Sometime after deciding on where to go the three travelers made it to Shells Town.
"Well, here we are." Nami said
"You guys look for another boat. I am keeping this one."
"Why can't we share it? I have a feeling we would end up going to the same place anyways." Luffy said
"Fine!" Nami said annoyed "Well either way, meet back here when you are done with your business in town." Nami said still not entirely sure why she was willing to stick with this strange man.
"Alright then, let's go Coby!" Luffy said and they began walking up the island towards the Marine base.
"Sure"
Luffy and Coby were making their way up the street when Luffy stopped to buy some fruit. In between bites Luffy was talking with Coby.
"You know Coby. There are not just good marines. There are also bad marines who take their authority too far."
"No way, that is not possible" Coby said
"Just wait you will see eventually."
"Excuse me mam."
"Yes, young man?"
"What do you think about the leader of that base up there? I believe his name is Morgan. Is that right?"
The towns' people jumped hearing the name Morgan
"Do you know where I can find Zoro?"
The towns' people jumped hearing the name Zoro
"Why would you be looking for either of them?" The older lady asked
"No reason, I was just curious that's all. Thank you for your time mam." Luffy said walking away from the vendor.
"Ok Coby, why was their reaction to the Marine and the pirate hunter the same?"
"That is a good question. I am not really sure"
"The answer is that the people are afraid of both of them."
"If you want to join the Marines I am not going to stop you. But make sure that you keep your priorities the same." Luffy said thinking about the future of his pink haired buddy who was a vice admiral by the time he found the One Piece.
"You want to become a Marine because you want to catch bad guys. Don't ever forget the reason why you began the journey to reach your goal."
"I promise I won't"
"You know Coby, just like there are some bad Marines there are also some good pirates."
"I think you have that backwards Luffy-san."
"You will see."
A short time later Luffy and Coby were standing in front of the Marine base.
"I guess this is where we part ways Luffy-san" Coby said teary eyed
Luffy ignored Coby and climbed up the wall around the base
"What are you doing up there?"
"Now where is that demon?"
"He wouldn't be out there. He is most likely in a cell inside the base."
Luffy pulled Coby up to look over the wall with him.
"See there he is."
"Why is he out there?"
"If we untie him do you think he will join me?"
"If you untie him, he is going to kill you"
"Don't worry I am strong"
'What's with this guy does he have a death wish?' Coby thought
"Hey, you two are bothering me, get lost" Zoro said
A moment later a ladder appeared next to Coby and a little girl climbed up and over the wall around the execution yard.
"I told you get lost little girl"
"But I made these rice balls for you"
"I'm not hungry."
"You're annoying! Go home"
"Don't make me hurt you."
"You shouldn't bully little kids Zoro" Helmeppo said
"Oh good a marine, he'll get her out of there."
"Oh that rice ball looks good. Don't mind if I do." Helmeppo said grabbing one and taking a bite. "That's nasty, what did you put in there?"
"I thought they would taste better with sugar." Rika said
"You're supposed to use salt." Helmeppo knocking the other rice ball out of her hands and began stomping it into the dirt.
"How terrible" Coby said
"Haven't you read this poster yet? Anyone who helps this criminal will be executed – Marine Captain Morgan."
"You, toss this kid over the wall."
"What"
"Are you disobeying me? Don't make me tell my dad."
"I'm sorry little girl, I don't want to do this" the marine whispered to Rika before he tossed her over the wall.
Luffy jumped from the wall and saved the little girl.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, I am ok. Thank you"
"You bastard" Zoro said
"You are pretty stubborn, still being alive."
"Yeah, I will survive this whole month."
"Well, do your best."
"Only ten more days left"
"Only if you live that long" Helmeppo said walking out of the execution yard
"So you're a bad guy?" Luffy said now standing in front of Zoro
"What, you're still here?"
"Are you really strong?"
"Of course I am but I will survive and show them."
"What a stubborn guy" Luffy said rubbing his head before he began to walk away.
"Wait a second. Can you get that?"
"What this?"
"It's more of a dirt ball now."
"I don't care."
Luffy picked up the dirt ball and fed it to Zoro. All while coughing the whole time.
"It was delicious, Thanks for the food."
A little while later Luffy, Coby and Rika were talking. Rika began to tell them the story of why Zoro was in the predicament he was in. She told them that Helmeppo came into her mother's bar with his "pet" wolf. It was bothering the people in the bar so Zoro knocked it out. Helmeppo was upset and went to attack Zoro. But easily knocked the sword out of Helmeppo's hands and quickly drew one of his own swords. She told them that they would have had to go to jail. However Helmeppo made a deal with Zoro. In exchange for our freedom he would have to spend one month tied up. After that time he would be free.
