Chapter 45: Chapter 12
The atmosphere in the Marineford shopping district was bustling, yet there was a certain calmness that surrounded the trio as they strolled through the narrow lane of shops. Most of the vendors were retired Marines, their shops well-regulated and providing everything from combat gear to everyday necessities. Despite the usual hurried pace of the area, Naruto's presence seemed to draw attention, as both Hina and Shiro stuck to him like glue. He didn't mind their closeness, but it did make it difficult to move freely. The weight of their gazes, especially the playful tension between the two girls, made him slightly uncomfortable, but he kept his trademark smile plastered on his face.
'I had forgotten the burden of having girls fight over you. What a tragedy.' Naruto thought to himself with a smirk, though the irony wasn't lost on him. It was strange to feel the tug of their attention so strongly, but he was used to people wanting things from him. The internal conflict bubbled up briefly, but he quickly dismissed it, focusing instead on how to navigate the situation.
'At least Arachne hasn't tried to kill anyone lately. I managed to convince her not to harm my comrades...' He reflected on the recent development with a quiet sense of pride, but it wasn't something he wished to dwell on for too long.
The trio meandered through the shops, and soon Hina's voice cut through the air, pulling Naruto from his thoughts.
"Naruto, let's go to that shop to get some clothes," Hina said, tugging at his arm with a purposeful pull.
Before he could respond, Shiro's voice came in like a playful challenge. "No, let's go to that shop. It has games, Shiro wants to play."
Naruto glanced at Hina, who shot a sharp look at Shiro. The tension between the two girls was palpable, and Naruto could feel it in the air. He sighed, feeling a headache forming at the thought of dealing with their back-and-forth.
"Hina called first, so we go this way," Shiro insisted, her voice taking on a slight tone of defiance, pushing her playful antics even further.
Naruto raised his hands in mock surrender, already knowing where this was headed. "Let's buy the games first. Buying clothes takes time."
Hina, although a bit disappointed, couldn't help but agree, sensing the practicality of Naruto's suggestion. She forced a smile, accepting the logic, but the small seed of irritation remained.
"Thank you, big brother, you are the best!" Shiro cheered, her voice full of enthusiasm, and she threw a victorious glance at Hina, knowing full well how much it bothered her. Hina, in turn, only sighed, though a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She knew she shouldn't let herself get so upset; after all, Naruto was simply being pragmatic, something she had come to accept.
'I should have expected this when courting Naruto. He's always going to choose the logical choice over the emotional one.' Hina mused silently, but despite the fleeting annoyance, she couldn't help but admire Naruto's consistency. It was one of the qualities that made him both reliable and slightly frustrating at times.
The trio made their way into the shop filled with board games and entertainment options. Shiro's excitement was palpable, and her eyes sparkled with an almost childlike wonder at the variety of games before her. Naruto watched her for a moment, a small pang of sadness tugging at his heart. He could tell that her childhood had been anything but normal, lacking even the simplest joys that others might take for granted.
"Shiro, buy anything you want, and I'll play with you when I have some free time," Naruto said warmly, the sincerity in his voice unmistakable.
Shiro's face lit up, and for a brief moment, a flicker of emotion seemed to pass over her. Though her smile was wide, there was a deeper, unspoken sorrow hidden behind her eyes. She threw her arms around him in a tight hug, the gesture more about the comfort of his presence than anything else. It wasn't lost on Naruto, the weight of her silent pain, but he didn't comment on it.
"Really, Big Brother?" Shiro's voice quivered with emotion, the words almost too soft to hear, and she buried her face into his shoulder, letting the moment of affection wash over her.
Hina, seeing the bond forming between the two, chose to stay back and watch. She didn't intervene; instead, she felt a quiet sympathy for Shiro, who was clearly starved for the kind of care and attention that Naruto offered so freely. Hina couldn't help but feel a little touched by the scene, even if she tried to mask it with a stoic expression.
After they finished shopping for the games, they made their way to a clothing store. As they entered, the trio split up, and Naruto found himself at the counter, speaking with the receptionist.
"I'd like to place a custom order," Naruto said as he approached the counter, his voice calm but firm.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow. "Will you provide the design, or would you like some assistance?"
"I'll provide the design," Naruto replied, handing over a small booklet containing a detailed layout of the outfit he wanted. It was a custom version of the ANBU uniform, modified with specific materials and adjustments to suit his needs.
The receptionist studied the design carefully, visibly impressed by the detail. "This is manageable. However, it will take at least a month to complete. The cost will be around 300,000, but I can offer a slight discount due to the complexity."
Naruto nodded, understanding the costs involved. "That's acceptable." He was prepared for the price and put down the advance without hesitation.
"Pleasure doing business with you," the receptionist said, giving a polite bow.
