"What a day! It's gorgeous!" Exclaimed Luffy. He, Aya, and Coby have been sailing for some time and the weather was steady and clear. Coby nodded his head in agreement.
"Yeah. As long as the weather goes this good and we take this path, we'll be at the Marine base in no time," He said. Luffy turned to him with his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"You mean it? Hot dog! You're the best, Coby! How do you even know?" asked Luffy.
"I know this stuff because all sailors must know their ways of the seas," Said Coby. Luffy turned back to the ocean and laughed.
"That's what I've always been telling him, but my big brother always rush into things with thinking. By the way, how are we going to get into a Marine base without getting caught, Luffy? We're pirates, remember?" Said Aya. Luffy didn't answer. "Anndd, he's not listening..."
"I don't see what's to be so perky right now, Luffy. Besides...at the Marine base," Coby said with a frightened look on his face. "They're holding the great pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro. This is the man who diced up his bounties like an animal bent on carnage. A blood thirsty beast. He's been called nothing less than a living breathing demon in human form. Like he was sent straight from hell."
"All of the more reason to check him out." Said Aya.
"Alright! We're here! The Marine Base City!" Yelled Luffy, excitedly as the boat pulled up to the port to a small island with many buildings . They docked it and Coby tied up the boat to a post. He, Luffy, and Aya walked around, exploring the city. Luffy's head started darting around wildly at all the booths and people. Aya was looking around, keeping a look out, while Coby looked uncomfortable.
"Luffy, seriously! You two are out of your mind if you think this guy is gonna want to join your crew," Said Coby.
"I haven't made up my mind yet. I first gotta see if he's a good guy," Luffy said as he walked ahead.
"Plus, we need to see how tough he is," Aya added.
"He's imprisoned because he's obviously not!" Coby shouted as Luffy bought a pear and took at bite out of it.
"Hey, is that pirate hunter Zoro around here?" He asked the shop keeper. The lady who was selling the fruits and some other people jumped back in shock. They stared at Luffy with wide eyes as their bodies shook in fear, leaving the three, confused by what happened. Luffy blinked. Aya walked by him and whispered in Luffy's ear. "Yeah, we shouldn't probably go around announcing out loud that we're looking for him." She said. Then she smacked Luffy on his head. "Idiot."
"Maybe we shouldn't mention the name Zoro around here." Coby whispered, suggestively. Luffy shrugged and the three began walking again. Aya felt like she was being watched. She saw some people giving her suspicious looks. Aya heard two men were whispering to each other.
"Do you think she's a witch?" asked one of the men.
"What are you whispering about?!" shouted Aya, angrily. The two men jumped and trembled in fear. They ran away from her. "RUN! SHE'LL PUT A CURSE ON US!" Shouted one of the men as they ran. Aya rolled her eyes, following after Luffy and Coby.
"Let's head to the base. You said you wanted to be a Marine, right?" Luffy asked.
"I do, Luffy, I'm just not that sure if I'm ready. From what I've heard, the man who runs the base is someone called Captain Morgan." Said Coby. Once again, the people jumped back when Coby mentioned Morgan's name. Coby and Luffy blinked. The three of them continued walking. Aya looked over her shoulder seeing the people still shaking in fear.
"Strange town," She mumbled under her breath.
"Ha-ha! This this town is such a weird place!" Luffy laughed as the three continued walking. Coby was lost in thought.
"That was strange. I understand why they're afraid of Zoro, him being a killer and all, but why did they get scared when I said the Marine captain's name?" He asked.
"Maybe they did it for the fun of it." Suggested Luffy.
"How does that make any sense?" Asked Coby.
"He's probably corrupted," Aya added.
Coby stopped in his tracks and glared at Aya. "You take that back!" He shouted.
"What? All I'm saying is that he's probably abusing his power," said Aya.
"The Marines don't do that!" Coby shouted.
Aya smirked then leaned in toward Coby's face then flicked her finger on his forehead. "Face reality, kid, some people do that," She said. "Especially the higher ups."
"You shut your mouth right now!" Growled Coby.
"Why, you wanna fight me? How cute!" Aya laughed.
"D-Don't you touch me!" Coby shouted. Aya took a step closer to him and he backed away.
"Why? Scared that I'll get my evil pirate cooties all over you?" Aya taunted.
"Shut up!" Growled Coby.
Luffy let out a whistle. "Wow, this must be the place!" He said. The two stopped and looked to see a huge gate in front of them. It was the Marine's base. Coby looked like he was going to cry.
"I...made it...thank you so much, Luffy, Aya. I-I can't believe we're going to have to go our own ways even though I find you as my best frie-"
"Where's the foothold or something?" Asked Luffy as he tried to climb over the stone wall.
