Chapter Text
Shells Town was as ordinary as ever. The Marine base cast its imposing shadow over the cobblestone streets, a reminder to the citizens of the island who was truly in charge. Small shops lined the main road, their colorful awnings swaying gently in the salty breeze. Seagulls squawked overhead, circling lazily as fishmongers hollered their prices.
Aiko made her way through the market square, her white dress trailing slightly in the dust as she weaved between the bustling townsfolk. Her long pink hair, tied loosely with a ribbon, caught the afternoon sunlight, earning a few glances from passersby. She paid them little attention, her mind preoccupied. Her sword, resting in its well-worn scabbard, lightly tapped her side with each step.
“Good afternoon, Aiko!” called a familiar voice. It was Rika, the baker’s spirited daughter, balancing a tray of steaming bread fresh from the oven.
Aiko smiled warmly and approached the little girl. “Good afternoon, Rika. That smells delicious.”
“Want one?” Rika asked eagerly, holding out a small loaf.
“Oh, I couldn’t,” Aiko said, shaking her head. “You should save those for your customers.”
“But you’re my friend!” Rika insisted, her face lighting up. “And Mama says friends should share.”
Aiko hesitated before accepting the bread with a soft chuckle. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to tell your mother how kind you are.”
“You’re coming for dinner later, right?” Rika asked, her voice filled with excitement. “Mama said I can invite whoever I want, and I picked you!”
“I’ll try,” Aiko replied, tucking the bread into her satchel. She didn’t have the heart to tell Rika that Helmeppo had dragged her into another one of his errands.
Speaking of Helmeppo, his voice rang out from further down the street, loud and unmistakably pompous. “Aiko! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you!”
Aiko sighed as Helmeppo approached, his Marine uniform as immaculate as ever. He was the picture of someone who had never known a hard day’s work—his blond hair perfectly styled, his posture stiff with exaggerated confidence. But to Aiko, he was more than the spoiled son of Captain Morgan. He was her oldest friend, a rare constant in her quiet life.
“You’re late,” Helmeppo said, crossing his arms. “Father will kill me if we don’t get those files sorted out by the end of the day.”
“I’m sorry, Helmeppo,” Aiko said softly. “I stopped to talk to Rika.”
“Rika? You mean the bread girl?” Helmeppo wrinkled his nose but quickly sighed, softening his tone. “Well, at least you’re making time for your little friends.”
Aiko raised an eyebrow. “And what does that mean?”
“Nothing! Nothing at all!” Helmeppo said quickly, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Let’s just go. I don’t want to be anywhere near Father when he’s in one of his moods.”
The Marine base loomed ahead, its gates tall and intimidating. Inside the yard, Aiko caught sight of the infamous Roronoa Zoro tied to a post in the center. His arms were stretched out, his green hair falling over his face as he stood unyielding under the blazing sun. The tension in the air was palpable; even the Marines patrolling nearby seemed wary of getting too close to the pirate hunter.
Aiko’s steps slowed as she neared the gates. She had seen Zoro from a distance before, but this was the first time she was so close. The stories about him were chilling—an unbeatable swordsman, ruthless and unrelenting. But now, seeing him tied and weakened, she felt a pang of something unexpected. Pity? No, that wasn’t quite it. It was more like… curiosity.
“What are you staring at?” Helmeppo asked, nudging her.
“Zoro,” Aiko murmured, her voice barely audible.
Helmeppo rolled his eyes. “Don’t waste your sympathy on him, Aiko. He’s a criminal.”
“Then why hasn’t he been executed yet?” she asked, her gaze never leaving Zoro.
Helmeppo smirked. “Father likes to make examples of people. Zoro will stay there until everyone knows what happens to those who defy the Marines.”
“That’s cruel,” Aiko said quietly, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword.
“It’s justice,” Helmeppo replied, though his voice lacked conviction. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Come on, let’s just get this over with.”
As they passed through the gates, Aiko couldn’t shake the feeling that today was different—that something was about to change. She glanced back at Zoro one last time, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. His piercing gaze held no malice, only a quiet strength that sent a shiver down her spine.