"It's been three weeks since then."
"Helmeppo kicks and punches Zoro while he is tied up."
Inside Helmeppo is making another scene.
"Since I am tired of waiting I am going to execute Zoro tomorrow."
Luffy ran up to Helmeppo and punched him right in the cheek sending him flying into a wall.
"Who are you?"
"Your trash."
"I will tell my father and have you executed!"
"Why don't you do something by yourself?"
"Coby, I am going to have Zoro join me!"
Helmeppo ran off going to tell Morgan and Luffy went back to the Execution Yard to talk to Zoro.
"You again? You have too much free time."
"I'm going to get you out of these ropes and you will become my nakama. I'm looking for people to join my pirate crew"
"I refuse"
"What's wrong with being a pirate?"
"Pirates are scum. Who would want to be one?"
"You're already known as an evil pirate hunter."
"I've never done anything I've regretted"
"I have already decided that you are going to be my nakama."
"Don't go deciding stuff on your own." Zoro said annoyed
"You use swords right? If I get them for you, will join me then?
"You're going to go into that base all by yourself? You really are an idiot."
Luffy just cracked a smile and ran off to base.
"It's weird that no one is around"
Luffy was just standing there when he heard a sound coming from up above.
"Oh yeah, they are on the roof. Gomu Gomu no Rocket" Luffy said as he stretched one of his arms and grabbed onto a landing of a staircase about half way up the building and made his way from there to the roof.
"Yo" Luffy said as he landed on the roof
"What are you doing with this ridiculous statue?"
"What do you mean ridiculous statue?"
"Don't you think this is a bit much?" Luffy said as he jumped up onto the statue and simply kicked the statue. That one kick broke the statue in half. When it landed on the ground it broke into various Morgan shaped pieces.
The marines and Morgan stood there mouths wide open after seeing what this boy just did.
"Oh yeah, I remember why I came up here."
"Capture him, I want him executed." Morgan said
"You come with me. I need to find Zoro's swords." Luffy grabbed Helmeppo and began running around the base until they stopped in a quiet area. "Where are Zoro's swords?"
"They are in my room, we just passed it." And following that proceeded to pass out
Luffy walked into Helmeppo's and found Zoro's swords. He took some up rope and tied them together and slung them over one shoulder.
Back on the ground Coby was trying to untie Zoro.
"If you do that you will be killed" Zoro said
"I can't stand by and watch these Marines anymore."
"Stop, I can't run away! I only have 10 more days left."
"Helmeppo is going to execute you tomorrow."
"What?"
"Helmeppo never intended to keep his promise! That's why Luffy-san got mad and punched him. He is probably being chased by the Marines right now. I'm not telling you to become a pirate, but please help Luffy-san. Luffy-san is the only one who can save you Zoro-san. And I believe you are the only one who can save Luffy-san."
"Hold it right there." Morgan said. For committing treason against me you both will be executed. Do you and the guy with the straw hat intend to start a revolution?"
"I've always fought my battles alone, unlike you who are hiding behind your troops!"
"Don't underestimate me Roronoa Zoro."
Back in Helmeppo's room with Luffy
"I better get down there before they get shot at."
Luffy opened the windows and jumped down and landed in front of Zoro and Coby.
"Men, shoot at Mugiwara." Morgan said
All of the troops aimed their guns at Luffy and fired. To the surprise of everyone Luffy didn't die, he didn't even try to move. The bullets hit him and his body stretched to absorb the energy from the gun shots and then he sent them flying into the sky to avoid injuring people unnecessarily.
"That doesn't work." Luffy said laughing
"What the hell are you?" Zoro asked surprised
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy, the man who is going to be King of the Pirates."
"You said King of the Pirates. Do you even understand what that means?"
"Of course I know what it means"
"I was surprised too, but I believe he really is serious."
"Hey, I didn't ask who you were. I asked what you were."
"Oh right, I'm made of rubber." Luffy said stretching one of his cheeks
"I ate the Gomu Gomu no mi"
"You ate a devil fruit?"
"I thought they were just rumors."
"Here are your swords back." Luffy said ignoring Morgan. Now what will you do? If you fight with me against the Marines they will consider you an enemy. So what do you choose? Being killed by the Marines or becoming a pirate and joining me? It's your decision!"
