Okay everyone, because of the 1000th episode of One Piece, I'm in a really good mood to write now more. So consider yourself lucky as for now, I am on a row.
Plus, please for anyone who's reading this, leave a review down below, it supports the story.
The next day that followed, the crew were still in mourning for their fallen captain, whose body still laid in the doctor's room, covered up by a white sheet, that was being guarded by everyone on the ship who wasn't doing his duties.
The rain was coming in hard as Jimbei and Aladdin walked outside in the pouring depressing weather, not caring if they were getting soaked up, their dried up eyes were still leaving traces.
"... I still can't believe he's gone."
Jimbei nodded. "Neither can I….its hard." He stated while staring up to the black clouds that were covering the sky. "But we'll have to live with it."
Aladdin, looking down to the ground, was filled with shame as he began to say things.
"If only I haven't told him it was human bloo-"
"Don't start making excuses, Aladdin. Because you'd be blaming yourself for something you couldn't prevent." Jimbei interrupted the crew's captain. "You did everything you could…"
Loud thunder shocks crashed through the sky, making the scene only more grim, as the crew now was sailing directionless.
"You know we need a new captain now, Jimbei." Aladdin brought it up, knowing it was too quickly. "I know its a bad time now, but you being the second-in-command, the crew-"
"I know what my responsibilities will be. Aladdin…." Jimbei interrupted his comrade, yet again, but somberly added. "...but it's just, way too early…"
"I know." Aladdin nodded, but then reminded him. "But I only mention it, because of Arlong."
Jimbei turned his head slightly. "What about him?"
"You know what he will do." Aladdin mentioned, not needing to draw what the sabertooth Fishman was thinking now. Enacting payback on those who he saw were responsible for his captain's death.
"I'll take care if." The new captain assured to his doctor,
But Jimbei, knowing him since childhood, knew that he wouldn't be able to stop him. As much as he disliked the move Arlong was going to make later, he was in no mood to do anything but mourn and properly bid his farewell to his brother.
"Then there's another thing, boss." Aladdin said, hating to mention this. "There's one other person we need to discuss…"
Jimbei's eyes closed for a moment, knowing exactly who he was talking about. Which pains it even more by saying it.
"Let's tell Naruto now. The funeral is in a hour."
Inside
Having not moved from the extra infirmary room for almost a full day, the only human boy on the ship was not in any mood to do anything, as his thoughts began to cope with the fact of what happened.
Even the food that Hachi prepared and left on the floor next to the bed, was untouched and already cold, showing he was in no way or shape, taking this loss not better than anyone else on the ship.
"I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye, and I was awake all this time." Naruto was speaking to himself, mumbling in the guilt that was twisting deep in his gut.
"I should've done more, damn it."
'You couldn't do more, kid. Stop complaining.'
….
For the first time, Kurama had finally talked directly with his third host, and by first, he expected a shocked or shallow reaction, but instead was met with a calm one.
"I can pretty much guess you're the Nine Tailed Fox who's speaking in my head. Right?" Naruto spoke, not even blinking a eye of surprise, and just began a conversation with the beast within him.
'Yes, that I am. The Nine Tailed Fox Demon, the name I was given by your village-'
"Ex-village." Naruto corrected, with a hint of contempt. Something Kurama took a note off.
'Ah yes, your ex-village, I see you're not associating yourself to them anymore. Forgot about that. After all, its been a while.'
"Why are you talking to me?" Naruto questioned. His expression didn't change as he kept speaking with the unwilling companion. "You didn't for until yesterday, why now suddenly?"
While he didn't seem to be interested into talking with the monster that had cursed him from the beginning. Naruto was now in a state where he had to speak to someone, which in itself was odd talking to the giant fox that was now in his head.
'Two main reasons, kid. If you allow me to explain it. With one, I finally have gotten rid of that stupid seal your former sensei had placed on you before he sold you to that slave trader six years ago.'
Not needing to remind himself who the fox talked about, Naruto just continued to listen.
'And second, I've seen you change, perhaps for the better.' Kurama stated his second reasoning as he kept on speaking. 'Because I am going to be honest with you, you're very different from the kid I saw grow up in the village.'
"A lot of stuff happen that made me grow up faster than other people."
'Yes, but you've grown up in a pace I haven't seen in my lifetime, and that's something I have to acknowledge. Because not many people could take the same amount of pressure you've gone through. Being a slave, starved, beaten, tortured, and escaping that life thanks to that Fish-man, Tiger.'
"Who's now dead." Naruto said, reminding himself of the loss. "He's dead because of those bastards."
'Kid, I know you're suffering now. But unfortunately, that is life, especially that of a pirate, but you cannot change what has happened.'
Naruto then asked. "Where are you trying to go with this?"
'I'm trying to say that if you're wanting to become stronger, you need to accept this, kid. Especially if we're going to work together.'
"Working...together?" Naruto repeated those last words. In total confusion.
'Yes, working together, I want help you.'
"Why?"
'Because I now am more convinced you've grown up enough to understand things that most other kids from your age wouldn't understand. I'd even say what other adults wouldn't even get.'
