Maison Izumo was very different from all the other buildings Katakuri had seen. Where those buildings had been towering structures of stone and steel and glass, this place was small and humble; made of wood, with a warm traditional sensibility to it. Surrounded by rustic stone walls, the inside compound held lush green grass, numerous trees and a stony koi pond. The wood of the steps and walkways on the exterior seemed well kept. Looking up the walls, he felt his power of observation brush against three presences inside. Two of the presences were similar intensity to Homura, but the third was much more intense. Katakuri was stopped just before crossing the threshold.

"I'm sorry to trouble you with this, but the landlady prefers for shoes to be removed before entering the inn." Said Homura, sitting down and removing his own boots

Katakuri nodded in acknowledgement of the request. Setting the bag and weapons down, he removed his boots before seeing to Yashima. When he looked up again, she was standing there. A woman with long lavender hair, a white traditional robe with ankle length pleated skirt.

"My my, you must have made quite the impression on Kagari for him to have brought you here," said the woman. At Katakuri's raised eyebrow she added "Ah, I suppose if he was on duty, you would know him as Homura."

Katakuri nodded curtly.

"Is there somewhere my… friend can rest in peace?" He asked plainly

"Miya, she can rest in my room. I don't mind." Put in Homura, his mask now pulled down to hang loosely around around his neck

The newly named Miya waved him off.

"There's no reason to put you out. Room 202 is still vacant since Kazehana left. They are welcome to use that room." A dark aura began to radiate off her, despite her maiden like smile. "I'm sure that our guests would be decent enough not to engage in illicit activities under the roof of a welcoming host."

Katakuri observed this with interest. Her aura did not carry the weight of Conqueror's Haki, but had its own menacing subtlety that alluded to threats of harm and the lethal skill to carry it out. He didn't need his Observation Haki to identify this woman as the greatest threat on the premises.

"You don't have to worry about illicit activities when Yashima isn't even awake to consent to them." He deadpanned

Miya raised an eyebrow at his choice of words.

"Also, your intimidation is quite unnecessary. This is your home, after all." he added, causing Homura to gape at him

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you mean. What about a lonely young widow such as myself could possibly be called intimidating." She replied in a bashful tone, though her face remained serene

Behind his scarf, Katakuri smirked. Homura chose now as a good time to interject.

"Uh Miya, perhaps we should move this inside. I need to get changed, and we have lots to talk about. He hasn't received the message from Minaka, and his Sekirei passed out after being winged."

Miya nodded, gesturing for them to follow her inside. Homura showed him to the room upstairs. Like the rest of the inn, it had sliding wooden doors, mats on the floor; very utilitarian in nature. He set down the bag and weapons, so that he could exercise the utmost care in laying Yashima down gently.

Her face looked so peaceful as she slept. She had seemed so scared when he found her in that alley. There was still much he didn't understand this feeling; this bond that had formed between them. He had felt it the moment their eyes met. He would fight for her; protect her. Even if he had to keep getting stronger, he would make sure that nothing would separate them.

'I wonder, is this the bond you have with your crew, Luffy? That drive to overcome any obstacle…'

Katakuri's thoughts were interrupted by the presence of Homura standing in the doorway, having changed into a white button up shirt and plain black pants.

"The futon is in the closet." He advised

Once the bedding had been removed from the closet and Yashima was tucked in, Katakuri followed Homura downstairs to sit at the table. He locked eyes with Homura, then Miya.

"Now, I would like to know what exactly a Sekirei is, and how it relates to this game you mentioned." Katakuri spoke clearly, with little patience in his voice. He wanted answers.

Homura cleared his throat, and began to explain. Katakuri paid close attention as he was told about MBI, the crashed spaceship, and the game that was unfolding across the city. They seemed to accept his lack of knowledge easily enough, with him not being from around here.

"So this Minaka intends for all you Sekirei to fight to the death for the sake of your Ashikabi." he drawled

The sheer scale and machinations of the situation made him want to punch something. He preferred the kind of problems he could crush beneath an Armament coated fist. This would require planning, time, and luck.

"Thank you for telling me. Once Yashima wakes up, we will decide our next move." he said

Homura frowned, deep in thought for a moment. He exchanged a look with Miya for a moment.

"Do you have anywhere to stay on a more permanent basis?" Asked Homura

A moment of contemplation passed between them. Katakuri considered the question seriously.

"As it happens, this place is a boarding house. It was the policy of my late husband to never turn away someone in need." said Miya

Katakuri considered this for a moment, then nodded his appreciation. Then he paused as something occurred to him.

"Landlady, aside from this MBI, is there a significant Marine presence on this island?" He had suspicion, considering how the average (human, at least) strength he had encountered thus far seemed low for North Blue, let alone the New World. The confusion on their faces seemed to confirm his theory. "Do you happen to have a world map?" He inquired

Miya nodded, and retrieved a folded up paper from the desk in the corner. Katakuri likewise retrieved a rolled up paper from his bag. Laying the two world maps on the table next to each other, they could not be more different.

"If this really is another world, it may work to our advantage. I wouldn't want to repay your hospitality by bringing enemies of my family down on you." Katakuri thought of the other Yonko, as well as all the rookies looking to make a name for themselves.

"My my, you say that as though you are part of a crime family." Miya seemed to enjoy performing as an over exaggerated delicate maiden.

Katakuri said nothing. Instead, he simply unfolded his wanted poster from the inside pocket of his vest and laid it down in the middle of the world maps. Miya let go of her playful maiden mask. Homura was unable to hide his shocked reaction.

"What exactly are you wanted for, might I ask?" There was something of an edge to Miya's voice

"Defiance of the world government." Katakuri stated simply. "That's the official crime that's used when sentencing pirates."

"Well, so long as you follow the rules of the house, I don't believe we will have any issues." Said Miya

Katakuri nodded, and Miya bid them goodnight before retiring for the evening. Katakuri got to his feet, wanting to check on Yashima.

"I work evenings, so I'll be around tomorrow if you need any help finding your way around the city tomorrow." Homura offered, getting to his feet

Katakuri nodded his appreciation, before turning away. Crossing the threshold into the room, he found Yashima in bed. Her sleep seemed to have become fitful. She was tossing and turning, occasionally a noise or nonsensical word would escape her lips. He knelt beside the futon and rested a hand on her shoulder. One moment passed. Then another, as her fits slowly dissipated. A smile came unbidden to his face as he watched her find calm sleep.

He sat down next to the bed, as he had done for so long. Some habits were hard to break, after all. But when his hand drifted from Yashima's shoulder, a hand grasped his wrist. Her grip was firm, but her eyes remained closed and breathing even. She had not awoken. His hands on hers loosened her grip. He took her hand in his, and that was how he fell asleep. Sitting upright next to the bed, his fingers intertwined with hers.

Yashima awoke the next morning to warm bedding. Her eyes drifted open to gaze at an unfamiliar ceiling. She started to stir, but a grip held her hand. Her gaze found the hand in question, which led her to look upon the face of the man sitting at her bedside. He looked so peaceful. She might not have believed that anyone could sleep sitting up like that, if not for the tranquil energy that radiated from him across the bond they shared.

'I don't even know his name yet.' she realized with a start, but his calming energy was having an intoxicating effect on her.

She had slept enough already, but there was no rush to get moving. No need to wake her beloved Ashikabi prematurely. So she hugged the hand holding hers close to her chest, rested head and shoulders in his lap, and closed her eyes. All was right in the world.

Time blurred away as they remained in that moment forever. Her heart harmonized with the pace of her Ashikabi's breathing. She could hear the chirping of birds out on the garden. The warmth of the morning Sun licked against her skin, crawling up her legs not by bit as the sun continued to rise. When she opened her eyes next, she looked up at his face, only to find his magenta eyes already open and looking directly at her. A squeak escaped her lips and a blush found her cheeks as she began to squirm nervously.

"G-good morning, A-ashikabi-sama." she stammered out, her free hand fiddling with her hair ribbon

"Katakuri."

His voice was low and seemed to carry a weight of command to it; the gravitas of a leader. She tried to wrap her head around the unfamiliar word. She had to make a good impression. She wanted to prove she was reliable. The fact that he had to save her, to protect her, was not the best start. She retreated from his lap in an attempt to clear her thoughts. His presence through their bond was so powerful she was struggling to think straight.

"I- I'm sorry. I don't know what you mean, Master." she said, finding herself on her knees. Looking into his eyes now, she thought she caught a hint of amusement play across his features.

"It's my name; Katakuri Charlotte. It's nice to properly meet you, Yashima." he said

This time her blush was a full flush as she turned red. Hanging her head, she berated herself for being so ditzy. A hand rested on her shoulder and her breath caught in her chest.

"Take a deep breath. There's no need to be nervous."

The first deep breath was automatic, her breath going in and out in response to her Ashikabi's command. She took two more to gather her thoughts with some clarity. She shut her eyes, forcing her heart to stop racing.

