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Chapter 5

Naruto just loves seeing the reaction they get when they see ninjutsu.

"Aha, well you see, in the middle of all that dust cloud, Enel and I couldn't see each other for a while, that gave me the time for one of my shadow clones to take my place and for the real me to hide my presence up on the roof. What you saw being stabbed was just a clone."

Nami remained sceptical, "What? That still doesn't make sense, what clone?"

Luffy and Zoro nodded in agreement.

"I forgot, I haven't shown it to you guys yet." Naruto performed his signature hand sign, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." A poof of smoke signalled the arrival of a second Naruto.

Naruto used his forearm to lean against the clone. "This is what I meant by clone." Patting said clone on his chest, "Don't be rude, say hello."

The cloned smiled then waved. "What's up guys?"

Needless to say, the three pirates stared in awe as they watched the second Naruto.

Luffy rushed to the clone and began to inspect him like a child playing with a brand new toy, "Sugoi! It can move and talk and everything! It feels so real!"

"Of course it's real, a shadow clone is a complete copy of the jutsu user." Naruto informed.

"That's amazing! It must be pretty handy too?" Nami quizzed.

Naruto laughed dryly. "You have no idea. But forget about that, how are you feeling? You're not hurt are you?"

Nami smiled reassuringly, "I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry, I just want to say thank you for saving me back there." Nami's smile turned to one of gratitude.

He suppressed a blush from one of Nami's heart racing smiles, "N-no problem."

Zoro rolled his eyes, "We helped out too, you know."

Nami sighed in defeat, "Yes, yes, Zoro, Luffy, you have my thanks. Happy now?"

"Whatever, let's just get back to the others before they start to worry." Zoro grunted before walking away.

Watching the swordsman, Nami pinched the bridge of her nose, "Zoro, the ship is the other way."

The swordsman jerked and then changed his direction.

Much to Luffy's dislike, Naruto dispelled the jutsu then took a few steps to follow Nami and Zoro while Luffy was behind.

It was quiet for a second till suddenly Naruto's shinobi senses kicked in, he place his right hand under the wrist seal and threw the kunai up into the leaves of a nearby tree.

This caused everyone else to stop with questioning looks as they gaze upon the tree on where the kunai was thrown. Seconds later, a squirrel with a kunai embedded in its stomach fell from one of the trees branches and dropped dead on to the floor.

Nami switched her attention from the squirrel to her crew mate. "And what did that poor little squirrel ever did to you?"

Naruto had his eyes fixated on the general direction of the squirrel. "I thought I just- nah I'm just imagining things, it was nothing."

Luffy and Zoro shrugged while Nami walked closer to Naruto. She folded her arms while inspecting every inch from him head to toe.

"Something wrong?" Naruto blinked blankly.

"I was just wondering how you have all these cuts and gashes on your clothes but from what I can see, your no longer bleeding or in any pain?"

Naruto inspected his clothes, "Oh, it's because of Kurama's chakra. It allows me to heal faster than most, did I forget to mention?

Nami hummed in fascination, "Oh I see, so that's why Chopper's assessments of your recovery were a few days off. And yes you are forgetful."

Naruto laughed nervously. "Aha soryy."

"Oh well; anyway, we can't have you walking around in those torn out clothes." Nami shifted her sights to her captain, "Luffy, you and Zoro go ahead and tell everyone that I'm fine and we'll be back a little later. I'm going to help Naruto pick out some new clothes."

"Eeehhh?!" The three male pirates spoke in unison.

Nami pointed at Naruto, "There's no way I can let you go to your own party looking like that."

She then pointed at Zoro and Luffy. "And you two, what's your problem?"

Luffy spoke, "You only want to 'help Naruto pick out some new clothes' because you want to do some shopping yourself!"

Zoro nodded in agreemend, casuing Nami to twitch in anger,

"Well of course! I didn't get a chance to buy anything before one of Enel's guys kidnapped me. Why are you two complaining anyway? Or is it that you want to come along and help me shop?" Nami teased in a low, evil voice.

Luffy and Zoro shivered as the memories of their last shopping trip with Nami resurfaced.

"Good luck, Naruto!" Yelled the Straw Hat captain and his first mate as they sprinted towards the ship.

Nami turned to Naruto with a beaming smile. "Ready to go?"

After seeing Luffy's and Zoro's reaction, Naruto was now scared of what could happen when you shop with Nami but he would never show her that.

Struggling to maintain a straight face, Naruto spoke nervously "Uh yeah sure."

The two drifted off to begin their little adventure called shopping.

Unknowing to them, a mysterious man hiding behind a tree wearing a black cloak sighed in relief. 'Finally they're gone. I was sure I was a goner for a second. I still can't believe that blond almost sensed me, that shouldn't have been possible. Never mind that now, I got to get his picture back to Marine HQ, the world needs to know that the infamous Straw Hat Pirates have recruited another member, a member powerful enough to defeat 'God' Enel. I must hurry.'

1 hour later

Naruto groaned in irritation, "This is the hundredth store we've been to in the last forty five minutes, there were some okay ones in that last shop why couldn't we get those?" he asked as Nami examined a shirt.

Nami shook her head, continuing her search, "Men. Why do you always do this? Complain and then pick 'okay' clothes. If we're going to spend my, ahh, I mean our money you got to buy something you love."

Naruto narrowed his eyes playfully. "So you really do love money." He saiddryly.

Nami's eyes shifted into beli signs. "Of course!" she screamed excitedly.

Naruto smiled sympathetically then took a look around at his surroundings. This store was much larger than the previous ones they visited or more accurately, Nami dragged him to. He studied the faces of the men and women of this new dimension and couldn't help but think, apart from the obvious difference between the lives of pirates and shinobi, everything else was pretty much the same- the food, the buildings, the irritation of shopping, the concept of time and date and many other minor details.

As he was lost deep within his thoughts, his eyes had unconsciously been scanning the men around him. Much to his confusion, some were gawking at him with eyes of jealousy or anger, or both? The other half of the male population, which were a lot in this store, had set their focus on the curvy orange haired navigator who was never afraid of showing some skin. Naruto could see them smirking and even wolf whistling to themselves. Nami, of course was oblivious of their actions as she was too busy on her favourite hobby.

Naruto softly grabbed Nami on her shoulder then leaned in to whisper. "You're quite popular with the guys around here." he teased.

Nami gasped at the sudden closeness of proximity to make her nearly drop the clothes she was holding. "Hey, don't sneak up on me like that and what are you talking abou-" Nami cut her sentence short as she looked up and saw a large handful of men quickly turn their heads away from her direction. As a woman, she knew that they were obviously staring.

Nami sighed before she spotted something from the corner of her eye. Most of the women in the store had been or were going fan-girl over her blond nakama. She couldn't help but feel slightly irritated at them for being so obvious, but she couldn't blame them either, Naruto's black vest was ripped in several areas. So not only were his arms exposed but also those well-defined abdominals. His orange trousers were also showing some legs as there were some important parts missing. Seriously, the two of them were a walking strip tease.

