Before the first chapter. I think that Magi and One Piece are fit with each other. Especially when we talk about Politics and Kingdom that both of the verse have. In this story, I tried to imagine what one of the most popular factions of Magi, Ren Imperial Family, adapting on 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 at least to write one stories that puts her as the main focus.
Without further ado, let's go to the first chapter. Enjoy!
/N: One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda. Magi – The Labyrinth of Magic belongs to Shinobu Ohtaka.
Chapter 1
Crew of Pirate
The Kou Empire Civil War, which will decide who'll become the emperor of Kou which at first on Kouen's favor suddenly turns up to mess.
Just as Kouha and Kougyoku managed to reach Hakuryuu's main base and preparing to end the battle by killing him and his supporters using their Extreme Magic, an unexpected factor arrived in form of Kina Kingdom which led by Yamato Takeruhiko and Sasan Kingdom which led by Darius Leoxses. Both country belongs to Seven Seas Alliance, an alliance under Sinbad that had the creed of not invaded other country and also not be invaded by others. Both Yamato and Darius declared that they acknowledged Hakuryuu as the legal emperor of Kou Empire and the Kou Empire also becomes a member of Seven Seas Alliance. Kouha quickly remarked the Seven Seas Alliance intended to create acasus belli, which means that they already observed the civil war right from the start and planned to intervene on the right time, which is when Hakuryuu is going to be killed, a move that Kougyoku remarked as a strategy of a coward.
Commenting how he didn't like Sinbad's tactics after seemingly heard Kougyoku's frustration, Yamato draw his long, giant katana which revealed to house Caim, the Djiin of Listening Closely and Absolute Sharpness. He then doing a partial Djiin Equip, tried to attack both Kouha and Kougyoku and claims to aim for the head of the general of the Western Army.
"This guy… He's a Metal Vessel user. Bring it on!" Kouha challenged as he prepared in his position to accept any attack the King of Kina will throw at him. Kougyoku also did the same, although her face is still shocked by the sudden intervention to their empire.
Swinging his giant katana at high speeds, Yamato unleash a blast that moves faster than sound which instead of hitting Kouha, it misses the target… Or so it seems.
"He missed!" Kougyoku said as he sees the blast direction.
"Splendid my lord." Nanaumi, one of Yamato's attendants grinned, knowing what his lord intention.
This makes Kouha quickly realized the King of Kina's intention. "Don't tell me his target is-" He quickly look behind and from far away, a smoke is seen from a post where Koumei is leading the troops. "Brother Mei!" Kouha scream 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 look at Koumei's location in shock. 'Impossible. Was he able to attack Mei-Nii in the headquarters post from this distance? It can't be. No, wait, it's quite believable at this stage.' Kouha analyzed the situation, knows that almost anything is possible with the power of a Djiin. He then starting to fear the worst scenario. 'However, what's happening here… It's three against three!? No, what if Sinbad already taken even more Metal Vessel users with him, and he's now marching toward Balbaad!?' He thought in fear. If that scenario ever happens, Kouen without a doubt will lose since all of his armies are in Kan'an Plains along with him, Kougyoku, and Koumei. 'Is this the end? Will it end like this?' Suddenly remember his own inspirational speech a day before the war, he then steeled his resolve. 'I could never allow such a thing. I'll stop this three here, even in exchange of my life!' He determined.
"Brother Kouha…" Kougyoku uttered. She can't decide if she must fight Hakuryuu along with Yamato and Darius or give up and let Hakuryuu win, since both are very important to her.
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. "Hai. Let's avenge Brother Koumei!" She agreed as they fly down toward the opposite faction.
"Huh. Really worthy fellow both of you huh? In that case, I shall do it again… Even though both of you are woman." Yamato stated as he prepared his Ichigeki Hissatsu once again.
'Even though his accuracy is deadly, it has some flaw! 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 bring his scythe up then swings 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 is not in 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 trick will work on me!" Yamato taunted Kouha while protecting his face from the dust.
"Maybe. But you in the exact position as I wanted you to be." Kouha suddenly appears in front of the King of Kina and without any hesitation he swiftly severed his right arm which wields his longkatanausing his Nyoi Rentou. He un-equip his Djiin Equip at the last moment before the attack. 'As I expected! He can't use that Ichigeki Hissatsu move repeatedly since he need time to focus and charge it first. Therefore, that attack is necessary to blind his visions, and he's taking the bait.' He thought as he quickly rushes forward toward Hakuryuu and Darius, which is still blinded by the dust.
"Guugh!" Yamato grunt in pain as his longkatana along with his severed right arm is falls to the ground. Blood continues to flow from the stump on his right shoulder as he grip it in pain using his left hand. 'I let my guard down! I don't think he dared to do the attack even after knows our creed.' He thought grimly at 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 maybe managed to cause this much wound to me brat. But we still have one other card. You won't win this war!' He thought as he finally fall 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 swing his Nyoi Rentou down.
Hakuryuu quickly equip his guandao into Zagan's weapon. "Kouha!" He screamed as well as he parries the slash despite the quite difference in strength since he's currently low of Magoi. They later have a stalemate as one tries to overpower the other. "Why don't you realize!? You're just Kouen puppet for his selfish desire of trampling other countries! Heh, like a person with a thrill of murder like you would understand." Hakuryuu taunted.
