Author's note:
I wanted to say THANKS to everyone who has commented and critiqued this story!! AH!! I'm working hard to make it a better story, so THANK YOU!!!
There have been a couple of questions and comments on my use of romanji Japanese terms, but I've used them for a couple of reasons:
1) I like the way they sound
2) In some cases, there's no substitute. If there are, I'd love to know,
because I can't think of anything!
Clothes
Kosode: the wrap around shirt-like garment you tend to see with martial
art uniforms
Hakama: Full legged pants for Kendo uniforms
Haramaki: the green waistband that Zoro wears.
Yukata: light cotton kimono, usually for summer wear
Swears/Sayings
-yaroo: added to just about anything makes it a swear
Ahou: idiot, moron, dumbass
Baka: Idiot, moron
Marmio: a type of round green algae
Sakki: air of murderous intent
Things
Wado: Zoro's white sword
Yabashi: Zoro's black sword
Sandai kitetsu: Zoro's red sword
tai chi jien: Sakura's sword type; a straight sword used in tai
chi
katana: Japanese-style sword
Sanshinbokuji: Temple of the Three Sacred Trees
Titles
Sencho: captain
Kenshi: swordsman
ohime-sama: princess
Obaasan: Grandmother
Miko: shrine maiden in Shinto
If I'm wrong in my use, please email me: zorolover@blademail.net and
I will make corrections.
CHAPTER 1
A couple of days after escaping the marines in Alabasta, the Luffy Pirates decided
they needed a break.
"But," stipulated Nami, frowning heavily, "Let's find a Spring island. Not too hot, not too cold." She sighed, sitting back in her deck chair, and unfolding the newspaper. "I've had enough of both of those for a while."
"Um – Nami. You're so smart," Luffy said, perched on his usual seat on the figurehead. Someone had managed to get him into a red t-shirt that said 'Stupid is as stupid does,' and he was sprawled over the top of the figurehead. "You know where this island is?"
Nami glared and snapped, "How am I supposed to know? There's no map and we've never been here!"
"Well," murmured Sanji, exhaling a small cloud of smoke, "Don't you think Nami-san knows best?" He moved to pour more lemonade into Nami's glass on the table and quietly asked Robin if she would like some more, putting the pitcher down when she shook her head slightly.
"You'd say that," Zoro said under his breath. He sighed with impatience and shifted slightly on the deck floor. He had been trying to sleep when Nami started complaining. His bandages itched, but Chopper wouldn't let him take them off. As such, he was in a faintly bad mood. He felt irritable, like something big was going to happen, but he couldn't pin the feeling, and nothing had happened all day, except for Nami's bitching. He yawned and stretched, the black t-shirt they had given him in Alabasta catching on the bandage underneath and making him suppress a wince. He swore under his breath, and settled back into his favorite napping position to listen.
"Hmm – I don't understand," Chopper said, eyes big. Usopp stared down at him, and shook his head. "Ah, you don't know about Grand Line yet," he laughed, putting his hands on his hips.
"It's simple," Robin said, stepping forward. She liked to stay in the background and observe the crew. "There are four types of islands here on Grand Line: summer, winter, autumn, and spring. Each one of them has their own climate and developed their own civilization. This is why Drum Island and Alabastia are not even remotely the same."
"Oh… that makes sense." Chopper looked up at Usopp, who was nodding wisely.
"We need to find a Spring island," Luffy announced, sitting up, "It'll be interesting to see something new!"
"According to the books that Vivi's father gave me, there should be a Spring island nearby." Nami pulled her hair behind her ears and refolded the newspaper. On the small table Sanji had set up for her, she had the maps she had been working on nightly, some of them with Robin and Vivi's help. She pulled the newest one, and tapped it slightly. "Look, there's a general pattern to the islands, so we should locate an island with a mild climate nearby."
"Can we get there without the lock post," Zoro asked.
Nami nodded. "I think so. The longer we're on Grand Line, the better I understand this sea." She grimaced. "We'll know as soon as the weather starts acting up whether we're close to another island, and we just need to keep heading in."
"It makes sense," Usopp said, "We ran into Drum Island by accident. Logically, we should run into a Spring island."
"Yosh!" Luffy crowed from his seat, pumping both his arms in the air in glee. "Let's do it!"
Two days later, sailing haphazardly although according to Nami's instructions, a Spring island appeared on the horizon.
"Oh, smell the air," Nami cried as they approached, "flowers!"
"I'll pick you and Robin-chawn dozens of bouquets, Nami-sawn!"
"Thank you, Sanji-kun," Nami purred.
"Yes, Sanji-yaroo," Zoro mimicked sarcastically.
"You I'll kill," Sanji snapped, veins popping.
