CHAPTER 2

AN UNCALLED FOR SURPRIZE

When Robin set foot on the aforementioned island, she realized that something was really wrong. An unnerving silence was lingering all over the place. Did the millions captured those wannabe pirates so quickly?

She continued walking, but no one was to be seen around. If the Strawhats were killed, then the only thing she had to take care of was the Princess and Igaram.

Suddenly her attention caught something. Definitely something was going on and she started running towards the source of the sounds.

"Mr. 8, one of their crew has escaped. Hey, didn't you pass out after all the drinking" said one member of the elusive organization in which Robin was a member, too.

"A true swordsman never allows alcohol to take control of himself"

"So they didn't capture them" thought Robin while getting closer to them "What are they waiting for? They're just five common pirates"

"You'll be a fine opponent for me Baroque Works" said cockily the boy who was causing the raucous.

"Who the hell he think he is?" she chuckled internally.

Little did she know that what she was about to see would have her to her knees.

"That's impossible" she gasped.

She couldn't even move. The time stopped. The entire world around her disappeared. The only thing that existed was the boy at the top of the building in front of her.

"It can't be him" she thought but what she was outfacing was categorically contradicting her.

"Green hair, three swords, Kuina's sword"

"Roronoa Zoro" she whispered his name so profoundly. So long time since she had last spelled his name, since she had last seen him.

"Kill him" someone ordered.

She abruptly came back to reality. Was he serious about that? How would he take on one hundred skilled assassins by himself? She crossed her arms ready to attack if anyone was about to kill him, but she was astonished by him for the second time that day.

He was literally having fun. And she was standing like a fool, watching him and trying to process what's happening.

"Santoryou" he screamed and after his attack five guys could be seen flying on the air and then hitting on the ground abruptly, but Robin's mind had trailed off again.

Flashback

It was a considerably calm night, if you didn't take into account the hissed noises that his two shinai were producing.

Robin took the book that Kuina had given her, along with a lantern and sat under a tree. She didn't bother opening it, though, because her attention was caught by the source of the distraction in such a wonderful night.

Ten years old Zoro was practicing furiously, probably preparing himself for tomorrow's "battle" with Kuina. She had been only three months with them but it wasn't very difficult for her to learn some things about him. Not that he was easy to read.

"Nice style you're using. Wielding three swords must be tough" she said friendly. Kuina had accepted her quite easily, but he didn't seem to be in favor of being close to her.

As for her question, it wasn't the first time that she saw him using Santoryou. Besides, she had witnessed many professional swordsmen succumbing to his powerful techniques, but she thought of it as a chance of getting closer to him.

"That's why I'm training" he said bluntly, never losing focus on what he was doing.

"May I ask" she said and hesitated a little, because she saw the frown in his childish face "what inspired you to practice that fighting style? As far as I know itto style and ni-to style are the most popular" she finished and waited patiently for his answer.

"Just want to be strong... and win any rival"

Robin knew that by the use of "any rival" he meant Kuina, too. That little girl was really something. She was very witty and strong. Not even the best of the dojo could beat her.

Then another thought occurred to her. By saying that he wants to win any rival, does he mean that he wants to be the first, or something?

"Who knows? I'd better don't ask him, cause he's not in the mood" she thought and started processing the first paragraph of the book.

"What about you? What do you do?" he asked taking her by surprise. When she raised her head in order to look at him she saw that he had left his fake katas on the ground and was staring intently at her. She was definitely unprepared for that, and it was quite obvious.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that we know barely anything about you. Care to share"

She was really bewildered. He was trying to be friendly, though he never was with her especially, so only one explanation there was. He was trying to inspect her. He didn't trust her and that's why he was so distant. Not that she could blame him.

"Well, I love history". A little truthfulness wouldn't do bad.

"So you want to become a historian?"

"Let's say yes"

"Good" he said. She chuckled internally. He was fun talking to.

"And what's your name?" he asked again. That was the only question he'd been asking her since they met. However, tonight they made some progress.

"I think I've already told you that I can't reveal that information" First of all, she could trust no one but sensei Koshiro, till now at least. Secondly, Kuina and he had better not knowing anything about her, anything that can link them to her.

"Ugh. Then how should I call you?"

"Fufufu. I don't know. I'm sorry, I can't tell you anything"

"Alright onna" he said angrily, he grabbed his wooden katas and left.

"Onna, huh? It's definitely better than oni"

End of flashback

What the hell was she doing daydreaming at times like this? She had to decided what to do. And now with him here things would be really complicated.

A year ago or so, Crocodile, her boss, had decided to recruit a new member. That Pirate Hunter, he had said, will be a great asset. However, Robin didn't have the time to learn more about him than the fact that he declined the offerbecause her boss had assigned her another mission, that time. Then the issue was forgotten.

She was feeling like a fool that she was so ignorant. The Four Seas knew about him and she, who needed to know the most, didn't.