Nami decided to play his game, "You're the one to talk." She said in teasingly.

The blond blushed, "W-what are you talking about?"

He looked up to inspect the females in his immediate area but their reactions differed greatly from when Nami searched for her fan club.

Most of the women were staring seductively, while some where biting their bottom lip. Those in small groups were whispering to another followed by a tiny giggle.

Naruto sighed in defeat and hung his head low.

His reaction came as a surprise to Nami, usually most guys, aka Sanji, would love this much attention from a handful of beautiful women and would have been more than happy to take advantage of the situation, but Naruto seemed annoyed or even disappointed by it.

'How did Sasuke-teme had to deal with every single day?'

Nami raised a concerned eye brow, "What's wrong, Naruto?"

The blond lifted his head up but avoided the eyes of the thirsty women, "I just can't believe I have to deal with this here, too."

"Deal with what?"

"Back in Konoha, a lot of girls acted exactly the same way these women are right now and it annoyed the hell out of me." He explained, "They think they like me because of my looks and the fact that my father was the Yondaime Hokage. How can anyone like someone just for their looks or heritage? How would you know if that person really only likes you for what you are and not who you are?"

Nami was momentarily speechless, she had never met a guy her age talking about relationships so maturely before. It not only increased her respect for him but she now saw Naruto in a different light, he had something her other male crew members didn't have. Naruto knew exactly what he wanted out of relationships, a deep and meaningful bond.

This got Nami thinking, even though she knew a heavy amount of things about him already, the attraction she has for him may all just be physical. Does that mean she just another superficial girl who cares only about looks? the type of girl Naruto can't stand?

Her mind was in turmoil, she couldn't deny the attraction, yet she's has to be a friend.

"Umm, Nami? You've spaced out for a while now."

Nami instantly blushed then shook the thoughts out of her mind, "I'm sorry Naruto I was just... never mind."

The blond remained sceptical but shrugged it off, "Okay? Do you mind if we go to another store? I don't think I can survive another second with these women staring."

Nami scanned her surroundings once again and she became more pissed as some of the women were still going fan- girl over him. She saw a small group of girls probably a year or two younger than her and Naruto slowly approaching in their direction.

"Oh no, here they come. Nami, let's get out of here."

Naruto grabbed her hand to head for the exit, though she stood her ground and stopped him prematurely.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She turned her head back to him but she looked slightly embarrassed. "I know a way to get them to stop looking. But what I'm about to do is just a friend helping out another friend okay? I don't do this to everyone so please don't over think about it and just go along alright?

Naruto had no idea what she's talking about, "Uhh sure, anything to get them to stop looking at me."

Naruto looked deep within Nami's eyes and saw that she was nervous but slightly excited too.

'This is it, just helping out a friend right? oh who am I kidding, sorry Robin. Wow, look at those beautiful blue eyes.'

Naruto's 'beautiful' eyes widened as without warning, Nami wrapped her arms over his shoulders to bring his face closer to hers. She connected her lips with his, she grabbed a handful of his golden hair while her other hand laid on his neck.

It took a few moments for Naruto overcome the shock of what Nami was doing, but the sensation of her soft lips caressing his own was enough to stop any words of protest. He quickly returned the kiss as he gripped one hand on her waist while the other stroked her cheek, savouring the taste of her strawberry lip gloss and the fresh smell of her long orange hair.

They unconsciously pulled on each other's bodies against one another to heighten the blissful sensation. The kiss deepened as Naruto used his tongue to caress Nami's bottom lip to ask permission to enter. A lustful moan escaped Nami's mouth as she granted his tongue the permission to explore her own. Their hold on one another tightened as their wet tongues intertwined with one another in perfect sync never wanting to let the other go. They knew things were escalating too quickly but they couldn't stop.

Their bodies became unbearably hot, they lost all their inhibitions and lost themselves in the kiss, not caring where they were or who was watching.

Unfortunately, the prolonged duration and intensity of the kiss forced the two to separate to refill their lungs with air. Naruto and Nami held their grip on to each other as her brown eyes were locked onto his blue orbs. Their breaths were long and deep. He observed her beautiful face hoping to find an answer for had just happened. It's not like he didn't enjoy it, because he truly did, but he figured that kiss was far too intense to be just a friend helping out another friend. Or it could be Nami was just a good kisser.

She was the first to break eye contact to check and see the looks of the faces of the lustful women after Naruto. Some of them had already disappeared while the others look greatly disappointed. She giggled to herself as she heard one of them say 'Jeez, get a room.'

Satisfied that his new fan club was now gone, she turned and smiled at Naruto.

"See I told you I can get them to stop, Ohh that looks nice!" Nami unwrapped herself out of Naruto then skipped away to another section of the store.

Naruto watched her playful self-skip away and couldn't help but chuckle. He may have looked calm and happy on the outside but deep down he was truly bewildered.

'This girl is just a bag full of surprises.' He laughed to himself, admiring her confidence.

As he watched her receding back, his mood took a nose dive as that fake act of affection only made him think about Sakura. His confession and her unexplainable love for Sasuke still burned in his memory. It was a constant irritant in the back of his head, though the funny thing was, he noticed the only time he wouldn't feel this annoyance was when he was around a certain orange haired navigator.

In an act of instinct, his gaze lowered from her wavy long hair to the curves of her ass. But Naruto quickly ripped his eyes away from the sight, cursing himself in the process.

'I need to get a hold of myself. She's my nakama now, I can't be thinking or looking at her like that, no matter how good that kiss felt, it was all an act anyway. But this rush I'm feeling, the rush to kiss her again... no, it's probably just some sick way to get back at Sakura. I can't be using Nami like that. Even if this rush is real and for Nami and Nami alone, I barely know her... fuck me, I really do need to get a hold of myself, I'm a bloody mess.'

"Naruto! Come here and try these out." Nami interrupted his thoughts, lifting several bits of clothes above her head.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." the blond dropped his head low. 'Here we go again.'

20 minutes later

Naruto checked himself out in the mirror in one of the stores changing rooms. He had been trying several outfits that he and Nami found not too long ago. Although he didn't care for fashion very much, he had to give Nami credit for picking out clothes that suited well and made him look pretty good.

He liked all the clothes and outfits he tried on but the one he's wearing now was no doubt his favourite. The trousers and were black and longer than his signature orange ones, the sandals reached up below the knees similar to ones of a standard issue Anbu wore. His shirt was a fitted black sleeveless shirt with a zip down the middle that stopped between his chest leaving the collar of the shirt wide open. Lastly, over the shirt was a long coat similar to the one his father wore however, this one was black and also sleeveless allowing him to display his tattoo that he's incredibly proud off..

Giving a final glance of his new attire, Naruto stepped out to show Nami.