"Let's go! Let's go!!" The crew regarded Luffy for a moment, and sighed in unison.
"There aren't going to be any monsters, right?" Usopp stammered. "N-N-Not that it's any b-b-ig deal, but y-you know I-I'd rather not have to hur-hurt any one, right?"
"More monsters," Chopper asked curiously, staring at Usopp.
"I hope so," Luffy grinned. "Everything is much more interesting when there is!"
The crew sighed again.
"He's overexcited," muttered Sanji. "Means trouble," Nami quietly wept.
The island looked pretty as they approached it. It was fairly big, with high cliffs on the edges, but most of it was covered in flowering trees and bushes. The beach was open and ran up nearly up into the trees. Fresh breezes and flower petals carried to the ship as they started to land on the soft sandy beach. Before they had landed completely, however, Luffy leaped off the boat and ran off up the hill. "Food! Food! FOOD!"
"Oi! Luffy! Wait up!" Usopp called as they finished landing, everyone stopping to glare at his back.
"Sencho-san is too impulsive," Robin observed, filling in the vortex of annoyed silence.
"So unreliable," Zoro huffed, and general agreement wound through the rest of the crew.
They completed their landing and were in the middle of collecting picnic necessities when Luffy wandered back, a confused expression on his face.
"There's someone who says we can't land here," he said, jerking his thumb back over his shoulder.
The crew stopped and stared at him. "And…?" Nami asked.
He shrugged. "Nothing. He seems serious."
"That's not what I meant Luffy," Nami said curiously. "Usually you don't take no as an answer."
"He didn't do anything and he asked me nicely."
Behind him, someone appeared. He was short, shorter than Luffy, with delicate bones and long, black hair tied back in a loose ponytail. He was dressed in a white hakama and kosode, and a sword was strapped to his back instead of his waist.
The spring breeze blew his hair in long waves around him, and Nami whispered, "Pretty" without realizing it.
"Pirates cannot land on this island," he said in a soft voice that somehow carried down the hill to them. "This island cannot be sullied by impure souls whose only goal in life is steeped in greed. Leave this place. The temple and its treasures are not for you."
Nami's eyes got big. "Treasure," she asked in a squeaky voice.
Behind her, Zoro and Usopp groaned.
"The greedy Nami is so charming," Sanji cried, the heart of love in his eyes. He turned towards the boy. "We're just here to get some rest. We'll just stay on the beach!"
The boy just stared at Sanji's face, until Sanji started turning red.
"You're one of the Kallabah," Robin commented suddenly.
The boy's gaze passed to her, his face immobile. He drew his sword with a quiet hiss, surprisingly not a katana, but a tai chi jien.
"He's ready to fight," Zoro said.
"Um – I don't know if you should fight him, Zoro," Luffy said, watching the boy. "He's not really threatening us."
Zoro smirked, eager. "True. But he's drawn his sword." He clicked wado open, waiting.
The boy turned his golden eyes towards Zoro and regarded him mildly. "You're no match for me," he said. He scanned the group. "None of you are. Please leave."
Robin stepped forward. "There's a temple here, right? Why haven't I ever heard of this temple?"
The boy's eyes shifted back to her. "This is Sanshinbokuji."
Robin smiled. "Ah, the Legendary Temple of the Three Sacred Trees. The original temple of the Kallabah Order." She moved forward more, arms crossed. "Do you have any information on the True History?"
The boy smiled slightly. "I'll ask you once more to please leave before I must hurt you."
"Cocky little bastard," Sanji said, lighting a cigarette. His maroon shirt flapped slightly in the breeze, and he was wearing his favorite sunglasses. "Oi, we just want to have a picnic."
The boy kept smiling and then suddenly disappeared. He reappeared in front of Zoro, who had the instincts to try and pull wado completely, but the boy shoved wado back into its sheathe with one hand, startling Zoro.
"Zoro!" Luffy yelled, "Gomu gomu BULLETO!"
The boy had time to turn and stare at Luffy in disappointment before disappearing as Luffy's fist approached. It hit Zoro squarely on the chin, sending him flying back. Sanji jump kicked at the boy, but missed completely, as the boy dodged and raised a hand to block. Sanji found himself somehow knocked into Chopper and Usopp.
The boy watched them untangle themselves with remote interest.
Robin said, "Tres flores," and hands appeared at the boy's shoulders, pinning his arms and around his throat. He turned his gold eyes on her, something close to sadness in them, and closed them as an electric current seemed to rush through him and destroy all the hands. Robin screamed in pain and fell back.
The boy stepped back and stared at Luffy and Nami, the rest of the crew lying on the deck, groaning slightly. Robin's attack had broken the string that held back his hair, and now it drifted softly in the breeze, softening his angled face. "You don't understand," he said.