Naruto, still laying confused, couldn't wrap his head around talking, let alone having some normal conversation with the giant fox.
"Care to elaborate?"
'I've seen you get along with these Fishmen. The giant, strong, species of people who are ostracized by society, all because they are different, mainly by humans, all of whom would run away in a split moment after seeing one.'
"So?"
'Yet you didn't even blink your eye and treated them normally. First with that doctor, then the captain, and even that long nosed prick who's just acting like those damned humans. And all that time, you didn't show fear nor hatred for them. So that leaves me to a question that I'd like you to answer me. Would you give me the same chance as those Fishmen?'
This profound and unexpected question, left Naruto to really dig deep into his mind for an answer. And he'll remain silent for a good minute before he'd be giving an answer.
"Before I'm able to answer that, do you mind answering a question of my own?"
'...Sure, what is it?'
"What's your name?"
'... My given name, is Kurama.' The fox revealed his name and followed up with a question. 'Normally, I've always been called as the Fox or just the Nine Tails, but only a closed group know my name. Why do you ask?'
Raising his head upwards, so he could seat. Naruto then gave his answer to the fox.
"Because, like them, I'll treat you who you are, not what you are. Someone with a name, and not just some beast."
Having now two questions answered at once, Kurama was at last of words for a moment, and responded.
'Then, Naruto, I'm fully done for now, but expect me to speak with you soon. Because now, you got personal matters.'
CLICK!
Naruto turns his head towards the door, and saw that Jimbei and Aladdin walked right in. with both having clearly saddened but were seen restraining themselves in front of him.
The silence was clear in the room, as it wasn't even mentioned yet, but Naruto already stated the obvious.
"You come to tell me Tiger…."
The two Fishmen, glanced at each other, knowing there was no hiding it, and it was Jimbei who then answered.
"Yes."
Naruto nodded and asked then. "When's the funeral?"
"We'll do it within a hour, but we'd like to wait, until you have properly said goodbye." Aladdin said, hoping that at least Naruto could have some closure. "Will you?"
"... Lead the way."
Later
Infirmary
In the room where only a day ago, the place was filled with Fishmen who were there witnessing Tiger's last moments, now was reduced to a few who now were in the dark room, where the only light was that over the bed where Tiger's body laid covered in a clean white sheet.
Present in the room, were Arlong and a few others, like Hachi, Macro and Kaneshiro. All of whom were watching in silence as the door opened, and walking right in were Jimbei, Aladdin and non surprisingly, Naruto who was dragging his leg a bit.
"What is he doing here?" Arlong growled at the presence of Naruto.
Nobody answered, but it was Naruto who looked at Arlong straight in the eye, and returned an equal glare, having none of it, he just turned back to Tiger's body, walked to its side, only seeming to aggravate the sharp nosed Fishman more.
"Stay the hell away from Tiger-"
"Stop it, Arlong." Jimbei warned him. "Not one word out of you, not anymore."
Naruto watches as Aladdin slowly moves the white sheet a bit, to reveal the resting face of Tiger, with closed eyes he looked like he was sleeping, but in fact only a few hours ago, Aladdin finally had cleaned up the captain's body from dried blood and other dirt the captain had sustained from his final fight, allowing him to be properly rest in peace.
Even when he was faced by the sight of his captain's dead body, somehow Naruto wasn't shocked or nauseated by itself.
"He looks like….he's finally in peace." Naruto uttered out. "Doesn't he?"
Aladdin, who was caught off guard by this comment, nodded his head and replied. "Yeah, guess so, kid."
The silence reoccured, and it would take another moment before the final question was asked that came right out of Naruto's mouth.
"... When will it happen?"
"Whenever you're ready. Kid."
Later
In the cold cloud rain that was still over the sea, the ship the Sun Pirates were using, was holding itself strong as the crew was preparing for the worst task they've wished that they never needed to do.
In a casket that was prepared by Kaneshiro, the sea funeral of Captain Fisher Tiger was to take its final moments, as many were unable to believe still, that this was happening. With a few even trying to look away.
But Naruto wasn't one of them, as he was wearing a raincoat over his head and kept staring at the casket of his deceased captain. As he could understand the feelings of his fellow crewmates, he, on the other hand, had an obligation to go through this and was willing to accept this painful event as an reality.
The rain kept pouring, as if it was crying with them in the loss of a great man, as it kept going and going, even to the point that the thunder shocks would illuminate the sky.
"It's time….to say farewell to our captain." Jimbei said those painful words. Himself rather not saying it. "Men…"
"I...I can't, Jimbei."
"It...feels wrong."
Some were understandably unable to do the part of pushing the casket into the sea, and it would take another minute before someone would be volunteering for it.
"I'll do it." Naruto said, walking up towards the casket, and placed both his hands on the rear, ready to push.
"Naruto, let us-"
"Let me do this." Naruto spoke, intelligibly needing this. "I want to properly say goodbye to my captain, so please don't stop me."