"Get off of there, Luffy! Or they'll see you and you'll get arrested!" Yelled Coby.
Aya sighed. "What an idiot..."
Luffy blocked the sunlight with his hand as he scoured "Ok, so where's that demon?"
"They're probably hiding him in an underground prison cell or something. They wouldn't just show him out and the-"
"FOUND HIM!" Exclaimed Luffy. Coby and Aya managed to climb up the wall and looked over to see a man far off in the distance, tied to a post. He was wearing a black bandanna on his head, a white shirt and dark green pants and black boots.
"That's him, right, Coby?" Asked Luffy. Coby trembled in fear.
"If we untie those ropes, he could just walk away, right?" Asked Luffy.
"No way! If we do that, he'll just kill us all with one strike!" Shouted Coby. Luffy grinned.
"Don't worry, me and my sis are really strong, so there's nothing to be afraid of." He said.
"You both have lost your marbles!" Shouted Coby.
"Hey, you three," They hear a voice call out to them, roughly. Coby flinched. "You're eyesores. Get lost." Muttered Zoro. Coby yelped and grabbed Luffy's arm.
"Come on! Let's just go, Luffy! There's no way a criminal like him would want to be on your crew!" He yelled. Then, a ladder landed near Luffy and Aya looked and saw a little girl climbing up it. The little girl turned to the three and shushed them. Then she climbed over the wall, holding a small package in her hands.
"We gotta save her or else she'll be killed by the Marines or the demon himself!" Yelled Coby.
Neither, Luffy or Aya made a move. They watched as the little girl run over to Zoro and smiled at him. "What do you want?" Zoro asked. The little girl smiled.
"I thought you'd be getting hungry now. So I made you some rice balls." She said, unwrapping the package.
"You gotta death wish, kid? Get lost." Said Zoro. The girl held out two rice balls to him.
"But, you haven't eaten in a long time. So here. I made them myself. It's my first try though." She said.
"Listen, kid. You're really starting to bug the living hell out of me. So why don't you just scram." Zoro threatened.
"But-!"
"Do not make me kick your ass, little girl! Get lost!" Yelled Zoro.
"Now, now, no one likes a bully," a loud annoying voice called out. Zoro glared as a man with two Marine soldiers walked up. "Roronoa Zoro, you seem to be handling the situation well, aren't you?" asked the man.
"Who's the other weird guy?" Asked Luffy. Coby sighed in relief.
"Thank god. He looks like he's with the Marines. At least we know the little girl will be safe." He said. Aya frowned as she stared at the man. She didn't like him. Not one bit.
"I'm not so sure about that," Said Aya.
"What do you mean?" Asked Coby.
"I don't like the looks of this guy." Said Aya. The man took a rice ball from the girl.
"Yum. Some tasty rice balls." He said. "That's not for you!" Cried the little girl. The man took a bite out of it. His face twisted with disgust. He spat out the rice ball and threw it to the ground along with the second one and stomped on it.
"No! Stop that! Please!" Cried the little girl.
"You imbecile! You filled this rice ball with sugar! It's supposed to be salt!" Yelled the man as he stomped one last time, destroying the rice balls.
"But-but-" The little girl was about to cry. "I worked so hard to make those."
"Too bad, brat. Dispose of her immediately or my father will have your heads." The man commanded. Aya growled as her hands gripped the scaffolding in anger. She was about to move, but Luffy grabbed her shoulder so she wouldn't jump over the wall. One of the soldiers hesitantly grabbed the little girl.
"I'm sorry. Just curl into a ball, okay?" asked the man as he threw the girl. The little girl cried as she was thrown over the wall.
"Luffy! Catch her!" shouted Aya. Luffy quickly stretched his arms out and grabbed the little girl. The two landed on the ground roughly. Luffy's hat fell off as well.
"Thanks, mister!" said the little girl. Luffy blinked before smiling.
"No problem." He said. Coby and Aya ran over to the two.
"Luffy! Are you guys, okay? God, how can that man be so cruel?" asked Coby as he checked over the little girl to see any signs of injury.
"I said it once, kid," said Aya. "Corruption."
"You shut up! You don't know what you're talking about!" Growled Coby.
"Man, you're stubborn!" shouted Aya. "What's it going to take for you to get it through your thick head!?" Luffy picked his hat up as he stood up, ignoring the two who were scrabbling with each other.
"Damn you." Muttered Zoro under his breath. He glared at the snickering man.
"Trying to keep your composer, Roronoa? My, you really wanna get out of here, don't you?" asked the man.
