1,332kay everyone, AmusedLight here, and I am going to make an announcement.
Because of my current financial situation, I'll now be commissioning for a reasonable price, for more information or if you want to be interested, contact me via PM, also I now have a ptr on at /Amused Light.
I'll be open to write for anything so long it ain't some of the degenerate stuff that I cannot mention here.
Now enjoy the story - please leave reviews and hope you will like it.
Let's go!
As Naruto walked through the clean white hallways of the Healing Tales Recovery Center, he was accompanied by Queen Otohime, who had chosen to visit the hospital without notifying the staff. Dressed in white hospital clothing, various merfolk, mermaids, and fishmen were busily attending to their duties. The sights Naruto witnessed were truly astonishing, showcasing the impressive work being done in the facility.
He watched as a mermaid with flowing green hair checked vital signs on a monitor, her gloves-covered fingers tapping data into a waterproof tablet—showing that the technology she was working with was indeed advanced. Nearby, a muscular Fishman gently lifted an amputee from his bed, supporting the veteran's weight as he eased him into a specially designed underwater wheelchair. The man lost both his legs but appreciated the fishman's help.
In the physical therapy pool, a group of Merfolk - mainly mermaids - therapists guide human patients through exercises. Their powerful tails provide stability as veterans with prosthetic limbs practice swimming motions. A young mermaid demonstrates arm rotations, her gills fluttering as she maintains eye contact with her attentive human student who was visibly partly struggling to see the person in front of him. Across the room, a veteran with a spinal injury floats weightlessly, supported by two Fishfolk as he attempts to regain mobility.
Walking past another room was the chiropractor facility where a Merman doctor was massaging the spine and lower back of another veteran who was paralyzed from the waist down, which caused some groans to come out from the man, who was going through the recovery.
"I... I can't believe this," Naruto said silently, taking in the scene before him. He turned to Queen Otohime and asked, "Is all this for the human veterans?"
"No, for all veterans, Naruto. Every single veteran," Queen Otohime clarified, raising her finger. "This hospital is specially designed, equipped, and staffed with the best doctors Fishman Island can offer, using technology that I have funded for their use," She said with pride. Acknowledging the efforts, "Over 100 doctors are working here, along with twice as many nurses and volunteers who have been dedicated since 1518..."
Naruto paused, realizing the significance of the timing, and looked at the Queen in awe.
"That's—"
'...we're in the year 1524... she's been running this for 6 years, kid,' Kurama calculated, noting the hospital's duration of operation.
"Queen Otohime…If I may ask," Naruto ventured to inquire of the Goldfish mermaid, "How many men have this hospital treated?"
The Queen's expression turned grave momentarily before she smiled and turned around to respond.
"Since its opening, with 800 to 900 available beds in this hospital alone, and six wings for use, we have managed to treat more than 100,000 over the past 6 years for veterans with all kinds of wounds."
Hearing these numbers was a shock to hear, even for the seasoned veteran these were numbers unheard of for a medical facility this relatively small.
Otohime smiled knowingly at Naruto's astonishment, continuing, "I understand the number may seem staggering, and indeed it was during the initial six months. However, we've adeptly managed the inflow of wounded combatants over the years, ranging from those with minor injuries to the gravely afflicted. At one point, our dedicated staff swelled to over 1,000."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "One thousand staff?"
"Yes," she replied with a hint of pride. "Many were volunteers from all corners of the world, particularly those who arrived after the war when large numbers of men were returning home. I vividly remember the doctors and nurses who stepped forward to assist us. Some were surprising recruits, having served on the front lines themselves, and we even welcomed a few from the Shinobi Continent—quite a few of them still lend their expertise here today."
"Wait, Shinobi?" Naruto asked for clarification, "You mean Medical-Nin?"
Otohime nodded, "Yes, Medical-Nin, quite a few I believe, around a hundred or so, but now mainly around ten or so have stayed ever since the large flow has simmered down. But they mainly help with surgeries and rehabilitation of the more serious cases of wounded who've been here for several years."
"Serious…cases?"
The Queen's face faltered in some sadness as she opened a door next to them, showing what was inside the room.
