In the early evening, as the Thousand Sunny gently rocked on the calm seas, a sense of tranquility enveloped the ship. Most of the Straw Hat crew was off exploring the nearby island, leaving the deck unusually quiet and serene.
In this rare moment of solitude, Zoro lay stretched out on the deck, his head resting comfortably in Robin's lap. His closed eyes and steady breathing indicated he was attempting to nap, though the faintest hint of a contented smile suggested he was all too aware of whose lap he was using as a pillow.
Robin, seated elegantly with a book in hand, seemed absorbed in her reading. Yet, every now and then, her eyes would drift from the pages to Zoro's peaceful face. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly in a tender smile before she returned her focus to her book.
A soft breeze stirred, playing with Robin's hair. She used one hand to absentmindedly tuck a stray strand behind her ear while trying to focus on her book.
Zoro, sensing the change in her movement, cracked one eye open and looked up at her. "You're not actually reading that, are you?" he asked in a low, teasing tone.
Robin looked down at him, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "And what makes you think that, Mr. Swordsman?"
"Well, I haven't heard you turn the page for the last ten minutes," Zoro pointed out, his voice still soft, not wanting to break the tranquility of the moment.
Robin chuckled softly, a sound that Zoro found he enjoyed more than he would openly admit. "Perhaps I'm just savoring the words. Or maybe, I'm simply distracted."
"Distracted, huh?" Zoro propped himself up on one elbow, looking at her with a hint of curiosity mixed with affection. "Is it cause my presence is so great?"
Robin gently set her book aside, its pages fluttering slightly in the evening breeze. "Perhaps," she replied with a playful yet genuine tone, her fingers delicately brushing a stray lock of green hair from Zoro's forehead. "Besides, we should both be getting up, the crew should be coming back soon. Discretion about our relationship would still be wise for now. We wouldn't want to stir up any strife among the crew."
Zoro, shifting to sit upright with a casual stretch of his arms, exhaled a sigh of mild frustration. "I get that, but I don't want to hide it anymore. Especially with that stupid curly-browed love cook constantly all over you."
Robin, amused by his candor, gracefully positioned herself so she was sitting in Zoro's lap leaning against him as he leaned against the mast. "Sanji's behavior is just a part of his nature, even though he can be overbearing. You know that." she said, voice tinged with amusement at Zoro's jealousy.
Zoro grunted softly, his arms instinctively encircling Robin's waist, holding her close. Together, they gazed out at the sea, watching as the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and red. In the tranquility of the moment, the usual chaos of their lives seemed worlds away.
After a quiet moment, Robin, deep in thought, hesitated to voice a something she'd been holding back for months. Zoro, now able to read her even when she tries to keep her mask in place, figures out something is weighing heavily on her mind.
"What's on your mind? You've got that look," Zoro said, his arms tightening around her a little more out of comfort.
Robin, gathering her thoughts, turned on his lap to face him. "Zoro, I..." she started, her voice faltering as if fearful of his reaction.
Zoro waited patiently, his hands resting on her hips, his gaze encouraging her to continue.
"I... I love you," Robin finally confessed, her eyes locked with his for a moment before she looked away, apprehensive about his response.
Zoro smiled, a sense of relief washing over him. "Can I tell you something?" he asked, coaxing her to meet his gaze again.
Nervously, Robin nodded.
"I've felt the same for a while, but I wasn't sure how to say it. Robin, I love you too," Zoro admitted, his sincerity reflected in his eyes.
Zoro leaned in, kissing her softly at first. Robin, momentarily surprised, quickly reciprocated, deepening the kiss.
As the kiss started to get a little more passionate, they were jolted back to reality by the sound of Sanji's outraged voice. "Oi! Moss Head! What are you doing to my Robin-chwan, you pervert!" he yelled, dropping everything he purchased from out of shock. While Nami just stood there with her hand covering her mouth and her eyes wide.
Zoro broke the kiss, his expression defiant as he faced Sanji. "Kissing my girlfriend, but you wouldn't know anything about that, would you, Love Cook!" he snapped back, holding Robin protectively.
Robin carefully stood up from Zoro's lap, distancing herself from his embrace to address Sanji and Nami, who were still in shock. "It looks like we need to fill everyone in," she stated, as the rest of the crew gradually returned to the Sunny after their day out on the island.
