Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Bonds of Conviction

On the boat, as they sailed toward the naval base, Koby and Ryomen sat, chatting while Luffy snored peacefully nearby, his hat tilted over his face.

“So, you want to join the Marines?” Ryomen questioned Koby, a skeptical tone in his voice.

“Hmhm, it's my dream!” Koby affirmed, his eyes shining with conviction.

“I see. But still, you should be careful in your decision Koby. The world isn't as black and white as you might think.” Ryomen’s voice was steady, but there was a hidden bitterness beneath it.

Koby frowned, sensing something deeper in Ryomen’s words. “I’ve thought a lot about it, and I know it won’t be easy, but I want to protect people.”

Ryomen’s gaze softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “The Marines may seem like protectors, but don't forget, they're still human. I’ve seen with my own eyes how they can do the cruelest of actions, simply because someone of higher status ordered them to do it.”

Koby blinked, taken aback by the intensity of Ryomen’s words. “I…I know not all Marines are good, but I want to be one of the good ones!” 

Ryomen let out a quiet sigh. “Do what you will, kid. Just…don't regret it later.”

“Thank you! But I’ve already decided, and I won’t go back on it!” Koby said, trying to stay confident, though Ryomen’s words lingered in his mind.

Ryomen looked at him for a moment, then smiled softly, an expression he started to show more and more. “Alright then.”

…

Hours later, their boat approached the imposing silhouette of the naval base.

“We're finally here!” Luffy shouted, now fully awake and bouncing with energy.

“Yeah, we made it!” The younger boy said, his voice filled with nervous excitement.

“Koby, you're amazing!” Luffy added, grinning.

“Huh?” Koby blinked in surprise.

“You actually got us here!” Luffy said, laughing.

“Of course I did! That’s, like, the bare minimum for sailing the seas,” Koby replied, a little flustered. 

Ryomen chuckled. “Hear that, Luffy? You’re not even qualified for the Grand Line without a navigator.” He teased with an amused smile.

“Shut up! I’ll find one soon, and then I’ll show you!” Luffy shot back, his stomach growling loudly. “But first, let’s eat!”

…

Inside a bustling restaurant, the trio sat at a wooden table, piles of empty plates surrounding them as chatter filled the room.

“I’ve slept with this woman, but I think she's married.” A man at a nearby table muttered. 

“I think my wife's cheating on me.” another man whispered from across the room.

But it was the low voice at the table next to them that caught Luffy’s attention.

“Is it true that Pirate Hunter Zoro’s imprisoned at this naval base?” one man whispered anxiously.

“Shhh! Stop talking about him! You’ll get us in trouble.”

Luffy's curiosity piqued.“ Hey! Who's Zoro!?” 

The room fell silent, and a collective wave of fear washed over the clients. They all stared at Luffy as if he had just said he'd kill them.

Koby leaned in, whispering urgently. “Luffy, maybe don’t say that name so loudly.”