Chapter 10: The Swordsman's Resolve

Chapter 10: The Swordsman's Resolve

As they sailed away, Koby noted that for twins to achieve their dream they would have to enter the Grand Line, a place known as the pirate's graveyard. Luffy responded that he would form a powerful crew to survive it, and decided to recruit the bounty hunter and Marine prisoner Roronoa Zoro after hearing about him from the Alvida Pirates; this shocked Koby, who believed Zoro to be a demonic beast. Thanks to Koby's navigation skills, the duo were able to reach Shells Town, where the Marine base holding Zoro was stationed. Blaze goes on his own to do his business as the ashore. Unkown to Luffy Blaze goes to retrive Zoro's swords as he knows what will happen next. Luffy and Koby ate at a restaurant before they intended to part ways, and the customers around them jumped when Luffy mentioned Zoro's name. Koby then recalled noticing that Captain Morgan was at this base, and to his surprise, the customers jumped again after hearing Morgan's name. Zoro Tied up in Shells Town Zoro tied up without food as part of a deal. Luffy and Koby then walked up to the Marine base, and they found Zoro tied to a crucifix in the parade ground behind the outer wall. Zoro asked Luffy to free him, when suddenly a young girl named Rika climbed over the wall to feed him rice balls. However, Morgan's son Helmeppo then came in and took the rice balls, but then spit them out and stomped them into the ground due to them being sweet. He pointed out to the upset Rika that helping Zoro was a crime and ordered one of the Marines accompanying him to throw her over the wall. The Marine did so reluctantly, and Luffy caught Rika. When Helmeppo's group had left, Luffy went into the parade ground to recruit Zoro. Zoro refused to become a pirate as he had his own agenda, revealing that Helmeppo had agreed to free him if he stayed here a month without food. However, he then asked Luffy to feed him the rice balls that Helmeppo had stomped into the ground; despite them being mixed with a large amount of dirt, he told Luffy to tell Rika they were delicious.

Luffy stood before Zoro, his eyes filled with determination. He understood Zoro's reluctance to become a pirate and respected his individual goals. But Luffy also knew that their encounter was not a mere coincidence. Fate had brought them together, and their destinies were intertwined.

With a mischievous grin, Luffy retrieved the mashed rice balls from the ground, their mixture of dirt and food rendering them unappetizing. He handed them to Zoro, who looked at him with a mix of surprise and amusement. Taking a bite, Zoro forced a smile and nodded, acknowledging the effort. It was a simple act, but it spoke volumes about Luffy's character and his unwavering loyalty to those he considered his nakama.

Impressed by Luffy's sincerity and his refusal to back down, Zoro felt a surge of respect for the young captain. He realized that Luffy possessed the qualities of a true leader, someone who would stand by his crew no matter the circumstances. In that moment, Zoro made a decision that would forever change the course of his own destiny.

"Fine," Zoro said, his voice carrying a sense of resolve. "I'll join your crew, Luffy. But remember, I have my own goal to pursue. I will become the greatest swordsman in the world."

Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement as he welcomed Zoro into his growing crew. The twin brothers had found their first crewmate, a formidable swordsman whose skills would complement their own abilities. With Zoro by their side, they felt invincible, ready to face any challenge that awaited them in the treacherous waters of the Grand Line.

As they prepared to set sail once again, a commotion erupted in Shells Town. The presence of two pirates and a former Marine prisoner had drawn the attention of the local authorities. Marines swarmed the streets, their swords at the ready, determined to capture the newly formed crew.

Luffy, Zoro, and Koby found themselves outnumbered and outmatched. But they were undeterred. Luffy's rubbery limbs stretched and coiled, delivering powerful punches that sent Marines flying. Zoro unsheathed his three swords, displaying his incredible swordsmanship as he effortlessly deflected the attacks of his adversaries. Koby, fueled by his newfound courage, fought valiantly at their side, his determination shining through.

Though they fought with all their might, the trio knew they couldn't withstand the relentless onslaught of the Marines forever. It was then that a voice pierced through the chaos, commanding the Marines to stand down. It was none other than Captain Morgan, the oppressive and tyrannical figure who ruled over Shells Town with an iron fist.

Morgan's gaze fell upon Luffy, Zoro, and Koby, his eyes burning with anger and disdain. He recognized Luffy as the one who had defied Alvida, further fueling his desire to crush these rebellious pirates. But little did Morgan know that he was about to face a force unlike any he had encountered before.

Blaze, who had been observing the battle from the shadows, stepped forward with an air of confidence. His Blacklight Virus surged within him, ready to be unleashed once again. Shadows twisted and writhed, enveloping Morgan in an inky embrace. The oppressive aura surrounding the captain weakened, his power waning in the face of Blaze's darkness.

With a single strike, Blaze unleashed his Blacklight Virus upon Morgan, neutralizing the captain's oppressive presence. Morgan, weakened and bewildered, fell to his knees, his authority crumbling before the might of the twin brothers and their growing crew.

The townspeople, who had long suffered under Morgan's rule, erupted in cheers and applause. They had found hope in the form of Luffy, Zoro, and Blaze, a triumvirate of strength and determination. Together, they had struck a blow against tyranny and oppression, lighting a spark of revolution in Shells Town.

As the dust settled and the Marines retreated, Luffy, Blaze and Zoro stood tall, their bond forged through shared hardships and victories. Their journey was only beginning, and they knew that the seas held countless adventures and challenges. But with their unwavering resolve and the power of their combined abilities, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.