𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖚𝖗𝖊 (One Piece x Reader)

Chapter 1: Growth

The white paper wiggled in my hand as it pointed towards the bubble covered island ahead of me. My lips curled into a smile before I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in. The fresh air felt cool as it traveled through my nose and into my lungs, my chest expanding before I released the breath and opened my eyes. The wind played with my hair like a child excited that their mother was finally home.

Old memories flashed through my mind as we began to dock. It had been two years since I've been back to this place. I was so different: weak, terrified, and inexperienced. My smile widened at the overwhelming difference between my current state and the princess who was so frozen she couldn't even move. I was stronger and wiser now.

"The anchor is down, Your Highness!"

Hopping down from the birds nest, I landed on the deck with a loud thump and scared some of my guards in the process. I looked up to Malikai who was walking down the stairs to escort me off the ship. With a grateful smile, I waved my hand in dismissal, "That's quite alright, Malikai. You've done more than enough."

The man bowed his head with a gracious smile and a hand over his heart, "I'm simply doing my job, Your Highness. Are you sure you don't need an escort? We are capable of staying for a few more days just until the other members of your crew arrive."

My lips melted in a warm smile as the sun tickles my cheeks and the breeze continued to play with my hair, "Who knows? Maybe I'm the last one to get here." The people of my kingdom, my guards, my maids, and especially my father were more careful and protective of me now that we've confirmed that I did inherit my mother's illness. I adjusted the leather bag on my shoulder, it's long strap making the contents hit my lower back, "I'll be alright. I promise. Our kingdom needs you."

He smiled softly at me, his dark green straight hair falling with his head as he bowed once again, "As you wish." He turned to the other guards on the ship and ordered them to prepare to set sail again.

I jumped off the ship with ease, my feet hitting the soft grass after being used to the wooden floorboards of the ship, before turning back to wave goodbye to my people as they sailed off. Smiles on all of their faces, they waved back and wished me safety and luck as the ship sailed further away. I was content with the guards I had left at the kingdom. During my time there I was able to train them as much as I could. Granted, it was very harsh training, but I had to make due with what little time I had.

Walking across the familiar town bustling with more people than it did before, I made sure to keep my focus on Shakky's bar to see if anyone else has made it here before me. It truly was way more busy than two years ago though.

Multiple families were visiting with their relatives, kids, nephews, and nieces. They walked around the shopping center and the amusement park with smiles sprawled across their faces, children holding sweets or stuffed animals and practically skipping about.

There was also a lot more pirates lurking in the shadows and on the streets every now and then. It seemed like something big was going on, but I didn't really pay attention to it or find out what it was. I kept my eyes on their figures making sure they didn't ruin the peace of the families.

After walking past multiple trees I had finally made it to the bar, a smile crept onto my face as I walked up the hill. The bar looked exactly the same as it did two years ago only the wood was a little more worn down. As I opened the door, light seeped through behind me causing my shadow to cast in front of me on the wooden floorboards. I scanned the place for any familiar faces and the only one I could find was Shakky who was cleaning the bar counters.

She looked up and smirked slightly, her cigarette lifting between her lips in reaction as her voice was slightly raspy, "Kind of fitting that you'd be next."