Naruto sighed; he was not looking forward to Makino's reaction. This was going to be a long night; Naruto took a deep breath then took Makino's had and sat her down next to the table.

Are you sure about this kit?

Yes, I want someone to know.

"Makino, there is something I have to tell…" Naruto was nervous; he hoped Makino would listen to him.

"Well? What is it Naruto?!" Makino wasn't happy, and she was losing her patience. She couldn't understand why Naruto wouldn't trust her.

"The reason I ran… w..was because Shanks called me G..Gaki. My Godfather Jiraiya used to call me that before he died… and the truth is I am a ninja... I'm from another world, and I used to be twenty years old and engaged…" Naruto stopped talking and looked up at Makino, and she was quite unsure what to think or say.

"That's not all… I'm a Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Kitsune, Kurama. He is sealed inside of me using funijutsu," Naruto lifts his shirt and shows makino the seal before continuing. "There is a lot more but, for now, that is the basics.. and Garp, as far as I know, doesn't know about any of this," Naruto looked up at Makino who was sitting still.

"So… let me get this straight; you are from another world, you're a ninja, and you used to be twenty years old?! On top of the fact that Garp does not know about this!" Makino stood up and looked at Naruto, and she couldn't believe him. Naruto winced at Makino's raised voice.

Volume sure knows how to scold someone…

Not gonna help? Please… like, puff in, at the size of a cat or something…

Why would I… kit… no. No, ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Please Kurama! I want Makino to know… please!

If she calls me cute! Or tried to Hug me... I'M NOT GOING TO LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS EASILY!

Ok, Kurama.

"I can prove it, Kurama can pop in whenever he feels like it… he's going to now. Just don't call him cute or hug him.. he hates it," Naruto said hoping Makino would listen.

"Fine, but if you are lying to me I will ring Garp!" Makino made sure Naruto understood her, and lying wasn't going to help his situation.

Before Naruto could speak, Kurama appeared in a puff of smoke, slightly glaring at Naruto before looking at Makino. He sighed before tipping his head like a bow, then looked back up to speak with Makino.

"Thank you for looking after the kit. I know he can be challenging, but none the less thank you for being concerned and worried about him. Naruto doesn't understand that, due to his past but I am glad someone here besides the Bog-guy cares about the brat." Kurama stopped taking as Makino sat down quiet suddenly, she looks between Kurama and Naruto unsure what to say.

"I… how… wait.. what… but Garp-san.." Makino holds her hand up and takes a deep breath, she then moment for Naruto to sit down next to her and Kurama. "Ok, I don't fully understand, I do hope you can answer my questions… both of you. So please start from the top.."

It took several hours for Kurama and Naruto to talk to Makino, to their surprise she had listened and asked questions when she didn't understand something. Aside from that Makino took in the information and didn't seem to react much, except Jiraiya's death and the war, Makino smiled at Naruto.

"Ok... I think I understand now. Still, you shouldn't have run off.. so until I see fit you are not allowed to leave the pub grounds unless Shanks or I am with you," Makino said giving Naruto a hug which was happy to get one until he heard Kurama.

"I'll help Volume, no more training until the ban if lifted it… that included fuinjutsu training," Kurama smirked at them then puffed away saying he was tired and needed sleep.

"Naruto, I understand why you have been hesitating to speak to people. But so that you know, we are not like the people from Konoha. You and Kurama are different people, I care about you," Makino then gave Naruto another hug, Naruto wasn't sure how to react, but he started to cry.

Makino just smiled, she patted Naruto's head and calmed him down. She was glad Naruto was acting like himself, once Naruto was calm Makino let go of Naruto and started to clean the pun. Naruto didn't say anything, he stood up and started to help her. Makino smiled, and once they were done, they went to bed.

· · · · · ·

It had been a few weeks since Naruto and Makino had talked, Makino had told him that if he helped out, then he could start training again. Shanks had offered to help train Naruto and Luffy, though in different ways. Naruto was happy and was almost at peace, Kurama and Makino had also enabled him to tell Shanks. To say he was surprised was an understatement, he drank a lot before laughing.