Sanji, still fuming, raised his foot, poised to attack Zoro. "Why that smug look, moss head!?"
Zoro unsheathed his swords, ready for a fight. "You'd know if you ever kissed a woman, curly brows!"
Robin, intervening, placed a hand on Zoro's chest and Sanji's shoulder, signaling them to calm down. "Let's settle this calmly," she suggested, her voice carrying an air of authority that defused the brewing confrontation.
Overhearing most of the conversation, the rest of the crew couldn't help but ask questions. "What is everyone getting filled in on?" Usopp asks at the same time Franky asks, "What about kissing?"
Robin speaks up, "I think we should just all go in the kitchen and talk," she says grabbing Zoro's hand causing some of the crew to give each other questioning looks.
In the kitchen of the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hats sat around their table staring at Zoro and Robin. Their expressions ranged from shock to curiosity as Robin finishes telling them that her and Zoro are dating.
Sanji, still visibly upset but trying to keep himself calm, sat with his arms crossed, glaring daggers at Zoro. Nami, wasn't sure whether she was excited for her big sis Robin or shocked that their Swordsman, who gets lost on the way to the bathroom, was able to find his way into Robin's heart and win it.
Luffy, his usual cheerful self, was the first to break the silence. "So, you guys like each other now?" he asked, his eyes wide with genuine curiosity.
Robin nodded and looked at Zoro who was still smirking at Sanji. "Yes, Luffy. We have been seeing each other for a while now." Robin said leaning into Zoro as he puts his arm around her.
Usopp's eyes were as big as saucers. "Wow, really? I didn't see that coming at all! When did this all start?"
Zoro, looking at Robin and then to the rest of the crew smiled as he spoke, "Right before we left Water 7. It…It just happened. We didn't plan it."
Robin chuckled to herself thinking of Zoro back in Water 7 wearing that all too small shirt and carrying all those babies. Zoro knowing what she's thinking poked her side causing her to jump a little. She turned to look at him and noticed his face was slightly pink from embarrassment which caused her to laugh more.
Chopper, his eyes sparkling with excitement, chimed in, "It's like those stories you read me Robin!"
Sanji, still struggling with the news, turned to Robin. "Robin-chwan, are you really happy with this… this Moss Head?" His tone was tinged with concern and a hint of jealousy.
Robin, understanding Sanji's feelings, responded gently, "Sanji, thank you for your concern, but yes, I am very happy."
Franky, the ever-supportive crewmate, clapped his hands together. "Well, if it makes you guys happy, then it's superrr!"
Brook, tilting his head, added his usual flair to the conversation. "As a romantic at heart, I find this development quite touching. It leads me to ask, Zoro, have you seen Robin's—"
Before he could finish his question, Nami had already hit Brook's head with her climatact. "STOP ASKING THAT QUESTION!"
Settling down, Nami looks between Zoro and Robin, smiling knowingly. "I think it's about time big sis. I was wondering when you two would figure it out. I've seen the glances."
Zoro's face turned pink again as he tried to avoid everyone's gaze not realizing they had been that obvious in their interactions with each other.
Luffy, grinning widely, declared, "This is great! This means we'll get more crew mates soon!"
Everyone, except Chopper sat shocked at Luffy's revelation. "Wait, guys, what does Luffy mean?"
Nami, leaned over and whispered something into Chopper's ear causing him to smile. "Ohhhh you mean human mating?" Chopper said inquiringly up at Nami.
Zoro's face flushed a deep red, spreading all the way to his ears, which made Robin chuckle at his reaction. While the others were distracted by Chopper and Luffy's conversation, Robin leaned in and whispered to Zoro, "You know, I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of adding more members to our crew."
Drawing back, Robin observed with amusement the effect her words had on Zoro. He sat there, momentarily speechless, the redness from his face now creeping down his neck.
Chopper, observing Zoro's red face, immediately grew concerned. As the ship's doctor, he sprang into action. "Zoro! Are you alright? What's happening? Do you have a fever?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
Zoro cut his eyes at Robin causing her to laugh even more as Chopper started to examine him.
