Piracy Of The Last Jinchuriki

by R8handman

Black Zetsu refused that his work all these centuries was for nothing and decided to destroy the shinobi world he influenced, and in doing so Naruto found himself in a Land eerily familiar to his home. Finding this Land is troubled and wanting a place to belong. Naruto decides to use the ruins of his past to help this country. His future is unknown in this pirates infested world.

25. The Most Dangerous

Disclaimer: Like everybody else on fanfiction, I own nothing. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, and One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda.

"Standard"- Normal Speaking

"Italics"- Thoughts

"Bold"-Tailed Beasts speaking and Techniques

---

The ship descended the mountain at a much faster pace than they had gone up. A bright, expansive blue sea laid out in front of them. Naruto grinned as he felt the wind whip around him and the ship and peered through the river mist.

Suddenly a low, horn like blast rang out from somewhere outside the mist and Page One tilted his head to the side to get a better listening. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah," Tama said as she looked around for the source of the noise.

"That's the sound of the greatest sea in the world! The Grand Line! The One Piece is up ahead, somewhere!" Yamato cried out with excitement, "Let's go!"

"We are not finding the One Piece." Naruto called out to her over the howl of the wind with an annoyed tone, "I don't care for it, the mystery of it intrigues me but I am not getting it unless there is a need for it."

"WHAT!?" Yamato shrieked as she looked at Naruto with shock, "I thought-"

"You thought wrong," Naruto tells her with a shake of his head, "I already have something that is worth a planet with me, and I know someone is hunting me down for it. I am not getting involved with something that will have a focus of this entire world on me unless I have to."

Yamato looked like she wanted to say something, but Ulti on the ship's crow nest cut her off as she pointed to something. "Ah… guys. As much as I am enjoying this. What is that?"

Suddenly, a huge tremor shook the entire mountain, and the ship jolted to the side of the mountain river. Naruto grabbed the helm and pivoted the ship correctly before it crashed into the walls of the Reverse Mountain River, and he squinted at the mist struggling to see through it.

"Sometimes I wish I had a Hyuga with me," Naruto thinks as he squints through the mist only to see a vast shadow, "Or had a Byakugan."

The shaking became louder and Tama looked up ahead to see what was going on. "Do you hear that?!"

Naruto could hear it, a low-sounding horn that was growing larger and larger until it was blasting its noise and echoing around them.

"It could just be the wind. There are many unusual landforms ahead," Page One shouted over the noise.

"Ah! Pay-Pay! I see a mountain up ahead!" Ulti reported as she observed from the crows nest.

"A mountain?! That's impossible. After passing the Twin Capes up ahead, there should be nothing but ocean," Page One exclaimed with utter confusion.

Everyone's eyes widened at the black solid form that stood right at the base of the mountain, right where the canal met the sea.

"It's not a mountain or a wall!" Yamato gasped as she became pale, "It's.. a…it's.. a,"

"WHALE!" Naruto yelled as he adjusted the ship steering wheel with much vigor that he nearly broke it off the helm. "It's a freaking giant whale!"

The black solid form began to split apart, revealing large, sharp teeth. Then it let out another low, rumbling roar, which made Naruto form a one handed seal.

"WE ARE GOING TO CRASH!" Page One yelled in panic before the ship was swarmed with dozens of Naruto that jumped over the deck and landed on the water of the Reverse Mountain's canal, skidding along with the ship.

"Now!" Naruto commanded as the Shadow Clones pressed against the ship, increasing the ship drag and resistance, slowing it down.

The ship jolted as it slowed down rapidly as gravity and the combined might strength of Naruto shadow clones pushed and shoved against the current, skidding ever closer to the black living mountain behind them. Just as the Ship was about to crash against the giant whale, it stopped.

With a glare at the whale, Yamato then unleashed a wave of Conquerors Haki, and it washed over everyone harmlessly except the whale and Naruto swore it blanched in fear and slowly inched away, intimated by Yamatos Haki.

Naruto shakes his head and snorts before telling Yamato, "I need lessons from you. Chakra is my forte, but using Haki is…."

Naruto then pauses and then looks at Tama with a concerned look. "Tama, are you able to use Haki?"

"She could," Ulti tells him with "It is theoretically said that all the world's living creatures can learn how to use Haki."

"Well then, don't use it." Naruto tells Tama with an utterly serious voice, "Not unless I train you and deem it safe for you to use it."

"Haki is not dangerous-" Page One starts with a frown.

"For me and her, it is." Naruto cuts him off with a look that shuts the conversation down.

"It is a surprise to see a crew knowing Haki, much less using it this early in the Grand Line."

Naruto whirled around to locate the source of the voice and saw steel doors opening on the side of a very scarred mountain whale, and from the doors was an elderly man resting in a deckchair atop a dingy that looked like a floating island that had a single coconut tree on it.

Naruto fixed his gaze on the elder, taking in his stocky, muscular physique. The man was bald on top, with white hair featuring yellow flower petal-like patterns that transitioned into purple at the base. He also had a white beard that split into two parts. His lower lip is noticeably larger than his upper. In addition, there is a noticeable scar on his left arm. The old man's outfit is a burst of colors, as he pairs a pink shirt with a bold yellow and green stripe, accented by whimsical purple circles within the yellow. Completing his laid-back style, he wears blueish-gray shorts and comfortable sandals. His ensemble includes glasses, a seaweed necklace, an assortment of three gold bracelets and a single green-gem bracelet on his left wrist.

"Is that?" Tama says as she blinks in surprise.

Naruto just smiles and waves at the old man, "Listen, old man, we've got some questions for you: who are you and what do you know about Haki?"

The old man snapped a glare at him, making Naruto blink in surprise while the rest of his crew froze.

Naruto waited for a response or a reply from the old man and it seemed the man had only heard him but not caught his words.

"Are you hard of hearing, old man?" Naruto asked him in a much louder voice.

"Young man," he growled. "Isn't it impolite to demand questions from othersbeforeyou introduce yourself?"

Naruto laughs and gives an apologetic grin. "Y-yeah, good point. Sorry about that. I'll start: my name is-"

"My name is Crocus," the old man interrupted, his tone not shifting so much as a decibel the entire time. "I am the keeper of the Twin Capes Lighthouse. I'm 71 and a half years old, Gemini. My blood type is XF, and my favorite food is-"

Naruto froze aptly as much of his crew struggled to hold their laughter in at the twitching face of their captain.

"Oh!" said Yamato as she giggled, her eyes gleamed with recognition at the name as she struggled to control her laughter as she saw Naruto muttering darkly and slowly inching his left hand to one of his two scabbards. "I know who you are!"

A confused expression flashes across Crocus' face and said, "What? I am pretty sure-"

"No, no," Yamato said excitedly as she gushes with sparkling stars in her eyes and pointed excitedly at the old man who was becoming more alarmed at what was happening, "This man was the doctor on Gol. D Roger ship, the Oro Jackon."

Shocked silence reigned before Naruto reacted to something thrown at them, his Uzu-Uchiwa meeting the harpoons aimed for the ship and Yamato, who looked startled with what happened before she gave a broken-hearted look at Crocus who faltered at the sight stopping him from throwing the next barrage of harpoons.

But Naruto was not letting this go down. He was halfway across the water to kick Crocus of the floating, moving island when Yamato's voice shrieked at him, "Stop it, Naruto!"

Naruto whirls around at her in the middle of the ocean, and points his Uzu-Uchiwa at the old man as he says to her, "That old fart literally just tried to kill us."

"My apologies" Crocus weary voice made Naruto's anger falter as he sighed before he sat down on the deck chair and then looked at Naruto who was sheathing the blade before doing a double take, "HOW?! HOW ARE YOU DOING THAT?!"

"Doing what?" Naruto said as he sheathed the blade before doing a big demonstration of sheathing and unsheathing Uzu-Uchiwa, "It's easy and the basics of swordsmanship pull and slide the blade out of the sheath. See like this"

"No!" Crocus just said as he pointed at Naruto's feet. "How are you standing in the middle of the ocean?"

"Duh, it's chakra." Naruto says before looking at Tama and telling her, "You can do it too, Tama."

"I haven't learned that from you yet," she told him and Naruto's mouth opened with a paused look.

"Oh. Hmm… I think we need to stop by an island to train you." Naruto said as he jumped off the surface of the ocean to the boat with a single bound and then looking at Crocus apologetically, "For the record I can swim so this is not a devil fruit ability."

Crocus looked like he was in the middle of the stroke as he sputters at Naruto who began to chuckle in amusement before he felt Yamato's Takeru tap the side of his head threateningly as she growled, "That's not a way to treat, Kozuki Oden's retired comrade Naruto!"

"Okay fine" Naruto pouted as his amusement vanished.

"I apologize for my captain's idiocy." Yamato said as she bowed her head, "After all, anyone that Kozuki Oden spoke of highly and dearly must be respected."

"How do you know that name?" Crocus squints at her before he looks at Naruto. "Explain"

"They are from Wano. Yamato is Kaido's daughter. Those two, Ulti and Page One, were fostered by him, and this is a sister I adopted who was born in Wano. And I am Uzumaki Naruto, a Ninja from another reality and planet. Wano was the place I landed when I got dragged here by a Space-Time Ninjutsu."

Crocus just stared at him before pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just go… I already have enough stress from taking care of Laboon."

"Laboon… Who is Laboon?" Tama asked Crocus with a curious expression on her face.

"This Island Whale" Crocus said sadly with a shake of his head, "Laboon has been like this for nearly fifty years, waiting for some people."

---

Naruto felt a nauseating wave of sympathy well up inside him as he gazed at the immense black island whale, which was as massive as the Sea Kings found in the Calm Belt. With its black skin, compact fins, and a fluke tail, Laboon was a formidable sight to behold. Sadly, years of confronting the Reverse Mountain and bashing it have left him with a head adorned with scars that intersect in a mesmerizing pattern.

"What a pitiful tale" Naruto said as he shook his head, "He lost everything and is stuck in the past. I know how that feels."

Crocus had gone into silence after telling them the story.

Yamato aghast face as she looked at her, "I never knew… Oden did not mention this."

"How did you know Oden? I heard he died seventeen years ago." Crocus asks her with a raised eyebrow.

"I found Oden's Logbook in the river next to the ashes of Oden castle." Yamato tells Crocus, "The Legendary Hour is still etched in my mind, and ever since that day I wanted to be like- No, become the Kozuki Oden. My shitty old man did not like that at all!"

"I spoke to him in the afterlife." Naruto just mutters out absentmindedly, "His wife too, Kozuki Toki… They asked a lot of questions about Wano and their daughter"

"Wait, you did not mention this!" Yamato exclaimed as she stared at Naruto with shock, "I mean, you told us out that you died two months ago and then come back to life."

"I also met Gol D. Roger in Limbo" Naruto tells everyone with a shrug, "I helped him make peace with himself so he can go to the Pure Lands."

"The Pure what?"

"The afterlife" Naruto says with a sigh, "The details are fuzzy for me ever since I came back to life, since the soul and the mind have distinct memories"

Naruto then slumps at the deck, "Dying sucked, coming back that sucked even more. But I am glad I am alive with you guys… Guys, say something."

"You are bleeding."

He then tasted the iron dripping into his mouth and wiped his nose to see blood and dread filled him as he thought. "It starting already? The Vice Admiral Haki was not powerful as mine."

Naruto then assessed his chakra network and found traces of Haki in the network and purged it out of the chakra network.

"Haki users involuntarily force their opponent Haki to come out when engaged in combat" Naruto realized as his thoughts processed what was happening, "While I can harness Haki and Chakra individually, I cannot use them concurrently or when they intertwine.I already have the solution to mitigate and hopefully eliminate this threat on my body but… To always be in Sage Mode, that'seasier said than done"

Naruto then felt something strike his neck and a fluid being injected into Naruto's eyes roll into the back of his head as the very last thing he saw a very concerned Crocus loom over him with a stethoscope and hearing his crewmates shout in alarm.

