I found the image & it just NEEDED a story, and so here I am…making up an island so I can make up this event because of ZoNa Part 2!
sweet-holic Tumblr Image Credit: post/10269559483/nami-x-zoro-by-lorenor-zorro-robin-zoro-would-be
I do not own anything except the imagination used for this work. Thanks to the artist for inspiration, and thanks to Oda for making me want to reanalyze OP for my ZoNA-obsession.
The Straw Hat Crew dock at a summer island and it feels like a much-needed break. To Zoro, it feels like East Blue...specifically "home". The high mountains are snow-tipped, but the ground is warm. The entire island sits on the warm waters and underwater volcanos. It is highly dangerous, but the hot springs they create are beautiful.
They lodge at an inn, notorious for its loose rules and even looser guests. Pirates and laymen alike sit on the wooden boards and sleep past the paper screen doors. Nami wants the hot springs, and of course, Sanji hears "hot springs" coupled with the call of waitresses and hostesses. He disappears in a storm along the multitude of definitely pickpocketing women. Nami screams after him, but only in precaution, because she controls the funds and already divided the allowances for the island. Usopp finds the hot springs a good break, as well, leaning his tense muscles to relax after harrowing escapes and "daredevil" deeds. Luffy disappears to the smell of inn's dining, and Nami shakes her head at the thought of their bill. As she finishes paying, she turns to Zoro who seems directionless once again.
"Zoro, what are you looking for?"
"The booze." He says nonchalantly.
Nami smirks, "You don't want to take a hot bath?"
Zoro knows he tightens his crossed arms slightly, but prays Nami did not notice. "This…this is a shared bath?"
Nami's coy smile comes out. "You want it to be?"
The manager watches them, awkward in the midst of such open…exchanges. "Uh, no. No." She says timidly as she gets a glare from Zoro. Poor girl does not realize it is simply misdirected. "I can give you two a room if you would-"
Nami is the first to laugh, smacking Zoro's arm jovially. "No, that's not necessary. He will be rooming with Sanji, the blonde one. And…I'll have a room all to myself. Usopp and Luffy will be sharing."
The manager simply nods as she tries to understand what just happened.
"Hey, Zoro." Nami says as she turns towards the women's bathhouse, "they serve booze in the hot springs. Why don't you take a shower, hmm?"
She tosses her heels over her shoulder and slides her feet in the slippers that all the guests must wear while at the inn. Zoro watches her walk off and fumes. "I'll do just that, stupid witch!"
The manager is shocked at the conversation but dares not to offer her two cents in what she can only surmise to be a lover's squabble. Zoro stomps off but the manager quickly calls after to him, "Ah, sir! Please remove your shoes! You must change into the required robes before you are allowed in the bath house."
Zoro sighs and nods, removing his boots and slipping his feet into the soft slippers. He begins to leave.
"Ah, sir!" The manager squeaks, "That is the direction to the women's area. The men's is the opposite side."
Zoro grits his teeth and turns, and he swears he hears Nami's cackle in the distance.