Chapter 11: Helmeppo's ArroganceHe paused, a hint of playfulness in his eyes, his tone half-joking and half-serious."Also, since you want to join the Marines, you should take a look at what these 'crooked' Marines are really like—after all, not every Marine is worthy of wearing that navy blue uniform."He said no more, slipping his hands into his pockets and slowly following behind Luffy.As someone who had read the'script,' he knew better than anyone what would happen next.He didn't need to force any changes; he just needed to be a quiet witness.To witness this future Pirate King gain his first partner to share life and death with.To witness that future Emperor's First Mate, directionally challenged, Three Sword Style Great Swordsman, step by step break free from his shackles in this musty sunlight and embark on the path of the strong.The Marine Base's execution ground was located right in the middle of the open space in front of the main gate.The musty sunlight baked the ground, the stone-paved road was hot enough to fry an egg, and the air was thick with the smell of dust and sweat, making one's throat tighten.A green-haired man was tightly bound to a wooden cross with thick hemp rope.His messy green hair clung to his forehead, and sweat dripped down his jawline, hitting the ground and instantly evaporating into a wisp of white steam.His eyes were tightly shut, his lips chapped and peeling, his cheeks sunken, his cheekbones protruding high, and even the veins on his neck were clearly visible.Yet even after being tied up for nine days without a single sip of water, his aura remained as sharp as an unsheathed blade.Even with his eyes closed, he exuded a coldness that warned others to stay away. His fingers twitched slightly, as if practicing his swordsmanship in secret, without the slightest relaxation.He was Roronoa Zoro, a Pirate Hunter who had made a name for himself with just his swords.With no bloodline advantages and no power from a Devil Fruit, he climbed toward the peak of the strong step by step, relying solely on day-after-day of relentless training.Rika hid behind Luffy, poking her small head out to look at Zoro tied to the cross. Tears instantly welled up and slid down her cheeks, splashing onto her collar."Mr. Zoro looks so much thinner than before."Luffy patted her head, took the bento box from her arms, stepped on the gaps in the fence, and flipped over, his movements as nimble as a monkey's. He crept up to the cross, squatted down, and called out softly."Hey, green-hair."Zoro snapped his eyes open, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's. His dark pupils locked onto the straw-hat boy in front of him, his voice incredibly raspy, as if scraped by sandpaper."Who are you?""I'm Luffy, the man who's gonna be the Pirate King!"Luffy grinned broadly, holding the bento box up to his mouth, and then squatted quietly in front of him, his eyes full of anticipation."The little girl from town made these rice balls for you. Eat up!"Zoro froze for a moment. His gaze fell on the bento box, then he looked up at Rika, who was hiding behind the fence in the distance, stealing glances at him.He remembered this little girl. She had come many times, only to be scolded and driven away by the guards each time, yet she had never given up.After a few seconds of silence, he tilted his head slightly, bit into a rice ball, and began to wolf it down.Even with his hands bound and his body weak, he ate every last bit, licking away even the rice grains stuck to the corner of his mouth."Is it good?" Luffy squatted in front of him, tilting his head with an innocent smile."...It's sweet."Zoro swallowed the rice ball, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. He closed his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness, along with a barely perceptible warmth."Rice balls should have salt."Nine days of scorching sun and hunger had completely depleted the salt in his body. What he needed most right now was salty food to replenish his energy."Rika said sweet rice balls are the best."Luffy scratched his head, not minding this little detail at all. In his mind, there was no difference between sweet and salty; as long as it was edible and filled his stomach, it was good.Just then, an arrogant burst of laughter suddenly echoed from the direction of the base's main gate."Hahaha—" The voice was shrill and piercing, carrying unconcealed arrogance, instantly shattering the silence of the execution ground.A pink-haired youth wearing a gold-trimmed Marineuniform, his hair slicked back with grease, strutted over with his hands in his pockets, followed by several Marine soldiers.His leather shoes clicked loudly on the stone pavement, each step exuding brutality and arrogance. It was none other than Colonel Morgan's son, Helmeppo.Helmeppo's gaze swept over the execution ground, locking instantly onto the bento box on the ground and the straw-hat boy squatting in front of the cross.The arrogance on his face instantly froze, and his expression darkened in a flash, covered in a layer of ice.Stomping forward in his leather shoes, he angrily rushed up and brought his foot down on the bento box. With a sharp crack, the wooden box was crushed to pieces.Rice grains mixed with dirt clung to the tip of his shoe, crushed completely out of shape, the faint aroma of rice completely overwhelmed by the smell of dust."Where did this punk come from? How dare you feed this death-row prisoner? Do you have a death wish?"Helmeppo looked down at Luffy, his chin tilted high. The arrogance and domineering attitude practically overflowed from his face, his eyes filled with disdain and insolence.In his eyes, Shells Town was his personal backyard; no one dared to say no to him.Those who disrespected him had either long since become ghosts under the blade, or were left to rot in prison.He pointed at Zoro on the cross, his tone becoming even more arrogant as his gaze swept across Luffy, Adam, and the others, carrying a blatant threat."I'm telling you, this guy is going to be executed by me in one more day!""Anyone who dares to bring him anything is crossing me, Helmeppo, and crossing my father, Colonel Morgan. You don't want to know the consequences."Rika trembled all over in fear, her small hands tightly clutching the corner of Adam's shirt. She buried her head behind him, her tears falling like broken beads, splashing coldly onto Adam's trouser leg.Koby was also curled up in fear, his hands tightly gripping the bars of the fence, his knuckles turning white, his voice trembling and tearful."This... This is not the Marines I imagined." Koby's lips trembled slightly, his eyes filled with breakdown and confusion."The Marines are supposed to be righteous, helping villagers fight pirates."At this moment, his lingering admiration for the Marines was shattered to pieces, and even the sense of justice deep in his heart began to quietly waver.Adam leaned against the fence, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the potion bottle in his pocket, his gaze gradually turning cold.He had long known that Helmeppo was a playboy who bullied others using his family's influence, but standing here in person and watching him wantonly trample on a little girl's kindness, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.Without saying a word, he flicked his finger, and an almost invisible drop of transparent liquid, like a speck of dust, silently landed on Helmeppo's trouser leg.
