𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖚𝖗𝖊 (One Piece x Reader)

Training Arc: Red Haired Shanks

Sorry for the late update !! Enjoy !!

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"Are you sure about this, Your Highness?" Bumi stood slightly in front of me in a readied stance as Shank's pirate crew surrounded us. I knew she could tell just how strong each of them were, her hands on two daggers that sat on her waist and her earlier emotions replaced with glaring, protective eyes. The strong woman had never seen such a powerful group of people. I was surprised she wasn't more nervous, though she might have just been hiding it well. 

My eyes scan the pirate crew, remembering each of their names and what I learned form interacting with them from before. I nodded my head with a kind smile, my hand touching her shoulder gently, "I'm sure. Stand down, Bumi." 

The woman wasn't strong enough to easily take one down by herself, much less the entire crew and her loyalty towards me was unwavering so she nodded her head and followed orders. Her yellow eyes stayed glued on Shanks as I greeted the pirates on the deck. It was as if she were a cat waiting to pounce on her prey should they slip up. 

"Shanks," I called out to him after greeting everyone else, "Could I talk to you in private?" 

The man instantly perked up and agreed with a fat grin on his face before leading me into a room with a desk in the back center of the room and shelves full of materials and souvenirs. My eyes traveled around the room, my chest filling with curiosity as I wondered how many stories this room held. Finally getting a scope of the room, I turned to Bumi and offered her a small smile, "Please leave us, Bumi." 

"But, Your Highness-"

She stopped as soon as I raised my hand politely, "I will be fine. I promise. You may stay outside the door if it eases your worries." 

The pink haired guard pushed her lips together, not wanting to leave me before bowing her head, "As you wish." She opened the door to the room, looking at me before glaring lightly at Shanks and walking out. The door made a slight thumping sound as it hit against the wooden frame, closing behind her. 

"You've grown," When I turned to look at him upon hearing his voice, he was smiling fondly at my stature. A sense of pride glazed over his eyes as he walked up to me and gave me a gentle squeeze on my upper arm, a relieved and slightly worried expression on his face, "I'm glad you're okay." 

I mirrored his smile as I looked up to him with affectionate eyes. It felt nice to know he still cared about me even after he left Sinthaya, but I guess I should've known he would when he gave me his Vivre Card. "And I see you haven't changed a bit, have you?" I spoke with a slightly teasing tone as I felt his hand drop from its place on my arm. 

The man let out a bellyful laugh as his hand went to scratch the back of his head, "Nope!" His laugh died out as his lips rested in an amused grin, a hint of something unidentifiable deep in his eyes, "Still, I can't believe Luffy's crew was the one you ended up in. What are the odds?"

I took notice of the look in his eyes before nodding and brushing it off, "Luffy told me all about the stories he had of you two. It was all because he recognized your jacket, believe it or not." 

His grin slowly shifted into a slight smirk as he barely noticeably leaned down closer to me, "You still wear my jacket?" 

I averted my gaze, not being able to handle his intimidating eye contact and his teasing attitude to go along with it. The sudden question suddenly triggered my nervous system as I took a few steps away from him, ignoring the slight heat rising to my ears, "That doesn't matter. I've come here to ask for a favor." 

Shanks hummed, amused at my words and when I looked back at him he was back to his childish, friendly self, "What can I do to help?" He sat slightly on the desk behind him, leaning against it as his arm rested on the sword at his hip. His red hair hung down in the same direction as his tilted head and his lips held an almost excited smile.