A/N: hello it's eury again! welcome to another irregular update ! as usual big thanks for my sister who beta read this and without further ado, i hope you like this update!

"Wait… Really, Robin? Then, that means?" Nami asked.

"I don't know, Nami. Zoro said that he didn't know either." Robin said. That morning, Robin asked Nami to come to her house so that she could explain to her that she knows Zoro. Since Nami was one of her close friends here, she fully trusts Nami with this information. She just hoped that she would understand what it means for Robin to know who this Zoro was and why she remembered him for some reason.

"So, what are you gonna do about that? Do you have any plans?"

"For now, nothing but tomorrow I might ask the townspeople. Since, people might be busy because there's a program for today, right?" Robin asked her. She had already decided that she might go ask some people that she knew that would help her. She might omit some details but then, at least someone could tell her even if it would not directly lead to what she wanted to know. It would make sense if she would go ask first on who had seen Zoro right before he got here in Rustbay.

"Yeah, and if I remembered…" She looked for her notes from her pockets— it was a list of the people around Rustbay who are indebted of her, even Zoro was included in that list despite not having yet any debts to her— and traced the calendar of activities noted there. Eventually, she grinned upon reading the program for today, "Hey! There's a drinking competition, tonight!"

"Oh? Zoro will be a great contender if you ask me." Robin blurted out for some reason.

Nami tilted her head, and smirked at Robin— a bright idea suddenly came up in her mind, "Then, I'll go ask him!" She quickly stood up from her seat, leaving Robin alone in her kitchen.

Robin just nodded and smiled at her. Wait, that's odd? Zoro didn't tell Robin that. She just realized right after Nami left that she hasn't even managed to talk with Zoro. After what happened at the dinner a few days ago, she didn't ask about himself. She just insisted on drawing him a map of Kuraigana, the place he wanted to go, and she just let him be inside his room. So, how did I even know about that? Strange…

Zoro was up early the next morning to train for his routine. With a makeshift practice sword— he found a stick lying around the shop— on his hand, he still remembered what Mihawk taught him, especially haki. Right after he asked the warlord to let him be under his guidance for swordsmanship, he introduced haki three trainings after— so quick Zoro wasn't used to it.

Haki was a particular willpower coming from the user that he should use upon wielding his swords, Mihawk had told him the first day of his haki training. But then, in order for him to master haki, the warlord would not allow him to drink wine, especially coming from his beloved wine cellar, until he can do haki and challenge the humandrills on his own. Ghost girl even laughed at a distance with the humandrills when the warlord mentioned that Zoro won't get a taste of his wine. Those idiots, he scoffed. That's what Zoro had been practicing to do right after the warlord introduced it to him.

He tried to merge it into his practice sword with haki. He breathed slowly from his nose, and focused his will from his mind as haki gradually began to flow on to his arms. Then, through his hands and to his blades. Slowly, all turned black as iron and stronger than steel. He grinned at what he did to his blades. He still hasn't yet mastered it, but he will get there. As he was about to swing the practice sword, he heard a voice from outside.

"Zoro!" Someone was calling his name from outside his room. There was no clock around Zoro's room, so he wasn't sure if it was already late morning or what. He gently placed down his swords onto the side then he went to see who was that. Who would be up— Oh, it was Nami?

"Zoro! Good morning! I heard that you can drink." Nami put a hand on her hips, already speaking her mind first thing in the morning.

"Yeah… why?" Zoro slowly nodded as he was slightly suspicious of Nami but he still wanted to see where this conversation was going.

Nami grinned and quickly slinged her right arm around his shoulder, "Great! Are you up for a drinking competition tonight? I was about to sign you up for the drinking competition at the town square."

A drinking competition? That's so sudden? But oh well, there's a festival here and that would mean free booze, right? "Yeah, sure, but who told you that and what am I supposed to do with aside from the free drinks, then?" He asked her. He knew something was up when she mentioned that, and knowing Nami, there's definitely money involved.

"Idiot, obviously, Robin told me and also, there will be money for me when you win," she grinned as her eyes sparkled upon mentioning the word 'money.'

"What? So, if I win the competition, no share?"

