Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece I am merely a fan.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading this fan fiction. I am happy that there has been such a high interest in it and so many kind comments and helpful feedback. Thank you for being patient with me. My move was successful, but we do not have a proper internet connection at present so I am having to find other means!

I hope you enjoy this chapter. I know there is high expectation for this next fight. It was difficult to think on how to write their scene. These two characters are strong and they learn as they go along. I hope I have done them justice, but would have liked to perhaps put more detailed scenes in here. I have put in a couple of things which were ideas from some of you so I hope that's okay! I hope it does not disappoint.

Snap Shots

Chapter 8

Usopp looked at Nami lying on the bench covered in blood, scrapes and bruises. She was unconscious but breathing. Chopper hopped about taking care of her wounds with the help of Robin. Usopp gritted his teeth then turned to watch his friends as they entered the underground arena. He felt pride as he watched his captain. The two strongest of their crew looked incredibly awesome as they walked forward slowly, full of confidence with determined looks on their faces.

Luffy punched his right fist into his left hand. His straw hat covered slightly over his eyes. When he lifted his head Usopp could sense his gaze was sharp.

Zoro removed his bandana from around his arm and tied it over his head. He pulled his swords from their sheaths.

A gust of wind seemed to surround the two comrades as their auras sent a chilled sense of doom across the arena. The audience went silent, sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation.

Usopp tensed up in excitement, silently wishing his friends the best and admiring just how cool they looked.

Franky stood beside the sharp shooter and a slight tear fell from his eyes. He took a picture and the little light from the camera seemed to fill the room. He then did a SUPER stance and said "It is so great to see a man fight for what's right and defend their most precious woman".

Brook nodded his head in agreement, sipped from his tea and said "Romantic". It was fast becoming his favourite word.

Usopp and Zoro sweat dropped. Trust those idiots to ruin the mood. He shook his head in shame but soon perked up again as the doors on the other end opened and their opponents came waltzing in.

The arena was of a reasonable size yet when 25 bodies started to surround Luffy and Zoro it seemed a little cramped. So many varied in size with a couple being larger than the enemies Sanji, Chopper and Nami fought in the first round. Usopp scanned them all and felt his body relax a little. Why he was so tense he was not sure but he soon realised that these were no match for his captain or for the infamous pirate hunter. This was surely going to be an easy win. In some ways it seemed like a disappointment.

"Let the match begin!" The commentator announced. The atmosphere could be cut with a knife.

Luffy cracked his knuckles and Zoro positioned his weapons, positioning his feet to secure a defensive stance. They both grinned but did not make the first move.

"50:50?" Zoro asked his captain as they stood back to back and faced their foe.

"This is barely a warm up" Luffy moaned "If I get more than you then you have to buy me meat" Luffy told his friend, a way to try to spice it up a little.

Zoro chuckled "I will meet your wager"

"Oi Usopp, Franky!" Luffy turned and shouted to his friends "keep count for us!" he ordered.

"Idiots" Sanji muttered under his breath as he lit another cigarette next to Usopp. Sanji leant on the railing and looked at his two friends. He wanted to be in the arena to, but he knew they could easily handle these small fry. He glanced over at Nami and Robin then looked up at the brunette and the man dressed in white. As attractive as the woman may seem he was suspicious of their characters and could not help but feel she was at the mercy of the man beside her. Something was not right about this whole place.

Sophia looked down at the straw hats one at a time. She caught the gaze of the blonde man, Sanji. When she met his stare his expression suddenly turned to that of a love sick puppy before shaking himself into reality and breaking his gaze. She realised he was one of those men who lived to serve women and would never see the bad in them yet also would do his best to not help the enemy of his friends. She followed his lead and turned her attention to the black and green haired men who were the current centre of attention.

The 25 opponents looked at one another as if they had planned something in advance then dove in for the kill all at once. Luffy and Zoro were covered in bodies before you could blink.

"Gum Gum, PISTOL!" Luffy shouted, although it seemed a little muffled due to his enemy's closeness.

"Three sword style, Hurricane" Zoro said with a dark tone of voice at the same time as his captain.

Usopp watched as a majority of the 25 bodies went flying into the air and across the arena. He had no idea how many each of his friends attacked although he noticed Franky concentrating hard on the number in the air on Luffy's side. He figured that if the cyborg was able to determine how many Luffy got then he would just minus the number from the total and figure out Zoro's!