Shanks also offered to help Naruto come to terms with his feelings, and in return, Naruto helped Shanks with his Haki. Even the first-mate Ben had been interested and was surprised shanks told him good luck when the Naruto turned it into a game.

Today was one of the days Shanks was sailing, and Naruto was helping Makino while Luffy sat at the bar and was chatting away. Naruto hoped the ban would end soon; he wanted to train as well as teach Luffy a few things as what he heard from Luffy made him very concerned.

"Then Jii-chan told me to fight monkeys, they were mean and tough," Luffy explained while Naruto was clearing tables. Makino smiled and saw the look Naruto was giving Luffy.

"Naru-kun, once you are done you can go to train. Your ban is over if you wouldn't mind, could you take Luffy with you?" Makino smiled at Naruto who was ecstatic. Naruto rushed to finish as well as Luffy who rushed to finish his food, and he was excited to spend time with Naruto.

"I'm done Makino-san, Luffy and I are going now we will be back soon," Naruto called as he and Luffy were almost out the door. Luffy hot on Naruto's trail and Naruto were smiling, reminded of Konohamaru.

"Ok Lu, me and you are going to train so we can show Garp how strong we are. As well as to make him stop hitting us," Naruto said when they arrived at his training grounds. Luffy nodded easily and waitied for Naruto to teach him.

Naruto and Luffy spend a few hours training; Naruto helped Luffy understand there are different ways to fight along with how to dodge and use you're opponents momentum against them.

It's getting late kit, you should head back now

Ok, thanks Kurama

"Ok Lu, it's time to head back now," Naruto said with a slight smile to his face. It was nice to train with someone, and to help them. Naruto missed that feeling of accomplishment.

"Ah already?" Luffy wined while lying down, exhausted but happy.

"Yes already, it's getting late. We need to head back, come on Lu. If you want I'll carry you?" Naruto offered crouching next to Luffy, who nodded his head and moved his arms up in a grabby motion.

"Yes please!" Luffy yawned when he was picked up and given a piggy back ride, Naruto just smiled and walked to the village.

Kit be weary, you are being watched, I sense two small kit. Their auras are sad, and lonely. Be careful I'm unsure if they are going to attack you.

I don't think they will, they probably watched me train and I might be older then them. I don't know what they will do, but I doubt they will attack me with Luffy in my back.

You can never be to sure, be careful.

Will do, thank you for the warning.

Naruto made sure to keep an ear out, he would protect Luffy. Also if push comes to shove Naruto could use Kage Bunshi, he could get help if he needs to or make a distraction and run for it.

It didn't take long for Naruto to get to the village, the two auras left a while ago but larger ones like adults replaced them. Naruto hoped the bandits knew Garp-san and wouldn't try and mess with them.

· · · · · ·

It had been a few days since Naruto and Kurama sensed the mountain bandits. They weren't sure if they would come down from the mountain, but Naruto was prepared incase they did.

Shanks had returned from his adventure, Naruto was glaring at Shanks because of what happened on his ship 20 minutes prior.

· · · · · ·

Luffy was standing on the head of the ship with a knife in his hand, he was watching and yelling for the pirates to watch him.

The little monkey is going to try and prove himself, you should stop him.

He's not going to do anything dangerous, it's Luffy. He's still learning now to fight properly.

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn you.

"Hey, Luffy! What are you trying to do?!" Shanks yelled up at luffy.

"I'm really serious! I'm so pissed! I'm gonna prove it to you!" Luffy shouted back and it was then Naruto got a feeling something was going to happen to Luffy.

"Yeah, do it! I don't know what you're gonna do though!" Shanks egged Luffy on, Luffy then moved the knife in his hand to his face. Naruto hoped to Kami that Luffy wasn't going to do what he thought.

Luffy stabbed himself in the face with the knife, right under his left eye, all the pirates started to freak out.

"Itai!" Luffy screamed and started to cry.

I told you so kit.

"You Idiot! What are you doing?!" Shanks screamed back at luffy and ran to him with Naruto infront of him.

