Piracy Of The Last Jinchūriki

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.

27. Coldness

Disclaimer Like everybody else in fanfiction, I own nothing. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, and One Piece belongs to Eichiro Oda.

"Standard" - Normal Speaking

"Italics" - Thoughts

"Bold" Tailed Beasts Speaking and Techniques

-Bold- - Places -

---

- Kyuka Island -

"Two minutes and two seconds, Tama!" Yamato called out firmly. "Keep going! Don't come up until I say so."

Underwater in the deep swimming pool, Tama was a blur of movement as she shadowboxed underwater. Her fists punched through resisting the water and her legs kicked in precise patterns. Her cheeks were puffed slightly from the air she held in, but her focus was unwavering.

"She lasted thirty-five seconds more this time," Page One muttered as he glanced at his pocket watch. "She's gonna need a break soon, otherwise she may pass out from exhaustion."

As soon as he said that, Tama burst from the water with a gasp, her chest heaving as she dragged herself to the pool's edge. "H-how... was that?" she panted, water dripping from her soaked hair.

"Better!" Yamato said with a grin, crouching beside her and patted her head affectionately. "But we're aiming for five minutes. Do you need a break?"

Determination flashed in Tama's eyes as she shook her head.

"Good." Yamato gave her an encouraging pat on the back. "Take a breather, then we'll go again."

"How long was I under there..." Tama asked Page One as she pulled herself up from the pool.

Page One glanced at his pocket watch, his tone as dry as ever. "Two Minutes Forty-two seconds... Can you tell us why she is doing this?"

With a smirk and a drawl, Naruto, lounging in his deck chair, said, "Yeah, she's down there doing underwater shadowboxing to build up her muscles and cardio."

"So, in short terms..." Yamato asked, with a confused look.

"Improving Stamina and reflexes."

Ulti entered the hotel apartment, the door slamming shut behind her as she placed the sack of groceries onto the counter. An assortment of vegetables was visible from the top as they stuck out.

"Naruto!" she barked. "Get in here and make yourself useful!"

"What's the rush, Ulti? This is a nice relaxing spot for a break." Naruto replied from the deck chair, unconcerned. "Remember? I am making up for my behavior towards all on the ship."

As Ulti reached for a carrot, her scowl deepened and she stomped toward the doorway, a storm brewing in her eyes. Her gaze burned into Naruto as she pointed the carrot in his direction. "Break my foot! Get in here or there will be no dinner for you!"

With a long-suffering sigh, Naruto strolled into the kitchen with a hand stuffed into his pockets. He leaned against the counter, giving her his trademark grin. "Alright, alright. What do you need me to-" He trailed off, waving his stump of a right arm in front of her. "Oh, wait. Guess I'm down an arm. So peeling, chopping, or stirring is going to be harder."

Ulti froze as her words were caught in her throat. Her gaze flicked to the stump as her frustration was replaced by a momentary wince of guilt as she had forgotten about it. She crossed her arms and looked away, muttering under her breath. "Well... I didn't mean that."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Didn't mean what? You want me to hold a potato in my teeth and start biting the skin off?"

Ulti folded her arms as her frustration was flaring again, though a faint blush betrayed her embarrassment as she groaned before throwing her hands up. "Fine! Pay-Pay! Get in here and help me deal with these veggies!"

Outside by the swimming pool, Page One's voice drifted lazily. "No, not today."

"You are doing today!" Ulti snapped. "And if I don't see you peeling a potato in the next thirty seconds, I'll tell Tama you refused to help with dinner and there won't be any Nachos from me for the rest of the month."

A long pause preceded hesitant footsteps. Page One appeared in the doorway, his expression as dry as ever, though irritation seemed to emulate from him.

"This is why I hate you sometimes," Page One mutters as he picks up a potato and a peeler and began to help his sister. "You could just ask nicely. Is that too much to ask from you?"

"Have fun, you two," Naruto said with a smirk as he made his way back to the doorway before looking over his shoulder. "And save me the best plate. Captain's privilege."

Ulti glared at him, brandishing her carrot again. "You're lucky you're down an arm or I'd make you chop onions till you'd have cried enough tears to fill the pool."

Naruto just chuckled as he sauntered off outside to the hallway. Naruto was surprised a high-end hotel like this allowed him in despite being a wanted man by the World Government.

As he entered, the hotel's hallway buzzed with the faint hum of tropical activity, guests shuffling about their plans for the day. Naruto leaned back against the doorframe of his suite, staring at the hallway.

"Uzumaki-san?" a hotel staff member called out, bowing slightly as he approached him with something in his hand.

Naruto straightened up and became alert as he replied, "Yeah, that's me."

"A message for you, sir," the staff member said, handing him a crisp envelope. "They said it's urgent."

Naruto opened the envelope with a furrowed brow. Inside was a neatly folded note that said,

"Uzumaki Naruto. Meet me at Café Azure now."

Naruto, his eyes narrowing, carefully folded the note with a thoughtful expression on his face, before slipping it into his pocket. "Thanks." he said curtly.

"I'm going to be out for a short while," Naruto announced before turning to look over his shoulder as he pulled his jacket on. "If I am late, you can start dinner without me."

---

The streets of Kyuka Island were lively, smelling freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries wafting from nearby cafes. Naruto turned a corner and spotted Café Azure, a cozy shop tucked under an archway draped in blooming tropical vines.

Inside, his eyes immediately caught a figure sitting near the back. Stussy, with her striking blonde curls, blue eyes, and red-painted lips, sat poised at a table, a large suitcase resting at her side. Her long black jacket hugged her form elegantly and her pristine white hat tilted slightly, shading her face just enough to accentuate her youthful beauty. Her eyes lit up as she saw him, and a gentle smile played on her lips.

"Naruto," Stussy greeted, her voice as smooth as the cafe's atmosphere and brimming with delight. "Right on time."

Naruto pulled out a chair and sat down. "You're the one who left the note?"

"Of course." Stussy rested a manicured hand on the suitcase. "I've got something important for you."

She flipped the latches on the case with deliberate precision and opened it. Inside was an extremely pale forearm, pristine and lifelike despite its artificial origin.

"The prototype is ready," Stussy said with her red lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Vegapunk doesn't waste time. He's still creating a final arm with the rest of lineage factors you gave him. This arm you have is temporary and built in with sensors. I will be collecting it back in Arabasta to give it to Vegapunk so he can perfect your am."

"He certainly does good work." Naruto remarked while comparing the arm to his actual one.

"True," Stussy replied, leaning back in her chair. "He's the smartest scientist in the world for a reason. His satellites have been working around the clock on this to save your life."

Naruto stared at the arm for a moment before lifting it out of the case. It felt frigid, yet perfectly mimicked flesh. Without a word, he aligned it to the stump where his right forearm had once been and began flowing chakra into the mechanism.

The reaction was immediate. The arm glowed faintly as the chakra triggered the intricate connections within. Naruto concentrated, turning his chakra into yang release. A strange warmth spread through his limb as he felt the arm integrate into his body. Flesh, bone and muscle knitted together seamlessly, as though the arm had always been his.

Naruto imagined clenching his fist, and it worked. The new fingers curled tightly, responding to his command as though they were his own.

He raised his right arm, staring at the hand with a stunned expression. The scars of the past three months seemed to fade as he flexed the fingers again, testing their strength and precision.

"How does it feel?" Stussy asked, her smile softening at Naruto's amazement as he moved his arm and fingers.

Naruto slowly lowered his arm, still marveling at it. "Like I got a piece of myself back."

"Well," Stussy said, pushing herself up from her chair, smoothing the wrinkles from her long black jacket with deliberate grace. "Dr. Vegapunk is a great man and so are you." Her red lips curved into a playful smile. "Now, there's the matter of the payment."

Naruto nodded, still flexing his new hand as he stared at it. "Tell him thanks," he said quietly, before glancing up with a smirk. "And next time? Maybe not so much white. It's creepy."

Stussy chuckled, tilting her head slightly. "I'll pass it along."

Naruto closed his eyes briefly, forming a single hand sign with his left hand. A puff of smoke appeared at his side as a shadow clone emerged. The clone gave him a knowing look before disappearing out of the cafe to fetch the briefcase he'd set aside for this exact moment.

Two minutes later, the clone returned, holding a sleek black briefcase. Naruto opened it in front of Stussy, revealing a stack of neatly arranged bills far exceeding what had been requested.

"This is... more than we agreed upon," Stussy pointed out while raising an eyebrow.

Naruto shrugged. "Relationships like this need investments. Call it a bonus for you and the Doctor."

Stussy's blue eyes glittered with amusement. "Thirty percent more than we wanted and fifty percent more than we need," she mused, snapping the briefcase shut. "I'll make sure your generosity is appreciated."

Naruto leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "It's not about generosity. It's about keeping Vegapunk happy."

Stussy smiled and reached into her purse, producing a sleek card with an elegant black and gold design. She slid it across the table toward him. "Any trouble with the underworld? Anything at all you call me. I can handle it."

Naruto picked up the card absentmindedly, running his thumb over the embossed number. "Got it," he said, tucking the card into his pocket.

Stussy tipped her hat slightly and turned toward the door. "Until next time, Naruto." she said with her voice as smooth as silk. He had to admit she had a nice presence for being pleasant company. Although that didn't mean she wasn't dangerous, as he could sense that she was more than just a lovely face.

Naruto watched her leave, the briefcase swinging casually at her side. Once she was gone, he looked back at his new arm and flexed it again, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

---

Naruto leaned back in his chair at the cafe, flexing his new right hand absentmindedly. The sensation was surreal, and for a moment, he forgot about the world around him. But then, voices drifted over from a table nearby.

"I'm just saying, you could've told me sooner!" a frustrated man's voice said.

"I didn't think it mattered." A calm and almost bored female voice replied.

Naruto glanced toward the voices, spotting a peculiar pair seated near him. A tall, lanky man with neatly combed hair and glasses dressed in an artist's smock gestured dramatically as he spoke. Across from him sat a petite young woman with pigtails, absently stirring her drink while staring at a crumpled piece of paper.

"I just got this vacation, and now we're supposed to track down some small time pirates? Straw Hat something?" the man, Mr. 3, grumbled with clear irritation at the new orders he's received.

"Orders are orders," Miss Goldenweek said flatly. "Besides, you're on vacation."

"That doesn't mean I'm okay with being blindsided!" Mr. 3 snapped while pushing his glasses up his nose. "Why didn't you say anything the moment we got the orders?"