---

-Egghead: Labophase-

Dr. Vegapunk was not one for hesitation, especially when it came to the mysteries of science. Fresh off his return from Marijoa, he wasted no time heading straight to the Labophase, the central hub of his research. His satellites Punk-01 through Punk-06 were already present, awaiting his arrival as they prepared the samples Naruto had provided.

"Begin analysis," Vegapunk commanded, his voice a blend of excitement and trepidation. Naruto had asked for something almost unheard of, incorporating multiple stem cell samples, each with its own unique Lineage Factor, into the creation of a new arm. This would have been a groundbreaking achievement in any other circumstance, but Naruto's cells posed a different kind of challenge.

The machines whirred to life, scanning and cataloging every aspect of the five samples. Naruto's own stem cells were at the center of it all, with the four others flanking them: the mysterious genetics he had gathered from various beings Naruto had encountered. The coding process began, with Vegapunk and his satellite clones observing the data that appeared on the monitors.

At first, all seemed well. The Lineage Factors were stabilizing, their unique genetic blueprints beginning to be replicated. But then something went wrong.

"Stella, look at this!" Atlas shouted, her face twisted in confusion. The others turned their attention to the primary display.

The screen showed Naruto's stem cells they have cloned under a microscope. Then, without warning, they began to rupture, fragmenting as if detonated from within. More screens displayed the same disturbing process, as the cells with chakra coursing through them actively rejected the other energy that was Haki, that inexplicably appeared within them.

Lilith'seyes widened in horror. "The chakra network inside his cells… it's rejecting the newly forming Haki. Haki's not supposed to be here, but it's emerging on its own."

Vegapunk's brow furrowed deeply as he stared at the disintegrating cells. "The chakra network is self-destructing whenever Haki emerges from the cells… but this Haki, it wasn't present in the other stem cells. It's unique to Naruto's. This should be impossible."

Vegapunk rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Haki wasn't something I focused on in my research, too metaphysical, too unpredictable, but if it's spontaneously appearing inside his cells"

York, who had been silent until now, stepped forward with an expression that was thoughtful, "He knew this would happen. That's why he asked us to encode the new arm with those additional lineage factors. Naruto's body is breaking down, and he knows it."

Shaka shot her a sharp look. "What do you mean?"

York sighed and gestured toward the data. "His body is the battleground. Haki vs Chakra is the war taking place. The battleground lacks sufficient strength to hold this. The more he uses both chakra and Haki without care at the same time, the more damage to his body takes. It's like trying to burn two types of fuel in the same engine; they're not meant to coexist. This new arm… it might be his only chance at survival. He didn't say it outright, but I just figured it out now."

A stunned silence fell over the room as the implications sank in.

"Get someone to contact Naruto," Vegapunk said finally, his voice somber. "We need to talk to him about chakra and tell us all about it. I have a feeling there's much more to this than we understand."

---

Naruto's eyes fluttered open as the effects of the tranquilizer wore off. He could feel the dull ache in his limbs as his body slowly reawakened. The first thing he saw was Crocus, sitting nearby and handing a stack of medical books to Tama, who was watching intently.

"Read up on these, Tama," Crocus instructed her, his voice gentle. "They'll help you understand the basics of medicine. You'll need to be able to take care of yourself and your crew."

Naruto squinted at the scene, confused for a moment before the fog in his mind cleared. He sat up quickly, rubbing his temples, and shot a glare at Crocus. "That tranquilizer was meant for the whale, wasn't it?"

Crocus raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Not bad. It's supposed to knock out a Laboon for hours, but it barely lasted on you."

Naruto didn't laugh. He stared Crocus down, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "What's going on?"

Crocus nodded to Tama and the rest of the crew, signaling them to leave the room. "Out. This is between me and Naruto." The seriousness in his voice left no room for argument.

Once the door closed, Crocus folded his arms and gave Naruto a hard look. "Your body's breaking down. And I think you already know that. What I don't know is what is causing this breakdown… It's not a sickness, but a reaction."

Naruto didn't flinch. He didn't even blink. He just sighed deeply, running a hand through his spiky hair before muttering, "I've known for a while."

Crocus's brow furrowed, waiting for him to continue. When Naruto didn't, he spoke up. "Whatever's going on inside you… You're dealing with something far more complicated than your body can handle. Your cells are reacting violently to it, as if they're rejecting it. You can't sustain this forever."

Naruto's gaze drifted out the window, his expression unreadable. "Yeah, I've felt it. The cracks are already showing. My body can't handle both. So my Chakra and my Haki are fighting inside me. They weren't meant to coexist."

"And yet, you keep using both," Crocus pressed, his voice blunt but not unkind.

"I did not know that Haki is forced out of someone when they are facing a Haki user… Damn Kaido for awakening my Haki"

"What's your plan? You can't keep running at this pace, or you won't last" Crocus said with a serious voice.

"There is a solution to stop this degrading of my body… But it is practically impossible for me to do right now. Being in Sage Mode can cancel or stop this degradation but not the war… but it means I must be still for all my life." Naruto chuckled humorlessly, but there was no joy behind it. "I'm working on it… Dr. Vegapunk is… Something that can withstand this… collision inside me. I just need a little more time."

Crocus's eyes widen momentarily at the mention of Vegapunk before he lets out a long, tired breath. "Time may not be something you have much of."

Naruto turned to him, his blue eyes reflecting a quiet determination. "I've come back from the dead… This is not something that will stop me."

Crocus studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Just don't wait until it's too late."

Naruto leaned back on the cot, still feeling the lingering effects of the tranquilizer, but his mind was sharp, thoughts churning. He glanced over at the pile of medical books Crocus had handed to Tama before the others left the room.

"Why'd you give her those?" Naruto asked, his voice still groggy but laced with curiosity. He hadn't missed the way Tama's eyes had lit up at the sight of the books. "Did she ask for them?"

Crocus nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah. She's shown some genuine interest in medicine. Smart kid, eager to learn… I figured if she's traveling with you, she'd need the skills."

Naruto blinked, a bit surprised. He hadn't expected that. Tama had always been brave, always wanting to help, but medicine? A thought sparked in his mind, something that hadn't fully clicked until now.

"Medicine, huh" Naruto murmured to himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "A medic-nin… That could actually work."

Crocus raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "You're thinking of making her a ninja doctor?"

Naruto nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "Yeah, back where I'm from. We've got these medics who are trained in both healing and combat. They're vital in every squad. But it's not just about knowing how to patch up wounds. They use chakra to speed up healing, close up injuries from the inside, even perform surgery in the middle of a battle. If Tama's interested in medicine, this could be huge for her. And for us."

He paused, thinking, If Tama could learn those skills, she could save lives, his crew's lives, maybe even his own.

"I didn't think about it before," Naruto admitted, scratching the back of his head, "but I could start teaching her how to use her chakra in ways that'll make her a damn good medic. And if she learns how to be a proper doctor with that, she could be better than anyone on the Grand Line."

Crocus gave a small grunt of approval. "You've got a point. From what I've seen, your chakra system is unlike anything in this world. If she can master even a fraction of what you can do with that, she'd be a good doctor. And considering the path you're on, I'd say having a skilled medic onboard might be the difference between life and death."

Naruto's expression turned serious as he thought about what Crocus had said. Having someone who could keep the crew alive, heal them when they were down, would make a world of difference. And Tama, with her determination and already good chakra control, had the potential to be incredible.

"I'll train her," Naruto decided, his voice firm. "She's got the heart for it, and with the right guidance, she could be a top-tier medic-nin. It's a lot of responsibility, though. I'll need to ease her into it."

Crocus nodded, his stern expression softening just a bit. "If anyone can teach her, it's you. Just don't push her too hard. Medicine requires patience, and chakra healing even more so."

Naruto smirked. "Patience isn't exactly my strong suit, but for Tama's sake, I'll figure it out."

For a moment, the room was quiet, both men lost in their thoughts. Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Tama's eagerness to help others. But along with that pride came the weight of responsibility. He had to teach her right, guide her carefully.

Then, a nagging thought crept into Naruto's mind, one that hadn't fully formed until now. His body was breaking down, and he knew it. Crocus had said it straight, and Naruto wasn't the type to ignore reality. If Tama became a skilled medic-nin, maybe, just maybe, she could help him too.

"Maybeit'sselfish,"Naruto thought, his eyes narrowing as his mind turned over the idea,"but if things keep going the way they are, I might need her to fix me when no one else can."

He looked up at Crocus, his expression unreadable. "Thanks for pointing her in the right direction. I didn't realize she had that kind of interest. It could save all of us one day."

Crocus gave a slow nod. "Just make sure she knows what she's getting into. Medicine's not something you can take lightly."

Naruto smiled faintly. "I'll make sure she's ready."

He stood up from the cot, feeling his strength returning. His body might have been breaking down, but his will was as strong as ever. If anything, he had more motivation now. Not just to protect his crew, but to make sure that Tama, and everyone else, had a fighting chance.

"Alright, Crocus," Naruto said, heading for the door, "thanks for everything. I'll be careful from now on."

Crocus smirked and leaned back in his chair. "Be careful, huh? I'll believe it when I see it."

Naruto just grinned back. "Yeah, well… I can try."

---

Yamato, noticing Naruto's weariness despite his attempts to brush it off, approached him as he walked out of the room. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression firm but full of concern.

"Naruto, you should take a rest," Yamato said, her voice steady. "Crocus knows what he's talking about. One more day here at the Lighthouse by Twin Cape wouldn't hurt. Just to make sure nothing else is wrong with you. You've been pushing yourself pretty hard lately."

Naruto blinked at her, about to protest, but then he saw the sincerity in her eyes. "It's not just about me, is it?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

Yamato smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. "Well, maybe not entirely. I kind of wanted to ask Crocus some questions… about Oden. You know, get a little more insight. He was with Roger, after all."

Naruto sighed but smiled. "Fine. You win this one, Yamato. I could use a break, anyway." He turned back to Crocus. "Looks like I'm staying one more day, old man."

Crocus gave a gruff nod. "Good. It's for your own good, kid. You're tougher than most, but your body isn't invincible. Take it easy for once."

With that settled, Yamato's eyes lit up, and she sat down across from Crocus. "So, about Oden… You knew him, right?"

Crocus leaned back, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Yeah, I met Oden. Strong-willed, full of life. He made quite the impression on everyone, especially with Roger and Whitebeard. What do you want to know?"

Yamato leaned forward, excitement bubbling in her. "Oden's logbook talks about his days in Wano and his time sailing with Whitebeard, but he doesn't mention much about the weather or what it was like sailing through the Grand Line. Why is that? What was it like?"

Crocus chuckled. "Well, that's because Oden had a way of looking past the small stuff. The weather on the Grand Line is chaotic, and he was the in New World before Paradise. The weather in the new world makes Paradise look tame. But the beginning of Paradise is different. It can change in an instant one minute, you're in a calm sea, and the next, you're in the middle of a storm. Reverse Mountain and Twin Cape are where the journey really begins. From here, the Log Pose locks onto the magnetism of the seven islands in the first leg of Paradise. It's unpredictable, but that's the beauty of it."

Yamato frowned slightly. "Oden didn't write much about the weather. I guess he focused more on the adventure and the people he met. But I would've loved to know more about the Grand Line."

Naruto, leaning against the wall, grinned. "Well, you'll experience it soon enough, right? No point in spoiling the journey now. But if you're curious about adventures, I can share some tales from my home. Stuff I haven't told you guys yet."

At that, everyone perked up. Even Laboon, who had been resting by Crocus, seemed to tune in as Naruto started to speak.

Naruto took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing with the weight of the story he was about to tell. Everyone was still waiting for his voice to break the silence.

