Chapter 21

The sound of their practice—swift movements and the dull thuds of fists against wooden targets—greeted him as he approached. Bell-mère, sitting nearby, looked up at the noise of his arrival. A tired but content expression crossed her face when she saw him.

Nami and Nojiko noticed him moments later, their focus on training breaking as they ran to greet him. Their excitement was contagious, and Naruto knelt to embrace them warmly.

"How have you been doing?" he asked, his tone affectionate.

"We've been training like you told us, Uncle," Nami said with a wide grin.

"Good," he replied, ruffling their hair fondly. "Did you like my presents?"

"The food was amazing! It made us feel stronger," Nami answered eagerly. "And the books were so fun to read."

Nojiko chimed in, her voice calm but appreciative. "I loved the botany books and the seeds you sent. I've already started planting some of them."

Naruto smiled, pleased with their responses. "I'm happy to hear that. But I didn't come empty-handed this time either. Here." He reached into his belongings and pulled out twin daggers for Nami and a spear for Nojiko.

Their eyes lit up as he handed them the weapons, explaining briefly, "These should suit your styles. Nami, you're agile and precise—perfect for something quick and sharp. Nojiko, you have strength and control; the spear will amplify that."

The girls beamed, examining their new tools with excitement. While they admired the craftsmanship, Naruto's mind worked. In time, they'll grow into these roles. Nami can learn stealth and precision—poisons will serve her well. Nojiko can craft them, and together, they'll be an unstoppable team.

Turning to Bell-mère, he walked over and wrapped her in a warm hug. She melted into his embrace, her voice soft as she admitted, "Yes, I missed you. I don't know what spell you've cast on me, but I've been counting the days until you came back."

"No magic, Bell," he murmured, his voice tender. "Just my love."

Their kiss was deep and full of passion, causing Bell-mère's heart to race. By the time it ended, her cheeks were flushed, and she leaned heavily against him, her thoughts wandering to more intimate moments they'd shared.

"See? Nothing unusual about that," Naruto teased, laughing softly as he set down the belongings he had carried from the ship.

The girls were still engrossed in their new weapons, eagerly testing their grip and imagining the possibilities. Bell-mère, meanwhile, couldn't shake the warmth and longing Naruto's presence stirred in her.

Naruto cast a glance toward the family he had come to care for, his expression softening. This is where my influence will take root. Their growth is my priority, but they are also pieces on the board. In time, they'll be invaluable in the grand game ahead.

Two days passed in a blur, and Naruto found himself stepping off a ship onto the vibrant yet oppressive shores of Sabaody Archipelago. Dressed in full-bodied black armor, he immediately stood out among the locals, who favored more casual and revealing attire. The stark contrast between his imposing figure and the colorful, carefree surroundings made heads turn.

Naruto, however, paid no attention to the curious stares. His mind was preoccupied as his senses swept over the island, and what he found disgusted him. The air was thick with the stench of corruption and cruelty, an overwhelming sensation that made his body tense and his instincts scream for destruction. His fists clenched briefly as he took a deep breath to suppress the fire burning within him. Not yet. There's a purpose here.

He made his way directly to the designated meeting spot. The location was guarded by an array of soldiers, their uniforms an ostentatious mix of gold and jewels that made them look more like walking displays of wealth than protectors. But what truly caught his attention were the World Nobles.

Naruto's first thought as he laid eyes on them was simple: Are these things really human? Their bloated sense of superiority radiated off them in waves, and their odd, exaggerated mannerisms only added to the absurdity of their appearance. Yet, as his gaze shifted from one to another, he felt a glimmer of surprise.

One noble stood out—a man named Mjosgard. Naruto could sense something different about him. Unlike the others, whose very existence felt like filth incarnate, Mjosgard carried himself with a hint of sincerity and an unexpected lack of malice.

This one… he's an anomaly. But the other one? Pure garbage.