"You're the son of the devil!"
"You have no idea." Luffy said chuckling
"Fine! I'd rather be a pirate than die here."
Luffy drew one of Zoro's nameless swords and sliced the ropes releasing Zoro.
"Who taught you to do that?" Zoro asked
"A friend gave me a few lessons a couple years ago. Here are your swords back. You are going to fight Morgan. I will take care of the small fries."
"What are you talking about?"
"Just watch, this is pretty cool"
Luffy just turned to face the marines who had not moved since Luffy sent their bullets flying into the air. Luffy put one hand on his hat and covered his eyes. While standing there he released a concentrated blast of Haki and knocked out all of the low ranking marine soldiers. He was careful not to knock out Morgan.
"What the hell was that" Morgan said
"Any clue what that was?" Zoro asked Coby
"None, I have only known Luffy-san a little while. I didn't think he was that strong." Coby said
"He didn't do anything but knocked them out anyway." Zoro said
"What did you do to my men Mugiwara?"
"Me, I didn't do anything at all." Luffy said laughing
"Whatever, it makes no difference to me. I am going to make you pay for disrespecting me."
"Zoro it's your turn. You can take him."
Morgan ran to attack Luffy. He swung his ax hand toward Luffy but was stopped by Zoro. Zoro had stopped Morgan's axe in between his two swords.
"I promised to be a pirate. Opposing the Marines makes me a wanted me tell you one thing. I will join you but, I am doing this to make my own dream come true!"
"Your own dream?" Luffy said fully aware of what Zoro was talking about.
"To become the world's greatest swordsman" He had seen Zoro's dream come to fruition once.
Then he remembered something that Shanks told him when he was there to watch Zoro and Mihawk duke it out for the title of Greatest Swordsman. Shanks told him he used to duel with Mihawk before he lost his arm. 'Well this is going to be interesting' Luffy though not knowing how much harder this would make that duel in the next few years. Luffy just shook that thought out of his mind for now and responded to Zoro.
"Sounds good to me, As the Pirate King I wouldn't expect any less from you."
"I don't care how I spread my name. But it will be a name that is known all around the world"
"Are you done talking?" Morgan asked getting annoyed
"Oh, yeah. I still have to deal with you don't I?"
Morgan backed up and removed his axe from between Zoro's blades so they could continue the fight. He would have never told anyone but he wasn't able to move his ax anywhere but up. Zoro got ready to attack and crossed his arms in front of his body with the blades facing out. Zoro got up and began running towards Morgan.
"Oni…Giri" was all Morgan heard as he didn't have time to react. Zoro moved much too fast. Morgan stood there for a few moments before he fell was standing there watching the whole time
"Nice Zoro"
"It was nothing Senchou."
"Now to get rid of this."
"What are you talking about Luffy?"
Luffy walked over to Morgan and picked up his right foot, it was hovering over Morgan's Ax. "Busoshoku koka" Was all Zoro heard before he saw Luffy's foot turn black. Luffy then brought his foot down on the ax. The sharp head of the ax was now on the ground flat while the cylindrical bit was still attached to Morgan's arm.
"That was amazing; you have to teach me how to do that. What was that anyway?" Zoro asked
"That was Haki and I will show you it to you again soon. And I will teach you once there are a few more of us."
"So besides me, who else have you gotten to join you?"
"Just you so far." Luffy said laughing
"It's just the two of us?" Zoro said pointing to Luffy and then back to himself.
"Yeah, but there is one other person here I want to get to join."
"Coby?" Zoro asked
"No, he is going to join the Marines. Her name is Nami and she is a navigator."
"Mugiwara don't move. If you do I will kill him."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about you." Luffy said already kind of bored
"Luffy-san I don't want to interfere with your dream."
"I am ready to die trying to achieve my dream."
"Yeah, I know. You hear that? Just give up stupid. Coby is serious about dying for his dream. While Helmeppo was distracted Luffy punched him and knocked him out cold.
One by one the Marines began to wake up. They were still groggy but they could see Morgan lying on the ground and their former prisoner was free and moving about.
"They did it, they beat Captain Morgan" One of the Marines said.
Zoro noticed the marines were up and he said "If anyone still wants to fight, come get us!"
The Marines looked at each other and dropped their weapons. They began celebrating the defeat of the oppressive Captain Morgan.
Meanwhile Nami was in Morgan's office.
"It's not in here" looking through a drawer in Morgan's desk
"Where would they hide that map?"
