A/N: REVIEW FOR IT FEEDS MY ETERNAL ENGINE OF CREATION!

WHYYYYYYY AM I BEING DRAGGED TO ANOTHER WEDDING AT THE CRACK OF DAWN?! Across the country, no less!

No, no, no! I don't wanna go! Nein! Nyet! Nunca!

*bangs head feverishly against desk*

Someone save me! Help!

Tasukete!

Trust me my dear reader, if you've had someone all but ditch you at the altar you'd be a bit...jilted towards them yourself. Doesn't help that my family's sodding HUGE; meaning get-togethers are absolutely bonkers in the summer. Well if I'm getting dragged into this thing again I can at least give you all an update...

Feels good to be back again!

Got a huge outpouring of support that, and I really wasn't expecting it!

A lot of people are expecting Naruto and Doflamingo to clash, but the reality is that this might not happen. What with Doffy getting called away to Marineford in preparation for Whitebeard's attack, he may well end up leaving Dressrosa in the hands of his subordinates. That's REALLY not a good idea considering there's a Logia in their midst. At present he thinks next to nothing of Naruto. And why should he? They've never met. As far as he knows, Naruto's just someone who broke curfew and got away. Nothing to concern him. Time will tell if he comes to regret underestimating him...

Now if the entire Donquixote family gangs up on Naruto, he's going to have some problems, but he's not foolish enough to let that happen.

...or is he?

This plays into Naruto's favor in the following ways:

(1) Few actually SAW him explicitly using his Logia abilities, only his hammer. Most merely assumed it was a freak storm.

(2) Baby 5 and Monet ganged up on an exhausted Naruto-with the latter wounding him-and he got away by calling down a lighting strike for cover. I feel I should also add that Monet isn't on Punk Hazard yet, seeing as this is before the timeskip. So she's got all her human features. No wings or talons for her! In reality, Monet can likely give Naruto a good fight, considering his abilities.

(3) Of course his abrupt landing's going to draw some unwanted attention his way; namely the likes of Kyros and Viola/Violet. And of course, the dwarves. Mind you, this has the potential to go wrong VERY fast because Sai, Bartolomeo and the others aren't present in Dressrosa yet.

One slip and...well...

...bad end.

Now then, as promised...

...Time for some One piece humor~!

I hope you'll laugh reading this just as much I did writing it!

Also, if you think Naruto's the type to fall for someone at first sight...

...well, this chapter out to prove some things. For starters, he isn't the swooning type.

If anything he's a bit blunt when it comes to women...much to a certain someone's consternation.

This Naruto may be a bit older and bit more worn out than the others I've written...but he's still got a heart of gold. It also goes to show just how much one person can change fate; especially if they're willing to take a stand against injustice...

...and yes, his memories will soon return, and boy will those be a shocker for all involved! This future quote ought to give a hint as to just what's about to transpire here.

"Are you that much of a fool?! You're outnumbered. You can't possibly hope to win!"

"Ah. I see, now. So you're telling me this country is controlled by Doflamingo."

"Do you understand now?! You're still no match for Doffy, so just stay-

"Whether I'm a match or not doesn't matter! This is wrong!"

"Idiot! Why put your life on the line again like this?!"

...because you made her cry."

~?

When in Dressrosa...

"Hmm? A storm?"

The Den Den Mushi regarded Trebol with an expression of mild intrigue...and perhaps a touch of annoyance. Whatever truth lurked in his remained hidden behind those glasses, that cheery grin. If he was at all concerned about the invader, the Warlord did precious little to show it; indeed, his smile never faltered. To gaze into those eyes-even separated by a thousand leagues-and tell a lie was to court death itself. While it could certainly be said that Doflamingo rarely found himself in a foul mood, it wasn't something the executive wanted to chance.

Certainly not when his liege was well on his way to Marineford!

