Beginning

was well into the night, and Usopp still hadn't returned. Nami paced the deck of the Thousand Sunny, her brow furrowed with growing concern. Usopp had promised to be back before dinner, but hours had passed, and there was no sign of her. The setting sun had long dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep orange and purple before giving way to the inky blackness of a moonless night. The gentle rocking of the ship, usually a soothing rhythm, now felt like an unsettling tremor beneath Nami's feet. "Where could she be?" Nami muttered to herself, her voice barely a whisper against the soft lapping of waves against the hull. Usopp had gone ashore to stock up on some rare herbs and peculiar ingredients for her latest invention, something she vaguely described as a 'super-powered slingshot upgrade' that would 'revolutionize naval warfare.' Nami had, as usual, taken her claims with a grain of salt, but she trusted Usopp to be responsible. Or so she thought. Nami sighed, running a hand through her orange hair. She needed someone to go look for Usopp, and fast. Her eyes scanned the ship, trying to find the most suitable candidate. Luffy was out. Sanji was too preoccupied with his culinary duties and, frankly, too easily distracted by any pretty face he might encounter. Chopper was too small and easily scared. Robin was too valuable to risk in a potentially dangerous situation, and Franky was probably covered in grease and bolts. That left… Zoro. Nami winced. Zoro was, by far, the worst option. He had an uncanny ability to get lost in a straight line, let alone a bustling city. Sending him to find someone was like sending a blind man to navigate a maze. But, as Nami reluctantly admitted to herself, he was the only one available. And despite his terrible sense of direction, he was undeniably strong and capable of handling himself in a fight. If Usopp was in trouble, Zoro was the best bet for getting her out. Taking a deep breath, Nami marched towards the crow's nest, where Zoro was usually found napping or training. She found him, as expected, fast asleep, leaning against the mast, his three swords resting beside him. His green hair was slightly disheveled, and a faint snore escaped his lips. Nami resisted the urge to kick him awake. "Zoro!" she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through his slumber. "Wake up! We have a problem!" Zoro stirred, his eyes slowly fluttering open. He blinked a few times, his gaze unfocused, before finally settling on Nami. "What do you want?" he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep. "It's Usopp," Nami explained, her voice laced with urgency. "She went ashore this morning and hasn't come back. She said she'd be back before dinner, but it's been hours. I'm worried something might have happened to her." Zoro slowly sat up. "Usopp?" he repeated, a hint of worry in his tone. He might bicker with her, but he cared about his crewmates. "Yes, Usopp!" Nami exclaimed, exasperated. "I need you to go find her. She might in the market district, near the docks. It's a busy area, so be careful. And try not to get lost!" Zoro grunted, pushing himself to his feet. He stretched, his muscles rippling under his shirt. "Fine," he said, picking up his swords and securing them to his waist. "But if I get lost, it's your fault for sending me." Nami rolled her eyes. "Just go! And bring Usopp back safely!" With a final nod, Zoro jumped down from the crow's nest and made his way off the ship. Nami watched him go, a knot of anxiety still tightening in her stomach. She hoped he wouldn't get too sidetracked. Or too lost. Zoro stepped onto the bustling streets, the vibrant energy of the city immediately enveloping him. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the distant clang of shipyards. Lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow on the cobblestone streets, illuminating the faces of passersby. It was a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of the Sunny's deck, and Zoro found himself momentarily disoriented. "Market district, huh?" he muttered to himself, trying to recall Nami's instructions. He vaguely remembered her pointing in a general direction, but his internal compass was, as usual, completely useless. He decided to just pick a direction and start walking, hoping he'd stumble upon it eventually. It was his usual strategy, and it usually worked… eventually. He walked for what felt like an eternity, the streets becoming increasingly unfamiliar. He passed by quaint cafes, bustling shops, and towering buildings, each one seemingly identical to the last. The market district Nami had described seemed to elude him, replaced by a maze of residential areas and quiet canals. He was, predictably, lost. "Damn it," Zoro grumbled, running a hand through his hair. He stopped at a crossroads, staring at the confusing array of signs, none of which seemed to make any sense. He was about to give up and just find a quiet spot to nap when a sudden burst of loud music and boisterous laughter caught his attention. He turned his head, his eyes narrowing. The sound was coming from a brightly lit building a few blocks away, its entrance adorned with a garish neon sign that flickered erratically. It looked like a bar, and a particularly lively one at that. Zoro, feeling a sudden pang of thirst, decided to investigate. Maybe he could ask for directions, or at least get a drink before continuing his futile search. He pushed open the heavy wooden door, and the cacophony of the bar immediately assaulted his senses. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, sweat, and cheap perfume. The music was deafening, a lively sea shanty played by a band on a small stage. The place was packed, a swirling mass of men and women dancing, drinking, and shouting over the music. It was a typical bar, loud and chaotic. Zoro navigated his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the faces, half-heartedly looking for Usopp, but mostly just trying to find a clear path to the bar. He finally reached the counter, ordering a large tankard of sake from the harried bartender. As he waited for his drink, his gaze drifted across the room, taking in the various patrons. That's when he saw her. Nestled in a dimly lit corner, surrounded by a small group of men, was Usopp. Zoro blinked, doing a double-take. It was definitely her, her distinctive long nose unmistakable even in the dim light. But something was off. She was laughing, a loud, uninhibited laugh that Zoro rarely heard from her, and her cheeks were flushed a deep crimson. She was swaying slightly, her movements uncoordinated. And then, Zoro's eyes widened in shock. Usopp was leaning in, her lips pressed against the lips of two different men, one on each side of her. She was kissing them, passionately, her arms draped around their necks. Zoro felt a jolt of surprise, followed by a strange, unfamiliar pang in his chest. He knew Usopp was a flirt, but this was… excessive. He watched, dumbfounded, as she pulled away from one man, only to immediately turn to the other, her laughter echoing through the noisy bar. It was then that Zoro noticed something else. One of the men, a burly individual with a sinister grin, subtly slipped a small, clear vial into Usopp's drink, which was sitting untouched on the table in front of her. Usopp, completely oblivious, was still engrossed in kissing the other man, her eyes half-closed in a drunken stupor. The man with the vial then picked up the glass, offering it to her with a charming smile. "Here, beautiful," he slurred, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "Have another. You look like you could use it." Usopp, disoriented and clearly beyond coherent thought, was about to take the glass. Her hand reached out, her fingers brushing against the rim. But before she could grasp it, Zoro moved. He moved with the speed and precision of a predator, his instincts screaming at him. He didn't think, he just acted. With a powerful punch, Zoro sent the man with the vial flying across the room, crashing into a table with a loud clatter. The other man, startled, immediately backed away, his eyes wide with fear. Zoro grabbed Usopp by the arm, his grip firm but not painful, and pulled her away from the table. She stumbled, nearly falling, but he held her steady. "Hey! What's the big idea?!" Usopp slurred, trying to pull her arm away. "I was having fun!" Zoro ignored her protests, his eyes scanning the room. The bar patrons, momentarily stunned by the sudden outburst, were now starting to murmur amongst themselves. Some were looking at Zoro with curiosity, others with hostility. He knew he had to get Usopp out of there, and fast. "We're leaving," Zoro stated, his voice low and firm. He practically dragged her through the bewildered crowd, pushing past people who tried to block his path. Usopp continued to complain, her drunken ramblings barely audible over the music, but Zoro paid her no mind. His only focus was getting her to safety. They finally burst out of the bar, the cool night air a welcome relief after the stuffy, smoke-filled interior. Zoro didn't stop, continuing to pull Usopp along, his pace brisk. They walked for what felt like miles, leaving the noisy bar and the bustling city streets behind. The sounds of the city slowly faded, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. Usopp, who had been grumbling and stumbling the entire way, suddenly stopped. She dug her heels in, refusing to move another inch. Zoro, caught off guard, nearly lost his balance. He turned to face her, his patience wearing thin. "What now, Usopp?" he asked, his voice tinged with exasperation. "We need to get back to the Sunny." Usopp glared at him, her eyes still glazed over with alcohol. "No!" she declared, her voice surprisingly loud. "I don't wanna go back! I wanna stay out! I was having fun!" She was being incredibly