I do not own One Piece plot and characters. But I do own my OCs as well as plot twist. Directed by me and written by the amazing Aiikawarazu! My partner in crime will be taking a break so be sure to expect a new chapter in a few weeks. Please read and leave a review!

Leia's eyelids fluttered open, slowly adjusting to the soft glow that bathed her bedroom. The gentle caress of a warm ocean breeze kissed her cheeks as she stirred, a melodious symphony of splashing waves reaching her ears. The sound of seagulls echoed in the distance, their playful calls harmonizing with the rhythmic cadence of the sea. The world beyond her window beckoned, vibrant and alive under the embrace of the early morning sun.

Today held a weighty significance, a pivotal moment that sent nervous energy coursing through Leia's veins. With a deep breath, she pushed aside the comfort of her cozy sheets and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Her feet met the cool wooden floor, grounding her in the present moment. The anticipation prickled in her chest as she approached the mirror, its surface reflecting her reflection.

With deliberate movements, Leia began the ritual of dressing for the day. Each garment she carefully selected held meaning, imbuing her with a sense of purpose and confidence. She donned the yellow V-neck cotton shirt, feeling its softness against her skin, and pulled on the snug-fitting skinny jeans that hugged her curves. Her fingers lingered over the lucky oversized denim jacket, tracing the intricate Bluebird embroidery on its back. The iron patches she had meticulously stitched onto it told stories of her journey, a collage of symbols that represented her spirit and dreams. Her fingertips brushed over the pink jelly donut, the colorful peace and love hand sign, and the bolt of yellow lightning, each patch serving as a reminder of her resilience and aspirations.

Lost in her thoughts and preparations, Leia's focus was interrupted by a familiar knock on her bedroom door. The sound resonated through the room, causing her heart to skip a beat. She turned towards the door, her nerves tingling with anticipation. Mabel's voice seeped through the wooden barrier, gentle and reassuring, asking if she was ready.

"Coming up," Leia replied, her voice a blend of excitement and apprehension. She took one last look in the mirror, ensuring that her appearance reflected the vibrant energy within her. Satisfied, she approached the door and turned the handle, revealing Mabel's smiling face.

"Are you ready?" Mabel asked, and Leia managed a nod. She was too nervous to say anything else. Knowing that her friend was anxious, Mabel gave her a side hug and rubbed Leia on her arms. "That's okay, Leia! I know it's your first time doing this, but it will be over soon – don't worry about it too much!"

"I know," said Leia. "I mean… I'm trying to. But it's not as easy as it sounded. I never heard before of anyone donating a… lifespan." Even now, the word sounded rather weird on Leia's tongue. Sure, she had heard of blood donation before, but life donation? She had no idea how that was even possible. Mabel laughed at her confusion. "Well, it is certainly possible here," she said. "That – and a lot more. There were a lot of strange powers in this world, Leia. Those that you probably don't know yet."

"Figures," muttered Leia, as the three of them walked outside – Jasper had joined them. Leia casted her glance at the colorful houses made of sweets and confectionaries, with their licorice chimneys soaring toward the skies, and lollipop lampposts that glowed at night. She would never imagine any of these existing in her own world, in fact, she was one-hundred percent convinced that the only way to build these houses was by using magic. How else do you make houses with edible cake icing as rooftops, and glistening sugar pieces as windows?

"I still don't understand though what you mean by donating 'lifespan'… would that make my life shorter, or what..?" Leia asked again to the other two, as they made their way to the church, where the event will take place.

"In short, yes," said Jasper matter-of-factly. "Big Mom has this devil fruit power called the Soru Soru no Mi, which gives her the ability to manipulate and control souls. Basically, she can extract, alter, or redistribute anyone's lifespan. In our case, she is only going to take one month of our lifespan every six months, so nothing to worry too much about. In some cases I heard she could even take all the remaining lifespan of a person."

Leia shivered. All these talks about Big Mom and her taking lifespan out of people were giving her the chills. She sounded ruthless and cold-blooded, befitting the title of Pirate Emperor given to her.

