Author's Note: Well, after two rough chapters, I'm glad to report that I have no warnings for this chapter! Though, we are still heavy on the angst. We get to spend the opening of this chapter calming down from the disaster last time, with Luffy being the best captain in the world. Honestly, the world needs more good boys like him. We're saving Brook this chapter, because that boy also deserves good things. Brook is the sweetest grandpa around and we love him. Hope you guys enjoy!
Chapter Seventeen: Zoro
Luffy's arms stay tight around him as the door creaks shut again. Warm breath tickles his hair, steady and even and he struggles to match the pace. His heart slows, allowing sounds beyond the wild pounding of his pulse to reach him. Both his eyelids droop, exhaustion dripping through him. The tension leaves his body and he slumps in Luffy's arms, unable to hold himself up anymore.
Vaguely, Zoro's aware of the others outside, raised voices pounding against the walls around them. Luffy doesn't speak, resting his chin on top of Zoro's head. Sweat has soaked through every part of him, plastered his hair to his head and stuck his shirt to his skin.
Blissfully, his thoughts remain blank for a long few minutes. The smell of sea and sunshine fills his nose, his captain's body warm and secure against him. Luffy is safe. His crew is outside. All of his nakama are safe.
Except.
"Brook," he whispers.
And Jinbe. But, he can't say the helmsman's name. Not yet. Not before Luffy knows who that is.
Luffy shifts slightly, hand running through Zoro's sweaty hair. "We'll go find him in a minute," he says.
Shaking his head, Zoro pulls back. They can't wait. Brook needs his shadow back. And he's already cost them time they didn't the first time around. Brook's waited fifty years, Zoro can't make him wait any longer.
Luffy doesn't release him, dark eyes searching every part of his face. Zoro swallows, suddenly uncomfortable under his captain's gaze.
"We're gonna go in a minute," Luffy repeats, tugging Zoro back into a hug. "Zoro's gotta calm down first."
"I'm fine," Zoro mutters.
The heat of embarrassment spreads across up his neck, but he's well aware that he's still shaking.
"It's okay that you're not," Luffy whispers. "Zoro's doesn't have to be okay all the time."
He does. Zoro has to be okay so he can protect them. So he can stop failing them. His fingers curl into fists around Luffy's vest.
"'S okay," Luffy whispers.
"I'm sorry," Zoro tells him.
He feels Luffy shaking his head, nose still buried in Zoro's hair. "Don't be sorry for this. Be sorry for not telling me. But don't be sorry for hurting."
Zoro's breath catches in his throat. Luffy pulls him closer.
"I wanna help," Luffy whispers. "I wanna help so bad, but you won't tell me. You won't tell me what hurts. Zoro, how am I supposed to help if you won't tell me what hurts?"
Zoro closes his eyes, biting down the sob rising in his chest. Every choice is the wrong one. No matter what he does, Zoro ends up doing something wrong. Ends up hurting someone. This time, he's hurting Luffy.
"I," Zoro stutters. "I."
"Tell me what to do," Luffy interrupts. "If you can't tell me what's wrong, tell me what to do."
"I-I don't know." The sob breaks free without his permission. "Luffy, I'm sorry. I don't know."
Luffy's breath trembles in his chest as he holds Zoro closer. Tears burn his eyes, tumbling down his cheeks and his chest jerking harshly as he tries to bite back sobs. Luffy's calm, even breathes continue, hands rubbing down Zoro's back and they sway slightly, moving from side to side. It's almost soothing.
"This help?" Luffy asks.
It's a calming gesture, comfortable. Zoro's breaths match the pace, in as Luffy sways to the left, out a Luffy sways to the right. He swipes at the tears on his cheeks, sinking further into Luffy. Into an even heartbeat and strong breathing. Luffy is alive. He hasn't screwed up too badly yet.
"Yeah."
Luffy nods against his hair again. Zoro's eyes drift close. His thigh pounds with pain, a headache drumming against his skull. Something shatters outside and the cook starts yelling. Zoro's eyes snap open, Haki reaching out until he senses the cat man again.
