The first chapter is finally finished. I hope all of you will enjoy it.

Before the first chapter, I think that Magi and One Piece fit with each other. Especially when we talk about politics and the kingdoms that both of the verses have. In this story, I tried to imagine what one of the most popular factions of Magi, the Ren Imperial Family, would adapt to the world of piracy and adventures.

Among all of the Magi characters, I personally like Kougyoku the most. She's still one of my top favorite characters from all of the anime that I've watched till now. That's why I want to at least write one story that puts her as the main focus.

Without further ado, let's go to the first chapter. Enjoy!


One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda. Shinobu Ohtaka: The Labyrinth of Magic belongs to Shinobu Ohtaka. I don't own either series since both of them belong to their respective owners.


Chapter 1

The Pirates' Company

At the Kou Empire Civil War, which will decide who'll become the emperor of Kou, which at first appears in Kouen's favor, suddenly turns into a mess.

Just as Kouha and Kougyoku managed to reach Hakuryuu's main base and were preparing to end the battle by killing him and his supporters using their Kyokudai Maho, an unexpected factor arrived in the form of the Kina Kingdom, led by Yamato Takeruhiko, and the Sasan Kingdom, led by Darius Leoxses. Both countries belong to the Seven Seas Alliance, an alliance under Sinbad that had the creed of not invading other countries and also not being invaded by others. Both Yamato and Darius declared that they acknowledged Hakuryuu as the legal emperor of the Kou Empire, and the Kou Empire also became a member of the Seven Seas Alliance. Kouha quickly remarked that the Seven Seas Alliance intended to create a casus belli, which means that they already observed the civil war right from the start and planned to intervene at the right time, which is when Hakuryuu was going to be killed, a move that Kougyoku remarked as a cowardly one.

Commenting how he didn't like Sinbad's tactics, Yamato drew his long, huge katana, which revealed to the house Caim, the Djiin of Listening Closely and Absolute Sharpness. He then, doing a partial Masou, tried to attack both Kouha and Kougyoku and claimed to aim for the head of the general of the Western Army.

"This guy... He's a Kinzoku-Ki user. Bring it on! " Kouha challenged as he prepared to accept any attack the King of Kina could throw at also did the same, although her face is still shocked by the sudden intervention in their empire.

Swinging his katana at high speeds, Yamato unleashes a blast that moves faster than sound and, instead of hitting Kouha, misses the target... Or so it seems.

"He missed!" Kougyoku said as he saw the blast direction.

"Splendid, my lord." Nanaumi, one of Yamato's attendants, grinned, knowing what his lord's intention was.

This made Kouha quickly realize the King of Kina's intention. Don't tell me what his target is-" He quickly looked behind and, from far away, smoke was seen from a post where Koumei was leading the troops. "Mei-Nii!" Kouha screams in concern, knowing that his older half-brother must be hit fatally by the attack.

Yamato smiled maliciously while holding his chin. "The Kenjutsu of Kina: Ichigeki Hissatsu! You can't avoid my slashes, no matter how far away you are from me. This war ends now! " He said, boasting arrogantly about his strength in swordsmanship.

Kouha still looks at Koumei's location in shock. It is not possible.Was he able to attack Mei-Nii at the headquarters post from this distance? It can't be. No, wait, it's quite believable at this stage. ' Kouha analyzed the situation and knew that almost anything was possible with the power of a Djiin. He then started to fear the worst scenario. However, what's happening here? It's three against three!? No, what if Sinbad had already taken even more Kinzoku-Ki users with him, and he was now marching toward Balbaad!? ' He thought in fear. If that scenario ever happens, Kouen will without a doubt lose since all of his armies are in the Kanan Plains along with him, Kougyoku, and Koumei. Is this the end? Will it end like this? ' He suddenly remembered his own inspirational speech a day before the war. He then steeled his resolve. I could never allow such a thing. I'll stop these three here, even in exchange for my life! ' He was certain.

"Kouha-Niisama..." Kougyoku uttered She can't decide if she must fight Hakuryuu along with Yamato and Darius or give up and let Hakuryuu win.

Kouha, then look at Kougyoku. "Kougyoku! It's still not over yet! If we kill Hakuryuu now, the Seven Seas Alliance won't have any reason to stay here! Let's beat the three of them together! " He said.

Kouha's words awaken Kougyoku from her inner turmoil. She then grimly nods. 's avenge Koumei-Oniisama! " She agreed as they flew down toward the opposite faction.

"Huh. Really worthy fellows, both of you, huh? In that case, I shall do it again. Even though both of you are women. " Yamato stated as he re-prepared his Ichigeki Hissatsu.

Even though his accuracy is deadly, it needs time to charge it! In that case, I'll distract him and the King of Sasan so we can go to our main objective: taking Hakuryuu's head. ' He thought while bringing his scythe up, then swinging it down to create a blast that raced down toward the three kings.

"Fast!" Yamato thought as he had no other choice but to counter it with his Ichigeki Hissatsu, which was not at its full power, creating a blinding clash of energy and dust a moment later, blinding all of the people in the vicinity. "Huh!? You think such a trick will work on me? " Yamato taunted Kouha while protecting his face from the dust.

"Maybe. But you are in the exact position that I wanted you to be. " With his Nyoi Rentou, Kouha suddenly appeared in front of the King of Kina and, without any hesitation, he swiftly severed his right arm, which was wielding his long katana. He un-equips his Masou at the last moment before the attack. As I expected! He can't use that Ichigeki Hissatsu move repeatedly since he needs time to focus and charge it first. Therefore, that attack is necessary to blind his vision, and he's taking the bait. ' He thought as he quickly rushed forward toward Hakuryuu and Darius, who were still blinded by the dust.

"Guugh!" Yamato grunts in pain as his long katana, along with his severed right arm, falls to the ground. Blood continues to flow from the stump on his right shoulder as he grips it in pain using his left hand. I let my guard down! I don't think he dared to make the attack even after knowing our creed. ' He thought grimly of his own arrogance, which cost him his dominant arm.

"My lord!" Nanaumi quickly raced toward him in concern.

