Author's Note: So… I've been thinking of this idea for some time before Yamato was introduced in the One Piece manga, but I think I'll keep the same energy and idea I had for Sienna/Silas. After all, there's more gender queer people in the One Piece world than just Yamato, and Sienna's motivation is different than Yamato's (according to what we know of Yamato so far). But, I am aware of the similarities nonetheless, and we'll see where we go from there. Oda is full of surprises after all.
Story: Blacksmith
Chapter One: Domestic Bliss
She knew her lot in life. She didn't know if she would describe her life as happy per se. The bones of her life were fine: she lived in a decent home in a town with little to no crime with her husband of one year. It was definitely a cut above where she was two years ago. No, it was the meat of it where the issues started appearing. Once her basic needs were satisfied she wished to fulfill her dreams and see her husband more. Yes, she knew the man that she married; he was rough and very career driven but beneath there were very admirable qualities. Otherwise, she wouldn't have married him. But when she would subtly bring up her desire to see him more and dream of being a world famous blacksmith, he would either ignore it or express confusion. He was a very binary thinker, and he couldn't understand why she would be dissatisfied. She had her basic necessities and a husband who visited occasionally. If she had to complete the analogy, she felt like a skeleton left out to dry.
She stood in front of the stove, scrambling the eggs in her frying pan quietly. She heard the lumbering footsteps of her husband, waking up for the day. He passed by and sat at the kitchen table. She frowned and continued scrambling. When the eggs were done, she put them in a plate, grabbed a spoon, and then set it down for him. Then, she sat down next to him.
"I've missed you being here," she said softly, looking at him through her lashes as she fidgeted in her chair.
He merely grunted in acknowledgment as he began to eat his eggs. She slid her hand across the table, placing her small hand on his far larger one. He didn't react, so she continued to stroke her thumb across the back of his hand, looking at him affectionately. She understood he wasn't that affectionate of a man, but she treasured those times they had together.
He left soon after that, having to be at the marine headquarters in a timely fashion. She told him to have a good day, and he returned it. As soon as the door shut, she let out a soft sigh. She didn't have many preconceptions when it came to marriage, but she at least hoped it would be fulfilling. She wanted him to pay attention and not work so many hours. The town was safe; he made sure of that personally. She didn't understand why he was working at the same intensity as when they first arrived.
She slinked away, back to their shared bedroom. She really didn't know what he expected her to do all day. He told her she wouldn't need a job. The house wasn't that big, and it was already clean. They didn't have children or pets. Truly, she was bored.
Or at least, she was before she took up the persona she was getting ready for. She put her hair up in a bun, wrapped a red bandana across her forehead, put on a pair of brown ¾ pants, brown boots, a blue collared shirt that hung down to her calves and halved, a red sash around her hips, and golden bracelets along her arms. Silas. He was her disguise, her boy persona to navigate the LogueTown and pursue her dreams.
She snuck out of her house, locking the door behind her. The neighbors weren't up yet at this ungodly hour thankfully. She walked along, and it felt as if she was invisible. No one cared. They didn't see a young woman or the marine captain's wife. They just saw a random young man on the street, and they didn't look twice at her. It was so relieving.
She approached the local sword shop. It was run by a man shorter than her: Ipponmatsu. She remembered all too clearly approaching him as Sienna:
"Hi," she said, entering his shop.
"Miss, are you lost? This is a sword shop."
"No, I was wondering if you had—"
"Something for your boyfriend?"
Annoyed at being interrupted, she said, "No, I—"
A disgruntled noise left when he looked up at her properly, throwing her off. His face reddened and a scowl appeared on his face. Had she met him and wronged him before? Surely, she hasn't.
"You're… you're Captain Smoker's wife!" he said, pointing at her.
"Yes, I don't see why that—"
"Get out! Your husband drove away all my customers!"
