The Swordsman and the Blacksmith (Roronoa Zoro x Reader)

Chapter 9: A Tale of Three Swords

You sat at the worn wooden table in the bustling galley, your foot tapping impatiently against the floor as you picked at your breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the alluring scent of Sanji's cooking, but your mind was elsewhere, consumed with thoughts of the forge awaiting your return.

The door creaked open, and one by one, the members of the Straw Hat crew trickled into the room, their voices rising in animated chatter as they greeted each other with hearty laughs and wide smiles. Luffy bounded in first, his infectious energy filling the room as he plopped down beside you, his stomach growling loudly in anticipation of the meal to come.

Nami followed, today's news under her arm as she settled herself not far from you, her sharp eyes flicking between the articles and the crew members gathered around the table. Usopp joined her, his eyes landing on your anxious form.

"You alright, (Y/n)?" He asked.

You offered him a weak smile. "I'm fine, Usopp." You replied your tone more curt than intended. "Just itching to get back to work" you explained.

Nami shot you a sympathetic glance from across the table, her expression softening with understanding. "I know it's hard, but you need to listen to Chopper" She chided gently as she turned the page she was reading.

You sighed. "I know, I know," you muttered, stabbing at your food with more force than necessary.

You didn't see Nami blanch, only looking up after Robin asked her what was wrong. Your wanted poster had fallen out of the pages of the newspaper.

1 billion Berry.

You knew it was coming. It still didn't soften the blow.

"Pass me that, would you?" You asked with a small smile, gesturing at the newspaper Nami was holding.

"I don't think that's such a good idea," She said meekly.

Ah. It was bad then.

"I'll be alright, Nami" you assured her, prying the paper out of her grip.

The Blacksmith of Hell joins the Straw Hat Pirates after annihilating a marine base. You snorted. Blacksmith of hell? They couldn't come up with something... better? You continued reading, your eyes settling on the phrase 'No survivors'. You hadn't held out much hope, but you'd still wished for something else.

You handed back the papers to Nami, trying to keep the inner turmoil of your emotions off your face. "Not too tempted to turn me in? Imagine the things you could buy with a billion Berry" You joked, the mirth in your voice not reaching your eyes.

Nami's expression shifted, a mixture of concern and empathy etched across her features. "Don't be ridiculous," she said firmly, her voice tinged with indignation. She started to say something else, but you cut her off, not wanting to have the conversation she was heading towards.

"What's all of you guys' bounties anyways?" you asked in fake cheerfulness.

It seemed to distract them enough. You listened half-mindedly at their responses and arguing. You leaned back as you watched Zoro settle in front of you.

"What about you, swordsman?" You asked him after everyone had answered.

"120 million," he said under his breath.

"That's it?" You snorted.

He scowled.

You made a quick tally in your mind. "So... I've more than doubled your collective bounty."

Zoro's expression darkened at your remark, his jaw clenching visibly as he shot you a withering glare. "Don't get too cocky, Witch," he retorted, his voice laced with thinly veiled irritation. "Bounties don't mean a damn thing when it comes down to it."