Luffy stared back, tense. "You have no sakki," he muttered. "You don't want to fight us."
The boy nodded slowly. "I am the protector of this island. Pirates cannot land here. Our secrets and our treasures are our own."
Zoro stood up slowly, wiping away the blood at the corner of his mouth, and missing the sadness that passed over the boy's face.
Eyeing him suspiciously, Zoro said, "You haven't used your sword yet."
The boy looked down at the weapon. "Yes, I am ashamed I drew it. I was trying to frighten you without a fight."
"Does he have a Devil Fruit power," Nami asked.
Luffy didn't reply; he was watching the boy. It was the boy who answered, "No Devil Fruit power."
Zoro pulled his bandana from his arm and wrapped it around his head. He pulled all three of his swords. "You seem strong enough to be a challenge. And I, I can't be beaten," he said, leaping off the deck.
The boy sighed. "You won't give up and go away, will you?" he asked in a plaintive voice.
Luffy shook his head. "We came here hoping for a vacation. We can't give that up so easily."
Smiling, the boy replied, "Some things are hope, others are built by destiny." He leaped down lightly, barely marring the surface of the sand. Luffy watched, emotionless, but, internally, watching and realizing, this boy is good.
Zoro faced the boy, serious in his intent. He beat me in an instant, he thought. He didn't even use his sword. How? How does that happen?
The boy eyed him with some surprise. "You want to kill me," he said laughingly.
Zoro growled. "Fight!" The boy shook his head, and Zoro ran at him. "Oni giri!"
The boy stood, holding his sword with one hand and held back the oni giri easily. He wasn't even straining. "Anger is a weakness," he said, pushing Zoro back with his one hand.
Zoro growled and ran at him in a fury of attacks, finally pulling back enough to try "Crab Slasher!"
The boy didn't block it nor move. Nami and Chopper screamed, while the others watched. The boy didn't stagger, but, instead, turned with his arms spread to show Zoro his abdomen. "The heat of anger is useless against the flow of water," he said. His clothes were cut, but there were no wounds.
"Is he a ghost," Sanji asked incredulously.
"No – but I think he's a girl," Robin said slowly.
They all stared. The torn kosode fell open to reveal binding cloths beneath.
She shifted her eyes from Zoro to the crew. "Yes, I am a woman," she said, removing the kosode completely and standing in her bandages. "Your attacks are more powerful than I suspected. To even damage my clothing is a feat."
With the loose kosode gone, the tiny waist and womanly curves were obvious.
"Oh, miko-sama! You're so pretty!" Sanji crowed from the deck, nearly falling off in his enthusiasm.
"You didn't think that when she was kicking your ass," Usopp muttered.
Zoro's jaw dropped, wado falling into the sand. The woman smiled and sheathed her sword. "I give up," she said, "Your souls are not evil but determined. I know when I'm defeated. Like the boulder worn down by the winds, I can no longer fight."
She turned her back on the gaping crew and started up the hill. She paused on her way up, as if thinking. She turned her head slowly to stare at Luffy. "The temple is at the top of the hill. When you are ready, come up, and I will welcome you." She smiled at him. "I look forward to it."
She disappeared in a swirl of cherry blossoms.
"Was that—" Usopp asked, swallowing hard, "Magic?"
Robin shook her head. "The Order of Kallabah is an incredibly powerful spiritual group. The regular sects are known for their peaceful ways, ability to read minds, and heal wounds. They say the Order holds the secret to spiritual mastery." She shook her head again. "To tumble unto the legendary temple is amazing luck," she said quietly. "The Temple of the Three Sacred Trees is said to hold the key to the universe and secrets so great they can crack the world."
"And we're going up there," Ussop said, trembling.
"She's very interesting," Luffy said. He chuckled. "She spoke in my head."
"She WHAT?" Every one goggled at him. He grinned. "Yosh! Let's go! She said she'd have a meal ready! Meat, meat, meat!"
With Luffy leading the way, the crew cautiously made their way up the hill.
"Luffy," said Nami, "I'm not sure this is a good idea. We don't know what's up there."
"Y-yeh," Usopp said through chattering teeth. "It could be a trap."
Luffy laughed. "I don't think so. She's very nice."
Nami looked at him in surprise. "How can you tell?"
Luffy rolled his eyes up and scratched his nose. "I don't know… a hunch?"
"Besides," inserted Zoro with an annoyed expression, "If she had wanted to kill us all, she would have."
Usopp froze mid-step, his eyes big. "You think?"
Sanji lit another cigarette. "Well, with almost no effort, she neutralized us. She seems to be as powerful as Mihawk."
Zoro frowned harder, and Robin noticed. She asked, "You've met Mihawk?"
