Author's note: Hey everyone, Autumn here. It's been a while since I last posted something. I have been working on this story since 2017 but it is still far from finished. I have so many ideas for this story but I am currently busy with my job and etc. I have been trying to read new ZoRobin fics but there are no latest ones. In the end, I decided to post mine even though it is not finished yet. I hope all those ZoRobin fans are happy when they read this. Please leave your critics in a positive manner in the comment box or private message me directly. I love it when people comment my story with the intention to let me improve and not insulting or degrading my work. On the side note, this story contains violence especially towards Robin but trust me, it will be better in the future. Don't hate me for the plot. Enjoy the story peeps. Much love, Autumn xoxo

Chapter One

It is a peaceful evening here in Kuraigana. A calm stream flow beautifully behind the enchanting mansion lived by the Dracule family. Birds chirping happily in the beautiful weather of summer breeze. Meanwhile, in the breath taking garden owned by said family, a mossy green headed teen is seen panting – trying to fill his exhausted lungs with the unpolluted air surrounding him during a hard sparring session with his father.

"You've gotten better since the last time we spar, Roronoa." A black haired man said after launching a surprise attack to said teen, who in return had a hard time deflecting the attack and almost got hit on his right arm.

"You're still easily distracted and lack of stamina." The dark haired man keep on launching attacks after attacks mercilessly towards the teen. Even though it is only a sparring session, the dark haired man doesn't approve of the idea of going easy on his son. It is a mind-set he drilled into his son since the boy learned how to wield a sword – which was at the age of 3. As he launch his attacks faster, the green headed teen seem to get into rhythm of deflecting those attacks and defend himself in between short breath from getting himself cut.

"Don't just deflect my attacks, calm yourself. Focus Roronoa." The dark haired man state while he strike blows after blows. The blows from father and son went on for a few more minutes. The sound of blades clashing onto each other skillfully can be heard throughout the area like a melody in the ears of experts.

After a few minutes of dodging his father's merciless attacks, he finally managed to take a calming breath and focus on the sound of his father's movements – blocking the sound of his surroundings. He close his golden pair of eyes, straining his senses to follow his father's tempo and tries to anticipate the older man's next move. The black haired man smirks at seeing his son efforts in predicting his moves. As the dark haired man golden pair of eyes continue staring sharply at the green headed teen, a cocky smile appears on said teen. 'He is overestimating his power again,' the black haired man thought to himself but still keep his stance firm in anticipation.

The green headed teen lowered his body into an offensive stance, building up energy in his legs while maintaining a calm breath. He holds his two swords, Sandai Kitetsu and Yubashiri across his chest and places his priced sword, Wado Ichimonji firmly in between his teeth horizontally. He opens his eyes as he approaches his father starting with a slow jog before speeding with conviction. Santoryu – Enbima Yonezu Oni Giri he shouts his attack before swinging his swords across his chest, resulting in a descending diagonal-crossing slash from both swords while the blade in his mouth performs a horizontal cut from the right side.

The dark haired man smirks as he waits patiently for his son's attack. As the blade almost make contact, the black haired man holds onto his majestic Black Blade, Yoru with his two hands over his back. He's been using his smaller blade earlier but now, since he knows his son is using his best attack, he deem it worthy enough to draw his priced sword. It is also his way of showing respect and honor towards his son's efforts without stomping on the boy's pride. Once his son attack almost reach him, he counterattacks swiftly with a powerful downward slash. Before the teen even manage to swing another surprise attack, the black haired man instantaneously reach for his smaller blade and thrust it into his son's open chest – leaving it to bleed.

He withdrew his blade gently as to not hurt his son more as he already does. The green headed teen drops his weapons as he stumbles on his knees and slump forward – head first. "Thanks a lot, dad." He mutters sarcastically, cringed with every painful breath he inhales.

"Every scar is a lesson. It serves as a great reminder when we ought to make the same mistake twice," the dark headed man reminds his injured son as he saunter over towards him – his sword now sheathed on his back majestically. The teen clicked his tongue in annoyance and rolled his eyes – not like his father notices, or so he thought.

