East Blue- Many Years Ago–
A Marine vessel surged through the calm waters of the East Blue, its powerful hull cutting cleanly through the waves, leaving a frothy wake behind. At the bow, a dog-shaped figurehead stood tall, glinting in the sunlight, a symbol of the strength and determination of the Marines aboard. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the ship's sides filled the air, a calming melody for the seasoned sailors on deck.
Vice Admiral Garp strode confidently toward the front of the ship, each step heavy and purposeful, his presence commanding attention from all around him. His iconic laugh boomed across the deck, blending with the sounds of the ocean as he moved. The wind toyed with his graying hair, and his large hands hung casually at his sides, except for the one that clutched a bag of donuts.
Trailing behind him, a young Naruko darted through the legs of crew members, her small frame moving with childlike energy. A backpack hung loosely on her shoulders, swaying with each excited step she took. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, the excitement of what lay ahead almost too much for her to contain. She tried to keep up with Garp's long strides but struggled, the bounce in her steps betraying her eagerness.
"Old man, slow down!" she complained with a grin, though it was clear from her playful tone that she wasn't actually upset. Seeing that she couldn't match Garp's pace, she finally leaped up, grabbing onto his back with a laugh. Garp barely slowed, not surprised in the slightest by her antics.
"Oi, oi! What's the rush?" Garp chuckled, glancing over his shoulder at the young girl who was now clinging to him like a monkey.
"I'm just getting a ride!" Naruko declared, her small arms scrambling for a better hold as she climbed higher until she perched atop his broad shoulders. Once settled, she laughed victoriously, sitting proudly with her feet dangling.
Garp let out another thunderous laugh. "Already trying to show up your old man, huh?" He adjusted his step slightly to balance her weight, never missing a beat as they approached the ship's prow. The wind from the open sea whipped against them, carrying the faint salty scent of the ocean. The vast, seemingly endless blue stretched out before them, and somewhere in the distance, the faint shape of an island began to form on the horizon.
As they neared the front of the ship, Garp craned his neck to look up at Naruko, who was still perched on his head, her legs kicking happily. "So, squirt, you got your medicine?" he asked, his voice filled with its usual rough warmth.
Naruko, always quick to respond, pointed proudly to the backpack bouncing on her back. "Yep! It's right here!" she said with a wide grin, patting the bag like it was a badge of honor.
"Good, good," Garp replied, his booming laugh returning as he reached into his bag of donuts. "Wouldn't want ol' Tsunade ripping me apart if you didn't make it back to Egghead Island in one piece!" He stuffed a couple of donuts into his mouth, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Naruko, her grin widening, sneakily reached down and grabbed a couple of donuts for herself while Garp was distracted. She shoved one into her mouth, giggling around the pastry as she imagined Tsunade scolding Garp. The thought of her Doctor's stern face was enough to make anyone take their medicine.
As the ship sailed closer to the island, the excitement bubbling within Naruko grew stronger. She wiggled on Garp's shoulders, her eyes now fixed on the rapidly approaching island—Luffy's island. The place where her brother lived, where she'd soon see him again. Her heart raced at the thought of running across the grass, seeing his goofy smile, and hearing about all the trouble he'd surely been causing since their last meeting.
Garp could feel her excitement as she bounced slightly atop his head, her energy infectious. He grinned, turning his head just enough to catch a glimpse of her bright, eager expression. "What's got you all worked up?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
"I can't wait to see Luffy! I bet he's been up to all kinds of crazy stuff!" Naruko said, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Well, knowing you two, trouble always follows," Garp mused, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Let's just hope Luffy hasn't done something too ridiculous this time. But then again, knowing him…"
Naruko laughed, the sound light and carefree, but her gaze never left the island. The island was still a blur on the horizon, but Naruko could already imagine Luffy's wild grin. The mere thought of their reunion filled her with energy, and she tightened her grip on Garp's head, her legs swinging in excitement.