"Well then, what if I'm only destined to live until next month?" the question slipped Leia's mouth without her intending it, severely turning the conversation toward a darker direction. Her two friends raised their eyebrows and glanced at each other briefly, as though silently asking each other who will answer that question. Then, Jasper opened his mouth. "In that case, you will die," said Jasper, simply. "But don't worry," he added quickly, upon looking at Leia's expression. "I never heard of such a case happening."

"If we don't agree to donate our lifespan to her, we will have to leave Tottoland," Mabel chimed in. "And out there is much, much worse. The only thing keeping us safe here in Tottoland is Big Mom's protection." Jasper nodded at Mabel's words. Leia still had a hard time processing anything, but Mabel continued, "You know Leia, technically, pirates are illegal entities here. The government are doing their best, conducting rigorous crackdowns and sweepings to wipe the pirates out. But Big Mom and the other emperors are so ridiculously strong that the Marines – that's the government's forces – do not dare to interrupt. If they even dare to set sail in this territory, they will be provoking war against Big Mom, and they will most likely lose. That's how strong she is."

"Really?" Leia was in awe. She had heard of her name multiple times, but she had never known how powerful Big Mom was. Mabel nodded.

"Yeah! And as I said before – out there is much, much worse. We are lucky here, Big Mom allowed us to live freely as long as we work. But in other pirates' territory, they imprison people, take slaves, and even starve them. Many people died because their houses were raided by pirates, and if people cannot pay the ridiculously high tax, they would torture people and murder them. Compared to that, donating two months of our lifespan per year was nothing."

"I… I had no idea," Leia shivered once more. All these talks about pirates and wars made her mind swirl with a mix of astonishment and unease as she absorbed Mabel's revelations. The world outside the protective confines of Tottoland appeared to be a treacherous and lawless place, where pirates reigned with brutal dominance. She had always imagined pirates as romanticized adventurers, but now she understood the grim reality they imposed on innocent lives.

Listening intently, Leia couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the relative safety and freedom she enjoyed under Big Mom's rule. Though the notion of sacrificing a portion of her lifespan seemed daunting, it paled in comparison to the atrocities perpetrated by other pirate crews. The choice suddenly became clearer, and a newfound appreciation for the protective umbrella that Big Mom's power provided began to take root within her.

Stepping into the church, Leia found herself standing behind the lines of people. As Mabel told her, the whole city will be here to donate their lifespan here today, and even though it was still relatively early in the morning, Leia was surprised to see many people had gathered here before her. Leia stood on her tiptoes and observed the strange scene that unfold before her eyes. In front of them, the line of people had branched into three, and at the end of each line stood a peculiar figure, a shadowy entity that bore the uncanny resemblance of a person. These were – although Leia did not know it yet by then – the shadow homies, mysterious minions of Big Mom, tasked with the solemn duty of collecting the precious lifespans willingly offered by Tottoland's residents.

The shadow homies, with their unnerving presence, raised questions within Leia's inquisitive mind. What were they exactly? Where did they come from, and how were they capable of extracting lifespans? She couldn't quell her curiosity, so she turned to Mabel and Jasper, seeking answers.

"Mabel, Jasper," she whispered. "Who are those… shadowy entities? Are they Big Mom's crew?"

"Oh no, dear," Mabel replied, shaking her head. "Big Mom's crew aren't some lame-looking shadows like that. They're ruthless, blood-thirsty pirates. Well, I'd say you'll know it when you see one," said Mabel. "These creatures are the manifestations of Big Mom's power, the Soru Soru no Mi. We told you before that she could extract lifespans out of people, right? Well, that is not all. She could also inject these 'lifespans' or 'souls' into objects, or manifest these creatures with the souls she had collected. They are called the 'homies', and now they are helping Big Mom to collect the residents' lifepans."

"Soru soru no Mi? What is that?" asked Leia. "That sounds like a rather extraordinary name."

"I keep forgetting you are not from around here," Mabel laughed, while Jasper chimed in. "It's the name of a devil fruit," he said, and Leia's eyes widened.

"A devil fruit?"

"Well, for starters, it gives powers to the person who eat it. There are a lot of different kinds of powers, some of them really cool, actually – but I would never want to eat a devil fruit myself."

"And why is that?" Leia asked, curious.

"Because you will lose all your ability to swim for the rest of your life, and your body will weaken if you even come in contact with seawater," Jasper explained. "That is a great side-effect of these fruits. It's like these fruits are some kind of curse, those who eat them will gain great power, but they are provoking the wrath of the Sea, so the Gods curse them eternally."

Leia fell silent at Jasper's rather dramatic way of describing it. A great power at the expense of being cursed by Gods… if she ever came across one, would she have wanted it? Leia's mind raced with conflicting thoughts as she contemplated the allure of devil fruits. The concept of possessing incredible powers, capable of bending reality itself, was undeniably fascinating. The thought of wielding such abilities ignited a spark of curiosity within her, stirring her adventurous spirit. Yet, as she weighed the potential benefits against the steep drawbacks, she couldn't help but hesitate.

The notion of being cursed by the Gods and bound by the limitations imposed by the sea troubled her. The inability to swim or the vulnerability to water felt like a heavy price to pay for extraordinary abilities. Leia acknowledged that she didn't possess swimming skills herself, but she saw it as a valuable skill worth learning someday. She didn't want to relinquish her freedom in the vast oceans or be restricted by the whims of an enigmatic power.

"Next!" Leia's mind returned to reality upon hearing the shadow homies' calling. The line in front of her was moving fast, and now there were just five people before her. Leia watched as these people stood silently in place when it was their turn, and the shadow homies reached out their hands to these people's hearts (their hands actually went inside, penetrating the flesh without leaving a wound – Leia's stomach gave a weird churn when she saw this), and plucked a shiny sphere of orb from inside the people's bodies. No matter how many times she witnessed it, Leia was still fascinated. She wondered how those shadowy hands would feel inside her body, that didn't look too comfortable.

"Don't worry, Leia," Leia looked upward to gaze at Mabel's face. She looked calm, encouraging Leia not to feel fear during the process. "Just relax. It will be over quickly."

Soon, it was Mabel's turn, and she stood in front of the shadow homie to have her lifespan extracted. Leia observed intently as the shadow homies delicately extracted the lifespan orbs from Jasper and Mabel. Despite the initial discomfort of witnessing the hands penetrating their bodies, both of her friends appeared surprisingly at ease, their expressions filled with tranquility rather than pain. Their trust in the process reassured Leia, calming her nerves and easing her apprehension.

And now, it was Leia's turn. Taking in a deep breath, she stepped forward, and the shadow homie – who looked rather disturbing from up close with their shining white eyes and rows of white teeth, asked Leia sourly the question that they had asked to everyone else.

"Leave or Life?"

Leia's heart raced as the shadow homie's chilling question echoed in her ears, "Leave or Life?" The homie's sinister demeanor sent shivers down her spine, its cold, white eyes and rows of teeth gnashing in an unsettling display. The once intriguing ritual now felt foreboding, invoking memories from Leia's past that she had long tried to suppress.

Suddenly, her mind drifted back to a vivid flashback, a fragment of her childhood that had left a lasting impact on her. She found herself standing in a dimly lit room, reminiscent of a church but with an eerie atmosphere. She was just a young girl of six, dressed in a plain white tunic robe that matched her mother's attire. The room was filled with a hushed reverence as participants engaged in a peculiar mass-like ceremony.

Leia's heart pounded in her chest as she recalled the sights and sounds of that unsettling occasion. The memory of her hair being shaved off, the fervent chants that filled the air, and the feeling of being trapped in a world beyond her understanding flooded back with overwhelming intensity. The fear and helplessness she had experienced as a child resurfaced, intertwining with her present reality.

"Leia? Leia!"