Chapter 12: A Chance Encounter with NamiThis was a laxative he had extracted from poisonous herbs on the island. It was colorless and odorless, and would take effect precisely after three hours. It could make that arrogant kid's legs go weak from diarrhea—a targeted revenge that wasn't life-threatening but was certainly disgusting enough.[Writing here, I hope readers will remember our domain name. The top choice for following Taiwan novels is kan.com. Super reliable.]Inside the fence, the smile on Luffy's face vanished instantly without a trace.He lowered his head, the brim of his straw hat shadowing his eyes. The atmospheric pressure around him dropped terrifyingly, and the air seemed to freeze.As someone who respected food more than anything and couldn't stand to see it trampled upon, Helmeppo's actions had completely ignited his fury."Just now... did you step on her rice ball?"Luffy's voice was very low, carrying a suppressed weight, like the calm before a storm."So what if I stepped on it?"Helmeppo sneered, grinding the remains on the ground even harder with the tip of his boot. His face was full of disdain, and his tone was steeped in arrogance.He didn't realize at all that this group of people before him was completely different from the submissive villagers on the island.Years of lording it over others had long since made him arrogant and foolish."It's just a crappy rice ball made by some lowly brat. I stepped on it, so what? What can you do to me?"Luffy didn't waste any words, nor was he in the mood to tangle with him.The next second, he suddenly clenched his fist and threw a heavy punch that whistled through the air.BOOM—!A loud crash rang out, making the surrounding ground tremble slightly.Before Helmeppo could even scream, he was sent flying by the punch like a ragdoll, slamming heavily into a stone wall in the distance. His head lolled to the side, and he passed out instantly.The Marine soldiers who had come with him panicked instantly and rushed forward with howls.Before they could even draw their swords, they were sent flying one by one by several backhand punches from Luffy. They crashed to the ground, unconscious, without even the strength to crawl back up.Zoro watched the scene, his pupils constricting slightly. In his dark eyes, there was a hint of surprise and curiosity.Daring to use force directly against the Marines?And striking so ruthlessly? This group of people... they must be pirates.Luffy clapped his hands to dust them off, turned around, and squatted in front of the cross. He looked at Zoro and asked with an incredibly serious expression."Hey, green-haired guy, you heard what he said. You don't want to die here, do you?"Zoro was stunned for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. A defiant curve hooked his lips, and his tone was full of determination.How could he possibly let himself be captured without a fight?He still had his promise with Kuina and his dream of becoming the Worlds Greatest Swordsman. How could he die in a place like this?"Exactly. I didn't expect the Marines to be so bad at keeping their promises.""Then that's perfect!"Luffy grinned, revealing a row of white teeth. His eyes shone brilliantly as he reached out a hand toward Zoro, his tone full of anticipation."I'm the man who will become the Pirate King. To achieve that dream, I need a powerful partner like you. Join my pirate crew."Zoro looked at the teenager before him, who was smiling lightheartedly yet had such incredibly determined eyes. After a few seconds of silence, he suddenly laughed.That smile carried a bit of defiance, a bit of freedom, and a faint, barely perceptible trace of recognition."You guy..."Zoro's tone held a touch of helplessness, yet it also radiated a sense of straightforwardness."You actually dare to ask me, a Pirate Hunter, to be your partner? But fine, I've become a wanted pirate now anyway."His tone shifted, and his eyes became incredibly serious. Every word he spoke was powerful and resonant—the oath of a swordsman."But let me make one thing clear—if you ever get in the way of my dream to become the Worlds Greatest Swordsman, I'll cut you down first.""No problem!"Luffy smiled brilliantly, his eyes curving into crescents. He hadn't expected to find his second partner so easily."The Pirate King and the Worlds Greatest Swordsman—it's supposed to be a perfect match!"Just then, the unconscious Helmeppo suddenly woke up. Clutching his swollen face, he saw the scene before him and was scared out of his wits. He scrambled away toward the Marine Base, his voice shrill and panicked."Dad! Dad! Someone's rebelling! Someone hit me! Kill them! Kill them now!"Luffy watched his retreating back, scratched his head, then turned and shouted to Zoro."Oh right, your swords! That pink-haired kid said your swords were taken by him. I'll go get them back for you."With that, he turned and charged toward the Marine Base, his footsteps as fast as a gust of wind.Koby hurriedly followed, shouting as he ran."Mr. Luffy, wait for me! Wait for me!"Adam watched the two run off, then looked at Zorotied to the cross. He smiled and waved his hand casually."Mr. Zoro, please wait a moment. We'll be right back."Zoro watched Adam's figure, the wariness in his eyes fading slightly. He secretly guessed that this must be one of Luffy's crew members.From now on, they were comrades. He nodded slightly, his gaze softening a bit.Adam didn't follow Luffy to find the swords. Instead, he turned and walked toward the other side of the Marine Base.He knew very well that at this point in the original story, Nami happened to be in Shells Town. Moreover, she was eyeing the treasures in Colonel Morgan's office.Making money was the priority. After all, the flyingneeded supplies, and developing genetic serum and searching for rare herbs were all things that burned money like a bottomless pit.Colonel Morgan, a dictator, had extorted so much from the people; it would be a waste not to take it. He'd consider it "seeking justice" for the townsfolk.A faint green light glowed at Adam's fingertips. He pulled a small spray bottle from his pocket and lightly sprayed himself a few times.This was a stealth potion he had formulated using extracts from mimosa and chameleon skin. It could minimize his aura and presence to the greatest extent—it was a true "artifact for sneaking."He crouched low, his footsteps extremely light. He easily bypassed the patrolling Marine soldiers and quietly made his way along the shaded corridor to the door of Colonel Morgan's office.Just as he reached the door, he heard a faint "click" from inside, followed by a girl's clear voice that held a bit of a complaint, drifting out in fragments."What the... this Colonel Morgan guy looks so fierce, but the lock on his safe is way too easy to pick. It's practically a gift for me."Adam raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his lips. He gently pushed the office door. It wasn't locked and opened just a crack, allowing him to slip inside.In the office, an orange-haired girl was squatting in front of the safe. Her hair was in a high ponytail, revealing her slender neck. She held a thin wire in her hand and was applying a bit of pressure.The safe door had already been pried open a crack. Inside were stacks of Berries, plenty of glittering gold, and sparkling jewels, enough to make one's eyes dazzle.
Chapter 13: Zoro JoinsHearing the noise, the young girl instantly froze and whipped around.With a swift motion, she pulled out a small dagger, pointing the blade at the doorway. Her sharp gaze rivaled that of an alert little fox, and she suppressed her breathing to a barely audible whisper.The newcomer was indeed Nami."Who are you? A Marine?"Nami frowned, gripping her dagger tightly. Her body tensed slightly, already in a posture ready to jump out of the window and escape at any moment.Most people in the Marine Base wore navy blue uniforms. The person before her was in plain clothes and didn't look like a Marine at all, but there was no guarantee he wasn't one of Colonel Morgan's trusted lackeys.She had to prepare in advance. Her small head darted left and right, scanning for an escape route."Don't worry, I'm not a Marine."Adam raised his hands to show he meant no harm, waved with a smile, and thought to himself.As expected, it was the Cat Burglar Nami, the top-tier Navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates. Her lockpicking skills were even more adept than his potion-brewing, though it was a pity she was so obsessed with money.But considering what had happened to her hometown, she wouldn't be able to save it if she weren't like this. She was quite pitiful in her own right.He pointed to the safe beside him, his tone carrying a hint of cunning, half-joking and half-serious."I have the same goal as you. I'm also here to 'borrow' some starting capital. Colonel Morgan has plundered so much of the people's hard-earned money; it can't all go to you alone. Sharing the joy is better than keeping it to yourself."Nami was slightly taken aback. She sized Adam up from head to toe. Seeing that he wore no Marineuniform and carried no weapons, the wariness in her eyes gradually faded.She raised an eyebrow, sheathed her dagger, and said with a mix of playfulness and competitiveness:"Oh? I didn't expect to find someone as bold as me, daring to steal from a Marine Colonel."She pointed to the treasure inside the safe, her tone incredibly firm."But let's make one thing clear first: I cracked this safe, so I get the lion's share. The rest is yours, and no fighting over it.""Sure."Adam chuckled, not bothering to argue with her. After