Bab 8: Chapter 6 : Zoro's Past, And Orange Town
### Chapter 6 : Zoro's Past, And Orange Town
The tension between the Red-Haired Pirates and the Mountain Bandits was palpable. Higuma's command rang out through the chaos, "Kill them!" As he prepared to leave, Shanks and his crew moved with practiced precision, quickly dispatching the remaining bandits with effortless ease.
Shanks's sharp eyes scanned the area. "Where's Luffy?!" he demanded, noticing his absence and the missing bandit leader.
"The bandits took him to the sea!" someone shouted, alarm in their voice.
Shanks's eyes widened in horror. "Oh no! I've gotta save Luffy!" he shouted, sprinting toward the shore with uncharacteristic urgency, his crew following close behind.
On the water, Luffy was bound and restrained on a small boat. Higuma stood over him, a twisted grin on his face. "I've taken you as a hostage. Now I don't need you anymore," he sneered, shoving Luffy off the boat and into the sea. He laughed maniacally as Luffy struggled against his restraints.
Suddenly, a massive sea monster emerged from the depths, its eyes fixed on Higuma. Before the bandit could even react, the monster engulfed him, his screams cut off abruptly as he was swallowed whole.
The beast then turned its attention to Luffy, its huge maw opening wide in a menacing bite. Luffy braced himself as the creature's teeth closed around him, but it only managed to take a small chunk of his arm.
Just as the monster prepared for another bite, Shanks appeared, his voice cutting through the water like a blade. "Scram!" he ordered, his tone icy and commanding. The sea monster, startled and cowed, retreated into the depths.
Shanks swam to Luffy, pulling him close. "Luffy, I'm sorry… Makino told me what happened," he said, his voice filled with concern. He looked at the blood-red sea, then back at Luffy. "Thanks for standing up for us."
Luffy, still shaken, looked up at Shanks with tears in his eyes. "B-but Shanks! What about your arm?!" he cried out, noticing the bandit had claimed Shanks's left arm.
"It's okay… It's just an arm. I'm just glad you're alright," Shanks said, helping Luffy stay afloat as they waited for his crew to rescue them. Despite his injury, he remained calm and reassuring.
After a week of recovery in the village, the time came for the Red-Haired Pirates to set sail once more. On the harbor, Luffy stood face-to-face with Shanks, a mixture of sadness and determination in his eyes.
"So, this is your last voyage?" Luffy asked, his voice tinged with a hint of finality.
"Yes. After this, we'll head north and won't be coming back to the village," Shanks confirmed, then added with a smirk, "So, not going to ask to join my crew anymore?"
Luffy looked Shanks in the eyes, his resolve unshaken. "No. I'll create my own crew, greater than yours. And I'll claim the One Piece!" he declared, raising his arms and shouting, "I'm going to become the King of the Pirates!!!"
Shanks and his crew watched Luffy, the intensity of his determination clear in their eyes. "Oh... Really?! Then in that case," Shanks said, reaching up to take off his straw hat and placing it gently on Luffy's head, "Take care of this hat for me, will ya? It's my treasure. You can give it back to me when you become a great pirate."
Luffy looked up, holding back his tears, and gave Shanks a solemn nod. "Mmm," he said, his voice filled with emotion. As the Red-Haired Pirates set sail, Luffy turned and ran into the forest, his thoughts and future plans shrouded in mystery.
Ben, Shanks's trusted crewmate, watched Luffy's retreating figure and asked, "So... Do you think he is the one?"
Shanks gazed at the receding island, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I hope he is…" he said quietly, trailing off. "The seas will change in the near future. I hope we made the right bet, Umino, Mihawk..." He turned away, leaving the details of the plan and its implications for the future unsaid. Only time would reveal whether this gamble would lead to a better world or something far more uncertain.
***
"That's why, even if death comes for me, I would not quiver in my goal," Luffy declared, gripping his straw hat tightly as he gazed resolutely at the horizon.
