Naruto Multiverse

Bell-mere's face flushed with both disbelief and irritation as she watched Naruto laugh off her warning and take a sip from the cup of tea she had just given him. The calm atmosphere around them felt suddenly tense, as if the playful, teasing nature of their conversation had shifted into something more serious.

"Please do not goad my child like that," she said, trying to remain composed, but there was a touch of exasperation in her voice. "She is really persistent and will get really annoying."

Naruto simply smiled, his demeanor calm and unbothered. "No worries. I am very good with children, and I'm interested in her talents. Would you be okay if I take her in as an apprentice when she gets older?" He met her gaze directly, the confidence in his eyes unwavering.

Bell-mere's expression turned flat, the thought of someone she had just met taking charge of her daughter filling her with disbelief. "No, we don't know each other that well for me to let my child be in your custody."

Naruto nodded, not at all offended by the refusal. "I understand, so I hope we can get to know each other better, madam."

"Just don't cause trouble, that's all," Bell-mere replied, her tone still skeptical, though she couldn't entirely shake the curiosity about this strange young man who spoke so confidently.

Naruto chuckled and sipped from the tea. "So, how was Hina's battle with Arlong?" he asked, clearly trying to steer the conversation in a direction he was more comfortable with. The subtle challenge in his words wasn't lost on Bell-mere, but she decided to humor him.

"The battle was clearly one-sided," she said, a melancholic look crossing her face. "It reminded me of the strong man out there, unlike in this peaceful, small world of ours."

"That's good," Naruto said with an almost casual indifference. "I would have been disappointed if she had trouble with these weaklings." His words were delivered so naturally, so effortlessly, that Bell-mere blinked in disbelief.

He spoke as if defeating Arlong and his crew were nothing, yet his appearance didn't seem to match his bold words. She couldn't help but wonder if this kid was bluffing. "Are you close to Hina?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of suspicion.

"Yes," Naruto responded without hesitation. "She is my student, kind of, and my training partner."

Bell-mere raised an eyebrow. "I can believe she might be your training partner, but you shouldn't bluff too much, kid. It'll get you in trouble, like now."

"Bluff?" Naruto's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. "Oh, you think I'm actually weaker than Hina?" He laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Hahaha… that's a funny thought. In the elite group, I'm the strongest if you consider our full capabilities."

Bell-mere's skepticism only deepened. "Then why were you injured?" she asked bluntly, not buying into his bravado just yet.

"I was cleaning up other pirates, like Krieg and Kuro," Naruto began, the tone of his voice changing slightly, as if recalling something unpleasant. "And just as I was about to leave, I was attacked by someone from the Grand Line. Simon the Unlimited, he's infamous for his Devil Fruit abilities."

His recount was calm, factual, and his face remained unchanging. Bell-mere couldn't deny the air of certainty in his voice, but she still needed proof. "Okay, I'll consider it," she said, giving him a look that said she wasn't fully convinced. "But you can't expect me to believe you without any proof."

Naruto smiled again, but there was something sharper in his expression. "It's enough to create a doubt. You believing me weak annoys me, so keep such comments to yourself." His tone was gentle, but there was an undeniable edge to it.

Bell-mere's brow furrowed, but she didn't back down. "Apologies if that offended your fragile ego," she shot back, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Naruto burst into laughter, the sound rich and full. "HAHA, you've got guts, Bell. It makes me want to make you mine," he said, the words casual, yet there was an undertone of something darker—something more dangerous.

Bell-mere's eyes widened with shock and suspicion. She scooted away slightly, her body stiffening. "Are you coming on to me, kid? Don't try your luck just because you're injured. I might pity you," she said, her tone firm and defensive.

Naruto's eyes gleamed with mischief as he leaned in a little closer, his voice low and teasing. "Don't look at me like that. My feelings are genuine, and I am serious. Aren't you lonely without a partner, taking care of children on your own? I can provide support. Why not just try it out?"

For a brief moment, Bell-mere's expression faltered. The idea of companionship, even from someone like Naruto, wasn't entirely foreign to her, but she pushed the thought aside. "No need…" she began to say, but before she could react, Naruto closed the distance between them.

In one swift movement, he covered her lips with his. Bell-mere was too stunned to protest in the moment, her body freezing as the unexpected kiss lingered for a heartbeat. By the time she regained her senses, Naruto had already pulled away, leaving only the words, "Think about it," hanging in the air.

Bell-mere's face turned bright red with anger and embarrassment. "You damn perv!" she shouted, her voice rising. "I'll beat the shit out of you for this!"

