Alright, here's the 20th chapter of the An Ocean of Lives fic.
Been like how long since I updated? My bad.
More information down below for explenation, plans and current situation of where I am at now.
Enjoy, hope you like it.
Land of Rice
Over a thousand miles away in the rice field-dominated nation, something peculiar was happening that most citizens of this war-ridden nation weren't new to.
Having been invaded once by the Shinobi of the Leaf, the occupation of the small nation had mostly been drawn out to only the southern border that Iwa forced Konoha to settle in, leaving now most of the country free to its own governance.
Yet still, the land of Rice and its Shinobi 'village', The Hidden Sound, were still dependent on its foreign allies that helped push back the Leaf ninja back, with some having asked for particular rights that the local poor population was forced to make concessions.
One of those concessions were that to the lesser known allies that the local population was less known off, the one that dominated the sky-
FWOOSH!
FWOOSH!
Coming from low altitude, a squadron of Shinobi were seen flying over the fields while they were staying in formation.
The sight of these Shinobi were odd, even to that of normal standards as they were the Sky Shinobi, who were now patrolling over the Rice country's southern border.
The devices that allowed them to travel through the skies were their wings, that were half cylindrical and attached to a metal coattail-shaped backpack, all of them build out of machinery that the Sky Shinobi excelled in and proved themselves in the conflicts in the past decade that allowed them to have an advantage over their enemies.
Now the dozens of pilots were seen going directly for the coordination that they were given, as this was another group of fighters that came from the aircraft carriers from the sea, being one of the latest groups to be sent onwards.
They were then seen slowing down as the devices were primarily powered by chakra, and these pilots were seen landing over an airstrip that was build in the middle of the large forest that was close to the border of the Land of Fire, with only this landing strip being visible from the air.
How was that confirmed? Simple, they were being tailed by a pair of unsuspected vehicles that were flying in a higher altitude above the clouds yet still close enough to observe the Sky Shinobi from a good distance.
These were also flyers of the skies except these were not Shinobi nor were they from the continent - nor was the vehicle close to the same as theirs: these were called planes.
To be precisely, these were a pair of Bristol F2.B biplanes - a piece of modern equipment that came from one of the Rommel Kingdom. They were often nicknamed 'kites' or airplanes as they were still one of the newest inventions of the world. With its double wings, colored brown, it was supported by an engine that ran on fuel not chakra, allowing for more efficient and longer travel,its propellers being on full power and its Vicker machine guns being fully loaded in case these men were getting spotted.
But these guys weren't ordered for this, but instead were given the task for an reconnaissance flight that just then happened to turn into an intelligence gathering when they happened to be - with sheer luck - spotting this squadron of Sky Shinobi flying past them.
In one of the biplanes was the pilot looking down with his goggles, having now spotted the airstrip alongside his gunner who was wielding an Lewis gun to cover the flanks as the biplanes were two-seated with the pilot and the gunner.
The two biplanes then took off a different course and started to make way back towards their base. With enough information to debrief their superiors.
And especially their commanding officer
Blue Zone - Alabasta Foreign Legion
Not far away from Haran Harbor, with only a driving distance of a half hour with a jeep. There laid one of the very new constructed military site:
Two long and wide strips of compacted earth crossed over each other allowing the aircraft they had the ease of taking to the sky, but also to easily land back on the ground, despite the fact the dirt could get into the engines, a problem the pilots had to deal with.
That was not all as they were needing of accommodations for the men who were working here - like the main HQ of the airstrip barracks and communal showers that were build apart, while other buildings like security watch towers that were on 24/7 standby, and several sentry positions across the air strip.
But alongside the strip and especially at the beginning lane laid a few large hangars that were constructed - big enough to allow many planes to be held in there, with them being build out of the same materials as the other buildings of the area. With metal, wood, or concrete.
This was the base of the Alabasta Foreign Legion's newest group - the 7th Aviation Battalion, which was also better known by its current nickname-
"The Flying Circus?"