"Silence bastard! You only stained Emperor Hakutoku wish by doing this!? Do you even know the reason Brother En do this expansion to begin with? No, because you just a bastard child who only care about revenge without knowing any of its consequences!" Kouha return the taunting. "At least this is that I can do for now, kill you so you can meet with that bastard witch mother of yours!"
"Silence!" Hakuryuu screamed in rage. "All of Kouen's supporters! Including you and all of your sisters, I'll personally send you to the same hell together!" He then tried to overpower Kouha.
"Both of you are on the right position."
Suddenly, both Kouha and Hakuryuu feel a sharp object pierce their heart as they gasp in shock. It later revealed that Kougyoku, who is under control of Sinbad's Zepar with her Djiin Equip still activated and Darius stab them respectively.
"Uhuk!" Hakuryuu coughed blood which splat on Kouha's face before look at Darius shockingly. "King of... Sasan… Wh-What's i-is the… Meaning… Of…"
"This all… Goes according to his will." Darius simply stated.
"I actually didn't want to do this Prince Kouha." Kouha immediately widened as he realized this isn't Kougyoku's manner of speaking. "However, this is for the best. For the sake of peace, country like Kou Empire must be wiped clean from the royal family who only known to expand their territories and disturb world's peace."
"W-Who a-re…. You?" Kouha raspily asked as he coughed blood once again. He then slowly widened his eyes. "D-Don't… tell 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 lost his grip on Nyoi Rentou and drops to the ground. Sinbad then walks to the sound amplifier that's located close to the site, then emitting a speech. "I came here to put an internal strife of the Kou Empire! Sadly, my swore 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 declared the lies, making both Hakuryuu and Kouha in shock.
'Y-You lie! Bastard… I… Can't believe that… He's after by allied with… Hakuryuu… Brother En….' Kouha voiced his last thought as his soul leaves his body.
"S-So… All of that words to me…. You… You want to take the Kou Empire… From the start…" Hakuryuu finally realized what Sinbad's after. It's hard to believe that back then he's the one that search for his support on his rebellion against Gyokuen and Kouen. But now, he find himself stab on his back. "But… I thought you're…"
"That's true that I targeting Kouen for causing war by his expansion policy. However, I know that you also plan to do the same goal ever since you've fallen like the princess of Musta'sim. Even though Judar is dead, you intended to challenge the entire world to a fight right? Nanaumi from Kina Kingdom inform all of it to me." Sinbad said, still inside Kougyoku's body. "No need to worry Emperor Hakuryuu. I promised that I'll rebuild the Kou Empire to be a better nation and take care of your step-sisters as well as Princess Hakuei."
Darius then pulls out his lance, causing Hakuryuu to fall on his knees while a huge hole is leave on his chest. Panting in exhaustion, the legitimate emperor of the Kou Empire tried to heal himself using Zagan's power, but find 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… It's the end for me… Judar… Big Brothers… And…' A face of Hakuei, Morgiana, Aladdin, and Alibaba are shown in his mind. "S…Sorry…." He mumbling as he finally succumbs to his wounds.
At the same time, Sinbad releasing his control over Kougyoku, but different than the last time on Balbaad, she's still conscious. "E-eh? W-What's happened?" She asked herself in confusion while look at her surrounding, where the dust is starting to disappear. 'Last time… I remembered that Brother Kouha order me to assist him on defeating King of Kina. Then after that, all is blank all of the sudden….' The scene of Hakuryuu's corpse awakens her from her confusion. 'Hakuryuu…' She thought while her eyes moist in sadness. Despite all of the atrocities he committed in order to claim the throne, Hakuryuu still a family to her so it's natural for her to feel some sadness for him. "Brother Kouha! we-" She then stopped when seeing Kouha's body, also lies dead on the ground. "Brother Kouha…"
"What's that expression?" Someone asked her and it turns out to be Yamato. His severed right arm already bandaged. "You're the one that stab him to death and yet you act like nothing happened." He pointed.
"W-What…" Kougyoku started to shake in disbelief after hearing Yamato's statement. 'No. No. No. No. No! It can't be! That's not true! That's not true!' She grab her head while shook it in denial. Sinbad's control of her must be rid her of her consciousness during the act. Streams of tears flowing down from her eyes as she kneels down to her half-brother body and shaking it, trying to wake him up. "Brother Kouha… It's a lie right? I know you're still alive. Please… Open your eyes…" Kougyoku pleaded. But all of it falls to deaf ears as tears continue to fall from her eyes.
'This must be… Zepar's abilities…' Darius quickly noted since he already witness it several times when Sinbad controlling someone's like a puppet. Deep inside his heart, he felt pity for the princess, but he must do his job. "If you thought that we're aimed to causecasus belli, it's mistake princess. We the ruler of the Seven Seas Alliance already discusses it and we decided… As long as Kou Imperial Family still lives, war will continues." He said.
"Eh?" Kougyoku gasp in disbelief. 'Lord Sinbad!? Lies! Lie!'
"Lucky that Hakuryuu is taking our bait. In one fell swoop, we managed to kill three members of Kou Imperial Family." Yamato stated. "And now, will be the fourth." He then raises his katana. "Any last words, princess?"
Kougyoku however didn't mind their statement. She just wallowing in despair after picking the puzzles of the past event: Her first love is using her since the time of that sparring in Sindria. Tears continue to stream from her face. 'I… I… Betray them…. I betray my family… Even though I promised to… Be useful to anyone… That I'll protect them till' the end… And yet…'
"I think there are none." Yamato stated as he swiftly giving her merciful death by decapitating her, at the same time make her Djiin Equip disappear. He then amplified his sound using the special magic tool that Hakuryuu used during the opening of the war. "To all of Kou Empire soldiers! The leaders of both factions are death in action! Surrender!"