I'm fine. Call the healing magician quickly. " Yamato ordered as he grimly smiled. You may have managed to inflict this much pain on me, brat.But we still have one other card. You won't win this war! ' He thought as he finally fell to his knees.


On Kouha's side, he finally managed to reach Hakuryuu, who's not protected at all by Darius. "Hakuryuu!" He screamed as he swung his Nyoi Rentou down.

Hakuryuu quickly equips his guandao into Zagan's weapon. "Kouha!" He screamed as well as parried the slash despite the quiet difference in strength since he's currently low on Magoi. They later have a stalemate as one tries to overpower the other. Why don't you realize this, you fool!? You're just a Kouen puppet for his selfish desire to trample other countries! Heh, as a cold-blooded person like you would understand. " Hakuryuu taunted.

"Silence bastard! You only ruined Hakutoku-jiisan's wish by doing this!? Do you even know the reason En-nii is doing this expansion to begin with? No, because you are just a bastard child who only cares about revenge without knowing any of its consequences. " Kouha returns the taunting. At least this is what I can do for now-kill you so you can meet with that bastard witch mother of yours!

"Silence!" Hakuryuu screamed in a rage. All of Kouen's supporters! Including you and all of your sisters, I'll personally send you to the same hell together! "

"Both of you are in the right position."

Suddenly, both Kouha and Hakuryuu feel a sharp object pierce their hearts as they gasp in shock. It was later revealed that Kougyoku, who was under the control of Sinbad's Zepar with her Masou still activated, and Darius stabbed them respectively.

"Uhuk!" Hakuryuu coughed blood, which splattered on Kouha's face before looking at Darius shakingly. "King of... Sasan... What's the i-is the... Meaning... of '

"That's all...It's over."according to his will. " Darius simply stated,

"I actually didn't want to do this Kouha-ojii." Kouha's eyes immediately widened as he realized this wasn't Kougyoku's manner of speaking. However, this is for the best. For the sake of peace, countries like the Kou Empire must be wiped clean from the royal family who are only known to expand their territories and disturb the world's peace. "

"W-who... are... you?"Kouha raspily asked as he coughed blood once again. He then slowly widened his eyes. "D-don't... say anything to me..."

"I'm the leader of the Seven Seas Alliance, King Sinbad." Sinbad said, using Kougyoku's voice and body. Controlling Kougyoku's body, he pulls out her sword from Kouha's heart, making the third imperial prince of the Kou Empire lose his grip on Nyoi Rentou and drop to the ground. Sinbad then walks to the sound amplifier that's located close to the site and emits a speech. "I came here to put an end to the internal strife of the Kou Empire! Sadly, my sworn friend, Emperor Hakuryuu Ren, who is the legitimate ruler of the Kou Empire, is killed on the battlefield by the third imperial prince, Kouha, so I have no choice but to kill him. Therefore, to fulfill the goal of our dear friend, I'll help the Kou Empire reconstruct itself like what I did to Magnostadt! " He confessed the lies.

Y-You lie! Bastard... I... can't believe that... He's being sought after by Hakuryuu's allies...En-Nii... ' Kouha voiced his last thought as his soul left his body.

"S-so... All of those words to me, all of those words to you...You want to take over the Kou Empire? From the start... " Hakuryuu finally realized what Sinbad was after. It's hard to believe that back then he was the one searching for support in his rebellion against Gyokuen and Kouen. But now, he finds himself stabbed in the back. "But... I assumed you were..."

It's true that I was targeting Kouen for causing war by his expansion policy. However, I know that you also plan to achieve the same goal ever since you fell in love with Musta'sim. Even though Judar is dead, you intended to challenge the entire world to a fight, right? Nanaumi from Kina Kingdom informed me of all of it. " Sinbad said, still inside Kougyoku's body. "No need to worry, Hakuryuu-kotei. I promised that I'd rebuild the Kou Empire to be a better nation and take care of your step-sisters as well as Hakuei-dono. "

Darius then pulls out his lance, causing Hakuryuu to fall on his knees while a huge hole is left in his chest. Panting in exhaustion, the legitimate emperor of the Kou Empire tried to heal himself using Zagan's power, but found himself unable to do so due to his lack of Magoi. He then spat blood once again while starting to fall face-first to the ground. Seems ' For me, this is the end of the road...Judar : Hakuren-aniue... Hakuyuu-aniue... And...the faces in his headof Hakuei, Morgiana, Aladdin, and Alibaba are shown in his mind. "S... "Sorry. '" He is mumbling as he finally succumbs to his wounds.

At the same time, Sinbad releases his control over Kougyoku, but unlike the last time on Balbaad, she's still conscious. "E-eh? What's happened? " She asked herself in confusion while looking around her surroundings, where the dust was starting to disappear. "Last time... I remembered that Kouha-niisama ordered me to assist him in defeating the King of Kina. Then, all of a sudden, everything is blank...The scene of Hakuryuu's corpse awakens her from her confusion. Her eyes were moist with sadness when she thought of him. Despite all of the atrocities he committed in order to claim the throne, Hakuryuu is still a family member to her, so it's natural for her to feel some sadness for him. "Kouha-niisama! we" She then stopped when she saw Kouha's body, also lying dead on the ground. "Kouha-niisama..."

"What's that expression?" Someone asked her, and it turned out to be Yamato. His severed right arm was already bandaged. "You're the one that stabbed him to death and yet you act like nothing happened." He mentioned

"W-What?" Kougyoku started to shake in disbelief after hearing Yamato's statement. "No." No. No. No! It can't be! That's not true! That's not true! " She grabbed her head while shaking it in denial. Sinbad's control of her must be to rid her of her consciousness during the act. Streams of tears flow down from her eyes as she kneels down to her half-brother's body and shakes it, trying to wake him up. "Kouha-niisama... It's a lie, right? I know you're still alive. Please and thank youOpen your eyes... Kougyoku pleaded. But all of it falls on deaf ears.

This must be Zepar's abilities... ' Darius quickly noted since he had already witnessed it several times when Sinbad controlled someone like a puppet. Deep inside his heart, he felt pity for the princess, but he had to do his job. "If you thought that we were aiming to cause casus belli, it's a mistake princess. We, the Seven Seas Alliance rulers, have already discussed it and decided...As long as the Kou Imperial Family still lives, war will continue. " He said.

