Suddenly, there was a baby in the house.
Inside the cramped room, two adults and a child gathered around a futon. Lying atop it was a tiny baby boy, staring wide-eyed at the world with innocent curiosity. While Naru and Garp studied the newcomer, Dadan looked as though half her soul had drifted off into the void.
With a groan of resignation, she got up and muttered something about needing a drink. She shuffled off to drown her sorrows in beer, grumbling the whole way about how her hideout was starting to look more like a daycare center.
It had all happened so fast. Garp had casually dropped the news that she'd be caring for another kid, then vanished, only to return an hour later with a sleeping baby in one arm and a bag of baby supplies in the other.
Now, Naru was frowning thoughtfully at the little boy Garp had brought from who-knows-where.
"Who's this, Grandpa?" she asked.
He could not have kidnapped someone's baby… right?
"From now on, he's your little brother," Garp declared, as if announcing what they were going to have for dinner.
"You didn't steal him, did you?"
"What a rude brat! Do I look like a bandit to you?"
"Well…"
"Okay, never mind. Don't answer that," he cut her off quickly. "I didn't steal him. He's your brother."
Intrigued, Naru reached out and poked the baby's chubby cheek, only for her finger to be caught by a tiny, determined fist.
"Well, does my brother already have a name?"
"In fact, he does have a name. His name is Ace."
"Hello, Ace! I'm your sister!" Naru said brightly, accepting Garp's declaration without hesitation. If he said Ace was her brother, then he was her brother from now on.
Garp watched the two children interact. Ace seemed to like Naru already, smiling as he reached for the strands of blonde hair dangling near his face.
Something flickered in Garp's eyes as he observed them with a deep thought, maybe even concern, but whatever it was, he did not voice it.
"You can take care of him, right?" he asked suddenly. "Now that you're a big sister, it's your job to protect him. Teach him right from wrong. Keep him safe."
Naru nodded solemnly. As strange as it all was, the thought of being a big sister excited her. Even if Ace's sudden appearance raised more questions than answers, she liked the idea of having someone to look after.
"Good! I knew I could count on you!" Garp beamed.
Since Ace had claimed her futon, Garp made a mental note to bring another from his old house in the village. He had only brought the bare essentials such as milk bottle, formula, baby clothes, diapers. As he listed what else he'd need next time, Naru's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Grandpa?"
"Hm? What is it?"
"Are you leaving soon?"
Garp scratched his chin. "Yeah. I'll be heading out in two days."
"To that place called the Grand Line?"
He blinked. "You know about the Grand Line?"
"I read about it in those old newspapers you left lying around," Naru said casually.
Chuckling, Garp replied, "Next time, I'll bring you some books about it."
Naru's eyes lit up. "Really? Okay!"
Garp watched her for a moment longer before asking, "Do you want to go there someday?"
Naru shrugged. "Maybe? I haven't thought about it. But it sounds interesting."
"What about becoming a Marine?"
"A Marine like you?"
"Being a marine gives you power. You know, the kind you can use to protect people. Yourself, your brother, the weak. It's a good path."
'Power to protect, huh?' Naru found that oddly compelling.
Nobody had told her directly about what Garp was doing for a living, but she had pieced it together from the newspaper. Turned out, the old man was a big shot in this world.
Monkey D Garp, the infamous Vice Admiral of the Marine.
He was a living legend.
The first few people she had seen upon waking up to this strange world, were her grandfather, and a man who was supposed to her father. The father whom he hadn't seen since that night.
Soon after she woke up, she had been abandoned twice. First by her father, then again when Garp handed her over to Dadan and her bandit crew.
Naru did not ask Garp or anyone else about her father. Nor did she even plan to ask about the mother that had given birth to her body. She knew that this world was just as dangerous as the shinobi world, and the possibility of dying due to childbirth was a normal case in both worlds.
If no one wanted to talk about her father or her mother, then she would not bring it up either.
And as for her appearance…
It had been a shock, the first time she saw her appearance reflected in the water. She was not the daughter of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina anymore, so she had expected herself to look different. But blonde hair, blue eyes, and the whisker marks?
The whiskers had to be Kurama's doing. That was her best guess. As for the rest, she probably took after her second mother, well whoever that was.
It would be lie to say that she was not curious of who was the person that gave birth to her body, of course. However, Naru had always been aware that a lot of mothers often died in childbirth. It was a harsh truth in both her old life and this one.
And now, with Ace's arrival, there were even more questions swirling in her head. But for now, she kept them to herself.