Luffy refused to contribute, turning his back on the conversation and walking ahead, with Chopper close behind.
Usopp said, "He nearly killed Zoro."
Zoro snapped, "OI! Do you have to say it like that?"
Sanji walked away, casually waving his hand, and a trail of smoke behind him. "You can't sugar coat the truth."
"Bastards," Zoro snarled, stomping after them.
Robin watched them and asked Nami, "I take it the result was pretty bad."
Nami sighed and nodded, following them up. "Do you think we'll be okay?"
Robin smiled. "The Order is not known to be generally aggressive, so I'm going to guess we're going to be okay."
Nami smiled back. "Okay, then I'll trust Luffy's assessment."
The hill wasn't very steep, and it seemed to descend again, like a dimple. The temple was there, large and gleaming white in the sunlight. Dozens of blooming cherry trees framed it, with delicate pink petals dancing in the breeze as they flew away. Deep woods followed them up the hill, and deer emerged to see who the guests were. They eyed Chopper intently, while he eyed them back nervously.
"They won't attack you," the woman said from the gate. Her hair was again lightly tied back, and she wore a green and yellow yukata. She looked even more delicate, and Zoro wore a heavy look of discontent.
Sanji cried, "Miko-sama! You're so beautiful when you greet us!"
She ignored him and bowed. "Welcome to Sanshinbokuji."
"I thought pirates couldn't stay here," Robin asked.
The woman paused and stood straight, a beautiful smile wreathing her face. "Pirates can't, but friends can." She bowed again. "We are friends, aren't we?"
Zoro felt a flush climb up his face, while Sanji gasped, "Miko-sama! You're so beautiful when you smile!"
"Yes, you are," Luffy chuckled. "You should do it more often."
Nami threw him a surprised look, but didn't say anything.
"Please, enter and be welcome, Nami-san, Robin-san, Luffy-san, Chopper-san, Sanji-san, and Usopp-san."
Luffy bowed back. "Monkey D. Luffy," he said. "Nice to meet you!"
She smiled again. "A proper man of D," she said moving out of the way and guiding them towards the main door. Robin gave her a sharp look, which the woman studiously ignored. The door to the temple opened by itself and Usopp and Nami eyed it warily.
The woman chuckled. "If I wanted you dead, you would be. Please be reassured by that. The temple is a holy place. I am asking you to enter as guests."
They slowly filed in, gasps of pleasure punctuating their entrance. The woman turned to face the suspicious Zoro. "Roronoa Zoro," she said slowly, both her eyes and voice mild. "I will not force you to do anything."
"How do you know our names," he asked.
"Ah." She nodded slowly, as if it were a common question. "Your name in this life is stamped on your soul. It speaks to me and to anyone with good hearing and eyesight."
"Good hearing and eyesight?"
She smiled and bowed a third time. A blush of confusion suffused his face. "Roronoa Zoro-sama, I will tell you anything you want later. And… I will grant you a second duel." She graceful stood upright, an eyebrow raised.
Suspicion still sat heavy on his face.
She chuckled. "I do want something from you, Zoro-sama, but not what you think." Her golden eyes twinkled in her delicate face. "I swear to you that I mean no harm."
Zoro eyed her then nodded slowly, walking in before her. He saw why everyone had gasped. The temple was a simple room with deceptively high ceilings. Stained glass windows rained color onto the plain white walls and woolen rugs, and a soft golden wood floor was smooth with use and care.
"What is this," Nami asked, pointing up.
"Ah, that is the history of the Order," the woman said, moving forward and pointing up.
"This window," she said, pointing to a dark window with only pinpoints of light in it, "Represents the darkness. In the beginning, there was nothing, and souls wandered the universe free of restraint of any kind."
She pointed to the next window. There were delicate gray clouds and swirling lights. "Here, the souls longed for form, and the gods took pity on them and gave them a world upon which to live and to breathe."
The next was a man and woman standing together, with several others standing behind them. "Those who wanted to, took bodies and lived on the land, in the sea, and in the sky. Only a hundred souls came down, but of those hundred came hundreds more, and hundreds more from them, tempting other formless souls to try this human life."
The next was a man standing in front of the building. "And this one," Usopp asked. "It looks like this building."
She smiled. "This was the founder of the Order. One of the Originals. Of the hundred original souls, only two never forgot their origins. The first was the founder, Shion. He lived almost a thousand years, for he never forgot that he was originally not human, but soul. In that time, he trained dozens others, and they took his teachings and went elsewhere."
She pointed to the last, where the man was lying limply in another man's lap. "This is the second, Nihi. The second soul who never forgot their origins, and who learned what Shion was trying to accomplish. He vowed to also help bring peace to the world, and search for Shion's soul, which would be reborn again and again."
