ONE PIECE: THE SUN FRUIT.

Chapter 9: CHAPTER 9: 1 YEAR TIME SKIP



(I Haven't Had Power Stone In This Novel And I Don't Think That's Right, I Need Your Support So Send Power Stone And Comment For More Support On This Fanfic.)

~ 1 Year Later ~

The sun hung high over Shimotsuki Village, casting golden rays that danced on the vibrant greenery surrounding the dojo. The air buzzed with the sounds of laughter and the occasional clash of swords. Diana stood in front of a training dummy, her breath coming in measured puffs, the weight of her reaper sword feeling both foreign and exhilarating in her hands.

"Come on, Diana! Focus!" Saga shouted, his voice cutting through her concentration like a blade. He stood a few paces away, his own long sword resting against his shoulder, both a challenge and a reminder of the relentless pursuit of strength.

She shot him a playful glare, her dark brown hair whipping around her shoulders as she pivoted. "I am focused! You just don't know what you're talking about!"

"Sure," he chuckled, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're just swinging it around like a child with a toy."

With a huff, Diana swung the reaper sword again, this time with more intent, the blade slicing through the air with a satisfying whoosh. The dummy toppled over, and she couldn't suppress the triumphant smile that broke across her face.

"See?" she said, a hint of pride in her tone. "Not bad for a 'child with a toy,' huh?"

Saga laughed, the sound light and free, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness in his eyes. "You've come a long way, Diana. But if you want to keep up with Prime, you'll need to train harder."

"Prime…" she murmured, the name hanging in the air between them like a silent promise. Prime has been training really hard on his own and they all knew what was coming. The looming departure had cast a shadow over their training sessions, a bittersweet reminder of their fleeting time together.

"Do you think his going to let Zoro leave without a proper goodbye?" Saga asked, his expression shifting, concern threading through his words.

Diana shrugged, trying to mask her unease with indifference. "Of course not. I know Prime will say he's good bye and I also wish Zoro luck on his journey. But it's not like we won't see him again. He's just going to… explore."

Saga nodded, but his eyes were distant, lost in thoughts of his own. "I can't help but wonder what it's like out there, beyond the horizon. Zoro is brave to take that leap."

"Well we will be joining him someday," Diana said, with determination "Go on a grand adventure, like in those stories."

Before Saga could respond, the dojo door swung open with a creak, and there stood Prime, his presence a mix of energy and calm that drew their attention. He walked towards them, his athletic build moving with assured grace.

"Hope I'm not interrupting," he said, a playful grin on his face. "But I thought I'd find you two here, squabbling like usual."

"Just keeping her on her toes," Saga replied, crossing his arms over his chest. "You know how she gets."

"Excuse me?" Diana shot back, her eyes narrowed playfully. "What do you mean as usual I'm only learning some skills from him since you are always busy this days. As you can see I was just demonstrating my skills."

"Demonstrating how to knock over a training dummy, maybe," Prime teased, winking at her. "But hey, you're getting stronger Diane, and that's what matters." Diana immediately turned the other way with not wanting Prime to see her blush.

"Speaking of strength," Saga interjected, "Zoro's leaving soon. Have you talked to him yet?"

Prime's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of realization passing through his golden-hued eyes. "Not yet. I figured I'd catch him before he sets sail."

"Good luck with that," Saga said, a hint of sarcasm lacing his tone. "He's been training like mad, probably sharpening his swords for the big day."

"Then I'll just have to sharpen my words," Prime replied, a determined glint sparking in his eyes. "Zoro deserves a proper send-off."

With that, he turned on his heel and leaving backyard of the dojo, leaving Diana and Saga to exchange knowing glances.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Diana asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Saga shrugged. "Zoro's always been strong. He knows what he's doing. But it's hard to see him go. We've all come so far together."

"Yeah, but it's not like he's disappearing forever," she said, her tone wavering slightly. "We'll see him again and he'll be back in the team. He has to be."

★★★★★★★★★★★★★

A loud clang echoed through the trees around the mountain clearing as Prime and Zoro's voices rose and fell so serious and playful banter.

Diana who was observing the dual With Saga felt her heart swell with a mix of pride and sadness. They had created a family here, forged in training and laughter, in moments of triumph and defeat.

"Let's go say goodbye," Saga suggested, his voice resolute. "We should be there for him."

Diana nodded, steeling herself for the farewell. She followed Saga closer to the place of the dual, the scent of sweat and grass0 filling the air, blending with the energy of their friends.

Stopping some meters from the sparring, Zoro and Prime was still in the middle of their sparring match, their blades clashing with a rhythmic intensity that sent sparks flying.

Zoro's muscles flexed with every movement, the green of his shirt contrasting sharply against the wooden floor. He grinned, the thrill of battle lighting up his sharp features.

"Come on, Prime! Is that all you've got?" he challenged, lunging forward.

"Just warming up!" Prime laughed, sidestepping Zoro's strike with agility. He parried and countered, his own sword gleaming in the sunlight filtering through the woods and trees.

Diana couldn't help but admire the camaraderie between the two. Their banter was as sharp as their swords, a dance of friendship and rivalry that had grown through countless training sessions.

Finally, Zoro broke away, wiping the sweat from his brow as he turned to face them. "You guys are just in time! Ready to watch me crush Prime?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Prime retorted, his gaze sharp and playful.

Diana stepped forward, her heart racing with the weight of unspoken words. "Zoro, can we talk?"

Zoro's expression softened, the competitive edge fading as he nodded. "Sure. What's up?"

