Sorry, I meant to get this one up sooner but I got busy. I know the first chapter's hardly enough to form much of an opinion on this story. Anyway, I hope you like it.


Roronoa Zoro, a man with green hair and dark eyes, had been bound to the post in the marine base's yard for the last three weeks. All for the deal with Helmeppo, if he hadn't done it, the brat could have hurt a whole lot of people and killed Rika. While he'd been given enough water to keep him alive, the closest thing he'd had to a meal all this time was Rika's rice ball, which Helmeppo had almost ruined.

People might think it was strange and even disgusting for him to eat them after that but to someone who had been effectively starved, it meant a lot. It was clear how much trouble Rika had gone through. He didn't want that to go to waste.

Zoro was determined to last the full month and get back to his travels. He would not die here.

''You're weak, Zoro. Nothing ever changes.'' The familiar voice brought back a distant memory that sharpened his determination once more. He had lost another duel to his old rival, a girl with black hair and dark brown eyes. Yet despite the numerous losses, Zoro's determination wouldn't waver.

That feeling has yet to change. As far as Zoro was concerned, this was another trial he had to succeed in. It would just be another stepping stone towards his dream.

The sound of footsteps snapped him out of his footsteps until his eyes fell on a familiar figure.

''You again, huh?'' Zoro frowned at Luffy. ''I told you to leave but now you dragged a friend along?'' He added, his eyes falling on Miguel.

''We're getting you out of here.'' Luffy informed cheerfully.

''Oi, you can't just...!''

Miguel's eyes narrowed a bit as he interjected ''We'll explain later. For now, just know that the situation's not what you think. As far as Helmeppo's concerned, the deal's never been on.''

Zoro's eyes widened, then hearing Luffy continue ''So they took your swords, right?''

''Yeah...'' He scowled at the reminder.

''Then when I get your swords, you'll have no choice but to join my crew!'' He finished.

''Are you nuts?!'' Zoro snapped. ''Like hell I'll become a pirate!''

''What's wrong with being a pirate?'' was all Luffy had to say to that.

''They're scum, that's what!''

''You're already an evil pirate hunter though, what does it matter?'' Luffy returned.

''I don't regret a thing I've done and I definitely don't care what anyone thinks of me. I won't die here!''

''Oh, that's how it is. I've already decided that you're going to be my crewmate though.''

''That's not up for you to decide! I'm not joining you.'' Zoro retorted, annoyed with him again.

''Luffy, I was all for breaking him out but you should give him a choice.'' Miguel added.

Luffy chose not to respond to this ''Okay, let's go!''

The two watched him run for a moment before Miguel sighed ''So much for that idea...guess we can wait to sort it out later.''

''Like I have a choice!'' Zoro pointed out irritably. ''What, you're a pirate too?''

''Nope, but like I said we'll explain later.'' Miguel cut the rope binding him with his sword. He ran closer to the building before his body was surrounded by a golden glow as he intoned. ''Meteor.''

In a flash of light, he flew up.

Zoro was thinking their words over ''Just who are those two?''


Miguel flew into the building through an open window and went up the stairs. He was distracted by the sight of something golden falling from a balcony.

He blinked and craned his head to look at the object down below '...If that's what I think it is, Luffy did them a favor.'

''There's another intruder!'' The voice brought his attention to a group of marines coming from upstairs.

''All right, let's get him!''

Miguel looked unfazed as he grabbed his sword. With some well timed, precise strikes, he was able to defeat the new arrivals quickly. Hearing more voices coming along, Miguel tapped his sword to the wall nearby, only for the rocks to seemingly shift and form a couple of new walls before him. He took advantage of the new space to fly to the higher floor, which was where he saw Luffy. What confused him was that the pirate was holding Helmeppo under his arm as he ran.

''Luffy?''

The teen stopped, grinning as he saw Miguel approaching ''Oh, hey you're pretty quick!''

''Not as much as you are clearly.'' He returned, thinking of the chaos the teen seemed to have caused. ''What're you doing with him?''

''He knows where Zoro's swords are!''

''Good to hear. Well?'' Miguel prompted Helmeppo, who quivered under the swordsman's glare.

''T-they're all in my room...we just passed it...''