all, this treasure would eventually end up with the Straw Hat Pirates anyway, so it made no difference who got the lion's share now.He found a thick canvas bag nearby, squatted down, and swept the remaining Berries from the safe into the bag in handfuls.The rustling of the paper bills made one's heart itch with excitement.He weighed it in his hand; the canvas bag was quite heavy, holding a full few million Berries. It was enough to purchase a large amount of rare medicinal herbs and ship supplies.Seeing him pack the money so swiftly and skillfully, Nami couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, teasing,"You look decent enough, but your hands are surprisingly quick. Are you a thief too?""You could say that. Just a rookie who recently joined the trade."Adam slung the canvas bag onto his back, patted it, and chin-nudged Nami as a warning."Just a heads-up: Colonel Morgan will be here any second. If you don't want to get thrown into prison to feed the mosquitoes, withdraw now."Nami's expression changed instantly. She quickly listened closely; indeed, heavy footsteps were approaching from a distance, along with the panicked shouts of soldiers, drawing closer and closer.She didn't know that these commotions weren't aimed at her, but at Luffy and Koby who were rescuing Zoro outside.She assumed Colonel Morgan had discovered her, so she hurriedly grabbed her bag full of treasure and rushed toward the window.Nami tied the backpack securely to her back and waved to Adam, her fingertips still dusted with tiny fragments of Berries.Stepping on the windowsill for leverage, her movements were nimbler than a sly fox, and she flipped out of the window.After a few leaps, her figure vanished beyond the base's perimeter wall, leaving only a faint voice drifting back on the wind."Ja ne! Hope we never meet again."Adam looked in the direction she disappeared, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.This future Navigator was indeed exactly as she was in the original story: incredibly clever, decisive, and her obsession with Berries far exceeded Luffy's obsession with meat.He patted the heavy canvas bag on his back, the weight of the Berries pulling slightly on his shoulder. He turned and strolled leisurely out of Colonel Morgan's office.Just as he turned the corner toward the main gate of the base, earth-shattering battle cries hit his eardrums, mixed with the dull thuds of fists hitting flesh, the sharp ring of unsheathed swords, and the screams of soldiers—all boiled together like a chaotic pot of porridge.He quickened his pace and walked out of the gate. Looking up, the battle in the execution ground was already nearing its end.Zoro had already broken free from his bonds. Holding his three recovered swords, the wado ichimonji gleamed with a cold, sharp light under the sun.Standing with his feet apart, his Three Sword Stylestance was fiercely intimidating. Slashing, parrying, and blocking, every move was cleaner than lightning, the blades whistling sharply as they sliced through the air.The Marine soldiers rushing forward couldn't even touch the hem of his clothes before being violently sent flying by the backs of his blades, their weapons clattering to the ground and shattering.Even after enduring nine days of starvation and being completely weakened, his skills were still terrifying. Every strike precisely avoided vital points, only disarming without killing—this was a swordsman's bottom line, and also a swordsman's pride.On the other side, Luffy was locked in a fierce battle with a tall, fierce-looking man wielding a gleaming giant axe—none other than Axe-Hand Morgan.Colonel Morgan's giant axe swung down with a whistling wind, smashing a shallow pit into the ground. Dust billowed up, making one's throat tighten.However, Luffy dodged easily with his flexible body. His arms suddenly stretched out, whipping like Rubber bands, and punched Colonel Morganrepeatedly and fiercely."Rubber Rubber... Pistol!"With a final roar, Luffy's fist, carrying immense force, slammed heavily into Colonel Morgan's chest. The dull impact vibrated through the surrounding air.Colonel Morgan let out a miserable shriek as his body flew backward like a broken kite, crashing heavily onto the ground. His head slumped to the side as he passed out on the spot.The spot where he fell happened to snap several ropes at the base of the statue. That ten-meter-tall statue, symbolizing Colonel Morgan's dictatorial rule, crashed down with a resounding boom, sending dust flying everywhere as the ground shook three times.This crash shattered Colonel Morgan's hegemony in Shells Town, declaring the complete end of this dark era of dictatorship.The entire execution ground instantly fell into a burning silence, where even the sound of the wind blowing could be clearly heard.The remaining Marine soldiers looked at the unconscious Colonel Morgan, then at the cold-faced Zoro carrying his three swords, and finally at Luffy, who was laughing mindlessly while brushing the dust off his hands.Their swords clattered to the ground. Pale with fear, they raised their hands high in surrender, not even daring to breathe loudly.The townspeople slowly gathered around. Looking at the fallen Colonel Morgan, they were silent for a few seconds, the shock and disbelief in their eyes gradually turning into sheer ecstasy.The next second, earth-shattering cheers erupted. The long-suppressed grievances and fear were completely released at this moment. Shouting, clapping, and cheering echoed throughout Shells Town.Carrying his canvas bag, Adam leaned against the frame of the base's main gate, watching the scene with a smile.
Chapter 14: Anti-Swelling PotionEverything aligned perfectly with the original storyline without the slightest deviation. Like a quiet witness, he silently watched the future Pirate Kingbefore him.Relying on the passion and pure justice in his bones, the youth recruited his first companion with whom he would share life and death, and also liberated this town that had been oppressed by tyranny for so long."Hey, Adam, where did you go just now?"Luffy spotted him and came bouncing over with light steps, unable to hide the grin on his face as he reached out to pat Zoro's shoulder."Look, Zoro has joined us! Now we have three people!"Zoro followed Luffy's gaze and sized Adam up from head to toe. His eyes lingered on the bulging canvas bag on Adam's back. Arching an eyebrow, he spoke with the arrogance of a swordsman, mixed with a trace of imperceptible curiosity."So you're this guy's other companion?""I'm Adam, the ship's pharmacist."Adam smiled and reached out his hand, his eyes filled with respect. The man before him had no special bloodline or Devil Fruit to aid him; relying solely on day-in, day-out training, he steadily marched toward his goal of becoming the Worlds Greatest Swordsman. Such dedication deserved absolute respect."In the future, leave all your bruises, muscle soreness after sword practice, and physical recovery to me."He paused, his tone carrying a hint of playful teasing."I guarantee that even if you practice your swordsmanship late into the night, you'll still be bursting with energy the next day, without delaying your pursuit of becoming the Worlds Greatest Swordsman."Zoro was slightly startled, then reached out to shake his hand. The rough texture of his palm came from the thick calluses formed by years of holding swords.A faint smile played at the corner of his mouth, and his tone softened slightly."Oh? That would indeed save a lot of trouble. I'll be in your care then."Just then, Luffy sniffed hard. Like a hound catching the scent of meat, his nostrils twitched continuously. His eyes instantly locked onto the canvas bag behind Adam, and he lunged forward, clawing directly at the bag."Wow, Adam, what's in your bag? Is it roasted meat? Quick, let me have a bite!""Not a chance."Adam deftly sidestepped to avoid him, reaching back to press down on the straw hat that had slipped to the tip of Luffy's nose. He closely guarded the canvas bag behind him, looking helpless and speaking with exasperation."Your obsession with food completely eclipses your ambition to become the Pirate King.""This is money—funds for buying supplies and potion ingredients. The budget for meat can only be one-tenth of it, not a single penny more.""Ah?"Luffy's head immediately drooped, and his shoulders slumped like a puppy whose food had been snatched away, his eyes filled with grievance."Only one-tenth? That's too little! Adam, you're too stingy. It should be at least half!""Only one-tenth. Otherwise, you can go back to chewing on the sweet fruits I made."Adam raised an eyebrow, refusing to budge an inch. To deal with a foodie like Luffy, one had to grasp his weakness.The female restaurant owner nearby quickly squeezed through the crowd and ran over. She bowed deeply to them at a ninety-degree angle, her eyes red and her voice trembling uncontrollably."Our benefactors, thank you so much for defeating Colonel Morgan and saving our entire town.""Tonight's meal is on the house! Eat as much meat as you want, and drink as much alcohol as you like. Please don't refuse!"Luffy instantly revived with full health. His eyes shone brighter than searchlights. Grabbing the owner's arm, he rushed toward the tavern, his voice rising a few pitches."Really? Owner, you're the best! I want fifty plates of roasted meat, the more the better!"Hearing the words 'unlimited alcohol,' Zoro's cold eyes instantly lit up. Carrying his three swords, his steps became much lighter as he followed closely behind Luffy, a hint of anticipation hanging on his lips.Adam