"So, what do you think?" He asked nervously.

Nami's eyes rounded and almost dropped the newspaper she was reading, "Wow, it looks great on you!"

Naruto blushed lightly, "Aha, you really think so?"

"I do, but there's something missing?" She pinched her chin while scrutinising his outfit.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it needs a little something that says 'Naruto', you know?"

The blond chuckled, "I think I know exactly what you mean, I'll take these off and get the rest of the clothes we picked out, which are great by the way, and you think you can pay for them then bring this outfit back here then wait outside?"

"Yeah sure, I can do that for you."

Five minutes had passed since Nami returned the clothes to Naruto. Now she was patiently waiting outside the store. Hearing the shop door close, she immediately turned around hoping it was Naruto. A huge smile grew on her face as it was in fact the blond in his newly edited attire.

His longer sandals now had bandages wrapped around each shin, his right thigh also wrapped in bandages with his kunai holster. He kept his wrist seal visible and the final addition was the sword he used to defeat Enel was now on strapped on his back, sheathed inside its black with nine thin orange diagonal lines designed scabbard.

"Now that says 'Naruto.'" She happily stated.

The 20 year old blond smiled back, "Thanks, it's just a few minor touches."

Nami stepped up and handed him all his shopping bags, "Alright! Now that your shopping is finished, we can finally get back to mine." She squealed in excitement, causing the boy to sigh heavily.

'Oh right, I forgot I have to help her with her shopping. It can't be as bad as Luffy and Zoro make it out to be, can it?'

2 hours later/ Thousand Sunny.

An exhausted looking Naruto carrying over twenty bags of shopping watched as an overexcited Nami jumped up and hugged her raven haired best friend. The rest of the crew standing next to them smiled happily.

Robin's smiled in relief as she wrapped her arms around the navigator. "Thank goodness you're alright. I'm so sorry that I couldn't stop them from taking you, I don't know what I'd do to myself if I knew I was responsible for something had happened to you."

Nami unwrapped herself out of her room-mate's arms, "Please don't blame yourself Robin. It isn't your fault and besides thanks to those guys I'm completely fine." She placed a bright smile.

Robin nodded then wiped the single tear with the back of her hand. She fixed her sights on the newly dressed blond who looked like he was two minutes away from collapsing.

"I hope our Nami wasn't too cruel to you in your little shopping trip, Naruto-san." Robin giggled while Nami pouted childishly.

"She-she took me everywhere. The walking, the waiting, the carrying, and the abuse, honestly I'm exhausted." Naruto dropped the bags then his shoulders.

Luffy exploded in laughter, "He looks more tired now than he did after his fight with Enel."

Zoro smirked, "At least he now knows to never shop with Nami."

The whole crew except a complaining Nami laughed at loud.

As soon as the laughter died down, Sanji spoke unusually serious, "So is it true? Did you kill Enel on your own?"

Naruto snapped into attention. "Yeah?" he said casually.

Sanji's, Usopp's, Robin's and Chopper's jaws hit the floor. Just remembering Enel's power was frightening enough, but to fight it and win was something only Luffy could do. They stared at their new nakama in awe and wondered if he could be as strong as or maybe even stronger than their captain. There was still much to learn about this Naruto.

Brook and Franky couldn't fully comprehend what it truly means to defeat a powerhouse such as Enel because they did not witness his devastating power in Skypiea. What they do know is what Luffy and Zoro told them as soon as they got back, despite not knowing who Enel was, the trio was impressed regardless. Taking down a Logia type devil user was no easy feat.

"That's amazing!" Robin stated.

Usopp spoke up. "Tell me about it, I mean at first when Luffy and Zoro said you took him down by yourself it was a little hard to believe but now I'm a believer."

Naruto couldn't take any more of the praises, he started to blush. "Awh come on guys it was nothing really, I'd rather take 100 Enels rather than another shopping trip with Nami anytime."

The pirates shared a heart-warming laugh and even Nami giggled a little.

"Minna! Now that everyone's here let's eat!" Luffy screamed as he punched the air.

Later that night

Alcohol; on some days it's your best friend, on other days it can be your worst enemy. The key that opens the jail called emotions. It will make you do stuff you'd never think you'd do, say things you never thought you would say, sometimes that fact can be a blessing, other times, it can lead to the biggest regret of your life.

Thousand Sunny/ Evening

Several hours into Naruto's welcoming party, the night was young, the cheers were loud but the voices of laughter were louder. As soon as everyone finished their meals, the pirates did what pirates did best, drink alcohol like there's no tomorrow.

The Straw Hats sang, danced, and laughed harder than they had ever done before all thanks to the influence of an especially strong sake Sanji bought for this occasion. Naruto for one was having the time of his life, the atmosphere was joyful, the company was great and it felt like home away from home. Everyone was greatly impressed at how well Naruto could hold his alcohol. He told them that he had to drink a large amount of alcohol in order to get drunk because if not, Kurama's chakra would heal his liver before he could even feel the effects of the special drink.

There was an eerie silence as Zoro and Nami accidently bumped shoulders. They both glared each other down in their intoxicated state. "Z-Zoro, what are you looking at?" Nami squinted.

The swordsman returned the squint. "You know exactly what I want navigator!"

The remaining pirates on the deck on the ship watched silently as Zoro and Nami stared each other down. Naruto was completely clueless, he didn't know if he should be worried or copy what everyone else was doing.

Nami laughed mockingly. "Fine, be prepared to be, to be beaten by a girl, Zoro-chan." She said as she poked his nose.

Zoro erupted in rage. "Chairs, Barrel, NOW!" He yelled to no one and everyone.

Naruto stood next to a disappointed sniper. "Hey Usopp, what's- what's going on with Zoro and Nami."

Usopp sighed. "They do this all the time, I think it's umm 4, 5, 6? 6! Yes, 5-6 to Nami."

"5-6 to Nami on what?" The blond asked as he watched Franky placing a large barrel in the middle of the deck, Sanji running out of the kitchen with 6 pint glasses each with a can of beer in them and Brook laying down two chairs on each side of the barrel facing one another.

"Drinking contest." Usopp smiled. "Come over you'll see what I'm talking about."

Luffy, Chopper, Robin, Usopp and Naruto shortly joined the rest of the crew in the middle of the deck. Nami and Zoro sat on their chairs never taking their eyes off each other as their Nakama encircle them. Sanji laid three pint glasses in front of each participant then filled them to the brim with beer.

Sanji took a long pull on his cigarette then exhaled. "Alright you two, you know the rules, the first person to drink all three pint glasses wins, and you're not allowed to distract the other during the contest. You may begin at my mark, you ready?"

Zoro smirked. "You ain't gonna win this time Navigator."

Nami rolled her eyes while grabbing the handle of a pint glass. "Whatever you say Zoro-chan, but how are you gonna feel when our new member here-." She pointed behind her with her thumb. "Losses all respect for when he sees you being beaten by a tiny weenie girl."

