Bab 6: Chapter 4 : First-Mate
### Chapter 4 : First-Mate .
Luffy and Koby sat at a table in the corner of the inn, the remnants of their meal scattered between them. Koby was animated as he recounted the stories he'd heard about Zoro. His voice was hushed, but the excitement was clear in his tone.
"People say that Roronoa Zoro is a demon in human form," Koby began, his eyes wide with the intensity of the rumors he was sharing. "He's taken down entire pirate crews single-handedly. They say he uses three swords, one in each hand and the third in his mouth, and that he's never lost a duel."
Luffy listened quietly, though his attention was divided. He was more interested in meeting Zoro again, and ask him for himself than in hearing exaggerated tales. Still, he nodded along as Koby continued, absorbing the information with his usual laid-back demeanor.
"He's supposed to be ruthless to someone who bothered his peace," Koby added, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But from what that little girl said, maybe there's more to him than just being a killer."
Luffy didn't respond immediately. He was thinking back to his brief encounter with Zoro at the marine base. There was something about Zoro—his unyielding will, his strength—that resonated with Luffy. He didn't believe that Zoro was just a mindless killer. There was more to him, and Luffy wanted to uncover it.
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted as the door of the inn swung open with a loud bang. The room fell silent as three men entered. The first two wore the standard marine uniforms, but the third man, who led the way, was dressed in a black tuxedo. His blonde hair was slicked back, and he carried himself with an air of arrogance that immediately set Luffy on edge.
The blonde-haired man didn't bother to look around the room. Instead, he walked straight to the counter and barked out an order. "Give me something to drink!"
The inn's owner hurried to comply, placing a drink in front of the man with trembling hands. The blonde took a sip, then smirked at the crowd that had gathered.
"I'm so bored," he drawled, loud enough for everyone in the inn to hear. "So, I've decided that I'll be executing Roronoa Zoro tomorrow. Consider this your invitation to the show."
A wave of murmurs swept through the room. People exchanged nervous glances, some gasping in shock. Others looked away, fear evident in their expressions. Luffy's eyes darkened beneath the brim of his hat as he watched the scene unfold. The man's words confirmed what he had already suspected—this wasn't about justice, but cruelty and power.
Before anyone could react further, there was a blur of movement. Luffy shot forward from his seat, moving with such speed that no one had time to process what was happening until it was over. In an instant, Luffy was in front of the blonde-haired man, his fist connecting with the man's face in a devastating punch.
The impact sent the man crashing into the wall behind him, two of his teeth flying out as he collapsed to the floor, groaning in pain. The entire inn went silent, the air thick with tension as everyone stared at Luffy in shock.
Luffy stood over the man, his voice low and dangerous. "I hate people like you, who can't even keep their word."
With that, Luffy turned and walked out of the inn, not sparing the man another glance. The blonde-haired man, still reeling from the blow, began to curse Luffy, spitting out threats and insults, but Luffy didn't pay him any mind. Koby quickly scrambled to follow Luffy, his heart pounding in his chest as he hurried to keep up.
The two of them walked side by side through the town, heading toward the marine base. Koby glanced at Luffy, noticing the way his face was shadowed by his straw hat, his expression hidden from view. Luffy's coat fluttered slightly in the breeze as he walked, his stride purposeful and determined.
Koby didn't say anything. He could sense the intensity radiating from Luffy, a focused resolve that made it clear what was coming next. As they approached the base, Koby felt a mix of fear and admiration.
Luffy was heading straight for the marine base, and Koby knew that the moment they arrived, everything would change.
***
Zoro remained tied to the post, his mind drifting back to memories that had fueled his journey for so long. He could hear the voices of the two people who had shaped his life in different ways.
"Zoro, I'll be waiting for you at the top. Make sure to reach it as fast as you can," the voice of his old master echoed in his thoughts, reminding him of the challenge that had set him on his path.