The ship slowed as they approached the shore, the faint outline of the island becoming clearer by the second. The trees, the beaches, the familiar sights of Luffy's home began to take shape in the distance, bathed in the warm glow of the mid-morning sun. Naruko's heart raced, her hands gripping the fabric of Garp's coat as they neared the shore. Every second felt like an eternity.
Garp felt the shift in her energy and chuckled softly. "Almost there, kid. You ready?"
"Yeah!" Naruko nodded vigorously, practically vibrating with excitement.
As the island loomed closer, Garp's Marine ship slowed further, preparing to dock. The sound of crew members calling out commands filled the air, and the ship finally came to a gentle stop near the pier.
Naruko's eyes lit up with pure joy. She was about to see her brother again. The adventure was just beginning, and she was more than ready.
–Present-Time–
A lone pirate ship with tattered sails bearing the insignia of the Grinning Snakes cut through the waters of the Grand Line. Its dark hull creaked as it approached a sleek, black submarine half-submerged in the waves, its metallic sheen standing in stark contrast to the rough, weather-beaten pirate ship.
The pirate crew on deck moved with a sense of urgency, tying off ropes and readying themselves for what was to come. At the bow of the ship, a tall woman stood with an air of authority, her sharp eyes focused on the submarine as they drew closer. Her striking lavender hair cascaded down her back, tied into a loose bun, with several locks framing her pale, cold face. She wore a dark blue jacket over her battle-worn armor, giving her an aura of fierce elegance. Her sharp eyes, colored with a steely determination, scanned the area before narrowing.
As the ship neared the submarine, the hatch at the top of the sub hissed open, and a figure emerged. His round glasses gleamed in the light as he adjusted them on the bridge of his nose. His hair was a pale silver, neatly slicked back. The man wore a dark cloak, the edges of which fluttered in the sea breeze as he waited for the woman to approach.
With a single, graceful leap, the woman landed silently atop the submarine, her boots barely making a sound as she touched down. The moment her feet hit the steel surface, the silver-haired man offered a small, calculating smile, his eyes flashing behind his glasses.
"Welcome back, Guren," he said in a smooth, almost sickeningly polite tone. "Lord Orochimaru is awaiting the details of your mission. He is quite eager to hear what you have to report."
Guren's face remained stoic, her lips pressed into a thin line. She rose from her crouched landing, not even bothering to make eye contact with the man. Her posture was tense, her fists clenched at her sides. The tension between the two was palpable, hanging in the salty sea air like a storm waiting to break.
Without a word, Guren brushed past him, her footsteps deliberate as she moved towards the open hatch. The silver-haired man's smile faltered only slightly as she passed by, but he quickly regained his composure. As she neared the hatch, he raised a hand and called after her, his voice dripping with condescension.
"You know, Guren, as Lord Orochimaru's assistant, it's my duty to remind you of your place," he said, his words biting but polite. "You may have completed the mission, but remember—you're merely an errand girl. It would serve you well to show a little more respect."
Guren stopped mid-step, her back to him, her shoulders visibly tensing at his words. Her nails bit into her palms as she clenched her fists tighter, the weight of his reminder settling over her like a heavy cloak. For a moment, she stood there, her gaze fixed ahead, her body rigid. The desire to strike him down was clear in the way her muscles coiled, ready for action.
But instead of responding, Guren let out a low growl of frustration before moving forward again, not giving him the satisfaction of a retort. She climbed down into the submarine's interior, her boots clanging against the ladder with each step.
The silver-haired man—his smirk widening as Guren descended—watched her disappear into the depths of the submarine. He adjusted his glasses once more, the reflection of the water shimmering in the lenses.
"She will learn... one way or another," he muttered to himself before following her inside. His long fingers gripped the edges of the hatch as he descended, a satisfied smile still playing on his lips.
The hatch closed with a metallic clang, sealing the submarine. A low hum reverberated through the steel vessel as it slowly submerged beneath the surface, the waves rippling outward as it disappeared from sight. The Grinning Snakes pirate ship remained adrift, its crew watching silently as the submarine sank into the deep, leaving them behind.