It didn't end well. Obviously. So, she knew the only way to be taken seriously and treated like she has a modicum of respect, she had to present as a man and not be seen as Smoker's wife. And, the second she walked in the door and spouted some knowledge of the craft, she was hired as Silas. Go figure. As Silas, Ipponmatsu didn't make any assumptions that she was there for a lover instead of her own needs. She understood why it was more believable that a young man would be more accepted than a woman in the smithing industry. It wasn't easy. But she liked making things with her hands and taking pride in her own craft. Nothing brought her the same kind of happiness when she crafted a wonderful weapon.
She walked in and grabbed a thick apron, gloves, and mask. Ipponmatsu already started the forge for her. It seemed some of the swords crafted were out of balance. She hadn't made many new swords during her time here. The marines, who shopped here now, didn't need new weapons given how little pirate activity there was. A frequent customer was Tashigi, Smoker's second in command, which set her on edge. She could recognize her as Sienna instead of Silas and report straight back to her husband. It hadn't happened yet thankfully. But the possibility was there.
She looked at Sandai Kitetsu. It was out of balance from the way its previous owner handled it before their death. Ipponmatsu warned her to stay away from the blade, but she wasn't a coward. He hired her to do this job. She was determined to make a name for herself and improve her skills.
She took the blade in her hands much to her boss's fear. She didn't think she believed in the supernatural beyond the devil's fruits, but there seemed to be an energy to it. She placed it against the stone, smashing her small hammer against the blade.
The hours melted away as she continued to work on the blades….
She was walking along the path, ready to go home for lunch, go grocery shopping, and hide her boy clothes for the laundry. She was thinking of all those things as she continued to walk until she bumped into someone so imposing, she was knocked to the ground.
"What the hell do you—"
She looked up and shut her mouth really quickly. He was the last man she wanted to run into as Silas. It didn't help that he was always so intimidating when he dealt with people. Thankfully, as Sienna, he had softened considerably. But, right now, she was Silas, and he held no such affection. So, immediately, she stood and backed away.
"My apologies, sir," she said quickly, making sure it was her man voice, and continued to back up.
His gaze lingered on her face, and she tried her best to keep her cool. Perhaps, the explanation would be cosplay, a fan fare, some costume party for the town. She could recover if he recognizes her, right? Right?
"It's fine," he grunted.
Immediately, she left at a quick speed. Terror rushed through her as she ran down the street away from him. Her heart felt like it was about to burst out of her chest. What would happen if he knew? She understood a lot about her husband, but she didn't know what he'd do in this situation. Whenever she brought up the idea of getting a blacksmithing job, he didn't seem to understand why she would want to given what he provides for them. They didn't need the income after all. He was very straightforward and black and white on just about everything in his life: morality, conduct, politics, and unfortunately gender relations.
She made it home, looking around to see if he or anyone else was looking. Her neighbor was definitely the kind of woman to look over the fence and not mind her own business. Bored housewives were a plague that no one could do anything about. It took one to know one, and she was definitely a part of that bored housewife demographic.
She shed her clothes and tossed them into the hamper quickly. She went into the shower, scrubbing the grime from the day off. If she smelled like sweat, metal, and well man it would raise suspicion from her husband. He probably wouldn't think that she pretends to be a man sometimes but that she might be cheating on him. She wouldn't. If anything, she may be too loyal for her own good.
She wore her girl clothes and took several deep breaths until she heard the door creak open. The anxiety spiked once again. She took another deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom to see her husband passing by.
"Hi, honey," she said softly, trying to sound natural.
He grunted, barely glancing as he went to the fridge. He grabbed the leftovers in the fridge and muttered some kind of goodbye before leaving once more. Her shoulders sagged, and she could finally breathe again.
She pulled her hair into a ponytail and went out on the town once more except as Sienna. She needed to get groceries and laundry detergent. The days she went to the store she often passed by that infamous stand now considered a tourist attraction. It was the entire reason Smoker wished to come here; it was to stop all pirates and potential pirates where it began. Gol D. Roger was possibly the most influential man of the age. After all, this era they were in wasn't called The Great Pirate Age for nothing.
"Hey, keep it moving, lady!"
She was startled out of her reverie and looked over at who said it. Immediately, he straightened up and fear crossed his face.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were Sienna, Captain Smoker's wife!"
