After finally arriving at the marine base on an island, Luffy and Coby commence their search for Zoro. Their quest leads them to the gate of the Marine Base, where Coby spots Zoro’s distinctive black bandana and the green cloth around his waist. Zoro has been bound at the execution site for the past nine days.
Unexpectedly, a young girl arrives bearing two rice cakes to alleviate Zoro’s hunger. However, their brief moment of respite is disrupted by the arrival of Helmeppo, Captain Morgan’s son and a member of the Marines. Captain Morgan’s name alone strikes fear into the hearts of the island’s inhabitants. Helmeppo cruelly crushes the rice cakes, deeming them unacceptable because they are sweet instead of salty. After issuing a threat, Helmeppo departs. Zoro insist luffy to give him the all muddy rice cake and after eating them shows his gratitude to the little girl for feeding him. Luffy proposes Zoro to join his crew, but Zoro outright refuses, as he does not want to become as corrupt as a pirate. After hearing Zoro’s response, Luffy and Coby take their leave.
While walking through the streets, they accidentally collide with the same little girl. The girl recounts the story of Zoro’s capture by the Marines. Zoro had come to her aid when Helmeppo wolf attacked her, leading to his arrest.
In the meantime Helmeppo is seen strolling into the street, everyone suddenly lowers their heads in fear. But Luffy confronts Helmeppo, reminding him of his promise. Helmeppo had promised to release Zoro if he could endure hanging there without food for a month. However, upon discovering Helmeppo’s intent to execute Zoro in three days without honoring his promise, Luffy becomes upset and delivers a punch to Helmeppo’s face in frustration and anger.