"That's right. I'll make through the month. Just you watch." Muttered Zoro. The man began snorting as he howled in laughter.
"Yeah, right! Keep dreaming, Roronoa!" snorted the man as he and his men walked away.
Coby sighed in relief seeing that the girl was unharmed. "Okay, you look fine. How can that man be so heartless?" Coby asked himself. He and Aya looked around and saw that Luffy was nowhere to be seen. " What the?! Now where'd he go?" He asked.
Zoro sighed as he closed his eyes, trying to gather up his thoughts. For some reason, he felt like he was being watched. He opened his eyes and saw a boy wearing a straw hat standing in front of him. Zoro blinked. Luffy looked at him with a calm look on his face. "So...I hear you're a bad guy," He said.
"You're still here?" asked Zoro, bored.
"You're tied up here for the whole world to see and for what? Nothing. Are you sure as strong as they say?" asked Luffy.
"Mind your own business, kid," Muttered Zoro. Luffy sighed and walked closer to Zoro.
"If I were you, I'd probably starve in three days," Luffy joked. Zoro smirked.
"Heh, I have more spirit than you know. Which is how I'll survive this ordeal. This, I swear." He said, confidently. Luffy grinned.
"Ha! You're such a weirdo!" He joked as he began to walk away.
"Wait, hold on." Zoro called out. Luffy stopped. Zoro looked down at his feet. "Could you...pick that up for me?" He asked, seeing the dirty mud covered rice ball on the ground. Luffy blinked and picked it up.
"You wanna eat this? But, it looks ruined already and mostly a ball of mud-"
"Shut up and give it to me, kid!" yelled Zoro. Shrugging, Luffy walked up to Zoro, and tossed the rice ball into the swordsman's mouth. It tasted horrible but at least it was better than starving to death. Zoro coughed as he felt some dirt in his mouth. Luffy giggled.
"You should've listened to me!" said Luffy in a giggling tone.
"No, it was good. Tell that kid that I said thanks." Muttered Zoro. Luffy walked away, tilting his straw hat.
Luffy, Aya and Coby walked with the little girl, which they discovered that her name was Rika. "You mean it?! He said that?!" asked the little girl.
"Yep. And ate it all up." said Luffy, smiling. Rika beamed as she smiled happily. Coby placed a finger on his chin, thinking.
"Huh, I'm starting wonder if Roronoa Zoro is as bad as everyone says." He said. Rika shook her head.
"No way! Big brother Zoro is a good guy! After all..." The little girl looked to the ground. "He saved this town." She whispered.
"What do you mean?" asked Aya. Rika twiddled her thumbs.
"It's all Helmeppo's fault. He's the son of Captain Morgan. Three weeks ago, he brought a vicious wolf into town and it terrified the living daylights out of everyone. But, then, Zoro came and he nearly finished off Helmeppo. That big meanie threatened to kill me and my mom. But, he said that if Zoro could survive being tied up to that big post for a month, then he could be let go. But, Helmeppo keeps cheating by trying to break Zoro's spirit. It's...it's not fair!" cried Rika as she began to sob.
Suddenly, there was a loud crash that came from the little girl's family restaurant. The four ran towards the building. It was Helmeppo. He was throwing orders and terrorizing and giving death threats to everyone. Luffy and Aya clenched their fists as they watched in anger. Aya gritted her teeth as she glared at the man.
"I am incredibly bored now and I'm trying to find something fun to do. I suppose I can just have Zoro executed. Oh, wouldn't that be hysterical!" snorted the blond as he threw his head back and laughed.
Suddenly, a fist shot out and cracked Helmeppo right in the jaw as Aya punched him and his face slammed into a wall. Coby's mouth dropped in horror while Luffy stared in silence at his sister. Helmeppo slumped on the floor as he glared up at Aya. She was breathing heavily and gritted her teeth as she seethed in rage, looking down at this disgusting excuse for a human being. "H-How dare you?! Y-You hit me!" exclaimed Helmeppo as his men tried to help him up. He gaped at her in shock, staring at her sea foam green eyes. "Y-You witch!"
"No, how dare you call yourself a Marine. You disgusting piece of trash," said Aya as she glared at him. She raised her fist getting ready to punch him again but Coby grabbed her arm, holding Aya back.
"Aya! Stop it! What's wrong with you?!" asked Coby.
"I'm teaching this scum a lesson," said Aya. "This guy is a no-good, piece of shit!"
"You little brat! Do you know who I am!" demanded Helmeppo.
"I don't give a rat's ass who you are!" Shouted Aya.
