An odd-looking pirate ship was cutting through the ocean waves somewhere on the Grand Line. The sky above was cloudy and dark, but the waves were manageable as the crew partied on the deck, celebrating their most recent raid on a civilian town. Laughter and music echoed across the ship, lanterns swinging in the salty breeze.
The Captain, a burly man with a thick beard and a patch over his left eye, was laughing with his First Mate, a towering figure whose muscles rippled beneath his tattered shirt. They were sharing stories and guffawing about the fun they had in the last town, their laughter mingling with the sea's rhythmic roar.
"Aye, did you see the look on that merchant's face when we took his entire stash?" the Captain roared, slapping his knee.
"Priceless, Cap'n, absolutely priceless!" the First Mate responded, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye.
The waves began to grow subtly, the current shifting to slow down their ship, though not enough to be immediately noticeable. A few drunk crew members, swaying to the ship's rhythm, noticed the water starting to turn red around them but dismissed it as an effect of their heavy drinking.
"Oi, Pete, d'ya see the water too?" one of them slurred, squinting at the crimson waves.
"Must be all the rum, mate. Water don't turn red like that," Pete replied, chuckling.
As the party continued, the ship's speed decreased significantly, the current turning against them more forcefully. The First Mate, still deep in conversation with the Captain, began to notice something off. The water around them had turned a deep, unsettling red.
"Cap'n, look at the water," the First Mate said, his voice tinged with unease.
The Captain peered over the edge, his jovial expression fading as he saw the crimson water. Before he could voice his concern, the lookout in the crow's nest started yelling and ringing the bell frantically.
"MARINES! MARINES!"
The Captain and some of the crew looked behind the ship, straining their eyes against the dark horizon. There, approaching steadily, was the silhouette of a Marine vessel. The Captain quickly took out an eyeglass to get a better look. As he focused on the ship, his face turned ashen, and he dropped the eyeglass, his hands trembling.
"No... no, she's just a myth..."
The First Mate picked up the eyeglass from the deck, his brows furrowing as he looked through it. The marine vessel appeared normal, except for some ominous details. Its hull and sails were painted blood red, the sails baring the words "Red Death" in bold, black letters.
"Cap'n, is that…?" the First Mate began, his voice trailing off in disbelief.
"Aye," the Captain whispered, his voice barely audible. "The Red Death. We're doomed."
The atmosphere on the pirate ship shifted from drunken revelry to fear and dread. The wind howled through the rigging, and the lanterns cast eerie shadows across the deck. The once lively sea shanties and laughter were replaced by murmurs of fear and the creaking of the ship as it slowed to a crawl.
"What do we do, Cap'n?" one of the younger crew members asked, his voice trembling.
"Prepare for battle," the Captain ordered, though his voice lacked its usual confidence. "We're not going down without a fight."
The looming marine vessel closed in on its prey, the waves parting before it as if the sea itself was afraid. The party was over, and a deadly encounter awaited.
The crew hustled about the deck, their drunken stupor replaced by a frantic urgency. Weapons were drawn from their hiding places, and the sound of steel being sharpened mingled with the crashing of the waves. The once jovial atmosphere was now heavy with tension, every man acutely aware of the looming threat behind them.
The Captain stood at the helm, his broad shoulders squared, his one good eye scanning his men. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He knew morale was critical now more than ever.
"Listen up, lads!" the Captain bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We've faced tough times before, and we've always come out on top!"
The crew paused, turning their attention to him. Their faces were a mix of fear and determination.
"Remember the storm that nearly tore our ship apart? Or the Navy blockade we slipped through like ghosts in the night? We've been through hell and back, and we've always survived!"
The First Mate stepped up beside him, his massive frame a reassuring presence. "Aye, and we've always done it together. There's no crew I'd rather fight beside."
The Captain nodded, his eye blazing with fierce pride. "Today's no different. That red-sailed ship might be fearsome, but so are we! We're the Bloody Buccaneers, and we don't back down from a fight!"