'In the end… I just hurt anyone…' Kougyoku voiced her last thought as darkness engulfed her.
It's been a while since Straw Hat Pirates manages to escape from the famous Marine Vice-Admiral Monkey D. Garp. Getting new crew member Franky and a new ship Thousand Sunny, they continues their journey to Fishman Island before going to New World, the second half of 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 on the gym when he spotted something that's floating on the ocean. "Oi! There's something or maybe… Someone on there?" Zoro informed his crew-mate 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 Sunny to check what Zoro's spotted. He quickly 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 is pinned up with golden hairpin that resembles 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 put her gently on the grassy lawn deck close to the swing. He then switches to carry her bridal style toward the sick bay, where he knew Chopper will cure her.
It was then that Sanji suddenly slams 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 at him confused.
"I don't do anything. She's floating on the water." Luffy answered. Sanji just look at him before sighing, knowing that his captain isn't a type to lie about something. "Wait a minute then. I'll call Chopper." He said as he return 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. "Luffy! Quick brings her to the sick bay!" He said. Luffy just nod and both of them later goes to the sick bay that's located on the second floor near the stern of the ship. Once reach there, Luffy gently put the girl on the single bed inside the room.
"I trust her to you then Chopper." Luffy ordered with a grin before leaving the sick bay.
Chopper seriously nods before checking up 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 walk to his desk while searching for herbs to cool down body temperature. 'However, I wonder why's this lady is floating in the ocean? If she's a princess judging from her clothing, did she somehow caught in the storm and thrown from her ship?' He wondered the reason this young girl is floating on the ocean as he finally found the herbs he needs. "Seems I need to change her clothes." He said after notice the princess' wet clothing.
Inside her mind, Kougyoku open her eyes and found herself lying inside of pitch black space. "Uuh…" She grunted and touches her head using her right hand while sits up and look 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 echoes to the black space. However moments later, a scene suddenly appears in front of her. "This is…"
This scene is the moments when she meets again with Alibaba on Balbaad.
"Kougyoku… I just have a talk with Kouen Ren. He said that I must cut my relation with Sindria and marry with a princess from Ren Imperial Family, and it was-"
"So that what's happened…" Kougyoku uttered after knowing the circumstances. Kouen already told her about the marriage and she already can guess that Alibaba is the one that will marry her. In fact, she's not mind at all marrying him. She already knows him and his kind nature and that makes her luckier than her sisters, who marry to the unknown ruler of another country and from what he heard, many of them are just corrupt nobles. That's another word to say that since that fateful day that makes them friends, she had affections for him.
But what happened next shocked her to her soul.
"Oh? S-So it's like that? Ha Ha Ha. Now I understand, Alibaba." Kougyoku's voice suddenly overlapping with a male voice as her eyes turn color from dark red to green.
'W-What? Something is changed around her!' Alibaba noted with a panicked face.
"I'm not Princess Kougyoku." 'Kougyoku' suddenly grin like those of a man. "About what you've said before, I think you should do it Alibaba. It will give Sindria an advantage."
'What's this? I don't remember talking to Alibaba about this….' Kougyoku at first confused by her own memory until remember the times when she suddenly went blank during the civil war. "D-Don't tell me…"
"S-S-Sinbad?" Alibaba finally realized who's the one he's talking to thanks to the mention of Sindria.
Sinbad, using Kougyoku's body grinned maliciously. "Hey Alibaba. How are you doing?" He greet 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 is taking over Kougyoku's body.
Sinbad however, seems not mind about it as he keeps talking like usual. "Yup, are you alright Alibaba. I'm sorry because I not allowed Aladdin to accompany you to Balbaad. Plus Shambal will be worried if Toto cause you some troubles."
'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 wave and makes me able to enter her mind. Practically, it keeps and put my Rukh on her mind. Thanks to it, I was able to manipulate this girl for a brief period of time." He explains with usual tone, practically not mind at all about controlling someone against her will.
"That girl…" Kougyoku can't believe what she heard. She'd practically fooled from the start when he asks for that sparring which supposed to be her with Alibaba. With how Sinbad mention 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 not taking kindly, making him remember the time when Kassim tried to persuade people of Balbaad to do a bloody revolution via Zaynab's weapon. 'P-Power to control other people's body!?' He thought. "B-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 to his idol.
"In order to watch everything that's happen on the world. Currently, I borrow three peoples body and 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. I already planted this technique on Princess Kougyokusince that sparring. Because of it, I was able to take precautions against any movements that's made by the Kou Empire." Sinbad said, explaining his reasons.
"I… Spy… On them?" Kougyoku now fall to her knees while clutching her head in frustration. "Brother Kouen, Brother Koumei, Brother Kouha, Hakuei… I… I…" She still shocked but brave herself to look at this till' the end. 'Lord Sinbad… How could you… You're my first love and yet… You think so lowly about me…'
Alibaba is more than shocked hearing the revelations and grit his teeth in disbelief. His idol is a pragmatist person that unable to trusts anyone beside his inner circle. "Isn't t-that cruel!? What you did just make Kougyoku spy on her friends and siblings that she cared so much!?" He reasoned.