"YOU'LL GIVE A DAMN WHEN YOUR HEAD HANGS FROM THE GALLOWS!" yelled Helmeppo.
"I'd like to see you try, punk!" Shouted Aya.
"Aya! Stop it! Why are you trying to pick a fight with this guy?!" Shouted Coby.
"Well, I guess that settles it," said Luffy. Coby turns to look at him, while holding Aya back. "I've made up my mind, Coby. Today, Zoro joins my crew." said Luffy.
"You're weak, Zoro. Nothing ever changes."
Zoro's eyes shot open as bullets of sweat ran down his face. Zoro took calm breaths trying to steady his heart.
"I... can't die here. I made... a promise," thought the swordsman. Then a shadow stood over him. Zoro looked up to see Luffy again.
"You again. Don't you have things to do?" asked Zoro, irritated.
"I'll untie you. As long as you promise to join my crew." said Luffy as he took a step towards the swordsman.
"Your what?" Asked Zoro.
"Me and my sister are running a pirate crew and we need people to join," said Luffy. Zoro smirked.
"No way. As if I'd stoop to that level. Joining a pirate crew is the most stupidest thing I've ever heard. Screw that business." He said, turning his head away.
"What's wrong with being a pirate?" asked Luffy.
"They're lowlifes. Joining them is the last thing I'd ever do." said Zoro. Luffy smiled.
"Come on. Everyone knows that your some kind of killer with a crave of bloodlust," He said.
"People could say what they want to say, but there is not a single thing in my life I regret. I'll make through this month and I'll accomplish what I desire." Said Zoro
Luffy blinked. "That's cool. But I still decided that your joining my crew," He said, grinning.
"What?! You can't do that!" Zoro yelled. Luffy grinned.
"I've heard that you're one of the best swordsman out there," He said.
"I am! It's just that Hel-whatever that bastard's name is took my katana." Said Zoro. Luffy winked.
"Well, I guess I'm gonna have to go get it then," He said.
"What?" Asked Zoro
"If I get your katana back, then you're joining my crew." Said Luffy.
"You're really starting to piss me off, kid!" yelled Zoro. Luffy giggled as he ran off. "Hey, genius. You're going the wrong way." Said Zoro. Luffy paused.
"Gum-Gum Rocket!" Yelled Luffy as he flinged himself past Zoro. Zoro stared in disbelief.
"What the-what the hell is this guy?" He asked himself.
Luffy hunched over, panting. "Sheesh, where is that idiot, that stole Zoro's swords?" He asked himself. Then he heard several voices above him. "Huh, wonder what's going on up there? Might as well check it out." Said Luffy. He stretched his arms to the roof edge of the Marine base.
"Gum-Gum Rocket!" He yelled as he flew up. But, he was gaining too much speed. "Too far! Too far! Too far!" yelled Luffy as he flew higher. The soldiers on the roof looked up and saw Luffy as he grabbed on to the rope they were using to pull a statue. He breaks off a piece of the statue as he landed on the roof. The soldiers gaped in horror, gasping at Luffy. Luffy looked at the men, scratching his head. "Whoops! Sorry about that!" He said, sheepishly.
A man glared at him furiously. He was huge and had blond hair and one of his hand was an axe. "Seize him at once! I want to kill him myself!" ordered the man.
"Sir, yes, sir!" Shouted the Marine soldiers.
"That's him! He's friends with the witch who hit me!" Yelled Helmeppo.
"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Yelled Luffy. He grabbed Helmeppo in a choke hold, dragging him off inside the Marine base.
"After him!" Shouted the Marine captain. The Marine soldiers chased after the Straw hat pirate. Inside the base, Luffy dragged Helmeppo down the hallways. Helmeppo was crying in terror as he did.
"Hey, dude. Tell me where you're keeping Zoro's katana." Said Luffy.
"Ok! Ok! I'll tell you!" Cried Helmeppo. Luffy stopped, listening.
"Ok, so where is it?" He asked. Helmeppo pointed in a direction.
"In my room. We just passed it." He whimpered. Luffy sighed.
"Really? Dang, I guess we're gonna have to go back then." He said.
"Halt! Release Helmeppo at once!" Luffy turned to see three Marine soldiers aiming their rifles at him. "No way. But, you could shoot me if you want." Said Luffy. He held Helmeppo in front of him like a shield. Helmeppo screamed. Luffy ran forward ramming into the soldiers with Helmeppo.
