Okiku the Gentle?
Unwanted Marriage!
A navy battleship sails in the strong breeze. Sitting on the deck of the ship is Shisui who polishes his blade by dabbing it with a cotton swab. Ain is at the helm, steering the ship. The pirates sing and dance while eating. Shisui sheathes his sword and stands when an island comes into view. It's been several days since Shisui's escaped from the marines. He revealed his origins to Isuka who couldn't believe it.
The House of Koujiro was a noble house that at one time occupied Wano. For reasons not known, the house left Wano and settled in the territory of the World Government. All the house wanted was to be left alone but for unknown reasons, Vice Admiral Bradley attacked the island the house occupied. It was assumed the heir of the house was killed in the attack. Evidently, that was not the case. The World Government swept the attack under the rug due to Bradley's impressive military record.
Ain looks to Shisui who watches the clouds float by. She now knows where is skill with a sword came from. The people of Wano are very skilled in swordplay. Some say they are some of the best in the world. From what Ain has seen, she can honestly say the stories are true. Ain turns the helm and sails towards the island, drawing the attention of the crew.
"Where are we going?" Asks Buccaneer with confusion. Ain looks to him and nods to the island.
"We are stopping there." States Ain making Olive look to her.
"Good, I could really use some new clothes." Says Olive as she looks herself over. She is still wearing the prison outfit. The crew laughs at her statement while Ain shakes her head with a small smile on her lips.
"We also need to change the décor of this ship." Adds Shisui, making the crew look to him. The crew looks around and nods their heads at his statement.
"True, can't fly navy colors all the way to the Grand Line." Says a pirate.
"I've already filled out what I want the ship to look like." Says Shisui as he glances to his crew, "Be sure to get it right to the letter."
"Aye, Aye, Captain!" Salutes a young pirate, making the others laugh out. The boy looks around with confusion and embarrassment.
"What?! What'd I say?!" Whines the boy while Shisui shakes his head with a small smile, bordering on fondness.
Island
At the top of the hill, overlooking a small town is a traditional Japanese manor. The doors open and a young woman exits the house. She slowly shuts the door before picking up a straw bag and walking down the path. The woman runs down the path before arriving in the town and inhaling a breath of fresh air. The townspeople wave and smile at her, making the woman returns the gestures.
"Prepare yourself!" Shouts a young voice, making the woman turn and sidestep a strike from a wooden sword. The wielder of the sword is a young boy with brown hair. The woman then chops the boys head, making him whine out.
"You lost again, Riku." Giggles the woman, making the boy pout.
"Why can't I beat you, Okiku-nee?!" Shouts Riku, making Okiku giggle. Okiku is a young woman with long dark hair that falls into her back. She wears sandals and a kimono with chrysanthemum floral patterns.
"You have to learn to strike without hesitation, otherwise your enemy will always have the advantage." Lectures Okiku, making Riku pout further.
"Now are you going to help me?" Asks Okiku, making Riku beam and nod his head vigorously. Before they can move, Okiku spots a young man with short blonde hair and soft features. He appears to be very uncomfortable and nervous.
"Good day, Master Arthur." Greets Okiku with a head bow. Arthur stutters at the introduction, still not use to his new position. Arthur Wagner, is the son of Stephon Wagner and his wife Selene Wagner, and heir to the Wagner family.
"O-Okiku, please don't bow like that." Stutters Arthur with a blush. Okiku has been serving in this family for several years after Stephon found her washed ashore. Okiku acts as the maid, cook, and guard to the family. Or she did, until Stephon and Selene were killed at sea. Now she serves Arthur who has always been a weak willed boy but is kind and passionate.
"Young Master, may I ask why you are here?" Says Okiku with a head tilt. Arthur generally never leaves the house unless he goes to visit his crush.
"Arthur!" Calls a voice, making Arthur blush and Okiku to giggle. A young girl with orange hair, runs towards the two. Due to her bust, her arms are up.