"Eh?" Kougyoku gasped in disbelief. Sinbad-sama!? Lies! Lie! '

"Lucky that Hakuryuu is taking our bait. In one fell swoop, we managed to kill three members of the Kou Imperial Family. " Yamato stated "And now it will be the fourth." He then raises his katana. "Any last words, princess?"

Kougyoku, however, didn't mind their statement. She was just wallowing in despair after solving the previous event's puzzles:Her first love has been using her since the time of that sparring in Sindria. Tears continue to stream from her face. I betray them. I betray my family. Even though I promised to be useful to anyone... That I'll protect them till the end... 'However...'

"I think there are none." Yamato stated as he swiftly gave her a merciful death by decapitating her, at the same time making her Masou disappear. He then amplified his sound using the special magic tool that Hakuryuu used during the opening of the war. To all of the Kou Empire soldiers! The leaders of both factions are killed in action! Surrender! "

In the end, I just hurt someone. Kougyoku voiced her last thought as darkness engulfed her.


Meanwhile, Grand Line is on Paradise.

It's been a while since the Straw Hat Pirates managed to escape from the famous Marine Vice-Admiral Monkey D. Garp. After getting new crewmember Franky and a new ship, Thousand Sunny, they continue their journey to Fishman Island before going to New World, the second half of the Grand Line, where only the King of Pirates, Gold D. Roger, managed to explore all of it.

While the others are currently busy with their daily activities on the ship, Zoro is currently on the Crow's Nest doing his usual training in the gym when he spotted something that's floating in the ocean. "Oi! There's something or maybe... Someone on there? " Zoro informed his crewmate via the microphone that's connected to a loudspeaker outside of the Crow's Nest.

"What is it? What is it!? " Luffy immediately goes to the bow of the Sunny to check what Zoro has spotted. He quickly looked up, not expecting what he saw as it was floating on the surface. It was a young girl with pink eyes and long, dark pink hair, which was pinned up with a golden hairpin that resembled bunny ears. She wears a long, elaborate dress with many beautiful patterns on it, signifying that she's royalty. Quickly thinking before she drowns, Luffy stretched his right arm, wrapping it around her waist before pulling her to Sunny's bow. He then jumps back to the deck before putting her gently on the grassy lawn deck close to the swing. He then switches to carrying her bridal style toward the sick bay, where he knew Chopper would cure her.

It was then that Sanji suddenly slammed open the door that leads to the kitchen. "Oi, Luffy! What'd you do to this pretty princess? " Sanji yelled at him with his usual attitude toward ladies, making Luffy look confused.

"I don't do anything. She's floating on the water. " Luffy answered. Sanji just looked at him before sighing, knowing that his captain isn't the type to lie about something. "Wait a minute then. I'll call him "Chopper." He said as he returned to the inside.


A few minutes later, Chopper comes with a look of concern after seeing the girl's condition. She has a high fever. Louffy! Quick, bring her to the sick bay! " He said. Luffy just nods, and both of them later go to the sick bay that's located on the second floor near the stern of the ship. Once they reached there, Luffy gently put the girl on the single bed inside the room.

"I trust her to you, Chopper." Luffy ordered with a grin before leaving the sick bay.

Chopper seriously nods before checking on the girl's condition. She got a fever. Her body temperature is very high! I need to give her some herbs to cool her body down! ' Chopper then walked to his desk while searching for herbs to cool down his body temperature. However, I wonder why this lady is floating in the ocean. If she's a princess, judging from her clothing, was she somehow caught in the storm and thrown from her ship? He wondered the reason this young girl was floating on the ocean as he finally found the herbs he needed. "Seems I need to change her clothes."


Inside her mind, Kougyoku opened her eyes and found herself lying in pitch black space. "Uuh..." She grunted and touched her head with her right hand while sitting up and looking at her surroundings. "Where am I?" She thought, while a bit afraid. She then braves herself to call out. "Hello." She said, hoping for someone to hear it, but it only echoed into the black space. However, moments later, a scene suddenly appears in front of her. "This is..."

This scene is the moment when she meets again with Alibaba in Balbaad.

"Kougyoku..." I just had a talk with Kouen Ren. He said that I must cut my relationship with Sindria and marry a princess from the Ren Imperial Family, and it was-"

"So that's what's happened..." Kougyoku uttered the phrase after knowing the circumstances. Kouen already told her about the marriage, and she already knew that Alibaba was the one that would marry her. In fact, she's not bothered at all by marrying him. She already knew him and his kind nature, and that made her luckier than her sisters, who married unknown rulers of other countries. From what he heard, many of them were just corrupt nobles. That's another word to say that since that fateful day that made them friends, she had developed affections for him.

But what happened next shocked her to her soul.

Oh? So it's like that? Ha Ha Ha. Now I understand, Alibaba. " Kougyoku's voice suddenly overlaps with a male voice as her eyes turn color from dark red to green.

"W-What? Something has changed around her! ' Alibaba noted, with a panicked face.

"I'm not Kougyoku-hime." "Kougyoku" suddenly flashes a manly grin. what you've said before, I think you should do it with Alibaba. It will give Sindria an advantage. "

What's this? I don't remember talking to Alibaba-chan about this. ' At first confused by her own memory, she gradually comes to terms with the times when she suddenly went blank during the civil war. "D-Don't tell me..."

"S-S-Sinbad?" Thanks to the mention of Sindria, Alibaba finally realized who was the one he was talking to.

Sinbad, using Kougyoku's body, grinned maliciously. "Hey, Alibaba. How are you doing? " He greets him using the Kou princess voice.

"W-What?" Kougyoku trembled after hearing the revelation. Sinbad is... Possessing her?

"Si-Sinbad?" Alibaba uttered, shocked that Sinbad was taking over Kougyoku's body.

Sinbad, however, seems not to mind it as he keeps talking like usual. "Yup, are you alright, Alibaba?" I'm sorry because I did not allow Aladdin to accompany you to Balbaad. Plus, Shambal will be worried if Toto causes you some trouble. "

Kougyoku didn't know about this!? Alibaba thought, in shock. "But how did..."