Naruto chuckled to himself as he walked away, leaving Bell-mere fuming in his wake. She could feel her heart racing, the mix of frustration and lingering emotions making her feel conflicted in a way she hadn't expected.

Naruto chuckled softly at Bell-mere's fiery response, her angry words echoing in his mind as he made his way into the village. The anger in her eyes had been amusing to him, but there was something deeper, something interesting about the woman. She had a fiery spirit, and he could already sense that her resistance could make things more enjoyable for him. With a smirk still tugging at the corner of his mouth, he made his way toward Genzo's house, following Bell-mere's directions.

When he arrived, the old man was sitting outside his home, leisurely smoking a pipe. His weathered features seemed to soften when he saw Naruto approaching, a faint smile on his lips. "Are you okay now, boy?" he asked in a voice that carried the gruffness of years spent weathering storms, both literal and metaphorical.

Naruto stood tall, nodding gratefully. "Yes, thank you for helping me."

Genzo waved a hand dismissively. "No need. It was mostly the octopus guy and the doctor who did the work." He puffed on his pipe, the smoke curling into the air lazily as he regarded Naruto with mild curiosity.

Naruto considered the information about the Fishman Island. It might become useful later as part of his plans, he thought, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of potential in the strange world he found himself in. "Okay," he said after a moment, "but now I'm here to ask if anyone can help me travel to the nearest Marine base."

Genzo leaned back in his chair, taking another slow drag from his pipe before responding. "No problem. We do have a fishing ship. So, when do you want to leave?" His tone was casual, but there was a hint of underlying practicality in his words.

"In three days," Naruto replied, his mind already calculating the time he would need to regain his strength. He wanted to be at his best in case things went awry. "Three days will be fine."

Genzo nodded. "Very well. In three days, be ready." He took one more puff from his pipe before standing and heading inside, signaling that the matter was settled.

Naruto thanked him and walked off, planning to spend the rest of the day exploring the village. As he passed by villagers, his eyes fell on a familiar sight. Nami was at it again—her hands moving so quickly and expertly that no one noticed as she lifted small wares from the stalls. She was a true thief, with nimble fingers and the ability to blend into the crowd without a second thought.

Naruto watched her for a moment, an amused glint in his eyes. She has nimble and dexterous hands. Really good material, he thought to himself. The girl's skill wasn't just impressive; it was something he could work with. Though, I wish I didn't have to do this alone. But in this world, I need to control people more than ever. This time, the collection of my dolls and pawns may have to be larger. It's good that Conqueror's Haki can help dominate minds—just like when I utilized chakra in my world.

His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed Nami was attempting to lift something from his own person. Without hesitation, Naruto extended his hand and caught her by the wrist, stopping her in her tracks.

Nami's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly recovered and offered an innocent smile. "Ah, Mister Naruto! I was just going to touch you, as you were lost in thought," she said quickly, trying to cover up her intentions with an excuse, hoping to avoid any sort of punishment.

Naruto, however, didn't seem bothered. He looked at her, his smile warm and inviting, but there was something calculated in the way he spoke. "I know what you were doing, but don't worry, I won't punish you. In fact, I like you a lot. You're talented. Do you want to learn from me so that you can protect your mother and sister?"

Nami's eyes lit up at the suggestion. She had been living under difficult circumstances, and the idea of becoming strong, of being able to protect her loved ones, was a dream she had held for years. The bait was laid, and she eagerly took it.

"Yes, yes! Can I really become strong?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement and eagerness.

Naruto looked down at her, his smile widening. "Yes, stronger than Arlong by at least 100 times."

Nami's face broke into an expression of pure joy. "Then yes, yes! Please, Mister Naruto, make me strong!" She clung to his shirt, her excitement bubbling over as she jumped up and down, unable to contain her happiness.

Naruto gently placed a hand on top of her head, rubbing it affectionately. "Don't worry, we'll take it slowly. But since I'm free now, why not start? I'll teach you the basics. What helps with strength is something called Haki, and it seems you have a natural talent for it—specifically, Observational Haki."

Nami looked up at him with curiosity, her earlier excitement tempered by confusion. "What is Haki?" she asked, following him as they walked towards the orange orchard.

"Well, Haki is…" Naruto began, his voice softening as he prepared to explain the mysterious concept to the eager girl. The two of them walked side by side, Naruto's mind already working on how best to unlock her potential, while Nami hung on every word he said, her young mind eager for knowledge, for power, and for a future beyond the limits of her small island home.

