The Devil's Grin - A One Piece Fanfic (Snail-like Updates)

A New Family Member Or One That Wasn't Seen? Let the Games Begin!

I want to give a special shout out to DragonGirl_97 who nominated me for the Rose Awards in the genre fanfiction. I hope you will check out the Rewards and vote for my story when the voting opens in September. I also want to thank all my readers for their support this year in the Wattys and hope you guys will help me to get Devil's Grin ranked in fanfiction. Thanks a bunch guys. Enjoy the story.

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D was quite happy to know that Rose had chosen to eat the fruit. And what made things even better was that he had sensed Frost with her so that was a load of his shoulders. He really had too much on his plate at times. Even with all his copies. The mind could only be split so many times before it broke.

Now quite pleased with the way things were progressing it was time to find that oppressive aura that was the current cause of Calgura's troubles. And what better way than to skip through a dark, giant bug infested, forest!

As he was skipping along with some new friends, giant bugs and forest creatures, he sensed something quite surprising. The presence of a new spirit. One only days old. And yet? It felt older than that at the same time. He had his suspicions as to what it was but he wanted to see it for himself. But first he would have to bid his new friends goodbye.

An hour later he was now on his way after saying goodbye. While saying goodbye he noticed the new soul was near where Robin and the other Strawhats were. He would simply have to keep clear of them. He really wasn't ready yet to let them see him as he was now. Especially with the change nearly complete.

As he jumped towards where the soul was located he thought about the memory. While his mind had changed a few things to comfort him it brought out more insecurities than it had fixed. It may have been a happy memory but the years after that were not as happy. He had truly caused the Monk family trouble. Especially to pour Sugar and Monet. And he didn't really see a way to make it right.

Not wanting to let his negativity effect the new soul he shook the sad thoughts away. He would deal with it when it came. As he came to where the soul was he noted that he was now in a clearing where a sacrificial platform stood surrounded by clouds. And sitting on the platform was The Mary. And what he had suspected.

"Hello young one." He landed on Mary's deck beside a young child. The young child jumped in fright and scurried over to the mast to hide. "It's ok. I'm a friend."

"You feel different." The child mumbled as she continued to hide.

"That happens with me sometimes." He chuckled. "It seems you've taken quite a bit of damage here." He scanned the ship before letting his eyes fall again on the child. "Little Mary."

"Is it really you?" Mary asked him as she slowly came out of hiding. "Even though your different I still remember that cloak." She she moved closer until she stood close enough to touch the fabric. "This feels similar to me."

The cloak wrapped itself around her hand causing her to giggle. "He likes you." D smiled. "He's happy your finally awake."

Mary looked around at herself. "I've been hurt so much. How can I carry them anywhere like this?" She whimpered as began to tear up.

"I can help you fix most of it." D offered. "But some of the damage is too much. To fix it would be to kill you and create a new ship."

"Will you tell them?" She whispered.

"No." D shook his head. "I don't think it would do any good at this point."

"Thank you." She hugged him suddenly. "You've always talked to me when no one was around. Your voice is as much a part of me as the others."