The Marine base at Shells Town rose like a monolithic blue sentinel against the cloudless sky, its tower visible long before they reached the harbor.
Luffy stood at the bow of his small vessel, eyes shining with excitement as they approached.
"That's where this demon guy is being held?" he asked, practically bouncing with anticipation.
Koby nodded nervously, adjusting his glasses.
"Roronoa Zoro, yes. But Luffy-san, we're not going there to meet him. He's dangerous! We're going so I can join the Marines and you can ask for directions to Loguetown."
Luffy just grinned, clearly having his own ideas.
As they docked and secured the boat, Koby marveled at the vessel's sophisticated yet subtly disguised technology. "This is an amazing ship, Luffy-san. Where did you get it?"
"My friend Kai made it!" Luffy declared proudly, patting the hull. "He makes all kinds of cool stuff. Look at this!"
He held up his wrist, showing off the gravity bracelet that had become a permanent fixture. "This makes me heavier or lighter. Great for training!"
Koby eyed the innocuous-looking band skeptically. "It doesn't look like much."
"Watch!" Luffy adjusted a tiny dial, and suddenly his movements became noticeably slower, more labored. "See? Now I weigh twice as much! Kai says training this way makes me stronger faster!"
He readjusted the bracelet back to normal before rummaging in his pocket and pulling out a small pouch. "And this holds way more than it should! I kept three days of food in here... before I ate it all."
Koby's scientific curiosity was piqued, but Luffy was already striding toward town, leaving him to hurry after.
Shells Town presented a strange contradiction—the buildings were well-maintained and the streets clean, yet the townsfolk moved with an unmistakable tension. When Luffy casually mentioned Zoro's name, people practically jumped out of their skins, glancing fearfully toward the Marine base.
"Something's weird here," Luffy observed, showing unexpected perceptiveness. "These people are scared of Marines. Marines are supposed to be the good guys, right?"
Koby frowned, his idealistic vision of his future career briefly troubled. "Maybe it's just because of Zoro being held there?"
Their conversation was interrupted by a young girl darting across their path, carrying a small package wrapped in cloth. She moved with purpose toward the Marine base, determination evident in her small features.
Curiosity piqued, Luffy followed her at a distance, with Koby trailing reluctantly behind. The girl led them to the outer wall of the base, where she used a ladder to peek over into the courtyard.
"What's she looking at?" Luffy wondered, stretching his neck discreetly to see over the wall without being noticed.
What he saw made his eyes widen. In the center of the dusty courtyard stood a man tied cruciform to a wooden post. His green haramaki and bandana marked him clearly as the infamous Roronoa Zoro. Despite being exposed to the elements for what appeared to be days, the man's posture remained defiant, his gaze steady and dangerous.
"That's him!" Koby whispered, having climbed up beside Luffy to look. "That's Roronoa Zoro!"
Before they could retreat, the little girl had already thrown her ladder against the wall and climbed over, running directly toward the bound swordsman with her package.
"Hey! What are you doing? Get out of here, kid!" Zoro's voice was rough from dehydration but carried unmistakable concern.
"I made you some rice balls," the girl said, unwrapping her package. "You haven't eaten in days."
Luffy watched the exchange with growing interest. This "demon" seemed awfully concerned about a little girl's safety.
Before Zoro could respond further, the gates to the courtyard swung open, revealing a garishly dressed blond man flanked by Marine soldiers. His bowl-cut hair and expensive suit made him look more like a spoiled noble than a Marine officer.
"Well, well, what have we here?" the blond man sneered, approaching the girl. "Trying to help the prisoner? Don't you know that's against the rules?"
"But Helmeppo-sama, he's hungry..." the girl protested.
"Rules are rules!" Helmeppo snatched one of the rice balls and took a bite, immediately spitting it out in disgust. "Disgusting! You used sugar instead of salt!"
"I thought they would taste better sweet..." the girl explained timidly.
"THROW HER OUT!" Helmeppo ordered the Marines, pointing to the wall.
What happened next solidified Luffy's interest in Zoro. As one Marine reluctantly picked up the girl to throw her over the wall, Zoro called out:
"Wait! Give me the rice ball."
Despite the dirt covering it from where Helmeppo had thrown it down, Zoro opened his mouth, allowing the Marine to feed him the ruined food before the girl was tossed over the wall.
Luffy, positioned perfectly, caught the girl before she could be injured, setting her down gently.
"Thank you, mister," she sniffled, looking back at the wall. "Is Zoro-san going to be okay?"