shook his head with a smile, reached out to pull Koby, who was still dazed, and followed them toward the small tavern at the entrance of the town.After dropping Koby off at the tavern entrance, he turned and left. He found an old fisherman who went out to sea all year round and negotiated a price in a few words, selling Alvida's battered ship for 800,000 Berries.At this moment in Shells Town, merchants were opening their doors wide, and their shouts and peddling rose and fell, making the place incredibly bustling.With Colonel Morgan's downfall, the town had finally regained its vitality.Carrying his canvas bag, he traversed the streets and alleys, selecting and purchasing a large amount of rare medicinal herbs and ship supplies, transporting them back to the flying trip after trip. He was so busy that his back felt sticky and his palms were drenched in sweat.By the time he finished everything, two hours had already passed, and he leisurely walked toward that small tavern.At this moment, the inside of the tavern was as lively as a festival. The townsfolk took turns coming forward to toast and offer their thanks. The crisp clinking of glasses, laughter, and cheers, mixed with the aroma of meat and alcohol, filled the entire tavern.Luffy sat right in the center of the table, his mouth stuffed so full that his cheeks bulged like round meat buns.Grease dripped down from the corners of his mouth, and he still clutched half a piece of roasted meat in his hand, buried in his food with no time to speak. His belly was stuffed round, almost bursting through his clothes.A row of wine bowls was lined up in front of Zoro. He downed them one after another without even knitting his brows. The cold hardness on his face gradually faded, replaced by a rare relaxation, and his eyes softened considerably.Adam walked in, found a seat by the window, leaned back against the chair, and took a sip of the fruit juice on the table. The cold liquid slid down his throat, dispelling the heat from his body.He watched the rowdy crowd, a faint smile always playing on his lips, his eyes filled with contentment.Only Koby sat in the corner, his hands tightly gripping his glass until his knuckles turned white. His brows were knitted in a knot, and he looked as if he wanted to speak but hesitated.From time to time, he raised his eyes to steal a glance at Luffy, only to quickly lower his head again. His lips were pursed tightly, and he kept his breathing extremely light, his eyes filled with confusion and inner conflict.Adam had already seen through his thoughts. Carrying his juice, he walked over and sat gently beside him, leaning in to whisper in his ear."You want to join the Marine, right?"Koby shuddered, nearly dropping the glass in his hand. Having his secret exposed on the spot, his cheeks instantly flushed crimson. He nodded in a panic, then shook his head violently, his voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz."I... I want to...""But I've been so close with Mr. Luffy and the others, and I even boarded a pirate ship. The Marine will definitely not accept me..."As he spoke, his eyes turned red, his voice carrying a sob, and his fingertips trembling slightly. From the day he was captured by Alvida to be a slave, becoming a Marine who upheld justice had been his only thought, the hope that sustained him through it all.But now, when he was only a step away from his dream, he was firmly held back by the identity of 'associating with pirates.'Adam patted his shoulder and said no more. He simply pulled a small tube of light green ointment from his pocket, handed it to him, and spoke in a relaxed tone with a hint of teasing."Don't worry, there will be a way. Take this. It's an anti-swelling miracle medicine, ten times more effective than a Marine first-aid kit.""In case you get scared to tears by the Marine later and your eyes swell up, applying this will make it subside in half an hour, so it won't delay you becoming a Marine in the future."
Chapter 15: Koby Joins the MarinesKoby froze in place, his hand holding the ointment trembling slightly. Before he could react, the tavern door was kicked open with a loud bang.A dozen fully armed Marine soldiers rushed in, their rifles aimed straight at Luffy's trio. The dark barrels gleamed coldly, and the clicking sound of bolts being drawn instantly shattered the lively atmosphere inside the tavern.The leading lieutenant's face was tense, cold sweat dripping from his forehead as he barked out in a stiff voice."Colonel Morgan has been arrested! You pirates, don't move!""You are ordered to leave this island within two hours, otherwise, we will arrest you!"The tavern instantly fell into a dead silence. The laughter and chatter from just moments ago came to an abrupt halt, like a tape suddenly cut short.The townsfolk stood up one after another, crowding in front of Luffy's trio and spreading their arms to form a thick wall. Shielding them, they shouted at the Marine soldiers."They aren't bad people! They saved our town!""You can't arrest them! If you're going to arrest anyone, arrest us!""They are pirates, and we are Marines! Our duty is to arrest pirates!"The lieutenant gritted his teeth, his voice trembling as veins popped on his hand gripping his gun.He knew better than anyone that the two in front of him had easily defeated Colonel Morgan; they were not someone a dozen ordinary soldiers could handle.But as a Marine, he could only steel himself and speak.Luffy had a half-eaten piece of roast meat hanging from his mouth, the grease dripping down the corner of his lips onto his shirt. He slowly raised his head with a bewildered look, his chewing halting mid-bite."Huh? We just helped you defeat that bad colonel, and you still want to arrest us?"Zoro thudded his sake bowl down, a few drops splashing onto the edge of the table. His hand instantly gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist. His eyes sharpened, and the fierce aura unique to a swordsman instantly swept through the room like a cold wind.The dozen Marine soldiers instantly felt their legs go weak. Their knees trembled, nearly collapsing to the ground. Their knuckles turned white from gripping their rifles so tightly, and they even forgot to breathe normally.Just then, Koby suddenly sprang up from his chair and rushed between the Marines and Luffy. Standing straight as a board with his cheeks flushed red, he clenched his fists and shouted with all his might."You must not arrest Mr. Luffy! They aren't bad people, and they have never harmed anyone in this town!"The leading lieutenant was stunned for a moment, then frowned and barked sharply."Who are you? How dare you speak up for pirates?""Kid, do you want to collude with pirates?"These words were like a cold blade, stabbing deeply into Koby's heart.His entire body froze, the color draining from his face until he was as pale as paper. His lips trembled, but no sound came out. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he bit his lower lip hard to keep them from falling.His dream was to join the Marines, yet here he was, entangled with pirates.But Luffy and the others were good people who had saved the town; he couldn't stand by and watch them get arrested.The dilemma wrapped around him like vines, making it hard to breathe.In that tense standoff, Luffy suddenly stood up and took a few strides to stand right in front of Koby.He grabbed Koby by the collar, lifting him so high he had to stand on his tiptoes. Luffy's face was filled with rage, and his booming voice shook the very rafters of the tavern."You brat, how dare you lie to us!"Everyone was stunned. The townsfolk stopped shouting, and the Marine soldiers lowered their rifles, watching the scene in utter confusion.Infighting among the pirates? Koby was even more bewildered. He stared at Luffy with wide eyes, his gaze filled with confusion and hurt. He had never lied to Luffy. Luffy had saved his life; how could he ever do such a thing?"Mr. Luffy? What... what are you saying?""You wanted to join the Marines from the very beginning, didn't you?"Luffy's voice grew even louder as he yanked Koby's collar closer. The 'anger' in his eyes was almost overflowing, his tone full of'scolding'."Hey, you actually used us to escape from Alvida's ship, and now you want to use us to join the Marines? You despicable jerk, I hate people like you the most!"Before he could even finish his sentence, Luffy threw a punch right at Koby's face.With a dull thud, Koby was knocked backward, stumbling before landing hard on his butt. His eye immediately began to bruise, throbbing with a burning pain.Clutching his face, he looked up at Luffy. After a few seconds of daze, he suddenly understood. A silent tear slipped down his cheek, dripping onto the cold floor.Luffy was helping him. In the clumsiest, most extreme way possible, Luffy was drawing a clear line between Koby and the pirates, letting the Marines know they weren't together so Koby could naturally pursue his dream of joining the Marines.Koby scrambled up from the ground and wiped away his tears. Not letting Luffy's 'acting' go to waste, he clenched his fists, met Luffy's gaze, and shouted back with stubborn determination."Mr. Luffy, don't go too far! I will definitely become a Marine, and one day, I will arrest you with my own hands!""Oh? You?"Luffy sneered and rushed forward again, his fists swinging with a fierce wind as he cursed loudly, looking incredibly ferocious.But anyone with half an eye could see that although his punches looked heavy, they only lightly grazed Koby. Not even his skin was broken; it was clearly an act rather than a real