The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 7

The swordsman sat down on the end of the gurney, tilting it slightly with his added weight. I sat silently, unsure of what to say or where to even begin. He waited patiently and I clenched my fists on my lap, "Alright, Zoro. You asked for my story, well now you're gonna get it."

I took a deep breath and started from the very root of the problem, "The first thing you should know is that my full name is Korudosuton Kaori."

I sensed him tense up in surprise before speaking in a controlled tone, "Well... That explains a lot actually."

A wry laugh slipped out of me and I shook my head, "I guess you've heard of the Korudosuton Clan then."

"Yes, I have. Your family is known for its long line of warriors. If I'm not mistaken, your family crest is a bull," He began.

I laughed bitterly, "Yeah. Bulls are stubborn and strong creatures that tend to work alone. It fits our bloodline perfectly."

"You and your family hate anyone who uses weapons or devil fruit powers. You prefer hand-to-hand combat," He said plainly.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Yeah, for the most part, you're right, but we don't necessarily hate the person. We hate the fact they rely on weapons and ungodly power to fight with."

He seemed to take offence to that, "Hey, I don't rely on anything. My swords are a part of me."

"Exactly my point," I growled, "What if, heaven forbid, you don't have access to a single sword? What will you do then, huh? Run away with your tail between your legs, like any other swordsman would."

The cot lightened and I heard his voice inches from my face, "Don't underestimate me. I'm the man who will be the world's greatest swordsman."

Remembering something my father said often, I smirked and spoke calmly, "When a swordsman can drop his swords and continue to fight, he becomes a man. Are you a man yet?"

"Don't twist the word to suit your ideas!" He growled.

"I'll take that as a no," I said lightly.

It clearly pissed him off, "You don't have respect for anyone, do you?"

"I do respect people," I answered calmly, "You just have to earn my respect, and that is not easily done. Very few people have proven to me they are strong on their own, without the aid of a weapon."

I could hear the smirk in his voice, "Then I'll prove it to you."

I became wary of him, "What do you mean, swordsman?"

He stood up straight and got out of my face, "When you heal, I'll fight you. Hand to hand, no swords. Once you see my skills, then you can judge me."

I was shocked. No swordsman I had ever encountered had been willing to challenge me. Either they were too uneasy about hitting a small blind girl, or they would not lay down their blade, but this man was different. I quickly tightened my slack jaw, "I accept your challenge, Roronoa."

This seemed to appease the pirate swordsman and he sat down on the edge of the cot, "So, Korudosuton Kaori, huh? It makes sense. If I'm not mistaken, Kaori means strength, and the Korudosuton Clan is known for their 'Stone Cold' hearts thirsting for battle."

I nodded, "We do have that reputation, but contrary to popular belief, we're not killers. We fight an opponent until one of us is unable to fight. In some cases that means death, but most times it will end when one of us falls unconscious or the opponent accepts defeat. We never give up. That has been drilled into me since I was a toddler. Never give up, keep fighting, and never accept defeat. It's what I live by."