ONE PIECE PILOT

ROMANCE DAWN
II II

Written by

Matt Owens

Based on One Piece

By Eiichiro Oda

Revised pilot script for Netflix

6/7 /19
EXT. LOGUETOWN - POLESTAR ISLANDS - DAY

Seagulls soar FREE and HIGH in the sky over a VAST BLUE SEA.
A scene of nature's tranquility. Then the sea meets the land
as their flight takes them over the docks of a bustling city.
This is LOGUETOWN, the TOWN OF BEGINNINGS. Moving inland,
we're met with high buildings and cobblestone streets.

We leave our feathered friends to descend to the COBBLESTONE

STREETS below. Loguetown has always been a bustling merchant
city, but today the crowds are especially massive. All
focused around the MAIN STREET through town. An energy of
anticipation fills the air. What is it they're waiting for? A
parade? Some sort of address?
We find a young BOY running parallel to the crowds, as fast
as his legs will carry. He makes a sharp turn into --

EXT. ALLEYWAY - LOGUETOWN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

The bright sunlight above barely filters down to the dark

ALLEYWAY. The boy calls out to three other youngsters
loitering on some wooden crates.

BOY
They're coming!
The three other boys exchange wide-eyed looks and smiles.
None more excited than SMOKER (12), a WHITE-HAIRED boy in a
green ARMY JACKET and BOOTS. He leaps off his crate and takes
off running, leaving his friends in his dust. Whatever is
coming, he wants to see it first. He makes a break for the
alley exit back onto --

EXT. MAIN STREET - LOGUETOWN - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Smoker elbows his way through the crowds. Decorum be damned.

He won't be denied a prime view. He pushes to the front just
in time to see the beginning of a PRECESSION. Two MARINES
stride down the street, FLAGPOLES hoisted high in the air. On
the first flag: 4 connected black circles in the form of a
cross -- the insignia of the WORLD GOVERNMENT, ruling body of
the world. On the other flag: the simple wing pattern of the
MARINES, military sea force of the World Government.

As the precession continues, four more Marines, each carrying

a POLEARM, form a perimeter around a single MAN. Head down,
hands shackled, face obscured by thick, dirty black hair.
Various reactions permeate the crowd. Some cheer, some boo,
some yell profanity. But the prisoner takes it all in stride,
marching on. This prisoner is the most infamous man in the
entire world. His name is GOLD ROGER (53).
 2.

His epithet: KING OF THE PIRATES. (NOTE: this series will use
an Eastern name structure of surname first, given name
second.)

Smoker watches, mouth agape, as the precession continues

right in front him. As Roger passes, he slightly shifts his
head, as if to look directly at Smoker. And then, unnoticed
by all but the boy, he SMILES. Smoker stands in disbelief.
Gold Roger smiled at him!

And just like that, the precession moves on. But what Roger
has to smile about is a mystery. For the camera moves on,
pointing at the cavalcade's final destination. In the
distance stands a large raised platform in the town center.
An EXECUTION PLATFORM.

INT. MARINE HEADQUARTERS OFFICE - LOGUETOWN - DAY

Floor to ceiling windows line a PRISTINE MILITARY OFFICE. An

imposing figure stands at those windows. The weight of the
world on his broad shoulders.

This is FLEET ADMIRAL KONG, commander of the Marines. Do not

let his older age fool you. The scars all over his TAN,
MUSCULAR body illustrate the harsh battles this man has
endured during his service. The many MEDALS that adorn his
clothing are proof of his victories. But as we reveal his
face, we do not find strength. We find unease.

SENGOKU (O.S.)
Fleet Admiral.
Kong does not turn as ADMIRAL SENGOKU (55), PROUD and
brilliant TACTICIAN, enters and SALUTES.

SENGOKU (CONT'D)
The escort is proceeding through
town. They've nearly reached the
execution block. It's time.

Kong continues to stare out the window. His demeanor matching

the dark clouds rolling in from the distance.

KONG
Where is Admiral Garp?

Sengoku balks at the question, annoyed.

SENGOKU
I don't know. Much as he needs one,
I am not that man's baby-sitter.
(then, catching himself)
All due respect. Sir.
 3.

Clearly there is a history of animosity between Sengoku and

Garp. Kong finally turns to face his subordinate.

KONG
I need my two best men beside me
today. I fear the coming storm
brings with it a dark omen.
Sengoku can sense the anxiety in his commanding officer and
friend. He will be his strength.

SENGOKU
Not for us. For Roger. For all
pirates. You and I know too well
how the plague of piracy has
poisoned our society.

Sengoku's words, like bile on his lips, rile him up.

SENGOKU (CONT'D)
"King of the Pirates." How he
revels in that title.
KONG
Then perhaps we shouldn't have
given it to him.
SENGOKU
Executing him will send a message
across the seas. Extinguishing the
flames of piracy and rebellion once
and for all. No more challenges to
our authority. No more incidents
like that at Marineford.
Kong grimaces. Whatever incident Sengoku refers to struck a
nerve. His points are hitting home.

SENGOKU (CONT'D)
No more loss of life. You can
ensure all of that right now. This
will be the most important day in
the history of the world!

Kong meets Sengoku's gaze, resolve on his face.

KONG
Then let's go make history.

EXT. EXECUTION PLATFORM - LOGUETOWN - DAY

Roger and his convoy approach the execution platform. He

looks up to see Kong, his face now a bastion of steel.
 4.

A glaring Sengoku stands beside him. There they stand face to

face. Three of the most powerful men in the world.

KONG
This has been a long time coming,
Roger. But you had to know it would
end this way. Any last words?

He stoically looks to Kong, then holds up his shackled hands.

GOLD ROGER
(completely deadpan)
Yeah. Can you take these off?
They're starting to itch.

Sengoku steps to Roger, enraged.

SENGOKU
Even in chains you make jokes. Your
disrespect of the Marines and of
the World Government is exactly
what put you in this situation.

GOLD ROGER
Lighten up, Sengoku. It's not your
execution.

Sengoku seethes. Kong nods to the platform.

KONG
Take him.

Sengoku stares daggers as Roger is escorted away. Complete

silence in the air save for the clomping of Roger's BOOTS and
the shaking of his CHAINS as he makes his long, final walk to
the

TOP OF THE EXECUTION PLATFORM --

High above the town square which is packed with onlookers.

Every eye turned upwards. Front row seats to the event of the
century. The storm clouds have joined the crowd to watch what
unfolds. Finally Roger reaches his place at the center of the
platform. He stares down at the throngs beneath him through
his disheveled hair -- then unceremoniously plops down cross­
legged on the spot.

The sky opens up and rain pours down as Kong steps forward to
the front of the platform. He points to the flag of the
Marines as he addresses the massive crowd gathered below him.

KONG (CONT'D)
Justice. That is what this flag
represents.
(MORE)
 5.

KONG (CONT'D)
A commitment made by the World
Government, your World Government,
to you. Its people. We ask only one
thing of you in return. Trust.
Trust in the divine wisdom of the
Five Elders to govern. Trust in the
Marines to protect you. Trust in
our justice to be enacted upon
those who disrespect and disobey
the laws set forth to keep you all
safe. Piracy is a direct rejection
of that trust.
Now Kong motions to Roger, who keeps a stoic expression.

KONG (CONT'D)
Men like Gold Roger would rather
lie to you, steal from you, kill
you, than live next to you as a law­
abiding member of our society. He
would sell you falsehoods of
anarchy and rebellion under the
guise of adventure and fortune. In
reality, he seeks what all weak men
conspire to do --

He turns directly to Roger to drive this point home.

KONG (CONT'D)
Tear down those with real power to
make themselves feel important.

DOWN BELOW --

Amongst the crowds, Smoker watches and listens, rapt. He's

momentarily taken out of his stupor when a man in a DARK
GREEN HOODED CLOAK brushes by him -- walking through the
crowd away from the execution. Smoker looks back at him but
CAN'T SEE HIS FACE as he walks away. The identity of this man
is a mystery for another time.
BACK ON THE EXECUTION PLATFORM

Two Marines wielding POLEARMS take their place at either side

of Roger. Kong's speech, and Roger's life, are coming to an
end.
KONG (CONT'D)
Gold Roger. For crimes of piracy,
thievery, conspiracy, and countless
other acts against the World
Government and the people it
serves, I sentence you to death.
(MORE)
 6.

KONG (CONT'D)
Let today be a lesson to those
reckless enough to follow your
example.

The Marines raise their polearms, aimed right at Roger's

chest. Still, the Pirate King betrays no emotion. Until --

MAN (O.S.)
PIRATE KING!

Roger, Kong, and everyone else look to try and find the
source of this voice ringing out from the crowds below.

MAN (CONT'D)
Where is your treasure? Tell us
where you hid it!

Kong calls down to some of his soldiers.

KONG
Restrain that man!

A low chuckle behind him turns Kong's attention back to

Roger, who now has a giant GRIN on his face. He builds to
full on amused LAUGHTER. He speaks aloud to the crowd.

GOLD ROGER
You want to know where my treasure
is?

KONG
Silence, Roger.

GOLD ROGER
Wealth. Fame. Power. Knowledge. I
found everything that this world
has to offer. And I left it all in
one piece.

Annoyance giving way to anger, Kong tries to speak over

Roger. But this is a force he can no longer contain.

KONG GOLD ROGER (CONT'D)

I said shut up, Roger! Take to the seas! It is yours
Enough! Kill him at once! to find! All you have to do
is --

SCHLICK! Roger's proclamation is cut short as the two

polearms pierce him through the chest and into his heart.
Blood drips from his wounds. His head hangs down. Gold Roger
is DEAD.
 7.

