Chapter 5: Spirited Determination

Still a little flustered from talking to Sanji and Zoro, Hikaru had remained in bed until the sound of a crowd talking caught her attention—they'd finally reached another island village. First look at the village you'd swear it truly was autum, beautiful leaves colored the trees. Which went well with the beauty and splender of the sea around it. Plus the temperature was perfect, absolutely perfect! The houses weren't made to withstand much but the way they were built matched the atmosphere around them.

Just like the market in Natsu, random little stands were gathered in the center of the village. Since it was Hikari's idea to go shopping everyone wound up there, depsite the sisters' lack of money—which Sanji offered his help in solving.

As Hikari bargained for some outlandishly priced instrument Hikaru searched for a weapons stand, that she found nearest the pub. It was there that she came across the most beautiful sword, enscribed with the name 'Hikaru'.

" How much...do you want for this?" inquired the red head, carefully lifting it from it's place on the table." I'd like to buy it."

" It's not for sale..."

Turning to the merchant Hikaru looked puzled." But...why not?"

The merchant's expression was sorrowful," It belonged to my daughter who passed away just a few months ago..."

" I'm sorry...I had no idea...um..." Putting it back where it was before she looked over the collection a bit longer." Do you...have any wooden swords? The ones that kids use for practice? I'd like to purchase two...if you have them."

" It'll cost you fifty berries."

Taking out the bag that held what little money she had, Hikaru plucked out fifty and handed them to the merchant. As he went inside his, she assumed his house, to locate them she found herself looking at the sword. It was definently beautiful...a gem was firmly secured in the hilt and everytime the sun would hit it perfectly the purest light shined from it. It was almost as if it was made especially for her...but the merchant wouldn't sell and she didn't want to take away such a precious treasure.

Thanking the merchant as he gave her the wooden weapons Hikaru walked back to where her sister was. The look of confused amusement that Hikari was giving her made her feel like she'd doen something purely stupid." Honestly...it's not a big deal if I buy a sword or two."

" Since when...have you EVER had an interest in fighting? Does it have something to do with the color green?"

" Green?" Looking in the direction that her younger sibling was looking in, Hikaru spotted Zoro and Sanji getting into one of their fights. Ever since they joined up it was something of the norm to see the two fighting, oddly enough.

Arms crossed Hikari rolled her eyes," And you think he's just going to teach you?"

With a confident smile the red head knew full well it would take some convencing," He will...as long as I don't take no for an answer."

" Whatever you say...just don't over do it..."

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After dinner Hikaru eagerly followed behind Zoro with a warm smile," Zoro...I'd like to ask you a question." A little stunned he gave a nod and her smile widened." Would you...teach me the way of the sword? Or just enough to defend myself incase I need to?"

Falling over dramatically, creating a small cloud of dust, the swordsman came up with a confused expression," What? Why?"

" The sea can kill you in many ways...you never know when we might encounter something where we have to defend ourselves!"

" As true as that is—"

Clutching the wooden swords she bought at the market Hikaru couldn't help the pleading look that came to her eyes. It wasn't so much for herself that she wanted to learn...but for Hikari's sake as well. Her sister wouldn't have to waste her time protecting her and getting hurt in the process." I have to! I just have to! If I don't...Hikari...or someone else..."

Scratching his head and nervously turning away the green haired pirate sighed," Real pirates and thugs wouldn't use practice swords."

" Just practice...until I purchase a sword that I think suits me..."

Unable to refuse, despite himself, Zoro took one of the practice swords and headed down the hillside," Come on..."

Her smile glowing brighter and brighter the red head fought back a giggle,no matter how cold he seemed sometimes he was still a softy." Thank you."

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For a reader I will pair Nami with Luffy...but please remember the story will not revolve around it. It would be more of a mental note than anything else...not meaning to sound rude! I'm sorry if it seemed that way! apologetic bow

Good news for those that enjoy Kingdom of Time...I have come to the conclusion of who she will fall for and I'm sure it's quite obvious. But to cheer up those that thought she'd end up with the other...another story following after this...are in progress. Hikaru and Hikari will be in it...but it will revolve around the new girl. Yay! something to look forward to!

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