"Sanji will handle it," Luffy says before Zoro can pull away.
"But-"
One of Luffy's hands settles on the back of Zoro's head, pulling him back against Luffy's chest. "Sanji will handle it. Trust your nakama, Zoro."
The cook's beaten him once before, right? Don't panic. This is different, but don't panic. The cook's done this before. But things change. They've changed already. What if this is changed? What if the cook can't beat him? Shit. What if the cook can't beat him and he needs Zoro's help?
Calm down.
Fuck.
Shit.
Think straight. Calm down. Don't panic again. Don't do that to Luffy.
Luffy's hand snatches his before he can reach for his leg again.
"Don't." The growl from his captain's chest makes Zoro wince.
Zoro's shoulders hunch around him out of pure instinct. Luffy doesn't release his hand, pulling it to his vest again.
"Hold there," Luffy orders.
Zoro does.
Shit. Go figure, he loses his shit in front of his captain. All he wanted to do was stop panicking and now he's caused an even bigger mess. He could have hid this all if he was just a little more careful.
"Sanji told me," Luffy whispers. Sadness taints his words, hits Zoro in his very soul. "He said, he saw Zoro cut himself on the bad sword. N' when he tried to talk about it, it just ended in lots of yelling. He was scared. So, he told me."
That absolute bastard.
"No more of this," Luffy continues. "That's an order. You panic and you come to me. Even if I don't know what's wrong, we can just do this. But, no more of this."
A weak whimper leaves Zoro's lips. No. Please. It won't work. He can't expect Luffy to hold his hand like a child in the middle of battle. Or when their nakama are all around them. This has been bad enough.
This is all he has. This is how he fixes it.
The only way to fix it.
Please. Please. Please.
Don't take this away from me. Please, don't take this away from me.
"Zoro," Luffy whispers as Zoro's hands tighten in his vest.
A light trembling takes over his body again.
"It's okay."
It isn't.
Luffy starts to move again, swaying them from side to side.
It isn't okay.
It isn't.
Every ounce of control he has slips through his fingers. Not control. No way to save his nakama.
Shit.
He's really screwed this up.
They sway for what feels like hours, Luffy whispering soft assurances in his ear. The sound of battle dies down. The rest of the crew cheer on the cook's victory. Luffy pays it no mind, still hugging him close.
Zoro really screwed this up.
But he can fix it. He has to fix it.
They need him.
"Brook," he mutters the skeleton's name again.
Luffy nods against the top of his head. "Yeah, we're gonna get him back. He's nakama, right? That's why Zoro let me take him on the ship and not the talking tree."
Maybe Vivi was right and they should just tell Luffy. It's starting to feel like the captain knows already anyway.
"Right," Zoro whispers.
"Yosh. Chopper's gonna look at Zoro's leg and then we're gonna go. And after I kick Moria's ass, we're gonna talk about other stuff Zoro can do when he panics. Kay?"
"Yeah. Okay."
Luffy doesn't release him, instead he calls the doctor's name over Zoro's head. His arms stay tight around Zoro, still moving from side to side as the gallery door opens, slow and hesitant. Zoro closes his eyes.
Shit. It isn't fair to ask Chopper to do this. Chopper, who is so small and so young, the only one that Zoro has ever made feel truly safe. The little guy isn't going to look up to him after this. Isn't going to trust him to watch his back. None of them will.
"'S okay," Luffy whispers. "Just Chopper."
"Luffy?" Chopper says tentatively.
"Yo, Chopper." The happiness in Luffy's voice is obviously forced. "Can you look at Zoro's leg now? It's still bleeding."
His captain shifts them around, but doesn't ask Zoro to open his eyes. Chopper's grip on him is hesitant, as though he's suddenly made of glass. Zoro hates it. Can feel anger and shame swirling in his stomach. Eventually, once Zoro is settled with his back against Luffy's chest and his captain's chin once again rests on his head, Chopper wrestles his pants off before unwinding the bandages.