Naruto's gaze briefly lingered on Axel, another noble in the entourage. Every movement of Axel's exuded arrogance, and the thin veneer of civility he maintained couldn't hide his disdain for everyone around him. Naruto could feel Axel's hatred and malice like a foul stench, directed at everyone and everything not of his "caliber."

As Naruto approached, the guards stationed nearby took notice of him. One of them stepped forward.

"Are you Naruto?" The question was curt, more a formality than a genuine inquiry. Z had informed them to expect a man in black armor, and Naruto fit the description perfectly.

"Yes. Uzumaki Naruto reporting for duty," he replied, his tone formal and steady.

The guard eyed him briefly, nodded, and gestured for him to join the others. "Good. Get in line. We're heading down to Fishman Island, and I don't want to see any trouble."

Naruto nodded without a word and moved to his assigned position. His sharp eyes darted around, assessing the people surrounding him. Each step of his assessment was cold and calculating. If I needed to kill them all in an ambush, I could manage it. I'd take heavy injuries, but it's possible. That's good enough for now.

Tucked into his cheek was a small medicine packet—his contingency plan in case things went south. He always planned for emergencies.

"Okay, Axel," Mjosgard said, his tone stern but diplomatic. "Just remember that we're meeting Queen Otohime, and I trust you'll conduct yourself with restraint."

Axel smiled harmlessly, but the venom behind his expression was hard to miss. "Don't worry yourself about it, Mjosgard. I'll behave," he said, his voice syrupy sweet with a hidden edge of contempt. Disgusting filth lover, Axel thought, his mind filled with disdain for Mjosgard's respect for the Fishmen.

Mjosgard regarded Axel carefully, his instincts warning him to stay cautious. However, his belief in Axel's intelligence reassured him. Surely Axel wouldn't sabotage a diplomatic mission.

Unaware of the silent tension between the two nobles, Naruto followed the group as they made their way toward the underwater passage leading to Fishman Island. The sights around him were breathtaking, the scenery a stark contrast to the filth he sensed in the entourage. Large sea creatures swam nearby, their massive forms visible even at a distance. I wonder if the Fishmen have problems with Sea Kings or if they coexist peacefully, he mused.

As they neared Ryugu Kingdom, the grandeur of the underwater city came into view. The vibrant coral structures shimmered in the filtered sunlight, and the currents carried a soothing hum that seemed to resonate with the life surrounding them. Yet, Naruto's focus was drawn to the group awaiting their arrival.

At the forefront stood Queen Otohime herself, a noble-looking Fishwoman radiating grace and warmth. Beside her were several armed soldiers, their postures rigid and their eyes sharp. Naruto noted the faint aura of hatred emanating from some of them, a bitterness that didn't surprise him.

Compared to these so-called nobles, the Fishmen feel normal. Their hatred is understandable—if I were in their position, I wouldn't just harbor resentment; I'd act on it.

Naruto's gaze flicked briefly to Axel, who was staring at the Fishmen with open contempt. This is going to be a long mission.

The group was greeted at the entrance of Ryugu Kingdom by a tall, regal-looking Fishman who stood with an air of authority. His polite smile didn't quite reach his eyes, but his words carried a practiced courtesy.

"Welcome to Ryugu Kingdom. Our Queen awaits your presence," the Fishman said, bowing slightly.

"Thank you for receiving us. I'm grateful my request was accepted," Mjosgard replied with a warm smile. His voice carried genuine appreciation, as he was committed to bridging the gap between humans and Fishmen.

"It is the Queen and King's decision to welcome you," the Fishman said, his tone remaining neutral. "But I am glad to see you again, my friend." There was a faint softness in his expression now, hinting at familiarity and respect.

Naruto stood silently, observing the interaction. So, that's how this noble changed. The Queen must be someone extraordinary if she managed to influence him. I'll have to see for myself. Despite his curiosity, the thought of remaining close to the rest of the group gnawed at his patience. The slow pace and enforced proximity to the arrogant Axel made his skin crawl.

