I'm glad people are enjoying this. Fun is the order of the day but I have made some executive decisions that may make me unpopular in the following chapters.
But I'll hide from those characters fans behind Zoro.
It's the Morgan arc! Featuring Pirate Hunter Roronoa! Tenzou the long-suffering! :D The Idiot Son Helmeppo! Rika-chan! (Loudest cheers yet) and lots and lots of Meat! (How else would I get Luffy to co-operate?)
Thank you for your support.
Please remember that all comments and con-crit are welcome ^_^
Disclaimer : All characters and likenesses credit respective owners.
The first thing Coby did when they reached Shell Town was properly moor the little boat that they had used with the regulation knots and ties taught by the marines.
The second thing he did was flop in a resigned and embarrassed manner as Luffy tucked him under his arm and tore up the street to the nearest restaurant shouting about "Meat".
While Luffy cleaned out the modest establishment Coby had to wonder. Just how did this guy become such a high-ranking marine? It didn't make sense to him in the least. Coby liked Luffy. He inspired him and had been the first person to ever encourage his dream. Those Pirates had been so far beneath his level it was embarrassing. Luffy didn't strain himself at all. He had just stretched (quite literally) and knocked them all out before proceeding to scuttle the ship. But this was the same person who was inhaling food at a monstrous speed. I mean, really, could he even taste what was going in his mouth?
"Ano, Luffy-san" he began "When did you get a devil fruit? I heard that they were often given as rewards to promising recruits within the marines"
"Maa, that's boring. Why'd you want to know about that? I ate it when I was a little kid" Luffy seemed to have the amazing ability to talk, swallow, breathe and inhale more food all at the same time. Perhaps he accidentally swallowed the devil fruit in a situation just like this.
"It's just, I heard they can really make you strong"
Luffy sat an empty bowl down with a clank "Nah, you don't need one of those Coby. You'll be plenty strong without it. Some of the strongest guys I know don't have Devil Fruit abilities. They're plenty scary without them and I've met loads of guys who can't fight without their devil fruit. They're really useless. Shishishshishi."
He sat back picking his teeth "Man, that was awesome!"
Coby sweated as Luffy picked his nose. He really did admire Luffy but he couldn't deny that his status in the Marines really was one of the most mind-boggling things that he had ever experienced in his short life.
"Ne, Coby. Do you know anything about this place"
Coby hemmed "I had heard that the marines here had captured that infamous bounty hunter Roronoa Zoro…"
He trailed off as everyone leapt out of their seats as if they had been electrocuted.
Luffy laughed "Who's the officer in charge here?"
"Um, I think it's 'Axe-hand' Morgan…"
If anything the reaction was even more extreme with several people hitting the wall and clambering out windows in an attempt to escape.
Coby stared. He could understand people being afraid of a fearsome individual like Roronoa but why would they react like that to a marine captain? He turned to Luffy and was startled by the stoic expression on his face.
They left the restaurant and Luffy dragged Coby down a side-street by mien of walking off in a random direction and sending a rubber appendage out to capture the smaller boy who quickly vanished with a sound something like 'Heurk!'
-break-
"What are you doing Luffy-san? The base is that way!"
Luffy looked at Coby gravely "Remember what I told you Coby. Pirates and Marines. They're basically the same. You have good Pirates and bad Pirates out there but the same rules also apply to the Marines"
"I-I remember what you said but.."
Luffy stretched (modestly for him) before saying in a very matter of fact voice "You're really naïve if you think that there's no such thing as a crooked Marine" He grinned "So we're going to investigate. Shishishishishishishi"
Coby stared at Luffy. Just then, it wasn't an older boy, a friend that he admired but an honourable and upright marine that enforced justice. One that had the presence that made men want to follow him into battle.
Luffy was right.
The way people had reacted, what kind of proper Marine inspired terror in civilians. They were afraid of drawing his wrath. That bastard was a disgrace! Coby nodded and his face took on a determined expression. The two friends circled round and made their way towards the Marine base.
-break-
It was hot.
It was so damn hot.
Forget food, dehydration was a real threat here.
Zoro sagged against the post.
Nine days. Nine frigging days.
If anything boredom was going to get him in the end.
But he had honour and was a man of his word so he would tough it out.
He'd while out the month and then out of this damn place.