"12, 14, 20" Franky muttered to himself. Usopp nodded, there was smoke and dust everywhere, followed by grunts and cries as Luffy's punches met with precision. The clink of metal meeting metal and cloth alike echoed through the arena as Zoro stormed through the group before him, taking on more than one opponent at a time without breaking a sweat.

Usopp looked at the display in front of him. Franky continued to count "22, 23, 24, 25".

Usopp looked at the cyborg "We know there are 25" he said "you are supposed to be counting how many Luffy is defeating!" he scolded the larger man.

Franky did not look at his fellow friend but continued to count in his head as he said "I am!"

Usopp started to count the number of enemies Zoro was fighting and tried to pay attention to where people were landing and if their friends were fighting the same opponents but at different moments. Yet, he was shocked to see small piles of bodies building up in areas around them. It suddenly dawned on Usopp that if Luffy had fought over 25 already, then there were more opponents than was announced. He wondered for a second if they had meant 25 each. Yet when Franky reached 40 and he reached 38 they soon realised that something was wrong.

"Hey what is the meaning of this?!" Usopp shouted up at the brunette. "You said 25 opponents!" The brunette purposely ignored him but he gained the attention of the rest of his comrades.

Sanji bit down on his cigarette and concentrated hard on the display before them. Luffy was like a monkey on a spring. He bounced around the arena effortlessly, avoiding waves of attacks. He punched and kicked them all into oblivion. He and Zoro were very much independent fighters, competing against one another, although on occasion they showed some team work. Sanji wondered what it would be like if those two should ever fight one another. Luffy was strong, but one of his weaknesses was blades. He could dodge bullets but swords were able to cut him, especially a sword wielded by their friend with the demonic aura.

Luffy wrapped himself around the back of one of the larger men and used him as a puppet. Swinging out and kicking at the weaker opponents. He deflected more bullets and avoided several sword swings, amongst other sharp objects. "Geez they don't give up" he said, getting tired of the constant shuffling around.

Luffy was surrounded by men who had swords, with more of them realising that he disliked this weapon most. Luffy reached out behind him and picked up Zoro.

Zoro was stunned when hands suddenly grabbed onto him in the midst of combat and sent him flying backwards. He landed in the middle of a group of hungry swordsmen and women. "Swapsie!" Luffy announced, pounding over to face the group of gunmen that had been fighting his friend. Zoro grunted but soon got over it. After all a fight is a fight, it didn't matter who his opponent was so long as the destination was the same.

"Hey Zoro!" Luffy shouted as he wrapped his arm around one man, leg around another and used his fist and head to hit both simultaneously in the face.

"Yeah?" Zoro shouted, slashing one man across his chest and pushing away 3 more, disarming them at the same time.

"What about your wager?" Luffy asked.

It was not something Zoro had given much thought to but his automatic response was; "you buy me booze", blocking a sword from above and pushing his blade backwards, piercing someone from behind who tried to stab him in the back.

Luffy laughed as he knocked several people over with an outstretched arm, he thought as much. Zoro was one for booze as much as he was for meat.

Luffy, soon becoming bored with the repetitious fighting looked around his surroundings and then up at the ceiling. He stretched his arms up and reached for the platform where the man in disguise was seated. He perched himself on the railing and placed a hand to his forehead, looking down at the scene from a birds eye perspective.

Sophia and the mysterious man watched the back of the straw hat pirate curiously. He seemed so slim and young, almost impossible to be so strong, yet despite how many enemies they sent his way he seemed to have no difficulty in defeating them.

Luffy was unaware of eyes burning into his back as he watched Zoro slash his way through a larger man's legs, causing him to topple with ease, landing on some smaller individuals in the process. Luffy grinned and pushed his hat back slightly. He looked around the arena and an idea came to his mind. He held onto the railing and pulled himself backwards a little at a time. The underground cavern did not give him a lot of room to work with, but it would be enough.

Sanji watched his captain and soon realised what he was about to do. He followed Luffy's position to the ground and suspected that Zoro did not know where his captain had gone or what he was about to do. If it was anything like his earlier cannon ball attack that sent them flying and put Zoro straight into Nami then it could not be good.

"Oi Moss Head!" Sanji shouted, as much to the swordsman's dismay.

Zoro grunted "Can't you see I am busy right now!" he bellowed back.

"You might want to look above you!" Sanji suggested.

