The one known as Sanosuke led both Tashigi and Zoro through the town. Tashigi stuck close to Zoro so she could keep an eye on him so that he didn't get lost. As the three made their way through the town Tashigi noticed that lots of people were staring at them. Mostly the people on their right side though so that did seem quite weird to her. 'Hmm...I wonder why everyone's looking at us funny?'
In time they soon came to a stop in front of a fair sized building that featured a sign with the name Akabeko. Sanosuke turned around and gestured at the building. "Well here we are. The best restaurant in town." He says with a big grin.
Both Zoro and Tashigi head for the entrance but Zoro stops just at the door and looks back at Sanosuke. "Aren't you coming? From what I hear we have to buy you a drink for showing us the way."
Sanosuke laughs a little as he motions for Zoro to go ahead. "Don't worry I haven't forgotten that promise. I just have something to take care of out here." As he says that he glances at the crowd of onlookers. Zoro merely nods and goes inside.
Looking at the crowd in front of him Sanosuke cracks his knuckles. "So just what the hell is your guys problem?"
Back inside the Akabeko Zoro finds that Tashigi was waiting for him at the entrance. He tilts his head in slight confusion as to why she didn't just go ahead and get a table. "It seems we have to wait for a booth to open up." Tashigi explains as she points out that every booth is currently taken. He merely nods before sitting down in one of the seats by the entrance as is quickly joined by Tashigi.
After several minutes of waiting for a spot Sanosuke finally comes in with a few scuff marks on his clothes. "Sorry for making you guys wait." He then looks around at the crowded restaurant as he sighs to himself. His presence doesn't go unnoticed as a young girl with long hair and wearing what would appear to be the current outfit for a waitress.
"H-Hello Sanosuke. Umm...I don't suppose Yahiko, Kenshin and Kaoru will be stopping by as well?" The young lady asks Sanosuke.
With a big grin he looks at her. "Ya I asked Kenshin to bring Kaoru and Yahiko along so don't worry about that Tsubame." Sanosuke then crouches down and whispers something into her ear. Between Zoro who was leaning back in the chair and looked like he was asleep and Tashigi who was currently admiring the look and style of the restaurant, neither of them noticed that the young waitress known as Tsubame was now a deeper red after hearing what Sanosuke apparently told her.
"Alright I'll go and inform Miss Tae." Tsubame says before turning around to go and find the owner in the back.
By the time Tsubame returned with Tae a booth just opened up and the happy owner showed them to their seats.
The booth Zoro and Tashigi got was one closer to the back so there seemed to be a bit more privacy however sitting across from them were a small group of men who appeared to be drunk. But other than that the spot was almost prefect.
The owner known as Tae was about to hand them a couple of menus but is stopped by Sanosuke. "Its alright Tae. They'll have the beef stew since its one of the dishes this place is famous for right?" He says with a quick wink.
Tae lets out a quiet laugh before turning to Zoro and Tashigi. "Is that alright with the two of you? And what would you like to drink?" She asks.
"Ya that's fine. Mind bringing me some sake?"
"Yes that does sound good. I'll just have some tea please."
Tae starts to walk away, and as she does Sanosuke calls out for her to bring him a bottle of sake as well. She responds with a simple wave.
Sanosuke then sits down beside Tashigi. She turns towards him and ask him. "So who is this Kaoru and Yahiko?"
"Well Kaoru is a fiercely independent, quite violent and fairly ill-tempered for a woman. Also if I were to describe her cooking in one word. It would be disgusting. She's also the acting instructor of this run-down dojo. As for Yahiko, he's quite prideful but also a foul-mouthed brat. Yet he's the number one student at Kaorus dojo." Sanosuke states calmly but doesn't notice a pair of rapidly approaching shadows.
A fist as well as a shinai make contact with his head with a loud crack. "Oww."
"What was that Sanosuke? So I'm violent and ill-tempered then huh? As well as a bad cook? You are so going to pay for that!"
"And I'm just a foul-mouthed brat! You better take that back!"
Tashigi giggles at the display beside her. The sound of her laughter makes Kaoru finally notice her. "Oh I'm sorry about that. I didn't notice you there. I'm Himura Kaoru and its a pleasure to meet you." She smiles sweetly towards Tashigi.
"I'm Tashigi. The grouchy one across from me is Zoro." Tashigi playfully replies as she points to Zoro.
Both Kaoru and Yahiko glance at the green haired swordsman. They take a moment to take in the sight of him, their eyes glance from Zoros three swords to his large scar across his chest then finally to his scar over his eye. The two of them just stand there and stare at him long enough to irritate him.
"Oi just why the hell are you guys staring at me for? Have you never seen a guy with green hair before?" Zoro asks with a hint of irritation in his voice.
Kaoru lightly slaps herself and shakes her head in an attempt to refocus. "Oh I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to stare." Zoro just grunts in acceptance to her apology before turning his gaze to the youth.
The young black haired boy continues to stare at him. "So why is it you have three swords? Is it because your incompetent and tend to loose your swords in battle?" He asks with a slightly cruel tone. Upon hearing this Kaoru strikes him on his head before she apologizes to Zoro for Yahikos attitude.