The whole situation was ridiculous anyway.
What kind of idiot lets a wolf loose in the middle of a town?
Said idiot had just attempted to taunt him (He seriously doubted that idiot son could even spell intimidation, never mind enact it upon someone) before scuttling off again.
Zoro sighed. The noon sun blazed overhead and he idly wondered whether it would be safe to take a nap.
A boy was on the wall.
Zoro blinked. No, wait there was another one clambering up after the long-limbed youth peering at him.
"Oi!", he snapped "This ain't a sideshow"
"Yeah", the skinny boy replied "You're not really doing anything so it'd be a pretty lame show if it was. I'd demand my money back"
The other boy nearly fell off the wall while Zoro snickered.
"Why don't you untie me. I'll make it worth your while"
"Eeew, I'm not into guys"
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT YOU IMBECILE!"
The boy on the wall just laughed while the shorter kid shook his head in despair. He leaned back and spoke to someone behind the wall. A little girl peeked her head over the wall and waved at Zoro.
The long limbed boy, clad in a t-shirt and cut-off shorts dropped over the wall and made his way over to him.
"Ne, Zoro. Why are you here?"
Zoro stared. Was he new in town? He knew Helmeppo had blabbed it all over town and nearly everyone had seen him kill that wolf. So he told him. (If he wasn't going to untie him then could he please go away.)
Luffy nodded and turned back to the pair at the well
"You're right Rika-chan. He is a pretty good guy" He turned back to Zoro "Yosh. I'm Luffy and you're coming with me."
"Are you some kind of idiot?" Zoro yelled "Didn't you hear a word I said?"
Luffy ignored him and waved Coby over.
"Oi! I'm talking to you. I said to leave it. I'll survive the month and then get out of here. Morgan promised me!"
Coby began to work on the knots.
"Ano, Zoro-san" he began nervously "You shouldn't be here at all. They have no legal grounds for holding you captive"
Zoro started "What? But he.."
Luffy nodded in agreement "Mm-hmm. Cody's right Zoro. If anything they should have rewarded you for protecting Rika-chan from a wild animal. You're not allowed to keep animals like that if you let them attack civilians."
Cody stepped back as the ropes fell loose. "Zoro-san. Captain Morgan is a corrupt Marine. A guy like that is a disgrace to Marines everywhere. He's supposed to protect people not terrorize them"
Zoro rubbed his shoulder, trying to get feeling back into his limbs.
"You guys should get out of here. You can't go against the Marines"
"Shishishishishishi. We're not. We're going to stop Morgan."
"The hell? Did you hear what you just said, that is going against the Marines!"
Coby smiled "Not if you are a Marine"
Zoro gave Cody a hard look which clearly read 'not impressed' "You?"
"Eh? Ah, no, I mean, that is, not yet. I'm enlisting but Luffy-san is an officer"
Zoro eyed Luffy's goofy grin speculatively. "Somehow that seems even less likely"
Luffy frowned "Eeeeeh, Why does everyone react like that? Foo, meanies."
Zoro ignored him in favour of Cody who at least had an iota of common sense.
"I need to get my swords."
"We can get you swords anywhere"
"NO! I need Wadou. It's my treasure."
Luffy sparkled insanely. "You're my kind of guy Zoro. Let's go get your treasure swords. Rika-chan! Go back home. We'll come see you later"
She waved frantically "'Kay Oniisans. Don't leave the island without doing that!"
-break-
The trio quickly searched the base, which was oddly deserted. Well, relatively quickly at least. It seemed to involve a lot of running about and emptying of cupboards.
They began searching all of the likely places; storage rooms, weapon lockers et al before Coby suggested that they were taken as trophies rather than a confiscation of dangerous weaponry. Luffy bounded up the stairs in search of private quarters.
"Oi, Coby." Zoro grunted "Just what kind of Marine is this guy anyway?"
Coby laughed "That was pretty much my reaction too. It seems that he's actually a Commodore. His sub-ordinates are supposed to be meeting us here"
"A Commodore?" Zoro's eyes bugged "How the hell did he manage that? Nepotism?"
"Luffy-san is not traditional, that's true." Coby said meeting Zoro's eyes for the first time "He is strong and honourable. He goes after guys that he considers bad whether they are Pirates or Marines. He respects other people's dreams and supports them in their quest! He is a great guy and a damn great Marine officer to have out there!"
