15:: The Search. The Animal Trainer Named Leslie

Author’s Note (because we need more of these): hey, Sakura here. I wanna tell yeah that there’s a new segment I and AbnormalWriter101 started. It consists of One Piece shorts, each story only a chapter long. Juts funny, random ideas that pop into our head, scenarios as you may put it. The idea came when she was at my place and I wanted to draw a pic of Rhythm, Zoro and Felina (her OC. Lil cat girl) playing strip poker.

That evolved to the One Piece Madhouse.

So check it out if you want a good laugh (or just keep reading. Preferably both).

Oh and sorry for the shitty chapter. I was running out of ideas. And the song? sorry! i needed to get that in there! its important to the plot. . . at some point further along. itl be better if you listen to it. . .

                                                -LS

~Rhythm~

“Your dancers?!” Nami asked.

Lina nodded. “Our proud treasure is our dancers. As girls, we train at a young age to learn the island’s traditional dancer. The dressed you’re wearing is the traditional outfit of out dancers. The weird flowers in the island? The dress is woven from the petals.”

“That’s. . . weird. I’m wearing a flower,” I said, adjusting my headband. I felt uncomfortable. This was the first time in my entire life, I’ve ever worn a skirt of any sort.

“The flower’s called zcho no kinei. Silk of the Queen. It only grows here, at Tomoni Island.”

“It is a nice feel. Very exotic.” Robin said, rubbing the fabric of the skirt between her fingers.

“I’ll admit it, it’s really pretty, but why the make-up?” Nami asked.

“Tradition,” Lina and I said. She meant it. I was mocking.

I agree, even though I’m not a huge fan for myself, it was absolutely gorgeous. The top cut low, decorated with little silver plates the size of dimes. It showed my bare stomach, which was painted with a intrecated vine-like pattern in silver paint down my left side. The skirt was light, yet had enough wait to it for a full spin. It was wrinkled in fine creases that were each about a centimeter thick. Silvery belts of plates, charms, and little decorations hung loose on my hips, ringing like tiny bells when I moved. The skirt went down to my ankles, showing the silver braces wrapped around my ankle with silvery beads handing from them. My feet bore thin, silk shoes with sturdy soles. My upper arms had silver bands, the left like a coiled snake while the other just a simple bands with beads like my ankles, and my wrists too. Thin, gossamer see-through fabric hung from my wrists, trailing down to my ankles. My hair was piled onto my head, while interacting face paint and icy blue lipstick was stuck on my face. The rest of my body was painted with different colors, contrasting with my dress. The dress, on the other hand, was a dark, midnight blue at the hem of the skirt, and as it went up, it slowly faded to a light, sky blue. Same with the top, but it went from sky blue to dark blue up.

Nami’s and Robins were the same, except different patterns, metals, designs, and colors. Nami’s was a pale pink to deep red with gold trim, while Robin’s was a pale silver to deep gold, with bronze trim.

“Namiiiiiiii-swaaaaaaaan<3! Rooobiiiiiin-chwaaaaaaaaaan<3! Rhyyyyyythmmmmmm-dwoooonoooooo<3! You all look absolutely beautiful! Goddesses if not, angels from above<3!” Sanji cried, hearts for eyes.

“I feel as though my face is going to break out. So what does this have to do with anything?” Nami said.

“Witch has a weakness to girls. Dancers especially. He keeps them for himself. So he’ll defiantly come out when he sees you three.” Lina said. “But. . .” she added.

“But what?” Sanji asked.

“He’ll  take one of you, to torture the rest of you with not knowing. Then slowly pick you off one at a time. From what happened here, he starts from the prettiest. Then strongest, so on, so forth.”

“Lovely.” I said sarcastically.

“He’s not taking Nami-san, Robin-chan, or Rhythm-dono!” Sanji cried.

“Look, this is the only way to get his attention.” Lina sighed.

“Couldn’t we just set Luffy wild on the island?” Usopp asked.

“No. I think this is less dangerous,” Zoro said.

“If I die, Zoro, you better come to my memorial and bring my remains a bag of fresh apples.” I said shaking my head.

“You’re not going to die.” He frowned.

“That’s what the soldiers say before going to war. Look at the number of deaths!” I crossed my arms.

“Now you’re being ridiculous.”

“I know. I’m just screwing with you.” I smiled.

“You can never take a situation seriously.” Nami frowned.

“No,” I said.

“Yes.” Zoro said at the same time.