"Those…cases…of such weaponry…"
Queen Otohime leads Naruto into the room and sees this is a unit for specialized treatment…
Rows of beds filled with patients either sleeping or coughing. Men lay prone, some of them had their eyes covered in bandages or their entire faces etched with pain that never went away, with the Merfolk nurses and medical professionals moving between the patients, administering medications, and adjusting IV drip while observing their health.
The tapping sound of guide sticks echoes through the ward as blinded soldiers attempt to navigate the sightless reality they are facing. Some men sit on the edges of their beds, gripping the sticks tightly as they are still learning to rely on their other senses. Nurses gently guide their movements, offering quiet words of encouragement.
Monitors beep steadily, tracking vital signs. The occasional groan or cough punctuates the otherwise hushed atmosphere.
Queen Otohime paused at the foot of a bed, turning to the blond young man who she saw was deeply troubled by the state of these men, and he dared to ask.
"Are these…."
"Survivors…of chemical warfare - gas attacks." Queen Otohime breathed out the revelation to him, bothering her still even after having observed years of treatment for these kinds of patients. "These are all victims still of the toxic nerve gas used close to Kannabi Bridge, in its first battle as you can remember."
Naruto then remembered what she was referring to and what these men were still struggling with, a toxic nerve toxin he had witnessed, and his shoulder that had the prosthetic visible shook at the memories going through his head.
"MH5. These are survivors of MH5…"
"Yes, they are…" Queen Otohime cleared it and somberly stated while looking at one sleeping patient, "It is sad to say that many of these men who entered here with damaged lungs and eyes are still here in this hospital for treatment, even those who were here since 1518…they are now a third of this hospital's main concern."
Ah, so these men were from…
"I remember it." Naruto said softly, "So many screams and pleas for help."
"Excuse me, please, out of the way."
Naruto and Queen Otohime both stepped aside, making room in the bustling hallway for a man in a white hospital gown. He moved with surprising confidence despite the absence of a guide stick, his eyes obscured by layers of bandages. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with short, tousled brown hair and was closely followed by a nurse.
"Just do not rush, young man. There is no need—Queen Otohime!" The nurse's eyes widened as she noticed the monarch standing nearby. She quickly bowed in respect. "My apologies. We're rehabilitating this young man."
Queen Otohime offered a warm smile, gesturing with an elegant wave of her hand. "There is no need to apologize, young lady." She turned her attention to the patient, who was steadily making his way down the corridor. "Say, Is he one of the last?"
"Yes, ma'am, we've made great progress," the nurse replied enthusiastically, nodding toward the young man. "He has been responding well to the treatment and is walking more confidently each day. We've loosened the bandages as he begins to regain some of his sight."
"That is good to hear," Otohime remarked with a pleased expression, turning to the blond beside her. "What do you think, Naruto?"
"Well, I—"
"Wait, did I hear that correctly?" The patient abruptly turned, his face a canvas of surprise, as he tried to discern the figures before him through his impaired vision. "Naruto? Uzumaki Naruto?"
The mention of his name caused both Merfolk and Naruto to instinctively tense. Naruto was the first to respond, his voice steady and reassuring.
"That's me."
"Captain Uzumaki!" The bandaged patient snapped to attention, his posture rigid as he saluted with precision. "Technician 5th Private First Class, Frank Aiello, reporting for duty, sir!"
Both the merfolk nurse and the Queen were taken aback by the energetic salute that was being given, while Naruto's mind raced as he tried to recall where he had heard the name before.
'Aiello…Aiello…that name, Kurama?'
'Yeah, I remember him - the one with the loose tongue. But a good fighter. By the looks of it, he was part of the unit of volunteers who survived that gas attack as the first assault groups.'
Suddenly, it clicked. He remembered the name, "I remember you. You were part of the Ballywood Regiment, weren't you?"
"Yes sir! 1st Infantry Division, we traveled on the same train, sir." The blinded Aiello replied while still standing, began to ease down, "I was part of the late 1517 Offensive when we approached…Kannabi…"
'And he's still standing here? The kid must be built differently.'
Naruto's curiosity got the better of him. He couldn't help but ask, "Private, if I may - how did you survive?"
Aiello didn't seem offended by the question. He seemed almost relieved to be asked. "It just... happened to be that we were lucky."
"We?" Naruto narrowed his eyes, not understanding the use of the pronoun 'we'. "What do you mean by 'we'?"
Aiello couldn't hide his confusion. "The entire assault group, sir. They are all here."
