Stussy left.
Without the slightest hesitation, she disappeared from Water 7 with the remaining CP9 members she had reassembled.
Perhaps she hadn't given up on her mission to obtain the blueprints of Pluton.
Or perhaps she was brewing an even more intricate plan.
In any case, Naruto's story with this woman full of secrets came to a temporary pause.
Whether it was the gallant heroes sailing the seas or the spies treading on thin ice, neither was suited for a stable relationship.
Naruto had known long ago that Stussy wasn't the type to change her convictions for anyone.
Her goals had never wavered, and she was destined to never experience an ordinary life.
That was also why he had avoided this ambiguous relationship in the first place.
'Though it'd be great if others could be as clear-headed as Stussy.'
A few days later, at Galley-La Company.
Looking at the sleek, orange-painted small boat before him, Naruto's face showed clear interest.
Considering his size and weight, this boat was noticeably larger than Ace's.
There is a mast on the boat, which serves as an emergency power source. If the engine failed, it could still move temporarily using the sail.
Due to the increased size, the boat also had a small 'room' built into it.
Or perhaps it could be called a compartment.
Inside, he could store food, drinks, or even lie down to rest.
It wasn't spacious, but it was enough to shield him from wind and rain.
This was an unexpected bonus.
After all, whether riding sea beasts or giant birds, Naruto had always endured the elements, sometimes even resorting to Fire Release Ninjutsu to dry his clothes.
This was the lesser-known side of life for the strong on the seas.
If no one mentioned it, would you have imagined Mihawk using his black blade as an oar to row his coffin-like boat?
Luxury in public, hardship in private… such was the way of the world.
"Naruto-san, please come take a look here."
This was Iceburg's first time building such a specialized small boat, but as the former shipbuilding master Tom's first disciple, his craftsmanship was no worse than his junior Franky's.
In the original work, Franky had been able to create all sorts of wondrous machines after joining Luffy's crew, and Iceburg was no less capable.
Following his guidance, Naruto's gaze fell on the metallic structure at the stern.
Rather than an engine, it looks more like a 'cannon barrel'.
Due to Naruto's personal requests and the experiments conducted over the past few days, Iceburg had ultimately created this unique propulsion system.
"Like this?"
Following Iceburg's instructions, Naruto formed a small Wind Release: Rasengan in his hand.
Over the past few days, while assisting with experiments, Naruto had gradually mastered the method of infusing special Chakra Attributes into it.
The stability of his Wind Release: Rasengan had improved significantly.
He placed the Rasengan into the 'cannon barrel's' intake, and the energy indicator on the tube's wall immediately lit up-
As the small Wind Release: Rasengan erupted, the energy gauge rapidly filled.
Yes, unlike Ace's 'plug-and-play' flame engine, the new engine Iceburg had built was a charging-type system.
This suited Naruto's needs even better.
When Naruto adjusted the lever beside the cannon barrel, the accumulated wind force instantly converted into propulsion, and a powerful gust of air burst from the exhaust.
"Based on our earlier calculations, a full charge can maintain top speed for about five hours."
Any longer, and the engine's material wouldn't be able to handle it.
But this was more than enough to delight Naruto.
"Excellent, President Iceburg. You've truly impressed me."
Naruto reached out and patted Iceburg's shoulder in satisfaction, making the ordinary man wince in pain.
After paying the remaining balance, Naruto declined Iceburg's offer to help transport the boat.
Then, under the astonished gazes of the other shipwrights, Naruto effortlessly lifted the single-person boat, which was larger than himself, as if it were just a plate.
"By the way, Naruto-san, we haven't named the ship yet."
After hearing what Iceburg said, Naruto stopped and stood there, thinking for a few seconds.
"Let's call it [Gale Breaker]." (T/N: I want to name it Hayate, but I don't want it be associated with a certain sick-but-not-dead-anymore Ninja.)
"Woo-hoo-"
Standing on the single-person deck of Gale Breaker and feeling the sea breeze rush against on his face, even Naruto couldn't help but let out a cheer.
Not that Gale Breaker is really that fast.
In fact, compared with the giant Sea King, Gale Breaker still fell short.
But the experience was completely different.
It could only be said… men never truly grow up.
The gene for loving to play is practically carved into their bones.
This surfing-like sailing experience was far more entertaining than riding on the head of a Sea King.
Glancing at the Eternal Pose in his hand, Naruto adjusted Gale Breaker's direction slightly before forming another small Rasengan and inserting it into the engine.
In an instant, the nearly depleted energy gauge refilled at an incredible speed.
'This is some real sci-fi tech-'
Naruto couldn't even begin to understand how it worked.
'Maybe once I got back to the Ninja World, I could find some craftsmen skilled in working with Chakra Metal to modify this engine.'
'That might further increase Gale Breaker's energy storage capacity and top speed.'
The small boat cut a white trail across the sea, leaving waves and foam far behind.
After several hours of zooming across the water, Naruto started feeling a little bored.
So he adjusted the throttle, then pulled out a fishing rod, which is crafted by a master artisan of Water 7, and a small bucket of special bait from the cabin.
The recipe had been provided by a shipwright named Paulie, one of Iceburg's subordinates.
If not for Naruto's generous payment, the man wouldn't have been willing to share it.
Cast the line, start fishing.
The day passed quickly, the sky gradually darkening as Gale Breaker's lights flickered on.
He set the speed to the lowest setting, allowing the boat to cruise steadily until morning.
Retrieving the empty bucket and fishing rod, he sealed them away in a scroll before silently pulling out his own food to eat.
'This shouldn't be happening-'
'No way.'
'Could it be that that Paulie guy tricked me?'
With this doubt and unwillingness weighing on him, Uzumaki 'Skunked' Naruto lay down in the cabin and slowly drifted into sleep.
In his dreams, a huge fish kept slapping his cheeks with its tail.
All around him were countless other fish he had caught.
Fine sake and delicious food were piled up like a mountain.
"St-stop slapping- Gyumaru-"
While mumbling, Naruto pushed away the furry tail that was patting his face.
'Furry?'
When he opened his eyes, Naruto saw a big curly-haired dog with its tongue hanging out.
"?"
Man and dog locked eyes in mutual confusion.
Naruto carried the dog out of the cabin.
Almost immediately, he heard shouting.
"George! George!"
It was a child, constantly calling out for his pet.
The large dog in Naruto's arms barked excitedly upon hearing its owner's voice.
The child turned his gaze toward the tall figure of Naruto, and George, who was being 'held hostage' by the other party.
"Village chief! Bad news! Pirates are here again!"