Zoro felt the ropes that were binding him being tugged. He looked to see "Luffy." "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to get my katana back," asked Zoro, confused. Then he realized his mistake. It wasn't Luffy, instead, it was a girl. Sea foam green eyes stared back into his. Zoro blushed. He hate to admit it, but he thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. "Aw, hell! There's two of you?!" shouted Zoro, shocked. Aya giggled as she continued to try to untie the ropes. "That was my brother," said Aya. "I'm here to get you out of here. Coby, get your ass over here, now!" Coby ran over and started to help with the ropes.
"Great, just what I needed," Zoro muttered under his breath. "Another brat."
Aya stopped what she was doing. She narrowed her eyes at Zoro. "Don't ever compare me to my brother," said Aya, coldly. "I'm nothing like him." Zoro froze.
"You have to get out of here, Zoro," Said Coby as he got a knot undone.
"Listen, you two. That manic will kill you when he finds you both helping me," said Zoro.
"I don't care. I just can't see the Marine's name being treated like this. The Marines should be honorable." Said Coby.
"I can take care of myself. But, thank you for caring." Said Aya as she smiled. Zoro blushed then he shook his head. "Look, I can't leave! I'll be out in ten days and-"
"Actually, they were planning on killing you tomorrow." Aya interrupted. Zoro paused.
"What?" asked Zoro in disbelief.
"Helmeppo was not planning on holding his promise to you. He planned on killing you from the start. Which made Aya and Luffy really angry. Aya even hit him for it." Coby explained as he got a few of the knots undone.
"Yeah, and now the Marines are dead serious on catching the two. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to be a pirate. I just hope you help them. You three are incredibly strong. And you can save each other from a tragic fate." Said Coby. Zoro was silent.
"End of the line!" Shouted a voice. Coby and Aya froze then turned to see a tall, heavyset man with a huge axe for a hand with ten Marines soldiers. "For the crime of treason against me, I sentence the three of you to execution." Said the large man as his men readied their rifles. Coby, Aya, and Zoro froze.
"Luffy, where are you?!" thought Aya.
Luffy entered a room and looked around. The room was pink, like a tornado barfed all over the place. "Yep, this looks like yours." He said. His eyes spotted three katanas resting by the . Two of the swords had black sheathes, another sword stood out from the rest. It had a white sheathe instead.
"Wait, there's three of them. Hey, weirdo, which one's Zoro's?" asked Luffy. Helmeppo was out like a light. "Huh, must've fell asleep." said Luffy. He looked out the window and saw Coby, Aya and Zoro being targeted with rifles by the Marines. Luffy gasped and quickly grabbed the three katanas. He ran over towards the window and opened it. Luffy clutched the window sill and walked back, his arms stretching as he did. "Gum-Gum Rocket!" Shouted Luffy as he launched himself out of the window.
"FIRE!"
The sound of gunshot echoed as they fired. Luffy landed in front of the three. Everyone watched as the bullets made contact with his body.
"LUFFY, NOOO!" shouted Coby.
"STRAW HAT!" shouted Zoro.
Their eyes widen as they saw the bullets pulling back Luffy's skin as it stretched. Grinning, Luffy stretched his body and the bullets rebounded back. "See ya!" yelled Luffy as a bullet nearly missed the Marine captain's head. Luffy threw his head back and laughed. "That won't work on me! I told you I was strong!" laughed Luffy while everyone, except Aya, stared at him with disbelief.
"Nice of you to show up at the last minute," said Aya as she tried to steady her heart beat. She stood up and walked over to Luffy and hit him on the back of the head. "What the hell were you doing?! What took you so long?!" She shouted.
"Ouch! Why'd you hit me?!" shouted Luffy as he hold his head in pain.
"For being a dumbass!" Aya shouted back.
"Who the-who the hell are you?" asked Zoro. Luffy turned to him and winked.
"My name's Monkey D. Luffy. And I'm gonna be King of the Pirates." He said, confidently. The shock fell from Zoro's face, and he rolled his eyes.
"King of the Pirates? Yeah right. Do you have any idea what that means?" He asked.
"King of the Pirates means it sounds like. How can someone not know what it means? Besides, she has the same dream as mine. Aya's going to become Queen." Luffy asked. Coby nodded his head, grinning.
"Yeah! It sounds really nuts and impossible but it really looks like they're serious. They have every intention on becoming the King and Queen of the Pirates. They have their mind set on obtaining the One Piece." said Coby. Zoro raised his eyebrow.
Luffy held out the three swords to Zoro. "Here you go, just like I promised. I didn't know which one was yours so, I brought all of them." said Luffy.
"They're all mine, kid. I am a user of the three-sword style." said Zoro. Luffy shrugged, still holding out the swords.
"Just take them already. Just know that if you fight with me, you'll become a government defying villian. It's either that or you're left here, killed by the Marines, execution style." He said. Zoro smirked.
