The Window Maker - (OCXCANON)

Chapter 26 (Alabasta arc)

Zoro slid one of his swords from its sheath and swung it back in Ki's direction without facing her. He whispered, "You shouldn't sneak up on people, ya know, Witch. You'll lose your head. Why are you up here anyway? Stay out of this, I've got it."

Ki swiped his blade away and chuckled, "It's gotten me this far. And there you go again with the 'I'm the protector,' bullshit. I can help, ya know."

The swordsman growled at her, "Whatever, just don't get in my way," He turned on his heel and she followed behind the swordsman as he strode to the edge of the roof. Her hands slipped into the pouches at her back and gripped a pair of her blades. He smugly loomed over the agents, "Hey! Sorry to interrupt. Do you mind letting my friends sleep? They've had a long day and the journey was exhausting so I'm told."

Ki flipped her blades and smirked, "Indeed, it was," She pointed a blade at Igarappoi, "I knew this place was shady as fuck the second we rolled up and you guys were cheering, for pirates."

Mister Eight growled, "Sneaky wretches, you should've stayed asleep with your friends!"

Zoro smirked, "A good swordsman never makes the mistake of letting his guard down! Plus I took a nap earlier!" He nodded to the crowd, "Judging by the scowls and cheap disguises, I'm guessing you're all bounty hunters. Your specialty is robbing drunk pirates that fall for your hospitality. It's original, I'll give you that at least. I count 100 of you scumbags, give or take. And I'll fight all of you, you hear me? Baroque Works?"

Ki raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms as she shifted her weight to one hip, "If you knew all this why did you wait to open your mouth until now? You just wanted a chance to show off."

Zoro's knuckles went white around wado's hilt as he growled through gritted teeth, "Shut up! Can't you see I'm trying to intimidate them right now!"

Mister Eight stammered, "How do you know our name?"

The swordsman chuckled, "I was in a similar line of work, once upon a time. Your company tried to entice me with a job offer. Naturally, I said no."

Ki's head fell back and groaned, "Ughhh. Staaahp! You are not that cool, man!"

Zoro snarled sarcastically, "Says the Window Witch that wears fishnets like they're going out of style!"

Ki chuckled, "What? You jealous? Wanna borrow some?"

Zoro sneered, "You don't want me to borrow those, Ki. It would just piss you off."

Ki raised an eyebrow with a cocky grin, "We can always test that theory. See how really secure you are in your masculinity. As long as I get to pick the outfit."

Zoro scoffs, "Yeah right, like I'd trust you with that. You'd pick something intentionally frilly or some shit."

Ki crossed her arms and huffed, "Oh, please. Have you ever even seen me wear anything like that?"

Mister Eight raised a finger and stammered, "Umm?"

Ki snapped her attention to the agent, "Can't you see we're having a conversation?! You're lying ass can wait!"

Zoro shrugged, "Just cause you don't wear those kinds of things doesn't mean you or Nami don't own something like that. Besides, we have more important things to worry about right now than planning to play dress up."

Ki shrugged, "You were the one monologing man. Had to break that at the very least."

The swordsman growled, "Oh shut up!" He drew in a deep sigh and returned his attention to Mister Eight, "So then, do the same rules still apply? Employee identities kept secret, cheesy code names, the boss's identity and whereabouts also a mystery? Baroque works, the criminal group that faithfully carries out their orders like herded sheep. Heh, that's some secret!"