"I'm sorry, Doffy!" prostrating himself the mucus man bowed low before the visual aid. "That intruder got away because of it! But Baby 5 saw his face! Rest assured, we're hunting for-

"Don't bother."

The snot-wielder balked in disbelief.

"Doffy?"

"I said, don't bother." Had it possessed proper arms and fingers, he suspected the mollusk would've waved them in dismissal. "There's no point in wasting manpower on some vagabond, armed or not. What can one man do?" the snail transponder scoffed. "Draw him out, capture him if you must, but I'm not concerned. If you're that worried, send Pica. Is that all you have to report?"

"But Doffy, he might be dangerous...

"And just what do you expect me to do about it?"

Trebol chewed his lower lip anxiously, not wanting to speak.

In the end, the mucus man found himself unable to hold his tongue.

"Hey," he sighed into the darkened room, "Baby Five. I need you to do me a favor."

"You need me?!"

"Oi!"

(...Minor Scene Break...)

The blazing sun beat down on Naruto's head light a vicious hammer.

A small part of him marveled at the sheer irony of that statement. Even with his face concealed in shadow of a dark cloak, he found himself keenly aware of Dressrosa's sweltering climate with each staggering step. Searing heat filled the air, flooding his lungs with humidity when he breathed. There could be no escaping it. He'd thought the heart of Saboady was uncomfortable but this...this was summer in all its raging glory. Hot and stifling, so much so that he caught himself sweating beneath his disguise.

"Gah, that was close!" he muttered crossly to himself, flinching as a fresh stitch of pain shot up his side. "I almost died!"

His wound throbbed painfully with every step, an agonizing reminder of his hastily bandaged wound. He'd had to cauterize it to stop the bleeding last night; the pain had been such that he'd nearly blacked out. Even now the stitched in his side protested when he put too much weight on his right leg. Whomever had attacked him had clearly imbued the blade with haki, else he would've been able to escape unharmed. They'd know what they were doing too; a few inches more to the right and they would've pierced something vital.

Ah, but the will to live is a powerful thing and this young man was no exception.

Rnnrgle.

"Damnit," grumbling softly, he cast about for a source of sustenance. "I haven't eaten anything in ages...oho! Food!"

A few kinds words to an old woman won him an apple from a nearby stand and helped calm the beast within, but not enough to sate his hunger. He soon pent what little coin he possessed on a bottle of chilled sake and a hunk of fresh meat Savoring his newfound treat, the whiskered sage wandered aimlessly, meandering about with no particular goal in mind. Though the day was hot and the sun had yet to reach its apex, he managed to seek some shelter in the shadows of buildings where he could find them, even as the drink warmed his belly.

"Now then," he mused to himself. "Just where do I go from here?"

Throngs of people passed him by as he threaded his way through the street, but for some reason few seemed to pay him and mind. Rather, they avoided him altogether. Human and toy alike, neither paid him any heed, even when he attempted to gain their attention. One might even say they were actively trying to ignore him. Now there was something he hadn't grown used to. Seeing toys and stuffed animals strolling in the streets, walking, talking...

...just what kind of island was Dressrosa?

And why did he feel he was missing something?

Idly, his fingers brushed against Mjolnir's against his belt.

'I don't like this place. Everything's strange; but I just can't put my finger on it...

Pausing, he noted an irregular toy soldier crossing his path. Its block-shaped head turned to regard him in passing and for a moment he thought he beheld a flicker of humanity in those seemingly dead eyes. As quickly as they'd noticed one another, the one-legged thunder soldier scurried away, its body propelled by a lone skate. Within moments it rounded a bend and skittered out of sight, leaving the blond to wonder at what he'd just witnessed. He'd glimpsed a keen intelligence in that gaze, something beyond the ken of a mere toy.

Naruto frowned.

"Huh. Strange little guy. Seems familiar."

A distant tune reached his ears, teasing his attention.

