Chapter 16: Rallying Resolve

Luffy, Coby, and Rika slipped away from the base to a quiet street corner, settling on a staircase to talk about Zoro. Rika, who seemed to know the situation, explained why the bounty hunter was captured—not entirely his fault, despite the circumstances.

"He didn't do anything wrong," Rika said earnestly. "He just saved me."

"Saved you?" Luffy tilted his head.

Rika nodded, her voice soft. "A while back, Helmeppo's wolf roamed the town. It was scary, but no one spoke up, fearing the Colonel. It hurt lots of people. When I met Zoro, it was about to attack me."

"That's awful," Coby gasped. "A Marine's family causing harm?"

"Didn't the Colonel say anything?" Luffy asked.

"Nope. He never disciplined his son," Rika replied.

Coby was stunned. He'd assumed Zoro committed a serious crime, but this painted a different picture. Rika continued.

"Zoro slashed the wolf to save me. I'd fallen and couldn't escape. Everyone was relieved—it'd been a menace. But Helmeppo got furious."

"So they locked Zoro up," Luffy concluded.

"Yeah… but they said it's not a death sentence. He's there to 'reflect,' and a Marine said he'd be freed," Rika added.

"A month like that, though…" Coby's face darkened.

There was a reason, but this felt excessive. Helmeppo was at fault, letting a dangerous pet roam free. Townsfolk suffered in silence, yet Zoro bore the blame. Something was wrong with this town, especially the Marines under Colonel Morgan.

While Coby's distrust grew, Luffy spoke, unfazed. "Hmm, guess I can't make him join us. Can't wait a month, and breaking a promise to free him's no good. Shame, he seems cool."

Luffy crossed his arms, muttering to himself. He wanted Zoro as a crewmate, but the conditions weren't ideal. Zoro didn't want to be a pirate, and his resolve seemed unshakable. Should he give up? Deep down, he didn't want to.

Maybe he should talk to Kiri and Silk. Just then, he spotted them approaching, his face lighting up.

"Hey, Kiri, Silk! Over here!" Luffy waved wildly.

They waved back lightly, noticing Rika and exchanging amused glances at Luffy's knack for meeting people.

"Another new face? Not a crewmate, I hope," Silk teased.

"Shishishi! This is Rika, a friend," Luffy grinned.

Silk sighed, smiling. "What happened this time? Hi, Rika, I'm Silk."

She crouched to Rika's level, and the girl shyly bowed back. They sat together, chatting warmly, quickly bonding.

Kiri's expression turned serious, glancing at Luffy. With a subtle nod to Silk, she stepped away. "Luffy, Coby, got something to discuss. Can we talk?"

"Huh? What's up?" Luffy asked.

"Me too?" Coby blinked.

They moved around the corner, out of Rika's earshot, near where they'd seen Zoro tied up. Kiri exhaled, her usual relaxed demeanor gone, eyes sharp. Coby swallowed hard, but Luffy stayed loose.

"How's Zoro?" Kiri asked.

"Seems like a good guy. Haven't decided on making him join," Luffy replied.

"Right. That's what I wanted to talk about." Kiri's gaze locked on him. "Zoro's set to be executed tomorrow."

Luffy and Coby froze, smiles vanishing. The words hit hard, leaving a stunned silence.

"Why?" Luffy muttered.

"Executed?" Coby stammered. "Rika said he'd be freed after a month!"

"Helmeppo's been bragging about it. Seems he decided it," Kiri said.

"The Colonel's son…" Coby whispered, shaken.

Kiri pressed on. "The execution's tomorrow. You've got time to decide, Luffy. Make him a crewmate or let him go. Fight the Marines or walk away."

"Wait!" Coby pleaded. "Is this true? It could be a mistake! Marines wouldn't—"

"It's true," Kiri cut in. "The townsfolk fear Morgan's iron rule. His son's arrogant, too."

"That's…" Coby's voice broke.

"It's reality, Coby. The Marines aren't one solid front. In a world this vast, with so many Marines, true justice is rare."

Coby slumped, his childhood dream of the Marines shattered. Punishing an innocent man with lies and death—why didn't the Colonel stop his son? His chest ached with frustration.

He couldn't stay silent. As Kiri continued, Coby interrupted, voice rising.