"Zoro, I will surely surpass you and become the greatest swordsman," came another voice, softer, tinged with the sorrow of a friend now lost. The memory of Kuina, the one who had pushed him to become stronger, lingered heavily in his heart.
He opened his eyes, pushing those memories aside as he sensed someone approaching. The presence was familiar, and despite the anger simmering inside him, he remained calm. He watched as the figure leapt over the wall with ease, landing in front of him.
"I told you, you'd need to wait for me to finish my business," Zoro said calmly, his voice steady despite the irritation brewing inside him. The straw hat-wearing figure before him locked eyes with Zoro, a determined expression on his face.
"That guy's planning on executing you tomorrow, so I think the deal is off," Luffy said, his tone matter-of-fact. "So, would you join me or be executed?" he asked, his straightforward nature leaving no room for hesitation.
Zoro clenched his jaw, his frustration evident. "That guy... I should have never trusted him," he muttered, his voice filled with irritation. He looked at Luffy, his mind racing as he considered his options. "Tell me, would you stand in the way of my dream?" Zoro asked, his gaze unwavering.
"Which is?" Luffy responded, his curiosity piqued.
"To become the greatest swordsman in the world," Zoro declared, his voice filled with resolve.
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The Pirate King's right hand shouldn't be any less," he replied, his words carrying the weight of his own dream.
Zoro blinked, taken aback by the boldness of the statement. "A Pirate King, huh... Certainly a dream of some crazy ass, just like mine," he said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He paused, studying the man before him, before finally asking the question he had been holding back. "Tell me, what's the name of my captain?"
"Monkey D. Luffy," Luffy said, his smirk growing wider. "Welcome aboard, partner."
Zoro mirrored the smirk, a sense of camaraderie forming between them despite the circumstances. In that moment, both men knew they had found a bond that would lead them to the top, each relying on the other's strength to reach their ultimate goals.
***
Luffy and Zoro were interrupted by a loud, authoritative voice booming across the courtyard. "What are you doing? Are you planning on committing a crime in my base? The base of 'Axe Hand' Morgan!!"
Both men turned their heads to see a tall, imposing figure marching towards them. Morgan's burly body cast a long shadow, his right hand replaced by a menacing axe.
"Quickly, catch that guy! Kill them!!" Morgan barked, his voice echoing across the base. His men scrambled to obey, raising their rifles and taking aim at Luffy and Zoro.
A barrage of gunfire erupted, but to everyone's shock, the bullets didn't have the desired effect. Instead of piercing flesh, they harmlessly bounced off Luffy, whose body stretched and expanded like rubber where the bullets struck. The marines stared in disbelief, their jaws practically hitting the ground.
Zoro, meanwhile, was now free, having easily broken the restraints that had held him. He watched Luffy with a calculating eye, intrigued but not surprised.
"That wouldn't work!" Luffy said with a grin, pushing back the bullets in every direction. Despite the chaos, none of the marines were harmed, though the display left them frozen in fear.
"What is he?" one of the marines muttered.
"A demon!!" another exclaimed, his voice trembling. The fear was palpable, and many of the marines began lowering their weapons, their courage faltering.
"A Devil Fruit, huh? What is it?" Zoro asked, his curiosity piqued by Luffy's strange abilities.
"Gomu Gomu no Mi. I'm now a rubber man," Luffy explained nonchalantly, pinching his cheeks and stretching them as if to demonstrate.
"A Devil Fruit? So it's real?" one of the marines murmured, disbelief and fear mingling in his voice. "How can we defeat him?" another asked, panic rising among them.
Morgan, however, was unfazed. His eyes narrowed as he barked another order, "So what if blunt weapons don't work? Use your swords! Quickly, kill them both!!"
Zoro, now holding a sturdy stick that he had found it nearby, twirled it casually in his hand. "I'll have to make so with this for a while, it seems" He said, he then glanced at Luffy. "Hey, Captain, can you try and grab my sword? The captain's son take them before tying me up."
