estoria | Here is the house

Entry tags:

Here is the house

Who: Zoro

cresthopes
When: Backdated to IC 4/1
Where: the scrapyard
What: Takeru wants to see if Zoro really can cut stone. Never ask Zoro to show off, you'll get the floor show and then some.
Rating/Warning: none

[Before he could go out and goof off, Zoro had to check to see whether there was some kind of party taking shape for Usopp - it was his birthday, after all. Only by promising he wouldn't be out late did he manage to somehow escape th apartment without Luffy following...and then of course he gets lost like he do and so it's probably a lot later than he planned when he reaches the scrapyard.

Whatever's left of the platform and other junk here look like good targets for testing. He's not at all concerned that he's somehow lost the ability to cut stone, iron, steel, etc, but as he picks his way through the rubble looking for a seven year old kid, Zoro has to wonder if there's anything in this place that he wouldn't be able to cut, like seastone. Hmm.

Right, no, looking for a kid. It's not likely there'll be a lot of seven year olds running around, chances are good the first one he spots is the one who wants to see him.]

Ooooiiii! You here?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[As soon as Zoro told him to meet at the scrapyard, the boy and his Digimon wasted no time getting there as fast as they could. Who wouldn't want to see a swordsman cutting through a bunch of stuff? And not only that, he got to see it in person and not in TV!

In Takeru's mind, that has got to be one of the coolest things ever! Although, he got lost during his way, he managed to find it. Of course, the problem was trying to spot a certain man with a sword around him. After all, he didn't know what he looked like! Might as well go through the place and hopefully he'll find him?

Of course, as soon as he heard a voice nearby?]

Uh...I think so...? Are you that guy who I asked to cut through a bunch of stuff?

[He did get the right person...didn't he...?]

[That guy pops out from around a pile of junk, green hair and all]

Oh, there you are. You're definitely the kid, all right. [haha wow they didn't trade names, did they? Might as well do that now.] Roronoa Zoro - yeah, I'm that guy.

[Well, hello, Zoro! Where did you come from? Which was why the boy and Patamon had to jump a little from the sudden entrance!]

Uh...w-well, it's nice to meet you too?

My name is Takeru Takaishi and this is Patamon! [The creature smiled before waving right back!] It's really nice to meet you, Zoro-san! But uh...didn't that stink?

With all that stuff on you?

Huh? What stuff?

[he steps fully out to look himself over. Did he brush up against something dirty? Get gunk on his haramaki? At least now Takeru can see the three swords on his hip, while he twists around in a circle like a dog trying to find a tail to chase.]

You know! You just popped out of all that dirt and stuff! But...

[With that, the boy just pointed to all three of his swords to his side! Now the grin on his face was getting even bigger!]

I didn't know you have that many swords! I bet that cutting through stuff would have a lot easier now! Those things are sure to turn into confetti!

You must be one strong swordsmen though to have three swords!

Oh. [stops and points] Nah, there's a path through here. I don't think I touched anything gross. Hope not.

[he sets a hand casually on the topmost hilt of the three, though he doesn't draw any of them yet]

Well, I ain't gonna lie, I'm not weak. But the three swords are my technique, not my strength. I can cut what I need to cut with just one. [it's not bragging if it's true, right? Zoro can't help but eye his new little pal, though.] You've really never seen a real swordsman before?

[And the boy shook his head]

Nope, not at all! Well, not in person anyway! I've only seen a couple in TV and some cartoons! So it's really cool to be able to see a real swordsman!

And especially from another world too, I bet!

Pretty much. We're all from different worlds, they say.

So, what d'ya want me to cut? I don't do this for just anyone, you know.

[Now Takeru had to ponder about this. After all, this was some serious stuff going on!

As he was deep into thought, he looked around for some junk that he could cut. Hmmmm...]

How about that thing over there? [He said pointing to a bunch of steel bars nearby] You think you can do that? I totally bet you can't!

Psh.

[too bad he can see the kid-size taunt for what it is, but he wanders over to the bars all the same, slowly and patiently drawing Shuusui, the black blade. He's silent and still for a moment, basically feeling out with his instincts, learning the breath of the steel, attuning himself to the world around him. Nothing that leaves a visible impression, surely all Takeru can see is this guy standing there.

But then he raises Shuusui about shoulder-high, with his left hand, and gives a fairly gentle swing downward across the front of the pile of bars. One by one they split neatly, even though it doesn't appear that the blade even came into contact with them.]

