AN: Boy, that was supposed to be a Zoro x Robin fic but turned out to be only him and almost nothing about her. In the end I wrote Zoro's history *just realizes*. Oh, well. I'm pretty pleased with it anyways. Yes, some things I wrote are not mentioned on the manga/anime but I guess that what they don't say, we can speculate. So, I speculate. :D If my facts are wrong, please say it so I can correct myself. :)

And please, if you don't like the pairing, I understand but please, no flames. You have your right to like him with whoever you want, I like him with Robin, you can like him with Bonney, Perona, Tashigi, Lola or Nami. You can like him alone, who knows. So, no flames, 'k?

Anyways, here we go. :D

Words Count: 4,520 (Without Author's Note)

Roronoa Zoro, The Swordsman

Summary: Because the swordsmanship's path is lonely, but Zoro had never been only a swordsman. –Slight ZoroxRobin & 2Y Later Spoilers-

The Boy

Zoro have always been the lonely wolf.

He was always too strong, so the boys his age were always too scared to play with him, and let's face it: he has been scary since the day he was born. He faced a hard life, losing his parents in such a young age and ending up on a crappy orphanage. He knew that not every single one was like his, but he couldn't help but running away. And deep inside, on his gut, he knew he was born to do great things. To be feared through the world.

When he reached the Shimotsuki Village and challenged the dojo owner, he was confident he could win. He has been winning since he was 5. He never lost; not even once. Then that… girl came and as fast as anyone could, she won. Roronoa Zoro's first loss was to a girl. When the owner asked him to stay and train, he accepted because if he was to become a strong guy, he must win Kuina, the girl who have beaten him.

The Swordsman

He lost 2000 times to Kuina. The boys he had classes with, sometimes teased him about it, but seeing his deep scowl, stopped; afraid. Even in the early age of 9, he was pleased to be feared. He was not made for all the lovey-dovey crap. He was feared and he liked it. But he wasn't upset he lost to a girl. If a girl was good enough to beat him, she absolutely deserved it some credit for her strength.

On the night of his 2001st loss to Kuina, they both promised: One of them would become the greatest swordsman/woman of the world. That night, he knew he was making a promise for life. And, in that same night, his rival died in a very stupid accident.

Zoro was incontrollable. He couldn't believe she died. The only person who understood him, the person he intended to fight on the coming years, with both becoming even stronger every time. That day, he understood that destiny was a bitch. That day, he made another promise: 'If Kuina can't be the strongest now, at least I'll be. I'll carry the sword she would've carried if she could; so both of us can be there when I become the greatest.'

His teacher granted Wadō Ichimonji to him. He was honored. After that, he trained and became stronger every day.

The Bounty Hunter

At the age of sixteen, he said his goodbyes to his Master, with Wadō Ichimonji on his waist. After sometime, the money he had ended, so he had to do something about it. He wasn't a fan of robbery, never was. By accident, he found a man, a pirate, at the Town he was in. And he was worthy 10,000,000 beli. With that money, he could stay on the road for another month, if he was careful enough.

So he fought and won with a single blow. That guy wasn't even good for work out.

When Zoro met Johnny and Yosaku, they were trash. They babbled about following their rules or something as stupid. He ignored them. But told them his goal anyway: Taka no Me, Mihawk. He wasn't a Bounty Hunter, but sometimes, when necessity calls, he would. Then that guy with a big gun appeared. Another 10,000,000 beli worthy criminal. So, he saved Yosaku and Johnny's asses. Seeing them in battle, he knew they had some potential. And he didn't like that Big Gun's guy talk. He was recognized as "The Pirate Hunter". He was not a hunter, but it was good to be known for this strength. He kicked that Big Gun's ass with only one blow and a little kid with a bucket filled with water.

Together, they catch their fair share of criminals and handing over the Marines, but only doing it when the money was over. East Blue was hearing his name. A year after he left the Dojo, he met a guy who introduced himself as Mr. 7. He wanted Zoro as a subordinate on an Organization, Baroque Works. He asks if he can be the Boss if he joins. Mr. 7 says 'No, of course not.' Then he jumped Zoro. After 5 minutes, Mr.7 was dead. He wasn't the first one to be killed by Zoro, but he was certain the one who put a lot of effort to stay alive.

Johnny and Yosaku said they were ready to go on their own, that Zoro was too strong and they were slowing him down. They parted ways.

