Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

By the way; Spoiler for those who haven't caught up on Wano Arc and Egg Head Arc. Please step back if you don't want spoilers.

Across the Line

A Zoro x Luffy Fanfiction

(One Piece)

By deeternity

PART ONE

Preposition

“Luffy!” 

Jumping on top of a large white horse figurehead,  Luffy grinned widely, looking at the island with unmasked excitement. Having been travelling non-stop for days aboard the Sleeping White Horse of the Forest, he could not wait to be able to run freely on land. As much as the sea had been a huge part of him and his journey, now hailed as the King of the Pirates, a nice stroll in a quiet town is just something he sorely needs.

 And meat, of course.

 “Luffy,” The captain of the ship, Cavendish of the Beautiful Pirates stood right next to his crewmate, Suleiman, eyeing Luffy with an obvious exasperation. “Are you sure this is the island?”

 Luffy nodded with confidence, “Hn, Zoro said so.”

 Cavendish sighed, “If you’re sure.”

 Luffy once again nodded without peeling his eyes away from the island, the ship coming closer by the minute. “Thank you for dropping me, Kyabettsu !”

 Years, many years after their first meeting at Dressrosa, Luffy, the Senior Captain of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, still without a doubt the biggest blockhead. Too much so that Cavendish no longer pays attention to how the Straw Hat captain addresses him. Unlucky for him, this nickname had also rubbed off on everyone in the grand fleet. Cavendish’s elegant name was long forgotten, existing only in the pages of the newspapers delivered by News Coo.

Cavendish watched Luffy sitting on top of the ship’s figurehead, down below in front of the ship was the Straw Hat’s Jolly Roger signifying their allegiance - an allegiance that formed in the most unexpected way and tested in many wars that followed. But after all through that, never had that flag caught flame, seemingly protected by a mysterious force. Or miracle.

Luffy, the man who became the second King of the Pirates, was a miracle in his own right, freed many Kingdoms from tyranny and poverty, and healed wounded hearts, opening a much brighter future for children who only knew suffering the moment they were born.

 Luffy might be a pirate, but for some, he was their hope incarnate.

 And he was cherished, is cherished by these people whose hearts have been freed, freed by the Warrior of the Liberation who is true to his cause.

Even now, Luffy joined the Beautiful Pirates on a three-week journey to a Kingdom in the New Era, tackling a brewing tension between the royals (or just Luffy accidentally meeting a poor soul that needs saving who turns out to be a dethroned prince, the rest is how it typically goes, another Kingdom saved).

 Docking gently by the port, Luffy’s grin got wider, tightening the straps of his over-sized backpack, ready to bounce off the ship. “Are you sure you don’t want to dock, Kyabettsu?”

 Cavendish shook his head, “We still have days to travel. I promised the crew a lavish spa after the fight.” And he just knows the right spot.

“Okay,” Luffy nodded, “I’d say hi to Tosaka for you.”

“No, thank you.”  Who cares about that chicken’s head anyway? Bartolomeo would be the last person he would gladly send regards to. They might have an allegiance towards the Straw Hats but he doesn’t have to be so chummy with that derailed guy whose first instinct is to wrap a chain around him any chance he gets.

“Ok, if you’re sure.” Finally, Luffy jumped off the ship and landed on the wooden dock with an almost comical bounce on his feet. He turned around just so he could give the Beautiful Pirates a wave before he hurried to town, his hunger for food could no longer be contained.

The first door he opened was a steak diner that served a humungous slice of rib-eye seared to perfection. Of course, he had about twenty of those before he switched to barbequed ribs marinated in this local citrus that smelled and tasted heavenly. Delicious! This is what it means to be King of the Pirates, well, according to him.

“Oi, Luffy!”

With the pork rib jutting out of his mouth, he turned around to the familiar voice, a failed attempt at mouthing the other’s name, “Hm, Zowlu, hayf!”

Comes Roronoa Zoro, his green hair a contrast to the murky interior of the old diner. Hoisted to his side are his three infamous swords, a sight that made it to everyone’s common sense to stay away because this man had become the best swordsman, besting Dracule Mihawk in their promised duel a couple of years back.

Zoro did not pay attention to the rest of the customers, all that mattered was his captain sitting by the bar with a stack of empty plates collecting in front of him. Zoro bets that Luffy was just getting started.

Zoro quietly ordered himself a beer and took the seat to Luffy’s right.

Some things just do not change, he thought as he watched Luffy and his usual eating feast. It had been three months since he last saw him.

And their first meeting? It was many, many years ago.

Indeed, their first meeting at Shells Town Marine base was many, many years ago. Now, with their dreams fulfilled, the best swordsman and King of the Pirates - Zoro and Luffy are a duo with no goal left to chase.

It might be so but life was not entirely boring after that. Becoming who they are now has brought about many changes and challenges in their lives, solidifying bonds that cannot be extinguished by distance and time. Bonds that now shared past the senior crew of the Straw Hats Pirates - thousands of ships swearing to the cause of what Luffy had started.

Freedom at sea. Warriors of Liberation.

Of course, not all pirates are on board this principle so the sea is not truly free, the lands are not truly liberated. All the more that Luffy and his crew are still relevant past their journey to Laugh Tale.

“Luffy!!!!”

Bursting past the door of the diner is an overly energetic Yamato, who may or may not almost send one of the customers to the hospital with the way she mindlessly swings her humongous metal bat. Her long ombre hair was tied heavily behind her and she was much taller than the last time Luffy had seen her.

The oni was so tall Luffy almost did not notice Charlotte Katakuri quietly walking after her. Luffy gave the captain of their second ship a nod, recognizing the man’s presence. Luffy always had this mutual respect for Katakuri that he went far and beyond just to invite him to captain one of the ships, the Onimochi Merry. Along with the vice-captain Yamato, who later joined them as promised to explore the seas.

“I see, so Onimochi Merry escorted Zoro to Wano?” Luffy asked, referring to the second ship of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Yamato nodded, “At your service.” She flashed a toothy grin at Luffy, “Otherwise, he would not make it to Wano on his own even after so many trips.”

“Shut it,” Zoro growled.

Yamato ignored the swordsman as she added, “Also, Katakuri-taichou wanted to pay respect to his mother.” She whispered this.

But of course, no ill feelings are left to unravel between Katakuri and the Straw Hats, that chapter of their lives is long past. The same goes for Yamato whose father, Kaido, died the same night. Both of these guys have agreed that their parents got what was coming for them when they let pride and greed take over them.

But Big Mom was a mother to Katakuri, no matter what happened there, he would pay his respect and no one could take that away from him.

Zoro did not say anything, instead, he handed both Yamato and Katakuri a humungous pint of beer, pointing his head to the empty seat to his right.

“How is Momonosuke’s swords training?” Luffy finally addressed Zoro, now finished his seemingly endless meal.

“Good,” Zoro mumbled, “Could be better.” Zoro briefly answered. It is a known fact that Zoro had taken the responsibility to show the way of the swords to the current shogun of Wano, Momonosuke. He would visit him regularly whenever Luffy did not require his assistance. He would be there three months at a time or more.

“You’re too harsh.” Luffy laughs, “I miss Wano. Maybe I should go there next!” Knowing that Luffy did not have a specific goal this time, he’s pretty much spontaneous with anything that flies into his head.

“I don’t think that’s where you should be going, Luffy-senpai,” Another person, with spiky, bright green hair appeared behind them.  Then he turned away as he mumbled to himself.“Luffy-senpai is here in the flesh!” The same voice of adoration never died in Bartolomeo’s mouth even after so many years. He’s remained his number-one fan.

“Tosaka,” Luffy recognised Bartolomeo, who’s a resident of this island, well as far as an active pirate would stay on land for long. “And what do you mean? Are we off to somewhere?” Adventure, perhaps?

 Bartolomeo cleared his throat as he tried to gather himself in front of his wonderful senpai, “Have Zoro-senpai not told you?”

 Luffy raised a brow to his First mate before he shook his head, “Not a word.”

 “I only had him for two minutes until you idiots walked in.” Zoro snapped at the intruders .

 Yamato laughs at Zoro, “Oh come on, don’t be too selfish. You’re not the only one missing Luffy-sencho.”

 “I miss him the most.” Bartolomeo grinned with a clear blush on his cheeks, watching Luffy with heart-shaped eyes.

 “Yeah, whatever.” Zoro rolled his eyes.

 Luffy laughs at all of them before he turns to Bartolomeo, “So, where are we going?” Quest? Adventure? WAR? No matter, he’s in!

 “Sanji-senpai is getting married, so we are expected to be heading to his wedding.”

Luffy’s eyes widened briefly before he cheered, thrilled with the news because, unlike him and Zoro, Sanji made it his next goal to marry the very next woman he came across. Obviously, that did take some time. Years even.  So, finally hearing about the betrothal was a bit of a shock.

While Luffy was thrilled, well, Zoro? Not so much. When the Pirate King asked his swordsman, Zoro replied with an irritated sigh, “We had a bet. Whoever marries first, the other has to call him his master for the rest of his life.”

Luffy quirked a brow, repeating to his head what he had just heard before he blurted out a hearty laugh, “It’s a surprise Zoro even agreed to this bet.”

“Fifty jars of sake later did it,” Zoro dryly remembered the scene, “Right after Laugh Tale Island. Who seriously was in their right mind? Besides, who would actually think there is a living woman who would marry that Curly?”

Luffy laughs, swirling his glass of beer, pushing his back to the chair as he replies, “Sanji is a handsome man. He’s also royal by blood. Incredible cook - I think that ticks a lot of good points in my book.”

Zoro did not reply as he gulped down the beer bitterly. And since when did Luffy have a list of preferences?

“You know what,” Luffy leaned in with an encouraging grin on his timeless face, gone was his youth but his smile remained that of a carefree man with the most beautiful heart, “I’d hate to instigate things like this between my crew, but why don’t you just make sure you marry first.”

Zoro raised a brow to this yet another spontaneous idea. Does the captain not realise that meeting a significant other does not just happen overnight nor did it ever cross Zoro’s mind?

“You have about…” Luffy counts with his fingers and raises a clumsy four digits, “...four weeks. No, if Nami is the one to pick us up it will be four weeks. But no, so, you might have about six weeks until we meet Sanji.”He said, calculating the time it would take to meet Sanji on the island they heard him last reside.

Zoro just replied with a firm shake of his head, sighing as he did so.

“Do you not like the idea, Zoro?”

“And you really call that an idea?” Zoro finally replied.

“Why not?” Luffy pouted, “We are not getting any younger. Even Usopp has two children already.”

“Well, he’s different.”

“How so? Do you not like anyone?”

Zoro doesn’t even know why they are having this conversation, especially with someone like Luffy. Now, don’t get him wrong. He and Luffy never had a dull moment, they talked about just anything that Luffy fancied and his Captain had many stories to tell, too many adventures to reminiscence, most of which Zoro could also call his. They have had too many adventures together.

 But, a conversation about a potential lover was never one of those.

 Zoro never thought it was strange, or something he wanted to talk about. A romantic partner was just never a priority then, and especially not something he was longing for.

 There was always his dream, his captain’s dream and the Straw Hats.

 “And here I thought you frequenting Wano had some other meaning .” Luffy also added, eyes still trained on Zoro like he would not let the swordsman have the liberty to hide any signs of lies in his stoic face.

 “Like what?” Zoro was quick to reply, unsure what his Captain was talking about. And what’s with Luffy’s eyes seemingly trying to dissect him like Zoro had just been caught disloyal?

 “ Tākoizufokkusu-chan ,” Luffy pointed out.

 Anyone around him eyed him confusedly, all a parade of faces in their head trying to decipher who Luffy might be referring to. Yamato and Zoro most especially, having been more familiar with Wano than Bartolomeo and Katakuri.

 They’ve heard of all the nicknames Luffy had come up with before, but this one’s quite new.

Finally, it was Yamato who figured it out first. In her head a beautiful woman with turquoise hair smiled brightly at her, a discarded fox mask lying on her desk as a part of a decoration as the mask served no purpose any longer. These days, this lady with turquoise hair only wears smiles. And a fox mask should not hide those. “I got it, Hiyori-sama, right?” Tākoizufokkusu , a turquoise fox.

Bartolomeo snapped his finger, “I see, Momo’s younger sister, right?”

Yamato nodded.

“So, what about her?” Whereas, Zoro still does not get why her name even appeared in this conversation. He pushed another pint of beer to Luffy, who just finished his god-knows how many before he found him.

Luffy nods his head for the drink before he tilts it a little to toss it to his first mate before he answers firmly, “Didn’t you have a moment with her?”

Zoro’s brows furrowed, confusion apparent in his face as he responded to Luffy’s toss before responding, “I didn’t have a moment with anyone .” As far as Zoro is concerned, the moment that was far more important to him back then was keeping King away from Luffy and Kaido’s fight. That was the moment .

“Really? I really thought…” Luffy mumbles, the rim of the beer suspended against his lip, “...then never mind.” He decidedly said, taking another chug of his beer.

“You gotta stop thinking stupid things.” Zoro grimaced with a sigh. But then again, this is Luffy he is talking about. Everything he does outside of fighting is just plain stupid and unserious (except when he’s actually serious 10 per cent of the time).

 “Are you sulking by any chance, Luffy-sencho?” Yamato perked a brow as she chugged on her beer, a smile beginning to widen across her beautiful face with her long lashes hiding the sunset-hued eyes the colour of her oni horn.

 Clearly, the vice-captain of Onimochi Merry is poking fun at Luffy.

 Instead of getting offended, Luffy let out a laugh, even bending over to toss his drink with Yamato as he breathed out, “I was afraid for a second there Zoro was gonna marry just anyone.” He laughs, nearly tipping over the unstable stool by the bar if it hadn’t been for Zoro who had to quickly catch the backrest.

 Zoro rolled his eyes, “Sit still, dumbass,” He mumbled, although realizing that falling off a chair would not even put a dent in his rubber captain so fussing about it was a little overkill.

 “I mean, it’s a different matter if Zoro does like someone.” Luffy mumbled, now turning back to face his First Mate, his face void of his usual playfulness, gone was his goofy smile as he added, “Then he can marry.”

 Zoro was temporarily lost to those eyes that were all too knowing, all too seeking. Luffy had many ways to get through anyone, and sometimes it did not need to be over spoken words, it could just be him looking straight into the other’s eyes and he’d know exactly what it was the other was hiding. In Zoro’s case, it was both nothing and everything, very little in between.

 Nothing , he hides nothing before his Captain. Everything , because Luffy was and still is his everything.

And across the time he spent with Luffy, that everything had been redefined so many times, each time deeper, more complex and something far beyond Zoro, for the lack of better understanding, no longer spend countless nights deciphering.

 He just let all those emotions for his Captain, no matter what they are, brew whichever way it goes. It is easier than wrecking his head over it.

Meanwhile, it was Bartolomeo who took the liberty to watch the tiniest changes in Zoro’s face as the swordsman was caught silent, deep in thought as his eyes imprisoned in Luffy’s gaze, “I think Zoro-senpai only has eyes on you, Luffy-senpai.” He commented.

“...right…?” Yamato instantly agreed with a giggle, leaning carelessly against her own taichou who silently grimaced but did not completely disagree with the younger one’s observation.

Katakuri had a handful of encounters with the Straw Hats, with him now part of their ships, and he too was a witness of Zoro’s care and dedication to Luffy - now, this is not to compare to anyone else in the main ship but Zoro just have that tenderness in his eyes as he watches over his Captain and his idiotic antics.

Katakuri wondered so many times if Zoro came with the Straw Hats to Whole Cake Island that fateful day they came to take back Sanji, would the outcome be different? Because the Zoro he sees now as the main foundation of Luffy’s title would have not been an easy foe even then.

Death to his siblings would have been guaranteed that day because Zoro does not hesitate to cut in the name of his captain.

All for his Captain.

Luffy’s face broke into a smile once more, giggling at the remarks, “For sure. I know I am Zoro’s favourite person.” He proudly proclaimed.

Zoro, finally out of his captain’s gaze, was able to breathe and returned to his beer without the strength to debunk Luffy’s proclamation because who is he trying to kid? Everyone knows that Luffy was right. If anything, favorite - does not cut it.

“Hn, I don’t know, Luffy-senpai,” Bartolomeo scrunched up his nose, his face showing interest and a bit of mischief as he prodded to the subject. It’s not every time they get to have this conversation and his Zoro-senpai just lets them dig deeper, uncover all that there is about his affection towards their Senior Captain. “The closest to Zoro-senpai he could possibly think to marry would be you. Only you.”

Zoro turned to Bartolomeo pointedly.

Luffy giggles loudly, “Then, Zoro should just marry me.” He said this without even a bone stuck in his throat. He said this so easily, that everyone had to blink once or twice to digest what he just professed.

Even Bartolomeo was caught off guard. He knew exactly what he was getting at but got more than what he was aiming for.

Zoro fixes his gaze on his captain, mouth left ajar. “W-what?”

“Do you dislike this idea too?”

Zoro tries to gather himself, “Of all your silly ideas, this really takes the cake.”

“Okay,” Luffy shrugs, “I’m just trying to be helpful. The least I can do for someone who is soon to become a servant to a cook.”

“Y-you–”

Luffy laughs, nearly choking on his beer as he can just feel Zoro’s slightly flushed face and his hardened stare.

“When I thought you could carry a serious conversation for once.” Zoro shook his head as he commented.

Luffy emptied his mug and placed it with a dramatic thud on top of the counter before he said, “Who said I wasn’t serious?”

Zoro blinked.

Bartolomeo and Yamato could not help but howled.

Katakuri looked up from the counter and curiously looked at the scene unfolding before them. For once, he was intrigued. 

“Because Zoro too was the first person I thought to run to if tomorrow will be my last breath,” Luffy explained, “This is something Sabo once told me. If comes a day I only have one person in mind in a moment like that, then I know to marry that person.”

And that person is Zoro apparently.

If that was what his captain was implying, Zoro must admit that he also shared the same sentiment. If tomorrow will be Zoro’s last breath, he’d want to spend his final moments with Luffy. That for sure was true. He’d want Luffy’s voice to be the last thing he hears, his smile to be the last image he sees. And it would be Luffy’s warmth he’d carry to the next life.

Yes. Zoro understood perfectly what the other meant.

“I have these thoughts for a while now.” Luffy continued, now eyes fixed on his drink as he mumbled almost so silently that Yamato, Bartolomeo and even Katakuri had gently leaned over to hear him clearly almost at the same time. “Whenever we are separated, I’ve always thought I should ask you to marry me the next time I see you. Then whenever I see you, I just get so happy I’d forget about it.” He laughs softly at his clumsiness. “Even now, if Tosaka hasn’t mentioned Sanji’s wedding, I would just be here content to see you at last.”

“Luffy…” Zoro doesn’t have the words to respond, it had never occurred to him that marriage was something available between them. It just never occurred to him that being nakama might no longer be enough for the bond they have. While he is slowly realizing this, he is beginning to grow wary of whether Luffy truly understands the implication of his statements. “I… I think you have to give this another thought, Luffy.”

“I am.”

“Marriage is not a game.”

