Chapter Text
Blood mixed with the saltwater of the sea, staining it red. Stunned, he watched as the wound kept bleeding and bleeding—and all because of him. The thought repeated itself again and again in his mind.
If he hadn’t been so weak, Shanks wouldn’t have lost his arm to that sea monster. He had sacrificed it to save Luffy from certain death.
“Shanks…” Luffy couldn’t hold back the sob rising in his throat any longer. “Your arm!”
But Shanks only smiled, keeping the boy afloat with all the strength he had left, and then his image began to blur, swallowed by darkness…
Luffy woke with the gentle rocking of the ship beneath him. His heart hammered against his chest, a faint gasp slipping from his lips. It was the third time that week he had dreamed of Shanks. Did it mean something? Luffy turned toward the small cabin window. It was still night outside. Sitting up slowly, he let his eyes drift to the straw hat beside him—his greatest treasure. The gift Shanks had placed on his head before setting sail… before Luffy had decided to become a pirate himself. That had been the last time he ever saw him. Would they meet again someday?
That question had followed him since that fateful moment.
He stood up without much enthusiasm. His whole body still ached from the battle with Crocodile—that man who could crumble into sand. His limbs felt heavy, but he knew something inside him had changed. For days now, he couldn’t stop thinking about his old friend because of those dreams.
Friend? Did he still call him that?
He knew he was lying to himself. In the past, he had felt something more than friendship for the red-haired man—but he had thrown those feelings away long ago. They weren’t returned, and with time, he learned to accept that and forget.
It had been a strange feeling… and now he sensed something similar growing for someone else. But that new feeling was something he couldn’t allow himself—not again. Just like with Shanks, he would erase it. That was why his heart was now a sea of doubts. He couldn’t make the same mistake twice.
He was a pirate. His life belonged to his crew, to the sea, to the One Piece. That was his goal—to become like Gold Roger, the greatest pirate of all. He had never before cared about the emotions now tormenting him. Maybe he was changing, or thinking differently. Was he maturing? He pushed the intrusive thoughts away.
Stretching, he climbed to the deck. It was still night, and everyone else was sleeping. He tried to be as quiet as possible; the last few days had been brutal, and the crew was exhausted after the battle in Alabasta. The cool sea breeze cleared his mind a little, and he smiled at the silver moon hanging over the Grand Line. Their adventure continued. He sat on the ship’s figurehead, as he always did, staring at the horizon.
“Be careful you don’t fall.”
Luffy turned in surprise—he hadn’t heard anyone approach. Definitely not his day. What puzzled him even more was why he was awake at this hour. Zoro loved sleeping. He could fall asleep anywhere, under any circumstances. The thought made Luffy smile without taking his eyes off his first crewmate.
“What’s wrong? Sleepwalking?” Zoro asked, raising a brow and crossing his arms.
“If I fall into the sea, I know you’ll come help me,” Luffy said with a sincere smile.
The words caught Zoro off guard. But that smile… it seemed sad, almost melancholic. In all the time they’d travelled together, Zoro had never seen him look so nostalgic. Impossible as it sounded—his captain looked sad. A shadow of worry spread through the swordsman’s chest. He stepped closer, firm and steady.
“If something’s bothering you, you can tell me. You know you can trust me, Luffy.”
Luffy looked up with those wide hazel eyes, wanting to say he was fine—that nothing was wrong.
But no sound came out. For the first time in his life, he felt sad. And the thought terrified him. He had never felt this alone or empty. But Luffy had long known that things didn’t always go the way one wished. And now… he had the sinking feeling something was coming. Something truly terrible.
He looked away from Zoro, unsure how to respond. There were so many things he wished he could express, yet his lips remained sealed. Once again, he locked his feelings in a mental box buried deep inside his soul. He wouldn’t suffer another disappointment. His body trembled slightly. He realized he was starting to get nervous, too nervous. He turned, intending to climb the mast and escape the situation as quickly as possible. He stepped down from the figurehead and stumbled.
Luffy tripped awkwardly, but strong arms caught him before he could fall face-first onto the deck. His trembling only worsened. Heat spread across his cheeks at the proximity of Zoro’s body—and worst of all, he couldn’t pull away. Zoro was still holding him tightly.
“Zo… Zoro?” he stammered, a knot tightening in his throat. Had he really blushed? What would Zoro think if he saw him like this? He tried to calm himself down.
