Index:
1. At The Top: (below, after this Index) Zoro reflects on being at the top. Character spoilers up to Baratie [Zoro x Sanji nakamaship]
2. Royal Oyster Pearl Necklace: Sanji goes shopping with Nami. Zoro follows, carrying the shopping. Character spoilers up to Baratie [implied Zoro x Sanji]
3. 刀割 Dao Ge (To cut with a blade): Zoro's thoughts during her funeral. Plot spoilers for volume 1 or episode 19 [Character(s): Zoro]
4. Thank You For The Music: The Straw Hats play a game of musical chairs for a grand(?) prize. Character spoilers up to Alabasta [Character(s): Straw Hats]
5. All Blue: Sanji muses about All Blue at the end of it all. An unattainable dream? Or one already attained? Mild spoilers up to Water 7 [Character(s): Sanji]
6. If Usopp Asked Luffy...: If Usopp asked Luffy whether he was weak. Takes place before Water 7. Plot spoilers up to Skypiea [Character(s): Usopp, Luffy]
7. Storm: The unpredictable Grand Line casts storms that threaten lives. In the harsh embrace of the sea, they can only try their best to survive. Character spoilers up to Baratie [implied Zoro x Sanji]
8. Hot Days: It was a hot day on the Going Merry. Character spoilers up to Drum Island [Zoro x Sanji]
9. Laughter: In the face of their jarring laughter, Luffy didn't fight back. Plot spoilers for Skypiea [Character(s): Luffy]
10. Denial: He does not miss him. Plot spoilers for chapter 420+ [Sandai Kitetsu x Yubashiri, implied Zoro x Sanji]
11. Sleeping Beauty: Zoro wouldn't wake up. Character spoilers up to Alabasta [Zoro x Sanji]
12. Nakama: Sanji is shot at. Character and plot spoilers up to Baratie [Zoro x Sanji nakamaship]
13. One Piece of Death Note: A mysterious killer is loose on the seas. [Mention of Death Note and Bleach characters]
At The Top
By Yukirei (a.k.a. Cosmiko Ling)
Warning: Character spoilers up to Baratie.
Pairing: none; Zoro x Sanji nakamaship
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters. One Piece belongs to Oda Eiichiro-sensei. This is a non-profit fanfiction written by a fan, for the enjoyment of other fans.
Summary: Zoro reflects on being at the top.
A/N: Originally written for the topic Topping at LiveJournal community, onepieceyaoi100
So this was the view from the top.
All the training he had put his body through - lifting weights tirelessly every day, fighting impossibly strong opponents to advance his skills even a notch through victory, forcing himself to go beyond his limit time and time again (for very often, it was at the point of desperation faced with impending defeat that he improved the most) – was for this position, to be acknowledged throughout all four seas and the Grand Line as the greatest swordsman in the world.
He had kept his promise, so he would like to think, tilting back his head and staring intently into the sky. He had won her share for her. The white katana had witnessed every single battle towards the peak. And he had become so strong now that there wasn't a living swordsman who even came close.
Though... he squinted as the sun emerged from behind a cloud. ...he missed the thrill of a challenge; he missed the excitement coursing through his veins when facing an incredibly tough opponent...
It was lonely at the top.
An impact on his upper back sent him forward, stumbling two steps down the grassy slope on which he was standing, before regaining his balance and whirling around.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing, bastard?" he barked.
"Retrieving your lost ass for dinner, shitty marimo," his attacker said, calmly placing a cigarette between his lips, and then patting his jacket for a light.
He growled, pulling a hilted katana from his waist.
His attack was deftly blocked by a deceivingly skinny leg.
The other blew out a stream of smoke, and then got on the offensive.
A smirk spread over his lips as he welcomed the attack and the familiar tingle in his bones.
Date written: 23 March 2006
Feedback is most welcome.