"Calm down and listen. I'll explain the situation to you. This is one of Zepar's abilities. This spell disturbs the target's mind by sending special sound waves and makes me able to enter her mind. In practice, it keeps reminding her of my to it, I was able to manipulate this girl for a brief period of time. He explains with his usual tone, practically not minding at all about controlling someone against her will.

"That girl..." Kougyoku couldn't believe what she heard. She'd been practically fooled from the start when he asked for that sparring, which was supposed to be her with Alibaba. With how Sinbad mentions her, it's very clear that he didn't care a thing about her. In his eyes, she's just a tool for him. "Why... You're my...

This is something that Alibaba is not taking kindly, making him remember the time when Kassim tried to persuade the people of Balbaad to have a bloody revolution via Zaynab's weapon. 'P-Power to control other people's bodies! ' He thought. "But why'd you do something like this?" Alibaba asked, finally able to overcome his shock and, at the same time, starting to lose respect for his idol.

"In order to watch everything that's happening in the world, Currently, I'm borrowing three people's bodies and am able to gather any information around the world thanks to them. That's also because it's my limit. The first one is inside the Kou Empire, the second one is inside my own kingdom, and I can't tell you where I put the last one. Since that sparring, Ihave already planted this technique on Kougyoku-hime. Because of it, I was able to take precautions against any movements that were made by the Kou Empire. " Sinbad said, explaining his reasons.

"I... spied on them?" Kougyoku now falls to her knees while clutching her head in frustration. "Kouen-niisama, Koumei-niisama, Kouha-niisama, Hakuei..." I... " She was still shocked but braved herself to look at this till the end. Sinbad-sama, You couldn't possibly...You're my first love, and yet... You think so lowly of me... '

Alibaba was more than shocked to hear the revelations and gritted his teeth in disbelief. His idol is a pragmatist who is unable to trust anyone outside of his inner circle. Isn't that cruel!? What did you just make Kougyoku spy on her friends and siblings that she cared so much about!? " He reasoned.

Sinbad is silent for a moment before replying. "Alibaba, I... I can't get my personal feelings mixed up in an intelligence war. This is the same as protecting oneself. The Kou Empire is on the brink of declaring a war against Sindria, and I need to gather intelligence from the inside of Kou's inner circle. Moreover, the same thing as I did is also done by the other countries, like Kou and Leam, but maybe in different ways. " He then slyly smiled. I'll go to any length to...In order to protect my country. " He declared.

Alibaba just narrowed his eyes; he completely lost his respect for Sinbad. He controlling Kougyoku is what prevented him from punching him in the face for daring to play with the heart of a sweet, innocent girl like her.

More importantly, about the thing that Kouen Ren proposed to you, It's not a big problem. The Seven Seas Alliance and the Kou Empire are currently not at war with each other, and even after the summit that was held by Aladdin, the only thing that'll be done is keep negotiating. Sinbad encouraged I can assure you that the Eight Generals will understand your feelings. There are many people that are in the same position as you. Even your shisho, Sharrkan, is also a former prince that's been exiled from his country and all of his rights have been taken away. Do you know about that? " He tried to ease the conversation a bit.

"Shisho..." Alibaba gasps This was the first time he'd heard about his past.

"And about Aladdin, you said that he allowed himself to choose his own path no matter what happens from now." Sinbad shot the most sensitive part of Alibaba. He then suddenly raised his 'Kougyoku' right arm and touched Alibaba's shoulder. However, if you are really afraid to go against Sindria, You can just play to follow the Kou Empire's orders. " He said while smiling, which reflected on Kougyoku's body as well.

Alibaba's anger finally reaches its peak. He can't let Sinbad play his game on Kougyoku's body any longer. "...Sinbad..."I can't do something like that. What'll happen to Balbaad if they know something like that? I can't betray my own country for the second time! " He declared before looking seriously at Kougyoku that he was still in control. Therefore, if I become a vassal of the Kou Empire, I'll fight you for real. And I'll tell Kougyoku about Zepar as well. "

Alaba-chan..." "Kougyoku he uttered with little happiness. Despite what Sinbad said to him, Alibaba was still a genuinely good man. "Thank you..."

Sinbad, however, had already found a counter for Alibaba. You showed some resolve there. You better think again about that. What kind of position would befall Kougyoku-hime if the Kou Empire found an Interception Magic that was set by the enemy's countries inside her head? " He slightly teased

Alibaba just gulped. Sinbad really hit the mark this time. He knows that if this secret is revealed, Kougyoku will be persecuted harshly by the imperial family, or maybe... Even worse. That's what he experienced after a decent talk with Koumei.

Although they only saw, Kougyoku understands why Alibaba is hesitant. He really cared about her and didn't want her to be persecuted by her own family just because of her mistake during her stay in Sindria.

If that is so, let's meet again during the summit. Finally, remember that I still think of you as an ally no matter what you do. Goodbye. " After Sinbad says those words, the scene goes blank.

After that scene is over, Kougyoku has a lot of thoughts on her mind. Part of her is still in denial that a kind king like Sinbad would use such a low way as to throw his principles away, but on the other hand, what Sinbad said that silenced Alibaba stays with her.

"T-That's not true, right?" She asked herself. "M-My brothers..." Judar-chan: They love me... They never persecuted me. She tried to reassure herself.

"You know what he said is true, don't you?"

Kougyoku shrieked, hearing a mysterious voice call out to her out of nowhere. She then looked around, trying to search for the source. "W-Who's there!? Show yourself! "

Such a foolish princess. You keep denying it while you know that your brothers and the imperial family are only using you as tools. I truly pity you and your sisters' lives. "

Kougyoku gritted her teeth. How dare this unknown mock her brothers? My brothers love me! Don't you dare badmouth them! Show yourself! "

The mysterious voice suddenly chuckles. By giving you a ridiculous title of general, is that actually just a figure one? How foolish you are. And about Judar as well. He only uses you because of his interest in creating wars. Look now; he abandoned you. " The voice keeps taunting her.

"Shut up! You are aware thatYou don't know anything about Judar-chan and my brothers! " Kougyoku kept denying it.