''Why didn't you say so before?'' Luffy huffed before he started running again with Miguel following him.

True to word, they found the boy's room quick enough. What was strange was that there were three swords.

''? Which one's Zoro's?'' Luffy cocked his head.

''Well, he did talk like there was more than one.'' Miguel noted. ''Just take them all, we'll check with Zoro.''

''Yeah!'' Luffy did just that, which was when he noticed something in the yard below. ''Miguel, we better hurry, there's trouble!''


Coby had arrived minutes ago to help his new friends, only to find Zoro near the entrance.

''So you're with those two? What're they up to?''

''Luffy-san and Miguel-san are trying to help you. Helmeppo was never going to go through with that deal. We heard him debating when he was going to kill you. Luffy-san got so mad that he punched him, Miguel-san came along to help break you out.''

Zoro remembered what Miguel said earlier ''Damn it, so this is what he meant...now what?''

The last thing he expected was for someone to reply ''Now you both die!''

Coby's eyes widened as a bullet suddenly hit Zoro's side, making him double over. Alarmed, the two found a tall, muscular man with shaven blond hair in a marine captain uniform at the base's gate. His right hand was gone, replaced by the blade of an axe, proving that this was none other than the marine Captain 'Ax-Hand' Morgan, the base commander. A number of marines armed with rifles were with him.

''So you're with that damn punk? All the more reason to go for this. That was just a prelude, Men, get ready to fire! I'll make a lesson out of you lot, and ensure people will fear my power!''

Coby recoiled, fear surging through him as the weapons were aimed at him and Zoro, who grit his teeth, at a loss of what to do.

He knew one thing though, he couldn't die here!

''FIRE!''


Fortunately, help came in the nick of time.

Before anyone knew it, Luffy's figure descended on the field, intercepting the bullets. But there was no blood, instead, Luffy's body appeared to stretch under the force of the assault.

''That won't work!'' A grinning Luffy declared, which proved true when he smoothly deflected the bullets back, leaving the shocked marines to try and dodge the ones that came near them.

''What?!''

''What is he?!''

They didn't get to debate that for long, because what happened next threw them for a loop.

Some of their comrades suddenly began floating in mid-air, crying out in shock and panic. As the rest tried to help them, an unseen force repelled them just as it sent their comrades flying only to crash on the ground.

''What was that?'' Luffy tilted his head, turning a bit at the sound of footsteps to find Miguel walking over.

''Where'd he come from?!'' Morgan demanded.

''Whoa, Miguel-san that...'' Coby seemed lost for words.

''That was cool!'' Luffy exclaimed.

''Thanks. I told you, right? I'm going to help you guys through this mess.''

''Wh-what's going on?'' A soldier asked.

''That kid with the straw hat must have eaten a devil fruit.'' Morgan muttered, frowning.

''A devil fruit?'

Devil fruits were mystic treasures of the sea, known to give those who ate them a number of powers. The trade off was that the devil fruit users would become unable to swim. But if one learns to use their power well, they would surely find it advantageous. Anything was possible, but there was too little known about their powers for the people here since most devil fruits were from the Grand Line.

''Then that other one too?''

Miguel half-smiled ''I'll just leave that to your imagination.''

''I'm Monkey D. Luffy, I'm going to be the Pirate King!'' Luffy declared confidently.

''Pirate King?!'' Zoro echoed. ''You can't be serious!''

''Of course I am!'' Luffy retorted, almost sounding offended at the assumption.

''I didn't think so either but Luffy-san believes he can do it. I say he can too!'' Coby stated with a smile.

''It's his dream.'' Miguel remarked. ''It may seem crazy but with a belief this strong, he can make something out of it.''

Luffy held up Zoro's swords ''Here you go! Which one's yours? We just got them all!''

''They're all mine. I use a Three Sword Style.'' was Zoro's response as he took them. His injury throbbed but he refused to take things the way they were.

''Well, you either join me or be killed by the marines, what do you say?''

Zoro began to smirk ''...You must be the son of the devil. All right, I'll be your crew mate.'' Luffy grinned widely and cheered at this, hearing him go on. ''I'd rather become a pirate then die, especially like this...'' He took a fighting stance as some marines who held up swords attacked, stopping them in a few moments before he swiftly defeated them. Luffy, Coby and Miguel were readily impressed at his strength.

