#vinsmoke ichiji fanfiction

[captain-astors]

The Crown Prince

[zosan-secondchances]

Vinsmoke Siblings Storytime!

The context about this new blog~

I'm working on a story where Vinsmoke Judge fucked up entirely after he realised that there's no one next in line to the throne after his children.

The last of his Germa scientists concluded that they're simply too machine-like to bear their own. Judge was getting old and sick, and he knew that he didn't have a lot of time left. He decided that desperate times call for desperate measures.

The Vinsmoke siblings were forced to go through some extreme emotional and physical changes to become more "human" which entirely lead to Judge driving them away after they realised how much of a monster he really was. The siblings flee from their old home in search of a better future.

Maybe Reiju, Ichiji, Niji and Yonji want to find dreams of their own, much like how their distant brother did. Unanimously, they decide that they reconnect.

Ichiji's greatest challenges lie in managing his own emotional growth while also holding his family together. He tries various ways to make sure they don’t fall apart. Over time, he lets his hair grow long, often taking advantage of Sanji's unexpected barber skills to keep it in shape. In reality, he just enjoys being "in the chair," where he can quietly seek advice from his blonde brother about handling his inner struggles and other matters of the heart.

Niji hangs up his sword and studies up on Vegapunk. He still has remnants of his ability to use electricity, which he uses to his advantage to invent new things, including a new type of Eternal Compass which works exclusively with him and his siblings due to the unique properties of their exoskeletons. Maybe all those painful augmentations weren't all for naught after all.

Yonji seeks Zoro's guidance on regaining his strength since his augmentations have either been forcefully removed or had gone completely dormant. Zoro also gives him pointers on how to become a successful bounty hunter. In return, Yonji protects Baratie and all the islands within the All Blue, and filters out any unworthy challengers who try to claim the swordsman's title, allowing Zoro more time to address more domestic concerns.

Reiju has a deep dark secret that she thought she could take to the grave. When her brothers found out that she got hurt, they're not having it. Shit's going down.

I don't know how this story will go just yet. But I do enjoy writing and drawing ideas down.

[xxnotinmylobbyxx]

A funny sketch based on /@pkmntrainer_lex’s (on twitter) au fic called “The Endless Discussion”

[dancingintherainwithchifuyu]

Ichiji Vinsmoke x Fem Reader

Part 1

Chapter 2

About:In a kingdom where marriage is power, a princess finds herself at the center of a political scheme. When the ambitious Vinsmoke family arrives, intent on winning her hand to secure an alliance, each of the brothers vies for her favor. But it’s the stoic Ichiji who catches her attention—despite his cold demeanor and sense of duty.

Warnings:Arranged/Forced Marriage,Mild Violence, Conflict, Emotional Manipulation,Slow-Burn Romance,Toxic Family Dynamics,Class and Social Hierarchy

Tags: @fic-dumpster @omi-replies @firstdivisiongirl @kazenomegaminowanpisu @livid-basket

As (Y/N) steps back into the ornate ballroom, she takes a calming breath, determined to shake off the lingering nerves from earlier. The lights gleam off her elegant gown, making her look radiant, and it doesn’t take long for several noblemen to notice her arrival. Almost instantly, a small circle of suitors surrounds her, each one vying for her attention with polite, eager smiles and well-rehearsed compliments.

"Princess," begins one of the noblemen with a confident grin, bowing gracefully. "Your reputation precedes you. I’ve heard tales of your kindness and intelligence—qualities rare in such beauty. It would be my honor to make your acquaintance." His words are polished, yet his eyes hold a spark of ambition.

Another man, slightly younger but equally bold, quickly steps in. "Princess, did I mention I was recently appointed as captain of my father’s fleet? A mere task, of course, but one that I’ve accepted with great pride. Perhaps one day, you would grace us with your presence aboard one of my ships?" He says, flashing her a hopeful smile.

(Y/N) offers a polite nod, listening to each introduction with practiced grace. Her eyes flit between the suitors as they each take turns boasting of their achievements. One boasts of his family’s wealth, another of his talents in the arts, and yet another—bolder than the rest—leans close and promises a life of adventure beyond the palace walls.

Though she’s outwardly calm, (Y/N) can’t help but feel the pressure of their attentions building. Each man’s voice blurs with the next, the constant flattery and boasts becoming overwhelming. Her smile, however, remains as poised as ever, her laughter soft and practiced. Despite their charm, each compliment and attempt to win her over seems hollow, lacking the sincerity she yearns for.

One young lord, bold and beaming, steps up first and offers his hand with a practiced flourish. "Princess, might I have the honor of the next dance?" His voice is confident, and he looks at her as though already convinced of her acceptance.

Before (Y/N) can respond, another nobleman quickly interjects. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but I believe I asked first," he insists, stepping in front of the other man and bowing with a polite yet determined smile. "A lady of your grace deserves only the finest company."

Undeterred, a third suitor—a taller, older man with a charismatic smile—leans in and speaks, his voice smooth. "Surely, Princess, you would enjoy a dance with a man who can offer you both comfort and adventure." His hand lightly brushes her arm, causing her to step back, a bit taken aback by his forwardness.

(Y/N) offers a soft smile, keeping her composure, though her eyes dart around, feeling the crowd of suitors closing in. Their voices blend as each one tries to outdo the other, some bragging about their families' wealth and influence, others describing their supposed bravery on the battlefield or their skill in the arts. Their compliments, though flattering, feel overwhelming in their intensity.

One of the suitors, apparently more forward than the rest, dares to step close enough to reach for her hand. "Princess," he murmurs, his tone dripping with charm, "surely you wouldn’t deny a man his one chance at happiness tonight?" His words are so exaggerated that, despite herself, she nearly laughs.

"Please, gentlemen, one at a time," she says softly, her tone polite but firm, trying to steady the situation. But her plea goes largely ignored as they continue to call out, each man desperate to capture her attention.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts, and the murmur of the ballroom falls to a hushed silence.

Entering the room with an unmistakable air of command are the Vinsmoke brothers—Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji. Dressed in their formal attire, they cut a striking presence, each of them bearing the same unmistakable blend of confidence and authority that immediately puts the other suitors on edge.

The forward suitor who had reached for (Y/N)'s hand retracts it instantly, looking as though he’s been caught in some forbidden act. One by one, the others shuffle backward, some of them clearing their throats awkwardly, their initial confidence waning as they cast wary glances at the infamous trio.

Niji, with his usual smirk, seems more amused than anything, his gaze shifting between (Y/N) and her flustered suitors. "Well, well. Seems the Princess has quite the crowd tonight," he remarks, his tone teasing.

Yonji chuckles, crossing his arms over his chest, his green eyes gleaming with mischief. "I can see why. But shouldn’t we have the chance to make her acquaintance first?"

Ichiji, ever composed and reserved, steps forward, his cool gaze fixed on (Y/N). He dips his head slightly in greeting, his voice steady and confident. "Princess, we’d be honored to escort you this evening." Though his words are polite, the faint edge in his tone makes it clear that this isn’t a mere suggestion.

The other suitors, already unnerved, take the cue and disperse, leaving the Princess alone with the Vinsmoke brothers. The crowd's murmurs fill the room again, but the once-overwhelming presence of admirers has melted away in the wake of the Vinsmokes’ intimidating aura.

Niji steps closer to (Y/N), offering a playful grin. "My apologies for interrupting your… conversation, Princess," he says with a half-bow, clearly reveling in the discomfort he’s caused among the other men. "Though I’d say we’re better company, wouldn’t you agree?"

Before she can respond, Yonji chimes in, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "And if you’re looking for a dance partner, I’d be happy to volunteer. I may not be a poet, but I can keep up on the dance floor."

Ichiji remains silent, observing her reaction with his usual stoic expression, though his piercing gaze doesn’t leave her. He doesn’t need to speak to make his presence felt, and (Y/N) finds herself momentarily caught in his intense stare.

For a moment, (Y/N) feels both a sense of relief and renewed nervousness in their company. The Vinsmokes, though intimidating, are at least straightforward. And while their motives might be unclear, the attention of the three brothers is certainly something she can’t ignore.

“Princess,” Ichiji greets her, his voice as calm as his stare is piercing. He offers a slight bow, just enough to satisfy decorum. “Ichiji Vinsmoke of the Germa Kingdom.” His tone holds a subtle authority, his posture perfectly poised. He’s careful, almost too careful, as he appraises her.

Before (Y/N) can respond, the blonde beside him steps in. “Niji Vinsmoke,” he says smoothly, flashing a smirk as he bows. “And you must be the enchanting princess we’ve heard so much about.” His eyes flick over her in open appraisal, and there's a glint in them that she can’t quite read—amusement or calculation, perhaps. “Rumors don’t do you justice.”

Finally, the youngest of the three, with wild green hair, offers a brief, almost careless nod. “Yonji. Pleasure to meet you.” His grin is mischievous, bordering on challenging, as if he’s daring her to see past his casual demeanor.

(Y/N) gives a small, polite smile, though her gaze darts between the three of them. She’s heard stories—whispers of Germa’s military prowess, their calculated strength, and the Vinsmoke brothers’ formidable reputation. But in person, they are both more charming and intimidating than she expected.

Ichiji speaks first, his words blunt and efficient. “I imagine you’re familiar with our kingdom’s legacy?” he asks. “The Germa Kingdom has always prioritized strength and loyalty.”

“Yes, I’ve heard some things…” (Y/N) replies, careful with her words. “The tales are… unique.” She watches their reactions closely, not missing the brief exchange of glances between the brothers.

“Ah, but tales hardly capture the reality,” Niji cuts in with a smooth laugh. “They make us sound ruthless. But we’re much more… versatile.” He smirks, almost as if he’s enjoying her curiosity. “Strength and strategy are essential, but we also understand the importance of alliances.” He leans closer, adding in a lower voice, “And charming the right people.”

(Y/N) feels a blush creeping up her cheeks but holds her ground, feeling the weight of their presence. She turns to Yonji, who’s watching her with a grin. “Is that what Germa values, then? Alliances and strength?” she asks, only half-joking.

“Among other things,” Yonji replies, glancing around the room as if the whole place bores him. “Let’s just say we prefer getting what we want.” His tone is playful, yet there's an edge to it that makes her pause. “Besides, it’s more about respect. When you have it, most obstacles… disappear.”

Ichiji speaks again, his tone more measured, almost as if he’s trying to soften his brothers’ bluntness. “We’re here as allies, Princess, to support your kingdom’s goals. Germa may have its methods, but we value loyalty above all.” His gaze on her is intense, as though weighing her response carefully.

Reiju, still standing nearby, finally joins them. “They’re showing off,” she says with a small smile, playfully rolling her eyes at her brothers. “Don’t mind them. We’re not all as… direct.”

(Y/N) laughs, grateful for Reiju’s warmth, though she’s intrigued by what she’s learned. The Vinsmokes are clearly as formidable as the rumors claimed, but beneath the bravado, she senses a deeper motive. She has a feeling this is just the beginning—and that the Vinsmoke family has plans far beyond simple alliances.

As the music swells, Niji extends his hand. “Would you honor me with the next dance, Princess?” He flashes another smirk, and though (Y/N) hesitates for a moment, she accepts, unsure of what to expect.

As they move to the center of the ballroom, she glances back, catching Ichiji’s stoic expression, Yonji’s sly grin, and Reiju’s gentle nod. The game has only just begun, and (Y/N) realizes she’s now in the center of it, under the watchful eyes of Germa’s most powerful family.

The sound of the waltz fills the air, the elegant rhythm echoing across the ballroom. Reiju steps into the shadowed alcove, her eyes immediately locking onto the swirling figures of her brothers on the dance floor. Her gaze softens when she sees Niji leading (Y/N) through the steps of the dance. A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips, though it remains controlled—calm.

Beside her, Ichiji stands with his usual stoic expression, though his eyes follow the pair just as intently. Yonji leans casually against the wall, his arms crossed, clearly intrigued by the unfolding moment.

"She's certainly handling Niji well," Reiju murmurs, her tone light, but with an edge of approval.

Ichiji doesn’t respond immediately, his focus unwavering. His lips are set in their usual firm line, but there’s a subtle flicker in his gaze. "She’s more composed than I expected."

"She seems to know how to handle herself in the face of attention," Yonji adds with a teasing smirk. "Though, Niji’s not the easiest dance partner to manage."

Reiju chuckles softly, though there's a glint of concern in her eyes. "Yes, but she’s holding her own. There’s something about her, isn’t there?"

Ichiji lets out a quiet hum of agreement, his expression unreadable. "She’s different," he says, his voice quieter now, as if he’s mulling over the words carefully. "It’s more than her beauty. There’s an… ease about her."

Yonji looks between his siblings, raising an eyebrow. "You’re starting to sound like you care, Ichiji. Are you already charmed?" His voice is playful, though there's a hint of curiosity underneath the teasing.

Ichiji doesn’t answer right away, but his gaze doesn’t leave (Y/N), who’s laughing softly at something Niji said. The way she moves, the way she smiles—it’s something new to him. Something he didn’t expect from someone raised in such a different environment.

Reiju watches them quietly for a moment before stepping forward slightly, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor as she turns to her brothers. "I hope you aren’t making her too uncomfortable. She’s still adjusting, and we’ve been thrust into this situation quickly."

Yonji tilts his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "Don’t worry, Reiju. Niji knows what he’s doing."

Reiju gives a small nod, her gaze shifting back to (Y/N) as the dance comes to an end. She watches (Y/N) smile at Niji, clearly enjoying herself despite the tension of the evening. Reiju’s heart stirs for a moment—this is her family’s legacy they’re talking about. This is a marriage that could secure Germa’s future. But she also knows how much her brothers need this—how much they need to learn to navigate their new roles.

As the song comes to a close, (Y/N) gracefully separates from Niji, her smile lighting up the room. She looks around briefly before her eyes find Reiju, and without hesitation, she walks toward her. There’s an undeniable warmth to the way she moves, a refreshing contrast to the cold grandeur of Germa.

Reiju’s expression softens when (Y/N) approaches, her eyes glimmering with an almost maternal kindness. As she stands before her, Reiju lets out a small, reassuring breath. "I see you’ve met my brothers," she says, her voice gentle and soothing, as though offering (Y/N) a safe space amidst the overwhelming attention.

(Y/N) nods, a small laugh escaping her lips. "Yes, they’ve been very... attentive."

Reiju chuckles lightly, offering a knowing smile. "They do have a way of making their presence known. But don’t let them overwhelm you. They mean well."

(Y/N) smiles warmly, though there’s a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes. "I’m just trying to keep up."

"You’re doing just fine," Reiju says, her tone sincere, her eyes full of genuine warmth. "Don’t be afraid to take things at your own pace. No one here will fault you for that."

As Reiju speaks, her brothers continue to watch from a distance, their eyes shifting between (Y/N) and each other. There’s an understanding forming between them, though it remains unspoken—this alliance is more than just a political one. It’s a new beginning, one that will change everything.

But for now, (Y/N) stands beside Reiju, a small smile gracing her lips, the soft and warm reassurance from the woman before her helping to ground her in this chaotic world.

The music continues to play in the background, a gentle waltz that lulls the room into a state of comfort. As the evening progresses, (Y/N) finds herself standing with the Vinsmoke siblings, the weight of her new life settling on her shoulders. She had heard so many rumors about them—how cold and distant they were, how they were nothing more than tools of their father’s will. Yet, as she stands here with them, they don’t seem like the villains the rumors painted them to be.

Instead, they seem... normal. Almost.

Niji stands at the edge of the group, smiling at her with that usual charming grin. Ichiji, as ever, stands with his arms crossed, his stern face giving away little of his thoughts. Yonji is leaning casually against a pillar, his mischievous smile never leaving his face. Reiju, with her calm grace, stands nearby, but her eyes are alert, watching the room carefully. The tension between them is subtle but present—like an invisible thread that binds them together, but each sibling in their own way.

(Y/N) takes a small step forward, her voice soft but warm as she smiles at them. "It’s nice to finally speak to all of you properly. I’ve heard so many rumors, you know," she says, her tone playful. "About how dangerous and cold the Vinsmokes are."

She pauses for a moment, then adds with a twinkle in her eyes, "But you don’t seem so bad to me."

The comment lingers in the air, and for a brief moment, the siblings exchange glances, all of them a little taken aback by her directness.

Niji is the first to laugh, a smooth chuckle that causes the others to relax just a little. "You have quite the courage, don’t you? Most people are too afraid to even approach us after hearing those rumors."

(Y/N) tilts her head, her smile never faltering. "Well, I think rumors are just that—rumors. They don’t always tell the full story." Her gaze moves from Niji to Ichiji. "You all seem... different. More... human, I guess?"

There’s a small pause, and then Reiju’s soft laugh fills the space. "Human, you say? You’re the first to ever say that. Most just see us as extensions of our father’s ambitions."

"Which, in some ways, we are," Ichiji’s deep voice chimes in, his tone quiet and thoughtful. "But we're also individuals. We have our own paths to walk." He looks at (Y/N), his eyes softer than she expects. "Though not many people see that. They only see the bloodline."

(Y/N) nods, a spark of understanding flashing in her eyes. "I can understand that. It must be frustrating, having people judge you before they even meet you."

Yonji grins, his arms still crossed as he watches her with a knowing expression. "You’re not like the others, are you? You don’t seem intimidated by us at all." He steps closer, his voice teasing. "You don’t even flinch when I smile."

Her lips curve up into a playful smile of her own. "I think your smile’s nice, Yonji," she says lightly, making him chuckle. "But really, I just think we’re all human, aren’t we? We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but that doesn’t mean we should be defined by one thing alone."

There’s a brief silence after her words, the siblings exchanging another round of looks, and Reiju’s expression softens just slightly. "You’re an interesting one, (Y/N). You have a way of making others feel... at ease."

(Y/N) shrugs, her hands clasped in front of her. "I just ask questions. Like, how was your journey here? I hope you didn’t run into any trouble on the way."

Ichiji tilts his head slightly, clearly surprised by her thoughtfulness. "It was uneventful. Our trip here wasn’t anything special. But it’s not often that someone asks about the journey itself. Most just want to know our plans or how we’ll impact the kingdom."

"I suppose everyone is just trying to make sure they’re on the winning side," (Y/N) says, her voice thoughtful. "But I think it’s good to focus on the little things too. Like... getting to know the people you’ll be living with."

Yonji raises an eyebrow, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "You think we’re the type to sit around and chat about the little things? You're in for a surprise. But I can’t say I’m not intrigued by your perspective."

Niji leans in slightly, giving her a wink. "You might be onto something. We don’t often get asked about the simple things, like how our travels were. People usually want to know about our power or our... abilities."

"Well, you’re more than just your abilities," (Y/N) responds lightly. "I’m sure there’s more to you all than what’s just on the surface."

For a moment, the siblings seem almost speechless. Niji opens his mouth, but before he can speak, Reiju gently intervenes, her voice smooth but pointed. "It’s true. People tend to focus on what’s most visible. But (Y/N), you’re different. You’re not intimidated by what you’ve heard. You want to understand who we are."

(Y/N) smiles, a little sheepishly now. "I just... wanted to talk to you all. You’re not like the rumors, and that’s something I wanted to see for myself."

There’s a soft hum of silence, the room around them seeming to slow down as the four siblings look at (Y/N) in a different light. Reiju’s eyes, usually so calculating and guarded, soften with something like approval. Niji’s usual playful expression remains, but there’s a flicker of something deeper in his gaze. Yonji’s teasing smile is still there, but it’s gentler now, as if he’s been disarmed by her earnestness. And Ichiji, ever the stoic one, finds himself nodding slightly, though he says nothing.

"Well," Reiju says, her voice gentle yet firm, "I believe you’ve earned yourself a much more interesting conversation than you bargained for."

(Y/N) grins. "I’m just glad to finally talk to people who aren’t judging me right off the bat."

The conversation flows from there, the siblings no longer seeing her as just the princess they need to win over or manipulate. She’s a person—a person who is willing to see beyond the surface and ask the questions they’ve been too used to ignoring.

As the night carries on, (Y/N) finds herself feeling more at ease, the weight of her new world not quite so heavy on her shoulders. There’s something about being in the presence of these siblings, despite their reputation, that feels oddly comforting. And for the first time since her arrival, she can’t help but wonder if, maybe, this marriage might not be the prison she feared it would be.

The ballroom is full of whispered conversations, the sound of soft laughter and polite clinking of glasses filling the air. As (Y/N) converses with the Vinsmoke siblings, she remains blissfully unaware of the eyes watching her. She’s too focused on keeping the conversation going, on being warm and inviting. Her smile never falters, her tone never drops, as she asks them about their travels, about their lives, about everything and nothing all at once.

But there are others in the room, too—the nobility who look at her with calculating eyes, their whispers carried on the breeze like poisoned darts.

“I heard she’s too soft for this kingdom,” one woman says with a dismissive flick of her wrist. "She’ll never last long. Her kindness will be her downfall. She’s too naïve to understand the weight of what she's stepped into."

“I agree,” another woman murmurs, her voice dripping with malice. "A kingdom like this... it’s not a place for someone like her. She's probably too busy playing the innocent princess, but we all know it’s a game to win their hearts. She’ll be an easy target."

Their laughter is quiet but venomous, each word a little cut aimed at the heart of (Y/N). They’re sure she won’t hear it, but Reiju does. She’s standing not far off, her attention split between her brothers and the gossiping group of noblewomen. Her expression hardens as she listens to the cruel words being spoken about (Y/N).

The princess, unaware of the whispers, continues talking, smiling as she listens to Ichiji explain the finer details of his most recent mission. But Reiju’s eyes narrow, a flicker of something dark behind them. She crosses the room effortlessly, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors, her presence commanding the attention of those nearby.

She approaches the group of noblewomen, who immediately fall silent when they notice her. Reiju’s gaze is cold, and her smile sharp, her demeanor one that could freeze the very air around her. She tilts her head, voice sweet but with an edge that makes the women uneasy.

“Such interesting things I overheard,” Reiju says, her tone laced with mock sweetness. “I didn’t know our dear princess was a subject of such... concern.”

The women stiffen, suddenly aware that they’ve been caught in their own cruelty. One of them, a particularly haughty noblewoman with an elaborate headdress, attempts to laugh it off. “Oh, Lady Reiju, we were only discussing—”

“I know exactly what you were discussing,” Reiju interrupts, her smile widening just a fraction. “And I must say, it’s very brave of you to gossip about someone you barely know. Especially when you have no idea what they’re truly capable of.” She steps closer, the temperature in the room dropping with each step. “Perhaps you should remember your place, ladies. (Y/N) is not someone you should be speaking about so flippantly.”

She doesn’t need to raise her voice or make a scene. Her presence alone is enough to make the women shrink under her gaze. They exchange uneasy glances, and for a moment, the room feels smaller.

“You know,” Reiju continues, her voice dripping with a false sweetness, “I might just tell (Y/N) exactly how concerned you all are about her. It would be a shame to see such friendly advice go to waste.” Her eyes flick to each woman in turn, her gaze cutting like a blade. "But, of course, if you’d prefer to keep this... private, I’m sure we can all pretend this never happened.”

The noblewomen exchange hurried looks, their posture straightening as they attempt to salvage what little dignity they have left. “Of course, Lady Reiju. We apologize for our words,” one of them stammers, her eyes averted.

Reiju’s smile doesn’t falter. She’s not done yet.

“It’s unfortunate,” she says, voice laced with cold amusement, “how quick people are to judge others, especially when they think no one is listening.” Her gaze sweeps over the women again, her eyes narrowing with a dangerous glint. “I’d suggest you take a closer look at (Y/N) before you pass any more judgment. You never know who might be watching.”

Without waiting for a response, Reiju turns on her heel and walks away, her posture as regal as ever, leaving the women to stew in their shame.

As she returns to the corner where (Y/N) stands, the princess is still deep in conversation with Ichiji, her smile as radiant as ever. Reiju watches her for a moment before approaching, a quiet sigh escaping her lips.

She steps up beside her, her tone gentle. “I see you’ve been making quite the impression on my brothers,” she says, her voice carrying a quiet amusement. "But be careful. Not everyone here has the best intentions."

(Y/N) turns to her, unaware of the gossip that had just occurred. “Oh? What do you mean?”

Reiju’s gaze softens, and she places a hand on (Y/N)’s shoulder, a surprising gesture of protectiveness. “People like to talk, especially about those they don’t understand. But don’t let it get to you.” She gives a small, reassuring smile. "I know my brothers and I may seem... intimidating. But not all of us are as cold as people make us out to be."