"It's fine. I'm not—"
He ran away before she could say anything. She wondered if Gol D. Roger, the famous pirate king, had these problems. At least the respect and fear he would've commanded came from his own actions and reputation. No, the fear she generated on this island came from her husband's reputation. It was sad and isolating. She remembered hearing stories of Roger smiling while being executed as if he was proud, fulfilled, and happy with the life he led and held zero regrets in life. It must be nice. If she dropped dead of a heart attack right now, she wouldn't have the same expression.
She wondered vaguely what being a pirate would be like. Would it be freeing? Could she do anything she wished? Conventional rules and laws were out the window as a pirate. She could be whatever and whoever she wished whenever she wished. It sounded nice.
She shook her head. No, why would she think that? Her husband was a marine! She was well provided for, and the town didn't suck. Granted, they walked on eggshells around her, but they weren't terrible. She should be happy. Her life held meaning, correct? She was working on her blacksmithing in secret, so that need and dream should be satisfied at some point. Right? Right.
An uneventful day.
She prepared dinner and sat at the table, watching the candle flicker as she rested her cheek in her hand. He was late. Sometimes, he stayed over at the office when he was particularly busy, but he usually let her know. She wondered when their communication started deteriorating. They've only been married for a year and dated for about six months. She was, of course, the impetus for all the progression in the relationship. Did she need to say something? It was usually her, and this was beginning to bother her.
Before she was about to blow out the candle, the door opened. Her face lit up as she looked over. He looked normal as ever. She gave him a smile as he joined her at the table, giving her an acknowledging nod.
"Did anything exciting happen today, dear?" she asked softly, trying to start a conversation so badly.
"No, just the same old shit," he said curtly between mouthfuls.
"Oh."
Well, that didn't go well.
It seemed she would have to try a different strategy. He seemed more tense than usual and less communicative, so perhaps if they slept together tonight she would have better luck. It's been a little while, and he was more open and relaxed afterwards. It seemed solid.
Later that night after dinner and the dishes were done, she walked out into the living room in her robe. She let one of her sleeves drop past her shoulder.
She tucked her hair behind her ear as she looked up at him uncertainly. "Do you… um, do you want to, you know, tonight?"
Her face felt like it was on fire. Normally, she wasn't so shy and unsure about sex with her husband, but lately things were kind of weird between them. She was hoping he'd be interested, and it would relieve some of the tensions between them. She did adore the cuddle time after they were done. It made her feel close with him.
"No," he gruffed. "Not tonight, Sienna."
She deflated like a balloon.
He didn't… he didn't want her right now. Did he not find her beautiful anymore? She hadn't changed much in the time they've been together except putting on more muscle. Did he not like fit girls? She's never had big titties to begin with, so they weren't a loss from her gaining muscle and working out.
"Wh-why?" she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
He looked up, and she saw his face soften. It seemed he finally realized that he hurt her feelings. He stood, standing tall at his intimidating height and stature. She never grew much in her life, standing at a measly 5'5". Her husband stood over a foot taller than her. She never feared, in knowing him, that he'd hurt her. Yes, he was gruff and took down pirates with ease due to his devil's fruit and sea stone jute, but underneath the hard shell there was a gooey center. So, it confused her as to why he'd been so distant.
"It's been awhile," he said with a slight flush to his cheeks from what she could see from the corner of her eye. "It's been a long day, and I—"
"Never mind, I understand," she said tightly, changing her mind about wanting to know why. "I'm going to bed."
She walked back towards their shared bedroom. It seemed it wasn't a problem that she could solve with physicality. It was naïve to think it would help. It seemed she'd need to try something else. It felt as if she was turning tires, and it felt so—
"Wait, Sienna," he said.
When she turned towards him, he grasped the back of her thighs and lifted her onto his hips with ease. She gasped softly as he walked them back to the bed and dropped her down there. She looked up at his nude body incredulously. She didn't expect him to take the initiative or to have such a determined look on his face. What had gotten into him?