fight.Adam leaned back in his chair with his legs crossed, twirling the tube of light green anti-swelling ointment in his hand. Feeling the cool plastic slide against his fingertips, a knowing smile curled up on his lips.Just as he had expected, this seemingly brainless, meat-obsessed Captain understood his companions' hearts better than anyone. With the clumsiest tenderness, he was helping Koby open the door to his dream.With this scene, Koby completely severed his ties with the pirates, allowing him to naturally join the Marines and pursue his own sense of justice.Zoro also let go of his sword, picking up his sake bowl and throwing back a large gulp.As the liquid trickled down his jawline and into his collar, a faint smile appeared on his lips. He had clearly guessed Luffy's intentions as well, but he said nothing, continuing to drink in silence.After starving for nine days, his entire body was weak. Right now, his priority was to eat meat and drink sake to replenish his energy, building up strength to strive for the title of Worlds Greatest Swordsman in the future.After throwing a few more punches, Luffy stopped. He spat at Koby and waved his hand in disgust."Get lost! I don't want to see you ever again!"On the other side, the Marine soldiers watched this play out and finally understood.The leading lieutenant slowly lowered his rifle. Looking at Koby, his eyes held a touch of recognition and approval. He nodded slightly at Koby, his tone softening significantly."Kid, you're not bad. You have courage, and a heart of justice.""From today on, you may join the Shells TownMarine Base as a Marine recruit."Luffy turned around, his back to Koby, and secretly waved his hand. He couldn't hide the upward curve of his lips. Clearing his throat, he shouted loudly to Adam and Zoro.
Chapter 16: Ten Partners"Alright, let's set sail!"The pier was already packed with a crowd; almost every resident of the town had come to see them off.People held fresh fruits, dried meat, and mellow wine, scrambling to hand them over to the flying, their mouths repeating words of gratitude, their voices filled with sincerity.Taiwan Novel Network is super thoughtful and super convenient.On the other side of the pier, Marine soldiers stood in formation, none stepping forward to stop them. The lieutenant in charge gave a standard military salute to the three on the ship, his eyes filled with admiration.Koby stood at the very front of the Marine ranks, wearing a brand-new Marine recruit uniform, looking much more spirited.He adjusted the glasses that had slid to the tip of his nose, looking at the three on the ship with teary eyes. He clumsily raised his hand in a salute, his voice ringing out clearly, carried to their ears by the sea breeze."Mr. Luffy, I will definitely achieve my dream. We will meet on the Grand Line!"Luffy stood at the bow of the flying, waving vigorously against the sea breeze, his smile incredibly bright, revealing a neat set of white teeth."Hahaha, alright! Then let's have a competition to see who achieves their dream first. I will definitely become the Pirate King first!"Zoro leaned against the ship's railing, arms crossed, and gave a slight nod to Koby as a farewell. There was not much emotion in his eyes, but a hint of expectation was hidden within.Expecting this once timid kid to truly grow into a Marine who upholds justice.Adam also waved with a smile, his gaze landing on Koby, his eyes filled with blessings. He knew that this youth, who had once been unable to lift his head due to a life of slavery, would eventually grow into a future Marine hero.The anchor of Alvida's dilapidated ship was slowly pulled up, the sound of the chains rubbing together clanking clearly over the sea surface.The huge sails were completely filled by the sea breeze, snapping loudly. the flying slowly pulled away from the pier, moving steadily toward the boundless sea and the distant Grand Line.The figures on the pier became smaller and smaller, but the sight of the townspeople and Marines waving goodbye remained clearly distinguishable.Koby's shouts drifted over with the salty sea breeze, reaching the ears of the three, lingering for a long time.Luffy stood at the bow, spreading his arms to welcome the warm morning sun, shouting loudly toward the entire ocean. His voice shook the sea surface, filled with hot-blooded determination."Set sail for the Grand Line! I will definitely become the Pirate King!"Zoro leaned against the mast, drew the wado ichimonji, and carefully wiped the blade with a clean cloth.The blade gleamed with a cold, sharp light under the morning sun. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, filled with the obsession and determination to become the Worlds Greatest Swordsman. His journey had only just begun.Adam leaned against the ship's wheel, a bright smile on his lips. His fingertips brushed over the smooth wheel, feeling cool to the touch.He looked up at the distant horizon. The morning sun spilled onto the sea, making it shimmer with golden light. Within this vast blue ocean lay infinite possibilities, the dream of developing his genetic serum, and countless unknown adventures."Hey, Adam."Luffy suddenly jumped to his side, his body swaying, nearly falling. He quickly steadied himself on the ship's wheel and spoke with a serious look on his face."Next, we need to find a cook, a musician, a Navigator, and a doctor. We need to gather more partners to head to the Grand Line together!""Sure."Adam smiled and put the potion in his hand into his pocket, his fingertips brushing against the smooth test tube inside."A ship this big definitely isn't enough with just the three of us. Maybe in the future, some interesting creatures will join, adding more fun to the ship."He paused, his tone laced with a hint of teasing, but his eyes were incredibly serious."But let's get this straight: the routes for finding ingredients and medicinal materials must be unified. Otherwise, not a single cent of funding will be allocated to you, and you won't even get to eat meat.""Also, Zoro's drinking money will also be deducted from your meat budget, since you have the biggest appetite.""Huh?"Luffy wailed instantly, clutching his head with both hands, looking aggrieved like a child whose candy had been stolen, his voice even carrying a sob."No! My meat! That's my meat! You can't deduct my meat money!"Zoro raised his eyes and arched an eyebrow at Adam, his tone filled with a bit of defiance."Why deduct it from his meat money? I'll take care of my own drinking money.""What other way do you have? Go rob Berries from other pirates?"Adam rolled his eyes, his tone full of sarcasm, though he didn't truly refute it."What else?"Zoro said it as a matter of course, but a smile curled at the corner of his mouth.From now on, his status changed from Pirate Hunterto pirate. The road ahead would be traveled together with these two.The sea breeze carried the laughter of the three, mixed with the sound of waves crashing against the hull, echoing over the sea.the flying broke through layers of waves, sailing into the depths of the ocean, toward the direction of the Grand Line, heading toward their own adventure and legend.Days at sea passed slowly and leisurely, with the sun moving from the bow to the stern, over and over again.Before them was only the purely blue sky and the endless ocean, with the salty sea breeze blowing across the deck day after day.Unlike the loneliness of drifting alone on a deserted island before, the deck of the flying was now always full of activity and vitality.Luffy could hug the mast and sway for an entire afternoon, like a mischievous monkey, occasionally sprawling on the sun-baked deck, the rumbling of his stomach drowning out the waves, his mouth constantly muttering about roasted meat and fruit juice.Zoro would get up to practice swordsmanship before dawn. The three swords swung with the wind, the sound of the blades cutting through the air becoming the most beautiful melody of the morning.Sweat dripped from his jawline onto the deck, instantly evaporating into white steam.He could practice from sunrise to sunset, hardly ever leaving, except to stop for a drink. This persistence was the unique dedication of a swordsman.Adam spent most of his time in the cabin, with rows of transparent glass tubes in front of him, filled with red, green, and blue medicinal liquids that glistened in the sunlight.These were test tubes he had specially commissioned from the town blacksmith before leaving Shells Town; the size was just right to fit into his pocket.The tubes were polished smooth and fine, and the seals were made of ancient tree resin, tight and seamless, so there was no need to worry about the serum leaking.He lowered his head to adjust the serum, his fingertips gripping the test tube, feeling the coolness from the tube, his eyes filled with focus.His path to developing the genetic serum, just like this ship, had only just set sail.During his time surviving on the deserted island, Adam had already utilized everything available in his surroundings.He extracted high-activity protein from sea fish that leaped out of the water, purified creatine from the muscles and bones of seabirds, and boiled the body fluids of carnivorous insects on the island into concentrated glycogen.Then, combining it with the fructose and vitamins contained in wild fruits, he repeatedly adjusted the ratios on the rocks.Failed waste liquid was splashed on the ground, leaving puddles of varying depths.After overturning more than a dozen versions of the plan, he finally developed two tubes of core serum that he kept as his trump card.
