A seconde chance : Between Land and Sea

The sky stretched endlessly, a brilliant blue scattered with lazily drifting clouds. A gentle, pleasant breeze caressed the ocean's surface, causing small waves to dance under the golden sunlight. In this idyllic weather, a makeshift boat drifted across the boundless waters, gently rocked by the steady rhythm of the sea. 

Onboard the modest vessel, two young men shared the silence of the open sea. One, with pale pink hair, gazed at the horizon with a calm, almost meditative expression. The other, wearing a worn straw hat, leaned casually against the edge of the boat, his carefree smile radiating a contagious serenity. 

Breaking the peaceful silence aboard, Koby turned to his captain, his eyes studying Luffy with curiosity. The gentle movement of the boat beneath their feet seemed to emphasize the vastness of the ocean surrounding them. 

"So, Luffy," he began, his voice calm and measured, contrasting with the softness of the breeze, "where are we headed next? How many crew members do you have so far?" 

Luffy, still leaning nonchalantly against the edge of the boat, looked up at the sky for a moment, as if searching for an answer among the clouds. Then, a wide grin lit up his face. 

"Hmm..." he replied, scratching the back of his head in a relaxed manner. "Well, for now, there's you. And me, of course." 

He straightened up slightly, crossing his arms with an overflowing confidence. 

"But don't worry! We'll find other amazing members. My crew is going to be the best, that's for sure!" 

Koby raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by Luffy's casual enthusiasm. He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head gently. 

"That's it? You really don't have anyone else?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. 

Koby turned his gaze away slightly, a faint smile brushing his lips. He wasn't accustomed to compliments like this. Normally, they wouldn't bother him, but it felt different coming from Luffy. He knew these words were completely sincere, which made them all the stranger to his ears. 

"Vice-captain? We'll talk about that when you have more members in your crew, Captain. But..." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "If you're looking for someone really strong, I've heard rumors about a famous pirate hunter captured by the Marines." 

Luffy tilted his head curiously. "A pirate hunter?" 

Koby nodded slowly. "Yes. They say he's the best swordsman in East Blue. He was captured after taking on the Marines. If the rumors are true, he might be someone worth having on your crew." 

Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The best swordsman? That sounds cool! Shishishi! Do you know where we can find him?" 

Koby shrugged. "He's being held in a Marine base not far from here. I can guide us there; it shouldn't be too difficult." 

Luffy pounded his fist into his palm, a delighted smile lighting up his face. "Then it's decided! We'll go free him and ask him to join us!" He paused for a second, tilting his head, his grin taking on a mischievous edge. "If he's cool, of course!" 

"Very well, Captain," Koby replied calmly, instinctively adjusting his grip on his staff. "Let's set course for that base, then." 

Luffy burst into laughter, his signature "Shishishi" echoing through the tranquil air. He gave Koby a hearty pat on the back, nearly knocking him off balance. 

"You're a good guy, Koby! I'm glad you're here!" 

Koby rubbed his nose lightly, keeping his eyes on the horizon, though the faint smile playing on his lips betrayed a quiet sense of satisfaction at hearing those words. 

"And I'm glad to be here, Captain," he replied calmly. Then, he turned slightly to look at Luffy, whose smile never wavered. "But, you know, you don't think much before making decisions. You do realize we're about to take on a Marine base, right?" 

Luffy shrugged, still as carefree as ever. "So what? It's just a base. If we're going there to find a great guy, it's worth it, isn't it?" 

Koby sighed softly, shaking his head with mild exasperation. "You know, it's not that simple for everyone. But you... you make everything seem so natural, like nothing can really stop you." 

Luffy sat cross-legged on the edge of the boat, his hat tilting slightly to shade his face. He stared at the shimmering water for a few moments before replying, his tone growing slightly more serious. 

"That's because I believe that if I want to be the King of the Pirates, I have to go all out, Koby. No matter how hard, dangerous, or impossible it seems. I can't back down, and I want my crew to feel the same way." 

Koby remained silent at those words, absorbing the sincerity that radiated from Luffy. He was often perplexed by his captain's almost naive optimism, but at that moment, he couldn't help but be impressed. It wasn't just carefree abandon. It was an unshakable conviction, a fire burning within him. 

Luffy, still sitting at the edge of the boat, swung his legs idly over the water, his gaze fixed on the endless horizon. Koby, standing on the other side, rested his staff on his shoulder, deep in thought. 

An easy silence had fallen between them, not awkward but filled with a rare sense of calm shared in their adventure. 

