Zoro sat up in his bed and yawned. Just another day at sea and another day closer to the crew reaching their goals. He squinted as his eyes adjusted to the light and eventually moved to get up, only he stopped when he realised where he was. He was in the infirmary. Why was he there?<\/p>\n
It took a moment but he vaguely recalled a fight with the marines. The Straw Hats had beaten them easily and were celebrating their win when Zoro had just blacked out. That was all he could recall. And now he was in the infirmary.<\/p>\n
Chopper was at his desk working away at something, his back to Zoro.<\/p>\n
\u201cChopper?\u201d Zoro said, but his throat was dry so he was barely audible. He looked around for some water and spotted a cup on the tray by his bedside. But as he reached for it the most peculiar thing happened: his hand went right through it.<\/p>\n
Zoro frowned and tried again. The same thing happened. His hand just went right through it, kind of like the ghosts Perona had or one of the skills Brook learned during the crew\u2019s two years apart.<\/p>\n
Zoro closed his eyes and breathed. Relax. Everything was fine. He was probably hallucinating from some strong medications Chopper had given him.<\/p>\n
When he opened his eyes he noticed Chopper had moved to the other corner of the room, back still to Zoro.<\/p>\n
\u201cChopper?\u201d Zoro said again, louder this time. His throat was still parched but not as rusty as it had been.<\/p>\n
Chopper, however, did not react. He was too preoccupied with studying his medical notes. Zoro had seen him like this plenty of times. He smiled. He was stupidly fond of their little doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cChopper, when will the medication wear off? I think I\u2019m having hallucinations or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Chopper didn\u2019t react. Surely he had heard? He opened his mouth to repeat himself a little louder, when Chopper turned to face him with a scowl on his face. A scowl that he usually got when he was deep in thought about something.<\/p>\n
Zoro waited for Chopper to react to him being conscious but he didn\u2019t. Zoro frowned and waved his hand to the side, but Chopper still didn\u2019t react. This was getting kind of odd. Was he having worse hallucinations than he thought?<\/p>\n
But that\u2019s when Chopper chose to step forward to Zoro\u2019s bedside. He completely ignored Zoro and instead bent over the bed to examine.. Zoro\u2019s pillow?<\/p>\n
Zoro turned his head to see what Chopper was looking at and he nearly jumped out of the bed at what he saw. It was\u2026 him? Only he was lying down still unconscious in bed and Chopper seemed to be checking his vitals.<\/p>\n
What the fuck? Scratch the hallucinations, he must be dreaming. Yeah, that made more sense. Only, when he looked around everything was so vivid and detailed, unlike his usual dreams \u2014 they were usually a bit vague.<\/p>\n
But still. Dreaming was the only logical conclusion. He just had to bide his time and he would wake up and all of this would be but another dream he would soon forget.<\/p>\n
He watched as Chopper took down notes after examining Zoro\u2019s unconscious body. He craned his neck to see what he had written and was surprised by the details. Long medical words he had no knowledge of covered the paper. They sounded completely foreign to Zoro. But they must have been somewhat familiar if his subconscious seemed to be aware of them. Right?<\/p>\n
What alarmed him the most, however, were the dates. According to this dream, this was his third day of being unconscious.<\/p>\n
Zoro shook his head as if to dispel the nagging at the back of his head. It was just a dream, after all.<\/p>\n
Sick of being in the infirmary, Zoro moved to get up off the bed. He paused and looked back when he heard a sigh. Chopper was holding onto Zoro\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWake up soon, Zoro. Please,\u201d he said. Chopper\u2019s eyes got so watery he had to wipe them on his sleeve.<\/p>\n
Zoro swallowed, feeling somewhat guilty for making their doctor so worried. But no\u2014 it was just a dream. Anything happening here was from his subconscious imagination. How many times did he have to remind himself of that?<\/p>\n
When Zoro reached for the door handle, he stupidly forgot he was in a ghost-like form. He couldn\u2019t grab anything but his hand could pass through things. Did that mean the rest of him could? Tentatively, he put one arm through the door and let the rest of his body follow. Success!<\/p>\n
\u201cBreakfast is served,\u201d he heard Sanji yell. Luffy practically leaped into the dining room while the rest of the crew followed behind. Zoro followed too.<\/p>\n
Robin hesitated at the door. \u201cI\u2019m just going to get Chopper.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh! As usual, always thinking of others my dear Robin-chwan! What would we do without your kind-hearted presence on this ship?\u201d Sanji rambled on, but Robin hadn\u2019t stuck around to hear it.<\/p>\n
A few minutes later, she walked in with a disheartened Chopper behind her. Robin squeezed his arm and invited him to sit next to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cChopper! How is Zoro doing?\u201d Luffy said, while stuffing his face with some large piece of meat that Zoro couldn\u2019t identify.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t speak with your mouth full!\u201d Sanji scolded. \u201cAnd make sure you eat all your food groups!\u201d he said, as he filled Luffy\u2019s plates with a pile of sauteed spinach and mushrooms.<\/p>\n
Luffy was unfazed by the addition to his plate and looked to Chopper with his big unrelenting eyes, full of spirit. \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n
Chopper deflated and looked down at his hooves. \u201cNo good still. His vitals are better but he still hasn\u2019t woken.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds like improvement, though, right?\u201d Usopp said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. \u201cWe just have to be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chopper looked at Usopp and nodded, his eyes still slightly red from being wiped in the infirmary. \u201cThat\u2019s all we can do at this point.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll come good,\u201d Luffy said, certainty laced in his tone. \u201cHe always does.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYep. Marimos are persistent pests. Can\u2019t get rid of them,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n
Zoro smirked. Luffy and Sanji were certainly right, despite the offensive phrasing from the latter. If this wasn\u2019t a dream, Zoro would have fought him.<\/p>\n
After that the crew settled into their usual breakfast routine of just chatting among themselves.<\/p>\n
But really, it was fascinating watching his fellow crewmates speaking about him like this and seeing them interact without him. It was so vivid and real that Zoro was sure Chopper must have administered him some heavy stuff and instead of waking up it had the opposite effect.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore you all go, what did you all think of the shakshuka? I put together the recipe this morning,\u201d Sanji said as he collected the empty plates.<\/p>\n
\u201cHm. Was that the round thing with sweet red stuff in the middle?\u201d Luffy said, a finger to his chin like he was deep in thought. Which, knowing him, he probably was. Just, it wasn\u2019t very deep at all. They had all quickly learned Luffy didn\u2019t work that way.<\/p>\n
Sanji sighed. \u201cNo, Luffy. That was the jam doughnuts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luffy nodded, still concentrating. \u201cYes, they were very good. I liked them.\u201d His features evened out. \u201cThanks for breakfast, Sanji!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIdiot. I didn\u2019t mean those!\u201d he yelled, but it was too late, Luffy was long gone and the others with him. Sanji looked so pained and it was terribly amusing to Zoro. Zoro just wished he could\u2019ve captured it with a visual den den mushi.<\/p>\n
Robin and Usopp stayed in and helped Sanji clean up while the rest cleared out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really enjoyed the shakshuka for what it\u2019s worth, Sanji,\u201d Usopp said as he cleaned the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs did I,\u201d Robin said. \u201cThere was a perfect balance of creaminess and spice that I never thought possible with the addition of avocado and chorizo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course, Sanji proceeded to gush over Robin\u2019s praise.<\/p>\n
Zoro didn\u2019t know why he was still hovering about there. He had no interest in this. However, he was somewhat confused as to how his subconscious would know these fancy dish names if Sanji had only come up with them this morning. Was his subconscious just coming up with random words that sounded like stuff Sanji would say? It wasn\u2019t impossible; it was probably what happened with Chopper\u2019s medical notes too.<\/p>\n
However, the longer this so-called dream went on, the more real it seemed to get. Zoro had never dreamed so meticulously and vividly before.<\/p>\n
He sighed. He really hoped he would wake up soon. He was sure he hadn\u2019t been out for three days like he had in this dream world, but for a dream world things sure were moving slowly.<\/p>\n
He got up and was about to exit the dining room and kitchen when he heard Robin speak up. \u201cChopper\u2019s very worried,\u201d she said. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t know why Zoro blacked out like that. He\u2019s been pouring over textbooks non-stop.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoro frowned. This really was starting to feel real, the way the dream mimicked his reality. Zoro too had no idea what caused him to black out.<\/p>\n
But\u2026<\/p>\n
But was this actually a dream?<\/p>\n
Zoro thought, logically, it had to be. But then he remembered, they had sailed the Grand Line and were now sailing the New World. All sorts of strange things happened upon those waters. And they, as a crew, had experienced so much of it. A man, whose name was Crocus or something, was living inside Laboon, a whale! There was an island in the sky they flew on their ship to! They fought off zombies on Thriller Bark! They had even been to a set of islands made of food! And half the crew had weird devil fruit powers! Was it really an absurd idea that Zoro wasn\u2019t dreaming?<\/p>\n
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense and the more it made Zoro want to lie down and go back to sleep it all away. It was even giving him a headache, despite the lack of physical body.<\/p>\n
But that wasn\u2019t an option. He just had to endure and hope he regained consciousness soon. But for the time being, he might as well see what his other crew members were up to. He spotted Franky in the distance.<\/p>\n
Zoro made his way over to Franky, who was on his knees putting something together. He had no idea what it was meant to be, but that was probably because it was missing parts, by the look of it. He was spared his guessing, however, when Jinbei came over.<\/p>\n
“What are you working on, Franky-san?” Jinbei asked.<\/p>\n
Franky paused what he was doing and looked up at Jinbei. “Oh! Just the man… err fishman I was looking for!”<\/p>\n
Jinbei raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”<\/p>\n
Franky stood up, brushing the dirt off his knees. “I need your muscles. Normally Zoro-bro is the muscles but as you know…”<\/p>\n
“… He’s out of commission right now,” Jinbei finished for him. “I have no qualms about helping. Though there are plenty of other crew members with the muscles too.”<\/p>\n
“Oh, I know. But they often come with ahh… caveats. Luffy is strong but has no attention span or patience for helping, Usopp is great help with the tools but not so much at lifting the extreme weights, Sanji is kept pretty busy in the kitchen, Nami\u2019s strengths do not lay in her physical strength, Chopper is busy with Zoro currently, and Brook is, well, a skeleton.”<\/p>\n
Jinbei hummed. “What about Robin-san?”<\/p>\n
Franky grinned. “Robin’s super! Always has an extra pair of arms to spare, you know?” He chuckled to himself. Zoro rolled his eyes at his lame joke. “However, she helped me out yesterday and the day before yesterday, so I kinda wanted to give her a break.”<\/p>\n
The praise had Zoro wondering how much Robin could potentially lift. He knew she was strong but because she spent most of her time reading, he had a tendency to forget her physical strength. Zoro decided he was going to invite her to the gym some time.<\/p>\n
“All right, what do you need me to do?” Jinbei said.<\/p>\n
Franky gave Jinbei a pat on the back — a pat that would’ve knocked any regular person over. “Glad you\u2019re on board, bro! So I’m building a specialised custom cannon as per Usopp-bro’s request. It’s going to be able to shoot all kinds of ammo including Usopp’s pop greens. It’s also going to have a larger range than anything you’ve ever seen before!” Franky was gesturing wildly as he explained. Zoro watched, a small smile tugging at his lips. It really was gratifying seeing his crew mates so passionately discussing their projects.<\/p>\n
Jinbei nodded at the end of the explanation. “So you just need me to hold part of the cannon while you install it?”<\/p>\n
“Yep.”<\/p>\n
“How heavy is this cannon?”<\/p>\n
“You’ll soon find out. Nothing you can’t handle!”<\/p>\n
As Franky slowly wheeled the heavy cannon part across the deck, Jinbei’s eyes widened. Zoro could feel the fishman’s dread and quite rightly so. The thing was huge. But that was typical of Franky. He often sprung some very heavy jobs onto Zoro. Fortunately, Zoro enjoyed the challenge. But that didn’t mean they didn’t leave his muscles aching afterwards.<\/p>\n
Jinbei rolled his shoulders back and listened attentively to Franky’s instructions and they got started. Zoro observed the installation of the cannon, somewhat curious about the process since it was so foreign to him; he never managed to see much of what was going on when being the muscles.<\/p>\n
Franky and Jinbei managed to get the cannon installed in decent time but the sweat and cola was pouring off the both of them. The sun was out in full force and when mixed with such physical exertion sweating abundantly was only natural. Even for a fishman and cyborg it seemed.<\/p>\n
Jinbei used a towel to wipe the sweat off of his face. “So you’re telling me it’s normally Zoro-san carrying that weight?”<\/p>\n
Franky nodded. “Yep. Don’t ask me how he does it. For a human his strength is beyond my comprehension.”<\/p>\n
Zoro felt a little smug at the praise, though he wasn’t entirely sure why it was hard for people to understand. He had trained for so long and so consistently that he was bound to get strong. Was he really freakishly strong? He wasn\u2019t sure. He just knew he had to get stronger; he still had Mihawk to beat. Praise was praise, though. He’d take it.<\/p>\n
Jinbei watched as Franky dusted the cannon now that it was installed. “You think he’s going to be okay? No one really seems too concerned except Chopper,” Jinbei said.<\/p>\n
“Mmm. Probably because this has happened before. Zoro-bro was knocked out for days but made a full recovery. He goes in hard and pays the price. Though, I’m not sure what happened this time considering we were mid-celebration. Personally, I’m a little worried, but keeping it under wraps. I’m sure most of us are feeling the same and just don’t want one another to worry.”<\/p>\n
Jinbei hummed in acknowledgment. \u201cLet\u2019s hope he wakes up soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoro frowned. Surely there was no reason to worry? Though if this really was real, which Zoro was getting the increasing feeling it was, then he\u2019d already been out for three days.<\/p>\n
\u201cZoro\u2019s strong. In so many ways. We really need him here, you know? And I don\u2019t mean for the heavy lifting\u2014 though he is a lot of help with that too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jinbei patted Franky on the back and attempted to offer a reassuring smile, though it didn\u2019t quite reach his eyes. Franky appeared to sense this.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not holding out much hope for him, are you?\u201d Franky said.<\/p>\n
Jinbei sighed and dropped his arm from Franky\u2019s back. \u201cI really hope he proves me wrong. However, I\u2019ve seen so many of my friends and family taken unexpectedly by unexplainable things on these waters and it\u2019s made me\u2026\u201d Jinbei hesitated, \u201cjaded. The optimist in me was crushed for so long and it\u2019s only in recent times that I\u2019ve been getting reacquainted with what it feels like to have hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Franky merely nodded.<\/p>\n
Zoro\u2019s frown deepened. How could Jinbei think that way? He\u2019d been sailing with them long enough to know better. Zoro would be fine, just like always.<\/p>\n
Wanting away from the sombre atmosphere, Zoro sought a place to nap. He found a nice shady spot under Nami\u2019s mikan trees. He usually avoided that spot but none of the crew were anywhere in sight so Zoro closed his eyes and just hoped he could nap even in this peculiar form he was in.<\/p>\n
Despite feeling like all his energy had been sapped from the whirlwind of events, sleep did not come. Zoro couldn\u2019t even figure out if it was his current spirit-like form preventing him from sleeping or whether it was the nagging worry at the back of his head about his current state.<\/p>\n
