The Red Death sliced through the treacherous waters of the Grand Line, its blood-red sails tight with the force of the wind as it traveled at an impressive pace. The ocean itself seemed to part before the ominous Marine vessel, as if the sea knew better than to impede its progress.
The sky above was a deep, stormy gray, with thick clouds swirling ominously, promising more rough weather ahead. Yet, aboard the ship, there was an air of purpose and determination, a crew unwavering in their commitment to their captain's orders.
Inside the captain's cabin, Naruko sat at her large, mahogany table, her childlike form contrasting sharply with the commanding presence she typically exuded. Her legs swung slightly as she sat, but her focus was entirely on the mountain of food before her. She ate with the voraciousness of someone who had been starved for days, though in truth, Naruko simply loved food—especially when she was deep in thought.
The cabin itself was a curious mix of chaos and order, with maps and reports strewn across the table, a few weapons hanging on the walls, and a large window behind Naruko that offered a view of the turbulent sea. The dim lighting in the cabin cast long shadows, giving the room a moody atmosphere that perfectly matched the stormy weather outside.
The door to the cabin creaked open, and Kakashi entered silently, his tall form casting a shadow over Naruko's diminutive figure. He was dressed in his Marine lieutenant's uniform, his mask covering the lower half of his face, his lone visible eye taking in the scene before him with a calm, practiced gaze. Naruko glanced up from her meal and gave him a brief nod before returning to her food without a word.
Kakashi approached the table, his footsteps barely audible on the wooden floor. "We should be arriving at Water 7 in a few days," he informed her, his voice casual yet tinged with anticipation. He took a seat beside her and grabbed a mug from the table, pouring some beer into it. With a practiced motion, he lowered his mask just enough to take a drink, the foam from the beer clinging slightly to his upper lip before he wiped it away.
Naruko smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Finally, I'll catch up to Luffy," she said, a note of childish glee in her voice. Her thoughts trailed off as she imagined the reunion, her smile growing even wider.
Kakashi chuckled softly, amused by Naruko's enthusiasm. It wasn't often that he saw her so openly cheerful, and it was a pleasant change from the usual intensity that marked her demeanor. He took another sip from his mug, his eye observing her with a mixture of affection and curiosity.
Minutes passed in relative silence, the only sounds being the storm outside, Naruko's energetic eating, and the occasional clink of Kakashi's mug against the table. But the peaceful atmosphere was soon interrupted by a faint, rhythmic sound—the snail phone on Naruko's desk had begun to ring. The snail, nestled comfortably on a cushioned platform, began to vibrate slightly, its eyes blinking open as it emitted a soft, musical ringing.
Naruko pouted at the interruption, her cheeks puffed out in mild annoyance as she glanced at the snail. She watched it ring for a moment, the sound seemingly echoing louder in the confined space of the cabin. The snail's eyes darted around, as if searching for someone to answer its call, its body wiggling slightly with each ring.
Kakashi sighed softly, setting his mug down before reaching out to the snail. He picked up the mic that lay beside it and placed it in front of the snail, allowing it to adopt the face of the caller. The snail's features slowly morphed, its eyes narrowing and its mouth curling into a lazy, almost languid expression as it took on the visage of Admiral Kizaru.
"Captain Naruko, is this you?" the snail asked in a slow, drawling voice that matched the real Kizaru's mannerisms perfectly.
Naruko, still in her child form, responded with a somewhat muffled, "Yes, sir, Admiral," though her voice was tinged with reluctance as she continued to chew on her food.
The snail's eyes narrowed slightly, its expression shifting to one of mild amusement. "Hmm… Captain Naruko… you really like that kid form huh," Kizaru's voice drawled out, a hint of teasing in his tone. The snail's mouth twitched into a small smile as it chuckled lightly. "Listen… I know you're on a hunt right now, but we've lost communication with a fleet of ships carrying some prisoners to Impel Down. I hear you're in the area, and I was hoping you wouldn't mind taking a look?" The question was more of a command, the tone soft yet carrying the unmistakable weight of an Admiral's authority.
Naruko sighed lightly, her chewing slowing as she considered the request. "I suppose we can check it out," she replied, though her tone lacked the enthusiasm she had shown earlier when thinking about Water 7. "Can you give me more details?"
The snail's expression became slightly more serious, though Kizaru's inherent laziness still seeped through. "The fleet was transporting members of the Grinning Snakes pirate crew," he explained. "A short way into their journey, the fleet started sending in some… unusual reports. And then… well, communication went dark completely."
Naruko frowned, setting her fork down as she mulled over the information. "The Grinning Snakes shouldn't have the manpower to take down a fleet," she mused aloud, her voice now clear and focused.
Kizaru's snail nodded slightly, though its eyes retained a lazy, almost half-closed look. "That's what I thought too," he said in his signature slow drawl. "But, well… while I'd love to handle it myself, I'm afraid I've been a bit… tied up. And when I heard you were in the area, I thought… well, who better than Captain Naruko to handle such a situation?" His tone was laced with a hint of flattery, though it was clear that Kizaru was more interested in avoiding the task himself.
Naruko stopped eating altogether, giving the snail a deadpan stare. "You're just being lazy," she accused, her voice flat.
The snail's mouth twisted into a slight scoff, the expression almost comically exaggerated. "Now, now, Captain… it's not very nice to talk to your superiors that way," Kizaru chided, though his tone was more playful than reprimanding. "Admirals need their rest too, you know…" He trailed off, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Naruko rolled her eyes and resumed eating, her annoyance clear but resigned. Kizaru had a way of getting under her skin, but she knew better than to outright refuse an Admiral's request—no matter how thinly veiled the request might be.
"Well, you have your orders, kid," the snail said, Kizaru's voice now taking on a more final tone. "Give 'em hell." And with that, the snail's mouth snapped shut, the ringing tone echoing softly as the connection was severed with a click.
Naruko sighed, her appetite somewhat diminished by the unexpected mission. She leaned back in her chair, her thoughts now shifting away from Water 7 and back to the task at hand. Another detour… but at least this one might prove interesting.
Kakashi took another sip of his beer, the mug now almost empty. He glanced over at Naruko, his eye reflecting both amusement and concern. "Looks like we've got work to do," he remarked, his tone light but serious.
Naruko nodded, though her childlike pout returned as she stared at her now empty plate. "I guess so," she muttered, though there was a glint of determination in her eyes. The Grinning Snakes… whatever was happening with that fleet, she would get to the bottom of it.
And then, when it was over, she would finally catch up with her brother—no more distractions. But for now, the hunt was on.
–
A massive fleet of ships sailed through the Grand Line, their towering masts slicing through the sea like grim shadows. The fleet was a vast array of pirate vessels, some flying the ominous flag of a grinning snake entwined with a skull and crossbones, while others bore the more sinister image of a red flute with the same skull symbol. Among the towering warships and smaller, sleeker craft, one vessel stood out, its sails emblazoned with the symbol of a golden flute encircled by a snake with a skull at its center.