The crowd stands in silent shock. Only the sound of the rain
falling can be heard. Until -- the entire gathering bursts
into UPROARIOUS CHEERS.

But the crowd shouts not for the execution of a criminal, but
in CELEBRATION of the INSPIRING final words of the fallen
Pirate King. What should have been a somber, sobering moment
has turned into JUBILATION.

And this reversal is not what Kong was hoping for. He shouts
orders to his men, scrambling to regain control.

KONG (CONT'D)
Contain this before we have a riot
on our hands!

Marines begin to move through the crowds. Kong looks around

in distress, meeting eyes with Sengoku, who is just as lost.
Kong yells to the mob in desperation.

KONG (CONT'D)
Enough! There is no treasure! There
is no Pirate King! Gold Roger is
dead! This is the end of piracy!

All sound disappears. As we continue to watch Kong scream in

futility we hear --

SHANKS (V.O.)
But it wasn't. Those words would
change the world forever. Men and
women all over set out to find that
great treasure. The fabled One
Piece.

CLOSE ON: Roger's face. But even as the life leaves his body,
the SMILE never fades from his face.

SHANKS (V.0.)
To claim the mantle of King of the
Pirates for themselves.

Off ROGER'S SMILE we --

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. PARTYS BAR - WINDMILL VILLAGE - DAY

A nearly identical SMILE on the face of a strong and laid­

back young pirate captain. Three SCARS run down the left side
of his face over his eye. Atop his mop of RED HAIR sits a
YELLOW STRAW HAT. This is SHANKS (27).
 8.

SHANKS
And thus an era of excitement and
romance was born. And twelve years
later, we call that time in which
we still live --

Shanks is interrupted by the fired-up young boy with a

bandage under his left eye whom he's been telling this story
to. His name is MONKEY D. LUFFY (7).

LUFFY
The Great Pirate Era!

We get the feeling this isn't the first time Luffy has heard
this story. But the excited look on his face tells us he
loves it just as much every time he hears it. And Shanks
loves telling it.

SHANKS
That's right.

Shanks and Luffy sit at barstools in the small town's only

watering hole. The bar is unusually packed -- with PIRATES!
But there's no destruction or disrespect here. This crew -­
Shanks's crew, known as the RED-HAIR PIRATES -- laughs,
drinks, and jokes with each other. It's a JOVIAL and FUN­
LOVING atmosphere. More akin to a large group of friends
hanging out than a debaucherous gang of marauders.

MAKINO (19), the ever pleasant, maternal BARTENDER smiles

from behind the bar.

MAKINO
Are you ever going to tire of
telling him that same story,
Captain?

LUFFY
A man never tires of tales of
adventure! Right, Shanks?

Shanks looks at Makino. uThere's your answer.u Luffy stands

up on the bar, unable to contain the excitement coursing
through his veins.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
And you go on all kinds of voyages
of your own! Just like the Pirate
King!

SHANKS
Something like that. I'd be lucky
to be half the man Gold Roger was.
 9.

LUFFY
Well with me on your crew I know we
can find the One Piece.

SHANKS
We've been through this, Luffy. You
can't even swim. My ship already
has an anchor.

LUFFY
I'm not an anchor!

Shanks points to Luffy's t-shirt, which literally has a big

anchor on it. Oops.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
But I've been training. My punches
are as strong as pistols now!

SHANKS
(unconvinced)
Is that right?

Luffy PUNCHES the air as hard as he can, trying to prove his

point. But Shanks is unimpressed.

A BIG, MEATY ARM -- whose hand is holding a big PIECE OF MEAT

itself, wraps around Shanks's shoulders. LUCKY ROO (23), the
heavy eating, heavy drinking COMBATANT of the group, lets out
a hearty chuckle.

LUCKY ROO
Cut Luffy some slack, Captain. He
just wants to prove his worth to
you.

POW! The lit wick of a candle on the bar is blown out. Or,
more accurately, SHOT out. Everyone's attention turns to
YASOPP (35), the MARKSMAN of the crew. Smoking flintlock
pistol in his hand. Dude's got skills.

YASOPP
Something we all had to do I might
add.

SHANKS
You've got an opinion on this too,
have you?

LUCKY ROO
Why wouldn't Luffy want to be a
pirate? There's danger and mystery
on every island --
 10.

YASOPP
The smell of gunpowder and the
salty sea air --

Lucky Roo points with his meat toward the MASSIVE MOUND of
TREASURE they recently hauled in.

LUCKY ROO
Treasure to buy whatever you want --

YASOPP
And most importantly

LUFFY
FREEDOM!

Luffy totally buys into the sales pitch. He looks at Shanks

through starry eyes, praying that the appeal took root.
Shanks sighs.

SHANKS
Well if Luffy's going to go with
us, someone's gonna have to stay
here and take his place. That gonna
be you, Yasopp?

Yasopp looks away, whistling as if he didn't hear the

question. Shanks turns to Lucky Roo.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
Lucky Roo?

Lucky Roo emphatically returns to his hunk of meat. Shanks

turns to address the rest of the crew.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
Anyone wanna give up his position
for Luffy?

Beat. Then the crew all turn back to their drinks and
merriment. Sorry Luffy!

LUFFY
Thanks a lot, traitors!

SHANKS
Now. Quit making such a fuss and
drink some milk.

Luffy plops down, throws serious side eye at Shanks but

drinks his milk. Shanks bursts into mocking laughter.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
See! Drinking milk. Dahahaha!
 11.

LUFFY
Shut up! Everyone loves milk! It's
delicious and good for your bones!

Luffy jumps down from his stool and walks across the room in
a huff.

CLOSE ON a MATCH as it's lit and held to a cigarette. BENN

BECKMAN (38), even-tempered vice-captain of the crew, sits at
a table near Luffy.

BENN BECKMAN
You should listen to the captain,
Luffy. He's led our crew all over
this world. He understands how
harsh and dangerous it is out
there. He won't willingly put you
in harms way. He may not be great
at expressing it, but he cares
about you.

LUFFY
No he doesn't! He just likes making
fun of me!

CAMERA WHIP-PANS TO FIND SHANKS talking to Lucky Roo and

others.

SHANKS
And then I said "See! You're just a
little kid!" Dahahaha!

The group erupts into laughter.

LUFFY
See!

Luffy storms away again, kicking the nearby treasure pile.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Stupid Shanks. Stupid treasure.

A smaller chest tumbles to the ground. Opening it, he pulls

out a STRANGE LOOKING PURPLE FRUIT. He stares at it curiously
as he holds it in his hand.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
What's this?

He sniffs it. Then takes a BIG BITE.

BACK WITH SHANKS AT THE BAR -- as Yasopp joins him.

 12.

YASOPP
Being a bit hard on the kid, aren't
you?

SHANKS
You just said why yourself. He's a
kid. He's naive and impulsive.
Jumps before looking.

YASOPP
Sounds familiar.

SHANKS
He doesn't know enough about our
way of life to decide if he truly
wants to be a part of it.

YASOPP
How's he gonna learn if he doesn't
get the experience?

SHANKS
You have a son, Yasopp. I don't see
him traveling with us.

Point made. However

YASOPP
He tried to catch a wild bull by
the horns. He stabbed himself with
a knife to prove how tough he is.
He's not gonna stop.

SHANKS
(can't help but smile)
I know.

Their attention is turned to the sound of the tavern front

doors being KICKED IN.

ANGLE ON a tall, tan-skinned man in a long BURGUNDY COAT

standing in the doorway. This is HIGUMA (46), and he's
flanked by a large group of BANDITS.

Daylight blooming behind them casts an intimidating shadow.

The festivities quickly cease as everyone takes in these
newcomers.

HIGUMA
Sounds like a party in here. Don't
stop on our account.
 13.

Higuma enters the tavern, his lackeys in tow. Not an eye

leaves them. He approaches the BAR, leaning right next to
where Shanks sits.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
My men here and I are...
merchandisers. Come down from the
mountains looking for a few drinks.

Makino puts on her best customer service manners.

MAKINO
I'm so sorry, sir. I'm afraid we're
all out of alcohol.

HIGUMA
That so?
(motioning to the pirates)
Well that don't look like water
they're all drinking.

SHANKS (O.S.)
That would be my fault, friend.

Higuma turns his gaze toward Shanks, as if he was no more

than a fly buzzing in his ear. Shanks wears a tension­
defusing smile.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
It seems in our overzealous
celebration, we've drunk the place
dry. Sorry about that. Maybe this
will make up for things.

Shanks proffers a BOTTLE of WINE to Higuma. He takes it by

the neck, studying this peace offering -- then SMASHES it on
the bar. Glass and booze fly all over Shanks. But even
dripping wet he keeps his cool.

HIGUMA
The hell is this?

SHANKS
Well it was an invitation to join
us.

HIGUMA
What are we supposed to do with
just one bottle?

SHANKS
To be fair, it was a very expensive
bottle.
 14.

Guy's got jokes. Higuma looms over the still seated Shanks.

HIGUMA
That price don't matter to me.
There's only two numbers in this
world I give a damn about. The
first --

Higuma points to a bulletin board by the entrance to the

tavern. Amongst various flyers is a WANTED POSTER with
Higuma's face on it. The price on his head listed underneath:
8 million Beri (the currency in this world). Dead or alive.
By order of the Marines.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
Eight million. That's the bounty
I've got on my head. You know how
it got so high? Well that's the
second number. Fifty-six. That's
how many smartass punks I've put in
the ground. So if you're not
careful, you'll be number fifty­
seven.

Shanks takes a beat to process this information. Then he

finally stands and faces Higuma. The bandits all snicker,
itching for a fight. The pirates all watch, ready to see what
move their captain will make. Luffy watches from the far side
of the room, agape mouth full of that weird fruit he found.
Finally --

SHANKS
The floor's all wet. Makino, do you
have a rag?