"Huh?!" Zoro wondered what he was on about. He blocked an attack from a woman who came up behind him. He turned to face her and drive her back. In a swift motion of his right arm he knocked her weapon from her hand and pointed his blade to her neck. She landed on the floor in an attempt to crawl backwards.

"Please you wouldn't hurt a woman now would you?" she asked in a sickly sweet tone of voice. Unfortunate for her Zoro was one straw hat who would be more than willing to fight a female opponent and have no mercy on them. He watched as her gaze looked above and behind him. Her eyes widened and she pointed above his head. Zoro was not going to fall for that old trick, yet Sanji's warning ran through him once more. The crowd of people around him slowly began to move away. Zoro gradually turned his head to look in the direction the woman glared. He began to sweat. Stupid Idiot! He thought, surely he wouldn't do something so reckless? It didn't bother him that the woman moved from underneath him and ran for it.

"Zoro get ready!" Luffy called out, "Gum Gum, Ping Pong Ball!" Zoro realised Luffy had suddenly created a whole new move again and like always didn't run it through anyone else. This could go wrong, very wrong, and he had the distinct feeling he was going to be wrapped up in the middle of it.

Usopp and the others watched with a combination of awe and dumbstruck appearances as their captain spun himself into a ball and released his hold. As fast as a bullet Luffy sped in Zoro's direction.

Sophia watched with a bead of sweat on her brow. Was this man a fool or what?

Zoro swore under his breath and turned his swords around so the side of the blade faced his captain. He ensured his feet were shoulder width apart and dug them into the ground. Bending his knees and balancing himself he braced for the impact that he knew was to come. Luffy's form hit Zoro's blades and bounced off and to the right, landing into the next round of opponents as they filtered through the doors like a bowling ball meeting pins. Screams filled the room and pirates and soldiers alike fought each other to get out of the line of fire. Luffy did not stop spinning. He hit a pole and using his feet to push off he aimed for Zoro again.

The underground structure began to shake and bits and pieces of earth and stone showered down on them every time Luffy hit a pillar and bounced off.

Zoro was not as ready this time and just barely recovered from the recoil of the last move. He pulled himself up and off the ground and beat off some dirt from his top. He heard Luffy's laughter in the background and suddenly became aware of a whizzing sound. Zoro managed to turn in time to deflect his captain in the opposite direction, shouting obesities in the process as he fell backwards and into enemies behind him who took their opportunity to try to grab him and attack. While Zoro wrestled with his attackers Luffy bounced off another surface and back in the direction of his friend.

"Woooh Luffy, what are you doing?!" Zoro shouted as his hands were busy gripping onto the men who attacked him and tried to remove his swords. He looked at the two men whom he had by the scruff of the neck and then at the ball of blue and red heading his way. He shrugged and ignored their pleas, placing them in front of him as a shield. The men cried out and begged for forgiveness as Luffy hit them square on. Zoro managed to roll to one side just in time, catching two of his swords in the process which the men wrestled from him. He then jumped up and grabbed a dizzy and dazed Luffy, shaking him and argued; "if you want to kill your self to go ahead but do not drag others into the fray!" He let Luffy go as he became aware of a presence behind them. Luffy stumbled into the railing by his friends.

"How many was that Franky?" Luffy asked as he tried to stand and fell back to the ground again, dizziness over riding his emotions. Franky was not able to give his captain a number as it all happened so fast. Although one thing was for sure, Luffy had defeated more enemies and Zoro lost the bet. The straw hats all stood with jaws wide open and dropping to the floor…well all except for their little doctor, who had been distracted from his treatment of Nami and stood with stars shining from his eyes.

"Luffy and Zoro are so cool!" Chopper announced, clasping hooves together and giving a little wiggle.

Zoro stepped in front of Luffy and faced the toppling mounds before him. He did not turn to look but said "Chopper, how is Nami?" The stars in Chopper's eyes dissipated as he came back to his senses. He looked over at Nami and then back at the swordsman's back. "She is okay…but getting the arrow out of her leg won't be easy" he announced. Zoro nodded and then directed his next sentence to his captain. "The next one is mine"

Luffy remained in his seated position on the ground and fixed his hat back on his head, which had fallen when he landed. He crossed his legs and knew who Zoro was talking about before the man came into their line of view. His aura was recognisable. Luffy nodded. The silence between the two friends spoke volumes. Luffy would not interfere. Besides, there was someone else he wanted to fight himself. The one who gave the orders and seemed to lead this whole ordeal. Luffy looked up in the direction of the brunette and white clad man. Both their gazes were also on him. He noticed them whispering to one another and then to the commentator near by. It was clear they were already setting up plans for the next matches.

