It was the delicious smell of fish that first woke you up. You tried to open your eyes, only to be blinded by the sunlight passing through a broken window. You squinted them, groaning at the brightness as you passed a hand over your face. Slowly, sitting up seemed like a difficult task, muscles aching. You were clad in a dirty yukata attached around your hips with a dark sleeveless top. On your right was a steaming pot filled with soup. Well, what it seems like soup.
The shack was empty, except for another dirty futon in the corner and a lone table a few feet away from you. The chairs were as broken as were the windows, no use for them anymore besides scrap.
"You are finally awake, I see" a voice spoke from the doorway of the small house.
A woman with a red kimono stood there, brown hair stylized into a Shimada adorned with golden jewelleries and a kanzashi. Skin pale as snow, eyes bluer than the night sky. She was holding a tea cup close to her lips, gaze wandering from it to you. There was...a strange sense of familiarity watching over you, staring at each other in silence. Yet, you were pretty sure you didn't see her anywhere that you know of. Putting her tea down, the stranger lifted herself from her sitting position, and took several steps in your direction. All until she was standing at least next to the futon you were laying on. In her other hand she another tea cup, almost filled to the brim:
"You should drink and eat while you are here. You won't have much luck out in there" she stated, and you were wondering if she ever blinks.
"What's telling me it's not poisoned or something like that?" you narrowed your eyes at her, and she smirked slightly.
"I wouldn't have wasted my time saving your life, else. It's a wonder you were able to wash ashore safely in the first place. If I didn't find you before those Beast Pirates, who knows what would have happened to you, Silvers (y/n)"
"And you know my name"
"One knows many things"
Still, you couldn't deny in feeling a bit better with something in your stomach after being unconscious for hours. While it didn't compare with the feast Sanji would usually prepare for your crew without batting a sweat, it was enough to quench your hunger and thirst. In fact, thinking about them made you realize and think if they were able to land safely in Wano.
"Where are we exactly?" you wondered.
"For the native, it is called the region of Kuri" she answered. "Most of it is simply a wasteland for beasts, and warriors who are either prisoners of rebellions or bandits. There's nothing out there for you, only death. As the animals you can hunt are poisoned by the pollution running through the rivers"
"Pollution?" you echoed, raising a brow.
"From the mine and the weapons factories. Wano was once immensely rich in nature, flourishing forests where vegetation thrived due to the clean rivers and seas, including an exotic fauna that would be the envy of many countries. A paradise until the day they arrived..."
The woman's expression darkened, eyes brimming with a glint that sent shivers in your back. The stranger returned to her seat next to the boiling pot, hand reaching to serve herself another cup of tea.
"The Beast Pirates. When they took over the country along with Shogun Orochi, most of the forest in all regions except for the capital were cleared in order to set up the factories we can see today. For the sole purpose of mass producing weapons for export. As a result of industrial pollution, the regions have been reduced to wastelands"
"If it's the case, how is the capital or even Kaido surviving in such conditions?"
"They have their own personalized farms to provide clean food and water supplies for the Flower Capital citizens and their members"
"And how exactly did you get this 'safe food'?" you motioned toward the pot, and the drink she generously handed you over.
"One has many connections" she smirked.
"And does 'One' has a name?"
"One's name has long been forgotten through time, and held many titles, but you can call me Setsuka"
"Setsuka...Wait, you are the one Tesla mentioned about back in Dressrosa!" you came to the realization, eyes widening slightly. "So you are here to help me out along with my crew, right?"
"No" came her blunt statement.
You did a faceplant on the floor. Of all the answers possible in this case scenario, this one came quite unexpectedly. She sighed at your reaction, turning her head to face the broken window.
"I have no idea what this woman told you about us, but one is not necessarily trying to help out a pirate crew of all people. My loyalty resides to only one person. If I even bother to help you out it's only because we share the same objectives. However, a different goal..." Setsuka stated.
"Then...why bother saving my life?"
