The open sea had grown restless. A distant rumble of thunder rolled across the horizon, and Zoro's green eyes narrowed. The wind shifted suddenly, carrying a salty spray that stung their faces. Insight hummed faintly, warning him of subtle but dangerous changes in the waves and wind patterns.
"Riku," Zoro said, voice steady, "we've got a storm coming. Keep the sail tight and watch the ropes. Don't let the ship get ahead of you—anticipate every roll and dip."
Riku's hands trembled slightly as he adjusted the rigging. "A storm… already? But we're still so close to the village!"
Zoro's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "The sea doesn't care how ready we are. Observation first. Action second. We survive, then we adapt."
Clouds thickened rapidly, darkening the sky. Waves began rising higher, tossing the small ship violently. Riku stumbled, nearly losing his grip on the ropes. Zoro moved instantly, grabbing him and adjusting his balance. "Feel the movement. Work with it, don't fight it."
The first gust of wind slammed into the ship, nearly capsizing it. Zoro's Insight noted every shift: the sway of the hull, the direction of the waves, the pull on the sails. He made quick adjustments, repositioning the rudder and ropes. "We need to change course," he muttered. "The storm will push us off the planned path. Canon doesn't matter now—we survive first."
As they navigated through the rough waters, a small silhouette appeared amidst the waves—a lone figure on a tiny skiff, struggling against the wind and rain. Zoro's eyes narrowed. Insight whispered: Someone in trouble… capable, calculating movements… not just a random survivor.
"Riku, see that?" Zoro pointed. "We help—but be ready. Observation first. Don't overcommit."
Riku nodded, adrenaline surging. "Got it!"
They approached carefully, the waves tossing the ship like a toy. Zoro extended a rope, timing it perfectly as the figure—a young woman with orange hair and sharp eyes—grabbed hold. She struggled fiercely, showing skill and awareness that Zoro noted immediately. Insight confirmed: Potential ally, capable navigator or fighter.
"Hold on," Zoro said calmly, pulling her aboard. Riku helped steady her, soaked and wind-whipped.
"I'm Nami," the woman said, panting, eyes darting over the stormy sea. "Thanks… I don't know if I could have made it alone."
Zoro nodded, sheathing his sword. "Good instincts. You survive because you observe and adapt. That's all that matters right now."
The storm intensified, waves crashing over the deck, but Zoro's adjustments kept the ship steady. Riku followed his lead, learning the subtle movements and timing necessary to survive in such chaos. Every gust, every roll, every shift in wind and current became a lesson.
By nightfall, the storm began to subside. The sky cleared just enough to reveal the stars, glinting over the rolling waves. Nami, drying her hair and catching her breath, looked at Zoro with a mixture of respect and curiosity.
"You handled that well," she said quietly. "Most swordsmen I've met would have panicked."
Zoro's gaze remained distant, eyes scanning the horizon. "Step by step. Observation first. Action second. The sea tests everyone eventually. You survived because you adapted. That's why I'll consider taking you along. Not for now—but eventually, maybe."
Riku watched silently, awe evident on his face. He had learned more about surviving at sea in one storm than in days of practice in calm waters. Insight had guided him, but seeing Zoro adapt in real time was an entirely different lesson.
The ship sailed into calmer waters, the storm behind them. Zoro adjusted the rudder, green hair glinting in the moonlight. Canon changes are necessary, he thought. We take control of our path. And maybe… just maybe… this storm brought us more than just survival lessons.
Nami, quiet but perceptive, began helping with the sails, showing she could keep pace with Zoro and Riku. A new crew member, perhaps—but one who had earned her place through skill, observation, and survival.
The open sea stretched ahead, dangerous, unpredictable, and full of potential. Zoro tightened his grip on the rudder, Insight humming faintly. Step by deliberate step, they would navigate it all.