With the vessel now completely submerged, the cold, dark waters of the Grand Line swallowed it whole, and it vanished from the surface without a trace.
–Marine-Base-
The Red Death remained anchored at a Marine base, undergoing repairs as the crew worked tirelessly around it. The clatter of tools and the steady sound of hammering echoed across the docks, but away from the hustle and bustle, Naruko, in her adult form, stood at the very edge of the pier. Her eyes were focused on the ocean, the water beneath her calm and awaiting her command.
With a slow, deliberate movement, she raised her hand. The sea responded immediately, churning and swirling in a tight spiral. The water twisted upwards, forming a massive tower that rose high into the sky. Naruko stepped forward, her feet touching the surface of the water, which solidified into a smooth, glass-like surface under her control. The tower continued to rise, holding her effortlessly as she stood at its peak.
For a few moments, Naruko simply gazed out over the ocean, feeling the power she wielded with ease. Then, with a focused look, she raised her other hand and began to shape the water in front of her. Slowly, a serpent formed from the churning sea, coiling and writhing as it took shape before her. But this time, Naruko wasn't satisfied with the serpent. She wanted something more—something grander.
The serpent began to shift, growing bulkier and more menacing as it transformed under her guidance. The long, slender body expanded, taking on a more feral and muscular form. Large legs and sharp claws emerged from the mass of water, and its sleek, elongated face morphed into something far more dangerous. The creature's head expanded, becoming more triangular, with two sharp ears that jutted out from its head like horns. Nine massive tails flicked behind it, each one moving independently, curling and uncurling like whips made of water.
The creature that now stood before Naruko resembled a massive, nine-tailed fox. Its body was translucent, shimmering in the light like liquid glass, but within, the churning water gave it a sense of living motion. The fox's legs were thick and muscular, and its claws, though made of water, looked as though they could tear through anything with ease. Its nine tails flicked and curled around its body like flowing rivers, constantly in motion.
The fox's face was sharp, its eyes glowing with an ethereal blue light that seemed to penetrate everything it looked at. Its fangs were visible as it opened its mouth, revealing a swirling vortex of water within. The massive creature exuded an aura of power and control, and it bent down slowly, lowering its head until it rested just in front of Naruko.
The fox's forehead opened up, and a small air pocket formed inside, a safe haven for Naruko. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and jumped into the air pocket, now securely seated within the fox's head. Once inside, Naruko's body remained suspended in the air, floating in the center of the small space. Various streams of water extended from her body and connected to the walls of the air pocket, intertwining with the living water of the fox.
With the air pocket sealed shut, Naruko smirked, her vision now fully connected to the fox. Through the fox's eyes, she could see everything around her in greater clarity, as though she were a part of the massive creature itself. The power at her fingertips was exhilarating, and she reveled in the control she had over the water.
With a focused thought, Naruko began to manipulate the water, letting droplets of her own blood mix with it. The tendrils darkened as her blood flowed through them, slowly spreading into the larger body of the fox. The change was subtle at first, but soon the entire creature began to shift. The once-clear, crystalline water fox gradually turned a deep, sinister red, as if the sea itself had been tainted with blood.
Naruko's connection to the fox grew stronger with each passing moment, her blood coursing through the creature's massive form. From her position in the air pocket, she could feel every ripple and movement as the now blood-red fox glowed ominously, its aura darker and more fearsome than ever before. The transformation complete, Naruko grinned, feeling an even greater sense of control and power, her vision now linked to the crimson beast as it loomed over the dock, radiating menace.
From the dock below, Kakashi walked up, standing near the edge as he observed Naruko's creation. His single visible eye widened slightly as he took in the sight of the massive water fox towering above the base. With an amused grin under his mask, he let out a low whistle of appreciation. "Not bad," he commented, his voice carrying a note of admiration.
