Chapter 90

The wall of fame

"It's so peaceful here…"

"Our village is a haven of peace most of the time," Kôshirô agreed.

Sitting around a table in the small tea pavilion adjoining the estate, Sanji observed the large garden surrounding the Isshin dojo of Shimotsuki through the windows with Zoro and his master.

The swordsman and he had arrived a little less than two hours earlier. The day after their conversation, Zoro had gotten the coordinates of the nearest door from Liam and in the process, he had made his wish known to his captain. Around the snack table, his crewmates had gone from simple interest to complete curiosity upon learning that Sanji would leave with him. The swordsman had ignored them though, focused on Luffy's response who had immediately approved between two huge mouthfuls of meat sandwich.

Without lingering any longer, his first mate had borrowed a small sailboat from Lily's team and had gone to pick up the blond in his restaurant. Sanji had wasted no time on his side and he had announced his departure for a few days to his mentor, his two assistant cooks and his waitress. Elio and Sam had not really commented on the event, happy to gain autonomy again, and Amy had not worried too much either. On the other hand, Zeff had stared at his former apprentice for a long time without a word to the point that Sanji had been stunned by his lack of reaction. The blond had imagined the old cook harping on once again about his lack of maturity and responsibility because of this unexpected trip but that did not happen and he had gathered his things to slip away without waiting.

That same evening, the two crewmates had set sail and it had taken them a little over two days to see the coast of the East Blue. Immediately after docking, they had crossed vast expanses of absolutely peaceful fields and forests. The blond had been particularly struck by this peaceful silence. He had grown up in a kitchen always filled with the noise of utensils and the thunderous voices of those who jostled around him, so he was not used to evolving in such a quiet universe. The only place that reminded him of this serenity was the Sunny when it sped across the vastness of the ocean in the middle of the night without the cries of his captain and crew. His gratitude for being alive was never as strong as in those moments, safe and free among the people he loved. That's why Shimotsuki had immediately been classified among those timeless places which allowed him to enjoy the present moment.

This atmosphere suited the swordsman who had walked confidently and relaxed at his side. Sanji had immediately understood that the village of his childhood had given Zoro his taste for silence and contemplation. Its peaceful dwellings and this nature among which he had grown up were in his image, conducive to meditation and concentration for his art, far from any useless agitation.

When they had entered the dojo about twenty minutes later, a training session was taking place in the main room and they had waited not far from the tatami until the master of the place was finished with his young students. The children had happily left for the village, not without casting curious glances in the direction of the swordsman when they had walked past them, and Sanji had assumed that they were impressed by his three swords and imposing figure. Indeed, an underlying danger was always perceptible despite his relaxed posture. Obviously, Zoro had totally ignored them anyway, focused on his master who had finally walked towards them.

Kôshirô hadn't seemed surprised to see the swordsman and he had greeted him without a word but with a soft smile on his lips, as if his former student had only left the day before. Zoro had returned his greeting, bowing slightly in front of him, and Sanji had immediately felt sympathy for this old calm swordsman who had then turned to him, an equally warm smile lighting up his face. Kôshirô hadn't asked any questions about the reason for their presence and he had simply led them to the tea pavilion adjoining the dojo. The cook had once again noted the natural way his companion moved near his master. Zoro visibly felt at home despite the years and here too, the silence that he loved so much seemed to be the rule as he slowly sipped his tea.

Coming out of his contemplation of the garden, Sanji finally turned to their host.

"I hope we're not intruding by showing up here unannounced. Zoro thought it wasn't necessary to tell you, but I find it rather rude…"

"Zoro and his friends will always be welcome in my humble dojo," the owner of the place reassured him.

"We won't stay long. I just need to see Kuina."

Kôshirô nodded at these words but not far from him, Sanji stared at his companion, outraged. "What the heck, mosshead? Where are your manners?! You haven't been here for years, you can ask for news of the one who welcomes you so generously while you waltz in unannounced! I am really sorry for his deplorable attitude," he added while bowing to apologize.

The swordsman did not answer, still drinking his tea stoically, and Kôshirô offered another soothing smile to his guest. "Zoro is at home here and I know his unwavering determination. I'll be happy to welcome you for as long as you deem necessary."

Sanji bowed again then grabbed his own cup of tea.

"We are very grateful and I insist on making dinner tonight to thank you. Above all, do not hesitate to use the mosshead for any difficult work you may have," he added, pointing to his companion with a casual jerk of his chin while the latter frowned.