Completely ignoring Higuma, Shanks bends down and starts

picking up shards of glass.

On Higuma as he SEETHES in the face of this disrespect.

MAKINO (O.S.)
No I can do that.

SHANKS (O.S.)
Oh it's not a problem.

SSHHK! Higuma draws the SABRE at his side and SLASHES

HORIZONTALLY. Shanks just manages to fall backward on his
ass, avoiding the attack as it SMASHES everything on the bar.

HIGUMA
There. Since you seem to like
cleaning so much.
 15.

The bandits ROAR with laughter. Higuma joins them as he

sheathes his sword and they make their way to the exit. What
little fun there was to be had is over.
As the bandits leave and the laughter trails, only shock and
silence are left in their wake. Finally, Makino runs to check
on Shanks.
MAKINO
Are you alright?
Shanks simply holds up one hand -- and then unsuccessfully
tries to stifle a laugh. He BURSTS into LAUGHTER himself.
Then the rest of the crew follow suit. They all laugh just as
hard as they were before the whole altercation.

LUCKY ROO
He got you good huh, Captain.
YASOPP
Look at you!
Everyone laughs even harder. Except for Luffy. He looks
around, INCREDULOUS at this reaction. Then, anger and
confusion no longer in check
LUFFY
Why are you all laughing!?
Well they aren't anymore after that outburst.
LUFFY (CONT'D)
How could you let him insult you
like that? You should have kicked
his ass!

SHANKS
All he did was spill some alcohol
on me. Nothing worth getting upset
about.
LUFFY
A real pirate would have fought
back. You're no pirate. You're not
even a man!
SHANKS
Not everything needs to be solved
with violence. A man doesn't just
need to be strong and kick people's
asses. He also needs to be good.
But Luffy still looks angry and defiant. The lesson clearly
not sinking in. To Shanks' disappointment.
 16.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
This is what I was talking about,
Luffy. You're still just a kid.

And there's the stinger. Luffy stands stunned. The image of

his idol has just been shattered.

LUFFY
You're not who I thought you were.

Luffy turns to storm out of the tavern. But Shanks isn't done
with this conversation. He grabs Luffy's wrist to keep him
from leaving.

SHANKS
Luffy, listen. I didn't mean to --

But Shanks notices that Luffy is halfway to the door -- but

he's still holding onto his wrist. Huh? He goes wide-eyed.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
What the

WIDEN TO REVEAL Luffy and Shanks are nowhere near one

another. Luffy's arm has STRETCHED out over ten feet from
where Shanks is! Spit-takes all around. Luffy freaks out more
than anyone.

LUFFY
My arm! What did you do to my arm!

Shanks lets go and SNAP! -- Luffy's arm SNAPS back to his

body, the FORCE of which sends him tumbling head over heels.
Shanks goes pale.

SHANKS
Don't tell me...
(to his crew)
The chest

LUCKY ROO
It's empty!

Lucky Roo holds the indeed empty chest Luffy had earlier.

LUCKY ROO (CONT'D)

The Gum-Gum Fruit we just stole is
gone!

SHANKS
Luffy. Please tell me you didn't
eat a weird looking purple fruit.

Seven year old that he is, Luffy tries to lie. Poorly.

 17,

LUFFY
No it was gross. Err -- it would
have been gross if I'd eaten it.
But I didn't.

Shanks grabs Luffy by his shoulders, trying not to kill him.

SHANKS
Do you have any idea what you've
done? That was a Devil Fruit!

LUFFY
What's a Devil Fruit?

SHANKS
A very powerful, very valuable
treasure of the sea. They bestow
great powers on whoever eats them.

LUCKY ROO
That one was called the Gum-Gum
Fruit. It turns your whole body to
rubber.

Luffy looks down at his hands, clenches them into fists.

Processing the information about the changes in his body.

LUFFY
My body is... rubber?

SHANKS
Each Devil Fruit is unique. Who
knows what else it could have done
to you.

LUFFY
Sounds cool!

SHANKS
No Luffy it's not cool! These new
powers come with a price.

YASOPP
Legends say eating one of these
fruits means you've made a pact
with the Devil. And in return, the
Mother Sea turns her back on you,
taking away your ability to swim
forever.

LUFFY
Well that's no big deal. I already
couldn't swim.
 18.

SHANKS
You're not getting just how serious
this is! Now you can't do anything
in seawater. All your strength
disappears when submerged.

BENN BECKMAN
What do we do about this, Captain?

Shanks is at a loss. But Luffy is still eternally optimistic.

LUFFY
With these new powers I'm strong
enough to go with you on your
journey now right?!

Luffy smiles wide, hoping his appeal will succeed.

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. PARTYS BAR - WINDMILL VILLAGE - DAY - WEEKS LATER

Luffy, still in the tavern, but no trace of a smile. Now

sporting a SCAR under his left eye where the bandage
previously was. He's trying extra hard to look pissed and
make sure everyone around knows it. But the only people
around are Makino, who can't help but smile at this ongoing
temper-tantrum, and WOOP SLAP, the curmudgeonly bespectacled
MAYOR of the village. He sits at a table sipping coffee and
reading the WORLD ECONOMIC JOURNAL newspaper. The front page
headline of which reads: SUN PIRATES ATTACK AGAIN! BOUNTIES
INCREASED FOR TOP MEMBERS!

MAKINO
How long are you going to keep
making that face?

LUFFY
What face? This is my face. This is
what my face looks like.

MAKINO
Only the last couple of weeks since
Captain Shanks left without you
again.

LUFFY
Shanks? I don't even know who that
is.
 19.

WOOP SLAP
About time you wised up. Your
grandfather asked me to watch over
you and he would never tolerate you
cavorting with pirates. They've
made port in my town for far too
long. I hope they never come back.

LUFFY
Yeah what he said!

MAKINO
Whatever you say, Luffy. Now how
about some lunch?

LUFFY
Meat. Put it on my treasure tab.

Makino laughs and turns to prepare Luffy some food. When she
hears the doors open she speaks over her shoulder.

MAKINO
Welcome! Have a seat anywhere and
I'll be right with you.

HIGUMA (O.S.)
Yeesh. I thought this dump was
supposed to be popular.

Makino turns, goes white when she puts a face to that voice.
REVERSE TO REVEAL Higuma and his bandits have returned.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
Booze. As much as you got. I hear
you have some rather expensive
bottles.

The bandits all erupt in laughter as they take seats at

tables. Makino can only stare. Woop Slap's grip on his
newspaper tightens, almost crumpling it. Luffy's fuming at
the fact they would show up here again. An anger he can't
hold back, TEETH and FISTS clenched.

LUFFY
You're not welcome here.

HIGUMA
You say something, brat?

LUFFY
I said you're not welcome in here!

Woop Slap shakily speaks up.

 20.

WOOP SLAP
Luffy! Be quiet. We don't want any
trouble.

Now Luffy's up, death-glaring at Higuma.

LUFFY
No! He shouldn't allowed in here.
He attacked Shanks!

HIGUMA
Shanks? You mean that sorry excuse
for a pirate?

LUFFY
SHUT UP! You're only talking crap
cause Shanks isn't here. If he was
he could take all of you and he'd
only need one arm to do it!

MAKINO
Luffy...

LUFFY
Shanks is the greatest pirate in
the world. You're nothing compared
to him. So shut the hell up!

Higuma stares at Luffy. We've seen before how he takes

insults.

HIGUMA
Those are some pretty big words,
little man.

He gets up and walks to Luffy, TOWERING over him. But Luffy

DEFIANTLY stands his ground, trying not to show any fear.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
If you want to talk like a man --

He picks Luffy up by his SHIRT with one arm. Luffy STRUGGLES

against it, feet hanging off the ground.

HIGUMA (CONT 'D)

Then you'd better be prepared to
back it up like a man.

SMASH CUT TO:

 21.

EXT. PARTYS BAR - WINDMILL VILLAGE - DAY

Luffy hits the DIRT HARD, having been tossed out of the bar
by Higuma. Makino runs out behind them.

MAKINO
Please! Stop!

But Higuma's out for blood. He BACKHANDS her away. Woop Slap
kneels beside her.

HIGUMA
This is a matter between men.

Now Woop Slap tries an appeal.

WOOP SLAP
Please! He's just a hot-headed,
smart-mouthed child. I'm the Mayor
of this village. I'll give you
anything you want. Alcohol. Money.
Just please let him be.

HIGUMA
At least you understand how the
world works, old man. This one
still has to learn his place.

He and his bandits form a CIRCLE around Luffy.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
So. Anything else you've got to
say?

Luffy gets to his feet. A scared and cornered animal. Flight

option unavailable, he LASHES OUT at Higuma. Putting his
uhard-trained PUNCHESn into practice.

Unfortunately for him, he's not as strong as he puts on.

Higuma easily SIDE-STEPS his punch. The bandits all laugh at
the futility of his situation. Higuma mocks him.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
Whoa! Watch out now.

Luffy throws another punch. This time Higuma GRABS his fist -­
and returns the favor with a PUNCH of his own, knocking Luffy
back down to the ground. He circles Luffy like a lion,
taunting his downed prey.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
You need to learn to respect your
betters.
 22.

Higuma punctuates each line with a kick to Luffy's body.

Makino holds her cries back with her hand. Woop Slap turns
away in disgust at the violence and at his own cowardice.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
You're weak. What right do you have
to talk down to me? What right do
you have to live? But I'm a
generous soul. I'll help you.

Higuma brandishes his saber.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
I'll put you out of your misery to
keep you from having to face your
own inadequacies!

