The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 113: Seeing Red

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Nami explained to us all where she last saw Usopp and then where to find the Franky Family house. She showed the others a map, and Sanji asked her for more details while I helped Chopper gather up medical supplies. I just hoped we would not need all the things we brought.

When we went into town, Sanji and Chopper both explained to Zoro and me how the whole city is designed with canals instead of streets. People did not usually walk from place to place or drive carts. They used boats or creatures called Yagaras. Yagaras were strange, horse-like fish creatures ranging in size to carry heavy loads. Had we not been in such a rush to go find our injured crewmate, I probably would have taken a bit more time to admire it.

Initially, Zoro tried to sit in the front seat to steer, but Sanji quickly told him off, "Uh-uh, no way. We don't have time for you to be getting us lost. Nami gave me the map. I'm driving."

My boyfriend started to protest, but I put my hand on his shoulder, "Come sit in the back with me."

"Fine," He grumbled as he climbed over the bench and plopped down in the seat beside me. I could tell he was tense. He was probably itching to fight something as much as I was. I debated reaching over to grab his hand so we could both try to ground ourselves, but I had the distinct feeling that if I tried, he might accidentally crush my hand, squeezing it without thinking.

Chopper spent the whole ride fretting and sniffing the air. He was pulling double duty trying to locate both Usopp and Robin. Sanji kept mostly quiet, only occasionally muttering directions to himself and noting landmarks that Nami had probably told him to look out for.

It was not long before the chef pulled the yagara over with an urgent shout, "Stop. Stop!"

I sat more upright, almost leaning forward in my seat, "Do you see him, Sanji?"

"No," He answered me, sounding a bit distracted as I sensed him stand and climb off the yagara's back to get on the walkway, "If I remember correctly, this is the place Nami was talking about."

Chopper hopped out of his seat as well and started calling out, "Hey, Usopp!"

Sanji sounded puzzled, "Guess he left."

Zoro stood up and crossed his arms, "Are you sure? Maybe you just screwed up the directions."

The chef immediately snapped, fuming, "I'm not you, moron! Shut your hole!"

The swordsman almost growled in anger, "What'd you say?"

I got to my feet and stepped between them, irritated, "Guys, not the time. Usopp is still missing."

"Look at this!" Chopper cried out. The tremble in his voice made my heart sink, "It's blood. See?"

All three of us tensed at the doctor's report. Sanji was the first to break the silence with a gruff sigh, "That idiot. Guess he walked off somewhere on his own."