This story is based on Zoro and Tashigi canon material, set after the events of Punk Hazard but before Wano, somewhere in the fanfiction realm.
I have to admit, this was the hardest project I worked on, cause everything was out of my comfort zone, and I tackled multiple genres.
I'd like to thank my friend for being kind enough to beta it.
Since this is a ZoTash fic, the main thing is the romance between the two. If you're here for another reason, this is not a fic for you.
I hope that you will like this story as much as I loved writing it. For my fellow ZoTash fans.
I do not own One Piece.
Part one: Missing
x
x
Sun rays smacked him in the face, scorching his skin. He opened his eye, glimpsing at the blue sky. The breeze carried a smell of salt and promised the usual, lazy day, perfect for napping. A shadow traversed above him, and he shut his eye again, ignoring it.
As if the gull could perceive his indifference, it delivered the newspaper onto his head. He glanced at it, offering it to Usopp, who was passing by.
A news coo made a few circles around the long-nosed man, awaiting its payment.
"Is there anything interesting?" Usopp reached into his pocket, giving it the fee.
"Nah," he yawned, drifting to sleep.
"You didn't even look, moron." Nami seized the paper from Usopp.
"Oy, Nami! I haven't checked-"
"It can't be..." She uttered.
"What? What is it, Nami?" Luffy shouted, leaving his fishing rod unattended.
"You will lose this one too, fool!" Chopper's squeaky voice resonated in his ears. His crew was loud, but he didn't mind.
"Nami-swaaaaan! I brought you- Nami-san, what's wrong?"
"Miss Marine is in trouble," Robin replied, looking at the papers over Nami's shoulder.
"Superrr sad."
"Glasses girl that works with Smokey?"
Zoro's eye popped open. Everyone had gathered around Nami.
"She... She disappeared." Nami bit her lip.
He jumped to his feet, yanking the newspaper out of her hands.
"Let me see that."
"Captain Tashigi missing," the headline slapped him. His eye scanned the article, catching vital information such as 'a week of her disappearance,' 'not a trace of her body,' 'last seen at Serpent's triangle.'
"Let's look for her!" Luffy announced.
"You're just interested in the adventure, aren't you?" Nami pinched his cheek. "Forget about it. That area is notorious for its violent storms and missing ships. The weather is unpredictable."
"Many legends surround that sea. Marines lost over a thousand people, including researchers and scientists sent to study it. Reports say that it's full of razor-sharp rocks, making navigation tricky. People died terribly. Some say you can see their corpses penetrated by the rocks." Robin explained.
Usopp and Chopper whined.
"Not just tricky. Impossible! Even for me!" Nami rested her hands on her hips. "And it's not on our way!"
Robin hugged herself. "They also mentioned the mysterious island. It can't be found on a map or pinpointed by Log Pose. A Ghost island."
"Anyhow," Nami pulled Luffy's ear, whose eyes shone. "I'm against it. It's suicide."
"Nami-san. She helped the kids and was kind enough to send us the news about their progress. Although she didn't send me her panties..."
"Shut up, idiot!" Nami punched the perverted skeleton. "Don't you think I know that!? I like Tashigi-chan! But we can't charge in with Sunny. It's a huge trap! And I don't want to die!"
"The victims can hear strange sounds that make your ears and eyes bleed-"
"Robin, please!"
Why would she go there? Zoro scratched his head, clicking his tongue.
"Lady is in trouble. I'll go alone."
"Don't make me laugh, Shitty Cook. I'll go. If our captain orders."
"Don't make me laugh, Moss-head. You'll get lost. You got lost on this ship."
"Wanna fight!?"
"Bring it on!"
"Stop it, morons!" Nami punched both men.
"Shishishi! Let's go on an adventure!"
"No!" Usopp and Nami hit their captain.
"Sunny can take it," Franky said. "Besides, we have The Soldier Dock System."
"Let's split up into teams," Robin suggested. "That way, if one team dies, the other will know that it's not safe to go."
