The sun began to set in the little village that the strawhats came across. Of course, Zoro was still at the dojo, watching the kids practice. To his surprise, they were not that bad, for kids.

It was soon eight P.M, and practice was over. Ume sent the kids home to their families, and walked over to the bench where Zoro was sitting.

"So, Mr. Roronoa-"

"Please, Ume.. call me Zoro. It feels weird being called by my proper name." He rubbed the back of his head and laughed softly.

"Alright, Zoro. You never did tell me where you came from, or why you are here." She pulled her long, purple hair into a high ponytail, and looked back at him, expecting a believable story.

"Im traveling with my crew." He looked up to the ceiling, and then looked back to Ume.

"Your crew?" She seemed puzzled "Are you apart of a pirate crew or something?" She laughed softly.

"Yeah. That's it."

"What! But why a pirate ship! I thought you were a pirate hunter!" She scoffed at him, not being able to believe what he just said.

"Its a long story. I had problems with the Marines, and I was locked up for a month with no food or water, and Luffy came along. He said that he was going to be King of the Pirates, and at first I thought it was crazy, but then I discovered that he ate the Gum Gum fruit, and his body is rubber. He helped me escape, and ever since I have been the swordsman on his crew. Along the way, we have found Nami, our naviagor; Usopp, the brave warrior of the sea; Sanji, the seacook; Nico Robin, the archaeologist, and Tony Tony Chopper, our doctor. We aren't like normal pirates. We don't terrorize villages and islands, we are just trying to reach our goals."

"I see, it seems like a very interesting story.. but might I ask, why are you still with them? You are extremely strong, and you are a legend."

"I'm with them because I am apart of their crew. We each have our specialty. I may be strong, but destiny has led me here."

"It seems like a lot of fun, to travel all over. I wish I could do that, but I made a promise to the kids. They may have families, but they are so dedicated to learning, I couldn't take it away from them."

"I understand how you feel, that's like me going away from the ship, I don't know if I could do it." Zoro stood up and straightened up his swords. "Well, it was very nice of you to welcome me to your dojo, and your students are very bright. But I must go, the crew is probably wondering where I am."

"Will I ever see you again?" Ume stood up and grabbed his left wrist softly. She looked up to him, her eyes were shimmering, like she was about to cry.

"I can't say for sure, but I'm pretty sure we are not leaving so soon. Who knows, maybe I shall see you tomorrow." He smiled to her and walked towards the door. He was outside, and he poked his head back in the doorway. "Take care, Ume. And thank you."

"You are most certainly welcome, Zoro." She fell to the ground, and grabbed her chest. "He's exactly what this dojo needs. He's what these kids need.. he is what I need." She closed her eyes, and stood up steadily, and then made her way to the back room.

Zoro made his way down the dirt road to the shore, where the Going Merry was docked. He climbed the ladder and was soon on the top deck of the ship. It was already dark, and it seemed that almost everyone was still not back. Robin was sitting at the table, reading her book by candlelight.

"Robin, I gotta tell you what happened!" Zoro walked over to her, and pulled out a chair to sit down in. Robin looked up and smiled "You look awfully cheerful, what happened?"

"Remember that dream? I found the girl from my dream.." He looked up to the sky, observing the twinkling stars in the dark, indigo sky.

"No way! Thats wonderful Zoro! What is she like?" Robin shut her book, and looked over to the green-haired swordsman.

"She's everything that was in my dream, except she owns her own dojo, and she teaches 3 young kids. She's different, but for some reason, I feel connected with them."

Robin took a sip of tea and looked back at Zoro with happiness appearing across her face. "Thats great, Zoro! But you really do need to be careful."

Zoro looked at Robin with concern and confusion. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means, this girl is going to fall in love with you, and the same with those kids. Remember your dream, just don't hurt her."

Zoro sighed and bent his head back. "I'm not that worried. She doesn't seem like she is interested in me, just only interested in a friend." He stood up and readjusted his swords.

"But you have interest in her?"

"Women are troublesome. I learned that awhile ago." He went to the lower deck into the sleeping quarters.