"Hm. One is aware that the Beast Pirates are in search for someone. For Silvers (y/n) to be imprisoned or even brought to Kaido would be a terrible mistake on my part. That's why I took action against them...Which remind me, I believe I saw the remains of a shipwreck. Some kind of huge and strange sunflower at the bow"
"Ah! That's the Thousand Sunny!" you exclaimed, not really bothering on how she confused the lion head with a plant. "Then Luffy must be around here as well. Can you give me directions?"
"One didn't see any survivor at the site" Setsuka shook her head. "If your captain did survive, he isn't there anymore"
"What about towns?..."
"Bakura Town is the closest to us. However, it is where the officials and the Beast Pirates reside currently. I wouldn't suggest you to get close to its borders, even if they are busy with a sumo wrestling tournament for the moment"
You became silent as you took in the information she has given you. While you wished to lay low and stay away from any that could be related to Kaido or the Beast Pirates, you still needed to find your crew. Despite his stupidity, Luffy could survive anything coming at him, including a shipwreck. All of your instincts were telling you to no worry about the young man. As for the rest of your group, they were probably either searching for you guys, or Kin'emon and the others.
"...A storm, slowly brewing..."
Setsuka's whisper pulled you out of your reverie, eyes blinking open in confusion. She wasn't looking directly at you, gaze lost at the horizon and emotionless. The grip around her tea cup tightened to the point you thought it would break under the pressure, and for a moment, you also thought you were hearing the crackle of thunder. The atmosphere soon changed when she released a sigh, dust settling down. She sent a smile that didn't reach her eyes in your way:
"One suggests that you should still keep going, even with those obstacles. The Straw Hat Pirates cannot win a fight by being separated for too long, and one cannot beat Kaido singlehanded with his crew. Perhaps our path will meet once again-"
She was cut off mid sentence by the sound of an explosion. Setsuka narrowed her eyes toward the entrance of the dilapidated hut, an annoyed grunt escaping her pink lips. Judging from her reaction, it looks like that whatever is going on currently isn't the first time it happened or will be the last.
"Mm. Those idiots are getting ready for the Fire Festival. To the point they would blow their own residence..." she murmured. "It's not like they cared about the citizens' safety in the first place, though. Kaido's men couldn't care less, as long as their own accommodations aren't troubled. However, they sure are building some big firecrackers"
"What exactly is the Fire Festival? And what's so special about it?"
"The Fire Festival is held by those who live at the capital to mourn their departed ones. The better and grander the celebration, the more their feelings can reach them. They build tall bonfires, the children and parents write their wishes of a new year in lanterns before sending them to the heavens for their ancestors...Hoping they will come true. It is also on the same period that the Shogun leaves his abode to travel to Onigashima"
"Onigashima" you breathed. "It is where Kaido resides...right?"
"Indeed. And they are preparing a big celebration. One that none will forget" Setsuka spoke grimly. "But this is no place for me to speak ill of our dear Shogun and Emperor. The wind has ears, and it blows greater than ever. One shall resume her tasks before she gets reprimanded"
"Mm. I shouldn't stay long either. My crewmates are probably wondering where I am. And knowing Luffy, I only need to follow the commotion he makes to find them"
You lifted yourself from your sitting position, and strode in the direction of the exit. But the glint of a shiny trinket caught your eyes. It looked like a simple teapot at first glance, but some strange aura was emanating from it. It almost reminded you of Haki. Floral patterns printed on a red background and a land of snow. Cracks of lightnings filling the top.
A cough behind you pulled you out of your reverie, looking over your shoulder to see Setsuka cleaning her utensils and tool.
"If one was you, I would head to the East. Perhaps the cries of a delighted crowd could give you some hints"
They called her 'The Umbrella Woman'.