The men cheered, a ragged, defiant sound that echoed across the waves. The Captain's words had sparked a fire in their hearts, a reminder of their resilience and camaraderie.
"We've got the advantage of knowing what's at stake. Our freedom, our treasure, our very lives. And we won't let anyone take that from us!"
The First Mate raised his sword high. "To the death!" he roared, and the crew echoed him, their voices a thunderous chorus.
"To the death!"
The Captain looked each of his men in the eye, his own resolve strengthening with every cheer. "Ready the cannons! Man your stations! Today, we fight not just for survival, but for the legacy of the Bloody Buccaneers!"
As the crew sprang into action, their fear was overshadowed by a renewed sense of purpose. The Captain watched them, his heart swelling with pride. They were ready. Whatever fate awaited them, they would face it together, as they always had. The blood-red marine ship loomed closer, but so did their defiance.
With a final nod to his First Mate, the Captain turned to face the approaching threat, determination set in every line of his face. "Let's show them what we're made of," he muttered, gripping the helm with white-knuckled resolve. The battle for their lives was about to begin.
--
While the pirates were getting ready for the impending battle, inside a small, well-furnished lounge aboard the marine vessel, a scene of stark contrast unfolded. At a fancy table, what appeared to be a ten-year-old girl was stuffing down bowl after bowl of ramen with alarming speed.
She had long, yellow hair that cascaded down her back and was dressed in an imposing Marine captain's uniform. Her coat was blood red, adorned with gold epaulettes and intricate black designs that made her appear both regal and fearsome. Beneath the coat, she wore a black undershirt with a blue tie, and her trousers were dark, tucked into polished black boots.
Standing by the door was a tall man with silver hair and a black face mask, dressed in a Marine lieutenant's uniform. His single visible eye, calm and observant, watched over the room with a quiet vigilance. Across from the girl, another man with dark hair and a prominent scar across his nose sat in a Sergeant's uniform, a gentle smile playing on his lips. A random marine was diligently collecting the girl's empty bowls and replacing them with full ones, ensuring her constant supply of ramen.
The girl sat at the table, ramen bowls piling up around her as she stuffed her face with yet another serving. Amidst her feasting, a snail phone rested on the table, its shell adorned with the face of Vice Admiral Garp. The snail spoke in Garp's voice, its eyes animated with his characteristic fervor. The mic on Naruko's end lay beside the phone, allowing her to eat uninterrupted.
"Naruko, can you believe it?" Garp's voice crackled through the snail phone. "I just received word that your brother, Luffy, left the island recently to become a pirate!"
Naruko giggled, barely pausing in her eating. "He really did it, huh?" she mumbled between mouthfuls of noodles.
"Yes, thanks to that no-good, red-haired Shanks!" Garp continued, his tone a mix of frustration and begrudging admiration. "Luffy hasn't even been a pirate for a month and he's already causing trouble."
Naruko finished a bowl and grabbed a fresh one, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "What did he do this time, Gramps?" She asked before bringing the bowl to her mouth and slurping it back.
Garp sighed heavily but with a little pride he continued. "He took down a Marine captain in the East Blue. Not a very strong one, but a captain nonetheless. Can you imagine? My own grandson, defeating a Marine!"
Naruko chuckled, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as she finished another bowl. "That sounds like Luffy, alright. Who was the captain?"
"Captain Morgan," Garp replied, his voice thick with exasperation. "He's now sitting in jail, and I'm on my way to pick him up. Meanwhile, Luffy continues to run amok in the East Blue, gathering a crew of misfits."
Naruko raised an eyebrow. "A crew already? He works fast."
"Indeed he does," Garp muttered. "He's got that Roronoa Zoro with him, and who knows who else he's picked up along the way. This is not how I imagined he'd turn out, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised."
