— 9 —

Usopp was in his own world, dancing away, completely oblivious to the tension building around him. Nami and Shinobu watched him, amused by his antics.

"He does have a certain grace about him," Nami started to say, "Like a frantic, uncoordinated—"

"Sea slug." Zoro quipped, earning a soft chuckle from Shinobu.

"That's it." Nami said nodding in agreement, "That's what he's like." 

Shinobu and Zoro exchanged a glance, sensing a deeper layer to Nami's words. They both turned their attention back to her, sensing the weight of something unsaid.

"Look at him. Like he doesn't have a care in the world." 

Nami observed, her voice heavy with thought.

Setting her tea cup down, Shinobu leaned in, trying to provide some comfort. But Zoro  jumped in, "What's on your mind?"

Shinobu shot Zoro a warning look, but he ignored it, focusing on Nami.

"You have no idea," she replied, her voice a mix of frustration and sadness.

"I bet I do." Zoro replied, "I bet I know more about you than you do about me." 

"Yeah, right. You're an open book." Nami said and slightly laughing could not believe what the man just said.

"Care to prove it?" Zoro smirked, lining up shot glasses and pouring some beer into them, "I guess something about you, you drink. You guess something about me, I drink." 

Nami shot a questioning look at Shinobu, clearly puzzled by Zoro's antics. Shinobu responded with a nonchalant shrug before taking another leisurely sip of her tea.

"Want to join our little game?" Zoro invited Shinobu, but she was quick to decline.

"Sorry, but alcohol isn't my cup of tea."

"You really don't drink?" Zoro exclaimed with mock incredulity. "Can't imagine a pirate who stays away from liquor."

She raised an eyebrow, her lips forming a playful pout in response to Zoro's jest. Nami, though bemused by their back-and-forth, decided to indulge Zoro's inquisitiveness.

"Go ahead. Tell me all about myself." 

With that cue, Zoro started, "I bet you grew up in a big city, running schemes, hanging out in swanky bars like this one." 

"You must be thirsty." 

"You're saying I'm wrong?" 

Nami then corrected him, "I grew up in a small village. Barely a village. Just a handful of houses in the center of a tangerine grove." 

As the two continued their playful banter, Shinobu's attention drifted to the patrons surrounding them in the outdoor bar. Usopp regaled a rapt audience with his exaggerated tales. The storyteller in him was truly captivating, effortlessly drawing people in.

However, a particular figure caught Shinobu's gaze. He sat right next to Usopp - a tall, well-built man with jet-black hair complemented by a trimmed beard, mustache, and upward-pointing sideburns. His piercing golden-yellow eyes and the massive sword on his back were impossible to miss.

What's the world's greatest swordsman doing here? 

She remembered hearing about this swordsman from Rengoku, one of the Hashira who'd journeyed to the Grand Line. Though Rengoku had left to trace the elusive Muzan, he still managed to send letters detailing his adventures. One recurring name in his accounts was that of the World's Greatest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk.

To her surprise, Usopp began walking back towards their table, with Mihawk following closely. She quirked an eyebrow, curious about this unexpected turn of events.

"Guys, meet my new best friend. What did you say your name was again?" Usopp trailed off, looking for an answer.

Rather than responding, the mysterious man cut to the chase, "Which one of you is Monkey D. Luffy?" 

Nami exchanged a puzzled glance with Shinobu and Zoro, then asked the stranger, "Who wants to know?" 

Shinobu could see the flicker of recognition in Zoro's eyes. Given his swordsmanship background, it wasn't surprising he'd know the man. Zoro then identified him aloud, "You're Dracule Mihawk," he said. 

Mihawk, however, brushed off Zoro's remark and continued, "I have business with your captain. If you know what's good for you, you'll hand him over." 

"We don't know anyone named Luffy. Isn't that right, Shinobu? Zoro?" 

Zoro, rising from his seat, fixed his gaze on Mihawk. Shinobu carefully set her tea cup aside, sensing the tension. Nami's eyes darted between the two men, her confusion deepening, especially towards Zoro.

"Zoro?" 

"I've been following your career since I was a child. It's an honor to finally meet you, sir." Zoro acknowledged. 

"Thank you." Mihawk nodded and replied but Zoro's next words caught everyone off-guard, "Which is why it pains me to inform you that tomorrow... you're going to die." 

"Wait, what?!" Nami exclaimed. She shot a desperate glance towards Shinobu, hoping she might intercede. Shinobu's gaze, however, remained intently focused on the developing confrontation.

"I, Roronoa Zoro, challenge you to a duel to the death." 