"Don't be such child, Roronoa. Now, get up. You still have a long way to go if you still aims on defeating me." The dark haired man offers his hand to his son. The teen let out a childish grunts – not that he'll ever admit it – as he sat up unwillingly, wincing as the new wound stings him. He grabs the offered hand and stands up shakily. "But you don't have to cut me that deep," he said – emphasizing the word deep – annoyingly as he picks up his precious weapons.

"If you can't stand even the shallowest cut, you should just quit being a swordsman. You're going to be a disgrace to our kind." The teen grimace at the thought of bringing dishonor to his kind, especially his family name. Not to mention the promise he made with his late rival/comrade.

Sighing, "I am not saying I can't stand the pain," he mutters before continuing, "Just so you know, you gave me a damn huge scar on my chest – which can lead to death if my endurance is of a normal man mind you – when I was only 11. Not to mention another huge scar on the same chest a year after that. The very least you could do was give me some credit, old man."

The dark haired man shove a clean towel and a first aid kit to his son. He make himself comfortable under the shady Sakura tree nearby the stream before pouring tea for the both of them. "If you have time to whine like a baby and complain, then better make use of those wasted seconds in training or meditating." The teen pouted, "I wasn't complaining. Just reminding," he mutters silently. The teen joins his father under the Sakura tree before cleaning his wounds, dabbing some ointment and lastly, bandaging them. It is not the first time he injures himself during sparring session. It is rather common to have injuries or some cuts during one of his intensive trainings due to the weapons he chooses. He never really minded them though. Like his father mentioned before, each scars served as lessons and reminders for him to not make the same mistake twice.

Both father and son sit in a comfortable silence, sipping their homemade Japanese tea to ease the exhaustion after a hard sparring session and enjoy the serenity surrounding them. After 15 minutes of silence, the dark haired man namely, Dracule Mihawk finally speaks. "You've improve yourself over the summer, Roronoa and for that, I am proud of you," the man said with a proud smile on his face. The green headed teen namely, Dracule Roronoa Zoro smirks smugly on his father's compliment. Mihawk rarely compliments him but when he does, it really gives a deep sense of appreciation to him. "Don't get cocky my boy. You still have a long way to go before you become the best." Zoro rolled his eyes in annoyance before flopping on his back against the soft blades of grass, "Great move in ruining the moment, dad." Mihawk chuckles fondly at his son's sulking form – not that the boy will ever admit it.

A few more minutes of comfortable silent fall between the two. Suddenly, Mihawk clears his throat to gain his son attention, "You'll be going back to Sabaody soon, yes?" Zoro opens his eyes and sit back up, sipping on his tea before nodding to his father's query. Letting out a long calming breath, "You're finally in your senior year, Roronoa." Zoro looks at his father, quirking his brows. "You'll be graduating high school soon before enrolling to New World University. Before you know it, you'll be taking over the family business and the throne." Mihawk states a matter of factly.

He isn't the type of parent who dictates and tells his children of what to become and how to live their lives. He gave them choices on what to be at their own pace and their own will. He have high faith in his children that they'll choose to become someone great in the future. He believes, children that lives according to their own choices – with the proper guidance from their parents – tend to be someone far greater than those who were forced to become someone they're not willing to. Just because adults see it as a good choice in life doesn't mean the kids will agree wholeheartedly. The parents that are blinded by their own selfishness are usually the ones ended up with rebellious child. Those kind of child tend to be hard-headed and difficult to discuss with. Some may follow their parents' will and wishes, but some, not so much.

However, Dracule Roronoa Zoro has always been a different case. He's been tailing his father, admiring and adores the man since he was still an infant. His aim in life is to be a far more superior person than his father ever be – not that Mihawk ever minded it. In truth, Mihawk is actually proud of his son and hold high expectations on the boy to surpass him someday.

Zoro, despite seeing his old man as his personal rival – mostly during their sparring session – and life goal, he still hold high respect towards the older man. He was never ashamed to ask for his father's opinion whenever he wanted to decide on something important. Be it something that regards school or private matters, such as when puberty hits. In his young mind, his father is his hero, his mentor and his idol.