[Meanwhile, as Zoro made his way to the bar, the boy had to stare in awe already. He had seen how amazing his friends were in the Digital World but he couldn't deny how cool the older man looked right now! As he watched, all he could do was just be silent.

When Zoro finally made the first strike, Takeru and Patamon's eyes widen! He didn't know what just happened but whatever it was? That just made both of their smile even bigger!]

Whoa, how did you do that?! Your sword didn't even touch those bars! I didn't know you were that strong! I bet you must be one of the strongest people around here and...!

[And watch him ramble on and on]

[this is what Zoro's life would be like if he went back home to Shimotsuki and met the new crop of kids training at the dojo, isn't it? He lowers the blade and shifts it so it catches the light, verifying that there's no nicks or damage to it.]

It's all in the technique. It takes skill to be able to cut anything, not just strength. [shrugs, then] Strength helps, though. I have to know that I can cut it, that it will be cut.

[With his words though, the boy just titled his head to side] Um, I don't think I understand but it's just knowing how to cut right? I know my mom said that anyone can write but it takes a lot of work to make sure someone can write well?

That's kind of the same thing right? [Probably not but as he looked back the sword and then back at Zoro? He just smiled at him]

I wonder how long did it take for you to be able to do that! I bet you must have taken you ages! Or maybe a thousand years or something!

[he sheathes the blade to be safe before turning to the kid]

My sensei explained it when I was younger but I didn't get it until I was in the real world, and facing death if I didn't learn to do it. Any swordsman can cut, but a skilled swordsman cuts only when he wants to. It's a matter of feeling, sensing.

...but yeah, it took a lot of training to get where I am. Not just sitting around, but training every day.

A matter of feeling huh? I don't really think I understand but that's kind of similar to how Patamon evolves? Whenever I feel this urge to do better or whenever I know that I have to fight, he usually evolves into Angemon.

[Hmmmm....]

But do you think you can teach me how to use a sword like that? I promise that I won't bother you a lot! And I promise that I'll behave really well! And I'll do everything you say, Zoro-san!

I just want to learn how to fight!

[deep sigh. This kid.]

I'm not a sensei, kid. I'm not a good teacher - I'm too rough. But if you want to learn swordsmanship, you should go to the dojo in the park run by the sword-spirits. They're good at what they do, and it's a real dojo with everything you need.

If we're here long enough for you to start getting closer to my level, then I can teach you some techniques.

[For a moment or two, Takeru had a feeling he would get an answer like that. While he was disappointed and gave a small pout, he simply scratched the back of his head]

Well, I guess I can do that? Especially if I want to be strong and learn how to protect myself here. Although, I was kind of hoping you would teach me.

[Pause]

But that's okay though. That just means I need to be the strongest kid around and show you that I can do it right?

You'd really wanna learn from a pirate, huh?

[wait what is he talking about, of course kids would want to learn from a pirate. Duh.]

You can't just get strong like that overnight. You gotta start with the basics. Can't learn to use two or even three swords until you know how to use one.

Of course! [Pause] Well, just enough where I can learn how to protect Patamon and I? I don't think I'm allowed be a pirate, I'm not allowed to steal anything here!

[That and it wouldn't be fair to the people working around Cerealia anyway! Not to mention disappointing his brother!]

Then that just means I'll need to use a stick or something and learn how to use it! I’ve seen a lot of shows where they keep swinging it up and down until they got it!

[Sure it was mostly cartoons but...it still kind of sort of not really counts!]

Yeah, that's how you do it. [at least in his experiences. Swinging a bokken daily until his arms were sore...] They have the wooden practice swords at the dojo, you can use that.

[With that, Takeru couldn't help but keep on pondering on that thought!]

Well...if I keep swinging up and down a lot, I think I can do that! And one day, I'll be as strong as you are! And who knows, maybe I might even grow taller than you!

And you'll have no choice but to always look up whenever I'm around!

Ohh you think so?

[grins. he may not be a teacher but he can get behind this kid]

We'll just have to see about that, won't we? You'll have to work hard, though, because I train, too. I'm still working to get stronger, myself.

Then it settled, whenever I'm older and taller? I'll figure out someway to be just as strong as you, Zoro-san! And you won’t know what to do about that!

[He said before giving off a confident smirk]

And besides, I’m about 4’5! I only need to grow a couple more inches before I’m as tall as you!

[considering he's just shy of six feet?] Yeah you are. Well, that'll happen naturally, but the training won't. So work hard, get at it.

If you do end up training at the dojo, I stop in now and then to spar with the tougher swords. I'll be able to see if you're improving.

