"I am great."
Captain Morgan sat in his office, his leather chair creaking slightly as he swiveled it to face the grand window overlooking the Marine Base. The sight of Shells Town below brought a sense of satisfaction to him, knowing he held complete control over the town and its inhabitants.
"I am magnificent," Morgan muttered to himself with a smug grin. He relished the feeling of power that surged through him, reinforcing his belief in his own superiority. From his lofty position as the Captain of the 153rd Marine Branch, he had commanded respect and fear from those under his command and the civilians he governed.
His eyes narrowed as he watched the bustling activity in the town. He saw people going about their daily lives, yet very aware of the iron grip he had on them. They were like puppets, dancing to his tune, and he reveled in the thought of how much influence he wielded over their lives.
"I am invincible," Morgan continued, his voice growing more animated with each word. He felt an overwhelming sense of invulnerability, as if nothing and no one could challenge him. The world was his to conquer, and he was more than ready to crush anyone who dared to oppose him.
The grin on his face widened a fraction, causing a jolt of dull pain to echo through his metal jaw, a reminder of his invincibility. He raised his famed Axe-imbued with his flesh and bolted to his bones- in front of his face and relished the memories of his triumphs on the battlefield and the reputation he had earned as a fierce and ruthless Marine officer.
Not even the infamous pirate Kuro could fell him. He managed to wound Morgan - a feat none other could hope to achieve- yet he died all the same.
For his opponent was great.
For his opponent was Morgan.
Morgan lowered his axe, his eyes drawn to the center of the yard below, where a figure was tied to a post - Roronoa Zoro, the famous Pirate Hunter, and the latest fool to experience Morgan's wrath. Zoro lay unconscious; his battered and bruised body a testament to Morgan's cruelty.
The Marine captain's lips curled into a sinister grin as he admired his handiwork. "You thought you could challenge the might of the Marines, Roronoa?" he sneered.
He took a moment to revel in the feeling of power, knowing that he had one of the most feared men and the greatest swordsman in the wide East Blue at his mercy. It was a display of dominance that sent a chilling message to any other bastard who dared to cross his path.
A sudden knock on the door interrupted his musing, and a Marine officer rushed through the door, visibly flustered. Morgan's fuming expression demanded an explanation, and he barked, "You better have a damn good reason for bothering me, marine!"
The young officer hastily apologized before stammering, "S-sir, you need to come to the front gate immediately!"
Morgan's temper flared at the audacity of this lowly marine ordering him around. The thought of killing the youngster right on the spot rushed to the forefront of his mind. Only the words that came out of the officer's mouth next saved him from his wrath.
"A-A-A-Admiral Akainu is here!"
Morgan's eyes widened in surprise and shock at the mention of Admiral Akainu's name. The anger that had been boiling inside him just moments ago now evaporated, replaced by a mix of shock and awe.
The Red Dog was here?
"Are you sure?!" Morgan roared, his voice tinged with unease. "If it's an imposter or a joke, I'll skin you alive!"
The young marine officer trembled under Captain Morgan's intense gaze, realizing the severity of his mistake. "I-I'm absolutely sure, sir," he stammered, his voice shaking with fear. "We've already verified his documentation. There's no mistake, the actual Admiral Akainu is here!"
Morgan quickly composed himself, rising from his chair and adjusting his uniform with a sense of urgency. "Admiral Akainu? What is he doing here?" Morgan demanded, his voice firm but tinged with unease.
The young officer gulped nervously, realizing the weight of the situation. "I-I'm not sure, sir. He didn't say. He just appeared out of the blue," the officer explained, his words rushing out in a panic.
One of the highest-ranking and most formidable Admirals in the entire Navy had arrived at this humble Marine base?
"Prepare a formal reception," Morgan barked out his orders, his mind racing with possibilities. "And gather all senior officers immediately. I want everyone ready to welcome Admiral Akainu with the utmost respect. Tell them if there's a single thing out of order, I'll gut them like fish!"