Naruko chuckled from within the air pocket, her voice resonating slightly as it traveled through the fox. "You like it?" she asked, her tone playful. "This one's even better than the last."
Kakashi crossed his arms, looking up at the fox with a nod. "You've certainly outdone yourself this time," he said. "A nine-tailed water fox… and it looks like you've got full control."
Naruko raised her hand again, and the massive fox responded instantly. Its nine tails flicked outward in a show of power, each one creating a powerful gust of wind as they moved. Then, the fox opened its mouth wide and let out a deafening roar. The sound wasn't that of an ordinary animal but rather the deep, crashing noise of a tidal wave smashing against the shore.
The roar reverberated through the base, shaking the ground and rattling the tools in the hands of the dockworkers. Marines and workers alike stopped in their tracks, staring up at the towering creature in shock and awe. Some stumbled backward, pale-faced, while others stood frozen, their mouths hanging open as they took in the sight of the enormous water fox.
Naruko's grin widened as she watched the chaos below. "A little over the top?" she asked, her voice dripping with amusement.
Kakashi shook his head, his visible eye gleaming with humor. "Oh, definitely," he said, his tone light. "But that's what makes it so good."
Naruko laughed, her voice carried through the water, and with a flick of her wrist, the fox's tails settled back into their calm, flowing state. She looked out over the base, the wind brushing against her face, feeling the immense power coursing through her connection with the fox.
For now, the fox remained still, towering over the base as a reminder of her growing strength. And as the Marines and dockworkers slowly recovered from their shock, Naruko allowed herself a moment of satisfaction, knowing that this was only the beginning of what she could do.
The massive water fox leaned forward, the air pocket in its forehead opened up again, allowing Naruko to move freely. With a quick motion, she turned her lower half into water, transforming into a fluid stream that flew effortlessly through the air. She soared over to the dock and reformed herself next to Kakashi, her body quickly solidifying as she landed softly beside him.
Once fully reformed, Naruko turned to face the towering water fox, its head still lowered toward her. She extended her hand and began to gently pet its nose, her fingers running over the smooth surface of the watery creature. The fox responded by slightly nudging into her hand, a silent gesture of affection.
Naruko continued to pet the fox for a few moments, her mind clearly preoccupied, before letting out a sigh. "Alright, what's the news?" she asked, her tone shifting from playfulness to curiosity.
Kakashi stood beside her, his posture relaxed but his expression slightly more serious than before. "Well," he began, "while we were off dealing with that last mission, something big went down."
Naruko glanced at him with mild interest but kept petting the fox's nose as she listened.
"The Straw Hats attacked Enies Lobby and left it in pieces," Kakashi continued, his voice steady.
Naruko's hand froze mid-pet, her eyes widening in shock. She slowly turned her head to look at him, her brow furrowed in disbelief.
"Say that again," she prompted, wanting to be sure she hadn't misheard.
Kakashi nodded, repeating himself calmly. "They attacked Enies Lobby. The whole place is in ruins. And, to top it off, Luffy officially declared war against the World Government."
Naruko's eyes were wide as she processed the information, her hand still resting on the water fox's nose. For a moment, the dock was silent, save for the distant sound of the waves lapping against the shore. Then, unexpectedly, a soft chuckle escaped her lips.
The chuckle quickly turned into laughter—loud, genuine laughter that echoed across the dock. Naruko doubled over, clutching her stomach as she laughed, her eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and amusement. The water fox, sensing her mood, let out a low rumble, though it remained still as Naruko's laughter continued.
After a solid minute of laughing, Naruko finally straightened up, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. She grinned at Kakashi, still clearly amused by what she had just heard.
Kakashi watched her with a faint smile of his own, giving her a moment to catch her breath before continuing. "There's more," he said.
"Oh, this I've gotta hear," Naruko responded, still grinning as she motioned for him to go on.
Kakashi folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. "After the attack, Garp caught up with them in Water 7."
Naruko's grin faltered slightly, her brow raising in concern. "Gramps caught them?" she asked.
