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! This chapter I've been waiting for you all to read it! Please read and leave a review!
The sun had disappeared below the horizon and night had already fallen over at Funwari Island when Leia set out on her mission to deliver the package to Chiffon's factory. The island was now wrapped in its usual evening charm – a peaceful atmosphere punctuated by the gentle lapping of waves against the shore and the distant laughter of children playing on the streets. The air was filled with a mix of scents – the salty tang of the sea, the and the usual sweet aroma of baked goods and desserts coming from the sugary houses.
Navigating the quaint streets of Funwari Island had become almost second nature to Leia, but finding Chiffon's factory was an entirely different challenge. She had never been to the factory before, and as she walked along the cobbled paths, she couldn't help but feel a little lost. She wasn't really sure about the path to Chiffon's factory – she only hoped that she'd taken the right route. As she wandered however, Leia couldn't help but admire the unique architecture of the sweets-based buildings that lined the streets. Each one seemed to tell a story of the island dwellers, with their colorful facades and intricate designs. The island exuded a sense of charm and intimacy that she had grown to appreciate during her time here.
Finally, Leia rounded a corner and her gaze fell upon the factory – Chiffon's factory. It stood like a sentinel against the backdrop of the evening sky, its exterior a mix of sturdy brickwork and large windows that allowed soft light to spill out. The factory, although like any other from a distance, held an air of delicious anticipation, with the smell of sweet chiffon and baked goods lingering in the air around it. It was indeed something to be anticipated – after all, this factory was used daily by Chiffon to produce shipments of sweets and baked treats for Big Mom.
Leia took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent. She could practically taste the sweetness in the air, and her stomach rumbled in response. Despite her nerves, she couldn't deny the sense of excitement that surged within her as she stood before the factory. It was like stepping into a world of confectionery delights, where each treat was a work of art in itself. But despite her anticipation, Leia couldn't help but feel a tad overwhelmed as she approached the entrance. The factory was larger than she had imagined, and her heart raced as she realized she had no idea where to go or who to talk to. Leia hesitated at the entrance, her eyes scanning the bustling interior. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a pang of uncertainty. Should she approach someone? Would they know who Mr. William was? She was a newcomer here, and the vastness of the factory made her feel like a small fish in a big pond.
For a few moments Leia stood at the entrance, grappling with her uncertainty. She toyed with the idea of reaching out to Chiffon for guidance. After all, this was Chiffon's factory, and it wouldn't hurt to ask her for some directions. However, Leia hesitated. She had only just met Chiffon a few days ago, and she didn't want to come across as rude or bothersome. Besides, she was still wrapping her head around the Den-Den Mushi communication, unsure of how exactly she could use it to call Chiffon.
Her heart racing, Leia finally made a decision. She couldn't stay rooted to the spot forever. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she stepped into the factory, the warm scent of baking treats enveloping her. Her footsteps echoed against the floor as she ventured further, her gaze darting around in search of someone who could assist her.
Amidst the organized chaos of the factory floor, Leia's eyes fell upon two figures standing in the corner. They were rough-looking men, their attire and demeanor suggesting a ruggedness that made Leia's instincts tingle. Could they be part of the pirate crew? That thought shot through her mind, and for a brief moment, she hesitated. Were they part of Katakuri's crew that visited the island? The idea of approaching them sent a shiver of apprehension down her spine. These were not the kind of individuals you'd typically find in a sweets factory, and Leia found herself second-guessing her decision.
The two rough-looking men continued to talk amongst themselves, unaware of Leia's inner turmoil. She was torn between the urgency of her task and the unease she felt about approaching them. Leia was not keen on engaging in a conversation that might not go smoothly, especially considering how they looked. However, Leia knew she had to make a choice – take a risk and approach the men, or continue searching for someone else who might be able to help her. Time was slipping away, and the longer she waited, the more anxious she became. Plus, she couldn't let Mr. William wait to long. He must be waiting for his delivery that exact moment.