“Are you trying to discourage me, Zoro?” Luffy turned to Zoro.

“As if I could at this point,” Zoro sighs, “I’m just not convinced this is not one of your whims.”

Luffy groans, slightly irritated now, “I just told you I’ve been wanting to ask you for a long time now!” He half-shouted the last part that has now gotten everyone’s attention inside the diner. “Why couldn’t you get it? Ugh, you’re so annoying! You’re such a klutz!”

Zoro pulled away a little, huffing at his captain’s outburst, “Hey, now. Why are you getting angry when asking someone to marry you? Are you for real?”

"Because Zoro is a dumbass!” Luffy snarled. “You’re making it so hard for me! It’s not the first time the captain marries their first mate!”

 “Don’t make it sound like it’s a common thing either! Don’t make decisions based on that.” Zoro responded, shaking his head at his captain. “You really got to think this through.” This time, his words are much calmer realizing that he would not get through Luffy shouting back like this.

 “I know what I’m talking about,” Luffy murmured, “Same way that I know you will become the greatest swordsman and I will be King of the Pirates.”

 Z"oro was left flustered again. How many times has he heard Luffy say this? Whenever Zoro has doubts, Luffy diminishes those thoughts with these exact words. He sighs, responding in a murmur, “That and marriage are not the same, Luffy.”

 “Yes, it is,”

 “How so?”

 “We made an oath towards our dreams. And we made it, Zoro.” Luffy said, smiling encouragingly at his first mate, “In marriage, we also take an oath, don’t we?”

Okay, this time Zoro cannot argue with that statement especially when Luffy is eyeing him with the same eyes he would wear before all his big fights. It was the same determination as when he promised Nami he would take back Cocoyasi Village from Arlong, the same eyes when he swore to Vivi he would win against Crocodile in Alabasta. The list could go on and Zoro knew first-hand that when Luffy gave his word, he would make sure to follow through. Or die trying.

"Gee, don’t look at me like I’m some kind of a villain you need to take down,” Zoro commented with a sigh.

Luffy also noticed the look he was giving Zoro so he softened his gaze with a slight giggle, “This is how serious I am with you.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Zoro sighs, “Is there anything I can say that would change your mind though?” He had to ask for old time’s sake. Because according to him, what they have now was already perfect - a step further than that would be like a dream. Heaven cannot be this generous with him.

“Yes,” Luffy’s voice quivered even just so slightly, “If Zoro says he has someone else in mind.” There was a definite pout on Luffy’s mouth as he turned away.

Zoro could not help but scoff at his captain, attesting to the younger man’s most powerful weapon - his cute little pout. Who is Zoro to deny this? “Then, you’re not giving me a way out here, Captain.”

“You can still marry anyone you like, Zoro.” Luffy shrugs, “I’m just telling you what I wanted and surely if it isn’t what you want, then it’s alright too. You’re still going to be my first mate, forever, right?”

“No doubt, I will always be your first mate,” Zoro smiled, genuinely amused at Luffy’s incoherence right now. It’s clear as day that Luffy is having a hard time just saying those words. It made Zoro believe Luffy might really want to marry him. In all seriousness. “But you left me with no choice. I am your first mate and it falls under my role that I see to my captain’s desire.”

“I already told you, you didn’t have to.”

“But I already agreed.”

“Agreed to what?” Luffy was a whole lot flustered he couldn’t even follow the conversation anymore.

Much to the other three’s amusement as they quietly watch everything unfolding. Bartolomeo is literally sobbing at this point, his heart bursting with joy - he had dreamed of this moment so many times. He had always thought that no one deserved their great Pirate King, but if it was his Zoro-senpai, then the universe would agree.

 Roronoa Zoro would be the most suited husband to a Monkey D. Luffy.

 “Yes, Captain. I would very much like to marry you too.”

 “Aeee.! W-why- why?” Luffy’s eyes widened, his chest expanding in utter shock as Zoro’s words echoed in his head, “R-really?”

 “Don’t make me repeat myself.” Zoro’s face turns a shade of red, mirroring that of Luffy’s. It’s really ridiculous, to be honest. What’s with the two of them, well in their prime, blushing like teenage boys? This is so unlike them both!

 And they claim to be fearless Pirates. And not just any pirate, but the best there is in all seas. Dang it, they are the Straw Hats!

 “Then, don’t you dare change your mind now…?” Luffy demanded but his voice squeaked a tiny bit at the end. “Or I’ll be so pissed.”

 “Well, wouldn’t that be dangerous!” Zoro mumbled, not even at all worried. Although, an angry  Luffy would definitely be bad news. No one wants to deal with a Sun God in all his fury. Man, Zoro got himself a huge beast to satisfy. But then again, hasn’t he been doing this for a decade now? All that he had been doing was for Luffy, what could possibly change?

 “Great, then let’s get married!” Luffy grinned, initiating a toss amongst themselves, not allowing Zoro to recover from this quick turn of events.

 “Congratulations, Luffy.” Yamato smiled widely, a tear brimming in her eyes as she remembered so clearly the face of a certain freckled boy she met a long time ago back in Onigashima. Ace would be happy to know that his little brother had found an eternal bond with someone this devoted. “Congratulations, Zoro.”

Bartolomeo, on the other hand, broke into snotty tears, his happiness unmeasurable having to witness this exact moment, he wished he had a cameko in hand so he could record this and re-watch it with his whole crew. Over and over again.

“Luffy,” Zoro tapped on Luffy’s shoulder, trying to get his attention. Sometimes, it really falls on him to keep Luffy grounded. Right now, Luffy is running a thousand miles per hour. “It’s all cool and everything but don’t you think you’re rushing it too much?”

“Rushing?” Luffy blinks, “Try to understand me a little bit, Zoro,” He leaned closer, “I have waited thirteen years for this moment.”

“T-thirteen years?”

Luffy’s face was flushed again as he spoke, “I have had a crush on you since… well… we first met again in Wano after I went to Whole Cake Island to take back Sanji… I didn’t know how or why, it just hit me in the face at that moment. The joy I felt when I met you there was tremendous, ever since then I can’t keep myself calm around you.”

Zoro didn’t know. He would have never guessed Luffy had that kind of affection towards him earlier in their life together. They have travelled and conquered quests, and wars, found treasures, and arrived at Laugh Tale many years after that but he would have never caught on to Luffy’s feelings towards him. It’s commendable that Luffy was able to conceal it perfectly.

He had never thought that Luffy was a very patient man.

But then again, Luffy was always considerate towards all the Straw Hats. Zoro will stake his leg to assume that Luffy did not have the intention to confess if Zoro had ever taken in someone else for a lover - Luffy would have respected his choice. Luffy would have never taken Zoro’s freedom to choose who to love.

Luffy was greedy, yes, but never when it comes to this.

Zoro’s chest began to expand with this enormous realization that his dear Captain valued him in many more ways than Zoro had already known. The pride of knowing that Luffy had chosen him, among all the countless suitors and princesses, surpassed his expectations. “Alright, you win then.” He mumbled back softly. “You waited enough.”

“So, we marrying tonight?” Luffy grinned.

Tonight? Zoro’s eyes widened. Okay, maybe he’s underestimating Luffy’s eagerness. But who is he to deny him now that he has given his words, “We have to have a ceremony, Luffy. We don’t even have rings.”

“Eehhh… you’re right.” Luffy pouted, scratching the back of his head upon the realization. 

“Zoro-senpai, Luffy-senpai,” Bartolomeo could not help himself but chime in, now is the perfect time to empty the pouch in front of the two seniors. “Please, if you don’t mind, I have had these made a few years ago. Please, feel free to use them.”

A set of golden dome rings fell from the pouch. It was made of meteorite and wood inlays, crafted to perfection by a master in Loquetown at Bartolomeo’s request. The meteorite used was something he picked up as a souvenir back in Dressrosa when Admiral Fujitora summoned meteors one after another. The wood used was from a rare Treasure Adam Tree which is the same type of tree used to make Thousands Sunny and all the other Straw Hats ships hereafter.

It is a pair of rings that Bartolomeo spent a fortune to have personalized with Luffy-senpai in mind.

“R-rings?” Luffy’s eyes widened as he picked up one of them for closer inspection. “Why do you have them, Tosaka ?” He inquired.

Why? Bartolomeo’s face turned bright red. How was he supposed to answer that? There is no way he would tell Luffy that he had those rings made just for the slivers of the chance of him confessing his love to him. But then, he just never got the guts to push through his plans because for so many reasons. One is that he’s always so tongue-tied and second, he just never thought he would ever be the man deserving his Luffy-senpai.

Roronoa Zoro is.

And just like that, he’s more than ecstatic to hand over this keepsake for the couple that deserves his utmost support.

“Aeee, Barto, did you just give Luffy and Zoro something you looted, you shameless thug!” Yamato snarled at the other pirate.

“What? The audacity of me offering them plunders!” Bartolomeo glared at her, “I had those rings made. I spent a fortune on them. If Luffy-senpai and Zoro-senpai want to have them, then I’ll be honoured.”

“That’s even more suspicious,” Yamato’s eyes narrowed, trying to read through Bartolomeo’s face, who’s gotten a lot redder. “It’s amazing how you have just the exact thing they need right now.”

Because I’m always ready to jump at any chance to confess to Luffy-senpai, you distrusting oni princess! Bartolomeo wanted to say truthfully but bit back his words. Instead, he mumbled, “A man must always be ready to profess his love at any given time.” He tried to say this as cool as he can be.

Yamato and Katakuri raised a brow, still unimpressed with the explanation.

Zoro didn’t say a word but could already guess the intention underneath. One of the rings is suspiciously the size of Luffy’s finger, the intricate design and choice of materials used are a conscious decision to honour the Pirate King. These rings are the perfect paraphernalia of Luffy’s journey towards becoming the Pirate King.

Zoro looks at Bartolomeo, “Thanks. I appreciate it.” He said, finding no intention of making slight of Bartolomeo’s aspiration. Instead, his fondness towards the fanboy only increased. He’s someone who was always there for Luffy and the Straw Hats and Zoro considered him a comrade.

Zoro gave Bartolomeo a small smile, the best the swordsman can muster without killing you next.

Bartolomeo’s face turned pale, then red before it exaggeratedly steamed like a sea train before the man could no longer stay conscious and fainted face first to the bar. Needless to say, he’s entered the heaven’s gate for the time being. He’ll recover very soon.

 “We need to pay him for the rings,” Luffy muttered, “But I’ve got no money.” He laughs. Who says being the Pirate King means he has all the riches in the whole sea?

 Well, somehow, somewhere he is. He’s earned treasures far beyond the monetary system alright. Golds and the likes, well, he let Nami manage all of that. As if Nami ever allowed him to see the entirety of it. He heard Straw Hats’ treasury is bottomless, enough to support the whole fleet and any smaller ships in the alliance. Contrary to the reason for Luffy’s ambition to become the Pirate King, towards the rest of the world, especially the Marines, this is what made Luffy the Pirate King. A force that can topple the scale with just a single decree. Thousands of men, pirates, civilians, kingdoms, and hidden civilizations are all ready to run to his aid.

 That’s the kind of power this second Pirate King truly possesses. Being Joyboy is a different story.

 “Lucky for you, Luffy,” Yamato grinned, “You’re marrying Zoro here. He’s loaded.”

 Luffy raised a brow, “Really? I thought you and I were broke.” He eyed Zoro sceptically.

 Zoro shook his head, “And you’re so desperate to marry a brokeass man.”

 “If it’s Zoro, it didn’t matter. He’s so strong he can hunt me beasts for food.”

 “You can do all of that on your own.” Zoro rolled his eyes having the need to remind just who is the God, Nika, here, of all the people. Sometimes, Luffy is such a dumbass he forgets just how powerful he is.

 “Luffy, you know Zoro is paid plenty in Wano. He can buy you a whole island if you want.” She also whispered, “And let’s not forget he also inherited all of Dracule Mihawk’s wealth.”

 Luffy’s eyes widened as he remembered, but then he snapped his fingers, “Nah, I’m pretty sure Nami repossessed all of that already.”

 “What??” Yamato was surprised. This one she had never heard of before, but completely expected.

 Luffy laughs, “Zoro owed her a lot of money over the years.”

 “Man, Nami really was a beast when it comes to money,” Yamato commented. But she knew well that because of Nami, other than being the navigator of the main ship, there was a good circulation of funds between all Straw Hats ships in all corners of the seas. She’s sure that Nami had used that money for the good of the whole Straw Hat pirates.

 Like, what’s with Luffy going off on his adventures starting with a huge pouch of berries (and ending up spending them all too soon), but can crash on some random bars and get away without paying? One look at Luffy and they knew who to charge the bill to.

 Nami sure knew how to cover Luffy’s ass wherever the Sun God goes.

 “So, Zoro,” Luffy turned to Zoro with a grin, “Should we get married?”

 “Luffy, we might have gotten the rings but we need a ceremony.” Zoro reminded his future husband with all his impatience.

 “Ah, that’s true,” Luffy mumbled, “Hmmm…”

 “T-the mayor,” Bartolomeo finally regained consciousness, just in time for the new dilemma to arise. “The mayor can initiate the ceremony.”

 “The mayor? There’s no way a mayor would whole-heartedly marry off a couple of pirates.” Yamato huffed.

 “Well, this mayor would,” Bartolomeo chuckled under his breath, looking menacing as he did so. “He owes me tons of money he will do anything I ask him to.”

 “Such a thug thing to say,” Yamato eyed him with disgust.

 “Rich coming from a pirate oni!” Bartolomeo snarled at her.

Luffy laughs as he turns to Zoro, “Maybe we should delay the ceremony a bit. Let’s find someone much more suited to hear our vows.” There is a long list of mayors, kings and queens whom the two of them had formed a bond with that they knew would jump at any chance to officiate their marriage.

One of those is King Neptune of the Fish-Man Island, whose Kingdom now sits on the surface 10,000 kilometres above the sea. The King had decorated the whole island with the Straw Hats flags, he’s pretty sure the King would not mind reading their vows for them.

“Besides,” Luffy reminded Zoro, “We need to pick up little Willen. I bet you that little rascal has been wreaking havoc in Fish-Man Island. Jinbe informed that the little man had tried to set off to sea, if it wasn’t for the Sea Kings guarding the island, he would have wandered far. He’s a menace!” Luffy laughs.

“Geez, I wonder where he got that from,” Zoro mumbled.

“No idea!” Luffy was laughing, full belly laugh, “But he’s sure not a coward!”

“That’s to be expected.” That child was basically raised by not only the King of the Pirates but also the Straw Hat crew.

Whereas, Bartolomeo and Yamato sighed in unison, hearts seemingly gushing out of their eyes as they tried to picture the little orphan from the Wolden Tribe. “Our little Willen is so darn adorable. Can we have him in Onimochi Merry for a week?” Yamato asked.

 "You played with him for a long time in Water Seven.” Katakuri reminded his vice-captain. It was a coincidence that Franky was with Willen on his little vacation to Water Seven when Onimochi Merry had to encounter the Marines and suffered huge damage they needed to take a trip to Water Seven for repair.

 “Yeah…but…”

 “Boss Jinbe always get the turn. It’s so unfair…” Bartolomeo whined.

 Luffy laughs, “I see my Willen is popular amongst the fleet.”

 “Of course, he is!” Bartolomeo whimpered, “He’s looking more and more like you it’s too damn cute!”

 “R-really?” Luffy’s eyes widened, his smiles even bigger. “I haven’t seen him for five months!”

 “Three months.” Zoro also said, counting the days he was stuck in Wano and hadn’t seen Luffy’s little clone .

 “Then, we should head to Fish-Man Island before Sanji.”

“Yeah.” Zoro nodded.

Chapter Text

Part Two

Hisa

Although Zoro and Luffy agreed that they were to do the ceremony on Fish-Man island, the Onimochi Merry along with Barto Club threw an engagement banquet for the Chief Captain and his First Mate. Once again, the food and alcohol poured in endlessly. The festivity lasted late in the night and Katakuri had to literally throw out the whole Barto Club off Onimochi Merry.

Not that Katakuri was a boring ageing man who couldn’t handle fun but the Barto Club, which was formed for their sole admiration for Luffy, had become so messy they stuck to Luffy like mochi. The night was filled with these fanboys endlessly professing their love for the pirate king, complimenting the man for anything and everything.

Katakuri couldn’t ignore them anymore. There is only so much he can tolerate. Besides, Zoro’s face had become quite hard to read the more the fanboys circled around Luffy not letting the man breathe. Lucky for them, Luffy was a dunce. And Zoro? Well, Katakuri did not want to know the hard way if the First Mate was a jealous husband or not.

He’d rather escort them to Fish-Man Island without any issues. Household affairs are not really his thing, well at least not anymore.

Katakuri sighed, “Yamato,” He nudged his vice-captain, who fell asleep with her back by the railings, drooling while still managing to not tip his pint of beer over. “Come on, you’ll freeze out here.” He said, reminding her that they were indeed on a winter island. Although the oni was wearing a thick coat, it was not enough to survive the night of sleeping out on the deck.

Yamato only groaned, unresponsive.

Katakuri shook his head and turned to Zoro, who was the only one left awake still drinking while the captain was well asleep with his head pillowing on Zoro’s lap. A familiar scenery, nothing new here. It’s a common view. It seemed like Zoro was a live pillow to all the main Straw Hats, especially Luffy and the reindeer doctor, Chopper. “Zoro, you can use the bigger room, two doors down from the room you were using. The crew turned on the heating, so you better bring Luffy in. We will leave at sunrise.”

“Thank you, starchy.” Zoro replied as he placed the empty beer mug down and quietly picked up the sleeping captain with him.

“Zoro,” Katakuri called out, “It’s the other way.” He nodded to the left hall where the room was located, resigning to the idea that Zoro might be the strongest First Mate and the world’s greatest swordsman but, man, he’s hopeless with directions.

And he’s aboard this ship for eight days leaving Wano.

Zoro didn’t say a word as he turned around towards the direction instead.

Apparently, Luffy stirred awake just in time to witness that as he giggled, “Zoro, you dumb nuts.”

“Shut it, Luffy.”

Katakuri shook his head at the two’s exchange as he returned his attention towards his vice-captain. “You’re as troublesome as those two.” He commented as he picked up the sleeping oni. “How am I supposed to retire with a vice-captain like this.” He complained but made sure he transferred Yamato to her own quarter.

The night in Onimochi Merry finally has gone quiet.

Luffy woke up a couple of hours later drenched with the heating turned up. He groggily stretched for the dial to turn it off and slipped off his shirt. In that way, his sleep would be more comfortable. He also noticed that Zoro, who was snuggled right next to him, had discarded his shirt. Most probably had woken up to the heat earlier.

Luffy smiled, leaning in closer to Zoro now that he could without creeping the other out. Earlier, Luffy was so intoxicated and exhausted, having to finish a battle and travel for days, that he literally collapsed in bed and dozed off the very second after.

He wanted to talk to Zoro more, to make sure that Zoro did not misunderstand him in any way possible. Luffy waited patiently for this long, he wanted to make sure if he was going to do it, he would do it right. He didn’t have much of a plan, as usual, but he definitely would try his best.

