Naruto Multiverse

A month had passed swiftly, and during that time, Naruto and Hina's bond had deepened. Their friendship had grown through shared hardships, sweat, and blood. The training had been brutal, but it forged them into a tight-knit group that now included Smoker, Adam, and Drake, creating a five-man crew bound by mutual respect and admiration. The growth of their friendship was evident in the way they all interacted—each person's strength of character had left a lasting impression on the others. For Naruto, this new camaraderie was a significant part of his journey, one that fueled his relentless pursuit of power.

Through the relentless training and trials of the elite camp, Naruto's skills had soared. Not only had he advanced quickly in the Marines' martial arts, but he had also made significant strides with Haki—both Observation and Armament. His progress was so rapid that it had stunned everyone around him, including Z, the instructor who had watched with growing astonishment.

Naruto had managed to guide Hina and even Drake to similar breakthroughs, though Naruto himself remained humble about it. Drake had become something of a rival, but the rivalry was one-sided, with Drake admiring Naruto's abilities and sheer willpower. Their occasional sparring sessions had become more about learning than competing, especially after Naruto had given Drake some key advice.

"I'll never understand how you take the beatings so patiently," Drake had muttered once, after one of their training sessions had pushed him to his limits. "You're a monster." His words were filled with awe as he collapsed from the pain, and Naruto had to drag him off to recover.

Naruto, on the other hand, saw it as part of the process, pushing himself and those around him, knowing the road to becoming stronger was never easy.

Z, the camp's instructor, had grown increasingly impressed with Naruto, observing his quick mastery of complex techniques like Soru and Geppo. Z had initially thought it would take Naruto at least three months to reach any beginner level with those techniques, but Naruto had surpassed those expectations in just a month. Z's surprise only deepened when Naruto showed his command of both Observation and Armament Haki in flawless execution.

"How did you manage this?" Z had asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, staring at Naruto in his office. The vast room seemed small with the weight of the moment. "You mastered the Marine martial arts and Haki in such a short time?"

Naruto, ever nonchalant, replied with a grin. "It wasn't a challenge. I'm not the only one. Drake and Hina can use some of the techniques, too."

Z blinked in disbelief. "Even the two of them? How?"

"I helped them train and guided them along the way," Naruto explained, shrugging. "If the Marines did that more often, you'd have recruits with higher skill levels."

Z sighed, a hint of melancholy in his tone. "True. But we don't have the luxury of skilled officers to teach others, and the retired ones won't return. You're right, though. We lose too many good men for lack of proper training." There was a heaviness in his words, the weight of many lost lives due to unpreparedness.

Naruto nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "It happens to everyone, Teacher."

Z's tone grew serious, as he took a step back from his initial shock. "Well, you've proven yourself. You've shown exceptional skill and comprehension. You've earned it. Ask for a reward."

Naruto wasted no time. "I need the Berenjena," he requested with an innocent smile. "The guns we've got are too slow and weak."

Z's face twisted in annoyance. "Where did you hear about that? You're asking for the sky, kid!"

Naruto, not deterred, grinned mischievously. "Well, I was just trying my luck. So… could I get the Obelisk Mk 2 instead?"

Z, exasperated, huffed. "Damn kid, fine. I'll comply with that request. But only if, on the next practical mission, you give me a good show."

"Okay, thank you, Teacher. I love you very much," Naruto said with such sincerity that it almost sounded genuine, though it was laced with humor.

Z, flustered by the sudden change in tone, scowled. "Don't do that again, brat."

"Yeah, I think that was laying it on too much," Naruto laughed, clearly enjoying himself.

Z shook his head, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Get lost, brat. You've become too open."

Over the course of the month, Z had come to see Naruto in a new light. The kid's personality, coupled with his strength, had impressed Z more than he cared to admit. Their rapport had shifted from that of instructor and student to something closer to camaraderie, even if Naruto's antics often made Z want to strangle him.

Before Naruto left the office to continue his training, he had one more request. "I want my name changed in the records," he said, a serious look replacing his usual grin.

Z raised an eyebrow. "That can be arranged, but why? Your name's fine."

Naruto's expression hardened slightly. "The name I've been given carries the weight of my past. It's a reminder of my weakness, of bad memories. I want to cast that off. I don't want people to laugh when they hear my name."

Z, seeing the sincerity in Naruto's eyes, nodded. "Very well. What name do you want?"

"Naruto," came the simple reply.

Z blinked in surprise. "Pff, brat. I thought you might pick something edgier, but another ramen topping? You're definitely your parents' kid."

Naruto's grin widened. "The name has two meanings. It's not just for ramen, Teacher. It means 'maelstrom.' And I'll make sure that's what people think of when they hear it in the future."

Z's tone softened slightly. "Hmm. Well, that's a good ambition. Do your best." He turned away, clearly respecting Naruto's resolve.