"I was enjoying my break," she replied simply, her tone indifferent.

Naruto sighed, rubbing his temple as their conversation buzzed in the background. He wasn't interested in the details of their squabbling vacation talk, pirate hunting, or whatever else. After all, their business had nothing to do with him.

He stood up, pushing his chair back with a faint scrape. The movement caused the two at the next table to glance his way briefly before resuming their bickering. Naruto didn't spare them another look as he adjusted his jacket and walked out of the cafe, leaving their conversation and its trivialities behind.

The only thing that mattered now was what lay, and that was finally using his new arm to its full potential.

---

Naruto strolled back into the hotel, flexing his new arm as he crossed the threshold. Trending movement, natural and fluid, still amazed him. His crew was scattered around the room, lounging after a busy afternoon.

Tama, perched on the couch with a towel wrapped around her damp hair, was the first to notice. Her eyes went wide as she pointed to the blonde. "Naruto! Your arm?!"

Yamato, who was still drying her own hair from the pool, turned sharply. "Wait, what?" She dropped her towel and stepped closer, eyes narrowing as she studied the new limb. "That's... not the same one you lost? It's different."

Page One glanced up from his seat, raising a brow. "Looks a bit too pale to be natural."

Naruto held up his right hand, wiggling his fingers with a grin. "Yep, got myself a new one. Vegapunk is smart. "

"You're telling me that crazy scientist built that thing?" Yamato asked, stepping forward and tapping the arm lightly. "Does it even work?"

Naruto smirked and clenched his fist, the sound of knuckles cracking filling the room. "It works just fine." He turned his hand over, letting the chakra flow into it for a moment as faint blue streaks pulsed beneath the artificial skin. "Feels like it's mine."

Tama leaped off the couch and ran over, her face lighting up with excitement and happiness at seeing her big brother and captain now had two arms again. "Can I see? Does it hurt? What does it feel like?"

"It doesn't hurt," Naruto said, kneeling slightly so she could get a better look at it. "Feels... normal. Better than normal, actually."

Tama poked at the arm carefully, then giggled at what she felt. "It's cold! Like ice cream!"

"Give it a second," Naruto chuckled. "It's still warming up."

Ulti stormed in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "What's all this racket? Some of us are trying to" She froze mid-sentence when she saw the new arm. Her eyes widened, and she dropped the towel while pointing at the bizarre appendage Naruto now had. "What the hell is that?"

"My new arm," Naruto said casually while lifting it for her to see. "Neat, huh?"

"Neat?" Ulti barked, marching up to him. She grabbed his wrist and pulled his arm toward her, inspecting it like a jeweler examining a diamond. "Vegapunk made this? It's freaky! Does it even have nerves?"

"Not the same way, but it works." Naruto said while yanking his hand back. "Geez Ulti, it's not a toy."

Ulti folded her arms, huffing. "Well, it's weird. But I guess if it keeps you from looking like a one-armed loser, it's fine." She grinned beneath her mask as a fact now came to mind. "Plus, now that you're no longer single-handed anymore, you can help around with the daily chores."

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," Naruto said, rolling his eyes.

Yamato chuckled and gave him a thumbs-up. "Looks like you're back at full strength, huh?"

Naruto nodded, clenching his fist again and feeling the seamless integration of the new limb. "Yeah. And I've got a feeling I'll need it soon."

The room went quiet for a moment as the gravity of his words settled in. Then Tama broke the silence, tugging at his sleeve.

"Naruto," she began, her voice soft yet firm, "you should wrap your arm up."

Naruto tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "Why? It's working fine."

Tama shook her head, her expression unusually serious. "It's not about how it works," she explained, her small hands motioning toward the arm. "If people see it, they'll ask questions. I don't want that nice doctor who helped you to get in trouble. If anyone recognizes this as Vegapunk's work..."

She trailed off, but her meaning was clear. Naruto glanced down at the artificial limb, the pale, lifelike surface glinting faintly in the light. He flexed his fingers experimentally, his gaze lingering on the intricate details of Vegapunk's science.

"You've got a point," Naruto admitted after a moment, his tone light but thoughtful. "Last thing we need is unwanted attention. I owe him for not get in trouble. When we get enough bandages for this, I will cover it."

Naruto then ruffled Tama's hair and then stepped toward the open balcony, the warm island breeze tousling his hair. The crew watched curiously as he extended his new right arm. "Let's see what this new arm of mine can really do," he muttered, holding his palm out.

A swirl of chakra began to gather, forming the familiar spinning orb of the Rasengan. For a brief moment, it seemed stable; the energy swirling perfectly until the arm twitched violently. The Rasengan wobbled, sparks flying as the sphere destabilized before fizzling out with a faint pop.

"Damn it." Naruto muttered while flexing his fingers as a red glow pulsed faintly within the artificial flesh. The glow flickered a few times before fading entirely.

"Whoa," Yamato said, stepping closer. "What was that?"

Naruto stared at the hand for a moment before sighing and letting it drop to his side. "Beggars can't be choosers. This will have to do for now, at least until I send this prototype back to Vegapunk. He'll figure it out, eventually."

"So, you're stuck with it like this?" Ulti frowned. "That's a pretty big 'for now.' What if it messes up in a fight?"

Naruto smirked. "I'll manage. At least I can use two swords again, and that's what really matters."

Page One, who had been silently observing, tilted his head. "What was with the weird red glow just now? It didn't look like normal chakra."

Naruto waved his hand dismissively. "Probably the recorder and sensor built into the arm. Vegapunk's using it to collect data so he and his satellites can improve the final product."

"Recorder?" Ulti asked, squinting suspiciously. "You're saying that thing is spying on you?"

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Not spying. It's just reading how my chakra flows and how the arm responds. Nothing shady so relax, Ulti."

She crossed her arms, unconvinced. "Better not be. I don't like the idea of some weirdo scientist poking into your business, nor ours, for that matter."

Yamato tapped her chin thoughtfully. "If it's just a prototype, you're still testing it. Couldn't it react differently in combat? Maybe it'll stabilize over time."

Naruto flexed the arm again, staring at it with a mixture of frustration and determination. "Maybe. For now, I'll just have to work with what I've got. Like always."

Tama stepped forward, her eyes wide. "So, you can't do the Rasengan yet?"

Naruto kneeled, ruffling her hair with his new hand. "Not with this right arm, Tama. But I can do it with my left hand. Might I have to train with it until I do?"

---

The week on Kyuka Island passed by in a blur of activity. Naruto spent his days adjusting to the new arm, training alongside Yamato and Tama. The crew shared moments of fleeting relaxation, but the impending journey loomed large over them. On their last day on the island, the crew gathered on the deck. Ulti leaned against the ship's mast as she checked off the supplies, and a frown creased her face.

"Captain," Ulti called out, waving a piece of parchment in the air. "We've got a problem."

Naruto looked up from where he was adjusting his arm. "What's wrong now, Ulti?"

She marched over, thrusting the list into his hands. "The supplies. We're low on oil for the lamps and a few other essentials."

Yamato, who was tying down some crates, frowned. "I thought we stocked up when we docked here?"

Page One, leaning casually against the ship's railing, shrugged. "We did. But it looks like this island isn't prepared for much outside their tourism season. They probably don't expect travelers needing more than snacks and souvenirs this time of year."

Naruto scanned the list, his brow furrowing at the news. "Great. No oil, no spares, and nothing for repairs. What else are we low on?" he really hoped it was nothing truly important they were missing.

Ulti tapped the list with her finger. "Mostly small stuff—extra rope, lamp oil, some herbs Tama wanted and a few odds and ends. Food's fine, though, so we won't starve."

Naruto let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. Let's hit the market and see what we can scrounge up. If we can't get everything, we'll make do until the next stop. We're not staying here any longer than we need to."

Splitting up to cover more ground, the crew headed into the town. While the market square boasted colorful awnings over wooden stalls, the expected bustling energy of a tourism hub was missing. The few vendors present offered trinkets, local crafts, and a smattering of fresh produce.

Naruto, flanked by Yamato and Page One, approached a stall manned by an older merchant with a weathered face and a woolen scarf wrapped around his neck. The man's smile was polite but weary as he greeted them. "Looking for something specific?"

"We're low on lamp oil," Naruto said. "And anything useful for a long voyage—rope, herbs, maybe some canvas if you've got it."

The merchant shook his head apologetically. "Afraid you're out of luck on oil. We haven't restocked since the busy season ended. Not much call for it now."

"What about rope?" Yamato asked, leaning on the counter.

"I've got a bit left," the merchant replied, pulling out a small coil. "But it's not the best quality. Most of our excellent stock goes to traders during the peak season."

Naruto frowned but handed over a few coins. "We'll take it. Anything else you think might help?"

The merchant scratched his head, glancing over his sparse inventory. "Not much, I'm afraid. This time of year, we're just waiting for the next wave of tourists to show up. Supplies are tight and most of what we've got is meant to hold us over until things pick up again."

"Figures." Page One muttered under his breath.

Naruto nodded, taking the rope and turning to his crew. "Let's check a few more stalls. We'll grab what we can and head out."

They regrouped back at the ship an hour later, their haul modest at best. Ulti crossed her arms, glaring at the small pile of supplies. "This is it? What kind of market doesn't even have basic stuff?"

"It's not their fault," Yamato said, tying the new rope to a crate. "They're just not set up for this. We'll have to make do until we can get to another town to purchase what we need."

Naruto climbed up to the helm, scanning the horizon. "We've got enough food to last until the next stop. Everything else, we'll figure out as we go. We're not staying here any longer."

As the crew hoisted the anchor and set sail, the town faded into the distance. Naruto leaned against the railing, the cool sea breeze ruffling his hair.

"We'll manage," he muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We always do."

---

The crew set sail and as the days passed, the temperatures steadily dropped. With only a limited supply of oil for the lamps, the ship's deck grew colder each night, the dim light barely enough to push back the encroaching chill. The cold seeped into the bones of most of the crew, except for Naruto and Yamato, who seemed unfazed.

Ulti stomped her feet on the frosty deck, wrapping her coat tighter around herself as she shivered a bit. "This is ridiculous! It's like living in a giant icebox!"

Tama, huddled in a blanket near the mast, nodded with chattering teeth. "It's s-so cold! I-I wish we had more oil for the lamps!"

Yamato walked by, carrying a bundle of ropes over her shoulder, her breath a cloud in the frigid air. She glanced at them with a grin. "You all need to toughen up! This is nothing compared to Kaido leaving me all winter on Onigashima rooftop at nine."

