Usopp and Nami both lacked the most basic shinobi fundamentals, so their training had to start slow.
For them, laying a solid foundation was the only path toward mastering more advanced techniques. In the end, they were only able to grasp chakra extraction and basic chakra control.
Even then, their physical fitness posed another issue.
The stronger the body, the greater the life force—and the more chakra one could draw upon.
But Nami and Usopp's base physical stats were too weak. Just in terms of chakra reserves, they were already far behind the others.
So the question arose: should they begin learning ninjutsu right away, or continue physical training a while longer?
Naruto decided not to rush them into mastering too many techniques too soon.
He simply explained the basics of the Three Basic Jutsu—Clone Jutsu (Bunshin no Jutsu), Substitution Jutsu (Kawarimi no Jutsu), and Transformation Jutsu (Henge no Jutsu)—as well as some introductory training on kunai throwing and the use of explosive tags.
To Naruto's surprise, Usopp showed genuine interest in these techniques.
By attaching explosive tags to his slingshot ammo, he could turn long-range sniping into something far more dangerous and effective.
On the battlefield—especially in terrains like the Central Plains—he could use kunai to harass or finish enemies up close.
Nami, on the other hand, focused intently on learning the Three Basic Jutsu.
Even just the Transformation Jutsu held huge potential for her.
At this stage, she was probably still torn in her heart.
She might've even considered running away again.
After all, with the Transformation Technique, her methods of making money could become far more diverse and effective.
Maybe—just maybe—she'd find a way to save her hometown someday.
Naruto didn't bring it up. Instead, he placed Luffy and Zoro into a genjutsu-based training scenario and let them undergo intense simulated combat.
Then, he returned to guiding Usopp and Nami through more practical exercises.
That day, Usopp was experimenting with fusing explosive tags into his ammo.
He adjusted the ship's cannons and aimed at a small rocky island off in the distance.
The island was barren—nothing but a craggy mountain sticking out of the sea.
He loaded a shell laced with explosive tags and fired.
The shell arced through the air and struck true.
A moment later—BOOM!—an enormous explosion engulfed the mountaintop in fire.
The fusion of the explosive tags with artillery shells resulted in a blast far more powerful than either method alone.
Usopp clearly had a knack for long-range weaponry. This was likely his first time handling artillery, yet he looked completely in his element.
Naruto stroked his chin thoughtfully.
The cannon itself looked fairly standard. Nothing special.
In truth, the Straw Hat Pirates rarely relied on artillery.
By the later stages of their journey, Luffy with his Gear Third could sink ships with a single punch.
Zoro could unleash Flying Slashes (Tobu Zangeki) and cut a ship in two with a single swing.
In comparison, artillery was redundant—but not entirely useless.
Still, Naruto felt like he had overlooked something…
Wait.
Did Usopp's test fire… cause some trouble?
Naruto frowned slightly, rubbing his chin again.
Sure enough, not long after, two familiar figures leapt aboard their ship.
They were Zoro's old acquaintances—Johnny and Yosaku.
Back in the day, they had called themselves the "Sword God" and the "Blade Saint."
When Zoro had been grievously injured by Dracule Mihawk, they'd cried out in outrage and had to be restrained—otherwise, they claimed, they would've gone to avenge him.
Of course, that was all just talk.
Their combat ability was… average, at best. Just a couple of small-time bounty hunters.
Apparently, one of them had been resting on a distant island, recovering from a bout of scurvy.
But Usopp's cannon fire had drawn their attention—and lured them straight to the ship.
Since Zoro was still asleep, Naruto calmed the newcomers down and infused them with Yang Release chakra. That was enough to restore their health.
"It's scurvy," Naruto explained. "You really should learn more about it before sailing."
The illness was essentially due to a lack of vitamins—particularly Vitamin C. Spending extended periods at sea without eating fruits or vegetables could easily lead to such conditions.
If left untreated, it could even become life-threatening.
About an hour later, both Zoro and Luffy woke up.
Zoro, still groggy, recognized the two men. The three of them paused in silence, sharing a nostalgic moment.
"To be honest, we need to start thinking about this scurvy problem more seriously," Naruto said. "We need proper planning."
"Yeah!" Luffy grinned. "We need to find a musician. Music can cure any illness!"
He was dead serious, his obsession with getting a musician still burning strong.
Naruto deadpanned. "No, I meant a chef. Before we go hunting for a musician, we need someone who can cook properly. And a doctor wouldn't hurt either."
"That's the most basic ship crew configuration! What are you thinking?" Nami snapped, smacking Luffy hard on the head.
Despite being the one with the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, Luffy still got knocked around by a completely normal punch. No Haki involved—just pure Nami-style discipline.
Nutritional balance really was important.
Naruto wasn't a professional cook. And while he could handle survival meals just fine, he believed in leaving professional matters to professionals.
So yes—getting a proper chef was a priority.
After some discussion, the Straw Hats agreed to head toward the Baratie, the floating restaurant on the sea.
Naruto glanced at Zoro with interest. A faint crackle of lightning danced across the swordsman's body—he'd begun tapping into something new.
It looked like he had started experimenting with Lightning Release Chakra Mode, similar to the one used by the Raikage.
Its duration was still limited, lasting only a few minutes, but even that was enough.
Zoro's upcoming rematch with Mihawk would definitely be a spectacle.
Naruto withdrew his gaze and sat down quietly as the ship continued its course.
Before long, the floating restaurant came into view.
It was a massive, elaborately designed vessel—more of a fortress than a restaurant. Dozens of ships were docked nearby, creating a bustling, crowded scene.
Among them were a few Marine ships, which immediately put the Straw Hats on edge.
"Damn... Marines already?" Zoro muttered.
"Relax," Naruto said calmly. "We're not wanted men—yet."
"Still, with a black flag flying, they might decide to attack anyway," Sanji noted.
"They probably won't care about a small-timer crew like ours," Nami said. "Let's just get in there and eat. With so many customers, the food's gotta be good."
It really depended on the individual Marine officers.
Some were hardliners, ready to open fire the moment they saw a pirate flag.
Others were more laid-back. As long as you weren't actively wanted, they might turn a blind eye.
After all, cannon shells cost money. Why waste them on nobodies?
And if their own men got injured? That would just mean more paperwork—and more expenses.
...
TN:
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