Chapter 15: The Unyielding Spirit of the Pirate Hunter

The sun's relentless rays scorched with bitter resentment.

Sweat dripped, body burning, the soaked shirt an irritation.

Yet, in that moment, even this felt like a miracle.

The fact that he could still sweat made him chuckle in disbelief.

Nine days without food. Minimal water was provided, and when nature called, a guard escorted him to the toilet. Otherwise, he stood crucified, bound to a cross of wood.

It was a gamble—and a form of torture.

Most would have broken, begging for death.

Yet he said nothing.

He simply stood, neither cursing his fate nor regretting his actions.

He endured to keep a promise. He longed to collapse and sleep, but the ropes binding his arms to the cross forced him upright.

Sweat-soaked, exhausted, unwashed, and unchanged, he likely reeked. But he didn't care. His mind was clear of stray thoughts. He endured, waiting for the promised time.

A marine approached with a small canteen, addressing the glaring man.

"Water time."

The words were curt, emotionless. The canteen was tilted toward his mouth. Routine now, he drank without resistance, gulping loudly. The marine quietly noted how eagerly he drank.

To stand here endlessly required extraordinary willpower—borderline madness. Why cling to life so fiercely? If he wanted to live, why not beg? Why choose the harder path when humility could save him?

Finishing the water, he felt briefly revived. His weary body, though fatigued, still fought to live.

That was enough. For now, it was enough.

Exhaling deeply, he drained the canteen and hung his head, motionless.

The marine, duty done, turned to leave, suppressing thought. But a hoarse, powerful voice stopped him.

"Hey. What happened to that kid from yesterday?"

The marine's shoulders trembled at the commanding tone. Such strength, even in this state.

Hiding faint fear, he turned calmly.

Their eyes met. No trembling now, but the man's gaze held an intensity no dying man should possess. It nearly stole the marine's words.

Steeling himself, he answered.

"Relax. She was sent home politely. Not a scratch."

"Hmph. Sure. That spoiled brat of a colonel's son could do anything, right?"

"Watch your mouth. That's the son of a navy colonel."

The man grinned, a savage edge to it despite his frail state, exuding an unsettling confidence.

A chill ran down the marine's spine. This was no human.

The rumors were true. A beast in human form, with unnatural strength and will.

Desperate to leave, the marine froze as the man spoke again.

"You remember the deal? One month standing here, and I'm free. No take-backs, right?"

The marine swallowed hard.

The promise: stand for a month, and he'd be released, innocent.

He hesitated, eyes darting, then nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I know. That's the condition."

"Good. I'm about to collapse, but I'll survive this. Don't break the deal."

"…Right."

With a reluctant nod, the marine walked away.

The man gazed at the sky.

It was painfully clear, not a cloud in sight, a pure, untainted blue. The sun illuminated the world, and two birds soared freely overhead.

What he thought, only he knew.

He lowered his head and stood silently.

Luffy and Coby walked toward the navy base after a meal.

Luffy was upbeat, while Coby's stern expression betrayed his unease.

The town seemed peaceful, but after witnessing its reality, doubt colored his view of the streets and people. Restless, he glanced around.

Anxiety gnawed at him, a fear he couldn't voice.

He spoke his concerns to Luffy.

"Something's off. Even criminals shouldn't tremble at a navy colonel's name. Something bad might be happening."

"Who cares? It was fun. Maybe I'll hit that shop again."

"It's not okay! If the navy's corrupt, that's the worst. Marines protecting citizens shouldn't be feared. It's not normal."

Coby's face darkened, his pace slowing. Luffy, unfazed, grew curious about the nearing base.

What kind of man was Roronoa Zoro? That question quickened his steps, urging Coby forward.

"Let's go see Zoro. Wonder what he's like."

"Y-Yeah. But don't get your hopes up."

"Why not?"

"Bad deeds get you caught. Zoro's a bounty hunter, not a pirate. If he's jailed without cause, it's the navy's mistake—"

Coby stopped, struck by a grim thought.

If Zoro was innocent, combined with the town's fear of the colonel, it suggested deliberate malice, not error.

Distrust in the navy grew. He needed the truth, likely from Zoro himself.

Steeling his expression, Coby shook off fear and caught up to Luffy.

"Let's go, Luffy-san. I've got a bad feeling…"

"Alright! Now you're acting like back then!"

Grinning, Luffy reached the base in minutes.

It was grand, imposing.

Heavy security guarded it. Sentries stood at the gate, unlikely to allow entry or answer questions about Zoro.

The two stood in the street, staring up at the building, pondering.

They wanted to meet him but saw no easy way. Their plan faltered.

"Where's Zoro? Inside, probably."

"Prisoners are usually in cells, so yeah, inside."

"Let's find a back entrance. Sneak in, no problem."

"W-Wait, seriously? We don't know if he's good! That's dangerous…"

"Stay if you want. I'll go alone."

"No way! Kiri-san entrusted me too!"

"Then let's go."

"Ugh, is this really okay…?"

Avoiding the front gate, they followed the high wall, searching for a weak point in security. Every base had one.

After circling hundreds of meters, they spotted something odd.

