Whispers of Nemesis

Hello everyone! I can't believe we're already this far into 2023. A lot's been happening in the world of One Piece, and I'm over the moon excited! I've mentioned that there are some other projects in the mix and soon you'll be able to follow me up on them.

Remember to check out my tumblr for any new updates or if you're interested in commissions.

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

The weight of the news settled heavily on Izuku's shoulders as the words reverberated in his mind.

"Overhaul's daughter has been kidnapped."

It was a startling revelation, one that sent ripples of unease through his already fragile resolve.

Having recently faced the yakuza leader, Izuku had been hesitant to return to Nighteye's agency. The stern rebuke from his mentor, Mirai Sasasaki, also known as Sir Nighteye, still echoed in his ears. The admonition to temper his emotions and act with caution had struck a nerve. It was a reminder that he didn't possess the freedom to act impulsively, to save anyone he pleased. To behave as if he was the Symbol of Peace. The reminder had stung deeply, exacerbating the doubts that had lingered within him since he first met Nighteye. The former sidekick of All Might had never believed Izuku to be worthy of the great power of One For All, and Izuku had been determined to prove him wrong.

Now, as he stood in the agency's headquarters, Izuku wrestled with his swirling emotions, struggling to suppress the rising tide of anxiety. The news of the kidnapping only added fuel to the turmoil within him, creating a hollow pit in his stomach that threatened to consume him. He fought back a surge of bile, trying to steady himself.

"What... what do you mean, his daughter was kidnapped, sir?" Izuku managed to stammer, his voice betraying his inner turmoil.

Sir Nighteye adjusted his glasses, his expression as stoic as ever. He proceeded to explain what the agency had gathered from their surveillance of the Hassakai. "According to our sources, Overhaul's daughter has gone missing. Reports indicate that she was taken by an underground fighter known as Nemesis."

Mirio's eyes narrowed, his concern etching lines on his face. "Who is Nemesis?"

Nighteye's subordinate, Bubblegirl, interjected, shedding light on the enigmatic figure. "Nemesis is a relatively new presence in the underground fight clubs, but we know that he has a reputation for never losing a fight. Other than that there is very little information about him. He keeps his identity concealed, we don't even know what his face looks like."

A heavy lump formed in Izuku's throat as he absorbed the details. Eri, Overhaul's daughter, was out there, alone and vulnerable, in the clutches of a mysterious stranger. Fear gripped his heart, making it difficult to breathe.

"But why would Nemesis take her?" Mirio questioned, his voice laced with genuine concern.

Nighteye's tone held a hint of uncertainty as he responded, "We're still not entirely certain. It's possible that Overhaul intended to recruit Nemesis, but something went wrong. Our agents speculate that Nemesis took the child as a result. Overhaul has been redirecting his members to search the underground fight clubs, to locate him."

Bubblegirl chimed in, providing further insight. "There's even a bounty on Nemesis's head, but no sightings have been reported since. He has effectively vanished from public view."

Izuku's mind raced, connecting the dots in his desperate attempt to make sense of the situation. Considering Kai's affiliation with the yakuza, it made sense that he wouldn't turn to the police and file a report. After all, he had yet to face any convictions that could jeopardize his criminal activities. Unless there was a risk of drawing unwanted attention and triggering an investigation. Doubts crept into Izuku's thoughts. Could Kai be up to something more sinister?

Amid his emotions, Izuku prayed for the safety of the young girl, Eri. The weight of the situation threatened to overwhelm him, adding another layer of burden to his already heavy heart. He hoped against hope that Eri was unharmed, that they would find a way to rescue her from the clutches of Nemesis. But deep down, Izuku knew that this turn of events would not bode well for his own fragile state of mind.

..

..

..

"What is this?" Eri's finger traced the strange stitched image on her new sweater, a unicorn, as she looked up at Sakura with wide eyes. The concept of something mythical seemed to ignite a spark of wonder within her.

"That's a unicorn," Sakura gently explained

Curiosity flickered in Eri's eyes as she pointed to the lettering on her clothes. Sakura guided her small finger along the words, reading aloud, "Feel the magic." Eri was at an age where she should have been learning to read and write, but her upbringing had been anything but normal and didn't allow for such liberties.