Zoro gritted his teeth. "You little..."

Sanji became impatient. "On your marks, get set, GO!"

Screams of encouragement for both sides erupted on the ship.

"Come on Zoro! Don't let the guys down!" Usopp screamed.

"You can do it Nami-swaannn!"

"You got this Nami!" Robin yelled, when Robin participates in silly games like these, you know whatever she's drinking is strong.

"Go Zoro-san!" said Brook.

Both participants slammed their empty pint glasses on the barrel followed by synchronised "Ahhhhh." Nami eyed Zoro once again. "You ready to go again Zoro-chan?"

The green haired man grabbed his second pint. "Don't get ahead of yourself, the contest has just begun." Zoro and Nami quickly backed their second pint.

Luffy got within inches of Zoro's face. "Come on Zoroooo, is that all you got?! I thought all you do is drink all day? You're not gonna let her beat you again are you?" Zoro flipped the bird to his captain which Luffy could only laugh at.

The rubber man then turned his attention to Nami. He crouched down to get eye level. "Let's go Nami! You know he hasn't got anything on you, I believe in you, come on!"

Nami's eye brow twitch before she smacked him on the head with her free hand.

"Go, go, go, go, go!" was now chanted by the rest of the crew. Moments later Nami and Zoro smashed their second glasses on the table, followed by a huge cheer from the audience. This was it, the final pint, the winning pint. Although both felt full and uncontrollably dizzy, their pride was on the line. The drinkers quickly backed their final pint glass.

"Last one let's go let's go let's go!"

"Come on Zorroo!"

"You can do it Nami-swaaann!"

"Shishishishi!"

Nami peeked across the barrel to see that Zoro was past the half-way point but was struggling to keep up with his rhythm. That's when she realised it, now was the make or break point. She summoned as much strength and concentration she could into 4 huge gulps. 'Shit, he's almost done, just one more...'

*Bang* *Bang*

Two distinct noises, one coming after the other indicating a winner.

Nami grew a large grin on her face, one even Luffy would be proud of as she heard Zoro's glass land on the barrel after hers. She jumped up into the air and squealed in victory. Naruto, Robin, Luffy and Sanji immediately cheered for her win while Usopp, Chopper, Franky and Brook hung their heads low in disappointment.

"I guess that's 7-5 to me Zoro. Challenge me anytime. I'll be more than happy to beat you again." Nami stuck her tongue out to mock the swordsman.

Zoro stood up and walked over to his disillusioned audience. "Hai Hai, congratulations, don't worry guys, I'll win next time."

"Yosh! Now that's done lets continue this party till sunrise! Brook music! Sanji more drinks! I'm going to be the Pirate King!" Luffy screamed for the entire world to hear while his nakama chuckled at their captain.

2 Hours later

The Straw Hat party had died down, it was reaching 1am and the alcohol alone was no longer adequate to keep the pirates warm from the early morning breeze of March. Some members had retrieved their coats from their rooms while others basked in the cool night air. The pirates were spread all across the ship, Usopp and Chopper where on the main deck playing while Nami was leaning on the wooden side bars of the ship. Robin was with Zoro in the crow's nest, since she said she wanted to check on him to make sure he didn't fall asleep on duty. Sanji was accompanied by Franky, Naruto and Brook in the kitchen while no one seemed to know where Luffy was.

Nami was all alone watching the tiny bright lights in the sky, feeling thankful to finally be able to get some peace and quiet after such a hectic day, and what a day it was. One would think being kidnapped by a madman would be the highlight of anyone's day but not Nami's.

She softly caressed her cheek with one hand and grazed her lips with her fingers on the other as she reminisced on her fiery kiss with Naruto. She hadn't had the time to think what that kiss meant to her or think about what Naruto must be thinking about it too. All she knew was that she enjoyed every single second of it.

She let her eyes shut as she tried to envision every sensation she felt in that small moment of bliss, his lips gently massaging hers while their tongues danced beautifully, the softness of his golden hair in her hand, the urgency she felt as she grabbed his body closer to hers and his smooth hands on her waist, it was all so extremely pleasurable.

'Wait, What am I doing, I'm supposed to be his friend but every time I see him I just can't help myself, I know these feelings I have are no longer physical, he's smart, funny, caring, understanding, mature and overall just fun to be around. But we've known each other for half a week, there's no way he'll take me serious if I told him I like him. Oh god, I said it, I like him. It can't be helped, anyways, he'll probably think I'm another one of those superficial fan girls he hates so much, what am I gonna do-' 

"Hey"

Nami squealed in shock as she was so rudely interrupted in her thoughts, her heart pounded harder as she noticed the figure next to her who appeared out of nowhere.

"N-n-Naruto!"

"That's my name" he smiled; the rays of the moonlight hit his face at just the right angle to magnify his smile.

'So cute.' Nami thought to herself.

"I thought I told you not to sneak up on me" She pouted cutely. The party may have died down and she was no longer was drunk out of her mind but the effects of the sake were still present. She felt a little unbalanced but thanks to the wooden railing, she maintained her posture, her vision wasn't perfect but adequate, but most importantly she felt confident, playful and full of energy.

"Ahah, I'm sorry again." Naruto lied, he shunshined on purpose to see the surprised look on Nami's face. "Are you okay? What are you doing here all by yourself?" He asked genuinely concerned.

"Aww…ain't you a cutie? Thanks for being so concerned for me, but I'm alright, just thinking" Nami smiled and thought about his lips.

Naruto smirked. "Oh Yeah! What could you possibly be thinking about to be able to put that huge smile on your face mmm?" He said sarcastically as he pinched his chin and pretended to think. Nami started to blush but then looked away.

"Well you did get kidnapped by 'God'. So I don't think that's it. So what else did you do today?" The blond raised an eyebrow "Or should I say, what we did today" he teased.

Naruto couldn't believe he said something so personal and without even thinking about it. 'Damn that sake must have hit me good, she's probably gonna smack me any second now.' 

Nami's reddened face slowly turned back to Naruto's direction.

'Okay prepare yourself, here it comes.' 

She looked into his eyes and sighed.

'Ahh shit, get the ice packs ready.' 

"Yes." Nami said calmly.

"Huh?"

"I said yes okay! I was thinking about our kiss earlier so can you stop with the teasing please? " Nami leaned on the wooden side rails to face the oceans. "Besides, I bet I'm not the only one who's thinking about it." She said playfully but completely serious.

Naruto took a few moments to overcome his shock, and then he closed the distance between them and leaned against the rails also.

"You're right, it was a phenomenal kiss." Naruto stated.

Nami nodded and made a small noise of acknowledgement.

The blond took his eyes off the ocean and into her big brown eyes. "What did you like about it?" He questioned boldly without showing signs of playfulness.