The young officer nodded hastily and rushed off to carry out the Captain's orders. Morgan took a deep breath, trying to quell the mixture of fear and anticipation welling up within him. He had never met Admiral Akainu personally, but he had heard tales of the man's ferocity and power.
Alone in his office once more, Morgan stared out of the window at the Marine Base below. He knew that Admiral Akainu was not a man to be taken lightly. His power and authority were unmatched, and he had a reputation for his uncompromising sense of justice.
If he was here, it could only mean that something significant was about to happen.
Captain Morgan's mind raced with numerous possibilities as he continued to pace in his office. Each scenario seemed to inflate his ego, making him feel even more important and indispensable to the Navy.
"A promotion, yes, that's it," he muttered to himself, a small smirk playing on his lips. "They must have recognized my talent and dedication. Admiral Akainu is here to offer me a higher position, perhaps even a seat on the Marine Headquarters!"
The thought of being elevated to such a prestigious rank filled him with pride. He had always known that he belonged alongside the highest-ranking officers in the Navy, making crucial decisions that would shape the course of history.
"But wait," he hesitated, another thought crossing his mind. "Perhaps it's a reward for my recent achievements. Yes, I did capture that notorious pirate gang last month. They must be impressed with my skills and efficiency."
His chest swelled with self-importance as he relived the thrilling moments of the successful operation. He could already see himself receiving medals and accolades, celebrated as a hero among his fellow marines.
"No, no, it could be something even more significant," Axe-Hand continued, now entertaining the notion of a top-secret mission. "Akainu must have recognized my potential and entrusted me with a vital mission that only I can handle."
It seemed that those old bastards at the top had finally realized the true strength of the great Captain "Axe-Hand" Morgan.
Standing at the center of his office, his arms spread wide, Morgan triumphantly raised his head and barked out a laugh.
Laying on the ground, his arms cradling his broken ribs, Morgan weakly lifted his head and coughed. "Why?" he managed to utter amidst the pain.
"Why did I kick you? Or do you mean, why am I here?" Admiral Akainu drawled as the bottom of his boot settled atop Morgan's head, driving his face back into the dirt. "Well, the answer to both is the same. You have disappointed me, Morgan-kun."
Morgan attempted to move his head, but it was in vain. Between the increasing pressure and searing pain in his chest, he could only catch glimpses of his surroundings from his peripheral view.
The twin lines of officers stood saluting on both sides, none daring to break pose even as their captain was being humiliated in front of them.
They had turned into silent, unmoving statues, not wishing to anger the Admiral. Yet, Morgan knew that was only part of it. His insides burned with rage as he caught glimpses of their eyes. They enjoyed looking down at him.
The marines of the 153rd branch relished in seeing Morgan humiliated.
'I am going to slaughter them!' Morgan vowed as he glared at them. These pieces of shit who should've kissed the ground he walked on were looking down at him.
Unforgivable! Utterly unforgivable!
But no matter how much rage and defiance swirled within him, he was powerless against the might of Admiral Akainu. The disparity between their strengths was as vast as the ocean itself.
"What…what do you mean?" Morgan gritted out through clenched teeth, his voice filled with anger and frustration.
"Tell me, my dumb little Morgan-kun, do you remember why your sorry ass was put in charge of this place?" the Admiral asked.
Morgan's mind raced, trying to find the right answer, but the pain and rage clouded his thoughts. "I-I was chosen because... because I was deemed capable," he stuttered.
"Very good! After capturing Captain Kuro, you were deemed to be deserving of a promotion. Thus, you were given the rank of a Captain and sent to this place." Morgan winced as Akainu's boot pressed down harder on his head, forcing him to eat dirt. "Yet, while I was going around enjoying my vacation around these parts, you wouldn't believe whom I ran across. Care to take a guess?"
Morgan remained silent for a moment as his mind tried to make sense of the admiral's ramblings. The pain in Morgan's ribs intensified, but he managed to grunt out a response, "I... I don't know, Admiral Akainu."
