The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 86: Interrogations

⚠️Content Warning: Torture/Injury⚠️

Chopper and I navigated the fortress cautiously. The young reindeer insisted on making sure we were always aware of the nearest viable hiding places down every corridor, just in case we ran into more Marines. At first, I thought he was overdoing it a bit, but the further we went in the maze of hallways, the more I agreed that starting a fight would cause more harm than good.

He led the way while I used my mantra to check past doorways before we opened them. He tried to make sure we kept close to the walls along the edge of the building so we had access to the windows. Occasionally, he'd poke his nose outside in the hopes of picking up one of our crewmates' scents. We were not having any luck, though.

As we passed by some empty barrels, I heard footsteps up ahead. I put my hand out to signal to Chopper to hide. He quickly opened up one of the barrels and climbed in as quietly as possible. I followed his lead and pulled the lid back on top of us. The footsteps came closer, and we started to hear the Marines talking as they entered the hallway.

"I heard that they captured one of the Strawhat Pirates," The first soldier said. Chopper and I both immediately flinched as we hung off every word.

"What? Then that wasn't a ghost ship?" The second soldier asked, sounding bewildered.

"No, but this guy is scarier than a ghost," The first soldier replied as they passed our hiding place, "You're not gonna believe this, but they caught Roronoa Zoro!"

Chopper gasped, and I clapped my hand over his mouth. My mind and heart both started racing, "No. No way. That can't be right."

The man continued as they kept walking down the corridor, getting further away, "Apparently, there are other crewmembers hidin', too. Imagine, if we found even one of them, we'd be heroes!"

After their footsteps faded away, Chopper pulled my hand off his mouth, "Oh no. Zoro got captured! What do we do now?"

It took me a moment to gather my thoughts before I answered, "I... I'm thinking."

I pushed the lid off the barrel and climbed out of it. As Chopper struggled to pull himself up, I reached in and helped lift him out, "Those Marines didn't mention anyone else being taken prisoner, so the rest of the crew has got to be around here somewhere. But where could they be?"

Taking a deep breath, I set the boy down and knelt in front of him, putting my hands on his shoulders, "Chopper, I need you to listen to me. Keep searching for the others or find the Going Merry."

His voice wavered slightly, "Wait, what are you saying? Why are you talking like we're gonna split up?"

My brow furrowed a bit as I squeezed his shoulders, "Because I'm going to go look for the brig and break Zoro out."

"What?!" He yelped, panicked.

I quickly hushed him as I continued, "I can't just leave him in there, and I'm not dragging you into a dangerous situation like that."

He sounded almost wounded, "So you're just gonna leave me alone? How is that better?!"

I grimaced before I spoke sternly with him, "You're more than capable of being alone, Chopper. I have every confidence in you. Right now, Zoro needs my help."

"Then, I'll come with you!" He protested.

I shook my head, "No, too risky. If I mess up and get caught, then at least you're still free, and then you know where both me and Zoro are."

"But..." The young boy whimpered.

"It'll be okay, Chopper. I promise," I reassured him. I scooped him into a quick hug before letting him go and standing up, "Remember, I'm counting on you to let the others know where we are if I can't get Zoro out."