Ulti glared at her. "We're not all walking heaters, Yamato!" She shot a look at Naruto, who stood at the helm with his arms crossed and looking completely unaffected by the cold. "And don't get me started on him. It's like the cold doesn't even touch you two."

"I went to a place near the north pole once..." Naruto says with a gaze fixed on the horizon as he remembers scouring his world for any signs of survivors. "Compared to this. It's not that bad. You'll live."

The nights were the hardest. Without enough oil to keep the lamps burning brightly, the darkness felt heavier, and the chill became almost unbearable. Still, the crew managed by huddling together under blankets and coats as the ship pressed onward through the icy waters.

By the next morning, frost clung to the ship's railings, sparkling like shards of glass in the pale sunlight. The sea had turned a deep, steely gray, its waves sluggish in the biting cold.

Page One emerged from below deck, his breath visible in the crisp air. He squinted at the log pose on his wrist, tapping the glass to clear the frost clinging to its surface. "Naruto," he called, his voice carrying across the deck.

Naruto turned, his sharp eyes narrowing against the glare of the frosty morning light. "Where to?"

Page One tilted the log pose slightly, watching as the needle held steady. "Winter island. Shouldn't be far now. "

Naruto nodded, his expression steady, though his thoughts churned. "Good. Let's keep moving. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can restock and warm up."

Yamato stepped up beside him, her arms crossed. "Think they'll have what we need?"

Naruto's gaze stayed fixed on the horizon. "They'd better. We're not turning back."

Behind them, the crew worked in relative silence, the icy air sapping their usual energy. Ulti muttered under her breath as she tried to warm her hands, while Tama clung to a steaming cup of tea Ulti had brought her.

---

As the land emerged on the horizon, the crew felt a surge of excitement. White and gray peaks rose majestically, shrouded in thick mist and the sight of the island brought life back into the chilled air. Chatter echoed across the deck as the crew prepared to dock, the promise of supplies and rest stirring their spirits.

Naruto, however, didn't share their enthusiasm. His sharp senses caught something unsettling as the ship drew closer to the shore. His eyes narrowed, scanning the coastline. The small port town looked battered, its docks lined with grim-faced locals.

As Naruto guided the ship closer, intending to dock along the snow-covered shoreline, shouts suddenly rang out.

"Turn back!" a voice yelled, sharp and filled with warning.

Naruto's gaze snapped to the docks, where a group of armed villagers stood clustered together with their weapons raised and aimed at the ship. Muskets, old pistols and makeshift spears gleamed in the pale light.

"Naruto," Yamato said, stepping up beside him. "Looks like we're not getting a warm welcome."

One villager, a wiry man with a patched coat and a musket clutched in his hands, stepped forward. His voice boomed across the distance as he pointed toward the ship's mast. "Turn around! Pirates aren't welcome here!"

Naruto followed his gesture and glanced at the Jolly Roger fluttering in the chilly breeze, a vivid reminder of their identity.

Ulti leaned over the side, scowling at the armed group. "What's your problem? We're just here to restock supplies and move on!"

Another villager stepped forward, this one with a crossbow slung over his shoulder. "We don't care why you're here! We see that flag and that's all we need to know. Your pirates and pirates bring nothing but trouble!"

Naruto raised a hand to silence Ulti before she could respond with a sharp retort. He stepped toward the railing, his expression calm but firm. "We're not here to cause trouble," he called out. "We just need to dock and gather supplies. Then we'll be gone."

The villagers didn't lower their weapons, their stances stiff with tension. The man with the musket barked back, "Save your lies! We've had enough of your kind. If you try to set foot on this island, we'll shoot!"

Naruto's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. Fear and defiance etched on their faces, they resisted persuasion.

"Looks like they've already made up their minds," Page One muttered, crossing his arms.

Yamato leaned closer to Naruto, her voice low. "What's the plan? We can't just leave—we need those supplies."

Naruto stared at the villagers for a long moment, his mind working quickly. "We're not leaving yet," he said quietly, stepping back from the railing. "But we'll have to approach this differently."

The crew exchanged uncertain glances as Naruto's gaze lingered on the villagers, the tension between them and the islanders thick in the icy air. But before he could say anything else, a shot rang out.

Naruto's head whipped around as a bullet zipped through the air, narrowly missing Tama, who ducked to avoid it.

"Tama!" Yamato shouted, rushing to her side.

"I'm fine!" Tama assured, but her eyes widened as Naruto stepped forward, his face dark with anger.

The villagers hesitated, seeing the shift in his demeanor, but it was too late. Naruto brought his hands together, crossing his index and middle fingers and splitting his chakra reserves.

"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu." Naruto growled out as he showed a display of power.

The words rumbled like a storm as hundreds of clones erupted across the shoreline in a swirl of smoke. Each one stood with the same cold intensity in their eyes, surrounding the docks and startling the villagers.

"We didn't come here to fight or loot, but if you shoot at us again, I will defend my crew." Declared Naruto with a commanding voice, echoing through the bone-chilling cold, leaving no room for argument.

The villagers, surrounded by Naruto's hundreds of shadow clones, were frozen in terror as the heavy atmosphere of fear pressed down on them. The sound of the wind howling from the frozen peaks and to the island shores was the only thing breaking the silence until the crunch of heavy boots on the snow-covered ground drew everyone's attention.

An imposing figure emerged from the crowd of villagers, a tall man with slicked black hair, a sharp goatee and a fur-lined green tunic that swayed with each step. The armor plates on his arms glinted in the cold light, and a massive spade was sheathed on his back. A green and white fur-lined hat sat snugly on his head, its ear flaps framing his stern, weathered face.

Naruto's clones tensed instinctively, ready for a fight, but the man raised a hand, signaling the villagers to lower their weapons. His frustrated expression shifted into something calmer as he turned to Naruto.

"Enough," he said firmly, his voice deep and steady. He surveyed the clones with a slight scowl before letting out a measured sigh. "You've made your point."

The man took a step forward and, to the shock of the villagers, bowed deeply toward Naruto.

"Please," he said, his voice quieter but still carrying an air of authority. "Don't bring any harm to this island. I will allow you and your crew to dock and resupply here, so long as you promise not to cause trouble."

Naruto's eyes softened slightly, though his expression remained guarded. He formed a hand sign and with a faint puff of smoke, the clones vanished one by one.

Straightening his posture, Naruto locked eyes with the man. "I don't want to hurt anyone," he said firmly, his voice steady. "But I don't take kindly to people shooting at my crew. I hope we're clear on that."

"We're clear. My name is Dalton, and I'm this island's protector." The man said, standing upright. "If you keep your promise, we'll do everything we can to help you."

Naruto stepped forward, extending his hand. "Uzumaki Naruto. We're just here to stock up and rest for a bit. Kyuka Island doesn't have any wonderful stores for restocking supplies, so we came here for supplies..."

"Follow me..." Dalton says.

---

Bighorn came into view as they crested a small hill. The town's unique architecture stood out even amidst the snow-covered landscape. Most of the houses were cylindrical with conical roofs that resembled giant snowcaps, the steep angles preventing heavy snow from collapsing them. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys and faint lights glimmered through frost-covered windows, giving the town a fragile, almost magical quality.

As they entered the outskirts, villagers peered cautiously from behind curtains and partially opened doors. Dalton raised a hand in a calming gesture, his deep voice carrying over the icy wind. "It's alright! They're with me."

The tension eased slightly, though the fear in the villagers' eyes didn't completely fade. Dalton led Naruto and his crew to a large house near the center of town. It had the same conical roof as the others, but was larger, with a sturdy wooden door carved with intricate patterns.

Naruto inclined his head slightly, his gaze unreadable. His crew exchanged glances but followed without question.

The village of Big Horn was alive with activity, its citizens moving about in the cold, each bundled in thick layers to combat the frigid air. Naruto's keen eyes took in every detail, the weathered walls of the buildings, the faces of the villagers and the way they cautiously avoided his gaze.

"This land does not yet have a name," Dalton explained, his voice carrying a hint of pride despite the turmoil that lingered in the air. "We are rebuilding and one day we will give it a name worthy of its people."

Naruto's expression remained impassive, but he nodded slightly, his focus shifting to a massive bear casually strolling through the village. Several villagers froze in its presence, bowing deeply as if showing respect to a deity.

"That's a Hiking Bear," Dalton said, glancing back at Naruto. "They're harmless as long as you show proper manners."

Naruto's lips twitched in the faintest hint of amusement, but he remained silent. Ulti groaned, muttering under her breath, "This place just keeps getting weirder."

The group reached Dalton's home, a modest but sturdy building with a warm glow emanating from the windows. Dalton gestured for them to enter. "This way." he said, holding the door open.

"Come inside." Dalton urged, pushing the door open and stepping into the warm interior. A fire roared in a stone hearth, casting a golden glow over the room. He gestured for them to sit on the thick rugs spread across the floor.

Naruto hesitated, glancing at the comfortable interior. "We don't want to impose-"

"You're not imposing," Dalton interrupted firmly. "I'd rather have you here, where I can explain things properly. Besides, you've seen how the villagers are acting. Letting them stew in their fear will only make things worse."

Naruto relented with a slight nod, guiding Tama to sit near the fire. Yamato, Ulti, and Page One followed, each glancing around the room.

Dalton removed his fur-lined hat and stood near the fire with his expression grim. "A couple months ago, a group of pirates lead by a man called Blackbeard invaded the island. They stormed the island with overwhelming force, demanding we surrender our supplies and riches and the king and his men fled, abandoning us. When we resisted, they pillaged the entire country and left many of our people injured and dead."

Naruto's brows furrowed, his gaze shifting to the frost-covered windows.

"They didn't stay long." Dalton continued, gripping the hilt of the spade strapped to his back. "They took what they wanted and left us to pick up the pieces."

Naruto's jaw tightened as he absorbed the information and said, "There is something else..."

"A week ago, a man showed up. He wasn't like the others alone, not looking to fight." Dalton said with a sigh, "He asked about the Blackbeard Pirates and gave one of my men a message for you."

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "What kind of message?"

Dalton pulled two bounty posters from his coat and placed them on the table. One was Naruto's own, his name in bold beneath an image of him grinning fiercely, a bounty of 209 million berries printed with dead or alive. The other was the same, but featured a Monkey D. Luffy, with a bounty of 30 million.

