Leaving Alabasta: An Unexpected Encounter

"What is this? It doesn't look like the Kunai that the tribe gives out."

"Flying Thunder God Kunai." Natsu leaned back against the rough pine bark, his gaze fixed on the shimmering sea in the distance. His tone was as light as the wind, yet every word carried weight.

"If you encounter any danger in the future, just channel some Chakra into it. No matter where you are in this ocean, I can sense it immediately and rush to your side as soon as possible."

The two chatted for a while about trivial matters of the tribe, watching the sun completely sink into the sea, leaving only the last trace of orange-red on the horizon.

Natsu handed the empty food box back to Quan and patted her head. "It's getting dark, go home early. I'm going to Naka Shrine, I have something to discuss with Uncle Fugaku."

"Hmm." Izumi carefully put the Kunai into her ninja tool pouch, her fingertips gently rubbing the cotton cloth at the end of the handle. "Then come back soon too."

Watching Izumi's figure disappear on the stone path leading down the mountain, Natsu Yincai turned and walked towards the Naka Shrine.

The shrine was exceptionally quiet in the Dusk, with only the copper bells on the eaves ringing softly in the breeze.

He walked behind the beams and pillars of the main hall, gathered Chakra at his fingertips, and deeply nailed another Flying Thunder God Kunai into the wooden beams and pillars.

The light of the technique flashed and disappeared, connecting with the entire Chakra network of Origin Island.

In this way, even if the World Government really sends Admiral to launch a surprise attack, as long as the Kunai destroyed, he can return immediately.

After finishing all this, he turned and walked towards the side hall. Fugaku's room was still lit, and his figure was reflected in the paper door as he hunched over his desk. Natsu knocked on the door, then pushed it open and went inside.

Fugaku was sitting at the table reading a training record when he heard the noise and looked up.

His complexion was much rosier than a few days ago, and his previously tired eyes were now as sharp as an eagle's. His aura was calm and heavy, faintly carrying the vitality of plants and trees.

The second Hashirama Cells transplantation was even more successful than expected.

"Natsu? Why are you here at this time?" Fugaku put down his brush and stretched his wrist. He could clearly feel that his movements were smoother and more powerful than before, and the stiffness he felt in the early stages of the transplant was gone.

"I need to go out for a bit." Natsu pulled up a chair and sat down. "I'll probably be back in three to five days. I'll leave Origin Island in your care. I left Flying Thunder God Kunai in the main hall of the shrine; if anything happens, activate it immediately."

Fugaku nodded upon hearing this, without asking where he was going. He raised his hand to rub his temples, his tone calm yet full of confidence. "Go ahead and don't worry. The second transplant is completely stable now, and I've already reached the threshold of the Super-Kage Level realm."

He paused, tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "If I encounter that woman from Gion again, I'm confident I can take care of her."

Even if Kizaru came in person, he wouldn't be able to break through Origin Island's defenses in less than three days and three nights. The Jonin of the clan have already begun training in Haki, and the first batch of people will soon be able to master it."

Natsu hearing this. With Fugaku, a Super-Kage Level fighter, in charge, along with the clan's Ninjutsu and the gradually forming Haki system, Origin Island's defenses were already impregnable.

"That's good." Natsu stood up. "After I leave, all the clan affairs will be in your hands. If the navy makes any unusual moves, don't be polite to them."

"Understood." Fugaku waved his hand, then picked up the calligraphy brush on the table. "Be careful on the road."

Natsu nodded, turned around and walked out of the room.

Night had fallen over the entire Origin Island, and lights twinkled on the distant dock.

He took a deep breath of the sea-scented air, and with a light tap of his toes, his figure vanished into the night.

The hot winds of Alabasta, whipping up scorching yellow sand, stung people's cheeks.

Ace leaned against the weathered wooden wall of the bar in Yuba Town, a half-empty bottle of rum in his hand, his hat pulled low to hide the weariness in his eyes.

He had been pursuing Teach for three whole months.

He chased that guy from the West Blue to the Grand Line, but that guy was like Nezumi in a gutter, always managing to slip away right under his nose.

The tavern owner just said that he saw a man missing several teeth three days ago, leading a few fierce-looking henchmen towards the Rainbase.

Rainbase. Crocodile's territory.

Ace tilted his head back and gulped down the last mouthful of wine, then casually tossed the empty bottle into the trash can in the corner.

Just as I straightened up, a deafening cheer suddenly erupted from across the street, accompanied by a familiar, loud voice.

"Meat! Boss! Bring me all the meat you have here! I want ten plates! No! Twenty plates!"

Ace stopped abruptly.

That sound...

Before he could turn his head, a figure wearing Straw Hat burst through the crowd like a cannonball and crashed straight into his arms. The force of the impact almost made him take two steps back.

"Ace!!!"

Luffy hugged his waist, rubbing his head against his chest, his voice trembling with excitement. "What are you doing here! I missed you so much!"

Ace paused for a moment, then smiled with a mixture of helplessness and indulgence, reaching out to Luffy's messy hair. "I was about to ask you that too. Why aren't you being a proper pirate? What are you doing in this desert?"

"Luffy! Slow down!"

A group of people followed closely behind. The orange-haired girl at the head of the group was panting heavily, her hands on her hips. She froze when she saw Ace holding Luffy. The green-haired swordsman immediately put his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes warily scanning him up and down.

The long-nosed man, hiding behind a reindeer, peeked out and muttered, "Wow... he's so hot! Could he be a fire-elemental user?"

"Hello everyone." Ace smiled and nodded at them, then reached out and pulled Luffy off him. "I'm his brother, Portgas D. Ace."

"Elder brother?!"

The Straw Hat Pirates gasped in unison. Nami glanced at Ace, then at Luffy foolishly beside her, her face filled with disbelief. "You actually have such a normal brother?"

"Hey! What do you mean?!" Luffy shouted in dissatisfaction.

Sanji, a cigarette dangling from his lips, walked over and gave Ace a gentlemanly bow. "Hello, I'm Sanji, the Straw Hat Pirates's cook. I've heard Luffy say he has a very powerful older brother, and seeing him today, I can confirm it's true."

"I wouldn't call myself amazing, just a little better fighter than this kid." Ace chuckled and patted Luffy on the shoulder. "You guys came to Alabasta because of Crocodile, right?"

"Yeah!" Luffy clenched his fist, his eyes sparkling. "That bastard has ruined everyone here, I'm going to beat him to a pulp!"

Ace's smile faded slightly, and his tone became more serious. "Crocodile is Shichibukai; he's not so easy to deal with. Be careful, and don't be too impulsive."

He paused, then took the black Den Den Mushi from his pocket and handed it to Luffy: "Take this. If you encounter any danger, call me. No matter where I am, I'll come right away."