---
Kuina's Pov.
Trigger Warning, Suicidal thoughts and attempt.
She'd regretted her words immediately, but was too lost in her own grief and pain to yell out after Zoro as the door slammed.
He left without saying a word, but that's what she deserved right? After all she was a useless blind girl. Her broken wretched sobs echoe off the walls. Her soul yearning for an answer.
The darkness was her only answer.
Eventually she cried herself to sleep that night, it was fitful and restless. She dreamed of Light.
Darkness was Kuina's whole world now, ever since she'd woken up blind. At first all she felt was numb disbelieving shock. Disorientation from being in darkness all the time. Then slowly the dark thoughts came creeping back. Stronger than ever, the same thoughts that she'd finally managed to beat back. After reaffirming her promise with her rival.
They culminated in her outburst, sending her only friend away.
The next morning not able to sleep anymore to spite her tiredness Kuina awoke greeted by the darkness again. She shut down completely, going through the motions like a zombie for months.
Hoping beyond hope that one day Zoro would come back.
Without her sight, sound had become the most important thing to her. She just wanted to hear his voice again. Even if he only came back to yell how much he hated her for what she'd said to him. Thinking about her idiot rival was the only thing that ever allowed her to feel any emotion during those days.
He was the only one who had visited her regularly, she knew he'd neglected training to do so.
Now with him gone the only ones that I ever visited her were the servants and Fath…Sensei visited her very rarely. He had the Dojo to run after all huh… she heard only shame in his voice when he mustered the will to speak to her. When she told Sensei she'd thrown Wado at Zoro, and he'd run off with it. He'd backhanded her across the face. Kuina remembered the sound more than the pain. His words also haunted her, he'd disowned her.
She was just Kuina now, Sensei As he insisted on her calling him now. Moved her into a small out of the way room with a single servant to tend to her needs. A kindness in a way but it only made the dark thoughts worse.
Kuina lost track of time, months later her servant was at the main house. Everyone was having some sort of party for something. That was when she decided it was time. Even with her blindness she'd started to learn how to get things done. A while ago she'd managed to stash away some rope.
Feeling her way out of the room, she eventually ended up at a tree with a low hanging branch. Her body was emaciated from months of her own uncaring neglect. Still she mustered enough strength to pull a heavy bench over. Standing on it to tie the rope around the branch.
Zoro wasn't coming back, she would have liked to hear his voice again before the end.
Kuina's last thought was a wish, that Zoro achieve his dream.
Rope around her neck she stepped off the bench, it went tight… pain… her back was on the ground?
She began to choke, her hand blindly groping at her neck. After a moment she'd loosened the rope enough to breathe. Sitting up onto her knees and holding the rope in her hand. She realized she hadn't properly tied the rope to the branch. Her mouth trembled and tears ran down her face as she began to brokenly sob… she was so useless she couldn't even kill herself right. Her mind rushed overwhelmed as she yelled out.
"I can't even do one thing right! Why!? Why!? Why!?" Darkness was her only answer.
For the first time in months, she mustered an emotion besides sadness and longing. Pure rage, she began slamming her fists into the ground in front of her. Knuckles cracking and bleeding as she kept slamming her fists down. Then a flash of something, light…Light!
That was the only word she had to describe what was going on. Light filled her mind, letting her see everything around her. It wasn't like her old sight. No it was vague impressions, the sound things gave off? Joy bubbled up in her chest, Kuina had hope. She wanted to live, to see the world through so… Zoro, she wanted Zoro… to hear his voice again! Even if he hated her now that was OK! She let out a hysterical giggle pulling herself to her feet. "HaHaHAhEheheh…"
She started to eat more food and secretly began training her body again. Her damn boobs started growing bigger! She managed to steal an unused sword from the Dojo. Secretly training at night,
re-sharpening her rusty skills. She lost track of time again, after a year though she was ready.
Her new sound sight gave her a Dream to hear Zoro's voice again.
Packing her scavenged rations, some spare clothes and a little money in a bag. In the middle of the night she left. Those first few months on the road were hard, some bandits had almost killed her a few times. She'd killed them first, looting their things. Her sword had snapped in one of those fights. One of the female bandits though had a strange umbrella. It had a hidden sword in it. The umbrella portion was reinforced to act as a sort of shield. Over the next few months Kuina came up with a new style for wielding the odd weapon. It fit her sound sight much better than traditional swordsmanship.
Traveling from town to town playing up her weakness as a young blind girl. She aimlessly searched for Zoro. She had been a vagabond for years, uncaring over her appearance barely eating enough food. Then one day finally! she heard a rumor, there was a bounty hunter making a name for himself. He had green hair. Hope bloomed in her chest but she held it back. A few days later in a bar she'd asked if anyone knew about the green haired bounty hunter. A fellow patron was glad enough to tell the story.
