The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 29

Everyone began to tie strips of cloth over their marks as I wrapped the bandage over my wrist. Zoro growled through clenched teeth to my right, "Just make sure to tie it tight. I don't want anyone fooled by the enemies' disguises."

My brow furrowed in concentration as I attempted to weave the bandage until it was secure. It was not the first time I had dressed a wound on my arm, but it's never easy to do with one hand.

I gave the cloth a few tugs to make sure it was firmly knotted and frowned at my wrist for a moment before Zoro's voice broke me from my thoughts, "Need a hand?"

"Huh?" I turned toward his voice, making sure he was addressing me before I answered, "Oh, no. I got it. It's just..." I sighed softly as my thoughts died off.

Chopper must have been listening to me because I heard him trot up to me, "Just what, Kaori?"

I shook my head, "It's nothing. Just a little concerned about what lies ahead. If they have a shapeshifter, who knows what else is in store once we get there."

Zoro seemed to confirm my worries, "We know that someone with his powers is among the enemy, so we need to be really careful to be on our guard at all times."

Chopper seemed to steel himself, "So what should I do to help against this guy?"

Usopp answered him with a firm tone, "Just do whatever it is you can do. You're not expected to do anything more, Chopper. And if you get overwhelmed then just run."

Sanji huffed at the sniper's little speech, "Sounds like the pep talk he's always giving himself."

I frowned toward the chef, not sure if he noticed me or not as Chopper accepted Usopp's advice, "Whatever it is I can do... I got it!"

Luffy suddenly shouted from the front of the ship, "I can see the island now!"

Vivi drew in a breath, both relieved and concerned. She seemed to shake it off quickly and spoke dutifully, "Let's stop at the town called Nanohana. We have to hide the ship."

Luffy leapt back down to the middle deck with the rest of us and proclaimed loudly, "Okay, no matter what happens on that island, remember: this thing on all our arms is a sign of our friendship!"

I sensed the rest of my crewmates raise their arms to meet his and I lifted mine as well, clasping my hand over an outstretched fist. Usopp and Luffy laughed for a moment but quickly silenced themselves as if they were scolded. I raised an eyebrow in confusion but chose not to say anything.

My captain raised his voice once more, "Now, let's land, okay?! Then eat!" His voice grew subdued, "Oh, and help Vivi."

I groaned along with the rest of my crew at him, "That's a side note?"

We broke the circle and I moved to head below deck to my room. I might as well grab my coin purse in case there was something in town I wanted to buy. New gloves would be nice if I could find a pair at a fair price.

I rummaged around in my dresser drawer for a moment before my hand grazed the leather string securing the small pouch. Snatching it up, I felt the weight of it in my hands. It was an old habit I developed over my years travelling on my own to check if anyone had stolen from me. More than once, someone who was ferrying me from one island or another would think they could slip a few berries out of my purse without me noticing. They usually ended up a bloodied mess and paid me back double what they took from me.

While I do not suspect any of my crewmates would attempt to steal from me, years of caution have me check occasionally anyway. I pocketed the coin purse and made my way back upstairs. By the time I made it to the deck, Nami was calling for us to drop anchor. The drastic temperature change was enough to give me pause. It was absolutely stifling out here now. That did not come as much of a surprise, however, since Alabasta is a desert kingdom.