After taking a piece of rice cracker, Zoro speaks up, "If I didn't know you any better, I'd say you're getting soft and emotional old man." Zoro chuckles at his statement, followed by a small tug of smile on his father's lips. "It's still a long journey for me to take over the family business, and not to mention the throne. You're way too young to step down yet. Besides, I still need to graduate and prove myself worthy to take over from a man of your caliber. It'd be a shame to our family if I were to fail when I lead, and that is the one thing I'd like to avoid." Mihawk hums in understanding. He always knew his son would do anything to keep their family honor. It is an obvious trait in the Dracule family.

After taking the last bite of his rice cracker, Zoro continues to speak up, "Sir Rayleigh told us that we have to go through this student exchange program or something in order to earn extra credits for our final year assessment. Whatever that means anyway." Zoro said before taking out his swords cleaning supplies and lay it down in between him and his father.

It is a routine they usually do whenever they finish their sparring session. Unsheathing his white sword, he starts by wiping the blade from any attached debris and residue with the wiping cloth. He repeats the step twice to ensure all the residue has been removed. After wiping the blade, he dabs another cloth – oiling cloth – with the choji oil and starts wiping his blade like earlier. He repeats the same steps with his two other swords in a calming manner.

"Where are you assigned to and for how long?" Mihawk inquires while watching his son sanitize his swords. Putting down the cloth on its place, "The program will take up our first semester, which means 6 months. As for the placement, I heard Sir Rayleigh planned on sending me to Ohara." He explains with uncertainty. "I haven't done my research about that country yet but I heard it is where all the great scholars and archaeologists came from," he shrugs before continuing with the task at hand. Mihawk unsheathe Yoru and starts cleaning his sword as well, "Ohara? I've been there once or twice. A peaceful and knowledgeable country if you asks me. I think you'll fit in just fine, Roronoa." Mihawk assures his son – even though said son doesn't need any assurance before continuing, "Then again, with that permanent scowl on your face, I don't think you'll have any trouble in being bullied. Wahahaha." He laughs enthusiastically when his son's olive tanned skin turns bright red with embarrassment.

"Like you're one to talk, old man!" Zoro bellows at his father but said man keep on laughing harder like he just make the funniest joke of the year.

The green headed teen ends up muttering curses under his breath before inhaling a long tranquilizing breath to calm his senses. He sometimes wonder where does his father learns to joke around like that. He is Dracule 'freakin' Mihawk, a man who is well known and respected throughout the world for being one of the most influential Lord in the government, not to mention he also owns a long run of family business which diverse from wine to katana making. His face is always serious, people would not dare talk to him unless necessary – well except those who are close and dear to him like his family.

Talking about close, he realizes where the jokes come from. One of Mihawk's closest friend is Lord 'Red Haired' Shanks. It's impossible not to get that man's quirk, especially when said man is Mihawk's business partner and drinking buddy. They even grew up together damn it.

After Mihawk calms down from his rare moments of guffaws, he pats his son's head fondly. "When do you plan on going back to Sabaody, my boy?" Zoro holds his chin in a thoughtful gesture, "I am not sure yet. I plan on visiting Sensei and pay respect to Kuina's grave first in Shimotsuki Village before returning to Sabaody." Mihawk nods in acknowledgment before replying, "Come by my office later after dinner. Since you are going to Ohara, I'd like you to supervise an ongoing project in that place. It's just a small project in constructing a public library in the city, nothing you can't handle. I will discuss with you further tonight." Zoro just nods in understanding. He have been given the task in supervising some of Mihawk's smaller projects in Kuraigana, Sabaody and several smaller cities ever since he was 16 years old. Usually, those projects are for the cities that doesn't have sufficient funds but need a well-equipped amenities such as hospitals, schools and libraries. He usually supervise them during his long weekend off or school holidays. He also supervise them whenever the projects are nearby his school.

After taking a bite from his rice cracker, Mihawk continues, "Other than that, there is something I'd like you to deliver to Koshiro when you visit him. It's something I came upon during one of my many visits to Wano Kingdom."

Zoro nods before speaking up again, "Are you going to Wano again, dad?" Mihawk stops wiping his sword before focusing on his only son, "I'll be going there again the day after tomorrow. The business there is growing rapidly and they need me to attend an important meeting with a potential client." Before Zoro manages to protest, Mihawk interjects him, "I am trying my hardest to make time for the family. Please don't make it hard as it already is."