The afternoon sun blazed down on the Marine base courtyard as Aiko followed Helmeppo toward the administrative office. The tense air around the yard was thick with whispers about Roronoa Zoro—the pirate hunter bound to the post at its center. Though Aiko tried to keep her focus on Helmeppo’s constant chatter, her eyes drifted back to Zoro’s imposing figure.
Despite his precarious situation, Zoro didn’t appear defeated. He stood tall and unwavering, his green hair damp with sweat, but his piercing gaze refused to falter. It was almost as though he welcomed the challenge. Aiko couldn’t help but feel drawn to his quiet strength.
“That’s Zoro for you,” Helmeppo muttered, as if reading her thoughts. “Too stubborn to beg for his life, even if it would make things easier for him.”
“Is that why your father has kept him alive?” Aiko asked softly. “To make an example of him?”
“Of course!” Helmeppo replied smugly. “Father believes in public displays of power. Keeping Zoro alive shows everyone who’s in control.” He glanced at Aiko, his expression softening. “But you don’t need to worry about that, Aiko. You’re safe with me.”
Aiko forced a small smile but said nothing. Helmeppo meant well, in his own way, but his blind loyalty to his father often left her conflicted. She wanted to believe in him—to believe that he could one day rise above Captain Morgan’s tyrannical rule—but moments like these made her doubt.
Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion at the gates. Aiko turned to see a boy with a straw hat marching confidently into the Marine yard, his grin as bright as the sun overhead. Following close behind was a nervous-looking boy with pink hair, clutching his sailor hat tightly.
“Luffy!” the pink-haired boy hissed, his voice filled with panic. “You can’t just walk in here! This is a Marine base!”
“Relax, Coby,” the boy replied, waving him off. “I just want to meet Zoro.”
“What in the world?” Helmeppo muttered, narrowing his eyes at the newcomers. “Who are these clowns?”
The boy in the straw hat stopped in the middle of the yard, his gaze locking onto Zoro. His grin widened as he pointed dramatically. “You’re Roronoa Zoro, right?”
Zoro’s eyes flicked toward him, his expression unreadable. “Who’s asking?”
“I’m Monkey D. Luffy,” the boy declared, his voice ringing across the yard. “And I’m going to be King of the Pirates!”
The courtyard of the Marine base crackled with tension as Captain Morgan loomed over the small group. His massive axe-hand gleamed in the sunlight, a chilling reminder of his absolute authority over Shells Town. His cold eyes shifted between Luffy, Aiko, and the trembling little Rika, who clutched her now-forgotten basket of rice balls.
Monkey D. Luffy stood his ground, his carefree demeanor replaced by steely determination. Despite Morgan’s towering presence, Luffy’s expression remained unshaken.
“I’m warning you,” Morgan growled, his voice carrying an edge of menace. “Step aside, boy, or I’ll make an example of you too.”
Luffy tilted his head, his signature grin slowly returning. “I don’t think so.”
Morgan’s eyes narrowed as he raised his axe-hand, ready to strike. Aiko’s breath caught in her throat, her hand instinctively moving to the hilt of her sword. She had never dared to defy Morgan openly, but this boy—this pirate—was forcing her to confront a choice she had long avoided.
“Father, wait!” Helmeppo’s voice cut through the heavy silence, filled with a mix of fear and desperation. He stepped forward, placing himself between Morgan and Luffy. “There’s no need to escalate this. He’s just a foolish boy. Let me handle it.”
Morgan glared at his son, his expression darkening. “Helmeppo, you’ve already embarrassed me enough for one day. Step aside.”
Helmeppo hesitated, his usual bravado crumbling under the weight of his father’s disdain. He glanced at Aiko, his eyes pleading for guidance, but she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. For the first time, he realized that the unwavering support he had always relied on was not so certain anymore.
Meanwhile, Zoro watched the scene unfold with sharp, calculating eyes. Though he was bound to the post, his commanding presence was undeniable. He let out a low chuckle, breaking the tense silence.
“This is pathetic,” Zoro said, his voice laced with disdain. “A bunch of so-called Marines picking on a little girl and a couple of kids. You call this justice?”
Morgan’s head snapped toward Zoro, his fury boiling over. “Silence, criminal! You’re in no position to judge my methods.”
“Maybe not,” Zoro replied, his tone calm but defiant. “But I know cowards when I see them.”
