In a cozy restaurant in Shields Town, after a hearty meal, Luffy couldn't help but exclaim, "Boss, your food is amazing!"
Lynn rolled his eyes. "Of course it tastes good—it's free."
The proprietress smiled warmly. "I want to thank you for saving my daughter. This meal's on me."
After some chatting, Luffy asked, puzzled, "Why was that pirate hunter Zoro locked up at the naval base? Didn't pay his bill or something?"
Everyone's faces darkened.
The little girl spoke up angrily, "No! That's not why big brother was arrested."
The proprietress explained, "More than twenty days ago, Colonel Morgan's son, Helmeppo, brought his beloved dog here. But the vicious dog suddenly jumped and tried to attack my daughter."
"Zoro, who was eating nearby, was disgusted and beat up the dog. That offended Helmeppo, who then threatened to execute us for 'insulting' his father's honor."
"He demanded Zoro surrender and held him captive for a month. If the time passed, he promised to release him and drop the charges. That's the story."
Nami, curious, asked, "Ridiculous! Did Zoro agree to that?"
The girl replied sadly, "Big brother's been locked up for days now."
The proprietress lifted the girl and added, "It's all our fault. If only we hadn't—"
Lynn interrupted, grabbing a piece of meat from Nami's bowl. "This isn't your fault—it's that Hellu... what was his name?"
Suddenly, a cocky voice interrupted from the doorway, and the restaurant went silent.
A young man with blond hair, dressed sharply, swaggered in with a smirk that begged to be slapped.
This was Helmeppo, son of Navy Captain Morgan.
A marine at his side said, "Master Helmeppo, that pirate hunter has been starving for over twenty days, yet he looks fine."
Helmeppo laughed cruelly. "In that case, let's execute him tomorrow."
Luffy sprang up and punched Helmeppo. "What do you take our agreement for?"
Helmeppo clutched his cheek, furious. "How dare you hit me! I'll tell my father to have you all executed!"
Luffy shot back, "Who's scared of you?"
Helmeppo sneered, "Just wait. I'll come back and kill you all."
After Helmeppo and his men left, the proprietress opened her mouth but hesitated.
Lynn reassured her, "Don't worry. I'm going to the naval base now to beat up that Morgan guy. He won't dare cause trouble anymore."
She sighed. "You don't understand—Morgan rules this town. I advise you to leave quickly."
Lynn ignored her warning and turned to Luffy.
Luffy grinned, "I'm going to take down that arrogant brat and make Zoro our partner."
Naval Base
Luffy approached Zoro with a smile. "You're amazing! Starving for so many days and still holding on. If it were me, I'd be down in one day, hahaha!"
Zoro retorted, "I'm not like you. I've got unfinished business. I can't just give up."
Luffy introduced himself: "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, future Pirate King. That's Lynn, my partner. You're going to be our partner too."
Zoro looked up, disbelief in his eyes. "Pirate King? Do you even know what those words mean?"
Luffy smiled, "The Pirate King is the Pirate King. Now, I'm untying you—you're joining us."
Zoro sneered, "Pirates are villains. I'm not joining you."
Luffy shot back, "Aren't you also a villain in others' eyes?"
Zoro said firmly, "I don't care what they think—as long as I have a clear conscience."
Luffy grinned wider. "Then it's decided. You're with us."
Zoro was speechless. "Don't decide for me!"
Lynn strolled over with a playful grin. "Zoro, that idiot Helmeppo is executing you tomorrow. What do you think about that?"
Zoro snapped, "What?!"
Lynn poked Zoro's head mockingly. "Want me to say it again? That Helmeppo said you're executed tomorrow, right?"
Zoro scowled. "You bastard!"
Luffy stepped forward. "I just heard it at the inn. If you resist, you're the Navy's enemy. If you don't, they'll kill you anyway."
Then, smiling slyly and half-threatening, he said, "So, you want us to leave you here to die? Or join us pirates?"
Zoro exclaimed, "Are you a demon?"
After thinking it through, he said seriously, "If it's fate, then so be it. If I'm to be a pirate, even with a bad name, I'll make my mark on the world."
"But one thing—my dream is to be the world's greatest swordsman. If you stand in my way, you can commit seppuku to make amends."
Luffy was impressed. "The world's greatest swordsman? A perfect partner for the Pirate King."
Zoro said, "How dare you say that? But my swords were taken by that idiot Helmeppo. They're in that building behind us."
Luffy grinned, "I'll get them back for you."
Zoro warned, "You're going the wrong way."
Ignoring him, Luffy ran outside, grabbed the railing with both hands, and used his rubber fruit powers to spring himself onto the roof of the naval building.
Zoro watched, stunned. "What kind of monster is he?"
Lynn chuckled, "He ate a Devil Fruit—he's a rubber man. The Grand Line is full of people with special powers. Why the shocked look? Haven't you heard of Devil Fruits?"
Everyone nearby looked visibly uncomfortable.
Zoro grit his teeth. "You bastard. One day, I'm chopping you into pieces."
Lynn stepped forward, arms crossed, flashing a sly smile. "Come on, I'm right here—come and chop me up!"
Ding! "Congratulations to the host for completing a flirtatious operation…"
Zoro glared. "You bastard."
Lynn laughed. "Come on. If you're my friend, then come on and chop me up."
Ding! "Congratulations to the host for completing a flirtatious operation…"
Coby's eyes twitched. "Mr. Lynn, since Mr. Zoro is your partner, shouldn't you untie his rope first?"
Lynn pretended to shudder. "What if I untie him and he really chops me up? Do you want me to get chopped? Coby!"
Ding! "Congratulations to the host for completing a flirtatious operation…"
Lynn frowned. No triple combo? Missed opportunity for inspiration!
Before he could dwell on it, a group of navy soldiers strode out from the naval building's doors…
-End Chapter-
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