#zoro returned from hell to deal with Sanji lmao

[gallerylover]

Zoro remembers 😭

I love these two💛💚

[doctorgerth]

Writing Contest Winner (5th Place)

winner: @laws-yellow-submarine​

prize choice: HCs for any one character

description: Zoro’s reaction to his fem crush getting injured after pushing him out of the way of an attack 

warnings: dark/heavy themes, light blood/gore, sad boi hours

note: idk if these are really considered HCs but y’all know how I can be sometimes lmao I also got pretty carried away with this and made it way more dramatic than I believe you intended - hope it’s ok!! 

t h e   p a i n   c a m e   i n   w a v e s

first wave - shock/denial

- seeing her unconscious body lying before him, streams of red staining the snowy ground, Zoro completely froze. cold and stiff as the barren trees that canopied above them. he crawled over, the deafening screech of the enemy’s attack rang in his ears like a gunshot. his hands were stained as well as he tried to shake her awake, attempting to stop the flow of blood trickling from her wounds. yet her eyes never opened, and he could feel the frost beginning to take affect on her body.

-  the enemy was suddenly slain with ease. the same kind of ease that should have presented itself earlier. the ease that could have prevented any of this. it didn’t matter now. Zoro couldn’t even enjoy it as he was too hurried to rush (Name) back to the Sunny. he carried her limp body bridal style and ran full force, praying that his sense of direction wouldn’t fail him right now. 

- It’s just a small wound. she’s just in shock. she’ll wake up. Chopper will have her healed in no time. everything will be okay, Zoro. everything will be okay.

second wave - anger/blame

- her. when (Name) didn’t wake the next day, when Chopper closed off the infirmary from any visitors, the anger started to settle within him. he tried his hardest to not be angry with Chopper, to not be so impatient, but as days passed he couldn’t swallow it any longer. he didn’t want to be angry with her, but he was no longer in control of his emotions. this is all her fault. if she would have just let me take the hit, she would be safe right now. I could’ve taken it. what kind of weakling does she take me for? 

- himself. it wasn’t enough that Zoro mentally punished himself. it wasn’t enough that he couldn’t fall asleep at night because the nightmares reminded him of his moment of weakness, over and over and over again. no punishment was good enough. what felt the worst was how the entire crew attempted to console him, make him believe that it wasn’t his fault. that hurt the worst because he wanted to believe it, he wanted to believe his friends, but his haunted mind wouldn’t allow it. he believed he deserved the worst for allowing this to happen. if I can’t protect the ones I love, then what am I even good for? it should be me in that hospital bed, not her! 

third wave - bargaining/vulnerability

- rain, snow, or hurricane, Zoro stayed put right outside the door. he didn’t eat a single bite during the week of her absence. if she couldn’t eat because of him, then there was no reason for him to enjoy food. he hadn’t even trained as he felt he couldn’t enjoy anything until she was back, healthy and safe.

- Zoro’s not good with feelings. he knows that. he knows it’s hard for him to open up when life is difficult. he shuts down, shuts out, shuts off. if (Name) were awake, she’d know just what to say. he’d give anything to hear some advice from her, hell, to hear anything. Zoro wasn’t the religious type, but he made lots of weeping prayers to anyone who would listen, right outside the infirmary door, every single night.

- he grew tired of the void, of not hearing anything call back to him. he grew tired of pushing everyone out. he was so emotionally drained by the end of the week, he knew it was time to open up. the crew was happy to see Zoro back, despite him not at his full self yet. he could finally stomach some food and Chopper made sure to reassure him that the surgeries and medications were proving fruitful. the crew was lively as ever, because they knew (Name) would be okay. and they were finally helping Zoro to believe so too. 

t h e n ,   t h e   s t o r m   c l e a r e d

fourth wave - forgiveness

- it came flooding over him the day (Name) opened her eyes. one last wave: relief. a baptism of consolation. he was right there when she opened them. Zoro felt her stir and couldn’t contain the emotions that poured forth as she caressed his hand weakly. he collapsed onto her, weeping silently as he held her gently in his arms. he focused on her warmth, the way her heart beat rapidly in her chest. she was alive. she was okay.