''One move, and you all die.'' Zoro warned the marines who stared at him fearfully. He then looked at Luffy. ''Let's get one thing clear. You may be my captain now but I'm dedicated to fulfilling my dream!''

Luffy looked interested ''Which is?''

''To be the world's greatest swordsman.'' Zoro declared. ''If anything threatens that dream, you accept responsibility so you'll apologize to me at the end of a sword.''

Miguel stared at him in disbelief, a feeling which transferred to Luffy once he saw how calm the teen was.

''The world's greatest swordsman? Well, that's fine. The King of Pirates wouldn't have anything less than the best on his crew.''

Zoro smirked ''There's that confidence again. From here on out, criminal or not, I'll spread my name throughout the world!''

The marines seemed frozen, in shock or fear, no one knew for sure. What was obvious was that they had no idea what to do.

Morgan grit his teeth ''What're you standing over there for? Get them!''

A majority moved at the order, only to find themselves facing Luffy and Miguel. The first took care of the ones on his side with a...

''Gum Gum Whip!'' His leg stretched as he launched a kick, knocking them back.

He looked over to Miguel to find him disarming a couple of marines before striking them down and jumping back in time to dodge another strike coming his way. He knocked the attacker out with a hit to the head with his sheath, then using that same sheath to block another attack and kick the attacker hard enough to stun him before taking him out. Soon enough, all his attackers were defeated.

''Wow!'' Luffy grinned.

Likewise, Zoro watched with interest ''Not bad at all...''

''That was great!'' Coby declared happily.

''C-Captain, we can't beat them!''

''They're too strong!''

Morgan seemed to be growing angrier by the second as he spotted the clear defeated words and behavior from his soilders. ''This is a direct order! Every marine who sprouted weakness, shoot yourself this instant!''

''Wait, what?'' Luffy looked bewildered.

''How could he say that?!'' Coby spluttered.

''...So it was true, Morgan's a real tyrant.'' Miguel said with a dark look. ''For a marine, he's hardly any better than a lowly criminal.''

''He's an idiot.'' Luffy stated.

''That does it, you damn brats!'' Morgan snarled, charging to attack them. ''I'll make you pay for this disrespect with your lives!'' He swiped down with the ax, only for them to dodge.

Luffy punched him on one side while Miguel struck the other as he stated ''Newsflash: you don't demand respect, you earn it!''

''Yeah and you don't deserve any!'' Luffy added as the injured captain tried to pull himself together.

''W-why you little...'' Morgan barely got to react to defend from Luffy's following punch, striking again with his axe, only for it to miss. ''...who do you lowlife bums think you are?! You have no right to defy me, I am Marine captain 'Ax-hand' Morgan!''

''And I'm Luffy, nice to meet ya!'' The teen returned.

''Die!'' Luffy avoided Morgan's next attack too and knocked him down with a kick.

''The captain's getting pummeled!''

An irritated Luffy punched Morgan in the gut ''You're supposed to be a Marine?! You're runining Coby's dream!''

The statement had Miguel looking at him curiously, not knowing he was thinking about that. He could definitely see Luffy's point though, dealing with something like this could easily mess up the boy's dream.

''Hey, Straw hat and his friend!''

Helmeppo's voice brought attention to the teen, who was holding Coby at gunpoint. Zoro's eyes narrowed ''Him again?''

''If you value your scrawny friend's life, don't move, or I'll shoot!''

Luffy didn't look at the blond, but at Coby, who was shaking out of fright. Their eyes met and Luffy grinned, this seemed to be enough to reassure Coby, who then called,

''Luffy-san, don't let anything that happens to me stop you, even if I die!''

''You got it.'' Luffy returned. ''Hear that? Do your worst! Coby isn't afraid to die!''

Helmeppo flinched as the teen began walking over ''Didn't you hear me?! Don't move, I'm serious, I'll shoot him!'' He grimaced. ''Daddy! Hurry up and kill him!''

Helmeppo suddenly began levitating into the air, leaving him to yelp. But he had no time to wonder just what was going on...

''Gum Gum Pistol!''