Children heard many tales, terrified parents warning them to stay from a deserted path so they wouldn't be unlucky enough to cross path with the woman that held a red umbrella with flowers on a snowing land. It is said that wherever she walks, one could hear the sounds of thunder. Each footstep crackling lightnings under her feet, and causing the earth to shake and tremble. Dark clouds were sure to follow after her.
One day, a young boy adventured far away from his home, despite his mother's warnings to not dwell around the empty fields for too long. His feet led to a deserted path where no clouds was in sight. Only the burning sun of a bright summer day. As the young boy grew tired of playing and picking at the flowers, the wind became stronger.
A woman draped in a damp kimono was walking down the deserted path, holding a kasa far too big for her frame. Wet from head to toes as if she threw herself into a river, she held her head high as she walked forward, unbothered by her condition. The child couldn't help himself as he asked her:
"Are you the Umbrella Woman? If so, can you make the clouds rain to help out my family's crops? The farm haven't a single drop of water for weeks now..."
She brushed past him, not throwing a glance or a stare his way. The boy pursed his lips, thinking that the Umbrella Lady was probably just a legend. Or perhaps he got the wrong woman. But how many of them did they possess a kasa of red color with floral patterns printed on a snowy land? The child returned home after this strange encounter, and it's only a few days after that something incredible happened. The clouds gathered above the farm, and it started raining.
Days and nights, it continued, without a sign of stopping. The crops were drowned, and the earth turned into a lake of mud. The child returned on the deserted path where he encountered the strange woman, hoping and pleading the gods to hear his prayers. To make the rain stop. Thunder crashed, and the earth became to shake. The clouds who were once gathered above the farm were now filling the sky. The woman in the damped kimono was back, and she was heading straight to the boy.
She stopped a foot away from him, moving the kasa for it to hover the boy and cover him from the raining tide.
"A god...cannot stop or start rain" the woman mused. "And neither can I. It comes and goes, just like everything in life. One cannot control it. One cannot ask them"
"All I wanted...was to help my family..." the boy cried softly.
"But those crops were actually harming others, youngling. As they grew, the corrupted the lands and stopped the earth's natural process. Until nothing would remain"
"The crops...could do that?"
"Every cloud has a silver lining. And from every silver lining, there's a dark cloud. Humans cannot demand from gods. Gods cannot demand from humans. It is what I learned by taking so many paths in life, just like this deserted one"
The Umbrella Woman brought rain and thunder with her. This is what the tale says. Demands cannot be made. For no one knows exactly what can be brought. And those who are blind to one's situation cannot comprehend the repercussions.
"She wasn't kidding when she said the whole area was like a huge desert" you sweatdropped.
No form of life. No healthy fauna. Well, besides a few birds here and there that reminded you of vultures. Big birds. A wasteland. And the sun was scorching hot today. You released a sigh through your nose, thinking about how you will have to try to find some new clothes so you can change those dirty ones. You wondered if the rest managed to find a good place to hide, or even reach Kin'emon and the others. East and onward, a large mountain appeared in the distance. At the foot there seemed to be a village with a large Torii gate at the entrance. Maybe it was Bakura Town Setsuka was telling you about. It did fit the description she gave you as you overheard the sounds of a crowd going wild.
Passing the gate, already you were the center of attention as many bystanders stopped whatever they were doing to glare at you, almost scornfully. Some of them were officers under Kaido's command, their uniform making them stand out among the citizens who wore their traditional kimono or yukata.
"There's no records of this woman...." an officer murmured, filtering through a stack of papers. "You over there! I would like a word!"
"Ah? Me?" you pointed at yourself, trying to act as innocent as possible while you cursed yourself internally. Of course it wouldn't be that easy to enter any town of this damn country.
"What's your business here? First time seeing you lass" the man approached, along with a few of his cronies.
"Well, erm..." you shifted on your feet, eyes wandering around nervously.
Maybe if you kept the act up of some lost, poor citizen, they would probably buy it and leave you alone. Or kick you out of the town. For the worst-case scenario being send to jail or to Kaido himself if they figured out who you were.
"I am here for....The sumo wrestling show!" you immediately came up with a lie, remembering that Bakura Town held a contest there.
"A low-life girl wanting to watch? Sure you are" he sneered. "And I'm one of the All-Stars. Listen to me girly, strangers not recorded here have to see our Headliner. Unless you are actually participating, HA!"
"And what if I am?" you brought your hands on your hips, raising a single brow.
The man blinked once, as if to process your words slowly. And then he exploded in laughter along with the others. Like you just told him the biggest joke in the world. He whipped a single tear away from his eye after he was done laughing:
"There's no way a girly like ya will survive in the ring against the champion. You know sumo is not about cleaning or cooking, right? I don't think you have the strength-"
He immediately shut up when you landed a hard blow in his stomach. Strong enough that it made his knees quiver like a newborn fawn and fall face first on the ground while grunting in pain. You bow down to his height with an expression that would have made him pee in his pants, lips pulled back into a sneer:
"Want me to show my strength? I will gladly give you a taste"
You were lucky enough this situation didn't bring too much attention on you. Chances are this man was too afraid of more repercussions similar to what you just did occurring that he let you go without even a warning. Not even his cronies tried to stand in your way, terrified of going through the same as he did. But what he mentioned earlier made you pause in your steps. If there was a Headliner stationed in this town, then how much was it monitored by the Beast Pirates. Could you even show your face without the fear of one recognizing you through a bounty?
From what you could observe, Wano citizens weren't really paying attention as long as you 'looked' like them. A few mean stares here and there, but perhaps it was mostly related to your potential status of a 'low-life girl'. A scream pulled you out of your thoughts, and you lifted your head to see a huge man flying in your direction, a red handprint on his stomach. You sidestepped, avoiding being crushed under the weight of this stranger as he crashed on the ground beside you.
"A...sumo wrestler?" you blinked in surprise.
"As expected, is there no one who can take down Urashima?!!"
Far ahead where a huge crowd was gathered, a giant sumo wrestler stood upon the platform mounted in the dohyō. Judging from his admirers' comments and their boosting, you were pretty sure he was the champion of the current contest. And you aren't surprised that a 'normal-sized' sumo wrestler would fly out of the ring with a single blow.
"Today, we're having a special exhibition match! If anyone can take down Urashima, he'll win the unbelievable sum of 500 Gold coins!" shouted the announcer.
You didn't know anything about the currency used in Wano, but you were pretty sure it was worth a lot if two men would climb the ring at the same time to try take the champion down. An attempt that didn't end well as the two were quickly defeated in one move. They couldn't even move the giant wrestler an inch from the center. Looking down at your dirty clothes and back the sumo wrestler, you decided that it was worth a shot. You couldn't stand being in those any longer. A good sum of money will probably come in handy, right?
"Once again, is there no one who can take down the yokozuna of the Flower Capital, Urashima!?"
"Ya, me" you lifted one hand as you pushed through the crowd of people.
Urashima did a double take at the sight of you, and several gasps could be hear among those who were gathered at the ring. Murmurs echoed as the women couldn't believe someone would even try to stand up against a yokozuna, even less another woman. As for the men, well they were trying to not lose their shits.
"A-A woman?! This is the first time it ever happened in the whole history of sumo wrestling!" the announcer cried out, eyes wide. "Against Urashima no less!!"
"W-Why would some low girl of those poor towns think she can go against the great Urashima??"
"Has she lost her mind?!"
"The prize is 500 Gold, right? I need money to get out of those dirty clothes" you motioned down to yourself, head to toes. "So can I have a go?"
The wrestler gazed at you in surprise, before he burst out laughing with a few people in the crowd following after him. You remained unfazed by their mockery or how they weren't taking you seriously. It's not that you were after recognition or anything like that, you just wanted the dang money damnit. The fat giant breathed through his nose and leaned down from the ring with a cocky smile:
"As if some lowly scumbag like you could put a dent on me. Are you sure you aren't confusing this contest with anything else?"
