Chapter 3 East Blue Arc 'The Falling Ax'

Hey guys I'm back I will just have to say that this chapter is a doozy, I took me so long to do this because of construction projects and the holidays, Also I now have a beta reader Slip Slowly Into Madness he has beta read the first chapter which I have updated, and soon he'll be done with chapter 2 and I'll upload it then.

A warning the first flashback in this chapter will have descriptions of violence and blood in it so skip it if you don't want it.

Published: 1/2/2017

Updated: 3/12/2017

Beta: Slip Slowly Into Madness

As the sun rose, Luffy gazed out onto Shells Town. The white washed buildings with roofs of different colors, the hustle and bustle of the morning rush of people getting started with their day. It all painted a peaceful picture to visitors. Most likely due to the massive, imposing building on the top of the hill, visible from all around. It was shaped like a flat-topped cone, painted light blue with dark blue oval spots, and with the marine symbol, an abstract seagull, painted on in even darker blue.

Hearing the door open, he looked down from the roof of the cabin to see that Nami and Coby were coming out.

"Are you guys finally ready to start the day?" Luffy greeted the pair.

Coby smiled at the older boy. "Yep."

"Yes, I am Luffy. What's the plan for today?" Nami asked as she folded her arms under her chest before continuing on to say, "I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to sell my dinghy before anything else."

The young captain nodded in agreement."We'll sell your dinghy first and then we're going to grab some grub before we head to the marine base."

She rose a brow in surprise. "Why are we going to the marine base?"

"We are going to drop off shorty-"

"Hey!" Coby interjected offended by the nickname.

"-and to see if they actually imprisoned Zoro." Luffy continued, ignoring the irate boy.

Nami frowned at his words. "Why?"

"I want to recruit him for my crew."

Unable to keep quiet any longer, Coby said, "I keep telling you that's a-Ouch! Why do you keep on hitting me?"

With no hint of remorse in his tone, Luffy replied, "Because you keep on saying things I don't care about."

Pouting, the young marine-hopeful rubbed his head and griped, "Fine, get yourself killed you meany."

"Whatever. Hey, Nami, lead the way."

"….How?" Coby protested as they walked down the busy market street.

Amused, Nami smirked knowingly at the boy. "How what?"

"How did you get you get 75,000 beri for that ugly as sin boat? At most, I thought you would've gotten 30,000 beri."

"You want to know?"

Nodding eagerly, he responded, "Yes, of course."

Leaning down to Coby's ear, Nami whispered. "That's a secret."

Coby ground his teeth in irritation at being kept in the dark.

Luffy and Nami laughed at the pink haired boy in amusement as they continued down the market streets.

Walking away from the boat dealer, 75,000 beri richer, was Luffy in the lead with Akitsu behind him in her usual spot. Coby was to his right and Nami on the other side of Coby. Heading down the street, they walked until a pleasant smell tickled their senses. Turning to the right, they entered the restaurant from which the delicious scent originated from.

The restaurant looked nothing special with its plain wooden floors, tables, chairs, and bar. The tables had people laughing over food that smelled and looked delicious. Waitresses wandering to and fro to please their customers.

Approaching one of the tables, they sat down and waited for a waitress to come over. After a minute of waiting, a pretty girl in her late teens walked up to the quartet. "Hi, my name is Sakura. I'll be your waitress today. Here are the menu's and what shall I start you out with." After a quick look over the menu, everyone placed their orders.

While eating their meals, Luffy asked a passing Sakura. "Hey, I heard rumors that the Pirate Hunter Zoro was around here. Is that true?"

As soon as the word Zoro passed his lips the surrounding conversations quieted. Sakura slightly stiffened, and people glanced at them wearily. "Y-yes he is, he's currently at the marine base."

Coby sat up with a look of triumph as he said smugly, "See! I told you, Luffy, he's a bad guy. I heard this base is run by Captain Morgan. I hope he serves justice."

The reaction of the name Morgan was even more unsettling than the reaction to Zoro. All the conversations immediately stopped. Everyone turned to Coby as palpable fear became present in the air, and Sakura tensed completely before glaring at the pink haired boy. She walked away with a humph, before returning shortly after with a receipt. "Well, here is your bill please pay and leave."

Confused, Coby stammered, "W-w-what did I say?"

A grim looked settled over Luffy's features as he said solemnly, "Black and white Coby... black and white."

"What?" An even more baffled expression crossed Coby's young, naive face.

After dropping down enough beri for the bill plus a hefty tip, Luffy and company exited the restaurant without another word.

A silence fell between the four as they made their way to the Marine base when suddenly Nami asked a question that had been bothering her since the restaurant. "Hey, Luffy, why are you wanting to recruit Zoro? If he's in marine custody, taking him away will make you a criminal."

Luffy shrugged. "That doesn't bother me."

"Yeah, he's a-hmhmhmhm."

"We are in a MARINE town please think before you talk." Luffy scolded the young boy before releasing Coby's mouth and continued the walk to the naval base.

Although it hadn't been said, Nami knew at once what the young boy was going to say. "He's a pirate! That bastard he tricked me! Now that I think of it, I didn't ask. Damn! I'm slacking! Well at least, I won't feel guilty when I steal everything that he owns."

Arriving at the large metal doors of the marine base, the group stared at them for a moment before Luffy patted Coby on the back and with a smile said, "Go ahead the path to your dream starts here."

After regaining his balance from stumbling by the force of the pat, Coby looked at the largest building with joyful tears in his eyes. "I'm here after all the trials I went through... I am finally here. All thanks to you Luffy! You saved me and gave me the courage to do this. I guess this is where we part wa-" Glancing to where Luffy was standing, all he saw was a blank space and Nami pointing over her shoulder at Luffy and Akitsu looking over the wall.

Staring at the empty place for a second longer, one could almost see three lines flashing in and out with a funny sound. "What the hell Luffy!? I was in the middle of saying my thanks and you just disappear! What kind of friend are you!?" Shark like teeth made their appearance in Coby's mouth as he roared in anger. "And what are you doing?!"

Looking back over his shoulder at Coby, with an amused grin, Luffy replied, "Are you stupid? I'm looking for Zoro, of course!"

Appalled, Coby protested. "Why would they keep a dangerous criminal out in the open like that?"

"Ah…Someone is there." Akitsu pointed out before the boy could continue on complaining.

Stunned into silence, Coby sighed in defeat before climbing up the wall along with Nami, whose curiosity was piqued as well. They looked over the stone wall to see a grassless courtyard and in the middle of the barren ground was a man wearing black boots, pants of a green so dark that they almost seemed black, a green striped haramaki with white short-sleeved shirt, and a bandana to match his pants that casted an intimidating shadow over his eyes. Dust slowly drifted by his feet kicked up by the light morning breeze. The only thing that would've made this scene more epic was if the man were standing up instead of being tied to a log cross.

"T-that's him, Pirate Hunter Zoro-ouch!"

After lightly chopping Coby's head, Luffy griped, "Stop screaming all the time! You'll attract unwanted attention." Taking a quick glance at the tied up hunter, Luffy mused aloud, "Hmm, those ropes don't look too hard to break, it'll be easy to free him."

"Why would yo-ow!" Shark teeth and angry words were once again interrupted by a firm chop to the head almost making Coby lose his grip on the stones. Suddenly their antics were interrupted by a voice raspy from disuse and a lack of water; concealing well the tone of weariness, and masked full of irritation.

"Hey, you guys. You're an eyesore, get lost."

About to respond to the glaring man, Luffy was interrupted by a sudden ladder being placed on the wall between Nami and Akitsu, who had been quietly observing everything.

A cute girl with brown hair done up in twin pigtails with a white hood extending out of the light blue and cyan dress she was wearing with a pair of red shoes encasing her feet. She was holding something wrapped in a light orange napkin close to her chest.

Glaring at Coby and putting her finger to her mouth in a shushing motion, she lowered a rope and climbed down over the stone wall. She ran over to Zoro with a look of determination and pride on her face.

Alarmed at the actions of the girl, Coby turned to the silent man at his side. "Luffy, you need to stop her! She'll get killed!" No one move at his words as he turned back to the situation with a look of worry just in time to hear the little girl's words.

"You must be hungry. I made you some rice balls to eat." She presented the packaged she had clutched earlier.

Even from his position by the wall, Zoro's worried expression that had been quickly masked with feigned annoyance hadn't escaped Luffy's notice. "Oi! Pipsqueak you want to be killed? Scram!"

Undeterred, the little brunette pressed on. "You haven't eaten in awhile, so I made these for you. It was my first time, so I worked hard." Unwrapping her package and holding it up to Zoro with a look of such pride, joy, and absolute cuteness that even someone as hardened Zoro couldn't even help but to pause and accept the gift she lovingly prepared-

"I ain't hungry." -or not. "Get out of here before I kick you."

Tears began to bud in the corners of her eyes as she tried to protest, "But…"

"Just do it. Leave!" A slight amount of worry and panic leaked into his voice as he glanced to his right. It was too late.

"Now, don't be such a bully, Zoro."

Entering through the iron gate to the right of Zoro came in a teenage boy with a prominent cleft chin. His golden hair was done up in such a manner that it reminded people of a mushroom. He wore a royal purple suit with a hot pink shirt underneath, the collar was quite large, and a double row of golden buttons sat on the coat. His polish white shoes shined in the sunlight. He also wore golden rings and a gold bead necklace.