'''

Dracule Mihawk accepted Zoro's challenge, setting the duel for dawn the next day. Meanwhile, tension erupted between the navigator and the swordsman.

"How could you be so reckless? Why would you challenge him?!" Nami exclaimed.

Zoro shot back, "The real question is, why wouldn't I?"

At her wit's end, Nami turned to Shinobu for support. "Shinobu, can you knock some sense into him?!"

Shinobu, while caressing the hilt of her own katana, sighed deeply. She met Nami's pleading eyes and responded, "Being a fellow sword user, it would be hypocritical of me to hold him back from defending his honor as a swordsman."

Zoro gave Shinobu a brief, appreciative smile, which caused a flutter in his chest and a warmth in his ears. He quickly returned his attention to his blade, trying to drown out the distracting rush of emotions. Shinobu, unnoticed by him, observed their friend Nami, who had gone into deep thought. Nami was familiar with the man's reputation, even if she hadn’t met him personally. Dracule Mihawk, known worldwide holding the prestigious title of the World's Strongest Swordsman and was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. There is no way that Zoro can beat him.

"Maybe you can convince him to call it off." she proposed, holding onto hope that the swordsman might change his decision.

"I won't do that." 

"Did you see the size of the guy's sword? He will slice you into sashimi." Nami pressed.

At that moment, Shinobu saw Usopp and Luffy approaching, with the latter quickly inquiring, "What's going on?" Nami then filled him up with the recent events. 

"I'll tell you what's going on. Your big, bad Marine grandpa sent a Warlord of the Sea to bring you in and instead of getting the hell out of here, Zoro challenged him to a duel—" 

"Which he accepted." Zoro interjected, earning him a sharp look from Nami.

"You are a fly to him. Something to be swatted and forgotten." 

"Not if I win."

"You're not going to." She retorted. 

"You don't know that." he responded, his gaze piercing into Nami's. Shinobu subtly moved closer to Zoro, gently placing her hand on his back in a reassuring gesture. Sensing her touch, Zoro's rising irritation began to subside. The tension he felt, building up from the continuous doubts being thrown at him, started to dissipate with the warmth of her touch.

"Guys, guys. Maybe we need more drinks." Usopp chimed in, hoping to defuse the situation. However, his suggestion was met with two stern looks, causing him to shrink back a little, avoiding direct eye contact.

Nami then shifted her attention to Luffy, "Tell your first mate he'll get himself killed." 

"Tell your navigator to butt out." Zoro retorted, his tone edged with a hint of hostility, moderated only by Shinobu's calming presence.

Luffy paused for a moment before saying, "Maybe this isn't such a great idea, Zoro." 

With a smirk, Nami folded her arms, taking satisfaction in Luffy's agreement. Zoro turned to Luffy, "When you met me tied up on that cross, what did I say?" he asked. 

"What makes you think I wanna play pirates?" Luffy recalled the words.

"No, the other thing." 

"I kill your kind for a living?" 

"No. Come..." Zoro sounded frustrated while Shinobu attempted to hold back her laughter, listening to their exchange. 

"I'm convinced you two had quite the memorable chat." Zoro shot her a sharp look, but she innocently averted her eyes as if she hadn't said a word. 

A moment later, realization dawned on Luffy— "Oh." His face now full of recognition, "That you made a promise to someone a long time ago to be the world's greatest swordsman." 

"The only way to do that is to beat Mihawk in a duel and take his title. I intend to do just that." Zoro asserted with his voice unwavering. Nami, however, wasn't convinced.

"Even if you die in the process?" Zoro chose not to respond prompting Nami to turn to Luffy, "Will you please do something?" 

"It's his dream, Nami. I can't get in the way of somebody's dream." Luffy replied.

Unable to contain her frustration Nami exclaimed, "What's it gonna take, huh? You want me to say you're the best? You're the bes. Okay? You're the best I've ever seen but you are not better than him. And if you fight tomorrow, you're going to lose." 

Nami's pleas seemed to dissipate as Zoro focused on securing his swords. Shinobu, while empathizing with Nami's fears, also recognized the depth of a swordsman's ambition. Her goals might not align, but she honored the unyielding spirit of those pursuing such a dream. Their journey and effort wouldn't progress if she stood in their way. Whether he triumphs or falters, this confrontation would undoubtedly provide Zoro with invaluable insight, pushing him closer to his ultimate goal.

"Why do you give a shit?" 

"Because you're my friend, you idiot." Nami retorted. However, Zoro, steadfast in his stance shot back,, "You said it yourself. You don't have any friends." 