The Merry Captain entered the arena, pushing aside some of the men in a casual manner. His comrades, who had come back to their senses, ensured that no one else entered other than he. Before he had been surrounded but now he was more than keen to fight a one on one battle. He had been watching the duo the whole time and soon realised that their strength was immense. Combined they had defeated over 200 men and women and had barely received a single scratch. It was evident that in order to truly assess their strength they needed a stronger opponent who would push them further. Captain Merry figured this was no easy win but the money at the end of it would be worth it. As he approached the straw hat he was met by the dark figure of the swordsman. He looked down at Luffy who glared at him from his seated position, sitting on his hands and using pure stubborn will to not get involved in a good fight. Merry soon realised that if he wanted to fight the captain he first had to get through the pirate hunter. He shrugged and removed his cloak, lifting his sword out of its sheath and maintaining his own stance.

One style vs. Three Style, everyone who watched wondered which would be the victor.

…

The commentator looked at Sophia and made a nod of his head with a quizzical expression. Sophia looked at the man in white whose gaze was fixed on the two men below. She nodded at the commentator.

"Round 4 complete. Straw Hat Pirates Win. Round 5 to commence immediately with Captain Merry vs. Roronoa Zoro." It was clear to all that they were just making it up as they went along, but no one questioned this fight as both parties seemed eager for it.

The straw hats did not have time to cheer as they watched their friend stand face to face with the man who fought against Nami. The two men looked from the commentator to the audience and back at one another.

"The stakes will now be raised" the commentator continued then made a small gesture. Their surroundings began to shake a little as metal grids came up, with spikes attached to them. These devices meant that being thrown would not be pleasant. It also meant their environment was narrowed some what. This change in circumstance did not bother Zoro. He could easily cut through this if he wished to although he suspected that by doing so he would forfeit the match. That was something he refused to do.

Zoro took in a deep breathe and let it out slowly to compose himself. As he did so he could feel the environment around him becoming distant and his focus sharpening on the man in front of him. The man who dared to place his hands on Nami. Although he knew this man was not the only one directly responsible for what happened, he was a captain and as such would have to suffer the consequences of his crew and the people who employed him.

Zoro placed his most precious white sword into his mouth and lifted his other blades up in a vertical position, crossing Ichimonji. Merry lifted his blade in a horizontal position in line with his shoulders. Both men took a step forward and at a fast speed collided with one another. The sound of metal clanking and streaking rang through the air sending goose bumps through the audience. It was like nails being struck down a black board. Zoro and Merry were fast and met each others attack, pushing against their weapons to jump backwards and change their stances anew. Each were well matched though Merry did well to feign off the attacks from three blades with his one. Yet this was not the first time Zoro had faced an opponent with only one blade and he knew it would not be his last. In fact, losing to this creep was not an option if he wanted to reach that goal of his. It would be dishonourable to the man who taught him.

Zoro could not believe the speed in which his opponent had. He could have sworn he had hit him on at least two occasions but his blades seemed to meet with thin air. In fact he could feel that the tables had turned some what. Initially he felt like he was attacking more than defending, now it was the complete opposite. The man was light on his feet and slender in build yet quick to manoeuvre around Zoro and attempt to attack him from behind. Zoro only just managed to block the most recent of attacks like this. He was able to predict the man's movements purely from watching the speedy steps he made when attacking Nami.

The thought of Nami's scared and pained expression as this man stroked his hands down her body disgusted him. Zoro's thoughts began to distract. This was dangerous he knew and he tried to refocus as a sword sweep struck from his right side. Nami's sudden cry of pain shot through Zoro's mind and he hesitated for only a fraction of a second but that was enough for a blade to sweep across him as he turned, cutting into his left side and driving him against the spiked wall. He was lucky to narrowly miss any vital areas though received some grazes in return. Zoro winced in pain and his knees buckled. He managed to hold onto his weapons and bit hard down on the sword in his mouth, it was a good comforter.

Breathing heavily through his nose he cleared his vision. Merry had immediately retracted and stepped backwards, watching the swordsman with an amused expression and cleaning the blood off his sword. He seemed to want to take his time with the man and enjoyed the fact he was in pain. Zoro did not like to be mocked.

