Naruto thought it over and ultimately decided not to teach Zoro swordsmanship from the shinobi world.
When it came down to it, there was simply too wide a gap between their styles. Ninja swordsmanship was fast, deceptive, and chakra-enhanced—while Zoro's swordplay was raw power, precision, and instinct.
Still, Naruto figured those techniques could be used to sharpen Zoro. He wouldn't teach them directly but let Zoro absorb them through combat. These sword styles would serve as nutrients—fuel for Zoro to evolve his own path.
Through repeated sword clashes, Zoro might just carve out something new.
So then, how could ninjutsu be arranged to enhance Zoro's growth?
Ideally, it would be something that could complement his swordplay. Techniques that required both hands for hand seals were impractical—Zoro always needed at least one hand on his blades.
Sure, there were masters who could cast ninjutsu with a mere clap of the hands or even with no seals at all—but that level of chakra control belonged to those at the super Kage-tier. Zoro was starting from scratch.
It was better to focus on practical methods.
Naruto and Zoro were still waiting for Luffy to return. As Naruto let his thoughts spiral, a sudden inspiration hit him.
Lightning Chakra.
Specifically, Lightning Release Chakra Mode—a secret technique passed down within Kumogakure. It was synonymous with the Raikage, who could use it to take on even the Eight-Tails in close combat.
The technique drastically increased one's physical capabilities—speed, reflexes, striking power, and even durability.
In fact, techniques like Chidori and Raikiri borrowed some foundational elements from this mode. Chidori, in particular, used Lightning Release to drastically boost speed and penetration power.
Lightning Release Chakra Mode did all that and more—without the drawbacks of tunnel vision or hand seal restrictions.
Naruto thought: rather than teach Zoro elemental ninjutsu like the Fireball Jutsu or Water Dragon Bullet, which didn't mesh well with swordsmanship, why not give him something that enhanced his natural style?
Zoro was, after all, a swordsman. He cared about the purity of the blade. Flashy jutsu weren't his thing.
But Lightning Release Chakra Mode? That could be fused directly into kenjutsu—turning every slash into something faster, sharper, stronger.
But there was one major issue.
What was Zoro's chakra nature affinity?
If he didn't have an affinity for Lightning Release, then the entire idea would fall apart.
Naruto narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Zoro.
"…Why are you staring at me like that?" Zoro asked, frowning.
"I'm thinking about what kind of training to arrange for you," Naruto replied plainly. "In this crew, I guess I'm like a vice-captain. I can fight, support, and I've taken on training responsibilities."
He smiled faintly.
For Naruto, strengthening the Straw Hat Pirates with ninjutsu felt oddly satisfying—like leveling up a party in a game. And once your main was maxed out? You start working on alts.
Helping these pirates grow was a lot like that—watching them develop was half the fun.
He was deeply curious. Could ninjutsu evolve differently in this world? Could it unlock new forms?
"Oh? So you're a trainer?" Zoro asked, narrowing his eyes.
He couldn't quite read Naruto, but there was definitely a sharp pressure coming from him—a warrior's aura.
"I'm just a little bit stronger than you all," Naruto replied, raising his fingers slightly to show 'a little.'
Zoro's eyes flashed.
"You a swordsman? You've got the aura of one."
That aura—sharp and heavy—made his blood stir. Zoro licked his lips. He craved a worthy duel.
He had a nose for strong swordsmen. In Alabasta, he had sensed the vibrations of living things—cutting through steel by reading their rhythm.
"That aura… it's more like a kunai than a katana," Naruto said with a half-smile. "But we can spar later. For now, it's your turn to shine."
Just then—
WHAM!
A black blur came crashing down beside them, throwing up dust and debris.
Luffy hit the ground hard, leaving a small crater.
"Luffy, you just got launched. What happened? Was that Axeman Morgan that strong?"
Naruto reached down and pulled him up with one hand.
He recalled the manga—how Axeman Morgan once managed to sneak attack Garp, earning his moniker "Axe King."
Could it be… that this guy really has the knack?
"Oh, I wanted to try out the Substitution Jutsu in battle," Luffy explained, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Then I got knocked away. I'd just found the rhythm too!"
As expected of Luffy—his fighting style was all fun and spontaneity. But then again, that was Nika's way. Once Gear Fifth was activated, combat really was like playing around.
"The Navy's closing in," Naruto said, his gaze scanning the surroundings. "Zoro, looks like warm-ups are over. Time to cut loose."
Without another word, Naruto quietly stepped back, letting the two pirates take center stage.
"Which of these swords is yours?" Luffy asked, holding up three blades.
"All of them," Zoro replied flatly.
He clenched the hilts, his expression sharpening as he slid into his iconic Santoryu—Three Sword Style—stance.
He cast a long glance back at Naruto. So this guy wasn't planning to make a move?
Zoro didn't question it. There was no need. Without hesitation, he leapt into the fray—cutting through the chaos like a blade through air.
The Marines were no match. They were fodder against Luffy and Zoro's overwhelming strength.
And then—the so-called "mini-boss" finally made his appearance.
Axeman Morgan strode into the battlefield, axe gleaming, his presence attempting to command authority.
"You worthless fools! Can't even handle two damn outlaws?!"
"Tch. Looks like I'll have to clean up the mess myself. Get down here, you bratty punks!"
He roared and brought his axe down hard—targeting Luffy.
But the blade hit only wood.
POOF!
A puff of white smoke burst outward—Luffy was gone, and a broken log remained in his place.
Morgan blinked. "What the—?"
From the sidelines, Naruto's eyes lit up in surprise.
He did it. He actually pulled it off.
"I didn't expect you to pull off the Body Replacement Technique mid-fight," Naruto muttered, impressed. "You really nailed it this time."
He remembered Luffy failing the jutsu earlier, messing it up during practice. But now? Clean execution. Instant reaction under pressure.
That kind of intuition... was no joke.
Luffy's grin widened.
"The Substitution Jutsu worked! Try this one next—my fist!"
He surged forward, chakra surging through him. The added force made his punch hit like a battering ram.
WHAM!
One solid blow—and Morgan went flying.
The axe-wielding marine hit the ground hard, eyes wide in stunned disbelief.
And just like that—
The chaos came to an end.
...
TN:
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