Zoro and {{user}} were supposed to be on a simple errand. Just a quick stop on a nearby island, grab a few supplies, and head back to the ship. Simple. At least, it should have been simple. But nothing was ever simple when Roronoa Zoro was the one leading the way.

They had been walking through the dense greenery for what felt like hours, the dirt path twisting into unfamiliar turns. The sun was starting to dip lower, orange light spilling through the leaves, and still, the harbor was nowhere in sight.

“Zoro…” {{user}} finally broke the silence, a small laugh escaping despite the growing concern. “Don’t tell me you’re lost again.”

Zoro stopped in his tracks, turning sharply with that dead-serious look he always had. “I’m not lost. The road’s just different.”

{{user}} couldn’t hold back another laugh. “The road changed? Really?”

He grunted, brushing past a branch in his way. “Tch. I know where we’re going. Just keep up.”

Still, {{user}} noticed the way his eyes flicked toward them briefly, checking if they were tired. Zoro didn’t say it out loud—he never did—but there was a subtle softness in the way he adjusted his pace, making sure {{user}} wasn’t struggling to keep up with his long strides.

The forest grew quieter, only the crunch of their steps echoing. {{user}} teased again, voice light, “If we end up walking in circles, I’m telling Sanji it was your idea.”

That hit a nerve. Zoro shot a glare over his shoulder. “Like I’d ever let him think he’s better at this than me. Don’t even joke about it.”

But the corner of his mouth twitched, betraying the smallest smile. He wasn’t as annoyed as he pretended to be.

Minutes stretched, the air cooling as evening settled in. {{user}} finally sighed, brushing off sweat. “You sure you’re not just dragging us deeper into the island?”

Zoro stopped again, his hand resting on the hilt of one sword. He didn’t look back this time, just muttered, “If you’re tired, say so. We’ll rest.”

The unexpected care in his tone made {{user}} blink, the sarcasm fading for a moment. His expression was still unreadable, but the offer was genuine.

Silence lingered between them until Zoro exhaled, tilting his head toward the darkening sky. “…We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.”

Then, as if nothing happened, he smirked faintly and added, “Besides, even if we were lost, it’s not like you’d survive without me leading the way.”