The next morning dawned bright and windless. Luffy's tiny boat drifted lazily over the calm waves, the sky reflected in perfect blue glass.
He leaned back, straw hat tilted over his eyes, a grin tugging at his lips.
"Heh… never thought I'd start this trip twice."
The oars creaked as he paddled, and each pull carried him closer to where it had all begun — Shells Town.
The sea breeze was soft and kind. Still, there was something beneath it — a strange pull in the air, like the ocean itself was watching. Luffy could feel it through his Haki, that faint hum of fate twisting, waiting for him to make his next move.
He laughed, wide and free. "The world's nervous already, huh? Good."
---
By midday, the tall stone walls of Shells Town came into view, its marine base standing proud at the harbor's heart.
Luffy's boat bumped against the dock, and he hopped out, stretching. The smell of grilled fish and cheap sake drifted from the streets — exactly as he remembered.
He'd been here before, long ago — when he first met his swordsman.
But this time, he wasn't just a stranger looking for a crewmate. He was a man on a mission to save a friend who didn't even know him yet.
---
He wandered through the market, eyes sharp beneath his hat. It didn't take long to overhear the familiar gossip.
"Did you hear? That demon hunter's tied up at the base again."
"Three days, they said. No food, no water."
"Serves him right for defying Captain Morgan."
Luffy smiled faintly. Right on schedule.
He turned toward the alley that led up to the marine compound. But before he could go far, a voice stopped him.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
A young girl bumped into him, nearly dropping her bundle of bread. Her hair was tied in a messy ponytail; a wooden sword hung from her belt.
"Sorry, sorry!" she said quickly, bowing.
Luffy blinked — then grinned.
"Rika, huh? You still bringing food to Zoro?"
She froze, wide-eyed. "H-how do you know that?"
He crouched slightly, putting on his best harmless smile. "Just a guess. You look like someone who'd help a good person even when you're not supposed to."
Her cheeks puffed with suspicion. "You're weird."
"Yeah," he said cheerfully, standing. "Get used to it."
He took one of the bread rolls from her basket and bit into it, earning an indignant squawk.
"Hey! That was for Zoro!"
"Don't worry," Luffy said around a mouthful, "I'll make sure he gets it."
And before she could argue, he was gone, walking straight toward the marine base.
---
Shells Town's courtyard was just as he remembered — wide, sun-baked, and cruelly quiet.
And there he was.
Zoro, tied to the post. Sunlight caught on the blades lying at the edge of the yard. His head was bowed, but even beaten and starving, the man radiated defiance.
Luffy stopped at the gate, just staring.
All the memories came rushing back — every battle they'd fought side by side, every drink they'd shared, every time Zoro had stood between him and death without hesitation.
"You look just like you did back then," Luffy murmured. "Guess some things never change."
He climbed the fence easily and dropped into the yard.
The noise made Zoro glance up, squinting. "...You're not a marine."
"Nope."
"Then get lost."
Luffy laughed quietly. "You're still as grumpy as ever."
Zoro frowned. "Do I know you?"
Luffy grinned wider. "Not yet."
---
From the upper balcony, someone shouted — a young officer's voice.
"Hey! What are you doing in there?!"
Luffy looked up, recognizing Helmeppo instantly. The spoiled marine's smug face hadn't changed one bit.
"You're breaking the rules!" Helmeppo barked. "Get out before my father hears!"
Luffy tilted his hat down. "You mean Captain Morgan? Tell him I'm coming."
Helmeppo blinked. "What?"
But Luffy was already walking toward the post. He untied the ropes with practiced ease, ignoring Zoro's glare.
"Hey, I told you—"
"You're gonna help me beat up some marines," Luffy interrupted, smiling. "Then we'll eat."
Zoro blinked. "What?"
Luffy turned, stretching his arms. "I missed this part."
---
The courtyard erupted minutes later. Marines poured out, shouting orders. Luffy ducked and dodged through their ranks with lazy grace, punching just hard enough to send them flying.
Zoro retrieved his swords mid-fight, cutting through the air with fluid precision. The two of them moved like they'd done it a hundred times — because they had.
Zoro glanced sideways, panting. "You fight like you've done this before."
Luffy's grin widened. "You could say that."
Morgan's shout echoed from the balcony. "You insolent brats! I'll crush you both!"
The captain charged, axe-arm gleaming. Luffy's fist met him halfway. The impact shattered the axe in a single blow.
Gasps rippled through the ranks. Helmeppo fainted.
Luffy stood tall, hat shadowing his eyes. "This island doesn't need tyrants. Not this time."
---
When the dust settled, the courtyard was silent except for the groans of fallen marines.
Zoro sheathed his swords, glancing at Luffy warily. "You're not normal, are you?"
Luffy laughed, slapping the dust from his vest. "Nope. Never was."
"So what's your deal?"
"I'm gathering a crew."
Zoro frowned. "A crew?"
"To change the world."
That made the swordsman pause. For a heartbeat, he saw something in Luffy's grin — not madness, but conviction. Heavy, unshakable conviction.
Zoro sighed. "You're an idiot."
Luffy beamed. "I know."
"Fine. I'll follow you. But only if you never get in the way of my dream."
Luffy's smile softened. "Wouldn't dream of it, Zoro."
He looked toward the sea. "Welcome back, first mate."
---
As they walked toward the dock, Luffy felt it again — the strange hum under his skin, like the world shifting gears.
The sky shimmered faintly, and for a second, the town seemed to flicker — a ripple across time.
Zoro glanced around, uneasy. "Did you feel that?"
Luffy just smiled. "Yeah. The sea's adjusting."
The horizon glowed gold. Somewhere far away, another memory stirred — a voice whispering through the tide.
Captain…?
Luffy stopped mid-step, eyes widening. It wasn't Nami this time.
That voice was rougher, deeper, full of loyalty.
"Zoro…" he murmured. "They're starting to remember."
---
End of Chapter 3 – Familiar Faces, New Choices