"The man said to tell you and this Luffy person who he'd be waiting for you in Arabasta." Dalton said, his gaze steady, "He then did a dine and dash after that. My men reported it to me what he said and did and gave me the bounty he left behind. I am sure that was no bounty hunter..."

"Ace was here..." Naruto muttered, piecing things together, his lips curled into a grin.

Suddenly, the sound of distant shouting carried through the cold air, drawing everyone's attention. Naruto's instincts kicked in as he turned to Page One. "Get back to the ship and see what's going on. Now!"

Page One shot out the door immediately, followed closely by Yamato and Ulti. As soon as they left, wracking pain filled Naruto's body, and he grunted in pain as he slowly sat down.

"Naruto!" Tama rushed to his side, her eyes wide with worry. She reached into her pouch and pulled out a small vial of pills and a syringe. "The medicine, here!"

Naruto took the pills and let Tama inject him with the drug, his movements deliberate but tense. He swallowed the pills and inhaled the herbs deeply. The relief wasn't immediate, but his breathing steadied slightly. He rubbed his forehead, muttering, "Damn it... it's getting worse."

Dalton, who was watching, carefully crossed his arms. His sharp eyes moved from Naruto's face to his right arm, which seemed even paler under the firelight. "That arm of yours," he said cautiously. "It doesn't look natural. Pale as the snow outside. Something wrong with it?"

Naruto flexed his fingers, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "It's not the arm. It's me."

Tama added quietly, "The painkillers and drugs Crocus gave us... that was the last of them. He said they might not last this long."

Dalton's frown deepened. "If it's that bad, there's someone on this island who can help. Dr. Kureha. She's the best we have, though her methods can be... unconventional."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Unconventional how?"

Dalton smirked faintly. "You'll see. If you're willing, I can take you to her. But she doesn't work for free. She is called a witch for a reason."

"A witch?" said Naruto before he sighed heavily, glancing at Tama with a small smile. "Fine. I'll take my chances. Can't afford to let this slow me down. You'll stick close, right? I might teach you medical ninjutsu on the way."

Tama's eyes sparkled with excitement and nodded fiercely. "Of course!"

Dalton grabbed his fur-lined coat and gestured toward the door. "She lives further up the mountain in the Former King Castle. The climb's tough, but if anyone can figure out what's wrong with you, it's her. I am going to show you the peak you need to climb, but that's it."

"Wait, you won't mind telling me about this doctor I am going to see?" Naruto asked him as he stood up.

---

Yamato, Page One, and Ulti stood at the edge of the dock, their attention momentarily diverted by the commotion nearby. Two men, a young one in a straw hat and another with three swords, were demolishing a group of armed villagers who had foolishly tried to stop them. The trio exchanged a glance but said nothing, their focus pulled by a much sharper disturbance.

"Someone's on our ship," Yamato muttered, her voice low and laced with irritation.

Page One narrowed his eyes, his Observation Haki honing in. "Feels like one person. Light movements and quick."

Ulti growled with her fists tightening. "If they're touching my stuff, they're dead."

Without another word, the three bolted toward the ship, leaping aboard with practiced ease. They skidded to a stop to their eyes widening at the sight before them.

An orange-haired woman stood in the middle of the deck, her hands greedily shoving gold coins and cash into a massive duffel bag. The treasure gleamed in the dim light, remnants of the loot they had swiped from a bank in North Blue.

"Hey!" Ulti barked, her voice sharp and threatening. "Drop that, you no good thieving harlot!"

The woman froze for a split second, her head snapping up. Her wide grin faltered, but only briefly. She quickly composed herself, letting out a delighted giggle as she zipped up the bag. "I knew it!" she chirped. "My money senses were tingling the moment we docked Merry next to your ship!"

Ulti's eye twitched, her fury bubbling over. She took a step forward, rolling up her sleeves. "You've got about three seconds to put that bag down before I break every bone in your body!"

The woman, unfazed, slung the duffel bag over her shoulder. "Relax, it's just money," she said with a teasing smile.

Before Ulti could lunge, an unfamiliar voice broke through the tension.

"Nami! What are you doing?"

The trio turned to see a young man in a straw hat pulling himself up towards with an elongated arm that snapped back to its correct size as he landed on the deck, his expression a mix of exasperation and confusion. He glanced at the bag over the woman's shoulder, then at the furious crew standing before her.

"Luffy," Nami began, her tone as casual as if she were explaining a minor inconvenience. "My senses were tingling. And look!" She gestured at the bag loaded with money and gold bars, "I was right!"

Luffy blinked, clearly unimpressed. "We've got more important things to deal with, Nami! You should've been helping us!"

"I trusted you and Zoro to handle it..." Nami waved him off, rolling her eyes. " Besides, you didn't need me to fight those who shot at us after we pleaded our case. And I wasn't about to ignore a jackpot like this sitting right next to the Going Merry."

Ulti took a threatening step forward, cutting off their exchange. "I don't care what your 'senses' told you! That's our loot, and if you think you're walking off this ship with it, then you're dead wrong!"

Nami's hands trembled slightly as she clutched the sack of loot. Her lips tightened into a line, defiance flickering in her eyes as she glanced toward Luffy, who stood motionless between her and Ulti. His posture was calm, but his words carried an unmistakable weight.

"Drop it, Nami," Luffy ordered, his tone even but firm.

"But Luffy!" Nami protested, her voice rising in desperation. "We are going to need this! Look at how much-"

Luffy's sharp gaze cut through her words. "Now."

For a moment, Nami hesitated. Her fingers clung stubbornly to the sack's fabric, her mind racing. Then, with a frustrated growl, she yanked the bag open and dumped its contents onto the deck. Gold Bars, wads of cash spilled out and a pile of coins clinked and rustling as they scattered.

"Fine!" she snapped, crossing her arms and glaring at the treasure at her feet. "There, it's all yours!"

Ulti stepped forward, her anger replaced by a smirk of disdain. "You think that's enough?" she said, crouching and scooping up a glittering gold bar. She held it up before tossing it carelessly back into the pile. "Put it all back where it came from."

Nami's face darkened. "What?"

"You heard me," Ulti said, straightening. Her sharp gaze locked onto Nami's. "Every coin, every gold bar, every piece of cash. Back in its place."

Nami glanced at Luffy, silently begging for a reprieve. But his expression was unreadable, his silence an unmistakable sign of his agreement.

With a sigh of pure frustration, Nami kneeled and began gathering the treasure. Ulti loomed over her, arms crossed, ensuring every piece returned to the exact spot it had been taken from.

"You're a real piece of work," Nami muttered under her breath, sliding a bundle of cash back into a crate.

"Careful, thief," Ulti said with a sneer, "or I'll make you wish you hadn't touched my stuff in the first place."

As the last coin clinked into its rightful place, Nami stood, brushing her hands on her clothes. Her defiance returned, though tempered by the sting of humiliation. Luffy watched her quietly before turning to Ulti.

"She's done," he said simply.

Ulti huffed, casting a final glare at Nami before turning away. "Good. Now get off our ship before I change my mind."

Nami shot one last look at Luffy, her eyes brimming with frustration and guilt, before retreating to join him. As she was about to disembark, Ulti's voice sliced through the calm like a whip crack. "Thieving bitch."

Nami froze, her fists clenching. Luffy turned sharply, his eyes narrowing in warning, but before he could speak, there was a blur of movement.

Thwack!

Ulti staggered forward with a yelp as Yamato's studded Kanabo connected with the back of her head. Not hard enough to do damage, but certainly enough to sting.

Ulti whirled around, rubbing the back of her skull with an indignant glare. "Yamato! What the hell?"

"Watch your mouth," Yamato said, her voice calm but edged with reproach. She hefted her club onto her shoulder, fixing Ulti with a steely look before turning toward Luffy. "Sorry about that. She's got a temper."

Luffy's eyes burned with barely restrained anger, but after a tense moment and with all of his might, the tension in his shoulders eased. "If she calls Nami that word again, I am gonna send her flying," he growled, grabbing Nami's arm and steering her down the gangplank.

"Luffy, are you gonna let them call me that!" Nami mutters with a shocked expression as she dragged away.

"Vivi is sick now..." Luffy told her with a huff, "And the much bigger lady apologized to us... she is nice, and I don't want to fight her."

As Nami and Luffy were stepping off the ship, a commotion caught everyone's attention. A blond man in a neatly pressed black suit emerged from the shadows of the dock, carrying a young woman with blue in his arms. Her pale complexion and labored breathing painted a grim picture of her condition. Behind him trudged a lanky man with a long nose, his hands fumbling nervously as he kept pace.

The blond man's eyes darted toward the ship, his expression torn between urgency and frustration. His voice was smooth but tinged with concern as he called out, "Luffy! We can't waste time here!"

The long-nosed man chimed in with his voice shaky as he adjusted the bandolier slung over his shoulder. "She's getting worse! If we don't find help soon..."

Luffy turned back toward them, his face hardening as he saw the state of the woman in the blond man's arms. His straw hat cast a shadow over his eyes as he barked, "Nami!"

Nami flinched at the sharpness in his tone, her shoulders tensing. "What?"

"You should've been taking care of Vivi!" Luffy snapped, pointing toward the unconscious woman. "You're the smartest one out of all of us! How could you leave her like that?"

Nami's face fell, her earlier confidence crumbling under the weight of his words. She glanced at Vivi, guilt flashing in her eyes as she muttered, "I am sorry..."

"That's not good enough!" Luffy yelled with his voice full of frustration. "She needed you!"

The blond man stepped forward, his usual flirtatious demeanor replaced with a rare seriousness. "Enough Luffy." he said, his tone firm but respectful. "This isn't helping her."

Nami looked down, her grip slacking on the strap of her bag as she dropped it. Her voice was barely audible as she whispered, "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have done that..."

The long-nosed man nodded awkwardly, adjusting his snow hat as he said, "We'll need to find a doctor soon. She won't make it like this."

---

Naruto stood at the edge of the cliff, his gaze locked onto the scene below. The tension between the two crews crackled like static in the cold air. The orange-haired woman had dropped her stolen loot, but the atmosphere remained charged, her actions doing little to ease the unease on either side. Naruto exhaled softly, the breath fogging briefly in the chill before dissipating.

With no sound, he moved.

The air itself seemed to ripple as Naruto vanished from the cliff. He descended with demonic speed, a blur of motion so fast it was almost imperceptible. He landed on the snow-blanketed ground, his movement so controlled that the surface beneath his feet remained undisturbed.

The reaction was immediate.

