One Piece was created by Eiichiro Oda and is owned by Toei animation. This is strictly for fan enjoyment.

Eventual Romance and Smut.

Beta version.

Today is the Day

"Now that you have finished your apprenticeship, it is time for you take on your first solo project." Iceburg's voice drawled as he kept his back to the young wide eyed girl. He watched quietly out the large windows, surveying the workers that scurried about below. He smiled contently knowing that the work orders kept coming in a steadier pace and the economy in town was booming; drastically different from its previously impoverished state. The girl subconsciously gnawed at her bottom lip, nervous at what task he would assign her. 'I can do this. Breathe, just breathe. This isn't too scary...right...?'

"Solo project? Do you think I'm r-ready for something like that Ice-sama?" She was all nerves and her voice stuttered under the overwhelming task ahead. She shifted her weight impatiently from one foot to the other, feeling the worn brown leather of her boots, creak against the strain. Her fingers fiddled with her navy blue, oil stained coveralls and she chanced a few glances up at the stoic man. Uncertainty overwhelmed her and she couldn't help the panic of potential failure. She just wanted to make Iceburg proud. He had been a rare constant in her life, a surrogate male figure for her to look up to. While she didn't quite look at him as a father, he was simply the closest person she had to one. His opinion meant a lot to her and now that her apprenticeship was coming to an end, it was getting hard to stomach the responsibilities that followed.

"Yuki." His voice cut through the rooms deafening silence and he couldn't help but sound exasperated. He turned around to face the girl who bashfully looked at the ground. "You must have more confidence in yourself. After all this time, why do you still doubt your skills?" His lips barely turned down in a frown, eyeing the nervous girl before him. He had been training her since she was a child and now she stood before him, only six months shy of being eighteen. By the world's standards she would officially be an adult, but to the many residents of the island they still saw the little girl with large green eyes and messy pink hair.

"I just, you know...hear stuff..." She mumbled the last part and childishly rocked back and forth on her heels in an anxious manner. Her small lithe form swayed comically as her lips pouted forward in disdain. It was small moments like that where her youth showed through; not a girl yet not quite a woman. Feisty one moment and timid the next. So unsure of herself but an underlying desire to prove her worth, not just to others, but perhaps mostly to herself. He had known for years that she tried to hide her insecurities, he had even asked her mother about it. His heart sank when her mother confessed that Yuki struggled with understanding why her father was absent. He suspected that she felt worthless because of it and vowed to prove to her that she was worth more than she knew. That no child is at fault for the short comings of an adult.

"Care to elaborate?" He sighed, wondering what got under her skin so much, but also knowing the first step to overcoming her insecurity would be to face it head on. Yuki was an odd girl, but he supposed that is what made him agree so many years ago to train her. She was different from the other girls her age. She had an inner fire that she didn't even seem to notice, but he feared that being stuck on an island forever would smother that flame out. Seeing her question herself this way only proved his fears right.

"Just some of the other docks...sometimes I hear them talking about how 'little girls' and someone 'my age' shouldn't be a shipwright or mechanic. I usually ignore it, but..." She looked up to meet the familiar gaze of her mentor, "But the other day Old Man Guiseppe said that having a woman aboard a ship is a curse, so having a woman make a ship was like having the 'Black Spot'...whatever that means." She huffed at the last part, crossing her arms over her chest with a grunt and Iceburg couldn't stop the chuckle at seeing her fiery self, come forward once more. It was moments like this, when she spoke up with conviction that he could see her true self peak through the nervous demeanor she wore.

"Ah. Yuki, those are just senseless superstitions. Guiseppe-san is...eccentric. Don't take what he says to heart. Besides..." He turned around briefly to grab a file behind him, sitting atop his large wooden desk. "This project will shatter all those misconceptions. The only way to change 'Old Man Guiseppe's' mind, is to prove him wrong." He handed the file to the tiny girl, who tentatively accepted the folder, gloved fingers skirting over in anticipation. Grinning at her no longer sullen mood, Iceburg leaned against his desk with a patient smile. She opened the file and felt her soul practically leave her body in horror, pale skin turning nearly ghost white. 'He can't be serious, he has TOTALLY lost it...'

