The Shells Town's Marine base looked shiny and official on the outside. White walls sparkled in the daylight, and justice flags Smacked about as if anyone cared. Inside, though, justice was just a word. The smell of it rotted in the halls.
Zoro was chained up in the yard, stuck to a post like some kind of warning. Blood covered on his shirt, and his wrists were raw and red. His green hair hung down, casting a shadow over his face. He didn't move or flinch. He just sat there like a big, scary statue. The Marines tiptoed past, whispering "demon" as if it might summon him.
Kim Woo Jin sat flat on a rooftop, hiding in the shadows. It was a spot that only someone with more nerves than sense would choose.
Luffy had bounced off, muttering about swords and pretty girls, vanishing faster than a sneeze. That left Woo Jin with a rare chance—just enough space to mess with how this was supposed to go.
New Quest: [Recruit the Demon Swordsman]
Objective: Talk to Roronoa Zoro before Luffy does.
Bonus: Gain trust → Unlock Unique Shadow Bond.
Reward: +500 EXP, Stat Bonus, Maybe a New Ally
Woo Jin dropped down from the roof, so quietly it was almost rude.
Zoro's eyes snapped up, sharp as a knife. No words were exchanged.
Woo Jin didn't rush over. He simply walked, arms crossed, like he didn't care about the Marines circling nearby. He wore no uniform and didn't move like a soldier. He looked more like a ghost with attitude.
"You're not a Marine," Zoro said, his voice rough.
"Nope. Something else entirely."
He stepped closer—still a few feet away. Woo Jin tilted his head.
"You're Zoro. Pirate hunter. Bounty guy. I heard you chopped a man in half because he stepped on your rice ball."
Zoro frowned, annoyed. "People talk too much."
"Yeah, well, I prefer action to rumors," Woo Jin shot back.
He opened his interface.
Skill Activated: Shadow Link (Minor)
Channeling...
A sliver of shadow slid across the courtyard, snaking toward Zoro. There was a nasty jolt of resistance, like trying to grab a wild animal. The guy's will could bend steel.
Zoro glared. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Testing you. You don't fit here. I won't let Luffy just stroll in and free you before I get my chance."
Zoro snorted. "You're with that rubbery moron?"
"I'm not with him. I'm next to him. Big difference."
The whole courtyard seemed to hold its breath.
Woo Jin stepped in. "You want out. I want power. You swing that sword for a reason and I call the dead for mine. Join us, and you'll get both."
Zoro didn't blink or breathe.
Then he smirked. "You talk like a villain."
Woo Jin shrugged. "I am. Just… not today."
Suddenly, a door slammed open, and Luffy barged in, cheeks stuffed with rice like a chipmunk.
"Zoro!" Luffy yelled, grinning. "You're huge! Be my crewmate!"
Zoro groaned. "Why does everyone want to drag me into their mess?"
Woo Jin just watched as Luffy looked at them both, confused.
"You already talked to him?" Luffy asked Woo Jin.
"Kind of," Woo Jin said. "He's thinking it over."
Luffy turned to Zoro. "I'm gonna be King of the Pirates."
Zoro gave him a slow, skeptical blink. Then, out of nowhere, he laughed.
"And this guy?" Zoro pointed at Woo Jin. "What's his deal?"
Luffy shrugged. "He's crazy strong. Cool, I guess. A bit creepy."
Zoro locked eyes with Woo Jin.
"I don't like taking orders."
"Don't, then. Just stick around. Cut down what needs cutting. I'll handle the rest," Woo Jin replied.
Zoro looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Fine. Untie me. I'll see how this circus goes."
Quest Complete: Recruit the Demon Swordsman
+500 EXP
Unique Bond: [Zoro – Shadow Resistant]
Bonus: +2 Strength, +1 Perception
Luffy, being Luffy, bit through Zoro's ropes. Zoro stood up, rolling his shoulders.
The Marines scattered like cockroaches.
"Let's move!" Luffy yelled, ready to fight.
But nothing is ever that easy.
A shout rang out from the balcony.
"TRAITORS!"
Captain Morgan paraded out, his axe arm flashing in the sunlight, cape flapping like he was auditioning for a shampoo commercial. "You dare defy the Navy?!"
Woo Jin's shadow twitched, coming alive.
Zoro drew a sword, calm as ice.
Luffy cracked his knuckles, still chewing.
Woo Jin stepped forward. "I got this one."
New Enemy: Captain Morgan [Level 5]
Weakness: Arrogance
Extractable: Hell yes
Skill Activated: Dash
Distance Closed: 12 meters
Shadow Strike Ready...
Morgan barely had time to blink before a blade of darkness speared his shadow.
He screamed. Then… silence.
[Captain Morgan has been defeated.]
Shadow Extraction – Success
New Shadow: [Iron Jaw Morgan]
Morgan's shadow crawled forward, kneeling at Woo Jin's side.
Zoro stared, jaw dropped.
"...What are you?"
Woo Jin grinned, eyes cold. "A hunter."