The small boat carrying Monkey D. Luffy and Coby drifted closer to the Marine base at Shells Town. The large, imposing building stood out against the small village below, its white walls and tall towers a symbol of authority.
Coby pointed toward the base nervously. "This is it. That's where Roronoa Zoro is being held."
"Roronoa Zoro, huh?" Luffy said, his grin wide. "I've heard of him. They call him a demon, right?"
Coby nodded, his hands shaking. "Yes! He's famous for his skill with a sword—and for how dangerous he is! He's not a pirate, though. He's a bounty hunter who takes down pirates. But I heard he's tied up in the base because he went against the Marines!"
Luffy tilted his head. "If he's so scary, why would the Marines tie him up?"
Coby hesitated. "I… I don't know. But someone like him could never be part of your crew! You should stay away from him!"
Luffy's grin only grew wider. "Nah. I want to meet him."
The Marine base courtyard was quiet except for the chirping of birds. In the center of the courtyard, tied to a wooden post, was a man with short green hair. His arms were bound, and his body was bruised and dirty.
"That must be him," Luffy said, walking boldly into the courtyard.
"Luffy, wait!" Coby hissed, grabbing at his arm. "If the Marines see us—"
But Luffy didn't stop. He walked right up to the bound man, who raised his head to look at them. His sharp eyes narrowed.
"Who the hell are you?" Zoro asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy," Luffy said, smiling. "You're Roronoa Zoro, right?"
"What do you want?" Zoro demanded.
"I want you to join my crew!" Luffy said without hesitation.
Zoro blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected offer. Then his expression turned to a glare. "Get lost. I don't have time for jokes."
Luffy wasn't fazed. "Why are you tied up here? Did the Marines catch you?"
"No," Zoro replied. "I let them tie me up. I've got a deal—if I survive here for a month, they'll let me go."
"Survive?" Coby asked, stepping forward cautiously. "Why are they making you do that?"
Zoro scowled. "Because I killed the wolf of Helmeppo, that spoiled brat who thinks he owns this town."
Before Zoro could continue, a high-pitched voice rang out.
"Hey! What are you doing over there?!"
Luffy and Coby turned to see a young man with blonde hair and a smug expression strolling toward them. He wore a Marine uniform that seemed too clean, as if he'd never actually fought a battle.
"That's Helmeppo!" Coby whispered, his voice filled with fear. "He's the son of Captain Morgan, the one who runs this base!"
Helmeppo stopped a few steps away, crossing his arms. "Well, well. What do we have here? A couple of fools chatting with the prisoner?"
Zoro glared at him but didn't say a word.
"Hey, you," Luffy said, pointing at Helmeppo. "You're the one who tied him up?"
Helmeppo smirked. "Of course! He dared to defy me. Do you know who I am? I'm Captain Morgan's son! Whatever I say is law in this town."
Luffy's grin faded slightly. "What did he do?"
Helmeppo huffed. "He killed my precious wolf, that's what! So I decided he should suffer for it. I promised to let him go after a month, but honestly…" He laughed cruelly. "I think I'll have him executed tomorrow instead."
"What?!" Coby exclaimed, his face pale. "But you promised!"
"Promises mean nothing to me," Helmeppo said with a shrug. "It's good to be the boss."
Luffy's expression darkened. He stepped closer to Helmeppo, his hands clenching into fists.
"Hey, don't get any ideas!" Helmeppo said, stepping back. "You mess with me, and you'll regret it! My father will crush you!"
Luffy didn't say anything. He turned to Zoro. "So, what do you think? Want me to untie you?"
Zoro frowned. "Why would you help me?"
"Because I like you," Luffy said simply. "And I want you on my crew."
Zoro stared at him for a long moment before chuckling bitterly. "You're crazy, kid. But fine—if you untie me, I'll consider it. Just don't get in my way."
Luffy grinned. "Deal."
Later, in the town below, Luffy and Coby sat in a small restaurant, eating a quick meal.
"We can't just leave him there," Luffy said, finishing a plate of meat.
"But what can we do?" Coby asked nervously. "Captain Morgan and the Marines are too strong!"
Luffy didn't answer. He simply stood and placed his straw hat on his head.
"I'll handle it," he said with a confident smile.
Back at the Marine base, Helmeppo was lounging in a luxurious chair, laughing with a group of Marines.
"I'm so generous, letting Zoro stay alive this long," he said smugly. "But I think it's time to put him out of his misery—"
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Helmeppo and the Marines turned to see Luffy standing in the doorway, his hands on his hips.
"You," Luffy said, pointing at Helmeppo. "Where's Zoro's sword?"
Helmeppo's jaw dropped. "What are you doing here?!"
Luffy walked forward, his grin unwavering. "You're going to give me his sword. Now."
Helmeppo screamed.
.