The Strongest Frostt Loli: Trending One Piece Fanfiction Reincarnation

Several days had passed since they departed from Hachinosu. Their ship sailed towards Zou without incident. They anchored at night and posted lookouts. They had several navigators, but they avoided sailing at night whenever possible. Navigating the treacherous New World seas under the light of the moon and stars was a risky endeavor, even for experienced sailors. Unless a storm was approaching, they generally remained stationary.

Hiyori stood on the deck, bathed in the moonlight while gazing at the endless expanse of the sea.

There was nothing to see. She simply couldn't sleep. She planned to listen to the gentle lapping of the waves and let the rocking of the ship lull her to sleep.

A boisterous man approached her.

"Time for bed, little missy! Or I'll eat you up! Hehehe," he said with a mischievous grin.

"….Kuro-san."

He was a man with dark skin, black hair, and tattoos covering his exposed flesh. He usually went shirtless, but the chilly night air had forced him to wear a jacket.

Hiyori had been afraid of him at first, but she had grown accustomed to his cheerful nature.

"What are you doing up so late? Can't sleep?"

He held a pair of binoculars in his hand. He had been on lookout duty. However, there was very little to see on the dark sea. He sat down next to Hiyori, leaning against the railing and gazing at the waves.

Neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. After Kuro yawned for the umpteenth time, Hiyori broke the silence.

"Kuro-san, have you ever hated someone?"

Kuro looked at her in surprise. He seemed bewildered by her unexpected question. He turned back towards the sea and mumbled, "Well… I guess you could say I have."

"Do you still hate them?"

"Hate doesn't just disappear. But it doesn't matter to me anymore."

Kuro had once been persecuted by the inhabitants of a certain island. He had been branded a monster for eating a Devil Fruit, locked in a cage, and subjected to endless cruelty. But that was all in the past.

"I can't forget what happened, but… humans can overcome anything."

"Overcome… Can I… ever overcome my past?"

"Who knows. Sometimes, time heals all wounds. Other times, it doesn't."

However, Hiyori's situation was different from his. She had enemies who actively sought her life. She had been exiled from her homeland. Kaido might not care, but Orochi wouldn't let her go so easily.

She was free to return to Wano, or not. Kuro didn't believe it was the right choice to return to a country where her father had been executed and her mother murdered. He didn't like people who acted out of obligation or a sense of duty to their lineage.

"If you're thinking about it because you're a Kozuki, then stop."

"….Why? I'm the shogun's daughter. I have to save Wano…"

"Leave that to Kanata. She'll take care of it. You don't have to do anything."

He hadn't liked Oden, but he owed a debt of gratitude to Sukiyaki. That was why they had invaded Wano.

Once they dealt with Linlin and Kaido, they would likely return to Wano. Hiyori didn't need to force herself.

It wasn't the right approach.

"Listen, little missy. If you want to save something that's on the verge of despair, you need a positive reason. Negative emotions can only be overcome by positive emotions. Sorrow can't be healed by sadness."

Saving someone out of obligation, duty, sympathy, or pity only burdened the rescued.

Anger and hatred weren't sustainable motivations. While they provided an initial burst of energy, they rarely lasted.

"The best reason to save someone is one that benefits both parties."

Kanata was often driven by her emotions, but she always made sure it benefited her as well.

The Wano invasion, if successful, would have allowed her to obtain the skilled craftsmen of the country. Considering the immense value of their expertise, the potential profits were astronomical.

Even after their defeat, she had managed to recover her losses through various means. She was a shrewd woman – one had to be, to survive in this sea.

"Positive emotions…?"

"Love is the easiest example. Love conquers all, you know."

"Love…"

"Do you love Wano?"

Hiyori nodded. Her parents were dead, but she didn't hate her homeland. She wasn't born in Wano, but she had lived there for as long as she could remember.

Her experiences, her knowledge – everything she was, was because of Wano. There had been hardships and tragedies, but… She couldn't bring herself to hate Wano.

"You want to save it because you love it. You want to help it because you care. That's all the reason you need. Forget about meaningless obligations."

To think you have to save something is arrogance.

To think you have to help everyone is a burden on those you're trying to save.

