An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
In the line between, chapter 2, is out!
"Detective Roronoa Zoro's quiet morning workout at the gym is interrupted when his instincts warn him something big is brewing with the local gang. When an explosion rocks Water 7's harbor, turning a rainy day into chaos, he finds himself considering that sometimes a different approach might be exactly what he needs - even if he'd never admit it aloud."
🌧️ The storm doesn’t wait. Neither do the Red Jackets.
Excerpt:
The rain drummed against CRU headquarters' windows as Zoro stepped into the briefing room. Law was already bent over his maps, that methodical focus signaling he’d found something. The department radio crackled faintly with harbor chatter—SCU's murder investigation picking up steam.
"Found your way here on the first try?" Law asked without looking up.
Zoro ignored the jab, dropping his bag. "Update on the jewelry store?"
----
"Hell of a way to end a stakeout." Ace's voice carried through the rain as he approached, his AIU jacket already dark with water. He looked almost cheerful despite the weather, which somehow made Zoro's mood worse.
"Wasn't planning on giving you extra work," Zoro muttered, still scanning the area for any signs he might have missed.
"Oh please, you love making my life interesting." Ace pulled out his tablet, somehow keeping it dry despite the downpour. "Got anything for me besides a big boom?"
--- The familiar warmth of the Blue Tuna should have been comforting, but those harbor symbols kept flashing in Zoro’s mind. Even here, surrounded by friends, he couldn’t shake the feeling they were missing something crucial.
"Earth to Zoro," Luffy’s voice cut through his thoughts, grinning as he piled more food onto his plate. "You’re doing that detective thing again."