I stuck my tongue out, just as he did.

“God you two are so childish.” Nami shook her head. Robin just chuckled.

It was weird. We stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do. Lina hummed a tune, while Zoro napped under a tree, Sanji fawned over us, and Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper played with some bugs.

Meanwhile, Nami, Robin, and I stood on a low stage, where Lina had explained, the dancers performed. It was round, with stone bleachers rising about 5 seats up. A structure was over head, holding the lights, while more lights was at the base of the stage. It was a smooth, pale rosy color with a hard surface, good for sliding, yet not so slippery. Perfect platform.

“So. . . what should we do?” I asked Lina.

“Dance, I don’t know. Sing. Something to get his attention.” Lina stated.

Nami hit her across the head, “You just wanted to play dress up with us, huh?” She hissed.

“N-Not really,” Lina stammered.

“I’m okay with this, but how will Witch know we’re here?” Robin asked.

“He knows. I don’t know how, but he can sense everything here.” Lina said rubbing her head.

“So should I do the Soulja Boy? A hot thang like me doing the Soulja Boy in this get up would attract anyone’s attention,” I said pushing some hair from my eyes.

“Soulja Boy?” Nami, Lina, Usopp, Luffy, Chopper, and Sanji asked.

“God you guys are dense. Who doesn’t  know the Soulja Boy?” I sighed is exasperation. “It’s like this.”

“Soulja boy off in this hoe

 “Watch me crank it

 Watch me roll

 Watch me crank that soulja boy

 Then Superman that hoe”

I sang, doing the dance along with it. After a few tries, Luffy, Usopp, Lina and Chopper were doing it with me.

We were laughing as we sang along and danced the same moves over and over. Nami just did a facepalm, while Robin laughed and Zoro just sighed. Sanji was cheering me on.

And out of nowhere (AN: because I think the word “suddenly” is over-rated and immature), a spring of vines sprang from the ground, withering like giant snakes. The vines, snaked up the stage, as Nami, Lina, Usopp, and Chopper screamed. Zoro unsheathed his sword, Robin crossed her wrists, and Sanji raised his leg, Luffy laughed and raised his fists, and I tensed, ready for action, smile still plastered on my face.

The greenery reached out, and grabbed everyone, suspending us about 30 feet in the air. Cowards were freaking out, while Luffy managed to squeeze out of the iron grip of these damn plants.

“I-it’s Witch!” Lina cried, ugly tears running down her face and mixing with the snot. Zoro cut through the plants easily, while Sanji managed to crush the one holding him with a deadly kick. Robin and I on the other hand was still suspended. Stupid writers. Making us seem weak.

(AN:

Me:Mwahahaha! All for the sake of the plot!

R:Damn you, Lady! I will eat your head!

M: Hahaaa~! I’ll like to see you try!

R: watch me *NOM*

M: hey! Owwey! Getoffmethathuuuuuuurts!

R:wimp. Make me awesome or I’ll bite off your other ear

M: Fine fine! Only cuz I like you and I like hearing. I can kill you anytime!

R: you wouldn’t

M: *arches eyebrow*

R: okay yeah I believe you

M: hey a question. Is it wrong for me, the creator, to hate Sano?

R: HELL YEAH!)

I swung my leg around, grateful for the booty shorts under the skirt. I implanted a Rhyme Shock in the kick, making the plant vibrate so hard, it disintegrated on the spot. I fell from the deafening height. I was prepared for the shock, ready to land on my feet, when a pair of strong arms caught me bridal style.

I looked up, to meet the narrow eyes of Zoro.

“Thanks, Sir Marimo,” I saluted. I noticed a small cut on his cheek, “Aww lil’ Marimo got a booboo!”

“Che. Shut up.” He said.

“YOU SHUT UP YOU SHITTY MARIMO!” Sanji kicked Zoro in the head, sending him flying. I was suspended at the spot where Zoro had stood half a second ago, as I started to fall, Sanji caught me.

“There you go, Rhythm-dono. Your safe in my arms,” he smiled, hearts for eyes and nostrils enlarged.

“Put me down. I’m tempted to file a restraining order against you,” I said smoothly.

“Anything to make you happy<3!” he sighed.

“Luffy! Your cooks scaring me!” I yelled.

Nami screamed. Chopper and Usopp managed to get out, with only a little trouble, and Robin was wiping her butt off from the sudden fall. Nami was trying to use her weird pole. . . thingy that I don’t know the name of. All I know is that it makes cool weather thingies and is stored in her boobs. The joys of big boobs. . .