Chapter 17: Luffy Steals the SerumOne type was an amber energy supplement; it tasted sweet and wild-berry-scented, and the cold liquid slid down the throat. A single tube could sustain one for more than half a day of consumption.The other was a deep golden concentrated physical stamina serum. Besides providing an instant energy boost, it also contained trace amounts of muscle-strengthening ingredients. Its color was rich and heavy; it was the stock solution he kept for emergencies and experiments.And of these two serums, the one always consumed first was by Luffy.That afternoon, the sunlight scorched the deck, and even the sea breeze carried a sense of lazy weariness.Luffy lay sprawled on the wooden planks, his stomach sunken, his face drooping like sun-withered hay. He called out toward the cabin in a drawn-out, listless tone."Adam... I'm starving to death..."Beside him, Zoro was practicing his swordsmanship in a horse stance, rotating three swords in his palms. The blades sliced through the oncoming sea breeze, emitting short, piercing sounds as they cut through the air.He didn't even turn his head, retorting in a cold, stiff tone."You're so noisy. If you're hungry, go fish at the stern yourself. Don't whine here and disturb my sword practice.""Besides, the food Adam purchased is enough for us to eat for a month. You finished it in three days?"Zoro's focus was like an anchor nailed to the deck; he practiced from sunrise to sunset, immovable. No one else on the ship could compare to this level of obsession.Luffy rolled over, his belly pressing against the scorching wood, and made a face at Zoro's back."Fishing takes too long. I'm so hungry right now I could swallow a Sea King."Adam poked his head out from behind the cabin's wooden door, his forehead still dusted with fine medicinal powder. He held a tube of amber serum firmly in his hand, then flicked his wrist, throwing it accurately toward Luffy."Catch, just one tube, don't ask for more."It was fortunate he had finished preparing the serum in advance; otherwise, the remaining food supplies wouldn't have been enough to satisfy Luffy for even one meal.Moreover, out on the vast ocean, one couldn't rely solely on serums to stay full. Without a professional chef, even the best ingredients could only be grilled until they were dry.Luffy reached out and caught the serum tube steadily. With his sharp teeth, he deftly bit open the cap, tilted his head back, and downed it, the entire tube of liquid sliding down his throat.Within seconds, his drooping eyelids snapped open, his eyes shining as if two small suns were embedded in them.He sprang up more than three meters in place, grabbing the mast and shaking the ship slightly. The half-dead, starving look from just a moment ago had vanished completely."This is more effective than meat!"Luffy dashed to Adam in a few strides, grabbing his arms with both hands and shaking him like a rattle."In the future, when I'm hungry, give me this, okay? It's sweet, even better than grilled fish.""Three tubes a day at most."Adam pried his claws off and said expressionlessly. This serum could indeed be flavored in various ways, making it much more palatable than monotonous grilled fish.But after drifting on the sea for so long, eating grilled fish for every meal, they were already sick of it. They didn't even have a chef who could prepare fish in six or seven different ways."Drinking too much leads to over-nutrition and pent-up energy. If you end up tearing the ship apart, the three of us will have to swim to the Grand Line."This was no exaggeration. Luffy had zero resistance to sweet things, and furthermore, this serum didn't fill up his stomach and could instantly restore him to full vitality. Within two days, he was completely addicted.Adam locked the serum into a password-protected wooden cabinet in the cabin. Luffy would wait for the gaps when Adam was repairing the deck or when Zoro was leaning against the mast, eyes closed, drinking and resting.He would stretch his Rubber arm, extend his fingers through the cabinet gap, precisely hook a tube of deep golden concentrated serum, hide behind the mast, and down the whole thing.By the time Adam discovered it, it was already too late. Furious, he clutched the empty serum tube and chased Luffy around the ship for a dozen laps, the deck thumping loudly under their feet. In the end, he had no choice but to hide the remaining serum in an even more concealed place.That was the only tube of experimental stock solution concentrated nearly a hundred times, the core material he had saved for future research into the genetic serum.Now, it had been gulped down by Luffy in one go. From now on, this type of core stock solution had to be synthesized on the spot and could never be stored in advance.But starting from that afternoon, the deck of the flying had not known a moment of peace.It was as if Luffy's body was filled with endless energy. He ran dozens of laps around the ship, his shoe soles scorching the wooden planks.Then he dashed up to Zoro, reaching out to tug at his sword hilt, his face full of excitement."Zoro, Zoro, let's have a fight. I'm full of energy right now; I feel like I could take on ten of you!"Zoro opened his eyes, a vein throbbing on his forehead. He set the bottle aside and tightened his grip on his sword."Get lost, don't disturb my sword practice.""We have to fight! Here I come, take this punch!"Luffy laughed loudly and threw a punch. His Rubberarm stretched out long, carrying a powerful wind as it cut through the air, heading straight for Zoro's face.Zoro had no choice but to draw his sword to engage. The blade brushed past Luffy's fist, kicking up a gust of wind that ruffled his hair."You guy, you really have nothing better to do!"This fight lasted for three days and three nights.Luffy seemed completely tireless. No matter how many heavy strikes he took from the back of Zoro's blade, it was like being tickled. He continued to jump around, throwing punches while shouting non-stop."Again, again, I can still fight!"The more Zoro fought, the more alarmed he became. He had been practicing swordsmanship for years, and his stamina was already far beyond that of an ordinary person.But by the second night, his arm holding the sword was already aching, his breathing rhythm was off, and sweat was dripping down his jawline from his forehead, soaking his clothes.Yet Luffy was still as energetic as if he had just woken up, without a single drop of sweat, his vitality frighteningly high."You guy, where on earth do you get all that strength?"Zoro parried Luffy's fist with his sword, gritted his teeth, and shouted, his chest heaving slightly.Luffy grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, and swung his fists even more vigorously."I don't know, I just have energy all over."In the end, Zoro had no other choice. Taking advantage of the moment Luffy jumped up, he threw out a thick rope he had wrapped around his waist, leaped forward, and tied him securely to the mast.After doing all this, he leaned on his sword, panting heavily, and finally rested."Zoro~~"Luffy was still twisting and turning inside the ropes, clamoring to continue the fight.Zoro couldn't even be bothered to lift his eyelids. He grabbed a piece of scrap cloth and stuffed it directly into his mouth."Wuwuwu~~~"Luffy could only make muffled groans, continuing to wiggle on the mast.Zoro carried his sword into the cabin, slammed it onto the wooden table in front of Adam with a clatter, and got straight to the point."That stuff Luffy drank, give me two tubes as well."Adam looked up at him, raised an eyebrow, and explained the origin, effects, and risks of the concentrated serum in full detail.At the end, he added a sentence."That stuff is too potent and will harm your body. I'll give you a basic physical recovery serum; drink one tube when you train to your limit, and it will quickly alleviate fatigue without damaging your foundation."After listening, not only did Zoro not back down, but his eyes actually lit up.What he lacked most in sword practice was recovery time. Every time he trained until his muscles were sore and swollen, he had to rest for half a day to recover.