"We wanted to say…" she hesitated, searching for the right words. "We're going to miss you."

"Yeah," Saga added, stepping beside her. "You're not just a swordsman to us. You're family."

Zoro's eyes glimmered with something deeper, a flicker of vulnerability hidden beneath his tough exterior. "I'll miss you guys too. But I need to do this. I need to see what's out there, to grow stronger."

"We get it," Diana said, her voice steady despite the knot in her stomach. "But it doesn't make it any easier."

"Hey," he said, stepping closer, "Promise me you'll keep training. I want to see you strong when you go to Sea don't just expect Prime to take care of you all the time, I want you to be able to defend yourself and not get hurt so when I see you I know you will have my back." Zoro genuinely care for Diana as this last few months to a year he has taken her as a sister he never had.

With a nod, she replied, "I will. I'll show you how strong I have become when we meet at Sea and I will be hoping for you to return."

Zoro flashed his trademark grin, and the weight of their shared memories hung in the air like a tangible bond. "Then it's settled. I will grow even stronger so I can always take care of you all no matter how strong you become. You'll see."

Prime grinned, clapping Zoro on the back. "And when you are that strong, we'll be ready for you. Just don't get yourself into too much trouble out there."

"Me? Trouble?" Zoro feigned innocence, but the laughter in his eyes betrayed him.

"Okay, maybe just a little trouble," Prime replied with a laugh.

As the banter continued, Diana felt a swell of warmth in her heart. This was what she would miss—the laughter, the challenges, the family they had built. But she also knew that their journeys were only just beginning.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Later that evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, the four of them sat outside the dojo, the air filled with the scent of the sea. Zoro stood up, adjusting the straps on his pack, his swords gleaming at his side.

"Guess this is it," he said, a hint of solemnity creeping into his voice.

Diana stood too, stepping close to him. "We'll get to see you again stronger at Sea, right?"

"Of course," he replied, his voice steady. "And when we do meet, I expect to see you all stronger than ever."

Saga punched his fist into his palm, determination etched on his face. Looking at the short brown sword on his waist, remembering the conversation he had with Zoro on the woods.

~flashback~

"Hey Saga I have something for you.." Zoro said to Saga.

"What's that Zoro?"

"Here take this sword " Zoro said handing Saga a short sword, Saga took it looking at the sword then Zoro.

"What's this" Saga asked

"This is part of my life and I put it in your hands with the right to control and order anything from me every my life and I won't say no to it" Zoro replied with conviction

"WHAT!! You are giving me something so important and dangerous" Saga said in shock.

"Of course I trust you with my life you are not just a friend you are family" Zoro said assuming Saga.

"Then I Accept As The Sword Of Justice I Will Use This Power Usefully For The Good Of The World" Saga said in delamination

"I know you will Saga I will be your blade for justice any day you wish" Zoro said with his arm in the front of his chest.

Saga returns the salute then Zoro started walking out of the woods with Saga follow behind.

~flashback end~

Saga looks at Zoro and say with determination."And I'll be out there too. I want to see the world, to grow stronger before making my choice."

"Good idea," Zoro said, nodding approvingly. "You'll make a great swordsman. Just remember, it's not just about strength. It's about the bonds you forge along the way, The Promises You Have To Keep."

"Like the ones we have here?" Diana asked, her voice soft.

Zoro smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Exactly. Don't lose that." Then he remembered what Prime told him.

~flashback 2~

"Hey Zoro let's talk"

"What's up Prime" Zoro said to Prime.

"Look if there's any situation were you choose to join someone else crew don't hold back" Prime said

"What do you mean by that" Zoro ask not understanding why Prime who have always wanted all of them to be in the same crew say that.

"I don't want me saying I would love to have you in my crew hold you down if you feel the connection don't hesitate to choose for yourself... We don't have to be in the same crew to be family. We would always be family no matter what, so at that giving moment follow your heart" Zoro just quietly meditating on what Prime had said.

"Hmmm" that's all Zoro said with a nodd.

But that was enough to make Prime smile and started going back to training.

~flashback ends~

'Well let's see what the Sea holds for me' With one last glance at the dojo, Zoro turned to face the open sea, the wind tousling his short green hair. "I'll be known around the seas before you know it."

"Safe travels!" Saga called, pumping his fist into the air.

"Be careful out there!" Diana added, her heart pounding in her chest.

Zoro raised his sword, a rallying cry echoing in the evening air. "I'll see you soon!"

As he walked away, the weight of their unspoken promises hung in the air. Diana felt a mixture of pride and sadness as she watched him go, her heart swelling with hope for the adventures to come.

"Alright," Prime said, breaking the silence. "We have training to do" then he thought 'I'm going to eat the Sun Sun Fruit soon, and I want to be ready and start my adventure.'

Saga nodded, determination sparking in his eyes. "Let's make sure we're all prepared for whatever comes next."

Diana gripped her reaper sword, feeling the weight of her own journey ahead. "Together, right?"

"Together," Prime and Saga echoed, their voices a strong promise binding them in that moment.

As the sun sank below the horizon, they turned back towards the dojo, ready to face their challenges, their bond stronger than ever. And in the depths of their hearts, they each held onto the hope of reunion, the adventures that awaited them, and the promise of family, forged in the fires of determination and growth to Push through all challenges.

(Send those Power Stones my way support the story, Zoro just went to Sea you can't say you aren't giving him Power Stones for good luck? Do you want him to get lost? If you don't give me and Zoro your POWER STONES)


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