If you're going to say that, then of course I'm going to go to the dojo!

[And without realizing it, he immediately took a hold of Zoro's hand and dragged him straight to a random direction]

Then c'mon! Let's get going! I want to see you spar with one of the harder swords!

[ack small child what no. no touching!]

Right now? I already trained earlier today and I got a birthday party to go to! My crewmates'll be pissed if I'm late.

[He doesn't know that!! Although, those words quickly made Takeru let go before his eyes widen!]

Whoa, wait a minute! Did you say a birthday party? Then you need to go over there right now! You got him a present right? Because if you need to go over there now then you need to think of something quick!

Yeah, a birthday party.

[oh good, less dragging. It gives him a chance to explain]

It's my crewmate, Usopp, today's his birthday. I told 'em I'd be back in time for us to have a party, even if it's just cake and watching dumb movies. Don't worry...I got it covered.

[even though he doesn't do presents.]

[Hmmmm...

And this is where Takeru couldn't help but narrow his eyes as he stared at Zoro]

Yeah but did you give him a present or not? Because that's the best thing about a birthday outside the cake!

[Of course, this was his 7 year old self talking here] And it just doesn't seem fair to have a birthday party without them!

[awkward headscratch] ...we don't usually get each other presents but. I guess I could find something on my way back. He likes weird bugs and plants...

[looking around the scrapyard. No, there's probably no chance of just finding a weird jungle bug crawling around here. HMMM.]

[Can Zoro hear the loud gasp from Takeru? Because it's certainly there!]

What do you mean you don't get each other presents? Now that's just really mean, we need to get him as many presents as we can find!

Each one for every missed birthday!

[oh shit how old is Usopp again? Zoro doesn't have that much money.]

What? It's not like there's lots of places to shop out on the sea!

Uh. What you mean missed? I only missed two... [if you count their time apart, which is the only thing Zoro is going to count.]

Well, I meant one for how old he is but we don't have a lot of time! So I guess two will do for now?

[Hm, Takeru needed to think of a present for his friend quick! If the party was about to start soon, there had to be something he liked out here!

...With all this metal and junk!]

Maybe we can give him two sliced pieces of metal? You think he would like that?

[.....This won't go well will it?]

[nice try, kid]

Probably not. I don't know what he'd do with that.

[Now he was serious about seriously pondering about a serious birthday!]

Hm...can he also cut through steel too? Maybe you make a coat hanger out of it?

[He's trying, really!]

[laughs!] Usopp? No, he's our sniper.

Really, it's fine. He'll live. It's more important that our crew is together at a time like this.

A sniper huh?

[How were they going to get something sniper related in a metal junk yard like this?! Think, Takeru, think! Use your brain, there's got to be something around here he can use!!]

Well if you say so...but it still seems nice to just get him something! Anything at all!

I'll see what shops I pass by on my way back. [knowing him it could be all the shops as he wanders around on the wrong path] It's not like you can just catch bugs in this stupid controlled colony, or dig up a plant somewhere.

You can still buy one though?

Although, I guess it probably wouldn't be quite as nice to go out and find some real bugs or plants on the ground.

[Hmmmm...] Or maybe we can just get a leaf and draw a smiley face on it? Would that still count?

[aww...]

You wanna? I'll give it to him as a birthday card.

[meanwhile he'll just stop off somewhere on his way back to the apartment]

I don't see why not? It seems like it's the least I can do for taking away his friend from his birthday party! I just hope it'll be enough!

[He said with a giggle] But only if you want to though! Because you're the one giving to him in the end!

Go for it. I'm gonna poke around a bit.

[not that there's anything here for Usopp but he can look. And effortlessly cut through more metal and stone as he clears a path.]

[And in the middle of his search, the boy might have gotten a cut here and there from digging all that stuff around! Although, after a while though...?]

How about this? I think this would look good too!

[And then when he finally popped out? Behold the most amazing thing he ever found!] I found this hat here, maybe he would like that?

[well, Usopp does have a penchant for ugly hats...]

Whoa, where'd you find that? Guess people will throw anything out.

It's a little dirty, but we can clean that up. That's great, good work, kiddo.

{As Takeru gave a giggle, he started to pat down the hat before attempting to reach up to place it on Zoro's head]

Well, then it'll be the perfect gift for him! What do you say? We better go to the birthday party now or else your friend will be really sad you didn't make in time!

[a valiant effort, Takeru, but he's almost six foot, that's a hard spot to reach when he doesn't help out by bending down or anything.]

Sounds good to me. Thanks for the help.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Here is the house

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject