Naruto: The Forest's Chosen (Mori Mori No Mi)

BOOM—

The moment all the fishmen and mermaids were released from the grip of Tsukuyomi, their eyes reddened with rage.

Some had to bite into their own arms just to remain conscious—to stop themselves from losing control.

A single memory, a single story was enough.

A fishman was captured and enslaved simply because he didn't bow to a Celestial Dragon.

In the Celestial Dragon's palace, they drove needles through his body, forced a collar around his neck—one meant for animals.

And then, they tortured him to death. Slowly. Repeatedly. For sport.

That was just one example.

From the day this particular Celestial Dragon gained awareness, there wasn't a single moment he didn't indulge in tormenting others.

They hadn't even witnessed what Naruto was going to show them yet—the fate of Princess Otohime.

"Damn it all!!!"

A fishman collapsed to his knees, sobbing, pounding the earth beneath him in helpless fury.

Around him, other fishmen and mermaids stared at the barely-conscious Celestial Dragon, their gazes filled with hatred.

"What are you looking at?!" the Celestial Dragon barked hoarsely, "You filthy slaves think you can—"

Crack.

His words were cut off as Naruto seized him by the throat and lifted him effortlessly.

"These people hold power over your life and death. To them, you're nothing more than disposable toys. Animals to kill for amusement."

"When they get bored, they make you race in the water."

"But it's not an ordinary swim—no. You're strapped with torture devices, your limbs sliced if you lose."

"And when you're on the brink of death—or already dead—they toss you into the sea like trash."

"Those who can still speak are forced to smile and say thank you."

Naruto didn't speak further.

He looked around at the crowd.

"The slaves who died under them had to pay for their own corpses to be cleaned up."

That was the final thread. The last restraint snapping inside the hearts of the fishmen and mermaids.

Now, as they stared at Naruto choking the Celestial Dragon, there was no fear in their eyes.

Only seething hatred.

"You... you dared touch me... I'll make you pay. Your friends, your family—"

CRACK.

With a flick of his hand, Naruto crushed the man's windpipe. The Celestial Dragon could no longer speak.

He turned, looking down at the stunned crowd.

"Should I kill him," Naruto said coldly, "or should you?"

And with that, he dropped the Celestial Dragon to the ground.

Many flinched—instinctively stepping forward—then froze. Conditioned fear stopped them. Invisible chains wrapped around their hearts.

"I'LL DO IT!!!"

A mermaid with dark skin roared.

She pulled the bubble ring at her waist and floated toward Naruto—

CRUNCH.

Naruto stepped on the Celestial Dragon's head, crushing it like pulp beneath his foot.

Everyone froze.

Dead…?

He's dead?

Just like that?

The Celestial Dragon's body twitched, then went still. Stiff.

Naruto swept his gaze around.

"Blood for blood. That's the only justice they'll understand."

BOOM—

"Aaaahhhh—!!!"

A fishman could no longer contain himself. Weeping, he threw himself at the corpse and bit down with his sharp teeth.

Then came the others—storming forward, tearing, screaming—lashing out with years of buried agony.

WHOOOSH—

Naruto turned and left the frenzied crowd behind, taking the dark-skinned mermaid with him.

"Kami."

She still stared at him blankly.

Naruto smiled wryly. "What's the matter? Scared stiff?"

"So? Do you still think I'm the good guy?"

"You brought a demon back to Fishman Island."

"If a Celestial Dragon dies here, Fishman Island might be wiped out."

Gasps and expressions of fear spread among the mermaid girls watching from the bay.

But no one blamed Naruto.

Not even those who were still stomping and screaming over the corpse.

"Kami. Take everyone back."

"...Yeah. Got it," she replied after a stunned pause, finally nodding.

She turned to lead the mermaids away.

Meanwhile, not far away—on the royal tour boat...

Crown Prince Fukaboshi stumbled back, eyes wide in disbelief.

"He… He's dead. The Celestial Dragon is dead!"

The soldiers froze. Then panic broke out.

"He really did it?!"

"The Celestial Dragons were actually killed?!"

"We're done for… Fishman Island is finished!"

"Damn it… and yet… it feels good. I—I want to go down there and tear into them too!"

"..."

Fukaboshi quickly tried to calm himself.

He forced himself to look up.

There stood the man who had caused all this.

He bowed his head respectfully.

"Uzumaki Naruto. Bounty: 4 billion."

"I am the first prince of Fishman Island, Fukaboshi."

"Would you please come with me to the Dragon Palace?"

Naruto glanced at him indifferently.

"Some matters aren't yours to speak on."

Then he turned to look at the mermaid girls waiting by the bay.

"They're my friends. Make sure no one gives them a hard time."

The eldest prince, Fukaboshi, immediately bowed. "Please rest assured, Lord Naruto."

Naruto gave a small nod.

He wasn't a saint. He wasn't perfect. He had his own desires—his own selfishness—and he couldn't treat everyone the same.

If that made him wrong, he'd make up for it with merit.

But he never once ran from this truth.

All the Fishman Island guards straightened their posture as he passed. Their entire bodies trembled, but none of them fled.

To stand firm in front of a man with a 4 billion bounty—that alone was impressive.

The royal tour boat began to move forward slowly, like a giant coral turtle gliding through the sea.

Naruto looked once toward the coral buildings. He spread out his sensory perception and took in the full expanse of Fishman Island.

