The serene quiet of the morning was interrupted by the sight of Shiro standing a little unsteadily nearby. Naruto's eyes quickly assessed her condition, sensing some unease in her stance. He waved at her, calling out softly, and she reacted sharply, her movements rigid as if she were holding back something. The guilt he could sense from her body language was palpable.
"Sorry, big brother," Shiro muttered in a pitiful tone, her voice trembling as she looked down at the ground.
Naruto approached her and immediately pulled her into a tight hug, a soft smile on his face. "There's no need to apologize, Shiro. I'm just happy that you're okay."
Her eyes met his, searching for sincerity. "Really?" she asked, her voice full of doubt.
Naruto nodded earnestly. "Of course. You don't have to worry about anything. You're not alone, Shiro."
At his words, Shiro's face crumbled, and tears began to fall freely. "I was so worried that big brother might not like me anymore," she sobbed, pressing her face into his chest.
Naruto felt a wave of warmth in his heart as he held her. "I would never dislike you, Shiro. You're such a good girl." His voice softened, and a thought crossed his mind. "Though, I wonder... how does the other you feel?"
Shiro pulled back slightly, her smile growing wide despite the tears still on her cheeks. "I also like you, big brother. The other Shiro said you are worthy to be a friend."
Naruto gazed at her, touched by her words, and as he looked into her beautiful eyes, an unexpected surge of desire hit him. It was sudden, and he quickly suppressed it. That was not my young body reacting, but something more... a force of built-up desire, he thought, feeling a need to get distance from the moment.
He let go of her gently, but before anything could be said, Hina's voice rang out from behind them, filled with a clear anger. "What do you think you were doing?"
Shiro, still confused, looked at Hina with a puzzled expression. Naruto, however, understood immediately what Hina was implying, especially considering how close their faces had been moments ago. Hina's jealousy was palpable, and Naruto quickly moved to ease the situation. He stepped toward her, trying to explain.
"Hina, we weren't doing anything. I was just calming Shiro down. She was feeling guilty about what happened," he said in a calm, reassuring tone.
Hina was clearly not convinced. "No, you're lying! I saw you—" she began to protest, but Naruto, quick to end the confrontation, took her lips with his in a forceful kiss. He melted her with his kiss in front of Shiro, who stood there, looking utterly confused.
"I wasn't going to kiss her, Hina. If I wanted to kiss her, I would do it here and now, without hesitation," Naruto said firmly, his voice carrying a commanding presence. "I am not someone who can be stopped unless I get what I want."
Hina stared into his intense gaze, her defenses crumbling as she nodded demurely and immediately became attached to him. Naruto sighed inwardly, realizing that Hina was showing some of the symptoms of obsession. I'll have to control this before it becomes too inconvenient, he thought as he looked at Shiro, who was now covering her eyes, pretending not to have witnessed what had just happened.
"Sorry about that, Shiro. We'll be heading home now, but join us for dinner," Naruto said, offering a casual smile before taking Hina's hand and leading her away.
Later that day, Naruto had fully recovered and was back to training with greater intensity. His recent near-death experience had only fueled his determination. He wasn't the only one growing stronger—his entire group had been putting in the work to make sure they didn't fall behind.
As the day wore on, Naruto found himself sitting outside, gazing at the ocean, his thoughts drifting. Smoker, a man who had undergone significant change since they first met, sat down next to him.
"It's a nice view," Smoker said, his voice surprisingly calm, looking out at the horizon.
Naruto gave a small, agreeable nod. "Yeah, it is."
Smoker's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Do you know why I'm here?"
Naruto looked at him, his expression neutral. "Enjoy the view or a partner to talk to?"
Smoker chuckled dryly. "Not quite right, but it shows you're at least human."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I thought you predicted everything that happens and controlled it to an outcome," Smoker said, eyes narrowing slightly.
Naruto laughed, shaking his head. "Now that's something everyone wants to do, isn't it? But I haven't really manipulated things that much. People change themselves, and I'm just... involved."
Smoker seemed to think for a moment before responding. "You're right. But your influence is undeniable. It feels calculated. What's your purpose in all this?"
Naruto turned his gaze to Smoker, his voice lowering in tone. "What would you do with the answer?"
"Who knows?" Smoker said with a sigh. "But I need to know."
Naruto paused, then grinned. "What if I said I want to rule the world? Would you join me?"
Smoker's expression was unreadable. "Hmm... I'm not sold on that idea yet. You'll need to convince me."
Naruto's grin widened. "I really like you, Smoker. You have power, and a sharp mind. So why did you come here?"
Smoker seemed to hesitate before speaking, as if deciding whether to share something personal. "I heard you complain many times about your weapon. While I was on a task, I came across an island with a cursed blade. I fought the possessed fighter and claimed it as my prize. I believe it should satisfy your destructive hands."
Smoker pulled a sword from his back and presented it to Naruto. It was long, thin, and emerald in color, with a wavy design and seven glowing points along its blade.
Naruto's eyes widened as he took the sword, examining it carefully. His mind was assaulted by the cursed presence, but Arachne, ever loyal, ensured it was subdued. It had been deprived of its power for too long, and now it was weakened.
"Thanks, brother. I'll make sure to give you something better in return," Naruto said, offering Smoker a brotherly hug.
Smoker looked momentarily embarrassed and pushed him away. "No need. You've been helping me for months. This is nothing... and I can't even use it. It doesn't suit me."
