Chapter 7

"Friends" is the name of the seventh chapter of the One Piece manga.

Morgan's soldiers, grateful to Luffy for defeating Morgan, allow Luffy and Zoro to leave peacefully. Koby, however, doesn't accompany them, causing the soldiers to ask if he's one of them or not. To prove that Koby isn't their nakama, Luffy provokes him until he punches him; he is then allowed to stay. After the pirates leave, Koby asks to join the marines, and is allowed in.

Information
Viz Title: Friends Japanese Title: 友達 Romanized Title: Tomodachi Year Released: 1997 Pages: 20 Volume: 1 Pg.: 168

Summary


Morgan has been defeated, however the Marines working for him would rather celebrate then worrying about his loss. Zoro collapses.

Back at Rika's home, Zoro is eating after going for nine days without food. Zoro asks Luffy what his plans are. Luffy states he wants to go to the Grand Line and for One Piece. Zoro questions why Koby is worried since he isn't going with them, he replies it is because they are friends. Zoro points out to Koby that his past with Alvida makes joining the Marines difficult as he has association with pirates.

Just then, the Marines enter the building demanding to know if Luffy and Zoro are pirates. After the pair confirm they are, they are told as pirates the Marines are grateful for their help, but they cannot stay in town and must leave; the Marines will also be reporting the whole event to Marine Headquarters. Luffy and Zoro thank Rika's mother for the food.

Koby is left standing there, the Marines question whether he is with the pirates. Koby claims otherwise. As Luffy is asked if he knows Koby, Luffy goes on about how Koby used to be with Alvida. Angry that Luffy is telling the Marines what he doesn't want them to know, he hits him. With everyone watching in awe, Luffy begins to punch Koby for hitting him. After the Marines stop Luffy from fighting, Koby is declared not to be with Luffy and Zoro and the pair are ordered away.

Laying on the ground, Koby brings his nerves together and declares he wants to join the Marines, even if its just to do chores. The Marine in charge of the scene asks Koby if he really wants to join, the Marine acknowledges his past with pirates and agrees that Koby can join.

On the outskirts of town, Zoro and Luffy are leaving. Koby suddenly catches their attention. Koby salutes the pirates, suddenly he is aware that the other Marines are also Saluting the pirates. As the two sail away in a small boat, the Marine in charge declares they violated the Marine code of conduct and now must go one week without food; not before commenting to Koby on how he has a good friend in Luffy.

Departing...
This is the first time the Straw Hat Pirates have been forced out of town as well as their first step in the journey as a crew. However at this stage they are not wanted criminals, they are just considered criminals.

Ripper
The Marine who took charge after Morgan's defeat was called Ripper. He was named in the data books.

Plot Points

 * It turns out the Marines never liked Morgan...
 * The Marines force Luffy and Zoro out of town.
 * Koby and the Straw Hat Pirates part ways for the first time since Luffy met him.
 * Luffy beats up Koby to make it clear they are enemies.
 * Koby joins the Marines.

Characters Introduced

 * Ripper (unnamed)

Returning Characters

 * Luffy
 * Zoro
 * Koby
 * Helmeppo
 * Morgan
 * Rika
 * Ririka

Quotes

 * Koby: "Please let me be a marine! Even if I just do chores I'll do it happily! As long as it's to be a marine!"
 * Marine: "Commander, I'm against this. I'm sorry, but I just can't trust him yet. Sometimes pirates will join the marines as spies. So first we'll need to know your past..."
 * Koby: "I... am the man who will be a marine commissioned officer!"
 * Marine: "I can't count how many men we've lost to pirates, so don't do this lightly. I'll approve you joining."
 * Koby: "Thank you very much!"

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