"Open your eyes. You're nothing but a useless princess, unlike that prince. People like you are be used by someone else. " The voice stated

"S-S-Sh...


"Shutter Up!" Kougyoku yelled as she rose from her bed. Beads are clearly seen on her face as she pants in exhaustion. She pondered.

"I see that you're awake." Kougyoku then turns her head to the left and sees that Robin is sitting on a chair while on her right hand is holding a book with the title "Cute Animals Encyclopedia". "I worry that whatever makes you float on the ocean, whatever we do is too late." She said, with her usual smile. "Since our doctor is currently resting, I will watch over you for a while."

However, what Robin gets is a narrowed glare from the princess, with her eyes turning dangerous like the time when she first encountered Alibaba on Balbadd. "Where am I?" She asked in a demanding tone full of authority that Kouen teach her if she faced enemies, strangers, or on the stage of diplomacy.

Robin, however, didn't tense or show any sign of fear after hearing the demand. Being on the run for twenty years before joining Luffy has its own benefits when facing off against nobles and royalty. No need to wear that cold mask of yours, princess. We had no intention of harming you. In fact, it was my captain that saved you from being drowned. She replied with a calm tone. She's truly royalty. She held her head high, as if she was looking down at the commoner.Robin thought.

Captain?Kougyoku is aconfused by Robin's statement, which makes her mask fall off a bit. Before she can retort, she sees some kind of anthromorphic deer that is wearing a hat peeking from the doorway of the sick bay. It was none other than Chopper. "A... Dungeon Monster? " She thought in confusion. Of all of her experiences seeing Kou's Dungeon Monsters, she's never seen one that's so cute like Chopper.

Robin just giggles before looking at Chopper. It's okay, Chopper. You can check on the princess if you like. " She said As she said that, Chopper immediately braves himself to come out of his hiding place to check on Kougyoku, who is still wearing her neutral mask on her face.

"Anoo... Are you feeling well? When you're unconscious, you have a high fever. " Chopper tried his best to ask Kougyoku.

Kougyoku, finding herself unable to put her mask against Chopper, finally sighed before replying. I'm better now. Honestly, I didn't expect that a monster like you would be able to do medic skills. " She then looks down for a moment before looking toward Chopper with a formal smile. You have my gratitude. Thank you. " She formally thanked the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Chopper nods. Despite the neutral tone she used, she seems like a good person. In fact, the term "monster" that she used is not for mocking, but for pure curiosity. What's your name? He asked.

"I'm the eighth imperial princess of the Kou Empire, Kougyoku Ren." Kougyoku formally introduced herself before looking toward Robin. Forgive me for my earlier attitude. As a princess, I can't just easily trust a stranger, even though you've saved my life. " She apologized.

"It's fine." Robin replied with a smile, although her mind was processing what Kougyoku just said. Kou Empire? For what I know, there's no such country in Four Blues or Grand Line with that name. She thought. Could it be...?

Chopper nods. If that is so, forgive me for changing your clothes. Your regal clothing is wet, so my friend lends me her clothes for you. " He said.

"My clothes?" Kougyoku wondered before she looked at her outfit. Instead of her imperial clothing, she now wears a pale blue, short-sleeved cotton sweater as her body is not healthy enough and a knee-length blue skirt. Seeing the skirt made the princess blush in embarrassment, as it was too open for her taste.

"Um... Are you all right, Kougyoku-hime? Your face turns red for a moment. " Chopper immediately asked.

His question startled the young princess as she tried to compose herself to look at the reindeer once again. "U-Um! I-I'm fine really! " She tried to reassure him. 'Honestly, the one who has this outfit is really shameless!' She thought in embarrassment.

"Oi, Chopper, Robin-chan! Did the lovely princess already awaken? " Sanji asked with a heart in his eyes as he prepared a collection of dishes for Kougyoku. He then entered the sick bay as well. "WaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaSuch a beauty! " He said this with his usual tone when around a beautiful woman. Oh sweet mellorine, may I know your name?"

Kougyoku, however, seems uncomfortable with Sanji's antics. However, she knows that he actually means no harm to her. "K-Kougyoku..." She tried to hold the urge to push him away.

"Kougyoku-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaSanji then does his usual dance when around women while placing the dish on the table beside the bed. "Truly for a princess among the others... Your beauty is second to none. "

"E-EH!?" Kougyoku immediately flushed and tried to cover her face like usual, but the sweater she wore couldn't cover her face like her sleeves did, making her a blushing mess. "I-I-I'm not... beautiful..."

"That's enough, Sanji! If Kougyoku-hime has too much thought in her mind, her fever can attack once again! " Chopper reminded him.

If that's the case, I'll take my leave and let her rest then. I hope you enjoy our company here, princess. " Robin said as she left the sick bay. Sanji then leaves the room after some persuasion from both Chopper and Robin, with the latter saying that she wants some coffee.

After both of them left, Chopper tried to socialize with the princess. Please accept my can't hold himself when seeing a beautiful woman. However, this may make him and I feel nostalgic. He said this while sitting on his bed and looking at the ceiling. It's been a while since the Alabasta Incident... '

Kougyoku just sighed. "O-Okay. It just... No one ever calls me... Beautiful... She stuttered.

Chopper just smiled. Different than Vivi, who can easily talk with others since she is already used to commoners, Kougyoku is shyer and Chopper can guess that she rarely interacts with those that do not have the same status as her. Actually, since your introduction, I'm confused. Where's the Kou Empire exactly? Forgive me, but from what I know, I've never heard of a country with that name before. " He said, with a curious tone.

"Huh?" This time, Kougyoku is confused. There's no way someone didn't know about the Kou Empire and their expansion policy. "Are you serious? Then how about Kouga Plains? "

Chopper shook his head.

"Sindria?"

Once again, Chopper shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I've never heard of a place with that name."

Before Kougyoku could ask another question, a certain straw hat entered the sick bay. "Oi Princess! Already awake, I see! Shi Shi Shi, "Luffy said with a toothy smile. I've heard you're talking about this Sinlia or something. Is that some kind of food? "

It's Sindria Luffy, and it was a country. Chopper corrected "Kougyoku-hime, this is our pirate captain, Luffy."