A cloud formed over her, but just as lighting was about to strike, the vine pulled her down, and into the ground, lighting hitting the dirt where Nami once was.

“Nami-swaaaan!” Sanji cried putting me down and running to where she disappeared.

“Huh. He really did take one of us,” Robin said.

“Yeah, a low-blow to our self-esteem, huh Robin?” I said, “Though it probably would have been me because I’m just drop-dead gorgeous. It’s probably the tattoo. It either scares ‘em off or turns ‘em on.”

Robin chuckled, “Well this is a turn of events. I’m guessing, Luffy’s next.”

“HOW ARE YOU TWO SO CALM ABOUT THIS SITUATION??!!” Usopp and Zoro yelled.

“We need to go after Nami!” Luffy said, grabbing the girl and shaking her.

“We will! But-but I didn’t know it would really work!” Lina cried.

“Hun, we’ll figure it out. For now, I suggest we split up into groups and search for anything suspicious.” I said, taking charge.

“Wait, we’ll be fine,” Luffy said.

“No, it’s because if one of us is taken, and can’t get out, then the other can help.” I said, picking out all the pins that held my hair up, until it tumbled down my back.

“That’s smart idea.” Robin said, “So someone could hear our screams.”

“Wonderful,” Zoro said.

“There’s-“ I counted “-8 of us. We’ll split up into 4 groups of two and each take a different direction.”

“Robin-chwan! You’ll be safe with me!<3” Sanji said happily, hearts for eyes.

“Fufufu, alright.” She said.

“I’m going with Captain Usopp!” Lina said pointing to Usopp. He stiffened, then relaxed.

“Yes, I, the great Captain Usopp will make sure nothing ever happens to you! I have a fleet of 8000 men in my command, and if anything or anyone lays a finger or. . . vine on you, I will set my men after them.”

“NO WAY! SO COOL!” Chopper and Lina cried, eyes sparkling as they jumped up and down. Kids.

“Luffy! I’ll go with you!” Chopper said running and hugging his leg. So cute! I can’t help it, I have a thing for cute things.

“I guess I’m stuck with the leftovers,” I looked over at Zoro. He frowned.

“Pft. Picky. Better me than the lurve cook.” I said.

“Yosh! Nami! We’re coming for you!” Luffy yelled, running in some random direction, Chopper at his heels.

“Does anyone know which direction that is?” I asked.

“That’s west,” Robin said.

“Seriously! How can you tell?” I asked.

“The sun.” she pointed upward.

“Oh. Well I don’t pay attention.” I said.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robin and I changed back into our clothes, wiping the paint off and grabbing the pirate lunchboxes Sanji made. We planned to meet back at the ship by sunset, with Nami or not. Outside, we went our different directions. Robin and Sanji north, Usopp and Lina east, while Zoro and I went south.

“I had to get stuck with the guy with the worst direction possible.” I grumbled. I was grateful though, since this time I had my actual clothes on. I tipped my fedora down, shielding the warm sun from my eyes.

“Che. Leftovers you said,” he grunted.

“Indeed. The kind that’s been sitting in the fridge for a good two months and nobody wants to eat them because it was never their favorite to begin with.”

“I don’t care,” he said.

We trekked through the forest, guessing which way to go since we both had no sense of direction. The sun was as warming as ever, since this was summer on a spring island. Birds chirped merrily over our heads, as a breeze followed us from the sea. I had my music player with me this time, but right now I preferred to listen to the birds’ songs. It was hard to believe that this paradise would have such terrors within it. The large trees stood firm and tall, filtering the golden light down on us. The island flowers, zcho no kinei, swayed gently in the breeze, giving off its soft scent. I let my mind wander, unable to stay firmly planted in my mind in such a beautiful place.

That dream shook me a bit. Was that just cheating on Sano? Or just my mind playing tricks? I couldn’t shake the feeling of his lips roaming my skin, touching me, whispering my name.  My mind said it was wrong, but my body kept screaming back “shut the fuck up! Stupid brain. . . you don’t know nothing”. I bit my lip. When my feelings are mixed up, I sing.