Observing Eri's growing interest, Sakura watched as the young girl moved on to explore the contents of the shopping bags. Sakura's clone had returned from the city with a new wardrobe for Eri, and Sakura hoped that these simple items would bring her some joy. Eri seemed to be slowly inching closer to Sakura, and she wanted to keep fostering that connection between them.

Presenting all the shopping bags to Eri, Sakura was taken aback by the awe in the young girl's eyes. Eri couldn't believe that all these clothes were meant for her. It was just a modest collection of essentials, but Sakura wanted to ensure that Eri didn't feel deprived of anything. She couldn't overwhelm her, though, as Eri was still adjusting to this new life outside.

"We can get you more clothing another time if you like,"

Eri's eyes widened, and her voice trembled with excitement, "M-more?"

Sakura smiled softly, realizing that Eri hadn't experienced the simple pleasure of having choices before. The thought of taking Eri shopping so she could pick out her own clothes crossed her mind, but she knew it would be a delicate process. Eri was still skittish, unaccustomed to being around other people. Sakura relied on her knowledge of childhood trauma to approach Eri in a way that would promote healing, understanding that the path to recovery could be long and uncertain.

As Sakura looked into Eri's eyes, she couldn't help but wonder about the horrors the young girl had endured. The weight of that knowledge was heavy on her, but seeing the glimmer of joy in Eri's eyes was a small victory.

Sakura gently asked, "Do you like them?"

Eri nodded shyly, clutching a shirt in her hands. Sakura decided to take a chance and test the waters of trust. "We can go shopping together," she offered, hoping to expand Eri's horizons beyond just clothing.

Confusion clouded Eri's face. Sakura positioned herself on the floor, face-to-face with the young girl. "And I think you could use some toys," she suggested.

Eri had toys before, but they had become relics of a past she no longer wished to engage with. Her room had once been filled with colorful decorations and toys to keep her entertained, but Eri always retreated to her bed, seeking solace in her own isolation. It was not possible to enjoy the simplicities of a regular child after what Kai put her through.

The prospect of going out again, back to the city, triggered a wave of fear within her. Her lips trembled, and terror glazed her eyes.

Sakura's hand gently patted Eri's head, offering comfort and reassurance. "It's alright, Eri," she whispered, grasping the girl's small hands firmly. "I will never allow them to take you away. I will protect you, no matter what."

Through her trembling voice, Eri managed to voice her fears. "B-But he, he will come for me..."

Sakura held Eri close, cradling her in her lap. She soothed the young girl's hair, rocking her gently. "Your father won't find you here, Eri," Sakura whispered, determined to be the unwavering shield against any harm that might come their way.

Eri's voice quivered as she corrected Sakura, her words barely audible. "Not... my father..."

Startled by this revelation, Sakura realized that Kai might not be Eri's father. His claim had likely been a ploy to deceive Izuku and the other hero, a way to avoid suspicion when a child cried for their parent. The truth was slowly emerging.

Sakura paused, contemplating her next words carefully. "Eri, when you feel ready, someday, will you tell me about what happened to you?"

Eri curled into Sakura, seeking comfort in her embrace. That day, they spent the remainder of their time together, finding solace in each other's presence, silently acknowledging that healing would take time, patience, and trust.

..

..

..

"What the hell were you thinking getting involved in this crap?" Giran asked, watching Nemesis on the other side of the table.

"I don't see how that warrants a call from you. I hate coming to this dingy bar,"

"Well, it's not like you can just go strolling around now after Overhaul put a bounty on your head."

Giran took a puff of his cigar and turned his head to the side to blow as Nemesis warned him not to throw any smoke in her direction.

Sakura was uncomfortably surprised at Giran's call to her. He wanted to meet in person, so she sent a clone to the city to meet at their regular place. That's when he told her the latest underground gossip, with her being the main subject.

The yakuza were looking for her, claiming that Sakura stole a child belonging to their leader. Didn't take much to put the pieces together. Why this had escalated to such a degree was what interested Sakura.

"I didn't know that the yakuza were able to make enough bank to put out a bounty," Something that Sakura greatly disliked was going into a situation unprepared when she had the opportunity to remedy the issue, so she looked up a bit on the Shie Hassaikai and learned more about the yakuza. They were once thriving criminal organizations that died out with the appearance of quirks.

"Well, you see Shie Hssaikai have been getting active lately, and their pockets seem to be a bit more filling,"

Sakura leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. "How much is Overhaul offering?"