(Y/N) looks at her with gratitude in her eyes, completely unaware of the conversation that had just taken place. “Thank you, Reiju. I know they’ve probably said things about me... but I just don’t think it’s worth worrying over. If I can be kind to someone, that’s all I need.”

Reiju’s eyes flicker with something like admiration, though her expression remains carefully neutral. “You’re different,” she says softly, her voice almost a whisper. “And that’s not always a good thing in this kingdom. But maybe that’s exactly what it needs.”

The conversation fades into the background, the noise of the ballroom becoming a distant hum. Reiju watches as (Y/N)’s smile never falters, and despite the sharp words of the other women, it’s clear that the princess remains steadfast in her belief that kindness could change the world.

The gentle morning light filters through the curtains, and (Y/N) stirs in bed, her dreams fading into the soft sounds of footsteps approaching. A light knock taps at her door, and three of her trusted maids;Mira, Elise, and Annabelle enter, each carrying a small tray filled with breakfast delights.

Elise, setting a tray on her bedside table “Good morning, my lady! We didn’t mean to wake you too early, but we thought you might need a little extra energy today.”

Mira, grinning mischievously as she places a steaming pot of tea on the table: “Besides, we’ve got so much to tell you!”

(Y/N), still nestled in her blankets, sits up with a sleepy smile, blinking at the trays laden with fresh pastries, fruit, and a delicate, frothy tea. She accepts a warm cup from Annabelle, who’s already giggling with excitement.

“You’ll want to hear this, my lady! I’ve never seen anything like it—so many suitors, here all for you! Some have been waiting since dawn!” Annabelle spoke sitting next to her.

(Y/N), chuckling and rubbing her eyes: “Since dawn? That’s… impressive, I suppose.”

Elise said “Impressive, indeed! But wait until you hear about last night! The ballroom was still buzzing long after you left. And—” she lowers her voice, leaning in conspiratorially, “—there was quite a bit of talk about you and the Vinsmoke family.”

Mira raises her eyebrows, offering a plate of delicate pastries as she speaks. “Everyone was speculating, my lady! There were whispers that the Vinsmoke sons were rather taken with you. Especially the eldest… a lot of the young noble ladies seemed quite put out by it.”

(Y/N) laughs softly, breaking off a piece of a flaky croissant and popping it into her mouth.

(Y/N): “Oh, dear. I didn’t mean to cause any drama.”

Annabelle, waving a hand dismissively: “Oh, it wasn’t you causing it, my lady. It was them!” She smirks, nudging Elise. “I heard one of the ladies say they’d ‘never seen Ichiji look so… attentive.’”

Elise giggles, passing (Y/N) a plate with fresh berries. “And Niji didn’t seem to mind dancing with you at all! The way he kept close was… well, very bold.”

Mira, pouring tea with a smile: “And then there’s Yonji, of course—he was following you around with a grin like a puppy. I don’t think I’ve seen him take such interest in anyone before.”

(Y/N) blushes, sipping her tea to hide her smile. She’s used to the girls’ chatter, but the genuine excitement in their voices makes her feel a mixture of flattery and amusement.

Annabelle, sitting beside her on the bed as if they’re sharing secrets: “And now, after such a grand entrance with the Vinsmokes, you have a line of suitors downstairs waiting for you. Some even brought gifts—flowers, silks, even a few precious gems!”

Elise, rolling her eyes playfully: “Oh, but some of them looked like they were just trying to outdo each other. One even asked if you’d be interested in falconry—his prized sport, apparently. As if a princess has time for such things!”

(Y/N) laughs, the image of herself with a falcon perched on her arm seeming a bit ridiculous. The maids join in, their giggles filling the room as they continue to primp and prepare her for the day.

Mira, brushing out (Y/N)’s hair carefully “I suppose they’ll all be trying to impress you, but honestly, my lady, none of them seem half as interesting as those Vinsmokes.”

Annabelle spoke up excitedly “Oh, you could see it last night, couldn’t you? Each of them seemed to have their own way of trying to charm you.”

(Y/N), thoughtful but amused “They were… different than I expected, I’ll admit. I thought they’d be so distant, with all those rumors about them, but they seemed… well, more human than I expected.”

Elise, gently pinning a few hair strands back with pearls “Perhaps they felt the same about you, my lady. It’s not every day they meet someone who isn’t intimidated by their reputation.”

The other maids nod in agreement, adjusting (Y/N)’s gown and adding delicate jewelry to complete her look. They continue to talk, sharing little anecdotes and thoughts about the suitors below, some overly eager, others almost comically trying to seem dashing.

Annabelle, smiling as she hands (Y/N) a mirror “You look beautiful, my lady. They’ll all be smitten in an instant."

(Y/N) glances at herself, taking in the careful work her maids have done to make her look her best. Their excitement and warmth fill her with courage, and with one last glance at her friends, she takes a deep breath.

(Y/N) “Thank you, truly. You’ve made all of this feel much less daunting.”

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirates Promise

Chapter 50: Not Enough

This part when he finds out about pudding and the truth makes me so sad, like I just want to hold him.

A/N:  And we are back at it again with another chapter! This is the most gut wrenching chapter I have written by far, as temptation and weakness occurred. This will quite literally shape the whole dynamic, remember that pudding is 21 for this fanfiction. And when I tell you shit is hitting fans as we speak! we got a bunch of POVs, Sanji, Y/N, Nami, and Ichiji. Thank you guys so much for following, reading, commenting, liking and reblogging this fic! I love writing it so i'm glad you guys are enjoying it too! Now without further ado let the adventure begin! 

Sanji x Reader, One Piece X Reader, Sanji X Y/N

Nami POV… 

“Let me go! You bastard!” Luffy gritted his teeth, struggling against the bindings that kept him trapped. The frustration in his voice was palpable. “Hey, warty head! Let me out! I gotta go save Y/N and wait for Sanji!” He kept biting at the bars of the cell, his desperation only fueling my own.

“Oh, fancy seeing you here! What’s the occasion, Pudding?” said one of the guards, sneering as he looked at her.

“Pudding?” I repeated, my heart racing. “Good, now get us out of here! He’s making me mad!”  urged Luffy, glancing at me, who was still trying to shake free.

“Could you open the book? I need to say something to Luffy and Nami before the wedding,” she said, making her way inside.

“Pudding…” I began, but her sad demeanor halted my words.

“This has gone all wrong,” she said, her voice tinged with sorrow.

“Hey, what gives? We went to the coast just like you said! And in turn, Y/N got taken!” Luffy’s frustration boiled over.

“Shhh, Luffy,” I hushed him, trying to keep the situation under control. “Pudding, just tell us what’s going on.”

“My brothers and sisters… they’ve done terrible things to you,” she continued, her tone heavy with regret. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the coast like I promised…”

“We don’t blame you; just pick your head up,” I said, though doubts crept into my mind. Y/N always thought something was off about Pudding. She wasn't even mean, was she?

“There’s something I need to tell you… the truth is… I met with Sanji, and he proposed to me…” Her confession hit us like a thunderclap, leaving us all in shock.

“He made me so happy…” Pudding continued, but her smile looked forced, as if she were trying to convince herself. “But still, I know Sanji said that to be nice to me, and I’m not the only one he truly wants… he wants that prin—”

She hesitated, her expression shifting. “He wants Y/N,” she finished, her smile still plastered on her face, but there was something unsettling about it.

“That’s odd,” I thought, glancing at Luffy, who looked just as confused.

“But you don’t have to worry. I’m not going to marry him… listen… I plan… to kill Sanji and Y/N…” Her words sliced through the air, and I felt my heart drop. Tears brimmed my eyes as the weight of her revelation sank in.

“What…” I whispered, disbelief coursing through me.

“So Y/N was right about you…” I murmured again, my voice barely audible.

“Pudding, wait!” Luffy shouted, trying to make sense of it all, but it was too late.

“Well, goodbye,” she said coldly, turning on her heel and walking away from the cell, leaving us in a cloud of confusion and dread.

Ichiji POV…

"I can't believe you, idiot!" I growled, glaring at Yonji, who had once again disrupted my evening with Y/N. The frustration was palpable as we made our way to our room on the 6th floor. "This is like the third time you've interrupted!" I said, still fuming.

Yonji just laughed it off. "Relax, besides, after the wedding, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy yourselves," he said with a smirk. "Now comes the important matter—your bachelor party." He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying his role as the instigator.

"Has anyone seen Reiju?" Yonji asked, glancing around.

"No clue," I muttered, still annoyed. "Guess she had something to take care of."

"Black tea or green tea! Choose, please!" sang the animated teapots, bustling about.

"I'd rather have some booze, really," said Niji, sitting down in one of the chairs, causing the teas to freeze in shock.

"But like if you had to choose..." they asked hesitantly.

"Black," Niji answered, and the black tea cheered. 

"Anyway, here's the real question: Where are Sanji and his nutty wife going to live after their wedding?" Yonji asked, mischief twinkling in his eyes. "And on top of that, where are you and your wife going to live, Ichiji?"

"Sanji and Pudding will live in Germa, of course. And as for me and Y/N, we'll also live in Germa," I said confidently, knowing my place in the family’s grand scheme.

"Good. That'll give me plenty of time for payback when it comes to Sanji," Yonji said, laughing as if already plotting his revenge.

"Sanji's wife is collateral," Father added, stepping into the conversation. "We'll keep her as a hostage, just in case our demands aren't met. After all, we are dealing with pirates."

"Ichiji's wife-to-be is also a pirate, Dad," Niji chimed in, leaning back with an amused grin.

"She's... a different element," Father replied, his tone more measured. "She's far too valuable to us."

"Nice, you're really on top of things," Yonji said, smirking as he exchanged a glance with Niji.

"What if Big Mom wants to keep Sanji as her hostage?" Niji asked, throwing the question out casually.

"What the hell are you saying, Niji? Sanji is useless as a hostage. Even if Big Mom were to take him, no one would give a damn," I said firmly, annoyed at the thought.

Yonji burst into laughter. "It’s going to be fun… having our little brother around," he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Niji smirked, leaning forward. "Speaking of which, Ichiji, are you going to finally claim your wife-to-be?"

I shot Niji a sharp glare, but this time, a smirk played on my lips. The challenge was there, lingering between us, but I wasn't about to let anyone push me into anything, especially not when it came to Y/N. The thought of her kept my mind sharp and my control intact. I was about to retort when there was a knock at the door.

"That's probably Ichiji's fiancée," Yonji teased, his smirk widening. "'Don’t keep her waiting,' remember?" he added.

I straightened up, casting a sideways glance at him. "Maybe it is her," I said coolly, though my pulse quickened. "We were rudely interrupted, after all."

I opened the door, expecting Y/N—perhaps ready to finish what we started—but instead, a group of women stood there. Their faces were painted with flirtatious smiles, and one of them purred, "We're the barmaids, here for the bachelor party."

"Yonji!" I growled, realizing his plan. He clearly had this all set up.

Yonji grinned widely, leaning back in his chair. "Relax, Ichiji. Let loose for once. Besides, have some fun." He waved the women inside, and they wasted no time entering the room, their voices giggling as they settled in.

"You know I don’t have time for this," I muttered, glancing at Niji and our father, who were already eyeing the drinks being poured by the barmaids. The room filled with laughter and the clink of glasses as the drinks began to flow. Soon another set of barmaids walked in. 

"Loosen up," Niji chimed in, swirling his glass. "It’s a bachelor party, not a funeral. Y/N will still be there after this."

I sat down reluctantly, my mind still on Y/N. The drinks came around, and despite my initial irritation, I took one. I wasn’t about to let them think I couldn’t handle myself, but I also had no intention of fully indulging.

"Besides," Yonji continued, smirking as a barmaid flirted with him, "you might as well enjoy this while you can. After the wedding, things will change, won’t they, Ichiji?"

I raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of my drink. "I’m more than capable of handling whatever comes after the wedding," I said, my tone calm but laced with warning. "Including her."

"That’s the spirit!" Niji laughed, raising his glass in a mock toast.

The night carried on, filled with laughter and teasing, but through it all, my thoughts never strayed far from Y/N. No matter how many drinks they pushed my way or how many barmaids tried to capture my attention, my mind kept circling back to her. The night may have been for celebrating, but I knew my real focus lay elsewhere.

As Yonji, Niji, and even Father indulged more, I maintained my distance, never allowing myself to be fully caught up in the revelry. I watched, calculated, and waited. The drinks may have flowed, but my control remained unshaken. This was just another part of the game, and I always played to win.

Soon enough, I’d make my way back to her. And when I did, it would be on my terms.

Y/N POV… 

The silence of my room felt unnerving. As I stared up at the ceiling, the storm outside seemed to mirror the turbulence in my chest. I was about to hit the shower when a knock echoed through the quiet. "That’s probably Reiju," I muttered to myself, heading toward the door. But as I opened it, there was no one there.

"Strange..." I murmured, closing the door and locking it, trying to shake off the unease crawling up my spine. The storm outside crackled with lightning, the flashes illuminating the room briefly, casting long, eerie shadows. "Damn storm," I whispered, feeling the unsettling weight of being alone pressing in on me. As I started to remove my dress, another knock came.

This time, irritation boiled in my chest. "I swear if this is a prank..." I thought, frustration evident in my steps as I opened the door again. Still, no one was there. I glanced to my left, then to my right, noticing Sanji’s room door slightly ajar.

Sanji… He had been avoiding me since that night, the night we were intimate. I thought back to the moments we shared, moments that felt raw and real. But he had vanished afterward, leaving me wondering what went wrong. My heart sank with the weight of those unanswered questions.

I made my way toward his room, each step heavy with dread and a stubborn flicker of hope that maybe—just maybe—I’d find solace, reassurance. But as I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my heart plummeted.

There, under the soft glow of the dim light, was Sanji. But he wasn’t alone. Pudding was there, entangled with him, her arms wrapped around his neck, her lips pressed against his in a way that shattered everything I held dear. My world tilted, and every ounce of trust and warmth I had for him crumbled.

Her voice, soft and breathy, broke the silence as she moaned his name, “Sanji…” Her tone was filled with a smugness that felt like a dagger to my heart. 

My breath caught, my entire body numb with the mix of emotions tearing through me—rage, betrayal, heartbreak—all crashing over me like a violent storm. My legs trembled, threatening to give way beneath me, but I forced myself to stand firm, even as my heart bled. I backed away, my foot catching on something, and the quiet sound echoed in the stillness of the room.

Pudding’s eyes flicked toward me, and to my horror, a smug smile crept onto her lips, as if she’d been waiting for this moment, relishing in my devastation. But Sanji… His face was a mask of horror, his eyes wide and stricken as they locked onto mine, pleading in a way that made my anger burn even hotter.

“Y/N… it’s… it’s not what it looks like,” he stammered, his voice shaking as he scrambled up, fumbling to button his black slacks, his hands unsteady as though he were desperate to undo this nightmare. His mouth opened and closed, at a loss for words that might somehow salvage what was already broken.

My hand moved instinctively to the blade on my thigh, my fingers gripping the hilt tightly as my heart twisted with a fury so intense it hurt. The blade responded, glowing faintly with a green hue—just like when Sabo and I last spoke back in Dressrosa. It was as if the weapon knew my pain, shared in it, amplified the strength I needed to stand my ground.

Sanji took a step toward me, his face wracked with anguish, his hand reaching out. “Princess…” he whispered, his tone soft, broken, as if he could mend me with that single word.

But the sound of it only made the hurt sharper, cutting into me like glass. I slapped him before I even registered the movement, my palm connecting with his cheek in a burst of pent-up pain and fury.

“Don’t call me that!” I spat, my voice razor-sharp, laced with venom.

Sanji staggered, his face a mix of shock and shame, his eyes wide as he held a hand to his cheek where my slap had landed. His mouth opened, his voice faltering. “Y/N, please… let me explain. It’s not… I—”

I didn’t want to hear his excuses. The ache in my chest had become a burning pit of anger. “I hope it was worth it, Sanji. I trusted you. I loved you,” I choked out, each word searing with betrayal. “But clearly, I was never enough. Was I?”

“No, it’s not like that!” His voice was desperate, pleading, but I was past caring. His explanations, his apologies—they meant nothing now.I stormed out of his room, my hands trembling as I made my way back to mine. But Sanji was right behind me, hot on my trail, refusing to let me walk away.

Just as I was about to close my door, he barged in, locking it behind him. "Get out!" I yelled, not wanting to be near him.

"Not until you hear me out!" he pleaded, his voice a mixture of desperation and frustration.

"Fine, then I'll leave," I spat, turning toward the balcony. The rain was pouring heavily now, the storm at its peak. I stepped outside, feeling the cold rain drench me immediately, but it was nothing compared to the storm raging inside me.

"Y/N, what are you doing?" Sanji called after me, his voice cracking with panic.

But I didn’t respond. My left hand clenched tightly, my body vibrating with energy and fury, and without thinking, I leaped into the air, landing firmly on the soaked ground below. The rain fell in sheets, quickly soaking me to the bone, but I didn’t care. I turned back, my chest heaving with hurt and anger, the cold rain mixing with the hot tears that had finally spilled over.

"Y/N!" Sanji’s voice echoed as he leaped down after me, his figure drenched in the downpour.

I turned and ran, not knowing where, but knowing I needed to get away. Away from him, away from the pain. Away from everything.

As I ran, my heart raced with a mix of emotions. The cold rain slapped against my skin, but it couldn’t wash away the betrayal I felt. Just as I rounded a corner, I felt a hand grip my arm, yanking me back with force. I stumbled, turning to find Sanji’s intense gaze locked onto mine.

“Y/N!” he gasped, breathless. “Please, just listen to me.”

I pulled my arm away, my heart pounding in my chest. “What more could you possibly say, Sanji?” I snapped, my voice trembling with the weight of my hurt. “You just... you just betrayed me!”

“I know,” he replied, his voice a mix of desperation and pain. “It was a moment of weakness. I didn’t mean for it to happen. Please, I’m begging you… just forgive me.”

“Forgive you?” I scoffed, anger flaring inside me like a wildfire. “After what I saw? You think I can just forget about it?”

The rain continued to pour around us, lightning flashing above, casting a fleeting purple hue across his face. I could see the devastation etched into his features, a broken man standing before me, vulnerable and remorseful. The sight was painful, almost enough to soften my heart, but I couldn’t let it.

“And on top of that,” I began, my voice breaking slightly, “you left me alone that night… after we were intimate.” I swallowed hard, my mind piecing together the puzzle. “Oh god, you were with her that night too, weren’t you? You left me, and you never came back. So everything you told me… everything we had, was a lie…” I whispered, the realization hitting me harder than I expected. “Zoro was right…” The words slipped from my mouth, barely audible, but Sanji caught wind of it immediately.

“Zoro?” he repeated, his tone shifting, but I could see the hurt in his eyes at hearing that name. The tension between them had always been palpable, but now, in the midst of this storm, it felt like another wedge driven between us.

“I just need time,” I admitted, feeling exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. “I just want to be alone.”

Sanji shook his head, his expression resolute, even amidst the chaos of the storm. “I’m not leaving you,” he stated firmly, stepping closer until the space between us was almost nonexistent.

“Sanji, I—”

“You can hit me, yell at me, scream at me,” he interrupted, his voice raw, “but I will not lose you. I made a mistake, and if I could take it back, hell, I would.”

His words struck a chord within me, a mixture of sorrow and anger swirling in my chest. I could feel my resolve beginning to waver, the rage battling against the flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, he truly understood the gravity of what he’d done.

“Do you even realize how much you’ve hurt me?” I shot back, my voice thick with emotion. “You don’t just get to ask for forgiveness like that!”

“I know,” he said softly, his eyes searching mine. “And I’m prepared to face the consequences. Just… give me a chance. I’ll do anything to make it right.”

My heart raced as I searched his gaze, searching for a hint of insincerity but finding none. I could see the sincerity in his eyes, the pain he felt mirrored in my own.

As the rain continued to drench us, I took a shaky breath, forcing myself to remain steady amidst the storm of emotions. “I can’t just forgive you, Sanji. Not right now. I need time to process this.”

He nodded, accepting my words, but there was a flicker of hope in his expression. “I’ll wait. I’ll give you all the time you need. Just… please don’t shut me out completely.”

I looked away, the weight of his words heavy on my heart. “I can’t make any promises right now. I just feel so lost.”

“I’ll be here, Y/N,” he said softly, pulling me in closer, wrapping his arms around me in a protective embrace. The warmth of his body contrasted with the cold rain pouring down, but I felt torn—safe in his arms yet utterly betrayed.

As we stood together, wrapped in a storm of our own making, I felt a flicker of hope amid the devastation. Maybe in time, we could find our way back to each other. But for now, I needed space to breathe and heal, and he seemed willing to let me find my own path, even if it meant stepping back from what we had.

The rain continued to pour around us, washing away the remnants of that night, but I knew the scars would linger.

“Let’s head back; we wouldn’t want to catch a cold,” Sanji said, trying to lighten the mood with a soft smile, but it didn’t quite reach my heart.

I nodded, preparing to leap back to my room and create some distance between us. However, before I could take off, Sanji grabbed my wrist and, in an instant, used his Sky Walk ability to carry us back to my room. The sensation was familiar, yet this time, it felt heavy with unspoken words.

As we landed, he quickly closed the balcony window, shutting out the storm and the chaos from outside. I turned away, my heart still racing—not from the thrill of his ability, but from the turmoil inside me. The cold water from the rain had seeped through my clothes, and now the chill in my room wrapped around me like a heavy blanket, amplifying my discomfort.

Sanji handed me a towel, and I took it with trembling hands, drying off as best I could. “Sanji, I would like for you to give me space for tonight...” I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I felt the weight of my emotions crashing down.

“Y/N…” he started, but I cut him off.

“Please…” I murmured, my eyes pleading for him to understand.

He hesitated, the conflict evident in his expression. Finally, he nodded, but there was a sorrowful look in his eyes that made my heart ache. Then, he leaned in and kissed my forehead, a gentle gesture filled with warmth. It would have been enough to soften my resolve in any other moment, but right now, it only deepened the emptiness I felt inside.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

As he stepped back, I felt an overwhelming wave of longing wash over me. My heart yearned for the affection he had always shown, but the betrayal still stung like a fresh wound. I watched as he lingered at the door, his back turned to me, almost as if he wanted to say more but was holding back.

“Sanji…” I started, but the words caught in my throat. What was there to say? I felt so lost, teetering on the edge of forgiveness and fury.

He finally walked out, closing the door gently behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The silence in the room was deafening, and the weight of my heartache settled in the pit of my stomach. I wrapped the towel around myself, feeling the damp fabric cling to my skin.

As I stood there, staring at the closed door, I realized how much I wanted to forgive him, how desperately I wanted to go back to the way things were before. But trust, once broken, was not so easily mended. I sank onto the edge of my bed, feeling utterly empty and exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

After a moment of quiet reflection, I changed out of my wet clothes into a fitted vest crop top and a khaki skirt. The cool fabric felt like a relief against my damp skin, yet it couldn’t fully shake off the chill of what had just happened.

"Maybe I can talk to Reiju about all this," I thought, a small flicker of hope igniting in my chest. Although I didn’t know her for long, I felt a sense that I could trust her. She did buy me time to find where Luffy and Nami were, and I found my blade, too.

With that thought in mind, I got up from my bed and began to search for Reiju in each hall of the mansion. As I walked, the echo of my footsteps reverberated through the empty corridors, heightening my sense of unease. Suddenly, I spotted a familiar figure with pink hair, walking with a slight limp, almost as if she was injured.

“Re…” I started to call out, but I quickly hid behind a corner as I noticed Pudding approaching her, a sly smile on her face. My heart raced as I watched the scene unfold, tension tightening my chest. Pudding took Reiju’s arm and guided her toward her room, her expression dripping with an unsettling mixture of concern and mischief.

Something’s off around here... and I’m going to find out what, I thought, determination surging through me. I carefully peeked around the corner, eyeing which room Pudding was leading Reiju into. It was crucial that I made my next move count.

Sanji POV.. 

I have no words to describe what I just did, let alone the enormity of my actions. It all happened so fast. One minute, Pudding was in my room, and the next, we were tangled in each other’s arms, sharing a moment of pure intimacy. Sure, she is going to be my soon-to-be wife, but still... I fell into a moment of pure weakness.

To make matters worse, Y/N walked in on us. I’ll never forget the look of pain and hurt I caused her. It wasn’t like the time I told her she meant nothing to me when Ichiji took her. No, this was pure and utter heartbreak. It was as if her whole being shattered in an instant.