“hitori o mitometa

sore wa tsumari eien da kara

kimi no mono ni mo naranai shiawase nado

hitei no umi no soko

shizumu iseki no naka de

ushinawareta kako no himitsu ni shiyou

‘nanimo shiranai to ie’

kotoba ni naru hodo akutoku wa kantan ni mieru to

unubore o sarashite wa omoshiroi shinema

utsushidasu tsumori ka?

hibiwareta hashira ni sugaritsuku oroka na

yami o matou mono yo shizuka ni nemure

hikareau kokoro ga hosoi ami o yurashi

ochiru na, to. hajimete sakebu yo

tatareta tsunagari

sore ga masa ni rokotsu na karuma

kimi mo senaka ni yokei na zaiakukan

saisho ni doku o nomu

yakume ataerareru to

omoi mo sezu kako ni jibun o modosu”

Zoro looked at me like I just spoke Mouthfull. I just ignored that look and continued.

"'nanimo shiranai to ie'

kotoba ni naru hodo akutoku wa kantan ni mieru to

unubore o sarashite wa omoshiroi shinema

utsushidasu tsumori ka?

hibiwareta hashira ni sugaritsuku oroka na

yami o matou mono yo shizuka ni nemure

hikareau kokoro ga hosoi ami o yurashi

ochiru na, to. hajimete sakebu yo

tatareta tsunagari

sore ga masa ni rokotsu na karuma

kimi mo senaka ni yokei na zaiakukan

saisho ni doku o nomu

yakume ataerareru to

omoi mo sezu kako ni jibun o modosu

'nani o suru beki toki ka'

tamashii nagesute bitoku kara toozakaru sagyou

koko mo nagaku wa nai to tsubuyaita enjeru?

kimi no koe kasanaru

oshiyoseru sabaki no takanami ni saraware

nagasareru gajou ga haikyo ni kawaru

motomeatteita to kizuita no wa tabun

ore no hou, sa. kono te wa hanasana

mizu ga subete o jouka ni michibiku

sukoshi dake wasuretemitai

tomurai no kane naru koro yomigaeru wazawai o tometekuru yo

hibiwareta hashira ni sugaritsuku oroka sa

yami ga osoikakaru mou ichido nemure

hikareau kokoro ga katate o nigirishime

ochiru na, to. hajimete sakebu yo

oshiyoseru sabaki no takanami ni saraware

nagasareru gajou ga haikyo ni kawai

motomeatteita to kizuita no wa tabu

ore no hou, sa. kono te wa hanasanai"

“What was that?” he asked.

“My song.” I said simply. “Me and a friend wrote it together and some other friends made it into an actual song. I can translate it, but I doubt you’d like to hear it.”

“No, no. I want to hear it,” he said.

“Really?”

“Yeah. I want to know what that gibberish was.” He said.

“Curiosity killed the cat.” I pointed out

“But discovery brought it back.” He added.

I smiled. “Then should I sing or just recite like a politician.” The I made a straight face, mouth low, eyebrows furrowed, and said in a deepend drawl, “In 1987 a man said to me that the sun was rising. I said no shit, Sherlock. That day I was inspired to create this country and make it a home for people and their slaves! All hail, Hitler!” (AN: please take no offense to that. I rather like my place here. If you do, send me a msg and ill kindly change it. Don’t go reporting me.)

He laughed. “Sing. Don’t recite it like that, though.

I smiled again. It was nice to see him smile, how it lit up his entire face. He was usually so serious, always frowning with his eyes furrowed, as though someone’s going to attack him any second. But when he genuinely smiled, it was as if he let lose all that pent up stress and it relaxed his whole face into a warming light. “Okay then.”

“Alone I showed up

 Because that is forever

 Happiness, such as not even to those of you

 At bottom of the sea of negative

 Among the ruins sink

 Trying to lose secrets of the past

‘Say nothing and do not know'

 Unscrupulous enough to be easily visible and words

 Exposing the self-conceit is interesting cinema

 Are you going to reflect?

 Foolish cling to the cracked pillar

 You who sleep quietly put on the darkness

 Mind is attracted to each other shaking the thin rope

 And, not fall. I cry for the first time

 Connection was cut off

 It is very explicit Karma

 Unnecessary guilt to back you also

 Drink the poison first

 Given the role

 Return yourself to the past without even think

‘What time what to do’

 Work away from the soul threw virtue

 Angel murmured no longer here

 Overlap your voice

 Been kidnapped in the judgment surging tidal wave

 Changes to be shed ruins stronghold

 I had noticed, we are living is probably

 At me, be. This hand is not released

 Lead to purify all water

 I want to forget a little bit

 I'm going to stop the scourge of bell ringing time of mourning revives

 Folly cling to the cracked pillar

 Darkness once again attacks him sleel

 One hand clutching a heart fit is drawn

 And, not fall. Cried the first time

 Been kidnapped in the judgment surging tidal wave

 Changes to be shed ruins stronghold

 I had noticed, we are living is probably

 At me, be. This hand is not released”

We walked in silence, then Zoro said slowly, “I don’t really get how that applies to you. You seem too. .  . happy.”