A girl, about ten, climbed a ladder against the wall. Small and frail, she didn't look capable of carrying it, yet she scaled it effortlessly. She reached the top, ready to jump to the other side.

Stunned by the strange sight, Luffy and Coby watched as she leaped and vanished.

Coby yelped in worry, but Luffy grinned, intrigued, and rushed to the wall.

"Luffy-san! She's in the base… at that height! She could be hurt!"

"She's got guts. Wonder what's over there."

"Hey, stop! We can't enter navy grounds!"

Ignoring Coby, Luffy didn't use the ladder. He kicked off the ground, soaring high, grabbing the wall's edge, and pulling himself up to see the other side.

A vast training ground stretched within.

A man, crucified and exhausted, caught his eye.

Curious but focused, Luffy looked down. The girl had fallen but stood quickly, brushing off her clothes.

She walked toward the crucified man. That was her goal.

He was striking—black headband, short green hair peeking out, white shirt, green sash, black pants. Limp, leaning against the wooden cross, his arms were bound by ropes.

His eyes were closed, but his presence was menacing.

Coby climbed the ladder, joining Luffy.

"L-Luffy-san, is this okay?"

"Hey, Coby, that guy down there…"

"Huh? Oh, the girl's fine—wait, what?"

Coby's face paled as he saw the man. Shock froze him, his eyes darting.

It was unmistakable. The man matched the rumors perfectly.

"The headband, the sash… no doubt. That's him, Luffy-san. The bounty hunter, Pirate Hunter Zoro!"

Coby pointed, nearly falling off the ladder. Luffy's gaze never wavered.

Zoro's aura was dangerous, like a starving beast ready to strike. His strength was evident, even without the swords he was known for. Luffy's expression soured slightly at their absence.

The girl reached Zoro, stopping before him, unafraid of his menacing air. She held out a small bundle.

"Big brother, I brought food. You're hungry, right?"

Her cheerful voice stirred him. His eyes opened slowly.

Coby shivered at their sharpness. Those eyes could kill with a glance, glinting with eerie intensity, overwhelming anyone who met them.

No ordinary man.

What strength must one have to become like that?

Zoro's gaze fixed on the girl, unchanged.

"You again, kid? I said I don't need food. Get lost."

"I made onigiri! They're a bit funny-shaped, but they taste good. Mom helped—"

"Wanna get kicked? Scram. I'm in a bad mood."

His tone was harsh, unyielding. The girl, undeterred, opened the bundle, offering an oddly shaped onigiri.

"Here, eat. You'll die if you don't."

"I won't die. I've got things to do."

"Things? Like work?"

"None of your business. I said leave, brat. Stay here, and that idiot son will crucify you too."

At his words, the girl's face fell, sadness flickering.

A new voice interrupted, drawing all eyes. Three men approached from the training ground's entrance. The one in the middle spoke.

"Roronoa Zoro! That's no way to treat a kid!"

"Tch, the idiot son's here."

Zoro muttered irritably as the man approached. Dressed in fine clothes, adorned with expensive accessories, flanked by two marines, he held some status. Blonde hair, split chin, and an unpleasant smirk marked him as less than charming.

Zoro's mood darkened, his killing intent palpable, unlike with the girl. The man, oblivious, slapped Zoro's cheek lightly, more insult than pain.

"Don't you know how to handle kids? And what'd you call me? Don't forget, Roronoa, I'm keeping you alive. I could stop your water and let you wither. Think you'd last a month then?"

"Shut up. What I say to the kid's my business."

"Ha! Not for a criminal like you. You're serving your sentence. Shut your mouth and reflect. Or you'll stay like this forever."

"Tch…"

Zoro considered headbutting the man but held back, wary of consequences. His tension suggested he could snap any moment.

Stepping back, the man pointed at himself smugly.

"Remember well. I'm Helmeppo, son of Colonel Morgan. I say white, it's white. Black, it's black. Defy me, and you're dead."

Helmeppo laughed oddly, then continued.

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten the deal. Survive a month here, and you're free. A promise is a promise."

"For real?"

"What, you doubt me? If I wanted you dead, I wouldn't bother with this. It'd be execution, done. So it's true."

Grinning wickedly, he added, "If you can survive a month, that is."

His face dripped with malice.

Zoro glared but said nothing. No need. He just had to endure.

A month without dying, and he'd be free.

He stayed silent, waiting.

Losing interest, Helmeppo turned to the girl, who froze in fear. He spoke in a patronizing tone.

"Now, what's the problem here? Your name, little lady?"

"Uh… R-Rika."

"Rika, huh? You shouldn't sneak into the base and chat with criminals. That's bad. You could get in big trouble. Is that onigiri?"

"Y-Yes, I made it…"

"Wow, kids these days! Making onigiri yourself, that's something."

Helmeppo knelt, speaking kindly, but grabbed an onigiri without asking. Rika gasped as he bit into it.

He choked, spitting out rice, his face twisting in rage.

"Ugh! What's this?! It's sweet!"

"I used sugar instead of salt. I like sweet things…"

"Joking?! This is inedible!"