"Mind your own business, curly. Make food if you want but leave me out of it."

The blond ignored him, his eyes fixed on their host.

"As I was saying, he'll be happy to help." The swordsman grumbled unintelligibly at his side and Sanji delicately took a sip of his perfectly balanced green tea. "How about some grilled fish slices? I've noticed some mackerel and haddock near the shore, but I can also cook them in foil if you prefer. With a few doses of rice and crunchy vegetables, I guarantee a meal rich in flavors and nutrients, ideal to compensate for your training!"

"I'd be honored," the old master replied with a smile.

After tea, Kôshirô had led his guests into the courtyard to show them around the large property. While doing so, he and Zoro had begun to discuss the region's swordsmen and their development since he had left the dojo. A little away, Sanji listened distractedly, more attentive to the environment around them. The flowers in the garden were magnificent under the East Blue spring sky and they delicately filled the ambient air with their fragrance in this early afternoon.

Suddenly, he heard new whispers and he turned his head towards the bushes that rustled a few steps from him. He had seen several little swordsmen enter the dojo behind their teacher earlier but an increasing number of them had started to follow them for several minutes. Curious, Sanji pretended to bend down to examine a flower in order to unravel this mystery.

"I'm telling you; it's him!"

"You sure? He doesn't have that scar on his wanted poster…"

"He's got the same earrings!"

"And he has three swords!"

"He went to the New World; of course he has scars!"

"I bet he has more of them under his clothes!"

"Maybe he already beat Hawkeye?!"

"No, we'd know!"

"We need to tell the others he's back!"

"Maybe he can give us a demonstration?!"

"Let's hurry! We don't know how long he'll be here!"

The kids ran away suddenly and the cook straightened up, bursting out laughing. He absolutely needed to tell the mosshead about his fan club!

By the time he reached Kôshirô and Zoro though, they were back to the center of the estate and, deep in their discussion, they did not see the cook widen his eyes upon discovering several dozen aspiring swordsmen with three swords hanging on the fence between the property and the dojo. The little swordsmen were literally quivering with excitement in front of the green-haired swordsman and Sanji nonchalantly tapped his shoulder to attract his attention. His companion then raised his head questioningly.

"I think your arrival didn't go unnoticed."

As the swordsman frowned, the blond pointed to something behind him and Zoro turned around. He stepped back in shock upon discovering all the kids whose eyes were fixed on him and they even let out a piercing cry of admiration when their idol finally noticed their presence.

"Our new swordsmen have been almost exclusively Santoryu users for the past three years," Kôshirô sighed. "I keep telling them that it's a particular technique that's almost disappeared and that the man who uses it is a wanted pirate, but they won't listen. And since Zoro grew up here, their numbers are growing as more and more wanted posters reach us…"

"You're famous, mosshead!" The cook pointed out to him, delighted. Once he had gotten over his shock, Zoro frowned. "I don't wanna be their model, I never asked for this."

"How I wish they could hear you." His old master sighed again as he watched his students talk in low voices while staring at Zoro, clearly too intimidated to approach the object of their fascination. He then joined them to bring them back to the main courtyard in preparation for their training before coming back and offering his two guests to visit the interior of the estate. Relieved, Zoro hastened to follow him and Sanji also followed suit after a few more moments spent observing the bright-eyed kids, definitely amused.

The afternoon was pleasant and the swordsman took advantage of the newfound calm to meditate on the grass of the garden while the cook studied a book of recipes from the region at a table not far from him. The blond raised his head a few minutes later at the sound of Kôshirô's footsteps as he joined them, his training over, and he noticed that an even more impressive number of children were spying on them again. Touched by their hopeful faces, he lightly pushed the swordsman with his foot to get him out of his concentration.

"You should go see the kids, mosshead."

"And why would I do that?" Zoro grumbled as he opened his eyes.

"Look at them, they're just waiting for you!" The cook insisted.

Zoro glanced at them before turning his attention back to the blond, shrugging his shoulders. "So what? I didn't come here for them and I didn't promise them anything," he reminded him. Sanji frowned and tried to kick him harder in the head, but Zoro parried his attack with his sword. "Seriously, cook?" The swordsman got annoyed, "All this for kids?"

"Exactly, shitty swordsman, they're just kids so hurry up. You are not going to disappoint kids!"

Zoro rolled his eyes when he met the blond's outraged gaze. Realizing that the cook would continue to harass him until he was satisfied, he sighed heavily before putting his sword away and getting up reluctantly. Probably uncomfortable, he then walked hesitantly towards the group of children who immediately surrounded him, overexcited.