- the crew couldn’t help but flood in moments after, and Zoro would have been angry any other time. but the warm smile that graced her lips as she was welcomed with pure love from the crew was enough to make the past agonizing week a distant memory. all the pain was gone. the sun had returned.

- when he got her alone once more, he chatted casually with her while she ate some soup Sanji had prepared for her. to his dismay, she remembered everything that had happened. and as he watched her struggle to eat due to the pain, all of the blame, anger, and misery was beginning to bubble up again. but she was quick to assure him that she was okay. Zoro remained by her side for the next few days, helping her eat and taking her mind off of the pain. 

- she was normal. she didn’t express any regret for what she did nor any anger towards Zoro for letting her get hurt. he was surprised to say the least, but he was thankful. if she could forgive him, he could learn to forgive himself. 

fifth wave - confession

- it came out accidentally. a rather frustrated proclamation of love as he confessed to her. she had grown irritated at his slightly overbearing care after a few days. this wasn’t like Zoro. he knew what she was capable of and she didn’t like being treated as weak, especially by him. why was he treating her like a weak child? the two ended up getting into an argument, butting heads for the first time since she recovered. he didn’t intend to, but if she wanted to know why so badly, then he’d tell her.

- “because I love you and I’m never going to let you get hurt again! now shut up and just let me take care of you, baka!”

- he had planned on telling her for a while now. he had fallen for her way back when she first joined the crew. that’s why her getting hurt of all people pained him most. in any other setting, he probably would have been utterly embarrassed at his confession. but spending a week not knowing if she would get to hear his confession, not knowing if she would ever even wake up, was far more terrifying. 

- he never expected an answer from her. he understood that it was probably too much to take in. but her silent stare was a little heart-breaking. he eyed her as she shuffled towards him. her shaky arms wrapped around him in a weak hug and she cried into his chest.  

- “I love you too, baka. why else would I have taken that attack for you? I can’t watch you get hurt, I-”

- he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, trying desperately to hold back his own tears, “thank you for saving me, (Name).” it was the first time he thanked her since she awoke. he didn’t want to believe that he needed saving, but he needed her to know her actions weren’t in vain. he was truly grateful for her and to know she did so because she loved him was all the more heart-warming, “but no more sacrifices, because I can’t bear the possibility of losing you again. deal?”

- she smiled up at him and that’s when he vowed to get stronger in order to keep that precious smile on her face forever, “deal.” 

[neverwatchedonepiece]

643-644: "Shaking Heaven and Earth! Admiral Fujitora's Power!" and "A Blow of Anger! A Giant vs Lucy!"

Brutal.... :(

Were I to sum up 643 and 644, it would be: unexpected feels and reveals.

The feels came from poor Brutal. It was all going so well! Luffy found a new pal and then, BAM.

The reveals? Well, we have the “return” of Norland from Skypeia, for one thing. Flower Field also seems to be the location for the next Big Showdown. 

The Donquixote Family have also made some moves. Diamante has put Bellamy in an uncomfortable position and an... artistic new character has been introduced. As for Doflamingo himself, he revealed a past working relationship with Trafalgar Law (I knew it! I knew there was something there!)

Oh, and we have yet another ridiculously powerful Admiral. :D

Fujitora is My New Favourite Admiral

This entire scene escalated quickly. It went from Dodgy Dealings to Dragon Ball in the blink of an eye. Not exactly an exemplary lesson in conflict resolution, but I am not complaining. 

Because it was awesome.

Law was understandably pissed off at being duped by Doflamingo. It wasn’t really Law’s fault. He’d planned the best he could with the information he had to hand. Unfortunately, it was just as Vergo had foretold: not knowing about Doflamingo’s past would be Law’s undoing.

Law refused to hand over Caesar. Doflamigo had reneged on his side of the bargain. “The deal’s off!”

Then Doflamingo said something interesting. “Is that how you talk to your boss after ten years of silence?”

Boss? Really?