Following behind the odd looking man were two marines in the normal uniform of a white cap with the title 'Marine' emblazoned on it, a white button up shirt, a blue scarf tied around their necks, blue pants, gray socks, and black shoes.

"Ah…weird."

Luffy nodded his head in agreement with Akitsu. "A weird one came."

"Oh god, those clothes look horrible." Nami scoffed as she shook her head in disgust.

"Oh thank god! The marines are here. She's safe now." Coby didn't notice the incredulous looks thrown his way at his comment.

Oblivious to the insults, the blonde man continued to say with a self-righteous sneer. "You seem to be doing surprisingly well."

Stopping next to Zoro with the marines at rest behind him, he then looked at the rice balls that the girl was holding. He suddenly grabbed one away from her. "These look good. Thank you, little girl."

The tears that she had bravely tried to hold back were beginning to break loose. "Hey! Those aren't for you! Give it back!"

Taking a big bite out of the rice ball and chewing some, he spat it out with a look of sheer disgust on his face. Throwing the rest on the ground before he started yelling at the girl. "Balgh, that's disgusting! It's too sweet!"

Stepping back from the outburst, she tried to defend herself against the blonde's rudeness. "I thought it would taste better if it was sweet."

"Are you stupid? You're supposed to use salt, not sugar!" Slapping the remaining rice ball out of her hand and onto the ground, he cruelly stomped them into a muddy mess.

"No! Stop! Please!" She fell onto her knees reaching out with her hands, but too scared to try and grab her rice balls that she worked so hard to make in fear of her fingers being squished.

The hidden onlookers frowned at the sight, but it was Coby who looked the most distraught. "H-how horrible."

"I w-worked so hard on those." No longer able to hold back the tears in her eyes, she cried as she watched, what took her all morning to make, be crushed and ground into the dirt in front of her eyes.

Once satisfied with his handy work, the blond stopped his onslaught and revealed what once was sweet rice balls were now brown mush from all the dirt. He felt no remorse for his actions when he saw the tears streaking down the girl's cheeks.

Pulling a sheet of paper out from within his shirt, he read off of it. "'Those who help any prisoner in any way, shape, or form are to be charged with treason. The punishment for treason is that the traitor and their immediate family to be executed post haste. Signed, Captain Morgan.'" At the name Captain Morgan, the tears stopped, her body stiffened, and a look of absolute fear was plastered on her face.

He grinned maliciously. "Hehehe, it looks like even a little girl knows to fear my father."

If any of the others were surprised by the revelation none of them showed it. Coby, on the other hand, could not stop his gasp of shock. "His dad? His dad is Captain Morgan of the Marines?"

Looking over his shoulder at the marine on his left, the blonde ordered, "Oi you! Throw this girl over the wall."

"Huh?" A look of reluctance flashed across the marines face.

Turning around the son of the captain grabbed the marine by his collar and pulled his face close. "I SAID throw the girl over the wall. Don't make me tell daddy!"

"Y-y-yes sir, Helmeppo." The marine saluted.

The now named Helmeppo released the man with a smug smirk. The marine walked over and grabbed the girl while she struggled with all her might unable to break free from his grip.

Whispering to the girl, "Curl up into a ball little miss", he walked up to the wall. Momentarily surprised to see people, he asked softly so as to not be overheard, "Please catch her." After getting a nod from the straw-hat wearing boy with a toss and a scream he threw her over the wall and turned back with his face blank of any emotion.

She shut her eyes and curled into a ball under the advice of the marine, she scrunched her eyes up in preparation of pain only to feel something soft and comfortably chilly. Opening her eyes in surprise, she looked up into a pair of half lidded blue eyes and a head of silver hair. She felt relief flood her veins. Grabbing onto the kimono, she silently cried onto the woman's bosom. "T-thank you."

Slowly patting the little girls head Akitsu replied, "Ah…It's ok."

Coby quickly scrambled down from the wall to check up on the girl. "That was horrible, are you alright?" The little brunette nodded as she tried to wipe away the tears. Seeing that the child was going to be okay, Luffy and Nami turned their attention back to the courtyard.

Helmeppo laughed mockingly at the tied up swordsman. "Hehehehehehe, you sure are stubborn to not die huh?"

Zoro smirked full of self-confidence. "Yeah, I am gonna survive the month just as we promised."

"Yeah... Good luck with that, hehehehehe." Helmeppo backed away and turned to leave with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Irked at the blond's actions, Zoro shouted back, "Remember, I only have ten days left!"

From their position, neither Zoro or the silent audience could see the sly smirk on Helmeppo's face as he retorted. "Assuming you can live that long."

As Helmeppo's annoying laugh faded off into the distance, Zoro sighed in relief. Only to hitch in surprise as a boy in a straw hat, red shirt, blue jeans, and brown boots appeared in front of him. Putting it off as hunger affecting his awareness he asked tiredly, "What do you want?"

Taking a good look at the tied up man, Luffy noticed the clothes were slightly baggy, the bruises that littered the body were gruesome and some began to discolored showing their age and others a deep purple indicating that they were fresh. Along with the black eye hidden by the shadows of his bandana and the slight hollowness of his cheeks and the fatigue that was showing through his eyes, it summed his treatment at the hands of Helmeppo and marines pretty well.

"Man, a whole month without food? That's tough." Luffy stated as he scratched his cheeks thoughtfully.

Zoro scoffed at the younger boy. "That's because you don't have enough spirit. I will live through this, I swear it."

"I didn't say you couldn't do it. I just said it was tough. You look like shit."

Rolling his eyes, Zoro was too tired to properly argue besides it was true. "Thanks, asshole. Hey, before you leave could you do me a favor and pick those up for me?" He gestured with his eyes to the pile of dirty rice mush by his feet.

Bending down to the former rice balls, Luffy picked them up skeptically and slightly grossed out. "You're gonna eat these? They're mostly dirt by now…eew this one is wet with spit."

"Shut up and feed me them," Zoro demanded with annoyance.

Luffy raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes, now do it."

"Ok, it's your death wish."

After Luffy put the dirty rice into Zoro's awaiting mouth he chewed, grimaced, and swallowed with plenty of coughing, hacking, wheezing.

Luffy chuckled amused by the man's strange actions. "I told you."

"Shut up! Now the other one."

"Really? This one has spit on it."

A glare showed Zoro's determination, shrugging he put the last of the rice into Zoro's mouth and the whole thing was repeated again. Once he was finished, Zoro spot the brave child that had tried to gift them the rice balls to him.

Looking at the top of the wall at the little girl that was sitting there wide eyed. He yelled as loud as he could. "It was delicious."

A smile as bright as the sun spread across the girl's face full of joy and happiness, the surrounding people couldn't help but smile and the second biggest smile was Luffy's. He had found another crewmate.

Unknown to the people in the courtyard grounds, they were being observed by Captain Morgan himself. Turning to the lieutenant next to him, he said, "The girl has defied my order; that is disrespectful to me. Take a squad, find her and her family and bring them to me for proper interrogations. You have three hours."

"…"

"Do NOT make me repeat myself, lieutenant."

"Sir, yes sir." The lieutenant barely hid the reluctance and disgust in his voice, but that mattered not to the captain.

"As long as they follow orders, for I am great."

Walking back into town the group of four was following the little girl, who had introduced herself as Rika, lead them to her home as they escorted her there. Until Coby spoke up, "If only Captain Morgan knew his son was abusing his name, I-"

Rika suddenly stopped and spun around with a glare on her face full of hate, anger, malice, and hurt. "DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT MONSTER'S NAME LIKE THAT!"

Recoiling back, Coby was stunned. Luffy glanced around seeing people stop what they were doing glaring briefly their direction before continuing on. Before she could continue, Luffy grabbed her and motioned for everyone to follow. Entering an alley, he set Rika on a barrel. "Here, that way no unwanted ears can hear you."

Glaring at Coby, Rika continued. "That foul, loathsome monster should just die. He has done nothing but harm and terrorizes everyone here." Tearing up her voice started to choke up, "H-he even killed m-m-my b-best friend."

People were murmuring as they gathered into the town square. As they entered gasps of horror spread throughout the populous as three bound and gagged people were dragged onto the platform that was erected in the square. Tied to three posts were a man in a marine uniform, a woman that was his wife, and a young girl.

*Gasp* "Marry?" Confused purple eyes gazed onto the platform.

Standing to the left of the three people was a giant of a man standing at rest. He was a head and shoulder above the surrounding men around him with suntanned skin, muscles visible on his bare arms and through his clothes. Short light blonde hair, a metal jaw covered his mouth with four large teeth with the marine emblem on the chin of it, wearing a sleeveless light blue trench coat with a maroon lining, gold epaulets, dark blue vest, a light and dark blue zebra striped pants, and black combat boots. Peeking out from behind his back was an absolutely massive ax blade. Raising his left hand, he pointed towards the three that were tied up.

"This family has been charged with treason. The man has defied my orders multiple times. From now on, the punishment for treason shall also be passed onto the family of the traitor. For if a person performs treason, why wouldn't his family? The punishment for treason is execution."

