Chapter 18: Kiri and Zoro’s Exchange

The conversation between Kiri and Zoro flowed on. Typically, Kiri teased while Zoro fired back with gruff retorts, yet their banter never faltered. Despite Zoro's scowl suggesting a foul mood, paired with Kiri's bright grin, they oddly appeared like close friends to any onlooker—a curious sight.

In mere moments, they'd built a rapport of playful jabs.

It wasn't just Luffy who was enigmatic. Kiri's demeanor carried a spark rivaling their captain's. Silk, standing a short distance away, watched the childlike duo with a fond, wry smile.

A strange noise drew her attention to the wall. A ladder leaned against it from outside, and there was Coby, sprawled on the ground, rubbing his head after a botched landing. Kiri and Zoro noticed but stayed put. Concerned something happened outside, Silk hurried to him.

"Coby, what's wrong? Why climb into the base? You could've just shouted from outside."

"Ow… No, I wanted to stay close to everyone," Coby said.

"Huh? Something up?"

"I promised Rika we'd all come back safe. I'm not strong enough to fight or do much, but I can be here. I might just be in the way… but as a friend, I want to see this through."

Coby grinned sheepishly. His kindness was unmistakable—a true good soul. Touched, Silk offered a hand, pulling him up from his fall.

He looked embarrassed, but she didn't mock him. Coby's compassion was precious, something to take pride in. His dream of becoming a marine felt worth cheering for. Her heart warmed, and she asked gently, "How's Rika doing?"

"She went home. Said she's cooking a big meal for us."

"Got it. Then we've gotta make it back safe."

"Yeah… Wait, why's Zoro still tied up?" Coby glanced at him.

"Eh, Kiri thinks it's better this way for now."

"Huh?"

Coby stared, puzzled, while Zoro grimaced, likely annoyed at another nuisance. Silk and Coby approached the pair.

Zoro's sharp gaze fixed on Coby. "Who's this? Another of your crew?"

"Coby, he's asking if you're joining us," Silk teased.

"N-No way! I'm set on becoming a marine," Coby protested.

"Just a friend, then," Silk clarified.

"Friend, huh?" Zoro scoffed. "Pick your company better. Hanging with these guys'll wear you out."

"Is that a compliment?" Kiri quipped.

"No. How'd you even hear it that way?" Zoro snapped.

Coby, surprised by their lively exchange, gave a nervous smile. Zoro, chatting with Kiri, didn't seem scary—far from the villain his appearance suggested.

Rika's story checked out: Zoro was caught for helping someone, victim to Helmeppo's—or his father's—abuse of power. The navy, meant to uphold justice, was a disgrace. Coby's lips tightened, his face clouded with frustration.

Ignoring him, the banter continued. "So, why're you here? If you're into threats, go shake down some rich folks," Zoro said.

"Don't need money for now," Kiri replied. "What we need are crewmates."

"Look elsewhere. I told you, I've got my own goals."

"Can't you do those as a pirate? We've got a ship, money, and you won't get lost. Join us."

"No thanks. I'm good."

"Says the guy who became a bounty hunter after getting lost."

"You're a genius at pissing people off, huh? I didn't get lost!" Zoro growled.

"But you couldn't get back to your village, right?"

"I chose not to. I won't rest until my ambition's fulfilled."

"That's not what you said earlier. Whatever—wanna join us?"

"Once I'm free, I'm slicing you first…"

Kiri's relentless deflections met Zoro's menacing grin, yet Silk sensed they'd click if they teamed up.

Coby, fresh to the scene, caught something off in Zoro's words. He refused to join but was waiting to be freed. What did that mean? Unable to grasp it, he kept watching.

"I don't need your help," Zoro said. "That idiot son promised I'd be freed if I stood here a month. Nine days down—not long now—"

"Wait!" Coby shouted, cutting in.

Something about Zoro's words struck him. His hunch felt right. Stopping Zoro, he turned to Kiri, urgency overriding concern for Zoro's mood.

"Kiri-san, you didn't tell him!?"

"Oh, yeah, forgot to mention," Kiri said casually.

"Why!? It's the most important part!"

"Chill. Luffy'd save him anyway. Doesn't change much. Same plan."

"That's your reason…?" Coby stammered.

"What's this about?" Zoro demanded, eyeing Coby, dismissing Kiri as unreliable. Kiri just grinned, unbothered.

Coby hesitated—would speaking cause unnecessary worry? No, Zoro didn't seem that fragile. Steeling himself, he met Zoro's gaze. "Zoro-san, you won't be freed. You're set to be executed tomorrow."

"What're you blabbering about?"

"It's true. That 'idiot son' was bragging about it in town. Multiple witnesses saw him—definitely him."

"What…" Zoro's voice trailed off.

"They planned to crush your spirit, then execute you. That guy's capable of it… That's why Luffy came to save you. He promised Rika."

Coby's earnestness rang true. Zoro glanced at Kiri, still smiling, lounging on the ground.

"You knew?" Zoro asked.

"Rumors, yeah. Didn't hear it straight from him," Kiri replied.