Zoro’s heart is something he must obtain earnestly, now that he allowed himself the gratification to do so. He will pursue Zoro with a similar determination he had when finding the One Piece. “Zoro,” He smiled, diving even closer to wrap around Zoro’s much larger frame. He pulled himself closer with a purr.

Zoro subconsciously responded with a squeeze, muttering softly, “Sleep, Luffy.”

Luffy smiled again, nodding as he too allowed sleep to reclaim him. Now, in a much better mood snuggling to his favorite warmth.

The next day, Luffy woke up well-rested. Albeit still a little drowsy, he yawned and leaned closer to the heat emitting from Zoro. The room had gone a lot colder, the morning air outside had seeped in through the tiny gaps on the door. Luffy shivered but smiled as he noticed that Zoro pulled him closer to him by the arm. This time, Luffy noticed that Zoro was already sitting up, most probably much earlier but did not want to leave Luffy’s side. “Zoro, what time is it?”

“It’s early,” Zoro replied.

“Then go back to sleep,” Luffy whined.

“Hm.” Zoro’s reply was a little odd to Luffy’s ear. He didn’t quite get whether Zoro had refused or agreed, there was unsureness in his reply - no, there was a serious undertone in that quick reply.

Luffy opened one of his eyes, peeking from underneath the covers. Zoro had a firm look on his face, his jaws locked and his right eye fixed in front of him. Strange. Luffy quickly reassessed the situation. He used Observation Haki and confirmed that there was another person in the room. There was no evil intent, that he was certain but it made Luffy jump up nonetheless.

“Nami!” Luffy gasped.

Nami, the orange-haired Straw Hats navigator, sits silently across the room on the chair facing away from the desk. Her brown eyes were a complete mirror of Zoro’s as if the two were trying to best each other in a no-blinking contest. But no matter how carefree that sounded, the two crewmates exchanged intense gazes that it was safe to assume they were conversing about something quite critical here.

For example, why were their captain and his first mate, cuddling naked on a bed? And what was it she heard about them getting married? She didn’t cross oceans to meet them after two years just to discover that they had become lovers.

But then again, who was she to question this when she too did no better? It reminded her briefly why she personally made an effort to collect all the Straw Hats, who were all scattered doing their own business. She looked away from Zoro finally, but still could not muster a smile, overwhelmed with finding this revelation and her own struggles for what was yet to unfold. She stood up and addressed the two, “Come to Sunny, there is someone I want you to meet.”

“Nami,” Luffy tried to call out but the navigator already exited the room, her footsteps disappearing in the distance. “Damn it.” There’s always this thing about Nami’s responses that gets him pretty affected, whether in joy or anger or just anything. For him, Nami’s affirmation mattered to him more than anyone.

“Luffy,” Zoro gently pulled Luffy’s shoulder, making him face him as he said firmly, “You have nothing to explain to her. You did nothing wrong.”

“But Zoro,” Luffy whined, “I’m sure she was shocked. We are a crew, you are my first mate–”

“Luffy,” Zoro growled, “Stop worrying about things like that. I’m sure Nami was surprised but she was not angry or anything.”

“Really?” Luffy was unsure but hearing that from Zoro, he calmed down a bit.

“Besides, she’s more likely going to go after my ass for an explanation than you.” Zoro sighs.

“Why you? I’m the one who confessed to you.” Luffy was confused. “I can do the explaining.”

Zoro this time chuckled softly, “You might be King of the Pirates and a God, but people around you still protect you like you’re seven.”

“I’m thirty-two, Zoro.”

“Yeah, and the people would still think I kidnap you for a wife.” Zoro grinned at Luffy who was now very much unimpressed with Zoro because the green-haired man was clearly enjoying teasing him.

“Zoro, you’re mean.”

“Alright, I’ll stop.” Zoro smiled, “Let’s tidy up and go to Sunny. And when did you take your clothes off?” He asked as he handed Luffy his scattered piece of clothing. No wonder Nami was glaring at him with a silent warning.

It did look like they were completely naked underneath the covers and you know what else. Only that they didn’t, passed out drunk and exhausted last night.

Not to mention, Zoro would bet it was the least in Luffy’s mind.

“It was hot last night,” Luffy replied. “Let’s go to Sunny. I haven’t seen her in a long time. I hope the others are there too.”

On the Thousand Sunny, Robin and Franky are there sitting doing their usual thing. Robin, who is proofreading the sequel to the third book of the Road to Laugh Tale series, is having tea and an orange polenta cake that Nami must have baked. Kudos to Sanji.

On the other hand, Franky super-ed his way to Zoro and Luffy with a back-breaking hug. “Wait until you see my new modifications on Sunny.” He enthusiastically said.

“Yay! Yay! Do we get a newer version of General Franky?” Luffy matched Franky’s excitement with eyes flashing with stars.

The sight of the two made Robin smile. Truly, Straw Hats have become so much more powerful and their influence across seas and lands was boundless but their Captain’s soul never changed, and so, the rest of the Straw Hats did not have to either.

“Luffy,” Zoro was the first one among the two to notice another individual aboard the ship, this one they were not familiar with. “Come here.”

Luffy pulled away from Franky as he too finally noticed a toddler sitting on the stairs watching them quietly as if trying to figure out whether the two new older men are uncles or meanies.

“Hisa,” Nami slid behind the towering figures of Zoro and Luffy who are still curiously and confusedly looking at the toddler. She pulled them back a little before they could successfully scare the living soul out of her little one. She crouched down to the toddler’s eye level as she hold the hand. “They’re your uncles. Uncle Zoro and Uncle Luffy.” She pointed at them respectively.

Zoro and Luffy, apparently uncles to the child, both cocked their brows, still could not put the pieces together.

What is this little beautiful orange-haired girl doing on the Sunny and how are they her uncles?

And more importantly, “Curly brows?” Zoro spat out with an unconcealed disdain in his voice. A clear image of their cook flashed in his head. He frowned.

“Yeah, you’re right, Zoro,” Luffy nodded, observing the little girl a lot more closely, “Why does she have Sanji’s curly brows?”

Nami breathes out, ready to face the scrutiny in hundred fold.

“Another wolden child maybe?” Zoro thought.

 “But then, my Willen  is thought to be the sole survivor of the tribe. So, what’s going on, Nami?” Luffy asked.

Nami sighs, turning around to her captain, “She’s mine. My child. I gave birth to her.” She admitted.

Zoro raised a brow, “With curly brows?” He nods to the most distinct feature of the toddler apart from her orange hair. “Wait, with Curly Brow?” This time, he meant their cook, Blackfoot Sanji. That Vinsmoke brows are a huge give-away.

“Sanji?” Luffy’s brows furrowed, this time a little bit confused.

“I-it’s a very long story.” Nami worried her bottom lip before she looked away, facing her child as she instructed, “Hisa, why don’t you play with Uncle Franky for a bit? Mama needs to talk to Uncle Zoro and Uncle Luffy.”

“Okay!” Hisa nodded, bouncing to her feet and quickly jumped to her Uncle Franky’s strong arm.

“What’s going on, Nami?” This time Luffy sounded serious, finally catching up to the revelation. “When did this happen? How did this happen - why….?”

“Luffy,” Zoro pulled Luffy’s arm gently, reminding him to stay calm because it was clear that Nami was having difficulty just trying to find the right words to proceed. Sometimes, Luffy forgets that he has such an overwhelming presence that even them, the main Straw Hats, are not excepted from this. “Let her explain.” Although deep inside, Zoro was already thinking of thousands of ways to cut Sanji to pieces.

“It happened two years ago,” Nami’s voice is very low as if all her strength is gone. It’s definitely strange because they are used to Nami’s bright voice with confidence oozing out of her effortlessly. But this time, Nami looked defeated. “...when Sanji and I went to look for Koharu Treasure.”

“I remembered that one,” Luffy nodded. Although he was in Elbaf with Zoro and Usopp and the Red Hair Pirates, “You and Sanji went to search for Koharu Treasure with O-Tama and the Thousand Dango.” He said referring to another of the Straw Hats ships.

Nami nodded, “Yes. And we found it.” She played with her hands, nervously as she continued, “Long story short, I got so drunk celebrating - and you know the rest.”

“Saaaanji– how dare—” Zoro gritted his teeth.

“Zoro, no,” Nami’s face was red but she fought the blockage on her throat, “Please, don’t take it out on Sanji.”

“How could I not? How dare he take advantage of a drunk wo–”

“For goodness sake, Zoro!” Nami growled, “When did you ever worry about women specifically?” She snapped but then lowered her gaze, “I was drunk but I clearly remembered that I was as guilty as he was. If anything, it was consensual. I just want to be perfectly clear about that.”

“Nami,” Luffy was the calmer one. While Zoro only thinks about targeting Sanji’s location, Luffy is more concerned about how Nami’s voice quivers and her eyes slightly wet.

“I swear I didn’t want to hide it from the crew. What happened between Sanji and me, we both agreed we spoke nothing of it. I didn’t think one mistake was enough… well, Hisa is my angel, I would never thought otherwise. But I was so terrified when I found out… I’m sorry…I’m sor–” …sorry to have kept it a secret. Sorry, I lied. Nami whimpered. There are a lot of emotions at play here and to have the chance to finally let it all out no matter what way the two would receive it, was overwhelming.

“It’s alright,” Luffy leaned in to hug Nami, consoling her best. “I am sure you have your reasons. And I believe you.”

This explains why Nami had requested a hiatus from sailing and managed the Straw Hats treasury on land. Two years passed, and all other Straw Hats resumed their activities whether as a group or solo, Nami remained on Cocoyasi Island. A holiday no one ever suspected to be a bit more than that.

“Luffy,” Nami sobbed, expecting more resistance than this but this is exactly what makes Luffy the Luffy that he is. He has such a big heart.

“Does Sanji know?” Luffy asked.

“N-no.” Nami admitted, her face buried against Luffy’s chest. It was a much-needed comfort she wished she had the past two years. Life would have been much easier, right? With the Straw Hats, life has always been so much more. Dangerous but fun and exciting nonetheless. With Straw Hats, she found a home. She found a family.

And this was something she didn’t want to lose.

When she realized she was pregnant with Sanji’s child of all people, she knew things would change, she knew this would put a dent in their harmonious relationship.

And she didn’t want things to change. She’s terrified to know things could change. 

She was selfish. She understood how selfish she was when she decided to keep her pregnancy a secret. She was a coward - she didn’t know how to deal with the thought of Sanji knowing because she just knew….she just knew how Sanji would take the news.

And that terrifies her even more.

She didn’t want Sanji to change…for her . Sanji deserved a person who would boundlessly cherish him.

Nami, and for the longest time, knew it could never be her. She was someone who was built differently. She was never passionate about love, for her money takes precedence.

Sanji deserved to be surrounded by love and tenderness and return all his affection without reserve. 

Nami will never be that person.

“Hm,” Luffy inhaled as he said, “So, what do you want to do now, Nami?” He asked this because that matters more right now. He had been through a lot with the Straw Hats, they’d had so many life-threatening adventures and had had their bonds tested so many times they knew now they could count on them. Luffy for sure could tell Nami had thought about the Straw Hats the most when she decided to keep her situation a secret.

And even if she had decided selfishly this time, well, they’re old enough to deal with the blow of their actions. Luffy thinks each one of them has troubles they have to deal with on their own.

In other words, Captain or not, what happened between Sanji and Nami was something he did not have a say in.

All Luffy can do now is to make sure Nami has enough resolve to do what she has decided to do.

“Only say a word and I’ll chop Swirly’s head off.” Zoro chimed in quietly behind Luffy.

“Zoro,” Nami didn’t pay much weight to Zoro’s words. It was pretty normal to hear Zoro utter such villainous intent towards their cook but knew that the swordsman never meant it. Nami exhaled, “I know you both heard about Sanji’s wedding.”

Zoro and Luffy both nodded.

“Good.” Nami pulled away from Luffy’s chest. Her face is fluffy and red but she now has a soft smile on her face, “I’m delighted for him. Truly am.”

Zoro raised a brow, unsure whether this was one of those women’s way of speaking. You just never know the real meaning of their words. Layers and layers of pretences.

“Nami,” Luffy gave her hand a gentle squeeze, “You know it’s okay to want something.”

Nami smiled, “I know, but I have already been greedy enough to want more.” That’s to be expected of Luffy to say. “But you know, Luffy. Sanji is different. He is the kindest man. He took responsibility with utmost care and priority. He had given up his dream and freedom once. For us, for strangers alike. It was completely on me when I kept my pregnancy a secret. I wished I was brave enough to confess then. But you see, Luffy. Sanji found someone to marry now. Sanji must have acted like he’d marry any women he sees but the fact it took him this long to marry someone showed that this person was fated for him.

I’m glad he found someone who can return all the love he can give. The very least I can do for him, as his nakama, is to assure him that he can be happily married to this person while knowing that he has a daughter somewhere who supports his happiness. Apologising now would not just cut it, right? I know he might hate me. I don’t blame him. But I am resolved to make him aware of Hisa’s existence. He can be a part of her life if he wishes to… I… man he’s so going to hate me…Luffy…”

Luffy brought Nami for a hug again, understanding the emotions welling up in her chest. “I understand what you mean.” He said, “It’s good that you have decided to tell him. But know that Sanji will not hate you for it.”

Nami didn’t reply as she started crying again. What’s with the last two years that she forbid herself to weep over the selfish decisions she had to take? It was her punishment.

“Pft,” Zoro gritted his teeth, “To think that the Curly even thought of marrying someone else after touching Nami is sickening.”

“Zoro,” Luffy rolled his eyes on Zoro, “Didn’t you hear? They promised to forget about it.”

“Hit-and-run, right?” Zoro still grimaced. “How lucky that bastard.”

“Zoro,” Luffy warned again.

“Makes me want to marry now and make sure he bows down to me. Call me master or something. I will break his spirit–” Zoro mumbled.

Luffy looks up, “That’s a petty thing to do.”

“Oi, Luffy, You’re the one who suggested it,” Zoro responded.

“Wait, what?” Nami pulled away from Luffy’s chest after hearing the two’s exchange. “That bet from years ago. Was it all about that? This thing going on with you and Luffy?” Nami’s eyes widened. She could clearly remember that drunken bet between Zoro and Sanji after Laugh Tale. She and Robin were the witness to that bet.

“Ah, so you know about that bet too, Nami?” Luffy asked.

“Of course, Luffy.” Nami eyed the two still surprised. “Don’t tell me… Luffy!”

Luffy laughs, flailing his hands in the air, “Nope. You got it all wrong, Nami. I didn’t know about the bet. But I sure took advantage of it.” He said this with a proud face.

Zoro took two seconds to process what Luffy meant and when he did, his face grew brightly red. He looked away, clearing his throat.

“I was in love with Zoro for a while now,” Luffy added with the biggest grin. He said this like it’s the most common thing to say like it was an everyday thing for him to profess he wanted to be King of the Pirates when they only started sailing. He leaned into Nami to repeat himself, “So, I took advantage of this bet and confessed to him. It pretty damn worked.”

Nami was dumbfounded at first as she switched her gaze to Zoro who was now sporting the reddest face he had ever seen the swordsman ever worn. She shivered at the sight. She didn’t even know Zoro was capable of blushing. Zoro looks like he too was having difficulty understanding these new sensations. She almost pities him, “Are you sure you wanted to marry our Captain? He’s sure to be a handful you know.”

“Nami…” Luffy whined with a pout.

“Who else would,” Zoro replied belatedly.

“Right…” Nami shook her head, “I mean, there was only a long line of admirers from all corners of the world, princesses - Zoro, like, our Captain is quite a big deal here. Lose your grip and he might get taken away.”

Zoro grimaced at the truth in Nami’s words. “It’ll be interesting to know someone would dare.” He said this as he tightened his grip on Enma to emphasize the threat in his words.

“Scary,” Nami shivered but had a smile on her face. “Then I can leave the captain’s hand to you.”

“Always.”

Nami smile widened, feeling relieved to know that the two would forever hold each other near and this new relationship was a step forward. Something she didn’t think would be needed because she always thought that the bond between their captain and his first mate was already perfect as it was. Change in that dynamic would be rather risky. But then, these two always knew how to make it work.

They always seem to.

“Lucky you, Sencho. You have found a capable person to marry.” Nami said in a teasing manner.

“I sure did,” Luffy responded with a bigger smile.

“We will be on our way to Three-eyed Tribe Island,” Katakuri told Luffy when the senior captain asked now that the Thousand Sunny would be bringing them to the new Fish-Man Island. “I will make sure Yamato  will make it to Sanji’s wedding.”

“Please stay safe.” Luffy responded as Katakuri jumped back to Onimochi Merry where his vice-captain Yamato waited waving at all of them with Brulee, who remained hidden in the ship while Luffy was anywhere in sight. Years later, Brulee never seemed to warm up to Luffy.

This thought though only made the grand captain tease to older woman more by waving at her with the hugest smile he could muster before switching his gaze to the other ship.

The captain of Barto’s Club gave a thumbs up, “We’ll be right behind you, Luffy-senpai.” Like Bartolomeo has no better thing to do than securing a clear voyage for his favourite person in all seas.

“Great, let’s go.” Luffy mumbled with a smile. It has been so long since he travelled with the Sunny. For a long time without Nami, the whole crew had been doing without Sunny, travelling aboard their other ships. Franky mainly looks after the Sunny and would be available if any of the main Straw Hats need the ship. “Nami.”

“Hmm?”

“Just so we are on the same page,” Luffy started, “You wanted to meet with Sanji before the wedding and tell him about Hisa. You don’t wish to stop the wedding, am I right?”

“That’s correct.” Nami responded, eyes looking out the horizon, “Stopping the wedding would be the gravest offence.”

“Nami…”

Nami laughs, “Let’s give him this one. We cannot keep sabotaging his wedding.” She said as she remembered their trip to Whole Cake Island.

“True.” Luffy tapped Nami’s head gently, “Let me know if you ever change your mind.”

Nami didn’t respond. For sure, Luffy will do anything at his disposal to make sure Nami gets what she wants. If she ever asks it. But Nami can no longer do that. After having wronged them the past two years, who was she to demand? “Don’t make me waver, Luffy.”

“Hm, nope.” Luffy hummed, “Just want to make sure. Now, onwards to the Fish-Man Island!” He cheered, and just like clockwork, the rest of the Straw Hats assumed position to sail towards the next destination. 

Chapter Text

Part III

The Pirate King's Affection

THE UPPER, FISH-MAN ISLAND

Sneaking into the Fish-Man Island with the Thousand Sunny was never possible. There was a separate lookout just to spot all arriving Straw Hats ships, making sure that the boarding crew were well-looked after upon their stay. Now, with the main ship, Thousand Sunny, passing by the border patrol, was enough for the whole island to clamour advidly.

The den den mushi is blaring everywhere, the kitchen is in an uproar and civilians are ushered to the dock with confetti ready.

Their liberators have come back.

“Man, they never get tired,” Luffy commented with a snicker after managing to slip through the crowd and join the rest of the crew on their way to the inner Ryugu Kingdom. 

