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zosan-secondchances · 28 days ago

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The Pirate King of the North: Part 19

Warning: Long post ahead and some One Piece spoilers. Contains strong language and explicit content.

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 (Special) | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

Thank you for the wait dear readers! I totally did not re-write this five times and revised the images at least twice. I wanted to get it right. My writing was getting progressively too long and over-detailed so I thought I'd try to compact it a bit more.

Good day and enjoy!

To Zoro’s disappointment, Sanji didn’t want to take part in the Festival of Lights. He had insisted on helping Conis run the food stall for Pumpkin Cafe at the night market, wanting to use it as an opportunity to make more meals with the leftover sky shark meat and other foraged ingredients that they acquired during their journey to Upper Yard so that he could give them away as he didn’t want any to go to waste.

Zoro knew there was more to it than that. His gut feeling told him that the blonde wanted to distance himself from him and Law because he had a lot on his mind and, if the opportunity presents itself, possibly go someplace he shouldn’t be. The swordsman didn’t want to leave his side but Wyper and Conis assured him that they would keep him company so that he and the doctor could go about town and enjoy the Skypiean holiday. In the end, he gives in but only to fetch himself his own paper lantern to offer his prayers to the departed. It’s been a while since he visited Kuina’s grave and he thought that dedicating some time for her is the least he could do. Law joined him to fetch his own, no doubt to offer his prayers to Corazon.

At the strike of midnight, Gan Fall rings the Golden Bell, signaling the start of the main event. Skypieans collectively leave the market to begin their trek to find their preferred spots along the cloud river, either inside or outside town so that they may light and release their lanterns to float down the stream. With their own folded in their pockets, Zoro and Law waited by the city’s main gates where Wyper and Conis eventually met up with them.

Conis

Sorry to keep you waiting! We had a lot of customers. That stir fry Northy made was an absolute hit! Everyone’s calling it the new delicacy. He handed them out for free then gave away the recipe to everyone too! I told him he should write a book–

Zoro

Conis, where is he?

Conis freezes and stares at him in confusion while Wyper increasingly looks positively horrified.

Wyper

Shit.

Conis

Is he not with you?

Zoro grimaces painfully and Law slaps a hand on his forehead, nearly knocking the cap off his head.

Conis

But he said that he’s going straight to you two after we’re done at the stall!

Wyper

He clearly lied, Conis.

Zoro

You two promised to keep an eye on him! We were only gone for half an hour!

Conis

I’m so, so sorry!!! There was a lot of fuss from the residents after you left. When the citizens realised how nice he is, they all started asking him for autographs and then next thing we knew, there was a whole line in queue waiting and–and–!

Law raises a hand up to the now rambling woman who is clearly in panic and looks very guilty about the whole thing.

Law

Calm down. Take a deep breath….

Conis stops herself and follows his advice, breathing in and exhaling slowly to compose himself.

Wyper sighs and runs his hand over his face in exasperation.

Wyper

This is my fuckin’ fault. He’s very…persuasive. The guy knows how to charm like nothing else.

Zoro

Nice guarding skills there, Wyper of the God’s Guards.

Wyper

What the hell did you just say?!

Law

Stop it, you two. That's not going to help with the situation.

Did he say anything before he left? Do you have any idea where he might have gone?

Conis

He said he was feeling overwhelmed with all the residents asking him all sorts of questions and needed to go somewhere quiet for a smoke break. Wyper went with him but…

All eyes bore on the warrior who flinches as his face turns scarlet red. Zoro’s eye twitches impatiently at the man’s hesitancy to speak. He takes a step in front of him to urge him on.

Zoro

Well?

Wyper

We just…talked for a bit but then…one thing led to another and he… erm….

Zoro takes a sharp breath in but remains quiet to give him a chance to explain himself while Law simply rolls his eyes at getting an idea of where the warrior’s story is heading.

Wyper shifts uncomfortably and rubs the back of his neck. He briefly meets Zoro’s intimidating eye but averts his gaze quickly.

Wyper

We…went into the jungle… made out and… and he said that he wanted to make things more exciting so he said that he’ll just go and get…well, you….

