Chapter 1: Buy One Get One Free? Double the Surprise!(Wishing all my readers great fortune! New year, new beginnings!)(The author's main profession is a pirate (serious face). Please keep reading, I won't let you down!)[Ding! Naruto System successfully activated!][Detecting host's current environment... Distributing Newbie Gift Pack.][Newbie Gift Pack distributed, please check.][Obtained: Single Tomoe Sharingan (Derived from Uchiha bloodline, perfectly fused).][Obtained: Chakra Refinement Technique (Basic Edition).][Obtained: Ninja Tool Pouch (Contains Kunai ×1, Explosive Tag ×3, Food Pill ×1).]Darkness. Swaying.Victor snapped his eyes open, only to see pitch-black wooden planks."Transmigrated? System?"Victor felt a cool energy in his mind, followed by a burning sensation in his eyes.He blinked in the darkness, and the originally dark, cramped space instantly became clearly visible.Even the direction of a single wood grain was fully captured by his eyes.Sharingan!Before he could celebrate for long, a sudden, intense feeling of weightlessness hit him.Thud!It sounded like a heavy object hitting the ground.Immediately after, strange noises came from nearby."Snore... snore... meat... I want to eat meat..."The voice was muffled, as if coming through a layer of wood.Victor froze for a moment, then his mouth twitched uncontrollably.That voice, those lines, and his current environment, which was most likely a "wine barrel"..."Are you kidding me? I actually transmigrated as Luffy's 'barrel-mate'?"...Meanwhile, in a sunny stretch of sea in the East Blue.On the deck of a large sailing ship flying a heart-shaped skull flag—the "Miss Love Duck."Several wretched-looking pirates were surrounding two large wine barrels they had just fished up, their eyes gleaming."Hey! Koby! Hahaha! Your luck has finally turned for the better once!"A pirate with a face full of scars "heavily" slapped the short, pink-haired boy wearing round glasses next to him."I thought it was empty, but I didn't expect it to be so heavy! This weight, it's definitely filled with top-quality red wine!""And there are two barrels!" another pirate said, rubbing his hands greedily, drool almost dripping to his chin."One barrel could sell for at least tens of thousands of Berries. If we make Lady Alvida happy, she might reward us with a good meal tonight!"The boy named Koby shrunk his neck, his whole body trembling."Th-that, shouldn't we move them into the storage room first?""If Lady Alvida finds us sneakily drinking on deck, we'll be crushed by her iron mace...""Huh? Shut up! You coward!"The scarred pirate spat impatiently."Such heavy barrels must be full! This weather is perfect for a drink. Let's open one and have a taste first. As long as you don't say anything, who will know?"The other two pirates looked at each other and shared a knowing, wretched smile."Hehe, you're right! Open the one on the left first!"The big man couldn't wait and raised his fist the size of a casserole, smashing it down hard onto the lid of the left barrel, which was covered in strange graffiti."Open up!!"BOOM—!!!There was no sound of a wooden lid breaking as expected.On the contrary, as if an explosion had occurred inside the barrel, the entire lid along with the wooden splinters instantly burst outward.The big man, who had leaned in to smell the wine, felt as if his jaw had been hit by a sledgehammer.He flew backward like a broken kite, drawing a... not-so-graceful parabola in the air.Finally, with a "thud," he slammed onto the deck several meters away, foaming at the mouth and fainting on the spot."Phew—! What a great sleep!!!"Under the sunlight, a boy wearing a Straw Hatsuddenly stood straight up from the broken wooden barrel.His arms were spread wide in an exaggerated manner, and that unchanging, bright laugh was plastered on his face."The wind is really nice today!"The remaining pirates were all dumbfounded, their cutlasses nearly falling onto their feet."A person... there's a person inside?""What kind of monster is this? He sent Jerry flying with one punch?"Before the pirates could recover from their shock, the Straw Hat boy rubbed his empty stomach and turned to look at Koby, who was already paralyzed with fear on the ground."Hey, is there any food? I'm starving to death."Veins popped on the pirates' foreheads: "..."Oi! Oi! Oi!Is this kid an idiot! Can't he read the room! We're pirates!Just as everyone was about to attack this Straw Hatkid who didn't know his place—Click.The other barrel, which had been quiet all along, suddenly made a crisp sound of a latch breaking.The pirates' nerves were already strained, and they instinctively turned their heads at the sound.They saw the lid of the second barrel being gently pushed open by a slender hand.Then, a handsome young man with black hair and black eyes slowly stood up.Victor had a calm expression as he gently brushed the wood chips off his shoulders, then looked up, revealing a slightly pale face.Victor stretched his back, his gaze sweeping over the startled pirates.Finally, his gaze rested on Luffy, who was still blankly asking for food, and a playful smile curled at the corners of his mouth."Even though I expected it, this wake-up service is still a bit too noisy, Straw Hat-ya."At this moment, within Victor's eyes, the originally black pupils had at some point been dyed with a layer of eerie blood-red.A black tomoe slowly rotated within the iris, emitting a heart-palpitating chill.Single Tomoe Sharingan!"Is this... a themed restaurant that provides free lunch?" Victor asked humorously.The deck fell into a deathly silence, with only the sound of the sea breeze blowing through the canvas.Three seconds later, a roar of embarrassed rage erupted."One after another! Are you all kidding me!!"The remaining pirates finally reacted, their faces turning red with anger."Where's our wine! Give us back our fine wine!""Kill these two brats who don't know the meaning of death!"Three pirates raised their gleaming sabers, dividing the tasks clearly.Two slashed at Luffy, who seemed more threatening, while the remaining bald pirate charged at Victor with a sneer."Pretty boy! Die!""Hey! Watch out!"Koby was so scared that he covered his eyes, not daring to watch the bloody scene that followed."Heehee." Luffy didn't move at all, just pulled his hat brim and showed a mouthful of white teeth.On the other side, facing the sharp blade coming down on him, the tomoe in Victor's eyes slowly rotated.In his vision, the world slowed down.The bald pirate's distorted expression was like a frame-by-frame playback.He could clearly see the other's nostrils flaring due to the exertion.He saw the small nick on the blade and even predicted the final trajectory of this strike.Too slow.Like an old lady crossing the street!Victor leaned slightly and moved only half a step to the left.Whoosh!The heavy blade slashed down past the tip of his nose, the wind it carried ruffling his bangs.Finally, it slammed hard into the edge of the empty wine barrel, kicking up a spray of wood chips."Wh... what?!"The bald pirate's eyes widened, his eyeballs nearly popping out.He couldn't believe his surefire strike had been dodged?And from such a close distance, dodged so effortlessly?Just as his old strength was spent and new strength hadn't yet formed, with his body leaning forward due to inertia, Victor moved.His right hand, as if performing magic, instantly revealed a pitch-black Kunai.His fingers spun it nimbly, gripping it in a reverse hold, then he closed the distance, the cold tip of the Kunai precisely pressing against the pirate's carotid artery."Don't move."The cold metal touch caused the bald pirate to break out in a cold sweat instantly.His legs went weak, and the blade in his hand fell to the ground with a "clang."On the other side, two crisp "thud" sounds also came from Luffy's direction.The two sabers struck him, but it was as if they hit a thick rubber tire, and they were bounced away by the massive reaction force."Eh?"Luffy tilted his head, ignoring the people who attacked him.Instead, he looked at the uninjured Victor with a curious face, "You're pretty strong too!"Victor put away the Kunai and kicked the terrified pirate, sending him rolling away.He turned around, his pair of crimson Single Tomoe Sharingan exceptionally striking under the sunlight.He reached out his hand to Luffy, showing a mysterious smile."Nice to meet you. My name is Victor, I'm a... magician."Luffy's big eyes instantly turned into stars, and his mouth hung wide open."A magician? Are your red eyes magic too? Like a monkey! So cool!!""My name is Luffy, the man who will become the Pirate King!"Monkey?Victor's mouth twitched, and he was about to retort."Who is it!! Who dares to cause trouble on my ship!!"A fat woman with a face full of freckles, holding a giant iron mace, burst through the door in a rage.Koby's face instantly turned deathly pale, and he held his head in despair: "It's... it's over... Lady Alvidais here..."Chapter 2: Rubber Idiot and the Red-Eyed Magician"Who is it!! Who dares to cause trouble on my ship!!""I am the most beautiful person on this sea—Miss Alvida!"Accompanied by a roar loud enough to shatter eardrums.A fat woman with a freckled face, brandishing a huge spiked iron club, charged into the center of the deck with a rumble.With every step she took, the deck seemed to groan."Which bastard just injured my men? Is it you, you shorty Koby?!"Alvida's small eyes, squeezed into slits by her fat, glared around before finally locking onto the trembling Koby."N-no, it's not me! Miss Alvida!""No matter how you look at it, it's not me!"Koby was so scared that snot and tears flowed freely, and he desperately shook his head while pointing at Luffy and Victor."It's these two weirdos who crawled out of the wine barrel!"Alvida snapped her head around, her fierce gaze glaring at the two culprits.One wearing a Straw Hat was picking his nose, while the other black-haired, red-eyed boy was looking at her with a tilted head and a smile.These two guys!They didn't take her seriously at all!"You two brats!"Alvida felt her dignity had been severely challenged.She raised the mace high and smashed it down hard at Luffy, who looked the most punchable."Since you dare to provoke me like this, then turn into meat paste!"The sound of whistling wind scared Koby and the surrounding pirates, who all scurried away with their heads in their hands."Hey, that... auntie, who are you?"Luffy looked up with a dazed expression, watching the mace crash down without even trying to dodge.Thud—!!A heavy, dull sound.The expected scene of blood splashing everywhere did not occur.Alvida felt as if she had hit a piece of incredibly tough, thick rubber. The massive recoil made her hand go numb, and she almost couldn't hold onto the iron club.Luffy's head was seen being deeply dented, then it suddenly snapped back, returning to its original shape."Waah! It hurts! What are you doing, you savage auntie!"Luffy cried out while clutching his head."Y-you're actually fine?!" Alvida's eyes were nearly bulging out in shock. "Are you a Devil Fruit user too?!"Standing not far away, Victor's eyes flashed with a faint red light."The Gum-Gum Fruit... seeing it with my own eyes is indeed quite unique."He quickly analyzed in his mind.Although he had the Sharingan and Chakra, his current physical fitness was only at the level of an average person, not even as sturdy as these pirates who lived on the sea year-round.And Luffy's constitution, which was immune to blunt attacks, was simply a natural meat shield."I don't care what kind of ability user you are! In this East Blue, defying me, Alvida, is a death sentence!"Alvida, humiliated and angry, swung her mace again, preparing for a more violent attack."Gum-Gum—"Luffy also took a stance, stretching his arm backward to counterattack, "Pistol!"However, at the very moment the punch was about to be thrown.Grumble—A thunderous sound, even louder than Koby's crying earlier, came from Luffy's stomach.Luffy's stretched arm instantly went limp like a deflated balloon.His whole body collapsed to the ground like a salted fish that had lost its dreams."Ah... I can't do it, I'm too hungry, I have no strength at all..."Luffy said weakly as he lay on the ground.The entire place went silent.Even Alvida's hand, holding the mace, froze in mid-air, her mouth twitching uncontrollably."Are you playing with me, kid?!"Victor sighed and placed his hand on his forehead in exasperation.As expected, he couldn't rely on this single-cell organism, Luffy.But, according to his memory, shouldn't Luffy have sent her flying with one punch?"Hey, you