Chancing a glance, Zoro peeks an eye open. Chopper's hooves over the bleeding wound, his ears pressed down against his head. Zoro closes his eyes again, unable to look at the pained tears forming in the young doctor's eyes.
Shit. He's done it now.
"Zoro," Chopper whispers, as though he can't make his own voice work.
Keeping his eyes closed, Zoro hums to let him know he's listening.
"What did you - How." He pauses, as though trying to find the word. "How did this happen?"
He wants to lie. Wants to tell Chopper he got this when Moria was stealing his shadow. But, he knows it's a bad idea. Luffy knows the truth. And his captain is already angry. Even with Luffy's soft voice and words, Zoro can feel the annoyance and disappointment bubbling beneath the surface. Lying to the doctor now can only do more harm.
"Yubashiri," he replies simply.
The silence around them is suffocating. Chopper rustles through his bag and Luffy's nose nuzzles against Zoro's hair again.
"I need to give you stitches," Chopper tells him.
I know, Zoro doesn't say. He's known since he drove the blade into his leg that he needs stitches.
"That's okay, Chopper," Luffy says, voice muffled by Zoro's hair. "We're okay."
We're okay. Zoro leans against his captain, on his ship. Luffy's heartbeat firm in his ears. Once this is over, he can go fight Ryuma and get Brook's shadow back. And then.
No. No further than that. Because that's all he needs to focus on. Once they're done here, Zoro will get Brook's shadow back. And he'll worry about the rest after that. Right now, he just needs to worry about Ryuma.
He just needs to worry about Brook.
Vivi and Luffy attach themselves to Zoro's sides as they sit on the Sunny's deck. Nervous eyes watch his every move as they all crowd around the deck to discuss their plans. Zoro wants to punch all of them in the face and knock the pity out of each one of them. Not that it will do him much good.
Franky and Robin relay Brook's promise, causing a range of tears and excitement as they tell the others about Laboon. Nami's presence buzzes in Zoro's mind. Each time he catches sight of the navigator from the corner of his eye, he has to bite into his bottom lip to calm himself. It's fine. Even with this change, he can work with it. This is fine.
"Zoro?" Vivi mutters as the others continue to discuss bringing Brook into the crew officially. As if any of those idiots actually have a choice.
"Don't," he tells her firmly. "I'm fine. And I'm not in the mood."
She falls silent. Zoro heads for the steps, only stopping when Luffy calls him. The rest of his crew watch him with concern and confusion in their eyes. Still worried about him, unsure of what to think. He needs them to stop worrying. Needs them to think he's okay. Even if he isn't.
"Time to get to work, don't you think, Sencho?" Zoro says, glancing back at him with a smirk. "You keep adding shadows. We have a lot of work to do."
Luffy smiles wildly. "Hai!"
"He's right," the cook sighs, lighting a cigarette. "Chances are, we aren't going to just turn the corner and find the zombies with our shadows. We'll have to split up."
"It's not going to be that simple, Sanji-kun," Nami protests. "Luffy's zombie is a monster."
"She's right!" Chopper squeaks. "He's a complete freak of nature. He's at least six times as big as a normal giant. I don't think anyone can beat him."
Luffy frowns down at the small doctor.
"That's true," Usopp says. "And, since he has your shadow, he also has all of your fighting skills."
"That doesn't make a damn difference," Zoro tells him firmly.
Usopp pauses, blinking at Zoro in surprise.
"There's no point in pissing your pants over how big and strong this guy is." Even if it does take their entire crew to take Oars down. "We have to beat him either way, unless you plan on leaving Luffy in the dark for the rest of his life."
"That sounds like too much work, Zoro," Luffy says around a frown. "I got a better plan."
To go try and kick Moria's ass first. It won't work out, but Zoro never has been able to control Luffy. And he never will.
"What are you talking about?" the cook demands.
Luffy grins at them. "We're gonna go straight to Gecko Moria and kick his ass."
"Luffy-san!"
"Luffy, are you insane?" Nami demands. "He's a Shichibukai!"
"So? Crocodile was too. And I kicked his ass."
