Disclaimer: I do not own any of the anime/manga/movies/etc. that I write about; otherwise I would be a millionaire NOT writing on fanfiction publishing my own ideas.
Chapter 3
In a galaxy far, far away…oops, my bad. On a small boat somewhere in the East Blue, we find Luffy and Coby a few days after the Alvida incident sailing towards the topic of the two boys' conversation: one infamous pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro. Coby was fervently telling Luffy why it would be a bad idea to recruit the swordsman due to his reputation as a 'monster' and 'blood-thirsty hound', but Luffy decided to see him first before deciding whether or not to have the hunter join his crew, much to Coby's dismay. Shortly afterwards the duo find themselves on an island with the local marine base in the center of town. Luffy congratulated Coby on finding land so fast while the former cabin-boy tried to explain to the future Pirate King that he needed to understand the basics of navigation, or at least find a navigator, if he planned to sail the seas. Luffy's response was to completely ignore him and look for food (as we soon discover is pretty much habitual of Luffy).
After a quick (by Luffy's standards) meal at a local inn, Luffy and Coby prepare to part ways when Luffy again brings up searching for Zoro. The response from the other customers at the inn was simultaneous as they all suddenly jumped up, ran to the other side of the room, and stared at Luffy and Coby like they had the plague. Coby, trying to change the subject, mentioned to Luffy how he noticed that the marine base was ran by a captain named Morgan. It was by some strange workings in the universe that each and every one of the inns patrons jumped into the air, flipping tables and sending tableware flying everywhere while striking poses like a model having a stroke. After observing the odd (to say the least) behavior of the townsfolk, Luffy and Coby paid their bill and quickly exited the inn while discussing what the heck just happened. Luffy seemed to be under the impression that Cpt. Morgan (mmm…rum) was not liked by the townsfolk while Coby, in his slightly delusional state of mind, seemed to think that it was impossible for a marine to do wrong.
After walking a ways the chimera boy and the hopeful marine made it to the front of the base which just screamed "DO NOT ENTER". Luffy quickly climbed to the top of the surrounding wall while looking for Zoro. In the middle of the courtyard hung a figure on a cross with his arms bound by rope. The figure revealed to by a man only a few years older than Luffy with a black bandana on top of his short, curiously green colored, hair. The man had on a plain white tee shirt and black pants on with a sash wrapped around his waist. The man had a look on his face that said 'annoy me and I'll kill you before you can blink.' Coby, after much freaking out, identified the man as Roronoa Zoro.
Zoro spotted the two and tried to talk them into untying him. Luffy, of course, was all for it while Coby, also of course, was highly against it. The argument between the two was interrupted when a ladder suddenly was placed on the wall near both boys and a small girl climbed up while making shushing sounds to the duo. The girl quickly ran up to Zoro and offered him two rice balls which Zorro denied stating he wasn't hungry, even though it had been weeks since his last meal, and tried to get the girl to leave.
Suddenly one of the gates opened to reveal a boy around Coby's age with the face of a pug with a helmet-shaped haircut and dressed in a suit that made him look like a pimp. The boy was flanked by several marines and was revealed to be Cpt. Morgan's son, Helmeppo. After berating Zoro for 'picking on little kids,' Helmeppo saw the food the girl was offering Zoro. "Look, here are some tasty rice balls." Helmeppo then snatched up one of the rice balls and took a bite before spitting it out and telling the girl off for having put sugar in the place of salt, before grabbing the other rice ball and stomping it into the ground.
The girls started tearing up over her now crushed rice balls, but immediately froze when Helmeppo stated the law that Morgan had placed, being that any who aid criminals will be executed. The spoiled brat then turned to one of the marines and ordered him to throw the girl over the fence and threatened to tell his father if the marine didn't comply. The man walked over to the girl and apologized before suggesting that she curl up into a ball to prevent too much damage. Luffy quickly caught the falling girl as she was thrown out of the base. The bowel cut teen congratulated Zoro on his endurance and reminded him of their deal where he had to stay tied up with no food for one month and he would then be a free man. When the boy left, Zoro looked up to see Luffy standing in front of him, "So, I hear you're a bad guy."