Nami thought about her answer hard. "I guess I liked your-"

A strong breeze of freezing cold air rattled the ship cutting Nami's answer short. The breeze quickly subsided but left Nami with chattering teeth and Goosebumps all over her exposed skin.

Naruto started to remove his sleeveless coat. "Oh shit, hurry put this on you must be freezing out here."

The cat burglar placed a hand on his shoulder to stop the blond in his tracks. "Its fine, you'll be cold without it; I'll go grab a jacket in my room and come back, I'll be in just a minute."

"Are you sure? We could back inside?"

Nami shook her head. "It's too noisy inside and besides, the company is better out here in the first place." She smiled brightly.

They shared a warm smile before she headed back inside. Naruto watched her sway her hips as she walked across the grass floored deck of the ship.

He sighed before gazing up into the stars and wondered what everyone back in Konoha was doing at this exact moment.

Konoha. 

Kakashi was relaxing on his living room sofa, yet again reading one of Jiraya's Icha Icha books. Usually, no matter what the situation was, once he started reading he found it near impossible to let the book down. However, since the disappearance of Naruto, he found it difficult to read more than a page. He placed the book down on the sofa and then leaned back to reminisce on what happened the past few days.

Flashback

Knock Knock Knock

The Hokage lifted her head up from the scroll she was reading. "Come in."

Tsunade raised an eye brow as she saw a nervous looking Kakashi and a defeated Sakura walking into her office. Sakura's bangs were covering her face trying to cover her sore cried out eyes from her master.

"Kakashi, you guys are back unusually earlier, then I assume your mission was a success? Wait a second, where's Naruto?" Tsunade questioned.

The mere mention of his name caused Sakura to drop onto her knees and started to cry relentlessly. Tsunade's eyes widened before she jumped up from her seat and ran to her apprentice's aid. She knelt down on one knee and embraced the distraught medic.

"Heyy Sakura, don't cry... whatever happened everything's going to be alright..." Tsunade reassured her in a motherly tone. Kakashi however would not receive such treatment.

The Sannin tightened her hug. 'This is bad, I've never seen her like this before. Could it be linked to Naruto's absence? It must be, she broke down when at the sound of his name.' 

The Godaime shifted her attention on Kakashi who remained frozen standing next to them. "What the Hell is going on around here Kakashi?!" A sweat drop crawled down the neck of the jounin.

"Tsunade-sama, I think it's best if you were to sit before I hand in my report." He said anxiously.

Tsunade helped Sakura back on to her feet, and then she and Kakashi retrieved two wooden chairs from the corner of the room and placed them on opposite sides of the Hokage's desk.

Tsunade took a seat on her chair shortly as Kakashi and Sakura followed. "Explain exactly what happened on your mission and where the hell is Naruto?"

Kakashi sighed then proceeded with his report on the events of their mission. He told her everything, from Naruto using nature energy to locate the unusual chakra, the crack suspended in the air, how Naruto acted rashly as the crack began to change form, the sudden activation of his Mangekyo sharingan and finally Naruto using his rasengan to destroy 'the threat' but ended up being sucked up by the darkness.

"... After the explosion, Naruto was nowhere to be found, no trace, scent or even chakra signature, it's almost like he vanished from the face of the earth." Kakashi concluded.

The Godaime hokage didn't like this one bit. She knew Naruto wasn't the best at hiding his chakra but showing absolutely no signs of chakra signature while Kakashi was there; she couldn't help but think of the worst case scenario.

Tsunade didn't immediately reply to Kakashi's report, she stood up from her seat and turned around to face to village. "So what you're saying is that Naruto is missing or possibly dead?" Her voice was low and filled with fear.

Kakashi shut his eyes tight. "Yes."

Sakura who had been staring into her lap this whole time clenched her fists.

Tsunade was fighting back tears but was failing. A single tear dropped down her cheeks before she spoke. "I see. You two are dismissed. Take a week off too."

Sakura twitched. "But shishou, what about Naruto? We can't just give up and assume he's dead. There's no body or evidence to even think that!"

Her voiced shocked the others in the room, they were sure that Sakura was too upset to even speak.

Tsunade hung her head low. "I know Sakura; I'm going to order an Anbu team to investigate Naruto's disappearance, until we have conclusive results on what occurred tonight we are not assuming he's dead. Now go."

Kakashi and Sakura both stood bowed and left the room. Satisfied that she was all alone, Tsunade dropped down on to her knees to release all her sorrow. The only times she can remember when she cried this badly was when her ex-lover and younger brother died.

END OF FLASHBACK

The Copy Nin leaned forward rested his elbows on his thighs and grabbed his silver long spiky locks. 'Naruto's missing and it's all my fault, I should have stopped him from attacking that thing and now he's missing or possibly dead.' Kakashi rubbed his sharingan. 'Where the hell are you, Naruto?'

Thousand Sunny 

Naruto continued his gazed upon the stars but something interesting was happening somewhere much closer.

Crow's Nest

Sinful moans sipped out the mouth of a certain archaeologist. Robin quivered in excitement as she straddled a topless Zoro. Their lips ravaged each other as they pressed their bodies even closer. The kiss was fast, filled with urgency and lust, Zoro tightened his grip on Robin's full plump ass as her hands explored every inch of her lover's muscular body.

Robin couldn't suppress a lustful moan as she lowered herself further onto the huge bulge in Zoro's trousers. He took this opportunity to slide his tongue inside her mouth to deepen the kiss. Robin cupped his face with her hands to allow him to reach further into her wet excited mouth. Their tongues fought with one another as their urge to pleasure their partner ten folded. Her eyes widened when Zoro took a hand of her backside to suddenly grope her breast.

Even through her dress and bra, Zoro could tell how big and soft Robin's breasts truly are. He withdrew his tongue from the confines of Robin's hot mouth then moved on to her cheek, Zoro placed some open mouthed kisses mixed with some tongue flickers and saliva all the way from her cheek, to her jaw line, neck and collar bone.

Free from Zoro's tongue, Robin now had luxury to enjoy Zoro's ministration on her luscious body. Her breaths quickened as she wrapped her arms around his head to encourage him to continue worshiping her. Zoro quickly understood Robin's plea as he increased his rubbing motion on her chest then released his other hand from Robin's ass to reach further down...

A loud moan escaped her throat as her back arched from the shock of Zoro's middle finger entering her soaking wet folds. After seeing her reaction, Zoro couldn't help but to stop sucking on her neck to smirk.

On the surfaced Robin may have looked like she in sexual heaven but her thoughts were somewhere else completely. 'Here we go, again ahhh, why do we always, uhh do this? Oh God not my ear. Have mindless animal sex when we get drunk.'

Zoro withdrew his juice coated finger from her arousal and his hand from her breast, then he slowly stroked her thighs upwards to reach for the helm of her purple dress, he managed to pull it up to her waist before Robin had to aid in removing the garment. Zoro took a second to appreciate Robin's voluptuous figure. Her purple laced bra and thong highlighted her curvy but slender body.

