Chapter 68

                                    

                                          
Over the next several days, as the fleet of four ships sailed steadily toward Loguetown, the bond between Luffy and Zoro deepened in ways that were impossible to ignore. While Zoro remained his usual gruff and sharp-tongued self with the crew, there was a stark difference in how he acted around Luffy.
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A Growing Bond
Every morning began with their sparring sessions on the Black Pearl’s deck. The sound of Zoro’s swords slicing through the air and Luffy’s determined punches echoed across the ship. The crew often stopped to watch, marveling at how seamlessly they moved, as though their bodies knew each other’s rhythm.
“Zoro, you’re holding back again!” Luffy accused one afternoon, dodging a powerful slash.
Zoro smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “And you’re getting too predictable, Captain.”
“Predictable?!” Luffy lunged at him, only to find herself flat on the deck, Zoro’s sword at her side.
He reached down, offering her a hand, his voice softer than usual. “You’re still not fast enough. Try again tomorrow.”
Luffy took his hand, grinning. “You’re annoying, you know that?”
“Yeah, but you wouldn’t have it any other way,” Zoro replied, his tone almost teasing.
The crew couldn’t help but notice how Zoro’s usual bluntness softened when it came to Luffy. While he barked orders or snapped at everyone else, he never once raised his voice at her. Even when she messed up or caused trouble, his patience seemed infinite.
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Night Watch Under the Stars
Night watch became their time to talk and simply enjoy each other’s presence. The sea stretched endlessly before them, the stars above twinkling like tiny beacons.
“You’re... different now,” Zoro said one night, breaking the silence.
Luffy blinked, tilting her head curiously. “Different how?”
He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Stronger. Quieter, sometimes. And you think more before you act. It’s... new.”
Luffy laughed softly. “I guess being the Mistress of Death changes you. But deep down, I’m still me, you know? Still the same Luffy.”
Zoro nodded, his gaze lingering on her face. “Yeah. You’re still you. That’s what matters.”
Luffy smiled, warmth blossoming in her chest. The conversation drifted to lighter topics, their laughter carrying over the waves. But as the night wore on, Luffy grew quieter, her eyes heavy with sleep.
“Zoro,” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, “I feel safe when you’re around.”
He looked at her, his expression softening. “Good. You should.”
Her head tilted against his shoulder, and within moments, she was fast asleep. Zoro shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her to keep her warm against the cool night air. He leaned his head back against the mast, his grip on her secure.
By morning, they were still curled up together, the sun casting a warm glow over the deck.
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A Morning Surprise
The sight of their captain nestled against Zoro sent ripples of curiosity and amusement through the crew.
Nami was the first to spot them, her eyes widening before a sly grin spread across her face. “Well, well. Look at those two.”
Nojiko stifled a laugh. “Didn’t know Zoro could be this sweet. He’s practically cradling her.”
Sanji, however, was far less amused. “WHAT IS THIS?!” he bellowed, storming onto the deck. “Moss-head thinks he can just—”
“Shh!” Nami interrupted, smirking. “Don’t ruin the moment.”
Buggy, watching from the Marauder, squinted through his telescope. “Is that the swordsman cuddling Luffy? What’s going on over there?!”
On the Stormrider, Jango swooned dramatically. “Romance on the high seas! I knew it! The captain and her loyal swordsman—it’s like a fairytale!”
Back on the Black Pearl, Zoro stirred awake to find himself the center of attention. He glared at the gathered crew, his usual scowl firmly in place.
“Don’t you people have anything better to do?” he growled.
Luffy yawned, stretching before realizing the situation. Her eyes darted to Zoro, then to the crew, and her cheeks flushed. “Oi! Stop staring!”
The crew burst into laughter, their teasing echoing across the deck as Luffy scrambled to her feet, flustered. Zoro remained calm, brushing off their remarks with his usual stoic demeanor, though his protective gaze followed Luffy as she stomped off.
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Fleetwide Reactions
The growing closeness between Luffy and Zoro was the subject of endless gossip across the fleet. Zeff, observing from the kitchen, shook his head with a knowing smile. “That swordsman’s a goner. Never thought I’d see him so soft.”
Buggy grumbled to himself, pacing the Marauder. “What’s that moss-head got that I don’t?!”
Jango, meanwhile, waxed poetic on the Stormrider. “Theirs is a love that will transcend the seas! A bond forged in battle and trust!”
Even Gin and Jony had their thoughts, watching the subtle shifts in Zoro’s demeanor.
“Zoro’s a different guy around her,” Gin noted.
“Yeah,” Jony agreed. “Didn’t think he had it in him.”
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An Unspoken Promise
Despite the crew’s teasing, Zoro and Luffy continued to grow closer. They trained together, shared meals, and always seemed to gravitate toward each other. Wherever Luffy went, Zoro was never far behind, his watchful presence both comforting and reassuring.
Zoro’s gentleness with Luffy stood in sharp contrast to his usual grumpiness, and the crew couldn’t help but notice. Even Buggy remarked, “That swordsman’s got it bad.”
But Luffy didn’t seem to mind. For the first time, she was beginning to see herself through Zoro’s eyes—not as the boy she once was, but as the woman she had become.
Their bond, still undefined, was undeniable, leaving the fleet to wonder just how deep their connection would grow. One thing was certain: with Zoro at her side, Luffy was unstoppable.