"He doesn't look like it, but I'm sure he'll explain to them that they shouldn't take the path he himself chose lightly," the blond pointed out to the old master who had sat around the table.

The latter nodded, amused, and for a few moments, the two men watched the swordsman try to manage the horde of fascinated children. Zoro was urged to show his swords and he ended up taking out one. The children then pressed a little more against him, which made him grimace and seeing it, Kôshirô smiled.

"Zoro was never a people person or comfortable with the young people who wanted to see him when he started making headlines as a pirate hunter. That's when he left the dojo."

"He's got a terrible temper," the cook grumbled as he lit a cigarette. He then took the time to take a drag on his cigarette butt before turning his attention back to his companion. "When I see how polite and helpful you are, I wonder how he can be so lacking in tact and refinement…"

"Zoro has always been a wild child. Since he arrived here, only his training has mattered to him. He was very much like my Kuina."

At these words, Sanji blew his smoke towards the blue sky. "I'm sorry about your daughter. I didn't know her, but from the way Zoro talks about her, I know she was an amazing swordswoman."

Kôshirô smiled again, more melancholic, and his gaze fixed on his former student still struggling with his admirers.

"I am grateful to him for continuing to make her live through his dream and sword. She wouldn't have wanted it any other way."

Sanji simply nodded. He knew how much the death of his best friend had shaken Zoro as much as it had strengthened his convictions. Coming back here was probably both a blessing and a sweet agony for him because he had not yet kept his promise. Yet, Sanji was not worried. He knew that no matter what happened, Zoro would leave stronger.

Sanji had settled into the dojo's modest kitchen to select his ingredients for dinner when Zoro suddenly put his hand on his arm. Surprised, the cook jumped. "What's the matter, mosshead?" He asked angrily, turning to him.

"Come with me."

"Where?" The blond asked defensively.

"To see her."

Sanji froze immediately, his throat dry and heart pounding. He had never been sure that Zoro would take him to Kuina's grave, his presence here already indicating a very special attention towards him. Forgetting provocation, he hastened to put down his vegetables and wipe his hands to follow Zoro towards the garden and then to a small dirt path that led away from the dojo.

After about ten minutes of walking, the two men passed through the gates of the cemetery and Sanji suddenly felt moved when he noticed that his companion's footsteps did not betray him for once. Despite the years and his terrible sense of direction, this place seemed etched on his memory and quickly, the swordsman stopped near a cleared grave in front of which he sat down. Slightly intimidated, Sanji ended up doing the same and both remained silent while they detailed the gray stone preserved from time.

"I often came to talk to her about my progress until I left. I liked to think that she could hear me from up there," the swordsman explained after a few moments. The blond only nodded, concerned about respecting the atmosphere, but his companion continued with a sneer. "I introduced you as the perverted and idiotic cook that you are."

"Aren't you ashamed, mosshead?" The cook gritted between his teeth, "What do you think that makes me look like now?!"

Zoro burst out laughing and it surprised his companion. "I was sure you'd worry about your image even if she can't hear us!"

"And what if she can hear us, huh? I'd like to make a good impression, moron," the blond muttered, annoyed. The swordsman shook his head with a smile and silence fell for a few minutes before Sanji spoke again softly. "Did you tell her anything else?"

"That my dream is still far away," Zoro answered honestly. The cook quickly glanced at him and the swordsman felt his gaze despite his eyes fixed on the name of his deceased best friend in front of him. "I renewed our promise, I told her that I was not giving up the fight."

Sanji let his gaze linger on the stele under which Kuina rested and at his side, Zoro closed his eyes. "These last two years have surely been the most difficult of my life. I have never fought so much to achieve my goal and yet, I have never been so far away from it…"

The blond shivered at these words despite the pleasant sun around them while he observed the profile of his companion. In this battle against himself, Zoro had lost an eye and even his pride. And even if his wounds were healing, Sanji felt bitterness come over him each time he remembered them.

"I cursed my defeats for a long time before realizing that they offered me my greatest experiences," the swordsman continued as if he were reading the cook's thoughts. "Each scar, visible or not, is actually an honor. I now know that I will never again weaken in the face of the trials that still await me because despite the pain of these two years, I have found something. Something that is worth continuing to believe in even if everything seems hopeless."

As he spoke, Zoro opened his eyes and locked his gaze with the blond's, whose breath caught in his throat. A second later though, the swordsman returned his attention to the grave and Sanji released his breath.

