A Long Lost Roronoa [One Piece]

07: Don't Mess with Mei!

Zoro woke with a large yawn. He was contented with the amount of sleep he received. There was no sleep punching from Luffy, Usopp’s shouts as the great warrior of the sea, or Brook’s sleep singing. It was a peaceful night. Climbing out of his bunk he glanced to his sister who was fast asleep, curled under the covers. Her face was peaceful and appeared to be in a deep slumber. A small smile crawled up Zoro’s cheek and proceeded to step quietly to the door. When he opened the door, he was exposed to a sight he has never seen before on the ship.

Sanji was quiet as he pranced around the deck, the only noise he made was whispering to Nami and Robin asking what type of tea they were thirsty for. Robin was doing her usual routine, reading her book while sitting on the tree. Nami stood at the bow of the ship, checking her portable log pose on her wrist; she spoke to Franky in a low tone. But the swordsman knew they were discussing how long it would possibly take to set. However, the most shocking part was Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Brook. Usually in the mornings, they would be rowdy, shouting and yelling, and the floor would shake as they chased after each other with their undying amounts of energy. But instead they were sat in a circle on the lawn, starting in the middle mesmerized by either something Zoro couldn’t see or nothing at all. Shaking his head he made his way to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat.

Inside he found a plate with plastic wrap over the top and a note with Mei’s name written in cursive.  He deduced it was the cook’s writing and made breakfast for Mei, only to learn she was still asleep. Shrugging his shoulders, Zoro took off the covering and picked up a piece of melon. Popping it into his mouth he munched on it.

‘I’m sure Mei won’t mind,’ he thought, grabbing another piece.

Behind him the door squeaked open. Zoro turned his head around to see Sanji fuming. The cook stormed towards the table and grabbed the plate away.

“Don’t touch this! It’s for Mei,” Sanji growled.

“She won’t mind if it’s me,” Zoro said in defense, “Let me have some.”

“You can wait until lunch,” then eyed the fruit between the other’s fingers, “Did you even wash your hands?”

“Not like I’m touching anything else. Get me some food. I woke up late.”

If Sanji had both hands free, he would have facepalmed. The marimo had no idea about hygiene. He nearly forgot that the swordsman bathed once a week. He grinded his teeth, preparing to throw a few names at his crewmate, but Nami came striding in bopping the two on the head.

She seethed, “Shut up! Mei is still sleeping. Did you forget she was awake to who knows what hour of the night?”

Then it clicked in Zoro’s head: everyone’s strange behaviors and the odd silence. They were quiet for Mei’s sake.

The navigator glared at Zoro with a finger, “You! Stay quiet so your sister can get some sleep. Got it?”

He nodded.

“Good,” and with that, she left the room.

Hours later, footsteps stormed across the deck. Everyone stared at the fuming girl and watched her pounce the sleeping Zoro. Mei was furious. She grabbed her brother and threw him over her shoulder with strength fueled by her anger. The swordsman woke from his nap from the sudden impact of the wall. Rubbing his bruised head, he saw his sister stomping towards him. His eyes went wide; he couldn’t remember what he did wrong, but it must have been really bad. The last time he saw her that angry was a year before he left the village.

-Flashback-

Eight year old Zoro woke at the crack of dawn in his small home. He quietly crawled out of bed and tiptoed past Mei’s sleeping figure. He grabbed the wooden door and pulled it in a way to prevent it from squeaking as he opened and closed it. The moment the frame met the door, Zoro bolted. He ran down a path he traveled every day that guided him to the town. He lived on the outskirts with a wide open field. The town was small, everyone knew everyone. The ratio of adults to children was one to five.