'He looks sorta cute when he stares at me like that.' Robin giggled.

Zoro twitched. "What's so funny huh?"

"Oh nothing, please continue." She said seductively.

"Damn right I will." Zoro smirked before he started to caress and kiss all of her nearly naked form.

'Is it because we're drunk that we could allow ourselves to do this over and over again without talking about it? And what's worse we pretend like it never happened the next day, what is this relationship between Zoro and me? Does he even like me? Is he expecting a relationship out of this someday? Oh God, do I even like him? Or are we both just means for each other to scratch a sexual itch?' 

Zoro reach around her back and unhooked her bra exposing her pink erect nipples. Zoro quickly placed one of her nipples in his mouth while kneading the other.

'Oh my God this is good, Ahh screw it let me enjoy myself and worry about this some other time.' "Enough with the teasing Zoro-kun and Fuck Me Already!"

Zoro smirked victoriously then unceremoniously laid her on her back on the sofa. He ripped her thong of off her followed by the removal of his trousers. "Believe me I was planning to."

Main Deck

Naruto had been waiting patiently for Nami's return for 5 minutes now; he found it suspicious that it was taking her so long to retrieve a jacket. 'Maybe she went to sleep?' But the early night breeze was becoming unbearable to even think straight. He abandoned all his doubtful thoughts as he headed straight to Nami's room.

Minutes earlier

Navigator Nami's return to Naruto was delayed by a small conversation in the kitchen with Sanji, Brook and Franky. She just wanted to get her jacket in her room then come back to Naruto to finish their interesting chat, but apparently teasing her by calling her an alcoholic by her nakama was more important to them. She flicked the light switch in her room almost blinding the intoxicating cat burglar.

Her eyes widened when she saw an uninvited person sitting on her bed.

"L-Luffy! What are you doing here, you can't just sit on a girls bed unannounced you know?!"

Luffy's head was low and used his bangs to hide the emotions on his face or the lack their off. He stood up from the bed to slowly stride up to the pissed off navigator. Without warning Luffy gently took hold of Nami by her waist to push her up against the wall, he used the wall next to Nami's head to lean his face closer to hers.

Her nose was inches away from his while her whole body betrayed her by prevented her from any form of moment. Blood rushed to her face when she felt Luffy's breath on her lips.

"Luffy, you don't want to do this, you had too much to drink, stop this before you do something you'll regret." Nami pleaded with desperation.

Luffy deepened his stare as he ignored her warning. "I've missed you Nami..."

Nami's heart skipped a beat before she stared at floor in sorrow, she knew where this was going and she didn't like it.

"I thought we said that this was over... that we were over." She spoke quietly to ensure no one could hear their conversation.

"You know my feelings for you can never be over." Luffy confessed in a husky voice.

She met him in the eye once again. "Luffy, what we had, the three months that we secretly had together, it was great..."

Luffy smirked. "So let's get back together."

"But we can't, you and I both know exactly why we broke up. There's no way that this or us can ever happen again." She said forcefully.

Luffy remained silent.

Nami continued. "Besides, I know why you're really doing this. You don't miss me, you miss her."

He bit his lip in irritation. "Please don't talk about her. And no matter what you say, I do miss you and I know you miss me too."

She blushed at his boldness. "Lair... and I don't..."

Luffy smirked. "Oh yeah? Are you telling me you don't miss this-" The captain leaned in ever so slowly to steal a kiss, Nami closed her eyes to prepare for herself for the impact. "Luffy don't..."

"Nami are you alright, what's, taking, so..."

Nami and Luffy shot their heads towards the door.

'Shit!' They thought in unison.

"N-Naruto! What are you doin-" Nami noticed how close Luffy's arms were to her breasts. "This-this isn't what it looks like." She protested desperately.

The paralysed Naruto couldn't reply as he was too occupied processing the display of affection transpiring in front of him. He felt a tiny pinch in his stomach as he saw just how close they truly were and where Luffy's hand was placed.

Naruto lowered his head and spoke quietly. "I'm sorry."

He immediately shunshined out of sight, leaving his captain and navigator alone once again.

"Naruto wait!" Nami yelled as she pushed Luffy's hand off her waist to run after the blond. Her chase was cut short as she heard the sound of crying originating behind her.

She looked around to see a tearful Luffy, one hand leaning on the wall as his tearful eyes fixated on the floor.

"Luffy, are you alr-"

"I'm sorry Nami." He cut her off as he continues to drop tears on her bedroom floor. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to, I didn't wanna, I never-"

"It's okay." She interrupted to him.

"No its not, I was out of line, I'm the worst capt-"

"Don't do that to yourself!" Nami scolded loud enough to stop his crying. "You're the best god damn captain on the entire Grand Line!" She may have not liked his behaviour minutes ago but he was still her captain, the captain she owed her life to, the captain she loved and respected with all her heart.

She took several steps forward to squeeze him in a breath taking embrace. Luffy didn't know what was happening but as long as she could forgive him, he couldn't care less.

Nami stroked his coal coloured hair. "You really miss her don't you?" She said with sympathy.

He nodded his trapped head in-between her hand and chest.

"I'm sure you'll see her again someday, but until that time comes." She pulled back to meet his eyes. "Go easy on the drinks okay?" She smiled warmly.

After sharing a giggle, Nami turned around to continue her search for Naruto in the hope that he'd listen to her explanation of the misunderstanding.

"Nami..."

She stopped her stride but didn't turn to the voice.

"Thank you." Said the hopeful captain.

Nami smiled even though she knew he couldn't see it. A second later her chase for Naruto was on.

The navigator started her search inside the ship, his bedroom, kitchen, doctor's office, aquarium but no luck.

'Not here, he must be outside then, I just hope he'll listen to me after everything he saw.' A heart stopping thought immobilized her legs. 'Oh no! I kissed him earlier and now he thinks I was kissing Luffy, he'll think I'm that kinda girl. This is bad, I need to fix this fast.' She put her jacket on before embarking to her next destination.

Nami ran outside top speed, she adjusted her sights on finding the all black wearing blond while ignoring all questions from her bewildered crew mates. From what she could tell no one on the grass floored deck met that description, so that meant he could only be in one place.

Sunny's head

Naruto sat in silence gazing upon the wide moonlit sea. He has been thoughtless because he truly did not know what to think. No longer could he feel the freezing cold breeze on his skin because his mind was on more important matters.

He chuckled as he thought about the kiss he and Nami shared. 'So it was just a friend helping out another friend after all, God I hate that word.'

The image of Sakura's reply to his confession resurfaced. "You know I love you too right, as a friend."

"Hey..."

A minor gasp escaped his lips as he recognised the new voice. But what shook him most was despite his excellent sensing skills, she got behind him without detecting her.

