Bravery 4: Protecting Her Captain

by Rebelleader1011

I accidently lied, again, about Bravery 3 being the last in the series. This happens a few months after Rose returns from her coma, when she is once again sent back to the One Piece world, where the Strawhat pirates once again need her help to save their captain, and Rose will not back down without a fight to protect her captain.

27. Zoro: Bravery 3

Hey Yall, I'm back. Sorry for the huge wait. I have been super busy. Thanks everyone for reading the Bravery series, and following me all the way here. You all are awesome people.

Also, this is not the complete thing. This is only Zoro's thoughts on Bravery 3 because one it would have been super long, and two it would have taken me forever. So enjoy this part while waiting for the other part(s)

We continued on our adventures, and it took everything Dressrosa could throw at us to dull the pain that Rose accidentally left with us. The fight really distracted us from the hole she left, and I had no choice but to focus on the executives.

It ended the exact opposite from last time. Turns out Rose's prediction came true. We did beat the tar out of Doflamingo, restoring Dressrosa to its former glory and reinstating King Riku. After a celebration, we went on our way with Law, heading toward toward Zo to meet up with his crew and ours. We were just about to head to take care of Kaido, when we recieived word of Jinbe getting captured by the marines.

Luffy wasted no time to belt out the orders to change the heading toward Impel Down, and I didn't blame him in the slightest. Jinbe was a trusted nakama, one who we owed a lot too. No way in hell we would leave him to be executed. A small part at the back of my mind vaguely asked if Rose would come if we needed her, but I brushed it aside. The more I dwell on her, the more it hurts. I have to focus on conquering the infamous world prison.

We were almost there. I was lifting weights, a lighter load today, thinking about the possible enemies I could be facing soon. Were there any swordsmen? Anyone worthy of my skills? Luffy had told us virtually nothing of the prison, and I was curious as to what this place could be like. I was absorbed into my own thoughts, only broken by Usopp shouting.

"Guys, Rose is back. She's back."

I freeze, my weight halting halfway. Did my ears decieve me? Rose was back? Desperate, I sent out my haki. No, it wasn't a lie. I could feel her presence, her warmth, hear her rhythm disrupting our world.

I hide my excitement as I calmly replace the dumbell and allow myself a calm smile as I descend to the deck below. Apparently, I was the only one that was able to hide my excitement. Stupid ero-cook is acting a fool, like normal, and the archeologist and debt witch are beside themselves.

Luffy pulled her aboard, and I was vaguely reminded of how we met all those months ago, how I didn't trust her, how she was a stranger. How much has changed.

She looked a little older, a little more mature, but that grin and those firey eyes have not changed in the slightest. It is Rose.

She hugs everyone, and when she comes to me and squeezed me fondly I can't help but stiffen. Why? Why on earth was she drawn to me, the demon I was? Even knowing that I wasn't a touchy feely person, she didn't hesitate to laugh as she hugged me. Nevertheless, it didn't exactly feel bad. So I hug her back, just as fondly. I had missed her after all.

She pulls back and asks us how we are. As usual, she isn't stupid enough to think she is here for no reason. We update her on our previous victory, and I notice, no surprise crosses her face. Total and absolute belief in our ability to beat Doflamingo.

We were about to update her on our current situation, and the reason why she was here, but before that.

"Rose, are you here to stay?"

Because this affects our plans, and I want her to stay so badly. I hate seeing her come and go so quickly when she most definitely belongs here. I have to know.

I see her sigh and the disappointment that crosses her face is answer enough. I growl inwardly.

"No, three days."

God damn it. I hate this force with a passion. Rose brushes off the disappointment with a laugh and a subject change, but I don't miss it. She wants to stay as much as we want her to. That's old news though.

Then we tell her about Jinbe, and I am slightly surprised to see she looks like she knows the knight of the seas. Interesting.

Now that she knows what she is dealing with, it is time for another question, another test. I focus my gaze on her, hoping I wouldn't have to use words. Surprisingly, she turns toward me, her face open and inquiring. I didn't expect her to be so intune she would immediately feel my eye on her. I ask.

Are you ready for this?

This is Impel Down, not just a simple fight. Would she rise to the occasion and fight with us, or would she back out because she thinks that she is not strong enough to be one of us? What will you do Rose?

I don't need her words as answer; the grin that held excitment and determination is answer enough. Of course Rose rises to the challenge. That is how she is.

We explained about Impel Down, and how soon we are arriving, and Rose immediately starts thinking up plans to get inside and get to Jinbe. Another thing, Rose takes things in stride. She doesn't even freak out that her time is limited. Instead, she just works a little faster.

Her plan is similiar to what we have in mind, only different, and has a flaw, which is strange because Rose usually figures out all of the flaws and fixes them. Stupid Pirate A is the one to point it out.

"Wait, how are we supposed to know our way through Impel Down when Luffy was supposed to be our guide? We don't even know where Jinbe will be."

Rose's answer surprises everyone, even me slightly, but I don't show it. Rose has shown knowledge before that we had not known. Now how she knows that information is unknown, and it pokes at my curiousity.

How she answers our questions only confuses us more, especially when Luffy denies the claim that Rose was ever in Impel Down with him. What was going on? Why was Rose so mysterious?

It did explain a lot. We had no idea where Rose went when she wasn't with us, and it did explain her extent of her knowledge of us. Rose points to me.

"I know what Wado Ichimonji means to you, and I know the promise you made her."

I stiffen. What? She knew that? t didn't take much to realize she was talking about Kuina. No one knows about that, no one on the crew anyway. I felt exposed. That was private; no one was supposed to know about that. I see her wince. She knows that it is a touchy subject with me.

I sit there, not really listening to the rest of the things she lists. Is it a good or a bad thing she knows all about us? Was that even a question? It explained why she fit in so well with us. Knowing our pasts and how we acted and thought allowed her to fit in like glue. Not to mention the reason she knew how we were like and what we were capable of helped her give us battle plans, and other information on the World Nobles and even Z helped us beat our enemies.

She looks a little upset. Why? Because she feels bad about knowing about us? That we would reject her because of that? I turn away, thinking.

"So you know all about Impel Down?"

Rose answers quickly.

"Yes, I know what Luffy does at least."

Then why is she upset about knowing that? I don't have to be a strategic person to know that knowledge about a stronghold that we are busting into is an advantage.

"Then your knowledge will help us, won't it?"

Ah, there that smile. She's stupid to think we won't be her nakama just because she knows some private information about us. She smiles and tells us to get ready. Everyone disperses, except me. I have to make sure.

She stands by the rail, her brown eyes focused on the prison in the distance. I place a hand on her shoulder, and the girl doesn't even flinch.

"Hey Zoro."

"You sure you are ready?"

I have to be sure. I remember her kindness to the slaves, and surely this will be hard on her, considering how she cares about others.

"I am going to get Jinbe out. We don't abandon nakama."

Rose doesn't even realize that she is starting to sound more and more like a strawhat. She has no doubts, but I have mine. I know she is strong, and I know she won't fall, but there apparently are monsters in there that even Luffy couldn't handle.

"I will protect you with all of my swords Rose."

I don't want to see that smile fade into a look of pain, I don't want to see that bravery daunted, and I definitely don't want to see this girl hurt. She turns around and I wonder what she could possible say to me. Her eyes gleam with determination.

"I will protect you with everything I have."

Now that's something different. I have never heard of someone trying to protect me before. I had never needed it, and from a girl no less. The thought makes me want to laugh.

Then again, it draws attention to why I like Rose so much, so much more then other girls. Most others, knowing they were weak and helpless, would do nothing to change the fact. They would be content to sit back and watch a man work to protect her. Rose is different. She seeks to better herself, for her not to be a burden. She wants to pull her own weight, and not rely on me for anything.

I grin, clap her on the back, and go off to polish my swords. I have to be ready after all.

It was not soon after when I hear Usopp yelling it was time. I sheathe my swords and sigh, standing. I won't get my nap in today. Oh well.

We stand, facing Impel Down. The jailors all freak out. Apparently they weren't exactly expecting us to just sail up to the door. Luffy goes on ahead, leaving us to be the clean up crew. I don't particularly care, and I sneak a glance at Rose to see if she was deterred or not.

Nope, she is smiling and almost skipping along. She is more then ready.

We walk into Impel Down. I didn't know what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect this.

I could tell when I walked in how horrible of a place this really was. My haki sensed so many disrupted rhythms it gave me a headache. My other senses were reeling too, smell and sounds that made chills run up and down my spine.

"You expect the world's worst prison to smell like sunshine and rainbows?"

Rose sounds cold, distant almost. Her smile is gone, and I don't need my haki to know what she is feeling. Anger, disgust, they were the same emotions I was feeling.

Suddenly a scream permeated the air that was thick with pain. I unconsciously grabbed my sword hilts, ready to deal with the threat.

"What was that?"

Rose sighs, and I could see the pain evident in the way her shoulders tense up.

"This prison specializes in torture. They actually named the floors different levels of hell because of the horrific things they do to them on each floors."

Man, the world government is more screwed up then I thought. I'm also thanking everything we have Rose telling us what is ahead so we can deal with it.

When Rose asks if we want to do it the hard way, she looks at me, like I'm the one in charge. I suppose the easiest way would be the hard way. They would be expecting the lift and stairs, and to stay ahead of these bozos, we got to do the unexpected, the strawhat specialty. I grin, and Rose grins back. She knew better then to ask such a stupid question.

We continue through the floor, Rose ahead. Her posture is more stiff then usual. Why? She's probably worrying. She's good at that, worrying about things that could go wrong. Ero-cook murmurs dreamily.

"Isn't Rose-swan just the greatest?"

I growl back.

"Will you stop acting a fool, pervert?"

The cook turned slowly, and I don't miss the heat in his eyes.

"What was that cyclops?"

I turn back front.

"You heard me, Pirate A."

Suddenly I felt a feminine hand smack the back of my head. I whirl around on Nami, who dusted off her hands.

"Both of you stop acting like bakas."

I snort, eyes front again, only something is changed. Rose looks slightly more relaxed. I wonder if we calmed her down a little.

Then she turns the corner and she stiffens, reaching for the quarterstaff that Nami had given her.

"Guys."

I was by her side before she even said it and faced...whatever the heck those things were. They were obviously enemies though, so we take care of them, no trouble at all. That done, we move on.

I hear the prisoners call out to us, and they sound really persuasive, to anyone else. I just remember what scumbags 'real' pirates really were and that was the best thing I could do to plug my ears.

Rose was having problems though. I felt her tense, even though she wasn't physically touching me. It was no wonder; she was more kind hearted then I could ever be, and she would play the devil's advocate to almost anyone. I elbow her and she looks up at me. I shake my head. She can't help them, not that she would want to.

She sighs and nods. She knows.

We reach a hole in the floor, which is strange. I stare down into it as Rose explains what it is. I snort. First hell looks pretty stupid. It's just red.

"I don't see what is so special about it. It's just a bunch of trees and grass."

Rose shook a finger at me. Spikes? Really? For a person used to being stabbed with pointy objects, that's nothing. Besides, I almost cut off my feet once. Spikes are no problems. Everyone sure is complaining about it.

Come on, let's go.

"You all have to be realistic. Luffy can only distract for so long."