Kakashi shook his head. "They managed to escape… by flying away in their new ship."
Naruko blinked, her expression shifting to one of confusion. "Wait. What? Flying?"
Kakashi nodded, his tone matter-of-fact. "Yes. They flew away in their new ship."
Naruko stared at him, her jaw slightly ajar. She took a step back and raised a hand to her forehead as if trying to process the absurdity of it all. "Flying... in a ship," she muttered, her disbelief clear. She looked back at Kakashi, her eyes wide with awe. "Are you messing with me?"
Kakashi's single visible eye curved into his familiar eye-smile. "I wish I was," he said, his voice calm and amused. "But no. They really flew off. Garp tried to catch them, but they managed to escape into the sky."
Naruko's mouth hung open for a moment longer before she closed it and let out a low whistle. "Well, I'll be damned," she muttered. "Flying ship, huh?
She shook her head in wonder, her eyes sparkling with admiration for her younger brother. "Of course he'd do something like that. Just when you think he's pulled his craziest stunt yet, he tops it."
Kakashi nodded in agreement, watching as Naruko's excitement grew. "Seems like Luffy's having quite the adventure," he said, his tone thoughtful.
Naruko's grin returned, and she clenched her fists in excitement. "He really is," she said, her voice filled with pride. "And I can't wait to catch up with him. He's gotta show me this flying ship of his."
The water fox beside them let out a low growl, as if sharing Naruko's excitement. She glanced up at the towering creature and gave it one final pat on the nose before turning her full attention back to Kakashi.
"Well," she said with renewed energy, "looks like we've got a lot to catch up on. And a lot of work to do."
Kakashi chuckled, "No doubt about that."
Iruka sprinted down the dock, weaving between workers with a determined look on his face. His breath came in short bursts as he approached Naruko and Kakashi, who stood near the edge of the pier. Finally, he stopped a few feet from them, bending over with his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.
"Captain… Captain Naruko," he panted, sweat dripping down his face. "Akainu… is on the snail phone… for you."
Naruko, who had been staring out at the water in her adult form, turned with an irritated pout on her lips. She crossed her arms, her annoyance clear. "Does he always have to call at the worst times?" she muttered, her tone exasperated.
Kakashi, standing beside her, chuckled softly under his mask but said nothing, his lone visible eye curving slightly in amusement.
Naruko sighed and asked, "Is the ship ready to leave yet?"
Iruka straightened up, wiping his brow before nodding. "We should be ready to depart within the hour. The final repairs are almost complete."
Naruko gave a short nod, glancing toward the Red Death. "Good," she said firmly. "Get everything moving. I want us out of here as soon as possible."
Kakashi's expression was as relaxed as ever. "I'll go check on things," he said casually before turning to follow Naruko, who had already begun walking down the dock.
As they passed, Iruka let out a small sigh of relief, though his gaze was soon drawn back to the giant water fox that still hovered just above the surface of the ocean. The massive beast, blood-red in color, radiated a sense of overwhelming power. Its nine tails swayed slowly behind it, and its glowing eyes remained fixed on the dock. The Marines working nearby couldn't help but cast nervous glances at the creature as they hurried to finish their tasks.
The fox, a towering figure made entirely of water, seemed to shimmer in the fading light. Its presence had already unnerved several of the workers, who found it hard to focus with the giant beast looming over them.
Iruka stood on the dock, nervously glancing up at the towering water fox, its glowing red eyes fixed intently on the scene below. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, clearing his throat as if about to speak to a superior officer.
"Uh... hey, big fella. You think you could, you know, maybe... hide or something? You're, uh... kind of freaking out the crew," he said, his voice trailing off as he looked up at the massive beast towering over the water.
The fox tilted its massive head to the side, almost as if it were thinking, its red eyes narrowing slightly in what seemed like contemplation. After a few moments, the creature let out a low growl that reverberated through the air, then slowly began to lower its enormous form into the sea.