~~~
A few days had passed since the revelation of Zoro and Robin's relationship, and the dynamic on the Thousand Sunny had settled into a new, comfortable rhythm. The crew was now aware of the couple's relationship, and teasing had become a part of their daily interactions.
As the ship approached the vibrant Sabaody Archipelago, basking in the early morning sun, the usual bustle of activity filled the deck. However, up in the crow's nest, a different scene unfolded.
Zoro felt a slight movement and opened his eyes to find Robin curled up against him, her breath warm on his skin. As he stirred, Robin lifted her head, her eyes twinkling with amusement at his flushed face. She chuckled softly and leaned in for a gentle kiss. "Good morning," she whispered, resting her head again on his bare chest.
"Morning," Zoro replied, his voice a little shaky, as he kissed the top of her head. He struggled to articulate his thoughts about the previous night. "Last night… I… It was…" Zoro spoke, stumbling over his words.
"Incredible?" Robin teased, gazing up at him with bright blue eyes.
Zoro smirked and nodded, sealing his response with a kiss.
Suddenly, Luffy's voice echoed from the deck, breaking their moment. "Hey, Zoro, Robin! Are you coming down soon?"
Zoro, frustrated at the interruption, called back, "Yeah, we're coming, Luffy!" His tone was tinged with annoyance.
"Let them be, Luffy!" Nami chided, while Sanji passed by, looking visibly upset.
Robin sat up, stretching and grinning at Zoro. "I might need to borrow your shirt. Mine got a bit... torn last night," she said, displaying her ripped shirt playfully.
Zoro, trying not to stare, muttered, "That isn't my fault they can't make those shirts stronger."
As Robin dressed, she promised, "I'll see you down there in a bit." She gave Zoro another quick kiss before heading down to get ready for the day.
Nami, noticing Robin wearing Zoro's shirt and the shirtless swordsman himself looking down from the crow's nest, raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you two had quite the night."
Robin just smiled, keeping the details to herself, as she headed to her and Nami's shared room.
Sanji, overhearing, confronted Zoro once he was on deck. "What did you do with Robin-chwan?" he demanded, pushing Zoro.
Zoro, smirking, replied coolly, "Let's just say it was a night to remember."
Sanji's face flushed with anger, and he lifted his leg, preparing to attack Zoro. In response, Zoro drew his swords, bracing himself as Sanji charged at him.
Nami swiftly swung her climatact, striking both Zoro and Sanji on their heads causing instant lumps to form. "Can't you two morons just give us one peaceful morning without this nonsense?" she said with frustration in her voice.
As the crew prepared to disembark, Robin reappeared, dressed for the day wearing her black outfit and cowgirl hat. Zoro couldn't help but admire her. She handed him his shirt, which he quickly put on.
With everyone ready, Robin took Zoro's hand, and together they joined the crew, heading off for their next adventure in Sabaody.
~~~
A few hours had passed since the Thousand Sunny docked at Sabaody Archipelago. The Straw Hat crew assembled outside Shakky's Bar, finalizing the plans for coating their ship.
Shakky spoke up after lighting another cigarette, "Let's regroup here in three days."
Chopper, waving towards Hachi, called out, "Make sure to rest up, Hachi! We're counting on you!"
Amidst the preparations, Luffy's voice cut through the air, marked by his trademark grin. "We're going to face an admiral, guys! Let's hope we don't die!"
Usopp, ever the worrier, yelped, "Don't jinx it, Luffy!"
Brook, adding his usual quip, remarked, "If things get too dangerous, I suppose I could always play dead."
The crew, chuckling at Brook's joke, began to disperse from Shakky's. Zoro, ever cautious, sought out Robin. He casually moved closer to her, his arm coming to rest protectively around her shoulders causing her to smile.
Luffy, oblivious to the tension of the moment, piped up, "Hey, anyone up for the amusement park?"
The crew, with a collective sigh, responded, "Shut up, Luffy!" except for Brook and Chopper who excitedly agreed, "That sounds fun!"
As they continued, a looming figure obstructed their path—the unmistakable silhouette of Bartholomew Kuma. "Everyone, be careful," Robin warned, her voice tense. "He's one of the Seven Warlords."