SHANKS (O.S.)
So this is why no one came to the
docks to welcome us back.

Everyone turns. BAM! Shanks has arrived! Calm and cool as

always.

HIGUMA
You...

Shanks looks down at Luffy in the dirt.

SHANKS
Luffy. What happened? I thought
your punches were as strong as
pistols now.

LUFFY
Shut up, Shanks!

HIGUMA
So you're back. Doesn't matter. Not
like you're gonna do anything.

SHANKS
You can spill alcohol on me all you
like and I'll laugh it off. But you
hurt someone I care about? That's
something I can't overlook.

Shanks walks toward Higuma and the bandits. The briefest

tinge of panic washes over Higuma's face. He nods for one of
his men to handle this. The BANDIT steps forward and pulls
out a FLINTLOCK PISTOL, aiming it right at Shanks's head.

BANDIT
One more step and you're dead.
 23.

Shanks sighs with disappointment.

SHANKS
Now you've done it. You've gone and
put your life on the line.

BANDIT
The hell are you talking about? I'm
the one with the gun to your head.

SHANKS
That's not a toy, you know. If you
bring one out, you'd better be
prepared to die.

BANG! The bandit is suddenly SHOT in the HEAD. He falls to

the ground dead. REVEAL: LUCKY ROO with a PISTOL of his own.
And of course a leg of MEAT in his other hand. And he's not
alone.

WIDEN TO REVEAL -- BAM! -- he's FLANKED by the rest of the

Red-Hair Pirates! Higuma tries to keep composure in the face
of this ambush.

HIGUMA
Looks like someone grew a pair.

YASOPP
Cut the crap. You're not dealing
with a bunch of saints here.

SHANKS
We're pirates.

HIGUMA
Don't just stand there, you idiots!

The bandits all draw their SWORDS, prepared for a full on

showdown between crews. But only Benn Beckman ("BB"),
cigarette in mouth, steps forward. He pulls out a FLINTLOCK
RIFLE from the SASH around his waist. But instead of aiming
it, he FLIPS the rifle in the air and catches it, holding the
MUZZLE like a BAT. He points it at the bandits, like a batter
calling a home run.

BENN BECKMAN
I should be more than enough for
you lot.

YASOPP
Hey why's he get to have all the
fun?
 24.

BENN BECKMAN
If you want even a small chance
you'd better bring a damn warship
or something.

HIGUMA
Kill them!

The bandits all charge. BB dodges the first swing, taking the
cigarette from his mouth and SMOTHERING it in the bandit's
FOREHEAD. BB blocks and strikes with ease, putting every
bandit that comes his way down with a single blow.

Doesn't take Higuma long to realize this is a losing battle.

Luffy watches the fight in amazement. Shanks and his crew are
more badass than he ever imagined.

LUFFY
Holy crap -- hey!

His wonder is interrupted by Higuma pulling him up. He

reaches into his pocket and procures a SMOKEBOMB, throwing it
down and FSSHH! -- clouding the area in THICK white SMOKE.

Once it finally clears, we find BB standing alone, not a

single bead of sweat. The ground at his feet is littered with
the bodies of defeated bandits.

As it continues to clear, Shanks looks around and notices

Luffy is gone. He starts to uncharacteristically panic.

SHANKS
Luffy? Luffy!

I/E. DINGHY - EAST BLUE SEA - DAY

A SERIES OF QUICK CUTS:

Luffy being thrown into a DINGHY. Higuma untying ROPES from a

DOCK. Higuma KICKING the dock, launching the dinghy out to
sea.

INT. DINGHY - EAST BLUE SEA - DAY

From the safety of his dinghy, Higuma looks back as Windmill

Village starts to shrink in the distance. He sighs in relief
at his successful escape.

LUFFY (O.S.)
You'll never get away.
 25.

Higuma looks down at Luffy lying on his back. Hatred in both

their eyes.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Shanks is gonna come after you.
There's nowhere you can run, you
coward.

HIGUMA
I've had it with that mouth.
Higuma KICKS Luffy out of the boat and into the sea. Luffy
STRUGGLES to keep his head above water. He already couldn't
swim and now his strength is being SAPPED due to the negative
effect of his DEVIL FRUIT.

HIGUMA (CONT'D)
You can't even swim? I told you you
were too weak for this world.

As Higuma continues to laugh at his drowning victim, he

doesn't notice something MASSIVE RISING out of the sea BEHIND
him.

The water breaks and a giant EEL-LIKE CREATURE with RAZOR

SHARP TEETH and RED EYES -- a SEA KING -- appears, towering
over Higuma. The fearsome sea monster: the LORD OF THE COAST!

Higuma barely has any time to turn and scream before the Lord
of the Coast (LotC) CHOMPS down with its mighty MAW,
swallowing both Higuma and the boat in one gulp. Hunger never
satiated, it then turns its GAZE upon the FLAILING Luffy. It
sinks back into the water to surprise its prey.

Luffy looks around in terror. He can feel the LotC is still

there, but he can't make out where exactly. He continues to
cough and sputter as he struggles against the water,
desperate to escape.

Suddenly the Lotc reemerges behind Luffy. It stands tall and

then strikes down on top of him with a mighty splash -- but
as the downpour settles we see the beast has come up empty.
Confused, it looks around.

Shanks has arrived! He grabbed Luffy and moved out of the way
just in time! We're close on Shanks as he grips Luffy
protectively. But the LotC won't let his prey get away. As it
prepares for another attack, Shanks LOCKS EYES with it. He
STARES it down with INTENSITY, as if exerting some sort of
POWER over it. Maintaining his cool, but with an air of
DANGEROUSNESS we've not seen in him before.

SHANKS
Get the hell out of here.
 26.

A beat of the most EXTREME Mexican standoff -- and Shanks

wins. The Lotc dives back down beneath the waves. Shanks is
CRAZY STRONG. And now even more MYSTERIOUS. Shanks looks down
at Luffy.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
Makino told me how you stood up for
me. Thank you.

CLOSE ON Luffy as he CLUTCHES Shanks for dear life. He stares

at something on Shanks we cannot yet see, tears streaming
down his face.

LUFFY
It's all my fault.

Shanks pats his head with his right hand, smiling at his
mortified friend.

SHANKS
I thought you were a man, Luffy?
Why are you crying?

LUFFY
Because... because...

WIDEN TO REVEAL Shanks is BLEEDING from his LEFT ARM, WHICH

has been BITTEN OFF JUST BELOW THE SHOULDER by the LotC! He
didn't come away from the encounter completely unscathed.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Your arm!

Luffy cries even harder, burying his head in Shanks' chest.

Shanks holds him close.

SHANKS
It's just an arm. A small price I
would gladly pay to keep you safe.

As the two float in the middle of the sea, the sound of

Luffy's cries begin to fade as

SHANKS (V.O.)
I'm so sorry, Luffy. I know I
couldn't protect you from the
cruelty of the sea forever. I just
wanted to shield you from it for as
long as possible.

CUT TO:
 27.

INT. PARTYS BAR - WINDMILL VILLAGE - DAY

Yasopp sits next to Lucky Roo, who's eating of course.

SHANKS (V.O.)
But there is a lesson in
everything.

Yasopp looks up, noticing something. He nudges Lucky Roo,

motioning toward the door. Shanks appears, soaking wet,
holding an equally drenched Luffy passed out in his arm.

SHANKS (V.O.)
When you have something you want to
achieve -- something you want to
protect -- you must put your life
on the line for it.

Makino and Woop Slap rush to them. Makino is preoccupied with

Luffy's condition -- until she notices Shanks bleeding from
his missing arm. She raises her hands to her mouth in horror.
But Shanks simply shakes his head and smiles. He's fine. He
hands Luffy to her. That's where her concern should lie.

SHANKS (V.O.)
I found that in you, Luffy.

Yasopp, still seated, makes eye contact with Shanks. Nothing

said, but he grasps his captain is alright. An unspoken
understanding between crewmen. Whatever transpired, they know
Shanks is okay despite appearances.

SHANKS (V.O.)
And I know when you eventually set
out on your own adventure, you will
find yours as well.

OFF the SLEEPING Luffy, cradled in Makino's arms

FADE TO BLACK.
CHYRON: 10 Years Later.

Present Day. The Great Pirate Era rages on...

FADE IN:

EXT. MOUNTAINTOP SHRINE - DAY - ESTABLISHING

On a mountainous island somewhere in the East Blue, a small

shrine sits nestled in the rocky embrace of the landscape.
 28.

INT. MOUNTAINTOP SHRINE - DAY

CLOSE ON: a STRONG hand as it strikes a MATCH lit. It moves

over and lights a CANDLE. Then a SECOND. WIDEN TO REVEAL a
GREEN HAIRED man, TALL and MUSCULAR, his back to us. He
stands at an altar in an ornate, spiritually decorated
shrine. THREE KATANAS rest in their SCABBARDS at his side. He
lightly touches one, the only WHITE ONE.

REVEAL his face, eyes closed in silent prayer. This is

RORONOA ZORO (19). A BOUNTY HUNTER. Without looking, he
speaks to a presence he senses behind him.

ZORO
You can come out.

From behind a pillar, a VERY TALL man steps into the main
chamber of the shrine. He wears a LONG BLACK COAT and ASCOT
with a MOHAWK of RED SPIKES on his head. A large NUMBER 7
TATTOOED on his cheek. His real name is unknown. But he goes
by MR. 7.

MR.7
People often visit shrines like
this to light candles for those
they've lost. To help guide their
souls to peace. Who are yours for?

Zaro finally turns to face this mysterious newcomer.

ZORO
Someone I knew a long time ago.

MR.7
And the other?

But Zora's not much for chit-chat.