In any case, Zoro stayed out there for a while and watched as the sky transitioned from bright blue to vibrant orange and reds. Sanji called everyone in for dinner before it could get dark. Zoro followed behind everyone and decided to take his regular seat at the kitchen table. Despite not being there physically, the crew still reserved it for him. Something about that warmed his chest. If only he could get them to stop looking so glum whenever their eyes crossed the vacant spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny progress with Zoro, Chopper?\u201d Nami asked. Zoro saw a few shoulders relax, as if Nami asking that question had relieved them of a burden.<\/p>\n
Chopper looked down at his hooves. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
The change in the air was stifling. Or at least it was to Zoro. Everyone ate their dinner in relative silence \u2014 or what can be classed as silence when it came to the crew. And silence was never a good sign on the Sunny.<\/p>\n
It felt like it took forever for someone to break the silence, but eventually Brook did. \u201cMind if I check up on him after dinner, Chopper? I\u2019d like to play him a song. Of the soothing variety.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, sure, I guess,\u201d Chopper said. His eyes were watery again\u2014they had been throughout all of dinner. Zoro wanted to slap some consciousness into himself, pretty sure that this wasn\u2019t just a dream like he\u2019d thought. He never wanted to see their doctor so worried because of him.<\/p>\n
But maybe he would do just that. Maybe if he interacted with his physical body he could wake up somehow. Eager to test his theory, Zoro left the subdued kitchen and made his way to the infirmary. It was time to fix things.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It ended up taking Zoro a lot longer to arrive because, of course, he got lost on the way. When he finally arrived Brook was already there.<\/p>\n
Zoro passed through Brook and over to his body where he watched the slow rise and fall of his own chest. Why couldn\u2019t he just wake up? He went over to his body and laid on top of it, willing it to somehow absorb him and bring him back to the real world.<\/p>\n
It didn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n
He was about to try again when musical notes filled the room. Zoro turned to see Brook was playing his violin. The music started off very slow but steadily increased in tempo. At first, Zoro couldn\u2019t say he recognised it but as it progressed he did feel like one part of it was vaguely familiar. Zoro was certainly no expert on music but if he had to describe the way the piece made him feel, he would say\u2026 sad.<\/p>\n
Watching Brook play was something else, though. The precision with which his skeletal fingers moved was beyond impressive; Brook had dexterity like Zoro hadn\u2019t seen before. And while he was only bones, the way he held himself while playing really did shine a light on his professional experience as a musician. You\u2019d never guess that the skeleton playing such music was the same skeleton who asked to see ladies\u2019 panties and made lame skull jokes. But who was Zoro to judge? They all had their vices.<\/p>\n
The music was slowing back down again and eventually came to a stop, but Zoro still couldn\u2019t place the part that he recognised.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was a piece I like to call \u2018When the Sun Stopped Shining\u2019,\u201d Brook said to the now silent room. He rolled Chopper\u2019s chair over to Zoro\u2019s bedside and sat on it, placing his violin on the table next to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve maybe heard it before or at least one part of it. I struggled for years to perfect the bridge and as such played that same part repeatedly. It was only when accepted into this crew that I managed to finally piece it together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brook smiled, as much as a skeleton could, Zoro supposed. He continued. \u201cBut Brook, \u2018how could our crew enable you to perfect such a sad song?\u2019 I hear you ask, Zoro-san. And the answer is simple. Coming into this crew has healed me in ways I could never have imagined. While part of me will never forget the suffering, a larger part of me embraces today and tomorrow and the day after tomorrow with all of you by my side. One chapter of my life has been closed, the next one is in session.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brook cleared his throat and wiped his dry eye socket. \u201cAh, speaking to you has moved me to tears, Zoro-san. But I have no eyes! Yohohoho! Skull joke.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know my time with you all is limited due to your own mortality, but I wish to make music and travel with you all for as long as you\u2019ll have me. Which means, Zoro-san, that you have to wake up! Our journey together is not over yet; in fact it\u2019s barely just begun. You still have much to teach me in the way of swordsmanship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brook paused and looked up at the ceiling, like he was really considering his next words. He sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI watched all my former crew die one by one by my side and I\u2019m not going to have that happen again. That\u2019s not how our chapter is going to end.\u201d He clenched his fists on his lap.<\/p>\n
Brook pushed back on the chair and stood. \u201cSo wake up, Zoro-san,\u201d he said quietly, patting down his suit jacket and pants and grabbing his violin. He headed for the door.<\/p>\n
Zoro let go of a breath he didn\u2019t know he was holding. He hadn\u2019t been prepared for that. He knew Brook carried trauma from his past \u2014 all of the crew did \u2014 but he hadn\u2019t quite been expecting him to be so open or serious. Part of him felt bad for listening. It had been intended for him but perhaps not a conscious him.<\/p>\n
But it was true, each of the Straw Hats had their own histories and experiences, however they were something that were not spoken about so openly. Zoro gazed up at the ceiling with a slight smile. The fact that Brook had been so candid with Zoro\u2019s unconscious self was actually rather fulfilling. Zoro didn\u2019t need to be reassured about his nakama\u2019s feelings for him, however he did care about their feelings for themselves. Being reassured that Brook\u2019s emotional and mental wellbeing were in a good place with the Straw Hats was warming. It was just further proof they were family.<\/p>\n
After Brook left, Zoro looked back at his unconscious self. He attempted to slap himself in the face but his hand just vanished through his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWake up already!\u201d he said, but there was no response.<\/p>\n
With a sigh, Zoro left the infirmary. As he did so he couldn\u2019t help feeling weirdly lighter, as if he was relieved of a slight weight in his spirit-like form.<\/p>\n
He was probably imagining it.<\/p>\n
The crew were all out on the deck, having drinks. The sky had darkened and the moon was full and glowing. Zoro couldn\u2019t really tell the temperature as this current form of his did not experience senses as normal, but if he was to go by what the crew were wearing he would assume it was a warm evening. Everyone was in their summer clothes, even Sanji, which was the most convincing proof of warm weather. That man loved his suits. His summer outfits were fascinating, Zoro would say if he were being charitable, but he somehow always made them look good.<\/p>\n
Zoro paused at that thought. Did he really just compliment the cook? He shook his head, like that would dispel the thought and made his way over to the circle the crew had formed on the deck. As expected, they\u2019d left a space for him. Zoro smiled and took his place.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s weird not having Zoro-bro here,\u201d Franky said before taking a chug from his bottle of cola.<\/p>\n
Zoro snorted. If only they knew he really was there.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is here, though. I can sense his presence,\u201d Usopp said, his eyes closed and stroking his chin. Zoro chuckled. Had anyone else said that, Zoro might have believed them. But their resident Long Nose story teller? Yeah, no.<\/p>\n
Chopper\u2019s eyes lit up though. \u201cReally? You gotta tell him to wake up immediately!\u201d<\/p>\n
Usopp nodded. \u201cHe is aware. But he says he can\u2019t simply wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not?\u201d Chopper said, his brows furrowed. Zoro was interested to hear the answer too.<\/p>\n
But before he could hear the answer, Sanji cleared his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d he said, the firmness of his tone leaving no room for negotiation.<\/p>\n
Usopp sunk back into his chair looking down at his hands. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Zoro frowned and walked up to Sanji, waving his hand in his face. \u201cHey, shit cook. Stop being a killjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was no reaction. But Zoro hadn\u2019t expected there to be. He made himself comfortable on the deck and laid back so he was gazing up at the stars. There were so many in sight; it was something he loved about living on the ocean. You got a real good look at the night sky.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u2026 who wants a song?\u201d Brook said, filling the silence that had followed Sanji\u2019s outburst.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s a wonderful idea, Brook,\u201d Robin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll go get my guitar.\u201d There was scuffling and footsteps and then a minute later the sound of Brook\u2019s guitar filled the air. Zoro was somewhat relieved. He didn\u2019t think the violin would be so appreciated presently. Whenever Brook\u2019s played Binks\u2019 Sake on his violin, it had very different vibes to the other instruments.<\/p>\n
Currently, the piece Brook was playing was upbeat but not overly so. Zoro recognised it; it was one of the songs Brook had played on his world tour \u2014 the same one that he had played for them the first night they were reunited after being years apart.<\/p>\n
Zoro tapped his fingers on his chest to the beat.<\/p>\n
There was the sound of a chair scraping along the deck. Zoro sat up and watched as Sanji stood up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need a smoke,\u201d Sanji muttered as he walked away feeling for his cigarettes and lighter in his pockets.<\/p>\n
Zoro frowned. The cook really was being a killjoy this evening, it seemed.<\/p>\n
Brook didn\u2019t stop his playing, though, and Nami was tapping her foot to the beat while Chopper happily swayed side to side.<\/p>\n
Robin shared a glance with Franky and then got up and followed Sanji. Curious, Zoro followed behind her. He normally would have no interest, but given the circumstances and the fact Zoro himself was in the middle of it, he was intrigued.<\/p>\n
Sanji was at the back of the ship, his forearms on the railing as a cigarette sat between his lips. He jumped when he saw Robin approach, the cigarette almost fell from his mouth but he managed to catch it at the last moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cRobin-chwan, I didn\u2019t see you there,\u201d Sanji said, with a smile. But you didn\u2019t have to be an expert at emotions to know it was fake; the smile never quite reached his eyes. Zoro had long since become aware of Sanji\u2019s expressions; the man had a tendency to put on fake smiles despite the situation. Zoro knew when they were fake because they somehow always made him feel uncomfortable in the pit of his stomach. Just like this one did.<\/p>\n
Robin smiled and stood next to Sanji, looking out towards the sea. Zoro joined them. \u201cAre you all right, Sanji?\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned to Robin with that same fake smile in place. \u201cOf course, Robin-chwan. I just needed a smoke. But I appreciate your kind and caring nature! We are so lucky to have your beautiful self here.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was Sanji\u2019s usual spiel when it came to the ladies, only it really lacked the energy it usually had. Zoro wasn\u2019t fooled. And by the looks of it, neither was Robin.<\/p>\n
Robin hummed and waited a moment. \u201cYou want to talk about it?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Sanji dropped his head with a small chuckle. \u201cAs usual, you\u2019re so observant.\u201d He took a drag of his cigarette. \u201cI just\u2026\u201d Sanji hesitated. \u201cI don\u2019t know. It just feels wrong being happy when he\u2019s not there, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n
Robin gazed out at the ocean. \u201cYou mean Zoro?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sanji huffed. \u201cYeah, the damn marimo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoro frowned. It felt wrong to listen in on the conversation but the weariness in Sanji\u2019s face froze him. Had Sanji always looked this tired?<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you think Zoro would like knowing we\u2019re moping about because of him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not moping,\u201d Sanji said. Zoro snapped out of it and snorted at the man\u2019s defensive tone. \u201cI just\u2026 You know what, forget it. It\u2019s stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sanji made to move but Robin stopped him with a hand on his arm. \u201cWhatever it is, I\u2019m certain it\u2019s not stupid,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Sanji placed his hand over hers and sighed. \u201cI\u2019m okay, Robin. It\u2019s nothing. Let\u2019s go back.\u201d Zoro didn\u2019t believe him.<\/p>\n
There was a slight frown to Robin\u2019s face; she didn\u2019t quite believe him either, but she nodded and let go of his arm. \u201cIf you want to talk though, you know where to find me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sanji chuckled. \u201cYeah, on this ship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robin smiled and the two wandered back to the rest of the crew.<\/p>\n
Just what was that? Was the cook actually that worried for him? No, that couldn\u2019t be it. Sanji knew first hand to have more faith in Zoro. Sanji had been there when Zoro took Luffy\u2019s pain\u2014heck Sanji had tried to do the same. Surely he knew Zoro would be fine.<\/p>\n
As they walked back to the others, Zoro was truly baffled by the conversation. Had it made sense to Robin? Probably, given how quickly she acquiesced.<\/p>\n
A slightly uncomfortable feeling crawled up his throat; one that Zoro recognised immediately. Guilt. He had intentionally witnessed their private conversation. Normally, he wouldn’t care, but Sanji’s behaviour was guarded, like it was not for Zoro’s eyes. Zoro had followed out of curiosity but usually he was largely disinterested listening to other people\u2019s conversations. The spirit-like form he was in was messing with him in many ways.<\/p>\n
He couldn\u2019t really avoid eavesdropping entirely, given his circumstances, but he could avoid listening into some conversations. At least, he reasoned with himself, nothing had been disclosed between Robin and Sanji.<\/p>\n
Zoro turned his attention to Brook who was still playing some music. The rest of the crew were chatting casually. Zoro overheard Luffy talking to Usopp about how he had caught the seaking that Sanji cooked for dinner, while Nami was chatting away to Chopper about a letter Vivi wrote to her. Jinbei and Franky, on the other hand, seemed content to just listen to the music. Both of them nodded their heads to the beat.<\/p>\n
As one song played out, another one quickly took its place. And so the night carried on. It was a relief to see the crew maintaining some sense of normalcy, despite his absence. By the time they packed away their drinks and got ready for bed, Zoro was beat. This was perhaps the longest he\u2019d ever gone without a nap in recent years. But he didn\u2019t understand how he could be tired when he wasn\u2019t even attached to his physical body.<\/p>\n
He was sure if he asked Chopper, Chopper would lecture him on how his mental and emotional wellbeing was equally as important as his physical. And how if those parts of his health were declining, then it would have repercussions for his physical health too. The difference was, Zoro was sure he felt fine in those departments.<\/p>\n
Zoro sighed as he watched as the guys got comfortable in their beds. Once they all said their good nights Zoro left the men\u2019s quarters and headed back to the infirmary. Chopper was just exiting there as Zoro moved through the door. The little reindeer looked more resolute than he had all day. His eyes were focused, like his determination had renewed. Had there been some good news?<\/p>\n
Zoro didn\u2019t want to get his hopes up, and he tried not to, but as soon as he laid eyes on his unconscious body he felt that little bit of hope he had starting to dissipate. He looked the same. No changes. He went over to the clipboard with Chopper\u2019s notes to see if maybe his vitals had changed or something. It was no use though, he didn\u2019t understand what any of it meant. Lots of abbreviations, weird words and random numbers.<\/p>\n
He was at a loss. Why could he not wake up!? The nagging worry at the back of his head was slowly getting bigger. He ignored it and then laid on top of his body again. He would lay there at least until morning in hope that it triggered his consciousness.