Sanji rushed to defend Nami-swan, but I was already moving on.

"So, how did Luffy get to the second level?"

When Rose chuckled, and said Buggy helped him. I had to do a doubletake. Buggy? The clown that wanted to destroy Luffy with every fiber of his being and almost executed him, helped him out? When she explained it was for a treasure map, that made a little more sense.

Luffy comes running up and I almost panic. It wouldn't be the first time Luffy led people chasing us right to us. I readied myself for a fight, but suprisingly no one chased his heels. Rose asks, and already figured out how to change her plan. She...adapts so quickly to situations.

"Well what are we waiting for?"

Luffy and Franky jump first, because they could walk on the spikes. I would, if Rose didn't tell me not to.

I glance at her, and find her eyes on me. Did she need something? Oh, she needs some help. Understandable. I could see how jumping into a hole filled with spikes could be little scary. I walk up behind her as Robin, Brook, and Luffy jump. I don't miss how she steps back away from the edge, towards me. Was she that afraid of it, or was she that comforted by me? Maybe both.

"Ready?"

"Do it when I least expect it."

I was about to grab her and jump over the edge with her. That was probably the safest way to get her to either Luffy or Franky. I should probably ask permission though, just in case.

"You want me to go with you?"

As soon as it comes out of my mouth, I feel stupid for asking. Rose is braver then that. Sure enough, she replies.

"They need help too."

I look around. Nami, Chopper, and Usopp, the three chickens of the group, are not budging. Rose was thinking of her nakama, even through her fear. I smile.

"Ok, if you are-"

I shove her and she tenses as she falls into the hole.

"Sure."

I smirk and watch her fall. She doesn't emit a single sound as she fell. I made sure Luffy had caught her before turning back to the other charges that Rose had left me with. I didn't give them the privelage of choice. I just shoved them. They fell screaming. I leapt after them before Sanji could murder me.

He leapt after me shouting angrily. I didn't listen and calmly landed on Franky's shoulder, sitting without a care in the world. I was grateful for Franky for saving my behind.

I glanced at Rose. She smiled at me. I made sure she wasn't hurt, before closing my eye. This was almost too easy.

We reached the hole to the second floor. A floor of mythical beasts huh? This should be interesting at least. It wasn't exactly unpredicatble of Luffy to grab us all and fling us into the abyss. So I just let it happen. Might as well.

We landed on the floor and almost immediately got chased by...something. Rose said it was a baslisk. I was about to take care of it, when Ero-cook stepped up and did it. Oh well, it needed to be done, and rather him then me.

Rose mentions demon guards, and my interest is piqued. They sound strong, and strong means better. Finally, another demon like me.

We ran into a hippo. I almost laughed, until I saw Luffy and Rose. They were both looking at the thing like it was a serious threat. They had been here before, so I was going to trust thier judgement on this one. I knew I made the right choice when the hippo almst took Nami's head off.

I wanted to fight some of the beasts here, but it was more important that we ran. Until we ran into a corner. I was ready to fight the manticores and the scorpians, when I hear Rose say my name.

"Zoro, Luffy, aim for the floor."

I glance at curlybrow, who is stomping down at the floor as hard as he can. Oh right, we are heading to the floor below us. This would be the quickest way. As usual, Rose thinks on her feet. I start slashing desperately at the floor. Come on, give way.

Then we are through, and I see the countless enemies below us. This ought to be interesting. Good thing I have my swords out.

I glance over at Rose. She is looking a little panicked as she grips her staff. I glance down and see her concern, namely the tridents trying to spear us. I have to protect her, no matter what. It was a simple act to slash the trident heads off.

I landed, ready to face the enemies and within two seconds felt something small and lithe press against my back. Not Luffy. I smile as I whisper.

"Hi Rose."

I remembered how we had fought together with the world nobles, but I had only experienced a taste of what Rose could do. Now that I think about it, I had never truly seen Rose fight. I had sensed her, heard her laughter, but never seen with my own eye. This could be interesting.

"Let's go Zoro."

Yes, by all means. I start slower then normal. I want to test her.

My eye was drawn to her, how she moved, how she grinned. I kept slashing my swords higher then normal, about head length, while she crouched, moving as easily as if it were walking. She would always fill the gap in my back with ease, no wait, not my back. My left side too. She was covering my blind spot.

I dominated with the power behind my slashes, but she focused more on speed, jabbing lightly, but faster. Interesting. We continued, her fighting, me fighting while watching her move. How could she say that she wasn't strong, that she wasn't good at fighting? She was amazing.

I wanted to test her. I slowly picked up the speed, seeing if I could pull her with me. She responded in kind, not only matching but surpassing my pace insanely. So much for starting out gradual. I shrugged mentally and leapt head long into my task, pushing until I felt Rose hesitate. So this was her limit, a high limit for a self proclaimed weakling. However, I will stay this pace for awhile, keeping her in reach.

I was fighting when a gaurd threw a trident at me. I was about to dodge, when I remembered. Rose was directly behind me. She would get seriously wounded if I moved. It was too late to parry it; it was too close. Growling inwardly, I snapped my arm up, letting the trident stab me.

It wasn't bad, just a flesh wound that went about two inches into my arm. I tensed at the second of pain and allowed one wince. I opened my eye to see Rose staring at me for a second before turning toward the gaurd, clobbering so hard her stick snaps in half. Her anger is overpowering in my haki, almost tangible. I take a deep breath to clear my head and she is by my side.

"Zoro, are you ok? I'm sorry I didn't mean for you to get hurt."

What is she talking about? I was protecting her. It wasn't her job to protect me. I recollected myself and reassured her. Another stupid gaurd is trying to come up and stab her. Didn't they learn from last time it won't work? I snapped my arm up, no longer feeling pain and parry the weapon.

"See?"

Rose frowns, the opposite reaction I wanted. Did she not believe me? She turned back to the fight.

"I will work harder."

I was confused. What did she mean?

"Why?"

The determination in her stance was as potent as her anger.

"I am tired of being weak Zoro. I will become strong."

Is that what she is worried so much about? She still doesn't see her true strength, her potential. I smirk.

"Rose, you don't need to. You are already strong."

It is true. I knew she would have done the same thing if our roles are switched, and I would have probably reacted the same. Rose has done so much for us though, I need to repay the debt.

We took care of the rest of the jailers pretty quickly. I stood off to the side, checking my swords and injuries. Besides the one in my arm, I am uninjured.

"Chopper, Zoro is hurt."

I tense, glancing over at Chopper and Rose. I step back slightly. Why can't they leave me alone? It's not like any bandages he puts on me is not going to fall of a we start fighting again. The blood will clot and I will be fine.

"Zoro fix your wounds. You need that arm in prime condition if you want to fight in the lower levels."

I stared at her with my most intimidating stare, hoping she would back down. She did the exact opposite of what I wanted, straightening, and meeting my stare with one of her own. Oops, I forgot this was Rose. She must still feel bad about me getting injured for me. So to put her mind to rest, I suppose I could be lax just this once.

Curly brow just had to put a jibe in and it only infuriates me because it might be right. Rose was changing me, whether it was for the better or worse, I am not sure, but with her, it couldn't be worse. Nevertheless I will pay him back later.

When Rose explains what this floor is, I can't help but feel another rush of anger. This place gets more messed up all the time, but I can understand. Starving is a pretty common and effective torture method.

Rose starts to explain about the next floor, and once again mentions the mysterious Magellan guy. Who was he that caused Rose such caution? She only showed caution like this to strong enemies, like Z.

Oh this guy sounds like he is strong. I can't wait to fight him. I got more then what I bargained for, Rose telling us what happened to Luffy when he came here to rescue Ace. I only felt worry, and pride in my captain. Of course he could survive such a perilous situation where everyone expected him to die.

When we reach the entrance to level four, I know Rose can't make that jump. It's simple fact, nothing to stunt her strength. Besides, if she is going to make me do something, I am definitely going to make her do something she doesn't want to do.

I grab her under my arm and almost fall over backwards. She is so light, way less then Robin and Nami. Man, I could carry her all day.

I was distracted by the fact when Rose started protesting. Instead of pushing the point, Rose just resigns herself to the fact and sticks her tongue out at me. I chuckle. What is wrong with me? I am in the middle of a prison trying to kill us, and this girl still manages to get me to laugh.

It was a simple hop to jump up to the entrance and I felt the heat rise up from the floor below us. I glanced down. Rose was right; if I was imagining real hell, this would probably be what it looked like.

I set Rose down, and don't miss how she cringes at the hotness of it. She has barefeet, while the rest of us have at least some sort of shoe on. Is she nuts? She's going to burn her feet off! Although, what was I to talk? She just brushes our concerns off like flies, as usual.

The girls start stripping and I am perfectly casual with it. Pirate A however has a nosebleed. The baka, why can't he control himself for two god damn seconds.

The Ero-cook is a slave to women everywhere, one look and he dissolves into a pitiful quivering mess. Pathetic. Me however, I don't allow any woman to control me like that. I refuse for that to happen. I will not be that weak.

I was all right, until I hear the sounds behind me.

"Come on guys stop staring."

"No need to feel embarrased Rose."

"Rose-swan is so cute!"

I turn slowly to see Rose in a bathing suit, a bikini to be more exact. This is the first time I have ever seen anything besides comfortable girl clothes, t shirt short type deal, nothing this revealing. I don't miss how it is one of the most modest things Nami ever bought, covering up a lot of skin where most other bikinis didn't.

I let my eye rove over her body for a second. Without the barrier of clothes, it was easy to see muscles, and how thin she was. I could count her ribs, but it wasn't a bad sort of malnourishment. It was a healthy skinny. I could see how the muscles when she moved rippled in her back, arms, and legs. She even had ab muscles, not chiseled defined, but enough to see them. She was stronger then I thought, which was strong to begin with.

The second thing I noticed was her face quickly turning red. I know how modest she is, and this is obviously out of her comfort zone. Thre fact that she was willing to push her own boundries to ensure this mission's success spoke volumes. Going out of her comfort zone to save a nakama. If that wasn't brave, and very straw hat like, I don't know what is.

We leap head first into the pit of hell, literally. My mind instantly leaves everyone else as I see a big cow looking thing. That must be the minotaurus that Rose spoke of. What a pleasure to mee the demon gaurd in person. I can't wait to cut him up.

I start fighting him, and he is tough, that huge club no joke. I kept trying to slash, but he would only sweep my swords away like toys. Damn, this is going to be hard.

About halfway through, I take a slight break because I had knocked him down for a little bit. I glance around to check on everyone else. They were doing fine. I check up on Rose and freeze. Was she...?

Yep, no mistaking it. Rose was using a gun.

It was wierd, unnerving even. I didn't know she was a sharpshooter, but it was easy to see she was. Not only that, but it was obvious she had dealt with guns before. The way she held the weapon was with a practiced hand, not that of one who just stole it and was trying to figure out how to use it. Interesting. You learn something new everyday.

I have to turn back to my fight, but I keep a small sliver of my haki on her. This guy was hard, but beatable without a lot of effort. This is little more than a training exercise. I want to see how she does with her newly aquired weapon.