Zoro shuts his eye tight and clenches his fists, fighting the urge to grab Wyper by the neck to throw him off a cliff for falling for something as foolish as that. Though he can't say that he fully blames him, having been seduced into doing something to the Pirate King's advantage in the past before.

Conis

Oh… Wyper….

Law

That does sound like something he would do…but why the hell didn’t you go with him?

Wyper

…He may have somehow coerced me to get tied up on a tree…. I had to free myself when I realised he wasn’t coming back.

Conis

Wyper!

Wyper

He’s fuckin’ hot, okay?! Give me a break!

Suddenly, Zoro grabs Wyper by the buckles of his armour and yanks him forcibly nose to nose.

Zoro

No, you had one job and you failed miserably!

Wyper grunts as he gets hoisted off the ground by the enraged swordsman. The crowd around them stops abruptly at the disturbance but the warrior chooses to not fight back. Zoro raises a fist to deliver a blow but halts, his fists shaking from anger.

Wyper

Y–you’re right. I’m… sorry, Zoro. I am. It’s never my intention to get between you two. He said you'd be up for it. I didn’t–

Zoro

That’s not why I’m angry at you! I already know that he fools around. I’m angry because he’s been through so much shit and now he’ll–

Realising that there is now a crowd surrounding them, including some of Wyper’s men, Zoro forces himself to release the warrior and calm himself. He growls and begins stomping off through the gates.

Wyper

Wait, let me help you look for him!

Zoro

No, you’ve done enough. Traffy, let’s go.

Law huffs in annoyance but follows suit, leaving behind an extremely flustered Wyper and a worried Conis at the other side.

—

Zoro trudges through the dark jungle in a rush, hurdling over thick bushes downhill off trail with Law tailing behind him calmly.

Law

Zoro-ya, do you even know where you’re going?

Zoro

No, but I'm never lost with him around. He's definitely this way.

Law

How the hell do you know? Give me a moment to scan. It’ll be much quicker.

Zoro

No. If he’s with who I think he might be, we’d get caught.

Zoro stops in his tracks and holds a hand up, tilting his face left and right slowly. Law follows his instruction and keeps quiet, feeling frustrated that he doesn’t know why the swordsman is suddenly so confident in finding his way around. He tries using his observation haki just as he practiced earlier, but he detects no immediate presence in the area. There’s very little vision over this wilder side of Upper Yard and the only noises he hears are the sound of crickets chirping loudly and the trees’ rustling leaves in the wind.

After a short pause, he feels a subtle sensation in the air but it goes as quickly as it came. It felt like a soft flutter of a heartbeat that waves past them.

Law

Is that–?

Zoro

That’s him.

Zoro continues his way in the general direction where the source of the sensation came from with the doctor tailing behind him, slicing dense foliage out of the way as he walks.

Law

I can’t feel it anymore. I thought you can only pick up the presence if someone is nearby?

Zoro

It’s… hard to explain.

The two take a brief pause in conversation as they slide down particularly slippery rocks, taking the direction where the crow flies to find Sanji as quickly as possible.

Zoro

Before all this…back when we used to fight, he purposely got me lost so I have no choice but to find him. He enjoyed being chased.

Law

Oh?

Zoro

He does this…thing with his haki…. He flexes it but doesn’t hold it. He purposely keeps it weak to avoid unwanted detection and giving his position away too quickly. To the ordinary man and even most haki users, they can’t feel it unless you really focus on it. You felt it just now, right?

Law

It felt like a heartbeat. I would have thought it’s just a butterfly going by. You’re certain it’s him?

Zoro

Yes.

Law

I hope you’re right. Your sense of direction isn’t exactly the best.

Zoro

Shut up. He’s done this to get me to find him many times. If he’s using it right now, he wants to be found.

The sensation eventually leads them to a small river of clouds up on a hill. Zoro takes a moment to study their surroundings when he detects a familiar presence. Positive that it’s the person they have been looking for, he picks up the pace.

When he slices the last layer of thick foliage in front of them, he feels a wave of relief wash over him at seeing the blonde kneeling in front of a cloud stream by a clearing overlooking the White Sea. In front of him is a lit paper lantern.