Zoro noticed how the fear disappeared from Cody's eyes and the admiration that shone there.
'Heh, so he's that sort of guy then'.
Luffy gleefully bounced back down the stairs with an armful of katana which Zoro quickly claimed glad to have Wadou back where it belonged.
At the insistence of the rubber boy they made their way back into the yard. Zoro instantly regretted it when they were faced with a livid Captain Morgan.
-break-
Once upon a time 'Axe-hand' Morgan was a good Marine.
The greatest accomplishment of his career had been the 'capture' of Captain Kuro of the 'Black Cat' Pirates. He earned his promotion from this and fell victim to something that is well known to us but not nearly as well quoted in that world. It's a shame, for the Marines should have it written out in beautiful calligraphy and displayed prominently in all bases.
Lord Acton's Dictum; Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
But if everyone learned that lesson well, then Luffy probably wouldn't have half the missions that he did.
Coby, who had walked out first, was promptly shot in the shoulder and fell back with a scream of pain. Zoro crouched down to examine the wound and Luffy automatically took up a guard position in front of them.
"It went clear through. He'll be fine if we're careful about the bleeding but the pain made him pass out"
Morgan raised his axe in the air "All who oppose me must die! Fire!"
If this was our world, Luffy would have died horribly his body spasming while he was riddled with bullets. But, dear reader how could we forget that this is a world that does not function under the same basic laws or tenets of physics as ours.
-break-
When Luffy was a small boy he met a Pirate crew whom he admired greatly.
He learned that good and bad were not as simple as Pirates or Marines. Someone once told him to think about it like a bunch of rival gangs fighting for territory. Some wanted to deal drugs, others wanted money and there were those who wanted to protect their home.
"You see Luffy," the man said "Everyone has their own reason for the path they follow in life. However you choose to live, you must always choose to do what is best for you. Don't choose a path because someone told you to, choose one because it's the road you want to walk."
Luffy was pretty bad at following orders. It was a good thing that he understood that these words were advice.
It was a shame though, that his friends didn't think to warn him not to eat the fruit in the chest from their ship. He would always be an anchor in the water but at least he could bounce back bullets.
-break-
Zoro gaped "Just what the hell are you?"
"Shishishishi. I'm a rubber man!"
Morgan growled. "A person that's eaten the cursed fruit of the sea. You think that will save you? No one disrespects me! MEN! Bullets won't work, use your swords"
The Marines drew their swords and charged forward with a battle cry. Zoro's hands jerked towards his swords but he hesitated.
"It's fine Zoro. Don't worry about it. Just do your thing"
Zoro looked at Luffy who grinned.
"Can you really be saying that considering?"
"You can't hesitate like that y'know. Don't worry about what others think, just do what you feel is best"
The blades closed in only to be met by Santoryu Roronoa. His aura was terrifying and bloodlust palpable.
"Don't move!" he snarled "I'll take down anyone who gets in my way."
Luffy dashed towards Morgan "Those guys are all yours Zoro! Just take them out, don't kill them. I'm here to deal with Morgan!"
If the grunts thought that they had a better chance of victory because Zoro wasn't going to kill them they quickly had to reassess that opinion from their painful positions in the dirt.
-break-
Luffy grinned and met Morgan head-on.
He danced around the enraged Marine Captain dodging all of his strikes laughing and grinning wildly the whole time. Morgan was sweating and fuming. How dare this brat disrespect him? He would be executed for sure.
"All of you that fell against Roronoa. Take a gun and shoot yourself! I don't need useless men!"
Marines were used to following orders. They went to obey.
Coby, who had regained consciousness, was horrified.
"Don't do it! Why are you obeying him? He's a terrible guy. Don't throw your lives away so recklessly!"
The whole time, Luffy had been playing with Morgan.
To anyone who didn't know better he looked like a relatively fit but otherwise unassuming teenager. But Luffy was a marine. He was battle hardened and took pride in his personal sense of justice. True, compared to others he was pretty simple-minded but he understood the really important things, which is why Morgan had just signed his own death warrant.
"BASTARD!" Luffy roared "You're not fit for anything!" He reared back and punched him brutally. Again and again Luffy hit him but the man kept on getting back up.