Sinbad is silent for a moment before replying. "Alibaba, I… I can't make my personal feelings mixed on an intelligence war. This is the same as protecting oneself. The Kou Empire is on the brink on declaring a war against Sindria, and I need to gather Intel from the inside of Kou's inner circle. Moreover, the same thing as I did also done by the other countries like Kou and Leam but maybe with different ways." He then slyly smiled. "I'll do any dirty ways… In order to protect my country." He declared.
Alibaba just narrowed his eyes; he completely lost his respect with Sinbad. He controlling Kougyoku is what that preventing him from punch him in the face for dare to play with a heart of 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 currently not at war with each other and even after the Summit that 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's many people that's on the same position as you. Even your master, Sharrkan also a former prince that's exiled from his country and all of his rights is taken away. Do you know about that?" He asked tried to ease the conversation a bit.
"Master…" Alibaba gasp. This is the first time he'd heard about his past.
"And About Aladdin, you said that he allowed choosing his own path no matter what happens from now." Sinbad shot the most sensitive part of Alibaba. He then suddenly raised 'Kougyoku' right arm and touch Alibaba's shoulder. "However, if you really afraid to go against Sindria… You can just play to follow Kou Empire's orders." He said while smiling, which reflected on Kougyoku's body as well.
Alibaba anger finally reaches his 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's still controlled. "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."
"Alibaba…" Kougyoku uttered with little happiness. Despite the persuasion that Sinbad said to him, Alibaba still a genuinely good man. "Thank you…"
Sinbad however, already found a counter for Alibaba. "You shows some resolve there. You better think again about that. What kind of position that'll befall on Princess Kougyoku if the Kou Empire found an Interception Magic that's set by the enemy's countries inside her head?" He slightly taunted.
Alibaba just gulp. 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 talking with Koumei.
Although only saw, Kougyoku understands why Alibaba is hesitant. He really cares about her and didn't want her to be persecuted by her own family just because of her mistake during her stay on Sindria.
"If that so, Lets meet again during the Summit. The last thing, remember that I still think of you as an ally no matter what you do. Goodbye." After Sinbad said those words, the scene goes blank.
After that scene is over, Kougyoku have a lot of thoughts on her mind. Part of her still denial that a kind king like Sinbad using such a low way as much as throwing his principle away but on the other hand is what Sinbad said that silence Alibaba keeps going on her mind.
"T-That's not true right?" She asked herself. "M-My brothers… Judar… They love me… They never persecute me…" She tried to assure herself.
"You know what he said is true, didn't you?"
Kougyoku shrieked hearing a mysterious voice call out to her out of nowhere. She then look around trying to search for the source. "W-Who's there!? Show yourself!"
"Such a foolish princess. You keep deny it while you know that your brothers and the imperial family only using you as tools. I truly pity the way of you and your sisters' lives."
Kougyoku grit her teeth. How dare this unknown mock her brothers. "My brothers love me! Don't you dare badmouthed them! Show yourself!?"
The mysterious voice suddenly chuckling."By giving you a ridiculous title of general that actually just a figure one? How foolish you are. And about Judar as well. He only use you because his interest on creating wars. Look now, he abandoned you."The voice keep taunting her.
"Shut up! You… You don't know anything about Judar-chanand my brothers!" Kougyoku keep denied it.
"Open your eyes. You're nothing but useless princess unlike that prince. Useless person like you… Will always be used by someone else."The voice stated.
"S-S-Sh…"
"SHUT UP!" Kougyoku yelled as she rise up from her bed. Beads are clearly seen on her face as she panting in exhaustion. 'It's… Just a dream…' She thought while take a deep breath to calm herself.
"I see that you're awake." Kougyoku then turn her head to the left and see that Robin is sitting on a chair while on her right hand is holding a book with a titleCute Animals Encyclopedia. "I worried that whatever makes you floating on the ocean, whatever we do is too late." She said with her usual smile. "Since our doctor is currently resting, I watch over you for a while."
However, what Robin gets is narrowed glare from the princess, with her eyes turn dangerous like the time when she first encountered Alibaba on Balbadd. "Where am I?" She asked in demanding tone full of authority that Kouen teach her if she faced against enemy, strangers, or in the stage of diplomacy.
Robin however didn't tensed or shows any sign of fear after hearing the demand. Being live on the run for twenty years before join Luffy have its own benefit when face against noble and royalty. "No need to wear that cold masks of yours, princess. We had no intention to harm you. In fact, it was my captain that saved you from being drowned." She replied with calm tone. 'She's truly royalty. Her head held high, like she's look down at the commoner.' Robin thought.
"Captain?" Kougyoku confused by Robin statement, make her mask falls off a bit. Before she can retort, she sees some kind of anthromorphic deer that wearing a hat is peek from the doorway of the sick bay. It was none other than Chopper. 'A… Dungeon Monster?' She thought in confusion. Of all of her experience of seeing Kou's Dungeon Monsters, she never seen one that's so cute like Chopper.
Robin just giggling before look 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 from his hiding place to check on Kougyoku, who still wearing her neutral mask on her face.
"Anoo… Are you feeling well? W-When you're unconscious, you have a high fever." Chopper tried his best to ask Kougyoku.
Kougyoku, find herself can't put her mask against Chopper, finally sighed before replying. "I'm better now. Honestly, I didn't expect that a monster like you is able to do medics skill." She then looks down for a moment before look toward Chopper with a formal smile. "You have my gratitude. Thank you." She formally thanked the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Chopper nod, despite the neutral tone she used, she seems not a bad person. In fact, the term monster that she used is not for mocking, but a pure curiosity one. "What's your name?" He asked.