How can I live with myself knowing I committed this?

Now, here I am, alone in my room, staring at the walls that suddenly feel like they’re closing in on me. Pudding must have left, frightened by the idea of someone walking in on us—especially Y/N. What was I thinking? I should go find Pudding and at least offer her an apology too, I thought, pacing back and forth, my third cigarette hanging between my fingers.

Maybe I can cook her a meal too... But no amount of anything could ease the pain and unworthiness of what I had done, how I had shattered Y/N.

My princess...

Suddenly, a knock on the door broke through my thoughts. My heart raced. Could it be Y/N? Maybe she had some time to think and came to say she forgives me? I opened the door, my breath hitching in anticipation, only to be met by a chess piece soldier.

"I have some news," he said, stepping into the room.

My heart sank as he continued, "Strawhat and the cat burglar have been caught, and the Jaguar and Soul King have been causing chaos."

Shock washed over me. This can't be happening. Big Mom gave me her word to let them go if the wedding goes smoothly. How could it be falling apart already?

The soldier's expression hardened, and he added, "Also, some of the soldiers and guards have been electrocuted, and the ties lead up to your crewmate, Princess Y/N."

The mention of her name caused my heart to flicker, a painful reminder of the chaos that surrounded us. But I stayed quiet, my thoughts racing with dread.

"That's enough..." I muttered, slamming the door in the soldier's face. I couldn't let this news shake me any further. Y/N needed me, whether she knew it or not.

I turned to the kitchen, my sanctuary, and tried to focus. Cooking always helps me think. I quickly gathered the ingredients, my hands moving instinctively. I had to make something special for Pudding—something that would show her I still cared, despite everything that had happened. But deep down, my thoughts were consumed with Y/N and the danger she might be in.

As I chopped vegetables and seasoned the meat, my mind drifted back to the sight of Y/N standing in my doorway, the heartbreak etched on her face. How could I have let it come to this? Each slice of the knife felt like a reminder of my betrayal, the weight of it heavy on my shoulders.

Nami POV…

"Luffy, stop! You can't keep this up!" I shouted, desperation creeping into my voice. My heart raced as I watched him struggle against the restraints, his determination unwavering despite the dire situation we found ourselves in.

"We'll sit here and suffer until Big Mom does what she wants with us! I refuse to die like that!" Luffy retorted, his eyes blazing with defiance. I knew that fire in him; it was the same spirit that drove him to fight against the odds time and time again. But this was different.

"I don't want to see you tear your own hands off!" I yelled, tears streaming down my face. The thought of him hurting himself—of losing him—was unbearable.

"Then let me do this my way! I refuse to die!" Luffy insisted, his voice filled with anger and frustration.

"No!!" I cried, my heart breaking as I pleaded for a miracle. I couldn't stand to watch him put himself in danger like this, especially after everything we had been through. The weight of our predicament pressed down on me, the walls of our confinement closing in.

Sanji POV… 

I looked at the bento box I created in shock. "Shoot, I carried away and made way too much," I muttered, taking in the colorful array of dishes I had prepared. "I don’t think Pudding’s appetite is this big… oh well, if she can’t finish it, maybe I can help." I began to place the wine, tangerines, and chocolate in the basket, imagining how the conversation would go. This meal was my chance to apologize, to make things right between us.

With the basket in hand, I walked out and made my way toward Pudding's room. As I approached the door, I could feel my heart race, anxiety mixing with hope.

"And just what do you want, lover boy?" came the sarcastic voice of the chocolate door.

"I came to see Pudding," I said, trying to sound casual despite the tension.

"Permission denied," she shot back.

"Please… you let me in earlier?" I asked, confusion creeping into my tone.

"No means no. Lady Pudding would like her privacy." The door sounded stubborn, and I felt my patience wearing thin.

Feeling defeated, I turned around and leaned against the wall, pulling out a cigarette to calm my nerves. "Wait a minute… I think there’s a balcony outside her room…" I thought, a flicker of determination igniting within me.

With the rain falling gently around me, I made my way toward Pudding’s window, hoping for a glimpse inside. I could hear her laughter float through the air, a sound that momentarily eased my anxiety. "Good, she must be in a good mood then," I mused.

But then something startled me. "Reiju? What’s she doing here…?" I muttered as I continued to look through the window into Pudding’s room.

Pudding’s voice rose, filled with frustration. "You cannot honestly believe I would marry that lowlife pirate?! You must be out of your freaking mind!" Her third eye peeked out, revealing the truth beneath her confident facade.

I felt my heart sink at her words. It was as if each syllable sliced through me, revealing her true intentions. I leaned in closer, listening intently.

Y/N POV… 

I couldn’t believe this asshole. Peeking once more at Pudding’s door, I spotted Sanji bringing her a basket of food. “So he brings her food, while I get left with a heartbreak!” The jealousy and frustration bubbled within me, but I shook my head, forcing myself to refocus. “No time to be mad now.”

I slowly peeked again, and to my surprise, Sanji walked in a different direction. “Great, now it’s my turn.” I thought, feeling the determination surge through me. Grabbing my blade, I noticed a new color begin to form—Violet. “Hmm, this is new.” It pulsed with energy as I emerged from my hiding spot, heading straight for the chocolate door.

“What do you want?” the door asked, its voice dripping with sarcasm.

With a swift slash, I sliced through the chocolate, removing the homie’s face. “Now, to listen behind the door,” I muttered to myself. “Don’t worry, Reiju…”

I leaned closer, hearing Pudding’s voice through the door. “You cannot honestly believe I would marry that lowlife pirate?!”

“She was talking about Sanji,” I thought, a surge of protective rage coursing through me. “Not a chance in hell!” she continued. 

“I’m one of Mama’s favorites, you know, because of my acting,” Pudding continued, her voice filled with arrogance.

“I knew this bitch was hiding something.” Rage ignited within me, but alongside it was a twisted sense of satisfaction. “I was right.”

“It was almost too easy tricking those Straw Hats! All except for one, that is... that bitch Y/N,” she said, laughter dripping from her words.

I chuckled lowly, “Just wait until I get my hands on you. It’s one thing to mess with me, but with my crew!”

“And Germa 66 is supposed to be an evil army! Keep living in your fantasy world! Mama only wants two things from you: your clone soldiers and your vast scientific technology,” Pudding said, her voice oozing condescension.

“Damn, so even they fell for the trap too, huh?”

“Do you always listen to Mommy, Pudding?” Reiju shot back defiantly.

I smirked at her bravery. “That is exactly why we don’t need you. You took the bait just like Mama planned. At the wedding tomorrow, the entire Vinsmoke family, which includes that princess,” she spat, “will be eliminated.”

“She’s planning to kill all of us?!” My heart raced. “I knew this bitch was evil.”

“I can’t wait to kill Y/N,” Pudding laughed, pulling out a gun. The shot rang out, narrowly missing me. “This gun is designed to hit the toughest armor and shields. Your technology, along with the princess’s weapons, are no match for it.”

“I heard what she did back at the library, and I also heard of her little ‘accident.’”

“I knew she was behind all that!” I muttered, fury boiling within me. It was time to make my entrance and save Reiju.

I placed my blade back in its thigh halter, clenching my left hand as I felt the violet flames course through me. Swinging my left arm back, I punched the door, shattering it into pieces.

“My, what a lovely party you’ve got here, Pudding. Looks to me it’s missing its star player,” I said with a smirk.

I noticed Reiju’s injury as she looked at me, and I felt a surge of protectiveness. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law; this fight has been a long time coming.”

“Princess Y/N, my, my, you really are as dumb as you look,” Pudding sneered, her eyes glinting with malice.

“Reckless maybe, but never dumb. God bless my crewmates, as they saw some good in you, but as for me, well, call it a woman’s intuition,” I shot back, my resolve hardening.

“You must be still hurt after finding out what Sanji and I have been doing. And let me just say, he loved every second of it,” Pudding laughed, her words laced with cruelty. 

I clenched my fists, both electricity and flames flickering around me, crackling with raw energy. "Are we going to talk or are we going to fight?" I growled, my eyes narrowing as I braced myself.

Raiban, the carpet, was first to attack, lunging straight at me. Without a second thought, I grabbed it mid-air and shocked it, sending powerful volts coursing through its fabric. Raiban crumpled to the floor. “Who’s next?” I challenged, glaring at Pudding.

Without hesitation, she lunged at me, and we crashed to the ground, grappling fiercely. Both of us fought with everything we had, but I managed to land a solid headbutt to her skull, rendering her semi-conscious. She slumped to the floor, and I stood up, catching my breath. My eyes quickly darted to Reiju.

“Reiju, don’t worry,” I reassured her as I rushed over, noticing her wound. “Once we get out of here, we’ll get that treated.”

Reiju blinked, her expression filled with confusion. “Why would you…?” she asked weakly.

I smiled at her, trying to lighten the mood despite the situation. “You covered for me when I needed it. You even helped me. It's the least I can do.”

I carefully lifted her, preparing to make our escape. But as I turned to head toward the window, a sharp, searing pain shot through my side. I winced and let out a pained yell, my body instinctively dropping Reiju.

“Y/N! What’s wrong?” Reiju’s voice was filled with concern as she looked at me.

I clutched my side, blood seeping through my fingers. “Damn… bitch got me,” I muttered through gritted teeth, my vision blurring slightly.

Pudding stood now, her face twisted in a cruel smile as she cocked her gun. “You’re not going anywhere,” she sneered, walking over to me. “I could kill you now, but that would ruin Mama’s plan. So, it’ll have to wait until tomorrow.” She pressed her heel into my wound, twisting it, sending waves of pain crashing through me.

“Agh!” I screamed, still clutching my side as I struggled to keep from collapsing.

“Raiban, grab her,” Pudding ordered, and the carpet quickly complied, wrapping itself around me and lifting me onto a chair. Reiju was tied up once again, helpless.

I fought against the binds, desperate to break free. Pudding’s voice cut through the room, dripping with mockery. “Why do you want to save them? Why do you care about the failure, Sanji?” She laughed, her words stinging.

“It’s almost pathetic.”

I met her gaze, unflinching despite the agony coursing through me. “You don’t get it, Pudding,” I spat, rage boiling inside me. “Sanji may be a lot of things. Sure, he’s said hurtful things, and sure, he’s done things that have caused me heartache and pain…” My voice wavered for a moment, but I held firm.

“But I won’t let the bad things he’s done to me affect what I feel. And I won’t stand by while you continue to hurt him.” I glared at her, my voice rising with conviction. “I said it before: I’d rather die than let anyone hurt the people I love and my crew!”

Pudding’s laughter faded slightly as I continued, my voice unwavering. “Sanji isn’t a failure. He’s the kindest person there is. That’s what makes him so special. And even after everything he’s done, I… I still love him, and I still care about him!” A single tear escaped, rolling down my cheek. “No matter how many times you try to hurt me or kill me, I won’t hold a grudge against him. I smiled through the pain, feeling the truth of my words settle in.

Pudding’s face twisted in fury. “What do you know?!” she yelled, her eyes wide with rage.

I smirked, despite everything. “Because, Pudding, that man happens to be my fiancé.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. My words seemed to pierce through her cruelty, momentarily throwing her off. But the moment of shock faded as quickly as it came. “Sad and pathetic,” she muttered bitterly.

Suddenly, I felt her hands on my head, and everything went dark.

Sanji POV… 

As I continued to listen to Pudding’s true intentions and her cruel words about me, it felt like I was punched in the face. “I really hurt Y/N... my love, my princess... for someone like Pudding,” I thought, my heart sinking deeper with every word. “But... she seemed so nice…” I murmured under the falling rain, my emotions swirling like a storm inside of me.

My mind raced with regret, replaying every moment I had hurt Y/N, pushed her away, all for the sake of this lie... for a woman who had nothing but malice in her heart.

Suddenly, a loud crash broke through the sound of the pouring rain, snapping me back to reality. I peeked out from the shadows, my breath catching in my throat as I saw her—Y/N.

She stepped into the room with a confidence that made my heart skip a beat. “My, what a lovely party you’ve got here, Pudding,” Y/N smirked, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Looks to me like it’s missing its star player.”

I couldn’t help but swoon, my eyes glued to her as I took in the outfit she was wearing. Despite the dire situation, all I could think was, “Ohhh my beloved! I was a fool.” I whispered, trying to keep my voice down so they wouldn’t hear me. “Y/N... you look like a goddess.”

Pudding’s sneer cut through the air, her hatred towards Y/N obvious. “Princess Y/N, my, my… you really are as dumb as you look,” she spat, her voice dripping with venom.

But Y/N didn’t even flinch. She stood tall, her head held high as she replied, her tone calm yet filled with fire. “Reckless, maybe... but never dumb.” Her eyes gleamed as she added, “God bless my crewmates for seeing some good in you. But me? Well, call it a woman’s intuition.”

Hearing her stand up so boldly, knowing the danger she was in, stirred something in me. My chest tightened as guilt and admiration mixed within me. “She’s risking everything... again.” All for me, for the crew, for the people she loves.

I had been such a fool to hurt her, to let her think that I didn’t care. Seeing her now, standing fearless in the face of Pudding’s malice, I felt that undeniable pull in my heart. Y/N was everything I didn’t deserve but everything I could ever want.

Then, Pudding began to taunt Y/N with memories of what we had done, and I winced, bracing myself as I saw Y/N shift from confidence to a seething rage. “Are we going to talk or are we going to fight?” she growled, and I could practically feel the electricity in the air as she faced off against Raiban and Pudding. I watched, mesmerized, as she headbutted Pudding, sending the woman staggering back. “She’s been itching to fight,” I thought, my heart racing at her boldness.

Soon, Y/N made her way to Reiju. “Reiju, don’t worry. Once we get out of here, we’ll get that treated,” she said, her voice filled with concern, even in such a dire situation.

“Why would you...?” Reiju started, confusion written all over her face.

Y/N smiled that same smile I loved, one filled with warmth and kindness. “You covered for me when I needed it, you also helped me, it’s the least I can do.” Her heart was ever so big, radiating compassion even when she was in danger.

I felt a surge of admiration as Y/N carefully lifted Reiju, preparing to jump out the window. But then a gunshot rang out, and I felt my heart drop.

“Crap!” My eyes widened as I saw Y/N fall to the floor, blood seeping from her side. “Damn bitch got me…” she muttered through gritted teeth.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Pudding sneered, her gun cocked and aimed at Y/N. “I could kill you now, but that would ruin Mama’s plan, so it’ll have to wait for tomorrow.”

“Y/N!” I whispered, helplessness flooding through me as Raiban dragged her back to where Reiju sat, tied up once more. Pudding continued her assault, her words sharp and taunting. “Why do you want to save them? Why do you care about that failure, Sanji?” she spat, laughing cruelly as her words stung me deeply. I had always been the family failure, never measuring up, especially without Germa tech.

But then I heard Y/N’s voice rise above it all. “Sanji may be a lot of things. Sure, he’s said hurtful things, and he’s done things that have caused me heartache and pain…” she said, her voice unwavering despite the pain she was in. “But I won’t let the bad things he’s done to me affect what I feel. And I won’t stand by while you continue to hurt him.”

“I said it before: I’d rather die than let anyone hurt the people I love and my crew!”

“She’d rather die…” I echoed her words, my heart swelling with admiration and something else—something deeper.

“Sanji isn’t a failure. He’s the kindest person there is. And that's what makes him so special. And even after everything he’s done, I… I still love him, and I still care about him!”

My eyes widened in shock at the revelation. “Wait?!” I thought, disbelief mixing with elation. “She loves me! She really loves me!”

“No matter how much you try to hurt me, Pudding, I won’t turn against him. I won’t hold a grudge. Because that’s not who I am.”

Y/N’s words were a powerful declaration, echoing with strength despite the pain radiating through her body. I watched as Pudding’s face twisted in rage.

“What do you know?!” she screamed, losing her composure, and I felt a surge of pride for Y/N.

Y/N smirked, a fierce determination lighting her eyes. “Because, Pudding… that man happens to be my fiancé.”

My eyes widened, and I swooned once more, my heart racing at her confession. “I know my beloved said that to have everyone back off, but now it’s meant to be!” I thought, flailing my arms in silent celebration. “She acknowledges me!”

But I quickly reminded myself to stay hidden; I couldn't afford to get caught.

“Sad. Pathetic,” Pudding hissed through clenched teeth, her anger boiling over.

Then, without warning, her hand shot toward Y/N’s head. I felt my heart drop as Y/N collapsed, unconscious. “The power of the Memo-Memo Fruit,” Pudding said with a twisted grin. “I can erase and edit memories in an instant.”

I could only watch in horror as she pulled at Y/N's memories, beginning to edit them like they were mere stories on a page. She erased the memory of our time together in the rain, the intimate moments we had shared, leaving nothing but a void in their place.

“You bitch, you slept with my fiancé!” Pudding spat, sneering as she cut away pieces of our history together.

“I’ll just take this out, place it here, and leave when you caught Sanji and I. That way your rage is still palpable, and I’ll even erase when you and Sanji were outside when it was raining after finding out. ” she laughed, a cold, malicious sound that echoed through the room.

“Now, I’ll make it seem like a soldier shot you on the side when you were fighting a few days ago. And another memory here, have you in your room alone And there,” Pudding finished with a flourish, leaving Y/N to fall back into unconsciousness once more.

I felt my heart shatter as Pudding turned her attention to Reiju. “Don’t worry, Reiju, I’m not done with you either.” With that, she used the side of her gun to strike Y/N in the head, causing blood to spill.

“Throw her somewhere,” Pudding commanded, and Raiban complied, carelessly tossing Y/N toward the wall. Her body hit with a sickening thud, but her blade remained intact, casting a soft white hue even in the darkness of the moment.

“Y/N…” I whispered, emotion choking me as I felt helpless in the face of this cruelty. Tears pricked my eyes as I fought against the urge to rush out and protect her, knowing I couldn’t expose myself just yet.

As Pudding continued her twisted monologue, I felt the weight of every word she spoke sink deeper into my chest. "Can you make it a point not to make too much blood when you all die? If that wedding cake gets one splat of blood, Mama will be mad," she said with a sickening smirk. "She'd tear the place down out of fury." Her laughter rang in my ears, each word mocking me and everything I had ever stood for.

My grip on the lighter tightened, flicking it absentmindedly even as my hands trembled. The flame refused to light, a cruel reminder of the mess I had created. "Can you imagine? Sanji, trusted me, even shared an intimate moment with me, and now I point a gun at him. He doesn’t suspect a thing!" Pudding laughed gleefully, the sound making my stomach turn. She continued taunting and ridiculing me, bragging to Reiju about the way I had proposed, how easily she had manipulated me.

Tears began to well up in my eyes again, despite my attempts to keep them at bay. "In that moment of vulnerability, all I had to do was act, shed some tears, and he became putty in my hands." Pudding’s words cut deeper than any blade. My lighter flicked, over and over, but still no flame appeared.

"Oh, what a riot!" Pudding exclaimed. "The nerve of you, trying to pass him off as some kind of prince. At least give me a proper one, like Ichiji!" Her laughter rang in my ears, mocking me. I felt like the biggest fool in the world.

"I really made a mess of things, huh?" I thought, as the flicker of the lighter mirrored the flicker of hope inside me. Y/N's face flashed in my mind—her smile, her laugh, her fierce determination. She had risked everything for me, and I had hurt her over and over again.

Yet despite everything, she still chose to stand by me. "Pudding is a fraud. My friends…" My thoughts were a jumble of guilt, anger, and shame. "I’ve failed them, all of them. And her…" I couldn’t help the tears that continued to fall. "I messed up with Y/N. I did all this, and she still chose to risk everything… again."

Pudding’s cruel voice snapped me back to reality. "It must be embarrassing to have such a dim-witted brother," she sneered. Rabian and Nitro chimed in, pointing out that Reiju and Y/N were losing too much blood. "Yeah, this one’s barely conscious," they commented, and my heart clenched at the thought of Y/N lying there, vulnerable and hurt.

"Neither of them can die yet," Pudding said, cold and calculating. "The whole world needs a front-row seat to the Vinsmoke family execution."

I winced, my fists clenched tightly around the basket. Every word out of her mouth made me feel more powerless, more trapped in this nightmare.

"Listen closely, dear sister-in-law," Pudding said, her voice dripping with malice. "I won’t risk you revealing anything." With that, she used the same tactic she had on Y/N, erasing Reiju’s memories of the meeting and her attack.

I felt my heart pounding in my chest as I realized what I had just witnessed. My family, my friends—they were all in danger, and I had been blind to the truth.

I grabbed my basket and left Pudding’s window, my head spinning with everything I had just heard. I needed a moment to clear my mind, to breathe. "What have I done?" I thought, the guilt weighing down on me like never before. "I’ve got to fix this… somehow."

Nami POV…

"No! Please, no more!" I yelled, tears streaming down my face as I watched Luffy struggle. He was relentlessly trying to break free, pulling at his arms with reckless determination. "Luffy, I'm begging you! Stop! That's enough already! You're destroying your arms!" My heart pounded in fear. He was hurting himself, and I couldn’t bear to see it.

But Luffy wasn’t listening. His eyes were filled with fury and desperation. "You think I care?" he shouted back, still straining against his restraints. "I have to warn Sanji and Y/N! Y/N was right about her intuition about Pudding! She’s evil!" His voice was filled with anguish as he kept trying to free himself, his determination unwavering. "Almost there," he grunted through clenched teeth.

My heart ached. I wanted to stop him, but nothing I said would get through. He was willing to tear his own body apart to save our friends.

Suddenly, one of the guards, covered in cream, approached me. "Alright, girl, time for you to talk," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. I turned to face him, my body tense with fear. "Huh?" I muttered.

"Mama’s instructions were clear," he continued, his eyes narrowing. "You need to tell us where Lola is."

"I won’t tell! I’d never betray my friends!" I yelled, my voice shaking but defiant. I refused to let them break me.

His lips curled into a wicked grin. "Very well, guess you want to be tortured then. I’m going to shoot you every five seconds."

My blood ran cold. "Don’t make it sound so casual!" I yelled back in horror, my voice trembling. He pulled out an arrow, the tip gleaming dangerously in the dim light. "That could kill me!" I gasped.

Suddenly, I noticed a faint violet hue glowing from the satchel I carried. My eyes widened, unsure of what was happening. But before I could process it, Luffy’s voice snapped me back.

"Hey, warty! You’ll have to get through me first! Screw you!" Luffy snarled at the guard, his fierce determination shining through despite his pain. "Don’t worry, Nami. I’m almost done breaking my arms."

"I don’t want that either!" I yelled through my tears, feeling utterly helpless. "Please, Luffy, stop!"

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and both Luffy and I froze, stunned. Who was it? Was this another enemy? My heart raced.

"Woah! I thought you were forbidden to enter!" the cream-covered guard exclaimed, just as shocked as we were. Suddenly he was knocked out in a blink of an eye. 

Luffy and I turned to see the silhouette of someone stepping into the room. Our eyes widened in disbelief.

"Jinbei!" we shouted in unison, both of us filled with a sudden rush of hope.

"Oh, Luffy, Nami," Jinbei said, his deep voice calm and reassuring.

Luffy's eyes lit up. "Great timing! Why are you here?" he asked, sounding relieved but confused.

Jinbei walked over to us, his presence steady and strong. "We have some catching up to do, but right now, you must escape," he said, his voice firm yet kind.

Relief flooded through me, and I could barely hold back my tears. "Thank you!" we both yelled in unison, feeling the weight of despair lift just a little.

Sanji POV…

I made my way quietly to the medical ward where both Reiju and Y/N were being treated. The air felt heavy with tension, and I couldn't shake the anxiety building up inside me. "Notify the Vinsmokes, they'll probably be worried," I overheard the doctor saying. "Reiju should be well after a good night's rest, and the same goes for the princess. Although her skin isn't like Germa's technology, it seems her wound is healing fast." His voice was calm but professional.

I knew I had to act quickly. I couldn't let them inform my so-called "family." I knocked out the soldier standing guard, tying him up swiftly and making sure no alarm would be raised. "You won’t be telling them anything," I thought to myself as I locked the door behind me.

My heart sank as I turned to see them—Reiju, lying on her bed, looking battered but stable, and Y/N, bandaged and motionless. Her head was wrapped in bandages, and a thick one covered her side where she had been wounded. I approached her bed slowly, my heart aching. "Y/N..." I whispered, brushing a strand of hair gently from her face. My chest tightened at the sight of her like this.