ZORO
Who are you?

MR.7
You can call me Mr. 7. I represent
an organization that is very
interested in your particular set
of skills. Pirate Hunter Roronoa
Zoro. "The Demon."

Zoro doesn't answer. Only follows Mr. 7 with his eyes.

MR.7 (CONT'D)
You've made quite a name for
yourself in the East Blue.
(MORE)
 29.

MR.7 (CONT'D)
How would you like to extend that
infamy?

He hands Zoro a black BUSINESS CARD. There's no writing on

it, only a JOLLY ROGER featuring a SKULL with PURPLE WINGS
and two crossed RAPIERS. Zoro studies the symbol. Mr. 7
studies Zoro.

MR.7 (CONT'D)
I take it you've heard of Baroque
Works.

ZORO
Nope.

Mr. 7 covers a balk and presses on with his pitch.

MR.7
We are a band of mercenaries and
bounty hunters. But we're also much
much more. You should know what an
honor it is to be considered to
join our ranks.

ZORO
There's someone I'm searching for.
Could your organization help me
find them?

MR. 7
Our full network and resources
would be at your disposal.

ZORO
Interesting. I could be convinced.
On one condition.

MR. 7
That being...?

Zoro flashes a DEVILISH, THREATENING GRIN.

ZORO
I get to be the boss.

The whole mood changes. Mr. 7 no longer speaks with his

impish tone from earlier.

MR.7
Our leader has power and ambitions
that you could not begin to fathom.
I won't allow you to insult him.
 30.

ZORO
I've got power too. That's why
you're here. I've also got
ambitions of my own. And I'll see
them through at any cost. So I
don't give a shit about what your
boss wants.

Mr. 7 steps back and UNSHEATHES the LONG SWORD at his side.

MR.7
To forfeit an invitation from
Baroque Works is to forfeit your
life.

ZORO
I was hoping you'd say that.
Zoro unwraps a BLACK BANDANA from around his ARM and ties it
on his HEAD.

ZORO (CONT'D)
You asked me who the other candle
was for.

Zoro draws one of his katana (NOT the white one) and strikes
a FIGHTING STANCE.

ZORO (CONT'D)
It's for you.

Zoro charges at Mr. 7 with GREAT SPEED, throwing the assassin

on his backfoot. But Mr. 7 brings up his long sword just in
time to block Zoro's initial attack. Zoro flashes that same
grin as the two men struggle for control.

Zoro overpowers the sword lock and goes on the offensive.

He's all STRENGTH, his fighting technique one of brute force
and ferocity. Zoro's got style to his attacks as well,
flipping his sword behind his back to reposition his grip.
And we can tell he's ENJOYING this. This is Zoro's happy
place. The heat of combat.

Mr. 7's forced to play defense, constantly dodging and

deflecting. He's being pushed back all over the tight space.
He manages a small reprieve in the midst of the battle,
switching his stance to try an offensive on his own. But
Zoro's not intimidated.

ZORO (CONT'D)
If your boss is so smart, he would
have sent better than a seven after
me.
 31.

Mr. 7 glares. Enough of this. With a loud cry, he rushes at

Zoro. Zoro charges as well. This is the classic anime sword
fight finale we've hoped for! As the two combatants get
closer, camera whip-pans to --

A NEARBY WALL where the SHADOWS of our fighters stand tall in

the candlelight of the shrine. The two shadows SLASH through
each other, pausing with their backs toward one another.
Frozen. Waiting to see who will fall.
Then, in shadow play, the TOP HALF of Mr. 7's body slides off
from the bottom. ZORO CUT THE MOTHERFUCKER CLEAN IN HALF. The
candle lit for Mr. 7 BLOWS OUT.

Zoro stands triumphant. As he sheathes his katana, he notices

a small SMEAR of BLOOD on his WHITE SCABBARD. He removes the
bandana from his head and wipes off the blood. Clearly this
sword has particular SIGNIFICANCE to him. He looks over his
shoulder at the corpse of his felled opponent.

ZORO (CONT'D)
Alright. Time to go.
As Zoro walks toward his trophy, we PRE-LAP the sounds of
CANNON FIRE HITTING A SHIP. MEN SCREAMING and WOOD
SPLINTERING. AN ATTACK. The chaos taking us to --

INT. TRADING VESSEL - EAST BLUE SEA - DAY

A group of TRADE SAILORS huddle together against the back

wall of a cramped STOREROOM below deck of their VESSEL.
They're surrounded by CHESTS and BARRELS, important cargo.
All eyes fixated on the ceiling. No one makes a sound. Some
silently mouth prayers as the sounds of a SLAUGHTER above
deck continues. The two RAPIERS held by a pair of the sailors
won't be enough to fight back.

And then -- silence. Only the sounds of the SHIP CREAKING as

it rocks back and forth on the open ocean waves. Until THUNK.
THUNK. THUNK. HEAVY BOOTS move closer and closer to the door.
Panic washes over the sailors, but still they struggle not to
make a sound.

The door is SUDDENLY KICKED IN. Standing in the doorway is a

woman of IMMENSE STATURE. TALL and WIDE and oozing POWER. The
hat on her head tells us she's no ordinary woman. This is
"IRON MACE" ALVIDA (25), pirate captain and leader of this
assault.

ALVIDA
Tell me someone here will put up
more of a fight.
 32.

In an act of screaming desperation, one of the armed sailors

stands and CHARGES at Alvida, sword held out in front of him
to attack. Alvida grips her namesake weapon, a large SPIKED
METAL CLUB, and SWINGS it one-handed like a BASEBALL BAT. The
sailor goes flying back, body crumbling against the wall.
Dead. Alvida shoulders her weapon.

ALVIDA (CONT'D)
You're lucky, you know. Some of you
will survive past today. You will
go home and tell others of the
massacre that took place here. You
will tell them that these seas are
under the control of Iron Mace
Alvida. As for the rest of you,
well -- sorry.

She raises her mace club once again, swinging it down at

camera and we --

SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. ALVIDA'S BASE - GOAT ISLAND - DAY

CLOSE ON a JOLLY ROGER wafting in the breeze. It features

CROSSBONES and a SKULL in PROFILE with a large PINK HEART
where the brain would be.

WIDEN TO REVEAL the flag sits atop one of a grouping of

MAKESHIFT BUILDINGS on the beach of a small island that
comprises the base of operations for the Alvida Pirates.
Alvida looks pleased as she stands on the beach, overseeing
her crewmen carry off the pillaged goods from the trade
vessel attack.

Behind her we catch a glimpse of her ornate pink pirate ship,

the MISS LOVE DUCK. One of her crew, HEPPOKO, speaks up as he
rolls a barrel past her.

HEPPOKO
Hell of a haul, cap'n.

ALVIDA
All in service of building up my
reputation.

HEPPOKO
How do ya want us to separate the
share for Don Krieg's tribute?

Alvida scoffs. Confidence ever present.

 33.

ALVIDA
Krieg. Delusional old bastard. Soon
I will be the most powerful pirate
in the East Blue. And then I will
move on to the Grand Line and find
the One Piece. Krieg, and all other
pirates, will pay tribute to me!

Heppoko stands with a confused smile on his face, unsure of

what to make of his captain's proclamation.

HEPPOKO
So uh... you don't want to set
anything aside?

ALVIDA
Wha no, you idiot! Put it all in
the storeroom with the rest.

HEPPOKO
Ye -- yes, cap'n.

Alvida is a complete 180 from the kind of captain we saw

earlier in Shanks. Now agitated, she looks around for another
victim to yell at. Then she spots him nearby.

ALVIDA
Koby!

A scrawny, bespectacled boy with pink hair flinches with the

fear of god at the calling of his name. KOBY (16) turns.

KOBY
Yes, Captain.

Alvida approaches Koby. It takes all he has not to pass out

from fear. He is TERRIFIED of her.

ALVIDA
Who is the strongest pirate on
these seas?

KOBY
You -- you are, Captain.

Koby is still uneasy despite this being a regular dialogue

between them.

ALVIDA
And who is the most beautiful
pirate on these seas?

KOBY
Also you, Captain.
 34.

ALVIDA
That's right. And the most
beautiful pirate deserves the most
beautiful ship. That's why you're
going to clean the Miss Love Duck
from bow to stern. Immediately and
immaculately. If I find even one
speck of dust on a rail...

She grips her mace to punctate her threat. Koby swallows

hard. With a salute

KOBY
Right away, Captain!

He rushes away to do Alvida's bidding, leaving her to revel

in her tyranny.

INT. STOREHOUSE - GOAT ISLAND - DAY

Heppoko stands amongst the stored spoils with PEPPOKO and

POPPOKO, fellow Alvida subordinates who also happen to be his
brothers.

PEPPOKO
We've never pulled a haul this big
before!

POPPOKO
Tonight we eat and drink like
kings!

HEPPOKO
Why wait until tonight? There's so
much here. Cap'n said we're not
paying tribute to Don Krieg off
this stash.

The others catch his drift.

PEPPOKO
Whoa really?

HEPPOKO
So if a little somethin' were to go
missing...

POPPOKO
Cap'n wouldn't even notice.

They snicker at their uingenious" plan. Heppoko picks up a

CROWBAR. Peppoko and Poppoko roll a barrel over.
 35.

HEPPOKO
Let's have us a little private
party, boys.

SLAM! The trio all turn their attention to the door closing.
Koby stands like a dear in headlights. Busted.

HEPPOKO (CONT 'D)

Koby. You little --

But Koby holds his hands up in desperate defense.

KOBY
I'm just here to get cleaning
supplies. I didn't hear anything
about your plan to steal booze from
the captain, I promise!