"I agree with the first part of your sentence, Robin." Nami rubbed her temples. "I know we can't stop Luffy when he says adventure. Let's draw names-"
"I'm going!" Sanji and Zoro said at the same time.
"There's no way I'm gonna let you two fools go together."
"I'll go..." Chopper uttered, shaking. "She may need a doctor..."
"In that case, I'll go too," Robin volunteered.
"Adventure!"
"This is turning into a mess..." Nami sighed.
Glasses was no damsel in distress, but what he heard from his crew tore his insides.
"I'll go alone. No arguments." Dead emptiness spread in his brain when he declared his intention.
The crew's bickering ended by the gravity of his voice.
"If she needs a medic, I'll bring her. But she's a marine woman. Are you sure you want to help her, Luffy?"
Captain's word was the law. He had to accept his answer.
Luffy was quiet.
"She's Smokey's friend!" He declared with a smile.
"That settles it." He readjusted his swords.
"It settles nothing! I am the savior of ladies!" Sanji blocked him.
"Sanji-kun... I'll need you here."
"I'll stay with you forever, Nami-san!"
"Pitiable Ero-cook," Zoro muttered.
"What was that, shitty bastard?!"
"Lead the way, Nami."
"Don't ignore me, Moss-head!"
.
.
Sunny reached the belt of devastating waves.
They weathered their share of storms and navigated through the unfriendly seas, but it was nothing compared to the hostility of the devil waters in front of them. Pointy rocks clawed out of the dark waters, devouring everything with their jaws. Shipwrecks were present throughout, like rotting meat caught between the teeth of the predator.
"This doesn't make sense!" Nami raged. "It is abnormal!"
"Z-Zoro are you s-sure..." Ussop cried. "I-I don't like this!"
"I'm sure." Like everything in his life, this will also be a test; his luck versus the cursed surroundings. He would swim to find her.
Not that his crew had to know.
"G-Guys... A-Are we sure to let him go? He could get lost, and we could never see him-"
"Goodbye, Marimo!" Dartbrows interrupted.
For once, he was grateful to the cook.
"Zoro, you should reconsider," Nami frowned. "We did not discuss a proper plan. At this point, you will go in blindly and may end up who knows where."
"It's already decided, Nami."
"We're gonna miss you!" Chopper and Ussop wept.
"I'm not dead!"
"Yet," Robin added with a grim tone.
"Shishishi! He'll be fine!" Luffy slapped his shoulder. "Bring me some treasure, Zoro."
"Humph. If I'm not back in two weeks, don't look for me."
"Do you honestly think we can stop Luffy from going after you?" Nami yelled. "Remember what I told you! Give the Vivre Card to Tashigi-chan! If you find her..." She mumbled.
He grunted, getting into the Shark submerge.
"Don't underestimate the red thread of fate, Nami," Robin said unbeknownst to him.
As soon as the submarine sunk into the hostile surrounding, it was pointless trying to operate it. It couldn't dive deep enough to escape the raging of the waves, and even if it did, he doubted that it could evade the madness.
Leave it to fate, his stomach churned, and the vomit went up to his throat more times than he could count.
He felt each crash against rocks, like a ball in a pinball machine, wondering if the submarine could withstand such harshness.
The last crash knocked him out.
Sunlight invaded his eye.
For a moment, he thought he was dreaming.
"Roronoa. Wake up!" A sharp, female voice shouted.
He couldn't see her, blinded by the sun. The pain seared through him.
"Ouch!"
"I barely touched you."
"Where? Where?!" He furiously searched his body for swords.
"They are by your side. It's fine."
"It's not fine!" He opened his eye.
"To your left. Other left."
"Glasses!" He grabbed her hand.
"Why in the world are you here, Roronoa?" She yanked her hand out of his.
"Captain's orders."
"Are you in search of treasures?" She scowled. "Straw Hat sent you to your doom."
"Hm?"
"It is true that this island has a lot of riches. The catch is... You... We can't leave this place."