"Everybody?" Naruto was shocked by the news.
"Yes, everybody who was evacuated from Konoha," Aiello clarified, pointing his finger down the corridor. "They're all outside now in the courtyard. I was heading there myself."
Naruto's heart swelled with relief and joy. He couldn't believe that his comrades, his friends, were all safe and sound. "Can you take me to them?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course, sir," Aiello replied with a nod. "Follow me."
As they walked through the long corridors of the hospital, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of interest as he followed, with the nurse and Queen Otohime after them.
…
Laughter and joy, that was something that was seen in the courtyard.
The sun beats down on the hospital courtyard as a large group of veterans gathers for their daily recreation time. Some hobble out on crutches, others wheel themselves forward, determination etched on their faces. A mix of hospital gowns and tattered uniforms dot the crowd, a visual reminder of their shared past and present struggles.
On the patchy grass, a makeshift football field takes shape. Those with prosthetic legs or missing limbs position themselves strategically, compensating for their physical limitations. The ball rolls into play, and the men act with surprising agility. A one-legged soldier deftly maneuvers the ball, passing it to a teammate missing an arm. The impromptu match becomes a display of resilience and adaptability, with each player finding new ways to contribute.
On the sidelines, a card game unfolds. Four veterans huddle around a rickety table, their hands clutching playing cards. One man uses his teeth to hold his cards, having lost both arms in combat. Another squints through his remaining eye, carefully considering his next move. The clatter of poker chips and occasional grunts of frustration punctuate the air.
Despite their injuries, a sense of camaraderie permeates the scene. These men, broken in body but not in spirit, find solace in each other's company. They share knowing glances, and an unspoken understanding passes between them. For a brief moment, the weight of their sacrifices lifts, replaced by the simple joys of companionship and friendly competition.
"Alright, Zussman, your turn." The one with only one eye said while having just taken his turn, "Don't try to play me or Harry under the table."
Zussman looked funny, "Why do you think I'm going to cheat?"
"I may only get one eye left, but I still can see through your bullshit, so don't even try it." The one-eyed veteran with the eyepatch told him while taking a swig from his bottle of alcohol, "Now start, and Micky, try not to chew the cards."
The fourth player just puffed some smoke out from his mouth, Gin, who had just arrived in the underworld kingdom spoke, "Let's just start."
As those disabled veterans in the courtyard busied themselves with various activities, they remained unaware of the arrival of one of their former commanders. This man, familiar with the camaraderie of the past, observed his former comrades as they enjoyed their leisure time. The sun was high and the air crisp as Naruto stepped onto the field, catching sight of Aiello, who seemed poised to announce his presence.
"Ha, you missed!"
At that moment, a football sailed through the air and landed directly at Naruto's feet, its path interrupted by chance. One of the disabled veterans, with a prosthetic arm gleaming in the sunlight, hurried over, intent on retrieving the runaway ball.
"Sorry, bud, I…" The veteran's voice faltered as he noticed the distinct uniform and the unmistakable blond hair. His eyes widened in disbelief, "No way…."
Naruto bent down, picked up the ball, and with a warm smile, handed it back to the veteran. His voice was calm and encouraging as he spoke.
"Here, soldier, continue with your game…"
The soldier with the prosthetic arm was not a human, but a tall barracuda rotund gray-skinned Fishman with a square face whose body stood taller than Naruto by a few feet at least, and despite his height, he looked utterly shocked at seeing the blond former officer standing right in front of him.
"We'll I'll be damned," Naruto chuckled as he recognized the fishman, "Corporal Papaneel. Long time no see."
Papaneel, a former two-bit criminal bank robber and hostage taker that the blond remembers had his ass kicked by Queen Otohime in a story he heard a long time ago, who had turned his prison time into service for the Foreign Legion. Being one of the oldest members of the Legion, the Fishman's face was frozen in shock before he saluted and loudly shouted.
"C-Captain Uzumaki, sir!"
The sudden shout got everybody inside the courtyard to stop what they were doing and turn around to who was yelling, and once they spotted the Fishman and the officer…they were shocked to see their old comrade again.
"Holy shit…"
"No way…that's-"
Just then Queen Otohime and the merfolk nurse entered the courtyard and watched as everyone paid attention to Naruto's entrance, and the first reaction was that of the elderly Fishman father of multiple children who stood in front of the young blond who would be in their age range.