"Yes, that's the name of our small pilot crew." Responded Naruto to the Marine officers as they all were sitting at some tables outside one of the hangars.
At the table where Naruto sat were the two female Marines Ain and Domino alongside with Smoker, with them being served a ashtray for the cigar lover and a few jugs of beer that they were given.
They weren't the only ones having a drink as they happened to be siting in the officer's quarter of the hangar that had a small pub set up by the mechanics, turning it into a hangout for anyone who wanted a fresh drink and see the sight of these new vehicles.
While the rest of the tables were halfway full with members of the 9th Raiders, crew workers of the 7th and members of the other battalions of the Foreign Legion, the focus was mainly now on the officers.
"But why?" Ain, the normally stoic sounding Marine asked with her arms crossed. "Sounds unprofessional."
Naruto chuckled at that and answered when he puts his drink down. "Sure it sounds like that. But once you get to know these guys their records, you'll be astonished by it."
"How so?" Domino asked, her eyebrow could be seen raised even with her purple tinted shades that she still wore. "What's so special about them?"
"The Flying Circus, I thought I remembered that name."
The two female officers turned to Lieutenant Smoker, who seem to be having recollected some memories.
"Yeah - I've heard about this group before. They're a bunch from across the world who joined the Legion if I'm correct. They're well known for having each plane colored in a different pattern, right?"
"Colors?"
"Well, that's part of it, yes." Naruto nudges his head and added. "But that's not all. It first began as a couple of years ago when some pilots from the Rommel and Eigis Kingdoms who joined up, but were more familiar with flying planes. Crop dusters, air mail, recon units, like that. It then happened that more people joined up, from Ballywood, Eigis, Frauce and many other countries across the world."
"And slowly built themselves up as a Regiment of pilots, who made their own reputation when flying planes across the world on missions." Smoker went on further. "Even attacking pirates from above the air, either their ships or on land."
"Started as a Regiment at first, yes and then turned to two before they then became a full battalion just a few months ago. Correct." Naruto concluded that description as he talked to Smoker. "And with no opposition they get bored. Boredom leads to their circus. Something about propaganda lets them be a recruiting tool."
"Even when your legion has openly admitted that former pirates are amongst your ranks?"
"Indeed. But don't let their known...eccentric behavior fool you." Naruto said, but also warned. "They are as deadly as any Marine on the ground. It helps, that there is currently no counter. No one besides Sky country has even close to the technology they have. Trust me, one battle with them flying cover and you'll be thanking your lucky starts they are on your side."
The three Marine officers took those words from the experienced Legion Lieutenant to heart. There was no reason not to trust him, his own reputation as a combatant spoke for itself, earning him a degree of respect.
Smoker especially. He had zero tolerance for some of the men who were in his own ranks, like those he met in the academy and became officers in the East Blue. Corrupt, lazy, incompetent and bigoted officers that were a cancer in the Marines like a few he could name.
Ain herself had no love for those type of Marines neither, having personally trained like Smoker under the watchful eye of Zephyr, a legend in the Marines and someone who had no tolerance for that sort of behavior. Neither did she.
When it came to Domino, who unlike her two colleagues who had Devil Fruit Powers, had neither an ability like them nor did she train under Zephyr, but went through basic training and climbed up to where she was now as a leader. Yet she herself detested the same Marine officers that made their work harder.
All three knew the quality the Alabasta Foreign Legion made out of officers, especially of those who were training them like Bishop. Of course, they all had their doubts over the recruitment of even former pirates and criminals, but that was something that could be easily set aside once they met those trained soldiers.
"That leaves me then to one question that's been on my mind, Lieutenant Uzumaki." Ain asked with her arms crossed over her chest. "If you don't mind me asking."
Naruto's eyes took a turn to the bluenette woman, who not alone was a beauty of her own rank of which he couldn't deny, but was also one Stoic girl who wasn't person to show emotions easily.
He leaned back on his seat and politely said. "Sure, ask."