Her jeans were torn at the knees, and the crazy flower print shirt was replaced by an oversized, grey t-shirt. In the absence of the glass barrier, her piercing, brown eyes were undisputable. Her long hair was braided.
"No way." He stood up, looking around.
Remains of marine ships and other vessels adorned the beach. The sky seemed peaceful, but he sensed the insidiousness around them. Shark submerge was nowhere in sight.
"How... What happened?"
"I was patrolling the beach when I found you on the shore."
Patrolling? He touched the bump on this forehead. Except for the few bruises, he sailed through without a scratch.
"Why are you here?"
"None of your business."
This woman... The same old shit every time we meet. How irritating.
"We have a common goal now. To leave this hellhole. So you better cooperate."
"Wha- Are you giving me orders, pirate?! We may be stuck together, but that doesn't mean-"
"You're hiding something from me."
Her eyes were wide when he grabbed her upper arm, pulling her to him. He crushed her body against his, rib to rib, chest against the chest.
"Stop it-"
"We don't have time for this. I don't like standing here like a sitting duck. Talk."
She exhaled, crimson in cheeks.
"Fine. Let me go."
"Start talking, and I will consider it."
"Don't act cocky!"
"I'm stronger than you."
"Ugh! Jerk!" She kicked him in the shin.
"Aghh! You little... Stop being stubborn!" He let her out of his unwelcomed embrace.
"You're stubborn! Giving me orders as if you're my superior!"
"Smoker is not around?"
"No..." She panted, fixing her shirt.
"Why?"
"I came here on my own."
"So even the mighty Captain can do stupid things, huh?"
"You are here too!" She gritted her teeth.
"Vacation?"
"Hardly." She snorted. "I'm searching for someone..." She looked at her feet.
Someone important to her?
"It's not an official rescue mission. This island is a myth and therefore unaffiliated with the government. He was declared dead."
"He is a marine?"
"Yes. He's someone important to me."
Her statement touched a sore spot he didn't know he had.
"Lover?"
"N-No! Just a friend. A-Anyhow, I found a village, built by the stranded survivors."
"Did they tell you why we can't leave?"
"All attempts to leave via raft or any other vessel were met with the strange storm that either killed the people who tried to escape or forced them to return... Those who returned were taken by the island."
"What do you mean?"
"They were found dead. Mangled beyond recognition. Fear rules this place."
"Are you sure it's not some superstitious crap?"
"Storms are real, I assure you. I saw it with my own eyes and couldn't do a thing. The merciless sea devoured them as soon as they tried to leave."
Is this powerful presence I feel responsible for it? She felt it too, no doubt.
"You're hunting it?" He grinned.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She looked away.
"Bad girl... You feel it too."
"S-Shut up! People's lives are at stake! Our survival, too!"
"I can't wait to face it."
"Is that all you can think about? Your ambition? For all we know, a maniac is murdering innocent people, and unnatural weather conditions are preventing us from leaving."
Maybe somebody is manipulating the weather. A devil fruit user?
"That too. Don't worry, ma'am Captain. I'll help you out. We will leave this shithole. But only after I face this... thing."
"You're giving me a headache, Roronoa."
"You're just glad to see me." He smirked at her annoyed face.
"Ugh... Follow me."
The village was located amidst thick groves. To ensure the safety of everyone, she was assigned to the defenders; people with combat experience who acted as guards.
"I don't get it. They have guards, and still, someone is killing people?"
"It's not that simple. All that faced it are dead. Guards also serve to keep order, protect the survivors from wild beasts and make sure no one attempts to leave. Some of them are missing. Recruits are being trained to replace them."
"What were you doing up until now?"
"Trying to collect information. I have a schedule. Meditation, sparring, workout, and shifts. Also, the population is strictly controlled by the leader. He's been here for fifteen years."
Fifteen years... I would go nuts.
"Controlled?" He frowned.
"He forbids having children. In fact, he discourages romantic relationships in general. Only those who are married can live together."
"Why?"