Luffy turned to Zoro, his grin widening. “I like you even more now. You’d make a great crewmate.”
Aiko couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could Luffy be so casual in the face of such danger? And yet, his confidence was contagious. For the first time in her life, she found herself questioning everything she had been taught about pirates and Marines.
Morgan, seething with rage, raised his axe-hand once more. “Enough of this nonsense. You’ll all learn to respect my authority.”
Before he could strike, Aiko stepped forward, her voice trembling but clear. “Captain Morgan, please! This isn’t justice. You’re only using your power to feed your ego.”
The courtyard fell silent. Aiko’s words hung in the air like a challenge, and every pair of eyes turned toward her. Even Morgan seemed momentarily stunned by her boldness.
Helmeppo’s jaw dropped. “Aiko... what are you doing?”
“I’m doing what’s right,” she said, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword. “I’ve stayed silent for too long, but I can’t stand by and let you hurt innocent people.”
“Innocent?” Morgan scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. “These are pirates and criminals. They deserve nothing but punishment.”
“Rika isn’t a criminal,” Aiko shot back, her voice gaining strength. “She’s just a little girl trying to do what’s right. And Zoro... I don’t know what he’s done in the past, but I can see he’s not the monster you make him out to be.”
Morgan’s face twisted with anger, his free hand clenching into a fist. “You dare to defy me, Aiko? After all I’ve done for you?”
“You haven’t done anything for me,” Aiko said, her voice steady despite the fear churning in her chest. “You’ve only ruled through fear and intimidation. That’s not justice. That’s tyranny.”
Luffy let out a laugh, breaking the tension. “I like her,” he said, flashing Aiko a grin. “You should join my crew too.”
Aiko blinked, caught off guard by his sudden remark. “W-what? I can’t—”
“You don’t have to decide now,” Luffy said, his grin unwavering. “But I can tell you’ve got a good heart. That’s what matters.”
Morgan’s patience snapped. With a roar of fury, he swung his axe-hand toward Luffy. Aiko moved on instinct, drawing her sword and stepping in front of him. The clash of steel echoed through the courtyard as she blocked the blow, her arms trembling under the force.
The Marines around them watched in stunned silence as Aiko stood her ground, her pink hair glinting in the sunlight. For a moment, even Morgan seemed taken aback by her defiance.
“You’re making a big mistake, Aiko,” Morgan growled, his voice low and dangerous. “One you won’t live to regret.”
“I’ve already made my choice,” Aiko replied, her voice steady. “And I won’t back down.”
As if spurred on by her courage, Luffy leaped into action. His rubber limbs stretched in impossible ways as he launched a counterattack, knocking Morgan off balance. The Marines scrambled to respond, but Coby—and even Helmeppo—hesitated, caught between their duty and their conscience.
Zoro watched the chaos with a smirk, his respect for both Luffy and Aiko growing with each passing moment. “Maybe this kid isn’t as crazy as I thought,” he muttered under his breath.
The clang of steel echoed through the Marine courtyard as Aiko braced herself, her sword trembling slightly under the weight of Captain Morgan’s axe-hand. Though her arms ached from the sheer force of his strike, she held her ground. Her pink hair caught the sunlight, beads of sweat trickling down her forehead.
Luffy leapt backward, landing lightly beside her. “Nice block!” he said, his grin wide. “You’re stronger than you think.”
Aiko’s heart raced as she glanced at him. She had never thought of herself as particularly brave, yet here she was, standing shoulder to shoulder with a boy who had no fear of Captain Morgan. For the first time, she felt the spark of something she couldn’t quite name—maybe courage, maybe resolve.
“Stay out of this!” Morgan roared, pulling his axe-hand back for another swing. His anger seemed to radiate off him in waves, filling the courtyard with suffocating tension.
“She’s not going anywhere,” Luffy declared, stepping forward. His expression was calm but determined. “And neither am I.”
Before Morgan could strike again, a loud voice interrupted them.
“Father, stop this madness!” Helmeppo shouted, his face pale, sweat beading on his brow. He stood a short distance away, his trembling hands clenched at his sides.
Morgan turned on his son, his expression twisting with fury. “Helmeppo, you worthless brat! Are you defying me too?”
