Where Apple Trees Blossom | RZ x OC

Zoro sighed as he leaned on the railing of the Sunny, his eye scanning the extent of land in front of him.

They’d reached a small island after struggling through a storm. It wasn’t a very impressive looking island, either, but one could say that was a good thing all things considered. There was a lot of green spaces in the village in front of him, and he could see a large forest extending on the far side of it.

‘Alright! I’ve checked with the townsfolk and they said the Log Pose will take two days.’ Nami announced, looking serious ‘We’ll take the time to get stocked on supplies and just hang out. Luffy, please refrain from breaking anything in the village.’

Luffy seemed to smile sheepishly but the mischievous glint in his eye was quite apparent. Something would in fact end up broken, and they would have to pay up for damages.

Nami and Robin naturally gravitated towards each other, the latter already snuggling a book under her arm to take with her. Usopp and Franky seemed to already be looking over small details on the ship, preparing to repair things, and Chopper was hovering over Sanji so he could go along with him grocery shopping.

Meanwhile, Jinbe and Brook had settled on deck, both with a hot cup of tea.

Zoro hummed. He didn’t feel like going out, but at the same time he was getting quite vexed at being at sea for so long.

Resigning his boredom needed attending, he finally made his way out of the Sunny, looking around the place.

‘Yohoho, Zoro! You’re going out, I see! Please don’t stray too far!’ Brook called, assuming his place on deck, tea in hand and his guitar beside him.

A flush of heat passed his cheeks and Zoro had half a mind to tell the skeleton off. But then again it wasn’t a completely unfounded thing to say.

‘Mind your business, you sack of bones!’

Brook’s cheerful laughter echoed behind Zoro as he was now walking down the port to walk into town.

The midday sun was searing his nape by the time Zoro reached the forest.

‘Damn it…’

He was lost.

With a sigh, he turned and decided to make his way towards the path he’d come from. Only… was this the same path?

A little dirt path that lead out of the village caught his attention and instantly Zoro was following it along. It lead into a quiet little opening in the forest, but not so far away from the village. He could still hear the bustling of people in the market and the little houses. But it was far away enough that it was much more peaceful and quiet.

Just as he was reaching a little meadow, a crackling energy in the air had his skin blooming into goosebumps and his nerves so on edge that he instinctively palmed the hilt of his sword. Now cautious, Zoro made his way out of the trees, still following the little dirt path, only to find himself not too far from a little hut. It was stony, quite quaint, and he could see a forge beside it. There was no one at the anvil currently, but still he felt a strange energy zapping around him, softly keeping him on edge.

He’d never felt anything like it. It was Haki, that much was true, but it was different. Zoro was quite used to feeling Haki being used as a way to intimidate, for combat, not like this. This was… soft. Peaceful in a way he’d never felt it. It crackled around the atmosphere around him, quiet, a hum dragging along his senses, almost urging him to relax.

Which only made him slightly more anxious.

With eye as sharp as a predator’s, he began to scan the hut and it’s surroundings. Someone was inside it, but it wasn’t where the Haki was coming from. Now scanning the tree line, Zoro kept trying to find something, someone, that would explain the strange Haki around him.

Nothing. There was nothing. An apple tree in the far left caught his eye-

There.

A young woman was standing beside the tree, a book in one hand while the other was reaching for an apple blossom. Her hair was long, cascading down her back in dark red waves, and her cornflower blue dress was moving slowly by her knees at the same slow rhythm of the energy around her. It was the most fascinating thing he’d ever laid eyes on. The woman got on her tippy toes, now struggling to pick the little flower she’d reached for.

Haki danced around her, waves of electricity moving and warping in a soft pink tone. It buzzed around his skin, just near his hand, and Zoro could feel a gentle warmth coursing through his fingers.

‘Swordsman?’

Stupor suddenly interrupted, Zoro looked in front of himself to see an older man standing not too far, observing him with cautious eyes.

‘May I help you?’

Zoro hummed ‘Sorry. I was just looking around and ended up here.’

‘Oh!’ The old man laughed nervously ‘That’s quite alright, then! You’re not lost, the village is just up there. If you need any services, though, I’m a blacksmith. I wouldn’t dare to assume, but if you need to care for those I can help.’

Zoro looked down at the three swords secured on the intricate knots of his belt.

‘No, thank you. I care for them myself.’ He ended saying, nodding in gratefulness nonetheless.