“I feel like I failed you, Luffy,” Zoro began quietly, still holding him. “During the fight with Crocodile—while you were fighting for your life for those people—I was wandering the city looking for that damn bomb. And in the end, it was Pell who saved everyone with his sacrifice. I could’ve helped you instead of wasting time. I knew I should’ve trusted you, but there was a moment when I thought you wouldn’t make it out alive. That sand-man was impossible to beat, whether with your fists or with my swords. And when the temple collapsed… I thought I’d never see you again. I know it’s weird for me to say all this, but… that’s how I felt.”
“Zoro, no matter how strong the enemy is, none of them can beat me,” Luffy replied, confidence swelling in his voice. “I’ll be the Pirate King. Our dreams are stronger than any power.”
Zoro suddenly realized he was still holding him—and let go abruptly. Luffy noticed and let out his usual little laugh.
“I knew you’d say something like that,” Zoro grumbled, turning away and stepping back from the rubber boy’s slender frame. “Just… remember this: whatever decision you make, I’ll follow you anywhere, Captain.”
Decision? What decision?
Luffy didn’t understand what he meant, but he smiled anyway, grateful for the words. To him, his crewmates were everything. He trusted them completely and would risk his life for them without hesitation. He would always be there to protect them. Always.
At last, the sun began to rise over the horizon, and the crew of the Going Merry started their morning routines.
Sanji prepared a delicious breakfast, Usopp and Luffy began fishing in hopes of getting lucky, Robin sat in the hammock reading her favorite book, Chopper organized his tools and medicines, Zoro resumed his morning exercises, and Nami carefully studied a map she had borrowed from the last village they’d visited.
“Alright, boys, listen to me carefully, okay?” Nami demanded, rolling up the map—but it seemed no one was paying the slightest attention. “I SAID LISTEN TO ME, YOU LAZY GOOD-FOR-NOTHINGS! …Good. That’s better.”
“Nami, can’t you see we’re busy?” Usopp complained, still holding his fishing rod.
“Yes… I can clearly see how busy you all are,” Nami muttered with biting sarcasm.
“Listen to Nami, you bastards! Go on, my beautiful redhead!” Sanji swooned, heart-shaped eyes practically glowing.
“Alright. If I’m not mistaken, near that small island in the distance, there should be a village. We need to buy food, supplies, and Chopper needs ingredients for his medicines. So we’re stopping there, because from here on, all we’re going to see is ocean, water, and more ocean. Understood?”
“Yaaay! An island, an island, an island! I want meeeat! Sanjiii! What about breakfast? What’s happening with breakfast? I’m so hunnngry!”
“Will you shut up already? You’re so annoying.”
“LUFFY, STOP YELLING!” Nami snapped, nerves already fraying.
“And you!” Usopp retorted, still fishing peacefully. “Always giving orders. Who died and made you captain?”
“I want to eat!”
“If I didn’t give orders, this ship would’ve sunk ages ago, idiot! And what do you expect with that airheaded captain we’ve got?”
“There’s no need to insult me, miss know-it-all!” Usopp barked back.
“And the island? And breakfast? I want breakfast, Sanji! I wanna eaaat! I’m starving!”
“For fuck’s sake, Luffy, shut up already! I can’t cook in peace!”
“‘Know-it-all?!’ Look who’s talking! The biggest coward among all the cowards in this world!”
“WILL YOU ALL JUST SHUT UP?! I CAN’T CONCENTRATE LIKE THIS!” Zoro roared, shaking a dumbbell threateningly. The entire ship fell silent.
“I believe we have company,” Robin said calmly, not even looking up from her precious book.
“Eh?” Every crew member stared at her, expression blank.
Suddenly, a shrill laugh echoed across the Going Merry’s deck.
“What a pathetic bunch of weaklings…” a voice sneered, seeming to come from everywhere. “But you won’t get far! Now hand over all your beri—or I’ll finish you off before you even notice!”
“Well, great,” Nami said, crossing her arms, completely unimpressed. “Keep dreaming if you think I’m giving you my money.”
“I don’t think you understood me. Ahem… HAND OVER YOUR TREASURES OR YOU WON’T LIVE TO TELL THE TALE!”
“Is this a joke?” Usopp deadpanned.
“Where is that voice coming from?” Chopper asked, trembling.
