Santoryu Island was alive and bustling. The festive air was filled with the sounds of drums and distant laughter as the sun rose higher. In a shaded grove behind the inn, Zoro focused intently, practicing kata with his swords. The steady sound of each swing offered a calming contrast to the chaotic energy around him. He was aware of the upcoming midday trial, but the familiar routine brought him a sense of peace.
Meanwhile, Nami and Robin lingered nearby, pretending to study village routes on a map. In truth, they kept glancing back at the swordsman with exasperation, amusement, and even a soft feeling neither would openly acknowledge.
Robin's eyes sparkled as she leaned toward Nami with a smile. "Want to make things more interesting, navigator?"
Nami crossed her arms, skeptical. "What do you mean?"
"How about a little wager on who can get our serious swordsman to relax and talk at least once before sunset?" Robin suggested, her tone playful yet shrewd. "The winner gets the loser's share from the next treasure haul.
"Nami grinned, always competitive. "You're on. I hope you're ready to search for loose change in my pockets, archaeologist."
A bell rang through the village, signaling that festival games would soon begin as part of the day's legendary trials. The girls straightened up, setting aside their rivalry for the moment, and went to find Zoro.
"Hey, Zoro!" Nami called, hands on her hips. "Ready for the island's big challenge?"
He gave them a flat look, wiping sweat from his brow. "As ready as always. Can't be more confusing than being around you two."
Robin chuckled. "We'll see about that."
The festival held in their honor was no ordinary competition. Villagers dressed in elaborate costumes presented games that seemed designed for laughter as much as to test one's skills: balancing duels, trust-building exercises, and silly "matchmaker quizzes." Zoro found himself paired—sometimes unwillingly, sometimes due to villagers' tricks—first with Robin in a puzzle game, then with Nami in a three-legged race around the square.
Nami tried to coax a smile from Zoro, nudging him to engage in banter. Robin's method was subtler, using sly comments and gentle teasing during their puzzle duel. Despite himself, Zoro was taken off guard by their attempts: he stumbled, he smirked, and just once—during a chaotic group challenge that left them all tangled—he even laughed, brief and genuine.
At day's end, the group gathered under a canopy of lanterns as the village began its grand dinner. Zoro sipped tea, Robin looked calmly victorious, and Nami sulked, though a smile peeked out from behind her fan.
Robin glanced at Nami with a knowing wink. "I expect my share of the next treasure, navigator."
Zoro frowned, unaware of the secret wager between them. "What are you two up to now?"
"Nothing you need to worry about," Nami replied, feigning innocence.
The girls exchanged looks—part rivalry, part camaraderie—as the island's festival lights flickered, hinting at more challenges and deeper connections to come.
To be continued in Chapter 7: Festival of Hearts (Part 1)…