The swordsman emerges from the treeline and stomps over, stopping a short distance behind Sanji. He opens his mouth to give him a word or two about running off on his own but notices that the blonde has his eyes closed and is in the middle of his prayers. Instead of interrupting, he shuts his jaw and crosses his arms, sighing in defeat.

Sanji

Join me?

Zoro’s eyes soften. He nods silently. When he looks behind him, he notices Law staring at the dark jungle where they had just been. There is a hint of concern on his face.

Zoro

Tra-guy, We’re setting off the lanterns here. Are you joining?

Law furrows his brows as he takes a reluctant step towards the dark.

Zoro

Everything okay?

Law

Y–yeah. I thought I saw…. Never mind.

The doctor turns his heel and joins the two by the river. Zoro and Law settle on both sides of the blonde, retrieve and unfold the paper lanterns from their pockets and light its inner wicks. They close their eyes and begin quiet prayers of their own.

After a moment, they lay their lanterns together to flow down the gentle stream which joins up with the larger body of clouds downhill. As they stand up and watch the three orbs travel, hundreds of lit lanterns begin to follow, flowing past them and lighting up their surroundings brightly. The stream eventually meets the White Sea, where the lanterns scatter from different points of the island.

Soon, the entirety of Skypiea is lit. The lanterns look like twinkling stars moving slowly below them–surreal and hypnotising. As the trio watches, fully tantalised by the view, they feel a gentle change in weather which lifts the lanterns up to the higher skies.

It was a sight to behold. It was as if the island itself was alive, and it felt like they were watched over by the souls they had prayed to. They stand in amazement, unable to tear their gazes away from the spectacular view.

Sanji

Thank you.

The two look at him curiously as he speaks softly. He sniffs once and wipes a small tear from the corner of his eye.

Sanji

I didn’t realise that I needed this. This was a good idea.

Zoro notices his golden hair shine brighter than ever before, lit by the lanterns past his head. When the wind blows the fringe off his face, he sees it. Two wide orbs–big, blue, and full of hope and determination. It looks as though he had suddenly changed like something sparked a fire inside of him. Unable to resist the urge, the swordsman reaches out and entwines their pinkie fingers, only to be surprised when the blonde clasps their hands together.

Seeing that the couple is having an intimate moment, Law turns his heel to leave them be. He considers calling the Heart Pirates to ensure their safety, and to suggest that they look up to the skies to witness the spectacle that is the Festival of Lights.

—

The following morning was brighter than the last. Sanji was up early to use the last of their stocked items to make his signature fried rice–a dish he liked serving on lazy mornings to his siblings whenever Cosette is out on leave. It was a good opportunity to revamp some of the older ingredients they had, and adding what's left of the meat should offer a generous amount of protein for the strenuous day ahead.

While plating the meal, he thinks of Niji and feels his heart sink. A wave of anxiousness washes over him. He considers leaving the swordsman and the doctor to continue on their own to look for him.

He was glad to have the opportunity to spend the night with the swordsman. He has made a decision that this would be the last. Though he might find himself unable to seek out future partners. His heart would be too heavy to do so.

Zoro and Law eventually emerge from their sleeping quarters and sit at the table. They eat in bliss, enjoying Sanji's delicious meal and drinks that never disappoint. Zoro caught up the blonde with the town's festivities that he missed out on, including details of his talks with the other Skypieans who he hadn't seen since the Straw Hats liberated the country from Enel’s rule.

After the swordsman’s story, Law clears his throat.

Law

I received news from the Heart Pirates last night. Nothing too urgent, but I have messages for you both.

The two continue their meals, listening intently.

Law

First, I gave them an update about your encounter with Doflamingo. Least to say, they're very worried about you and they wanted me to pass on the message that they hope that you're well and that your ex is an absolute ass–Penguin’s words.

Sanji

Aww, that's so sweet!

Law

Secondly, Prince Fukaboshi kidnapped Shachi for questioning.

Zoro and Sanji

What?!?

Law

He's back in the sub and is in good health. Though…a little shaken by your ex-fiance.

Zoro

His what now?

Sanji

Shush! Please continue.

Law

They talked it out over drinks after the whole interrogation. It sounds like they’re on good terms now after a brief misunderstanding. It was, according to Bepo, “a lot of fun”. Prince Fukaboshi had some intriguing stories about you and your siblings, Mr. Prince-ya.

