Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

"Have pirates really been here?" Ain questioned Vergo as she surveyed the peaceful and prosperous streets of Dressrosa.

Vergo also sensed that something was amiss. Dressrosa was deeply tied to the Donquixote family, mainly through Sugar, whose powers essentially acted as a ticking time bomb for the island. Even if the enemy refrained from attacking Sugar to gain control over Dressrosa, it was inconceivable that the entire Donquixote family would surrender without a fight.

Doflamingo was ambitious and driven, yet he maintained strong loyalty to his "family." He fostered a deep sense of unity among his crew, whether out of genuine care or calculated manipulation. Vergo could believe that a few might betray Doflamingo, but an entire defection? Impossible.

If it wasn't a complete betrayal, then how had Dressrosa remained so undisturbed?

While Vergo grappled with his doubts, Zephyr approached, his expression serious. As an old marine veteran in his seventies, he had seen more than his share of mysteries. To him, the solution was straightforward: confront the problem head-on.

After only a few steps, a flash of light caught Zephyr's attention as a dwarf approached, handing him a letter with a mischievous smile.

With a puzzled look, Zephyr accepted the letter. Opening it, he revealed an expression of astonishment. 

"What is it, Teacher?" inquired Ain, who was standing beside him.

"It's a challenge," Zephyr replied grimly.

Previously known for its scenic beauty, Dressrosa's flower fields had been ravaged by Shin's Almighty Push. What had once been a vibrant landscape was now marred by a large crater. Still, Shin had replaced the uprooted stones, leaving behind a seemingly ordinary mound of soil.

Alert and ready for action, the marine squad marched toward the designated area.

Despite his misgivings, Vergo followed along. He knew the dangers of challenging someone like Shin. Devil fruits' unknown abilities and various supernatural powers often rendered raw strength irrelevant. Yet within the marines, officers were expected to uphold justice, however distorted it might seem.

Since Shin had issued a formal challenge, ignoring it would be out of the question. The Marines couldn't refuse because the battle would take place in a remote area; they couldn't risk Dressrosa's safety.

Along the way, the Marines encountered no resistance or ambush. It appeared that Shin had genuinely called them out for a straightforward confrontation.

Such a straightforward scenario made Zephyr wary. Part of him hoped that Shin had arranged something hidden, a trick or trap perhaps, that would explain his confidence.

If Shin hadn't prepared an ambush despite knowing that Marine forces were en route, it could only mean he was confident and ready to take on Zephyr head-to-head.

The average pirate might underestimate the Marine, but Shin, a pirate from Whitebeard's crew, would surely understand the significance of facing an Admiral and would not engage lightly.

Zephyr spotted Shin standing atop the mound, hands casually tucked into his pockets as they approached. Beside him were the siblings Ulti and Page One, along with Kyros.

Kyros appeared serious, while Ulti and Page One seemed relaxed. Having witnessed Shin defeat Kaido, the siblings held unshakeable faith in his abilities.

Zephyr's gaze narrowed as he addressed Shin. "Members of the Whitebeard Pirates, what brings you to Dressrosa? Are you intending to provoke another war?"

Shin's lips curled into a slight smile. "Not at all. I'm simply traveling the world. After all… the world is vast, and I'd like to see it."

His words echoed those of an adventurer rather than a pirate. Zephyr frowned; he knew that while pirates varied widely in their motivations, there were many who, like Shin, harbored a genuine desire for adventure.

However, Shin, a prominent member of the Whitebeard Pirates, speaking this way seemed out of character.

Pirates of the Four Emperors level rarely ventured beyond the New World without a significant cause. The balance between the World Government, the Marines, and these powerful pirates ensured a mutual understanding.

But Shin's disregard for these unspoken rules suggested an unsettling degree of confidence.

"Hmph! If you're so eager to explore, then let me suggest Impel Down! The scenery there is truly one-of-a-kind!" 

Removing his coat to reveal his imposing, muscular frame, Zephyr faced Shin with a steely gaze.

Ultimately, the world revolved around strength. The time for words and speculation was over, and Zephyr had no intention of backing down.

"I've heard about Impel Down's unique scenery," Shin replied, still smiling as he withdrew his hands from his pockets. "But if I ever go, I'll make my own way there, not as your captive."

Zephyr scowled. "Underestimating me will cost you dearly, boy." Raising his colossal mechanical arm, Zephyr launched a hail of haki-infused seastone bullets toward Shin.

Shin held out his hands, enveloping them in darkness, and the bullets vanished into small, swirling black holes. A moment later, he redirected two bullets back at Zephyr, sending them hurtling through the air.

Effortlessly, Zephyr deflected the incoming bullets with a powerful swing of his arm. For fighters of their caliber, regular firearms were trivial. Even Zephyr's specialized seastone arm, designed for high-impact attacks, was useful mainly for suppressing devil fruit users caught off guard.

Before Zephyr could react further, Shin's figure blurred, flashing directly in front of him before delivering a powerful punch.

A thunderous explosion reverberated through the air, unleashing a massive shockwave that rippled through the Marine's ranks, scattering them with the force of the impact.

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