“Hmm? Hey, look.”
“What is it, Luffy?” Sanji asked, genuinely intrigued.
“There’s a kid hiding under the figurehead.”
A gentle breeze passed over the deck. The situation was so absurd that no one spoke. They simply watched as a boy of around twelve struggled to climb onto the figurehead. After a few clumsy attempts, he finally pulled himself up—then drew a rifle from his pocket and pointed it at them.
“Now hand over your money!”
“Ha! I don’t think so, kid.” Sanji lit a cigarette with a bored expression. “Come on, stop playing around and put the gun down.”
“I’m not playing!” the boy growled.
Zoro, however, was reaching his limit. They hadn’t let him finish his workout, he hadn’t slept well in days, and his mind had been occupied with certain… matters lately. He stepped forward, a vein pulsing dangerously on his forehead.
“Stop messing around, brat! Get out of here—you’ve caused enough trouble already!”
“What’s your problem?! You trying to die?! I’ve got a gun and I’m pointing it right at you!” the wild-haired kid shouted. “Oh! And give me your swords too!”
“What did you just say?” Zoro stared at him in disbelief. Who the hell was this rude little brat? “With that old thing? I doubt you could kill me even by accident. Idiot.”
“Don’t call me an idiot!”
“That’s what you are!”
“I SAID DON’T CALL ME AN IDIOT!”
“And give me that gun! It’s not a toy!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Zoro—” Nami started, already expecting disaster. And she was right.
The gun slipped out of the boy’s hands.
“Damn it! Everyone get down!”
It was automatic—and the safety wasn’t on. Bullets erupted wildly, ricocheting across the deck. Everyone dove to the floor, desperate to avoid getting shot—everyone except Luffy, of course, who was bulletproof.
“Hehehe… alright, guys! You can get up now!” Luffy announced with his usual grin.
But then—
CRUIIIIIICK
“What was that?” Chopper squeaked.
“That’s easy,” Robin answered calmly, still sitting in her hammock with her book. “The bullets created a small crack in the ship. I don’t know how severe the damage is, but it’s very possible we’re sinking.”
Everyone stared at the ship.
Sure enough—water was already pouring in.
“Why? Why am I so unlucky?!” Nami wailed, lying dramatically on the floor. “This isn’t happening, this isn’t happening…”
“Quick, guys! Bail the water out!” Usopp shouted, scooping water up with his bare hands. “Waaaah! Merry is broken again! We’re sinking!”
“This is impossible!” Chopper whimpered. “We’re gonna drown!”
“Calm down already! It’s just a small crack. We can fix it.” Sanji dropped his cigarette into the rising water. “Well, what a nice day to die, huh?”
“DON’T EVEN JOKE ABOUT THAT!” Usopp and Chopper screamed together, eyes bulging.
“Hmm…” Zoro muttered. “We should do something. Those three are giving me a headache.” He meant Usopp, Chopper, and Nami.
“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!” Nami’s murderous glare cut him in half. “This is YOUR fault, Zoro! If it isn’t you messing up, it’s Luffy! You two always drag us into trouble, you thick-headed idiots!”
“It’s not my fault, you thieving witch! It’s this brat’s! Hey—?” Zoro looked around frantically. “What the…?”
“What now?” Nami groaned.
“That kid… he’s gone! Damn it—” Zoro’s face contorted into something terrifying. “He’s gonna pay for this!”
“Hope you sink with the ship!” A distant childish voice mocked them from afar.
“That voice…”
“Zoro, look!” Luffy yelled, pointing toward the left. “That kid’s on the shore!”
“That arrogant little brat…”
“Forget him, Zoro—we need to do something or we’ll go under.”
“Nami, don’t worry. Leave it to me.” Luffy stretched his arms toward the island.
“What—what are you doing, Luffy?” Nami cried, fearing the worst.
“Luffy! Be careful with the water! You can’t fall in!” Zoro tried to stop him, but Luffy had already launched his arms, gripping onto the rocks on shore. He shot Zoro a look that clearly said, Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. Zoro did not feel reassured.
“HEEEEERE I GOOOOO!”
Luffy catapulted himself over the water and landed safely on the island. Then he repeated the process in reverse—stretching his arms back to the ship, grabbing it, and pulling with all his strength. The Going Merry scraped onto the shore, water pouring from its damaged hull. Everyone jumped off the ship as soon as it was stable enough.