red-eyed kid over there!"Alvida felt she had been completely toyed with, and she shifted all her rage onto Victor, who looked more like a normal person."Since you're together, then you can die in his place!"The spiked mace swept toward Victor's waist with a whistling sound.This strike was incredibly heavy; if it hit, an ordinary person would definitely be snapped in half."Mr. Victor! Run!" Koby shouted in despair from behind the wooden barrel.Victor stood his ground, motionless.His crimson Single Tomoe Sharingan spun slightly, and the world slowed down once again in his eyes.Alvida's seemingly fierce attack was full of openings in his eyes.The exertion points of the muscles, the instability of her steps, the shift in her center of gravity... everything was laid bare."Too crude."Just as the mace was about to touch the hem of his clothes, Victor moved.He didn't retreat but instead took a step forward, his figure cutting into Alvida's blind spot like a ghost.The mace swept past his back, the resulting wind making his clothes rustle loudly."What?!"Alvida's strike missed, and the massive inertia caused her fat body to stumble forward uncontrollably."Rubber, Pistol Leg!""Whoa! Isn't that the name of my move?!"Victor appeared at her side, his right foot exerting sudden force as he accurately kicked the back of Alvida's supporting knee.Crack!A crisp sound."Ahhh!!"Alvida let out a scream like a slaughtered pig, her massive body instantly losing balance and toppling to one side.Before she could hit the ground, Victor's figure flashed again, appearing right in front of her.At this moment, Alvida was wide open, looking at those emotionless red eyes with a face full of terror."It's over."Victor clenched his right fist, Chakra condensing on his knuckles, and slammed it mercilessly into Alvida's fat chin.Bang!A dull impact sounded.Under everyone's horrified gaze.Alvida, who weighed at least three hundred pounds, was actually punched off the ground by this seemingly frail youth.Her whole body spun two and a half times in the air before finally smashing heavily against the main mast.Her eyes rolled back, foam came out of her mouth, and she was completely unconscious, having passed out cold.A deathly silence fell over the deck, with only the sound of the sea breeze blowing.The pirate lackeys who had originally wanted to charge forward were now all frozen as if petrified, their weapons clattering to the ground one after another.The woman known as the most fearsome pirate in the East Blue... was actually insta-killed?And she was insta-killed by a boy who looked weak and fragile, with his bare hands?Victor slowly retracted his fist and lightly flicked his wrist. The red light in his eyes gradually faded, returning to their original jet black.He exhaled; for him, who was not yet familiar with this, it was not an easy task."S-so powerful..." Koby's mouth hung open, his glasses nearly falling off."Whooooooo!!!"Luffy, who was lying on the ground, suddenly jumped up like a spring from some unknown source of strength.His eyes turned into sparkling stars again as he excitedly rushed in front of Victor."You really are amazing! Those red eyes, and that punch just now, were so cool!!"Luffy grabbed Victor's shoulders and shook him vigorously."Hey, hey, Victor! Be my partner! Join my pirate crew! Let's go find the One Piece together!"
Chapter 3: Victor's MagicOn the vast ocean, a small wooden boat that seemed exceptionally tiny at this moment was bobbing up and down with the waves.This boat was, of course, "borrowed" from the Alvida Pirates.As for why the Alvida Pirates didn't give chase?It was probably because their Captain was still hanging from the mast, foaming at the mouth.And when that terrifying red-eyed youth merely glanced back, the entire crew was so scared they pulled their heads back under the deck."Great! We're finally out at sea!"Luffy sat at the bow, showing no self-awareness of being the Captain, instead shouting excitedly into the sea breeze."This is the smell of adventure!"Koby, sitting in the middle and responsible for rowing—though he didn't know why he had become the manual labor—was looking forward with a look of utter despair."Luffy-san... is it really okay for us to just take the pirates' lifeboat like this?""It's fine, it's fine!" Luffy waved his hand dismissively. "They won't be using it anyway!"Victor, sitting at the stern, leaned leisurely against the gunwale, playing with the Kunai in his hand.While Luffy was shouting, Victor's mind stirred, awakening the system interface deep in his mind."System, settle the battle rewards."In an instant, a pale blue translucent light screen that only he could see unfolded before his eyes.[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the hidden achievement task—"The First Battle of Setting Sail"!][Defeated Target: "Iron Club" Alvida (Bounty: 5,000,000 Berries).][Battle Evaluation: S.][Reward Obtained: 500 Ninja Points.]"500 points, huh..."Victor looked at the number and stroked his chin thoughtfully.According to the system's explanation, [Ninja Points] were the only currency in this system.The methods to obtain them were simple and direct: defeat strong enemies, change major plots of the original story, or create iconic moments on the sea sufficient to shock the world.The stronger the opponent and the higher the bounty, the higher the evaluation and points obtained.While Alvida had some fame in the East Blue, she wasn't even worth an ant in the context of the entire pirate world.Getting 500 points was probably mostly due to it being the "first battle.""Open the exchange shop."As Victor's thoughts shifted, the screen changed, and a list full of items appeared before him.This was the feature of the "Hokage System" that he coveted the most.The shop was divided into several major categories: [Ninjutsu], [Taijutsu], [Genjutsu], [Bloodline Limit], and [Ninja Tools].Victor glanced casually at the "Luxury Zone" at the top and immediately felt a pang of phantom pain in his teeth.[Rinnegan (Single Eye)]: Price 10,000,000 Ninja Points.[Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan (Both Eyes)]: Price 5,000,000 Ninja Points."Ten million..." Victor's mouth twitched. "How long is that going to take to save up?"He shook his head and decisively closed those high-level pages that only generated "poverty anxiety," turning his gaze to the [Basic Zone].Currently, he had the Single Tomoe Sharingan, but his means of attack were quite limited; besides basic Taijutsu, he only had the Kunai.His gaze lingered on several options:[Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu]: C-rank Ninjutsu. Exchange Price: 300 points.[Substitution Jutsu]: E-rank Ninjutsu. Exchange Price: 200 points.[Shadow Clone Jutsu]: B-rank Ninjutsu. Exchange Price: 1,000 points.[Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique]: D-rank Ninjutsu. Exchange Price: 400 points.Victor looked at his balance of only 500 points and weighed his options slightly.Ultimately, his gaze locked onto [Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique]."People in the pirate world generally have low magic resistance and almost no defensive measures against mental attacks. And...""How can a magician not know how to hypnotize?""I'll exchange for the Fireball Jutsu next time. It's an Uchiha staple, even if it never seems to kill anyone in Naruto...""System, exchange for [Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique]!"[Ding! 400 Ninja Points deducted. Exchange successful! Related hand seals and Chakra flow patterns have been injected into the host's memory.]A cool stream of information flooded into his mind.Victor closed his eyes to digest it for a moment, and when he opened them again, a hint of profound depth seemed to appear in the depths of his pitch-black pupils.Before he could think further, Luffy's voice brought him back to reality."Hey, Victor!" Luffy suddenly turned his head and said with a serious face."Since you're on my boat, you're my first crewmate!""I'm the man who's going to be the Pirate King. As the Vice Captain, you'll have to work hard from now on!""Pfft—cough, cough, cough!"Koby, who was rowing, almost choked on his own spit, and the oar in his hand nearly flew away in shock.He stood up abruptly, his eyes wide as saucers, looking at Luffy in horror:"Pi... Pirate King?!! Luffy-san, you're joking, right?!""That's the great pirate who possesses wealth, fame, and power—everything the world has to offer!"Wanting to become the Pirate King means finding the legendary ONE PIECE on this sea full of monsters!"Something like that... how could something like that be possible! It's absolutely impossible! Impossible, impossible!!"Bang!Luffy unceremoniously gave Koby a punch to the head."That hurts!" Koby crouched down, clutching his head."Why did you hit me...""Because you're loud." Luffy picked his nose, but his gaze was exceptionally firm."It's not a matter of whether it can be done. It's because I want to be it, so I'm going to be it. Even if I die for it, it doesn't matter."Koby was stunned.Victor helplessly fished the oar back and tossed it to Koby."A very spirited declaration. But my Captain, to become the Pirate King, we can't do it just by begging... I mean, just the two of us won't be enough.""That's right!" Luffy immediately perked up, counting on his fingers."We also need a Navigator, a cook, a musician... let me think, how about that 'Pirate Hunter'?""Zo... Zoro?!"At the mention of that name, Koby's face instantly turned pale."Luffy-san, you want to find Roronoa Zoro as a partner? That guy they call the 'Demonic Beast in Human Skin'?""I heard he's a demon who kills without blinking! He's currently being held at the Marine base up ahead!""He got caught?" Luffy looked indifferent. "Then that's perfect. If he's a decent guy, I'll have him join!""A decent guy... they said he's a demonic beast!"While Koby was still having a breakdown and muttering to himself, Luffy's attention suddenly shifted.He turned his head, his large, curious eyes staring straight at Victor, as if he had suddenly remembered something important."Hey, hey! Victor!"Luffy leaned in closer, almost touching Victor's face."You said before that you're a magician, right? Those red eyes are cool, but I want to see a more interesting magic trick! Show me one! Right now!"Victor looked at Luffy's starry eyes and raised an eyebrow helplessly."Want to see magic?" A mischievous grin curled on Victor's lips."Alright, since you're the Captain, I'll show you a high-level one.""Ohhh!"Luffy immediately sat up straight, and even Koby, who was rowing, couldn't help but steal a glance.A magic trick from a powerhouse who could instantly defeat pirates must be very amazing, right?Would he conjure fire out of thin air? Or vanish instantly?Under their expectant gazes, Victor slowly extended his right index finger and held it up in front of Luffy."Look closely, Luffy. This is one finger, right?""Mm-hmm!" Luffy nodded vigorously."Next, don't blink. This is the moment to witness a miracle."Victor took a deep breath, and then—He began to rapidly shake that index finger left and right.The frequency was so fast and the shaking so vigorous that it even created a slight afterimage."Look! Transform!" Victor solemnly extended two fingers."Yeah!"He stopped his movement and looked at Luffycalmly.The scene was quiet for a full three seconds."Waaa!!!"Luffy let out an unprecedented cry of surprise, clutching his head, his eyes nearly popping out."It became two!! That's amazing!! It was clearly just one a moment ago! How did you do it?! Victor, are you a god?!"Koby on the side: "..."The expression on Koby's face changed from expectation to blankness, and finally to deep speechlessness.He clutched his head in pain, feeling that the future was pitch black."What kind of magic is that! It's just sticking out another finger, anyone can do that!"Koby complained wildly in his heart, his gaze toward Luffy full of doubt.Luffy-san... isn't really an idiot, is he? He can actually believe a trick that would fool a three-year-old?Victor, however, seemed to enjoy the praise and patted Luffy on the shoulder."This is the profound meaning of magic, Captain. You'll understand later; in this world, seeing isn't necessarily believing."In this atmosphere filled with an aura of "wisdom," the distant mist gradually dissipated.The outline of a huge island appeared on the horizon.In the center of the island, a towering, fortress-like building was particularly striking, with the giant word "Marine" shining in the sunlight."Luffy-san, Victor-san!""Shells Town, the Marine 153rd Branch is here!"