"Why is he tied up like that?" Luffy asked, genuinely curious.
The girl, who introduced herself as Rika, explained how Zoro had saved her from Helmeppo's pet wolf three weeks ago. In return, Helmeppo had offered him a deal—survive one month tied to the post without food, and he would be set free.
"He's been there for three weeks already," Rika concluded sadly. "And Helmeppo never intended to keep his promise."
Koby looked troubled. "This isn't justice. This isn't what Marines are supposed to do."
Luffy's face had grown serious, his usual carefree expression replaced by something harder. "I'm going to talk to him."
Before Koby could protest, Luffy had vaulted over the wall and was walking casually toward the bound swordsman.
Zoro raised his head weakly as the strange boy in the straw hat approached. After three weeks of exposure, hunger, and thirst, his strength was fading, but his will remained unbroken.
"You should leave before the Marines see you," he warned, his voice raspy.
"Are you really this demon everyone's talking about?" Luffy asked directly, stopping a few feet away.
Zoro managed a weak smirk. "Does it matter?"
"I saw what you did for that little girl," Luffy continued, his gaze surprisingly shrewd. "That wasn't very demon-like."
"Mind your own business."
"I'm looking for strong people to join my pirate crew," Luffy said, changing topics with characteristic abruptness.
"You free?"
A dry, rasping sound emerged from Zoro's throat—laughter, despite his condition. "Pirate? No thanks. I've got my own goals."
"What goals are worth dying tied to a post?" Luffy challenged.
Something flickered in Zoro's eyes—a memory, a promise. "I made a vow. I don't break my word."
"So you're staying here even though that weird guy never planned to let you go?"
Zoro's eyes narrowed. "What?"
"The little girl told me. Helmeppo was bragging in town that he's going to execute you tomorrow, no matter what."
Fury and betrayal flashed across Zoro's features before he composed himself. "That bastard..."
"I could untie you," Luffy offered casually. "But you'd owe me."
"I don't need your help," Zoro growled, pride still intact despite his desperate situation.
Luffy tilted his head. "Your swords. They took them, right? The girl mentioned you're a swordsman."
A new tension filled Zoro's body at the mention of his weapons. "My katanas... that spoiled brat took them. They're probably in the base."
"I'll make you a deal," Luffy decided. "I'll get your swords. If I bring them to you, you join my crew."
"You're blackmailing a man tied to a post?" Zoro actually laughed again, genuine amusement breaking through his pain. "You've got guts, Straw Hat."
"So we have a deal?"
"Find my swords, free me, and I'll consider it," Zoro conceded grudgingly. "But if you're wasting my time, I'll kill you myself."
"Shishishi! Fair enough!" Luffy grinned, turning toward the Marine base. "Be right back!"
Captain Morgan's office in the Marine base reflected his ego—oversized, ornate, and featuring a massive portrait of himself dominating one wall. The man himself stood by the window, his right arm replaced by a massive steel axe that had earned him his epithet "Axe-Hand Morgan."
"The statue is behind schedule," he growled to his subordinates, referring to the massive stone likeness of himself being constructed on the roof. "Anyone responsible will be executed for treason."
The Marines trembled in fear, a reaction that pleased Morgan. Fear was power, and power was everything.
His musings were interrupted as the door burst open, his son Helmeppo rushing in with blood trickling from his nose.
"Father! There's an intruder in the base! He punched me!"
Morgan turned slowly, his cold eyes showing no sympathy for his son's injury. "You allowed yourself to be struck? Disgraceful."
"But Father—"
"WHERE ARE THE SWORDS?"
The new voice came from the doorway where Luffy stood, his fist still reddened from striking Helmeppo. The Marines stared in shock at the brazen intruder who had followed the captain's son right into the heart of the base.
"You!" Helmeppo shrieked. "How dare you come here!"
"I need Zoro's swords," Luffy stated simply. "Where are they?"
Morgan assessed the intruder with cold calculation. Nothing about the boy looked threatening—simple clothes, skinny build, ridiculous straw hat—yet he had walked into a Marine base without fear.
"Who are you?" Morgan demanded.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy!" came the cheerful reply. "I'm gonna be the Pirate King!"
The declaration hung in the air for a moment before Morgan's face contorted with rage. "KILL HIM!"
Marines drew their weapons, advancing on Luffy, who sighed as if this were all a troublesome distraction.
