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Chapter Text

Yuuji's fondest memories are when his Uncle carries him on his shoulders.

His shoulders are wide, and the muscles ripple underneath as they walk. From here he's able to see over everyone's head and he's in absolute awe. There's a confidence that his uncle has always wielded that makes the crowd separate around them subconsciously and he giggles. 

Because his uncle is awesome.

Yuuji yanks at the spiked hair underneath his when he spots a claw machine. Because there's a Naruto plushy in there that's absolutely calling his name. "Zoro!! I want to try the claw machine pleaaassE??"

His uncle grunts. "Fine, just stop pulling my hair."

Thrilled Yuuji complies and they amble over to the toys. Leaning over so he makes eye contact with the other man Yuuji beams at him. "I want the Naruto plushie!!!!"

Zoro shuffles his hands in his pockets and brings out a few yen, nearly shaking with anticipation Yuuji watches as the machine starts up. 

There's no way his uncle isn't going to get the toy. Zoro is good at everything.

It takes a few tries but eventually the toy is grabbed by the claw and deposited so they can get it. Zoro hands it up to him and he instantly wraps his arms around it. "Thanks Zoro!!"

Yuuji gets a little caught up in his toy for a moment so when he looks back up, he's taken off guard when he doesn't recognize their surroundings. Curiously he glances about as Zoro winds through the crowds and peers at the strange buildings.

Hmm where were they?

"Ne, I think we're lost again." He chirps and his uncle stops.

"Really?"

Yuuji nods and reads the street names. They get out enough that he's familiar with some of the roads near their house, but nothing seems familiar. At this point they're deep in the city and he isn't certain he'd be able to help navigate much. He tugs at his uncles hair to signal that he wants his head to turn up. "We're totally lost. You should use your GPS."

Zoro is suddenly avoiding his eyes and Yuuji's narrow suspiciously.

"You have you're phone right?"

"Ah, well it wouldn't stop making noise so I left it at home."

Of course. Zoro is great at everything but going the right direction and making his cell phone work. His grandfather always make sure to force Zoro to carry it around since he's gotten lost more times then is possible. But it seems he missed a day of nagging Zoro to bring it.

Yuuji isn't really bothered though. This is normal and has been for years. Zoro will take care of the both of them if something scary happens. "Well turn around I guess, let's try to find that claw machine again!"

"Okay."

They start heading back the way they came and this time Yuuji stays alert as he hugs Naruto close. 

These days are the best when he gets to spend them with Zoro. But he really hates when they get lost, it takes hours to get back home.

Gojo Satoru isn't very fond of Itadori Zoro when they first meet. 

It's his first day of Jujutsu High, he's been swamped by over eager Jujutsu Sorcerers using pretty words to try to get a in to the Gojo Clan. The pattern is just like anyone else who knows his family, and he finds it boring as always. But all the talking has made him hungry so he starts to head to the Kikufuku stand he noticed on his way to the school. Class is supposed to be starting soon, but he's Gojo Satoru so no one is going to object if he misses a few hours.

"Oi, where are you going brat?"

Slightly curious about who was brave enough to question him, Satoru turns to stare at the man. 

He's huge is what he notices at first. Muscle is pressed against the crisp white shirt and dress pants he's wearing. It looks rather ridiculous for that man to be dressed like that he realizes idly, especially with an aura of his size. The stranger is undeniably a fighter, Gojo can feel the pure dedication into training that he's put into training just by looking at him. 

Gojo peers at him over his glasses and flashes his blue eyes. "Don't mind me! I'll be back!"

The man doesn't bend like everyone else does though. He just stands there with his arms crossed waiting for a better explanation. For the first time in a while Satoru finds himself a little annoyed by the utter disinterest he feels coming off of the man before him. It's as if Satoru is just a normal kid who was caught skipping class. The stranger is very serious he notes and doesn't seem like someone to allow others to mess around. 

He's Gojo Satoru though, so rules don't apply to him like they do to others.

So he smiles and waves, turns to go get his sweets. 