Zoro, standing beside him, observed the fierce determination in his new captain's eyes and thought to himself, 'Looks like I made the right choice.'
Luffy turned to face his crew, taking a deep breath. "So, why are you setting sail?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
"To find my master and become the greatest swordsman," Zoro answered, his grip tightening around his swords.
"Personal reasons," Nami interjected curtly, her eyes still wary. She struggled to reconcile the concept of good pirates with her experiences; to her, all pirates were killers.
Luffy simply nodded at their responses, not overly concerned with their reasons. They continued their idle chatter as they made their way toward Orange Town, where the Clown Pirates had set up camp.
"So, Zoro, who is this master of yours? Is he strong?" Luffy inquired eagerly.
"His name is Umino. He's extremely strong. He trained me for just a year but left me with some invaluable techniques and this sword," Zoro said, gesturing to his black blade, Mugenjin.
"Tell me… Tell me!" Luffy urged, his excitement palpable.
Zoro chuckled at Luffy's childlike enthusiasm and began, "Well, Umino is an incredible swordsman... "
***
On the port of Shimotsuki Village, a young Zoro lay sprawled out, taking a rare nap in the sun. A shadow fell over him, causing him to stir and wake up with a start, ready to yell at the intruder.
"Boy... Do you know where Isshin Dojo is?" Umino asked, peering down at the sleepy Zoro. If his memories weren't so hazy, he might have known where to go without asking.
Zoro, still groggy, directed him to the dojo. The two set off towards the village. They spent hours walking, with Umino growing increasingly annoyed as the day wore on. By the end of the day, they had circled back to the spot where Zoro had been napping.
The next morning, Umino decided to ask for directions again. Within minutes, he reached the dojo, with Zoro in tow, intrigued by the stranger's persistence.
Zoro, eager to prove himself, challenged the dojo's fighters. He was easily defeated by a girl a bit older than him, named Kuina. Umino watched with interest, noting Zoro's unique three-sword style. After talking with the dojo's owner, he arranged to learn blacksmithing from an old man at the dojo and left to find Zoro.
He found Zoro training vigorously on a nearby mountain. "Boy, show me that swordsmanship of yours," Umino commanded. Zoro obliged, and that was how Umino and Zoro began their master-disciple relationship.
After leaving the dojo, Umino decided to take Zoro as his student. He brought the young aspiring swordsman to a remote, uninhabited island, far from any other land.
"This will be your training ground for the next year," Umino said, his tone serious as he faced Zoro. "I'll visit you once a week to see your progress and train you further, but the rest of the time, you're on your own. You'll need to survive, train, and grow stronger without relying on anyone but yourself."
Zoro, undaunted, nodded. "I'll do it. I won't let you down."
The island was harsh, with dense forests, treacherous cliffs, and dangerous wildlife. But Zoro saw it as the perfect place to hone his skills. From the moment Umino left, Zoro began a strict regimen of training. Every day, he practiced his swordsmanship, pushed his body to its limits, and adapted to the island's harsh conditions.
Despite the isolation, Zoro never wavered. He would spend hours perfecting his sword techniques, training with the three swords that had become an extension of himself. He also learned to hunt, gather food, and find water, sharpening his survival skills alongside his combat abilities.
Each week, Umino returned, observing Zoro's progress with a critical eye. He would correct Zoro's form, teach him new techniques, and push him even harder, ensuring that the young swordsman was constantly improving. Their training sessions were intense, with Umino challenging Zoro to surpass his limits every time they sparred.
As the months passed, Zoro's strength and skill grew exponentially. He became more resilient, his body toughened by the island's harsh environment, and his swordsmanship became more refined. The solitude of the island also gave Zoro time to reflect, strengthening his resolve to become the world's greatest swordsman.
By the end of the year, Zoro had transformed. His muscles were leaner and more defined, his reflexes sharper, and his will unbreakable. He had faced the island's challenges head-on, emerging stronger and more determined than ever.
When Umino arrived for the final time, he could see the change in Zoro. There was a quiet confidence in the young swordsman's eyes, a testament to the year of grueling training he had endured.