Turning to the bound people he raised his right hand, which turned out to be an ax and swung at the man. The head of the man along with the top of the post flew off with a slew of blood out of the neck, splattering on the wood of the execution platform.

Terrified Gasps escaped from the crowd, cries of horror and sadness were muffled by hands or, in the case of the people of the platform, cloth gags. Another swing another head flew along with the top of the post, and more blood splattered.

As the monster walked up to Marry, the little girl was struggling with all her might, tear tracks visible on her cheeks looking with absolute fear at the ax covered with the blood of her parents. Before a hand covered Rika's eyes, she was picked up and started to be moved away from the platform. Struggling from her mom's arms, she finally got the hand to slip just enough to see Marry's head fly from her neck, blood flying through the air before her mom turn the corner and she saw no more.

"MARRY! LET ME GO! I NEED TO GET TO MARRY! NOOOOOOO!"

Tears flowed from her eyes at the memory, Rika tried to scrub them dry with her dress before a pair of warm arms picked her up and cradled her to a warm chest. Wrapping her little arms around the warmth, calming words of comfort were whispered into ears as the woman rocked her back and forth while rubbing circles on her back. Her sobs could not be stopped.

Slowly over a few minutes, they lessened until she raised her head to see a kindly smiling Nami looking down at her before the moment was interrupted by Luffy.

Walking over to Rika and looking her eye to eye. "I swear to you this, Rika. Today will be the last day of Morgan's corrupt regime. Today he shall fall bloody and broken for the pain he has caused!"

A look of wonder came across her face as she said in a small voice "Really? You're serious."

"Yes, I am serious."

The biggest smile he has seen from her yet bloomed on her red cheeks. However, her face changed before she said words that no child should ever say, "Make him suffer."

"Definitely." Rubbing her head getting a giggle and another smile from her, Luffy stood with his dark eyes blazing with determination. "But first, do you mind explaining what Zoro did to get into trouble with the marines?"

Rika nodded as she began to explain, "Well it was three weeks ago…"

Rika was sweeping up the floors at her family's diner when she suddenly heard a lot of screaming, yelling, and a bestial growl coming from outside. Running up to the decorative bay window, she saw that a pair of wolves were running to and fro biting and clawing at people around it. "Why is no one handling them? They will hurt someone." She thought. It wasn't long before the answer was given by a voice yelling out.

"Make way for my Lord Percy and Lady Gina, don't get in their way or you'll be executed." A man in a ghastly purple suit was walking down the street, a saber over his right shoulder, followed by a pair of marines that looked like they really didn't want to be there.

Suddenly both wolves stopped in the middle of the street sniffing around, a chill went up Rika's spine as she quickly made her way to close the door. Unfortunately, she wasn't fast enough and as the door was closing the wolves burst into the restaurant shoving Rika to the floor with the force of the partially open door opening all the way.

Jumping up onto tables, the wolves grabbed everything they wanted and the people scrambled to get out of the way. Rika picked herself up and started to swing her broom trying to scare off the beasts.

Her mother's normally tan face turned pale white as she saw her little girl fight off the fearsome beasts. "Rika don't get back here." Trying to get around the long counter to reach her daughter to protect her, the mother raced to her side, but she didn't make it in time.

The wolves turned their crazed eyes towards the little girl both lunging at her. Their jaws full of sharp teeth open wide to bite down. Before that fate could come true a man charged forward from his spot on the counter slamming his sheathed sword onto the back of the wolves heads. Both fell to the ground, heads sitting at odd angles, necks broken. A stunned silence settled throughout the diner before Rika's mom continued to her and picked up Rika carrying her away from the soon to come confrontation.

Helmeppo stood in the doorway looking forward to seeing his precious pets playing around seeing that they found a new toy he was pleased, but that was before that man dared to ruin his fun by killing them. Raising his sword he charged with a yell before his sword was knocked out of his hands sticking into the ceiling then he received a punch to the face sending him crashing into the counter.

Rubbing his face and looking up to glare at his attacker, his mouth opening to yell commands at his loyal subordinates, only to find a sword blade pointed at his right eye. A mouse-like squeak escaped his lips as he noticed two more swords strapped onto the man's waist. Realizing who he was dealing with, he felt a shiver of fear run down his spine.

Suddenly Zoro turned and sheathed his blade setting enough beri on the counter to pay for his meal along with extra to repair the ceiling. He started to leave but halted in his steps when he heard the blonde man speak. "You know that those two over there are going to be executed when daddy finds out about this."

Zoro glanced at the terrified faces of the mother and daughter as they clutch onto each other. "Being the gracious man I am, I would let their mention in my story fall away if you turn yourself in. If you last a month I'll even let you go."

Slowly turning to look at Helmeppo. Zoro only had one choice. "Deal."