"I don't have time for this," he muttered, then turned to Helmeppo, grabbing him by the collar. "Hey! Where are Zoro's swords?"
"M-my room! Down the hall!" Helmeppo squealed, pointing shakily.
"Thanks!" Luffy grinned, then surprised everyone by stretching his arm to grab the doorframe, launching himself and Helmeppo out of the room before the Marines could reach him.
"AFTER HIM!" Morgan bellowed, his axe hand gleaming menacingly. "AND PREPARE TO EXECUTE RORONOA ZORO IMMEDIATELY!"
In the courtyard, Koby had worked up the courage to approach Zoro, working desperately to untie the complex knots binding him to the post.
"What are you doing?" Zoro demanded, too weak to properly threaten the boy.
"Saving you!" Koby explained, his fingers trembling on the ropes. "They're going to execute you tomorrow!"
"I told your friend I don't need—"
"Luffy-san believes in you!" Koby interrupted with unexpected force. "He never makes mistakes about people. If he thinks you're worth saving, then you are!"
Zoro fell silent, surprised by the conviction in the timid boy's voice.
The sound of marching feet interrupted their exchange as Morgan himself led a contingent of Marines into the courtyard, their rifles raised and aimed directly at the post.
"Roronoa Zoro," Morgan announced formally, "for the crime of defying Marine authority, you are hereby sentenced to immediate execution."
Koby froze in terror, but Zoro's expression remained defiant even as the firing squad took aim.
"READY!" Morgan raised his axe arm.
"NO!" Koby screamed. "THIS ISN'T JUSTICE!"
"AIM!"
The Marines leveled their rifles, many looking uncomfortable but too afraid of Morgan to disobey.
"FI—"
"STOP!"
Luffy's voice cut through the courtyard as he burst through a window, three katanas clutched in his arms. With a rubber-powered leap, he landed between Zoro and the firing squad just as Morgan gave the order to fire.
"FIRE!"
The bullets struck Luffy's body, stretching his rubber flesh backward before catapulting back toward the shocked Marines, who scattered to avoid being hit by their own ammunition.
"What the hell are you?" Zoro demanded, eyes wide at the impossible sight.
"I'm a rubber man!" Luffy grinned, showing no signs of injury. "I ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi! Bullets don't work on me!"
He quickly handed the three katanas to Zoro. "I didn't know which was yours, so I brought all of them."
"All three are mine," Zoro confirmed, a dark smile spreading across his face as Koby finally managed to untie him. "I use Santoryu—Three Sword Style."
"Cool!" Luffy exclaimed, genuinely impressed.
Morgan, recovering from his shock, pointed his axe at the pair. "Kill them both! Use swords if bullets don't work!"
Marines drew their blades, advancing cautiously.
Zoro, despite his weakened state, stood tall, placing one sword in each hand and the third in his mouth. "Straw Hat, I'll help you fight. I haven't decided about joining your crew, but no one executes me without my permission."
"Shishishi! Good enough for now!" Luffy grinned, dropping into a fighting stance.
What followed was less a battle than a demonstration. Luffy and Zoro moved with coordinated precision that belied their recent acquaintance. Zoro's three-sword technique cut through Marine weapons with surgical precision while avoiding serious injury to the soldiers themselves. Luffy's rubber abilities allowed him to clear entire groups with sweeping limbs and precisely aimed punches.
The Marines, already questioning Morgan's leadership, found their resolve crumbling in the face of such overwhelming skill.
Morgan, seeing his men hesitating, stepped forward himself. "Must I do everything? I'll execute you myself, Straw Hat!"
His massive axe hand cleaved through the air where Luffy had stood a moment before. The boy had dodged with casual ease, his movements showing the results of months of training with Kai.
"You're the one who hurt Zoro and made everyone in this town afraid," Luffy said, his voice losing its usual lightheartedness. "You're a bad Marine."
"I am the highest authority here!" Morgan roared, swinging again. "My word is law!"
"Nope," Luffy replied simply, ducking under another wild swing. "You're just a bully with an axe for a hand."
With speed that surprised even Zoro, Luffy closed the distance, his fist connecting with Morgan's jaw in a perfectly executed punch. The Marine captain staggered back, blood trickling from his lip.
"YOU STRUCK AN OFFICER!" Morgan bellowed, enraged. "THE PENALTY IS DEATH!"
"Gomu Gomu no..." Luffy stretched both arms far behind him, his face set in determination. "BAZOOKA!"