\n<\/p>\n
Morning came and so with it came a cranky Zoro who was still in his detached spirit-like form after a frustrating night of just laying there. He would bang his head against the wall, but of course nothing would happen\u2014his head would just go through it.<\/p>\n
Chopper came in to check on his vitals and examine him for any changes. Of course, there were none. He was still out like a light. However, Chopper had that same determined set to his eyes that he had the night before. It was a far better look than the worrisome expressions he had worn when Zoro\u2019s spirit first became detached.<\/p>\n
After running through all his tests and taking notes \u2014 with even more words Zoro didn\u2019t understand \u2014 Chopper nodded to himself and put down his clipboard. He rested his hooves on Zoro\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll get you back, Zoro. Just you wait,\u201d Chopper said with confidence. Zoro grinned. That was more like it.<\/p>\n
He followed Chopper out of the infirmary and into the dining room where Sanji was just finishing preparing breakfast. Robin was already seated at the table sipping a coffee, but apart from her no one else was there but the three of them, well four if you counted Zoro.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning, Chopper,\u201d Robin said, placing her mug on the coaster.<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning, Robin! Morning, Sanji!\u201d Chopper said with far more cheer than yesterday.<\/p>\n
Sanji turned, carrying a large tray of food on both forearms. He moved so smoothly. Zoro always wondered how he managed not to spill a single drop, especially given the sheer quantity of food he made for each meal. Luffy would accept no less. Though something about his movements seemed off\u2014they weren\u2019t as energetic as they usually were and were those bags under his eyes?<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning, Chopper,\u201d Sanji said. He placed the food in the middle of the table and gave the top of Chopper\u2019s head a rub. Chopper gushed under the attention.<\/p>\n
Sanji yelled that breakfast was ready and the rest of the crew came clambering in. Luffy was prohibited from the dining room and kitchen until Sanji declared the food ready. And that rule had been created because of an exact situation where Luffy ate all the food before everyone arrived. He may be the captain, but everyone knew not to mess with Sanji when it came to meal times.<\/p>\n
Zoro looked at the line up of food Sanji had prepared. As usual there was a large variety to choose from. There was fresh bread and croissants to rice balls, meats, and eggs to yoghurt, fruit, and muesli; Sanji catered to absolutely everyone. It looked really good too, but that was no surprise. Sanji always served up the best.<\/p>\n
As everyone ate their breakfast, there was an obvious elephant in the room. That elephant being him.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u2026 how\u2019s Zoro-bro doing?\u201d Franky said, eyeing the others tentatively.<\/p>\n
\u201cFranky\u2014\u201d Sanji said but was interrupted by Chopper.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Sanji. Everyone wants to know. I was gonna wait \u2018til we finished breakfast but now\u2019s fine,\u201d Chopper said. He eyed everyone in the room, it even felt like his eyes passed over Zoro\u2019s, but that was definitely wishful thinking on Zoro\u2019s part.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis vitals are still good and after extensive research I had an epiphany last night about how we might be able to wake him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoro\u2019s eyes widened as he listened intently to the doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat, really?! Why didn\u2019t you say something last night?\u201d Usopp said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I still needed to think it through. Theoretically, though, if it does work he could be awake soon. However, it\u2019s not guaranteed to work.\u201d A few crew members slightly deflated at that.<\/p>\n
Sanji was not one of them. \u201cBut there\u2019s a chance, right?\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to try.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously!\u201d Usopp said. \u201cWe can do this. Just tell us what we have to do, Chopper.\u201d The rest of the crew perked back up to pay attention to Chopper.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s simple. We each just have to spend one-on-one time in the infirmary with him,\u201d Chopper said.<\/p>\n
Nami frowned. \u201cUm.. not to be a killjoy but how is that going to wake him?\u201d she said. Zoro was thinking the same thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, I know. It doesn\u2019t sound like an effective method, but I have my reasons for it. You see, I noticed a slight change in Zoro when Brook came out of the infirmary last night. I didn\u2019t think much of it until a few hours later after I\u2019d done some reading of Robin\u2019s books and looked at Nami\u2019s maps. I hope that\u2019s okay, Robin, Nami. Sorry for not asking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robin just smiled with a soft nod.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re fine, Chopper. Unless you\u2019re one of these doofuses,\u201d Nami said, gesturing mainly at Luffy but Franky and Brook were within the area too\u2014Zoro had no doubt he would be included too, if conscious\u2014 \u201cthen you don\u2019t need my permission. But my maps? What did you need them for?\u201d Everyone ignored the cries from an offended Franky and Brook.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, okay. Nami aside, do the rest of you know where we\u2019re sailing right now?\u201d Chopper said. Everyone but Nami and Robin shook their heads. Chopper gestured to the table. \u201cNami, could you please show everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n
Nami nodded and left to retrieve her maps. Sanji cleared up the table, much to Luffy\u2019s annoyance. Once Nami was back and the table was clear and clean, she unfurled her large map over it. When Luffy got too close, Nami put her hand up in front of him and ushered him back. Luffy pouted but complied. Nami really was protective of those maps.<\/p>\n
Chopper used the ruler Nami had brought out to point with. He pointed to a small spot in the middle of the map that read \u2018God\u2019s Islet\u2019. \u201cYou might not recall but we passed God\u2019s Islet during our post-battle celebrations with the marines.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd?\u201d Jinbei said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd according to one of Robin\u2019s books, there are rumours of a curse.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh boy,\u201d Usopp said with an exhale.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course there is,\u201d Sanji said, tapping his fingers on his box of cigarettes through his pockets. An anxiety-induced habit of his, Zoro had noticed. \u201cAnd typical Marimo copped it. What\u2019s the curse?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the \u2018torn apart curse\u2019 where the spirit becomes detached from the body,\u201d Chopper said. Zoro\u2019s eyes widened. That was exactly it! He tried to contain himself so he could listen to what else Chopper had to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe book doesn\u2019t really go into detail but this curse is said to target someone with great mental fortitude. And essentially the curse aims to break this person down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Huh. Zoro wouldn\u2019t have guessed that. He knew he had good mental fortitude, but so did the others. Perhaps it was all the meditation he did.<\/p>\n
Zoro turned his attention back to the conversation at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid the book say how?\u201d Nami asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. One\u2019s spirit becomes detached from their unconscious body while their physical body is saddled by a heavy burden that prevents the reattachment of spirit to body. And the longer the two are split, the more likely the spirit is to lose themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoro frowned. This was all rather perplexing. How the heck was he gonna get back if this was all true?<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there\u2019s no established cure, the writer of the book theorised from her own experience that the spirit will be able to return to the body once the heavy burden has been alleviated. As I said, there\u2019s no guarantee my solution will work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luffy, who had been rather quiet, hummed. \u201cWhat\u2019s your solution, Chopper?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, remember how I said there had been a slight change in Zoro once Brook had finished up in the infirmary?\u201d There were nods all around. \u201cIt was his scent. Most of you probably can\u2019t detect it but when he first blacked out, there was a new strong indescribable smell coming from him. After Brook, the scent wasn\u2019t as strong\u2014 though it\u2019s definitely still there.\u201d<\/p>\n
What did this have to do with anything? If it hadn\u2019t been Chopper explaining, Zoro would have long since lost his patience.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut strangely enough, Brook now has the same scent coming from him, but only faintly. So here\u2019s what I think: when Brook played for Zoro that evening, he unburdened a part of Zoro and took it with him. So my solution: we all relieve Zoro of his burden by having some proper one-on-one time with him\u2014me included, as I\u2019ve only been treating him as a patient. We want to remind him that we\u2019re here to share his burden with.\u201d<\/p>\n
This all sounded very wild to Zoro. Could it really be true? He thought back to Brook\u2019s visit, his eyebrows scrunched in thought, and his eyes widened. He remembered that he felt oddly lighter upon Brook\u2019s departure. Could it be? Or was it his imagination?<\/p>\n
Zoro really didn\u2019t want to doubt their doctor, but this was in an entirely different realm to the world of medicine. Still, it was their only lead so what harm would there be in trying?<\/p>\n
\u201cMakes sense,\u201d Luffy said, picking his nose.<\/p>\n
Usopp scoffed. \u201cNone of this makes sense! Were you even listening!\u201d<\/p>\n
Robin hummed. \u201cPerhaps. But we\u2019re sailing on an unpredictable ocean and have no other leads to go off. If we don\u2019t, Zoro may lose himself and be slowly tortured to death.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chopper and Usopp shrieked. \u201cRobin! Why you gotta be so morbid!\u201d Robin merely smiled.<\/p>\n
Jinbei cleared his throat. \u201cWhat about Zoro-san\u2019s spirit? Can he hear and see everything going on?\u201d<\/p>\n
Yes, I can! Zoro wanted to shout, but he knew his efforts would come to nothing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really not sure, but I wouldn\u2019t rule it out,\u201d Chopper said. Jinbei nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right then, who\u2019s accompanying Zoro-bro first?\u201d Franky said.<\/p>\n
Zoro expected Luffy to volunteer, but it was surprisingly Jinbei who beat him to it.<\/p>\n
Sanji clapped his hands together. \u201cAll right, with that decided you can all clear out. Except for the ladies, of course. You\u2019re more than welcome to stay.\u201d Zoro rolled his eyes but cleared out with the rest of the crew.<\/p>\n
\u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n
Zoro ended up following Jinbei into the infirmary. In all honesty, Zoro had no idea how this would work, none of them did. But he assumed it would probably work better if his spirit was present for it too. And at least Chopper had told them that he might be listening and seeing; Zoro didn\u2019t feel so intrusive being present.<\/p>\n
As he vanished through the door, Jinbei made himself comfortable on Chopper\u2019s wheely chair \u2014 it must have been quite sturdy. Though Chopper had bigger forms too; the chair was probably inclusive of those too.<\/p>\n
Jinbei wheeled over to Zoro\u2019s bedside and stared down at his own hands.<\/p>\n
After a long period of silence, Jinbei sighed. \u201cZoro-san, I owe you an apology,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Zoro did a double-take. What?<\/p>\n
\u201cYou see, I doubted you. I\u2019ve become somewhat sceptical in recent years. I\u2019ve seen injustice after injustice like you wouldn\u2019t believe. The ocean is unforgiving. It took me a while to learn that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jinbei nodded to himself. \u201cBut after dwelling on a conversation I had with Franky-san about your state, I realised that I should have more faith. Luffy-san and the crew have re-familiarised the feeling of hope within me. None of them are giving up, and nor will I.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jinbei looked straight at Zoro\u2019s unconscious face, a determined set to his face like Chopper had. \u201cYou can beat this curse, Zoro-san. I believe in you. And you have my apologies for the doubt.\u201d He bowed his head.<\/p>\n
Zoro blinked. Twice. A smile slowly formed on his lips. Well, that had been unexpected but it was definitely uplifting to hear. It felt wrong having Jinbei bow to him, though. Zoro supposed that was just what Jinbei was like. Deeply respectful.<\/p>\n
Jinbei closed his eyes and exhaled, a content look on his face. \u201cNow, Zoro-san. Did I ever tell you about a time in my youth when I terrorised a fleet of marine ships so badly that I got made into an urban legend? You\u2019ve maybe heard of it: \u2018The Nautical Nightmare\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoro thought it sounded vaguely familiar from his days as a bounty hunter, but listened closely as Jinbei recounted the tale. While he didn\u2019t use grand gestures to explain the events like Luffy or Usopp did, there was definitely a light in his eyes and an upbeat energy to his voice that did not always come through in his usual conversations.<\/p>\n
\u201c… And to this day the marines have never figured out the identity of the \u2018Nautical Nightmare\u2019. Though, I doubt the truth would increase my bounty by much considering I have caused worse with my career as a pirate and former Warlord.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was an entertaining story and had Zoro chuckling the whole way through. He made a mental note to ask Jinbei to share it with the rest of the crew once things were back to normal.<\/p>\n
With a sigh, Jinbei stood, rolling his shoulders as he did. \u201cAh, I sat still for too long.\u201d He looked over at Zoro and gave a curt bow. \u201cI\u2019ll let you rest up, Zoro-san. I look forward to hearing of your adventures when you awake.\u201d There was not a trace of hesitation in his voice.<\/p>\n
With that Jinbei left the room and Zoro immediately felt lighter, just like he had with Brook. Could the theory Chopper found be true? Was there a burden weighing him down and if so had it been reduced thanks to Jinbei\u2019s visit? Zoro was hopeful.<\/p>\n
Just as he was about to get up, though, the infirmary door once again opened. Only, this time it was Franky. Unlike Jinbei, it was only the large bulk of Franky\u2019s upper body that took up a lot of space. His lower half, in comparison, made him look like he skipped leg day. Zoro chuckled at his own joke.<\/p>\n
Zoro was glad that Franky had thought ahead and made the Sunny so accommodating of all sizes. As much as Zoro missed the Merry, it would never have accommodated their bigger crew mates like the Sunny seemed to.<\/p>\n
\u201cYo, Zoro! Been a while since we had a man to man, huh?\u201d Franky said, as he sat down on that same chair. It creaked a little under Franky\u2019s weight, but Franky didn\u2019t seem fazed. But then he frowned, creased lines on his forehead like he was thinking hard. \u201cMaybe man to man isn\u2019t the most accurate term right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Franky smashed his red fists together. \u201cNevertheless, get ready, because I\u2019m gonna hit you with the manliest stories!\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoro made himself comfortable on the infirmary bed, well, as much as a floating spirit could.<\/p>\n
Franky put a hand to his chin. \u201cSo. Where to start, Zoro-bro?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Judging by the clock in the infirmary, an hour had passed since Franky entered to speak with Zoro. The cyborg was on a roll, talking with great enthusiasm about his days with Iceburg as apprentices under Tom. Zoro had to admit, the stories were entertaining. Particularly the one where teenage Franky and Iceburg competed against one another in an exhausting series of competitions, vying for a girl\u2019s attention, only for her to reject the both of them.<\/p>\n
It surprised Zoro that Franky had not regaled him with some of these stories already. Had he told them to the rest of the crew while Zoro was too busy napping or working out? Had Zoro really missed that much? He shook his head, dispelling the thoughts and tuned back into what Franky was saying.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyway, long story short those assholes never tried to pull one over us ever again,\u201d Franky said with a proud nod.<\/p>\n
Before Franky could continue, though, there was a knock on the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome in,\u201d Franky said.<\/p>\n
The door opened and there stood Sanji carrying a tray of food. \u201cLunch,\u201d he said, offering the tray to Franky. There was a large bottle of cola as well as a fry up of assorted foods. It was not something Zoro would be enthused to eat, but that was the greatness of their cook, Zoro would admit. He catered to what each member would eat and enjoy, even if it meant 10 different dishes. With further thought, Zoro realised it must be quite a lot of work; he had underestimated just how much.<\/p>\n
Franky gestured for Sanji to come in. A slight frown settled on Sanji\u2019s features. \u201cUh, I\u2019ve got to feed the others,\u201d he said, once again offering the tray to Franky.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, no worries, bro. Just pop it down here,\u201d Franky said, gesturing to the table by the side of his seat.<\/p>\n
The frown on Sanji\u2019s face intensified for a moment, before he schooled it into something more neutral. However he didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n
After a few moments when Sanji still hadn\u2019t moved from his spot, Franky cleared his throat. \u201cEverything okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sanji snapped out of it and entered the infirmary. \u201cYeah, course,\u201d he said and placed the tray on the table next to Franky. He didn\u2019t cast so much as a glance Zoro\u2019s way\u2014which actually took active avoidance since Zoro\u2019s unconscious body was right there in front of him. What was that about?<\/p>\n
Franky took pity on him and clapped Sanji\u2019s shoulder as he was leaving. \u201cIt\u2019s okay. He\u2019ll come through,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sanji shrugged Franky\u2019s hand off. \u201cYou think I care? Whatever happens, happens. If the marimo doesn\u2019t come back then so be it. Just means he was too weak,\u201d he said, with an air of finality as he exited the room, slamming the door as he went. Franky flinched.<\/p>\n