Naruko leaned back in her chair, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Luffy always did have a way of attracting the most interesting people. I bet he'll be a great captain."
Garp's voice softened, a hint of pride seeping through his gruff exterior. "He always had that spark in him, just like you. But I worry. The seas are dangerous, and he's heading into them headfirst."
Naruko's expression turned serious, her eyes reflecting the gravity of her grandfather's words. "Luffy will be fine, Gramps. He's got that indomitable spirit. And besides, he's got Shanks' hat, right? That has to count for something."
Garp chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to vibrate through the snail phone. "You're right, Naruko. He'll make his mark, just like you are. But promise me, you'll keep an eye out for him if your paths ever cross."
Naruko nodded, though Garp couldn't see her. "Of course, Gramps. Family comes first. Always."
Garp's voice grew stern again. "And don't you forget it. Now, I need to go handle this mess. Keep up the good work out there. Make the Marines proud."
Naruko grinned, her playful demeanor returning. "You got it, Gramps. Stay safe."
As the snail phone clicked off, Naruko returned to her ramen with renewed vigor. Thoughts of her brother, out there carving his path in the world, filled her with a sense of excitement and pride. She knew that someday, their journeys would intersect, and when they did, it would be a meeting to remember.
Suddenly, the door burst open and another marine rushed in, his face flushed with urgency. He glanced at the girl before snapping to attention and saluting. "Captain Naruko, we're closing in on the pirate vessel!"
Naruko said nothing as she continued to devour her current bowl of ramen. The marine stood there, shifting uncomfortably as he waited for her to respond. The two men at the table with her chuckled quietly at the marine's obvious discomfort.
Kakashi, the lieutenant, spoke up with a hint of amusement in his voice. "You know, Captain Naruko likes to finish her meals. It's a matter of principle."
Iruka, the Sergeant, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. It's not wise to rush a meal, especially when it's ramen."
The marine cleared his throat loudly, his nerves getting the better of him. "Captain, shouldn't you be going on deck to help with the preparations?" he asked in a voice that betrayed his anxiety.
Naruko huffed, causing the marine to stiffen in fear. Abruptly, she stopped eating and brought the bowl up to her mouth, slurping down the remaining broth with a final, satisfying gulp. She slammed the empty bowl onto the table with a resounding thud and stared up at the marine with cold, piercing eyes.
"I've already started," she said icily, her tone making it clear that she didn't appreciate being questioned. She then sighed, pushing herself up from the table. As she stood, her form flickered with water for a moment, and the ten-year-old girl was replaced by a taller, more imposing figure. She adjusted her blood-red uniform, her presence now commanding and authoritative.
Iruka quickly handed her an overcoat, matching the blood-red hue of her uniform but lined with black fur, with the word Death written down the back in bold black letters, enhancing her intimidating appearance. "Here you go, Captain," he said, his tone respectful but warm.
"Thank you, Iruka," Naruko replied, slipping into the overcoat and adjusting the collar.
As they walked towards the door, Kakashi glanced at Iruka. "Can you believe Vice Admiral Garp let her train under Akainu?"
Iruka shook his head, a mix of admiration and concern in his eyes. "It's surprising, given how protective he is. I thought he'd keep her training under his watchful eye forever."
Naruko, still savoring the last remnants of ramen, interjected between bites. "As much as Gramps wanted to, he couldn't keep an eye on me all the time. I needed to learn from other Marines as well."
Kakashi nodded thoughtfully. "True. Akainu's training is intense, but it's made you stronger. Though Garp's got his reasons for being worried."
The marine at the door watched in confusion as this conversation unfolded, the girl's nonchalant demeanor starkly contrasting with the gravity of the situation. Naruko quickly downed another bowl and set it down with finality.
"Let's go," she ordered, her voice firm and resolute. Kakashi and Iruka flanked her as she moved towards the exit.