"And he almost killed you!" Chopper cries. "I don't want to go after a Shihibukai."
"You can come with me," Zoro offers, hand resting on Wadou as he turns his gaze to Luffy. "I'm going to track down Brook. The shithead's probably gotten himself into trouble by now. That alright with you, Sencho?"
Despite the smile on his face, uncertainty lingers in Luffy's eye. "Yeah, that's alright. Vivi's gonna go too?"
Zoro scowls at him. "Vivi can stay with Nami."
"I don't mind-" Vivi starts.
"Zoro."
"Luffy."
They glare at each other, his captain's jaw ticking. Zoro refuses to break eye contact with him. The last thing he needs is to worry about Vivi when he has to fight Ryuma. Luffy's nose crinkles in annoyance.
"Zoro."
"Luffy. I don't need anyone else to babysit."
"Babysit?" Vivi hisses, her face turning red with anger and embarrassment.
Luffy huffs. "Zoro's not going alone."
"I'll go with him," Franky says with a nod. "That skeleton will need back up if Strawhat doesn't kick Moria's ass in time. He was going to fight the guy that has his shadow. That alright, Strawhat?"
Luffy's annoyed gaze moves between them.
"I'll go too," the cook says.
Oh good. Zoro can cut his head off without Luffy there to yell at him.
"Yosh."
Usopp sighs, digging in his satchel. "Alright, everyone catch. I had just enough to make one bag for each. They're my Zombie Death Salt Balls. There's one thing I can't stress enough. Remember, there are a lot of thick forests but I don't think there's any guarantee that we can avoid every ray of sunlight. It is imperative that we get your shadows back before then. Dawn is our literal deadline."
"Yeah! I know what you're saying, Usopp. There's nothing worse than going a whole night on an empty stomach."
Zoro sighs, shaking his head.
"You hear that Moria? We're coming for our food!"
Usopp falters. "What? No, Luffy, that's not what I was-"
"Let's go," Zoro says.
Luffy bolts toward the forest.
"You know, I oughta kick your ass," Zoro growls to the cook as they follow Franky through the fleeing zombies.
"If you expect me to apologize." The cook pauses to kick a gaggle of the monsters out of their way. "You're going to be sorely disappointed. I did what I thought was best."
Zoro sends a slash to the left. "Here's what's best, stay the hell out of my business."
"Oh, cut the shit, Zoro. Whether I said anything to Luffy or not, he would've figured it out."
"Listen, asshole. I'm not telling you again, stay out of my damn business."
"Oi," Franky calls back to them. "Are you two going to keep up or am I saving the skeleton all on my own?"
"Shut it, Franky!" Zoro snarls.
"Don't take it out of Franky because you're an idiot."
"Fuck you!"
"Seriously, bros. Get your heads in the game!"
Zombies and rubble collapse down around them. Cursing, Zoro dodges out of the way, watching the cook do the same. Usopp's screams of terror fill the air as the sniper falls along with them. Dust fills the air like a thick fog, swirling around them. Usopp hits the ground hard, rubble falling around him.
Zoro rolls his eyes as Frank starts to comb his hair back. "Did you really bring that with you?"
"Gotta protect the hair, Zoro-bro."
"Unbelievable."
"What the hell is this thing?" The cook demands around a cough.
A solid red mass sits in front of them, taking up the road way in front of them. Behind them, Usopp sits up, rubbing his head and coughing. Zoro hums, pulling out Wadou as he walks towards Oars's still form. It worked last time. No sense in arguing with results.
"Oi, marimo, what the hell are you doing?"
Zoro drives the blade into the beast's flesh. "Figuring out what this is. Not made of rock."
"Here, let me try. Weapons Left!"
Usopp screams behind them. "What the hell are you guys doing?"
"Huh? What's wrong Nose-bro? We're just trying to move this wall."
"That's not a wall! That's Luffy's zombie."
The cook stutters for a moment. "That is Luffy's zombie?"
"What? That thing's huge!" Franky shouts.
