MEETING THE DEVIL

It took the Marines five days to reach Impel Down from Shells Town, where they handed over the former Marine Captains, Axe-Hand Morgan and Nezumi over to Magellan. Then they headed towards the Marine Headquarters to register the new recruits, Nojiko, Coby and Helmeppo.

During the trip, when Garp and Naruto were together, the duo got drunk and Garp began reminiscing old stories. Naruto could hold his liquor better than any other marine, a trait he seemed to have inherited from his previous life. Some of those stories featured Naruto's father, Jaguar D Sora and his uncle, Jaguar D Saul. Jaguar D Saul was one of the first few to go through the gigantification experiment. The experiment didn't go all too well, because it ruined his physique, his voice, his face and his hair. It did manage to increase his strength which resulted in his promotion to Vice Admiral rank.

Naruto never knew how his uncle died. All he knew was that his uncle died when he was just 2.

He had tried to investigate it himself, a while back when he was a Captain. However, he was left with no other choice but to quit since he pretty much reached a dead end. All he knew was that, around that time, there was a Buster Call attack on an Island called Ohara in West Blue. According to the reports, the Buster Call was used because the Ohara clan was seeking out forbidden knowledge to destroy the world. The only survivor, an eight year old girl named Nico Robin became the youngest to obtain a bounty-a bounty of 79,000,000 beli. From further investigation, he deduced that Saul was one of the five Vice-Admirals in-charge of the Buster Call Marine ships during that time.

He had asked Garp, Aokiji and Sengoku about Saul and they either merely changed the subject or replied that they didn't know what happened to him. Naruto was sure that Sengoku and Aokiji knew something about it. Besides the guilt on their faces and their immediate attempts to change the subject, Naruto found out that Sengoku was the Admiral back then while Aokiji was one of the Vice Admirals in-charge.

Naruto dropped the topic from their conversations since then because he realized that both Sengoku and Aokiji didn't want to tell him the truth or have him find out the truth either. He noticed some spies tailing him and realized that both Sengoku and Aokiji didn't want him snooping.

The one thing that baffled Naruto the most was the reason for the Buster Call. An eight year old girl sinking down Marine War ships was just unimaginable. It made no sense to him whatsoever.

Having spent time in military in his previous life and having known and heard the exploits of Shimura Danzo, Naruto knew all about dirty work and cover-ups. Naruto knew right away that the Ohara incident was a major cover-up.

Naruto knew that the World Government was dirty. The ones at the top, the Gorosei weren't clean and neither were the Admirals, the Vice Admirals or even the Fleet Admiral, Sengoku. But having seen some of the worst kinds of pirates running amok, Naruto knew that the World Government was necessary for a balance to exist.

After reaching the Headquarters and registering the names of Coby, Helmeppo and Nojiko, Naruto and Garp began their training with Bogard and Ain assisting them. Nojiko at 20, soon became the older sister figure or the two teenagers.

Nojiko was also the most talented among the three when it came to fighting. She was quick and agile. The one thing that the trio had in spades was their drive to become strong because of the incidents and certain individuals in their pasts. For Coby, it was all about bringing down people like Alvida. For Helmeppo, it was about bringing down people like his father, Morgan and the Straw hats. As for Nojiko, it was all about bringing down pirates like Arlong.

While Coby preferred using his fists and Helmeppo felt at ease with Kukri knives, Nojiko found it easier with a pistol. Her mother Bell-mere preferred rifles over other weapons. Nojiko was a real quick-shot with the pistol. She was a natural at firing without taking time to aim. She however did have problems when she was at a distance of more than 30 meters from her target. She wasn't a sharp-shooter, but was certainly capable of providing covering fire, which went really well with Ain's sword skills and Naruto's fighting style as well.

Soon enough Nojiko was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer for her excellent pistol skills. Nojiko preferred wearing an orange sleeveless shirt with a marine symbol on the back that showed off her tattoos with blue tight fitting half pants. She wore a belt made to which her extra bullets were attatched so that she didn't run out of them quickly. The belt had an open space behind with holsters attached to it for two pistols.

Aside from shooting skills, Nojiko, Coby and Helmeppo were also introduced to the Rokushiki. Helmeppo didn't have the natural talent to perform any of the Rokushiki moves. Coby seemingly had the talent to perform Soru, while Nojiko was quite comfortable with the Geppo, something Naruto was really happy about because both he and Ain frequently used Geppo.