She smiled at their stunned expressions. "The cycle remains unbroken. Shion searches for Nihi's soul, and Nihi searches for Shion's, life after life."
She pointed at the top of the room, where an altar stood with incense and cherry blossoms. "Here, in this temple, those searching for spiritual enlightenment may come and be trained. But only two souls can live here permanently: Nihi and Shion."
Nami tried for a blank expression, but failed. "But, in that case, if only those two souls can live here, you must be…"
The woman bowed again. "My name in this life is Sakura, but I am also known as Shion."
Usopp and Nami cringed together. Sanji leaned over to Robin and said, "See, I said she was a ghost."
Sakura laughed. "I'm not a ghost. I'm a fully enlightened soul." She looked up towards the windows, the light playing over her face. "A fully enlightened soul can do things that look like magic to others." She lowered her eyes to them, with even Luffy paying attention to her. "I can read your souls because you have never learned to quiet them. They cry out with needs and desires. They roar their names and joy in life."
She drew a small piece of hair behind her ear. "I fear I envy you that."
"Eh," said Luffy, "Then you should come with us. Come! Be a pirate! You're very strong."
She laughed. "I loathe violence and blood. I can see the path your souls are leading you, and I have no desire." She looked at Zoro for a moment, a faint flush coloring her cheeks as she turned towards a door. "Come, I started a meal this morning."
"For all of us," Sanji asked, incredulously.
Nami hit him outside the head. "She can read our minds and you're surprised she cooked enough for all of us?"
Sakura chuckled. "I had a premonition." She avoided their eyes. "The food is all for you, including rum."
In the next room was obviously a dining area, with a low table and cushions to sit on. Eight places were already set, and a large barrel of rum sitting in the corner of the room competed with the food for delicious scents. A feast lay out before them, steaming platters of food of various kinds, meats, and different fruits. Usopp and Luffy cried out in delight and attacked it.
Sanji and Nami's jaw dropped. "Er – how long ago did you have this premonition," Sanji asked faintly.
Sakura cocked her head slightly, leaning it on one finger. "Um – maybe six months ago."
Their jaws hit the ground again. "How did you manage to collect all this?" Nami sputtered.
Sakura shrugged. "When destiny is in play, strange things occur. Several barrels of rum washed up on shore about a week ago. I do some basic trade on occasion, because there is no autumn here, so I can't grow wheat or rice."
"What do you trade for," Robin asked behind them.
"Fruit, mostly. Flowers. Herbs and healing." She pointed out the back door. "There is a green house where I grow vegetables and fruits."
"But – you said there's no one else here on this island," Sanji said.
Sakura smiled again. "I have a small ship I take to the next island. It's no big deal."
Sanji, Nami, and Robin took a seat away from the savage battles of Luffy and Usopp. Chopper had grabbed some food and ignored everyone. "Oh, it's good," he said, eating faster.
"Why do you say destiny is in play?" The dark voice behind Sakura made her turn and stare him in the eyes.
"I cannot say," she said, shaking her head. "Like I said, I'll tell you anything later." She flushed slightly again, and, to his dismay, he did too. "I promise you, Zoro-sama."
She turned and walked out of the room, and Sanji growled, "You chased her away, asshole!"
Zoro didn't reply, but sat at the table and mechanically ate. Curious, Nami and Robin watched him, while Sanji tried to determine how some of the dishes were made.
"This dish with bananas," he said, "It's delicious! I wonder how it's made."
"Um – I like this one, with coconut," Nami murmured, touching her lips with her fingers. "Delicious!"
Zoro quietly drank his rum, while Luffy ate ten times his weight in food.
"You seem preoccupied, kenshi-san," Robin said, leaning in to his personal space.
He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, but didn't pause in his drinking.
Robin smiled knowingly. "The young mistress of this temple is a cutie, isn't she?"
Zoro studiously ignored her and kept drinking.
Robin's smile got bigger and she leaned back into her spot, taking a sip of her own rum. Sanji was serving Nami a sample plate from all the desserts, and Chopper had passed out in the corner, nose tinged with red, and chopsticks sticking out of it. Usopp and Luffy were fighting over a piece of meat, when Sakura returned. She looked at the mess and the pirates, and started laughing. "You are all funny!" She chose a seat near Luffy and Usopp, and delicately took a cup of rum. "Please, Luffy-san, tell me about your adventures."
"I can tell you about my adventures," Usopp said, puffing out his chest, "It all began-"
Sakura held up a hand. "Usopp-san, you're about to unravel a long yarn for me. I don't want to have to knit something out of it." His eyes bugged and he stopped mid-word, while everyone else laughed.
"Luffy-san," she repeated, "Please tell me about your adventures."