"Not exactly a cash-out," Giran contemplated if he should continue the conversation with his customer. When Nemesis tossed a folded wad of cash in his direction with no discretion, not that they needed it when the bar was empty. He pocketed the money and continued.

"From what I know, Overhaul has been manufacturing and handling some drugs. I don't know the extent of things but Shie Hassaikai isn't as inactive as the public believes."

"So he is offering drugs in return for my capture?"

"For his daughter's return,"

Sakura still didn't understand it. Why was he so determined to get Eri back when all he did was hurt her? Those scars on her body were not self-inflicted from a child's playful nature. Eri didn't even seem that have that full spirit in her despite her age. If he wasn't hurting her from frustration, was it just because he wanted to? Something just felt amiss.

"Tell me more about this drug,"

..

..

..

In the depths of the secluded forest, Sakura pondered the predicament she found herself in. Living in such an isolated place meant that she had to come up with ways to keep Eri occupied, to ensure the young girl's recovery. It was a responsibility Sakura willingly shouldered, driven by her deepening bond with Eri.

Inside the steaming bathroom, Sakura and Eri found solace in the renovated space. It was a room where Sakura had poured her heart into, dedicating herself to its transformation. Every nook and cranny had been carefully sealed, preventing any chilling drafts from seeping in. She had diligently cleared away all remnants of the room's past neglect, erasing the grime and discarding broken fixtures. Though she wasn't well-versed in plumbing, Sakura had managed to tackle the cleaning and minor repairs, determined to create a haven for herself and Eri.

Water still flowed through the pipes, but the lack of a functioning water heater meant that Sakura had to resort to manual labor to provide warmth. Boiling water became a ritual for her, adding it meticulously to the tub to create a comforting temperature. It was a small inconvenience, one Sakura willingly endured to ensure Eri's comfort.

In the bathroom, Eri sat quietly in the tub, a picture of serene innocence. For a six-year-old, her demeanor was remarkably docile, allowing Sakura to wash her hair without protest. Sakura's careful hands moved tenderly, mindful of the small horn that protruded from Eri's forehead. It was an enigma, a physical embodiment of a quirk yet unknown to Sakura. She hadn't dwelled on the subject before, but the circumstances had brought forth questions and observations.

As Sakura approached the horn, her fingers hesitated in mid-air, sensing Eri's involuntary flinch. It was a minute reaction, easily missed by an inattentive observer. But Sakura, attuned to the smallest details of Eri's behavior, couldn't help but notice. A flicker of concern passed through her eyes as she contemplated the significance of Eri's response.

But then Eri's eyes lingered on the scar marring Sakura's chest, and it reminded her that some things might be better left untouched for time. It was the first time Eri was seeing the scar, but she hadn't said anything about it. Perhaps just being stunned to find that she and Sakura might have shared an experience of being hurt by others.

"It doesn't hurt," Sakura answered Eri's silent question. She could see the girl jostle from the answer, and she still had curiosity in her expression but repressed asking Sakura about it.

Sakura spoke softly, as she massaged Eri's head, brushing through her white hair, "Sometimes people will hurt you so bad it leaves scars. That doesn't mean they will hurt forever,"

..

..

..

Before bed that night, Sakura came up to Eri with a warm mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows. "Try this Eri,"

Eri looked at the drink for a moment blowing away the steam as instructed before taking a sip, her heart skipping a beat as Sakura watched the child's eyes widen with delight. Eri had never tasted sweets or experienced the vibrant burst of flavors found in fruits until recently. Kai by no means starved her, but finding an appetite in that environment was like trying to find the taste of sugar in salt.

"Is it good?"

Eri nodded, her top lip covered in chocolate even though she tried to keep from dirtying herself or the table. Kai also did not like dirt or a mess, and Eri had a fear instilled in her from watching his reactions that weren't even directed at her but at his subordinates.

"What is it?"

"It's called hot chocolate,"

"It's so sweet…."

Sakura felt a little disheartened that Eri still didn't smile. For the past few days, she had been attempting to bring a little more light to the girl. They went outside almost every day, exploring the forests, trying different activities, and playing games together. Eri took a great interest in the animals around her and enjoyed watching them. During that time, Sakura always paid close attention to her behavior, watching for improvements.