Then another pair of hands were seen on the casket, four of the same, as it was Hachi who joined in, and so did Macro, who all decided to join and help him.
"One three…and then we push." Macro stated. "One…"
Hachi was next. "Two…"
"...Three!" Naruto shouted as all three combined, pushed the captain's casket overboard, as it lands into sea, and before it would connect with the water, a small but memorable murmur would be heard.
"Rest in Peace, Fisher Tiger. You were too good for this cruel world."
SPLASH!
The casket fell into the sea, and in a matter of moments, it sank right downwards, with the waves leaving the ship away from its fallout place, the captain now had been given a seaman's grave.
And with that, the legendary tale of Fisher Tiger came to an end.
Naruto's quarters
Once it was over, everyone had returned to their own quarters, while some were still on their shifts. As they still needed to stay ahead of the Marines, who most likely were trying to track them down.
Naruto was one of them, having returned to his old living space, he was busy cleaning his rifle with a towel while holding a strip of bullets in his mouth that he'd soon put into his rifle once he was done cleaning.
'You know, kid. Every time you work with those weapons, you're really making me uncomfortable for some reason.'
"Well, in my profession, these guns were the ones that kept me alive to this point." Naruto replied to the fox in his head as he was cleaning the chamber. "Besides, I know how to work with these. I'm no moron who would leave a loaded gun around."
'That I have seen, you're a good shot, I give you that.' Kurama remembered watching Naruto's practicing with these weapons.
BANG!
Naruto's head shot up, and saw something was going on up the deck, and saw a scuffle was going on between two guys he wasn't able to recognize until-
"Arlong! Please stay back!" It was Hachi, and it looks like he was trying to stop Arlong from doing something.
"Don't hurt any humans?! What a load of crap! See what happens to us if we show them mercy!" Arlong was heard deranged yelling before he threw Hachi off his back. "Get off of me!"
THUD!
Hachi's body landed literally on top Naruto's view, as he was only able to see the two having an heated discussion.
"Brother Tai, he was a damn fool!"
"You're wrong!" Hachi protested out loud.
Seeing this going on, Naruto then saw that Arlong was crying….something he hadn't seen him do, as Arlong really wasn't somebody who would show what he perceives as 'weaknesses'.
Then he ran off and jumped overboard, to be followed by Hachi, who stopped right there and saw he was too late.
"Wait! No! ARLONG!"
Having seen all of that in front of his own eyes, Naruto couldn't help but feel sympathy for the crew member who was perhaps hurting just as much.
'That Arlong guy, is getting himself into big trouble, with that mindless hatred.' Kurama commented with a scoff. 'Despite saying he and humans are different, he yet falls for that stupid perception of revenge.'
"I guess you've seen that a lot?" Naruto asked the fox.
'More than I can count.'
The next day
Things, only, seem to have gone the worst now. With their captain having been given a sea burial just the day before, now they got a missing man who hasn't returned.
Arlong, who went on a revenge mission, got no foot closer to the village, and instead, according to the morning papers, he was promptly captured by the Marines upon arriving at the shores, having been incapacitated swiftly by Vice-Admiral Borsalino.
All of that, only meant a another hit in the morale of the Sun Pirates, who now have lost another powerful member of the crew, in a matter of days.
"That fool, that damned fool." Jimbei growled, internally frustrated by what he was reading about Arlong's arrest. "was he trying to get himself killed?"
This however got a few glares of dissent, especially from those who were from Arlong's crew, especially Kuroobi and Chew. yet, they didn't show it directly their opposition to it.
Macro however cleared his view by stating the following. "Its his own damn fault. If he used his head for once, he wouldn't be in the position he was in now."
"Mind repeating that?" Chew asked, clearly not having this."What are you trying to say?"
"Okay, big mouth, I say it again. So you can understand it." Macro said, repeating it to Arlong's guy. "Arlong is a moron who's got a short temper, idiotic view and is a disrespectful bastard, who didn't even wait a day after the captain died to try to enact revenge on the humans, against Tiger's wishes!-"
Chew glared. "Why, you-"
"You better watch your mouth!" Kuroobi got in Macro's face, backing his friend. "I don't want to hear another word out of you-"
"Or what? You gonna cry?" Macro cut him off. "Get out of my face-"
"ENOUGH!" Jimbei shouted out, stopping the infighting. "We're not even a few days, yet you all start making fights against each other? There's no time for this nonsense!"
The infighting was put a halt, to which Jimbei then told about the article that contained the news about Tiger's death, with its main source being Arlong himself, who told a story upon his arrest, about how Tiger was refused a blood transfusion of humans.
"Even though the story is slightly bent, it isn't not far from truth." Jimbei concluded after having read the article loud out to the crew. "Even when Arlong lied about what happened, we all must remember what we promised Tiger."
This however got Naruto frowning, as he knew the whole story, he couldn't wrap his head around to basically hide why to allow this lie to continue.
This frown got the attention of Jimbei, who noticed that Aladdin also saw it. Wanting to tell the human crewmate about it-
"NYUUU! CAPTAIN JIMBEI!" Hachi was heard alarming from the crow's nest. "Enemy ship ahead!"