"Oi."

And frowns in irritation. The wind blows harshly making the trees rustle around them and for a moment Gojo is tempted to just fuck off anyway. Even if the teachers are notified by this man that he's avoiding classes his father won't do anything. The clan head barely has anytime for such frivolous matters and the last thing he's going to do is berate Satoru for acting up.

Satoru turns back around and taps his foot. "Who are you anyway some sort of teacher? Just leave me be, I said I'll be back."

"That's right."

He pauses and looks at the man again. The odd green hair looks familiar now that he's actually paying attention, and he eyes the three swords that are attached to the other mans hips. He hadn't paid much mind to the opening ceremony when all the teachers were introduced, but if he thinks hard enough he vaguely remembers this man now. He thinks they mentioned he was a special grade sorcerer actually.

"The names Itadori Zoro, I'm the combat specialist who is going to be training you how to fight Curses." 

Satoru cocks his head and smirks. "I already know how to fight Itadori-sensei! No need to worry, I am the strongest after all."

He waits for the man to continue to object. Though he's annoyed he also wants to see what Itadori will do. It's not everyday that someone looks at him with such a blank expression and stops him from doing whatever he wants. If anything he almost wants to test the man to see what he's capable of. There's a strength his eyes can see that fits perfectly with the vast amount of Cursed Energy which is carefully controlled. He also wouldn't object to seeing how exactly those three swords are used.

But the teacher just sighs and scratches the back of his head. "Man, you sure are troublesome. Whatever brat, do as you please."

Itadori just walks off and for the first time in his life Satoru is dismissed.

He gapes and watches the man disappear without a second glance.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to them eventually."

He sighs and shifts against the wall. Their students are spilling out of the main building now that classes are over, and he rubs the bridge of his nose to try and soothe the pounding headache. "I'm starting to regret accepting your offer Yaga-san, I don't think I'm made to be a teacher."

And he isn't, Zoro is made for the sea. He's made for the cold rush of the ocean air, thrilling battles and the rush of adventure at every turn. This world offered some excitement, but when he learned that pirates were comical figures in stories and movies he realized that he truly was lost. 

Sanji would die of laughter if he heard about his situation.

Yaga shuffled his paperwork from his place at his desk. "Don't be silly you're the only teacher I'd accept to guide our students Zoro-san, you just need time and one day you'll find that you like it."

The students aren't that bad in reality, except that Gojo kid who just acts like he's allowed to do whatever he wants. Zoro teaches all their combat classes so he ends up training a lot of different students but Gojo has to be the hardest one. With his special eyes and training that his clan offered Zoro didn't really feel like he had much to offer. There was a ridiculously large power gap between Gojo Satoru and the rest of the students which was hard to guide. The kid could use some work though, like anyone else and Zoro would help him if he had been allowed.

But he's kept at a distance, and since Zoro isn't fond of forcing others to do what he wishes he just accepts it. 

"I honestly think you did well, now that the school has you I have hopes that this generation of sorcerers may have a better chance of survival." Yaga comments and Zoro leans his head against the window to stare at the sky.

"Yeah maybe."

Zoro learns very quickly that he is reborn.

The realization is followed with annoyance because he had finally achieved his dream to be the strongest swordsman and died in battle. He should have been allowed to join his crew in the afterlife after working so hard.

Yet he opened his eyes once again.

This world he lived in was crawling with monsters, he noticed them first. They varied in sizes but all were rather horrifying to watch. It was like watching something out of a scary story come to life before his eyes. It took him a bit to gather the information but eventually he learned what those monsters were, Curses, and why other people couldn't see them.

Perhaps in a way it's better to reborn into a world where he can fight something, but Zoro wishes it hadn't happened at all. His Haki is different then before, and he has to teach himself how to wield it in a way that it fits the three swords he fights with. The swords he eventually claims as his own will never compare to his original, but they do the job.

(He misses Kuina's sword the most and sometimes feels like he lost a limb when he falls into pockets of depression. Because she had been with him since the beginning, and now he struggles to deal with the empty space her sword left behind.)

