The Swordsman and the Blacksmith (Roronoa Zoro x Reader)

Chapter 16: The Government's Research, Part 1

The atmosphere in the galley grew tense as the argument between the captain and the navigator reached its peak, just as Brook, Zoro, and you entered the room.

Nami's voice cut through the air like a blade, her tone unwavering. "Absolutely not! We are not going there."

Luffy's frustration bubbled to the surface. "But why not? I really want to go!"

You settled into a seat, captivated by the unfolding dispute. Nami and Luffy stood face to face, their gazes locked on the log pose before them.

The navigator's resolve solidified as she jabbed a finger toward the erratic needle. "Because that island is dangerous, Luffy. We shouldn't risk it."

Luffy's expression soured, his lips forming a pout. "But it looks so interesting, Nami! I'm sure there's an adventure waiting for us!"

The tension hung heavy in the air as neither of them showed signs of backing down.

"We've been at sea for weeks, restocking should take priority over adventure," Nami tried to reason, her voice unwavering.

Usopp chimed in, adding his support to Nami's argument. "That's right, Luffy! We're running low on supplies."

But the rubber man remained adamant. "I refuse. As the captain, I say we're going to this island." He pointed decisively at the flicking needle on the log pose.

Nami's stare narrowed in frustration, but with a resigned sigh, she relented. "Fine."

As the heat of the argument began to dissipate, you couldn't help but ask. "What's going on?" you questioned, eager to understand the cause of the commotion.

All eyes turned towards you, breaking the tension that had gripped the room moments ago. Nami let out a heavy breath, her shoulders slumping slightly as she glanced at you.

"We were just discussing our next destination," she explained, her voice calmer now that the discussion had been settled. "Luffy wants to head to a particularly dangerous island, but I'm not convinced it's worth the risk."

You nodded, understanding the situation. "Is it really that perilous?" you asked, curiosity piqued.

Nami shrugged. "Who knows. Usually, when the needle goes back and forth like that, it means something is happening. We'll just have to be careful and hope for the best."

Luffy, however, remained undeterred. "But think of the adventure!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

-----

"Why the fuck am I stuck with you again?" You growled at the swordsman as you descended into the suspicious trap door hidden in the dense jungle you'd been exploring. Each of your steps on the rungs of the ladder echoed loudly in the tight confined space.

"That's my line, witch" Zoro retorted, his voice booming below you. He hopped down the ladder as it reached its end slightly above the ground, the sound of his feet meeting cold tiles reverberating against the metal walls of the dark corridor.

"Do you want my fist in your mouth" you hissed your irritation palpable as he easily picked you up by the waist and carefully deposited you on the floor.

"As if you could," he looked down at you with a sneer.

"Can you guys stop fighting for a second?" Nami snapped as Zoro did the same for her. The navigator's patience was starting to thin dangerously.

You stubbornly ignored her exasperated plea. The bickering had been unending ever since early that morning, the both of you somehow even more on edge than usual.