It was Zoro! He was a swordsman still! And a good one from the rumors. She'd expect nothing less from her former rival.
From there she was woman on a mission, she barely slept or ate. Stowed away on ships sometimes when she didn't have the money. Chasing the rumors back and forth across the East blue. Trying to find him. It was infuriating, she knew he had a bad sense of direction but this!? She was going to kick his ass when she found him!
She chased him for months, until finally arriving at his latest rumored location.
Shells Town. It was a tiny town that's only notable feature was its marine base. Kuina made her way to the local diner, she'd have to spend her last bit of money on some food. Usually spending some Berri would mean who ever served you the food would be willing to talk about the newest gossip. When she entered the place there was tension in the air. Someone was sitting at the counter laughing obnoxiously. Her sound sight told her he had a large canine with him.
"I can't believe that idiot Zorro believed I'd really let him go if he starved himself for a whole month! It's already been three weeks and I know for sure he's on his last legs! Hahaha earlier today I was in the courtyard staring at him, I could swear he was deliriously mumbling some name! Ku…no it was Kauina or something? I thi*gurhk!*" The small person cut himself off as Kuina's blade rested on his throat. The large canine tensed but her folded umbrella knocked it out.
She leaned down her face in a scowl as she growled out her question. "What did you do to Zoro!?, where is he!?"
The small person was shaking in terror and managed to squeak out an answer. "He's in the courtyard of the marine base! Now let me go or my daddy, captain axe hand Morgan will have your head!"
Before she could question this sniveling man child more a group of marines threw open the diner's doors. Drawn by the yelp of the canine, they yell out as they draw swords. "Hey let Helmeppo go! Now! You're under arrest!"
Growling in fury, Kuina throws her folded umbrella like a missile into the head of the first man. As she slams the pommel of her sword into the back of the man child's head knocking him out. Dashing across the distance she jumps and slams her knee into her third target. Breaking his nose as he falls from the blow. Her blade flashing out precisely severing the throat of the fourth man.
The style she'd developed over her years as a vagabond was nasty, not honorable or clean. It was a brawling killing style. Made all the more effective by people underestimating her. Seeing only a young blind girl.
She was breathing harshly after what'd she'd just done, killed a marine! It didn't matter though, The man child said Zoro was being starved at the base. That meant they were in on it! Gathering her umbrella and re-sheathing her blade into its base, Kuina dashed out the doors. A child's scream of horror following her. She's sprinting towards the base, her sound sight letting her see that the gate is opening. Another patrol leaving, she's on them before they can react.
They finally notice her as she's practically on top of them. She slides along the dirt, her foot slamming into the first man's nuts as she comes to a halt. As he screams in pain her blade is flashing through the femoral artery of a second.
What feels like an eternity later she's standing in the courtyard. Surrounded by dead or injured marines. She calls out to an unconscious Zoro, a serene smiling starting to spread on her face. She doesn't notice her wounds. His eyes twitch and they open taking her in. They widen further as she pleads with him to speak to her. Her smile starting to shake. Her focus wavering as her wounds press on her. She doesn't notice her tears.
She doesn't notice the movement of the marine captain behind her. Her guard down with Zoro finally in front of her.
Zoro tenses his entire body in rage? She can't tell… Oh no he hates her! He's gonna scream at her and tell her so! She hears his voice finally! It's not anger! It's despa…
Her eyes roll back in her head knocked unconscious by a wave of Haki.
Kuina is confused.
---
The kunai hits like a railgun, the lance of fire tracing it's path. Right by the right side of Zoro's face. Obliterating Morgan's arm and blowing a grapefruit sized hole through his chest.
As it comes out of his back, in a blink I'm there. I swing my right hand through his head in a contemptuous swat. Splattering his skull and brains through the air and over the ground. His body launched out of my way, forgotten.
The kunai had continued on it's path for an instant longer before in a blink my clone was there with Nami and Koby.
I step forward catching Kuina before she can hit the ground in a gentle hold. Isn't that a trip she's alive here! Unless… Checking her over I was just in time! Only a slight cut on her neck from the axe. Although she needs a haircut she's lop sided now. Heh better then being a head lighter though!
Zoro falls to his knees shaking in exhaustion. He managed to snap that post in his desperation to save her! Ahh their totally in love~~! After a moment he speaks desperately. "Kuina is she…?"
I give a smile and nod causing him to sag in relief. Carrying her over to his kneeling form I place her in his arms. His eyes widen as his arms come up taking her and pulling her close. Silent tears fall.
A thought has a couple clones off into the base to loot everything of value and retrieve his swords.
I feel Nami's shock then contemplation of the situation from where she is a couple feet behind me. Koby is frozen in horror taking in the blood bath of the area around us. They'd appeared just in time to see the brain show of morgans head disappearing.
