A seconde chance : Between Land and Sea

Luffy and Koby sprinted toward the entrance of the central building of the Marine base. They honestly had no clear idea where Zoro's swords might be stored, but Koby had a simple plan: find someone who did know and ask them.

As the duo raced through the stone corridors, their footsteps echoing loudly, they soon encountered a group of three Marine soldiers. Judging by their uniforms, they were low-ranking and likely inexperienced.

True to his nature, Luffy wasted no time talking. With a bright grin, he suddenly accelerated, charging straight at the soldiers with incredible speed.

"GOMU GOMU NO… BULLET!" he shouted enthusiastically.

The first soldier didn't even have time to comprehend what was happening before a sharp pain hit his stomach. He was sent flying backward, crashing into the soldier behind him. Both collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Koby, following calmly behind, approached the last remaining soldier, who was frozen in shock. Holding his staff firmly, Koby gave the man a polite smile.

"Excuse me, sir, but perhaps you could help us. We're currently looking for the swords belonging to a man named Roronoa Zoro. Would you happen to know where they are?" Koby asked, his tone perfectly measured.

The soldier blinked several times, struggling to process the situation. As he opened his mouth to answer, a sharp crack interrupted him. Koby's staff had slammed into the wall just beside the soldier's head, shattering the stone into pieces.

The soldier paled instantly, the words dying in his throat. His eyes darted between the damaged wall, Koby's impassive face, and the staff that had caused it.

Swallowing nervously, he raised a trembling hand to point down the hallway. "Uh… that way! There's a staircase. Go up to the fourth floor, then turn right in the hallway. You'll see a door—pink, with fur around it. There's a plaque on it that says, 'The Son of Captain Morgan.'"

Koby gave a slight bow, his tone still courteous. "Thank you very much for your cooperation. Have a nice day," he said with a faint smile.

Without hesitation, he gestured for Luffy to follow, who burst into laughter as they left. Luffy was thoroughly glad he'd taken Koby into his crew.

With the soldier's clear directions, Luffy and Koby quickly climbed the stairs. Their footsteps echoed in the stairwell, accompanied by Luffy's cheerful laughter, as if he were enjoying every moment of their adventure.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, they emerged into a long corridor illuminated by narrow windows letting in streams of daylight. Koby glanced to the right, as instructed, and a small smile crossed his lips when he spotted a door that matched the description perfectly.

At the end of the hallway stood a pink door bordered with fur. Above it, a shiny golden plaque proudly read, "The Son of Captain Morgan."

Luffy placed his hands on his hips, grinning widely. "That's gotta be it! It's way too weird to be anything else, shishishi!"

Koby, more pragmatic, nodded. "Yes, but stay alert, Luffy. People like this don't usually welcome uninvited guests."

Luffy, ever carefree, walked up to the door and grabbed the handle. "Eh, if someone's not happy about it, we'll deal with it. I'm opening it!"

Koby let out a light sigh but stayed by his side. Luffy pushed the door open without hesitation, and it creaked unpleasantly as it swung inward.

The room they entered was just as extravagant as the door suggested. Plush rugs covered the floor, luxurious curtains framed large windows, and a canopy bed stood in the center, surrounded by ornately decorated furniture. Everything was drenched in a garish pink hue. 

In one corner, three impeccably sheathed swords leaned against the wall.

"There! The swords!" Luffy exclaimed, pointing toward Zoro's weapons. "Which one do you think is Zoro's?"

"I don't know. Let's grab all three to be safe," Koby replied.

Before they could move closer, a shrill voice echoed from behind them.

"WHO DARES ENTER MY DOMAIN WITHOUT PERMISSION?!"

The two turned to see Helmeppo, dressed in a ridiculously embroidered shirt and holding a small whip, storm into the room.

"YOU!" he screamed, pointing a trembling finger at them. "How dare you invade my room?!"

Luffy tilted his head slightly, clearly amused. "Your room? This place is way too weird, even for a room, shishishi!"

Helmeppo's face turned red with anger, his fists clenching. "Leave immediately, or I… or I'll call my father!"

Luffy shrugged, walking nonchalantly toward the swords. "Eh, I'm taking the swords anyway. Your dad can come if he wants."

Furious, Helmeppo lunged to intercept Luffy, but Koby stepped forward and swiftly blocked him, holding his staff against Helmeppo's chest.

"If you want to fight, I'll be your opponent," Koby said in a calm, composed tone.

Helmeppo froze, fear flashing in his eyes. Koby didn't even need to attack; his mere presence was enough to make Helmeppo hesitate.

Meanwhile, Luffy grabbed the swords and gave them a quick glance before smiling. "These look to be in good shape. Perfect for Zoro!"

Lowering his staff, Koby gave Helmeppo one last piercing look before turning to leave.

Helmeppo remained frozen, his fists trembling in humiliation but too afraid to act. Luffy walked past him without a glance, holding the swords with a grin plastered across his face.

As they left the room, Koby gave a slight nod, a gesture that was almost mocking in its politeness, before following his captain.