Chapter 18 Orange TownWith this thing to assist him, his training intensity could be directly doubled."Fine, we'll do it your way. As long as it can make me stronger, this level of intensity is nothing."Adam did not refuse; he turned around, took two tubes of light cyan physical recovery potion from a hidden spot, and pushed them toward him.Zoro tested the effect that very day.He gripped his sword tightly and practiced on the deck for an entire afternoon, swinging it over a thousand times until the muscles in his arms were taut and stiff.Every time he raised his arm, it was accompanied by a sour, swollen sensation; his fingers gripping the sword trembled uncontrollably, and even standing steadily was extremely difficult.He bit open the mouth of the potion tube and drank it down.In just a few short minutes, the heart-piercing soreness throughout his body receded rapidly like the tide.His limbs, which had originally felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead, were once again filled with strength, his energy instantly spiked, and the exhaustion from just moments ago vanished completely.Zoro looked at his own hand, which he could now raise steadily, and was stunned for a long time.In all his years, he had never seen such an outrageous thing. He clenched his fingertips slightly, feeling the strength surging back through his entire body.Zoro turned around and gripped the sword hilt again, the blade cutting a streak of cold light in the sunlight.He muttered a sentence in a low voice, so soft that only he could hear it."With this thing, I am one step closer to the Worlds Greatest Swordsman."From that day on, Zoro also became a frequent visitor to Adam's cabin.As for Luffy, he was tied to the mast and dangled for a full day before being untied.Zoro set a strict rule for himself: practice swordplay for twelve hours every day, and whenever his muscles felt like they were bursting and his body was nearing its limit, he would unscrew a tube of recovery potion and drink it.Without resting for even half a quarter of an hour, he would pick up his sword and stand ready again, slashing, chopping, and blocking, his movements becoming sharper with every repetition.Fearing that Zoro would overdraw his body and ruin his muscles and bones, Adam specially added gentle ingredients to the potion to nourish them, and he also set a rule with iron-faced impartiality."At most two tubes a day, not a single drop more.""Two tubes it is."Zoro took the potion, his fingertips brushing against the cold tube wall; his tone was stiff, but he still awkwardly added two words."Thanks."Even Adam himself practiced the Five Animal Frolics daily while using the potion.His original physical stamina had already been raised a notch during the life-and-death tempering on the deserted island, and now with the precise assistance of the potion, his progress was astonishingly fast.In the past, he would be panting just moving a hundred-pound rock, but now he could lift a three-hundred-pound anchor with one hand to train his arm strength, and his reaction speed and endurance had increased several times over.Even without relying on the potion, it was more than enough to deal with ordinary pirates.The three of them just drifted on the vast ocean like this, their physical strength growing stronger day by day, and their days were filled with chaos.Luffy was relentless every day, sneaking around trying to pry open Adam's medicine cabinet; every time he was caught, he would scurry around the deck clutching his head, shouting as he ran."Just one tube! I'll just drink one more tube!"Adam chased after him, the veins on his forehead throbbing, and shouted angrily."Luffy! If you steal the potion again, don't even think about touching anything sweet for a week!"Zoro would get into the swing of practicing swordplay, splitting the deck boards from time to time, and without even raising his head, he would say in a matter-of-fact tone."Adam, the deck board is split again, fix it."Adam held his forehead, looking at the deck riddled with holes from being slashed, and although he had to follow behind the two of them every day to clean up the mess, he didn't feel bored in the slightest.He took out the growth hormone potion, crouched down, and dripped a little onto the damaged wooden board.The light green liquid instantly seeped into the wood grain, and the broken deck board self-healed and grew at a speed visible to the naked eye, returning to a smooth state in just a moment.On the tenth day of drifting at sea, Luffy suddenly climbed up the mast, scrambling to the top.He shielded his eyes with his hand, squinting at the distant horizon, and suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice startling the seabirds into flapping their wings and flying away."Land! I see land! And lots of orange trees, bright yellow ones!"Adam and Zoro looked up at the same time.On the horizon, a clear coastline slowly unfolded, with fields of orange groves spreading along the coast, the emerald green leaves setting off the orange-yellow fruits, dazzling and warm in the sunlight.But the closer they got, the stronger the feeling that something was wrong.A large hole had collapsed in the town wall, the charred gap looking like a hideous scar.The doors and windows of the shops by the pier were all smashed, broken wood and glass shards scattered everywhere; the streets were empty, without a single soul in sight, only the musty sea breeze blowing waste paper past.the flying slowly docked, and there wasn't even anyone guarding the ships at the pier.The stone road under their feet pressed against their soles, littered with crushed oranges, the sweet, cloying pulp mixed with dust and stuck to the ground.The air was filled with the sweet scent of oranges, but it was also wrapped in a burnt smell from a fire; the two scents intertwined, making the sweetness bitter.Just as the group walked a few steps forward, a rustling sound suddenly came from a wooden barrel nearby, and wood shavings fell down.Luffy strode over and suddenly ripped off the lid of the barrel.Inside was an old man with a Whitebeard, trembling like a sieve, holding his head and trying desperately to shrink to the bottom of the barrel, screaming."Don't hit me! I have no money! The treasure was all stolen by Captain Buggy!""We are not Buggy's men."Adam crouched down, reached out to gently help the old man up, and took a bottle of light blue soothing potion from his pocket to hand to him."We are just passing through, what exactly happened here?"The old man stared into Adam's calm eyes, confirmed there was no malice, and dared to slowly poke his head out.He clutched the potion bottle tremblingly and told them everything that had happened to the town.This is Orange Town, where the whole town has relied on growing oranges for generations; the orange groves are their lifeblood.Half a month ago, Buggy the Clown brought his pirate crew in, robbed the whole town of its treasure, beat down anyone who dared to resist, and burned down a large area of houses.The people in town either fled to other places or hid in their homes, not daring to step outside, not even daring to leave their doors.Buggy and his men occupied the mayor's house in the center of the town, throwing their weight around all day and turning the town upside down.After listening, Luffy didn't say a word; he reached up and pulled his straw hat down, covering the emotions in his eyes.His knuckles tightened slightly, turning white, and he lowered his head to ask one question."That guy named Buggy, he bullied everyone in the town?"The old man nodded desperately, murky tears streaming down his wrinkles."He even cut down many of our orange trees... That is our life's work... We can't beat him at all, we can only hide...""I understand."Luffy straightened his straw hat and stepped toward the center of the town, his pace steady, without a hint of hesitation."I'm going to send him flying."Zoro carried his three swords and followed without a word, his footsteps making a dull sound on the stone road. As he passed by Luffy's side, he just dropped a sentence calmly."Anyone who gets in the way, I'll cut."