"Diane, I was coming to see you." Says Arthur, making Diane stop and pant.
"Well now I am here." Giggles Diane, making Okiku giggle.
"Good day, Lady Diane." Greets Okiku with a head bow. Diane looks to Okiku and smiles fondly.
"Ohh, must you always greet me that way?" Whines Diane before hugging Okiku who laughs. Lady Diane Williams is the daughter of George Williams and Isabella Williams. The Wagner's and Williams's have been great friends since arriving on the island. So naturally, their children have grown up together. Many assume, the two will marry but all is not well. Arthur is weak willed while Diane is strong willed and adventurous.
"Well, well, look what we have here." States a snobbish and posh voice. Okiku keeps her gentle smile in place as she turns to a young black haired boy. The boy has snobbish features and walks with an air of arrogance surrounding him. Arthur gulps and steps back while Diane glares childishly at the new comer.
"What do you want, Benjamin?" Glares Diane, he normal serene features replaced with dislike. Benjamin looks to Diane and smirks while ogling her. Benjamin Stanford, the last of the rich houses on this island. As a child, Benjamin was spoiled by his parents and this treatment has led him to become condescendingly arrogant. He often picks on Arthur who is too kind to fight back. Moreover, Benjamin has had his eyes on Diane since they reached their teen years. Standing behind Benjamin is his personal body guard, Shichigoro. Okiku has always felt put off by the man. His eyes, shine like those of a killers. Much like her own did. He wears samurai clothing and has his black hair tied into a ponytail with a patch of hair covering his right eye. On his waist, he carries a simple katana.
"Diane my sweet, why don't you drop that loser and hang out with me instead." Offers Benjamin with a smirk, making Arthur put his head down. Diane takes a step closer and folds her arms over her chest.
"I would rather walk over a thousand needles." States Diane with no hesitation. Benjamin sighs and shakes his head with a smile.
"Why act like that? We will be married soon." Says Benjamin while opening a single eyes. Diane gags and chokes to insult the boy.
"Stop that!" Shouts Benjamin with a glare.
"My father would never approve of such a marriage." Scoffs Diane, making Arthur nod his head behind her. Benjamin glares at Arthur who quickly hides his head behind Diane.
"Please reframe from glaring at the young master, Sir." Says Okiku with a gentle tone but her statement is more of a demand. Benjamin turns to Okiku and scoffs.
"No one asked you, servant." Says Benjamin while waving her off. Okiku's gentle smile remains on her face at his insult.
"How dare you!" Exclaims Riku while pointing his finger up at Benjamin. Okiku holds Riku back as the boy struggles in her grip. Okiku then looks to Benjamin with eye smiles.
"Indeed no one did, however I am obligated to speak on behalf of my master." Says Okiku with gentle eyes that begin to unnerve Benjamin. The tension rises amongst the group before the townspeople begin to murmur amongst themselves.
Shisui and his crew have landed on the island. Shisui has left his crew to handle the décor of the ship and supplies for the journey while he has gone off to explore. Ain, has been left in charge. Shisui wears the same clothing with some additions. He know wears a black captain's jacket with a large silver frill over the neck and shoulder areas. Shisui breathes in the fresh air and spots a patch of Dragon Flowers. He forms a small blush on his face and goes over to the patch before inhaling their smell. He forms a small smile on his face before taking a flower and sticking it into his hair.
"Oh, you look so gorgeous!" Squeals a voice in his head. The tone is female.
"Mommy, I look like a girl!" Whines the voice of young Shisui. Though Shisui is clearly a boy by his build, he has soft features and has androgynous beauty.
Shisui smiles softly before standing and walking away, with the flower in his head. As he continues his walk, he hears overlapping voices. The townspeople look to him with curiosity and confusion. Shisui sees a group of people arguing and decides to ignore them. As he walks by Benjamin, he accidentally brushes against him, sending the snobbish boy forward.