"Tch. Figures."

Understanding dawned. His endurance, nine days of standing strong, was all for nothing. Death was inevitable. A hollow feeling sank in, and Zoro let out a bitter chuckle.

"Scary face," Kiri teased.

"Shut it. So it was all pointless, huh?"

"No worries," Coby said. "Luffy'll save you."

"That's what pisses me off. Why should I join pirates?"

Zoro's cold rebuff showed his distaste for being saved, especially in this dire moment. He seemed fixated on something deeper.

Further talk wouldn't sway him. Coby backed off, and Zoro's gaze shifted to Kiri, whose smile had softened, eyes more serious. They locked eyes silently.

"Let me be clear," Zoro said. "I've got things to do. I can't die here, and I won't. But I'm not joining pirates."

"You'll die if you stay. The deal to free you? Join us," Kiri countered.

"Why're you so fixated on me? No one else good enough? Or you just caught up in that kid's dream?"

"Ask Luffy for reasons. Captain calls the shots."

"So you just follow orders?"

"Not exactly, but this time, I agree. We want you on board."

"Why?"

"I like ambitious people. Especially those with unbreakable strength."

Kiri stood, their eyes nearly level despite Zoro's height. "No need for threats. If it's for your ambition, being a pirate isn't bad. You're searching for something, right? You'll sail anyway."

"Who'd want to be infamous on purpose?"

"Then what's your ambition? Something you need to stand here a month for?"

"No…"

"Don't wanna say? Fine. But escaping means the navy'll hunt you. That's no different from being a pirate. Only question is: flee alone or with us? Defying power needs resolve."

Zoro's gaze dropped, pondering, his face serious, ignoring Kiri's jabs. After a pause, he looked up. "Why'd you become a pirate? Got a dream?"

"Yeah. To make Luffy the Pirate King."

"Pirate King… He mentioned that. Didn't take it seriously."

"It's a journey to conquer the Grand Line. Might find what you're looking for."

"Hmph."

Zoro understood. Staying meant death. Fighting the navy led to being branded a criminal, just like a pirate. There was no choice left.

Still, he couldn't agree yet. He knew too little about them. Calmer, he said, "When that guy's back, I wanna talk. I'll decide after."

"Fair enough," Kiri nodded.

They weren't at odds. Kiri saw potential and left the choice to Zoro, trusting he already had an answer.

Silk, sensing a pause, called to Kiri, glancing at the base with worry. "Kiri, is Luffy okay? He's taking a while."

"Eh, he's fine. Directionless like Zoro, but he'll manage."

"Hey," Zoro grunted.

"I agree, but lingering here's risky. The marines—" Silk started.

She gripped her sword's hilt, noticing a change. Everyone turned, spotting a horde of marines—countless, armed—storming the execution ground.

Footsteps thundered, chaos rising. Surrounded by multiple squads, guns aimed, it looked hopeless. Each of the four wore distinct expressions.

"Hands up and surrender!" a marine barked.

Coby screamed, but the others stayed silent. Kiri smiled at the marines, Silk readied her sword, and Zoro's murderous glare marked them as enemies.

Over two hundred marines, at least fifty with guns, faced just four. An overwhelming force.

Scanning the crowd, they noticed a hulking figure approaching. Kiri, amused, stepped forward. Axe-Hand Morgan parted the ranks, his furious gaze fixed on the intruders. His presence radiated danger—madness and fanaticism.

"These the ones defying my orders?" Morgan growled.

"Colonel, they haven't—" a marine began.

"Entering this base breaks my rules. Defying my orders is treason."

Morgan raised his left hand coldly. Marines tensed, fingers on triggers, ready to fire at his signal. Failure meant their own peril.

No chance for talk, just imminent attack. A higher-ranking marine intervened, stopping Morgan's hand. "Colonel, please! They may have sinned, but execution's too far. Maybe show mercy—"

"You think you're above me?" Morgan snapped.

"W-What?"

Before the hand lowered, Morgan's axe-hand swung, gutting the marine. Blood sprayed as he collapsed, voiceless. The wound was fatal, unhealable.

Coby screamed alone. The marines, silent, felt dread. Even Silk's hand trembled, unprepared for such brutality. Kiri and Zoro stayed calm but recognized Morgan's danger.

The execution ground turned chaotic.

"Anyone else object?" Morgan challenged.

Silence. All lips sealed. Fixing his gaze on the targets, he declared, "Obey me. Defy, and you're all executed."

His left arm rose again. Marines aimed, faces grim, unsure if they could aid their fallen comrade. Battle loomed.

As Morgan shouted, "Fire!" Kiri stepped forward.

Gunshots rang. Zoro and Silk gasped, calling to stop him, but Kiri was too fast. Bullets flew, memories flashing like a kaleidoscope.

Before they registered, Kiri acted. Swinging both arms, he unleashed a flurry of paper from his sleeves, fluttering like a flock with intent. Controlled by his ability, the papers hardened, forming a wall between the four and the marines.