Nami rolled her eyes at him, "Okay, fine. Since I know you don't have money with you, you'll have 20% of the money you won."

"That's so low, make it thirty."

"Eh, twenty-five."

"Thirty-five."

She groaned and eventually agreed to his terms. Nami knew to herself that Zoro gave it so low and she can still have higher money than him. But then, above all else, she already had high hopes for Zoro on winning. How did she know that? It was just a gut feeling but she knew Zoro would definitely defeat the reigning champion of the Floraleigh Drink Fest.

Robin then emerged behind Nami, "So did Zoro agree to join?"

"Yeah! Just now, he decided to join the drinking competition tonight!" Nami grinned but Zoro only gave her a shrug.

Robin smiled yet, "Good luck on defeating Ben. He's the over-all champion for ten years."

"Then, he was about to take a taste of defeat." Zoro scoffed as he retorted. So, Ben, huh? Well, he wouldn't be sorry if he was defeated. Zoro knew to himself that he could defeat that old man.

"See? I know Zoro's the man for this! I believe in you." Nami said before she eventually went out to the town square to sign Zoro's name in the drinking competition for tonight.

After Zoro's agreement, Zoro only trained the whole day. Robin didn't disturb him for a while letting him rest and prepare for the drinking competition. He would never be nervous since he knew that he could win this. Aside from his skills on swordsmanship, he knew that his second best was drinking. Tonight, the free booze will welcome him— It was heaven's blessings even if he didn't believe in an eternal being. You cannot deny heaven's blessings.

Now, night has fallen, it's almost the beginning of the annual drinkfest. A part of the Floraleigh's yearly celebration that were loved and awaited mostly by adults. Well, it's actually the free liquor they've been waiting for— everyone loves free things if they have a chance. The drinking competition started ten years ago when the men jokingly said that there should be a drinking competition aside from celebrating the month of bloom. After all, Floraleigh was about its people living in Rustbay. Without them, Floraleigh wouldn't exist in the first place.

From then on, Zoro and Nami entered the furnished premises while Robin already separated with them to find a place to watch. The town square was already flocked by townspeople waiting for the program for tonight to start. Meanwhile, bottles of liquor were already set up on the table at the main stage, probably the best kind Zoro had observed. The participants were the only ones waiting for the drinking competition to start. Men and women joined, aiming for the prize of 80,000 belis which was a lot of money to have. The prize money was bigger than they had last year. Even though the competition hasn't yet begun, there were already people formed in groups that were drinking. Zoro even wanted to join them but Nami yanked his shirt and told him that he should save it for later for the competition. She said that they're not one of the participants but she pointed out that some of them are already on the verge of passing out with just two bottles of beer. So sad for them.

Then Nami pointed out where he was supposed to go and that was at the main stage. Some of the sobered townspeople didn't mind Zoro walking towards the stage, but then, a group of people standing beside the stage didn't look like they're happy to see Zoro enter the premises, especially the man in front of them: Ben.

"Not again." Zoro slapped his forehead upon seeing Ben. He really didn't want to see his face here.

"Oh, Roronoa. I never thought that you would join. I'm sure you're gonna pass out after one bottle." Ben folded his arms to his chest, attempting to taunt the swordsman—it wasn't effective— while the men around Ben laughed just to support the old man.

One bottle? Was that supposed to be a diss? What is he? A thirteen-year-old? Zoro scoffed. As much as he didn't want to argue with the old man, he would be lying if it didn't slightly bruise his ego. When it comes to drinking, Zoro knows to himself that he's not that weak. He will definitely have the last laugh when this competition is over.

"You're just all talk, but jokes on you, I can defeat you, old man." He already made his way on the participants' seat as he inspected the bottles on the table. This was definitely just a morning-sake for him, this would be easy for him to defeat these idiots.

Ben scoffed, sitting in one of the seats at the far right, "Don't be so arrogant, boy. I defeated all the men on Rustbay! This is just a mere child's play."

