Zoro and his Assassin

The second encounter

Many times since my first week aboard, I have caught the swordsman glancing my way but I only catch him from the corner of my eye. He never makes it too obvious. When I look at him he is already brooding or sleeping or drinking or fighting with Sanji.

It's become like a game between us. Can I catch him glancing my way?

I wonder if he probably knows why my eyes seek him out all the time. I have slowly become (obsessed) hyper aware of him. This cat-mouse game could not last longer. Don't get me wrong I still hate him, I am just more aware of him. He is not a man one can easily ignore.

One day we docked at a quiet town to get supplies. Everyone had something to buy so I alone was left on the ship to care for it. Franky had given me specific instructions to manage in case of any attacks.

I was lounging around when I heard a creak up in the crows nest

I looked up and couldn't see anything. Worrying, I grabbed my whip (My choice of weapon) and climbed up, ready to defend the Sunny-go with my life. When I reached the top, I wasn't prepared for what I saw. It was Zoro, with his back to me, seemingly asleep. Damn, I wasn't alone after all.

I was too stunned to move, and an inexplicable anger took hold of me. This man was just sleeping in broad daylight while I was up here, guarding and putting my life in danger. (Never mind that I was lounging and getting bored—that's beside the point.) I wanted to poke his back or, better yet, throw him into the cold sea. Instead, I tiptoed back down to the deck, muttering to myself, "I am not a coward."

"Could have fooled me " came a deep rumble in response. My neck snapped up; it was him, he was still some way up but descending pretty fast. When he reaches a bit lower he jumps and lands near my feet.

"What the hell do you mean?" I glower at him. Well I knew what he meant, but I wanted to make sure he meant the same thing that I mean. Damn I was losing my mind.

He smiled a feral smile, all teeth and cold anger. "I mean you are a coward".

His smile inflamed me and his words made me see red. Without thinking of any consequences I bring my whip in a slash across his chest.

The audacity of the man, he catches my whip's tail end by his stupid sword scabbard, not even bothering to remove his sword from the sheath.

Still fueled with anger, I aim a kick to his face. Which the bastard avoids easily by moving slightly. I loop the whip which is still coiled at his sword around his leg and pull, hoping to imbalance him.

That stupid rock of a man doesn't even falter. Have I mentioned I hate him before, yeah if that was hate then what I felt now was a rage that could not be put in words. I wanted to hurt him with my hands, scratch his face, bite him. I wanted to wipe that smug bastard's evil smile.

"Fuck princess, you need to stop. Before you get hurt." He says in a mocking tone

"I hate you you green haired monster, do not think you can call me a coward and live to see the end of this day" I reply coldly

He chuckled. His gaze sizes me up and he takes a step closer. I hold my ground and glare at him.

"This wasn't the first time I have been attacked by a whip, but it has been the most enjoyable one. I am hungry, want to eat, Brat?"