"I'm the eight imperial princess of the Kou Empire, Kougyoku Ren." Kougyoku formally introduced herself before look toward Robin. "Forgive me for my earlier attitude. As a princess, I can't just easily trust a stranger even though you're saved my lives." She apologized.
"It's fine." Robin replied with a smile although her mind is 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 nod. "If that 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 looks at her outfit. Instead of her imperial clothing, she now wearing a pale blue, short-sleeved cotton sweater as her body is not healthy enough and a knee-length blue skirt. Seeing the skirt make the princess blushes in embarrassment as it was too open for her taste.
"Um… Are you all right Princess Kougyoku? 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 assure him. 'Honestly… The one who have this outfit really shameless!' She thought in embarrassment.
"Oi Chopper, Robin! Did the lovely princess already awake!?" Sanji asked with heart in his eyes as he prepares collections of dish for Kougyoku. He then entering the sick bay as well. "Woooooooh! Such a beauty!" He said with his usual tone when around beautiful woman. "May I know your name, oh sweet mellorine~"
Kougyoku however seems uncomfortable with Sanji antics. However, she knows that he actually means no harm against her. "K-Kougyoku…" She tried to hold the urge to push him away.
"Kougyokuuuuuuuuuuuu!" Sanji then doing 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 wears can't cover her face like her sleeves did, making her a blushing mess since most people rarely called her beautiful. "I-I-I'm not… beautiful…"
"That's enough Sanji! If Princess Kougyokuhas 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 your enjoy our company here princess." Robin said as she leaves the sick bay. Sanji then also leaves the room after some persuasion from both Chopper and Robin, with the latter says that she wants some coffee.
After both of them leaves, Chopper tried to socialize with the princess. "Forgive about that. Sanji can't hold himself when seeing beautiful woman. However, this maybe makes him and I feel nostalgic." He said while sitting on his bed and look 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 that can easily talk with others since she already used to the commoners, Kougyoku is shyer and Chopper can guess that she seems rarely interacted with the one that not have the same status as her. "Actually since your introduction I'm confused. Where's Kou Empire exactly? Forgive me but from what I know I've never heard a country with that name before." He said with 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 about a place with that name."
Before Kougyoku could ask another question, a certain straw hat is entering the sick bay. "Oi Princess! Already awake I see! Shi Shi Shi" Luffy said with 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. "Princess Kougyoku, this is our pirate captain, Luffy."
"Hello! My name is Luffy! The one that'll become King of Pirates!" Luffy introduced himself with his usual gags.
'PIRATES!' Kougyoku couldn't hide her shock. How could she end up on 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 get cautious! There's a possibility that they kidnap me for a price.' She decided as she slowly return 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 Metal Vessel, only to find it wasn't on her head like usual. 'My hairpin! It's gone!' She thought in panic. That hairpin is the most treasured things to her, since it was Koubun Ka, her only Household Vessel is the one that give her that as a gift for her ascension to 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. He knows that the princess is just confused. "And like Luffy said, we have no intention to harm you by any means so you no need to raise your guard like before."
Kougyoku then look at Chopper desk to see her hairpin is put in there. She 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 diamond." Chopper tried to down the tension.
"Even Vivi didn't wear expensive jewelry and make-up like you did." Luffy join the conversation. "Tell… Why'd end up floating in the ocean?"
"Ocean?" Kougyoku's confused by Luffy's question. 'But… The last time I remembered is that I was-' She then immediately gasp as she reflectively holding her neck, which supposed to be decapitated by King of Kina. 'I-I was still alive! B-But how! The King of Kina surely beheaded me that time! I supposed to be-' She then grip the blanket that covers her lower body while tried her best to hold her tears.
Seeing her cry, Luffy tilt 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 turn his attention to Kougyoku. "It's okay Princess Kougyoku. You don't need to answer it."
Kougyoku slightly nod before wiping her tears then look at Chopper with a smile. "I'm sorry Chopper. But… Can you and the straw hat boy leave me for a while? I… Need to think on my own…"
Chopper immediately nod. The princess needs some privacy and he's going to respect that. He then stands up before persuade Luffy to come out from the sick bay as well. As the two exiting the room and closing it, Kougyoku then put her legs close to her face, then sobbing remembering the fate of Kouha who's killed none other by her own hands despite she's under control of Sinbad.
'I'm sorry Brother Kouha… I'm sorry…' Kougyoku thought as she's continued her sobbing. "I… I knew it. Once a low-born, always a low-born. Instead of helping, all that I did… Was bring misery to anyone I befriend with. I wasn't there when Alibaba-chanand Judal-chanduel… I even let Lord Sinbadcontrolled 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 it, Luffy's face immediately turns to a serious one.
"I'm feeling sorry for her. Her family probably killed in a storm since they maybe had no experience of the weather in Grand Line." Chopper tried to guess. "If only we can do something to help her…"
"If that 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 nod with a smile, agreeing with his captain.
It's been an hour and Kougyoku finally stopped her crying. At that same time, Chopper is entering 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 keep 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 stay on their ships so it is her politeness to knows about every inhabitants of the ship. "Okay then. Lead me the way Chopper." She agreed. The strange monster already gains her trust so it's best to repay it with kindness as well.
