Luffy and Zoro vs. Morgan's Marines

Major Chapters: 5-6
- Other Chapters: 4
Volumes: #1
Victor: Luffy and Zoro

The Build Up

Morgan's Marines are the men stationed at Shelltown who were under his tyranny, before this battle. Luffy had just set off on his journey, Zoro was Morgan's captive, and Morgan himself was prepared to execute the lot of his foes -- even a young girl named Rika, whose only crime was breaking his order not to speak to Zoro. Coby was shot by the Marines, and he and Zoro were confronted by them at Morgan's command. Luffy was at the time in search of Zoro's swords.

The Action

As the Marines raise and cock their rifles, Zoro flashes back to his childhood: His promise, his oath to Kuina, and how it would all end if he let himself be killed. Just as the shots are fired, however, Luffy Gomu Gomu Rockets his way down into the square, taking and repelling the bullets. Luffy confronts Zoro with his choices: He could die a civilian or live and be a pirate. Zoro chooses the latter.

The Marines draw their sabers and charge, Zoro not having been freed yet. Luffy does manage to get an arm free, but the enemy has closed. Then comes the decisive moment, where Zoro, freed, blocks the swords of every Marine, declaring that he'll kill the first one who moves. One Gomu Gomu Whip from Luffy ends the fight neatly.

The Aftermath

Morgan orders that all the Marines who had cowered at Luffy and Zoro's strength shoot themselves in the head, an order which they prepared to carry out until Luffy rushed Morgan and attacked. The end result was the Marine Captain's arrest and the salvation of all Shelltown. Let's guess who won!