The morning started with shouting.
Zoro and Luffy were already fighting—again. This time, it was over food.
"You ate my rice ball!" Zoro yelled, holding an empty bowl.
Luffy's mouth was full. "You were too slow!"
Kai rubbed his eyes. "It's too early for this."
Nami sat near the map, sipping tea like she was used to the chaos. "You'll get used to it," she said.
"Pretty sure that's not something I want to get used to."
"Too late," she said with a small smirk.
They were heading toward Shells Town now—the Marine base where a certain swordsman was once tied up. Kai already knew what was coming. He tried not to act suspicious.
The small boat creaked as the island came into view: tall walls, a massive flag with the Marine symbol, and rows of guards patrolling the docks.
Nami frowned. "I hate Marines."
Luffy tilted his head. "Why? They're supposed to be good guys."
"Yeah," she said bitterly, "supposed to be."
Kai looked up at the sky. "Well, here comes trouble."
They docked quietly and slipped through the side streets. The town felt tense—people whispered about a cruel Marine Captain named Morgan and his spoiled son, Helmeppo.
Luffy didn't seem to care. He was too busy staring at a poster on a wall.
"Zoro's name is on here!" Luffy grinned. "It says he's tied up at the base!"
Nami crossed her arms. "And why exactly do we care?"
"Because I'm gonna make him join my crew!"
Kai sighed. "You're serious."
"Yup!"
They sneaked into the Marine courtyard, hiding behind crates. There he was—Zoro, tied to a post under the blazing sun, refusing to bow his head.
Luffy called out, "Hey! You're strong, right? Join my crew!"
Kai whispered, "Subtle as ever."
Zoro squinted at them. "Who the hell are you?"
Kai grinned. "Just a bunch of idiots passing by."
Nami muttered, "That's… accurate."
Before they could say more, Helmeppo strutted out, waving his sword like a toy. "Zoro! Time's up! My father's going to execute you tomorrow!"
Kai clenched his fists. He hated this part.
That night, Kai sat on a rooftop, watching the base from afar. He could see Luffy sneaking around, trying to get Zoro's swords.
The snail camera blinked on by itself.
[Stream started]
[Viewers: 320,000]
Kai whispered, "Alright, let's give them a show."
He leaped across rooftops, landing silently. Using his new Stealth Mode, he slipped past guards like a shadow.
[Skill: Stealth Mode activated — 30 seconds]
He reached the storeroom just as Luffy found the swords. "You took your time," Kai whispered.
Luffy grinned. "Got 'em!"
Together they ran back out, barely dodging a cannon shot.
The courtyard erupted in chaos. Marines shouted, guns fired, and Luffy untied Zoro with one big grin.
"Join my crew!"
Zoro stared at him, then at Kai. "You two are insane."
Kai smiled. "You'll fit right in."
Zoro looked at his swords, then at the Marines closing in. "Fine. I'll join you. But I'm keeping my own goals."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Kai said.
He unsheathed his swords—and the fight began.
Blades flashed. Bullets flew. Luffy punched through walls. Kai used his Focus Boost to dodge and knock out guards like a ghost.
By the time the smoke cleared, Morgan was flat on his back, and the townspeople were cheering.
Zoro stood in the middle of the courtyard, blood on his arm, grin on his face. "Guess I'm in."
Luffy cheered. "We've got a swordsman!"
Kai laughed. "And a lot of angry Marines behind us. Let's go!"
That night, they sailed away under a red sunset.
Zoro leaned against the rail. "You're not bad with that stick of yours."
Kai shrugged. "Trying to keep up."
Nami crossed her arms. "Now we have two idiots instead of one."
"Hey," Kai said, smiling, "progress."
She rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
The snail camera blinked softly beside him.
[Viewers: 400,000]
[Tips: 200,000 berries]
[Reward unlocked: Minor Healing (can restore small injuries)]
Kai looked at the stars. "We're just getting started."
And the chat flooded with excitement as the East Blue's newest crew vanished into the night—
three pirates, one thief, and a secret streamer changing the world one adventure at a time.