I freaking knew it. I knew there was something between Doflamingo, Law and Vergo. It was the way Vergo spoke to Law back in Punk Hazard, calling him a brat, acting as if he knew everything about Law, about how he had improved but not enough. Doflamingo treats him in a similar way. Law is from North Blue, a territory in the New World. Dressrosa is in the New World. Was Law born in a territory claimed by Doflamingo?

I wonder what caused Law to go radio silence and desert Doflamingo? It must have been something horrendous. Maybe Law knows Doflamingo a bit better than he lets on.

Whatever the case, Doflamingo was adamant in retrieving Caesar. (Caesar’s starry-eyed moment was hilarious. I’d say he’s totally in love with Doflamingo, but the only thing I’d ship Caesar with is research funding).

There was a quick, “Yeah, I’ve heard all about you” exposition moment. Just to bring any viewers up to speed on Fujitora in case they missed that awesome episode when he sent an unfortunate bunch of fodders to a hole in the ground hell. “You were appointed as  Marine Admiral through the World Military Draft,” Doflamingo said. “I’ve heard a lot about you. They say you’re a monster who wields unquestionable power as well as Ryokugyu.”

First thing: World Military Draft? That’s a new one to me. Was Fujitora plucked from obscurity to become an Admiral through a military draft? Or was he retired in some capacity and they brought him back? Whatever Fujitora’s deal is, I’d be interested in finding out.

Second thing: what the hell is a Ryokugu?

Caesar’s presence at the Green Bit beach was of great interest to Fujitora and his Marines. Fujitora knew who Caesar was, which implies he has been briefed on all the Big Criminals or he does have prior experience working with the Marines. He is also familiar The Way Things Are, as he admitted they couldn’t arrest Caesar if he was working for Doflamingo (the perks of being a Shichibukai). He knows Doflamingo is a nasty bit of work but, as Doflamingo said, he has to be able to prove it. (I wonder if Fujitora is trying to do just that?)

Interestingly, it seemed like Fujitora also tried to throw Law a similar lifeline. Law is still officially a Shichibukai. His movements are crucial to the success of the Marine’s mission. If the Strawhats were working under Law, Fujitora was prepared to ignore the alliance. However, were it an alliance of equals, it would go against the Marines’ interests and Fujitora would be forced to arrest Law.

Law made some quick calculations. His original plan had failed. Even if he selected Fujitora’s Option #1, he would have to take the matter to Dressrosa and that would only make matters worse.

He chose Option #2 and fessed up to the alliance with the Strawhats.

“Welp, guess I’ll have to arrest you!” Fujitora said.

And a beautiful, big kaboom moment happened. Not only can Fujitora fire folk into holes in the ground, he can also crush them from above. A mighty meteorite came screaming down onto Green Bit. Caesar and the Fodders scarpered. Even Doflamingo was like, “FFS, is that not excessive?”

When the smoke cleared, only the three main fighters stood on conveniently preserved pillars of ground (hilarious, classic shounen trope. Love it).

Doflamingo was not pleased. “How did the Fleet Admiral train you, you damned stray dog!”

Fujitora remained supremely unfazed. “Thank you. I just wanted to test your skills. Now I’m going to arrest you, Is that okay, Law-san?” 

He’s such a polite guy. I like him.

But there’s just one thing. Doflamingo wants Law too. I don’t think he’ll let Fujitora get his hands on Law. If that happens, Law might spill the beans (I doubt he would but it’s possible). Then all Doflamingo’s secrets will be out.

The plot chickenz.

Flower Field Rendezvous Crew

Well, I think I know where the Strawhats will reconvene once all the subplots have run their course.

Flower Field is the place to be, folks!

I’m kind of relieved Sanji is back on track again. Once he realised Law was in trouble, he called Franky to update him. I love how Franky was like, “Yo, Sanji. What’s up?” and Sanji was like, “Well, I’m in love,” and Franky just said, “That’s nice. Btw, I think I can find the factory but we can’t just destroy it and get away. It’s a much bigger task than we thought! Oh yeah, and I read the newspaper. Doflamingo sure fooled us!”

Even Franky was trying to steer Sanji back to the plot, lmao.

Then Franky mentioned he was heading to Flower Field with Sol and that Sanji should meet him there to catch up.

Sanji finally caught up with Plot and mentioned the ominous fact that he couldn’t reach Nami or any of the others on Sunny. Franky replied, “You still think she’s weak? Anyway, Brook and Monster Chopper are with her. She’ll be fine!”

I kind of think Sanji had a point here. It’s not about thinking Nami’s weak. It’s the fact she’s not answering the DDM. If I were Franky, I’d be like, “Yeah, something’s not right. Let me try and see if I can get her to answer.”

Violet then exited the plot stage left. Before she ran off, she handed Sanji a very useful piece of intel: a map to the Smile Factory (it’s disguised as a Toy House). Sanji told her to take care of herself and also where the Strawhats’ final rendezvous point is (Western Harbour). I’m still a teeny bit suspicious of her because there is still time for her to be caught by Doflamingo and sell out the Strawhats.

Then Foxfire interrupted (lmao) and announced Sanji had to accompany him to a place called Toy House right away. Turns out that’s where Kanjuuro is also being held.

Am I right to be suspicious about how easily this is all working out for the Strawhats at the moment? I feel like Doflamingo knows what they’re up to and is leading them into a trap.

Norland’s Back!

Oh, how I missed your resplendent, chestnut barnet! That’s two sneaky Skypiea callbacks now (more on that later).

And why has Norland cropped up again?

Turns out he visited the Tontatta Kingdom four-hundred years ago, as a botanist. A crew of Evil Big Humans were destroying the Tontatta Kingdom and Norland, being an Absolute Lad, fought alongside them and helped them defeat the evil Big Humans. 

Usopp, being a smart guy, noticed the statue of Norland and totally took advantage. He had a chestnut-shaped helmet on and claimed to be Usoland, a descendant of Norland himself. The Tontatta people totally believed him and now they’re waiting on him hand and foot.

Robin was like, “Usopp, you are a terrible person,” and Usopp shot back with, “Well, it saved you too!” Fair point, Usopp!

It sort of backfired on him, though, because the chief arrived and announced Usopp’s presence on this most auspicious day must be fate. Why was that? Well, today was the day the Tontatta people vowed to fight the Donquixote Family! At Dressrosa, they will fight. The commander and fellow soldiers of the King Riku Army are expecting them at Flower Field. They begged Usopp to stand at the forefront of the charge and lead them. With Usoland, the Tontatta would be unbreakable!

I wish I could have seen Robin’s face at that moment.

But Flower Field, eh? I wonder if Sol the Toy and the Resistance movement have been working with the Tontatta People to muster up this rebellion? Signs point to yes, since Wicka was super keen for Zoro to take her to Flower Field.

At any rate, that’s Franky, Zoro, Usopp and Robin all headed for Flower Field. I bet they end up caught in the crossfire. So much for remaining undercover, eh?

Not the Worst Installation I’ve Ever Seen

So... Giolla’s a bit of a character, isn’t she?

It’s like meeting Miss Goldenweek’s eccentric art teacher.

To be honest, I think Nami, Brook and Chopper got the raw end of the deal being left behind on Sunny. They’re the first ones to face off against a Donquixote Family member. And one with a pretty bizarre but cool power too.

Giolla’s introduction was pretty cool. Screechy violin harmonics hinted something sinister was afoot. Nami, Brook, Chopper and Momo peered into the dorm and were like, “wtf is this lsd nonsense?”

Then came footsteps; shoes oddly similar to the ones Doflamingo wears (there must be a Donquixote Family dresscode). A cloud of colourful smoke turned the place into coloring book land.

The Strawhats reeled back, horrified. Chopper wondered if it was the work of a Devil Fruit user.

“Bad Taste Fruit?” Brook suggested. (Lmao, Brook!)

The door creaked open and Giolla appeared in all her art-teacher glory.

Nami was like, “Who the hell are you and what have you done to Sunny?”

Giolla shrieked at her to shut up. The goons she brought with her answered Nami’s question. “This is Giolla-sama of the Donquixote Family!”

Uh oh, I thought. This could be a problem.

“I don’t like people with no artistic taste!” Giolla declared. “My soul is swinging. I see an image. My mind is about to erupt! It’s going to explode! An image of liberty and beauty.”