"There was a tragedy involving children. I don't know what happened, but since that day, no child was born. This lifestyle is difficult even though they are well-equipped with things from shipwrecks. I can understand somewhat, but that regime is causing problems."
"I'm beginning to understand why so many people rebel or try to escape to their deaths. Living here is madness."
"It is. And the village leader is a strange man named Izumo. They are praying to some deity I never heard of."
"A cult?"
"Yes. But I couldn't find out more. Which leads me to the plan."
"Plan?"
"Gather as much information as you can. We will be separated since we're not... married. It's important to follow their rules until we know more. Do you understand?"
He nodded.
They reached the entrance. Big chunks of metal and wood were pieced together, improvising the fence and gate. She rapped twice.
"It's me!"
A pair of eyes glanced at them through the peephole.
"It's Ginchiyo-san!" A male voice shouted behind the gate. "And she brought someone! Open up, Takeru, Nomura!"
The heavy gate opened with a sinister creak. Behind it, three young men, not over twenty, Zoro estimated, greeted them.
They all carried some sort of weapon: an axe, a mace, and a spear. Clothes on their bodies had seen better days but were clean. All of them had a cuirass* on.
"Thank you for your hard work, Ginchiyo-san!" A young man whose voice he heard over the gate bowed to Tashigi.
He observed his spear and the way he held it.
Hm. There's no way he's a fighter. He's not used to it. When a stranger arrives, you should be wary and not let your guard down so quickly, kid.
"I see you found someone on your patrol. Who is your companion?"
Zoro glanced at the other two boys; a guy with the red hair inspected the sharpness of his axe, and the other one picked his nose.
What a sad excuse for guards.
"Boren, this is... He's... he... I found him at the beach..."
What the heck, woman?
He expected a conclusive answer. At the way she was stuttering, even the three stooges would notice that something was off.
"I'm her husband." He intervened.
"Haaa..." Her jaw dropped.
"You have a husband..." The kid with the spear hung his head.
"I-I mean!" He gripped his spear tighter. "How fortunate for you to be reunited with your loved one!"
"Um..." Tashigi stared at the young man.
Zoro felt a powerful aura flying towards them. A strong energy jolt raced down his spine. It wasn't the same ominous presence he felt on the beach, but it was menacing.
He gripped Wado and took a stance. Tashigi touched her Shigure but relaxed her hand a moment later.
"Nobody is fortunate to be here, idiot." A huge, muscular man, with tattoos and scars all over his massive arms, approached Boren. He wore cargo pants and a tattered sleeveless shirt.
"Watch your words." He smacked the back of his head. "And you two morons! What kind of guards are you! This guy could have slain us all!"
"I'm sorry, Ronan-san! Please forgive us!" Three stooges trembled in fear.
Zoro eyed the large broadsword in his hand and a bow on his shoulder.
"Ginchiyo! Is this man really your husband?" He pointed the sword towards Zoro.
"Y-Yes, Ronan." Tashigi stepped in front of Zoro.
"He came after me. I was confused when I saw him... Sorry. I should have followed the protocols."
His hand clutched Wado tighter. Ronan was ready to kill.
"You're a newbie, Ginchiyo. Don't act so lax." He sheathed his sword. "Make him leave his swords at your place, and I'll escort you to father Izumo."
"Of course. We'll do that. Thank you, Ronan." She bowed slightly, but he just turned around and walked away.
"Bye, Ginchiyo-san!" Boren bid farewell to her, returning to his post.
The community of survivors settled on the remains of old island ruins. Many of the houses were from roughly cut stones and repaired with the material surrounding them, such as wood and parts from ships. In the center of the village were the remains of what was once a square tower. A large bell rested beside it.
Tashigi's cottage was further away and was entirely built by the villagers. Thatched roof was misshapen, while the walls were made out of coarse, unevenly sized, grey stones. It had two narrow openings, resembling windows on either side of the entrance. A rough wooden door screeched as she opened them. Another simple structure made out of planks was near her hut, and he assumed it was an outdoor toilet.