"Hello! My name is Luffy! The one that'll become the King of Pirates! " Luffy introduced himself with his usual gags.

"PIRATES! " Kougyoku couldn't hide her shock. How could she end up in the hands of sea bandits? However, calling these two plus the other two pirates didn't really fit with the treatment she got. "Anyway, I must be cautious! There's a possibility that they might kidnap me for a price. ' She decided as she slowly returned to her neutral face mask once again.

As if he could read her emotions, Luffy grinned. "No need to worry. We're not bad pirates. " He assured her.

"And why should I believe you?" Kougyoku reasoned with her neutral face mask. You kidnapped me for a price, didn't you? Who's the one that paid you? " She then tried to reach her Kinzoku-Ki, only to find it wasn't on her head like usual. My hairpin! It's gone! ' She thought in panic. Since it was Koubun Ka, her only Kenzoku-Ki was the one that gave her that hairpin as a gift for her ascension to become an imperial princess.

If you're searching for your hairpin, no need to worry. I already put it on my table. " Chopper decided to tell you. He knows that the princess is just confused. And like Luffy said, we have no intention of harming you by any means, so you have no need to raise your guard like before.

Kougyoku then checks Chopper's desk to see if her hairpin has been placed then sighed in relief.

But still, it's a really expensive and beautiful hairpin, isn't it? All of it is made of pure gold and diamonds. " Chopper tried to lower the tension.

"Even Vivi didn't wear expensive jewelry and make-up like you did." Luffy joins the conversation. "Tell me, why would I?"end up floating in the ocean? "

"Ocean?" Kougyoku was confused by Luffy's question. But.. The last thing I remember is that I was-' She then immediately gasped as she held her neck, which was supposed to be decapitated by the King of Kina. I was still alive! B-But how? That time, the King of Kina surely beheaded me! I was supposed to be-' She then gripped the blanket that covered her lower body while trying her best to hold her tears.

Seeing her cry, Luffy tilts his head in confusion.

"Luffy, I think we shouldn't ask her too much. She's still in the progress of healing. " Chopper advised his captain before turning his attention to Kougyoku. It's okay, Kougyoku-hime. You don't need to answer it.

Kougyoku slightly nods before wiping her tears, then looks at Chopper with a smile. I'm sorry, Chopper. But... Can you and the straw hat boy leave me for a while? I ' I need to think on my own. "

Chopper immediately nods. The princess needs some privacy, and he's going to respect that. He then stands up before persuading Luffy to come out of the sick bay as well. As the two exited the room and closed it, Kougyoku then put her legs close to her face, sobbing, remembering the fate of Kouha, who'd been killed by her own hands, despite being under the control of Sinbad.

I'm sorry, Kouha-niisama... I'm sorry. ' Kougyoku thought as she continued her sobbing. "I," you say.I knew it. Once a low-born person, always a low-born of helping, all that I did was... I was bringing misery to anyone I befriended. I wasn't there when Alibaba-chan and Judal-chan dueled... I even let Sinbad-sama control me like a puppet... I'm really a foolish princess... She mumbles between her sobbing.

Unbeknownst to her, Luffy is still outside with Chopper, secretly listening to her mumbling. After hearing that, Luffy's face immediately turns serious.

I'm feeling sorry for her. Her family was probably killed in a storm since they may have had no experience of the weather in Grand Line. " Chopper tried to guess. "If only we could do something to help her..."

"If that is so, that can't be helped then." Luffy said with a smile, remembering Vivi and her country suffered under Crocodile manipulations. "Hey, Chopper. Let's help her. " He said.

"Um." Chopper nods with a smile, agreeing with his captain.


It's been an hour since Kougyoku finally stopped her crying. At that same time, the Chopper enters the sick bay once again. "You're feeling well?" He asked after the sobbing scene.

Kougyoku tried her best to smile. "I am. Thanks for keeping worrying about me. She thanked him once again.

"If so, let's come out to the galley. I want to introduce you to the rest of the crew. " Chopper offered.

Kougyoku is a bit surprised by the reindeer's offer. But still, she accepts it as she now stays on their ships, so it is her politeness to know about every inhabitant of the ship. "Okay then, Lead me the way, Chopper-kun. " She agreed. The strange monster already gained her trust, so it's best to repay it with kindness as well.


A few moments later, they finally reached the galley. Although at first hesitant to come out because of her outfit, Kougyoku now wears her imperial clothing. When she saw the galley of Thousand Sunny, she was awed by what she saw.

"The ship... is so beautiful." She thought in amazement. None of the Kou Empire's ships, she saw, could beat the architecture of Thousand Sunny. She then smiled. "I've never seen such a beautiful ship like this in my entire life."

"Is it? Our shipwright is the one that created this. " Chopper said.

"Of course it is! I was the one that created it. " Kougyoku then turns her attention to Franky. So you're the princess that was saved by Luffy. My name's Franky. Welcome aboard the Thousand Sunny! " He introduced himself before doing his trademark pose.

However, instead of replying, Kougyoku blushes and quickly hides her face with her sleeve. "P-P-Pervert! Go away! " She yelled. Did he not have any shame in only wearing such clothing to cover his "thing"?

Franky was immediately a bit startled after being called that. This is not perverted! It just shows how super I am as a man! "

"Oi Franky! Don't you dare do anything to Kougyoku-chan in any way possible! " Sanji roared at him before his personality turned 180 degrees when he was against the Kou Empire princess. No need to worry, my sweet Mellorine. I'll personally protect you as your faithful knight. " He said, while kneeling in front of her, to take her left hand before kissing the palm.

"Stupid cook." Zoro commented while seeing the scene.

"You just keep quiet, marimo! You're the first one to see her floating in the ocean, yet you didn't do anything to help her! " Sanji retorts back at him.

"Ha!? And what were you doing during that time? Luffy is the one that helped her! " Zoro responds with then continue their verbal could only look at the scene.

"No need to worry, princess. That's the normal argument between them. " Robin suddenly speaks as she comes down after watering her flowers on the first floor. It's nice to see you healthy again.

"Robin-san." Kougyoku immediately recognized her.