"From my understanding, former Captain Bishop had arranged for you to have a few months of training alongside Vice-Admiral Garp and even a few sessions with Zephyr Sensei."
Naruto nodded. "That's correct. Not going to deny that. Why?"
"There's a rumor that you're from the Elemental Nations, is that true?" Ain asked straight away the main question that's on her mind. "That you have the ability to use Chakra?"
That question might've caused a shutdown of the conversation in a whole, as Naruto himself was seen frowning on this being asked.
"Lieutenant!"
Their conversation however halted by the alerting sound of an young Legion rookie who approached them and gave the salute directly to Naruto.
"Rackham's back."
From the high sky, the two Bristol biplanes were seen flying over the large green forests of the Land of Fire, as their propellers were still rotating, but their wings were doing the hard work of keeping the pilots afloat.
As they flew through the last cloud that laid in their path - the two aircraft flew through it and saw their final point in front of them - The Flying Circus Air Strip.
With an open lay ahead of them - the two planes began to fly low, preparing itself for landing as its wheels were ready for touching the solid ground.
With the leading pilot giving his gloved thumbs up as his plane began to descend.
…
Down below on the end of the open airstrip, the first teams were seen awaiting the landing of the two aircraft that had just finished their long recon flight. Among those trucks, were technical teams that were prepared to pull the two planes back to the hangars for maintenance.
But also there parked was the jeep that Naruto was in alongside with the three Marine officers who joined in to see the planes from up close, watching as the first plane was closing down.
"So that's how a plane looks like from up close, huh." Smoker was the first to comment on what he was seeing. "So tell me, who's this Rackham?"
Naruto, who normally spoke in much respect about his men, consciously took a deep breath that turned into a sigh of clear frustration that caught their attention.
"George Rackham, the Son fourth Earl of Winder. Noble blood from Eigis and Rommel families, skilled pilot…."
Ain asked. "But…"
"A major pain in the ass to deal with." Naruto responded with much held back words. "He technically outranks me, but he still follows direct orders from me."
And there, the brown biplane of Captain Rackham landed first slowing down as it reached the end. One thing that stood out was the red white and blue pattern on its rear section. They appeared to crisscross with a red cross in front and two Xs one red one white on a blue background behind it.
(Tea IV's hat has the Union Jack on it, well a ripoff version, so I'll be using it as the flag for the Eigis kingdom. But I'll call it the Saxon Jack flag)
"He'll always fly the Saxon Jack flag of the Eigis Kingdom on the rear, so he is easily to be spotted."
The first Bristol stopped on its tracks as it ended its landing with a success, only a few hundred meters away from the waiting trucks.
"Move it, people, move it."
The first members of the maintenance team ran up to the biplane and began going through the normal checkups like the engine, propellers and the wings as the pilot and its gunner were seen getting out off their seats.
The pilot was seen removing its leather flying helmet and goggles as it was revealed to be a 30-year-old looking man with well combed brown hair. With the younger gunner being a slightly bigger guy with slight reddish fuzzy hair and a blue scarf he wore around his neck.
"Wilson, I want you to stay with the plane and prepare it for its next flight."
"Will do, sir." Wilson said as he then spotted. "Here comes' the Lieutenant."
Walking up to the pilots, Naruto and the three Marines were then being greeted with salutes by the men surrounding them including the pilot and gunner.
"Lieutenant Uzumaki."
"Captain Rackham." Naruto saluted back as he went on to the point. "I need a full status report on-"
"I'll deliver the status report to the Major himself, lieutenant." Rackham stated as he was focused on removing the leather gloves from his hands. "So no worries, I'll go to HQ myself."
Even when they were clearly warned, the clear disregard of the pilot to the Lieutenant was still a surprise to the Marine officers. Yet they saw that also the other members of the Legion were pretty much unfazed by this, like they were used to it.
But to the Legion members - this was nothing new as there was a silent but clearly present dislike between Lieutenant Uzumaki and Captain Rackham, both having been not on good seating ever since they were assigned to the same area.