Iruka watched, surprised, as the fox gracefully descended beneath the surface, the water rippling as its body disappeared. The giant paws, glowing eyes, and the tips of its nine tails were all that remained above the water. The creature floated there, as if waiting for further instruction, much less imposing but still undeniably powerful.
Iruka breathed out a sigh of relief. "Thanks," he muttered, shaking his head as he turned back to supervise the crew.
–Grand Line-
A Marine vessel, with a sturdy dog-shaped figurehead was cutting through the waves, sailing steadily through the unpredictable waters of the Grand Line. Its large sails caught the wind, guiding the ship onward, while the crew diligently managed the ship, ensuring its steady progress. Below deck, the atmosphere was quieter, filled with the constant hum of the sea.
Inside his office, Vice Admiral Garp sat at a wooden table, casually munching on a bag of donuts. A snail phone rested nearby, its shell shifting to resemble the familiar face of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the voice on the other end carrying a grave tone.
"Blackbeard has defeated Firefist Ace," Sengoku said.
Garp paused mid-bite, his brow furrowing slightly. He resumed eating, his face unreadable as Sengoku continued.
"He's offered Firefist to the World Government. The Elders have agreed to accept his offer. In exchange, Blackbeard will be named a Warlord."
Garp slowly lowered the donut in his hand, his eyes narrowing as he took in the news. Sengoku's words hung in the air, filling the room with an uneasy silence.
"We're sending Captain Naruko to make the pickup. She'll be the one to escort Firefist to Impel Down."
Garp raised an eyebrow, his voice low as he repeated the name. "Naruko, eh?"
Sengoku's tone remained firm. "She's in the area, and she's best equipped to handle Blackbeard if things go sideways. Given her history, she's the right one for this."
Garp leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. His expression remained neutral, but there was a subtle tension in the room. "And what happens after she delivers Ace?"
Sengoku didn't hesitate. "After she delivers him to Impel Down, she's to report directly to Marineford. She'll be promoted and given new orders." There was a pause before Sengoku added, "But the bigger issue is Whitebeard."
Garp sighed, his fingers drumming on the table as he considered the implications. He picked up another donut, biting into it slowly as he processed the information. "Whitebeard... this could get messy."
"It already is," Sengoku replied gravely. "But right now, we need to get Firefist secured. Naruko's mission is crucial. Once she has Ace in custody, we'll have time to prepare for whatever Whitebeard has in store."
Garp finished chewing, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he leaned forward. "You know Whitebeard won't take this lying down."
"We're aware," Sengoku said. "That's why we're preparing. But first, we need Ace off the board. The Elders want him in Impel Down, and they want it done quietly."
Garp leaned back in his chair once more, letting out a deep breath. He knew Naruko could handle herself, but this mission carried a weight that went beyond the normal scope of her duties. The stakes were higher now.
The conversation ended with a soft click as Sengoku signed off, leaving Garp alone with his thoughts. The quiet of the room felt heavier, more oppressive as the reality of the situation set in.
Outside, Bogard, Garp's trusted right hand, oversaw the training of Koby and Helmeppo, the two young Marines working hard to meet his high expectations. The two recruits were focused, unaware of the looming conflict that was beginning to unfold around them.
Garp remained seated, staring out at the endless horizon, his mind wandering back to Naruko, the dangerous mission ahead, and the storm that was brewing. The world was shifting, and soon, the Grand Line would be caught in the crossfire.
—
The Red Death sailed ominously through the Grand Line, its blood-red hull cutting through the churning waves as the wind tugged at its scarlet sails. The water parted smoothly for the vessel, as if the sea itself bowed in deference to its power. Underneath the ship, the blood-red, nine-tailed water fox moved like a shadow beneath the surface, its limbs and tails occasionally visible through the water, hinting at the immense strength that lay hidden beneath the waves.