This is training for her too it seemed as she refamiliarated herself with the rifle. I see her cock, aim, and fire in succession, each time faster then the one before. She is trying to quicken her speed, and her accuracy. I see her accuracy improve, each time getting more and more specific.

Then she ran out of ammo and quickly laid the gun on the ground, leaving it as she resorted back to hand to hand. She was with Usopp and Nami so I am going to assume she would be all right. Now I can concentrate back on my own battle.

Still a few minutes later, I checked up on her and was once again pleasantly surprised. This time she had stolen a trident and was using it against the horde.

Hand to hand, a gun, and now a trident? This didn't make any sense. Usually a person focused on one weapon, like me and swords, Luffy with hand to hand, and Usopp with sniping. Rose is taking all weapons given to her and incorporating them into her fighting style, which is something I had never seen before.

I would have to ponder this later, because I feel a rush of protectiveness from Rose. Oh, Nami is hurt. I have to hurry up and defeat this oversize hamburger to go help.

As I increase my attacks and ferocity, I feel Usopp fall too. Rose is trying to be noble and protect both of them. I have to hurry.

She is doing well considering they are being cowards and trying to take care of her with several enemies at a time. I lock my swords with the minotaurus. Rose, just last a few more seconds.

I feel her trip, see her splayed on the ground as the enemies rush at her. No Rose, two more seconds. I effectively cut the minotaurus and turn toward her, seeing with my own eye instead of with haki how she tries in vain to protect herself. My legs and hands tense instinctively, ready to leap and protect.

However, I didn't need to. Luffy interfered at exactly the right time, before I almot leapt. I relaxed considerably and immediately play off the fact, pretending I wasn't about to jump to Rose's aid. Stupid curly brow would never let me live that one down.

I was beside her in an instant, assesing her in my eye. The smile, and the relaxed posture told me she was fine and I relaxed. Good, nothing too serious.

She starts bandaging Nami and Usopp before she moves on, not considering any of her own injuries treat worthy. Amazing how she can fill in for Chopper when we need her too, and that she looks after her nakama first. Why does she have to leave?

We start walking down to level five, which also sounds interesting. If anyone said something couldn't happen until hell froze over, they better eat their words. I almost have to admire the people who came up with this prison, These are really effective ways to torture people.

We were walking, and I wasn't really paying attention until I heard Rose talking.

"Yeah I am sure. Any injuries I get only makes me stronger so I don't mind."

She is actively seeking to become stronger, using injuries as a means to do so. That sounds familiar. My thoughts are followed up by Robin.

"You sound like Zoro."

"Is that a good or a bad thing?"

I turn, raising an eyebrow. I wasn't really mad at her, because I heard the teasing undertone, and the playful grin that adorned her face was so much like Luffy's was evidence that she was indeed teasing.

"It's a good thing Zoro don't worry."

She is still joking and laughing here, even after the hard battle we just had. Her positive energy goes on for days.

Pirate A ruins the moment by being his stupid self, and once again Rose intervenes by ordering Sanji, not me, to stop. She can still wrap him around her little finger with ease, which is a terrifying power. I don't miss her chuckle as I grimace at his weakness.

We find the coat closet and I grab a warm coat. It reminds me of the time at Drum, when those soldiers were nice enough to let me borrow their coat. Also known as I stole them. They were thick and warm, which will be nice in the colder climates.

I feel a prickle of unease from Rose and I glance at her. She is putting on her own coat and is not showing any misgivings, but I could tell she didn't want to do something. I don't know what, but her eyes are clear. Whatever it is, she is not going to let it get in her way.

We walk into level five, and it really is like Drum here. Except for the giant pack of wolves waiting for us.

I jump forward, ready to deal with the threat. I manage to defeat three or four when Chopper interferes. I am glad the little doctor is recovered, and that he stops a pointless fight. Man it is cold down here, colder then Drum maybe. Its freezing.

We were ready to go on to the okama level, take that ero-cook. That's what he gets for insulting me back at the third level. When Chopper shouts Rose's name, I am ready to deal with another threat, but I don't sense one. Rose is also ready to attack something but is confused.

"What? What is it?"

Chopper points to her feet and I look down to see Rose's feet, that are still bare. Oh my gosh, I forgot she had barefeet. She was running around in the snow barefoot? I can't exactly complain, I went swimming with no clothes on. Still though. Was this that misgiving she had back in that closet? I kick myself mentally for not noticing and trying to save her from herself.

She smiles, and just starts running after Luffy. I notice how jerky her movements are compared to her normal pace and running. She isn't going to make it at this rate.

I am conflicted, because on one hand I know she is fine and strong, but on the other I want to protect her and think her as weak. I don't know how to treat her. Why can't she just be like normal girls? No, that's what I like about her. I can't ask for that to leave.

I make a desicion, rushing forward and sweeping her off her feet. I placed her on my back, piggyback syle, once again marvelling at her weight. She is unhappy that I carry her and pushes through my excuse like it was just air. She doesn't buy it, but she also doesn't understand that I want to protect her.

Not only that, but this is Rose's feet we are talking about. My art is swordsmanship, and I have to protect my hands. Rose's is running, so feet are important to her. If she doesn't have her feet, she can no longer do her art.

We reach Newkama land as Rose says, with Rose's feet still intact. She asked.

"Zoro, put me down."

I just shake my head. Nope, I am carrying her until we can get Chopper to look at her. She is stubborn, but then again, what woman isn't.

When Bon Kurei leaps out of the tunnel, I am a little surprised, and feel out of the loop. He and Luffy are talking about things I am not sure of, maybe back from the time of Luffy's own mission through Impel Down. Rose manages to surprise me by leaping out of my arms. I try to catch her as she almost falls, but stands tall again, no longer shivering and frostbitten. I deemed her fine, and let her have her freedom.

When they led us into the room, I almost laugh as I see the cook cringe horribly. I just had all eyes for the booze and food though and when Bon Kurei offers the refreashments I basically dive at them. Alcohol and food are imperative to healing up injuries and regaining energy.

I keep an eye on the rest of my crew, just in case. It's not like I don't trust our guests, but still. Better safe then sorry.

After a few drinks and plates of food, I am yawning. Fighting and running sure does wear a person out. However, I kept the drinks just enough to give me a low buzz, not to incapcitate me. I have to be ready to move when Luffy gives the word. I am assuming he would want to leave and grab Jinbe and soon as possible. However, when I see Rose dragging a sleeping Luffy toward a room, I figured out we were staying the night.

An okama led me to a room to myself. Well these are great accomodations. I leaned my swords up against the wall within arm's reach, and promptly fell asleep on the bed.

I woke up feeling comfortable, and ready to face Impel Down.

I walk out into the party area of last night to discover I was one of the first ones up. I just sit at a table with ten chairs, designating it the Straw-hat table, and wait. Ero cook is next, going into the kitchen as a cook, and started preparing breakfast. l filled a cup with rum and sip it, allowing the alcohol to wake me up.

The girls are next, Robin and Nami, along with Chopper. Usopp, Franky, and Brook come next, and Luffy comes in last. We all sit and start to eat when Usopp asks.

"Where is Rose?"

Nami shrugged.

"Probably still sleeping."

Luffy leapt up with a grin.

"I will go get her."

He skips off only to return a few minutes later with a bleary eyed Rose in tow. This was not the girl full of energy I saw yesterday. I guess Rose is not a morning person. She sits next to me and almost immediately tries to go back to sleep. I had to fight back a chuckle. Then I hear her mutter.

"I need a drink."

I offer her my own cup, full of rum, thinking that's what she meant. She looks like she could need a little pick me up, but she refuses.

"Why can't you drink alcohol?"

Slowly I see coherent thought start to wake up that spark in her eyes.

"I'm too young."

Too young? What the heck was she comparing it to? Her world is really strange. They can't drink until they are twenty one? She isn't even in her world.

"You aren't in your world."

She can break the rules if she isn't in her world right? She just shrugs.

"Tell you what Zoro, when we all get out of here and have a celebration on the ship, I will drink with you then."

I retract my tankard with a grin. Sounds like a deal. Within a few moments of drinking some hot tea, Rose is back to her normal self, talking and laughing. She also starts strategizing almost instantly. She trusts the job of getting Jinbe to me and Robin, with perfect reasoning.

After breakfast, we start toward level six. I am ready, and my swords are too. Kitetsu is humming dangerously, the voices thirsting for blood. I am excited to say the least.

We start through level five on our way to level six. We start out slow but Luffy is the one that starts pushing the pace until we are sprinting through the snow. I don't mind. I want to get through to level six as quickly as possible anyway.

"They know we are here."

I draw my swords, something I should have done awhile ago.

"Let them come."

They aren't that strong anyway. I could take them by myself if I needed to. We reached the bottom of the stairs and I couldn't wait to cut these guys. They just looked cutable I guess. This huge giant like guy that looked like he was sweating purple slime yelled at Luffy, and Luffy attacked him, screaming Magellan. Oh, that's Magellan? I could see why how he could be a problem. He has that dangerous aura about him.

I kind of wanted to watch, but Rose reminded me what my mission was. Right, go rescue Jinbe. I decide to leave these assholes in my crew's capable hands. I clear a path for Robin to follow me, and I sense her arms spreading out in all directions. It means more work to protect all of them, but the faster we find the Knight of the sea, the faster we get out of here, and less injuries everyone has. We have to make this quick.

After we break clear of the main group, not many follow us. The crew is effectively distracting everyone from us. While Robin uses her eyes, I use my observation haki, trying to pinpoint Jinbe's presence. It is difficult, due to the large amount of people in this floor, this prison in general, but I somehow managed to turn us in the right direction, for once.

"Found him."

Robin retracted her arm with a shower of petals, already running in the direction. I follow close behind, glancing behind us once in awhile to make sure we were not being followed.

"Jinbe."

I glance forward again to see the fishman sitting calmly in his cage. Robin rushes to the bars, kneeling down next to Jinbe.

"Hey."

Jinbe opens his eyes and looks at us. To say he was surprised would be an understatement.

"Robin-chan, Zoro-kun, what are you doing here?"

I ready my swords. This is why I came.

"Busting you out."

I answer truthfully. With a few quick slashes, the bars are destroyed. A similiar swipe shreds the chains holding him to the wall. Jinbe rubs his wrists, a small smile in place.

"Luffy-kun didn't have to do this for me."

Robin smiled calmly at him.

"You are nakama. Of course we would rescue you."

I finger my hilts anxiously. We should really be getting back.

"Sorry to bust up this mood, but let's get back to the others."

Jinbe and Robin both nodded and I took off, back to the source of fighting I felt with my haki.

We arrived within a minute, and I jump into the battle, my swords whirring as I slashed enemy after enemy. I heard Rose's joyful shout about Jinbe being back and hold back a smile. She gets excited over the smallest of things.

I was fighting, my swords cutting these losers so easily. They were barely worth my swords, but I had to defeat as many as possible. I was fighting normally when I felt a malevolent presence with my haki. What could that be? As soon as I felt it, it was replaced by the opposite presence of Rose.

I turn to look at her with a smile. Maybe she is coming to help me fight again.

"What Rose?"

Her face holds that fierce protectiveness that I admire so deeply, but right now, it makes me tense. There must be threat if she feels protective. Before I could discern it, she shoves me backwards as something like purple gas falls on her. She grabs her mouth with her hands, but her eyes are clear. It doesn't take much imagination to figure that thing was the threat.