Chapter 4: That Man, Named Zoro!"Wah—hahahaha! So this is Shells Town?"As soon as his feet touched solid ground, Luffyspread his arms and let out a hearty laugh at the somewhat empty street.He pressed down on his Straw Hat, having no awareness of a pirate infiltrating Marine territory; instead, he strode forward with excitement towards the front of the street."Alright! Time to go find a crewmate!"Koby, carrying a huge pack that was completely disproportionate to his size, followed behind, sweating profusely and trying to persuade him earnestly."Mr. Luffy, please calm down! Trying to recruit someone called a 'demonic beast' as a crewmate is just too reckless!""Hmm? What's reckless about it?" Luffy turned back, looking as if it were only natural. "I haven't decided yet. If he's a good person, I'll let him join."Koby shouted in despair, "It's exactly because he's a bad person that he was caught!..."Luffy didn't listen at all and even began looking around.Seeing this, Koby could only turn his pleading gaze toward Victor, who was strolling leisurely beside them."Hey, Mr. Victor, as the Vice Captain, please go talk some sense into Mr. Luffy! If this continues, something bad will really happen!"Victor stopped in his tracks, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly."Well, Koby, humans are very complex creatures."Victor said meaningfully, lightly tapping his forehead with a finger."Sometimes, those wearing Marine uniforms aren't necessarily justice, and those tied to a cross aren't necessarily demons.""Seeing isn't necessarily believing—that's the first lesson for a Magician.""Huh?"Koby looked dazed. Before he could react, Luffyahead of him had already cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted at the street:"Hey—!! Where's that guy named Zoro—!!"This shout was like dropping a bomb into a calm lake.The townsfolk who were walking on the street instantly screamed and scattered in terror upon hearing the name "Zoro."The shops on both sides frantically slammed their doors and locked them with a series of "bangs."In the blink of an eye, the entire street became empty, with not even a fly left."Eh? Everyone is running so fast."Luffy tilted his head, looking innocent.Victor sighed helplessly, stepped forward, and pressed a hand on Luffy's shoulder while using the other hand to pick up Koby, whose legs had gone weak from fear."Alright, Captain, stop shouting. Since everyone is so afraid of him, isn't it obvious where he is?"Victor tilted his chin, pointing toward the towering Marine fortress in the distance."Let's go to the Marine base first. Koby, haven't you always dreamed of joining the Marines? It's on the way."Hearing the word "Marine," the fear in Koby's eyes dissipated slightly, replaced by a sense of longing."Y-Yes! I want to join the Marines!""Oh! As expected of the Vice Captain! You're really fired up!" Luffy giggled and started running toward the base."Wait! Mr. Victor, Mr. Luffy! I-I'm not mentally prepared yet..."...Under the scorching sun. Outside the walls of the Marine 153rd Branch base.The three of them stood under the high perimeter wall."Oh, this is it!"Saying that, Luffy climbed the high wall like a nimble monkey and sat on top, looking around."Where is he? That demonic beast named Zoro?" Luffy shielded his eyes with his hand.Koby stood at the base of the wall, looking up and whispering."He wouldn't be here, Mr. Luffy. An extremely dangerous criminal like that would surely be locked in a dark cell deep underground, specially built for him...""Ah, found him."Luffy's voice interrupted Koby's reasoning.He pointed to the training ground inside the wall. "Right there.""Eh?!" Koby was stunned.Before he could react, he felt his collar tighten.Victor lifted him like a chick, a burst of Chakra at his feet, and with a light leap, he jumped onto the three-meter-high wall, standing steadily beside Luffy.With this glance, the three of them saw the scene inside the wall simultaneously.In the center of the wide, dusty training ground stood a solitary cross.A man was tied tightly to it with thick ropes.He wore a black bandana, a dark green undergarment, and a deep green haramaki around his waist.Although he looked a bit disheveled and covered in dust.But the beast-like, fierce aura radiating from him could be felt from far away."It's... really that Roronoa Zoro..." Koby crouched on the wall, his voice trembling. "To think he's just being exposed to the sun like this..."Luffy stared at Zoro for a few seconds and suddenly started laughing."Doesn't look like much. We just need to untie that rope, right?""Don't joke around! Mr. Luffy!" Koby screamed in terror."That's a demonic beast! If you untie the rope, he'll definitely kill you immediately!""It's fine." Luffy tapped his chest confidently. "I'm strong!"Koby's mouth twitched, and he instinctively glanced at the calm Victor beside him."Ah... those words would be more convincing coming from Mr. Victor..."Just then, the man on the cross seemed to notice the prying eyes.Zoro slowly raised his head, those sharp, tiger-like eyes piercing through the blinding sunlight and coldly stabbing toward the three on the wall."Hey, you're an eyesore.""If you don't want to die, get lost.""Eek—!" Koby immediately retracted his head and hid behind Luffy.Just as the atmosphere became tense, a childish voice suddenly came from below the wall."Um... big brother, please move aside."Victor looked down.He saw a little girl with twin tails, struggling to hold a ladder taller than herself, trying to lean it against the wall.Seeing Victor looking at her, the little girl blushed with embarrassment."I want to go in."Luffy and Koby were still in an "eye-contact duel" with Zoro and didn't notice what was below at all.Victor looked at Rika, the famous "Rice Ball Girl" from the original story, and a flash of gentleness appeared in his eyes.He hopped down lightly from the top of the wall and landed in front of the little girl."The ladder is too dangerous."Victor took the ladder from her hand with one arm and set it aside, then reached out to her with a smile."Are you going to bring food to that 'big brother'? Let me help you get inside."Rika was stunned for a moment, and looking at this handsome big brother, she nodded instinctively."Yes... I want to bring rice balls to Big Brother Zoro.""Hold on tight."Victor without further ado, picked up the little girl and let her sit in the crook of his arm.Then, he bent his knees slightly, and Chakrainstantly condensed on the soles of his feet."Swoosh!"No run-up, no climbing.Victor was like a feather caught in the wind, leaping up while holding the little girl.He jumped directly over the high wall and landed softly on the grass inside the training ground.He landed soundlessly.On the wall, Koby's eyes nearly popped out, and he screamed while clutching his head."Aaaah! Mr. Victor! That's a Marine base! Why are you acting reckless just like Mr. Luffy!!""Heeheehee, how interesting!"Luffy, seeing this, laughed while pressing down on his Straw Hat, grabbing the still-screaming Koby. "Then let's go too!""Eh? Eh-eh-eh? Noooo—!"Accompanied by Koby's desperate scream, the two also vaulted over the wall and landed heavily on the training ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.This commotion finally caused Zoro, who had been keeping a cold face, to frown deeply."A bunch of brats who don't know the meaning of death..."Zoro gritted his teeth, looking at these uninvited guests who had trespassed onto the execution ground, his brow furrowed.His swords had been taken by Helmeppo.Meanwhile, Victor set down the little girl, Rika, and patted her head. "Go on."
