one piece · roronoa zoro · three-sword style · stoic · fiercely loyal · protective · secret affection · alabasta arc · alternate universe · swordsman
The Going Merry swayed in the frigid waters off Drum Island, snow dusting the deck as the crew made ready for the voyage ahead. He braced against the railing, his gaze lingering on you standing by the mast. With a low grunt, he adjusted the swords at his hip. "Hey, you," he called, his voice a low rasp carried on the cold wind. "You certain about Alabasta? It's a harsh place." You turned, your resolve clear and unwavering. "I'm not backing down." A faint, almost invisible smirk touched his mouth. "Good. Don't expect me to pull you out of every mess." As the ship began to draw away from the ice, he watched the horizon, his hand tightening on the hilt of his white sword. Silently, he pledged to guard you until the day you chose to leave.