-scene

"So he isn't a bad guy, good…maybe when he gets out I'll ask him to join." Luffy mused aloud before pausing for the expected interruption from Coby. He turned to him only to see him shaking deep in thought. "I guess this is actually getting through to him."

With a sigh, Luffy started to leave the alley. "Well, let's get you home before your mother gets worried and then I'll go and fulfill my promise."

Rika shimmied out of Nami's hold and she quickly followed after him. "Make sure you save big brother Zoro!"

"Sure thing." Luffy's wide, infectious grin set her at ease. He would keep his promise.

Turning back onto the main road continuing to Rika's home, they suddenly heard a familiar annoying voice.

"Hehehehehehe... Make sure you are all at the execution platform tomorrow. For tomorrow is a joyous day! It is the day that Roronoa Zoro gets executed!"

"No", the horrified whisper escaped Rika's mouth, her hands gripping tightly to the ends of her dress before she remembered the promise big brother Luffy said to her then her fright turned to anger at the betrayal. Helmeppo was never going to keep his word.

Luffy shared her thoughts as he barked out heatedly, "Hey! I thought he still had ten days then you'd release him."

Halted in his steps, Helmeppo looked towards down the road at the voice seeing a man in a straw hat. "I don't know where you found out about that, but I lied. I never was going to release him; that was to get him weakened enough so I could execute him myse-" A punch to face courtesy of Luffy sent Helmeppo flying across the street into the side of the building before he could continue.

Letting Helmeppo's unconscious body fall to the ground and ignoring the wide horrified gazes of the surrounding people, Luffy turned to his group and commanded, "Let's return Rika quickly then we are going to defeat Morgan and recruit Zoro."

Quickly getting directions from Rika, they arrived at her house in moments to meet an older version of Rika worriedly pacing the front of the restaurant. Spotting Rika, she rushed and tackled her into a hug sending her stumbling.

At the sight of the mother fussing over the kid, Nami couldn't help but overlay the image of a woman in a marine uniform with a Mohawk fussing over a small orange haired girl. Shaking her head free of those images, she noticed that her captain and his followers had started to power walk towards the Marine base. She ran to catch up to them.

Arriving at the front of the marine base once again, Luffy approached the wall and in an astounding show of strength, jumped over the wall in a single leap, startling the lone man in the courtyard.

"What are you doing here? I told you to scram." Zoro rasped at the approaching Luffy.

Not pausing his strides, Luffy pressed onwards towards the bound man. "I was just curious as to if you had a dream? With all the determination I see from you, I can only expect it to be a big one."

Looking up in surprise, Zoro couldn't help but contemplate whether or not to tell the younger man, reaching a decision he replied. "My dream is to be the greatest swordsman in the world. I will not die before then. This is just another challenge that was placed in front of me that I will overcome and be stronger for it."

Luffy grinned. "Shishishi, that's a good resolve. My dream is to be the King of the Pirates, I'm currently looking for crewmates an-"

Zoro snorted and turned his head away. "Why should I become a criminal? All that would do would set the marines on me and get in the way of my search."

"That would be true if it wasn't for the fact that the blonde mushroom set your execution date for tomorrow."

His arrogance quickly doused, Zoro whipped his head back to the grim-faced boy. "W-what? Helmeppo said that?"

Luffy nodded solemnly. "I heard it directly. He gave you the challenge so he could execute you himself without fear of reprisal."

Zoro's rage was apparent. His muscles tensed, his teeth grinding together, and his eyes glared up at nothing. "Curse that honorless bastard of a man."

Coby, who just was able to walk up to the cross with the others, happened to be in the direction of Zoro's glare and couldn't help but be intimidated, falling onto his rear he yelled out. "Hieeeeee."

Ignoring Coby's wimpy moment, Luffy continued to say, "You said you were a swordsman? I'm willing to get your sword back if you join me."

Seeing no better options, Zoro sighed, "…Sure I'm going to be a criminal anyways so why not. Since you're so determined, I use three swords, not just one. Helmeppo has them."

Luffy's eyes gleamed in awe. "…I knew you were a badass."

Smirking, Zoro preened at the praise. "Thanks, captain."

Pleased with the title, Luffy turned his attention to the others. "Akitsu stay here with Coby. Free Zoro and protect him."

"Ah…ok"

"Gotcha."

His dark eyes glanced at the orange head before making his way towards the base. He ordered over his shoulder, "Nami, you're with me. We have a set of swords to find."

"Ok." There was no way she was going to disagree with the man, especially when it suited her purposes.

As Luffy and Nami ran to the building, Coby started to untie the ropes holding Zoro to the cross.

Displeased with his slow progress, Akitsu decided to do it herself. "Ah…move"

"What? I'm trying to untie these knots. Whoever did these is an idiot! They're a mess it's gonna take me a while to untie them."

