Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

A Pirate's Farewell

Morgan swings his axe down towards the trio, by they evade to the side just in time.

“You cowards! Attack them already, or I'll kill you!!” Morgan shouted furiously at his subordinates.

The marines hesitated but charged with sweat pouring down their faces.

“You two, duck!” Luffy yelled. “Gomu-Gomu no…Whip!” His leg stretched out and slammed into the marines, sending them flying. His abilities left everyone in shock and fear.

“Hear me!! All of you whining just now…will shoot yourselves in the head!! On my order… fire!!” Morgan ordered, his voice booming.

The marines, trembling, raised their guns to their heads. But before they could pull the triggers, the guns were suddenly slashed apart, leaving the soldiers gasping in relief.

Hey! I’m your enemy!” Luffy yelled as he slammed a punch into Morgan's ax-hand, forcing the man back.

“I am Captain Ax-Hand Morgan! How dare you defy me!” Morgan snarled, preparing another strike.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Luffy!” Luffy dodged the attack with ease, leaping over it, as the ax crashed into the ground, creating a massive fissure in the parade ground.

With quick reflexes, Luffy kicked Morgan in the face with both feet, sending him sprawling to the ground.

“You…will die here!!” Morgan roared, raising his axe again. But once more, Luffy disappeared and reappeared behind him, delivering a roundabout kick to Morgan’s head.

The marines could only watch, mouths agape, as their captain was taken down.

“You and your Navy…are ruining Koby’s dream!” Luffy said, grabbing Morgan by his collar, his usual playful tone replaced by a serious one.

“Stop! One move and four-eyes gets it!!” Helmeppo screamed, holding a gun to Koby’s head. “If you even blink, I’ll shoot!”

“Luffy, don’t let them win because of me! Let him kill me!” Koby screamed with determination, his eyes filled with tears but his voice steady.

Luffy stood frozen for a moment, but his grin never faltered. “You’re a good guy, Koby. But there’s no need for that!”

“Luffy, behind you!!” Koby shouted, as Morgan raised his axe for a final blow.

But Luffy didn't move.

“Dismantle!” Ryomen whispered, flicking his fingers.

Helmeppo’s gun suddenly erupted with slashes, causing him to scream and drop the weapon. At the same moment, Zoro dashed forward, cutting Morgan down with a swift strike, leaving the captain unconscious.

“No sweat… captain,” Zoro smirked, sheathing his sword.

“Nice work!” Luffy said with a wide grin, as if none of it had been a real fight.

“The captain’s fallen!” one of the marines gasped.

“Any of you still want to capture us!?” Zoro asked, glancing at the remaining soldiers.

Instead of attacking, the marines erupted into celebration. Their captain’s tyranny had ended.

“Huh, seems he wasn’t all that popular,” Luffy remarked.

“Now you realize that?” Ryomen said, raising an eyebrow.

Zoro, exhausted but grinning, grumbled, “Ugh… Let’s just go eat already.”