· · · · · ·

"Cheers, Guys!" Shanks's crew shouted

"To Luffy's guts and out great journey!" Someone else shouted.

Luffy sat close to Shanks still slightly crying, saying it didn't hurt at all, but Shanks being Shanks scolded Luffy before teasing him. Luffy walked off and started to talk to Ben the First mate.

Naruto was only half listening to the conversations but, it was then Makino asked how long were they staying, until Shanks replied that they weren't going to stay much longer as it almost been a year.

Naruto's heart dropped, it couldn't be a year yet! Luffy wasn't seven till may and its only… Naruto went pale, he couldn't believe so much time had passed. Luffy sat back next to Shanks, thinking of a plan to make Shanks take him before he leaves permanent. He then started to eat in frustration, a weird fruit.

The bar door was then kicked in, and a group of bandits started to walk in. Naruto knew nothing good would come of this, he was ready to fight but Ben put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile while nodding towards Shanks.

"Pardon us, so these are 'pirates'? Look pretty damn dumb," The Boss of the bandits says walking in like he owned the place. "We're mountain bandits, But we ain't here to tear up the place. Sell us some booze,"

"I'm sorry. I just ran out of alcohol," Makino said politely with a small smile, Naruto wanted to move to try and protect Makino but Ben held him back.

"These pirates seem to be drinking something… what is it, water?" The bandit said back like he was accusing Makino.

"No, what they're drinking is the last of it," Makino said again, she hoped the bandits wouldn't do anything while Luffy and Naruto were here.

"My apologies, Looks like we drank the whole place dry. Sorry! You can have this, if you'd like, it hasn't been opened yet," Shanks offered the upopened bottle in his hand to the bandit.

The bandit glared at Shanks before smashing the bottle over Shanks, Luffy jumped back and Naruto moved closer with Ben holding him. Ben knew who Naruto was and he had a feeling if it got worse the kid might try and kill the bandit.

"Hey, you bastard! Who do you think I am? One bottle ain't even enough for a bad time drink!" The bandit told Shanks, only Shanks looked down and made a upset noise.

"The floor's all wet!" Shanks started before a bounty poster was shoved in his face.

"Look at this. There is an eight million berry bounty on my head, I've killed 56 people. They were all impudent like you, so be careful hereafter. But since we're in the mountains and you're on the sea, I don't think we'll see each other again," the bandit whittled on while Shanks moved and started to pick the peace of glass off he floor.

"Sorry about that, Makino-san. So you have a rag?" Naruto wasn't sure what was going on now, but looking at Ben's face everything was fine.

"Oh, I'll do that!" Makino replied grabbing a rag and about to move when a sword slashed across the bar smashing the plates and glasses onto the floor where shanks was. Naruto noticed Shanks had moved before the bandit even grab his sword, guess that was Kenbunshoku.

"Seems you like to clean, then maybe you'll fine this more fulfilling," The bandit just smirk at Shanks. He then turned and started to leave with the other bandits, only to stop just before he left. "Later, Wimps!"

Makino ran to Shanks, checking him over while Naruto did the same to Luffy. Makino kneeled next to Shanks, worry and concern written all over her.

"Captain-san, are you alright?" Makino asked while Shanks raised his hand, Naruto was unable to see his face because of his Straw hat.

"Oh, no problem at all," Shanks said before laughing, then the whole pub rang with laughter. Naruto realied there was no point in fighting one lousy bandit and his crew, so Naruto smiled and shook his head.

"Why are you laughing?! That was so uncool! Why didn't you fight them?! You're not men – or pirates – if you laugh after something like that!" Luffy yelled at Shanks. Shanks just smiled and put his hat back on, he understood where Luffy was coming from but it just wasn't worth it.

"I can understand how you feel, but he only spilled some booze on me. It's nothing worth getting mad over," Luffy wouldn't account that and went to leave only for Shank to grab his arm and try and stop him. "Hey, wait, Luffy,"

"I've had it! I don't wanna be a coward like you!" Luffy said as he was walking off. Naruto watched in horror, Kurama was laughing but Naruto wasn't. In unisant the pirates did a spit take, and looked so confused.