"Let's see, then." Zoro inspected the bottles and he figured this was a one of a kind brandie as he opened and smelled one— strong and smokey, woody scent that will run through your mouth when you drink it. If only he had his crewmates to drink this, they would definitely prepare a small banquet in the Thousand Sunny, even Mihawk would like this even though the warlord's kind of a wine man. But this is not the time to be sentimental or anything, he will wipe out that arrogant smirk on that old man. He had been pestering him since the day Robin accepted him to live with her. They always seemed to interfere with other people's business instead of focusing on themselves.

"I will definitely win this," He muttered, then glared at Ben, which he, too, was staring at him furiously. It's the battle between two will power of men onto finding who will win in this drinking game and tonight was the night that would be one of the phenomenal Floraleigh drinking competitions that they have.

"Is this still a drinking competition or are they gonna fight?" One onlooker told his companion.

"Maybe, but if someone wins, I definitely have my bet on Ben." The man smirked as he handed a bag of beli to Nami.

Nami wholeheartedly grinned upon receiving the money, placing the money at the box before her. She already set up a table just for the sake of the betting. Some townspeople bet that Ben will still retain his crown— known from being a heavy drinker amongst the streets and the reigning champion of the Floraleigh Drinkfest— for sure most of the crowd will bet on Ben, but Nami had her high hopes towards the swordsman. She knew that Zoro would definitely win against Ben.

Meanwhile, the people in the town square cheered exuberantly as the competition was about to begin, the loud cheers directed towards Ben, the over-all champion. With an arrogant smirk, Ben sneered at Zoro, "You will never be the winner, kid."

Zoro just let him on his antics and didn't mind him.

Now, all of the participants had already gathered on the long table. Usopp was the emcee for that night. He was seated not too far from the main stage where the participants will be drinking for the competition.

Usopp began to say, "A pleasant evening to all of you people of Rustbay! But first, before we start, this program is brought to you by: Baratie's! A very special appreciation to Old Man Zeff and his son, Sanji for sponsoring this for almost ten years! Let's give them a round of applause, folks!"

Applause resonated from the crowd then after that, Usopp went on, "So we all know that this is one of the starter activities here in the annual Floraleigh festival, am I right? And since the mini parade was done, and now, we're here on to our next program, most of you are waiting for this and without further ado— let us all welcome, on the right corner, Rustbay's reigning champion of Floraleigh drinking competition for almost ten years! Give it up for… Benjamin Silva!"

The crowds hollered as Ben stood up and waved at the crowd. He was definitely a crowd favorite. Who wouldn't be popular in a town if you have won for years in a drinking competition? Definitely one of those people would be Ben. That's why he was looking so smug now that there were even "I love you, Ben!' coming from his so-called fans which made laughs among the crowd. After that, Usopp had begun introducing most of the participants which ranged from men and women aiming for the prize and some wanted to dethrone Ben as the champion. Most of them had aspired to defeat Ben, but alas, he remained champion for ten consecutive years. Then, on to the last contender, Usopp was about to announce half of the crowd that were waiting for.

"Feast your eyes because we have a new contender, folks!"

The crowd grew silent as they patiently waited on who's that new contender although they already had a clue. Regardless, the ladies around the town square gleefully exclaimed louder than 'fans' of Ben— knowing that the next contender was the one the ladies have been waiting for— this surely looked like a phenomenal match that was being held tonight in the town square all people of Rustbay will surely never forget.

Usopp continued, "On the left corner— you people have been waiting for— The talk of the town, the heart throb, the lost swordsman in Rustbay, Roronoa Zoro!"

The ladies started to raise their banner with his face on to make him feel that they were there for him. Most of the ladies yelled 'Zoro, Zoro, Zoro!' in unison showing their support. Also, Bepo had a banner as well. At the same time when the ladies wave their banners, he also waved his in the air supporting him. But to Zoro, he just groaned. He wasn't used to things like this and somehow, he looked flushed coming from the way he was being supported. But then, embarrassment aside, he almost wanted to roll his eyes up to his skull because of Usopp's choices of words to introduce him. He honestly didn't want any of these flashy things! All he wanted was the free liquor, for fuck's sake.

"Before we begin, we have a twist! From the past years, there were colas as a chaser but today, marking the eleventh year of the drink fest, there's no chaser except for a pitcher of cold water for each participant. And as usual, you only got twenty minutes to finish those bottles right in front of you." Usopp was heard announcing the last instructions for the competition and with that—

"Timer's starts now!" A booming gunshot was heard right after Usopp announced the beginning of the game— turns out it was only a flare gun, not a real gun for safety reasons.