I radiate excitement so strongly that Nami begins to as well. stepping forward to look past me at the scene before us. After a moment she speaks softly. "Are they our nakama, Captain?"
Shivering at the address I reply quietly decision made. "They sure are."
As my words leave my mouth Zoro shakes himself his eyes meeting mine as he speaks. "I don't know who you are but thank you… if you hadn't… thank you."
A grin splits my face as I laugh and give him an offer he can't refuse, making my declaration. "ShiShiShi! My Name Is Monkey D. Reina! I'm the Woman that's gonna be Queen of the Pirate's! A vision from the future told me that'd I'd meet a man with a dream here! Who'd join my crew and be my nakama… Kuina wasn't in it but the more the merrier and considering what the marines would do to you both after this…"
His eyes widen in shock, then contemplation as he looks around. Then at Kuina for a moment. I feel his resolve as he looks back at me and makes his own declaration. "Future vision or not, that's one hell of a dream pirate queen huh? You saved her, for that my life is yours. So fuck it, we're both criminals now anyways, might as well be pirates. Just know this Captain, My name is Roronoa Zoro. My Dream is to be the World's Greatest Swordsman, if you get in the way of that or you hurt Kuina no matter how strong you are I'll fucking kill you!"
Nami tenses slightly at his threat but then calms down feeling my unbridled joy at his words. "ShiShiShi! I'd expect nothing less from my first mate!"
His eyes widen a bit from his severe expression at my words then a smirk spreads across his face. Zoro continues. "Well, what now Captain? I need my swords, that idiot captain's son stuck them somewhere."
Looking down at Kuina he speaks with concern "And she needs some medical attention as well."
I give an understanding nod then raise a finger in the classic wait a moment. Then with a flourish just to show off, I produce them from nowhere. My clones having found and placed them in the item box. I give a laugh as his jaw drops at the power and speak. "ShiShiShi! Here you go Zoro!"
I set all 3 down beside him, then address his other concern by holding up my hand, speaking. "Along with my future vision came a bunch of cool powers! One of them is healing, may I?"
Snapping into focus He stares me down for a second then gives me a nod, as my hand comes down, he reaches for Wado. Leaving it sheathed he clutches it, bringing his arm back up to support her. Still holding the sword.
Flexing my will through my chakra, I use Medical ninjutsu to heal Kuina. Tsunade or Sakura could probably fix her eyes, but even with all my clone training I'm not capable of that. She'll have to settle for a full recovery otherwise. And her observation Haki, which she awakened to compensate for her blindness I'm guessing. As I finish, I flex my own Haki to wake her up, she begins to stir.
Zoro's breath hitches as her eyes open, speaking to her. "Kuina?"
Her eyes widen as she takes in her situation. A blush covers her entire face. Then it pales and she speaks with dread eyes watering. "You're holding me? But Why? Don't you hate me?"
Zoro looks confused for a second then a tick mark appears on his face and he fucking head butt's her! as he yells! It's all I can do not to laugh. "I don't hate you! All these years and you've still got these stupid ideas in your head! You're my friend Kuina!"
He's panting by the time he finishes.
Kuina clutches her head in pain for a moment, then tears run down her face as she processes his words. She buries her face in his chest and her shoulders shake.
Sensing that they need a moment I turn away. taking a few steps away I point at the base speaking to Nami. "Kitten if you're quick you can still help the clones loot the… and she's gone,,, ShiShiShi!"
Nami disappears with a speed rivaling shave towards the base what an adorable greedy kitten… I can't wait till she's ready to fuck, the make out session we shared on the cruise ship was the most we've done besides light pecks. *sigh*
Refocusing I turn to Koby, he feels my gaze on him and turns to me imploringly. His mouth moving but words failing him. I step close to explain the situation. "Ok Koby, I'm sorry you had to see this. The woman that is being held by Zoro wasn't in my vision. That's part of the reason I only gave you guys basic answers. It's not a sure thing, this world is different than the vision. From context she showed up looking for Zoro and lost her shit going on a rampage at what the marines had done to him…"
I then give him the story of how Zoro had ended up here and what morgan had been doing.
Koby listens avidly and when its over he speaks. "I understand Reina… It's a shame so many people had to die… when I'm a Marine I won't let things like this happen!"
I nod at his renewed conviction and ruffle his cute pink hair again. He blushes and I giggle as I praise him. "shishishi! Thats the way Koby don't let anything stop you from achieving your dream! And if you die? So what you'll Die chasing your dream!"
At my words his eyes widen but his face firms again and he gives a nod. Before he can reply Kuina's voice rings out from behind me. "Well said...both of you."