He was clearly outclassed, hadn't managed to scratch Luffy and now he had pissed off his vastly superior opponent. At that moment, it wasn't entirely clear if Morgan would survive his beating perhaps fortunately for him that this was the moment that a rather bruised Helmeppo attempted to take Coby hostage.
"Don't move!" he shouted "Unless you want this guy to die, you'll give up!"
Coby, to his credit, didn't panic. He didn't scream, flail or beg for his life. He kept pressure on his shoulder wound and shouted over to Luffy.
"Don't worry about me Luffy-san! If I die here that's fine but we can't let Morgan continue on his reign of terror! That's not the way a true Marine should behave!"
Luffy nodded in response and Zoro regarded Coby with some measure of respect.
"Well said, Coby-san. You show great will."
An unidentified Marine had entered the compound with a smartly marching troop in tow. He was dressed formally in the uniform of a Captain and wore a sword at his belt. He smiled pleasantly if somewhat coldly.
"Ara, it seems that the fun has already started. I apologize but Alvida escaped somehow before we got to the pick-up point so we were held up a little bit searching the vicinity for her. We managed to take her crew into custody anyway"
Morgan staggered to his feet. "Who the hell are you?"
The man shrugged sheepishly. He was pretty plain looking really. Brown hair, averagely tanned skin for a marine, just above average height and green eyes.
"Ah, I apologize. I am Captain Tenzou from headquarters. Please forgive my delay in arriving"
"You weren't expected"
Tenzou smiled frostily "That, is the general point."
He walked over to Luffy, unfolding an item of clothing as he walked "You really do have a nose for this sort of thing Luffy and it seems that you've picked up some interesting new recruits"
"Mmm, yeah. I'll tell you after we deal with this asshole."
Tenzou draped the coat over Luffy's shoulders. "Whatever you decide then Commodore."
Morgan froze. This kid, a Commodore. It was some kind of bad joke. Beyond him and that sinisterly smiling Captain the faces of his men were wearing a different expression. Something more akin to hope. He didn't have long to contemplate this as Luffy broke his nose and knocked him out.
Helmeppo crumpled as Zoro strode past him and casually punched him as he did so.
The marines stationed at the base did the sensible thing and celebrated.
-break-
Captain Tenzou proved to be efficient and intelligent.
He quickly assessed the situation and obtained a report of events before organising everyone present giving priority to restraining Morgan and getting treatment for Coby and Commander Ripper.
Zoro, much to his bemusement, found himself sitting down on the ground with a bowl of soup and instructions to 'eat all of that first and we'll get you a proper meal shortly'. Helmeppo was locked in a sparse room while they decided what to do with him.
Everything was quickly being seen to and Luffy pitched in, in the way only Luffy would, by destroying the recently erected statue up on the roof.
What impressed everyone the most about this ordinary looking man was how he dealt with Luffy. He stared at him flintily for several moments before forcing him to dress in full uniform as part of his 'well-deserved punishment, you irresponsible bastard'. The fact that he did all of this with a pleasant smile and the atmosphere of a glacial storm added to the effect.
-break-
Zoro sat back and sighed contentedly. Nine days without food had really built up an appetite.
He idly eyed the Marine in front of him. Luffy, while dressed in the full regalia of a Commodore, didn't seem all that impressive right now snarfling like a hog in a trough.
The Captain 'Tenzou' seemed relaxed and enjoyed his drink, seemingly desensitized to the antics of his commanding officer. The Marines were picking up the tab for the meal despite the protests of the townspeople who wanted to thank their heroes. Tenzou had merely said that they were 'cleaning up their own mess' and once the accounts were examined all misappropriated funds would be returned.
Luffy sighed and sat back with a contented sound after putting away a truly phenomenal amount of food.
"You ate earlier didn't you" Tenzou commented mildly.
"Eh? How'd you know?"
"You didn't eat that much really"
Zoro wondered just how much a rubber man really could eat before rising to leave.
"Well, I'm grateful and all but I really want to get off of this island so…"
"A moment Zoro-san. The Commodore and I have a proposition for you and request that you hear us out first"
The swordsman let his hands drift over towards his katana "I'm cleared of all charges"
"It's nothing like that" Tenzou reassured him as he signalled to the waitress "Just hear us out please."
