The Blind Brawler [ Roronoa Zoro X OC]

Chapter 114: The Fallout

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We all gathered on the deck of the Merry as the sun began to set. The warm orange light was almost mocking us as we were all sombre after the day's events. Chopper stayed in the cabin with Usopp, tending to his wounds. Everyone else was standing around the deck, waiting for news, either of our crewmate recovering or Robin returning. I thought Kaori would help Chopper with Usopp, but she came out to the deck with the rest of us, apparently too tense from worry and anger to stomach sitting with the long-nosed man.

I sat against the railing, cleaning my swords slowly in an effort to keep my mind focused on something else. Sanji was standing by the mast, burning through cigarette after cigarette. Nami and Luffy were both unusually quiet. Kaori sat beside me, her thigh pressed against mine, but making an effort not to get in the way of my swords.

My hand moved methodically along Yubashiri's spine, running a worn cloth down its length to remove the blood and dirt. Wado and Kitetsu were back in their sheaths, lying on the deck beside me. My eyes flicked up to the shoreline again, scanning it quickly for any sign of the missing archaeologist as I had been doing all afternoon. I turned my attention back to my sword as my jaw clenched, "It's nearly dark, and she's still not back. This is a bad enough situation as it is without a missing crewmate. Wherever she is, I hope she turns up soon."

The door to the cabin flew open, and everyone, except Kaori, looked up to see Chopper rush out and lean over the railing, "Hey! Usopp's finally awake, you guys!"

Luffy threw his fists in the air, ecstatic in his relief, "Alright! Good to hear!"

Nami let out a sigh, putting her hand on her chest, "That's one less thing to worry about," She started making her way to the stairs. Luffy bypassed the stairs entirely, stretching his arms up to grab the railing and slingshot himself forward.

Kaori nearly jumped to her feet, "He sure kept us waiting long enough," I merely grunted in response as I sheathed Yubashiri and strapped all three swords to my hip again. My girlfriend held out her hand, and I took it as I stood, and we followed Nami's lead.

When we walked in, I saw Usopp sitting up, legs crossed, hands firmly in his lap. He looked like he was barely holding it together, both physically and emotionally. Bandages covered every visible part of his body, tight enough to keep his injuries secure without restricting his movement too much. His head was hung low, his eyes downcast, with a destroyed scowl on his face. I could see the way his arms and shoulders were shaking as well.

Nami was either trying to lighten the mood or was not reading the room well as she playfully jeered the sniper, "I oughta punch you for scaring us like that!"

Sanji came in behind Kaori and me and frowned slightly at the state our friend was in, "Yeah, no kidding. Though it looks like you've taken enough punches already, if you ask me. What were you thinking, taking those guys on alone?"