In the midst of her distressing recollection, Mabel's voice pierced through the fog of Leia's flashback. It was a gentle, reassuring sound that broke through the cacophony of her past, reminding her to stay calm and grounded in the present. She blinked and shook her head, her surroundings slowly coming back into focus once more.

"You okay?" Jasper's voice soon joined in, their words of encouragement washing over Leia like a soothing balm. "Just relax. It will be over quickly. Don't think about anything."

Drawing strength from her friends' word of support, Leia took a deep breath, allowing the air to fill her lungs. Determined to overcome her fears, she closed her eyes, blocking out the sight of the ominous Shadow Homie before her. With each exhalation, she released the tension that had gripped her, focusing on the warmth of Mabel and Jasper's presence, grounding herself in their support and trust in her.

As Leia settled into a state of calm, the shadow homie approached, its presence no longer as intimidating as before. With deft precision, it reached out and delicately plucked a radiant, shimmering sphere from within Leia's chest. The process was surprisingly swift, the extraction completed in an instant, leaving Leia breathless and momentarily stunned. Opening her eyes, Leia took a moment to adjust to the return of light and the absence of the shadow homie. A wave of relief washed over her as she realized the ritual was over. She touched her chest instinctively, feeling a tingling sensation in the place where her lifespan orb once resided.

"You're done," the homie announced, just as sourly. "Now move."

"Oh," Leia blinked, still stunned, trying to process the turn of events. "O-okay." She stepped out of line to find Mabel and Jasper waiting for her with smiles on their faces. "What did I tell you? It was over very soon, right?" said Mabel. "And you barely feel a thing!"

"Well," said Leia, still rubbing the chest where the shadow homie had plucked out a shiny lifespan orb from her. "I admit… it was over much quicker than I thought. I just felt a little tingling sensation when they plucked my lifespan out."

"We're proud of you, Leia," said Jasper. "You've overcome your fears. Great job."

"Well – since today is a special day, we have prepared a special gift for you," Mabel winked, and Leia found her curiosity sparked.

"A gift?" she repeated excitedly, "What is it?" but Mabel only laughed, avoiding her question.

"Come with us and you'll see," she said, beckoning for Leia to follow her.

The small boat gently glided through the crystal-clear waters, carrying Leia, Mabel, and Jasper towards the enticing shores of Cacao Island. Excitement buzzed in the air as they embarked on their first adventure to a neighboring island, one famed for its delectable chocolate creations. As they got nearer to the island, the tantalizing aroma of cocoa wafted through the breeze, mixing with the smell of saltwater, teasing their senses and heightening their anticipation. Leia suddenly was reminded of the delicacy that was sea-salt chocolate, where both sweet and savory tastes mingled together, producing a rather unique taste.

The boat finally reached the dock, they were greeted by Jo-Jo, her white fur shimmering under the warm sunlight. Jo-Jo's kind-hearted disposition was evident in the way her whiskers twitched with joy, and she beamed at the sight of her friends. "W-welcome to C-cacao Island!" she exclaimed, extending her small paw in greeting. "I'm s-so glad you c-c-could make it!"

Leia, Mabel, and Jasper greeted Jojo back and disembarked. Leia's eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the chocolatey landscape before them, muttering a 'wow' as she looked around. Everywhere she looked, there were vibrant displays of chocolate sculptures, towering confectionery buildings, and mouthwatering treats that seemed to beckon her closer. The island seemed like a whimsical paradise crafted from the sweetest dreams.

Jo-Jo led the trio on a delightful tour, introducing them to the island's inhabitants, each with their own unique personality and chocolate-inspired features. And it was upon this tour that they encountered Choco Police, a group of miniature chocolate guards, who took their duty seriously despite their rather delicious appearances.

"Stop right there!" exclaimed one of the Choco Police, a stern expression etched on his face as he caught Leia looking excitedly at a house with chocolate walls and chocolate ganache dripping from the edge of its rooftops. Leia stopped dead in place, rather surprised at the stern expression, although the police's voice held a hint of sweetness. "No chocolate thefts on my watch! We're here to protect the island's delectable treasures."

Leia couldn't help but giggle at the sight, finding their commitment to safeguarding chocolate both endearing and amusing. "Don't worry," she assured them with a playful smile. "We're just here to explore and enjoy the wonders of Cacao Island."

Leia couldn't contain her amusement as she watched the miniature Choco Police officer maintain his stern expression while addressing her. His voice held a comical seriousness that contrasted with his delicious appearance.

Jasper, unable to resist joining in on the fun, chimed in, "Officer, you've got your eye on the right culprit! But fear not, we're merely innocent chocolate enthusiasts, not chocolate thieves!"

The Choco Police officer, though still maintaining his stern demeanor, couldn't help but crack a small smile. "Well, in that case, I suppose we can let you continue on your chocolate-filled adventures," he said, a hint of mischief twinkling in his chocolatey eyes. "But remember, no sneaking bites out of our precious chocolate houses!" Mabel playfully nudged Leia, whispering, "Looks like we're under their watchful eyes, Leia. I hope you can resist the temptation of those chocolate walls."

Leia, her eyes glinting mischievously, responded, "Oh, I make no promises, Mabel. Chocolate this tempting is hard to resist!" The Choco Police crossed his arms, looking at them with watchful expression, though Leia could tell he was joking. "Well, just keep it to a reasonable nibble, okay? We're here to protect the island's chocolatey treasures, after all."

"Roger that," Leia replied, then laughed. This island was so much fun. It was a whole new experience to her compared to Funwari Island.

After their delightful tour, Jo-Jo led the trio to a charming café nestled amidst the chocolate-infused streets of Cacao Island. As they settled down with steaming cups of cocoa, Jo-Jo couldn't contain her excitement as she began sharing tales of her encounters with a certain intriguing individual.

"I'm g-glad you guys h-have fun," Jo-Jo started, pouring a tea for herself and the group. "I-I just w-wish Lola was still around here t-to see this." Leia couldn't help but notice a tinge of melancholy in Jo-Jo's voice as she mentioned Lola. Her curiosity piqued, she gently inquired, "Jo-Jo, who is Lola?"

Jo-Jo's eyes shimmered with fondness as she recalled their past encounters. "L-Lola was my n-n-number one customer when it came to the clothes I designed and created. She h-had impeccable taste and a f-flair for the extravagant. We spent countless hours together, discussing fashion, fabric choices, and creating unique outfits that reflected her v-vibrant personality."

Leia's eyes widened with interest. "That sounds wonderful! But… what happened to her? She's… not around here anymore? "

Jo-Jo's expression turned wistful as she continued, her voice slightly stuttering, "L-Lola had a c-complicated past. She was b-betrothed to Prince Loki, the ruler of the Giants, in an arranged marriage orchestrated b-by Big Mom herself. B-but Lola had her own dreams and aspirations. She c-couldn't bear the thought of being b-bound to a life she d-d-didn't choose."

Leia chuckled, finding the situation reminiscent of a captivating soap opera or a whimsical fairy tale. "And..? What happened to Lola? Did she manage to escape the arranged marriage?"

Jo-Jo nodded, her eyes twinkling with admiration for Lola's courage. "Y-Yes, she d-did! Lola b-bravely ran away, choosing her own path and d-defying the expectations placed upon her. It's been a while since I've heard from her, but I l-like to believe she's out there, l-living her life on her own terms."

Leia's imagination sparked with intrigue. "That's… incredible. It's like a story of freedom and self-discovery. I hope she's finding happiness wherever she is."

As they sipped their tea, Jo-Jo couldn't help but share another piece of intriguing information. "A-And you know what? Word is s-s-spreading that Charlotte Pudding, thirty-fifth d-d-daughter of Big Mom, is going to be the new M-Minister of Chocolate! C-Can you believe it?"

"Really?" Mabel asked, quite disbelievingly, "Isn't she… quite young?" Mabel's concerns, however, were totally different from Leia's.