"Is it time for breakfast, Homura-san?" Katakuri's voice brought her attention to the door as it opened. A young, silver haired man in a crisp white shirt and black slacks stood in the doorway.

"Ah- yes, Miya asked me to let you know. How did you-"

Katakuri stood up, and 'Homura' trailed off. She looked up at her Ashikabi. Being on her knees, he looked like some kind of giant. He towered over her; his extended hand helped her to her feet, but even upright and standing on her toes, her eyes were still only at chest level. Something about the height difference made her fidget.

"Are you hungry, Yashima?" He asked

She opened her mouth to reply. Before she could get the words out, in true comedic fashion, her stomach growled loudly. There it was again, that fleeting hint of amusement; gone so quickly she couldn't be certain it was ever there. Realizing that he still waited for her reply, she nodded.

Katakuri sat across the table from Yashima. This girl was such an enigma to him. Even knowing about the bond between Sekirei and Ashikabi, it was difficult to process. To feel so connected to someone, yet also to be separated by a barrier of unfamiliarity. The bond told his heart that he knew her, that he could trust her. His brain would then interject and lay down the cold hard facts. He didn't know anything about her.

She had seemed very shy when they were interacting earlier, but now that the food in front of her held her attention she seemed very animated. It was nice to see this change in her. Over the years, he had become prone to asocial behaviour amongst his family. It was easier to sit quietly and observe everyone's antics than to participate in the social chaos himself.

"Katakuri-sama?"

Yashima's voice reached him in his distracted state. She had finished her plate, and was now studying him with hazel eyes.

"Aren't you going to eat?" she asked him

He shook his head and offered the plate to her. Her face held a concerned expression, but she accepted the dish nonetheless.

"My my, to think you would turn away the food that your landlady so caringly made for you." Miya leaned in, that menacing aura of hers filling the room.

Katakuri met her gaze, until the sound of Yashima choking caught his attention. Homura patted her back, and her breathing steadied. Katakuri's attention shot back to the Landlady.

"If you feel that I have slighted you, I would ask that you focus your ire on me." Katakuri's tone of voice was low and hard, like the sharp edge of a steep cliff. The haphazard aura faded, but Miya's eyes remained focused on his for some time. With neither of them willing to relent, Yashima was the one to break the silence.

"Ashikabi-sama, would you like it if we took the food upstairs to eat in private?" she asked, having appeared at his side. She was kneeling in a very formal manner, her composure only betrayed by the way her fingers couldn't help fidgeting with the hem of her dress.

He looked at his Sekirei, uncertain for the moment, before nodding. She collected the plate, and bowed respectfully to the Landlady, before ferrying the plate and the food it held up the stairs. Katakuri met Miya's hard gaze one more time, before following Yashima upstairs. He began to wonder if the Landlady was already regretting her decision to allow them to stay here.

"Katakuri-sama, is everything alright?"

He had stopped in the doorway of their room, consideration playing through his mind. Yashima had already settled down kneeling on a cushion, with another cushion for him, and their food set on the floor. He sat down on the cushion next to Yashima and, after a moment of deliberation, he pulled his scarf from his face. His eyes met hers and, though she blushed, she held his gaze.

"Thinking about the future." Was his straightforward reply

Yashima's expression hardened, and she nodded tersely. "Shall we discuss strategy for winning the game then, Master?"

He looked at her for a moment, as his mind pieced together what she must have thought to be troubling him. He shook his head, a soft smile taking shape.

"I'm not concerned with fighting. I am strong enough. My greater concern is food, shelter and happiness. This place is very different from what I know, and that makes me uneasy." He rested a hand on her shoulder. "Though I am very glad to have come here nonetheless."

Yashima's cheeks flushed, but then she registered what he had said first.

"Katakuri-sama, do you intend to fight? Sekirei are much stronger than normal humans. Even as big as you are-" Katakuri raised a hand, and she fell silent.

"This food that Miya made for us is very good. Let's not spoil it with anxious worries. After we eat, we can go down to the yard for a demonstration." His voice was low and gentle. She still seemed to be concerned, but he felt her tension ebb away as she ate,and watched her shoulders relax.

Living on Whole Cake Island, he had no shortage of delicious sweet foods of the highest order. But that left certain other aspects of taste wanting. The food he ate now was every bit as good as the food back home, yet it was savoury instead of sweet. The mild spices worked together in such a beautiful way. Before long, their plates were empty. Katakuri let out a contented sigh. It was nice to rest somewhere so peaceful. He didn't even realize that he had laid down on his back until Yashima curled up into his side.

