New Hashira

Chapter 5

Two weeks before Zoro became a Demon slayer

Zoro was training with his breathing technique under the night sky. He had mastered concentration breathing completely, he was now possibly on the level of a hashira as it has been seven to eight years since his dojo died.

He was currently alone at his and Mihawks house. Mihawk was on a 'secret mission' that Zoro knew nothing about. The only thing he knew was that Mihawk had been kicked out of the Demon slayer corps because he had killed a human, that had happened five years ago. Zoro doesn't know Mihawks reasons, but he also doesn't care what his reasons were. 

Zoro was swinging a one-sided dumbbell when he heard gossiping and shock from villagers. Sweat dripping down his buff upper body as he wanted to finish his swings. When he was done, he quickly set down the dumbbell, put a shirt and a pair of boots on, grabbed his swords and quickly ran to the crowd. What he found was just as he had sensed, a demon and a wounded teenage girl.

 Zoro recognized her right away, not too long ago she confessed her love to him. She asked him if he wanted to be her girlfriend, he responded with a "I'll think about it."

Zoro sighed then took out one of his swords, aimed for the demons neck and quickly decapitated him. He put his sword back in his sheath and turned to the wound young lady. He observed her wounds on her neck, which made her blush. "Come with me, and I'll treat the wound." Was all Zoro said.

After Zoro treated her, he put food on the stove for himself, Hiyori was her name, and Mihawk just in case he comes home while they ate. Their dinner was a simple small portion of beef ramen with eggs and rice. When the food was ready, he gave Hiyori a bowl and some rice, giving himself the same.

"I'm sorry I didn't come out sooner." Zoro told her before taking a bite of noodles. Hiyori gasped with surprise. "Why are you apologizing? If you didn't come when you did, more would've been more injured. Mihawk - san is out on a mission, so you are the only one that can protect the village from demons. 

Zoro sat in thought as he finished his rice. "I won't be here forever, soon I become a demon slayer." Hiyori almost choked on her food. "When will you be gone?" She asked with a sad expression.

"I don't know, but I'll go before I turn Twenty-one." 

Hiyori quickly ate the rest of her food. "Have you, have you decided yet?" It took a few seconds for Zoro to figure out what she was talking about. "Yeah." 

A ray of hope shot through Hiyori. "And?" 

Zoro stood up, walked to Hiyroi, and sat next to her. He opened his mouth to speak but that was when Mihawks old crow had interrupted. "Zoro." The crow spoke, scaring Hiyori half to death. "Yeah?" Zoro responded.

"Unfortunately, I don't have good news for you." Crow said, giving Zoro a sad look. "Hiyori, can you step out for a minute?" Hiyori quickly nodded and rushed to Zoro's room.

"What happened, crow?" 

"Dracule Mihawk encountered an uppermoon and fell in battle." Zoro eyes widened in shock and horror. Memories of Mihawks teachings, angry looks, and rare smiles came rushing through Zoro's mind. He couldn't picture his master ever being injured then killed. "That's impossible." He whispered. 

The crow had heard him and said. "Believe it or not Mihawk had been defeated by Uppermoon one." Zoro barely managed to keep his emotions in check. "Oh, I see. Thank you for informing me."

The crow nodded and got ready to fly away before Zoro stopped him. "Tell me, when is the next final selection?" 

"In a week."

"Do you mind leading me there?"