Zoro breaks his eye contact from his father and looks down at his precious white sword, "I know you're trying dad. I will never question your efforts." He takes a long breath before looking into his father's golden pair of eyes, "I know you're a prominent figure in your field but family is important too. Grandfather always remind us how family support is the pillar of every great achievement." He looks away towards the beautiful stream nearby, "I just thought of reminding you, that's all."

Without himrealizing, his body is suddenly embrace by a strong yet comforting body of his father. "Thank you my son, for reminding me. I'll keep that in mind." Zoro just nods before Mihawk release him. "We better make our way. We don't want to anger your mother now, do we?" Mihawk chuckles at seeing his son shudders at the thought of angering his mother. An angry mother is always a bad news to him – or in his case, his training session. "Yup, let's get going then." Zoro stands up hastily, his three swords sheath neatly in their respective scabbards bundled up over his right hip before walking ahead of his father. Mihawk let out a fond chuckle before catching up with his son.

Upon entering their manor, "Roronoa! Mihawk! Where have you been? Have you boys been training again? And what's with the blood on your chest? Mihawk?! Did you cut my baby again?" Both men cower at the sound of an unfriendly greet. Before they manage to run away from the owner of that threatening voice, delicate yet firm set of fingers start to twist and pull on their ears making both tall men bend a bit to ease the pain – not that it helps against an angry mother/wife. The sound of Ouch! It hurts! I didn't do anything! My chest is fine! His chest is fine! And many more jumbled up words and phrases can be heard throughout the huge manor. Satisfied with her punishment, the lilac haired woman lets go of her husband/son ears, leaving them burning red from her not-too-gentle grip.

"Mind explaining why you boys were training when I clearly, CLEARLY said not to?" She asks, hands on her hips, amber eyes looking sharply on both men. After rubbing his now sore ears, Mihawk walks calmly towards his beloved wife, putting his huge sword aside leaning against the nearest wall. "My dear, please calm your senses and listen to our explanations first. Alright?" He asks gently, putting strong arms around his angry wife thin waist. "Don't my dear me, Mihawk. Now, explain yourself." The lilac haired woman did not budge from her firm stance – but she did waver a bit from her husband's warm touch.

Mihawk sighs at his wife's stubbornness. Raven, the love of his life is a rather petite woman with slender body. She have long natural wave deep lilac hair, amber upturned eyes that hold so much love for the people around her – especially her little family, sharp nose and smooth full lips that makes her even more so beautiful. However, she is not the woman you can play around with. She may look gentle and elegant on the outside but she is a rather hard headed and difficult woman to deal with. She will never trust as easily as most women do. She have her own stand and will never budge unless proven wrong. She is an independent woman with the will of an iron that is hardly to break whenever she aims to achieve something. But, behind that independent and strong willed façade holds a compassionate and a tender hearted woman that is only revealed when they're alone and together. He loves her to the moon and never wants to return because she is worth much more than the moon itself.

"Raven, mi amōr. It was just a friendly spar before Roronoa goes back to Sabaody. We won't be seeing each other again for quite some times and he needs to know where his skills currently stands." He tried justifying their actions but the woman in front of him is a hard nut to crack. He continues, "Besides, I was planning on handing him a small project while he is away in Ohara for the student exchange program." Mihawk said calmly – while Zoro nods eagerly like a piece of bubble head toy, agreeing with his dad – before Mihawk gently caress his wife's hands and gives a soft peck on her knuckles to ease the tension. Raven rolled her eyes and huff in annoyance before releasing her hand from Mihawk's grasp. "I don't tolerate excuses Mihawk. Tonight is an important night for Rona. She just received the acceptance letter to Thriller Bark High School. I planned on celebrating it tonight since Ronoa is going back to Sabaody soon and God knows when you'll be leaving us again to attend some important matter."

Zoro, upon hearing the news abruptly goes to his mother's side, surprise written all over his usually stoic face. "Is it true mother? I thought she'll be enrolling to Amazon Boarding School for Girls?" Raven turn her attention towards her only son, "She decided to go for a co-education school rather than just an all-girls school." She looks at the two most precious men in her life before resuming, "Now, go and take your bath. I've prepared them for you boys earlier. I know you boys just couldn't resist the adrenaline to spar so I had the maids to light up some scented candles to ease the exhaustion. I also had the maids to place the first aid kit for you boys to treat yourselves later." After hearing that, Zoro quickly gives an appreciative hug to his mother and a quick peck on her cheeks before heading to his bedroom.