“Well…” Nami sighed heavily. “We’ll have to leave the ship here. We need to repair it… again.”
“Hope you’re happy, brat,” Zoro grumbled, bonking the kid on the head. “Now we’re stuck here longer than planned!”
“Hehehe… leave him alone, Zoro.” Luffy crouched in front of the boy. “So, tell me—how far is the village of Syarah? I haven’t had breakfast and I’m huuuungry.”
“It’s not far,” the boy muttered tearfully, still rubbing the bump on his head. “It’s small, but there are restaurants and shops. You can fix your ship there.” He looked noticeably sorry.
“Thanks, kid! Take us there, okay?”
“My name is Yastar! I’m not a kid, or a brat, or anything like that—got it?” He shot a meaningful glare at Zoro. “Anyway… I’ll take you to my house. Follow me.”
They walked for about fifteen minutes along a narrow dirt path until a small town paved in white came into view. It was truly beautiful—vines climbed over the façades of the white houses, covering almost every wall. The place gave off a peaceful, quiet air. They stopped in front of a rounded little house with a sign over the door that read: Carpentry.
“Mum! I’m back, I’m home!”
“Sweetheart, you’re finally here. Where have you been? You left so—” A woman appeared from a small side room, probably the kitchen. She cut herself off when she noticed the group of young strangers standing behind her son. Her face was youthful, her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, and like the boy, she wore simple clothes. “—early,” she finished.
“Yeah, I wanted to go down to the shore to see if I could find any oysters,” he lied, scratching his nose innocently.
“Oysters, huh?” She narrowed her eyes. “And what did you do this time?” She grabbed his cheeks and tugged at them, knowing full well how much he hated that—and how easily it made him confess. “Don’t lie to your mother. Hahaha, you know you can’t fool me!”
“M-Mom! Stop it! We’ve got guests, don’t embarrass me!”
Laughing, the woman turned to the others. At first glance, they looked like good people—if a little odd.
“I hope he hasn’t caused you any trouble. My son has a knack for getting into it.”
“Don’t worry!” Luffy grinned from ear to ear. “That kid’s hilarious. All he did was, uh… sink our ship. Hehehe.”
“He did what?” She looked at her son with her arms crossed, clearly displeased. “Well, you know what that means. You’ll have to help them repair their ship, dear.”
“But it wasn’t my fault! That’s not fair!” the boy protested.
“How is it not your fault? Seriously, kid…” Zoro muttered.
“Shut up, moss-head!”
“What did you just call me?”
“I like this kid more and more,” Sanji whispered, though Zoro heard him perfectly and shot him a murderous glare.
“Don’t insult our guests, Yastar! It’s rude.”
“Our what?”
And that was how the seven of them ended up staying there for a few days—though they didn’t really have a choice. They needed to repair the ship and make the most of the incident by buying everything they needed for the journey ahead.
Luffy decided it wasn’t such a terrible day after all.
They took the afternoon as a small break and left the repairs for the next day. Apparently, Yastar and his mother, Eelin, were carpenters, and had volunteered to help them with whatever they needed. They even offered them food and lodging to make up for the trouble Yastar had caused. Nami was delighted she didn’t have to spend a single berri on such basic things.
After dinner, with his stomach finally full, Luffy felt his mood lifting—until he looked around and noticed everyone else seemed relaxed, chatting about trivial things. The atmosphere was so homely it felt almost strange to him. Yastar and Eelin were wonderful people; they had kindly solved a problem that could’ve been a disaster for the crew, and thanks to them they’d be able to continue their journey soon.
For a moment, Luffy caught himself wondering what it would be like to have a home like that. A family like that. He lowered his head, stood up from his chair, and walked toward the door of the cozy little house.
“Luffy, are you going out?” Zoro asked, surprised by how quickly his captain’s mood had shifted again. Once more, he looked… sad. Zoro had never seen him like this before.
“Yeah. I’m… gonna take a walk. I want to see the town.”
“Now that’s weird… Luffy, you’re not planning on sneaking off to some restaurant around here, are you?” the swordsman asked, frowning.
“No way! Hehehe.” Luffy tried to smother his grin. Sometimes Zoro’s ideas were ridiculous… though, knowing himself, it wasn’t all that far-fetched. But right now, food wasn’t what was on his mind. “See you later!”
