In just over ten minutes, Naruto had already crossed the Calm Belt, re-entering the territory of the Grand Line.
Some familiar islands appeared below him.
However, Naruto didn't plan to waste time here. He intended to fly directly to Egghead Island in one go.
But before that—
Naruto's figure paused in mid-air. He first scanned the airspace within a dozen kilometers using Observation Haki, confirming no living creatures were nearby.
Then he closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into his mental space.
...
Mental Space.
The scenery here was closely related to Naruto's state of mind.
Long ago, it had transformed from a dark, damp sewer-like environment into a more open, bright one.
Countless warm rays of light illuminated the surroundings, satisfying its sole 'inhabitant'.
—Of course, what was even more satisfying was that Naruto had removed most of the shackles formed by [Adamantine Sealing Chains].
Currently, Kurama, in Naruto's mental space, was really on vacation.
The reason for such trust was partly learning of Kurama's origins, and partly the trust gradually built up during previous battles.
Most crucially, even if Kurama wanted to cause trouble now, it posed no threat to the current Naruto.
After all, the Otsutsuki Clan naturally suppressed Tailed Beasts.
If not for not knowing where to put it, Naruto might have already 'released' Kurama.
Because no matter how many times it said, "I have no interest in human mating," Naruto always felt a bit uncomfortable.
He didn't have any unspeakable fetishes.
"Hmm? Naruto? What brings you here?"
From its drowsy appearance, it was clear Kurama had been sleeping.
Couldn't blame it.
Since Naruto's power had soared again, Kurama, being one with Naruto, also received various benefits-
Including various replenishments from the mental space.
This wasn't strange.
Originally, one Otsutsuki could be divided into multiple Tailed Beasts.
But Naruto, who was more 'Otsutsuki' than a typical Otsutsuki, only had to sustain one fox.
Even without deliberate enhancement, Kurama's current power far surpassed its former self.
By its own estimation, it might even have exceeded its 'complete' self before being split.
"Kurama, remember what I asked you earlier?"
"Earlier?"
Still groggy, Kurama spaced out for a moment, then finally remembered what Naruto had asked on Amazon Lily.
"Oh… didn't I say? Didn't sense anything."
Kurama flicked its tail, then noticed Naruto's grave expression, its tone also becoming serious.
"...What exactly happened?"
Naruto was someone who could defeat Kaguya. Kurama knew whatever could make this guy so wary was definitely no small matter.
"Earlier..."
Naruto hesitated briefly, then explained the feeling of something being drawn from his body and something new being fed back.
"This kind of ability... I can only think of the Sage of Six Paths or Kaguya."
However, from what they knew, the Sage of Six Paths didn't seem capable of crossing worlds. As for Kaguya... could it be she wasn't completely dead?
The man and the fox exchanged glances, then simultaneously began searching up and down in the mental space.
They practically dug three feet deep but found nothing.
"Seems the problem might not be here."
Kurama didn't sound too confident saying this, as it had never encountered such a situation before.
Naruto remained silent, his expression not good.
'Was it Kaguya? Or Imu?'
From what he knew, Imu could indeed influence things millions of miles away regardless of distance, so suspecting him wasn't unreasonable.
But if he could already influence him, why didn't he simply possess his body like he did with the Five Elders?
Now, aside from Kurama, there was no other Kaguya inside him to take the fall.
No matter how he thought about it, Naruto couldn't make sense of it.
After scanning the mental space up and down several times, he reluctantly withdrew.
Regaining control of his body, Naruto transformed into his complete 'Otsutsuki form'.
Not just for flying, but to further enhance his mental power.
One red, one white, one black… three eyes simultaneously opened wide, mental power amplified to its limit at this moment.
At that moment, even the finest dust in the world was infinitely magnified in Naruto's perception.
Such inexplicable anomalies were too unsettling.
Especially with an enemy still hiding somewhere, it was even more disturbing.
Naruto didn't even know what exactly he had lost or gained within his body.
After several fruitless checks, he hovered silently for a few seconds, then quietly made a decision.
Indeed, for an enemy with bizarre methods like Imu, as long as he lived, Naruto couldn't be at peace.
Since he couldn't figure out what had happened to him, then just eliminating all potential enemies should work, right?
His thoughts cleared at this moment.
"Hah... I have business now. I'll let you live a while longer."
Saying so, Naruto took out Stussy's Vivre Card.
Actually, not just Stussy's… he also had one of Hancock's.
As for Karin and Sasuke, who were out adventuring... it was fine. If necessary, he could summon them back urgently using the Summoning Technique.
Having decided, Naruto didn't plan to delay further.
'Although flying was fast, when it came to travel speed, nothing beat—'
The air suddenly tore as if ripped apart, revealing a huge black void.
Naruto stepped in without hesitation.
'Hmm... after reaching Egghead Island this time, next time I could directly use [Yomotsu Hirasaka] to get there.
Thinking this, Naruto's body crossed through space.
The next moment, a vast expanse of architectural ruins appeared beneath Naruto's feet.
Though ruins, from the materials and carved patterns, it wasn't hard to imagine how prosperous this place once was.
No wonder.
After all, this was once where 'gods' lived.
"Huh?"
On the ruins, a pirate scavenging with his companions suddenly looked up.
"What's wrong?"
His companion asked warily, subtly tucking a found 'treasure' into his clothing.
Simultaneously, he marveled inwardly, 'As expected of the Celestial Dragons. Even in ruins already picked over by who knows how many people, there were still so many treasures.'
"Nothing. Just felt like someone was watching me."
The man spoke hesitantly, then shook his head.
"Probably an illusion... Wait, did you find something good?"
"No! These are just ordinary utensils..."
"Let me see!"
And there were many like these two pirates on this land.
"Tsk… when did Mary Geoise become like this."
The crimson Sharingan on Naruto's forehead opened, wantonly casting Genjutsu on everyone below.
Even though he wasn't proficient in this technique, the device's level was too high. Just casually using it could unleash Genjutsu nearly on par with the Mangekyo Sharingan's Dojutsu.
Because of this, he could swagger among the scavengers, and even if he pushed them aside, they remained completely oblivious.
That's Genjutsu.
Dominating the five senses wasn't just optical invisibility.
If this eye were in Sasuke's hands, he might truly achieve [Infinite Tsukuyomi].