Chapter 39 -: 39 Convincing Shinobu
King and Shinobu stood in silence as the winds of Wano brushed past them. King had laid his plan bare, and the kunoichi, though conflicted, had agreed to assist him. But as the conversation settled, King realized there was more to his relationship with Shinobu than just a shared goal.
During the couple weeks that his plan against Kaidou had taken root, King had become more involved in the day-to-day lives of the Kozuki loyalists. He had trained Tama, helped coordinate resource stockpiling and recruiting kozuki loyalists into the beast pirates as his subordinates. Eventually he had come to understand the people of Wano on a deeper level.
Shinobu had been by his side through much of it, and he had come to respect her as a warrior—her resolve, her strength, and her cunning. But there was something else that drew him to her, something that he couldn't quite place (lets stop kidding he remembers what she slooks like after she looses wight).
As King stood on the cliffside, he glanced at Shinobu, who remained deep in thought, her brow furrowed. Despite her often playful and light-hearted demeanor, there was a solemnity about her now. King saw in her the weight of the years, the loss of allies, and the burden of fighting an unwinnable war. Yet she carried herself with such fortitude, even in the face of impossible odds.
"Thank you for trusting me," King said, breaking the silence. His voice, usually gruff, softened. "I know this isn't an easy decision."
Shinobu sighed and turned to face him, her eyes meeting his. "It's not just about trust, King. This plan of yours—it's a lot to take in. I've spent my life fighting for Wano, trying to protect what little we have left. And now, you're asking me to help bring an extinct race back to life. It's... overwhelming."
King stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. He lowered his voice, careful not to come across as intimidating. "I know it's a heavy burden. But I believe in you, Shinobu. I wouldn't have come to you if I didn't think you could handle it."
Shinobu looked away, her lips forming a slight frown. "You always know the right thing to say, don't you?" She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "But you don't need to flatter me. I'm a mature and seductive woman, not some naive girl who'll fall for pretty words."
King's golden eyes sparkled with amusement. "Flattery isn't really my style. I'm just being honest."
She crossed her arms, clearly trying to remain composed, but there was a flicker of something in her expression—perhaps a hint of curiosity or intrigue.
"I've been watching you, Shinobu," King continued, his voice dropping to a lower tone. "You're a remarkable woman. Strong, intelligent, capable. You've dedicated your life to this fight, and you've never once wavered. That's something I respect more than you know."