"Anyway, what do we do now? The millions have literally been decimated and surprisingly enough the Strawhats had come to terms with the princess. Igaram is leaving in a little and the pirates, too. And they're heading to Alabasta" Robin put her hat on her head and stealthily started walking towards the shore "I think I have to greet them appropriately"


"Who is she?" asked Nami puzzled.

It wasn't something very common to see a mysterious woman, having invaded your ship and sitting on the railing like nothing happened at all.

"She's Miss All Sunday" answered Vivi trembling, both cause of fear and utmost anger "She's Crocodile's partner. We revealed their identities"

"Hmm. Let me correct you Princess. I have let you reveal our identities" said Robin calmly, emphasizing the pronoun I.

"She seems to be a very cunning woman" thought Nami.

"You killed Igaram" screamed Vivi while tears made their way down on her young face.

"Collateral damage" answered Robin cooly and unaffected by the girl's outburst. She had lowered her hat, thus creating a shade over her eyes. The fact that they couldn't see her face was really unnerving. However, Robin didn't do that to intimidate them. She knew she had already achieved that. She just didn't want Zoro to recognize her. "If he even remembers me" she thought bitterly.

"So you're a bad person" Luffy concluded and then Sanji and Usopp joined the others on the lower deck. Actually, because Robin had pushed them down.

"Mellorine. Mellorine"

"Shut up jerk" screamed Nami and hit him hardly "What do you want from us?"

"I see that you're good people and thought that it'd be a good idea to see you again. It'll be probably impossible for you to make it in Little Garden, the island in which your Log Pose is pointing. So there's an Eternal Pose for an island close to Alabasta" she said and handed the Pose to the ship's navigator, Nami. She already knew that in the next island Crocodile has sent Mr.3 and he would probably sent other agents too. As a matter of fact, it would be difficult for them to survive. Difficult but not impossible.

Anyway, she wanted to be sure that Zoro would be safe at least for the time being. As for the "Alabasta part" she wasn't even sure if she would survive.

"Are you helping us?" muttered Nami not getting at all what's going on.

"So you're a good or a bad person?" asked Luffy furiously, but before settling down on an answer he grabbed the Eternal Pose and broke it.

"What the hell are you doing Luffy? She shows us a better way and you destroy everything. We need to help Vivi" yelled the angry navigator but Luffy yelled back at her.

"I'm the Captain of this ship and I say that we're going in Little Garden. We don't need her help"

"Okay" sighed Nami in defeat.

"Fufufu. You're a bold man" she laughed and automatically Zoro shivered and frowned.

"What's with that laughter? Why is it so familiar?" the first mate thought, but he didn't ponder on that for long.

"Who the hell are you?" he asked angrily, taking only one breath.

Robin didn't expect that she would ever have the chance to talk to him again. She could have make him understand who she is only with one word, but she didn't want to. Besides, he maybe doesn't remember at all. And although it hurts it's better this way. She turned to him slightly, never letting her face be exposed.

"I think the Princess has already answered that question"

"Is Miss All Sunday your name?" he said obviously not at all satisfied by her answer "Don't think so! Then what's your name?"

She was instantly frozen at his question. Memories trying to overwhelm her once again. But no, not now. She would be dead in just a few days. There was no point for such things.

"I don't have to answer any of your questions" she stood up and started walking towards the railing "Let us meet again soon. If you survive, of course" she finished her sentence and jumped on her huge turtle, leaving everyone in complete confusion. Almost everyone.

"What a huge turtle!" Luffy exclaimed happily.

"Are you an idiot?" said Nami considering that there was no hope with a Captain like him.

"Will you explain the situation to me and Sanji?" asked Usopp hoping to draw their attention this time.

"Oh okay okay, listen…" while Nami continued on explaining the whole story, Luffy approached his first crewmate, who was standing in the mast and was looking pensively at the way in which Robin could be seen, vaguely now.

"What's the matter Zoro?" asked Luffy concerned.

"I wish I knew" he answered truthfully.

"Oh. If you need help, tell me"

"Thanks" he said and continued thinking "What an absurd idea to think that it was her. There's no way she's her. She must have died with the way of life she had. Actually, she was dead for me, how did her image come to my mind?"

Flashback

"Fufufu. You shouldn't have talked to her like that. Even if she's your opponent, you have to respect her"

"Urgh"

"Fufufu"

End of flashback

"Damn, now I'm thinking of Kuina, too"

"Oi guys, I see it. That's the island" yelled Usopp from the crow's nest, and everyone started getting prepared for their arrival at the Prehistoric Island.

"Gomu gomu no… Rocket"

"Luffy, wait"


Shinai: is a weapon used for practice and competition in kendo. It represents a japanese sword.

Itto style: use of one shinai

Ni-to style: use of two shinai

Onna:woman

Oni:demon

That was it for today… I hope you enjoy the chapter and I would really appreciate your ideas or con-crit!

Thanks for reading!