Sanji

O–oh…

Law

Anyway, they've been trying to find you since Saobody. They've been tracking the Polar Tang and the army has finally caught up.

Sanji

And…what did they want with me?

Law

Apparently you have a very protective ally. He wanted himself and his elite army of fish folk to join us in our travels since he heard of your run-in with the Celestial Dragon. They've been keeping the Pacifistas at bay, and even deterred all of Doflamingo's forces from getting too close.

Sanji begins choking at a particularly large piece of meat stuck behind his throat. He punches his chest a couple of times before downing the rest of the contents with his glass of pumpkin juice.

Sanji

Of course they did. That bloody idiot.

You didn't tell him that we ate sky shark, did you? He's kind of a half shark. I never know how merfolk react to that sort of thing.

Law

Uhm…no.

But, Mr. Prince-ya, it really sounds like there's already a war going on. Germa and The Neptune Army against Dressrosa. The Marines have backed off. I think they're hoping that the three kingdoms will wreck each other by themselves.

Sanji

Not quite. They'll do the usual and swoop in at the last second to steal the victory so they come out as heroes in the papers. Then they'll ask for an “alliance”, demanding resources in return for their “aid”. Fuckin’ leaches.

Before we head off, doctor, I'll need to borrow your snail so I can talk to Fukaboshi. I must get my High General involved while we're up here.

Zoro

Another sibling?

Sanji

Ichiji. You’ve met him but Traffy hasn't. Remember the first time I proposed? He was the commander who escorted me. The man can win a war in his sleep. Never play drunken chess with the fucker.

Law

Right.

And…for the last bit of news is for you, Zoro-ya.

Zoro

Hah?

Zoro's food drops sloppily onto his plate from his spoon, his half-full mouth left agape as he stares at Law in surprise.

Law

I uh…got a message from Luffy.

Zoro

Luffy?! Tell me everything!

Law

No, I can't tell you everything!!! Most of it is…for me.

Zoro and Sanji

Gross.

Law

Ack–! You're one to talk!!! Again, couldn't you have kept it down last night?

Sanji

Absoluuuutely not.

Zoro

He's a screamer. He was feeling good.

Sanji

So was your ass, I bet.

Zoro

Surprisingly, yes.

Law

Oh for the love of–I don't want to hear it!

Sanji waves his hand in dismissal then wipes his mouth clean with a cloth.

Law

Anyway, he's officially calling to get the Straw Hat crew back together.

Zoro's jaw drops once more but in excitement, speechless from the news. He grins widely at that and begins laughing. Sanji smiles slightly at this, feeling positive that he made the right call. It seems as though fate has decided that today is their last day together, and that their paths will all divert apart as he predicted.

Zoro

FUCK YES! Did he say when?

Law

A year from now. He wants to meet up at Fish-Man Island with you lot since there’s a lot of political turmoil currently happening in Sabaody Archipelago. Apparently he's found a reliable chef and a skilled helmsman for the crew. Though…to be honest, he didn't sound too happy with the cook but your navigator gave him an ultimatum. Either you travel with one or she wouldn't rejoin. Something about maintaining food and resources.

Zoro's smile drops and he stares at his food for a moment, thinking. After a brief pause, he looks up, grinning.

Zoro

Whoever it is, since our captain has doubts, I'll get the current cook fired so Curls can replace him.

Law

Huh. Not a bad plan, coming from you, green goblin.

Zoro

Hah?!

Sanji

You'll do no such thing. My kingdom is at war, remember?

Zoro

Yeah but it won't be a year from now. I'll make sure–

Sanji

MARIMO!

Sanji angrily slams his fist on the wooden table. The two look at him with concern.

Sanji

I cannot, and will not join your crew. We've talked about this! I hate to break it to you, but wars can last a lifetime. I mean, look at us! Two decades of that nonsense!

Zoro

Sure, it's nonsense, but if you let us help you, I'm confident Luffy can help take down Doflamingo. I mean, you've seen what Nami is capable of and she's not even one of our usual fighters!

Sanji

With all due respect, Demon Warlord, but the Straw Hats are only getting together in a year but the war is happening right now and I'm already late for it. This conversation ends here.