Naruto left the office with his usual cocky smile, ready to continue his training. The world may not have known it yet, but a new storm was rising, and Naruto intended to make sure everyone would know his name.

The Marine headquarters was bustling with activity. The enormous fortress, a symbol of the Marines' power, was surrounded by warships lined up along the docks. Soldiers hurried back and forth, hauling equipment, supplies, and weapons, preparing for what seemed like a war effort. The elite camp members were on one of these ships, boarding for their mission, with many Marine officers and soldiers accompanying them. These officers wouldn't participate in the mission but would handle necessary tasks such as navigation and logistics.

As Naruto stood at the edge of the ship, gazing out at the endless sea, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The vast expanse of the ocean before him seemed almost endless, and the idea of finally seeing another island filled him with anticipation.

"This world is so interesting," Naruto muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "This will be the first time I see another island." He clenched his fist as he envisioned the future. "What scenery... I wonder when I'll be able to look at this world from above," he said, a savage smile forming on his lips as he imagined the day he would reach such heights.

Smoker, who had been quietly observing from the side, groaned in irritation. "Naruto, could you please stop letting out your bloodlust? It's really annoying." His tone was lazy, but there was a hint of seriousness behind it, as the intense aura emanating from Naruto wasn't something that went unnoticed.

Adam, never one to take things too seriously, laughed heartily. "Hey, let him be. The pussies can retreat." He seemed to enjoy the discomfort that Naruto's presence caused to those around him.

Drake, however, wasn't so amused. He took a few steps back, his face showing clear unease. "Shit, you bastard, can you not do that when you're so close? It's really not good for our health," he complained, but before he could get any further away, Adam caught him in a bear hug.

"Where do you think you're going, little boy?" Adam grinned, a sinister gleam in his eyes. "Stand here like a man. This is good for you. Be nice, little boy."

Drake gulped and froze in place, his body stiffening in Adam's grasp. He had no choice but to comply, his unease still palpable.

Hina, who had grown accustomed to this banter between the boys, sighed softly. She had witnessed this routine more times than she could count—Naruto lost in his thoughts, unintentionally releasing his bloodlust, and the others reacting in their own ways. She had come to expect these episodes, knowing they were part of the dynamic that kept the group together.

She stepped forward and gently touched Naruto's face, her fingers soft against his skin. "Boys, could you please quiet down?" she said, her voice calm and soothing. "Hina would like to enjoy the view peacefully."

Naruto blinked, as though waking from a deep reverie. He hadn't even realized the effect his bloodlust was having on everyone around him. Looking at Hina, he smiled sheepishly. "Oh, forgot about you guys," he said with his usual carefree laugh. He was genuinely happy at that moment, surrounded by friends and enjoying the camaraderie that he hadn't experienced in a long time.

But deep down, a darker thought lingered in his mind. This won't last for long, he mused silently. I wonder how many of these friends of mine will stay by my side, and how many will be sacrificed in the end, like last time. His eyes momentarily clouded with a flicker of melancholy, but it quickly vanished, hidden behind his smile.

For now, though, he would enjoy the present. He was surrounded by people he trusted, people who had come to be his friends, and that in itself was something he hadn't had in a long while. But deep inside, Naruto knew that the future would come with its challenges, and not everyone would make it through unscathed. Still, for now, he would push those thoughts aside and focus on what lay ahead. The mission was the immediate concern.

The warship was fully prepared for departure, and soon Z boarded the ship, his presence commanding attention. His seasoned eyes scanned the deck, acknowledging the salutes of the crew and the new recruits.

"Teacher Z," the recruits said in unison, their voices filled with respect.

"Teacher Z," the veterans of the elite camp greeted him in their usual calm manner.

Z turned to the Marine navigator, a young man, and asked, "How's the preparation?"

The navigator, glancing down at his notes, responded, "Still need to carry a barrel of water, and we'll be good to go."

Z nodded approvingly. "Good."

His eyes then scanned the recruits, resting on the faces of Naruto, Drake, and the others. "As newcomers have joined the elite camp, this mission will be less difficult than before," he began, his voice steady and serious. "The goal is to travel to the South Blue and destroy a pirate group that has set up a stronghold there."

He paused for a moment, making sure everyone was paying attention before continuing. "That pirate group has entered the Red Line, but I don't know why they returned and started taking control of everything there. The captain's reward is 63 million berry."

The revelation hit the newcomers like a wave. A 63 million berry bounty was no small matter, and the fact that these pirates had survived in the dangerous region of the Red Line made them formidable opponents. They were ready to face their first real combat, but the gravity of the situation settled over them like a heavy fog. While the veterans like Smoker and the others appeared unfazed, Hina and the other newcomers were visibly surprised and anxious.

Z watched the recruits closely, his eyes focusing especially on Naruto. This mission would be their first real test, and Z was keen to see how the new recruits—particularly Naruto—would handle themselves in battle. He had high hopes for the young man, having seen his potential during training. Still, he knew that combat was a whole different challenge.

