Chapter 1: A New Beginning
[Year 1463 - Wano Country, Shogun Castle]
In one of the ornate rooms of the Shogun's castle, a baby opened his eyes for the first time. His curious gaze met that of an old woman standing beside him. The woman, her face lined with years of wisdom and experience, looked at him with equal curiosity. Without warning, she spanked the baby gently, eliciting a cry from him.
[POV - Baby]
'What is going on here? Who is this old woman? And where am I? Why did she hit me?'
"Waa waa waa..."
'Why am I crying like a baby?'
The baby tried to look around, but found he couldn't move his body.
[POV - Baby End]
The room itself was a testament to the grandeur of the Shogun's palace. Intricately carved wooden beams supported the ceiling, and the walls were adorned with traditional Wano artwork depicting scenes of nature and legendary samurai. Tatami mats covered the floor, and a delicate paper screen separated the birthing area from the rest of the room. A soft, warm light filtered through the shoji doors, casting a serene glow over everything.
The old woman, her expression now one of relief, handed the baby to a beautiful woman with long white hair and striking red eyes. She smiled down at the baby, her face glowing with relief and joy.
Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and a man entered. His face lit up with happiness as he saw the woman and the baby. He approached them with a broad smile.
"I am happy that you are safe and delivered our baby safely, Mika," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
[Mika image]
The woman, Mika, looked up at him and replied, "Me too, hubby. What name have you chosen for our baby?"
The man smiled warmly and said, "His name will be Takeo. It means 'brave man.' Takeo Kozuki."
[POV - Baby (Takeo)]
'Whaaaaat?'
The man came over to Takeo, looking at his tiny face. In that moment, Takeo seemed to understand everything.
'I have been reborn as the son of Kozuki Sukiyaki, and this woman is my mother. But am I older than Oden or younger than him?'
Takeo's eyes widened as he recognized Kozuki Sukiyaki from his memories of the One Piece world.
'This is insane! Sukiyaki, the shogun of Wano, the man whose lineage will lead to the legendary Kozuki Oden. What does this mean for me? Am I destined to be a part of this incredible history?'
[Kozuki Sukiyaki image]
Kozuki Sukiyaki had black hair which split into three tufts that pointed upward at the front, while the back was fashioned in a topknot. He had a small beard growing out of his chin which split into three prongs and a long, thin mustache which pointed upward on each side. He had thick eyebrows, prominent eyelashes, and a light red nose. He wore a light-colored kimono and a dark-colored robe which both had various flower patterns on them.
As Takeo pondered his new existence, Kozuki Sukiyaki held him gently, his eyes filled with pride and love. Sukiyaki looked at Mika, his expression softening as he spoke. "Our son will grow to be a great man, Mika. I can feel it."
Mika smiled, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness. "I know he will. He has the heart of a warrior."
Sukiyaki nodded, his gaze returning to Takeo. "Welcome to the world, Takeo Kozuki. May your journey be as grand and adventurous as the legends of old."
[POV - Baby (Takeo)]
'I have to make the most of this opportunity. This world is filled with danger and adventure. I have to grow strong, learn everything I can, and be ready for whatever comes my way. The One Piece world is no joke, and if I'm going to survive and thrive, I need to start preparing now, even if I'm just a baby.'
As the baby drifted off to sleep in his father's arms, the room fell into a peaceful silence. Little did they know, this moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Takeo Kozuki, one that would be filled with adventure, danger, and the pursuit of greatness.