He quickly covers his mouth. Heppoko walks over and picks

Koby up by the shirt, pointing the crowbar at Koby's head.
Top to bottom, no one on this crew respects the poor boy.

HEPPOKO
I'm gonna make sure you don't
squeal.

KOBY
No wait! Please!

HEPPOKO
We can always find another weakling
to clean our shit up after us.
Ain't nobody gonna miss you.
Koby winces, prepared to meet his end. But then CRASH! -- the
barrel between Peppoko and Poppoko bursts open! A lanky young
man in a FAMILIAR STRAW HAT erupts from inside. It's Luffy!
Ten years older than when last we saw him. He stretches and
lets out a big yawn.

LUFFY
Man! What a nap! Little bumpy, but
not bad.

He looks around at the room full of confused strangers.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
What are you guys doing here?

PEPPOKO
This is our hideout! What the hell
are you doing here?
 36.

LUFFY
Oh this is your place?

He puts his hands on his stomach.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Then you got anything here to eat?
I'm starving.

POPPOKO
I mean... yeah, but

HEPPOKO
Stop talking to the stowaway and
get rid of him!

LUFFY
Who? Me?

Peppoko and Poppoko shake off their bewilderment. Time to be

brutes. They both go right for the kill. Luffy steps back and
dodges. He's deceitfully NIMBLE.

Luffy sidesteps another punch then -- WHACK! -- throws one in

retaliation straight to Poppoko's face, knocking him to the
ground. Stunned looks all around. Luffy has come a long way
in the last ten years.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
If you guys don't wanna share your
food, you just have to say so.

CROWBAR in hand, Heppoko rushes to help his still standing

brother. The two take WILD SWINGS at Luffy, who even despite
being outnumbered is able to fend off the attacks. His
movements are fluid, CAPOEIRA-esque.

Luffy hits Peppoko with a roundhouse kick to the face. Down.

Heppoko takes one last gigantic swing -- but Luffy easily
catches the crowbar. He rips it away from him and lands a
quick and powerful blow right to Heppoko's gut. Breath
escaping him, Heppoko slumps to the ground unconscious. Luffy
looks around, unfazed by the fight he just easily won.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Gotta be something to eat around
here.

The sound of sniveling draws Luffy's attention to Koby

cowering in a corner. He raises his fist, ready to put down
another opponent, but Koby hold his hands up.
 37.

KOBY
Wait wait wait! Don't kill me! I'm
not a pirate!

Luffy just stares at him for a beat. Blink blink.

LUFFY
Ok.

Then sets to searching through the wares in the storeroom.

Koby's flummoxed that such a simple explanation worked.

KOBY
Who... who are you?

Luffy looks up, smiling from ear to ear.

LUFFY
I'm Monkey D. Luffy. I'm a pirate.
Nice to meetcha!

Koby stands in disbelief at Luffy's earnestness.

KOBY
You know you probably shouldn't go
around telling people you're a
pirate...

LUFFY
Why not?
KOBY
It's a surefire way to get
arrested. What kind of a pirate
stows away in a barrel anyway?
Don't you have a crew or a boat of
your own?

LUFFY
I did have a boat but you see there
was this whirlpool, then there was
the --

ALVIDA (O.S.)
You lazy dogs! Where the hell are
ya?

Koby goes white. He looks around at the scene in a panic.

KOBY
Oh man oh man!

LUFFY
Who is that?
 38.

KOBY
You are right in the middle of Iron
Mace Alvida's territory!

LUFFY
Am I supposed to know who that is?

KOBY
If she finds us -- well there won't
be anything left of us to find once
she gets through.

LUFFY
I don't know what you're talking
about. I just need to get a boat
and get on my way.

ALVIDA ( O.S.)
Koby!

Koby FREAKS. He grabs Luffy's arm to stop him from leaving.

Looking around, he spots a nearby toolbox and some wood
planks.

KOBY
You need a boat? Well grab that
wood and follow me. We have to get
out of here. Now.

Grabbing the toolbox, Koby makes for the back door. Luffy has
no clue what's going on, but with a final look to the front
door, he scoops up the wood and follows after Koby.

LUFFY
Hey wait up!

MARINE 1 (PRE-LAP)
Things are getting out of hand in
the East Blue.

CUT TO:

EXT. SHELLS TOWN - EAST BLUE SEA - DAY - ESTABLISHING

A seaside port town that sits in the shadow of an IMPOSING

Marine Headquarters.

EXT. MARKETPLACE - SHELLS TOWN - DAY

MARINE 1 and MARINE 2 walk on patrol through the seaside

MARKETPLACE.
 39.

MARINE 1
It used to be a peaceful sea. But
we've a got growing number of major
players causing trouble.

MARINE 2
Don Krieg has been a threat for
some time. Absorbing smaller pirate
groups under his own flag. Building
his "pirate fleet." And those who
aren't joining him are emboldened
by his presence.

MARINE 1
You're talking about Arlong?

MARINE 2
Among others. But Captain Morgan
has a plan.

ANGLE ON the Marine Headquarters high on the hill.

MARINE 2 (CONT'D)
He's the man who caught and
executed the pirate Captain Kuro
after all. If anyone can stop Don
Krieg and clean up the East Blue,
it's him.

BACK with the Marines. As Marine 2 looks up at the

Headquarters, Marine 1 notices something up ahead. He nudges
Marine 2 and draws his attention to a trail of BLOOD on the
road leading from the docks. The trail looks as if someone
got lost dragging something around.

They follow it around a corner to find it's source: a large

bag being dragged by someone.

MARINE 1
You there! Stop!

They hurry to catch up to him. Marine 2 trains his rifle on

the man as Marine 1 approaches and spins him around. It's
Zoro!

ZORO
What do you want?

MARINE 1
Who are you and what's in that bag?

Zoro takes notice of the MARINE ATTIRE they're wearing.

 40.

ZORO
You're Marines. Where's the damn
base? I can't find it.

MARINE 2
You mean the giant structure at the
top of the hill that says uMarinesu
on it.

Zoro looks up, seriously not having noticed it before.

ZORO
Oh. There it is.

The Marines are momentarily flabbergasted. Who is this guy?

But they shake it off and get back to business.

MARINE 1
Now answer the question! What's in
the bag?

Zoro reaches in his pocket -- putting the Marines on guard

and pulls out the CARD Mr. 7 gave to him. He hands it to
Marine 1. And it's clear by the look on the Marine's face
that he knows the SYMBOL.

MARINE 1 (CONT'D)
Where did you get this?

ZORO
This guy gave it to me. He's an
assassin or something. I wasn't
really paying attention. Anyway,
figure he had to be worth
something.

Zoro reaches down and unzips the bag. We enter the BAG POV,
looking up at the Marines as they peer inside. We can't see
what they do, but the HORRIFIED looks on their faces tell us
it ain't pretty.

ZORO (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Dead or alive, right? So I'd like
my money now.

The Marines look back up at Zoro, who is flashing his

trademark DEMONIC GRIN at them.

ZORO (CONT'D)
Which one of you's gonna take me
where I need to go?
 41.

EXT. WOODED BEACH - GOAT ISLAND - DAY

A peaceful TREE-LINED stretch of BEACH. But that peace is

interrupted as Koby explodes out of the trees. He drops to
his knees, completely out of breath. An unfazed Luffy not too
far behind him. He Looks around, confused.

LUFFY
I thought you said you had a boat.

A sharp WHEEZE is all Koby can muster as he points Luffy's

attention to a small TARP near the water. Luffy throws the
tarp off to reveal a shitty, slapdash dinghy.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
This? Is it even seaworthy?

KOBY
It's not... finished yet. I've done
the best I could with... salvaged
and stolen materials.

Finally catching his breath, Koby looks more serious than

we've seen him before.

KOBY (CONT'D)
I have to get away from here at any
cost.

LUFFY
You want to leave your crew?

KOBY
I told you this isn't my crew! I'm
not a pirate.

LUFFY
Who wouldn't want to be a pirate?
You get to do whatever you want.
It's the ultimate freedom --

KOBY
(interrupting)
Not for me. I don't have any
freedom here. I'm a prisoner.
Alvida captured me and forces me to
do all the manual labor for her
crew. Cleaning her ship, tending to
her every need. Enduring her
abuses.

A hearty laugh from Luffy switches Koby to defensive.

 42.

KOBY (CONT'D)
What's so funny about that?

LUFFY
If you hate it so much why didn't
you just leave?

Koby looks down, embarrassed at his answer. He clenches his

FISTS to help fight back TEARS.

KOBY
You don't know Alvida. I belong to
her. I could complete my boat. I
could leave this island and never
look back. But she would find me.
And make my life even worse than it
is. I'm just -- I'm not...

LUFFY
What's your name?

KOBY
Koby.

LUFFY
Well good for you, Koby.

That's not the response Koby was anticipating.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
It's ok to be a coward today as
long as you believe in yourself and
work on getting stronger tomorrow.
You have to be willing to learn,
willing to die for your dream.

Koby stands in disbelief as Luffy's words (which sound

reminiscent of Shanks) take root in his heart. Despite his
aloofness, Luffy seems leaps and bounds ahead of Koby in
EXPERIENCE.

KOBY
Luffy do you have a dream like
that?

Luffy removes his hat, staring longingly at it in his hand.

Remembering the man he made a promise to long ago, the source
of his inspiration.

LUFFY
I'm gonna find the One Piece and
become King of the Pirates.

Blink. Blink.
 43.

KOBY
Your dream is to the find One
Piece!? Gold Roger's legendary
treasure? Every pirate in the world
is after that!

LUFFY
And I'm gonna beat em to it!

KOBY
How? You don't have a ship or a
crew or a clue where it is!