Naruto laughed heartily at Smoker's rare display of vulnerability, enjoying the sight of the normally stoic man breaking. "Haha, it's nice to see you flustered for once, Smoker."
A month had passed, each day filled with relentless training and grueling battles that pushed Naruto and his comrades to their limits. The fruits of their labor were evident in their sharpened skills and renewed focus. Now, Naruto stood in Z's office, an eager light in his eyes as his mentor prepared to assign him a new task.
Z's smile was both warm and calculating. "I think you'll like this one," he said, leaning forward. "You've mentioned wanting to see Fishman Island before, haven't you? Well, I've used my connections to secure you a mission there. You'll be guarding nobles on a diplomatic mission. Your task is to ensure their safety as part of their bodyguard detail."
Naruto's lips curled into an excited smile, though his thoughts were anything but innocent. Fishman Island... a place ripe with opportunities. Suppressed people are the easiest to manipulate. Such naïve trust, just waiting to be exploited. His mind swirled with the possibilities.
"I'll do my best, teacher," Naruto said with a respectful nod, hiding his true thoughts behind a mask of gratitude.
Z's expression turned serious, the weight of his words underscoring their importance. "Listen carefully, Naruto. Don't cause trouble while you're there. This mission is as much about my reputation as it is about your life. Any misstep will have dire consequences."
"I understand," Naruto replied smoothly. "And thank you, teacher. You've done so much for me."
Z's demeanor softened, a grandfatherly pride shining through. "You're like a grandson to me, Naruto. My chosen disciple. Of course, I'll do everything I can to help you grow." His voice carried a note of optimism, though it was tinged with the unspoken awareness of Naruto's darker inclinations. Z held onto hope, wishing that the young man would find his way to the light amidst the shadows of his past.
After leaving Z's office, Naruto began preparations for his journey. He would sail toward Cocoyashi Village, planning to stay there for two days before joining the noble delegation at their meeting point. His mind raced with schemes and strategies, the mission a perfect stage for his ambitions.
Back at his residence, Hina busied herself tidying up after training. Her eyes fell on one of Naruto's prized creations—a wooden sculpture he had carved with surprising care. It depicted a nine-tailed fox lying in a peaceful, resting posture, a small figure of Naruto perched atop its head. The intricate detail spoke volumes of Naruto's hidden depths, a glimpse into a part of him that he rarely shared.
But now, a crack marred the sculpture, running from the miniature Naruto down to the fox's head. Hina frowned, picking it up delicately.
"This seems important to him," she murmured. "I should get it fixed. Naruto really likes this one."
Resolute, she cradled the sculpture in her arms and left to find a skilled craftsman who could repair the damage. As she walked through the bustling streets, her thoughts drifted to Naruto's layered personality—the strength he exuded, the darkness he carried, and the tenderness he rarely showed. He's not as invincible as he seems, she thought. Even someone like him needs something to hold onto.
Unbeknownst to her, the crack in the sculpture symbolized more than just physical damage. It was a reflection of something deeper—an unseen fissure within Naruto himself, a reminder of the delicate balance he maintained between light and shadow.
The ship docked at Cocoyashi Village, its arrival drawing curious villagers who gathered near the pier to watch. Naruto stepped off the vessel, his eyes scanning the crowd, but there was no sign of Bell-mère or her daughters. He didn't linger, choosing instead to head straight for their home.
As he walked, his mind wrestled with conflicting thoughts. The World Nobles... creatures of unparalleled cruelty. Their actions make my skin crawl. Can I truly keep myself in check when faced with their depravity? He clenched his fists but forced himself to exhale, easing the tension in his body.
Endure. If it comes to it, I'll make sure to take as many of them down with me as possible.
Yet beneath the turbulence of his emotions lay a dangerous ambition. Leaning over the ship's railing before docking, he had mused about the mythical Devil Fruits. If I could find a fruit that restored the powers of my past... I wouldn't have to rely on anyone. The world would kneel before me, and I could bring about eternal peace and happiness. A wry smile had curled his lips at the thought, though even he knew such dreams often came with a price.
As Naruto strolled through the village, a booming voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Boy!"
Turning, he spotted Genzo, the village's elder and protector, striding toward him with a stern expression. Naruto straightened and greeted him with polite respect. "Hello, it's nice to see you again. Thanks for your help last time."
Genzo's suspicion softened slightly at Naruto's courteous tone, but his sharp gaze didn't waver. "I heard you've gotten close to Bell-mère."
Naruto nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes. I like her a lot, and I care deeply for the kids too."
The words hit Genzo like a blow. He had always harbored feelings for Bell-mère, a woman whose fiery spirit and courage he deeply admired. Yet, he had never confessed, fearing rejection or ruining their friendship. Now, seeing her in the arms of an outsider, he couldn't suppress the bitterness swelling in his chest. To think she'd fall for someone who just washed ashore one day...
He gritted his teeth, forcing the words out. "You'd better not make her sad. If you do, you'll have me to answer to."
Naruto's reply was calm and sincere, his tone disarming. "Don't worry. I would never hurt someone I care about. I always strive to make them happy."
The conviction in his voice caught Genzo off guard, and despite his inner turmoil, he found himself believing Naruto's words. Little did he know, the young man standing before him was a far cry from the noble protector he appeared to be. Naruto's goals and the means he employed to achieve them would make him a dangerous adversary, even to those who trusted him.
As Naruto turned to leave, Genzo could only watch, the pit in his stomach growing. They say you should never trust a demon... and yet, here I am, hoping he's different.