"Didn't I tell you to get lost?" Zoro said in a voice that would make most men run for the hills.
"You're out here in the open with what to show for it, are you really as strong as people say?" Luffy continued to question the pirate hunter.
"What's that got to do with you anyways?" asked an annoyed Zoro.
"You know, if that were me, I'd have probably starved by now." Luffy was grinning by now.
"Well I have way more fortitude than you ever have, which exactly why I'm not going to die." The pirate hunter smirked and watched as Luffy turned to leave before calling out, "Wait up. That rice ball, would you pick it up for me?" Luffy bent down and pick up the crush rice ball and commented that it was little more than a ball of mud, "Just shut up and give it to me!" Zoro spat out before swallowing what was left of the rice ball with a look that made it seem like he would barf and said, "Would you tell that little girl, 'the rice ball was delicious'." Much to Luffy's amusement and pleasure, since he had just found the perfect first mate.
Luffy left the square and returned to Coby and the little girl, whose name was Rika, and then retold to them exactly what Zoro had said. Coby started to wonder whether Zoro was actually a bad guy, only to be berated by Rika who then explained the reason that Zoro was tied up, being that he had sacrificed himself for the sake of Rika and her mother by killing Helmeppo's pet wolf that the boy let run loose and almost killed the girl.
When Rika had finished recounting how Zoro ended up tied to the stake, a crash was heard from the street behind them. Turning around to see what had caused the ruckus, Luffy, Coby and Rika saw the one known as Helmeppo, the captain's son, cockily strutting down the street and having all the townspeople bow to him on threat of telling his father. The helmet haired boy then started spouting of his gripes of boredom, even suggesting that to help clear that boredom he could execute Zoro.
Hearing the Captain's son speak of potentially killing Zoro, Luffy walked over to the boy and spoke to him, "Did I hear you were going to execute that pirate hunter in the crucifixion yard?" Helmeppo laughed and, puffing out his cheeks in a mocking manner, then stated that he never had any plans to do otherwise, and before he could finish his sentence beyond that, Luffy backhanded him like the pimp the other boy dressed as, much to the shock of the crowd.
Helmeppo pulled himself up with the help of his guards crying out in pain, "You… You hit me!?" Helmeppo screamed while holding his face, but pulled himself together enough to blurt out, "My father is Captain Morgan."
Luffy's glare hardened, "Like I care. If you want to fight, fight me yourself!"
The boy scampered away and called out before leaving, "You'll care when he executes you!"
Luffy then declared that he would make Zorro his crewmate before storming off to the marine base with Coby in tow. Back at the crucifixion yard, Zoro was startled awake by the sudden presence of Luffy, "Oh, it's you again. What are you doing here this time?"
Luffy looked at the pirate hunter and grinned, "I figure I'll get you out of those bindings and then you can join my pirate crew. I'm currently looking for members to join me."
Zoro scoffed at the proposition, "Forget it, I'll never stoop that low to join with a criminal."
Luffy looked at the man with a bemused expression, "But you're already known as a blood thirsty demon of a bounty hunter, aren't you?"
"Who cares what they think, the point is that I have never once done anything that I regret. I will survive these next ten days, after that I'll do what I set out to achieve."
Luffy's expression became completely blank for only a few moments, and only changed when Luffy up and declared that Zoro would be a part of his crew, despite Zoro's obvious complaints. "I've heard you could be the best swordsman in these parts."
Zoro's complaints died, "Well yeah, but that idiot captain's son took my swords away, and he's keeping them in that base over there."
Luffy looked at the base in question and turned back to Zoro, "I can go and get them for you, but if I do then you'll have to join my crew." And to this, Zoro exclaimed his annoyance once more with the young captain's disregard for his refusal, while Luffy simply laughed and sped off to the main building.