In this life he has a brother, Itadori Jin. He doesn't have any special powers but Zoro doesn't care too much. It's a bit odd to have a younger sibling in all honesty because he spends the beginning of his life being followed around by a kid. As the years pass they eventually forge their own paths and Jin gets a job as a doctor while Zoro pursues the path of a Jujutsu Sorcerer.

Killing Curses eases the boredom that accumulates as he's forced to go attend school. The education system is annoying to him, and he is more than pleased when it ends. Afterwards he wanders around and fights the Curses he comes across, it allows him to test his skill and learn about his enemies. Sometimes he runs into a strong one which is always exciting but they seem a bit rare. It's completely by accident that he runs into a Sorcerer who catches his attention long enough for them to talk. Yaga is a honorable man and that catches his interest as he explains the Jujujtsu world and where Zoro fits in it. 

Yaga looks at him baffled when he admits to fighting Curses on his own. As if he's some sort of strange creature. "You mean you've been fighting Curses without any training?!"

He shakes his head. "No I've been training." He trains everyday with his swords and his body. Fighting and discipline come as easy as breathing to him.

"But you've never been trained, like trained by another sorcerer?"

"Nope."

Of course he's run into a couple random Sorcerers, but the Curses are far more interesting to him. Zoro has very little interest in whatever school they expect him to go to, because Zoro is many things, but he is not someone to be contained. He knows how to fight and his body eventually adapts to his expectations. Mihawk had been one of his first official 'teachers'  he asked to train him in his past life, but a man like that doesn't exist in this world. So he just does as he always has done and evolves with each fight that he experiences. 

Yaga just stares at him wide eyed. "How strong are you?? I mean I can tell you have a ridiculous amount of Cursed Energy but aren't you only like 15?"

Zoro shrugs. "Sure." 

(He isn't quite certain how old he is at this point, because this is his second life. Should he count that life with his new one? Or does he start over?)

Yaga is an interesting guy though, and Zoro is used to just going with the flow. So they both pair up. The other man learns very quickly that he doesn't need help, and from the wide eyed look he receives after he cuts a Curse in half the man isn't expecting him to be so strong. It's a bit strange that there's a school to train people like them, children really, to kill these monsters. But Zoro figures that much like world of Pirates they don't have any other choice but to be strong or be killed.

The years pass by a little easier with someone else by his side. Without his Nakama life had felt dull and repetitive. He no longer gets to hear them complaining, cook is nowhere around to spar with and Luffy isn't flinging him around. Yaga will never be able to replace them but he's a nice addition. He also ends up being his source of information about the world since the man is ten years his senior, and ends up being a steady friend despite their age difference.

At around 22 Yaga tells him he got accepted as a teacher in Jujutsu High, and asks Zoro to come with him.

Zoro isn't a teacher and he really just wants to become stronger but he accepts anyways.

"Are you sure that you're okay with helping Zoro? I know you're busy with your job."

Zoro grunts and tosses Yuuji high up in the air and his nephew shrieks in delight. "Yeah, you're my family after all. I don't know what Jin was thinking just leaving his son with you two."

He has a father in this life as well, and though he is significantly older Wasuke accepted a small child from his other son to raise him. Zoro never really bonded much with his brother but he finds it fairly irritating that the man just left his son with their father. 

But Yuuji is cute, and when Zoro received a call from his father he knew that he needed to help out. "I don't mind."

His nephew looks just like Jin with his pink and brown hair. But Zoro will be the one who raises him alongside Wasuke. Now that he's a bit more settled as a teacher, it will be easier for Zoro to stay in contact and focus on his nephew. He feels a bit guilty that he didn't know his brother was married and had a kid but such is life. 

"I'll take him in the evenings and on the weekends." He continues and sets his nephew down so he can run around. "So don't worry, you won't have to raise him by yourself."

Wasuke's eyes soften and he nods. "Thank you Zoro."