Luffy, bewildered, asked, "A Warlord? How do you know!?"
As Kuma raised his massive paw, Sanji yelled, "Watch out for his shockwave attack!"
The warning came just in time as Luffy narrowly dodge the incoming blast.
"Why is he back!?" Robin said as she turned to Zoro, fear in her eyes remembering what happened to him last time Kuma appeared.
"That jerk!" Zoro yelled, releasing his embrace around Robin. He quickly drew his swords and positioned himself protectively in front of her.
The crew sprang into action. Franky unleashed a Coup De Vent, Luffy slipped into Gear Two, while Sanji and Zoro ran into the fray.
Zoro noticed the difference in Kuma, from how he acted in Thriller Bark to now, "Something is weird here. Something is…different about him from last time. Is it just my imagination?"
As the crew fought, Zoro, Sanji, and Luffy coordinated their attacks with Zoro shouting "Three-sword style…," Luffy following with "Gum-Gum…", and Sanji adding "Diable…"
Their combined assaults landed with ferocity: "Six Hundred Pound Phoenix!" "Bazooka!" "Mouton Jet!"
From a safer distance, Robin, Nami, and Chopper watched with bated breath as they saw Kuma fall backwards. "Did they knock him out?" Nami asked, hopefully. Chopper replied to Nami sounding awestruck, "They're so powerful!"
Robin, her eyes focused on Zoro, replied cautiously, "A Warlord won't be taken down that easily. Look at their faces—they know it's not over."
As Kuma rose again, he landed a direct hit on Zoro, who collapsed in pain. "Zoro!" the crew shouted in unison, concern etched on their faces, especially Robin's.
"Hey! Did you get hit that badly? Can you move?" Luffy inquired about his first mate's condition with a worried tone.
"Just leave him alone Luffy! We have to beat that thing first!" Sanji called out, panting from the exertion of his last move.
Zoro, coughing up some blood and wincing in pain, made a strained effort to get up, his face twisted with discomfort as he supported himself on his hands and knees. Robin's eyes were filled with worry, her mind racing as she thought: "Please don't overdo it, Zoro. I can't bear the thought of losing you."
Sanji noticing Zoro's movements couldn't help but think: "He still hasn't fully healed from what happened back in Thriller Bark! Judging by his face, it must be really painful just to be in this fight."
Chopper, seizing the moment to assist, launched into the fray. "Cloven," he yelled, striking Kuma. "Cherry Blossom Blizzard!"
As Kuma stumbled back and prepared another attack, Franky rejoined the battle. "Strong Hammer!" he roared, followed by a barrage of "Franky Boxing."
Right after their attempts to attack, Kuma launched Franky through the air. Acting swiftly, Robin used her abilities to catch Franky, carefully easing him down to the ground to avoid further injury.
Brook, seizing an opening, leapt into the air. "Swallow Bond En Avant!" he cried, though his attack halted just short of its mark.
Usopp jumped into the fray screaming, "Special Attack… Atlas Comet!"
The Straw Hats fought valiantly, but Kuma seemed unstoppable that is until he paused to charge another blast that seemed to be coming from his mouth. Taking advantage of the momentary opening, Robin shouted, "Ochenta Fleurs Cuatro Mano!" her arms sprouting and forming fists above Kuma's head, then slamming them down with force she screamed, "Shock!" Causing the blast to go off in Kuma's mouth seemingly rendering him unconscious.
Hoping they had subdued him, Kuma powered back to life, going berserk. Zoro finally got a second wind and leapt back into the fray with Sanji, their exhaustion evident. "Diable Jambe Flamage Shot!" Sanji yelled. "Nine Sword Style Asura! Demon Nine Flash!" Zoro roared.
Luffy, taking the opportunity, shifted into Gear Three. "Gum Gum Giant Rifle!"
After the trio's exhaustive effort, Kuma finally fell. Robin rushed to Zoro's side, concern written all over her face after seeing him collapse. "Hey, I'm here. Stay with me, please." She said holding his head gently between her hands and looking into his eyes.
"Maybe running was a better option," Chopper panted, out of breath.
Robin, while tending to Zoro, said firmly, "It's better to have confronted him head-on. He would have pursued us regardless."