The move left him to fall to the ground, out cold. Simultaneously, Zoro attacked Morgan, who had been close to nailing Luffy. A second later, the captain fell down with a crash.

''Thanks.'' Luffy said to Zoro, who smiled back.

''Just doing my job, captain.''


The three headed back to the restaurant. Rika welcomed them back, especially glad to see that they had succeeded. They proceeded to order some food and Zoro finally got a full meal for the first time in three weeks.

''Man, that hit the spot.'' Zoro leaned back.

''I'd imagine it would after all this time.'' Miguel remarked.

''And you beat them too? Thanks, that was great!'' Rika said cheerfully.

Luffy grinned back ''Ah, it was nothing...'' He put his cup down. ''...Miguel, join my crew!''

The young man looked at him, surprised ''You want me to...?''

''Yup!''

Coby smiled wryly ''I saw that one coming...''

''Oh yeah, I forgot...he just came along to help, huh?'' Zoro mused.

''Hey, come on!'' Luffy's attention was on Miguel. ''It'll be great!''

''Well, I never considered becoming a pirate before...'' He deflated at this but Miguel wasn't finished. ''...but I'll think about it. You have that boat. Can I come with you for now? I've had terrible luck in finding any way off the island.''

With that, Luffy perked up. He may not have accepted but at least he would consider it and as far as the captain was concerned, that was good enough for now. Besides, traveling with Miguel would be fun.

''Sure!''

''Yeah, why not?'' Zoro responded when Miguel looked at him. ''You know there's one thing I can't figure out about today...I know how Luffy got his powers now but...somehow I can't believe yours came from a devil fruit, Miguel.''

Coby and Luffy exchanged curious looks at this, turning to the latter as he gave a bemused smile. ''...Somehow I get the feeling you found me out.''

''I've only seen one person with powers that remind me of yours so I wasn't sure at first but...you're a wizard, aren't you?''

''Yes, I am.''

''So that was magic before?'' Coby found himself thinking of the strange instances that he couldn't make sense of. Now that he thought about it, any visible wounds on the three of them were gone. ''That's why...''

''I didn't see any reason to show off. It got the job done anyway.'' Miguel remarked.

''You're a lot better than the one I've seen, that's for sure.'' Zoro mused. He could understand though, those marines had been weak and if Miguel was as kind as his actions made him seem (which he was sure was the case) he would hold back to avoid hurting them terribly.

Zoro found himself interested in facing their new companion now. It took quite the skill to pull off what he did. He made a mental note to ask for a spar at some point.

''So you were holding back then too? You really are strong!'' Luffy exclaimed, eliciting a grateful look from the young man.

''You're much nicer than what I heard about wizards, Miguel-san.'' Coby admitted.

''Then you haven't met much of any.''

Luffy looked at the pink haired boy curiously ''What, so people don't like wizards or something?''

''Something like that, now that I've met Miguel-san, I think it's more of a bad reputation. See, wizards used to live among us many years ago but things changed after some old event. I never found out what it was...'' Coby paused thoughtfully. ''...Anyway, they moved to a chain of islands in the Grand Line and made their own nation, Elysia. For a while, they were declared hostile by the World Government. After plenty of battles, I heard the leaders of Elysia came to an agreement with the World Government. Elysia would get to be rule freely but they would only be allowed to intervene with the government in specific cases. Otherwise, they would stay out of each other's way.''

''That's about the gist of it.'' Miguel confirmed. ''Now you know why I started looking for money.''

Coby nodded and Zoro spoke ''I think I heard something about this...but I never understood, why the heck would your home's leaders go through all this trouble? Seems kind of extreme.''

''It can't be helped. They did what they thought was best. Some like to gloss over this but the fact is, but our ancestors did work with the government. It just cost them...and us terribly. There's really few of us left out there...12%, more or less.''

The reactions were instantaneous. Luffy's eyes widened, Zoro stiffened and Coby balked in shock ''That's terrible!''

''What, do they expect you all to throw your lives out because they say so?'' The green haired swordsman asked, disgust clear in his tone.