This ship, in the middle of the fleet, was grander than the rest—its dark, polished wood gleaming even in the dim light of the cloudy skies. The vessel cut through the choppy waters with purpose, the pirates aboard maintaining an eerie silence as they went about their duties. Below deck, in the captain's quarters, the air was thick with tension.
A red-haired woman with an intimidating aura, sat calmly at her desk, her fingers absentmindedly drumming against the wood. Before her, the snail phone on the table was active, its shell molded to resemble the face of her master. The snail's expression was twisted into a cruel, sinister grin, its mouth contorted as it spoke in a voice that dripped with malevolent intent. The voice on the other end was smooth and snake-like, each word carrying the hiss of a serpent.
"My, my, Tayuya, it seems you caused quite the disturbance while rescuing Guren." The voice chuckled softly, a cold amusement layered underneath the words.
Tayuya leaned back in her chair, her piercing eyes narrowing slightly as she let out a small huff. She crossed one leg over the other and tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, I had no choice, master," she replied, her voice cool and composed. "Plus, didn't you want to test out the toys? I thought this would be the perfect opportunity."
The snake-like man on the other end let out a low, predatory laugh, the sound sending a chill through the room despite Tayuya's confidence. The snail phone's eyes flicked with a calculated glint, and the voice that followed was soft but dangerous.
"Yes, yes, the toys you've been playing with," he mused, the sibilant tone barely hiding the venom behind the words. "But now you've brought attention to yourself, Tayuya. The Navy is not so blind as to ignore your little escapade. I've already received word that they're sending a powerful Captain after you."
Tayuya's smirk widened as she sat up straighter in her chair, folding her arms across her chest. She scoffed lightly, her confidence practically radiating from her. "A Captain?" she repeated with a mocking tone. "I'm not afraid of a single Captain with a single ship. Have you seen what I'm working with here, master? I've got one of the biggest fleets in the Grand Line." She waved a hand dismissively, glancing out the small window in her office at the array of ships under her command. "And let's not forget your new toys. I'm more than prepared."
The snail paused, its eyes narrowing into slits as the voice grew colder. "We are not yet ready for the world to discover our plans," the snake-like voice cautioned, a warning lacing through every syllable. "You may think yourself powerful, but Tayuya, do not underestimate the enemies of the Navy. You have brought more eyes upon us than we wanted."
Tayuya's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before she regained her composure. Her expression became more serious as she listened carefully to her master's next words.
"Send Guren's ship ahead," the snail hissed, "I still need her for the next phase of our plans. She must return. As for you... you are to ensure that there is no trace left of your involvement. No survivors to report back to Marineford."
Tayuya's face hardened. She nodded solemnly, her playful demeanor gone. "Understood, master. I'll ensure that no one lives to speak of us."
The snake-like voice paused again, the weight of the next words hanging ominously in the air. "Remember, girl, under no circumstances are you to be taken alive. If you fail... well, you know what happens to those who fail me." The unspoken threat was palpable, crawling through the air like a venomous snake ready to strike.
Tayuya swallowed, her hand gripping the edge of her desk tightly for a moment before she nodded again. "Yes, master. I won't fail you."
The snail's eyes flickered for a brief moment, and then the voice became lighter, almost playful, as it continued. "Now then, tell me, Tayuya—what do you know of the Red Death?"
Tayuya's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of the infamous name. She had heard of the Red Death, of course—Captain Naruko had made quite the reputation for herself. A powerful captain, no doubt, and one with an unnerving Devil Fruit ability. But still, she couldn't help the smirk that spread across her lips as she thought of it. A challenge, perhaps, but nothing she couldn't handle.
"Red Death, huh?" Tayuya mused, her eyes glinting with interest. "I've heard the stories. Sounds like fun. But a single ship against my fleet? I'll deal with her, master. No need to worry."
The snail phone fell silent for a moment before the snake-like voice chuckled once again, this time more sinister than before. "Very well, Tayuya. But remember... no mistakes." And with that, the snail clicked off, leaving the room shrouded in a tense silence.
Tayuya sat back in her chair, the playful smirk returning to her face as she steepled her fingers under her chin. "The Red Death, huh? Well, we'll see how terrifying you really are, Captain Naruko," she whispered to herself before standing up and preparing to carry out her master's orders.
–
The Red Death cut through the choppy waters of the Grand Line, its blood-red sails glowing ominously against the dark, stormy sky. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and jagged bolts of lightning illuminated the ship's menacing form as it pressed forward. The sea roiled and churned beneath the vessel, but the massive Marine ship plowed ahead with relentless determination.
Naruko stood at the very front of the ship, her sharp gaze sweeping across the horizon. The storm's fury was nothing compared to the storm brewing within her. The wind whipped through her hair, and the rain pelted her face, but she remained unmoved, her senses heightened. Several Marines on deck held binoculars, peering through the mist and rain, their expressions tense and vigilant.
Kakashi, in his dog form, padded silently across the deck, his fur bristling as he picked up something unusual on the wind. The storm roared around them, but there was a strange melody in the air, barely audible above the crashing waves. He stopped a few feet behind Naruko, his sharp ears twitching. "There's something out there," he growled, his voice low and cautious.
Naruko narrowed her eyes, feeling the weight of something unseen pressing down on them. She raised her hand, signaling for the crew to slow the ship but maintain their course. The Red Death's speed decreased as they moved cautiously through the stormy waters.
The melody grew louder, a haunting tune that seemed to dance on the wind. It was ethereal, almost hypnotic, and as it filled the air, several Marine vessels began to appear through the mist, one by one. The ships were battered and scarred, their sails tattered, their hulls splintered as if they had barely survived a fierce battle. The Marines aboard the Red Death began to murmur among themselves, relieved at the sight of their supposed allies.
But Naruko remained still, her eyes locked on the approaching vessels. Something about them felt wrong, too convenient. The eerie melody played on, and the storm seemed to calm slightly, as if welcoming the arrival of the battered ships. Some of the Marines on the deck let out cheers, thinking they had found the ships they were sent to rescue. But Naruko's voice cut through the noise like a blade.
"Stop celebrating!" Naruko's command was sharp, her tone brooking no argument. The Marines froze, their hands still on their weapons, confused by her reaction. Kakashi growled low in his throat, his instincts screaming that something was off.
Naruko's eyes narrowed as she focused on the ships. "This isn't right," she muttered, her voice barely audible over the storm. She raised both her arms, her fingers curling slightly as she summoned her power. The sea responded to her call, the waves stilling as if holding their breath in anticipation.
With a swift motion, Naruko brought her hands together, and the water around the Red Death began to rise. Two towering walls of water formed on either side of the ship, shimmering like liquid glass,. The eerie melody faltered for a moment, as if unsure of how to react.