"Hey!" Exclaims Benjamin, making Shisui stop and glance back. Okiku glances at the teen and gets a glimpse of his sword. Shichigoro also catches a glimpse of his sword. Shisui does not answer the boy and appears confused. Benjamin steps up to the teen and looks up at him. At 6'6, Shisui towers over the boy. Benjamin raises his hand and Shichigoro snaps his eyes wide. In a flash, Benjamin is safely behind Shichigoro as Shisui remains passive.
"Oi, what's do you think you're doing?!" Demands Benjamin as Shichigoro keeps his eyes on Shisui. Benjamin is oblivious to the fact that had he gotten even a centimeter closer, Shisui would have taken his head. Okiku and Shichigoro are the only ones who saw Shisui flick his blade out. Thankfully, Shichigoro moved quick enough to pull Benjamin back before Shisui drew his sword.
"Don't move." Says Shichigoro, making Benjamin stop and look to him. A breeze pasts between Shisui and Shichigoro. The breeze picks up Shisui's hair and blows it forward while doing the opposite to Shichigoro. Diane looks on with curiosity while Arthur hides behind her.
"Captain?" Questions Ain as she comes from the left. Behind her are several pirates who glare at Benjamin. Shisui does not respond as his eyes remain fixed on Shichigoro. Arthur feels the tension rising and being kind hearted, wishes to avoid conflict.
"Um, would you like some tea?" Asks Arthur with a nervous stutter, trying the ease the tension. Shisui snaps his head to him and nods vigorously at the prospect of having tea. Ain and his crew sweat drop at the action before Arthur looks to Okiku.
"Okiku, would you prepare some tea for our guest?" Requests Arthur, making Okiku look to him and nod her head.
"Of course." Says Okiku before turning to Shisui, "Please follow me."
"Oi, we're not done here!" Exclaims Benjamin with anger. Diane and Arthur look to him with Riku sticking his tongue out.
"My father has proposed a marriage between myself and Diane." Reveals Benjamin, making Arthur pale.
"Like I said; my father will never agree." Says Diane with confidence. Benjamin smirks at her confidence and stands up straight.
"And I am confident he will." Counters Benjamin, making Diane glare.
"Oi, oi, the woman obviously doesn't want to marry you." Says Buccaneer with his arms folded. Buccaneer wears a dark blue captain's coat with a large battle axe hanging from his back.
"What an unsightly man." Hums Olive while looking over herself in a hand held mirror. Olive is a tall and well-dressed slim female, appearing as that of a wealthy and successful pirate. She dresses in an unbuttoned orange shirt, revealing the cleavage of her large breasts, with her hips being equally wide in proportion, maintaining a marked ideal hourglass figure. She has a large belt secured around her waist, a blue jean bikini bottom, beaded necklaces around her neck and hips, pink frilled boots. She also wears a pink captain's jacket (with a large white frill over the neck and shoulder areas) over all of it, and golden small spherical earrings. On her head she wears a pink bicorne with a big pink feather on top and a golden hoop on the front of it, which has her long olive colored hair coming out from under it and reaching to her neck, with two tufts tied in pigtails. Behind her, dozens of pirates form heart shaped eyes.
"Who asked you?!" Growls Benjamin before Buccaneer looks to him.
"Huh!" Growls Buccaneer, making Benjamin squeak and close his mouth. Benjamin stutters with fear and takes several steps back.
"D-D-Don't think this is over." Warns Benjamin before running away. Shichigoro looks to Shisui who glances in his direction. Shichigoro smirks before turning and following Benjamin.
"Diane, are you okay?" Asks Arthur as he looks to Diane. Diane appears to have a thoughtful expression on her face before looking to Arthur.
"Eh, oh yes, sorry to worry you." Apologizes Diane with a smile and giggle.
"I need to speak with my father." Says Diane with a smile, "I'll see you soon." Arthur nods his head as Diane runs off.