Next came the faint beat of a guitar, accompanied by singing and dancing. Intrigued, he followed the notes to their source, elbowing his way through the crowd in his quest to reach them. Few protested when faced with those blazing blue eyes; bodies parted like water. Remarkably, he found he needn't search far.

There she was.

Try as he might, the hammer-wielding Logia momentarily found himself dumbstruck as he gazed up at the well-endowed vision of beauty perched on the patio before him; this gorgeous creature clutching a rose between her teeth. Without thinking, he drank in the sight of her. Slender and tall, her face framed by long, wavy hair the color of ebony-the latter pulled back and held in place by a rose-with a lock hanging to the left of her visage. Clad in a flowing, sleeveless white flamenco dress bearing strange violet polka dots and maroon frills she moved in time to the beat, light olive-skin shimmering with beads of sweat as she danced.

"Well, blow me down." he muttered, taking a moment to admire the scene.

Slim stiletto heels stamped against the ground to match the musician's rhythm, her graceful body moving in silent tandem to the melody. Undulating and twining, her form was a thing of primal passion that few could ever hope to match. With each passing moment she twirled faster and faster, her hands clapping to match that of the guitar. Almost against his will, his right foot began to tap in time with the raucous tune. It stirred something in him, not just the melody

The music guttered out abruptly and the dancer ceased all movement to strike a pose with her arms entwined above her head.

Voluminous chest heaving, she turned to face the crowd.

As one, they erupted with praise.

"How intense!"

"How fascinating!"

"You're the best dancer in the world, Violet-chan!"

Violet?

At least he had a name to match her face, now.

A sudden breeze snapped Naruto's hood back and their eyes met.

Even from this distance his keen gaze saw her mouth curl into a warm smile.

In a single fluid movement, the dancer took the rose from between her teeth and cast it at him. Instinctively his hand snapped up and caught the flower. Cradling the thorny bud in his palm, Naruto felt himself arch an eyebrow. He was admittedly a stranger to the ways of Dressrosa and its customs, but even a blind man knew what a red rose symbolized. Beauty. Love. Passion. Likewise, the thorns served as a remind that the latter could be painful. Least of all one deliberately flung headlong in his direction. A small part of him felt preened that this "Violet" had singled him out in the first place. The rest...

Much to his consternation, the woman winked at him.

In the end, paranoia finally won the day and he stalked away.

Had he paid more attention to his surroundings, he might've seen that smile turn wistful when faced with his broad back. Alas he did not, and a series of swift strides carried him away from the cafe. Distancing himself from the festivities was one matter, but his mind lingered, unable to forget what he'd just seen. Beautiful though this "Violet" may well seem, he was unwilling to trust a stranger who started putting moves on him out of the blue. After all, he'd learned that lesson well back in the Marines...

'The Marines? Was I a marine...?'

A snatch of memory eeled through his fingers before he could catch it and exasperated, he hastened his pace.

'That settles it. This place is messing with my head. I need to get out of here before-

He'd just taken it into his head to steal a boat and quit the island altogether when a door crashed open behind him, obliterating that thought in a snarl of sound. At first, he didn't pay it any mind. He wasn't here to start trouble; if anything he wanted very much to leave this island and get back to Sabaody, if only to repay that blasted bear for sending him flying. Twice! For a man who lacked ambition, the idea of raising hell or even recruiting allies were anathema to him; he simply wanted to find a quiet place and take a nap...perhaps even recover his memories, if they ever came back to him.

Unfortunately, the universe had other plans.

"You there! Wait! Excuse me!" a young voice chirped behind him, "We caught each other's eye earlier, didn't we?"

The would-be-deity didn't deign to turn.

"Look. Whatever you're selling, I'm not buying. Why don't you just-

Turning to face the newcomer, he actually jumped.

Naruto made a squelching sound.

"You again?!"

