CHAPTER 2: ENTER, RORONOA ZORO
Coby and Goku arrived at Shells Town as the morning sun began to bathe the island in a warm glow. The town, dominated by a Marine base, sprawled out with neat buildings and bustling streets. As they docked, Coby turned to Goku with a serious expression.
"I've heard about a dangerous swordsman named Roronoa Zoro being held here," Coby said, his voice hushed. "They say he's a demon in human form. He's been captured and tied up in the Marine base for days."
Goku, still trying to fully embrace his new identity, nodded. "Let's find out more about him."
Their first stop was a tavern nestled among the buildings, where they hoped to get some food and information. The tavern, a cozy establishment with wooden tables and a warm atmosphere, was a stark contrast to the tension they felt. The smell of cooking food greeted them as they walked in, and they took a seat at a corner table.
As they settled down, the owner approached. "What can I get for you?" she asked, her voice friendly but weary.
"We're looking for some information about Roronoa Zoro," Goku said, trying to sound casual.
At the mention of Zoro’s name, the tavern fell silent. Patrons exchanged nervous glances, and the owner’s face paled.
"Zoro... he's dangerous," she whispered, glancing around as if the walls had ears. "It's best not to talk about him."
Before they could press further, the door swung open, and a young man with a sneering face and a blonde bob cut walked in, flanked by a group of Marines. The atmosphere in the tavern shifted from tense to fearful.
"That's Helmeppo," Coby whispered to Goku. "He's the son of Captain Morgan, the Marine base commander."
Helmeppo strutted through the tavern, his presence exuding arrogance. He began harassing the patrons, knocking over drinks and demanding special treatment.
"Why do you people look so glum? You should be happy to serve me!" Helmeppo sneered, kicking over a chair.
Goku’s anger flared at the display of power and status. Back in his life as Eto, he had always despised those who used their authority to oppress others. He started to rise, but Coby grabbed his arm.
"Don’t," Coby whispered urgently. "We can't cause trouble here."
Goku reluctantly sat back, watching as Helmeppo continued his tirade. After what felt like an eternity, Helmeppo and his Marines finally left, leaving a palpable sense of relief and lingering fear in their wake.
The tavern owner approached them again, her hands shaking. "Captain Morgan is an egomaniac. His son uses his father's name to bully everyone. Zoro is tied up in the Marine base courtyard, accused of crimes he didn’t commit. It's a terrible situation."
Thanking her, Coby and Goku stepped out into the bustling streets of Shells Town. The buildings were well-kept, with cobblestone streets winding their way through the town. The Marine base loomed in the distance, a stark reminder of the power held over the island.
As they approached the base, they saw a figure tied to a cross in the courtyard—Roronoa Zoro. From their vantage point behind a wall, they watched as a young girl climbed over and offered him a rice ball.
"Go away," Zoro insisted, his voice rough from thirst. "You'll just get in trouble."
But before the girl could refuse, Helmeppo's annoying voice rang out. "What do we have here?"
He entered the yard, his entourage of Marines following. Snatching the rice balls from Zoro, he threw them to the ground and viciously stomped on them, laughing cruelly.
"That's what you get for trying to help this criminal!" Helmeppo sneered, grinding the rice balls into the dirt with his heel. His laughter was grating, a high-pitched cackle that echoed in the courtyard.
The little girl, eyes blazing with anger, kicked Helmeppo hard on the shin. He let out a loud scream, tears welling up in his eyes as he hopped on one foot. "You little brat!" he yelled. "I'll teach you a lesson! Marines, throw her over the wall!"
The Marines hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the order. But Helmeppo invoked his father's name, "Do it, or I'll tell my father you're disobeying orders!"
One of the Marines, murmuring an apology to the girl, grabbed her and flung her over the wall. Instinctively, Goku launched himself into the air, catching the girl effortlessly and hovering above the ground before landing gracefully.
"Are you okay?" he asked, setting her down gently.
The girl nodded, tears in her eyes but a determined look on her face. "Thank you."
As she ran off, Goku turned back to the wall and climbed over, landing in the courtyard with a determined expression. Zoro watched him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
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"Who are you?" Zoro demanded.
"I'm Monkey D. Goku," Goku replied. "I heard about you and wanted to see for myself."
"Well, you've seen me. Now get lost. I don't need anyone's help," Zoro said gruffly.
"Why are you tied up here?" Goku asked, ignoring the swordsman's hostility.
"It's none of your business," Zoro snapped. "Just leave before you get yourself in trouble."
Before Goku could respond, Helmeppo returned, his face twisted in anger. "Who do you think you are, talking to this criminal? Get out of here before I have you arrested too!"
Goku, unfazed by the threat, turned to Helmeppo. "You’re the one who should leave. Stop harassing people."
Helmeppo's face turned red with rage. "You'll regret this!"
But Goku ignored him, focusing back on Zoro. "I'm going to get you out of here," he said firmly.
Coby, who had been watching from a distance, finally caught up with Goku. "We need to be careful," he whispered urgently. "We can't just fight the Marines."
Goku nodded, knowing Coby was right for the time being. He still had not decided on his goal in this strange new world. They left the courtyard, blending into the bustling town. As they walked, Goku took in the layout of Shells Town—the neat rows of buildings, the market stalls, and the imposing Marine base that dominated the skyline.