As the transaction was complete, Naruto took a moment to glance around the store. 'Should I buy some casual clothes too?' He thought. He was running low on options, his remaining clothes feeling too tight, and his uniform was starting to feel like a permanent fixture in his wardrobe.
He quickly found a few casual outfits that suited his taste and paid for them. With his purchases in hand, Naruto exited the store, relieved that the errands were mostly complete. Now, he just needed to make sure the girls were ready to go.
The sun hung low in the sky as Naruto made his way through the bustling shopping district of Marineford, his thoughts drifting between his recent purchases and his plans for the future. His day had been busy, filled with errands and casual moments with Hina and Shiro. Yet, as the evening approached, Naruto found himself growing restless. He had a goal in mind — a mission he had set aside for a while: to venture into the Calm Belt and hunt down some Sea Kings.
However, before he could act on his plan, his attention was caught by a familiar voice.
"Naruto, can you come here?"
He followed the call, his footsteps steady as he approached the changing room where Hina's voice had originated. The door was slightly ajar, and with no hesitation, Naruto walked in, finding himself face to face with Hina in a new outfit. Her attire consisted of a revealing shirt and hot pants that left little to the imagination, showcasing her toned form.
Naruto's breath caught in his throat as he took in her appearance. His mind wandered briefly, a flash of lust crossing his thoughts, but he kept his composure, though it was clear from his gaze that he was deeply appreciative of the sight before him.
"How does Hina look?" she asked, her voice soft yet full of expectancy.
Naruto couldn't help but feel the heat rising within him. He gave her a slow, appreciative once-over, allowing his eyes to linger on her curves. "You look beautiful enough that I wish to eat you right now," he muttered under his breath, his words husky as he closed the distance between them. Before she could react, he swept her into his arms, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "You tempt me so, my beautiful seductress."
Hina's body reacted instinctively, the heat from his touch spreading through her, reminding her of the passionate night they had shared not long ago. Her face flushed with embarrassment, yet there was an undeniable desire that lingered in the air.
"Not here," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Naruto chuckled darkly, savoring the moment before pulling away, leaving her breathless with anticipation. "Let's wait until we get back. Then, I'll thoroughly ravish you." His voice was low, almost teasing, before he stepped back, his smirk lingering as he exited the changing room.
But as soon as he opened the door, he found himself face-to-face with Shiro, who appeared rather cross.
"No fair, Big Brother! Shiro also wants you to look at her," she demanded, a playful pout on her face.
Shiro had also bought a new outfit, a white skin-tight spandex and gloves that accentuated her youthful form. She spun around, her movements deliberate, seeking Naruto's attention. She was clearly enjoying the reaction she was getting from him.
Naruto's gaze followed her, his appreciation of her new look subtle but clear. "You look good," he said with a smile, ruffling her hair affectionately, which sent her into a fit of giggles.
Once the shopping was done, Naruto had a few other errands to run. He made his way through the various shops, gathering the supplies he needed to create his medical equipment. His mind occasionally wandered back to the task at hand: tracking down Sea Kings in the Calm Belt. He knew it was dangerous, but it was something he needed to do. It was a challenge he could not resist.
He found himself at another shop, where he inquired about the price of the bullets for his Obelisk. The response left him speechless.
"It's 1,000 berries for each bullet," the vendor said, not at all phased by Naruto's shocked expression. "This price includes a discount. If you want a cheaper price, you'll have to wait until the production process smooths out. The product is new."
Naruto blinked, the price almost too high for his liking. "Are you serious?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
The vendor nodded. "Yes, honored customer. The product is high quality, but due to its recent development, the cost is still steep."
Naruto sighed. "Just give me a box."
"Thank you for your patronage. Please visit again soon," the vendor said with a polite bow, and Naruto was left to contemplate the investment he had just made.
As the day wound down, Naruto found himself growing eager to stretch his legs and clear his mind. He needed a break from the chaos, and there was only one way he knew how to do that: with a swim.
Under the cover of night, Naruto slipped away unnoticed, using his Air Walk ability to run effortlessly beneath the waves. His Haki flared, creating an aura of heightened awareness as he darted through the water with unmatched speed. His senses were on high alert, scanning the depths for any sign of the massive Sea Kings that roamed the Calm Belt.
The ocean was dark and foreboding, but Naruto's Haki allowed him to sense any approaching danger from a distance, giving him the advantage as he maneuvered through the water. He wasn't looking for a fight just yet, but he knew that when the time came, he would be ready.
The hunt for a worthy Sea King had begun.
Naruto had spent the last few minutes beneath the ocean's surface, his senses sharp as he searched for something worthy of his time. His focus was unwavering, scanning the depths for a creature that could test his strength. After some time, he finally found what he was looking for—a Sea King, though smaller than he had expected. At only 20 meters in length, it was eel-like in shape, with sleek, smooth skin that reflected the faint light of the moon. It swam along peacefully, unaware of its impending fate.