His father is strict but he knows the old man is a softie at heart. Ever since their mother died Zoro knew he'd been struggling so in a way Yuuji being brought into their lives was a good thing. Zoro would be around more, and both Yuuji and Wasuke could have family members around them.

Even though he longs to wander around freely, this time Zoro will stay put. For his family.

Chapter Text

Yaga first meets Itadori Zoro on a mission to collect one of Sukuna's fingers Generally he has no problem handling Curses by himself, but because Sukuna's finger gifts the bearer with immense power he starts to struggle. His cursed dolls are holding well considering what they're against, but he finds himself stuck.

With his side bleeding profusely Yaga keeps pressure on the wound as he debates his next move. The abandoned house is nearly destroyed around him, and he's thankful that in the very least they're in a remote location. The Curse in front of him is being entertained by one of his Dolls for the moment but that won't last long. He's been completing missions with the school for a bit now, after he graduated from Jujutsu High he knew that he wanted to eventually become a teacher. The process is a bit long since they're very picky about their staff but he knows it will be worth it.

They wouldn't just give anyone this mission, and he thought he knew what he was in for when he accepted. Jujutsu High was successful so far in the collection of the Cursed fingers, and he hoped he could continue the trend.

He winces when his cursed doll is hurtled into the woods somewhere and braces himself as the Curse turns to focus on him.

This may be his last fight he muses as he summons Cursed Energy around his form. In the very least he can put up a good fight combat wise, so he takes pleasure in the fact that it won't be easy for the Curse to kill him. The Curse races toward him and he lifts his fist up with a battle cry. For a second the Curse is inches away and he realizes he was too slow, and then the air shifts.

"Two Sword Style: Toro Samon."

His eyes widen as gravity itself seems to weigh down on him with a staggering amount of Cursed Energy, so thick he can nearly taste it. 

A flash of silver, a man appears no a teenager and then a beam made of of purely Cursed Energy severs the Curse in half. The very earth shakes from he mere amount of power that rushes through the forest and he can only cover his eyes and pray that he makes it out alive. 

As quickly as the power appears it's gone, pulled in by expert fingers until only a smidgen of it's true essence remains.

Yaga lifts his head up and stares.

The path where the teenagers attack traveled through the forest is cleared out. No trees remain, not even a branch. A deep crevice of the earth is left as if a giant swung his sword.

But it isn't a giant who wielded the sword, (two swords-no three one is still attached at the hip) it's a boy who couldn't be a day over 15 years old.

Yaga has seen a lot in his day, Sorcerer's with awe inspiring power and Curses who left devastating attacks. This kid, if he were to put it bluntly, made all of them seem small in comparison.

The kid's face is partially covered by a dark green bandana and still has his High School uniform on. It's as if he were just taking a casual stroll after school and happened to come across the fight. That's impossible though, because Tokyo is 3 hours away.

"Hey old man," The kid turns and slides his swords into their sheathes. "Can you tell me where I am? I'm trying to find Sendai City."

Yaga gapes. "S-sendai? That's the capital of Miyagi Prefecture." He stutters. "That's more than 8 hours away from here."

"Ah man, that sucks." The kid takes off his bandana and rakes a hand through green hair. "My old man is going to kill me."

He's still trying to come to terms with the fact that the kid before him pulled off such a powerful move. The additional knowledge he's given isn't helping him process anything at all. The kid doesn't look tired at all, a little annoyed and now that he looks at him a bit dirty because he's been assumedly walking for hours. "Who are you? Why are you so far away from home?"

"Idatori Zoro." Is his reply and he notes that no clan he knows of goes by that name. Which means that the kid is also from a civilian family. "I was just heading home, and before I knew it I was here."

Yaga stands up and winces when his wound reminds him of it's presence. Thankfully it's not super deep but he shouldn't be lingering for too long with it unattended. "Why don't you come with me? I can help you get back home." As an after thought he asks, "Who's your sensei?" Mostly out of curiosity because he's never seen a move like that before. He would have remembered it.