With a start he turned to confront the one responsible for derailing his thoughts, only to find himself eye to eye with the very woman he'd been trying to forget. The earnest look in her eyes startled him; not the expression itself, rather, the face behind it. He remembered it, those eyes not yet hardened by pain and loss...a spike of pain blazed through his forehead at the sudden recollection. For a fleeting instant he felt a though he were on the verge of remembering something, of recalling a terribly important event.

Then the woman seized his hands in hers.

"Please! Hold me!"

"Wait," he sputtered, "What in blazes are you on about-

"Where'd she go?!" a distant voice echoed in his ears, "She must've slipped out the back door to this lover's alley!"

"It doesn't matter! Find her!"

Before he could demand an answer Violet all flung herself against him. Slim arms encircled his neck as she crushed her mouth to his, one leg tangling between his own for support. Grunting in surprise, the baffled blond stumbled half a step backward, somehow managing to steady himself against a wall. Frantic footsteps hastened past, but he paid them no heed. More exasperated than aroused he gave himself to the ruse and leaned in against her, a silent bulwark standing between the young dancer and her pursuers.

In short order, he would-be accosters rounded the bend and left them behind.

"Wanna tell me what that was about?" the battered blond sighed.

"Those were the police. There was this man and I...stabbed him after things went sour." she fidgeted restlessly, unable to meet his gaze. "Could you escort me to the next town if you don't-

Abruptly, Violet seemed to change her mind altogether. Almost as if she'd given up on something. Abandoned a facade of some sort. Whatever the case, her bright eyes dimmed, glimmering with uncertainty. Those slim shoulders drooped, sending her bountiful bosom swaying against her dress. Rather than continue the ruse, she gazed up at him intently. Something in those keen eyes sent alarm bells off in his head. He saw it in the way she looked at him, those amber eyes wet with unshed tears, a glimmer of nostalgia he couldn't recall.

Her mournful sigh broke something in Naruto, releasing a flood of unexpected emotion he hadn't felt in an age.

Fear.

Icy fingers of dread trailed down his spine, mocking him for his own cowardice.

Consumed by a strange unknowable nostalgia, he could only gawp at this woman quivering in his arms. Something about this felt all too real, too familiar to simply dismiss as mere coincidence. A threat of memory stitched itself through his mind, refusing to come unstuck despite his best efforts to pluck it. All the while the young dancer trembled in his grasp. Her body shook like a leaf, as though she would fly apart at any given moment. It didn't take him long to find the source of her sudden grief.

"I can't." she almost seemed to sink into despair as he looked on. "I can't do this. Not to you. Why did it have to be you?"

His very soul went rigid as she turned her head and buried her face against his chest.

...you blew in with that storm last night, didn't you? Why did you come back?"

Mjolnir all but snapped into his hand and thrust itself up beneath her chin.

"Who the hell are you?" he bristled. "Who am I to you?! Tell me!"

Her hands shifted, tan fingers twining restlessly over his.

"Please," she gasped on a sob, "Help me kill him!"

In hindsight, his response startled her.

"Nope, nope, nope!"

A/N: Had to put the Sugar and Pica bit off till next chapter; it just didn't feel ready yet, ya know?

Any guesses as to Naruto's past? I've dropped plenty of hints!

Alright, wait, stop PAUSE! Before you go any further dear reader, I'd kindly ask you to review before proceeding to the preview below. I'm really hoping to get at least a few solid reviews for this story, I've gotten so few for the others that its making me wonder if I should even continue writing here. I know they're MY stories, but I write them for you guys and gals, so you can enjoy a change of pace, a different reality in this messed up world, something to enjoy, to make yous mile despite all the violence raging around us nowadays.

After all, without feedback, what am I? TT_TT I'm terribly sorry for taking up your time and begging like this, but without those wonderful reviews I simply can't write, and if I can't write, then I'll have no reason to be here anymore, and that'd make me really, really, REALLY sad...

So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review, Would You Kindly? And of course, enjoy the previews!