The Pirate

At the Marine Base he was held in, he met Luffy, and he would never imagine that that boy would become his captain when they first met. Hell, he didn't even know he would be part of a crew! But he did. He joined Luffy, who had no crew or ship. It was just the two of them. He was surprised when he learns that Luffy was indeed strong, but warned him: 'If you slow me down, I'll cut you. I'll be the greatest Swordsman in the world.' Luffy just laughed and said that he wouldn't have any other way: the World's Greatest Swordsman as a nakama was a perfect fit on the Pirate King's crew.

That's what the boy with a stupid smile and a straw hat wanted to be: the Pirate King. Said he made a promise sometime ago, and he was going to keep it. Zoro respected that.

When they found Nami, she was a thief, using Luffy to get some money and escape from Buggy. He didn't like being used, so he was not letting that woman use his captain, didn't matter how much of an idiot as he was.

But Luffy had other plans: he wanted the witch with them, as the navigator. Zoro didn't understand why he would want her as a nakama, but he was the captain, so he called the shots.

Following her, they found Usopp, the biggest liar he knew, knows and ever will meet. He bragged about his 8000 crewmates hidden. Luffy bought it, of course. 'It would be nice to be this innocent', Zoro thought. But Usopp was in danger as well. The butler (N/A: Oh, the cliché.) of his friend, Kaya, was trying to kill her for her money. Of course, they took care of him. In return, they gained another crewmate and a Ship, Going Merry. It was a very good day.

After while, they ran into Yosaku and Johnny, which made Zoro happy. He liked the fools. Together, they decided to go to the Sea Restaurant, Baratie. Of course Luffy broke a piece of it, so he had to work there. Luffy have decided he would make someone of the restaurant to join his crew. And Zoro didn't doubt for a second; after all, Luffy got him.

The Fighter

During a fight, Zoro heard that Mihawk was close. He stood a chance, he knew it. That's what he's been training for 10 years. He could do it.

Then he saw him. The strongest swordsman in the world. At the first sight, he knew that that man deserves his title. He had no hesitation on his eyes. But neither did Zoro. He was prepared to win or die. They fought. Taka no Me was strong. Zoro lost. But Mihawk didn't kill him. He said that he would be waiting for a new match, for him to get stronger. Zoro would have the scar of the battle for life, but he didn't mind. He needed a reminder of how strong his opponent was. That day, he made another promise: 'I will never lose again'. This promise, he made for Luffy.

Nami had run away with Going Merry. Luffy specifically told Zoro to bring her back. So, he would move hell and heaven to do so. Apparently, Nami was from another crew. Zoro didn't buy it. He threw himself at the water and waited. She saved him. He knew Nami wasn't bad. She was bitchy, but not bad. She was desperate for something. He didn't care. As long as he knew, Luffy wanted her back.

He found out they had another nakama. Sanji, the most annoying guy he ever met. He was a womanizer, always proclaiming his love for women and calling him names. But he was strong, he gave that. They fought together to beat the Fishmen and free Nami. They won.

The Protector

The city Gol D. Roger died, he met this girl. She looked exactly like Kuina without her glasses on. She talked like her too. Zoro didn't say his full name and she helped him to choose his new katana. When she learned he was Roronoa Zoro, The Pirate Hunter; Tashigi, that was her name, went insane and told him he didn't deserve such good swords. He heard that she was a marine, they fought, he won, but holding back. Not because she was a girl, but because she looked like his old friend, which was very disturbing.

On the Whisky Peak Island, the idiots fell into a trap of hundreds of Bounty Hunters. Zoro didn't. He never got drunk, like his crewmates. That night, he killed 100 people and fought his captain. That night, he helped a princess. That night, he saw that princess guardian die. That night was the first time he saw Nico Robin.

She gave them a peek on her Devil Fruits Powers, and tried to give them an Eternal Lock Post. 'Tried' because Luffy broke it, saying: 'we don't need your help'. At that point, Zoro would never imagine that woman would save Luffy's life. Twice. Or that Luffy would save hers.

They met Chopper on his island, being the assistant of a doctor that everyone thought was a witch. She head a body of a young woman, as she said. Nami was sick so they needed the witch or she could've died. Luffy was humble enough to bow his head for the sake of his navigator. After a long fight, they convinced Chopper he was their nakama, so they left heading their way to Alabasta; the kingdom of the princess they met: Vivi.

