Sanji Kitetsu Chapter 17
"Hey Nami, can you hear me?" Luffy taps the barely conscious navigator on the cheek. "We can't get a doctor unless we go up a mountain, so we'll be hiking up."
A chorus of objections erupts around the room, including the voice of the cursed blade, which is only audible to Zoro. The idiot is worried sick. That much is clear. He's not even paying attention to who he's talking to anymore.
The crew has just arrived at a winter island. Even after that rather tense exchange at the dock, which involved threats and gun shots from the locals, their quest for a doctor doesn't seem to be getting easier. Apparently this entire island only has one doctor, who lives on top of a snow mountain. Nami doesn't look like she can hold out much longer with that fever either.
"I'll leave it to you then, Luffy." As a sign of trust, the redhead holds out a shaky hand from under her blanket. The captain claps it with a smile. Usopp and Vivi exchange worried looks as they try in vain to get Nami to change her mind.
What should we do? Luffy needs a backup at least... The curly blade mumbles.
"Fine, I'll come with you." Zoro caves. He'd never hear the end of it if the idiot doesn't witness the moment Nami gets seen by a doctor.
"Wha- Zoro-san? But your ankles..." The princess starts.
"And your sense of direction," Usopp joins, "especially your sense of direction..."
You know Zoro, I think it's better if you let the captain go alone this time. They are in a hurry. Even Kuina is siding with them.
And you wouldn't want to get them... lost, would you? Yuki too.
What to do... What to do... Only the idiot blade is still mumbling senselessly.
Zoro sends a round of glares at each of his swords and crew mates, and when none of them backs down, he sighs. He sits down in a corner and pulls back a sleeve to expose part of his forearm. In one quick swing, he draws the mumbling blade and makes a shallow cut on the forearm. Zoro holds the sword in place, and a trickle of blood runs along its length.
This time, it seems, the swordsman becomes aware of the blade's emotions the moment his blood touches the metal. The presence of blood seems to stun the idiot into a momentary inner silence before he comes to his senses. Then comes a wave of confusion.
You wanted to go with Luffy, right? You'd better make yourself useful along the way. Zoro explains. The blade pauses in disbelief.
Hurry, drink up before they have to leave.
The swordsman is hit by overwhelming gratitude, so much that it almost brought tears and a smile to his face at the same time. Almost. Then a chill travels up his arm as the blade draws blood. When he's done, Zoro sheathes the blade and looks up to find Vivi tying the limp navigator to Luffy's back.
"Luffy." He calls and tosses the blade to the captain. "Take him with you. Don't draw him from his sheath. He'll help you when he's ready."
"Alright." Luffy catches the blade and tucks it under Nami's dangling thighs as a makeshift seat.
"Oh, and this too." Zoro fishes out the half pack of cigarette from his haramaki and tosses it. "He might ask for it."
The rubber captain gives a confused head tilt but quickly nods and pockets the pack. The cursed blade's blue gem glints in the snowy reflections as Luffy opens the door to step outside.
Think about what you want to eat, Marimo. The curly sword shouts as they disappear through the doorway. I'll fix you something good in Carmen-chan's kitchen when I get back.
The small room falls silent after Usopp, Vivi, and Dalton follow the captain outside to see him off. Zoro stares at the closed door from his seat in the corner, making no attempt to move.
Marimo, is it? That's a new one. Kuina giggles. Sounds affectionate.
Zoro sends her another glare.
You wanted to be the first one to see him in his human form, didn't you? You could've just told him.
"I do what I have to do. It's got nothing to do with what I want."
He'll come around. He's your blade after all. Just give him some time. Kuina is trying to comfort him, as if he needs it. Come to think of it, he has yet to openly disobey your orders. If you order him to stop paying attention to others, maybe...
Zoro shakes his head. "When a blade fails to devote himself to the master, the fault never lies with the blade. What he needs is neither time nor orders. He needs a spiritually stronger master, which means I need more spiritual training."
Training. His childhood friend laughs. Is that your solution to all your problems in life?
"I would've thought you of all people would appreciate the power of training."
I suppose. I might not be stuck in a blade today if I appreciated it more. The girl muses. Zoro feels a pang of guilt for bringing up the subject.
"Come train with me." He takes the white blade into his lap and closes his eyes. "I think it's time to tune my new blades when the idiot returns."
Kuina hums in agreement.