"It's good to see you, big man," Naruto greeted warmly, extending the football with a friendly gesture before offering his hand in camaraderie. "I hope I didn't interrupt your game."
"No sir! Of course not!" Papaneel replied quickly, his voice tinged with eagerness as he clasped Naruto's hand firmly. "It's good to see you too, welcome back home!"
A humble grin spread across Naruto's face, "Thank you—" his words cut short as he was suddenly enveloped in a jovial armlock by a beaming veteran.
"Naruto! It's good to see you!" exclaimed Zussman, whose laughter echoed joyously through the courtyard. His booming voice summoned the others, "Hey! It's the captain!"
In an instant, Naruto found himself enveloped by a vibrant throng of enthusiastic men, their faces illuminated by the glow of excitement that rippled through the courtyard. From every direction, they converged upon him—battle-scarred veterans wearing their stories on their skin, alongside those who had miraculously healed. Each one was eager to extend a hand to their esteemed officer, brimming with admiration. Some even hobbled over on crutches, their determination a testament to their spirit, as they sought to greet the young commander they revered.
The warm reception took Naruto by surprise, filling his heart with a profound sense of belonging. He felt a surge of gratitude as he embraced the camaraderie of his comrades.
"Good to see you here, sir!" exclaimed a Legionnaire with dark skin, his grip firm as he shook Naruto's hand. He then playfully ruffled Naruto's hair, a gesture filled with familiarity and affection. "Been way too long!"
"The Cunning Fox himself! Great to meet you!" chimed in another man, his protective glasses perched on his nose to shield his damaged eyes. He delivered a hearty slap on Naruto's shoulder, laughter echoing in his voice. "You're still kicking it, kid!"
"Really glad to see you still breathing, sir!" called out yet another, his expression genuine and warm, eyes shining with respect.
"Good for you smashing Akainu, we all loved it!" added another voice from the crowd.
"ATTENTION!"
All the men suddenly took some space and made their distance from the overwhelmed captain, with them standing in formation, it was Gin who did so as he walked over to the blond, with what looked like two cases of beer.
"Welcome to Fishman Island, Naruto." Gin smiled as he offered him the beer bottle, "Or in your case - welcome home."
Naruto accepted the bottle and then turned to everyone else, some also holding something to drink, so he raised the beer.
"Men - here's to you - cheers!"
"CHEERS!"
[One Hour later]
Otohime silently watched on as the courtyard slowly filled up more than usual, Naruto's presence attracted the attention of the entire hospital, including staff and those still bedridden who were rolled out to the open field with some men having managed to convince the nurses to bring them out.
One of them was a former tanker who was paralyzed from the hip down and was still going through treatment, he managed to get his hands out as Naruto stood by the bed and shook the man's hand, the tanker he knew was a man close to his fifties and had survived an incursion just outside Ame and somehow managed to survive the war, having been wounded only three weeks before the final fighting.
"McManus."
"Captain, sir. Ughh…" McManus, the former tank gunner, said while still in bed, "My apologies. I needed to see you, you devil." he grinned at the blonde happily.
"I've got called worse, old man," Naruto gave a smirk to the man and tapped his arm, "I heard you're still recovering, is that true?"
"Right, 'bout fucking time!" McManus said before he seethed in pain, something shot in his back briefly before lying back down, "Remedy went through two different hospitals who told me to buzz off, then Edwards managed to get me here, haven't heard of the young lad since."
"Edwards? 'Danny' Edwards you say?" Naruto said, remembering that name. He was a member of McManus' crew, "You still see him?"
"Yes, him, but I don't know where he is now, he buzzed off to join your lot, with those flyboys off to some island-Ugh!" McManus grunted as he moved again, despite the nurse behind him forcing his hand, "Fuck."
"Sorry, but Mr. McManus here needs to go back to his room and wait for his further operation is set to be in two hours." The male Fishman nurse said before moving the transportable bed, "You can talk to him later, mister."
"Fine," McManus grunts as he waves his hand off, "Later, Captain."
"Later, McManus." Naruto waved off the paralyzed man, watching him being brought inside, and then he turned around to watch how everyone else was going back to their usual gatherings. Having just met and greeted many old comrades, but not all, he turned back where the Queen stood and walked over to her, seeing she was looking amused while holding a beer bottle of her own.
