The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 69: Pride

I felt an uncomfortable twist in my gut as I looked over at Kaori. Her expression was hard as she quietly listened to Conis explain about Upper Yard. I could tell she was still pissed off with me but I still did not understand why. A grimace curled my lip as I looked down at my drink, "Damnit, I gotta talk to her soon and find out what the hell has her so worked up. This is driving me insane!"

Luffy's amazed shout broke me out of my thoughts, "There's actually a God?! And he lives on an island up here that no one's allowed to walk on?"

Conis nodded, her voice solemn and subdued, "Right."

Chopper squeaked nervously, "You mean the God? The same one from all the old stories? And he actually lives on the island next door to you?"

The young angel nodded again, "He does. I'm sure that everyone noticed the big sign that said 'Godland Skypiea.'"

Usopp chuckled as he nudged my girlfriend's arm, "Not everyone. Right, Kaori?"

The blind woman scoffed and shoved him over, "Shut up."

Conis continued, her tone still grave, "That means this land is ruled by the almighty God Eneru."

The cook hummed, seeming underwhelmed, "God's name is Eneru?"

"He knows and sees everything," She said, "He's truly omniscient."

"Everything?" Usopp baulked nervously.

"He keeps his all-seeing eyes focused on everyone... Always," She said forebodingly.

The cowardly sniper leapt to his feet as he yelped, "For real?"

"Like right now?" Luffy exclaimed as he stood as well.

Conis nodded emphatically, "Oh, yes."

Chopper screamed, throwing his hooves up to his cheeks, "I hate it when people stare at me and I can't see them!"

I sighed, exasperated with all of them freaking out, "'God,' huh..." I shook my head as I took a sip of my water.

The young reindeer settled and looked up at me in confusion, "Wait, you mean, you don't believe in God? But why not?"

I glanced down at him, pausing briefly at his curious expression before I answered, "Well... for me, it's not a matter of belief. I don't see proof of it one way or another. And to be honest, I don't really care to. But if you want to, go ahead," I shrugged as I took another drink, "It's not up to me to deny anyone their little beliefs."

Kaori huffed, causing Chopper to turn to her as I glanced her way, "No, but you have no problem calling them 'little beliefs.'"

I felt an uncomfortable flush in my neck and ears as I grumbled, "Don't twist my words like that. That's not what I meant."

Chopper looked from me to Kaori as she crossed her arms in frustration. He seemed uneasy as he spoke, "Um, are you guys alright?"

"I'm fine!"
"We're fine!"

I grimaced and looked at my girlfriend after our mutual outburst as the room grew tense again. The cook cleared his throat and quickly spoke to change the subject, "So, Conis! If this guy Eneru lives in the Upper Yard, and it's so close, then you must have set eyes on him before."

The young angel waved her hands and shook her head, a look of panic crossing her face. "Absolutely not! It's forbidden to go there. The Upper Yard is sacred ground and a place only for our God to rest. I'm sorry."

While the room felt heavy with dread and discomfort from all the tension of everything said, one enthusiastic giggle bubbled from our ever-optimistic and rubber-brained captain, "I see. A place we're not allowed to go to no matter what, huh?"