Meanwhile, on top of said building, a group of marines was lifting up a giant statue of Cpt. "Axe-Hand" Morgan while Helmeppo was trying to convince the man himself to go after Luffy for hitting him. He had little success on the matter, because as it turns out the only reason Morgan never hit his son was because he was too worthless to hit, which he exclaimed as he punched Helmeppo square in the face. Morgan was revealed to be a tall muscular man with metal plating covering his lower jaw and a huge axe attached to where his right arm should be (hmm, large statue + large weapon = overcompensating much?) and had a marine jacket covering most of his body. He is shown to be incredibly cruel and narcissistic when, after he attacks a marine for refusing to execute Rika, he boasts on how his rank makes him the most powerful one on the island and the statue would help symbolize that fact.
Meanwhile, Luffy found himself to be incredibly lost before he noticed noises coming from the top of the marine base. Thinking there was someone there who he could ask for directions, Luffy took on a look of concentration. Suddenly, his legs morphed into the legs of a cricket and, backing up a little bit, gave a cry of "Cricket Hopper!" jumped high enough that he reached the roof of the building. Unfortunately, Luffy underestimated his jump and started to go over the building. Fortunately, there was a large eyesore, I mean statue, that he was able to grab onto to stop his ascent. This caused the symbol of vanity to topple over and shatter to a thousand pieces, much to Morgan's horror and everyone else's shock.
"S…sorry," came Luffy's weak apology.
"CAPTURE HIM! I'M GONNA KILL HIM!" screamed the Captain, with the marines hurriedly complying. Before the marines could grab him, Luffy grabbed Helmeppo and dragged him off to find Zoro's swords. The marines were about to give chase when they noticed Coby in the courtyard trying to free Zorro from his bonds, which Morgan quickly ordered them to be executed.
Down in the courtyard Zoro was trying to tell Coby to run away but he replied, "You shouldn't be arrested! I can't stand those kinds of marines, that's why I'm going to become a real marine. Just like Luffy is determined to become the Pirate King!" much to Zoro's shock. Suddenly, a bullet grazed Coby's shoulder as it was shot from the base's tower.
Meanwhile, Luffy was dragging Helmeppo through the base by his neck while demanding to know where Zoro's swords are. Helmeppo finally gasped out they were in his room and directed Luffy to it. Back at the courtyard Zorro tried getting the injured Coby to run away, but Coby refused and told Zoro about his planned execution, stating the marines never intended on freeing him. Suddenly they were surrounded by marines with their rifles pointed at them and ordering them not to move. It was at that moment Luffy discovered Zoro's katana and noticed the commotion outside. It looked like this was the end for Zoro and Coby as Morgan ordered his men to fire. Zorro thought that he couldn't die here and remembered his promise to Kuina, his deceased childhood friend and rival, to become the best swordsman in the world. Just as the marines opened fire, Luffy appeared before Zoro and Coby, knife drawn, deflecting the bullets with ease. Everyone stared at the straw-hat wearing boy in shock as he batted the bullets aside like one would swat at insects.
Zoro was wide eyed by the show of seemingly impossible bladework, "What the… who are you?" Luffy turned to face Zoro, his grin never having left his face, "My name is Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm going to be 'King of the Pirates'." Zoro scoffed at the idea, but Coby piped up in defence of Luffy's dream stating that he didn't believe at first either but Luffy's complete determination was what convinced him. On Luffy's back were three swords, he took them off and presented them to Zoro, "You know I found all of these in the same place but I couldn't tell which was yours so I took them all."
"They're all mine, I use a style called Santouryu, and it uses three swords." Zoro said calmly while struggling in his bindings. Luffy pushed the swords towards again and reiterated, "Look just take them, but just remember that if you do then you'll have defied the government and will be a criminal. I mean, you could choose to just stay there and be executed as well if you want." Zoro smirked, "You're a jerk you know that, because I either choose to side with you or I die here on these sticks. So let's do this."
