Jack, crouched beside Luffy while wiped his forehead. "You sure we should just… watch him like this? It feels creepy."
"We're not watching," Luffy said, grinning. "We're waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Coby whispered nervously.
"Waiting until he says yes."
Jack facepalmed while smirked. This is what crazy about strawhat pirates, the way how it brain works.
Before he could say anything else, there was someone try to enter the ground. A small figure slipped inside, carrying something in both hands.
It was a girl... maybe eight or nine years old... with short brown hair tied up in a ribbon. She clutched a small bundle wrapped in cloth and walked toward Zoro timidly.
"Who is she..." Coby whispered. "Is that Zoro sister?."
Jack leaned closer. "It looks like she came here to feed him"
The girl stopped in front of Zoro, who finally raised his head. His sharp green eyes scanned her silently.
"Um…" Rika said softly, unwrapping the bundle. Inside were two slightly misshapen rice balls. "I… I made these for you. You must be hungry."
Zoro stared at the food for a long moment. Then he said flatly, "Go home."
Rika flinched. "B..But...."
"I don't eat from you, leave before someone sees you."
Jack felt his chest tighten while his eyes shows a bit of fanboying. Wow… he's refusing food even though he must be starving. This guy is terrifying.
But Rika didn't move. "You're not a bad person. You saved me from Helmeppo Wolf! Please eat something!"
Zoro's eyes softened... just for a second... before he turned away. "I said no."
Silence fell. Rika small hands trembled as she lowered the rice balls.
Jack bit his lip. This is heartbreaking…
Then he heard clicking of the gate, marine are trying to enter this place.
Jack head snapped toward the gate. He could hear footsteps and mocking laughter.
"Oh crap. Someone's coming," Jack whispered.
"Who?" Luffy asked.
"Don't know, but they don't sound friendly."
He then remembered he had template skill.
"Captain, let's watch Zoro for a while to know if he is worthy to become our crewmate."
Luffy nodded while smiling
Jack grinned despite his racing heart. "Captain, I have ability like a devil fruit your eat, they can't see us at the moment."
He then waved his hand trying to activate his illusion.
"What are you doing?" Coby asked.
"Trust me." Jack activated the skill.
A faint ripple passed over them like heat haze, then, to his amazement, Luffy, Coby, and he were completely invisible.
"Whoa!" Luffy whispered. "Cool! I can't see my hands!"
"Shhh!" Jack hissed.
The gate slammed open.
Helmeppo... blonde-haired son of the Marine captain... strutted into the courtyard, flanked by two armed Marines.
"Well, well, well," Helmeppo sneered. "If it isn't the infamous pirate hunter, still tied up like a dog."
Rika gasped and stepped back.
Helmeppo's gaze landed on her. "And what do we have here? Ohhh… you brought him food? How adorable."
He snatched the rice balls from her tiny hands and inspected them with exaggerated disgust. "What is this? Rice mixed with dirt?"
Rika's lip quivered. "I-I tried my best—"
Helmeppo smirked... then dropped the rice balls to the ground and crushed them under his boot.
Jack clenched his fists. You little...
Beside him, Luffy's expression darkened. "I don't like this guy," he said softly.
Zoro glared murderously at Helmeppo. "Leave her alone."
"Oh? You think you can give me orders, pirate hunter?" Helmeppo laughed. "Remember there is 3 days left."
Rika's eyes filled with tears. She turned and ran from the courtyard, leaving Zoro alone.
Helmeppo dusted off his hands and smirked at Zoro. "Enjoy your last three days, demon. Try not to dead before the deadline."
Then he turned and sauntered out of the courtyard, his laughter echoing.
When the gate finally closed, Jack released the illusion.
"You can do magic?!" Coby whispered in shock.
"Apparently," Jack said, still catching his breath.
Luffy was already standing. "What is magic?"
"This is not a magic but a cosmic energy, it is scientific and fundamental energy to fight the enemy and one of its ability can create illusion," said Jack.
"So it is illusion? Is illusion real?" asked Luffy.
"Nope... but I have more ability," replied Jack.
"Can you show us more ability?" asked Luffy.
"How about we go to Zoro first, he looks sad," suggested Jack.
The trio went near Zoro..
"You're strong," Luffy said casually, looking Zoro straight in the eye. "So… will you wait a week?"
Zoro lips curled into something between a grin and a snarl. "I can wait a month if I have to. I'll never beg for my life."
Luffy tilted his head. "But you'll die if you don't eat for a week."
Silence.
Even Jack felt the weight of that moment. Zoro jaw clenched, his eyes burning with stubborn pride.
Then, finally, Zoro spoke, his voice low but steady.
"Take it."
"Huh?" Luffy asked.
"The rice ball," Zoro said, nodding toward the dirt where the crushed rice balls lay. "Give it to me."
Jack blinked. "Wait, you actually... "
"Shut up," Zoro snapped without looking at him.
Luffy crouched down, scooped up the dirt-covered rice ball, and held it out. "You sure? It's all squished."
"I said take it."
Luffy grinned and held it to Zoro's mouth.
Zoro took a big bite, chewing with a grimace.. but he didn't spit it out. He ate every last piece, even the dirt.
Jack swallowed hard. This guy's is terrifying… but so is his will to live.
When Zoro finished, he leaned his head back against the post. "Tell the girl…"
Luffy tilted his head. "Tell her what?"
"Tell her the rice ball was delicious."
For the first time, a small smile crossed Zoro's face.
Jack felt his watch buzz.
Luffy straightened, his smile wide. "Got it. I'll tell her."
And just like that, Luffy turned and walked off as if the conversation had been completely normal.
Jack sighed, rubbing his temples. "This guy is too chill about life-and-death situations."