Zoro took a moment to breathe in the fresh night air as he and Rei slipped into the dense foliage just outside the shadow-ridden fortress. The remnants of the battle were still etched in his mind, but now urgency consumed him. ‘We need to alert Usopp and the others,’ he said, scanning the horizon for any movement. Rei, who was still gathering her thoughts from the chaotic encounter, nodded. ‘Right. Your crew needs to know about the alliance.’ As they trod rapidly through the underbrush, a rustle from behind sent Zoro’s instincts into overdrive. ‘Stay close!’ he ordered sharply, gripping his sword tightly. Just then, a figure sprang forth from the branches — a swift, lithe young woman with fiery red hair and an eager smile. ‘Zoro! Rei!’ she exclaimed, pumping her fists. ‘I found you!’ Zoro blinked in disbelief, recognizing her as Kira, a young warrior from Wano whom he had befriended during his previous visit. ‘What are you doing here?’ he asked, easing his stance slightly. ‘I followed your trail. I heard whispers of trouble, and when you vanished, I knew I had to come find you!’ Kira was brimming with determination, and its potency invigorated Zoro. Rei crossed her arms, eyeing Kira critically. ‘You need to be careful, kid. This is dangerous.’ Kira smirked, unbothered by the warning. ‘Yeah? So is fighting alongside the Straw Hats. I can handle it!’ Suddenly, the ground beneath them rumbled ominously. ‘We better get moving!’ Zoro urged, leading the trio away from the ominous tremors. As they sprinted through the forest, Kira couldn’t contain her excitement. ‘Is it true what they say about you? You’re Zoro of the Straw Hats, the swordsman who battled at the Summit War!’ Zoro sighed, weary of the legends surrounding him. ‘Let’s just focus on the present. We need to reach my crew.’ Out of nowhere, a rusted metallic sound rang through the air followed by scattered lights flickering ominously. Suddenly, silhouettes dashed toward them through the trees. ‘Enemies!’ Rei shouted, taking a defensive stance. Zoro’s instincts flared; he unsheathed his sword and stood beside her with Kira at her back, ready for a fight. A gang of Shadow Blade henchmen, who must have escaped the fortress, poured through the brush, sneering with menacing smiles. Zoro clenched his teeth, glaring fiercely. ‘Let me handle this,’ he told Rei, who hesitated. ‘No! We fight together now,’ Kira declared passionately, igniting her determination to protect them both. Before Zoro could protest, Kira rushed into the fray, her swift movements blurring as she engaged the attackers. Zoro, locked in battle, could hardly believe the bravery of the young warrior. Rei seemed equally inspired, launching into action beside Kira as they decimated the incoming threat. The momentum shifted, and Zoro couldn’t help but smile as he fought. The three of them formed an unexpected yet unstoppable unit. Each clash resonated with conviction. ‘What’s happening to the rest of the crew?’ Kira called out to Zoro during a brief surrender in fighting. ‘I trust they can handle their own battles, but if we don’t hurry, they won’t have a chance to take this battle head-on.’ ‘We’ll get to them!’ Kira proclaimed, slashing through one more unnailed opponent. Despite skirmishes with the henchmen, the trio made ground until a larger figure emerged from the shadows — a lieutenant from the Shadow Blades who menacingly laughed, ‘A young warrior? How amusing!’ He attacked with swift strokes aimed directly at Kira. Zoro’s instincts kicked in. ‘Get down!’ he yelled as he intercepted the blade mid-strike. ‘You will not touch her!’ Rei seized the moment, delivering a powerful blow that sent the lieutenant sprawling backward, stunned. Kira grinned. ‘Nice teamwork!’ As they turned, breathing heavily, another direction beckoned. ‘That’s enough stalling; if we’re going to save everyone, we need to go now,’ Zoro urged. Dashing through the thinning woods, they stumbled upon the coast of Wano, where waves crashed dramatically against the cliffs. In the distance, the ship was anchored, revealing flickering torches and voices echoing amidst the darkened sea. ‘It’s the Thousand Sunny!’ Kira suddenly yelled, her smile wide as she motioned toward their majestic vessel. Zoro could feel both relief and renewed purpose surging within him. As they reached the water’s edge, Kira gripped Zoro’s hand. ‘Together, let’s bring them back!’ And for the first time, Zoro nodded, knowing they had a powerful team and a mission that burned brighter than any darkness threatening their path.