"Luffy," Koby finally said, his voice soft but carrying weight. 

Luffy turned to him, a curious smile on his lips. "Hmm?" 

Koby took a deep breath, locking eyes with his captain with an unusual intensity. "I've followed you this far, and I've seen you. Since I met you, I've seen something in you... something I don't fully understand but that inspires me. Your dream is insane... but you believe in it like no one else." 

Luffy blinked, surprised by Koby's sudden sincerity. "Well, yeah! Of course I do. It's my dream, after all." 

A faint smile crossed Koby's lips, but his gaze remained serious. "I want you to know one thing, Luffy. If I'm here, it's not by chance. It's not just because you pulled me out of that barrel or because of your big smile. It's because, for the first time in my life, I've found something worth giving my all for." 

Luffy, intrigued, stayed silent, letting him continue. 

Koby stood up, placing his staff in front of him, planting his gaze firmly into Luffy's. "I promise you here and now, my loyalty, Captain. Not a conditional or temporary loyalty. A loyalty that will not falter, no matter what happens." 

He paused, letting his words hang in the air between them, before adding, his voice slightly lower but charged with palpable intensity: "I don't make many promises, Luffy. But the ones I do make... are worth more than gold or any treasure. And this one... is unbreakable." 

Luffy froze for a moment, absorbing the weight of Koby's words. Then, a wide grin spread across his face, lighting up his features with genuine joy. He leapt to his feet and approached Koby, extending his hand. 

"Shishishi... Then, welcome officially to the crew, Koby!" 

Koby clasped his hand in a firm handshake, and for the first time, he felt a warmth he had never known. Not the warmth of obligation or duty but that of a true bond forged in mutual trust and a shared cause. 

Luffy, true to form, broke the moment with his signature grin. "Alright, now that's settled... what's for dinner?" he said enthusiastically. 

Koby couldn't help but chuckle softly, his heart feeling strangely lighter. "We'll figure it out... Captain."

The sun was at its zenith as Luffy and Koby's makeshift boat docked on a small island that housed a Marine base. A towering building rose at the center of the town, dominated by the Marine flag fluttering in the wind. Around it, townsfolk bustled about, going about their daily lives under the watchful eyes of uniformed soldiers. 

Luffy jumped onto the dock with his usual energy, landing with a wide grin. "So, Koby, where's that super strong guy you were talking about?" 

Koby disembarked more calmly, his staff in hand, scanning the area with a calculating gaze. "The base is over there," he said, pointing toward the building. "If he's really a captive, that's where we'll find him." 

They walked along the main street, drawing a few curious glances. Unlike Luffy, who seemed utterly carefree, Koby was calm but vigilant, carefully observing their surroundings. 

When they arrived near the base, a tall wall blocked their way. The only visible entrance was an imposing metal gate. 

Koby and Luffy exchanged a glance, shrugged simultaneously, and headed toward the wall on the side. 

With a powerful leap, the two adventurers hoisted themselves onto the top of the wall, clinging to it as they peered inside the Marine base for the first time. 

The scene that unfolded before them was both intriguing and unsettling. A vast courtyard stretched out below, bordered by austere, orderly buildings typical of Marine facilities. But what caught their attention was the lone figure tied to a post in the center of the yard. 

He wore a tattered white shirt, his muscular torso exposed to the harsh sunlight. His black pants, an odd green sash, and a bandana tied around his head added to his rugged appearance. 

Luffy squinted to get a better look, a grin forming on his lips. "That's him, right?" he asked, a mix of excitement and curiosity in his voice. 

Koby nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah. That's Roronoa Zoro. They say he's the best swordsman in East Blue. But look at his condition..." He paused, scrutinizing the visible wounds on the swordsman's body. "He's weakened, but he doesn't look broken." 

Luffy burst out laughing, briefly catching the attention of a few soldiers in the courtyard. "He looks strong! Shishishi… I'm gonna go talk to him." 

Before he could move, a ladder leaned against the wall near them. Both of them turned to see a small girl climbing up, motioning for them to stay quiet. 

Before they could grasp what was happening, the girl slid down a rope on the other side of the wall. 

Glancing around like a stealthy agent on a mission, she darted quickly toward the man tied in the courtyard. 

Koby and Luffy watched the girl with a mix of curiosity and amusement. 

"What do you think her plan is?" Luffy asked, leaning forward for a better look. 