"Judging from your size I was going to think it was a food contest, but sumo wrestling can do the job too" you replied with greeted teeth.
"Ah! You couldn't beat me at either of them!" he boosted his ego even further. "You are challenging a samurai, girl. Know your place!"
"My place is in this ring showing you how well a 'lowly scumbag' can still beat your sorry ass. Unless you are afraid to lose, mister samurai"
Loud gasps echoed in the crowd at your daring words, and the sumo wrestler's eyebrow twitched in anger. However, he hided it mostly behind a laugh of disbelief and a shake of his head.
"Alright. If you can beat some contestants, I will allow you the honor to fight me. That is if you are able to even withstand those weaklings in the first place"
"Less talk, more action" you snapped.
Urashima left the stage as you took place in the center of it, climbing the ring effortlessly. Not even a second in, three wrestlers were already on your case as they threw themselves at you without a warning. It seems like they won't respect the rules against someone of your status. And you were pretty sure the pink haired man had something to do with it.
But you stood your ground and decided to roll with it for now. The fighters weren't really the brightest tools in the shed, opting to push you out of the ring with simply the size factor. As if you couldn't simply step aside, and smack them off from the stage. Another came on, as cocky as the others, but far more muscular with a pack that made the women drool shamelessly.
That poor guy didn't even understand what was happening as he found himself upside-down, head first through the ground. The announcer sure began to root for you, taking care of the wrestlers without breaking a sweat. You even sent three of them flying across the town after they made a low comment on your size and gender.
Unknown to you, outsiders perched on top of a giant yellow dog joined in as an attempt to rescue a little girl who had unlikely powers the Beasts Pirates wanted to get a hold on. Well, two of them you would recognize right away as they were your crewmates, but the tall lady in a kimono holding a sword was a complete stranger.
"OVERWHELMING!!!! COULD HER INHUMAN STRENGTH COMPARE TO URASHIMA'S?!" the announcer yelled in disbelief. "WILL A NEW STAR RISE, AND A WOMAN NONETHELESS?!"
"Shut up with all those genders discrimination or I will plow you in too!!!" you barked, pointing at the blond haired dumbass.
"I'M TERRIBLY SORRY, MA'AM" he cried out, throwing his arms in the air in fear.
Zoro didn't expect to find you here first of all places, but he guessed the same could be said when he first stumbled on Luffy by chance. His captain was so happy to see him after weeks of being apart that he jumped right on his face, hugging the life out of him. You didn't change much, both to his dismay and relief (he will never say it in front of you, though).
"She's already making a scene..." he sweatdropped while O-Kiku watched her in amazement.
"D-Do you know her?" she inquired in surprise.
"(Y/N)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM SO GLAD YOU'RE OKAY!!!!" Luffy yelled, cheering for you. "BEAT THEIR BUTT"
Kiku released a squeak of fear when another wrestler came whizzing by her side, hiding behind Zoro for good measure. Avoiding flying men weren't her only concern, however. Not when she was only a few feet away from the very man she didn't want anything to do with, after so many proposals of marriage.
On your side, you were getting more frustrated by the minute. They kept coming in number, the poor medics on the sidelines who couldn't help but do their job as quick as possible to attend more victims of your...carnage. Broken bones, including a few skulls here and there. You weren't being considerate, and you didn't have any reason to. Okay, maybe some concern for the safety of those men as you sent another contestant into the hospital.
Your eyes grew wide like saucers when you felt a presence behind you. You quickly threw yourself away to avoid a huge hand aiming to smack you out of the ring, or out cold. You greeted your teeth at Urashima, having expecting for him to land a low blow while you weren't paying attention.
"Oi! You have some nerve. Am I good enough now?" you seethed.
"Don't be stupid! Get out of my way, O-Kiku came to see me! Guys, bring her to me!" Urashima ordered his men, pointing to the tall lady on the giant dog.