The Marines on deck exchanged worried glances, unsure of what Naruko was about to do. But they trusted their captain, and they waited, weapons at the ready.
Naruko focused her power, feeling the energy of the ocean surge through her. With a sudden, decisive motion, she released the water walls, sending them crashing outward. The waves exploded in all directions, washing over the supposed Marine vessels.
As the water struck the ships, their forms shimmered and flickered, like images in a mirage. The illusions shattered, revealing the truth hidden beneath the deceit. The Marine vessels vanished, and in their place, a vast fleet of pirate ships emerged, their sails bearing sinister symbols. Some had the insignia of a red flute entwined with a skull, while others bore the mark of a snake wrapped around a grinning skull. The pirate fleet was enormous, surrounding the Red Death in a semi-circle.
A hush fell over the Red Death's deck as the crew took in the gruesome scene. The weight of the deception, the cruelty of the pirates, settled heavily on their shoulders. The Marines tightened their grips on their weapons, their eyes hardening with resolve.
Naruko's lips curled into a predatory smile as she surveyed the pirate fleet. "FIRE!," she ordered, her voice dripping with cold determination.
The Red Death's cannons roared to life, their thunderous booms drowning out the remnants of the eerie melody. Cannonballs flew through the air, slamming into the pirate ships with deadly accuracy. The pirates, now fully exposed, scrambled to return fire, but they were met with a relentless barrage from Naruko's well-trained crew.
Kakashi, still in his dog form, barked orders to the Marines, his eyes flashing with intensity. "Keep firing! Don't let them get the upper hand!" he shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos.
The pirate fleet, now stripped of their illusion, fought back with everything they had. Cannonballs whizzed through the air, splintering wood and tearing through sails. The storm overhead seemed to grow more intense, the lightning flashing brighter, the thunder rolling louder, as if the heavens themselves were watching the battle unfold.
Naruko stood at the bow of the ship, her eyes blazing as she directed the fight. Summoning a serpent of water to coil around the Red Death before part of its massive body split and was sent crashing into the pirate ships with unrelenting force. The pirates fired desperately at the serpent, but their attacks did little to stop its rampage.
Despite the initial shock of being discovered, the pirates were numerous and fierce. They pressed their attack, their ships closing in around the Red Death, determined to overwhelm the Marine vessel with sheer numbers.
The battle raged on, a chaotic symphony of cannon fire, crashing waves, and desperate cries. The Red Death moved with deadly precision, maneuvering through the debris of the Marine vessels as it engaged the pirate fleet. The sea turned dark with blood, the water churning as bodies and wreckage were tossed about by the waves.
Naruko's crew fought with unwavering resolve, their training and discipline shining through as they held the line against the overwhelming numbers of the pirate fleet. But the pirates were relentless, their ships swarming like vultures around a carcass, each one eager to be the one to bring down the feared Red Death.
Kakashi barked more orders, his voice strong and clear above the din of battle. The Marines responded with practiced efficiency, firing their cannons and rifles with deadly accuracy. But the pirates were closing in, their cannons roaring as they unleashed volley after volley at the Red Death.
Naruko remained calm, her mind racing as she assessed the situation. The serpent of water she had summoned continued to smash through the pirate ships, but there were too many. She knew they needed to change tactics, to find a way to break the pirate formation and turn the tide of battle.
–
The Red Death was engulfed in the chaos of battle, its blood-red sails glowing ominously against the stormy sky. The sea churned with relentless fury beneath the ship, the waves crashing violently against its hull as the cannons roared. Lightning crackled through the dark clouds above, illuminating the battlefield with brief, blinding flashes. The enemy fleet was vast, their ships numbering in the dozens, and they had formed a semi-circle around the Red Death, trapping it within their deadly embrace.
Naruko stood at the helm of her ship, her eyes narrowed in fierce concentration as she commanded the water serpent to defend the ship from canon fire. The serpent responded to her will, rising out of the water to shield the Red Death from the onslaught of cannon fire. Each cannonball that came hurtling toward her ship was met with a surge of water, diverted harmlessly away before it could strike. Naruko's focus was absolute—her ship and her crew were her responsibility, and she would protect them with every ounce of power she possessed.
The pirate fleet pressed their attack with relentless determination, their cannons thundering in a near-constant barrage. The Red Death shuddered under the impact of the near-misses, but Naruko's control over the sea remained firm. With a subtle movement of her hands, she directed the serpent to split before rising up and crash down upon the nearest pirate vessels, sending torrents of seawater flooding across their decks. The pirates screamed in panic as the waves swept them overboard, their cries drowned out by the roar of the storm.
On the deck, Iruka moved swiftly among the Marines, his voice sharp and authoritative as he issued commands. "Focus your fire on the closest vessels! Keep those cannons loaded and ready!" he shouted, his eyes scanning the battlefield with practiced precision. The Marines responded without hesitation, their cannons booming as they fired volley after volley into the enemy fleet. The sound of cannonballs striking wood echoed across the water, followed by the splintering of timbers and the screams of pirates as their ships were torn apart.
A group of pirates managed to get close enough to attempt boarding, swinging across on ropes from the nearest ship. They howled with bloodlust, their weapons drawn as they flew through the air, but the Marines were prepared. Sharpshooters took aim, their rifles cracking as they picked off the pirates mid-swing, sending their bodies plunging into the sea. Those few who managed to land on the deck were quickly overwhelmed by the disciplined Marines, their brief attempt at boarding ending in a hail of bullets and blades.
Amidst the chaos, Shiryu emerged from below deck, his presence commanding as he strode onto the battlefield. His sword was already drawn, its blade gleaming in the lightning as he surveyed the enemy ships. He wiped a hand across his face, seemingly unfazed by the rain and the chaos around him. "A bit disappointed I wasn't woken up sooner," he remarked, his voice carrying easily over the din of battle.
Kakashi, already on deck and in his dog form, stood beside Naruko, the air around him crackling with electricity. His fur bristled as he grinned beneath his mask, his single visible eye gleaming with anticipation. "We didn't exactly have time to ring the bell," he replied with a smirk, his hands already charging with blue-white energy. Without another word, Kakashi raised his hands skyward, releasing a bolt of lightning that shot into the dark clouds above.
The storm responded with a deafening roar, the sky lighting up with electric fury. Kakashi didn't hesitate—he unleashed his attack, the charged lightning splitting into multiple bolts that came crashing down onto the enemy ships. "Judgment Bolts!" he called out, his voice filled with deadly intent. Each bolt struck with pinpoint accuracy, blowing apart masts and hulls, and sending pirates screaming into the water below.
Not to be outdone, Shiryu lifted his sword, energy swirling around the blade as he prepared his own strike. "One Sword Style: Blood Wave Barrage!" he called out, his voice cold and calculating. He swung his sword in a wide arc, releasing blades of red energy that shot through the air with lethal speed. The energy blades struck the nearest pirate ships, cutting through their decks and hulls like a hot knife through butter. The ships groaned under the impact, their wood splintering and cracking as the energy tore them apart.