Back to Garp, the marine hero. The old man had power, no doubt. And if she became a marine too, she could rise just like he had. Maybe even higher.
But—
"If I become a Marine, would I have to take orders?"
Garp raised an eyebrow at the unexpected question. "Well, yeah. Even the Fleet Admiral answers to the World Nobles."
So even at the top, she'd still be under someone else's thumb.
"Then I'm not interested."
Without waiting for his reaction, Naru turned back to Ace.
She didn't see the amused knowing glint in Garp's sharp eyes.
"Oh? Why not?" he asked, grinning.
"I don't want to be controlled by anyone."
She immediately regretted saying it. What would a three-year-old know about control and manipulation, anyway?
But instead of questioning her, Garp burst out laughing, startling both her and Ace.
He placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair with a grin. "Alright. As long as you don't turn into some awful criminal, do whatever you want. You can even conquer the sea if you feel like it! Grandpa's got your back!"
Before she could respond, he turned and headed for the door, his booming laughter echoing into the night.
"Conquer the sea?" Naru snorted softly. "What a ridiculous old man."
Still, she touched the top of her head where his hand had been moments before, and smiled.
Ace giggled beside her, as if agreeing.
.
.
.
Another three years later.
Even though Dadan and the rest of the men were far from optimistic about being forced to raise another brat, the boy eventually fit right in with their family of mountain bandits.
From the moment he could crawl, Ace was glued to Naru's side.
Whether she was collecting firewood, practicing her strange exercises that none of the bandits could make sense of, or doing chores around the house, Ace was always there, watching her with wide, curious eyes. If Naru climbed trees, Ace was at the bottom, flailing his little arms in a clumsy attempt to follow.
When she sharpened sticks or tried to catch fish in the river, he was right beside her, mimicking every movement with exaggerated concentration. Once he learned to walk, he began copying her actions in earnest, though plenty of tumbles and scraped knees came with the effort.
For Naru, being an older sister came naturally. She had played that role for many children in her past life, so guiding Ace felt familiar. She taught him everything from small chores to how to dodge Dadan's sandal whenever the woman was in a foul mood.
Ace idolized her.
He would puff out his little chest and declare, "I'm gonna be just as strong as Naru!"
The bandits always chuckled when they heard it, but Naru took his words seriously. She encouraged his curiosity and daring nature, though she also knew when to pull him back with a firm tone that kept him from diving headfirst into danger.
Their bond soon became part of daily life on the mountain. Naru, patient but strict, guided Ace with a balance of warmth and practicality. Ace, in turn, brought out a softer side of her that even she did not realize existed. He was her little shadow, her partner in crime, and sometimes her greatest headache when his wild energy overwhelmed her patience.
The bandits, for their part, became reluctant guardians. They complained about having another child around but secretly enjoyed teaching Ace their tricks. They showed him how to make a slingshot, how to hide during games of tag, and even how to play cards, though Naru quickly put a stop to any gambling habits before they could start.
Dadan herself acted as if she did not care, but her actions told another story.
She barked commands like, "Stop crying, brat! Eat your food!" yet she was the first to scold anyone who treated Ace too harshly. She yelled at Ace for being too loud and at Naru for dragging him into her escapades, but more than once, she was caught sneaking extra food onto their plates.
"It's just leftovers," she would growl defensively whenever the bandits teased her.
By the time Ace turned three, he had become a whirlwind of energy and mischief. He loved to climb, run, and laugh, his wild black hair sticking out in every direction like a storm. Naru often joked that he was part monkey, and Ace embraced the comparison with glee, swinging from low tree branches whenever he could.
The two of them became inseparable, a perfect sibling pair that balanced each other out. Naru's calm confidence tempered Ace's fiery spirit, while Ace's endless enthusiasm brought life and color to Naru's otherwise straightforward nature. Together, they turned the mountains into their playground, filling the air with laughter, shouts, and the occasional scolding from Dadan.
Life with the Dadan family was far from perfect, but for Naru and Ace, it was home. A messy, chaotic, imperfect home that, despite everything, gave them what they had both longed for.
A family to call their own.
.
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.
Like many fishing villages, Foosha Village was a peaceful place with a small population. Yet despite its quiet nature, it was well known across the island as the birthplace of the infamous Marine hero, Vice Admiral Garp.
Garp had spent many years in Foosha Village before leaving to pursue his career in the Marine force. However, he often returned for short vacations, a habit that reassured the locals of his enduring attachment to the place. His mere presence was enough to guarantee the village's safety, as it automatically fell under his protection.