"You've done well, Zoro," Umino said, a rare smile crossing his face. "You're ready for the next stage of your journey. Remember everything you've learned here. The path to becoming the greatest swordsman is long and difficult, but I have no doubt you'll reach the top."
Zoro nodded, his grip tightening on his swords. "I will, sensei. I'll make it to the top, no matter what."
With that, Umino left the island, leaving Zoro to continue his journey. Zoro knew that this was only the beginning and that many more challenges awaited him. But he was ready, driven by his promise to Kuina, his respect for Umino, and his unyielding desire to be the best.
As time passed, Zoro lost his friend and rival Kuina but carried on her legacy by claiming her swords with his father's permission. He swore to reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship, knowing it was also her dream he carried. He steeled himself, vowing never to retreat in his journey.
Fast forward to when he was 16 years old, Zoro set sail with a merchant. He disembarked on the first island he reached, never finding his way back home. Whenever he felt lost, he remembered Umino's words: "Zoro, whenever you get lost, just sail to the sea. Who knows... you might discover a new island. Derahahaa…"
***
Nami steered the ship, her gaze focused on the horizon as they sailed towards Orange Town. The wind was calm, and the sea stretched out before them, shimmering under the sunlight. Luffy, full of energy, hopped around the ship, looking for something to do.
"So, Zoro," Luffy began, leaning over the railing next to his swordsman, "you're saying this Umino guy was your master? And he just left you on an island to survive all by yourself?"
Zoro nodded, crossing his arms and leaning back against the railing, his expression nonchalant. "Yeah. It was tough, but I learned a lot. It made me stronger."
Nami, who had been listening in, couldn't help but smirk. "So, the famous Bounty Hunter of East Blue was just a lost child playing survivor, huh?" she teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Zoro glared at her, his patience already wearing thin. "Shut up. You wouldn't understand."
Nami raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Oh, really? I just find it hilarious that the mighty swordsman who's supposed to be this 'demon' or whatever, couldn't even find his way back to hia island."
Luffy burst out laughing, slapping his knee. "Zoro, you really are bad with directions, huh? You probably got lost every time Umino left you alone!"
Zoro growled, his frustration evident. "It wasn't like that! The island was big, okay? And besides, I always found my way back!"
Nami chuckled, clearly enjoying the situation. "Sure, sure. I bet you spent half the time wandering in circles, trying to figure out which way was north."
Luffy, still laughing, jumped in again. "Maybe that's why you're so strong, Zoro! All that walking around just made you tougher!"
Zoro rolled his eyes and turned away from them, muttering under his breath. "Idiots…"
Luffy, still grinning, leaned over and playfully punched Zoro's arm. "Come on, don't be mad, Zoro! We're just messing with you. Besides, you're still the strongest guy I know!"
Nami snorted, shaking her head. "Yeah, as long as he doesn't have to navigate."
Zoro shot her a glare but couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Just focus on navigating, will you?" he said, his tone gruff but not entirely unfriendly.
Nami waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get lost on this tiny ship, okay?"
Zoro grumbled something incoherent and retreated to a corner of the ship, ready to catch some sleep. Luffy watched him go, still chuckling, before turning to Nami.
"He's a good guy, even if he does get lost all the time," Luffy said, grinning widely.
Nami rolled her eyes but smiled back. "Yeah, he is. Just don't let him navigate, and we'll be fine."
As they sailed on, the banter continued, the bond between them growing stronger with every passing moment. Despite the teasing and mockery, they were already starting to feel like a real crew.
***
As the three of them approached Orange Town, the atmosphere shifted from playful banter to a more serious focus. The town loomed ahead, its buildings visible against the backdrop of the lush greenery and a clear blue sky. However, something was off.
Nami, who had been steering the ship, narrowed her eyes as she observed the town. "There's something strange about this place," she muttered, more to herself than to the others.