"My Queen, it's improper for a monarch to drink among commoners," Naruto spoke to her jokingly, then smirking as he grabbed one of his own from a nearby table before removing the camp.
"Oh please, Naruto, you know me better than that - I like my drink like everyone else's," Queen Otohime said, taking a big swig from her bottle and smiling, "Besides, this isn't even strong - so it's just for courtesy."
"Still, it's unusual to see a monarch to be here, just saying."
"Naruto, I have been active in these activities since the war started, and in more ways than you realize," Queen Otohime said to defend herself, "While I refused to put support behind the war effort - our kingdom contributed on humanitarian grounds."
"It's quite ironic," Naruto mused, a chuckle escaping his lips as he glanced at the blonde queen. "While all the kingdoms focused on munitions and having men fighting, the so-called 'lesser' Merfolk made their mark through humanitarian efforts." His eyes twinkled with warmth as he added, "I still remember your people's contributions, Your Majesty." His smile lingered, genuine and appreciative.
Before the Queen could respond, a voice called out from behind, resonating with the familiarity of a long-awaited reunion.
"Naruto, is that you?"
The voice caused Naruto to tense momentarily before he turned around, his smile broadening in recognition. Before him stood the person who had cared for him over the years and cherished companion now matured into a striking shortfin mako shark mermaid.
She floated gracefully on an air bubble, her appearance captivating. A purple hooded blouse clung to her figure, buttoned only in the center, leaving much of her shapely form on display—from her generous cleavage to her enticingly toned abdomen, adorned with a delicate belly chain. She held the pipe she used to blow whimsical bubbles in her hand.
"Shyarly, you're here!" he exclaimed joyfully. They briefly embraced, warmth and nostalgia passing between them.
"It's good to see you after all this time," she said, stepping back and meeting his eyes. "My sources told me you were returning, but not this fast."
"Been too long. How is everyone?" Naruto inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity and care before asking, "You also volunteer here?"
"Oh of course, but in a different kind of way if you want to know," Shyarly said, blowing some bubbles and explaining, "Every two weeks I come to pick up the boys here so they can have some free time at the Mermaid Café." she informed the blond happily.
"Oh, do you?" Naruto asked, raising his eyebrow, "Why is that?"
"We're allowing them a little time outside the hospital, socializing and so forth," Shyarly explained, nudging her head, "Do you want to join in? "
Naruto considered it, saw that some of the men were already being prepared for their leave, and wondered why not.
"Sure, I'll join my comrades."
Meanwhile somewhere else on the island, inside a home that wasn't Camie's, Sanji of the Straw Hats was being given a blood transfusion after he managed to get himself in a life-threatening situation that was ridiculously stupid…when his nose sprayed a horrifying amount of blood that was enough to shape a mermaid when he got too close to one of them.
*TCHK!*
Instead of following the rules of being polite in one's home, two of the men present inside the large room had started smoking, Luca and Reiser who both shared the fire to light up their cigarettes while they were sitting on some chairs while an exhausted Luffy and Usopp were laid across two couches as Camie and Chopper both sat by the shell bed that was occupied by the perverted cook recovering from his unnecessary injury' he inflicted on himself.
"This is ridiculous," Luca said releasing some smoke from his mouth after having taken a drag from his cigarette, still having his arm in a sling, "We finally find some of you of the crew and it just happens this blond moron couldn't keep it in his pants-"
"Hey! That's not fair." Usopp said coming in defense of Sanji, despite being totally exhausted on the couch, "He just hasn't seen a girl supposedly in two years!"
Luca turned to Luffy and made a hand gesture, "Seriously, kid, where did you get this guy?"
"Oh Sanji? The East Blue, at a restaurant called the Baratie." Luffy said, still as exhausted as his sniper friend, with his head leaned back on the seat, "It was there when we met Gin."
"Gin? Like in our Gin?" Reiser asked.
"Yeah, that Gin."
"Huh?" Usopp raised his head up, "What are you guys talking about?"
"Ugh…" Sanji groaned softly as he slowly began to regain consciousness, his eyelids fluttering. The little doctor Chopper, and Camie, the vibrant mermaid, leaned in closer.
