The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 11

After my talk with Zoro, I made my decision on what I would do now that Isamu was dead. The obvious choice was to join the Strawhats and sail to the Grand Line, but it just did not sit right in my heart. This island was defenceless without me and I couldn't just up and leave without knowing the Islanders would be safe. On top of that, Korudosuton warriors usually work alone and do not tie themselves to a crew of any kind, let alone one led by a devil fruit user.

The first issue was solved with visits from Emiko. She would go on and on about the plans they had for the palace, and how the town was already flourishing in its freedom from Isamu's taxes. At one point she had been absolutely ecstatic to tell me that a few of the young men in the village were inspired by the battle that killed Isamu and had begun training themselves to help fight off an attack on their home. I knew it would take time, but I felt that I may be able to let the islanders fend for themselves someday.

I had grown to trust Luffy and Zoro after they helped me defeat Isamu, but it was not enough to sway me to join. Usopp and Nami liked me, but their personalities grated on me. Sanji made me uncomfortable with his constant flirting. Also, Zoro had not visited me in the hospital for weeks, and I was nearly convinced he was only trying to help me with Isamu and did not care about my well-being now that the bastard was dead. I could not join a crew that did not want me in the first place.

However, during my short sparring match and long discussion with the swordsman, I realized how much I wanted to get back to the sea and continue on my journey. My heart was pounding in my ears, screaming for battle. Not long after I grabbed my bag, I was able to hunt down the pirate captain and his crew in the dining hall to make my request.

"I don't understand. You don't want to sail with us?" The rubber man whined.

"I do, that's not what I'm saying!" I yelled, "How many times do I have to explain this?! I don't want to join your crew, but I do want to go with you to the Grand Line. We'll part ways there and you won't have to be bothered with me on your ship."

"You won't be a bother! I want you to join us! It'll be an adventure!" He tried to bait me.

I shook my head, "I'm sorry, Strawhat, but I can't. I only want a lift to the next island. I can take care of myself from there."

"Are you sure you don't want to go with us all the way across the Grand Line?" The pirate captain whined.

I straightened my back and sighed, "I'm sorry, Luffy. I've made my decision."

Nami and Usopp began to prod me as well, asking me for my reason for not joining the crew. Sanji knelt at my feet and took my hand in both of his, begging me to stay and sail with him across the sea into our own sunset. I quickly pulled my hand away and punched him in his love-struck head, telling them all to stop. This continued for a while longer before a resonating slam shut us all up.

"Enough with your complaining. You call yourselves pirates?" Zoro growled. He had slammed a mug of ale down onto the table, whether out of anger at them or me I did not know. His voice cut the tense silence again, "She said she'll come with us, that's all we can ask of her. After we reach the Grand Line she can keep to her word and leave, we can't force her to stay with us."

"But, Zoro," Nami started.

"But what?!" The swordsman snapped at her, "It's her path to make. Kaori can take whatever road she wants to accomplish her goal."

"You shitty Marimo, acting all high and mighty. Nobody asked for your input," Sanji snarled.

"Shut it, Curlybrow," He warned.

"Enough!" I screamed shrilly. The sound echoed in the tall room as the pirate crew fell silent. I took a breath and tightened my grip on my backpack, "Let's just go now before I change my mind and wait for the next ship."