Adventures of the Roronoa Family

Zoro's Promise

The Thousand Sunny sailed through the calm seas, its crew relishing the peaceful moment after the chaos of Punk Hazard. Among the crew's usual banter and laughter, a new dynamic had begun to emerge.

Trafalgar Law, the enigmatic captain of the Heart Pirates and their newest ally, was seated close to Robin. The pair were engrossed in a book sprawled between them, its pages filled with mysterious texts and symbols. Law's tone carried a note of admiration as he spoke, "Your insight on these texts is remarkable, Robin," Law said, his voice tinged with respect.

Robin, her eyes scanning the page, replied without looking up. "Thank you, Law. These writings could hold clues to our next moves as a crew."

Zoro, usually found either training fiercely or dozing off, couldn't help but stay within earshot of the pair. He was never one to openly express his feelings, but the sight of Law leaning close to Robin stirred something in him. He continued to observe them from a distance, his expression hardening slightly. The way Law seemed to captivate Robin with his intellect, the way their heads inclined towards each other as they talked – it all seemed to prick at Zoro's usually composed demeanor. "This has been going on for days now..." Zoro thought to himself.

His hand subconsciously rested on the hilt of his sword, his brow furrowing as he watched. His concentration was so focused on Robin and Law that he almost missed Olivia, his 3-year-old daughter, approaching him with her usual bright energy.

"Daddy, play swordfight with me!" Olivia pleaded, tugging at Zoro's pants, her small wooden sword in hand.

Zoro glanced down at his daughter, a softness momentarily replacing the stern look in his eyes. "In a bit, Livy," he said, forcing a smile. "Why don't you go see if Chopper wants to play first? I'll join you soon."

As Olivia scampered off, Zoro's attention was drawn back to Robin and Law. He watched as Law pointed out a particular passage and leaned into Robin. They were so absorbed in their discussion that they seemed to exist in a world of their own.

He tried to shake off the unsettling feeling, to focus on his own tasks, but his thoughts kept drifting back to them. It was unlike Zoro to feel this way – this sense of unease, this underlying current of... was it jealousy?

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the crew assembled for their evening meal. Olivia, sat perched on her dad's lap, excitedly talked about how she beat him in their sword fight. However, Zoro's attention was only half on his daughter's enthusiastic storytelling. His eyes frequently strayed to another part of the table where Robin and Law were engrossed in a deep discussion.

"Mommy! I beat Daddy during swordfights!" Olivia says pulling her mother out of her conversation with Law.

"Good job, baby!" Robin said with a smile. Before she turned her focus back to Law she noticed the way Zoro was watching her. She gave him a small smile before turning back to Law.

Zoro watched as Law leaned in closer to Robin, their heads almost touching, their conversation once again a quiet murmur lost in the middle of the general chatter around the table.

Franky, sitting near Zoro, nudge him. "Hey, Zoro, you've been staring a hole through those two. What's up, bro?" Franky asked, his voice laced with concern and curiosity.

Zoro's brow furrowed slightly as he turned to Franky, a gruff grunt escaping his lips. "Nothing... I'm fine," he said abruptly, but his tone belied his words. His hand subconsciously moved to the hilt of his sword, resting at his side.

Olivia, noticing her father is once again not listening to her, tugged his sleeve. "Daddy, you're not listening," she complained, her voice a mix of hurt and confusion.