The waitress brought over a tray of drinks before leaving along with the other customers and the guards that had accompanied them to the restaurant. Soon the building was empty except for Zoro, Luffy and Tenzou.
Eyeing Zoro's tense stance he raised an eyebrow "For privacy. This conversation and your decisions will be completely confidential and consequence free"
-break-
Luffy slurped at his drink
"Ne Zoro, Do you have a dream?"
Whatever Zoro had been expecting this wasn't it but, he reasoned, it was no secret.
"Less of a dream, more of an ambition. I'm going to be the strongest swordsman in the world"
Luffy grinned and Tenzou nodded in respect
"A worthy goal Zoro-san. It's amazing how far you've come in the East Blue."
"What does that mean?"
"No offence intended but this is the 'weakest' of the seas. The regular pirates, marines and bounty hunters that are found here are significantly weaker than anywhere else. It's amazing how far you've managed to push yourself when there is a lack of suitable opponents to truly test your skills"
Zoro stared. The marine thought he was strong but he thought that he wasn't getting the challenge he needed to reach the next level. He grinned.
"So, what is it that you guys want? I've no intention of joining up with the Marines. I want to be the best and I won't let anyone stand in my way!"
"Shishishishishi. That's why I want you to join our team Zoro. Anything less than that would be embarrassing"
Tenzou sighed and poured himself a refill before passing the jug to Zoro. "Commodore, you suck at explanations. Perhaps we should start with full introductions?"
"Alright then. I'm Commodore Monkey D. Luffy. Leader of the Special Ops unit and this is Captain Tenzou; my sexy secretary"
"I thought you said that you didn't swing that way Luffy" Zoro drawled
Tenzou seemed to pretend that Luffy hadn't said anything but gave him a sharp blow to the head with his katana.
"Regardless of that idiocy, for which one day I will get my own back on that man, we are a special unit that functions somewhat similarly to the Cipher Pol. We do a mixture of things really. We pay surprise visits to Naval Bases, round up bounties and investigate rumours of corruption within the Marines to name a few. We report directly to headquarters but we mostly travel around the place exploring."
The dark-haired man took a sip of his drink "Occasionally, we get called in to provide backup or transport prisoners but mostly we're fairly invisible."
Luffy broke in "We don't have to wear this stupid uniform all the time or have the marine symbols on the ship. Shishishishi. It's so people don't see us coming. We sneak up and catch the bad guys in the act"
Zoro had to admit that it sounded interesting. They were a semi-covert group of operatives dropping surprise inspections all over the place. It seemed like a good idea but he failed to see how it involved him.
"What does this have to do with me? I told you I'm not a Marine."
Tenzou smiled genuinely. "One of the benefits of this position is that Luffy gets to recruit promising fighters and various skilled individuals as nakama. We don't specifically need trained grunts or people only concerned with gaining rank but rather individuals like yourself Zoro-san. How it works is that you are considered something between a hired mercenary and a commissioned officer. You are given a wage and an official rank but you are not part of the regular corps and can end your contract whenever you chose."
Luffy bounced excitedly "If you want to be the best Zoro, you gotta come with us. You'll get to fight strong guys for sure! The Grand Line is the only place for guys with big dreams"
Zoro leaned back in his seat "So what's your dream then Luffy?"
"My Dream? Eh, don't really have one. I guess I want to be really strong and have really great nakama who'll have their dreams come true. Hmmmmm. I want to do what feels right to me!"
Zoro looked over at Tenzou.
"Hmm, I want to continue to travel with Luffy and to follow my personal sense of justice. I know", he paused and Zoro saw a flicker of regret in his eyes, similar to the one he was sure he wore when he remembered Kuina and all that wasted promise "I know that the world isn't painted in black and white"
Zoro drummed his fingers along Wadou "Just so we're clear. My goal is to be the greatest swordsman. I don't care about anyone else's' agenda. If someone gets in my way I'll cut them down! If we can agree to that then I'll work with you."
Luffy whooped and ran around looking ridiculous with his flapping coat emblazoned with "Justice" swinging around him.
"I won't have to wear that will I?"
"Not really. You don't but we do. Generally for official events like meetings or dramatic revelations to an assembled crowds. If we ever go to Marineford you might have to wear a uniform but to be honest it'd make it easier to move about there if you were dressed like that. Wearing your own clothes, you might get arrested and that would cause an awful lot of paperwork."
