The Swordsman's Cat ( Zoro X Reader)

Chapter 48 : Lion's Den

Chapter 48 : Lion's Den

"Everyone! It's time to party!!!"

Luffy's exuberant voice rang out across, echoing through the air and drawing excited cheers from the crew, the children rescued from Punk Hazard, and even members of Smoker's crew who had joined in the festivities.

With wide grins and laughter, the Straw Hat Pirates, along with their newfound friends, eagerly began to set up for the banquet.

The aroma of delicious food filled the air as Sanji whipped up a feast fit for a king.

Meanwhile, Usopp and Chopper took charge of entertainment, regaling everyone with stories of their adventures and playing lively tunes on their instruments.

Luffy's infectious enthusiasm was contagious, spreading from person to person as they danced and laughed together under the snowy sky.

For a brief moment, all worries and troubles were forgotten as the crew basked in the warmth of friendship and the simple pleasures of good company.

After the exhilarating victory over Caesar and a relatively smooth aftermath, Zoro took a moment to relax, sinking back into his seat with a satisfied sigh as he downed mug after mug of ale.

"Ah, now that hits the spot!" Zoro exclaimed with a wide grin, wiping the remnants of the liquor from his mouth with the back of his hand.

Suddenly, Chopper darted over, his tiny hooves clattering against the snow as he rushed to Zoro's side.

"Zoro, you can't be drinking!" he scolded, his voice tinged with concern.

Zoro arched an eyebrow, regarding the little reindeer with bemusement.

"And why not?" he asked, genuinely puzzled by Chopper's urgency.

Chopper waved his hooves frantically in the air, his expression panicked.

"It's doctor's orders! Usopp told me you were coughing up puddles of blood earlier!" he exclaimed, his voice rising with worry.

Zoro's expression darkened as he recalled the unsettling memory, a grim reminder of your rage that had taken a toll on his body for the moment.

Flashback :

"D-did Zoro-san just growl?" Brooke's voice quivered with apprehension, the fear evident in his tone.

Nami's next words trailed off, her disbelief mirroring that of the others.

"Like an animal...? Ya..he..he just did.." 

Zoro mumbled in desperation and worry as he held himself back.

"P-please..Please cal- calm down- C-catnip.."

His internal turmoil was palpable.

For two long years, he had relied on you to shield him from the very pain and anguish that now threatened to consume him.

The spell you had meticulously studied and perfected had failed him, leaving him vulnerable to the overwhelming surge of his demon blood and your rage.

The realization of being overtaken by his inner demons filled Zoro with a burning frustration.

He couldn't keep relying on you to protect him.

Berserker mode was a curse he had hoped to avoid, yet here he stood, on the brink of losing control.

As the primal instincts of his demonic heritage began to tighten their grip, Zoro's growl reverberated louder, a haunting reminder of the battle raging within him.