#even when he had enemies as Perona

[brazilian-whalien52]

Usopp is the most respectful men in the crew!

We can see this by how the ladies are comfortable around him, specifically Nami. Its cannon that Nami is one of the most beautiful women in the world and we see how men treat her over this. In a way I always see her guarded against men (or calculating how to take advantage over this fact). But with usopp she feels okay starting skinship or getting in situations that may be uncomfortable with others. And he always react with respect, never treating her different. During thriller bark she evens trust him to watch the bath. In a way, it's also different than the lack of interest we get from Zoro and Luffy.

And it may be fanservice but I don't feel nami is comfortable with the others to this point

Also, he was hiding in Robins clothes and instead of this becoming some sexy gag, it's just a hilarious scene

His relationship with Robin is also super wholesome. You can see they are both comfortable with each other.

Not forgetting he respect his adversary no matter the gender

We also have the whole Kaya and Usop relationship. While this one is read more as romantic, we always see usopp being really respectful in the way he talks about Kaya and his actions towards her. And honestly, his actions in every way always seem respectful

[macbethsymphony]

Port Wine & Sake | Chapter 4

Roronoa Zoro x Reader

wc: 7.7k

Chapter rating: NSFW

Whole fic content/warnings: NSFW, 18+, Female Reader, Enemies to lovers, slight alcohol abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics, past trauma

Summary: You were tired of the fucking nuisances freeloading in your brother's castle, but it seemed you had no choice but to endure. A tumultuous romance between Roronoa Zoro and Dracule Mihawk's sister, set throughout the 2 year time skip.

Chapters [1 & 2] ◈ [3]

Masterlist

Also on AO3 if you prefer

Tag: @itsagoodluckkiss

Chapter 4: The First Month — Midnight Wanderings

As Roronoa Zoro’s training intensified, he often found himself roaming the halls in the dead of night. The adrenaline from Mihawk's relentless regimen still coursed through his veins, keeping him awake when he should have been sleeping. It was during one of these restless nights that he first glimpsed you wandering the eerie corridors, your figure shrouded in a ghostly robe that billowed behind you like a specter haunting the damned cursed castle.

At first, he almost mistook you for Perona, the way your silhouette moved with an ethereal grace, illuminated by the pale moonlight filtering through the high windows was otherworldly. He almost expected you to disappear through a wall, almost called out but something stayed his tongue—a faint trace of cinnamon and something uniquely you, a scent that clung to the stillness of the darkness and pricked at his senses. Zoro had hesitated, his annoyance at the interruption of his solitude mingling with a begrudging curiosity.

He watched as you moved with a purposeful stride, the unusual softness of your features catching his eye despite himself. You seemed driven by some unseen force, your path illuminated by the thin glow of the moon. He followed you from a distance, justifying it to himself as idle boredom. The corridors were silent save for the quiet echo of your footsteps and the far away hum of the sea beyond.

That first night, you had simply wandered back to your room. Zoro had stood there, hidden in the shadows, watching as you disappeared behind your door. The encounter left him with a lingering sense of intrigue that gnawed at him, an unwanted added distraction he couldn’t shake.

The next night, sleeplessness plagued him again and he found himself in the halls, hoping—against his better judgment—to glimpse you once more. But as he roamed the corridors aimlessly, you were nowhere to be seen.

You could feel yourself slowly unraveling. You knew you were sleepwalking again. Your feet were sore from your endless wanderings, exhaustion loomed over your shoulders but most of all you were bored. Bored out of your fucking mind. Roronoa Zoro had finally started his training and as you’d promised Mihawk, this meant the end of your entertainment.

The little swordsman was even avoiding you. You weren’t sure if you should be flattered of that fact or annoyed that he had seemingly disappeared from your quotidian. It was truly a dreadful situation. A tragedy.

You kneaded the dough with a bit more force than necessary. Perona had asked for bagels. Well asked wasn’t quite the adequate word. Demanded was more like it.

The dough resisted under your hands, an extremely poor substitute for the excitement Zoro's presence had brought. You glanced out the window, where you could just make out the training grounds in the distance. The rhythmic clanging of swords carried faintly on the breeze, a reminder of where your distraction had gone.

With a sigh, you focused back on your task. Perona's demands weren't going to go away on their own and you had learned that keeping the specter princess happy greatly improved your peace. Besides, it wasn’t the worst of requests. You quite enjoyed bagels yourself.

As you shaped the dough into perfect circles, your mind wandered, replaying moments with Zoro. Oh, how easily he flustered. How he twitched and squirmed so beautifully beneath your stare. You bet Mihawk was having a field day training him.

You sighed.

It was truly a shame, such great entertainment wasted on sword training.

”What’s got you sighing like that?” Perona interrupted your train of thought. The girl floated in from behind you, peering over your shoulder as you worked.

”Wouldn’t you like to know?” You smirked, not looking up from the dough.

She huffed, hovering closer. “Oh please, he’s not THAT interesting,” she remarked, leaning in with a mischievous grin.

You shot her a sideways glance, a knowing smile playing on your lips. “No? You should see the way he reacts when you catch him off guard. It’s priceless.”

Perona rolled her eyes. “You two siblings are insane,” she stated. “He’s not interesting. He’s just another swordsman obsessed with his training. Entirely boring and entirely not cute.” She poked at one of the dough circles. “And yet here you are, making bagels and sighing about him.”

You gave her an overdramatic shrug. “What can I say? Boredom has overtaken my life once more.”

“As I said, entirely insane.” Perona floated to the other side of the counter, facing you. “You even played doll and dressed him. What a complete waste.”

You chuckled, the memory of his reaction as your nail had grazed his abdomen delightfully sweet on your mind. “Is that jealousy I hear in your voice, girl? Do you desire new clothes too?”

”Don’t call me like that.” She pouted. “How old are you anyways?”

”It’s really none of your business,” you replied, your tone a touch too short.

She frowned at that, her passing interest growing into something more concrete. “What? Are you actually younger than me?”

Your jaw clenched, and you regretted your words. You should have simply given her a bullshit answer. “I wouldn’t know, Perona. Father wasn’t particularly keen on birthdays.”

That seemed to shut her up for a second. She let out a small “oh” of realization as your statement sank in.

You couldn’t help the hint of bitterness coloring your tone as you continued. “Don’t dwell on it too much. It’s not something I tend to think about, myself.”

For a moment Perona hovered in silence, seemingly lost in thought. Then with a shake of her head, she switched gears, returning to her mischievous demeanor. “So, about those bagels. Any chance I can get a heart-shaped one?”

You rolled your eyes, a small smile gracing your lips once more. “I can try. No promises though.”

”And, yes,” she said. “I would also like new clothes. So make me a dress.”

You laughed, a hearty laugh. “Now, why would I do that?”

As Roronoa Zoro swung his swords in precise, furious arcs, the rhythm of his training became a battleground of its own. Amidst the clash of steel and the exertion of muscle, your presence haunted him like a persistent ghost. He couldn't escape the memory of your laughter, the way you effortlessly turned your interactions into a game of wits that left him off balance. It was infuriating how you managed to get under his skin with such ease.

He needed to get stronger, he reminded himself. For Luffy. His captain should never have been fighting alone.

Each swing of his swords echoed with frustration. The more he trained, the more his thoughts drifted to you—your sharp retorts, the way you so easily unraveled his composure with a mere glance or a fleeting touch. It was maddening, it had been days since you last played with him. And yet, you were still a torment that gnawed at him relentlessly.

No.

He needed to get stronger. He wouldn’t let what happened in Sabaody happen again.

Zoro’s mind flashed back to the moments that lingered like a curse—the curve of your lips as you teased him, the warmth of your breath on his skin, and the tantalizing scent of cinnamon that clung to the air long after you had left. Those memories, intertwined with the intensity of his training, threatened to drive him to madness.

Damn it.

He needed to get stronger. For his crew, for his friends.

He gritted his teeth, focusing harder on his strikes, hoping to drown out the reminiscences with the physical exertion. But no matter how fiercely he swung his swords, your presence remained like an indelible mark etched upon his consciousness. The memory of your softened features in the moonlight, the way that sheer robe you wore at night, that short slip and how it left nearly nothing to the imagination.

Fuck.

He needed—

"You're distracted, Roronoa," Mihawk's voice cut through the air, bringing Zoro's attention back to the present. The warlord observed him with his characteristic stoicism, but there was a hint of something else in his gaze—almost amusement.

Zoro’s mouth twisted at being read so easily. “I’m not,” he stubbornly denied.

“Those forms of yours would disagree.” Mihawk stepped forward, drawing his sword. “I would suggest you don’t entertain my sister’s antics, but I doubt that is within your control.”

Zoro’s jaw clenched as Mihawk’s words hit their mark. He knew the warlord saw through him, saw through the façade of focus he tried to maintain during training. Swinging his swords with renewed determination, Zoro fought to regain his composure, but the memory of you kneeling before him as you laced up his pants lingered like a stubborn shadow.

“I’m not distracted,” Zoro insisted, his voice edged with frustration as he parried Mihawk’s assault.

Mihawk raised an eyebrow, his swordplay graceful and precise, effortlessly overpowering him. “Denial suits you poorly, Roronoa.”

The memory of the tips of your fingers grazing his skin plagued his mind once more and his strike faltered, allowing the warlord to bring him to his knees, blade at his throat.

“I can see what she meant,” he continued with a rare smile. “You are delightfully easy to rile up.”

Zoro scowled.

“Emotions play a large part in winning battles, Roronoa.” He lowered his sword, letting Zoro rise. “Learn to control them.”

He needed to get stronger.

The second time Roronoa Zoro caught you wandering in the dead of night was days later. He had almost convinced himself that the first encounter was a one-time fluke, a bizarre chapter in the castle’s ghostly narrative. The sprawling fortress was enveloped in darkness, the moonlight barely filtering through the heavy clouds, casting an eerie, fragmented glow along the stone corridors. The silence was thick, oppressive, wrapping around him like a shroud.

It was a rare solace, this peaceful solitude. A respite from Perona’s incessant chatter and, more importantly, a break from the piercing scrutiny of your stare.

Your stare...

It lingered in his mind, unsettling, annoying. He gritted his teeth.

It was the soft echo of steps that made him stop, barely audible over the sound of his own breathing. His eyes narrowed as he spotted a series of faint, smeared footprints on the usually pristine surface of the marble floor. He bent down, observing the dirt tracks and, disturbingly enough, specks of blood that marked the path. Irritation flared further within him—why did you have to bring chaos even in your sleep?

Still, he quickened his pace, following the trail. The delicate scent of cinnamon pricked his senses, signaling that he was drawing closer. You moved slowly, your features bathed in the dim, cold glow of the moon. Your eyes were half-lidded, your expression serene, almost childlike. The sight was unsettling, and yet, there was a beauty to it that he reluctantly acknowledged.

A soft murmur escaped your lips as you reached a wall, barely audible in the stillness. Zoro strained to hear, trying to catch the fragmented words. “Father... locked all the doors... trapped...” you mumbled, nails digging into the stone. “The doors...can’t get out…”

There was no distress in your tone, only a grim acceptance that tugged at something he didn’t like deep within him. He dimly spotted tear tracks glistening on your cheeks.

Eerily beautiful.

Before he could take another step, a figure emerged from the shadows. Mihawk moved with his usual grace, his gaze fixed on you with a softness Zoro hadn’t known the warlord was capable of.

Zoro froze, watching as Mihawk reached out and placed a hand over yours, stopping the mindless digging of your fingers. “You’re safe,” Mihawk’s voice was a low murmur, soothing. “No one can harm you here.”

You didn’t turn to Mihawk, your eyes still unfocused, far away. “But... Father... the doors...”

“Hush, now,” Mihawk whispered, his tone softening further. “I’m here. There are no locked doors.”

You seemed to relax in his hold. “Father,” you stumbled, and Mihawk settled you. “Father’ll be angry.” Your voice was so quiet he barely heard the last few words.

The warlord’s stare caught Zoro’s eyes, and he flinched under the coldness of the amber gaze. “Father’s not here,” Mihawk’s tone was tender, a sharp contrast to the expression on his features.

He should not care. Really should not care.

He watched as Mihawk picked you up effortlessly, as your face buried itself in his coat.

“Forget what you’ve seen, Roronoa,” Mihawk said as he passed him.

Forget, huh?

Yes, he could do that. It didn’t matter. He didn’t care.

Or at least, he tried to convince himself he didn’t.

"You've started wandering again," Mihawk's voice, calm and measured, cut through the stillness as he strode into the dining room.

You winced, pausing mid-bite. The weariness from your restless nights was evident in the dark circles under your eyes, a testament to the strain you were under.

"I am aware," you replied, your words tinged with frustration, each syllable a sharp edge against the tranquility of the early morning hour.

He observed you silently for a moment, his gaze inscrutable, a flicker of concern hidden deep within his amber stare. "It's becoming a problem," he said finally, his tone devoid of accusation, merely stating a fact that hung heavily between you.

You brought the piece of bread back to your lips, chewing with a slight annoyance, not tasting the buttery jam as you watched him pull out a chair and sit down across from you. The quiet scrape against the floor felt unnaturally loud in the otherwise silent room.

You sighed, the weight of his stare pressing down on you, an invisible burden that seemed to grow heavier with each passing second. "As I said, I am aware it has," you muttered, the depths of your voice trembling almost imperceptibly, a crack in your usually composed facade.

Mihawk's sharp eyes missed nothing. He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, his posture uncharacteristically relaxed. "You need rest," he said, his tone softer now, gentle. "This can't continue."

You looked down, avoiding his penetrating gaze. "It’ll pass," the vulnerability in your voice betraying how close you were to crumbling. “You know it always does.” The words felt heavy, laden with the exhaustion that had settled deep in your bones, making every night a battle you seemed destined to lose.

Mihawk's stance eased a little at your answer. "It seems our guest has also been following you on your nightly escapades,” he added, almost as though it was an afterthought.

Your gaze snapped back to him at that, a slow, satisfied smile spreading on your lips. “Has he?” you cooed with sudden interest. “And here I thought our little swordsman was trying to avoid me.”

A flicker of amusement danced in Mihawk’s eyes, though it was fleeting. "It seems you have a way of captivating even the most unwilling participants," he replied, his tone light yet laced with an underlying seriousness.

You leaned back in your chair, a smirk playing on your lips. "Oh, I’m well aware of that," you said, the confidence in your voice masking the exhaustion that still clung to you.

Mihawk raised an eyebrow, leaning back as well. “I would appreciate it if you stopped distracting my student.”

You were about to say something clever, maybe a little provocative when the sound of arguing made the words disappear on your tongue.

“Are you dense or something?” Perona's sharp screech sliced through the air, her annoyance palpable as she directed her scolding at Zoro. “We’re in this room three times a day, minimum. How is it possible you still don’t know your way around?”

Zoro shot her a sidelong glance, irritation simmering just beneath the surface. “I made it here, didn’t I?”

Perona rolled her eyes dramatically, her exasperation evident. “Barely. It took us over an hour. For someone who supposedly helped defeat Moria-sama, your sense of direction is abysmal.”