Zoro gave Tenzou a flat look who responded by grinning sneakily.
"Luffy snuck out of a meeting and left me to deal with all and sundry. So he has to wear the uniform as long as we're here as punishment."
The two laughed and Luffy came back to join them for more drinks.
-break-
"Ne, Coby? Are you excited?"
"Yes. Um, I'm so happy but I'm a little sad that we won't see each other for along time"
"We're still friends though. I'd like to bring you too but I won't do you any favours because of our friendship."
Cody puzzled at this statement before Luffy grinned.
"You'll catch up in rank to me with your own strength right Coby?"
Zoro was busy taunting the marines who looked distinctly uncomfortable. Some of them looked to Tenzou for help but he just pretended not to notice.
Luffy's second-in-command had changed out of his uniform into a more casual t-shirt and jacket. Despite his whining Luffy was not permitted to change and had to continue to wear his under the blizzard level glare of Tenzou who periodically would turn a frosty yet polite smile in his direction which would always cause the young Commodore to shudder instinctively.
-break-
The ship was unremarkable but it had a good size.
According to Tenzou they currently had a crew of about thirty men which he and Luffy had all hand-picked. (He gave Zoro a significant look that privately told him that whatever their skills they were loyal and trustworthy which was more important than firepower for them)
Their primary duties were the basic running of the ship and the work of basic marine conscripts. They were dressed well but no-one wore a uniform. Zoro asked one of the shiphands, a lanky red-headed youth that introduced himself as Rua, and he cheerfully explained that they only had to be uniform for certain missions and jobs such as visits to marine headquarters.
The crew, it transpired, was very excited about Zoro joining the team and told him to let them know if he needed anything for his training. They claimed that Commodore Luffy always chose good nakama and Captain Tenzou made sure he used some common sense in his decisions. They laughed about it as they made ready to set sail and Zoro couldn't help but appreciate the warm welcome they gave him onboard.
Luffy leapt onto the ship and started yelling for meat at the top of his lungs. "Oi Boss, You ate a half hour ago" chided one of the men
"But I'm hungry again!"
"THAT'S TOO SOON YOU GLUTTON!" They roared and smacked the air dismissively in such a move so beautifully co-ordinated that they must have done it many, many times before.
"But " Luffy whined
"I for one agree with them" Tenzou said affectionately "But maybe if you help me fill out the paperwork for Fleet Admiral Sengoku then we'll let you have a snack"
"Nevermind I'm not hungry anymore. Let's go guys! Set sail for adventure!"
The men cheered and raised anchor. The boat was moving out of the port when they heard a shout coming from the Island.
Standing there panting tiredly stood Coby.
"Luffy-san! Thank you for everything you have done for me! I will never forget your kindness!"
Luffy laughed and returned the gesture "Go after your dream Coby!"
The marines from the base had followed their newest recruit to the docks and joined him in saluting their saviours. The townspeople waved and cheered with Rika at the front waving her arms like crazy.
"Does this happen all the time?" joked Zoro
"Nah, we usually get chased out."
Tenzou sighed "I'm afraid the Commodore here has picked up some bad habits from his older brother and none of his good ones"
The swordsman snickered and settled himself down on the deck to take a nap. "So where are we going now?"
"The Baratie! I'm huuuuuuuuuuungry" cheered Luffy.
Tenzou mused "We'll have a couple of missions to take care of before we head to the Grand Line. I'd like to find some more promising members. If we can at least finally convince Sanji-san to join it'd be wonderful. Tajiyo-kun does his best but he's only an apprentice cook, we really need a pro to keep up with Luffy."
He casually reached over and grabbed Luffy by the ear.
"Now, Commodore. Before we get there I believe that we have some paperwork seeing as you skipped out on that meeting to get yourself lost. We got some good out of it with you saving Coby-kun (such a wonderfully promising young man) but don't think that I've forgiven you, you damn bastard."
Once again he said all that with a beatific smile upon his face and a distinct atmosphere that screamed 'an Ice Age is imminent'. Against all odds he dragged the rubber man by the ear into the office.