On that day of War in Alabasta, during the battle, he learned how to cut through iron. At that day he was a step closer to become even stronger. At that day he was happy: they saved a country and Vivi, the princess, was happy. It was another great day.

The Savior

The King of Alabasta thanked them, on his knees. Zoro asked if it was ok, since he was a king. The King replied saying that their clothes were their only differences. That, as a king and a father, he was grateful. Zoro liked to have a King kneeling before him and thanking him. Not that he would ever admit it.

Some days later, they set sail, without their nakama, Vivi. She chose to stay and Zoro understood. She was a princess, she couldn't run with them. She had responsibilities. After half an hour they set sail, she appeared. Their former enemy: Nico Robin. Asking to join the crew, because Luffy saved her when she didn't want to be saved. Zoro thought Luffy would say no. But the only thing he said was: 'I see. If there's like this, there's no other way. You can stay'.

Luffy was the first to accept her. Sanji, only with one look was in love. Chopper too, seeing she was fun with her growing limbs. Nami was bought. Literally. Usopp and Zoro were the only ones to stand against her, until she put 'horns' on Luffy, who pretended to be Chopper. The swordsman was the one who needed to keep an eye on her.

Robin came close to him, asking if the crew was that funny all the time. He said yes. She, like a gypsy, smiled at him, with a smile that, he was sure, tricked many men but not him, no sir. He was the one who went to the world and saw the nasty things people can do. He wouldn't let it happen to his friends, not anymore. That night, when they were chasing the South Bird, he told her he didn't trust her. Robin just told him to be careful with the mud, ignoring what he said.

Two days later, they fought the person who named himself God. She had a stupid plan which she fails. Enel, the said God, sent a lightening to her. At that moment, something happened inside him. He had to help her, he had to catch her. So he did. He fought God, and he lost. He wasn't strong enough.

The Man

Later at that same day, when Luffy had already beaten the crap out of God, Zoro wondered of from the party and found Robin. He asks what she's doing. She responds saying she was watching the stars. He joins her. He still doesn't trust her, but she wouldn't harm him. After a series of events, they kiss and get more heated. At that night, Roronoa Zoro and Nico Robin became one for the first time.

After, they agreed it was a mistake, which would never happen again. They were confused, that's why happened. They go back to the camp and sleep on opposite sides of each other. The crew couldn't know.

Zoro felt confused with the events of the party. His brain didn't trust that woman, but apparently his body liked her enough. He wasn't naïve. He had his fair share of women during the time he wondered in East Blue. But he could coach his body, like he did with food. He never lost control like that before. And that pisses him off even more than he imagine. Bugged by it, he says to leave the woman on the Sky Island. Maybe his problems would stay with her there. Of course his crew fought him calling him stupid with the suggestion.

Back to the normal sea, the crew was caught on a game, which put members of each crew as a bet. They lost one, they won twice. They lost Chopper but got him back. They would've even if they needed to play the stupid game 100 times.

Then, after Luffy won the last round, Aokiji, an Admiral, appeared to kill all of them, especially Robin. They wouldn't let it happen. Zoro was the first to move. She was his nakama. He already has claimed her as his. He wouldn't let her be killed. He was willing to kill the man if the situation called for. Zoro, Sanji and Luffy were taken out in a second. Then, Aokiji froze Robin head to toes. Zoro was in shock. Robin was strong but she didn't do an effective thing.

Luffy fought a 'mano a mano' with Aokiji. Luffy got frozen as well. But after being thawed, they were both fine.

Zoro never asked why that man was after her, nor did she tell him. He was fine with it. It wasn't like he was a saint. That night they stayed together: all the crew sleeping in one room, finding comfort for having each other fine, at least that moment.

When Usopp fought Luffy, every single one of them knew the long nose couldn't win, but they didn't do a thing. Only watched. Zoro felt like he was useless, like he didn't do his job right. If he had, things would be different, 'how?' he didn't know, but it would. Robin was nowhere to be found; Usopp left the crew and they found out Merry wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. That was a crappy day.

The Betrayed

The Mugiwara's were being accused of trying to kill the Mayor. Zoro's photo was at the newspaper side by side with Robin's and Luffy's. He was being chased around the town. After meeting with Luffy and Nami, Chopper found them and said that Robin was to blame. That she did it and was going away.