If you want a happy ending, then share only the good times. To say you can overcome anything if you share both the good and bad times is a lie.

To truly save someone, to overcome years of hardship, the rescuer must be the one who laughs.

– Just like when a man, having forgotten even his own name, was saved by the outstretched hand of a young girl.

"Hehehe, maybe that was too difficult."

"No. I… think I understand."

"Even a little understanding is a good start. Now go get some rest. Kawamatsu and Izo are worried about you. We'll be arriving at Zou tomorrow."

It was late.

Hiyori didn't have any duties, but she wasn't accustomed to traveling.

Kuro urged her to return to her room and watched her leave. He smiled at the two guards who frantically scurried after her.

Alone, he looked out at the sea. He had seen many things. He had experienced an adventure that seemed like a fairytale, clashed with Marines and other pirates, and overcome countless obstacles with his comrades.

It was a life he couldn't have imagined as a child. Soon, it would be his turn to pass down the stories. The new era was always shaped by the younger generation.

***

Zou was a country situated on the back of a colossal elephant named Zunesha.

It located on the back of a living creature. This made it impossible to reach with an Eternal Pose. Only a Vivre Card could pinpoint its whereabouts.

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, Oden's retainers, were natives of this country. After Oden's execution, they had obtained a ship and returned to Zou.

During Kanata's previous visit, she had been forced to climb Zunesha's leg with her bare hands or use Geppo to reach the top. This time, however, it was a simple matter. Thanks to George's Fuwa Fuwa no Mi ability, they could simply fly to the top.

The Mink Tribe who lived on Zou were astonished, but it was the most efficient method.

"Are they back?" Kanata asked.

"Yes."

Many of the Minks recognized Kanata and greeted her with a "Garuchu" and a nuzzle.

It was their way of showing affection. She allowed it, but she wanted to speak to Inuarashi and Nekomamushi first.

"They returned a few days ago. However…"

"However?"

"Well, how do I put this… They used to be close, but…"

Apparently, they were now constantly arguing and fighting.

Even the Mink Tribe warriors struggled to restrain the two powerful individuals, who had been Oden's retainers.

It seemed they were currently fighting in the forest. Kanata sighed.

"What are they doing… Feiyun, be a little rough. Bring them here."

"Yes, ma'am."

They were making a lot of noise. It wasn't difficult to pinpoint their location with her Observation Haki.

She told Izo and Kawamatsu to keep Hiyori's face hidden and told them not to let her see Inuarashi and Nekomamushi yet.

It was unclear whether they were allies or enemies. It was best to be cautious.

Feiyun returned a few moments later, carrying Inuarashi and Nekomamushi in each hand. They were struggling and yelling, but Feiyun ignored them.

"Long time no see, you two."

"Meow!? It's Kanata! How have you been?"

"Why are you being so rough…?"

"Because I heard you were trying to kill each other."

It was the best way to subdue them.

The two of them, realizing why they had been apprehended, began arguing once more.

"It's because he's a disloyal traitor who's sympathizing with the enemy!"

"What did you say?! You were the one who provoked the enemy and got Oden-sama killed!"

"What?!"

"What?!"

They began fighting again, and Kanata could only sigh in exasperation.

There seemed to be some misunderstanding between them, but… it didn't seem like either of them was a spy. She decided to confirm their allegiance first.

"Do you still consider Kozuki Oden your lord?"

"Of course! What a ridiculous question!"

"All our loyalty is to Oden-sama! We won't forgive you if you insult him, even you!!"

She looked at Feiyun, who nodded. "They're telling the truth," she replied.

"Let them go, Feiyun."

Feiyun gently placed Inuarashi and Nekomamushi on the ground and stepped back behind Kanata, acknowledging her as the leader.

"Now then," Kanata pondered where to begin. She decided to call Izo and Kawamatsu first.

"Izo! And Kawamatsu!? Why are you here?!"

"You're safe, Kawamatsu!"

It was natural for Izo to be here. He had been studying under Kanata's guidance. However, they were surprised to see Kawamatsu.

Kanata assured them, "These two are trustworthy." Izo and Kawamatsu rejoiced at their reunion.

"Kappa kappa. It's been a while, but it feels like we were just together. I'm glad you're safe."

"Where should we begin…"

Izo decided to explain how Twilight had ended up invading Wano.

News Coos also visited Zou, so they should have been aware of the situation… but they had only arrived recently. It was likely the information hadn't reached them yet.

They were disappointed when they learned that Kaido hadn't been defeated, but relieved when they heard that Kawamatsu and Ashura Doji were alive.

Anyone could have died in that battle. They were grateful for even a single survivor.

"If Toki's words are to be believed, then Kin'emon and the others will be returning in 20 years."

Kawamatsu, having heard it directly from Toki, explained the situation, and they seemed to understand.

Momonosuke had traveled to the future with Kin'emon and the others, so he was likely safe… but they had no way of confirming it.

If something happened to them, then Wano would be left without a leader. However, there was still hope.

"My lady, come here."

"…No way."

"Is that…?!"

"I'm glad you're safe."

Hiyori lowered her hood and reveled her face. Her long jade green hair and striking resemblance to Toki brought Inuarashi and Nekomamushi to their knees.

"Hiyori-sama…!"

"My lady… It's a blessing you're safe…!"

They were overcome with emotion. Hiyori smiled.

They might have been arguing, but they were still the same as they had always been. They still cared for Hiyori and Momonosuke.

She wanted to talk to them more, but Izo stepped forward, understanding there were more pressing matters to discuss.

"To be honest, I suspected you two. I didn't want to, but… considering the circumstances Kawamatsu described, a spy wouldn't have been out of place."

"Kanata-dono cleared Kawamatsu, Izo, and me of any suspicion."

It was partly because of their protection of Hiyori, and partly because Kanata couldn't allow Kaido's spies to infiltrate her ranks. It was the most reliable way to prove their innocence.

Inuarashi, however, seemed unconvinced.

"But couldn't a spy simply lie? It's difficult to prove someone's innocence based solely on their words…"

"I can sense whether you're lying or not with my Observation Haki. Feiyun is also sensitive to malicious intent. If you had lied…"

They would have been forced to reveal everything.

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi shuddered at the thought. Kanata was one of the most powerful individuals in the world. Even together, they wouldn't stand a chance against her.

Relieved that they had been cleared of suspicion, they thought about another retainer who should have been here.

"Where's Denjiro? Shouldn't he be here as well?"

"…He's missing. We haven't heard anything about him in Wano. Ashura Doji is searching for him, but there's no information."

Currently, Denjiro was the most suspicious of Oden's retainers.

Kanata had instructed Ashura Doji to observe him from a distance and avoid direct contact.

Oden's retainers were all incredibly powerful. If Denjiro was the enemy, then Ashura Doji wouldn't be safe.

"I don't think Denjiro's a spy."

"Yeah, he was with Oden-sama from the start, just like Kin'emon."

"Goronyanyanya. He's a loyal man."

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi believed in Denjiro's loyalty, but it wasn't a matter to be decided based on speculation.

Whether he was an ally or enemy, they had to find him first.

They could deal with those who had traveled to the future when they returned.

"Inuarashi, Nekomamushi. Stop fighting. You need to start preparing for 20 years from now!"

"But if he hadn't said anything unnecessary back then…!"

"What did you say, Dog?! There was no need to show compassion to the enemy! You must be working for Kaido…!"

They began arguing again, and Kawamatsu and Izo exchanged worried glances.

Hiyori stepped forward.

"Stop it, both of you."

"Hiyori-sama!"

"But…!"

"Father would be sad to see you two fighting like this. So please… stop."

Hiyori was on the verge of tears, and Inuarashi and Nekomamushi immediately prostrated themselves.

"We're sorry!!!"

"Hiyori-sama! We're ashamed of ourselves!!"

They had been reprimanded by their lord's daughter.

It hadn't been long since Oden's execution. She was still grieving. They had caused her even more pain.

They couldn't argue anymore.

"Cat."

"Don't say it, Dog. I understand."

They silently agreed to a truce and promised to cooperate for Hiyori's sake.

For their young lord's daughter. They wanted her to be happy, to live a life free from the horrors of Wano.