Suddenly, I heard Reiju groan softly. "Where am I...?" she muttered, slowly regaining consciousness. She blinked a few times before her eyes widened. "Sanji!" she gasped, trying to sit up but wincing in pain as she moved.

I glanced at her but didn’t leave Y/N’s side. "I... I hurt my leg," Reiju said, pulling back the blanket to reveal a bandage on her leg. Then her eyes shifted to Y/N, and the concern on her face deepened. "Y/N!" she yelled, panic filling her voice as she took in the sight of her friend’s injuries. "What happened to her?"

I stayed silent for a moment, lighting my cigarette, trying to gather my thoughts. I knew what I had to say, but it wasn’t going to be easy. "Do you recall how you got hurt or what happened?" I asked her calmly, trying to ease into the conversation.

Reiju frowned, struggling to piece things together. "I remember shouting... soldiers saying something about an intruder... and then..." Her voice trailed off, her face clouded with confusion. "I must have gotten involved," she muttered, rubbing her temple.

I stepped closer, taking a deep breath as I exhaled the smoke. "Reiju, think hard," I said, my tone serious. "Your memories… they were overwritten."

Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at me. "What do you mean?"

I met her gaze, knowing what I was about to say would shake her. "I’ll fill you in, but let me warn you... the truth is damn ugly."

Her expression hardened as she nodded, bracing herself for whatever dark truth was about to come. I looked at Y/N one last time before turning back to Reiju, preparing to reveal the twisted reality that had been hidden from her.

[guenero]

Depois de um século inativa,eu voltei.

Tava sem criatividade pra desenhar algo de one piece então me inspirei em algo.

Fiz esse desenho há um século e tem uma referência divonica de uma FanFic.

Beijos😘

[phantomstatistician]

Fandom: One Piece

Character: Nami

Sample Size: 4,249

Source: AO3

[heroes-of-the-new-world]

Art of the intense battle between Izuku Midoriya and Vinsmoke Ichiji in the latest chapter (71)

Credit to snowprince999

Depicting events from "Heroes of the New World" by Zaru

[bitchapalooza]

What if I made the Vinsmoke brothers all a little fucked up? Huh? Huh???? 👀

[pooks]

Cruelty

Ichiji forced his face to become completely neutral during Mother’s funeral. The skies were overcast by dark clouds and it was raining. They were dressed in their finest, black clothes. Ichiji, as the heir apparent and the Crown Prince, walked by Judge’s right side, signifying his importance to Germa.

Ever since Sora had told her first son that she was dying, he had known that this day would come. But he never expected it to come so soon. She was found dead in her sickbed, with closed eyes and a cold body. Pale as snow, never to be alive anymore.

Ichiji held out so much that he could, determined to not show a single hint of expression. Compared to Sanji, he wept over the loss of their mother and wore his heart on his sleeve as usual.

‘Stop that, you fool! You’re gonna end up being killed!’ Ichiji thought to himself, scolding Sanji in his mind.

However, Ichiji didn’t see Sanji the next day. Or for the next five days.

Concern weighed heavily in his chest, but he pushed it aside to focus on his lessons and trained as he usually did.

That was, until Ichiji found himself in another funeral service where Vinsmoke Judge announced Sanji dead to the world. 

Ichiji was shaken to his core.

‘No. That’s a lie…you’re lying! Sanji isn’t dead!’ His mind screamed.

He waited until after the funeral service (where all of Germa’s clone soldiers wept for the loss of the young prince, which was more than Judge and his other two brothers did). He struggled to keep his emotions in check.

Ichiji knew this was a lie. Sanji wasn’t dead. 

He would know about the “tragic accident”, if that was the case. Something was strange. Their mother has barely been dead for a week when Sanji suddenly “dies” out of the blue.

And it was time to confront Judge (not “father” anymore).

“Tell me where Sanji is.” Ichiji demanded cooly.

Vinsmoke Judge turned around and glared down at his son. “DId you not pay attention to the funeral? He’s dead.”

“Lies.” Ichiji defied him. “Quite odd, isn’t it? Mother died a week ago and now, Sanji is apparently “dead” in a “tragic accident”.” He made quotation gestures with his hands and then crossed his arms. 

“If you must know useless information that is not a concern for a crown prince.” Judge scoffed. “Sanji is in the dungeon prison, where he will live for the rest of his miserable life. He was only allowed out as long as his mother wished. That kind of agreement is now void.”

Ichiji gritted his teeth and his hand itched to grab the dagger that was hanging in a holster by his belt. “Release him.” He demanded.

Judge narrowed his eyes on him. “What did you say?”

“I said release him, Judge.” Ichiji snapped. 

“Are you questioning my authority, Ichiji? You don’t need a dead weight around you. Is that what you want, a stone around your neck? A useless burden.”

Ichiji didn’t think anymore.

He acted.

They say that every action has its own consequence.

The day he tried to stab Judge was also the day Ichiji learnt about actions and consequences the hard way.

—

“I believe he’s reached his limit now, Your Majesty.”

He sat in the examination chair, his arms and legs were strapped down with leather. His arms were littered with bleeding scars from medical equipment and aches from the stings of the syringe needles. His head hung down, chin touching his chest and his red hair covered his eyes.

“And the result?”

“His body is very responsive to the enhancement modifications. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about his emotions.” The Head Scientist told his father, talking about him like he was nothing more than a successful experiment…a lab rat turned into perfect success. “Unlike the case of your third son Sanji, his emotions are in full control. It’s like his emotions can open and shut down, like how you flick on the light switch.”

“Fascinating.” Judge said without enthusiasm. “And his eye?”

“His sight is unchanged. However, the scar will remain for the rest of his life.”

“Hmph. That behavior was unacceptable, but I will let it slide for this one time. He is, after all, my masterpiece. That scar should teach him a lesson.” Judge turned to his team of scientists.  “Continue his modifications as planned. His training will be doubled and his contact with his siblings will be limited. From now on, I will personally train him instead of him joining his brothers. Ichiji must set an example and he will learn to never try to defy me!”

Ichiji knew that he was in hell.

—

Six months of hell.

Six long months of pure torture.

That’s what Ichiji knew.

He trained and trained every day until his legs couldn’t carry him anymore, from sunrise and into nightfall. 

But throughout the entire time…Ichiji often snuck down to the dungeons to see Sanji. Always making sure it was in the dead of night. 

His feet stopped in front of the metal bars and looked through them. There was Sanji, but his face was obscured and hidden behind an iron helmet and only his eyes (although his blonde hair covered one) were visible.

Ichiji reached out with his arms through the bars and cupped the helmet with his hands, feeling cold metal instead of Sanji’s warm skin. “Sanji.” he spoke and his little brother’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “Sanji, big brother is here now.”

“I don’t wanna be here…tell Father to let me out!” Sanji wept.

“I can’t. It’s impossible to sway his will.” Ichiji told him. “You need to be strong, you need to endure this. I promise that I will take you away from here. We could run away, just you and me. Escape.”

Sanji hiccuped and went still. “R-run away, us two?”

“I don’t want to become king. I don’t want to become a soldier.” Ichiji confided in him. “I want to be free. Mother once told me that it was okay to have dreams…even me. Maybe I am a monster, but I want to be a free monster. No chains will keep me down.”

“...I heard the guards whispering about you trying to kill Father.” Sanji whispered.

“Correction, I tried to stab him. Not necessarily kill him. Death is a mercy and Father certainly doesn't deserve that.” Ichiji said curtly. “...not after what happened to Mother. Not after what he did to you.”

“Ichiji…what happened to your eye?”

Sanji’s small, frail hand reached out and parted his red hair from his face. Ichiji’s left eye was still dark blue and functional, but the skin around it was angry red and shaped like a starburst. 

“It doesn’t hurt.” Ichiji answered and touched his scar. It was true, though. It didn’t hurt, but it was still healing. “This is my punishment for defying Father. I learnt it the hard way.”

“Ichiji…” Sanji nearly sobbed.

“Stop being a crybaby now.” Ichiji snapped without a bite. “I’m going to bust you out and then, we’ll run away.”

[sashi-ya]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ 𝑶𝑵𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑮𝑰𝑹𝑳𝑺 ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ january free requestsㅤ ㅤㅤ vinsmoke niji x f! reader

🕊️ request: @vodkeii ⋆｡˚ hey sashiii for your events dark week— may i request something evil with Niji? 🤧 Maybe some shock play or something like that…yknow how mean he is…please and thank you!! 🕊️ tw: mdni. modern au. bondage. master niji. overstimulation. dacryphilia. electric/shock play. usage of vibrators and teaser. 1.1k 🕊️ masterlist

They told you once, twice, and so many times… do not go out with him, that man is not a trusty guy.

What do they know about him? it’s just the way he speaks. It’s just the way he acts. Niji is not a bad man; Niji is not... good.

Niji is evil. Niji is mean. And Niji enjoys your tears running down your cheeks, and your arousal down your legs.

Tied up, hanging from your wrists, your naked body hangs in front of him.

His legs spread, his back comfortably resting on a big couch. Sweet alcoholic elixir goes down his throat, as he enjoys the way you squirm with a vibrator tied to your inner thigh stimulating constantly your clit.

The blue ropes, tightly tied around your body, make your flesh protrude in between the spaces and perfectly made knots. Your hair, barely covers your overstimulated breasts and your core ready to explode for the third time since this started.

“What is it? You look like you are about to cry” Niji mocks your incipient tears pooling on the corner of your eyes. Pleasure has become a blessing and a torture.

“P-please… Niji… let me… rest” you plead, still biting your lip as a new climax tenses your anatomy.

He laughs, and pouts. Niji makes fun of his “little whiney bitch”.

The blue haired demon stands up, walking so dominantly towards you. He takes a detailed look at the mess you are, with your mascara bleeding, tinting in black the tears that have begun rolling down your cheeks.

With his fingers, he traps your face. His short nails carve marks on your skin, and he doesn’t mind. Niji only wants your lips closer to his, and for some drops of drool to travel down the commissure of your mouth.

“Listen to me, little bitch. You have no right to ask me, nor even suggest me when to stop. Rest? You want to rest? Oh no, baby…” he spits, biting your lower lip after his speech.

Niji lets your face go, at this point your legs have stopped working and the puddle of orgasmic explosions keeps growing on the floor of that expensive hotel room.

He turns around and unplugs the Hitachi wand that’s been torturing you up until now. You breathe alleviated but can’t simply understand why he is doing so if he has just told you he isn’t stopping.

Well, you quickly learn the lesson… that’s why they say “a known evil is better than an unknown good”

Inside a little drawer right by his bed, something awaits for his strong hands to be picked up. You have no idea, exactly, what it is.

Your wrists burn from the cords that have you hanging from a conveniently well installed hook on the ceiling. You wonder if, maybe, this hotel room already belongs to the Vinsmoke family for them to personalize it so well.

“You know… You wanted to rest, right?” he asks, playing with the little device in between his fingers.

“Y-yes, thank you master Niji” you quickly answer back; you don’t want to be punished. Or maybe you do, after all that’s why you are here.  

“Well, I hope you had rest enough…” he smirks, coming closer and closer. Niji shows you exactly what he’s been playing with -aside your mind and body-. “See this? what does it say?” he asks.

Germa 66, a laboratory specialized in developing lethal weapons for the government. Niji, his three other brothers and his sister, along with his father, are the owners of such terrible industry.

You read the red letters on that device. You re read them. Along the trademark of Germa 66 the words cause a shiver to run through your spine… for… what exactly he needs a teaser?

“You know, for ever I have been interested in electricity and his applications in the human body…” he whispers in your ear, as his body glues to yours and the cold surface of the little bullet like device touches your breasts.

You swallow. Whether you knew or not, there is no doubt now… Niji wants to use electric shocks on you.

“I… will it hurt?” you ask, with trembling lips that graze his pale cheek.

“Well, it all depends on what you consider painful… but you have been taking a lot of pain without even flinching… I think you are broken enough for me to decide, right?” he says, inhaling the scent of your sweated skin, licking the salty tears that have begun to dry on your cheeks.

You nod; he is right… he can decide for you.

Niji bites your neck, ever so softly… maybe, as if he has just a pinch of appreciation for you. A short beep resonates, indicating the device has been turned on. You aren’t exactly sure when will it shock you, you are just sure you will retort to the feeling of it.

“Calm down. It won’t hurt you” he says; deep inside, Niji can identify fear. Even if he nurtures from your tears, he only want them if you are truly desperate for his dick.

You nod, sniffing. Maybe that’s enough for you to stay by his side… something nobody could see, but you did. Or maybe, you are just addicted to lust.

Niji lets his jeans slowly drift down his hipbones, showing you his hardness with impaling rush. He plays with his device on your erected nipples; the surface is cold but is about to become hot… very hot.

He traps your lips with his teeth, as he grazes your slit with his drippy and throbbing gland. A kiss that deepens the more your tongues dance with each other, and your folds engulf his tip.

The soft moaning he inhales from you, is soon replaced by a loud whimper… zapped by sharp electrical sensation, that’s both painful and pleasant on your right nipple, you contort.

And then, once again. But this time on your left nipple. Your eyes turn white, your tongue sticks out… and his dick, very, very deep inside of your cunt.

Niji begins fucking you so roughly, you feel like loosing consciousness. The stings of electricity that go from your nipples to your clit, keep you awake; that, and the yet again the sensation of your senses exploding.

Your mind goes completely numb, you are only focused on pleasure and the heavenly façade of your blue haired lover…

Nothing matters the most. His pleasure. His own pleasure… a pleasure that comes at last, after giving it to you for as long as the night lasted.

Told you it wouldn’t hurt... You can hurt me, master Niji, It would be ok too…

[loopyarts]

Rated teen and up warning before you read this fanfic it contains lots of heavy subjects such as dysfunctional/toxic family relationships, child abuse, bullying, death, blood and violence.

It was written by Me and shouts out to my editor Sangerie they went above and beyond making this the best it can be they even partly co-written the fic mainly the Sanji scenes near the end and Sora POV.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52099930 also here’s a link to the fic on Archiveofourown.org if prefer to read it there.

With all that said enjoy your read of oneshot fic of Ichiji. :3

Sora's Pov

Cries of pain echoed from Sora and all throughout the walls of Germa castle as she went into labour hours ago. She pushed with all her might as the midwives scurried about to-and-fro to aid her. Through teary eyes, she heard the cries of her first baby boy ring out before sunrise.

Her breathing was slow and ragged as the midwives held him up so she could gaze upon his features. He was a quiet newborn. He blinked around the room, unfazed by his surroundings as his deep yet dull ocean-blues that reflected her own gazed back back down at her.

Tufts of vibrant red hair strands fell down and framed his little chubby face. She longed to reach out and hold him so badly, but a shot of pain surged through her body. Her second son was clearly itching to get out.

As she braced herself with a deep breath, she noticed her husband, Judge, enter the room and watched as he was handed their firstborn son by a midwife. His face beamed with pride and joy.

"Ichiji. His name shall be Ichiji, and all throughout the North Blue–no, all throughout the world will know of him one day!" he laughed proudly as their son remained expressionless in his arms, blinking at him with dull eyes.

Sora's heart grew heavy as she watched Judge hold him almost as if he were a doll. Her body strained through labour and her spirit did too as she lamented that she'd failed her firstborn son while tears pricked the corners of her eyes at the knowledge that her husband had robbed Ichiji of his heart.

She watched on bitterly as he coddled Ichiji tenderly in his arms, giving him a love that she'd never seen him give to their daughter before. She gnashed her teeth as the long grueling morning marched forward.

23 minutes passed and out popped "Niji" with a round pouting face, squinting eyes and arms flailing about blindly as he whined ever so slightly. Not long after Niji came "Sanji" into the world wailing out loudly as he was washed and then placed neatly beside his brothers. And then finally 40 minutes later her fourth and final son, "Yonji" was born. He seemed to be a curious one as his eyes fluttered across the room and he babbled softly.His eyes settled on her for a moment, but much to her dismay he quickly lost interest in her and looked away with a dull blue expression, too.

After the many hours of pain, she laid her head down into the pillow with a heavy sigh. Sweat rolled down the sides of her face and she was exhausted. She wanted nothing more than to hold her sons, but her eyes could barely stay open a second longer. Her vision narrowed, her body ached.

She will just have to coddle them tomorrow.

_______

Ichiji's Pov

Ichiji blinked as he stared up at the ceiling of the castle walls, he then felt one of his brothers latch onto him and snuggle him tightly. He turned his eyes to his left and gazed at his blonde brother who babbled and giggled as he cozied up further into Ichiji. He laid his head around Ichiji's stomach as he wrapped his arms around him in contentment.

Ichiji felt annoyed at first–he shifted around but stopped when he realised his brother wasn’t coming off.

He huffed to himself as he laid there hot, bothered and annoyed. Although after a while, it actually started to feel nice as his blonde haired brother clung to him. It felt warm, comfortable–safe. His eyelids grew heavy as he began drifting off to sleep along with him–cuddling back into him tightly.

_______

Ichiji was startled awake by voices. Quickly, he was being lifted up into the air with his blonde brother-along with his blue and green haired brothers carried in tow by another.

He'd wondered where they were going before they'd stopped in front of a woman with golden hair, basking in the beams of morning's light.

The strangers carrying them had then placed them into her warm embrace. She poured over them with her oceanic eyes and smiled fondly. "Hello my dears, I'm your mummy." she said in a soft honeyed voice.

Ichiji's dulled blues met her bright ones along with his brothers. They gazed up at her, taken in by her loving expression.

Her, now "mummy" began to comb through his red hair gently with her fingertips. Ichiji held a puzzled expression at her actions. He blinked at her, letting his head lay gently in her hand. He began to drift off while letting his brothers flail, giggle and babble to her while he relaxed in his mummy's embrace.

_______

At two years old, Ichiji walked about and around the playroom, it was playtime mother said (or "mummy" he called her sometimes–but father didn’t like that.) He would say to Mummy, "No son of mine would ever be calling their mother such a childish thing."

Ichiji found the toy box, it had dress-up stuff inside; it had probably belonged to his older sister, Reiju.

He dug inside the box and found a toy crown and placed it atop his head. He then found Sanji's blue blanket-or in Sanji's words–"blanky", he wrapped it around his shoulders and tied a knot to make a cape. Sanji wouldn’t mind if he borrows his blanky for just a little bit, Ichiji thought cheekily.

He set off to find mummy to show off his new kingly look to her, his little shoes pitter-pattered along the stone castle hallways towards his mother’s bedroom.

“Mummy!” called Ichiji in a happy yet deadpan-sounding tone as he entered the room to see that his mummy was reading a book cuddled up with Sanji whose eyes sparkled in awe as he was read to. Ichiji then stood proudly puffing up his chest attempting a smirk as best he could on his mostly static face.

“Look Mummy, I’m king now! Look at my majestic crown and cape!” he twirled a little as his mother giggled at him while Sanji looked a bit annoyed as he realised that the cape Ichiji was wearing was actually his blue blanket.

“Oh I see, aren’t you a handsome king” his mummy chuckled bookmarking Sanji's book and placing it on her lap as Sanji walked up to Ichiji with puffed cheeks.

“Ichiji, why do you have my blanky?” His younger brother asked, tilting his head with a pout yet curious expression on his face.

“It’s not a blanket Sanji, it’s a cape and I’m only borrowing for a short while, little brother.” Ichiji taunted.

“You’re a big meanie!” Sanji whined as he pounced on his eldest twin and knocked the toy crown off Ichiji's head to which the redhead responded by playfully fighting back. The pair tumbled about, giggles and laughter could be heard but mostly coming from Sanji. Ichiji grinned as he easily pinned Sanji down.

“I win” he said flatly yet filled with pride.

“No fair, you always win!” screamed Sanji as he tried to get Ichiji off of him. Ichiji looked down blankly and watched as Sanji struggled, he huffed and loosened his hold on his younger brother.

In the next moment, to his surprise–he'd found himself toppled to the floor and pinned down by Sanji instead, his tears had been a sly trick!

Sanji beamed at him proudly, "I-I did it?" he said, dumbfounded. It honestly amused Ichiji, he was always so dramatic over the simplest of things. Then again, Niji and Yonji both had similar reactions when he'd let them win, too. When Niji won, he'd grin cockily and taunt him with a "Ha! Who's the little brother now?" While Yonji would loudly and playfully cheer at his own victory.

Ichiji stayed on the ground as Sanji attempted to tickle him to no avail.

Just then, he heard his mother’s voice call out to them, saying how messy they had gotten from play-fighting and that she'd help tidy them up. Ichiji noticed then how messy his hair was, it was all fluffed out of place.

He walked up to the end of his mother's bed and promptly sat down. He watched idly as she first brushed Sanji's hair waiting for his turn.

Ichiji never had Mummy brush his hair before, it was usually the maids and servants that did that. Then again, rarely has it ever gotten dirty or messy unless he was training. He was tidiest out of all of his brothers, even Reiju in some rare cases.

As his Mother finished brushing Sanji's hair, she looked at him with a smile and asked “Would you like me to brush your hair too, Ichiji?” He nodded yes to his mummy and crawled on over to her side, sitting where Sanji was, while Sanji took his spot placing himself at the end of mummy’s bed.

His Mummy hummed as she gently brushed through his messy red hair. It felt nice. He peeked up at his mummy, fidgeting his fingers slightly.

She continued to brush his hair humming her tune. “You know, Ichiji...you have such soft hair just like your mummy and your big sister. It makes it much easier to brush–” she chuckled a bit and then continued, “unlike your brothers, who have your father’s much thicker hair.” Ichiji dully blinked at his mother as something similar to a genuine small smile crept onto his face. He wondered why mummy broke down into tears and pulled him into her embrace, holding him tightly at the sight of his smile. He was confused–"Mummy and Sanji are so strange", he thought.

_______

At four years old, Ichiji was honestly still so confused by Sanji. Why was he always slacking off and playing with rodents? It was not playtime, it was training time. He managed to drag Sanji back, although he was clearly not happy about it. He shivered at the mere sight of Ichiji and the redhead didn’t understand why. He was just doing what was necessary to make sure Sanji got back in line. Why did he insist on defying father if he knew it would make him angry?

_______

After the training, they all played in the garden with mummy. It was one of rare times she was allowed out of her room given her sickly condition. Niji was running around chasing Sanji, who hopped over Yonji causing Niji to slam into him.

Ichiji shook his head, his younger brothers were all such fools in their own way. Sanji cried, running behind their mother–or "mummy" why does he still call her that, anyway?

He stared down at the grass with his head propped up by his hands as his dull eyes locked onto a butterfly. He didn’t understand why he fixed his stare on the insect, but the yellow and gold wings reminded him of mother. The butterfly took off however, the moment Ichiji was suddenly pushed onto his stomach from behind. He was now covered in dirt, blades of grass and scattered petals from the flower patch below him.

“Gotcha, Ichi!” laughed Niji, lying on top of him covered in dirt with leaves sticking out of that blue hair of his. Ichiji huffed in annoyance as he hopped up, knocking Niji off of him in the process. He glanced down at the sight of himself–he hated being dirty. He shot an icey cold glare at Niji causing his younger brother to flinch and turn on his heels rushing away to join Yonji who was kicking a ball around with Reiju in the distance.

He didn’t understand Niji and Yonji sometimes and how they could run around like idiots–seemingly not having a care in the world about getting dirty or keeping up appearances.

Ichiji sighed as he walked over to his mummy who was resting with Sanji in the shade,who held his favorite book close to his chest as laid his head next to mummy's side. His annoyance rose at the sight of them together, "why does Sanji get her attention all of the time?" Ichiji thought as he approached his mother and tugged at her dress gently.

"Oh, Ichiji! What is it sweetheart?” asked his Mummy. His deep dull blues looked up into her glistening ones as he pointed at his untidy hair covered in dirt and fauna and then pointed over to his mother's brush quietly.

“Ohh, I see...so you want me to brush your hair and tidy it up a bit–is that right?” she smiled and patted her lap, signaling Ichiji to sit down there. He propped himself up and sat quietly in his mother’s lap. She began plucking the petals and grass out of his fluffy red hair, treating him delicately.

She dusted him off and then began brushing through his red locks. He relaxed and closed his eyes as she began to hum a familiar tune while running her brush and warm hands through his hair gently.

His siblings chattered off in the background–a cool salty breeze blew by. He liked moments like these between just him and her.

Reiju skipped over a rope gleefully as it was held by Niji and Yonji at opposite ends, swinging it over and under in sync. Sanji sat at his and mummy's side reading his favourite book–"The All Blue" as he recalled. The story was a fairy tale but for some reason, Sanji believed it was real.