"Of course I can." Luffy replied confidently, immediately heading off to searched for the culprit who has taken Zoro's swords. He soon spotted the terrified young man entering a nearby building. Without hesitation, Luffy cornered him.
"Now, take me to where you put Zoro's swords. " Luffy demanded, his voice leaving no room for arguments. The young man, too terrified to resist, simply nodded and led the way.
Back in the courtyard, Zoro stood alone, facing dozens of marines armed with a sword. Despite the overwhelming odd, there wasn't a single hint of fear in his face. Instead, he readied his stick, prepared to blocked anyone who tried to follow Luffy.
Morgan, furious at the defiance, shouted "Go and follow that straw hat boy! I want both of them dead!! "
Zoro smirked, his confidence unshaken. "Now.. Now.. " he said, "Don't be like a child throwing a tuntrum. I am still standing here." he added, pointing his stick at the marines, tauting them, "Come, let's dance, shall we?"
The marines hesitated, intimidated by the swordsman fearless demeanor. This was no ordinary man they are facing, he is Roronoa Zoro, and he was about to show them why he is feared in the East Blue.
Morgan's anger flared as Zoro's taunt echoed in his ears. His face twisted in fury, he ordered his men to attack. Without hesitation, the marines charged at Zoro, their swords glinting in the sunlight. Having discarded their guns earlier, they now relied solely on their blades.
Zoro, aware that he couldn't face them all at once without a proper weapon, made a quick decision. He sprinted towards the marine furthest from the group. The man, panicked by Zoro's sudden approach, raised his sword in a desperate attempt to strike. Zoro, with a quick movement, blocked the slash using his stick, though it was cut halfway through. Without wasting a moment, he knocked the marine unconscious with a swift blow to the head, then grabbed the fallen sword and leaped away just as the other marines closed in.
He examined the weapon briefly before taking a stance. "Not the best sword," he muttered, but it would have to do. Ignoring Morgan's enraged barks, Zoro focused on the task at hand. The marines, scorn etched on their faces, advanced as one.
But Zoro was relentless. With swift, precise movements, he knocked them down one by one, even when they tried to attack in groups. His experience and skill allowed him to single them out, rendering their numbers useless.
As the last man fell, Zoro found himself alone with Morgan. The towering marine captain glared at his fallen men, irritation burning in his eyes. "Those weaklings, I will have them resign after this," he growled, his frustration palpable.
"You won't get the chance," Zoro retorted, lunging forward with a vertical slash. Morgan blocked with his axe, but his face twisted into a grimace as he felt the force of Zoro's blow. Zoro didn't let up, launching a series of rapid attacks that forced Morgan on the defensive, cursing under his breath with each strike.
Finally, Zoro decided to end it. Drawing on a technique his master had taught him, he channeled a mysterious power into his next swing. The sword, now imbued with this energy, curved mid-swing, slicing just below Morgan's axe. The force of the blow sent the axe flying out of Morgan's hand, soaring through the air before landing behind him.
Morgan clutched his now-empty right hand, his eyes wide with horror. Before he could react further, a slow clap echoed from the building nearby.
"What a beautiful display of swordsmanship," Luffy said, stepping forward with a grin. He held three swords in his hands and handed them to Zoro. "I brought them all; I wasn't sure which one was yours."
Zoro shrugged, accepting the swords. "I tried to impress," he said casually, sheathing his blades. He glanced around at the waking marines, many of whom were still groggy from the fight. "Anyone else want a beating?"
Before anyone could answer, Luffy knocked Morgan out cold with a swift punch, his body collapsing to the ground with a thud. The marines, now free from Morgan's tyranny, erupted in cheers.
"Hooray!!"
"We're free!!"
"Finally, the tyranny has ended!!"
They tossed their swords aside in relief and jubilation.