Zoro fumed and so wished he could fight the cook. Calling Zoro weak? What a joke. Zoro made a note to pay him back for that comment, once he was conscious again.<\/p>\n
He would never admit it, but part of him was kind of disappointed too. He couldn\u2019t believe it. He knew the two of them didn\u2019t have the greatest of a relationship, but Zoro thought he meant more than that, meant something<\/em>. They were nakama. Sure they fought constantly and had different personal goals but at the end of the day, they had each other\u2019s back, as well as the crew\u2019s. How could Sanji not be the least bit upset?<\/p>\n Zoro was thrown out of his thoughts when he heard Franky bursting into laughter. So much so the cyborg had to wipe cola tears from his eyes. Zoro turned to him and saw Franky looking at Zoro\u2019s unconscious form. After taking a swig of the cola Sanji had given him, Franky exhaled, and slouched back against the chair he was on.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019d never admit it but he really wears his heart on his sleeve, huh?\u201d Franky said.<\/p>\n Zoro tilted his head. Were they thinking of the same person? Or was Franky making a joke? Because the only real emotions Sanji ever conveyed, from Zoro\u2019s point of view, were anger (mostly at Zoro himself) and lust (at almost every woman in sight). Zoro rolled his eyes. Yeah. It was definitely just typical Franky being his jokester self. Zoro felt foolish for ever thinking otherwise.<\/p>\n Franky sighed, shifting Zoro\u2019s attention back to the cyborg.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember there was a time when I used to be like him. I adopted a cool facade, pretending to be unaffected by Tom\u2019s death; pretending I no longer cared that I lost my body; pretending that nothing could faze me since I controlled the backstreets of Water 7. But the truth was, I cared<\/em>. I cared so much. Pretending I didn\u2019t was meant to be an easy fix but I found it so damn hard. I often slipped up\u2014you probably remember as much from when you guys recruited me\u2014but can I be honest with you, Zoro?\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro found himself nodding, but cursed when he realised Franky couldn\u2019t see him acknowledging.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I joined you guys, I gave up pretending for good. You all taught me that I was allowed to care, in fact you all encouraged it in some way or another; instilled in me that there is no shame in simply feeling.\u201d Franky wiped the corner of his eye, chuckling softly. \u201cSee? I\u2019m just a big ol\u2019 softie.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro laughed at that. There was just something so amusing about a half metal man claiming to be soft.<\/p>\n \u201cBut for real. I hope cook-bro learns that too. And you too, brother. Yeah, you don\u2019t hold back most of the time and you\u2019re pretty direct, but when it comes to certain emotions, your facade isn\u2019t as great as you think it is.\u201d<\/p>\n Frowning, Zoro was taken aback. What did Franky mean by that? Just what was the man alluding to? He was eager to find out more but Franky was getting up from his seat. Franky put a hand on Zoro\u2019s unconscious form\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cCome back soon, buddy. We\u2019re all waiting for you,\u201d Franky said, before giving Zoro\u2019s shoulder a brief squeeze and leaving the infirmary.<\/p>\n Zoro had a lot of questions, but despite that, he did feel slightly lighter as soon as Franky walked out the room. Zoro only hoped that meant Chopper\u2019s hypothesis was correct and their method of treatment was working.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n Dinner was mostly uneventful, but Chopper did confirm that the strange scent that lingered around Zoro had lessened after Franky\u2019s visit, so that was good and put the crew in a very positive mood. Zoro, however, was still racking his mind at what Franky had said. He couldn\u2019t have meant Thriller Bark, right? Only a few of the crew had known the truth about that and Zoro didn\u2019t think Sanji would\u2019ve willingly disclosed that to any of the other crew members. Not because Sanji couldn\u2019t trust the crew, but because one, he\u2019d promised Zoro he wouldnt and two, Sanji was selfless that way. He wouldn\u2019t want to impose any trauma onto their crewmates. And of course, third, was the fact Sanji had tried to make the exact same sacrifice but had been knocked back by Zoro.<\/p>\n So, yeah, it was complicated. But it was also more than two years ago now; who knew what rumours the crew had heard during their break apart. There wasn\u2019t much Zoro could do about it now, especially in this spirit-like form.<\/p>\n Dinner finished though, and the talking treatment was to continue. This time it was Robin\u2019s turn. Curious to hear what the woman had to say, Zoro followed her to the infirmary and resumed his position on the bed, atop his unconscious body.<\/p>\n Robin sat on the chair and gazed upon Zoro. She opened her mouth but no words came out. She tried again but the same thing happened. To see Robin lost for words was unexpected. The woman always knew what to say.<\/p>\n Robin exhaled. \u201cForgive me, Zoro. I\u2019m not sure how I should start, or more accurately how to word what I would like to say.\u201d<\/p>\n Out with it, Zoro thought.<\/p>\n With a smile lighting up her face, Robin said, \u201cDo you remember that time in Water 7 when you were on babysitting duty? Just the image of you in that mama crop top carrying three children gives me immense joy.\u201d She chuckled to herself.<\/p>\n Zoro frowned. \u201cSeriously?\u201d he said, all too aware she couldn\u2019t hear him.<\/p>\n After a few silent moments she spoke again, her features softening. \u201cI still remember how untrusting of me you were when I first joined the crew. I don\u2019t blame you; given the circumstances, everyone in the crew should\u2019ve been suspicious, and it must have been rather isolating to feel like the only one looking out for the crew in that regard.\u201d<\/p>\n Not really, Zoro wanted to say. Sure, everyone else had easily accepted her presence onboard the ship, but Zoro expected that from them; he had sailed with them long enough to know of Luffy\u2019s reckless but charitable nature, but he also knew he could have faith in Luffy. And should Luffy make a bad decision, he and the crew had proven they were capable of coming back from it. His faith in his captain, in the Straw Hats, was unyielding.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, though\u2026 It wasn\u2019t until that day at the courthouse, when you all declared war on the World Government, that I finally accepted that I could have a family, if I so chose; that you were all right there, waiting for me, telling me to come home.\u201d Robin smiled. \u201cAnd the most bizarre thing is that even you, the suspicious swordsman, accepted me as part of this family before I even accepted myself as truly belonging or being allowed here. Part of me often wonders, even to this day, what it was that made me someone worthy of the friendships I\u2019ve formed on this ship.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRobin\u2026\u201d Zoro said. He was ironically grateful that he wasn\u2019t expected to respond to this\u2014he didn\u2019t know how. He\u2019d never been the best with words. And Robin rarely revealed her vulnerable side. She was a strong woman, always managing to keep up with the rest of the crew, but even she wasn\u2019t invincible. Her past had hardened her, for sure, but coming into this crew had dealt her a happiness she wasn\u2019t familiar with\u2014Zoro had discovered such one night when everyone, Robin especially, was drunk. She had told of how as a child she sought solace in the books she read, and later in her friendship with Jaguar D. Saul.<\/p>\n Closing her eyes and leaning her head back, Robin sighed. After ten minutes of sitting in comfortable silence, she sat up again, laughing. She looked at Zoro with mirth in her eyes. \u201cDo you remember when Luffy ran around the ship wearing that pink nightgown saying he had found amongst Franky\u2019s belongings? And how you all teased Franky endlessly for a week about it?\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro remembered. The teasing was mostly because the front of it boldly read \u2018I like big boys\u2019 which Franky adamantly insisted was not true and it was nowhere near his size.<\/p>\n \u201cThe truth is he bought it for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ah. That answered a few things. Zoro felt the pieces in his head regarding what he knew of Franky and Robin\u2019s relationship fall into place. But the nightgown incident had been so long ago\u2014from way before he started suspecting something was up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m telling you now because, truthfully, I want the shock of what I\u2019m about to say to hopefully wake you up.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro narrowed his eyes on the woman.<\/p>\n \u201cFranky and I are engaged.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro\u2019s eyebrows shot up. What the hell? Huh? He had so many questions. Firstly though he looked down at his body. He was still unconscious. Damn it! The shock hadn\u2019t worked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome to ask us your questions but I am not disclosing anymore while you\u2019re unconscious. You have to wake up for that,\u201d Robin said and walked to the door. \u201cSo wake up, Zoro.\u201d She exited the infirmary.<\/p>\n What a discovery. Zoro shook his head and laid back on the bed. To think that two of his nakama were together<\/em> together right under all their noses. Did anyone else know? Why was it such a secret? Zoro was sure they had their reasons, but it did leave him curious for answers.<\/p>\n The amount of secrets and honest truths he had heard from his crewmates since he\u2019d been unconscious was frankly astounding. What else could they be keeping to themselves? He would definitely have to have a word with them all when he woke up.<\/p>\n One thing was certain, though, he did feel lighter after Robin had left. Hopefully that meant Chopper\u2019s theory was working, but only time would tell.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zoro blinked up at the ceiling of the infirmary. He hadn\u2019t moved since Robin left a few hours ago because he felt tired. Not physically given his form but certainly mentally. This spirit form was taking its toll and it was taking a lot out of Zoro to ease the nagging doubt at the back of his mind that was clawing its way through, telling him he would never return to his body. No, he had to have hope. His nakama believed in him. He would make it through this and years into the future it would eventually turn into a peculiar memory.<\/p>\n It would. It had <\/em>to.<\/p>\n He was interrupted from his thoughts when there was a clatter of noise coming from somewhere on the ship. Who was on watch and why the noise? Intrigued, Zoro floated out of the infirmary. Straight away he spotted the light on in the galley, however, he also spotted Usopp on watch at the Sunny figurehead. Zoro sincerely hoped for Luffy\u2019s sake that the man wasn\u2019t trying to raid the fridge or pantry for a midnight snack. Last time he\u2019d done that Sanji had raged big style, resulting in a very regretful and apologetic Luffy.<\/p>\n As Zoro floated through the door he witnessed Sanji making himself a coffee. For a man who knew everything about food, he clearly wasn\u2019t thinking straight if he thought coffee would aid his sleep. Or, Zoro supposed, maybe the cook didn\u2019t want to sleep. But that led him down a train of thought that would suppose Zoro actually cared what the cook got up to. He did not. At all.<\/p>\n Okay, maybe just a little. Definitely not a lot, though. Not at all.<\/p>\n Just what was he thinking?<\/p>\n After making his coffee, Sanji sat at the dining table where his collection of kitchen utensils, pots, and pans were in disarray\u2014that must have been the clatter Zoro heard earlier. Sanji pulled forward the block of knives first and retrieved a knife sharpener from one of the cupboards and started sharpening the first knife. He sharpened it like he always had with a gentle but firm grasp on the knife, one could tell it was a well-practised movement he\u2019d done hundreds of times.<\/p>\n With nothing else going on, Zoro watched as Sanji did the same for the next three knives. However, something was off come the fourth knife. There was a small tremor in Sanji\u2019s hand as he sharpened the knife, but Sanji persevered and kept sharpening. But the tremor got worse until both his hands were shaking so much that the knife and sharpener were wobbling out of alignment with each other. Zoro bit his lip. Shit. This wasn\u2019t good. He would cut his hand at this rate. Zoro knew how important Sanji\u2019s hands were to him and exactly how sharp those knives were too, especially freshly sharpened.<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cMake yourself useful and dry the dishes,\u201d Sanji had said once, tossing a dish towel at Zoro.<\/p>\n Zoro had grunted but accepted his fate. Had he known this would be the first of what would become a regular routine, he would\u2019ve tried bargaining for something. That first night, he had made it through the majority of dishes without breaking any (a miracle according to Sanji) but when he picked up the last item to dry\u2014a knife\u2014it slipped between his fingers and left a small cut on his hand.<\/p>\n Zoro had gazed at the cut. \u201cThese things are pretty sharp, huh?\u201d he said, fascinated as the blood trickled out.<\/p>\n Sanji\u2019s eyes widened as he spotted the blood. \u201cDamn it, Marimo! Be careful!\u201d He quickly retrieved some paper towel, wet it, and pressed it into the cut. \u201cHow do you even manage to fight with three swords, one even in your mouth like a maniac, and somehow not get cut, but then let this happen!\u201d Sanji shook his head. \u201cNothing makes sense.\u201d This was the closest they\u2019d ever physically been without fighting. Up close, Zoro got a good look at the sky blue of Sanji\u2019s eyes. Wow, they were captivating.<\/p>\n Wait, what?<\/p>\n Zoro had snapped out of it, of course. \u201cA swordsman never shares his secrets,\u201d he had eventually said with a smirk. Sanji rolled his eyes and left him there, calling out of the door for Chopper\u2019s aid.<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n That had been a simpler time compared to now, Zoro thought. Sanji\u2019s hands were still shaking but he had the sense to place both the knife and sharpener on the table. Zoro exhaled, relieved. With his head facing down, Sanji clenched his fists on the table. Just what was going on?<\/p>\n Zoro approached Sanji and tried to get his attention, but it was hopeless, as expected nothing he tried worked. He had absolutely no effect on his surroundings. He even sat next to Sanji and attempted to bang his own head on the table but it was no use. He really was losing it. But that didn\u2019t matter because shortly after a speck of water dropped onto the dining table next to him. Followed by another. And another, and more. Zoro dragged his eyes up to the source: Sanji was\u2026 crying?<\/p>\n Wait, what? Zoro had to do a double take. The cook was definitely crying and Zoro had no idea why. What on earth was happening? And why did Zoro\u2019s chest feel uncomfortably tight when he didn\u2019t even have a physical body? What the fuck? Zoro gulped. For all that he and Sanji rarely got along, seeing him break down and cry was something else. Zoro hesitantly reached out for the cook\u2019s shoulder, but his hand went right through. He clenched his fist in frustration. He\u2019d never been good at comforting others, but seeing Sanji like this, so upset and vulnerable with no one around just didn\u2019t sit right with Zoro.<\/p>\n Footsteps sounded just outside the galley and Sanji\u2019s head shot up as he quickly wiped his eyes with the sleeves of his shirt.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, Marimo,\u201d Sanji said under his breath.<\/p>\n And, well\u2026 what? Zoro wondered if he heard right. But he didn\u2019t have the opportunity to dwell on it because Usopp entered the galley with a big grin on his face. Sanji had gotten up from his seat and was topping up his coffee with his back to Usopp.<\/p>\n \u201cGuess who just learned a new yo-yo trick!\u201d Usopp said, a spinning yellow yo-yo dangling from his hand. \u201cAnd the beauty is, I don\u2019t even have to look!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s great, Usopp. But you need to go back and keep watch,\u201d Sanji said, his body rigid as he remained facing away from Usopp.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I will. Just wanted to get some water. You okay, Sanji? You seem kind of tense. Can\u2019t sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. It\u2019s been a long night.\u201d Sanji slid a glass of water to the side of him. \u201cHere, take this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, thanks!\u201d Usopp said as he grabbed the glass and headed for the door. He paused just before it. \u201cUm\u2026 I know you\u2019ve been struggling to sleep lately\u2014I can hear you tossing and turning at night. But if you want to talk about anything, I\u2019m here. I can spar with you, too, though I know I won\u2019t be as good as Zoro. Also, if you want to sleep you should lay off the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Usopp,\u201d Sanji said. Usopp just nodded and exited the galley.<\/p>\n As soon as Usopp was out, Sanji exhaled and poured his coffee down the sink\u2014it wasn\u2019t like Sanji to waste food, so Zoro knew something was definitely getting to him. But Sanji just tidied up all the kitchen utensils, pots, and pans that were on the dining table, putting them away in their right spots. Once done, Sanji appraised the now tidy state of the galley and nodded to himself.<\/p>\n Zoro got a good look of his face, though. And while the tears were no more, the heavy bags under his eyes definitely indicated Usopp was onto something\u2014Sanji wasn\u2019t sleeping.<\/p>\n \u201cSleep, cook,\u201d Zoro said.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, Sanji turned the lights off and headed back to the men\u2019s quarters. Zoro followed him and watched as Sanji climbed into his bunk. Zoro stayed in the room, sitting against the wall, and waited for Sanji to drift back to sleep. He did eventually but it took a while.<\/p>\n Moving back to the infirmary, Zoro sighed as he once again laid his eyes on his unconscious form. The night and early morning had been very surprising. Zoro would love to just be able to shut off and sleep for a few hours, but in this form he could not.<\/p>\n Just what had he witnessed exactly? It was the cook having a breakdown, obviously, but for what reason? And why did the thought of it trigger such an uncomfortable tightness in Zoro\u2019s chest?<\/p>\n But it was just like Sanji to suffer in silence and it concerned Zoro because who knew how much the cook had endured alone, probably thinking he didn\u2019t want to burden the crew. Surely the cook had to know that was absurd, though, given everything their crew had been through together. Surely, Sanji had to know that a problem shared was a problem halved, or however the saying goes. But then again\u2026 Zoro would probably behave in the exact same way. He cursed at himself.