Helmeppo flinched but stood his ground. “I—I’m just saying there’s no need for this! You’ve already proven your power. Let them go, and—”
“Silence!” Morgan barked, his voice reverberating across the yard. “You’re an embarrassment to the Marines, Helmeppo. You’ve always been weak, and now you’re showing it in front of everyone.”
Aiko’s chest tightened as she watched Helmeppo shrink under his father’s words. She had seen him act arrogant and spoiled countless times, but now, for the first time, she saw him for what he truly was: a boy desperate for his father’s approval.
“Helmeppo,” she said softly, her voice cutting through the tension. “You don’t have to follow his example. You can make your own choices.”
Helmeppo looked at her, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and uncertainty. “Aiko, I... I don’t know if I can.”
“Yes, you can,” she said firmly. “I believe in you.”
Helmeppo’s hands clenched tighter, his expression hardening. For a brief moment, it seemed as though he might take a stand. But before he could speak, Morgan charged forward, his axe-hand aimed directly at Aiko.
Aiko raised her sword, ready to block again, but before she could react, a flash of movement caught her eye. Luffy’s rubber arms stretched out, wrapping around Morgan’s axe-hand and yanking it to the side. The blow missed its mark, slamming into the ground with a deafening crash.
“Not bad, Straw Hat,” Zoro called from his post, a smirk tugging at his lips. “But if you really want to win this, you’re going to need my help.”
Luffy turned to him, his grin returning. “Does that mean you’ll join my crew?”
Zoro chuckled. “Let me out of these ropes first, and we’ll talk.”
“Deal!” Luffy said, rushing toward Zoro. He quickly untied the ropes, and Zoro stretched his arms with a sigh of relief.
“About time,” Zoro muttered, cracking his neck. He turned to Morgan, his expression deadly serious. “You’ve got some nerve, treating people like this.”
Morgan sneered. “And what are you going to do about it, pirate hunter? You’re nothing but a washed-up swordsman.”
Zoro’s hand moved to the hilt of one of his swords, discarded by a Marine nearby. In one swift motion, he unsheathed it and pointed it at Morgan. “Let’s find out.”
The courtyard erupted into chaos as Zoro and Luffy worked together to take on Morgan and his Marines. Zoro’s precise swordsmanship and Luffy’s unpredictable Devil Fruit powers made an unstoppable combination, leaving the Marines scrambling to keep up.
Aiko watched in awe as the tide began to turn. She had never seen anyone stand up to Morgan like this, let alone win. Her grip on her sword tightened—this was her chance to make a difference.
As the dust settled, Morgan lay defeated, his axe-hand shattered and his pride in ruins. The remaining Marines hesitated, unsure whether to continue the fight or surrender.
“That was fun,” Luffy said, stretching. “So, Zoro, what do you say?”
Zoro smirked. “I’ll join your crew. But don’t think this means I’m your subordinate.”
“Deal!” Luffy laughed.
Aiko approached cautiously. “You... you really did it,” she said softly.
“Of course!” Luffy grinned. “And you helped, Aiko. You’re strong.”
Aiko hesitated, then smiled. Maybe she really was.
The docks of Shells Town were alive with commotion. The townsfolk had gathered in numbers, whispering in amazement and relief. Captain Morgan’s reign of terror was over, and the oppressive grip of his rule had finally been lifted.
Standing near the edge of the dock, Coby adjusted his small Marine cap nervously, watching as Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro prepared to set sail in a small dinghy. Aiko stood nearby, her sword sheathed at her side, her pink hair rustling in the breeze.
“Aiko, you’re really going with them, aren’t you?” Rika asked, her wide eyes shimmering with emotion as she clutched her mother’s hand.
Aiko glanced toward the boat, where Luffy was helping Zoro load supplies with the same carefree energy he’d displayed all day. Her gaze then shifted to Coby, who stood awkwardly with his hands clasped in front of him. He looked like he wanted to speak but didn’t know how to begin.
“Yes,” Aiko said at last, her voice soft but steady. “I think I have to.”
“You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for,” Coby blurted out, stepping forward. His face was a mix of determination and worry. “It’s okay to want to stay here. You’re not weak for staying behind.”