"What-?"
Your breath caught in your throat when the sumo wrestler decided to punch you in the stomach. You were pretty sure it was against the rules, but it seems like this act wasn't just shadowed by the mere size of Urashima. Not even the announcer mentioned anything about it, only yelling about how you were out of the ring as you came flying into a building.
"(Y/N)!" Luffy yelled in panic, jumping down from the dog along with Kiku and Zoro.
They were immediately surrounded by Urashima's men. Both your crewmates were quick to engage the fight, while the teahouse waitress remained at the backline, worry edged on her face. As they were busy dealing with the wrestlers, one of them managed to grab on Kiku. They lifted her in the air and brought her toward the platform as she struggled in their grip.
"O-Kiku! Come into my arms-pe!" smiled Urashima, opening his arms wide to the woman. She flinched in fear, sweat dripping down her forehead.
"Y-You...laid a hand on a woman" she stammered.
"Hey! She's a girl from the teahouse in the other town!"
"With her rank, it's presumptuous of her to even enter this town!"
"Is that so?! Then you gotta kick her out! She's a vulgar tramp!"
The crowd made their complaints loud and clear. Their anger was growing against the girl of low-class, and so was Urashima's as veins popped on his forehead.
"Shut up, you commoners!" the man silenced the crowd. "To us samurai-class, you fools are all the same, vulgar, lowly bastards-pe!! Your worthless lives...Whether to spare them or take them...is my choosing!"
The citizens of Bakura Town gaped at the sumo wrestler, while Kiku simply narrowed her eyes. She released a breath through her red lips, one hand tightening around the handle of her sword.
"So, O-Kiku. Why don't you be mine?!" Urashima ran at her, making a kissy face with hearts in his eyes.
"I-seesha don't know anyone who is called...a lowly bastard!" Kiku snapped.
She avoided his hug by jumping over his huge body, pulling out her sword and slicing Urashima's topknot. The samurai landed right behind him, the crowd watching in shock as the piece of hair fell on the ground right beside her.
"Stop your joking. The only vulgar thing here is your heart" Kiku stated firmly, pulling back her sword in its sheath.
Urashima pat the area where his topknot once was, his eyes widening like saucers while the crowd began to panic. Snot came out of his nose, tears welling up as he slowly turned around to glare at the woman's back. Greeting his teeth, a shadow was cast over Urashima's face, and Kiku seems to realize what she has just done by rejecting him.
"O-KIKU" growled the sumo wrestler, eyes flashing red and fists clenching tightly. "YOU BETRAYED ME!"
"Kya! Why did I do that in front of others?!! Please forgive me, Urashima-sama!" she pleaded, watching as he took a threatening pose.
"KIKU! HOW DARE YOU-"
"I knew you were the kind of man who would hit a woman..." she covered her mouth in fear, fueling Urashima's anger further.
His hand flew forward, the crowd holding their breath. About to land a hit on Kiku, Urashima was shocked to see a blurred form stood in front of her at the last moment. His palm was stopped by only one of your hand, fist squeezing and griping it tightly. The ground under your feet cracked at the strength he used, but you were still standing your ground. A ghost of a smirk formed on your lips, eyes glowing darkly:
"So? We don't wanna follow the rules? Alright, I'm all in. Let's have go...shall we?" you stated menacingly, the sound of bones cracking echoing in the air.
A/N: Hello everyone! I sincerely apologize for not being online, and not at least giving some form of news. I unfortunately went through Covid, which was a fearsome experience at times. While I'm still recuperating, I'm glad that I'm able to write once again. Please, stay all safe out there and be mindful of the sanitary rules. I wouldn't want anyone to go through what I did. I'm excited to continue "Eternity of Love" among other works, having caught the manga on time and Oda simply confirming my thirst for King (we ALL knew there was something under that mask, after all). I hope you will enjoy this chapter, and be ready for more to come!
- Sphere of Solatium