“So you want my song to be barfing sunshine? Hell no.” I said.

“It’s complex. That’s the only part I get.” He said.

“So I’m messed up?” I asked.

He stiffened, “Well. . . no. I mean, yeah in your own way but-“ he was getting boyish. Strange how they think the smallest things could shatter girls’ hearts.

“Dude I’m kidding. It’s a long, complex story. But I’ll tell you know, Google Translate sucks.” (AN she speaks the truth)

“I’m just going to pretend that made sense.” He  kept walking. I was somehow behind him, trudging after him. His strides were surprisingly long. I kept my pace matched with his, able to move to the beat of his steps.

A crash echoed some distance away, birds leaping from their branches in fear and taking flight to safety.  Both Zoro and I put out hands on the hilt of our katanas, ready for any sign of an enemy. Another crashed, this time closer, echoed across the forest. I heard the clank of a sword unlocking from its sheath. Zoro.

I tapped my fingers lightly on the rough hilt of my sword, reverberating in the deathly silence of the forest. The island seemed to hold its breath. Watching. Waiting. Another explosion echoed, this time closer. The trees shook, roots creaking as the trees swayed ominously.

“What was that?” Zoro asked.

“If I knew, I would tell you,” I said.

 A yell echoed through the forest, close, but too far to reach. The yell was followed by a high pitched scream.

Then a yell came from behind “LET HIM GO, YOU DAMN  OCTOPUS!”

Zoro and I looked at each other and nodded, “Luffy.”

We took off in the direction, me only having to grab his arm once to make sure he didn’t run the wrong way. We reached a clearing, where a strange animal about the size of a house with wavering tentacles and a weird, damn ugly head sat.

“Hey look! It’s Luffy’s art brought to life!” I pointed out.

“Oh shit your right,” he said. It seriously did look like his drawing. “maybe you’ll find your six creepy pandas in a hot tub somewhere.”

I laughed. In the clutches of Luffy’s art, was Chopper, screaming and crying, all the while muttering “Its’sadreamit’sadreamit’sadreamIT’SADREAMIT’SADREAM!”

Luffy on, the other hand, was hitting it as hard as he can but it just reflected off the pink squishy skin.

“Looks like a job for SUPERBEAT!” I ran out into the clearing, jumping high up into the air.

I did a flip, and as I fell with my leg extended for a kick, I yelled “Rhyme Shock!”

The sound waves I emanated hit Luffy’s art in the head, making it drop Chopper and spin dizzily around, large lump on his head.

“Onigiri!”  Zoro yelled, slashing the legs of the beast with his three-sword style.

I snickered when I landed next to him. “Riceball.”

He frowned. “Shut up.”

“Thanks guys,” Chopper said.

“No problem.” Zoro said.

“Go Luffy! Beat up the Zoro. . . monster thingy.” I cheered.

“Oi,” Zoro replied, waving his hand.

“Got it!” he yelled, “Gomu-Gomu no~ Bazooka!~”

The monster was slammed backwards, knocking over some poor trees in the process.

“What is that?” Chopper asked. Luffy landed next to us, fixing his straw hat on his head.

“Hell if I know,” he said.

“Looks weird.” Zoro said.

“Let’s call him Takoyaki, shall we?” I said.

“Yosh! Takoyaki it is!” Luffy yelled.

“Isn’t that octopus fritters?” Chopper asked.

“It’s Rhythm and Luffy, don’t ask.” Zoro said.

The trees across the clearing shook, followed by a mighty roar, “WHO HURT MY DEAR PENELOPE?!”

“He did!” I yelled back, pointing at Luffy.

Then out from the trees, came a man running. He was a strange man, with a duck hat and a yellow trench coat with rainbow suspenders. He had a mustache that curled downward, and droopy eyes that seemed to sleepy to be angry.

“Oi! Did you hurt my precious Penelope?” he yelled.