Ain had mastered Soru, Geppo and Shigan herself and was in-charge of teaching the moves to both Coby and Nojiko. Naruto had already mastered the six Rokushiki moves and was working on the seventh, Rokuogan. He had learnt the move earlier. He had even mastered it to a decent extent. He wanted to reduce the time he took to use the move, so he too focused on his training with Garp watching over him.

He had nearly perfected the move when Sengoku called him over to his office. Sengoku spoke up, "Naruto-kun, Captain Smoker called from Alabasta requesting for back-up to take down the Straw Hat Pirates. He called for all the Warships near Alabasta. Unfortunately only Captain Hina was close enough. You should be able to reach Alabasta with your devil fruit abilities. I want you to join Captain Hina and back-up Captain Smoker."

Naruto surprised by Smoker's call for back-up asked, "Smoker asked for back-up to take down the Straw Hats. Didn't think he'd need back-up against them. Smoker swallowing his pride is also extremely rare. Something is not right. Is it okay if I take two of my subordinates with me?"

Sengoku nodded as he said, "I assume you are taking Captain Ain and the new recruit from East Blue who was recently promoted to Chief Petty Officer?"

Naruto smiled as he replied, "Yes. Nojiko-chan has come a long way since she joined me in East Blue. I believe this will be a good experience for her."

Naruto summoned Ain and Nojiko, briefed them about their new mission and teleported towards Hina. Fullbody and Jango who were with Hina were extremely shocked to see three marines appearing out of nowhere. Hina had been expecting Naruto ever since she heard from Sengoku via her Den-Den Mushi.

Jango immediately yelled out, "Oi teme, who the hell are you? And how dare you stand next to Hina-ojou?"

Fullbody who noticed the justice coat immediately quieted his buddy saying, "Oi Jango, look at his back, he is wearing a Justice coat. He is a superior officer. So is the girl. Though the other cute one seems to be lower ranked."

Naruto simply turned around before turning back to Hina and asking, "Hina-ojou?"

Hina sighed before saying, "Ignore those two. When Sengoku-san said that he's be sending you, Hina was expecting you to appear with Ain. Though it seems you have a new recruit as well, Naruto-kun."

Ain stepped forward to greet Hina, "Good morning, Hina-san."

Naruto turned to Nojiko as he introduced her to the Captain, "Nojiko-chan, this is Hina-chan. Also known as the 'Black Cage' Hina. She is my old classmate and a Marine Captain. Hina-chan is also a personal friend. We even lost our virginity to each other."

Nojiko began blushing up a storm as Ain and Hina hit the back of Naruto's head shouting, "That's unnecessary information!"

Nojiko then introduced herself, "I'm Chief Petty Officer Nojiko, Taisa-san."

Behind them both Jango and Fullbody were thinking, 'Bastard, how dare he takes Hina-ojou's virginity. He also has two cute girls and both are higher ranked than us.'

Hina then turned towards her crew who were staring at Naruto in anger and jealousy, "To those of you who don't know. The blond is Rear Admiral Jaguar D Naruto. Also known as the 'Yellow Flash' Naruto. The woman in the coat is Marine Captain Ain."

Naruto then turned towards Jango and Fullbody, "Who are you guys?"

Fullbody introduced himself first, "I'm seaman recruit Fullbody. Formerly Lieutenant Commander Fullbody."

Naruto had heard about a Lieutenant Commander being demoted to seaman recruit because he vouched for a pirate. He understood right away that the one in front of him was that person.

Jango then spoke, "I'm the hypnotist Jango. Also Seaman recruit."

The name Jango the hypnotist reminded Naruto of Kuro's little confession in East Blue. Naruto figured out what had actually happened as he thought, 'I see. So the Lieutenant Commander got demoted for vouching for the former first mate of Kuro. The one who helped fake his death.'

Naruto decided to confirm his suspicions as he asked, "You wouldn't be Jango the hypnotist, the former first mate of the Black Cat Pirates, would you?"

Jango took a step back seeing that the Rear Admiral recognized his former title. Even Hina turned her head towards Naruto and Jango to see what would happen. Before Jango could say anything, Fullbody threw himself between Naruto and Jango yelling, "He may have been. But now he is a marine, not a pirate. I vouched for him in court in East Blue and I'll vouch for him again anywhere. Jango is a good friend and not a spy for any pirate."

Naruto, Hina, Ain, Nojiko and the other marines were taken aback by Fullbody's faith in his friend. Jango was moved to tears seeing Fullbody throw everything away to save him. Naruto shock turned to a smile seeing Fullbody's actions as he said, "I'll hold you to that. If he makes any mistakes I'll hold you accountable."

When Fullbody nodded, Naruto turned to Jango and continued, "Besides, I know that he isn't a spy for his former pirate captain. You see, recently I went to East Blue just to straighten some things and I came across a pirate named Kuro or rather 'Kuro of a Hundred Plans', who was supposed to be dead. I defeated him easily and then made him confess how he was still alive. That was when he blurted out your name, Jango and how you helped him fake his death. He then told me how Mugiwara no Luffy ruined all his well-made plans in Syrup village. I then killed him."

"So Captain Kuro is dead?" Jango asked

Naruto nodded to confirm his earlier statement to which Jango muttered, "I see. Thank you. He'd have killed me if he were alive."

Naruto nodded remembering how ruthless Kuro was to his own crew. He could imagine Kuro killing Jango.

Naruto then walked towards where Hina was standing. Hina asked Naruto, "Naruto-kun, do you think Smoker-kun would've caught Mugiwara no Luffy by now?"

Naruto smiled as he replied, "Hina-chan, I was there in Logue Town when Smoker went after Mugiwara no Luffy. Mugiwara escaped only because of luck. If Smoker called back-up to take on Mugiwara, then something must have happened. There is definitely something going on in Alabasta."

Hina's expression turned into a frown as she asked, "What do you think is happening? It is the home of the Shichibukai Sir Crocodile, though Smoker told the Headquarters to not contact the Shichibukai."

Naruto thought deeply, "It could be anything. Smoker, like the two of us and Sengoku-san, knows well enough not to trust any Shichibukai. That's why Crocodile wasn't alerted. Whatever that is happening might even involve Crocodile. That could be the reason he was asking for back-up."

Hina turned towards Naruto as she asked, "Do you think Crocodile is actually protecting Mugiwara no Luffy from Smoker?"

Naruto shook his head as he replied, "Unlikely. Either way, I want to talk to Smoker. You have a Den-Den Mushi, right?"

Hina nodded as she signaled her subordinates to bring her Den-Den Mushi.

Naruto dialed Smoker's frequency and waited till Smoker picked up his phone.

Smoker: Who's calling?

Naruto: Oi Smoker, it is Naruto. I called to ask the situation in Alabasta.

Smoker: If you want to know the situation, come to Alabasta and find out.

Naruto: Tell me Smoker, why did you call for back up?

Smoker: Didn't they tell you at the Headquarters? To catch the Straw Hat pirates.

Naruto: Both you and I know well enough that Mugiwara no Luffy and his crew shouldn't really be a match for you.

Smoker: But I think they're too strong for Tashigi.

Naruto: You sent Tashigi-chan to take them on? What the hell are you doing?

Smoker: I'm relaxing in my ship.

Naruto (pissed off and growling): Why aren't you chasing after Mugiwara? I thought you wanted to catch them yourself. That's why you set out to Grand Line afterall.

Smoker: I'm tired. Besides it's nice to piss you off for a change.

Naruto (laughs): Now you know why I enjoy pissing you off. Though there is one major difference. I can kick your ass and you can't.

Smoker (growls): Why don't you flash here and I'll kick your ass?

Naruto: We'll have fun later. I'll make our score 100-0 after the situation has been dealt with. Either way, it seems like you want me to find things out for myself. Since Tashigi-chan is involved in this mess, I'll head there. By the way, I'm with Hina-chan. She is a little pissed at you. It won't take her too long to reach Alabasta. She'll probably reach by nightfall. Though ofcourse, I'll be reaching there first. Ja ne.

Smoker as he cut the call thought to himself, 'For a moment there I got him riled up at me and then he switched things back to the usual immediately. Damn it!'

Naruto then gave instructions to both Ain and Nojiko to stay with Hina on her ship before teleporting towards the knife he'd given Tashigi.

When Naruto appeared next to Tashigi, he noticed that Tashigi and the other marines standing guard with some defeated men lying on the ground in front of them. Naruto turned to Tashigi who hadn't noticed him, "I'm pretty sure that none of these men are among the Straw Hat pirates, Tashigi-chan."

Tashigi turned around to see Naruto, "Naruto-san? What are you doing here?"

Naruto looked behind and saw several people who looked like the soldiers of Alabasta fighting against civilians as he said, "I was sent as back-up. What the hell is going on over here? Some kind of civil war?"

Tashigi frowned as she said, "Yes. And the one responsible for this is Crocodile. More importantly there is a bomb in the clock tower that is set to blow up soon. If it explodes, it'll take out everyone here."

"Say no more." Naruto replied, before using Geppo to get above the dust, before using Geppo again to get towards the clock tower which was open. He would have thrown one of his knives but noticed a falcon in white clothes enter as well before turning into a man signifying that the man had eaten a devil fruit. There was a girl with light blue hair inside the clock tower as well whom Naruto recognized as the princess Nefertari Vivi.

The man in white was telling Vivi, "Honestly, you caused me no small amount of headaches with your unpredictable actions, Vivi-sama. Devoting my life to the service of the Nefertari family fills my heart with everlasting pride."

Naruto immediately appeared behind him and said, "Oi, nice speech. But now that I'm here, you don't have to sacrifice your life."

Pell turned around and asked, "Who are you?"

Naruto looked at him and replied, "I'm Naruto, a Marine Rear Admiral. We don't have enough time for pleasantries."

Naruto looked at the time left on the bomb which showed seventeen seconds, threw a knife to Pell and told him, "Oi Bird-man, take this knife fly as high as you can for five seconds before throwing it as hard as you can as far away as possible. No one is going to die. Just trust me. I'll take care of the bomb."

Pell turned into a falcon and flew off yelling, "I'm trusting you here. Don't betray my trust, marine."

Naruto touched the floor in the Clock Tower before grabbing the chain on the time bomb as Vivi stayed on the floor perplexed. After five seconds Pell threw the knife as hard as he could. Naruto waited for a total of ten seconds before flashing to the knife and catching it with his mouth before yelling, "From the book of Old man Garp, 'Genkotsu Meteor'!"

Naruto threw the bomb as hard as he could far away from the where the civil war was going on. Naruto then appeared inside the clock tower and removed his knife from his mouth. After a couple of seconds, Vivi and Naruto heard the bomb explode. Pell flew back into the clock tower and asked Naruto, "How did you do that?"

Naruto calmly smiled as he replied, "I've eaten the Teleport-Teleport fruit. I can teleport to whatever I touch. The knife I gave you had been marked by my touch. When you left, I grabbed the bomb and waited for a total of ten seconds, five for you to fly and five for you to throw the knife a safe distance away from you. I then appeared next to my knife and threw the bomb even further away before teleporting again to this room which I'd marked by touching during my short time here. I'm not known as the Yellow Flash for nothing, you know."

Pell who was shocked asked, "You're the Yellow Flash of the marines?"

Seeing Naruto nod, Vivi bowed her head and cried out, "Thank you!"

Naruto maintained his frown as he said, "Don't thank me yet. How are you going to stop this civil war? Thank me after that."

The Straw Hat pirates who were just under the clock tower were wondering, 'What just happened?'

Meanwhile Tashigi had tears in her eyes when she understood what had happened as she thought, 'Thank you, Naruto-san.'

Vivi turned her attention towards the people who had paused for a second during the explosion before they began fighting again and yelled out at the top of her voice, "PLEASE STOP FIGHTING!"

She kept yelling over and over again but to no avail as the people continued fighting. Naruto turned to Pell and said, "Oi, Birdman, carry the princess and bring her down slowly. I'll end this war."

Pell moved in front of Vivi and turned into his falcon form as he lifted the still screaming Vivi onto his back. Naruto jumped from the clock tower. He coated his feet with enough Haki to create a minor tremor as he jumped down from the height.

When Naruto landed on the ground in the middle of the Square, he caused a minor Earthquake, which was enough to bring every fighter down to the ground. He immediately followed it up with a minor dose of Haoshoku Haki.

Naruto's Haoshoku Haki brought down several weak-willed ones as soon everyone registered the presence of the Marine in the Square. Naruto then yelled out, "When a Princess has something to say. You stop and listen to what she wants to say. I'm Marine Rear Admiral Jaguar D Naruto and I'll pass Judgment here. If Nefertari Cobra is guilty, I'll arrest him and take him to Impel Down or kill him right in front of all of you here. If it is someone else, I'll treat that person similarly. But first listen to what the Country's princess has to say to all of you. As for the ones who fell unconscious, don't worry. They'll wake up in five minutes."

