One Piece One-Shots

Zoro x Child!Reader: Pinky Promise?

In which a young girl meets Zoro, her hero and inspiration, and promises to follow her dream.

Themes: Platonic, child reader, pinky promise

Warnings: Mention of Kuina

The sun was setting over the village of Shimotsuki, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky as the day wound down. Amidst the peaceful scenery, a young girl named (Y/n) sat atop a grassy hill, her eyes fixed on the horizon. She clutched a worn-out wooden sword in her small hands, her determination shining through the innocence of her gaze. (Y/n)'s heart raced with excitement as she waited eagerly for her hero, Roronoa Zoro, the legendary swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, to arrive. She had heard tales of his incredible strength and unwavering resolve, and she dreamed of one day becoming a swordswoman just like him. 

As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, (Y/n)'s patience waned, and doubts began to creep into her mind. What if Zoro didn't show up? What if he was just a myth? But just as she was about to give in to her uncertainty, a shadow fell over her, and she looked up to see a figure standing before her.

It was him.

Roronoa Zoro stood tall and imposing, his green hair swept back in the wind as he gazed down at (Y/n) with a stern yet gentle expression. (Y/n)'s heart skipped a beat as she stared up at him in awe, her eyes wide with admiration. "Are you... Are you really Zoro?" she whispered, barely able to contain her excitement. Zoro nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, that's me. And who might you be, kid?"

(Y/n) scrambled to her feet, her wooden sword clutched tightly in her hand. "I'm (Y/n)!" She blurted out, "I've heard all about you, Zoro! You're my hero! I want to be the world's greatest swordswoman, just like you!" Zoro's smile widened, and he crouched down to meet (Y/n) at eye level, saying, "Is that so? Well, you've got quite the dream, kid. But it's not an easy path to walk. You'll need determination, strength, and a whole lot of practice." (Y/n) nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with determination. "I know, Zoro! But I'm not afraid of hard work! I'll train every day and never give up until I'm as strong as you! I will become the world's greatest swordswoman!" Zoro chuckled softly, ruffling her (h/c) hair affectionately. "That's the spirit, kid. I can see a fire in your eyes that reminds me of someone I once knew."

(Y/n)'s heart skipped a beat as she remembered the story of Kuina, Zoro's childhood friend and rival who had dreamed of becoming the world's greatest swordswoman but tragically passed away before she could achieve her goal. She felt a pang of sadness for Zoro, knowing how much Kuina meant to him. "I promise, Zoro," (Y/n) said solemnly, her voice filled with determination. "I won't let you down. I'll follow my dream no matter what, and I'll make you proud, just like Kuina would have wanted."

Zoro's eyes softened, and he placed a hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder, saying, "I promise to help you follow your dream." The young girl grinned, "Do you pinky promise?" 
The swordsman scoffed, "What are you, 8?" (Y/n) gave him a deadpan look. "Actually, yes, I am. Now give me your pinky!" 

And so, with a pinky promise passing between them and with the sun dipped below the horizon and the world silent around them, (Y/n) knew that her journey had only just begun. But with Zoro by her side, she felt invincible.