<\/p>\n The tight sensation in his chest was still there, but Zoro did his best to ignore it as he settled back on the bed. He closed his eyes, but all he could see was Sanji\u2019s exhausted and tear-streaked face. What could he do though? He was powerless. But that face\u2026 he\u2019d seen other Straw Hats cry and his response was usually anger, usually fired up to take out whatever or whoever caused the tears\u2014he hated seeing his nakama cry. But this\u2026 the cook\u2026 Sanji\u2026 It was different somehow.<\/p>\n With a sigh, Zoro tried to dispel the thoughts from his head. This was an issue he could deal with when he woke up. There was no point stressing over it when he was absolutely powerless to do anything. The best he could do was put his best efforts forth in making Chopper\u2019s theory come true. And not go stir-crazy in the meantime.<\/p>\n He really needed to wake up. Soon.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n When the morning sun crept up a few hours later, Zoro joined the rest of the crew in the galley for breakfast. As usual his spot was saved and Sanji had prepared his typical breakfast feast for everyone. Sanji looked\u2026 better than he did in the middle of the night\u2014the cook was good at putting a brave face on\u2014but Zoro knew better. And he couldn\u2019t shake the image of him crying out of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, some hopefully good news everyone!\u201d Chopper said after sipping from the straw in his orange juice. Zoro turned his attention to Chopper. \u201cThe peculiar scent is definitely lessening from Zoro and I can now smell it on Brook, Jinbei, Franky, and Robin. It\u2019s still strongest on Zoro, but we still have five of us to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if it still doesn\u2019t wake him after everyone\u2019s spoken to him?\u201d Sanji asked. The bags under his eyes weren\u2019t as noticeable as they had been hours prior, but he still didn\u2019t look great.<\/p>\n Chopper steeled himself and faced Sanji head on. \u201cWell, then we\u2019ll repeat the process. We will get him back, Sanji. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro grinned. That was the determined little reindeer he loved to see. Sanji, however, didn\u2019t look convinced.<\/p>\n The conversation was cut short by Luffy sighing. \u201cI miss Zoro and his stupid green hair.\u201d<\/p>\n Stupid? Zoro narrowed his eyes at his captain. He would pay for that.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Usopp said he was going to go next for one-on-one time with him, but if you really want to see him you know you can, right?\u201d Chopper said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know, Chopper,\u201d Nami said. \u201cBut I think it\u2019s best that we stick to what we\u2019re doing. We have our duties onboard the ship to distract us from getting overwhelmed by Zoro\u2019s situation right now. Being too overwhelmed won’t help anybody. I believe we\u2019re on the right track.\u201d<\/p>\n Luffy hummed. \u201cYep. Seeing Zoro unconscious will just make me frustrated so I\u2019m only gonna see him when it\u2019s my turn for one-on-one time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLikewise,\u201d Sanji said. There were murmurs of \u2018yeah, same\u2019 and nods all around the table.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro-san\u2019s too strong to let a curse keep him down,\u201d Brook said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll drink to that!\u201d Franky said, holding up a bottle of cola. The rest of the crew grabbed their own beverages and raised them. \u201cTo Zoro!\u201d Franky called.<\/p>\n \u201cTo Zoro!\u201d the rest of the crew echoed back.<\/p>\n Zoro grinned, his heart felt full. He loved this crew. He wouldn\u2019t let them down.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n After breakfast, Chopper headed to the infirmary with Zoro in tow. He did another scan of Zoro\u2019s vitals and nodded to himself. Nothing came back as abnormal then, Zoro assumed. Once done, Chopper exited, calling for Usopp.<\/p>\n Usopp made himself comfortable on that same chair that sat everyone who visited him and scooted over to Zoro\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026. Zoro. What\u2019s up?\u201d Usopp said, twiddling his fingers. \u201cOh wait, you can\u2019t respond. I suppose it\u2019s lucky Captain Usopp is here to talk your ear off with tales of grand adventures!\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro huffed in amusement. This was bound to be elaborate and full of exaggerations but at least the sniper was a great storyteller. He settled in to listen.<\/p>\n Several stories later and Zoro found he was surprisingly grateful to the sniper\u2014escapism was good entertainment, it appeared. He regretted not spending more time listening to Usopp\u2019s stories. The man had a talent.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Zoro, it is time for my greatest story yet! It\u2019s a Zoro exclusive so I hope you\u2019re paying attention.\u201d Zoro raised an eyebrow, curious.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a true lived experience of a mighty pirate warrior of the sea called Nusopp. However, we need to go back to the beginning for once upon a time he was not the mighty pirate warrior he is known as today.\u201d<\/p>\n Nusopp this time, huh? Zoro snorted. So far he\u2019d heard Sogeking, Tusopp, Rusopp, and Dusopp.<\/p>\n \u201cSo without further ado, here goes. Once upon a time there was a cowardly young boy called Nusopp. His dad had left him in the care of his mother while he went and sailed as a pirate. However, Nusopp\u2019s mother fell ill, and so Nusopp began lying and telling stories in an attempt to energise his mother. However, his efforts were in vain because his mother soon passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro watched Usopp. This story was unlike the previous ones. So far, it sounded suspiciously familiar to what Zoro knew of Usopp\u2019s past. However, Usopp appeared strengthened by the story\u2014like it was a part of his past that he had made peace with. Zoro smiled, a small bit of joy blossoming in his chest. Usopp\u2019s growth since joining the Straw Hats had been admirable.<\/p>\n Usopp cleared his throat and Zoro realised he\u2019d zoned out during a few sentences. Oops. \u201cAnyway, after defeating the evil Nuro and much begging on the Pirate Captain Nuffy\u2019s behalf, Nusopp finally joined their crew. Naya graciously gave them a new ship! And what a beauty the Nerry was!\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro was entertained by Usopp\u2019s naming conventions. Just switch the first letter of every name to an N, huh? For someone who was usually so thorough in his storytelling, it was an interesting choice. Was there perhaps another reason Usopp had kept it so obvious? Zoro listened on.<\/p>\n Usopp painted a very vivid image of the Straw Hat\u2019s time together and it was actually great to hear how things went down from his perspective, given all the times the crew had to split up to adventure or fight different enemies. Usopp\u2019s fights had a different tone to them than Zoro\u2019s. While Zoro\u2019s were often strictly business in nature, Usopp\u2019s had a lot of hilarity, the element of surprise, but also a great comeback story.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyway, the whole point of this story leads us to this pivotal moment when the once cowardly Nusopp evolved into a brave mighty pirate warrior. You wanna know how it happened?\u201d Usopp said, eyebrow quirked.<\/p>\n Zoro nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt didn\u2019t. Nusopp was in a crew surrounded by the truly brave but he himself was still kind of cowardly. But he had learned to be brave when the moment required it. And you know why that was? It was because when he closed his eyes he would see the faces of his nakama\u2014a reminder of why he was there and who he was fighting for,\u201d Usopp said, fist clenched passionately in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd in the face of extreme danger he would ask himself \u2018what would Noro do?\u2019 and sure, Noro would probably do something absolutely unhinged, but just thinking of that question always gave Nusopp the boost in courage that he needed. Noro was someone to aspire to.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro smiled. That was\u2026 touching.<\/p>\n Usopp stroked his chin. \u201cI mean, Nusopp wouldn\u2019t copy Noro\u2019s actions because he\u2019d be dead if he did. Like, what kind of idiot challenges Nihawk, the greatest swordsman in the world, and readily accepts a slash down the front of his body? Only Noro, I tell you!\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro chuckled at that. The man had a point when he put it that way.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyway,\u201d Usopp said, leaning forward and lowering his voice. \u201cThis stays between you and me, but not all my stories are real. However, that last one? Totally real. And I think you know that too.\u201d<\/p>\n Usopp sat back and stretched his arms above his head. \u201cDamn, I sat so long. Such is the burden of a gifted narrator. Anyway, I\u2019ll leave you to it, Zoro.\u201d He squeezed Zoro\u2019s forearm. \u201cCome back soon, buddy. I\u2019ll even let you train me in the gym when you do!\u201d He stood and held one finger up. \u201cBut only once because you are a certified beast.\u201d<\/p>\n When Usopp exited the infirmary, Zoro once again experienced a weight being lifted off of him. It was fascinating because while the curse weighed him down, he didn\u2019t really realise it until some of his burden left him. It made him wonder what he would feel like once the curse was entirely gone. It also gave him a new gym idea: what if he did his usual workout while wearing ankle and wrist weights? Could be a gamechanger.<\/p>\n Usopp\u2019s visit had been a lot of fun and Zoro was able to see him in a different way than he had before; he\u2019d always appreciated the sniper, but never really cared too much for his storytelling. But now Zoro could see its value.<\/p>\n With Usopp gone and Zoro in good spirits, Zoro wondered who would be next.<\/p>\n The door creaked upon and a familiar little crewmate walked in. \u201cI guess it\u2019s my turn now,\u201d Chopper said, gently closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chopper didn\u2019t rush into his one-on-one time. Instead, he took Zoro\u2019s vitals, nodding to himself as he jotted down notes. Once satisfied with that, he left briefly and returned with a tray of food. \u201cSanji insisted I eat some lunch,\u201d Chopper explained, as he made himself comfortable on that all too familiar wheely chair.<\/p>\n The food looked delicious, as it always did. An omelette stuffed with a colourful selection of vegetables and for after, Chopper\u2019s favourite: cotton candy. It really was impressive Sanji was able to cater to all the crew\u2019s different tastes. Zoro\u2019s favourite had to be the rice balls\u2014yes, he was simple! But the fillings the cook loaded into them were next level in taste, unlike anything Zoro had ever had. Before Sanji, Zoro had never really paid attention to what he ate, just that he needed protein for his muscle gains. The world of food was one Sanji had introduced him to, and no doubt others in the crew too. Zoro never would\u2019ve thought there was this vast ocean of flavours that he himself would actually be interested in trying.<\/p>\n He watched as Chopper finished eating his food, swaying his legs in delight.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, that was so good, Zoro! You really are missing out,\u201d Chopper said, as he relocated the now empty tray to his desk.<\/p>\n Chopper wheeled the chair close to Zoro\u2019s bedside before jumping back onto it. He leaned over and fluffed Zoro\u2019s pillows. \u201cGotta keep you comfy,\u201d he said. Zoro smiled. Typical Chopper.<\/p>\n Chopper sat back in the chair and twiddled his hooves together. It was only then that Zoro noticed the red swollenness where Chopper\u2019s thin ankle fur met his hooves. Zoro frowned. It looked sore and irritable. Was this from working too hard? Or could it be a sign of stress? Chopper did such a fantastic job of taking care of everyone else, but really didn\u2019t afford himself the same level of care. It was worrying. Zoro made a mental note to check up on the reindeer\u2019s health once he woke up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been really weird on the ship without you, Zoro. Everyone\u2019s trying to hold it together, for the sake of the crew, but we\u2019re all worried. Usopp\u2019s been more jumpy, Brook\u2019s not playing music, money isn\u2019t cheering Nami up, Luffy is eating even more than usual somehow, and don\u2019t even get me started on Sanji. I could go on and on about everyone. We\u2019re all missing you.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro laid back on the bed, frustrated. It sucked seeing the crew go through all this because of him, but what sucked even more was that he was powerless to change it. He didn\u2019t ask for this! Why was the world punishing him so?<\/p>\n \u201cBut I don\u2019t want to dwell on that for our one-on-one time! I was actually thinking of another, actually positive, one-on-one time we had back at Water 7 all those years ago. We went to the cinema! Do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro smiled. Of course he remembered. It was their first time seeing a visual den den mushi play a film on such a large scale projector screen. It had been quite an experience. Though he couldn’t quite recall the film\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cWe saw Blade of the Ninja. You probably don\u2019t remember since you fell asleep ten minutes into it.\u201d Chopper giggled into his hoof. \u201cIt was a pretty bad movie, now that I think about it. And those chairs were pretty comfy. I think Luffy would\u2019ve loved it. He\u2019s always gushing over cool stuff like ninjas.\u201d<\/p>\n That was true. What Chopper failed to mention was that bringing Luffy would be a next level disaster. He would be loud and bouncy, steal other people\u2019s popcorn, and potentially destroy the entire theatre. He was chaos personified. Still, it would\u2019ve made for a fun time.<\/p>\n Chopper continued recounting the adventures they\u2019d shared together and with the crew. Zoro found himself laughing alongside Chopper when he brought up the time Luffy ripped his shorts mid-fight with another customer at a tavern. Luffy had stood, proud and completely unbothered by his butt on display, and declared himself the winner. They were all kicked out by the owner of the tavern, but it was an unforgettable moment.<\/p>\n When the laughter simmered down, Chopper rested his hoof on Zoro\u2019s wrist. \u201cZoro, you\u2019re what I imagine having a big brother is like.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro\u2019s eyes widened a fraction before creasing with his smile. \u201cThanks, Chopper. You\u2019re the little bro I never had,\u201d Zoro said, and leaned forward to noogie Chopper\u2019s head. It didn\u2019t work, but the familiarity of the gesture was comforting to Zoro in a weird way.<\/p>\n \u201cUsopp thinks so too. We all really admire you, you know? Like everything you do is so cool!\u201d Chopper\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cEspecially your fighting! It\u2019s way better than that Blade of the Ninja movie. Wait a second! What if they hired you for those fighting movies! That would be so cool!\u201d<\/p>\n Laughter bubbled from Zoro\u2019s lips and something warm fizzled inside his chest. It felt good.<\/p>\n Chopper frowned. \u201cOh, but then we would be separated. Huh. Maybe that\u2019s not such a good idea after all.\u201d<\/p>\n Never change, Chopper, Zoro thought.<\/p>\n Chopper\u2019s attention shifted to the clock on his desk. It was shaped like a cloud and Zoro knew it to be one of Chopper\u2019s favourite possessions. Zoro had once been told it reminded their doctor of their adventures in Skypiea.<\/p>\n \u201cWow! Have I really been in here for that long?\u201d Chopper said as he stood up from the chair and stretched. He looked back at Zoro and nodded, satisfied. \u201cI\u2019ll be back later to do your vitals.\u201d As Chopper exited the infirmary, Zoro followed behind feeling even lighter but somehow whole too.<\/p>\n It was late afternoon out on deck, if the emerging orange hues contrasting against the blue of the sky were anything to go by.<\/p>\n Chopper spotted Nami watering her mikan trees on deck and ran over to her. \u201cI\u2019m finished with my turn!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay thanks, Chopper,\u201d Nami said, smiling at the little reindeer. \u201cI\u2019ll finish up here and head in.\u201d<\/p>\n While Nami was finishing that, Zoro floated around the deck. It was absent of music and noise, which was always a worrying sign when onboard the Sunny. Silence just didn\u2019t exist. Other than Nami, Zoro only spotted Luffy sitting on the Sunny figurehead, Robin reading a book on the staircase, and Jinbei standing by the rail watching the water. Zoro had rarely seen things this subdued. Was crew morale really at an all time low?<\/p>\n There wasn\u2019t time to dwell on it, though, as Nami was heading right to the infirmary. Zoro followed her in.<\/p>\n Nami sat on the chair while Zoro floated over to sit next to his own unconscious body.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, I should be charging you increased interest for all these days you\u2019ve missed paying me back,\u201d Nami said, examining her nails. \u201cBut I won\u2019t, because despite what you think, I am not a heartless witch.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro scoffed. \u201cBullshit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnyway. I know in the past we haven\u2019t really had many mutual talking points but I think you\u2019d be surprised to know we\u2019re more alike than you think,\u201d Nami said.<\/p>\n Zoro quirked an eyebrow. \u201cHa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, a difference first. I know that, unlike me, you can\u2019t be tempted by the allure of a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. So?\u201d Everybody knew Nami was a sucker for a pretty lady and Zoro was not. This wasn\u2019t news.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you can be tempted by a man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat,\u201d Zoro deadpanned.<\/p>\n \u201cSpecifically, one man,\u201d Nami said, holding up a single finger. \u201cAnd you know who that is, right?\u201d She wore a smug expression\u2014she was enjoying this. \u201cNo? No response? Well, I\u2019m not going to tell you. But I will tell you that it\u2019s how we\u2019re similar. Not only are we both gay but we\u2019re both oblivious to our own feelings.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro frowned, feeling equally lost and irritated. Nami knew nothing. Zoro was very in touch with his own feelings\u2014he meditated after all! He would know if he was attracted to someone. Still, morbid curiosity won out. He listened to what she had to say.<\/p>\n Nami leaned on her hand. \u201cIt was actually because of you and him that I discovered my feelings for Vivi. I realised the sparks flying between you two were just like the ones between me and Vivi. Vivi realised it too and, unlike you idiots, we actually did something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Sparks flying? What the hell was she going on about?