Zoro cracks his neck. "Sensei? I don't have a teacher here, I used to have one before but he died. I train on my own."

Yaga can't help how his mouth falls open in shock. "What?!"

He has no idea how the Jujutsu world didn't know about Idatori Zoro, but as the kid explains the fact that he's basically trained himself he decides that he's not letting him slip away. Especially when he shows no interest in Sukuna's finger and only talks about how he wants to fight strong Curses. Because Yaga can find him strong Curses if he wants, if that will make him stay.

Zoro does end up staying, and though their age difference is big it feels like he's around a man his age oddly enough. There's a casual maturity in Zoro's mannerisms that only a seasoned veteran solider could pull off. No 15 year old should act that way but since he has the power to match Yaga doesn't question it.

(After the exchange phone numbers Yaga wonders as he brings the finger to the school, if they may have found someone to beat Sukuna himself.)

After Gojo Satoru and Getou Suguru meet, their relationship becomes legendary in the halls of Jujutsu High.

As some of the most powerful Sorcerers in school, their ideals not only oppose each other but also act as fuel to the fire. One considers the objective of Jujutsu Sorcerers to be to protect civilians while the other looks down on the weak. One holds the power of the Gods in his eyes, and the other able to consume and manipulate Curses as he wished. 

Zoro finds that more times than not he's the one who is becomes involved in their scraps. Because most of the teachers are terrified of the Gojo family and if it isn't that they don't have the power to stop them.

He has no such qualms. He was, and still is, the right hand of the Pirate King. He dislikes commanding others against their will, however that does not mean he can't control his students.

Using Cursed Energy is not that different from Haki at the end of the day, and much like his past foes once the two get a taste of his aura they both become settled.

Gojo with his brilliant eyes evens quiets in the presence of his Cursed Energy, as wild as he is. 

"You are both Sorcerers in training," Zoro states and looks at his cowed students sternly. The field is partially destroyed due to their spar and he's pissed because that means it will interfere with combat training. "You are welcome to spar, but the point of sparing is to not go all out. You may believe different things and that's fine but do not let that blind you both to the fact that other things exist outside of yourselves."

Gojo pouts but doesn't get up. His hair is standing on end more that usual and part of his school uniform is torn. "Suguru was spouting his silly idealistic crap and it was annoying!"

Getou growls. "Shut up! Not everyone is gifted like you are Satoru!"

They both jump up and he knows from their faces alone that another spar is going to break out.

Zoro rubs the bridge of his nose as their Cursed Energy spikes. Kids honestly. The damage is done though and if they aren't going to listen to him, then they would listen to his swords. He prefers to fight it out anyway.

He pulls out one and the blade rings as it slides against the sheath. The looks on his students faces is enough to make him grin in delight. 

"If neither of you are going to listen, then I guess I have no choice." He slices the air tauntingly. "It's been a while anyway, let's see how much you both have learned since starting school."

Getou is easier to deal with, Zoro has been hunting down Curses since he could wield his swords. Gojo with his fancy eyes is more of a challenge, at this point though Zoro has been keeping a careful watch on the kids for a couple of years. They've both been training under him, he knows their tells and when best to strike. It's a habit any one who is experienced in battle attains if they want to live. Gojo was always a bit harder but no one is unbeatable and he's just a kid at the end of the day.

Getou and Gojo are panting on the ground and too exhausted to fight, he relishes in the silence. This time when his students end up on the ground, they stay there. 

Yaga finds the three of them a few hours later, the field is properly destroyed now and Zoro hears him mutter about finances. 

Then they're informed about the Star Plasma Vessel, and his students are sent on a mission to obtain and erase a girl.

Zoro knows enough about the Tengen dude to understand what his role in the world is. He's never seen the dude and expresses his reluctance to allow their students to handle such a serious issue. They were star students and far more powerful than any of the others he trained which he is willing to admit. Power does not make up for experience which is something they need to obtain before they venture into the world by themselves. The mission makes sense logically and he doesn't want to interfere with that, but it sounds a bit more important than just a normal mission.