Zoro scowled at Perona, the frustration clear in the tightness of his jaw. “I didn’t ask for your help,” he muttered, throwing himself in his seat and crossing his arms over his chest defensively.

Perona huffed, her hands on her hips. “Well, you should. If you keep wandering around like this, you’ll never make it to the dining room in time for breakfast. Or lunch. Or dinner.”

The tension between them was almost tangible, and you couldn’t help but chuckle at their bickering. “Now, now,” you interjected smoothly, a playful glint in your eyes. “Leave him alone, Perona. It’s not every day someone manages to get lost in a straight corridor.”

”It is quite the miracle you ever make it to training,” Mihawk added.

Zoro’s scowl deepened, his pride clearly bruised by the collective teasing. “I didn’t ask for your commentary either,” he grumbled, the frustration evident in his voice.

You smiled sweetly, leaning back in your chair. “Just trying to help,” you said, feigning innocence. “You seemed to be having a rough time, little swordsman.”

His jaw twitched visibly. “I’m not little,” he muttered through gritted teeth.

You laughed.

Zoro's breath came in ragged gasps, his muscles screaming in protest, the metallic taste of blood in his mouth more intense with each exhale. He tried to ready himself, tightening his grip on his swords, bracing for the onslaught he knew was coming. Mihawk’s eyes bore into him. Sharp. Calculating.

“Again,” Mihawk’s voice cut through the air, cold and unyielding.

Zoro barely had time to raise his blades before Mihawk was upon him, his strikes swift and merciless. Each clash of their swords reverberated through Zoro’s bones, the sheer force of Mihawk’s blows driving him back, step by agonizing step.

He tried to focus, tried to find an opening, but Mihawk’s movements were a blur, a dance of deadly precision that left Zoro scrambling to keep up. His vision wavered, the edges of his sight tinged with red. Was he hallucinating? The warlord’s strikes seemed more brutal than usual, each one carrying a weight that threatened to crush Zoro’s spirit.

“Is this all you’ve got, Roronoa?” Mihawk’s evident boredom was a dagger to Zoro’s pride. “You’ll never defeat me with such feeble attempts.”

Gritting his teeth, Zoro pushed forward, his swords a whirlwind of steel. But no matter how fiercely he attacked, Mihawk was always one step ahead, his defenses impenetrable. Zoro’s frustration mounted with each failed attempt, his body growing heavier with every passing moment.

Sweat dripped from Zoro’s brow, mixing with the blood that trickled from a cut above his eye. His grip on his swords faltered for a split second, and Mihawk seized the opportunity, disarming him with a single, decisive strike. Zoro’s swords clattered to the ground, and he fell to one knee, gasping for breath.

“Get up,” Mihawk ordered, his voice devoid of sympathy. “You’re not done yet.”

Zoro’s vision swam, the trees and the sky spinning around him. He reached for his swords, his hands trembling. His muscles screamed in protest, but he forced himself to stand, to face Mihawk once more.

“Again,” Mihawk said, his tone unwavering.

Zoro lunged forward, his movements fueled by sheer willpower. But Mihawk’s blade met his with a resounding clash, effortlessly deflecting his attacks. Each strike sent shockwaves through Zoro’s body, his limbs growing heavier, his breaths more labored.

“You’re slow,” Mihawk taunted, his eyes cold and unfeeling. “Predictable.”

Zoro’s frustration reached a boiling point. With a roar, he unleashed a flurry of attacks, his swords moving with lightning speed. But it was a hopeless struggle, the warlord's swordsmanship was flawless. He parried with ease, his expression never wavering, not a drop of sweat or dirt marring his skin.

His vision blurred further as exhaustion and pain took their toll. He could barely keep his grip on his swords. He stumbled, his legs buckling beneath him, and Mihawk’s blade was there, waiting, knocking him to the ground with a final, decisive blow.

Zoro lay, his chest heaving, every breath a struggle. He could hear Mihawk's footsteps approaching, each step a reminder of his failure.

“Do you see now, Roronoa?” Mihawk’s voice was calm, almost gentle, but the words cut deeper than any sword. “You have strength, but you lack control. You have determination, but you lack discipline. Until you learn to master both, you will never defeat me.”

Zoro’s vision darkened, his body refusing to move. He could hear Mihawk walking away, the sound of his footsteps fading into the distance.

“Ghost girl, patch him up,” Mihawk's command was sharp, the final blow to Zoro's pride.

He lay there long after Perona finished patching him up, watching as the sky shifted from its usual gray to hues of twilight. It was only him and the moon, and even though his mind was swirling with pain and exhaustion it was still a peaceful moment.

With a grunt he sat up, his eyes falling on his swords, still scattered on the ground. Slowly, painfully, he crawled over to them, his fingers wrapping around the familiar hilts. Each movement was agony, but he refused to give in, to let his body dictate his limits.

With unwavering determination he stood up and he brought Wado Ichimonji to his mouth. He got into stance and then… then he saw you.

You, tittering on the edge of the balustrade. You, your hair flowing in the cold night wind. You, ethereal under the moonlight.

His breath halted.

For a moment he thought you’d jump and his sword fell from his mouth and he instinctively took a step forward, not that he could do anything from so far away. And his heart both stopped and beat too hard in his ears.

But then you simply backed away and disappeared. Disappeared as though you had only been a hallucination his psyche had conjured out of desperation.

And he cursed himself. Cursed the hold you had on him. Cursed the fact that he was not able to keep you from his mind.

You were always vaguely aware that you were dreaming, but your consciousness never quite allowed you to return to reality. You knew the halls you wandered through were not real, that you were not back in the nightmare of your childhood, and yet the dreams persisted. The walls around you were the same cold, unforgiving stone, the same locked doors and barred windows. There was also a faint awareness that you were sleepwalking, the sensation of your feet against the floor just a little too real for it to be purely a dream.

But the scent of that familiar cologne filled the air, the unmistakable smell making your heart race with fear and anger. It was always there in these dreams, a cruel reminder of the control he had wielded over your life. You wandered aimlessly, your feet carrying you down usual paths, your hands brushing against the rough stone walls.

The memories forever played out in your mind, a loop of pain and helplessness. You could hear his voice, sharp and demanding, as if he were right behind you. You flinched at the phantom sound of his steps, your own quickening as you tried to escape his hold. But no matter how fast you moved, you were always trapped, always locked in this prison of memories.

Your fingers traced the edges of a door, the wood splintered and worn. You tried the handle, knowing it would be locked, but the compulsion to try was too strong. It rattled in your hand, and a grim acceptance overcame you.

Your gaze locked with the one window you knew was never sealed.

It would be so easy.

As you pried the panes open, the cold night air rushed in, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere of the halls. You felt a momentary sense of freedom, a fleeting respite from the relentless memories that plagued you. The ground below seemed to call to you, promising an escape from the torment.

It would be so, so easy.

You opened your eyes, taking in the sight before you. The wind was freezing on your skin, far colder than the one of your dreams. You were so up high, tittering on the edge of the balustrade. Your gaze met Zoro’s from afar. You watched as the sword in his mouth dropped down. He looked concerned. How adorable. For a moment, you moved your foot, still with half a mind to jump, half a mind to end it all but instead you laughed, rich bitter laughter.

It was the dreams talking. The past, not the present.

You gave a long shaky exhale.

“Have you been following me for long?” you asked Mihawk, whom was hovering right at the edge of the balcony’s door.

“Long enough,” he answered simply. “You were rather uncooperative tonight.”

You sighed, hopping backwards, back onto the stone floor and turning to face him. “I see,” you dragged on the word. “I apologize for the inconvenience.”

He hummed, following you as you stepped back inside. Your steps instinctually brought you to the cellar and you selected two bottles of wine at random from the top shelf.

“You should rest,” Mihawk said as he watched you continue to browse. You chose a bottle of port, taking a moment to shift your hold so you could carry all three bottles comfortably.

“I’m going to drink Mihawk.” You strolled past him. “Get entirely wasted, forget for a moment, so while I appreciate you keeping me safe, I’d also appreciate it if you left me alone for a while.”

Mihawk's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched you. His expression softened just a fraction, the concern in his gaze unusually barely hidden.

"Drowning your sorrows in wine won't solve anything," he said, his voice calm but firm.

You laughed, the sound hollow and bitter. "Perhaps not, but it will give me some sort of reprieve," you replied, your tone matching the emptiness you felt inside. "For a few hours at least."

He didn't respond immediately, and you could feel his stare boring into you, weighing his next words carefully. "Very well," he finally said. "Try not to do anything too dumb, Sister.”

You offered him a wry smile. "When have I ever, Brother?" you teased, your voice dripping with sarcasm.

With that, you turned and made your way to one of the salons, the bottles of wine clinking softly with each step.

It seemed to Roronoa Zoro that the only thing in this damned castle he could find, was you. Every corridor he turned down, every hallway he explored, he couldn’t for the life of him find his way back to his fucking room. And still, his steps brought him to you.

He paused outside the slightly ajar door to the salon, a soft humming and the flickering warmth of a fire drawing him in. He cursed himself. He couldn’t help it. He pushed the door open further and stepped inside.

You were seated by the fireplace, a bottle of wine in one hand and a glass in the other. You looked up as he entered, a wry smile playing on your mouth. “Well, well, if it isn’t my little swordsman,” you drawled, raising your glass in a mock toast.

Zoro scowled at the nickname, ignored the urge to snap back. His eyes unwittingly roamed your form. Seared into his mind how the short black silken slip you wore rode dangerously high along the plushness of your thighs, the way your hair framed your face, how your features were unusually relaxed, the tint of wine on your lips, the way one of the straps was sliding lower and lower against your shoulder.

“You shouldn’t drink alone,” he muttered, more to himself than to you.

You raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in your eyes. “Oh? Then you should join me?” You took a sip of your wine, watching him over the rim of your glass.

He huffed, dropping into the chair opposite you. “I’m not here to babysit you,” he said gruffly, but there was an undercurrent of something else in his voice he didn’t quite understand—concern, perhaps?

You leaned back in your chair, studying him with an almost lazy interest. “No, you’re not. You’re here because you’re lost, aren’t you?”

His jaw clenched, and he looked away, the firelight casting shadows on his face. “You’re annoying,” he grumbled.

“And yet, here you are,” you retorted, pouring another glass of wine and offering it to him. “Drink with me, Zoro. Maybe you’ll find me less annoying.”

He eyed the glass warily, his instinct screaming at him that it was a bad idea. But something about your demeanor made it impossible for him to refuse. With a grunt, he took it from your hand, the touch of your fingers against his sending a jolt through his system.

Fuck.

He downed the wine in one gulp, barely tasting the rich flavor as it burned its way down his throat. You watched him with a mix of amusement and curiosity, refilling his glass without a word. Zoro took it, this time sipping more slowly, the alcohol warming him from the inside out.

“It’s been a while, little swordsman. Did you miss me?”

Zoro’s jaw tightened at your question, his grip on the wine glass firm. “Miss you? Hardly,” he retorted, though it lacked the venom he intended. The warmth of the wine and the flickering firelight softened his resolve, making it all the more difficult to maintain his usual gruff exterior.

You chuckled, the sound rich and melodic, filling the room with an odd sense of comfort. “Oh, come now. We both know you enjoy our little exchanges. Why else would you be here?”

He huffed, taking another sip of his wine. “As you said, I’m lost. This castle is a damned maze.”

You leaned back in your chair, your eyes never leaving his. “Is that so? I hear you’ve been keeping me company.”

Surprise flickered on his features which he quickly tried to mask with a scowl. It didn’t work though, the slow spreading smile on your lip’s infuriating. “Why do you always have to be so—“

You laughed and the words died on his tongue.

“So what? Annoying? Vexing? Overdramatic? Theatrical?” you listed off each word with exaggerated flair. Your laughter bubbling up again as his scowl deepened.

In a languid movement you got up and he downed the glass in his hands in a desperate attempt to quiet his beating heart.

“Oh I know!” You continued, your fingers slowly brushing against his shoulder. “Sanctimonious? Maddening? Irking?”

You knew this was a bad idea. You knew you had a little too much alcohol flowing through your veins for you to make sensible decisions and by the way he’d just downed the entirety of the almost overflowing glass you’d poured him so did he. But you wanted to play. You needed to play. Your boredom craved to be satiated and Roronoa Zoro was the perfect little plaything to satiate its incessant demands.

He was so pretty struggling like that, the challenge in his steely gaze intoxicating.

Despite the haze of alcohol, you remained keenly aware, attuned to the signals he might give were he to choose to stop you. You doubted he would, however. No, he would not. If you were reading him well, and you knew how easily you could read him, he wanted this…perhaps even more than you.

He was so pretty struggling like that, his body held taut, desperately restraining himself.

The way his gaze fixated on you spoke volumes, clouded with a raw intensity that could only be interpreted as desire. As you continued to speak, your words tumbling out in a provocative stream, you wondered if he truly comprehended any of it. His attention seemed consumed by something primal, a hunger that mirrored your own need for amusement.

He was so pretty struggling like that, entirely lost to the allure of lust.

Drawing closer, you abandoned decorum, slowly you pressed your knee between his legs. You leaned in close, your lips almost touching his earrings, your hand finding balance over the backrest of his chair.

”You’re so easy to rile up, Roronoa Zoro,” you whispered, your breath grazing his skin.

The only thing you seemed to like more than fine wine and messing with him was the sound of your own fucking voice. Fuck. You were so pretty taunting him like that. So pretty, so pretty, so pretty. He needed you to shut up or he’d do something he’d regret.

Zoro gritted his teeth, his pulse quickening as your words echoed in his mind, yet remained unregistered. Each of your smiles, every playful insult, all of your fleeting touches, only served to ignite the simmering frustration within him.

You were close now, hovering over his seat, the smell of amber and cinnamon filling his every senses.

"You're so easy to rile up, Roronoa Zoro," your voice had a lilting quality, a teasing edge that drove him to the brink. You leaned in closer, your knee slotting between his, your hand finding balance on the backrest over his shoulder, your breath warm against his ear. "Maybe one day, you'll actually do something about it."

You were playing with fire and you both knew it. But as your gaze locked with his and he registered the mischievous glint in yours, it became evident to him that you were exactly aware of what you were doing and that you clearly didn’t care.

Zoro's fists clenched at his sides, fingers digging into the wooden armrests until his knuckles went white and his nails left crescent marks. The muscles in his jaw worked overtime to keep his composure. Damn you and your games. He wanted to walk away, to distance himself from your intoxicating presence, but he found he was rooted to the spot, unable to tear his eyes away from you.

Your lips moved but he didn’t hear anything.

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath, his voice an imperceptible growl. "So beautiful.” The words were so low they were lost in the air between you.

You may not have heard the words but you’d definitely read them on his lips. He cursed himself, cursed that he’d slipped up. He expected you to taunt him further, say something clever, but instead, you laughed, the sound like a bell chiming, and it drove him to the edge.

His self-control was fraying, unraveling with each passing second. He could feel the heat rising in him, a primal urge to close the distance between you, to capture those taunting lips with his own and silence you in the only way he knew how. His pulse pounded in his ears, his breath coming in shallow, ragged bursts.