The crew turned their heads to the front, and saw what looked like was a pirate ship that was on the horizon, and it looked like they were up for an confrontation.
"We'll put this conversation up on hold." Jimbei said, ordering his men to prepare themselves for battle. "The boss might not be with us, but we still have to go forwards. Prepare yourselves! Follow Tiger's wishes and do not kill anyone!"
The crew roared in agreement, and again the Sun Pirates continued on their mission of fighting on the seas.
Few weeks later
Marineford
The Navy Headquarters
A few weeks had passed since the successful military operation had been conducted on Foolshout island, that resulted in the death of the Fisher Tiger.
How was it confirmed he had died? It was all thanks to the report that was brought in by Marine and Government interrogators who got it all out from the recently captured Arlong, who told them about his passing.
This brought of course an collective sigh of relief to the higher ups of the Marines, and Government officials. All of whom now could breathe easier without the constant pressure of the Celestial Dragons.
The guy in charge of the whole operation. Vice Admiral Borsalino, who had long been tasked to try and take out this high-priority target, and he could only sigh himself at the end results.
"Well, guess that's one less troublemaker on the run." Borsalino commented while a cigarette was seen hanging from his lip, halfway burned through, of course.
CLICK!
"Huh?" The Vice Admiral looked up from his report, seeing the door was opening up and walking right, was one of his subordinates, and the man who he had entrusted to finish this mission. Rear Admiral Strawberry, the calm man with the long beard and high hair.
"My goodness, you've seen better days." Borsalino said, referring to the bandages that were covering parts of Strawberry's head and chin.
"He was formidable." Strawberry calmly responded, in his usual tone. "Had to lay in bed for a week, but got I'm good now."
"I see," Borsalino looked at the bandages. He certainly did a number on you, didn't he?"
"Arlong, the Fishman we just locked down in Impel Down? He was nothing." Strawberry clearly stated, correcting his superior officer. "But you have to watch out for this one, Jimbei."
Remembering his fight, Strawberry could really tell this Fishman was no ordinary one, and was a powerful adversary. He would not want to come across him again, one-o-one at least.
"Jimbei, you say?" Borsalino asked, curious. "The First Son of the Sea?"
"He's quite strong, even by Fishmen standards." Strawberry warned, not exaggerating. "He's far too dangerous at large, we should bring him in."
Borsalino thought for a moment, hearing this, the job on his belief wasn't done. Unlike many of his superiors, except for a few, he didn't believe the job wasn't done with Tiger's death, and believed the Sun Pirates could still posse a threat if it was left at large.
Looking at the large scale, the one most singular legacy that Fisher Tiger had left behind in this world, was the killing of a Celestial Dragon, a act that in itself was perhaps, way more damning than the attack on Mariejois itself. The act, had profoundly created an impact on the world, that would have long-lasting consequences that the Marines were going to deal with.
For one, the murder of the World Noble had caused an explosive reaction of Revolutionary activity across the globe, with every corner of the world having reported some sort of revolutionary activity, from hiding slaves to writing critical newspapers, to stealing government taxes to even murdering World Government officials.
Because of the low amount of men that were available to combat this problem, especially for the Marines, who already had their hands full with the Pirate Era, an long term solution was still not found, and it was generally left to be handled by the likes of Cipher Pol…
And, there was the second reason to be concerned, as many of the Reverie were more concerned with the growing instability of the Shinobi continent, a concern that also was draining resources and manpower with the building of the new bases and the blockade that was partly still active.
The tensions in that region itself was almost ready to explode, and even there, no solution was found.
Yep, the life of a Vice Admiral in a time like this, was all but boring, yet also stressful at times.
"This, however, is perhaps the best moment to talk about that unofficial report." Strawberry kept on topic. "About the sniper."
"Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about it, thanks for bringing it up." Borsalino said as he remembered that report. "Are you sure that this needs to be brought up to the Fleet Admiral? He's on his way out now soon." The current Fleet Admiral, Kong, was on his way out and Sengoku, was to be the most likely replacement.
"I strongly urge you to raise my concerns to the higher ups." Strawberry pressed on. "Because, whoever this person is, is solely responsible for the death of 15 Marines that day on Foolshout Island."
That report, would cause another shocker to the Marines if this report was published, with that many Marines having been shot and killed on that day by one unidentified person and having gotten away with it. Even if the operation of killing Tiger was a success, it was to be revealed to be a costly one.
"The fact that on that crew, a deadly sniper is amongst them, only backs my intentions of continuing the hut on the Sun Pirates."
"True, can't argue with that." Borsalino agreed, but asked then. "Which ammo did you say the autopsy found in the men?"
"As feared, the same rounds that were found by Dakar's men." Strawberry stated. "I believe we're dealing with the same sniper, sir. All the more reasons to bring these criminals to justice."
The door then opened up, unannounced a Marine walked in with what looked like a unopened letter that he then placed on the Vice Admiral's desk.