Koby squinted, keeping an eye on the girl's movements. "No idea. But if she gets caught, things could go bad." 

The little girl moved quickly. When she finally reached Zoro, she carefully took out two rice balls from a small package she had been holding close to her chest, as if they were the most precious treasure in the world. 

A bright smile lit up her face as she held them out to him, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. 

Zoro raised an eyebrow as he looked at her, his raspy voice breaking the silence. "What are you doing here, kid? Trying to get yourself killed?" 

The girl shook her head with a shy smile, ignoring the harshness of his tone. "You must be hungry... You haven't eaten in three weeks. Here!" She held the rice balls up toward him, her enthusiasm unmistakable. "It's my first time making these, but I tried my best!" 

Zoro grunted, turning his head slightly away. "I don't need your pity. Get out of here before they see you." 

The girl's enthusiasm wavered for a moment, her smile shrinking slightly. "But… I just wanted to…" 

He cut her off sharply, his voice louder and more commanding. "I said I don't want them! Now leave before you get caught!" 

She took a step back, startled by the intensity of his words, but her hesitant gaze showed she wasn't ready to give up just yet. 

As she prepared to speak again, three figures emerged from the other side of the courtyard, striding confidently toward the prisoner and the girl. 

A man with an ostentatious appearance, dressed in a garish suit that screamed arrogance, walked with a smug air. His neatly combed hair and mocking smile accentuated his disagreeable demeanor. Beside him, two Marine soldiers marched in silence, their pristine uniforms contrasting with their superior's sleazy attitude. 

The man stopped in front of the little girl, his lips curling into a condescending grin. He tapped a whip he held in one hand against the ground, making it crack loudly to get her attention. 

"Hey, kid," he called out in a syrupy tone that reeked of insincerity. "You know you're not supposed to be here, right? What are you doing so close to our... special guest?" He gestured dismissively toward Zoro. 

The girl straightened timidly, clutching her small package of rice balls tightly. "I just wanted to give him these... He must be hungry." 

The man's smile froze for a moment before he burst into laughter, a forced and unpleasant sound. The soldiers behind him remained stoic, but their gazes betrayed a faint unease as they watched the scene unfold. 

In one quick, harsh motion, the man snatched the rice balls from the girl's hands, instantly shattering her brave expression. Without even glancing at her, he took a bite out of one rice ball, a malicious grin on his face. 

"Ugh!" he exclaimed exaggeratedly, spitting the rice out onto the ground. "This is disgusting. Is this what you wanted to give him? This junk isn't even fit for rats!" 

The girl took a step back, shock and humiliation clear on her face. Her hands trembled slightly, but she clenched her fists, trying to hold back her tears. 

Zoro, still tied to the post, observed the scene with icy intensity. His jaw tightened, and a deadly glint flashed in his eyes. 

"You're a real bastard," he growled, his voice simmering with restrained anger. 

The man deliberately ignored Zoro's words, tossing the rest of the rice balls onto the ground before stomping on them with disdain. "That's what happens to stupid, useless gestures, kid. You'd better learn your place." 

He turned toward the soldiers, a simple nod enough to silently command them to act. One of the soldiers stepped forward, gripping the girl's arm firmly. She struggled to resist, but her small frame was no match for the Marine's strength. Without a word, he dragged her toward a side door, shoving her out of the base. 

The man, now alone with Zoro, adopted an arrogant posture, his smug smile widening further. He adjusted his clothing theatrically before speaking in a tone dripping with mockery. 

"I have to admit, Roronoa, you've got guts. Hahaha!" 

Zoro, still tied to the post, remained impassive. His eyes bore into the man with intensity, but his voice, though raspy, was surprisingly calm. 

"I made a deal. I'll endure here for a month, and they'll set me free. I've got ten days left." 

The man burst into condescending laughter. "Well, I wish you good luck," he said, turning away with a victorious chuckle that echoed through the courtyard. 

Zoro followed him with his gaze, his jaw clenched, but he didn't utter another word. His silence spoke louder than anything else could. 

Koby, watching the scene from atop the wall, maintained his usual calm demeanor. His expression remained impassive as he analyzed the unpleasant situation unfolding before him, showing no sign of haste or impulsivity. He knew that inaction might seem cruel in a moment like this, but he didn't yet understand everyone's motivations. For him, acting without comprehending the reasons or consequences would be irresponsible.

Breaking the calm, Koby finally asked without turning his gaze away from the prisoner, "So, what do we do now?"