"The ones that are fighting with each other there are Zoro and Sanji. while the one that's wearing spandex is Franky. No need to worry; despite their attitude, they are actually kind enough to get along with. " Robin assures her with a smile. "That means you will still not meet the last three members of our crew."

"So you're the princess that Luffy saved." Kougyoku turns her attention toward Nami, who's come out of the door that leads to the kitchen. "Hello. I'm Nami. It's nice to meet you, Kougyoku. " She said this while bringing her right hand forward for a handshake.

Kougyoku then accepted the formal handshake. "Likewise, Nami-san." She said So she's the one who has that entire embarrassing outfit! She quickly noted, in a comical manner.

"Nami here is the navigator of this ship. Maybe she knows something about your country. " Robin explains to her

"Country? From which country did you come, Kougyoku-hime? Is it from the Grand Line or one of the Four Blues? " Nami asked after hearing Robin's statement that the princess wants to return to her country.

"Grand Line"? Four Blues? ' Although not skilled at politics, Kougyoku always dedicated herself to learning about the world that Kouen wished to unite into one, and from all of her readings about the world map, she never heard of the Grand Line or even Four Blues. "I-I'm sorry. But what's the Grand Line and the Four Blues? I've never heard of it. At all. " She revealed while her shoulders were shaking a little due to her being alone in a strange place that no one had ever heard of her country.

So what? I guess that time is true.' Robin quickly noted the earlier conversation she had with Chopper back at the sick bay. "Princess If you do not mind, can we show you the map of the world? You probably know where the Kou Empire is located after looking at it. " She offered before looking at Nami and nodding at her.

Nami understood what Robin meant. She then picks up a map in her skirt pocket. "Here, Kougyoku." She said while giving her the map.

"Thank you." Kougyoku thanked the navigator as she received the map and opened it. However, instead of relief, her expression soon turned into shock and fear after she saw the map. Instead of a normal huge continent with a few small islands like Kouen showed her, there's only one continent that circles the entire world while the other lands are collections of islands in what seems to be a giant, endless ocean. "W-Where am I?" She asked herself as she released the grip of the map she held. Her hands were later trembling.

Nami is concerned by Kougyoku's actions. "Kougyoku..." Are you all right? " She asked with a concerned tone.

"T-This is... This is not my home. Kougyoku mumbled to herself. I've never heard of an ocean area called Grand Line. Nonetheless,The continent...

Robin then smiled and decided to spill the beans to the young princess. "I see. So what I read and suspect that the time is right. " She said

"What do you mean by that, Robin?" Nami is now more than confused. What exactly did Robin discover about Kougyoku?

Back when I was working with Crocodile, I actually stumbled upon a Poneglyph... That indicates the existence of a different world than ours. It said that if you want to know the existence of another world different than ours, Find the entrance to the New World. I was actually surprised to discover Poneglyph with such a statement. " Robin explained. "In other words, Kougyoku-hime here came from another world different than ours."

"A different world?" Nami becomes confused.

However, a certain strawhat suddenly leaps forward and lands between Kougyoku, Nami, and Robin. "OTHER WORLD!?" He then suddenly grabs Kougyoku by the shoulders with a star in his eyes. Is there going to be a great adventure there!? Are there strong people living there as well?Did the term "Magician" exist?Please tell me! " Luffy screamed in a curious, childish tone. He then quickly thought of something. "Yosh! It's decided! Until we can escort you to this other world, like Robin explained before, become my crew! " He offered with his usual grin.

Kougyoku can only widen her eyes. Become a crew of pirates! In his dreams, perhaps! There's no way she'll get into any kind of pirate activity. But at the same time, she had the feeling that they were not ordinary pirates like she had always known them back in her world.

"Oi, Luffy! Please don't be too rash! She's a princess of a country that remembers! We already made Vivi's father and attendant worried when we asked her to join our crew! We can't ask another one to do the same just because we saved her from drowning! " Nami protested.

"That's right!" Usopp joined as he came down from the second floor. Besides, this Kou Empire seems like a powerful country, and I doubt they'll greet us the same way Vivi did! Don't be reckless, Luffy! "

Luffy just tilted his head. But we didn't even meet these Lou Empire guys or something, didn't we?

"It's the Kou Empire." Kougyoku corrected with a little tick mark on her forehead while swiping Luffy's hand from her shoulders. Seriously, how could someone not understand the consequences of abducting a princess of one of the world's superpowers?

And why should we do that? I could sense from the start that she didn't trust us, Luffy. It's natural because we're pirates. " Zoro opined. "I think it's best to leave her at Sabaody and allow the Navy to do their job for a while."

Damn you, Marimo! How dare you say that we should just leave her behind? " Sanji retorted.

"Ha! I just said, "so we don't bother to face this Kou Empire or whatever it is!" Zoro argued back.

"No. I've made up my mind. She'll be a part of our crew. " Luffy stated this with a smile.

"Then tell me this." Kougyoku suddenly speaks up to Luffy with her neutral face and a bit of killing intent leaks from her. Why should I join a band of sea bandits like you? I have something more important to do, and that's to aid my country rather than wander aimlessly on the sea. "

I said that we're not bad pirates though. "Strange person." Luffy simply said "Nonetheless, you'll join my crew, and that's final."

Who are you to make that decision without my input!?I'm the princess of the Kou Empire! " Kougyoku yelled at him. "Besides, why do you demand I join your crew?"

Because..." If another world exists, that'll be a great adventure, no? " Luffy simply asked with a happy grin. "And... I also like you quite a bit.

Kougyoku was taken aback by Luffy's simple answer. He wants her to join his crew just because of that? She then took a step backward a bit while a blush started to appear on her cheek.

"Just accept it for now, princess." Zoro was the one that spoke once again. If Luffy has already made a decision, there's no way you'll change it. He's our captain, after all. " "He said with a smile."

Captain?Kougyoku was more than surprised by the revelation. Someone as easygoing and dumb as him is the captain of this pirate ship. Even though he's more stupid than the stupidest general in his country,

"I know you may not believe it, but it's the truth." Nami shrugged.

