be reckoned with, but seeing it in print, with such a high bounty, made it all the more real. "This is incredible... and terrifying," she whispered to herself, the weight of the news settling in.
With a sense of urgency, Fubuki rushed out of her bar, her boots clattering on the cobblestones as she made her way to the mayor's office. She knew that the mayor needed to see this news, and she couldn't wait to share it with him. As she entered the office, she found the mayor sitting behind his desk, his face grave with concern.
"Mayor, you need to see this," Fubuki said, her voice breathless from the rush.
"Hmm, Fubuki-chan, what can I..." The mayor wasn't able to finish his greeting as a paper was shoved into his face.
"What the?" the mayor began to read the paper, his eyes scanning the headlines before he burst into laughter. "It's only been two months and that brat already has a bounty and is leading a crew," he said, shaking his head in disbelief and pride.
"Mayor, we should show this to the doc. And do you think Gabban-san has seen it?" Fubuki asked, her eyes wide with concern and excitement.
"Gabban was the one to teach him and Hanabi how to be so unruly," the mayor replied, his tone a mix of pride and amusement. "I'm guessing wherever he is, when he sees this poster, he will be proud. Very proud indeed."
Fubuki nodded, a smile spreading across her face as she imagined Gabban's reaction. This was just the beginning, and she knew that with Naruto and his crew on the rise, the East Blue was in for a storm like never before.
It was a quiet afternoon at the Kocho family estate on Shimotsuki Villiage. Kanae, the elder sister of Shinobu, was tending to the wisteria flowers that adorned the grounds, humming softly to herself. Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps caught her attention, and she turned to see her younger sister, Kanao, rushing towards her, a newspaper clutched tightly in her hands.
"Kanae-nee! You have to see this!" Kanao exclaimed, her usually serene expression replaced by one of shock and disbelief.
Kanae furrowed her brow, setting down her gardening tools and wiping the dirt from her hands. "What is it, Kanao? What's wrong?"
Wordlessly, Kanao thrust the newspaper into Kanae's hands, her finger pointing to a prominent wanted poster on the front page. Kanae's eyes widened as she took in the familiar face and the staggering bounty amount.
Kanae's eyes widened as she read the words on the newspaper, her voice barely above a whisper. "Uzumaki 'Obsidian Axe' Naruto... 57,000,000 beri?"The elder Kocho sister paused, processing the information. She knew Naruto had always been a spirited and adventurous young man, but to see his name plastered on a wanted poster with such a staggering bounty was truly shocking.
Kanae let out a soft sigh, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, I expected that boy to cause a ruckus, but this early and for a first bounty? I'm pretty sure the last notable bounty coming out of the East Blue was Fire Fist Ace."
Turning to her younger sister Kanao, Kanae placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Will Nee-sama and Naruto-nii be okay?" Kanao asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Kanae offered Kanao a warm, comforting smile. "I believe they will be," she said, her voice laced with confidence. "You're a Kocho, and we are strong. So don't worry, little one."
Kanae's gaze returned to the newspaper, her expression thoughtful. "Naruto-kun has always been a force to be reckoned with. I suppose it was only a matter of time before the world took notice of his talents." She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Though I must admit, I didn't expect him to make such a splash this early in his journey."
Folding the newspaper neatly, Kanae tucked it under her arm, her eyes shining with a mixture of pride and concern. "Come, Kanao.
As the two sisters made their way through the Kocho estate, Kanae couldn't help but wonder what adventures and challenges lay ahead for Naruto and the Obsidian Rouge Pirates. One thing was certain – the world had taken notice of the young man with the whiskers and the crystalline axe, and Kanae had a feeling his story was only just beginning.
The END
A.N.
There we go in the Grand line and bounty reveal Now Naruto doesn't know it yet.
Thoughts on this chapter I wanted to get more moments building up chemistry between the characters so no real fight this chapter.
Now which island do you think ORP will bump into the Strawhats, as i would say the probably just left Whiskey peak I was thinking Drum Kingdom but not to sure.
Do we like the crew so far?
Also might start doing data books when I don't have any chance to put out a chapter kind like an SBS where I answer questions and reveal some information idk.
Leave a review it fuels my engines of creation
Stay Chilling Y'all