Yaga though does admit that he's concerned about another party becoming interested in the mission.

"His name is Zen'in Toji." Other man explains, and Zoro ponders the familiar name. He's pretty sure he's heard the surname before. "I've heard from one of my contacts that he's separated from his Clan and acts some sort of bounty hunter. He's not someone to be underestimated Zoro, he has no Cursed Energy at all but he has a Heavenly Restriction that gifts him with extraordinary strength, speed and senses. That including his battle prowess makes me concerned that he's going to interfere with the mission simply for the bounty alone and succeed."

Zoro is instantly interested. The man sounds strong if Yaga is cautioning him. "Oh? Do you think Getou and Gojo are going to struggle to deal with him?"

Yaga frowns. "I don't know, I'd rather not risk it though. Can you follow them and make sure nothing happens? Toji isn't called the Sorcerer Killer for nothing, and I have a feeling that his Heavenly Restriction is going to even give Gojo a hard time."

Zoro accepts because its been a while since he's had a good fight, and his students have wormed their way into his heart. He won't allow anyone to touch those he cares about.

"Sure."

Chapter Text

She meets him completely by accident.

At this point she's heavy with child, groceries in hand as she heads back home. Toji visited a few weeks ago and hasn't shown up since, usually when he does it's brief periods and motivated by his lack of money. To many of her friends he seemed like a freeloader that used her and to a point she knew he did. 

But she also knew Toji.

His soft side, hidden behind toothy smiles and a crass personality is what she fell in love with. Years of abuse makes him starved of affection yet also terrified of it. Many things of what he went through is left unsaid, played out in the way he acts and treats himself. 

She doesn't need to hear his past experiences to love him though. Because when he does come back, everything seems right. He takes care of her, cleans the house and they laugh for hours. Soft smiles, gentle hands and a warm embrace. Toji is as gentle as he is dangerous. At some point he takes her last name, it's promise for future. A promise to leave things behind one day and take steps to make something out of their family that is being created. 

He leaves though, for many days, sometimes weeks and she can't help but feel lonely.

She's six month pregnant when she runs into Itadori Zoro.

Literally.

She rounds a corner, and then slams into a wall. The bounce back sends her groceries flying and she isn't quick enough to stop herself from falling.

A large hand stops her, and she realizes that what she bumped into was a man.

For a moment she thinks it's Toji, he has a tall build with muscle and a frown on his face that has nothing to do with how he feels about her. She knows that instantly, just as she realizes that the man is not her boyfriend, just someone who is similar.

He could be intimidating, if he really wanted to. But he handles her gently, picks up her groceries without prompting and apologizes. 

"Do you know how to get to Tokyo?"

She blinks, because out of all the questions that was not what she expected. "Ah it's three hours west of here."

He scratches his head, scowls at nothing and then nods. "Thanks."

She watches as he leaves, going East and wonders if he'll make it back to his destination alright.

The meet again a week later, this time she's walking through the park.

People are chatting around her, children run around and couples hold hands as they enjoy the beautiful day. She's sitting on a bench to rest, her feet are tired and her back aches thanks to the child in her belly.

It's not hard to miss the stranger, anyone going his direction subconsciously steers away from his hulking form as he heads her direction. Mostly though, many are wary of the three swords he casually has strapped to his hips as if they belong there. His green hair is very recognizable, and she gets up to go talk to him. 

"Ah, excuse me."

He turns and looks at her, she smiles because just like Toji he has to look down at her because of their size difference. "I don't know if you remember, but about a week ago you helped me with my groceries. I wanted to thank you, would you like to get coffee?" 

The man doesn't remember her at all, she can tell instantly. 

But he accepts, no questions asked and they end up in a small cafe a few blocks down.

"This may be a little late, but my name is Fushiguro Rin it's nice to meet you."

"Itadori Zoro."

She holds back a laugh, because his tone is as blunt as Toji's as well. Rin doesn't feel bad though, she knows instinctually that he's a good person. If anything, she doesn't think he'd pretend to be nice to her like some people do in the world and that gives her comfort. "Were you able to find your way back to Tokyo, Itadori-san?"