Their brief moment of respite was shattered by the thunderous arrival of Sentomaru and PX-1. The crew, startled, quickly stood trying to gather their strength to fight again.
Zoro, spoke up and looked to Luffy as Robin put Zoro's arm over her shoulders so she could try to help support him. "We need to be worrying about ourselves more than them! If we get in another battle one of us will sustain an irreversible injury!"
Luffy, realizing they can't go on much longer agreed, "We have to get out of here! Everyone split up!"
As Luffy finished speaking, PX-1 sent a blast causing the Straw Hats scatter in the hopes PX-1 couldn't track them all.
Determined to ensure Zoro's safety, Robin prepared to take him to a secure location. However, Zoro shook his head, insisting, "Go with Luffy. You'll be safer with him if you're not here worried about me. Please."
Robin stared at him with disbelief. "I'm not leaving you behind," she firmly stated. But before she could protest further, Zoro called out, "Luffy! Take Robin with you, now!"
In the next moment, Luffy's arm stretched out, encircling Robin. As she was pulled away, Zoro mouthed "I love you" before he ran off spotting a curled up Usopp on the ground. Picking him up, he ran in the opposite direction of Luffy's group.
"Everyone, meet back at the Sunny in three days!" Luffy yelled as they fled.
As soon as they all split off, Sentomaru sought out Luffy. Without missing a beat, Luffy tried to attack only to be forcefully knocked back sending him reeling through the air. Amidst the turmoil, Zoro, already exhausted and pushing himself too far, found himself struck down once more, this time by a mysterious and powerful force that seemed to be made of light.
"Zoro! No!" Robin cried out, fear gripping her heart as she saw a familiar figure now looming over him. "Kizaru!"
Luffy, now realizing what happened, screamed "Zoro! Zoro's in trouble!"
Nami covered her mouth in horror. "No! He's going to die!"
Kizaru's next attack charged up, aimed at the fallen swordsman. Robin, desperate to save him, sprouted arms to roll Zoro to safety, but Kizaru brutally stomped on Zoro's back, keeping Robin from moving her injured swordsman further. Anger flew into Robin as she was about to run in to do whatever she could to protect Zoro.
"I won't let you escape. Now die," Kizaru sneered, readying his final blow, only to be stopped by Rayleigh's timely intervention.
Seizing the moment, Luffy yelled, "Usopp, Brook, take Zoro and run! Everyone else, save yourselves!"
As PX-1 pursued the other Straw Hats, the real Kuma appeared, targeting Zoro first. "So you are alive, Roronoa. If you were to take a trip, where would you want to go?" Kuma said with his paw ungloved immediately making Zoro disappear before he could run.
Robin's heart stopped when she saw Zoro disappear. Trying to snap herself out of it, she kept running with Luffy her mind racing with concern for Zoro. Where had Kuma sent him?
Luffy's anguished cry broke through her thoughts when he realized Zoro was no longer around, "Zoro, where are you!?"
In the chaotic aftermath, Kuma methodically targeted the Straw Hats. Zoro, Brook, Usopp, and Sanji – each vanished without a trace. Luffy, consumed by a mix of rage and desperation, shifted into Gear Two. "You jerk!"
Franky, attempting to provide Luffy an opening, charged at Kuma but was swiftly sent away in a flash. Nami, barely having time to react, followed suit, disappearing in an instant.
Chopper, in his formidable monster form, lunged at Kuma, hoping to turn the tide, only to find himself vanishing as well.
As Kuma turned his attention to Robin, Luffy's panic reached its max. "Robin! Run! Get out of there!" he shouted; his voice strained with urgency.
Robin's eyes met Kuma's just as his paw loomed before her. "Luffy!" she screamed, a mix of farewell and terror, before she too was swept away into the unknown.
Luffy collapsed to the ground, his spirit shattered. "I couldn't protect them…" His words were muffled by sobs, his face buried in his hands. Looking up, he saw Kuma's paw descending upon him.
"We'll never see each other again. Farewell." Kuma intoned, and with that, Luffy was gone.
That day, the Straw Hat Pirates, led by Captain Monkey D. Luffy, were defeated. Their fate hanging in the balance. The once lively and resilient crew was now dispersed, each member facing an uncertain future alone.