<\/p>\n Wait. He had heard that term before and it had been just as baffling then. A memory from when Vivi sailed with them popped into his head.<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n Zoro had just woken up from a nap on the deck and immediately felt a familiar deathly aura coming at him. His hands went straight for his swords as Sanji launched an attack on him. Zoro unsheathed one sword, raising it quickly to block Sanji\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n \u201cYou asshole! You drank all the liquor,\u201d Sanji said as the two of them collided.<\/p>\n \u201cBullshit. I haven\u2019t touched your liquor,\u201d Zoro all but growled as they separated. A grin broke out on his face as the familiar feel of intensity and adrenaline kicked in. \u201cBut if you want a fight, then just say so!\u201d he said before launching an attack at Sanji.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t bullshit me, Marimo,\u201d Sanji said, as he deflected Zoro\u2019s attacks and started to return a few of his own. A matching grin broke out on his face. \u201cIf you wanted a beating, you should\u2019ve just said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeh! Bring it on, cook!\u201d<\/p>\n The two of them lunged, dodged, and parried about, neither one easing up. On the contrary, Zoro was getting more and more fired up as they went.<\/p>\n But then Zoro slipped on something and crashed into Sanji, sending them to the floor of the deck. Zoro had Sanji pinned underneath him. Up this close he could see the faint red flushing across Sanji\u2019s cheeks. It was strangely captivating.<\/p>\n \u201cWow! Not only do sparks fly metaphorically between you two, but they do literally when you fight too!\u201d Vivi said, punching her fist into her other hand.<\/p>\n Sanji quickly pushed Zoro off of him and brushed himself down. \u201cAh, Vivi-chan, can I get you something?\u201d<\/p>\n Nami joined Vivi. \u201cOh, no we\u2019re okay. Nami just wanted something to drink,\u201d Vivi said, holding up a bottle of liquor. Presumably the same bottle Sanji assumed Zoro took.<\/p>\n Zoro and Sanji both spluttered but Sanji was faster to collect himself. \u201cOf course, please do enjoy!\u201d The girls left and Zoro knew he wasn\u2019t imagining the smirk on Nami\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Zoro\u2019s eye twitched. \u201cYou idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEh? You wanna go for round two already?\u201d Sanji said, putting a smoke between his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cAlways,\u201d Zoro said, collecting his swords from the ground.<\/p>\n Sanji took a drag from his cigarette. \u201cWell, tough luck. Unlike some mosses, I have dinner to prepare,\u201d he said before leaving the deck for the galley.<\/p>\n Zoro sighed. What did Vivi mean by \u2018sparks fly\u2019 anyway?<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n If Zoro had understood the term sparks flying back then, he would\u2019ve definitely voiced his disapproval. But now that Nami had provided some context of it using her relationship with Vivi, Zoro finally understood.<\/p>\n What he couldn\u2019t understand was why Nami was referring to Sanji as a man of interest to Zoro.<\/p>\n Zoro sat and let his thoughts roam. There was no way he was attracted to Sanji. The man was irritating, truly, except\u2026 except maybe for when they were fighting. Fighting was always fun and thrilling with him. The fire in Sanji\u2019s eyes had always matched Zoro\u2019s own and something about that always sent a thrill through Zoro\u2019s body. Sanji was always as committed to the spar as Zoro was.<\/p>\n And well, losing to Sanji wasn\u2019t all that bad either. The slight rise of the cook\u2019s eyebrows, for some reason surprised he actually beat Zoro, and the small almost secret smile of accomplishment, were one of Zoro\u2019s favourite sights\u2014because of how open and unguarded they were. And if the sight of a slightly red-faced happy and accomplished Sanji did certain things for Zoro, no one else had to know. It was perfectly normal. Like Zoro knew Sanji was attractive, but it was objectively, of course, and in comparison to the rest of the crew, who Zoro did not find attractive.<\/p>\n Zoro paused that thought and looked over at Nami who was studying something on Chopper\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n And that was when he realised he\u2019d fucked up.<\/p>\n Because the thing was, yeah, Zoro wasn\u2019t attracted to Nami, but objectively<\/em> speaking she was attractive. She got enough attention from people everywhere for that to be an established fact.<\/p>\n Zoro frowned. So what the fuck did his mind and body\u2019s responses to Sanji mean?<\/p>\n \u201cAt least your vitals seem to be consistent,\u201d Nami said, kicking him out of his thoughts. \u201cOr at least I think they are. This is Chopper\u2019s field, not mine.\u201d She shrugged.<\/p>\n Zoro shook his head. No, this was just Nami messing with his head. She liked to do that, and was very good at it.<\/p>\n But what if she wasn\u2019t messing with his head? He couldn\u2019t stop the traitorous thought from running rampant in his mind. And he kind of didn\u2019t want to stop it. But nevertheless, he turned his attention back to Nami, realising he had missed her last sentence.<\/p>\n Nami stood. \u201cOkay, I\u2019m going for now. Wake up soon, Zoro! If you don’t, I’ll raise the interest on your debt another percent!\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro cursed at her. That was just like her. But even when she left, despite the mess she\u2019d started in his head, he still felt lighter. And it had felt nice discovering that he was partly\u2014weirdly\u2014the catalyst for her and Vivi getting together. They were a good match for one another.<\/p>\n He tried to envision himself and Sanji as a couple. It felt\u2026 odd. He\u2019d never been one for romance and it kind of made him uncomfortable, but there was a defiant little voice in his head encouraging the line of thinking. Zoro wanted to mute it.<\/p>\n There was no way he and Sanji could ever be like that. Surely. Right? Yeah, he was being an idiot even entertaining the idea. He and Sanji would never be together. After all, while Zoro might reluctantly admit being attracted to the cook, he was certain the feeling was not mutual. Sanji was a ladies man, through and through.<\/p>\n Zoro shook his head and left the infirmary for some fresh air.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDinner!\u201d was the first thing Zoro heard when he appeared on deck. Luffy zoomed into the galley while the others followed at a much more reasonable pace.<\/p>\n He took his spot at the table and watched everyone eat their meals. It wasn\u2019t as loud and lively as usual but it wasn\u2019t dead quiet either.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, who\u2019s going next?\u201d Robin asked, looking right at Sanji. Sanji met her gaze briefly before eyeing the food on his plate.<\/p>\n \u201cMe!\u201d Luffy said. Zoro, who was still focused on Sanji, saw the man sigh in relief. Did he really detest being alone with Zoro that much?<\/p>\n A loud bang sounded outside, interrupting his thoughts. Cannonfire. It was a sound Zoro was long since familiar with. The rest of the crew were too.<\/p>\n Long since used to attacks from other ships, Luffy led the crew out the galley and onto the deck. There was a ship ahead, within cannon range. The flag indicated it was the marines. Great. Zoro was eager to fight and was frustrated he couldn\u2019t. Nevertheless he watched as Luffy bounced a cannon back their enemies\u2019 way with his inflated stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cFight!\u201d Luffy hollered at the crew, before he slingshotted himself across to the marine ship. Jinbei jumped into the water, easily manipulating the waves to launch him forward at speed.<\/p>\n \u201cBrook, Franky, Robin, you three go too,\u201d Sanji said. \u201cThe rest of us will defend the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n They just nodded. Franky used his self-made rocket hands to propel him up extremely high, while Robin summoned extra arms to fly herself over, and Brook ran across the water in a ridiculous manner that Zoro still couldn\u2019t believe he was capable of doing and not drowning, given his devil fruit. He could practically hear Brook joking about how he was just all bones.<\/p>\n Chopper and Nami went to either side of the ship while Usopp went up high into the crow\u2019s nest. Usopp started shooting at range while Nami unleashed Zeus from her clima-tact to deflect the cannonballs coming their way.<\/p>\n \u201cSanji, what are you doing!?\u201d Nami yelled over the gunfire. Zoro turned and saw hesitation across said man\u2019s face. Sanji never hesitated in a fight. Something was up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m coming!\u201d he said, but he glanced at the infirmary door room, frown deepening.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be okay! You have to fight!\u201d Nami said. She shrieked as a marine used her moment of distraction to jump onboard and push her back. Zeus quickly flew in defence of Nami, allowing her to get back to her feet. The marine\u2019s attack seemed to do the trick though as Sanji\u2019s foot fired up, his haki flaring up in a very intense but controlled manner. Sanji took one more glance at the infirmary.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, cook,\u201d Zoro said. Sanji nodded to himself before turning his focus onto the marines that were attempting to board.<\/p>\n Zoro watched in awe as his crewmates fought off the marines. He was usually either up on the frontlines or too focused on his own fights to really get a chance to see Usopp, Chopper, and Nami shine. They really were magnificent. Usopp with his sniping and pop greens, Nami with Zeus and her clima-tact, Chopper with his different forms, and then Sanji. Well, Zoro had plenty of first-hand experience of how skilled Sanji was. But it was still so satisfying to see the marines go down by the hands of his nakama. He was raring for a fight.<\/p>\n After only about 15 minutes of fighting, it all came to a head when the Marines ship blew up. The remaining Marines on the Sunny, made a run for it. Zoro chuckled as they did. Robin came flying back onto the Sunny with her extra arms, carrying Luffy as she did. Franky crash landed on the deck while Jinbei carried Brook onboard. They all returned looking completely unscathed. Such was the power of their crew now; they had come far and it showed.<\/p>\n Franky whistled as he got to his feet. \u201cWow, barely a scratch on her!\u201d he said, patting the railing around the Sunny.<\/p>\n Nami grinned while Usopp climbed down from the crow\u2019s nest. \u201cOf course,\u201d Usopp said, joining them. \u201cThough there is some blood\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBlood, where!? Somebody call a doctor!\u201d Chopper cried, sending the crew into a fit of laughter. Zoro joined in. It was the most the crew had laughed since Zoro had awoken unconscious. It was a good sound; he had missed it.<\/p>\n But Sanji\u2019s laughter was the first to die down as his gaze landed on the infirmary door. The others caught onto this and the jovial mood was dampened.<\/p>\n Chopper nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll go check on him.\u201d<\/p>\n There was silence\u2014until Luffy spoke up. \u201cDessert, Sanji? I\u2019m gonna see Zoro after Chopper is done.\u201d Luffy was usually very direct and known for his bluntness. He had no filter. But Zoro had come to learn after all this time that it was still possible to be able to read between the lines with Luffy. He was anxious about spending time with Zoro and so turned to food for comfort.<\/p>\n The cook too seemed to sense this. \u201cOne slice of cake and that\u2019s it,\u201d he said, leading the way to the galley. Luffy, Nami, Usopp and Zoro followed.<\/p>\n The cake looked to be made of mostly chocolate and was larger than Sanji\u2019s usual cakes, but Zoro knew that on their ship, it wouldn\u2019t go to waste.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the occasion, Sanji?\u201d Nami said as she eyed the cake.<\/p>\n \u201cNo occasion,\u201d Sanji said, as he cut into the cake.<\/p>\n \u201cSanji\u2019s not been sleeping,\u201d Usopp said, earning him a stomp to his foot by the cook. \u201cI hear him pottering about here during the night when I\u2019m on watch.\u201d<\/p>\n Nami\u2019s eyebrows knitted together and she laid a hand on Sanji\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou know he\u2019s going to be fine, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji put down the cake server and gently pried Nami\u2019s hand off of him\u2014Zoro thought pigs would fly before he would see the day Sanji deflected a woman\u2019s attention. \u201cYou don\u2019t know that, Nami-san,\u201d Sanji said. \u201cBut it doesn\u2019t matter anyway, because I\u2019m fine. I don\u2019t care. Marimo can stay unconscious for all I care.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSanji\u2026\u201d Nami said, the pity in her voice obvious.<\/p>\n The cook\u2019s jaw was tense and he looked worse for wear with the bags under his eyes that hadn\u2019t disappeared since Zoro awoke in spirit form.<\/p>\n \u201cHere you go, Captain,\u201d Sanji said, voice low as he slid a plate of chocolate cake over to Luffy. He picked up his cake server. \u201cDo you two want some?\u201d<\/p>\n Usopp and Nami shook their heads. Usopp shared a brief look with Nami, before coming to some unspoken agreement, and faced Sanji head on. \u201cSanji, you need to sleep,\u201d he said. \u201cZoro wouldn\u2019t want you to suffer like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cZoro\u2019s not here!\u201d Sanji said, his fingers gripping hard around the cake server. \u201cIn case you\u2019re not aware, it\u2019s been nearly a week and he still hasn\u2019t awoken. He\u2019s probably not going to at this rate!\u201d Sanji took a deep breath. \u201cAnd no one wants to address that.\u201d There was a tremor in his voice and an unusual glassiness to his eyes.<\/p>\n Zoro\u2019s eyebrows furrowed. The cook really believed that.<\/p>\n \u201cHe will wake up,\u201d Luffy said from the table, his cake untouched. \u201cYou of all people should know that.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji\u2019s eyes widened for a second, before returning to normal. \u201cThe longer he\u2019s out the more unlikely it seems,\u201d he said, fiddling with a cigarette between his fingers. Restlessly, he placed it between his lips. \u201cI\u2019m going for a smoke. Make sure Luffy doesn\u2019t eat the whole cake.\u201d He left the galley.<\/p>\n Zoro floated out with Sanji. The darkness of the night sky was approaching and only Jinbei was in sight, meditating\u2014everyone else must have dispersed. Sanji wandered over to the railing and lit his cigarette. He rested his forearms on the rail and looked out over the water.<\/p>\n \u201cCook\u2026 Sanji,\u201d Zoro said. \u201cWhy are you giving up on me so easily?\u201d He watched as Sanji took a drag and exhaled, a small stream of smoke billowing from his lips. Zoro reached out, mesmerised, to touch the cook\u2019s lips. When his hand just went through, he snapped out of it.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope they\u2019re right,\u201d Sanji said under his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will be,\u201d Zoro answered, going unheard. He found himself wanting to reach out again, but stopped himself. The urge to just grab Sanji by the back of his head and pull him in close and hold him tightly was strong and new, but not unwelcome at all. He just wished it was possible. But then again\u2026 Even if he was awake, a hug from Zoro was not something Sanji was likely to accept, Zoro had to remind himself.<\/p>\n Footsteps sounded as Nami approached Sanji on deck. \u201cUsopp and I were cleaning up the galley for you and, well, Luffy fell asleep before he even started on his cake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHardly surprising. He hasn\u2019t been sleeping as much either,\u201d Sanji said, still watching the waves rock against the ship. He took one final drag from her cigarette before putting it out. \u201cI\u2019ll take him through to the men\u2019s quarters. He can speak with Zoro tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about you?\u201d Nami asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to get some rest too, since Usopp is adamant I need it.\u201d Sanji smiled, but it was brief. \u201cThanks, Nami-san.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t avoid him forever, you know,\u201d she said as she watched his figure retreating to the galley. Sanji just waved his hand up in silent acknowledgement.<\/p>\n Zoro wasn\u2019t sure what to be weirded out more by: Sanji\u2019s unnaturally level-headed behaviour around Nami or the fact Luffy fell asleep before he even touched his piece of cake. Things really were out of sorts because of him. He needed to wake up.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n As the crew all went to their beds, Zoro chose to stay on deck. There was always something so calming about seeing the nighttime sky while on the ocean. Just a man in spirit form, his sleeping crew members, and the steady waves rocking the ship. Brook was on watch tonight, it was quite dark that only the silhouette of his figure could be seen near the front of the Sunny.<\/p>\n A lot had happened over the course of a few days. Zoro really needed to decompress but his preferred method was by working out with his weights, which given his current form was not an option. Instead he just floated to the side rail of the Sunny and looked out, allowing his thoughts to run wild with the waves below.<\/p>\n Luffy would be speaking with him tomorrow and then it would be Sanji\u2019s turn. Zoro was uncharacteristically nervous\u2014with any luck he would wake up, but what if he didn\u2019t? Would the crew explore a different theory? Or keep trying with this one? Or would they give up altogether like Sanji kind of has?<\/p>\n No. They wouldn\u2019t. And Zoro refused to believe Sanji had given up on him either. Sanji may have thought of Zoro by an array of negative terms, but at the end of the day he was still nakama<\/em>. And that was what mattered.<\/p>\n He would be awake soon. He had to be. But for now he just watched the sea. For just like the erratic rhythm of the waves, Zoro too was a bit all over the place. But there was an odd comfort in watching the ocean, knowing that once the waves rocked against the ship they inevitably would rediscover a current beyond the Sunny that led them back to the open sea. An open sea that would once again be home.<\/p>\n Zoro\u2019s home was here. And he refused to believe it was his time.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u2014<\/p>\n Breakfast had been uneventful, however, Chopper had announced that Zoro\u2019s scent had lessened and dispersed some more, much to Zoro\u2019s relief. Luffy had eaten even more than usual, claiming he was eating for two.<\/p>\n (\u201cYou have no idea what you\u2019re implying there, do you, Luffy?\u201d Nami had said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo?\u201d Luffy said, stuffing his face with two slices of toast.<\/p>\n Nami just rolled her eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s something pregnant people usually say, you dummy,\u201d she said, but the fondness in her eyes belied her tone.