“It’s been so long since we’ve played together.” Your hand traveled from the backrest to his bandaged chest, sliding down and dangerously close to the waistband of his pants then to his thighs.

You dropped to your knees, pushing his apart, settling yourself as though it was your rightful place. Your hands went up and down his thighs, then your nails dug in hard in the leather as they roamed back up one last time, closer and closer to his crotch, finding the laces at his waist.

“How about I thank you for entertaining me tonight?” You cooed, pulling absentmindedly at the cords, your cheek resting on his tensing thigh as you gazed up at him through your lashes.

Zoro's breath hitched, the sight of you between his legs nearly undoing him. Your touch, your voice, your proximity—it was all too much, yet not enough. He watched, mesmerized, as you slowly worked at the laces of his pants, your eyes never leaving his. The smirk on your lips was a promise of the wicked intentions you harbored, and he could feel his resolve crumbling under the weight of his own desire.

The alcohol dulled the edges of his restraint, making his mind fuzzy and his body hyper-aware of every movement, every touch. Your fingers brushed against his skin, and he shivered, a low growl catching at the back of his throat. "You're playing a dangerous game," he managed to rasp out, his voice strained with the effort to maintain control.

You tilted your head, your cheek pressing further against his thigh as you looked up at him with a mixture of mischief and defiance. "Is that so?" you murmured, your tone dripping with faux innocence.

With a swift, deliberate motion, you loosened the last of the laces, your fingers grazing his heated skin, riskily close to his crotch. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through him, and he sucked in a breath, his body responding instinctively to your touch. His hands, which had been gripping the armrests, moved to your shoulders, his fingers digging into your flesh as if to anchor his sanity in reality.

"Stop," he said, but the word lacked conviction. It was a weak attempt to assert control, to regain the upper hand, but the truth was, he was losing himself in you. In this moment, your touch, your presence, was a drug he couldn't resist.

You chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through him. "Are you sure?" you asked, your voice low and sultry. You tugged at his waistband, and his breath came out in a harsh exhale. Your fingers slid beneath the fabric, teasing, exploring, never quite where he needed them to go. His head fell back, eyes closing as he surrendered to the sensation. “I’ll stop if you really want me to, little swordsman.”

Your breath was warm against his skin as you leaned in, your lips brushing his abdomen in feather light touches. The tension was unbearable, the hunger overwhelming, and he knew he was on the verge of breaking.

You sensed it too, your grin widening as you watched him struggle.

"Fuck, woman," he muttered, his voice a gravelly whisper. He opened his eyes, looking down at you with a mixture of frustration and raw, unbridled lust. His hand moved from your shoulder to your hair, tangling in the strands as he pulled you closer, the intensity of his need overwhelming any remnants of hesitation. “Fuck.”

You smiled, a slow, satisfied smile that told him you knew exactly what he meant. "Good," you purred, your hand moving with a practiced ease that made his pulse race. "Now let me thank you properly." You finally dragged his aching cock out of his pants.

You ran a finger along the underside, your breath hot against his tip. “Already?” You teased, gathering a bead of precum and bringing it to your lips. “I haven’t even started yet.”

You held his gaze as you brought your tongue to him, licking a slow thick stripe before giving his tip a soft kiss. His response was a guttural sound, half-growl, half-moan. You deftly slipped the straps of your slip down, revealing your chest, your fingers playing with your erect nipples.

"Fuck," he muttered again, his voice barely more than a whisper. His eyes were captivated by the show you gave him but as a small mewl escaped your lips, his gaze met yours once more, and for a moment, everything else faded away. There was only you and him, locked in this dance of lust and power.

As you moved to take him into your mouth, he let out a low, shuddering breath, his entire being falling back against the chair. The sensation was overwhelming, a combination of pleasure and torment that left him gasping for air. He could feel his control slipping, the tight leash he kept on his desires fraying with every passing second.

"Please," he whispered, the word escaping him before he could stop it. It was a plea, a surrender, a desperate acknowledgment that he was at your mercy.

You paused, looking up at him with triumph in your eyes. "That's more like it," you murmured, your voice a sultry purr.

His hand twitched at that, his fingers itching to grab harder, to pull you closer and control this tortuous game. But he held back, a war raging within him. He ached for your touch, but he would be damned if he gave you the satisfaction of seeing him lose control any further.

You, however, feasted on the desperation in his gaze, drank in every shaky moan escaping his lips as yours wrapped around his length. You wanted to hear more, craved to hear him beg. You hollowed out your cheeks and he almost bucked under you.

Adorable.

You took more of him, your nose nearly finding the patch of green hair at his base. His lids fluttered shut in pleasure. That wouldn’t do. You needed to see him unravel. You backed a little before taking him again, one of your hands traveled between your thighs and you moaned around him. His eyes snapped open as the sound hit his ears, as he felt the vibrations around him and the unbridled lust that broke on his features was the sweetest of victory.

In this moment, he was yours. You held all the power of the world over him. He was lost and you were his guiding star.

His fingers tightened their hold in your hair, his thighs trembled at your sides. You moaned around him again and again. The taste of him, the feel of him against your tongue, was intoxicating, and you reveled in the way he shuddered beneath your touch.

You slowed back down for a moment, savoring every sound he made, each little reaction but as his grip tightened and his hips bucked, you increased your pace, taking him deeper, faster, harder.

His breathing grew ragged, moans filling the room as you brought him closer to the edge. He was lost in ecstasy, the pleasure overwhelming, and you knew he couldn't hold back much longer.

"Fuck," he muttered, his voice a desperate growl. "I'm gonna—"

You pulled back slightly, your eyes meeting his as you stroked him with your hand, your mouth still teasing the sensitive head. "Do it," you whispered, your voice filled with anticipation. "I want to taste you."

With a final, shuddering groan, Zoro gave in to the pleasure, his release hitting your tongue. You took him in, savoring the taste, the feel of him pulsing in your mouth, and you didn't stop until he was spent, his body trembling with the aftershocks of his orgasm.

His seed was hot in your mouth. You smirked as you snaked your way up, straddling him with ease. You traced his jaw then his lips, prying them open gently. Your hair formed a curtain around you as you leaned closer, your lips almost upon his.

You let his cum dribble out of your mouth and into his, lust thick in your gaze as your fingers mixed the milky white with his spit. His eyes never left yours, something akin to reverence merging with the haze of release swirling in them. You absentmindedly grasped for the bottle of port at your side and brought it to your lips. As you savored the rich sweetness, you pushed further almost choking him and he groaned and you delighted in the hold you held over him.

You put back the bottle, craving for his touch. Your hand reached for his, dragging it along your outer thigh, then to your core, letting him feel how wet you were. “It’s a shame you came so fast, little swordsman,” you moaned as his fingers gathered your slick. You had half a mind to pursue your own rapture but instead you continued to guide his hand up, pressing it harder against the softness of your breast, to your cheek. “We could have had so much more fun,” you teased as your reddened lips wrapped along his slick digits.

You let them go with a pop and moved in closer still. Your tongue met his lower lip, then your teeth and through your grin you nipped at the soft flesh. Your lips finally found his, and your tongues swirled together, the taste of both your arousals mixing with the sweetness of the port wine.

Zoro's senses were overwhelmed by the intoxicating blend of your taste and touch. The coldness of your spit on his fingers, the softness of your breasts beneath his hold, and the way your lips and tongue moved against his—all of it combined to create a maelstrom of desire that left him breathless and yearning for more.

He groaned into your mouth, his hand traveling to your waist, somehow pulling you closer. The heat between you was palpable, your bodies pressed together in a tangle of limbs and desperation. His hands dug into your flesh, knotted into fine silk, the ache to claim you, to make you his, growing stronger with every passing second.

You let out a moan, which he drank in with intensity. It was intoxicating, it made the world disappear, ecstasy flowed through his veins. He rolled his hips under you and you let out another one, needy and muffled against his lips and he reveled in it. His fingers traveled under your slip, seeking your skin, tracing your spine, tugging you into him.

"You're driving me crazy," he murmured against you, his voice rough with lust.

You smiled, your eyes sparkling with mischief and satisfaction. “Good,” you said as you slipped away, leaving him stranded in the heat of his desire. “I like being in your thoughts.”

Your hands met his, and you dragged them away from you. You touched his cheek tenderly before pulling up the fallen straps of your slip and smoothing down the thin fabric. With slow deliberate steps you made your way to the door. You looked back at him, delighting in his confusion.

Adorable.

“Thank you for playing with me, little swordsman,” you giggled, disappearing into the corridor. “Come and find me, if you want to play again,” you called out.

And just like that you left him in a haze of bewilderment and wild desire. His ragged breath slowly tamed and the heat of your presence dissipated so quickly he almost thought it had all been a hallucination. With a shaky hand, he reached for one of the bottles on the side table, not caring as he brought it to his lips.

Port wine. He scowled as the liquid hit his tongue. He’d never been a fan of port. It was too sweet. Too rich. Too expensive. But in this moment, it was intoxicating.

Previous Chapter | Next chapter (coming soon)

Masterlist

[gloomy0x0phantom]

Dracule Mihawk - Five Headcanons

『 01 』 S C A R

Mihawk's back is marked by a unique deep scar. In his youth, before becoming the strongest swordsman, Mihawk made a fatal mistake that brought him his biggest shame. He underestimated an enemy, miscalculated a move and ended up with a scar. It starts on his left shoulder blade and ends at the top of his right thigh. Fortunately for him, the blow wasn't fatal, but his ego was gravely affected.

Like all swordsmen, Mihawk considers an unmarked back to be a sign of strength. He intended to protect this part of his body until his death, but ultimately failed. When he felt the blade slice through his skin, but his heart continued to beat, a feeling of failure stronger than death set in. He didn't cry, he didn't scream, he just let the blood fall.

This scar is his biggest secret and, to this day, no one has discovered it. Cautious and calculating by nature, Mihawk is even more so towards his back. When he leaves his home, he always wears his usual coat and never takes it off. When he stays at his castle, Mihawk opts for light sweaters, but never see-through. He takes great care with the fabric of his tops, testing them in the sun and water before considering adding them to his wardrobe. Before the arrival of Perona and Zoro, Mihawk used to allow himself to sleep shirtless, but when the ghost princess came into his life, he had to change this habit.

Mihawk is the best swordsman in the world, and tons of people want to challenge him and take his title, but not a single one is aware that the man lives with a swordsman's greatest shame on himself. Sometimes nightmares invade his sleep to show him what his life would be like if the whole planet learned his secret. The nights he wakes up in a sweat are the worst, and he feels even more pathetic for dreaming such a reality.

『 02 』 S E W I N G

It's a hidden talent that's not really a secret: Mihawk can sew. It's something he learned as a child and came in very handy when he started training with real swords. Little Mihawk mended his own clothes and never asked anyone for help. Unfortunately, the older he got, the more skilled he became with his sword, so there was no longer any reason to patch up damaged garments. So he learned to embroider. Mihawk has always had a keen eye for fashion, especially elegant, high-quality clothing. He didn't always have the money to afford beautiful embroidered capes and shirts, so he learned to make them himself.

Sewing is an activity that allows him to relax after a long day's work. He sits in his living room by the fire, a glass of wine at hand and a sewing project on his lap. This knowledge has allowed him to develop a special bond with Perona, who loves designing her own clothes but isn't particularly handy with needles. He spent many hours training Zoro in sword fighting and Perona in sewing. Mihawk even bought a sewing machine for the Ghost Princess's birthday.

Mihawk will never say it out loud, but he loves the evenings when the trio are together in the living room. Only the crackling of the fire and Zoro's snoring are heard, Perona is concentrating on reading or pursuing a project, while Mihawk sips wine and mends his apprentice's clothes.

『 03 』 M I R R O R S

Imagine living alone in a huge castle on an abandoned island. There are strange noises, huge monkeys fighting in the forest and the days feel like nights. You're so used to being alone, you can't help but jump when you pass a mirror. And that's exactly Mihawk's daily routine. He's lost count of the number of times his reflection has caused him a minor panic attack.

Mihawk is used to being the only resident of Kuraigana Island, so when he walks and suddenly sees a silhouette in his line of vision, his body reacts as if an enemy is approaching. He's broken so many mirrors since arriving on the island that he's convinced he's surpassed 100 years of misfortune. It's a trivial anecdote for most, but for the swordsman, it's no laughing matter.

Following the arrival of Perona and Zoro, Mihawk has calmed down a little, but the ghost princess manages to cause him a few scares, especially when she decides to go through a mirror. Zoro is constantly getting lost, so Mihawk often finds him in particular places, purely by surprise. The two helped him get rid of his silly fear of mirrors.

『 04 』 R O M A N I A N

Mihawk have no patience for stubborn individuals with sensitive egos, and unfortunately, this world is full of them. In his younger days, the swordsman didn't hesitate to throw insults and respond to pointless fights, but the older he got, the more he found a much more effective method of winning those battles: speaking in his native tongue.

As soon as someone bothers him, Mihawk will start speaking in Romanian to piss them off in return. This method is very effective with Shanks and Buggy. He takes great pleasure in answering them in a language they don't understand. Insults, criticism, mockery... the swordsman has no trouble finding words to torment them. Sometimes, he chooses to say sentences that have nothing to do with the conversation, such as: "The sky is beautiful today", "I ate an apple this morning", "That sweater looks great on you, but since you don't understand me, you'll never know". It's very amusing and works every time. Buggy loses his head completely when Mihawk speaks in Romanian, because one, it's very charming, and two, it royally pisses him off! Shanks is much more used to it and has taken the time to learn a few phrases to better understand his arch-enemy.

Mihawk tried once to answer Perona in Romanian when she was annoying him, and it ended very badly when Perona also answered in Romanian and very angrily.

『 05 』 F A C I A L H A I R

When Mihawk decided to grow a beard and mustache, he strategically disappeared for several months, simply because he refused to be seen during the awkward phase. Being seen with a beard full of patches and a mustache reminiscent of a teenager was out of the question. Shanks would never forget that. He'd rather die than be seen in an unattractive state.

His absence gave rise to several rumors, with the most widespread being: Mihawk is dead. The swordsman surprised many when he returned even stronger and looked more elegant and mature. When Shanks encountered him again, he was flabbergasted by the change. He immediately pointed a finger at his rival's face and shouted, "Since when do you have a beard and a mustache!?" To mess with the redhead, Mihawk replied that he didn't know what he was talking about. He was secretly pleased when the Red Hair Pirates started gaslighting their captain, telling him that Mihawk always looked like that. Shanks dropped the subject because every time he talks about it, he sounds like a madman. “I SWEAR HE DIDN'T HAVE A BEARD!”

[shuggymaniac]

Scenes and facts [Focused on the Magic!King’s Wives] I want to Add to This story idea, thanks to @tttooohappy who gave me some extra ideas and help…

- The Magic King has 13 children, 5 daughters and 8 sons.

-From the first Wife, AKA the queen, was the childhood friend of the Magic king, and when he became king he asked her to be by his side, her happiness was short lived as magic consumed the king and made him the mad tyrant he is now.

- The Queen gave birth to Marco, Vivi, Law, smoker and pudding.