Shinobu's eyes widened at his words. There was a palpable hurt in Nami's gaze, and Shinobu could see her eyes glistening with unshed tears. But Nami fought to keep them at bay.

"Stop it, Zoro," she commanded, the room growing silent under the weight of her tone. Zoro involuntarily swallowed, the unfamiliarity of her using his actual name making him uncomfortable. Realizing the impact of his words, he turned away, regret evident in his posture. As Nami quickly left the space, Shinobu's voice was tinged with worry.

"Nami..."

"Just leave me alone."

"I won't, not until we talk."

Nami faced Shinobu, her eyes glistening with unshed tears but her demeanor defiant. "So, what's this about? Another 'swordsman's code' talk? I don't get why you all seem so willing to risk everything for some 'swordsman's honor'."

Leaning against the wall, Shinobu replied, "Not all of us think like Zoro. But I respect his journey towards strength."

Nami's laugh was bitter. "Getting stronger? By potentially dying? I might not wield a sword, but I know pointless death achieves nothing."

Shinobu observed Nami's clear frustration before Nami shot back, "What?" Shinobu simply offered a nonchalant shrug. 

"I just didn't expect you to challenge him or try to dissuade him," she said with a hint of a smile, "You have a kind heart, Nami."

Nami paused, her back turned. The weight of guilt pressed down on her. Was Shinobu's perception of her genuinely that positive? How would she react when she finds out Nami plans to leave soon?

The pain of imagining parting ways with the crew was palpable. Despite trying to maintain distance, Nami couldn't deny the joy and memories she'd found with them. They'd faced countless challenges together, and along the way, she'd formed bonds she hadn't anticipated.

"Something in your eye?" Shinobu inquired gently. Nami quickly wiped her face, replying curtly, "No," before walking off. Shinobu didn't pursue her, sensing the deliberate barrier Nami had erected. With a heavy heart, she returned to the room, finding Usopp and Luffy there.

"Is Nami okay?" Usopp inquired.

"She's taking a break," she replied, shifting the subject, "Where's Zoro?"

Usopp gestured toward a direction, "He's in the next room."

Nodding in gratitude, she moved towards the indicated room. Upon entering, she observed Zoro seated in quiet reflection, his eyes shut and arms folded, while his katanas rested on a nearby table.

Zoro had become attuned to her unique aura. The first time they crossed paths, amidst the clamor of a restaurant bustling with boisterous Marines, her serene demeanor as she sipped her tea stood out distinctly. The grace with which she held her teacup and her sword's distinctive style had ensnared his attention, pulling him deeper into her orbit. Her teasing jests, coupled with the light laughter she'd emit whenever he showed annoyance at the playful nickname she'd bestowed upon him, only added to his intrigue. Yet, underneath her luminous smile, he felt an undercurrent of a past laden with shadows. Her cheerful exterior seemed to be a protective veneer, concealing her true feelings.

"Getting ready for tomorrow?"

He looked up, locking eyes with her mesmerizing purple gaze. She was captivating, and he found himself momentarily lost in thought— 

"You think I'll back out?" 

She took a seat next to him, her presence grounding him, drawing his thoughts back from their momentary wanderings. He reminded himself to remain focused; a duel with Dracule Mihawk wasn't an everyday occurrence. This was his chance to test his mettle, to gauge the distance between their strengths.

"I mentioned before, it's not my place to stop you."

"Even if you tried, I wouldn't change my decision."

She responded with a soft hum. A peaceful quiet settled around them, neither tense nor awkward. Her presence had a calming effect on him.

Shinobu, her voice soft yet carrying a certain weight broke the silence, "Do you believe you can truly defeat Mihawk?"

Zoro took a moment before replying,"I have to face him to find out. It's the only way."

A slight pause followed before Zoro, feeling the want to talk to her he turned towards and asked. "Why did you became a swordsman?"

Shinobu shot him an amused glance, her laughter light. "Curious about me, Roro?" she teased. 

"Your technique is unique, it involves poison. The attire you wear seems like some sort of uniform, and the design of your katana... it's distinct. It doesn't seem like it could slice through stone or even paper, yet I've seen you take on Marines and Pirates with ease," Zoro's piercing gaze locked onto Shinobu's violet eyes, and she greeted him with a gentle, knowing smile.

Her attention momentarily shifted to the window, the rhythmic sound of the sea setting a serene ambiance. Her gaze eventually settled on the blade beside her, fingers lightly tracing its hilt. 

She shifted the topic subtly, "And you? What drove you to the path of a swordsman?" Though Zoro noticed her deflection, he indulged her, "I made a vow, to become the World's Greatest Swordsman."