Naruko, flanked by Kakashi and Iruka, made her way toward the deck of the marine vessel. The trio moved with purpose, their boots clanging against the wooden planks as they ascended the stairs.
The tension in the air was palpable, charged with the impending clash between the Marines and the pirate ship now in the blood-tinged water. As they reached the deck, Naruko strode forward to stand at the forefront, her imposing presence commanding the attention of everyone around
--
Back on the pirate ship, the once lively crew was now a whirlwind of frantic activity. Their speed had almost come to a standstill, the current swirling around them, holding them in place.
The waves, though not high, were persistent, tugging at the hull and preventing any swift movement. Desperation and fear rippled through the crew as they prepared for the impending battle.
The First Mate stood near the bow, his normally calm demeanor replaced by a tense readiness. His hands transformed into a glowing green acid, the sickly hue casting an eerie light on his determined face. He glanced back at the crew, his eyes sharp and focused.
"Get those cannons ready!" he barked, his voice cutting through the tumult. "We need to be ready to fire as soon as they're in range!"
The Captain, a towering figure with a thick beard and a patch over one eye, strode across the deck, his presence commanding and intimidating. He drew his sword, the blade gleaming wickedly, and a pistol, its barrel intricately engraved. "Prepare for battle, you scurvy dogs! We ain't going down without a fight!"
One of the younger crewmen, a lad barely out of his teens, turned to his more experienced friend with wide, frightened eyes. "Who is this Red Death, anyway?" he asked, his voice trembling.
The older pirate, a grizzled veteran with a missing eye and a rough demeanor, spat on the deck. "She's a Marine captain who showed up on the Grand Line a few years ago. Back then, she was a young apprentice of Admiral Sakazuki, otherwise known as Akainu, the lava man she was around fifteen or sixteen I heard."
The young pirate's eyes widened further. "Akainu? The one known for his ruthless tactics?"
"Aye," the veteran confirmed, his voice grim. "Rumor has it he watched her torture and kill every pirate they came across. She did it so much that her uniform became soaked in the blood of pirates. They say that's why her coat is blood red."
The young pirate shivered, glancing nervously at the marine ship drawing closer. "But she's so young. How could she become a captain?"
The veteran shrugged, his expression hard. "In this world, anything can happen. She may be young, but she's deadly. They say she learned all of Akainu's cruel methods and then some. If she's here, we're in for a world of hurt."
As the ship and crew got ready for battle, the frantic preparations continued. Cannonballs were loaded, ropes were secured, and the crew's nervous chatter filled the air. The First Mate's hands glowed brighter with acidic energy, his muscles tense with anticipation.
None of them noticed the water behind their ship starting to form into something unnatural. Slowly, the water began to ripple and churn, rising up silently. It took on a shape, a looming, amorphous figure growing taller with each passing moment.
The Captain stood at the helm, eyes fixed on the marine vessel. "Ready the cannons!" he bellowed. "On my mark, we fire!"
The crew, now in position, waited with bated breath, their weapons at the ready. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the impending clash. The marine ship continued its steady approach, its red sails billowing ominously.
The water behind the pirate ship rose higher, the shape becoming more defined. It twisted and turned, forming tendrils that reached out toward the unsuspecting pirates. But the crew was too focused on the enemy ahead to notice the threat creeping up from behind.
The Captain took a deep breath, raising his sword. "Fire!"
The crew sprang into action, cannonballs flying through the air toward the marine vessel. The deafening roar of the cannons echoed across the sea. Smoke filled the air as the pirates unleashed their full might, determined to take down the Red Death.
As the cannonballs sailed toward their target, the water behind the pirate ship was growing, forming a colossal figure. It loomed over the ship, casting a shadow that swallowed the deck in darkness. The crew, caught in the fervor of battle, remained oblivious to the impending doom rising from the depths.
One of the crewmen finally noticed the shadow looming over them and let out a terrified scream. "Captain! Behind us!"