No! I was supposed to protect her. What the heck is she doing? I rush forward to try to pull her out of that thing, but she shakes her head. She obviously doesn't want me to save her, probably for me not to caught, but there has to be something I can do. Come on, anything.

As usual, even though this thing could kill her, her eyes are calm and she coolly directs Luffy to take care of Magellan. Oh, so this thing is poison. No wonder it looks like she is trying not to breathe.

I pace the outside of the thing, watching her carefully. My being aches to protect her, but I can't. I should have been more careful.

Why? Why do I feel so strongly about this particular girl? If it was Nami, or Usopp, or even Luffy I wouldn't feel this much panic. I don't understand. I know she is nakama, but even my own nakama, I don't protect them as strongly as this. I don't understand.

I guess because it is Rose.

Finally, after what felt like years, Luffy finally defeated Magellen. I was one of the first to rush forward to Rose. She smiled, but I can see past her smile. She looks...panicked? No panicked isn't the right word. Concerned is the more appropriate one here.

But before I can discern what the problem was exactly, she was back up and running again. She went to go find Brook, and as much as I wanted to follow her, I turned and followed Luffy, fighting all the way to the lift. We made it, and I kept my one eye peeled sharply out for Rose and Brook.

There they are sprinting toward the lift as the gate starts to clang shut. I pray they make it. No, I see that protectiveness in Rose again, in her running. I sense with my haki what will happen before it does, but I could do nothing to stop it.

Rose shoves Brook through the gap but stands still as the bars close. Why? Why did she do that? I draw my swords, ready to break the bars that dare seperate us from one of our own. I can't, we can't, and she can't expect us to leave her here. But her eyes and tone leave no room for argument.

"No Zoro, don't you dare."

I freeze, relaxing my stance, despite the anxioiusness that wanted to coil me up like a spring.

She gives valid reasons. In fact, if it was anyone else, she might have persuaded us, but it was just like she said, we are Strawhats, and we don't abandon nakama. When we didn't move to leave, Rose flicks the lever herself.

As we start to move, I see Rose collapse. I hadn't noticed how tightly she had been gripping the bars, the only thing keeping her upright until she fell. Her eyes look cloudy, but I put the pieces together.

The poison. She inhaled some, and we didn't even realize. No wonder she had looked concerned. She was purposefully holding herself here, not only the reasons she mentioned, but she didn't want to slow us down. She thought if she wanted to slow down anyone, it would be the enemy, not us.

She doesn't understand. I can carry her as much as she needs me to. She won't slow us down, if she just leaves with us. But it is too late. Then I hear her.

"Luffy I will just take the stairs. They can't catch me, not when I'm running. You know how fast I am."

That lie, so feeble and frail, makes my heart pound. There is no way she can make it up six floors, not in her condition. Her feeble atempt to protect us from the truth makes me want to rush back down there and get her myself.

Then she disappears as we move onto the next floor. Luffy pounded on the bars.

"We have to go back down."

Usopp reached for the lever, but I reached forward stopping his arm. Luffy stared at me.

"Zoro?"

I fought my body hard to keep from trembling as I take a deep breath.

"Luffy."

Because as much as I hate it, she is right. We have what we came for. We have Jinbe with us, and our top priority should be getting him out of here alive, otherwise, everything we have done, and Rose's sacrifice, will be in vain.

"Let's go."

Everyone looked at me like I was insane, insensitive, heartless, and uncaring. I understand their stares, and I would be glaring at me too, but I am not about to disrespect Rose's sacrifice. I plan to make sure her plan succeeds, that we all get out of here. Nami smiled faintly.

"She is going to meet us at the top though right? We need to meet her-"

I turned and snapped.

"Did you honestly believe that lie to protect you? Did you not see her? She could barely walk, let alone run."

I see the false hope the debt witch had shatter and fall to pieces. She didn't honestly believe, but kept it as something to hope for. I look back at my captain.

"Luffy."

Luffy reads me like a book, and I see the indecision in his eyes. He scowls, throwing back his fist and throwing it forward with a yell, shattering the wall right behind me. He was frustrated, and angry, but not at me. He knows I'm right, and that was way worse.

"But she's nakama."

I twitch slightly. Does he not think I know that?

"I know, but the faster we leave, the faster we can come back."

Luffy tensed for a second before he relaxed.

"Fine."

He sat down, his face an unpleasant grimace. I sit down also, gripping my swords so hard I thought they would break. Sometimes I hate being the voice of reason on the crew, the one who had to use common sense when they were overcome with emotions. Back when Usopp tried to come back, I had to interfere because I couldn't let Luffy demean himself for one nakama, when it was him that was at fault, but that didn't make it any easier to do. I hated it.

Especially now, because out of all of them, I was the one that was the most ready to tear this place apart to find Rose.

Jinbe sighed.

"That girl, Rose-chan, is very brave."

I looked up at him.

"Yes, she is."

He had no idea. Usopp and Chopper, both tearfully explained what Rose had done for us in the past, while I just stared at the wall.

Rose, I know you can't hear me, but just hold out. I will drop Jinbe off and as soon as his webbed feet touch the deck of the Sunny, I will be back to get you. This is a race against time; you just have to endure until then. I know you can. I know how strong you are. Don't break your promise.

We reached the top of the elevator and we all disembarked. We were all restless, but the ones who had shed tears, the girls, Chopper, Usopp, Franky, Brook, and ero-cook had dried them and were ready to face the top floor of the infamous prison. I stood, once again gripping my swords. I wanted to burn off pent up angry energy, and the sooner I do that, the sooner I find Rose.

Bon Kurei meets us at the top and looks confused.

"Mugi-chan? What are you all doing here? Where is Rose-chan?"

Luffy's face was stone as he strode past the okama.

"She stayed behind."

Bon Kurei frowned and he looks like he is remembering something, but I don't care. I nudge him.

"Hurry up."

Sooner we get out of here, the sooner we come back.

We didn't have many gaurds on the top floor and the ones we did find stood no chance against our crew, let alone our small army. We as a crew were more ruthless then normal, destroying the ones who held our nakama in thier unforgiving clutches. Just a little further.

We busted through the doors and sprinted toward the ship. I watched Jinbe's feet carefully and as soon as I saw him land carefully on the green grass on deck, I turned and tried to leap back at the prison. Jinbe is safe, no other excuses to hold me back from my next priority. Rose give me three minutes tops and I will-

A webbed hand holds me back. I snarled.

"Jinbe I have to save-"

"If you rush in haphazardly, you will die."

Jinbe stated simply, still holding me back. I don't care what he has to say though. I need to save her, because she saved me, and that is why she is in this mess in the first place.

That's right, it's my fault. She caught the poison meant for me, and then she couldn't escape.

Jinbe continued.

"Draw back for a couple of hours, let them simmer down, then return."

A couple of hours is too long. I can't and Rose can't wait that long.

"Zoro."

I turn to face Luffy, and I see the look before I can protest. He wouldn't would he?

"Stand down. We are leaving. Captain's orders."

I stiffened before I reluctantly relaxed. He is my captain, and captain's word is law, no matter how ridiculous the order, I had to follow it to the letter. Goddammit Luffy. I expected him to be on my side for this, but time has cooled his head, and he is thinking about the crew as a whole now, not just Rose. Crap.

"Fine, a couple of hours, no more."

I stalk off to the kitchen. I need at least four barrels of sake to calm my nerves. I steal them without stupid pervert chef looking and take them up to my crow's nest. There I down one barrel within seconds. I feel us move off and I sent out my haki, trying to find Rose, and I felt a small sliver of her. She was still alive, for the moment.

Sorry Rose, but you would have probably say the same thing. Sorry I won't be back immediately, but just hold out a little longer.

Those few hours lasted a lifetime. I napped one of them, and when I woke up, I couldn't sleep again. So I took to pacing. Pacing turned into training, slicing at invisible enemies. I pretended they were the ones holding Rose captive. After two hours, I went back down to the deck, where everyone was gathered. They were trying to retain our usual routine, and using Jinbe and Bon Kurei as distractions, but it was easy to see the stiffness, the tension in everyone gathered. I sat beside Luffy, who was watching Usopp and Chopper play with Bon Kurei's devil fruit.

"Captain."

Luffy glanced at me, his face serious for once. He turned back to the entertainment.

"Yes Zoro?"

I stated simply.

"Let me."

Luffy knew what I was requesting, to allow me to rescue Rose. He shook his head.

"All of us."

All of us will rescue her. We are a crew. That's what we do.

Our conversations usually went like this, either no words, or very little and we understood completely what the other was saying.

I shook my head. I wanted to do this alone.

"Think what Rose would say."

I told him. He frowned in concentration, trying to think way out of his league. I sigh, and simplify.

"Divide and conquer remember?"

If they stay on the ship and distract all of the jailors from me sneaking in, then it would be infinitely easier to get Rose. Luffy cocked his head to one side.

"How will you find her?"

I pointed to my temple. Haki remember? Haki will alow me out of everyone to find her faster anyway. Luffy smiled faintly, not his usual full out grin, but one nevertheless.

"Yes."

Permission was granted on my part, and I relax. I was about to stand and walk away when Luffy grabbed my wrist. I glanced back at him and see the heat in his eyes. I get what he is saying.

Protect her. Don't let her die.

I nod. As if I would do that to Rose. I walk off toward the front of the ship. Still waiting.

Finally I see Impel Down in sight and I stand. I hear Luffy and Jinbe explain the plan to the rest of the crew but I don't particularly care. As soon as I am within range, I leap from the ship to the dock and take off running.

Just a little longer Rose. Endure just a little longer.

The jailors are still hanging around the entrance and turn toward me. I get out my swords to cut them, but Luffy and Jinbe beat me to it, clearing a path for me. I nod to them as I sneak inside the prison.

I hide in the shadows as more jailors try to acost my nakama outside, and I let them pass. I will trust my nakama to take care of them, as they will trust me to find Rose and get her out.

I stalk through the stone hallways, allowing myself to get lost. I send out my haki, searching frantically for something, anything that is Rose. If I get any inkling, then she must still be alive.

Yep, she is still alive and kicking. Good.

I try to filter everything through my haki, trying to pinpoint which direction she is coming from. It is hard though with so many people here, and I cannot focus on just her. Come on Zoro, this is what you have trained your haki for right? You have to find her.

I resort to wandering the halls, my swords always at the ready, my attention never wavering. I have to be alert to everything. Rose doesn't know I am here, but if she did know, she would do anything to get my attention, so I have to be able to recognize those signs.

I was wandering down a hallway, when I felt Rose's presence increase. I stiffen; she must be nearby. I stalk forward slower, taking in everything as quickly as possible. Come on Rose, where are you?

I turned the corner and tensed as I found myself looking at...myself. I relax, taking in my appearance with curiousity. Why would they have mirrors here, in this place? Nevermind, I have long stopped trying to understand these people.

Rose suddenly was harder to find. I scowled. Why? Was she dead? No wait, she was happy. That could explain the sudden lack of emotion going on in my head.

Wait, does that mean she can see me?

She must be around here somewhere then. I have to find her. I stalk forward and turn the corner, away from the strange mirror.