"Is that why you challenged Dracule Mihawk?" 

Zoro's gaze settled on his beloved Wado Ichimoji. "To be the best, I must surpass him."

Shinobu was struck by the depth of his commitment. She couldn't help but compare her own reasons for wielding a sword, which somehow seemed less significant next to his.

Having shared his purpose, Zoro shifted his piercing gaze back to her, "Your turn."

Caught in his intense stare, she mused, No way out of this one, is there?

She was torn between dodging the question again or coming clean. Zoro's unwavering eyes seemed to promise understanding and acceptance, whatever her reason might be.

Maybe sharing a bit wouldn't do any harm...

She took a deep breath. 

Shinobu hesitated, her fingers caressing the hilt of her sword. "You know, I had a sister. She was the polar opposite of me – sweet, patient, and incredibly kind. She had this gentle nature that I could never quite understand."

Zoro's sharp gaze caught the past tense she used, and he asked carefully, "Had?"

A shadow passed over Shinobu's eyes, and her grip on her sword tightened. "Yes, she's no longer with us."

There was a palpable tension in the room. As she continued, Zoro noticed a stark transformation in Shinobu. The usually composed and teasing woman's eyes began to darken, filled with a mix of sorrow and simmering rage. Her jaw clenched, her entire demeanor shifting to one of suppressed fury.

"It was a demon," she uttered, every word dripping with venom, "A man-eating monster took her away from me."

Zoro immediately picked up on the raw emotion pouring out of her. The pain, the anger, and the burning desire for revenge were all too evident. He treaded carefully, "Shinobu..."

She looked up, her face a mask of anguish and rage, her voice barely a whisper, "She didn't deserve that fate. And I'll never forgive the creature that took her from me." 

There was something lurking beneath Shinobu's sunny exterior. Every time she smiled, Zoro felt a faint echo of a deeper, darker emotion. And even though he couldn't pinpoint it, he felt a pull towards her. Was it curiosity about her sword techniques? Her elusive past? Or maybe, just maybe, she stirred memories of someone else...

Kuina...

Choosing his words carefully, he ventured, "What happened to her?" It was a delicate subject, but an innate curiosity pushed him to ask.

With eyes lost in memories, she pondered for a brief moment before she was about to speak when the door creaked open, revealing Usopp. The sudden interruption was evident from the weight in the room.

"Did I interrupted something?" Usopp asked hesitantly, catching Zoro's piercing gaze and Shinobu's gentler expression.

Shinobu waved dismissively with a reassuring smile. "What's up, Usopp?"

"The blonde chef from Baratie dropped off breakfast. Said it's for you and Nami," he relayed.

Zoro's eyebrows knitted together in confusion, but before he could react, Shinobu stood, placing a comforting hand on Zoro's shoulder. "Good luck, future greatest swordsman," she whispered, and gracefully exited the room with Usopp trailing behind. The warmth from her touch lingered, causing Zoro's cheeks to heat up in response.

In the stillness of the room, Zoro's mind grappled with the emotions swelling within him. Each interaction with Shinobu felt like a fresh wound, raw and burning, making him acutely aware of an attraction he desperately tried to deny. Her unwavering support and that gentle touch on his shoulder earlier didn't just warm his skin; it ignited a fire in his belly, bolstering his confidence to face the upcoming duel.

Yet, as his fingers ran across the cold steel of his blades, memories of another face, another promise, surged forth, drowning out the burgeoning feelings for Shinobu. Kuina. Her face, forever young in his memory, came into sharp focus. The very essence of his determination and ambition lay in their shared promise — one he could never forget.

His gaze drifted to the window, the first rays of dawn heralding the approaching moment of reckoning. He could feel the weight of the promise, the weight of the future, pressing upon him. As he rose from his seat, every fiber of his being focused on the duel that would soon unfold, the presence of two women loomed in his mind. While Shinobu brought warmth and unexpected understanding into his life, it was the ghostly echo of Kuina's voice that propelled him forward, reminding him of his vow and the journey he had yet to complete.

— 9 —

A/N: Hey guys! I'm back!— but unfortunately not for long. I have tons of pending activities and report on my hand right now and I am unable to write the following chapter. I have this draft ready so I have decided to publish it and also let you guys know that I might be gone for a few days. I do really hope that my schedule will lighten up after my reporting and pending activities and so that I can start again writing.

Also thank you all for the comments and it makes me so happy to know that you guys like this story. Especially since this is sort of a crossover with Shinobu and Zoro as the main ship in here.

Well, that's all. Thank you again and have a nice day!