"Where…am I?" Sanji murmured, his voice hoarse and filled with confusion as he tried to get his bearings in the unfamiliar surroundings.
"Sanj! Are you awake?" Chopper exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement and relief, his tiny hands clasped together eagerly.
Camie let out a sigh of relief, her usual cheerful demeanor shining through, "Sanji-chin!" She leaned closer, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear as her eyes sparkled with some tears.
As Sanji slowly pushed himself upright, the blood rushing back to his face, Camie began to explain their situation in earnest.
"We're at a friend's house in a cozy port town, not far from where we found you," she said, her voice steady. "We were all in a panic looking for someone who could donate blood, and by sheer luck, we found Luca and Reiser."
Sanji blinked, trying to process the information as he glanced around the room - where he saw Luffy and Usopp sitting on some couches while the two uniformed men Luca and Reiser were just smoking some cigarettes - by the looks of it, it was his pack.
"I'm so glad we found some blood donors!" Chopper enthusiastically declared, gazing at where the two Legionnaires sat. Thank you! I mean it! Wait, where did they go?"
The rest of the Straw Hats and the mermaid they had rescued all turned to look around the room, searching for any sign of the two Legionnaires. But there was no trace of them as if they had simply vanished into thin air.
"Maybe they had to leave in a hurry," Camie suggested, trying to ease the tension in the room.
"But they were just here," Chopper protested, his voice laced with an edge of anxiety as he scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of their missing friends. "Where could they possibly have gone?"
Usopp turned to Luffy, a bemused expression crossing his face as he remarked, "Luffy, your friends are something else."
At that, a playful smirk spread across Luffy's face, as he opened his mouth to deliver a cheeky retort, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Hey - HEY!" Sanji suddenly interjected, his voice sharp and urgent, straining to break free from Chopper and Camie, who desperately tried to pin his flailing arms down.
"Where are my packs of smokes?"
…
Standing outside the building called Shyarly, from which the two men had just walked, they could hear the horrified scream, which made both men laugh a bit.
"I think that perverted idiot found out about the two donors we brought in," Reiser chuckled, the sound low and gravelly, as he slipped one of the cook's distinctive brand cigarettes between his lips. The cigarette was slim and dark, with a faint aroma of spiced tobacco. He flipped open a lighter with a metallic click, its flame briefly illuminating his face in a warm glow. "Serves him right, to be honest."
"You don't like him, do you?" Luca inquired, holding his own cigarette steady for Reiser to light. The flame danced momentarily before catching, and Luca took a slow, deliberate puff, exhaling a thin stream of smoke that curled upwards in the dim light. "All because he reminds you of his brothers?"
"Partly," Reiser admitted, a trace of disdain coloring his voice. "But also because I expected more from the supposedly dead Vinsmoke Sanji." The name left a bitter taste, evident in the way he spat it out, his disdain for the Vinsmoke legacy clear. The former Germa Volunteer had grown to detest the Vinsmoke name, and he held back none of his opinions.
"I'm surprised you didn't mention it in front of him." Luca said puffing out smoke, "All given you don't like Vinsmokes much after that debacle in Tonika."
"Don't remind me," Reiser grumbled, his voice laced with simmering anger. "I'd love nothing more than to put a bullet in that arrogant Judge's head, and in his three sons' too." His expression twisted into one of disdain as he shook his head, clearly vexed by the mere mention of that notorious family. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "But then there's his sister..."
"The one the captain's rumored to have had a tryst with?" Luca interjected, raising an eyebrow. "You mean Reiju, right? The-"
"Yes, that's the one," Reiser confirmed, a hint of exasperation creeping into his tone. "One of Naruto's more unusual escapades, if I can put it like that," he continued, before posing a question that seemed to baffle him. "Seriously, how does he manage to get involved with all these women without getting himself into trouble? From humans to merfolk, giants, shinobi, pirates, marines—it's like he walks a tightrope and never falls."
"You gotta ask him that," Luca chuckled at the mention of that, "You can do that once we see him."
"See him?"
"At his old job," Luca said before taking another drag from his smoke and pointing his finger at his friend, "Also, technically only one giant, the other-"
"Please don't remind me."
"DRINKS ON THE HOUSE!"