The two were contrary figures. Naruto had worked his way up from the enlisted ranks, a Legion member had worked his way to where he was, had combat and leadership experience and is a well liked officer amongst his men. While Rackham was the complete opposite.
A leased officer of the Air Corps from the Rommel Kingdom, his first impression didn't end up good. As he was an man from high society with a liking to airplanes and nepotism that landed him a good place in the military like many of the other 'Posh' officers who were stationed in Haran Bay, only he was the closest associate working with the Alabasta Foreign Legion.
"Rackham, just tell me the full report so I-"
"Don't think you can command me, lieutenant." The Captain stated with arrogance hinted in his voice. "I'm stating the report to Bishop myself. So move aside and I'll be on my way now."
Rackham just pushed Naruto aside for him to walk up to the closest truck with a driver as he ordered the man to start the engine and take him to HQ. To which in seconds the driver did and drove off the arrogant captain off to his destination.
"What an arrogance." Smoker commented turning to Naruto. "And he outranks you out of all people?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Naruto sighed as he then turned around to then walk up to the gunner and spoke. "Wilson."
"Lieutenant, sir." Wilson saluted him with respect. "My apologies with the Captain's behavior."
"Like I stated many times, Wilson, there's no need for that." Naruto told him as he asked. "Give me a sit rep."
"Of course, sir." Wilson replied. "But I'd like to first wait for the other pilot to land to conclude the report. If you may."
"That sounds reasonable. I'll wait." Naruto said as he saw the second plane had landed. "Let's get these planes back to the hangar, and afterwards I'll hear your report."
Whilst the small crowd of military men were at the planes, watching from the hangar was one of the barmen who was eyeing the planes with interest.
"Look at those beauties."
Later
Haran Harbor
On the bridge of the Sea Snake, it was still in the port as its ship was now pointed at the sea after its crew made it turn around for tomorrow's training with the other ships in the early morning.
On the deck were both Bishop and Whitehall, seen reading maps with Admiral Aokiji in their presence as they were going over the latest developments of the ongoing crisis in the Shinobi continent, with the icy admiral giving his reaction already on the map.
"Jeez…." Aokiji muttered at what he saw and read. "I heard this place was a mess….but this takes the cake."
"Yeah, kinda surprising the war has been slowing down lately. No major fighting, no burning towns, even the amount of refugees has been decreasing here in the Eastern Region." Whitehall said pointing down to the right side of the continent on the map. "All the while the situation in the West has only been-"
"Going beyond out of control?" Aokiji stated on finishing his old instructor's sentence.
Whitehall nodded, his pride bruised briefly. "Correct. The situation there has been going undoubtedly worse. Especially in the Land of Fire, around the Hidden Leaf village."
Bishop closed his eyes, mentally noting that he knew Naruto wasn't much interested in his old home place. But then he focused back with the question.
"Has the reconnaissance unit from the 7th bring back any new intel? Haven't heard anything from them since."
"Captain Rackham's Battalion? I heard they had a recon flight this morning." Whitehall stated as a reminder. "He still hasn't brought in his report?"
"As far I know, no."
"What about Lieutenant Uzumaki?" Aokiji asked up. "I thought he went to that airport like you told me to? Maybe they talked."
"I doubt it." Whitehall stated while focused on the map. "But I'll order a runner to bring the message for some info."
"I'll do it for you." Aokiji said turning to one of the guards. "You there."
"Sir!" The marine saluted.
"Go find Uzumaki, we need the report of those pilots." The cold Admiral asked. "Now, please."
"You go with him, private." Whitehall added whilst looking into the map. "Drive him there."
"Yes sir." The young marine complied as he then made his way out of the room, with another young soldier of the Legion who accompanied him on the way.
This left the three officers by themselves for a brief moment until then another soldier of the legion, a non-commissioned officer entered and announced.
"Major Whitehall, we've got unexpected visitors."
"I have stated before that no civilians are allowed near our ships."
"They're not civilians, sir." The sergeant responded. "It's a representative of the Hidden Cloud village."