"Comes from Fleet Admiral Kong directly, sir." The Marine stated before leaving the office again.
This mentioning got Borsalino to open the letter, and started reading the document thoroughly, whatever was inside that document caused the Vice Admiral to raise his eyebrows up.
Strawberry questioned. "What's in the document, sir?"
"Well, looks like our mission's going to be put on hold, rear admiral." Borsalino said having finished reading it. "The Gorosei have sent a offer to Jimbei, apparently."
"An offer?" Strawberry asked, frowning upon what he was fearing. "Don't tell me they-"
"I'm afraid so."
Meanwhile
For the following weeks, the Grand Line would be continued to be plagued with the continued fights of the Sun Pirates who were defiant as ever, even under their new leader.
'First Son of the Sea' Jimbei, now had proceeded to expand his reputation as the leader that took after Fisher Tiger, and in no way did it diminish the danger of the Fishmen-filled pirate crew that was still making havoc across the seas.
Naruto, over the weeks, had been more busy than ever. Helping Jimbei with the ship's directions as the navigator, and keeping track of any enemy ships closing by. Every moment he could spare was a learning one.
Speaking about learning, Naruto was slowly training up with Kurama now. As he was now busy on the deck doing the many physical exercises he was being tutored in his head by the Fox, and also would do his regular training that his late captain had given him.
Covered in sweat, the only thing Naruto was wearing was his shorts, and even those were showing signs of soaked sweat parts, with him doing double trainings lately, causing some of the crew to give some concerned looks, as they were thinking he was overtraining.
By first - it would be Aladdin who approached him, with a bottle of water as he offered it. "Here, kid, might need it."
"Thanks, Aladdin." Naruto said, accepting the bottle before taking a swig, and he suddenly then poured it over his head, fully making his head wet as he ruffled his hair around like a dog.
This only got more concerned looks, as Jimbei himself watched from a distance, seeing that Naruto really had been pushing himself hard lately, and it was causing some questions to arise.
"Don't you also think that Naruto is pushing his limits?" Kaneshiro asked, the shipwright. "I mean, the kid barely takes time off anymore, all he does is train, do his job, eat and then train again until the sun's down."
Jimbei turned to his comrade, said. "I know, but I think it's for the better, for now at least. Just, try and keep him from stretching his limits too far."
Kaneshiro nodded and walked back to his post, leaving Jimbei by his own as he watched how Naruto continued on to train, having been given dumbbells, Hachi's dumbbells to be exact that the octopus himself was hesitant to give at first as he gave the lightest version possible.
"Are you sure, kid? We can buy others while going to a town." Hachi tried to convince him. "I'll even go with you-"
"I'm fine with it, Hachi, I really am." Naruto responded. "Sorry if I interrupted you, but I really need to push my limits if I want to become stronger."
Naruto continued to train further, under the watchful eye of the others, of course. As Jimbei watched on, they were surprised to then see in front of them something flying.
A purple bat with a sealed document landed right in front of the captain, dropping the sealed document in front of Jimbei before it flew away again.
"That was….odd." Kaneshiro said, looking at the document with a confused look. "Read what it says."
Jimbei grabbed it and opened the document, as he began reading it, others were also watching on what it was. Causing a bit of a crowd. Naruto, on the other hand, just happened to drop the dumbbells and to get something.
"Got some weights down the deck," Naruto said, opening the hatch. "I'll be back in a minute."
As he had left the deck, Naruto wouldn't know he was going to miss something very important.
Having gone to his quarters, Naruto was searching for some of the weights, having put his ammunition, rifle, some crates and other material to the sides.
"Ah, here they are." Naruto said, picking up some weights and puts them aside, just as he heard rapid footsteps run down the staircase, it being Hachi.
"Naruto!"
Hearing his name, Naruto turns around. "Huh?"
"Jimbei just got a invitation to be a member of the Seven Warlords - and he accepted it!"
….
Taking this news, Naruto's response was as expected, and it was a loud.
"WHAT!?"
BOINK!
"FUCK!" Naruto shouted in anger, one of the weights had dropped directly on his feet.
A week later
After having decided to take upon the invitation to become a member of the Seven Warlords. Jimbei had decided to return back to the Fishman Island, to make the final decision through the Royal Family.
This decision however immediately showed the cracks within the Sun Pirates. As many believed Jimbei was making a mistake into accepting this, but there were also many on the ship who just wanted to go home back to their families.
And it was mainly that reason why Jimbei decided to go accept this agreement, for those who didn't want to fight anymore and just live in peace, and that was something Jimbei couldn't do: he couldn't force his men to fight.
Yet the faction of Arlong's group or even Macro, had no desires to lay down their weapons, as for they saw it as being defeated. And they agreed that if Arlong wasn't in Impel Down now, he'd not let this slide.
But now, in the moment of peace. As their ship had docked right outside Sabaody, Jimbei went down to the palace, while the rest were to wait right in a secluded part of the Archipelago.
All except two, with given permission by Aladdin, Hachi and Naruto were now in the bubble covered Mangrove, with the octopus man wanting to spend some time with his friend.
