High above the open sea, three clouds drifted steadily through the sky.
At the front was the largest one.
Luffy sat comfortably on a throne shaped from dense thundercloud, one leg crossed over the other, his straw hat tilted slightly forward as he watched the horizon. The cloud beneath him hummed faintly with restrained energy, stable enough to feel like solid ground.
Beside him, on a much smaller cloud-chair carefully molded to fit his size, sat Koby.
Behind them floated another cloud—thicker, heavier—carrying the bound and unconscious form of Iron Club Alvida. Lightning-like restraints wrapped around her body, anchoring her securely in place as the cloud followed obediently behind.
They were heading toward Shells Town.
To collect a bounty.
And to deliver a boy to his future.
Luffy glanced sideways at Koby.
Even though Koby talked endlessly and panicked easily, Luffy didn't dislike him. The kid had something rare—a sense of right and wrong that hadn't yet been twisted by fear or authority. He was naive, yes. Cowardly at times, sure.
But his heart leaned in the right direction.
With proper training… he'd make a good Marine.
And Luffy knew exactly who would make sure of that.
The thought made him snort quietly.
That training is going to be hell.
Luffy was pulled from his thoughts by an excited voice.
"Wow!" Koby said, eyes shining as he leaned forward and ran his hands across the surface of the cloud. "I still can't believe I'm sitting on a cloud!"
Luffy laughed softly.
"Careful," he said. "These aren't normal clouds."
Koby froze. Slowly, he turned his head toward Luffy, eyes widening.
"W-What do you mean?"
"These are thunderclouds," Luffy explained casually. "They're denser. Stronger. You won't fall through them like regular ones."
Koby's mouth slowly fell open.
"Y-you mean… like the Sky Islands?"
"Yep."
Koby nearly jumped out of his seat.
"THEY'RE REAL?!"
Luffy nodded, amused. "Very real. There's even a sea of clouds up there. People sail ships on it."
Koby stared at him like he'd just been told the world was upside down.
"I—I thought that was just a legend!"
"Most people do," Luffy replied. "I don't know if there are Sky Islands above East Blue, but I know for sure they exist in the Grand Line."
Koby could only manage a weak, stunned, "Wow…"
Luffy smiled, then his expression shifted—subtle, but noticeable.
"Hey, Koby."
Koby snapped back to attention. "Y-Yes?"
"Back on that ship," Luffy said, eyes forward, "Alvida mentioned a name. Roronoa Zoro."
Koby's face drained of color instantly.
"Y-You know him?"
"Only by reputation," Luffy replied. "Who is he?"
Koby swallowed hard.
"He's… a pirate hunter," Koby said nervously. "They say he kills pirates like animals. That he's a bloodthirsty monster. A demon who walks in human form."
Luffy blinked.
"…That's a bit dramatic."
Koby continued quickly. "I heard he was arrested recently. He's being held at the Marine base in Shells Town."
This time, Luffy smiled.
A calm, thoughtful smile.
When Koby saw it, panic set in.
"P-Please don't tell me you're thinking what I think you're thinking!" Koby shouted.
Luffy chuckled and said nothing.
That made it worse.
They traveled a little longer before the coastline came into view.
Shells Town.
Luffy guided the clouds downward and landed just outside the town. With a casual gesture, he sent the cloud throne upward to hover far above, ready to be called again. Alvida's cloud followed behind them, drifting ominously as they entered the streets.
Heads turned immediately.
People stared.
Some whispered.
Others hurried away.
Luffy noticed everything.
"I want to see this Roronoa Zoro," Luffy said calmly. "Maybe I'll invite him to join my crew."
Koby nearly tripped.
"ARE YOU INSANE?!"
Luffy stopped and looked at him.
"I said maybe," he corrected. "Not everyone refuses the first time."
Koby looked like he was about to faint.
They passed a fruit stand. Luffy picked up an apple, took a bite, and casually placed a coin on the counter.
"Are they really holding Zoro here?" he asked the merchant.
The moment the name left his mouth, people nearby recoiled as if struck.
Silence followed.
"…I'll take that as a yes," Luffy said, walking away.
Koby hurried after him.
"M-Maybe we shouldn't say his name out loud," Koby whispered.
Luffy nodded. "Fair point."
They continued toward the Marine base.
"You said you wanted to become a Marine, right?" Luffy asked.
"Y-Yes," Koby replied. "But… the captain here is named Morgan."
The reaction was immediate.
People flinched. Some looked away. Others stiffened in fear.
Luffy narrowed his eyes.
…So that's how it is.
"Strange," Koby muttered. "I get being scared of Zoro, but why a Marine captain?"
Luffy stopped walking.
He turned to Koby, expression serious but gentle.
"You'll learn something important," Luffy said. "Not everything people say is true. You have to see the world yourself."
Koby listened quietly.
"In my experience," Luffy continued, "not all pirates are bad. And not all Marines are good."
Koby's eyes widened.
Luffy placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Remember this, Koby," he said calmly.
"Power can make good people rot."
Koby swallowed hard.
Shells Town loomed ahead.
And the lesson was about to become very real.