Nami began looking around the room, which was when she spotted something out of place.
"Oh lucky, I found this safe over here."
"They didn't do a good job hiding this safe."
Much to Nami's surprise the safe was already open.
"Here it is, the map of the Grand Line" When she opened the map she was annoyed to see that it was replaced with a useless piece of paper with the mark of Buggy the clown on it. Saying "this was flashily stolen by the Buggy Pirates"
"Why does this feel so familiar?" Nami said kind of irritated. "Damn, I guess I have to keep looking."
Back with Luffy, Zoro & Coby in Ririka's bar
"That meal was worth not eating for 3 weeks!"
"Is that all you are going to eat?"
"How can you still be eating? You can't have a larger appetite than me."
"Wanna bet?" Luffy said and kept stuffing his face
"You were amazing back there." Coby said
"I guess I am." Luffy said pulling a Chopper – 'I'm not happy you bastard.'
"One day I'm gonna become even greater. I'm gonna become the King of the Pirates. I found a nakama as well."
"So it's just the two of us for now. What about our ship?"
"It's over there. It's the one in the harbor."
"Really, that's it." Zoro said looking out at the harbor.
"Yeah, but soon we are going to get one that is a lot bigger."
"I don't think Luffy-san has anything planned out at all"
"How did I get stuck with this idiot?"
"Where are you guys going now?" Rika asked
"Well eventually we are heading for the Grand Line, but first we really do need to get a bigger ship before we go there. That's where the One Piece is."
"Well, I guess we have no choice."
"Not you too, Zoro-san."
"Who cares, you aren't going."
"No, but I can still worry. Can't I? Because Luffy-san and I are friends, even though we haven't known each other that long."
"Yeah we might be parting ways, but we'll always be friends." Luffy said cracking a smile
"Because of you two I've learned to strive for my own goals. I'm going to make my dream come true. I'm going to become a Marine."
"Don't worry about us, you should take care of yourself. Even though you were a chore boy under Alvida, a pirate is a pirate in the eyes of the Marines. Don't underestimate the Marines information gathering. If they find out you won't be able to join."
Just as Zoro finished saying that a few Marines walked into the bar
"Excuse me. Is it true that you are pirates?"
"Yeah we are, I just found a new nakama."
"We are grateful that you saved us from Morgan. But as pirates I must ask you to leave this town at once. We will not report you to headquarters as our thanks for saving this town."
The towns' people were not happy with the Marines decision to kick out the pirates who saved the town.
"Well, I guess we are leaving. Thank you for the food."
Luffy and Zoro were walking out the door when Commander Ripper stopped them.
"Isn't he a nakama of yours?"
"I know all about this guy, he worked on a ship for this fat lady, I think her was Albeda or..." By now Coby was scared and but he was going to give up without a fight. So he punched Luffy in the face. This annoyed Luffy but it worked out before so why not try again. He put on a good show by knocking Coby around a little, that was until ripper stepped in to stop the one sided brawl.
"It's obvious that you aren't nakama, so leave this bar."
Luffy and Zoro left the bar and headed for the harbor where they found Nami waiting.
"Yo, Nami. All done in town?"
"Yeah, I am. So where now?"
"Where is the next closest place on the map?"
"That would be the Organ Islands."
"That sounds good to me, any objection Zoro?"
"None"
"Alright then, off to the Organ Islands."
Back to the future Straw Hats watching through the portal
"Well Zoro-san?" Brook asked
"Not much changed there. You know aside from Luffy using Haki."
"You mean to tell me you really were almost killed." Sanji couldn't help but laugh
"Yeah, it's true. Laugh it up swirly brow." Zoro said kind of ashamed
"I really was on that stupid thing for three weeks."
"Well I am glad you weren't executed." Robin said
"You know I didn't leave with you two the first time." Nami said
"The first time I met Luffy was in Orange Town where they are going next when he fell out of the sky."
"So that's what happened. I remember him launching himself into the sky trying to catch a bird for us to eat. The next thing I know Luffy is stuck in the bird's mouth and I am rowing like crazy trying to catch up to him. Out of nowhere three people began calling out asking for help. Their boat must have capsized."
"Were they Buggy Pirates?"
"Yeah, they were. How did you know that?"
"I was the one who tricked them into giving up their boat. Not two minutes after I tricked them a storm formed near them and their boat began to sink."
"That sounds exactly like something you would have done back then." Zoro said
"Who are we kidding, she would do that now." Usopp said
That smart comment earned Usopp a nice big bump on his head.