Chapter 5: Forcing the IssueThe sunlight was a bit dazzling.The little girl Rika held two crookedly shaped rice balls in both hands and carefully handed them to Zoro.The rice balls were still dusted with a bit of black sugar frosting; they didn't look delicious or refined, but they were filled with her heart."Big brother, you must be hungry, right?" Rikalooked up, her eyes clear. "These are Sugar Rice Balls I made specifically for you. Please eat them."Zoro, tied to the cross, felt his Adam's apple bob slightly.He had been hungry for a full twenty days; the aroma of these rice balls was simply a form of torture.But he glanced around, and his gaze instantly became fierce."You're an eyesore, get lost!" Zoro gritted his teeth and roared fiercely. "I'm not hungry! If you don't leave now, I'll send you flying!""But..." Rika was startled, tears welling up in her eyes.Just then, the gate opened.A blond man wearing a flashy purple suit and sporting a strange "butt-chin" hairstyle walked over swaggeringly, flanked by two Marines.Helmeppo had a playful, mocking look on his face."You shouldn't bully children, hahaha.""Yo, it's quite lively here. You dare to trespass into a Marine base? Do you know the consequences?!"As he spoke, he reached out to snatch the rice balls from Rika's hands. "Garbage food like this should be fed to the ants!"A soft slap.A soft sound.Helmeppo's wrist was firmly caught in mid-air, held as if by an iron pincer, completely immobile."You shouldn't bully children."A voice, smiling yet devoid of warmth, rang in his ear.Victor had appeared between the two of them at some point, one hand in his pocket, the other gripping Helmeppo's thin wrist, his fingers exerting a bit of pressure.Helmeppo felt as if his wrist was about to shatter, and his face instantly turned the color of pig liver."W-who are you?!""Let go! Let go! I'm Helmeppo! My father is Colonel Morgan!""Oh? So you're just a piece of trash who relies on his daddy."The smile at the corner of Victor's mouth deepened, but the force in his hand suddenly increased.*Crack.*"AAAAAHHHH!!!"A shrill scream echoed throughout the Training Ground.Helmeppo knelt on the ground in agony, tears and snot flowing. "It's broken! It's going to break! My hand is going to break!!"The two Marine soldiers behind him were horrified and raised their rifles at Victor, but the barrels were shaking violently."W-what do you think you're doing! This is Colonel Morgan's son! Are you trying to start a rebellion?!"Koby had long since been scared out of his wits, habitually hiding behind Victor and trembling while clutching his coattail."Mr. Victor! Please explain to them! We're really going to become wanted criminals now!""Explain what?"Luffy, however, acted as if nothing was wrong. He squatted in front of Zoro and asked curiously."Hey, Marimo. Since this little girl is bringing you food, that means you're a good person, right?"Veins bulged on Zoro's forehead, and his mouth twitched."Who are you calling Marimo?! What do you people want? They're Marines! If you don't want to die, get lost!""No! Big brother is a good person!"Rika suddenly shouted, her voice thick with tears as she blurted out the truth."It's because the wolf Helmeppo keeps tried to bite me, and big brother killed the wolf to save me!""He volunteered to be tied up here so the Marines wouldn't arrest us!"Hearing this, the faces of the two Marines holding guns changed, and their barrels lowered slightly.They were also locals; how could they not detest the tyranny of Morgan and his son?But in Shells Town, Colonel Morgan was the absolute, the only "Law.""Bastards! What are you trash waiting for?!"Helmeppo knelt on the ground, clutching his wrist and roaring hysterically."Kill them! I'm the Colonel's son! I order you to fire! I'm going to kill all these..."*Bam!*Before Helmeppo could finish, a fist rapidly enlarged in his vision.Victor didn't waste any words. With a plain, unadorned straight punch, he heavily smashed into Helmeppo's disgusting face.Although this punch didn't use Chakra, it was full of power.Helmeppo spun twice in the air, two bloody front teeth flew out, and then he slumped on the ground like a dead dog."Too noisy."Victor shook his hand and wiped it on Helmeppo's suit with disgust.Total silence.Victor looked up, his Red Pupils sweeping over the two terrified Marine soldiers behind."Go and inform your Colonel Morgan.""Tell him our Captain Luffy wants to challenge him. If he doesn't come... I'll kill this pig."He casually kicked Helmeppo on the ground with his toe.Helmeppo was so scared that cold sweat poured down, ignoring the intense pain as he cried out loudly."What are you standing there for? Go!""Ah?! C-challenge the Colonel?!"The two Marines were scared into a cold sweat by that terrifying gaze.They looked at each other, threw out a "You just wait!", and then scrambled away toward the Base Building."Hahahaha! So interesting! Is this the Vice Captain's style of doing things?""But why am I the one challenging him? Hahaha."Looking at this, Luffy wasn't afraid; instead, he laughed excitedly, slapping his thighs.He turned to look at Zoro: "That's it! Zoro! I'll untie the ropes for you right now! Be my partner!""You bunch of lunatics..."Zoro watched the scene before him, feeling as if he had used up a lifetime's worth of shock today."Are you inviting me to be a bastard with you? I refuse! I have my own ambitions!""Is there a problem?" Luffy picked his nose. "Anyway, you're already a bad guy with a terrible reputation now.""Think whatever you want!" Zoro gritted his teeth, his gaze resolute."No matter what, I will survive. I'm going to become the Worlds Greatest Swordsman! I absolutely won't die here, I still have to complete my own..."Just as Zoro reached the climax of his speech, preparing to deliver a heartfelt vow.Suddenly, a hand reached over."Mmph?!"Before Zoro could react, Victor directly picked up the two sugar-dusted rice balls from Rika's hand.With his right hand, he forcefully stuffed one rice ball into Zoro's mouth, cutting off his vow.With his left hand, he stuffed a rice ball into Luffy's mouth just as he was about to speak, silencing him."Mmph mmph mmph!!" Zoro's eyes widened, nearly choking to death."Too much nonsense."Victor brushed the rice grains off his hands and looked calmly at Luffy, who was chewing the rice ball with bulging cheeks, and said solemnly:"Luffy, Zoro just told me with his eyes.""He said: 'As long as you can help me get back my confiscated swords, I'm willing to join you'."Luffy, who was chewing with gusto, suddenly had his eyes go wide and round. He said in a muffled, pleasantly surprised voice, "Hontoni?!!""Mmph mmph!! (I didn't!!)"Zoro shook his head desperately, wanting to retort, but his mouth was so full of rice ball that he could only make muffled sounds of protest."See, he's so excited he can't even speak."Victor pointed at Zoro, talking nonsense with a straight face."Hahahaha! It's a deal!"Luffy immediately believed it, swallowed the rice ball, and let out an excited roar.He snatched up the unconscious Helmeppo from the ground like he was carrying a sack."Alright! I'm going to get the swords! Wait for me, Zoro!"With that, Luffy charged toward the Base Buildinglike a bull, carrying the hostage and leaving a trail of dust."Hey—!! Wait for me, Mr. Luffy!"Only Victor, Koby, Rika, and Zoro—who finally swallowed the rice ball and was coughing violently—remained on the scene."*Cough cough cough*... You bastard!"Zoro's face was red from coughing, and he glared angrily at Victor."When did I ever say such a thing! You kid are too despicable!!""How did it taste?" Victor completely ignored his anger and instead asked with a smile.Zoro froze for a moment, subconsciously savoring the sweetness in his mouth, then turned his head away with a huff."...Not bad. It's the best thing I've ever eaten in my life."Hearing this, Rika's eyes narrowed into crescents."Yay! Rika is a rice ball genius!"Victor smiled and turned to look at Koby, who was already dumbfounded behind him."Koby.""Yes! Yes! Mr. Victor!" Koby immediately stood at attention, full of awe for the "brutal" Victor."Take Rika away from here and find a safe place to hide. The next scene won't be suitable for children.""O-okay! I understand!" Koby didn't dare to delay and hurriedly pulled Rika along."Little sister, come with me quickly. This place is about to become a battlefield!"After the bystanders had left, only Victor and Zororemained on the Training Ground.Victor walked unhurriedly to the back of the cross and pulled out a pitch-black Kunai."Hey, what are you doing?" Zoro asked warily. "Isn't that Straw Hat idiot going to get the swords?""He's going to get the swords, and I'm letting you down. Is there a conflict?"Victor swung the Kunai, Chakra coating the edge of the blade.*Swish!*The incredibly tough hemp rope was as fragile as paper before the Kunai, snapping and falling away instantly.Zoro's body relaxed as he fell back to the ground.He stretched his stiff wrists and neck, letting out a series of "cracks."Then, he looked at the mysterious red-eyed youth before him with a complex gaze."Aren't you afraid I'll go back on my word? Or kill you?" Zoro asked in a low voice.Victor put away the Kunai, a smile appearing on his lips.He looked at this future great swordsman and extended his right hand:"If you were the type of person to go back on your word, then you wouldn't be worthy of carrying the dream of being 'the world's greatest'.""Welcome to the Straw Hat Pirates, Vice Captain... oh no, you should be the Combatant, Zoro."