"Alright, let me take you back to one of the biggest moments in the history of the Shinobi world, the Battle of Kannabi Bridge. This wasn't just some skirmish; this was a battle that shaped the fate of entire nations. The Third Great Shinobi War was raging, and our village, the Hidden Leaf, was fighting for its survival. One of our most dangerous enemies was the Hidden Stone Village, led by ruthless shinobi who had the power to level mountains. And it was during this time that my father, Minato Namikaze, earned his legendary title, the Yellow Flash of the Leaf."

Naruto's voice became more intense as the group leaned in closer. His hands gestured to emphasize the magnitude of the conflict.

"Iwa had sent thousands of their best shinobi elite jōnin, hardened warriors, each of them capable of taking down entire platoons of Chunin. Their mission? To claim land in the Land of Fire and draw out Konoha's defenses and weaken it. If they succeeded, it would mean a certain defeat for us. The Stone Village was already advancing, and their forces were overwhelming. There were too many of them. But Konoha had a trump card. One man stood between them and victory. My father Minato."

Yamato's eyes widened. "Thousands of jōnin? Against just him?"

Naruto grinned, his voice full of pride. "That's right, just him. My father wasn't known as the Yellow Flash for nothing. He wasn't just fast; he was strong… When he arrived on that battlefield, the Iwa shinobi didn't know what hit them. My dad already had a flee on sight order on him."

Naruto's voice became quieter, more intense. "So there he was, one man facing an army. Thousands of jōnin who were already rethinking their choices. He moved across the battlefield, vanishing and reappearing in the blink of an eye, cutting down jōnin faster than they could comprehend. Before they even realized what was happening, entire squads of elite jōnins had fallen, defeated by a blur of yellow light."

Tama's eyes widened with awe, and Page One's usual gruff expression softened into one of astonishment.

Naruto's voice grew even more intense, his words painting a picture of the incredible battle. "The Stone Village was terrified. They were seeing something they thought impossible, a man who could be anywhere and everywhere at once. Even the bravest warriors started to retreat, realizing that no matter how many of them there were, they couldn't lay a finger on him. He was untouchable. The battlefield became a graveyard, and the Iwa forces were powerless to stop him."

Yamato looked amazed, her eyes flickering as if she were imagining the scene herself. "That's… unbelievable"

Naruto smirked, a spark of pride shining in his eyes. "Yeah, well, my father wasn't done. After tearing through their forces, Minato found their commander. He stood before him, the man trembling in fear. The Yellow Flash didn't need to speak. His presence alone was enough. He had single-handedly stopped the entire assault, forced the enemy to retreat, and secured the survival of the Leaf Village. Not just by brute force, but by fear. The Stone Village shinobi feared my father. To them, he was like a ghost, a legend."

Crocus raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "So, he ended the battle by himself?"

Naruto nodded. "Pretty much. My father's actions at Kannabi Bridge didn't just save the Konoha, he shifted the entire balance of the war. With the Stone Village forces in shambles, the momentum swung in our favor. After that, the war didn't last much longer. My father became one of the candidates of the Fourth Hokage and then became the Fourth Hokage."

Page One finally spoke, his voice gruff but filled with grudging respect. "One man… against thousands. That's insane."

Naruto smiled, a mixture of pride and sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, my dad was something else"

Tama was practically glowing with admiration. "He must've been incredible."

Naruto nodded, his expression softening. "He was. And it's a big part of why I fight too. I carry his will with me, just like he carried the will of those who came before him."

For a moment, the room was filled with a sense of awe, the weight of Minato's legacy hanging in the air. Even Crocus, old as he was, seemed to reflect on the story with deep respect. Laboon let out a soft, echoing call, as if acknowledging the tale of the great shinobi.

Naruto leaned back slightly, a small, wistful smile on his face. "So yeah, that's the story of theBattle of Kannabi Bridgeand how one man turned the tide of a war. But that's not the end. There's a lot more to my father's story and mine, too."

Naruto paused for a moment, his face becoming more solemn as the weight of the next part of his story settled on him. Everyone around him stayed silent, sensing the shift in mood. His eyes drifted to the floor, as if he was seeing a memory from long ago.

"But it wasn't just about my dad. There were others… people who fought alongside him, people who shaped my life in ways I couldn't even imagine at the time."

He looked up, meeting the eyes of everyone gathered. "Two of those people were Uchiha Obito and Hatake Kakashi. They were both part of my father's team during the war. You already know Kakashi he was my sensei, my squad leader. One of the strongest shinobi I've ever known. But Obito… his story is more complicated."

Naruto's voice grew softer as he spoke. "They were both young back then, just like me. Kakashi was already a prodigy, a genius who was burdened by his father's legacy, graduated from the academy at a ridiculously young age. They said he was cold, distant… but that was now how he was when he was my sensei. But before he was my Sensei, he had a team, a team with Obito and a girl named Nohara Rin."

Yamato leaned in; her curiosity was clear. "What happened to them? I've heard about Kakashi from you, but not Obito or Rin."

Naruto's eyes darkened as he looked out toward the horizon for a moment, the salty sea air filling his lungs as he gathered his thoughts. "It was during the Battle of Kannabi Bridge. They were sent on a mission to destroy it, to stop Iwa's reinforcements from reaching the battlefield. My dad wasn't with them at the time. He was busy taking on those thousands of jōnins that I told you about. So, it was up to Kakashi, Obito, and Rin to complete the mission on their own."

Naruto's voice grew heavy with emotion. "During the mission, Rin was captured by Iwa forces. Obito… Obito was the one who couldn't accept it. He wanted to save her, no matter what. But Kakashi… Kakashi believed in completing the mission above all else. That was the shinobi rule he lived by back then. 'the mission comes first.' He thought rescuing Rin would jeopardize everything."

Tama's face twisted in disbelief. "But how could Kakashi leave Rin behind? Wasn't she part of their team?"

Naruto nodded. "She was. But back then, it was considered an acceptable loss. As the end of the war would have saved more lives if it meant Rin had to die. And Obito hated that. He told Kakashi something that would change his entire life: 'Thosewho break the rules are scum… but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.' That's when Kakashi realized… he couldn't just follow the rules. Not when it came to his comrades. So they went to save Rin together."

Yamato's expression softened as she listened. "Sounds like Obito had a good heart."

Naruto smiled faintly. "Yeah, he did. Obito wasn't the best shinobi, but his heart was always in the right place. They found Rin, but… things didn't go as planned. During the rescue, the cave they were in collapsed. Kakashi was injured, and the debris was about to crush him. Obito… Obito pushed Kakashi out of the way and saved him."

Page One narrowed his eyes. "So, what happened? Did Obito make it out?"

Naruto's face grew darker, and the weight of the memory seemed to pull him down. "No… he didn't. The debris crushed him. Obito was trapped, half his body crushed under the rocks. He knew he wasn't going to make it."

Tama gasped, her small hands covering her mouth in shock. "That's… horrible."

Naruto nodded, his voice heavy. "It was. But even in his last moments, Obito didn't care about himself. He knew he was dying, but all he wanted was to give something to Kakashi. That's when he told Kakashi… he wanted him to take hisSharingan. His eye. As a final gift and a request to Kakashi to protect Rin."

Naruto nodded, a sad smile on his face. "Yeah. That eye became a symbol of the bond between them. Obito trusted Kakashi to carry on his will, to protect Rin in his place. But… things didn't go as they had hoped."

Ulti, who had been quiet until now, asked, "What happened next?"

Naruto's expression darkened even more. "After Obito's death, Kakashi and Rin kept moving. They completed the mission, but… something terrible happened. Rin… Rin died, too."

The group fell silent, a sense of tragedy weighing over them.

Tama's voice was soft, almost fragile. "How?"

Naruto looked down, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow. "She was caught in the middle of a terrible situation. Iwa had captured her and… they implanted a tailed beast inside of her. They turned her into a weapon to destroy Konoha. Rin knew that if she went back to the village, she would endanger everyone she cared about. So she made a choice… a painful, heartbreaking choice. She asked Kakashi to end her life."

Yamato's face was stricken with grief. "She… she asked him?"

Naruto nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Kakashi didn't want to. He loved her. But in the chaos of battle… he couldn't stop it. Rin purposely ran into his attack… and she died by his hand."

The group was silent, the weight of the story sinking into them.

Naruto shook his head, his voice filled with regret. "That's how Kakashi got his nickname… the Copy Ninja, but also the man who killed his friend. He carried that guilt with him for the rest of his life. Losing Obito, losing Rin… it broke him. He became cold, distant, hiding his pain behind that mask. Being in the ANBU helped for a while, but another of Kakashi friends, Guy-sensei, talked to Old Man Third to withdraw Kakashi from the ANBU."

Ulti crossed her arms, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "And what about Obito? You said he 'seemingly lived.' What does that mean?"

Naruto sighed, his expression hardening. "Obito's story didn't end at Kannabi Bridge. We all found out much later… that he didn't die. He was saved, but… the Obito they knew was gone. He was twisted into someone he calls Nobody. But that's a story for another time."

The room was silent, the depth of Naruto's story weighing heavily on everyone. Crocus, Yamato, and the others seemed to reflect on the lives of these shinobi who had given everything for their friends and their dreams.

Crocus leaned forward slightly, his curiosity clear in the sharpness of his gaze. "So, Naruto… you've mentioned your world before, but I've never fully understood. What exactly happened there? And what brought you here, of all places?"

The question lingered in the air, heavy with the weight of the unknown. Naruto took a deep breath, his usual carefree demeanor fading as he met Crocus' eyes. He knew this was a story he couldn't sugarcoat.

"I didn't exactly have much of a choice," Naruto began, his voice low and steady. "Back in my world… I'm the last human alive. Everyone else, my friends, my family, they're all gone. My planet has no living humans and animals anymore… it's empty now."

The silence that followed felt like a physical presence in the room, thick and suffocating. Even Ulti, who was usually quick to throw in a snarky comment, stayed quiet.

"You're saying… your entire world was wiped out?" Crocus asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Why did you not tell us" Tama said with an uneasy expression on her face.

"I thought you trusted us," Yamato says with a hurt look on her face.

"I told old man Sukiyaki some of it." Naruto said to Tama and then faced Yamato, "Trust you? I trust you with my life, Yamato, but my secrets… No. Not all of them."

"So, you saw a world end."

Naruto nodded. "Yeah. And the worst part is, I had a hand in it. I fought till the very end, but… it wasn't enough. After everything, I'm the only one left. When I ended up here, I didn't even know what this world was. But somehow… I crashed in Wano, and Now I'm Here."

Yamato, who had been listening intently, looked down, her brows furrowing. "That's… hard to wrap my head around. No wonder you're so strong… you had to be just to survive."

Naruto gave her a small, sad smile. "Yeah, something like that."

Crocus' eyes narrowed slightly, his mind working to process the weight of what Naruto had just revealed? "And what about you, biologically? You look like us, you bleed like us. What's different?"

Naruto chuckled softly, leaning back against the wall. "Well, according to Vegapunk, who's probably the smartest person around myLineage Factoris unique compared to all the races in this world. You all share certain traits, genetically and biologically. My biology is similar to humans here, but genetically? We're not the same. I don't share a common ancestor with any of you. Think of me as a race of new humans."

Ulti and Page One exchanged glances, both of them slowly nodding as they processed the information. Tama, sitting beside them, gave a small, thoughtful hum as if she understood the basics of what Naruto was saying.

Crocus gave a slow nod, his eyes sharp with understanding. "So, you're… an anomaly, even here. No wonder you're so different. That must be a lot to carry."

Yamato, on the other hand, scratched the back of her head, looking a bit perplexed. "I barely understood any of that… but I get the gist. Queen used to ramble about genetics and all that stuff. Sounds like you're from a completely different tree."

Naruto smiled warmly at her, appreciating the effort. "Pretty much. My world was built differently, and I guess that makes me… different, too. But it doesn't change much. I'm still the same old Naruto you know."

Ulti crossed her arms, looking more intrigued than confused. "So, if you're that different… does that mean you're stronger than anyone here?"

Naruto's smile turned into a grin. "Depends on who you ask. I've fought some strong people here, but strength isn't just about genetics or lineage. It's about training and hard work, too."

