Moderating Manners // One Piece Various x Female Oc

Rambunctious Reunion

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Keys:-

"Talking"

'Thinking'

Emphasis/Emphasis

Flashback -- if it is more than two words.

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Rambunctious Reunion

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Those few words had been a promise, and Ace planned to hold Hirko to it.

Hiriko sighed softly and then turned to gaze up at the castle that towered over her. She had to go in if only to check up on the straw hats' condition. Yet, she wished that wasn't the only reasonable justification.

Straightening her back, Hiriko marched forward with a polite smile displayed on her lips. She walked to the front door since the window was no longer a viable option; as there were no dire circumstances. The threat of war had loomed over this town only hours prior, yet guards had already returned to their stations, and a pair slouched over the door, protecting the entrance.

Hiriko walked up to the pair, smile widening at the sight of other people. She cheerfully greeted the men, who sneered back at her. Hiriko was taken aback at the unprovoked hostility but didn't show it, instead, she kept her smile in place and spoke softly.

"I was wondering if I may be permitted to enter the castle. A few close --"

Hiriko did not complete her request before she was interrupted. The guards were laughing loudly and obnoxiously, bending over and resting on their knees from the force of their laughter. Hiriko just waited for them to finish, smile intact.

Minutes later, one of the guards seemed to have enough. As if by a switch, his flushed and humor-filled expression transformed into a dark and degrading mask. "This is the royal palace. Home to King Nefertari Cobra and the newly returned Princess Nefertari Vivi. Why the hell do you think a wen --"

The guard's rant was cut short by the loud sound of someone clearing out their throat. It came from behind the guard; inside the palace. The guard whirled around to look behind him, the one still laughing choked down his chuckles and did the same. Hiriko cheekily peeked behind them, her eyes widening at the person she found.

King Cobra stood tall behind the guards. He had no visible injuries, or perhaps the expensive clothing draping him did well to hide them. The king faced the guards with closed eyes and a large, diplomatic smile. "What do you think you're doing?" The king asked, thinly veiled rage boiling under his steady tone.

The guards stumbled back before quickly grounding themselves and puffing out their chests. The one who had been lecturing Hiriko answered. "We intercepted an unwanted -- "

"Unwanted?!" the king repeated incredulously, switching his vision to Hiriko, who shuffled on her feet nervously. "Hiriko-san is a hero of this country. She is very much a wanted and welcomed guest. She has saved my life on multiple occasions."

The guard's jaw nearly unhinged at that information. He whirled around to look at Hiriko (his partner doing the same), his eyes wide, and bafflement now painting his expression.