While walking through the streets, Naruto and Hachi, who was in disguise, were doing their best to avoid any attention, especially for Hachi's part, who told Naruto that slavers were very active here.
"Say, Hachi, mind if I ask you something?"
"Sure, kid. What's on your mind?" Hachi asked, wearing a coat to cover his parts. "To be fair, you haven't been speaking much for the past week, ever since the offer Jimbei was given."
"That's where I am going to." Naruto said, on that topic, he asked his octopus friend. "What do you think about? The pardon? Jimbei, going along with this?"
Instead of getting an answer directly, Hachi noticed one of the numbers on the large trees and said pointing.
"Look! Grove 13, we're here!" Hachi said, turning to Naruto. "Let me introduce you to someone, okay? He's a good friend of mine."
Not being fooled by Hachi's attempt to deflect from the question, Naruto did decide to play along and follow Hachi to one of the 'lawless zones' of this place, wanting to see why he was dragged along to this place.
...
"Nyu! We're here!" Hachi stated, as they had arrived.
What was in front of them? A crappy looking bar that laid on top of a hill, with it looking like it was abandoned, Naruto wondered why they were here. There was however, a sign hanging above the door.
Shakky's Rip-off Bar
'Why do I get a feeling we're obviously walking into something dumb?' Kurama asked, having not talked. 'No wonder this place looks abandoned.'
"Come, Naruto. Let's go inside." Hachi said opening the door. "Its open."
"Alright." Naruto got along and entered the building, finding himself exactly what he expected.
The place was empty of customers, but was surprisingly clean, and there was a person behind the counter, a slim and tall woman with short black hair, with two tufts pointing upwards, seen smoking a cigarette in her mouth.
"Shakky!"
The woman turned around and smiled upon seeing who it was. "Well, if it isn't Hachi, my dear. Been a long time."
Hachi was genuinely smiling at her and replied. "I'm glad to see you too, Shakky!" He walked over to the counter and asked. "Is Rayleigh here by any chance?"
"Oh, he'll drop by any moment. If he isn't gambling, of course." Shakky told him, and then noticed the teenager. "And who are you, kid? A friend of yours, Hachi?"
"Oh, of course!" Hachi said beginning introductions. "Naruto, this is Shakky, someone I know from way back, and Shakky, this is Naruto, a member of our crew. He's the cabin boy but a good crew member."
The woman took a good look at the boy, and commented with a smirk. "Naruto, you say? Who named you after a Fishcake?"
This however ticked off Naruto, hated being called by that, he was about to correct her until- A hand was planted right on Naruto's head, and a chuckle was heard from that same direction behind the blonde boy.
"Ah, Hachi, I thought I heard your voice." The man said, clearly glad to see the octopus. "And Shakky, you know that name's clearly to Maelstrom."
Shakky chuckled in response. "I know, Rayleigh, but teasing kids is a bit fun."
However, Naruto suddenly stood still, feeling somehow stiffened by the presence of this guy. And he wasn't the only one. As the fox clearly was alarmed by this man's aura.
'This guy, is no pushover. Its like if the 1st Hokage is here."
Naruto turned his head around, and was met with the person who got the fox to be vigilant, a old man with cut strawberry blond hair that was graying a bit, had small beard and wore glasses, and had a scare going through his eye.
"Hachi, mind introducing this kid to me?" the man named 'Rayleigh' asked, "Also, you hungry, kid?"
"Uhm, sure." Naruto responded, not knowing why, but this man gave vibes that told him not to do something stupid.
And those vibes were spot on.
The Ryugu Palace
Jimbei, who had now arrived at the palace, was now sitting in front of King Neptune who heard out his reasons for laying down the armed struggle.
"Are you sure about this, Jimbei?" King Neptune questioned his former comrade-in-arms decision. "I'll need to know your precise reason for this."
"If I join, Aladdin and the other crew members who do not wish to be pirates anymore, can come back and live in this country without fear of retribution, a way to protect my men as best I can."
The guards, who were there for protection for the king, listened in on this, with one particular one, listening very closely to it.
Jimbei continued. "But more importantly, if Ido become a warlord, it will help the Fishmen become closer to the World Government. We need that relationship. I can atone all the troubles we've made for the queen."
Hearing this out, Neptune didn't expect this much conviction from Jimbei on this issue, as just a few years ago, he took the liking of kicking human pirate scum to the side, and now spoke of the future of those relationships for the greater good.
"Hmm, thank you." Neptune said. "At the moment, she's not feeling very well."
"At the end, we might make Tiger's dream: Liberation and Freedom for all Fishmen. Everywhere." Jimbei concluded, but with caution. "Though, then again, we have to watch our own. There are some less deserving of amnesty."
"I see you're speaking of Arlong. Who's locked up still in Impel Down." Neptune guessed the person. "Am I correct?"
Jimbei nodded. "Yes, him. I am planning to get him out today, but I doubt he'll like hearing what has happened since his incarceration."
Hearing this, one guard took this information to heart, and was to make sure to remember it.