Usopp watched as Zoro tried his upmost to ignore the pain in his side. Blood poured out of him forming a slippery pool on the floor beneath. He turned to Nami and then back at Zoro. He realised that his friend was injured because of the scream he just heard. He felt like he should reassure his friend and explain that it is only the arrow being removed, when Nami cried out in pain again and then yelled out in anger, focusing her attention on a doting Sanji instead of the doctor.

Hearing Nami's voice was reassurance in itself. She had clearly woken from her slumber and was very much aware of the arrow being removed. Usopp cringed and then looked up at his green haired friend. The man would not show his weakness to anyone, but he knew his friend well and if the photographic evidence was enough over the past few days he suspected that Zoro had feelings for Nami that he was not willing to admit. The change in Zoro's body posture having heard her voice seemed to be obvious to Usopp, though subtle. Yet from what his opponent said next, he suspected he was not the only one to identify what triggered the swordsman.

"So your little woman is awake I see" Merry teased as his attention was also drawn in the direction of the straw hat navigator, "her skin is so soft I would like to touch it again. Why don't we make a wager. If I win I get the red head."

Zoro gritted his teeth and used the anger as fuel but remained in control. He wanted to say 'over my dead body' but he did not. Such open admittance was not his style. Instead he played it cool, "It is not my decision to make" he spoke, nodding in the direction of Luffy.

Luffy looked up at his friend from outside the box. He studied the captain carefully before announcing, "You're on!" His crew were dumbfounded. Sanji reached over the railing and kicked his captain in the head as Usopp tried to gag him, "he didn't mean it" he said to Captain Merry "he is a bit crazy. It's all that meat. Mad Sea Monster Disease".

Merry watched the young pirates with amusement; they really were a funny bunch. Luffy wriggled free of his friends and said "relax guys, Zoro won't lose!" Their captain's complete faith in their friend made them hesitate in their actions against him. Zoro was strong that was for sure, but they had been close to losing a wager before and almost split their crew up and that was over some stupid game with stupid rules. "Won't you Zoro?" Luffy called out, seeking reassurance and confirmation from his friend.

Zoro looked over at his friends and the intense gaze of his captain. Luffy's belief in his abilities was an honour. He remembered the first time they had met and how he didn't know what he had let himself in for to begin with, but over time he learnt to trust and believe in his captain, his way of life, his thoughts and his feelings. He looked from one friend to another and nodded.

Usopp threw a fist into the air alongside his captain and shouted "you can do it!" They were joined by Chopper who stood on the railing and cheered to. Franky waved and continued taking pictures and Brook appeared to be writing a new song about the love of friendship. Sanji took out another cigarette as Luffy sat nursing a sore head. Robin walked over to the railing with a limping Nami beside her. The two women looked at their friends and smiled, then looked over at the swordsman. Zoro felt a warmth run through his body as he watched them all. His gaze turned to Nami. She was pale and bruised but smiling. She looked from Zoro to his opponent and her face screwed up.

Merry laughed and said "you look well. Quite the stubborn one huh". Nami cringed and ignored him.

"Don't worry my dear. Your captain just said I could have you when I win. I will be sure to warm up that cold façade of yours" Merry continued, purposely winding her up.

Nami shot a glance at Luffy and punched him on the head, being pulled back from Franky and Chopper when she also tried to strangle him again. Nami sucked in a deep breath to try to calm her self and turned to Zoro. She studied him head to toe, a little concern evident on her face at his obvious injuries, but she managed to hide it well. Raising an eyebrow she placed her hands on her hips then shouted, "Well, what are you standing there staring for?! Defeat him!"

Zoro could not help but grin at her sudden command.

"and Zoro…If you lose…" Nami started.

"Yeah Yeah, you will haunt me for all eternity right?" he answered recalling her comment a couple of days ago. "I look forward to it" he said sarcastically, turning his attention to his enemy and missing the smile that came to her face.

"Bossy one isn't she?" Merry said casually.

"You talk too much" Zoro spat and with that ran at his opponent.

Merry managed to lift his sword in time as a stroke from the ground headed upwards towards his chest. He spun quickly to swerve from the second blade and then block the third which aimed for his head. The onslaught did not stop there. Zoro's footwork seemed to have stepped up a notch and the strength in his attacks was more meaningful, as if he had more at stake and was unwilling to lose.

