The morning mist hung low over the outskirts of Fuschia Village, curling around the trees like ghostly fingers. Zoro moved with quiet purpose, green hair brushing against the dew-soaked leaves, swords strapped firmly to his back.
He had spent the night reviewing every movement from yesterday's fight. Insight hummed faintly, guiding his muscles, adjusting his stance, reminding him of timing and spacing. Every strike, every dodge, every observation was etched into his mind. Survival had become second nature.
A rustle caught his attention. He froze, narrowing his eyes. From behind a thicket emerged a figure—a young swordsman, perhaps a year or two older than Zoro. His movements were deliberate, cautious, yet there was a spark of skill beneath his hesitance.
Insight whispered: Potential… raw, untapped. Dangerous if ignored.
The young swordsman didn't notice Zoro immediately, practicing swings against a makeshift target of branches. Zoro observed silently. Each strike was slightly off—balance, timing, precision—but the fundamentals were strong. With proper guidance, this person could become formidable.
Zoro stepped forward, letting the breeze carry his presence. "Your stance… sloppy. Foot placement's off, and your timing is predictable," he said, voice low but firm.
The young swordsman spun around, eyes wide with surprise. "Who—who are you?"
"Someone who can help you," Zoro replied simply. "Or someone who can stop you if you keep making mistakes like that."
A tense pause. Then the young swordsman's shoulders relaxed slightly, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "You… you really think you can help me?"
Zoro didn't answer with words. Instead, he demonstrated—a precise swing of his sword, parrying an imagined attack, shifting weight perfectly, then landing in a stable stance. Insight nudged, subtle corrections made instinctive.
The young swordsman watched, eyes widening. "Okay… okay, I get it. You know what you're doing. My name's Riku. I… I want to learn. Can I follow you?"
Zoro studied him silently. Potential, skill, and ambition—all present. Not a crew yet, but a first spark, someone who could grow alongside him.
"Maybe," Zoro said finally, sheathing a sword. "But you follow my rules. Train hard. Watch and learn. And never slow me down."
Riku nodded vigorously. "Yes! I'll do whatever it takes!"
Zoro turned toward the horizon. The forest stretched behind them, the village behind that, and beyond—open seas, islands, challenges, and countless swordsmen waiting to be tested. One ally down. Many more challenges to come.
Step by step, Zoro thought. No rushing. No shortcuts. Survival first. Strength next. And eventually… a crew that can match me.
With that, he led Riku back toward the edge of the forest. The first glimmer of a partnership had begun, subtle, tentative, but real.
The sea was still distant, the world vast—but Zoro's path was becoming clearer, one deliberate step at a time.