The lively Mermaid Café buzzed with laughter and conversation. The venue was exclusively reserved for veterans recovering from the nearby hospital, a gesture of kindness that filled the space with gratitude and a sense of camaraderie. Tables were adorned with vibrant dishes and craft cocktails, while the local mermaids, with their shimmering tails and captivating smiles, mingled happily among the guests.
Naruto, seated near the counter, enjoyed a drink with Madam Shyarly beside him. They shared the same beverage, and Queen Otohime also had one.
"How's business going, Shyarly?" Naruto asked his former boss, turning to her. "I hope everything's been smooth, nothing too hectic."
"Not at all hectic," Shyarly replied with a chuckle, raising her glass to her blond human friend. "The men are always gentlemen to my girls and respect their wishes. It's wonderful to see them behave humbly, and most have better manners than my usual patrons."
"Well, that's nice to hear." Naruto smiled further to the counter, "I remember my time throwing out many of them through the front door," Chuckling at the memories, "Was fun, to be honest."
"Yeah, you did that quite often," Shyarly giggled while leaning her head against the palm of her hand, "and as I recall, your godfather in particular earned both your wife's and the girl's ire at one point."
"Oh yeah, that old fossil had it bad, didn't he?" Naruto replied while remembering him, smirking, "Remember the first time he came here, knocked him out in one shot."
Queen Otohime beamed at the exchange between the pair, appreciating their strong bond.
She then inquired, "What do you intend to do during your time here?"
When Naruto heard that question, he shifted in his chair and gazed down at his drink. He then took a moment to consider his response.
"For the time being, I want everyone to rest, give my team a break, and get ready for what's ahead." Naruto stated to both women, smiling, "I haven't been around for a while and I'm eager to see how much everyone has matured." He confessed while scratching the back of his head.
Shyarly beamed at his response, saying, "That's nice to know." She appreciated his desire to spend time here, "I can't express how many people on Fishman Island would be eager to see you again, particularly the girls."
"By the way, where are Ishilly and the others? I thought I would be the first to greet them, but it seems like they must be somewhere else," Naruto asked them, "What kind of work do they do?"
"Well they are actually doing two jobs, most of them," Shyarly said, holding her two fingers up, "On one, they spend time working here at the Mermaid Café…"
Naruto raised his eyebrow out of curiosity, "And two?"
"They are volunteers at the Healing Tales Facility." Queen Otohime revealed to the blond young man, having said that carefully she said further, "I don't know how to say this but many of the Mermaid Café girls and those in the Cove are part-time volunteers."
Hearing this was a shocking surprise, taken aback by the mermaid girls he knew from when they were young girls now were volunteer nurses for many of the men who returned from the war he fought in, causing him to be curious.
"What…what do they do?"
"...Ishilly works the ICU with Mero, both having been the longest volunteers out of my current staff," Shyarly said bringing up what she remembers, "Camie runs the cafeteria and prepares their diets once at their last phases of rehabilitation, alongside Seira who helps her running the kitchen." As for Lulis and Mona… Well, I think I will let her tell you herself."
"Ah..." he said, his tone somber as he looked into his glass. "They've grown up fast."
The two women sitting at the bar with him, Shyarly and Queen Otohime, frowned with concern. One of them asked.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's just... they were children when I left. Playing ball and dreaming of fun times. But now, I hear they're dealing with the aftermath of war and politics..."
Shyarly raised an eyebrow. "Politics?"
"I saw the posters... the anti-war posters," Naruto explained, quoting one of them, "End the War - Bring our boys back - End the slaughter of lives." Naruto mentions with the picture he remembers, "All written in big letters above the picture of a grieving family…" He said before taking a sip from his strong drink.
Upon hearing that, Madam Shyarly and Queen Otohime exchanged worried glances. The queen then asked the experienced officer what she thought about the anti-war protest movements, which, from her knowledge of other kingdoms, often conflicted with returning soldiers.
"Does this upset you?".
"Not really," Naruto replied, setting his glass on the counter and facing the Queen. "It's something I expected. People everywhere in the world protested the war. But I heard that on Fishman Island, two anti-war groups had clashed over this issue. Could you tell me more about that?"
Queen Otohime sighed and then tried, but it was Shyarly who started.
"There is the mainstream anti-war movement that includes the staff of the hospital and most of the island - and there is this radical group from the Fishman District." The shark lady said shaking her head remembering, "They are a bunch like Arlong saying humans shouldn't involve us in their wars and we need to stay separated, they often clashed with the Army but are rather a small group of criminals."