His palms slammed into Morgan's chest with devastating force, sending the corrupt captain crashing through the wall of his own base, unconscious before he hit the ground.
A stunned silence fell over the courtyard. Then, surprisingly, one of the Marines threw down his rifle.
"Captain Morgan is defeated!" he shouted, relief evident in his voice.
Instead of attacking, the other Marines followed suit, cheering and throwing their caps in the air. Their celebration made it clear just how hated Morgan had been among his own men.
Koby stared in amazement. "They're... happy he lost?"
"Tyrants are never loved," Zoro observed quietly, sheathing his swords. "Only feared."
Luffy dusted off his hands, looking satisfied. "That takes care of that! Now, about joining my crew..."
Zoro sighed, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips.
"You don't give up, do you?"
"Nope!"
"Fine," Zoro conceded. "I'll join your pirate crew. But remember this—I have an ambition of my own. To become the world's greatest swordsman. If you ever get in the way of that dream, you'll apologize at the end of my sword."
Luffy's grin widened. "The Pirate King would expect nothing less from his swordsman! Now, let's eat! I'm starving!"
Rika's mother's restaurant had never seen such business. Word of Morgan's defeat spread through town like wildfire, and citizens flocked to catch a glimpse of their liberators. At the center of it all sat Luffy, methodically demolishing plate after plate of food while Zoro drank beside him.
"So where are the rest of your crew?" Zoro asked between sips of sake, his strength returning with each bite of food. "A Pirate King needs more than just a swordsman."
"I told you," Luffy mumbled through a mouthful of meat. "I've got two more! A navigator and a treasure hunter. We'll meet them in Loguetown."
"The town of the beginning and the end," Zoro mused. "Where Gold Roger died."
"Yep! That's where Kai said to meet." Luffy reached into his pocket, pulling out a worn piece of paper. "He gave me this special map that shows the way. And our ship can follow it automatically!"
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "This treasure hunter sounds interesting."
"Kai's amazing!" Luffy enthused. "He makes all kinds of cool gadgets and can fight really well too! And Nami is the best navigator in East Blue! They're both super strong!"
As Luffy continued singing his friends' praises, Marines entered the restaurant, led by a newly promoted officer. The diners fell silent, tension returning to the air.
"Excuse me," the officer addressed Luffy formally. "You said you're pirates, correct?"
"Yep!" Luffy confirmed without hesitation. "I just got my first crew member, too!"
The Marine looked uncomfortable. "Then I must ask you to leave immediately. We are grateful for your help with Captain Morgan, but we cannot harbor pirates."
Koby, sitting nearby, looked distressed. "But Luffy-san saved this town!"
"It's our duty to report this incident to headquarters," the Marine continued. "Out of respect for what you've done, we won't arrest you if you leave now."
Luffy stood, seemingly unbothered. "That's fine! We were leaving anyway! Come on, Zoro!"
The swordsman stood as well, adjusting his bandana. "The food was good. Thanks."
As they prepared to leave, the Marine officer suddenly asked, "Is this boy with you?" He pointed to Koby.
Luffy paused, understanding the situation immediately. If Koby were associated with pirates, he could never join the Marines.
"Him? Nah," Luffy said dismissively. "We just met on the way here. He mentioned something about wanting to be a Marine though."
Koby's eyes widened in gratitude, but the Marine still looked suspicious.
"Is this true?" he asked Koby directly.
Before Koby could answer, Luffy added, "He used to work for this fat pirate lady though. Alvida, I think her name was? He was her cabin boy for two years!"
"Luffy-san!" Koby protested, genuinely hurt by this revelation of his past.
"Yeah, he was really scared of her! Even though she was just a big, ugly—"
Koby's fist connected with Luffy's face, cutting off the insult. The Marines gasped, but Luffy merely grinned through the impact.
"Why you—!" Koby shouted, playing his part perfectly. "SHUT UP!"
Luffy responded with a light punch—carefully controlled to look convincing without causing real damage—sending Koby tumbling backward.
"That's enough!" the Marine officer intervened. "It's clear you're not friends! Both of you, stop this fighting immediately!"
Luffy dusted himself off, the charade complete. "I'm done anyway. Come on, Zoro. Let's go find the others."
As they left the restaurant, Zoro whispered, "That was pretty slick. You just helped that kid achieve his dream."
Luffy said nothing, but his smile spoke volumes.
Outside, the Marines saluted them as they passed—an unprecedented show of respect for pirates that made Zoro chuckle in disbelief.