''Apparently.'' Miguel scoffed. ''Things just started getting worse when they learned how select people are born with our abilities. That's not something anyone can control. It's not like pirates lived with us or anything, we just want to live freely. It's their oppression that almost wiped us out in the first place. But as far as some people are concerned, it makes us scum.''

''Just goes to show how idiotic they are.'' Zoro shook his head. ''...So I guess that talk I heard about them attacking your people is true?''

Miguel nodded. ''That's what started the battles Coby mentioned before the treaty was raised.''

''Figures...I never heard the whole story but the guy who told me shaped you out to be worse than the lowest of pirates.''

''I'm not surprised. All this did is make them more enemies. I know for a fact that plenty of my people hate the government now.''

''Can't say I blame 'em.''

Needles to say, the fact that there were barely 12% wizards in the world spoke volumes. It really made them understand the wizards' stance in this.

''It's all horrible.'' It was only then that he realized Rika and her mother Ririka were listening. ''Well, I don't care what people say. You're nice, Onii-chan, I like you.''

Miguel chuckled and patted her head ''Thanks...''

Ririka shook her head seeing the two continue to talk ''I never even imagined it was like this...I feel terrible for believing the rumors before. It must have been horrible for the wizards.''

''Miguel makes it seem simple but from what I've heard, a lot of wizards wound up suffering from this. It sounds all messed up.'' Zoro remarked. He vaguely recalled something about how it was the efforts of select wizards, who used a very powerful weapon that kept the government back. Now it appeared as if they were at a tentative peace, content with ignoring their existence.

''Yeah...'' Coby trailed off. No wonder Miguel refused to believe in the marines. He actually took this well, all thing considered, Coby figured he had more than enough reason to hate the government, if he didn't already. ''...it's ridiculous and petty.''

''Yeah, you guys have the right to live how you want to.'' Luffy said firmly.

Miguel gave a small smile ''Thanks...it'd be nice if more people could understand that.''

Zoro looked at Luffy ''So where do we go from here?''

''To the Grand Line!''

Coby looked alarmed ''That's suicide! You can't survive with only two people, that's where the world's strongest pirates are!''

''We're going to have go there sooner or later, to find One Piece.'' Zoro pointed out.

''I know, but...you need to careful about this. Look, Miguel-san's from there, just ask him. He knows what I mean!''

''He's right,'' Miguel offered. ''You definitely need a better ship for one thing and more crew mates. The pirates aren't the only thing you'd have to worry about. Sometimes the weather gets real crazy, it's not your average ocean.''

''So you're not coming with us there?'' Luffy asked him.

''I told you, it's...'' He blinked when Zoro bonked the teen's head.

''Don't be so pushy, he said he'd think about it. Enough!'' ''Fine...''

''Anyway, what're you so worried about, Coby? It's not like you're coming.'' Zoro added.

''But you're my friends! Of course I'd be worried about you.'' was the boy's response. ''I know we just met but you really helped me out...no one's ever stood up for me before. We are friends, right?''

''Yup!'' Luffy replied and Miguel nodded. ''Even when we go our separate way, we'll still be friends!''

The boy smiled widely at this, A worrying thought occurred to him ''...You too, Miguel-san? After what you just told us...''

''Mm, your dream's to be a marine, right? I know you're not going to be anything like the sort I've had to deal with...''

''Definitely not!'' Coby had a good guess of what that meant and he had no intention of sinking to that level. He would not be like the marines who helped terrorize his friend's people.

''Well then, we're good. I told you before, people aren't defined by their professions. Things aren't ever so black and white. You know what they did was wrong so you'll learn from it, that's good enough.''

''Right!'' Coby beamed. ''Thanks to you guys, I learned to fight for my dream so I will become a marine!''

''So we'll be heading to the Grand Line.'' Luffy brought things back right where they started.

''Yup.'' Zoro agreed.

''You guys are too reckless!'' Coby exclaimed.

Miguel gave him a sympathetic look ''It kind of feels like all we've said just went through one ear and out the other, huh?''

''I'll say...'' He sulked.

Zoro crossed his arms ''We're not the ones you need to worry about. Even if it was against your will, you helped Alvida's crew. Don't underestimate the marine's information gathering ability. If they find out, they won't let you join.''

Coby flinched, he knew but...

