Once there was a man that obtained everything, the legendary Pirate King Gold Roger. His last words before he was executed inspired people to sail the seas. All my wealth and treasure? It can be yours if you want it. Search for it! I left everything in that one place. People now set sail in search of romance. The world has now entered a Great Age of Pirates!
Zoro turns his attention to Hotaru, his murderous intent clearly visible in his glare, ready to start to his fight.
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece
Chapter 11
"Out for revenge?" Hotaru smirks while studying Zoro's gaze. "I don't like to fight for a pitiful emotion such as revenge. My battles are for honor or to protect my nakama." "The girl does not belong to your crew." Hotaru counters. "You're wrong. She has been our nakama since the day I found her on our ship." While saying this, Zoro takes a quick glance towards Jun. This soon appears to be a mistake of his part, since Hotaru uses this little distraction to commence his attack. In one swift movement, he appears before Zoro and slashes a katana towards the swordsman. Just in time, Zoro unsheathes his own swords to block the incoming attack. "So you decided to fight as a real man this time, instead of putting me asleep." While commenting, Zoro's mouth turns up into a creepy smile and excitement glitters in his visible eye. He pushes the villain back, causing both of them to take a fighting stance.
"Sadly enough, I had to use my powers put another idiot asleep. He destroyed half of my headquarters, so I'm not planning to wake him up for a pity reason such as disabling you." Hotaru explains, while sending a scowl towards the snoring rubber boy. "It doesn't matter… I will defeat you while you're awake. I can already taste your humiliation when that happens." A wicked grin decorates Hotaru's face. He suddenly jolts forward, slicing his katana with bone crushing force. Zoro crosses his two swords in front to shield himself against the katana, his arms quivering from the heavy impact. *Damn, my body is still weak from the poison.* Zoro grits his teeth in annoyance when the thought pops up. He ignores his trembling arms and slashes his third sword to go on the offensive. His opponent leans backwards to avoid the blow, reducing the pressure on the other swords.
Zoro tries to use this to his advantage and presses on, swiftly slicing all his swords. To his surprise Hotaru suddenly disappears, only to reappear next to him. Zoro couldn't timely prevent the counterattack and a fierce pain goes through him when the sharp tip of the katana pierces his side. *How? That was way too fast!* Zoro tries to find out how his defense could have been broken this easily, but no ideas come up. The boss pulls back his swords and immediately swings his sword back again, causing the swordsman to jump sideways to avoid the attack. Soon Zoro's movements only consist of blocking and dodging. His eye narrows as he focusses on the enemy, following his every move. *Is he speeding up or am I slowing down?*
"Apparently your bark is worse than your bite." Hotaru remarks, seemingly enjoying himself. "You know what… I'll give you a free shot." He turns around, showing his back. "It would be dishonorable to attack someone in the back!" Zoro growls, greatly offended by the suggestion. "Ok… Have it your way. Playtime is over." The villain comments with an evil grin. In a blink of an eye, he disappears. Zoro tries to use his senses to find him, but there is no trace of him. *Where did he go to?* "Zoro! He's behind you!" Jun's voice interrupts his pondering. His eyes widen in realization that he has been tricked. He quickly spins around, resulting the attack to only cut his clothes. He instantly turns into a full circle, slashing his surprised enemy who has no time to dodge the attack. Hotaru's face shows his disbelief and then pain, before he finally drops down.
"Oi Marimo! Why did it take you so long to defeat this guy?" Sanji yells with a snarl. "What do you mean? He was fast." Zoro replies confused. "To me it seems you were really slow. Maybe I should give you some more antidote when we're back on the ship." Chopper pipes up. "He can't help it. Hotaru's devil fruit powers made him lose contact with reality, like he was half-asleep. I had to use my powers to warn him." Jun explains. "Hmmm… So the coward still used his devil fruit powers to fight me, while I hoped to have a fair fight." Zoro says in a disappointed tone. "That doesn't matter, does it? He's gone now!" Sanji points out, while taking a puff of his cigarette. Jun couldn't keep in her giggles, when a look almost resembling a pout crosses Zoro's face.
Luffy suddenly awakes "Did I miss anything?" Before they could reply, they hear a shout from outside. "Hotaru! We finally found your headquarters! You're completely surrounded by marines. Surrender yourself!" The Straw hats and Jun share the same panicked expression, which soon turn into surprise when Luffy enthusiastically tells them he has an idea. With a confident pace he steps outside, dragging an unconscious Hotaru behind him. "Here you go!" he says with a grin before handing him over. "Uhm… arigato." A confused marine thanks him. "Come on! Let's go back!" he shouts to the rest waiting inside. Without problems they pass most of the marines, but stiffen when they hear the comment "Isn't that Strawhat Luffy?". "We got found out!" Luffy exclaims in an amazed tone. "Are you serious? That was your plan?" Sanji replies while swearing. No more words are needed to make them start running away.
Ten minutes later the Sunny came into view. Usopp immediately spots them and starts cheering for their return, until he notices the huge number of marines following them. He pales and panic visibly appears. "Nami! We need to leave!" He shouts in a shaky voice. Shortly after that, Luffy's hands grasp the railing, shooting himself and the other fleeing nakama on the ship. Having noticed their arrival, Franky instantly reacts. "Super! Coup de burst!" The Sunny shoots away in an enormous speed, causing them to successfully escape the marines.
So Hotaru has been defeated. Yay! ^^ Hope you liked it. See you the next chapter!