Few moments later, they finally reach the galley. Although at first hesitant to come out because of her outfit, Kougyoku now wears her imperial clothing. When she's seen 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 ship she saw could beat the architecture of Thousand Sunny. She then smiled. "I've never seen such 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 turn her attention to Franky. "So you're the princess that was saved by Luffy. My name's Franky. Welcome aboard on the Thousand Sunny!" He introduced himself before doing his trademark pose.
However, instead of replying Kougyoku blushes then quickly hiding her face with her sleeve. "P-P-Pervert! Go away!" She yelled. Did he didn't have any shame only wearing such clothing to cover his 'thing'?
Franky immediately a bit startled after being called like that. "This is not pervert! It just shows how Super I am as a man!"
"Oi Franky! Don't you dare do anything to Kougyoku in any way possible!" Sanji roared at him before his personality turn 180 degree when against the Kou Empire princess. "No need to worry my sweet mellorine~. I'll personally protect you as your faithful knight." He said while kneel in front of her, take her left hand before kissing the palm.
"Stupid cook." Zoro commented while seeing the scene.
"You just keep quiet mosshead! You're the first one to seeing her floating on the ocean yet you didn't do anything to help her!" Sanji retort back at him.
"Ha!? And what're you doing during that time!? Luffy is the one that help her!" Zoro return the mocking back. After that, they continue their word fight. Kougyoku could only look at the scene.
"No need to worry princess. That's 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."
"Ms. Robin." Kougyoku immediately recognize her.
"The one that's 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 still not meet the last three members of our crew."
"So you're the princess that Luffy saved." Kougyoku turn her attention toward Nami, who's come out from the door that leads to the kitchen. "Hello. I'm Nami. It's nice to meet you Kougyoku." She said while bring her right hand forward for a handshake.
Kougyoku then accepting the formal handshake. "Likewise Ms. Nami." She said. 'So she's the one who have those 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? Which country did you come from Princess Kougyoku? Is it from Grand Line or one of the Four Blues?" Nami asked after hearing Robin statement that the princess wants to return to her country.
'Grand Line? Four Blues?' Although not skilled at politics, Kougyoku always dedicated herself to learn about the world that Kouen wish to unite into one, and from all of her readings about the world map, she never heard of Grand Line or even Four Blues. "I-I'm sorry. But what's Grand Line and Four Blues? I-I Never heard of it… At all." She revealed while her shoulders are shaking a little due to her is alone, on a strange place that no one ever heard about her country.
'So what I guess that time is true.' Robin quickly noted to the earlier conversation she had with Chopper back at the sick bay. "Princess. If you not mind, can we show you the map of the world? Probably you know where the Kou Empire is located after you looking at it." She offered before looking at Nami, nodding at her.
Nami understand what Robin meant. She then picks a map on her skirt pocket. "Here Kougyoku." She said while giving her the map.
"Thank you." Kougyoku thanked the navigator as she received the map and open it. However instead of relief, her expression soon turns into shock and fear after she saw the map. Instead of a normal huge continent with few small islands like Kouen shown to her, there's only one continent that circling the entire world while the others lands are collections of islands on what seems to be a giant, endless ocean. "W-Where am I?" She asked herself as she releases the grip of the map she holds. Her hands are later trembling.
Kougyoku's actions make Nami concerned. "Kougyoku… Are you all right?" She asked with concerned tone.
"T-This is… This is not my home…" Kougyoku mumbling to herself. "I've never heard an ocean area called Grand Line. Even… The continent…"
Robin then smiled and decided to spill the beans to the young princess. "I see. So what I read and suspect that 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 to when I was working with Crocodile, I actually stumble upon a Poneglyph… That tells 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 on the New World. I actually surprised to discover Poneglyph with such statement." Robin explained. "In other words, Princess Kougyokuhere came from the other world different than ours."
"A different world?" Nami become confused.
However, a certain strawhat suddenly leap forward and land between Kougyoku, Nami, and Robin. "OTHER WORLD!?" He then suddenly grabs Kougyoku by the shoulders with star on his eyes. "That will be a great adventure!? Are strong peoples also resides there!? Did Magician exist!? Please tell me!" Luffy screamed in 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. Becomes a crew of pirates! In his dreams perhaps! There's no way she'll join any kinds of piracy activity. But at the same time, she had the feelings that they're not ordinary pirates that she always known back in her world.
"Oi Luffy! Please don't be too rash! She's a princess of a country remembers! We already make 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 & I doubt they're will greet us the same way as Vivi's did! Don't be reckless Luffy!"
Luffy just tilted his head. "But we didn't even meet this Lou Empire guys or something didn't it?"
"It's Kou Empire." Kougyoku corrected with a little tick mark on her forehead while swipe Luffy's hand from her shoulders. Seriously, how could someone not understand the consequences of abducting a princess of one of the world superpower?
"And why we should do that? I can 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 allows the Navy to do their job for a while."
"Damn you mosshead! How dare you say that we just leave her behind!" Sanji retorted.
"Ha! I just said so we don't bother to faces against this Kou Empire or whatever it is!" Zoro argued back.
"No. I've made my mind. She'll be a part of our crew." Luffy stated with a smile.
"Then tell me this." Kougyoku suddenly speak up to Luffy with her neutral face and a bit of killing intent leak from her. "Why should I join a band of sea bandits like you? I have something more important 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's you to decide that without my concern!? I'm the princess of the Kou Empire!" Kougyoku yelled at him. "Besides, why do you demand me to join your crew?"
"Because… If another world is exist, 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 simple answer. He wants her to join his crew just because of that? She then took step backward a bit while a blush starting to appear on her cheek.