"Is- is this alright, Katakuri-sama?" she asked, her face red. She looked flustered, and was having difficulty meeting his gaze. He quieted her by putting an arm around her waist and pulling her into his side. She let out a squeak of surprise, but soon settled in against him.

He listened as her breathing leveled out. Her hands gripped his vest tightly, as if to anchor herself to him. Things had changed so much since leaving home. It had only been a day, and yet here he was comfortably laying down with Yashima. All of those defenses he kept up around others; it was as if her presence was so natural that those worries don't even come to mind. It was a new experience, this bond that had formed between them.

Once the satiation of their meal had passed, Katakuri stirred Yashima and sat up. Getting to his feet, she remained on her knees next to him. She looked at him with a curious expression.

"I want to see how strong you are." He offered a hand to help her up. Her face turned serious, and she nodded. Accepting the offered hand, she came to stand next to him.

The yard outside worked quite well for what they needed. Yashima had brought her hammer with her, but had set it aside. She seemed to think she would not need it. She stood ready, opposite from him.

"Try to hit me."

This was all he said. She nodded, and charged at him. He made no movement to even attempt to dodge. He could feel her holding back in her intent. That wouldn't do. So when she threw her punch, he easily stopped her fist in his palm. He read the surprise on her face, and smirked beneath his scarf.

"Don't hold back, Yashima."

She nodded and withdrew her fist, preparing to try again. She retook a fighting stance, but left her hammer where it was. He sighed, preparing himself to teach her the hard way. This time she charged with much more strength in her intent. He caught her fist again. Her strength was well above average for a human without the use of haki, but it was still orders of magnitude below his own. This time, her surprise was more evident. He took that moment to seize her arm and flip her over in a judo throw. The wind was knocked out of her as her back struck the hard packed dirt. He stood over her, casting a shadow over her face. She coughed, but her eyes met his.

"I told you not to hold back." He chided her with a calm, level voice.

"But Master, I didn't! That was my full strength!" she cried

"Why did you not pick up your hammer?" he inquired

"I-" The protest died on her lips, as understanding filled her eyes. It seemed she was beginning to grasp the difference between them. He extended a hand, and pulled her to her feet.

"Now that was something to see." A new voice chimed in from the direction of the house. A young woman sat watching them with interest. She wore a pink shirt with a star across the chest, skinny jeans, and no shoes or socks. Her long brown hair was cascading down her back, except for a small side ponytail high on her head. Her brown eyes twinkled with childlike excitement, and she was kicking her feet as they hung over the ledge she sat upon.

"And who might you be?" asked Katakuri

"I'm Uzume, unit 203. Glad to know I'll have such interesting neighbours. I don't think I've ever seen a Sekirei spar with her Ashikabi, let alone lose to him." she commented cheerfully

So, this girl was a Sekirei as well. He could feel the force of her will, even beneath her playful demeanor. This girl wasn't just a Sekirei. She had unlocked haki as well. His train of thought was derailed as he caught sight of Yashima fetching her hammer and preparing to fight. He moved to stop her, but Uzume already had her hands up in a placating manner.

"I'm not looking for a fight, don't worry. I hope we can be good friends." She waved at them, and disappeared inside.

Katakuri was quiet for a long moment. The landlady, whatever she was, had far more raw power than Uzume, but what haki she may have was messy. She had only the most basic control. But Uzume's power felt focused and driven. Both were people not to take lightly. That was the thing about haki; once it had been unlocked, nobody really knew how powerful it could grow to. The Pirate King had never been beaten in a fight at his prime. He didn't doubt his own abilities, and yet the fear and concern lingered. It wasn't until Yashima's face filled his vision, hopping up onto the head of her hammer to stand more even with him, that he realized he wasn't afraid for himself. He feared that Yashima would be caught in a fight that she couldn't win, and she would be taken from him.

"Master, what's wrong?" she asked, a puzzled expression on her face

He almost told her it was fine. That she had nothing to worry about. It would have been easier, and it was the kind of response he was used to giving. But those were not the words that left his mouth.

"I'm scared of losing you. That even the strength I have won't be enough to keep you safe from harm." he admitted

It felt wrong to say. As though he were betraying his nature by admitting to fear. But she just smiled and gave him a tight hug. Her eyes met his again.

"In that case, there's only one thing to do. I'll keep getting stronger, until you don't have to worry anymore."

She pulled down his scarf and pressed her lips to his. Once again, bright azure wings exploded from her back. She pulled back, only a little, and spoke softly.

"May the hammer of my pledge shatter the fears of my Ashikabi."