LUFFY
If I let things like that stand in
my way, it wouldn't be much of a
dream worth chasing would it?

Once again Luffy's words have an impact on Koby.

KOBY
You're right. Then if you can find
the One Piece, maybe I can become a
Marine officer!

LUFFY
A Marine?
KOBY
Ever since I was a little boy I've
wanted to be a Marine. To protect
people who can't protect
themselves. To uphold justice and
punish evildoers like Alvida.

Luffy smiles, genuinely happy at Koby's newfound conviction.

He gives an enthusiastic thumbs up.

LUFFY
You can do it. Go for it!

KOBY
No one has ever believed in me
before.

Emotion wells up in Koby. But this moment of growth is

quickly interrupted when Luffy notices something off-screen.

LUFFY
Get down!
He tackles Koby to the sand just as a SPIKED CLUB arcs
overhead.
 44.

It SNAPS a tree in HALF as it boomerangs back -- and is

CAUGHT by ALVIDA! She's found them! And she's flanked by a
number of her crew.

ALVIDA
Just who are you going to punish,
Koby?
And just like that, Koby's courage EVAPORATES.

KOBY
Al -- Alvida!
ALVIDA
I have to admit. I didn't think you
had it in you.

Alvida shoulders her mace as she surveys the scene. Koby, the
makeshift boat, the mysterious stranger.

ALVIDA (CONT'D)
Hiring a bounty hunter for the
growing price on my head and then
making your escape.

KOBY
What? No that's not --
But now Alvida turns her attention to Luffy.
ALVIDA
I saw the work you made of my men
in the storehouse. Roronoa Zoro.
Luffy stands and dusts himself off. He looks around for
whoever Alvida's referring to.
LUFFY
Who?
ALVIDA
I'd heard the Pirate Hunter was
spotted in these waters recently.
Only natural you'd come after
someone as high profile as myself.
Never expected you to agree to work
for this nitwit though.

LUFFY
Lady I don't know what you're
talking about. My name is Luffy.

Alvida raises on eyebrow.

 45.

ALVIDA
You're not the swordsman Roronoa
Zoro?

LUFFY
No! I'm the pirate Monkey D. Luffy.

Alvida is unimpressed. Mace in hand, she swaggers toward

Luffy. Itching to teach this newcomer a lesson.

ALVIDA
Never heard of you. How did some
scrawny-ass nobody like you take
out some of my men?

But before Alvida reaches Luffy, Koby steps in the way.

KOBY
Enough!

Everyone loos at Koby, surprised. He locks eyes with Luffy,

emboldened for the first time in his life. Even in their
short time together, Luffy has really inspired him.

KOBY (CONT'D)
No more insults. No more threats.
We're leaving. And there's nothing
you can do to stop us, you old sea
hag!

Alvida seethes, veins in her forehead throbbing over this

monumental insult. Despite his strong words, Koby immediately
regrets them.

ALVIDA
Old sea hag?

She raises her mace high, ready to strike down the terrified
turncoat where he stands. Koby shuts his eyes, prepared to
die for his dream.

ALVIDA (CONT'D)
I'll make you choke on your words,
you insolent little bastard!

She swings down with all her MIGHT and -- WHAM! -- connects -­
with Luffy's head! He stepped in to take the blow for Koby!
Putting his life on the line the way Shanks did for him. But
he isn't FAZED by the attack. He SMILES from underneath his
hat and Alvida's mace.

LUFFY
That won't work.
 46.

Koby opens his eyes, surprised to be alive.

KOBY
Luffy?

ALVIDA
How?

LUFFY
I ate the Gum-Gum Fruit. I'm a
rubber person.

Alvida jumps back, putting distance between her and Luffy.

ALVIDA
A Devil Fruit user?

But she shakes off her astonishment. Can't let that faze her.

ALVIDA (CONT'D)
Whatever. I don't care what powers
you have. They're nothing compared
to mine. I'm not gonna let some no­
name punk stand in my way.

Luffy smiles, strikes a fighting stance. Ready to throw down.

LUFFY
Funny. I was gonna say the same
thing.

This time Luffy strikes first, punching at Alvida -- but she

bats it away with her mace. Now she advances, swinging
wildly, horizontally and vertically.

ALVIDA
Stand! Still!

Luffy has to work harder than his last skirmish to evade. His
attacks can't get through hers. He back-handsprings into the
air, creating some space by landing farther away.

LUFFY
No more messing around. Time to
bust out my special attack.

He plants his feet and -- RRRRCCHH! stretches his right

arm way way waaaaaaay back.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Gum-Gum...

Alvida can't afford to be shocked. She holds her mace up

defensively.
 47.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Pistol!

Luffy ROCKETS his arm forward with TREMENDOUS FORCE AND

SPEED. Alvida braces herself, but Luffy's fist blows past
Alvida's defense and PUNCHES her right in the FACE and off
her FEET. She flies back, crashing hard to the ground.
Knocked out cold.

Luffy's arm RETRACTS to normal with a satisfying SNAP! Koby's

mouth is agape. As is everyone else's who just witnessed that
smackdown. Iron Mace Alvida fell to a no-name upstart pirate!
The smile fades from Luffy's face as he turns to Alvida's
crew with all seriousness.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Now give us a boat. Koby and I have
dreams to chase.

The Alvida Pirates scramble away to fulfill the order. Koby

can't believe it.

KOBY
Luffy! You mean it?

The smile back on Luffy's face as he turns to his new friend.

LUFFY
Of course! It's time for you to go.
And if I'm gonna be King of the
Pirates, I'd better start building
my crew.

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. TAVERN - SHELLS TOWN - DAY

CLOSE ON a FLAGON of ale as it's SLAMMED down on a bar.

REVEAL ZORO, visibly DRUNK, seated on a barstool. Wasting no
time spending the MONEY he received for Mr. 7's BOUNTY. And
showing no signs of slowing down.

ZORO
(slurring)
Another beer over here.

The proprietor RIRIKA comes over and grabs his glass,

unbothered by his drunken growling.

RIRIKA
Another round coming up.
 48.

As he waits, Zoro's woozy eyes fall to the kitchen doorway.

There, a little girl, RIKA, is peeking out with the
apprehension of a child facing a monster in her closet. Her
eyes glued to Zoro's swords leaning against the bar beside
him. She looks up to find Zoro staring back at her. They lock
eyes for a tense beat, then

ZORO
What are you looking at?

Startled out of her stupor, Rika scurries back into the

kitchen. Ririka returns with Zoro's refill.

RIRIKA
Sorry. My daughter, Rika. She's a
bit shy.

Zoro grumbles something incoherent and takes a loooong drink.

The tavern doors open and in walks HELMEPPO (20), the most
pompous, entitled, overcompensating DOUCHEBAG with a BOWL CUT
you've ever seen, flanked by two Marines. His GARISH PURPLE
suit and JEWEL-ENCRUSTED SABER at his side scream "bad
taste." Ririka stiffens, trying to put on a good face while
anticipating a scene.

RIRIKA (CONT'D)
Welcome. Please have a seat
anywhere you like.

Helmeppo strides through the tavern like he owns the place.

Passing a few perfectly good and empty tables, he approaches
one occupied by a dining couple.

HELMEPPO
You're sitting at my favorite
table.

The BOYFRIEND weakly speaks up.

BOYFRIEND
There are plenty of others.

HELMEPPO
Maybe you weren't paying attention.
She said I could sit anywhere I
like. I'd like to sit here. So
either move your asses, or my dogs
here will move them for you.

And that's all they need to hear. Grabbing one another's

hands, the couple does as commanded and gets the hell out of
the tavern. Eternally pleased with himself, Helmeppo sits
down and puts his feet up on the table.
 49.

HELMEPPO (CONT'D)
This place is a pig sty. Someone
clean this table up.

Zoro watches the whole situation out of the corner of his

eye. From the kitchen, little Rika emerges with a rag to
clean the table. Visibly shaking, Rika tries her best to
avoid Helmeppo's piercing gaze as she gathers dishes. But in
doing so, she accidentally knocks a glass onto Helmeppo's
lap. He leaps to his feet in outrage.

HELMEPPO (CONT'D)
You stupid girl! Do you even know
how much this suit costs?

RIRIKA
I am so sorry! Rika, apologize.

The poor shaken girl tries, but can't choke out the words.

RIKA
Sor... sorr --

Her tearful eyes widen even further when -- SSHHK! -- she

comes face to face with the blade of Helmeppo's drawn saber.
No one else in the bar makes a move. Not even her mother.
Helmeppo stares down his blade at his frightened victim.

HELMEPPO
You know who I am, don't you?

Rika can only manage a small nod.

HELMEPPO (CONT'D)
Then you know how badly you just
screwed up. Anyone who dares to
insult me will face --

WHAM! A flagon SMASHES Helmeppo right in his stupid face. He

stumbles backward and grabs his head.

HELMEPPO (CONT'D)
Oww! What the hell!?

From between his fingers he looks around in an incredulous

rage.

HELMEPPO (CONT'D)
Who threw that!? Who the hell has
the audacity to --

ZORO (O.S.)
Quit running your mouth.
 50.

Helmeppo's eyes finally land on Zoro who's now standing.

Seemingly sober, definitely annoyed.

ZORO (CONT'D)
It's ruining my meal.

HELMEPPO
You can't talk to me that way. No
one can talk to me that way. Get
him!

Helmeppo sics his two Marines on Zoro. They approach, intent

on arresting him. Zoro picks up one of his scabbards (again,
not the white one) and, without even drawing the sword, puts
the Marines down easily with just a few well placed strikes.
Not even a fight.

Just as quickly, Zoro is on Helmeppo. Now he draws the SWORD,

holding it in Helmeppo's face just like he did to Rika.