Then she transformed Nami, Brook, Chopper and Momo into 2D versions of themselves. Nami demanded Giolla turn them back, but, interestingly, Giolla countered she would only do that if they handed over Momonosuke without a fight. What is that all about? Hmm... I’m starting to think there is something going on with Momonosuke. Why would Doflamingo want Momo? I guess he was caught up in all the Punk Hazard stuff. Maybe it’s a “no witnesses” situation. Or maybe Momo ate a really good fruit meant for Kaidou and Doflamingo wants to sell Momo to Kaidou to make up for the cool Dragon fruit disappearing?

Whatever the real reason, the Strawhats obviously refused. Negotiations broke down. Giolla attacked again. The Strawhats hatched a plan to lure her away from Sunny but for all Giolla acts like an eccentric art teacher, she is no fool when it comes to battle.

Poor Sunny looks pretty... different at the moment. 

Nami, Brook, Chopper and Momo are also surrounded by Giolla and her goons. Have no idea how they’ll escape but I love how Brook is most concerned about how mad Franky will be when he gets back.

Press F to Pay Your Respects for Brutal

F

Oh, the unexpected feels.

It was all going so well in the Colosseum. Luffy made friends with Brutal Bull when it challenged him in the ring. They had fun for a bit but once Luffy decided it was haki time, the fight was over. To my ABSOLUTE DELIGHT, Luffy did not punch out Brutal or finish him off.

No.

They teamed up! Luffy made a new bull friend! It was so adorable watching them mercilessly mow down the other fodders. They were having such a great time.

Until Hajrudin, the Giant Fun Sponge from Elbaf totally ruined it all.

Brutal accidentally got his horns stuck in Hajrudin’s boot. Hajrudin’s big hammer came down. I gasped. No! Luffy was fine but Brutal had been crushed.

“His little bull back legs. He needs them!” I wailed.

Luffy knelt down beside Brutal and touched him gently on the shoulder. Without saying a word, I knew revenge was imminent and inevitable.You know when Luffy’s eyes shift from one to two circles that shit is about to go down.

Cape blowing in the wind, he stood up, sized up Hajrudin, and executed a haki-filled beatdown worthy of Brutal’s name.

I can’t help but wonder if this scene with Brutal was a sneaky anti-bloodsports commentary from Oda? Maybe if you squint? I mean, instead of torturing an innocent bull for fun, what Luffy did was be friends with the bull; fight *with* the bull. The one who did harm the bull received a Gear 2nd Armored Haki punch right to the face.

I kind of hope Brutal is okay. I have visions of him recovering from his injuries and spending his days trampling people in Flower Field for years to come.

Things aren’t looking quite as simple for Luffy, though.

It seems everyone on Dressrosa is trying to kill him! Diamante slipped Bellamy a note in the Donquixote Family private backstage room. Said note contained orders from Doflamingo: Bellamy is to assassinate Luffy. One last chance at promotion. Obviously, Bellamy is now conflicted about this, as Luffy cheered him on in the ring and inspired him to travel to Skypiea. (I’m leaning towards Bellamy attempting, then regretting and betraying Doflamingo.)

Cavendish Banana is also on the warpath (him fending off Bartolomeo’s food-thieving hands with a fork was hilarious. “MINE. MY FOOD. NO.”) Obviously, Cavendish’s reason for wanting to kill Luffy is profoundly shallow. “Luffy stole muh limelight, wah!”

Bartolomeo said, “Well, my connection with Strawhat Luffy is much deeper.”

I gasped. 

Yes, I thought. This is the moment. 

What is the history here? Because I have watched this show since episode one. I have a goldfish memory but I’d like to think Bartolomeo would have stood out.

But do you know what?

BARTOLOMEO LEFT IT THERE. WITHOUT ANOTHER WORD.

BLUE-BALLED.

FREAKING CLIFFHANGER.

Shaking my head, man. Bartolomeo, you are so rude. Such a meta character.

And by the way, there is also something up with Ricky and Rebecca. Don’t think I missed that little scene. I bet it’s something to do with Kyros. That whole thing about everyone forgetting why the statue is there is so suspicious.