I love this soooo much, you right amazingly

Never thought I’d hear Sanji and Nami fight. This is so good

Damn when are you coming out with the next chapter and will Ace fulfill his pyro dreams

First things first, allow me to say, this fic is criminally under appreciated. You do not have even close to enough reviews because so far, I am addicted. The interactions and POVs in this chapter were great. I think everyone has their own fun quirks and I am super interested in this take on Nami and Sanji's relationship. Honestly, I kind of like this better than their canon relationship. But, let me dive right into everything that I loved about this chapter and hope that I don't cap out my character limit!

I really, really enjoyed Luffy's POV. The opening of him playing a prank on Usopp because Usopp fell asleep and left Luffy alone bored is really cute. And also feels super real. Luffy is a hyperactive character who does get bored pretty easily. It's really easy for me to imagine him thinking 'bored now' and looking Usopp and thinking 'you were supposed to keep me entertained. And, you're going to keep me entertained!' before coloring all over his face. I loved it. It just felt so Luffy while keeping with this wonderful modern twist that you've put on these characters. I don't know if I've gushed about this yet, but I LOVE that you've turned Merry into Usopp's van and him obsession with it makes me laugh every time. Again, it super fits, given how attached Usopp was to the Going Merry. The added idea of Usopp hating when other people drive Merry and never wanting Luffy to touch her is great and adds to that possessive nature.

Luffy meets Alvida. Mmm. MMMMM. This is everything that I wanted and needed. I LOVED IT. Luffy's internal thoughts about how he wants to say something, but he won't because he knows Zoro can take care of himself (and honestly, it's kind of a turn on to watch Zoro be this brave, no shits given guy) holds so true to the canon. Because, Luffy never has to worry about Zoro. But, it also holds true to Luffy's character that the second Zoro just lets Alvida crack him across the face, Luffy is out of the van immediately and ready to kick some ass. I loved his reaction to it all and how he notices that all of the fight just drains from Zoro when it comes to this woman. And, it's amazing because Luffy never once thought less of Zoro for it! Yes, he was concerned and confused. But, he never once tried to shrug it off as "maybe Zoro did something to upset her" or "he can take care of himself, I don't need to do anything". Luffy sees his nakama in trouble and immediately is like, "nope. Don't touch him". His repeated "Don't punch her. Don't break her bones. Graps will lecture me again" is great. I really like the small bit of background you slipped in here. Luffy very clearly has a temper and this wouldn't be the first time that he broke someone's nose/wrist/bone in general for being cruel to someone else. Also, side note, Zoro getting fed up with Alvida, yelling at her, and then immediately regretting the outburst and stepping away from her in horror? Wow, you really hit a realistic situation on the head! I loved that scene because it plays into Zoro's canonical temperament but also keeps in mind that he is the victim of repeated abuse and knows that he's going to get in trouble for this. Such a great and powerful scene. And Luffy holding Zoro's hand for moral support as he leads him away, the way he stopped listening to Alvida's bs? That's just so beautiful. Everyone needs and deserves this Luffy. Someone who doesn't care about your past (even if someone is screaming awful, accusing names after you) and just wants you to be safe. Another side note; the line "Curiosity is a bitch, Luffy decides, and Karma is her loyal sister" is a fucking BEAUTIFUL line. Such a true statement and so well stated. I just loved it.

Zoro's repeated apologies for things that are in no way his fault are so sad but also so real. So many people that suffer from severe anxiety or severe abuse tend to apologize for things beyond their control because they just assume everything is their fault. And the way Zoro continually thinks "be careful. Be good. Don't screw this up. Don't let Luffy know. He's going to leave you if he knows. Don't screw anything up. He'll leave you if you screw something up", again shatters my heart but really grounds me in the reality of his situation. I think you're doing such a wonderful job characterizing Zoro as an abuse victim without sacrificing his core character. Zoro is a quiet person, doesn't ask for any help, and just kind of goes along with everything. Despite his strong goals and his over the top training, at the end of the day, Zoro is a laid back guy. And that works here. Because, you've still got a quiet, laid back guy who doesn't ask for any help and is just kind of along for the ride. He never intended to have friends, but also allows it when Luffy pulls him into the mix. It's just such a flawless and amazing job of taking this character that so many fans see as godlike and putting him into this awful situation without losing who Zoro truly is.

Ace. Oh my god, Ace. I love your Ace. He really does feel organic. There's definitely some things that don't totally fit with his canonical portrayal but still work perfectly for this modern AU. Ace is a pirate who ate the flame-flame fruit and repeatedly tried to assassinate Whitebeard. So, this pyromaniac who's a little off his rocker but has the biggest soft spot for his little brother while still scaring Usopp shitless really works. Again, you kept the core of who Ace is. At the end of the day, not unlike Sabo, Ace's core personality really revolves around the capture (and possibly murder) of Blackbeard and being Luffy's older brother. So, I think you did a really good job of giving us a character whose core still settles with Luffy while also making it clear that Ace is kind of bonkers. As someone who loves Ace's character, I think you did a great job with him here. Also, Ace refering to Hell as "The Hell" made me laugh so hard for no apparent reason.

Zoro induction into the Strawhat group is just beautiful. It's all chaos and confusion and a bunch of crazy people all shoved into the same room, screaming that the top of their lungs and trying to set things on fire. It just fits who the Strawhats are as a whole. Because, these nutsos are all completley insane and we STAN them. It's so fitting that the simple idea of movie night turns into a complete disaster, because what else would it be with these animals? Speaking of animals, Chopper is fucking adorable. And I love the way you've decided to portray him as trans. It fits really well and I like that he and Zoro had the chance to kind of bond, with Chopper sharing his past with Zoro. It's just a nice way of showing that all of the Strawhats probably have a dark spot in their past and that's why Zoro is going to finally find a place with them. They'll all be able to understand the pain he's been through and won't judge him for his darker moments.