Luffy, true to himself, didn't respond. Instead, he flashed a wide grin and, without a moment's hesitation, leaped over the wall, landing lightly in the courtyard below.

Koby, still focused on Luffy, let out a soft chuckle. He knew his captain well enough to realize that overthinking wasn't one of his priorities. "Of course," he muttered to himself before following his captain with a measured leap, his staff firmly in hand.

"Hey, you!" Luffy called out cheerfully as he approached Zoro. "You look strong! Wanna join my crew?"

Koby, slightly behind him, shook his head gently, a faint smile forming on his lips.

Zoro raised his head slowly to look at them, his expression unreadable. "Who are you guys?" he growled, his voice rough and tinged with suspicion.

"I'm Luffy! And this is Koby," Luffy answered without hesitation. "I'm gonna be the Pirate King, so I'm looking for strong guys to join my crew. And I've decided you're gonna be one of them."

Zoro raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused despite himself. "The Pirate King, huh? Aren't you afraid of dying trying?"

Luffy laughed loudly. "Not at all! Shishishi!"

Koby, still silent, observed the exchange with interest. He could see a spark of respect in Zoro's eyes, though the swordsman kept it hidden beneath a mask of defiance. Deciding to step in, Koby spoke in a calm tone, contrasting with Luffy's boundless energy.

"You seem to be in a complicated situation," he said to Zoro. "Why are you tied up here? This doesn't look like a place for someone of your caliber."

Zoro narrowed his eyes, evaluating Koby before answering bluntly. "I made a deal. I stay here for a month, and they'll let me go. But those bastards never keep their promises."

Luffy crossed his arms, appearing to think deeply before declaring, "Then why stay tied up? If you're strong, you could get out of here."

Zoro didn't avert his gaze. "Because I keep my promises, even if they don't."

A respectful silence settled between them. Koby studied Zoro with a calculated intensity, as though weighing each word he had just said. Slowly, he nodded. "I see. It's rare to find someone who stays true to themselves, even in a situation like this."

Luffy, who seemed to have lost track of the conversation for a moment, suddenly burst out laughing. "Shishishi! That's why you have to join my crew! Guys like you are exactly what I need to become the Pirate King!"

Zoro fixed Luffy with a sharp look, his tone dripping with disdain. "If you want to lower yourself to being a pirate, that's your problem. But leave me out of it."

Luffy, still unfazed, shrugged with a grin. "What's so bad about being a pirate? Especially with a reputation like yours?"

Zoro squinted, his expression growing even more intense. "I don't care what others think of me. I've never regretted any of my actions, and I never will. But becoming a pirate? That goes against everything I believe in."

Luffy crossed his arms, his expression remaining calm. Tilting his head slightly, he replied, "Not all pirates are the same. I'm not doing this to spread chaos or hurt people. I want to be the Pirate King."

Zoro chuckled mockingly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "And what do you think it means to be the Pirate King?"

Luffy looked at him intently, his grin fading for a moment. He replied simply, "The freest man in the world."

Zoro remained silent for a moment, surprised by Luffy's unexpected response. He studied his face, searching for any hint of mockery or arrogance but found nothing but disarming sincerity.

"The freest man in the world, huh?" Zoro repeated, his tone tinged with skepticism. "You really think that kind of freedom exists?"

Luffy nodded, a serene smile spreading across his face. "Yeah. And I'm going to find it. No matter what it takes."

Koby, who had been quietly listening, observed Luffy with a mix of curiosity and respect. Taking a slight breath, he murmured, more to himself than to anyone else, "The freest man…"

Zoro averted his gaze, pondering the idea. He had heard countless pirates boast about their ambitions, but none had ever expressed a vision like this.

"You're really weird," Zoro finally said.

Luffy burst into laughter, his boundless energy cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Shishishi! Maybe so! But I'd rather be weird than boring."

Zoro stared at him again, his expression hard but less hostile. "If you want to convince me, you'll need more than words. Show me what your so-called freedom is worth."

Luffy, still smiling, raised a fist in the air. "No problem! But first, I'll get your swords. A guy like you needs his weapons, right?"

Zoro didn't respond, but a spark of interest flickered in his eyes.

Koby nodded, speaking calmly. "Then let's move. Those swords must be somewhere in this base. And I've got a feeling they're not going to hand them over nicely."

Luffy laughed again, ready to take on the challenge. "Shishishi! Even better—it's more fun that way!"

Zoro watched them walk away, a mix of exasperation and amusement on his face. "Those guys… really weird."