He closed the door behind him with a soft thud.
Zoro couldn’t stop worrying about his captain. Why did it matter so much what Luffy did? He knew better than anyone how easily Luffy could get into trouble—in the blink of an eye. That was just the kind of idiot he was. But… he liked him that way.
The day they met, he’d decided to follow him and join his crew in exchange for his life. What would’ve happened if Luffy hadn’t shown up that day? He would probably be dead. Executed by the Marines as a criminal. Luffy had saved him, and that had forged a bond he could never cut. One day, he promised himself, he would do the same for him.
Why? Why had he run from such a peaceful place?
A sudden need to get away had consumed him. He felt so out of place that the only thing he could think about was escaping—escaping that house, those people, everything. Lately he’d been thinking too much, and not being able to sort any of it out was starting to give him a headache. It wasn’t like him at all.
He walked in silence through the white streets glowing faintly under the moonlight, his head bowed. A soft sound pulled him from his thoughts. He lifted his gaze, a prickle of instinct telling him someone was watching him. Pretending not to notice, he took a few more steps and drifted toward a dark alley. Without warning he lunged forward, throwing a punch with full force—but a hand caught it effortlessly. Strong fingers gripped his shoulders and pinned him against the wall. The mysterious attacker loosened his hold slightly—just enough not to hurt him, just enough not to let him escape in fear.
Though Luffy knew well he wasn’t someone who scared easily.
He still couldn’t make out the man’s face, not with so little light, but he felt the pressure on his shoulders fade. Something told him he wasn’t in danger. His eyes gradually adjusted, the silhouette before him taking shape— And suddenly, his legs gave out. His strength evaporated second by second. He stood frozen, staring wide-eyed at the figure in front of him.
Every troubling thought he’d been carrying simply vanished. Blurring with the growing sting behind his eyelids, he leaned forward and threw his arms around him.
“Shanks! What are you doing here?” he asked, stunned—because how could this be possible? “I mean, I… It can’t be—”
But after a few seconds the boy clung to him so tightly Shanks thought he might choke.
“Luffy, hahaha—calm down. I’m not going to disappear.”
“You did once,” he whispered, voice thick with hurt. Every word he said felt like it tore something inside him. “Ever since you left… I never heard from you again.”
“I’m sorry.” The red-haired man drew closer, their bodies brushing, their faces so near Luffy could feel his breath against his skin. “Luffy… I never meant to hurt you. But our paths split there.”
“Don’t talk about that.”
Sadness swallowed him whole. Too many emotions clashed inside his chest—his recent dreams, the old love he’d buried long ago but now surged back up, muddling everything. There were so many things he wanted to say, yet faced with him at last, he found himself utterly speechless. He gathered what remained of his courage.
“Now our paths are crossing again… right?”
“Luffy… the truth is, I’ve been looking for you. For a long time.”
“How…?”
Before he could finish, the redhead wrapped him in a tight embrace. Shanks was here—for him—holding him. It felt surreal. Luffy had never imagined Shanks would change his mind about him. Maybe this was all a dream.
Yet beneath all that warmth, pain twisted in his chest. That awful premonition he’d been feeling crept back in. His heart was a storm. Was this really the right thing? He longed for someone beside him, yet in that instant he felt uncertain—maybe this wasn’t the answer. Or was it?
“The last time we saw each other, you told me you couldn’t return my feelings,” his voice cracked despite his efforts. “Why are you looking for me now?” He tried to forget the wound he’d carried for so many years, and how hard it had been to bury it.
While he wrestled with the chaos inside him, Shanks slid a hand to his cheek, feeling the heat beneath his fingertips. His lips brushed Luffy’s neck—warm, deliberate. He inhaled his scent, his warmth, and at last gave in, kissing him slowly beneath the ear. He trailed soft kisses down Luffy’s neck, feeling the boy tremble under him. Luffy didn’t exactly welcome it—but he didn’t push him away either. That was enough encouragement.
With patient fingers he unbuttoned Luffy’s shirt, studying the younger man’s face. His cheeks were flushed; his eyes glimmered beautifully; his body reacted to every touch. His hand traced the line of Luffy’s chest, slowly, deliberately, until reaching the edge of his waistband.
“I’ve been an idiot, Luffy,” he murmured, still stroking over the fabric—sliding lower. Just one light touch drew a breathless gasp from the boy.