"What are you? The son of the devil? It doesn't matter. Because if I don't choose your side, I'll end up dead on the sticks. So let's see what you got." He said. Luffy pumped his fist in the air.
"Alright! You're finally joining my crew! This is the best day ever!" He cheered.
"Would you quit fooling around and get these ropes off me?!" Shouted Zoro, annoyed.
The entire time, the Marines stood in shock at what they had just witnessed. Nobody should have been able to survive that. "Straw hat's different from the rest of us. He must have eaten of the those legendary devil fruit we've heard about." said Captain Morgan. The Marines gasped. "Yes. The very fruit that gives the one who consumes it other-worldly powers. The power to breath fire. The power to cause Tsunamis. Little is known about them. And, it seems that straw hat has just shown the power of his devil fruit. Well," Captain Morgan held his axe into the air. "If we cant' shoot them, charge!" He yelled as he and his men charged at the four. Clang! The sound of swords clashing, were heard.
The Marines stood frozen in fear as they saw that Zoro was released from his binds. He was now standing before them with two swords in his hands and one in his mouth. "Make one move and you die." Said Zoro as he glared at the soldiers. The soldiers froze in terror not moving an inch.
"Today I'll officially become a criminal. Having fought the Marines. I'll become a pirate, that I can promise you. But I tell you this now,...being a pirate won't stop me from fulfilling my ambition." said Zoro.
"What's that?" asked Aya.
"To be nothing less than the world's greatest swordsman. If something along the way stops me, then I'm making the two of you take full responsibility. After which you have to apologize to me," He said. Luffy smiled. "The world's greatest swordsman. Sounds pretty cool. The King and Queen of the Pirates would have nothing less." said Luffy. Zoro nodded.
"Big talk coming from you. From this point on, whether I'm a criminal or not, I will let the name Zoro be known throughout the world." He said.
"Kill them at once!" Yelled Captain Morgan. The soldiers charged again.
"Better duck." said Luffy. Zoro quickly ducks down. "Gum-Gum Rocket!" yelled Luffy. He knocked down the soldiers in one sweep. Zoro gasped. "Just what are you? " He asked. Luffy smiled.
"I'm the guy who ate the Gum-Gum fruit!" He said.
Luffy rushed forward towards Captain Morgan. "Bring those Marines right down to their knees!" Shouted Coby. Luffy threw his arm back punched Captain Morgan but hit his axe instead.
" You brat! You have no right to defy my superiority. I am the Marine Captain, S. M Morgan!" Shouted Morgan.
"I'm Luffy. Nice to meet ya," said Luffy.
Captain Morgan swung at him but Luffy jumped out of the way and into the air. The Captain's axe slammed into the ground. Coby's eyes widen in shock as his mouth dropped. While in the air, Luffy slammed his feet into Morgan's face, knocking the captain down. Luffy landed on his feet as Morgan started to get back up. The Marines watched in shock.
"You brat!" Growled Morgan."DIE!"
Luffy rushed towards him and dodged out off the way as the captain swung at him. He kicked him in the face, knocking Morgan down to the ground. The soldiers froze. Luffy grabbed the captains shirt and threw backs his fist. "You're going to pay for crushing Coby's dream!" Shouted Luffy as he punched Morgan.
"Hey! Stop!" Shouted Helmeppo . Luffy ignored him and continued punching Morgan. "Hey, you idiot! I said stop!" Shouted Morgan.
"Oi, Straw hat." Zoro called out. Luffy stopped and turned. Helmeppo had a gun pointed at Aya's head. Coby didn't move a muscle.
"If you care about her life, don't move! I'll shoot if you do anything else!" Yelled Helmeppo. Aya glared at him. Luffy smiled.
"You really shouldn't have done that." Luffy giggled. "She's not afraid to die."
Helmeppo's eyes widen in shock. Suddenly, a hand gripped his wrist tightly and twisted it painfully. Helmeppo cried out in pain as he dropped the gun and it fell to the ground. Aya kneed the man behind his leg knocking him down.
Coby watched in amazement. Zoro stood impressed. Luffy grinned.
"You witch!" Helmeppo shouted in pain clutching his broken wrist. "I'll see you hanged for this!"
"Shut up." Said Aya. She threw back her fist and punched Helmeppo in the face. He fell to the ground, knocked out.
Suddenly, Captain Morgan appeared behind Luffy, raising his axe.
"Luffy! Behind you!" Warned Coby.
