Naruto Multiverse

Naruto descended silently outside the modest home where Bell, Nami, and Nojiko lived. It had been more than two weeks since Hina had last visited them. From a distance, he saw the trio engaged in training. Bell was overseeing the two girls as they practiced simple yet effective techniques, their dedication evident in their focused movements.

As Naruto approached, the trio noticed him, and the training came to an abrupt halt. Nami and Nojiko, their faces lighting up with joy, dashed toward him. Nami, the younger of the two, reached him first, throwing her arms around his armored form.

"Papa, you're late!" she exclaimed, pouting with mock annoyance. Over the past weeks, her attachment to Naruto had grown, fueled by his kindness and the thoughtful gifts he often brought her.

Naruto knelt slightly to meet her gaze, his voice soft yet filled with affection. "I had some work to do, little one, but I'm here now. And this time, we're going to be together for a long time. I've come to take you back with me."

Bell, standing back with a more measured demeanor, crossed her arms and regarded him with a cautious expression. "I thought you said you were busy," she remarked, concern lacing her tone. She understood the weight of Naruto's actions and the risks he often undertook.

Naruto turned to her, his tone calm yet resolute. "Don't worry. The East Blue is my territory now. The marines, pirates, or anyone else foolish enough to try will never pose a threat here. The strong don't swim in these waters."

Bell's expression softened slightly, though her worry didn't entirely dissipate. Meanwhile, Nami tugged at Naruto's arm, her young eyes full of curiosity. "Papa, why don't you take off the armor? I don't like it—it's scary," she admitted, her gaze lingering on the glowing red eyes embedded in the helm. "It feels…weird. Like it's alive."

Naruto sighed internally, admiring her perceptiveness. "You're quite sharp for your age," he said, gently patting her head with his armored hand. "I can't remove it, little one. This armor isn't something I wear—it's my body now."

Both Nami and Nojiko blinked in confusion, the weight of his words taking a moment to settle. "What do you mean?" Nojiko asked hesitantly.

Bell's reaction was immediate. Her eyes widened as the truth struck her, and she instinctively covered her mouth, a sob threatening to escape.

Naruto crouched slightly, his tone gentle yet somber as he addressed the girls. "I am dead, little ones. My body was turned to ash long ago. This armor is all that's left of me. But don't worry—this isn't forever. I'm working on something. When I find the treasure I'm searching for, I'll have a new body. Then, we can play without this bulky thing between us."

Nami and Nojiko, now understanding the gravity of his words, burst into tears. They flung themselves into his embrace, their small arms encircling his armored frame. Naruto held them close, letting them cry until their sobs quieted.

Once they had calmed, Naruto helped the girls pack up their belongings. Using his telekinetic abilities, he lifted them gently into the air, flying them back toward his base. The sensation of flying brought brief smiles to the girls' tear-streaked faces as they marveled at the world below.

Upon arrival, Naruto handed the girls over to Hina. "Help them get settled and start their training," he instructed. Hina nodded, giving him a brief, worried glance. She could see the weight he carried and the lengths he was going to secure his plans.

Naruto then turned to Bell, gesturing for her to walk with him. Once they were alone, he broke the silence. "You have something to tell me," he said, his tone even yet probing.

Bell hesitated, her hands fidgeting. Finally, she looked up at him, her voice trembling. "I'm pregnant."

Naruto's reaction was immediate. His eyes glowed brighter for a brief moment as he processed the news. Then, his tone turned warm, and a rare note of joy seeped into his voice. "That's wonderful," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I have a child now. Did you think I wouldn't be happy?"

Bell's eyes welled with tears, and she buried her face in his chest. "I didn't know how you'd react, but hearing you say that makes me so happy. Please, promise me you'll stay with us, even if it means living like this."

Naruto gently touched her cheek with the faint threads of his spirit, softening the harshness of his armor. "You have my word. I'm not taking any more risks. Everything is under control, and I'll make this world a perfect place for our child."

After spending time with Bell, Naruto left her in Hina's care and took flight once again, heading toward the Goa Kingdom. The journey was swift, his speed unmatched as he soared silently through the sky.

Landing stealthily within the castle grounds, he moved like a shadow, slipping past guards and servants unnoticed. His target was the royal family, the rulers of the kingdom. Entering the king's chambers, he extended his spectral threads, embedding them deep into the minds of the king and his advisors.

The infection was seamless, and their will bent to his. They would act as his loyal puppets, ensuring the kingdom's stability and prosperity while remaining oblivious to his manipulation.

'With this, the kingdom's problems will be resolved. They won't dare contact the marines, and Garp won't notice a thing. I can't take the kingdom outright, but this will suffice for now.'

Satisfied with his work, Naruto exited the castle as silently as he had entered, the first steps of his plan firmly in place.

Naruto landed silently on Dawn Island under the cover of night, his glowing armor dimmed to blend into the shadows. His target was clear: Monkey D. Luffy, the grandson of the man he despised—Monkey D. Garp. The boy was a vital piece in his long-term plan, both as a weapon and as a symbol of defiance against the old marine legend.

As dawn broke, Naruto sat in meditation, his senses scanning the island. It didn't take long to locate Luffy, playing near the forest edge with two other boys. Sabo, with his blonde hair and aristocratic demeanor, stood slightly apart from the group, watching Luffy and Ace, the freckled child of equal age, spar playfully.

Naruto descended slowly, his movements deliberately calm to avoid alarming them. His voice, smooth and commanding, broke the morning's peace. "Hello, little ones."

The trio froze, their gazes snapping toward him. Seeing him floating mid-air, a mix of awe and apprehension flashed across their faces. Luffy, ever the curious and excitable one, was the first to speak. "Whoa! You're flying! Are you a pirate?"