"Hmm, is that so? What about you, men? Can anyone guess who I came across?" Akainu said as he turned his head around to look at the still-saluting marines.
None spoke.
"Guess I'll choose." Morgan felt Akainu's boot stir as he pointed at someone. "What about...you! The green-haired gentleman tied to the post."
Morgan's heart sank as he followed Admiral Akainu's finger and saw Roronoa staring in their direction with a bored expression. Zoro's eyes met Morgan's for a brief moment, and there was amusement in them despite his battered state. He turned towards Akainu with a shrug. "…that Kuro guy?"
"Absolutely correct! And on the first try? You must be a goddamn genius." Akainu exclaimed while clapping loudly. He turned towards the officers. "Hurry up and untie him. We can't have our brilliant minds in binds."
The men barely hesitated for a moment before rushing and doing as ordered. Within seconds, a baffled and confused Zoro stood unbound from his confines. Yet even as his prized prisoner was set free, Morgan did not have the presence of mind to even register that fact.
Morgan was left speechless for a moment, his mind reeling from Admiral Akainu's declaration. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had captured Kuro himself, hadn't he? Fueled by a mix of anger and uncertainty, he screamed, "It's impossible! I caught that damn pirate with my own two hands! It had to be an imposter!"
"Truly? In that case…" Admiral Akainu remained calm, his eyes fixed on Morgan. "Describe how the battle went," he ordered.
Morgan's mind raced as he tried to recount the events. "Kuro... he barged into the ship, killing my men... then... then he shattered my jaw and arm," Morgan stuttered, his confidence wavering. "But I... I managed to turn the tables on him... and then... I defeated him."
Akainu motioned with his hand for more specific details.
Morgan hesitated, trying to grasp the memory. " I fought back! I turned the tables on him, and... I... I..." His voice wavered as he tried to remember the exact moment of victory. "I defeated him with a... a headbutt..no!..it was …a kick..?"
Akainu's stern gaze bore down on Morgan, making him feel small and inadequate. "Are you sure about that?"
Morgan's uncertainty only grew. "Well, maybe it was... it was actually an axe slash or a powerful punch."
Akainu's disappointment was evident. "You don't remember, do you?"
"Goddamn it, I know I beat him!" Feeling his ego bruised, Morgan insisted with a hint of desperation, " I defeated him! I just… need a little more time to remember the exact details."
Determined to reaffirm his memories and regain his self-assurance, Morgan took a deep breath and focused intensely on recalling every detail of the battle with Kuro. Yet, he found nothing.
Suddenly, the boot was removed from his head, allowing him to rise to his knees. He looked forward and found the Admiral kneeling, his gaze fixed on Morgan's eyes. "You don't remember beating Kuro because it was all an illusion. After you got your ass handed to you, Kuro had his first mate put you and one of his crew members in a hypnotic state."
Morgan's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as Admiral Akainu revealed the truth. He staggered back, his mind struggling to process the revelation. "An illusion? Hypnotic state?" he stammered, feeling a surge of anger mixed with humiliation. "That's a lie-!"
Akainu quickly silenced Morgan's interruption. "Watch your words carefully, Morgan." The older man warned, his hand grabbing Morgan's face and his fingers bending the metallic jaw. "You don't want to say anything rash, now."
Morgan's fingers clawed desperately at Akainu's grip to no avail. The admiral's arm was far sturdier than the steel that made up his axe.
"However! That is not why I'm disappointed in you, Morgan-kun." Sakazuki sighed loudly. "Even after what happened, I had no intention of removing your promotion because, in the end, it was also our fault for falling for Kuro's trick. Besides, it's not like you're the first person to rise to a rank he doesn't deserve. God knows we have our share of frauds."
"But if that's not the reason, then why?" Morgan managed to gasp out, his voice tinged with frustration and confusion.