From the dock, supposed they would usually take the street to the Palace and visit King Neptune and his children, but this time, they turned left towards a house by the cliff. In that house resides another Straw Hats, Jinbe.

Jinbe, well at the age of fifty-nine, was still very much active in pirating, mainly serving as the liaison between all the Straw Hats ships being the most agile on waters. With the older member being the most experienced in both battles and diplomacy, iscords amongst the alliances and Straw Hats secondary ships alike were very rare.

In such an event, they were mostly dealt with before Luffy even hears about it.

By the gates of that humble house, it wasn’t Jinbe who burst storming out, but a little pair of feet in a red overall matching with an oversized hat that awfully looked familiar and an even bigger smile, “Papa….!!!”

“Willen–”

“Ketsui…!”

Both Luffy and Zoro stretched their arms towards the little boy but froze when they heard each other. They instantly glared at each other, despising the stubbornness of the other.

“Are you still calling my boy that name?” Luffy growled at Zoro.

Zoro shrugs back, “Ketsui. He responds to that name better.”

“Willen.” Luffy insisted, “It rhymes better with Monkey D. Willen.”

“Roronoa Ketsui,” Zoro responded. “And he might look like you but I remembered that I held him first.”

“Nope, I made first eye contact.”

“I did.”

“If you two were to argue based on who found the wolden child first, then you think Law should be the dad?” Nami reminded the two, remembering how that whole debacle happened. A discovery that reunited the Straw Hat Pirates and the Hearts Pirates.

“Law? What does that man have to do with this?” Zoro fumed.

“Torao found Willen first, yes, but the first person Willen laid eyes on was me!” Luffy grinned, proudly.

“It was me,” Zoro argued. “I’m pretty sure it was me. He looked at me first.”

“Zoro!”

“You guys are going to get married anyway so, it really doesn’t matter who becomes Willen’s official parent, right?” Nami reminded.

“Yeah, but the name matters. Monkey D. Willen has a nicer ring to it.”

“Roronoa.” Zoro sighs.

“Hey, hey, you’re marrying the Monkey Family.”

“Who said I’m marrying to your family?” Zoro snarled, having a mental picture of all the Monkey Family in history and their humongous yet twisted reputation. They are all kinda powerful and all sorts of insane at the same time. If they have their mind set on something, they do it with much fervour and they don’t stop for anything. “Having one Monkey D. Luffy is already a handful.” He murmured under his breath.

The boy, Ketsui- apparently - paused at the doorstep, his excitement upon seeing both Luffy and Zoro disappear as he could feel the friction between the two elders.

“See, he doesn’t like the name, stupid -zoro.” Luffy commented and stretched his arms further to grab Willen - apparently- “Come to papa , Willen.”

“Oi, Luffy, don’t go stretching your arms like that’s not fair.” Zoro whined, pulling at Luffy’s rubber arms.

“Zoro!!! Argh…!”

“You’re not being fair!”

The poor wolden child stopped, unsure what to do and somehow becoming terrified at his adoptive parents fighting over something he doesn’t understand. And with these two people brawling in front of him whether they meant it or not, brings chaos to this boy’s constitution.

The child backed away, turned around and cried out, “Uncle LaAAaawwwW~~~~” He ran back inside the house, almost knocking Jinbe by the doorway, who came to welcome the Captain and the rest of the Straw Hats.

“Oh boy, you two scared the little pup.” Robin commented with a small chuckle while carrying Hisa in her arms.

“LAWWWWW?” Zoro growled.

“Toraoooo?”

“Hm, Luffy,” Jinbe nodded as he explained, “Law arrived five days ago. He’s inside.”

No wonder that Hat that sits on top of Willen’s head was familiar. It was Law’s printed Hat and most especially explained the overalls the child was wearing. Willen enjoys dressing up like the Hearts Pirates. You can blame Bepo and Penguin with that one. They always bring coveralls and play pirates in the Polar Tang whenever they meet.

Came out the captain of Hearts Pirate, Trafalgar D. Law, with Willen in his arms who had the biggest pout on his mouth while the Captain had that permanent scowl on his face, “Need I remind you two that wolden children are heavily influenced by their waver’s emotions?” Why can’t Luffy and his first mate ever seem to remember this?

“Ah, sorry,” Luffy admitted as he approached the child with care now, “Sorry, Willen. Zoro and I were not fighting.” He grinned and this time, it was not that hard to make the child go over to him. He immediately pampered him with so much love and tickles, that both their laughter brought smiles to the ones witnessing it.

Willen is the sole survivor of the wolden tribe. A discovery found by none other than Trafalgar D. Law, joined by Brook and Robin, by following traces of its existence through the hidden side of history - a venture that stemmed from discovering One Piece and the key figure, Joy Boy.

Wolden Tribe are human with a very special ability that legends categorize them as gods, for others, devils. Their special ability still is shrouded with mystery but one that the Straw Hats and the Hearts Pirates have come to understand is that the Devil Fruits are closely related to Wolden Tribes. And so is Joy Boy. The ancient tribe has the ability to soak in the will of the world, manifesting in any way, shape and form. They were miracles, they were the answers to pain and suffering.

Until a corrupt system created the Wavers.

Selfish exploits to turn the members of the Wolden tribe into a controlled force that answers only to a single organization, bred and shaped to become all-powerful. An army was raised, an army that contained all the will of the world yet used most destructively.

Devils, as they were later referred to.

Of course, just like any origin, there was also an end.

As the tribe takes in the will of their wavers , which was to lay havoc and dominance to the world, their own will be caged someplace. For a very long time, this tribe’s will gathered and became uncontrollably big like a massive pit of fire. Soon, the Sun God, Nika took shape from that very flame. Nika’s mission was to answer to the tribe’s desire to be freed - to have their free will back. 

And with the mission granted, Nika disappeared with the Wolden tribe.

For centuries, not a trace of the Wolden tribe remains.

And on the fourth century, rare fruits were found in the wilderness throughout the world that granted the eaters superhuman powers. Those who carried the knowledge of the past attested that these fruits were the carriers of the devils, that in these fruits lived the souls of the Wolden Tribe.

These fruits were later known as the Devil Fruits.

Seven years ago from the present, Trafalgar D. Law traced a desolate island run by a psychopathic lord that carried an atrocious practice that mirrors the system Wavers  and true enough, the people at the receiving end are genuine descendants of the Wolden tribe.

Under the meticulous and ruthless wavers, a wolden child can manifest into the most dangerous power holder. A waver can shape a wolden infant into whatever form and character they want.

The woldens are, after all, the carriers of the will of the world. In this case, their wavers. All but losing their own free will.

Through this, this lord created the world’s most notorious assassins, collecting bounties and wealth  left and right.

It was at this time that Trafalgar D. Law worked with the Straw Hats to put a stop to this madness and liberate the Wolden tribe. Yet, much to everyone’s shock, the Woldens are much more powerful when given their free will back, and their will was to once again permanently disappear from existence so no man can ever manipulate them for what they are.

In simpler term, the tribe performed a genocide and neither Law nor Luffy could stop them.

And the only thing that Luffy was able to protect that day was a young infant, only a few months old, left in a burning house, crawling in a haze of fire and smoke. And when Luffy thinks it was too late to get to the infant, he hears a soft mutter ‘shambles’ and then sits in Zoro’s safe arms is the infant. And that’s when Luffy saw the most magnificent set of eyes when the young child openned them. Luffy had never ever thought of having a child to carry on his will before this, but at that moment, he knew he’d found that very special soul.

And damn it, he was right because Willen is a child full of wonder, because the more Luffy spends time with him, giving him a piece of himself in any way and form, Willen just naturally embodies them. Physically speaking, Willen has such a strong attachment to Luffy that his constitution reacts to Luffy and he grows more and more like Luffy.

Or not.

Luffy scrunches his nose at this realization, “Ah wait, am I just seeing things or what are these green streaks in your hair?” His eyes widened, inspecting the strands in Willen’s head turning a shade of green, especially under the sunlight.

“You’ve noticed,” Jinbe laughs heartily, “Wait until you hear his strong affinity to swords.”

“W-what?” Luffy whipped his eyes at Zoro, who seemed to be the likely suspect of this transition, “I thought he’s manifesting my will. I am the father.” He growled.

“Don’t underestimate a Wolden ability. They see through you more than you let them in, maybe your will is not all yours.” Law stated.

Robin sniggered again, understanding the comment, “Ah, looks like Luffy-sencho likes thinking about Zoro a lot.”

And just with this small remark from the archaeologist was enough to render both Luffy and Zoro quiet with red colouring their cheeks, much to everyone’s amusement as they laughed at the two. It’s not so common to see these two blush after all, you gotta jump on it when it presents.

“I must go,” Law said to Luffy, who just after absorbing all the food into him, reducing back to his original physic. How he does that, is simply miraculous and ridiculous. “I cannot leave Caesar unattended for too long with Dr. Vegapunk.” He said this, tapping his breast pocket signifying that he has the man’s heart in his possession to keep the evil doctor in check.

“Okay, see you,” Luffy said. “Make sure you attend my wedding, you got that?”

Law simply nodded but before he could leave the place, he brushed shoulders with Zoro, who had returned with another yet full jar of sake, he whispered, “Don’t lose your grip, Zoro-ya, or I might just steal him from you. Shambles .” He stressed his last word but of course, a room was not created so it was but a threat. 

Yet, it was something that made Zoro’s eyes glint, alcohol seemed to disappear out of his system. But before he could respond, Law was nowhere in sight.

Zoro returned to his seat beside Luffy with an apparent scowl on his face. Never has he felt this boiling surge of annoyance. There were only a few things that could trigger Zoro in a split second, one having to deal with a certain Cook and two when one disrespects his captain in front of him - but this is quite new to him. He recognized this irritation as something hard to swallow and his chest collapsing- and dang it, sake did not taste as good anymore.

And all of this came from a small threat. Damn it, Law. Zoro growled. Is it because it’s Law who said it that it made Zoro’s stomach lurch? Because Zoro knew Law so damn well, the other captain sure was capable to do just that. And God knows what Luffy thinks of Law, the two hit it off so well it would be a miracle if–

“I thought Torao already left?” Luffy commented as he looked at Zoro with his head swaying drunkenly before landing against the latter’s chest, “Why is Zoro scowling like Torao?” He made a clumsy attempt to copy the face the said two were making.

Zoro rolled his eyes at his captain but subconsciously raised his arm so he could accommodate Luffy’s comfort who made a pillow out of him. “Luffy,”

“Hm?”

“What do you think of Law?”

Luffy didn’t respond right away because he was busy accurately stretching his arm so he could grab the biscuit across the table in front of Shirahoshi, the Mermaid Princess. Once done with his little mission, he chomped on it happily before answering, “Torao? He’s a good guy.” He stated, “Didn’t you know that already?” Unsure where this question was coming from.

“T-that’s not what I mean,” Zoro grumbled but realized he was never going to get the proper answer from Luffy anyway unless he spelt it out to him and also be prepared to let the guy know that this question may come from this new emotion called ‘jealousy’. “Forget it.” Well, it’s not as if Zoro will be able to get the answer regardless because Luffy already started to doze off.

“Zoro, have you two decided when the wedding yet?” King Neptune asked from across the table where the Straw Hats had gathered for a feast.

“Luffy decided he wanted to gather the rest of the crew first,” Zoro responded. It was later today that Luffy suggested that it’ll be more fun to have all the Straw Hats in attendance for their wedding, which he also thought would be more proper. Even if that would mean having Sanji around. 

“Of course,” King Neptune nodded, “I would have been honoured to read your vows if you decide to have it now.”

“Thank you, King Neptune.” Zoro raised a cup to him, appreciating the offer. “But we’ll never know with Luffy and his head.”

“That is also true.” Jinbe seconded this time.

“Well, with that said, I must bring Hisa up to sleep. We’re leaving early tomorrow to get to Brook. Chopper is with Usopp back in Syrup Village - we have a very long journey ahead, lads.” Nami stated as she stood up with Hisa in her arms. The young girl nods off to sleep.

“Me too.” Robin also said.

“Well, that means we should all hit the bed with our Captain already resigned.” Franky nodded his head to Luffy, who was well asleep bending over Zoro’s thighs, snoring silently. “Zoro, you should bring Luffy in. I’ll look after Willen tonight.”

“Ah, you’re too late, Franky,” Robin gasped, “Barto took Willen to his ship a little while ago. Sleepover he said.”

“W-what - that little rooster head!” Franky whined.

Jinbe laughs, “Oh my, that boy will find any excuse to board a ship.”

“Sounds like someone we know,” Nami commented eyeing their oblivious captain before she finally left the banquet hall with Robin in tow.

“Guess I’m not on babysit duty,” Franky shrugged.

“Me too.” Jinbe seconded with a hearty laugh, having had to look after Willen for two months straight.

The two raised a glass to each other, and so did Zoro. The three of them and the rest of the Fishmen drank and talked some more until late before they all agreed to finally hit the bed.

It is known to the alliances that Zoro has a terrible sense of direction that King Neptune instructed one of his sons, Manboshi, to personally bring Zoro to one of the rooms in their palace - the exact same room Luffy and Zoro had stayed in numerous times before. But Zoro still managed to get lost regardless.

Zoro thanked Manboshi as he closed the door. He kicked his shoes off while shaking Luffy’s sandals off the man’s feet before laying him on the bed. This act had become such a norm between them since they met in Shells Town, but the frequency of this happening started more after Luffy became the King of Pirates. It seemed like after Luffy had attained his goal, he started to drop his guard down and become more dependent on Zoro.

At least when it comes to this.

Now that Zoro had a clear understanding of Luffy’s feelings for him, it started to make more sense. Was that Luffy’s way of indulging himself without necessarily crossing the line? After all, Luffy was also clear that he would have not confessed if Zoro presented with a lover.

Really, Luffy with all his silliness is a far greater man with commendable traits, hard to decipher sometimes but is always apprehensive about what he wants, unless it hinders his friend’s wishes. Then, he knew to step back. In this case, was Zoro’s happiness.

He was willing to give up his feelings for him if it meant Zoro could find his true love.

“You know, Luffy, you can be a little bit selfish this time.” Zoro smiled, his hand smoothing the crease on Luffy’s forehead when the younger realized the sudden loss of heat as he hit the bed. With that simple gesture, Luffy’s face relaxed and even nuzzled towards Zoro’s calloused palm. A sigh escaped the captain’s mouth. “Okay, now you’re acting cute,” Zoro commented with a chuckle but didn’t have the heart to pull away. Instead, he watches Luffy sleep for a bit longer with many things running through his head - like what could have happened if Luffy confessed much earlier, like after they have defeated Kaido? Didn’t Luffy say he started to have this feeling after meeting again in Wano?

How would he have reacted then? Would he have reciprocated so readily like this? Maybe, maybe not? Maybe the years spent after defeating Kaido and attaining all their dreams made it all easy for both of them to approach their feelings, the mutual understanding that there was never anyone around them that felt so right as they did for each other.

“Zoro…?”

Zoro quickly snapped out of his thoughts as he realized that Luffy had woken up, eyeing him back. Zoro, by this time, had already laid next to Luffy, with one hand prompting himself up so he could continue to watch Luffy’s peaceful sleep. Like a creep. “Wazzup?”

“Is this a dream?” Luffy asked, his voice a little hoarse from sleep.

Zoro had to fight the urge to madly smile at such a heart-fluttering comment. Man, he already knew Luffy always had a way of making Zoro learn new things, new emotions, and new adventures but after many years, he thought he already seen it all. But now, it seemed like Luffy was extracting another side of Zoro he didn’t think he had. “No, Luffy.” He belatedly affirmed.

“You’re too close,” Luffy mumbled, “Easy for me to steal a kiss. It must be a dream.”

Okay, this time, Zoro chuckled, his heart thumping against his chest as this surge of joy found its way to his head. He feels a little light-headed, it’s unreal. It’s wonderful. “Steal?” Zoro repeated, “Why steal?”

Luffy sniggered as he answered, “Because I’m the Pirate King. It’s what I do.”

“That’s true,” Zoro chuckles along with him. “But Luffy,” Zoro fixed his eye on Luffy as he continued, “... you should know, between you and me, you didn’t have to steal.”

“Y-you mean? I can just kiss?” Luffy’s eyes widened, and any traces of drowsiness disappeared.

“Sure,” Zoro smiled at Luffy’s reaction right now. Good gracious, his Captain can be such a torture when he’s acting this adorable. How can he say no to him? “I will become your husband, after all, won't I?”

“Nah, this must be a dream.” Luffy pouted as he shook his head.

“Yeah, it had to be right?” Zoro couldn’t help but agree because that would explain why his heart was racing right now he grabbed hold of Luffy’s face by the chin very carefully as he whispered, “Otherwise, why am I acting like this?”

“L-like what?” Luffy’s eyes are erratic against the proximity of their faces. He didn’t even notice when Zoro had moved that the man was practically hovering above him. The thumping of his heart increased it was so loud against his rib cage. He couldn’t even make sense of what Zoro meant. “Zoro…” Maybe speaking his name would bring clarity to his head.

But, of course, it had the opposite effect because of the way Luffy sounded. He was so out of it, that he squirmed the name out. He moaned Zoro’s name.

“Dammit, Luffy.” Zoro groaned, tilting Luffy’s chin up, their foreheads connected for a short while before Zoro pulled away to plant a peck on top of the captain’s cute nose, “You seriously don’t know what you’re doing to me right now.”

Luffy’s head was already swimming. Zoro’s warmth covered his whole body and that small peck on his nose was just about the most gentle sort of torture that Luffy lost his breathing.

“Luffy,” Zoro fixed his eye again on his captain as he sought Luffy’s right hand and brought it against his chest, letting the younger man feel the erratic beating of his heart, “Tell me what sort of dream can make this heart beats ferociously? Not even in fights I get this excited.”

Luffy relished the sensation of Zoro’s heartbeat under his palm, noticing how it synched so flawlessly with his own. It made him elated with bliss knowing this, “...felt so real, Zoro.”

Zoro smiled at the comment, “Yeah, so watch me closely, Captain.”

Luffy nodded softly, “Yes,” His eyes also fixed on Zoro’s handsome face. He’s struggling not to melt under that gaze. Has he mentioned it before? That Zoro’s face is Luffy's favourite view, he would watch him closely without blinking whenever they talk about just anything. And whenever they are apart he would gather any News Coo newspapers in the hopes one article would be about him and if the universe is gracious, it would come with images too. The hardest time would be whenever Zoro is in Wano. That country might have opened to the world but it was still rare to get news from there.

So having Zoro this up close, so real and giving him all the attention- God, Luffy doesn't know what to do with himself.

But lucky for Luffy, Zoro was having the biggest realization right now. Zoro didn’t think Luffy could wake up such urges just simply being underneath him. “If having you pinned underneath me enough to stir me up, then, I would like to know more. So, Luffy, it’ll take more effort from you to stop me at this point. Do your best.” He warned as the only response he got was a gasp from the other before he claimed the younger man’s lips, finally answering that voice in his head.

