Smile () One Piece Fanfic

Chapter 15

Chapter 15 - Run
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"Kaya!! Why... Why are you here?!" Usopp gaped, surprised by the sight of the young princess. Especially since the lady should be trying to flee the village, but here she is.

Silence formed throughout the area; no one spoke as everyone tried to process the new guest's arrival. Zoro and Luffy merely observe everything, not at all bothered by the appearance. In contrast, Nami seemed dumbfounded to see the woman approaching death of her own will. I hummed in confusion, eyeing the lady as I noted how she was only wearing a nightgown and a coat.

This time, I have already stood up, situating myself a bit behind the sharpshooter. I was ready to run up and join the fight if need be. Though I'm not too confident if I could move around much with how injured my back is -though, it's worth a try. 

It was certainly weird that I am still alive right now. 

Luffy and Zoro disapproved of the idea as they inspected my bloodied form. I could feel their piercing eyes staring right at my back, warning me that if I tried anything, I would be in for a scolding later. I ignored them, putting on a smile; I'll handle it once we make it out here alive.

"Creepy," I murmured as a shiver ran down my spine. They make a great duo of intimidation, that's for sure. 

Besides, passing out while the fight is ongoing sure busted my pride. Not only do I have no sort of weapon, but what's left is my pathetic body and this chaotic power. I'm not even sure how the latter would work during a fight or if it would even manifest itself again.

I can't try the technique I did before to that beast trainer. But I don't want to use such techniques...

"Oh! Isn't that the ojou-sama of the castle? She's the target of the mission!!" Jango declared, finally out of his stupor. He looks ready to get this mission done so they can leave the daunting aura of their previous captain.

That put a slight frown on my face, confused by the unknown strength that the butler holds. It will surely be different if even the hypnotist is scared. Luffy and the others are curious as well, seeing the frightened faces of the enemies.

"Then... We don't have to go to the village?!"

"If we can just kill her now..."

Usopp clenched his fist tightly, glaring at the pirates and their savage way of doing things. With how things are, not only are they outnumbered, but the target is five meters away from the opponents. This is going against them in every way possible.

"You surprised me ojou-sama... What are you doing here?" Clahador casually stated, acting as if a fight wasn't occurring. The man was unbothered with everything, convinced that he got the win in the bag.

"Merry told me everything," Kaya affirmed, gazing right at the man. She tried to come off confident, but then, those eyes weren't doing her justice. 

"...Oh? He didn't die? I didn't... show him any mercy."

That statement was enough to crumble what little faith the lady has. Her orbs are lifeless, reminiscing the times they spent together. Still, all of it was a fluke. Nothing more than a long-term act that would now blossom.

My gaze wandered to her shaking figure, noting her clenched fist. Her palm would be sore from how tightly she is clasping her hands. I watch the princess breathe through her nose, trying to calm herself -to earn back the confidence she had prior.

"You are quite brave, much braver than other men. My lady is quite like you. Though others would disagree."

"I'm really sorry... Usopp-san...!" Kaya started, her hands clenched to a fist. She looks like she'll pass out any second now. "Maybe you can't forgive me so easily, but... I... really can't believe that Clahador is a pirate!!"