The story commences in Shells Town, at the 153rd Marine Base. The Marines are under heavy attack from Miss Valentine and the Baroque Works organization. Their mission is to retrieve Mr. 7, but upon seeing his lifeless body, they realize it was Zoro who carried out the deed. Their leader, Mr. Zero (later revealed to be Sir Crocodile), will not be pleased with this turn of events.
Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats are still navigating the vast ocean, searching for a way into the Grand Line. Nami believes they need to pass through Reverse Mountain, but it's a perilous journey. She warns them that going unprepared is a recipe for disaster. However, Luffy and the others are eager to head over to Loguetown to stock up on supplies.
In Loguetown, Vice Admiral Garp (Monkey D. Garp, the hero of God Valley!) arrives to visit the Pirate King, Gold Roger, who is currently in chains and awaiting execution. They discuss Luffy, and Roger asks Garp to keep an eye on him and ensure his safety. This is significant as the Straw Hats arrive just before Roger's execution.
Nami reminds them that they must avoid attracting unwanted attention, but Luffy is excited and wants to witness the execution. Zoro goes off to buy more swords, while Usopp and Luffy are tempted by the prospect of food. Nami is the only one trying to keep everyone in check, but with such an eccentric group, it's a tall order.
Just as they arrive, Captain Smoker, the Marine's star Pirate catcher, shows up. He's confident and knows that no pirate can elude him... and that's not good news for the Straw Hats!
Zoro returns to get his swords and bumps into a woman on his way in who resembles his old friend, Kuina. It's not her, though; it's Tashigi, another member of the Marines.
Tashigi steps in to assist Zoro as he engages in a heated "bargain" with the swordsmith, Ipponmatsu. The man behind the counter is well aware that the sword Zoro wields is one of the 21 Great Grade blades, yet it's not for sale. Ipponmatsu grows desperate but is swiftly rebuffed. Tashigi, an expert in swords herself, tries to persuade Zoro not to pick up a sword that's apparently cursed. He tests his resolve against the sword's will, flipping it in the air with his arm outstretched. Zoro emerges victorious, with barely a scratch on him, and Ipponmatsu is impressed. In fact, he brandishes a blade called Yubashiri, the finest one he has and one of only 50 Skilful Grade swords in the world. He's willing to just give it to Zoro, without any questions asked.
Outside, Nami notices a change in the air pressure and believes a storm is inbound. She can sense the static in the air and hurries to gather the group. She does so right off the back of bumping into a rookie thief by the name of Bartolomeo. She encourages him to go and pick on a better mark... and that brings him to Luffy.
Luffy is still looking for the execution platform, and Bartolomeo offers to take him there. However, when they get close, Buggy shows up with his crew, which includes Alvida. Alvida has taken the Slip Slip Fruit, meaning she can shake off any blows that come her way.
The crew easily capture Luffy, prompting Captain Smoker to round up the Marines to get them. Well, the Straw Hats show up first to rescue Luffy from his predicament, where Buggy has set up a makeshift court to humiliate the future King of Pirates.
As the two groups fight, Smoker, Tashigi, and the other Marines watch as Buggy takes Luffy up to the execution platform. Luffy defiantly stands and tells everyone he will become King of Pirates, laughing in the face of certain death. Captain Smoker notices similarities to Gold Roger here.
Just like that though, a sudden lightning strike takes out the execution platform and Buggy with it.
The group needs to get back to the ship, but with Buggy's crew on the backfoot, Smoker moves in to take out the Straw Hats. However, Tashigi stops them, prompting a fight between her and Zoro in the streets. It's not much of a contest in truth, but Zoro makes sure to keep her alive, even when she tells him he's not worthy of the swords he carries.
As for Captain Smoker, he winds up fighting with Sanji and Luffy in the streets. However, Monkey D. Dragon shows up in his hooded get-up and stops Smoker at the last second.
At this point in the story though, Luffy has no idea who Dragon is but we do end things here with Luffy and the others getting out of Loguetown.
Miss All Sunday catches up to Tashigi at the bar, offering her "wings" if she wants to branch out. She leaves soon after, given Smoker shows up and points out Luffy's lineage and the way he laughed in the face of death. Either way though, the hunt for the One Piece looks set to begin.