Chapter 6: A "Surprise" from the SkyTop floor of the Marine Base, Colonel's Office.Heavy curtains blocked the sunlight from outside, making the room appear gloomy."Soldier, tell me."Colonel Morgan sat behind a massive mahogany desk, half of his face hidden in the shadows, with only the metal jaw embedded in his chin glinting coldly."I am the greatest in this world, right?"The Marine soldier standing opposite him nodded frantically."Y-Yes! Colonel Morgan! Your greatness is beyond doubt!""Then why..." Morgan's voice was low, "has the treasure offered by the townsfolk decreased lately?""Uh... well..." The soldier broke into a cold sweat and explained stutteringly."Because the townspeople's economic situation is also limited, plus the recent pirate harassment...""Hmm?"Morgan suddenly raised his head, his fierce eyes staring intently at the soldier."That is no excuse," Morgan said coldly."The problem is that their level of awe towards me is not enough.""As long as they fear me enough, they will scrape the money together even if they have to sell their children.""Colonel Morgan!"Just then, the office door was violently burst open.The two Marine soldiers who had just been driven over by Victor stumbled in, their faces as pale as paper."B-Big trouble!""What's the panic!""Pirates! Pirates have broken in! They even want to challenge you!"One of the soldiers panted heavily and shouted in terror."If you don't go down, they're going to kill Master Helmeppo..."The room instantly fell into a deathly silence.Morgan slowly stood up, his already tall frame now appearing even more oppressive.He widened his eyes as if he had heard some unbelievable joke."Pirates? Challenge me?"*Crack—Boom!*Morgan swung his arm violently, and the perfectly intact mahogany desk was instantly split in two by a cold flash, the cut as smooth as a mirror.Wood chips flew, scaring several Marines so much they almost collapsed to the floor.Attached to his arm was a giant double-edged axe, with wood debris still clinging to the blade."Someone actually dares to provoke me, 'Axe-Hand' Morgan!"Morgan roared, his voice making the windows vibrate."Listen up, all of you! Since I am your Colonel and hold the highest rank!""That means—I am the strongest and most correct person here!"He strode out from the wreckage of the desk, his eyes terrifyingly sinister."Pass down the order! Everyone go to the roof immediately and erect my giant stone statue!""To celebrate my upcoming execution of these rats who don't know the height of the heavens, I want the entire Shells Town to admire my heroic posture!""As for those pirates..." Morgan sneered, gripping his giant axe, "I will personally cut off their heads before that!""Yes! Colonel Morgan!!"...Meanwhile, in the corridor inside the base building."Hmm? Where exactly is it?"Luffy looked around, still carrying Helmeppo, who had been beaten out of human shape.Seeing that the guy hadn't spoken for a while, Luffysimply stopped and gave that swollen face a few more "pah-pah-pah" slaps."Hey, Butt-head, wake up! Tell me where Zoro's swords are?"Helmeppo felt like dying at this moment.First, his wrist was crushed by that red-eyed devil, and now he was being used as a punching bag by this Straw Hat lunatic.His face was now swollen like a leavened pig's head, his eyes squeezed into mere slits."Wuuu... stop hitting me... It's, it's in my room..." Helmeppo wailed indistinctly."Oh? Where is your room?""Just upstairs... please, don't hit me anymore..."Having gotten the answer, Luffy immediately carried Helmeppo and dashed upstairs, soon kicking open the door to a luxuriously decorated bedroom.Various expensive decorations hung on the walls of the room, but in the corner, three swords rested quietly against the wall.One white scabbard and two black scabbards."Found them!"Luffy's eyes lit up, and he rushed over to scoop up the three swords."Hmm? There are three? Which one is it?"He tilted his head and thought for a moment, then smiled: "Whatever, three people, exactly one for each! So cool!"Luffy skillfully slung the three swords onto his back and casually tossed Helmeppo onto the floor like trash.Just then, a series of hurried and dense footsteps came from outside the corridor.A large group of Marines was running towards the roof, chanting cadences."Quick! Move faster! Colonel Morgan has ordered that the statue must be erected immediately!""More hands are needed over there! Go pull the ropes!"Luffy's curiosity was instantly piqued, and he ran to the edge of the corridor to peer out."Wow, what are all these people doing in such a hurry?"Lying on the ground, Helmeppo heard this, and a malicious glint flashed in his eyes.This was a golden opportunity!Father might be on the roof right now.If he could trick this idiot into going to the roof, Father would surely tear him to pieces there!"Ahem... this... Mr. Pirate..."Helmeppo endured the intense pain and squeezed out a smile uglier than crying, "The place they're going, the very top... hides our fortress's most precious treasure...""Treasure?!"These two words were like a switch; Luffy's eyes instantly turned into golden Berries symbols, and his tongue even lolled out."Really?! Is there delicious meat and treasure?""Of course..." Helmeppo sneered inwardly and continued to mislead him, "That is a place only the strong can go.""Alright! Thanks, Butt-head!"Luffy didn't doubt him at all, turning around and following the flow of Marines towards the stairs leading to the rooftop.Looking at Luffy's receding back, Helmepporevealed a sinister smile."Go to hell, you idiot! My father will definitely chop you into mincemeat! Hahahaha—Ouch!"Because he laughed too hard, it aggravated the wounds on his face, and his sinister laughter instantly turned into a scream of pain....The rooftop of the base building.The wind howled.Dozens of Marines were chanting cadences, using pulleys and thick hemp ropes to laboriously pull a massive object covered by a canvas."One, two! Pull!"Just as everyone was sweating profusely, a figure wearing a Straw Hat "whooshed" up."Treasure! Where's the treasure!"Luffy looked around with glowing eyes, but found nothing except a group of exhausted Marines and a large rock covered by canvas."What the..."Luffy curled his lip in disappointment, looking at the statue that had just been pulled halfway up."What an ugly piece of rock, is this treasure too?"He walked boredly to the edge of the roof and peered down.Looking down, he saw the tension on the training ground below was already at a breaking point.Victor and Zoro were facing a group of fully armed Marines alone.And opposite them, a tall man with an iron axe embedded in his hand was walking over with a murderous look."Ah! Oh no, oh no!"Luffy slapped his forehead, "I was so busy looking for treasure that I forgot Victor was waiting below! Zoro's swords haven't been delivered yet either!"Jumping from this height wouldn't kill him, but it was too slow.Luffy's eyes darted around and landed on the giant stone statue behind him that had just been pulled halfway up."Heehee, got it!"Luffy took a few steps back and suddenly thrust out his arms."Gum-Gum—"His hands instantly elongated like two elastic ropes, wrapping tightly around the neck of the giant stone statue.The Marines pulling the ropes were stunned, watching this bizarre scene."What... what the hell is that? His arms stretched?"Luffy ignored everyone's shock; using the recoil of the rubber, he backed all the way to the edge of the roof, his body tensed like a drawn bow."—Rocket!!!"*Boing!*The massive elasticity was instantly released!Luffy shot out like an arrow from a bow, hurtling towards the training ground below at extreme speed.However, everyone underestimated the power of Luffy's strike, as well as... the instability of that statue.Under the immense pulling force, Colonel Morgan's statue, which hadn't been secured yet, let out a tooth-grinding grinding sound.*Crack!*The ropes snapped."Aaaaaah! The statue! The Colonel's statue is falling!!" The Marines screamed in terror.The giant stone statue was forcibly pulled down by Luffy's force.And following the trajectory of Luffy's flight, it tumbled and rolled, then left the edge of the roof—*Whoosh whoosh whoosh—*Luffy was flying in front, with a massive stone statue weighing several tons following closely behind with world-destroying momentum...Crashing down right towards Colonel Morgan, who was about to act tough below!"Victor—! Zoro—! Here I come!!"From mid-air came Luffy's excited shouting.Below, having just reached the center of the training ground and preparing to deliver a domineering speech, Colonel Morgan suddenly felt the sky go dark above him.He looked up in confusion."Hmm?"
Chapter 7: Ninja Tactics, Killing with a Borrowed Knife!"Hmm?"Colonel Morgan, who was just about to give a pretentious speech, looked up in confusion.In the next second, his pupils constricted violently, and his eyes nearly bulged out.Because he saw "himself"—That massive stone statue head was hurtling towards him with a whistling wind, crashing down like Mount Tai!"Bastard!!"In a life-and-death moment, Colonel Morgandisplayed the physical prowess of a Marine branch colonel.He instinctively lunged to the side, performing a clumsy somersault."Thoom—!!!"A deafening boom rang out, and the earth seemed to tremble.The massive stone statue smashed heavily into the center of the training ground, instantly shattering into pieces.Debris flew everywhere, kicking up a cloud of dust that completely enveloped the surrounding area for over ten meters."Whoa! What a huge commotion!"Luffy landed on the ground using his rubbery recoil, his mouth agape as he looked at the ruins before him.Zoro grabbed the three swords Luffy handed him and quickly tucked them into his waist.Then he pulled out the white wado ichimonji and bit down on it, holding a sword in each hand as his gaze instantly sharpened."Thanks, Luffy."Feeling the familiar touch of the sword hilts, Zoro's aura surged."I finally feel alive again."He glanced at the billowing dust and snorted, "Getting hit by such a big rock, even if that Colonel Morgan isn't dead, he must be crippled.""Not necessarily."Victor stood to the side, red light swirling in his eyes. "In stories, there's a law of'smoke but no damage'."As if to prove his words."Whoosh—!"A gust of strong wind suddenly erupted from the smoke, and the dust that was thick enough to block vision was forcibly split open by a giant axe!Colonel Morgan's figure was revealed.Though he was covered in dust and his proud Marine coat was in tatters...His predatory, violent aura was even stronger than before."You... how dare you do such a thing to my statue!!"Colonel Morgan's eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead as he stepped out from the ruins."I am Axe-Hand Morgan! I am the only king here! You lowly pirates...""Swish!"Before he could finish, a pitch-black Kunai sliced through the air, enlarging in his eyes as it flew straight for his throat."Hmph! Just a little rat who only knows how to sneak attack!"Colonel Morgan snorted in disdain, casually swinging his massive metal axe-hand."Clang!"The Kunai was easily parried, bouncing off to land at his feet."You think a child's toy like this can hurt me?"Colonel Morgan gave a cruel sneer.However, Victor, standing opposite him, showed no disappointment; instead, a cold arc curved at the corner of his mouth.He formed a "Tiger" seal with one hand and whispered:"Explode."Colonel Morgan froze for a moment, instinctively looking down.He saw a slip of paper with strange runes attached to the end of the Kunai he had blocked, now glowing with a blinding red light."Boom—!!!"A violent explosion suddenly erupted at Colonel Morgan's feet!Flames soared into the sky, and debris flew in all directions.Although the power of the Explosive Tag wasn't enough to kill a powerhouse with his constitution...Detonating at close range while he was completely off-guard still dealt impressive damage."Ah!!"Colonel Morgan let out a scream. His lower body was mangled and bloody, and he was sent flying by the massive shockwave."Let's go!"The moment the Kunai was blown away, Victor's figure blurred, dashing out like a cheetah.He caught the spinning Kunai in mid-air as it flew back from the impact, gripped it in a reverse hold, and lunged at Colonel Morgan."Whoa! What a cool explosion! Me too!"Luffy shouted in excitement, his arm stretching far back, "Gum-Gum Pistol!!""And me!"Zoro's eyes flashed with a cold light as he raised his three swords, "Three Sword Style!"The three of them attacked simultaneously!"Damned rats! I'll kill you all!!"In mid-air, Colonel Morgan was completely enraged.Though his legs were dripping with blood, he was, after all, a battle-hardened Marine colonel.Facing Luffy's rapidly approaching fist, he didn't even dodge, instead reaching out with his intact hand to firmly grab Luffy's extended wrist!"Got you!"Colonel Morgan roared, and using the elasticity of Luffy's arm, he pulled hard, instantly throwing Luffyoff balance with his immense strength.At the same time, he used his core strength to swing Luffy like a meteor hammer, hurling him towards the incoming Victor and Zoro!"