A sliver of panic ripped through my psyche, making me stop cold. That was most definitely Rose. Why was she panicking? Because of me leaving where she was, or something else?

The panic disappeared and that proved it. She saw me stop moving away from her, and now she is happy. Come on Rose, I can't track happy as well as fear. You have to be scared again.

I have this sudden urge to turn around, but why? My instincts are telling me to, and instincts are always right. I turn and stare straight at that weird mirror. I feel like I am missing something, and my mind is struggling to come up with the answer.

Wait...mirrors are glass right? What if...no way. I have to prove my hypothesis though. Rose, I need panic one more time. Just to prove it. Just one more, then I will be there.

Rose responded twice of what I needed, panic overloading in my mind, so potent and strong it hit me like a brick wall. I growl. It was as I suspected. Rose was right behind that mirror, and there was no way this panic was faked. They were doing something horrible to her in there.

I didn't need any other invitation to cut that wall as quickly as I could.

The glass shattered around me, but I didn't care. I just saw the scene in front of me.

Rose was strapped to a chair, and covered in blood. There was a girl standing over her, holding what looked like a knife in her hand. I feel my anger boil to a point I had never experienced before. I was in a specific anger I reserve only for the worst of people, and this bitch definitely deserved every bit of it.

How dare she touch Rose? How dare she hurt her, when she was under my protection? She threatened to hit me with her whip, but I destroyed it with Shuusui, and with Kitetsu I cut her down as ruthlessly as I can think of. She falls, her blood sprays beautifully, but she isn't dead. I think that might be enough for now.

Rose has just been sitting there, and hadn't said anything to me. I hope she is ok. I quickly cut her binds and was about to move forward to carry her, but she surprises me by jumping at me, burying her face into my chest. She is trembling.

I tense at the movement. What do I do? I slowly sit her down on the floor with me, and she refuses to let me go.

"Rose? Are you ok?"

She doesn't answer, so I don't know how to take that. I decide to just let her be. In actuality, we need to move, but I can allow her one minute to compose herself.

I relax, hoping that will carry into the shaking girl that was holding me so tightly I thought she wouldn't let go. Why? Why is she once again comforted by me, the demon? As kind hearted as she was, she is hugging the person that cut down this person that was now bleeding out on the floor. How could someone as kind as her, be comforted by a man as malicious as me?

This girl was so stange, and I vowed to myself I would ask her after this ordeal was over.

I take a second to look her over. She has cuts on her body, probably from that whip, but these are not deep, not enough to provoke fear.

Because that was what that was, a fear so pure and refined, that I had never felt anything like it. She was absolutely terrified, even more so with her fight with Z, or even with the world nobles when they discovered her identity. This was a fear I had never seen in Rose.

It took a lot to scare the playful girl, so I wonder what she did. I glance over at the torturess with hate. What did you do to cause Rose, brave Rose, such fear? I would ask later, when Rose is in a more comfortable setting.

I wait exactly one minute before I pull back slightly. I would love to comfort Rose more, but sometimes you need to wean the person of the crutches so they can stand on thier own two feet. I wondered what Rose would do, seeing as this was probably the worst scare of her life. Would she still cling to me, and be a weak girl, or would she stand tall again? I was betting on the latter, and my hunch was proven correct.

Feeling me move, Rose throws herself backwards away from me. She reacted twice as well as I had hoped. She mutters an apology.

"I'm sorry. I am so weak. I'm so sorry."

Sorry? Weak? How on earth is she weak? She has recovered faster then anyone else I know of who had faced thier fears. The fact that she felt weak at all, makes me want to send this other bitch to hell.

"Rose what did she do to you?"

Tell me so I can give her the appropriate punishment, for taking your smile. Rose just calmed down and told me later, which takes away my revenge. Fine whatever Rose, but if it is severe, I will come back and kill her.

I stand and wait for Rose to get up, but she seems to be struggling. Her face is so apologetic and gentle it almost causes me to smile. Even now, she reluctantly asks for help, because she despises weakness so much. In doing that, she has eliminated that she is weak. Someone cannot despise weakness and be weak.

I easily pick her and carry her. This is nice, not a hassle at all. I am just glad she isn't dead for my mistake. Her injuries are bad, but Chopper should be able to fix them up pretty well. You relax Rose, and I will try to find the exit.

"Zoro, tell me, am I as strong and brave as you say?"

I turn to look at her and see the self doubt in those brown eyes of hers, that and still residual fear. Has she already forgotten her deeds? How she sacrificed herself in a prison that obviously was against everything she believed in for her freinds? How she had just recovered from her fear, faster then anything I had ever seen? So my answer was obvious, and with complete faith.

"I think you are the strongest, and the bravest girl I have ever met."

It's true too. Kuina wasn't even like this, or that copycat from the marines. Maybe one day, but not as she was as a child, like me. Rose is by far the bravest girl I have ever met.

If the debt witch had faced Arlong again, I'm sure she would have freaked out way worse, with tears and sobbing, and weak womenly crap. Robin would have done the same thing about the world government taking her away. I would have been forced to carry them back, debt witch forcing my nonexistant debt as means of extortion.

Rose was the opposite. I don't know what she faced but she still wanted to stand on her own, despite her own body's protests. Maybe that resistance, her pushing away help wanted me to help her more. That is bravery in it's simplest form, and Rose is too blind to see it. I want to open her eyes so she can see it.

Rose smiles, actually smiles at me.

"Zoro, I can walk now."

That's it? Just one sentence, and she is back on her feet again? One thing about Rose, she takes little time and little effort to fix her up. Her mental strength is admirable. I drop her, and watch her for a few seconds to make sure she is still ok.

"All right, let's get out of here."

With that, I know she will be perfectly fine. Always moving forward. I start toward the door, keeping my pace slow so she can keep up with me with her injuries. I just concentrated my haki on the fighting and follow it to the big door. Looks like all the jailors are taken care of, but they managed to call some marine reinforcements.

Luffy supplied us with a way to the ship. I grab Rose carefully, as not to hurt her and grab Luffy's hand. When he tugs us toward the ship, I follow the procedure I usually do when I am transported this way with Rose. I wrap her small frame in my arms to protect her from hitting the Adam's wood.

She has protected me way too much. I could at least do this for her.

Finally, all of us have made it out. I sit down next to her as Chopper starts fixing her bandages. Damn that was...nerve wracking. Since when did I care so much? This is beyond normal nakama. I didn't understand the enigma that was Rose.

Everyone gathered around and Luffy started lecturing her. It was a good thing too. She needed to understand that's not how things work around here. She had basically forced our hand to abandon her, and we don't abandon nakama. Then Rose unleashed her inner demon. Heat exploded in her eyes as she commanded harshly.

"Monkey D. Luffy. Sit down and listen to me."

My mouth almost dropped open. Rose, gentle Rose just gave Luffy an order, and he followed it? That was more terrifying then Nami ordering me around. I hadn't seen that side of Rose before. Even with the World Nobles she hadn't packed that much heat. Even more interesting.

She gave a valid argument, but I still didin't agree with it. However, she is forgiven by our captain, and festivities are soon on thier way. Rose smiles at me.

"I owe you a drink."

Oh hell yeah, I forgot. Besides, alcohol will help her with her pain. Debt witch gives her a tankard and she looks at it suspiciously, like it was poisoned or something. I elbow her, taking a drink of my own.

"Come on Rose."

She promised, and Rose doesn't break her promises. She sighed.

"All right, yolo."

Whatever that means. True to her word, she sipped it and coughed. I laughed at the look of innocent disgust on her face. Looks like she isn't built for hardcore drinks like sake. Understandable if she has never had one before.

"There, happy?"

Happy that she tried something new that was against her own world's rules and fulfilling a promise to me? Yes , of course I am.

We seperate, I staying by my barrel of sake, and Rose going throughout the party. I lean back, and take a well deserved nap after awhile. I need to relax a little.

I was interrupted by Nami belting out orders about a cyclone. Protect the ship. Fine fine, just as long as I get back to my nap. I see Rose go inside as we follow our usual routine of taking care of the ship while storms ambush us. Ero cook smoked his usual cigarette.

"I bet I can burn through more raindrops then you."

I snarl back.

"I bet you can't."

We started to protect the ship, and I make sure to put extra energy into beating the cook. After a few minutes, I glance down to check on Luffy and Usopp, and was not surprised to see Rose helping Usopp tie down the sails. Of course she wouldn't just sit back and watch. Sounds like her.

I see the wave coming and leap above the wave. Rose also notices and I see her grip Usopp to the rigging, putting herself on top of the sniper. She saved his life without any hesitation, and I know that salt water in open wounds like hers doesn't feel good in the slightest.

I see Luffy struggling and I leap down, holding him against the mast. I cannot afford to have my captain fall off into the ocean.

I grip tighter as I see the waves rock us from side to side. I don't want anyone to go overboard in this. However over the howl of the wind and waves, I hear Rose's laughter. She is laughing? Now? In this? I should have known. She has a way of laughing and enjoying the rush of danger.

The storm finally ended, and we retreated back down to the deck. After a small talk, we get back to the festivities. I go back to my drinking, and some of the escapees were foolish enough to try to challenge me in drinking contests. Nevertheless, I was the one still sitting when it was over.

I would glance over at Rose every once and awhile, to see how she was doing. She was sitting with Robin, talking to her about something, but the excitement and enthusiasm about the subject was obvious in her face. I allow myself a small smile, before turning back to what I was doing.

Soon, Luffy sighted an island. I got to my feet and stretched, ready to go ashore and take care of the marine battleships that Usopp spotted. It shouldn't take too long, and if we really need supplies, they shouldn't be that big a deal.

Rose intervenes, saying she will go into town for use. Now this should be interesting. How is she going to take care of all of the supplies by herself? I'm interested to see what she will do, so I watch her go with interest. Luffy, Usopp, Brook, and Chopper follow her, so I don't worry about her safety. Instead, I lean back and take a nap.

I woke up to the party returning, everyone exclaiming how awesome Rose was at something. Big surprise there. I pretended to still be asleep, just to see. I hear debt witch ask.

"What happened?"

Usopp answered her.

"She went up to the marines and let them help her with the shopping."

I sat up abruptly, shoving my forehead against the wooden railing above me. Ow, that hurt, but back to the task at hand. She did what? I know she is gutsy, but that's pushing it for her. I thought she was more careful then that.

I hear Rose's giggle. I hear her explain a little, and say something about Sanji. Oh, she used her womanly charm then.

I find her use of her charm is quite hilarious. It would be the equivelant of the ero-cook acting like an okama. A tomboy like Rose should never ever act like a normal girl. The icing on the cake is, that she hates it. I see how awkward she feels doing it, and it makes it even better that it actually works.

I imagine Rose, batting her eyelashes and leading the marines around by a beckon of her finger. I chuckle inwardly, but allow a smirk as I fall back again to resume my nap. Now that thought could entertain me for awhile.

No, a nap would be pointless now. The sun was going down. It was time to sleep, no doubt about it.

I made my way to my bed, crashing into it and sleeping. I have to get up to train early tomorrow, and the sooner I get to bed, the better. Everyone else follows suit.

