SailorStar9: So with Chapter 280 uploaded, this is Chapter 281 of this fic. . For everyone who put this fic on your favorited and followed lists and/or story alerts, thank you, but remember everyone, a lot of authors (myself included) sustain on readers' reviews.

Pairings: Married!Ace/Sasha, Sibling!Luffy/Sasha, Sibling!Sabo/Sasha, Background Protector!Law/Sasha

Disclaimers: One Piece belongs to Oda Eiichirō-sensei. Me, on the other hand, own absolutely nothing, except my OC, the pairing and the fic idea.

Chapter 281: Arc 17: Pandemonium! The Monster Snake, Shogun Orochi


"Listen, guys!" Orochi declared. "Since I have you together, let me say this again. This years marks the 20th year since Kozuki Oden died. His wife, Toki, said there will be retaliation this year. Oden's legacy persists."

"That ghost story again." one of the attendees sighed. "We don't remember Kozuki."

"Do you remember how unusually strong Oden's retainers, the Akazaya Nine, were?" Orochi barked. "Their leader, Kin'emon is a bright guy. They've come back to Wano after 20 years and are preparing. They will come." he was certain. "To cut off my head."

"We have already buried a bunch of people who were related to Oden." another samurai reminded. "Is he still scared of the Kozuki?"

"Kaido has already taken an enemy down." Orochi added. "But the yokozuna and Jack's men got attacked in Kuri. A soba cook in the capital and a ronin from a post town attacked some yakuza. Maybe they were all on Kin'emon's orders."

"Foxfire Kin'emon and the Akazaya samurai," Kyoshiro put down his sake cup. "I cannot wait to face them. I will cut them down with one single stroke."

"You're dependable, Kyoshiro." Orochi laughed. "Oden died, before my eyes. But his son, Momonosuke is still alive. The body of that brat was never recovered along with others. The Kozuki Clan hasn't died out yet. They're aiming to revive the Kozuki Clan. Of course, they're going to cut off Kaido's head, too. They will definitely come."

"No one will cut off Kaido's head." another attendee chuckled at the incredulity. "How cowardly can he be?"

"Otoko, take this one next." one of the geisha replaced the empty tray of sake bottles from Tōko's hands.

"Listen up, guys." Orochi called out. "This is the year. Remember Toki's last words, do not drop your guard. 'You are the moon unaware of the dawn. May your purpose be fulfilled and cast nine shadows on the night woven of 20 years and you shall know the brilliance of the dawn.'" he recounted the former lady's last words. "You know what that means? 20 years later, on a moonlit night, in order to settle the grudge, nine samurai will appear as ghosts. They will kill me and open up Wano. We will not let them do as they like. That is why we can't lower our guard." his rant was interrupted by the laughter from Tōko.

"This voice..." Orobi recognized Tōko. "Please, no!"

"You can't laugh." a geisha nearby snatched Tōko and fled outside.

"Who is it?" Orochi demanded. "Do not tell me you laughed at me."

"Because everyone is taking him for a fool." Tōko laughed. "I can't stop! I'm sorry!"

"It's a child." one of the samurai realized. "She's the Oiran's attendant."

"How obnoxious." the fuming Orochi growled. "I am the Shogun. The grudge from 20 years ago... do you think I am... do you think I am afraid of it?" he drew his blade. Without warning, he shot towards the direction where Tōko was hiding. "I am the victor. I defeated Oden."

"Do not do it!" Komurasaki declared firmly. "My Lord, she is just a little child."

"Stay out of this, Komurasaki." Orochi warned and slashed the shoji into half. "Did you laugh at me?" he glared at Tōko. "Squirt!" he reached to grab Tōko by the neck when an energy sphere emitting from the ogi kanzashi Sahiko had placed in the child''s hair beforehand protected the SMILE-inflicted girl.

Komurasaki took the chance to dash towards Orochi and gave him a slap across the face, allowing Orobi to snatch Tōko up.

"Komurasaki..." Orochi was taken aback. "Why? Why did you hit me?"

"I will not abase myself before anyone." Komurasaki announced. "When I know I am right, I do not need to give an inch."

"Hey, Komurasaki..." Orochi started. "I was going to make you the Shogun's wife."

"If you want a weak woman, go ahead and cut me up." Komurasaki stood firm. "I am a samurai's daughter. I will not live in disgrace."

"You are impertinent..." Orochi hissed. His ire peaked, he transformed into his Yamata no Orochi form. "You're just some whore. "Do not act like you know a damn thing about samurai. "Komurasaki..." his main head drew close to the unfazed woman. "What a waste. It's a shame to lose that beauty. I do not want to chew up your head. If you plead for your life, you will get a lighter sentence."

"You are the Shogun." Komurasaki snorted. "You should learn to let things go. They say whoever falls in love loses out. I will not beg for my life."

"Komurasaki!" Orochi's rage out over his lust. "Damn you!" he let his other heads rampage through the banquet hall. "How rude!"

"You're the lady from the soba shop?" Tōko recognized Orobi who had taken her to escape.

"All right, Komurasaki." Orochi decided. "As you wish, I will kill you with my own hands." rearing his head back, he held Komurasaki within his jaws.


SailorStar9: Any OOC-nes is regretted. *Sighs* Don't you just hate plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.