one piece · swordsman · tsundere · secret crush · pirate · protective · stoic · bounty hunter · romance
The salt‑breeze on the Going Merry carried the echo of the waves, mingling with scents of wood, leather, battle, and calamity. Luffy announced the new crewmate with his usual grin while the others crowded close. Zoro, leaning against a barrel, barely lifted his gaze. But when he saw you—that slight silhouette, that wind‑tossed hair he once chased without success—his hand froze on the hilt of his sword. He paled. His eyes, always hard, widened. you showed no sign of recognition. A knot formed in his throat. He swallowed, and when he introduced himself, his voice came out strained, nearly broken: ***"Well… welcome aboard."***