Zoro looked around, then sighed. "Guess not," he said with a smirk. "Man, I'm hungry." With that, the two left Marine Base 153 and headed towards the inn, leaving the chaotic scene behind them.
As they walked, they were unaware that their fight had been observed by many townspeople, including Koby, Nami, Rika, and her mother Ririka.
Later, they sat in Ririka's place, devouring a hearty meal. When they tried to pay the bill, Ririka refused with a smile.
"So, Captain, where to now?" Zoro asked Luffy, curious about their next move.
"We wait for now," Luffy replied, leaning back in his chair. He then turned to Koby. "Koby, why don't you try and join the Marines?"
Koby nodded. "After you leave. Right now, they might be talking to HQ," he said, which Luffy and Zoro both acknowledged with understanding.
The door to the inn suddenly opened, and Nami walked in, making her way over to them. "Long time no see, Mr. Hunter," she greeted Zoro with a sly smile.
Zoro raised an eyebrow, recognizing her. "Oh... What are you doing here?"
Luffy looked between them, surprised. "You two know each other?"
"Yes, we sailed together once," Nami replied, taking a seat beside Luffy.
Luffy's face lit up with excitement. "That's great! Zoro, ask her to join us! She's been refusing every time I do. She's great at navigation!"
Nami sighed, her patience wearing thin. "I don't care who invites me. No means NO!" she snapped, clearly fed up with Luffy's persistence.
Luffy pouted, sipping his drink with a disappointed "Tch." The trio then began to chatter, talking about this and that as they relaxed after the day's events.
As they chatted, the atmosphere in the inn became more relaxed. Luffy, Zoro, and Nami shared stories of their recent adventures, though Nami remained evasive about her own plans. Despite her initial resistance, she seemed to enjoy their company, even if she wouldn't admit it.
"So, Nami," Zoro began, leaning back in his chair, "What's your next move? Still hunting for treasures?"
Nami smirked, glancing at Luffy. "You know me, Zoro. I'm always looking for a good score. But that doesn't mean I'm joining your crew."
Luffy, undeterred, leaned forward eagerly. "You'd make a great addition, you know. We could use someone with your skills!"
Nami rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. "I'll think about it. But I have my own goals, and they don't always align with yours."
Zoro shrugged. "Fair enough. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Koby who had left for a while, he had been nervously pacing outside the inn. He stepped in, looking determined but anxious.
"Luffy, Zoro," Koby began, taking a deep breath, "I've made up my mind. I'm going to join the Marines. And I will be the one to catch you guys."
Luffy grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. "That's great, Koby! You'll be a great Marine, I'm sure of it. And do try to catch us, that might prove to be hard though."
Zoro nodded in agreement. "Just remember what we talked about. Don't let them change who you are."
Koby smiled, clearly grateful for their support. "I won't. I want to make the Marines a place where people like you—people who do what's right—are respected. Even if you are pirates."
Luffy laughed, clapping Koby on the back. "That's the spirit! We'll be rooting for you, Koby."
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the town, the group finished their meal and prepared to leave. Ririka, who had been watching from behind the counter, walked over to them.
"Thank you for everything," she said softly, her eyes filled with gratitude. "You've done more for this town than you know."
Luffy waved her thanks away with a grin. "No problem! We're just getting started on our adventure!"
"So, Captain," Zoro said, stretching his arms, "where to next?"
Luffy, gazing out at the sea, smiled widely. "We set sail! We try to get a few more member, and made our way to the Grand Line!"
Nami, standing beside them, hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You know... I have some information that might help you on your way."
Luffy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Does that mean you're joining us?"
Nami crossed her arms, smirking. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I'll tag along—for now. But only because it's convenient for me."
Zoro chuckled, giving Luffy a knowing look. "Looks like you've got your navigator, Captain."
Luffy's grin widened even more. "Welcome aboard, Nami!"
Before they left the inn though, the marines entered it.
***
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone