A/N: Really sorry for the late update, I've been busy lately. Thanks for all the favs and alerts so far. I'm not satisfied with this chapter, but please do tell me what you think :)

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Rationalization

"Why did you save me?" Smoker asked, pointing his weapon at Zoro.

The swordsman glared at the Marine officer. He really planned on just letting him drown, but to Zoro's self-annoyance, he actually let the man live. To save an enemy completely went against Zoro's nature since no good would come out of it, especially when they were on opposing sides but…

Slowly, the gears in Zoro's head began to revolve. Within a split-second, he deduced that people like Smoker wouldn't be able to understand why Zoro would save them if he just said a name. Beyond the crew who understood Zoro, outsiders would simply just question his reasoning.

He couldn't just say, Because Luffy said you can't swim.

Because Luffy said you would die. . .

Not to mention Zoro couldn't just say, Because Luffy asked me to – no! It wouldn't make sense. Under the circumstances, Zoro felt it was too personal using the name that could sway him. Besides, a tough looking pirate like him following the orders of a child? There must be an extraordinary reason why, people would think, and that just wasn't something Zoro was willing to let the world know just yet.

So, Zoro did what he thought would be logical in this situation.

Facing Smoker, Zoro smacked his weapon aside with his own sword. "I was only following "Captain's Orders"…You don't have to thank me," Zoro answered gruffly. And this was true. Zoro didn't need thanks.

Smoker frowned at Zoro as he stopped grinding down his cigar. The marine was expecting some other motive, but he accepted the reply without question. The answer was reasonable enough. If a fierce looking warrior like Zoro himself could call a man-child a "captain," then the boy must truly have the trust and respect of his crewmates. Smoker almost laughed. Despite pirates being mostly scum, Smoker was reminded yet again that even pirates can be loyal too.

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"Sometimes, the rationality of one is the irrationality of another."