Usopp dives behind the nearest piece of debri while the cook and Franky take a few steps back. Zoro stares up at the monster, waiting for it to decide it's hungry and move away.
"He is too huge, brother! Look at those horns! Did it climb up from hell?"
"I told you Cerberus was a sign," the cook mutters.
"He's going to make meat pies out of us!" Usopp cries.
Zoro rolls his eyes. "Don't be such a wuss. We're fine."
The beast reaches down for a piece of the ruined building. Usopp screams, running in a circle as Franky and the cook ready themselves for a fight. Then, Oars presses the giant piece of wall onto his head and walks away, muttering about an awesome pirate hat.
"It really is Luffy's shadow," the cook muters.
Usopp hits his knees behind them. "Come on guys," he whimpers. "Let's get out of here. You guys don't need your shadows, right?"
"Like hell we don't!" the cook shouts.
"Usopp, we're going to be fine," Zoro sighs, rubbing his temples. "Get up."
Usopp only whines.
Zoro pulls in a deep breath, swallowing every harsh word on the tip of his tongue. He promised himself. Promised he was going to be better about this. More supportive. "Oi, oi. Usopp, I'm not going to let anything happen to you, alright?" Usopp looks up at him in surprise. "Now, get your ass up, we've got to go help Brook."
"What does a princess live here?" the cook mutters.
Yes. Yes, a princess does live here. Zoro's stomach drops. Shit, she's here. Perona is here and now she's the enemy. He'll have to fight her to get through this. Her ghosts float around the ceiling, sticking their tongues out and laughing as they go.
"Horo-horo-horo."
That ridiculous crown sits on her head again, hair up in pigtails instead of curling loose around her back. She looks so young. Even though she's older than him. Maybe it's because it's been years since he's seen her dressed up like a little princess. Though, she never stopped acting like one.
"You idiot! You have to be more careful. Scars are so not cute!"
Her shrill voice rings in his head. The same voice that had gotten him through two years of missing his crew.
Shit.
"Oars was just reborn and he's already a nuisance." Those black eyes glare at them. "My patience is running a little low tonight."
Zoro's teeth sink into his bottom lip. His fingers begin to tremble. He can't trust himself to speak. Usopp dives behind him, poking out from beneath his arm.
"It's those ghosts again," the cook says. "So, was she controlling them this whole time?"
"Horo-horo-horo. Is that fear I hear in your voice? I can't say I blame you, after what happened last time." Small white balls erupt from her palms, morphing into the ghosts before their eyes. "I can create ghosts at my command with the power of my Horo-Horo no Mi. You can think of them as a sort of extension of myself. They can empty your heart and crush your spirit."
Not anymore, Zoro wants to tell her.
The ghosts that once whispered awful things in his chest now does nothing more than remind him of truths he already knows.
"Horo-horo-horo-horo. This will be fun. For me at least."
The cook lets out a low moan. "I can't believe this little cutie is the one making those annoying ghosts!"
"Save your comments for another time!" Usopp snaps. "If we get hit with even one of those things, we're done for."
"Yeah! We've gotta get out of here. Make a suuuper retreat."
The other three spin on their heels, starting for the exit again. Even though it's completely useless. Zoro doesn't move, planting his feet and staring back at the smirking ghost girl as she waves her hand.
"Why is it so hard for you not to get beat up? If you die, I'll be stuck here alone with Mihawk! Be more careful, moron!"
"Negative Hollow!"
The ghost feels cold, like ice moves through his chest. At this point, he almost prefers the sting of Aokiji freezing him to this. This empty feeling of nothingness.
Failure.
Worthless.
"You're supposed to protect this crew!"
"Zoro! Help me!"
Failure.
Worthless.
Behind him, the others fall to the ground. The cook and Franky begin sobbing about how worthless they are. Usopp collapses beside them in fear. Zoro brings his gaze up, meeting Perona's eye again.
Her smirk fades and she blinks at him with pure confusion. Then, her gaze flickers to her ghosts. "Did you miss?" she screeches. "How could you miss? He didn't even move!" She grits her teeth and throws a hand out again. "Negative Hollow!"
