One Piece: The Deadly

The Thousand Sunny was sailing smoothly through calm waters, the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the deck. Most of the crew were lounging around, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

Kikidori sat cross-legged on the bench between Robin and Zoro. He had been quietly observing the two for some time, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.

Zoro had his arms crossed, eyes closed as if he were meditating, but Kikidori could tell he wasn't as calm as he seemed. Robin was reading a book, her expression serene, but there was a soft pink tinge to her cheeks.

Kikidori finally couldn't hold it in anymore. He giggled and said, loud enough for the crew to hear, "You two should just kiss already."

The silence that followed was deafening. Robin looked up from her book, blinking in surprise, her cheeks flushing a deeper pink. Zoro's eyes shot open, his face immediately darkening with a blush as he sputtered, "W-What the hell are you talking about, kid?!"

Kikidori just shrugged, his grin widening. "Come on, Dad, it's obvious! You two are always sitting next to each other, and you're *always* looking out for Mom!"

Robin tilted her head, a faint smile forming on her lips despite her blush. "Oh, Kikidori, you're quite imaginative."

"I'm not imagining anything," Kikidori replied. "You guys are perfect for each other! Just admit it already!"

At that moment, Luffy—who had been dangling upside down from the mast—dropped to the deck and pointed at Zoro and Robin. "Kikidori's right! You should kiss!"

"KISS! KISS! KISS!" Luffy began chanting, grinning ear to ear.

Nami, who was nearby, snorted into her drink. "Oh, this is going to be good."

Sanji, overhearing the commotion, stormed over, dramatically pointing at Zoro. "You think you can steal Robin's heart, you moss-headed marimo?! Over my dead body!"

Zoro scowled, his blush deepening. "Shut up, dartboard! Nobody's stealing anything!"

Kikidori, clearly enjoying the chaos, added fuel to the fire. "You're getting defensive, Dad. That's how you know it's true love."

Robin chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "Now, now, let's not start a fight over this. Kikidori, you really have an active imagination."

"I'm just saying what everyone's thinking!" Kikidori insisted, crossing his arms.

By now, Luffy had roped Usopp into the chant, and together they yelled, "KISS! KISS! KISS!"

Brook joined in, laughing. "Yohohoho! I think Kikidori's right! It would be such a romantic sight!"

Zoro groaned, standing up abruptly. "I'm done with this. I'm going to train."

As he stomped off, Kikidori called after him, "You can't run from true love, Dad!"

Robin shook her head, still smiling as she returned to her book. "You're quite the troublemaker, Kikidori."

Kikidori leaned back, his grin never fading. "Someone has to stir things up around here."

The rest of the crew laughed, the tension lightening as Zoro's flustered retreat became the joke of the day.

---

Later that evening, Kikidori found Robin sitting alone on the deck, the stars twinkling above them. He sat down beside her, the playful grin replaced by a more thoughtful expression.

"Do you think I went too far?" Kikidori asked quietly.

Robin looked at him, her smile soft and maternal. "Not at all. You just spoke your mind. Zoro will get over it."

Kikidori nodded, feeling reassured. "I wasn't trying to embarrass you or anything. I just… I think you and Zoro are cool together."

Robin's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Thank you, Kikidori. That means a lot."

As they sat in companionable silence, Kikidori looked up at the stars and grinned. He couldn't wait to see what kind of chaos tomorrow would bring.

End of Chapter 35