Summoning her courage, Leia took a deep breath and stepped forward once again, her determination overriding her apprehension. With each step she took, her unease grew, but she pushed through, reminding herself of the importance of her mission. As she reached the corner where the men stood, she cleared her throat softly, gaining their attention
"Excuse me," Leia began, her voice carrying a mix of hesitancy and confidence. The two men turned their gaze towards her, their expressions unreadable. Leia offered a polite but cautious smile, hoping to convey her friendliness. "I'm looking for Mr. William. I have a package to deliver to him."
For a brief moment, the two men exchanged a glance, their silence stretching uncomfortably. Leia felt a distinct sensation of being judged, for one, their eyes were clearly evaluating her from top to bottom. The tension was palpable, and Leia's heart raced as she held her smile, trying not to falter under their scrutiny. Then, breaking the silence, the larger of the two men, his build impressive and his torso exposed, grunted as he pointed a beefy finger towards the back of the factory. His voice was gruff, matching his appearance. "Go in the back. Storage area. That's where you'll find him. He's the only one in there."
Leia's relief at their response was undeniable, yet their silence and the brusqueness of the man's gesture gave her an odd feeling. She offered a quick "Thank you" as she turned to head towards the direction he had indicated, sensing that her presence was not particularly welcomed. Their silence and the way they were looking at her lingered in her mind as she walked away.
"Who's this William guy?" the companion of the shirtless man – a man around his twenties, asked in a confused tone. The shirtless man grunted, his gaze following Leia as she walked away. "Dunno. But I don't think it matters much."
The younger man looked even more puzzled. "Then why did you send her to the back?"
The shirtless man let out a low, frustrated growl. "We don't need a delivery girl traipsing around the factory right now. Commander Katakuri's here and the last thing we need is someone stumbling upon him or causing a ruckus at the front entrance. The boss wouldn't be pleased."
The younger man's confusion turned into understanding, and he cast a glance at the retreating figure of Leia. "So, you just wanted to keep her out of sight?"
"Exactly," the shirtless man grumbled. "I don't know if she's for real or not, but I'm not taking any chances. I figured sending her to the storage area would get her out of our hair and away from the main action. His companion let out a cackle at the shirtless man's answer. "Smooth move, I guess."
The shirtless man cautiously followed the back of Leia's head with his eyes as she continued to walk away from them, almost out of sight now. "Don't make a big deal out of it. Just need everything to go smoothly while the commander's here."
"I agree." As Leia disappeared from their sight, the younger man turned back to his companion. "But what if she actually had a legitimate delivery though?"
The shirtless man shrugged, his attention already shifting elsewhere. "If she did, she'll find her way to the right person. And if not… it's none of our concern."
Leia's footsteps echoed through the cavernous storage room, the vast space filled with towering stacks of flour bags reaching all the way to the ceiling. It was like navigating a labyrinth, each turn leading her deeper into a maze of white sacks that seemed to stretch endlessly. Her frustration was growing with each passing moment, her initial determination slowly giving way to impatience.
She had lost track of how many corners she had turned, how many passages she had explored. Every time she thought she might be on the right track, the path led her to yet another seemingly endless pile of flour bags. It was becoming a disorienting game of trial and error, her irritation deepening with every wrong turn she took.
Leia could feel her patience wearing thin, her annoyance building up like an approaching storm. The once novel scent of flour and baked goods had transformed into an almost oppressive presence, the fine particles filling the air and settling on her skin. She wiped a dusting of flour from her cheek with a frustrated swipe of her hand, her irritation only intensifying.
With no clear signs or directions, Leia felt like she was trapped in an endless loop. She called out for Mr. William, her voice echoing through the labyrinthine stacks of bags, but the only response was a haunting silence. Her muttered expletives grew louder and more colorful, the empty air bearing the brunt of her building frustration.
"Asshole," she muttered under her breath, the word dripping with irritation. She paused for a moment, her breath heaving as she cast a resentful look at the seemingly never-ending rows of bags. Every fiber of her being wanted to stomp her foot in frustration, to let out a primal scream at the absurdity of the situation. But she knew she had a job to do, a package to deliver, and no amount of irritation could change that.
