Chapter 14: Shells Town’s Dark Rumors!!

Having slipped away from Alvida's hideout, the Straw Hat Pirates sailed toward a nearby town with Coby in tow. The island came into view in under two hours, as predicted—a small, unremarkable place with little bustle. Yet, looming at its heart was a massive Navy base, sticking out like a sore thumb.

Coby had heard it was called Shells Town, a place steeped in unsettling rumors.

"There are two big rumors about this town," Coby said, sitting cross-legged at the ship's center, facing Luffy and Silk, who mirrored his formal pose. Despite the serious air, the trio seemed oddly at ease, almost enjoying the moment. "The first is old—Colonel Morgan, the base commander, is a strange figure. The townsfolk are terrified of him."

"Of their own Navy?" Silk asked, leaning forward.

Luffy tilted his head, listening intently. At the ship's bow, Kiri kept watch, scanning the approaching town while half-listening, ensuring the ship stayed on course.

"Why would townsfolk fear a Navy colonel?" Silk pressed. "He's supposed to protect them from pirates, right?"

"I don't know the details," Coby admitted. "But they say Morgan rose through the ranks with brute strength. Maybe he's a real tough guy."

"Is he strong?" Luffy asked, eyes glinting.

"Probably," Coby said. "Even Alvida avoided Shells Town like the plague."

Luffy turned to Kiri, who hadn't looked back but seemed ready to chime in. "Hey, Kiri, is a Navy colonel a big deal?"

"Kind of," Kiri said. "As base commander, he's the top dog here. But compared to Navy HQ, a branch colonel's rank is lower—HQ guys are way stronger."

"So he's weak, huh?" Luffy grinned.

"Hard to say without meeting him," Kiri said. "But for a first fight, he's probably just right."

Coby frowned at Kiri's casual tone. He knew Navy HQ outranked branches in strength and status, but how did Kiri know so much? "You're awfully informed," Coby said. "You're not from East Blue?"

"Nah, I'm from East Blue," Kiri said. "Just spent a few years sailing the Grand Line."

"The Grand Line?" Coby gasped. "Why are you here then?"

"Long story," Kiri said lightly. "Now I'm aiming for it again."

Luffy and Silk nudged Coby to continue. Clearing his throat, he straightened, voice serious. "The second rumor's recent. A famous bounty hunter got caught in this town."

"Caught?" Silk said. "Bounty hunters are on the Navy's side, right?"

"Why'd he get nabbed?" Luffy asked.

"I don't know the details," Coby said. "But it's a big deal because he's famous—a swordsman who never lets prey escape, like a beast. They call him the 'Pirate Hunter.'"

"Cool!" Luffy's eyes sparkled.

Coby sighed. His warning only fueled Luffy's excitement. Trying to stay serious, he pressed on. "His name's Roronoa Zoro. He's locked up in that base."

"Pirate Hunter, huh?" Luffy mused. "Sounds strong."

Coby's stomach sank. Luffy's grin spelled trouble. "Listen, Luffy-san," he said firmly. "I'm telling you this to be careful, not to go check him out!"

"Pirate Hunter…" Luffy muttered, lost in thought. "Wonder what he's like."

"Luffy-san, are you even listening?!" Coby snapped.

"A swordsman, too," Luffy continued. "Bet he's fun."

Coby slumped, defeated. Luffy was already dreaming of meeting this 'beast.' Silk, listening quietly, seemed intrigued too, her expression thoughtful. Bounty hunters worked with the Navy, turning in criminals for rewards. So why was Zoro, a renowned hunter, in chains? Something didn't add up.

Luffy was hooked on the "Pirate Hunter" title, Silk on the mystery. Coby regretted speaking, sighing softly. Kiri chuckled. "Bad move, Coby. If you didn't want them to go, you shouldn't have mentioned it."

"I just wanted to warn them…" Coby mumbled.

"Appreciate the thought," Kiri said. "Guess we're touring the base now."

Kiri wasn't stopping them, and Silk looked just as curious. No one on this ship seemed keen on reining Luffy in. Coby sighed again, worried. The ship neared the island, and Luffy plopped beside Kiri, staring at the town, fixated on the towering base.

"Hey, Kiri," Luffy said. "What's this Zoro guy like?"

"Let's find out," Kiri replied.

"If he's cool, I'll make him join us," Luffy said.

"Wait, Luffy-san!" Coby cried, rushing over. "You can't! He's probably bad news if he's locked up. Bounty hunters don't get caught often—there's gotta be a reason. And he's got a shady reputation!"

"We'll know when we see him," Luffy said. "Let's go!"

"Luffy-san…" Coby groaned.

