The Greatest (Zoro x Tashigi)

Chapter 9: Practice

Early Morning, Day 4

Tashigi POV:

The grain in the wooden planks of the upper deck reflect the subtle warmth of sunrise, light shooting through the sky while the star itself stays hidden.

"HAH! Hah! HAH!" vapor pierces the early dawn as sharp exhales shoot from deep in my lungs, every swing of my sword vibrating the muscles and sinews in my arms, reverberating to my heart then into my core, where explosions of power burst from. Toes grasp wooden grains as my heels dig in and calves ache from grounding each strike. My eyes, bloodshot, lock onto invisible enemies, seeing every strike land a fatal blow, picturing victory.

I step forward, slashing, turning to stab a fictitious foe, shock strikes my heart as I freeze half-way through the attack, gaze wide as I realize I pictured a marine.

A comrade stares back at me. I will have to kill comrades. Men who play no part in the manipulation above them other than following orders they do not know to be tainted.

How many tainted orders did I follow?

The first ray of the sun glances off the railing, forcing me to blink, the hallucination vanishing. I breathe, in, out, again, gasping to gather air as I finally drop my mid strike stance. Tears stream down my cheek and I quickly wipe them away with the back of my wrist, sword idle at my side.

"You think too much." Zoro's baritone voice shatters my glass bubble, and I spin to stare at him, eyes wide, sword hidden behind my back.

"What are you doing here?!" I demand, frantic. He trains in the afternoon! he sleeps all day! Why is he-

"If you empty your mind of thoughts, your attacks will be sharper, have more power. It'd give you the offensive edge you never grasp." he ignores my question, walking past me towards the railing, leaning on it with his elbows to stare at the brilliant sky. A muscle spasms in my cheek as I glare at his muscled back, eyes narrow, fists clenched.

"Do not walk into someone's space and tell them how to train, Roronoa. You have no right to instruct those you won't acknowledge." I spat, disgusted. Turning towards the stairs, I bring my sword in front of me, clutching it to my chest as I rub at my bleary eyes. I want no ones pity or acknowledgment, especially his, not right now. I already spent the last three days learning more about the criminal behind me than I ever wanted to know. My shoulders bunch at the thought, and I walk faster.

"You have no idea what you're going to do at Rieno." he throws the words, a challenge. I pause, panic rising in my chest as I close my eyes and shake my head, pushing thoughts of failure away.

"Do not make accusations you can't back Zo-Roronoa." The slip up forces my heart into my throat along with all the panic, afraid of my casualness. Suddenly, footsteps approach from behind me, and I dare not move, unsure what I would do. Goosebumps raise on my neck and I clench my jaw as he draws nearer.

WHISH

The Kitetsu suddenly extends in front of me, blocking my path to the stairs as Zoro stands a step in front and beside me. I look straight ahead, mouth tight, determined to not let him see through me. Things no one told me about Roronoa Zoro that I have learned in the last three days- His intuition is astounding.

"It's not an accusation, its a fact." He pauses, and I feel him glancing back at me before he speaks again, "You have spent the last three days brooding in random corners of the ship, only stopping to obey whatever antic Luffy throws at you."

"Sounds normal for someone who is about to end their life long career." I retort.

"You wince every time Nami even mentions the island, and immedietly leave the room when anyone asks you simple details like how you will enter the harbor." he fires back, and I open my mouth to protest when he cuts me off- "You haven't slept since coming on board."