She was such a calm child too and Sakura didn't have to fight her on anything, whether it was sitting down for meals, bathing, and getting ready for bed. Eri had not once kicked up a fuss over anything. Sakura wanted Eri to tell her of a desire or whim, she wanted fulfilled. No person could exist without a little bit of greed and self-value. And it was crushing for Sakura to realize just how little care Eri had for herself.

At least there was enough for her to gather the courage to escape, despite what the consequences may have been. That was a start. Now Sakura just had to show her that there was more for her out here.

"Finish?" Eri nodded, giving back the now empty mug, as Sakura chuckled wiping away a little mustache of chocolate on her mouth. "Good girl. So how about a story?"

Sakura did not want Eri to endure silence trying to fall asleep, there were constant dangers of triggers for Eri. But that's why it was better to draw her attention as much as possible, as a means to keep her out of her head and that space Overhaul damaged.

Her clone thought to get a book of short stories to read to her. And Eri enjoyed following along, when Sakura read she would run her fingers across the pages sometimes if it didn't obscure the pictures.

"Sakura's not tired?" Eri was always so considerate, even though she wanted to listen to the stories and she wished that she could read herself.

"Not at all,"

The progress made this far was that Eri could handle Sakura's presence in proximity. "I will always be here for you, Eri," Sakura promised, her voice laced with determination.

'I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe and to bring a smile back to your face,' Her thought was heavy in her mind, but she held it strong.

"Here's a classic in teaching that girls will always be more mature than boys. Peter Pan,"

Before Sakura read a story to Eri, she would go through it first to make sure that it would be appropriate. Despite being children's stories, Sakura didn't want to frighten Eri with the idea of witches that live in candy houses in the woods, cannibalism, and burning people alive in an oven, as she learned from the story Hansel and Gretel. She had to stop halfway through when she flipped across the pages and had to quickly change books.

Eri very much enjoyed that night's story of Peter Pan. A group of siblings meets a fairy, and a boy who never grows up, who takes them away to a magical world. The children make new friends and go on adventures with fairies, mermaids, and pirates. Sakura did her best to project and make the experience as exciting as she could for Eri.

It was one of the times Eri was more comfortable showing off her curiosity, and would typically ask many questions after the stories. The fables and fairy tales talked about creatures that didn't even exist but Eri loved hearing about them and the magic they would perform. She liked listening to the adventures that the characters in the book experienced.

She especially liked when the stories ended in happily ever after. Because to Eri, it sounded like a promise that after the story, everything from then would be well. Eri wanted her own happily ever after too. But she felt like she was still in the middle of her story. Even though Sakura saved her and took her away from it. She felt as if she hadn't escaped yet.

"And they all lived happily ever after,"

Eri was confused by tonight's story though. Because after the children defeated the pirates, and freed their friends, they went back home instead of staying on the island where they had all their fun and adventures.

"How come they went back?"

"Well, because their parents would've been heartbroken if they found out their children were missing," Sakura said.

"But they had so much fun in Neverland," It made no sense to Eri because they were free there. And when the story started, one of the characters had a fight with their parents about growing up. "And they wouldn't have to grow up,"

Sakura chuckled, "Yes, but sometimes you can't just run away from something because you don't like it. Wendy realized that she couldn't avoid growing up, and she loved her parents so much she didn't want to abandon them just because they argued. That's not how family works,"

"It's not?"

"Also those kids didn't belong there, in Neverland. Their home was with their parents,"

Eri wondered, "Does that mean, my home is back there?"

'Back there' Sakura knew Eri was referring to the home base of Shie Hassaikai. "No Eri. A home is a place where you belong, where you feel safe and there are people who love you. That's a home, and that's where you belong,"

"But I don't have a place like that…."

Sakura hugged Eri, rubbing her back. The girl might have said it with a more composed tone and expression, but there was a yearning look on her face.

"You will Eri, one day you'll find your way home,"

That's all folks!

Remember to check out my tumblr if you want to see the schedule for future chapters or if you're interested in joining the membership, or writing commissions the links are available there.

I am also going to start posting some voice over specials that will be on my tumblr.

HERE'S THE LINEUP

MEMBERS NOW:

-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 48, 49, 50

-Kunoichi amognst Heroes movie part 1

-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter 16, 17, 18

-Through the Looking Glass chapter 15, 16

-Through the Spyglass chapter 1, 2, 3

-Crossroads of Fate chapter 12, 13

Public post 15 August

-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 48

-Through the Looking Glass chapter 15