One Piece: It's always been you

Chapter 65 The Conspiracy Hidden in the Shadows (2)

Flampe looked at Yu with disdain. Why would her brother Katakuri care about someone like her? And she even went to make desserts, getting covered in flour.

"Hey, how's your arrangement going? Is the plan working?" Only Franpe and Celluloid remained in the living room. Franpe floated in the air and asked Celluloid.

Celluloid naturally knew what she was talking about. "Of course it will work." Celluloid smiled and continued, "However... Lady Flampe is really willing to sacrifice all nations."

“I know what you’re trying to say. Whole Cake Island isn’t something those few small pirate crews can defeat. Even if it weren’t for Mom, Katakuri and his brothers couldn’t do anything about it.” Flampe crossed her arms, her face full of pride and admiration.

Celluloid doesn't care what Flampe really thinks, but it's always best if she cooperates with her.

"Hmph, if it weren't for the plan going smoothly, I should be in Whole Cake Island with Katakuri right now, instead of sharing a room with her!" Flampe said angrily, as Katakuri spends almost every day on Whole Cake Island these days.

The five of them were in the same room, doing their own things, completely unaware that Katakuri would be back tonight.

"Click" is the sound of a door opening and closing.

"Katakuri-nii?!" Pudding took out the freshly made dessert and saw Katakuri just entering the room. She exclaimed in surprise, "Yu-neechan! Katakuri-nii is back!"

When Pudding called out, Yu and Brûlée in the kitchen heard it, and the two who were in the living room also spotted Katakuri.

Just as Yu peeked out of the kitchen, saw who it was, and was about to rush over, Flampe had already stopped in front of Katakuri, calling out to her brother in a sweet voice.

"Hmm." Katakuri responded to Flampe, but his gaze traveled across the living room and met Yu's eyes directly.

Seeing that he was alright, You grinned broadly, pointed to the donuts on the table, and silently opened her mouth.

Katakuri understood perfectly well that she was asking him if he was hungry. He couldn't see the upturned corners of her mouth under her scarf, but the smile in her eyes was unmistakable.

Yu and Pudding played around for a while before returning to their room to rest. Yu wanted to go find Katakuri, but then she thought that Flampe must be there too, so she gave up the idea.

As soon as the door opened, a picture of Katakuri emerging from a bath came into view. Katakuri was completely naked except for a towel around his waist.

Yu blushed immediately, covered her eyes with her hands, and turned her back to him. "You...why aren't you dressed! And what are you doing in my room!"

Katakuri was also full of doubt, wondering why Yu was in his room. "This... is my room."

"How could that be? How could I have gone to the wrong room? I've always slept in this room!"

Wait a minute! Something seems off.

Because of Flampe's constant troublemaking, and wanting some peace and quiet, she moved into Katakuri's room. Flampe respected Katakuri and wouldn't come here, but Katakuri came back today. She didn't realize what was happening for a moment. Oh no, what if he misunderstood something?!

"I didn't know that this room was yours while I was away."

Katakuri's tone was laced with a wicked grin as he approached Yu step by step.

"I...I..." Yu wanted to explain something, but was too embarrassed to say it. "It's not what you think!"

"That? How do you know what I'm thinking?"

Yu felt the warmth from Katakuri behind her, and the fragrance of his freshly showered body.

"I...I'll go back to my room now, and...I won't bother you anymore!"

Yu hurriedly reached out and opened the door, but as soon as it was opened a crack, Katakuri's hand immediately closed the door behind him.

Katakuri breathed warmly on Yu's shoulder and neck, "Since you're already here, don't leave."

"I...no...there was a reason I've been in your room these past few days."

Yu was about to explain something, but Katakuri didn't give her a chance. He picked her up and carried her to the bedside.

"Katakuri...please don't...I'm scared..." Yu thought Katakuri wanted to do something to her. Although she wasn't against it, it seemed a bit too hasty.

"..." Katakuri didn't speak. He sat on the bed, straightened Yu's posture, and rested his head on Yu's shoulder.

Yu thought Katakuri was about to... and became a little anxious, "Katakuri... don't be like this..."

......

The warmth on his shoulder didn't move, remaining fixed in that spot, and Katakuri didn't move either. The room was quiet; only the even breathing of the two of them and the rhythmic beating of their hearts could be heard.

"Kaka...Kaka2?" Yu called out tentatively.

Hearing the sound, Katakuri seemed a little impatient and nuzzled against Yu's neck and shoulder. "I'm here..."

“...Okay…” Sensing the weariness in his voice, Yu wrapped her arms around Katakuri and patted his back lightly.

"...Take good care of yourself during this time..."

Protecting yourself is not only about preventing attacks from other pirate crews, but also about protecting Flampe and Celluloid inside the house.

"Okay, you should get some rest."

"Ah."

He had long wanted to get some rest, and today, as soon as he had a moment of free time, he rushed back to Xiaomai Island. Even though it was only for this brief moment together at night, it was enough. Seeing that she was alright, unharmed and untreated, was enough for him.

Yu turned her head and kissed Katakuri, resting her head against his and wrapping her arms tightly around him. "I'm here with you."

Katakuri was captivated by such a simple gesture. He simply wanted to hold her, not expecting anything in return. She was still his Yu, knowing how to make herself happy and fulfilled.

"what!"

As Yu leaned against the bed, the two of them suddenly collapsed onto it together.

"...Karry, if you want to..." it's not impossible.

"What are you thinking about? Listen to me, go to sleep." Katakuri gently rubbed Yu's head and fell into a deep sleep.

Okay, Yu was overthinking it. But isn't he supposed to be the man whose back never touches the ground? Why is he lying down so obediently today? Anyway, no one saw him, so he's still the perfect man.

They slept peacefully through the night, nothing happened in the room, they simply cuddled and slept.

The next morning, the bed was empty, and the mattress had long since lost its warmth.

Yes, the entire Kingdom has been on high alert during this time. Even though it's only a short absence, there will definitely be a lot to do upon returning. However, the arrival of these pirate crews is too suspicious; one wave after another, it's as if they came in a pre-arranged plan.

Fortunately, they were all dealt with, and the people who were caught couldn't be questioned, so it was impossible to find out if they had come with a plan.

Katakuri's arrival last night felt like a dream, but upon waking, Yu was back to facing Flampe. However, Flampe had been unusually well-behaved these past few days, making Yu wary. Before, when she would cause minor disturbances, Yu felt at ease.

This lack of trouble-making is perhaps the calm before the storm.

Just as You predicted.

"Lord Yu! Something terrible has happened!" A foot soldier rushed over and told Yu Island that something had happened. "A pirate crew is coming in this direction. There aren't many ships, but they're enough to deal with them."

Wheat Island has remained uninvaded, with most of the chess pieces having gone to the front lines. Currently, the island is short-staffed, and there are still many residents from various nations temporarily residing on the former battlefield.

Yu's premonition came true.

Looking at Franpe and Celluloid, they were both calm and composed, as if they had expected this to happen.

hateful!