"Young master, it is getting late." Reminds Okiku, making Arthur nod while still looking in the direction, Diane ran off in. He then blinks and blushes.
"Okiku, I told you not to call me that!" Whines Arthur, making Okiku giggle and the pirates to laugh. Okiku leads the pirates all the way back to the manor while conversing with several of them. Arthur keeps taking glances at Shisui who turns to him.
"What's wrong?" Asks Shisui, with confusion. Arthur blushes and shakes his head while waving his hands in front of him.
"N-No, I'm just curious about how you came here." Says Arthur with his head down. Okiku listens in on the conversation as Shisui looks to the sky. The sun set, creates a very beautiful sky.
"We arrived on a stolen Navy Battleship." Reveals Shisui, simply. Arthur tilts his head at the simple answer.
"Eh." States Arthur with confusion. Okiku looks back to Shisui and hums slightly before looking to the crew.
"I assume you are pirates then?" Asks Okiku, making Arthur pale. Shisui looks to her and nods his head. Arthur begins to shake like a leaf at the prospect of having pirates in his home.
"We assure you, we will not stay for long." Says Ain, hopping to ease Arthur's worries.
"Nonsense, Arthur has given you permission to stay for tea." Says Okiku, making Arthur look to her. Okiku smiles to assure her charge. Arthur nods as he was taught to always uphold his word. And while he did not give his word he did offer tea.
"Of course!" Says Arthur with a look of determination. Shisui continues to follow Okiku who looks to him.
"I find myself curious as to why a sword like that is in your possession." Says Okiku, making Shisui glance to her. His sword seems to shake in anticipation before he grips it. The sword stops shaking and Shisui turns his attention to Okiku.
"You know." States Shisui as he knows she does. Okiku smiles at him but instead of being happy it is a sad smile.
"Anyone who wields a sword would have to be an imbecile not to know that sword." Says Okiku, making Shisui chuckle softly.
"I did not know there were any others from Wano, so close by." Says Shisui, making Okiku giggle.
"My current whereabouts where caused by unforeseen circumstances." States Okiku with a sad smile. Shisui nods his head at the statement and looks forward.
"I know not what caused you to hold that sword but… be careful." Warn Okiku with a sad expression, "Many have lost their lives wielding that sword."
"I know." Says Shisui as he glances at his sword, "Even now… it wishes to draw blood." Okiku hums and her eyes remain passive.
"I can hear them." Says Okiku, making Shisui nod his head. As the two walk, the low haunting sounds of overlapping voices, cry out. The voices range from men to women, old and young.
"Shodai Kitetsu: Yamato; a sword said to cut through anything even the very fabrics of our dimension. It also has the ability to manipulate gravity but like all Kitetsu, it too is cursed." Says Okiku, making Shisui look to her, "However, it is the only one out of the three to be given a proper name."
"You seem to know a lot about it." Says Shisui, making Okiku shake her head.
"Judging by your build and the way you hold your sword, I can assume your style of fighting surrounds speed bordering on teleportation, lightning quick movements, and lighting quick slashes straight from the sheath or Iaijutsu." Analyzes Okiku with her keen eye.
"In fact, when Benjamin was about to strike you, you drew your sword." Reveals Okiku, making Shisui amazed. Indeed he did, but due to Shichigoro, his blade missed Benjamin's neck by mere inches.
"Don't be so surprised, in truth, your blade moved so fast it was invisible to even my eye." Compliments Okiku with a smile, making Shisui tilt his head, "I only just say you sheathe your sword."
"Even still, if you could see that than I can assume you too are highly skilled in the way of the sword." Says Shisui, making Okiku put her head up in the air.
"Nonsense, I am but a humble servant to the Wagner family." Says Okiku with a wink.
"No way, it's too late for that." Says Shisui while waving a hand in front of his face with a sweat drop. The two continue on their walk before Shisui looks to her.
"That man… who was he?" Asks Shisui with a stoic tone, making Okiku look to him with a stoic expression befitting a samurai.