-The second wife, the daughter of a known mage, married the king after he bribed the mad with secrets that ended up killing the old man after the daughter was married to the magic King.

-Due to her poor health and great mana within her children, she could only give birth to twins, Rosinante and Deflamingo.

- She became a victim of the Magic king’s belittling and insults. He mocked her for not giving him an heir even though she was the daughter of a powerful mag, that he should have known since her own Magic wasn’t as strong, and he even insults her for being a woman and yet only being able to give him one pair of twins.

- the Queen took her in and protected her for the long, she was the only person who can stand up to him and never get a backlash or death for it. Many say because deep down no matter how mad he had become the king still cares deeply for his first wife and so he stayed away from the second wife,

- Because none of the two first wives were able to give the magic King the heir he desires, he decided to look for a new wife and his advisers suggested the daughter of the highest noble family that I known to have long line of strong magic users.

- the third wife was a flamboyant woman, she didn’t care if the king gave her the cold shoulder or if she didn’t have the title of a queen, all she cared about was having the best jewels, dresses and having parties.

- The third wife gave the first and second wife the cold shoulder when they tried to befriend her, since she believed that they wanted to sabotage or destroy her, because that’s the type of environment she grow up in. And so took advantage of her statues and the king’s favor.

-the Third wife gave birth to foxy, Bentham, Hiyori, Perona, and Bonny. And with each pregnancy the king favored her but he discarded her after each birth, since she disappointed him each time, and after the birth of Bonny, the king ignored her completely.

-She held on to him and begged him to give her another chance that she can give him the child her desired, but that only angered the mad king and decided to punish her by taking away everything she held dear.

-The mad king took away her colorful dresses, jewelry, cut her off from her friends and family, forbade her from attending or hosting any parties. He even went as far as taking away all the luxuries in her room leaving her in an empty barren room with only one bed with one pillow and one blanket with a small closet that held seven plain dresses for each day or the week. Her make up was taken away. She was broken. Preferring to lock herself in her room away from everyone to die.

-it was the queen and the 2nd wife who were able to pull her out of her depressive state and bring back her belongings because her children were afraid for her and went to the queen for help. And slowly she trusted them and understood that they were not enemies but each other’s comfort and safe place.

-That was until the 4th wife was chosen. A Graduate from the highest magic universities in the kingdom. A gifted woman since birth, which helped her raise in the ranks faster than anyone around her in centuries. The king was invited to award her personally but after he gave her a medal for developing and new successful research the king asked her to marry him on the spot which made everyone feel dread because they knew what he wanted.

-She refused him, the 4th wife didn’t care if he was king or not she will not be forced into marrying him. He tried bribing her with fortunes but he returned them, he tried to give her part of his kingdom, she refused, he even gave her full access to his personal library which was full of secrets that the public doesn’t even know about. But she retorted that she will make her own discoveries.

-But in the end the mad king always gets what he wants, and he wants someone who is capable of giving him the perfect heir. And he won’t allow and stubborn woman to take that dream from him and so he threatens her with the lives of everyone she loves and cares about, that they will die a horrible death, which will only happen if she refused him again. And reluctantly she agreed to marry him and the Magic along was delighted.

-Unlike the 3rd wife, when the queen extended a hand of friendship to the new wife she accepted it. She found fighting is meaningless and even if the first 3 wives did have ill intentions towards her she knew she could take them all but to her relief they were kind to her.

- Children took a while to warm up to her especially after dealing with the 3rd wife’s antics towards them but they liked her, she gave them special attention when it came to their magic abilities. Taught them things that there father should be doing.

-It all came crashing down when the announcement of her pregnancy came. Everyone pitied her at first because like the first 3 wives she would probably be pampered during her pregnancy only to be discarded to the side after the child’s birth.

-But to everyone’s surprise the king was overjoyed when he met her after the news of her pregnancy and to be. He did pamper her but not only with luxuries but also intimate actions.

-Everyone watch in awe as the king hand feed the latest wife. He called her names of endearment, that she cringed at every time her by them. Even going as far as insisting on bathing her.

-When she finally had time to be alone with the women again she asked them if the king was as “tentative” to them during their pregnancy, but when they told her he wasn’t, dread filled her because they knew it meant that something was off if the tyrant was so soft.

-On the day of the birth the king didn’t allow any of the 3 women to be with her in the room. Especially since it was her first and the queen was there for his 2nd and 3rd wives, but for this one he went as far as threaten his queen with a curse if she continued to insist on coming in.

To Be Continued….

[aviculor]

When you think about it, has the Thriller Bark formula happened any other time? Crocodile being a Shichibukai was incidental to him being the leader of Baroque Works and we didn't even have a grasp of what it meant at the time. Luffy was blasted to Amazon Lily where he ran afoul of Boa Hancock, which is close, but she wasn't someone Luffy actually had to defeat. The Pirate Alliance picked a fight with Doflamingo as part of Law's plan to topple Kaidou, but I guess it was kind of similar. Kuma only pretended to be an enemy, while Jinbei was an ally from the start. Mihawk is still just kind of there and by now the moment has passed anyway. It's like, Gecko Moria was the only time the Strawhats fell into the trap of a Shichibukai and had to fight for their lives against him and his legion of subordinates on his home turf. That is like the platonic ideal of a One Piece adventure.

Thriller Bark happened at basically the sweet spot of the story. The perfect balance of our level of knowledge about the world's machinations, the enemy's level of threat, and the Strawhat Pirates' level of strength. It couldn't happen now, the crew is too strong for there to be any real peril. Luffy would just instakill all the zombies on the island with one burst of conqueror's haki, which would incapacitate all of Moria's allies at the same time. Moria himself wouldn't be able to endure very many haki-infused strikes. In fact, if you're one of the fans who isn't that big on haki, this is the last arc before it was introduced. Before Sabaody, it was just that Shanks had a really intimidating glare.

Gecko Moria was right on the line between "some guy" and "genuine danger", he was the last stepping stone pirate before the absolute monsters waiting ahead in the New World. After all, if Mr. Zombie Apocalypse was too small of a fish for that pond, then what chance did Luffy have out there? Moria was basically a red flag that the Strawhats needed to get a lot stronger if they wanted to succeed where he devastatingly failed. Because for all the trouble he caused the protagonists, that wasn't even him at his peak. He was a traumatized shell of his former self who was out of practice and out of shape, which showed as soon as he had to fight in the Paramount War. Absalom's only use in a fight was his parlor trick of invisible weapons, Hogback was a complete non-combatant, and Perona was...shall we say...an Usopp opponent. In fact, current Usopp could probably solo Thriller Bark Luigi's Mansion style. But he couldn't back then, none of them could, and that's why it was enjoyable to watch.

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Matchup for @pinejayy

Hi Jayy, thank you for agreeing to do a matchup trade, this was heaps of fun. No need to rush with mine; I was inspired by mad passion to write this as fast as I did. I am currently up to episode 461 (Marineford Arc) of One Piece so please keep that in mind while reading. I hope you like your matchup!

In One Piece, I match you with...

While I have met Kid in the series, I don’t know a whole lot about him yet so hopefully this isn’t too out of character. From what I know of him, he seems like the perfect match for you. If nothing else, he certainly fits into the “bad boy” category.

You’re very similar so help anyone who has to try and keep you both in line. You speak your mind without hesitation and Kid will only egg you on to say exactly what you want to.

I feel like Kid wouldn’t enjoy it as much when you speak your mind with him but if he had to choose, he would much rather have a partner who tells him exactly how they’re feeling instead of someone he has to guess with.

In much the same way, your stubbornness can often cause issues since Kid is also very stubborn. But he likes the challenge and he’s glad you won’t ever give in easily to an enemy trying to convince you to do something you don’t want to.

Thinks you’re funny for being into such different things as plushies and horror movies but, despite all his teasing, he secretly thinks it’s sweet. You wouldn’t be you without those interests so he’s grateful for them.

I have to include this, even though it’s not part of the matchup but you would get along so well with Perona! You’re very similar, both in personality and aesthetic, so you’d really get each other.

[galaxxie26]

Name: Charlotte Mollie Age: 26, time skip 28 Gender: Female Devil Fruit: Yume-Yume no Mi (English version: Dream-Dream Fruit) Type: Paramecia Haki: Supreme King and Armament Race: Human, but has Charlotte blood Birthday: April 14th Hobbies: Baking, Stargazing, Journaling/Writing Height: 5'7 Personality: Mollie has a gentle heart, but can get to be a little bit crazy sometimes, she is part of the Charlotte Family after all. She hates when her family and friends get hurt by someone, especially when it's an enemy. She gets angry/sad when she sees children starving for food. Favorite Food: Lots of sweets (desserts especially) Bounty: 955,200,000 Berries Relationships: Friends: Straw Hat Pirates, Bonney Pirates, Heart Pirates, Beast Pirates (mainly Yamato), Donquixote Pirates, Mink Tribe Enemies: Kid Pirates, Donquixote Pirates, Heart Pirates, Beast Pirates, Marines Lovers: Ex some kind of prince she hated him, after she learned he cheated on her (deceased, she killed him), once had a romantic relationship with Trafalgar Law (didn't last long, no she didn't kill him, she found him very annoying even though he's very attractive), shared a romantic (possessive scary) relationship with Donquixote Doflamingo (almost got engaged back in the Dressrosa incident, at least he's in prison, current lover, very risky situation) BFFs: All of the Straw Hats, Jewelry Bonney, Yamato, Carrot, Perona, Nefertari Vivi, Princess Shirahoshi, Lady in waiting Rebecca Backstory: Mollie wasn't born into the Charlotte Family, more like she was adopted. She was born into a very wealthy family in the North Blue. At the age of 3, she was unknown to her father doing experiments of haki on her. Later, he was arrested and killed by the Navy. At the age of 6, she was just living with her mother and abusive step-father. Her mother and herself were poor now because of her birth father's death. A few months pass, her mother gets shot by her "so" stepfather right in front of her. A week later, she is found by one of Big Mom's children, Charlotte Moscato. Later, when she was the age of 8, after she had shot and killed her stepfather and ate the Yume-Yume no Mi. She was officially welcomed into the Charlotte Family.

[gildedmuse]

Hopes this ask helps as a distraction but say in a scenario where Zoro 1) is never tied to that cross and 2) never meets Luffy as a result, do you still think he would've become a pirate? Or do you think he would've just stayed a bounty hunter? Also say if Kuina did survive do you think she and Zoro would've become bounty hunter as well I'd they left the island to become stronger :0?

I have had some ideas as Zoro as a bounty hunter who joins Baroque Works, but thats like... barely not being a pirate. Oh, one where he became a bounty hunter, Saga a marine, and Kuina a pirate. I don't know, the girl screams either Honorable Samurai to me or else, "fuck yeah they told me I couldn't be a kenshi but no one tells pirate what she can't be!"

As for Zoro, his commitment to being Bounty Hunter was never that strong. At first he takss issue with Luffy asking him to be a pirate and Zoro considers that a kind of crook which is just down to his sense of honor in a lot of ways. After he realized Luffy actively helped people and, also, got in a hell of lot of fights he was all for it.

See, Zoro was only ever a Bounty Hunter in the first place because:

Boy needs sake. And sometimes food. Turns out these cost coin.

He needed to get stronger, and to do that he neded stronger opponents

They like... Point you to the guys you have to beat and then you do it and they give you money.

When he realized he could get all oit taht oit of pirating only with less marine assholes, more sake, and tougher enemies? Why would he ever go back?

So, I don't know if he'd stay a Bounty Hunter, but my guess is only if someone took him under their patronage, because sooner or later that boy would be out of good fights, out of food, and outside any known location.

Don't get me wrong, Zoro is VERY self determined, bit he does best when he has someone to, if not follow, believe in. It keeps him focused on bigger things and his loyalty to that person keeps him moving forward. You see it with Kuina, with Luffy, even with Mihawk. I think Zoro is simply naturally drawn to those who challenge him, and who dare him to be better, but also are - in his own definition - honorable and truthworthy, and so he was always going to be a First Mate for SOMEONE, regardless.

As you can see from:

All Hearts: Zoro gets stolen as a slave, still becomes a pirate - for Law - Kuina is alive and a Strawhat. [ZoLaw, minor other ships]

Three of Spades: Technically Zoro does get locked up but it was when he was younger and becomes a Spade Pirate. (Zoro/maybe Ace?, ZoLaw)

Three Tailed Fox: Zoro was a bounty hunter but had agreed to help these guys not knowing they were pirates, and ends up lost in a game of Davy Jones games. However, he's too honorable to back out. (ZoLaw, BARELY)

Seeing Red: Mihawk finds a lost baby Zoro and hands him over to Shanks because eww babies. He grows up a very independent Red Head Pirate. (MiZo mentiond, ZoLaw, Benn/Shanks)

Thriller Blade: Zoro was following around his sister Perona when they get kidnapped by pirate. Fighting zombies is more fun than tea parties so he's not too bothered. (ZoLaw BARELY)

Laws & Rebellions: Law as a Marine Officer, Zoro as a Marine who is actually a revolutionary undercover. (ZoLaw, ZoAce)

POTENTIALS:

Zoro (along with Law and Perona) becoming a Hawkeye Pirate

Zoro becoming a Doflamingo Pirate (there are reasons)

Zoro being in Buggy's gang

Zoro as an actual Marine obsessed with Pirate Law

Marine Law obsessed with Bounty Hunter/Robin Hood Zoro

Zoro as a leader of a dojo and all the famouse kenshi pirates come through

Baroque Works Zoro (who runs of with Law)

Zoro joining Kuina's crew. (For a while I thought of him joining Sabo's old crew, who know, when they meet up if Sabo hadn't gone right into the revoltion.)

I also like the idea of Zoro being from Wano and like, the one person Yamato really likes (Denjiro doesn't think he's too bad, either, personally) and after Ace dies they set out as their own little pirate crew.

Hope this even kind of maybe adressed you question! And thanks!

[sugxrslushy]

Hello, I hope you are well. May I ask for Zoro x Fem reader headcanons where the reader is Mihawk's daughter and Zoro has a crush on her, but she's just as cool as her dad.

Thank you very much and have a nice day. ❤️❤️

Zoro having a crush on Mihawk’s daughter

➪ a/n: ah yes, around a week later and I actually write the ask. so sorry it takes me a while to do things ugh, but I’m happy to write for zoro!! thank you for your request and I hope you like it!!

➪ includes: zoro (w/ a fem!reader)

➪ warnings: none!

Zoro was already having an awful time being stuck on Kuraigana, he was stuck with his sworn enemy that’s now training him and the annoying ghost princess Perona. Not to mention he’s stuck here for the next two years

The last thing he expected was to have a third person accompanying him during his time on the island, which was why he was so shocked when he ran into you while trying to find the door to outside

Kuraigana was not a place that people would purposely go to, and in addition the humandrills that would’ve killed or ran any intruders off the island. So whatever reason you were here stumped him

“Who the hell are you?” You could only stare at him in confusion. The same reasons he didn’t know who you were here also confused you. How could he get here?