Luffy regaled Sakura in the tale of their adventures, with Nami, Sanji, and Usopp adding details. Sakura was an attentive listener, and she laughed or cried when they did, she got properly angry and outraged at others. But, mostly, she smiled and encouraged them to tell her everything.
"How amazing," Sakura said, clapping her hands. Luffy grinned, and laughed. "You're very interesting! Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"
Sakura shook her head. "I have no desire to be a pirate." She grinned, "But I would be honored if you all would stay here with me for as long as you would like."
Nami pointed at the lock post on her wrist. "We are trying to get to the next island on the line. How long will it take to record?"
"Um – three weeks." She clasped her hands together. "I hope you can stay with me for a while."
"Miko-sama! I'd stay with you forever," Sanji schmoozed.
"Sanji-san," Sakura said patiently, "I'm not a miko. I am the High Priest of the Order of Kallabah."
Everyone gaped. "But- " Nami stammered.
"But-" stammered Usopp.
"But you're so young," Sanji cried.
Sakura sighed. "Only in body."
"Ano sa," Luffy said, "How old are you?"
"Well, in spirit I'm 2000 years old," she replied.
"Ah – I suppose I should call you obaasan," Luffy said.
Nami and Sanji both hit him outside the head. "Moron!"
Sakura shook her head. "In body, I'm sixteen."
Robin paused mid-drink. "Sixteen and the head of one of the most powerful spiritual sects in the world?"
Sakura shrugged. "My friend died about six years ago, and I get calls from various temples by snail phone whenever there's a problem." Her eyes became distant for a moment. "I can remember a time before there were people, but when I'm in a body, all I long for are other people." She flushed slightly, and took a sip of her rum. "Isn't that silly?"
Sanji lit a cigarette, while Nami and Usopp stared at Sakura with understanding. "Ohime-sama," Sanji said slowly, leaning back and staring at the ceiling, "It makes perfect sense, because that's what all people long for."
Zoro stood up suddenly and walked out. Robin and Nami watched him leave, missing Sakura's bland expression.
"It's late," she said finally. "Let me show you all to your rooms."
She took them through a backdoor, and wandered out into the back courtyard. The back courtyard was a manicured garden, with dozens of cultured flowers and miniature trees. The deer had emerged to see what the commotion was about and they watched the group cross the courtyard with unblinking eyes. Sanji was carrying the unconscious Chopper on his back, while they gaped in wonder at the beautiful scenery. They passed a small rock garden with telltale swirls in the sand and Nami paused to look more closely.
"This is so beautiful," Nami said in hushed tones.
Sakura looked around. "Yes, it is. It's a labor of love."
She led them down a garden path, and to another opening in the woods. A long row house sat in the center, made of unpainted raw wood. "There are rooms enough for each of you to have one," she said, gesturing towards them. "In the back there are baths." She regarded Sanji for a moment, and said, "There are separate men's and women's areas. Although the human body is just a body, we wanted to make sure everyone felt comfortable here, and to keep temptation at bay." She arched a brow at him. "They were built to make them comfortable. If I catch you even thinking about peeking, Sanji-san, you will regret it."
He nodded, "Of course, of course!"
"Ah, did you hear that Robin! Baths!" Nami grinned broadly.
"After this, I'll leave you to your own devices," Sakura said. "There are a lot of things to be done to manage the upkeep of such a large place, and I have to stay on schedule." She smiled. "Please, enjoy yourselves. A more usable beach can be found following that path." She pointed down a path in the woods. "And, Nami-san, Nico-san, there is an extensive library. Please use them to your heart's content."
She delicately turned and walked away, leaving them to watch her leave.
"What a lonely girl," Nami said suddenly.
"I don't know," Luffy said, "She is the most peaceful person I've ever met. Her heart is good."
He turned and stared at the row house. "Yosh! I'm going to pick my room!" He ran ahead, oblivious to Nami's curious expression.
Sanji followed him, still carrying Chopper. Usopp looked around and asked, "Where's Zoro?"
Nami and Robin exchanged looks. "He left the meal. I have no idea where he went."
Nami frowned. "I don't think he was very happy about Sakura-san giving up."
Robin smiled knowingly. "Probably in more ways than one," she said. "Come on, let's choose a room."
Zoro was wandering aimlessly, and, trying to get the edge off, had stomped into the woods. He figured the lights from the temple would guide him back. Sullenly, he turned back and realized with a start he couldn't see the temple. He flushed and swore, recognizing that he was lost. "Damn her anyway," he ground out, punching a dent in an unsuspecting tree. He didn't like the fact Sakura read him so easily, or that anyone could see into his soul so well.