Before she could ask, he got on the bed and grasped her calves, yanking her towards him, leaving her breathless and somewhat confused. She was under him. He grasped the tie at her robe and quickly began to untie it. She didn't have time for anything: reacting properly, no; catching her breath, no; breathing in general, no. She went to grasp him, say something, but he grasped her wrists and pinned them above her head in one massive hand. Her breathing started to elevate in either excitement or anxiety she didn't know.
"Smoker, wha—"
His mouth covered hers and kissed her soundly. It left her dizzy and confused. She squirmed uncomfortably, whimpering underneath him. It felt off, passionless. It felt as if he was doing this as a chore to her, a duty to his wife, rather than out of real desire.
She thrashed hard enough to break the press of his lips and get away from his mouth. She gasped softly for breath.
"Stop," she said with authority and fierceness once her breath was back.
He stilled completely above her. After a moment, he released her wrists and leaned back. She could feel his eyes boring on her, and eventually she turned to face him. He looked confused from what little he emoted, so she sat up despite the height difference that still remained. He needed to understand.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"You can't make love to me like it's your job. I'd rather not do this at all."
She moved away, pulling the covers over her body. She faced away from him, holding herself tightly to herself. She tried her best to not cry.
…
The next morning, Smoker was already out of the house, probably at work. She was grateful for it because she honestly didn't know what to say. Last night was terrible. She tried to reintroduce some intimacy, but they weren't on the same page.
She entered the bathroom and winced at her appearance. Even though she tried not to cry herself to sleep, she did anyway. Her eyes were red rimmed and the bags underneath were puffy. She went to splash her face with cold water. It helped.
She looked into the mirror again and questioned whether or not she was pretty. She always had. After all, she didn't have the typical body of so many beautiful women especially the marine's wives of similar rank to her husband. They were large chested with impossible waists and no ass. She was practically flat chested, had abs, muscular arms, hips, and a larger than average butt. Her body wasn't the beauty standard, and she accepted that despite the insecurity it caused, but she didn't expect her husband to treat sex like a chore.
He must not find her beautiful anymore.
She got ready for the day, pulling her pink, white tipped hair into a bun to hide the tips. Her hair in its entirety was a dead giveaway. She put on her boy clothes and smiled softly to herself. The female beauty standards didn't matter here. Beauty really didn't matter as much for men, and she was envious of it.
She was working in the shop when someone walked in. She was surprised there was a customer who wasn't a marine. He looked like a pirate given his clothes and the presence he held. It excited her. Maybe, something interesting would happen finally.
"Hi," she said simply, remembering to use her man-voice.
"I want two swords," he said, ignoring Ipponmatsu and going straight to her. "I've got 100,000 beli. What'll that get me?"
It was odd being taken seriously in a male dominated field, but it was one of the reasons she disguised herself. It felt good to be seen for her craft not her gender even if this dumb ass didn't understand how much quality cost.
"Two cursed swords no one wants to touch with a ten foot pole," she said simply.
"Fine, I'll take him," he said in the same tone.
She eyed him for a moment to see if he was kidding. Nope, it seemed he was quite serious. She shrugged. It was his life, and she told him the risk. If he wanted to be dumb, let him be.
"Alright, it's your funeral," she said, handing them to him from her finished rack.
"Wait a minute!" Ipponmatsu shrieked, stamping his foot for being ignored much like a child. "I am the seller here!"
She was going to continue watching amusedly, trying not to laugh at her boss's ridiculousness that was until a familiar face entered the shop. Tashigi. She tried not to swallow as she turned away to continue the metal work she was working on. Hopefully, she wouldn't recognize her.
Well, she wasn't the only one uncomfortable by her presence given she saw the green haired man stiffen considerably. Did he know her as well? Did Tashigi hold some kind of power over him as well?
"Sorry, I'm late for the new arrivals. My boss was extremely angry this morning, and I barely got away."
Ipponmatsu huffed, "Alright, Silas, you can go. And, I'd recommend you go too, Tashigi, but I can't make you."
That was all she needed. She grabbed her stuff and headed out. She walked along the street, trying to clear her head. Did she hear Tashigi correctly? Was Smoker really that mad this morning? If so, it seemed last night affected him. It brought some relief, but she didn't want to deal with that fallout right now. She felt kind of bad for the other marines that they had to deal with it.