Usopp and the others watched in awe as Zoro's figure seemed to become like a shadow and there suddenly appeared to be more than one of him. His movements were fast and his opponent did well to block many of them, but the rest managed to make contact, grazing Merry on his face, chest, arm and leg and eventually pinning him to the spikes with one going through his shoulder blade. Merry gritted his teeth, "looks like I underestimated you" he said, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.

Zoro panted heavily. He felt a slight wobble in his legs as adrenaline pumped through him and blood continued to pour out of his wound. Sucking in more air Zoro forcefully ignored the pain in his body. After all, he had had worse. It wasn't anything he couldn't sleep off in time.

Merry pulled himself from the spike and coughed heavily, spitting out more blood on the floor. Changing his sword into his other hand he stretched his neck muscles from side to side and ran towards the swordsman. Zoro prepared for the attack and was surprised when the man suddenly ran to the side of the cage and used the blades as stepping stones, running up the length of the wall and then attempting to hit Zoro from above. Zoro blocked the attack and felt his feet slide in the mud beneath that had become a congealed mess of blood, sweat and dirt. Merry's strength pushed down on him and his blades came close to his face. Zoro's back met a handful of spikes which gently pierced his flesh. Feeling the sudden pain he found himself having to hone into his more demonic aura to find the energy to push back and get away from the dangerous walls of the cage.

Sophia watched the fight and was curious to see how both men could continue to fight with heavy injuries to them. She was surprised neither had passed out from loss of blood. She admitted to having expected more of the green haired man though and studied his friends carefully. His captain was cheering him on with no worries in the world. Along with the little reindeer, cyborg and skeleton. The cook and the raven haired woman stood in silence standing either side of the red head. Nami stood with one arm hanging at her side and the other reaching across her body to hold onto her arm. She was biting her lower lip and was clearly concerned for her comrade.

Merry stepped back hesitantly as a dark purple like aura surrounded his opponent. The pirate hunter's vision appeared to go darker and Merry could have sworn the image of a tiger could be seen above him. Zoro sent out several waves of attacks from his swords, though each missed Merry. The man initially thought the swordsman had lost the plot, then realised that the sharp points of all the spikes in the cage dropped to the floor, having been neatly severed. Merry could not really see the point of this as now they had to be even more careful with where they stood.

Zoro adjusted his headband and pulled it tight. He needed to finish this fight soon and with the next attack. He placed Wado Ichimonji into its sheath and positioned his two remaining swords in a horizontal position. He ran towards Merry and aimed the swords upwards, jumping in the air and spinning in motion as he brought them back down again above his head. Merry managed to block the attack but felt the force of the swordsman pushing him back, his feet throbbing in pain as they trod on the spikes beneath him.

Zoro used the opposing force to successfully push himself back up and somersault in the air before spinning towards Merry. Merry adjusted his stance and lifted his blade in preparation for the attack, but the attack did not come. Instead Zoro landed on Merry's blade with one foot, jumped down and span around with both blades hitting Merry in the chest.

The dark haired man buckled forward, spitting blood. He leant on his sword for balance and laughed. He ran at Zoro again, who moved to the side and slashed at his sword arm, forcing him to drop his weapon. Merry's movements were suddenly a lot slower and more predictable for Zoro.

"Why do I get the feeling you haven't shown me everything you've got?" Merry spoke out loud, not really expecting an answer. "There is another side to you" he continued in between coughing up blood.

Zoro stood from his crouched position behind the captain and placed his swords back in their sheaths.

"Why don't you finish me off?" Merry spat as blood poured from him and he sensed Zoro turn around.

"Cutting a man down from behind while he is weakened and disarmed is dishonourable" Zoro announced.

Merry smiled and nodded. He was beginning to like this guy. Not many fought with such honour these days. "Looks like I lose" he said before collapsing on the ground.

The arena was silent for a second. Merry's crew ran over to try to help their captain as the cage slowly lifted. Zoro still managed to remain standing and conscious, which was always a good sign.

"Round 5: The Winner – Straw Hats" The commentator announced. He looked over to Sophia and the white clad man.

The straw hats cheered for their friend and Chopper immediately ran to Zoro's aid. Zoro gently fought off attempts to bandage him.

Nami sighed with relief. "Nami-san are you alright?" Sanji asked, suddenly aware at how pale she was. Nami smiled and nodded.

