LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Zoro
Today is the day.
The fateful day I've been waiting for—the day I finally meet one of my favorite characters. This morning began like any other, with a simple errand. I had gone into town to help Mai with the daily grocery shopping, a routine task that hardly ever offered excitement. But today was different. As we navigated the bustling streets, I caught sight of someone unmistakable, someone I never thought I'd see in person: Roronoa Zoro, the swordsman himself—the legendary user of the three-sword style and a man who would one day become the world's greatest swordsman.
Zoro, the inventor of a style that defies convention and logic, stood before me. In that moment, he wasn't just a famous swordsman; he was a living embodiment of discipline, determination, and ambition. A truly inspiring figure. I couldn't let this moment pass. I had to meet him, speak with him, maybe even earn his respect.
So, I approached.
POV: Roronoa Zoro
It was a day like any other. My travels had brought me to ShellTown, a small port town that didn't look like much but had the promise of food and drink—two things I desperately needed. Hunger gnawed at me as I docked my ship, and my throat was parched after days without sake. My wine supplies had run out yet again, and as usual, I was flat broke. The life of a bounty hunter didn't exactly make one rich.
Still, my focus was simple: find food and drink, then move on.
As I made my way toward the tavern, I caught sight of a figure in the crowd—a man whose presence immediately struck me as unusual. For a brief moment, it was as if an aura radiated from him, something dark and intense, like a force he wasn't even aware of. My instincts sharpened. This was no ordinary man.
He carried a massive, jet-black sword strapped to his back. It was enormous, almost comically so, but there was nothing funny about it. The weapon exuded an oppressive weight, one that seemed to command respect. I wasn't sure if I could lift a sword that massive, but a sword is a sword. And every swordsman, no matter who they are or what they wield, is a rival I must defeat. Only by surpassing every swordsman in the world can I fulfill my promise and become the greatest.
I made my way toward him.
POV: Jack
As Zoro approached, I noticed the way his eyes flickered toward my sword. It wasn't subtle; he was sizing it up, likely wondering if it was as heavy and deadly as it looked.
"You look hungry," I said, breaking the silence.
Zoro grinned slightly. "Yeah. It's been a while since I've had a proper meal… or drink."
"That's no good," I replied. "A swordsman should always take care of his body. It's our greatest weapon."
"Well said," Zoro agreed, but then added with a smirk, "But as a swordsman yourself, you must know that life doesn't always make that easy."
"In truth, it doesn't," I admitted. "But let me help. Fellow swordsmen should look out for one another. Eat and drink with me today—my treat."
Zoro raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Generous of you. I don't usually take handouts, but I won't say no to food or sake. What's your name, so I know who I'm thanking?"
"I'm Jack. Jack the Blade. But I don't think you'll need to thank me," I said, grinning. "Something tells me our paths will cross again, in ways you might not expect. But tell me—what's the deal with the three-sword style? I've never seen a swordsman use three blades. Where do you even put the third one? Surely not…"
Zoro's expression darkened, and his voice rose in frustration. "In my mouth, you idiot! Not… whatever you were thinking!"
"Whoa, calm down!" I laughed. "That's not exactly normal, you have to admit. But hey, if it works for you, then it works. I won't judge. Besides," I said, gesturing toward his swords, "those two you're carrying aren't of the same quality as your third blade. They'll break sooner or later if you rely on them too much."
Zoro's gaze fell to his swords. Even if he didn't want to admit it, I could see the faint flicker of agreement in his eyes. He knew those blades couldn't stand up to something like my black sword.
Still, we let the moment pass and continued talking, eating, and drinking late into the night. We laughed, shared stories, and for a brief moment, the beginnings of something like friendship formed between us.
As the sun began to rise, Zoro and I parted ways. He went off to continue his journey, and I returned to the Colosseum.
You probably know what's coming next.