—

Near the entrance of Upper Yard's city, the now chainless Sanji clasps Gan Fall's hand in his, placing an eternal compass and a strip of paper with a combination of numbers for his transponder snail.

Sanji

Thanks, old man. For everything. If your people need us for anything, Germa will answer your call. Or you know, if you just want to hang out and get high.

From afar, Conis bellows out angrily, making the two men flinch.

Conis

I heard that!!

Gan Fall

Bahahaha! And you with Skypiea. You will sorely be missed, my boy. How are your wounds?

Sanji

I'm still a little sore, but nothing I can't handle.

Gan Fall

Goodness, you heal fast! It must be that doctor working his magic! He's a good one.

And…before I forget. When you see the old girl, three buds should do the trick. You don't want to take too much or you'll be out of action for at least a whole day. Trust me, I've been there. I haven't heard the end of it from Conis yet.

Sanji chuckles as he claps Gan Falls shoulder and gives it a reassuring shake. They turn their heels then walk together, returning to the city's main gates where a crowd of residents have clustered around Zoro and Law to take turns saying their goodbyes. When they get close, the doctor turns to them and bows his head down in greeting.

Law

Gan Fall. Mr. Prince-ya, did you get directions?

Sanji

Partly. No one knows where Nola's old burrow is but I have a reliable lead.

Gan Fall

It sounds as though your Pirate King here knows how to find your Marine friend. You three are always welcome to return whenever you desire! I hope Wyper hasn't left a sour taste in your mouth….

Wyper

Hey!

Sanji

Hah! Not at all, my friend. In another world, perhaps it would have worked out. He's a good man, Gan Fall. But in this reality, my heart only belongs to one.

Gan Fall

Oh, to be young again! Next time you visit, I'll make sure to relay my share of romances. Believe it or not, I'm also guilty of the tie-up-and-run tactic that you pulled last night. Once on the receiving end! Hah!

Sanji

I look forward to it! It's so mean but it works so well, doesn't it?

Gan Fall

Indeed! The reaction is the best. Did you get a look at his face?

Sanji

No. By the time he realised it, I was already hundreds of leagues away.

Gan Fall

Atta boy!

Wyper’s face flushes deep red as the two kings laugh out loud at the expense of his dignity.

Sanji

Oh, don't be such a baby. We're extremely grateful for all of your help. Here.

Sanji leans over and places a soft kiss on Wyper's cheek. The warrior blinks at him speechlessly, feeling his heart rate increase.

Sanji

Are we good?

Wyper

Y–yeah. Be safe and thanks for the Germa flag. We shall raise it with pride. God's Guards stand with you.

Not far from where they stood, Zoro was bidding farewell to Conis and his other friends.

Conis

Safe travels, Zoro! I really wish that you could stay longer….

Kamakiri

We'll save some more sake for you next time.

Zoro

I'd like that. Stay out of trouble, you lot.

Aisa

Can you believe Raki still doesn't let me drink?

Raki

And you never will! Here, swordsman. I've brought your ride.

The dark haired woman steps aside as the crowd behind her follows suit, parting themselves to allow a giant yellow dog to trot towards him. As soon as he sees Zoro, his tail wags in excitement then takes a run, knocking down the swordsman to the ground to give him big slobbery kisses across his body.

Zoro

Argh!! Gross!!! Get him off me!

The residents laugh at the sight and start pointing their fingers at Zoro, knowing full well what the big blonde creature is like. Sanji overhears the commotion and joins in on the mockery. He pulls out the photo camera from his pack and snaps photos of the swordsman and the large creature in action.

Raki

Holy!!! No! Bad dog! You can say hi but no licking!

Holy…down!

At that Holy immediately sits down, pinning the swordsman’s lower body under his large furry bum.

Zoro

Raki!!!

Raki

AAH! I made it worse!!!

—

After bidding everyone their goodbyes (and with Zoro having fresh new clothes), the trio proceed on foot westward with Holy following them behind. Wyper's scouts had reported that Nola was last seen napping on one of her usual spots that way. They would have ridden the dog sooner but Law wanted to take his time to soak in everything that Skypiea had to offer on the home stretch.

Sanji

So, doctor? Excited to see Corazon?

Law

More than anything.

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