After the confusion is cleared up, he’s shocked to know that you’re Mihawks daughter. The thought that the greatest swordsman could even have a daughter had never crossed his mind

As much as he hates it, he can’t help but admit you’re pretty. He doesn’t want to accept it, falling for the daughter of the man he wants to kill but he can’t help it

You have a strong aura to you that matches your father. It’s something that he likes about you. You take after Mihawk a lot and you’re proud of it

Whether or not you take up swordsmenship like your father, you like to spend your time around Zoro while he trains. He complains about you possibly getting hurt during it but he knows that you can handle yourself

It’s during these moments where he finds himself falling for you. You’re cool but sweet and he feels comfortable talking to you whenever. He’s interested in learning about you and your life

Of course he has to be wary of Mihawk, he knows if he messes up or does something bad the man will have no second thoughts about killing him. Avoiding that is important

But through his time knowing and learning about Zoro, Mihawk doesn’t really mind. Of course he would be pissed if he broke his daughters heart, but hearing your sweet laughter as you chat with Zoro puts him at ease

tag list: @cjm-cookiethief @acesmarigold @smallhybridart @iman-the-simp @sanjithesimp

[unknownwriting]

Could I request mihawk having a partner and then partner went on a trip or something for about a month or so and they come back to see zoro and perona and zoro and persona are shocked to see them and they are shocked to see zoro and perona if that makes sense?

sᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ - Mihawk’s partner coming back after a long trip and meeting Zoro and Perona

ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs - Dracule Mihawk, Ronoroa Zoro, Perona

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢs - none, except for the fact i might be a little rusty for being gone for so long

ᴏғ ᴄᴏᴜʀsᴇ!! Thx so much for sending in a request, it’s hard to try and come back after such a long break so thx so much for the support whether your a new follower or not! <3 I hope you enjoy it!! It was fun to write something again!!

→ you become a pirate for one thing and really one thing alone: freedom. The freedom pirates have is a dream come true, traveling the world, fighting enemies, and gathering treasures and knowledge. It was a dream life for you

→ And while on your journey, you ran across the one and only Dracule Mihawk, and one thing led to another and y’all were dating. Of course it wasn’t easy, seeing how you followed him for a while to hear about his stories, but soon enough he listened.

→ So after spending sometime together, it didn’t take long for you to learn that he’s a very secluded and distant person, wanting to spend most of his time by himself yet with you at the same time. so when Mihawk found the abandoned island he thought it was the best place for the 2 of y’all to spend time alone and together at the same time

→ But that’s not what you wanted. You still wanted to travel the world but you always wanted to stay with your lover. So after some debates and heated talks, Mihawk finally decided to let you do your own thing and you let him do his. As long as y’all get letters from each, things could stay this way.

→ However, you weren’t leaving him forever just going on your own adventure and coming back. You never wanted to leave him. So the moment you began to feel alone you would drop your adventure and go back to him. And that’s what you did.

→ The idea of being alone with your lover again made you so happy. Just peace and quite and just the 2 of you in the very overdramatic, creepy island. At least that’s what you hoped. When you found yourself wondering into the island you found that Mihawk is everything but alone.

→ A green haired named Zoro and a pink haired named Perona now lived on the island, making the island a lot more lively. Yet you stood in shock. Mihawk, Out of all people, would let others on his island. No way this is by choice.

→ So while you were in shock that other people lived in Mihawk, the 2 were shocked that Mihawk had a lover. Never once did he ever talk about you nor did he even show any clue that he was a taken man. Perona was absolutely losing her mind too.

→ so it’s safe to say that they were all shocked and poor Mihawk was soo annoyed.

→ but not to Mihawk’s luck it didn’t take long for the 3 of y’all to become friends. You would tell the 2 stores about you adventures, about Mihawk when y’all first met, you would also train them a bit too. Not much tho bc Zoro’s really the only one who wants to be trained and he’s a Mihawk problem.

→ so you spent a lot of time with Perona cooking and just walking around the island, you were quick to learn that she’s an interesting one too. A very loud yet flustered girl who seems to have something against Zoro and Mihawk ?? It took a while for you to learn her personality

→ sadly the truth bc of the 2 kids that now ran around the island it was hard for the 2 of y’all to have some alone time or even peace and quiet. But you do have the upper hand bc you know where Mihawks favorite and secret spots to hide and get away. So when you can’t find him you can always take advantage of the secret spots.

→ so while Mihawk sadly gets a lot a headaches, he’s at least happy that you were able to get along with them. He hates to admit it too, but having everyone around is like a rowdy family. One that you wouldn’t mind having.

[macbethsymphony]

Port Wine & Sake | Chapters 1 & 2

Roronoa Zoro x Reader

wc: 5.8k

Chapter rating: SFW

Whole fic content/warnings: eventually NSFW and 18+, Female Reader, Enemies to lovers, slight alcohol abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics

Summary: You were tired of the fucking nuisances freeloading in your brother's castle, but it seemed you had no choice but to endure. A tumultuous romance between Roronoa Zoro and Dracule Mihawk's sister, set throughout the 2 year time skip.

Also on AO3 if you prefer

Your heels clicked violently against the cold marble floor, the feathery hem of your robe flowing behind you dramatically. “MIHAWK,” you roared, your voice echoing thunderously down the corridor as you strode with purpose towards the entryway. 

Your lip curled in disdain as you caught a glimpse of pink hair disappearing through the wall in front of you. You had enough of these fucking children freeloading in your brother’s castle. 

The specter princess, Perona, had been a source of trouble from the outset, her annoying negative hollows and ceaseless demands wearing thin on your patience. And then, she had somehow managed to summon another one. The green-haired boy, Zoro, had been barely clinging to life when he’d first arrived. He had been a monumental challenge to nurse back to health and yet he remained oblivious and thankless in the face of the colossal efforts you had made on his behalf. Instead of showing gratitude, he wandered the halls aimlessly, trying to escape this cursed island. Every time the pink-haired annoyance had brought him back, he had been on the brink of death, nevertheless his resolve never faltered. The determination was almost… admirable. Even through the curtains of your anger, you couldn’t help but wonder if he was still alive.

You took a sharp turn, the reverberation of your stomps traveling through your legs. You dodged an incoming ghost with a grace that was becoming practiced ease. The fucking bitch was trying to stop you.

"MIHAWK!" Your frustration boiled over once more as you descended the steps, your fist clenched tightly around the expensive bottle of port in your grasp. The tie at your waist loosened, allowing your robe to fall open and reveal the thin silk of the jet-black slip you wore underneath. You edged at the limit of decency, the softness of your thighs, the roundness of your cleavage on display, but you didn’t care in the haze of your fury.

You spotted your brother’s silhouette against the glass of the front door, the two nuisances in tow behind him. Good. You’d settle this once and for all. The scorching intensity of your gaze caught the warlord’s glacial stare, a quiet conversation flaring between you. 

You closed the distance, the click of your heels a statement in themselves as the sound reverberated loudly in the silence.

“Sister,” he acknowledged you when the tips of your toes defiantly touched the edge of his boots.

You glanced up at him wordless argument still carrying on. You squinted in contempt. You knew that look in his eyes. “No,” you said coldly, in no mood for leniency. 

His gaze narrowed in turn, gaging your resolve. “I will hear them out,” he stated as matter-of-fact.

“You will not,” you retorted, unwilling to back down.

You spotted the pink-haired girl shift nervously in the periphery of your vision. It was rare to see her squirm. You scoffed in anger. Of course she would only show respect in the face of your brother’s power.

Mihawk’s stare remained steadfast. Your grip tightened on the bottle in your hands, knuckles whitening.

“These children have overstayed their welcome,” you added with a scowl. “You will send them on their way.”

“We shall hear them out, (Y/n),” He said in answer, moving past you, heading towards the dining room.

He’d used your name. He only did so when he was final in his decisions. Your jaw clenched as the two uninvited guests followed him. With an annoyed click of your tongue, you turned and followed too.

Perona eyed you with uncertainty as you made your way to your habitual chair. As brother and sister sat at their respective head of the table, she was suddenly acutely aware that her fate depended on the outcome of this conversation. Her gaze avoided yours as if she knew she was the primary cause of your vexation.

You sank rather ungracefully into the plush embrace of the red velvet, a deliberate act of rebellion against the stifling formality of the room. In petty defiance, you lifted the bottle of port to your lips, taking a sip directly from its neck, all the while keeping your stare fixed firmly on Mihawk. You couldn't help but smirk as a subtle twitch crossed his features. You knew all too well his contempt for such uncouth behavior; after all, fine wine deserved nothing less than the reverence of a proper glass.

As the seconds stretched into an uncomfortable silence, Perona's agitation became increasingly palpable, her movements growing more restless with each passing moment. "I-I'm sorry for causing—" she began tentatively, her voice trailing off.

Your scoff cut through her attempt at an apology, your tone dripping with disdain. "Save your breath," you snapped. You didn't even deign to spare her a glance, your eyes fixed firmly in a battle of will against your brother.

A snort from the green-haired boy punctuated the tension in the room, his amusement at the exchange evident.

Mihawk's voice sliced through the atmosphere like a blade through silk, his words commanding attention. His unwavering gaze swept across the faces assembled around the table before settling on yours. "We will hear their plea, (Y/n). That is final," he declared with an air of authority that brooked no argument.

Your teeth ground together, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. But you knew better than to defy Mihawk when he had made up his mind. With a begrudging nod, you reclined back in your chair, the bottle of port cradled against your thighs. With a subtle gesture, you indicated to Perona and Zoro that they could speak.

Perona shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes flickering nervously between you and Mihawk. "Um, well, you see," she began, as she tried to voice her thoughts. "We didn’t choose to come here. Kuma sent us."

Incredulity washed over you, as you turned your gaze from Perona to Zoro. His nod of approval to the specter princess's statement only heightened your surprise, coloring your features with a mixture of shock and astonishment.

Your eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Your fucking coworker, Mihawk?” you shouted in anger looking back at the warlord.  

You observed the imperceptible shift in his stance at the revelation, but his expression remained unreadable.

The sound of young man clearing his throat drew your attention, prompting you to turn your head and meet his gaze. His eyes, steady and unwavering, held a firm resolve as he spoke. "I have no intention of staying," he declared with conviction, his voice carrying a hint of defiance.

You couldn't help but scoff at his confidence, your skepticism evident. Images of the army of humandrills surrounding the castle flooded your mind, reminders of the countless wounds you had tended to. "Forgive me if I find that hard to believe, boy," you retorted, your tone laced with doubt.

His entire demeanor shifted in an instant, a sudden tension seizing his frame as your words hit their mark. You could practically feel the wave of anger emanating from him as he stiffened in his seat. It was evident that you had struck a nerve, and the glare he shot your way was nothing short of furious.

You met his gaze head-on, a sneer on your lips, refusing to back down. There was a challenge in your stare, a silent invitation for him to unleash whatever retort he had brewing.

Before he could respond, Mihawk intervened, his voice commanding attention. "If you want a small boat, there is one on the west side of the castle," he suggested, his tone both authoritative and diplomatic.

The tension in the room escalated as he pushed himself from his chair with a strained effort, the legs of the intricate piece of furniture grating against the stone floor. Perona's reaction was immediate, her panic palpable as she shot up from her seat with wide eyes.

"What the hell?!" she screeched in a mixture of disbelief and distress, her usual composure unraveling in the face of her companion’s sudden departure. "Don't leave me alone! You fool!"

Zoro ignored Perona's frantic pleas, his gaze fixed determinedly ahead as he limped towards the door with stubborn resolve. His movements were stiff and labored, a testament to the injuries he had undoubtedly sustained earlier in the day.

As you watched him limp away, conflicting emotions churned within you. There was a flicker of worry mingled with a begrudging sense of admiration for his obstinate resilience. Despite yourself, you couldn't help but scoff inwardly, the bottle of port in your hands finding its place to your lips once more.

A bitter chuckle escaped you as you took another sip, the rich liquid burning its way down your throat. What was the point of even caring? He seemed intent on getting himself killed, after all. Perhaps you should just let him, sparing you the trouble of stitching him up any further, elbow deep in blood.

Mihawk's gaze remained impassive as he observed the unfolding scene, his expression unreadable to most. But you could clearly see the hint of approval in the subtle tilt of his head, a silent acknowledgement of the boy’s determination.

Swordsmen and their damned pride.

As the door swung shut behind Zoro, leaving Perona standing alone in the center of the room, the weight of the moment hung heavy in the air. Mihawk looked at you and you knew in that instant that he’d taken his decision.

“I will allow you to stay,” he said simply, eyes not shifting away from yours as he spoke to the source of your annoyance.

“You will?” The pink-haired pest smiled.

You ignored the hope in the girl’s voice as you bristled at your brother’s decree, the feeling of frustration simmering within you threatening to boil over. “And what about me?” you demanded, your tone laced with venom. “Must I endure this circus indefinitely?”

Mihawk’s demeanor softened, a rare hint of empathy shining through the golden hues of his eyes. “I trust you can handle the situation with grace, Sister,” he replied unusually gently.

You scoffed, a sneer breaking the elegance of your features. Grace. The word rang hollow in your ears as you fought the storm that threatened to reign over your temper.  

You sank further into your chair, your expression bordering on insolent. You had half a mind to continue the argument, but your pride wouldn’t allow this conversation to degenerate into pettiness in the presence of a guest.

The silence between siblings dragged on, only broken by the specter princess’s incessant worries for the swordsman who had just left. You smirked as you watched Mihawk’s patience grow thin, he hadn’t been in their company for an hour and he was already struggling. It was an almost sweet revenge, if only you didn’t have to endure the torture too.

“Perona, if it troubles you so much, why don’t you go look after him,” he snapped, although his tone remained cordial to the unknowing.

“What?! Why would I do that?” She screeched. Ah, there it was. Her petulance was back now that her worries were eased. “The idiot can die for all I care,” still, she stomped out of the room, inevitably going to find the younger swordsman.

You watched Perona storm out with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. The girl's mood swings were like a tempest, unpredictable and chaotic. But at least her departure brought a temporary reprieve from her incessant chatter.

As the door shut behind her, you let the quiet rule over the both of you for a moment. You turned your attention back to Mihawk. His gaze was fixed on you, a silent question lingering in the air between you.

You met his stare head-on, refusing to back down. "I won't pretend to be happy about this," you muttered, your words laced with bitterness. "But I'll tolerate their presence... for now."

He nodded in acknowledgement, his expression unreadable as always. "I appreciate your cooperation, Sister," he replied, his tone even.

You scoffed, the rancor lingering in your voice. "Cooperation implies I have a choice," you retorted, your gaze flickering to the bottle of port still clutched in your hand. "But I'll play along... for your sake."

A tense silence hung in the air, broken only by the faint sound of arguing drifting through the thick walls. After a moment, you rose from your seat with a sigh, prompting Mihawk to quirk an eyebrow in your direction. You shrugged nonchalantly, crossing the room to the credenza where several bottles of wine lay.

Selecting one at random, you retrieved two glasses and carried them back to where he sat. You leaned on the edge of the table, observing him warily. Your tongue passed on your teeth as you deliberated how much patience he had left. With practiced ease, you uncorked the bottle and poured a generous amount into each glass. The rich red liquid shimmered softly in the dim light of the room as you passed him the glass.