Eventually, they found a small library tucked away in a quiet corner of the town. Goku decided to spend some time there, hoping to learn more about this world. Coby, meanwhile, returned to the tavern, wary but determined to support his friend.
An hour later, Goku joined Coby back at the tavern. He entered just in time to see Helmeppo harassing the patrons once again. The little girl turned out to be the daughter of the tavern owner. Once again she was standing up to the annoying brat with her mother begging for mercy. This time, Goku had had enough. With a swift movement, he punched Helmeppo square in the face, sending him crashing through a table.
The tavern fell silent, all eyes on Goku as he stood over the fallen Helmeppo. As he stood there the little girl revealed to him the deal Zoro had reached with Morgan. It only made it an easy choice for him. Goku’s mind was clear—he knew what he needed to do in this new life. He would form a formidable pirate crew, explore this strange new world, and pursue his dream of becoming Pirate King. His first mate would be Zoro.
"Let's go," Goku said to Coby, his voice filled with determination.
As they walked out of the tavern, Coby following closely behind, Goku felt a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in a long time. The path ahead was uncertain, but with his new strength and resolve, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
---
The night was cloaked in darkness as Goku and Coby slipped back into the courtyard where Zoro was tied up. The moon cast a pale light over the scene, adding a ghostly ambiance to the tense atmosphere. Zoro, still bound to the cross, looked at them with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
Goku stepped forward. "Zoro, I need to tell you something. Helmeppo never intended to let you go in the first place."
Zoro's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"He lied about the deal," Goku explained. "Even if you survive the month without food or water, he's going to execute you."
Zoro clenched his fists, a spark of anger flashing in his eyes. "That bastard..."
Goku crouched down to meet Zoro's gaze directly. "You have two choices. Stay here and be executed by the Marines, or let me set you free and join my crew as a pirate."
Zoro's expression hardened, but there was a hint of a smile. "I have my own dream. I want to become the greatest swordsman in the world. If I join you, it’s for that dream."
Goku nodded, respect evident in his eyes. "Deal."
With that, Goku leaped into action. He flew to the very top of the Naval base, accidentally crashing through the statue of Captain Morgan, shattering it into pieces. The alarm was raised immediately, and chaos ensued as Marines scrambled to respond.
Inside the base, Goku found Helmeppo and the swords of Zoro he had in his room. He grabbed the terrified young man by the collar and burst back out into the yard. The Marines chased him, but Goku was too fast. He flew back to the courtyard, landing gracefully with Helmeppo in tow.
By then, Captain Morgan and a group of Marines had surrounded Zoro and Coby. They aimed their guns at the pair, ready to fire.
"You two are under arrest for aiding a criminal!" Morgan barked, his voice filled with authority.
Suddenly, Goku appeared, catching all the guns aimed at Zoro and Coby with his bare hands. He dropped them to the ground, unscathed. Behind him, he carried Zoro’s three swords, which he handed to the swordsman after cutting his ropes.
"You'll need these," Goku said with a grin.
Zoro accepted the swords with a nod of thanks, immediately strapping them to his side.
Morgan, his face contorted with rage, stepped forward, his massive axe-hand glinting menacingly. "You think you can defy me? I'll show you the price of rebellion!"
Goku faced Morgan, ready for the fight. He held back, trying not to reveal too much of his strength, but the battle was intense. Morgan swung his axe-hand with brutal force, but Goku dodged and countered with precise, controlled strikes.
For a while, it seemed like an even match, but Goku knew he could end it at any time. Finally, he decided to finish it. With a powerful punch, he knocked Morgan out cold, sending the tyrant crashing to the ground.
The remaining Marines tensed, unsure of what to do. Goku turned to them, his expression firm. "The tyranny is over. You don't have to follow his orders anymore."
There was a moment of silence, then one of the Marines stepped forward. "He’s right. We’ve had enough of Morgan’s rule." Cheers erupted as the Marines celebrated the end of their oppressive captain.
---
Back at the tavern, Goku, Zoro, and Coby sat around a table, discussing their future. The atmosphere was lighter, filled with a sense of accomplishment and new beginnings.
"I'll be joining you," Zoro said, his voice steady. "But remember, I have my own goals."
"Of course," Goku agreed. "We’ll achieve our dreams together."
Coby looked at them with a mixture of admiration and sadness. "I want to be a Marine. It’s always been my dream."
Goku nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Coby's shoulder. "Follow your dreams, Coby. We'll meet again, even if it’s as enemies. But for now, we're friends."
After finishing their meal, Goku and Zoro made their way to the small boat that had brought Goku and Coby to Shells Town. The townspeople gathered to watch them leave, their faces filled with gratitude and respect.
As the boat sailed away, Goku and Zoro looked ahead, ready for the journey that awaited them. Behind them, Coby watched, determination in his eyes. He approached a Marine lieutenant, his voice steady.
"I want to join the Marines," he said firmly. "I have a dream to fulfill."
The lieutenant looked at him, impressed by his resolve. "Welcome aboard."
Coby knew that one day he would meet Goku again, but for now, he was determined to follow his own path. As Goku and Zoro sailed into the unknown, Coby began his own journey, filled with hope and the promise of a future where dreams could come true.