The feasting and laughter of the village faded deep into the night, leaving Santoryu Island quiet under a canopy of stars. Zoro couldn't sleep. Maybe it was the oddness of their situation, or the way moonlight slipped through the open window of their small guest room, catching the edge of Wado Ichimonji's blade. Nami and Robin each took a bed, but Zoro stayed upright on the floor, swords at the ready, mind sharp even as fatigue pressed in.
At some unmarked hour before dawn, a gentle knock sounded at the shoji door. Zoro opened one eye, instantly cautious. The tatami creaked as Robin stirred but only smiled, seemingly unbothered, and rolled over. Nami slept soundly, snoring softly under her blanket.
The knock came again, more insistent this time.
Zoro slid the door open, careful not to make a sound. Standing there, framed by the dim light before dawn, was a woman—a few inches taller than Nami, with messy black hair, sharp amber eyes, and a weathered white haori draped over her shoulder. She carried two swords on her back, moving with a balanced and disciplined posture.
She bowed her head slightly. "You're Zoro, the swordsman. I'm Kaori. The village master requests a demonstration at sunrise. Tradition requires a challenge for all warrior guests, especially those rumored to carry three blades."
Zoro blinked, then shrugged, unfazed. "So this is how you wake people up here?"
Her mouth curled into the faintest smirk. "If you'd rather, I could let the monkeys try instead. They love an audience."
He grunted, shouldering his swords. "Lead the way."
Kaori moved like water: silent and confident, her haori fluttering in the breeze as they walked through dimly lit streets toward a small stone arena surrounded by mossy pillars. Villagers—early risers, old men sipping tea, and children fighting yawns—had already gathered in anticipation. Someone handed Zoro a bright green ribbon for luck. Another pressed a hot bun into his palm, which he devoured in one bite.
Kaori took her place at the opposite end of the ring. Her swords glinted, one straight and slender, the other curved like a crescent moon.
A bell rang. The crowd murmured with excitement.
Zoro drew his blades. "So, what are the rules?"
Kaori raised her chin, confidence evident in her stance. "Standard island duel—first to disarm or touch the opponent twice. But there's a legend, you know. If I strike before you do, you must accept a forfeit of my choosing."
He raised an eyebrow. "And if I win?"
A playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Then I'll grant any wish you make—as is custom here."
Robin's voice floated from the stands, teasing and amused. "Try not to make it too embarrassing, Zoro."
Nami leaned forward, eyes bright with excitement. "Or too easy."
With a quick, nearly undetectable nod, the duel began. Kaori moved first, a blur of steel and grace, testing Zoro's guard with a feint to the left, then darting to his right. She was quick—almost as quick as Tashigi—with a precision that reminded him of his earliest sparring memories.
But Zoro was the real legend here.
Steel rang against steel. The villagers watched, breathless, as the two clashed and whirled, feet sliding through the dew-covered grass. Kaori's first strike grazed Zoro's sash—a touch, nothing more. He countered with a shallow cut on her sleeve, earning a slow, thoughtful nod.
Then the world blurred—three blades in a swift arc—and Kaori's straight sword flew from her hand, clattering to the floor of the arena. Zoro pressed his advantage, stopping just short of her shoulder. The crowd gasped; Kaori yielded but smiled, her eyes bright with admiration.
"Impressive," she said softly, catching her breath. "So, swordsman—what's your wish?"
Zoro stepped back, sheathing his blades. He looked at Kaori, the village, then at his friends in the crowd. "Just breakfast—and a better map than the one we lost."
The villagers erupted into delighted laughter. Kaori bowed, a little too long, her eyes lingering. "Granted. And perhaps next time you'll ask for something less ordinary."
As Zoro left the ring, Robin and Nami joined him, both wearing knowing grins.
"So," Nami teased, "making new friends already?"
Robin's gaze sparkled. "Or perhaps new rivals."
Zoro grumbled but couldn't hide the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. As the sun crested the horizon, possibilities before him filled with adventure, challenge, and bonds yet to be formed. On Santoryu Island, every dawn promised danger and something more complicated brewing in the heart.
*To be continued in Chapter 5: Legend of the Santoryu Island…*