Page One smirked. "Still, bet it gives you an edge."

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "You'd think so, but no. I didn't exactly start out strong. Back in the academy, I was terrible. I failed the exams multiple times, couldn't even pull off the most basic techniques like the Clone Jutsu. I had the worst grades, and I was always the class clown, you know?"

Ulti crossed her arms, frowning. "You? Failing? No way."

"I'm serious!" Naruto laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was the worst. There was this guy in my class, Sasuke… man, he was something else. Top of the class, always cool, never messed up, and me? I was constantly losing to him. Every time we had a sparring match or a test, I'd be the one flat on the ground while Sasuke walked away without breaking a sweat. Everyone was watching him, and no one even thought I'd make it."

Page One furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled. "But you're strong now. I don't get it. What changed?"

Naruto's grin faded a little as he thought back. "Well, it wasn't just about power or skill. It took a lot of failures to get to where I am now. But… I did have one thing that set me apart in the end. See, there's this technique I eventually learned. A much harder jutsu and a forbidden one. The Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu."

"Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Crocus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How's that different from the regular clone thing?"

"That's the thing," Naruto replied. "The Clone Jutsu, the one we learned in the academy, is just a basically looks like afterimages. It creates copies of yourself, but they're not physically real. They can't attack or defend; they just distract your enemy. And I couldn't even get that one right. My clones were always, well… pitiful. They looked half dead, and they'd disappear the second without anyone even touching them."

Ulti made a face. "That sounds useless."

Naruto laughed. "Yeah, it kind of was. But the one you saw me use is the Shadow Clone Jutsu, which is a whole different level. Instead of making illusions, this one creates real physical clones. They can fight, take hits, do everything I can. And when they're destroyed, I get all their memories and experiences. So, I can use them to gather information, train faster, or fight multiple enemies at once. But it has drawbacks, though. It takes a lot of chakra for most people to use… but that has never been a problem for me."

Vegapunk chuckled dryly over the Transponder Snail. "I know. That's why this call is so important," he said in a tone that told Naruto something serious was about to be discussed.

Naruto's expression darkened. Without taking his eyes off the Transponder Snail, he spoke to his crew. "Everyone, out."

The crew members, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly obeyed without argument. Ulti and Page One exchanged a glance before filing out of the cabin, followed by Yamato and Tama. The door clicked shut behind them, leaving Naruto and Crocus alone.

Crocus, leaning against the table, crossed his arms and grinned slightly. "So… it's an honor to meet the man who's rumored to have surpassed me in medical expertise," he said with a chuckle, his tone laced with both amusement and a hint of respect.

There was a pause on the other end of the call, and then Vegapunk's voice, sharp and surprised, responded, "Who is this?"

Naruto glanced at Crocus. The older man simply shrugged and answered smoothly, "Just a fellow doctor, nothing more. You can call me Crocus."

The line fell silent for a moment, before Vegapunk's voice returned with more recognition this time. "Crocus… the Doctor Crocus? I remember now. You turned down MADS's offer back in the day."

Crocus smirked. "That's right. I wasn't interested in getting involved in your little club. Too many risks, too much politics for my taste."

Vegapunk sighed on the other end. "Yes, I remember your decision. It was… unfortunate, but I respected it. Your reputation is well-earned."

Naruto, sitting quietly through the exchange, raised an eyebrow at Crocus. "MADS, huh? So, you were involved with Vegapunk even back then?"

Crocus gave a nod. "Had my chances, but I preferred to stay with Laboon and doing things my way. Besides, your old friend here had ambitions far bigger than mine." He shot a quick glance at the Transponder Snail. "Isn't that right, Vegapunk?"

"Ambitions… yes, though some things never go according to plan," Vegapunk replied cryptically. "Naruto, I need you to understand what I'm about to tell you. It's about your stem cells and why we've hit a wall."

Vegapunk's tone grew serious. "Naruto, your chakra network and Haki… they are literally at war within your body. The clash between them is impeding the cultivation of cells for your new arm. Every time we try to grow and clone and integrate the others cells lineage factors into it, the cells self-destruct when they can't reconcile the energy flow. It's an unprecedented case."

Naruto clenched his fists, feeling the tension rise. "I figured it would not be easy."

Crocus stroked his beard thoughtfully, then spoke up. "If the problem is the war between the chakra and Haki, then the solution is simple. Just create a prototype arm. Something temporary that Naruto can use. Collect the data from how his body interacts with it and then refine the process for the final forearm and hand."

Vegapunk was silent for a moment, considering Crocus' suggestion.

"That could work," he intoned. "A prototype would allow us to observe the interaction in real time. Naruto, it would be… experimental, unstable, and possibly dangerous. But it might give us the breakthrough we need. Of course, the Prototype needs to be frozen until we get it to you."

Naruto exhaled slowly; his eyes were steely with determination. "Dangerous isn't exactly new to me. Send the prototype. Let's see what happens."

Crocus gave a small nod of approval. "I will get some steroids drugs for you to stop the prototype arm degradation… so Vegapunk can collect enough information to create that arm you need."

"Understood," Vegapunk replied. "I'll send the prototype as soon as it's ready. Be prepared, Naruto. And be careful."

Naruto nodded, though Vegapunk couldn't see him. "Always am. Goodbye Vegapunk."

Naruto sets the receiver down and looks at Crocus with a strange look, "Roger is in the Pure Lands, with the love of his life."

"How did you know that I wanted to ask" Crocus sniffed as he wiped a stray tear before smiling, "My captain"

Naruto then smiles and chuckles, "Roger was a great man… His crew was among the things he loved the most in his life. The only people he loves more are his lover and his son."

"Roger had a son?"

"Forget that." Naruto says with a pause before sighing, "Fine, if you must know, I met Roger's son but… let us say that the son has mixed feelings about his father. He is a pirate that goes by Portgas D. Ace."

"The one who had become the second division commander of the whitebeard pirates?"

"That very one." Naruto nods and then lets out a yawn. "I am feeling tired."

"That's the delayed drugs going in effect." Smirked Crocus at him.

"Oh, Come-Zzzzzzzzzzzzz." snorted Naruto as his head conked back, and he slumped at the chair drooling in his sleep.

---

-Next Morning-

The morning sun bathed the coast in a soft, golden light as Naruto stood at the doorway of the lighthouse cabin, Crocus handing him a small pouch filled with various medical drugs and painkillers. The old doctor looked at Naruto sternly, his wrinkled face set with concern.

"Take these only when you really need them," Crocus warned, his voice gruff. "Don't overdo it, especially the painkillers. Save them for when there's no other option. They're a last resort, understand? And here are the steroids when they get you the new arm."

Naruto nodded, slipping the pouch and box into his pack. "Got it, Crocus. Thanks for everything."

Crocus gave a curt nod before stepping back, his gaze lingering on Naruto for a moment longer. "Don't push yourself too hard, kid. You may be strong, but even you have limits."

With a smile, Naruto turned and made his way down to the docks where his ship awaited him. The Log Pose on board had finally locked onto one of the seven magnetic fields, each leading to a different island in the first half of the Grand Line. Page One, standing by the helm, was already preparing to navigate.

As Naruto approached the ship, his eyes caught sight of Laboon, the massive whale floating nearby, its great head still marked with the scars of its endless struggle against the Red Line. Naruto paused at the edge of the dock, staring at the whale. Laboon's presence was heavy, a symbol of persistence, of hope, and of pain.

Naruto called out to him, his voice softer than usual, "Laboon… what you're hoping for is a miracle, you know that, right?"

The whale's immense eye shifted, focusing on Naruto.

"But back home," Naruto continued, his expression filled with a quiet confidence, "they used to call me the boy of miracles. So, who knows… maybe I can help you with this. Just… go easy on yourself. Crocus is an old man, and he's doing his best to take care of you."

For a moment, there was silence, and then, in a way that felt almost like a whisper carried on the wind, Naruto heard a voice in his mind.

"I will do it less… but Iwon'tstop it."

Naruto sighed, a small, knowing sad smile crossing his lips. "Yeah, I figured. Stubborn, huh? Just like me."

He straightened up, turning toward the ship as he gave Laboon a final look. "I hope things get better for you one day."

With that, Naruto stepped onto the ship, his crew already moving into action. Yamato, Ulti, Page One, and Tama were all at their posts, ready to set sail. The Log Pose was locked in the direction clear. Page One, standing by the helm, glanced over at Naruto with a nod.

"Ready to go?"

Naruto grinned. "Yeah. Let's set sail."

At his command, the ship's sails unfurled, catching the wind as it began to move forward. The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with unknown dangers and challenges. But Naruto, standing tall at the bow of the ship, felt the thrill of adventure surge within him. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face it with his crew by his side.

As the ship pulled away from the coast, Naruto glanced back at Laboon one last time, the massive whale watching them leave. He gave a small wave, the whale's giant eye watching him in return. Somewhere deep down, Naruto knew that Laboon's journey of waiting wasn't over yet. But maybe, just maybe, there was hope for the miracle the whale sought.

As the twin capes disappeared from the horizon, lightning struck the sails and winds around them began to howl.

Naruto grabs the sail rigging and then yells over the wind, "Come on, guys. Get to work"

As soon as they put out the fire, the surrounding temperature plummeted and Page One yells, "Icebergs ahead!"

Naruto's head snapped at the iceberg, and he let out a growl, "After that fiasco in North Blue I had enough of Icebergs."

With a leap, Naruto soared upwards, his left-hand pulsing with chakra as an immense chakra vortex formed into a massive sphere, and he called out, "Super-Giant Rasengan!"

Upon contact with Naruto's Rasengan, the defenseless iceberg shattered, and its fragments disintegrated into a cloud of cold powdered ice, which was quickly scattered by the forceful shockwaves into the ocean, releasing an icy wind.

"Anymore?" Naruto growled at the Grand Line with a glare.

And the boat lurched and tipped over the Grand Line, responded by unleashing its infamous weather on the first leg.

"That's one enormous wave" Naruto mutters with an impressed voice as tidal force of water towered above them before yelling at his crewmates, "HOLD ON TO SOMETHING!"

---

-Three Days Later-

Naruto woke up to the sound of the sea, a gentle reminder of where he was. He got out of the hammock and stretched, feeling the weight of the past few days still lingering in his body.

The first two days' sailing in the Grand Line had been hectic. The weather was unpredictable and trying to guess it was like trying to find the formula seal that answered and configured reality itself. It was theoretically possible, but it's nigh impossible to write and pull off.

The closest attempt Naruto knew was the Shinigami mask and the twenty-six other similar-looking masks at the Uzumaki Mask Storage Shrine. Naruto could only trace their origins to the time of the Sage of Six Paths and his son Ashura. He had all but one sealed away in a scroll, he couldn't locate it.

His chakra network and his Haki still fought within him, but the pain had dulled. His gaze fell on a News Coo perched on the mast and snapped his finger and it came closer. Naruto took a World Economy newspaper and paid for it.

The News Coo flew away for its next customer, and Naruto began to walk up the mast with chakra control to the ship's crow nest as he flipped through the newspaper as he glanced at the horizon for any signs of turbulent weather.

"Another coup in Villa." As he flipped through the pages, a couple of flyers dropped from between the pages that caught his attention.

Grabbing them before they could float down, Naruto glanced at

"Monkey D. Luffy… 30 million Berries Bounty." Naruto read out the bounty and wondered why that name was so familiar before he flipped through the next bounty and grinned, "Oh Yamato is going to be so happy" his expression suddenly turned to comical horror. "OH SHIT KAIDO IS GOING TO KNOW SHE IS ALIVE!"

Naruto dropped the last flyer as his yell woke up everyone on the ship.

---

-Marine Headquarters: Bounty Assignment Room-

The heavy doors of the room creaked open as Lieutenant Commodore Brannew stood before the large gathering of Marine officers. His eyes scanned the room, his hands gripping the latest bounty reports, some of which were shaking slightly from the sheer magnitude of what they held.

