After leaving the ship and embarking on the smaller dinghy, we finally set sail. Marveling at the intricate design of this vessel; it seemed to outshine even my very own creation. "Huh? Is that my boat over there?" I couldn't resist voicing my surprise aloud when I spotted what appeared to be a floating log passing us by. The other two members of our crew glanced in the direction I was looking, but "oddly," they seemed not to see it at all.

"You had your own boat?" Koby's curiosity got the better of him as he asked, pausing for a moment to scan the area for my supposed creation. "I don't see it, all I see is a floating tree trunk," he remarked nonchalantly.

Unable to resist a playful bluff, trying to keep the mood light. "Oh, don't be fooled! That tree trunk is merely a disguise for my baby, the Bugatti of the sea," I boasted, though we all knew it was just a bit of harmless banter. But Luffy couldn't contain his laughter, finding the whole situation amusing, while Koby looked at me with an expression that hinted at thinking I might be a tad crazy "What's a Bugatti?".

"Is there something wrong?" I asked, putting on a menacing tone to add to the fun. "Perhaps you want to ask or clarify anything about my incredible sea machine?" I playfully teased, trying to emphasize the absurdity of the situation.

After my playful banter, I noticed that Koby's outer appearance underwent a dramatic transformation, taking a sharp turn as if influenced by my words. His forehead glistened with a thin layer of sweat, a clear indication of the emotions churning within him. In that moment, he instinctively cast a fleeting glance in Luffy's direction, seeking some form of guidance or reassurance from his friend, whose mere presence seemed to offer comfort and support.

He quickly changes the topic, "Luffy, if you're setting sail for One Piece, brace yourself for the treacherous "Grand Line,"" Koby warned, his voice laced with concern as he cast a cautious glance at Luffy, hoping his words would sink in. "It's also known as the Pirates Graveyard," he added, trying to emphasize the dangers that lie ahead.

Regrettably, Luffy's response was far from what Koby expected. Casually, he showed little concern and replied, "That's why I'm forming a super crew." Luffy's finger pointed towards me, "and I want you to be part of it," he said, his tone implying that my fate was already sealed. Settling at the front of the small boat, a mischievous grin spread across his face, making it clear he was serious about his intentions.

Internally, I couldn't help but sigh. We had only met not too long ago, and now he wanted me to embark on a perilous adventure to find this so-called "One Piece." He must be completely out of his mind if he thought I'd agree to this without any hesitation.

Feeling a mix of curiosity and skepticism, I question Luffy's proposition. "If you want to gather this so-called super crew of yours, what makes you think I am even capable of being a part of it?" I asked, subtly removing my katana from my back and placing it beside me, just in case. I wanted to know his reasoning behind including me in this dangerous quest.

As a smile crept across my face, I chuckle at the thought of him aspiring to be a pirate. Yet, his optimism touched a chord within me, and I found myself contemplating the idea of embarking on this journey alongside him. But my inquisitive nature demanded more than mere assumptions based on the presence of my sword.

With arms crossed and seated, Luffy's puzzlement was evident as he tried to process my questioning. "You have a sword, so I'm guessing you're pretty strong," he offered, seemingly relying on that simple observation as the foundation of his belief in me.

I was taken aback by the casualness of his response, his unyielding faith in his initial guess. "That's it? You're trusting your future on a mere guess?" I exclaimed, my expression revealing a mix of disbelief and disarray. It was as if the weight of his decision didn't faze him, and his carefree approach was both astonishing and unnerving.

"Exactly! Like that guy imprisoned at the navy base" He pauses thoughtfully, gently touching his forehead with his pointer finger, deep in contemplation. "What was his name?"

Thankfully, Koby leaps to the rescue, breaking the silence with a loud exclamation, "Roronoa Zoro!" His voice trembles, reflecting a palpable fear just by mentioning the name. "Oh, yes, that's the one! You're really getting carried away with your wild speculations," he glances my way, "both of you are! It's ludicrous to even entertain such a notion! That individual is nothing short of a demonic beast!" He yells vehemently.

"Well, I must say, I wouldn't classify myself as crazy, not in the least. In fact, I pride myself on being a highly rational individual," I interject with confidence, though his incredulous stare makes me feel like an oddity with three heads. Nonetheless, his mention of this enigmatic Roronoa character has piqued my curiosity greatly.

"Roronoa Zoro is his real name, but they call him "Zoro the pirate hunter." He's like a bloodthirsty hound roaming the seas, hunting men for the bounties on their heads!" After a brief pause, he contemplates whether to share the rest. After a few seconds, he decides to continue, "They say he's a demon in human form."

I suspect this kid is quite a scaredy-cat; he tends to overreact excessively. The evidence is in the copious sweat cascading down his forehead. "Don't overreact; we're nearly there," I remark, pointing to the island ahead.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

...

"We're finally here! We made it to the naval base town!" Luffy shouts with excitement, his arms raised high in the air, drawing curious glances from everyone nearby. "Koby, you're amazing," he continues, turning towards his friend with admiration in his eyes. "You actually got us to our destination!"

As I step off the boat, I can't help but feel a little left out. "Hey! I helped out too. Don't leave me hanging," I retort playfully, giving Luffy a mock pout. "I pointed out the island once it was within sight." I emphasize my contribution, feeling proud of my role as I position my katana behind my waist.

Koby looks at me without saying anything, and then after a few seconds, he glances at Luffy, offering his wisdom. "That's the minimum requirement for people who sail the seas," he says, his voice calm and thoughtful. "Luffy, if you keep randomly floating around, you'll never become a true pirate. You should find a skilled navigator for your crew to ensure you reach your destinations more smoothly."

At this point I make the firm decision to commence my departure, my feet moved steadily, guided by the relief of reaching solid land after a long journey. However, it appeared that fate had other plans, for just as I thought I could finally savor my hard-earned freedom, the enigmatic and determined Luffy reached out and took hold of my shoulder. Turning my gaze back, I couldn't help but hear his words resonate with enthusiasm, "Now that you are a part of my crew, let's go find something delicious to eat!" His deep smile exposing rows of teeth seemed to reveal the excitement of this new camaraderie.

Suppressing my frustration, I instinctively brushed his hand off my shoulder, meeting his gaze with a determined look of my own. "I never consented to joining your crew in the first place," I responded with a hint of annoyance. "You and I are strangers, and you can't make decisions about my future on your own." My words held a sense of assertiveness, urging him to respect my autonomy and choices.

Surprisingly, for the first time since our encounter, Luffy's beaming smile faltered slightly, hinting at a momentary doubt in his usually unwavering demeanor. Yet, a glimmer in his eyes betrayed that he hadn't abandoned his mission to recruit me to his cause. "Once I find Zoro," he began to say as I resumed my path, "I'll be right here, waiting for you. I won't leave without you." His words were filled with a sincerity that made me pause for a moment, wondering what adventures and challenges lay ahead if I were to be swayed by the charisma of this spirited captain.

However, despite the unsettling idea of someone holding me back, I continued walking. "I escaped an island full of monkeys, and now he wants me to join another?" It's ridiculous; my objectives remain unchanged - discovering my identity and purpose. Being away from him won't alter a thing. Still, a part of me whispered that I might deeply regret it, yet I pushed those thoughts deep into my mind.

...

As I continue to walk, not knowing how much time has passed, a sudden commotion catches my attention. A group of navy soldiers emerges from the horizon, their weapons held tightly in their arms. "Over there, that girl, I am certain she was with that straw hat boy!" The one at the front shouts, pointing in my direction.

Feeling puzzled, I glance behind me, hoping to find someone who matches their description, but to my dismay, there's no one there. The harsh reality sinks in, and I can't believe what they are accusing me of. "No way! What in the world did Luffy get himself into!" I exclaim, the absurdity of the situation overwhelming me. "Hold on a moment, I am no longer associated with him... I haven't done anything wrong!" I plead, desperately attempting to prove my innocence.

However, the navy soldiers seem unmoved by my pleas. "Like we will believe a criminal!" Another soldier shouts, his face filled with determination as he raises his rifle and takes aim. Without a moment's hesitation, he pulls the trigger, and the bullet speeds towards me, creating a mesmerizing distortion in the air as it hurtles closer.

Taking ahold of the sheat of my sword with my left hand as I feel the cool metal against my palm. With precision and swiftness, I quickly unsheath it using my right hand, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. The adrenaline surges through my veins as I grip the sword firmly.

With the sword now in my hand, I react with lightning reflexes as I focus on the speeding rifle's bullet hurtling towards me. My keen eyesight allows me to calculate its trajectory, and with a precise swing, I manage to cut the bullet in two before it can reach me. The impact of the collision creates dazzling sparks that scatter behind me, as the bullets find their way into the concrete walls of the buildings on my left and right.

Exhilarated yet startled by the narrow escape, I glance behind me to assess the damage caused by the bullet. A series of cracks appear on the previously sturdy concrete wall, evidence of the immense force the bullet carried.

as I take a moment to catch my breath, I notice my adversaries attempting to launch another attack. Their determination only fuels my resolve. With determination, I rush forward with such speed that they can barely keep up. Upon reaching them, I execute a swift upward swing of my sword, bringing down the first assailant with a calculated strike.

The second adversary, startled by my sudden and decisive maneuver, takes a step backward, showing signs of fear. I seize the opportunity and spring into the air, executing a perfect knee kick directly to his face. The impact is fierce, shattering his nose and leaving him incapacitated.

Despite the rush of the battle, my mind races with thoughts of frustration. "What the hell did I do to deserve this?" I mutter to myself as I survey the unconscious soldiers lying on the floor. My mind drifts to Luffy, the one responsible for this mess. "That Luffy, he must have done something to set this all in motion," I speculate as I clench my fist, my determination intensifying.

Without wasting any more time, I gather my resolve and start running towards the location where Luffy promised to wait for me. "Just you wait, I'll make you pay for ruining my life, for making me a criminal!" I shout with fierce determination, my voice echoing through the streets as I pursue my revenge. The path ahead might be treacherous, but I am determined to confront Luffy and set things right.