"His arm stretches!" They all scream, Shanks wasn't looking any better. Naruto zoned out, only when he heard Rockstar explain what a devil fruit is and if you eat one you can never swim again.

· · · · · ·

It had been a few weeks since the incident at the pub, Shanks was gone in another voyage. Naruto was training at the moment while Luffy was the the pub, Naruto wasn't sure how to train Luffy. Luffy's stretchy abilities remind Naruto of Choji, his family Jutsu was expansion. Maybe Naruto could help Luffy like that? He wasn't sure.

KIT! The bandits from a few weeks ago are at the village now!

What!

JUST GO! I check an hour ago and it was fine, they must have moved after I checked.

Crap! Luffy is at the bar alone with Makino.

Naruto started to sprint towards the village. He hoped Luffy didn't piss off the bandits, as he neared the village Naruto noticed a crowd of people infront of the pub. In the middle of the crowd was Luffy, Makino and Mayor WoodSlap we're standing infront of everyone pleading to the bandits to let Luffy go.

"Luffy!" Makino screamed, she didn't want to see Luffy hurt.

"Please! Let him go!" The Mayor begged, as Naruto moved closer he could see someone walking behind the mayor and Makino.

"I was wondering why the bar was empty…" Naruto recognised the voice as Shanks, Naruto relaxed slightly.

Don't relax yet it, the bandit might try something

Right, thanks Kurama

"Captain-san!" Makino looked shocked and slightly relieved, though Shanks didn't look at Makino. His eyes were dead on the bandit that dared to hurt Luffy.

"Looks like it's those mountain bandits from before." Shanks voice turned cold, and Naruto could feel kill intent coming from Shanks.

"Shanks" Luffy seemed surprised to see Shanks, he didn't know what to do.

"Luffy! Weren't you telling me you thought your punches were as strong as pistols?" Shanks slowly walked forwards, keeping his eyes on Luffy. The bandit glared at Shanks, he seemed disinterested in Shanks.

"I don't know why you're here, but you'd best leave before you get hurt. Any closer and he'll shoot your head off. Wimp," the bandit said, trying to be intimidating.

"He said no closer! Don't make me blow your head off!" The bandit who was holding the gun spoke arrogantly.

"Put yout life on the life," Shanks stated, the bandit didn't seem to know what he was talking about so Shanks continued. "Now that you've drawn your pistol, put your life on the line,"

"What the heck are you taking about!?" The bandit yelled, he didn't seem to get the point like Naruto.

"I'm saying those aren't for threatening people," as Shanks finished Rockstar shot the bandit from the side while eating some meat.

That seemed to shock everyone, Naruto could see the first mate look at him. Naruto nodded, he understood what was going to happen and it didn't bother his as much as people might think. He then slowly made his way to Luffy.

The bandits yelled and said it was dirty fighting, Naruto had to surpress a chuckle. There was no clean fighting, and he was a ninja.

"Dirty? Cut the crap! You think your dealing with saints or something?" Ben stated, while the rest of the crew marched forward standing behind Shanks, who's eyes had turned cold and sinister.

"You're looking at… pirates!" Shanks said as the others stopped moving, it was clear now that Shanks wasn't a wimp and was fighting now for his friend Luffy. "Listen bandits. Wheather I'm splatter with alcohol or food or even spat on, most of the time I'd just alight and forget about it. But! No matter what the reason, anyone who hurts my friends has to pay!" It was in this moment Shanks looked like the revered pirate captain he was.

Naruto moved so he was the other side of the well, the bandit boss who pinned Luffy moved so Naruto was now next to Luffy in a protective manner. Luffy looked in aww at Shanks, while Naruto smiled sadly. Shanks reminded Naruto of his god-father.

"Has to pay, huh?! Lousy pirates! Kill them, men!" The bandit boss shouted, not realising the situation he was in.

Ben was the only one to move, stating he would be more then enough for the bandits. Naruto smirked, he and Ben has train a bit so Naruto knew just how strong and agile he was.