"T-thirty-fifth daughter?!" she asked, for a second thinking that she might have misheard it. But Jo-Jo nodded vigorously at her question, affirming it. "Y-yes," she said, "B-big Mom h-has f-fourty six sons and t-t-thirty nine daughters. And young Charlotte P-p-puding is the thirty-fifth."

Leia was stunned. For a simple seconds she just sat at her place, dumbstruck. She couldn't imagine anyone having a family that big, totalling over eighty children. Mabel laughed when she caught Leia's expression.

"I know, it's quite amazing, right? It's like an empire of its own – Big Mom and her children. Also, fun facts – most of the children were either ministers of the islands, commanders of her grand fleet, or hold otherwise important positions in Tottoland. Each of them are powerful in their own ways!" she explained to a still dumbstruck Leia. "The person we talked about earlier… Charlotte Pudding is going to be elected Minister of Chocolate by Big Mom, despite being quite young… and being a Minister is a very important job… she is probably the youngest Minister ever to be selected, so it's a big thing!"

Jo-Jo nodded at Mabel's words, then chimed in. "S-s-she's known for her c-culinary skills and exquisite desserts. They say her creations are simply m-magical." Leia's curiosity sparked once again. "I've never tasted her desserts, but they must be something extraordinary… I wonder what kind of sweets she specializes in."

Jo-Jo nodded, her eyes shining with admiration. "Oh, you have no idea, L-l-leia! Pudding's creations are like w-works of art. S-s-she infuses her sweets with unique f-f-flavors and c-c-creates intricate designs that c-c-c-captivate both the eyes and the taste buds. S-s-she has a way of t-transforming simple i-ingredients into s-s-something t-t-truly extraordinary."

Leia sat back in her chair, completely absorbed in the tales of Big Mom's vast family and the intriguing characters within it. The thought of an empire built upon a large family, with each child holding important positions and contributing their unique skills, fascinated her. It was like a grand fairy tale come to life, a world so different from her own.

Later that night, Leia was back on Funwari island, and she had decided to burn the calories she'd eaten during the day (she had admittedly been guilty for eating too much chocolates) by engaging on a night stroll. Leia's night stroll on Funwari Island had taken her to the tranquil docks, where the gentle lapping of waves provided a soothing backdrop to the serene atmosphere. The salty breeze tousled her hair, playfully caressing her cheeks and reminding her of the ocean's presence nearby. The night sky, adorned with countless twinkling stars, seemed to hold a secret enchantment, filling Leia's heart with joy and wonder.

She stood at the edge of the dock, marveling at the celestial display above. The stars shimmered brightly, casting their ethereal glow upon the calm waters, creating a scene that was both mesmerizing and peaceful. Leia couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, a connection to the vastness of the universe as she gazed at the cosmic beauty above.

In this serene setting, Leia's spirits were high. The sweetness of the chocolates she had indulged in earlier still lingered, filling her with a delightful energy. It was as if the confections had infused her with a buoyant happiness, heightening her senses and adding a skip to her step. She was in a really good mood – probably attributed to the number of chocolates she had lavishly consumed during her time in Cocoa Island. Lost in her own joyous thoughts, Leia reveled in the moment, savoring the tranquility and the sense of being at one with nature. It was a blissful interlude, where time seemed to stand still, and worries dissolved into the gentle rhythm of the waves.

Suddenly, amidst the peaceful ambiance, a heart-wrenching sound shattered the tranquility. The sound of someone crying pierced the air, jolting Leia out of her reverie. Startled, she instinctively sought refuge behind nearby crates, peering cautiously to locate the source of the distress.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she caught sight of a young woman with vivid pink hair. The woman was hunched over, her body trembling with sobs, her face marred by painful bruises. Leia's heart ached at the sight, a mix of concern and curiosity welling up within her. She wondered what could have caused such visible pain and sorrow in this mysterious stranger.

Leia's mind raced with questions and empathy. Should she approach and offer comfort? Or should she remain hidden, respecting the woman's privacy? The decision weighed on her, and as she observed the scene from her hidden vantage point, Leia's compassionate nature wrestled with her desire to help, uncertain of the best course of action.

"I can't take it anymore!" the young woman yelled, her voice trembling with pain and frustration. "She's always so cruel to me, treating me like I'm worthless! I can't bear it any longer!" The young woman's cries echoed through the night, her voice raw with agony as she poured out her anguish. Tears streamed down her bruised face, her body shaking with each sob.

"She always tells me I'm nothing," she choked out between sobs, her voice filled with bitterness. "Every word that leaves her lips is a knife to my heart. She belittles me, humiliates me, and takes pleasure in my pain. I'm trapped in a never-ending cycle of torment."

As the young woman's voice wavered, her desperation grew. "I can't see any way out of this darkness," she whispered, her voice laced with a mix of fear and resignation. "Death feels like the only escape, the only way to finally be free from her cruelty."

With a final, heartbreaking plea, she took a step closer to the edge of the dock, her eyes fixated on the vast expanse of the sea before her. The pain etched on her face was agonizingly real as she prepared to take that fateful leap.

In an instant, Leia's instincts took over, propelling her forward as she leaped out from her hiding spot. "No! Don't do it!" she yelled, her voice filled with urgency and a hint of desperation.

The young woman turned her gaze towards Leia, startled by the sudden intrusion. Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, widened with a mixture of surprise and confusion. Leia approached cautiously, her voice trembling with sincerity. "I understand your pain. I've been in that dark place too, where everything feels unbearable, where ending it all seems like the only solution. But trust me, there is so much more to life than this moment of despair."

Tears welled up in Leia's eyes as she continued, her voice filled with empathy. "I almost did the same thing you're about to do. I stood on the edge of that abyss, ready to let go. But something inside me made me pause. It made me realize that there might be people out there who love me, who care about me, even if I couldn't see it in that moment."

She took a step closer, reaching out a trembling hand towards the young woman. "Please, give yourself a chance to discover what lies beyond this darkness. There may be love, kindness, and a future filled with healing and hope. You don't have to face it alone."

Leia's words hung in the air, their weight as heavy as the young woman's burden. Time seemed to stretch, the silence broken only by the crashing of waves against the shore, as the young woman contemplated Leia's heartfelt plea.

Leia extended her hand towards the young woman, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. "You don't have to face this alone," she repeated softly. "I'll be here for you, whenever you need someone to lean on." After a moment of hesitation, the young woman reached out and accepted Leia's hand, allowing her to guide her away from the edge of the pier. The weight of despair that had burdened her moments ago seemed to lessen ever so slightly.

Leia let out a relieved sigh, a small smile forming on her lips. "I'm Leia," she introduced herself. "And what's your name?"

The young woman took a deep breath, her trembling voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "My name is Chiffon," she said, her gaze meeting Leia's. "I'm the Minister of Puff here at Funwari Island, and I'm also the twenty-second daughter of Big Mom."

As Chiffon revealed her identity, Leia's eyes widened and bulged that her eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets, mirroring the shock and disbelief that surged through her. Her heart raced, and an inward scream echoed within her. The thought of being noticed by someone associated with the notorious pirates, especially someone as significant as the daughter of Big Mom, sent waves of unease through Leia's mind.

In that instant, Leia's thoughts raced, considering the potential implications of her newfound connection to Chiffon. Would she become entangled in the dangerous world of piracy? Could her life be at risk? A surge of caution and wariness washed over Leia, momentarily clouding the hopeful atmosphere that had enveloped them.

Suppressing her initial reaction, Leia mustered a small smile, attempting to mask her surprise. Her eyes darted around, seeking any sign of unwanted attention. Despite her apprehensions, Leia reminded herself that Chiffon was also an individual in need of help and understanding.

"I-I see," Leia stammered, her voice slightly strained. "It's... uhm... nice to meet you, Chiffon." She offered a tentative nod, her mind racing with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Leia realized that her encounter with Chiffon had taken an unexpected turn. As much as she wanted to distance herself from the world of piracy, fate seemed to have different plans for her.