Naruto listened intently, taking in the information. He wasn't surprised that there were radical groups on Fishman Island; every place had them. What surprised him was that they advocated for separation from humans.
"But...this isn't just about the war, is it?" Naruto asked, looking between the two women. "There's something deeper going on here."
Madam Shyarly and Queen Otohime exchanged a glance before nodding. The Queen took a deep breath before speaking.
"Ever since that group of Fishmen volunteers joined your Legion, there has been resistance." She explained. "Some of our people believe that it will only lead to more conflict and suffering for our kind."
Naruto frowned at this. He could understand where they were coming from, distrust in humans was still very common.
"And these radicals...they're trying to push their agenda through violence?"
Madam Shyarly nodded grimly. "You remember Hordy Jones?"
Hordy Jones, that's a name that he remembers still after all these years. The Fishman who tried to do the unthinkable that changed his course of destiny.
"The one who tried to kill Queen Otohime?" Naruto asked turning to the Queen and asking, "He's still out in the open? Leader of this bunch?"
Queen Otohime nodded in shame, "Yes, according to our sources, he's the main culprit responsible for this group of troublemakers. They've been involved in all kinds of despicable forms of protests if you can call it that." She named up a few, "Holding rallies by using insensitive language, fighting authorities, disturbing funerals and shouting down family members of fallen soldiers."
Naruto asked, "And Hordy partook in this?"
"As if he could, my sons have taken part in daily patrols across our kingdom, and haven't seen him once at one of these acts of vandalism." Queen Otohime replied and told him with concern in her eyes, "But they've been growing lately, even after the war ended - many have joined Hordy's band of criminals and I am afraid he will make another attempt…"
"On the kingdom…or your life?" Naruto asked.
…
"I believe they want to do it once again…" Queen Otohime said hesitantly, her voice trembling as she admitted her worst fear, "And on my family… even Shirahoshi…"
As the weight of her words settled in the air, Naruto glanced over to Madam Shyarly, whose expression was of concern, before shifting his focus back to the Queen. Taking a slow, contemplative swig from his drink.
"Well then, I would like to help in any way I can," he declared, his voice steady and resolute.
Both women looked up, surprise crossing their faces, quickly replaced by gratitude. Queen Otohime's lips curled into a warm smile.
"Thank you, Naruto," she replied, her voice softer now, filled with appreciation. "Your presence alone gives us hope for a better future."
In that moment, a bond of trust and purpose formed among them, strengthened by a shared desire to protect what they held dear.
Naruto was then to take another sip from his beverage, when he suddenly stopped and felt a presence, causing him to smile.
'You sensing that?'
'From the entrance door? Yeah, I sense them - you're getting a reunion, kid.'
What they sensed was a whirlwind of emotions swirling around—a blend of disbelief and relief anchoring the air, intertwined with a palpable happiness that filled the atmosphere. It wasn't just one sensation but a chorus of multiple feelings, all focused intently on him. Despite the lively music and vibrant festivities echoing around them, he could distinctly hear a familiar, innocent voice cut through the noise:
"N-Naruto?"
At the sound of that voice, a wave of old memories flooded back, each one bringing forth a smile that spread across the young man's face as he turned away from his seat.
"Ishilly—"
"NARUTO!"
In an instant, Ishilly, the striped beakfish mermaid, swam over with all the grace of a dancer, an iridescent bubble trailing behind her. She enveloped the blond in a warm, joyful embrace, her head instinctively burying itself into the crook of his neck. He could feel the soft warmth of her tears soaking into his skin, a testament to the joy of their reunion. As he wrapped his arms around her, Naruto couldn't help but marvel at how she had blossomed into a beautiful young lady, her vibrant scales shimmering in the light, reflecting the essence of the celebration surrounding them.
Queen Otohime watched this with delight at seeing the reunion while Madam Shyarly couldn't help but chuckle.
Naruto held his hand over the black-haired young lady and stroked it, chuckling as he could sense the others, and he gave a bit of advice to his companion.
'Kurama, feel free to sleep, I know you're not much of a reunion guy.'
'That I agree - you just don't get too reckless. Enjoy your home sweet home moment.'
'I will.'
Till next time.