Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Mihawk attacked before Zoro could even sheath his katana. Zoro felt an agonizing burn as the sword pierced his shoulder. He felt a scream of pain erupt from his mouth before he could stop himself. He heard another scream that didn't belong to him but was quickly quieted down by a glare from Mihawk.
Zoro turned his head to the side and spat out blood. He stared at the sword that was not impaled in his body just a moment ago. The sword was lodged in his shoulder and any movement he made, the sword would move and cut anything it touched. Zoro looked up to his attacker to see Mihawk was beginning to walk away. He tried to think of what to do but his mind kept on flashing back on the attack that just occurred moments ago.
He soon heard heart retching sobs which Mihawk ignored and turned his attention back to Zoro. Mihawk walked back and stared at the sword. He grasped the hilt and pushed the sword in until only the Hilt stood out. Zoro felt himself being pressed against something and in to his horror he found himself skewered to a tree. He went blind for a second as the white surging pain consumed his entire body. He felt his mouth hang open and felt the all too familiar taste of metal in his mouth. His vision went black for a moment.
When his vision came back he saw Perona still sobbing. Mihawk glared at Zoro "You have grown weak from your recent activities Roronoa."
Zoro's reply was just a painful gasp.
"I see scars as reminders of lessons and this one" he pointed to the one stretching across Zoro's shoulder "Is a very useless lesson." Making full eye contact with the younger swordsman he continued"Some of these scars were gained by you getting stronger, am I right Roronoa?"
Zoro, who was now losing the ability to stay conscious, just gave a slight nod.
"But this one was gained by you protecting your crew. A very pitiful scar, I must say."
Zoro shook his head furiously and painfully said "Not pitiful"
Mihawks eyes shrouded with fury and coldly said "It is very pitiful since you, a swordsman, seem to use his body more for defense than your own sword."
Zoro closed his eyes knowing what Mihawk said was true.
"I need to know that you still have a desire to live.
Zoro looked confused until a sharp pain brought his attention back to the sword.
"You will return my sword to me Roronoa before the sun sets."
Mihawk turned to leave with Perona who was still sobbing away.
'This damn bastard. Everyone is lecturing me because what I did in the past, and now even Mihawk. If I can't prove it to my crewmates I'll fucking show it this bastard then' Zoro raged in his mind.
"Mihawk" Zoro snarled. "You won't have to wait too long" Zoro smiled with blood dripping down his mouth. Zoro gripped the hilt of the sword with shaking hands and taking a deep breath he began to pull the sword out. 'Don't scream don't scream' He pleaded inside his head.
His breaths quicken as his chest followed the speed. He felt the sword come out of the tree. Now all he needed was his body. Zoro clenched his teeth until he was sure they were going to break. 'I WILL BECOME THE WORLD'S GREATEST SWORDSMAN' Zoro screamed in his mind and with an agonizing painful pull the sword was out of his shoulder.
His eyesight began to blur but he saw Mihawk with a smile on his face and he slowly walked to him. Zoro felt his body sway but he kept walking. Zoro wanted to scream in pure agony but he would never do that again in front of a man he would one day defeat. He felt his arm reach out with sword in hand to Mihawk. The sword was taken and with a painful smile Zoro asked jokingly. "Did I pass the test"
Mihawk smiled back and replied "That was only half the test Roronoa."
Zoro smile was wiped from his face and he fell to his knees no longer able to stand.
"I'll see you by the shore Roronoa." Was the last thing Mihawk said before he turned and started to walk away.
Mihawk nodded to Perona who was still sobbing and walked away. Perona sobbing quietly walked to Zoro. She quickly dropped something and with a last sob ran after Mihawk. Zoro whose breathing was ragged looked at what Perona dropped and closed his eyes.
Luffy sat there in the jungle for couple of minutes and with a nod took out something from his pocket. He dialed 7 numbers on the den den mushi and with a stern voice he said "crew meeting now." He sat there for several minutes and soon heard voices.
"You were on a island full of food. How cool" Chopper and Usopp were the first to find Luffy. They stared at the tense captain and both abruptly ended their conversation and just stood there waiting for the rest of the crew.
Only moments later they heard a husky voice "What would Zorobro take half of his medication at one time, he almost drowned!"