“That’s a woman?!” Chopper exclaimed.

“Yes! A very fine specimen at that! I raised her myself!” he boasted.

“Good for you.” I muttered.

“Penelope attacked us,” Zoro said.

“Oh, sorry!” he rubbed the back of his head, waving his hand, “It’s her time of month, so she’s a bit cranky. Did you do something to provoke her?”

“Luffy tried to eat her,” Chopper accused.

“It looks delicious.” Was all Luffy said in defense.

“Whatever your reason, I apologize.” He said. “Oh, and my name is Leslie, the great animal tamer!” he boasted proudly.

“Hi I’m Luffy. Nice to meetcha’. I’m going to be King of the Pirates.”

“Oh good for you, and the rest?” he looked over at us.

“That’s Zoro, my swordsman.” Luffy said, “ Chopper my doctor, and-“

“Doctor! You’re a reindeer! On your hind-legs even, walking and talking, what’s up with that?!”

“You just noticed?” Zoro and I said waving our hands.

“And why what a lovely specimen, even!” Leslie continued, totally ignoring us.

“Aw you think I’m happy about that compliment you asswipe!” Chopper said smiling and twirling around in joy.

“Not very good at hiding your feelings,” Leslie said, “and who is this lovely young lady?” he asked, turning to me.

“I’m Nobody,” I said.  I don’t trust this guy. He seems too. . . off. So why not pretend I’m Nobody like Odysseus?

“No you’re not!” Luffy said. “You’re-“ I slapped him up-side the head.

“Shut up or I’ll send Ojīchan after you again.” I hissed. He stayed silent after that.

“Nobody? Well it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he kissed my hand

“He fell for it,” Zoro muttered.

“Shut up, Leftovers.” I hissed.

“Well, I’ll take Penelope with me, but I want to ask Dr. Chopper a few questions.”  Leslie said, smiling sheepishly. “A talking reindeer. Who would’ve thought I’d run into one of those?”

“Then let’s leave ‘em. Luffy, Rizumu, let’s go.” Zoro said turning.

“Hold it, Riceball! Wrong way!” I grabbed his arm and tugged him the other way. “You too, rubber-brain.”

“Coming!” Luffy said as we walking into the forest.

“Wait, where’d you get Rizumu from?” I asked.

“You have so many nicknames for me, I thought I’d give you one.” Zoro said.

“Yeah, you’re right, know that I think about it. Marimo, moss head, moss brain, leftovers, riceball, and . . . I dunno.”

(Author’s note: arg! My iced tea just attacked me! Coldcoldcoldcoldcoldcoldcoldcold. . . . no point in this note)

Luffy walked ahead of us, singing loudly and kicking up dirt and leaves.

“Going to deliver Bink’s sake

Following the sea breeze,

Riding on the waves

Far across the salty deeps, the merry evening sun

Painting circles in the sky,

As the birds sing

Farewell to the harbor

To my old hometown

Let’s all sing out with a DON!”

I just noticed that I still had my arm looped with Zoro’s. “Oops,” I said, pulling away. He stopped.

“Oi, Luffy!” Zoro called.

“Hm?” Luffy stopped and turned.

“Let’s stop here so we can wait for Chopper.” Zoro said.

“Okay!” He called as he ran back to where we stood.

We waited for a while, getting a bit impatient for waiting.

“Well, we’re separate parties. So Luffy, we’ll leave you hear and Zoro and I’ll go on ahead. You can wait for Chopper.” I said.

“Aw why not?” he said.

“We’re looking for you navigator, dumbass, so we should really get going.” I said.

“Oh yeah, huh.” Zoro said. “Easy to forget her.”

“Okay, I’ll wait here,” he grumbled, kicking a loose rock.

“Don’t break Chopper!” I called over my shoulder as Zoro and I started on our way.

“Don’t get us lost, Leftovers.” I said after a few moments of silence.

“Me? You’re the one who gets lost!’ he responded angrily.

“Jesus Christ, for being the next world’s greatest swordsman, you have anger management issues.” I muttered, sliding my large headphones over my ears.

“I don’t!” he retorted.

“Denial.” I shook my head. “Whatevs. I’m getting tired of the sound of nature. You can keep talking, just know that I won’t be listening.” I blasted Maroon 5 on my iPod, sound blasting through my large headphones and into my ears. The beat pulsed though my body like a portable dance club.

At the corner of my eye, I could see Zoro muttering something, most likely something rude.