'What kind of gun is that? The effects are so amazing…' Nami's eyes sparkled as she looked at Link.
'If I had that gun, stealing from pirates would be a lot safer and easier, right?!'
'A prop master? Someone who can come up with so many strange items? Who knows, maybe they even have things that can easily earn money?!'
'Alright, I've made up my mind! I'll stick with this group for now, get back my treasure, and then look for easier ways to steal more!'
Determination shone in Nami's eyes as she clenched her fists.
Nearby, Coby watched in confusion. He couldn't understand what was happening, but the image of Helmeppo, tied up and screaming, left a deep impression on his young mind.
"Okay, the priority is to get my swords back."
Zoro glanced at Link, who was shouldering the electric sword. He instinctively rubbed his fingers together.
He needed a sword in hand to feel even a little bit secure.
As if responding to Zoro's silent plea, a group of Navy soldiers appeared at the entrance, drawn in by Helmeppo's pig-like screams.
The soldiers stared, wide-eyed, at the trio of Link, Zoro, and Luffy, who looked completely unfazed, while Helmeppo was tied up and looking utterly pitiful.
"Quick! We need to save Lord Helmeppo!"
The soldiers rushed forward in a panic, but just as they took a few steps, Zoro charged into the crowd, knocking several of them down.
"I need three swords to feel safe!"
Grinning, Zoro picked up three standard Navy swords. Holding them felt like a weight lifting off his chest.
With his three swords in hand and his energy restored, Zoro moved like the wind, swiftly taking down the incoming Navy soldiers one by one.
He was using the backs of the swords, so they only got hurt but weren't seriously injured.
Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance.
"Who dares to cause trouble on my turf?!"
The massive figure of Morgan appeared, moving slowly into the clearing.
He had a metal jaw marked with the Navy symbol, shattered by Crocodile, and his right arm had a sharp axe attached to it. He was known as Axe-Hand Morgan.
He looked at Link and his group, his gaze icy and indifferent, as if he were staring down at ants he could crush at any moment.
"Such a big body, but…"
Link shook his head after a quick glance. "It's just a show of strength without substance."
Morgan was merely relying on his size. He looked intimidating, but in reality, he had been hammered down by Crocodile before, crushed underfoot, and had his jaw broken to pieces.
Plus, after years of being hypnotized by Crocodile, his personality had changed, leaving him focused only on maintaining his power and rule. He hadn't trained or improved at all.
He could only bully people in this little town.
"Is that guy okay?" Link asked Zoro.
"Leave it to me!" Zoro sharpened his swords. "I haven't cut anyone in a while; I'm almost rusty!"
There was no need for Link or Luffy to step in. Feeling great after his recovery, Zoro charged right at Morgan.
As a new member of the crew, he wanted to make his mark. Now that he was a pirate, it was only natural to go against the Navy!
"Three-Sword Style: Demon Slash!"
Zoro unleashed his strongest move, the ultimate technique of his Three-Sword Style. Morgan stood no chance against it.
He barely had time to show his face, say a line, or even give a look before this future Axe Emperor met his end under Zoro's blades.
The other Navy soldiers couldn't believe their eyes.
After rubbing their eyes a few times to make sure Morgan was really defeated, they exchanged glances in shock and then scrambled away in panic.
In the vast area, only Link, Zoro, and Luffy remained, along with Helmeppo, who was whining weakly.
"I can't believe you actually took down the Navy…" Nami said, surprised, as she and Coby approached, equally shaken.
"Hahaha! And we gained a powerful new ally! This is a huge win!" Luffy cheered, bouncing with excitement.
"Now, let's grab my swords and get out of here," Zoro said, gently placing his swords down. Even if they weren't his own, he still treated them with respect.
"Wait!"
Nami perked up when it came to post-battle loot.
"I heard there are maps to the Grand Line in this Navy base. You guys are heading to the Grand Line, right? That's essential!"
"It's not just you guys; it's us!" Luffy corrected her.
"Yes, yes, it's us," Nami said, rolling her eyes but her excitement shining through.
(If I can get my hands on the Grand Line map, I can keep one for myself and sell the copy for a good price!)