Chapter 36 – Shells Town
Sunny's POV
The salty breeze rolled across Shells Town's docks as our little group disembarked. My Observation Haki stretched out instinctively—threads of intent weaving across the town. Marines patrolling in neat formations, nervous civilians keeping their distance, and one overwhelming presence chained outside the Marine HQ like an unmovable mountain.
So this was Shells Town. So this was where Roronoa Zoro was waiting.
Beside me, Nami's eyes glimmered with excitement, though she masked it behind her usual cool tone.
"Somewhere in that base is the Grand Line chart. That's my priority." She crossed her arms, then jabbed a finger toward Lucy. "Which means you, straw-hat girl, don't start a fight."
Lucy grinned, tilting her hat down. "I refuse your refusal!"
I sighed. Classic.
Koby shuffled forward nervously, his hands gripping the straps of his too-big bag. His eyes darted around at the disciplined Marines marching nearby. "T-this is the first real Marine town I've been to since… well… Alvida. If I do well here, maybe I can officially enlist!" His voice cracked halfway, but his determination was genuine.
I clapped him on the shoulder, steady but firm. "You'll do fine, Koby. Just remember your dream. Marines like you are what the world actually needs."
His cheeks flushed, but he nodded. "Y-yes, Sunny!"
In my mind, commentary buzzed like always.
{Ego}: "Tch. Pathetic. You should've scared those Marines into saluting him. Power solves everything."
[System]: "Sunny belongs to me. Not to the Marines. Not to the Straw Hats. To me. Heehee~ ♥"
I smiled faintly, hiding the inner noise. That was normal now.
Town Streets
As we walked deeper, the town felt… restrained. Civilians whispered but avoided eye contact. Marines barked orders on every street corner. The shadow of Captain Morgan loomed everywhere, even if we hadn't seen him yet.
Nami tugged my sleeve, her tone almost scolding. "We need to keep a low profile. If you start acting all mysterious and strong, they'll notice."
Lucy leaned in from the other side, whispering loudly enough for half the street to hear: "He's always mysterious and strong."
"Lucy." I deadpanned.
She smirked at me, hands behind her head. "What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. He's too cool to be normal."
Nami groaned. "Why did I end up traveling with you people?" But her cheeks warmed when I gave her a small grin.
Koby, trying to compose himself, stood straighter. "I—I should go report myself to the Marines here. That's the right thing to do." His voice wavered, but there was resolve.
Lucy struck a heroic pose. "Do it, Koby! Someday, you'll be a great Marine hero!"
He almost fell over. "D-don't say it so loud!"
Zoro's Introduction
That's when I saw him.
Even before my Haki touched him, the air shifted. Chained to a post outside Marine HQ, Roronoa Zoro sat like a caged beast—tattered clothes, swords missing, but spirit untouched. His presence pressed like a storm waiting to break.
Lucy's jaw dropped. "Woooah! Look at him! He's huge!"
She scampered closer, ignoring Nami's warning, and practically pressed her face against the fence. "Hey! Mister scary swordsman! Wanna join my crew?"
Zoro slowly opened his eyes, glaring at her like she was an annoying fly. "…No."
Lucy puffed up her cheeks. "Then I refuse your refusal!"
Nami slapped her forehead. "Oh for the love of—"
I stayed back a step, my gaze meeting Zoro's with quiet intent. His aura was impressive. Even in chains, he radiated discipline, strength, and that sharp edge only a true fighter carries. I let a thin layer of Armament Haki coat my hand, invisible to most, and flexed my fingers. Zoro's eyes flickered—he noticed.
Interesting.
Nami tugged Koby closer. "You know about him, right?"
Koby gulped. "Y-yes! He's… he's the infamous pirate hunter. Roronoa Zoro. They say he's a monster who never loses!" His voice dropped to a whisper. "But… he's also been captured. They're planning to execute him."
Lucy gasped. "Execute him?! That's so unfair! He should join my crew instead!"
Zoro rolled his eyes and muttered, "I'd rather die than follow some noisy brat."
Lucy staggered like he'd stabbed her. "O-ouch… that hurt more than a punch…"
I couldn't help chuckling.
Small Flashes of Conflict
Marines finally noticed us lingering too long. A squad marched over, their leader barking, "Hey! No loitering near the prisoner!"
Lucy immediately puffed out her chest. "Prisoner? He's not a prisoner, he's my crewmate in training!"
The Marines froze, then sneered. "What did you just say, girl?"
Nami hissed. "Lucy! Do you have any idea what you're doing?!"
I stepped forward, calm but radiating just enough Haki to press weight into the air. The Marines stiffened, their knees almost buckling, though they didn't know why.
Koby trembled but clenched his fists. "S-stop it! These people aren't enemies! I'll handle this!"
His voice cracked, but his courage shone.
Inside my head:
{Ego}: "Ha! The pink-haired shrimp thinks he's brave."
[System]: "Mmmm~ Sunny standing tall like that is sooo dreamy ♥."
I smirked, keeping things light. "Relax, Marines. We're just passing through. No trouble… yet."
Lucy leaned into my ear, whispering far too loudly: "You sound so cool when you say stuff like that."
I sighed. Trouble was brewing.
And this was only the beginning.