The Strawhat pirates seeing the Marine and his power which brought down several people and his speech backed away knowing that he'd take care of the situation. Pell brought Vivi down and the latter began telling the people about all that had been happening in the country. Kohza who had recovered, also confirmed Vivi's story and so did a little boy who had been attacked by Mr.2 and the Baroque Works members disguised as Cobra and his Royal Army members.

Tashigi joined in to explain her findings as well. Naruto then turned to Tashigi and asked, "Where is Crocodile? It's not over without defeating him. Just tell me where he is. I'll defeat him. I'm strong enough to do so."

Suddenly they felt tremors as the Ground began shaking and cracking up a little. A few building fell apart as man with sand around him emerged out of the ground and rose up into the sir. The man then fell in the middle of the Square unconscious. The moment Crocodile landed on the ground, it began raining, a phenomenon the country hadn't seen in three years.

As the crowd looked on in shock, Naruto smiled as he said, "So someone managed to defeat Crocodile and the heavens opened. How fitting. Tashigi-chan, take command here. Smoker left you in-charge. I'm merely back-up, even if I'm a much higher ranked officer."

Tashigi nodded and stepped forward, "A Baroque Works ship carrying Dance Powder for use in creating artificial rainfall has been captured. Leader of the secret criminal organization, Baroque Works, Shichibukai Pirate, Sir Crocodile. By the order of the Marine Headquarters, acting with the authority of the World Government, in accordance with the Naval Enemy Seizure clause, you are henceforth stripped of all the titles and privileges granted to you by the Government."

As Tashigi proceeded to hand-cuff Crocodile and take him away along with the other members of the Baroque Works, Naruto looked around at the shocked and shameful faces of all the members of the Rebel Army. Just then the king, Nefertari Cobra entered the Square and spoke, "It's natural to mourn as it is to feel intolerable emotions. We have lost much and gained nothing. But we shall move forward. No matter who you fought against, the war happened and now it's over. No one can erase what happened in the past. STAND UPON THIS WAR AND LIVE! KINGDOM OF ALABASTA!"

Naruto smiled as the King's speech made the people relax. Naruto noticed that the Strawhats had suddenly disappeared after Crocodile had been defeated. He assumed that the one who defeated Crocodile was Mugiwara no Luffy since he was the only member of the crew who wasn't present when Naruto was stopping the war. He noticed a fluffy little talking animal with them, but didn't bother much since he was trying to stop the war. Naruto stayed on and helped Tashigi find the other defeated members of the Baroque Works. After seeing that the situation was more or less under control, Naruto teleported towards Smoker.

When Naruto appeared next to Smoker, both Hina and Smoker were pretty calm having seen him do it several times before and hence were expecting him to do that. Hina merely smoker her cigarette while asking Smoker, "Have you gotten rounder since Hina last saw you?"

Naruto joined in as he said, "Not only did he get rounder, Hina-chan. He also wants to show that to the World by walking around with an open jacket."

Smoker who was getting irritated yelled out, "Mind your own business."

Both Hina and Naruto laughed at that before spoke, "It's been a while since we were together. Just the three of us. By the way, that reminds me. Where are my two subordinates, Hina-chan?"

Hina smiled as she answered, "They are taking care of the Millions and Billions fleets of Baroque Works. I've left about ten of Hina's warships with them. They're doing quite well. A lot better than Hina's subordinates."

Hina then turned to Smoker, "Smoker-kun, you sent 20 Warships from Hina's elite squad for a mere ship hunt. It's unthinkable. Hina unthinkable."

Smoker simply closed his eyes as he said, "Don't be like that. We're friends from the same class at the Academy."

Hina simply sighed, "I always sympathize with poor Tashigi's troubles."
Naruto smiled as he agreed, "You and me both. Having to deal with an uptight chain smoker with a large stick up his ass and a scary face to top it off is just too harsh for Tashigi-chan. Maybe she was a brutal and crazy pirate in her previous life and this must be God's way of seeking revenge."

Hina began laughing as Smoker immediately got off his seat and yelled, "You want to pick a fight, Blondie."

Naruto smiled broadly as he yelled, "Bring it on old-man. It's time to make it 100-0."

Smoker threw himself at Naruto, trying to attack him. Naruto dodged him easily. Smoker then tried using his devil fruit powers to attack Naruto, but Naruto simply dodged all his attacks before catching Smoker's jute from the middle and pulling him close. Naruto then delivered a powerful clothesline on Smoker knocking him down before twisting his arm behind his back. Hina watched the entire fight from the sidelines and at the end of it said, "As usual, Winner-Naruto-kun."