He savored the wine with a deliberate slowness, his eyes drifting shut in appreciation of the velvety flavor that danced across his palate. Though it still needed time to breathe, its initial taste was nothing short of delightful.

"It’ll do you good to be around people your age," he remarked casually, setting the glass back down on the table with a gentle clink.

Your reaction was immediate, a scowl breaking across your features in response to his comment. "Don’t you fucking dare," you started, your tone thick with bitterness and incredulity.

A warning passed his lips, your name was spoken softly but with a weight that carried a subtle reminder to tread carefully.

Your jaw clenched as you fought to rein in your temper. Instead of succumbing to the urge to snap at him, you leaned forward, your focus shifting to the intricate details of his coat. With practiced precision, your hand followed the seams, exploring the armscye, tracing the eyelets and the leather cord that replaced the traditional stitching.

Though there were signs of permanent stretching, you found no further damage, a small relief amid your frustration.

A gentle flick of your fingers against his neck prompted him to tilt his head, allowing you to continue your observations without interruption.

"How did you find the changes I made to the jacket?" you inquired, your attention fully consumed by the collar as you awaited his response.

He shifted slightly under your examination, a faint hint of annoyance evident in his demeanor. Yet, he remained cooperative, his own compromise to the situation, permitting you to inspect the garment without protest. 

As your fingers moved along the collar, tracing the lines of your craftsmanship, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The jacket had held up remarkably well, even through the turmoil of a war. Truly, a reflection of your commitment to perfection.

His response came after a moment of contemplation, his voice measured as he offered his feedback. "The changes are subtle but effective," he remarked, his tone neutral. "The fit is much improved, the changes you’ve made to the sleeves allow for a better range of movement and increased comfort."

Your lips curved into a faint smile at his words, a glimmer of satisfaction creeping into your expression. It was gratifying to hear his acknowledgement of your efforts, even if it was delivered with his characteristic stoicism.

"Good," you replied simply, mentally tallying all the modifications you wanted to try for the next version. "Let me know if you have any requests for future alterations."

With a final nod of affirmation, you leaned back. Your gazes met each other in a far calmer display than before. Your fingers found the stem of your glass, taking a well-earned sip. “I am glad you are back safe, brother.” You said genuinely, your eyes gentle.

As the tension dissipated, you appeared more youthful, your features softening without the weight of anger. Mihawk couldn't suppress the faint smile that graced his lips as he raised his glass to his mouth, the crimson liquid flowing in smoothly. "It feels good to be back," he confessed, a sense of contentment evident in his tone.

You cast a glance towards the window, noting the subtle shift in the ambient light as dusk descended. The evening had drawn its curtains over the sky, painting it in hues of twilight. You hummed in consideration. "Since you are so insistent on letting them stay,” your voice dragged on in a gentle pause. “Please make sure to bring him back inside before he meets his end at the hands of those baboons," you said, the words leaving your lips with a reluctant resignation.

theHis brow arched gracefully at your demand. “He is more resilient than you think,” he assured you, his words carrying a loftiness of confidence.

His affirmation beckoned your attention back to his countenance. You squinted, trying to decipher the secrets hidden within the depths of his gaze. "Is that a sliver of respect I detect in your tone, Brother?" you taunted, the corners of your mouth curling upward in a playful dance, teasing out the nuances of his response.

You observed as he put his hat back on, rising to ensure your request would be fulfilled. “Perhaps,” he conceded, his tone laced with a trace of elusive admiration.

You snorted, as you watched him leave. It was a rare intonation, one you’d barely ever heard in all your years together.

 "Oh, and (Y/n)," Mihawk's voice cut through the air with a hint of reprimand as he stopped in the doorway. "Please do make yourself presentable when we have guests."

Your response came swift and sharp, a blade polished by an eternity of familial repartee. "I will take no commentary on my lack of propriety from you, dear Brother,” you retorted laced with a whisper of playful sarcasm. You looked him up and down, “But do try to keep your shirt closed... especially now that we have guests."

The warlord’s mask cracked for an instant, his eyes rolling almost imperceptibly, an acknowledgement of your jest. “You’re incorrigible, sister,” he let the door close in a heavy thud behind him.

“MIHAWK,” you shouted after him, knowing that even though he would not answer, he could hear you very well. “Do come and get me, when you inevitably come back with that boy tittering on the edge of death.”

And it did not take long until they indeed came to fetch you. With a sigh, you rolled the sleeves of your robe and went to get the medical kit. After all, there was little difference between stitching silk and closing wounds.

Roronoa Zoro needed to get the fuck off this cursed island, and he needed to leave NOW! He had to get to Luffy. His captain, no, his friend was alone. He should have been there, fighting by his side. If only he wasn’t so fucking weak… none of this nightmare would have happened. But, not only was his crew waiting for him, between the Thriller Bark girl's antics driving him up the wall, the looming threat of the man he’d sworn to defeat and your peculiar brand of insanity thrown into the mix, he was about to lose it himself. 

He reluctantly blinked his eyes open, greeted by a wave of pain coursing through his body. Each limb felt like lead, dragging him into a pit of exhaustion. His gaze, heavy with fatigue, slowly lifted to find your silhouette illuminated by the flickering candlelight, perched gracefully in the plush confines of the chair beside his bed.

Ah, that's right—he had passed out from the pain. Mihawk had brought him back from the brink of death and held him down as you’d patched him up. As he lay there, his eyes took in the delicacy of your traits, the way your hair cascaded over your shoulders, and the softness of your thighs, accentuated by the shortness of your black silk slip and open robe. What was he doing? Was he delirious from the pain? You were infuriating, unreasonable, flat-out insane. Nothing about you was pleasant, from that petulant smile to your awful bedside manners.

“Remarkable. You’re still alive,” you quipped with bitter sarcasm, wrenching him away from his thoughts, your eyes not looking at him, a deep frown of concentration marking your features. 

With meticulous precision, the small blade in your hands glided through a block of cheese as you tried to create the thinnest slice possible. He knew that knife. His stare narrowed as he placed it back in his mind. Was that the knife Mihawk usually wore at his neck? His gaze dropped to the chain attached to it. For fuck’s sake it was. It somehow pissed him off, hard. 

You let out a sound of triumph as you held up the paper-thin piece of cheese to your mouth, the light seeping through it before it melted against your tongue, the metal glinting tantalizingly as it touched your lips. You reached for the glass of wine at your side, taking a sip with closed eyes, delight on your features as you savored the taste.

He clenched his fists. His frustration simmered beneath the surface, mingling with a sense of helplessness that threatened to overwhelm him. Your carefree arrogance only served to exacerbate his agitation.

With a grimace, he forced himself to lean up on his elbow, ignoring the protests of his weary muscles. His gaze flickered to the creaked open door, the burning desire to escape clawing at him with renewed intensity. His captain needed him. He had a promise to keep, and nothing – not even his own battered body would stand in his way. 

Summoning every ounce of willpower he possessed, he pushed through the pain, determination slowly lending strength to his limbs. Before he could fully sit up, your eyes snapped dangerously to his, freezing him in his attempt. 

 “What do you think you’re doing, boy?” your voice was calm but the coy smile on your lips held menacing threats. 

His jaw clenched. “I need to leave,” he declared, his words tinged with desperation. “My captain needs me.”

Your gaze narrowed. “Is that so?” you mused as you slowly slid a leg onto the bed, your foot rising when it touched him. 

You let it fall none too gently, bare foot meeting his lower abdomen. There was defiance glinting in your stare as you raised your other leg with a smile, crossing your ankles over him and sinking in your seat comfortably. “You can try again when you’re healed.” You went back to the block of cheese in your hands, uninterested by him once more. 

The agony that staggered through him at your touch was deafening, he slumped back, lightly bouncing against the bed. He gritted his teeth as he struggled to stifle the grunt of pain escaping him. 

Fuck.

You were infuriating. With each passing moment, the realization of his own helplessness grew more profound, a bitter taste lingering on his tongue. 

“Woman,” he groaned, his voice thick with anger. The single word, laden with frustration and exhaustion, slipped past his lips like a curse, hanging heavy in the air between you. Yet, despite the venom in his tone, there was an underlying note of desperation, a plea masked by his stubborn pride. 

You didn’t look away from the knife as it sliced into the cheese, the blade visible through the thin layer. But the way your brow arched in amusement and the ghost of the smirk gracing your features told him that you’d heard him well enough. 

“Yes, Zoro?” you replied innocently, his name drawled out emphatically from your plump lips. 

He wrestled the urge to snap at you. “Let me go,” he demanded with a resolute frown.

Your mouth curved into a sly smile, a glimmer of mischief passing in your eyes. You hummed in consideration, drawing out your answer. “And why should I do that?” you teased, sinking more comfortably in your chair, your feet inching ever so slightly closer to a wound on his chest. 

His muscles tensed instinctively, a moan of pain escaping him between muttered curses. “My captain needs me,” he repeated in a growl.  

You let out an annoyed click of your tongue when the slice of cheese broke in the middle of the block. Your eyes met his, all playfulness gone, replaced by a sharp displeasure instead. “Yes, yes, I know. Your captain needs you, you need to go back to your crew, three days or something, you’re already late, et cetera, et cetera,” you rambled on coldly. “You’ve said so over a hundred times, boy. It won’t change the fact that you’re bedridden.”

Tension lingered in the air as your words hung heavily in his mind. You muched almost aggressively on the broken piece of cheese before downing the glass of wine, stare not leaving his as he deliberated.

“I can handle myself just fine,” he retorted defiantly, trying unsuccessfully to rise from the bed.

His stubbornness was met with a derisive snort, your eyes rolling in exasperation. “Clearly,” you remarked dryly, your tone heavy with sarcasm as you gestured toward him with the cross-shaped knife in your hands, the chain rattling against the wood of the armrest in the sharp movements. “You’re the very picture of strength and resilience.”

His teeth ground audibly. If only your feet weren’t pinning him down, then he’d at least be able to make it to the door. He struggled for a moment, his soft grunts of effort the only sound filling the room.

“I won’t be kept here against my will,” he declared eventually, his hand grabbing at one of your ankles almost painfully, trying to pull it off him.

You raised an eyebrow at the unexpected tantrum, then you started giggling, until rich laughter flowed within you. “Against your will?” You laughed harder. “Are you implying I care about your well-being, little swordsman?” You brought the bottle of wine to your grinning lips, taking sips between chuckles.

He bristled at your amusement. “Release me, woman,” he snapped, his grip tightening around you. 

He didn’t notice the flicker of pain that passed your features in his rage. A flicker you expertly hid behind the facade of your smile.

“Oh my. Did I hurt your delicate sensibilities?” You snorted at him nonetheless. “Don’t worry, I’m not stopping you. If you want to leave, you can leave.” You paused, cocking your head to the side. “Or are my feet so heavy that you can’t stand up?”

Zoro's frustration reached its boiling point as he glared daggers at you, his muscles tensing with every fiber of his being. You were fucking mad. The urge to lash out, to throttle you, to break free from the invisible chains that bound him to the bed, surged through him like a tidal wave, threatening to consume him in its relentless grip.

But as he pushed against the weight of your feet, the searing pain that shot through his body served as a harsh reminder of his own limitations. With a guttural growl of frustration, he released his hold on your ankle, his hands falling limply to his sides as defeat washed over him like a suffocating blanket.

For a long moment, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the rhythmic sound of his ragged breaths. You watched him with a mixture of amusement and pity, the corners of your lips curling into a satisfied smile as you savored the taste of your victory.

“Ah, right,” you suddenly spoke when he finally closed his eyes in defeat. You slid your feet off him, reaching to the side table and tossing something on his chest. “Mihawk said there’s something about that captain of yours in the papers.” 

His eyes shot open. You couldn’t be fucking serious. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?!” He yelled at you as you got up from your chair, giving your ankle a few twists.

You ignored him, bending down to put on your heeled slippers. He tried to lift his arm, grab the paper. 

He NEEDED to know.

You waltzed to the side table, the feathery hem of your night robe grazing the marble of the floor as you sheathed the knife back and draped it around your neck. Your hand grabbed the bottle of wine and you turned on your heels, fabric bellowing softly behind you in a flurry of black. His hand fell to his side, paper crumpled in his fingers as he struggled to hold it long enough to see.

“Oi,” he snapped with urgency. “Woman, what does it say?” 

“Who knows,” you said in a singsong, humming a random tune below your breath. You moved to the door. “I didn’t understand it myself.” You crossed the threshold to the corridor.

Zoro panicked. Fuck. What did it say?

“Woman,” he yelled after you. “Fuck, come back here.”

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

It took three days for Roronoa Zoro to decipher the contents of that newspaper, but he had figured it out. To your amusement, he was now sitting on the floor, his features etched with determination as he eyed your brother. You arched an eyebrow, barely hiding your smile behind the rim of your wine glass.

You looked at him curiously, the intrigue of his actions somehow extremely entertaining. Your gaze flickered to his face. It was easy to forget how young he was through that wall of will power. But as his mouth moved silently, as if rehearsing something, the softness of his traits hit you. He was pretty, you guessed, with his barely noticeable freckles and stubborn fire in his eyes. You cocked your head. Maybe even handsome if you were to put him in better clothes… after all those earrings of his. You licked your lips. Yes. You rather liked them.

“So, Zoro,” you drawled out, breaking the quiet atmosphere ruling over the room. “Did you figure out the code, or are you still trying to stare it into submission?”

Silence dragged on as he ignored you, but the twitch of a scowl that passed his mouth was answer enough for you. How adorable.

"Please," Zoro finally said, his voice uncharacteristically humble as he bowed his head toward Mihawk. "Train me as a swordsman!"

You choked on your sip of wine, coughing as you struggled to regain your composure. Perona let out a small, shocked gasp, her eyes wide with surprise. You glanced at your brother, trying to read his expression. His attention flickered toward you briefly, making sure you were alright before returning to his glass, making the younger swordsman wait. Oho , there was unmistakable displeasure in his gaze as he peered into the red liquid, swirling it absentmindedly.

“Are you asking your enemy for instruction?” Mihawk finally said, his eyes still avoiding Zoro. “I’m disappointed in you, Roronoa,” he admitted. “Shame on you.” You listened, entirely engrossed by the scene before you. It was by far the most entertainment you’d had in the past decade. It was rare to see Mihawk so expressive. It made you wonder what he truly thought of the man before him to react so. “I think I overestimated you,” he continued, his words punctuated by a long sip from his wine glass. “Get out of here. I have no time for a boring man.”

Oh, how you wished you could see the boy’s expression. You bet it was priceless. You noticed how he obstinately didn’t budge, his jaw tightening. Yet, he was not backing down. The weight of Mihawk’s scorn seemed to press on him, but his resolve was unshattered. You heard the unsteady breath he took in before continuing.

“I want to get stronger,” he cried out, somehow digging his forehead more intensely into the marble floor. 

Mihawk considered his plea as he filled his wine glass, the sound loud in the uncomfortable silence. “You were beaten by the baboons. I have nothing to teach someone like that.”

"I beat the baboons," Zoro declared, his voice reverberating through the room.