"Oh hey." He attempted to keep his voice neutral but it failed miserably.

Sensing the sadness and awkwardness in him, she bravely took a seat.

Moments of stomach turning silence passed as Nami organised her thoughts and planned how she was going to explain. Naruto sat like a statue unknowing what to say or do.

She faced him head on. "Naruto, what happened back there was-"

"It's alright Nami." He interrupted, "You don't need to explain yourself. You're with Luffy and that's great." He said with a disappointed smile. "I'm just regretting that kiss we had earlier."

Nami clenched her fists.

Naruto tried to make a joke to lift the mood. "I mean, Zoro would probably cut me in ribbons if he found out I kissed the captain's girlfr-"

"I'm not his girlfriend!" She snapped.

Wide-eyed Naruto shut his mouth.

Nami shifted her vision to the sea as she prepared herself for the explanation. "Well I was... once."

Her voice was strained and coated with sadness. "Years ago, before we reached Sabaody Archipelago, Luffy and I secretly dated for three months. I don't know how it happened, it just sort of did. But we agreed to keep it a secret from everyone else, but we think Zoro and Robin found out because, well they usually know everything. It was a secret because we knew the others wouldn't understand, hell, sometimes I didn't understand but it worked... or so I thought."

Naruto had to gulp. He spoke carefully. "S-so what happened?"

Nami closed her eyes and sighed. "Because we had to sneak around so much so that no one would find out, we hardly had any time to together so our relationship was a slow one. The night before we reached Sabaody Archipelago was our 3 month anniversary. Somehow we got the chance to spend it alone; I still think Zoro and Robin had something to do with it. Anyway, since we took our relationship slow and it was a special night, we..."

Naruto nodded.

"No, no, no, we didn't do that." She sweated. "But it was the reason why it ended between us." She finished glumly.

The blond couldn't pick up on her indirect message. He narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Nami purposely avoided eye contact. "That night was going so perfectly until we reached the bedroom..."

As much as he pretended to hate them, Naruto had read enough Icha Icha books to know where this was going so he just wanted to shunshin the hell out of there, but he decided against it.

"At that point in our relationship all we did was kiss and cuddle and sometimes tongue but-"

"Woaaww I didn't need to know that." He protested.

Nami smiled embarrassingly as she got carried away, she felt like she could be so honest around him and tell him everything, it was that sensation she only felt when she was with Robin or Luffy.

"Right, I'm sorry."

Naruto forced a smile. "It's okay."

"So, as we entered his room, there was just something odd in the air that night, we were well aware that we were leading to somewhere."

Naruto had a blond moment. "Somewhere? Where did you go?"

"I meant sex you idiot!" She snapped.

"Oh right, OH!"

Nami flushed uncontrollably. "Yeah, but just before we did anything, we both stopped."

Naruto mentally sighed in relief. "Why?" He asked anxiously.

"We finally saw each other." She answered dryly.

The male tilted his head in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean you saw each other?"

FLASHBACK

The night before docking at Sabaody Archipelago

Nami giggled in Luffy's mouth as she used her back to open his bedroom door. The room was pitch black and the only source of light were the silver rays of the moon.

"Jeez, slow down Luffy, I know we haven't had any time alone together for a while but let's not rush this okay." She advised playfully moving aimlessly closer to the bed.

He locked lips with her again. "We have all the time in the world." He whispered.

She flushed brightly. "Well actually Robin said that everyone else will be back around 12? And hey look at the time, only about an hour left." She winked seductively.

"Oh you know what I mean." He said light-heartedly as he lifted her up and unceremoniously drop her on the bed. They shared a warm giggle as Luffy laid on top of her missionary position. He placed his hands on the bed on each side of her head to gain another glance of her angelic face.

But the room was too dark, the general outlines of her face were the features visible. To solve that problem, Luffy stretched his arms over to the lamp and switched it on. However, as the light illuminated their faces, what they felt was something they never would have expected.

It hit them both like a ton of bricks; the feeling was indescribable as the situation became unbearably uncomfortable. Luffy and Nami stared into each other with emotionless faces as the revelation dawned upon the pirates.

'Am I really about to have sex with Luffy? LUFFY?!' All of her good and bad memories they shared remerged. She couldn't avoid this feeling of uncertainty deep within her stomach. Nami had never known what it felt to be in love before but this sudden awkwardness she was feeling in this situation immediately told her that Luffy was not it.

The captain wasn't faring too well neither. He continued his emotionless gaze on her as his mind brought him back to the very first moment he met Nami. There were no romantic sparks, no love at first sight, nothing. All he saw was a girl he wanted to befriend and make her his navigator. And now as they were about to step over that un-crossable line between true friends; those same feelings had begun to resurface. 'I can't do this, this is Nami, one of my best friends that I treasure and love. But am I in love with her?'

His head dropped soon after he found his answer.

Nami surprised him when she lifted his chin to meet him in the eye. She looked saddened but relieved nonetheless. "We can't do this."

"Yeah" Luffy replied dryly.

Moments of silence passed as they accept the inevitable.

"So, this is it..."

Luffy nodded minutely. "I guess so."

He rolled to the side to lie back on his bed and sighed. They shared an awkward but peaceful moment staring at the ceiling. But without warning Nami rolled off the bed.

She strode across the room to make her leave. She opened the door but paused before departing. She addressed Luffy who continued ceiling watching.

"We're doing the right thing, Luffy."

He closed his eyes shut. "I know, Nami."

"I'll see you later, then?" She asked optimistically.

Luffy forced small but genuine smile, "Yeah."

Nami left the room shortly after leaving her captain alone.

END OF FLASHBACK

Nami dropped her shoulders. "We realised what we were doing and who we were doing it with." She continued. "Luffy and I have been friends no, best friends for years. I was the second person to join his crew all the way back home in East Blue..."

Naruto nodded in understanding.

"In the end I couldn't go through with it. Having sex with Luffy just didn't feel right to me. We were only meant to be friends and I'm sure he feels the same way." Nami finished.

"Then what happened tonight?" Naruto questioned.

"Please don't get the wrong idea, Luffy was too drunk and he pinned me against the wall, don't think I'm that kind of girl who just kisses anyone!" She voiced defensively.

"There's nothing going on between you and Luffy?" He questioned.

Nami shook her head. "No! Absolutely nothing! He feels so bad about it." she replied.

Naruto made some noise of acknowledgement.

The girl could instantly tell from his expression that his thoughts were conflicted. She told him everything but he remained sceptical.

"Hey." She voiced, snapping his attention once again.

"Just so you know, Luffy may be in my past-" Nami positioned herself on her hands and knees, "But I'm looking forward to the future."

She leaned in and gave Naruto a full, warm kiss on the cheek.

He sat frozen still as her lips made contact with his cheek. It wasn't as heart racing as their first kiss but it was a kiss none the less.