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let me go! I'm dizzy, I'm dizzy!" Luffy shouted in the air.This move was incredibly brutal, directly blocking Victor and Zoro's path of attack."Tch, what a brute-force monster."Facing the incoming Luffy, Victor didn't retreat. His forward momentum stopped abruptly, and his hands blurred as he rapidly formed hand seals.Boar-Dog-Bird-Monkey-Ram!Victor snapped his head up, his crimson Single Tomoe Sharingan locking onto Colonel Morgan's eyes.Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique!The previously berserk Colonel Morgan suddenly went stiff.In his vision, Victor, Zoro, and Luffy suddenly vanished.Replacing them was the image he feared most deep in his heart—He saw himself being sent to a military court, stripped of his rank, and imprisoned in Impel Down.And being humiliated like a dog, stepped on by that Captain Kuro with the round glasses."No... no! I am the greatest! I am a colonel!!"Colonel Morgan screamed in terror, his eyes losing focus. The hand that had been holding Luffy lost its strength from sheer fear and involuntarily let go."Huh? He let go?"Before Luffy could realize what was happening, he felt a tightening around his waist.Victor had already rushed forward, catching his uncontrolled body and landing steadily."Zoro! Now!" Victor shouted.By now, Zoro had reached Colonel Morgan.Although Colonel Morgan was in a brief daze due to the genjutsu, his instincts as a warrior remained.Just as Zoro's three blades were about to strike, a sharp sense of danger forced him to twist his vital spots away."Pfft!"Three deep, bone-exposing sword wounds appeared on Colonel Morgan's chest, blood spraying out."Ah!!"The intense pain also caused Colonel Morgan to snap out of the genjutsu's terror instantly.Looking at the wounds on his chest, the fear in his eyes instantly turned into a frenzied killing intent."I'll cut you into ten thousand pieces!!"Colonel Morgan roared, his giant axe whistling through the air as it swung down at Zoro, who had just exhausted his momentum!Zoro's strike had lacked power due to hunger; his body was stiff, and he was about to be hit."Zoro! Duck!"Luffy's shout came from behind!Zoro didn't even think; his body instinctively obeyed the command, and he instantly crouched down.At the same time, a rubber foot appeared out of nowhere."Gum-Gum Stamp!"Luffy kicked the axe handle, the immense force knocking Colonel Morgan's axe off course and smashing a large crater into the ground.Colonel Morgan was also jolted backward by the force, leaving his front wide open.Just as Zoro was about to get up and follow through, a foot suddenly stepped heavily onto his shoulder."Hey?!" Zoro was startled."Lending your sword for a moment."Victor's voice sounded in his ear.Before Zoro could react, he felt his hand lighten as Victor snatched away one of the black swords.Then, Victor used Zoro's shoulder as a springboard.His Chakra erupted, and he leaped high into the air, a black blur that instantly appeared above the off-balance Colonel Morgan.His Sharingan glowed intensely red, locking onto the weakest point of Colonel Morgan's neck.At this moment, Colonel Morgan's neck looked as if it had a red line marking the cutting path in his eyes."Uchiha Style Kenjutsu: Decapitation."Victor gripped the sword with both hands and, using the downward momentum, sliced cleanly through Colonel Morgan's neck."Swish—!"A grating sound rang out, followed by the dull thud of a blade entering flesh.Colonel Morgan's roar came to an abrupt halt.Time seemed to freeze at this moment.In the next second.A hideous head with a metal jaw flew high into the air, spinning a few times in the sunlight.Finally, with a thud, it rolled to a stop at Luffy's feet.And Colonel Morgan's massive headless corpse remained in its axe-swinging pose.After two seconds of stiffness, it slumped powerlessly to its knees, blood geysering from the neck and staining the Marine Base training ground red.Victor landed steadily, flicking the long sword downward to shake off the blood droplets.He turned and sheathed the sword back into the scabbard of the stunned Zoro, an elegant smile on his face as always.Looking at the smiling Victor, Zoro was fuming."You really are a bastard!""Nice teamwork, everyone."The entire Marine Base was in a dead silence.
Chapter 8: A Team of Three? The Destination is Hell!That head with a metal lower jaw rolled onto the ground, making a dull thud.The entire Marine base fell into a dead silence.All the Marine soldiers stared wide-eyed at the once-arrogant, seemingly invincible tyrant, who had now become a cold, headless corpse.The sea breeze blew past, swirling the smell of blood from the ground, sending shivers down everyone's spines.After a few seconds of silence, someone finally reacted."Col... Colonel Morgan... has been killed..."A soldier's trembling voice broke the stillness."Unbelievable...""That Morgan... actually died..."Although Zoro was physically weak, he forced himself to stand straight.His hand rested on his sword hilt, his eyes filled with a hint of resentment and vigilance as he scanned the surrounding Marines."Hey! If anyone still wants to avenge this guy, or wants to come and capture us... then bring it on!"Just as Zoro was preparing for the next round of slaughter, a strange scene occurred.The nearby Marines looked at each other, exchanging glances.Suddenly, led by someone unknown, everyone erupted into unprecedented cheers."Great!!!"The Marines shouted excitedly, throwing their rifles and caps high into the air."Liberated! We are finally liberated!""No more being dominated by Colonel Morgan! No more trembling under the shadow of that tyrant!""Long live the Marines! Long live freedom!!"A few bold Marines even cast grateful looks toward Victor and Luffy.Luffy looked at the cheering Marines, tilted his head, and looked confused."Eh? Why are they so happy when their Colonel was killed by us?"Victor stood to the side, watching this absurd scene, and gave a light chuckle."This is what's called a reign of terror."Victor stepped forward, glancing at Morgan's head with its eyes still wide open, a flash of coldness in his eyes.[Ding! Killed "Axe-Hand" Morgan.][Obtained Battle Rating: A.][Obtained Reward: 500 Ninja Points.]Listening to the pleasant system notification in his mind, Victor said faintly."Since you believe in the law of the jungle and trample others like ants at will, you should have been prepared... to become the weak one yourself."However—"What are you talking about, Victor?"Luffy's head tilted even further, directly interrupting the Vice Captain's moment of posturing."That's too deep, I don't understand! More importantly, I'm hungry! I want meat! Meat!!"As soon as he finished speaking, Zoro's body swayed, his eyes rolled back, and he fell straight backward."Hey!"Victor was quick and caught the future great swordsman."Dead?"Zoro struggled to open one eye, his voice as weak as a mosquito's buzz."I'm... starving to death! You bastard... I haven't eaten for three weeks..."Victor shook his head helplessly and hoisted Zoroonto his back."Let's go, Luffy. I heard it; Zoro said he's treating us to a meal.""You... bastard! I... I didn't say that!""Yay!! Meat! Delicious meat!!"Under the complex gazes of the Marines, the three of them swaggered out of the Marine base....Half an hour later.Inside Rika's family restaurant in Shells Town.The table was piled high with empty plates like a small mountain; that was Luffy's masterpiece.In front of Zoro, there were also a dozen empty bowls, and he was picking his teeth with a toothpick, looking satisfied."Burp—!"Zoro let out a satisfied belch and a long sigh of relief."Ah! I'm back to life! Not eating for three weeks, I really thought I was going to die!""Huh? You're full already?"Luffy's mouth was stuffed with meat on the bone, his cheeks bulging like a hamster's as he said unclearly, "I'm only about thirty percent full!"Victor had long since finished eating and was now elegantly sipping a cup of tea.Looking at these two gluttons, especially at Zoro, whose hair was still a vibrant green even after being full, he couldn't help but switch to his sharp-tongued mode."To be able to last so long without food or water is indeed impressive."Victor rubbed his chin, examining Zoro's head with an inquisitive look."Could it be because your structure is special? Are you actually marimo? Photosynthesis?"Zoro's tooth-picking froze. "Ha?"Victor explained solemnly, "After all, only plants can live this long on photosynthesis."Hmm, that's a good thing! It seems we won't need to prepare food for you in the future; just leaving you out in the sun will do.""Bang!"Zoro slammed his fist onto the table in anger, veins popping on his forehead as he roared at Victor."Who are you calling marimo!! I'm a human!""Ah! You bastard! I've been putting up with you since you stuffed those rice balls in my mouth! You want to fight, red-eyed bastard?!""Hahahaha!"Seeing Zoro's explosive reaction, Rika, Koby, and even Luffy couldn't help but burst into laughter.Victor completely ignored Zoro's fury, turning his head to give a charming smile to the landlady who was clearing the plates."Sorry about that, ma'am. These two eat way too much. Zoro said he'd like to pay a little extra.""When did I ever say that! Don't go speaking for me!""Haha, it's fine!" The landlady wiped her hands with a smile."You guys are the heroes who saved this town! This meal is on the house! Eat as much as you want!""That's right!" Rika also looked at them with admiration. "Big brothers are so amazing! Just like the heroes in legends!"Luffy laughed, spraying meat crumbs. "Shishishi! Of course! I'm the man who's going to be the Pirate King!"Hearing those words, Zoro, who had been sulking at Victor, suddenly stopped, his expression turning a bit more serious."Oh, speaking of that."Zoro folded his arms and looked at Luffy."Since you dare to claim you'll be the Pirate King, your pirate crew must be quite large, right? Where's the ship? Where are the other crewmates?"Luffy swallowed the meat in his mouth and shook his head.He held out his greasy hand and began to count seriously on his fingers: "Victor... me... and you!"Luffy held up three fingers with a proud look. "Exactly three people!""Ha?!"Zoro's eyes widened, and he shouted in disbelief."So it's just the three of us right now?! This counts as a pirate crew?!""What's the big deal!" Luffy said righteously. "We're all very strong!""What about a ship then?" Zoro asked, refusing to give up. "You should at least have a pirate ship, right?"Victor smiled and pointed toward the harbor outside the window. "There, that's our pirate ship."Zoro looked in the direction Victor was pointing.Next to the massive warships and merchant vessels, bobbing pitifully with the waves... was a small wooden boat that could probably only seat four people.It only had one tiny sail and even had to be rowed by hand.Zoro turned his head stiffly, looking at Luffy's brilliant smile and Victor's calm face, and couldn't help but palm his forehead in pain."Did I... just join a sinking ship... is it too late to back out now?""Too late," Victor added with a smile. "Once you're on the ship, it's for life, Marimo swordsman.""I told you not to call me Marimo!!"After a bit of bickering, the group finally got down to business."So, Captain, Vice Captain... sirs." Zoro sighed, asking as if resigning to his fate."Since we've teamed up, where are we going next?"Luffy jumped up from his chair, raising both hands, his eyes sparkling with a thirst for adventure as he shouted that name loudly:"Of course it's—the Grand Line!!"As soon as those four words were spoken, the air in the restaurant seemed to freeze for a moment."Pfft—!!"Koby, who was drinking water, spat it all out, jumping onto the table in terror and clutching his head while screaming:"Impossible! Impossible!! Absolutely impossible!!"Koby's face turned pale with fear, and he waved his hands frantically. "Luffy-san! With just the three of you and that little boat, going to the Grand Line is just suicide!!""That place is... a graveyard for pirates! It's a literal hell!"
Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere became somewhat heavy because of the words "Grand Line."The proprietress wiped the table while looking worriedly at these excessively young teenagers."I've also heard passing customers mention it; that sea is known as the 'Graveyard of Pirates.'""Once you enter the Grand Line, no one comes back alive... it's filled with monsters, natural disasters, and madness.""Hahahaha!"Luffy was still chewing meat, yet he burst into a heartless laugh."But the ONE PIECE is there! So I have to go!""Then there's no helping it."Zoro crossed his legs, placed his hands behind his head, and a fearless smile curled at the corner of his mouth."Since I've boarded this pirate ship, I'll just have to brave hell itself."Looking at these two madmen, Koby felt a deep sense of powerlessness.He turned his head and looked at Victor with a pleading gaze."Mr. Victor, you'll definitely stop them, right? You also know how danger—""Koby."Victor suddenly spoke, interrupting him."Yes! Mr. Victor!" Koby subconsciously straightened his posture.Victor set down his teacup. "You're going to become a Marine, right?"Koby was stunned.He looked at the three pirates who had just saved him; the hesitation in his eyes gradually receded, replaced by an unprecedented determination.He took a deep breath, then raised his head and said loudly:"Yes! It's ridiculous, isn't it... Mr. Victor.""I don't have a Devil Fruit, I don't have powerful swordsmanship, and I'm even a coward.""But since meeting you all, I want to change too! I want to live for my own convictions as well!"Koby squeezed his eyes shut, his body trembling slightly.He had prepared himself mentally to face everyone's ridicule, just as he had on Alvida's ship.One second, two seconds.The expected laughter did not come.Koby cautiously opened one eye.He saw Luffy sitting cross-legged on a chair, face covered in snot and tears, looking at him with an extremely moved expression."Waaaah... Koby! Well said!""Go for it! Since you've decided, then go and become the Marine King!!""Huh? Huh?!"The touching atmosphere shattered instantly, and Koby waved his hands in a frantic retort."Luffy-san, stop joking! There's no such title as 'Marine King'! That's a Marine Admiral!"Just as they were making a racket, the restaurant door was suddenly pushed open.*Creak—*The originally lively restaurant fell silent in an instant.A Marine Lieutenant Commander wearing a "Justice" coat walked in with a serious expression, leading a squad of fully armed Marine soldiers.The Lieutenant Commander's gaze finally settled on Luffy's trio."I heard you are pirates, is that true?""Yeah!" Luffy had no intention of hiding it and even patted his chest with some pride."We're a three-person pirate crew now! Hahaha!"The Lieutenant Commander looked at that defenseless smiling face, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly took off his hat."Everyone is very grateful to you.""If it weren't for you, our base and this town would probably still be living under the shadow of Colonel Morgan's tyranny."But in the next second, the Lieutenant Commander put his hat back on, his tone becoming stiff and cold."However, now that we know you are pirates, as Marines, we cannot remain silent.""For the sake of the Marine's reputation and position... please leave here immediately!""As a reward, we will not report your whereabouts to Headquarters."The onlookers immediately grew indignant, standing up one after another to point fingers."Hey! Marines!""How can you be like this! They're our benefactors!""Exactly! Weren't you all also cowering under Morgan's tyranny just now, unable to move?"Facing the crowd's accusations, the Lieutenant Commander's face turned ashen, but he still did not back down, only clenching his fists."Alright! Let's go then!"Luffy didn't show any signs of anger; he shouldered the remaining food and stood up decisively."Victor! Zoro! Since we're full, let's head out!""Thanks for the meal, Ma'am!" Luffy waved with a smile.Zoro also picked up his three swords and followed: "Good grief, Marines really are all blockheads."Just as the three were about to walk out the door, and Koby was still frozen in place, not knowing how to face this moment of parting—*Whoosh!*A sudden change occurred.Victor, who had been walking at the back, suddenly turned around, grabbed Koby's back collar, and yanked him over violently.Under everyone's horrified gazes, a pitch-black, sharp Kunai was pressed directly against Koby's fragile neck."Hey! Marines!"The gentleness was gone from Victor's face, replaced by a chilling indifference."This brat is a hostage we kidnapped along the way. We originally planned to use him as manual labor, but since we're leaving now, keeping him is just a burden."Victor patted Koby's pale cheek with the Kunai and sneered."If you want him to live, bring us ten days' worth of food and fresh water!"Hearing this, the Marines who originally wanted to let them stay immediately had a change of expression, and they all prepared to raise their guns."Fine! No problem!"The Lieutenant Commander immediately waved to stop them, his expression extremely serious."Please do not harm the hostage! We will prepare the supplies immediately!"In less than five minutes, several large bags of supplies were delivered to the door.Victor glanced at the supplies on the ground, a satisfied curve hooking his lips."Glad you're sensible."As soon as he finished speaking, Victor raised his leg and unceremoniously kicked Koby in the butt.*Thud!*"Ouch!"Koby rolled like a tumbling gourd right to the feet of the Marines."You got off easy."Victor stowed the Kunai, picked up the supplies, and turned to leave.Luffy and Zoro walked ahead; neither turned back, but the corners of their mouths couldn't help but turn up."Ah..." Zoro chuckled in a low voice, "That bastard really thinks of everything, he even managed to get supplies.""Heeheehee, Victor is really a bad guy."Luffy said so, but he was laughing harder than anyone.The three of them strode toward the dock under the wary gazes of the Marines.In front of the restaurant.Koby lay miserably on the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling.His butt hurt, but his heart felt warm.Although Mr. Victor's kick just now looked heavy, he hadn't used much force at all.He did it on purpose...Koby's eyes instantly turned red, and tears flowed uncontrollably.He put on that act just to clear my connection with them... Victor-san, Luffy-san, Zoro-san..."Hey! Are you okay, young man?" The Lieutenant Commander walked over to help him up.Koby suddenly jolted and sprang up from the ground, standing bolt upright.Without bothering to wipe the dust and tears from his face, he shouted loudly at the serious Lieutenant Commander before him:"Mr. Lieutenant Commander! Please let me join the Marines!!"The Lieutenant Commander was taken aback."Whether it's chores, mopping floors, or cleaning toilets, I'll do anything!" Koby shouted at the top of his lungs, "I want to join the Marines!"A Marine soldier nearby frowned."Lieutenant Commander, this kid's identity is unknown, and he was just hanging out with pirates...""I am—"Koby took a deep breath, and Luffy's fearless smiling face surfaced in his mind."I am the man who will become a Marine Admiral!!"The whole place went silent.The Lieutenant Commander looked at the snot-nosed, trembling teenager before him."Many of our comrades have sacrificed themselves," the Lieutenant Commander said solemnly. "The Marines carry the weight of justice. Since you want to join, you must have the resolve to die for it. Can you do that?""Yes! I'm not afraid!!" Koby shouted.The Lieutenant Commander was silent for two seconds, then the corners of his mouth turned up slightly."Good. I approve it."...Shells Town Dock.The sea breeze blew gently."You bastard really thought of everything; you did that on purpose, didn't you?"Zoro couldn't help but complain while struggling to move the large bags of supplies sent by the Marines onto their shabby little wooden boat.Victor stood at the bow, tossing an apple he had "borrowed" and taking a crisp bite."Oh? I thought my acting was pretty good."Victor chewed the apple and said indistinctly, "I cleared that kid's name and solved our food problem for the near future.""This is called strategy, you get it, Marimo?""You bastard!" Zoro looked at Victor, who was only using his mouth and not his hands, and the veins on his forehead throbbed. "Hurry up and help move things!""I'm the brains of the operation," Victor said righteously."Three-person pirate crew—setting sail!!"Before the two could finish arguing, Luffy had already jumped onto the bow and untied the mooring rope.As the sea breeze blew, the small boat slowly left the shore.Just then, hurried footsteps came from the embankment."Mr. Luffy—!! Mr. Victor—!! Mr. Zoro—!!"The three of them looked back.They saw Koby standing on the shore, with a row of Marine soldiers standing neatly behind him.Koby waved while crying his eyes out, shouting loudly:"I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life!! One day, we will meet again!!""Goodbye! Koby!!" Luffy stood at the bow, waving his arms vigorously, his smile as bright as the sun. "Next time we meet, we'll be enemies!!""Goodbye, big brothers!" The little girl, Rika, also ran out, waving frantically.Just then, the Lieutenant Commander suddenly took a step forward."Everyone—salute!!"*Snap!!*Including Koby, all the Marines raised their right hands in unison, offering the highest military salute to the receding small pirate boat.This was the Shells Town Marines' tribute to "true justice."On the sea.Zoro looked at this scene, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly: "Hmph, what a strange bunch of Marines.""They are indeed strange, but not bad, right?"Victor turned around and looked out at the vast, boundless sea."Wait... by the way, does anyone know anything about navigation?"