‘Ah, of course, of course. As expected.’ The man smiled and bowed in acknowledgement before he got up.

Zoro was about to ask about the Haki when he was then promptly interrupted by the sound of footsteps and voices behind him.

‘Huh? Zoro? You’re here too?’

Franky, Nami and Robin were now approaching him, with the tall cyborg waving enthusiastically.

‘You need something from the blacksmith too?’ The guy asked, signaling to the old man, who was now bowing again at the newcomers.

‘No, I- ’

‘You got lost, didn’t you?’ Nami answered dryly, crossing her arms and shaking her head in disbelief.

‘Shut up!’

‘That’s alright, you’ll come back with us.’ Robin quipped, smiling kindly.

Ah, he hated that they were right. He would absolutely not find the way to the ship without help.

‘Sorry to bother, old man, but we came to get some nails and tools. Some of mine are getting worn out.’ Franky requested, now approaching the old man.

‘Right this way, young man! Would the ladies and the swordsman like some tea? I could ask my daughter to bring some while I fetch you what you need?’ The old blacksmith pointed to his house and politely led them there.

Would that young woman be his daughter?

The thought had Zoro realizing that the Haki that had been surrounding the little meadow was now gone. No longer could he feel the softness and quiet comfort of it around. Following Nami and Robin into the house, he glanced at the tree and, sure enough, the woman was not there.

The blacksmith’s house was a small little thing, but cozy and homely.

‘Juniper!’ The old man softly called ‘We have some lovely guests, could you make some tea while I go in the shop?’

Nami and Robin were now seated at the table, while Franky was delivering a little paper with the list of materials he needed.

And just as Zoro was taking his place on the table as well, carefully adjusting his swords as he sat down, a door opened on the far side and out she came.

It was the young woman from before.

‘Good afternoon! Here, something to snack while you wait.’ She carefully poised a plate with an arrangement of all sorts of biscuits, cakes, fruits and pastries ‘I’ll be right over with the tea.’

Nami melted into thank yous, while Robin smiled politely.

Meanwhile Zoro was struck stupid.

The woman was beautiful. And it was saying something, to him at least, he’d seen beautiful women along the way. But this one…

Her face was heart shaped, with delicate cheekbones and almond shaped eyes that made her features look almost fairy like. Her stare was a dark, deep honey brown. But that wasn’t what kept him staring. Her smile. Her lips were a pink shade of healthy, plush and soft, and when they stretched her whole semblance lit up with light.

Nami’s elbow hit his ribs with gusto, and it was only then that he disconnected his eye from the figure of the woman.

‘You’re staring! Don’t creep her out, you weirdo!’ The navigator frowned at his antics before snatching a little strawberry from the plate.

‘Hum… has Sanji rubbed off on you? Have you started to pay more attention to the fairer sex?’ Robin joked, also grabbing herself a biscuit.

This ticked him off.

‘Don’t you dare compare me to that pervert cook!’ He replied, now settling on his chair more comfortably, frowning in annoyance.

The two women at the table chuckled in response. In all fairness, they’d never even seen Zoro pay attention to any woman in specific. He always seemed aloof and too in his own world to even care about such things. And sure, he knew Sanji had an escapade or two when they stopped at an island sometimes. Zoro also knew Usopp, in all his goofiness, sometimes tried to mimic Sanji’s flirty lines to get lucky. Didn’t always work… However, Zoro never cared.

He wasn’t uninterested, nor was he blind to women in general. But advances were never really made and he liked it that way.

His focus was on something else.

The door opened again.

He tried his best to either not look or, at the very least, make it less evident.

Like he’d thought, she was of smaller stature. Probably wouldn’t even reach his chin. And sure had curves -

He choked on air. Robin smiled wider.

Tea was placed on the table and a waft of its scent reached his nose. But the herbal smell was quickly eclipsed by the most alluring perfume of apple blossoms, mixed with a hint of other flowers and herbs.

His poor attempt at keeping his stare in check went kaboom when he saw, in his periphery, where the perfume was coming from.

As the young woman had bent over the table, her neck and chest came to vision, as well as soft, milky skin. Zoro nearly allowed his mouth to drop open lax. And he had to try his best to keep his composure and force himself to look at the tea swaying in his cup.

‘Let me know if you need anything else.’

This was a struggle. Even her voice.

What the hell was wrong with him?!