Despite the destruction being wrought by Shiryu and Kakashi, the pirate fleet remained relentless. More ships pressed forward, filling the gaps left by the destroyed vessels. The Red Death was surrounded on all sides, the enemy's sheer numbers threatening to overwhelm them. But Naruko's focus was unwavering, her mind racing as she manipulated the sea to hold back the onslaught.
But amidst the chaos, one ship stood out—a vessel that was different from the others. Its sails were emblazoned with the insignia of a golden flute surrounded by a snake entwined with a skull and crossbones. This ship moved with eerie precision, cutting through the churning waters with a grace that seemed almost unnatural. Naruko's eyes locked onto it, her instincts screaming that this ship was the true threat.
As the ship drew closer, Naruko could see the crew aboard it—strange, twisted figures that were neither human nor fishmen. Their bodies were an unsettling blend of both, with scales, gills, and fins adorning their forms in a grotesque mockery of humanity. They moved with an unnatural fluidity, their eyes glinting with malevolent intent as they prepared to engage the Red Death.
At the center of the ship stood a red-haired woman, her long hair whipping in the wind as she raised a flute to her lips. The haunting melody that had first heralded the arrival of the pirate fleet filled the air once more, but this time it was accompanied by a powerful surge of energy. As the woman played, three massive orc-like beings materialized around her, their forms brimming with raw power. Each one wielded a different weapon—a massive club, a spiked mace, and a double-bladed axe—and they snarled with rage as they prepared for battle.
Naruko's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and determination. She had no time to waste on pleasantries. "Take care of the battle. I'll deal with that ship myself," she ordered, her voice cutting through the storm with cold authority.
Kakashi nodded, his eye gleaming with respect and resolve. "Understood, Captain."
Shiryu smirked, his blade ready for more bloodshed. "Try not to have all the fun, Naruko."
Without another word, Naruko launched herself from the deck, propelled by a powerful burst of water beneath her feet. She flew through the air with deadly precision, her eyes locked on the red-haired woman and her monstrous guards. The storm raged around her, the wind howling and the waves crashing violently against the hulls of the ships, but Naruko was unfazed. Her focus was absolute, her mind set on the battle that awaited her.
Naruko soared through the air, her body cutting through the storm with the precision of a blade. The ship ahead of her was ominous, its dark sails billowing in the fierce winds as it plowed through the churning waters of the Grand Line. The red-haired woman on the deck had her flute to her lips, the haunting melody drifting through the storm, guiding Naruko's every movement. But Naruko's focus was razor-sharp, her eyes locked on the enemy vessel as she prepared to engage.
As she drew closer, the three massive orc-like beings leaped into the air to intercept her, their roars mingling with the thunder as they prepared to strike, their grotesque forms brimming with muscle and malice.
The first orc, the one with the spiked club, was the quickest, swinging its massive weapon with brutal force. But Naruko was quicker. As the club came crashing down, she turned her body into water, allowing the weapon to pass through her harmlessly. In an instant, she reformed her upper half, her arms now elongated into curved, razor-sharp water blades. With a swift, fluid motion, she sliced through the orc, her blades cutting through its flesh like a hot knife through butter. The creature let out a guttural scream before its body dissolved into mist, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.
Naruko didn't pause. She spun in the air, her gaze already fixed on the second orc, who was preparing to bring its mace down in a crushing overhead swing. The brute's attack was powerful, but slow. As the orc swung its mace, Naruko split her body into two streams of water, each flowing around the massive weapon like a river around a boulder. She reformed behind the orc in a flash, her arm transforming into a long, lethal spear. With a single, forceful thrust, she drove the spear through the orc's back and up through its mouth. The creature let out a strangled scream before dissolving into mist like the first.
The third orc was upon her before she could fully reorient herself. Its blade cut through the air with a deadly whistle, aiming to cleave her in two. But Naruko was already in motion. She leaped onto the flat of the blade mid-swing, using it as a platform, she pointed her index fingers at the orc, her hands becoming guns as she unleashed a rapid volley of water bullets. The high-pressure projectiles struck the orc with deadly accuracy, each one burrowing into its body with a force that caused the creature to convulse and stagger. As the orc began to dissipate, its body dissolving into mist, Naruko somersaulted off the sword, her movements graceful and fluid, and landed lightly on the deck of the enemy ship.
She landed in a crouch, the wood creaking beneath her weight. Slowly, she rose to her full height, her eyes locking onto the red-haired woman who had been playing the flute. The woman's lips curved into a smirk as she lowered the flute to her waist, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she met Naruko's unflinching gaze. Around her, the crew of the ship shifted, revealing themselves in the dim light of the storm.
They were an unsettling sight, these creatures that surrounded the woman. They were not quite human, yet not fishmen either. Their bodies were a grotesque blend of both, each one a twisted parody of life. There were humanoid figures with crab-like claws, their skin covered in a hard, chitinous shell. Others had gills slashed across their throats, their eyes bulging unnaturally from their heads, reminiscent of deep-sea fish. One had the lower body of a serpent, its scales glistening in the rain, while another had a cluster of writhing tentacles where its mouth should have been. Each one was more grotesque than the last, their appearances a testament to the unnatural forces that had created them.
Naruko's eyes swept over the monstrous crew, her expression impassive, though a cold fury simmered beneath her calm exterior. She knew these were no ordinary pirates—these were abominations, twisted by some dark and unnatural force. Her hand twitched, ready to summon her powers at a moment's notice, but she held herself in check, waiting to see what the red-haired woman would do.
The woman, seemingly unfazed by the destruction of her orc-like summons, took a step forward, her smirk never faltering. Her hair, a vivid red that seemed to glow even in the stormy gloom, clung to her face in wet strands as the rain poured down. She carried herself with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, her movements graceful yet predatory, like a cat toying with its prey.
"Hello there, Captain," the woman said, her voice smooth and melodic, carrying a hint of mockery. "It's an honor to meet you. I am Tayuya of the North Blue." She spoke the words with a flourish, as if expecting Naruko to be impressed by her introduction.
Naruko, however, remained stone-faced, her expression unreadable as she continued to survey the strange figures surrounding the woman. Tayuya's smirk widened at Naruko's lack of response, clearly enjoying the tension in the air.
"These are my crew," Tayuya continued, her arms sweeping out in a grand gesture toward the grotesque beings around her. "Like them? They were created from artificially made Devil Fruits, my master's handiwork."
Naruko's eyes narrowed at the mention of artificial Devil Fruits, her mind racing with possibilities. So, this was the work of some twisted scientist or perhaps even one of the Warlords. The implications were troubling, but Naruko kept her thoughts to herself, her face betraying nothing of the anger that simmered beneath the surface.
Tayuya's smirk softened into something more sinister as she saw the flicker of understanding in Naruko's eyes. "Ah, you understand, don't you? My master's creations are… unique, to say the least. These beings are loyal only to me, and they're more than eager to tear apart anyone who gets in our way."