Glad that he did. For so many years, he always wondered what in this world could be sweeter than wine, more delicious than onigiri and more addictive than sake. He never thought such a complete package that matches his taste was delivered in the form of Luffy. Every dip of their tongues, the soft moans, and the little bites made this more addictive, they didn’t want to stop.

“Z-zoro,”

“Hm?” Zoro pulled away just a little just so he could admire the flush in Luffy’s face, his lips supple red after the kiss. He always knew Luffy was handsome, he’s always enjoyed watching him, admiring his charming round eyes, adorable nose and pouty thin lips. But this time, Luffy looked ravishing and flustered underneath him.

What an enchanting sight.

“M-more…” Luffy breathes out.

Zoro grinned, pushing some strands out of Luffy’s forehead, “I thought I told you that you should stop me at all costs.”

“Why would I do that?” Luffy whispered back, his hand reaching over so he could pull Zoro down to him, stealing a firm kiss from the swordsman and ending it with a gentle bite, “...when I finally got to kiss you.”

Speechless at the sudden advances from the captain, it took Zoro a few seconds to draw a smile as he replied, “So, now you're firing me up.”

“Have I?”

Zoro nodded, leaning down so he could taste Luffy’s lips once again, determining what made these lips so irresistible. Was it because Luffy tasted like cinnamon and cedar with just a little touch of sweetness extracted from dried rose petals, apples and mint? Luffy just had that right balance of aroma Zoro would die for when choosing a high-grade sake in Wano. Or anywhere.

He’s perfect for Zoro.

And Luffy’s scent. Zoro almost forgot the reason why he indulged in Luffy’s habit of sleeping on top of him during nap times. Luffy’s scent is just like the ocean when you wake up, sweet, enveloping and warm. The scent of the rising Sun in the wide ocean. It always gives Zoro a sense of purpose, calm and reason to come back home - a feeling of belongingness.

So, it’s not surprising for Zoro to get a full whiff of exactly that when he pulled away from Luffy’s lips and peppered kisses to his jaw and dove further down and suck on the heated skin on Luffy’s neck and behind the ear.

“Zo…zoro,” Luffy moaned, loving the hot mouth lapping along his neck. It brought intense shivers down his spine in the most exciting way to the point that he was drawing the other even closer to him. Their bodies are pressed so firmly that the clothes they’re wearing could catch on fire.

Or it might as well be.

Zoro could feel the temperature turning up around him, his body growing much hotter each second just the way Luffy pressed back and naturally spread his legs so Zoro could grind his crotch against him. The response to this swift movement made the men whine in wanton.

God damn it, they’re both so turned on for each other that it’s ridiculous they didn’t realise how attracted they were to each other before this.

“L-Luffy,” Zoro’s eye was heavy, veiled with want and hastiness, when he tried to catch Luffy’s gaze. “Please tell me I can do more than kiss.” He breathes out, struggling to control his legs from burying deeper into the heat. His cock had never been this hot and bothered before.

“I-I don’t know, Zoro,” Luffy’s face was so red, just out of breath as the other. “These are all new to me.”

Zoro froze, levelling his face at Luffy, “Luffy, have you never held anyone before?” He asked. Not that it bothered him, he just needed to know to assess his next action. “I mean, like, it doesn’t matter really–”

“No,” Luffy turned to the side, hiding his face but his ears were beet red as he cleared his throat, “N-never been attracted to anyone else. For me, it’s either Zoro or no one.”

“Luffy,” Zoro squirmed, overwhelmed with everything that Luffy had dropped since their engagement night. Everything that Luffy pours, Zoro readily receives them because it is such a wonderful feeling to be at the receiving end of the Pirate King’s affection. To be his captain’s first and last.

“It’s strange, right? At my age, in this era. I’m a complete loser–”

“Stop,” Zoro pulled Luffy’s hand hiding his face and made him face him back. He cracked a loving smile at him, “I didn’t know what I did to deserve this, to deserve you, Luffy. God damn, I’m so lucky.”

“Because you’re Zoro. You’re my First Mate. You deserved the whole of me from the beginning.”

Zoro still had that smile on his face as he peppered kisses all over Luffy’s face, and sighed happily again, before taking Luffy’s lips. This time the kiss was slow, unhurried and sweet. It was as if, through this kiss, Zoro wanted to ease the worries in Luffy’s mind and at the same time, wanted him to feel that these were all happening in reality.

Zoro could tell Luffy liked kissing, he could feel the escapes of smiles coming from Luffy’s mouth with every dip. Zoro could also tell that Luffy especially enjoyed Zoro’s taste with the way he had become more forward in diving in with his tongue, tasting every crevice of his mouth.

Zoro couldn’t help but moan. Luffy is definitely not a shy lover. He’s bolder now, pulling Zoro down to him with his legs opened and wrapped around Zoro’s torso. Their raging hard-ons pressed between them, eliciting bouts of moans from each other.

“Luffy, you gotta let me touch you.” Zoro pulled away, his eye again igniting in pure thirst for his captain.

“We’re touching , Zoro,” Luffy responded between his heavy breathing.

“No, more,” Zoro demanded through his closing throat, his patience only allowing him to sound less feral at this point. “I want to touch you.”

“Do what you want, Zoro.” Luffy whined, unsure where’s the holdup. “You can do anything you want with me.” He affirmed.

With that confirmation, Zoro pressed a mouthful kiss to Luffy’s mouth before kissing his way down to his neck, licking the man’s Adam’s apple and the dip of his shoulder blades, yielding delicious moans from the other.

While his mouth was busy raining kisses all over Luffy, his fingers worked on untying the sash of his clothing, something Luffy enjoyed wearing after his latest trip. It unclasped after messy tries, freeing Luffy’s body from the binding. The lapels of his inner clothing opened up easily, sliding open to show Luffy’s lean body.

It’s no joke seeing Luffy’s body, the rubber boy that he was in his rookie years has built up quite the muscle over the years, albeit, on the leaner side. His rubber constitution hinders the man to be as heavy-built as Zoro, but he has such a well-defined abdomen, sexy and strong. It really was a joy sometimes to watch Luffy’s display of his body when he’s dressed in his usual red vest.

But nothing compared to touching them.

Zoro ran his fingers along the length of Luffy’s sides, familiarising every curve, every sensitive spot, which touch brings Luffy gasping for air. He trailed further down, leaving Luffy’s neck red and probably bruised, as he followed the infamous permanent scar across Luffy’s chest, one he attained from Akainu’s attack. The X-shaped scar had always been a painful reminder that there was once someone so dear that Luffy couldn’t save, a time in his life when he had questioned his strength, a time when nightmares were frequent.

For Zoro, this scar was an indication that he had failed his Captain once, he had failed to protect the ones his Captain treasures with the strength that he had. He was powerless, he wasn’t there for him.

“Zoro,”

Zoro raised his head from Luffy’s chest, “What’s wrong, Luffy?”

“You’re staring at my scar too long, I’m getting self-conscious.” Luffy pouted.

Zoro frowned, “No need to be self-conscious,” He said, knowing that Luffy never tried to conceal the scar, wearing it out in the open just like how he wears his resolve on his face for everyone to see. Luffy is strong, he wanted him to know that. He gave the middle of the scar a peck before he gave Luffy a sheepish smile, “I’m just thinking that thankfully your nipples were safe.” As he said this, he finally switched his attention to Luffy’s right nipple, his mouth eagerly took in the nub and gave it a good suck and nibble.

“Z-zoro…” Luffy moaned to the intense pleasure, feeling Zoro’s teeth pulling onto his nipple, such thrill he didn’t think he could feel from having his nipple sucked and his First Mate knows how to do so making sure Luffy writhes underneath him, his body getting hotter and hotter.

Zoro resumed his ministration to the other nipple, giving it the same attention as the other and when he pulled away, he had a full view of his masterpiece; Luffy looking more aroused than ever, his face flushed and his chest covered with his marks with especially deeper bite marks on around both his nipples. Zoro was not the biting person but he couldn’t get enough of Luffy’s body, his teeth ached to bite down, his whole senses swimming with Luffy’s moans and demands.

And Luffy demands more.

Zoro has a grin on his face as he pushes up just so he can give Luffy another kiss, swallowing Luffy’s breathy moan. He just couldn’t get enough of Luffy’s sweetness, the more he dives in, the stronger he thirsts for his Captain. He reluctantly pulled away to allow some air back into their chests. All the while keeping his gaze on Luffy, he breathes out, “Luffy, your face…” He planted soft pecks on Luffy’s nose and dazed eyelids before continuing, “...swear you would only show this side of yours to me. Only me.” Because God damn, who could resist such a palatable display, especially when Luffy already charmed so many people being his usual idiotic self? What more if they discover how sexy and gratifyingly hot he could turn into?

Luffy chuckled softly, “Didn’t I tell you there was only one person that could get me this hot?” Luffy reminded and if that was not enough, he pushes his hips upwards, grinding deliciously against Zoro’s crotch.

Zoro couldn’t help but bite down his lip, almost howling at the reminder that his cock is raging hard and he swears he could be reaching his limit if Luffy would keep going for it. “I really hope you know what you’re getting into, Sencho.”

Luffy was already in a daze, too little clarity in his head when he replied, “Maybe, maybe not. But if it’s with Zoro, I have nothing to worry about.”

Zoro smiled, “You really know what to say.” He commented, “But brace yourself, Luffy because I ain’t stopping now.”

“Then don’t.”

Zoro chuckled as he once again kisses his way down Luffy’s neck, down his chest and this time, went further south to trail down the navel. His hands are faster, working on untying the binds on Luffy’s trousers before pulling the fabric down to free Luffy’s rigid cock, springing proudly with precum already adorning the tip.

Now, it was not the first time Zoro had seen Luffy’s dick, they’d shared a lot of bath times, but it was the first he’d seen him hard in his full length and Luffy is generously long, whether that has to do with his Devil Fruit or not, but his length is not normal for his stature. Nonetheless, Luffy has an impressive, beautiful cock and it looked delectable in his grip. Musky scent covers Zoro’s senses it leaves him in a daze before he allows himself to satisfy his thirst and engulfs his Captain deep in his mouth.

Luffy twitches above him, moaning breathlessly as Zoro took in the length with sheer effort, tasting a hint of Luffy’s cum from the tip and it only made Zoro’s brain buzz in excitement. Luffy just keeps on giving, offering all of what Zoro wished the universe could offer may he wanted a lover in this lifetime.

Zoro enjoyed how Luffy instinctively found himself gripping a handful of Zoro’s hair as he writhed in Zoro’s mouth, slightly aiding his coming release. Zoro’s mouth was hot and tight around Luffy’s length, fingers wrapped around the base, stroking in perfect synchronization that it didn’t take long for Luffy to growl in intense orgasm and shoots his cum straight into Zoro’s throat, who gladly drank all he can get.

But Luffy had a lot to give that even when Zoro thought he had drained him good, he still continued to release even after Zoro pulled away, some cum ended up on Zoro’s face.

“Oh, s-sorry, Zoro.” Luffy gasped out, too little energy left from his release to pull Zoro up to him. He immediately tried to dry his cum from Zoro’s handsome face but the green-haired male stopped him with a chuckle.

“Sencho, it’s important to let it out sometimes,” He teased, aiming at how Luffy came so much it might have been accumulated.

Luffy pouted and looked away with a much redder face, “Easy for you to say. There was only so much I could do by myself.”

“Fair,” Zoro mused, “Well, did you enjoy that at least?” He asked, wiping the cum from his face and licking it off his finger after, appreciating the lust igniting again in Luffy’s eyes as he watches his action.

Luffy nodded gently, his throat a little dry now from moaning ceaselessly as his First Mate gave him head. His face got hotter just by recalling the moment, he bit down his lip, “Hm, how about Zoro?” He then asked.

“Me?” Zoro perked up, “Don’t worry about me, Sencho. I’m having the best time of my life.” Zoro grinned as he leaned down once again to kiss Luffy, sharing the taste of his earlier cum out of his mouth. Luffy whined a little but didn’t resist any further as he let Zoro suck on his lips and tug on his tongue. It was another yet earth-shaking kiss that left Luffy breathless.

When the kiss ended, Luffy’s head was swimming in a crazy beat of his heart and it took all his might to gather himself again just so he could find his voice, “Zoro, how about you? You haven’t come yet?”

Zoro sniggered, “That’s no problem, Sencho. I can take care of myself.”

Luffy pouted, looking unimpressed at Zoro’s response, “If we’re going to do this, we have to do this together.”

“Luffy, I get what you mean but you needn’t worry about me.”

Luffy rolled his eyes before he took a deep breath, “Stay still,” He instructed, gathering his strength and easily shifting their position. He had Zoro down to the bed in a split second underneath him, and with his usual Nika grin, he whispered, “I always pay back generously, you know that, right?”

Zoro shivered inwardly, his excitement peaking under Luffy’s intense gaze. He welcomed Luffy’s mouth on his, hot tongues dancing inside each other’s mouth. Zoro pulled Luffy’s body to him and the younger male’s bottom slid down deliciously on top of his groin. Zoro couldn’t help but meet that hot butt with a thrust, his pants as tight as it can get. “Damn, Luffy,” He groaned, pulling away from the kiss so he can gather some bit of sanity left. “I’m gonna lose it before I could fuck you.”

Luffy replied with a whine, face a lot redder, but had that determination in his eyes as he pushed Zoro back down, “Not until I make you come first.” Luffy said this as his head disappeared from Zoro’s eyesight. Zoro only felt a hot tongue on his chest, nipping at his nipples the same way that he did to him earlier. Zoro squirmed underneath as Luffy’s teeth left marks wherever it trained, and this time it went further down.

“Luffy, you don’t have to.” Zoro quickly leaned down to cup Luffy’s chin, eyeing him earnestly. “It’s your first time it could be too much–”

“That’s a sorry excuse. You know I don’t make excuses.” Luffy snorted yet there was a big flush on his face but he ignored it anyway, tugging at Zoro’s undergarment easily. He could already smell Zoro’s unique musky scent earlier, the smell of precum lingering at his nostril so, he knew Zoro must be in dire need of attention. So, when Zoro’s cock came free from the entrapment, full and thick in its unimaginable size, twice thicker than his own, a size shorter but still a hell of a lenght. Luffy forced a gulp down his throat. How come he didn’t anticipate Zoro can grow this size when fully hard from the times he had seen him in the bath? “Well, was I glad I’m made of rubber?” He commented with a nervous laugh.

“Luffy,”

“Stay still, Zoro. Your captain is about to engage a Sea King.” Luffy said in a serious tone but had a small smile on his face that Zoro couldn’t contain a small chuckle until he felt Luffy’s tongue licking the precum off his tip.

Zoro’s body tensed up, bracing for more of that wondrous mouth to envelop all of his entirety. Because Luffy is made of rubber and he had seen enough of Luffy’s eating habits to know Luffy can shove anything in his mouth without a problem. The only thing Zoro is afraid of is not having to control himself and come so easily because God damn Luffy is sucking him like he is some kind of honeyed meat. “L-luffy…Luf…” Grabbing hold of Luffy’s hair without much strength put into it, he watches the younger man work his tongue around his shaft, fingers digging at the base, successfully bringing Zoro into near orgasm.

He’s right, it was too much to let Luffy deepthroat him, he’s way too quick to learn, too eager to satisfy, too good at what he’s doing - was it really his first time?

“Luffy,” Zoro was relieved to have Luffy’s attention back to him, so he raised his head to him, pulling back just a little and watched in torture just how delectable the scene of Luffy having half of his length inside his mouth as the younger man looked up at him rather innocently, “Enough and come up here,” He instructed.

Luffy raised a brow, unsure about the direction.

“I have a better idea,” Zoro smiled at him assuringly and despite the confusion, Luffy pulled away from his cock with that delicious pop sound and came out Zoro’s cock, well-lathered with Luffy’s saliva and his precum. “You said we have to do this together.” He pulled Luffy up and sat him on his lap. This time, their cocks grazing, both solid and tips aching red for more release.

Zoro lined their dicks together, his large hand wrapped around the hot flesh and began pumping, earning a lengthened moan from both of them.

“Hnn, Zoro.” Luffy bit his lower lip but a guttural moan escaped his lips, Zoro’s name in most of his senseless mumblings.

While Zoro tried to keep his mind clear, dedicated to bringing them both into orgasm, he couldn’t help but mewl at how he underestimated the intensity of all of this. Their dicks rubbed against each other is one thing, but Luffy’s delicious rumblings are a different kind of drug.

And he bathes in it.

Until he fully lost all control and before he knew it, he had shifted position and had Luffy down to the bed, face forward with his buttocks presented lusciously for Zoro to ravish. Without a word, Zoro started to lap kisses on Luffy’s neck as his hips instinctively ground against the heat, his cock rocking between the cracks of Luffy’s buttocks.

“Ahh, Zoro…mm…” Luffy gasped, his whole body is on fire with Zoro’s mouth trailing wet kisses on his back and his cock humping behind him, like what the hell is this, why is this all arousing?

“Luffy,” Zoro nibbled at Luffy’s ear, whispering huskily, “I’m trying so hard to control myself, you can tell me to stop…but it has to be right now.” He breathes in, suffering through those words.

Luffy was also struggling with his breathing, completely aware of Zoro’s cock pressed against his butt like a hot iron rod about to pierce through him, but why doesn’t that scare him? On the contrary, he’s becoming a lot more impatient, “Zoro, if you wanna fuck, just do it already.” He whined.

Zoro growled as he replied, pulling Luffy’s face to him to give him a quick kiss before replacing his mouth with his fingers, “Make them wet, Luffy, you gonna need it.” He whispered.

And Luffy did, he coated Zoro’s fingers generously with his saliva and they were dripping wet when Zoro retracted them. Zoro didn’t waste any more time as he traced his fingers along the cleft of Luffy’s butt, massaging the soft opening with a gentle push of the first finger.

Zoro was careful to see any sign of Luffy’s discomfort but thanked the man’s Devil Fruit again because Luffy didn’t flinch one bit. So, Zoro realized that as long as he aided the intrusion with good lubricated fingers, Luffy shouldn’t have problem taking more in.

“One more, Luffy,” Zoro whispered, giving consolation kisses along Luffy’s back as he added his third finger without much resistance. Once in, he began thrusting them in a controlled manner, aiming for Luffy’s insides to adjust to the new sensitivity, to wake a new sensation.

With a change of angle, Zoro thrust his fingers upward and grazed on a bundle of the nerve that got Luffy immediately weak on the knees with a mewl, he gasped desperately, “Z-zoro…what… that…” He couldn’t find the words as Zoro began aiming for the same spot and Luffy can feel pre-cum leaking more and more at the tip of his cock. “Zoro…please…more….uhh…” His eyes teared, he didn’t know what to do with all this pleasure.

“Wait, Sencho,” Zoro pulled out his fingers and for the lack of other options, lubricated his cock with his spit while noting he should really start stacking up on lubricants and oils because from now on sex will more likely be an everyday thing. Rather, it better be an everyday thing because Hell would freeze before Zoro would have enough of his sencho especially now that he’s getting the taste of him.

Well-lathered, Zoro held Luffy’s hips still as he positioned the tip of his cock against the puckered entrance and with a single push, Luffy opened up to him with ease, although a little weird on his part at first, but with Zoro pushed all the way in, the sensation changed drastically.

Luffy felt the fullness inside of him and the initial weird pressure disappeared and was replaced by a hot sensation that had become widespread. Everything in him becomes hypersensitive. “Zoro,” He hissed, backing to the intrusion, suggesting more of it. “Move.”

Unknown to his captain, Zoro just has enough control for a full minute to not ram instantly into that hot hole because he’s trying his best not to hurt Luffy but if the younger male demands it, there’s no need to restrain, is there?

So, with his hands securing Luffy’s balance, he thrusts long and hard, enjoying the hot channel enveloping and massaging his cock in the most delicious grip. He relished the sensation, repeating his movements with vigour and all the while responding to Luffy’s moan with his sweet rumblings. “Luffy…Luffy…”

“Ahh...Zoro…hm….” Skin slapping skin made Luffy’s moan sound heavenly yet sinful, or the other way around, but who cares because all that mattered was the amount of pleasure pooling at their lower abdomen.

Zoro watches his cock disappeared deep inside Luffy’s crevice and there was no other sight comparable to this, he could feel himself getting harder and hotter inside of him. The pressure in his pelvis is much more intense now, everything he does intensifies all his nerve endings, from his head to toes and he couldn’t help but switch angles and speed to ride in these sensations. He’s addicted, he wanted more of this.

He resumed with an unforgiving rhythm, wild and hard into Luffy’s hole like there was no tomorrow. And it helped build momentum, orgasm building so strong that he hissed, leaned down and bit down hard on Luffy’s shoulder which made the younger male whined but didn’t resist. In fact, Luffy even arched his back to the gesture, meeting Zoro’s thrust with the same vitality like the two of them are one of the same kind of beasts in heat.

“Ah Zo…zoro,” Luffy gasped, grasping desperately at the softness of the pillows, struggling to keep his sanity but he must demand, or else, this all will become a blur to him. “Zoro, I want to see… you.”

“Hmm?” Zoro didn’t quite get what Luffy meant but after a few more thrusts, his brain finally followed through, “Sorry, Luffy, wait a sec.” He whispered, placing gentle kisses on Luffy’s cheek before he pulled away. 

Leaving Luffy’s insides felt like torture, even for just a moment, his cock missed the heat already. Yet, he tried to control himself as he gathered Luffy around so they would be facing each other. “Is this good enough for you?” He asked.

Luffy nodded, face flushed and a beautiful mess, Zoro had to dive in and give him another kiss, full in the mouth as he slipped in between his thighs and once again impaled himself deep into Luffy’s hole, this time with much ease.

As their bodies connected, Luffy wrapped his legs around Zoro’s torso, leaving no distance between them, making use of most of his flexibility in this situation. Now that they were skin-to-skin in their entirety, they could also hear each other’s heartbeats, fast and wild in synchronicity.

Hearing Luffy’s heartbeat, gave Zoro more vitality, picking up pace in feral. He thrusts wild and long, quick and shallow, it varies to Luffy’s response - to Luffy’s heartbeat. And with this much vigour, Luffy screamed out in orgasm, untimely,  that it made them gasp.

“P-please, Zoro, don’t stop.”

“A-re you sure, Luffy,” Zoro slowed down his pace, worried.

Luffy nodded, “I’m not done,” Despite his words, the long strands of cum colouring both their stomach said he just ejaculated and if Luffy is not lying and he could come again in a short time, then he was one hell of a beast and Zoro couldn’t wait to discover what kind.

“Okay, just hang on. I’m also very close.” Zoro whispered, pulling long and slamming back in hard and precise and he did that multiple times that it brought Luffy squirming visibly again, sweat forming all over his body, face all fucked out and chest heaving in erratic rhythm.

“Oh God, Zoro,” Luffy’s moan was throaty, almost terrified in Zoro’s ear, “Don’t stop, k-keep going.” He pulled Zoro down to him by the neck, he rumbled inaudible words that sounded hellishly sweet before his body arched and he bit down Zoro’s lower neck, almost at his shoulder, so hard it would leave bruises by tomorrow. His orgasm peaked at the sound of his wild heart beating against his chest, the familiar rhythm he came to know so well.

That rhythmic beat ringing in his ears intensifying at the feral slapping of skin to skin turned everything white, his hole gripping tightly around Zoro’s cock as he moaned out another release, causing Zoro to follow suit with his final thrust, shooting deep inside Luffy with a shudder.

Both of them remained tangled, unwilling to let go of each other as they climbed down from their orgasm but Zoro had noticed something and despite the desire to relish Luffy’s hot skin, he pulled away, just in time to see Luffy’s subconscious transformation to Nika’s form but it was a fleeting display as Luffy’s white form retreated. Luffy’s hair returned to its usual colour.

Zoro smiled, amused at Luffy’s never-ending surprises. “Luffy,” He whispered.

Luffy grumbled, not peeling away from Zoro’s shoulder, “I know, I know. I felt it.” Admitting to knowing that he couldn’t contain transforming to Nika at the height of his orgasm, completely understandable. But it’s cute of Luffy to feel embarrassed about it.

“Well, I’m glad the sex was good enough to summon a God.” Zoro teases, as he smothers kisses on Luffy’s cheek.

“Stop teasing me, Zoro.” Luffy pouted.

“How could I not,” He chuckled, “When my future husband is this damn cute.”

Luffy’s ears turned bright pink. It’s not fair that Zoro knows how to unravel him, knows that he is Luffy’s weakness. He grimaced at him, for sure, he could find something he could level with Zoro in their future marriage, right? But that’s something he would have to ponder some other time. “Sleep it off.” He responded as he pushed Zoro away from him as he could still feel Zoro pulsing inside of him.

“Luffy,” Despite Luffy’s attempt, Zoro only held them closer, “You can go again, right?” He initiated with a shallow thrust, making wet noices between them.

Luffy mewled, eyes wide, “I already came three times, Zoro!” He reminded the older man in panic.

Zoro groaned, didn’t want to force the younger male but man, he was still horny as hell. He pushes away with much reluctance. “Okay, sorry–”

“Fine,” Luffy has a pout in his mouth but he couldn’t control the tingling of his body as it responds to Zoro’s hard cock still buried inside him. “Don’t get used to getting your wa–”

Zoro was ecstatic hearing Luffy’s words as he dived down to kiss him in appreciation, his pelvis rocking gently as he gave the man the most passionate kiss he could muster, “Thank you, Luffy.”

“Anytime.”

Chapter Text

Part Four

The next day, at the Sunny.

The next day, aboard the Sunny.

“It’s about time the two of you show up.” Nami grimaced when their Captain and First Mate finally stepped into the Thousand Sunny’s dining room. She stood from the kitchen counter, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered. Her Observation Haki had caught their approach long before the door opened. She arched a brow. “Have you eaten at least?”

The two culprits only shook their heads, slipping wordlessly into the empty seats between Robin and Franky — both of whom were smirking into their cups of coffee.

The table was crowded with food: platters of meat, bread, rice balls, and everything in between. King Neptune had packed them a meal at dawn, a proper send-off. Without hesitation, Luffy dug in, piling meat into his mouth with the same reckless abandon as always.

Zoro picked up a rice ball, eating at a steady, normal pace. Between bites he asked, “Where’s Ketsui?”

“They’re still playing with Barto and his crew. They’ll drop them off later.” Nami circled the bar counter, setting a steaming cup in front of Zoro, another in front of Luffy. “Hisa’s with them too.”

“Thanks, Nami,” Zoro mumbled, taking a long pull. The bitterness scalded down his throat, just what he needed.

No one bothered them after that. Everyone knew well enough — when Luffy was eating, the world could collapse and he’d hardly notice, especially with his nakama around him.

When at last he slowed, draining a cup of water, Luffy leaned back with a satisfied grin. “Thanks for the meal!”

But of course, Nami never let things slide that easily. She circled back around them, arms crossed. “Did the two of you sleep outside?”

“Ha? What do you mean?” Luffy asked, finally reaching for his coffee.

Nami adjusted her reading glasses and tipped her chin toward them. “Looks to me like you were eaten by bugs.”

Robin chuckled softly, eyes still on the newspaper she was skimming. “I heard it’s a serious problem on this island. Humongous nine-limbed, green-tipped, three-styled bugs — they hunt for blood at night.” She nodded to herself as if reporting fact.

“Flamethrower should do the trick,” Franky added without looking up.

“Sencho should be careful,” Robin murmured at last, glancing over the paper with a smile aimed at Luffy. Everyone knew it was teasing. “Right, Zoro?”

Zoro only grumbled under his breath, ears burning. He should have known there was nothing to hide from his crew — not that he and Luffy had ever been subtle. Too much biting and nibbling, and the marks were raw proof all over their skin.

“Really, why didn’t King Neptune mention anything?” Luffy frowned, earnest as always. “I could have helped him out.”

The crew fell into silence. None of them were surprised anymore when comments like that slipped past their captain’s lips. Luffy was too pure for this world sometimes.

Nami shook her head, somewhere between amused and dumbfounded — the typical range of reaction around Luffy.

Zoro pushed back his chair and stood, ears still tinted red in a way that did not escape his nakama’s notice. He ignored their gazes as he excused himself. “We’ll leave soon, right? I better look for Ketsui.”

“Me too!” Luffy made to rise, but Zoro’s hand pressed his shoulder down before he could.

“No, Luffy. I’ll go myself.” Zoro’s tone was firm. “You should take it easy.”

Luffy raised a brow, not fully sure what Zoro meant, but he didn’t argue. Truth was, Zoro was more than capable of finding Willen — especially when the young Wolden child was just next door aboard Bartolomeo’s ship. Instead, Luffy grinned wide at him, all gratitude. “Thanks.”

“Hm.” Zoro’s mouth twitched into a smile, and his hand lingered, brushing across Luffy’s face in a rare, unguarded gesture. A few seconds passed before he finally caught Nami’s cutting stare. He glanced her way just in time to see her huff and turn aside.

“Nope. You don’t have to tell me,” she muttered under her breath.

Zoro rolled his eyes, sighing at her antics. But really — from all of them, Nami’s hot-and-cold reactions to his relationship with Luffy were the most expected. She had been with them the longest, her bond with Luffy deep and distinct — just as Luffy and Zoro’s bond was its own.

Nami had always been someone who could touch Luffy’s vulnerability, in body and heart alike. And only because Luffy let her. He trusted her to never prey on his weakness, because Nami’s gentlest heart had always been what grounded him. She reminded him he was human — that even he could be fragile.

And whenever those rare moments came — when Luffy truly was fragile — Nami had never failed to stand firm, protecting her captain with all she had.

Because Luffy was her strength, as much as she was the one who brought out his delicateness.

And now, instinct prickled. She recognized it. Luffy was unguarded, maybe more than she’d ever seen him. It pulled a protective streak out of her that she couldn’t suppress, the grimace cutting across her face as she glared after Zoro’s retreating back.

It would take some getting used to, she supposed.

Or maybe, she should have gotten used to it already. She’d seen it enough — their affection taking shape in countless small ways. Nothing could be clearer.

Willen was living proof.

Seven years ago.
One desolate island along the Red Line.

“Captain…!” Bepo chimed, his distraught voice ringing against the fire that engulfed the village. Trafalgar Law’s eyes are bloodshot red, his mouth hangs open to mirror the immense horror and anguish that transpired only several minutes ago.

“-...mugiwara-ya,” Law fought the constriction in his throat.

On the other side of the street, stood Straw Hat Luffy with Nami sobbing on his chest, weak on her knees after processing what they could not prevent. What they ALL could not prevent.

They came to this island, two Yonko strongholds in Alliance, to free the tribe from their demented master but perhaps they were a bit too late - or that they knew too little of the tribe they were not able to anticipate the decisions they have collectively chosen. Saving them from their master was not the answer they sought but eternal freedom.

Death.

“L-luffy,” Nami sobbed harder. “W-why… why.”

They eradicated all that was responsible for the anguish of this skilled, rare tribe. They envisioned peace and prosperity for this island and the people to follow - this development, however, was startling.

Right at the end of the fight, when Luffy and Zoro, beheaded the maniacal master, all the remaining Wolden Tribe, rose up and stabbed themselves in the heart. Having only felt freedom for the first time in their lives. Bright light escaped their eyes as their soul followed.

They all swore that with their death, chains that held them for many generations stops as well as the trail of blood. They will not be manipulated any longer.

Franky, with eyes pouring with tears, walks up to the rest of the Straw Hats. In his arms were two young children, barely of age, lifeless. “I…I couldn’t… stop them.”

Zoro grimaced beside Luffy, but he too did not get the chance to lift a finger before the closest Wolden to him took his own life - it all happened very quickly. 

When it comes to will durability, it looks like it Woldens had it engrained in their very being. This was their will.

“L-Luffy….!” Whereas, it was Usopp came storming from the rubbles, his eyes widened and his heart racing.

Undoubtedly, their Captain already picked up what made their sniper spring up lively. Carefully, he peeled Nami from his chest, “Wait here, Nami.” He mumbled, the first words he uttered after the incident - it was cold and weighty.

Within half a beat, Luffy departed from the scene and within another beat, Zoro followed his Captain.

Those who had learned Observation Haki quickly stood up, eyeing the direction that Luffy and Zoro took.

Towards that direction, the faintest sound of an infant crying can be heard.

Nami hitched.

“A survivor.” Nico Robin crossed her arms, endless limbs appeared behind her forming a pair of wings. She too took to that direction.

“Zeus!” Nami commanded, mounting the cloud following Robin.

“Wait for me, my ladies~” Sanji chimed behind the female Straw Hats.

Meanwhile, it only took Trafalgar Law to click his fingers to change his scenery.

“Luffy, calm down.” Zoro caught up with Luffy turning rubbles around. In this area, the sound of the baby crying was much more intense, bouncing against all solid objects that it was hard to pin-point where it was coming from.

It did not help that the blaze of burning buildings hinders their perception even more, they both can also tell that the crying is getting weaker and weaker as if the baby is disappearing - dying.

And that eats away at Luffy’s rationality. There is only so much death that Luffy can process in such a short span. Finding this child will be the only thing that will save him from this helpless agony.

Or be forever reminded of this tragedy.

“Luffy - here…!” Zoro’s eye zoomed inside the burning shed to spot a small child, crawling on its belly, crying against the cracking of the burning ceiling on top of it.

Luffy jumped beside Zoro immediately and at the same time, the ceiling relented to the fire and toppled down, hindering Luffy’s sight of the infant.

The cries stopped while the blaze increased massively, burning anything it touches.

“Z–oro….” Luffy hitches, arms reaching out to the scenery in front of them.

“Shambles!”

As fast as anyone can ever process, sits in Zoro’s arms is an infant covered in ash but, unscathed. The baby choked at the change of surroundings and quieted at the arms that held it.

“Zo-zoro.” Luffy gasped and it was as if his voice was a bell, the infant turned its frail head to him and opened its bright brown eyes.

A pair of eyes that bounded so strongly to the first individual it laid eyes on, for since the day this tiny wolden child was born, its eyes were blindfolded until the day it will be paired to a waver.  Luffy held his breath, feeling the weight of the stare.

And in that very moment, Luffy felt the vast ocean, tasted the saltiness in the wind, and smelt the dry air in the middle of the summer cruise, heard the joyous laughter of his nakamas. In those eyes, Luffy had a glimpse of the little things he cherished the most throughout his adventures. It made his heart feel joy. Limitless joy.

Luffy is hooked. Those eyes reflected every precious things he has in this life. He wanted to see more of it, and undoubtedly, he wanted to protect them. He wants those eyes that peeked inside of him to be forever safe…and blessed with the same joy he feels.

He wants it to carry his will.

He wants it.

“Luffy!”

“Luffy!”

“Oi Luffy!” Sanji arrived just after Nami and Usopp to find Luffy entranced by the wolden child.

Yet, the connection the wolden and their captain were experiencing right now broke upon everyone’s ruckus that the child broke into fierce wailing, startled at the intense exposure of different individuals coming close to its range. Its heightened senses are burdened under all the wills surrounding it.

The wailing amplified in the next breath and before Nami and Robin could get close, a storm gathered above them, followed by bouts of lightning. And when lightning struck the earth, everyone present dropped to the ground unconscious.

Sparing only Luffy, who by miracle, managed to support Zoro’s body before he drops to the ground.

“Zoro.” Luffy mumbled, dazed at all the succession of events, he didn’t know what to do. All his nakamas blacked out.

“L-luffy,” Thankfully, Zoro seemed to quickly gather his consciousness back first. His grip on the wolden child tightened as he looked around to assess what happened to the crew. He’s stunned and guarded at the same time.

“Mugiwara-ya,” Came Trafalgar also just about managing to stay conscious not too far from them, “Ha–haki. Woldens …are…the natural Haki users. It’s ingrained in their genetics.”

“T-torao…what do I do?”

“Y-you’re its waver now. You’re bounded to it.” Law breathes out, “Unlucky for that wolden child, your will is far too great for it to handle.”

“W-what,”

“Your will, Mugiwara-ya,” Law grimaced, “You’re too much for the child. Your will is breaking it.”

Luffy gasped. “No, I didn’t mean–”

“But it might be the only thing that binds it to life.” Trafalgar sighs.

“So… what do I do?”

Trafalgar shook his head, “I dunno, Mugiwara-ya. I know no creature that can handle everything that you are.” He admitted, “You’re an entity that questions logic.”

Luffy, for some reason, gone quiet as he watches the child in Zoro’s arms.

“Luffy,” Zoro called out. Whenever he sees Luffy with that discerning look on his face, he gets worried.

“Zoro, could you give me the child.” Luffy responded belatedly.

Zoro shook his head. “As far as I’m concerned, this child could be dangerous.” He nodded towards his fallen nakamas.

“They’re knocked out, not dead.” Luffy commented. That’s what conqueror’s haki does - and perhaps Law was right about woldens being the masters of Haki that even for such formidable crew that were Straw Hats, did not escape the effect or maybe for even in a short moment, the wolden child already embodied Luffy’s conqueror’s haki. And Luffy is the only closest living person that can topple the Red Hair Pirates captain in the battle of Haki, or maybe even surpassed.

“But Luffy.”

“Please, Zoro,” Luffy whined softly, “Trust me.”

And who was he to deny his captain? He reluctantly handed the child over to Luffy.

“I will save this child, I promise you.” Luffy mumbled, in his rare serious tone, standing up and walked away. The blaze of the burning village covering his disappearing form.

It was four days later until they traced where Luffy disappeared to. There is a run-down house at the top most part of the hills. It was hidden among gigantic trees, too much that the forest had started to reclaim parts of it. Vines have completely roped around the foundation as well as carpeted the flooring.

They are certain that Luffy was inside this place, they can now trace his presence, however subtle, but he was here. But there was a stronger presence the other Straw Hats could not simply ignore.

Coming towards them were unpretentious footsteps, steady and unfrightened. They collectively quickly recognized them, “Zoro…?”

Sanji’s ears buzzed at the realization. Glancing at the said swordsman’s way coming from around the house with his oh-so-leisurely-mannerly walk. It was easy to guess that Zoro already knew where their Captain was and did not speak a word about it. With a quick tap of his foot, he had Zoro’s collar in his grip. He fixes his eyes at him with all the wrath he can muster in a glare, “Who do you think you are to conceal where Luffy was?”

Zoro’s face didn’t change, unfazed but did not battle out of Sanji’s grip. He didn’t respond though which made Sanji even more aggravated. Sanji pushed him out of the way in anger and walked towards the house. “Don’t,” Zoro finally said.

Sanji’s nose flared, eyes even more furious now. What insolence. It does not mean that Zoro’s the First Mate he gets to tell everyone to not get anywhere their Captain. For God sake! Luffy missed four day’s worth of meal, this is getting serious. “Oi Morimo! You don’t get to keep Luffy for yourself.” Sanji stated, almost warning.

They searched four whole days for Luffy, night and day, on this Island, hoping that their idiot Captain did not chew more than he could swallow. If Trafalgar was right, this wolden child had paired carelessly with Luffy, who happened to have manifested as a God. If Luffy is not able to keep this child in control, this child will bring out chaos - a calamity yet to happen.

“He made a promise,” Zoro mumbled, not attempting to stop Sanji at all from coming inside the house, but he hoped he at least listened. 

The air inside the ruined house pressed down like a storm before landfall. Haki lingered in the wood and the walls, seeping into every breath.

Luffy sat in the center of the floorboards, his legs crossed loosely, his back against a beam that threatened to collapse at any moment. The infant was curled in his lap, fast asleep, but the weight of it was crushing. Luffy’s arms trembled where he held the child close, his eyes half-lidded, and blood streaked faintly from one nostril down to his chin.

He was smiling, just barely. But it was the kind of smile that carried strain rather than joy.

“Luffy…” Nami’s whisper barely carried into the room.

Sanji shoved past her, his boots splashing against puddles of rainwater. “Oi, you idiot, four days without food—” He reached out—

—and slammed back as if he’d run into a wall of iron.

The impact sent him staggering, skidding against the ruined floorboards. He froze, wide-eyed. “What the hell—?”

Nami gasped. Robin’s eyes narrowed in observation.

A faint shimmer hung in the air around Luffy, like heatwaves bending the light. It rippled once, then stilled, enclosing both him and the baby.

“Luffy?” Sanji’s voice was sharper this time. “What is this?”

But Luffy didn’t answer. His head tilted as though he hadn’t even registered Sanji’s presence. His breathing was shallow, shoulders trembling with the effort of holding on.

Everyone’s gaze shifted to Zoro.

The swordsman stood at the threshold, arms crossed loosely, but his single eye flicked to the barrier now that it had been revealed. He hadn’t known it was there. He hadn’t come close enough to find out.

For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, finally, his voice came rough and steady:

“He’s keeping it in.”

“Keeping what in?” Sanji snapped.

Zoro’s gaze lowered to the child in Luffy’s arms, then back to his captain’s strained face. “Everything.”

The room was silent save for the crackle of old beams and Luffy’s uneven breathing.

Sanji cursed under his breath and tried again, shoving forward with both hands — only to be thrown back harder, like the air itself had teeth. He skid, boots scraping the floor.

“Tch—dammit!” He spat, glaring at the shimmer that rippled and stilled again, mocking him.

Nami swallowed hard. She inched closer, raising one tentative hand. The instant her fingertips brushed the barrier, the push was gentler, but firm — like a tide that wouldn’t allow her further. Her breath hitched. “It’s… alive.”

Robin crouched beside her, brown eyes sharpening in thought. She pressed her palm against the invisible wall; the force shoved her back an arm’s length. She steadied herself easily, lips curving faintly. “It responds as if he were protecting the child — even from us.”

“Oi, oi—this is no time for riddles!” Usopp stammered, rubbing his arms where gooseflesh had risen. “Luffy looks like he’s about to keel over and you’re saying he’s the one making this?”

“Not just him,” Zoro muttered. He hadn’t moved from the doorway, but his gaze was locked on the baby, then on Luffy’s trembling frame. His knuckles were white where his arms crossed too tight. “The brat’s feeding into it.”

“Eh?” Usopp blinked.

“They’re doing it together,” Zoro said, more to himself than the others.

“Together or not—!” Chopper’s voice cracked, sharp with panic. The little doctor darted forward, tiny hooves slapping the floor. He reached out, medical bag clutched against his chest. “Luffy’s bleeding, his pulse is all wrong—if I don’t do something—!”

The barrier lashed the moment he touched it, tossing him backward with enough force that Franky had to catch him mid-air.

“Easy, Chopper-bro!” Franky held the tiny reindeer steady in his massive palm, but even his shades couldn’t hide the grim line of his mouth. “That thing doesn’t want anyone inside.”

Chopper’s eyes were wide, wet, desperate. His voice broke. “Damn it—I’m the doctor, what good am I if I can’t even reach him?”

The baby stirred faintly at the outburst, a tiny hand tightening against Luffy’s vest. Luffy’s body tensed, but he didn’t wake — only pressed the child closer, blood dripping freely from his nose to the floorboards.

The crew fell silent again, helplessly circling around the barrier. Each of them close enough to touch — yet utterly useless.

T hree days passed.

The forest grew quiet around the old house, vines curling tighter over the collapsed roof, as if nature itself was waiting. Inside, nothing changed: Luffy still sat on the floor, the child asleep against his chest, the faint shimmer of the barrier holding steady. The air within the room smelled of iron and salt; blood had dried on his shirt, though new streaks still stained fresh.

Zoro hadn’t moved far from the threshold. He kept watch like a sentinel, a jar of sake untouched at his side, one hand always resting near his swords. His eye never strayed from Luffy for long, as though willing him to breathe each time his chest shuddered.

The others had returned to the Sunny days ago, unwilling but forced to accept they couldn’t break through.

On the third evening, another shadow approached the ruined house.

“Room.”

The word whispered like a blade unsheathed, and space itself bent for a moment. Trafalgar Law stepped through the distortion and into the wreckage, his coat brushing the doorframe. His sharp eyes landed immediately on the scene — Luffy crumpled but unyielding, the child glowing faintly where it touched him.

Law’s mouth tightened. He approached with measured steps and lifted a hand. His fingers hovered just shy of the shimmer—

—and the barrier pulsed once, then hurled him back a pace. Not as violent as with Sanji, not as gentle as with Nami. Just firm. Final.

“Tch.” He steadied himself, dusted off his coat, and eyed Zoro. “Three days and he hasn’t moved?”

“Not an inch.” Zoro’s voice was hoarse from disuse.

Law’s eyes narrowed at the faint shimmer. He lifted a hand again, letting his fingertips hover just shy of the barrier. The rejection had been immediate, absolute — like the world itself telling him no.

He clicked his tongue, gaze sharpening. If I opened a Room…

The thought tempted him like a blade at his hip. Within a Room, there was no wall he couldn’t cut, no barrier that could stand. He could rip the space around Luffy apart and step inside.

But his hand dropped back to his side.

Because what if he tried… and the barrier rejected even that?

The image struck him harder than he expected. The thought of his ability — his pride, his very identity — being dismissed by this quiet, unconscious force of will. Mugiwara’s will.

His jaw clenched. He couldn’t risk it. Not because he feared for himself — but because he realized he liked Luffy exactly this way. The idiot captain who broke every rule, who carried burdens that should crush a man flat, who built walls no one else in the world could touch.

So Law stayed still. Pride coiled in his throat, bitter as bile.

“Tch.” He folded his arms and glanced at Zoro instead, as if to hide where his thoughts had gone.

The barrier shimmered once more, almost as if it had overheard him.

Law’s hand lingered in his coat pocket, thumb tapping absently against Kikoku’s hilt. His eyes flicked once more to the faint shimmer in the air before sliding toward the swordsman by the doorway.

“You thought about it,” Zoro said flatly. His voice was low, like he’d been waiting for the silence to settle before dropping the words.

Law’s jaw flexed. “Hn. And decided against it.”

The air thickened again. The only sound between them was Luffy’s ragged breathing and the occasional creak of the ruined house.

Finally, Law muttered, the words dragged out of him like they tasted bitter: “…Maybe you should try.”

Zoro didn’t move. His gaze stayed forward, sharp but unreadable.

Law shifted his weight. “Luffy might let you in.”

No reply.

“You know your reach is always different.”

Still nothing. Zoro’s hand stayed on his knee, fingers relaxed, but his eye never wavered from the sight in front of him.

Law’s mouth twisted. His voice dropped quieter, like he was admitting something he’d rather bite his tongue off than say aloud: “You don’t need me to tell you that Luffy will never reject you.”

Zoro’s shoulders didn’t move.

Law grimaced at himself. “…Or are you wary of rejection?” The word scraped like glass out of his throat, hypocrisy stinging. He had no right to say it — not when he’d just refused to test his own.

He turned sharply, coat swaying at his heels. “Tch.” Without another glance, he stepped back through the broken doorway and left.

The silence swelled in his absence.

Zoro didn’t stir. Not at first. His eye tracked the faint pulse of the barrier, the unconscious strain on Luffy’s face, the small rise and fall of the child’s chest. He sat motionless as time trickled on.

Half an hour later, he shifted. His palm pressed against the floorboards as he leaned forward, considering.

Zoro sat in silence long after Law’s footsteps had vanished into the trees. His eye stayed fixed on the shimmer, the way it pulsed in rhythm with Luffy’s ragged breaths. Every flicker was a reminder that he was shut out — like everyone else.

You don’t need me to tell you that Luffy will never reject you.

The words gnawed at him.

Finally, he shifted forward. His hand dragged against the floorboards as he leaned, inch by inch, until his fingertips hovered just shy of the barrier. He half-expected the same push — the same rejection the others had felt.

But when he touched it, the force didn’t shove him back.

It pressed back, yes — but not to repel him. To welcome him. Heat spread over his palm, curling into his skin like a hand grasping his own. A warmth that was unmistakably Luffy’s.

Zoro’s chest tightened. His throat worked as he swallowed, eyes narrowing as the barrier shimmered around his touch, then relaxed. It parted.

A sound left Luffy then — a deep, heavy sigh, as if some weight had been lifted.

Zoro didn’t hesitate. He pushed forward, crawling across the last feet of floor until he was right there, within reach. And when he realized he could actually touch him — that nothing was stopping him anymore — he dropped down instantly.

His knees hit the boards. One hand braced Luffy’s shoulder, steadying him before he could slump completely. The other hovered over the child, checking the faint rise of its tiny chest. Both were still here.

At his touch, Luffy stirred. His head rolled faintly to the side, eyes fluttering half-open. A ghost of a smile curved his lips.

“…It’s you,” he breathed, voice hoarse and small.

Then he swayed forward.

Zoro caught him before he could collapse, pulling him close until Luffy’s forehead pressed into his shoulder, the warmth of the sun still clinging to his skin like it had been burning through him. The child was pinned safely between them, quiet, as if reassured.

“I got you,” Zoro whispered, low and firm, a vow more than comfort. He tucked his chin against Luffy’s hair. “And the child.”

Zoro held Luffy against him, steadying his captain’s trembling body, when he finally understood what Law meant.

It wasn’t just a barrier.

Now that he was inside it, he could feel the strain directly — a push and pull of will pressing against his skin, threading through his chest, clawing at the edges of his mind. Luffy’s haki wasn’t just contained here. It was pouring into the child, wrapping its fragile flame in coils of raw force, keeping the spark alive when it should have guttered out days ago.

And the price was brutal.

Zoro’s chest seized, his heartbeat hammering wildly like thunder cracking through a storm. His breathing caught short; every inhale burned, every exhale frayed into pain. His vision shook. It was deafening, maddening — like drowning in Luffy’s sheer will, the same fire he had followed for decades, now compressed and forced into a tiny, helpless body.

Seven days of this?

Zoro’s grip on Luffy tightened, eyes narrowing with a fierce tremor. “You idiot…” he rasped. His body wanted to cave, to wrench away from the strain — but then something broke open inside him.

His own haki surged.

It rose instinctively, without his command, pouring out in waves that collided with Luffy’s. For a heartbeat, the two forces clashed — jagged, violent, threatening to tear through the room. But then, impossibly, they found rhythm. His will hooked into Luffy’s like two swords crossing guard, locking, stabilizing.

The storm evened.

Luffy’s breath steadied against his shoulder. The child’s aura, once erratic, softened, settling like a candle flame shielded from the wind.

Zoro exhaled through his teeth, jaw clenched tight against the pain still lancing through him. The ache remained, crawling across his body like fire in his veins — but the chaos was gone. It was bearable now. Manageable.

He bent his head closer to Luffy’s, whispering hoarsely, “Fine. I’ll hold it with you.” His hand slid over the back of Luffy’s head, anchoring him against his shoulder. “All you gotta do is breathe, Captain. Leave the rest to me.”

The child shifted faintly, making the smallest contented sound.

Zoro smirked despite the pain ripping through him. “Hn. Figures. Already a handful.”

And still, he endured. For Luffy. For the tiny creature cradled between them.

---

By the next morning, the forest felt different.

The pressure that had smothered the old house for days — that suffocating heaviness of haki — had thinned. Not gone, but eased, like a fever breaking. The crew felt it too, trading glances as they walked, steps lighter than before.

Sanji reached the door first. The wood groaned as he pushed it open, sunlight spilling across the ruined floorboards.

The shimmer was gone.

Nami gasped softly. Robin’s eyes narrowed with curiosity. Usopp let out a shaky sigh of relief.

For a moment, Sanji almost believed it. The barrier had finally broken.

He stepped inside—

—and the air slammed him back, chest-first, as if a giant hand had shoved him. He staggered, boots scraping hard against the floor. Behind him, Nami hissed, Usopp yelped, and even Robin had to plant her heels to keep her balance.

“The hell—?” Sanji muttered, bracing himself.

The barrier hadn’t fallen at all. It still pulsed faintly in the air, subtle but impenetrable.

But not for everyone.

Through the wavering light, Sanji saw him.

Zoro sat on the floor, back straight as a blade, legs crossed. Luffy slumped against his chest, dead weight in his arms. The child was nestled between them, cradled safe. Zoro’s expression was quiet, focused, as if he were holding the weight of the storm itself on his shoulders.

Not a word. Not a twitch. Just there.

Shock rippled through the crew — but not surprise.

Because if anyone was going to make it through, it was always going to be Zoro.

That had never been a contest.

Luffy trusted them all — Sanji knew that better than most. But with Zoro, it was different. It wasn’t preference or circumstance. It was fact. Luffy could throw anything at him, the impossible, the unbearable, and Zoro would take it. Every damn time.

Sanji exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his neck. He’d always known. He’d accepted it long ago.

And he wasn’t insecure about it. Not anymore.

Seeing it here, though — the way Luffy’s breath had steadied, the way the storm had quieted — Sanji could only feel relief. Gratitude.

Grateful that when he couldn’t be there, Zoro always was.

Maybe more than the thick-headed bastard even realized.

Sanji lit a cigarette with a flick of his lighter, smoke curling into the ruined beams above. His eyes softened, though his mouth pulled wry. “Hmph. Figures.”

He took a drag, murmuring under his breath, “Keep him safe, moss-head.”

—

Back to the present.

Well into the afternoon, Nami finally finished logging their voyage. She left her office to get some fresh air, stepping onto the deck where the sea breeze met her. Beside the rail, Zoro stood as always, quiet and watchful. She joined him there, arms resting against the wood, eyes following the horizon as she noted the shift of the air currents.

“You know,” she said at last, “you really ought to have some control.”

Zoro blinked, brows tugging. “What do you mean?”

“What do I mean?” Nami scoffed, jerking her chin toward the lower deck.

Below them, Luffy lay sprawled across the grassy lawn, flat on his back, sound asleep. Willen and Hisa were draped over him like kittens, both children snuggled into their father’s chest, slumbering without care. No safer place in the world than that.

“Our captain’s been passed out all afternoon,” she pointed out.

“He’s always sleeping when he’s not eating or fighting.” Zoro’s tone was matter-of-fact, but Nami’s glare cut him sharper than any sword.

“You know, he might be strong, but this—” she nodded down toward the scene, “—this is new to him. You should really restrain yourself a little.”

Zoro didn’t argue. He admitted, if only to himself, that maybe he’d gone too far last night. But once you’ve had a taste of a drink that suits your palette, how are you supposed to stop? That’s exactly what Luffy was to him.

Nami sighed, shaking her head. “Argh. Honeymoon phase.” She turned with a mutter, already making a mental note to prepare dinner. There had to be something in Sanji’s recipes she could pull together.

Speaking of Sanji, how exactly was she going to deal with him?

---

“Yo ho ho ho! Laboon, we’ll see you very soon!”

Brook waved his long arm as he jumped aboard the Thousand Sunny, the Island Whale bellowing one last farewell before turning back to deeper waters. Brook had spent months traveling with Laboon, their adventures stretching across half the Grand Line, but now it was time to return. The Sunny would be crossing to the East Blue, and Brook belonged with his crew.

“See you soon, Laboon!” Luffy hollered from the rail, waving furiously until the whale was nothing but a shadow in the shallows. Their course was already bending toward Syrup Village.

“Are you still scared, Hisa?” Willen asked gently, reaching for the younger girl’s hand when he saw her inch back from Brook’s towering frame. “It’s only Uncle Brook. He’s not scary.”

But Hisa’s big eyes stayed wary. For a little girl, a skeleton walking and talking was terrifying no matter how kindly he laughed. The first time she’d seen Brook — back when they’d met him at sea on the way to collect Luffy and Zoro — she’d screamed and cried until she collapsed against Nami.

“Yo ho ho ho.” Brook knelt a little, smiling despite the empty sockets. “Nami-san, your little girl really does look so much like Sanji-san.”

“I know, right.” Nami’s voice was even, long past the point of denial.

“And our little Willen is getting taller and taller,” Brook added cheerfully, shifting his gaze to the boy who now clambered straight into his bony arms. “But your papa isn’t that tall.”

“Dada’s tall though, Uncle Brook,” Willen countered, puffing his chest.

“That’s true.” Brook chuckled, then tilted his skull toward Robin. “Tell me, Robin-san, can wolden children have two wavers?”

Robin looked up from her book with a knowing smile. “No. That’s just our Captain, thinking about Zoro twenty-four-seven.”

“Hm. That does make sense. Yo ho ho ho!”

“Yeah, Papa likes thinking about Dada a lot.” Willen nodded solemnly, as though confirming a great truth.

Luffy huffed, indignant. “Is that why you’re looking more and more like Zoro, Willen?”

“Really? I look like Dada?” Willen’s eyes went wide, his smile lighting up. “Super coooool!” He bounced happily in Brook’s arms, though the curve of his grin was still pure Luffy.

“Sure, but…” Luffy’s pout deepened, “Don’t you want to look like Papa?”

“I am like Papa! I’m strong and I’m cute.” Willen’s tone was so serious it broke the adults at the table into laughter.

Nami giggled the hardest, wiping her eyes. “Cute… that does sound like our Captain.”

“Naaami!” Luffy snarled, face red.

“Right, Ketsui,” Zoro interrupted smoothly, reaching to take Willen into his arms. He ruffled the boy’s hair with quiet affection. “You’re strong and cute like our Captain.”

“Z-Zoro! Not you too!” Luffy spluttered, his pout deepening.

“Gosh, you two are so whipped for each other,” Nami muttered, shivering as if the thought made her itch. She turned to Brook with a roll of her eyes. “By the way, Brook — in case these two idiots forget to say anything, they’re together-together now.”

Brook’s sockets widened for a second before his body shook into a little dance. “Yo ho ho ho! That calls for a celebration!”

“Sure,” Nami drawled, “but after we’ve gathered everyone. I’m already sick of banquets at every island that hears the news.”

“I bet,” Brook agreed, stroking his chin bone thoughtfully. “At least a song or two?” He raised his violin with a flourish.

“Yes! Pretty yes!” Luffy and Willen cheered in perfect unison.

------

Up in the Crow’s Nest, Zoro was mid-routine, muscles straining against an inhuman stack of weights. He never missed a workout. Sitting idle drove him insane, especially after weeks of sailing from one end of the globe to the other.

They had just left Syrup Village.

As expected, it was chaos.

Usopp and Chopper had nearly keeled over at the sight of Hisa, sputtering through questions about how, when, why, and how again — only to be drowned out by the second revelation: the upcoming wedding between their Captain and First Mate. Neither of them took it well.

It took Willen tugging Usopp toward his new plant collection, and Chopper burying himself in Hisa’s health check (insisting on a blood sample, because he “needed the complete Straw Hat DNA record”) to finally calm the storm.

The Sunny had been strangely quiet ever since.

With only Sanji left to collect, their course was set for Baratie. According to Usopp, Sanji had been visiting the diner last time they spoke. A day’s sail and they would be there.

“How long are you going to be watching, Captain?” Zoro finally muttered, not breaking rhythm as he lowered the bar.

There was a sheepish chuckle behind him.

“Ah, you noticed.”

Zoro set the weights down with a thud, rolling his shoulder as he turned just enough to catch Luffy’s grin. He was leaning against the frame, head tipped, watching him like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Zoro snorted. “Hard not to, with you gawking like that.”

“Not gawking,” Luffy corrected, grin widening. “Just looking. You look cool.”

Zoro grumbled, face turning away before the corner of his mouth betrayed him. He reached for another set of weights instead. “Idiot.”

Luffy padded closer, bare feet light against the wooden floor. “Ne, Zoro…” His tone was quieter now, rare for him. “Do you ever get tired?”

“Of what?”

“Carrying so much.”

The question hung in the air, unexpected, weightier than any barbell.

Zoro’s hands stilled on the iron. He didn’t answer right away.

Instead, he looked over — at his Captain, at the grin softened by something almost too sharp to name, at the boy who had shouldered far more than even Zoro had ever trained for.

“…No,” Zoro said at last. Then, with a faint curl of his lip: “Because it’s you I’m carrying.”

Luffy blinked at him, then his grin softened into something smaller. Warmer. He crossed the short distance, dropping into a crouch in front of Zoro as if the heavy weights didn’t exist between them.

“You always say things like that when it counts,” Luffy murmured. His hand came down, not on Zoro’s shoulder, but lightly over his wrist — calloused fingers brushing calloused skin.

Zoro stilled, eyes flicking down at the touch.

The crow’s nest was quiet, save for the creak of the Sunny and the faint crash of waves below. Too quiet. Zoro could hear the uneven edge of his own breathing.

“You don’t get tired either, huh,” he muttered, the words rasping out lower than he intended.

Luffy tilted his head. “Of what?”

Zoro’s jaw clenched. He didn’t answer — but the look in his eyes said enough. Of him. Of this weight, this bond, this maddening, constant pull.

Luffy’s grin curved again, slower this time, not so much bright as it was certain. He leaned in — chest pressing against Zoro’s knees, forehead nearly brushing Zoro’s chin. “Then it’s the same,” he said simply.

Zoro’s hand rose before he could think better of it, fingers sliding into the dark mess of Luffy’s hair, holding him there. Anchoring.

The silence stretched, taut and dangerous.

Neither of them moved away.

Zoro’s hand stayed in Luffy’s hair, his thumb brushing against his temple. The idiot captain didn’t move, just hovered close enough that Zoro could feel the heat of his breath, the faint curl of a grin still tugging his mouth.

And then Luffy leaned in.

The kiss was clumsy at first, all teeth and heat, but Zoro met it without hesitation, one hand tightening in his hair, the other bracing against his waist. Luffy laughed against his mouth, the sound muffled but wild, and pushed harder, hungry in that way only he could be.

In the next moment, Luffy swung one leg over, straddling Zoro’s thighs. The weights clattered aside, forgotten, as the full weight of him pressed down.

Zoro grunted, chest thrumming like a taut bowstring. His hands slid lower, gripping the curve of Luffy’s hips, holding him steady as their mouths crashed together again.

“Zoro—” Luffy breathed between kisses, grinning even as his lips stayed locked to his.

“Idiot,” Zoro muttered back, rough and low, before pulling him in deeper.

The crow’s nest swayed with the rhythm of the Sunny, but neither of them noticed. The world outside could burn for all they cared — right now it was just heat, breath, and the press of bodies, messy and unrestrained.

Luffy pressed harder into the kiss, tongue sliding against Zoro’s with the same wild abandon he fought with. Zoro growled low in his throat, pulling him closer until their chests ground together, heat sparking everywhere they touched.

“Zoro—” Luffy laughed again, muffled, hips shifting restlessly against Zoro’s lap.

The swordsman’s grip tightened at his waist, rough palms dragging up under his shirt. His thumbs pressed into lean muscle, memorizing every line, every tremor. Luffy arched into it, grinning through another kiss as though he’d never get enough.

Zoro broke the kiss just long enough to drag his mouth along Luffy’s jaw, teeth grazing the line of his throat. Luffy shuddered, clutching at his shoulders, then yanked him back into another messy clash of lips and teeth.

The crow’s nest filled with the sound of ragged breathing, the weight of bodies rocking against the floorboards, the faint metallic clatter of abandoned weights shifting with the ship’s sway.

Zoro’s hands roamed greedily, sliding down to grip Luffy’s thighs where they bracketed his own. Luffy ground down against him in return, the motion instinctive, thoughtless, enough to draw a sharp curse from Zoro’s throat.

“Idiot,” Zoro rasped, biting the word against his mouth.

Luffy only laughed, bright and breathless. “Yours.”

It was messy, urgent, consuming—

—and then the hatch creaked.

A small voice carried up before either of them had managed to catch their breath. “Dada?”

Both froze. Zoro’s grip still lingered on Luffy’s hip; Luffy’s shirt was half-wrung in his fist. In the next heartbeat, they scrambled apart, tugging at collars and belts, dragging themselves into something resembling order. By the time Willen’s head popped up, Zoro had a barbell back in hand, and Luffy stood stiff beside him, arms folded.

Willen blinked at them with wide, guileless eyes. “Dada, are you training?”

“…Yeah,” Zoro said gruffly, steadying the bar with one hand.

The boy’s face lit up instantly. He scrambled the rest of the way inside, bare feet pattering across the boards. “Can I train too?”

Luffy opened his mouth, ready to protest, but Zoro’s sharp elbow nudged his ribs before he could say anything. The captain clamped his jaw shut, puffing his cheeks out.

“Sure,” Zoro muttered, setting the weight down with a thud.

Willen’s grin widened as he darted forward, all energy and eagerness, completely unaware of the sweat still cooling on his Papa’s neck or the way Zoro’s ears burned red. “What should I do first? Push-ups? Sword swings?” He threw an arm out like he’d seen Zoro do a thousand times. “I wanna be strong like Dada!”

Luffy slumped against the wall, muffling his laughter behind his hand. Zoro shot him a look sharp enough to cut, but it only made Luffy laugh harder.

So with what little willpower they had left, the two resigned themselves to it. They let Willen join them, earnest and determined, mimicking every stretch, every stance, every lift he thought they were doing. To him, it was training. To them, it was survival.

For the rest of the afternoon, the crow’s nest echoed not with ragged breaths or stifled laughter — but with Willen’s small voice counting, “One! Two! Three! Strong like Dada!”

Zoro exhaled through his nose, dragging a hand down his face as he spotted Luffy shaking with barely contained laughter.

But Luffy didn’t tease. Not really. He just watched — watched Willen’s bright eyes and stubborn little fists, watched the way Zoro bent without complaint to adjust his stance, patient in a way he never was with anyone else.

And somewhere in the warmth of that moment, Luffy realized how easily the words came to him now. Our son. Not his. Not Zoro’s. Theirs.

It rolled off his tongue as naturally as meat or adventure or nakama.

Their son, bouncing in the crow’s nest, swinging invisible swords, too full of life for his small frame. Their son, who had wormed into his chest and made a home there, just like Zoro had.

Luffy grinned wide, unable to stop himself. “You’re strong, Willen! You’ll be the strongest — because you’re our son!”

The boy looked up, beaming. Zoro froze for a fraction of a second, then his mouth curved, the faintest tug of something dangerous and warm.

Willen puffed out his chest proudly and shouted, “Strongest ever!” before collapsing into a pile of giggles.

Zoro muttered something under his breath that sounded a lot like idiot, but his hand rested on Luffy’s back longer than necessary as they both laughed with their boy.

---

Nami leaned against the rail, the sea stretching endless and blue ahead of them. From the crow’s nest came Willen’s faint voice counting push-ups, laughter chasing after him. She smiled despite herself, but the sound twisted into something heavier in her chest.

Her gaze drifted down to Hisa, curled up against Robin with a book. The girl’s profile caught the light just so — the shape of her nose, the set of her mouth — and Nami’s breath hitched.

Brook’s voice from earlier echoed in her ears: “Your little girl really does look a lot like Sanji-san.”

She’d shrugged it off, the way she always did. But the truth was, she’d known. From the very beginning.

She’d known about Sanji’s feelings for her long before that night. Knew the way his eyes lingered, the way his voice softened whenever her name passed his lips. And she liked him — she’d be a fool to deny that. How could she not? Sanji was warm, kind, maddening in his devotion, but steady in a way she’d never let herself believe she deserved.

But she’d never let it go further. Not then. Because Sanji deserved better than her. He deserved a woman who was soft, who would wait at the door with a smile, who would love the kitchen more than the sea. Someone loveable, kind, domesticated. Not her. Not someone whose compass had always pointed toward greed.

And yet—

The memory slipped in unbidden.

The sharp taste of rum on her tongue. The warmth of the bar at some nameless port, maps and treasure plans scattered between them. His laugh, bubbling and unguarded. The way his hand brushed hers, hesitant at first, then certain when she didn’t pull away.

She remembered his eyes — softer than she’d ever seen them — when she leaned in closer. She remembered the heat of his mouth, the way the world had spun when they stumbled back to her room.

It hadn’t been planned. It hadn’t been anything but a night between them. But it hadn’t been meaningless, either.

And now… Hisa.

Nami exhaled slowly, pulling her eyes from her daughter’s face and back to the sea.

She’d told herself a hundred times it had just been the drink, that she wasn’t what Sanji wanted, that she wasn’t what he deserved. She still believed it.

But that didn’t change the fact that Sanji had looked at her like she was the only thing in the world that night. And it didn’t change the small, sleeping proof of it breathing peacefully on deck.

---

Nami’s gaze lingered on the sea until the horizon blurred. She didn’t notice when Robin’s shadow stretched beside her, a book closing softly in her hands.

Robin followed Nami’s line of sight — first to the glinting water, then to the small girl still dozing with her head tipped against the rail.

“You’re thinking of Sanji,” Robin said gently.

Nami startled, just a little, then huffed out a breath. “Am I that obvious?”

“Not at all,” Robin answered, lips curving. “I only know because I was thinking of him too.”

Nami glanced at her, brows furrowing. “Why?”

Robin’s eyes softened. “Because we’ll see him soon. And because he has a wedding waiting for him.”

The words settled heavily between them. The wind tugged at Nami’s hair, carrying the faint scent of salt and coffee from the galley below.

Nami’s mouth pressed thin. “Right. The wedding.”

Robin’s gaze shifted back toward Hisa, then toward Willen’s voice still carrying faintly from above, his laughter stitched with Luffy’s. “He will have much to face. But he’s not the only one.”

Nami didn’t respond. She didn’t need to.

The ocean rolled on beneath them, carrying the Sunny toward Baratie.

---

The night air was calm, lantern light swaying gently across the deck as the crew lingered after dinner. Willen and Hisa were asleep below, Chopper dutifully on babysitting watch in the girls’ dormitory. Above, the Sunny was alive with quiet music from Brook’s violin, the low murmur of drinks and laughter, the creak of the ship in steady waters.

Until Luffy slammed his cup down with a grin.

“We should hijack Sanji!” he declared.

Zoro snorted. Usopp nearly choked on his drink. Nami froze mid-sip.

“Hijack him?” she echoed, narrowing her eyes.

“Yeah!” Luffy leaned forward, eyes bright. “We sneak in, grab him, and take him back before the wedding even starts. Easy.”

Robin tilted her head, watching him with calm amusement. “This isn’t Whole Cake Island, Captain. He doesn’t need rescuing. This is his choice. His… happy ending.”

For a moment, her voice grounded them. The words carried weight, reminding them that this wasn’t a trap, wasn’t some Yonko’s ploy. This was Sanji’s wish.

The silence stretched.

Then Luffy grinned even wider, stubborn as ever. “Who cares? We’re hijacking it anyway!”

The table exploded.

“Wait—hijack the bride too?!” Usopp cried.

“No, no, just Sanji!” Luffy waved his arms like it was obvious.

“Yo ho ho! I can write a song for it—The Cook’s Great Escape!” Brook chimed.

“Should we build disguises?” Franky was already sketching ideas on a napkin.

“Are you all insane?!” Nami slammed her palm against the table, but her protest was drowned under the growing chaos.

Zoro just tipped back his sake, muttering, “Idiots,” though his eye flicked toward Luffy, measuring the captain’s fire.

Around them, plans spiraled in a dozen directions — from Usopp’s overblown theatrics to Franky’s engineering feats to Brook’s ballads — until the deck was alive with noise and laughter again.

Only Luffy stayed fixed, grin steady, conviction blazing like always. “We’ll bring him back. You’ll see.”

The deck had erupted — Usopp waving his arms as he outlined an overblown “altar heist,” Franky scribbling blueprints for a “wedding-crash cyborg suit,” Brook promising a ballad, Nami shrieking at all of them to shut up.

Only Luffy sat in the middle of it, grin wide and eyes blazing, soaking in the chaos like it was fuel.

Robin’s gaze lingered on him, quiet behind the rim of her wine glass. She let the noise wash over her before speaking, her voice calm, steady.

“Captain’s intuition has never steered us wrong.” Her eyes drifted toward the door where Hisa slept below deck, her small presence already anchoring their lives in unexpected ways. “And now, with children in the picture… he’ll only sharpen it further.”

The others fell quiet for a beat, her words threading through the din.

Nami sighed, rubbing her temple. Zoro tipped his cup back without comment.

But Luffy only laughed, stretching his arms wide as though he’d already won. “See? Robin gets it!”

The noise started up all over again, laughter and protests and impossible plans thrown across the table.

And through it all, Luffy sat unshaken, smiling like he could already see the end of it — Sanji back where he belonged, right here with them.

---

Baratie had grown over the years — no longer just a floating restaurant, but an anchor for trade, politics, and rumor across the East Blue. That night, the docks were crowded with merchants and diners, sailors passing through, a few pirates bold enough to drop anchor nearby.

The first to notice was a fisherman gutting his catch along the pier. His knife stilled mid-cut as a shadow crested the horizon.

“The Sunny…” he whispered.

Word spread fast. Heads turned, conversations died off. The ship with its lion prow sailed closer, lanterns glowing like fire in the dusk.

“That’s the Thousand Sunny.”

“No mistake about it.”

Murmurs rose like waves, each one carrying more disbelief.

“The ship of the Pirate King.”

Eyes tracked the vessel, fear and reverence tightening in equal measure. Men who’d laughed over drinks now held their breath; women pulled their children close. Even the boldest pirates lurking near the harbor paled and shifted uneasily.

“Monkey D. Luffy… they say he toppled gods.”

“And the swordsman with him — Roronoa Zoro. World’s Strongest now, with a bounty higher than some kingdoms’ treasuries.”

“A crew like that… they’re monsters.”

“No,” an older sailor corrected, gaze never leaving the ship. “They’re legends.”

The Sunny glided closer, her sails catching the wind like wings. On her deck, silhouettes began to emerge — tall, unmistakable figures against the fading light.

The murmurs sharpened into a hush. The kind that only came when history itself walked into view.

---

The Sunny drew alongside the dock, ropes tossed, anchors lowered. All along the pier, eyes strained to catch the first glimpse of the crew who had shaken the world.

A flash of orange hair appeared first at the helm — Nami, her beauty sharp as ever, tempered now with the kind of authority only seas could grant. “The Cat Burglar,” someone whispered. “A navigator who charted the Grand Line itself.”

Beside her, a figure in black leaned casually against the rail, book in hand. Robin. The Devil Child. The one who could read the stones empires killed to bury. Her calm gaze swept the harbor, and men twice her size flinched as though she’d looked into their bones.

A clank of metal followed. Franky strode out, larger than life, steel glinting beneath the lantern glow. “The Cyborg” — a shipwright who had built legends with his own hands. A few children in the crowd gasped in awe, pointing at him like a walking warship.

A ripple of unease ran through the crowd as Brook stepped into view, long coat sweeping, violin tucked under one arm. A living skeleton. “The Soul King.” He tipped his hat, sockets gleaming. A few women fainted, though whether from fear or thrill was anyone’s guess.

Then Usopp appeared — taller, broad-shouldered now, rifle slung across his back. “God Usopp,” a sailor muttered with reverence. “The sniper who struck down giants.” His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, and for a heartbeat, half the dock swore he looked right at them.

The hush grew heavier.

Because they knew who would follow.

A ripple of pressure rolled out, invisible but undeniable. Zoro stepped into the lantern light, swords at his side, presence like a blade unsheathed. “Roronoa Zoro,” someone croaked. “The King of Hell.” Strongest swordsman alive. The man who could cleave the world in two if he wished. He didn’t so much as glance at the crowd, but still they swayed back instinctively, as if before a storm.

And then—

The hush snapped into silence as a familiar hat crested the rail.

Monkey D. Luffy.

The King of the Pirates.

His smile was easy, wide as the horizon, as if the weight of his name didn’t bend nations. He stretched his arms lazily overhead, laughing at something one of his crew said, oblivious or uncaring of the way the crowd trembled just to see him.

The legend, the world-shaker, the man who had toppled gods.

But on his ship, surrounded by his nakama, he was still just a simple man. A man with a very simple, very chaotic plan.

To hijack his cook’s wedding.

And no one watching from the docks — struck silent with awe and dread — could have guessed it.