"Yes his actions are quite questionable" Was the calm reply.
Robin and Franky soon joined Chopper and Usopp but Luffy didn't say a word until the rest of the crew was there. Soon they felt a breeze and Nami showed up alone and joined the crew saying nothing. Everyone stared at her worriedly but Robin got up and sat next to her saying nothing but put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Nami turned to Robin and gave a weak smile thanking her.
They waited in silence until they heard a melody. The sad melody did nothing to help the mood and everyone knew who was coming. Brooke made his way but when he saw the crew's expressions he quickly put his violin down. They all waited for who would come next.
The air filled with the scent of nicotine and soon Sanji appeared and everyone looked at his dull eyes. He walked in making a slight nod to Robin and Nami and sat down.
"Now that everyone is here we will begin with this meeting." Luffy said sternly crossing his arms and pressing them to his chest.
"Wait but Zoro-" Nami began
"Zoro is the main reason for the meeting so he will not be needed" Luffy interrupted
Nami bit her lip but nodded in agreement. Sanji heard a ringing and looked at his Den den mushi. The caller id read Usopp, why was he calling him. He stared at Usopp who was sitting down looking at the ground. 'Dumbass must be sitting on it and accidentally called me' Sanji thought. He shook his head and ignored the call.
"First things first I want everyone to stand." Luffy ordered
Everyone immediately stood.
"Now if you think what Zoro did at Thriller Bark was right go over there" Luffy pointed to the right.
Everybody waited and two pairs of feet broke the silence. Sanji and Robin stood in the designated spot and stared at Luffy. Luffy had fury in his eyes for a moment but it was quickly gone. "Why do you believe that what Zoro did was right."
"I cannot judge Kenshisan for sacrificing himself for the crew". Robin said. Everyone except Brooke thought of water 7 when Robin sacrificed herself. Everyone looked at Sanji who was taking a deep inhale of smoke. He blew it out and finally said. "It was the shitty swordsman's duty as a First mate to take whatever means necessary to protect the crew.
Robin couldn't help but notice that the cook's hand twitched when he said that. Everybody stared at two and Luffy nodded at them.
"If you believe Zoro was wrong follow me." Luffy took five steps to the left and everyone followed. Everyone But Nami. Nami stood there looking at her feet, her hair hiding any feeling she was expressing at the moment.
"Nami" Luffy said "Do you think Zoro was right or wrong."
Nami bit her lip and looked at everyone before speaking.
"I believe he was right and wrong."
Everyone had confused looks on their face.
"Explain" Luffy ordered.
"He was wrong for sacrificing himself but his intentions for the saving crew were right." Nami confidently said.
Robin walked over to Nami and nodded "I believe navigators-san is right and I agree.
Everyone thought of what Nami said and soon everyone but Luffy shuffled to Nami and Robin.
Luffy stood there looking at them.
"Thank you everyone for voicing your opinions. If any of you see Zoro tell him that the captain's order still stands and we are leaving in two days. If he doesn't promise to follow that order he will not be allowed on the boat back to Sabaody.
Everyone's face dropped.
"Luffy didn't this meeting show you anything" Nami yelled
"Yes but that doesn't change the fact that I never want Zoro or anyone to ever sacrifice themselves." Luffy calmly said. With that said he left the jungle towards the palace.
Everyone stood there stunned until Chopper let out a cry and ran out of the jungle. Robin quickly left to comfort Chopper who was quickly followed by Franky. They soon heard thunder and saw lighting strike a nearby tree.
Everybody stared at Nami who had her clima tact out. Thunder boomed the jungle and Nami threw her arm over her eyes to hide the tears. She sprinted out of the jungle before anyone could stop her. Usopp left muttering about some seeds he had to fix.
Brooke and Sanji stood there both silent. Brooke picked up his violin and with a sigh he put it back down. He put a hand on Sanji's shoulder and nodded leaving. Sanji picked out a fresh cigarette but put it back. He heard something ringing and picked up the den den Mushi. Usopp was calling again.
" Usopp what is it" Sanji said
"Shit-cook" a barely audible voice answered
Shitcook... That could be only one person
"What's wrong Marimo" Sanji urgently asked.
No answer.
"MARIMO ANSWER ME"
"Hey I need your help"