"Ah…move."

"What are you gon-aaaack." The shock was from claws growing out from under Akitsu's sleeves.

Approaching Zoro, she struck out slicing through the ropes with ease causing Zoro to stumble forward before Coby caught him and helped him stand up on his unused legs before he got his strength back.

Rubbing his arms and legs while stretching his stiff muscles Zoro asked, "What now?"

"Ah…wait."

Lieutenant Nagato hated his job. He despised his commanding officer; every time he had to come close to that monster in human skin he felt as if he had to take three scalding showers just to feel clean again. He despised what he was ordered to do; he hated everything about it, like his current mission he was tasked with.

Find a little girl and her family and bring them in for judgment, which basically meant sitting in a cell for a few days before being dragged out to the execution platform to die from beheading. Ever since Morgan took over this town, it has been hell.

"Lieutenant." Broken out of his thoughts, he turned to the man who addressed him.

"Yes, petty officer?"

The Lieutenant could see the reluctance in the younger man as he answered. "We've found the girl and her mother."

'Damn it.' Knowing he had no other choice, he begrudgingly asked, "Any other relatives?"

"No, just the girl and a single mother."

He sighed tiredly and turned away before giving the condemning order. "Grab them and let's get going."

Marines went into the house and not too long after, two screams of terror were heard by those in the area, followed by people watching fearfully from the windows as the mother and daughter were dragged from the house and down the street.

Aware of the fate that awaited them, Nagato could not but want to set them free and get them away from this hellhole. Immediately after thinking that, images of his little twins girls, his son, and his wife passed through his mind. Hardening his heart he thought "No matter what I have to do! I will protect you all, even if I have to work with the devil himself."

Lieutenant Nagato truly hated his job.

Luffy, as he was running towards the building heard a commotion on the roof. Deciding that was the best course of action, he quickly explained his plan to Nami. "Hey Nami, I'm going to provide a distraction, you sneak into the base and search for Zoro's swords."

"Ok." Wrapping an arm around Nami's waist -"W-what are you doing!?"- he launched himself up into the air and used geppo to run up to the top of the building ignoring Nami gripping him tightly and screaming as he headed to the top.

Upon the top of the building was Captain Morgan standing in front of a large cloth covered object ten times the height of Morgan. With him, surrounding the cloth covered object, were thirty marines standing at attention.

Speaking up so all may hear him, Captain Morgan stated, "Two things matter in this world, strength and titles. It was with my strength that I rose to the rank of captain. Meaning I, the strongest and highest ranking officer here, am the superior person! So everything I do is right. Isn't that right men?"

Saluting Captain Morgan, the marines said in unison. "Sir, yes sir! You are absolutely correct."

The steel-jawed man continued on, "To disobey my orders is to disrespect me and those who do that need punishment. Today a little rat snuck into the execution grounds to help a criminal, and I have already sent people to arrest them for judgment..."

All the men there looked down in silence in mourning of those that will die. "...But today I have good news." The men perked up in confusion. "Today, after many years of work, the symbol of my authority has been completed. Now to unveil it to the world so they can bask in its glory, remove the cover!"

Five marines walked forward and grabbed the sheet and pulled with all their might uncovering the object underneath. A giant statue of Captain Morgan arms out wide as if it was going to embrace something large was revealed. To captain Morgan, it was the most beautiful thing he's seen; to the marines, it looked both narcissistic and stupid, but they didn't voice their thoughts aloud. That was just asking for death.

"Man, that looks stupid."

Jolts of surprise and shock went through the spines of the people on the roof. Turning to the voice, they saw a young man wearing a straw hat. "I mean not only is the pose looks like you're trying to hug someone, but the fact you made it out of stone is just cheap. A proper statue would be made out of bronze, marble, or gold." The newcomer continued to say, oblivious to the disbelieving looks sent his way.

Jaws gaped at the words that were spoken. They just couldn't believe that he spoke out against Captain Morgan. Suddenly the boy disappeared from his spot and another shock ran through them as their heads turned one way and another to find him so he didn't continue to piss off the captain anymore.

Hearing a crack and dreadful rumble, they turned to the sound seeing the boy's fist impact the statue's stomach. A crater about a foot and a half was left where he punched and cracks spread out from the focal point creating an ominous creaking sound.

Suddenly, the statue broke in half collapsing and falling apart as it tumbled down. Out of the way of the debris, the marines couldn't help but look in shock at the destruction, eyes bulging out of their sockets and jaws hitting the floor. Their fear of the captain's reprisal skyrocketed.

Luffy stood proudly, not at all affected by the rising killing intent. "There, now that's out of the way you can start again. This time make a proper statue!"

