The Novelist System: Writing Story From Memory
Chapter 6: The Man With Three Swords
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[In the Novel]
The sky above Shells Town dimmed slightly as the afternoon passed. Clouds rolled overhead, casting long shadows on the Marine base courtyard. Inside the prison yard, Zoro sat still, head bowed slightly, arms stretched and tied to the wooden cross. The dry wind tugged at his green haramaki.
He hadn't spoken since Luffy left.
But something had changed.
The taste of dirty rice still lingered in his mouth. It was the first thing he'd eaten in days.
That boy was insane—but something about him felt… honest.
Zoro opened his eyes, staring straight ahead.
—
Inside the Marine base, Helmeppo strutted down the hallway, boots clicking against the floor.
"Prepare for the public execution in three days," he barked to a lower-ranked officer. "Father said to make it flashy."
"Yes, sir."
Helmeppo grinned. "Good. I'll shoot him myself. That bounty hunter thinks he can defy me."
At that moment, Coby stepped into the hallway.
"Wait—did you say execution?"
Helmeppo looked at him, annoyed. "Who're you?"
"I—I'm just…" Coby clenched his fists. "Zoro said if he lasted thirty days, he'd be set free. That's the deal!"
Helmeppo laughed. "I lied."
"You… lied?"
"Obviously. Do you think someone like me would honor a deal with a criminal? He's being executed in three days."
Coby stood frozen.
Helmeppo waved him off and walked past with a smirk. "He's trash. Just like you."
Coby's heart raced.
Outside, Luffy leaned against the wall near the base, one leg bent, hat low over his eyes.
Coby burst through the gate, panicked. "Luffy!"
"Yeah?"
"They're going to kill him in three days. They never planned to keep their promise."
Luffy pushed off the wall.
"Then we'll save him."
Coby's voice cracked. "You're serious?"
Luffy grinned. "Of course."
—
Back at the yard, Zoro heard footsteps.
Luffy returned.
"You're going to die in three days," Luffy said casually.
Zoro didn't react.
"Helmeppo lied. That deal you made—it's fake."
Zoro's eyes narrowed. "Figures."
Luffy crossed his arms. "So? Want to live?"
Zoro chuckled. "I'm not afraid to die."
"I can cut you loose," Luffy said. "If you become my crewmate."
Zoro shook his head. "I don't follow people."
Luffy tilted his head. "But if you die here, your dream dies too."
Zoro was silent.
Luffy stepped forward, looking him straight in the eyes. "You have something to accomplish, don't you?"
Zoro closed his eyes, face tight.
"…I made a promise to someone. I'll become the world's greatest swordsman."
"Then don't die yet," Luffy said. "Come with me."
Zoro didn't answer.
Luffy turned. "Think fast. I'll come back soon."
—
Meanwhile, Helmeppo entered the storage room. On the wall hung three swords, sheathed and polished. Zoro's swords.
Helmeppo admired one. "Such a waste. These are good blades. Maybe I'll keep one."
He reached out.
A hand grabbed his wrist.
Luffy.
"You're not taking those."
Helmeppo blinked. "Wha—who—?!"
Luffy grabbed all three swords in one swift motion.
"You're just some coward hiding behind your father," he said.
"Guards!!"
Two Marines rushed in.
Luffy didn't wait.
He launched forward, fist slamming into the first guard's gut. The second tried to raise his rifle—Luffy grabbed the barrel, twisted, and sent the man flying into the wall.
Helmeppo scrambled back, terrified.
"I-I'll tell my father!"
Luffy didn't even look at him.
—
Back at the yard, Zoro saw Luffy return, carrying all three swords.
He stared, eyes wide for the first time.
"You brought them…"
Luffy dropped the blades on the ground in front of him.
"You have three swords," Luffy said. "Use them to survive."
Zoro looked at him, then at the weapons.
Luffy raised his arm and punched the rope holding Zoro's right wrist. It snapped.
Then the left.
Zoro collapsed forward, caught himself on his knees. He breathed deeply.
Then stood up.
He picked up the swords one by one, sliding two into the sash at his right hip. The third he held loosely in his hand.
"You're really crazy," Zoro muttered.
Luffy smiled. "So are you."
Zoro placed the third sword into his mouth.
Helmeppo screamed from behind them, "Father! They're escaping! That man—he helped the criminal!"
Captain Morgan appeared at the gate, glaring at the two.
"Who dares disobey me?"
Zoro stepped forward, body still weak, but swords ready.
"I'm Roronoa Zoro," he said. "And I'll be the world's greatest swordsman."
Luffy laughed.
Coby stared from behind the fence, eyes wide with awe.
Zoro looked over his shoulder. "I'll join your crew, Straw Hat."
Luffy grinned. "Welcome aboard."
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Thanks For Reading
By Mr.Midnight_21
To be continued…
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Next up: Chapter 7 – Captain Morgan's Justice.