As they walked through the streets of Ryugu Kingdom, Naruto's thoughts were interrupted by a radiant figure approaching from the front. It was a mermaid—a human-sized one, unlike the towering figures he'd observed earlier. She glided gracefully toward them, her golden hair shimmering like sunlight through the water. Her beauty was matched by an aura of calm and kindness.

"Queen Otohime," Mjosgard greeted, bowing deeply. "It is a pleasure to see you again."

"And you as well, Mjosgard," Otohime replied, her voice a melodious harmony that captivated everyone present. "I hope this visit will help bring our shared dream closer to reality."

Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. There was something about her demeanor—an unwavering hope, almost naïve in its purity. She's so much like how I used to be, he thought, his mind flickering back to a time he'd buried deep within himself. But she doesn't understand. Change won't come from weakness. It only comes when you stand as equals—when you have the power to demand justice.

Her voice grated against his hardened outlook, not out of dislike, but because it reminded him of the idealism he'd discarded. Despite this, Naruto held himself back, suppressing the urge to let his Haki flare and silence her. He reminded himself that Axel would likely do enough damage without his intervention.

To his mild relief, Otohime decided to give the group a tour of the city. Naruto welcomed the distraction, appreciating the beauty of the architecture and the lively spirit of the citizens. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, not just for the sights but for any potential threats or useful details. He noted the reverence the people showed Otohime. It was clear she was beloved.

But where is the king in all of this? Did he refuse to be part of something involving humans? The absence struck Naruto as peculiar, and he filed it away as another piece of the puzzle.

After several hours of sightseeing, the group was finally escorted to the royal palace. The grand halls gleamed with an ethereal beauty, lit by bioluminescent coral and decorated with intricate carvings that told stories of the Fishmen's history. Servants guided them to their rooms, ensuring they had everything they needed before the banquet that evening.

Naruto, however, was placed in a shared room with ten other guards, all of whom were more concerned with appearances than practicality. The cramped quarters made his already low tolerance for their presence plummet. This is just asking me to kill them all, he thought darkly, his lips curling into a smirk beneath his helmet. And now I even have an alibi if anything happens.

Just as he was beginning to relax, a knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. One of the guards informed him that Mjosgard wanted to speak with him. Naruto nodded, collected himself, and made his way to the noble's room.

Mjosgard's quarters were spacious and tastefully decorated. The man was seated comfortably in a chair, a book resting in his lap. He looked up as Naruto entered. "Come in, boy. Take a seat. You can remove your helmet here; there's no need for such formalities."

Naruto complied, removing his helmet and revealing his sharp features. He placed the helmet down and took a seat across from Mjosgard, maintaining his composed demeanor.

"No need to speak so formally when it's just the two of us," Mjosgard said with a faint smile. "Your teacher, Z, is a friend of mine."

Naruto nodded, understanding now how he had been selected for this mission. "Very well. What do you require of me?"

Mjosgard studied him, his gaze curious. "You're not what I expected. I thought Z's student would be someone… larger, more imposing. Are you strong, boy?"

"I have been trained well, but I know my limits. There are many stronger than me," Naruto replied evenly, his calm tone masking the subtle undercurrent of challenge.

"You're not afraid, are you?"

Naruto tilted his head slightly. "Afraid of what?"

Mjosgard chuckled lightly. "The fact you asked means you don't even consider it. Most people live in fear of the World Nobles—they're nightmares to the common man."

"My duty is to protect the nobles," Naruto said without hesitation. "What they do is not my concern. Even my life is theirs to command."

Mjosgard sighed, shaking his head. "Don't give it all up for duty. I hope you have the strength to handle any problems that arise. The guards we have with us are useless ornaments. I have to rely on you."

Naruto inclined his head slightly. "I will do my best."

As he stood to leave, Mjosgard watched him intently. This boy… there's something he's not telling me. He feels more like a manipulative noble than a soldier. The thought lingered as he sighed again. "Unfortunately, I need him now."