<\/p>\n Usopp laughed openly. \u201cLuffy\u2019s having a baby!\u201d<\/p>\n Luffy frowned and patted his stomach. \u201cNo, I meant I was eating for Zoro too. It\u2019s what he would want me to do,\u201d Luffy said, sincere and noble-like as he nodded to himself.<\/p>\n Zoro couldn\u2019t wipe the amused grin off of his face.)<\/p>\n Chopper saw to Zoro\u2019s vitals and next thing Zoro knew, Luffy was in the infirmary with him.<\/p>\n Zoro floated on the bed and watched Luffy investigate the infirmary. He was searching for something but what?<\/p>\n After about five minutes of searching, Luffy sighed and collapsed onto the wheely chair in dramatic fashion. \u201cDamn. Thought Chopper might have some candy lying about. That would be good, right, Zoro?\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro chuckled to himself. Chopper did have a secret candy stash, but it was hidden well and there was no way Zoro would disclose its location. He was loyal like a dog to his captain, but even he knew when it was wiser to keep certain information from Luffy, especially when it came to food.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, Luffy wheeled closer to Zoro and leaned over him, looking unnecessarily closely at his face. \u201cZoro, can you hear me? It\u2019s time to wake up. Zoro\u2026. Zoro\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n When Luffy received no response he turned his attention to poking Zoro\u2019s cheek. \u201cZoro, you better wake up! Mihawk is here and he wants to fight you!\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro snorted, though part of him kind of hoped that would\u2019ve worked, given how adrenaline coursed through his veins at the mere mention of the number one swordsman. But this time it did not.<\/p>\n Defeated, Luffy sat back in his chair. He didn\u2019t say anything\u2014just watched the steady rise and fall of Zoro\u2019s chest. A good fifteen minutes passed until he spoke again. It was the longest Zoro had seen Luffy sit still.<\/p>\n Luffy cleared his throat. \u201cI know, you know,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Zoro tilted his head. Hmm? Knew what?<\/p>\n \u201cI know you sacrificed your life to save mine. Back on Thriller Bark.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro sat up straight, eyes wide. \u201cWh-what?\u201d he said weakly, like the wind had been knocked out of him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not gonna lie, Zoro\u2019s actions angered me a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro swallowed the lump in his throat. So they were doing this, huh? This was probably one of the biggest signs he knew that his current situation was having an impact: the fact that Luffy was talking about the past like this. That wasn\u2019t Luffy and it wasn\u2019t Zoro either, really. They never relived the past through words; they were always moving forward, never looking back. It was just how they were.<\/p>\n And Luffy wasn\u2019t one to filter his thoughts, but he obviously had to some degree since he\u2019d never brought this up before. Zoro exhaled. Once again, like with other crew members\u2019 confessions, he found himself grateful he wasn\u2019t expected to react; he wouldn\u2019t know how\u2014not straight away anyway. At least he could process it in his own time.<\/p>\n He settled himself into listening to what his captain had to say.<\/p>\n \u201cBut my anger wasn\u2019t at Zoro. Not really. I was just\u2026\u201d Luffy clenched his fists on his lap. \u201cToo weak. And that\u2019s what I was mad about. I was powerless to stop it because I was… too weak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. We all were,\u201d Zoro said. And it was true. Being forced to fight Kuma straight after defeating Gecko Moria and his minions had been terrible, but even then they had no idea about who or what exactly they were up against with Kuma. They tried to fight without Luffy but not even Zoro and Sanji\u2019s combined strength was enough to defeat the pacifista. Zoro had been left with no choice except to offer his head in exchange for Luffy\u2019s life.<\/p>\n But he had survived\u2014they all had. Even if he had died, Zoro had no regrets. It was a decision he would make again and again. Because Luffy was the man who would become the Pirate King.<\/p>\n Determined eyes and a small smile broke out on Luffy\u2019s face as he clenched his fists in front of him. \u201cBut I trained and got stronger. We all did. I wouldn\u2019t let the same thing happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro grinned. \u201cAye, Captain!\u201d<\/p>\n When Luffy focused back on Zoro\u2019s face, his smile vanished. \u201cThe crew is not the same without Zoro. Chopper told me I\u2019ve been, uh, what\u2019s the word? Dissociating\u2014I think\u2014a bit since you collapsed. I don\u2019t really get what it means but Chopper said it\u2019s a natural response to something like this.\u201d Luffy sighed. \u201cI just want Zoro back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLikewise,\u201d Zoro said. He made a mental note to check with Chopper about Luffy\u2019s condition. It was new to him.<\/p>\n Luffy planted the side of face on the edge of the bed, facing Zoro. \u201cWake up soon. I need my first mate.\u201d He sighed and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n Zoro could count with his fingers the length of seconds it took Luffy to then fall asleep. It was no wonder if he hadn\u2019t been sleeping right, like Sanji said. Maybe sleeping in Zoro\u2019s presence helped ease his worries. Zoro remained in the infirmary just in case.<\/p>\n In any case, Zoro felt lighter.<\/p>\n Eight Straw Hats down, one to go.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zoro didn\u2019t realise just how much lighter he felt once Luffy awoke and left the infirmary, but it was much more than it had been with the other crew members. He took that as a good sign.<\/p>\n \u201cSanji! Your turn,\u201d Luffy called out.<\/p>\n Sanji was by the railing, smoking as he watched the sea. He didn\u2019t move from the spot. Luffy ran up to him.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you hear me, Sanji? It\u2019s your turn now!\u201d Zoro shook his head. Everyone up to a mile away could hear you, Luffy, he thought. Still, Sanji made no effort to move.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you,\u201d Sanji said, after taking another drag from his cigarette.<\/p>\n The deck quietened down as the crew members who were out there\u2014Franky, Jinbei, Usopp, and Nami\u2014turned their attention, expectantly, to Sanji.<\/p>\n Luffy tilted his head. \u201cYou\u2019re not moving, though.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji exhaled, putting out his cigarette. \u201cListen\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d everyone on deck chorused. Their attention never wavered from Sanji.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, that\u2019s kind of creepy. But uh\u2026 I don\u2019t think me seeing the marimo will help. I actually think it might, uh, have the opposite effect,\u201d Sanji said, rubbing the back of his neck.<\/p>\n Zoro narrowed his eyes on Sanji. What?<\/p>\n A laugh escaped Nami\u2019s lips as she wandered over. \u201cYou\u2019re kidding, right?\u201d Zoro echoed the sentiment, despite the fact he and Nami rarely agreed on things.<\/p>\n Sanji shook his head. \u201cNo. I don\u2019t want to undo all the good work you all have done.\u201d<\/p>\n Nami huffed, unimpressed. \u201cPlease, you hardly even believe in it! Why don\u2019t you be honest\u2014you\u2019re scared.\u201d Sanji flinched. Nami took a deep breath, softening her tone. \u201cBut I\u2019ve got news for you: we all are. I\u2019m not gonna lie, it\u2019s hard seeing him like that. When I was in there all I could think about was how weirded out Zoro would be if he saw me moping. So I put on a brave face and behaved like I usually would, because it was easier. And I maybe gave him a few wake up calls, but that\u2019s whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji frowned. \u201cNami-san\u2026 You\u2019re saying I should pretend everything is okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Nami groaned. \u201cNo! Ugh, sorry. What I\u2019m trying to say is you don\u2019t have to do anything you\u2019re not comfortable with. You can go in there and stay quiet the whole time if you really want. But this curse that he has, it needs to know that you\u2019re there for him. And right now, it doesn\u2019t seem that you are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s right, Sanji-san,\u201d Jinbei said, sitting in his meditative pose.<\/p>\n Usopp popped up behind Luffy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe know that your relationship is complicated but please do this,\u201d he said, voice small.<\/p>\n The expression on Sanji\u2019s face was hard to read. He looked torn.<\/p>\n Come on Cook, Zoro thought. You\u2019re the last piece of the puzzle!<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Sanji said, with a small nod. \u201cI\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/p>\n There were cheers all around and many fist bumps for Sanji. \u201cYou got this, bro!\u201d Franky said.<\/p>\n Sanji smiled but Zoro had seen the expression often enough to know that it was bullshit. The man was nervous. But why?<\/p>\n The crew that were on deck followed him to the infirmary door. \u201cOkay, I\u2019m going,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n \u201cGo, Sanji!\u201d Luffy cheered.<\/p>\n Zoro floated past them all into the infirmary. He looked at his body lying there, unmoving, like it had for the past six days.<\/p>\n The door creaked open and Sanji stepped in. However, he took one look at Zoro\u2019s sleeping form and stopped. \u201cNope! Can\u2019t do this!\u201d he said, and turned to leave. When he opened the door, though, he was face to face with the whole crew. Zoro would\u2019ve laughed if he wasn\u2019t so offended. Did the Cook really detest being with him that much?<\/p>\n \u201cUh.. hi?\u201d Sanji said to the crew.<\/p>\n \u201cBye!\u201d they chorused and closed the door in his face.<\/p>\n \u201cThose meddlers, jeez,\u201d Sanji said, turning away from the door. \u201cI guess we\u2019re doing this, marimo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout time,\u201d Zoro said, crossing his arms.<\/p>\n Sanji took a deep breath and took a seat on the wheely chair next to the bed. However, he still refused to look at Zoro\u2019s face. Instead he placed his hands on the edge of the bed, inches away from Zoro\u2019s wrist, and looked at them.<\/p>\n Zoro wondered what was going through the cook\u2019s head.<\/p>\n Clenching his fists, Sanji cleared his throat. \u201cI, uh, don\u2019t really know what I should say, or whether I should even say anything. I just\u2014when are you going to wake up, Zoro?\u201d<\/p>\n Hearing his name on Sanji\u2019s lips had been a new experience over the past few days. It was unfamiliar and felt strangely intimate and meaningful coming from the man who usually referred to him as marimo, but Zoro found he liked it.<\/p>\n \u201cSoon,\u201d Zoro replied. And how he hoped that was true. This had gone on long enough, and if Zoro were honest, he could see himself losing his sanity if he had to carry on much longer. His mental fortitude was strong, sure, but even the strongest could crumble given the right situation and pressure.<\/p>\n Sanji remained quiet. He brushed his pinky finger against Zoro\u2019s, his movements hesitant, cautious, like it was something he was forbidden to do.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, I thought I had hardened myself for these types of situations. I thought I would never go through the heartache I went through watching my mother\u2019s condition deteriorate until she finally passed away. But, well.. Here we are,\u201d Sanji said, a small laugh escaped him, the pain in it obvious.<\/p>\n \u201cSanji\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had no idea when I joined this crew just how much everyone would mean to me.\u201d He interlocked his pinky finger with Zoro\u2019s. \u201cYou especially.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro swallowed, his throat feeling dry even in spirit form. There was a small smile on Sanji\u2019s face, but his gaze remained fixated on Zoro\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I guess I just didn\u2019t want to get my hopes up, like I did with my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro frowned. \u201cBut I\u2019m coming back, Cook. You can\u2019t get rid of me that easily,\u201d Zoro said.<\/p>\n Sanji shook his head, with a self-deprecating chuckle. \u201cIf you could hear or see me right now, you would probably be having a good laugh. I mean, we barely get along at the best of times and now I\u2019m not coping because you\u2019re not here.\u201d<\/p>\n But Zoro didn\u2019t laugh. It wasn\u2019t funny in the slightest. It was actually kind of harrowing as a tightness formed in Zoro\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you\u2019re the strong one. You always have been. As first mate, your presence on this ship has always been an unwavering constant. You\u2019re part of the foundations, you carry us.\u201d Sanji took a shaky breath. \u201cBut how can we go on if the foundations collapse beneath us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, Cook! That\u2019s not how it is at all!\u201d Zoro said.<\/p>\n But Sanji couldn\u2019t hear him, instead he wiped his glassy eyes. \u201cGod damn it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re the one always looking out for everyone. You\u2019re always saving us and stupidly sacrificing yourself. You\u2019ve even created individual diet plans tailored to each crew member\u2019s nutritional needs! If I\u2019m the foundation then you\u2019re the pillar that carries us to new heights,\u201d Zoro said, feeling heated. He took a breath. \u201cYou got that, Cook?\u201d But of course Sanji didn\u2019t hear a word of it.<\/p>\n Sanji chanced a look at Zoro\u2019s face, finally. \u201cThis whole thing\u2026 It\u2019s just reminding me of Thriller Bark all over again.\u201d He looked back down at his hands, clenching. \u201cI\u2019m just as powerless as I was then.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s not true at all! Zoro wanted to yell at him. Were they even remembering the same occasion?<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n Zoro slowly got to his feet, wounded and beaten, but he couldn\u2019t let this be the end for Luffy. Luffy needed to journey on, get stronger, and become the Pirate King. That was non-negotiable.<\/p>\n He begged Kuma to take his head instead of Luffy\u2019s. And it appeared to be working, but then a certain blond-haired cook interrupted, trying to offer himself instead of Zoro. \u201cYou\u2019re right about Luffy, but what about your dream?!\u201d Sanji had said.<\/p>\n But it was when Sanji had his back to Zoro, was staring Kuma right in the eye, and said, \u201cHey, Zoro, give everyone my regards and start looking for a new cook.\u201d That made Zoro see red. In a flash, Zoro was by Sanji\u2019s side and stabbed the hilt of his sword into Sanji\u2019s side with enough force to send an already injured Sanji to the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cNot a chance,\u201d Zoro muttered, as he gazed down at Sanji. There was no chance he was letting the cook do that. The cook was too strong, too important\u2014it was imperative he survived.<\/p>\n In those few moments of consciousness after Kuma had transferred the pain from Luffy to Zoro, Sanji had found him. Zoro was covered head to toe in blood, and he could recall the cook asking him questions, but all Zoro could really think was, I\u2019m glad it wasn\u2019t you<\/em>.<\/p>\n And then he passed out.<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cYou were never powerless,\u201d Zoro said. \u201cI knocked you out before you could even react.\u201d<\/p>\n Watching Sanji now repeatedly clench and unclench his hands, Zoro was frustrated. The desire to hold those hands in his own, and relax Sanji\u2019s movements, in reassurance that everything was going to be okay, was overwhelming.<\/p>\n But Sanji must have read his mind because he stopped clenching his hands and instead reached for Zoro\u2019s hand. He hesitantly intertwined their fingers and flexed his fingers open and shut, like he was testing out how it felt. Seemingly satisfied, he let their hands drop back to the bed, staying connected. A small smile blossomed on Sanji\u2019s face. One that Zoro had seen but a handful of times. It was the one Sanji kept guarded the most: bashful happiness\u2014like he wasn\u2019t sure he was allowed to enjoy this but did anyway. If there were ever a time to describe the cook as cute, now was it.<\/p>\n Zoro watched on, feeling his cheeks heat up. Oh, how he loved this man.<\/p>\n Zoro paused and backed up. Love<\/em>? Huh? It should\u2019ve been bewildering, perhaps a reality check of his current state of mind. But it strangely wasn\u2019t. Instead it felt reassuring, satisfying, exciting, like the feeling of setting a new training personal best, but a lot better. But just like with training, the end result wasn\u2019t particularly surprising, rather, it just felt inevitable.<\/p>\n Sanji was inevitable. Or more precisely, Zoro\u2019s love for Sanji was inevitable. And the more he looked back on their time together, how could he have been so blind to the obvious?<\/p>\n An ocean of warm feelings washed over Zoro as he made sense of this revelation. He loved this man. This frustrating, hotheaded chef that gave Zoro sensory overload. So much made sense now.<\/p>\n Sanji sighed, his gaze fixated on Zoro\u2019s face. He still hadn\u2019t let go of Zoro\u2019s hand. \u201cCan I be honest with you, Marimo?\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI, uh, have liked you for a long time,\u201d Sanji started. Zoro felt his heart starting to race, which was weird given his current form, but ignored it in favour of listening to Sanji. \u201cI mean, real like, you know? I denied it and fought it for so long\u2014it\u2019s also why I have struggled this week. But, well, I think it\u2019s time you know. Even if this is just a test run.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji smiled right at Zoro and there was a new spark to his eyes; he looked like he had resolved an inner conflict. \u201cBecause you will wake up. And when I tell you then I hope you don\u2019t stab me in the face.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro\u2019s heart was beating even faster.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you, Zoro,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n Zoro blacked out.<\/p>\n But when his world lit up again seconds later, he was reaching out, reaching for Sanji. He wrapped his arms around Sanji and pulled him in close to his chest. \u201cI love you, too,\u201d he said, quietly.<\/p>\n He only had a fraction of a second to enjoy the sensation as it dawned on him, and Sanji too, that Zoro was back. Living and breathing! That was actually Sanji he was feeling! Those were Zoro\u2019s hands holding onto him, not passing through him.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro!?\u201d Sanji said, pulling back. His eyes were wide and so achingly honest with how relieved he was. Zoro\u2019s eyes were just as wide, the grin never disappearing from his face. He pulled Sanji back in for another hug.<\/p>\n \u201cSanji,\u201d Zoro said, taking in the feel of Sanji\u2019s body against his. It was warm. It was solid. It was surreal. But most of all it was actually<\/em> real. So very real and Zoro didn\u2019t want the feeling to leave.