The navigator pulled away with a satisfied smile on her lips. Nami giggled at the speechless Naruto who was struggling to interpret his raging emotions.

She found her way to her feet and made her way back to her room smiling victoriously.

Naruto on the other hand, was left on the head of the Thousand Sunny holding his cheek, while he organised his thoughts.

The Next Morning

Hangovers. Some days your worst enemy, other days your worst enemy. Judging by the current state of the Straw Hats, that statement couldn't be any truer. They all passed out from near alcohol poisoning thanks to another drinking game they all played last night.

It was reaching noon as Naruto's eyes began to twitch thanks to the irritating sunlight piercing through the kitchen windows. His whole body felt horrible, his muscles were sore and he had a slamming headache. He looked around the kitchen to see how everyone else was doing when he noticed he was at eye level to the chairs. 'That's why my back hurts so much, I slept on the floor.' 

Naruto had no recollection of why or how he ended up on the floor in the first place. But as he stood up ignoring all aches and pains, he searched around for his nakamas and he found out he had it easy.

Sanji was knocked out on the kitchen counter, Zoro was sleeping on his face nearby, Brook and Chopper passed out on the huge body of Franky and Usopp was dumped on the kitchen table shaped like a star fish. The only ones who did look comfortable were the two ladies of the crew who slept on the corner while sharing a pillow and blanket they must have brought in from their room.

Scratching his cluttered blond hair, Naruto took a few unbalanced steps to take a seat on the table. As he sat down he arched his back to sort the kink in his back. 'Wait a minute, why is my body aching? I've drank before but I usually feel normal when I wake up. That fox has some explaining to do.'

Inside Naruto's mindscape.

"Oi! Kurama! Wake up you lazy ass fox!" He yelled at the sleeping demon.

Kurama groaned in annoyance. "Be gone Naruto, I'm trying to sleep"

The blond lifted an eyebrow. "Are you- Don't tell me you're- Haha you do! You have a hangover!" Naruto laughed hysterically pissing off the fox in the process.

"Shut up you little brat your making it worse." 

Rubbing the tears out of his eyes Naruto found the will to speak. "I can't believe this, the nine tail demon fox, feared across all the lands has a headache." He teased.

The fox ignored it.

"But anyway, I think you owe me some explanation, why are you not healing my body?"

Kurama sighed. "The alcohol, it effects your body and your chakra. Since my chakra has infused with yours, it effected the healing. Until the alcohol has left your systems, your healing abilities are equal to that off a normal shinobi." He snorted.

"What? So this is what it's like to be normal. I don't like it."

He exited his mindscape and was greeted to the sound of a groaning rubber man attempting desperately to regain normality. Luffy rubbed his disoriented eyes only to open them to see Naruto sitting on the table directly in front of him. They share a little nod before Luffy sprung to his feet and sat on the chair opposite the blond.

As soon as they saw each other's faces, they burst into whispered laughter to prevent waking up the others.

Luffy ended his chuckle. "Have you seen your face?"

"No but have you seen yours?" He suppressed another laughing fit.

Luffy grew a questioning look. "What do you- wait, is there something drawn on my face?"

Naruto smirked. "Yes, it says rubber boy on your forehead and everywhere else says baka."

The captain shook his head in disbelief as Naruto continued to laugh.

"I don't know why you're laughing so much, Foxy-chan." Luffy mocked with a smile.

The blond grazed his cheek with his fingers then inspected them. "Oh no they didn't, they did didn't they." He said defeated.

Luffy could only nod with empathy.

Moments of silenced passed, the two males looked at one another knowing the conversation turned serious.

Luffy whispered. "So are we good?"

FLASHBACK

Mr Namikaze remained on the Sunny's head for another twenty minutes after Nami revealed her secret past.

Naruto conflicted thoughts continued until he sensed a figure behind him. 'Oh, so now my senses want to work.'

The figure chuckled playfully, "You know, that's my seat." He joked.

Naruto chuckled light-heartedly. "I'm sorry but the view from here is just..."

"Awesome ain't it." The man gingerly took a seat next to Naruto.

To say it was awkward was the ultimate understatement. Both men had no idea where or how to begin but considering the situation, anyone else would feel the same.

Luffy broke the silence, "I guess she told you everything..."

Naruto grew anxious, "Luffy-"

"Wait, let me say something first." The captain ordered.

The blond obliged.

"The guy you saw earlier, that wasn't me. I'm not like that- I'm, I would have never-"

"I know Luffy." Naruto said deeply to the pleading captain. "I know you don't have a single evil bone in your body." He continued. "Alcohol makes us do crazy things." He spoke sadly, remembering a time when he got drunk and almost kissed Hinata at Konoha's post war celebration. He saw how much attention Sasuke was receiving from Sakura and he felt jealous and spiteful.

Luffy replied earnestly, "I still hope you would forgive me one day."

Naruto smiled faintly. "There's nothing to forgive." He spoke genuinely.

The two shared a peaceful moment. But without warning, Luffy broke that moment.

"You like her, don't you?"

The jinchuuriki twitched. It took him a while to find an honest answer to the question. "I-um."

"I won't be mad you know, it's okay if you do." Luffy interrupted.

A small curl on the edge of Naruto's lips formed. However that smile was short lived, "No it's not that, it's just…" He sighed deeply, "Seeing you two tonight brought back some memories I'd rather not remember."

This peaked Luffy's curiosity. He's usually not the type to mind people's business but he couldn't fight to urge to know. "What kind of memories?" He asked carefully.

The blond smiled faintly as he anticipated that Luffy would ask, but since he did, he had no choice, captain's orders.

"Well since we're sharing secrets I guess it's my turn." He paused to adjust his sitting position, "Back home, there's this girl that I love... loved... I dunno. I would have done anything to make her happy but… she chose a man who will never love her back, a man who doesn't deserve her love, a man who I call my best friend."

Luffy dropped his gaze in sympathy, "I see, you don't know if you've moved on?" He stated with confidence.

Naruto was a little surprise that the happy-go captain understood so easily.

"You can say that. Don't get me wrong, I think Nami is great, she's funny, beautiful and smart. I just don't think I should like anyone else until I'm over her."

Luffy listened intently. He understood what Naruto was saying but was hoping that if Nami was to ever end up with someone else, it would be someone as considerate as Naruto.

The rubber man placed a hand on the blond's shoulder, "I'm sure one day you'll get past this." He smiled before he got up and began to return back to his room, "Also, if anyone can help you with your problem, it's Nami." Luffy waved his goodbye to end the conversation.

Naruto smiled optimistically as he watched Luffy's back.

END OF FLASH BACK.

Naruto flashed him a smile. "Of course we're good!"

Authors Notes - I had to bring a past with Luffy and Nami coz they're my second favourite pairing after NarutoxSakura.

I know its been romance focused for a bit so I'm gonna tone it down and focus on the adventure side for a while.

Sent from my iPhone