"I kicked you because you forgot your place, you small-time thug," Akainu explained as an expression of pure murder appeared in his eyes despite the widening smirk. "The people of this island loathe the marines. Forcing civilians to pay a weekly tribute to you, and killing those who refuse, all just to build a fucking statue of your ugly mug. Do you fancy yourself a king? Are you trying to make them all turn against us?"
With a clank, Morgan's metal jaw broke, it's shards stabbing through his flesh.
Amid the searing pain and overwhelming humiliation, Morgan somehow summoned the strength to glare defiantly at the admiral. Whether Akainu's words had been driven by truth or if he was merely grasping for a reason to eliminate Morgan, it held little significance now.
Higher rank be damned. He already humored the fucker for far too long.
Be it a pirate or an Admiral, Morgan had always been a proud man, one who would never grovel or beg for his life. He managed to muster a gravelly response despite his shattered jaw, his words a bitter retort, "If you're going to kill me, then get on with it."
"Even with a broken jaw, you're still spewing shit," the sinister smirk curled on Akainu's lips, and a veil of smoke began to rise from his hand as his grip on Morgan's face intensified, the heat searing through flesh and bone. His aura of murderous intent spread across the yard, thick and suffocating. Agonizing torment surged through Morgan's body, his very flesh igniting with the intensity of the pain, and the specter of death loomed ever closer.
Just as unconsciousness beckoned, Sakazuki abruptly released his grip on Morgan's throat. The sudden cessation of agony left Morgan gasping for air, his vision swimming as he struggled to regain his senses. His chest heaved, and his body trembled with the aftershocks of torment.
"As appropriate as it may be to end your life now, I don't plan on cutting in line." Sakazuki's voice was cold and resolute, a chilling reminder of the fate that awaited Morgan. His gaze shifted, locking onto Roronoa Zoro, who had been a silent witness to the harrowing ordeal.
A tense silence settled over the scene, broken only by the ragged breaths of the fallen captain and the weight of impending judgment that hung heavily in the air.
"You have some unfinished business with this trash, right?" Sakazuki's gaze turned to lock on Zoro, who had watched the whole exchange in silence. Zoro's face remained inscrutable, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sized up the defeated captain.
Zoro's attention shifted from Sakazuki to Morgan, his expression hardening. While it was the dumb son who got him into this mess, the father was equally guilty.
In a measured voice, Zoro replied, his words charged with quiet intensity. "…In a way."
A faint, knowing smile tugged at Sakazuki's lips. He seemed to grasp the depth of the situation and the intricate layers beneath. Swiftly, he unfastened the sword he had taken from Rear Admiral Doll and tossed it to Zoro.
The sword flew through the air, landing solidly in Zoro's grip
"We can't leave any loose ends," Sakazuki's words had a finality to them, a clear declaration that carried the weight of authority
"I ain't your executioner."
"Too much of a coward to kill me with your own hands?"
Zoro and Morgan's voices rang out in unison.
"Of course not. What I'm getting at is that we can't just afford to let grievances and grudges rot and fester." Sakazuki waved off their remarks with a casual gesture. "Plus, I'm offering you both a shot at getting out of this mess. Whether you grasp it or not, you're both in deep shit."
Morgan, still nursing his wounds and his wounded pride, managed to rasp out a response, his voice laced with bitterness. "What do you mean, 'chance for freedom'? Don't play games with us, Akainu."
Sakazuki's gaze remained steady, unaffected by their skepticism. "I'm not playing games," he retorted, his tone firm. "I'm giving you an opportunity to settle your debts."
Zoro's grip on the sword tightened, his knuckles turning white as he mulled over Sakazuki's words. "And what's the catch?" he asked, his voice guarded.
"I get one less problem to deal with," Sakazuki stated with a smile that held a glint of both amusement and authority.
Zoro's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his gaze. "And what exactly have I done to become a problem for you?" he retorted, his tone sharp.
