After I Picked Up Young Zoro

*Pairing: Zoro. I'm back to updating regularly: every other day, with daily updates whenever possible. Updates around midnight.

While out at sea searching for new flower seeds, I came across a young swordsman who was gravely injured and covered in wet blood.

The first thing he said when he saw me was:

"Oh, do you need directions?"

How could anyone think I was asking for directions in a situation like this?!

I healed and took in the swordsman, Roronoa Zoro. In return, he had to work for me for two months without pay, be available whenever I called, and never refuse.

Zoro agreed without hesitation. The younger swordsman never beat around the bush, whether in word or deed. When he said he'd repay me, he meant it. What a decent guy.

I said I needed to turn the soil and water the flower fields, and Zoro got it all done without a word.

I thought I'd go look for flower seeds tomorrow, but that very night Zoro showed up outside my door with flowers in his arms.

When pirates attacked my town, Zoro immediately slashed at them, then brought their leader to me, bound up like a dumpling.

...What kind of ridiculously capable employee is this?!

I couldn't help but marvel.

But for some reason, Zoro spoke coldly:

"The only thing in my heart is becoming the world's greatest swordsman."

"I'm sorry, but you'd better stop liking me."

That was what he said, but why did he have to pin me in this little corner to say something so cold and heartless? Didn't he know how hot he was? He was practically roasting me.

Besides, who said I liked him?

All I could say was, "Okay, sure, but could you let go of my wrist first? You're gripping it too hard..."

The swordsman let go at once before I could finish. His youthful, fierce eyes glared at me, and for some reason his face turned bright red with anger.

Well, what can you do? Young people have hot tempers.

Anyway, Zoro ran off. I was left, a poor boss deprived of an excellent employee, to keep fighting for my dream.

I went to sea, looked for flowers, took notes, and ran into Zoro, who'd gotten lost again.

...What a coincidence.

Out of politeness, I greeted him. "Hey, long time no see. I've missed you."

By then, he was a year older, and the lines of his muscles had grown even more handsome and defined.

Zoro looked down at me for a while, then smiled helplessly, as if he'd suddenly figured something out. He stepped closer and hugged me.

"Oh," he said. "I've missed you too."

My face was pressed against his warm chest.

He held me so tightly I couldn't break free.

The young swordsman buried his face in the crook of my neck and nuzzled me.

Then he lifted his head, acted as if nothing had happened, and took me on a date.

...How on earth did things get to this point?!

Anyway, I got myself a boyfriend for free.

Content Notes

1. The main story is in third person. The heroine won't join the crew. The story begins six months after Zoro sets out to sea. The blurb was screenshotted and archived on July 8, 2026.

2. Some out-of-character moments are unavoidable, so please understand. Both parties are adults when they fall in love.

3. The cover uses a purchased design template. Similarities are normal.

4. Please don't bring up other works under this story, and don't mention this story under other works! I don't accept writing advice.

5. My profile also has other One Piece, Ouran High School Host Club, Hunter x Hunter, and Haikyu!! stories up for preorder. Come check them out, everyone 🥺

6. Update from September 6, 2026, 00:30: Please don't point out typos! 🥺🥺 Chapters get locked very easily. Sorry, everyone 😭😭

▶︎ More preorders set in the same series, on my profile~

◉ Ace: "After Becoming Ace's Bound Spirit" → He comes running over, shouting "Sis!"

◉ Sanji: "Sanji Observation Log" → Poor Sanji, manipulated by someone with a chuunibyou complex

◉ Shanks: "After a Young Red Confessed to Me, I Ran Away" → Young, adult, or uncle-type Red Hair, take your pick!

◉ Buggy: "Long Live Captain Buggy!" → A girl raised by Buggy

◉ Kid: "After I Became Kid's Underling" → Disguised as a boy, but Kid's number-one underling!

●, end, ●

Hope you enjoy reading, everyone~ Mwah mwah mwah~

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