Meanwhile among the crowds, Robin watched how the event unfolds upon them. Now that the new contender was Zoro, apparently, the townspeople will never forget this annual event thanks to his participation. This might be his chance to gain the favor of some of those who doubt him, she guessed. But it's still up to him if that's his intention— Robin didn't know that Zoro only joined because of the free booze.

"Ms. Nico."

Robin turned her head from the voice and spotted a familiar face— it was Dr. Trafalgar, who was seated at one of the chairs away from the crowd. She made her way to him and gave him a smile as she approached him. She then clanked her glass of champagne onto his, taking the empty seat beside him.

"Day off?" She asked before she took a sip of her champagne.

Law nodded, "Yeah, but I'm on standby in case someone would die on the spot." He gestured his beer at what's happening at the town square, amused written on his face.

Robin chuckled, "Yeah, you are."

"By the way, how's the swordsman doing in your shop? Any odd things happen?" Law continued on.

Robin just shrugged at the doctor. "Well, Zoro's fine. He's also a fast learner, too, in terms of moving stuff and all but…" She trailed off her words.

"But?" Law said with a hint of concern.

"I don't know if I already told you this, but I think I know him." She dropped her gaze, unable to meet Law's eyes when she confessed. Perhaps the doctor won't comment on that, Law can be entrusted with this information just like Nami, after all.

"You haven't told me, not until now… Have you already told the swordsman about that?"

She gave him a brief nod, then her gaze mindlessly landed on Zoro which he equipped with his proud grin that stood out among his opponents at the main stage. Meanwhile, three of his opponents just passed out just now while he was there busy chugging his mug. He then saw her looking at his spot, holding his mug up high, pretending that he and Robin were about to make a toast. She shook her head but eventually, mimicked the swordsman and raised her glass as well. Robin returned Zoro's grin and went on again drinking her own champagne, still never leaving her eyes on Zoro.

Law followed her gaze which landed on Zoro. An approving smile drawn up on his lips, he somehow knew that look yet he never bothered to ask her that, then, "Let's stay here? I'll provide some company."

Robin turned her head at Law, realizing that she just zoned out, then nodded. They both stayed and watched the drinking competition and saw who would win.

The competition was almost up as seventeen minutes had passed, most of the participants had already conceded their defeat. Too bad for them they would never get their hands on the 80,000 beli prize yet two men were still on their game and hadn't yet given up. Ben, who happened to be on his 12th mug as Zoro was still only his 10th — Ben assumed that Zoro was losing but, no, it was just the start of Ben's demise, and Zoro was already on his path to take him down Ben on his own game.

Not long after, it was Ben's 13th mug. His face already scrunched up when he was drinking his glass of water instead of the mug beside him. From the weary look of his face, it looked like he was about to puke on the floor. Now, Disappointed groans were heard from the people who bet on Ben.

"Oh! Come on!" Someone grumbled and complained not too far from the stage.

Usopp, on the other hand, cannot believe it! Ben was one of the strongest drinkers in Rustbay and now he was defeated for the first time? No, no, he shouldn't yet conclude this fight, but Ben's look was already the face of defeat? Yet, again, this was a job Usopp had to make. He was supposed to announce whatever happens at the main stage. Usopp shook his head in disbelief, yet grinned despite that, he readied his microphone to announce what's happening on the participant's table.

"In a sudden turn of events— Ben, who was Rustbay's one of the strongest drinkers, and the ultimate champion, was slowly inching on his defeat, folks!" With Usopp's voice booming among the speakers on the town square, people around were now tuned in on what's about to happen at the main stage. They never left their eyes in front where a video transponder snail was recording the events live at the main stage.

The crowd never believed what was happening as well! They stood there, gaped and astounded, as they saw that Ben slumped his head on the table with a mug on his hand. What even is happening to the old man?! Meanwhile, Ben slapped his hand on the table barely holding himself, while on his other hand, he was still holding one bottle yet half-full. Unlike with the swordsman from his left side, the alcohol was now slowly hitting Ben and that was the first time he looked like he was about to puke on the floor. Ben slapped once again the table in front of him and raised his bottle in defeat against the swordsman. After he admitted his defeat, he immediately puked on the floor while the transponder snail was still recording live.

"What really, Ben?" one of the men grumbled.

"There goes my lost bet!" One of the men raised his arms in frustration while Nami cheered loudly, taunting those who thought Ben would win. They never presumed that the swordsman would hold his liquor stronger than Ben. Most of them were now regretting that they bet on him instead on the swordsman. The ladies seemed to be exhilarated to watch that the swordsman was about to win. They even cheered louder as even barely knowing that the alcohol was now slowly hitting them.

"That folks the once undefeated Ben was no longer the defending champion!" Usopp roared on his microphone when Ben conceded his defeat.

On the other side of the table, Zoro, still alive and strong, was continuing on chugging his second to the last brandy. He was now already drinking directly on the bottle. Zoro craved this for a long time. It's been almost a week since he had alcohol flowing onto his mouth. He never wanted to be sober once again if this kept up and thanks to this competition, he got free alcohol. Then onto his last one, cheers erupted amongst the crowd while they stood there and watched Zoro drinking on the whole bottle, including Nami, a mug of beer on her hands, she was shouting at him to finish this fight. She grinned at the thought that her bet would be crowned as the champion. Now that the money will be hers— no, from Zoro and hers— she wondered if she can use it next time for shopping once again.

Zoro then raised up the bottle in the air, showing that he already finished his last one then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand— it was really the last one because half of what he had drunk was already straight from the bottle, he never bothered to pour it on the mugs provided. The transponder snail captured Zoro's proud grin and the townspeople were there to witness his taste of victory.

Usopp watched him and was so astonished he was at a loss for words. His emotions aside, he had an announcement to make. He now pointed his hand at Zoro at his seat, "And now folks! On this day, we were so blessed that we witnessed this fight of the century. This will mark the history of the Floraleigh drinking competition. Behold, the one who defeated the almighty, Benjamin Silva, the last man standing, the lost swordsman in Rustbay! And the new defending champion— RORONOA ZORO!"

The crowd applauded, while the others roared with glee as they raised their cups in the air, especially those who bet on Zoro, as Zoro finished his last bottle. Meanwhile, the ladies were so proud that they looked like it was their son who had just won the competition. They really believed in what Zoro could do. That's why they didn't lose any faith in him.

Robin grinned alongside Law, "He definitely won, huh?"

Law just nodded at her, "Then cheers for him I guess?"

Back to Zoro, he was almost groggy then, all of a sudden, Ben strangely enough made his way to Zoro. He even pushed away the person on the ground seated beside Zoro. Zoro raised up his gaze, even calmed himself or else, the alcohol would kick in. No one wanted unnecessary violence around here.

"Look, kid, I never thought I'm gonna say this, but I guess I'm wrong with you." Ben began to speak.

Zoro scoffed, but still let him go on speaking. Ben then went on Usopp's seat and snatched the microphone from him which Usopp was taken aback, "Hey!"

"Tonight, was really a remarkable day and I never knew that my pal, Zoro, just defeated me in this! Can you believe that? Well, folks, game's a game, he won! I acknowledge that. That's why folks, raise your mugs! Let's give up on the new champion, Zoro!" Ben calmly announced to the microphone, the alcohol already hit him. Maybe that's why he was surprisingly nice to Zoro. Then, at the same time, with their slight dazed state coming from the alcohol, the crowd followed suit and raised their cups.

"To Zoro!" They all said in unison.

That night had ended well.

After the drinking competition, a party ensued letting people dance to the tunes of a live band at the main stage. Ben and Zoro surprisingly got along as they slinged their arms and sang a song at the center of the town square. They even asked Robin to have a dance with them but Robin just refused and shook her head. Although she enjoyed seeing Zoro like this, she didn't anticipate that Zoro and Ben would get along, and maybe it's just because of the alcohol. But, seeing her friend happy like this, she never wanted his smile to fade. Then, Robin noticed that Zoro even tugged the doctor when he saw him sitting alone. Law just glared at him yet Zoro was still stubborn as ever and pulled him to dance with him and Ben. Law just gave Robin a pleading look, but Robin just giggled at him. She slightly felt sorry for the doctor.

Meanwhile, Nami was counting the money she just earned thanks to lost bets coming from those Ben fanatics. She was even bothered by Sanji but she just ignored him the rest of the night— poor cook. And yet, time runs fast and it's almost three in the morning. The party might be lively earlier, but everyone needs a rest. Eventually, the party died down and most of the people who stayed at the town square were just there to sober up— some were still drinking and most of them were Robin's friends who were seated at the main stage.

"Nami-swan, have a drink with me!" Sanji raised his bottle as he pleaded at Nami who was leaning her head at Usopp's shoulder with a dazed look on her face.

"Go, go Roronoa! let's go!" Nami didn't seem to hear what Sanji said when she imitated the ladies' cheering earlier for Zoro.

"Oi, oi the competition's done." Usopp muttered, half-sleep.

Robin shook her head, good thing that she didn't drink too much. She was always the one who's sober at times like this.

"I'm gonna be the greatest swordsman! I will defeat that Mihawk and if I did then sucks being lost, Mihawk! I fucking defeated you!" Zoro laughed on his own and took another swig of his bottle of sake from who knows where he got.

Robin shook her head as she saw Zoro who was still drinking. How did he even manage to drink again? She first fetched a glass of water then approached the swordsman reminding him, "Zoro, you're already drunk." Then, handed him a glass of water, but Zoro just swatted Robin's hand.

"I'm not!" Zoro chugged the half-empty bottle and wiped his mouth, raising the bottle in the air.

"See?" His face flashed her with a grin.

Robin just shook her head at the sight of the drunken swordsman. He was not really admitting that he was drunk, huh? She sighed, "Fine, then you'll have to drink this, Zoro—"

"Robin, I'm sorry..." Sadness etched on Zoro's face despite him boasting earlier that he wasn't yet drunk.

Zoro continued on, "Remember that time back in Sabaody? I should have been stronger when Kizaru was there back... It's really so pathetic of me! You know? As your vice-captain? I let you all down…" Zoro was starting to sound upset, and slowly dropped the empty bottle in his hand. Then immediately slumped his butt on the ground beside the bottle he dropped. Robin just stood and observed Zoro— eyebrows drawn in confusion upon the sight of the swordsman. What was he saying? Sabaody? Vice-captain? Who really is this Zoro? And why is he even apologizing to her even though he didn't do anything wrong? Robin presumed it was just the liquor talking. She took a seat beside him then gently grazed his back, consoling the swordsman—she knew in her mind that maybe he just needed something to reassure.

"I looked helpless back there, would you forgive me, Robin?" He raised his head, brows furrowed as he waited for her response.

"Oh, shush, everything is forgiven, Zoro. I know you did your best and that's fine." She murmured, a heartening smile beamed on her lips, yet confusion still ran to her mind as she didn't know what Zoro meant in his words.

"Really?" He sounded relieved.

She nodded, still smiling to reassure the swordsman, then unexpectedly, Zoro pulled her in an embrace, and burrowed his head on her neck. Robin's eyes widened, even at loss for words for a moment— that's the alcohol, Robin, she thought. Yet, she can't brush away how Zoro was so warm to touch. Robin refrained herself on caressing his green hair, instead, she smoothed her touch onto his back. Somehow, she felt sad as well when he mentioned Sabaody… She wasn't even there in the first place, it felt like her mind had remembered something but it's missing a piece she can't find in her mind.

"Thank you…" He muttered at last, making Robin realize it's been a while. She's been thinking for minutes, she presumed. She then gently pulled herself away from Zoro, yet, the swordsman tightened his grasp on her shirt.

"Please… stay…" He muttered his words softly as Robin felt his warm breath tickling her neck. With his soft plea, Robin obeyed him and remained still just for the sake of Zoro. She knew Zoro wouldn't like to hear this story of him embracing her while he was drunk, but one part of her wanted to cherish this moment between them although she already forgot what she was supposed to say to him.

end notes: welp thats a little fun to write! i hope you like it and lemme know if you have comments so far! see you next update!