The moss-haired swordsman stiffened, his hand immediately darting to the hilt of his blade. His sharp eyes widened for the briefest moment, betraying his shock before narrowing into a glare. A cold bead of sweat traced its way down his temple, the first crack in his otherwise stoic demeanor.

The blond man in the black suit froze mid-stride, his usual confident smirk wiped away as he stared at Naruto with an expression teetering between awe and unease. His hands tightened instinctively around the fragile figure in his arms, an unconscious girl with blue hair, her pale complexion and shallow breaths revealing the severity of her condition.

The boy in the straw hat blinked in surprise as the figure appeared before them, as if out of nowhere. His grin faltered for the briefest of moments, replaced by wide-eyed astonishment. He tensed instinctively, his body coiling as though preparing for the unknown. But just as quickly as the tension came, it melted away, replaced by express pure wonder. A grin split his face again, this time wider, his eyes sparkling with unrestrained excitement.

"Whoa! Where did you come from?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising with awe. He leaned forward slightly, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet as he stared at the man before him. "Did you just—just appear? Like, out of thin air? That was awesome!"

The swordsman beside him stiffened, his hand hovering near his blade as his sharp eyes darted toward the stranger. The blond man carrying the unconscious girl shifted uneasily, his jaw tight as he studied the man's sudden appearance. Their wariness hung heavy in the air, but the boy in the straw hat didn't seem to notice—or if he did, he didn't care.

"You didn't even make a sound!" the boy continued, his grin unwavering. "And no footprints!" He crouched down suddenly, his face close to the snow as he inspected the unmarked ground where the man stood. "How'd you do that? Are you some kind of ninja? Or—wait—is it magic? Can you teach me?!"

One of his crewmates hissed his name sharply, but the boy waved them off, straightening up and stepping closer to the man. The contrast between his childlike enthusiasm and the tense caution of his companions was stark, as though he were completely unaffected by the stranger's imposing presence.

Naruto didn't move, his piercing blue eyes scanning the group with calm, unhurried precision. He didn't look directly at the boy, but the weight of his presence was enough to command attention. His silence seemed deliberate, a choice that only added to the air of mystery surrounding him.

The boy tilted his head, his grin widening even further. "You're really quiet. Are you one of those mysterious types? All cool and secretive? Man, I've met a lot of people, but you're on a whole other level!" He jabbed a thumb at his chest, his voice rising with excitement. "Seriously, though, how'd you do that? Was it like, super speed? Or teleportation? Or—oh, man, do you have some kind of Devil Fruit power?!"

Another crewmate muttered under their breath, clearly frustrated by the boy's lack of restraint. One of them even tried to grab his arm, but he shook them off with a laugh, his boundless energy unrelenting.

Naruto's gaze shifted ever so slightly, just enough to acknowledge the boy without fully engaging him. His expression remained impassive, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—amusement, perhaps, or maybe curiosity. Whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it had come, leaving the boy as animated as ever.

"Come on, don't leave me hanging!" the boy said, throwing his arms wide in mock frustration. "I've gotta know how you did that! That was so cool!"

Naruto straightened slowly, his piercing blue eyes cutting across the gathered crew like the edge of a blade. His gaze lingered briefly on each of the strangers before shifting to his own crew. Yamato, Page One and Ulti blinked in surprise. Even Page One the most composed of the trio shifted uncomfortably under the weight of Naruto's presence. Ulti opened her mouth as if to make a snide remark but the words died on her lips, her instincts screaming at her to hold her tongue.

Naruto's voice broke the silence, calm yet carrying an unshakable authority. "Get what we have left from the storage," he ordered. There was no question, no hesitation, only a command that brooked no defiance.

Then he moved again.

To everyone's eyes, he vanished.

In the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind the moss-haired swordsman. Halfway drawing his remaining blade, the green-haired man spun on instinct, stopping dead as his eyes locked on Naruto.

It was clear why he hesitated; Naruto stood there, holding two swords. Perfectly balanced in his grasp, the weapons gleamed in the pale light of the cold afternoon. The swordsman's breath hitched as he realized Naruto had taken them without so much as a whisper of sound.

Naruto's sharp gaze went over the blades, his touch almost reverent as he inspected them with an intimacy that only a master could possess. His fingers brushed along the steel with practiced ease, his eyes tracing every line and curve. He tilted one of the swords slightly, letting the light dance across its surface.

"This is the Sandai Kitetsu," Naruto said softly with his voice carrying easily over the tense silence. "Just like the others, they are cursed blades..."

His gaze shifted to the other sword and his expression softened as if recognizing an old friend. "And this... is the Wado Ichimonji."

Memories flooded Naruto's mind as he remembered Kozuki Sukiyaki's lessons, the old smith's skillful hands and hammer shaping the steel of the blade and his deep respect for the very weapons Naruto now grasped. "These are Sukiyaki-san's work." Naruto whispered in amazement more to himself than anyone else. "I know this... thanks to how much he told me about them."

The moss-haired swordsman's glare deepened while his jaw tightened. "Put those down," he said with his voice steady, though his knuckles whitened on the hilt of his remaining sword.

Naruto tilted his head slightly, curiosity glinting in his sharp blue eyes. "You wield them well," he said after a moment, his tone neutral but not unkind. Without waiting for a response, he moved, vanishing in a flicker of speed so sudden it left no time for reaction.

The moss-haired swordsman barely had a chance to blink before he felt the weight of his swords return to his hips. His hand darted to his side, confirming both blades were back in their sheaths. The faint hum of steel settling into place echoed in his ears, a mocking reminder of how effortlessly Naruto had disarmed and rearmed him.

His eyes snapped to Naruto, his glare sharpening with defiance, but his body remained frozen in place. He couldn't hide the faint tremor in his hand as he gripped the hilt of his third sword.

Naruto stood a few paces away, unbothered and composed, while brushing snow from his hands as though he had simply finished an unimportant task. His piercing gaze shifted from the swordsman to the rest of the crew.

The straw-hatted boy stared at him, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by an intense, focused expression. His eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw tightening as he sized Naruto up. There was no fear in his stance, only a sharp, almost primal awareness of the power standing before him. His voice was low but firm as he muttered, "He's strong..."

The blond man holding the unconscious girl tightened his grip on her, his jaw clenching as he adjusted her weight in his arms. His eyes locked onto Naruto with a mix of wariness and calculated caution, as though bracing for a threat he knew he couldn't counter.

Naruto's gaze lingered on the girl for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he spoke, his voice calm yet cutting through the silence like a blade. "You need a doctor."

The blond man blinked, his tension spiking. "What did you-"

"The only doctor on this island lives on Drum Rock," Naruto continued, cutting him off. "The climb is impossible for most without the Drum Ropeway." He glanced briefly at the girl then back at the blond man and the straw-hatted boy. "If you're serious about saving her, you'll need to make it there fast. Her life force is fading fast..."

"Someone's life is at stake..."Naruto thought as he tilted his head and then paused as a familiar jolt hit him, signaling that one of his shadow clones had dispelled. The natural energy it had gathered flooded back into him, giving him what he needed for Sage Mode. His hands flexed briefly, and he exhaled deeply, focusing on the task at hand. Then he made his decision. This wasn't the time for half-measures.

Drawing on the natural energy now swirling within him, Naruto activated his Sage Mode, the orange pigmentation around his eyes intensifying as his blue eyes shifted color.

"I haven't used this since Kaido..." he muttered under his breath, his chakra network flaring as he prepared himself for what came next. Gate by gate, he began to pry open the internal limiters in his chakra pathways, a risky yet necessary move to amplify his strength for what was needed to be done.

"SAGE ART: TRANSCENDENT GATES!"

In an instant, Naruto's body surged with raw chakra output doubling then tripling, then quadrupling and continuing even more. The surrounding air crackled with chakra, snow whipping into spirals as the sheer force of his transformation distorted the surroundings.

Before anyone could react, Naruto disappeared in a blur.

The next thing they knew, the blonde man in suit was hoisted off the ground, still clutching the sick girl. "What the—!" he yelled in alarm, tightening his grip on the unconscious girl to ensure she didn't slip.

Naruto appeared again, holding him, this time with a terrified Tama securely in his other arm.

"Hold tight!" Naruto barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. In one swift motion, he is much taller than stature, also grabbing the straw hat boy as well, looping his arm around the straw-hatted boy's waist.

"The captain should be there for the sick person he is responsible for..."Naruto thought as he felt the straw hat struggle in his grip.

"Sanji!" shouted the orange-haired woman in alarm at the blonde-haired dude in a suit as she pulled a Bo staff out.

"Luffy!" yelled the moss haired swordman as he drew out his swords.

"Whoa!" Luffy exclaimed, his surprise quickly turning into a bit of fear. "What are we doing?"

Ignoring the comment, Naruto bent his knees, gathering all the energy into his legs before propelling himself skyward with a force that shattered the ground beneath them. The impact left a crater in the snow-covered ground, ice and stone spraying outward in all directions.

Sanji's yell of shock mingled with the roaring wind as they ascended rapidly, the entire mountain range shrinking beneath them. Luffy initial fear was replaced by a whoop of laughter, clearly enjoying the ride, while Tama, in shock from this fear, pressed her face into Naruto's chest to shield her from the cold.

The biting winds of Drum Island tore at them as they hurtled upward, but Naruto's Senjutsu chakra with his gates open acted as a shield, cutting through the elements like a blade. Far above, the imposing silhouette of the Drum Castle loomed into view, a towering structure of stone and ice, its spires clawing at the gray sky like talons.

"The castle," Naruto said through gritted teeth, his voice steady despite the strain on his body. His chakra was holding steady for now, but using the Transcendent Gates for this long in his condition was taking its toll. "We're almost there."

But the strain of the Transcendent Gates, combined with the sheer effort of the jump began to take its toll. His chakra output faltered just as they closed the distance to the castle. Naruto realized too late that his trajectory was off.

"Uh-oh," he muttered as his enhanced senses registered the wall of solid stone rushing toward him at an alarming speed.

"WATCH OUT!" Sanji yelled, his voice filled with panic.

In an instant, the group smashed directly into the side of the castle with an earth-shaking crash. The sound of cracking stone and a muffled yell echoed through the snowy mountains as Naruto's body hit the wall headfirst, leaving a large, Naruto-shaped dent in the stone.

Luffy burst out laughing even as the group tumbled down onto a lower balcony in a heap. "That was AMAZING! Do it again!"

