The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 30: Someone is After Luffy?!

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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 recognisable. 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?"