The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 76: Prepare the Ship to Sail Again

Nami explained the plan to me, which was for the crew to split up into two groups to hunt down the lost City of Gold. I was surprised to hear that it existed, let alone that it was somewhere hidden within this very island. She told me that since they were not sure when I would wake up, they decided to put me on the team that would stay on the Merry, so that I could rest and recover safely. Since I was awake, she offered me the choice to join the exploration team instead, but I declined.

"I'll stay on the ship. My shoulder is still pretty messed up. I'd only get in the way," I said solemnly as I adjusted the makeshift sling Chopper had given me.

She seemed to notice my frustration as she spoke gently, "Hey, it's alright. I'm sure you'll bounce back in no time," Her tone grew more irritated as she huffed, "You have that in common with some of the guys. Seriously, your endurance levels are really stupidly high."

I chuckled at her as I shrugged with my good shoulder, "What can I say? I've worked hard to get this strong."

She waved me off before Sanji called back to us, "We've arrived at the altar, ladies! Would any of you like me to carry you up the stairs?"

Robin was the first to answer as she stood to disembark the Crow, "No, thanks. I think we'll manage," Nami and I followed her lead. With both women standing nearby to help me keep balance, I climbed off the small boat and onto the bottom of the steps.

Usopp spoke sweetly, "Can you carry me, Sanji?"

The chef snapped at him in irritation, "Walk on your own damn legs."

Nami went on ahead while Robin kept pace with me as I made my way up the stairs. I sensed another person fall into step partially behind me. It did not take much focus for me to recognise Zoro's heavy footfalls on the stone steps. I slowed down a bit for him to catch up and walk alongside me, but instead, he slowed down as well, always keeping a few steps behind. A frown tugged at my lips, "I was right. He is still avoiding me. Maybe he's just not ready to talk yet after our fight yesterday? Or maybe he's taking what I said to heart and really thinking things over? I just wish I had an idea of what was going through his head right now."

~*^<:>^*~

My lip twitched into a grimace as I followed Kaori up the stairs. I cast a side eye at Robin, but the older woman did not seem to notice. My jaw clenched a little as I looked back towards my girlfriend, "Damnit, how am I supposed to get her alone to talk to her? I don't even know where to start!"

As we neared the top of the stairs, I noticed some of the others stopping and looked up to follow their gazes. I faltered slightly in surprise as well as I noticed the changes that had been made to the ship seemingly overnight.

The blind woman paused as she noticed no one else was moving, "Uh, guys? Everything alright?"

We all answered her in a mix of confusion, shock, and excitement, "The Going Merry! She's been repaired!"

"Gah! It's true! I wasn't dreaming! Someone was here last night!" Usopp started to holler as he frantically looked about the ship. As we climbed back on board, he ran up to us in tears, "I knew it! See, guys? I told you I wasn't insane!"

Nami sounded dumbstruck as she walked up to the mast, "I don't believe it. The mast is fixed. Hey, now that's service!"

Robin chuckled softly to herself, "You can say that again. Can you imagine what a chore it was just to stand something this heavy upright?"

Kaori scoffed as she smirked at Robin's question, "Yeah, actually."

Sanji let out a sigh as he scrutinised the work done, "Well, I hate to say it, but they did a lousy job," I followed his gaze and began to look more critically at the state of the ship.