After making sure her son is out of earshot, she turn towards her waiting husband, putting her slim hands around his neck before giving a teasing peck on his lips. "And as for you, Lord Dracule." She whispers seductively on his left ear. "Do you need any assistance on treating those little cuts you have? Or scrubbing your back maybe?" She purrs.

Smirking at his wife's attempt to seduce him, he lean his head down towards the crook of her neck, inhaling her lavender scent before gently picking her up bridal style and head to their bedroom – his wife giggling all the way.

After taking a long relaxing bath, he wipe himself dry before sitting on a nearby stool. He starts taking out the supplies needed to patch and stitch his wounds and arrange them on the vanity. He sighs while looking at the new wounds he acquired during his latest sparring session. "Shallow cut my ass. I'll show him shallow cut when we spar the next time." Zoro mutters his displeasure to himself. When he was about to sanitize the deepest cut on his chest, a soft trail of fingers drumming his bathroom door could be heard. There's only one person who would do that, he thought to himself. "Come in." Zoro permits the person to enter.

A pink headed girl with two long pigtails peek her head inside the spacious bathroom. Two unusually big round amber eyes look expectantly towards her big brother. She have their father's skin tone, which is pale compared to him who have olive tanned skin like their mother. "Big brother." She said with a squeaky voice - its how her voice sounds like anyway. "Yes princess. What is it?" Zoro inquires while waving his hand to assure his sister that she's allowed to come in.

The 13 year old pink headed girl walks in a slow manner while holding a big stuffed bear wearing a face mask in her hands into the bathroom. Sitting down on a stool in front of her brother, "Big brother, do you need help with those?" She asks while looking down at her fingers. Zoro, knowing something is bothering his little sister just nods to her query.

Putting her stuffed bear aside, she take the dry towel handed to her. She starts by soaking the clean towel with warm water before cleaning the outer skin surrounding the deep cut. After making sure the outer skin is thoroughly cleaned, she pour a small amount of water into a clean cup before adding a few drops of Betadine to make it as a cleaning solution. Once the clear water turns into the color of weak tea, she fills the irrigating syringe and cleanse directly into the wound. It is one of the way to ensure all unwanted elements are thoroughly cleaned to minimize the chance of infection in the future.

Once the wound is cleaned, she puts down the syringe and wears sterile glove before starting the suturing procedure. She takes the thread and needle needed to start suturing. She thread the curved needle and starts suturing the wound. 15 minutes later, she finishes her task at hand and bandage the wound.

"Thank you, Rona." Zoro said before giving a light peck on her cheek – a show of appreciation to his little sister. Perona giggles at her brother's affection. Zoro may seem like a tough guy on the outside but whenever it involves his family, he can be a softy.

"I've heard the news." Zoro starts talking again to gain his sister's attention before continuing, "I was shocked to know it from mother. I was sure you'll be the one running to me and inform me yourself. Congratulations, princess." Perona looks away, hugging her teddy bear again. A few minutes of silence accompany the two siblings until Perona speaks up again in a hush tone, "Ronoa, am I doing the right thing?"

Zoro looks at his little sister, studying her features before answering, "Why are you doubting? Isn't this what you wanted?" Perona directs her focus on her brother, "But you, mother and father always expects me to enroll to Amazon Lily. Isn't that where all the great girls go to? It's like a tradition for the Duchess or whatnot to enroll there and become great women." She break the stare from her brother and looks down on her twiddling fingers before continuing in a hush tone. "You enrolled to Sabaody Boys School because father and the rest of Dracule men were the legacy there but me? I chose to go to Thriller Bark, a public school and not some prestigious learning center because I think that school is cool."

She inhales a long shaky breath and lets out a longer sigh, showing how confuse and emotionally distress she currently is. "I guess I was just scared that I'll disappoint father. I know mother will support me with whatever choice I make but father always have this high expectations towards his children and …" she was cut off by a finger on her pouty lips. Looking at her brother, Zoro shook his head, stating he disagrees with her. "Rona, you know father will always support his children no matter what we decide." Perona was about to disagree when Zoro continues, "I decided to enroll into Sabaody Boys School because I WANT to and NOT because father forced me to. He never really plan anything for his children and you know that."