The Captain turned, his eyes widening in horror as he saw the monstrous figure came forward about to crash down upon them. But it was too late. The watery tendrils struck, wrapping around the ship and lifting it from the sea. The crew was thrown into chaos, their screams drowned out by the roar of the water.
Thin tendrils of water, almost snake-like, began to slither across the deck, seeking out pirates. They moved with a sinister intelligence, wrapping around the ankles of the unsuspecting crew members and dragging them towards the edge of the ship. The pirates clawed at the deck, their terrified cries lost in the pandemonium.
One young pirate, barely out of his teens, was grabbed by a tendril. He screamed, desperately trying to hold onto the railing. His eyes met the Captain's for a brief, desperate moment before he was yanked overboard, disappearing into the churning water below.
The Captain watched in horror as more of his men were pulled into the sea. "Fight back, damn it!" he roared, but his voice was swallowed by the chaos.
The First Mate, his hands still glowing with acidic energy, tried to fend off the tendrils. He shot streams of acid at them, but the water simply reformed, unhindered by his attacks. "It's no use, Captain! The water... it's alive!"
The Captain, realizing the futility of their situation, turned his gaze back to the marine vessel. It was now within range, and the figure of Captain Naruko was clearly visible at the bow. She stood tall, her red coat billowing in the wind, her expression calm and cold.
The Captain gritted his teeth, rage and desperation warring within him. "Reload the cannons! Fire everything we've got at that ship!"
But even as he gave the order, the tendrils continued their relentless assault, dragging more and more pirates into the sea. The ship creaked and groaned under the strain, the water around it swirling with an unnatural force.
As the cannons were reloaded and fired again, the cannonballs seemed to move in slow motion, their trajectory curving unnaturally as if being guided by an unseen hand. They splashed harmlessly into the water, far short of the marine vessel.
The Captain's face twisted in fury. "No... this can't be happening..."
The marine ship continued its steady approach, undeterred by the pirates' frantic efforts. Captain Naruko's presence radiated a chilling calm, a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding on the pirate ship.
As the tendrils of water began to lift the pirate ship higher, the Captain's last hope faded. He watched helplessly as his men were picked off one by one, dragged screaming into the depths. The realization dawned on him with crushing clarity: they were fighting a force far beyond their understanding.
With a final, desperate roar, the Captain swung his sword at the encroaching tendrils, but his efforts were futile. The water engulfed him, pulling him into the sea along with the rest of his crew.
The scene ended with the pirate ship suspended in the air, ensnared by the watery serpent. The few remaining pirates clung to the rails, their faces pale with fear and disbelief. The marine ship, now close enough to board, loomed over them like a harbinger of doom.
Captain Naruko, flanked by her loyal lieutenants, stepped forward. Her eyes, cold and calculating, took in the scene with detached satisfaction. The battle was over before it had even begun, and the legend of the Red Death had claimed yet another victory.
Naruko's eyes, sharp and calculating, took in the scene below. The pirate ship was ensnared by her watery creation, tendrils of liquid wrapping around it like the grip of a giant sea serpent. Most of the pirates lay lifeless on the deck, their bodies testament to the merciless nature of the battle.
Iruka, standing a few steps behind her, looked visibly green as he gazed at the color of the water. "Naruko, was that really necessary?" he asked, his voice tinged with discomfort.
Naruko turned her head slightly, a small, almost playful smile tugging at her lips. "Of course it is, Iruka. Intimidation goes a long way in battling pirates."
Kakashi, leaning casually against the railing, his single visible eye crinkled in amusement, chimed in. "I must say, I love seeing the Water-Water Fruit in action. Logia-type fruits always seem to be eaten by unique people."
Naruko tilted her head and met Kakashi's gaze. "Thank you, Kakashi," she replied smoothly. She then brought her index finger up to her mouth, tapping it thoughtfully. "I may have added a little too much blood to the water, though. I suppose I'll just have to eat more later to make up for it."