Luffy approached his friend. Standing next to Zoro the two men touched fists and grinned. They did not need to speak words of congratulations. Their gesture said it all.

The commentator suddenly started to cough in the snail phone to gain their attention. "The next round has been picked. This will be another one on one fight but with no handicap. This is a must see between Monkey D Luffy and our very own Sophia!"

The straw hats were surprised to hear that the brunette was joining in on the fights.

Luffy looked up at the woman who stared down at him with a small grin. Nami approached her friends and followed their gaze towards the balcony then turned to face her captain, "Be careful Luffy, it is either her or that white shrouded guy that has the ability to control the earth" she pointed out.

Luffy nodded and grinned. Straightening his hat he turned to enter the arena again.

"Oi Luffy, hold up!" Sanji shouted from the side lines. Chopper, Nami and Zoro looked his way along with their captain. Sanji was waving a packed lunch in the air. "I figured you might need this at some point to replenish your energy!" Sanji shouted.

Luffy reached a long arm out and snatched the box from his cook. "Yosh! Thank you Sanji, you're the best!" he announced before stuffing his face.

"Are you ready?" Sophia asked from behind them, a little impatient. They turned to look her way.

"Hey when did she get there?" Usopp asked out loud. Luffy turned to meet his opponent with cheeks full of food and crumbs stuck to his face. He studied her for a second then swallowed, a lump sliding down his throat.

"I won't go easy on you 'cause you're a woman" Luffy stated matter of factly.

Sophia smiled "I am glad to hear it" she said.

…

Nami and Chopper took Zoro by the arms and slowly moved him to the side lines, giving Luffy space for his next match. Zoro sat down on one of the benches and Chopper started to bandage him up. "I don't need them" Zoro protested, preferring just to fall to sleep.

"Yes you do!" Chopper shouted back at his friend, sneaking glances over in the direction of their captain.

"Listen to Chopper" Nami commanded, helping the reindeer to wrap the man up and wipe away the blood that covered his body. Zoro could feel that Nami's hands were cold to touch and she was shaking a little, but he did not say anything. He snuck small glances at her and then towards Luffy every time he thought she might catch him staring.

"Let the match begin!" The commentator announced.

Nami and Chopper looked up to watch as Luffy stretched his muscles and prepared to attack the woman before him. Zoro snorted and turned and lay down on the bench, placing his hands under his head and closing his eye. "Wake me when it's over" he said.

"Are you not going to watch this?" Nami asked. After all Luffy had sat through and watched Zoro fight.

Yet it was too late, the swordsman had already begun to snore. Typical! Nami thought to herself, although she did not fight back the small grin that forced its way to her face. Sliding across the bench slightly she positioned herself next to the swordsman. Her thigh gently touching his arms.

Zoro was aware of the sudden contact but did not open his eye. He was not sure what she was seeking from the closeness but at the same time he dared not move. For some reason the smallest of touches from her was comforting. Just to know she was there. That she was safe.

Nami looked down at Zoro's sleeping face and slowly moved a hand towards his hair. Zoro did not move from her touch and continued to sleep. She gently placed both hands under his head and shuffled a little more, freezing when he stirred and she thought she would wake him.

Zoro felt his head rest on Nami's thigh and moved one of his arms, resting it on his chest. He did not want her to know he was awake. He knew if she did she would immediately push him away, smack him and feign ignorance. After all, it is similar to what he would do if their positions were reversed. Instead he rolled over on one side, keeping a hand under his head and facing away from her. He knew he was getting red in the face and did not want her to see his embarrassment, yet at the same time did not want to push her away. He could feel himself tense up as she stroked his hair and played with his earrings subconsciously. He did his upmost to focus on anything but that and try to get some sleep.

Nami reassured Chopper that she would look out for him so he could get a closer look at the upcoming fight. Nami had a good visual of Luffy and Sophia from her seated position anyway. She had faith in her captain and knew that his ability with Haki was a useful technique to have against someone with elemental devil fruit abilities. That is, assuming this woman was the one who attacked them in the stone circles.

…

Author's Note: I am sorry guys. I meant to write so much more than this but things are hectic this end. I have an idea as to how I will write Luffy's fight though finding it helpful to stretch the story out a little so as to give you more and give me time to form ideas!

My apologies if characters were OOC or the fight scene was not up to your expectations. It has been a long night, but I look forward to your feedback.

Thanks for reading!

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