The cold returns for a moment. Zoro closes his eyes, sinking his teeth into his bottom lip.
Failure.
Worthless.
"Oi, oi, Zoro! Don't leave us!"
Failure.
Worthless.
"Capture them!" Perona screeches.
Zoro opens his eyes again. He'll have to fight her too. If he wants to protect them. He'll have to cut her. Hurt her.
Phantom fingers press gauze into his left eye, her voice screeching about how not cute it will be and yelling at him to be more careful. Perona had never been quite nakama. But she had been a friend. Someone to bring him comfort when he desperately longed for home. The tremors worsen. His chest tightens.
The floor trembles below his feet as he raises his gaze, shaking fingers moving to the hilt of Wadou. Perona has her back turned now.
"Gatling Salt Star!"
Usopp's shout rings out behind him. Small white bits of salt shoot by him, straight into the monsters in front of him. The shadows crawl their way out of the bodies as Perona spins around and lets out a scream of surprise.
"Who dares!"
"That's my crew you're after," Usopp shouts back at her, coming to stand at Zoro's shoulder. Another round of salt packets fly. "I won't let you hurt them." The sniper's voice drops. "Zoro?"
You here? the sniper's asking.
"Yeah," Zoro mutters.
"You tricky punks!" Perona shouts. "How do you keep dodging? Oh, whatever. I won't miss again. Negative Hollow!"
Failure.
Worthless.
"Franky and I are more than capable of handling ourselves, swordsman-san. Go."
Failure.
Worthless.
If his traitorous limbs would work, Zoro might have shoved Usopp out of the way of the ghost. Anything to keep the sniper for feeling this. Briefly, he wonders what voices Usopp hears. If he feels this same frozen emptiness. The sniper lets out a small grunt, but keeps himself on his feet this time.
Perona's face falls, surprise and slight horror taking over. "What? I don't get it! Why aren't my attacks working on you?"
Because she can't make someone who truly knows they're a failure feel any worse.
After Thriller Bark is over, Zoro's going to shake some sense into Usopp. He'll choose his words carefully. Make the sniper see the truth. Usopp will never be a failure. He can only grow stronger. Better. Usopp will never be worthless. Never be anything short of the world's best sniper. A sniper that belongs at the side of the King of the Pirates.
"I know I didn't miss that time!" A slight hysteria takes Perona's voice. "What is this? What kind of power is it?"
"Power has nothing to do with it." Usopp steps up beside him, raising his chin. "I just naturally have a negative personality!"
He just naturally hates himself. Has hated himself. And Zoro has never done anything other than scold and snap at him. Shit. Did the sniper know? Did his Usopp know how important and irreplaceable he was? Is. How important and irreplaceable he is. Because this Usopp is his Usopp.
Does he know?
Know that Zoro will do anything for him.
In front of them, Perona - unsurprisingly and expectedly - falls backwards and bursts into tears. For a woman with the power to break a man's spirit, she's always been such an encouraging person. "Don't give up," she tells him. "Don't give up! Do your best!"
Her small crew of zombies begin to cheer behind her.
"Don't pity me!" Usopp shouts. Then he groans and spins to Zoro, pulling on his arm. "Oi, Zoro, just slice her so we can - Oi. You're shaking."
He is. Even clenching his teeth does nothing to keep them from chattering and his chest from heaving. He can't fight Perona. Can't hurt her. Can't do anything.
Usopp doesn't understand how loved he is.
Zoro's best friend of two years stands between him and protecting his crew.
This isn't right. This is wrong. He did something wrong.
Again.
"I-I can't," he forces himself to say from between trembling lips.
"What?"
"I c-can't. I can't."
Panic. He's letting the panic happen again and fuck this is bad. He flicks Kitetsu up, fingers moving to wrap around the blade. Anything to stop his pounding heart. The crew has already seen him panic once. He won't force Usopp to watch that again.