Inside, he noticed an improvised shikibuton to his left and a rugged stone fireplace without fire. On a miniature table made out of log was a water-damaged book, along with clay pots, two cups, and wooden spoons. Yet another tree stump desk was located to his right, where he spotted a katana maintenance kit. A rope was tied between the two beams acting as a clothesline, where he noticed her floral shirt.
"Why. Did. You. Say. That!" She hit him after every word.
"What's the big deal? Ginchiyo-san." He mocked. "You got tongue-tied."
"I didn't know what to say about you!" She gnashed her teeth.
"I made a wise decision."
"Now we're stuck together! Ugh! You ruined my plan!"
To think he would jump into the raging sea for this woman.
"Your plan was stupid, Glasses. Where are your glasses? And why did he call you Ginchiyo?"
"As if I would tell them my real name! You shouldn't either."
"You don't look like Ginchiyo to me."
"Be quiet. My glasses are broken."
In the next moment, she was impossibly close.
"Give me your swords."
"So eager to touch my swords." He smirked.
"S-Shut up. You head Ronan."
"I don't care. I'm not gonna leave my swords behind."
"I understand. Trust me, I do, but please, cooperate. My friend's life depends on you."
"Fine."
What prompted him to want to save the life of another marine? Was it because she asked him?
Annoying woman.
"There is something else I should mention," she said before their departure.
"Izumo will ask to be alone with you. He will give you some sort of beverage to drink. But don't worry, it's perfectly safe. It's made from a flower that grows here. I had it as well. It's a custom to welcome you to the village."
"Maybe it's booze."
"Please, focus!" She caught his hand. "Don't tell them your real name. Pretend that you are my husband. We have no other option if I want to find him..."
He snatched his hand from hers, burned by the worry she had for another man.
"Relax, Glasses."
.
.
Ronan waited at the bottom of the hill. The "temple" was established on the top and was built on the foundation of an ancient fortress. A quarry was located behind it, and it had the water tanks cut out of the solid rock.
"Good Morning." Tashigi bowed.
"Welcome. Ronan told me that this is your husband, correct?"
Father Izumo appeared to be around fifty, with a slim build. He had dark hair and a long skinny face with few lines. His eyes were bright and shrewd, giving him the expression of a man constantly on the lookout.
"Yes, sir. He joined me this morning."
Hundreds of candles burned ominously, masking the faint smell of blood.
Zoro looked around, noticing animal remains hanging in the adjacent chamber.
Creepy.
The main room of the temple, where they were, was panelled by the stone mosaics and decorated with gold and jewels. To his left, the entire wall was filled with carved illustrations of the island, raging storms, and ships being destroyed.
In the middle of the temple was a sculpture; its body represented a male, but its face was grotesque and terrifying. Two fangs protruded from its mouth, and it held a katana with claw-like fingers. Rubies in its eyes flamed red against the light of the candles, and the odor of blood grew stronger.
His eye followed his nose, uncovering a chalice full of red liquid offered to it.
Sick bastards! He controlled the muscles of his face, not to show disgust.
If he's making me drink blood, I'll cut him and anyone who stands in my way.
He instantly forgot Tashigi's words and the fact he had no swords.
"Majestic, isn't he?" Izumo spoke. "Legendary demigod, Aztuul. God of war. He drinks the blood of his enemies."
Never heard of it.
"Worry not. You will learn more about him. Attending my teachings is one of the rules of this community. Furthermore, we have a ceremony once a week to honour him."
"I'm not the religious type, sorry, Izumo."
Tashigi stepped on his foot.
"It's father Izumo, bastard." Ronan's raspy voice followed.
"That is quite alright, Ronan." He raised his hand to calm his underling.
"I love a challenge." He smiled at Zoro. "I was once the same until I got here. But this island has a rich past. Everything you see here was left by the previous inhabitants."
Zoro remained quiet, not wanting to experience the wrath of the woman beside him.
"May I inquire about your name?"
"My name is Z..." His foot still throbbed. "Zero. My name is Zero."