Mind you, they're rough at the moment!

(Previews!)

Violet gaped at him, goggle-eyed.

"What do you mean, no?!"

"So this is the part where your friends jump me?"

"No! I didn't betray you, I assure-

He flickered and they fell.

"I stole from God himself." he growled, dusting himself off. "Taking out a few thugs is nothing. Shoulda known you would've betrayed me."

Something in his response set her off. "Betray?"

"I though you were him...but this...this is impossible. You don't remember me? Do you think you can persuade me with your lies? I don't fall for such tripe. I ate the Glare-Glare frut and became quite an insightful woman. I can see through anything. Men are all liars. You're just the same! Let me see inside your head. It must be filled with lies as well. Why did you come to this island? What is your objective? How do you intend to accomplish it? You don't have to tell me. All the answers are inside your mind."

A stray spark snarled between his teeth. "Violet, you really don't want to poke around in my head."

"Shut up, shut up, shut up! I don't believe you!" Striking a furious pose, she thrust her forehead against his.

"Peeping Mind!"

Blue.

No sooner had she dove into his psyche than she saw it in her mind's eye; a sky stained azure, encroached by towering black clouds. Confusion and fury blazed the world white, shattering her vision as bore witness to his every act, each event that had build him into who he was today. There was no greed. No avarice. A shadow of mischief perhaps, tempered by humble resolve; the jagged determination to march ever-forward, even if it meant losing everything he'd ever known. This wasn't the mind of a liar; far from it; this the mind a man for whom truth was paramount. Honor. Justice. Sincerity.

These were his virtues.

But there, overshadowing that...grief. A sorrow so powerful, a loneliness so poignant, that it brought tears to her eyes. And the memories. The bodies. So many. She began to weep.

"Your tears...I believed those, at least."

Leaning forward, he flashed her a dark rictus of a grin. "Say...just who is that you wanted me to kill for you?"

"Whoever you are...put the hammer down. If you don't, I swear I'll take off her head!"

Naruto covered his mouth to no avail, laughter bubbled out of his hands. Flailing backward, he toppled to the ground, unable to contain his mirth. His limbs trashed like live wires, no longer able to stay still as their master fell to a fit of pure, wild laughter. THIS! This was just too much! Who had a voice like that! He didn't sound anything like he looked! Not at all! All the while, Pica's face continued to twitch. Wiping a mirthful tear from his eye, the blond finally stood, hefting the hammer like a javelin, ready to be flung into battle.

"That voice! HA! You want me to put the hammer down?! Fine! I'll put it down!"

"Wait, wait, wait! That's not what I meant at all-

With a deafening crack, Mjolnir descended.

Directly into Pica's skull.

BAKRAM!

"Thanks, Kyros."

A low roar built in Trebol's ears, growing louder with each passing second.

In disbelief he whipped around.

No.

How was he standing with that wound?!

As he looked on, the blond's hair blazed blue and stood on end, his wild eyes burned away, glowing an electric white. All the while his hand snapped up, cradling a scintillating sphere of blinding radiance; one that swelled larger and larger with each passing second. Too late Trebol realized just how close he was. The hand on his shoulder was an iron vice, one he couldn't escape. The other cocked back, ready to slam that keening orb headlong into his unprotected chest. Too late again, he reared back, flailing his limbs at the lightning.

"No! Don't!"

Naruto snarled.

"Smile, you sonuvabitch!"

The keening sphere burst from his hand.

"RASENSHURIKEN!"

"Please...save my daughter!"

The blond grit his teeth and felt something snap.

"You're asking me to fight a war...I'm just one man, ya know."

"Our idiot savior has come!"

"WHO'S AN IDIOT SAVIOR, BAKA DWARVES?!"

"Don't you want to rest your head on my lap, darling?"

...you're going to stab me, aren't you?"

"Hmm? No I'm not."

"Yes, you are!

R&R~! =D