stubborn, her drunken state amplifying her usual obstinacy. Zoro sighed, rubbing his temples. Arguing with a drunk Usopp was like arguing with a brick wall. He knew he wouldn't get anywhere by reasoning with her. "Usopp, you're not well," Zoro said, trying a different approach. He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're really drunk. We need to get you back to the ship so Chopper can check you out." Usopp shrugged off his hand, her lower lip trembling. "I'm fine!" she insisted, her voice cracking slightly. "You're just being mean!" Zoro knew he had to act quickly. She was starting to get emotional, and he didn't want a full-blown drunken meltdown in the middle of the street. He made a split-second decision. With a swift movement, he scooped her up into his arms, bridal style. Usopp gasped, surprised by the sudden action. "Hey! Put me down!" she protested, squirming in his arms. "What do you think you're doing?!" "We're going back to the Sunny," Zoro stated, his voice firm. "And you're not walking in this state. Just calm down, Usopp." Usopp, however, was far from calm. She started to thrash, her small frame surprisingly strong in her drunken rage. She kicked her legs, flailed her arms, and tried to push herself out of his grasp. "No! Let me go!" she shrieked, her voice echoing in the quiet night. Her struggles were more disorienting than effective. Zoro, trying to maintain his balance, stumbled. His foot caught on an uneven cobblestone, and he lost his footing. With a surprised grunt, he tumbled forward, Usopp still in his arms. They landed on the ground with a soft thud, Zoro cushioning most of the impact. Usopp found herself lying on her back, Zoro sprawled on top of her. It was an undeniably intimate position, their bodies pressed together, his face just inches from hers. The sudden fall seemed to have momentarily sobered her, or at least stunned her into silence. Zoro, on the other hand, felt a sudden flush creep up his neck. He wasn't used to such close proximity with anyone, especially not Usopp, and the unexpected intimacy of the situation made him feel strangely awkward. He quickly tried to push himself up, but Usopp's hands, surprisingly gentle, reached up and cupped his face. Her eyes, usually bright and mischievous, were now clouded with a melancholic haze. She stared at him, her gaze surprisingly intense, and a soft, almost wistful smile touched her lips. "You know, Zoro," she slurred, her voice barely above a whisper, "I never really noticed before. But you're a very handsome man." Zoro froze. His face, already flushed, deepened to a furious crimson. He wasn't used to compliments, especially not from Usopp, and certainly not in such a vulnerable, intimate moment. He stammered, trying to form a coherent response, but no words came out. Usopp, seemingly oblivious to his embarrassment, chuckled softly. Her thumbs gently stroked his cheeks, and then, with a sudden movement, she leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the corner of his mouth. It was a fleeting touch, but it sent a jolt through Zoro's entire body. She pulled back, a wide, drunken grin spreading across her face, and burst into a fit of giggles. "Hehe!" she laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're all red, Zoro! It's cute!" Zoro was utterly stunned. He stared at her, his mind reeling. A kiss? From Usopp? He couldn't process it. His brain, usually focused on swords and fighting, was completely overwhelmed by this unexpected turn of events. He was still trying to comprehend what had just happened when Usopp suddenly lurched to the side. With a loud retch, she vomited onto the ground beside them, a messy, foul-smelling puddle forming on the cobblestones. She continued to heave, her body shaking, until she was finally empty. She then collapsed back onto the ground, completely spent, her clothes now stained and her hair matted with sweat. She was, as Zoro had suspected, utterly rotten drunk. Zoro, still reeling from the kiss, could only stare at the messy aftermath. His romantic moment, however brief and unexpected, had been thoroughly and spectacularly ruined. He sighed, a long, weary sigh. This was going to be a long night. Zoro managed to disentangle himself from Usopp, carefully avoiding the fresh puddle of vomit. He sat up, running a hand through his hair, still trying to process the last few minutes. The kiss, the compliment, the sudden vomiting – it was a whirlwind of emotions and bodily fluids that left him utterly bewildered. He looked down at Usopp, who was now lying still, her eyes closed, a faint snore escaping her lips. She was completely out. "Great," Zoro muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just great." He was supposed to bring her back safely, not get her even more incapacitated. And now she was covered in… well, he didn't even want to think about it. He needed to get her cleaned up and back to the Sunny, and quickly. He carefully lifted