Luffy started pulling on the ropes but Zorro just told him to place one of the katana in his mouth. Placing one of the swords in Zoro's mouth, Luffy stood back and watched as in moments, the swords man freed himself, drew all of his swords and then proceeded to block a group of eight marines as they all attempted to attack at the same time.
"Move an inch, and I'll cut you down." Zoro glared at the marines despite his back being to them. Looking up, Zoro addressed Luffy, "Alright, since I'm now a criminal for having fought the marines, so I'll become a pirate, but I'll be out to accomplish my goal and you are never to forget that." Luffy asked what his goal was and Zoro just smirked, "To be nothing less than the greatest swordsman this world has to offer. So if I have to give that up along the way, I'll cut you down before making you apologies to me."
"The world's greatest swordsman, heh, sounds nice and the 'King of the Pirates' would have nothing less than the best on his crew." Luffy grinned at the response that Zoro gave.
"From this point onward, criminal or not, my name will be known throughout the world." Zoro's last statement was then followed by Morgan's demanding that the marines kill the three people in the yard, being Luffy, Zoro and Coby.
Luffy grinned at this and said, "Let's get wild!" Before the marines or his two companions could blink, Luffy sped off towards the marines with his body starting to shift. Where once stood a young teen now ran a large, humanoid cat with black spots. Luffy had turned into a cheetah-man. The people in the courtyard heard a cry of "Cheetah Barrage!" In seconds the marines found themselves on the ground with either the wind knocked out of them or completely out cold with lumps on the back of their heads. The only marine left standing was Morgan as he observed the scene with wide eyes. Luffy suddenly appeared between the captain and his friends, shrinking down into his human form.
A gaping Zoro managed to sputter, "W…What the heck are you!?" To which Luffy happily replied, "I'm a Chimera man!"
The recent displays of strength made the still conscious marines question their ability to overcome the two pirates. Morgan's expression darkened and he immediately order every marine who 'spouted out weakness' to shoot themselves in the head. Zoro braced himself for a fight, but Luffy dashed forward, through the marines, and slashed at Morgan himself with his knife, only to be blocked by the giant axe head that was in place of his right hand.
"You pathetic and reckless punks, how dare you defy me?! I am the marine captain, Axe-Hand Morgan!" As he said this, Morgan took off his captain's coat.
"Hi, my name's Luffy," Luffy stood, completely unaffected by Morgan's attempt at intimidation.
When Luffy had finished talking, Morgan rushed the teen with a sideways swipe which Luffy easiy jumped over. Turning around to face his opponent, Morgan then brought his 'Axe-Hand' down which split the earth but once more, Luffy had leapt safely into the air. While airborne, Luffy sheathed his blade and suddenly shifted his legs to that of a mule and with a cry of "Donkey Drop-Kick!" kicked Morgan strait in the face, knocking the captain of his feet.
Getting back onto his feet, Morgan saw that Luffy was running towards him again, and lifted his Axe-Hand into air once more to bring down on the teen pirate bellowing out a cry for the teen's death. To the shock and surprise of everyone present, Luffy's lower body shifted into a snake's tail and he twisted out of Morgan's attack and belting the marine with his tail back down onto his back. Luffy shifted back to normal and walked over to the downed man, lifted him by the scruff of his shirt, and started to punch him over and over for having ruined Coby's dream by soiling the name of the marines.
"Hold it 'Straw Hat', look at what I've got!" Helmeppo's shrill voice cut over the sounds of Luffy's punching. When he realised that he wasn't getting the result he had originally desired he continued calling out. Helmeppo was currently holding a gun to Coby's head and his limbs were all shaking with nerves. Eventually Luffy stopped punching the marine captain and looked over at Helmeppo and Coby, and then Coby called out and told Luffy not to worry, even if he should have died.