"Just accept it for now princess." Zoro was the one that speak once again. "If Luffy already made decisions, there's no way you'll change it. He's our captain after all." He said with a smile.
"Captain?" Kougyoku now is more than surprised by the revelation. Someone as easygoing and dumb as him is the captain of this pirate? Even he's more stupid than the dumbest general of her country.
"I know you maybe not believe it but it's the truth." Nami shrugged.
"Forgive me Princess Kougyoku. But actually… Both Luffy and I heard when you were crying by yourself. I know that'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 that deeming oneself as useless is the one that he knows too well before meeting Kureha and Hiluluk. "Luffy and I then decided… That we'll help you return back to your country."
"Decided?" Kougyoku asked to Chopper while a bit upset that both he and Luffy hears about her privacy. She then yelled at the reindeer. "You dare peeking into someone's privacy and now you want to take me home!? Don't be kidding! All of you are pirate are you not? 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 said themselves as useless, isn't that the same to say that you're giving up?" He simply asked.
"Eh?" After those question, gone the neutral mask that Kougyoku wore and instead replaced with shocked expression. She didn't expect that this dumb captain managed to stab her in to the point that easily.
Sanji however turn serious. The face of the princess tells it all. She's betrayed by someone dear to her. This make Sanji clench his fist in anger. Someone who makes this beautiful girl cry didn't deserve to be called a man at all.
"I see… So you've heard it…" Kougyoku said with low tone as she looks down and her body slowly shivering from trying to hold tears from her eyes. "But it's the truth… I'm a useless-"
"There's no one that born useless!" Luffy yelled at her.
Kougyoku however look at him and yelled back. "You know nothing about me!? Do you know how it feels when you're feels you can be useful to your siblings and country… Only to be betrayed by your first love and said he does that for the sake of the world and his own country!"
"I think that's enough." Kougyoku then turn her attention toward Sanji, who surprisingly emitting killing intent. "Luffy, that's more reason for us to bring Kougyoku back to her world and kick the ass of whatever this person is. A man that makes lady cry didn't deserve to be called man at all."
"Shi Shi Shi! All right then!" Luffy laughed before turn 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 met him."
"I-It's… Kougyoku…" Kougyoku tried to correct how Luffy pronounced her name when she suddenly slumped to the grass.
"Kougyoku!" Luckily, Sanji managed to catch her just in time before that. "Kougyoku you all right!?"
"I… I'm still exhausted…" She faintly said before finally thought 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 open her eyes only to find herself back to the sick bay. The crew immediately panicked when she's unconscious once again and Chopper quickly noted that her high fever kicks back after the conversation. She then slowly sits up and look 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 bother your doctor."
"No. Chopper already said that's his duty to cure those in need." Sanji said with a smile while he not smoking like usual. "More importantly, I'm glad that you're all right Kougyoku."
Kougyoku nod as she smiled at him. "I… 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 me back with the same face as I did."
"It's okay. I understand that as a princess you must be cautious to strangers. It's actually strange, since for a while a princess also becomes our friend in our journey." Sanji said while remembering the time Vivi also travelling with them while they still sail with Going Merry.
This picks Kougyoku's interest. At first, she thought of Sanji as a mere pervert who gets excited when meets with beautiful ladies but it seems it was wrong. "A princess once sailed with you, pirates?" She asked.
"Aa. Her country back then was manipulated by a bastard that obsessed with her country's weapon. Luffy is 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 describe as simple as possible.
"I see. She must be an amazing princess that able to stand on her own two feet." Kougyoku said, unknowingly praised Vivi. "I really envy her." She set her gaze down, wondering if she's ever become someone like her. 'I think it's impossible that I become like her. All I did was just follows order of the emperor without any question and I always stay behind my sibling's shadow.' She thought in sadness of her own cowardliness. "But… What you did is not like what pirates usually did. Back in my world, all that pirates do was sea raiding."
"Well, how I must say this… Our pirate crew really unique. Especially with a captain like that." Sanji said while scratching his head using his left hand.
"Sanji… About the offer of me join this crew… I-I think I'll…"
"It's okay Kougyoku. However, you must say it to Luffy for that." Sanji remind her.
"If that so… 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 already makes her decision. "I'll tell to all of you… About me. Your captain saved me so in return… I try as well to trust him… And all of you."
"A-Are you sure Kougyoku? Chopper didn't want your fever to rise up again. You shall rest!" Sanji asked in worry while tried to push the princess back to her bed.
"I'm okay Sanji." Kougyoku tried to assure him. "This is nothing compare to diplomatic missions or war that I use to attend. Please no need to worry."
"I-If you say so." Sanji said while not fully convinced. "But let me escort you to the aquarium bar while I call the rest of the crew."
Per Kougyoku's request, Sanji managed to ask all of the crew to gather on the aquarium bar. They're sitting on the sofa that faces with the large aquarium of the Thousand Sunny. All of the crew along with Kougyoku already sitting there.
Before the conversation begins, Chopper takes the first initiative to ask the princess who sit beside him. "Kougyoku, do you're healthy enough to start the conversation? I know that you're feeling better but please if you can't tell the bad memories please don't force it." He said in concern.
Kougyoku look at Chopper with a smile. "Thanks for worrying about me Chopper, but I'm fine now and please, just call me Kougyoku okay?" She said with kinder tone. "And also, I want to apologize for yelling at you."
"No no. It's all right." Chopper shaking his hand rapidly in denial.