Naruko stood at the ship's prow, arms crossed and her scarlet overcoat flapping in the brisk wind. Her blonde hair blew wildly, occasionally revealing her scarred face, each mark a reminder of her battles and struggles. She narrowed her eye as she stared out at the horizon, her thoughts burdened by the task ahead. She was on her way to meet Blackbeard, to retrieve Ace—Luffy's sworn brother. The weight of it tugged at her insides, an uncomfortable gnawing that refused to subside.
She hated the conflict within herself. Ace wasn't just a target or a prisoner to her; he was family, in a way that made her mission all the more torturous.
Flashback–
A young Naruko, her small frame barely supporting the heavy backpack she wore, swung energetically through the trees. Garp, walking beside her down a narrow forest path, grunted with each step, letting the child leap from vine to vine above him. Eventually, they came to a stop in front of a worn-down hut nestled between the trees.
Garp halted at the door, allowing Naruko to hop down from a vine onto his shoulder. They could hear loud, boisterous voices from inside the hut. One voice, in particular, rang out, full of excitement and passion.
"WERE GOING TO BE PIRATES, AND I'M GOING TO BE THE KING OF THE PIRATES!" Luffy's unmistakable voice echoed through the forest.
Naruko grabbed the bag of donuts from Garp's hand just in time before the old Marine's fist crushed the bag in his fury. Garp's eyes twitched, and with an exasperated growl, he smashed his fist straight through the door.
"WHO'S GOING TO BE PIRATES?" Garp roared, his voice booming like thunder.
Inside, Luffy and Ace went flying through the air from the sheer force of Garp's arrival, landing in crumpled heaps on the floor. Unconscious, but still breathing.
Naruko, now munching contentedly on the stolen donuts, giggled at the scene. Her mouth full, she looked over at the chaos inside the hut. A blonde-haired boy, who had been standing with the local bandits, gawked at her in shock. It only took the bandits a second to register her presence before they all screamed in unison, "NOT ANOTHER ONE!"
End of Flashback–
The memory faded, but the unease in Naruko's chest lingered. Her arms tightened across her chest, and she let out a slow exhale. Behind her, Shiryu approached with his usual stoic demeanor. Without a word, he passed her a cigar, flicking open a zippo lighter with a quick snap of his fingers. She took the cigar, allowing him to light it for her. They stood there in silence, both of them staring at the island that was growing larger on the horizon.
Minutes passed in quiet contemplation. Naruko took a long drag from the cigar, the taste bitter but familiar. Her mind continued to spin, tangled in thoughts of Ace, of Luffy, and the conflict that awaited her. Her heart ached at the thought of facing them—one a brother by blood, the other by bond.
Naruko reminded herself, though it stung deeply, that Ace had chosen this path. He knew from the beginning that becoming a pirate meant facing the consequences, no matter how dire. This was always a possibility, and Ace had accepted it with the same fiery resolve that had driven him to the sea. Naruko exhaled sharply, steeling herself for what was to come.
Eventually, Kakashi and Iruka joined them at the bow. Kakashi, as calm and collected as ever, kept his face partially obscured behind his mask, his lone eye watching the approaching island intently. Iruka, ever the loyal and responsible one, gave a quick report.
"Everything is ready for our guest," Iruka said, his voice steady but his eyes flicking towards Naruko, watching her for any reaction.
Naruko gave a small, curt nod, but she didn't speak. She couldn't bring herself to yet. Her gaze remained fixed on the island that was drawing nearer with each passing second.
The silence returned, tense and heavy, as the island loomed closer and closer.
--End Notes-
Hello everyone, I apologize for the shorter chapter this time, but rest assured, the next one will be a bit longer to make up for it.
I'm aware I've made a few mistakes along the way, but I'm really enjoying the process of writing this story. For now, I'm going to keep going and just have fun with it.
Maybe down the line, I'll revisit and rewrite it to make everything flow a little smoother, but for the time being, I'm embracing the journey—flaws and all.
On another note, I've decided to start working on a new story featuring Naruto as the main character, though I'm not sure when it'll be ready.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for sticking with me!
Take care, everyone!