Ichiji closed his eyes and listened to his mother humming away with cheer in her voice as birds flew overhead and his siblings giggled and laughed happily in the distance .

It would have been nice if good moments like those lasted forever–but good things never do.

In fact, he only saw his mother again 4 more times after that.

_______

It was so strange, lately he barely had time to think. Most days were spent training day in and day out like clockwork. Sanji was getting on his nerves as he was always falling behind–he couldn't even take down a simple foot soldier. Ichiji thought it was no wonder that he got his ass handed to him by Niji and Yonji so often.

“Why is he so weak?” he muttered to himself in a hushed tone. Weren't they born from the same womb? They'd shared a crib for the first few weeks of their lives and practically did almost everything together...yet only he was so different, why?

Just then, he heard a sharp crash followed by someone wailing. He watched as Sanji burst out of a room and ran past him in tears. He then saw their father walk out shortly after, “Pay no mind to that failure, he’ll get over it.” was all his father said as he continued to walk away.

Ichiji curiously made his way into the room shortly after to inspect the scene. He then noticed the broken window with splashes of food on it. He pushed up a chair and hopped atop it to look down only to see a spot of red below and what looked to be a dead rodent surrounded by shards of what once was a plate and a discarded meal scattered about.

"Is this really what he was crying on about?" Ichiji sighed. How could he cry for lowly vermin?

He hopped down from the chair and briskly made his way back to the training grounds so as to not keep his father waiting.

_______

Ichiji never sees his mother much anymore. Too busy with training and studying, then again–when has he had any free time at all in this past year?

Father boasted how proud he was of him and that he wanted to push him harder, saying it would help him become a better king when he’s older. So Father doubled his training and studying for this year.

Ichiji's body felt hot for some reason–he stayed up late last night because those were the only hours he had time to himself these days to relax. He liked how quiet it was whenever he went out in the garden at night to stargaze. Sometimes he’d bring a book as well to read under the glow of his lantern.

Suddenly he began to cough, he blinked in confusion. Why was he coughing so much? He stroked his throat as it grew sore. He continued to walk through the castle hallways and he noticed how the maids looked at him with pity in their eyes as he kept coughing and coughing. He heard them whispering from under their breaths–“Poor dear” said one.

“Maybe if it were Prince Sanji, I would feel more pity.” scoffed another.

“But, I thought those monsters couldn’t get sick?" said the third in a confused tone.

Despite the servants' attempted whispers, Ichiji had heard it all. He coughed profusely once again and carried on with a groan. This was starting to get on his nerves. He made his way to the library and sat down with materials to study. When he tried to start taking notes, his hand began to shake. He attempted to steady it but it wouldn't obey and the ink from his quill fell to the page leaving wobbly indecipherable scribbles in the place of words.

This shocked the young prince. He threw the pen aside and slammed the book closed in frustration. “Ahh! What in the world's wrong with me today!?” Ichiji shouted in a monotone voice–even his screams of anger and frustration were quieter than all of his brothers.

He then lifted his face up from the table, his vision was getting a little fuzzy. He shook his head to clear it up and coughed with a wheeze into his hand. He then thought of mother’s room–almost by instinct, he started to rush over to the infirmary where his mother's room was while coughing all the way there.

As soon as Ichiji entered her room, his mother sat up with surprise at his sudden arrival. "Ichiji-!" his mother said with cheer "Oh, it's been so long since I've seen you last! How have you been, my dear?" He made his way over to her, "Mother.." he said flat and breathlessly as he climbed up into her bed and seeped down by her side, looking up at her with hazy eyes.

Her skin had grown so pale since the last time he'd last seen her. She looked almost transparent, like a ghost. Her once golden hair now carried only a drop of the vibrant glow it once had.

He talked to her about his training and how he's been working very hard. She nodded along, smiling softly at him–until he mentioned how his father had been giving him extra special training. This seemed to have upset his mother after hearing that.

As the conversation carried on, his coughing fit flared back up again and his mother bounced up with great attention and worry. She placed the back of her chilly hand to his forehead, "Ichiji, you're burning up-!" she said with great worry in her tone. He began to feel faint and the room spun more as his coughing continued in his mother's arms. She held him closer and whispered gently, "Rest now, Ichiji. Don't worry, mummy will take care of you."

There was that word again, "mummy".

His eyes began to grow heavy almost as soon as he'd gotten permission to rest. He snuggled further into the warmth of her embrace. A strange rhythm in her chest became his lullaby as he drifted off to sleep.

_______

As he slept on, he thought he'd heard yelling, although it was faint and everything sounded muffled as if it had been underwater.

It sounded like...mother and father? Were they yelling at each other? His breath rushed a bit and then halted more as the voices drew near him and became clearer.

"How could you!? He's only 7 years old, Judge!"

"I will do whatever I must to ensure that he reaches the height of his potential! You need to stop treating them as if they were average children, Sora!"

A pained scoff fell out of her, "Are you truly the man that I married? What happened to the man that swore he'd do anything for his family–? Or has your pride and ambition to bring back the 'glory days' of Germa turned you into a blind and heartless fool!?"

"Sora–why can't you see that I'm building a future for us all? Ichiji is to be the future king of Germa, failure is not an option! He must be strong, he must be the best of the best! I must make sure that he is perfect! Together we will retake the North Blu–"

A stifled sob came from her, cutting him short as she coldly turned her back to him and faced towards the still and silent Ichiji wrapped up in her bed, "You've taken enough, haven't you? You've taken his heart, his freedom, his will–why can't you see...? There's nothing left to take anymore."

Loud footsteps plodded away followed by the sound of a heavy door closing behind him. A moment of silence hung in the air before his mother sat down softly beside him and stroked his hair ever so gently. He then felt warm wet droplets rain down over his cheeks followed by an embrace with quiet sobs at his side.

His eyes remained too heavy to open them and his ears rang louder. Why was she crying? And what did they mean by all of that before? His mind became fuzzy again as he drifted back off into a deep sleep.

_______

When he woke up, it was already late at night. He turned his head to see he was laying by his mother's side as she held him close. He still felt dizzy, but he laid in her embrace looking up. Tear stains were dried on her cheeks. Why did she cry to this extent? Was it because of him?

Ichiji yawned and cuddled in closer to his mother and then he heard something in her chest–the same rhythm as earlier, "ba-thump, ba-thump" it went. How strange...was this part of her illness? And yet...the sound was nice. He slipped away into sleep just like that.

_______

In the morning, his mum's personal maid ("Époni", as he recalled) came into her room and halted with a horrified expression at the sight of the two. She wasted no time in hurrying up to the redhead to collect him away from his Mummy. In a panicked voice she pulled him away explaining that if he stayed with his mother, he could potentially give the queen his fever and rapidly deteriorate her health further. Ichiji looked back and saw the sadness in his mother's eyes as he was guided away from her side.

He spent the next few days bedridden and was forced to lay there with nothing to do, much to his annoyance. He'd run his hand across his red satin sheets out of sheer boredom. Worst of all, Niji and Yonji would stop by only to just taunt him for getting sick. In the redhead's mind, he hoped they'd get sick as well so he could get back at them.

"Just you wait, Niji, Yonji...!" the eldest had a devilish plan brewing indeed. Once he was fully recovered, they were in for a nasty surprise.

_______

Ichiji was very pleased indeed as he heard from the maids and staff within the castle chattering on about how Prince Niji and Yonji were now also bedridden by a sick bug caused by mysterious food poisoning.

He giggled to himself in a tone so flat that it was almost creepy. His little prank had worked. He slipped into the kitchen the night before and spiked their soup with a few special ingredients of his own–a slightly mouldy turnip, some dirt and a slug for each of them. He was surprised they didn’t notice the odd taste as they consumed it all.

“They’re so stupid!” he laughed monotonously once more as he headed to the training grounds. Now they have to miss a few days of training too, he thought snidely to himself. Strangely enough though, his father seemed to have lightened up on his training schedule. Instead of double the work; it was just the same as his sister and brothers.

However, his father set a cold gaze upon him today and Ichiji didn't like it. He tried to shake off his father's piercing stare and focus on his training.

Sanji still fell behind the same as ever, but what else was new? Meanwhile Reiju nearly outran the hotblooded prince himself that day on the running course.

Almost beating him in a race?! He would not stand for that. He wasn't going to let Reiju of all people get the satisfaction of beating him on the track, that'd be shameful! He'd just have to work even harder from now on.

_______

After training he saw Sanji heading into their mother’s room. He peeked inside to see them laughing together. Ichiji blinked between the two, why are they laughing? There is nothing to laugh about. Ichiji's mouth felt dry. Mother only ever smiles like that for him. What in the world made Sanji so special? Sanji's just a good for nothing failure; meanwhile Ichiji himself is far from it.

He stopped peeking from around the corner and continued walking down the hall, remaining vexed by his swirling thoughts.

It's not fair.

"...it's not fair!!" he roared out in anger, slamming his fist into the wall causing it to shake by the force of the blow. The wall cracked and left behind a crater the size of his fist as he pulled it away. What is this fury that brews inside him, making his body tremble and his teeth grind within his mouth?

Why couldn't he make his mother smile like Sanji can?

_______

Throughout the week, he continued to see Sanji; he couldn’t stand him at this point. Why is he always trying to cook mother a meal? He should be training! He started to hate mother as well–she only ever pays attention to Reiju and Sanji nowadays, it’s not fair! All she ever gives him is a look of pity and sadness. Then again, she always loved Sanji more. He hated it so much-! Niji's jealousy was far greater than his, though–to the point that he harassed Sanji every chance he got or whenever saw him exit mother’s room.

But on the last day of that week, something in Ichiji snapped and he made a mistake he'd regret for the rest of his life.

"I hate you!", Ichiji said with enough venom that it pierced through his normal dull tone.

He towered over the cowering Sanji as he cried against the side of his mother's bed. Ichiji continued hurling insult after insult his way, rubbing salt in his wounds further.

"I sometimes wish you were dead, so I no longer have to see your fa–" he was cut off abruptly by the impact of his mother's frail hand meeting the side of his face.

Her weak body trembled as she struggled to remain standing upright. She shot daggers out of her eyes at Ichiji–a sight he'd never seen from his mother before.

"Don't you EVER say that to your brother again-do you hear me, Ichiji!?" she yelled with tears dousing her fiery eyes as she shielded Sanji from him with her body.

Ah, he'd made her cry again…

A moment passed as she made Sanji leave the room saying she'd like to have a word alone with Ichiji. He stood there frozen in place with a stoney expression as Sanji nodded quietly and turned away from Ichiji and their mother to exit the room. The door clicked behind him and then it was just Ichiji and mother.

As she approached him, his breath grew heavier and hitched in his throat when his eyes met her cold gaze. It wasn't the first time he'd been looked at this way by someone, but this time it felt different.

His legs began to buckle and his marked cheek stung the more she yelled at him and cried. But it was when her voice fell and she said softly "I'm so sorry my love, I've failed you-" something in the normally quiet Ichiji just snapped like it never had before as he yelled at the top of his lungs, "I hate you! I hate you, mother!! You're a liar–!" He closed his eyes tightly, feeling his whole body tremble with rage, "You've never loved me or Niji or Yonji the same way you love Sanji, so don't you lie to me!!" he finished huffing and panting and then suddenly he felt something wet–something warm slide down his cheeks.

His mother looked on in shock as her hand covered her mouth. "I-Ichiji, I'm-" her voice trembled as she hesitantly reached out.

Ichiji didn't understand this unfamiliar feeling that was overcoming him but his mind went blank and he turned on his heels bursting out of the room fleeing the scene as his mother fell to the floor crying out to him begging him to come back. Her voice grew smaller and more faint the further he ran through the corridors.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" her voice still lingered and rang in his ears even though he could not hear her anymore.

He ran into his room and threw himself onto his bed, burying himself deeper into it. He couldn't stop the hot unpleasant wetness from flowing out of his eyes.

_______

After some time had passed, Ichiji lifted his head from his pillow which was now dampened by the mysterious liquid from his eyes. He got up to look in the mirror and inspect his face–his eyes were puffy and red, did that water really come from there?

He walked over to his window–it was sunset now and orange dyed the sky in its vibrant hue. The sun's rays bounced off Ichiji's scarlet red hair as it dipped down slowly behind Germa's high walls. He'd calmed down now, sitting by the window transfixed on the far off horizon. He felt so confused. He was supposed to be "perfect" but then why did he-? His thoughts drifted back to his mother and his chest grew heavy. He just couldn't understand.

"I have to go see her again–" Ichiji made up his mind, standing up with determination. He made his way over to the door but then paused for a moment, deciding to pick up his crimson hair brush on his way out–he didn't know why but he felt he needed it.

When he arrived at her door he hesitantly peeked inside her room. And there he saw her sitting up in her bed with glassy and distant eyes facing the window as she watched some birds fly by.

Slowly, he stepped into her room and climbed up onto her bed, making his way to her side. He then took his brush in hand and began to brush her hair remembering the times she used to brush his. He thought that maybe this will make his mother–mummy happy?

His mum took notice of him as he remained fixated on brushing her hair. He went through her soft golden locks steadily bit by bit. And then he felt something gliding through his own hair–his mum reached back behind his head with her own brush and faced towards him brushing his hair in return. She gave him a small genuine smile with cheerful eyes as they held a peaceful silence between the two of them brushing each other's hair back and forth for a while.

The silence broke however when his mother spoke up, "Is this your way of apologising to me, Ichiji?" she inquired. He looked up at her blankly and tilted his head, he was a little confused–was this really some type of apology? He wondered.

"I forgot–you've never been a big talker, you've always been such a quiet boy.." she continued to brush his fringe, "and yet you're a good listener aren't you–you always listen to what Niji and Yonji have to say." Ichiji nodded along–but in the back of his mind he thought about the real reason why he didn't talk much. It wasn't because he didn't want to but because he found speaking to be so tiresome.

Sometimes Niji would speak for him and he liked that. It made his life so much easier when his loudmouth brother did all the talking–although he and Niji still did butt heads every now and then.

With Yonji, he loves attention and enjoys prattling on about things that interest him. Right now it's bread. Ugh seriously, why bread of all things...? But even still, it's nice that he talks on and on–filling the air so he didn't have to.

Ichiji remained quiet, continuing brushing his mum's hair as he lingered a little longer on the thoughts of his brothers.

"Mhm, maybe..." he muttered back to her. His hand stopped brushing and gently lowered a bit as he closed his eyes while his mother continued on brushing his. She made her way through the rest of his cowlicks and smoothed them out one by one as the brush caught the loose strands in its grasp. His mind drifted away. He wondered why she was even brushing his hair–wasn't she still mad at him? This thought made his chest feel weighted again...but maybe–maybe mother would know?

"Mother...my chest hurts, am I ill again?" he said, pointing to the side of his chest where the ache was.

His mother then placed her hand at the spot where he pointed and said to him, "That is your heart, Ichiji. Sometimes when something is bothering us, our hearts react to how we're feeling." She closed her eyes and lowered her head, resting it against his chest, "And having a heart is, well–it's what makes someone human." his heart pinched at her words that were laced with a hint of pain.

She sighed and held him all the tighter, "I'm so sorry, Ichiji...I wish I had known sooner."

The redheaded prince didn't understand, why was his mother apologising to him? What did she mean by she "wished she knew sooner"? He didn't know the answer–but he reached out and started to pat his mother's head and then he wrapped his arms around her gently.

They stayed in each other's embrace for what felt like hours (his internal clock told him it had only been 20 minutes, though.) He looked up outside her window and saw that it had already become dusk. He pulled away steadily from her, "Mother, it's getting late. I should be getting back to my room now." he felt his frail mother tighten her grip on him and she whispered weakly with glassy eyes, "Ichiji, sweetie, can't you stay just a little bit longer?" Ichiji didn't know what to think of her request...no–it was more like a desperate plea for him to stay.

He could easily pull away and break her hold on him if he wanted to–yet seeing her tired eyes made him ache for some reason. He then nodded with an affirming "mhm..." and leaned back into her. Despite her ghostly appearance, she was still just as warm as he'd remembered. She pulled him down to rest with her and began to hum a nostalgic tune as her silken fingertips petted him softly. He couldn't see his mother's expression, but he could tell she was happy.

_______

Sunlight filtered through the window and into his heavy lidded eyes causing him to groan. He raised himself up and blinked idly around for a moment before looking down towards his mother.

"Good morning, mo–" he stopped in his tracks. She wasn't moving. He then reached out and held his hand to her face–ice cold to the touch. Her lips held a soft smile with ruby red stains that painterly poured down her chin and pooled into the ridges of her sunken neck. "M-mummy-?" her eyes once bright like ocean mornings were now dull and cloudy like rainy skies. Lifeless. He began to shiver and in a desperate attempt, he grabbed his hairbrush and began to brush her faded hair hoping it would become the vibrant gold it once was again.

When it didn't work, he halted and the brush slipped from his hand. He couldn't move, he couldn't feel anything. He stared at her in shock until he heard a piercing scream come from the doorway, "Ahh! Prince Ichiji!! What on earth are you doing!? What have you done to the queen!?" yelled his mother's maid, Époni as she gasped in fright with mother's morning meal smashing to the floor.

He didn't understand her insinuation at first but then he looked down to his hands and shirt and saw that they were stained with the same ruby red colour that trickled from his mother's lips. He realised then what she thought he had done.

No–he didn't do it! He didn't do that to her-!

The terrified maid scowled at him with a fierce glare and at the sight of her weighty judgment, his eyes became wet again–the warm liquid poured down his cheeks and his vision blurred. Seeing this, the maid's expression softened and her anger melted away. In a flash she rushed over to him and picked him up with a hug, "Ohh, don't cry you poor dear!" startled by the abrupt shift in mood, Ichiji watched as the maid fell into tears along with him for some reason.

"I'm going to miss her, too!" she sobbed.

“Miss her"...is that why he's crying?

He froze as she cried into him and found himself wondering how she could go from being terrified of him to coddling him? She was really a strange woman indeed.

_______

Nobody found out he was in mother's room that day and yet rumors and whispers still scurried throughout the halls that the queen had been murdered by one of her devil sons.

He'd pass by and hear the murmurs thinking that the servants honestly had way too much free time if they could spin up that huge web of lies in such a short span of time.

It was complete and utter rubbish and yet he felt offended, but why?

_______

Mother's death was strange. Being at her funeral was strange. He stood in deep thought recalling how his mother's eyes were so cold and yet she still had a warm smile on her face even in death. He just couldn’t get that image of her out of his mind. He looked over to his other siblings–his older sister Reiju and younger brother Sanji were crying while his other younger brothers Niji and Yonji looked confused and bored. Ichiji felt nothing, yet something weighed on him; he never got to apologise to his mother did he? Not that it matters anymore...she was dead now and nothing will ever change that.

_______

In the evening, Ichiji laid down on his stomach in his bed with a book and started reading. His expression was as stoic and stoney as ever. He found himself sighing as loose strands of hair fell into view in front of his face. Just then, he heard someone come into his room but he couldn't be bothered to see who it was and so he kept on reading.

Much to his own surprise, he'd picked a fairy tale book today. One that he and mother used to read together–"Iron Hans" it was called. Everytime he reads the tale, he feels a sense of karma to it. Despite it being make-believe and a folktale, he found it rather endearing.

“He raised himself up quickly but the whole of the hair of his head was already golden and shone like the su-” Ichiji paused his reading–someone was behind him.

He peered over his shoulder to see who the trespasser was, only to find Sanji!? Whose face was still stained wet with tears from earlier that day and in his hand was...his crimson hair brush?

"Sanji-" Ichiji said with some surprise, colouring his tone at the sight of his younger brother. It wasn't long before Sanji piped up, "I-I'm sorry, Ichiji...I should have told you I was here." he began to fidget where he stood, "It's just that...I remembered how much you loved it when mummy brushed your hair before, so I–"

'God...', Ichiji thought when he heard the word "mummy" fall out from Sanji's mouth. And of course it was Sanji of all people that would say such a strange thing. He wanted to brush his hair just because mother used to? Why? It wasn't even particularly untidy at the moment and besides, if he wanted to brush it; he could just do it himself for crying out loud. There was no need for all of this.

“I don’t need you to brush my hair, you failure. I can do it by myself.” Ichiji glared at his smaller brother and shot upwards to snatch his brush back from him.

“And even if I wanted my hair to be brushed by another–it would be an insult to have it done by the likes of you, so scram!" his blonde brother broke into a sob at his words and began to yell back at him in anger. This surprised Ichiji as Sanji was normally so meek in his presence. It was rare for Sanji to even talk back to him at all. He looked down at his younger brother watching his wet eyes simmering with a roaring fire behind them–he hadn't heard a word he said but his eyes told him all the same.

"I was only trying to help you, Ichiji–you big jerk-!" Sanji yelled with eyes falling to the floor, "Reiju was right about you and the others–" he continued with fists shaking, "you really are just heartless monsters!" he shouted one last time before turning his back and running off, leaving the room cold again.

A "monster"? Is that what he was?

He didn't cry at the funeral, but his chest felt heavy again at Sanji's biting words. He'd made Sanji cry again...although, that wasn't particularly rare. But Ichiji thought it felt different this time as he grabbed his chest and quietly hunched down with wet eyes of his own.

_______

Not long after the death of their mother–their father announced that Sanji had died to all of Germa. But Ichiji knew better than to take his father at his word. He'd later spotted a servant sneaking off carrying a tray with covered food down into the dungeon depths and discovered the real truth behind the "death" of Sanji. He'd been locked up and caged like an animal, placed in an iron mask that hid his face from view.

"If Sanji had just done what he was told..." Ichiji thought, "then none of this would have happened."

The brother's traveled down into the depths to continue their harassment of Sanji once they learned the truth of his whereabouts.

They found that he was cooking even in the depths of the dirty grimey dungeon.

A familiar scene played out once more where he'd found himself in front of Sanji as he'd just baked a cake with a cream and strawberry topping. Ichiji snatched it from his hand just as he did before–and all the same, Sanji sprang at him with a punch that reverberated a loud clang echoing in the depths.

Ichiji could hardly believe it–after all this time, Sanji was still so terribly weak. Ichiji's body shook with fury and his vision turned red as he lunged forward with a growl, taking Sanji down and pinning him to the floor.

His chest erupted with a burning heat as he began to wail on the younger for displaying such a pathetic sight. The echoes of the other two laughing bounced off the walls and rang throughout their ears as he kept beating down further and further.

''You're an embarrassment–you embarrass even me!" just the sight of him made his blood boil, he was the source of his rage–that's right, it was him! It was all his fault!! All of his pain was because of Sanji, wasn't it? It was always him from the very start!

Catharsis overcame him as his fist became bloodied. He released his rage as Sanji sobbed beneath him, attempting to claw back and begging him to stop–crying out how it hurts. But he wasn't going to fall for his tears again, not this time.

When Ichiji finally stopped, he rose up and pulled away from the bruised and battered Sanji. He stood up and over him and felt that Sanji had become even smaller than before. Ichiji looked down at the ruby red dripping from his fists and he left without a word, leaving Niji and Yonji to their own devices.

As he walked away, he crunched some remaining shards of the shattered plate that once carried the cake beneath the heel of his boot.

It was their 8th birthday today and he felt nothing. He only tasted bitterness in his mouth.

He brought his bloodied hand to his face and stroked his cheek where Sanji had landed the blow. There wasn't even a bruise there. Honestly, he was pathetic beyond all measure. Why would he ever expect any different?

Sanji was Sanji. A failure will always be a failure.

_______

Sanji had gone off and ran away not long after the incident in the dungeon. Despite him leaving, not much had changed between those that remained. Years began passing by like clockwork for Ichiji as every day settled in a fixed routine. The boy was becoming a man quickly as he remained ever static and cold.

He laid on the experiment table often as the scientists dug into his body, refining him into an even more perfect soldier. Scalpels and needles poking and prodding him became something normal that he'd bear with a dull and never changing expression. One scientist however was rather strange, often reaching out and remarking about the color and softness of his hair calling it "pretty". But what use does that spoken sentiment hold to a weapon? What a waste of breath.

_______

At 12 years old, he was sent on his first mission with Reiju tagging along to teach him how things were done and show him the ropes. Most of the opponents were easily mowed down by Ichiji.

On the battlefield he was called many things–freak of nature, devil, monster.

The rain started to fall heavy that day as blood ran from the corpses littering the streets with it. His hair flattened in the rain as he walked through the broken roads that reeked of sulfur, dampened smoke and iron. He still felt nothing as he looked on at the decay around him. But then his chest began to twinge and his heartbeat fell as he took it all in. He still couldn't understand why.

