Jack crouched beside Luffy and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "You sure we should just… watch him like this?"
"We're not watching," Luffy said with a grin. "We're waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Coby whispered nervously.
"Waiting until he says yes," Luffy grinned.
Jack facepalmed, a smirk tugging at his lips. This is what's crazy about the Straw Hat Pirates, the way Luffy brains work.
Before he could say anything else, someone slipped into the execution ground. A small figure crept inside, holding something in both hands.
It was a girl, maybe eight or nine years old with short brown hair tied up with a ribbon. She clutched a small bundle wrapped in cloth and walked toward Zoro timidly.
"Who is she?" Coby whispered. "Is that Zoro's sister?"
Jack leaned closer and recognized her. It was the girl Zoro had saved. "Looks like she came here to feed him."
The girl stopped in front of Zoro, who finally raised his head. His sharp eyes scanned her silently.
"Um…" Rika said softly, unwrapping the bundle. Inside were two slightly misshapen rice balls. "I… I made these for you. You must be hungry."
Zoro stared at the food for a long moment, then said flatly, "Go home."
Rika flinched. "B-but…"
"I don't take food from you. Leave before someone sees you," replied Zoro.
Jack felt his chest tighten, his eyes gleaming with admiration. Wow… he's refusing food even though he must be starving. He's doing this to protect her and to keep his promise.
But Rika didn't move. "You're not a bad person! You saved me from Helmeppo and his wolf! Please eat something!"
Zoro's eyes softened, just for a second before he turned away. "I said no."
Silence fell. Rika small hands trembled as she lowered the rice balls.
Jack bit his lip. This is heartbreaking…
Then came the sound of clicking metal, at the gate marines were trying to enter.
Jack head snapped toward the noise. He heard footsteps and mocking laughter.
"Oh crap. Someone's coming," Coby whispered.
"Who?" Luffy asked.
"Don't know, but they don't sound friendly," Coby replied.
"Don't worry. I have illusion powers. We can hide from them," said Jack. "Captain, let's watch Zoro for a while, to see if he's worthy to join our crew."
Luffy nodded with a grin.
Jack smiled despite his racing heart. "Captain, my ability is like a Devil Fruit. They won't see us."
He waved his hand, focusing his energy.
"What are you doing?" Coby asked.
"Trust me," Jack said, activating his skill.
A faint ripple passed over them, and suddenly, their bodies vanished from sight.
"Whoa!" Luffy whispered. "Cool! I can't see my hands!"
"Shhh!" Jack hissed.
The gate slammed open.
Helmeppo, the blond-haired son of the Axe Hand Morgan strutted into the execution ground, flanked by two armed Marines.
"Well, well, well," Helmeppo sneered. "If it isn't the infamous Pirate Hunter, still tied up like a dog."
Rika gasped and stepped back.
Helmeppo gaze landed on her. "And what do we have here? Ohhh… you brought him food? How adorable."
He snatched the rice balls from her tiny hands and inspected them with exaggerated disgust. "What is this? Rice mixed with dirt?"
Rika's lip quivered. "I… I… that's mine."
Helmeppo smirked — then dropped the rice balls to the ground and crushed them under his boot.
Jack clenched his fists. You little…
Beside him, Luffy expression darkened. "I don't like this guy," he said softly.
Zoro glared murderously at Helmeppo. "Leave her alone."
"Oh? You think you can give me orders, Pirate Hunter?" Helmeppo laughed. "Remember, you've got three days left."
Rika eyes filled with tears. She turned and ran from the courtyard, leaving Zoro alone.
Helmeppo dusted off his hands and smirked. "Enjoy your last three days, demon. Try not to die before the deadline."
Then he turned and sauntered out, his laughter echoing.
When the gate finally closed, Jack released the illusion.
"You can do magic?!" Coby whispered in shock.
"Apparently," Jack said, catching his breath.
Luffy tilted his head. "What's magic?"
"It's not magic," Jack explained. "It's my ability. Similar to a Devil Fruit — it lets me create illusions."
"So it's an illusion? Are illusions real?" asked Luffy.
"Nope… but I've got more abilities," Jack replied.
"Can you show us more?" Luffy asked eagerly.
"How about we go to Zoro first? He looks down," suggested Jack.
The trio walked closer.
"You're strong," Luffy said casually, looking Zoro straight in the eye. "So… will you wait a week?"
Zoro's lips curled into something between a grin and a snarl. "I can wait a month if I have to. I'll never beg for my life."
Luffy tilted his head. "But you'll die if you don't eat for a week."
Silence.
Even Jack felt the weight of that moment. Zoro's jaw tightened, his eyes burning with stubborn pride.
Then, finally, Zoro spoke. "Pick it up."
"Huh?" Luffy asked.
"The rice ball," Zoro said, nodding toward the dirt where the crushed food lay. "Pick it up."
Jack blinked. "Wait, you actually... "
"Shut up," Zoro snapped without looking at him.
Luffy crouched down, scooped up the dirt-covered rice ball, and held it out. "You sure? It's all squished."
"I said pick it up."
Luffy grinned and held it to Zoro mouth.
Zoro took a big bite, chewing with a grimace, but he didn't spit it out. He ate every last bit, even the dirt.
Jack swallowed hard. This guy's terrifying… but so is his will to live.
When Zoro finished, he leaned his head back against the post. "Tell the girl…"
Luffy tilted his head. "Tell her what?"
"Tell her the rice ball was delicious."
For the first time, a faint smile crossed Zoro face.
Luffy straightened, smiling wide. "Got it. I'll tell her."
And just like that, he turned and walked off as if the conversation had been perfectly normal.