It was common knowledge that ever since Garp's rise to fame as a marine who could rival even the late Pirate King, no outlaw with any sense dared to stir trouble in Foosha Village.
The village's small port was quiet that night, disturbed only by the gentle creaking of a large ship moored at the dock. Its towering sails carried the unmistakable seagull emblem of the Marines. Even a quick glance was enough to identify it.
If the sails did not make it obvious, the sight of men in crisp white and blue uniforms did. Most villagers were familiar with Garp's crew, as they regularly accompanied him on his visits. But at this late hour, long past midnight, the villagers were sound asleep, sparing the marines from the usual crowd of cheerful greeters.
Mindful of the hour, the marines moved with quiet precision, careful not to disturb the peace.
"Garp-san, will you be resting at your house tonight?" one of them asked, addressing the Vice Admiral, who still wore his uniform and his trademark dog mask.
"Of course I will. Why would I stay here if I have a house?" Garp replied bluntly.
"Then, Garp-san, have a pleasant rest!" The marine saluted him smartly.
With a casual wave, Garp set off toward his old home. Nestled at the edge of the village near the base of Mt. Colubo, the house stood in a quiet, secluded spot. It also sat conveniently close to the mountain trails that led to his grandchildren's current home.
As Garp stepped into the yard, he paused. His sharp eyes narrowed at the sight of a lone figure standing by the front door. Cloaked in shadow, the person faced him silently.
Garp's posture stayed relaxed, though his gaze sharpened on the silhouette.
"Here to turn yourself in?" he quipped in his usual dry tone, continuing forward without hesitation.
The figure turned fully, the dark cloak shifting slightly. Garp's steps slowed when his eyes caught the small bundle resting in the man's arms.
"Dad," the man greeted him 's expression shifted to one of deadpan exasperation. "Another one?"
Dragon said nothing, his face impassive as ever.
Garp snorted, crossing his arms. "You sure worked hard, huh?"
"…"
"Well," Garp muttered, the corner of his mouth twitching into a faint smirk, "at least I won't have to worry about the family bloodline."
"…"
.
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.
It was already deep into the night when Naru sensed two distinct presences approaching the house. She immediately recognized Garp's familiar presence but hesitated over the other individual.
Knowing full well that Garp had the notorious habit of being loud and oblivious to the hour or situation, Naru quietly slipped out of the room she shared with Ace and padded silently to the living area. The other men sprawled across their futons remained blissfully undisturbed, snoring peacefully as she moved like a shadow toward the main door.
She opened it just in time, just before Garp's fist could thunder against it and rattle the whole house awake.
"Grandpa," she greeted flatly, her eyes meeting his with mild exasperation. It had been several months since she last saw him.
With his fist still in midair, Garp froze, surprised to see his granddaughter appear without a sound or a trace of presence.
"How come you are still awake at this hour?" he asked, lowering his fist with a huff. He reached out to ruffle the short, blond strands on her head, a habit he had maintained since she was a baby. Considering his tall, burly frame, he had to bend his knees slightly to reach her properly.
Naru scowled, glaring at him as her short hair was tousled into what now resembled a small, unkempt bird's nest. "And what are you doing here in the middle of the night? You do realize you could have waited until morning, right? Everyone else is asleep," she said as she tried to fix her hair as best as she could with her fingers.
"What a cold treatment," Garp commented when she did not even ask about his well-being but instead reprimanding him for visiting at such a late hour. However, despite his words, he did not appear to be offended at all. Instead, his grin became wider.
Naru ignored him, shifting her gaze to the figure standing a few steps behind him. "And that person is?"
The cloaked man stiffened under her piercing stare and cleared his throat awkwardly. "...Hello."
She tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing. He might have thought she did not recognize him, but how could she miss the distinct red tattoo etched across the left side of his face?
Who else would it be if it wasn't her cheap father? The father she had not seen since the night of her rebirth.
Still, she kept her face blank. This was supposed to be their "first" meeting. With a polite nod and composed tone, she returned the greeting with a simple, "Hello," as though he were just some passing stranger.
An awkward silence settled between the three of them. Naru made no effort to inquire about the man's identity, and Dragon seemed unsure of how to approach the daughter he had not seen in years. Eventually, both father and daughter did nothing but play the staring game.
It lasted for almost half a minute before Garp decided to intervene, much to Dragon's quiet relief.