Naruto groaned, his face still partially embedded in the stone wall. Slowly pulling himself free he stumbled back while shaking snow off his head as his chakra aura flickered.

"Not... my best landing," he admitted with a groan and a sheepish smile, rubbing a lump forming on his forehead.

Sanji scrambled to his feet, glaring at Naruto. "Not your best landing?!" he snapped, gesturing to Vivi, who he cradled in his arms, still unconscious but miraculously unharmed. "You nearly killed us and Vivi!"

Naruto waved him off with a weak grin. "She's fine. You're fine. I'm fine. We're here. No harm done."

Luffy laughed even harder, doubling over as he slapped his knees. "You're crazy! But that was so cool!"

"You've got some nerve crashing into my castle like that!"

Naruto winced, his hand still rubbing the lump on his forehead from the crash. He turned slowly along with Luffy, Sanji and the groggy Tama to see a figure sauntering into the room.

Dr. Kureha was every bit as striking as her reputation suggested. Her slender frame moved with a confidence that belied her advanced age, and her outfit made her look like she belonged at a wild party rather than in a castle atop a freezing mountain. A purple blazer with bold yellow lines framed her figure, while low-riding pants hugged her hips, one leg adorned with a pink design. Her white shirt, bearing a cherry blossom emblem, was cropped just enough to expose her navel and its sparkling ring.

Perched on her forehead were a pair of tiny sunglasses, her sharp scrutinizing eyes peering over them as she scanned the destruction Naruto had left behind. Her face was well-wrinkled, speaking to a life lived fully yet there was a vibrancy in her gaze that seemed to challenge time itself. She adjusted the bracelets on her left wrist before pressing her hands on forehead and glaring at them with an expression that was anything but amused.

"That wall has been standing longer than most of you have been alive," she remarked dryly, her tone laced with a mix of irritation and mockery. "And now it has a giant hole shaped like... you." Her eyes settled on Naruto, her lips curling into a sly grin. "What kind of idiot tries to land headfirst? Are you a bird or just plain stupid?"

Luffy burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "He did hit it pretty hard! He is pretty stupid."

Sanji chuckles before saying, "Luffy, I don't think you are in a position to talk."

Naruto glared at Luffy before sighing. "Why is your hospital out of reach from everyone?"

Kureha's sharp gaze flickered to Vivi, and her expression softened slightly, though she maintained her blunt tone. "Hmph. And this is the girl you're trying to save, I assume?"

Sanji stepped forward, his voice pleading. "Yes! Please, she's barely holding on. Can you help her?"

Kureha studied Vivi for a moment before sighing dramatically and waving them forward. "Bring her over here. Let's see if she's worth the trouble of patching up my wall."

As Sanji carefully placed Vivi on the examination table, Kureha rolled up her sleeves and began working, her movements precise and efficient. "Typical people," she muttered. "Always barging in, causing a mess and expecting me to clean it up."

Luffy tilted his head, watching her with interest. "Are you really a doctor, old lady? You don't look like any doctor I've ever seen!"

Naruto winced, whispering urgently, "Brat, don't-"

Kureha turned her sharp gaze on Luffy, her smirk widening. "Old lady? You'd better hope I'm a good doctor brat because I just might decide to prescribe you a fist to the face!"

Luffy blinked, then grinned widely. "You're funny! I like you!"

Kureha rolled her eyes, returning her attention to Vivi. "What I don't like is people crashing into my home and interrupting my peace." She shot a pointed glance at Naruto. "Next time, take the ropeway like a normal person."

Naruto sighed. "Noted but I am not a normal person."

As the tension began to ease, Tama spoke up and sat up groggily as she pulled herself up. "Naruto... did we make it?" she murmured, her voice small.

Naruto crouched next to her, his expression softening. "Yeah, we made it. Just rest for now, okay? I can ask the doctor to give you a few pointers about learning medicine before I teach in medical ninjutsu."

Tama nodded weakly, leaning against him for support as Kureha glanced at them before continuing her work on Vivi.

The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the occasional mutter from Kureha as she examined her patient. Kureha worked with quick precision, muttering under her breath about the state of her patient. Her tools clinked softly against each other, the only sound breaking the tense stillness. Occasionally, she paused to bark orders, "Hold that light steady, you idiot!"

Earning a muffled "Yes, ma'am!" from Sanji, who hovered nervously nearby.

Finally, Kureha leaned back, her work done for the moment. Her sharp eyes scanned Vivi's pale face as she wiped her hands on a cloth. You were lucky to get her here when you did. She will live, but her recovery will take time.

Sanji let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Thank you... thank you so much." His voice cracked slightly, the strain of the past few days evident.

Kureha waved him off with a flick of her wrist, her smirk returning. "Don't thank me yet. I'm not done patching her up." She tossed the sweat-streaked cloth into a basin, the sound echoing in the quiet room. "And anyway, I don't work for free. So don't get too comfortable."

Naruto shifted where he sat, his breathing growing ragged as exhaustion and pain began to crash over him in waves. His chakra network screamed in protest, overworked and on the brink of collapse. He clenched his jaw, trying to stave off the inevitable, but his body betrayed him.

With a low groan, he wavered and slumped forward, catching himself on one knee before collapsing entirely. The motion drew everyone's attention, and Tama's weak voice trembled as she called out. "Naruto?"

Kureha's sharp gaze snapped to him. "Oh, for crying out loud. What's wrong with you now?" She was already on her feet, her medical kit in hand as she crossed the room.

Naruto forced himself upright, his left hand clutching his stomach as he growled in pain. "I... overdid it... I just need a good nap and I will be all right. " His vision blurred, and he swayed again, nearly pitching forward.

Kureha crouched beside him in an instant, muttering condition colorful curses under her breath as she examined him. "Pulse is erratic, muscles spasming... You're running on fumes, kid. What the hell have you done to yourself?"

Her hands froze mid-motion when her eyes landed on his right arm. The color, texture, and even the way it felt were all wrong, mismatched with the rest of his battered body. She grabbed his wrist, turning it over with a scrutinizing frown. "What's this supposed to be? This forearm doesn't match the rest of you."

Naruto grunted, trying to pull his arm back, but his strength was fading fast. "Lost my original forearm in a battle. This one was made for me by Vegapunk on my request."

Her eyes widened as she inspected the arm more. "This... this is a lineage factor experiment, isn't it? This is Vegapunk's work?" she murmured, a mix of awe and concern in her voice. She quickly reached for her medical kit, pulling out the most powerful anesthesia she had.

"Hold still," she instructed, pressing the anesthesia into Naruto's arm. Almost immediately, the pain began to fade, and Naruto's vision started to blur with vibrant colors swirling around him. He let out a relieved sigh, his body relaxing as the anesthesia took effect.

"Thank you." he whispered, his voice barely audible. She nodded, determination hardening her features.

"Don't worry. I'll do everything I can to keep you alive," she replied, her hands already moving as she checked his temperature. The colors continued to dance in Naruto's vision, a strange but comforting sight as he slowly drifted to relaxed and drowsy.

As Naruto began to relax, Kureha turned her attention to Tama, who was watching with wide, curious eyes.

"You want to learn about medicine, huh?" she asked, a small smile playing on her lips. " I heard you and him talking about it. Well, it's not easy, I can teach you a thing or two."

Tama nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with determination. "I'll do my best!"

"Good," she replied, her smile widening. "Let's start with the basics. First, you need to understand how the body works and how to treat fresh injuries. It's a lot to learn, but I think you can handle it."

Naruto, still half-conscious, mumbled, "Teach her well, Granny Tsunade. I'll pay you thirty million berries if you do." With that, he drifted back into a deep sleep, his snores filling the room.

Kureha chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Thirty million berries, huh? Well, I suppose that's a fair price for an excellent education. Alright, Tama, let's get started." The room filled with a sense of hope and determination as they began their lessons, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After a moment, Kureha stood up and motioned for Tama to follow her. "Come with me," she said, leading the way. "There's someone you should meet. He is around your age, but shy."

---

Zoro sat slumped in the snow, his hands bound tightly behind his back with rough, coarse rope. His body ached, every muscle screaming in protest from the brutal fight. Blood trickled down the corner of his mouth, a reminder of the last devastating blow that had brought him to his knees. The cold air stung his exposed skin, but he barely noticed. His mind was consumed by the memories of the battle, a vivid, unrelenting replay of his defeat. The promise to Luffy broken...

It had started with his charge and demanding the crew to hand Luffy back, he rushed in blades flashing, his usual confidence unshaken by the odds. His opponent called Page One had met him head-on, wielding that massive axe and hammer as if they weighed nothing. The first exchange had been fierce, Zoro's swords clashing against the monstrous weapons in a flurry of sparks and steel..

Page One had pressed him relentlessly, forcing Zoro onto the defensive with every crushing swing. The combination of the axe and hammer was unlike anything Zoro had faced before, one weapon keeping him at bay while the other came crashing down like a wrecking ball. Every time Zoro thought he saw an opening, it was snatched away in an instant.

Zoro could recall the moment it had all turned against him. His arms had been shaking from the force of deflecting blow after blow, his strength ebbing as his opponent remained as unyielding as ever. Page One's hammer had come down with terrifying speed, and though Zoro managed to block it, the impact had shattered his stance, leaving him wide open. The follow-up strike from the flat side axe had slammed into his side, sending him sprawling into the snow with a grunt of pain.

Even then, Zoro had tried to get up, his fingers clawing at his swords, determination burning in his eyes. But Page One had stepped forward, his massive frame looming over him, and swung both weapons at once. Zoro had managed to raise his swords in a last-ditch effort to block, but the sheer force of the impact had overwhelmed him. His weapons had been knocked from his hands, the treasured blades landing in the snow several feet away.

He'd collapsed, his vision swimming, the taste of blood filling his mouth as he struggled to push himself up. But Page One had kicked him down with a heavy boot, pinning him to the ground with ease. "Stay down," the masked man had said, his tone cold and final.

Now, Zoro sat bound and weaponless, his swords confiscated and slung over the shoulder of the older man named Dalton who was not pleased with them, who stood nearby glaring at him and the others. Zoro's frustration boiled beneath the surface; his jaw clenched tightly as he tested the bindings around his wrists. They didn't budge.

"Damn monsters," Zoro growled under his breath, his sharp eyes snapping toward the trio who stood nearby. Page One stood with his weapons at his The horned woman called Ulti leaned against a boulder, her Morningstar resting on her shoulder as she smirked at the defeated crew. The third, the tall woman who had yawned through most of the fight, stood casually to the side, her hands on her hips, looking more bored than anything else.