"Marvelous, isn't she?" Iceburg smiled brightly, but faltered at her horrified expression. "Yuki? Are you okay!?" He gripped her shoulder, shaking her from her daze. Large green irises peered up from the project schematics with eyebrows arched in confusion.

"Burg-baka!? This is a Class S submarine build!" Her voice cracked as she screeched in terror, piercing the older man's ears. Iceburg rubbed his temples at her colorful title change. 'I was Ice-sama not even two minutes ago..she definitely has two mentors...doesn't she Franky?'

"Yes, it is. It is for someone of importance. The supplies will be here by the end of the week, so until then I will have you on mechanical installation. However, from this day forward, you are a permanent member of Galley-La Company's Dock One." His face broke out into a wide smile, seeing the realization of her newly appointed position. He could practically see any previous anxiety vanish in a whirl of childish pride. For years she had stood at Dock One's prestigious gates, vowing to her mother every night that she would become a Dock One Shipwright. That she would make something of herself and that her mother didn't need to work so hard anymore.

"Dock One!? You assigned me to Dock One!?" She bounced up and down animatedly. Her long light pink tresses flew in the air chaotically and her fists punched up at nothing in particular. Iceburg chuckled at her enthusiasm, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You deserve this Yukiko." His voice softened and Yuki straightened up at hearing her full name. "I want you to know, from me personally, that you deserve this. I wouldn't have assigned you if your skill wasn't up to my standards. I know you can do this." His smile widened at her flushed cheeks and watery eyes. Small arms wrapped around him in a tight hug, forehead pressing against his suit. 'Pull yourself together Yuki. You can do this. He said so himself.' Iceburg ruffled her hair slightly and patted her back in comfort, chuckling at how small she was despite her age.

"Thank you." Her voice was barely above a whisper and he waited patiently for her to pull back and compose herself. "I promise I won't let you down!" Determination filled her eyes, grounding her resolve that she would build that damn submarine as if her life depended on it. 'No pressure, I just have to build a super important submarine for some elite jackass. Noooo pressure at all.'

"Ah, now that is the Yuki I like to see. Full of fire and pride. Now, in light of today's news, why don't you head home early to celebrate. Take tomorrow off so you are rested for starting your project." He chuckled when she was practically out the door before looking back with an ear to ear grin. As much as she could work and pull all-nighters, she was still very much a teenager who jumped at the chance to go home early.

"I will, I promise! Thank you so much!" With that her frame disappeared through the large oak doors and he was sure he heard Kalifa bid her goodbye in exasperation. He ran a hand through his neatly styled hair, thankful that she seemed to be accepting the project now. Sometimes Yuki just needed a nudge in the right direction, to realize she was capable of more. Walking to the expansive windows he chuckled as her small figure darted through the Dock yard, practically bouncing in excitement before taking off quickly. Shaking his head one final time, he turned back to his desk, ready to tackle some more work before the days end.

Boots echoed loudly from Yuki's footsteps as she ran along the cobble stone streets. Darting between the many local shoppers who chatted merrily in the common market. Her hair flew behind her and she dipped and darted down staircases. However, as the crowd thickened she lost momentum before a small smile made its way to her lips. Pushing down with a little pressure on her foot, she found herself propelled upwards toward the rooftops.

"AHH!" I woman's shrill scream made the girl laugh as she flew by her balcony, "Yuki, you're going to give me a heart-attack one day!" The woman called after her cheekily. The girl paused on the roof to lean over and look at the older woman; laundry half folded from her laundry line and a cup of steaming tea on her patio table.

"Sorry Meiko-san! I got great news to tell my mom!" Her voice carried just enough to the woman for her to laugh softly. No matter how many years went by, Yuki always seemed to be a bundle of energy.

"Oh! Was today the big day? Congratulations honey, you deserve it. Off you go then, your mother will be waiting I am sure!" She waved happily as the pinkette's head disappeared with a final ear to ear grin. The telltale sound of her boots jumping from each of the terracotta roofs.

"What in the world was that ruckus!?" An old man came out onto the balcony, his brows set in a permanent scowl and small reading glasses perched on the tip of his bulbous nose.