Summoning her dwindling patience, Leia continued forward, her determination unyielding even in the face of the infuriating maze. She turned yet another corner, her heart sinking as she was greeted by more stacks of flour bags. Yet, she refused to give up, her steps determined as she pressed on. The minutes dragged on, each step feeling heavier than the last. The continuous rustling of the flour bags, the occasional creak of the stacks, all of it seemed to add to the pressure building within her. But Leia refused to be defeated by a storage room filled with flour bags. She would find this Goddarn Mr. William, deliver the package, and be done with this exasperating task. She couldn't wait to be home in the comfort of her own room, laying on her bed, and be done with today.
Flashback...
Earlier that day, the atmosphere in the storage room was far from organized. Pirate crew members bustled around, piling up bags of flour on top of the other. One particular pirate, clearly unenthusiastic about the task at hand, was carelessly stacking the bags as he grumbled under his breath.
"I can't believe we're doing this," he muttered, his tone clearly disgruntled. Flour bags towered precariously around him as he continued his lackadaisical effort. "Pirates should be plundering and looting, not stacking flour bags in this wretched storage cavern."
His sentiments seemed to be shared by the crew members around him, who worked with varying degrees of enthusiasm. However, just as the disgruntled pirate hoisted another bag with obvious lack of care, a nearby crew member's voice rang out.
"Lunchtime, everyone!" the crew member announced with a loud, boisterous tone. "Time to take a break!"
The declaration had an immediate effect on the pirate crew within the storage room. The one who had been haphazardly stacking flour bags seemed to abandon any pretense of organization. With a final, reckless toss, he sent yet another bag tumbling onto the already precarious pile. Flour erupted into the air, creating a small white cloud that hung for a moment before settling onto everything nearby. And without further ado, the pirate bolted out of the storage room, his focus now solely on his growling stomach rather than any concerns about orderly storage.
As the door swung shut behind him, a palpable silence fell over the storage room. The bags of flour, now arranged in a structurally questionable tower, stood like a time bomb ready to go off. The room, once filled with the clatter of pirates at work, was now eerily quiet, the only sound remaining the faint rustling of the bags as they settled after the hasty departure.
Back in the present, Leia's attention remained fixed on her search for Mr. William. Unbeknownst to her, the flour bags atop the unstable pile were beginning to slip with each passing moment. The room's stillness was shattered by the unmistakable sound of movement, and Leia's head jerked upward just in time to see the topmost bag of flour teetering on the edge.
Time seemed to slow as the bag tilted over the precipice, and Leia's eyes widened in realization. The bag descended in a seemingly endless freefall, directly aimed at her. Panic surged through her veins, and she instinctively ducked, her heart racing. Just when it seemed that disaster was inevitable, a particularly huge figure lunged forward from the side, moving with a speed that was almost inhuman.
In a moment that felt both surreal and lightning-fast, Leia felt herself being scooped up from the floor, strong arms encircling her waist in a vice-like grip. She was lifted off her feet with such speed and precision that the world around her blurred. It was a sensation of being completely at the mercy of another, and Leia's surprise mingled with a rush of vulnerability she hadn't expected.
The bag of flour crashed to the ground right where she had been standing, its contents exploding in a cloud of white powder that hung in the air before gradually settling. Leia's savior held her for a moment longer, his grip firm yet gentle, as if he was confirming that she was safe. The enormity of his presence was impossible to ignore – she felt utterly small next to him, a fact emphasized by the way he had plucked her from the path of disaster with ease.
As the flour dust began to settle, Leia could still feel his arms around her, his presence towering over her. She could hardly make out the details in the hazy air, but she could sense his proximity, feel the way he shielded her from the chaos around them. It was a surreal and intimate moment, a connection formed in the midst of a messy situation.
Finally, the man released her, and Leia stood on slightly shaky legs, her heart still racing. She turned to thank him, to see the face of the person who had saved her, and was surprised to find someone – an extremely tall, large, and muscular man – towering before her. He could easily have been a giant, for he was at least five times Leia's height as he stood tall, his head almost reached the ceiling. He had donned a torn dark leather vest, which was open at the front, revealing a very well-defined torso. As though in contrast with this outfit, his entire lower face as well as shoulders were covered with white scarf as if to hide something not meant to be seen by others. Though Leia couldn't see half of his face, his crimson pair of eyes underneath the highly arched eyebrows were sharp and intense, giving the impression that he was someone not to be taken lightly for. His presence was imposing, and Leia couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and unease as she looked up at him.