"Then Princess Kougyoku, I'm curious of what you'll tell us. You see I'm an archaeologist and anything related to history, artifacts, or unknown territory is the one that picks my interest. I really interested in this country of yours since it seemingly holds many histories." Robin decided to open the conversation.
"Okay. But before that." Kougyoku then look at Luffy, who look at her with his usual plain expression. "Captain Luffy, before I answer your offer back then, I want to thank you first. Of all my life, very few people said that I'm not useless with honesty. And as of you offer… I-It's not like I have another choice…"
"I see." Luffy then wears his usual D smile. "Welcome to the crew, Kougyoku!" He declared.
"Thank you for welcoming me. Then I'll begin now." Kougyoku take a deep breath before beginning to tell about her world first.
Or she would as she feels the ship is shaking, like being caught by the waves or something. "What's happening!?" She said in a bit panic evident on her tone. She forgot that this is not the imperial ship where the safety was always guaranteed thanks to the captain and navigator that read the safest way to avoid bad weather like storm or typhoon.
"Seems the ship is caught in the waves. You see Princess Kougyoku, the sea of Grand Line have unpredictable weather pattern and sometimes we must prepare for the worst." Nami said as she stands up from the sofa. "Zoro. You quickly check the outside. I'll go too." She said as the entire Straw Hats stand up from their sofa in unison to check the outside.
Kougyoku have a certain thought about them. True they maybe pirate but she never once see any of superiority talking or greedy conversation inside the crew. What she sees is like something of mutual beneficial relationship. 'For a pirates, They surely don't act like one. They act just like-' She then remembered a familiar face. The only one that ever accepted her as a friend. 'Alibaba… If you're also in this world… Can I meet you again? I'm sure… You'll be happy if you do adventure with this group. I… I don't know if I can get along with all of them. My first priority now is to stick together with them to find a way back home from this Wano Country. But if I can… Can I probably… Enjoy myself with them?' She thought after seeing the Straw Hats argued with each other during their way to the outside of the aquarium bar.
After she decided to rest again inside the infirmary for another hour while the entire Straw Hat Pirates focus to stabilize Thousand Sunny, Kougyoku finally come to the outside. However, what await her outside is not like the storm that she expects on the beginning. Instead of being greeted by the same, clear blue sky as before, the sky now is covered by a dense, thick fog that completely covered the sunlight, making it almost look like nightfall. 'What is this? The weather is completely fine a few moments ago when I exiting the infirmary? Is this what Ms. Nami meant by that?' She thought as whenever she was on the imperial ship, she rarely goes to outside and mostly stay inside her private room. "What's happening? I thought we're on the clear weather just now." She asked in confusion to no one.
"This is still not nightfall, yet this fog is so thick, looks dark and scary." Zoro suddenly said, commenting about how the sky completely different now. Nami already make sure they stay on the clear weather but what can he expect from Grand Line? He currently leaning on the ship railing alongside Usopp.
"Maybe we're entering the area that… This makes me my heart feel uneasy!" Nami expressed her concern while approaching Zoro and Usopp.
Usopp however just laugh at Nami. "Ha ha! Maybe we already reach Fish-man Island?!" He tries to assure her but inside he also terrified.
'Fish-man? There're other races beside human in this world?' Kougyoku wondered while try to imagine how a Fish-man look like. 'Did they maybe have the same appearance as the Dungeon Monsters? Speaking of Dungeon, I never try if I still able to use my Djiin Equip or not. Then again, my fever still not completely healed. If I using Djiin Equip I maybe can fly on my own but… I can't do that. When they never act ill toward me.' She thought to herself.
"Are you okay already Princess Kougyoku? You shall stay inside if your fever still not healed yet." Robin approaches her while tries to persuade her to rest if she still feels not very good.
"I'm all right already Ms. Robin you have no need to worry." Kougyoku said with formal smile before looking toward the sky. "But what's happen exactly? Why's this thick fog suddenly appears out of nowhere?" She asked.
"No." Luffy suddenly appear beside Usopp with his usual grin. His straw-hat cover his eyes. "Before that, we must cross the haunted sea."
"Eh?" Usopp replied in confusion.
'H-Haunted sea!?' Kougyoku thought in fear. Sure even in her own world, she also hears many legend about the haunted sea but she never experienced it before. To think she now entering this kind of area… It frightens her to the core. 'I-I'm scared.' She thought while shivering a bit.
Franky then wears a grin. "That's right. Don't drop your guard down. Without a doubt… This area… is widely known as… Florian Triangle. The sea area where all ships mysteriously disappeared without a trace." He revealed. Before their departure from Water 7, Iceburg already warn them about a certain area they must cross to reach the Fish-man Island. A place where various ships disappeared and widely known to house dead spirits.
TO BE CONTINUED
Author Notes
And that finally finish the first chapter when Kougyoku finally meets the Straw Hat Pirates. The second chapter will cover Kougyoku talk about her world and past to the crew and cover the first event of the Thriller Bark Arc, when our favorite skeleton Brook made 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's need for 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 royalty, she'll express gratitude at someone who saved her life. Like I said in the story premise, it will take some time before Kougyoku & the Rens opened herself more to them. Plus, she still had trauma about 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 years' time-skip.
The location of Kouha, Hakuei, Hakuryuu, and other two deceased characters will be revealed later in the future. Especially Kouha since we'll know where he's affiliate with in the next arc.
I can't wait to write how Kougyoku's reactions to Brook running gags question.
See you in the next update.