Furious, Helmeppo slapped the onigiri from Rika's hand, dropping it to the ground. He threw his own down and stomped both, grinding them into the dirt.

"Disgusting! Sweet onigiri? It's salt, always salt!"

"No! Stop! You're ruining it!"

Rika's cries grew desperate as the rice mixed with soil. Helmeppo didn't stop, stomping until satisfied. The marines and Coby winced. Luffy and Zoro watched silently, expressionless.

Panting, Helmeppo wiped his brow, pleased. Rika sobbed, staring at the ruined onigiri, reaching out but pulling back, knowing they were inedible.

"That's awful… I worked so hard…"

"Don't cry. It's your fault. Didn't you see the sign? Helping him makes you guilty. If you were an adult, you'd be executed."

Helmeppo leaned close, his tone harsh, uncaring even for a child.

"You know how scary my dad is, right? Stay quiet and don't come back. Or I might tell on you."

Rika wiped her tears.

Helmeppo scoffed, turning to the marines.

"Hey, throw her out. Toss her over the wall."

"B-But, sir—"

"What? Defying me?"

The marine froze under Helmeppo's glare, silenced by fear—not of him, but his father.

"You've got a family to feed, right? Talk back, and I'll tell my dad. Your head's gone."

"Y-Yes, sir…"

Clenching his jaw, the marine lifted Rika and marched to the wall.

Coby hid, clutching the ladder, but Luffy watched as Rika was thrown over.

Her small body soared. Luffy moved instantly, catching her mid-air, landing hard on his back.

Coby gasped, thinking him dead.

But Luffy, a rubber man, absorbed the impact unharmed. Holding Rika, he sat up, meeting her shocked gaze.

Coby rushed down the ladder, finding them unscathed.

"You okay?"

"Y-Yes… Thank you, big brother."

"Luffy-san! Are you alright?"

Luffy set Rika down and stood, glancing at Coby, who checked on her. She insisted she was fine, tears dried despite the scare.

Luffy looked up at the wall, his face unusually serious, lost in thought.

"Coby, take care of her."

"W-Wait, what're you doing, Luffy-san?"

Luffy leaped back onto the wall, peering inside.

Helmeppo was gone. Only Zoro remained, crucified.

Crossing the wall, Luffy entered the base. Zoro noticed immediately, glaring fiercely.

"Who're you?"

"I'm Luffy. The man who'll be Pirate King."

"A pirate? You dumb? This is a navy base. Here to get caught?"

"Nah, I came to see you. If you're a good guy, I want you in my crew."

"Huh?"

Zoro's glare intensified, enough to paralyze most. Luffy just grinned, unfazed, standing tall and meeting his eyes.

"Why're you caught?"

"None of your business. Beat it."

"Heard about a promise. You getting out?"

"Yeah, stand here a month, and I'm free. Don't need your help. Get lost before I kick you."

"You won't. I'm strong."

"Heh, thanks for the heads-up."

Zoro's lips curled into a faint smirk, the first Luffy saw. He grinned back.

"You can smile! Thought you'd be scarier, with that 'beast' nickname."

"Didn't pick it myself. Don't care what people say."

"Got it. Wanna be a pirate?"

"Who'd want that? Get out. I'm done talking."

Brushed off, Luffy nodded and turned to leave.

No rush to decide. Kiri and Silk weren't here, and he'd gotten a sense of Zoro. Leaving now wasn't a bad call.

"Fine. Doesn't have to be now. Haven't decided to recruit you yet. I'll come back. If you're not gonna make it, let me know."

"Don't come back, idiot."

Luffy walked toward the wall.

Seconds later, Zoro called out.

"Hey, wait."

"What? Wanna be a pirate?"

"No, not that… Can you grab that?"

Luffy followed Zoro's nod to the muddy onigiri.

He understood but frowned, concerned.

"You gonna eat that? It's mud now."

"Just give it here. I'm starving. Don't waste it."

Zoro opened his mouth, waiting. Luffy hesitated.

"Seriously? You'll get sick."

"Shut up. It's not your problem."

"How about I ask that kid to make more? She's probably nearby—"

"I said give it to me. Hurry up."

Zoro's resolve didn't waver.

Luffy's face softened. He didn't argue, feeding the muddy onigiri to Zoro, piece by piece.

It was no meal. Each bite crunched with dirt and stones, mixed with faint sweetness from the sugar. Tears welled reflexively, but Zoro fought them back, chewing fiercely with unrelenting spirit.

He ate it all, swallowing hard.

Coughing, breathing heavily, he muttered, "Tell that kid… it was good. Thanks for the meal."

Luffy laughed at the unexpected words.

The "beast" wasn't heartless. His intimidating aura made sense, but this moment painted a different picture.

Nodding lightly, Luffy wasn't done.

"Nice. But wouldn't it be better to tell her yourself?"

"Huh? I'm stuck here. What're you—"

Zoro looked up, ready to glare, but stopped. Beyond Luffy, atop the wall, Rika had climbed back, watching with shining eyes.

Speechless, Zoro's brow furrowed, and he looked down again.

Luffy grinned triumphantly, lingering by Zoro's side a little longer.