With an a minute Ben disarmed the bandit, burned one or two with his cigarette and knocked them all on the floor. He then turned to light another cigarette, glaring at the bandit.

"Don't get cocky, bandit. If you wanna fight us, you better grind yourself a warship or something." Ben said raising his rifle to the bandit. The bandit then tired to make excuses which Shanks replied as a snarky comment.

The bandit cursed then threw something down, it was a smoke bomb. He then grabbed Luffy and Naruto, and tired to make a run for it. Naruto struggle while Luffy tried to but and punch the bandit. Naruto could hear Shanks's surprised voice and want to call out when the bandit covered his mouth.

Naruto and Luffy found themselves on a small boat out to sea, the bandit reasoned that no one would look for a bandit at sea. He then picked Luffy up who was screaming and shouting at the bandit.

"Dammit! Let me go, you stupid ape! I hope you die!" Luffy yelled, while Naruto tried to undo the ropes that were around him.

"You wish! You're the one who's gonna die! I can sell the other on, but you pissed me off. So Long Gaki!" The bandit then threw Luffy off the little boat.

"LUFFY!" Naruto screamed snapping the ropes in the process. He really wished he could water walk right now.

"Somebody.. Help… Naruto.. Shanks" Luffy slowly started to drown, the bandit laughed and didn't noticed Naruto had left the boat. It was a good thing too, and the Lord of the Coast had appeared.

"Hold on Luffy, I'm coming!" Naruto swam to Luffy and tried to keep his head above the water, as he watched the seaking eat the bandit. Naruto though he was safe until Kurama started to yell at him.

Kit move! The seaking has spotted you and Luffy!

DAMNIT, What do I do? I can't water walk!

Try and keep the little monkey safe, I'll try and use my chakra to scare it away!

"Naruto! Were gonna be eaten!" Luffy started to panic, Naruto was ready to use Chakra to give Luffy some time. Just as the seaking went to bit them someone grabbed them and moved them out if the way. Blood splattered on Naruto's face, he realied Luffy has calmed down and recognised their saviour.

"Shanks…" Luffy's eyes started to tear up again.

"Get lost!" Shanks commanded and the seaking seemed to obey, Naruto wasn't sure what caused the blood until Luffy started to cry more.

"I'm in your debt, Luffy.. Makino-san told me everything. You fought for us. Hey, don't cry! You're a man!" Naruto smiled slight until Kurama voiced his concerns.

Kit… you need to get the red-haired brat back to the island now…

What why?

Kit… his arm..

As Naruto looked he could hear Luffy stutter out words that haunted Naruto, he hadn't realied where the blood came from until now. Nartuo was furious with himself for letting something like this happen to Shanks.

"But.. Shanks…! Your arm!" Luffy screamed out, and Naruto started to tear up.

"Gomen Shanks… Gomen!" Naruto looked in horror as Shanks's arm had been off half way through his bicep.

"It's only an arm, it's no big deal. I'm just glad you're both alright.." Shansk spoke softly with a smile. Naruto took of his jacket and tried to tie it around Shanks's arm, he couldn't loose someone else not now.

· · · · · ·

It had been a few days since Shanks loft his arm, Naruto had not visit the pirate ship or the bar in that time. He didn't even stay with Luffy, Naruto was having a hard time dealing with what happened to Shanks.

Kit, you've been training for 4 days straight now! Go see the red-haired brat now!

No

Why not!

Naruto ignored Kurama to the best of his abilities, he wasn't some time alone. In his exhausted state he didn't realied he was being watched. It was then Kurama had enough, he puffed in big and growled at Naruto.

"Stop being a brat and go to them!" Kurama told Naruto, who was ignoring him.

"Kit! Go. See. Him!" Kurama said with mire force, he looked into the forest and saw the first mate Ben, Makino, Luffy, and most of all Shanks.

"Kit-" Kurama was cut off by Naruto screaming at him.

"SHUT UP! Shanks got hurt because I couldn't water walk! Luffy was hurt and is still very upset! All I did was stand there and watch! I'm useless! I should have done better!" Naruto then started to train again with Kurama glaring at him.