Zoro pulled at the ropes again, his muscles straining against the bindings. His defeat gnawed at him, but he forced the frustration down. He had to think, to stay focused. Luffy, Sanji, and Vivi were still out there, and he wasn't about to sit idly by while they were in danger.

Nearby, Nami's voice broke through the silence, trembling with desperation. "A weirdo took them! Luffy, Sanji, and Vivi, they're gone!" She sobbed, her tears freezing against her cheeks as she buried her face in her hands.

"Would you shut up?!" Ulti snapped, as she shook the snow out of her blue and pink hair as she leaned against a post, arms crossed. Her tone was sharp, but there was a flicker of defensiveness beneath her fiery exterior. "Our captain isn't some weirdo!"

Yamato shot a glance at Nami. "Start calling Naruto more names and you'll see how much weirder things can get for you."

Dalton pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly as if wrangling his patience. His eyes flickered between the restrained Nami and Zoro. "Why did you attack the patrol men? Explain."

Nami sniffled, her voice cracking. "We had no choice! We asked for a safe harbor for our sick friend, and they just... started shooting at us!"

"Where's your sick friend?" Dalton's question was curt, his jaw set in a way that made it clear he expected answers, and fast.

Page One let out a weary sigh, slumping. His expression betrayed none of his usual coolness. "She's telling the truth. Our captain did take her... and the two of their crew." He hesitated, his tone softening. "But where?"

The silence that followed was heavy, only broken by Dalton muttering a low curse under his breath. he snapped, "Cut them loose. I know where your captain's headed..."

"Take them," Dalton said, his tone still cold but with a hint of respect. "You've earned that much."

Zoro's eyes flicked between the older man and his swords, suspicion flashing across his face. He didn't like being underestimated, and he definitely didn't like the idea of being pitied. But he also wasn't about to refuse the return of his weapons. He tilted his head slightly, gesturing toward his bound hands. "You gonna untie me, or am I supposed to use my teeth?"

Dalton's mouth twitched, not quite a smile, but something close to amusement. He kneeled down and pulled a knife from his belt, cutting through the ropes with swift, practiced movements. The bindings fell away, and Zoro immediately stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders to shake off the stiffness. His fingers twitched as he reached out and took his swords, the familiar weight of the blades instantly grounding him.

Dalton stepped back, watching as Zoro slid the swords into their sheaths with practiced ease. "Stay on your ship," Dalton repeated, his voice firm. "If you value your lives, don't make me regret giving those back."

Zoro stood slowly, towering slightly over Dalton as he adjusted the position of his swords. His glare was as sharp as the blades at his hip, but he didn't draw them. Instead, he turned to glance at Nami and Usopp, who were still seated in the snow, their expressions a mix of frustration and unease.

"Get up," Zoro said gruffly, jerking his head toward their ship. "We're heading to the ship and staying there until Luffy comes back."

Nami's eyes widened in surprise. "What? We can't just leave! Luffy and the others—"

"I know," Zoro interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "But we're not doing them any favors by rushing in blind. We'll figure this out. For now, we're regrouping."

Usopp looked between Zoro and Dalton nervously, his hands trembling slightly. "You really think they'll let us leave just like that?" he muttered, his voice shaky.

"They will," Zoro said confidently, his eyes locking onto Dalton. The older man didn't flinch, his expression unreadable, but he gave a small nod, silently confirming Zoro's words.

Dalton stepped aside, gesturing toward the direction of the harbor. "Go. Don't make me regret this."

---

Hidan strode across the frozen sea, each step sending ripples through the frigid water before it splintered beneath him. The wind howled, icy and relentless but he pressed on unbothered by the cold biting at his skin. His dark cloak flared behind him, the crimson clouds emblazoned on it stark against the desolate expanse of white. His grin was sharp, almost predatory as he followed the trail of residual power.

The lingering trace of Jashin's power hung in the air, faint but intoxicating, like the ghost of a prayer unanswered. Hidan's crimson eyes gleamed with zeal as he closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the connection. Each step brought him closer to his God.

In the distance a land of snow and stone loomed, its peaks jagged and shrouded in mist. A biting wind carried the smell of snow, faint yet tantalizing, but it wasn't in his taste. Hidan chuckled darkly, licking his off what remained of his lips after the years being buried alive before he felt a fresh surge of power, a burst of chakra unlike any other.

His grin widened and his teeth bared in a wicked smile. "Uzumaki Naruto." he muttered, his voice a reverent whisper laced with malice. The chakra was raw, familiar and impossible to mistake.

A flicker of motion drew his attention. Far ahead, a ship cut through the icy waters, its polished hull gleaming faintly in the dim light. Its gaudy design and flashy embellishments seemed almost out of place amidst the stark white landscape, but it only added to Hidan's growing amusement.

"Perfect timing," he mused, his voice laced with twisted glee. His gaze flickered between the approaching ship and the distant peaks where power called to him like a hymn. "This is gonna be fun."

---

- Naruto's Home Dimension: Earth -

Black Zetsu felt it again, the second surge of Naruto Uzumaki's chakra in the seven years he was sent away. It cut through the air like a blade, bright and overbearing for a moment pinpointing his location to those who sought this chakra signature. His swirling black form twisted in joy as he located where exactly he is this time. But something else caught his attention, lingering close to the familiar energy.

"Hidan is also close by... wasn't he meant to tell me the moment he found him?"thought Black Zetsu as he weighed his options, time pressing against him like a vice.

Turning his attention to Madara's lifeless body, Zetsu's amorphous tendrils slithered toward the corpse. It lay still in the snow, grotesquely incomplete, with Kaguya's arm, the only piece of his mother he had left, attached to where the forearm had once been. The arm twitched faintly, the residue of Kaguya's power leaking into the air like venom.

"No time to waste," Zetsu muttered, wrapping himself around the corpse.

With a forceful push, he activated the power within Kaguya's arm. The air shimmered unnaturally, bending and warping as space itself began to fracture. A jagged tear opened in reality, a rift carved by the ancient energy of the Ōtsutsuki.

Stepping through with Madara's form in tow, Zetsu emerged into a snow-filled landscape. Icy winds howled through the air, but his focus remained unwavering. Kaguya's arm twitched again, this time violently, and Madara's eyes snapped open, the Sharingan gleaming before warping into the haunting ripple of the Rinnegan.

"Good," Zetsu hissed.

But before he could take another step, the snowstorm twisted unnaturally behind him. A new portal opened, wild, chaotic, and beyond his control.

"What?!" he barked, his grip on Madara's body tightening. The space-time vortex swallowing him before he could resist.

When the world settled, the biting chill was replaced by oppressive humidity. Towering trees loomed overhead, their roots twisting through the ground like serpents. Black Zetsu hissed as he clung tightly to Madara's body, taking in the unfamiliar jungle.

A cloaked figure stood nearby, their posture impossibly relaxed. The edges of their hood cast a shadow over their face, but the faint light of the portal reflected a mocking grin.

"You think I'll let this happen?" the figure said, their voice calm yet commanding. "Uzumaki Naruto and you will not fight today. I need him in the future. And as much as I hate you, Black Zetsu, I need you too."

Black Zetsu's tendrils bristled on Madara's body. "Who the hell are you?! And where are we?!"

The figure gave a mocking bow, their hands moving with exaggerated elegance. "I am going to enjoy this, my little black pawn. I'm going to use you, just as you have used others. The difference is, you'll be fully aware of it... and unable to stop it. Poetic justice for what you've done to my world."

"My world?" Zetsu spat, his face turning into one of anger. "You make no sense!"

The figure chuckled, their voice dripping with mockery. "This Island is called Little Garden. As for who I am? My last name is Musasabi. That's all you get. I'm not telling you my first name."

Zetsu's sharp gaze darted around the dense jungle. The ground beneath him trembled as colossal shapes moved through the underbrush. Massive, reptilian eyes glinted in the shadows, their owners inching closer with predatory intent.

A roar shattered the tense air as a towering dinosaur burst through the trees. Its jagged teeth gleamed, a snarl curling its lips as it charged. More of its kind emerged, their massive forms shaking the jungle with every step.

Zetsu didn't hesitate. "You should've stayed away," he growled, raising Kaguya's arm. From his hand, bolts of white bone erupted, tearing through the air after the air crackled with the power of decay.

With unerring precision, the bone projectiles struck the beasts. Upon contact, their devastating effect became clear. Muscle withered, scales crumbled, and bone disintegrated to ash. The dinosaurs barely had time to cry out before they were reduced to nothing but dust, scattered on the jungle floor.

But the cloaked figure stood untouched, having evaded the attack with ease. His movements had been almost playful, as if he was toying with Black Zetsu.

"Impressive as usual," the figure said, their tone tinged with amusement. "But predictable."

Black Zetsu snarled, his form writhing with anger. "Who are you to toy with me?!"

The figure smirked beneath his hood, stepping forward. "I told you, didn't I? I'm much stronger than Uzumaki Naruto is right now... if I let my guard down, you can kill me. But that is not going to happen."

A low chuckle escaped Black Zetsu, his black mass undulating with sinister glee. The sound grew louder, reverberating through the jungle until it erupted into full-throated laughter. The jungle seemed to recoil at the malevolent sound, the nearby creatures fleeing into the dense underbrush.

Musasabi's stance remained calm, but his eyes narrowed as unease rippled through him. He tightened his fists beneath his cloak, his instincts telling him that something monumental was about to happen.

"Do you really think you can outmaneuver me?" Black Zetsu growled, his voice dripping with derision. "Do you think you've prepared for this?"

The lifeless body of Madara stirred, its limbs twitching as Kaguya's arm spasmed with uncontrollable energy. Black Zetsu poured his essence into the corpse, and for the first time in centuries, he allowed himself to unleash his full potential.

The jungle trembled as a colossal surge of chakra burst forth, warping the air with its intensity. Trees bent and cracked under the pressure, their ancient trunks splitting apart. Above, the sky darkened unnaturally, swirling with black and crimson energy.

Then, like a titan rising from the depths of hell, a Perfect Susanoo took shape.

The spectral figure towered over the jungle, its luminous blue glow casting long shadows across the terrain. It dwarfed even the ancient trees of Little Garden, standing more than ten times taller than the nearby giants. The energy radiating from its form was unlike anything seen before, a mix of Madara's Six Paths chakra, Kaguya chakra, and Zetsu's own. The Susanoo shimmered with an unholy brilliance, its jagged armor pulsing with power and its gaze like two glowing suns.

