Reiko's POV [7:30AM]
I wake up early, around 5 typically. I'm actually quite proud of my training schedule. Today however... I woke up a 5:30. I know, I know, its still ridiculously early for most but damn, Zoro's sake is strong.
For example, last night after we trained post-dinner, that food was amazing by the way, Zoro and I had a sake. As aforementioned, it's strong stuff. I was out cold once I hit the bed. Anyway I've been training since then. Robin and Reina came out half an hour before and now, I don't know either well, but I can tell when a woman Is glowing and they both are. Or, maybe their morning people and I'm just reading into it too much.
Zoro soon comes out and joins me silently. Not even an acknowledgement. Wow. I turn to him, "Morning." I tell him, putting my weight down. "morning." he grunts back, not glancing at me. Rude much? "Idiot." I mutter to myself as I pick weight back up and resume my training where I left off. If the idiot is too much of a muscle brain to even acknowledge me, fine. I'll just get his attention the only way he'll pay attention to.
I begin going heavier each set and he finally glances at 3 sets in. I smirk. If this is what it takes, so be it. Might as well flex a little. I continue to get heavier for 2 more sets and I can feel him staring, "Like what you see? Or is it jealousy?" I ask teasingly. He blushes at being caught, "w-what?! NO! I was just surprised." he says, "tsk, sexist now are we? Didn't think a girl could do better?" I ask taunting him. His eye twitches. "I didn't say that. But I can do better." he says. I smirk and step and let him use my weight while its still out. He does it and I watch him. He struggles a little but not a lot, but enough to show but not impact his technique. "Good technique. You stick to the lower weights though." I say, not bothering to hide my smug grin. His eye twitches more violently. I feel my smirk widen.
10 minutes later, here we are, clashing swords at 8AM at the latest. I block another attack and go for a low sweep and he leaps back. "BREAKFAST!" Sanji calls from below. We both glance and Zoro sheaths his swords, so with a sigh I do mine and when we get there, Luffy is drooling over the breakfast as he stuff his face, Sanji is watching from the side and trying to ignore Luffy. Jinbei is having tea calmly while comfortably sitting on the side, Brook is playing a lively tune t wake everyone up. It's working, if I wasn't already awake enough. Robin and Reina are talking pleasantly while having tea with their breakfasts. Definitely glowing. Anyway, we sit down. "REIKO CHWANN! here is your breakfast," Sanji says twirling then placing my food on the table with a bow. "Perfectly nutritional and tasty for training! Just for you Reiko-chwan." He says and I nod and give him a smile and eat it. It really is delicious. I lean back, savoring it. "Here mosshead." Sanji says and hands Zoro his breakfast that is similar but isn't as aesthetically nice but simple. Zoro grunts and takes it and eats.
Shortly after, Gigi and Nami come in, Gigi is looking more carefully at everyone, Nami looks refreshed yet dead. 'Not a morning person.' I think to myself, amused greatly, as I watch Nami have her coffee like it's a lifeline. After a sip, she looks refreshed. Gigi, again "poison tests" (eats a bit of) everything Nami has on top of her 2 servings. That's becoming normal I guess..
A few minutes later, Franky and Usopp arrive arguing about some new part, and quiet once they get their good, then resume. Its funny and looks almost animated from where I sit. Definitely a good spot.
After breakfast, I go back up to train with Zoro. Reina comes by to take a look and disappears with a few insanely heavy dumbbells. I saw that she had a sword yesterday. She's definitely strong even if she doesn't advertise it. Her presence is confident and quiet, like she quietly acknowledges her strength. Those types are dangerous. I spar with Zoro, resuming where we left off. He's.. passionate I guess you can say. We go intensely for a few minutes, break, then repeat. With this kind of training, you don't need words to get to know a person.
Honestly, if this is a regular day, I'm all for it. This is the kind of crew I've always wanted. We're close as can be and I've known them under 24 hours! Anyway, I need to focus back on the training..
[some time later..]
I deflect another attack and parry his strike, then quickly go to attack. Zoro quickly blocks and attacks again. His three swords vs my two put me at a constant disadvantage but I've kinda figured him out with the amount of sparring we've done. I slip through his weak spot, right out of range of his mouth sword on his left. He subconsciously drops his right shoulder to compensate but I've learned to exploit it. I think he's also realized this and we're working on it. I tag him again and he growls frustrated. With that we break. As I'm having water, Sanji calls for lunch so we head down and have lunch.
Lunch is spectacular, per Sanji normal. It ruins ones palette when you eat a 5 star chef's food daily as I see with Luffy. Wait, no he just has a black hole living in him. Never mind, the food will always be great and Luffy just is Luffy.
After lunch, I join Jinbei at the back of the ship to meditate. Meditation is very important, it helps you focus and better focus helps... everything. Zoro's meditation is getting dead drunk. I should help him with that... "I'm glad Zoro has found a friend in you." Jinbei says to me without opening his eyes. "Thanks. I think I needed it too." I tell him. Jinbei smiles, "Zoro is always looking to improve. Having a fellow swordsman is important, especially with your skill. Few can keep up with Zoro much less beat him so you are quite impressive." he says. I smile, "thanks. I hope I can help him too. It helps me too in some way." I say. "Teaching is sometimes the best way to learn." Jinbei says. I can see why everyone looks up to him. He's so wise. "I am absolutely quoting that" I say. Jinbei chuckles, "I'm glad to give some advice anytime." he says. I nod, and after that, we sit in quiet contemplation for a while, and I clear my head and meditate properly.
Later, I go to dinner, and just like yesterday, its chaotic. The food is amazing, Sanji has yet to let me down and Luffy is reaching for food on others plates, Gigi is guarding her and Nami's, Zoro is doing better and eyeing his sake while eating his food. I think Sanji made it extra spicy for him just to mess with him and make him drink the sake. Poor guy. Anyway, looks like Usopp's chicken was stolen by Luffy. I stifle my laugh as I watch Usopp try to get it back.
After dinner, I go train with Zoro a little more, mostly just working off that delicious dinner. After we finish, I sit by the railing with Zoro, enjoying the night air. "Good job today." he tells me. I look over at him and smile, "you too." I tell him. He looks away and has a sip of sake. There is a brief comfortable silence. "Why did you join?" he suddenly asks. I look over at him and think. "Well... I don't know. Maybe it was spontaneous, maybe because I enjoy your company. Maybe I liked that sense of family you guys have. I don't know. But I do know it was my best decision." I tell him. "But why?" He asks and I shrug, "I guess we'll find out. If fate has brought me here, I'll figure it out." I tell him and he nods and we go back to quiet. I think he senses how genuine i'm being so he doesn't say anything else.
Man, I really am excited for what's next though. This will be the adventure of a lifetime. Joining this crew has been my best decision, I meant what I said. I have no regrets.