Koby allowed himself a small smile, adjusting his grip on his staff. He was glad they had avoided unnecessary confrontation, but he knew this was far from over.

The two retraced their steps back to the central courtyard, where Zoro was still tied to the post. 

Zoro looked up, intrigued by their return. Luffy approached him with his characteristic grin.

"Hey, Zoro! I've got your swords!" he declared, proudly holding up the weapons.

Zoro raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "You actually found them? Not bad," he said simply.

"Of course! Now let's get you free," Luffy added, stepping toward the post.

Before they could make a move, a thunderous voice echoed across the courtyard.

"WHO DARES DEFY MY AUTHORITY?!"

Captain Morgan made his entrance, his massive frame and gigantic axe attached to his mechanical arm making an imposing sight. He marched forward with a domineering arrogance, his soldiers scrambling to clear a path for him.

Koby instinctively stepped in front of Luffy, tightening his grip on his staff. Luffy, on the other hand, looked almost excited about the arrival of the new challenger.

"So, this is the big bad guy?" Luffy asked, a provocative smile on his face.

Morgan stopped, his sharp gaze sweeping over the intruders. His voice boomed with raw authority and seething rage.

"You dare to infiltrate my base, attack my men, and attempt to free a criminal?! You have no respect for me! For that, you will pay with your lives!"

Without hesitation, he charged forward, swinging his colossal axe in a wide, menacing arc. The air whistled with the force of his strike, but Luffy reacted instantly. He leaped to the side with feline agility, his grin never faltering.

Koby, standing his ground, locked eyes with Morgan, his expression calm but resolute. He knew this was a moment to push his limits. Instead of evading easily, like Luffy, he chose to challenge himself and confront the danger head-on.

As the axe neared him, Koby bent his knees slightly and pivoted gracefully, minimizing unnecessary movement. With fluid precision, he rotated on one foot, channeling the momentum into a powerful strike. His staff connected squarely with Morgan's exposed ribs.

The impact reverberated through the air. Morgan staggered backward, sliding several meters before stopping, one hand clutching his side. His face twisted in surprise and pain.

"How…?" he growled through gritted teeth.

Koby straightened up slowly, twirling his staff in one hand. His gaze remained locked on Morgan, calm yet unyielding.

Luffy, watching from the side, burst out laughing. "Koby, you're getting good at this!"

Morgan, his anger reaching a boiling point, stood to his full height again, his intimidating presence growing even more oppressive. His eyes burned with fury as he raised his axe for another swing.

"You little brat… You'll regret that!" he roared.

Koby didn't flinch. He adjusted his stance, gripping his staff firmly, and bent his knees slightly in preparation.

"Luffy," he murmured, his gaze never leaving Morgan, "free Zoro. I'll handle this."

Morgan charged again, his rage fueling his speed and strength. Koby, far from intimidated, met him head-on. Both raced toward each other, their trajectories colliding like two storms. 

But just as they seemed about to clash, Koby dropped low, sliding smoothly across the ground. He slipped between Morgan's legs with surprising agility. The captain, caught off guard, couldn't react in time.

Before Morgan could turn around, Koby was already back on his feet behind him. With a swift, decisive motion, he struck the back of Morgan's legs with his staff, aiming for the tendons. The powerful blow forced Morgan to his knees with a thunderous crash.

Koby didn't waste a moment. Pivoting on his heel, he poured all his strength into a precise, forceful strike. The end of his staff slammed into Morgan's temple with a loud crack.

Morgan collapsed to the ground instantly, his massive frame sprawled out and motionless. His vision blurred, and his body refused to obey his commands.

Koby straightened, his staff still firmly in hand. He approached Morgan's prone form with calm, measured steps, placing a foot on the captain's chest to roll him over onto his back.

Morgan groaned, too disoriented to protest. He looked up at Koby, whose gaze was steady and deep, devoid of anger or arrogance. Instead, there was a resolute calm in his expression.

"Holding back now would probably be enough," Koby began, his voice measured and firm. "But since arriving on this island, I've seen too much to leave things as they are." 

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"First, your name alone strikes fear into the hearts of the civilians under your rule. Second, your son believes he's above the law, threatening to execute someone just because of his name. Third, your men fear you—but it's not the respectful fear that a good leader commands. And fourth, the first thing you said to us was that we were going to die."

Morgan's breathing was ragged, but he couldn't move or respond. Koby's words cut deeper than any physical wound.

"All of this tells me one thing: you value no life but your own. You act with impunity because you represent the law on this island, and no one can oppose you. You take lives, oppress others, and do as you please simply because you hold the power to do so."

Koby stepped back slightly, easing the pressure of his foot but keeping his gaze locked on Morgan's.

"Leaving you alive and in power would be like releasing a curse upon these poor souls. But taking your life… That's not my right or my responsibility. I'm no executioner."

He lowered his staff, holding it firmly but without hostility. His calm expression betrayed a flicker of somber resolve.