She entered her favorite bar. It was practically empty at this hour sans one other person. She slid up on the stool next to him. She ordered her favorite brandy as the patron next to her hummed loudly, kicking his legs back and forth playfully out of the corner of her eye. She turned towards him curiously.
This kid was too young to be in a bar. She could tell by just one look. He looked as if he was in his late teens, and he had the innocence and attitude of an eight year old. He had wide, dark eyes; black, spiky hair; a red vest; and a straw hat.
"Hey," she said, breaking the ice.
"Hey," he returned without much thought.
Her brandy came out, and she took a swig. The burn was comforting, and she enjoyed the light-headedness the strong liquor gave her.
"Aren't you a little young to be in a bar?" she asked evenly, somewhat amused.
"I'm old enough," he said, puffing his chest out.
"Oh, please, are you even old enough to drink, kid?" she teased playfully.
"No, but I can handle it!"
She smiled, entranced by his happy go-lucky personality. He reminded her of a puppy. She looked around the bar mischievously, already knowing they were the only ones there at the moment, before she placed a finger against her lips and gave him a wink. He perked in excitement. It was exactly the reaction she wished for; he truly was childlike.
"Don't tell anyone," she said, handing him the glass of brandy.
He took it without any knowledge of how to drink alcohol and downed it in a gulp. Immediately, his face scrunched, and he began to cough sporadically. She laughed as she gave him a napkin.
He wiped his mouth, and he pushed her playfully. She pushed him back just as playfully.
"You're interesting," he said, laughing and giving her a giant smile.
"I'm glad somebody thinks so," she said.
She took another swig of brandy. She wished to enjoy the company and her alcohol. Suddenly, he grasped her chair, wheeling it around towards him.
"Wanna join my crew?"
"You have a crew?" she said with raised brows.
"Of course I do!" he said. "I'm going to be the new pirate king!"
It took her a moment to process that statement especially given the island he was proclaiming this on. He must be either very dumb, determined, or both to say this where her husband stops all pirates here in their tracks.
"You're serious, aren't you?"
"Yeah. I came here to see the execution platform of the last Pirate King. I just can't find it," he said, pouting.
It felt as if her heart was pounding in her chest. It wasn't out of fear, maybe a little, but from excitement. She craved adventure. She couldn't get it from her life at home where her husband was distant and didn't seem to want to meet her halfway to solve this. Blacksmithing on this boring island helped ease it, but she really needed something more.
"I can show you," she said.
"Really?"
"Of course."
She got up, left some cash, and then headed out with…
"What's your name?"
"Monkey D. Luffy."
Puppy would've been a more appropriate last name. Luffy, though, as a first name, that's kind of cute. It was difficult to see him as a pirate yet his mug did look kind of familiar. Maybe, he's an upcoming pirate and just now gaining popularity. If so, he couldn't be seen with Sienna, but Silas should be fine. She would feel terrible if her husband arrested him because she drew attention to him by being his wife.
Why did it appeal so much? Why did being a pirate sound so thrilling? She thought her rebellious spirit died in her teens. It seemed it wouldn't. She wanted unconventional things. That was probably why. Being a pirate, after all, allowed someone to do whatever they wished. Granted, the risk of being killed or imprisoned were high, but it seemed worth it for so many.
"I'm Silas," she said. "And… what's it like being a pirate?"
"The best thing ever! It's all I wanted as a kid, and I can't wait until I'm pirate king."
Normally, words like that would sour someone for her. It was usually poisoned by arrogance and ego. Luffy didn't possess that. He was just straightforward and lacked tact. It was so innocent and pure.
"Are you sure you don't want to join me?"
"Uh—"
"Ooh, there it is!"
Immediately, he ran up to the stand and climbed it. She had to fight her motherly instinct from flaring, and telling him to get down and be careful. It would be a dead giveaway she was a woman. She just watched with her arms crossed, smirking up at him. He was cheering happily, and it was all good fun.
"MONKEY D. LUFFY!"
