The Greatest (Zoro x Tashigi)

AN/Prolouge

[psst, feel free to skip and jump into the story below! Just my reasons why and how I'm writing the story, not relevant to anything:)]

Hello! So, this is a passion project, and also my first attempt at really weaving character development and plot together over a longer story. I really think this has some potential for fun, emotional scenes and I promise I try to capitalize on that as much as possible- even if some of the chapters may get bogged by more plot details. I'm definitely a sucker for romance, and if you look for the small bits of fluff you will find it;) However, I also see Zoro and Tashigi as a legitimately good pairing, and want to invest in letting the relationship evolve over some time. So! Please grace me with your patience;) I have a lot of fun writing it, so I hope its fun to read as well!

I'm currently in the middle of the Thriller Bark arc, so there's a lot of One Piece that I have yet to see. Thus, I apologize in advance if plot points or character personalities and interactions are not up to snuff with the latest manga/anime releases. I am writing from ages and boat style from after the time skip that I know happens. (and occasionally I actually remember Zoro only uses one eye at this time Xb)

I do not own any of these characters or many of the world building details, and I give full credit and thanks to Eiichiro Oda for all his amazing work creating this fascinating universe!

Enjoy the ride!

[Haomzen Island, West Blue: July 1, 1524]

Long grass whipped back and forth in the wind, rustling against Govnor Flannigan's jeans. He stood atop the cliff, ocean waves crashing violently against the rocks below, and watched the bird. It flew straight and true, a silhouette against the full moon.

"Don't stop, little one." the old man whispered, wrinkles crinkling around his eyes as he leaned heavily on a gnarled wood cane.

a gun cocked.

Flannigan tensed, then clicked his tongue and sighed. His stooped shoulders relaxed.

"I'd promised myself I wouldn't flinch if you came, because it wouldn't be unexpected." his cane pressed further into the soft dirt, and he continued to stare after the bird. "Thus undeserving of surprised action."

Footsteps, then two men stood beside the govnor.

"Shoot it."

a voice from behind him gave the order.

Flannigan winced at the first bang, and tried not to let the worry seep into his craggily wrinkled face as the men fired off round after round of bullets.

Still the bird flew.

a snipe.

The old man's lips twitched, then he grinned. The men beside him stopped shooting and both looked back at the third man standing behind Flannigan. The govnor didn't need to turn around to confirm who it was. Instead, he kept staring at the bird. Snipe's don't have homing capabilities– but this one was different. In more than just it's homing abilities. It'd find her. Just like it always had before.

"Detain him."

The butt of a rifle slammed against Flannigan's head, the old man stifling a cry as his knees buckled and he dropped to the ground. Rough hands grabbed his arms, yanking and twisting as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Why are you doing this?" he choked out, a sick, heavy lump sinking in his chest. "Why are you hurting my people?"

"Govnor," the voice still came from behind, monotone. almost bored. "My goals surpass human life. A fool who values that life will thus not comprehend. Still,"