The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 38

We awoke early the next morning, feeling more rested than we had in days. However, everyone was in a solemn mood knowing we were about to make that three-day walk across the desert again.

I looked around at my crewmates and noticed their slumped shoulders and sulking expressions. Chopper and Usopp seemed to be dreading the start of the day and were slow to get up. Sanji and the girls all looked tired but determined. Luffy and Ace both had fairly neutral faces, the former even wearing a small smile.

With a sigh, I stood and rubbed the back of my neck, "Is everyone about ready?"

"I think so," Vivi answered me with a nod, "I would like to say goodbye to Toto before we leave if that's alright."

"Of course," Nami smiled softly at the princess.

We made our way out of the inn to see the old man sitting on a low wall. He was looking forward to the town square where the oasis was buried with a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. When he noticed us, he stood and held his arms open, "Ah! I see you're all awake! I thought I would let you all be to rest for as long as you needed."

The blue-haired woman stepped forward with a kind smile and an appreciative nod, "Thank you so much. We really appreciate the thought, but we need to get going if we are to stop the rebels."

Toto's smile faded a little as he nodded, "Yes if anyone can talk sense into that fool boy's head, it would be you, dear princess," He held out his hands apologetically, "I'm so sorry I didn't have more to offer you all for supplies."

"No, please don't worry about it," Vivi waved him down, "Well, we should be off now, Toto."

The old man smiled warmly at the princess before his eyes lit up with realization and he turned to my captain with a wild grin, "Oh, Luffy! Here, take this with you!" He stepped forward and handed the rubber man a small barrel on a string. A straw stuck out of a hole in the lid.

Luffy's face lit up with glee, "Wow! Water!"

Usopp joined in his excitement, "Water?!"

"You found some, then?" The rubber man looked at the old man happily.

Toto nodded, "Yes! It was last night a bit after you fell asleep while digging that huge hole of yours. I finally reached a moist layer under the dry stuff," He held up his hands with a grin, "That water there is the moisture I was able to extract from the damp sand."

Luffy held the tiny barrel up in awe and appreciation, "Whoa! That sounds pretty complicated, but thank you!"

"That right there is genuine Yuba water!" The old man stated, "It's not much, but it was all I was able to get!"

"Right!" My captain said determinedly, "Then I'll drink it with care."

I rolled my eyes at his declaration and turned back toward the desert, "Let's move," The others nodded and we waved goodbye as we started making our way into the desert. Nami and Kaori rode on Eyelash while the rest of us marched along on foot.

We had barely reached the edge of town where the last of the dried foliage stood when Luffy let out an annoyed humph and sat down next to the withered tree. I continued, ignoring the rubber man's antics. However, as we started to pass him by, I realized he was not getting up to join us.

Usopp was the first to turn and say something, "Hey, Luffy! What are you doing over there?!"

The captain did not respond to the sniper. His lip curled into a scowl and he closed his eyes as if to ignore him.

At this point, we had all stopped to see what was going on. Nami even climbed down from Eyelash's saddle with a puzzled look, "Luffy?"

"Um, is everything alright?" Vivi asked, more confused than concerned.