"Buggy the Clown, 15 million Berries. Pirate Fleet Commodore, Don Krieg. 17 million Berries. Fishman Pirate, Saw-Tooth Arlong Berries. 20 million. These are major pirates who have all crossed the big 10 million Berry mark in the East Blue, where the average bounty is 3 million Berries… but they've all been taken down." Lieutenant Commodore Brannew said as he hanged Monkey D. Luffy bounty and rapped at it with a tense expression, "30 million Berries as a starting bounty is globally unprecedented, but it is not an excessively high amount. It may be best to nip such seeds of villainy early on, before they have a chance to get out of hand."

There were murmurs of agreement among the officers. A 30 million bounty for a newcomer is unheard of, but this is nothing compared to the next one.

Brannew placed Luffy's poster down and picked up another, his demeanor becoming more serious. "However, the real concern isn't in the East Blue. It's what's happening in the Grand Line."

He flipped the poster around to reveal Naruto with a drawn sword pointing towards the camera.

"Uzumaki Naruto, 'The Paradox of Humanity' 209 million Berries."

Gasps echoed throughout the room, followed by stunned silence. Some of the lower-ranking Marines exchanged bewildered glances.

Brannew continued, "This evil man's actions have rapidly elevated him from an unknown person to one of the most dangerous individuals currently sailing the seas. His bounty skyrocketed after several significant incidents." Brannew says sternly as he his shades glanced at all the marine officers in the room.

"First, the destruction of a Marine base in the North Blue. He didn't just attack it; he leveled the entire facility. Strangely, the only casualty was the Base Commander, Rear Admiral Kadar."

The room was dead silent now, the gravity of the statement hanging in the air.

"That's not all," Brannew continued. "Following that, he led his crew in robbing a major bank in the North Blue. The building was burned to the ground, and the sum stolen remains unaccounted for. But perhaps most disturbing of all, Naruto bypassed a heavily fortified blockade in the Grand Line. This blockade was staffed with Vice Admirals, supported by three battleships. He defeated the Vice Admirals, disabled the battleships, and sailed through without taking any damage. The Vice Admirals reported being overwhelmed by an unknown combination of abilities, something that blends Haki and another power entirely."

Before Brannew could continue, the heavy doors to the room swung open, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku entered, his presence commanding immediate attention. Following closely behind was Admiral Akainu, his usual fuming expression more intense than usual.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku strode to the front of the room, his face set in a grim mask, while Akainu silently took a position by his side, his fury simmering beneath his rigid composure. The officers immediately snapped to attention.

Sengoku surveyed the room before speaking, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of the situation. "We are facing an unprecedented threat. Cipher Pol has been working around the clock, but they have barely scraped together any information on this man called Uzumaki Naruto… We know almost nothing about him beyond the havoc he has caused. But there is one lead."

Sengoku held up a slip of paper. "Cipher Pol received a tip-off. The woman traveling with Naruto, Yamato, is none other than the daughter of Kaido, the one who caused him to go on his latest rampage three months ago."

The revelation drew a collective gasp from the room, though some officers snorted dismissively. One officer, however, couldn't hide his smug grin and leaned back in his chair.

"Kaido's child? Then this situation will take care of itself," the officer scoffed. "Kaido will send his men to kill Naruto and bring back his daughter. It's only a matter of time."

The room erupted into uneasy laughter, with many officers nodding in agreement. The thought of Kaido dealing with this rogue pirate seemed like a convenient resolution.

However, Sengoku remained unmoved, his face darker than before. The grim expression on his face was only shared by Akainu, who stood rigid with barely concealed fury, and Brannew, who shuffled his papers awkwardly as the rest of the officers laughed.

Sengoku's voice cut through the laughter. "This is no laughing matter."

As the silence in the room grew heavier, Sengoku straightened, his posture rigid with authority. His voice, calm but filled with an unmistakable undercurrent of urgency, broke the tension.

"Let me make something perfectly clear to all of you," he began, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room. "The people in the highest positions of authority, those who oversee not just the Marines, but the world's balance itself, have been informed about Uzumaki Naruto. They are aware of the potential danger this man poses."

The officers in the room exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of those words sinking in.

Sengoku paused, letting the gravity of his statement sink in before continuing. "The World Government itself is discussing this matter as we speak. Naruto's actions, his connections to Whitebeard, his unknown powers, and now his link to Yamato, Kaido's presumed dead child, have drawn their attention. There is no telling what directives will come next, but you can be sure this is now a global concern."

Akainu, who had remained silent but seething beside Sengoku, finally spoke, his voice a low growl. "We should act now… I want to hunt him down myself after what he said to me."

Sengoku shot a glance at Akainu, knowing the admiral's fiery temper too well. "I understand your frustration, Admiral Akainu, but this is bigger than just one rogue pirate. Uzumaki's first bounty is already at 209 million Berries, and we barely know what he's truly capable of. We can't rush in blindly and risk escalating a conflict we're not ready for."

Brannew spoke up cautiously. "We still have Cipher Pol working on gathering more information. But, as you've mentioned, Fleet Admiral, they've struggled to get anything substantial. Naruto is like a ghost, moving in and out of places without leaving a trail."

"Ghosts can still be hunted," Akainu muttered, his fists clenched tightly. "And burned."

Sengoku ignored the comment and continued addressing the room. "There are some in the upper ranks who believe that Kaido himself will deal with this problem. They think Naruto will inevitably cross paths with the Beast Pirates, and that Yamato's return will force Kaido's hand."

The officer from earlier, the one who had laughed, leaned forward with a smirk. "Then why not let them deal with it? If Kaido's involved, it could save us the trouble."

Sengoku's eyes hardened. "Do you think Kaido will care about maintaining the balance of the world? If Naruto and Kaido clash, the destruction that follows could be catastrophic. We don't know what's driving this man, and worse, we don't know his limits. The only thing we know is that he has the potential to disrupt the very foundation of the Three Great Powers."

Brannew added, "The fact that witnesses claim Naruto possesses multiple abilities that resemble Devil Fruits, abilities that don't even seem related to one another, is… unprecedented. And there are the rumors that he can walk on water and swim, something no Devil Fruit user should be able to do."

Several officers murmured in disbelief, but the unease was clear on their faces.

Sengoku's gaze moved across the room once more. "The situation is already in motion. The people in the Room of Authority, the Five Elders, are discussing it as we speak. We may soon find ourselves with direct orders from them soon. And when that happens, we need to be ready to move."

Akainu's glare intensified. "We shouldn't be waiting for them to give us permission. We're the Marines!"

Sengoku's voice grew even more serious. "And if we move without understanding what we're up against, we risk falling into a trap. That man has already shown that he can bypass Marine blockades and defeat multiple Vice Admirals without suffering a scratch. Do you want to risk the lives of more of our men for the sake of your pride?"

Akainu's scowl deepened, but he didn't respond. The room remained thick with tension, the gravity of the threat sinking into each officer present.

Sengoku finally turned to face the room's exit. "Prepare yourselves. The next orders could change everything we know about how the world works. But make no mistake… Uzumaki Naruto is a threat we cannot afford to underestimate."

Suddenly, all of them froze and then blinked and Sengoku stutters with a confused tone, "What were we talking about again?"

Sengoku then glances around at the others for an answer.

"Who the hell is Uzumaki Naruto and why is his bounty so high?" Akainu asked as he stared at the flyer hanging on the board.

Sengoku stared at it and said, "Must be a mistake"

---

-East Blue-

"Why did Black Zetsu send me here?" Hidan says as he bit on the seagull wings he just cooked and looks at the bounty poster that said, 'The Paradox of Humanity.' Uzumaki Naruto. Below the name and the epithet said, 'Wanted Dead or Alive.' And 209 Million Berries. "And who the hell is this guy?"

Hidan then strolled over and looked at the horrific body of his in the mirror, a visage of fused flesh and White Zetsu material and then muttered, "Jashin-sama. Please Guide me."

"How are you still alive?" croaked a voice behind him.

"Because Jashin wills it" Hidan says as he looked at the fallen men in white uniforms with brown rods that fired metallic pellets that were slow to him, "You are from a group called the Marines? And this world is ruled by the World Government?"

Hidan then went back to the insignia of Jashin painted by his blood and kneeled down and began to pray.

"Jashin-sama, tell what to do?"

---

-Four Minutes Ago-

-Whitebeard's Ship-

The Moby Dick rocked gently on the waves as Ace, in high spirits, held up a fresh newspaper in front of the crew. His voice boomed across the deck. "Oi, everyone! You've gotta see this! Luffy's got himself a bounty 30 million Berries!"

The crew gathered around with curiosity, grins spreading across their faces. Marco chuckled from his perch. "Looks like your little brother's finally making a name for himself."

Izo smirked. "Not bad, Ace. Seems like it runs in the family."

But Jinbe's expression darkened as he glanced at the paper, especially at the name of Arlong. "Luffy defeated Arlong" Jinbe muttered, shaking his head slowly. "To think Arlong would fall so low… But to be brought down by Luffy. He must've grown much stronger."

Ace grinned, full of pride. "Yeah, Luffy's not playing around. This is only the beginning for him. He's going to take the whole world by storm."

The crew was still buzzing about Luffy's bounty when Marco whistled from the sidelines, drawing everyone's attention. "Oi, but that's not the only big news. Check this out." He held up another poster, and the crew went silent.

"Uzumaki Naruto. 'The Paradox of Humanity' 209 million Berries."

Ace blinked in surprise. "Wait, what? 209 million?!"

Izo leaned over Marco's shoulder, also whistling. "For his first bounty? That's… ridiculous."

Jinbe, his usual calm shaken, muttered, "That's higher than most pirates who've been on the Grand Line for years. What the hell did he do?"

Whitebeard himself, sitting quietly nearby, let out a deep rumbling laugh. "Gurarara… They've given that brat far too much credit. Two hundred and nine million for a first bounty? It should've been closer to 150 million at most. Those government fools are overestimating him."

Ace, still processing the number, glanced at Whitebeard. "Naruto's different, though. He's not like anyone we've met before. He's-"

Ace paused mid-sentence, suddenly blinking in confusion. He shook his head, as if trying to clear his thoughts. "Wait… what was I saying?"

Whitebeard, who had been ready to comment further, frowned and scratched his head. "Hmm… What were we talking about?"

The rest of the crew blinked in equal surprise, staring at the bounty poster in Marco's hands. "Who the hell is Uzumaki Naruto?" Marco asked, looking around as if the name had never crossed his mind before.

Ace, scratching his head in confusion, echoed the sentiment. "Yeah, seriously… who is this guy?"

---

-Onigashima: Kaido Castle-

Inside the massive hall of Kaido's fortress, the sound of crashing bottles and drunken roars filled the air. The Beast Pirates stood tense, watching as their captain, Kaido, staggered through another of his infamous drunken fits. His heavy footsteps echoed as he swayed, a bottle in one hand and a fierce, tearful look in his eyes.

"Damn that Naruto for making me think I killed my own child!" Kaido roared, his voice cracking with a mix of rage and overwhelming relief. "Yamato… my child… is still alive!" His massive frame wobbled slightly, and he wiped the back of his hand across his eyes, trying to hide the tears that had started to form. His voice grew softer, nearly slurring as he hiccupped. "She… He… alive"

The room was dead silent as Kaido's emotions shifted erratically. A sob, then another, escaped his throat, and he drunkenly swung his arm, shattering another bottle against the wall. His sobs, though rare, were filled with genuine happiness. "My daughter is … Son is… alive"

He straightened up suddenly, his face growing dark, and the laughter was replaced by a low, angry mutter. "But… she still needs to be brought back. She's out there with those damn brats. Ulti… Page One… they belong here, not with that fool Naruto."

King Kaido's loyal right hand stood nearby, arms crossed, waiting for the moment to speak. His cold, calculating eyes narrowed as he watched Kaido stumble between happiness and fury.