Naruto
At Shakky's bar, the four had finished the conversation around several topics that were brought up, especially one of Rayleigh's interest; Naruto's background.
"So that's how it all began, huh?" Rayleigh said, having heard everything from Hatchan and Naruto's experiences with the Sun Pirates. "All that, in three years."
"Yeah, pretty much." Naruto responded, having just emptied a bowl of ramen. "If it wasn't for him, I'd be dead now."
"That you would be, yes." Rayleigh agreed, having seen with his own eyes, the practice of slavery that was all well to common in these parts of the sea. "Its a shame that he's gone, a man more noble then those in that city. Fisher Tiger."
Naruto's face saddened as he heard that. "Yeah….it is…."
The three noticed the face of Naruto, and could see that Fishman had made an impact on the young man, a profound one.
"Tell me, kid. What was Fisher Tiger to you?" Shakky asked. "Was he a hero to you? A captain? How would you describe it?"
"I never got to say it to him….he died before I could say it…." Naruto began and nearly teared up. "But he….was something else to me that I never had."
Hachi, curious wanting to know, then asked him. "What was he then to you?"
Naruto took a moment to respond to that and then said it. "Like a father, to be honest. A father that I never had." He confessed. "I looked up to him like that, but never got the chance to say it to him."
And like that, a pinch of guilt could be felt in Hachi's heart, as he knew that Naruto never had the proper chance to say goodbye to the captain, and was devastated by it.
Naruto's eyes began to water up a bit and he started. "Sorry, I-"
"No need to apologize, young man." Shakky told him, feeling for the boy. "If he meant that much to you, there's no shame in sharing that."
Naruto smiled, hearing that, and nodded. "Yeah, you're right." He then felt a hand reach over his shoulder, and saw Rayleigh patted him, being the next person to speak.
"You kid...have grown up faster than any other child I've met, but also matured better." Rayleigh began. "I can pretty much guess that your captain also saw that, and would be very proud to have witnessed the person you've become - and saw the person you would grow up in the future."
Having heard that, brought an even prouder smile to the Uzumaki boy, who took this man's words to heart and bowed his head in respect.
"Thank you - Silvers Rayleigh." He thanked him for those words.
Rayleigh chuckled. "No, thank you. It's not every day I got to meet a boy from the Shinobi continent. It was one of those places me and Roger visited once."
"You and the King of the Pirates visited my continent?" Naruto asked surprised. "When was that?"
"A long time ago, a long story too. Perhaps too long for now." The old man turned to Hachi. "I believe you two need to go now, like you mentioned earlier, correct?"
Hachi quickly realized it and saw the clock. "Oh yes! We got to go now!"
Shakky chuckled. "Don't worry about your tab, its on me."
"Thanks, see you next time!" Hachi grabbed Naruto by the arm. "Let's go, kid, to the ship!"
"Wait, let us-AH!" Naruto got dragged away through the front door. Leaving without saying much as a goodbye, not that it much mattered as both elderly people could be seen laughing.
"Ah, youth, the time." Shakky said, blowing some smoke out of her mouth. "You seem to like that Uzumaki kid, right, Rayleigh?"
Rayleigh, who had seen his fair share of the world, had met numerous of people, could only say this about the boy.
"the Kid's got a hard start, sure. But I believe he'll be okay. He'll perhaps become a big name in these seas."
Hell, he might be part of the next generation that perhaps finally get a closer chance, unto finding Roger's treasure.
Later
Impel Down
The deal was finished, and Jimbei had accepted his new position. And was part now of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
That gave him the possibility to get Arlong out of Impel Down, who was given amnesty as part of the deal, allowing all crew members of the Sun Pirates to be given a blank pardon that would allow them to re-integrate into society.
But that was far from Arlong's thoughts, as he was seen walking out of Impel Down, in the stripped prisoner uniform, with a clear annoyed look on his face as he was faced with Jimbei waiting for him.
"ARLONG!"
"YOU'RE FREE!"
"WELCOME BACK, BROTHER!"
While most of the ship were glad to see their brother walk out and enter the ship, Jimbei kept his ground as the tension between him and his brother clearly had built up.
This, clearly, needed to be settled.
After having reached an uninhabited island, the cheers had already died down, as everybody watched the standoff. Causing Jimbei clearly to need to act upon this problem.
Having heard about Arlong's actions in Impel Down, about how he went on multiple rampages against human inmates. It was a written fact on the wall that prison only made Arlong's mind even more scrambled with hatred and violent behavior, to the point it was perhaps uncontrollable.
He needed to act, now.
"If you have something to say to me, you better speak out now." Jimbei began, starting up front.
"You expect me to thank you! For becoming a sellout!?" Arlong yelled at Jimbei while glaring at him. "You may have set me free, but the navy owns you!"
"Have you forgot what brother Tai said before he died?" Jimbei reminded his enraged and bigoted younger brother about that day. "You mustn't let anger and bitterness overwhelm you."