I was sleeping peacefully, when fear crept into my haki like a sea train plowing through a tsunami. My eye popped open at the sudden headache. This is...Nami, not Rose. That's why it's so explosive. Jeez, what's wrong? I sense no other presence, so no intruder. I feel Nami's fear increase, and sigh, getting ready to get up and deal with the stupid debt witch. Then I felt Rose.

She was awake also, and was calm as ever. The fear suddenly dispersed, leaving me with not so much pain. I sighed and rolled over, ignoring the pattering footsteps to the kitchen. I will let Rose take this one.

The rest of the night went perfectly. I assume Rose calmed Nami down and put her back to bed. I slept well, needing to catch up on my rest anyway, and the battle and stress today did nothing but increase my exhaustion.

As usual, I woke up at the crack of dawn. I rolled my shoulders, ignored the snoring of my fellow nakama, and walked out. I had proven yesterday that I was good at haki, but I hadn't mastered the technique yet. I need to be able to use my haki in a large crowd of people and pinpoint specific individuals. I had trouble yesterday with the large amount of people in Impel Down, and I had to fix that.

I walked out onto the deck, muttering training exercises to myself, and stopped in my tracks. What was she doing out here?

For there was Rose, curled up in the grass like it was natural, sleeping.

I stare at her for a few seconds. Doesn't she know it's dangerous to just sleep out here, and uncomfortable without a real bed? Well, I am used to it, but still. Someone could have come and boarded us and she would have been the first to die. You know what, I don't even care.

I sit down next to her, my eye still not leaving her. She looks so...peaceful. No, wrong word. Still. That's the correct one. I had seen Rose nap before, but this was full sleeping. She seemed still, and calm compared to her usual bubbly energetic self. It was strange.

I sensed nothing out of the ordinary with my haki, so she must be not dreaming of anything. I sit cross my legs, and carefully move a stray clump of hair from her face to behind her ear. Oh my god, it's official, I have gone as soft as ero cook.

Push it to the very back corner of your mind and train.

I closed my eye and concentrated. I let my haki range the entire ship, focusing on the entire crew as the crowd, then I focused on individuals, one after the other. The one exception was Rose, who was so close, it was easy to focus on, and acted as an obstacle while trying to focus on farther away objects.

I had practiced almost an hour, repeating the same routine over and over again, when my haki zeroed in on Rose. She was waking up.

I kept as still as possible. I feel her mind stirring, and she rolled over, her hand barely touching my knee. I wait, and feel surprise wake her mind up fully as she realized she touched something. I open my eye to see her staring at me, her brown eyes bright with curiosity.

I answer her questions calmly. I am so close to finishing an hour, but I am torn by wanting to talk to her. I have given her almost twenty four hours to calm down. I want to talk to her about what happened yesterday. I want to know what had happened to scare her so badly.

She solved it by leaving and coming back with some food. She sat there, eating quietly, considerately waiting while I finished my training.

After going through the crew once more, and the difficulty added due to Rose being awake, I opened my eye. She graciously handed me some bread, and I greedily ate it. I was starving.

I gesture to the crow's nest and she understands. She walks over, and moves to climb the ladder.

I see the slight bite of the lip, the moment of tenseness in her shoulders, and I know the look well. I had experienced myself. The pain of day old injuries was an unpleasant feeling, and if I could take a guess, this was probably the worst Rose had ever been injured.

"Rose?"

Are you all right? Do I need to help you? I will if you need me. She just smiles, hides her pain and continues up the ladder, even though I see her tenseness.

Both Nami and Robin complain about injuries, Nami more then Robin, but they complain. I always snort because it was weak of them to do so. Rose grins and bears it, not a single word of discontent or complaint.

We reached the crows nest and she sits down. I sit next to her. She still reminds me so much about Kuina. Oh yeah, Kuina. She knows about her, doesn't she?

"What do you know about...her?"

Man, even after all this time, just bringing up her memory is painful. Rose looks confused.

"Her?"

Come on Rose, you can figure it out. Sure enough.

"Kuina?"

My face twitches. Her name, said aloud for the first time in years. Rose proceeds to tell me the basis of our relationship. It is weird hearing it from a stranger, one who didn't experience it firsthand. It was weird hearing it from a nakama as well.

She touches my arm, and I realize that I had stiffened defensively.

"Sorry."

Rose has a habit of apologizing unnecesarily. I sigh.

"No, I brought her up. I haven't thought of her for awhile."

All this talk makes me nostalgic. I remember Kuina, how she fought, how she fought for strength every day, and hated the fact she was born a girl, and that men were always stronger. I take a secret glance at the girl beside me, the one that reminded me so much of my old rival. Yeah, I haven't thought of her in awhile.

Wait, she knows about Kuina, what else does she know?

"Do you know just things that Luffy knows, or more?"

She smirks, and mischief steals into her eyes.

"Oh no, I know several things that Luffy doesn't."

I don't particularly like that look. It looks like she has knowledge she could blackmail me with. What could that be?

"Thriller Bark, for example."

She knows about that? I smirk. That was...an indescribable moment. I have never felt closer to Luffy, and I have never felt more loyal to him then that moment. It was one of my proudest moments, even though it hurt like a son of a gun.

"You know about that?"

I see something flit through her mind, something sensed with my haki.

"What do you think?"

That was when I was at my weakest, only seconded closely by my first defeat of Mihawk. She has always said she likes my strength, what does she think when she sees me at my weakest?

"I admire you for it. In fact, that moment made me respect you twice as much then I already did, which was pretty respectful to begin with. It shows how much you have changed."

She admired me for it? Respected me? Yes, those were the emotions I saw flick through her mind. Not the answer I was expecting, but one I appreciated.

"Changed?"

"Luffy has changed you, and you know it."

Oh, most definitely. I am not the same wandering pirate hunter I was three years ago, struggling to eat and drink my booze and always breaking my swords. I had found a captain, and a crew, who would make aquiring the title of best swordsman worth everything. I have changed.

"I don't regret it."

"I don't doubt it."

She understands, as always. I see her shift, and don't miss the way she tenses again. She is trying hard to hide her pain from the one person who doesn't care, the one who understands its ok to wince and be in pain. Now is as good as time as any.

"Rose?"

She smiles.

"What is it Zoro?"

"What happened yesterday?"

The change was instantaneous as her face darkens, her eyes fill with sorrow and regret. She curls her knees up and hugs them.

"Nothing Zoro. Absolutely nothing."

I know that is a lie. Rose is strong, and brave, and nothing just scares her at the drop of a hat. Something happened in that room to terrify her, and I want to find that thing, and destroy it for hurting her when I was supposed to be protecting her, for taking her smile.

"You don't act like that Rose unless it is an incredibly good reason. Tell me what happened."

She seems to debate with herself, before gritting out.

"I did it again."

She seems to be collecting her thoughts, and something tells me I need her to be absolutely clear with me for me to understand, so I sit, and wait, like I will always wait for her. Relax, and she will relax. Wait for her to tell you, just be there for her.

"I hesitated, I froze up. I was so scared I couldn't move; I am so weak Zoro. I don't know why, but I was just so terrified I couldn't think straight. What if I do that when you guys are in trouble? What if I do it again when you guys need me? It has already happened with the World Nobles, and I don't want it to happen again."

...This girl is amazing. She was tortured yesterday, and the thing that is bothering her is not the traumatic experience of almost dying, but of her inability to act which could hurt us, her nakama. She is worried about us, not herself or her own injuries. She continues, telling me how she is the opposite of what I tell her, underestimating herself again.

I slide close to her, feel her tremble, her warmth.

"What are you afraid of?"

What scares Rose? What is it that causes this brave girl to tremble, to fear? If you know someone's fears, you understand them much better. I was wondering what she could possibly say.

Was it physical pain? No, not that. I have seen her protect without any thoughts of personal safety. She doesn't fear pain.

"Powerlessness."

There it is. A plea, no a declaration of strength. She seeks it, because it is the counter to her fear. She fears the helplessness of not protecting her freinds. But why? Has she not been paying attention?

"I don't believe you. I don't believe you hesitated."

Hesitation is something that cowards do, not Rose, not someone that thinks like me. In all the time I have known her, no matter what the danger, Rose has never hesitated. She is a person of act now think later. I have seen it in action myself countless times in the few adventures I had with her, even when I had felt her fear, her panic. She needs to see that.

I explain her past actions to her, hoping she will see, especially when it comes to us, her nakama, that she doesn't hesitate. She tries to get me about the World Nobles, but I counter her immediately.

She had only frozen because of her, she was absorbed in thinking about trying to save us. When we were threatened, she snapped out of it. Her protective spirit was stronger then her fear.

"Zoro, I did though yesterday. You saw me. I couldn't walk for goodness sakes."

No, there had to be another factor, because I still refuse to believe Rose froze up. I don't have enough details.

"Tell me everything that happened in that room."

I need to know everything to make a final analysis, to truly help Rose.

Rose explains what happened in that room. She tells of how the girl threatened her, how she stayed strong and brave. She told how the torturess whipped her, how she refused to make a sound. She told how the toruress had taken shears, not a knife, and threatened to cut off her fingers. She told of her so called hesitation.

This was not foolish, or petty. In fact, quite the opposite. It was not a petty fear like of spiders, or materialistic. This was a complete rational fear, something that would make even the most hardened criminals beg.

I want to interject, but I listen carefully about her hesitation as she called it. I know what she is talking about, being one who has experienced it a few times myself. Sometimes body's move faster then our minds do to protect ourselves.

Even as she explained how her mind went from many thoughts to just one, I still didn't understand. She never stopped moving. Even if it was one thought, it wasn't a total freeze up. She still did what she needed to do to survive.

She finished her tale, and I only felt anger, in fact complete rage.

"That bitch, I should have cut her harder. She almost cut off your fingers?"

Rose nodded meekly, as if she was ashamed of her actions. Why? Oh my gosh if she saw her true potential...I wish all girls were like her. I wish they were not as weak as they are, that they try to pull thier weight.

"I don't understand though. You didn't freeze."

I calmly explained to her about instinct and saw her relax slightly.

"I couldn't walk though."

I reached over, ruffling her hair fondly, and almost smiled when she leaned into the touch. I explained about the relief I saw in her eyes, more then fear yesterday. I immediately saw her relax.

"So I am still brave?"

"Of course Rose."

I wouldn't lie to you. I wouldn't tell you you're something when you are not. She looks so relieved and she leans up against me, her warmth tingling into my arm. She looks completely reassured, not an ounce of doubt or distrust. Why? She is so relieved around a demon. Now seems as good a time as any.

"Rose?"

She smiled.

"What Zoro?"

I am so confused, I need to know the answer.

"Why me?"

She sits up, her face clouded by innocent confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you always come to me when you are scared or need someone to talk to?"

I watch her carefully, waiting for that thoughtful expression she usually gets. Instead, I see her tense up uncomfortably and I see sadness cross through her brown eyes.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you. I can stop talking to you if you want."

No, that's not what I want at all. I enjoy these talks, more then any other talks with crewmates, with anyone. Rose is such an interesting person in general, talking to her gives me some purpose, some solace, some insight on the girl that literally drops out of the sky to visit.

I bolt straight up, accidently showing more desperation to keep the girl at my side then I intended.

"No, that's not it at all. It's just a question. I promise."