Iruka sighed heavily, a mixture of exasperation and resignation on his face. "You really didn't need to encourage this behavior from her," he murmured to Kakashi as they both followed Naruko to the front railing.
Kakashi chuckled softly, his demeanor relaxed despite the gravity of the situation. "Oh, come on, Iruka. Where's your sense of adventure?"
Iruka shot him a weary look but couldn't help a small smile. Despite his reservations, he knew that Naruko's methods, however extreme, were effective. They had seen her prowess and ruthlessness in action many times before, and her reputation as the Red Death was well earned.
Naruko stepped up to the front railing, her gaze fixed on the pirate ship below. The few surviving pirates were in disarray, their frantic efforts to free themselves from the watery grasp futile. Her presence alone seemed to cast a shadow over them, amplifying their fear and desperation.
"Pirates," she called out, her voice carrying over the chaotic scene. "You have one chance to surrender. Resist, and you'll meet a watery grave."
The pirates looked up, their eyes wide with terror. The sight of Naruko, standing tall and resolute, with Kakashi and Iruka flanking her, was enough to send shivers down their spines. They knew the stories, the legends of the Red Death, and now they were living the nightmare.
Kakashi watched the scene unfold with keen interest, his arms crossed over his chest. "Looks like they're starting to realize just who they're up against," he said, his tone almost casual.
Iruka nodded, his earlier discomfort giving way to a more focused intensity. "They'd be wise to surrender. Fighting against her is a death sentence."
The survivors, still clinging to the hope of escaping, began to scream and shout for mercy, their voices blending into a cacophony of despair. Naruko, however, pretended not to hear them at first, her expression remaining cold and detached. She let their cries wash over her, a cruel reminder of their hopeless situation.
Finally, as the screams grew louder and more desperate, Naruko raised her hand. The tendrils of water tightened around the ship, squeezing it like a vice. "Enough," she said, her voice cutting through the noise like a blade. She gestured, and the tendrils reached out, grabbing the survivors one by one.
The pirates screamed louder as they were lifted from the deck, their terrified cries echoing across the water. Naruko's eyes remained fixed on them, her expression unyielding. "You should have surrendered earlier," she said coldly.
As the captured pirates were brought aboard the marine vessel and taken into custody, Naruko's watery creation began to destroy their ship. The tendrils tightened further, the wood creaking and groaning under the pressure. Splinters flew as the hull began to crack, the ship slowly being torn apart.
Kakashi and Iruka watched in silence, their expressions a mix of admiration and unease. "She doesn't do things halfway, does she?" Kakashi remarked, his tone light but with an undercurrent of seriousness.
Iruka shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "No, she doesn't. It's what makes her so effective, but sometimes I wonder if it's too much."
Naruko, hearing their exchange, turned to face them. "Intimidation and power are necessary to keep the seas safe. Pirates need to know there's a force they can't reckon with."
Kakashi nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "You're right. It's just... it's impressive, that's all."
With a final, resounding crack, the pirate ship split in two, the water swallowing the wreckage. The sea, now calm, seemed to reclaim its own, the blood-tinged waves dissipating into the vast ocean. The captured pirates, now prisoners, were led below deck, their faces pale with fear.
Naruko turned back to the front, her mission accomplished. "Secure the prisoners and prepare to move out," she ordered, her voice steady and commanding.
The Marine crew sprang into action, the efficiency of their movements a testament to their training and discipline. As the pirates were rounded up and the scene brought under control, Naruko, Kakashi, and Iruka stood together, their presence a silent declaration of their dominance on the Grand Line.
As the marine ship resumed its course, leaving behind the blood-soaked memories of another victory for the Red Death, Naruko allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. The battle had been won, and her legend continued to grow, casting a long shadow over the seas.
--
Quick Note: So these versions of these Naruto characters are OOC a little bit so take that as you will.