Chapter 19: Inviting NamiAs soon as the words fell, the two turned into the empty street, their figures quickly disappearing at the alley entrance.Adam did not follow.He patted the old man on the shoulder, asked for the locations of the herb shop and the wild tangerine grove, then shouldered his canvas bag and turned into a side alley.He had two purposes for coming to Orange Town: first, to follow the plot, and second, to collect unique ingredients for his potions.The tangerines in Orange Town were rich in flavonoids and essential oils, and the wetlands south of the town grew rare tropical herbs, all of which were essential for the potions he was developing.The alley was terrifyingly quiet, with only the rustling sound of wind blowing through dead leaves, and the sunlight was shattered by the broken walls.Adam squatted at the base of the wall, a layer of warm, pale green light shimmering at his fingertips, which he gently placed over a trampled tangerine seedling.The active ingredients within the seedling were instantly extracted, condensing into a drop of golden liquid that hovered at his fingertips, crystal clear.He collected the liquid into a test tube and continued forward, gathering tangerine peels, herbs, and wildflowers along the way, analyzing their components one by one, and storing all useful essences in his canvas bag.Just as he finished storing a tube of concentrated tangerine essential oil, rapid footsteps suddenly came from the alley entrance, mixed with the crude cursing of men, breaking the deathly silence."Don't run! Put the treasure chest down!" "You bitch! Daring to steal Captain Buggy's treasure, if I catch you, I'll skin you alive!"Adam raised an eyebrow and walked slowly toward the alley entrance.Just as he turned the corner, he saw an orange-haired girl clutching a chest as tall as half a person, sprinting from the other end of the alley.She was wearing a crop top and a short skirt, her ponytail whipping behind her fiercely, creating a gust of wind as she ran.She didn't forget to look back and kick the pirate in the lead in the stomach, sending him rolling onto the ground."Just you three pieces of trash, and you want to catch me?"Nami gritted her teeth and cursed under her breath, but after running two steps, she realized that the alley was a dead end.Her back hit the cold wall hard; there was nowhere left to retreat.The three pirates behind her had already surrounded her, clutching gleaming steel swords, their faces full of malice, approaching step by step.Nami leaned against the wall, shielding the treasure chest tightly behind her, while her other hand quietly reached for the dagger at her waist.Her eyes were sharper than a cunning little fox, full of vigilance, yet she did not retreat at all.Watching the three pirates grinning and about to rush up, Adam slowly raised his hand and pulled a tube of pale green paralysis potion from his pocket.With a flick of his wrist, he threw it precisely at their feet.The glass tube hit the bluestone slab and shattered with a crisp "pop."A pale green mist spread along the ground, cool and wrapping around everyone's ankles with a faint, astringent woody scent.The three pirates had just inhaled a few breaths of the mist when their legs instantly went soft, as if all their bones had been sucked out.The steel swords in their hands clattered to the ground, kicking up a few pebbles; all their strength was instantly drained, and they fell straight to the ground, their mouths open but unable to utter a single word.The alley fell silent instantly, leaving only the soft sound of the wind blowing through the broken walls and the faint panting of the pirates on the ground.Nami stiffened abruptly, her knuckles turning white from clutching the treasure chest, and she raised the dagger to her chest with a backhand grip, the tip pointing directly at Adam, her eyes tense and filled with caution."Who are you?""We've met before."Adam stuffed the empty test tube back into his pocket, his fingertips brushing against the rough fabric, and looked up with a smile, secretly complaining in his heart that this little thief cat really was forgetful."Colonel Morgan's office, remember? When splitting the loot, you took the lion's share, and I just picked up some pocket money."Nami stared at him for two seconds, her pupils slightly constricted, and finally recognized him.She slowly lowered the dagger, but her fingertips were still tightly gripping her waist pouch, where the Berries she had just swiped from the Buggy Pirates were stuffed; she didn't dare to relax at all.She scanned Adam up and down, raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with her usual cunning."Oh, it's you. Why are you here? Are you also here to steal Captain Buggy's treasure?""I came with the ship; the Captain is going to beat up Captain Buggy, and I'm here to collect ingredients for my potions."Adam glanced at the treasure chest in her arms; it wasn't large, but she was struggling to hold it, its weight pulling down her arms—it was nine times out of ten filled with gold.That guy Captain Buggy had terrible combat power and spent his whole life obsessing over treasure; if anyone said he didn't have a fortune, even a ghost wouldn't believe it."What about you, you've got guts. Daring to steal Captain Buggy's treasure, and getting cornered in a dead end—aren't you afraid of being caught and made into a clown's lackey?""Treasure is the kind of thing that belongs to whoever gets their hands on it."Nami tightened her hold on the treasure chest, lifted her chin slightly, looking as if it were a matter of course.This was the rule she had followed for years while drifting on the sea, yet deep in her eyes, there was still a hint of uncontrollable panic.She had run through more than half the town, and Captain Buggy's subordinates were everywhere; carrying such a large chest, there was no way she could escape successfully.The Buggy Pirates weren't top-tier in the East Blue, but they were much more united than those disorganized mobs.In the East Blue, except for ruthless characters like Kid, Law, the Straw Hat Pirates, and the Buggy Pirates, most ordinary pirate crews were full of infighting and chaos, and were not worth mentioning.Adam saw through her predicament at a glance, didn't beat around the bush, and spoke directly."Do you want to come with us? Our ship is docked at the pier, called the flying; the ship is big enough, there are separate rooms to store your treasure chest, and a place for you to stay.""Of course, I'm not officially inviting you to join the crew, just traveling together for a while. You've also realized that you can't get off this island on your own."Nami frowned instantly, took a half-step back, and her tone suddenly turned cold."You're pirates? I don't associate with pirates.""We are pirates, but not trash pirates like CaptainBuggy who bully ordinary people."Adam leaned against the mottled earthen wall, his tone flat, his fingertips gently tapping against the crumbling wall surface."Right now, the whole town is full of CaptainBuggy's men; even if you shake off these few, you won't be able to break through the blockade while carrying the treasure chest.""Follow us, and at least you can set sail safely.""Besides, I have a fuse potion that can open any lock, and a mist-concealing spray that can hide your presence; for an expert treasure thief like you, that should be quite useful."Nami's eyes brightened for a moment, like sparks flashing in the dark night, though why they seemed to have dollar signs in them was beyond him.Lockpicking and concealment were exactly the skills she needed most.From that incident at Colonel Morgan's office, she had already witnessed Adam's methods and knew he wasn't lying.Yet she was still hesitant; the hatred for pirates in her heart pricked like cold thorns, and she didn't want to have anything to do with pirates at all.Just then, a deafening explosion suddenly came from the center of the town.Boom—fire wrapped in a pillar of thick black smoke shot into the sky, and even the paving stones beneath their feet trembled slightly. Immediately after, Luffy's shout came crashing over from several streets away, piercingly clear."Rubber Rubber—Pistol!"Adam looked up toward the direction where the smoke pillar rose, then turned to look at Nami."They've started fighting."