His sister still looks unsure with her decision. She keeps on playing and twiddling her stuffed teddy bear – no doubt her mind is somewhere else. Zoro finally stands up and kneel in front of his sister, taking a hold onto her smaller delicate hands to stop her from destroying her favorite stuffed bear and looks directly into her round amber eyes. "Rona, you're a Dracule. A Dracule never waver when they decide on something." He caress his sister's left cheek with one hand and still holds gently onto her smaller hand with the other. "If your heart feels that going to that school will serve your purpose then just go. Okay? Father never really mind if his children enrolled into a public school. It might give you the experience that I never had." He tried reassuring his sister. Perona lean into his brother's touch before nodding slowly. Zoro smiles at the scene before his face turns serious again. "There's only one thing that I want you to promise me. Hmm?" Perona looks questionably at her big brother – having not the slightest clue on what that promise might be. "If I find out you're in a relationship with an asshole, that guy is done for. You hear me?" Zoro looks at his little sister with that serious look he usually wears when suddenly, the pink headed girl laughs her heart out. "Horohorohoro." She keeps on laughing for a few more seconds before giving a bear hug to her big brother. "You are so UNCUTE Ronoa! Horohorohoro. Of course I wouldn't date someone with uncute personality. I wouldn't want my overprotective father and big brother cutting him off just because he sneezes. Horohorohoro."

Zoro, satisfied that his little sister is now feeling better, laughs along with her before they both got up and get ready for the night.

During dinner time, "We'll be having Spanish cuisine for the night, my lovelies," Raven said excitedly. She has been preparing the dish since after lunch – putting her heart and soul into it, so of course she's excited. First, the servants serve them their appetizer which consists of Almejas Casino – a baked stuffed clams together with Sopa de Ajo – a bowl of garlic soup. A few freshly baked baguette is served in the middle of the medium sized dining table.

"Yeay! Spanish cuisine is the best! Thank you mommy!" Perona jumps in excitement while giving her mother a bone crushing hug. "That is only the appetizer my dear. I've made something special for you." Raven said before nodding towards the butler to resume serving their meals. "My loves, I've prepared three types of main courses for today and I hope you all enjoy them, Raven said with that lovely pearly white teeth smile of hers. The first dish served is a dish called Langosta Cantabrica. It is a special dish where the lobster meat is prepared in clams together with one of the Dracule's white wine and egg sauce to balance out the taste. The next dish is called Solomillo a la Sevillana, a broiled filet mignon with vegetables on the side. Lastly, Chutelas de Cerdo al Arriero – Raven's signature dish of pork chops dipped in garlic sauce to enrich the taste.

"Damn mom, you really outdid yourself this time," Zoro said as he starts taking each dish and put them into his plate. When he was about to dig in, Raven slaps his hand – making him drop his fork. "Ronoa, manners," Raven said sternly before continuing, "Now, say grace my dear. You know the drill."

With a grunt and grumbles about not believing in any deity above, he takes the hands offered to him by his sister on his left and mother on his right. Closing his eyes, "Dear whoever it is looking over us, thank you for looking over our family. We appreciate each and every blessings you gave us. Thank you for the wonderful meal you help ease my mum in making. Lastly, may our ancestors rest in peace. Amen." A unanimous Amen is heard before they all starts digging in. "Mommy it's delicious!" Perona said excitedly after swallowing a mouthful of lobster meat. Raven giggles at the compliment. She enjoys watching her small family savoring the meal she personally prepared. Their faces are just a mixture of adorable and jovial. They eat their meal with laughers echoing the humongous mansion.

"I want to make a toast." Zoro suddenly voice out after taking a bite of his Cheese Soufflé. After getting everyone's attention, he stands up holding a wine glass on his right hand. He cleared his throat, "I'd like to propose a toast to our little princess, for finally entering high school. Then, congratulations to mother and father, for their endless success in managing the family business to this day. Cheers!" A unanimous of Cheers follows him and the Dracule family continues their dinner happily.