Aiko smiled gently, touched by his concern. “It’s not about running away or staying behind, Coby. It’s about finding out who I really am. I’ve lived in this town my whole life, and I’ve always wondered if there’s more out there. I think this is my chance to find out.”
Coby looked down at his shoes, his brow furrowing. “I… I know how that feels,” he admitted. “To want more. But it’s scary, isn’t it? Leaving everything you know behind?”
“It is,” Aiko replied honestly. “But it’s even scarier to think about staying and never knowing what I could have become.”
As the conversation unfolded, Luffy approached them, his straw hat tilted back as he beamed at Aiko. “So, have you decided yet?” he asked, his tone as casual as if they were discussing lunch.
Aiko hesitated, glancing back at the crowd behind her. Helmeppo stood near the edge of the pier, his expression conflicted. Despite his flaws, she knew he truly cared about her and would miss her terribly. Rika, standing beside her mother, waved eagerly, her faith in Aiko shining brightly in her innocent smile.
“Yes,” Aiko said at last, turning back to Luffy. “I’ll come with you.”
Luffy’s grin widened. “Great! Welcome to the crew, Aiko!”
Zoro, who had been leaning casually against the boat, raised an eyebrow. “She’d better pull her weight,” he remarked, though there was no malice in his tone. “This isn’t going to be some sightseeing tour.”
“I’ll do my best,” Aiko promised, her hand instinctively resting on the hilt of her sword. She wasn’t sure if she truly had what it took, but she was determined to try.
“Wait,” Coby interrupted, his voice shaky but firm. He stepped in front of Aiko, his small frame almost trembling. “Aiko, are you sure this is what you want? I mean, being a pirate… it’s dangerous. It’s not just adventures and freedom—it’s fighting, running, and risking your life every day.”
Aiko looked at him, her expression soft but resolute. “I know, Coby. But I’ve learned today that being strong isn’t just about fighting. It’s about standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s scary. I want to be strong—like you, like Luffy, like Zoro. I want to see the world and figure out who I’m meant to be.”
Coby’s shoulders slumped slightly, his worry evident. But after a moment, he nodded. “Then… good luck, Aiko. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
The small boat rocked gently as Aiko climbed in, her sword clinking softly against the wooden boards. She turned back to the dock one last time, her heart heavy with the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye.
Rika waved with all her might, her voice ringing out over the chatter of the crowd. “Goodbye, Aiko! Be amazing!”
Aiko smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek as she raised her hand in farewell. “Goodbye, Rika. I’ll see you again.”
Helmeppo remained at the back of the crowd, his head bowed slightly. He glanced up just in time to meet Aiko’s gaze, giving her a small, hesitant wave. She nodded in return, silently urging him to find his own strength.
Luffy, now seated at the front of the boat, turned to Coby, who stood stiffly at the dock’s edge. “What about you, Coby? Want to come with us?”
Coby startled, his eyes widening. “W-what? Me? No, I-I can’t! I mean… I have to stay here. I want to join the Marines and make something of myself.”
“Good luck with that!” Luffy said cheerfully, giving him a thumbs-up. “I know you’ll do great.”
“Thanks, Luffy,” Coby said, his voice earnest. “And… thank you. For everything.”
With that, Zoro gave the rope a firm tug, and the boat drifted away from the dock. The crowd erupted into cheers as the small crew set out to sea, their voices carrying across the water. Aiko watched the shoreline grow smaller, her heart a mix of fear and exhilaration.
“So,” Zoro said, breaking the silence. “Why’d you decide to come with us?”
Aiko hesitated, her hand resting on her sword as she stared out at the endless horizon. “I guess I wanted to see what’s out there. To find out what I’m really capable of.”
Luffy grinned, leaning back with his hands behind his head. “Well, you’re going to love it! Being a pirate means being free. We’re going to have so many adventures!”
Aiko couldn’t help but smile, her nerves beginning to fade. She still didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
As the boat sailed into the vast blue expanse, Aiko’s heart swelled with a newfound sense of hope. Her journey had only just begun, but she knew she was ready to face whatever lay ahead—together with her new crew.
And so, with the sun setting behind them, Luffy, Zoro, and Aiko set sail for their next adventure, leaving Shells Town behind and carrying with them the promise of freedom, friendship, and a new beginning.