Naruko slowly tilted her head, her gaze drifting from Tayuya's face to the monstrous crew that surrounded her. They were abominations, yes, but Naruko had faced worse in her time as a Marine. Her thoughts were interrupted by Tayuya's voice, which took on a mocking tone as she added, "You're in my domain now, Captain Naruko. But don't worry, we'll be sure to make this quick."
Naruko's lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile, her eyes cold and calculating. She wasn't intimidated by the strange crew or their master. If anything, Tayuya's arrogance had only fueled her resolve. This was no ordinary battle—this was a fight for dominance, and Naruko had no intention of losing.
"You talk too much," Naruko finally replied, her voice as icy as the storm around them. "Let's see if your crew can back up your words."
Tayuya's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing her eyes before she quickly masked it with her usual bravado. "You'll regret underestimating us," she hissed, raising her flute to her lips once more.
–
The storm raged on, its fury tearing through the waters of the Grand Line as the Red Death carved its way through the waves. The towering water serpent, summoned by Naruko, circled the ship with a more sluggish, less lifelike motion. Without Naruko's full focus, the serpent's movements were less precise, but still threatening enough to keep the remaining pirate ships wary. Yet, despite the storm and the serpent, some of the tainted Devil Fruit users had managed to board the Red Death, taking the Marines by surprise.
They were grotesque hybrids, their bodies twisted by the artificial Devil Fruits they had consumed. Some had the claws of crustaceans, others had gills slashed across their necks, while some had strange, fish-like eyes that bulged unnaturally. The Marines, startled by the sight of these monstrosities, faltered as several pirates landed heavily on the deck.
A few of the Marines stumbled backward, shock evident in their expressions, and their weapons clattered onto the deck. One younger Marine was sent sprawling onto his back as a hulking hybrid creature, with the upper body of a man and the lower body of an eel, slithered toward him with deadly intent. The Marine's rifle slipped from his grasp as he scrambled back, fear written across his face.
But before the eel-creature could strike, a powerful kick slammed into its side, sending it crashing into the side railing of the ship. The creature let out a guttural hiss before falling overboard into the raging sea.
Iruka stood tall, his leg still raised from the force of the kick, his eyes fierce as he barked out, "Get up! We're not done yet!"
The young Marine, still wide-eyed from the shock, quickly scrambled to his feet and reclaimed his weapon. Iruka's commanding presence and swift intervention had reignited the courage in the crew.
Nearby, Kakashi faced off against a group of the twisted creatures, his lone visible eye sharp and calculating. With a flick of his wrist, a surge of electricity crackled between his fingers. He raised his hand into the stormy air, and with a loud crack, he released a streak of lightning in the form of wolves.
The lightning wolves roared as they charged forward, tearing into the grotesque forms of the attackers. The crackling electricity coursed through their bodies, leaving them smoking and twitching before they collapsed to the deck in smoldering heaps.
Not far off, Shiryu moved with the precision and cold efficiency that had earned him his ruthless reputation. His sword flashed through the rain and wind, each strike calculated and deadly. One hybrid pirate, a mix of human and lobster, lunged at him with its massive claws snapping. Shiryu sidestepped with ease and, with a single clean slash, severed both claws before slicing through the creature's abdomen.
Blood sprayed across the deck as Shiryu moved on to the next target without hesitation. Another creature, this one with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a shark, rushed toward him. Shiryu's eyes gleamed with deadly intent as he raised his blade. With a calm, deliberate motion, he swung his sword in an upward arc, cleaving through the shark hybrid with enough force to send the two halves of its body tumbling into the sea.
The swift, decisive actions of Kakashi, Iruka, and Shiryu did not go unnoticed. The Marines, who had been momentarily frozen with fear, found their courage rekindled by the display of leadership. One by one, they began to pick themselves up off the deck, grabbing their fallen rifles and swords.
A young Marine, his face still bloodied from an earlier scuffle, growled in determination as he thrust his sword into the side of a humanoid crab creature. The creature let out a shriek before collapsing to the deck in a heap. Another Marine fired his rifle point-blank at a fish-eyed pirate, the shot ringing out in the storm as the pirate's body convulsed and fell lifeless to the floor.
Iruka, now focused on cleaning up the remaining threats on the deck, spun and kicked his way through the fray with relentless precision. A particularly large hybrid pirate, with the pincers of a giant crab and the torso of a human, snapped its claws menacingly as it charged at him. Iruka's eyes narrowed as he ducked under the pincer's swing, his leg swinging up in a powerful arc. His kick connected with the creature's midsection, sending it reeling backward with a grunt of pain.
The crab-pirate tried to regain its footing, but Iruka didn't give it the chance. With a swift roundhouse kick, he sent the creature flying over the side of the ship, its body splashing into the sea below. Not pausing for breath, Iruka pivoted, delivering another powerful kick to a nearby creature that had gotten too close to one of the younger Marines. His kicks were swift and deadly, each one a calculated strike designed to incapacitate or eliminate the enemy.
The deck was slick with rain and blood as the Marines fought back against the invaders. Courage surged through the ranks as they followed Iruka's lead, their swords flashing in the storm as they cut down the remaining attackers. The cannons aboard the Red Death continued to fire, their blasts shaking the very bones of the ship as they rained destruction down on the pirate fleet.
As the battle raged on, Kakashi and Shiryu returned their attention to the enemy ships. With the deck of the Red Death cleared, they focused on the larger threat looming on the horizon. Kakashi raised his hand once more, sending streaks of lightning shooting into the sky, each bolt finding its target among the enemy vessels. The ships were torn apart by the force of the lightning, their sails catching fire as the storm above echoed the destruction below.
Shiryu, his blade gleaming with the blood of his enemies, launched himself toward the remaining ships. His attacks were relentless, the red energy slicing through the storm and striking the vessels with precision. Each ship that dared to approach the Red Death was met with swift and merciless destruction.
Meanwhile, Iruka continued his relentless sweep of the deck, ensuring that no enemy remained. His kicks sent the last few creatures flying overboard, and as he stood tall amidst the chaos, he barked orders to the Marines.
"Keep firing those cannons! Don't let up!"
The Marines, now fully rallied, obeyed without hesitation, their morale restored as they saw the tide of battle turning in their favor. Cannons roared, rifles fired, and the remaining enemy ships began to crumble under the onslaught.
–
Naruko's eyes narrowed as she reached out, focusing her powers on Tayuya's blood. "If I can control her blood, I can end this." Her arm shot forward, hand extended as she reached for the essence that pulsed through Tayuya's veins. But just as she began to feel the familiar pull, several of the tainted Devil Fruit users launched themselves at her from all sides.
"Dammit! They're everywhere!" Naruko cursed aloud, frustration creeping into her voice as she dissolved into water, narrowly avoiding the first wave of attacks.