Luffy, who was perched on the ship's figurehead, peered ahead with excitement. "This is it! Our first real adventure together as a crew!" he shouted, his usual enthusiasm undeterred by Nami's concern.
Zoro stood at the ship's edge, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he scanned the coastline. "Doesn't look like a welcoming place. I don't see any people around."
As they got closer, the reason for the town's eerie silence became clear. The streets were deserted, and many of the buildings were damaged, some even partially collapsed. Signs of a struggle were everywhere—broken windows, toppled carts, and debris littering the ground.
Nami docked the ship at a small pier, tying it securely. "Looks like this town has seen better days," she said, stepping onto the dock and looking around cautiously.
Luffy, as usual, was unfazed. He leaped off the ship, landing on the dock with a wide grin. "Come on! Let's find out what happened!" he exclaimed, already marching ahead.
Zoro followed close behind, his eyes sharp and his hand never leaving his sword. "Stay alert. We don't know what's going on here," he warned, his instincts on high alert.
Nami hesitated for a moment before joining them. "This could be dangerous… but there's treasure here as well as the map for Grand Line, I'm not letting it slip through my fingers."
As they ventured into Orange Town, the sense of desolation only deepened. The once lively town was now almost ghostly, with not a single soul in sight. The creaking of a loose sign in the wind was the only sound that broke the silence.
Luffy's nose twitched as he sniffed the air. "Hey, do you guys smell that? Smells like… food!"
Zoro glanced at Luffy, raising an eyebrow. "You can't be serious. In a place like this?"
Luffy just grinned. "Yep! Someone's cooking, and it smells good!"
Nami crossed her arms, skeptical. "Or it could be a trap. Ever think of that?"
But Luffy was already moving toward the source of the smell, his stomach leading the way. "I'm starving! Let's check it out!"
Zoro sighed, but a small smile played on his lips. "You're hopeless."
As they followed Luffy through the deserted streets, the smell of food grew stronger, leading them to a small, unassuming building that somehow remained intact amidst the destruction. The door was slightly ajar, and the tantalizing aroma wafted out, making Luffy's mouth water.
Without hesitation, Luffy pushed the door open and barged inside. "Hey! Who's cooking? Can I have some?"
Inside, they found an old man standing behind a counter, cooking up a storm despite the town's condition. He looked up, startled by the sudden intrusion.
"What the—? Who are you people?" the old man asked, eyeing them warily.
Luffy grinned widely, already making himself at home. "I'm Luffy, and this is my crew! Your food smells great, old man!"
The old man blinked, taken aback by Luffy's straightforwardness. "Luffy? Never heard of you."
Nami stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she took in the surroundings. "What happened here? This town looks like it's been through a war."
The old man sighed, his shoulders slumping. "You could say that… The town was attacked by a group of pirates led by a clown named Buggy. He's been terrorizing the place, driving everyone away or forcing them to hide."
At the mention of Buggy's name, Zoro's expression hardened. "Buggy the Clown? I've heard of him. He's no small-time pirate."
Luffy's eyes lit up with excitement. "A pirate, huh? Sounds like fun! Where can we find him?"
Nami stared at Luffy, incredulous. "Are you insane? We can't just go looking for trouble!"
But Luffy was undeterred. "We're not looking for trouble; we're looking for an adventure! And if we help this town, maybe they'll make us a big feast!"
The old man chuckled despite himself. "You're a strange bunch, that's for sure. But if you really want to take on Buggy, you'll find him at the center of town. Just be careful—he's got a Devil Fruit power that makes him dangerous."
Zoro smirked, his hand gripping his sword tightly. "Dangerous or not, we'll take him down."
Nami sighed, realizing there was no talking them out of it. "Fine, but let's be smart about this. We can't just charge in without a plan."
Luffy gave her a thumbs-up, his grin never fading. "Right! We'll figure it out as we go!"
With that, the three of them set off toward the heart of Orange Town, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The adventure had only just begun, and already they were diving headfirst into danger—just the way Luffy liked it.
***
— Bab baru akan segera rilis — Tulis ulasan
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