Naruto chuckled softly. "Something like that. But I'm more than just a pirate. I'm Naruto, the immortal sage. I've come to offer you something few in this world ever get—a chance to become stronger than anyone else. Join me, and I will make your dreams come true."

Sabo stepped forward cautiously, his eyes narrowed. "What's the catch? No one offers something like that for free."

Naruto's expression didn't waver, his voice carrying a hypnotic weight. "What I ask in return is your loyalty. You will train under me, fight beside me, and, when the time comes, stand against the evils of this world. In exchange, I will teach you to fly, to fight without touching your enemy, and to heal wounds that would otherwise kill you."

Luffy's eyes lit up with excitement. "I can really do that? I could be the strongest pirate ever?"

Ace, more skeptical but no less tempted, folded his arms. "And what do you get out of this? Why us?"

Naruto's tone shifted, becoming more solemn. "Because I see potential in you three. You remind me of myself—a will to fight against the odds, to rise above this cruel world. I'm offering you the chance to change it."

The power in his words seeped into their young, impressionable minds. Slowly, they nodded, the allure of strength and the promise of their dreams overcoming their doubts.

Naruto's influence spread quickly. He instructed the boys to pack what little they needed, while he turned his attention to the caretaker, Dadan. The gruff woman, known for her fiery temper, stood no chance. Naruto's spectral threads wove into her mind, bending her will without resistance. By the time he was done, she was little more than a puppet, her memories and responses altered to align with his plan.

"If Garp comes looking," Naruto muttered to himself as he finished programming her responses, "he'll find only a plausible excuse—Caesar Clown experimenting with lineage factors should suffice."

With the preparations complete, Naruto gathered the boys and took flight, carrying them to his base. The trio marveled at the experience, their laughter and shouts of amazement a stark contrast to the grim plans forming in Naruto's mind.

Naruto landed on the floating restaurant Baratie, his arrival as striking as ever, the gleaming red of his armor catching the morning light. The few patrons and staff present froze at the sight of him, his aura heavy with authority and danger. Ignoring the whispers and wary stares, Naruto walked into the main dining hall, his steps calm but deliberate.

His senses immediately focused on a blonde-haired child sweeping the floor with visible annoyance. The boy had a lean build, sharp features, and an air of defiance about him that piqued Naruto's interest.

"Child," Naruto said, his tone even but commanding, "would you like to come with me?"

The boy looked up sharply, his blue eyes narrowing as he processed the stranger's words. "I'm not interested, old man. If you're not here to eat, then get lost," the boy snapped, his voice carrying a mix of irritation and wariness. He gripped the broom tighter, his body language showing a readiness to defend himself if necessary.

Naruto chuckled lightly, unfazed by the boy's hostility. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here to offer you a chance to join me, to train under me and become something far greater than you are now."

Sanji stepped back, his posture stiff. "I've heard that before," he muttered bitterly, memories of his father flashing through his mind. "I'm not some tool for you to use."

Naruto's gaze softened, though his tone remained resolute. "Not a tool, child. A warrior, a craftsman, a master of your own fate. You have potential, and I can help you unlock it."

Before Sanji could respond, a loud, angry voice rang out from the kitchen. "Oi! Let the boy be!" A tall, burly man with a thick mustache and a peg leg stepped into the room, his glare fixed on Naruto. This was Zeff, the head chef and owner of Baratie. Despite his age and missing leg, his presence was formidable.

Naruto didn't flinch. "Zeff," he said, addressing the man directly, "I'm here for you as well. I require your skills, and you will serve me. Refuse, and I will not be as polite."

Zeff's eyes narrowed. "Over my dead body."

The older man lunged forward, delivering a powerful kick with his peg leg. Naruto caught it effortlessly, his armored hand gripping the wooden limb with a crushing force. With a small twist, the leg splintered under his grip, leaving Zeff stumbling to balance himself on one foot.

"I am not here to negotiate," Naruto said coldly, his red eyes glowing faintly. "This sea belongs to me now, and so do its people. You and this boy will join me, willingly or not."

Sanji rushed forward, shouting, "Let him go!" But before he could land a hit, Naruto reached out and grabbed him by the head, holding him firmly in place.

Zeff gritted his teeth, his fists clenched. "If you let him go, I'll do what you ask."

Naruto shook his head. "I don't make compromises, Zeff. Both of you will serve me. You'll find that your lives won't change much—business will go on, your safety will be assured, and you'll both gain far more than you lose."

With that, thin, glowing strings extended from Naruto's fingers, wrapping around Zeff and Sanji. The two froze, their bodies going rigid as Naruto's spiritual control took hold. Their expressions remained their own, but their will now belonged to him.

The restaurant returned to normal as if nothing had happened. Naruto's strings worked seamlessly, ensuring the staff and patrons remained oblivious to the change in leadership. The Baratie continued its operations, but its crew was now unwaveringly loyal to Naruto.

Carrying both Zeff and Sanji with him, Naruto flew back to his base, which was rapidly nearing completion. The construction teams, both human and non-human, worked tirelessly, and the training grounds had already been finished, a sprawling area equipped with everything needed to forge warriors.

Naruto landed near the training area, handing Zeff and Sanji over to Tashigi. "They are yours to manage for now. Ensure they adapt quickly."

Tashigi saluted, her expression serious. "Understood, Master."

Naruto turned his gaze toward the training grounds, where his newly gathered students and subordinates were hard at work. The sounds of clashing weapons, shouted commands, and heavy breathing filled the air as each individual pushed themselves to their limits.

Naruto's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. His plans were progressing smoothly, and with each passing day, his influence in the East Blue solidified. Soon, the world would recognize his power.