The three officers looked at one another with suspicious looks at mention of that village - given it had barely made any contact or even attempted to be on friendly terms with the outside world."
"Bring him in."
The sergeant nodded and went to the door to be opened and spoke. "Come in."
Then entering the room, came the last person these men expected to come through.
Standing taller than the two senior officers, stood a black guy with spikey white hair and a butcher knife type sword on his back, a black short-sleeved shirt with black pants and sandals
"Alright, Kumo nin. What's your name?" Whitehall spared no moment. "And what's the intent of your visit here?"
The lazed looking man took a moment before he then reached for his pocket and pulled out a letter.
"Name's Darui, Jōnin, with a message from the Fourth Raikage." He gave it to Bishop who accepted it.
"What's it about, if I may ask?"
Darui answered. "Uzumaki Naruto."
The two officers and the Admiral looked at him in surprise, with the later even asking further.
"What about Uzumaki?"
"The Raikage would like to speak to him."
Meanwhile
As business was being handled in the harbor, the night had fallen over the Shinobi continent. With now the sentries being on guard as they were the only ones with lights that could give them the ability to spot intruders at any entrance.
But they weren't the only ones with lights - as the hangar bar was seen fully busy and packed.
Inside, everybody who managed to get here was trying to relieve themselves after some work, maintenance workers, pilots, logistic officers and other members in the airfield were seen taking their time to drink, socialize and have some fun.
"Are you sure that's what you saw?"
At one table the festivities were not present, as Naruto was looking over a map with Wilson and the other pilot, a man named Stretch. Both of whom were now were pointing out what they've seen on their last recon mission, all while disclosing this information at the same table with Smoker, Ain and Domino present.
"Yes sir, we've counted them, around thirty Sky Shinobi per group were seen landing on a small land strip around…here." The pilot Stretch said pointing his finger at the location. "In the eastern border region close to Shimo. We double-checked and we can confirm they're hold up there, with large numbers I suspect."
Naruto was frowning upon this news and asked. "How many do you dare to say?"
"Honestly? I believe they've got hundreds of them if I guess." Wilson went on to say that number with some confidence. "We had heard intel from a few days ago they were spotted going this direction."
"How many days?"
"Two, if not three."
Smoker, listening to this info, did not hesitate to speak up his mind and shared it.
"Something's being planned, kid."
"You don't need to tell me that twice." Naruto said as he pretty much figured out what the danger could be and began writing down the info on a piece of paper. "If that amount was spotted today, plus those three days, that means a possible-"
"Close to five hundred Sky Shinobi fighters are only a flying distance away from Haran Bay." Ain ended that sentence with focus on the map. "And yet, your air corps captain hasn't brought this in with HQ?"
"That's why I'm writing this down." Naruto shredded the paper and gave it to Wilson. "Get a runner and bring this info. Now."
"On it, sir."
Naruto ordered. "Meanwhile, I want this whole airfield put on high-alert and-"
"That will not happen."
The direct order of disobedience came directly from the entrance, and saw that it was none other than Captain Rackham himself in uniform who said it, pretty much causing a scene.
"Rackham-"
"I will say when this base will be on high-alert or not." The posh captain stated as he even added. "I've already sent a runner to HQ, so there's no need for your fearmongering amongst my men, Lieutenant."
"Are you sure about that?" Naruto asked for confirmation. "Have you gotten a response from the-"
"That's nothing for you to think about, lieutenant. Those are my worries." Rackham said pretty loosely as he grabbed a prepared pint. "So how about you return back to your own barracks and be worried with them?"
The clear lack of regard to seem to be only astonishing the marines even more, even when the fact this information that they've been hearing about sounded valid enough to warrant them a clear confirmation if it reached the higher-ups.
But the point was made clear of the snobbish man's attitude towards the Lieutenant, when he approached him with a sneer and a statement he made towards him.
"And next time, remember where your place is and call me sir, Gaijin Nat." The moment the captain said that, he walked away.