Forgive me, Kougyoku-hime. But actually, Both Luffy and I heard when you were crying by yourself. I know it's not wise to peek into someone's past, but honestly, when I heard you mumbling about yourself like that, I sympathize with you and also, it's my job as a doctor to watch for your health. " Chopper revealed. True, he knew all too well what it was like to feel useless before meeting Kureha and Hiluluk."Luffy and I then decided..." Then we'll help you return to your country. "

"Decided?" Kougyoku asked Chopper, while a bit upset that both he and Luffy had heard about her privacy. She then yelled at the reindeer. You dare peek into someone's privacy and now you want to take me home!? Don't be kidding! Are you all pirates, or aren't you?Tell me the truth, you want to ransom me for a price, isn't it!?

Luffy's expression, however, turns serious as he speaks up with a more serious tone. I really don't like it... If someone says they are useless, Isn't that the same as saying that you're giving up? " He simply asked.

"Eh?" After those questions, the neutral mask that Kougyoku wore was gone, and instead replaced with a shocked expression. She didn't expect that this dumb captain would manage to stab her in the point so easily.

Sanji, however, turns serious. The face of the princess tells it all. She's betrayed by someone dear to her. This made Sanji clench his fist in anger. Someone who made this beautiful girl cry didn't deserve to be called a man at all.

"I see... So you've heard it... Kougyoku said with a low tone as she looked down at her body, slowly shivering from trying to hold tears from her eyes. But it's the truth. I'm useless. "

"There's no one that was born useless!" Luffy yelled at her.

Kougyoku, however, looked at him and yelled back. "You know nothing about me? Do you know how it feels when you feel you could be useful to your siblings and country? Only to be betrayed by your first love and say, "He does that for the sake of the world and his own country!"

"I think that's enough." Kougyoku then turns her attention toward Sanji, who is surprisingly emitting killing intent. Louffy, that's more reason for us to bring Kougyoku-chan back to her world and kick the ass of whatever this person is. A man that makes a lady cry didn't deserve to be called a man at all. "

"Shi Shi Shi! All right then! " Luffy laughed before turning to Kougyoku. Then Kougyoku, tell me the person that makes you cry. As now you're part of our crew, I'll be sure to kick his ass when I meet him. "

"I-It's... Kougyoku..." When Kougyoku tried to correct how Luffy pronounced her name, she suddenly slumped to the grass.

"Kougyoku-chan!" Luckily, Sanji managed to catch her just in time before that. "Kougyoku-chan, are you all right?"

"I... I'm still exhausted..." She faintly said before finally thinking of something. "Luffy," isn't it? Thank you... For your honest words that I... ' She only managed to think that as darkness engulfed her once again.


Kougyoku then slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself back in the sick bay. The crew immediately panicked when she became unconscious once again, and Chopper quickly noted that her high fever kicked back in after the conversation. She then slowly sits up and looks at the side of the bed, only to see that Sanji is watching her from the chair of Chopper's desk. I see... So that's not a dream,' she thought. "Seems... I'll bother your doctor. "

"No. Chopper already said that it's his duty to cure those in need. " Sanji said with a smile while he was not smoking like usual. "More importantly, I'm glad that you're all right, Kougyoku-chan."

Kougyoku nodded as she smiled at him. "I," you say.I really thank you for this, and I'm sorry for my outburst. Even when I was wearing my cold and neutral face to show my distrust toward you and the others, All of you never reply to me back with the same face as I did. "

It's okay. I understand that as a princess, you must be cautious around strangers. It's actually strange, since for a while, a princess also becomes our friend on our journey. " Sanji said, while remembering the time Vivi travelled with them while they were still sailing with Going Merry.

This picks up Kougyoku's interest. At first, she thought of Sanji as a mere pervert who gets excited when meeting beautiful ladies, but it seems she was wrong. "A princess once sailed with you, pirates." She asked.

"Aa. Her country back then was manipulated by a bastard that was obsessed with her country's weapons. Luffy was the one that beat the bastard. But she, she decided to stay in her own country while waiting for the time to meet us once again and join our adventures. " Sanji describes it as simply as possible.

"I see. She must be an amazing princess that is able to stand on her own two feet. " Kougyoku said, unknowingly praising Vivi. "I really envy her." She set her gaze down, wondering if she'd ever become someone like her. I think it's impossible that I will become like her. All I did was just follow the orders of the emperor without any questions, and I always stayed behind my sibling's shadow. ' She thought, with sadness, of her own cowardness. "But... What you did is not like what pirates usually do. Back in my world, all that pirates did was sea raiding. "

So, how shall I put it...Our pirate crew is really unique. Especially with a captain like that. " Sanji said, scratching his head using his left hand.

"Sanji-san..." About the offer of me joining this crew... I think I'll try to

It's okay, Kougyoku-chan. However, you must say it to Luffy for that. " Sanji reminds her.

"If that's the case, then..."Can you ask all of them to gather? " Kougyoku asked as she tried to stand up from the bed. Her body feels lighter than before, but she reminds herself that she shouldn't think too much. She has already made her decision. I'll tell all of you... About me Your captain saved me so much in return. I try to trust him as well...And all of you. "


Author Notes

And that finally finishes the first chapter when Kougyoku finally meets the Straw Hat Pirates. The second chapter will cover Kougyoku's talk about her world and past to the crew and the first event of the Thriller Bark Arc, when our favorite skeleton, Brook, makes his appearance.

For Kougyoku's reaction even after being saved by Luffy, don't forget that she's royalty and a princess first before a girl that needs companionship underneath of it. So I think it's natural that she becomes cautious even after she knows that straw hat pirates are not like ordinary pirates. UHUM... Aum Madaura. But as a princess, she'll express gratitude to someone who saved her life. Like I said in the story premise, it will take some time before Kougyoku and the Rens open themselves more to them. Plus, she still had trauma from Sinbad controlling her body and the fact that she killed her half-brother despite being controlled. And don't forget that this Kougyoku is not the empress after the four-year time-skip.

Like I said in the premise, the location of Kouha, Hakuei, Hakuryuu, and the other two deceased characters will be revealed later in the future. Especially Kouha, since we'll know where he's affiliated with in the next arc.

I can't wait to write about Kougyoku's reactions to Brook's running gag question.

See you in the next update.