Naruto smiled as he said, "This calls for a celebration. I believe it's now 100-0 in my favor."

Smoker simply yelled out, "I'll defeat you next time."
Naruto and Hina began laughing at Smoker's yell as Naruto got off his back. Naruto then went back to his seat as he said, "Still this is quite the unit that Crocodile managed to create during his stay at Alabasta. Aside from Crocodile himself, the former bounty hunter from West Blue, Mr.1 or Daz Bones, an Okama with the ability to change his face, Mr.2 or Bon Clay, a devil fruit user who ate the Spike-Spike fruit, Miss Double Finger or Paula, a devil fruit user who ate the paramecia type clay-clay fruit, Mr.3 or Galdino, several other bounty hunters including the Number agents and the Millions and Billions fleets."

Smoker agreed as he added, "Not to mention even Nico Robin, who had disappeared for 20 years after destroying six marine warships at the age of 8 to become the youngest bounty and that too with a bounty of 79,000,00 beli."
Naruto was shocked as he yelled, "What? Nico Robin is here?"

Smoker turned to Naruto, "You didn't know?"

Naruto nodded no before saying, "Tashigi-chan didn't catch her yet. I'm going for a search. Nico Robin has avoided being captured for 20 years. Let me give it a shot. Ja ne."

Naruto then disappeared using his devil fruit powers. Hina turned to Smoker, "Hina has never seen Naruto-kun so jumpy."

Smoker agreed, "Yeah. Something is not right. Naruto is keeping secrets. We'll ask when he returns."

Nico Robin was slowly making her way through the desert to the Going Merry-ship of the Straw Hat pirates. Straw Hat Luffy didn't let her die when she simply wanted to die. Now it'd be his responsibility to give her a new direction. The Poneglyph in Alabasta wasn't the Rio Poneglyph she was searching for. Hopefully Monkey D Luffy can show her why the ones with the initial D in their names fight, what the Will of D is and where she'd be able to find the Rio Poneglyph, she'd been searching for 20 years.

While she was walking, the wind suddenly picked up and she heard a voice, "I've finally found you, Nico Robin."

Robin turned around and saw a Blond marine with blue eyes and a clear face about 6 feet tall. She immediately crossed her hands and yelled, "Seis Fleur!"

Six hands appeared at various points on Naruto's body. Using Kenbonshoku Haki, Naruto knew what was coming. He immediately threw a knife towards Robin. Robin seeing the knife coming in her direction, moved towards her let quickly, while still keeping her arms crossed. Just as she was about to make her next move, Naruto teleported to the knife he'd thrown and appeared right in front of her. Before Robin could use 'clutch' on Naruto, the Rear Admiral grabbed her throat with his free hand and pushed her down to the ground. He then stabbed Robin's right shoulder with his knife. The Kairouseki in the knife weakened her and cancelled her devil fruit power making her hands disappear.

Having effectively defeated and pinned Robin, Naruto spoke, "So that's your power Nico Robin. Ability to make your body parts appear anywhere. Good for spying and covert operations including assassination, but not good enough to take out six warships. Especially not at the age of 8. So just like I suspected it was a cover-up by the World Government."

Nico Robin was shocked at her quick defeat at the hands of the Marine. He had pinned her down and stabbed her should with a knife and she was feeling extremely weak. She felt like she was in the ocean. She turned to the Marine and asked, "What did you just do to me?"

Naruto simply got off her and replied, "The knife is made out of Kairouseki. It is the perfect weapon to deal with devil fruit users."

Robin felt a sense of dread. She couldn't do anything with the knife firmly lodged in her shoulder. Naruto seeing this introduced himself, "My name is Jaguar D Naruto. I'm a Rear Admiral."

Robin was shocked out of her core as memories of the giant that saved her resurfaced as she muttered, "Jaguar D!?"

Seeing her shock, Naruto knew right away that this woman knew something about his uncle, "So just like I thought. You knew my uncle, Jaguar D Saul. Tell me what you know. How did he die? I've spent a lot of time searching for anything regarding him and the only thing I managed to find was that the was one of the Vice Admirals involved in the Buster Call incident in Ohara and you are the only survivor of that incident."

Robin was shocked to hear that the Marine in front of her was not only her favorite author but also the nephew of her savior. She had come across his name and his books. She began reading his stories because of his name and loved them. But never in her wildest dreams did she think that the man was also a Marine himself and the nephew of her savior.