Chapter 10: I Thought They Were Speed Bumps!On the vast sea, a lonely small wooden boat drifted with the waves.Victor lay at the stern with his hands behind his head, seemingly resting with closed eyes, but in reality, his consciousness was immersed in the System Mall.Looking at the '600' Ninja Points balance, which was very satisfying for someone with OCD.Victor's finger hovered over the virtual interface for a long time.After some hesitation, he decisively clicked purchase.[Ding! Consumed 300 Ninja Points to exchange for C-rank Ninjutsu: Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu.][Ding! Consumed 200 Ninja Points to exchange for E-rank Ninjutsu: Substitution Jutsu.][Current Balance: 100 points.]"Whew... All that hard work for half a day, only to go back to square one in an instant."Victor looked at the remaining three-digit balance and closed the system with a heavy heart.Just then, a foot unceremoniously kicked his shin."Hey! Victor! Stop playing dead, it's your turn to row!"Zoro held the oar, veins popping on his forehead, looking at this so-called 'Vice Captain' with a look of displeasure.Victor immediately rolled over."I told you, I'm the intellectual type.""This kind of physically demanding grunt work should naturally be left to a swordsman with infinite stamina or a Rubber Man.""Huh? You bastard..." Zoro gritted his teeth. "By the way, where exactly are we going?!""Ah?" Luffy, who was leaning over the side of the boat playing with the water, turned his head and said as if it were obvious, "Just follow the wind and waves, and we'll be fine!"Zoro shouted in frustration, "I'm telling you! It's really weird to want to be a pirate but not know a single thing about Navigation!!"Luffy picked his nose. "It's not weird, I've always been like this.""How is that NOT weird!!"In his anger, Zoro couldn't help but shake the boat violently."Whoa!"Luffy lost his balance, and the Straw Hat he cherished like a treasure flew right off his head, caught by the sea breeze and flying out of the boat."Ah!! My hat!!"Luffy's expression changed drastically as he reached out in a panic to grab it, but he caught only air.Just as the hat was about to fall into the sea, a slender hand suddenly reached out.*Swish!*Victor didn't get up; he just propped himself up on the deck with one hand.His body leaned out over the gunwale at an incredible angle, firmly catching the edge of the Straw Hat.Then, with a flick of his wrist, he tossed the hat back to Luffy."Here."Victor lay back down in his original spot and said lazily, "You two idiots, stop arguing."Luffy took the Straw Hat, carefully patted off the dust, and put it back on.He looked at Victor, a rare trace of seriousness appearing in his eyes."Thank you, Victor. This is something more important to me than my own life."*Gurgle—*Luffy clutched his stomach, his expression instantly collapsing into a look of misery."Ah... by the way, I'm so hungry. Victor, is there anything to eat?"Victor's lip twitched. "Don't change so fast, you bastard!"Zoro turned his head suspiciously toward the several large bundles in the middle of the cabin.Those were the ten days' worth of supplies they had extorted from the Marine.However, when he opened the bundles, he was completely petrified.Aside from a few barrels of fresh water, the dried meat, fruit, and bread that were originally stuffed full had all vanished, leaving behind only a pile of empty wrappers."Um..."Luffy guiltily looked away and started whistling."You bastard!!" Zoro grabbed Luffy by the collar and shook him frantically. "Did you eat all ten days of our supplies?!""Sorry! I didn't notice at all! I just kept eating and then it was gone!"Victor sighed and facepalmed in resignation.He was partly to blame for this too; he had just been busy picking skills in the System Mall.He hadn't noticed this glutton inhaling everything next to him at all.Luffy, however, seemed to have no sense of crisis. He looked up just as a giant strange bird flew overhead.The bird was ridiculously large, almost like a small glider."Ah! I've got it!"Luffy's eyes instantly turned into the shape of meat, and he began to drool."That bird looks like it has a lot of meat! Let's eat it!!"Victor looked up.Pink feathers, massive size... Is this that unlucky giant bird from the story?Before Victor could stop him, Luffy had already struck a pose."Gum-Gum—"Luffy stretched his arms to grab the gunwales, pulling his body back tight and aiming at the giant bird in the sky."—Bazooka!!"*Bang!*Luffy shot into the sky like a cannonball, heading straight for the giant bird.Zoro crossed his arms. "Oh? That guy's pretty capable, being able to reach that height."However, in the next second, their looks of admiration turned into shock.They saw that Luffy had indeed reached the giant bird, but instead of knocking it down, his entire upper body got stuck in its massive beak!"Gah?!"The giant bird was also startled. It flapped its wings and flew off into the distance, carrying Luffy in its beak."Eh? Ehhhh?!"Luffy's muffled screams echoed from mid-air."Help!! I'm stuck!! Victor! Zoro! Save me!!"Zoro's jaw nearly hit the deck. "That idiot... did he just get kidnapped by a bird?""Stop dazing off! Zoro!""Tch! What a pain!"Though Zoro complained, his movements were lightning fast.He grabbed two oars, his arm muscles bulging as he rowed frantically, like he'd turned on a turbocharger.The small wooden boat cut a white wake across the sea, speeding in the direction the giant bird had flown....*Pant... pant...*While the two were desperately chasing, three floating figures suddenly appeared on the sea ahead.They were three pirates in strange clothing—members of the Buggy Pirates who had been tricked out of their boat by Nami and were now treading water in the sea.Seeing the speeding boat, the three of them shouted and waved excitedly as if they had seen a lifeline."Hey!! Stop!!""We're over here! Quick, save us!"However, the boat showed no sign of slowing down, heading straight for them."Whoa, whoa, whoa! Who are those people!""They're going to hit us!!"At the bow, Victor looked at the three blocking their way and flashed a 'kindly' smile."You guys ahead, if you want to get on, do it by your own skill! If you can't, then just be my speed bumps!""What?!"The three pirates were scared out of their wits. They hurriedly dodged to the sides, then desperately grabbed the edge of the boat and scrambled aboard in a mess."Whew... whew... saved..."The three lay on the deck, gasping for air.Zoro glanced at them while rowing. "Heh, didn't expect you to actually make it up. Not bad."One of the pirates with a mohawk recovered his strength.He looked up at the two on the boat—one... green-haired laborer, and one annoying pretty boy.Evil thoughts immediately arose.He pulled a shiny cleaver from his back and grinned maliciously:"Since we're on board, this boat is ours! Hand over all the treasures and fresh water!"The other two also pulled out daggers and surrounded them menacingly.Victor sat at the stern, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly."Oh? A robbery?""Hmph! If you don't want to die, then..."Before the mohawk pirate could finish his sentence, his vision suddenly blurred.He didn't even see how the black-haired youth had stood up.He only felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if he had been struck by a sledgehammer.*Bang!*Victor delivered a simple yet powerful knee strike directly to his stomach.The mohawk pirate couldn't even scream; he curled up on the deck in pain, clutching his stomach and foaming at the mouth.Immediately after, Victor pressed his palm against the face of the pirate rushing from the left and slammed him hard onto the deck.*Thud!*Wood chips flew as the second pirate was knocked unconscious instantly.As for the last person, Victor simply leaned slightly to the side to dodge the dagger.Then, a pitch-black Kunai appeared in his right hand, its cold blade precisely pressed against the other's carotid artery.Two seconds... battle over....The scene shifted.The three pirates, who had been menacing just moments ago, were now sitting on either side of the boat with bruised and swollen faces.They held the oars and rowed with all their might, wearing extremely fawning smiles on their faces."Hehehe... Great masters, are we rowing steadily enough?""We never expected to meet such great masters. We were truly blind just now, we deserve to die a thousand deaths!"Victor and Zoro sat leisurely in the middle of the cabin.Zoro looked at these three hardworking 'human engines' and nodded in satisfaction."Hey, Victor, Luffy is missing, and you're still this calm?"Victor pointed to the sky: "That bird isn't flying very high, and its direction is clear.""With Luffy's rubber body, as long as he doesn't fall into the sea, there basically won't be any danger."Zoro thought about Luffy's ridiculous constitution and nodded in agreement.Then, his gaze turned sharp as he looked at the three rowing pirates."Hey, I heard you shouting 'Captain Buggy' in the sea earlier?" Zoro asked. "Who is that Buggy?"Upon hearing that name, the three pirates were so scared that they momentarily stopped rowing."Eh? Master Zoro? You don't know 'Buggy the Clown'?"One of the pirates widened his eyes as if he had heard something unbelievable.Zoro looked at Victor in confusion. "Is he famous?"Victor said nonchalantly, "You can tell just by the name... He's probably a circus clown, right?"*Pfft!!*The three pirates were so scared they almost jumped into the sea."Shh!! Shh!! You must never say that word!"The pirate covered his mouth in terror, lowering his voice and speaking with a tremble."That Captain Buggy... is a terrifying person! He's a Chop-Chop Man who ate a Devil Fruit!""If he hears someone calling him a 'clown' or making fun of his Red Nose...""He'll blow the entire town to the sky!!"