Zoro snorted and settled himself more comfortably against the rail. The boat rocked softly with the waves and the sounds of the crew hoisting ropes, adjusting sails and moving across the deck. Soon, he was asleep.
Bio: Tenzou
He has no last name (Sanji and Nami don't have one either so shaddup)
He is essentially Luffy's assistant or his 'sexy secretary' as someone once dubbed him as a joke (Ace) and Luffy keeps introducing him like that. It is Tensor's not-so-secret ambition to ruin Ace's life in a similar manner.
He's pretty unremarkable looking but that suits him just fine. Incidentally his green eyes are his nicest feature but no-one ever notices them often assuming that they're brown like his hair.
As a marine captain he is an extremely capable individual and more than competent in battle. He is proficient in all basic tools and weapons of the marines (preferring a basic katana) and trains extensively in martial arts. He gained all of this through his own natural talents and hard work. He is also a master of the art of origami which is quite unfortunate as almost all of the paperwork falls to him. He has no Devil fruit but Luffy still firmly believes that he has one related to paperwork. He doesn't. His greatest asset however is his ruthless and cunning nature. He fights hard and he fights dirty against his enemies.
He reports regularly to several senior officers regarding mission requests, reports and to let Garp know 'that his grandson is doing well but 'I'm not going to be the one to tell you where we are and have to put up with the Commodores' whining'
He is very kind, (especially to children) surprisingly easy-going off duty (except when his work is made far more difficult by his Commodore slacking and he'd sign them himself but they won't accept that) and generally quite popular wherever he goes. He has a strong sense of responsibility and Luffy fears his wrath only slightly less than that of his grandfather.
He's just turned 21 making him several years older than Luffy who he has been working with for a couple of years now.
Despite the Iron fist and vast stack of paperwork he rules Luffy with he greatly respects him and is extremely loyal to him. They share the same ideal of justice and their experiences gave them a very strong bond.
Tenzou came from an island that was destroyed caught in the crossfire of a minor war between pirates and the marines. His experiences in his childhood made him very cynical and suspicious but he hides it behind his pleasant and militantly polite demeanour so people underestimate him. His sarkiness occasionally breaks through to the surface, especially with adults that he considers foolishly naïve. He believes such things are for children and that adults have to protect them.
He loves his job and knows that he wouldn't get a chance at such an interesting position without Luffy.
Tenzou gets on very well with Zoro and they occasionally spar. Zoro is the far stronger swordsman but Tenzou is a tough opponent in his own right.
He is necessary for the smooth running of the operation and the middleman for all marine related jobs the team takes on.
A/N Ta-da :3 Well, there's the set off now.
Tenzou gave a lot of exposition but that's because Luffy wouldn't do it and it needed to be done. They need some excuse to be out there travelling around.
Basically, the only people outside of the crew who know where they actually are at all times are the Five Elder Stars and Sengoku.
Luffy is stronger for obvious reasons. He went through advanced military training and through that has gone up against some of the toughest fighters the Marines have. (When he went in to basic training, they immediately saw how strong he was and bumped him up to something more difficult. Like moving from 'strenuous' to 'dear god I don't want to die')
As a Pirate, he wouldn't have had access to that so he wouldn't have progressed as fast.
It was all Sengoku's idea (the seagull guy that Luffy mentioned :D) and Luffy's party really produces results so no-one really can argue.
Spandam of CP9 raised a lot of fuss (Jealous much?) but the Five Elder Stars overruled him liking the work that Luffy did. He's already taken down some big names quite publicly and they expect great things from him in the future.
Sengoku calls up and says 'This Marine is acting suspicious, go find out what's wrong' or 'escort this person here' and frequently 'Pirate; massacred civilians, betrayed nakama etc. go kill/capture whatever'
The crew are all really 'support staff'. They're all only ordinary albeit well trained Marines, really better sailors than fighters. They look after the ship, supplies and do all sorts of things that need doing including helping Tenzou with the paperwork.
There is a pretty casual air on the ship (Another reason that Luffy hates wearing uniforms) and everyone is extremely loyal to Luffy and Tenzou trusting them implicitly. When they said 'Zoro is joining our team' they knew that the Bosses wouldn't let someone work them if he wasn't okay.
Yeah, I'm going to take my time with the next one and get a nice long chapter with plenty of violence and Sanji (because they go so well together)