Sakazuki merely shrugged, his nonchalant demeanor contrasting with the gravity of the situation. "Who knows?" he mused, a hint of indifference in his voice. "But your presence here means that you're criminals, and as the highest-ranking Marine, it's my responsibility to deal with you."
Zoro clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What a load of shit."
"Now that you mention it, what is he being held for?" Sakazuki turned towards the closest marine.
"Uh... H-He attacked four of our men, sir."
"Well, there you have it," Sakazuki said with a shrug. "Assaulting marines is a pretty heinous crime."
"And threatening a little girl is not?" Zoro argued back heatedly.
"Tsk tsk tsk, the circumstances are irrelevant." Sakazuki shook his fingers.
Zoro's glare intensified.
Morgan's scowl deepened at the admiral's words. The idea that he was nothing more than a 'problem' to be disposed of rankled his pride, yet he couldn't deny the reality of their situation. He rose to his feet, his stance defiant as he stood opposite the pirate hunter, the yard gradually clearing around them.
"So I just have to win and you'll fuck off?" Morgan's voice carried a mixture of skepticism and determination, his eyes locked onto Zoro.
Sakazuki's smile remained enigmatic. "Exactly," he affirmed, his tone unwavering. "As long as one of you is still standing, it don't matter. Feel free to kill each other."
Zoro's grip on the sword loosened slightly as he watched Morgan assume a battle stance. He exhaled audibly, a begrudging acceptance evident in his features. "Fine," Zoro conceded, his tone laden with reluctant agreement. He unsheathed the blade and twisted the sheath in his other hand, taking a dual-wield stance.
"Ready…."
Morgan's lips curled into a twisted smirk as he cracked his knuckles. "Don't hold back, Pirate Hunter," he taunted, his voice laced with a mocking edge. "I wouldn't want to disappoint the great Admiral by giving him an unsatisfying show."
Zoro's gaze remained fixed on Morgan, his expression impassive. Without another word, he shifted into a defensive stance, his body coiled like a tightly wound spring. The tension in the air was palpable, each moment stretching out as the two prepared to clash.
Sakazuki's eyes moved between the two, his posture relaxed yet watchful. "Begin," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
Morgan lunged forward, his movements fueled by a combination of rage and desperation. He swung his axe with a ferocious intensity, aiming for Zoro's midsection.
Zoro's response was swift and precise, his own blade deflecting the attack with a resounding clash of metal. The clash of steel echoed through the yard, the sound reverberating like a declaration of the battle that had begun.
Morgan pressed his assault, his attacks relentless as he sought to overwhelm Zoro with sheer force. "Die! Die! Die!" he shouted with each strike.
Zoro, on the other hand, displayed remarkable agility and finesse, his movements fluid and calculated as he expertly parried each strike.
Morgan lunged forward with a fierce downward slash of his axe, aiming straight at Zoro's head. Zoro's sword met the attack head-on, the clash of steel ringing out sharply as sparks flew from the collision. The force of the blow pushed Zoro back a step, his muscles straining to hold his ground.
Morgan didn't relent, launching a rapid horizontal strike that sailed harmlessly. Zoro's sheath slammed into Morgan's knee, and he slashed Morgan's open side, carving a deep red cut.
The Marine grunted in pain and swung his axe back widely, only to miss again as Zoro twisted his crouching body out of the way before his sword slashed through Morgan's legs.
"Two sword style…" Zoro's voice resonated.
As his legs buckled, Morgan barely managed to raise his guard in time.
"Seventy-Two pound Cannon!"
The forceful impact of the blade and sheath against Morgan's axe drove it into his chest with bone-rattling power, shaking him to his core. The air blast shot him off the ground, his feet skimming the earth as he struggled to halt his momentum.
"Grrkh." A pained grunt escaped Morgan as he dug his feet into the dirt, finally slowing his airborne course. Raising his head, he glared at Zoro several meters away, the pirate hunter crouched in a half-draw stance.
"One Sword Style..."
'What is...' Morgan's thoughts hung unfinished as Zoro seemingly vanished before his eyes.
Confusion mingled as the searing blinding light and sound of the sheathed sword coming from behind him disoriented him.
"...Lightening."
Suddenly, the world erupted in agony as Zoro's blade sliced through the air with deadly precision.
Blood sprayed, Morgan's vision was obscured as the blade tore through his chest, leaving behind a gaping wound. Darkness encroached, and the last thing he registered was the eerie sound of clapping.
"Yes, yes, thanks for your hard work. A bit too short for my liking, but a good fight nonetheless," Sakazuki's laughter echoed as he approached the pair. His gaze fell upon the comatose Morgan, observing the rise and fall of his open chest. "Hmm, I thought I said a fight to the death?"
Zoro's retort was swift and defiant. "And I thought I already told you that I ain't your damn executioner." With determination, he drove the sword he had wielded during the battle into Akainu's hand, his glare an unspoken challenge. "This means I'm free to go, right?"
The admiral's response was swift, his mirth almost gleeful. "Of course! Consider your crime forgiven." Sakazuki's smile held a hint of mischief, as though he found a hidden satisfaction in the outcome. The tension in the air seemed to dissolve, replaced by a palpable sense of resolution and finality.
Zoro's unwavering gaze remained fixed on Sakazuki as he spoke with unwavering determination. "My three swords. I want 'em back."
Meeting Zoro's stare, Sakazuki understood the unspoken exchange. Without hesitation, he turned to one of the nearby marines. "You, take him to where the swords are stored."
The young marine, visibly nervous, snapped to attention at the admiral's command. With a sharp nod, he gestured for Zoro to follow him, his posture a mix of deference and tension. Zoro spared one final glance at Sakazuki before he turned on his heel and followed the marine.
Zoro felt relief flooding over him as he walked towards the storage place for his swords. He was more than ready to leave this Marine base behind. 'I swear I'm never coming back to this damned island.'
Swiftly, he retrieved his three swords from their storage, strapping them securely to his waist. The familiar weight of the blades against his body brought a sense of comfort and reassurance, like reuniting with old friends. The annoyance that had been boiling within him started to subside, replaced by a focused determination.
He had wasted enough time on this fucking place already.
But his momentary relief was crushed as he stepped out into the yard.
His heart sank as he was met with a startling and unwelcome sight - a multitude of rifles aimed directly at him, wielded by several dozen marines. Zoro's hand instinctively moved towards his swords, his body coiled for action.
"Pirate Hunter, Roronoa Zoro, you're under arrest!" Sakazuki's declaration cut through the tense air, his Cheshire smile adding an unsettling aura to the scene as he stood among the gathered marines.
Zoro's anger surged, his frustration boiling over. "What the hell is the meaning of this? You already said I was forgiven!"
Sakazuki's nod was deliberate. "Indeed, your previous transgression involving the four officers has been pardoned. However, the current matter is an entirely different case."
An exasperated snarl escaped Zoro's lips. "So what the hell is it this time?"
The admiral's smile carried a hint of mockery. "Assaulting and gravely injuring Captain 'Axe-Hand' Morgan."
"Bastard..." Zoro's teeth ground together, his grip on his swords tightening until his knuckles turned white. Frustration radiated from him, his temper on the precipice. "You were the one who ordered us to fight to the death!"
" I said it before, didn't I ? Attacking the Marines is a heinous crime..." Sakazuki's gaze locked with Zoro's, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"…The circumstances are irrelevant."
Akainu tries not to be a dickhead challenge. (Impossible)
The first draft of the chapter had « Lion's Song » instead of « Lightening. » which is a mistake because Lion's song was a technique for slicing steel. At this point Zoro CANNOT cut steel so I changed it to "One Sword Style: Lightening."
It still follows the system of food puns Zoro uses for his attacks. Lightening= Ikazus(c)hi which is a mix of Ika(squid) and Zushi(sushi.)
As always, thanks for reading.