Everyone turned to face the voice who yelled that. And who screeched it was a pretty, young woman in a shawl and a cowgirl hat. She was pale with dark hair and eyes. The most notable thing about her was a large, spiked mace draped on her back. Perhaps, she was stronger than she looked to wield that weapon.
"What?" Luffy simply asked.
"You have hurt me. How dare you be so nonchalant," she said dramatically, immediately attracting drooling simps to her.
"I don't know you," he replied.
She whined, ending it on a ridiculous moan to get the simps cheering and losing their minds. Sienna shook her head and laughed incredulously with a grin. Most women didn't take that kind of attention seriously. It was a nice boost of ego, but it would never become anything real.
"You hurt me more. You don't remember me~?"
"No, I don't."
Luffy wasn't motivated by lust unlike the other males. It was refreshing.
"You don't~?"
"Tell me who you are!" he shouted.
"It's me, Alvida," she said with a wild smirk.
"And don't forget about me."
She looked over and saw a pirate clown complete with a red nose. She immediately recognized her in her husband's collection of wanted posters. And, come to think of it, Alvida sounded familiar, but she had dropped a serious amount of weight given the wanted picture Sienna saw. Three pirate captains were here. Damn, her husband would be steaming literally.
Suddenly, Buggy flew up towards Luffy on the stand. He wrestled and locked the surprised boy into the pillory. It happened in a flash that she only had time to gasp in shock.
"Now, for the offensive of trying to tarnish The Great Buggy, you Monkey D. Luffy," he announced while unsheathing his sword, "shall die."
"Wow, I've never seen an execution before," Luffy said casually.
"It's yours, you dumbass!" Buggy shouted.
"What?! Me! No! I don't wanna die! Please forgive me!" Luffy wailed, shouting and thrashing.
There was no way she'd get up there fast enough. She looked around for something, anything. There was a large stone. She picked it up and immediately threw it at Buggy. If she hadn't worked out for these muscles, it would've never reached and bonked that clown on the face.
"Get him, my pirates!" Alvida commanded her sickly sweet voice, pointing at Silas.
Well, shit.
She didn't have a weapon on hand. She'd have to fight hand-to-hand despite the pirates rushing her with swords drawn. She clenched her jaw, hoping Luffy could get away somehow.
One of the pirates attempted to stab her in the face, but she moved away just in time. With his arm outstretched, she grabbed his wrist with one hand and struck a blow with her other hand. The arm immediately broke causing the man to collapse, wailing in pain. It gave way to her stealing his sword. Immediately, upon holding the weapon, she knew it was junk, but it was better than nothing.
"Hold on, Luffy!" she shouted simultaneously with two other people.
She looked over just as she clashed weapons with one of Alvida's pirates. She saw a blond man in a black suit and tie, and the green haired man she met in the weapon shop.
"What are you doing here?" Silas and him said simultaneously again.
She heard a laugh from above and looked up to its source just as she kicked the pirate away from her. Luffy has the biggest grin on his face just as Buggy brought his sword down on the boy's neck. Her face, on the other hand, expressed her shock and horror.
Suddenly, a crack of lightning struck down from the cloudy sky. It struck Buggy, the tallest standing object in the town square. The force of it was so strong that the stand broke underneath them. She was certain they were dead, but no Luffy emerged from the rubble free of the pillory just fine.
"I don't believe in God, but was that Him?" she said incredulously.
More thunder crackled in the background, alerting them to the need to go. Immediately, Luffy ran over and grabbed her arm, pulling her along.
"Come on, Silas!"
She took her arm back and ran alongside him. The four of them were running alongside one another until, well, the green haired man was intercepted by none other than Tashigi. She didn't make eye contact with the sergeant for fear of her recognizing her.
"You, Roronoa Zoro!" Tashigi shouted. "How dare you trick me like that! I will take back that sword!"
A grin spread across Zoro's face, stopping for the sergeant as he said, "Alright, so be it."
They ran on without Zoro. The thrill and the fear in her was something she thought she long eschewed in her life. After all, marrying a high ranking marine made life easy and boring. And speaking of her high ranking marine husband, he stood in front of his big bike glaring them down.
She locked eyes with her Smoker and swallowed thickly.