Fated threads of Destiny (katakuri x reader) One piece fanfiction

"Does everyone in your family live here?"
she asked, breaking the silence.

Katakuri's eyes shifted to her briefly before returning to the path ahead. "Most of us. Mama likes to keep her children close."

The mention of Big Mom sent chills down her spine. Y/N couldn't forget the intensity of the woman's gaze when they'd first met. "It must be...overwhelming."

Katakuri didn't respond immediately. "You'll get used to it," he said simply.

The central wing was bustling with activity. The sound of laughter and muffled conversations filtered through the grand corridors. Y/N's steps faltered slightly as she took it all in—the grandeur, the noise, the pressure of walking among some of the most powerful figures she'd ever encountered.

Katakuri glanced at her briefly. "Keep walking," he said softly, his deep voice carrying a reassuring undertone.

As they continued, the distant sound of laughter grew louder, signaling the presence of the family. Y/N's unease grew, but she steeled herself. If she was going to survive here, she had to face them sooner or later.

The moment they entered the central wing, a loud, boisterous voice called out.

"Well, look who's back! And he brought the lucky bride!"

Y/N turned to see a man with wild lavender hair, his armor clinking as he strode forward with a cracker-shaped sword slung casually over his shoulder.

"Cracker," Katakuri said, his tone firm.

Cracker's sharp eyes locked on Y/N, and a wide grin spread across his face. "So this is her, huh? The one Mama picked for you? Thought she'd be taller."

Y/N narrowed her eyes but kept her composure. "Sorry to disappoint," she said, her voice cool and steady.

Cracker laughed, loud and unrestrained. "I like her. Got some fire in her, eh?"

"Enough," Katakuri said, stepping slightly in front of her.

Before Cracker could retort, a new figure approached- a tall, gaunt woman with a patchwork dress and a long nose.

"Brûlée," Katakuri acknowledged with a nod.

"So this is her, huh?" Brûlée said, her sharp gaze never leaving Y/N. "The girl Mama arranged for you to marry?"

Y/N's chest tightened at the bluntness of the statement.

"She's under my protection," Katakuri said firmly.

Brûlée smirked, crossing her arms. "Mama's orders are absolute, but you'll still have to prove yourself, little one. Life here isn't a fairytale. Especially not as Katakuri's bride."

"I didn't ask for a fairy tale," Y/N replied, her voice steady. "I just want to know what's expected of me."

Brûlée tilted her head, clearly amused. "You'll learn soon enough. Mama has a way of making sure of that."

Before Katakuri could speak, a third figure joined them. His blond hair glinted under the dim lighting, and his polished appearance contrasted sharply with Cracker's wilderness and Brûlées sharp edges. Daifuku, with his well-tailored coat and a confident smirk, stopped beside Cracker, his gaze sweeping over Y/N.

"Well, well," Daifuku said, his tone smooth. "Mama certainly has an eye for beauty. You're a rare gem, aren't you?"

Y/N blinked, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. "Uh...thank you?"

Daifuku stepped closer, his eyes lingering on her face. "A strong willed woman like you...perhaps you'll be just the match Katakuri needs." His smirk deepened.

"But if he ever lets his guard down, you're welcome to seek better company."

The air shifted, and Y/N felt the tension before she even looked at Katakuri. His crimson eyes narrowed, and he took a deliberate step forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over Daifuku.

"That's enough, Daifuku," Katakuri said, his voice calm but laced with warning.

Daifuku chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, brother. Just making conversation." He turned his attention back to Y/N, giving her a wink.
"Welcome to the family, my dear. I'll be seeing you around."

Brûlée rolled her eyes. "Daifuku, stop being a fool."

Cracker, meanwhile, grinned wickedly. "Looks like things might get interesting around here."

"Enough," Katakuri said for the final time, his tone cold and authoritative. The room fell silent, and even Daifuku's smirk faded slightly under his brother's piercing gaze.

~~~

Without another word, Katakuri resumed walking, motioning for Y/N to follow, She hurried after him, casting one last glance at Cracker who says "Good luck bride to be, you'll need it!" before they disappeared around a corner.

"They don't seem very welcoming" Y/N muttered, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"They're protective," Katakuri said. "This family is built on loyalty and strength. They'll test you to see if you can handle it."

"And if I can't?"

Katakuri's expression didn't change.
"You will," He said with a quiet certainty.

As the moved deeper into the castle, The decor shifted subtly. The opulent colors of the central wing gave way to darker tones. The lighting dimmed, and the air grew quieter, almost serene.

It was just as elegant as the rest of the castle, though Y/N noticed that the overwhelming sweetness in the air was less pronounced, replaced by a faint, calming scent of spice.

Finally, they reached a pair of intricately carved double doors. Katakuri pushed them open, revealing a luxurious room bathed in warm light. The bed was draped in silk, and the large windows overlooked the endless sea. Despite its grandiosity, the room had a comforting air, as though someone had taken great care in preparing it.

"This is your room," Katakuri said, stepping aside "It's in my wing, so you'll have fewer interruptions"

Y/N walked in, her fingers trailing over the soft fabric of the bedding. "It's beautiful," she said softly.

"You'll be safe here," Katakuri added, his voice low.

"Thank you...for everything," she said, her eyes meeting his.

Katakuri paused, his expression unreadable. "Rest. Someone will bring food soon."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving
Y/N alone in the vast room. She sat on the edge of her bed, her mind racing. It wasn't just an arranged marriage, the stakes were high, and she needed to do anything to survive.