I have no intention of chasing her away. She relaxes again, and I am a little surprised at my reaction. I need to be the stoic Zoro, not this one that has emotions and stuff. I can't handle that.

She is sitting calmly, waiting for me to explain. I tell her of her other more logical options, because I know how logical she is. Out of all the people to pick, she picks the one that is so opposite of her. She is kind, I am not. She is happy, bubbly energetic, when I am just...I just nap and train. She chooses the one that can't possibly say the correct things because emotions are hard for me to help out with. The only thing we have in common is our way of thinking, but that's it. It makes no sense.

She sits, cross legged with that strategizing face on, thinking. Was it really that difficult to explain?

"Zoro, you are the epitome of strength, and that is what I want for myself, so it is only natural for me to seek your advice. You are normal too, not a devil fruit or anything like that, so you can relate to the struggles of not having strength sometimes. Luffy, Robin, Brook, and Chopper, can't do that. Sanji, no chance. He would just fawn over me. The rest aren't as strong as you."

That didn't explain how she was drawn to me, the demon I am. I am used to the fear, the avoiding of people to my aura. How could I intimidate marine vice admirals with a glare, and this girl just come traipsing up, with the biggest grin on her face?

"I am a demon though. You like that?"

You like someone that thinks and acts completely different then you? Rose smiles that playful grin of hers, completely casual.

"I am terrified for the other guy, not me. You are a comforting presence Zoro, and so far that demon has done nothing but protect me. I do like it yes."

That is the first time anyone, let alone any girl has actually told me they liked my demon presence. Is she serious? She continues.

"You are my rock, my foundation. You tell me things others wouldn't think of. You are always trying to get better, stronger. You have a will as strong as steel, talk only when needed, but you say the important things. You are always at my side. How could I not be drawn to you?"

I smile. I have asked, and she has given me more then enough reason to calm my fears or confusion, whatever it was. She pats my arm in comfort.

"That is why I talk to you."

I had no idea I had that kind of influence on her. I was just the swordsman trying to do what I thought what she needed.

I stand up. If I recall correctly, I wanted to train with her in the sword last time, and this time has only affirmed it. If she wants to get stronger, training is the number one way to do it.

It's amusing to watch her almost drop Shuusui.

"What are we doing?"

No, not just swordsmanship. Rose is her own kind of special, and focusing on one thing wouldn't be good if she wanted to use all of her talents. I have never seen someone with such a versatile use of weapons, and one who learns such an assortment of weapons so quickly. It is a gift, something that needs to be molded and made into something truly powerful. This is just the first step. I need a cool name for it. Let me think.

"You are an adapter."

Yeah, that's perfect. She not only adapts to the weapons, but to the situations, strategizing ways out of it. Yes, Rose is the first and only adapter in the world. Rose looks confused.

"An adapter?"

I explain her way of handling weapons, how she quickly learns how to use it.

She laughs, embarrassed as I bring up her sword skills.

"Let me guess, my sword skills are absolutely terrible."

I wouldn't say terrible; she was still alive after all.

"No, but they need work."

I see her mouth drop open, and excitement spark in her eyes.

"Wait, are you going to train me?"

"Yes, if you want to. You say you fear powerlessness, so the thing to combat that is power. Training helps gain power.

It was like I gave her the best gift on the planet. Her eyes sparkled as she bowed to me, still playful.

"I am your student Zoro Sensei."

Jeez, joking around like this. I hold back a sigh with a chuckle. I only plan on teaching her the basics so in a fight, if she has a sword she can use it instead of pointless flailing around. I remember my own training, and my own experiences as I ask.

"What qualities does a swordsman need?"

She thinks, listing out things that are indeed quite useful. I add a few that she forgets. She answers my questions dutifully, demonstrating. She knows the basics of sword training, probably from watching sword fights, but she doesn't have the power to impliment them. That's where I come in.

This is not just training. I have seen glimpses of Rose's potential as a fighter. Now I can see it first hand. I can sense, and encourage it to grow. This is exciting.

I order her to attack me, and she starts laughing. Jeez, is this girl ever serious? Is this how she trains? I have no idea. I have never trained with her before. Ok, I need to attack her. This is a bit tricky. If she had just attacked me, I could have gauged how much power and strength to use. Now I am jumping in blind.

"Fine. Ready?"

Oh, so Rose can get serious. I see all mischivious spark leave her eye, instead leaving behind a battle fire. I stiffen slightly as I felt every inch of her concentration fall on me. I see her slide her feet out, copying me perfectly. Her eye for detail, for stances is incredible. So this is Rose when she trains. This is going to be fun.

"Ready."

I give her a slash almost at medium speed to see how she deals with it. She parries it, and I see her eyes harden ever so slightly. She tries to go on the offensive, and would have slashed me if I had been weaker. I wasn't going to go easy on her though. Rose would smack me if I purposefully went easy on her.

I feel her brown eyes watching me like a hawk. She is trying to observe my stances and copy them at the same time. Then I have her pinned to the wall. I raise my eyebrow at her. Tell me what you did wrong. Rose replied.

"I shouldn't have let you push me into a corner."

Good. Make sure it is not a problem in the future.

I step back, and I see her make her strategizing face. Curious, I ask.

"What are you thinking?"

Rose's eyes soften slightly. When did they get hard as steel?

"You are stronger then me, so I have to parry your swords in a way that it isn't a contest of strength."

Oh? So how are you going to do that, oh strategist.

"Show me."

I watch as she falls into a perfect imitation of my earlier attack stance, and her eyes harden again, and I realize. This wasn't training to Rose. This was no game, no exercise. She was really trying to fight me. This was as serious as if I was an enemy. This intense focus, this was her own inner demon. She was not pulling any punches. Oh, how will you do this Rose.

She tries a feint, but I see straight through it. I bring down the sword at her forhead, planning on giving her a small cut for a punishment, but to my surprise she blocked it. No, not blocked it, slide it to one side. My strength became my downfall because I had put so much weight behind it. Oh, so this is what you meant about making it not a contest of strength.

Her sword was about to stab me, and Wado was way too far down to parry. I hurriedly grab Kitetsu and parry it, barely. I step back, surprised. It took Rose maybe two or three minutes to almost get the best of me when in Impel Down I saw her flailing a sword around trying to attack and defend herself. I never even dreamed of using two swords on her.

She has learned even quicker then I anticipated.

"What?"

Rose has lost her fierce focus, making her normal Rose again. I smile at her.

"You really are a fast learner. I didn't expect to use two swords on her."

This was after only three minutes of training. What would happen after an hour? Two? How much would her potential increase? I am getting fired up now.

We continue our training, and it is the most fun training in a long time. I watch Rose carefully, trying to see how she learns as quickly as she does. I was right to call her adapter. I saw her watch my moves, my stances, my attacks, and copy them. After she was comfortable with doing the imitation, she would add her own twist, by modifying it a bit. Observe, copy, adapt, repeat. It was amazing to watch.

I started out slow, my speed and strength pretty low, but I watched carefully as Rose adjusted quickly to my speed and strength. So I kept pushing. How far can I go until you can't keep up with me Rose? What are your limits that I can get you to? What heights can you achieve?

I waited patiently at each level of speed until Rose was adjusted and comfortable before pushing it up. I saw how her eyes lit up at each new move, a marvel at my strength and skill. She would eagerly try to recipitate it.

Several times we stopped, several times she or I would explain what she did wrong. I only did it when the mistake was severe, because she was still learning and some mistakes had to be made to learn, and others could be fatal and she needed to learn from those.

I saw Rose train enthusiastically with tenacity and determination I hadn't seen. She was a hard worker, and was not against getting down and dirty to get things done.

I had forgotten how it was to train with another person. It reminded me of Kuina and my younger days. I was reminded how it felt to just share skills and practice like this, and I couldn't have chosen a better partner, one who appreciated and was so eager to learn, and quick too.

We had just gotten to some more complex moves, and I was just getting into the groove, when stupid Pirate A interrupted us. I grimaced, but used the oppurtunity to trap Rose, who was startled by the sudden intrusion.

"Never lose focus in a fight."

The normal happiness returned to Rose's eyes, but I wanted to see more of her demon side.

Ero cook immediately leapt to her defense, even though he knew I would never hurt her, and she would never allow me to hurt her. Rose intervened and it was a stark contrast to the Rose I saw two minutes ago training. I almost couldn't contain my laughter at Rose's antics, finally letting it loose after Ero-cook fell to the deck. Rose bowed cheekily.

"You are a little too good at that."

Without trying, but I didn't add that. Rose shrugged.

"I try really hard."

That makes it even better. She tells me I need to relax, which I can kind of see her reasoning, but she can't expect me to change over night.

Her challenge I meet with a smrik. She is going to be better then me huh? With the progress she is doing, probably. I will have to watch her carefully from now on.

We go down to breakfast it is a normal breakfast, until Rose says solemnly.

"You guys know today is my last day right?"

I freeze. Crap, it has been three days hasn't it. Damnit. Why does she have to leave. As soon as she brings it up, she tries to cheer us up, even though she is the one that hurts the worst. With a calm smile that hides her sadness, she tells us to be happy instead of glum.

We try, honestly try, so Rose tries another tactic. She distracts.

"Chopper, can you check my bandages after breakfast?"

"Rose what on earth?"

I look up from my breakfast to see what the doctor's concern was. Oops, I forgot that Rose was injured in training her. Wait, she did all that when she was injured? How would she train if she wasn't injured I wonder.

"What do you think you are doing corrupting Rose like that?"

Well great, now I have incurred the wrath of Chopper. Lovely. I just shrug and continue eating. He doesn't scare me that much. Rose leans over and whispers in my ear an apology. I wave it off. People love to yell at me for some reason, and I don't particularly care.

Breakfast finished quickly, and I decided to take a short nap before going and seeing Rose again. If this was her last day here, again, I wanted to be sure and spend some more time with her. Though if I had to guess, she would want to spend time with everyone else on the crew, so I would have to wait my turn.

I was halfway through my nap, when the trapdoor snapped open. I snapped my one eye open, expecting Rose because she is the only one in the crew that is comfortable with interrupting my naps. Imagine my surprise and disappointment when Usopp pokes his head up through the opening.

"Zoro, get out."

I raise my eyebrow incredulously. He was threatening me? When I didn't move, he grabbed me bodily and shoved me down the ladder. I almost fell off onto the deck. I tried to protest but he shoved the door down on me, locking me out.

Not only did this guy wake me up from my nap, but he has effectively cut me off from my training. I was ticked off. What the heck was going on anyway?

I walked into the kitchen and grab a barrel of rum, to which ero cook doesn't protest. He must sense my irritation. Robin walks in and I ask.

"What is going on Robin?"

Because if anyone would know it would be her. Robin smiles.

"Rose, Usopp, and Luffy are playing a game, a shooting one it looks like. You have to shoot the other players three times to eliminate them."

A game. I should have known, especially pairing Rose, Luffy, and Usopp together. I sigh, sip my rum, and send out my haki to see what was going on with Rose. She is taking my advice about being an adapter it seems, trying to improve her shooting like her swordsmanship. Good.