"Shichigoro is a mad dog under the command of the Williams." Reveals Okiku, making Shisui narrow his eyes. That man does not seem like one to follow another's orders, "His true intentions are much more basic."
"Meaning?" Questions Shisui with a raised brow. Okiku recalls the first day she met the man. He had drawn his sword and demanded she fight him. She of course refused and walked away. In turn he attacked only to be disarmed by Okiku whose eyes had hardened into those of a samurai. Thankfully she was able to reel in her inner killer and calm down.
"He wants to kill to prove his strength." Reveals Okiku, making Shisui sigh. Shisui then looks at the red sky and appears melancholy.
"The sky reflects the happenings of this day." States Shisui, making Okiku look up, "Blood has been spilled."
Williams Estate
Diane runs to her home and notices none of her servants are here to greet her. She opens the doors and sees her estate unoccupied. She runs around the house, looking for anyone but finds no one. Now feeling scarred, Diane runs up the stairs with haste.
"Mom! Dad!" Calls Diane as she reaches the top of the stairs. She opens the door to her parent's room, only to find nothing. She begins to breathe heavily with no sign of her parents. Diane is completely unaware of a shadow behind her before a hand covers her mouth.
A carriage waits outside the estate before the front doors open. Shichigoro walks out of the estate, carrying the out cold body of Diane. The carriage doors open and Shichigoro is greeted by Benjamin.
"You fool! I told you not to hurt her!" Growls the snobby boy.
"I didn't I simply used the drug you gave me." Says Shichigoro as he places Diane down on the seat. Benjamin smiles at the out cold Diane before looking to Shichigoro.
"Indeed, I should have more faith in you." Says Benjamin before smirking, "After all, my parent's blood still soaks your blade."
"Sir, what about Arthur?" Questions Shichigoro, making Benjamin smirk.
"I've handled that." Assures Benjamin as Shichigoro steps into the carriage, "By morning, the Wagner family will be gone and the Stanford family will rule this island."
Outside the Wagner Manor, numerous armed men smirk in the shadow of the fading sun. Inside the manor, Shisui and his crew eat, drink and sing, making Arthur laugh. Okiku smiles at the vigor of the pirates while Shisui sips his tea with a hum of bliss. Ain sips her tea and smiles at the taste.
"Let's go." Says the leader of the armed men before taking a step forward.
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Not as action packed but don't worry, it's coming.
So I've given Shodai Kitetsu a name; Yamato. Why? Well… Why not? I believe I already said the Shodai Kitetsu looks like Yamato from Devil May Cry 3, 4, etc. the only difference is the length as Shodai Kitetsu is a nodachi.
Next Chapter- Wedding Crashers! Okiku's Decision?
Thought I'd give you guys a glimpse of what to expect in this story.
The Story Arcs are as followed. (So Far)
Recruitment Arc: Will follow the Shisui's gathering of his crew and end when he reaches the Grand Line.
The Five Families Arc: Will focus on the Shisui's encounters with the Five Families of West Blue. Set during the Alabasta Arc.
Strong World Arc: Will focus on the Shisui facing down one of the strongest pirates ever, the Golden Lion Shisui. Takes Place during Sky Island Arc.
G-9 Arc: Will focus on the Shisui and his crew facing off against the 80th division of Marines. Will take place during the Enies Lobby Arc.
Warlord Arc: Will focus on the Shisui time as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea as well as his first encounter/fight with Blackbeard and the other Warlords. Takes place during Thriller Bark Arc.
Sabaody Archipelago Arc: Will focus on the Shisui meeting the other Supernovas, including a certain Straw Hat wearing pirate.
Impel Down Arc: Will focus on Boa Hancock gaining help from the Shisui to smuggle Luffy into the prison. But is that all the Shisui is there to do? Or will he even be there?
Marine Ford Arc: Will focus on the war between Whitebeard and the World Government. Shisui's identity will be revealed to the world.