Arlong just turns his head and puffed it. "Sounds to me you've gotten soft. sure I might be safer if I followed your lead, but there is no way in hell I will do that. Besides, you know that you cannot make me stay."
Jimbei glared at him for what he was insinuating. He dare…
"In case you forgot, Tiger is dead! Which means I'm free! Free to lead my own crew! Now that you'll excuse me, I'll be taking my crew back!"
Making that statement, Arlong now made it clear he was going to split, with his crew that consisted of more than half the crew. With it causing the rift to be official.
Naruto was one of those who looked around, to Kaneshiro and Hachi, who both were part of Arlong's crew and glanced back to Naruto.
"But don't worry, you still have those lousy former slaves, Macro's crew and that filthy human, Naruto. So you have enough of a crew to work with." Arlong insulted alongside that while daring Jimbei. "Got a problem with that?"
"You fool. You damned ignorant fool…" Jimbei glared at his idiotic brother. He couldn't believe it that he'd do something so selfish, and all of that because of his own ego.
"Hey now, enough with the name-calling, let's end this…." Arlong's smile turned into a frown as he snaps at Jimbei and challenged him right on the spot, in his face. "Right now, just you and me!"
"Arlong no!" Hachi protested, "Don't do this!"
"If you don't do it I'm free to go. Fair warning; I won't go down easily!" Arlong said while shouting at Jimbei with unfiltered anger. "You'll have to kill me!"
"Arrogant punk!" Jimbei had enough of this and snapped, and quickly threw a punch to Arlong's face that caught him right off guard, before he then gave a blow to his chest. Beginning the fight in a matter of seconds.
"Agh!"
Unprepared, Arlong flew back a few meters backwards by the punches he received. As his own brother was clearly not showing any mercy to him for his foolishness.
"Stop it!" Hachi's pleaded.
For the next few moments, the fight that Arlong initiated, was anything but a fight and was instead a savagely beating that was being done by Jimbei, who was not hesitating for one moment as he was hitting his childhood brother to a pulp.
The sight itself caused all the members of the Sun Pirates to be at unease, as they've never seen this before in their lives. As Arlong and Jimbei both always had a rivalry and often bickering, but this, was something out of the ordinary.
Brother vs Brother, a fight to the death. It truly was the sign that the Sun Pirates, were done for.
After a few more minutes. Jimbei had beaten Arlong to nearly unconsciousness, and had the chance to finish him off, yet he did not give the final deadly blow.
He couldn't, and so he spared him
"Do whatever you like." Jimbei said, walking away from Arlong, As Chew and Hachi walked over Arlong and helped him stand up.
"You've gone soft really bad, brother…"
Macro commented. "He can still talk?"
His face half battered up, Arlong mainly leaned in for support against Chew, and had his eyes glaring at Naruto, with full on hatred.
'This guy's got the same glares as those villagers. He's gone nuts.' Kurama stated.
"All of this, brother, thrown away!" Arlong shouted. "FOR THAT FILTHY HUMAN!?"
"Watch your damn mouth, Arlong." Aladdin warned him, with an intense glare. "Don't think you can blame the kid for your own insecurities."
"Damn traitor." Arlong growled, having something to add. "You really believe that a human is more worth protecting than a Fishman!"
"He's a more worthy comrade than you, moron." Aladdin replied. "He was not a disrespectful idiot who wouldn't even wait one day after his captain's funeral to go and act on his revenge like a moron!"
"Why you!" Arlong snapped forwards. "I'll show you and that brat-"
*CLICK!*
*CLICK!*
*CLICK!*
"What the-"
Macro, who had just stayed on the sidelines, had pulled up his revolvers and aimed directly at Arlong on preventing him to make a move on Naruto, as he was joined by Gyaro and Tansui, both also had their weapons drawn.
"Arlong, we've long tolerated your moronic beliefs, but don't you dare even think you can touch Naruto." Macro said while pulling the Colt's hammer. "So I say this once, leave now."
That this had escalated quickly, forced a response out of Arlong, who everyone thought would go on the offensive.
"...Fine, go protect that little vermin, we're going!" Arlong shouted as he gestured Chew to turn around. "Kaneshiro! We need a ship-"
"Sorry, Arlong, but I'm not joining you." Everybody turned to the goldfish Fishman shipwright as he had his arms crossed. "I'm still going to help Naruto, so this is goodbye."
Not being able to hear more about this, Arlong released a shout out of anger and gestured to turn away from the rest, with the rest of his crew following him, even Hachi unfortunately went with the group This especially saddened Naruto, who could only wave him goodbye, as the octopus man did the same.
Jimbei sighed at this mess that was created, and sat down on the sand, muttering to himself.
"Arlong, you stubborn moron."
Once the sun began to set, all of the remaining Sun Pirates had already left the island, with a few exceptions.
Macro and his crew, initially broke off the Sun Pirates on better terms, leaving Naruto to say farewell to the three Fishmen who he thanked and hugged before leaving for their next destination.
"We're going home!" Jimbei ordered while the ship sailed. "To Fishman Island!"
TBC
Man, that was that. Hope you guys liked it.