I didn't concentrate my haki out very far, because Rose, Franky, and Luffy all clamored out of the underbelly of the ship. Did Rose lose? No, she has only one tag on her, while Luffy had three. So it is just down to Rose and Usopp then. Good. Her eyes are brimming with competitiveness. Man, I would hate to be Usopp right now.

"Are you all going to help me get Usopp?"

I nod with everyone else. He kicked me out of my crow's nest. He is going to pay. Rose of course has a strategy, as per the usual. I walk out with everyone else, yelling at him. I really do need to train. I use my haki though to keep an eye on her.

She is stealthily climbing onto the deck and behind Franky. After a few moments, she slips out and underneath the railing to drop behind Jinbe. Silent as a grave, and cunning as a fox. Usopp, you were stupid to make Rose your enemy, especially when you know how she gets in games.

I see Usopp turn toward Jinbe, and know that Rose can't move if he is staring at her. I glance over at Jinbe and see Rose staring at me. I smirk in understanding. Distract him. Yes Rose, I will.

"Usopp, if you don't come down in the next three seconds I will cut down the mast."

Yes. I see Usopp turn back towards me and Rose uses the chance to leap forward into the blind spot underneath the crows nest. Now what will you do Rose? There is only one way into the crow's nest, and he has locked it. If you open it up, he will shoot you before you can shoot him.

Rose rolls her finger in a continuing motion, telling us to continue the distracting. Easily done. I watch her out of the corner of my eye though. I am curious to see what she will do.

She doesn't even touch the ladder. Instead, she chooses a rope, clamoring up into the sails. Rose thinks of the most unorthadox ways to win, and those surprise attacks make her such a good strategist. I don't worry about her strength at all to pull her up. I know she is willing to push physical exertions to win. I had seen it before.

There, she reached the yard. She crawls across the beam, no fear in her at all to the window. Then Usopp almost ruins it by opening the window and shouting.

"Rose, stop hiding and come out."

I see Rose grin and tackle him into the crow's nest with Usopp screaming girlishly. I chuckle slightly, curious to know what was going on. Before I could lock my haki on the pair, Rose flew out of the window and back down the rope to hide in the sails. She swings across to the other rope on the opposite side, climbing up to get behind the sniper.

Man this is entertaining. I'm not so mad at Usopp for interrupting my nap now. This is quite interesting.

She fires off a shot and once again ducks down to the sails. This time she attacks in the middle, going up the ladder, tying herself in and aiming at the door. I tense as she knocks with her foot. Usopp wouldn't be that stupid would he? He might. He was trapped up there as it was. He wasn't committed enough to climb in the sails and ropes like Rose, so this was his only option to shoot her.

Sure enough, Usopp flung the door open and Rose shot him. Game over, with the victor the person I knew would win. I smiled faintly at Rose's whoop of joy and triumph, before filing into the kitchen to eat lunch. After that, back up to the crow's nest. I needed to get back to lifting weights.

I was just setting down my final rep when I heard Luffy shouting.

"Marine battleships!"

I take up my swords without a word. Time to deal with some marine scum.

I jump down to the deck to see Rose already there, her eye filled to the brim with excitement. What's her deal? No respectable pirate would be excited to see marines, but what do I know. We aren't normal pirates.

Ero cook takes off with his flying technique and Luffy rockets over there, while I am stuck without any way to transport myself. How did this happen? Usually Luffy whisks me off, which results in injury on my part, but at least he takes me with him. I want to go fight too.

"Oi swordsman, are you coming?"

I glance down to see Rose waving at me from atop of Jinbe. Perfect for my needs. I thank both of them. This should be interesting.

We skim across the water, and I keep my swords up just in case they try to shoot at us. I was not disappointed. Cannonballs rained down, and to anyone else, it looked like a hopeless situation. I needn't worry though. I trust Jinbe's dodging skills, and I could easily deflect cannonballs.

I glance over at Rose. She is standing, a wild grin on her face, laughing maniacally. Sheesh, she is insane. Oh well, at least she is having fun.

Why though? She is surrouded by cannonballs on all sides, and could fall off the racing fishman at any second. Why have fun right now, like this? I test it out, letting go of my tough exterior and let a wild grin rivaling Rose's. I suppose this is fun.

I see our window, and once again, the ship is too high for Rose to jump. I will work on her jumping ability later so she can make the jump, but for now I will take care of her. I grab her, ready to leap.

"Zoro."

She is complaining about relying on me, but I just grin back at her.

"Be patient adapter, we will build up those legs to jump high."

But for now, let me take care of you. We land on the ship, and Luffy is already going to town. I decide to leave her here. Luffy will take care of her if she gets into trouble. I jump to the next ship, already slashing at enemy and ship alike.

I keep my haki trained on her, curious to what she is doing. These marines are nothing but grunts, easy to beat, so I can spare a little to sense her. Oh, she stole a sword.

She is incorporated her training into her fighting style. She moves much more fluidly, and confident with a sword now that she knows what she is doing.

Then abruptly, she stopped moving, sword in mid strike, and collapsed to the ground. I feel concern stamp through me as marines leap on top of her. Was she hurt? I slash through several of the marines, my mind wandering. Should I help? No, Luffy is already reacting, saving her. I turn my attention back to my own fight.

A few minutes and hundred marines later, I try sensing her again, and once again is pleasently surprised. She lost the sword, exchanging it for the very chains they tried to bind her with. She is getting creative with her adapter title I see, using things that most people wouldn't think to use as weapons.

I finish up my ship with the help of Jinbe, and leap back over to Luffy's and Rose's ship. Not a bad workout/training exersize.

"Oi mosshead, I bet I beat more then you did?"

My eye twitched as I turned to the pervert.

"Oh? I bet Usopp and Franky took care of yours."

"What did you say?"

"Hey Zoro, can you help me?"

I look over to see her offering her chained wrists to me. She expects me to just cut off the manacles, just like that? What if I cut her, as Ero cook threatened me with retracting my booze.

"I trust you."

She said so flippantly. Trust is not something you just give people, unless of course you are Luffy, but he is strong enough it didn't matter. She has been trusting me since day one, putting a sword to her throat against Z. How could she trust me not to chop off her limbs? And as for ero cook, shame on him. How dare he think I would hurt her?

I chop off the restraints without any difficulty. She just smiles.

"Thank you Zoro. All right, let's get back to the Sunny before this one sinks."

I felt the tremor and steady myself as the hull cracked in half. Rose grabs Luffy and jumps on Jinbe. I follow suit quickly, grateful that she takes care of Luffy, like usual. Ero cook sky walks back, and we also have a pretty uneventful ride back.

I decide to stay out on the deck because of the warm sunshine, and watch everything. I am not surprised that Rose wants to help ero cook with something. She usually does want to do things with everyone. I am slightly surprised, and amused, when Rose orders him not to treat her like a normal girl. I'm sure there is so much romantic idiot someone like Rose could take.

I settle on the grass, and Luffy sits beside me. I glance at him.

"Zoro, we have to beat that thing that takes her away."

I nod in agreement. He didn't have to tell me twice.

"Yes Captain."

"Do you think she wants to leave?"

I jump at his question. Wants to leave? Had he not been paying attention?

"If you ask her about leaving, she will give you a fake smile to make you feel better."

I had seen it time and time again, her trying to make us feel better when she was the one hurting the most. I don't want her hurting ever again, not like this. Luffy cocks his head.

"She does?"

I nod fiercely. Luffy smiles.

"You want her as bad as I do."

I stare out to sea. I had always respected Luffy's decision about people joining, even if it was ero cook and debt witch. Rose on the other hand is one I would personally want. The others, I desired, but not this strongly.

Suddenly the door to the galley burst open, with Rose traipsing out to the railing. Luffy and I glanced at each other, before Luffy bounded over to her.

I sighed, counting in my head. Rose should be leaving soon now. I don't know how I am going to cut something that is not tangible, but with my haki I will manage. No way am I allowing that force to take her away again.

Dinner is called and I trudge into the kitchen. I sit waiting patiently for my food. We were eating normally with everyone dissolving into chaos and chatter. I keep my one eye on Rose. If I remember correctly, she will leave around this time, so as soon as the force starts to take her, I have to be ready to act.

Suddenly Rose tenses up eyes widening, and I grip my swords. Was it that time already? No, she wasn't dissolving.

"Rose, are you ok?"

Chopper asks for me. She looks confused for some reason, which isn't something I usually see in her.

"Um, yes?"

She sounds unsure. What is wrong? Then she leaps backwards like she was burned, knocking over her chair. I see her eyes flitting from side to side, searching for something. I decide to sit tight and wait for her to explain. She asks for one minute of peace, so I allow it. If she figures out the threat, I can attack it.

After a few seconds of frowning in concentration, her eyes open again, and some unknown emotion is in her eyes. What?

"Rose?"

She takes a deep breath. I am so confused, but I listen because I know she will explain.

"I come to you guys in my sleep, as if it is a dream. While I was sleeping this time, someone broke into my house and hit me over the head. I now have head trauma and in a coma."

What the heck? What were they thinking, doing that to Rose. I grit my teeth. This intruder was going to pay.

Suddenly, Rose grins, and starts laughing. Did the brain trauma affect her here? Because she is starting to freak me out. She grins excitedly, her brown eyes sparkling.

"Guys, I get to stay. I don't have to leave."

It takes me less then a second to respond, leaping up. No way am I letting anyone else get first hugs on her this time.

I embrace her happily, thankful it is not in tears and dissolving golden dust, but in joy. She gets to stay. I won't have to miss that warm smile, the games of tag and the fights, or the visits in the crow's nest. No longer.

I silently thank the force for keeping her here and not making me fight it. That would have been really wierd, but I would have done it for her.

I feel her laugh happily in my chest, and I steady her as my actions are mirrored by the rest of the crew and she is almost tackled. I'm not the only one excited to have her stay.

"Rose!"

I hear my captain stop everyone in thier tracks. I see the question on his tongue.

"Will you join my nakama?"

I see Rose brighten to almost sun level. I remember what felt like so long ago, on top of the crows nest, when it was only me and Rose awake after our fight with Z.

Would you have joined if you didn't have to leave?

In a heartbeat.

You don't have to leave Rose. You can finally fulfill your wish. She smiled.

"Yes yes yes yes, a thousand times yes. I will join your nakama Luffy."

About darn time I say. Luffy grins in response, and booze is broken out. I grab my own, ready to drink. This is a cause of celebration indeed.

"Wait Rose, what is your dream?"

Dream? I hadn't even considered that. What could she possibly say? Rose, the brave girl? What could her dream be?

"To join your crew, and help you all achieve your dreams."

I raise my eyebrow slightly. She has been refusing herself, denying herself her dream this entire time. That force messes with people.

She was already including our collective dream, without even joining us first. She truly is a strawhat by heart.

"You need a dream for yourself."

Rose seemed to think about it.

"I want to become the strongest girl fighter in the world, without a devil fruit."

A lofty ambitious dream indeed, one that rivals my own. I know she will succeed, there is no doubt about that. It is like knowing Luffy will become the pirate king. I will support and help her achieve that dream as well.

"To Rose, our newest nakama."

I slam my mug against everyone elses roughly, wasting booze, but it didn't matter. Our happiness didn't allow that to upset the evening. Rose was finally ours. Now, we can continue on to our next adventures, and I can't wait to do it with a bright brave girl by our side.