This is a ZOLU fanfiction, and there will be a lemon later. If you have a problem with that, leave now :D

It was a nice, sunny day in the New World, as the crew sailed along, all going about their normal work. Expect one. Luffy was standing on the figure head, staring out into the sea aimlessly. He would usually be playing around with Usopp and Chopper at this point, but today was different. Not one of the crew knew what was different about this day, but hell they were about to.

Zoro finished his mid-day workout, before grabbing a cloth and jumping down from the crows nest, and onto the grassy deck. He noticed the ship was docked at a island, and angrily stormed into the kitchen, where everyone seemed to be talking about.

"Oi," He opened the door, and stomped in. "Why did no one tell me we docked?" They all stopped and looked at him.

"Oh, sorry," Nami mumbled, "I figured Luffy let everyone know like he usually does." Zoro shrugged and flopped down onto a chair, snatching a plate of steak from the table, and chugging a jug of sake down.

"Speaking of Luffy," Sanji spoke up, "Where is he?"

Zoro had chugged half of another jug before looking up, and wiping the corners of his mouth. "Huh? Isn't he here?" Sanji shook his head.

"True, it's unusual for him to miss a meal... Maybe he went to explore the island already?" Usopp muttered back. Zoro nodded, figuring this was probably the case. He managed a smirk, he would tease Luffy about missing a meal next time he saw him.

After a hour or so, the rest of the crew headed out into the town, to buy materials and just have fun.

As Zoro strolled down the streets, grabbing a wanted poster of Luffy and crumpled it up, tossing it in the nearest bin, he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach he couldn't shake off. It wasn't hunger, as he had just eaten.

He approached a cafe, looking through the painted glass windows for Luffy. Nope.

As he continued down the street, he noticed many more wanted posters up of Luffy, which was weird. I mean, he did have a high bounty, yes, but still. Something about this town was off, and Zoro didn't like it. He needed to find Luffy.

His head spun around, as he heard a familiar name. He rushed over the source of the sound, it was a news stand, and the man selling newspapers held the paper open to the first page, and was reading it aloud.

"The executed of Fire Fist, Ace was conducted 2 years ago on this date. Being the 2nd anniversary of this infamous pirate's death, a celebration will be held with the marines who participated in the war on this island at approximately 8 pm tonight until midnight. This will be the first time we have held such a celebration, but everyone is required to be armed if they join us, as fire fist ace's comrades and friends may hear about this, and try to ruin this amazing celebration! Regardless, everyone is invited, so come one, come all!"

Zoro's breath hitched. Sure Luffy might seem tough, but he knew that inside he was still torn up about his brother. That wasn't the issue now though. With all the marines coming, as well as admirals, they had to leave... Now! He snatched a paper from the man, and ran down the streets, looking for any familiar face.

Meanwhile, Nami, Usopp and Robin had somehow found out about the same news, and as well were looking to alert the rest of the crew.

Zoro's first priority was Luffy. As there were wanted posters up of him every ware. Marines were beginning to lurk around, as he tightened his grip on the paper, and ran along the street.

"What are you talking about I can't buy meat?" Zoro skidded to a stop as he heard the voice. He turned around and saw Luffy holding a man up by his collar, and looking him straight in the eye.

"I-I can't sell meat to a monster pirate like you. Fucking disgrace of a human you monster child." The man stuttered out as Luffy tightened his grip on the man.

"What did you call me?" He repeated

"A monster child. You are the son of dragon and related to that wimp Ace. I'm so glad he died man." The man laughed nervously. He looked surprised as Luffy's grip loosened slightly, as the boy looked down.

"You can say whatever you want about me," He said, his voice barley above a whisper, "BUT DON'T EVER SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ACE TO ME EVER AGAIN YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" He yelled, punching the man to the floor, and jumping on top of him, throwing punches left and right.

Zoro sighed, and walked calmly over, grabbing Luffy's hand before another punch hit the already-unconscious man. "Luffy." Zoro shook his head. "Enough." Luffy tried to protest, but Zoro grabbed him strongly, and pulled him up. "No use."

"But Zoro... H-he.." Luffy pulled his hat back as the words came out. "He insulted ace."

"I know. Speaking of that... We need to go. Now." Zoro grabbed Luffy again, and began to run back the way he came, dragging Luffy along with him.

"Zoro... Why?" Luffy was digging his feet into the ground, trying to stop Zoro. "ZORO WAIT." Zoro paused at the tone used in his words, he stopped running and looked at Luffy, who was searching his eyes for an answer to his actions. Before he could protest, Luffy had snatched the Newspaper out of his hands, and was reading it carefully. Zoro just watched helplessly.

"Zoro... This is.. I can't." He wimpered. "I have to stay, and I have to-" His breath hitched as he grabbed his shoulder.

"Luffy what's wrong?" Zoro moved his hand out of the way as blood was soaking through the younger boy's shirt.

"N-nothing." He replied with a sigh, " I just ran into some Marines awhile ago."

"All the more reason to leave now." Zoro picked Luffy up and hitched him up onto his back. "Now let's go."

"NO." Luffy dug his heels into Zoro's back, making him arch in pain. "I'm not going. I'm beating up all those bastards who are celebrating about Ace's death."

"No Luffy, you can't. There is too many of them." Zoro replied calmly.

"Zoro... You dont understand." Luffy's voice changed into a shaky wimper. "He was my brother Zoro. I have to do something." Zoro's eyes narrowed as he pushed his hat out of the way, getting a clear view of Luffy, and his now wet face.

"Luffy... I'm sorry." Luffy looked at him puzzled, but his expression soon changed as he was met with a punch to the gut.

"Zor...o" He fell into Zoro's hands, as he continued his run back to the ship.

I'm sorry Luffy. That was the only way to get you to listen to me.