But having said that—
Atlas rubbed his chin, recalling the incident that impacted Marineford a few months ago.
Why did that guy Buggy suddenly become so powerful?
Different from the image of a laughing clown, Buggy who came to the headquarters was furious, and he had a bit of the spirit of the Shiki who broke into Marineford alone more than 20 years ago.
However, even if the fruit awakens, he still couldn't escape the same fate as Shiki—being imprisoned and entering the sixth floor of Impel Down!
Withdrawing his thoughts, Atlas watched Luffy's performance on the boat with peace of mind.
Luffy knocked all the pirates unconscious and prepared to hand them over to the nearest Marine branch—Branch 153, where Shells Town is located.
---
Shells Town.
Looking at the bright landmark building of Marine Base that stood in the center of the town, Luffy looked happy, with one hand on his hip and his fist in front of him.
"Finally arrived at Marine Base!"
The pink-haired Koby on the side also echoed, "Yes! It's finally here!"
"Koby, you are so awesome!"
"What?" Koby was surprised.
"We've really reached our destination!" Luffy grinned.
"That's a matter of course. This is a necessary ability for those who go to sea!" Koby explained matter-of-factly.
"Then can I become your subordinate? Mr. Luffy!"
Luffy thought seriously for a while, then firmly shook his head and refused, "No! I am the man who wants to become the Marine King, just like uncle. You are too weak, Koby!"
"Eh? That's it~" Koby was a little discouraged and lowered his head.
"But you can definitely become an excellent Marine!" Luffy comforted him nonchalantly.
Koby cheered up again and plucked up the courage to ask: "Mr. Luffy, which branch of East Blue are you a Marine? I have never seen such a powerful person like you!"
As he spoke, he gestured with his fists and kicks, "You knocked down Alvida with one blow, and you can still run in the air!"
With his narrow vision, the most powerful and vicious person he has ever seen is Alvida.
But Luffy knocked down that nasty female pirate effortlessly!
"Me?"
Luffy pointed at himself, "I should be...eh? Where am I going?"
"No matter what, uncle asked me to come to East Blue and beat up all the pirates!!"
He seemed to be announcing something, raising his head and shouting loudly.
When the people around him saw this, they all cast strange looks and their pace involuntarily quickened.
*Well! It is estimated that the kid from another family who was not selected for the Marine recruitment has his brain a little abnormal.*
"Hey! Are you Marine? How do I get to Marine 153 branch?"
A deep male voice reached Luffy and Koby's ears.
The two of them subconsciously tilted their heads—
A man with short green hair came into view.
He had a dark green scarf tied on his left arm and three drop-shaped gold earrings on his left ear.
He was wearing a white T-shirt on his upper body, a green belly band around his waist, and dark green trousers on his lower body.
Wearing black boots, three matching swords hung from his waist.
"Hey! Aren't you Marine? How do I get to Branch 153?"
Seeing that Luffy didn't answer, the man urged impatiently.
"That... over there!"
Koby subconsciously pointed to the tall building in the center of the town and said.
It's really strange to ask for directions when it's so obvious.
"Thanks!"
After thanking him casually, the green-haired man walked towards the edge of the town, completely ignoring the direction Koby had indicated.
Zoro was a little irritated.
Originally, he would have been able to go to sea, join the Marines, and fulfill the agreement he made with that man when he was a child.
But Kuina suddenly came back, saying that she had come to give him special training with orders from Atlas.
Although he has learned a lot, he still feels frustrated—the gap between him and Kuina seems to be getting farther and farther.
Fortunately, the special training did have an effect, and the gap still existed, but at least Zoro saw hope of catching up.
"..."
Koby looked at Zoro, who was walking away, hesitant to speak, but he was determined in his heart.
This guy is a road idiot!!
"Hey! Are you a swordsman?" Luffy asked with bright eyes.
"Yeah! The swordsman who will become the world's greatest swordsman in the future!"
Zoro never looked back, still going further and further down the wrong path.
"Are you going to be a Marine?"
"Yes!"
"Well... Mr. Luffy, he seems to be going in the wrong direction," Koby reminded in a low voice.
"Shishishi!"
Luffy grinned and suddenly stretched his arms, aiming for Zoro's shoulders.
Feeling the sound of something breaking through the air from behind, his sensitivity as a swordsman stimulated the nerves in his brain. He subconsciously pulled out the long sword at his waist, turned around, and slashed back with the back of the sword!
"Tekkai!"
Clang!
Combining softness and hardness, the move Tekkai had a different effect on Luffy.
Feeling the shock traveling up his arm, Zoro was stunned.
Whoosh!
The arm retracted, and under the huge pulling force, Zoro's body was instantly pulled to Luffy's side.
"Mr. Luffy!"
Koby shouted in horror.
Because the target Zoro's tall body collided with was him!
"Gomu Gomu no Fusen!"
With a laugh, Luffy's body quickly expanded and turned into a soft balloon, catching Zoro's body.
"Whoosh!"
The white mist was exhaled, and Luffy's body quickly returned to its original state. Looking at Zoro who had already stood firm, he invited: "Do you want to be a Marine? Let's go to the Grand Line together?"
Grand Line?
What Kuina said to him before leaving suddenly popped into Zoro's mind.
East Blue is still too small after all. Go to the Grand Line. There are countless strong people there. As a swordsman, you can grow up quickly there!
"Good!"
Marine's adventure game officially begins!
The gears of fate, driven by Atlas, move forward slowly but surely.
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