"Their lives were all so meaningless" he thought–but then again, so was his.

Even if he died, he wouldn't care. He was made to not fear death–he cannot fear it. Death was just another worthless word to him, no different than "pretty".

Ichiji may have been a child but he wasn't naive in knowing that death came for all. The world is cold and humans are ugly–he couldn't change this fact.

He stopped and faced his head towards the sky, taking in the sound of the rain crashing down from up above him. It carried bloody water his way, creating small rivers that branched off as it hit his boots.

At least the rain sounded peaceful.

_______

On one of his missions at age 14 and a half, the young prince happened upon a lost kitten who seemed to have been left behind without its mother–wandering in search of her. Ichiji made up his mind to promptly put the small stray out of its misery and end its life as he knew it wasn't long for this world anyway all on its own. He reached out with cold and malicious intent only to feel his heart thump in his chest and skip a beat when the kitten buried its round face into his hand and mewled happily in the act of doing so.

Against the "emotionless" young prince's better judgment, he picked up the lost kitten and carried it back to Germa in his arms. He didn't know how his father would react, but luckily his father was too busy making preparations for an upcoming political meeting he, Ichiji and his siblings were to attend. It was of such high importance that his father paid little mind to the new creature now rummaging within the castle, let alone the detail of who had brought it in.

Ichiji had named her "Nyasha". At first, he wasn't quite sure how to treat her. He'd either hold her wrong or be "too rough" with her as the observing servants would remark in hushed voices within an earshot distance from him.

He had no idea what she wanted when she circled him with a barrage of meows or how to tend to her.

Funnily enough, it was seemingly the most timid servant that approached him and offered the suggestion that petting her gently would please her. The servant then crouched down and began to rub the side of Nyasha's chin with her fingers as an example.

"Gently"? Who am I, Sanji? Ichiji thought to himself with almost a scoff at the notion. But low and behold, Nyasha began to purr away in delight. After a moment, the servant removed her hand from the kitten, "Now you give it a try, Prince Ichiji." she said stepping up and back, giving the two space "Nya would enjoy it even more if it were you. She loves you most, after all."

Ichiji paused for a moment to fully absorb her words, realising just then that the woman that stood before him had actually been quite brave indeed. He then turned his head to Nyasha and began to quietly imitate what he'd been shown. Nyasha looked up at him with eyes big and adoring, she purred in contentment, blinking them slowly at him.

"Love" huh? Was that what this was?

_______

In the evenings, Ichiji would give the ever-growing Nyasha all of the attention she deserved. She'd lay with him and stargaze in the fresh cut grass and she'd even let him read aloud to her or vent his daily frustrations. It didn't matter how flat his voice was or what he'd say, she'd sit with him and listen all the same. He'd found that animals were much easier to understand than humans.

From time to time as Nyasha grew, he'd wonder how strange it was that she had almost tripled in size. She was unusually big for a cat and she had even grown to be half the height of the young prince himself. She grew without any definitive end in sight or so it seemed. Was it something he'd been feeding her? He would question. She was quite chubby, after all.

But as he watched her roll in the grass pleasantly beside him, he concluded that while she may be an anomaly in her own right, it didn't really matter.

Ichiji faced his head up towards the sky–the stars twinkled above them as a cool salty breeze blew through the garden, rustling the leaves on the bushes and nipping through his hair. Nyasha nestled herself into his arms and he couldn't help but feel a small smile creep onto his face.

_______

Present day

Ichiji fell to his bed when he returned home. He was exhausted. Saving Niji and Yonji was no easy feat, especially with the dead weight that was Caesar Clown also tagging along. His raid suit was torn and covered in burn marks–his face was covered in cuts and bruises along the whole of his body, too. His hair hung tangled and messy in the view of his face. At this point, he didn't even care anymore. He was far too tired to even think about getting up to tidy it.

Honestly, it was hard to fully absorb everything that had happened in such a short span of time. Between the wedding preparations and Sanji's return to Germa as a prince–well, rather than saying he'd "returned", a better choice of words would be that he'd been dragged back and forced into an arranged marriage between he and a daughter from the Charlotte family.

And then there was also the matter of the admittedly intimidating Big Mum and her practically endless slough of children at her fingertips.

He was supposed to have died that day, they all were. They were ensnared in a trap and all that was left was the order to pull the trigger–but then Sanji appeared before them and shattered what bound them all beneath the heel of his shoe in an instant. Ichiji just couldn't fathom why. After all he'd done to him...didn't Sanji despise him, hate him even? Why would he go as far to save someone who he'd once called a "heartless monster"?

No, Ichiji knew it had nothing to do with him. Sanji had just done it to spare Reiju's life, that much was obvious. But even still...it moved Ichiji to the point that he sprang into action moments after.

He mulled over all that had happened days before in his head. Thirteen years had passed between them but Sanji remained just as confusing as he ever was.

He thought back to his childhood days and the turbulent feelings that overcame him at times throughout the years.

Perhaps his father...had been wrong about Sanji, and maybe Ichiji himself had been wrong, too. Perhaps Sanji's kindness was never the grand weakness he'd thought it to be. Maybe...he and Sanji weren't so different after a–

It was then that Ichiji's thoughts came to a halt as he sensed a sudden presence standing behind him. He removed his sunglasses and looked over his shoulder only to find Reiju standing there with a slightly curious expression.

"Well, that's a surprise–you never take those things off. What an honour–" she jested with a smile and continued, "Wow–I'd forgotten how much your eyes looked like mums. Such a rich and deep blue–just like the night sky..." she remarked leaning forward just a tad to soak in the rare view.

Ichiji blinked, pausing for a moment at her words–were his eyes really just like mothers? He'd always thought that Sanji's–hell, even Niji or Yonji's eyes looked more similar to hers when compared to his deep ocean-blues.

Ichiji sat up, "Right. So...why are you here?" Ichiji inquired with a monotone inflection, "Do you have something important to say, or are you just here to annoy me?"

To his surprise, she'd then revealed a pink hairbrush that she'd been holding out from behind her back. "I remembered how mother used to brush your hair. You always looked so happy and content when she did it, so..." she drew in closer, "I just thought you might enjoy having your hair brushed by me as well." Ichiji wanted to protest her assumptions but he held his silence for a moment. He was too tired to argue.

"I can brush my own hair, Reiju. I'm not a child any longer." He muttered in a low tone.

She then reached forward and began to brush away as if she didn't hear his reply. Soot and ashes fell from his hair as she kept at it diligently. He sat up further and maintained his silence as he accepted she was stubbornly going to do this whether he wanted her to or not.

It was strange to have his hair brushed by Reiju of all people. And yet...it still felt nice. Comforting, even. He closed his eyes in contentment and in his mind he saw a faint memory of his mother.

He remembered as she hummed that tune while gliding the brush carefully through his cowlicks. He saw her golden locks cascaded over her shoulders as he viewed her from below. His memories of her were faded now but he could still hear her tune and see her smile backlit by the sun. She spoke to him but he could no longer remember the words.

The memory dissipated as the brush left his hair in better form now. "There...all done." Reiju said, doing the remaining finishing touches with her fingertips.

"Good." He got up to pat the dust from earlier that day off of his clothes. He then turned to his sister and looked her up and down with just his eyes–she looked so much like their mother now, it was almost scary.

"Thank you, Reiju..." he spoke softly. At his words, his usually stoic sister lit up a bit and smiled softly in return. He didn't understand why she'd go this far–didn't she hate him? Wasn't he just another heartless monster in her eyes as she once told Sanji?

"Anytime." she said. He nodded in reply and then she slowly turned, leaving the room with a faint warmth it didn't have before.

Ichiji walked up to the window, taking in the pale of the moon. He thought of Niji and Yonji pinned in Big Mom's book like butterflies in some sick display. The night carried on right before his eyes and soon the sun's rays pierced through the high walls of the crumbled desolate country that was known as Germa.

A bird took flight outside his window, becoming one with the sky. It reminded him of his once-weak brother, Sanji as it disappeared and flew far out of view.

His mind wandered further as he rested his head against the wall and closed his heavy eyes.

A small thought popped into his head as he drifted off–he'd wondered if one day they, too, could fly off.

To become free, just as he was.

[zosan-secondchances]

The Pirate King of the North: Part 2 with Concept Art

Main Themes: Villain Sanji, Alternate Universe, Zosan Ship

Warning: Long post ahead and some One Piece spoilers. Contains strong language.

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17

Let's go back a touch to when old Sanji reunited with his Zoro after the arm incident.

Sanji

I'm back Marimo-kun~! Sorry I was gone for so long!

Zoro

What the–? How the fuck did you get into my house?!

Sanji

Turns out I got this genetically-modified body so my limbs are practically replaceable! This isn't normal, right?

Commander 1

My Liege, we still need to attach the rest of the flesh.

Sanji

Oh, shush it now. I know it's just for padding at this point.

Anyway! This means we can keep fighting! Isn't that wonderful? I know your dad doesn't fight with that red-head anymore because of it.

Zoro

Dad? What are you…? Forget it. You're a freak. Get out. Now.

Sanji

Is…is it the hair? I thought I'd try something new…. I spent so long fixing it up for you. Do you not like it?

Zoro

Wait, what is that?

Sanji

Oh! This thing on my hand? It's a get-well-soon gift from my dear Doffy! He said I should at least try and make the fight fair for us so you won't get bored of me. What do you think?

Zoro

Fair? What do you mean fair?! And who the fuck is Doffy–?

Sanji

So many questions! Marimo-kun, I'm actually just here to propose. Let's go and get married!

Zoro

This…this must be some kind of a sick joke.

Sanji

I'm plenty serious actually. Come now, it'll be fun! If you marry me I'll give you all the sake you want~!

Zoro

You're barking mad if you think I'd agree to that.

Sanji

Commander, please present the dowry.

Darling, do you accept sea cows or do you prefer gold?

Zoro

Get the hell out of my house!!

Sanji

Hmm…you're right. I'm not doing this properly. Hey, is your dad still at Kuragaina? And was that a yes to sea cows?

Zoro

OUT!!!

This is Sanji's first of many marriage proposals.

---

Later in the week, a certain captain is over at Zoro's.

Law

You don't have to marry the man. Just get on his good side enough to get the information. I don't care how you do it.

Zoro

You ask too much this time, surgeon.

Law

Oh, for fuck's sake–you owe me. And I'm cashing in.

Zoro

Fine. But I'm only doing this for Luffy. What do you need exactly?

Law

I need to know if someone's still alive…. It's only a rumour but it would kill me I'd I don't find out for sure. And only he might know it.

Zoro

A friend of yours?

Law

You can say that.

Zoro

What's the name?

Law

It's…the Marines call him Corazon.

----------

Notes: I'm still exploring how to do dialogue the way my brain lays it out in my head. I've written scripts for storyboarding purposes before but Tumblr layout won't let me do what I need so bullet points it is. Oh well! Depending on feedback I might change it up.

[kukurykunapatyku]

[I.D.: Drawing of Ichiji and Ace from One Piece. Both are inside rectangle frames, Ace in right up corner and Ichiji in left down corner, their boxes intersect in the middle. Ace is seen from behind, waist up, with his head thrown back. There is crown of alternating golden lines and red spheres around his head. He doesn't have a shirt or whitebeard tatoo. In the background there is Vinsmokes' skull. Ichiji is seen from the front, hips up, slightly from above. He holds a heart in his outsretched hand. He has blood on his hands and shirt. He wears grey shirt, black trousers and white cape with red lining. His eyes are visible, he looks focused. Words '"The first"? Weird name to give a son.' and 'Perfect for a sacrifice though.' fill the remaining corners of the drawing. /End I.D.]

Vinsmoke shipping week day 1: First meet / Immortal x mortal

How to get unimaginable power, by Vinsmoke Judge:

capture a fallen star -> try to make a deal with it -> get your favourite son to make a sacrifice in your place -> ??? -> profit

I'm boo boo the fool. I got an idea for au, made illustration first, thought the quote sounded good and filled the empty space. And then I got to writing and realised I have nowhere to put the quote so it would made sense 😗

This was supposed to be one shot for the vinsmoke shipping week but this au grew on me, i might do something with it in the future Not a lot of romance here I'm afraid 👍 maybe next time

🔽Fic under readmore 🔽 Also on Ao3

cw: slight gore, dehumanizing (refering to he/him with it/its)

Heavy basement doors closed with a dull thud behind Ichiji. The fog from his breath danced in the air, looking for any crevice that would let it out of the room.

Deep underground, sealed with runes and cement, only torches illuminating the dark - someone could call the precautions unneeded, but Ichiji knew better. He looked towards their prisoner, trapped on a painted floor.A catch like this was once in a lifetime.

The star didn't show that it noticed him yet. No matter, it wasn't needed for the first part.

Repeating father's instructions, Ichiji took a piece of chalk out of his pocket a got to work. Slender lines began to fill the empty spaces on stone walls and floor; circles, crosses and vines intersecting each other in carefully calculated patterns. The star didn't seem to move, but Ichiji could feel its eyes following him around the room. Good, so it's conscious. Not letting it disrupt him, he came back to the drawings. They needed to be perfect for the barter to work out.

He noticed, Ace thought, peeking from behind his eyelids. Well well, wasn't he an observant bastard. One that knew what he was doing; the symbols, even incomplete, already brimmed with power that made his throat dry and set of ringing in his ears. Ah, so he wantsa deal. A pretty serious one, he added to himself, looking at the size and complexity of the circle. His eyes trailed after the caped man. A few healing sigils, couple time capsules, warding lines - probably a kidney. Ace licked his lips. Maybe an eye or two if he was lucky.

Finally finished, the guy stopped before him.

"I know you are awake," he huffed.

Ace slowly opened his eyes and got better look at the figure before him. Sparse light glistened on red hair and sunglasses, the rest disappearing and reappearing from shadows.

"Why hello there," Ace said with a crooked smile. "What brings you here?"

"The deal."

Ace grimaced. Barely a word. The offering better be worth the drag; at least it'll get him out of this shitty basement.

"Silly me, of course. But, you know, there should be some decorum to this. Usually people start with their name."

Redhead stared down at him. Or at least Ace assumed he did, it was hard to tell with covered eyes. After a few moments of contempt silence the contrarian in him finally won.

"Okay, see, it goes like this:" He pointed at his chest and pronounced with exaggerated care. "My. Name. Ace." He turned the finger on him. "You. Name. What?"

For a second the shape of something like embarrassment appeared on the guy's face before it smoothed over again.

"Vinsmoke Ichiji. The oldest prince of Germa Kingdom, where you currently reside."

Ace widened his eyes. The guy- Ichiji actually responded? That was a new one. He grinned; maybe this won't be a complete waste of time.

"Ichiji... <First>? Weird thing to name a child. Your parents must be something else."

One curly brow went up.

"Is that so, Ace?"

Ace shrugged.

"I said what I said." he looked up. "So, Germa? Can't say I ever heard of it. Eh, it's not like I heard of many human kingdoms."

"You do not find us interesting, I get."

"Oh, the opposite! I find you humans really interesting; it's just your kingdoms that are just so incredible dull. You have a habit of pretending that they matter but truth be told? If you look from the side, they all look exactly the same."

Ichiji tilted his head. "Hm."

"You look less upset than I expected from someone who introduced himself as a prince," Ace inquired.

"Arguing wouldn't do anything, would it? That is not what I'm here to do." He pulled something small from his pocket and knelt next to Ace. "We should proceed."

The clang of iron shackles falling on the floor shot through the room. Ace rubbed his aching wrist.

"Well, it was nice to chat."

But Ichiji wasn't done. With the same key he started scrapping the paint from the stones around Ace. Not enough to free him, but the returning power buzzed under his skin. Ace stared with stunned expression; this deal really was going to be something else.

"Lets begin," Ichiji declared.

The air grew electrified, wind without a source banging between the walls. Ichiji stood up and draw his hands together, quietly chanting the words that made Ace's hair stand up. Ace transfixed on the redhead. His mouth curved into the feral smile, unable to contain excitement singing in his veins at the promised feast.

And then Mr. prince plunged his hand deep into his chest, blood spraying around. Sudden scent hit Ace's nose and he took sharp breath, which just made the aroma travel further his lungs, clouding mind and senses. Ichiji reached towards him with the still-beating muscle in his grip.

Ace seized the heart and bite down, savory juices exploding in his mouth, tender flesh ripping between his teeth. The blood stained his mouth so he tried to lick it off, teared between devouring the treat as fast as possible and not wasting a single drop. He was leaping from joy, fresh meat satiating his ever-present hunger for a moment and filling him with new strength. The flame inside his gut grew with every swallowed morsel; when was the last time he had a treat like this?

Engrossed in the food, Ace for a moment forgot about Ichiji, who dropped on his knees, sunglasses clinking on the floor. The blood on his chest dripped slowly, the sigils doing their job. Breathing heavily, he reached forward and grabbed the closest arm. Ace looked back at him, hastily gulping down last bits of the offering.

"Oh, right, the deal. Sorry about that. But man," He glanced down. "You must be pretty desperate! So, let's hear it."

"Give my father the power to conquer all the Northern Kingdoms."

His face froze. "What?"

"You heard me."

"I- No-"

"The heart is valuable enough, we did the math. You have no reason to refuse."

"Hold on for a moment!" shouted Ace. "That's why you're doing it?"

Ichiji squinted his eyes. "Just do it. That was the deal."

"I don't care what happens to your silly kingdoms, whatever their compass points at, but you did all this-" He gestured at the growing red spot on his shirt. "-because your father asked you to?"

"Of course," Ichiji mouthed. "He is my father."

Ace saw red.

"Ah." The ice crept in his voice. "I see. The answer is no then."

That seemed to get the reaction. Ichiji jerked his head, fingers clawing harder into Ace's bicep. "You can't just refuse, that's not how it works! I gave you an offering-"

"Yeah, so I'm going to grant your wish. If your father wants something from me, he can offer me his own heart, instead of sending you."

"My wish is for you to grant my father's."

"Nope, not doing it."

"You-" The argument was interrupted with a coughing fit, Ichiji's grip losing some of its strength. Ace caught his spasming body before it hit the floor and swore, suddenly much too aware of how quickly his life was draining away. He was going to keel over the second he was out of the protection circle. But they couldn't stay here, someone will come here sooner or later and then...

An idea struck him with a flash.

"Hold on, stay still for a moment..."

Ace doubted Ichiji heard him, still trying to catch his breath, so he shifted him around and put a hand on his chest. He exhaled and let the warmth flow towards the hole; the magic meandered its way between frayed skin and muscle, healing what it could, and what it couldn't...

The beating returned, it's pulse synchronized to Ace's own, too soft to be human. There was no time to celebrate; he focused, pulled on the strings surrounded them both, stretched them and clenched his teeth. He braced for what was to come and let go.

The furry of light and colours surrounded them, the force beating the air out of his lungs, astral wind blowing the hair all over the place.

And the next second, it was over. Ace knelt on the sandy beach, retching. Crap. He leaped to his feet, already turning towards the body.

Ichiji could breathe again. He opened his eyes and stiffened when he realized where he was. Or rather where he wasn't.

"Oh, so it did work!"

"How?" Ichiji growled.

The star grinned.

"Well, it wasn't easy with your heart missing, but I managed to-"

"How did you escape?"

It pursed its lips.

"Of course that's what you're worried about. You're in luck, because those two things are connected." It pointed one finger up. "First! I used some of my flame to keep you alive. I can't give you your heart back, since I already ate it, but you shouldn't die for some more time." It grimaced. "It's not a permanent solution, so you'll need to find something else."

Ichiji made an annoyed face. It put another finger up.

"Second! Because of the seals I couldn't just disappear myself, but I could send you away. And we're connected now, so I can't be too far from you. So when I pushed you out, you pulled me with you, and that's how we're here." It grinned again, arms outstretching to the sides, as if showing him the beach. "As far from that basement as I could put us!

"And third!" Next finger joined the rest. "Your wish."

Ichiji gritted his teeth.

"I already told you what I wish for. You refused. There should be some punishment for that."

"Oh don't worry, there is! But I hadn't broken our deal yet." Star crossed its arms. "I fully intend to grant your wish. But only yours."

"Give my father the power to conquer all the Northern Kingdoms."

The vein appeared on its forehead.

"Wrong answer. Let me get this straight." It leaned over him. "With the power I got from your sacrifice I manged to not only put your death on hold, but also get us both out despite all the obstacles. Do you think I would be able to do that if I was going against your heart? The way I see it, on some level, you wanted to leave. And on some level-" he stumbled. "On some level you didn't want to die. So that's how it's going to go. I'll stick around until you can give me your wish, your true wish. I'll grant it and the deal will be finished. And don't try to put any crap like the kingdom stuff."

Ichiji scowled.

"And if I try to come back and tell father about this you will just-"

"I'll just push us as far away as possible! Good, you're learning."

Ichiji glared at Ace. "It does not sound like I have a choice."

"That's something you're used to, isn't it?"

Ichiji didn't answer.

[dancingintherainwithchifuyu]

Falling through Duty

Ichiji x reader

(I hope I did Ichiji justice. I've never written for him before)

@omi-replies @fic-dumpster

The banquet hall was grand, with towering pillars and golden chandeliers casting a warm, regal glow over the guests. Laughter and soft murmurs filled the air as nobles and dignitaries mingled, glasses of wine clinking together. But despite the opulence of the evening, Ichiji’s gaze kept drifting back to her.

She stood across the room, chatting with one of the younger ladies of the court. Her laughter, soft and carefree, cut through the noise like a gentle breeze. Her eyes sparkled, her smile warm and inviting—completely at ease in a world that was anything but.

Ichiji couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, his chest tightening with a strange, unfamiliar sensation.

His fingers tightened around the stem of his glass, but his attention never wavered. The elegant princess—his fiancée—was beautiful, graceful, and utterly unguarded in a way he could never be. The room around them felt like a distant hum as she spoke, her voice light and melodic.

"Announcing the engagement of Prince Ichiji and Princess Y/N!" The announcement echoed throughout the hall, pulling Ichiji back to the present moment. The crowd around him burst into applause, and for a moment, all eyes were on them.

He straightened, the weight of the title settling heavy on his shoulders. This wasn’t just a union of two people—it was a political alliance, a calculated move. Yet as he turned his gaze back to her, he felt a slight shift in his chest, something he couldn’t quite understand.

She looked back at him then, her eyes locking onto his across the sea of guests. For the briefest of moments, she hesitated, her smile faltering slightly, unsure of what to do. But then, as if instinctively, she smiled again—a radiant, warm smile that reached her eyes, full of kindness and curiosity.

Ichiji felt his breath catch. There it was again—that smile. The one that always seemed so irritating at first. The one that used to bother him because it was so innocent, so carefree, so unburdened by the heavy expectations that weighed on his own shoulders. It was the smile of someone untouched by the world’s cruelty.

His jaw tightened, his grip on his glass almost crushing the delicate stem. How could she be so… so oblivious to everything? Did she not see the responsibilities they had to bear, the weight of the future they had to face together?

But as he stood there, watching her with her soft smile, her delicate laugh, he couldn’t ignore the ache in his chest. That smile—he hated it, yet it was impossible to look away from.

Slowly, as the evening went on, Ichiji found himself drawn toward her without even realizing it. When she spoke to someone else, his eyes followed her, tracking her movements through the crowd. The way she tilted her head when listening, the way her eyes lit up when she found something amusing, the way she made everyone feel at ease, even in the most formal of settings—everything about her made something inside him stir.

It was when she turned to speak to him, offering a shy smile as their eyes met again, that it hit him all at once.

She was laughing at something, a soft giggle slipping from her lips, and Ichiji's heart skipped a beat. The realization crashed into him, swift and unavoidable. He wasn’t just standing there, indifferent to her anymore. No, he wanted to see her smile. He needed to see it, because when it wasn’t directed at him, it felt like something was missing.

He had been falling for her.

The thought hit him like a punch to the gut. He couldn’t deny it anymore. He had been drawn to her, not just because of duty, but because of the person she was—kind, soft, untainted by the world’s cruelties. Her strength was quiet but undeniable, her heart so open that it made his rigid walls crack, just a little bit.

Ichiji blinked, his heart racing as he took in a deep breath. He hadn’t expected this, hadn’t wanted it, but now that it had happened, he was forced to face it. His gaze softened involuntarily, and he found himself smiling, a genuine, small smile that no one had ever seen from him before.

She caught his gaze again and tilted her head, the curiosity in her eyes growing. The warmth in her smile deepened, and it was like the entire world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them in that moment.