Zoro seemed to get lost in the contemplation of the stone then and after a few more minutes, the cook stood up without a sound, placing a light hand on his companion's shoulder. "I'll wait for you at the dojo."

Zoro simply nodded, his eyes closed again, and the blond silently walked away among the graves, letting him commune with Kuina's spirit for a moment longer.

When Zoro returned to his master's property an hour later, a delicious smell of grilled fish filled the garden and he quickly discovered that the small table on which the blond had been reading in the afternoon was set up. He then spotted Kôshirô near the fence between his house and the dojo courtyard. He followed his gaze until he saw the cook among the children in the center of the courtyard. Curious, he decided to come closer and as he joined them, all eyes turned to him.

"Is it true that your hair is made from moss, Mr. Roronoa?" A little boy asked upon his arrival, his eyes wide.

"What?! What are-

"And is it true that you get lost all the time?" Another boy asked, just as eager for confirmation.

"How many hours a day do you sleep?"

The swordsman glared at his companion who was giggling a few steps away. He then took a deep breath and sternly stared at the children hanging on his every move.

"First, my hair is not moss. Second, I don't get lost, it's the places that move. Third, you should train instead of listening to nonsense if you ever wanna have a chance of becoming the best!"

The budding swordsmen had drunk in his words with fascination and they instantly straightened up at his call to order.

"You're right, Mr. Roronoa!"

"We're gonna train very hard, promise!"

"When are you coming back to show us your new techniques, Mr. Roronoa?!"

Zoro crossed his arms and let out his threatening aura. "Go train."

The kids jumped and ran with determination to take their places on the other side of the courtyard. The swordsman sighed in relief then and Sanji came closer, a smile on his lips.

"I tried to restore the truth, Cactus-kun. You know that you should never lie to children?"

The swordsman glared at him, but the blond took him by surprise when he pointed with a fond smile at the little swordsmen busy training with all their might, a stick in each hand and the third clenched between their teeth.

"Look at them putting their whole soul into impressing you," he murmured, "No matter what I could tell them, they worship you like a god. Your legend has already begun…"

Zoro shrugged. "They're just kids."

"They're the future, mosshead. What they see when you're in front of them is the next best swordsman in the world. That's what they tell everyone and what they'll still be doing in twenty or thirty years."

Without knowing why, the swordsman held his breath for a second and watched Sanji light a cigarette while he continued to contemplate the children.

"If you continue to look at me like that, I expect you to quickly show me these new techniques," the blond suddenly said with a smirk.

Zoro immediately looked away, embarrassed, before pulling himself together and offering him an equal smirk in return. "For you, I'm willing to make an effort and show you as soon as we get back."

Sanji looked into his eyes while taking a drag on his cigarette butt, amused. "I really can't wait to benefit from your experience in this area. Mister Roronoa."

The swordsman felt himself blushing but the cook moved away smiling towards the group of children and Zoro decided to return to Kôshirô behind the fence. He stood at his side then, letting his gaze linger on his swords at his waist and getting lost in their observation.

"I took him to see Kuina," he said after a moment as the two men followed the hustle and bustle of the courtyard with their eyes.

"It's been a long time," his master murmured, a smile in his voice.

"Yeah. I wanted him to know her."

The old swordsman let his gaze linger on his guest who watched in fascination as the future swordsmen showed him their new moves. "You and your friend are like fire and ice," he noted. "Your personalities both contrast and complement each other."

"To the point that we wanna kill each other every other hour," Zoro admitted with a sigh and Kôshirô laughed in front of the defeated face of the ex-pirate hunter. "Nature is never wrong, Zoro. It always seeks balance."

Surprised by his remark, the swordsman felt himself shudder. "Yeah, it made it pretty clear…"

Kôshirô turned to his former student who did not take his eyes off the cook. The blond was now laughing out loud among the children who were trying to imitate the postures of their model. The sincerity and innocence of his laughter echoed in the body of Zoro who could not help but gaze fondly at him and his old master placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I am happy for you, Zoro."

The swordsman looked away from his companion for a second to look at the man at his side before turning his attention back to Sanji.

"I'll continue to train until I beat Mihawk, I will not forget my promise. I lost my way for a moment but I won't make the same mistakes again. He will stop me."

"I trust you."

With these words, his master squeezed his shoulder again before turning away quietly, leaving Zoro to enjoy the mildness of the evening alone.

Next chapter will also be about our two favorite lovers! There will be a little less gentleness but hopefully just as much humor!