"Of course, so what will you do now, Helmet Head." Luffy was grinning as he walked away from Morgan's prone body and then shifting back into his hybrid cheetah form, grinning a Cheshire cat smile. As he was walking away, Morgan rose from the ground and attempted to cut down the teen pirate captain one more time. Zoro noticed Morgan's movement and readied his swords before moving close enough to help Luffy should it be necessary.
"Cheetah Blitz" Luffy said under his breath, and moments later, Helmeppo's head snapped back and he then collapsed on the ground, completely unconscious with Luffy standing where the brat once stood. Behind Luffy, Morgan wasn't in much better shape as he fell back completely unconscious from Zoro's attack. Luffy became human again before he turned to the swordsman and thanked him, only to be told by Zoro, that he was just, 'Doing his job'.
Luffy and Zoro turned to the marines and put out a challenge to what had just happened. The two pirates were surprised when the marines then tossed their hats, guns and swords into the air while spouting off that they were free from the corrupt captain. Later, both Zoro and Luffy were enjoying a lunch in the bar that the Rika's mother worked in and Zoro started to question his captain, "So Luffy, you said that you were looking for crew members; how many do you have so far?" Still with food in his mouth, Luffy just pointed at Zoro who gawked at the prospect, "Then please tell me you at least have a ship." At this, the Chimera boy pointed to the docks that could be seen from the window and one of the dinghies there.
"Don't worry so much about the ship for the moment, with just the two of us that will be perfect, for now." Luffy attempted to calm the swordsman from stressing out. "We may not have much now, but things will work out to our favour in the end, we just need to be patient."
Rika asked Luffy where they would be going when they left town, "Well I figure that we'll just sail around until we pick up a navigator and a bigger ship before heading to the Grand Line."
Hearing this Coby started to freak out and worry over his new friends, even though they would be parting ways from here. He tried telling the two about how dangerous the Grand Line is but Luffy just waved it off saying they'd be fine. Zorro then pointed out to Coby to be careful that the marines never find out about his time on Alvida's ship because he would be considered a pirate and would never be allowed in the marines if that happened. As the people conversed within the bar, the marines started gathering at the door and a lieutenant entered the room. "I've heard that the two of you are pirates, is that true?" getting a nod of assent, the marines ordered that the two of them leave town immediately, even though they were happy for the assist with Morgan.
Zoro and Luffy just smirked and started to leave, when the lieutenant asked whether Coby was with them Luffy started to tell them about how Coby had been Alvida's cabin boy for two years, causing the pink haired boy to strike Luffy in the face. Luffy in turn, then started punching Coby and was told to stop by the marines allowing Luffy to start smirking. At the docks Luffy and Zoro were both relishing in the very 'pirate' feel that was joined with their current departure of the town. When the just finished unfastening the boat, they heard Coby thank them, and turned to see the newest member of the marine alongside the mother and daughter of the small bar. Out at sea, both Zoro and Luffy were relaxing and Luffy told Zoro to get comfortable since they were just heading where the wind took them for the moment and he was grinning widely at the future prospects for adventure!
AN: Hey there, sorry for the long wait, school's been a female dog and I decided to write the entire Zorro arc in one chapter instead of many little ones. I want to thank everyone who's following me so far and, rest assured, I hope to update at least once a month schedule permitting. Now you know what Luffy's knife is for! I decided that because he isn't made of rubber in my fic he'll need a good defense to bullets and such, so I decided that with his observational haki (which I previously mentioned he partially awakened thanks to his stronger, animal instincts), along with his animal reflexes and his blade allow him to predict and deflect the bullets fired at him with ease. I got something in mind for how he'll reflect cannon balls but I'm open for suggestions. One unique aspect of the Chimera-Chimera fruit is that the user can transform parts of his/her body into different animal parts at will, instead of needing to fully transform all the time. As you can tell, Luffy's cheetah form is his go to for speed (roughly Gear 2 speed) while his snake form is for dodging, etc. As always this is free to adopt for all who're interested and PM me if you have any questions. Please read and review and I'll see you next time!