As Leia took in his appearance, she noticed something on the side of his mouth – a series of stitches, as if he had suffered some injury there. Before she could register this fully, the man shifted slightly, his scarf moving to cover that side of his face. Leia's gaze quickly flickered back to his intense eyes, momentarily flustered by the realization that she had been caught observing him so closely.
His deep voice, rich with concern, broke through her thoughts. "Are you alright?" he inquired, his tone was surprisingly gentle considering his imposing figure.
Leia blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly at the sound of his voice. She nodded, her own voice coming out a bit more breathless than she intended. "Yes, I'm okay. Thank you… for saving me." She couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed by how she was stammering and squeaking her words. The man's presence (and his widely visible six-pack muscles) seemed to have a way of making her feel unusually nervous. The giant offered a nod, a gesture of his apology. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. My crew should have been more careful with the storage."
For a while, Leia noted that it was strange he should say 'my crew' instead of 'my staff' but she quickly dismissed it and thought that he must have been one of the managers at Chiffon's factory. Leia managed a small smile of her own, though she was still taken aback by the entire situation. "It's alright, really. I'm just glad you were there to help. I would have been buried under those bags if it weren't for you."
He nodded, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer before he seemed to decide to step away, his massive form moving gracefully despite its size. "This place can be dangerous," he said as he observed Leia, frowning slightly. "What are you doing here on your own? You are not one of the workers, I know."
His question reminded Leia of her initial purpose. She was about to answer, but then she realized she was no longer holding the package. Panic briefly surged within her until her gaze landed on the package a few feet away, seemingly unharmed. She quickly moved to pick it up, relieved that it had not suffered any damage during her near mishap.
Turning back to her savior, Leia felt a strange mix of gratitude and the urgency to fulfill her task. She believed this man must be none other than Mr. William, for he was the only one here in the factory's storage room, just as what the two men at the entrance had told her. She saw that the man was about to introduce himself – but Leia suddenly cut him off, her tone more abrupt than she had intended. "I know who you are," she stated, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "You're Mr. William. I have a delivery for you."
The man paused, clearly taken aback by her interruption and her tone. He blinked, his intense eyes searching her face, as if assessing her response. He was silent for a few moments before answering, his deep voice carrying a touch of reluctance. "Yes, you're right. I am Mr. William." Leia noted the hesitation, a curious expression crossing her features, but she quickly brushed it aside, chalking it up to the unexpected encounter. Besides, she was too tired and annoyed to be giving much thought about it now.
With a faint smile managed from what was left of her energy, Leia extended her hand towards him. "I'm Leia," she introduced herself. No matter how annoyed she was, Leia knew she should never let her personal feelings interfere with her professional attitude towards clients when doing business – this was the number one business rule that Mabel had thought her. "I'm from Mabel's delivery service. Nice to meet you."
William shook her hand with a firm grip, his eyes holding hers for a moment before he released her hand. "Likewise, Leia."
Leia couldn't help but notice the slight change in his tone, but she didn't dwell on it. She was on a mission, after all. With a small cough, she cleared her throat, her professional demeanor returning. "So, here's your delivery," she said, handing him the square package. "Everything should be in order. Although," she added, her tone taking on a more scolding note, "It would have been nice if you were a bit easier to find. I've been wandering around this labyrinth of flour bags for hours and hours on end."
"Is that so?" William replied. It was really hard to read his expression because he had hidden his entire lower face in scarf. "I apologize for that. We shall make sure this doesn't happen again."
Leia nodded, satisfied with his response. "Good. Because I really need to head home soon. My bicycle is parked outside, and I should have been there ages ago."
William seemed genuinely apologetic. "I'm sorry for any inconvenience. I'll make sure to be more accessible for future deliveries. And if you don't mind – I can take you to where your bicycle is parked. Save you from the possibilities of any other… unfriendly encounter with the flour bags, I suppose."