"We've got today and tomorrow to act before Zoro's executed," Kiri said.

"It's wrong!" Coby shouted. "Rika's story convinced me. Punishing Zoro for saving a life, lying about his release—it's not what Marines do!"

"Rika, wait!" Silk called.

Rika had rounded the corner, overhearing them. Her face froze in shock. Silk rushed to hug her, but Rika stood rigid, staring at Luffy and Coby, voiceless.

Silence hung heavy. After seconds, Rika's voice broke through, trembling. "Zoro… he's going to be executed?"

Her pained tone cut deep. Kiri looked away, Silk tightened her embrace, both knowing this wasn't for a child's ears. But Rika knew Zoro too well for them to hide it.

Her expression, twisted with grief, struck them. Coby looked guilty; Luffy just watched her.

"They said he'd be fine, freed soon. The punishment was supposed to be light…" Rika's voice cracked.

"Rika—" Coby started.

"Is he going to die? He didn't do anything wrong…" Her eyes dropped to the ground, her small frame trembling. "Is it my fault? I tripped, couldn't run… he saved me, and now he's going to die? They said it'd be okay!"

"It's not your fault," Silk soothed. "Not your fault."

"They said he wouldn't die!" Rika's tears spilled, unstoppable, her voice choked with self-blame. "I haven't even thanked him properly… I don't want this goodbye!"

Silk called her name softly. Rika looked up, locking eyes with Luffy. "Luffy-nii-chan, save Zoro-nii-chan… please!"

Luffy grinned instantly. "Sure thing. But I'm taking Zoro as my crewmate."

"Luffy-san!" Coby gasped.

Rika's tears slowed, calmed by his confident words. Luffy turned toward the nearby Marine base, calling back, "Kiri, Silk, let's go!"

"Got it. Knew you'd pick that," Kiri replied.

"Luffy, you're fighting the Marines?" Silk asked, hesitant.

"Yeah. Zoro's joining us."

Kiri followed immediately, while Silk lingered, placing a hand on Rika's shoulder. "Don't worry, leave it to us. We'll be back. Stay home—it's dangerous."

"You're fighting?" Rika asked.

"Yep. We're pirates," Silk smiled.

"Pirates?"

Silk jogged to join Luffy and Kiri, the trio heading for the base. Rika watched, stunned, as Coby shouted after them, heart racing with worry. Three against the Marines seemed reckless—he didn't want them to die.

"Wait! Are you serious? They're Marines! You're pirates, sure, but fighting head-on won't end well! This won't solve anything!"

"Coby, we're pirates. Don't care about Marines," Luffy said.

"Well, yeah, but—"

"So you handle the Marines. You're gonna be an officer someday, right?"

"Y-Yes!" Coby stammered.

Luffy's unique laugh rang out as he turned away, Kiri and Silk following. Fearless, their casual strides drew eyes. Coby's heart pounded, torn between pride and doubt. Was Luffy testing him, believing in his strength? In this tense moment, he wasn't sure.

The trio left the heavy air behind, grinning as they went. "Alright, let's meet Zoro. Gotta convince him first," Luffy said.

The base loomed close. Luffy approached the wall, leaping atop it with ease, stretching his rubber arms to pull Kiri and Silk up. They dropped down together, bold and unhidden.

Zoro, bound to the cross, noticed them, his exasperated look lacking venom. With nothing else to do, he spoke as they approached. "What're you doing here, dragging a crowd?"

"Join us, and I'll cut those ropes," Luffy offered.

"You don't listen, do you? I already said no. Not interested."

"But I need you. I've decided you're my crewmate."

"What? Don't decide for me!"

Zoro glanced at Kiri, hands in hoodie pockets, grinning, and Silk, saber at her hip. They didn't scream pirate, but he knew they were Luffy's crew. Snorting, he glared at Luffy. "Your lackeys here to gang up on me?"

"Oh, right, introductions. This is Kiri, and this is Silk," Luffy said.

"Hey," Kiri waved lazily.

"Silk. Nice to meet you," she smiled.

Their carefree vibe made Zoro shake his head. If Luffy was the captain, his crew matched his absurdity. Why bother thinking about them if he wasn't joining?