"You're an impressive man. To be able to endure the trials to get here... You must really love your wife."
Tashigi blushed hard, a muscle above her lip twitching.
Zoro fake coughed.
"Well then, follow me, Zero. Ronan, Ginchiyo wait outside."
"Understood." Ronan and Tashigi replied in unison.
"I can feel your strength, Zero," Izumo added as he entered the chamber with a dead animal.
Shit.
"Ronan said that you are a swordsman."
"I am."
Zoro accompanied him, his senses on high alert. He perceived a dagger lying on something resembling an altar, a chalice, and a vase with trumpet-shaped white flowers.
Izumo halted in front of it, joining hands in prayer. He mumbled some incoherent words, taking the dagger.
Oh, shit, here comes the blood. Zoro cringed.
The man took one of the flowers from the embellished vase and cut it into smaller pieces, putting it into a chalice. He stirred it for a few minutes, turning to Zoro when he completed the process.
"Let us celebrate your arrival. Please, accept this."
"What is it?"
"It's a drink made out of the Moonflower. We named it like that because it only blooms in the moonlight. Moonflower has many uses. You will learn about it once you attend my teachings."
Tashigi said it was harmless, he recalled.
Zoro took the offered cup, sniffing it before he took a sip.
No blood.
The liquid did not have a particular taste. Once it hit his stomach, it burned a little.
I'm so tired, he yawned, willing himself to stay awake. Izumo's voice was monotonous, urging him to lie down and rest.
He lay sprawled like a crab on its back.
A gritty clomping in his head called forth a distinct memory - the moment he met Kuina and Koushirou.
He longed for his friend.
Distinct notes of sadness reflected in her eyes as she confessed her lamenting for being born as a girl.
Kuina shifted into Luffy.
"I'd rather be a pirate than die here."
"Great! You'll be my nakama!"
"My name is Roronoa Zoro. I will always follow my ambition. To become the world's greatest swordsman!"
Luffy faded like a star drifting above him, the smell of rain enveloping him.
He was running. The rain invaded his eyes, and he nearly collided with someone. Her short dark hair was wet, covering her face. Her hand was attached to the hilt of her sword, ready for a fight.
The heat engulfed him when he recognized the woman. She was the one he tried to steer away from, to keep clear of, and yet they were drawn together.
Why did his mind conjure those recollections?
He blinked a few times, emptying his mind. The room and Izumo's face became clearer. He was still standing.
"Welcome to our midst, brother." Izumo beamed at him.
"Huh? Yeah." He awkwardly answered.
They exited the side chamber, rejoining Tashigi and Ronan outside.
"Zero, your wife will help you settle and learn our schedule and rules. See you tonight at the ceremony."
"Yes, sir." Tashigi bowed.
"Ronan, I need you."
Ronan stayed behind, as the two of them descended the hill.
When the couple left, Izumo smirked at Ronan.
"You were right. He's the Pirate Hunter from Straw Hats."
"Why can't we get rid of them?" Ronan asked. "They are poking their noses into our business."
"On the contrary, Ronan. The Captain woman brought him to us. It's even more amusing cause they are enemies." He rubbed his chin. "Roronoa is a promising candidate. Make it happen."
"As you wish."
*cuirass - a piece of armor consisting of breastplate and backplate fastened together.
I gave Tashigi a powerful undercover name •̀.̫•́✧
Ginchiyo Tachibana is my favorite character from the Samurai Warriors game series. She's a badass swordswoman and a leader of the Tachibana clan.
Like almost all of the characters from those games, she is based on a historical figure, with the same name. Tachibana Ginchiyo was head of the Japanese Tachibana clan and onna-musha (female warrior) during the Sengoku period. She was the daughter of Tachibana Dosetsu, a powerful retainer of the Ōtomo clan (which were rivals of the Shimazu clan at the time). Because Dosetsu had no sons, he requested that Ginchiyo be made family head.
This story will have several chapters. Probably once or twice a week depends on my schedule. As always, thank you for reading it.