"I'll go after her," King offered. "I'll bring Yamato and the others back. Ulti, Page One… and this Naruto."

Kaido, still reeling from his emotional outburst, shook his head, though. "No… No, we need someone… better suited for tracking them down," he grunted, steadying himself. "Send Onyx. Her new devil fruit… should be excellent for tracking them down. She can find Naruto, Yamato, and those two brats… capture them all."

Kaido blinked suddenly, his large hand running across his forehead, a confused look crossing his face. He froze mid-sentence, a long silence falling over the room as his drunken stupor lifted just enough to realize something strange.

"What… what was I just talking about?" Kaido muttered, scratching his head as if he had lost track of his own rage.

King, who had been listening closely, also blinked in confusion. "I… I don't know, Kaido-sama." He glanced around, the gears in his head turning. "Who… who is Uzumaki Naruto? And why does he have a bounty of 209 million Berries?"

The entire hall went quiet, as if everyone had been caught in the same fog of confusion. King's cold voice grew sharper, eyes narrowing as he stared at Naruto's bounty. "And why does he have Yamato… Ulti… and Page One with him?"

---

-Kuri: Okagakure (Village Hidden in the Hills)-

In the quiet of Naruto's office, Kozuki Sukiyaki sat behind a cluttered desk, the soft scratching of his brush filling the room as he dealt with the endless stream of paperwork that came with running the village. His granddaughter, Hiyori, sat across from him, her hands resting on the hilt of her katana as she spoke, her voice filled with pride.

"Grandfather, the training has been going well" she said, a faint smile on her face. "It feels natural, like I was born for it."

Sukiyaki glanced up from his work, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You're a true Kozuki, Hiyori. Your parents would be proud of how strong you've become." He set down his brush and leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I've heard you've been traveling between the Flower Capital and Okagakure without using the tunnels Naruto built. Impressive, given how tight the Beast Pirates have made security in the Flower Capital since Orochi's execution at Kaido's hands."

Hiyori nodded, her gaze distant as she thought about the ever-present threat of the Beast Pirates. "It's been challenging, but not impossible. I'm worried about how much Kaido's grip is tightening across Wano. It makes me wonder what Naruto and Tama are up to right now."

Before Sukiyaki could respond, the door to the office burst open, and Denjiro came rushing in, his face flushed with excitement as he waved a flyer in his hand. "Sukiyaki-sama! Hiyori-sama! Look at this!"

He slapped the flyer down on the desk, and both Sukiyaki and Hiyori leaned in to look. It was a bounty poster, one that seemed freshly printed and widely distributed. Hiyori's eyes widened as she read the name.

"Uzumaki Naruto… 209 million Berries," she whispered, shock evident in her voice.

Sukiyaki furrowed his brow, picking up the flyer and adjusting his glasses. "Two hundred and nine million…?" He glanced at Denjiro. "What's the current rate for Berries compared to our currency?"

Denjiro shook his head. "Even without the exact conversion, that's an extraordinary amount for a first bounty."

Hiyori stared at the poster in disbelief. "Naruto… what could he have possibly done to warrant such a high bounty?" Her thoughts immediately went to Tama, the young girl Naruto had taken under his wing. "I hope Tama is alright. She's with him, isn't she?"

Sukiyaki was about to respond when suddenly, both he and Hiyori froze. An odd sensation washed over them, like they had lost their train of thought.

Hiyori blinked, her expression puzzled as she looked down at the poster again. "Wait… who is Uzumaki Naruto?"

---

Naruto stood atop the crow's nest, gazing down at his crew. The early morning mist still clung to the ship as his voice echoed through the quiet air, rousing everyone from their slumber. They slowly stirred, groggy and confused. But the moment they locked eyes with him, something changed. The tension was palpable, and Naruto couldn't help but notice their confused and hostile expressions.

"Oi, you guys finally awake?" Naruto grinned, hands on his hips. But the crew didn't respond the way he expected. Instead, murmurs swept through the deck below whispers and exchanged glances, suspicion gleaming in their eyes.

Ulti was the first to step forward, her usual fiery attitude replaced with a cold, distrustful glare. "Who the hell are you?" she snapped, tightening her grip on her mace. "And what're you doing up there like you own the place?"

Naruto blinked, his grin faltering as he processed the question.Theycan'tbe serious…he thought, feeling a flicker of disbelief. He scratched his head, laughing it off. "Oi, oi, cut it out! What kind of prank is this? You all trying to pay me back for that little stunt I pulled in North Blue, huh?"

His words hung in the air, but the crew didn't laugh. Instead, Yamato stepped forward, her kanabo resting on her shoulder, then her eyes narrowed. "I'm asking the same question, stranger," she said in a low, dangerous tone. "Who are you?"

Naruto's smile faded completely, replaced by confusion. "Yamato? Come on, this is getting weird. It's me, Naruto!"

The crew didn't waver. Page One and Ulti moved to Yamato's side, their weapons drawn, while Tama, standing further back, had her hand on her small sword, her face conflicted but determined.

"Enough of this!" Naruto huffed, jumping down from the crow's nest to face them on deck. "This prank's gone too far, you"

Before he could finish, Yamato and Tama attacked in unison. Yamato's kanabo swung toward him with brutal force, while Tama dashed forward, slashing with her sword. Naruto's eyes widened as he narrowly dodged the first strike, but the second connected a clean slash across his chest. The next instant, Yamato's kanabo collided with his side, sending him hurtling off the deck and toward the ocean.

The cold sea rushed up to meet him, but Naruto's reflexes kicked in just in time. He skidded across the surface, standing atop the waves. His chest throbbed with pain, a small nick marking where Tama's blade had struck him.

He stood there, panting slightly, watching his crew from the distance. For a moment, pride flickered in his eyes. "Tama… she's advanced more than I thought. Yamato, Page One, and Ulti trained her well."

But the gravity of the situation quickly settled in. That wasn't a training strike. There had been killing intent in their attacks, real, cold-blooded intent. The unease he'd brushed off as a prank now felt like a heavy weight pressing down on him.

Naruto pressed his hand to the small wound on his chest, feeling the sting, and his expression darkened.

"This isn't a joke"he thought, eyes narrowing as he looked at his crew. They stood on the ship, watching him with hostility and anger, as if they truly didn't recognize him."This… this isn't right. Something's horribly wrong. Genjutsu? No, I don't feel any flow of chakra within their brain controlling it!"

---

-Egghead: Labophase-

In a dimly lit lab deep within Vegapunk's research facility, the hum of machinery filled the air as the renowned scientist and his six satellite bodies stood before a series of monitors. The screens displayed the recordings from Visual Snail Transponders; the images flickering as they played scenes of Vegapunk and his satellites interacting with a man,Uzumaki Naruto.

The satellites watched in silence, their expressions a mixture of confusion and intrigue. The recording showed Naruto saving their lives during an invasion by a group of cloaked people, something none of them could recall. Even stranger were the subsequent recorded calls from just a week ago, where Vegapunk and his satellites had spoken directly with Naruto twice. The conversations had been cordial, discussing some ongoing research to help save his life, yet none of them had any memory of these interactions.

Shaka leaned forward, replaying a specific part of the recording. His digital helmet remained impassive, but there was a noticeable shift in the tone of his voice. "This is strange. We have documented footage, and yet… none of us remember any of these events."

Lilith scoffed, folding her arms. "We don't forget things. That's impossible. What could have happened to erase these memories? Could it be a malfunction in Punk Records?"

Edison furiously typed on a nearby console, searching through the extensive archives of Punk Records. "I've scanned through the logs and our memories. All the memories concerning this man, Uzumaki Naruto, have completely vanished. It's as if he never existed in our system."

Pythagoras analyzed the data more thoroughly. "This anomaly is unprecedented. All memories and related to Naruto have been wiped from Punk Records, but clearly, it existed at some point if the Snail Transponders recorded these interactions. It must be external interference. But from where?"

Atlas punched the wall in frustration. "This doesn't make any sense! We're supposed to have perfect memory through Punk Records! How could something just vanish like this? What kind of power could erase us all from remembering one person?"

Vegapunk, standing in the center, furrowed his brow. His mind raced with possibilities, but even he couldn't recall the man on the recordings. "There's no scientific explanation that can account for this kind of memory erasure. It's not an ordinary deletion; it's like something tampered with our minds directly."

Punk-06, York, chimed in, lazily stretching as she pondered aloud. "Maybe this Naruto has something to do with this. After all, he saved us, contacted us… but we don't remember any of it. Someone or something doesn't want us remembering him."

Vegapunk considered this as he turned toward his satellites. "We need more perspectives. Let's see if Sentomaru remembers him. He and Naruto loved to eat pizzas with us in these recordings. If this phenomenon is affecting us, it might be impacting others as well."

With that, Vegapunk and his satellites quickly contacted Sentomaru through a snail transponder.

"Sentomaru," Vegapunk started, his tone serious, "Do you recall interacting with someone named Uzumaki Naruto?"

Sentomaru frowned, pausing for a moment, "Naruto? Uzumaki Naruto? No… that name doesn't ring any bells. Should I know him?"

The room fell into an uneasy silence. Shaka spoke up, his voice heavy with suspicion. "You've never encountered or worked with a man by that name?"

Sentomaru shook his head. "I'm certain. If he were important, I'd remember him. Why? Is he someone we should be concerned about?"

"It's nothing." Vegapunk said as he set down the snail transponder receiver.

As the call with Sentomaru ended, Vegapunk stood in silence, pondering the situation. "Who is Uzumaki Naruto?Why has every memory of him been erased?"

---

Musasabi felt the mask on his face. Everything was going to plan. He had replaced the half mask on his face that he and Kashin Koji had with a mask that currently had only twenty-five others. There used to be twenty-seven variants, but now one has been shattered and its power resided in a devil fruit, bringing the number of masks down to twenty-six.

Each mask had a different facet of power from the being that had been split up and used to create artificial lifeforms that can be summoned with masks and hand signs if you knew them. Behind Musasabi hovered a smiling, ghostly monkey only visible to him.

Musasabi then stood and looked at the mirror hallway and did not see himself.

"Perfect in this mask, it impossible to see me"Musasabi thought as he entered the "Touch me, sense me, hear me, is impossible among many other things…Anything I do with this mask is impossible to be remembered by others."

Anything he touched also gained the same effect as he wore the mask, and in his hand was a syringe filled with a darkness. Musasabi knew what he was doing, and he did not care. He had his orders to find anothervessel.

Uzumaki Naruto was not an option, but Musasabi knew what a secret that only a select few knew, an existence shrouded in secrecy. How he got this information was irrelevant for now, but thanks to Karasuki he knew what happens here is a fixed point in time. It cannot be overwritten or otherwise. He would fade from existence.

He walked through a wall and the intangibility the mask gave him let him pass through it with now problem.

He found himself in a brightly lit room, teeming with lush greenery, from the grass beneath his feet to the towering trees and colorful flowers that surrounded him. The air was filled with the delicate fluttering of butterflies, enhancing the enchantment of the surroundings. The neglected state of the surroundings is clear in the untamed vegetation and the walls hidden beneath a thick blanket of ivy. A grand portrait of a woman, bearing a striking resemblance to Nefertari Vivi, adorned one of the walls.

A lone figure stood in the garden among the flowers and the butterflies. Their silhouette was too far for Musasabi to make details.

"Imu-sama" a voice said behind Musasabi, and he whirled around to see a servant, "They have arrived."

Musasabi stood in the garden, the lush greenery and neglected beauty surrounding him like a dream. His fingers tightened around the black syringe in his hand, his heart steady, his mind focused. The masked figure across the room, shrouded in mystery and power, loomed before him.

The servant's voice echoed behind him, sending a shiver of urgency down his spine. "Imu-sama… They have arrived."

Without hesitation, Musasabi moved. The mask on his face rendered him invisible to all senses: sight, sound, touch, memory itself. He glided forward silently, slipping through the air toward Imu. His hand extended, the syringe poised.

In one swift motion, Musasabi drove the syringe into Imu's back, injecting the dark, mysterious substance into their body.

Imu's body tensed immediately, the liquid coursing through them like poison. They staggered slightly, but before Musasabi could retreat, something went wrong. Imu's head turned slowly, eyes narrowing in fury as they locked onto Musasabi. The mask, the one that was supposed to render him unseen, slipped from his face, revealing his identity to both Imu and the servant nearby.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Musasabi was exposed.

"No" Musasabi muttered, eyes wide in disbelief as the mask hung loosely around his neck. He reached for it, but it was too late.

Imu's body began to shift, their form contorting into something nightmarish. They grew larger, limbs distorting, their shape morphing into a monstrous, bestial figure that towered over Musasabi. A sharp-pointed, arrowhead-shaped appendage sprouted from their back, a living weapon designed for impalement.

With a single motion, Imu lashed out. The arrowhead struck Musasabi with terrifying speed, catching him off guard. His mask cracked under the impact, pieces of it shattering and falling to the ground like broken glass.

"NO!" Musasabi roared, clutching his face, trying to salvage what remained of his protection. The broken mask hung uselessly around his neck.

But then Imu faltered. They slumped to one knee, panting heavily. Red, glowing markings began to spread across their body, crawling like fire through their veins, forcing them to return to their humanoid form. Musasabi watched, a flicker of satisfaction rising in him. His plan had worked. The syringe that had been injected into Imu was taking effect, turning them into avessel. A vessel for something, a vessel for someone.

Just as Musasabi began to feel a small sense of triumph, Karasuki, the ancient, mysterious time-travel device, activated itself, the familiar voice echoing in Musasabi's mind.

"Spatial travel or time travel?" Karasuki asked.

Musasabi didn't hesitate. "Spatial travel. Back to the Kara Base."

In an instant, the world around him dissolved into a golden flash. He found himself in the Dimensional Plane he had dubbed the Vortex of Realities. A place between worlds, swirling with the raw, chaotic energy of countless realities colliding.

As he tried to stabilize himself, Musasabi's mask, already cracked and weakened, crumbled to dust in his hands. The power that had been contained within it, the essence of an abstract being, a part of Jashin, began to slip free. A ghostly monkey, bleeding kanji letters, emerged from the remnants of the mask. It floated before Musasabi, eyes gleaming with mischief and malice.

Without warning, the entity lunged at him, striking him with such force that Musasabi was thrown backward. He slammed into Karasuki, losing his balance, and stumbled off the edge of the platform.

Musasabi's eyes widened in horror as he plummeted into the swirling vortex below. He was swallowed by the endless void, the golden light of the Dimensional Plane flickering above him as he disappeared into the abyss.

The last thing Musasabi saw was the ghostly monkey, grinning down at him as it vanished into the air, its purpose fulfilled before it faded from existence, the remnants of its power fading back to the singular entity it was stolen from.

Musasabi landed on a rough wooden floor with a large thump. He could barely see his surroundings as he panted in pain. He pressed the half mask he had used before onto his face to obscure his identity and then passed out.

---

-Whitebeard's Ship-

Marco was the first to break the silence, his eyes widening as the bounty poster in his hand suddenly became more familiar. "Naruto," he muttered, almost breathless. "Of course… Naruto!"

Ace, who had been confused only moments earlier, felt a wave of recognition crash over him like a punch to the gut. "Naruto!" He shouted, standing up straight. "How the hell did we forget about him?!"

Izo blinked, shaking his head in disbelief. "That bounty makes sense now. He's been with us on this ship before, hasn't he?"

Whitebeard grunted, his massive form shifting as he stared at the flyer in Marco's hand. "Gurarara! It's all coming back now… they gave that brat 209 million? Should've been 300 million at most… but damn, we know him, don't we?"

Ace laughed, though there was a sense of shock in his voice. "Yeah… we do. How did we forget about him?"

---

-Marineford Headquarters-

In the vast halls of Marineford, officers who had previously scratched their heads over Uzumaki Naruto's sudden notoriety found themselves remembering him clearly.

Elsewhere, in the bounty room, Brannew let out a sigh of disbelief. "It's as if the memory was wiped clean and suddenly returned. We know who he is!"

Akainu, standing near Sengoku, felt his rage rising once more, but this time for a different reason. "That brat Naruto!He'smore dangerous than I thought.We'veheard of him before. Marines fought against him… and now we forgot?"

Sengoku's eyes narrowed, his mind piecing together everything in a heartbeat. "Something's been messing with our memories…"

---

-Kuri: Okagakure (Village Hidden in the Hills)-

Back in Naruto's office, Sukiyaki and Hiyori sat in stunned silence. The bounty poster lay on the table before them, but now they remembered everything.

"Uzumaki Naruto…" Sukiyaki whispered; his voice filled with shock. "How… how could we forget about him?"

Hiyori, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, slowly nodded. "I… I can't believe this. Naruto… he's been with us for so long. And Tama… she's with him. They're all safe, but…"

Sukiyaki's face darkened, realizing the depth of what had happened. "Something or someone didn't want us to remember him. But now… we do."

---

-Onigashima: Kaido's Castle-

Kaido, slumped on his throne after his drunken rage, suddenly sat bolt upright. His mind snapped back into focus, and his eyes burned with fury and recognition.

"Naruto!" he growled, slamming his fist against the ground with such force that the entire room shook. "That damn brat! He's with Yamato, isn't he?! I knew it!"

King, standing beside him, nodded slowly, his confusion fading as clarity returned. "Yes… we know him. We've met him before. We've fought him."

Kaido gritted his teeth, a menacing smile creeping onto his face. "So, it was that brat who took my daughter… and those brats, Ulti and Page One. It's all coming back now. We have to bring them back. But this time… I'll make sure he regrets crossing me."

He stood up, towering over everyone in the room. "Onyx, get ready to track them down."

---

-East Blue-

Hidan was kneeling at the Jashin insignia when a wave of clarity struck him like a curse lifted from the heavens.

"Wait… Uzumaki Naruto?" he muttered, snapping his head toward the bounty poster crumpled nearby. "How the hell could I forget him?" His eyes narrowed, annoyance bubbling up as memories of battles long past flooded his mind. "That bastard… Jashin-sama, guide me to his blood next."

---

Naruto stood on the ocean's surface, his gaze fixed on his crew as they huddled together on the deck, their weapons still drawn, eyes filled with confusion and hostility. The tension hung heavy in the air, and Naruto could feel the unsettling shift: this wasn't the crew he knew.

But then, as if a switch had been flipped, something changed. The crew froze, their eyes widening as realization began to dawn on them. Their grips on their weapons loosened, and the looks of distrust and aggression faded, replaced by shock, confusion, and… recognition.

Yamato was the first to drop her kanabo, her eyes widening in disbelief. "N-Naruto?" she muttered, her voice trembling slightly. She took a step back, the rage she had felt moments earlier evaporating like mist.

Tama, still holding her small sword, blinked several times, her face pale. "Big bro Naruto?" she whispered, her hand dropping the sword as she stared at him in disbelief. Her breathing quickened as memories rushed back, memories of training, of laughter, of him always being there for her.

Ulti and Page One looked at each other, their weapons now hanging limply at their sides. Ulti's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Wait… this doesn't make sense. We know him… right, Pay-Pay?"

Page One, looking just as disoriented, nodded slowly. "Yeah, we… we do. Naruto… How could we forget him?"

Naruto, standing atop the ocean waves, felt the weight of the shift. His crew wasn't attacking anymore. They weren't angry; they weren't confused, at least, not in the way they had been moments ago. Now, they were confused about how they could have ever forgotten him.

A rush of relief swept over Naruto, though the underlying sense of unease lingered. Something, or someone, had tampered with their memories, erasing any trace of him from their minds. But now, that barrier was gone. The recognition in their eyes was clear.

Naruto walked slowly back toward the ship, stepping onto the deck with cautious steps. "Yamato, Tama… Ulti, Page One… what just happened?"

Yamato blinked, still shaken by the sudden rush of memories. She rubbed her forehead, trying to piece it together. "Naruto… I… I don't know. One minute, we didn't know who you were. And now… it's all coming back, like we've known you all along." She looked at him, her eyes filled with guilt. "I… attacked you, but… I swear, I don't know what came over me."

Tama ran toward him, eyes wide with concern. "Naruto! I… I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!" She reached out, tugging at his sleeve as tears welled in her eyes. "I thought… I thought you were someone else…"

Naruto kneeled down beside her, ruffling her hair gently, despite the sting from where her blade had cut him. "It's okay, Tama. I'm alright. I know you weren't yourself."

Ulti and Page One exchanged uneasy glances, still processing everything. Ulti scowled, more out of confusion than anger. "This is insane. One second we're ready to throw you off the ship, and now… now it feels like you're one of us again. What kind of power could do that?"

Naruto stood, his expression serious. "I don't know. But something, or someone, wiped me from your memories…"

Page One nodded. "But why now? Why did we suddenly remember everything?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he considered the possibilities. "I don't know. But if this happened to all of you, then it's could have happened to everyone. And whoever's behind…"

Yamato stepped forward, her kanabo now resting against her shoulder, her eyes determined. "Then we need to find out who's responsible for this. Whoever messed with our memories won't get away with it."

"Only one thing is possible to do this…" Naruto thought as he recalls a scroll from the Uzumaki Clan, "One of the 27 masks that had been passed down the clan since the time of the Sage of the Six Paths.But how it the storage scroll that has the masks is sealed away in the Uzumaki Iron Box?"

Naruto then told them to get back to sailing and follow the log pose, as he remained in deep thought.

Naruto then slowly went back into his room, bit his thumb to draw blood and then weave a sequence of hand signs before slamming his hand and muttering."Summoning Jutsu: Uzumaki Iron Box."

The wooden box appeared in a puff of smoke, adorned with the emblem of the Uzumaki clan, sat prominently in the room. Intricate sealing formulas were carefully etched onto the borders of the box, hinting at its hidden contents. The engravings shimmered, filled with molten silver.

Naruto flipped the box open and began to look for one particular storage scroll, ignoring all the others he saw. The Storage Scroll labeled mask felt heavy in his hand. The last time he opened it to use one of the masks, he died and the Shinigami Mask had shattered to pieces.

Naruto barely knew anything about these mask's origins, but he knew they were 27- No were 27 Masks. There are twenty-six masks now. The Shinigami Mask was shattered and the mask that he suspected to just have been used…

Naruto stood before the wooden box, the Uzumaki clan's emblem shimmering in the low light of his cabin. The intricate sealing formulas carved into the edges pulsed softly, filled with molten silver that seemed to hum with the power trapped within. The box had appeared in a puff of smoke, just as it always did, but this time, Naruto felt a strange heaviness in the air.

With a swift motion, he flipped the lid open. The familiar sight of storage scrolls greeted him, each one meticulously placed inside, but his eyes focused only on one: the scroll labeledMask.His hand trembled slightly as he picked it up, remembering the last time he used a mask from this collection. The Shinigami Mask had shattered, and he had died, only to return—reborn, but with more questions than ever before.

"Twenty-seven masks," Naruto muttered, his voice low. "No… twenty-six now."

The Shinigami Mask was gone, destroyed in the battle that had cost him his life. And now, there was one less mask in the collection. One that seemed to have been used recently, though by whom, Naruto couldn't be certain.

He unfurled the storage scroll, the weight of it feeling heavier than usual. Blood from his thumb smeared across the sealing formula, and in an instant, a cabinet appeared before him, materializing in the center of his room. He stepped forward, unlocked it, and stared at the twenty-six remaining masks inside.

To the untrained eye, they all looked identical—simple, pale, almost expressionless. But Naruto, an Uzumaki by blood, knew better. The sealing formulas etched into the rims of the masks set them apart. He ran his fingers along one mask, feeling the familiar hum of chakra that each possessed.