Oh! Interesting. You watched as clear shock registered on your brother's face. It was a rare sight, seeing Mihawk genuinely surprised. You couldn't help but smile; it was a reminder that even the world's greatest swordsman was human.

Mihawk’s gaze finally settled on Zoro, who was bowing deeply before him. The tension in the air was palpable.

"But I’m not so stupid as to think that I’m good enough to beat you," Zoro continued when the silence stretched on.

Mihawk's confusion was evident in his furrowed brow. "Then why are you bowing to me and asking for my guidance?"

Zoro took a moment to consider the question. "I want to beat you," he said simply, his voice unwavering. The straightforwardness of his answer was almost comical, and you couldn't suppress a giggle. Somehow, your amusement seemed to lighten Mihawk's expression as well.

"You’re asking me to train a swordsman who wants to kill me?" Mihawk laughed heartily, the sound loud and rich. “(Y/n),” he turned to you. “Teach Perona how to treat him, you’ve already done more than required of a graceful host.” 

You hummed in consideration. “I suppose I can,” you eyed the pink haired girl with slight annoyance.

She flinched at the coldness of your stare, her mouth opening in protest.

"And you, ghost girl, learn to treat him," Mihawk called out to Perona, before she could say anything. "The training will begin when you’re recovered," he added, turning back to Zoro.

Perona floated over, a mixture of curiosity and irritation on her face. "Fine, but don’t expect me to be nice about it," she grumbled, already on her way out. “Oi, you dumbass, come with me.”

Zoro straightened up, a determined glint in his eyes as he followed her out.

“You’re enjoying yourself, Brother,” you couldn’t help but muse as you filled your wine glass.

Mihawk's stare met yours, and for a brief moment, you saw the glimmer of amusement there. He took another sip, his demeanor returning to its usual stoic calm. "Perhaps," he admitted, the word hanging in the air between you like a rare treasure.

You leaned back in your chair, peering into the velvety darkness in your glass thoughtfully. "He's got spirit, I'll give him that," you remarked, watching the door through which Zoro and Perona had just exited. "Do you really believe he'll be worth your time? You’ve never taken anyone under your wing before."

Mihawk's gaze remained on the swirling liquid in his glass, but you could see the wheels turning in his mind. "He reminds me of someone," he mused quietly, almost to himself.

Curiosity piqued, you leaned forward slightly. "Oh? And who might that be?"

For a moment, you thought he wouldn't answer. But then, with a small, nearly imperceptible smile, he said, "Myself."

You couldn't help the laugh that escaped you, the sound ringing through the room. "I see.”

Next Chapter

Masterlist

[cienie-isengardu]

Luffy and Zoro, equality presented by Wano Arc...?

The feeling of equality between Luffy & Zoro has been sitting on my mind a lot lately, so I finally decided to write down my chaotic thoughts on that matter. 

First, to be precise: I’m not talking about power levels between Straw Hats because One Piece proved on many occasions that power alone is not a good measure how one character will fare in a fight or that beating X does not automatically guarantee beating Y. In Thriller Bark Perona took down Luffy, Sanji, Zoro and Franky without a problem, but lost to Usopp out of all people. At the same time, Luffy, Zoro and Sanji will always be the main fighters of Straw Hats no matter the gap of power between them. Everyone is powerful on their own, but they may fare better in different fighting settings. I personally tend to think that Luffy and Zoro are closer to each other in terms of power, raw strength and will, but this is not exactly the matter of equality I wish to talk about. What I wish to talk about is how the Wano arc set Luffy and Zoro apart from the rest of the crew in a more tangible (visual) way.

Even before Wano Arc, Luffy and Zoro were singled out by narrative on various occasions. The most memorable is: the first meeting with Shichibukai (and Mihawk acknowledging them both), taking a beating in Mock Town to Nami’s dismay and Bellamy Pirates’ amusement, earning the title of Supernova and with that becoming part of the Worst Generation, independently attacking Charlos/Tenryūbito (though sadly, Zoro was stopped by Bonney) or killing together a dragon on Punk Hazard. In all cases, Luffy and Zoro were set apart from the rest of the crew and even other pirates, sharing unspoken understanding of other actions and needs or becoming a part of something bigger and more dangerous. 

Luffy will always be the captain (leader) and as the main character, the hero saving the day at the end of the arc. At the same time, Zoro may never be officially called the vice captain by other crew members (which is fair, Straw Hats Pirates don’t care nor have any need for ranks) but narrative puts him as the protector of crew (i.e. Kuma), the leader in the absence of Luffy what consistently is marked by narrative boxes (i.e. “Zoro team”,”Zoro side”) and the layout of frames (Zoro taking the central position that normally belongs to Luffy) or even having some confrontation with the final boss (Arlong, Hody). Zoro is also treated like the voice of reason; even if his words are harsh and emotionless, he will speak what must be said for the Luffy and crew’s sake (Alabasta, Davy Back Fight Arc, Water 7, Enies Lobby, Zou). He is also the one that provides Luffy comfort and support in dire situations (Usopp leaving the crew). 

Luffy cares equally about his nakama, yet the narrative likes to single out Zoro as someone usually standing by him but also as someone taking Luffy’s position of captain very seriously. Further details adding to the feeling of equality set up by narrative include the visuality of their most notable scars (under left eye/left eye and middle of chest), the running joke of people mistaking Zoro for an actual captain of Straw Hats Pirates or acknowledging him as a dangerous “beast”, Luffy and Zoro’s very similar mindset and attitude towards fighting powerful enemies and all the parallels in which both captain and first mate* did the same things on various points in the manga or color spreads/covers (x)(x)(x)(x)(x)(x).

In general, the story established how despite their different nature of extrovert and introvert,  Luffy and Zoro are similar when it comes to the serious and trivial matters about whose I could talk for days. What is vital though, for years such treatment of Zoro created the feeling of equality between him and Luffy. Not in the power sense per se because narrative has never been objective about that, but how they progress from rookies to men getting closer and closer to fulfilling their dreams.

And now the Wano Arc seems to single them out in ever more visible ways.

For one, anime dropped the individual eye catchers for the whole crew, except for Luffy and Zoro. At the end of each, all Straw Hats are showed standing together:

In both cases, Zoro is on Luffy’s right and both carry similar looking katanas: Kitetsu II and Sandal Kitetsu III. The swords may have different colors, but their tsuba have the same patterns, which double the feeling of equality between those two. 

Manga provides similar moments, starting with chapter 912

and cover of volume 91 (which was used for Luffy’s eye catcher apparently) and inside illustration included in volume 92

Then from all the crew, only Luffy and Zoro were pretending to be ronin (the masterless samurai), seen in box info

while the rest Straw Hats played the role of ninja (Chopper), kunoichi (Nami), ghost (Brook), geisha (Robin), toad oil salesman (Usopp), carpenter (Franky) and soba cook (Sanji). Even Law, another Supernova and equal to Luffy, hid his identity pretending to be some sort of wandering monk. And thinking logically, Law would be better ronin because unlike Luffy, he knows how to use sword in fight. 

Another visually prominent detail - Zoro and Luffy are the only one Straw Hats who have kimonos with ornaments resembling the sun that may be a symbol of the coming dawn, foretold by Lady Toki. A dawn that will end Kaido and Orochi’s reign on Wano.

Luffy’s ornament is straight taken from the crest of the Kozuki clan (and resembling the symbol Alabasta Kingdom). I have much more to tell about Zoro’s design but that will need wait for another time. For now, though it looks much sharper is no less reminiscent of the same solar symbol. Adding to the sign their status of ronin and we may call Luffy and Zoro, figuratively speaking, the samurai bringing sun (hope, new era, peace) to a country plunged in darkness, most likely in nearest future fulfilling late Kozuki Oden’s desire to defeat Kaido and open Wano  to world.

Of course, all Straw Hats, Heart Pirates, Minks and people of Wano are working together to defeat Kaido but Luffy and Zoro were visually set apart from everyone from the beginning of the arc. There is also their personal, strong connection to Oden’s children: Momonosuke and Hiyori who both were very impressed and protected by Luffy (Momonsuke) and Zoro (Hiyori).

Another detail binding Luffy and Zoro more to Oden and setting them apart from the rest of characters are new things they have acquired through the course of the arc. Namely, the better understanding & advanced techniques of Busoshoku Haki (Luffy) and late Oden’s great sword Enma (Zoro). Both things are capable of hurting Kaido.

Usually, during the arc, Luffy gets separated from the crew for the longest part of the story. And indeed, he gets struck first in prison (where he managed to win over imprisoned there samurais) and now, during battle, is running to face Kaido escorted only by Jimbei and Sanji (who wandered away in chapter 997). Surprisingly, Zoro too was separated by quite a long period of time, in which he met and befriended Yasue, Hiyori and Toko before he rejoined the crew for the final battle. Luffy and Zoro are the Straw Hats that openly admit they want to face Kaido in fight.

Another detail setting them apart from the rest of the crew: interacting with (and in case of Zoro, beating down) other Supernovas. They met Hawkins at the beginning of arc and fought him (Sanji too, met Hawkins and Drake once in public baths but ran away, securing Nami, Robin and Shinobi well being), then Killer and Kid before and during battle, Apoo and Drake which whom they had small crash, but now Drake were working with Roronoa against Apoo. Ironically, Drake is a friend with Coby who is a friend of both Luffy and Zoro. Coby literally met those two before Nami debuted. Also, the Supernovas allied with Luffy are learning in hard way that dealing with Zoro is not less stressing that working with Luffy.

How the Wano arc will turn out will show the upcoming chapters, for now though, not only Straw Hat has a strong connection to people of this land. For one, there is Tama, that both Luffy and Zoro came to like very much and literally started wreaking havoc in enemy territory because of her. Twice. Then there is mentioned connection to Oden - symbolic samurais of dawn and carrying Momonosuke and Hiyori’s wish to defeat Kaido and save the country but also Zoro’s personal connection to Shimotsuki clan that was hinted time after time and briefly explained in SBS that may or may not play bigger role, especially since Shimotsuki clan support Kozuki family. Which only adds to the whole connection between Luffy and Zoro and (good) people of Wano.

I feel like Wano arc was set up to establish the equality of Luffy and Zoro, not in the power sense that so many fans love to argue about, but as the relationship between them. Not just as captain and (powerful) subordinate but more like partners, the way Roger and Rayleigh or Kid and Killer are seen. The manga put a lot effort in creating parallels and the visual similarity between those two characters to dismiss the potential hints of Luffy and Zoro slowly falling apart from the crew in the sense of the role they will play in this and maybe future arcs.

[z3llous]

Sweet Lies

(They/Them)

Perona x Reader

---

"Ugh" Perona hovered along the edge of the room in a seemingly endless loop, an aggressive loop.

"Would you stop pacing around my room all ghost like and let me sleep in peace." Zoro grumbled wanting the chilly draft of her moody presence to be gone so he could be released of his unwilling consciousness.

"I hate their style! It's so so so... uncute!"

"Y/n? Again? What did they do this time?" If talking about it got her out of his room, then so be it.

"They said I look like an ancient mummy!" Her screech cause both him and the bats napping outside to flinch.

"Now that you mention it the heaps of uneven lace do make you look like a mummy. I'm surprised I didn't notice it first." He said after tiredly pausing to take in her appearance.

"You're not supposed to take their side!" Perona grew red in the face and floated off in the direction of the woods.

"Finally." The tired moss took advantage of her absence and proceeded to pass out.

---

Her translucent form had grumpily wandered into the thin part of the woods.

Dead leaves scuttled across the dry ground in an almost lively manner. The temperature began to drop and the sun eagerly joined.

Shadows grew longer and longer until they entangled and mixed into an inky mangled mess.

The decrepit owl's hoot echoed from above.

Were those footsteps?

She froze.

The grass rustled.

A long deceased pinecone crunched underfoot nearby.

Thud.

A bunny hopped out of a bush to her left and she relaxed.

Thank god it was just a lil rabbit.

Perona decided that she had enough wandering about and it would be best to go back.

She turned around began to make her way back.

Wait.

Is that... a hand?

The heart she currently lacked increased it's pace drastically all the way back in her bedroom.

Her eyes grew in size upon realizing how familiar the body attached to said hand was.

"Y/N!" She screamed and shot up from her bed].

"I have to go back!" She quickly grabbed her fuzzy bat jacket and rushed out.

---

The glow of the flashlight grazed her "enemy's" body and she dropped to her knees.

"Are they?" She gently poked a finger to their neck and waited. "No. There's a pulse."

A small groan escaped from their throat and they rolled over.

"Y/N!" Her excited scream startled Y/n awake.

"Ugh. Perona?" Their weak half-lidded eyes observed her.

"What happened?"

"I think I slipped and rolled down the hill." They tried to get up, but their sore limbs failed.

"Don't. Just lean on me ok?" She said and wrapped their arm around her neck.

"Ok." Not that they had another choice.

---

The two stumbled across the stone castle floor.

"I think I can walk the rest of the way." Y/n tried to move independently.

"No not that way you'll bleed on my Meow Meow Kitty rug." She pulled them back onto her.

"Fine." Y/n begrudgingly followed.

"This way." Perona lead them toward the bathroom. "Sit down." She pointed to the edge of the bathtub.

As asked of them they sat down and looked about.

It was clearly her bathroom. The creepy décor made that obvious, not that they minded it.

In truth Y/n was never bothered by Perona's style. Not even once. They just liked to tease her.

Call them a sadist, but Perona's "suffering" was incredibly  enjoyable. It was more frustration  than suffering. Did she really want their approval that badly? So much that it was frustrating every time is was within reach and suddenly pulled away.

Her adorable expressions only added fuel to fire that-

"Ow!" They cringed and were snapped out of their thoughts by a sharp sting.

"Hold still. I can't disinfect all these uncute cuts if you keep moving." She whined and grabbed their hand to finish treatment of the small scrapes that covered their arm.

"Alright. Alright." They relented and held still for most of the time Perona spent tending to their wounds.

"Finally. Was that so hard? God, I hate you." She huffed and turned to put away the med kit.

Y/n carefully stood up and stepped forward to slide a hand into her hair.

"You're so cute when you lie." They whispered as their other arm slipped around her and gripped a heart shaped hair brush, effectively pinning her to the sink from behind.

"What are you doing?! And I don't lie!" Perona's cherry face could be seen from the mirror.

That's a new expression. I'd like to see that one more often~

"That in itself is a lie, my dear." They lifted the hairbrush in front of Perona's face. "And since you asked so nicely, I'll tell you I was just getting your hairbrush. You messed up your hair and got some dirt in it while helping me." They spoke calmly, yet their eyes gave away the amusement they felt within.

"Oh, Thank you." She'd relaxed albeit it a bit embarrassed. "...When have I lied?"

Her eyes met theirs in the reflection.

"Well there's when we first met. You said you'd tear my heart out. That scared the fuck out of me. If you wanted it that badly you could've just asked. And then there's the one you just told." Y/n's hand and the brush glided skillfully through the pink locks at a pleasant pace.

"I- I don't know what you're talking about." Her eyes broke from theirs in the mirror.

