The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 30: Someone is After Luffy?!

With Luffy still missing, we could not start the trek to the Yuba oasis. We thought about staying low for a while and letting him make his way back to us, but it was ultimately faster to head into town and look for him ourselves. It was a risk to be spotted by Mr. 3, but if Luffy caused a commotion, we could have the rebel army and royal guard bearing down upon us along with Baroque Works.

Zoro, Nami, Chopper, and Usopp headed into town. Vivi and Karoo elected to stay at the ruin since they would be too easily recognizable. Sanji and I decided to stay with them to protect them if necessary. Besides, I would not be much help looking for our captain and I did not feel too keen on the idea of walking around with so little skin covered.

Before they left, Vivi was sure to ask Nami to buy the three of us more appropriate clothes for travelling through the desert. Chopper transformed into his human form and the four of them left, promising to return in an hour with or without our captain.

As we waited, Sanji began prepping the food for the journey, dividing the supplies into various portions for meals or salting and preserving them for the long walk in the scorching heat. The princess offered to pull my hair up off of my neck to stay cool. I accepted her offer and she began to gather my long hair up into a ponytail. She was sure to be gentle and not pull too hard and risk hurting my head.

To pass the time, she decided to take the extra effort to braid my hair, creating a thick cord that trailed down my spine to rest at the small of my back. I started to play with the weight of it, tilting my head left and right and whipping it to the side to see how sharply I could snap the whip-like braid. Karoo squawked indignantly at me when I startled him with the flick of my hair, causing me to laugh.

The hour passed and I grew restless, pacing back and forth, "Where are they? They should have gotten back by now."

"Relax, Angel," Sanji said calmly. I heard him take a drag of his cigarette before continuing, "I'm sure they're on their way. They'll be coming around that corner any second now."

"I'm more worried about Luffy," Vivi admitted, "Where could he have gone? He doesn't know the island at all!"

I crossed my arms with a huff, "That guy is nothing but trouble."

"Seriously," Sanji agreed with me, "A crew shouldn't have to work this hard to keep track of their captain," His voice suddenly grew cheerful and he swooned, "Oh, Nami!"

Sure enough, the trudge of several footsteps approached us as our crewmates rejoined us. Usopp was the first to speak, and he did not sound hopeful, "This doesn't look good. We could be in some serious trouble if we don't get out of here soon."

The chef sounded concerned, "Trouble? Why's that?"

I prodded, nervous energy building in my gut, "Were you spotted by Baroque Works?"

"Worse," Nami stated heavily, "The Marines are here."

Vivi gasped in shock, "Marines?!"

To add to the bad news, Chopper spoke up, "And also some mystery man."

I groaned in frustration and worry as Nami stepped forward, "Let's just find Luffy as fast as possible and get out of this town as soon as we can."

I sensed tension in the air as Zoro's voice grew sharp and alert, "Hey! Hide!" Nami began to protest as he shoved her and Chopper forward. My fists curled up as I ducked down against the wall. The sound of distant shouting grew louder as a troop of men came running past us, only one block away.

As the yelling died down, Chopper softly spoke with a nervous curiosity, "What was that?"

"It's the Marines," Zoro growled. Adrenaline began to pump through my veins and I sensed the swordsman grip the hilt of one of his blades.