"Oh, just Yuki." The woman continued folding with a smile, her gray hair ruffling in the breeze. The pink ball of energy had always been the granddaughter she never had, even if her grumpy husband wouldn't openly admit that he cared about her wellbeing.

"Tch. Darn devil fruit users...never allowing a moment of piece. Bunch of hooligans is what they are!" The old man grumbled as he continued back inside, earning a mirthful sigh from his wife. Try as he might, he couldn't hide the wisp of smile on his face.

Hurried footsteps sang across the rooftops and Yuki smiled feeling the wind rush through her hair and the smell of salt water in the air. Seagulls swooped lazily over the city, surveying the area for any scraps. Speaking of scraps...Yuki abruptly pivoted and made a detour before heading home. Soon the junkyard came into view and with one final push, she leapt from the roof and landed rather ungracefully on the ground. Dust flew up around her and she waved her arms in a futile attempt to stop the dirt's assault.

"Oi! Yuki-chan!?" A male voice could be heard coming toward her and she chanced opening one of her irritated eyes. Her pout instantly turned into a smile at the familiar face.

"Zambai!" Quickly using her coverall sleeves, she wiped the rest of the dust from her face, cringing when dirt made its way into her mouth.

"What are you doing here today?" Zambai made his way over, slinging an arm around her shoulders and patting her back enthusiastically. They chatted while making their way across the junkyard, dodging scrap lumber and metal that was piled in chaotic heaps; a stark contrast from the strict organization of Dock One. As they approached Franky House they noticed the familiar faces lounging around the front, taking a break from the afternoon heat as the sun peaked at its highest point.

"Oiiiiiii, Bubblegum Head!" The unmistakable voice of Franky boomed from a small spot in the shade. Yuki shook her head in annoyance at the nickname he so generously offered her. She sped up and jumped into the Cyborgs arms and laughed as he spun her in a circle. Franky was like the crazy uncle she always wanted, though his lack of maturity often made them seem more like siblings. He wasn't as strict as Iceburg but equally talented and was always there for her when she needed someone to listen.

"I take it today was 'the big day'?" He barked loudly with a smile. "Well spill already little sis. What did Burg-baka assign you?" Yuki rolled her eyes at the added disdain his voice held when referring to Iceburg, she knew their history together often led to them making snide remarks about each other, but it never changed her personal views about them. Though a smile still graced his face despite the brief change in tone and his eyebrows arched in anticipation, sunglasses propped up on his forehead.

"Well…" Yuki bit her lip as she made faux drum noises on her thighs, earning a few chuckles from the other members of the family. "He assigned me to Dock One!" She beamed brightly at Franky, who's smile seemed to light up.

"SUPER!" His signature pose was struck just before he swooped her up in another hug and spun her in circles. "I knew you would do it! Even Burg-baka knows you have the talent. Told you those extra late nights studying with us would help." He chuckled as he put her down and slid his sunglasses back in place. Looking over at Zambai, he nodded toward the house and Zambai smiled brightly before heading inside.

"They definitely did help more than you know Franky." Her voice softened and she couldn't help but smile. Suddenly Zambai burst through the front door with multiple members of the Franky Family, all holding a package that looked to be about the length of her torso but thinner in width. "What are you all…" Her confusion was apparent and they all chuckled at the young girl.

"I know you aren't used to receiving gifts Yuki, but today is a day worth celebrating. You have worked hard for years and this is a little gift from all of us, to you." Zambai and the others held genuine smiles and even Mozu and Kiwi stopped dancing in anticipation. With a flourish the packaging was removed and a large wrench, the same pale pink as her hair, was revealed. Her eyes sparkled at the sight, knowing that her mechanical work often required tightening huge bolts. Tears welled up on her lash line and she grinned widely before grabbing it. The weight was fairly substantial but still comfortable. Already attached to the wrench was a simple but thick padded brown straps, that she could harness across her back.

"Everyone…this means the world t-to me. I will always cherish it and I p-promise to make you proud!" The tears finally fell, streaking down her now ruddy cheeks. She did her rounds and made sure to hug everyone before noticing that the day was starting ebb away on the skyline. "I will see you all later…thank you again."

"Get home now before it gets too late. Don't need your momma raising hell through here again, haha." Franky mused, while leaning back against the wall of the Franky House. Everyone waved goodbye to the small girl as her figure disappeared toward the town.

The sun began to set on the horizon, disappearing over the tiled roofs of Water 7. Yuki was in a state of sheer joy as she leapt from roof to roof. Today had been a rollercoaster of nerves and excitement. She had been working toward this since early childhood when she accepted the apprenticeship under Iceburg. Though as her gaze went out to the endless blue of the ocean, where the sun seemed to be suspended in an infinite distance, her heart skipped a beat. The underlying desire for 'more' crept into her soul as it usually did and she couldn't help the crestfallen frown that made its way to her face. She paused briefly on an unknown building. The view captivated her and she didn't understand why the desire to venture out always seemed to grip her.

"You are being ungrateful…" She growled at herself. "You are given an amazing career, have people who care about you and a roof over your head every night. Stop having childish dreams." She nodded her head after her rough pep talk and took off for home once more, her heart still aching for something she couldn't explain. Soon the familiar architecture of her family home and business came into view.

Dead Man's Dock stood proudly on the very edge of town, right over the more unsavory docks of the island. Often used by pirates and traders as to avoid the government docking on the other side. The peeling white paint, broken shutters, and worn out sign always sent a feeling of calm through Yuki. Despite its appearance, it was home. The door creaked as she opened it and she was greeted by the familiar smell of ale, tobacco and salt water. All the smells of home.

"Yuki-chan!" Her mother's cheerful voice came from behind the old wooden bar top. Her hands mindlessly cleaning the counter. "How did it go!? Tell me everything sweetheart." Yuki pranced up and swung herself up onto a barstool, propping her elbows onto the bar as best she could do with her shorter height.

"It happened Mom! Dock One, he assigned me to Dock One."

"That's fantastic sweety, but why doesn't my beautiful girl have a smile on her face if she just accomplished her goal." Her mother inquired while raising her brows.

"I…I don't know. Mom, is…is there something wrong with me?" Yuki's voice grew quiet. Her mother frowned at seeing her daughter's conflicting emotions. "I know I should be over the moon excited…and I am! I truly am…but I want…"

"More. But you don't know what that 'more' is. Right?" Her mom smiled softly, setting her worn rag to the side, cleaning being the least important thing on her mind. Yuki nodded shyly, still unsure what exactly it was she wanted. "It was the same thing your Father desired. Open sea. Freedom. Adventure."

"I am NOT like him! I wouldn't abandon my family, I wouldn't-"

"Yukiko!" Her mother's voice was stern and left no room for rebuttal. "Yuki…" She started a little softer. "I know I have never talked about your father much, for that I am sorry. But please understand, he didn't just leave me, I knew what I was getting into when I met him. I knew his heart lie upon the horizon. Over the years I have seen him in you more than you realize. That distant look you get when you look out at the water. Perhaps you are destined for more than a life on this island."

"Mom, are you trying to kick me out?" Yuki mused causing her mom's cheeks to flare up a bright red, contrasting against her snow-white hair.

"WHAT!? NO NO! I…" Her mother looked flustered and Yuki couldn't help but wave her hand laugh.

"I am teasing you Mom." She smiled at the woman who calmed down but jokingly wacked her with the once forgotten cleaning rag. "Eww Mom." Yuki shrieked and hopped off the stool, making her way toward a set stairs in the back.

"Oh you! Get your butt to bed and rest." Her mom laughed, shaking her head. She watched her daughter disappear up the steps, feeling a heaviness in her heart for her. She knew her daughter was reluctant to be anything like her 'No show dad' as she called him…but she was more like him than she realized. She knew the clock was ticking and her daughter would surely find the spark needed for an adventure. It brought her sadness at the thought of not seeing her daughter daily, but she knew her daughter would never find true happiness unless she left. She just hoped she never got stuck in the vicious monotony of island life. She hoped that she found happiness, even if it meant putting up her future 'Wanted' picture right with her fathers.

Thank you for taking the time to read. I know I have much to work on. I hope to improve over time with practice.