<\/p>\n But it did and that was inevitable because the infirmary door flew open. \u201cZoro!\u201d the whole crew yelled as they fought over trying to get into the limited space of the infirmary.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro\u2019s back! I\u2019m so happy!\u201d Chopper cried.<\/p>\n \u201cHappy you\u2019re back with us, Zoro-bro!\u201d Franky yelled, wiping tears from his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re back in the land of the living, Zoro! Though, I suppose that\u2019s wrong coming from a skeleton. Yohoho!\u201d Brook joked.<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome back, Zoro-san,\u201d Jinbei said.<\/p>\n \u201cFinally back to pay off your debts. Good,\u201d Nami said, but sent a knowing wink his way.<\/p>\n \u201cGlad to have you back, Zoro,\u201d Robin said. She took one look at Zoro\u2019s arms around Sanji\u2019s waist and slipped Nami some cash.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro! I missed you, man!\u201d Usopp said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all did!\u201d Luffy hollered, barging through until he was right next to Zoro. Sanji attempted to move but Zoro held onto him. They shared a look and Sanji settled. \u201cYou won\u2019t believe how miserable it\u2019s been without Zoro here!\u201d Luffy said.<\/p>\n Zoro grinned. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Chopper cleared his throat. \u201cOkay, everyone clear out. I need to run vitals and it\u2019s way too cramped in here. Everyone can catch up with Zoro shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n Luffy groaned. \u201cBut Chopper\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo buts. Out! All of you!\u201d<\/p>\n With a sigh, Luffy trudged out the infirmary door, the rest following suit.<\/p>\n \u201cYou too, Sanji,\u201d Chopper said.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro, you have to let go of me,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n \u201cFine,\u201d Zoro said. But first he tilted Sanji\u2019s face his way and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. \u201cMine,\u201d he said and let go of the cook.<\/p>\n Sanji rolled his eyes, but the red of his cheeks told a different story. Zoro liked the look.<\/p>\n Chopper, with his medical equipment in hand, looked Zoro up and down. \u201cOkay, let\u2019s get you seen to!\u201d Chopper said.<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, little bro,\u201d Zoro said, grinning as he finally managed to give Chopper that noogie.<\/p>\n \u201cAh! I definitely don\u2019t like that! Not at all!\u201d Chopper said, smiling despite his words. The familiarity settled in Zoro\u2019s chest easily, like he hadn\u2019t been unconscious for nearly a week.<\/p>\n It was good to be back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After being examined by Chopper and given the okay, Zoro brushed everyone off as he immediately sought a shower. He needed to wash off the infirmary stench and wanted to feel fresh again.<\/p>\n Once done, and dressed in his pants, he opened the bathroom door to leave. He was met by Sanji whose face was turning increasingly red when he took in the sight of Zoro. Sanji had to draw his attention away from Zoro\u2019s bare chest.<\/p>\n \u201cUh, you forgot your haramaki,\u201d Sanji said, holding said item out to Zoro.<\/p>\n Zoro smirked, accepting the haramaki and quickly slipped it on. \u201cThanks, Sanji,\u201d he said, savouring the feeling of Sanji\u2019s name on his lips. It felt good and strangely intimate. Sanji\u2019s blush deepened.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone\u2019s out on deck, waiting for you,\u201d Sanji said. And in a move Zoro would never have expected from the cook, Sanji offered his hand. \u201cComing?\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro grinned and took Sanji\u2019s hand in his own, intertwining their fingers. It was warm.<\/p>\n Once out on deck and within view of their crew, several catcalls and whistles rang out. Sanji muttered, \u201cIdiots,\u201d while Zoro just rolled his eyes. He gave Sanji\u2019s hand a little squeeze\u2014to which Sanji squeezed back as they sat down on the grassy area with the others. Zoro had to resist the urge to pull Sanji in close.<\/p>\n \u201cSo,\u201d Zoro said.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026\u201d Nami said.<\/p>\n And then something snapped. All hell broke loose. Fifty questions were shouted at Zoro all at once.<\/p>\n \u201cOne at a time!\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain first! Captain\u2019s orders!\u201d Luffy said.<\/p>\n There were groans of disappointment all around, but it did manage to calm everyone\u2019s excitement.<\/p>\n Luffy turned his attention to Zoro. \u201cZoro, what was it like being dead?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHe wasn\u2019t dead, Luffy!\u201d Chopper said.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh. Could\u2019ve fooled me,\u201d Luffy said, finger up his nose.<\/p>\n \u201cI think what Luffy means is what was it like being cursed?\u201d Usopp asked.<\/p>\n Luffy frowned. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t mean that.\u201d<\/p>\n Usopp just put a hand over Luffy\u2019s mouth. \u201cShhh. Grown ups talking.\u201d But Luffy just bit the hand, making Usopp cry out in pain. \u201cWhy would you do that!\u201d Luffy just shrugged.<\/p>\n Zoro chuckled. He had missed this. Witnessing it as a spirit just wasn\u2019t the same as being there physically and being able to engage if he so chose.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sucked. I was stuck in this spirit form the whole time, and couldn\u2019t sleep or anything,\u201d Zoro said. \u201cI could see and hear everything going on in the ship, but I was like a ghost. Whenever I tried to interact with someone or something, my body would just pass through.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard everything then?\u201d Sanji asked, not giving anything away with his neutral tone.<\/p>\n Zoro nodded. \u201cI did. I figured the one-on-one time cure would be more effective if I actually listened.\u201d He turned to address all of the crew. \u201cThanks for not giving up on me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCould never give up on you, bro!\u201d Franky said. There were hums of agreement all around.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we talk in private? Later?\u201d Sanji asked.<\/p>\n Zoro nodded. \u201cYeah. I think that would be good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust so you know, we all approve of your relationship,\u201d Nami said.<\/p>\n Sanji spluttered, his cheeks lighting up. \u201cWhat? What relationship?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe kind that forms when two people admit their love for one another. We may have all been standing at the infirmary door when certain things were said,\u201d Robin said. Sanji\u2019s cheeks were fully red now.<\/p>\n Zoro chuckled and pulled Sanji close. For all Sanji\u2019s spluttering, he sure moved willingly, and he held onto Zoro\u2019s arm around his waist, keeping it there.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking of relationships\u2026\u201d Zoro said, nodding at Robin.<\/p>\n Robin smiled. \u201cWe have a little announcement to make.\u201d She placed a hand on Franky\u2019s knee. \u201cFranky and I are engaged.\u201d<\/p>\n Loud gasps, bewilderment, and cheering broke out through the crew, as the attention turned to the engaged couple.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what this calls for? A party! To celebrate Zoro\u2019s return and Franky and Robin\u2019s engagement!\u201d Nami said.<\/p>\n \u201cParty! Party! Party!\u201d Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper chanted.<\/p>\n Sanji stood up and extended his hand towards Zoro. \u201cI guess I should get started on the food then. Coming, marimo?\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro grinned and took Sanji\u2019s hand. It would be good to talk alone with him while everyone else was busy celebrating.<\/p>\n \u201cTake a seat,\u201d Sanji said once they were in the galley. He got to work washing his hands but stopped when he noticed Zoro was leaning against the counter, watching him.<\/p>\n \u201cWas it true?\u201d Zoro eventually said.<\/p>\n \u201cWas what true?\u201d Sanji said, but his playing dumb didn\u2019t fool Zoro.<\/p>\n \u201cThat you love me?\u201d Zoro said, savouring the red blush that started to rise again on Sanji\u2019s cheeks. Zoro had never known the man to be so easy to fluster, but now that he knew he never wanted to forget. He stepped forward into Sanji\u2019s space. \u201cLike a lot?\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji reached for the dish towel and went to whip Zoro with it but Zoro caught his wrist. \u201cI didn\u2019t say a lot. Don\u2019t get cocky,\u201d Sanji said. But he didn\u2019t refute it. The admission made something warm blossom inside Zoro\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to get cocky,\u201d Zoro said, backing Sanji up into the counter. He could feel his own heart racing as the flush on Sanji\u2019s face rose to the tip of his ears.<\/p>\n \u201cReally, Zoro?!\u201d Sanji said, breaking the moment. He broke free of the hold and finally managed to whip Zoro with the dish towel. \u201cYour pick-up lines need work.\u201d He turned and started pulling out ingredients from the storage cupboards.<\/p>\n Zoro just hummed. \u201cI meant it. I love you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji stopped what he was doing and turned around. He poked an accusing finger into Zoro\u2019s chest. \u201cDon\u2019t you ever do that again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Say I love you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Get cursed!\u201d Sanji tore his gaze away from Zoro. \u201cIt was\u2026 not good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, cook. God, I know.\u201d Zoro tilted Sanji\u2019s face up to look at him. \u201cBut I\u2019m okay. And, well, at least something good came out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Without warning, Sanji closed the distance between them and kissed Zoro. His arms settled around Zoro\u2019s shoulders as Zoro\u2019s automatically went around Sanji\u2019s waist. Sanji pressed against him, backing him into the wall. Zoro could get used to this and hoped he was allowed to get used to this. The feeling of Sanji\u2019s lips against his, the taste of him on his tongue, it was incredible, and so uniquely Sanji.<\/p>\n They parted for air, but their foreheads were pressed together. \u201cDo you think\u2026 do you think this would\u2019ve happened if you hadn\u2019t got cursed? Us, I mean,\u201d Sanji said, quietly.<\/p>\n And the way he said \u2018us\u2019 was so naturally, so casually, that it just reinforced Zoro\u2019s beliefs. \u201cYes. We were always inevitable. Might have taken a little longer, but we would\u2019ve got there in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n Sanji chuckled and leaned in, pressing a brief kiss to the corner of Zoro\u2019s mouth. \u201cOkay. I need to get cooking. Go catch up with the crew for now. We can talk more after,\u201d Sanji said, shooing him away with his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I have some booze?\u201d Zoro asked.<\/p>\n Sanji sighed. \u201cOf course that would be your drink of choice after being unconscious for nearly a week.\u201d He raked the overhead cupboard and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and offered it to Zoro. \u201cMake sure you pace yourself and drink some water. Who am I kidding, you\u2019re not gonna do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro grinned, accepting the bottle and pressing a kiss to Sanji\u2019s cheek. \u201cThanks, love.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLove!?\u201d Sanji spluttered, but Zoro was already out the door.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro-san! Nice of you to join us!\u201d Jinbei said, grinning. He was seated on the grass, tapping a tambourine to the beat of the song Brook was playing on his acoustic guitar. Zoro recognised the song as an upbeat folksy version of one of Brook\u2019s rock songs.<\/p>\n Zoro grinned back. \u201cYou and Brook starting a band?\u201d<\/p>\n Brook paused his playing. \u201cNow there\u2019s a swell idea!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t go getting Brook-san\u2019s hopes up. The tambourine is about the extent of my musical capabilities,\u201d Jinbei said.<\/p>\n \u201cYohoho, never too young to learn, Jinbei-san!\u201d Brook said and resumed his playing.<\/p>\n Zoro took a swig from his whiskey and moved on to see Nami chatting with Robin and Franky by the rail.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw money exchange hands earlier. Gonna let me in on what that was about?\u201d Zoro said on approach.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro!\u201d Franky greeted, giving him a fist bump.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a little bet,\u201d Nami replied, in her sly manner as she did.<\/p>\n Zoro gestured for her to continue. But she didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Robin cleared her throat. \u201cNami bet you two would confess before or during when you woke up. I bet after.\u201d Nami grinned. \u201cOf course, this was before she had given a certain unconscious swordsman a bit of a wake-up call, as well as telling Sanji he couldn\u2019t avoid you forever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Robin. It\u2019s not like you to be a sore loser,\u201d Nami said, openly counting her winnings.<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. It was an oversight on my part. You won. After all, we\u2019re pirates\u2014I should\u2019ve expected no less from you.\u201d<\/p>\n Nami narrowed her eyes at Robin. \u201cWhy do I feel like I should be insulted by that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro took that as his cue to leave.<\/p>\n \u201cZoro!\u201d Luffy greeted as he and Chopper were engrossed watching Usopp do some tricks with his yo-yo.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you walk the dog yet, Usopp?\u201d Zoro asked.<\/p>\n Three heads turned to him, gaping. \u201cYou know yo-yo tricks!?\u201d Usopp said.<\/p>\n \u201cA few,\u201d Zoro said. It was something Johnny and Yosaku had insisted on teaching him, back in their bounty hunting days. They had to do something to pass the time when travelling.<\/p>\n Usopp wound up his yo-yo and passed it to Zoro. \u201cShow us!\u201d<\/p>\n So Zoro did exactly that, leaving the three of them very surprised and impressed. Zoro passed the yo-yo to Chopper when he was done, examining the state of Chopper\u2019s ankle-hoof area as he did so. The red swollenness had thankfully gone down a bit. Hopefully it was on the mend; he\u2019d check in with Chopper after.<\/p>\n Zoro still had a question. \u201cHey Chopper,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Chopper looked at him. \u201cYeah, Zoro?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs the weird scent still lingering? Does everyone have it now?\u201d<\/p>\n Chopper\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cNow that you mention it\u2026\u201d He sniffed the air. \u201cNo, it\u2019s completely gone. From you and from everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n Zoro nodded, satisfied. \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope we don\u2019t pass anymore cursed islands,\u201d Usopp said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Usopp. I\u2019ll save you if you get cursed,\u201d Luffy said.<\/p>\n Usopp whacked Luffy on the shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t jinx me!\u201d Luffy just grinned.<\/p>\n Zoro spent the next hour catching up with the crew, drinking his whiskey, and jamming along to Brook and Jinbei\u2019s combined musical prowess.<\/p>\n There were still a few things Zoro wanted to check in with people about, namely certain crew members\u2019 health and wellbeing, but for now everyone was having a great time. There was not a single concern as the celebrations carried on into the evening.<\/p>\n When Sanji was done making the food, he brought it out on deck and placed it on the outdoor table that Franky had quickly set up. The crew was quick to take their seats, hungry as the evening settled upon them.<\/p>\n \u201cWoah, Sanji! You really outdid yourself this time!\u201d Luffy said, drooling already. And he was right. Sanji had managed to whip up a feast of epic proportions\u2014somehow even bigger than their usual. There was an assortment of meats cooked in different ways, an abundance of sides and vegetables, large decadent desserts, and even fancy cocktails. Zoro acquainted himself with the rice dishes before moving onto the grilled skewers.<\/p>\n Once they\u2019d had their fill and the table had been cleared, the crew sat around in a circle on the grassy deck, everyone enjoying their drinks. The night air was warm, the waves were calm, and Brook\u2019s music had slowed down to a gentle beat. It was the perfect ambience for winding down from an evening of celebrating.<\/p>\n Sanji sat next to Zoro, gently swishing the wine in his glass. Zoro\u2019s free hand wandered to Sanji\u2019s free one and gently interlocked their fingers. With a light chuckle, Sanji rolled his head to the side, facing Zoro.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one warned me that you\u2019re a sap,\u201d Sanji said.<\/p>\n Zoro just quirked an eyebrow. \u201cSays you,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n Sanji just smiled and took a sip of his wine.<\/p>\n What a week it had been. It would be a week he wouldn\u2019t forget soon, but at least it turned out okay in the end. But he\u2019d known it would with a crew like this.<\/p>\n He had his body back, he had his crew, and he even had Sanji.<\/p>\n And what a revelation that was.<\/p>\n Finished? Leave a comment on the master post<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Chapter One Zoro sat up in his bed and yawned. Just another day at sea and another day closer to the crew reaching their goals. He squinted as his eyes adjusted to the light and eventually moved to get up, only he stopped when he realised where he was. He was in the infirmary. Why\u2026 Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"chapter.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[7,56,57],"fandom":[13],"rating":[3],"ship":[58],"class_list":["post-211","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-m-m","tag-canonverse","tag-curses","tag-nakamaship","fandom-one-piece","rating-teen","ship-zosan","wpautop"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=211"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/211\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":223,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/211\/revisions\/223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=211"},{"taxonomy":"fandom","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/fandom?post=211"},{"taxonomy":"rating","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rating?post=211"},{"taxonomy":"ship","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cloverso.me\/fic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ship?post=211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Chapter Five<\/h2>\n
Chapter Six<\/h2>\n
Chapter Seven<\/h2>\n
Chapter Eight<\/h2>\n
Epilogue<\/h2>\n