His refusal didn't waver, his gaze sharpening. "Whatever you're here for, leave. I'm not joining."

"You're a swordsman, but no swords? Why?" Luffy asked.

"Listen to me, damn it!"

"Luffy, prisoners don't get weapons. The Marines probably took them," Kiri chimed in.

"Oh, makes sense," Luffy nodded.

"Don't ignore me!" Zoro snapped.

Why wouldn't they listen? Luffy turned to Kiri, starting a strategy huddle, ignoring Zoro entirely. A headache brewed as Zoro sighed deeply. Silk offered kind words, roles seemingly divided. "Sorry, Luffy acts on impulse, but he means well."

"That's a problem in itself," Zoro grumbled. "What's with you guys?"

"Haha, you'll see he's not bad once you know him."

Their strategy talk ended with Luffy clapping his hands. "Got it. I'll sneak into the base and get your swords."

"Sounds good," Kiri agreed.

"I'll get your swords, Zoro," Luffy declared.

"Sure, thanks," Zoro replied sarcastically, his patience gone.

"So, if you want them back, join us."

"What? You're the worst!" Zoro roared.

"Alright, I'm off. Kiri, handle things," Luffy said, sprinting toward the base.

"Have fun!" Kiri waved.

"Wait, you're serious? Breaking into a Marine base?" Zoro shouted.

Luffy didn't look back. Kiri and Silk waved him off, oblivious to Zoro's concern. What a bizarre trio. Exhausted—not from nine days bound, but from dealing with them—Zoro slumped.

"You idiots. Starting a war with the Marines? Could've just left me alone," he muttered.

"Our captain likes you. That's reason enough," Kiri said.

"Stupid reason to die for."

"Maybe. Luffy's hard to read, probably not thinking at all. But he's not planning to die."

"How do you know?"

"Luffy's the man who'll be Pirate King. He's not soft enough to die here."

Kiri's unwavering confidence made Zoro scoff, though it felt oddly compelling. Silence fell until Silk touched her saber, ready to free him. "Should we cut him loose? Easier to escape if needed."

"Maybe wait. He's kinda stubborn," Kiri said.

"Hey!" Zoro growled.

"But we're here to help. If Marines come, it's risky," Silk pressed.

"I'll handle it. Let's keep him tied till Luffy's back. It'll be more fun," Kiri grinned.

"Once I'm free, you're first," Zoro snarled at Kiri.

Kiri's casual taunts grated, but Silk, convinced, let go of her saber. Zoro clicked his tongue, annoyed at himself for wanting rescue yet hating Kiri's control. As silence loomed, Kiri blurted, "Oh."

"What?" Silk asked.

"Luffy's got no sense of direction. The base is a maze. Even if he gets the swords, can he find his way out?"

"That's kind of a big deal!" Silk exclaimed.

"Oops. Oh well, he'll smash a wall or something," Kiri shrugged.

"Need help?" Silk asked.

"Nah, he'll manage. As long as he doesn't die, he'll pop up somewhere."

Zoro and Silk stared, dumbfounded by Kiri's nonchalance. His confidence was as bold as Luffy's, disarming in its absurdity. Sitting cross-legged before Zoro, Kiri grinned. "So, 'Pirate Hunter,' huh? How many pirates you take down?"

"Don't know. Didn't count," Zoro grunted.

"Sounds like you're skilled. Gotta have guts to get famous."

"Do we need this talk? Just leave before the Marines catch you."

"No worries," Kiri said, unshaken. "We're strong."

Zoro blinked. Same words as Luffy. Either cocky or insane—both trouble. Sighing, he looked away. If Luffy was captain, Kiri was likely second-in-command. What a bothersome crew. Standing there alone might've been easier.

"Why'd you become a bounty hunter?" Kiri pressed.

"Needed money. Caught pirates for it. Not like I wanted to," Zoro said.

"Why go to sea?"

"Like an interrogation… Looking for something. Went to sea for it, but it's not easy to find, and I lost track of my village. So I hunted pirates for cash."

"Lost? Like Luffy?" Kiri teased.

"Don't call me that!" Zoro snapped.

The tension melted away, replaced by laughter and Zoro's frustrated shouts echoing in the yard. The heavy air lightened, their relaxed banter easing the trio's nerves.