(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Being big doesn't always mean being strong, but it certainly commands attention from everyone.
The towering golden demon fox, a hundred meters tall, created a palpable sense of oppression that weighed heavily on everyone present.
Zephyr stared in disbelief, his mouth agape.
'Is this brat really this strong?'
As he recalled what he had just said to Sengoku about Naruto being just a brat, his old face flushed with embarrassment.
'Who would have known that this brat can fight against Akainu for so long?'
Luckily, Sakazuki's attack prevented him from saying any more at that time; otherwise, he would have been even more humiliated.
Where would he hide his face then?
Naruto's opponent, Sakazuki, clenched his fists so hard they turned black and red, feeling a mix of frustration and relief.
'At least the Marines have gained another powerful ally.'
It was a complex feeling.
Because he also wanted to beat the brat black and blue
But Naruto wasn't giving him any time to think.
The nine golden tails swung through the air, relentlessly shooting toward Akainu.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The solid ground was shattered, massive chunks of stone flying as the entire training field transformed into a battlefield.
'Such a massive amount of damage…'
Sengoku's heart ached as he watched.
The Marine's budget was already tight, and now it wasn't just a matter of repairing the field—it was about whether Marineford itself would survive this clash!
Just as Sengoku was about to call a halt, Akainu's form was reconstructed from his molten state, his face streaked with blood.
"Meteor Volcano!"
Hundreds of lava fists rained down from the sky—this was one of Akainu's most devastating techniques.
It was a move capable of obliterating everything in its path and its range was huge.
"Is Sakazuki out of his mind?!" Sengoku shouted, his face paling.
"Garp, Aokiji, we need to act now!"
His Golden Buddha form expanded, preparing to stop the destruction.
If those fists hit, Marineford would be left in ruins.
Even Garp stopped smiling, adjusting his justice cloak and readying his fists.
The other Marines, terrified, scrambled to flee, cursing their curiosity for getting them into this mess.
Naruto, meanwhile, had had enough.
"You can fight me, that's fine! But don't drag the others into this, Magma Uncle!" he shouted from within the giant golden fox.
"Hmph, brat. If they get hurt, it's because they're weak," Akainu retorted, his eyes flicking to Aokiji, who had already begun freezing the air around him.
He knew full well that not everyone here could withstand the attack.
But that didn't matter—this was about his twisted version of absolute justice.
Naruto, however, didn't care about Akainu's reasoning.
He was furious.
The atmosphere around him changed, and an overwhelming force erupted from his body, shaking everyone to their core.
It shot in a circular wave with him in the center.
The sky itself split in two under the weight of his power.
"Conqueror's Haki!"
Sengoku was shocked but also pleased.
'Naruto has Conqueror's Haki!'
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
"Wind Release: Ultra-Big Ball Rasenshuriken!"
Two identical golden demon foxes materialized beside him, each holding a massive Rasenshuriken.
Whoosh!
Three Rasenshurikens sliced through the air, obliterating Akainu's Meteor Volcano in a matter of seconds. The remaining shurikens continued on, hurtling towards Akainu.
Boom!
A colossal explosion followed, sending shockwaves through Marineford and causing the sea to churn outside.
Thankfully, the walls of Marineford held strong, but the aftermath alone had nearly destroyed the headquarters.
"Are these two trying to tear Marineford apart?!" Sengoku roared, joining forces with Garp and Aokiji to contain the debris.
When the dust settled, Akainu was half-kneeling in the ruins, panting heavily.
"Stop! Enough!"
Sengoku rushed toward Akainu, determined to prevent further destruction.
"You big idiot! Are you trying to level Marineford?!"
Akainu, confused, glanced at Sengoku, his eyes wide with disbelief.
'This destruction was all caused by that brat's attack! Why are you blaming me?!'
Akainu fumed, feeling both wronged and furious, yet somehow unaware that he had just mentally placed himself in the weaker position by admitting it was Naruto who won in that exchange.
On the other side, Naruto, seeing Sengoku's approach, dismissed his combat stance and returned to the ground.
"Grandpa Sengoku, can I become an Admiral now?" Naruto asked with a bright smile, jogging up to Sengoku.
'An Admiral today, and the Hokage tomorrow,' Naruto thought excitedly.
He felt this place suited his personality more.
"Wahaha! Naruto, well done! Just what I expected from you!" Garp bellowed, crossing his arms proudly.
The better Naruto performed, the prouder Garp became.
'Now Sengoku can't accuse me of slacking anymore, look at who I brought to the Marines,' he thought smugly.
"It's an Admiral candidate, not an Admiral," Sengoku corrected with a sigh, wondering if he'd been too hasty in his promises.
Being an Admiral candidate wasn't just about measuring your strength—it also meant status and recognition, even from the Five Elders.
But given Naruto's incredible power, it was worth it.
Sengoku knew he had to make good on his promise.
"Naruto, before you join the Marines, I have one question for you," Sengoku said, his tone serious.
This was an important question for anyone who joined the Marines.
"What is justice to you?"
The question made Garp and the others turn silent, waiting for Naruto's answer.
Even Akainu, now standing again, watched closely.
'Justice?'
Naruto's smile faded as he recalled Colt's words from before.
'Don't talk about bonds, and friends in this world, only about your justice,'
Naruto understood that he wouldn't be taken seriously if he spoke about his ideals.
But if he were to think about this so-called justice…
Then he also had one.
"My justice is the justice of mutual understanding!"