''Excuse me!'' A new voice cut in his thoughts, the voice belonging to Commander Ripper, who had taken over since Morgan's defeat, he was joined by two soldiers. ''I am here to confirm that you guys are pirates, is it true?''

''We are pirates, and I got my first crew mate here.'' Luffy informed.

''We are grateful for you saving our town but you are still pirates so I'm going to have to ask you to leave.'' Ripper stated. ''Due to your actions, you won't be reported to headquarters. You must leave immediately.''

The people nearby immediately began to protest, pointing out that they had just saved Shells Town and how there was something wrong with marines.

The three didn't seem to care though, calmly standing up after the news.

''Well, it's time we go. Thanks for the food.'' Luffy said calmly.

''No point staying any longer, I guess.'' Zoro said with a shrug.

Miguel merely followed them, seeing no use in trying to correct the Commander. He wasn't a pirate, but he did need to find a way off the island. All his previous attempts had failed so this was just fine with him.

Ripper looked at Coby ''Aren't you with them?''

''No...I-I'm not...'' Coby managed, not liking this. He had decided to fight for his dream but not like this...

''Is that true?'' Ripper asked Luffy.

''Him? Oh, he spent two years on this boat. I think he used to work for this lady...'' Luffy started.

''Luffy-san, please stop!'' Coby pleaded. If they knew he worked for Alvida, his dream was shot!

Luffy ignored him ''Yeah, and...'' He was then punched by the boy.

''Shut up!''

''Oh, that's how it is? I'll show you!'' Luffy made to punch him

Ripper called for them to stop ''It's clear that you're not friends. Please, leave immediately!''

As he watched them go, Coby understood. Luffy was trying to help him again...This fueled his resolve all the more.

''Please let me become a marine! I'll do anything, even chores!''

The men eyed him with surprise before one spoke ''Commander, we can't let someone we know nothing about join us! Pirates have attempted to spy on us i the past, we need to do a background check.''

''My dream is to become a marine!'' Coby declared with determination.

Ripper spoke after a while ''Our life isn't easy. Marines have fallen in the line of duty before...but I will let you join.''

Coby smiled widely, delighted that the first step in his dream was taken.


''You can't act to save your life, Luffy.'' Zoro teased as they got the boat ready.

Miguel laughed ''Well, half-baked attempt or not, it did work.''

''Shishi, yup, it's just fine!'' Luffy had faith that his friend could fulfill his dream.

The three then heard Coby's voice calling out to them, finding the boy at the port. He was joined by Rika and her mother, who were waving at them happily.''Thank you so much, I'll never forget what you did for me!''

''We'll meet again someday, Coby!'' Luffy called back.

Just then, Ripper and the other marines made their way, giving them a salute along with Coby.

''Heh, marines saluting pirates, definitely a first.'' Zoro smirked

''You have some really good friends there,'' Ripper told Coby.

''Yeah, they really are...''

''All right everyone, what we did was against marine code. Therefore our punishment is 3 days without food!''

''Yes, Sir!''


''Now this was one hell of a day...'' Zoro remarked. He looked at Miguel. ''...oi, you sure about this? They're going to think you're with us now.''

''It doesn't matter.'' He returned. ''I'll just deal with it if I have to. I don't regret what I did back there, so it's just fine.''

''At the end of this journey, I'll be the King of Pirates!'' Luffy announced.

''You really are determined, huh?'' Miguel remarked.

''Yeah, a little obsessed even...'' Zoro trailed off. ''...any particular reason you want to be the King?''

Luffy lay back ''It's nothing special. Just...I made a promise, that I would gather a crew, find the world's greatest treasure and become the Pirate King.'' His hand fell on his straw hat. ''And this hat knows the whole story.''

Both swordsmen figured there was more to it but they saw no harm in leaving it alone for now.

''I see...''

''All right, we'll head out to the Grand Line!'' Luffy exclaimed.


Well, there you have it.

I hope this was good. Just to clarify, Miguel's main specialty is Heavenly Body Magic but he's learned some more spells and studied up to become this skilled. What really caused that war is that the extremists who were in power seized control and everything went to hell. More will be elaborated about this later.

Erm, that's all I can think of at the moment but if you have any questions feel free to ask.