Looking at the captain, the marines saw rage at a level they've never seen before flowing through him. His muscles were bulging beneath his skin. His one fist clenched so tightly the knuckles turned white. His metal jaw bit down on something that caused a trail of blood to leak out of his mouth.

His eyes... oh the eyes... were filled with a demonic malice that sent each and everyone scrambling away from them lining the barrier around the roof in fear as the two faced off. With a mighty roar, Captain Morgan charged at the boy. The terrified marines silently prayed that his death would be quick and his soul would find peace.

After calming down from being lifted high in the air by Luffy, Nami pushed her fear into the back of her head to clear her thoughts. "I am going to smack him, so hard." After thinking about it. "After we aren't..." glancing down, "...fifty feet in the air." Gulping at the sight she tightened her hold onto Luffy as she waited for the ride to stop.

Suddenly, she felt she was going super fast and she started to stumble weakly on her feet since her handhold disappeared. Leaning up against the wall, her dizziness passed quickly. Glancing at Luffy she saw him wink and then start insulting the giant narcissist.

Blinking momentarily in confusion, she quickly caught onto what was going on and snuck to the doorway that leads to a staircase and high-tailed it down.

"Foul, corrupt, and narcissistic! That's what Morgan is, and the people look like Cocoyashi just after Arlong arrived. The fake smiles, slight shuffle in their step, and the air of hopelessness..." Nami with her experience with such things could tell at a glance that this was just like Cocoyashi.

"I couldn't do anything about it because it is a marine in charge, but then this pirate comes along and swears to free them? What is his game? There's no pirate who would do such a thing! He's probably going to extort this village! I will not let that happen!"

Eventually passing a large set of double doors, she assumed that this was an office of a higher-up, most likely Morgan, and entered. She looked around and rummaged through a large desk with an equally large chair behind it. There was a pile of papers on the left side, and behind the desk was a large bay window facing the town below. A smaller version of the statue that was up on the rooftop was to the right of the window, and the right wall was lined with barrels,

"Surprisingly simple for a narcissist." She mused.

After spending a few minutes looking through the room, desk, statue, and finding nothing she started to walk out only to look at the barrels suspiciously. Investigating behind them, she saw a door to a safe. "Jackpot."

Moving the offending barrels aside, she cracked the safe only for her eyes to turn into beri signs as she reached for the gold bars and diamonds inside. Her hand stopped as her hand brushed a diamond the size of a blueberry. Her eyes soften and she sighed resigned at what she knew she had to do. "These people need this more than me, I'll leave it."

About to get up and walk away, she noticed a map at the very back of the safe. Her inner navigator's curiosity was piqued. Grabbing and opening it, she saw that it was a treasure map for an island in the shape of a perfect circle except for a channel heading to the center, where there was a circular lake. "I think I'll take this. It's not like if the marines find this, the townspeople would get a single beri out of it." Leaving the room and safe open for prying eyes, she left.

Following the hall, she came across a room marked with a white sign surrounded by a flowery wreath that read, 'HELMEPPO'S ROOM KEEP OUT'. Grinning in victory, she opened the door to be blinded by pink, white, and gold. Jaw dropping as she realized this looked similar to the Beautiful Swan, she shivered in disgust, "Alvida's ship, while horrendous, at least made sense for a girl to have a pink room, what makes this room bad is that it's not a girl."

Looking around, she spotted a white vanity with a pink seat, a mirror trimmed in gold, a pink heart-shaped bed. What was worse and a bit unsettling was the makeup on the vanity. As she walked farther into the pink hell she stumbled as the building shook. "What was that? Are cannon rounds hitting the building?... That can't be right we're too far from the shore." Shrugging it off she continued her search. Finally finding the swords next to the mirror, she grabbed them. Taking a closer look, all three were the same, a black cloth wrapped handle accented by the red handle underneath. They had a bronze tsuba and a black sheath. She clutched them tightly and fled the room of horrors, not even bothering to close the door.

As she ran down the hallway back to the staircase the walls in front of her exploded, she screamed as smalls stone pelted her bruising her as she fell. After a moment of confusion, she slowly got up on her feet, wince as her right ankle flared in pain. She looked at the damage mouth agape as she saw the damage, she could see the floor below and above her, and through the next three rooms. Curiosity overriding her sense of safety she gazed out to see what could tear into a building, seeing two figures clashing in the execution she could only gape as she saw them fight. Cold sweat covered her skin as a thought ran through her mind "What did I get into."

"I underestimated him." The thought ran through Luffy's mind after a bleeding wound from a surprise rankyaku from Morgan's ax. He dodged and weaved around everything Morgan threw at him, realizing that this battle was going to be a tad more difficult than he expected.