"But I can't ignore what you've done either. Without any better option, I've decided on a solution that will let me leave this place with a clear conscience. I hope you can forgive me, because I'm not clever enough to think of something better."

Morgan's eyes widened slightly as he realized what was about to happen.

"Excuse me for the pain you're about to feel," Koby said, his voice steady. "I promise it'll be quick." 

In one swift, fluid motion, Koby brought his staff down. The crack of bones breaking echoed across the courtyard as Morgan howled in agony. 

Koby stepped back, breathing deeply as he centered himself. He glanced over to where Luffy was tangled in Zoro's bindings and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Why are these ropes so complicated?!" Luffy muttered in frustration.

Koby walked over and, with a flick of his knife, cut through the cords binding both Zoro and Luffy. 

"There, you're both free," he said calmly. 

Zoro stood, stretching his stiff muscles, and turned to look at Koby with a gaze that held respect. He had been watching. Koby's composed handling of Morgan had not gone unnoticed. 

Zoro crossed his arms, his expression neutral but with a glimmer of acknowledgment in his eyes.

"Not bad," he said, his tone measured. "You've got more guts than I expected."

Koby, slightly taken aback by the unexpected praise, nodded modestly. He didn't see his actions as remarkable, but he appreciated the observation from someone as skilled as Zoro.

Zoro then turned his attention to Luffy, who was busy adjusting his straw hat, a wide grin plastered across his face.

"And you," Zoro said, his tone tinged with curiosity, "what's the plan now, future Pirate King?"

Luffy laughed, his energy infectious as always.

"Shishishi! The plan is simple: we head to the Grand Line to find the One Piece! But first..." Luffy paused, clutching his stomach with a dramatic groan. "I'm starving!"

Zoro glanced down at the rice balls that had fallen to the ground earlier. He crouched and carefully picked them up, brushing off the dirt and dust as best as he could.

Koby, watching this small but significant gesture, smiled subtly. He could tell Zoro wasn't about to let the little girl's effort go to waste, no matter the state of the food.

Zoro took a bite of one of the rice balls, chewing slowly. Despite their slightly battered condition, he gave a slight nod of approval.

"She put her heart into this," he murmured, almost to himself. His deep voice softened the moment, and for a brief second, a sense of quiet gratitude hung in the air.

After finishing the last bite, Zoro rose to his full height, his imposing stature once again on display. He turned toward Luffy, his sharp gaze almost piercing.

"I'll keep my word and join your crew," Zoro said, his tone unwavering. "By fighting the Marines today, I've officially become a criminal. But let me make one thing clear..."

Luffy, his curiosity piqued, tilted his head slightly, his grin unfaltering.

"Clear about what?" he asked.

Zoro's voice took on a steely edge as he locked eyes with Luffy.

"I have a goal—to become the world's greatest swordsman. No matter what happens, I will achieve it. If, because of you, I have to abandon that goal... you'll pay with your life."

The atmosphere grew heavy as Zoro's words settled. Koby stood silently, observing the exchange. He could sense the weight of Zoro's resolve, but he wasn't worried. He had already seen Luffy's unshakable determination.

Luffy, however, broke the tension with a burst of laughter.

"Shishishi! The world's greatest swordsman? That's awesome! That's the bare minimum for someone on my crew!" he said, his voice brimming with excitement.

Zoro blinked, caught off guard by Luffy's reaction. His intensity softened slightly, replaced by a faint smirk.

"You'd better hold up your end of the deal," Zoro said, adjusting the strap of his swords now securely fastened to his side.

"Of course!" Luffy replied without hesitation. "Let's get going!"

The trio made their way out of the courtyard, leaving behind the remnants of the battle and the groaning form of Captain Morgan. As they walked, the faint sound of cheers and whispers began to ripple through the base. Marines and civilians alike peered out cautiously, realizing that the tyrannical reign of Captain Morgan had finally been toppled.

Before leaving the town entirely, the group stopped at a small restaurant. Inside, the young girl who had offered Zoro the rice balls worked diligently, her back turned to the entrance.

Zoro stepped forward and placed an empty handkerchief gently on the counter.

"They were good," he said gruffly.

The girl turned, her eyes widening in recognition. A wide smile lit up her face as she realized what he meant.

"Thank you!" she said, her voice brimming with joy.

Luffy and Koby exchanged a glance, both smiling at the quiet moment of understanding.

After enjoying a hearty meal and restocking their supplies, the group made their way back to the dock. As they prepared to set sail, the townspeople gathered, some waving hesitantly, others cheering openly. Even a few Marines, now free from Morgan's tyranny, offered reluctant nods of acknowledgment.

The small ship drifted away from the island, its sails catching the gentle breeze. Luffy stood at the helm, his gaze fixed on the horizon, his grin as wide as ever.

"Next stop, the Grand Line!" he declared.

Koby and Zoro exchanged a glance, one full of amusement and the other of quiet acceptance. Their journey had just begun, and neither of them knew exactly what lay ahead. But for now, they were ready to face whatever came their way.