Heat flushed through him. That slightest contact had set his whole body on fire. Finding no answer to any of his questions, Luffy lifted a hand to the redhead’s hair, threading trembling fingers through the fiery strands. His knees felt weak. Shanks’ touches made his mind tilt toward oblivion—no past, no present, no feelings—just sensation.
Then he felt Shanks deftly undo the button of his pants, a hand slipping beneath the waistband. His breath stuttered. His eyelids felt heavy. He lifted his face toward Shanks’ lips. He had wanted this—so long ago—but now, in this moment, doubt seeped in. Why now? It was too late.
Shanks sensed him falter but closed the distance, pressing a kiss to his lips. At first soft, then deepening, building heat. His tongue coaxed Luffy’s mouth open, and after a second of hesitation, Luffy let him in. Their tongues met—and the pleasure that rippled through him threatened to undo him entirely.
Before he realized it, Shanks’ hand had slipped past the edge of his underwear.
Luffy froze. This… this was new. Too new. And he wasn’t sure he wanted this— At least, not with Shanks. Not anymore. Suddenly an image flashed through his mind. Someone unmistakable.
“I can’t, Shanks. I… there’s someone else.”
Guilt sank its teeth into his heart again. Too late to fix anything now. He tried to push him away—but Shanks didn’t yield. Then he heard footsteps approaching—and a familiar voice cut through the night like a blade.
“Luffy! Get away from that man!”
Zoro appeared in a rush, as if summoned at the very moment Luffy had thought of him—but for once, Luffy’s mind grew clear. Zoro? What the hell was he doing there? And—he had his swords drawn?! Luffy couldn’t process it. The dreamlike moment shattered instantly. Panic surged. How long had Zoro been there? What had he seen? Cold dread pooled in his chest—followed immediately by anger, sharp and blinding. His fists clenched. His voice cracked with fury as he glared at his friend.
“What the hell are you doing, Zoro?! It’s Shanks! Why do you have your swords out?! I didn’t ask you to follow me!”
“What?” Zoro nearly lost his breath hearing those words. He stared at Luffy, unable to understand any of it. “Luffy—you’re not thinking straight. Don’t you see? That man isn’t Shanks!”
He prepared to strike, but the stranger dodged effortlessly.
Luffy turned toward him, stunned. His whole body trembled. Why were they fighting? And how could he say it wasn’t Shanks? But then he looked—really looked. And froze.
Those eyes…
Cold.
Wrong.
Nothing like Shanks.
His heart iced over instantly. Then how— How had he mistaken him?
The man dodged another attack and leapt onto a nearby rooftop. With uncanny speed he vanished into the shadows as though swallowed by the night. Zoro sheathed his blade, though every instinct wanted to pursue the impostor. But he couldn’t leave Luffy—not like this. He didn’t understand what had happened. He’d come looking for him after noticing how long he’d been gone—never imagining he’d find him in that situation. The man had been pressed against Luffy, kissing him, touching him like a lover. The memory alone made Zoro’s blood boil. Worse—he had seen the gleam of a dagger at the man’s belt. Had Luffy not noticed? He’d had to intervene—there was no telling what could’ve happened.
But now, standing there, Zoro didn’t know what to say.
Luffy stared at the ground, two silent tears sliding down his face. Zoro recognized the earlier fury—the incoherent things he’d shouted—but this… this was different.
Luffy had said it was Shanks. The man he’d spoken of once—the man who’d given him his hat.
But that imposter must have deceived him somehow. What haunted Zoro most was why the man had wanted to get close to Luffy in the first place. He approached him quietly. Luffy seemed completely lost—so unlike himself it hurt to look at him. What could he say? Tell him everything was fine when it clearly wasn’t?
But then Luffy began to walk, head bowed. Zoro couldn’t see his eyes—his bangs hid them—but he saw his lips, and they were devoid of emotion. An expression utterly foreign to him. Zoro said nothing and followed him down the silent street. He didn’t know what kind of thoughts were clawing through Luffy’s head, but he could feel the weight of his sorrow. It made something inside Zoro twist—guilt, or something close to it.
He wouldn’t leave him alone. Even if Luffy pushed him away, he would stay. He followed him back to Yastar and Eelin’s small home. Today, undoubtedly, had been one of the worst days either of them had lived.