Musasabi felt a nervous sweat trickle down his temple, the mocking grin fading from his lips. His eyes flicked upward, scanning the enormous figure with a conflicted expression. "I forgot why he wasn't beaten back then..."

The Susanoo's massive arms moved with deliberate precision. One of them lowered, the translucent energy shifting unnaturally as a circular hole appeared in its palm. A spear-like bone began to form, imbued with the glowing essence of the Susanoo.

Musasabi's eyes widened as the weapon fired with a sound like a roaring hurricane. The glowing bone shot downward, slamming into the jungle floor with explosive force.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, the ground began to disintegrate.

The earth cracked and crumbled into ash, the aftermath of the All-Killing Ash Bones radiating outward with unrelenting ferocity. The soil disintegrated into fine dust, carried by a malevolent wind that devoured everything in its path. Trees withered and collapsed, their once-vibrant forms reduced to skeletal remains before being consumed entirely. Even the air seemed to fracture, a shimmering haze spreading as the destruction quickened, carving a chasm that deepened into a void—a growing bay where life itself was being erased.

Far across the island, the giants halted their stride, their immense figures silhouetted against the horizon. A hush fell over them, their usual boisterous banter replaced by a stunned silence. One of them, a towering being dressed in bold Viking attire, stepped forward. His red overalls, fastened with golden buttoned straps, were bordered with fur linings that trailed along his broad shoulders. A leather belt wrapped tightly around his midsection, cinching his powerful frame. His yellow pants, marked with black stripes, ended in fur-trimmed cuffs that matched the lining of his sturdy yellow boots. A bright red helmet adorned his head, twin horns jutting upward with an imposing curve. His blond beard, groomed into the distinct shape of an axe blade, framed his wide, toothy grin. Small, beady eyes gleamed beneath his helmet, while his pig-like nose twitched with unease.

The second giant, standing slightly behind him, exuded a quiet, stoic strength. His broad chest and arms, corded with muscle, were wrapped in simple Viking garb, a fur-lined tunic secured with a leather strap across his shoulder. His long, flowing black beard cascaded over his chest. Unlike his companion, his helmet obscured much of his face, casting a shadow over his stern expression. Only his powerful jaw and the faint glint of his eyes beneath the helm were visible, but there was no mistaking the tension in his stance.

The first giant pointed a thick, calloused finger toward the horizon, where a luminous figure stood, pulsating with an otherworldly radiance. Even from this distance, the being's overwhelming presence was undeniable. His voice, usually a thunderous boom of joviality, trembled with uncertainty.

"What... what is that?"

The second giant turned his head slowly, his deep voice cutting through the stillness like a distant rumble of thunder. "Something beyond mortal reckoning. A being of the gods?" He swallowed, his usual composure faltering as the glow of the titan burned its image into his vision.

For the first time in centuries, the giants felt something they hadn't known in an inn nearly a century, fear.

Musasabi shot into the air, his movements precise and controlled despite the chaos below. From his elevated position, he looked down at the spreading devastation and clenched his teeth. The destruction was relentless, unfeeling.

"Sheesh," Musasabi muttered under his breath, beads of sweat glistening on his brow, and repeated what he thought. "I forgot why he wasn't beaten back then..."

His gaze flicked to the giants on the other half of the island. They were still frozen, their massive forms dwarfed by the glowing titan. He couldn't risk the destruction spreading any further.

Clapping his hands together midair, Musasabi channeled his chakra and pulsed it out, focusing it with pinpoint precision. A glowing barrier burst into existence, spanning across his half of the island. The red like-barrier shimmered, forming a translucent dome that encapsulated everything behind him.

The barrier's edges dug deep into the earth, anchoring it in place. It hummed with immense power, crackling faintly as the disintegration wave slammed into it and was stopped.

Musasabi's eyes remained fixed on Black Zetsu's towering Susanoo as he floated in midair, his conflicted expression hardening into one of grim resolve.

Within the Susanoo, Black Zetsu laughed again, the sound carrying like thunder across the island. His voice was a cruel mockery, ringing in Musasabi's ears as he struggled to maintain the shield.

"Barrier or not, you'll crumble like the rest," Zetsu sneered before he hissed out. "You've only delayed the inevitable! Amenominaka!"

The very air seemed to vanish and be replaced as the world around them was replaced. The dense jungle, the distant giants, and the barrier Musasabi had conjured were replaced.

Musasabi's feet found purchase again, now on a rocky outcrop. He blinked, the shift in scenery immediate and disorienting. Gone was the humid jungle of Little Garden. Instead, he stood in a world of towering mountains, their peaks piercing an azure-blue sky. The air was thin, crisp, and tinged with an unnatural stillness.

Musasabi straightened, his eyes narrowing at the hulking, four-handed Susanoo floating above him.

"You are lucky, unlike mother, I can't transport others freely into her dimensions." Black Zetsu said with a growl, "I have to drag you into this one... before going to the others."

Musasabi didn't flinch. He weighed his options, his mind racing. His half-mask obscured part of his expression, but his grin grew unmistakable. His voice carried a calm confidence that set Black Zetsu on edge.

"The flow of time is out of sync for me," Musasabi said evenly, his tone almost conversational. His sharp gaze never left Zetsu as he tilted his head slightly. "You've been training, haven't you?"

Black Zetsu's form stiffened, the question catching him off guard. "How do you know that?" he asked, his voice losing some of its venom.

Musasabi chuckled, the sound low and taunting. "Because I can't remember you doing any of this in the past, and I can't remember this thing from the events in the future. Which means this is the first time I witness it in my personal timeline."

Black Zetsu's frown deepened, his frustration mounting as Musasabi reached into his cloak. With deliberate slowness, he pulled out Karasuki, the ancient turtle artifact gleaming faintly.

Musasabi traced a finger along the artifact's edge, flowing chakra into it, almost meditative. "Take me to Arabasta. It's the next part of the plan," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "I will be killed if stay here without my full power. My other half is still out there."

"Stop right there!" Black Zetsu roared, his voice echoing like thunder through the world. The colossal Susanoo shifted behind him, its massive frame leaning forward in preparation to strike.

But Musasabi smirked, his confidence unshaken. "I knew it," he said with a calm certainty that made Black Zetsu's fury flare hotter. "You don't have enough chakra left to use another space-time ninjutsu for a while, do you?"

Musasabi's smirk deepened as the ancient artifact in his hand, Karasuki, began to hum faintly with a pulsing golden light. He ignored the seething rage of Black Zetsu and the ominous presence of the towering Susanoo behind him.

"You can't stop me," he said with maddening confidence, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

The artifact's glow intensified, its energy crackling as it responded to Musasabi's command. Black Zetsu's eyes widened with realization, and his tendrils lashed out, aiming to halt whatever technique was about to unfold.

"Stop right there!" Black Zetsu roared, his voice echoing through the jagged mountains cape. The colossal Susanoo moved in tandem, its four massive arms extending toward Musasabi in a last-ditch effort to crush him.

But it was too late.

The time traveling turtle artifact in Musasabi's hands activated, its energy enveloping him in a flash of light. His body vanished with the golden light. The Susanoo's attack struck empty ground, the force shattering the cliff where Musasabi had stood moments before.

Black Zetsu howled in frustration, his voice reverberating through the alien dimension. His tendrils whipped angrily through the air, clawing at the fading remnants of Musasabi's presence.

---

Musasabi reappeared with a faint shimmer, the golden light of the time traveling artifact dissipating as his feet touched warm, shifting sands. The sudden change in the environment was always jarring. He straightened slowly, taking in his surroundings.

The azure-blue sky stretched above him, the sun hanging high and blazing fiercely. Endless dunes of golden sand rolled in every direction, the heat shimmering off their surfaces. The sound of the wind carried grains of sand across the landscape, creating a soft, unrelenting hiss.

Musasabi exhaled deeply, brushing a hand against his cloak to shake off the residual energy from his escape.

"Arabasta," he murmured, his voice tinged with satisfaction before his thoughts turned over to Black Zetsu and then Kara, "So it finally starts. The beginning of me."

---

A/N: We are finally here, we are finally hitting peak fiction. And I will keep writing peak fiction. I am so excited to to continue to write the next chapter and cancel real life plans, but unfortunately life matters to me. I can say the earliest I can give you a new chapter is in one month and two weeks.

So let's talk about this chapter. Yes Naruto condition is getting worse but there are other factors I have not told you about as he has yet to find about them. And Vivi was the one who got sick. And I finally showed you a huge of a threat Black Zetsu is...

So unto the reviewers before I need to pack for a camping trip.

ThakurfrmdaUK (Chapter 26): This is very bad writing and a waste of my time in my opinion. If I have to do this I will have to rewrite a lot of the story. Yes sometimes it better in fics to not have other Naruto characters included. But Naruto still has an enemy (Black Zetsu) hunting him down and is not aware of what Kara is yet. I decided to write this and I will continue to write this. No one is budging me on this. Except Kishimoto, Ikemoto, or Oda telling me to stop.

Mugen-Blade (Chapter 26): Yes Naruto is still a bit bitter being sent back alive due to being someone trapped between in life and death, and could be used to destroy by the others they sent to the lost paradise to return to the pure lands. He can't kill himself as he knows it not something he will never do. There is pent up anger that has yet to be discussed and he does not want to die as he keeps pushing himself though self-destructive behavior that harms others.

Samuel Santillan (Chapter 26): Jiren... The Jiren from Dragon ball super... Uh that's a possibly a Shibai level threat 99.99% impossible for Naruto to beat and the Pride Troopers are not going to invade the One Piece dimension as Dragon ball has confirmed it has a separate cosmology, I d'n't know about accessing something outside thar cosmology is something even Dragon Ball heroes have done. I think you meant Jigen with a g not a r. Yeah Kara members are doing their moves. Shanks is unaware someone like Naruto is changing this world fate in a constant state flux. As for that Island 't's going to be a running gag with Luffy and Naruto. Oh that Ramen dude, yeah I decided his fate from the start of this story. ...h... About Uta and Naruto I am not going to say anything about it.

Please leave reviews. I did work hard on this chapter. I miss interacting with you guys now that I get less reviews in each chapter lately compared to before. Ask questions, tell me what you like, criticize me. Love my fic. Hate on my fic. I just want you guys to react to it.

A/N 2: Ch 27 is coming soon. I edited and fixed this chapter and changed a bit of characterization.