Zoro glares at Yahiko. "No you stupid brat. The reason I carry three swords is because I use the three sword style. Then again I guess your just too stupid to figure that out for yourself." He tells Yahiko as he grins at the kid.
"What do you mean by three sword style? No such style exists" Yahiko retorts before yelling out. "And I'm not stupid. Nor am I a brat!"
Kaoru glares at Yahiko before she decides to ask Zoro about whats currently on her mind. "I have to partially agree with Yahiko. As far as I'm aware such a sword style doesn't exist."
Tashigi slams her hands on the table as she stands up. "He can use the three sword style! Especially since he created the style himself! Isn't that right Zoro?"
With a cocky grin Zoro is just about to reply before he's interrupted by someone sitting at a booth close by.
"That's correct. Roronoa Zoro is currently the only one in the world to use that particular sword style. And I am quite happy to see that you seem to be treating the Wado Ichimonji with great care." Everyone in the group go dead silent as they turn to find the source of the voice.
Kaoru notices the man who just stood up and started walking towards them. The man was wearing a grey robe as well as a long white jacket on top of it. She immediately recognizes him and gives him a respectful bow. "Ah Mr. Koshiro it's good to see you again. I have to thank you again for agreeing to give a lesson to my students tomorrow. Everyone including Yahiko is eagerly looking forward to it."
The man smiles at her. "Its not a problem Mrs. Kaoru. It was quite kind of you and Mr. Himura to allow me and a couple of my disciples to stay with you during our stay." He then proceeds to the table and looks everyone over. "Its good to see you again Zoro."
Zoro smiles back warmly which surprised everyone at the table, but not more than what his response was. "Its good to see you as well sensei. And don't worry I'm taking good care of Kuinas sword."
Kaoru and Sanosukes jaws drop, Yahiko on the other hand falls backwards. Everyone of them say the same thing in unison. "What the hell!"
Koshiro and Zoro exchange a glance before they both burst out laughing which is short lived as Kaoru quickly asks them. "Zoro was your student? How long ago was that?"
"Yes Zoro was my student for quite a few years before he set out to sea. In fact he was on of the best students I've ever actually taught. Other than my daughter of course." Koshiro says. "He joined my dojo many a year ago and trained exceptionally hard. The last time I saw him he was just setting out to sea to work towards his goal of becoming the worlds greatest swordsman!"
Both Kaoru and Yahiko were quite close to Koshiro and were hanging onto his every word. "Then what happened?"
"Well some time after he left I began to hear rumours of him being called the pirate hunter." He says.
Yahiko holds up a hand stopping Koshiro from continuing. "Wait one moment." He then points at Zoro. "So your telling me that this guy here just so happens to be THE pirate hunter? Who just so happens to be a pirate himself with a bounty of 120 million on his head? That Zoro?" Koshiro just nods and Yahiko glares at Zoro but before he can say anything bad about him Tashigi interrupts.
"He may be a pirate however both he and his entire crew aren't your average pirates! As far as I know they've never actually attacked or pillaged any towns. In fact they even saved an entire country!" Tashigi informs them.
"Actually its more like four countries. Alabasta, Drum Kingdom, Fishman Island as well as the Sky Island Skypiea." Zoro corrects her. Then says a little more to Yahiko. "And before you ask brat. Yes an actual island in the sky."
Tashigi casts him a quick glare which he returns with a grin.
Koshiro strokes his chin for a moment as the thinks to himself for a moment. "Mrs. Kaoru? I was wondering. Would it be fine with you if Zoro helps me teach your students tomorrow? Cause my students would be thrilled to have a lesson from Zoro as well as meet him since they all seem to idolize his skills."
Sanosuke lets out a small laugh. "I would love to watch that lesson. Hey Yahiko! Take it from me this guy Zoro is quite strong. Even Saito had a hard time with him earlier today."
"Saito? Are you telling me that Saito of all people had a tough time against this guy?" Yahiko exclaims in disbelief. Tashigi, Zoro and Sanosuke all nod.
"Well...If he doesn't have any problem with it then sure." Kaoru says.
Everyone looks at Zoro waiting for his response.
"I'll have to think about it. If I choose to I'll stop by your dojo tomorrow." Zoro replies.
Koshiro smiles as he walks back to his table. "It was nice seeing you again Zoro. I hope to see you again tomorrow. Why don't you bring your girlfriend with you?"
Tashigi blushes a little upon hearing that comment. Kaoru notices this and quickly grabs both Yahiko and Sanosuke by their ears dragging them away. "Feel free to stop by if you want to. Now we'll be leaving so we don't disturb the two of you." As Kaoru drags the two guys out she stops just long enough to talk to Tae and ask her to give Zoro and Tashigi directions to her dojo.
It doesn't take much longer for them to get their meal which they then proceed to enjoy. About halfway through the meal Tashigi looks at Zoro. "Hey Zoro. So are you going to accept the request by your sensei?"
Zoro pauses for a moment. "Well the thing is..."