Usopp's hand wraps around his wrist, freezing him. "Okay," Usopp says. "That's okay, Zoro. I'll do it." The sniper pulls his trembling hand away from his blades, determination hardening his face. "You can't fight her and I can't help Brook. So, I'll do what you can't do and you do what I can't. Okay?"
Hesitantly, Zoro nods.
Usopp's lips turn up in a slight smile. "Good. Now take a really deep breath."
Usopp releases his hand, staring at him until he takes a deep breath. Shame heats his cheeks as he does show, but a bit of the pressure leaves his chest. Satisfied, Usopp turns to the cook and Franky.
"Oi, you two! Snap out of this. You have to go rescue Nami and get those shadows back before it's too late!"
Franky and the cook pause their sobs, seeming to shake themselves loose as they look up at Usopp with surprise.
"No matter how strong you are, you don't stand a chance against her. All you can do is run. But don't worry, I'll take care of her for you."
"I don't believe it," Franky breathes.
"Usopp actually looks cool for once," the cook mutters.
Usopp ignores them, giving Zoro a small shove backwards. "What are you waiting for? Get going."
Across the room, Perona and her pets slow their chanting. Biting his cheek again, Zoro nods.
"Oi, Cook, Franky, let's go."
"Right!" The two scramble up and head for the exit.
"Usopp." Zoro's feet remain frozen for a moment. "Thanks."
"Of course. Snipers are here for support, you know?"
A smile pulls at Zoro's lips as he turns to follow Franky and the cook.
"Now, I just need you to clear out all these zombies before you - Zoro! Wait! What about the zombies?"
The tremors in his body are from rage for a change. If he's being honest with himself, it's a nice change. Panic doesn't lace his body, just anger. Franky holds Brook still as the castle continues to tremble around them and the cook stands behind them, tense and ready to attack if necessary. Ryuma stares at him, Shusui's tip pressed against Kitetsu's blade.
Zoro sneers at him, knuckles white around the cursed sword's hilt. "You have something that doesn't belong to you."
Ryuma moves. Zoro pulls Wadou loose, blocking Shusui's swing before it can hit. The samurai moves back, staring at him as he pulls Kitetsu out as well.
"Amazing," he hears Brook mutter. "Zoro-san truly is as strong as he said."
"As who said?" the cook asks.
"He's the swordsman of the Strawhat Pirates," Franky replies. "He's one of the strongest guys on our crew. And, it looks like he's itching for a fight. If you don't mind, Zoro-bro came here with the intention of getting your shadow back for you. Think your pride can allow that?"
"My shadow? Really? Yes, please. Do whatever you must to-"
"Franky, Cook," Zoro interrupts, grip tightening around Wadou's hilt. "Keep Brook safe. And stay out of the way."
"Don't boss me around, marimo."
"Yeah, you got it, Zoro-bro."
Zoro turns his gaze to Shusui, smile pulling at his lips. It's been ages since he held that blade. Enma is powerful and an honor to hold in its own right. But, Shusui. Shusui was his for far longer than Enma. Shusui will feel right. Shusui will be a step in the right direction.
"That's a nice katana," Zoro tells the zombie.
Ryuma chuckles darkly. "You have a good eye. This is-"
"Shusui," Zoro interrupts. "A black blade. And one of the twenty-one O Wazamono blades. I've been looking for that. Must be my lucky day. I'll get my nakama's shadow back and get myself a new blade."
Ryuma sneers at him. "You're rather confident aren't you."
Armament Haki coats both his blades black. The zombie's eyebrows furrow, confused and shocked.
"Well." Zoro smirks. "Let's just say this isn't my first time fighting a samurai. Didn't lose then. Don't plan on losing now."
The battle destroys more of the castle than Zoro remembers. It's also much more fun. For the first time in ages, Zoro feels adrenaline laced with fun instead of fear. Each swing, each thrust brings a grin to his face. It's all he could have asked for. After everything that's happened, all of the exhaustion and anger and grief, fun feels amazing.
Feels light. Like, he's walking on air instead of solid ground.
Zoro didn't realize how much he truly missed this kind of fun.
"Holy shit, marimo!" the cook shouts. "Were you trying to kill us in the crossfire?"
"That was a super fight, sword-bro!"
Shusui feels right in his hand. Familiar. A smile tugs at his lips even as he pants, looking down at his blade. "Hello, old friend."
Brook cheers, dancing around with excitement, rambling about the return of his shadow. "Look, it moves wherever I move!"
"That's what a shadow does," the cook sighs, lighting up another cigarette.
"Don't rain on my parade!" Brook cries. "Don't you get it? The missing part of me that I've been trying to reclaim for five years has finally come home. I'm whole again. This joy, it really gets my blood pumping! Though, I don't have any blood. Yohohoho."
Zoro chuckles, pushing himself to his feet. "You morons ready to go?"
"Yeah, yeah." The cook lets out a long stream of smoke and starts searching for a way down. "Let's go. Who knows what the shithead's gotten himself into. He better be taking care of the girls, or I'll kick his ass."
"Zoro-san," Brook says softly as Franky makes to follow the cook.. "May I have a moment of your time?"
Slipping Shusui into its rightful place, Zoro blinks up at the musician. "Yeah, sure. What's on your mind?"
Brook stares at him. Despite not having true eyes, Zoro has learned over the years how to read Brook's gaze. Whatever he has to say, he isn't quite sure how Zoro will take it. It turns Zoro's stomach, uncomfortably. They didn't do this last time.
"Death is never an apology, Zoro-san."
Zoro's breath catches and he chokes on it, staring up at the man in front of him. Brook stares back, face sobering and calm.
"What?" Zoro can only get out one word.
What made you say that? Why are you saying it to me? What do you know?
Brook's gaze searches around them, looking for Franky and Sanji to ensure they won't overhear. "Rarely, but sometimes, when someone dies their spirit refuses to fade. They attach themselves to an item, trying to find a way to fulfill business that they've left behind."
Zoro swallows hard, fully aware of the tremors that begin to take over his hands.
"There is a young spirit that seems to have taken quite an interest in the red ribbon that Vivi-san wears in her hair. A young spirit in a strawhat."
Zoro's knees weaken, breath leaving in a choked gasp. "Luffy."
Luffy. His Luffy. Still here. Still with him. Zoro's teeth sink into his bottom lip, trying to ward off the sudden wave of tears slamming into him.
He isn't alone.
"You nakama love you very much, Zoro-san. The last thing they would want for you is to suffer "
"Brook."
"The last thing I want is for you to suffer."
Zoro's eyes shoot up again. Brook gives him a soft smile.
"Luffy-san and I have had a few conversations. He's very confident that you will do anything to protect us. But, less confident that you will protect yourself. Rest assured that your secret is safe with me."
Zoro doesn't doubt it. His secrets have always been safe with Brook.
"But, please, do not forget. Death is never an apology."
Hand clenching around Shusui's hilt, Zoro bites his bottom lip, unsure if he can look his nakama in the eye for a moment. Then, he pulls in a deep breath and looks up.
"How," he whispers. How much has Luffy told you? Do you know what I did? What I failed to do? How can you stand to look at me? "How did you do it for so long?"
How did you make it without your nakama?
"I thought of Laboon. Of the promise I made."
Zoro nods. His promises have done nothing but cause him guilt.
"For you, Zoro-san," Brook says softly. "Perhaps, you should think of the nakama that you do have."
Lips twitching in a forced smile, Zoro looks up at him again. "That's good advice. Brook?"
"Hai?"
"Later, can we talk?"
Brook smiles. "Of course, Zoro-san."
Chapter seventeen is complete! Brook had some interesting news to share with our swordsman and for the first time in a long time, Zoro has learned that he isn't as alone as he thought. He's also found a kindred spirit. If anyone knows what it's like to lose everyone they love and have to carry on, it's Brook. Next time, Vivi and Nami disagree on how the Zoro situation has been handled and Absalom isn't as out of the way as the group previously thought. We're getting into all the good stuff now! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you in chapter eighteen! Stay healthy, stay sane, and stay safe out there!