Captain Morgan was about to hit Luffy on the head. But, Zoro rushed forward and sliced his swords straight through the captain. Captain Morgan let out a gasp then he fell on his knees to the ground. Zoro landed behind him on his feet, perfectly. The Captain didn't move at all. He was dead. The Marines cheered.
"That weird. They seem pretty happy that he's dead." said Coby. Luffy shrugged and smiled at Zoro.
"Thanks for the help," He said.
"Yeah, thanks." Aya said.
Zoro smirked and nodded. "Just doing my job, captain," He said. Luffy smiled and laughed. Zoro's smirk turned into a smile. Suddenly, his eyes began to close then he fell backwards collapsing on the ground.
"Zoro! Are you ok?" asked Coby, panicking. Zoro opened his eyes and groaned.
"Yeah. I'm just...hungry." He said. Luffy blinked before throwing his head back, laughing.
Everyone went back to Rika's family restaurant. Their were people in their who were chattering very loudly and celebrating. "Man! I can't remember I had a last good meal like that. I was ready to eat my own bootstrap if I didn't get anything to eat." said Zoro in a joking tone. His bandanna was now tied around his shoulder, revealing short sea-green hair. Coby, Rika and Rika's mother were laughing while Luffy was wolfing and gobbling down the food.
"You finished already? There's a shock." said Rika's mother.
"How could you have a bigger appetite than a guy who hasn't eaten in three weeks?" asked Zoro. Luffy shrugged.
"My brother's always been like that, it's like his secret power or something." said Aya in a joking tone.
"I'm just enjoying the food. Right, Coby?" Luffy said. Coby laughed.
"Yeah, thanks for fixing this up for us by the way," said Coby. Rika's mother smiled.
"My pleasure. After all you did save the town." She said.
"You two are the coolest people I've ever met." Said Rika to Luffy and Aya. Luffy grinned.
"Heck yeah we are! And we'll be even cooler when we're King and Queen of the Pirates and get the One Piece. Oh yeah, when we get the strongest crew in the seas." He said.
"So, how many other crew members do you have besides me and her?" Zoro asked.
Luffy took a sip from his orange juice. "Just you." He said. Zoro's smile fell. He pointed to himself.
"Me? You know, that doesn't amount to a good enough crew." He said. Luffy shrugged.
"So? We're pretty strong." He said.
"Well, do you at least have a boat?" asked Zoro. Luffy pointed out the window to a small boat that was tied and docked to a post. Zoro fell off of his seat.
"How did I get myself suckered into this?" He asked himself. "You two have got to be the worst pirates ever in history."
"Hey, watch it." growled Aya.
"Come on. It'll be loads of fun." said Luffy smiling. Zoro rolled his eyes.
"Say Luffy? Where are you guys planning on going after you leave here?" asked Rika. Luffy grinned.
"The Grand Line, of course." He said. Coby coughed as he nearly choked on his juice.
"No way! That's too dangerous!" He shouted. Luffy tilted his head.
"Why?" He asked.
Coby looked down. "As you probably know, that place is so dangerous, that only one man was able to pass it. And that was the King of the Pirates himself. Gol D. Roger. It is said that the Pirate King had placed his most valuable treasure, the One Piece, at this location. Many countless men had tried to obtain this treasure, but...it lead them all to the same terrible fate. There's a reason why that place is called a Pirate's Graveyard. No one had ever made it out there alive." said Coby as he began to tremble. Luffy leaned back in his chair.
"Eh, I'm not afraid. We're still going there anyway." He said.
"I guess we have to live with it." said Aya. Coby stood up from his chair.
"No! You can't!" He yelled. Zoro raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you care? You're not planning on coming with us, are you?" He asked.
Coby shook his head. "No. But, I still find Luffy and Aya as great friends. Even though we haven't known each other for long. Right, guys?" asked Coby. Luffy grinned. Aya smiled.
"Of course. Even though we have to part ways, we'll always be friends." He said. Coby smiled sadly.
"When I was just a little kid, I never had any friends. None that would fight on my behalf either. So I always tried my hardest to never fight for anything. But the three of you have taught me a lesson I could never learn on my own. You taught me how to fight for what I believe in. So I decided to make my dream a reality. I'm gonna join the Marines." He said, confidently.
"Good for you," said Aya. "I'm glad your sticking up for yourself. You follow your dream." Coby blushed.
Suddenly, the doors of the restaurant opened and some Marines walked in. Everyone froze in silence.
"Hey, you." said one of the men, walking over. "We heard that you are pirates, correct?" asked the man. Luffy nodded.
"Uh, no." said Aya. "We're not pirates."
"Yep. You heard right." said Luffy.
"Luffy!" Aya gritted her teeth with anger. The soldier fixed his cap.
