28 Chapter 28

The end-of-year holiday season in Japan is usually bustling.

However, that was not applicable to Zoro and Toji. With hardly anyone to write New Year's cards to and well aware that no deity would visit even if they put up Shogatsu decorations (New Year's decorations to welcome the deity of the new year), the holiday season was merely another day off for them to relax together.

Still, they did perform the annual year-end cleaning. Toji smiled, recalling when Zoro became a gray "marimo" from dust while cleaning.

Tap tap, Zoro lightly tapped the table with his chopsticks in front of Toji.

"Aren't you eating?"

"Go ahead."

Toji watched Zoro stuffing his face with toshikoshi soba (a bowl of buckwheat noodles traditionally eaten with family on the night of December 31st) until his cheeks bulged, then started eating his own.

Megumi had spent the day feasting on New Year's dishes, playing with items found during the cleaning, and had fallen asleep an hour ago, seemingly with more energy with each passing day. It was a good thing, though.

After finishing, Toji laid sideways on the sofa and turned on the TV. It was broadcasting the Kohaku Uta Gassen (a famous annual music show where singers are divided into two teams to perform on New Year's Eve).

Zoro came and sat down in front of Toji. Not particularly interested in the TV program, Zoro didn't watch the Kohaku Uta Gassen but instead asked Toji.

"Are we going to eat osechi (traditional Japanese New Year food served in special boxes) tomorrow?"

"I already bought it."

"Really?"

Both Zoro and Toji were not good at cooking. Zoro could handle cutting and preparing ingredients, but not much else. The food wasn't inedible but it wasn't tasty either. Toji was the same.

Unable to even cook regular dishes well, osechi? Toji wasn't reckless enough to attempt making it from scratch. He simply ordered it from a hotel.

'This is kind of boring.'

Toji switched the channel from the Kohaku Uta Gassen to another. It showed crowds in Tokyo waiting in front of a large screen for the New Year. Might as well watch this.

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

The clock's minute hand moved diligently. The New Year was drawing near.

Noticing there were only 10 minutes left to the New Year, Zoro stood in front of Toji, pointing at the TV. Realizing Zoro had something to say, Toji turned down the TV volume.

"Why?"

"Happy birthday."

People gathered, waiting and hoping to celebrate the New Year. Yet, Zoro wanted to celebrate Toji's birthday instead.

"Here's your present."

Zoro pulled a small box from within his arms.

Toji, who hadn't expected his birthday to be remembered or celebrated, accepted the box in surprise.

Upon opening it, he found a knife and a piece of paper inside.

The small dagger, always worn as a necklace decoration by Zoro, hidden within a wooden monkey charm, and a white piece of paper with 'Toji' written on it.

Though the dagger was recognizable, the purpose of the paper was unclear. Toji lifted the paper, which seemed just like any ordinary piece at first glance.

"...What's this?"

"It's called a 'Vivre Card.'"

"A Vivre Card?"

"Yeah."

"What is it?"

"It's a paper made from your nail, showing your life force."

Creating a Vivre Card was surprisingly simple. The question was whether it could also be made here, but fortunately, it was possible.

'I'm glad I watched when it was made.'

Zoro recalled the sworn brother of his captain in Dressrosa, who had thrown him a bottle. At that time, Sabo had created a Vivre Card for Luffy right in front of Zoro's eyes.

It was a memory from years ago, somewhat hazy, but he managed to recall how to make it. He nearly had to cut Toji's nail again due to losing a few pieces in the process.

Toji placed the Vivre Card he was holding on the table. Then, Zoro tore the Vivre Card in half to share it.

The pieces of the Vivre Card attract each other, no matter where in the world they are. "Look."

Rustle, rustle.

Toji's eyes widened as he watched the two pieces of paper move on their own, drawing closer to each other. Zoro kept one piece.

"If you have one piece and I have the other, no matter where in the world, I can know the direction where you are."

Though it doesn't show the distance, it still means something. With this, even if Toji were to run away from home again, Zoro could know the direction to find him, as long as the Vivre Card isn't discarded.