Metallic clangs echoed. Bullets couldn't pierce the paper, embedding and crumpling. No one was harmed. The papers, their task done, fell softly to the ground.

The marines stirred, shaken. Coby nearly fainted. Silk sighed in relief, lowering her sword. Zoro, shocked, lost his composure briefly.

Silence fell as the last paper dropped. Kiri, facing forward, called back, "Silk, protect those two if it comes to it."

"Got it," she replied.

"Sorry, but I'm taking these guys. Haven't used my powers in a while—feeling rusty. Time for a warmup."

Unarmed but for scattered paper, Kiri faced the marines alone, exuding confidence. His casual stance showed no tension.

Morgan, veins bulging, roared, "Tch, ready up!"

"Yes, sir!" the marines replied, swapping ranks. Fresh shooters aimed, waiting for Morgan's signal.

"Fire!"

Another volley. Kiri raised his arms. Fallen papers rose with an eerie sound, forming a wall again, blocking bullets with metallic clangs. Unable to penetrate, the bullets crumpled and fell with the papers.

Unscathed, Kiri stood as a greater threat than he appeared, terrifying the marines. Morgan's fury swelled.

"Useless! My Lead Paper hardens to metal strength. Bullets or swords can't break it—not by normal humans," Kiri taunted.

"You… what are you—?" a marine stammered.

Turning to Zoro, Kiri grinned, holding a paper. "I ate the Pera Pera no Mi. I'm a Paper Human, a Devil Fruit user."

"Devil Fruit… that's the rumor," Zoro muttered.

Kiri flicked the paper like a bullet at Morgan. Fast but trackable, Morgan swatted it with his axe, embedding it in the ground. It softened instantly. A mere paper, yet a deadly weapon.

"Switch to sabers!" Morgan bellowed. "He's just one Devil Fruit user! Swarm and kill him!"

Marines charged with sabers. Kiri, unfazed, raised his arm. Papers swirled, circling him, halting the marines in awe.

Jumping lightly, Kiri prepared. "Alright, let's start. Gotta stay sharp."

Zoro noticed something odd. Kiri's movements were too light—not from strength, but as if he weighed nothing. Taller than Silk, he seemed lighter than her.

A Paper Human, he'd said. Mysteries lingered, but his strength was clear. Zoro clicked his tongue, sensing trouble.

"If you won't come, I will," Kiri said, moving first.

Pointing, he sent papers raining on the marines. They braced, some shutting their eyes, but the unhardened papers caused no harm—just a perfect distraction.

Kiri darted into the chaos, kicking a marine's stomach, sending him crashing into others. Screams erupted as papers obscured their vision, amplifying fear.

Gathering papers, Kiri formed a sword, hardening it to rival metal. It clashed with sabers, sparking high-pitched rings, knocking weapons away.

He redirected attacks, striking unbalanced foes with punches or kicks. His practiced, swift movements toppled marines, escalating the chaos.

"Surround him! He's fast!" a marine yelled.

"Grab him! It's just one guy!" another shouted.

Despite their numbers, Kiri dominated, dodging sabers, landing blows. His agility was unreal—one kick sent him meters into the air, lingering to assess the battlefield. Pinpointing weaknesses, he struck precisely, untouchable.

Landing, he wielded dual paper swords, spinning to slash approaching enemies. Blood sprayed—the swords weren't just hard; they cut. Shallow wounds downed several marines, their groans filling the air.

The squad's morale crumbled, discipline faltering against one foe. Morgan, seizing control, swung his axe, carving a trench in the ground.

Kiri paused, marines retreated, fear dominating. Only terror filled their gazes at Kiri. Silence reigned as he and Morgan locked eyes—one calm, one enraged.

"Useless fools… deal with the others," Morgan ordered. "You, brat, I'll kill myself."

Shedding his coat, Morgan advanced. Marines parted, leaving Kiri alone against him.

Dual paper swords in hand, papers scattered at his feet, Kiri was ready. He stood still, watching Morgan close in.

"Foolish kid, let me teach you," Morgan sneered. "The powerful are just. I, Axe-Hand Morgan, am this town's greatest. I have the right to execute you."

"Fine by me. I don't care about justice or evil. Only question is: got the strength?" Kiri replied, stroking his neck with a paper sword. "This head won't fall easy."

Morgan, losing patience, charged, axe raised. "Big talk ends here—"

Despite his bulk, Morgan moved fast. Kiri readied his swords.

"I'm Axe-Hand Morgan!"

"Famous name, at least," Kiri quipped.

Morgan closed the gap, swinging his axe. Kiri blocked with both swords, the clash reverberating. All eyes froze on them.

Kiri stopped Morgan's blow—a strike that had felled many—head-on. His paper swords held firm, unshattered. Despite the size difference, Kiri's calm expression matched Morgan's fury, their weapons deadlocked.

"You…!" Morgan growled.

"Impressive, but… still can't take me down," Kiri said.

"Shut it!" Morgan roared, swinging again.

Kiri leaped back, resetting. They faced off, both clearly formidable. Marines and Coby froze in awe, Silk sweated, but Zoro grinned, intrigued.