"Do you want to have this discussion again! It's ok! Yes he got hurt, but he's not dead! Why are you acting like… oh.. kit he's fine. That's not gonna happen to-" Kurama realied why Naruto hadn't gone to see Shanks or Luffy.

"You don't know that! Hokage-jiji, Ero-sennin, Kakashi-sensie, Iruka-sensie, Konohamaru, and the Rookie 12! Everyone I get close to gets hurt! You were almost taken away from me by Madara! How may people died in the fourth ninja war?! I'm sick of feeling useless and making people sacrifice themselves for me! Tou-san and Kaa-san are dead! I only got to meet them once, I'll never have parents! I'm the orphan, dead-last, demon-brat! That's all I'll ever be!" Naruto screamed at Kurama. He was tired of it, Naruto was tired of loosing people he cared about. Tired of the way his life was, it was like reverse karma.

"Kit, you need to stop thinking like that! None of this was your fault, what happened was an accident. You need to stop dwelling on the past," Kurama watched as Naruto started to cry, he then moved to curl around his kit.

"It's so hard, Kurama. I.. I don't know what to do anymore," Naruto cried into Kurama's fur.

The on lookers weren't sure what to do, Shanks and Makino had already meet Kurama but this was different. Shansk took a deep breath and walked over to Naruto, who was unaware of his presence. Kurama watched his, daring him to say something that would hurt his kit.

Shanks just smiled, and sat close to Naruto and place his remaining hand on Naruto's head. Naruto flinched, he hadn't felt anyone other then Kurama. So he turned around to see Shanks smiling at him, Naruto couldn't stop the tears from falling.

"It's ok kid, you helped Luffy. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, let us help you. The furball is right, it's ok. I'd gladly lose my arm to save you and Luffy, because losing you two would hurt more then losing this arm would," Shanks sat there while Naruto cried into his chest, while Naruto was crying Kurama shrunk to the size of a cat. Luffy made is way over and sit next to the only friend he has.

"It's ok, we're not gonna die that easily. Right Shanks?!" Luffy said that with confidence, as Makino sat close to them she smiled.

Naruto just stayed where he was and cried, it wasn't sadness now but tears of joy. He finally felt like he belonged somewhere, and though he missed Konoha, he felt better here.

"Arigato, Mina," Naruto said looking at them.

· · · · · ·

Naruto and Luffy were standing on the docks, watching Shanks's crew put the supplies onboard the ship. Mayor WoodSlap was surprised to hear that this was their last trip to the island, and that they are going to thr grandline.

"You're really not coming back to this village?" Mayor asked surprised.

"That's right. We've been here to long already, thanks for everything," Shanks said with a smile, while Makino was watching Luffy.

"You're upset, aren't you, Luffy?" Makino knew how hard it was for Luffy and Naruto to see Shanks go.

"Yeah, but I won't ask you to take me along anymore. I will become a pirate with my worn strength," Luffy said smiling back at Shanks.

"Bleh, I wouldn't take you even if you begged. You don't have what it takes to be a pirate," Naruto shook his head, he was teasing Luffy again.

"Yes I do! I'll gather my own crew that will beat yours and find the world's greatest treasure! No matter what, I will become the Pirate King!" Luffy shouted back at Shanks who seemed surprised.

"Oh, you're going to surpass us, huh?" Shanks said back moving closer to Luffy, only to bend down and put his straw hat on Luffy's head. "In that case.. I leave this hat with you, it's very important to me. Give it back to me someday, when you've become a great pirate," Luffy started to cry when Shanks let go.

"Oi, Shanks. Don't die a stupid death!" Naruto shouted to Shanks as he got onto his ship.

"Look after Luffy for me, and take care of yourself Naruto!" Shanks shouted back, with Ben nodding his head to Naruto.

I love hearing your feedback, and I like the ideas. I know Naruto is serverly lacking in power now, but he will get it back. As for the whole Kurama sense thing, he might tell Naruto he might not. I haven't decided yet, and just so you know Naruto is older then Ace and Sabo by 3 years.

I hope you enjoy this book, thanks for reading this authors note.