And then, as if she had sensed it, she quietly turned away, returning to her conversation with the courtier.

Ichiji stood there, still and silent, feeling a strange sense of longing stir within him. He watched her, a soft, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Damn it,” he muttered to himself. “I think I’m in trouble.”

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirates Promise

Chapter 57: Escaping Big Mom Territory

A/N: And we are back at it again with a new chapter!. We have a few POVs, here as well as Pudding and y/n fighting, Sanji being lovesick as always, and a few funny moments as well. We are approaching the shocking news, that will be two characters leaving... thank you so much for the follows, the interactions, the likes, reblogs, and shares. And without further ado, let the adventure begin!

Word Count: 9.2K 

Sanji x Reader, Sanji x Y/N, One Piece X Reader.

Y/N POV…

"Y/N! WAKE UP!" yelled a familiar voice, jolting me out of the darkness I had been drifting in. My body stirred as the urgency in the voice rattled me.

"You idiot! She's supposed to be resting!" yelled another familiar voice, irritation lacing their words.

"Strawhat, give her a good few more seconds," came yet another voice, calm and composed, but still recognizable. Slowly, my mind began to catch up, and I forced my eyes to flutter open.

"Damn it," I muttered, my voice groggy as I raised a hand to my head, feeling the remnants of the exhaustion that had overwhelmed me. "Where am I?" I asked, blinking as my vision cleared.

"We're inside Bege's body, Y/N," Chopper said softly, his tiny hooves pressing gently on me as if to reassure me. The warmth of his touch grounded me in the moment, pulling me back to reality.

I glanced around the dimly lit interior of Bege's strange fortress-like body, piecing together what had happened. The memories rushed back—King carrying me, Reiju and Ichiji's help, Sanji and Luffy fighting their way through. It felt like everything had been a blur, but here we were, alive and regrouping.

"How long was I out?" I asked, rubbing my temples, still feeling groggy but at least coherent now.

"Not long," Chopper replied, a mixture of relief and concern in his voice. "But you need to take it easy. That medicine King gave you worked fast, but you're still recovering."

"Yeah, take it slow, Y/N," added Nami, her voice gentle but firm as she came into view. "We’ve got a lot ahead of us, and we need you at full strength."

I gave a weak smile, the weight of the situation pressing on me once again. “Yeah, I’ll be fine,” I muttered, though my body still felt heavy. Suddenly, I felt rubbery arms wrapping around me, lifting me up unexpectedly.

"Y/N!" Luffy exclaimed, pulling me into his embrace with his usual enthusiasm. I landed against his solid chest, and a sharp wince escaped my lips as the pain from my earlier injuries flared up.

"You moron, she's still recovering!" Sanji yelled in frustration, rushing over and pulling me gently out of Luffy's grasp. His hands were firm but careful, making sure not to cause me any more pain.

Luffy blinked in confusion, his arms still outstretched as if unsure of what he did wrong. "But I was just happy to see her awake," he said, his voice full of genuine concern.

"There's a way to be happy without crushing her, you idiot!" Sanji snapped back, his protective tone not going unnoticed.

I couldn’t help but smile weakly at their bickering, the usual chaos of our crew somehow comforting. Despite everything, I was surrounded by my friends, and that gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. "It's okay," I whispered, my voice hoarse but steady. "Thanks, Luffy. Just... maybe a bit gentler next time?" I added with a teasing smile, trying to lighten the mood despite the pain.

Luffy grinned sheepishly. "Got it!" he said, rubbing the back of his head, while Sanji continued glaring at him, clearly fighting the urge to give him an earful.

"Also, Y/N... when did you change clothes?" Luffy asked, blinking at me in surprise.

"Change clothes? What do you..." I trailed off as I glanced down, realizing I was still in the Germa raid suit. Memories of Ichiji came rushing back—the suit installed in my wedding ring.

"Well, Captain, that's actually a good question," I replied, flashing a small smile. "Turns out my wedding ring has a built-in raid suit." I raised my hand and pressed the ring, activating the mechanism. In an instant, I transformed out of the Germa armor and back into my familiar pearl-white dress, Zoro’s bandana now tied snugly around my forehead again.

"Who knew I’d miss this bandana," I said with a chuckle, feeling a strange sense of comfort in the simple piece of fabric.

Sanji's reaction, however, was immediate. His expression twisted in jealousy. "What the hell? Why are you still wearing that moss-headed idiot’s bandana?!" he barked, arms crossed, clearly not happy with this new development.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Come on, Sanji, it's not that serious. Besides, it's practical."

Sanji grumbled under his breath, muttering something about "damn raid suits" and "Zoro," but before he could launch into a full-on rant, Luffy beamed in excitement.

"Whoa! Your ring has a secret power? That's awesome, Y/N!" he exclaimed, his excitement contagious.

I grinned at his enthusiasm. "Yeah, Luffy, I guess it is." Just then, King appeared by my side, reaching into his suit coat. "Princess, I believe this belongs to you," he said, handing back my sword. I pressed the three gemstones on the hilt, expanding it back to its full length.

"Thanks, King," I said, gripping the familiar weapon.

"Okay, this is as far as I’ll go," said Bege, as we all emerged from his castle-body. It was a relief to finally be outside again, though we still had work ahead of us.

"Thanks for everything, Bege. We might’ve been dead if it wasn’t for you," Nami said, offering genuine gratitude.

Bege scoffed. "Don’t get all sappy on me. Like I’d ever do a good deed… disgusting."

"A simple 'you’re welcome' would’ve been nice too," I teased, smirking at his gruffness.

"If you’re gonna thank someone, thank me! I carried you!" Caesar snapped, clearly irritated.

"Can it, you loser!" Nami shot back. "You know I haven’t forgotten what you did to those kids back in Punk Hazard!"

"And I haven’t forgotten what you did to me in Punk Hazard either—or how you threatened my captain and Law!" I added, my voice firm with lingering anger.

King, who had been quietly observing, raised an eyebrow. "Oh, is he the Surgeon of Death you spoke about?" he asked with a slight smirk, causing my cheeks to heat up with a blush.

"Come on, King," I muttered, brushing off the comment. No need to dwell on that right now.

Nami wasn’t finished with Caesar either. "We don’t need your help anymore, so go drop dead," she snapped.

"Huh?! Foolish girl! You should show respect when speaking to a genius!" Caesar huffed, clearly offended.

I couldn’t resist. "Is the genius here with us?" I said with a smirk, earning an even louder yell from Caesar.

"You insolent brat! Do you want me to turn this entire island into poison gas?!" Caesar threatened, his eyes wild with frustration.

Before he could make another move, Bege casually reached for Caesar’s heart. "Here, take your heart back," he muttered, throwing it toward Caesar.

Just as Caesar reached out to grab it, King snatched the heart in midair with ease, his hand gripping it tightly.

"Give me back my heart!" Caesar screamed, panicking.

King raised the heart, examining it. "That’s an interesting new technique," I said, intrigued.

"It’s an advancement I made to one of my rings," King replied nonchalantly, earning my admiration.

"Now, Princess, what should I do with this?" King asked, holding the heart up with a mischievous glint in his eye.

I grinned, already knowing the perfect person for the task. "Nami, would you like to do me the honors?" I said, handing her the heart.

Nami’s eyes lit up with a wicked smile as she grabbed Caesar’s heart. "With pleasure!"

Caesar screamed in agony as she tightened her grip, his yell echoing through the air.

"Ahhh!!" Caesar wailed in pain. Nami released her hold, tossing the heart back to him like it was nothing. "Now you can have it back," she said nonchalantly.

Caesar scrambled to catch it, clutching it to his chest. "My heart... I’m finally whole again!" he shouted, overwhelmed with relief. But as we turned to leave, his voice followed us. "So long, suckers! I’ll see you in hell!" he yelled after us, but none of us paid him any attention. We had bigger problems to deal with.

"Why did the castle fall?" Luffy asked, confused as we moved forward.

Pedro scanned the area with a sharp gaze. "So, do any of you have an idea who caused this?"

Vito, using his binoculars, chimed in with urgency. "Bad news, Father. The enemy is still alive, just a little shaken up."

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Damn," I muttered under my breath, feeling the weight of our unfinished business with Big Mom’s forces.

"They're gone now, so let’s go," Luffy said with his usual determination, already thinking ahead.

Bege, however, had different plans. "Do what you want, but we’re parting ways. Adios," he said, already turning to leave.

"Really?" Luffy asked, surprised.

Jinbei stepped forward to explain. "We failed to assassinate Big Mom. There’s no reason to continue with this alliance."

Bege began to stake a sign in the ground, signaling the end of our temporary partnership. "The strawhats went that way?!" Sanji growled, clearly agitated. "Come on, how petty can that bastard get!"

Brook, ever the calm presence, added, "Well, it looks like we’ll be on our way as well. Once we get the Shark Submerge, we’ll take it straight to the Sunny and meet you there."

Chopper was already preparing for their departure, gathering his supplies. "Okay, but be careful!" Luffy called out after them. "We’ve gotta make it to the coast."

As they left, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. "I can’t wait to get out of here and set sail," I said with a smile, eager to leave this chaos behind  Nami, ever the tease, smirked and nudged me playfully. "And that'll give us an excuse to have a girls' night where you explain everything in detail."

I couldn’t help but laugh at that, already imagining the barrage of questions she’d have. "Oh, you know it!" I said with a grin.

Then, turning to King, I added with excitement, "And I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of the crew, King!"

Sanji, who had been standing nearby, immediately swooned, his eyes growing wide and hearts practically dancing around his head. "Nami-swan... Y/N-chwan..." he whispered dreamily, his knees weakening as he watched us.

"Two beautiful ladies planning a night together! My heart can’t take it!" Sanji dramatically collapsed to the ground, hands clutching his chest as if struck by Cupid’s arrow. Nami sighed, shaking her head, while I couldn't help but laugh. As we started making our way out of the area, eager to leave the chaos behind, King stepped forward, his voice steady.

"Princess, let me carry you on my back," he offered, his tone gentle yet firm. I nodded eagerly, grateful for his support, especially in my weakened state. He knelt down, allowing me to climb onto his back, and as he stood, I couldn’t help but smile.

"This brings back memories, huh?" I said softly, my mind flashing back to a distant day.

Flashback

It was one of those long, grueling training days with King and Dominik. We had been at it for hours, the sun beginning to set on the horizon, casting golden light over the training field. My muscles ached, my body drenched in sweat, but their relentless voices still pushed me to my limits.

"Again!" Dominik's voice boomed, his commanding tone leaving no room for hesitation.

I gritted my teeth, feeling the strain in my legs as I kicked the tree root once more, trying to perfect my technique.

"Again!" King echoed, his eyes watching me intently, his usual stoic demeanor in place.

I staggered but pushed through, knowing that I had to keep going. Each kick was a battle with my body, and yet, I could feel myself growing stronger, even if only a little.

After what felt like an eternity, Dominik called for a break, but I could barely stand, my legs trembling with exhaustion. Seeing my state, King stepped forward without a word, his tall figure looming over me as he knelt down.

"Get on," he said simply, his back towards me.

I hesitated for only a second before doing as he said, climbing onto his back as he effortlessly stood and began walking towards the staircase that led to his home. His movements were steady, and I rested my head against his shoulder, too tired to say much.

"You're getting stronger," he said after a long silence, his voice low but carrying a hint of pride. "But there's still more to learn."

"I know," I mumbled, half-asleep already from exhaustion. "But I'll get there... with you and Dominik."

End Flashback

As we moved through the area, I rested my head on King's broad back once more, just like I had that day during training. The memory brought a small, warm smile to my face. The group continued to run away from the fallen chateau, with Nami riding comfortably on Jinbei's back.

"Hey, King!" yelled Sanji, sprinting to catch up with us. "Why are you carrying Y/N like that?" His voice was laced with annoyance.

"I always carried her like this, especially after training. She needs to recover," King replied, his tone cool and dismissive, not even bothering to glance back at Sanji.

"I could carry her, you know!" Sanji insisted, his frustration growing.

"The princess is resting. I suggest you let it be," King shot back, his tone definitive, leaving no room for argument.

"Let’s pick up the pace! They'll be catching up to us soon enough!" yelled Nami, glancing back nervously.

"No fair! You don't get to ride on Jinbei and boss us around, you lazy bum!" Luffy chimed in, his usual carefree attitude shining through the tension.

"Stop griping! Nami can do whatever she wants 'cause she's cute!" Sanji swooned, causing me to roll my eyes.

"You seem to be quite the lovesick cook the princess described you as," King smirked, a teasing glint in his eyes as he continued to carry me. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of embarrassment and amusement at the situation.

"Shut up!" Sanji retorted, his face turning a shade redder. "I’m just being a gentleman!"

Nami chuckled, shaking her head. "You guys are ridiculous," she said, clearly enjoying the banter. "As Nami said, pursuers are soon to find us, so we must make haste," Jinbei interjected, his tone serious as we continued to make our way to the Seducing Woods.

"Huh?" Sanji looked back, confusion evident on his face. "Something wrong?" Luffy asked, tilting his head.

"My heart just skipped a beat... I guess some cutie was talking about me as usual," Sanji replied, a goofy grin spreading across his face.

As we ventured deeper, the trees began to close in around us. "There they are! The Seducing Woods!" Nami exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"You sure we are going to be okay in there?" Luffy asked, concern creeping into his tone. "It kind of sucked last time."

"I hated it," I muttered, still resting on King’s back, feeling a mix of anxiety and exhaustion.

Suddenly, Nami pointed ahead. "Hey! Do you see that?" We all looked up to see King Baum, the massive tree we had encountered before, standing tall and imposing. "It's King Baum!" I yelled, my spirits lifting.

"And he’s with a tree lady?" I added, squinting to get a better look.

"Hey, King Baum! I thought you were dead! I'm so happy!" Nami shouted, tears of joy streaming down her face.

"Hey, King Baum!" I echoed, feeling a rush of nostalgia.

"Tree! It's good to see you!" Luffy added, as we all landed on top of King Baum's head. King finally let me down, and I found my footing as we gathered around our leafy friend.

Nami pulled out the Vivre Card, holding it tightly. "Tree, head for the Sunny! Full speed!" Luffy commanded.

Suddenly, Carrot’s voice broke through the excitement. "Look behind us… enemies!" she yelled, panic creeping into her voice.

"You have got to be kidding me," I said, my heart racing.

"Ma-ma-ma!" came a familiar laugh that sent chills down my spine.

"I know that laugh," Sanji growled, his expression darkening.

"Shit, already!" I yelled, shock washing over all of us as Big Mom appeared, her presence radiating chaos.

"No!" we all exclaimed in unison, fear and disbelief flooding the air.

"I've… come for my wedding cake!" she bellowed, and lightning crackled ominously above us, illuminating the chaos to come.

"Wedding cake?" I asked, turning to both Luffy and King, bewildered. "Is she serious?" 

Ichiji POV…

Back in the Germa Kingdom, I kept to the shadows, the dim light providing just enough cover as I awaited the approach of our enemies. The air was tense, charged with the energy of impending conflict. My heart raced as I heard footsteps enter the throne room.

"Hmmm, a throne without a king, huh?" one of Big Mom's subordinates sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Such a pathetic sight. Tear it all to pieces now!" he ordered, gesturing to his comrades with a wave of his hand.

As they rushed to comply, I seized the moment of distraction and slipped silently toward Father’s throne. Sitting down, I crossed my legs and arms, adopting a relaxed posture that belied the chaos surrounding me. “You wanted a king,” I declared, my voice calm and mocking.

The subordinate’s face paled as he recognized me. "You're not dead!" he exclaimed, panic seeping into his voice.

I grinned, savoring his fear. Just as they raised their weapons to shoot, I flared my cape out in front of me, using it as a shield. The bullets ricocheted harmlessly off, a metallic symphony that only served to amplify my confidence.

With a powerful leap, I launched myself toward the head honcho of the group, my fist connecting solidly with his cheek mid-air. The impact sent him crashing to the ground, and I landed gracefully, my gaze fixed on the remaining subordinates.

"You think you could make a fool out of Germa 66?" I said, my voice dripping with disdain. "We could have been allies; I would have been spending my time with my wife. Hell, I would have enjoyed my honeymoon with her! But don’t worry, I’ll be sure to make you pay with interest."

Their faces twisted with fear and confusion as they processed the swift turn of events. They had underestimated the resolve of Germa 66, and now they would face the consequences of their arrogance.

With a flick of my wrist, I summoned a barrage of energy, ready to unleash my full power. This was not just about defending my home; it was about avenging the honor of my family and protecting Y/N. As the first wave of attackers charged forward, I prepared to show them exactly why they should have feared us

Y/N POV… 

“Wedding cake?” I asked, turning to both Luffy and King, bewildered. The absurdity of the situation was almost too much to process. “Is she serious?”

“Oh, you want to fight!” Luffy exclaimed, his usual enthusiasm ignited.

“Luffy! You can’t win this! You don’t need to fight or defeat her!” Jinbei interjected, trying to reason with him. The tension in the air thickened, and I felt a knot form in my stomach.

“Big Mom is going to reach us any second now!” Carrot shouted, hugging me tightly in a panic as she glanced over her shoulder. We all watched in horror as Big Mom was hot on our tails, her laughter echoing ominously.

“Where’s my wedding cake, Strawhat?!” she bellowed, riding Zeus, with Prometheus floating beside her and her sword gleaming in hand.

“I hate it here!” I said, clenching my sword, feeling a mix of frustration and fear.

“King Baum, hurry!” Nami urged, her voice filled with urgency.

“Hey, tree! Run to the Sunny, full speed!” Luffy shouted, determination lighting up his face.

“Damn it, Strawhat! Where’s my cake?!” Big Mom continued to yell, her voice growing louder, more menacing.

“I don’t know! Why the hell are you asking me?!” Luffy yelled back, his frustration boiling over.

“King Baum, she’s coming this way!” Nami warned, her voice rising in panic.

“You’ll be skewered! The Spear of Elbaf will destroy you!” Big Mom threatened, her presence looming closer.

“Wait, Elbaf?” Luffy echoed, confused.

“Everyone, get ready…” Jinbei cautioned, his tone serious as he assessed the rapidly approaching danger.

King, standing tall, grabbed his sword, his expression steely. “What are you doing?” I asked, my heart racing.

“Ikoku!” Big Mom yelled, her voice booming as she swung her sword down with tremendous force.

Before I could react, a powerful strike landed on King Baum, cutting into some of his body. I instinctively gripped tightly onto the branch, feeling the tree tremble beneath us, as did King.

“Hold on!” King shouted, his voice steady despite the chaos surrounding us. Finally, we made it back onto King Baum, the treant beneath us strong and resolute. The remnants of Big Mom’s attack still lingered in the air, the force of it palpable.

“Where is my cake?!” Big Mom bellowed, her frustration echoing through the woods.

“Oh no! Here she comes again! Y/N, let’s fight!” Luffy shouted, his eyes blazing with determination.

“Hey, King Baum, who was that tree back there?” Nami asked, trying to catch her breath amidst the chaos.

“Nai, she’s my treeance,” King Baum replied, a hint of pride in his voice.

“Ooh! How romantic!” Carrot cheered, her eyes sparkling as she gushed about the two of them.

“It’s almost as romantic as when Ichiji took care of you, Y/N!” Carrot added, catching me off guard. I stood there, my mouth open in surprise.

“Nai, we were going to set up roots together; it was destiny!” King Baum continued, his expression earnest.

“Then live… live for her sake!” Nami encouraged passionately.

“You want to see her again? Fight! Don’t die!” she continued, her voice filled with conviction.

“I’ll do it! For our future!” King Baum declared, a newfound determination igniting within him.

“Then run! Run like the wind! Think about how you two can be together again—now, tomorrow, in sweet matreemony, forever more!” Nami exclaimed, rallying us all.

With that, King Baum surged forward, running fast away from Big Mom, and I could see the determination etched on his wooden face.

King Baum's mouth hung open in disbelief. We exchanged glances, and I couldn’t help but smile, despite the madness around us. “She… she…” King stammered, and I just nodded, both of us closing our mouths, overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation.

“Hey, Nami, I don’t think I ever want to hear tree puns and wedding puns ever again,” I said, laughing, despite the chaos.

“Yeah, I think we’ve had enough of that for a lifetime!” Nami agreed, shaking her head but grinning nonetheless.

“Okay, looks like it’s our turn, Y/N!” Luffy shouted, catching me off guard.

“Luffy! No, I have an idea!” Nami protested, trying to get through to him.

“I said our turn!” Luffy insisted, his tone impatient.

Nami, refusing to back down, took out her Clima-Tact, preparing for action. “Black ball!” she shouted. “Lightning loves other lightning!”

As she activated her attack, Zeus began to devour the black balls of energy. Big Mom lost her footing, her massive form teetering for a moment before she crashed to the ground with a thunderous thud.

“Well, that worked!” I exclaimed, feeling a surge of excitement.

“Once we reach the woods, we’ll have the edge,” Nami said, her eyes focused on the path ahead. “Since King Baum is the master of the trees, we have an upper hand.”

I nodded in agreement, my mind racing with possibilities. Soon, the trees began to part, revealing a clear path toward the Sunny.

“Let’s go, Nami!” I yelled, urging everyone forward.

Ichiji POV… 

I continued to fight this bozo, each punch landing squarely and sending him crashing into the wall. “Sparking!” I yelled, feeling the electrical currents surge through my hands as I focused my energy. I unleashed a barrage of punches, each one reminiscent of how Y/N fought when she showcased her skills without her enhancements. Just thinking of her gave me the motivation to push harder, my fists moving with a newfound ferocity.

“Damn the things you do to me, Y/N,” I thought, recalling her fierce determination and that fierce spirit that never backed down.

“How fast can he move?!” one of Big Mom’s children exclaimed, panic creeping into their voice.

“Faster than that, you’ll see,” I replied, a smirk creeping across my face as I cracked my knuckles.

“Liar! Cut the crap!” he shouted, but I ignored him, focusing solely on the fight at hand.

With every strike, I could feel the energy building within me, my determination solidified by the thought of my wife. She was out there, fighting alongside Luffy and the others, and I couldn’t let them down.

Y/N POV…

"As long as Big Mom isn’t riding Zeus, we should be okay," Jinbei said, glancing back at where we’d just left the chaos. "Big Mom created him from a piece of her soul."

"Yup, that’s me, alright!" Zeus chimed in, suddenly appearing close to us.

"He’s here!" Luffy exclaimed, his enthusiasm unshakeable.

"Hey, can I get some more of those yummy thunder clouds?" Zeus asked, floating closer to us.

"Huh?" I said, confused.

"You want more?" Nami replied, raising an eyebrow.

Luffy and Carrot started poking at Zeus, their laughter filling the air, and just as I was about to join in, King grasped my hand, giving me a firm glare that stopped me in my tracks.

"You’re no fun," I muttered, slightly annoyed but also amused by his protectiveness.

"You can eat later. Forget that, and let us ride you!" Luffy shouted, clearly eager to move on.

"I can’t see! Only Mama can because I contain a part of her soul," Zeus replied, sounding a bit frustrated.

"That’s lame; cloud, you suck," Luffy shot back, unimpressed.

"How would you like to become my servant?" Nami asked, her voice dripping with persuasion as she looked at Zeus.

"Huh?" Pedro blinked, a little confused.

"Gladly!" Sanji piped up, his eyes turning into hearts at the prospect.

"She’s talking to the cloud, Sanji, not you," I said, crossing my arms and rolling my eyes. I felt a little better, gripping Zoro’s bandana that I had on my head.

"Princess, who gave you that bandana?" King asked, his gaze shifting to Sanji with a protective intensity.

"Well, my partner Zoro did," I answered, a small smile creeping onto my face as I thought of Zoro.

"Partner, is it?" King replied, his smile growing wider. "Well, any partner of the princess needs something from me. I can’t have just anybody protecting you."

Sanji turned at the mention of Zoro, irritation etched on his face. "Moss head doesn’t know a thing or two about protecting," he grumbled. "When I get my hands on him, I’m going to fillet his ass." I turned to look at King, who was eying the whole thing with amusement, clearly enjoying the playful banter.

Meanwhile, Nami was still trying to convince Zeus to join our side, promising him all the black balls he'd want. "I'm not the only one switching sides," Jinbei remarked, causing me to laugh.

"You know, it was so cool when you got big and covered up the sky! You could be the star of the show," Nami added, her tone encouraging.

"Oh wow! Mama never compliments me like that or gives me snacks!" Zeus exclaimed, visibly flattered, just as Big Mom suddenly appeared behind him.

