One Piece Katakuri x OC

Katakuri x OC

Ch.16

The sun shined brightly in the clear blue skies, blazing down upon the forest. The leaves from the trees provided an ample amount of shade, absorbing the heat from the sun. Looking up the trees were taller than Giants, protecting the land and us below. In the beauty of the forest, a darkness lurked within. My heart remained uneasy as we walked further inland, the sounds of our footsteps and the water beside us were the only sounds in the forest. Not even a sight of what attacked us. The island felt completely abandoned by nature, almost as if it was artificial? I can't explain.

Before we headed out, I improvised a cloth sling for my arm. I would've put a wooden brace, however, I feared if we faced sudden danger it would become a hindrance. Despite my display of strength to Katakuri earlier, I had extinguished the little strength I had left. If we were to jump into a fight now, I may very well just flee as a last resort. Katakuri played a key component in getting here, but it seems he knows nothing about the island even though it's in his territory. Must be somehow tied to Big Mom's orders, Katakuri would never allow a place of uncertainty and potential threat to remain without his knowledge. I guess we were both just like two lost lambs, despite the size difference.

Katakuri appeared colder in face and skin tone, paler than usual. I lagged behind a little, a single step for Katakuri was 10 steps for me. I was still fatigued from the blood loss, yet I pushed myself to keep up. Just barely at the tail-end of his steps.

As he looked ahead, I looked down and noticed a glimmer catch my eye, a metal string taut and elevated on the ground. My heart suddenly racing as Katakuri's first leg missed, but his second was about to trip over the wire! I acted fast, no time for words I slammed my body to the side of his leg. He swayed to the side like a falling tree and crashed into the water. His face and clothes were drenched. Katakuri's shoes sunk into the muddy sand, masking the once glistening boots.

Thankfully, Katakuri was on my left side since my injury was in my right arm. As my heartbeat slowly steadied the shock settled in from my actions. From the ground, my eyes slowly looked up and could see Katakuri glaring ferociously like a cornered bear.

I gasped and slowly put my hand over my mouth and pointed speaking with immense hesitation. "Uh...trap. There was a tripwire."

Katakuri let out puffs of air, his eyes set on me. He grabbed a boulder that appeared to be a mere rock in his hands, crushing it with ease.

I gulped and yelled, "I'm so sorry." I took off my shoes and rolled up my pants and started making my way into the water. I knew my question would be absurd to Katakuri, and yet I asked, "Are you alright? Need help, Katakuri-san?"

He forcefully threw his hand up, I knew Katakuri's gesture urged me to refrain from coming closer. Sighing in frustration, Katakuri slowly stood back up. His footsteps sounded like hammers as he walked through the water.

In trying to protect us, I may have started us back to square one on the trust meter.

I looked at where the tripwire may lead, however, it felt endless. Katakuri also stared in the direction of the tripwire, based on how long he was staring it was clear the tripwire stretched for miles. The wire was certainly not in the direction of the mushroom cloud.

Before I spoke, Katakuri said, "I saw a clearing not far ahead, we rest for the night and continue tomorrow." Katakuri kept marching forward, despite being drenched all over in water and his polished boots adopting the color of rusted nails.

I was surprised. No lecture or scolding from him. I thought this may be Katakuri's perfect opportunity to reprimand me at last. Maybe I'm speaking too soon.

When we reached the clearing, the sun was starting to set. Surprisingly, the forest wasn't cold unlike the beach. I was hoping to apologize once more, but we needed to build a fire.

Katakuri said, "No fire, we'll be drawing insects to a flame." I understood Katakuri's reasoning, however, I responded, "You're completely drenched and need to get dry soon. We can't afford you getting sick here. Besides, I think our enemies know we're here already."

Normally, Katakuri is very logical. But in the state he's in on the island, he's out of his element and making decisions that could jeopardize his well being. My deductions should've been made by Katakuri, yet they weren't. Will he become a liability if I stay with him?

I started a fire and Katakuri slumped against a tree stump. I sat a little bit across from him.

I insisted once more, "Katakuri-san, you must remove your clothes and boots. Especially the fur around your mouth. Use the remainder of the clothes I packed to dry yourself."

He gave me a crazed look, "No."

I was getting a little upset, "I want us to get out of here alive, I promise I won't look. I'll keep my back turned the entire night, and if you feel doubtful then you're capable of ending my life as you wished."

Katakuri was silent. He knew I was right, but to let his guard down would be unthinkable.

I sighed, knowing I was going to do something stupid and appear like defenseless prey. Grabbing a piece of clothing from the bag I had carried, I tied it over my eyes. Grabbing three more, I wrapped them around my eyes.

"Katakuri-san, is this enough? I even put on more blindfolds than necessary. You want me to put on more?"

He didn't respond. I was expecting more defiance, but then I heard rustling. Katakuri had suddenly started walking toward me. I began to panic, I'd voluntarily blinded myself to an enemy. I tried to take deep breathes, remain calm. I felt him crouch over me, I clenched my fists tightly. The bag brushed past my shoulder and then the ground thudded as he sat in front of me. What was he doing?

I jolted, but felt my sling gently slide off and my injured arm was slightly lifted. Due to the fear, I hadn't even noticed my arm began to bleed again. I must've strained myself without realizing. What did Katakuri look like right now? Concern? Disgust? He unraveled my arm and dabbed very lightly and with gentle care? Katakuri rewrapped my arm with another piece of clothing.

He said in a voice that was unlike the Katakuri I knew, " Thank you, Iris the Reaper."

I broke into a sweat and looked up despite the blindfolds. I accidentally let my true thoughts slip, feeling my eyebrows furrow in distraught, "Why?"

Katakuri was unable to hear me, or he chose not to. Rather than clarity, this island confused me. I was prepared to receive his anger, but instead he's expressed his gratitude. I don't understand him, his sudden change of heart is unnatural. Mere hours before he glared at me with intense disdain, searching for any opportunity to get rid of me. Without his powers, is the stronghold of the Big Mom pirates quickly cracking under the pressure?

No, I can't believe it. My enemy, despite these unimaginable changes, mustn't let me waver for a moment. He will not be my demise.

I reverted back and smiled, "It's my honor, Katakuri-san. I'm happy you're unharmed."

I felt the air shift as Katakuri grabbed the bag and went back to sit against his stump, leaving me with leftover coconuts I packed. Was he displeased by my remarks? After eating the leftovers, I felt sleep creeping in on me. Shifting down to the ground and shutting my eyes, I ignored the rustling sounds behind me.

I said still facing away, "Wake me once you feel tired, I'll keep watch after." No response.

I sighed, I couldn't handle more today. My arm was excruciatingly sore and Katakuri had begun to change unexpectedly. Hopefully, we can find some reprieve soon, otherwise, I don't know if Katakuri will make it.