"As we are grateful that you saved our town from that tyrant, we can not allow to go freely. There for, your crew must leave town, immediately. We will not arrest you." He said. Aya stared at the Marine soldier in shock.
"Come on! They saved our town! You're really going to kick them out!?" The townspeople argued. The Marines were silent as they had their heads down, while the people continued and began to throw insults at them.
Luffy shrugged and got up.
"Guess it's time to go. Thanks for the food." He said, bowing his head to Rika's mother.
"Yeah, thank you." said Aya.
"Hey, wait a second. You're leaving already?" asked Rika. Luffy nodded.
"Yeah." He said, lifting a bag of food the Rika's mother had prepared for the journey. He flinged it over his shoulder and started to walk out of the restaurant, with Aya following. Zoro followed after them with his katanas.
"And what about this guy? He with you too?" asked the Marine, pointing to Coby. Luffy stopped. He smirked.
"What I can tell you is what he's been doing up to this point," He said. Coby's eyes widen.
"Luffy...you wouldn't!" He thought.
"Yep. He used to be some fat lady's cabin boy for two years. He's such a dork and a complete loser. He's the weakest person I've ever-"
"Damn you!" yelled Coby as he punched Luffy. Everyone gasped while Zoro smirked. Luffy smirked and threw his fist back and began to punch Coby repeatedly. Zoro grabbed Luffy by his vest, stopping him. Coby collapsed on the floor.
"That's enough, Luffy. Just let him fall. Let's go." He said. Luffy smirked again and nodded, following after Zoro and Aya.
"Luffy...that was on purpose. He did it so it wouldn't look like I was a pirate. It's not fair! Again and again, I have always relied on Luffy for help! Well no more!" Thought Coby as he stood up. "Sir! I'd like to be a Marine! I'll do whatever you want me to do! Just allow me to join!" yelled Coby. The Marine soldier gave him a questionable look.
"You don't know how many of my men have died in the hands of pirates. However,...permission to join, granted." He said.
"Sir!" Coby yelled.
"That was some act you pulled back there. I wouldn't be surprised if they saw right through it, though." said Zoro as he, Luffy and Aya made their way to the docks.
"But, did you have to be so hard on him?" Aya laughed.
"Coby, could handle the rest himself. I have faith in him." Luffy said. Zoro shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, it's a real fitting way to leave this town with everyone hating us. Very pirate-like." He said. He, Luffy, and Aya climbed into the boat. Luffy giggled.
"Yeah." He said as he began to untie the boat.
"Luffy! Aya!" The two twins turned to see Coby, Rika, and her mother. Coby saluted. "Thank you! You have done more for me than anyone else in this world has." He said. Zoro smirked.
"That's new. I've never heard of a Marine thanking a pirate before. That's one for the history books." He said. Luffy grinned and the three started to sail off. From the boat, Luffy waved.
"Bye! Hope to see you all soon!" He called.
"Bye, Luffy," said Coby. Rika waved back as well.
"Bye, Big bro Luffy! Bye, Big sis Aya! Bye, Big brother, Zoro!" She shouted.
"SAALLLL-LLLUUTEEE!"
Coby turned to see the entire Marines from the base saluting to the pirates. "See ya!" called Luffy. The ship began to sail further and further away.
"You have good friends." said the Marine leader. Coby felt his eyes burn as tears began to appear. But, he wiped them away. No more. He was not going to be a wimp anymore! Coby smiled. "Yes. They are. And I know that somewhere, someday, somehow, we'll meet each other again. I can feel it."
Luffy smiled as the sun began to set. "Alright. The adventure's finally coming to a beginning." He said. Zoro nodded.
"Yeah, and we'll probably face more of them pretty soon." He said. Luffy giggled, agreeing.
"Got that right." He said. Then Zoro frowned as a thought came to his mind.
"Say is there any reason why you two want to be King and Queen of the Pirates?" He asked. Luffy turned to him. Zoro saw the seriousness in his eyes.
Luffy and Aya looked at each other then back towards Zoro. "We made a promise to someone a long time ago. That we would gather a crew and become King and Queen of the Pirates. And I, for one, always make sure to keep my promises." said Luffy. Zoro smiled softly. Luffy turned back to the sunset.
"Me too." Added Aya. "I want to leave my mark on the world before I die."
Zoro gave her a confused look. Then he saw Aya softly make a sad smile behind Luffy's back while her brother wasn't looking. He frowned in confusion wondering what she had meant by that.
"Ok. It's time to start the real fun. Let's head our course. To the Grand line!" Shouted Luffy as he stared over the horizon with excitement.