Finding Myself (One Piece Fanfic)

Chapter 66: The Forest of the Sea

Before I could comment on the subject, another voice cut in. "Luffy! I almost didn't recognize you!" A gruff voice, which belonged to a tall blue fishman.

I recognized him from wanted posters and newspapers. Jimbei, one of the previous warlords of the sea. Mamoru kept me well informed of those guys.

He didn't think kindly of anyone who was a warlord, as they indirectly served the government. Just like at the war with Ace. The warlords had to back up the government or be imprisoned, most backed up the government.

Those warlords are on my ever growing shit list. By chance, Luffy's friend Jimbei was no longer a warlord of the sea. If I'm correct it's because he didn't back up the government with Ace. For now he'll escape my shit list. However I'm not going to be overjoyed talking with him.

Franky nudged me softly as I was set on frowning at Jimbei. "What's wrong?"

Looking up at Franky, I blinked away the frown and uncrossed my arms before shrugging. "I'm fine."

Turning away I looked up at Chopper, who had just finished doing a check-up on both males while still on the shark. Not bothering to ask this time, I solidified the air under them and transferred them to the ground. Hearing a sweet 'Thank you!' from Chopper, I looked back at him and smiled.

"Hey, it's the octopus guy! What happened to you?" Franky placed his arms on his hips looking at Hachi.

"That's what we all wanna know." I muttered just as Jimbei ran to Hachi's side out of worry. Out of reflex my face steeled over again, a certain scowl tugging at my lips.

"Are you hurt?! Wait-"

I turned away from Jimbei. Liking him looked like it would be easy, but Mamoru's teachings have woven themselves into my head. Never trust a warlord of the sea. Current especially, and still be wary of the previous.

Though I pushed him aside, everything Mamoru has told me was taken to heart. Even if I acted like I didn't listen. I wasn't an idiot to not listen to his knowledge, even if I acted like I didn't care.

"Oh, my Mermaid Princess~!" I looked up as Sanji ran towards Shirahoshi with heart eyes and began declaring his love for her.

I stared for a moment, then grinned with slight relief. "Oh good. Zoro will be happy to know Sanji is back to normal. The teasing can continue."

Chopper cried out in both shock and relief. "He's himself again! That's his normal reaction to women!"

My eyes widened at a sudden thought, and I found myself tapping my chin. "Ah, now that Sanji's better, does that mean he can cook for us all again?"

"That's your worry?!" Chopper yelled at me, making me blink and nod.

"He's the only one that can actually cook good enough for me to taste it." I mumbled, "Other's get close, but Sanji's is still the best so far."

The doctor stared at me for a moment before nodding. "I almost forgot you have anosmia. Sanji must be a really good chef."

Immediately I nodded eagerly. "Yes! Even in Artist Haven, where they have master chefs, their food was close to Sanji's." A smile formed on my face. "Huh, Luffy really has a talent on picking you guys."

Before Chopper could respond my head snapped to the Princess. Something was coming.

However, Luffy had already moved to block the upcoming attack. Luffy kicked the axe away before it could touch the princess, though I looked her over to ensure she indeed was safe.

"I was afraid of this!" Jimbei yelled, glaring at Luffy. "Why did you bring the Princess here, Luffy?!"

I couldn't stop myself from glaring at the fishman. The man caught my glare easily and recoiled in slight shock. I did not appreciate him yelling at Luffy.

"Why is she glaring at me?" Jimbei asked, looking to Luffy in worry. "I don't think your crew mate likes me."

When Luffy turned to look at me, I had turned away as well. Instead of responding to Jimbei, I looked up at the Princess, my face softening. I didn't want to scare the mermaid to tears, she cries at the smallest things.

"You came to see a grave, right?"

She nodded and quietly pointed towards a memorial. Bowing my head, I held out an arm towards it, gesturing her to go pay her respects.

"We'll keep you safe. Take your time." I offered a small smile, which she returned and moved towards the memorial.

Though Shirahoshi had mentioned the grave, I was still in the dark on who the person was. Seeing as how emotional the princess already is by herself, I didn't want to push it. Besides that, it wasn't my business.

Both Luffy and Jimbei stepped up to stand beside me. Their attention was on Shirahoshi as she silently bowed her head and placed her hands together. Tears fell down her face, though a smile was present. Those tears were different from the tears she's shed before.

"Her mother, Queen Otohime, sleeps in that tomb." Jimbei explained, making my blood run cold. "The princess fell victim to Vander Decken at the worst possible time. She was unable to attend her own mother's funeral and spent the last ten years in shell tower."

I couldn't stop my own memories from resurfacing. My own mother's face filling my head. More precisely, my last memory with her. It was enough for my body to run hot and my stomach to drop and twist painfully.

To lose a love one is painful enough.

But to not get to say goodbye properly for years is worse. Shirahoshi suffered greatly because of Vander Decken.

"Luffy." The sharp tone of my voice drew everyone's attention. "That Vander Decken guy has to pay. I'm giving you one warning now. If I get the opportunity to beat him, I'm taking it, even if you order me otherwise."

Looking towards Luffy, I found my Captain stone faced. He stared at me for a moment then gave a stiff nod.

"Fine."

My face flinched slightly as that memory played over again. Sometimes I wondered if it was better before I remembered myself as Mitsu.

Turning around I ignored the stares from my crew. Instead, I lifted myself onto the ship, where I retreated to the workshop. I still had that call to make.

.............................................

End of Chapter 66!

Double update! I hope ya'll like it!

So Katsu's relationship with Jimbei will probably be rocky for a while, in case you couldn't tell. I didn't think it would make sense if it they were instant friends though, considering Mamoru is definitely not the type of person to like Warlords, or really anyone associated with the marines.

Here's a picture of Katsu as a kid. Back when she still wore shoes...

This is not edited.