After breakfast, Zoro stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, Asahi. Ready for some training?"
Asahi's face lit up with excitement, and he quickly jumped to his feet. "Yes, Daddy!"
The cook, clearing away the breakfast dishes, glanced over at them. "Don't push him too hard, Marimo. He's still just a kid."
Zoro smirked, his eyes meeting Sanji's. "Don't worry, cook." He turned back to Asahi. "Come on, let's get started."
The swordsman led Asahi to the open deck, where the gentle sway of the ship created a rhythm that matched their movements. Asahi, eager and determined, gripped a small practice sword.
"Feet apart, knees bent, just like this. Got it?" Asahi nodded eagerly, trying his best to mimic Zoro's stance.
"Like dis, Daddy?" Zoro adjusted Asahi's posture slightly, his touch firm but gentle. "Perfect. Now, let's work on some basic swings. Follow my lead."
Asahi tried to follow, but his long hair kept falling into his eyes, the ponytail tie slipping loose with every movement. He huffed in frustration, brushing the strands away repeatedly.
"Focus, Asahi," Zoro grumbled, adjusting his stance to show the boy again.
Asahi nodded earnestly, but the struggle with his hair persisted. Each time he moved, the ponytail would slip, and he would have to stop and push his hair back.
"Hold still," Zoro snapped, marching over to Asahi. He pulled off the bandana he wore around his arm and expertly tied it around Asahi's head, securing the unruly locks away from his face. "There."
Asahi blinked up at Zoro, the new headband making him look even more determined. "Me ready, Daddy!"
"Good," Zoro said, stepping back to resume their training. This time, Asahi managed to maintain his focus. He copied Zoro's movements with earnest effort, his small body moving with a mix of clumsiness and budding skill.
"That's better," Zoro praised, his tone softening.
Asahi grinned, his confidence bolstered by Zoro's words. "Me wanna be strong wike you!"
Zoro's lips curved into a rare smile. "And you will be. But it takes time and dedication. Keep at it, and you'll get there."
Their training session continued under the morning sun, but they were greeted by the sight of Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper huddled together, whispering excitedly. The trio looked up, their faces lighting up with mischief, as they spotted Zoro and Asahi.
"Hey, Asahi!" Usopp called out, trying to suppress a grin. "Come over here! We have a surprise for you!"
Asahi's eyes widened with curiosity. "A 'prise? Whas it?"
Luffy and Chopper exchanged a conspiratorial look before revealing a bucket filled with colorful water balloons. "It's a water balloon fight!" Luffy declared, bouncing on his toes with excitement.
Before Asahi could react, Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper each grabbed a balloon and hurled it toward him. Asahi squealed with delight as the cool water splashed against his skin. Zoro's eyes narrowed, and he quickly stepped in front of Asahi, shielding him from the barrage of water balloons.
"Oh, you want a war?" Zoro growled, a smirk playing on his lips. "You've picked the wrong opponents."
With lightning-fast reflexes, Zoro grabbed a handful of water balloons from the bucket and began to counterattack. His precision was impeccable as he launched balloons at the trio, each one hitting its mark with a satisfying splash.
Luffy laughed uproariously, his stretchy arms reaching out to grab more balloons. "Come on, guys! We can't let them win!"
Usopp and Chopper scrambled to find cover behind some barrels, giggling uncontrollably as they continued to lob balloons at Zoro and Asahi.