Z continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "This is a real battle. There can be death at any time. The first battle will cause many injuries among the newcomers. Although I will intervene when there is a life-threatening situation, I don't want to encounter such a thing. Understood?"

"Yes, Teacher Z," the recruits responded, their voices tinged with tension. It was clear that their nerves were beginning to show. This was a far cry from the training sessions—they were about to face real bloodshed.

But Naruto, ever the thrill-seeker, felt a rush of excitement. His face held a dangerous gleam, one that bordered on lustful desire as he thought about bringing down the hammer of justice. He was far more excited than scared, his blood pumping as his anticipation for the fight grew. His internal thoughts, dark and twisted, seemed to revel in the idea of the battle to come.

Next to him, Hina couldn't help but notice the uncomfortable shift in Naruto's energy. She felt a sudden rush of warmth beside her neck as Naruto, lost in his thoughts, unconsciously let out his breath near her. Shocked, Hina recoiled slightly and whispered sharply, "Naruto, please don't be so disgusting. Hina does not want to see such a thing."

Naruto blinked, snapping out of his reverie. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with desire—unmistakable and intense. Hina staggered back, her body reacting to the weight of his gaze.

Naruto quickly regained control, stepping forward to help her steady herself. "Sorry," he said quickly, his voice a little breathless. "I just thought you looked so beautiful in the sunlight."

It was a quick lie, one that Naruto told to avoid the possibility of being seen as mentally unstable by his peers. But the truth was that he did find Hina attractive, and he couldn't help but feel an undeniable pull towards her, though he tried to suppress it.

Hina, flustered and now embarrassed, simply moved away from him. Naruto, trying to lighten the mood, let out a quiet laugh to himself, careful not to draw attention to the moment.

Adam, ever the observer, grinned widely at the exchange between Naruto and Hina. He understood the feeling all too well. "Seems we are 'lie brothers' from different mothers," he thought to himself, silently amused by Naruto's antics.

As the warship began to leave the dock, Z gave the recruits a few final words of encouragement. "Do not fear. The more you show fear, the more it will affect your performance."

He then turned to the veterans, his voice reassuring. "Don't worry; the veterans will protect the newcomers."

With those words, the tension on the ship didn't fade completely, but there was a sense of readiness in the air. The recruits knew they were in for a real trial, and while they were nervous, they couldn't help but feel a surge of determination as the mission began.

The mood on the ship was a mixture of tension and anticipation as the newcomers processed the gravity of the mission. The veterans, who had been through similar battles before, tried to ease the tension with a blend of jokes and advice, but it was clear that everyone was feeling the weight of what lay ahead.

One of the veterans, a tall man with a serious expression, looked at the others and said, "It's really scary to fight against pirates." His voice held a note of concern, and though he tried to mask it with a calm demeanor, it was evident that even he had some doubts.

Another veteran, laughing nervously, added, "Isn't it just fighting pirates?" His tone was meant to sound casual, but his eyes betrayed the nerves he was feeling. Though he tried to appear confident, the fact that they were about to face a real pirate group—a group with a 63 million berry bounty—was weighing on him.

A third veteran, with a more lighthearted approach, chimed in, "Grow some balls!" He was trying to maintain a positive atmosphere, though his words came out a little more forceful than intended. It seemed he was trying to push the newcomers to get their heads in the game. "You all followed Teacher Z's training for a month. Have some courage. You probably have the strength for the job," he said, though it was clear his attempt to reassure was more for himself than anyone else.

Naruto, hearing these words, couldn't help but smile slightly. Despite their words, he could see the tension in their eyes—this was no ordinary mission. This would be a real battle with lives on the line. But Naruto was different. He was already thinking about how he could push himself, how he could show them what he was truly capable of.

As Adam turned away to maintain his equipment, Naruto looked at the group of veterans and then glanced at Hina, Drake, and the others. He could feel the nervous energy from the newcomers, but it didn't faze him. For him, the battlefield was where he felt most alive.

"We'll be fine," he muttered, mostly to himself, but loud enough for the others to hear. "We've trained for this. It's just another step forward." There was a fire in his eyes, a deep belief that nothing could stand in his way.

Hina, standing nearby, looked at Naruto and the others. She could see their tension, but she knew they would have to fight through it. The coming battle wasn't just about strength—it was about courage, and Naruto had already shown more than enough of that.

Adam, overhearing Naruto's words, gave a small grunt of approval. "That's the spirit, kid," he said, turning to face him. "Just remember, it's one thing to fight for training. It's another to fight for real."

Naruto nodded, a knowing grin forming on his face. "I know. But that's what makes it exciting, right?"

The atmosphere was still charged with tension, but for Naruto and his friends, it was a challenge they were ready to face head-on. The pirates ahead had no idea what they were about to face.