She knew all too well what had happened. Aokiji had killed Saul. If she told Naruto the truth, it'd put him in danger. She felt like owed Saul to not put Naruto in any danger as she yelled out, "I'm the one who killed him."

Naruto looked at her in anger, "Stop lying. I'm a Rear Admiral myself. My uncle was a Vice Admiral and a giant. An eight year old even if she had eaten White Beard's devil fruit wouldn't have been able to defeat him. Tell me the truth now."

Robin seeing no way out cried, "Jaguar D Saul died trying to protect me. It's my fault he died. He was killed by an extremely dangerous man. Even you can't take him on."

By now Robin was crying. Naruto seeing this removed his knife from her shoulder as he began thinking out aloud, "An extremely dangerous man, huh. Since the whole of Ohara is dead except you, it can't be one of them. So it has to be a Marine. The five Vice Admirals sent to destroy Ohara were Jaguar D Saul, Sakazuki Akainu, Kuzan Aokiji, Borsalino Kizaru (not shown, just making up) and Alsatian Shepherd (unimportant OC). Off these Alsatian Shepherd is dead. So it can only be one of the three former Vice-Admirals, who are now Admirals. Out of the three, it can't be Kizaru or Akainu, because if it were them, you wouldn't have survived. So it can only be Aokiji. No wonder there were spies near me almost immediately after I asked him what happened to my uncle. For someone, who preaches Lazy Justice and Moral Justice, he is a comrade killer afterall, huh."

Robin was surprised to see Naruto figure it all out. Naruto then turned to Robin, "I don't understand one thing. Why was the Buster Call launched? What did the people of your Island do? Why did my uncle throw everything away to protect you? Tell me the whole story, Nico Robin."

Robin seeing no other alternative told Naruto all she knew and could remember about Clover, her mother, Olivia, Saul, Aokiji, Akainu and his actions and Spandine. Naruto after hearing the entire thing consoled the sobbing Devil-child before saying, "Who would have thought that the World Government's greatest fear is the true history of this World becoming known to the public? I'll let you go for now, Nico Robin. I won't do anything about this either. But that said, I'll find out the truth eventually. And when I do, if all that you just told me were a lie, I'll teleport towards you and kill you. The moment I grabbed your throat, I marked you, Robin. I've eaten the Teleport-teleport fruit and can teleport to anything that I've marked by touching. However I also promise that as long as whatever you told me isn't proven to be a lie, I won't ever use any mark on you for teleportation. And I always keep my promises."

Naruto then helped Robin onto her feet before feeling a little embarrassed. Robin was taller than Naruto by atleast two inches without heels and about five inches with it. Naruto had a pout in place as he asked, "Why do women like you have to wear heels? Like you don't feel tall enough already."

Robin surprised by the change in atmosphere chuckled. After she calmed down, she asked Naruto, "Naruto-kun, you too have the letter D in the middle of your name, right? Tell me, what do you people fight for?"

Naruto was a little surprised at the question. He got over his surprise and answered with a smile, "To be honest I don't know what people with D in the middle of their name fight for. So far aside from myself, I've met a few others with D in their names. I believe you've already met Monkey D Luffy and my uncle. I've also met others like Portgaz D Ace, Old-man Garp and my father. I can't speak for any of them, but I can speak for myself. I fight to protect those who are important to me. I fight for what I believe is right and will continue to do so."

Robin smiled at Naruto's answer as she said, "I don't think I've ever said this to a Marine. But take care, Naruto-kun."

Naruto smiled as he replied, "You too, Robin-chan."

Naruto then teleported back to Smoker's ship as Nico Robin continued walking towards Going Merry.

When Naruto entered Smoker's ship by teleporting to one of the areas on the ship he had touched the last time he was there, Smoker was receiving a call from the Headquarters. Naruto walked up to the deck where Smoker and Hina were present. Smoker picked up the Den Den Mushi.

Voice at the other end: "In regard of your subjugation of Crocodile, You and Chief Petty Officer Tashigi are to report to the World Government, so that you may be presented with medals."

Smoker: "Subjugation? Hey, hold on! We didn't bring down Crocodile. Didn't you listen to my report?"

Voice: "Furthermore we have decided to give you both as well as Rear Admiral a promotion in rank after he prevented the bombing of Alabasta single handedly. The next concern-"

Naruto upon hearing it couldn't help but frown. He had just heard of a cover-up story made by the World Government from Nico Robin. These were the times when he questioned whether he was in the right side.