"Let it go, Coby," Kiri said. "Once he's like this, nothing stops him."

Coby sagged, out of words. Silk joined them, turning to Kiri. "Didn't you say we need supplies for the journey? What's the plan?"

"Good point," Kiri said. "Coby, can you handle Luffy?"

"Me?!" Coby yelped, shoulders shaking. "You're leaving me with him?"

Kiri grinned, unfazed. "Silk and I will grab supplies. We've got funds from Alvida's stash. You and Luffy check out this Zoro guy. Captain decides if he's crew material."

"What?!" Luffy pouted. "You're not coming, Kiri? Or you, Silk?"

"We've got roles to play," Silk said, giggling. "Teamwork, Luffy."

Luffy huffed but nodded, his excitement returning as he eyed the town. Kiri tossed Coby a small, jingling bag packed with Berries. "Just in case," Kiri said. "Keeping up with Luffy's tough."

"Uh, okay…" Coby said, clutching the bag.

The ship docked, ropes secured, sails furled by Kiri's quick hands. Luffy leaped off first, sandals slapping the ground with a goofy thud. He grinned at the unfamiliar town, barely containing his joy. "We're here! Navy base town!"

"Don't run off alone, Luffy!" Silk called, stepping ashore. "We'll lose you!"

Kiri and Coby followed, joining them on land. The town looked peaceful—smiling locals, no signs of trouble. Despite the grim rumors, nothing seemed amiss at first glance. It felt almost too calm, a relief for Kiri, who didn't crave danger.

"Looks good for shopping," Kiri said to Silk. "Let's grab water, food, and a sea chart for after we drop Coby off. Weapons we don't need, but…"

"Clothes?" Silk suggested. "We can't keep wearing the same stuff. Laundry and spares are a must."

"Good call," Kiri said. "You handle that. My fashion sense is… questionable."

"Mine too," Silk laughed.

Their plan set, Luffy fidgeted, eager to explore. Kiri gave him a nod. "Go ahead, Luffy. Don't cause trouble."

"Got it!" Luffy said.

"Really?" Coby muttered. "Kiri, Silk, good luck."

"We'll head right," Kiri said, waving. "See you later, Luffy, Coby."

"Later!" Luffy waved back.

Coby bowed, then faced the lively street. Luffy marched forward, Coby trailing. "Luffy-san, are we really going? It sounds dangerous…"

"Let's check it out!" Luffy said. "Coby, lead the way!"

"Ugh, I knew it…" Coby sighed, following.

Luffy strode confidently, ignoring shops, eyes locked on the base. His resolve made Coby's fears feel silly. Slapping his cheeks, Coby steeled himself. I decided to fight with everything. Meeting Zoro is my first step as a Marine. I can't back down.

As they passed a diner, Luffy stopped abruptly, nearly causing Coby to crash into him. "What's wrong?" Coby asked. "Feeling sick? We can find a doctor—"

"Smells good!" Luffy said, drooling.

Coby blinked. Moments ago, Luffy was all about Zoro—now food took over. Recalling the Berries Kiri gave him, Coby realized this was probably planned. Luffy bolted into the diner, and Coby chased after, exasperated.

"We just ate on the ship!" Coby said, sitting across from Luffy, who was already scanning the menu. "Kiri and Silk are working for you!"

"It's fine," Luffy said. "Won't take long."

"Luffy-san…" Coby groaned.

"If we eat, we leave quick," Coby said. "Kiri and Silk are out there for you."

"Shishishi, I know," Luffy said. "Kiri said eating's fine. And Zoro's locked up—he ain't going anywhere."

The moment Luffy said "Zoro," a loud clatter echoed. Multiple patrons stumbled, staring at them. Their eyes held fear, unease etched in their faces. Even Luffy looked puzzled.

"What's up?" Luffy said. "Why's everyone falling?"

"Maybe the name," Coby whispered. "You said Zoro."

"Oh, Zoro?" Luffy repeated.

Another clatter. Patrons fell again, nearly flipping tables. Coby leaned in, voice low. "Zoro's name must be taboo here. They're scared of it."

"Huh," Luffy said. "Weirdos."

As patrons shakily recovered, Coby spoke up. "Let's change the topic. Since we're here, maybe the Navy—Colonel Morgan—"

Clatter. Every patron fell again, eyes wide with terror. Luffy laughed, but Coby felt a chill. Why fear a Navy colonel? Something was wrong. His face grew serious, mind racing. Luffy, still chuckling, noticed Coby's shift, his own smile fading.

An eerie tension filled the diner. Leaving felt awkward now. Luffy ordered food, and they settled in, the town's secrets hanging heavy.