"It's a massive island…"

"Give the order—immediately," he said. "Arrest all pirates, anyone affiliated with the World Government or the Navy. There might not be many, but don't let a single one slip away."

Fukaboshi froze. His face went pale.

Snap—

Naruto stepped forward and gently patted Fukaboshi on the shoulder, smiling faintly.

"Don't worry about the consequences."

"I'll shoulder them."

Fukaboshi's pupils contracted sharply. He stared at Naruto in disbelief.

"Naruto-sama… are you planning to—"

Naruto waved his hand dismissively.

"The Celestial Dragons' rule… their authority... whether here, on land, or out at sea—it all stinks of feudal rot. I hate it."

"I'll preserve your identities as royalty, but forget about power. From now on, we all start from the same line."

"When my people arrive, the changes will be more organized—more comprehensive."

Fukaboshi lowered his head, silent, uncertain what to think.

"…Naruto-sama," he asked hesitantly, "the things you just said—everything you revealed on the island... was it all true?"

Naruto smirked.

"You think I'm a liar?"

Fukaboshi fell silent.

After a long journey, the gates of Dragon Palace City came into view.

As they reached the ornate palace entrance, Fukaboshi paused and looked back at Naruto.

"Lord Naruto… my father is inside. You…"

"Don't worry. I've met rulers and beggars alike."

Only then did Fukaboshi let out a breath of relief. He turned quickly and opened the grand doors, ushering Naruto inside.

Seated on the throne was a giant merman, regal and imposing. His expression stiffened when he saw Naruto.

Fukaboshi stepped forward and immediately began recounting everything that had happened.

The King of Fishman Island—Neptune—listened silently.

When he finally spoke, it was with stunned disbelief.

"You… you killed a Celestial Dragon?"

"And even incited—"

"Father!" Fukaboshi cut in quickly.

Naruto raised his hand lightly. Fukaboshi bowed and stepped aside.

Neptune gave a bitter smile.

"Uzumaki Naruto. Of course, I've heard of you."

"Not long ago, at the Sabaody Archipelago, you destroyed an entire island on your own. You even captured Admiral Kizaru—one of the Navy's top three."

He paused, sighing heavily.

Then, closing his eyes in grief, he said, "You have no idea what kind of consequences await after killing a Celestial Dragon."

"Everyone hates them—but no one dares touch them. Because behind them... there's more than just the Navy."

Naruto's face was unreadable.

"Let them come. One by one—or all at once. I'm not the one who should be afraid."

Neptune opened his mouth to respond—but Naruto cut him off with a question of his own:

"When is the execution scheduled? For Fire Fist Ace and Straw Hat Luffy?"

Neptune blinked, momentarily stunned.

Then his brow furrowed in thought.

"It seems… just three days from now, at…"

"I see."

Naruto cut him off calmly. "Besides, you don't need to worry about Fishman Island being in danger."

"Reorganize the army. In three days, when Fishman Island surfaces, the Sabaody Archipelago will be handed over to you."

Neptune's eyes widened in disbelief. "What… what did you just say?!"

Fukaboshi stepped forward solemnly. "Father, I've already issued orders to apprehend the pirates and Navy remnants, just as Lord Naruto instructed."

Neptune's expression froze.

You're my son!

"Absurd!"

"Uzumaki Naruto, I admit your strength—but if you think you can rule Fishman Island, then let me advise you not to entertain such delusions!"

"Don't forget—Fishman Island is under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates!"

"Whitebeard is the strongest man on the seas!"

"And now, with the Celestial Dragons dead—that's a reality, not speculation. Even with your four-billion-berry bounty, I cannot just accept your words at face value!"

After his outburst, Neptune sat back down with a heavy sigh.

"…Fine."

"You should go now."

"No one can withstand the combined pressure of the Four Emperors and the Navy."

Naruto shook his head.

"You're wrong about one thing."

"I'm not here to rule Fishman Island."

"As for everything else… you don't need to worry."

"Just remember this: soon, your 'royal identities' will be nothing more than titles. No actual authority will remain."

Neptune sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"You're too young… You don't understand what it means to go against the Four Emperors and the Navy at the same time."

"If they're all at Admiral Kizaru's level," Naruto replied casually, "I wouldn't even blink. I'd beat ten of them down without breaking a sweat."

Neptune's eyes widened—then, all at once, he burst out laughing.

"You… you… HAHAHA!"

He laughed until his shoulders shook. It wasn't joy—it was fury disguised as amusement.

"Forget it. You're the one who killed a Celestial Dragon. If you can hold them back… what's the harm in letting you try?"

"So be it, Fukaboshi. Tell the kitchen to prepare a grand feast."

Then, muttering under his breath, he added, "At least let me die with a full belly…"

It wasn't that he lacked courage. But to him, the situation had already passed the point of no return. There was no miracle left to hope for.

Naruto simply smiled and sat down, unbothered.

Just then, he noticed a pair of eyes watching him from a distance—peeking around a corner.

He turned.

Creeeeak—

A large door slowly shut.

But Naruto still caught a glimpse of one beautiful eye.

Big eyes.

Really big eyes.

Meanwhile, back in the Shinobi World—

The moment Kurama spread the news—

The Konoha Fencing Team—ahem, the Infrastructure Division—erupted into chaos.

"Hahaha!"

"Finally! We've been waiting for this day!"

BOOM—!!!

A towering blue Gundam exploded onto the scene.

...

TN:

Sorry for missing yesterday's update — the internet wasn't working properly 🌐😓

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