"Then you shouldn't shout," a voice said from above him. He looked up to find Sakura smiling down at him, perched on a tree limb. "You rage internally, although you try to stifle it." She jumped down, and he found that she only came up to his chin. "When you rage, you lose. It's when you find the mu that you become deadly."
Zoro snorted. "I am deadly."
"Why do you become stronger? What are you fighting for," she asked in a quiet voice, eyes searching.
Zoro's eyes narrowed at her. "Did they tell you something," he growled. "Mihawk asked me the same thing."
Sakura smiled and shook her head. "I don't understand the question. I asked you something."
"I have promises to keep," he said stiffly.
Sakura turned and stared up at the cherry trees, their petals falling like snow. "I realize that," she said softly, "But you don't see how your attempts to still your own rage affect you."
"I've beaten all my opponents so far."
She turned her golden eyes on him, and he felt a shiver go up and down his spine. "You didn't beat Mihawk."
Determination rushed through him. "I will get stronger," he said, gripping wado hard.
She sighed. "Yes, you will. But the strongest sword knows when to unsheathe, when to cut, when to not cut, and when to be set free. You're still young, and you have barely learned that all things have life and breath."
He sighed. "Are you going to show me how to be stronger?"
She moved forward and touched his arm. Her fingers were cool against his skin. "You're physically so strong already. Are you ready to learn real strength?"
"Are you telling me you can teach me your strength?"
She laughed lightly. "No. I'm telling you I can offer to show you the path. Whether or not you become stronger is up to you."
He arched a brow and nodded sharply. "Fine. When can we begin?"
She smiled and it lit up her face. "How easy is it to make the sea stop raging during a storm?" She extended her teaching finger and said, "When you can see the brightest star in the universe, I'll begin my training."
He frowned. "The brightest star? Isn't that the sun? What kind of foolishness is that?"
She laughed. "Exactly. Exactly," she chuckled, and disappeared in a swirl of cherry blooms. Zoro swore long and hard before it hit home that he was alone again. He yelled, "Oi! How do I get back!"
Blissfully oblivious to Zoro's dilemma, Nami and Robin were relaxing in the bath. Out of the blue, Nami asked, "How long do you think we'll stay here?"
Robin shrugged and sank deeper into the water. "Who can tell? If we have three weeks before the record is set, I would imagine in a couple of weeks."
Nami sighed blissfully. "Wouldn't it be wonderful?"
Robin said nothing, but sighed.
"Robin," Nami said suddenly, "Why do you think Sakura let us stay here?"
Robin smiled faintly. "I imagine she's lonely."
"Hmm… Why do I get the feeling it's something else, though?"
Robin chuckled. "I don't know. I get the same feeling, but she's very good at hiding her feelings."
Nami grinned evilly. "I think she has a crush on Zoro."
Robin's smile broadened. "I'm sure you're right."
They exchanged looks again, and burst out laughing.
On the other side of the fence, Usopp, Sanji, and Chopper were bathing, while Luffy was out wandering the grounds.
"They sound like they're having fun," Sanji said sullenly. Usopp was scrubbing Chopper's back.
"If you try to peek, you realize she's punish you," Usopp cautioned. "Bad."
"I realize that," said Sanji. He suddenly grinned. "It might be worth the punishment, though."
"Oh I seriously doubt that," said a voice.
"I don't know. Seeing those two naked and bathing," drool started to collect at the corner of Sanji's mouth.
"I can see you three naked and bathing, and it does nothing," said the voice, and Sanji sat up suddenly.
"Usopp, did you say that," Sanji asked quietly.
Usopp turned pale and shook his head.
"I did," said the voice, and they both looked towards the outer fence. Sakura perched on its edge, grinning widely. "Yo!" she called, waving.
Usopp's jaw dropped, and Chopper turned to look. "You look like an angel, princess!" Sanji cried, falling over with the heart of love in his eye.
"Sanji-san," she said plaintively. "I told you if you even thought those things I would punish you. Didn't you believe me?"
Sanji became serious and he nodded.
Sakura frowned heavily and said, "Are you ready for your punishment?"
Sanji sighed. "If I must."
She grinned and pointed at him. "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hah!! Look at that!" she howled, nearly falling off the fence laughing.
Sanji, blushing, sank into the water. Usopp and Chopper started laughing too, and soon they were all laughing.
"I'm just kidding, Sanji-san," Sakura said, patting her tears of laughter dry with her sleeve. "You're a fine specimen."
He grinned naughtily. "Would you like to check out the goods," he said, spreading his arms out.
Sakura chuckled. "I'll just window shop, thank you."
She disappeared to Usopp's howls of laughter.
Luffy was watching the ocean on the beach, playing with a couple of shells he had found. The sound of the waves hitting the shore comforted him, but he wasn't surprised when he heard Sakura come up behind him. "Why," he asked quietly, "do you live here alone."
