The sun was high now, filtering through the thick canopy of the forest. Zoro crouched behind a fallen tree, eyes fixed on the three pirates who had cornered a merchant earlier. Their laughter and shouting echoed through the trees, careless and arrogant.
"Watch carefully," Zoro murmured to Riku, who crouched beside him, wide-eyed but tense. "Every movement tells a story. Notice the openings. Timing. Distance. Learn before acting."
The leader swung his dagger at the merchant again, but Zoro noticed the slight overextension in his strike. Insight whispered: Middle one overcommits—left is slow—timing off on the right.
Zoro stepped into view. The pirates froze for a split second.
"Leave him alone," Zoro said, voice calm, green eyes unwavering.
The leader sneered. "Or what? You think you're strong enough?"
Before they could react, Zoro lunged. The first pirate swung a dagger; Zoro tilted his body, parrying with the flat of his blade. The force barely rattled him. His Insight told him exactly when to pivot, where the next strike would land, and which foot to plant to maintain balance.
Riku watched, mimicking Zoro's movements hesitantly. He blocked and dodged, copying the rhythm, learning instinctively.
The second pirate attempted a sneak strike from the left. Zoro anticipated it, sidestepping smoothly, then struck with a light tap of his blade—just enough to disarm without hurting him. The man stumbled backward, eyes wide.
The third pirate charged recklessly at Zoro, dagger raised high. Zoro spun, Insight guiding his body, and used the momentum to trip the man over a tree root, sending him sprawling into the dirt.
"Focus!" Zoro called to Riku. "You're moving too early. Wait… watch… then act!"
The leader, realizing his subordinates were neutralized, rushed Zoro directly. Insight nudged him: Step slightly to the left… bend knees… redirect momentum.
Zoro sidestepped the charge, grabbed the leader's wrist mid-strike, and used the man's own momentum to throw him to the ground. A single clean movement, precise, efficient, leaving no room for counterattack.
Riku exhaled sharply. "I… I can't believe that! How—how do you do it so fast?"
"Not fast," Zoro said, sheathing his sword. "Smart. Observation first. Action second. Timing, weight, and distance… everything matters. Learn that, and you'll survive anything."
The merchant, who had been trembling in the background, let out a shaky laugh. "Th-thank you… I don't know what I would've done…"
Zoro didn't respond. He glanced at Riku, who was trying to steady his breathing. This fight wasn't just about victory—it was a lesson. Every move, every dodge, every counterattack had been a teaching moment.
As the forest grew quiet again, Zoro's green hair caught the sunlight, swords gleaming faintly. He turned toward Riku.
"Remember this," he said simply. "Strength isn't just about swinging your sword. It's about seeing the fight before it comes to you."
Riku nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll remember, Zoro. I'll get better. I swear it."
Zoro's gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the sea waited beyond the forests and hills. One minor fight had passed, but countless challenges remained. And each one would be a test—not just of strength, but of mind, precision, and resolve.
Step by step, fight by fight, Zoro's path was beginning to take shape.