...Of course, even with a Vivre Card, Zoro, known for getting lost, might not find his way, but he himself didn't see it that way.

Zoro poked the Vivre Card with his finger.

"It also represents your life force. So, if you're in bad shape, it shrinks, and when you recover, it returns to its original size."

"What if I die?"

"It burns up and disappears completely."

Toji picked up one of the torn pieces of the Vivre Card. He could feel the faint force in his hand, trying to reach the other torn piece.

"Then, what about this dagger?"

Toji already had dozens of better weapons than this. This wasn't exactly a superior weapon. Knowing this, Zoro wouldn't have given it simply for use as a weapon.

Moreover, giving this would leave Zoro without a weapon to use. Of course, Toji could give him a jutte, but Zoro was still too young to handle such a large weapon properly.

Zoro spoke calmly.

"This is a promise."

From now on, no matter what happens, whatever you do.

"If you give this to me, I'll fight for Toji once."

Even if you're no longer with us, no longer care about us, or even if you've betrayed us.

Regardless of the reason or situation, without asking anything, I'll stand by your side and fight just once.

Strictly speaking, this wasn't a gift. It was a reciprocation.

You, too, had turned away from all that pain and void, and had come back once.

Realizing all the emotions behind it, Toji looked at Zoro blankly. He struggled to open his mouth, which refused to move.

"Thinking I would get involved in some fight."

Blood stained his hands too deeply to be washed away, and the sins he had accumulated were like a mountain. He wasn't virtuous enough to feel guilty, nor shameless enough to hope for a good end. Nor had he loved his child enough to overlook all that.

Yet, Zoro was saying that if Toji wished, he would accompany him even to the hell Toji might fall into.

Zoro snorted with a hint of laughter.

"If you're afraid of that, stay by my side, Father."

So that I can help you without hesitation, even without something like this.

So that I don't need a reason to help you.

The countdown to the New Year began. People excitedly counting down "10! 9! 8!" could be heard.

Toji alternated his gaze between the Vivre Card and the dagger. This was Zoro's gesture of goodwill but also a warning. It was a warning not to push them away with any nonsense, saying he would find Toji once no matter what, telling him not to even dream of letting go now.

"..."

Once he promises, he never backs down. Even if returned, he wouldn't accept it. Then, the best course was to keep it without using it.

"5! 4! 3! 2! 1!"

Happy New Year!

Large letters appeared on the screen, and people cheered. The year 2004 shone brightly. One year had passed. 2003 was gone, and 2004 had arrived.

Toji hung the dagger around his neck and put the Vivre Card in his trouser pocket. After all, it was a birthday gift from his son, and it didn't feel right to just store it in the armory or with the spirits.

"Is it hard to make a Vivre Card?"

"No. You just need the person's nail."

"Then make one for your Vivre Card and Megumi's too."

"Why?"

"So I can come find you when you get lost."

"Ha?!"

That wasn't really the reason. Since Vivre Cards attract each other, having Zoro's Vivre Card would allow Toji to know Zoro's location and find him.

But the real reason Toji wanted Zoro's Vivre Card was so he would know if Zoro was in danger.

"I can't give one to Megumi. He wouldn't be able to hold onto it."

Giving a Vivre Card to Megumi could end disastrously if he ended up swallowing it, requiring an immediate trip to the hospital. Losing it would be problematic too. Since Megumi changes clothes daily, sewing it into his clothing wasn't practical.

"We'll make it and keep it with us for now, and when Megumi's older, we can tear it and give it to him."

"Okay."

Zoro smiled. Toji shook his head. It was bizarre to give a gift that essentially invited one into danger and then smile about it. But it was also pitiable.

Toji placed his hand on Zoro's head and slowly stroked it.

"Thank you."

...I love you.

Zoro's eyes widened at Toji's following words, and he grumbled.

"Late."

"..."

"Me too."

The gruff response was touching. Toji extended his arms and embraced his son. It was a warm New Year.