"Oh, oh," Zeus stammered, his expression turning panicked.

"Here she comes," Jinbei warned, his tone grave.

"Where is my cake?" Big Mom bellowed, anger radiating off her in waves.

"She looks mad," Luffy noted, his usual enthusiasm wavering a bit.

The ground began to shake beneath us, and Big Mom shouted, "Listen up, Seducing Woods... move and don't let them get to the coast!" As if in response to her command, the trees began to close up the opening, blocking our path.

"Shit!" I cursed, feeling the tension rise.

"Ah! The forest got annoying again!" Luffy exclaimed, his frustration palpable.

"What’s the deal? Can’t we just kick the trees out of the way?" Sanji asked, his fists clenched in annoyance.

"Sadly, we can’t. The trees will still disorient us, making us go in circles," I explained, gripping my sword tightly as a violet hue began to course through me.

King also gripped his sword, a new energy surging through him. "Let’s push through!" he declared, determination in his voice.

King Baum then began to push through the trees, causing us to lose our footing. "That’s it, run! For your future!" Nami shouted, her words a rallying cry.

I almost fell when Sanji grabbed my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "I got you!" he said, pulling me up with a heroic flourish.

"Thanks, Sanji," I said, feeling a rush of gratitude.

"The pleasure's all mine, princess!" he replied, his eyes sparkling with admiration.

Suddenly, the trees began to attack us, their branches lashing out like angry whips. Luffy unleashed his Jet Gatling, fists flying as he struck back at the encroaching branches.

"Take that!" he shouted, his laughter ringing out amidst the chaos.

Next came King with his new technique, "Raging Tempest," channeling his energy into a powerful gust that swept through the trees, creating a clear path for us.

"Then it was Sanji’s turn. 'Diable Jambe!' he shouted, igniting his leg in flames as he kicked a tree trunk, sending splinters flying everywhere." His flames lit up the area, pushing back the trees that threatened to ensnare us. The heat radiated from his leg, and I could feel its intensity from where I stood.

Pedro jumped in next, his sword crackling with energy slicing through the branches and sending arcs of electricity sparking through the trees. "Round two... ready?" he said, glancing at Sanji.

"Why is it so hot?" I muttered, feeling like the sun was crashing down on us.

"No..." Nami whispered, realization dawning on her face.

"Damn it!" Sanji cursed, just as the trees began to close in on us again.

Suddenly, King Baum came to an abrupt halt, causing all of us to stumble. "What should we do?" Carrot asked, panic creeping into her voice.

"Go, King Baum! Hurry up!" Nami urged, desperation lacing her tone.

"Let’s go! He can’t move!" Luffy shouted as we all jumped off King Baum’s head.

"Run away!" Nami yelled, but just as she said that, I felt a surge of panic.

"Nami, come back!" I called, grabbing her arm as I pulled her close.

"Y/N!" Luffy shouted, concern etched on his face.

But then the forceful impact of Prometheus struck, sending Nami, Carrot, and me tumbling onto a rock. My head slammed against it, and pain radiated through me. "Damn it!" I cursed, gripping the back of my head, trying to shake off the daze. "Not again." I kept my sword clenched tightly, refusing to let go.

"Y/N!" Nami cried out, worry evident in her voice.

"Tree!" Luffy yelled, pointing as King Baum was consumed by flames.

The sight was heartbreaking. "King Baum, no..." Nami whispered, tears welling in her eyes as we began to retreat further away.

"Strawhat, give me my cake!" Big Mom bellowed, her fury echoing through the trees.

We ran as fast as we could, my heart pounding in my chest. I turned to King, I gripped his shoulder as he bore the weight of my body once again.

"Y/N, what’s wrong?" Luffy asked, glancing back at me with concern.

"I landed wrong and hit the back of my head on a rock," I admitted, still clutching my sword tightly, refusing to show weakness.

Pedro, Jinbei, Luffy, Nami, Carrot, and King continued to run from Big Mom’s wrath, and I could feel the pressure of the situation weighing down on us. As we moved, I felt Zoro’s bandana slipping from my head. I quickly removed it and wrapped it around my arm, double-knotting it to secure it. The pressure relieved the pain in my head slightly, giving me a bit more clarity.

"Think you can run now?" King asked, his voice steady despite the chaos.

I nodded, determination igniting within me. I clenched my left hand into a fist and fell gracefully to the ground, landing smoothly. With a burst of speed, I continued to run alongside the group, the wind brushing through my short hair as we picked up the pace. My determination pushed me forward despite the chaos behind us.

"When Big Mom experiences her hunger pangs, it’s best to steer clear," Jinbei warned.

"I believe you, but what are they?" Luffy asked, glancing back at Jinbei with curiosity.

"A hunger frenzy. No one is safe until she gets what she wants, which right now is a piece of the wedding cake," Jinbei explained seriously.

"You see, you shouldn't have ruined it for her," Nami scolded, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Come on, Nami, the plan was funny," I said, smiling despite the tense situation.

"Oh, whatever. I just hope the Sunny is closer," Sanji chimed in, clearly worried about getting us out of this mess.

"I can't tell if we’re going in circles!" I exclaimed, scanning the surroundings for anything familiar.

"So, you guys think we're going the right way?" Luffy asked, still sounding hopeful despite the odds.

"That river looks familiar!" Carrot pointed out, ears twitching.

"Wait a second, wasn't that the bridge that got shattered by the crocodile?" Nami asked, her eyes narrowing as she squinted at the scene ahead.

"Yup," I replied, nodding. "Let me see if I can get up and check if we're close or not." I glanced at King and handed him my sword. "King, mind holding this for me?"

King nodded, taking my sword as I clenched my left hand, preparing to leap into the air. But as I soared upward, a rogue tree branch swung at me, hitting me hard and knocking me off balance. I fell quickly, bracing for impact.

"Princess!" King called out in alarm, but Sanji was faster. He leaped into the air with grace and caught me mid-fall, his hands gentle but secure.

"Damn trees," I muttered in frustration, rubbing my side where I’d been struck.

Sanji landed smoothly, setting me down with a charming smile. "No need to thank me, my princess," he said with heart eyes, clearly pleased to have rescued me.

I chuckled softly, meeting Sanji's gaze. "Thank you, Sanji," I said, smiling warmly at him before turning back to the group. The situation was still intense, but his presence always had a way of lightening the mood.

"Get back here, Zeus!" Big Mom's voice boomed behind us, echoing through the forest.

"There is no way she's back already!" I shouted, my heart pounding as we continued to sprint for our lives.

"Hey, you sun guy! You're gonna pay! You shouldn’t have burned that tree guy!" Luffy shouted, launching a Jet Gatling at Prometheus. His fists blurred through the air, landing a barrage of punches.

Just when we thought it had worked, Prometheus reformed, his flaming form bright and fierce once more. "No way!" Luffy exclaimed, eyes wide.

"Sorry, buddy, but you’re gonna need to take me down some other way!" Prometheus taunted, unleashing a series of fiery blasts at us.

We all dodged, narrowly avoiding the searing heat. "This is bad!" I muttered under my breath.

Jinbei, however, kept his cool. He spotted the water up ahead and pointed towards the bridge. "Hurry! Everyone, make it across the bridge!" he commanded.

Without hesitation, we all bolted towards the bridge, our feet pounding against the ground. Prometheus continued his assault, but Jinbei was ready. "Spear Wave Kurasami!" he yelled, sending a massive wave of water directly at Prometheus, stunning him for the moment.

Big Mom's furious voice rang out again, shaking the trees. "Give me my wedding cake!"

I groaned in frustration. "Man, she's annoying," I said, catching my breath as we kept running. The heat from Prometheus and the tension in the air were overwhelming, but I had to stay focused.

"Stay sharp, Princess," King warned, his voice firm as he ran beside me.

I couldn’t help but grin despite the danger. "You know," I said teasingly, "this is such a great bonding moment for us. I can't wait for you to tell the guys back on the island how much fun we’re having—me, you, and half the crew."

King smirked as he ran alongside me. "Dominik's probably going to faint when he hears this," he said with a slight chuckle.

"Yeah, well, he told me something before I left," King replied, mimicking Dominik's tone. "'Please, if you do something reckless with our little princesa, don’t do anything stupid.'"

King shook his head, still smirking. "Do you remember the first day of training when I made you run laps around the jungle on the island?"

I laughed, the memory coming back to me. "Who could forget? I got so lost, you had to send Dominik, Sam, and John to come find me."

King chuckled, shaking his head at the memory. "Yeah, you were a handful even back then."

"Keep up the pace, guys!" Sanji called out as we pushed forward, keeping a steady rhythm.

Jinbei frowned, glancing around. "It’s strange. We haven’t seen Big Mom’s crew or her children for a while now."

A sudden realization dawned on him. "Oh no," he said, as from the bushes, Big Mom’s children emerged, grinning menacingly.

"They’re coming out of the woodwork!" I exclaimed, eyes narrowing at the sight.

"Prepare yourselves, Strawhats!" one of her children shouted. "You won’t be leaving here alive! This is your final resting place!"

"You’ll all die!" another added, their voices echoing with sinister intent.

"What?!" Nami’s eyes widened in disbelief. "How did they beat us here?"

We all tensed, ready to fight, the energy thickening with anticipation. Suddenly, King pulled me aside for a brief moment, his expression serious.

"Use your blades for this one," he said, unsheathing his own sword.

I reached down to my thigh halter, pulling out both of my hidden blades, twirling them as an orange hue began to radiate from their edges. The familiar energy surged through me, a warm, powerful sensation.

"Use the technique I taught you," King instructed, his eyes sharp.

"You mean…," I hesitated, knowing exactly what he was referring to.

"Yes, that one," he confirmed with a nod.

"We’re surrounded," Pedro noted, his voice calm but ready for action.

"Then I suppose that leaves us with no other option," Sanji said, lighting up his leg with a fiery glow.

"Yeah! It’s time to kick their asses! You ready, Y/N?" Luffy shouted, a fierce grin stretching across his face.

"Hell yeah, Captain!" I yelled back, adrenaline rushing through me.

With a quick breath, I launched myself forward, spinning my blades with precision as I dashed toward one of Big Mom’s children. The blades cut through the air, leaving streaks of orange light in their wake. My first strike landed clean, knocking one of her children back with a powerful blow.

Before I could revel in the moment, the homies—animated trees and other creatures—jumped into the fray, swarming me from all sides.

"Damn it!" I grunted, dodging their attacks, my body twisting and weaving between their strikes.

Frustration surged within me. "I’ve just had enough of this!" I growled, grabbing a nearby tree by its roots. With a surge of strength, I yanked it from the ground, launching it away with a mighty throw, sending homies scattering like leaves in a storm. The adrenaline coursed through my veins, giving me a momentary thrill amidst the chaos.

“Let’s be careful! We can’t get separated; we have to keep running!” yelled Jinbei, his voice cutting through the clamor as we all reunited once more, hearts racing and eyes wide with urgency.

“Everyone well?” Jinbei asked, making sure we were all accounted for as we began to run again, dodging debris and frantic homies.

Pedro managed to catch a glimpse of where the Sunny was parked, his eyes lighting up with determination. “I’ll guide you from above!” he yelled, soaring into the sky like a hawk searching for prey.

“You heard him! Let’s go!��� Nami shouted, her resolve igniting a fire within us as we continued to sprint, the looming danger of Big Mom only spurring us on.

But then, out of nowhere, Big Mom launched another Ikoku at us. “Get down!” Jinbei yelled, urgency ringing in his voice.

In a split second, I turned around to warn the others, but before I could react, King tackled me to the ground just as the enormous blast surged past us, sending shockwaves through the air. I could feel the heat radiating from the explosion, but the worst came when I noticed King’s arm—cut deep, blood seeping from the wound.

“Shit!” he muttered, trying to keep his composure despite the evident pain etched on his face.

“King!” I exclaimed, panic rising in my throat. “Are you hurt?!” I hurried to assess the damage, my heart racing at the sight of his bleeding arm.

“I’ll be fine,” King gritted his teeth, attempting to push himself up. Big Mom’s thunderous voice echoed, “There’s no escape!” From above, Prometheus roared to life, blasting flames toward us. "Watch out!" I screamed as we all scrambled to dodge the fiery onslaught.

“We’re in big trouble!” Nami shouted, panic creeping into her voice as Zeus greedily devoured her weather egg, growing ominously in size.

"Oh, shit..." I muttered, realizing just how dire things had become. King struggled to his feet beside me, still bleeding. “Don’t worry, once we get to the Sunny, Chopper can help,” I said, trying to offer a glimmer of hope.

“Sanji, can you carry me and run?” Nami requested.

“I’d love to!” Sanji responded enthusiastically, sweeping Nami off her feet with his usual charm.

“Here’s the plan—haul ass and run as fast as you can!” Nami commanded. Without hesitation, we all bolted, feet pounding against the ground in desperate unison.

"Alright, Zeus! Breeze Tempo!" Nami shouted, as she now controlled Zeus, transformed into a massive cloud. With a flick of her Clima-Tact, she directed a lightning strike straight at Big Mom. The ground trembled as the strike hit its mark, and for a moment, it looked like it worked.

“Did it... work?” I asked, breathless, peering into the gaping hole where Big Mom once stood.

“My Clima-Tact doesn’t usually produce lightning like that,” Nami commented, still surprised at the massive power she unleashed.

“Does that mean we actually knocked her out cold?!” Carrot cheered, her excitement contagious.

I was about to respond when the earth-shattering stomping grew louder. “You hear that? It sounds close,” Sanji said, his eyes wide with dread.

"You cannot be serious..." I groaned, feeling the frustration well up again.

"Wedding... cake!" Big Mom's booming voice filled the air as she emerged from the hole, more furious than ever.

“Let’s run while we still can!” Carrot urged, eyes wide with fear.

"Her hunger pangs won’t subside on their own, she's unstoppable!" Jinbei explained, panic settling into his voice.

“Hurry, run!” Pedro yelled, as we sprinted yet again.

“She’s climbing out!” Pedro’s voice rang out, disbelief and terror clear.

“Do we have any backup plans?!” I shouted, breath ragged from the constant running.

“I'm afraid not! We have to keep running!” Pedro replied, urgency ringing in every word.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from above. "Strawhat! Up here!"

I nearly tripped. “Oh, you cannot be serious right now,” I thought, recognizing the voice. “Huh? Pudding!” Nami exclaimed, looking up in surprise.

As I turned to look, Pudding and I made eye contact. My heart pounded in frustration.

"King, hold my sword," I said, shoving it toward him.

He nodded, still gritting his teeth in pain. “Don’t do anything reckless, Princess!” he warned, still running.

“Too late!” I replied, my eyes fixed on Pudding as I picked up my pace. Before I could react, she jumped off her flying carpet, Rabian, and landed square on top of me, knocking the wind from my lungs.

“You bitch!” she hissed, trying to slap me across the face.

“Me?! What the hell did I do?!” I growled, throwing a punch that connected with her jaw. We tumbled to the ground, rolling and grappling as the others ran ahead. "Ohh, I don't know, just ruin everything!" Pudding shrieked, her fingers clawing dangerously close to my face.

I smirked, twisting to pin her down. “I take it you didn’t like the song? I did.”

Her face twisted with fury as she fought back harder. "I’ll tear you apart!" she screamed, losing all composure.

“Princess!” King’s worried shout rang out.

“Y/N?!” Nami called out, panic in her voice.

“This has been a long time coming, huh?” Luffy muttered under his breath, not even surprised by the brawl breaking out behind him.

“Get the fuck off me!” I yelled, still wrestling with Pudding. “I’m in no mood to fight with you when I’ve got to run!”

“What’s the matter? Can’t take a hit?” she taunted, eyes gleaming with venom.

“You asked for this!” I snapped, landing a sharp slap across her face. “That’s for erasing my memory and leaving me with that twisted image in my head!”

Pudding growled, trying to hit me again, but I dodged and countered with a solid punch to her face. “That’s for shooting me in the side and hitting me on the head with your gun!” I yelled, fury building as the memory that Reiju told me was fresh on my mind. 

“And this—” I shouted, delivering one final punch to her gut, “��is for getting me trapped on this fucking island!”

As Pudding and I continued to roll and grapple on the ground, Rabian swooped down, hauling both of us back onto the carpet, dragging us toward the others. “Damn it, can’t you just leave me alone?!” I yelled as she clawed at my face, her nails dangerously close to my skin.

“Pudding, that’s enough!” Chiffon’s voice cut through the chaos. “We have a situation to deal with!” she continued, her tone both commanding and concerned. “You can stop Mama’s hunger pangs with my help!”

Pudding didn’t stop; instead, she intensified her efforts, clawing at me. I gritted my teeth, straining to keep her claws away. “You’re not making this any easier, are you?! We’re in mortal peril, lady! Or did you forget that part?”

Chiffon forced herself between us, her arms outstretched. “Stop it, both of you!” Her tone was resolute. “We don’t have time for this!”

King, racing ahead, snarled as he clenched my sword tighter. “Reckless as hell, but damn if you don’t fight with spirit, she reminds me so much of you mom.”

“This is an obvious trap! I knew I should’ve tied her up in the first place!” Pedro’s voice echoed from below.

"Please, just listen to me!" Pudding yelled, desperation evident in her voice as she struggled against me.

I finally managed to push her back and stumbled to my feet on the carpet, ready to jump off. But before I could, she tackled me again, knocking me off balance. “Shit!” I cursed as I lost my footing.

“Fight me!” Luffy’s voice boomed from the ground below. “Leave Y/N alone!” he demanded, his protective instincts kicking in.

“Captain, this bitch is crazy!” I shouted, wrestling with Pudding as she tried to strangle me.

“Would you shut up and just listen?!” Pudding shrieked, still tightening her grip, while I struggled to keep her hands away from my throat.

“I swear to god!” I growled through gritted teeth, pushing her hands away from my face as she continued to lose control.

Suddenly, Sanji’s voice broke through, his usual swooning tone completely at odds with the situation. 

Sanji, completely oblivious, swooned as he looked at Pudding. “Oh, your pretty little face is unharmed—I’m so happy!” he said, hearts practically floating in his eyes.

I glared at Sanji, still catching my breath as Pudding finally stopped her attack, her attention now completely focused on him. “You idiot, Pudding was trying to kill her!” Nami yelled, giving him a swift smack upside the head.

I wiped the dirt from my face and snapped, “Oh, right, and what about me?! You know, the one she was actually trying to kill!”

Sanji didn’t even flinch, still lost in his lovestruck daze. I shook my head in frustration, throwing my hands up. “You know what? Forget I even mentioned it!”

I clenched my left hand, gathering my energy, and leaped into the air, running alongside the crew once more. "Hey, Y/N, you don't have any scratches on your face, but Pudding sure does," Luffy said with a cheeky grin.

I smirked, shaking my head. "She asked for it."

"Hurry! Big Mom is closing in!" Jinbei called out, urgency lacing his voice.

Chiffon, exasperated, shouted, “Get to the point before everyone here is dead!”

Meanwhile, Pudding turned towards Sanji, her voice soft, “Sanji…”

“Yes, Pudding…” Sanji responded, and I inwardly groaned, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

“Again, I miss my partner, Zoro,” I muttered under my breath, frustrated with the whole situation.

"Stop missing Mosshead!" Sanji snapped, clearly overhearing me.

“I’m starting to like Zoro more and more,” King chimed in with a smirk, only to rile Sanji further.

“Listen, you—” Sanji began, but I cut him off before he could finish.

“Don’t care, focus!” I yelled, trying to keep everyone on task. Sanji, however, took my scolding as an opportunity to swoon.

“Oh, Princess, yell at me again!” Sanji exclaimed, hearts in his eyes. Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned his attention back to Pudding, who was now glaring at him.

“You…” she growled, her tone shifting darkly. “You’re useless, you deserve death, you miserable idiots! Even if your crew makes it to sea, Mama will hunt you down and kill you in cold blood! Hahaha!”

My fists clenched at her words, fury rising as my blades began to glow red with the heat of my anger. "And you expect me not to kick this bitch?" I spat, still running beside the group.

“Come on, Pudding! What are you talking about?!” Chiffon scolded, trying to reign her in. “We don’t have time for this!”

“We don’t have her cake!” Luffy added, stating the obvious as we continued our desperate escape.

“Exactly,” Pudding hissed, her voice dripping with venom. “Sanji, come stand by my side and enjoy this momentous occasion. We will watch your friends perish at Mama’s hands, and that bitch of a princess will be eliminated!”

The moment she said that, King looked over at me, sensing the shift in my energy. “Remember, Princess, rage—” he started.

“Oh, this is more than rage, King,” I growled, my blades glowing even brighter.

“Would you cut that out!” Chiffon yelled, trying to slap some sense into Pudding, who, once again, flipped personalities and softened when she looked at Sanji.

“If you came here to taunt us, get lost, you jerk!” Luffy yelled, clearly done with the emotional whiplash Pudding was causing.

But before I could leap at her again, Chiffon interrupted, “Wait a minute, Black Leg, not for nothing, but Pudding told me you were good at making sweets,” she said, trying to steer the conversation back to something useful.

Sanji straightened, pride filling his voice. “Ahuh, but I’m first class at everything,” he declared.

“That’s perfect, then!” Chiffon exclaimed. “You have to help us bake the cake—the exact one Mama wants. That way, we can help you guys be free.”

“But why?” Nami asked, suspicious. “You were free, why risk your life to help us?”

“Because I still owe you one for saving Lola. I’ll risk my life to repay you,” Chiffon said, her tone sincere.

“I’m not doing this out of gratitude!” Pudding sneered, her eyes narrowing before she swooned at Sanji again. “It’s sheer luck that I even crossed paths with you… I didn’t know you people were here.” Her mood flipped back and forth, leaving all of us bewildered.

“What the hell is her deal?” I asked, exasperated.

“She’s all over the place,” the group muttered in unison.

“Anyway, back to business,” Sanji said, trying to refocus. “Where do we bake this cake?”

“Chocolat—” Pudding began, blushing as she spoke. “All the ingredients are in Chocolatown. The plan is for the three of us to head over there immediately, then carry the cake by boat and pass it to the Straw Hats. The cake will serve as a diversion.”

“That’s where Ichiji got Y/N’s ring! How romantic!” Carrot squealed, causing me to blush slightly.

“Well… he…” I stuttered, my face heating up at the unexpected mention of the ring.

Sanji, momentarily distracted by the thought of the ring and what it meant, snapped back to reality. “Okay then! I’ll go with you!” he declared, his eyes still shining with determination. Then he turned to me with a smirk, adding, “Princess, don’t miss me too much now.”

I glared at him. “I’m still mad at you,” I yelled back, my frustration with Sanji and the whole chaotic situation bubbling over.

“Ohh, I love it when you’re angry!” Sanji swooned again, completely ignoring the life-or-death circumstances we were in.

I rolled my eyes and glanced at King, who shook his head with a knowing smirk. "This guy..." he muttered, clearly entertained by Sanji’s antics.

“Move,” Pudding said coldly as she made space for Sanji to join her and Chiffon. The tension thickened when Big Mom’s voice bellowed through the air.

“My cake!” she roared, her giant figure towering in the distance.

“Big Mom got out of the hole!” Nami shouted, her eyes wide with alarm.

“We’re counting on you, Sanji!” Jinbei yelled, his tone firm with urgency.

Sanji nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. “Okay, I’m going to leave you guys for now, but I promise, I’ll be back.”

We all exchanged grins, our trust in Sanji unwavering. “You got this!” Luffy called out, giving him a thumbs-up.

“She’s doing it again! Get away!” Jinbei shouted, warning us as Big Mom surged forward, her rage palpable.

Sanji turned back toward Luffy, his voice carrying above the chaos. “Luffy! I’ll meet up with you at sea!” he promised before leaping onto Rabian, the flying carpet that Pudding and Chiffon were riding.

Just then, Big Mom unleashed a devastating attack. “Ikoku!” she screamed, bringing her weapon down with terrifying force. The ground trembled beneath her strike, and the blast landed dangerously close to Sanji as he sped off with the others.

“Sanji!” I yelled instinctively, bracing myself as the shockwave rocked the ground.

Sanji, agile as ever, dodged the attack with a graceful leap into the air. “Don’t worry! I’ll be fine!” he shouted, a confident grin plastered on his face despite the chaos.

“Be careful!” I called after him, my voice mixed with frustration and concern.

“We’ve got to keep moving!” Nami urged, grabbing my arm as we continued running. Big Mom was far from done, and we all knew that Sanji had a monumental task ahead of him.