Three days flew by.

Naruto had already recovered fully and replenished the blood that had been evaporated from his body.

Sitting atop the chest of the mermaid princess Shirahoshi, he sensed the condition of his body and grinned faintly.

"My body's gotten even stronger, huh?"

No wonder people say battling in the world of pirates is the fastest way to grow stronger.

After that clash with Whitebeard and a full recovery, he found his physical capabilities had increased significantly once more.

If he were to fight Whitebeard again now, it definitely wouldn't be as messy as last time.

"Naruto-dono, up ahead is Whitebeard's pirate ship. Jinbei-dono is there too. Do I really have to go…?"

Shirahoshi looked at the blond youth lying on her chest with teary eyes.

Smack! Naruto slapped her chest with one hand and said:

"Stop whining. Get going."

Tears welled up even more in Shirahoshi's eyes, but she didn't dare protest. She flicked her tail and swam into the domain of the Whitebeard Grand Fleet.

As the enormous mermaid approached, the members of Whitebeard's crew were instantly spellbound.

"She's so beautiful! No wonder they say she's as famous as the Empress Boa Hancock."

"Seriously, those assets are outrageous…"

"I heard mermaids can transform into humans. Think I have a shot at asking her out to dinner?"

"Keep dreaming..."

One member, drenched in cold sweat, said grimly:

"I heard this mermaid princess has already become Uzumaki Naruto's mount. You guys trying to get killed by that monster?"

The rest of the crew collectively sucked in a breath of cold air.

They hadn't forgotten the golden-haired demon who'd clashed head-on with Oyaji three days ago.

Even if they believed Oyaji could defeat Naruto, that was Oyaji. For the rest of them, Naruto was still an untouchable demon.

"It's disgusting. How could that guy use such a beautiful mermaid as a mount…"

Some crew members were indignant, while others were plainly terrified:

"What's that monster doing here again? Don't tell me he wants to fight Oyaji a second time?"

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Shirahoshi arrived at the Moby Dick. Tearfully, she extended her hand and lowered the blond youth from her chest.

At that moment, Whitebeard was gulping down sake. Seeing this, he said:

"Brat, you killed Celestial Dragons, and yet you like their style now?"

"Not at all," Naruto replied casually, flashing over to sit beside him.

"It's just to teach Fishman Island a lesson."

Whitebeard gave a slight nod, not probing further. He didn't believe Naruto was treating the mermaid princess like a Celestial Dragon slave.

After all, real slaves of the Celestial Dragons were branded, chained, and collared.

This was more like using her as a glorified tool.

Whitebeard took another swig of sake, then casually tossed a whole jar over to Naruto.

"So, what are you here for?"

Naruto picked up the jar—which was taller than he was—and took a swig. The taste was mild. He drank while saying:

"I came to learn Haki from you!"

Whitebeard's eyes widened, then he burst out laughing.

"Brat, you wanna learn Haki from me?"

"Of course. You're the world's strongest man, after all." Naruto offered the flattery with no shame.

After all, he knew himself well—purely in terms of taijutsu, his level was just below an Admiral.

If not for ninjutsu and Devil Fruit abilities, he wouldn't be a match for Whitebeard at all.

Whitebeard was pleased with the praise. He downed another large swig of sake and laughed heartily.

"Brat, I'm starting to like you more and more. Wanna become my son?"

"I'll pass." Naruto shook his head, downed the last mouthful of sake, and said, "I'm just here to train."

Nearby, Diamond Jozu scowled. "Why should we teach you Haki!?"

Naruto gave him a flat look. "Because I didn't kill you and Marco earlier."

Diamond Jozu: "..."

Marco: "..."

Marco, having been dragged into it, gave a helpless wry smile.

"Uzumaki Naruto, we do appreciate that you spared us, but we don't have that much time to waste."

They weren't just lounging around on Fishman Island.

They had to re-coat the ships, chart underwater routes to Marineford, and handle several matters concerning the New World.

Naruto, however, already had a plan. He smiled and said:

"What if I told you I was going to help?"

"Hmm!?"

"Eh!?"

"Wha!?"

Whitebeard, Jozu, Marco, and all the division commanders stared at Naruto in shock, their eyes lighting up.

"You mean… help us with the rescue?"

"If you're willing to help me train in Haki," Naruto said with a smile.

"Kuhahahaha…" Whitebeard burst out laughing. "Interesting brat! If that's your offer, I don't mind training you."

Marco, being the more cautious one, quickly asked:

"Wait, are you saying you'll join us in invading Marineford?"

"No."

Naruto shook his head. "My target is Impel Down. The prisoners there are what I'm after. Of course, if I come across any of your crew, I might lend a hand."

The Whitebeard Pirates finally understood.

So that was it. No wonder they'd been surprised by Naruto's apparent kindness.

He was after the prisoners in Impel Down.

Still, they had to admit—it was a shrewd move.

Every single prisoner held in Impel Down was a dangerous criminal. Especially those on the lowest levels—many had once shaken the seas as legendary pirates.

If Naruto recruited even a few of them, his power would skyrocket.

He'd become the Fifth Emperor of the New World.

But Whitebeard didn't mind. He laughed again and stood up.

"Come, I'll give you a lesson!"

He ripped out his IV line, clenched his massive fist, and coated it in Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki) before swinging it straight at Naruto.

Naruto's eyes sparkled. He immediately enveloped his own fist in Armament Haki and punched back.

The moment their fists collided—

A devastating shockwave exploded in all directions.

Naruto's body was sent flying, but his face showed no frustration—only blazing excitement.

"Hiraishin no Jutsu!! (Flying Thunder God!)"

A flash of golden light.

He reappeared back on the deck of the Moby Dick.

"Again!"

(End of Chapter)

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