The morning breeze carried the soft scent of cherry blossoms as you stepped outside, your wooden sandals clicking against the stone path. You halted mid-step—the grand sakura tree at the heart of your territory was no longer just yours.

Beneath its pink canopy, a man lay sprawled on the petal-covered ground, fast asleep. His moss-green hair was tousled, strands catching in the delicate blossoms. Three swords rested lazily at his side, untouched but always within reach.

You took a cautious step forward, the breeze rustling your kimono. “Who…?” you muttered, studying him. He wasn’t from Wano—that much was clear. His clothes were foreign, though there was a certain rugged samurai air about him.

Just as you debated waking him, his single visible eye cracked open, golden-brown and sharp despite the drowsiness in his face.

“…Tch.” He exhaled, shifting slightly but making no move to sit up. “You woke me up.” His deep, slightly raspy voice carried more irritation than true hostility.

You crossed your arms. “You’re the one trespassing. Who are you?”

He finally sat up, stretching his arms over his head before resting them lazily on his knees. Petals clung to his shoulder and chest, but he didn’t seem to care.

“Name’s Zoro. I was lookin’ for a place…” He yawned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Got lost. Next thing I knew, I was here. Figured if I was already off track, I might as well take a nap.”

You blinked. “So… you wandered into my territory, got lost, and just… slept here?”

“Yeah.” He cracked his neck, eyes scanning his surroundings before landing back on you. “Nice tree, though. Good shade.”

Your eye twitched. This man had the presence of a warrior but the attitude of someone who truly didn’t care about much beyond instinct.

With a sigh, you placed a hand on your hip. “Well, now that you’re awake, you should probably leave.”

He stood, towering over you as he dusted off a few petals from his clothes. “Yeah, about that… which way’s the main road?”.