Locking the door to his cabin, Naruto took a deep breath and activated the transponder snail, calling Vegapunk. As soon as the call connected, Vegapunk's voice echoed through the line, full of its usual curiosity.

"Naruto, what can I—"

"Forget about that," Naruto cut him off, his tone firm. "You all just remembered me, didn't you?"

There was a brief silence on the other end, then Vegapunk's voice returned, laced with surprise. "Yes… yes, I did. It was as if we had all forgotten who you were, and suddenly, the memories rushed back. How did you know?"

"The same thing happened to my crew. Something—or someone—wiped me from your memories. I think I've found the culprit." Naruto's voice hardened as he turned back to the masks.

"Culprit?" Vegapunk sounded both intrigued and cautious. "What are you talking about?"

Naruto's gaze locked onto one particular mask, the sealing formula on its edge glinting in the dim light. His gut instinct told him this was it. He grabbed the mask, the familiar weight settling in his hands. "I'm going to test something."

He slid the mask over his face, and instantly, a wave of disorienting power washed over him. The world around him shifted—his body became intangible, ghostly. He looked down at his hands, watching them fade as if he were no longer part of the physical world. Behind him, a faint chuckle echoed, and when Naruto glanced back, he saw the grinning face of a ghostly monkey, invisible to all but him.

Vegapunk's voice crackled through the transponder snail, confused. "Naruto? Why am I on a call again?"

Naruto didn't answer. He was already moving, his body slipping through the walls of the ship like a phantom. He passed through his crew's quarters, silent and unseen.

In one room, Ulti and Page One were hunched over a bounty poster, Ulti frowning as she stared at it. "209 million berries? That's crazy for a first bounty. What do you think he did do to get this? Nobody heard of this person before! Even us!"

Further down the hall, Naruto slipped into Yamato's room. She was leaning back in a chair, a smirk playing on her lips. "90 million berries," she muttered with satisfaction. "Not bad for a start."

Naruto moved deeper into the ship, finally arriving at the locked cabin. Tama stood in front of it, her small hands tugging on the door handle. "This cabin's locked," she said, her voice curious. "It wasn't locked before?"

Ulti and Page One exchanged glances, frowning. "Why would someone lock the door?" Page One asked, "We are the only people in this crew…. And all of us are outside!"

Naruto continued his silent journey, phasing back through the walls, his body barely a shadow to the rest of the world. He slipped back into his cabin, removed the mask, and immediately the world snapped back into focus. The transponder snail buzzed as a recording of Naruto's earlier conversation with Vegapunk played out in the background.

Vegapunk's voice broke through again, this time with clarity. "I remember you again! Naruto, why did this happen? Twice! My memory is meant to be infallible, Naruto!"

Naruto tossed the mask aside with a frustrated growl. "I was testing a jutsu," he said, rubbing his temples. "I will not use it again!"

"How could the mask had been used if it had been stored away here all the time…" Naruto thought with a worried expression, "You need my blood to access the Uzumaki Iron Box! This does not make any sense!"

Vegapunk's voice sounded thoughtful. "A jutsu that erases someone from memory? There are some memories I want to erase… Like the time I walked into Borsalino naked and drunk."

Naruto just blinked and then said, "I am sure you won't forget me again. That jutsu is not going to be used again."

Naruto hangs the snail transponder and opens the door to see Yamato, Page One, Ulti, about to knock it down and frozen with shock.

"We just forget about you again…" Tama told him with a hiccup and sniff.

Naruto just grits his teeth and for the first time he promised something he was unable to be sure to fulfill, "I promise it will not happen again."

Naruto then forced a smile and tells Ulti, "I want you to make a dinner feast today, if you are going to forget me. I netter make sure we all share experiences that are impossible to forget."

Ulti nods before she says, "I am not sure if my food is that good…"

Naruto pats her back and tells her, "It is the thought that counts Ulti. Now what for breakfast?"

"Salmon and eggs." Ulti tells him with a nod.

"Yes…" Yamato says blissfully as she drooled.

"I forget that salmon is your favorite." Naruto says with a shake of his head.

An idea then popped into Naruto's head and he smiled ominously that everyone on the ship shivered.

"Big bro…" Tama said with a shiver, "You are making that smile again."

"What are you planning…" Page One says as he inched away from Naruto.

"Nothing you should be worried about…" Naruto says cheerfully as he thought, "For now…"

---

-Four Days Later-

-Boin Archipelago-

Four days had passed since Naruto and his crew set sail, following the Log Pose deeper into the Grand Line. The anticipation had been building, and now, as they approached the archipelago, the crew stood at the deck, watching in awe. The islands before them were shaped like massive flowers, their petals stretching out across the sea. They were vibrant, alive with energy, but something else… something familiar caught Naruto's attention.

The air was thick with the smell of food rich, savory, and unmistakable. Naruto's eyes widened as he leaned forward, almost falling off the ship's edge. "No way… that smell…" He sniffed again, his eyes locking onto the strange sparkling river flowing through the nearest island. His heart raced, and a grin began to spread across his face, lighting up his entire expression.

"That's…" Naruto's voice trembled with excitement. "That's RAMEN!"

Yamato, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Ramen? Wait, seriously?"

Naruto shot her a wild grin, pointing toward the river. "I swear, look at that! A river of ramen! I've never seen anything like this!" His voice carried an infectious excitement as he gazed in awe at the forest, where massive plum trees towered above, and corn stalks as big as buildings swayed gently in the breeze. The river of ramen glistened, winding its way through the forest like some kind of divine creation.

Ulti, leaning on her mace, sighed. "You've gotta be kidding me. We come all this way and it's just a giant buffet? What's next, a dessert island?"

Tama's eyes sparkled, nearly as excited as Naruto. "A river of ramen, big bro? We have to go there! Please!"

Naruto didn't need any convincing. He was already standing at the ship's edge, practically drooling as he eyed the forest of food. But beyond his hunger, something else clicked inside him. This wasn't just an island it was a place full of life, danger, and opportunity. His eyes darkened with determination as the realization hit him.

"This place… it's perfect," Naruto muttered, his grin widening as he clenched his fists. His voice rose, loud and clear, carrying across the ship. "This ismyterritory now!"

Yamato blinked in surprise, stepping closer to Naruto. "Wait, what? You're claiming this island?"

Naruto turned to face his crew, his eyes blazing with excitement and purpose. "Yeah, you heard me! This place is ours now. It's not just some weird island… it's the perfect training ground."

Ulti scoffed, but there was a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "Training ground? How's stuffing your face with ramen gonna make you stronger?"

"Ramen is the food of the gods!" Naruto challenged her as his face turned serious as he pointed toward the forest. "I can feel it with my chakra. This isn't just a forest of food. It's dangerous, man-eating plants, giant bugs, creatures lurking everywhere. Look at it! Anyone who enters this place never comes out… except for the few who've made it through. It's the perfect challenge for us. Reminds me of the Forest of Death back home."

Page One crossed his arms, eyeing the dense trees of the Swindling Forest. "It's crawling with giant beetles and carnivorous plants. Those trees look like they could eat us whole."

Naruto nodded, his grin never fading. "Exactly. That's why we need to be here. This place is perfect for what we need. If we're going to survive in the New World, we need to be stronger than ever. And this place… this crazy, dangerous island… is exactly what we need to push ourselves to the limit."

Ulti shifted uneasily, glancing at the towering plum trees swaying ominously in the distance. "You really think we can survive in that forest?"

Naruto turned to face her, his gaze fierce. "Survive? We're not just going to survive, Ulti. We're going to dominate this place. Every bug, every plant, every twisted challenge it throws at us, we'll overcome it all. And when we do, this island will be ours, and no one will be able to take it from us."

Tama, eyes wide with excitement, tugged at Naruto's sleeve. "You're really gonna make this a part of your territory, big bro?"

Naruto smiled warmly, ruffling her hair. "That's right, Tama. This is where I teach you how to get stronger…"

With a determined leap, Naruto landed on the edge of the island, the strange, squishy ground beneath him giving way slightly under his feet. The towering trees and twisting vines seemed to beckon him forward, the scent of ramen and wild plants hanging in the air. He looked back at his crew, his grin widening even more.

"I love my life…" Naruto says as he stares at the river of ramen and then his crew and the same ominous grin he gave his crew crept back on his face and tells them, "I will make sure this is a training your body will always remember…. Today we start Konoha famed Noble Green Beast Training Regimen with a Kakashi sensei twist…. SO EVEN IF YOU GUSY SUDDENLY FORGET AVOUT ME AGAIN! YOUR BODIES WON'T! NOW GIVE MET HIRRTY THOUSANDS PUSH UPS!"

Ulti was about to protest, but the glare in Naruto's face made her falter and whimper. The ominous and scary aura Naruto was emanating made Tama nearly faint as Naruto blasted his full killing intention at them all.

"Daddy… I am sacred." Yamato whispers as she tries to run away before she feels Naruto flying knee directly into her face. She was sent crashing through hurdles of plants and trees and lay there groaning as Naruto leaned over her.

"SO WE HAVE A VOLNTEER!" Naruto roars at the top of his lungs as he picks up a dazed Yamato, "SO MISS NINTY MILLION BOUNTY TRIED TO RUN AWAY! WHY DID YOU NOT TRY TO RUN AWAY!"

The others were terrified and frozen from the fear that coursed in their veins as Naruto approaches them with a dark expression on his face as he dragged Yamato back to her place.

"Now let start." Naruto says with a grin, "Hell has come for you."

---

OLD A/N: Before I continue with this story, I need to see if it is worth it. As much as I would love to continue this story, my motivation is currently at an all-time low even if I wish to continue to write... The story current planned plot reach to Dressrosa, and I spent weeks planning this plot, Whole Cake, Wano, Egghead planned plot points are not finished yet. We are entering into a pretty big Saga now. Arabasta, a lot of build up secret plot points are about to be unleashed and I want to write it.

Piracy of the Last Jinchuruki is special to me, I don't want to put it into an hiatus while I focus on other my stories and university. Please give me the motivation to continue to write this story. You are my readers and in 23 chapters you gave a lot of support.

Reviews: 898

Followers: 2,277

Favorites: 2,020

Communities: 4

Views: 616,952,

This is all of you guys. Four years of continuous support had meant so much to me, I never knew I would even have this much repsonse and love from you guys and I hope you continue to give me the support. I don't plan on stopping writing POTJ but it feeling tempting to right now to go in an indefinite hiatus right now so I can right my other stories. A chapter might drop this week or the next... It might be the last one for a while, but it depends on how I feel

See you next time.

---

A/N: Hello this is R8handman. Thanks for the support guys, it meant a lot to me as I wrote this chapter. I am not sure if I will take a huge haituis to write other stories but I will let you know in a three weeks. Your reviews would be appreciated a lot and will motivate me to continue this story. I just dropped a huge hint in this chapter about a Musasabi. So Naruto is in the Grand Line on the Island that Ussop trained in the timeskip and Luffy bounty is out at the same time as Naruto bounty is. Luffy is probably entering the grandline right now story wise. This story is dear to me and I hope to release a chapter soon.

Please Leave REVIEWS SO I CAN ANSWER ANY CONFUSION.

Guest (Ch 23) : (How did Naruto save Vegapunk's life, I thought it was the other way around?) A couple of chapters back Musasabi and Kashin Koji invaded Egghead, Vegapunk and his satatlties were in danger from Shin Uchiha and Deepa planning to kill everyone for fun.

Samuel Santillan (Ch23): So Carina will not have a romantic relationship with Naruto but she will be having an off and on relationship with someone on this crew and ship who have not been named yet. the names will be deicded next chapter. And yes you got the three of the four woman in the Harem correctly. The other one is a secret i am not going to tell.

Paul (Ch 23): Unfortunately for your tastes and liking, Black Zetsu is going to stick for a while. The story of Naruto is not just about Naruto.

Guest (Ch 22) : (Who and WHAT were those beings that were looking for Naruto after that stunt in the Calm Belt?) The Sea kings. He pernmamently messed up their habitiat.