Chapter 2

As we journeyed on, with Zoro manning the oars, we came across three individuals who bore a resemblance to clowns, adrift in the vast expanse of the ocean. They repeatedly gestured and shouted in our direction, imploring us to halt our vessel and offer assistance. However, the swordsman, without hesitation or reduction in rowing speed, shouted for them to cling on to our boat. While charging straight at them.

As the three individuals, who now identified themselves as pirates, managed to hoist themselves aboard the moving vessel, they immediately began bellowing accusations of attempted murder towards us. Pausing briefly to catch their breath, before brandishing their swords and training them menacingly on Zoro and myself.

"All right ladies! This ship is under new command!" The pirates demanded menacingly, but their demands were met with fierce scowls from Zoro and myself. Rapidly taking action, we overpowered the clowns, utilizing brute force to reestablish our authority over the ship, compelling them to labor the oars in our stead.

With the three pirates now occupied with the task of rowing the boat, Zoro turned his attention to me. He securely fastened his trio of swords to his waist, and fixed me with a menacing stare. In a deep, intimidating tone, he queried, "And who might you be?"

"The name's Cole, Coyote Cole," I replied, inflecting my words with a distinct western twang. My accent was evident in the slight drawl of my pronunciation. "I am a cowboy by trade, who set out to sea in pursuit of adventure. But, my small vessel was unfortunate enough to encounter a powerful storm. The winds tore the sails from my ship, and with no means to propel the boat, I was left stranded in this vast ocean. Without your ship coming across me, I fear I would have met my demise out there."

As I took a closer look at the green-haired swordsman, I ventured, "You must be the Pirate hunter Zoro, I presume?"

Zoro simply inclined his head in affirmation, before nonchalantly adopting a relaxed posture and seating himself back on the deck of the moving ship. He seemed content with my explanation, and no further questions or concerns were raised.

~~~

As time passed, a landmass came into view on the horizon. A massive vessel, capable of accommodating hundreds of pirates, could be seen anchored on the shoreline. The ship was adorned with an array of blue and red hues, and prominently displayed on its bow was the iconic Jolly Roger with a clown motif.

"The Buggy Pirates," I muttered under my breath, the mention of the name causing Zoro, who was previously dozing off, to glance in the direction of the large vessel.

As we secured our small boat at the island port, next to Buggy's imposing vessel, a loud detonation echoed from the direction of the town square.

"What's that explosion?" Asked the pirate hunter.

"One of Captain Buggy's beloved Buggy Ball!" One of the three pirate clowns accompanying us responded.

"Hmm, intriguing," I remarked, "let's go inquire with their captain about the whereabouts of your friend, perhaps he has seen that large bird pass by."

"Perhaps" Zoro replied in a non-committal manner.

"All right you three, lead the way!" I commanded the three clown-like pirates.

"Hai!" they agreed in unison, though they grumbled curses under their breath directed towards Zoro and I.

Zoro turned to me, asking, "Why are you coming along exactly?"

"I went out to sea in search of adventure," I replied, "so it's only natural that I see this adventure to its conclusion."

Zoro simply let out a dismissive grunt in response as we followed the three henchmen through a deserted-looking town.

The town was desolate, with buildings in disrepair and debris littering the street. The lack of maintenance and upkeep was evident, with boarded-up windows and crumbling facades. The streets were empty and quiet, with no sign of life other than the sound of the wind whistling through the deserted buildings. The town had a feeling of abandonment and neglect as if the population had fled in haste and never returned. We can see that the buildings were once grand, possibly a place where trade and commerce flourished but now they are just a shadow of their former glory, showing the terror that the Buggy Pirates brought to the town.

As we reached the site of the explosion, it was clear that the cannonball had caused a total of five houses to collapse. The loud commotion and cheering from atop a nearby building suggested that the crew of the Buggy Pirates were likely stationed there.

"We're here," the three clowns signaled to us, pointing towards a set of stairs leading to the rooftop. Without hesitation, Zoro and I began ascending the steps.

As we finally reached the summit of the structure, a dramatic scene was revealed before us. An orange-haired young woman was struggling with a fuse, trying in vain to put out the flame before it reached the cannon. The weapon was aimed in the direction of a boy dressed in a straw hat, ready to fire.

Behind the girl, three pirates were quickly approaching, swords drawn and ready for battle. They were clearly intent on harming her as they closed in on her unguarded back.

Without hesitation, I instinctively reached for my two revolvers and, with lightning-fast speed, fired off shots with precision at the heads of the three pirates.

*Pewn* *Pewn* *Pewn*

The accurate shots hit their mark, causing them all to drop dead in their tracks.

Using the barrel of my smoking gun to adjust the angle of my hat, I drawled out in a relaxed southern accent, "It ain't gentlemanly to gang up on a girl like that."