Leia let out a genuine laugh at his comment, her irritation from earlier began to melt away a tiny bit. "That sounds like a good idea," she admitted, giving him a playful smile. "I wouldn't want to risk being ambushed by rogue flour bags again. If you could lead the way please, Mr. William."
As they walked through the maze of bags, Leia found herself intrigued by the man beside her. There was an air of mystery about him that she couldn't ignore, despite his polite and apologetic demeanor. She stole a few glances at the massive figure walking beside her, wondering about the stories he might hold beneath that scarf and behind those intense eyes. Unbeknownst to her though, as they walked, William's gave a subtle nod, almost imperceptibly, to someone concealed behind the flour bags. It was a signal, a communication that Leia was oblivious to. Whoever was hidden in the shadows seemed to understand, for there was a faint movement before the figure disappeared completely.
Finally, they reached the entrance of the storage room, and Leia's bicycle came into view. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude toward William for his help and guidance. "Thank you for showing me the way and for saving me back there," she said, her tone sincere. "I appreciate it."
William inclined his head in acknowledgment. "You're welcome, Leia. " His eyes held hers for a moment, the intensity of his gaze making her feel both seen and unknown. "And.. I apologize once again for the incident. I hope you will still do deliveries for us in the future."
Leia's lips curled into a playful smile. "Oh, I don't know… Saving a damsel in distress is a pretty good way to ensure future business," she teased, giving him a wink. William's brow furrowed in slight confusion, clearly not catching her reference. "Damsel in distress? I don't understand."
Leia chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Never mind. Just a silly reference. But really, thank you. You were incredibly fast and gentle back then, considering my small frame. Are you secretly Superman?"
William's confusion deepened. "Superman? Who is that?"
Leia laughed outright this time. "Don't worry about it. It's just a joke. Anyway, I should get going before it gets too late. Thanks again, Mr. William."
Just as Leia was about to leave, her Den-den Mushi rang, the sound piercing the air. She looked at it in surprise, then – not familiar with how the devide worked, answered the phone and accidentally putting it on speaker mode, enabling William to hear everything on the other side of the Den-den Mushi. Mabel's voice came through, frantic and worried. "Leia, where are you? I've been trying to reach you! I thought an enemy pirate might have kidnapped you or that you fell into the sea or or…."
Mabel stammered and Leia hurriedly interrupted, her face reddening as she glanced at William, who was now privy to the entire conversation. He was listening with a straight face – he was a really hard person to read, but Leia was sure he was not too keen on being involved in Leia's entire private conversation with Mabel. Which was why Leia quickly interrupted her friend's frantic voice on the phone before she could say too much of anything.
"Mabel, I'm fine, I promise! I just got caught up with the delivery, but I'm heading home now."
Mabel's relief was audible as she sighed. "Thank goodness! I was imagining all sorts of terrible scenarios. Just be careful, okay? I'll see you at home."
Leia assured her once again and disconnected the call. She turned back to William, a sheepish smile on her face. "Sorry about that. Mabel worries a lot."
William nodded. Leia thought he would simply nod and not say anything in response, so she was surprised when she heard him speak, "It's good to have someone who cares for you."
Leia chuckled, shifting her weight as she prepared to leave. "Yeah, it is," she replied rather warmly. She noticed that William was really a pleasant fellow to spend time with, and her annoyance had melted away, leaving it with warm impression about this particular man. "Anyway, thanks again for everything, Mr. William. I really appreciate it. Have a good night."
"Good night, Leia," he replied, his voice carrying a warmth that made her feel oddly comforted. Leia's thoughts were a mixture of the events that had just transpired and the man she had encountered. She was surprised by how her irritation had transformed into a sense of comfort and gratitude. There was something intriguing about this William for sure – his mysterious persona, his protective actions, and his enigmatic eyes that seemed to hold stories untold.
Before she could stop herself, Leia suddenly found herself saying something she hadn't initially intended to voice aloud. "Perhaps… I can see you again one day." She didn't know why she said it. After all, she had just met him, and the encounter had been purely professional, albeit sprinkled with a touch of adventure. But it felt right, as if the words had slipped from her mouth unbidden.