Zoro nods. "Eventually, it took a bit."

"Do you get lost often?"

"Sometimes, before I know it I suddenly have no idea where I am."

After that they make small talk, Zoro tells her he's twenty and mostly is traveling around. He has no specific career but accepts odd jobs once in a while. She mentions the fact that she has a boyfriend who works a lot and is looking for a friend to spend time with. Which she is, her friends are few since some cast judgement on her relationship with Toji while others just don't have the time to hang out. 

She also asks if he would like to exchange phone numbers. Perhaps a little bit of an impulsive decision but she feels like he's a good person. Usually her instincts are right when it comes to evaluating someones character. 

He asks her for directions to Tokyo and she laughs, and then helps him set up his GPS on his phone. It's cute to watch him fumble with it like he's afraid the device is going to break, and once the directions are set up they part ways. 

She hopes this time he will make back alright.

She's the first one who makes contact, because Zoro surely isn't going to. 

The intention is just to chat, she's curious about how he is and likes talking to him. Somehow the direction of the conversation veers off and suddenly he's offering to help her move some furniture. 

Rin accepts because her body really can't take any excess weight in the state she's in, and sends him her location.

Zoro takes five hours to get there.

She learns that he truly has a horrible sense of direction and laughs it off when he arrives, sticks in his hair and a few cuts on his face. There's a shine in his eyes, like a warrior who just came from battle and she realizes with his swords that Zoro looks like a Samurai. 

That thought stays lodged in her mind, and she notices that he acts like one as well. Respectful, quiet and strong. Despite his size he makes no sound as he moves, even his swords are silent. She suspects he hides things just like Toji does and doesn't pry. 

They talk as he carries the furniture as effortlessly as if it weighs nothing. He mentions that someone offered him a teaching job, and he isn't certain if he wants it or not. Rin talks about her child, how she's excited for him to finally arrive and what her and Toji decided to name him when he's born.

Megumi.

Unlike Toji though, he never asks for money and when they're done he intends to just leave without any other intentions. 

So to thank him, since he refuses anything from her, Rin buys him a taxi. 

This time for sure he'll arrive at his destination on time.

It becomes a bit of a habit after a while to ask him for help. When Toji is gone she struggles with a lot, and after she gets to know Zoro more she stops feeling guilty about needing his assistance. Because he's a honest man, he tells her if he doesn't like something so she knows if he were bothered she would know. 

A part of her wonders what if.

Rin pushes those feelings aside though, they're friends and she's loyal to Toji at the end of the day. 

Sometimes when he comes over she does actually need help, other times she just wants company. Zoro has no complaints about just relaxing she learns, in fact he's like a big cat as he lounges around. Her neighbors giggle when they see him basking on the porch with no idea of how much attention he gets from the women around him. She even notices some of the men glancing his direction and can't help but laugh.

She doesn't blame them, Zoro looks like a dream come true to any normal human. Tall, helpful and intimidating enough to scare off any sketchy people. 

There's a far off look that he gets sometimes when he thinks she's not looking. It ages him, as he falls off into memories that are only hinted at. He mentions Nakama, talks about vague adventures with people he cares about and the antics they get into. When he does, the hard man that she's come to know becomes nostalgic. Kind.

Lonely.

His words are spoken like someone who has experienced great loss, and she wonders. Never does she pry too much, there's a thin line that he draws when it comes to personal matters that she accepts. 

She does hope that one day, he will find someone to open up to.

Toji does come back though, and she's distract enough by him that she forgets to message Zoro again for a bit.

When he leaves she realizes that she and Zoro haven't talked in a while and sends him a message.

But the text never gets sent, instead it tells her it's not delivered. She tries again and it fails, even calls and the operator informs her that the number is out of service. 

Rin is disappointed but decides that if they're meant to meet again they would, since Zoro gets lost so often.

Then there's complications when she's giving birth, and she never does end up seeing him again.