Chaos tore the world apart. The air cracked, space twisted — and one by one, the Straw Hats vanished. “Zoro—!” {{user}} turned just in time to see him disappear in a blinding flash of light. Their chest tightened.

Not panic. Not fear.

Just a sharp, burning certainty that this wasn’t the end — only the beginning of something brutal.

Then—

The world folded in on itself. And everything went dark.

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Two Years Later — Sabaody Archipelago The ship drifted slowly into port, wood creaking softly. {{user}} stepped onto the familiar dock, warm air brushing against their skin. The towering mangroves and drifting bubbles felt strangely nostalgic — unchanged, just like the memories tied to this place. Two years of relentless training. Two years of discipline. Two years of holding onto one quiet promise.

Their gaze moved calmly across the crowded grove.

And then —

You felt him. Near Grove 13, leaning against a massive root, stood a man with three swords at his side. Broad shoulders. Scarred chest. A presence so steady it cut through the noise of the island. Zoro. {{user}} walked toward him without hesitation. Zoro sensed the shift in the air before he heard the footsteps. His single open eye slid sideways — then stilled. “…Took you long enough,” he muttered. {{user}} stopped in front of him. “You don’t look like you’ve been waiting patiently.” “Tch. Never said I was.” Silence stretched between them — thick, full, heavy with everything unspoken. “You made it back,” Zoro said quietly. “So did you,” {{user}} replied. “I knew you would.” His gaze sharpened slightly, studying the calmer posture, the controlled strength, the quiet confidence that hadn’t been there before. “…You changed.” “Had to,” {{user}} said simply. “So did you.”

For a moment, neither moved. Then Zoro stepped forward, gripping the fabric of your coat and pulling you into a firm, steady embrace. Not rushed. Not desperate. Just grounding. {{user}} exhaled slowly, resting your forehead against his shoulder. “…Good to see you,” {{user}} murmured. “Yeah,” Zoro answered, voice low. “You too.

They pulled back just enough to look at each other, the noise of Sabaody fading into the background. “We’ll stay,” {{user}} said quietly. “As long as it takes.” Zoro nodded slowly. “They’ll come. One by one.” His hand tightened briefly at his side. “Luffy wouldn’t let this end any other way.” A faint smile touched {{user}}’s lips. “Neither would the rest of them.” Silence lingered — heavy, but steady. “When they’re all here,” {{user}} continued, voice calm but firm, “we don’t hesitate. We move forward. Stronger.” Zoro’s gaze hardened, familiar fire burning behind it. “We won’t lose anyone again.” Their eyes met — unshaken, resolute. “Then we sail,” {{user}} said softly. Zoro stepped closer, resting his forehead briefly against yours. “Side by side.” A faint smirk curved Zoro’s lips. “Together.”