The courtyard reeked of sweat and gunpowder.
Marines lay groaning in the dirt.
The townsfolk, once frozen in fear, now whispered as they realized their oppressors had fallen.
Among them, one boy still trembled.
Koby stood rooted in place. His pink hair clung to his forehead, his glasses were crooked, and his fists shook at his sides.
He looked at Luffy. At Zoro. At Magnus. The three of them stood like giants in his eyes. His throat tightened, but he forced the words out.
"I… I want to be a Marine."
The words were small, shaky but they carried. A few townsfolk snickered. A boy like him, talking about Marines? It was absurd.
But Koby's voice didn't stop. It grew steadier, sharper.
"Not like Morgan. Not like these corrupt cowards! I'll be a Marine who protects people! Someone who stands for justice!"
Silence followed.
Then Luffy's grin stretched wide.He pumped a fist into the air. "That's awesome, Koby! Go for it!"
Koby blinked. "Y-you really think so?"
"Of course!" Luffy laughed, smacking him on the back so hard he almost toppled. "That's what freedom's about doing what you want!"
Zoro smirked. "Heh. Sounds reckless. But reckless dreams are the only ones worth chasing."
Magnus lingered in silence, his silver hair catching the light. He studied the boy with that cold, measuring gaze of his. Weak. Fragile. Barely standing. Yet… he didn't look away.
Even the smallest spark can start a fire.
Koby straightened his glasses, tears streaming down his face. "I'll do it. No matter what it takes… I'll become a real Marine!"
This time, the crowd didn't laugh. They watched with something new in their eyes like hope.
Luffy was already walking off, his laughter echoing. "Then we'll meet again out at sea, Koby!"
Zoro followed, swords clinking at his side. Magnus gave the boy one last unreadable glance before turning to leave as well.
Behind them, Koby's voice rang out, loud and clear:"I'LL MAKE IT HAPPEN! I SWEAR IT!"
And for the first time, Shells Town's square didn't echo with fear but echoed with the birth of a dream.