The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 73: The Unnamed Priest

⚠️Content Warning: Blood/Gore/Injury⚠️

Chopper and I worked together to slowly remove the worst of the damaged boards from the hull. We kept a small bucket to hold all the nails, just in case we could reuse them later.

Some of the boards were so torn up that they easily broke into two pieces when we pried them free. We made two separate piles of boards of the broken and unbroken planks.

I sighed as I dropped another chunk of wood onto the broken pile, "I really hope Usopp finds a use for this stuff. It's such a waste of material otherwise."

Chopper hummed in agreement as he dropped another nail into the bucket, "I'm sure he will. Usopp is great at inventing things."

I chuckled softly, "True, he is," I turned towards my crewmate's voice with a smile, "How's it looking? Think we're ready to put in some fresh boards?"

"Yeah! I'll go get them now!" He answered cheerfully before climbing up onto the ship to retrieve the supplies from storage.

My smile slowly softened into a neutral line as I turned my attention towards the forest. Zoro and the girls had been gone for nearly an hour at this point. I was not certain what time it currently was, and they did not tell us when to expect them back.

I was not worried quite yet. After all, Zoro and Robin both could hold their own, and Nami was with them. However, I would be lying if I said I was not just a little concerned.

After a moment, I realised Chopper had not returned with the repair materials. My brow furrowed, and I turned towards the Merry, "Hey, Chopper. Everything alright?"

"Ah! Yes! Coming!" He shouted, sounding startled. There was a small clatter as he rushed back to me.

I raised my eyebrow as he scrambled to a stop, "You okay?"

He sheepishly chuckled, "Y-yeah, just got lost in my thoughts. Let's get back to work!" I frowned slightly, but decided not to push it. He seemed cheerful as he started to hammer in a nail with a giggle, "They'll be so surprised when they see how well we're taking care of the ship!"

A smirk curled my lips, "Is that what you were thinking about? You wanna impress everybody?"

He bashfully laughed and I sensed him rub the back of his head, "I-I wouldn't say impress. I just want everyone to know they were right to put their trust in me," He stammered slightly, embarrassed, "I mean, both of us."

"Chopper," I reached up and put my hand on his shoulder, "You don't have to prove anything to anyone. We all have faith and trust in you."

The young boy bowed his head, seeming flattered and unsure, "Thanks, Kaori, but I want to pull my weight, too. Zoro asked me to help you fix the Merry, so that's what I'm gonna do!"

He began to hammer away at the boards with a new determination. I smiled at him before picking up a fresh board to fit it into place.

Chopper suddenly yelped in pain, nearly throwing the hammer as he clutched his hand. Startled, I turned towards him, "Chopper?!"

"I'm okay!" He quickly reassured me, though he winced as he spoke, "Just got clumsy and hit my finger."

"Let me see," I demanded, holding my hand out to him. He did not protest as he put his injured hand in mine. I focused my sensory vision on his finger and thumb, noticing they were swollen, but the bones were fine. With a nod, I let go of his hand, "You're probably gonna bruise a bit, but it'll be fine."

Chopper nodded in understanding before he gasped, "Oh no! The hammer!" He rushed towards the edge of the stairs, shrinking down into his hybrid form, "I-I have to get it back!"