The last two words fell on confused ears on the Marines' ears, but they noticed the clear shock and disbelief that was clear in their faces of the surrounding men.
"Did you just hear that?"
"Captain just called the Lieutenant a Nat, really?"
"What an asshole."
Domino was the first to want to ask what this was all about, but she then saw Naruto went to the counter and grabbed something.
The keys to his jeep, as he turned around to the company he kept, he made a suggestion.
"Wanna take a ride? I know this spot that you guys might like."
…
*THUMP!*
As Naruto was seen dumping a duffle bag on the back of the jeep, both Domino and Ain pulled it closer to them as Smoker went to take the shotgun seat, while Naruto turned around to face Wilson and Stretch.
"I don't care what that posh asshole told you, I want that report brought to Bishop and Whitehall." Naruto told them. "Rather a double confirmation than none."
"On it, sir."
Naruto saluted the two air men and then hopped into driver' seat and drove off afterwards, away from the airfield as it went through the open checkpoint.
Not knowing that from a distance, in the forest, that they were being observed by a few watchful eyes.
And they intend to follow the vehicle as they disappeared from those spots swiftly.
Meanwhile
As the night was still young, it wasn't young enough for those who had plans to put them into fruition.
The Gaikotsu Bay was on the northern part of the Land of Frost, where it was mainly merchant sea lane that in its peaceful days had hundreds of ships going through for daily trade on a basis. But ever since the Fourth Shinobi War started, it had been emptied of any sea-worthy ships that had long abandoned this bay.
But it wasn't abandoned for long, as the presence of three big sized metallic vessels had entered the bay, with their insignia showed on the side of their floating fortresses.
It was the sign of the Sky Shinobi - and these fortresses were part of the newest invention, one that might see copies of it in the future - aircraft carriers.
These ships were unique even for them . Their decks instead of containing weapons were flat, almost like the runways they use for these air fields. These ships were the newest evolution in warfare, in multiple ways.
they were ready to show the world the folly of their hubris, and make history.
Yet on those ships stood now a pair of men, both seen walking out of the ship and walking over the landing pad, in their sandals that showed their polished nails. With one pair of feet belonging to a human, while the other pair belonged to that of a Fishman.
"Ah, just a few hours, and we'll be making history, my friend."
"That, I do not doubt."
The two standing at the end of the ship wore black cloaks, but with those that contained the marks of the Red Clouds - showing them to be of the Akatsuki.
With the fishman being Kisame Hoshikagi , a former Shinobi from the Hidden Mist, with his large blade covered in bandages on his back, his blue skin and appearance was more menacing then that of any other Fishman that was ever seen - as was his background of what he'd done for his former Village.
But next to him stood another infamous, yet was the silent one of the pair, with jet black hair and a normal look, he was one of Konoha's most wanted missing nin - Itachi Uchiha.
Both notorious wanted men by their villages - the two missing nin now stood on the ship of an different Shinobi power, with reasons.
"I'll say, the leader is quite generous to choose us to observe the Sky Nin's plans for Haran Bay." Kisame smiled at such interest. "I'm looking forward to this."
"That I know." Itachi calmly stated, not much emotion given. "This will change everything in this war."
"Being so cautious, aren't you, Itachi?" Kisame noticed it in his comrade. "I know you're understated at the best of times, but this is unusual even for you."
Itachi observed his partner for a moment, before finally replying.
""We're about to witness our alliance's plan debuting against the world. Kisame. And that world will throw its whole weight against us once this is over."
As he spoke, the first workers began to emerge, beginning the final preparations of the operation.
Itachi was right - even when he wanted to be not.
Meanwhile
Haran Bay
"Wow…."
That was the mere reaction that came surprisingly from the woman Ain herself, breaking her stoic demeanor. She was surprised by the view she had.
Haran Harbor at night was almost like a city in and of itself, lit by the lights of many ships and the reflection of the blue moon, almost making you forget that this was an military outpost in the middle of an ongoing conflict.
Domino walked up to her friend and shrugged at her reaction, even willing to admit that she couldn't turn away from looking at it either.