ZORO
You shouldn't draw your weapon
unless you're prepared to use it.

Now Helmeppo's SWEATING. He stumbles backward and falls over,

showing his true colors as he panics like the COWARD he is.
His saber skids away from him. From the floor his eyes dart
from Zoro to his sword to the other two swords leaning
against the bar. Then he understands. He tries to regain
composure and save face.

HELMEPPO
You -- you're that bounty hunter.
"The Demon." Roronoa Zoro.

ZORO
That's right.

HELMEPPO
Well -- well I'm Helmeppo.

ZORO
Never heard of you.

HELMEPPO
Well I'm sure you've heard of my
father. Captain Morgan, highest
ranking military officer on this
island.

Whether that means anything to Zoro or not, his face remains

STOIC. But Helmeppo's starting to get some swagger back in
his power play dick swinging. He stands, but remains wary of
Zoro's still unsheathed sword.
 51.

HELMEPPO (CONT'D)
He's the man who signs your bounty
checks. And he won't appreciate the
disrespect you've shown his
favorite son. His power is my
power. He'll have your head on a
pike. He'll burn this whole tavern
to the ground, patrons and all,
just to get to you if I say the
word.

That threat lands on Ririka as she cradles her shaken

daughter. This is exactly what she was hoping to avoid. Rika
looks to Zoro, visibly worried.

HELMEPPO (CONT'D)
And if he's in a pleasant mood,
he'll make sure no Marine base on
any island accepts a bounty from
you again. Your sport, your
livelihood, gone. Unless --

ZORO
I defeat you in battle.

HELMEPPO
No. What? No. I can't beat your
strength, but I bet I can break
your spirit. Crucified in the
Marine base prison yard. No food,
no water. For thirty days. Survive
that, and we'll forget all about
today. Should be no challenge at
all for the great demon Roronoa
Zoro.

Zoro stares at this weasel, weighing the consequences of

taking his life right here and now. Which he could do in the
blink of an eye. But instead he shoulders his sword and grins
menacingly.

ZORO
Should be fun. Thirty days. Do your
worst.

Challenge accepted. Off Helmeppo's smile. Checkmate.

LUFFY (PRE-LAP)
You sure you know what you're
doing?

CUT TO:
 52.

INT. ROWBOAT - EAST BLUE SEA - DAY

Luffy sits at the BOW of the ROWBOAT acquired from Alvida's

crew. He stuffs his face with DRIED MEAT pulled from a SACK
beside him.

Behind him sits Koby, map in hands, trying to get his

bearings.

KOBY
Any prospective Marine recruit
knows how to handle a map. Just
took me a second to get the right
heading. We probably should have
asked for a compass as well.

LUFFY
Where are we going again?

KOBY
Shells Town in the Yotsuba Island
Region. More specifically, the
153rd Branch Marine Base.

LUFFY
That's great! The first step
towards your dream!

The light on Koby's face at that fact quickly fades as a

realization comes to mind.

KOBY
But that also means this is where
we part ways.

Luffy whirls around. Mouth full of food.

LUFFY
What do you mean?

KOBY
I'm heading to an island overseen
by the Marines. I assume that's the
last place a pirate would want to
be. I can drop you off at a
different island on my way.

LUFFY
No way! I'm going with you. We're
friends now.

KOBY
Can a pirate and a Marine really be
friends?
 53.

LUFFY
I don't care what you are. As long
as who you are is a good guy.

Koby smiles at Luffy's kind, earnest words.

KOBY
Luffy...

WIDEN to an OMNIPOTENT POV looking at Luffy and KOBY in their

tiny boat. In the foreground we notice, just breaking the
surface of the water, the SPINE of a familiar MONSTER descend
beneath the waves.

LUFFY
I want to see you walk into that
office and become a Marine.

BACK ON THE BOAT

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Besides. That Marine base sounds
like the place to get info on that
Zoro guy.

KOBY
What do you want with Roronoa Zoro?

LUFFY
He's a really strong swordsman,
right? Sounds like the kind of guy
the future King of the Pirates
could use on his crew.

Koby is beside himself, trying to talk his friend out of a

suicide mission.

KOBY
Roronoa Zoro is a pirate hunter!
It's right there in his name. What
makes you think he would join a
pirate crew?

LUFFY
I'm not gonna ask him just yet. I
wanna talk to him first, see what
he's like.

KOBY
They call him a "demon" who's
racked up a huge body count. He
must be scary. And scary strong.
 54.

LUFFY
I'm sure he is. But it's not enough
to be strong. He has to be good.

Koby looks in awe at Luffy, a surprise at every turn. He's

unlike any pirate he's ever heard of before. Luffy puts his
RIGHT hand on his HAT and gives a big smile.

MATCH CUT TO:

EXT. DOCKS - WINDMILL VILLAGE - EVENING - FLASHBACK

Shanks stands in the exact same position as Luffy, same pose

and smile on his face. Lit by the evening sun.

SHANKS
Thank you all for your hospitality.
You really made this place feel
like home. But it's time for us to
move on. Adventure awaits.

REVERSE TO REVEAL Mayor Woop Slap, Makino, and an

apprehensive looking young Luffy stand before a gathering of
townsfolk standing on the docks. It's a massive SEND-OFF.
Yasopp, Benn Beckman, and the others can be seen loading
supplies onto their ship in the background.

WOOP SLAP
Your presence here was a disgrace.
I'm glad you're finally leaving.

SHANKS
We're gonna miss you too, Mayor.
Makino, thank you for the food.
We'll savor it as long as we can.
With Lucky Roo that should be about
three hours.

LUCKY ROO (O.S.)

If you're lucky!

Makino giggles. If it wasn't clear she's SMITTEN with Shanks

before, it certainly is now.

MAKINO
You're welcome. Please take care of
yourself, Captain.

And now Shanks looks down at his young friend. Smiles as

WARMLY as he always does. Luffy looks to Shanks' missing arm,
still GUILTY over the pain he's caused his mentor.
 55.

SHANKS
I'll miss you most of all, Luffy.

But Luffy can't answer. He just looks down at the ground. And
Shanks understands.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
You really proved your bravery.
Perhaps you're ready. How would you
like to come out to sea with us?

Woop Slap looks APPALLED. Makino clasps her hands in

excitement. This is what Luffy has always wanted!

LUFFY
No.
What!? Everyone's SHOCKED. No one more than Shanks.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
I don't ever want to be a burden
for anyone.

Luffy finally meets Shanks' gaze. As he continues, he speaks

not with petulance, but with CONVICTION and CONFIDENCE.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
I'm gonna become a pirate captain,
the kind that people can rely on.
I'm gonna gather my own crew. We're
gonna have adventures of our own
and become the greatest crew the
world's ever seen. Greater even
than you. I'm gonna find the One
Piece and become King of the
Pirates! And that's a promise!

Shanks maintains his smile in the face of this challenge,

doing all he can to cover the PRIDE swelling up in his chest.

SHANKS
Greater even than us, huh? Well. In
that case...

He reaches up, removing his HAT. He places it firmly on

Luffy's head.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
This hat is my most precious
treasure. It means the world to me.
I want you to have it. Now this
represents our promise.
 56.

Luffy, eyes OBSCURED by his large new hat, looks down again.
But the tears streaming down his face can't be hidden.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
When you set out and we meet each
other again on the seas, you can
return it to me. After you become a
great pirate of course.

A sniffle and a nod are all Luffy can manage. With their PACT
made, Shanks offers these final words.

SHANKS (CONT'D)
Be good, Luffy.

And Luffy looks up one last time, placing his hand on his new
hat and flashing that trademark smile.

LUFFY
Yeah!

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. ROWBOAT - EAST BLUE SEA - DAY

Luffy, back where we left him, completely oblivious to the

panicked Koby behind him. He grips the side of their tiny
boat as it rocks in violent waves.

KOBY
Luffy! Wha -- what's happening?

They look over the side. Something MASSIVE is definitely

circling beneath them.

KOBY (CONT'D)
What is that?

The LORD OF THE COAST suddenly rises from the sea.

KOBY (CONT'D)
A Sea King?!

LUFFY
You! I hoped I'd run into you
again.

LotC ROARS, rows of jagged teeth on full display. Ready to

consume the prey that eluded it so long ago. Koby falls back,
paralyzed with fear. But Luffy doesn't flinch. He takes his
stance, stretching his arm back like he did against Alvida.
 57.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
I'm not the same little kid I was
last time we met.

The Lord of the Coast STRIKES at the boat.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
Gum-Gum Pistol!

Luffy launches his arm, arcing it, and CLOCKS the Lotc right
in the face with a powerful blow! The mighty beast falls,
unconscious, into the water with a GIANT SPLASH. Luffy's arm
SNAPS back. Just the outcome he was expecting.

LUFFY (CONT'D)
That's right! Nothing's gonna stand
in my way!

CLOSE ON Luffy's face as he makes his PROCLAMATION to his

fallen adversary and to the world!

LUFFY (CONT'D)
I'm Monkey D. Luffy. I'm the man
who's gonna be King of the Pirates!

EXT. MARINE BASE - CRUCIFIXION YARD - DAY

Heat waves ripple off the dry earth. We track across the dirt
to a pair of BLACK BOOTS. A parched yet strong voice
repeats...

ZORO
Not today... not today...

As we move up the body we notice the torso and arms are tied
to a WOODEN CRUCIFIX. We finally land on the face of Zoro,
enduring his punishment. He's sweating bullets in the intense
heat. But he wears that same defiant look on his face as he
keeps repeating --

ZORO (CONT'D)
Not today... not today...
SMASH CUT TO:

TITLE CARD: ONE PIECE

THE END