"Are you two done?" It was obvious that the father daughter's awkward interaction was amusing to him, the elder of the small family.
"Who is this, Grandpa? A subordinate of yours?" Naru asked deliberately, choosing to stay ignorant.
Dragon grimaced, but Garp burst into laughter. "That's a good one! But people like us don't just become someone else's underling."
Naru arched a brow. "Don't you take orders from the Fleet Admiral?"
She still remembered the conversation from a few years ago, mostly him complaining about his superiors.
Garp's grin widened. "If I truly acted as I wanted, not even Sengoku or those crusty fossils at Mary Geoise could force me to lift a finger."
"Oh?" she replied, mildly intrigued. So he could be a rebel when he wanted. She was unsure if that was comforting or worrying.
Dragon, however, knew his father well. He cleared his throat as if to signal a shift in the conversation.
Garp, realizing he had said too much, changed direction. "Anyway, this man is your father. You real full-blooded father, and my son."
Dragon winced at the blunt announcement, almost flinching under the look his daughter gave him. It was a gaze filled with judgment, silently questioning his presence.
Just like how he had not seen his daughter for almost five years since that night, he also had not appeared before his father for the past several years. Earlier, as they climbed the mountain, Garp had decided to fill him in on a few details about his first-born daughter.
Naru was a prodigy. As with any prodigy, she was mature and sensitive to her surroundings. She had never once asked why her parents were absent or why she had to stay on the mountain with a group of bandits, even though her grandfather was a marine hero with wealth and a house in the village.
Dragon felt guilt for his absence, but circumstances had left him with few options. Hiding her on the mountain had seemed the safest choice. He had come seeking Garp's assistance because blood was thicker than water, even when old men disapproved of criminal choices. Garp could never refuse his family, especially when his granddaughter was innocent.
Dragon finally stepped forward hesitantly, his voice soft. "Yes, I… am your father. You have grown so much since I last saw you." He immediately cringed at the words.
Of course she had grown. Five years had passed.
At the side, Garp snorted at his darn son lousy attempt to start a conversation, and based on the unimpressed look of his granddaughter, she most likely thought that Dragon was being ridiculous as well.
The sound of chirping crickets in the background didn't help either.
"So why have you decided to show up now?" Naru asked without much expression on her face.
The words felt like icy blades stabbing straight into Dragon's heart. He tried not to let it show, but inwardly he scrambled for a response that wouldn't make him seem even more like the world's worst dad.
Regardless of how smart and mature she was despite her age, as a father, he thought that Naru must have felt aggrieved.
Naru thought carefully about what to say. Now that he had admitted his identity as her father, Naru couldn't help the small bit of resentment that suddenly surfaced in her heart.
Truth be told, she had never truly held a grudge, having no memory of being loved by her parents in either life. She was already twenty-two mentally and had enough people who cared for her like her brother, her grandfather, and the Dadan family. That was more than enough.
However, she was after all, a human being with feelings.
When she first woke in this world, a small part of her had naively hoped that she might finally experience the warmth of a real family. That fragile dream shattered not long after when the truth settled in, which did not take long for her to figure out.
It would be a lie to say that she was not disappointed, but she had buried the disappointment and decided to focus on those who were present in her life.
Now, standing face to face with a man who could have been part of her life, the old feelings of disappointment returned, now dressed as quiet resentment.
Still, she kept it in check. She was not a teenager prone to emotional outbursts anymore. And although this man had been absent, she sensed no malice in him. If anything, his presence radiated sincerity. The affection in his eyes, though awkward, was genuine.
Anyway, Dragon still had not responded to her question.
But her curiosity was answered by a sudden crying of a baby that startled the three of them.
Naru felt weird. Ace could not be considered a baby anymore, and he never cried like this since he passed the first year of his life. Plus, the crying did not sound like him at all.
Her eyes went to the flustered Dragon, who suddenly started to pay attention to the bundle that he carried in his arm.
Huh? Naru was confused, but soon after that, she made a weird face as she realized what it was that had such a weak presence that could barely be felt.
In the name of Uchiha Madara, "That's a baby," she said out loud. She looked at Garp and saw that he didn't seem as surprised as she was.
Seeing that Naru had finally noticed the bundle in his arm, Dragon cleared his throat and awkwardly said, "This is your younger brother. He was born not too long ago… and his name is Luffy."
"…." Naru just gave him a silent stare.
"…." Dragon was silent due to Naru being silent.
"…." Garp stayed silent, watching the drama unfold like his favorite late-night soap opera.