Smoker (Angry and frustrated): "Oi! Listen! The people who have been Crocodile and his Baroque Works this entire time were the Straw Hat pirates!"

Hina who had understood what the World Government was trying to do advised Smoker, "It's no use, Smoker-kun. The Government wants to cover up the events that transpired here. Do you think the Government can announce to the World that the collapse of Alabasta was averted thanks to pirates?"

Voice: "The next concern is when you'll be departing to your formal decoration ceremony."

Smoker (pissed off): "Cut the crap!"

Hina tried to stop Smoker again advising, "Smoker-kun! Just accept it! You know what will happen if you anger the brass-"

However Hina's advice fell to deaf ears as Smoker continued.

Smoker: "We brought down Crocodile? Because we DIDN'T do that, my subordinate is crying. The only saving grace for us is that Naruto stopped the bomb."

Smoker then paused before speaking in the Den-Den Mushi. Naruto had a smile on his face realizing what Smoker was about to do.

Smoker: "Oi, you. I have a message for those old geezers at the World Government."

Voice: "Yes?"

Smoker: "TELL THEM TO EAT SHIT!"

Smoker immediately cut his Den-Den Mushi as Hina yelled out, "Smoker-kun!?"

Hina's yell was interrupted by Naruto laughter. Hina turned to Naruto, "Naruto-kun, what is there to laugh about this situation?"
Naruto controlled his laughter before saying, "Relax, Hina-chan. The geezers can't do shit to Smoker. All they can do is promote him, Tashigi-chan and me. They need Smoker. Smoker isn't the only one to have defied the higher ups. I trained under Old man Garp. He has pissed off those geezers more than anyone else. They need marines like Old man Garp, Smoker, you and me. The best they can do is label us as the loose cannons among the Marines."

Hina calmed down, while Smoker who had also cooled down after his spell of anger turned to Naruto, "So Naruto, did you meet Nico Robin?"

Naruto simply lied, "No."

Smoker and Hina looked at Naruto for a while before Smoker said, "I see. So you met her. Why isn't she behind bars?"

Naruto feeling frustrated at Smoker's and Hina's ability to spot when he was lying decided to speak the truth while hiding details, "We just experienced the World Government trying to cover-up a situation so as to save face. I assure you that this isn't the first time this has happened. As for my attempt to capture the eight year old girl who destroyed six Marine Warships 20 years ago, I merely followed my justice."

Smoker and Hina having understood the hidden message nodded in reply accepting it.

Naruto then turned to Smoker, "Head for Mariejois. We might as well get this promotion thing done with."

Naruto then turned towards Hina, "Hina-chan, I believe my subordinates are still with you. I will be taking Nojiko-chan with me to Mariejois. She needs a lot more training. Let Ain-chan stay you. I suppose you'll be taking the prisoners to Impel Down before heading for the Headquarters. I'll meet you there. Till then Ain-chan is under your command."

Both Smoker and Hina nodded in agreement as Naruto began walking towards Tashigi's room. Smoker seeing this yelled out, "Oi! Where are you going?"

Naruto continued walking as he replied, "I just heard from you that your subordinate was crying because she couldn't stop Crocodile or the bomb. I just need to talk to her then. It'll help her feel better and more motivated as well."

Naruto walked into Tashigi's room and shut the door. Smoker continued smoking from his seat as he said, "That bastard, he is going to sleep with Tashigi, isn't he?"

Hina who knew that was going to happen merely smirked as she said, "He isn't going to throw himself at her. Having been with him several times, Hina know that his intentions are simply going to be to calm her down. As he said earlier, he'll make her feel better and he'll motivate and inspire her, but it is going to be Tashigi who'll throw herself at Naruto at the end of his speech. That's his charm. Sometimes women need it. Naruto-kun knows, Hina knows and you know that you're never going to do it with her, so you might as well let Naruto-kun do it with her. It's for her own good as well."

Soon enough they were able to here strange noises and Hina took that as her cue to leave the ship and send Nojiko.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hi guys, I'm back with my new chapter. It took me a while to get this chapter done. I had to rewrite this chapter several times over after watching the episodes. Not sure when I'll be able to upload the next one. I'm going to Dubai on 21st. I'm not sure how I'm going to find time. Anyways, I need a lot of reviews. The more the reviews, the more I'd feel inspired.