Susan the lizard is the most adorable thing that I have EVER read. The addition to Susan is such a cute little thing and the way Susan curls in Zoro's hair is so cute. I love that Zoro just immediately adopts Susan as his and I kind of hope that Susan the lizard gets to go on the roadtrip with them because I think that would be absolutely amazing.

Sanji and Nami's relationship is so interesting. The dynamic is so different and unique and yet actually kind of makes me like them more. Look, I love Sanji, I do. I love ALL the Strawhats. But, Sanji's general attitude towards women has always grated on my nerves. I'm all for him wanting to spoil them, but the length to which he allows himself to be manipulated and put into dangerous positions because of women honestly just makes me dislike him so much. So, imagine my amazement and delight when I discover that in this fic, he and Nami actually argue when Sanji is annoyed by her attitude. It's just such a different way to use their respected temperaments - which to be honest, both Sanji and Nami have some pretty short tempers. And, the way, Zoro stands up for Chopper because he recognizes the look on Chopper's face is super great. It also kind of resembles their canon relationship of Chopper being afraid of Zoro at first but then growing to like him as he gets to know Zoro more and recognizes that Zoro is willing to protect him.

And, I would be amissed if I didn't mention it here and now. Robin. Just Robin. So, I definitely rank Robin higher than Nami on my listing of Strawhats. This fic just elevates her more. I love how canon she feels, polite and quiet and mysteriously but also kind of creepy and frankly ("PRESENT") dangerous as hell. The implication that she keeps a knife in her boot and that she tossed a knife at Sanji just because she had a good shot just kills me. I love her so much. I want to marry her.

Zoro briefly confusing Luffy's weight on top of him for Alvida and just kind of laying there, willing to let whatever's going to happen, happen. God, it breaks my heart, but again just works so well for this background that you've created. Of course he's just going to let it happen. A million things are probably going through this poor baby's mind. From "I deserve this" (which he thinks quite often and really holds true to abuse victims) to "it won't do anything but get me in trouble" (which again, holds true to abuse victims). The constant narrative reminder that Zoro is baffled by the fact that he gets to choose anything just adds so much to his POV and his background. You are literally just doing such a good job of portraying Zoro as a victim of long term physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and I have so much applause for you for it.

"That stupid voice in his head is raising hell and red flags again, with a reminder of what he already knows to be true. A single, inevitable moment will determine the end of this friendship. That moment when Luffy finds out how abhorrent Zoro really is and leaves him in the dust. Game over. Zoro won't bite the killing-bullet to save himself, seeing as he was stupid enough to load the gun and hand it to them in the first place. Stupid enough to think he could be more than Alvida’s worthless plaything." - This entire paragraph is just a giant ouch. And the paragraph after that, when Zoro lists off all the things that "most kids" don't do, justifying the abuse that he's suffered all these years. God, you just get right into his head with it and it kills my soul every time because Zoro is a good boy who deserves good things and I hope that Luffy just gets to beat the hell out of Alvida and gives Zoro all the hugs he deserves. Because he deserves them all!

God, this is just such an amazing, perfect fic. You know I am excited for the up coming cryptid hunting and all of the shenanigans that are awaiting us. But, I'm also just so excited to see more of your writing. The way that you're portraying Zoro feels so vivid and real. And everyone else stands out without getting muddled in the background. Which I'm super jealous about, because I haven't yet figured out how to make side characters stand out like this. Generally I lose all of the extra Strawhats when I'm writing. So, props to you friend, because you are KILLING it. I'm also really curious to know if we'll get to see Brook and/or Jinbe. I lowkey hope so, because I love all my Strawhats so much! But, if they don't fit in this fic, they don't fit and that's perfectly fine. Because I don't want you to ever change anything about this flawless work of art.

Alright, I think I'm done gushing. Sorry for all the word vomit, but you have to know how much I love this and how this fic is definitely going to be what gets me through the week, all week, every week. Though, I am a cheater and posting this same review to both ao3 and ff. Mostly, because as I said, this fic has a criminal lack of love it it. I mean, come on people? Can we ask for a better modern AU Strawhat road trip?! I think NOT!

Wow, okay. So I didn't know how badly I needed this until now. I am a HUGE fan of Zoro and I love seeing Zoro having a rough time and getting some protection/love from his friends. This is just gorgeous. A modern AU with this sweet boy, who's in character in his stubborn, loner attitude with the need to appear tough to everyone? Yes, PLEASE. And it seems like it's ZoLu shipping? Holy god am I happy I stumbled across this!

I'm super excited to see how high of a word count you have because I get so sad when stories as awesome as this stop updating. Like, it breaks my heart. So, I'm excited to know that you have a lot of content. I'm also super excited to see where this goes.

Chapter Three was indeed rough, but I am so ready for Chapter Four. Like, this sweet boy is bleeding everywhere and just thinks "oh, Luffy will come pick me up and he won't notice anything. No one cares". Zoro, sweetie, Luffy cares! I just love how much this hurts and how well you hit on child abuse and bullying and Zoro's reaction to them. Like, talking about how school is his sanctuary hits home so hard, because for so many kids like Zoro, it is. Even when they're picked on and have no friends, its somewhere safe and it's just so heartbreaking. I just need Luffy to give him the biggest hug and snuggle feast.

I will be anxiously awaiting the next chapter. Wonderful job, friend. Wonderful job!

Nice first chapter! Can't wait to see how you portray the others and just how they interact with his life. An 170k words and ongoing? That sounds exciting to read