Surprised, she sat down beside him. "Um – I guess you can call it my destiny," she said, watching him fiddle with the shells.
"You're very lonely," Luffy said, turning to face her. He stared and she stared back, both of them quiet. She smiled. "You're very good at this, Luffy. You've got good hearing."
He frowned. "I've never had bad hearing."
She laughed. "No, I mean you listen to your heart. Your soul is so innocent that you can quiet it and read others hearts really well."
Luffy cocked his head. "Really?"
She nodded. "I don't find many people who can read my heart."
Luffy shrugged. "You're right. Most people shout; you tend to whisper."
Sakura became very still and eyed him. "That's amazing," she said quietly. "Most people are so busy listening to the racket in their own heart they can't hear what I have to say."
Luffy leaned back and stared out to sea. "That's silly. Most people just aren't paying attention. They will hear you when you are ready to be heard."
Sakura picked up one of the shells Luffy had dropped. It was delicate, with an orange sheen, and only the size of a quarter. "Do I want them to hear me," she asked.
Luffy laughed. "Everyone wants to be heard! You just have to speak up!"
Sakura smiled at him, and also sat back, watching the waves.
"Sakura," Luffy asked quietly, "You never answered my question."
"Is it that important," she replied.
Luffy watched the waves crash against the shore. "For you it is."
Sakura remained quiet for a moment, then she said, "I was born to help bring peace to the world, Luffy-san. Not in a violent, world changing way, but in a quiet whispering way." She drew a circle in the sand. "The answers to everything and nothing are right there, in that circle."
Luffy stared at it. "Sand?"
She laughed. "No. Beginnings and endings, life and death, hope and hopelessness… they all come from the same place. I'm alone until I'm no longer alone." She smiled gently. "I'm no longer alone, when I know I have others out there who think of me."
Luffy shook his head. "I don't understand."
She smiled and drew her knees up to her chin. "I know."
"Sakura, what else is there on this island?"
Sakura's brow creased as she thought about it. "This side of the island is fairly tame, Luffy-san. There are some caves in the forest, and I think there is an older building that is mostly falling down." She hemmed. "I vaguely remember that it had some beautiful pictures painted on it by Nihi."
"Sounds interesting," Luffy replied happily. "I'll look for them tomorrow."
She smiled. "Probably a good idea. Take Usopp with you. He may find something that interests him."
The moon rose quickly, and, with the exception of Zoro, everyone fell asleep easily.
He was waiting by the well for Sakura to appear, one of the few open areas near the temple. He had watched her walk back from the main beach with Luffy, laughing and chatting away. A low anger burned in him, and he resented her answer. Would she help him train or not?
She appeared suddenly, beautiful in the moonlight, her eyes questioning. She was dressed in similar white hakama and kosode, her sword strapped on her back. "You hollered," she asked mildly.
"You said you'd answer my questions," he said brusquely.
She nodded.
He stared at her and all the questions he wanted answers flew out of his head. He felt his confidence begin to melt away, and he turned his back on her. "Destiny," he gritted finally. "What did you mean destiny is in play?"
"You rarely get this upset, do you Zoro-sama," she asked quietly. She came up behind him and touched his back. The muscles jumped under her palm, and she knew she wasn't wrong. "What do you think I mean?"
Zoro whirled, eyes red with frustration. "Why am I feeling this way?"
Sakura became calm, her eyes curious. "What way?"
Zoro grit his teeth and drew his swords. "Fight me," he snarled.
She nodded and pulled her sword. He attacked her ruthlessly, using every attack he had ever learned, and she repelled them all easily.
"Why don't you attack me," he yelled. "Why don't you do anything but block."
She eyed him and, before he could blink, her sword stabbed him through the chest. He stared at her with wild eyes and she pulled it out in a swift yank. He dropped to the ground, groaning, and clutching his chest, but there was no wound.
"The sword that can cut, but not cut," he said hoarsely.
She nodded, and sheathed her sword. "It took Mihawk years to figure this out."
He looked up at her. "How do you know Mihawk?"
She sighed. "Mihawk visits this island to train. I am one of the few opponents who truly challenge him."
"You haven't beaten him," Zoro asked tersely.
She shrugged. "What for? I have no desire to be the greatest. I have no desire to be known." She knelt in front of him. "I'll give you a clue, shall I?" She smiled and said, "I have no sword; I make mu my Sword."
She stood up and turned to walk away. "There are things in this world more important than being the greatest, more important than adventures and strength, more important than this very planet." She turned her head and her eyes glowed brightly in the darkness. "I ask you, Zoro-sama, have you found the brightest star yet?"
She walked into the house, leaving him gasping and confused on the grass.