"Ladies."
The two female marines turned around to see that on the jeep's hood, something was being prepared by the Legion Lieutenant.
A box with dozens of buttons and lights was making this buzzing sound as it had a telephone horn connected to it, with a cable cord connected right into the car. All while a few glasses were prepared and a bottle of sake. Smoker was the first to ask about this device that he heard of.
"So that's an radio." The Marine Lieutenant asked while having a new pair of cigars in his mouth that were not burning. "I heard you guys were working with these now."
Naruto instead of answering immediately, was seen pulling up a lighter and turned it on before he then asked. "Lighter?"
Smoker nodded. "Sure." He tilted his head closer for Naruto to ignite his cigars on. "You smoke?"
Naruto nodded and instead of picking up his pack of cigarettes for once, he instead very surprisingly pulled up a smoking pipe, that already contained some prepared tobacco with some mixture.
"I thought you smoked cigarettes?"
"I'm doing a bit of both." Naruto said as he lighted his pipe up and then proceeded to exhale the smoke out of his mouth. "I know, bad habits. But I balance them out."
Ain asked. "By what?" She asked, not the fan of tobacco.
"Easily, gardening." Naruto responded.
gaining some surprised looks from the Marines. They did not picture this seasoned Lieutenant as a gardening guy.
"Really? Gardening?" Domino asked slightly amused by the thought. "Like what?"
"Flowers at first, I did that back home." Naruto admitted as he puts the pipe out of his mouth. "But I also do some vegetables, like I can make some good spaghetti with some of the cooks."
"Oh my, oh my. A good officer, a gardener and a cook?" Domino chuckled as he named all those things up. "Yet no girlfriend or fiancée?"
Ain looked back at her friend with shock. "Domino!"
"What?" The blonde woman asked smiling. "Can a girl not ask about someone's love life?"
Laughingly, Naruto was seen pushing and turning on some buttons of the radio as he then managed to get the right frequency that he wanted.
And that frequency was - playing music. And not just any music: but that of a fast-rising celebrity that was streaming her songs that popular around the world:
New Genesis.
"Wait, isn't that-"
"Uta, yes." Naruto finished. "That girl's streaming that's still going on." He said as he began pouring some of the glasses. "I hope it's no problem with you all."
"Of course not, she's good!" Domino said, not ashamed to say she liked her songs as she accepted a glass. "It's hard to find someone who doesn't like her music."
Smoker just shrugged, having no interest in such music but also no dislike for it neither as he accepted a glass.
"It's alright."
Naruto smirked as he then offered the third glass to Ain who was the reluctant and still stoic one to accept the drink.
Grabbing the glass, Ain's cheeks flustered slightly as she acknowledged.
"... I'm not going to lie, it's good."
Smiling, Naruto took the pipe out of his mouth and raised his own glass. "Cheers."
The three marines raised their glasses up.
"Cheers."
'Would they like to know why you're listening to the Diva-'
'This whole day you'be been silent, and now you're talking about that again,'
'I couldn't help it.'
As the four would continue to socialize for the following few hours, they were unable to know that they would be in full sight of what was to happen in front of them.
An image that would be seen worldwide.
To Be Continued.
Alright, this is the 2nd of the 3-part Flashback/backstory. Yes, I turned it into a 3-parter. I know, many are going to say that this is not what they want - but this is essential to the plot, and I promise you all that after the 3rd part is done - the story continues on.
I've seen the One Piece Red Film in Paris when I was in Disneyland for vacation - that's my reason I was basically inactive for most part of writing. But in return I got perhaps mad ideas for Uta, and man, the movie was interesting to watch - even when it was in French subtitles.
Heck, maybe I even consider writing another Naruto/One Piece fic, but at this point the ideas are coming out both left and right.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, because next one is the fun part to do (on my end) and you will not be dissapointed for what I got planned - so please leave a review, follow the story, favorite and stay tuned for the next chapter of 'An Ocean of Lives!'
See you soon!