‘Hum! How nice!’ Nami hummed again snapping her lips at the taste of the tea ‘This is amazing! I haven’t had tea this nice in so long.’

A small chuckle had his nerves crackling with the need to look at the woman again.

‘Thank you. I grow all the herbs myself. Feels nice to share them.’

‘Juniper, wasn’t it?’ Robin looked at the woman and smiled in gratitude ‘Thank you for the tea.’

‘Not at all! And call me June, most people do.’

His ribs were hit once more and Zoro glared at Nami, who was now raising her brown and cocking her head toward Juniper.

‘Oh…’ He cleared his throat and nodded towards the woman, trying to keep his composure ‘Thanks.’

‘Are you guys just stopping by?’

‘Just to restock and get the Log Pose going. We’re leaving after tomorrow.’

‘I hope you enjoy, then. Tell you what, why don’t I prepare some of the herbs I have on hand. I’ll include the tea leaves.’

This was the strangest thing.

Zoro was dumbfounded at himself, all things considered. While his body was on pins and needles, completely and utterly on edge at the sight of her, his mind had achieved the most peaceful and quiet state. Everything about her presence was a contradiction; soothing and soft, at the same time it was sensual and heated.

Juniper began to move around the living room, going to a specific cabinet all the while talking with Nami and Robin.

To avoid following her figure around, Zoro got up from his place and began roaming a bit around the living room.

There were a couple of ink paintings on the wall, ones that resembled Wano art he’d seen once. Fresh flowers in vases were decorating the place, clearly something Juniper had done. A couple of swords caught his eye, just above the side table where incense had been burning.

It was a daishō. A set of two blades, a katana and a wakizashi. They were both beautifully sheathed in a perfectly polished cherry wooden saya, where a expertly knotted pinkish sageo was adorning it. Both had dark purple silk wrapped hilts, and the guard was a very intricate design resembling a cherry blossom.

His fingers nearly twitched in reflex. Zoro couldn’t resist the temptation of reaching out, hand stretching to the katana. His fingers had barely touched the sageo that stood still in the air when a sharp voice interrupted him.

‘Don’t.’ Juniper had stopped in the middle of the living room, a carefully wrapped package in her hands and stern, dark look in her honey eyes ‘Don’t touch them.’

‘Zoro, you dumbass, what are you doing?’ Nami whisper yelled in a scold, while Robin sat quietly with an amused look in her eyes.

‘Did your father make these?’ He gestured to the daishō, curious to learn more.

He also wondered why Juniper’s annoyed look was riling him up.

‘Yes. And they’re not for sale.’

The sharp cut in her tone was so decisive that Zoro shut up and didn’t utter another word.

Laughter and gentle banter interrupted the quiet that had settled momentarily. Franky was now entering the living room as he followed the little old man. Was he blushing?

‘It sure is nice to talk to someone who knows what they’re business.’ Old man was saying, the box in his hands heavy with supplies.

‘Nah, mister, you’re really good at what you do!’ Franky smiled bashfully ‘I didn’t know you could do this with Haki.’

Zoro perked up.

‘Do what?’

‘Old man learned how to infuse Haki within the things he makes. It makes the nails last longer, knives sharper. I’ve never seem anything like it.’ Franky showed a hammer to Zoro, who proceeded to take it in his hands and analyze it ‘I can’t necessarily see it, but you feel it.’

Zoro could see it.

At first glance, it was your regular hammer. Nothing else. But Zoro could see the waves of Haki flowing through the iron, settled into it like it was part of the stiff material. It flowed in dark waves, crackling a little against his hand before it settled.

‘Something I picked up from my father. And he picked up from his father, too. Thankfully I was graced with a daughter.’ The old blacksmith looked fondly at the young woman and smiled ‘We can finally stop having blacksmiths in the family.’

‘Awe, Juniper, you don’t wanna be blacksmith?’ Nami half joked, looking at the woman who had now sat down at the table too.

‘I regret to say my talent for it is completely null. Which is to say I suck at it.’

At least Zoro’s antics hadn’t left her in a foul mood. She seemed back to her normal self. For some odd reason it didn’t quite sit well with him that she would angry at him.

‘And it’s a good thing too. Your talents are much gentler than mine. Will keep you away from the damn Government, too.’

At the blacksmith’s words, everyone tensed a little in their place. Now fully alert, Zoro listened with newfound curiosity.

‘Don’t worry, I know who you all are.’ The blacksmith placed the boxes of supplies by the door and was now reaching for the tea as well ‘It’s not like we can miss the wanted posters anyway. No need to fret, though. I can assure you no one on this island welcomes anyone from the Government. They’ve been turned down time and time again and still they persist.’

Nami was frowning deep ‘What do they want?’

‘I’d say me, but it’s more my knowledge they want. I’ve stopped making weapons many years ago, but they keep harping me about making them again.’ The old man sighed as he sat down after serving Franky some tea as well ‘But I’m old. I wouldn’t mind ending the rest of my days making nails and spoons and kitchen knives. It’s peaceful enough.’

‘Sounds like they’ve been quite persistent.’ Robin seemed to be studying the old blacksmith.

‘You can say that again, young lady. I keep turning them away, but they keep coming back.’

‘So they want to be able to infuse Haki within their weapons?’ Zoro asked, crossing his arms as he glanced at the daishō set on the wall.

‘Certainly. They’ve even resorted to threatening Juniper these past couple of visits.’

Juniper clicked her tongue in a dismissive tone, mumbling something along the lines of ‘bunch of pigs’ under her breath. She got up from her seat and made to the kitchen in record time.

‘Well. June isn’t their biggest fan.’ The blacksmith smiled apologetically before proceeding ‘I’ve been wanting to get rid of those but I’m scared to even touch them. But the Marines sure ain’t having them.’

‘Can’t you melt them?’ Franky asked, a little confused as to why the blacksmith wouldn’t be able to just dispose of the two blades.

‘Well, that’s the thing with Haki infused weapons. They create a sort of entity within themselves, a personality. And those two are likely the most vicious thing I’ve ever created.’ The blacksmith seemed to deflate slightly, then ‘Those two killed my wife.’

There was a quiet and respectful moment of acknowledgement from everyone, almost in a way for them to show their respects. Robin even gently touched the old man’s shoulder to offer reassurance.

So that was why… Ever since he’d reached for the daishō set of swords, Zoro had been feeling a strange aura from them. It was a push and pull of different emotions, sadness, anger, violence. It was certainly not pleasant in the slightest, it was making him on edge. And not the nice, comforting way Juniper’s presence did. Matter of fact, it was the complete opposite of Juniper’s Haki. While hers had a gentle, kind presence in all its soothing waves, these two blades were a turmoil of chaos and blood thirst, hints of a sadness he didn’t understand tainting the anger within the saya.

It also seemed like the sayas of the two blades was what was containing whatever frantic energy was stored with the steel of them.

The door where Juniper had disappeared in opened and closed again. And this time he’d been so engrossed in analyzing the energy emanating from the daishō that he barely even registered her presence for the first time since he’d arrived to the smithy.

“Would you take them?”

At first Zoro didn’t register the question. It was only when there a thump on the table that he looked over again. Juniper had dropped the empty teacup she’d been collecting from Nami on the table. And she was now staring at her father with a dark, pleading look on her eyes.

‘Me?’ Zoro asked, frowning both at the question and the young woman’s reaction.

‘You seem like a knowledgeable swordsman,’ The old man elaborated ‘and certainly strong enough that you’d be able to wield either of them. I’d feel more at ease if those blades were in the possession of someone that respects them.’

‘Dad.’ Juniper was tense and certainly not enjoying where the conversation was going.

’I thought these weren’t for sale.” Zoro pointed out, his eye momentarily seeing the way the woman was now shifting uncomfortably.

‘Oh, they’re not. But if I could find a way to be rid of them, knowing they’d be in good hands it’d be a relief.’ The guy crossed his arms and looked at his daughter ‘I’d rather give them to someone who’d used them for good, instead of the Marines, Juni.’

‘Right… And giving them away to a guy you’ve just met is the way to go.’

It was awkwardly quiet for a heartbeat, before Nami spoke in soothing, soft voice.

‘Zoro would never use his swords to hurt people for the fun of it.’

Juniper didn’t seem to relax under this explanation, but she ended up backing down, anyway. She sat back down between Nami and Robin, and kept quiet for the remaining of the interaction. Brewing, but quiet.

The old man sighed heavily.

‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked this so suddenly. Either way, you can take your time to decide.’ The old man turned to Franky ‘Come back tomorrow for the rest of the things you asked, son, I’ll have them all ready.’

Zoro discreetly looked back at Juniper.

To say she looked bemused was an understatement.