Who knows…perhaps we can." William's voice carried over to her, his response gentle and almost contemplative. "
Leia smiled to herself, feeling an unexpected thrill at his words. Then, she shrugged off her own reaction and pedalled away. William watched until she was finally out of sight, then turned around when somebody called his name.
"Commander Katakuri."
Katakuri – the real identity of William – turned to see a one of his crew members approaching him. His respectful demeanor indicated his high position of authority as the Sweets Commander.
"Sir," the pirate began, his tone deferential. "The mess inside the factory has been cleaned up, and the ship is ready to set sail."
Katakuri nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting back to where Leia had disappeared. "Good job," he replied, his voice deep and measured. "Give me a few moments alone. I will join you on the ship shortly."
"Aye sir," the crew member spoke, and left Katakuri in his solitude. The Sweets Commander's thoughts once again ventured into Leia and their encounter. His mind cast back to the storage room, the memory vivid and clear. He had been near the storage room when his Kenbunshoku Haki, his advanced observation Haki, had stirred. It had shown him flashes of what might have happened to this Leia girl. He had seen the impending danger, the falling bags of flour, and he had reacted out of instinct to save her. It wasn't the first time he had used his Haki in such a manner. His unique ability to foresee immediate events had saved his crew and himself countless times. But this time was different. This time, he had saved a stranger – a young woman named Leia.
As Katakuri stood there, a gentle breeze rustling his scarf, his thoughts continued to revolve around the encounter with Leia. He found himself wondering about her – why hadn't she recognized him as Charlotte Katakuri? After all, his towering stature and distinctive appearance were almost legendary in Tottoland. Everyone, from civilians to fellow pirates, recognized him instantly. And yet, Leia had treated him as just another person, a certain refreshing oblivion that he found oddly endearing. It was a rather welcome change from the usual reactions he received – the awe, the whispers, the women swooning and fainting in his presence. Those responses had long lost their appeal, leaving him desiring a genuine connection, someone who saw him beyond his title and reputation.
He tilted his head slightly, his crimson eyes narrowing in thought. Perhaps she was new to the island, unfamiliar with its peculiar residents. Or maybe she was simply too preoccupied with her own thoughts to pay attention to who he might be. Whatever the reason, Katakuri felt a subtle intrigue about her lack of recognition. He wondered slightly if he would ever see her again. It was a thought that lingered in the back of his mind, amidst all his responsibilities as a commander. With a focused gaze, he tried to use his Haki to answer the question, to catch a glimpse of the future that might involve Leia. But this time, his Haki remained silent, offering no insight. He took a deep breath and shook his head slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Sometimes, the future remained shrouded, and the unknown had its own allure.
"Commander, we are ready to set sail," the second calling by his pirate crew reminded him that he should make haste. ""Coming," Katakuri replied shortly, shaking himself from his reverie. He gave himself a mental note to replace the damaged flour bags – a small detail for sure, but an important one to his sister Chiffon and the factory. He knew that even the tiniest disruption could lead to issues in their production.
Turning to his crew, Katakuri's deep voice resonated with authority. "Prepare to set sail," he commanded, his orders crisp and clear. The crew members scurried to their positions, each knowing their role and executing it with practiced efficiency. The ship slowly came to life as sails were hoisted and ropes were secured. As his ship readied itself to depart, Katakuri's gaze swept over the area once more, ensuring that everything was in order. Before leaving, he handed the package that he received earlier from Leia and issued a final order to one of his men. "Make sure this package is delivered to Mr. William, the floor manager at the factory. He should be notified about it."
The men took the package from his hand and notified one of the factory workers about it. With his command relayed, Katakuri boarded the ship, his crew members following suit. The vessel began to glide away from Funwari Island's shores, the sea breeze ruffling Katakuri's scarf as he stood at the helm, his gaze fixed forward. The encounter with Leia had left an impression, and as the island faded from view, his thoughts briefly returned to her, a fleeting memory amidst the responsibilities of his role as a commander.
The prince and the fair maiden finally meet! OH YEAH! My Mochi man, how I miss you! More to come!