Zoro felt anger. Was he being played this whole time? Was he another fool she used? Was he? But he couldn't let his feelings take over him. Someone on the horde of stupid should be the thinking one, and clearly was him. He said their options: 'Is she a friend or a foe?'

Luffy, Nami, Chopper and Zoro follow a lead, and they met her. She looked into their eyes and said she needed to achieve her goal. Zoro asked her which was it. She just looked at him and said it was none of his business. He was shaken up, so were Luffy, Nami and Chopper. But he had seen her in a different level. He would grab her and get the shit out of there as soon as he could. But he lost. His mind was weak.

He was confused but when Nami told them the truth behind Robin's actions, he got angry. Luffy said they would be going after her, as if they didn't know. No nakama of them would give their life for the rest's safety. Hell no.

That night had just begun. That night the crew made friends out of enemies. That night they went to a Marine island. That night, when they reached her, she escaped. That night, they continued to go after her. That night she yelled about wanting to die. That night, she yelled how much she wanted to live. That night they fought; lost and won some battles. That night, they took Robin back. That night they said their good-byes to Going Merry. That night they were all one.

Franky, their former enemy, was building them a new ship, so the crew had a mini-vacation on Water7. They met Luffy's granddad, who was a Marine Hero; Toby: Luffy's and Zoro's old acquaintance, Almost leaving town, the crew discovered they all had wanted posters now. Zoro's went up: from 60 million, it was the double: 120. He was thrilled and proud of himself.

Their new ship was incredible: two times the size of Merry. And in the end of that day, Robin was with them, smiling, Usopp was back and they found a shipwright: Franky. That day was a truthful happy day.

The Sacrifice

Some days later, when they were on Thriller Bark, it was Zoro's turn to try and give his life for Luffy's. Zoro was tired and hurt. He saw his friends being hurt as well. He saw the power Luffy had over people he had just met to work all over again when all the guys didn't even thought of giving his life up for their own. Zoro wouldn't let it happen. Luffy was special. And the world needed someone special. So he offered his life. Would he be breaking his promise to Kuina? Would he be breaking his promise to Luffy? Would he go in peace?

Yes to all that. Sometimes a man needs to break a promise, not for himself, but for the sake of the others. He felt the greatest pain he ever felt. Nothing he ever been through came even close to it. He was sure he would die. But he didn't fall over 'til he saw Kuma leaving and not touching any of his nakama. When Sanji found him and started yelling to Chopper to come quickly, the looks of his friends were of shock and fear. No matter what people say, that was a good day.

When he woke up 4 days later, Robin was next to him, smiling and asking how he was feeling. Zoro felt better hearing everyone was fine and still celebrating. He had another sword, so he held Yubashi a funeral after he ate a little. Four days without food really sucked. He buried Yubashi, his katana, together with the remains of Brook's old crewmates. He learned that the skeleton had entered the crew. He said: "We have a pretty good crew, right?"; the other one just laughed agreeing.

They spend almost 2 weeks sailing after Thriller Bark. Every night Zoro met Robin. Every night they would fall asleep at each other's arms. He decided that if he would face some strong people, he would live as he damn well pleases; so he would make love to Robin like there's no tomorrow. Those nights everybody was fine. Those nights he knew they were alright. Those nights he was pretty sure he was on heaven.

The Loser

At Sabaody, the crew lived a nightmare. Their new friend, Caimie was captured. During the fight to get her back, Luffy hit a man that if you touch, the Marines would send an Admiral to kill the person who did it. They ran, but Kuma appeared again. Zoro felt something was off. The Shichibukai was not that way when they met. Even worse: they had an Admiral after them as well. Luffy knew he, Zoro and Sanji were the strongest, so they needed to go separate ways. He knew they couldn't win that without collateral damage.

Out of the blue, the Admiral was there: Kizaru; the man who was as fast as the light. Zoro was hurt and the opponent was strong. He was bound to die when hands appeared of the ground and started to move him. It was Robin.

All Zoro wanted was to scream. Say 'Get away! I'll be fine. Save your own lives, morons!' But he couldn't. The damage was too much. He looked the way Robin was with Luffy and Chopper. He saw the despair in their eyes. He felt like shit putting them through it and do nothing more than wait for his destiny to come. He got freed as The Dark King, Rayleigh appeared. Everyone was relieved.