A grotesque creature, part man, part crab, slashed at her with a claw the size of a cannonball. Naruko twisted her liquid form, dodging the blow just in time. She reformed her arms into curved water blades, slicing cleanly through the creature's thick exoskeleton. As it crumpled to the ground with a gurgling hiss, another hybrid pirate lunged at her with webbed claws and gills slashed across its neck.
Naruko smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is this all you've got?"
With a swift motion, she split into water again, reforming behind the creature. Her water blade arms flashed through the air, severing its spine in one quick motion. But before she could catch her breath, another wave of tainted pirates was already closing in.
"They just keep coming!" she growled, her form shifting and twisting as she darted through the attackers, slashing her way through with deadly precision. Her movements were fluid, almost dance-like, as she materialized just long enough to strike before vanishing into water again.
Suddenly, Tayuya's mocking laughter filled the air. The red-haired woman brought her flute to her lips, summoning the three orcs that towered over the battlefield. Their massive forms barreled toward Naruko, their weapons swinging wildly, and she knew these were going to be more of a challenge.
"Annoying bastards," Naruko muttered under her breath, her arms reforming into twin water blades.
The first orc swung its massive club down toward her with bone-crushing force, but Naruko reacted swiftly. As the club came down, she jumped into the air, twisting her body mid-flight. With a flick of her wrist, she extended her water blades and slashed across the orc's chest, leaving deep, watery gashes that sprayed blood. The orc let out a feral roar and stumbled back, dropping its club as it fell off the ship. Naruko smirked as she landed lightly on her feet.
"That's one down," she muttered.
But before she could turn around, the second was already upon her, its massive mace raised high above its head, ready to strike. As the mace came crashing down, Naruko used her power to turn into water, splitting herself into two streams that flowed around the weapon.
"Too slow!" she taunted, reforming behind the orc. But this time, instead of slashing, she thrust her arms out, creating tendrils of water that shot toward the orc. The water wrapped around the orc's legs, and with a powerful tug, Naruko pulled it off balance, sending the hulking creature crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact.
With the orc temporarily incapacitated, Naruko jumped onto its back, reforming her water blades into swords. She brought both arms down in a swift, deadly motion, piercing the orc's back with twin water swords. The creature let out a guttural groan before dissolving into mist like the first one.
Two down.
Naruko turned to face the final orc just as it lunged at her, its massive sword swinging through the air with deadly precision. Naruko jumped backward, narrowly avoiding the blade, but she wasn't fast enough to dodge the orc's follow-up attack. The beast swung its sword again, this time from the side, aiming to cleave her in half.
Naruko gritted her teeth as she dissolved into water, allowing the sword to pass through her harmlessly. But this time, she didn't just dodge. As the orc's sword passed through her watery form, she seized the opportunity to attack. With a thought, Naruko transformed her water into a massive torrent of water, shooting towards the orc with the force of a tsunami.
The orc let out a strangled roar as the jet of water engulfed it, drowning it in the deluge. Naruko watched, her chest heaving from exertion, as the creature struggled to stand, water pouring from its mouth and nose. With a final, gurgling cry, the orc collapsed to the deck, its body dissolving into mist.
Naruko landed in a crouch, panting, her body slick with rain and sweat. The relentless waves of attackers were starting to wear her down, but she wasn't about to give in.
Tayuya stood on the deck, flute still in hand, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Having fun, Captain?" she called out, her voice oozing with mockery. "I know all about your little blood control trick. Impressive, but you're not the only one who does their research."
Naruko narrowed her eyes at Tayuya, her hand twitching as she reached out again, this time with more focus. "Let's see how smug you are when I control your blood," she snarled, but just as she was about to concentrate on Tayuya, a barrage of bullets tore through her liquid form. Naruko hissed in frustration as her body reformed, the bullets missing her but forcing her to break concentration.
Tayuya chuckled, lowering her flute slightly. "I also know you need concentration to use it. And it looks like you're having a hard time finding it, don't you think?"
Naruko gritted her teeth, her body constantly shifting between solid and liquid as she dodged, weaved, and slashed through the growing number of attackers. Each time she tried to lock onto Tayuya, another pirate would lunge at her, another bullet would fly through the air, forcing her to dissipate once more.
"You're gonna regret this!" Naruko growled, her eyes burning with determination. She could feel herself tiring, her body strained from constantly shifting forms, but she wasn't about to back down. Not with her crew depending on her.
"I just need one opening," she thought, her voice low and filled with resolve. "One good hit, and this whole thing is over."
But the attacks kept coming, relentless and unforgiving, forcing Naruko to fight on with every ounce of strength she had left.
–
The Red Death was in chaos. Cannon fire rained down from all sides, and the once-majestic water serpent that circled the ship like a guardian was now struggling to hold itself together. Naruko's focus was divided, the battle on the enemy ship taking most of her concentration, and the strain on the water serpent was beginning to show.
A few well-aimed cannonballs slipped through the serpent's weakening defenses, hurtling toward the deck of the Red Death with terrifying speed. Marines on the deck cried out in panic, but before the cannonballs could strike, Iruka appeared in a blur of speed. Using shave, he darted into the air and spun gracefully, delivering a powerful kick that sent the projectiles flying back into the sea with explosive splashes.
Iruka landed softly, eyes narrowing as he surveyed the battlefield. "This is getting bad," he muttered under his breath. He turned his gaze skyward, watching the water serpent flicker and pulse weakly, clearly losing its strength. Naruko's occupied... we're on our own for now.
On the opposite side of the deck, Shiryu let out a wild howl of excitement, his bloodlust clearly ignited by the ongoing chaos. His blade gleamed in the stormy light as he raised it high above his head, charging it with a swirling energy. "One Sword Style... Blood Wave Barrage!" he roared, sending out a massive arc of orange and red energy. The glowing wave cut through the stormy air, slicing clean through two pirate ships that had gotten dangerously close.
The ships crumbled into splinters as the powerful strike ripped through them, but Shiryu was panting slightly, his energy expenditure taking its toll. Still, he grinned with satisfaction, eyes gleaming under the darkened sky. "Is that all you've got?"
But no sooner had the ships sunk beneath the waves than they were replaced by more pirate vessels, seemingly endless in number. A constant barrage of cannon fire and screaming pirates continued to assault the Red Death.
A massive lightning dragon tore through two more ships before crashing into a third, setting it ablaze and sending pirates screaming into the sea. Kakashi, now in his human form, crouched on the deck, panting heavily as his lightning attack faded. He wiped his brow, sweat mixing with the rain that pelted his face.
"This is getting ridiculous," Kakashi muttered, looking at the seemingly limitless fleet of pirate ships still surrounding them. "There are way too many of them."
Shiryu turned to look at Kakashi, his grin replaced by a dissatisfied scowl. "Ready to keel over, mutt?" he asked mockingly, though there was a hint of fatigue in his own voice.
Kakashi stood slowly, his breath still labored, but a sharp grin appeared on his face. "You wish," he replied, transforming back into his dog form just as two tainted Devil Fruit users leaped onto the deck in front of him. With a quick snap of his jaws, Kakashi sent out a burst of lightning, frying the two attackers and sending them flying off the ship, their bodies smoking as they hit the water.
As Kakashi straightened, Shiryu gave a frustrated grunt and glanced back at the relentless pirate fleet. "Why doesn't Naruko just use her damn water powers to end this quickly?" he asked, swinging his sword lazily to deflect another cannonball that came dangerously close.
Kakashi turned to Shiryu, one of his canine ears twitching as he spoke, his tone more serious now. "Her Devil Fruit makes her powerful, but it doesn't make her a god. She, like everyone else in this world, has limits. And don't forget—she's still young."
Shiryu snorted, unimpressed. "Young or not, she could drown this whole fleet in one go if she really wanted to."
Kakashi sighed, shaking his head. "Maybe, but her powers don't work like that. Controlling that much water? It takes concentration, stamina. Even Naruko can't keep it up forever. She's doing her best, but this is a massive fleet."
Shiryu opened his mouth to retort, but before he could say anything, a group of cannonballs whistled through the air, heading straight for them. At the last possible moment, the weakened water serpent pulsed with renewed strength and shot forward, intercepting the cannonballs just before they hit the deck.
The serpent's watery body rippled as the cannonballs exploded harmlessly within it, sending a spray of water over the deck. Both Kakashi and Shiryu were soaked, but otherwise unharmed.
Shiryu grunted in surprise, his sword lowering slightly. "Well... looks like she's still got some fight left."
Kakashi chuckled, wiping the water from his face. "Never underestimate her. But even she has her limits, and we can't rely on her forever."
As they spoke, the Red Death shook violently beneath their feet. Shiryu's eyes narrowed, and Kakashi's canine ears perked up as a Marine on the deck shouted, "Look out! Something's happening with the water!"
Suddenly, the sea erupted. Thrust-up streams shot up from the ocean's depths beneath several pirate vessels. Jets of water, sharp and destructive, burst through the hulls of the nearest ships, shattering wood and metal alike as if they were made of paper. The violent streams ripped apart two pirate vessels, sending their splintered remains crashing into the sea. Screams filled the air as pirates were thrown overboard, their ships disintegrating beneath them.
Several other jets of water shot up but missed their mark, sending massive waves crashing through the pirate fleet. Ships that weren't directly hit by the streams were forced into each other by the turbulent waters, their hulls slamming together with sickening cracks. The powerful waves even reached the Red Death, causing the mighty marine vessel to sway precariously, its crew scrambling to keep their footing.
Iruka, standing near the helm, watched in astonishment as the streams of water continued to erupt randomly throughout the battlefield. His brow furrowed, and he couldn't help but wonder just how angry Naruko was right now. The streams weren't controlled—they were wild, erratic, and out of sync with Naruko's usual precision. It was as if her power was spilling over in her fury, her emotions sending the ocean into a frenzy.
"This is Naruko..." Iruka muttered under his breath, watching another pirate ship get torn apart by a surge of water. "She's losing control."
Kakashi noticed it too, his dog form crouching low as he braced himself against the swaying ship. "She's trying to keep that fleet at bay, but she's reaching her limit."
Shiryu scoffed, cutting through another pirate who dared to leap onto the deck. "Good. Let her rage out. Maybe we'll see some real chaos."
Iruka shot Shiryu a warning glance but said nothing, his focus returning to the battle ahead. The Marines were holding their ground, firing cannons and rifles at any pirate ship that dared approach, but the relentless assault was taking its toll.
Another burst of water shot up from beneath the sea, this time closer to the Red Death, and the ship rocked violently again. "Brace yourselves!" Iruka shouted as the Marines scrambled to grab onto anything sturdy.
Kakashi's lone eye narrowed as he watched the chaos unfold around them. "We need to end this soon," he said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. "Before it gets out of control."
But for now, the battle raged on, and Naruko's fury, unleashed through the ocean, continued to wreak havoc on the pirate fleet.
–
Naruko's breath came in ragged gasps as she reformed from another violent onslaught, her body flickering between water and flesh as she dispatched the last of a group of tainted Devil Fruit users. Her water swords sliced through them with lethal precision, cutting their misshapen bodies in half before they even had time to react.
The last of the attackers fell to the deck, their lifeless bodies splashing into pools of their own blood, and Naruko stood there, seething with anger, her eyes narrowed in fury. She was tired—tired of reforming, tired of having to dodge every incoming blow, and tired of constantly being outmaneuvered by Tayuya. Her body was growing weary from using her Devil Fruit powers so recklessly, but she wasn't about to stop.
Her patience was gone. Naruko clenched her fists, her hands morphing into curved water blades that shimmered with deadly intent. "That's enough," she growled, her voice low but filled with barely-contained rage.
She launched herself forward, her body stretching like a liquid missile as her legs dissolved into water, her top half moving at blinding speed toward Tayuya. As she moved, the pirates and tainted Devil Fruit users scrambled to stop her, launching attacks from all sides. Swords swung, clubs crashed down, and even devil fruit abilities were fired in her direction. But Naruko was faster—she weaved through them, her body contorting like liquid, reforming just enough to slice through her attackers with her water blades as she passed by them.
Each slash was deadly and precise. She cut through their weapons, their defenses, and their bodies with ease. Pirates fell left and right, blood spraying across the deck as Naruko continued her charge, her focus locked on Tayuya. Nothing would stop her now.
As Naruko reached Tayuya, she swung both of her curved water swords, aiming to cut her down where she stood. The blades sliced through the air with a deadly hiss, but the moment they connected, Tayuya shimmered and vanished—replaced by a regular pirate who was cut clean in half by Naruko's strike. His bisected body crumpled to the deck in a bloody heap.
Naruko halted, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the pirate's lifeless body, realizing she had been tricked. "Damn it..." she muttered under her breath, the frustration bubbling up inside her like a raging storm.
Behind her, she heard a voice—Tayuya's voice, mocking and dripping with arrogance. "Wow, you really suck."
Naruko whirled around, her blood boiling as she spotted not one, but three Tayuya's standing in different positions on the deck, each one smirking with that same infuriating confidence.
Before Naruko could make a move, several creatures—twisted, grotesque hybrids of sea creatures and humans—sprang forward, launching themselves at her from different angles. Naruko had no choice but to turn her body into water again, dodging their attacks as they came at her relentlessly. Every time she tried to reform, another attack came from a different direction, forcing her to stay in her liquid state, never giving her a moment to breathe.
Her frustration reached a boiling point. Enough of this, she thought, her eyes flashing with a dangerous light. Naruko's fury grew, and as her anger surged, so did her powers. The sea around them began to stir unnaturally, letting out violent bursts of water that shot up from the ocean's surface like thrust-up streams, crashing into the pirate fleet with wild, destructive force.
"I'm done playing!" Naruko screamed, her voice carrying through the chaos. With a ferocious roar, she unleashed a massive wave of water that radiated out from her body in all directions. The wave crashed into the attacking creatures, sending them flying backward, their bodies smashing into the deck or being launched into the sea. Two of the Tayuya illusions shimmered and dissolved into regular pirates, their expressions frozen in shock as they were thrown aside like rag dolls.
But the real Tayuya remained standing, her feet firmly planted as the wave crashed against her without effect. Her smirk never faltered.
Two pirates who had been sneaking up behind Naruko, wielding sea-prism stone handcuffs, were caught in the blast of her wave. They were thrown violently across the deck, the cuffs slipping from their grasp and scattering across the ground, far out of reach.
Naruko turned to Tayuya, her eyes burning with pure fury, her hands trembling with the intensity of her rage. The sea around the ship churned violently as several water serpents rose from the ocean, their massive heads looming over the vessel. Each serpent had glowing red eyes, their jaws dripping with seawater as they let out ear-splitting screeches, their roars shaking the very air.
Tayuya's smug expression faltered for the first time as she looked up at the serpents with wide eyes. Her arrogance was gone, replaced with genuine fear as the largest of the serpents opened its massive jaws and lunged at her, moving with terrifying speed.
Tayuya let out a scream as the serpent's fangs closed around her, crushing her body with brutal force before continuing through the ship. The entire vessel splintered apart, wood and debris flying in every direction as the water serpents ripped through the ship like it was nothing more than a toy. The sound of Tayuya's blood-curdling screams filled the air for only a brief moment before they were drowned out by the sound of the ship collapsing into the sea.
Naruko stood in the center of the carnage, her chest heaving as she panted heavily, sweat dripping down her forehead. The ship around her was utterly destroyed, reduced to a broken wreckage that floated lifelessly on the surface of the blood-red ocean. For a moment, Naruko didn't move, her gaze distant as the last remnants of her rage slowly ebbed away.
After several minutes of silence, Naruko crouched down, gathering her strength before launching herself into the air. She shot like a cannonball, soaring back toward the Red Death as the wreckage of the enemy ship sank beneath the waves, leaving nothing but floating debris and corpses in its wake.
–
The deck of the Red Death erupted in cheers as the Marines celebrated the destruction of the lead ship. The sight of the newly formed serpents rising from the sea and obliterating their enemies had ignited a surge of triumph throughout the crew. The eerie silence of the shattered pirate vessel was quickly replaced by the sound of the Marines' victorious shouts, their rifles raised in the air in celebration.
"Yes!" Iruka shouted, his voice loud over the din. He watched with pride as Naruko sailed through the sky, her small form rocketing toward the ship like a missile. She descended with incredible speed, landing with a heavy thud in the middle of the deck, her crouched figure stirring the sea-sprayed wood beneath her.
The Marines immediately hushed, turning their attention to their captain. The surrounding ocean was still agitated, as thrust-up streams continued to burst from beneath the pirate fleet, destroying ships that had dared to flee. The once organized pirate armada was now reduced to burning wrecks and panicked cries for help as ships collided, capsized, and exploded under the weight of Naruko's rage.
But Naruko wasn't smiling. She rose slowly from her crouch, her back straight but her head hung low, her blonde hair cascading down and obscuring her face. The energy that had once pulsated through her now seemed to be drained, leaving her standing there as though the victory had been hollow.
The sea was full of wreckage, the bodies of pirates floating aimlessly among the shattered remnants of their ships. The few remaining vessels were desperately trying to flee, their sails tattered and torn as they struggled against the blood-red waves. But the sea itself, still under the influence of Naruko's power, wasn't allowing any mercy. More thrust-up streams shot through the water, obliterating several of the fleeing ships in fiery explosions, while others were capsized by the powerful waves.
The Red Death stood tall in the chaos, its own crew quietly watching as the scene of destruction unfolded.
Naruko finally broke the silence. "Damn it," she muttered, her voice low and filled with frustration. Her fists clenched at her sides as her shoulders tensed. "I wanted to take her alive." She lifted her head just enough for her voice to carry across the deck, her expression hidden behind the veil of her golden hair.
She didn't speak to anyone in particular, but the weight of her words hung heavy in the air. Her anger wasn't just about the battle, but the missed opportunity—a moment of power lost to the uncontrollable rage that had consumed her.
Her eye, the one still visible through her locks, burned with a mixture of exhaustion and disappointment as she turned her gaze toward Kakashi, who had been watching her silently from a few feet away.
"Clean this up," Naruko ordered, her voice sharp as she met Kakashi's eye. "There should be a few live ones left, squirming in the water." She pointed out to the sea with a curt motion of her hand, her tone more clipped than usual. "Get them. Lock them up."
Kakashi didn't argue, only nodding as he took in her command. "Understood, Captain," he replied, his voice calm and measured despite the chaos around them. He motioned to the Marines, who had already begun moving to carry out Naruko's orders, some of them jumping into the lifeboats, ready to pull survivors from the wreckage.
Naruko didn't wait for any further acknowledgment. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked toward the doors leading below deck. The crew, now fully alert and attentive, watched as she disappeared into the ship, her steps heavy with frustration.
Iruka exchanged a glance with Kakashi as the Marines fanned out, their celebration giving way to the grim task of retrieving the last survivors. There weren't many—most had perished in the water, either from the thrust-up streams or the splintered remains of their own ships. But Kakashi had his orders, and he intended to follow through.
Kakashi's canine form moved with practiced grace as he leaped from the deck and landed on the edge of one of the remaining lifeboats. "Get moving," he barked to the Marines aboard the boat, and they obediently pushed off, heading toward a cluster of bodies bobbing in the water.
On the other side of the Red Death, Shiryu had already begun his part of the cleanup, stepping across the deck with his sword sheathed, surveying the destruction with a satisfied grin. His men were retrieving bodies—both dead and alive—from the water, tossing the corpses aside and tying up the few who were still breathing.
Shiryu's eyes glinted with his usual bloodlust as he watched a pirate, his body twisted and broken, coughing up seawater while barely clinging to life. "Not as fun when they're all dying like this," he muttered under his breath, though the cruel smile never left his face. With a gesture, he motioned for his men to tie up the survivors and haul them aboard. "Let's get this over with."
The crew moved efficiently under Kakashi and Shiryu's orders, the sound of waves crashing against the ship's hull mixing with the pained groans of the captured pirates. The Red Death sailed steadily through the wreckage, the scene around it one of utter devastation.
As the Marines worked, Iruka found himself glancing back toward the door where Naruko had vanished. He could feel the lingering weight of her anger even though she was no longer present on the deck. Her power was something terrifying, and when unleashed, it was difficult to reign in. Anger had its price, and Naruko had paid it today by losing control.