The brushing halted for a moment.

"We both know damn well that you don't hate me. If that were true then I wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be in this position." They brought a large strand of her pink hair to their lips.

"I- uh- um."

"You can keep lying if you want, but I don't hate you either." Y/n set the brush down and gently wrapped their arms around her.

She slowly turned around in their arms and leaned closer.

"I love you." It was quiet, but sounded so incredibly loud for Y/n.

"Love you too~" They happily rested their forehead against hers and smiled. "Now, may I kiss you, love?"

"Ugh, f-fine."

Wattpad Cover:

[trashytoastboi]

Can I request some angsty hcs with Kid, Bonney, and Perona’s s/o going through a depressive episode and how they would cope/help their s/o, please? Thank you for your time, please stay safe!

Been on an angst kick lately and thank you so much for this request! Hope you enjoy ~

(Gender neutral)

Headcanons for Bonney, Perona and Kid – their S/O going through a depressive episode and how they help them/ cope with it.

Jewelry Bonney

🍕 Food. – That was the first thing Bonney noticed, you weren’t eating much. In fact you were outright skipping meals and that caused a lot of worry for the ever hungry Bonney

🍕 Bonney surprisingly, despite her regular demeanour was actually extremely caring and easily concerned when it came to {Name} so when she noticed certain things about her S/O she grew very worried

🍕 Her first attempt at trying to help cheer you up was sharing her pizza, Bonney had resolved to sharing her food in an attempt to cheer you up, as well as staying with you and offering some absent minded banter just to reassure {Name} that they weren’t alone.

🍕 “Are you hungry {Name}? I can get the crew to make something, pizza? burgers? curry?” “My precious meatball {Name}, if you need anything I’m here alright?” (Yes all her nicknames for you are food orientated, only worry when she calls you her darling pizza roll)

🍕 Bonney will stay with you and encourage you to do small things, she’ll most likely tell the crew not to be too crazy, even with lunch rush. She doesn’t want to unintentionally stress you out with an overwhelming environment.

🍕 Bonney feels a bit stressed, thinking she isn’t helping you much which will lead to her eating more than usual to cope a bit with the stress.

🍕 But, despite everything. Bonney understands that people aren’t always going to be okay and have days when they feel down. She sees this with {Name} and in her own way she will offer unconditional support until you’re back to your usual self.

Perona

👻 Perona loved cute things, in fact she absolutely adored them. And one of her favourite things is {Name’s} smile, it is one of the most beautiful and adorable things about them, but the recent absence of that smile is exactly what has been weighing on Perona’s mind.

👻 Perona could instantly recognise it though, it’s what her Horo Horo no mi powers could do, making people feel worthless, and lose the will to live. She often times found satisfaction and amusement in watching her enemies fall to themselves, but seeing that in you honestly saddens her, she questions if perhaps she did something to bring it on.

👻 However, she puts on her best smile and makes you some snacks, knowing that you haven’t eaten. She sits with you, trying to inspire conversation when she can see the tear stains on {Name’s} face as well as the overall listlessness in every action, she is near tears herself.

👻 {Name} notices this change in Perona and is faced with a strong sense of guilt, blaming themselves for making Perona upset.

👻Snacks, cute things, new clothes, poorly wrapped bandages, snuggles – Perona will do it all for the sake of {Name}. She will take a bit of a hit, feeling a slight sense of loneliness but will put you first and make sure you’re feeling safe and loved.

👻 Mutual reassuring will be necessary, Perona will always put her best foot forward for {Name} and try to show only the best of herself.

👻 With the support, comfort, love and all the effort she so tirelessly puts into everything, {Name} knows everything will be alright even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.

Eustass Kid

🛠Kid is usually very callous in most situations, but after seeing the way you had been acting the last couple of days, even he knew that his usual abrasive behaviour may not be the best thing right now.

🛠 Kid recognises that you need support right now, and that is exactly what he does. (Insert aggressive supporting mode) – He makes sure you’re taken care of, despite your protests he will make sure you’re eating even if it’s only a bit and considering how stubborn he can be, he will win that fight every time.

🛠 He discusses it with Killer trying to get advice on what more he could do to support you since he is struggling, and thinks he is not doing enough for you. He generally tinkers with mechanical bits and bobs as a form of relaxation and insight, but he needs the expertise of the more socially adept this time.

🛠 “You hungry or something?” “If you want to talk I’ll listen, so don’t keep it to yourself {Name}” “What can I do?” “Fuck…I wish it was a person, then I’d kick the shit out of it” {Kids support kicks the shit out of it anyway…so Kid 1, Depression 0)

🛠 In his own way, he tries to be more attentive and comforting, his affection is rough and clumsy but the good intentions for his S/O is there, he will try give you hugs and snuggles if you’re struggling to sleep, whether in silence or with random conversation is up to you.

🛠Will love you no matter what and stick with you through all the good days and the bad.

🛠 Really awkward attempts at reassurance, so much so that {Name} might crack a weak smile at his attempts and truly appreciate them.

[ghosts-and-swords]

(Please assume they are not father and daughter whenever you're visiting this blog).

After the 2 years timeskip:

Before parting ways, Zoro convinced Perona to be honest with herself and with Mihawk. She kept telling herself that her humongous crush was just in her head, but eventually noticed she had gone back to live with the swordsman because she missed him. She didn't care if she never told him about her feelings or if he returned them if she did, she just wanted to go back home.

(And home is where the heart is)

When Perona came back, Mihawk seemed unphased, as if she'd never left even if she had been absent for about two months. She was really mad at him but noticed he'd been doing some arrangements around the castle for her: he'd bought a new bakery set and he'd gotten her new stuff for her studio. It could only mean he expected her to come back with total certainty, or he'd have thrown her stuff away the moment she left.

Without Zoro, the castle felt like a mausoleum some days. There was no noise, no banters, not anyone looking for directions in the middle of the night. After two years of constant noises and fights, the silence eventually began to affect them both. They talked about it over and agreed to begin doing things together to keep each other company.

First of, they established a daily reading/napping time together, in which Perona would crash into his library and sleep on the couch while he read on his desk for at least two hours. It worked wonders, because Mihawk enjoyed the times she kept silent A LOT.

Then, they agreed to domesticate the Humandrills so that they could tend their courtyard and the orchard behind the castle without any risk of an ambush. Perona's DF's powers worked wonders on them.

Once the monkeys had been pacified, they began working on the land, planting new fruit trees and growing plants and vegetables for food.

The goal was to become mostly self sufficient to reduce shopping trips to their nearest market. With Perona's handiness at many crafts, they only needed to make one monthly trip to buy resources for her crafts and a few foods like meat, poultry, and other animal products (no, both refused turning to veganism, though the topic did come into discussion).

At first, Mihawk did the 3-day trip on his own, but Perona insisted on joining him because he never bought the right materials for her crafts. He complained but eventually allowed her to come with him. Her company wasn't so bad, after all.

They got confused for a married couple on vacation more than once, which made Perona flush up to her ears. Mihawk simply dismissed the idea and said she was his protégée. But the more it happened, the more Perona just went with it and the more the swordsman smiled silently.

After a couple of months, Mihawk suggested they began a garden near a ruined fountain he'd found during one of his trainings. Perona loved the idea, finally he wanted something cute around the castle.

Mihawk kept ignoring the government's requests to gather the warlords ever since Zoro left. Quite correctly, he predicted the shichibukai were about to be dismissed. He attended a single meeting and took Perona with him, scared they might harm her if they raided the castle while he was gone.

The swordsman kept training with her at least twice a week, mostly out of concern that Perona would be defenseless against an enemy, now that tensions with the Marine began to rise. Perona's Haki improved greatly, though she couldn't get it into her body in any way. She was able to armatize the throwing knives just as fast as she could summon her hollows and her aim improved too.

He didn't care if she complained, he began to teach her self-defense and hand to hand combat. Mihawk used Haki against her, but allowed her to play as nasty as she could with her knives and her hollows. She won more than once that way, but Mihawk absolutely refused to wield a blade against her at any moment.

Lacking anything better, she really liked the few physical moments of their relationship, and sparring together was one of them. For someone who would not confess her feelings, and someone who was not interested in hearing them, fighting was a marvelous way for her to blow off steam.

However, the fact that both of them were incredibly touch-starved began to rise many tensions between them, getting things heated from time to time. Perona would just blush and feign ignorance whenever something happened, but she couldn't keep lying to herself for too long.

At some point it got ridiculous. Be it when they cooked together and their hands brushed as they passed the ingredients to one another, or when they sparred or tended their garden, or whichever other chore they shared, Perona's skin shivered at the sudden contact. She got fed up of it, so...

She confessed. It was one late night before their shopping trip, but she bursted out into the studio saying she wouldn't go cause she needed some time in her own. Mihawk was about to shrug it off when Perona told him she needed time away from him, because she had started to have very strong feelings that she wished she didn't have. That did startle Mihawk, but he preferred not to say a thing and respected her decision.

Perona wasn't hurt he didn't return her feelings. She expected just as much. But when he returned from the trip, he'd bought the exact materials she had asked for and a bouquet of red and white gardenias and roses.

Red gardenias in particular symbolise secret love and Perona doesn't let this go past her. Since she's learned a lot about gardening and actually enjoys tending the flowers, Perona has become very knowledgeable about their meaning and symbolism. She knows Mihawk is at least familiar with it, so it can't be a coincidence. She decides not to dwell too much on it and let things flow at their own pace.

But now that her feelings have been rekindled, she knows staying away from him won't work...

TBC

1 | 2 | 3

[nyasha-of-germa-66]

Hi and welcome!!! Can i have some relationship headcanons for Sabo, Mihawk and Katakuri please???

Of course you can! Thank you for the welcome and for the request, Anon!~

General Relationship Headcanons - Sabo, Mihawk, and Katakuri

Sabo

Sabo is quite the romantic partner, and this does not only account for how sweet he is to you. He’s almost always thinking of you to the point where those from the Revolutionary Army tease him about being nearly obsessed with you.

There’s never a dull moment between you two as he’s pretty adventurous and likes to have you along on his journeys, unless he fears that it’s too dangerous. Nevertheless, he loves showing you new parts of the world and bringing you new experiences.

Like his brothers, Sabo is pretty reckless most of the time, and knowing this, you’re normally the one who volunteers to look after him. He’s not as reckless as Luffy is, but he is driven by his emotions like both Luffy and Ace are.

What makes him fall in love with you is your kind and welcoming heart. He always notices when you lend a helping hand to others, and he likes how understanding you are. You’re just an overall wonderful person, and he couldn’t help but be drawn to you.

Sabo enjoys engaging in PDA, and he’ll very likely show you off to every one he meets, though he doesn’t do it intentionally. He particularly enjoys hugging you and holding your hand, but he likes to save his kisses for when you two are alone.

Sabo feels a lot of regret for what happened to Ace and often dwells on how Ace might’ve still been alive had he been there to help Luffy. When you find him while he’s in these states of sorrow, he’s grateful that you’re there to console him and let him talk about his regrets. He knows you’ll say it’s not his fault and that Ace’s death was still a possibility even if he was there, but it makes him feel better to get it off his chest, anyways.

When he’s not on a mission for the Revolutionary Army, he’s taking you out on dates to small town festivals on other islands and showing you a good time. If you want, he’ll let you take him out on dates, too, since he loves to see what you have in store for him.

Sabo makes it a point that he finds something to signify the bond you two share, whether it’s with a meal, a flower, or anything of the like, he doesn’t care as long as you two have something to rejoice in, especially after times of long separations.

 Mihawk

Being in a relationship with Mihawk is just as you’d expect. There’s a lot of unspoken words as he’s not one for flattery, but his actions speak for him. Only when things are truly intimate will he say things he normally wouldn’t.

And though he may not be into the mushy stuff, he does like to spoil you. He’ll cook for you every day, buy you heartfelt gifts, and even prepare romantic evenings for the two of you.

He particularly enjoys taking you out on late night walks around Kuraigana Island where you two are free to talk about anything you want while looking overhead to the stars lighting up the sky. Sometimes, he’ll even bring a picnic blanket and some wine just to change things up a little.

Mihawk is known for always having a straight-face and rarely smiling, but when he’s around you, he can’t help cracking a smile here and there either because of something you say or because of something you do. You’re just one of the few people that can keep him amused at all hours of the day.

It’s very unlikely that Mihawk will initiate any PDA, but then again, he’s rarely out and about or in the presence of others. Normally, you’re the one who initiates anything, but he’s always willing to reciprocate your actions. Hand-holding is perhaps his favorite form of affection.

Since hardly anybody comes to his castle to challenge his swordsmanship, he often finds himself bored, so he looks to you to cure him of his boredom. This can mean chatting, playing board games, or keeping him company while he polishes up on some training every once in a while. He’ll even teach you a thing or two about wielding a sword and tease you about being his next rival if you get too good at handling a sword.

After the World Government decides to dismantle the roles of Shichibukai, he urges you to leave the island for your own safety just as he did with Perona. He’s confident he can protect you, but he’s still wary about the Marines having dirty tricks to use your life against him if you happen to stay.

Mihawk is not particularly close to many people, so the fact that he’s found the perfect someone that cares for him just as much as he cares for them is something short of a miracle.

 Katakuri

Katakuri can be pretty intimidating what with his size and strength as well as his powerful family, but he’s very charming and considerate when he’s with you. He’s a little closed off and less talkative at first, but once the relationship moves along, he’s a lot more expressive and open to you.

Being the Minister of Flour, he tends to be very busy with work regarding the island he manages and work regarding his duties to his mother, so he may not always be available for you. Because of that, he likes to organize strict schedules so that he has enough time for you, his work, and his private snack times.

Speaking of snack times, he doesn’t care how serious and emotionally invested he is in the relationship, he refuses to let you eat with him in fear of ruining the perfect image he tries to maintain. He worries about scaring you away, even if it means making you angry for not letting you eat with him.

After his battle with Luffy, though, he’s much more comfortable with letting you eat with him, and he may not show it, but he’s overjoyed by the fact that you don’t scream or laugh at his strange mouth and absurd eating habits.

In terms of his point-of-view on PDA, he has no problem with it. He’s used to his younger siblings hanging all over him, so he doesn’t mind when you attempt to hug his tall frame, he might even bend down to help you out a little if he’s around his older siblings. They’re less likely to judge him, and his younger siblings are prone to getting jealous.

Katakuri also knows that one of his strides is about seven of yours (given that you’re average height), so instead of walking slower, he’ll pick you up and carry you to places. While you enjoy his generosity, he enjoys helping you out.

Big Mom has a lot of enemies, so one of his priorities is keeping you safe, and he has no trouble with that at all. When Big Mom has one of her hunger pangs, however, he has a bit more trouble keeping you and his siblings safe. If push comes to shove, he’ll have Brulee take you and his younger siblings into the Mirror World until Big Mom’s cravings are satiated. But you two mostly reside on Komugi Island, so he doesn’t have to worry too often.

One thing that he particularly loves about you is how well you get along with his family, even if it’s not all of them. His family means everything to him and that includes you, so he’s thankful that you’re not overwhelmed by them since he’d like for you to officially join the family one day.