Zoro tried to move, but his weak body wouldn't obey. Usopp grabbed him and just ran. He was able to say: 'Leave me. I'll let you guys escape.' He would've become the Devil himself to make time for the others to run. Usopp called him stupid and continued to run.

'You're wasting your time', Zoro thought. It was not like he wanted to die. He didn't. But he wouldn't bare the pain to lose any of his nakama because of him. Brook was hit and Sanji came. The Ero Cook was yelling 'Run away, Usopp' and Usopp was yelling at him to run as well because Kuma was aiming for him. The beam took Sanji out and threw Zoro from the long-nose's back. Zoro was now in the Kuma's mercy.

Later they all understood what happened when the real Kuma showed himself. Zoro was able to stand with his last blast of force. He was the real deal. That man was the person Roronoa Zoro feared the most. That man could pass his pain to anyone. And his pain was too big for anyone else to bare. That man split their crew, their little family apart

With a motion of Kuma's hand, Zoro was flying. That was a very awful day.

The Desesperate

That's how he found himself on an island with the Ghost Girl he met on Thriller Bark. He took his time healing enough to search for his crew when Taka no Me appeared. He was shocked. But surprisingly even to himself, he ignored the best swordsman in the world when he found out that there was a War and Luffy was in it.

Zoro felt his frustration and weakness flow into him. The time that Luffy needed him the most, he wasn't there. Luffy fought for every single of his nakama and none of them were there to fight for him. Did he feel lonely? Did he feel betrayed? Did he feel angry? Did he hurt himself so badly that he couldn't recover? Did he die? The world couldn't lose Luffy. The crew couldn't lose Luffy. Heck, he couldn't lose Luffy.

The Relieved

So he fought his way out of the island. He almost got it when the ghost girl showed him a paper with Luffy on its cover. The relief he felt was beyond belief. He knew everybody else would see it. Then, with the message he saw, he felt better. He was fine and the rest of the crew would get the message as well: they would be apart for 2 years and be together again.

Zoro was never one to refuse a Captain's orders.

During the two years he was the disciple of Mihawk, his enemy, his goal and now his mentor. He learned everything he could with all his might. He would never again be weak. He would never again let a friend of him to think he wasn't strong enough that he needed to sacrifice, or he would never again let another man decide that he was going to die. He did what he had been doing his whole life: he took his life and his destiny on his hands. Roronoa Zoro was ready to live or die, as long as he was the one giving the shots.

When the Ghost Girl, Perona, took him to Sabaody, he looked different. He felt different. His hair was a bit longer, almost unnoticeable for people he didn't see very often; his left eye was now full time closed and with a scar because of an injury. He still had his swords and wears his haramaki. Inside, he felt stronger because he knew he was. After training with the Greatest Swordsman, he was more than confident with his abilities. And he was sure his crew would also be stronger.

The Not so Lonely Wolf

He didn't get disappointed. He was thrilled to see everyone. He didn't need to say because everyone looked happy and so did he. Brook was famous, Franky was 80% robot, Robin was 'how did she became even hotter?', he thought; Chopper had a different hat, Sanji finally let his other eye appear, Usopp looked strong and confident, Nami was more confident herself and Luffy had a scar on his chest. But Brook was still making his 'Skull Jokes', Franky was still 'super', Robin was still a know-it-all, Chopper was still innocent and naïve, Sanji was still a perverted pain in the ass, Usopp was still lying, Nami was mostly bitchy and Luffy still had his goofy smile.

Zoro have always been the lonely wolf. But now he didn't mind the company.

He was always too strong, so the boys his age were always too scared to play with him, but not his crew.

He has been scary since the day he was born, but not to his friends. His nakama respected him but felt comfortable enough to tease him.

He faced a hard life, losing his parents in such a young age and ending up on a crappy orphanage. But he now had his new family, as crazy as they all are.

And deep inside, on his gut, he still knew he was born to do great things. To be feared through the world. But he was glad they were not afraid of him. For once in his life, he wasn't feared and he was glad for it.

Zoro was home.

N/A: Holy Cow, this was HUGE. Seven freaking pages! I'm dropping dead right now, bye. R&R :)

(Guys, english's not my native language, so I don't mind you point it out gently the mistakes Word's let it through. I really hope you enjoyed it.)