her again, this time more cautiously, trying to avoid any contact with the soiled parts of her clothes. She was surprisingly light, almost feather-light in his arms. He adjusted his grip, making sure she was secure, and started walking again, his mind racing. The image of her drunken kiss, the unexpected compliment, kept replaying in his head. It was unsettling, to say the least. As he walked, the city slowly began to wake up. The first rays of dawn were painting the sky in soft shades of pink and gold, casting long shadows across the streets. The sounds of the city were slowly returning, the distant cries of seagulls and the gentle hum of early morning activity. Zoro continued his trek, his eyes scanning the streets, trying to find a familiar landmark, anything that would point him in the direction of the docks. He finally spotted a familiar street sign, one that led directly to the port. A wave of relief washed over him. He was almost there. He just needed to get her back to the ship, hand her over to Chopper, and then he could forget about this whole bizarre night. Or at least try to. He reached the docks, the Thousand Sunny a welcome sight in the distance. The ship was still quiet, most of the crew still asleep. He carefully made his way up the gangplank, Usopp still cradled in his arms. As he stepped onto the deck, he was met by a very anxious Nami, who had clearly been waiting up for them. Nami rushed towards them, her eyes wide with concern. "Zoro! Usopp! What happened?! Is she okay?!" Zoro gently lowered Usopp onto the deck, laying her down on a clean tarp. "She's… fine," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just a little too much to drink. And a little… messy." Nami gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh, Usopp! What did you do?!" She knelt beside her, her expression a mixture of relief and exasperation. "Chopper! Robin! Come quick! Usopp needs help!" Chopper, roused by Nami's shouts, quickly scurried out of the medical bay, followed by a calm and collected Robin. They both took in the scene, their expressions varying from shock to amusement. Chopper immediately began to examine Usopp, his small hooves gently prodding her. Robin, ever the observant one, noticed the faint blush on Zoro's cheeks. "It seems our brave swordsman had quite an eventful night," Robin remarked, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Did you manage to find her in a bar, Zoro-kun?" Zoro grunted, avoiding her gaze. "Something like that," he mumbled, his blush deepening. He didn't want to elaborate on the details, especially not the kiss. That was something he wanted to bury deep in his memory and never speak of again. Chopper, after a thorough examination, looked up at Nami. "She's just extremely drunk, Nami! And she's thrown up quite a bit. We need to get her cleaned up and give her some rehydration fluids. She'll be fine, but she's going to have a terrible hangover." Nami sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. I was so worried." Zoro watched as Nami and Chopper carefully carried Usopp to the medical bay, Robin following closely behind, her smile still lingering. He was left alone on the deck, the faint smell of vomit still hanging in the air. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. This was definitely not how he expected his night to go. He walked to the railing, leaning against it, and stared out at the rising sun. The sky was now a brilliant canvas of orange, pink, and gold, reflecting on the calm waters of the harbor. The city was fully awake now, the sounds of its daily life filling the air. He took a deep breath, the fresh morning air a welcome contrast to the stale air of the bar. He closed his eyes, and for a moment, he could still feel the soft touch of Usopp's lips on the corner of his mouth. He could still hear her drunken laughter, her unexpected compliment. It was a strange, confusing mix of emotions. He was annoyed by her recklessness, relieved that she was safe, and… something else. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on. A warmth in his chest, a slight flutter in his stomach. He quickly dismissed it as indigestion from the sake he hadn't even had a chance to drink. He opened his eyes, shaking his head again. He was a swordsman, a pirate, a man of action. He didn't have time for silly emotions or drunken kisses. His focus was on becoming the world's greatest swordsman, on protecting his crew, on achieving his dreams. Anything else was a distraction. He decided to go train. A good workout would clear his head and help him forget the bizarre events of the night. He headed towards the training deck, his mind already shifting to swords and techniques. But even as he swung his katanas, the image of Usopp's melancholic eyes, her soft smile, and the unexpected warmth of her kiss lingered in the back of his mind, a persistent whisper that refused to be silenced. Faz um cap 2 tipo apos isto oq acontece