Turning to face her, she was standing with her umbrella weapon in her hand. A bit nervous but hopeful as she continues with a bow. "Thank you for saving me and Zoro….He explained what happened while I was unconscious. And that he said we'd join your pirate crew. I was pissed at him for agreeing to something like that while I was unconscious. But then he explained your reasoning and I can't help but agree. So I'll be a pirate so I can stay with Zoro, if you'll have me… Reina right?"
I reply a smirk firmly in place. "No problem, and my name is Monkey D. Reina Future Pirate Queen! Course you can join, the more the merrier! Our navigator just finished helping my clones loot the base. She'll be back in a blink. My clones already stole a bigger boat and it's waiting at the dock. So when I'm done with my snail call we'll be good to go!"
She stops bowing giving a smile at my affirmation but a confused look at the rest. Zoro doesn't care after my affirmative, he's standing a short distance away not able to take his eyes off Kuina.
Nami blinks in with a clone that vanishes, I lift my arm for her, she snuggles into my side. Her happy greed causing me to hug her tighter. Zoro gives a twitch then decides he doesn't care and goes back to staring at Kuina. Kuina gapes as her Haki feels what happened.
Koby is confused at my words used to my powers and voices the question. "Snail call? Who are you calling?"
I laugh as a marine transponder snail appears in my hand and reply. "My grandpa, he's a marine!"
I feel Nami's shock, but she calms as she feels my mischievousness. Zoro, Kuina and Koby are alert as I punch in the number, I'd gotten from morgan's office. The personal line to one Monkey D. Garp.
"puri,puri,puri *cah-cha!* You've reached, Marine Vice-Admiral, Monkey D. Garp, I'm not here right now leave your message after the beep. *beep*" I frowned for a moment at his not answering. Then smile at the classic old person answering machine message that Garp has chosen, toggling noisemaker (He's a Pirate by Klaus Badelt) as background music, I let it play a bit then speak.
"Hey grandpa this is Reina, just calling to let you know that I've started my journey to become the pirate queen! I'm in Shells town right now with my nakama. One of them kind of slaughtered a whole marine base. The captain here was a real asshole, so when he was about to kill her, I exploded his head! Sorry not sorry, any who, I'm not becoming a marine! So I found you an apprentice! His names Koby, being a marine is his dream. He'll be waiting for you here! Anyways that's all, I'll see you when I see you. Love you grandpa bye!" Just before I hang up, we all here a yell.
*cah-cha!*RRREEEIIIN~*cah-cha!* I hang up before grandpa gets fully through saying my name. Turning back to face everyone their expressions are hilarious as I begin laughing. "ShiShiShi!"
That seems to trigger them into yelling in unison. "Vice admiral?!"
---
Garp's Pov.
Garp had been having a good damn day! Napping in his office after chowing down on some prime crackers!
When his snail rang, he gave it a gimlet eye and didn't budge. The oddly catchy music had him bobbing his head wondering how the hell a sales person got his private line. But then his face went slack in shock when his granddaughters voice started speaking. He paled as he heard her words. As she finished he reddened in anger jumping for the snail to yell at her.
She hung up before he could finish saying her name.
He screamed in anger and knocked another hole in his office wall, He'd show that little brat. Apprentice, was it?! Fine then he'd train the kid until he could beat her ass! That would show his punk granddaughter. Pirate Queen, bullshit!
Secretly he was proud she decided to follow her dreams despite everything.
Unbeknownst to Garp he wasn't the only one that heard that conversation. The government monitored and recorded all official communications.
Reina was on their radar now.
---
After they finished yelling I gave them a short explanation.
Nami after getting over her shock was fondly exasperated at my antics. I looked at her then couldn't resist, kissing her sweetly.
She pulls away embarrassed. "Reina! Quit it not~~*moan* in public…" I giggle in return.
Zoro and Kuina blush, turning to each other then blush harder as they look away. Koby covers his eyes withs his hands but peeks through his fingers.
After thoroughly kissing Nami, I start sifting through the marines looking for a live one. When I find one it's the kind marine that helped Koby. Heh neat he lived. I wake him and then name drop Garp while explaining Koby. He groggily agrees eh it'll be fine! I'll leave a kunai with Koby just in case.
Pulling Koby aside I explain what the kunai is for. He promises to keep it on him and use it if needed. Stepping back I pull Nami to my side, where she snuggles in.
A clone appears for Zoro and Kuina.
Looking me in the eyes Koby proclaims. "I won't give up until I'm an Admiral! Reina! Thank you! You'll always be my friend no matter what!" Tears are streaming down his face.
A grin splits my face and my hat shadows my eyes. As I speak leaving him with nothing but my echoing laugh and a kunai as we blink away. "I'm Gonna be Queen of the Pirates, the next time we meet we'll be enemies. But you're right Koby no matter what we'll always be friends! If you ever need me, don't hesitate. Shishishi!"
---