The Greatest (Zoro x Tashigi)

Hey Sailor

[A/N: 'line'/'sheet'/'halyard' = rope.]

Tashigi POV:

Crickets chirp as I lean down, gingerly, and pull the log pose from a bag. I've checked it constantly the past few days and the needle never locked into this island, or the other two, like Nami's New World pose did. Holding the block of wood up to the light I see the needle pointing steadily to the West. 

"Well at least you haven't changed." I nod and look between the docks and the little town. Better not to stay long on this island though, just in case it resets the pose. I inhale sharply as I turn the compass over and read the bottom for the umpteenth time that day. 

'Enough for miracles'

My grip tightens and I look to the sea, to the West. 

'Only the strong will know when they've arrived'

I inhale sharply, closing my eyes as a breeze blows from the waves. 

'We don't need a miracle, we just need you.'

My eyes flick open, heart twisting as I place the log pose in it's bag and look back at the island, determined, swallowing back anxious grief. "I can do this." I mumble as I pick up all the bags I'd dropped and start walking for the Main Street. ohhohoho it is the time for action. My eyes glint and steps quicken as I read the varying shop signs. 

"I need a shipwright, or someone selling a small boat. I have supplies- I still need water though." I pause and tilt my head, looking back to the West from beside a glasses shop. "How long will I be at sea.." I gulp. hopefully not too long. A spasm doubles me over as I grimace at my stomach as the pain subsides back to a constant throb. "Hopefully not too short either. Oh goodness I'll have to design a training regiment- that can happen once I'm on my way. Gah I just need to start sailing!"

'HAOMZEN DEATH RATE STEADIES AT 25 A DAY'

I shake my head and start walking again. "Boat, water.." the Main Street stretches up a gradual hill, two level shops lining both sides of the road, well kept and painted bright beach colors. I glance up at the mountains, twinkling paths weaving through it's forests- it is pretty. and it's the first land I've been on since Rieno. 

.. maybe my last.

"Oh hush with the dramatics." I mumble as I drop my gaze and keep scanning signs. "maybe more food. Nami gave me clothes-"

"HUUAATTENTIIIOOOOON!"

"HAI!"

My head whips up in time to see a small company of marines crest the top of the hill, stopping at the command of a Lieutenant. My heart plummets as I freeze, staring wide eyed at- oh. oh.

-'Follow orders, Captain.'- 'Do not lecture me on the purpose of the Navy'-'2 marines dead'-

-"You can still do it. You can still perfect my Navy."-

I spin on my feet and leap into the nearest alley, slamming my back against the bricks- oOIP. i m m e d i a t e    r e g r e t. I slump to the ground and drop my bags, wincing at the loud clanging that echoes in the tiny space. What did Franky and Usopp put in there?!

"TONIGHT, WE MUST BE EXTRAORDINARILY VIGILANT!"

the lieutenant continues, and I sigh as I relax into the stucco wall of a bakery painted yellow, a few feet from their side door and opposite a  pasta house. Right. "land means Marines." I whisper.

-"Just don't do anything illegal kid."-

Heh.. 

Where is Smoker now? and G5? What happened to my crew? I bite my lip as I look down the alley, a flickering neon sign lighting up the opposite end from Main Street.