Naruto, with a flash of movement, kicked the creature from the side, a simple provocation. The Sea King turned its head toward him, its massive eyes narrowing as it assessed him. To the creature, Naruto was nothing more than a small, insignificant morsel—no threat, just an easy meal. The initial attack had barely even made it itch. The creature's hunger was overwhelming, and it charged at Naruto with the intent to consume him.
Naruto, ever the strategist, didn't flinch. Instead, he began to run, staying just ahead of the beast as it pursued him relentlessly. He moved with speed and agility, using his Haki to sense the creature's movements and avoid any large predators that might also lurk beneath the surface. The chase continued for a minute, the water parting around Naruto as he darted through it, pushing himself to the limit.
Then, with a surge of energy, Naruto broke through the surface of the water, his feet leaving the ocean behind as he propelled himself into the air. The Sea King, in hot pursuit, followed suit, leaping from the water to strike at him mid-air. But Naruto had already prepared for this. Just as the beast neared, he took aim with the Obelisk, his eyes narrowing in concentration.
In one smooth motion, he fired three shots, each bullet traveling in the same path, their speed and power beyond anything he had anticipated. The bullets pierced through the creature's skull, and with a sickening explosion, its head was obliterated. The force of the bullets, coupled with their sheer speed, left no room for the monster to survive. Its body slumped mid-air, lifeless.
Naruto quickly grabbed the corpse, using his Haki to keep it steady, and flew back home, careful to avoid drawing the attention of other monsters that might be attracted to the blood.
"Damn, that was stronger than I expected," Naruto muttered to himself, impressed by the power of the bullets. He hadn't even seen them move; only his Haki had allowed him to track their path and understand the devastation they caused.
When he arrived back in Marineford, Naruto's return didn't cause much of a stir. The Marines were used to seeing such feats of strength, and the sight of a giant Sea King being hauled back to his residence didn't make any waves. Naruto carried the massive creature to his place, where Hina and Shiro were playing a game of snakes and ladders. The sight of the beast caught Hina's attention immediately.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Naruto casually replied, "Our dinner and ingredients for some other things," as he placed the creature down with a thud. He then went to retrieve his sword, ready to begin cutting it into manageable pieces.
Shiro's eyes widened with wonder as she looked at the giant monster. "It looks so yummy! Shiro can't wait to eat!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Naruto stored most of the creature in his warehouse, registering it under his name and paying a small fee. Afterward, he began to prepare the meal, slicing the meat into smaller pieces with precision. He added the medical mixture he had created earlier, knowing that it would make the meal not just nourishing but also beneficial to their training.
When the meal was ready, he presented it to Hina and Shiro. Both women looked at the dish with anticipation, though Hina was the first to speak.
"Should have expected that it won't taste exceptional," Hina muttered as she took a bite. The dish, though nutritious, didn't quite live up to the expectations of a gourmet meal.
Despite the lackluster taste, Shiro was delighted. "Big Brother, don't worry! Shiro thinks your cooking is delicious!" she said happily as she devoured her portion. Shiro wasn't a picky eater, and the inner Shiro recognized the utility of the dish more than the flavor. The meal was a tool to help them grow stronger.
Naruto nodded, pleased that Shiro appreciated it. "Thanks. The taste is only secondary. This dish will help your body become stronger. The bodies of these large beings contain elements that can help us break through our limits at a faster rate when we train. Even by just eating it, you can feel yourself getting stronger."
As expected, both Hina and Shiro began to feel the benefits of the meal. They could sense the subtle surge of power within them, their muscles and spirits revitalized by the nutrients. Naruto, having hunted large creatures back in his original world, was well aware of the power such meals could provide.
"This world doesn't have nature energy users," Naruto thought to himself, "so finding creatures like these is as close as I'll get to a beast with such capabilities. But even this is good enough."
The three of them ate until they were full, savoring the nourishing meal. Afterward, they had some herbal tea to aid digestion, and Shiro returned to her place, content and satisfied.
As the night deepened, Naruto's mind turned to more personal matters. He had a strong connection with both Hina and Shiro, though each of them desired him in different ways. He had learned to navigate these complexities, but at the end of the day, he knew exactly what he wanted.
When everyone had settled down, Naruto found himself in a more primal state, a part of him hungry for more than just food. The night carried on, filled with the sounds of pleasure echoing through the walls, as Naruto once again gave in to his desires. Fortunately, the neighbors were busy with their own distractions, unaware of the noises coming from his residence.
The evening ended in a satisfying way, but Naruto knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities. The hunt for strength, both physical and spiritual, was far from over.