Naruto walked back toward the house as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting an amber hue across the island. He felt the growing warmth of the evening, and as he approached, he could see Bell-mere and Nojiko inside, preparing for dinner. Nami, as instructed, was outside, focused on the basic exercises Naruto had demonstrated to her. The young girl was working hard, clearly eager to gain strength and protect her family—something Naruto was happy to take advantage of. He had shown her just the beginning, drawing out movements in the dirt, and now she was performing them with intense concentration.

As Naruto entered, Bell-mere's gaze immediately fell on him, filled with suspicion. She didn't trust him completely, not after his earlier behavior. But Nojiko, more open and kind, greeted him with a soft smile. "Hello, Mister Naruto," she said politely, though her eyes flickered curiously toward the door as she wondered about Nami.

Naruto nodded to Nojiko but addressed Bell-mere directly. "Where is Nami?" he asked casually, his voice light.

"She's doing some exercises outside," he answered. "She said she wants to protect you two."

Bell-mere's face softened a little at the mention of Nami's desire to protect the family, but her eyes were still wary as she spoke. "Why? Why is she doing this?"

Naruto shrugged, pretending to be nonchalant. "Because she wants to be strong for you. She said she wants to protect both you and Nojiko." His voice carried a touch of admiration for the little girl's determination, but it was all part of his subtle manipulation. He knew that once the seed of ambition was planted, it would grow, especially if he continued to fan the flames of her desire.

Nojiko, who had been sitting in the corner, stood up immediately at the mention of Nami's efforts. A frown creased her forehead. "I should be doing that," she murmured under her breath, feeling a pang of guilt that her younger sister was taking on a task she should have been doing herself. Without further hesitation, she rushed outside to join Nami, determined to make sure she didn't overwork herself.

Bell-mere, though, did not follow immediately. Her eyes tracked Nojiko's movements with concern, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Naruto cut her off before she could say anything more.

"Let her," Naruto said, his voice smooth and steady. "It's important. This world is not a nice place."

As he spoke, he stepped closer to Bell-mere, his presence commanding the space between them. Bell-mere's body stiffened as he took hold of her, his hands roaming over her arms in a gentle yet insistent manner. She tried to pull away, but his grip was firm. She was a woman who had been through much, both physically and emotionally, and she felt herself faltering under his touch.

"Let me go," Bell-mere hissed, trying to break free of his grasp.

But Naruto didn't release her. Instead, his voice lowered, his words slipping into a soft whisper in her ear. "But doesn't it feel just right in my embrace? Aren't you lonely, Bell? Be mine, and I will protect your family. Or do you want to leave your fate to the uncertain outcome of an unknown future?"

Bell-mere's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anger, confusion, and something else she couldn't quite place. His words felt like a temptation she couldn't resist, a promise of something she had longed for but never dared to acknowledge. She had been alone for so long, and now, in this moment, Naruto's presence felt strangely comforting—too comforting for her peace of mind.

Naruto's subtle manipulation didn't go unnoticed. Using a hint of his Conqueror's Haki, he pushed his suggestion further into her subconscious. Though it wasn't enough to brainwash her, it was enough to make her consider the possibility, to stir her deepest desires and fears. Bell-mere had experienced trauma, a month of horror, and that had left her vulnerable, too fragile for this kind of emotional assault.

Naruto stopped his movements and stepped back, as if giving her space. He sat down at the table, his demeanor relaxed as if nothing had happened. "Well, I won't force you," he said with a small, almost mocking smile. "It's your choice. So, just relax and enjoy the small love you're receiving from your family."

Bell-mere stood there, her emotions swirling. She was angry—furious at herself for feeling what she did, for the way he had wormed his way into her thoughts. "You sick bastard," she snapped, her voice sharp as she grabbed a frying pan and threw it at him. It was a moment of retaliation, but she didn't quite have the strength behind it that she had hoped for. Her emotions were too mixed for it to be effective.

Naruto dodged the pan easily, his smirk widening at her reaction. "Soon, she will break," he thought to himself, a dark thrill running through him. I find it pleasant to see people break...

As Bell-mere stormed outside, clearly trying to calm herself and process what had just happened, Naruto sat back and began to eat the meal that had been prepared for him. He could feel Bell-mere's confusion, her desire, her shame—everything was so clear to him now. His Observational Haki had become stronger over the years, and now it allowed him to sense emotions and thoughts with even more precision.

He knew that it wouldn't take long before she cracked, before she would be his. I can sense it... She's already feeling it, he thought with a wicked smile, savoring his food.

The seeds had been planted, and now it was only a matter of time.