Wanted to show how much these two matured and their private getting back to together. Has vague references to Luffy and Ace, Zoro and Mihawk and then the not so vague reference to the reunion. Has anyone noticed Zoro and Luffy now have scars on approximately the same places? But got them in the opposite order?
The first time Luffy and Zoro were scarred, they were young and foolish and thinking of just themselves.
Luffy wanted to prove that he wasn't a mere child and that he was brave. Thus in the moment of innocent(childish) determination, he brought the knife to his eye.
Zoro wanted to become the world's greatest swordsman, but he could recognize a battle he couldn't win and Zoro always knew he'd rather die than run. Thus with noble(arrogant) pride, Zoro sheathed his sword and raised his arms in surrender.
The second time they were scarred was different.
Because when Luffy declared war against the world, he knew he could never come out of it unscathed but he still didn't care because the name burnt into his soul wasn't his own(it belonged to someone greater, someone who shone brighter than Luffy could ever hope to, someone who was now gone).
Because Zoro knew exactly who he was bowing his head to and that the price would be far higher than his pride yet he still didn't care because the name of the reason wasn't to become the greatest swordsman in the world(it was for someone greater, someone who shone brighter than Zoro could ever hope to, someone who was now alone).
So when the excitment of the renunion dies down and the crew members begin to discuss their way to the hidden island in the sea, Luffy and Zoro find each other. And the two get the chance to really look at each other and their gazes flicker; Luffy's to a closed eye and Zoro's to a star burst chest.
Two years ago, they might have not understood and they might have been angry beyond reason and they might have bated for blood. Two years later though, they have learned that sometimes love can be selfless, sometimes pain, sometimes scars but one thing it can never be is regret. And they have both grown strong enough to accept that.
Therefore, a glance to the scar and the eye that will never see light again and there is a supernova of blazing fury that can be fast and furious in its path but Luffy takes a deep breath instead.
In turn, the slightest twitch in Zoro's remaining eye is the only hint of the icy rage, crystal clear and sharpened like the edge of his fine blade. Carefully, with a blink, it is folded and pushed away into the deeper depths of the steel gaze.
The rest of the world is tuned out while the captain and first mate relearn to let their guards down to each other. Privacy and isolation has been their defense too long; they are cautious to breach their final protection. Nonetheless, the scars etched into their skin burns and reminds them(it was for the ones that are worth everything, don't ever screw up again).
So Luffy closes his eyes and silently explains the dark agony and echoing shadows. Zoro listens to the loneliness and nightmares and the raw misery and apology and fierce promises are plain in his face.
(Alwaysalwaysalways)
Slowly, something horribly stiff about Luffy relaxes and something painfully cold about Zoro warms. The air around them that was careful, isolating, battle-worn wary melts away as they recognize the same boundless, same eternal, same unconditional.
Finally, Luffy grins and Zoro snorts.
It is two scars later but they are still them.
(Alwaysalwaysalways)